The Bright Side - podcast cover

The Bright Side

iHeartPodcasts and Hello Sunshinewww.iheart.com

Start your day with The Bright Side, a daily podcast from Hello Sunshine. Co-hosted by journalist, TV host, and podcaster, Danielle Robay and Emmy-nominated national correspondent, Simone Boyce, The Bright Side brings your daily dose of culture and inspiration – with the latest trends, celebrity interviews, and real conversations with women doing amazing things while navigating life’s transitions, big and small. The Bright Side is a talk show created to inspire, educate, and empower women as they tackle life each day and add joy to their morning routines. Join Danielle and Simone and the Hello Sunshine community every weekday for entertainment, culture, wellness, books, and more.

Episodes

Poppin’ Off on Michelle Obama’s Dating Show and Google’s Year in Search

Paul Roysdon and his mom Barb co-host the podcast “Hold On, I’m Calling My Mom.” They pop off with Danielle and Simone on the terms on Google’s Year in Search 2024 — like “demure,” “Roman Empire,” and “Mob Wife Aesthetic.” They dig into the new Michelle Obama-produced dating show “The Later Daters,” a new non-judgmental Tik Tok trend, Golden Globe nominees, and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 13, 202437 minEp. 192

“Suffs” Creator Shaina Taub on Making Friends with Doubt

Creator and star of “Suffs” Shaina Taub talks about bringing history to life with her Tony-Award-winning musical about the American Suffrage Movement. Shaina shares her journey to bring “Suffs” to the stage, how she ended up starring as Alice Paul, and her work with Sir Elton John on “The Devil Wears Prada” musical. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 12, 202426 minEp. 191

How to Build and Maintain Healthy Habits

How do you form new habits and break old ones? And what’s the science behind successfully maintaining healthy habits? Wendy Wood is a behavioral scientist, researcher and provost professor at USC who’s studied habits for decades. She joins the show to talk about the three steps to forming a habit and explains why joy is key. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 11, 202431 minEp. 190

Work Parties, Politics, and Tipping: More Holiday Etiquette with Myka Meier

Etiquette advisor and finishing school alum Myka Meier is back for part two. She gets into the simplest way to simplify your holiday gifting, from what to do if you’re given an unexpected gift to how to tactfully discuss your spending budget. Plus, she answers your listener questions about navigating holiday socializing — and weighs in on the worst etiquette offense of them all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 10, 202427 minEp. 189

Etiquette Expert Myka Meier on Holiday Gifting, Gathering, and the 'Wow Factor'

Etiquette advisor and finishing school alum Myka Meier joins us to de-mystify the holidays, from choosing a host gift with the maximum "wow factor" to creating the ultimate sensory experience at your holiday gathering. Myka brings her warm, approachable advice to winter socializing and reminds us of the power of a homemade brownie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 09, 202434 minEp. 188

Poppin’ Off on the Biggest Pop Star of the 21st Century and Spotify Wrapped

Danny Pellegrino is a New York Times bestselling author, comedian, and host of the podcast “Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino.” He joins Danielle and Simone to pop off about Bravo’s "Vanderpump Rules" reboot, the best movies of 2024, and the artists that made it on their Spotify Wrapped. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 06, 202437 minEp. 187

Bozoma Saint John Does Not Want Your Opinion

Bozoma Saint John is an author, entrepreneur and marketing executive who’s represented some of America’s most recognizable brands. Now, she’s starting a new chapter as the newest member of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” She dishes about her decision to join the franchise, her incredible career, and why trusting your intuition is the key to success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 05, 202435 minEp. 186

Planting Seeds of Kindness with Jeanette Maré

What does it mean to be kind? How can we increase kindness in our communities? And what are the surprising benefits of kindness? Jeanette Maré, kindness researcher and Director of the Science of Kindness Community Collective at the University of Arizona, gives the scoop on how we can better implement kindness into our lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 04, 202427 minEp. 185

Fortune Feimster on Finding Your True Voice

The hilarious Fortune Feimster joins the show to share some laughs, inspiration, and Southern charm. With her new Netflix special “Crushing It” out now, Fortune takes us through the evolution of her stand-up — and how she’s found her true comedic voice over the years. She also dishes on the magic of live performances and the joy of connecting with audiences, especially after the isolation of the pandemic. Plus, we dive into her unforgettable Instagram character, Brenda; her mom; and the Southern...

