Oprah's Super Soul

Jack Kornfield, a renowned Buddhist teacher and author, dives into the essence of Buddhism in this enlightening discussion. He clarifies that Buddhism isn’t just a religion but a path to mindfulness and awakening. Jack shares practical tips for daily living, like incorporating meditation and compassion to cultivate inner peace. He addresses modern issues like loneliness and self-judgment, emphasizing our original goodness. His insights into the Eightfold Path and the importance of living in the present resonate deeply, as he offers tools to transform our busy lives into a practice of joy and awareness.

Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and advocate for girls' education, shares her harrowing experience of surviving a Taliban assassination attempt. She recounts how the attack fueled her determination to fight for education rights, viewing her recovery as a second chance to champion her cause. Joined by her father, Ziauddin, they discuss the importance of embracing love over hate, the role of faith in their lives, and how their shared values drive their activism. Together, they redefine bravery and emphasize the power of community support.

In a captivating conversation, Carole Bayer Sager, an award-winning songwriter and painter, shares her incredible journey through music and healing. She discusses her creative prayer rituals before writing songs and how the fusion of lyrics and melody can become sacred. Carole opens up about her childhood struggles with body image and anxiety, revealing how songwriting became her path to healing. With insights into her iconic songs like 'That's What Friends Are For' and 'The Prayer', she emphasizes her purpose of connecting with others through her art.

The Rev. Ed Bacon, a retired Episcopal priest and author of "8 Habits of Love," shares insights on recognizing grace in our lives, especially during tough times. He discusses the eternal struggle between fear and love in our relationship with God. Ed urges listeners to embrace their inner divine presence and reconcile spiritual experiences with doctrine. Touching on topics from intuition to modern interpretations of Jesus, he emphasizes the importance of being an instrument for a greater purpose and recognizing the unexpected gifts that grace can bring.

Yara Shahidi, the talented actress and activist known for her roles in 'Black-ish' and 'Grown-ish,' joins Oprah for an insightful conversation. Yara shares her views on Gen Z's political engagement driven by social media, reflecting on her family's rich history in the civil rights movement. She discusses her 18 by 18 initiative to boost youth voter turnout and the influence of 'Black-ish' in sparking significant discussions. Balancing her career with upcoming Harvard studies, Yara emphasizes art's role in activism while staying true to her multicultural identity.

In a heartfelt conversation, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the celebrated composer behind 'Hamilton' and 'In the Heights,' shares his creative journey and insights on legacy. He discusses how fatherhood has transformed his priorities and the importance of raising empathetic children. Lin-Manuel reflects on 'creative loneliness' during his childhood, which fueled his imagination, and explores the hip-hop essence in 'Hamilton.' He also updates on Puerto Rico’s recovery and plans to perform in his homeland, emphasizing the impact of art on education and culture.

Trevor Noah, comedian and author of 'Born a Crime,' shares his journey from childhood in apartheid South Africa to becoming a beloved late-night host. He candidly discusses his mother's bravery and the lessons of resilience they learned through poverty. The conversation delves into the 'black tax' he describes in his memoir, highlighting the challenges faced by first-generation successes. Trevor also reflects on how comedy provided an outlet for navigating identity and the complexities of race, offering insight into his approach to humor in addressing social issues.

In a heartfelt conversation, Salma Hayek Pinault, an Oscar-nominated actress and women's rights advocate, shares her journey from experiencing abuse to becoming a powerful voice for change. She discusses the profound impact of her personal essay on the Harvey Weinstein scandal, revealing her struggles with PTSD and the emotional toll of her past. Salma emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and urges women to reclaim their power by stopping self-apologies. Ultimately, she highlights the significance of turning pain into action for lasting societal change.

Stephen Colbert, comedian and late-night host, dives deep into his journey on The Late Show. He candidly shares the anxiety of taking over David Letterman's slot and how his show's focus on love and community resonates in today's world. Colbert discusses the importance of truth in the post-truth era and how he balances fame with humility, often leaning on his family's honesty. His Catholic faith serves as a guiding force, helping him navigate challenges while emphasizing the power of love, even towards those we disagree with.

Join Stephen Colbert as he shares insights about his nightly show's focus on love and the role faith plays in his life. Lin-Manuel Miranda opens up about fatherhood, the emotional depth behind Hamilton, and his dedication to helping Puerto Rico recover. Yara Shahidi discusses the power of youth political engagement and her initiative encouraging first-time voters. Together, they explore the intersection of creativity, responsibility, and activism, all while sharing warmth and laughter at the iconic Apollo Theater.