The Bright Side

Let us say this: this week’s conversation is a real literary kiki. We’re in the studio with Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix, two of our favorite girlies with taste - taste in movies, in fashion, and of course, books. Fresh off the launch of the latest season of their podcast, Lemme Say This, Peyton, Hunter and Danielle are going down all our favorite rabbit holes. Illicit Gossip Girl book clubs, Barnes & Noble crushes, the art of The Artist’s Way, and why notes in the margins are a love language. BOOKS MENTIONED: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Odyssey by Homer A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar The It Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar The Clique by Lisi Harrison Meet Samantha: An American Girl by Susan S. Adler To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han What My Mother Doesn’t Know by Sonya Sones You, Maybe by Rachel Vail The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot The Mediator by Meg Cabot Pretties by Scott Westerfeld Uglies by Scott Westerfeld Specials by Scott Westerfeld The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin Goosebumps by R.L. Stine The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Anamorphs by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling The Sisters by Jonas Hassen Khemiri Strangers by Belle Burden Famesick by Lena Dunham The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James Adult Braces by Lindy West Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Martyr! By Kaveh Akba Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst Untamed by Glennon Doyle Luster by Raven Leilan Heartburn by Nora Ephron Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates by Dave Stangle and Mike Stangle Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul by Jack Canfield, Kimberly Kirberger, and Mark Victor Hansen Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab Enter the Villa by Anna Peele The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden The Half of It by Madison Beer Platonic by Marisa G. Franco Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ann Patchett is an author, bookstore owner, two-time Reese’s Book Club pick author, and overall icon on everybody’s bookshelf. Her newest novel, “Whistler,” is out today. In it, a woman reunites with her long-lost stepfather on a fateful day in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. What follows is a story of family, loss, and the brief connections that change our lives forever. Ann joins the podcast to talk about her unique writing process, working through grief and love in her latest novel, and her favorite books hitting the shelves at Parnassus Books in Nashville. BOOKS MENTIONED: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett Run by Ann Patchett Commonwealth by Ann Patchett State of Wonder by Ann Patchett Whistler by Ann Patchett This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Swing Time by Zadie Smith Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich John of John by Douglas Stuart The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen The Color of Water by James McBride Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead Charlotte's Web by E. B. White This is Happiness by Niall WilliamsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A great book is like a great pair of shoes — it can take you somewhere you never expected. But it’s also like that new car feeling — full of possibility, a little thrilling, and totally transformative. In the first episode of this special miniseries sponsored by cars.com, Danielle sits down with booktuber and author Cindy Pham to talk about the tools that have helped her navigate change in her life. From start to finish, cars.com has everything you need to choose the right car confidently. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club, Danielle Robay sits down with bestselling author Alexandra Andrews to discuss May’s Reese’s Book Club pick, The Fine Art of Lying. Alexandra unpacks why stories about wealthy people behaving badly are so irresistible and how female desire gets tangled up with wonder and meaning. She also shares her unconventional writing process, the pressure of following up a hit debut, and the surprising advice that finally helped her finish a novel. BOOKS MENTIONED: The Fine Art of Lying by Alexandra Andrews Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley Transcription: A Novel by Ben Lerner Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar Who Is Maude Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion Why I’m Not an Atheist by Christopher Beha All Fours by Miranda July Normal People by Sally Rooney Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave The Woman in Cabin 10 Ruth Ware Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re “obsessed” with creator and debut author of Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It, Brooke Averick. First known as her online moniker, “@ladyefron,” Brooke Averick’s socials exploded after she posted a TikTok reading a letter to her older self. Brooke Averick has gone on to accrue thousands of followers, host the podcast Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast, and is now a published author. Brooke Averick shares her first obsessions, her current crushes, and how writing Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It may have helped her more than therapy. BOOKS MENTIONED: The Clique by Lisi Harrison The Series of Unfortunate Events by Limony Snicket The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë Harry Potter by J.K. RowlingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hottest book of the year so far isn’t a steamy beach read or a page-turning thriller. It’s a heartbreaking — and empowering — memoir about a divorce. This week, Danielle sits down with Belle Burden to talk about her memoir, “Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage.” Belle Burden had a picture-perfect life. A husband in finance, three kids, a pristine apartment in Manhattan, and a summer home on Martha’s Vineyard. Then, one day — right at the start of the pandemic — she found out that her husband was having an affair. And the next morning, he tells her he wants out. Out of the house, out of the marriage — even out of custody for their kids. Belle talks about the upcoming Netflix adaptation of her book, starting over after watching her world as she knew it fell apart, and why she wishes a book like hers had existed long before now. BOOKS MENTIONED: Strangers by Belle Burden Barefoot Contessa by Ina Garten The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday When the Going Was Good by Graydon Carter Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh Heart the Lover by Lily King Go Gentle by Maria Semple Nine Stories by J.D. SalingerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re joined by BookTube royalty and queen of reviews Cindy Pham. Now stepping into her author era, she’s here to talk about it all: what’s on her TBR, why she’s drawn to messy, flawed characters, and how years of reviewing books have shaped the way she writes her own. Cindy also shares the story behind her debut novel, The Secret World of Briar Rose, from first drafting it as a teenager to returning years later with a completely new perspective and a fully developed frontal lobe. Plus, we get into reality TV deep dives, bookish trends she’s loving and side-eyeing, and the hilarious promise of a future rant video about her own main character, because no one is safe, not even her. BOOKS MENTIONED: Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke The Secret World of Briar Rose by Cindy Pham That Asian Girl Is a Problem by Rachel Phan (Coming Soon) Just Between Us by Adeline Kon Strange Familiars by Keshe Chow What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami Book Lovers by Emilty Henry The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland The River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun Know My Name by Chanel MillerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re back with Emma Brodie, whose second novel, Into The Blue, is April’s Reese’s Book Club Pick - and Emma and Danielle are going down aaaaall the rabbit holes. From what makes a good fandom, to how improv comedy is, in fact, inherently sexy, to the BTS secrets of filming reality TV, their convo is just as lush as Emma’s decade-spanning, sci-fi tinged, “will they, won’t they” romance. BOOKS MENTIONED: Into the Blue by Emma Brodie Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie Hitmakers by Derrick Thompson The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Danielle is chatting with Veronica Roth, who’s fresh off a major announcement: Divergent. Is. Back. The original trilogy has sold over 35 million copies since it debuted 15 years ago. Veronica has been publishing countless novels and short stories ever since, but now she’s ready to revisit the Divergent universe — with a new twist. “The Sixth Faction” is an alternate universe retelling that dares to ask: what if Tris never left Abnegation, and joined Dauntless? Danielle and Veronica talk about hot tubs, dystopian fiction, and learning to love your own work in all its imperfections. And don’t worry — Tris and Four will still have a meet-cute. Books Mentioned: Divergent by Veronica Roth The Sixth Faction by Veronica Roth Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth 1984 by George Orwell Allegiant by Veronica RothSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Danielle is joined by Alex Aster, the prolific, Romantasy Queen of Booktok. Coming out of 2025, in which she published four novels, Alex is back with Starside, her first foray into adult fiction – and, later this year, Barbie: Dreamscape, a YA retelling of the beloved Mattel doll. Alex and Danielle talk perseverance in publishing, the power of storytelling, and which romantasy tropes give Alex the ick (spoiler: hardly any of them do). BOOKS MENTIONED: A Guide to Literary Agents by Robert Lee Brewer Lightlark Series by Alex Aster Starside by Alex Aster Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster Curse of the Forgotten City by Alex Aster Summer in the City by Alex Aster Barbie Dreamscape by Alex Aster See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode, Danielle sits down with Rufi Thorpe, the author of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, the wildly original novel that’s now been adapted into a highly anticipated Apple TV+ series. They talk about the chaos and comedy of motherhood, the reality of being in your twenties with no roadmap, and the power of choosing your own path even when it makes people uncomfortable. Plus, Rufi reveals her delightfully messy writing habits and gives some fun BTS details from the show. BOOKS MENTIONED: Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond CarverSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Danielle is hanging out in an icon’s closet. And not just any icon – Lisa F*cking Rinna. Fresh off her book tour for her new memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It, Lisa is here and ready to show up as her full