Dec 03, 202433 minEp. 184

How to Throw a Perfect Holiday Party with Lizzy Mathis

How do you throw a great holiday party? Do you pick a theme? Keep the invite list short, or invite everyone you know? What makes a good tradition? Lizzy Mathis is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Cool Mom Co., and co-host and executive producer of “Honest Renovations,” Roku’s home improvement series. She joins the show today to talk about hosting holiday parties, entertaining tricks, and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 02, 202436 minEp. 183

Gaze into the Future with Raven-Symoné

There is only one Raven-Symoné. From “That’s So Raven” to “The Cheetah Girls” to the CW’s original game show “Scrabble,” she is a luminary in the art of television. She joined superfans Danielle and Simone to talk about what she has learned from her tenure as a performer, what is next for her as a director, and why she always asks her younger actors to closely study the slapstick comedians she grew up with. This episode originally aired Oct. 24, 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Nov 29, 202444 minEp. 182

How to Create More Meaningful Gatherings with Priya Parker

There’s an art to hosting a social gathering. On one end of the spectrum, a gathering can feel tossed together and random. On the other end, it can feel overly-focused on aesthetic perfection: the right food, the right ambience, the right mix of people. Author Priya Parker is on a mission to change the way we think about gathering together. The author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” joins The Bright Side to talk about how to be a better host. Originally aired March 26, ...

Nov 28, 202423 minEp. 181

Why What You Eat Matters During Menopause

Small changes in what, when, and how you eat can reduce menopause symptoms and even lower your long-term health risks. Sarah Berry is a professor at King's College London, and chief scientist at a nutrition science startup Zoe . With over 20 years of experience, Professor Berry shares fascinating insights from her research, revealing how diet quality and body weight influence symptoms like sleep disturbances, brain fog, mood changes, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 27, 202427 minEp. 180

A Waorani Leader’s Fearless Mission to Protect Her People and the Earth

Nemonte Nenquimo is the first female leader of the Amazon’s Waorani people, and her memoir, “ We Will Be Jaguars ,” is the November pick for Reese’s Book Club. It’s an incredible story of resistance, of climate activism, and of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. She reflects on her culture's deep connection to the land, the spiritual significance of the jaguar, and her mission to ensure that indigenous stories and wisdom are preserved. Plus, journalist and entrepreneur Nicole Lapin dro...

Nov 26, 202439 minEp. 179

How to Give Back and Fight Food Insecurity this Holiday Season

Today on The Bright Side, we’re talking about giving back and extending a helping hand this holiday season. CEO of Feeding America Claire Babineaux-Fontenot joins Danielle and Simone to talk about how her organization is combating hunger across the country, and how we can all do our part to help alleviate food insecurity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 25, 202431 minEp. 178

Poppin’ Off on “Wicked Day” and Diane Keaton’s New Holiday Song

Comedian Rachel Samples joins the show for this week’s Poppin’ Off. Rachel, Danielle and Simone talk about their excitement for “Wicked Day” and Diane Keaton’s new Holiday song. Plus, they get into Issa Rae’s recent hot take on whether or not men can hold a decent conversation– featuring a fun weigh in from The Bright Side’s own, Tim Palazzola. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 22, 202435 minEp. 177

Prioritizing Self-Care During the Holidays

The busiest time of year can be magical, but it can often lead to burnout — especially if you're a wife or mother. So, on today’s show, we want to break down how to care for ourselves while we show up for everyone in our lives, with inaugural Hello Sunshine Collective member Libby Ward. She is a digital creator, mental health advocate, and creator of the platform "Diary of An Honest Mom." She brings plenty of tips for how to set boundaries with family members and kids, and how to manage your tim...

Nov 21, 202438 minEp. 176

How to Set Boundaries and Lead a Healthier Life

All of us struggle with saying no to situations, people, and dynamics in our lives. Today we’re diving into developing healthy boundaries with licensed therapist and relationship expert Nedra Tawwab. She’s the author of the New York Times bestselling book “Set Boundaries, Find Peace,” as well as “Drama Free” and “Consider This . ” She breaks down the difference between healthy, rigid, and porous boundaries and also gives us a great perspective on boundary setting around the holidays. See omnystu...

Nov 20, 202431 minEp. 176

How to Network Authentically This Holiday Season

Confidence coach and author Susie Moore shares her expert tips for making the most of networking during the holiday season. By tapping into the "holiday glow" and crafting genuine, thoughtful connections, Susie encourages us to reframe networking as relationship building — whether it's reconnecting with old colleagues or reaching out to new contacts. She also offers practical advice on how to approach cold emails, make meaningful asks, and leverage your existing network to create new opportuniti...

Nov 19, 202427 minEp. 174

Staying Organized through the Holidays with Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin

The holidays are coming fast. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of “The Home Edit” share tips for staying organized through the whirlwind that is the holiday season. Plus, they give a sneak peek into ABC’s reboot of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which will feature Clea and Joanna! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 18, 202431 minEp. 173

Poppin’ Off on the “Wicked” Premiere and “Sexiest Man Alive”

Pop culture anthropologist and internet personality Blakeley Thornton joins the show to give an all-access pass to the “Wicked” movie premiere! He, Danielle, and Simone dive into the star-studded fashion, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's emotional bond, and the profound impact the film is having on audiences. They debate this year's Sexiest Man Alive from "People," (John Krasinski…?) and call out some alternatives. Plus, they ask the age-old question: Is it ever a good idea to get back with you...

