Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

Actress, entrepreneur, and 90s icon Jennie Garth joins Monica this week on Reclaiming for a conversation about surviving global fame, reclaiming your purpose, and the profound power of choosing yourself. Jennie retraces her path from a quiet horse ranch in Illinois to the center of a cultural phenomenon as Kelly Taylor on Beverly Hills, 90210. She opens up about the personal cost of that fame—developing crippling anxiety and agoraphobia at the height of her success—and how she has since reclaimed the toxic “rivalry” narrative with and her 90210 female co-stars Jennie reveals how a single line from a 90210 script became the mantra for her second act, and how a pivot at 50 offered a different kind of healing than her acting career ever could. Expect a conversation brimming with surprising vulnerability, hard-won wisdom, and a roadmap for how to reclaim your own story, no matter how the world has tried to write it for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and co-creator of the critically acclaimed series PEN15, Anna Konkle joins Monica this week on Reclaiming for a conversation celebrating how dark humor can get you through almost anything. Anna retraces her path from a chaotic childhood to co-creating PEN15—a show that lets everyone process the tragicomedy of adolescence. She opens up about a five-year estrangement from her father that ended abruptly when she became his sole caregiver in his final months, and about the ways she’s been able to recategorize her mom—from a source of eye-rolling to a source of admiration. Anna reveals why now was the time to explore grief and reconciliation in her debut memoir, The Sane One, and how the solitary act of writing offered a different kind of healing than collaborative television. Expect a conversation brimming with laughter, warmth and tragicomic story swapping between Monica and Anna. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Renowned intuitive and bestselling author Laura Day joins Monica this week on Reclaiming for a pragmatic and enlightening conversation about turning trauma into a superpower and reclaiming intuition as a practical tool for living. Laura recounts the harrowing story of her traumatic childhood—caring for her younger siblings amidst profound neglect—and explains how the hyper-vigilance she developed to survive became the foundation for her intuitive gifts. She reveals the 16-year journey to writing her most definitive book, The Prism, and shares why her core philosophy is "proof over belief," a principle that earned her the title "The Psychic of Wall Street.” Listen for a masterclass in how to stop looking backward to heal, why the answers are rarely "inside you," and what it takes to reclaim your future by making one small, targeted change today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Writer, director, and creator of the groundbreaking HBO series Girls, Lena Dunham joins Monica this week on Reclaiming for a candid, profoundly self-aware conversation about surviving public scrutiny, turning pain into art, and the radical act of reclaiming your own story. Lena retraces her path from becoming the “voice of a generation” at 24 to enduring a decade of public dissection, and ultimately to consciously building a quieter, more protected life as a writer and director. She reflects on the surreal experience of Girls being re-evaluated by a new generation and reveals why now felt like the right time to write about the physical and emotional costs of fame in her new memoir, Famesick. Along the way, Monica and Lena forge a powerful connection over their shared experience of becoming global symbols of female controversy—having their bodies and sexualities  treated as public property—and the long, difficult work of taking back the pen to write their next chapter. Expect a conversation brimming with unflinching honesty, confrontational humor, and a powerful lesson in what it means to find your voice, lose it under the weight of public opinion, and rebuild it stronger on your own terms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Business mogul Emma Grede of Good American and SKIMS, joins Monica this week on Reclaiming, for a candid, no-nonsense conversation about building a billion-dollar empire, the myth of work-life balance, and the audacity to define success on your own terms. Emma retraces her path from a working-class childhood in East London and dropping out of fashion school, to becoming the operational force behind some of the world's most successful fashion brands. She reveals how her new book Start With Yourself was created in response to the countless questions she gets from other women about the secret to success. Along the way, Monica and Emma connect on the pressure of public perception, the power of reclaiming ambition from gendered stereotypes, and the hard-won freedom that comes from building a life that is authentically your own, no matter the noise. Expect a conversation brimming with unfiltered advice, tough-love honesty, and a powerful lesson in how to stop asking for permission and start building the life you were meant to live. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feminist artist and activist Marilyn Minter joins Monica this week on Reclaiming for a raw, defiant conversation about dismantling shame, reclaiming the female gaze, and turning public cancellation into a badge of honor. Marilyn retraces her path—from being declared a “traitor to feminism” in the 1980s for her provocative, sex-positive art to becoming one of today’s most revered artistic voices challenging cultural taboos around pleasure, aging, and the female body. In a powerful exchange, Marilyn reveals why she was so determined to paint Monica for her portrait series —which includes Lizzo, Jane Fonda and Padma Lakshimi— and Monica reflects on what it took to finally give up her “portrait virginity” and reclaim her own image through Minter’s fearless work. She shares how surviving public shaming—and getting sober—forged an unapologetic voice that continues to challenge our culture. Expect a conversation brimming with unflinching honesty, defiant humor, and a powerful reclaiming of the feminist spirit. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bestselling author and artist Suleika Jaouad joins Monica this week on Reclaiming, for a profound conversation about creative alchemy, navigating uncertainty, and the defiant joy of living in life’s messy middle. Suleika retraces her path from being diagnosed with leukemia at 22, to writing her Emmy-winning New York Times column, “Life, Interrupted,” from her hospital bed. She reflects on the radical choice to marry her husband, Grammy award winning musician Jon Batiste, the day before a bone marrow transplant and how turning to watercolors when she could no longer write taught her that survival is always a creative act. Along the way, Monica and Suleika connect on the long shadow of narratives held by women, the power of journaling to find your way back to yourself, and the hard-won wisdom that comes from reclaiming a life you weren’t sure you’d get to live. Expect a conversation brimming with insight, gentle humor, and a powerful lesson in how to alchemize our deepest pain into our greatest purpose. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code RECLAIMING for an exclusive 20% off. And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grammy and Emmy-winning artist Lizzo joins Monica this week for a raw, laughter-filled conversation about what it takes to practice radical self-love under a global microscope.Lizzo speaks about the profound disconnect between her public persona and her private self, revealing how she’s channeled the darker chapters of loss and public scandal into a creative rebirth. Monica and Lizzo find deep common ground on the universal challenge of authoring your own story when the world has already written its own version, and the hard-won wisdom of setting boundaries to protect your peace. Plus we get a live sneak peak and Lizzo’s brand new single. This episode is sponsored by, Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/RECLAIMING to get started! Head to cozyearth.com and use my code RECLAIMING for up to 20% off. And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, please be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here! Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RECLAIMING atoneskin.co/RECLAIMING #oneskinpod Go to HelloFresh.com/reclaiming10fm to get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value!) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica welcomes Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmaker and activist Deeyah Khan for a stunning conversation about how she transformed her own trauma of being silenced into a tool for radical dialogu— leading her to create acclaimed documentaries that confront the architects of hate—from former jihadis to American neo-Nazis Deeyah retraces her path from being a successful teenage musician in Norway to being forced to abandon her art after years of escalating threats from religious extremists.. She reflects on the insistence on humanity that allows her to be in conversation with violent ideologies, the delicate line between understanding and endorsement, and the stunning, real-world moments when her approach opened up a white supremacists to receive her beliefs. Along the way, Monica and Deeyah explore what leading with love looks like, the quiet power of listening in a world that demands we shout, and how we can all show up in a moment that demands hope and action. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it take to walk away from one of the most powerful jobs in television? Monica sits down with legendary showrunner Krista Vernoff, a creative force behind Grey's Anatomy,Station 19, and Shameless, for a profoundly honest conversation about the real price of female success and the wakeup moment that demanded she start to reclaim her life from burnout. Krista pulls back the curtain on the makings of her remarkable career, from her unconventional "hippie artist" upbringing that taught her to break the rules, to the intense pressures of "having it all." She shares how shaping the behaviors and dialogue of the characters in her TV shows can impact social change and how she's used writing as a powerful healing modality to process her own grief and life experiences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica welcomes writer-director-actor Lake Bell for an honest and funny conversation about voice, vulnerability, and the art of world-building—both on screen and in life. Lake charts her trajectory from an indie filmmaker who literally wrote herself a voice of authority in her