Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness

Happy Pride Month!  This week on Getting Better, we’re heading backstage on Broadway for a dazzling deep dive into the artistry, creativity, and sheer magic that brings iconic productions to life. Jonathan sits down with the Hair & Makeup team behind the 9-Time Tony Nominated production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball: Makeup Designer Rania Zohny & Tony Award Winning Hair Designer, Nikiya Mathis. Together, they unpack the intricate process of designing for the stage - from creating unforgettable character transformations to building wigs and makeup looks that can withstand eight shows a week. Plus, they take us behind the curtain of the iconic “Memory” transformation and share what it really takes to create Broadway magic night after night. Whether you're a theatre kid, a beauty lover, or just someone who appreciates a fabulous transformation, this episode is serving artistry, history, and a whole lot of Pride. Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Full Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Instagram @catsjellicleball Follow Nikiya Mathis on Instagram @nikiyamathis   Follow Rania Zohny @raniasmakeup  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2026

This week, we’re talking: JVN’s U.K. Tour, seaweed pressed scarfs, visits with grandparents & friends abroad, JVN Hair Wave Spray, Nando’s Peri Peri, “The Crash,” CATS Spelling Bee, over-packing, hot yoga, Obsession, stretching, January 6th rioters, alone time, and our hot bitch of the week! Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Catch Getting Better & The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

A lot of us have a complicated relationship with movement - blamed, shamed, or stuck in routines that don’t truly serve us. But what if movement wasn’t about perfection, punishment, or performance? What if it was a powerful tool for connection, self-care, and resilience? This week, we’re diving deep into the psychology behind group fitness and movement’s ability to heal, empower, and transform lives. From JVN’s personal journey of finding community through yoga and gymnastics to hosting a joy-filled adult gymnastics experience with Airbnb, he explores how movement can help us reclaim our mental health, confidence, and sense of belonging. We break down how to create inclusive, nurturing spaces that honor the whole person - taking into account family stress, gender identity, trauma, and systemic barriers - so movement becomes a source of liberation, not shame.  Dr. Tess Kilwein, a sports psychologist, is dedicated to making group fitness accessible and affirming for all bodies and minds. Her work on the psychology of movement shows us that movement is a radical act of self-love and collective healing. Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Full Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Dr. Tess Kilwein @unapologeticpsych  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

Best selling author Anna Malaika Tubbs stops by to tell us all about her book, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us and helps us hone in on real time examples of our Patriarchy is being weaponized today. Anna unpacks how the United States has constructed a unique - and often invisible - gendered hierarchy, one that is inextricably linked to whiteness and a deeply flawed binary system. From the founding fathers to the current Supreme Court, from the erasure of women in the Constitution to the ongoing fight for the Equal Rights Amendment, Dr. Tubbs reveals the mechanisms that have kept women’s contributions hidden and their voices suppressed. Anna Malaika Tubbs is a scholar, advocate, and bestselling author (The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation) whose work brings a fresh, urgent perspective on American history and its gendered systems. With a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Masters in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelors in Medical Anthropology from Stanford University, Anna translates her academic knowledge into clear and engaging stories. Her articles have been published by TIME Magazine, New York Magazine, CNN, Motherly, The Huffington Post, For Harriet, The Guardian, Darling Magazine, and Blavity. Anna’s storytelling also takes form in her talks, including her TED Talk that has been viewed 2 million times, as well as the scripted and unscripted screen projects she has in development. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, former Mayor of Stockton, CA Michael Tubbs  and their three young children. Follow Anna Malaika Tubbs Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and executive producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2026