self – silly, joyful and growing — always growing! Lisa takes Danielle behind the scenes of writing her memoir, deep dives into some juuuicy Real Housewives drama – and even devises a little acting role for herself, should, you know, the opportunity arise. BOOKS MENTIONED: You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It by Lisa Rinna Pretty Mess by Ericka Jayne Believe Me by Yolanda HadidSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re talking with author (and puzzle entrepreneur) Rachel Hochhauser about the March Reese’s Book Club Pick, Lady Tremaine. It’s not just a re-telling of Cinderella — it’s an un-telling that dares to ask: what if the wicked stepmother wasn’t wicked … but a mom trying her best to provide for her children? And what if a marriage isn’t a happily ever after … but the beginning of a whole new story? Danielle and Rachel talk puzzle-solving strategies, falconry, and decentering men and romance in women’s stories. You may think you know the story of Cinderella, but you’ve never read it like this. BOOKS MENTIONED: Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser Cinderella by Charles Perrault Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen Sleeping Beauty by Charles PerraultSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re time traveling with Philippa Gregory, prolific author and feminist historian (and maybe Danielle’s new bestie???). Philippa is the woman behind over 50 historical fiction novels that trace narratives across Medieval and Tudor England, including The Other Boleyn Girl, which was adapted into a film starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson. Her latest novel, The Boleyn Traitor, follows the infamous Anne Boleyn’s sister-in-law, Jane Boleyn, through her life as a spy in the English court. And this story, as so many of Philippa Gregory's do, brings a complicated, sometimes unlikeable, largely forgotten woman to the forefront. Because Philippa doesn’t really trust pure, pious women. She’s drawn instead to the truth – that women in from history are just as layered and diverse as we are today. BOOKS MENTIONED: The Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory Normal Women: 900 Years of Making History by Philippa Gregory Wild Acre by Philippa Gregory The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory Richard III by William Shakespeare This Little World: A New History of Tudor and Stuart England by Nandini Das The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling Little Grey Rabbit by Alison Uttley The Female Eunuch by Germaine Greer Ulysses by James Joyce Mine Own Executioner by Nigel BalchinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week is a big one. For the first time ever, three romance royals sit down together: Beverly Jenkins, Tia Williams, and Kennedy Ryan. They talk about pioneering Black love stories when the industry didn’t make space for them, reshaping modern romance with depth and desire, and why a happily ever after is anything but predictable — it’s powerful. From writing Black female desire without apology to protecting your creative vision, this conversation is funny, honest, and deeply moving. BOOKS MENTIONED: Night Song by Beverly Jenkins Iola Leroy by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Frances Harper: Poems, Prose, and Sketches – This collection features “Bury Me in a Free Land”. by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger The Perfect Find by Tia Williams Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan Seven Days in June by Tia Williams Through the Storm by Beverly Jenkins Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid Hazard and Somerset by Gregory Ashe Ghalen by Walter Mosely Fourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re talking to director and screenplay writer Maggie Gyllenhaal about her upcoming film, The Bride! Maggie reveals how she gave a character from the 1930s with only a few minutes of screentime a big dose of main character energy. Danielle and Maggie also discuss the unthinkable thoughts of Mary Shelley, IMAX screenings, and what it was like to narrate a 48-hour audio book. Plus, get a sneak peek of the March Reese’s Book Club Pick, Lady Tremaine. BOOKS MENTIONED: Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Mating by Norman RushSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re back with the author of the February’s Reese’s Book Club pick, Philippa Malicka, and we’re diving deep into her debut novel, In Her Defense. A whirlpool of love, lies and deceit, In Her Defense raises the chilling question: If you can’t trust your own memories, what else, or who else, can you rely on? Danielle and Philippa get into process, character development, reclaiming your own agency – and how, sometimes, writing a new story can feel like falling in love. BOOKS MENTIONED In Her Defense by Philippa Malicka Hamlet by Wiliam Shakespeare The Glass Essay by Anne Carson Stranger, Baby by Emily Berry Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbra Trapido Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë Dogger by Shirley Hughes The Secret History by Donna Tartt Birthday Letters by Ted HughesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special live episode of Bookmarked, we’re celebrating Laura Dave’s newest novel, The First Time I Saw Him—January’s pick from Reese's Book Club—and the highly anticipated second season of The Last Thing He Told Me on Apple TV+. Danielle Robay is joined on stage by Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner, Laura Dave, Angourie Rice, Judy Greer, and Rita Wilson for