Nov 15, 202428 minEp. 172

Emily Oster on What the Data Says About Birth Through Preschool

Today we are back with another installment of “Mom Friend,” a judgment-free zone to explore the often-overwhelming work of parenting. Emily Oster is back. She is an economist, bestselling author of “Expecting Better” and “Cribsheet,” and is the CEO of ParentData. We unpack what the data says about all the parenting concerns that arise from birth through the preschool years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 202428 minEp. 171

The Incredible Brain-Boosting Benefits of Exercise

How fluffy is YOUR hippocampus? Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist and expert on brain plasticity, joins to share all about the incredible effects of exercise on the brain. Dr. Suzuki reveals how regular movement (especially aerobic exercise) does more than keep our bodies healthy — it actually changes the structure of our brains, boosting memory, focus, and mood. She shares her personal journey of discovering the power of exercise (even a ten-minute walk!) and explains how we can all use moveme...

Nov 13, 202423 minEp. 170

To Negotiate Fearlessly, Bring Your Whole Self

So much of the advice we get on negotiation is about acting a certain way or adopting a particular posture. Negotiation expert and Wharton School professor Mori Taheripour offers actionable advice on how to close the deal — while staying true to your authentic self. She shares her insights on why women often struggle with self-advocacy in negotiations, offering practical tools to boost confidence and reclaim power at the bargaining table. Plus, she reveals her own pre-negotiation pep talk and th...

Nov 12, 202433 minEp. 169

Success, Struggles, and Sunshine with Mary Bonnet of “Selling Sunset”

Mary Bonnet is a cast member from the glamorous world of “Selling Sunset” and the author of the new memoir “Selling Sunshine.” She opens up about her incredible journey — becoming a mother at 16, overcoming personal traumas, and more — and how it all fueled her determination to succeed in both her personal life and career. Mary also dives into her fertility journey and how her husband, Romain, has helped with her healing. Plus, we get the inside scoop on what it’s really like behind the scenes o...

Nov 11, 202436 minEp. 168

Poppin’ Off Again with Tim Palazzola

Did you grow up in a snack house, or an ingredient house? It's Feel Good Friday! Danielle and Simone are joined by showrunner Tim Palazzola for a good-vibes, laughter-filled episode. They dive into inspiring stories from the New York Marathon, the tale of a woman who found love at Home Depot with the help of some "questionable" advice, and the power of trusting your intuition. Plus, Tim shares what a showrunner actually does ! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 08, 202430 minEp. 167

Tasting Sunshine with Master Sommelier Gillian Ballance

Today on the show, we’re celebrating the launch of Hello Sunshine’s brand new wine label, Drop of Sunshine. Guiding Danielle and Simone in a tasting is master sommelier Gillian Ballance, who helps demystify the heady world of wine tasting, and talks through festive holiday pairings. Plus, legendary broadcaster Angela Yee gives her perspective on business, community, and being a boss entrepreneur. To buy your bottle of Drop of Sunshine, use code BRIGHTSIDE15 Code expires at 11:59pm on December 31...

Nov 07, 202440 minEp. 166

Keeping It Positive with Judith Moskowitz

It is National Stress Awareness Day. It’s a tremendously stressful time but there’s so much hope! Judith Moskowitz is a psychologist and Northwestern University professor who studies the unique mental and physical health effects of positive emotions. She comes on the show to break down all the ways you can embrace a positive mindset in your life today and into the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 06, 202426 minEp. 165

The Legacy of the 19th Amendment with Dr. Martha S. Jones

It’s Election Day! As we celebrate the power of making our voices heard at the ballot box, Danielle and Simone are joined by acclaimed historian Dr. Martha S. Jones to discuss the courageous women who fought to make women’s right to vote a reality and to honor the unsung heroes who have carried that torch into the present day. Dr. Jones is a professor of history at Johns Hopkins University and the author of “Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All...

Nov 05, 202427 minEp. 164

De-Mystifying Investing With Simran Kaur

Sometimes the barrier to entry with investing comes down to vocabulary: What’s an ETF? A bond? A stock? Simran Kaur is here to get you started if you have never invested before. She is an entrepreneur and founder of the platform Girls That Invest. She brings concise, clear, and actionable advice on where to start if you’re new to investing, and debunks some of the “common knowledge” many women have been fed about their abilities to manage and invest money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Nov 04, 202435 minEp. 163