Giving birth is a MAJOR medical event, and we're learning about how to get the best possible experience for YOU with Jen Hamilton, the New York Times #1 bestselling author of Birth Vibes . From birth plans and building the right support team to navigating fear, nursing, and the reality of “bad” birth stories online, Jen shares practical advice and compassionate insight for every kind of parent-to-be. Whether you’re considering a hospital birth, home birth, epidural, natural labor, VBACs, supporting someone going through their birthing process, or you have absolutely no idea where to start whatsoever, this episode is here to help you feel informed, confident, and supported through your pregnancy journey. BIO: Jen Hamilton is a labor and delivery nurse recognized for her expertise in maternal and newborn care. Drawing from frontline experiences, Hamilton guides families through childbirth, managing high-stakes scenarios that require precision, empathy, and rapid decision-making. Her ability to explain the complexities of labor and delivery, combining clinical knowledge with storytelling, has established her as a speaker who clarifies the childbirth process.  Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Full Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Jen Hamilton on Instagram @_jen_hamilton_ Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

This week, we’re talking: Morning routine optimization, TikTok controversy analysis, Jen Hamilton's bestselling journey, The Sopranos, Lost, Lincoln Memorial Swimming Pool, Time travelers, and our Hot B*tch of the Week.  Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Catch Getting Better & The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

We’re unpacking the mindset of money with Mrs. Dow Jones (Haley Sacks)! What money mindsets will set you up for the most success? Why is "girl math" low-key not great? What is treat culture and a "money date?" What role does money play as a proxy for security, status, and self-worth? We're gonna figure out and get better money habits together! You don’t need to have everything figured out  - you just have to start somewhere. Catch Haley's podcast " Financial Tea" wherever you listen! Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour ⁠here⁠.  Full Video Episodes now available on ⁠YouTube⁠.  Follow Haley Sacks on Instagram ⁠@mrsdowjones ⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠@gettingbetterwithjvn⁠ Jonathan on Instagram ⁠@jvn⁠ Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

This week, we’re talking: JVN’s UK tour, Sally Field lore, crossed wires over wifi, scarf game, Swedish Death Cleaning, Edie Beale, South Korea & Japan travel, a financial-themed Spelling Bee, “How My Mom Tried To Kill Me Pt. 4”, more True Crime, Hantavirus, HIV funding, Irish curls, Mother’s Day, and coffee!  Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.    Catch Getting Better & The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

2026 will be BIG astrologically speaking… Discover how astrology is shaping the year's biggest shifts, both personally and globally, with renowned astrologer Aliza Kelly. From planetary movements to understanding your unique birth chart, explore practical ways astrology can guide you through 2026's transformative energies. Aliza Kelly is a renowned celebrity astrologer, author, columnist, and host of the podcast, AstroloTea! Catch Aliza in LA at The Elysian on May 14th, and in NYC at Joe’s Pub on July 14th.  Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Aliza Kelly on Instagram @alizakelly Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2026

Today we’re talking: JVN’s West Coast tour, last minute hotel switches, scalp treatments, an astrological spelling bee, LOUISIANA v. CALLAIS, our White House Instagram feature, lipstick setting, and AG8! Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Catch Getting Better & The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2026

Bienvenue a FRENCH KITTY CORNER! This week - we're giving you a sampling of our gorgeous Patreon show, FRENCH KITTY CORNER! Join  JVN & French Kitty (aka the beloved cat cookie jar "co-host" on the set of GETTING BETTER) for a Golden Girls style compilation of "FKC" - and don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon for all this PLUS BTS vlogs, house tours, city adventures, JVN Hair photoshoots - the works! feat. Jennifer Welch (02:07), Cheryl Porter (05:43), Chris Appleton (11:05), Aly & AJ (15:04), Dylan Mulvaney (19:09), & Heather McMahan (27:27) Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

This week, we’re talking: JVN on the West Coast, responding vs. reacting, self diagnosing from TikTok, the cocaine salmon, gifting etiquette, a very French spelling bee, and of course - our HBOTW!  Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.  Catch Getting Better & The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