a candid, funny, and deeply thoughtful conversation about bringing the story into its next chapter. BOOKS MENTIONED The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave The Cocktail Party by T.S. Eliot The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad Trust by Hernan Diaz Bel Canto by Ann Patchett Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton Heartburn by Nora Ephron James by Percival Everett Stuck Up and Stupid by Angourie Rice & Kate RiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever struggled to feel like you matter, you’re not alone. Feeling like you matter is as fundamental a need as food or water, yet it’s a need going unmet by many. Danielle sits down with journalist and author Jennifer Wallace, who spent over six years researching and interviewing everyday people about losing and regaining that sense of mattering. They discuss what it really means to matter, the role social media plays in the mattering crisis, and how to show up for your loved ones and make them valued. Books Mentioned Mattering by Jennifer Wallace Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten Choosing Civility by P. M. Forni Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky The Doorman by Chris Pavone The Good Life by Robert Waldinger, M.D. and Marc Schulz, Ph.DSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What better way to kick off the month of love than with the queen of historical romance, Julia Quinn. The Bridgerton author chats all about how her series became a global phenomenon, the unexpected ways Bridgerton has reshaped the genre, and why historical romance deserves its moment in the spotlight again. And can you believe Julia almost became a doctor instead of a novelist? She’s sharing some behind-the-scenes insights for season 4 of Bridgerton and reminding us why we should still believe in happy endings. BOOKS MENTIONED In Her Defense by Phillipa Malicka Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn First Time Caller by B.K. Borison The Last Lady B by Eloisa James An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase The Duke and I by Julia Quinn The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas Romeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It feels like everyone is talking about self care these days. But what's it actually supposed to look like? If you ask the TikTok algorithm, you'll get a lot of 12-step skincare routines, bullet journals and red light masks. But is self care really just about what you buy? Today, our guest Dr. Pooja Lakshmin is going beyond consumerism to talk about how we can add value to our lives...without swiping our credit cards. She's unpacking key lessons from her bestselling book REAL Self Care—from effectively setting boundaries, letting go of self-judgement, and using gratitude to get through even the darkest times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Bright Side, Simone Boyce talks with endocrinologist and Weightless author Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen about GLP-1 medications, food noise, hormones, and why “eat less, move more” doesn’t work for so many people. From epigenetics and menopause to muscle preservation and long-term health, this conversation reframes weight loss as body recomposition—and replaces shame with science.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bright Side is off this week, but we wanted to revisit one of our favorite episodes. Back in September, Simone sat down with Emmy-nominated actor Karen Pittman. She touched hearts last summer with Netflix's Judy Blume remake, Forever, and in the fall, she shook things up in the fourth season of The Morning Show on Apple TV+. After three seasons of watching Karen's character, Mia Jordan, follow the company line even at her own peril, the UBA executive is coming into her own and taking what's hers. It's a thrilling arc for a dynamic character, and one that Karen knows well. Acting was her second-act career, one that she fought for amid the ups and downs of her personal life. After grinding in the business for 20 years, Karen says it's the journey that she appreciates; a journey that has helped her leave imposter syndrome behind and take more risks — in life and her career. You can stream the fourth season of The Morning Show anytime on Apple TV+.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, world traveler Jessica Nabongo takes us on a whirlwind journey through her experiences visiting 195 countries -- and the surprising lessons she picked up along the way. From eating like a local to making friends just about anywhere on Earth, Jessica reminds us that the world is far kinder, funnier and more connected than we often think. Jessica shares the stories that changed her, the strangers who surprised her, and why solo travel has made her more trusting, more grounded and more open to the good in people. This conversation is a joyful, eye-opening reminder that exploring the world can help you rediscover the best parts of it — and yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kasia Urbaniak teaches women how to ask for what they want and reclaim their power. Today on The Bright Side, we sit down with Kasia to explore her multifaceted background, discuss the pitfalls of people-pleasing, and unpack power dynamics in everyday life. She also guides us through practical exercises to help identify our true desires, confidently speak up for ourselves, and take control of the moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there a pimple on your chin you are tempted to squeeze? If so, step away from the mirror and press play on our conversation today with Sofie Pavitt, a licensed esthetician and skincare product designer. Sofie has spent years developing Sofie Pavitt Face, her viral skin care product line, which includes everything from her mandelic clearing serum to the omega-rich moisturizer. Her work gets to the root of acne, is backed by science, and is fueled by a sense of fun. She unpacks for us how acne is made, why it affects us well past our teenage years, and how to love our skin in every decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia Cameron has become synonymous with creativity. She has sold millions of copies of her breakthrough book, The Artist’s Way, and is here to discuss her new book, The Daily Artist’s Way: 366 Meditations for Creative Living. From morning pages to believing mirrors, her tools have been tested by time and used by millions. In our conversation, she reminds us that creativity isn’t some elusive, mysterious entity. It is within all of us if we sit down, let go, and allow it to come through us. If you want more creativity in your own life, get your journal out and press play. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You probably know Jordin Sparks from generational bangers like “No Air,” “One Step at a Time” and “Battlefield.” Or as the youngest winner in American Idol history. Or from her many show business accolades. But before Jordin became a certified pop princess, Simone knew her as just…a normal teenage girl. Today on the podcast, these two old friends reconnect to talk about the whirlwind Jordin has experienced in life, love and career since they first met two decades ago at summer camp. Jordin opens up about coming of age in the spotlight, the best wisdom she received from Whitney Houston, and how her most famous pop hit almost didn’t happen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aleen Dreksler, co-founder and CEO of Betches Media, joins Simone to reflect on how a $12 WordPress blog created with her childhood best friends grew into an unprecedented cultural force. She shares the origin of Betches’ iconic voice, the leap from pre-med to comedy, the fears and freedoms of coming out of anonymity, and the creative and financial discipline that fueled the company’s 15-year evolution. Aleen also opens up about redefining ambition and learning to trust her own voice, before she and Simone rewind the biggest pop culture moments of 2025, from Bennifer’s breakup to Beyoncé’s historic Grammy win, Taylor Swift's engagement, and the unforgettable Coldplay jumbotron scandal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it bad to eat sweets after 6 p.m.? Will your cookie addiction cause premature aging? Is sugar going to kill us all? Social media definitely has answers to these questions...just not always factual or helpful answers. But today, dietician Vanessa Rissetto is here to give us the real truth about sugar. Settle in for a deep-dive into the nutritional facts behind our favorite carbohydrate. Vanessa debunks the biggest myths (yes, all sugar is basically the same), explains why kids are hardwired to chase sweetness, and shares simple ways to balance blood sugar and enjoy dessert without spiraling into a sugar crash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangs. Braids. Big chops. Hair is more than style — it’s storytelling. Celebrity hairstylist Vernon François, who’s worked with icons like Lupita Nyong’o, Serena Williams, and Solange Knowles, joins Simone to explore how our hair shapes confidence, reflects our inner transformations, and helps us feel seen. From childhood insecurities to red carpet reinventions, this is a conversation about self-love, freedom, and the beauty of becoming who you are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women are waiting longer than ever to have children — but what if fertility didn’t have to be a race against time? Lauren Makler, Co-Founder and CEO of Cofertility, is on a mission to make egg freezing more accessible and empowering. Her company offers women the opportunity to freeze their eggs for free for up to ten years when they donate half to a family in need — redefining the fertility industry with empathy, transparency, and choice. In this episode, Lauren shares how she’s transforming reproductive care and helping women take control of their fertility journey. Whether you’re curious about egg freezing, considering donation, or want a glimpse into the future of fertility, this conversation is eye-opening and inspiring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if laughter was more than just entertainment—it was a tool for connection and growth? Comedian and author Chris Duffy joins Simone to share how humor can change the way we connect, cope, and care for each other. They unpack his “three pillars of humor,” share stories that hit both the funny bone and the heart, and remind us that sometimes the best way to take life seriously is to laugh at it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Bright Side, we're sharing our live podcast recording from Shine Away: Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine's weekend of inspiring panels and meaningful moments that celebrate and elevate women. Simone took the stage at Universal Studios in Los Angeles to interview Chrissy Teigen — cookbook author, entrepreneur, and health advocate. Chrissy was there as a Sanofi spokesperson to talk about something very close to her heart — Type 1 Diabetes — a disease that her son, Miles, was diagnosed with at the age of 6. Chrissy talks about how her and her family got the diagnosis, quickly became a public face of the disease, found a supportive community online, and are now spreading the word about the importance of early screening. To learn more about early screening go to ScreenForType1.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckle up, today we're getting philosophical! Matthew McConaughey joins us for a vulnerable and reflective conversation that reaches far beyond the pages of his new book, Poems and Prayers. We unpack some of life’s most elusive questions—Why are we here? What does it mean to live well? McConaughey personally opens up about his evolving relationship with uncertainty, the power of reinvention, and how he learned to live in the in-between spaces—where identity shifts, purpose gets blurry, and the answers don’t come easy. This isn’t a conversation about having it all figured out. It’s about learning how to live fully, honestly, and in pursuit of something deeper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two words absolutely nobody wants to hear? "You're fired!" As taboo as we tend to make losing your job, it's something almost everybody will experience. Laura Brown and Kristina O'Neill know exactly how it feels, and today, they're joining the podcast to share personal stories, inspirational narratives, and essential advice from their brand-new book, "All the Cool Girls Get Fired." Together, we're saying goodbye to the shame around getting let go and all the cool girls are tuning in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malin Åkerman is living proof that life only gets better with age. The star of The Hunting Wives joins us to spill on how the role of Margo Banks landed in her lap during a career standstill—and why it’s become one of her all-time favorites. From the freedom of playing a deliciously complex character to the instant chemistry she found with Brittany Snow, Malin takes us behind the scenes of her latest project while opening up about her own evolution. She gets candid about breaking free from people-pleasing, leading with “no,” and trusting her gut. Rooted in her Swedish upbringing and decades of experience, Malin shows us what it means to know yourself and step fully into your prime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right now, it feels like everyone is settling down—your childhood bestie, your old roommate, even Taylor Swift! But what if you're still single and searching for "The One?" In the age of dating apps, situationships and breadcrumbing, finding real romance feels harder than ever. Should the single ladies just...throw in the towel? We don't think so! Today, we're sitting down with relationship guru and friend of the show Sabrina Zohar to get her insights—on setting boundaries, learning from past mistakes, and who should pay on the first date. Get your Shine Away tickets here!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the season for Emmy-Nominated actor Karen Pittman. She touched hearts this summer with Netflix's Judy Blume remake, Forever, and this fall she's shaking things up in the fourth season of The Morning Show on Apple TV+. After three seasons of watching Karen's character, Mia Jordan, follow the company line even at her own peril, the UBA executive is coming into her own and taking what's hers. It's a thrilling arc for a dynamic character, and one that Karen knows well. Acting was her second-act career, one that she fought for amid the ups and downs of her personal life. After grinding in the business for 20 years, Karen says it's the journey that she appreciates; a journey that has helped her leave imposter syndrome behind and take more risks — in life and her career. The fourth season of The Morning Show is now streaming on Apple TV+.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YouTube’s daredevil Michelle Khare is here to help you push through your fears. In her award-winning YouTube channel, Challenge Accepted, Michelle has put her body and mind through a wide range of challenges, from being tased during police academy to pirouetting with professional ballerinas and everything in between. However, her biggest challenge is learning how to push through her fears. Today, we discuss how she sets goals, measures success, overcomes fear, and inspires us to raise the bar on our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we dive into the meeting point of neuroscience and mysticism. Life coach and spiritual psychologist Gabriella Taylor joins us to share how the brain’s ability to rewire itself can help us move beyond internalized patriarchy and the quiet dynamics—like gossip, comparison, and competition—that so often divide women and erode our sense of self. She explores what becomes possible when we begin to heal these patterns and invites us to consider how we can show up differently—for ourselves, each other, and the next generation of women. Inspired by this conversation, Gabriella created a free quiz just for The Bright Side community: Are You Leading from Your Truth or Your Trauma? This neuroscience-informed tool helps uncover which internalized patterns may be shaping how you lead, love, and see yourself—offering insight as a first step toward lasting change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Bright Side, Simone and actor-creator Yasmine Sahid vision board while unpacking what it means to build a creative life on your own terms. Yasmine shares how she went from struggling to find acting work in LA to creating her own opportunities online, leading to red carpet moments and TV debuts. She opens up about the realities of the creator economy, the pressure of “making it,” and why starting is always the hardest (and most important) step. And yes, there’s also a Love Island rant you won’t want to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keira D’Amato didn’t go pro in her twenties—she did it at 36. After nearly a decade away from competitive running, this mom of two and full-time realtor returned to the sport not for medals, but for joy. And joy led to national titles and shattered American records. In this conversation, Keira teaches us about quitting, restarting, and what happens when you stop chasing accolades and start chasing happiness instead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Power suits, parenting, and the pursuit of peace! Ashlyn Harris joins Simone to talk life after soccer—from growing up with hand-me-downs to redefining what greatness means beyond the game. She shares why winning isn't everything, how parenting has become a space for healing, and why she’s embracing her soft life era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniella Pierson launched her first company, The Newsette, from her dorm room. She didn't have a clue how to build a business or any idea where those first steps would take her. Today, Daniella shares her secrets for becoming a self-made millionaire—from overcoming self-doubt to winning over celebrity mentors like Diane Von Furstenberg. She's also here to share her new project Chasm, a company founded to close the gender gap through entrepreneurship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you take the quintessential British marriage plot – and put it on a beach, in Australia, with movie stars and a Gen Z heroine? This week, host Danielle Robay explores the Reese’s Book Club Summer YA Pick, Stuck Up and Stupid, with its authors Angourie and Kate Rice. Plus… a very special announcement from a very special friend of the pod. Like what you heard? Subscribe to the Bookmarked newsletter HERE for more buzzy book talk, and be sure to follow us @reesesbookclub for more. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - find it HERE Saplings by Noel Streatfeild - find it HERE My Friends by Frederick Backman - find it HERE The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wilde - find it HERE The Fortunes of Richard Mahony by Henry Handel Richardson - find it HERE Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel - find it HERE Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada - find it HERE Emma by Jane Austen - find it HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin and Sara Foster have their fingerprints on many creative projects and investments. Today on the Bright Side, we discuss everything in their orbit, from their clothing line Favorite Daughter, their new breastfeeding initiative with Nara Organics, and, last but not least, season two of their hit Netflix Series Nobody Wants This. Erin and Sara also talk about how they handle the sibling-meets-business-partner dynamic, and why they think portraying healthy relationships should be the new rom-com standard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fertility can be a confusing and emotional road—and no one should have to navigate it alone. In this episode, we go beyond the usual fertility talk to explore the real-life struggles behind infertility, from missed diagnoses to lifestyle shifts that made all the difference. So many of us are left searching for answers without knowing where to turn. Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford is here to help! She shares her insights on common fertility myths, the importance of male factors, and why a whole-body, proactive approach matters. Whether you're trying now or planning for the future, this is a conversation full of honesty, hope, and empowerment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Kloots returns to The Bright Side for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about navigating change. She opens up her time on The Talk, launching her new supplement line, and what it’s been like to date again after deep loss. From grief spirals to green drinks, romantic firsts to full-body MRIs, Amanda shows us what it means to live fully—even when you feel a little lost. This is an era of reinvention, self-compassion, and staying open to what's next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind every budget is a backstory—and for many people, that story is complicated. Today’s episode is a wake-up call to those of us who are tired of shrinking to fit someone else's idea of success. Lauren Simmons—who shattered barriers on Wall Street at just 23—joins us to share how audacity is the real game-changer. It's about embracing our worth, owning our power, and making bold moves that reflect the future we actually want. Get ready to become financially unrecognizable in six months!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever been told your symptoms are “normal” or felt dismissed when asking real questions about your health, you’re not alone. So many women are left to navigate painful periods, mood swings, hormonal acne, and fertility struggles without clear answers or support. In this episode, we’re digging into why that happens, what your hormones are really trying to tell you, and how to finally feel heard and understood. Our guest is Rachel Blank, founder of Allara, a platform built to bridge the gap in women’s hormonal healthcare. Together with Allara’s Medical Director, Dr. Tiffany Pham, we break down common myths, surprising truths, and practical ways to take charge of your hormone health today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.