Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

Princess Diana. Lady Gaga. Tilda Swinton. No, this is not a fever dream, it’s just a sampling of the illustrious career of the awe-inspiring hairstylist, Sam McKnight -  this week’s Pretty Curious guest! Buckle your seat beats, sweeties, JVN sat down with the iconic and truly one-of-one creative to pick his brain about navigating such an unbelievable and influential career. This episode is giving you 90s fashion lore, hot takes on the media's portrayal of the fashion industry, and some major gardening tips & tricks. Sam McKnight, MBE is renowned for creating the hair looks that every woman wants. From his signature, ‘Cool Girl’ effortlessly undone textured hair (the poster child of who is his long-term collaborator and friend, Kate Moss) to his fashionably timeless, elevated looks that reflect his rebellious spirit, to his handmade couture wigs, to red carpet sophistication. Sam’s unparalleled portfolio of work reads like a who’s-who of high-fashion and A-list celebrity. His ethos has attracted an unparalleled list of celebrity clients including Jodie Comer, Cate Blanchett, The Hadid Sisters, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner, Emilia Clarke, Cara Delevingne, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell, Tilda Swinton and, of course, Sam was Princess Diana’s private hair stylist for seven years. Sam has presided over iconic fashion moments of the past four decades and continues to be responsible for culture-defining hair looks that make him one of the most in-demand artists. Sam McKnight is on Instagram @sammcknight1 & @hairbysammcknight Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Getting Curious, we’ve got THE Olympic runner to watch -  Nikki Hiltz! This episode is coming to you on the eve of their race at the Women’s 1500m semifinals, but JVN caught up with Nikki in the salon chair for a podium worthy haircut  just before Nikki left for gay Paris! We're talking track & field 101, how Nikki shows up as their authentic self in every race, and what exactly IS a steeplechase? Nikki Hiltz is a nonbinary professional track and field athlete and is the first openly nonbinary runner to win a USA Track and Field championship title. The middle-distance specialist is an Olympian, 6 time National Champion, World Indoor Silver Medalist, Pan American Games gold medalist and American Record Holder in the mile. Nikki is also a vocal advocate for equal rights, particularly passionate about making the sport of running more inclusive and fundraising for services that support the young LGBTQIA+ community. In 2020, they founded the Pride 5K, a race which supports LGBTQIA+ nonprofits. Hiltz’s annual event has raised over $162,000 and they are currently planning the fifth iteration of the event in 2024. You can follow Nikki on Instagram @nikkihiltz or on TikTok @Nikki_Hiltz. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've got makeup artist extraordinaire Keita Moore on the pod today, sharing everything you need to know about finding THE foundation for you! Whether you’re a makeup novice or a glam aficionado, Keita's quick tips & sage advice are not to be missed! We're diving into skin prep for the best makeup coverage, color matching, and how to sanitize that ancient palette in your rotation. Keita Moore is one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the industry with dual bases in both New York City and Los Angeles. Keita has established himself as a true master of his craft, with a passion for transforming faces into stunning works of art. Whether he's working his magic on the red carpet, in music videos, at high-profile press events, or for striking editorial shoots, Keita's skillful artistry shines through, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he works with. Among his extensive list of celebrity clients are some of the most iconic figures in the entertainment industry, including Janelle Monae, Kelly Rowland, Iman, Tessa Thompson, and Yara Shahidi, just to name a few. Keita's work can also be seen on the covers and pages of esteemed publications such as Vogue, Elle, Interview, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, InStyle, and W Magazine, further solidifying his status as an influential force in the beauty industry. Keita Moore is on Instagram @kilprity and on TikTok @kilprity Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever seen a “What I Eat In A Day” video, glanced at a tabloid in the checkout lane, or even turned on the TV, you’re likely familiar with the problematic and often toxic messaging about food and our relationship with it. JVN and Emmeline Clein delve into the complexities of eating disorders, shedding light on their often misunderstood and stigmatized nature and how they’re deeply embedded in our culture. Emmeline, both in this episode and in her book Dead Weight, advocates for a more holistic and compassionate approach to the subject. Note: This episode covers topics related to eating disorders, including disordered eating behaviors, body image, and related struggles. These subjects are sensitive, so please take care when listening. Emmeline Clein’s writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Yale Review, The Nation, Smithsonian, Berlin Quarterly, VICE, BuzzFeed, Catapult and Antigravity, among other publications. Her chapbook Toxic was published by Choo Choo Press in 2022. She received her MFA from Columbia University’s School of the Arts and she lives in New York. Her first book, Dead Weight, is out now. You can follow Emmeline on Instagram @emmelc or on X @emmelclein. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s Pretty Curious, JVN and Samantha Barry, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour Magazine,  delve into the intersections of beauty, politics, and media - and how Samantha’s extensive newsroom background primed her for magazine leadership. They’re talking: Gen Alpha skincare, the ever evolving media landscape, and how to find County Cork, Ireland relative to the palm of your hand. Samantha Barry is the Americas Editorial Director of Glamour Magazine, where she oversees content development and consumer experiences across the brand’s digital, social, video and print platforms. Barry has served as editor-in-chief of Glamour U.S. since 2018, where she has transformed the annual Women of the Year Awards, led the brand to reach record-breaking monthly audiences, and grown video across platforms. She joined Glamour from CNN Worldwide, where she served as executive producer for social and emerging media. Prior to that, Samantha was a social media producer and journalist for BBC World News in London. Samantha Barry is on Instagram @sambarry and you can follow Glamour Magazine @glamourmag Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Curious People…the Summer Olympics are finally upon us!!! As we prepare for the most major event of the season, we also get curious about how Olympians prepare. Robert Andrews joins Jonathan to talk about working with countless elite athletes– including Simone Biles–to eliminate stress in their lives so they can focus on their sport. The two go deep into the world of Sports Psychology: what goes on in the brain when you incur an injury, quieting the pressures that surround competition, and sports that encourage lifting each other up. Plus, CORE mapping and how you can apply the tenets of Robert’s work to your own life. Robert Andrews is the founder and director of The Institute of Sports Performance in Houston, Texas who has 30 years of experience in private practice as a mental training consultant and licensed therapist. Robert has worked with Olympians and Olympic hopefuls in the last five Summer Olympic Games, contributing to the success of numerous athletes who have clinched Olympic Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals and World Championships. His expertise spans 11 countries and 13 sports, including men’s and women’s gymnastics, trampoline, swimming, diving, basketball, fencing, judo, track & field (sprints, pole vault, and middle distance), and rhythmic gymnastics. The Institute of Sports Performance is online at https://tinssp.com/ Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Red Light Therapy is all the rage…but what exactly is it? The legendary Dr. Barbara Sturm is here to tell Jonathan ALL about it. The two go deep into the science of inflammation, the difference between Red and Blue Light Therapy, Dr. Sturm’s iconic Blood Facial, and more! Then the two talk all about what to take to build a brand that lasts based on highly-researched formulas that really work. Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German doctor, orthopedics specialist, aesthetics expert and an anti-inflammatory pioneer. Dr. Sturm brought her experience in joint tissue inflammation into aesthetics in 2012, creating her MCX facial treatment, which is now recognized by many as the ‘Blood Facial.’ In 2014, her full anti-inflammatory collection, Molecular Cosmetics, was born. Today, Dr. Sturm has seven Spas & Boutiques worldwide, which are home to her high-performance treatments and serve as education hubs for her patients. Dr. Sturm is on Instagram @drbarbarasturm and online at drsturm.com. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our associate producer is Allison Weiss. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure.  Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can you believe we’re already halfway through the year?? Gretchen Rubin is back with Jonathan to check in on our New Year's resolutions. We get real about how difficult it can be to find balance in our chaotic world, and the importance of finding fulfillment because after all, happy people are engaged people. We learn all about how Jonathan’s been relating to social media, Gretchen’s heated socks, and how to use our tendencies to reinvest in our goals. Plus, Gretchen shares the research she and her team has conducted with the Habits for Happiness Quiz. Gretchen Rubin is the author of many bestselling books, such as The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, and The Four Tendencies, which have sold millions of copies in more than thirty languages. Her most recent book is Life in Five Senses. She’s also host of the popular podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, and founder of award-winning Happier app, which helps people track their happiness-boosting habits. You can follow Gretchen on Instagram @gretchenrubin. You can find more information about Gretchen, here and you can listen to Happier wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jess & Jenn from Fat Mascara are here for the beauty podcasting collab of the century! We talk about the evolution of beauty related media, how they’ve seen the industry change, and all the major tips & tricks they’ve picked up from all the founders and icons they’ve interviewed throughout the years. Plus, Y2K nostalgia, chunky highlights, and the beauty counters of their childhoods. Hosts (and friends) Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Sullivan are the hosts of the incredible beauty podcast, Fat Mascara. Fat Mascara leads the global beauty conversation with candor, humor, and unparalleled access to the celebrities, experts, and industry insiders who make the beauty world turn. They’re giving you sharp analysis of the news and trends, advice, and product recommendations on Wednesdays. And on Fridays, they interview people involved in the big business of beauty like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Jessica Alba, as well as makeup artists, hair stylists, and other industry experts. Listen to Fat Mascara wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Fat Mascara on Instagram @fatmascara. Jess is on Instagram @jessicamatlin and Jenn is on Instagram @jenn_edit. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our associate producer is Allison Weiss. Our engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are getting into all the Shark Week fun here on Getting Curious with Dr. Gavin Naylor! Jonathan and Gavin dive deep into all things sharks: Are attacks really becoming more common, or is that just our perception? Why are there only 530 species of sharks, and what makes them so resilient? What does intrauterine cannibalism mean? And Dr. Naylor tells us about how he’s able to study the marvels of evolutionary biology through his focus on sharks and what makes them so unique. Dr. Gavin Naylor is the director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History. He focuses his research on evolution, genetics, biogeography and the natural history of sharks. Dr. Naylor is also interested in the exploration of the biodiversity of sharks and rays, phylogenetic inference, protein folding, molecular evolution and the origin of architectural novelty. You can follow the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History on Instagram and YouTube @FloridaMuseum Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producers are Chris McClure and Julia Melfi. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices