Oprah's Super Soul

In the first of a special two-part podcast, Oprah has a conversation with her beloved mentor, the late poet, author, icon and activist Dr. Maya Angelou. She's also the woman Oprah called her mother, sister and friend for more than 30 years. Oprah says, "She was there for me always, guiding me through some of the most important years of my life. The world knows her as a poet, but at the heart of her, she was a teacher." Dr. Angelou discusses her last book, "Mom & Me & Mom," delving into one of the deepest personal stories of her life: her relationship with her mother. Dr. Angelou shares intimate memories of her childhood, including the nine words her nurturing yet fiery mother said to her that changed her life forever, challenging her to find strength in the face of adversity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Underneath his over-the-top hair, makeup and outfits, RuPaul Charles believes that at the core “we’re born naked and the rest is drag.” It’s a radical way of interpreting who we are, but whatever we claim as our identity is considered our drag, he says. A pop culture fixture since the early 90s, RuPaul has preached a gospel of self-love and tolerance that has permeated American culture. Now more popular than ever, thanks to the success of his Emmy-award winning competition show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” RuPaul shares what he believes is the authentic meaning of “identity,” and how we can all see past the stereotypes and labels to discover true connection with those around us. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Would you like to expand your wealth and improve your relationship with money? Lynne Twist, author of the groundbreaking book "The Soul of Money," exposes three deep-seated financial myths and explains how letting go of these beliefs can align our money habits with our souls. She explains why our deep-rooted connection to money can be our most unexamined and "wounded" relationship.  Lynne says we can even create a spiritual relationship with our finances, transforming our values and ourselves so as to lead a more fulfilling life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Time magazine named Pastor Rob Bell "one of the most influential Christian leaders in the country." Rob's progressive and unique interpretation of the Bible considers new ways of thinking about God, religion and faith. In his book "What We Talk About When We Talk About God," Rob explains why more people are identifying with spirituality over religion, and walks listeners through his three basic principles: "God is with us, God is for us, and God is ahead of us." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Williams is the songwriting legend behind hits such as Barbra Streisand's Oscar-winning song, "Evergreen," Kermit the Frog's beloved "Rainbow Connection" and the Carpenters classic "We've Only Just Begun." Paul says that, at the height of his fame, an addiction to alcohol and drugs nearly destroyed him. After hitting rock bottom in a harrowing public meltdown, Paul got sober and started a difficult journey to discovering the true happiness he feels today. Together with author, director and screenwriter Tracey Jackson, Paul has written a book, "Gratitude and Trust," outlining six affirmations they say can help people become better versions of themselves. The co-authors claim that the affirmations work for fear-based habits like perfectionism, overeating, fear of intimacy and even smartphone obsession. Paul says, "When getting help was important enough for me to let go of ego and do it, I began to connect. And that connection, that brought me to life." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A graduate of Yale Law School, Gretchen Rubin spent a year doing scientific research and practical projects in an attempt to discover how to lead a happier life. This experiment of self-discovery led to her New York Times bestselling book and phenomenon “The Happiness Project.” The book recounts what Gretchen learned about herself and how she was able to become happier and more fulfilled.  Gretchen shares her eight personal rules of happiness, which she says can help fill your day with more joy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York Times bestselling author and weight loss pioneer Geneen Roth was one of the first people to link compulsive eating and perpetual dieting with deeply personal and spiritual issues that go far beyond food, weight and body image. Geneen believes that our relationship to food reveals everything about our lives.  She discusses guidelines for mindful eating and the real reasons people binge eat. Geneen also shares her acceptance with losing her life savings to the Bernie Madoff financial scandal, and why it was a positive transformative experience. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He’s the creator of some of the most groundbreaking shows in television history. Legendary producer, writer and director Norman Lear talks about changing the landscape of TV, his life as a spiritual seeker and his political activism.  Norman shares behind-the-scenes stories from his socially conscious shows “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times.” Norman explains why he believes there may be no greater unifying spiritual expression than when we laugh together. He also discusses his documentary film "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," and his first-ever book, the memoir "Even This I Get to Experience." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jack Canfield, co-creator of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul,' discusses aligning goals with purpose, the importance of following joy, understanding the ego's role in fulfilling purpose, and measuring success and practicing self-love.

The conversation with Harvard-trained researcher and New York Times bestselling author Shawn Achor continues. Shawn offers advice on how to turn down the noise of the electronic, hyper-connected world we live in, which he says is blocking us from true happiness. Shawn also shares how we can increase the levels of happiness for others in our lives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.