Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

Beauty, Botox, and the Battle Against Microspending—in this episode of Pretty Curious, Jonathan Van Ness and producer Chris McClure dive into everything from winter skincare updates to political anxieties. Jonathan spills the tea on their latest dermatology adventure—trying Sculptra for the first time—and how/why they low-key tricked their husband into getting Botox. Plus! They break down the art (and financial wisdom) of cutting back on microspending. But it’s not all beauty talk—Jonathan shares reflections on their new comedy tour, Hot and Healed. And in the news? A deep (and slightly panicked) discussion on the Idaho legislature’s challenge to same-sex marriage and what it could mean for LGBTQ+ rights. 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 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

JVN sits down with Kati Morton, a licensed therapist and bestselling author, to dive deep into the world of people-pleasing. Together, they unpack why people-pleasing isn’t just about being nice—it’s about discomfort with other people’s discomfort, and why it leaves so many of us feeling invisible, drained, and resentful. Kati shares her expert tips on breaking free from the cycle, including practical strategies like “opposite action” and learning to set boundaries without guilt. They discuss why saying no doesn’t make you selfish, how to rediscover yourself when you’ve been lost in pleasing others, and why finding the courage to be disliked might be the most radical act of self-care. Kati Morton, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a highly sought-after public speaker in the field of mental health. Starting with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, she has built a vast & vibrant online community.  Her YouTube channel - with over 1.4 million subscribers and 130 million views, has made her a prominent figure in translating complex mental health concepts into accessible language. Through her dynamic presence on social media and appearances on top-rated shows such as The TODAY Show, Dr. Phil, Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, E! News, CBS The Doctors, and The Dr. Drew Show, Kati successfully spreads awareness, reduces stigma, and empowers individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. As an accomplished author of two best-selling books "Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health," and “Traumatized: Identify, Understand and Cope with PTSD and Emotional Stress”, Kati's dedication to dismantling barriers to mental health services and fostering a supportive global community is unmatched. You can find Kati on Instagram and Tiktok @katimorton and on YouTube @KatiMorton 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 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

Dive into a playful discussion on winter skincare and discover a three-step hack to save your hands! The conversation weaves through the complexities of beauty standards and touches on the influence of hairstyles on careers, especially in pop music. Listen in as they debate Grammy nominees and their standout looks while tackling pressing political issues affecting marginalized communities. Plus, hear about the creative journey behind stand-up and Pilates. It's a blend of beauty, laughs, and a call to stay informed!

Rachel Botsman, a leading trust expert and author, discusses the profound impact of trust on relationships and society. She explains that trust is more than a feeling—it's a belief essential for navigating uncertainty. Rachel shares insights on rebuilding trust after it’s broken, emphasizing empathy and open communication. She also addresses trust dynamics in male-dominated workplaces, highlighting biases women and gender non-conforming individuals face. Ultimately, she advocates for humility and consistent actions as keys to fostering trust in our lives.

Winter skincare struggles take center stage as JVN shares essential tips on moisturizers, eye creams, and exfoliation techniques to keep your skin glowing. They open up about their Pilates journey and the ups and downs of launching a beauty brand. Expect laughs mixed with insights on navigating the beauty industry, like collaborating with Sephora's beauty advisors. Plus, get a glimpse into family traditions and playful skincare rituals, ensuring the conversation stays both uplifting and entertaining!

In this engaging conversation, friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson shares her expertise on navigating the intricate world of platonic relationships. She discusses the signs that indicate a friendship may be over and how to end it with integrity. With insights on ghosting and the emotional toll of friendship breakups, Danielle emphasizes that strong connections can significantly impact our well-being. Their chat also debunks the myth that friendships should always be easy, encouraging reflection on the true value of these bonds.

Get swept into the dazzling world of the Golden Globes as JVN shares their exhilarating first experience on the red carpet. From stunning fashion moments to chaotic live interviews, every detail sparkles with excitement. But it's not just glamour; JVN candidly discusses the online backlash they faced, addressing identity and resilience. With heartfelt stories, celebrity encounters, and a touch of humor, this experience reveals the deeper emotional journeys behind the glitz.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Terry Simpson, a pioneering weight loss surgeon and culinary medicine expert, breaks down the buzz around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. He discusses their real effects on health, appetite regulation, and heart health, while tackling societal misconceptions about obesity and weight loss. Dr. Simpson advocates for a compassionate dialogue on body image, emphasizes the importance of nutritional education, and shares his personal journey in promoting healthier habits. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on modern weight management!

New year, new realizations! We are so back to kick off 2025 with a deep dive into  joy reclamation, breaking free from negative feedback loops, and embracing joy without guilt. Plus! JVN spills the tea on the look they’re wearing to their first ever Golden Globes gig (Christian Siriano is involved, so you know it’s major), dishes on beauty holy grails you actually need in 2025, and answers listener questions submitted by you gorgeous curious people. 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 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

Happy New Year, Curious People! It’s 2025! Kick off the New Year with a truly transformative conversation with Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy! In this episode, we dive into what it means to leave behind “Old Happy”—the toxic pursuit of perfection, individualism, and relentless achievement—and embrace “New Happy,” a philosophy rooted in connection, self-compassion, and contributing to the world. JVN gets candid about navigating shame and embarrassment while Stephanie shares her expert insights on managing emotions, cultivating resilience, and finding joy in uncertain times. Together, they explore everything from the pitfalls of toxic positivity to how capitalism affects our collective well-being (spoiler: it’s a lot). Whether you’re looking to thrive in 2025, find your purpose or just feel a little less alone - we’ve got you covered for the year ahead! Stephanie Harrison is an expert in the science of happiness and a writer, designer and speaker. Since receiving a master’s degree in positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, she has devoted her life to the study of well-being. Her company, The New Happy, has revolutionized the way that people understand and pursue happiness. Their artwork, newsletter, videos, podcast, and resources reach millions of people around the world every month. She is a Harvard Business Review and CNBC contributor and her expertise has been featured in publications such as Fast Company, Forbes, and Architectural Digest. She is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and advises on employee well-being and company culture. She lives in California with her partner and their dog. You can find Stephanie Harrison on Instagram and TikTok @stephaniehson 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. 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