Changes are a part of life, and sharing one's experiences can help others navigate their life transitions. That's what philanthropist, businesswoman, and advocate for gender equality, Melinda French Gates, is hoping to do with her new memoir, "The Next Day." Get ready for a deeply personal conversation as Melinda joins Sophia to discuss her life, both in and out of the public eye. From her 'crisis of self' to her path to philanthropy, motherhood, and moving forward after her divorce, Melinda sha...
Jul 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min
One of our favorite guests is back on the pod! Multi-award-winning actor, producer, director, and proud father David Oyelowo has been very busy in front of and behind the camera! Currently, he can be seen in his Apple TV+ series “Government Cheese,” and if you love the art of acting, this chat is not to be missed! The actor joins Sophia for a revealing conversation about his new show and the long road to getting it made, being a forever student of acting and storytelling, the things you can’t le...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr
Melanie Lynskey has viewers glued to their TVs with her on-screen work in Showtime's Emmy-nominated hit series, “Yellowjackets,” but she once thought the show would never get off the ground! The award-winning actress joins Sophia to discuss her ever-evolving career in Hollywood, women’s experiences in the industry, and why she thought nothing would come of “Yellowjackets!” She also opens up about overcoming her eating disorder, loving motherhood, why she goes to a psychic, and the deliciousness ...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 13 min
True talent speaks for itself, and Micael Urie has it in droves! From playing fan favorite catty assistant Marc St. James on "Ugly Betty" to playing a hilarious narcissistic attorney in Apple TV+'s "Shrinking" to entertaining fans with his podcast and putting queer stories front and center with Pride Plays! Actor, producer, writer, and director Michael Urie joins Sophia to chat about his acting journey, including a fascinating chat about the interesting relationship actors have with the camera, ...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 11 min
You’ve seen the headlines, the news footage, and the online outrage about the ICE raids in LA, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joins Sophia to give a real-time report on the State of the City. How did a small pocket of unruly protesters in one of the largest populations in America lead to military movement on city streets? Should law-abiding Angelinos be living in fear? Mayor Bass sounds the alarm on the daily departure from due process, and what could be next in the immigration sweeps happening ac...
Jun 12, 2025•36 min
Activist and author Shannon Watts has an important message for women - it is not too late — and you are not too old! — to go after what you really want. The founder of Moms Demand Action is back on the pod with Sophia to chat about the inspiration and message behind her new book, "Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age." Shannon opens up about the turning point in her life, the phone call from Maria Shriver that led to her new book, and the inspirational stories ...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Her motto in fourth grade was, 'If you can believe it and dream it, you can do it!' And Heather McMahan has done it! She's got a standup special streaming on Hulu right now, is on the road with her Bamboozled comedy tour, and is the host of her own popular podcast, "Absolutely Not!" The comedian joins Sophia to discuss life on the road, the inspiration behind her podcast, and why hosting awards red-carpet shows is the wildest experience ever, but she has a bigger goal in sight . . . hosting the ...
May 29, 2025•59 min
Triple threat, O-T Fagbenle, has had viewers glued to their screens with his portrayal of Luke on Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale," which is coming to its conclusion after six intense seasons! The actor, writer, and director joins Sophia to talk about the final season of the Emmy-winning show, including his evolving relationship with his on-screen wife, June Osborne — aka Elisabeth Moss — his audition for the role, and his feelings about the show ending. Plus, a deep dive into AI, a conversation abo...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Temperatures are climbing in here! Radio and podcast host and NY Times best-selling author, Tinx, has just dropped her anticipated debut fiction novel, "Hotter in the Hamptons!” It’s a romance for a new generation, sizzling with sexual tension! TikTok’s “big sister” joins Sophia to talk all about her steamy new tale — including addressing the ghostwriting drama — her novel getting the TV treatment, and what she learned in her 20s that she wants all young women to know! Plus, dating red flags, le...
May 15, 2025•45 min
From a small-town girl doing plays as an 8-year-old in Macon, Georgia, to being a leading lady on her own hit TV show! Carrie Preston shines as 'Elsbeth Tascioni' in one of CBS' most successful dramas, a show she thought would never see the light of day! Carrie Preston is opening up to Sophia about reprising the Emmy-winning role of 'Elsbeth,' which viewers first saw on the small screens 15 years ago in "The Good Wife," and what it's like playing a woman of a certain age reinventing herself. She...