Happy Earth Day! This week on Getting Better, Jonathan sits down with plant biologist, author, and educator Dr. Beronda Montgomery for a grounding conversation about nature’s healing power and America’s Black botanical legacy. Together, they explore why reconnecting with green spaces can be so transformative for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and how practices like urban gardening and container planting can help us build a more meaningful relationship with the natural world—no sprawling backyard required. Jonathan and Dr. Montgomery also dig into the deeper wisdom held in landscapes, plants, and history itself—examining interdependence, the ways trees and land can testify to the past, and the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans in botany and agriculture, alongside the foundational knowledge of Indigenous communities. They touch on the significance of willow trees, the meaning of Sankofa, and what it means to look back in order to carry wisdom forward in a powerful episode about healing, remembrance, purpose, and the responsibility of growing a better future together. Dr. Montgomery’s new book When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical History (Henry Holt, 2026) is out now.  BIO: Dr. Beronda L. Montgomery is a writer, science communicator, and researcher. She has spent more than 20 years in higher education, most recently as vice president for academic affairs (2022–2024) and professor of biology (2022–present) at Grinnell College. Montgomery studies how plants and photosynthetic bacteria perceive, respond to, and are impacted by environments in which they exist. She is the author of Lessons from Plants (Harvard University Press, 2021) as well as her newest book When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical History (Henry Holt, 2026). Trees stand at the intersection of plant knowledge, Black agricultural history, and collective memories of trauma and triumph intertwined. In When Trees Testify, Montgomery explores the roles that seven tree species—pecan, willow, oak, poplar, mulberry, sycamore, and apple—along with the cotton shrub have played in the lives of Black Americans from their enslavement in the United States to the present. She also explores the science of these plants as well as the sometimes-fraught relationship that African Americans have with agriculture and plants. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Dr. Beronda Montgomery on Instagram @beronda_m Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2026

Today we’re talking: JetSet Pilates, JVN & Michelle Kwan Take Paris, Ulta Beauty World, Tina Knowles sightings, being triggered by Britney Spears mics, seeing folks from the Pretty Curious era, New York sized bees, what we’re getting better at this week, JVN’s continued worked on perfectionism, speaking on vocal fry, Alex v. Alix, 4/20 Spelling Bee letting go of friendships, HBOTW’s - French Pharmacy & CNP Laboratory, and Rachel Zegler’s Olivier Award Win.  Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.    Catch Getting Better & The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

Disagreements are everywhere right now - and let’s be honest, they can get messy fast. But what if arguing didn’t have to wreck your relationships… or your nervous system? This week on Getting Better, JVN sits down with Dr. Julia Minson, a Harvard decision scientist and leading expert on disagreements, to unpack why we clash, how we can do it better, and the small shifts that make a huge difference. From dinner table debates to full-on conflict spirals, we’re getting into the psychology behind why being “right” isn’t always the win you think it is. Together, they explore the gold standard for healthy disagreement, where conflict actually comes from, and the real-life tools you can start using today to stay grounded, curious, and connected - even when you deeply disagree. How to Disagree Better by Julia Minson out now! Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Dr. Julia Minson on Instagram @juliaminson  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2026

This week: we’ve compiled our favorite Monday Edit Spelling Bee’s for your listening pleasure! Regularly scheduled TME’s will be back next Monday - but don’t forget to tune in this Wednesday, April 15th for a brand new episode of Getting Better with Harvard decision scientist Julia Minson talking all about how to disagree better. Divaaaa, do we need that now more than ever or what?  Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.    Catch Getting Better & The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2026

Conversion therapy is back in the headlines—and it may be closer to home than you think. Today, we’re unpacking the reality of conversion therapy: what it teaches, how it operates, and the lasting impact it can have on identity, spirituality, and healing. In light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, this conversation feels more urgent than ever. To help us do this, we have Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, author of the upcoming book Conversion Therapy Dropout (May 5).  Through Tim’s personal story, we explore the pull of religious spaces, the promise of belonging, and the painful unraveling that can follow. Note: This episode was recorded prior to the March 31 Supreme Court ruling. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Tim Schraeder Rodriguez on Instagram @timothy.s.rodriguez Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

