Oprah's Super Soul

Bestselling author Dani Shapiro opens up about her spiritual journey, ignited by her son's innocent question about death. She shares how her Orthodox upbringing clashed with her personal beliefs, leading to rebellion and a search for deeper truths. Dani discusses the transformative power of tragedy and the challenge of embracing joy amidst fear. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sacred in everyday life and the evolving nature of belief, encouraging listeners to follow their curiosity and seek connection.

In a captivating discussion, Reese Witherspoon, an Academy-nominated actress and producer, and Mindy Kaling, a talented actress and writer, delve into the themes of ambition and representation while promoting their roles in A Wrinkle in Time. They explore the cultural biases against ambitious women and highlight the importance of storytelling that reflects diverse voices. Mindy shares her personal journey through loss and the impact of her mother's presence, while both women emphasize the significance of learning to say no in a demanding world.

In this enlightening discussion, spiritual teacher Ram Dass—formerly Richard Alpert—opens up about his extraordinary journey from Harvard professor to renowned guru. He reflects on the profound emptiness he felt despite his early successes and reveals how psychedelics led him to mystical experiences. Ram Dass shares the transformative impact of meeting his guru, Maharaji, in India, and discusses his mission to introduce Eastern spiritual concepts to the West. He also provides insights on love, faith, and the joys of aging, emphasizing that true happiness comes from being present.

Janet Mock, a transgender advocate and bestselling author, shares her transformative journey of self-acceptance and authenticity. She discusses the complexities of her early experiences with gender identity and the impact of societal expectations. From childhood struggles to her first authentic presentations, Janet emphasizes the importance of speaking your truth. She challenges media narratives surrounding transgender identities and highlights the significance of love and understanding in healing. Her insights inspire a deeper conversation about gender, identity, and the quest for realness.

In this inspiring conversation, Amy Purdy, a Paralympic medalist and motivational speaker, shares her journey of resilience after losing both legs to meningitis. She discusses the power of visualization and how it helped her manifest her dreams, like competing on 'Dancing with the Stars.' Amy reflects on her near-death experience and the spiritual insights she gained, emphasizing the importance of living fully and authentically. With a focus on empowerment over mere admiration, she encourages others to find their own purpose and strength.

In this conversation, Brian Grazer, an Academy Award-winning producer and author, shares insights from his book on the power of curiosity. He discusses how curiosity serves as a daily spiritual practice that fosters deep emotional connections. Grazer highlights his grandmother's encouragement, which sparked his lifelong quest for questions over answers. He shares how curiosity has driven his career, from landing a Warner Bros. job to creating impactful stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

In this enlightening discussion, Thomas Moore, a religious scholar, psychotherapist, and former monk, dives into the depths of personal spirituality. He emphasizes the need to craft your own belief system, drawing from various traditions. Moore advocates for reconnecting with nature as a pathway to spiritual awakening and explores how life's challenges can provoke introspection. By nurturing love and service, he illustrates how they intertwine with the soul, showcasing the joy found in uplifting others. Prepare to redefine your spiritual journey!

This episode originally aired January 24, 2018. Oprah’s heart-to-heart conversation with the late Dr. Maya Angelou continues. Dr. Angelou shares some of her greatest life lessons on aging brilliantly and living with gratitude. She is moved to tears as she recalls the revelation that changed her life forever, and reveals the best piece of advice she ever received. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a heartfelt conversation, the late Maya Angelou, a celebrated poet and civil rights activist, shares insightful reflections about her life and influence. She reveals the nine transformative words from her mother that empowered her to face life's challenges. Angelou delves into her deep bond with her mother, Vivian Baxter, emphasizing love and resilience. She also discusses the vital lessons of self-forgiveness and the significance of words, underscoring how maternal love shapes one's journey and legacy.

David Brooks, a New York Times columnist and bestselling author, shares insights on morality and personal growth. He discusses the imbalance between 'resume virtues' and 'eulogy virtues' in today's fame-driven culture. Brooks illustrates the transformative journeys of historical figures, emphasizing resilience and service. He explores the essence of spirituality beyond religion and critiques contemporary political discourse. Additionally, he highlights the power of journaling and humility in fostering meaningful character development.