May 08, 2025•57 min
It's no secret that Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford is a versatile force to be reckoned with! From her captivating performances on Broadway in 'Legally Blonde' and 'Wicked' to her current role on the small screen in the true crime drama "Happy Place," she's proven she can do it all! Act, sing, and dance, but did you know she's also good at impressions? Ever get together with a friend you're comfortable around, and you let loose and start making silly voices? That happens a lot when ...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min
TV viewers welcomed Susan Kelechi Watson into their homes for six seasons as the beloved Beth Pearson on 'This is Us.' Now, viewers can see her in a totally different role in the Shondaland whodunit 'The Residence.' The actress joins Sophia to chat all about her time on the Netflix murder mystery, including what it was like walking onto the very detailed sets, the star-studded cast, the talk of a second season, and they both compare notes on what it's like working at Shondaland! Plus, Susan reve...
Apr 24, 2025•57 min
Get ready for a big dose of fun when Dr. Teddy Altman makes a house call to the pod! Yes, it's a Cass and Teddy reunion! Actress, producer, and director Kim Raver joins Sophia to talk about Grey's Anatomy, from breaking down the dynamic of their characters' on-screen chemistry and how they approached the will-they-or-won’t-they open marriage storyline — with Kevin McKidd and the writers too! — to some fun behind-the-scenes stories you need to hear stat! Plus, a blast from the past! Kim talks abo...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Michelle Obama reveals her TV guilty (and not so guilty) pleasures, her love of tennis, a good martini, motherhood and marriage. Listen to Michelle's podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 09, 2025•28 min
FLOTUS, wife, mother, author, attorney, advocate, television producer and host of the podcast IMO…Michelle Obama is here! Listen to Michelle's podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 08, 2025•34 min
If the daily headlines coming out of the White House are making you feel antsy, discouraged, angry, or overwhelmed…you're not alone! There are people out there fighting the good fight, like Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, and those helping us make sense of the political drama, like political strategist Jordan C. Brown. They want people to know that even though things are feeling dark right now - public sentiment is working! They tell Sophia about the small victories setting the stage for even lar...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 21 min
POTUS is in the house! Bellamy Young has been a busy actor for 30 years, tackling many roles, including playing President Mellie Grant on the hit show ‘Scandal.' Now, she's teaming up with humanitarian group Care to uplift women's voices. Bellamy Young shares with Sophia what inspired her to use her platform to highlight women leaders from around the globe in her new podcast "She Leads With CARE." She also reveals the obstacles to doing a podcast in multiple languages worldwide, the inspiring st...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 3 min
At just 25 years old, Aaron Parnas has already been on a wild journey. He began college at the age of 14, entered law school at 18, and wrote his first book in just two weeks while preparing for the bar exam! Today, he is a lawyer, activist, and TikTok news influencer with millions of followers! Aaron tells Sophia that he was never interested in becoming a journalist. However, when Russia invaded Ukraine, he felt frustrated with the media coverage, so he took matters into his own hands, and the ...
Mar 23, 2025•1 hr 2 min
When comedian Whitney Cummings stops by the pod, she doesn’t hold back! Whitney takes Sophia on an emotional roller coaster, opening up about freezing her eggs, dating while navigating motherhood, dealing with postpartum depression, and why she was begging her parents to get a divorce! Plus, during their candid chat, one of them reveals they are a ‘Disney Adult’ and the other wants to be a Ren Faire Queen! There’s a lot to unpack, so strap in! Whitney Cummings is hitting the road with her “Big B...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Content creator, actress, and now writer Dylan Mulvaney is reclaiming her narrative in her new book,"Paper Doll." Prepare yourself for an energetic, entertaining, and candid conversation between Dylan and Sophia, where no topic is off-limits! They share behind-the-scenes stories about the Elton John Oscar Party, discuss which 'Sex and The City' character they most identify with, and get real about issues like dealing with transphobia and allyship in 2025. Dylan also reveals why she felt now was ...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc is back with his first album in five years — but it's not your typical album. This one merges the music with philanthropic causes. Aloe shares how his family's roots have helped shape the sounds of his 6th studio album, the vital role of community, his fascinating take on what the music industry was like in the 90s without social media, and what led to him using his music for positive social transformation! Aloe Blacc's new album, 'Stand Together' is...
Mar 06, 2025•56 min
On this journey of life, sometimes it can feel like we have lost our way. Dr. Thema Bryant has written a road map for those seeking to discover their authentic selves, which can lead to a path of greater fulfillment. The renowned psychologist, author, and professor joins Sophia for an inspiring conversation full of truth bombs we all need to hear, including not being afraid of feeling disappointment, recognizing the signs of emotionally unavailable people, and learning to trust yourself. Dr. The...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 6 min
This week, Sophia is joined by a fellow CW alum — multi-talented actress, producer, host, entrepreneur, and lovely human being JoAnna Garcia Swisher. TV fans have seen JoAnna shine on the small screen in hit shows like the CW's Reba and the Netflix hit Sweet Magnolias, but she tells Sophia that she actually considered walking away from acting at one point. She reveals what drew her back to her craft. JoAnna also opens up about the grief of losing her parents, gets emotional talking about her rel...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min
As a second grader, Zerlina Maxwell was obsessed with politics, so it was no surprise that she would go on to work for two presidential campaigns. Today, she is a highly regarded political analyst, a best-selling author, and host of 'Mornings with Zerlina' on SiriusXM. A little over a month into this presidency, we are already in the 'find out' stage. With a wealth of experience, Zerlina joins Sophia to help break down the current state of things, what Democrats missed with their messaging, how ...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Since she was a little kid she's given off big baller energy, by the age of ten she was in business running a successful spiked lemonade stand (true story!), and not much has changed since. Chelsea Handler is still hustling, hilarious, and unapologetically herself! Fresh off her success hosting the Critics Choice Awards, the comedian and best-selling author joins Sophia to talk about prepping for a milestone birthday — turning the big 5-0 — and her gift to us: a brand new book that will bring la...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr
Let's take a moment to applaud Malika Andrews for breaking a glass ceiling in the sports industry! She's the first woman to ever host the NBA Draft, and also one of the youngest sideline reporters for an NBA conference finals telecast, plus the youngest to host the NBA Finals Trophy ceremony . . . and she's only just begun! The Emmy-winning journalist joins Sophia for a frank chat about her meteoric rise in a male-dominated field. She candidly discusses the impact of being the only Black girl in...
Feb 13, 2025•54 min
If it feels like news headlines are getting more and more terrifying with each passing day, you aren’t alone. To try to get some help making sense of it all, Sophia is reaching across the proverbial aisle to conservative TV commentator, author, and nationally syndicated columnist S.E. Cupp. Cupp was raised in a conservative home and then rose the ranks in conservative media, and she’s courageous enough to state that her values don't align with the current administration. When she first pushed ba...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 18 min
From roaming the halls of high school in the cult classic "Pretty Little Liars" to patrolling the streets of Long Beach in Prime Video's new series "On Call," Troian Bellisario is crushing it! The actor, writer, and director trades stories with Sophia about growing up and working in L.A., seeing the city come together in the wake of the devastating wildfires, their similar experiences of starring in hit shows at a young age, and cute stories of "nerdy" Troian meeting her hubby Patrick J. Adams i...
Jan 30, 2025•59 min
Lena Waithe spent her childhood watching classic '90s sitcoms, dreaming of one day becoming a writer — and she made it happen! The Hollywood powerhouse made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing for "Master of None" and is the creator of several shows, including "The Chi." The Emmy-winning writer, actor, producer, and podcast host shares with Sophia the invaluable advice she got in college that set her on the path to success, the writers that influenced her, what it ...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Actress Lili Reinhart lit up the small screen as Betty Cooper on the CW hit series Riverdale, but her off-screen work is just as bright. In addition to her acting career, she's a producer, author, advocate, and entrepreneur. The busy multi-hyphenate joins Sophia to chat about launching her own production company, the pros and cons of social media, dealing with anxiety and depression, and how her struggles with acne led to her new skincare brand, Personal Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 3 min