Sundance-winning film In a World..., to starring in the subversive HBO hit The Chair Company. She speaks with candor about how navigating her daughter's epilepsy transformed her into a fierce and creative advocate for neurodiversity (and a children's book author!). Lake explains the hard, intentional work of conscious uncoupling from her ex-husband and unexpected joy in building a loving 'two-house family' for their two kids. Along the way, Monica and Lake connect on the tools it takes to reframe our personal narratives and discover a shared admiration for a well built car/for good looking cars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica welcomes actor, author, and creator Dylan Mulvaney for a deeply candid and surprisingly joyful conversation about identity, art, and the radical act of choosing joy in the face of public hate. Dylan retraces her path from a musical theater kid with a secret to documenting her transition for a billion people in her viral "Days of Girlhood" tik tok series. She reflects on surviving the “beergate” controversy, and how that traumatic moment of becoming a political symbol pushed her not to retreat, but to reclaim her story on her own terms—first through a spiritual ayahuasca journey, and then on stage in her one-woman show. Along the way, Monica and Dylan find profound common ground on the dizzying experience of surviving a global scandal, the specific pain of being turned into a caricature by the media, and the quiet, determined work it takes to piece your narrative back together. Expect laugh-out-loud moments about the absurdity of fame, a shared belief in humor as the ultimate survival tool, and even some breaking out into song mid podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica welcomes three-time Emmy winner Uzo Aduba for an expansive conversation about identity, creativity, and the quiet courage it takes to reclaim yourself—over and over. Uzo retraces her path from being the only Nigerian-American kid in her class growing up, to inhabiting some of TV’s most indelible women, from Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black to Shirley Chisholm in Mrs. America. She reflects on the discipline of choosing roles that let her evolve on-screen as quickly as she does off, the tenderness of becoming her mother’s caregiver during a cancer battle, and the seismic joy (and humility) of welcoming her first child. Along the way, Monica and Uzo trade stories about finding comedy inside chaos, finding dignity in dating and indulge in a few serious theater geek tangents! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, actress and producer Madelaine Petsch gets real about what it actually takes to keep going when Hollywood keeps saying no. Before landing her breakout role of Cheryl Blossom in Riverdale, she faced more than 250 rejections — and instead of letting them define her, she used them to build resilience, confidence, and a thicker skin. Madelaine opens up about learning how to set boundaries to protect her peace in an industry that constantly asks for more, and why horror movies became an unexpected form of emotional regulation — a safe way to give her nervous system a jolt and feel in control of anxiety instead of consumed by it. She also reflects on navigating a deeply personal chapter of her life: supporting her father through serious mental health challenges and how that experience reshaped her understanding of strength, compassion, and self-preservation. And because this is Reclaiming, the wisdom doesn’t stop with her own journey — Madelaine even turns the tables and offers Monica some very earnest (and very funny) advice on how to finally get her ship-based period piece made. Hollywood, consider this your official notice. Make sure to check out Madelaine's new movie "The Strangers" - in theaters now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with actor, writer, and activist Jameela Jamil for a passionate conversation about pleasure, purpose, and the ways modern life has quietly taught us to live without community. Jameela reflects on her desire to build a chosen village, why friendships deserve as much investment as romantic relationships, and how capitalism and isolation have reshaped our ideas of fulfillment. She opens up about nearly dying as a teenager, rejecting the idea that life is a test to endure, and why peace, laughter, and joy are not indulgences but necessities. Together, they explore loneliness, patriarchy, burnout, and the radical idea that a meaningful life might be rooted not in productivity, but in connection, curiosity, and shared humanity  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Monica dreamed up Reclaiming, she imagined conversations that could stretch and reshape what reclamation means — identity, agency, voice, dignity, desire, self-worth, ancestry, joy, and even the things we didn’t know we needed to take back. Across 48 guests, we asked the same question: What is something you're working on reclaiming right now? The answers turned into a breathtaking tapestry — big, small, public, private, famous and familiar — from reclaiming bodies and boundaries to relationships with family, fame, faith, narrative, pleasure, community, and the powerful decision to rewrite the story of your own life. This special episode gathers every one of those moments into a single watch. You’ll hear reflections that are messy, triumphant, hilarious, tender, surprising — and yes, one guest even reclaimed her misaligned zodiac sign. It’s a reminder that reclaiming isn’t a destination — it’s an ongoing practice, a return to ourselves over and over again. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All year long, people have asked Monica the same question: Who’s been your favorite interview? And all year long, the truth has been the same — there was something unforgettable in every single conversation. So for this special compilation, we’ve pulled together some of the most powerful, lingering moments of 2025 into one episode. From Miley Cyrus talking about shame, sexuality, and the collateral damage of fame, to Alan Cumming confronting his abuser, to Chelsea Handler cracking open decades of armor over a single orange — these are the stories that stayed with us. Jurnee Smollett and Gabrielle Union explore blood memory and ancestry; Mark Duplass names “the woog” that lives between anxiety and depression; Sarah Paulson and Allison Janney reflect on childhood survival strategies and the characters that shaped them. Tarana Burke reframes grace, John Oliver and Margaret Cho show how gallows humor can literally save us, Molly Ringwald and Adam Scott unpack the long tail of fame, Olivia Munn reclaims her mastectomy scars, Beanie Feldstein talks about grief and language, Jon Chu and Tony Hawk share the hustles and crash landings behind their legends, and Elise Loehnen and Courtney Smith dig into the high cost of reputational harm — especially for women. And because Reclaiming is never just one thing, we even tucked some of the year’s funniest, most unhinged moments at the end — from sex vocabulary lessons to Broadway “up the butt” lore to John Oliver’s favorite four-letter word. It’s a season of memorable moments, in one episode: raw, reflective, heartbreaking, and laugh-out-loud ridiculous in all the best ways. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Michael Urie—actor, producer, and director whose career has been shaped by sharp comedy, emotional range, and a deep love of the stage and screen. In this conversation, Michael reflects on the lasting impact of Ugly Betty, what it meant to play a character who resonated so deeply with audiences, and how those early television years helped define his voice as a performer. He opens up about his unconventional path into acting—the power of the ACT after bombing the SATs—and how that second chance ultimately led him to Juilliard, along with the expectations and stereotypes that often come with elite training. We also explore his annual festival Pride Plays and why creating intentional space for LGBTQ+ artists feels increasingly vital in a media landscape dominated by algorithms and influencers. And just in case things get too serious, Michael also gives Monica permission to call him “Mikey,” finishes the rest of her banana, and proves once and for all that Mikey will eat anything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with author Elise Loehnen and coach Courtney Smith for a conversation about goodness, desire, and the new "workbook" they co-authored "Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness" . Elise reflects on the ideas behind her other book “On Our Best Behavior” and the cultural pressure for women to be selfless, disciplined, and “good,” while Courtney explains how those inherited beliefs settle into the body and quietly steer our choices. Together they explore Enneagram types and how understanding our dominant type and wing can illuminate the fears driving our behavior, the drama triangle and the roles we slip into without noticing, and the surprising insight within envy and wanting. They talk about the fear of losing approval when we step out of line, the shame that gathers around desire, and the courage it takes to name what we truly need. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with bestselling author Harlan Coben for a conversation about risk, and the emotional heart that anchors every twist he writes. Harlan reflects on the fear and curiosity that led him to co-author a book with Reese Witherspoon, the childhood losses that shaped his most beloved characters, and the belief that pressure is a privilege for any creative life. He opens up about the hotel key he still keeps from his father, why thrillers only work when readers care deeply, and how boredom, insecurity, and paying attention to human behavior quietly fuel his work. Together, they explore grief, humor, the lives we imagine, and the stories that keep us tethered to one another.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with the authors of ALL THE COOL GIRLS GET FIRED, Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill, for a conversation about identity, resilience, and rebuilding after everything shifts. Laura and Kristina share the story of being fired from their dream jobs, how they moved through shock and uncertainty, and why that moment became the spark for their next chapter. Together, they explore how women are taught to carry shame around career loss, the power of community and humor in hard moments, and what it really means to reclaim your worth outside of a title. Sharing the firing stories of famous women like Oprah, Katie Couric, Carol Burnett and many others, It it is an honest, grounded look at letting go, starting again, and trusting that sometimes the fall is what sets you free. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with artist and author Charlie Mackesy for a warm conversation about softness, grief, and what it means to stay human in a world that urges you to harden. Charlie opens up about the unexpected impact of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, the emotional weight of meeting readers in their most tender moments, and how creating gentle work requires its own quiet courage. Together, in this connecting, deep dive they explore childhood defenses, the ache of losing the people and animals we love, and why storms change us even when we don’t choose them. Charlie also tells us about when his 19 year old dog, Barney, met the late Queen Elizabeth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Malala Yousafzai—activist, author, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose courage and conviction have inspired a global movement for girls’ education. In this conversation, Malala reflects on growing into herself—beyond the headlines and history—and learning to see her life through her own lens. She speaks candidly about her feminist father, whose belief in equality helped her imagine a future not just for herself, but for generations of women to come. We also explore her evolving relationship with her mother, and how, as Malala gets older, she’s come to understand and honor her mother’s perspective in new ways. And because self-discovery isn’t all philosophy and politics, Malala shares the lighter side too—like deciding it was finally time to wear jeans and the tragic, but clarifying, realization that she looks truly terrible in a cardigan. And if you’ve ever wondered if being brave in activism translates to being brave in other areas — Malala and Monica discuss rollercoasters! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Adam Scott—actor, producer, and storyteller whose career has spanned cult classics, beloved comedies, and boundary-pushing drama. In this conversation, Adam reflects on the years of struggle before his “big break,” the self-doubt that came with them, and how Parks and Recreation didn’t just change his career—it reshaped his sense of belonging. He shares how the unexpected, global resonance of Severance has opened up a new creative chapter, one defined by leaning into the unknown. We also explore the loss of his mother to ALS and the complicated experience of parenting while building a career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Lili Reinhart—actor, producer, and author who’s redefining what it means to live honestly in the spotlight. In this conversation, Lili opens up about her ongoing battle with anxiety, PMDD, and cystic acne, and how learning to be present has become the foundation of her healing. We chat about her relationship to the characters she’s played, from Riverdale’s girl-next-door, Betty Cooper, to the anxious, dread laden Harper of Hal & Harper. Lili also opens up about the inspiration behind her new skincare line, Personal Day, born from years of vulnerability, experimentation, and self-care. A conversation about authenticity, duality, and the courage to show up—exactly as you are. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with actor Grace Van Patten, whose fearless performances have made her one of Hollywood’s most intriguing young talents. Grace opens up about the challenge and responsibility of portraying Amanda Knox (The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox on Hulu), and how she approached the role not as a tabloid figure, but as a complex human being caught in an impossible situation.   She reflects on growing up in a famously creative but deeply supportive family, where encouragement and curiosity were constants—and how that foundation helped her stay grounded while pursuing a life in front of the camera. Grace also shares how her college courses in criminal psychology unexpectedly became tools in her actor’s toolkit, helping her build deeper, more layered characters.   Together, she and Monica explore how the Me-Too movement reshaped her generation’s relationship to power and vulnerability—and how, through it all, Grace is learning to reclaim her inner child, to hold space for joy, curiosity, and self-trust amid the demands of a difficult world.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Sarah Paulson for a conversation about ambition, empathy, and what it means to be seen. Sarah reflects on the roles that changed her life, from American Horror Story to Impeachment, and the complicated art of portraying someone like Linda Tripp with both honesty and compassion. Together, they unpack how childhood survival skills can turn into creative instincts, the tension between visibility and vulnerability, and the quiet strength that comes from forgiveness. It is an intimate look at transformation, grace, and the power of meeting your past with understanding. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, OB-GYN and author of The New Menopause. Together they explore what it really means to navigate perimenopause and menopause with clarity and compassion. Dr. Haver explains the physical and emotional changes of this stage, the gaps in medical training on women’s health, and the cultural silence that leaves so many unprepared. She and Monica talk about weight stigma, hormone therapy, brain fog, and the urgency of science-based care. And, since Dr Haver was originally focused on Geology, they chat on Monica’s favorite topic: crystals! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Flamingo Estate founder, Richard Christiansen, for a conversation about wonder, reinvention, and slowing down. Richard shares how the collapse of his old life gave way to the garden at Flamingo Estate, reflecting on childhood shame, creative awakening, and the quiet work of softening into love. Together, they explore how convenience erodes meaning, why ceremony matters, and how beauty can be turned into impact. It is a soulful look at what blooms when we choose to live with intention. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with the incomparable Allison Janney—Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress whose depth, humor, and humanity have made her one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers. In this conversation, Allison opens up about the silver screen legends who shaped her early career—Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman—and how their mentorship changed everything. She reflects on her own journey of self-exploration through ketamine, MDMA, mushrooms, and even astrology, sharing how those experiences have helped her see herself, and the world, more clearly.   We also explore her profound love for her mother, the unshakable bond she shared with her brother, and the enduring ache of his loss. Allison also reflects on her deep friendship with Matthew Perry, and the shared understanding that comes from loving people who wrestled with pain and brilliance in equal measure. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Gabrielle Union for a conversation that is both deeply personal and profoundly expansive. Gabrielle opens up about her journey through trauma and survival, the ways disassociation shaped her life, and her ongoing work to reclaim peace in her body and spirit. She reflects on the cultural legacy of Bring It On twenty-five years later, her pilgrimage to Africa for her 50th birthday, and how listening to ancestors has guided her path forward. Gabrielle also shares the story of surviving sexual assault at 19, the impact it had on her relationships and career, and why she has committed her voice and advocacy to changing how we understand and treat PTSD. Later in the episode, psychiatrist Dr. Sofia Noori joins the conversation to unpack how trauma lives in the body and the tools that can help survivors heal. Together, Gabrielle and Sofia talk about their work with Nema Health, the company they’ve helped build to create new, lasting pathways to trauma recovery. It’s a raw, soulful episode about ancestry, survival, advocacy, and the possibility of a life defined by more than trauma. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by award-winning actor Jurnee Smollett for a conversation about ancestry, resilience, and the radical act of finding joy in the present. Jurnee reflects on the “blood memory” carried through generations, the lessons of her mother and grandmother, and the responsibility of bringing truth to the screen without succumbing to trauma. She shares the spiritual practices that help her quiet her inner critic, the balance of parenting without shame, and the resilience forged at the intersection of her Black and Jewish heritage. Together, she and Monica explore feminine strength, the complexities of history, and how art can heal what feels impossible. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Nicole Byer—comedian, actress, writer, and unapologetic force of nature whose humor has reshaped the boundaries of what comedy can hold. In this conversation, Nicole opens up about the loss of her parents and the lasting ways their absence continues to shape her outlook on life and love.   She reflects on her honest, refreshingly relatable relationship with her body—how rejecting society’s unrealistic standards has become both a personal act of liberation and a cornerstone of her comedy, and how that candor eventually led to a successful book. Nicole also shares her lighthearted take on living with ADHD, why hecklers don’t stand a chance, and the joy she finds in turning the whole audience into her co-conspirators. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Jamie Kern Lima—entrepreneur, author, and trailblazing founder of IT Cosmetics, the billion-dollar beauty brand built on authenticity and inclusion. In this conversation, Jamie opens up about what she calls “doubting yourself out of your destiny,” and her “season of setbacks." She reflects on how persevering through countless “no’s” taught her the power of resilience, why creating products that reflected real women’s skin tones and needs was non-negotiable, and how listening to her gut—even when others didn’t believe—changed everything. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Mark Duplass—actor, filmmaker, writer, and creative force whose career has stretched across indie film, television, and music. In this conversation, Mark opens up about his personal journey with anxiety and depression, and how he works to keep what he calls “the woog” at bay. He reflects on the tools that help him navigate those darker stretches, the importance of naming what scares us, and how leaning into vulnerability can become its own form of resilience. He also shares his evolving perspective on creativity, fatherhood, and partnership, and why showing up authentically online—even in the messiness—can foster a kind of intimacy that transcends likes and algorithms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by Liz Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and City of Girls, for a deeply personal conversation about solitude, self-compassion, and the courage to live outside expectation. Liz opens up about the liberation she’s found in celibacy, the radical practice of befriending herself, and the cost of female over giving. She and Monica talk about loneliness, freedom, recovery, and what it means to say: this isn’t working for me. It’s a candid and soulful episode about grief, transformation, and the power of reclaiming your own life. And make sure to check out her new book "All the Way to the River" out now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Julia Fox—actress, artist, author, and unabashed cultural provocateur who has turned fearlessness into a full-blown art form. In this conversation, Julia opens up about the importance of having a positive male role model for her son, the determination not to let the demons of her past overshadow the blessings of her future, and how she manifested—yes—a sugar daddy. She reflects on her meteoric rise from the New York art scene and doing sex work to breaking into Hollywood, her sometimes rocky relationship with her parents, her perspective on being a muse, and the politics of beauty. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ronan Farrow for a conversation that’s as vulnerable as it is incisive. From growing up under relentless scrutiny to reporting on some of the most powerful men in the world, Ronan opens up about the emotional toll of telling the truth and the unexpected ways trauma can shape ambition. They talk, disinformation, misplaced reality, and the quiet bravery of choosing compassion in a world that rewards cruelty. It’s a revealing and unexpectedly tender episode with one of journalism’s most fearless voices. Plus, Monica talks about the time she got catfished by a fake Greta Thunberg. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by Amanda Knox—advocate, writer, and executive producer of the new Hulu series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox—for an unflinching and deeply personal conversation about identity, injustice, and the long tail of trauma. From being wrongly imprisoned for her roommate’s murder at 20 years old to reclaiming authorship over her own story, Amanda reflects on the cost of being turned into a symbol—and the strength it takes to become a person again. They talk about shame, survival, and what it means to be thrust onto a global stage as a young woman in the public eye. It’s a candid and emotionally layered episode about truth, bias, and the power of finally being heard. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with comedian, writer, and host John Oliver for a candid and thoughtful conversation about comedy, shame, and the power of laughter. John reflects on his interview with Monica in 2019 for Last Week Tonight and how that moment became part of her reclaiming journey. They explore the ethical tightrope of making jokes in a world full of gray areas and how humor can be both a coping tool and a way to call power to account. John shares what really surprised him about interviewing the Dalai Lama and the unexpected way His Holiness threw him off balance. With wit and depth, he and Monica dig into the weight of public shame, the risk of accountability, and why, for John, getting into trouble might just be the point. (And they use the C Word quite a bit!) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we talked to, beauty mogul, author, advocate, and all-around force, Victoria Jackson,. She built a multi-million-dollar makeup empire out of her garage, TRADEMARKED the no makeup - makeup look, and later helped bring three life-saving drugs to market after her daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease. We talked about reclaiming self-worth, purpose, and joy, and what it means to keep reinventing yourself at every stage of life. OH, AND DID YOU KNOW ONE OF HER MAKE-UP INFOMERCIALS WAS PLAYED AT THE VATICAN.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we’re joined by the hilarious Sarah Silverman, whose career has been built on saying the unsayable—and making us laugh through the discomfort. In this intimate conversation, Sarah opens up about the quiet heartbreak of losing both her parents, the shame and humor of wetting the bed well into her teens, and the evolving landscape of comedy in a culture that’s constantly redefining its boundaries. With her signature blend of sharp intellect and raw honesty, she explores how pain shapes perspective and why vulnerability might just be the truest form of rebellion. It’s a candid, surprising, and deeply human episode with one of comedy’s most enduring provocateurs. And as a bonus, Monica makes another WAP-like discovery.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with supermodel, entrepreneur, and icon Cindy Crawford for a candid and vulnerable conversation about grief, perception, and personal agency. Cindy opens up about the childhood loss of her younger brother and how that early heartbreak shaped her perspective on life, family, and resilience. She reflects on the challenges of being underestimated because of her beauty, and how she’s spent decades building a career for herself that extends beyond modeling. We hear the story behind how Cindy and her supermodel counterparts—Naomi, Linda and Christy— worked to own their narrative of 90's stardom and how the modeling industry has changed for this generation. With grace and clarity, Cindy shares how she’s stayed grounded and grateful through it all. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with actor and author Andrew Rannells for a candid, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about identity, family, and the roles—onstage and off—that have shaped his life. Andrew opens up about growing up gay and Catholic in Omaha, Nebraska, and how those early years informed both his sense of humor and his search for belonging. He shares what it was like to skyrocket to fame with his Tony-nominated performance in The Book of Mormon, and later, to challenge audiences (and himself) as Elijah on HBO’s Girls. But some of his most meaningful roles have been far from the spotlight—like learning how to be a stepparent and navigating adulthood on his own terms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this deeply soulful and wide-ranging conversation, Monica sits down with singer, songwriter, and now record label founder Kesha to talk about healing, spirituality, and the long road to joy. Kesha opens up about her fight for autonomy, the emotional toll of public scrutiny, and how her spiritual journey and her work with Rick Rubin helped her reconnect with herself. From crystals and plant medicine to reclaiming her voice in every sense, this episode is a celebration of vulnerability, truth, and radical self-love. She also shares why she made the decision to change the opening lyric in her hit song ""TikTok"" as an act of solidarity and advocacy. Plus, Kesha talks about the inspiration behind her new single Joy Ride and what the “Tits Out Tour” really means. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with journalist, attorney, and Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie for a candid and heartfelt conversation about ambition, loss, faith and trusting the unexpected. Savannah reflects on her early days as a young intern in Washington, D.C., when dreams of law and journalism collided, and the serendipitous turns that shaped her path forward. She opens up about the profound grief of losing her father at sixteen—and how that loss carved out a sense of resilience and clarity that still guides her today. We explore the power of intuition, the courage it takes to say yes to uncertain opportunities, and the grace found in honoring both ambition and surrender. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with actor, writer, and musician Josh Radnor for a soulful, searching conversation about identity, creativity, and the lessons that come from letting go. Josh reflects on the surreal weight of becoming a household name through How I Met Your Mother—and the years it took to untangle his sense of self from the character of Ted Mosby. He opens up about his deepening relationship with music, the healing path of spiritual exploration—including transformative experiences with ayahuasca—and how those journeys helped him reconnect with purpose beyond fame. We also unpack the value of failure, the discomfort of being misunderstood, and why Josh believes that confronting our self-consciousness, rather than avoiding it, can be one of the most powerful catalysts for personal growth.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with the iconic Brooke Shields—actress, model, author, and lifelong performer whose career has spanned decades and defied expectations. In this conversation, Brooke opens up about aging in the public eye and the freedom she’s found in embracing it on her own terms. She reflects on the joy and vulnerability of live performance, her deep love of comedy, and why making people laugh has become one of the great pleasures of her life. We also explore her unexpected passion for science, as Brooke shares candid thoughts on Darwin, natural selection, and how survival of the fittest plays out not just in nature—but in Hollywood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Miley Cyrus, a global icon, shape-shifting performer, and fearlessly candid storyteller. Miley opens up about her earliest days in the spotlight, the complicated legacy of Hannah Montana, and the personal cost of growing up famous. She shares why her latest music feels like medicine, how she’s learned to set boundaries with the public, and the lessons she’s still unlearning about shame, identity, and self-worth. With humor, honesty, and striking insight, Miley opens up about family estrangement and reconciliation, the armor of persona, and why she’s finally starting to feel free in her own skin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Reclaiming, we are joined by actor and activist Sophia Bush. Sophia discusses the journey of learning to trust her instincts after experiencing workplace trauma, navigating public scrutiny during personal transitions, and discovering the power of righteous anger. Sophia shares profound insights about the "character" we become in others' eyes versus our authentic selves, and how somatic practices have helped her reconnect with her body after years of disconnection.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices