Before she was a trailblazing icon, Laverne Cox was a little girl in Mobile, Alabama, fighting to survive in a world that told her she didn't belong. In this vulnerable conversation with Hoda Kotb, Laverne reflects on the untold story behind her memoir, Transcendent, and the long path to embracing her authentic self. Laverne pulls back the curtain on the survival mechanisms she developed as a child to endure trauma, including the years she spent "disassociating" just to make it through the day. She shares the realization that she was "cared for" but not truly loved, and how she eventually found the strength to forgive her mother and break the cycle of generational trauma. Join us for a powerful discussion on why "staying in the love" isn't just a mantra, it’s a life saving practice.

Jamie Lynn Sigler grew up in front of the world as Meadow Soprano, one of television’s most iconic daughters. But while she was coming of age on screen, she was privately carrying a secret that almost nobody knew: at age 20, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. For 14 years, she hid her diagnosis from Hollywood, her coworkers, and her friends out of fear and shame. Now, Jamie sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on a life no longer built on perfection, but on radical honesty. She opens up about her deeply moving memoir, And So It Is, which begins with a terrifying medical crisis involving her young son, Beau. Jamie shares how she broke through the paralyzing loop of childhood trauma through EMDR therapy, what it was like to finally confide in her late co star James Gandolfini, and how she found peace by letting go of the need to pretend she was always fine.

For more than 25 years, Emmy-winning actress Mariska Hargitay has captivated audiences as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. But in this deeply personal chapter, Mariska is turning the camera on herself. She sits down with Hoda Kotb to open up about her vulnerable documentary My Mom Jayne, where she explores the childhood loss of her mother, long-held family secrets, and healing past wounds. Mariska also shares what it is like to make her terrifying yet exhilarating Broadway debut at age 62 in Every Brilliant Thing, revealing how local heroes like Jalen Brunson inspire her work ethic, and how training ourselves in gratitude can fundamentally shift how we see the world.

Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she’s diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big transitions and the unexpected moments of grace that connect us all. Featuring incredible guests like Mariska Hargitay, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mark Nepo, Esther Perel, Laverne Cox, and many more.

Miami Heat forward Kevin Love is a five-time NBA All-Star and advocate for mental health. He opened up about the recent, devastating loss of his father, former NBA player Stan Love, and that viral post-game hug with former teammate, Tristan Thompson. He also speaks to Hoda about his anxiety and his non profit, the Kevin Love Fund.

Dan Harris is an author, podcast host, and journalist. Harris worked for ABC News for more than 21 years and currently hosts the 10% Happier Podcast. His journey of self-discovery began in 2004, after suffering a panic attack while live on-air. In the aftermath of that episode, he turned to meditation to confront his drug use, his effort to cope with covering the post-9/11 war zones across the middle east. Harris opened up to Hoda on the power of meditation, self-improvement, and how to quiet your mind in a chaotic world.

A brand-new season of Open Book with Jenna is here! Join Jenna Bush Hager every Thursday as she sits down with some of today's most beloved authors and storytellers for conversations about the books everyone is talking about. This season, we'll explore the hottest reads of the summer, the creative process behind unforgettable stories, the genres readers can't get enough of, and the movie and TV adaptations bringing favorite characters to life. Featuring guests like Emily Henry, Kennedy Ryan, Carley Fortune, Shelby Van Pelt, Virginia Evans, Hannah Berner and many more. swap.fm/l/obwjdfd

Throughout her career, singer and songwriter Rachel Platten has used her voice to lift others up. Her music has touched the hearts of millions around the world, with messages of strength, hope and love, in anthems like “Fight Song”. But despite being known for one of the most empowering songs of all time, Rachel has lived through her own struggles with depression, anxiety and moments of self-doubt. Now, Rachel is back with new music and a fresh perspective, using her voice in a new way, on her latest album, “I Am Rachel Platten”. Rachel sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about the next chapter in her life, her music and her career.

Businesswoman and entrepreneur Emma Grede has launched some of the biggest brands in fashion. Known as the powerhouse behind companies like Skims and Good American, Grede says she takes issue with the phrase "self-made". Raised by a single mom in East London, Grede worked her way up through the fashion world, but she says her partners and mentors helped get her to where she is today. She opened up to Hoda about her childhood, and balancing motherhood with her career.

Suzy Welch is an award-winning professor, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. She teaches “Becoming You: Crafting the Authentic Life You Want and Need" at NYU Stern School of Business, and helps people discover their purpose by understanding their values. Welch also believes that happiness is not an end goal, but an outcome of a meaningful and productive life. She talked to Hoda about how to understand your values, and what she's learned from the death of her late husband, Jack Welch. Her latest book, Becoming You, was released in May 2025.