This week: we’re talking about: What WE’RE Getting Better At, having a BIG GAY Spelling Bee, and the Supreme Ruling on Conversion Therapy.  Related Articles:  Lipstick Lesbian Controvery LeAnn Rimes Jaw Tension Conversion Therapy Dropout Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.    The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2026

GLP-1... 4-LIFE? JVN is joined by Dr. Liz Kazarian for a candid conversation on GLP-1 medications, the future of obesity care, and JVN’s personal journey with the medication. They cover: Food tracking—helpful or harmful? How does family medicine shape patient care? Do you take GLP-1s forever? Plus - what it takes to sustain long-term health on this “miracle” medication.  Dr. Liz Kazarian is a board-certified family medicine physician specializing in obesity medicine, with a clinical focus on women’s health, preventive care, and chronic disease management. She earned her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Virginia. As part of PMA Health, Dr. Kazarian provides comprehensive, patient-centered care, with an emphasis on long-term wellness and individualized treatment plans. Her approach integrates lifestyle, behavioral, and medical strategies to support sustainable health outcomes, particularly in the treatment of obesity and related conditions. She sees patients in the Northern Virginia area and is committed to helping individuals build practical, lasting approaches to better health. Disclaimer:This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, including GLP-1 medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Dr. Kazarian on Instagram @drkazarian  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

This week: we’re talking about CATS: The Jellicle Ball, weddings, maiden name lore, striving for excellence (not perfection), GLP-1 Spelling Bee, Alexia Moore’s arrest, sleep for memory, the North Atlantic current, and Broadway bootlegs.  Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.    The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2026

Show them you can THRIVE.  Hey Better Babes! It’s my birthday week, and I’m sitting down with my of my BEST friends in the whole wide world - Dylan Mulvaney! Dylan opens up about thriving under pressure, Broadway’s SIX, and navigating fame, criticism, and identity in the public eye. In this episode, she shares powerful insights on self-love, mindfulness, and what it really takes to stay grounded while living online and in the spotlight. From paparazzi and privacy to personal growth, ayahuasca, and friendship—you better believe we’re gonna talk about it.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Dylan Mulvaney on Instagram @dylanmulvaney  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2026

This week, we’re talking: JVN’s birthday, Inner Child Work, weekend milestones, hack-a-rella sickness, what WE’RE getting better at this week, Afroman on TikTok, Broadway-Themed Spelling Bee, covering up hickeys, Alexandra Paul & Animal Rights Activists, and Dunkin Donuts Banana Iced Coffees.  Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.    The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2026

Ever wondered why we lash out, shut down, or spiral emotionally, even when we don't want to? On this episode of Getting Better, JVN teams up with psychologist and author Dr. Nicole LePera (The Holistic Psychologist) to dive deep into inner child healing, parts work, and the shocking truth behind our nervous system's reactions. Dr. LePera reveals how our past molds our emotions, why connection is our biological imperative, and how to become your own adult parent. JVN opens up about their own "parts," and together they dissect black-and-white thinking, fear, and emotional overwhelm, uncovering real-world strategies to break free! If healing has ever felt messy, scary, or downright nonlinear, this conversation may help you truly "getting better." Dr. Nicole LePera's new book Reparenting the Inner Child: The New Science of Our Oldest Wounds and How to Heal Them is out March 24th. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Dr. Nicole LePera on Instagram @the.holistic.psychologist Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2026

This week, we’re talking: Hot & Healed Comedy Tour, Double Take Trend, Reba on TikTok, Melodyne vs. Autotune, Candace Cameron-Bure Attending Demonic Sex Parties and telling everyone about it, St. Patrick’s Day Spelling Bee, Nick Fuentes on Women, Katie Couric’s “use it or lose it” Reporting, CBS, Save America Act,  to have a kid or not to have a kid, and protein pop-tarts.  Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here.    The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2026

What if getting dressed could actually help you feel better? This week, JVN sits down with Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike to talk about dopamine dressing, personal style, and why fashion is so much deeper than just clothes. Together, they get into how to figure out what your style really is, why “everything is fashion,” and how vintage, retail, and finding a good deal can all shape the way we express ourselves. BIO: Named editor-in-chief of Marie Claire (US), Nikki Ogunnaike is among a new wave of women driving fresh relevance across fashion titles (The Washington Post saluted her and her peers in a recent collective profile). Previously at Harper’s Bazaar in the role of senior digital director, she has a strong following through social channels and an all-around style that resonates with younger readers. In this new chapter for the reliable women’s magazine, Ogunnaike’s direction signals broader representation of faces and voices through fashion, beauty and news coverage, while appearing sharper and more accessible than ever. Nikki is a Nigerian-American style expert who cut her teeth at publications such as Vanity Fair, InStyle, Glamour, ELLE, and GQ. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Nikki Ogunaike on Instagram @nikkiogun Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2026

This week we’re talking: prepping for the Hot & Healed comedy tour, self-tape adventures, new Instagram follows, shopping quirks, our weekly spelling bee, dermatologist updates, geopolitical reflections on the military action Iran, answering your listener questions, and of course - our Hot B of the Week! The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2026

What happens when you meet someone who looks like your long-lost twin… and then they also have an iconic backstory to match?  JVN is joined by Matt Newman (aka MattLovesHair on social media) for one helluva delightful conversation. From photoshoot fiascos, an ANTM-era detour, and Matt’s origin story as an OG Drybar stylist. From there, it’s all the hits - strip club stories, “DollarStoreJVN,” frat hazing, first love, and how social media can shape (and sometimes warp) the way we see ourselves. Then we go deeper: how gender expression evolves, what it takes to feel safe being seen, and the confidence it requires to live more honestly—even when the world has opinions. And yes… JVN talks about potentially chopping their hair off, what it was like cutting their hair back in the day, and what it taught them about identity, control, and change. If you’ve ever felt like you were editing yourself to fit the room, this one will hit—and leave you feeling a little braver. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Matt Newman on Instagram @mattloveshair  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2026

This week, JVN & Chris talk: Softwave Skin Treatments, "Friend of Dorothy," the ANTM Documentary, Murder in Glitterball City, the weekly Spelling Bee, U.S. presence in Iran, and ICE Detention Centers. Plus - JVN answers your listener questions, and we drop this week’s Hot B*tch of the Week.  The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2026

Cindy Eckert (Addyi) joins JVN to talk all things women’s sexual health, libido, and the science behind desire. Cindy breaks down her TIME100 Health feature, gives a preview of the upcoming Paramount+ documentary about her workThe Pink Pill: Sex, Drugs & Who Has Control, shares the iconic story of Addyi (often called the “female Viagra”) and her fight for better access to women’s health care. Jonathan and Cindy also unpack the science of libido, how hormones, stress, and stigma affect sexual wellness, and why sexual health is directly connected to quality of life.  If you’ve ever wondered about low libido, women’s sexual desire, Addyi, or how to talk about sexual health without shame - this episode is for you! Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Cindy Eckert on @cindypinkceo  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Addyi Disclaimer: ADDYI, flibanserin, is for women under 65 with low sexual desire disorder who have not had problems with low sexual desire in the past, and who have low sexual desire that is troubling to them no matter the type of sexual activity, situation, or sexual partner. The low sexual desire is not due to a medical or mental health problem, problems in the relationship or medicine or other drug use. ADDYI is not for men or to enhance sexual performance. Your risk of severe low blood pressure and fainting is increased if you drink 1-2 standard alcoholic drinks close in time to your ADDYI dose. Wait at least 2 hours after one to two drinks before taking ADDYI at bedtime and skip your dose if you drink three or more drinks that evening. If you take certain prescription, OTC or herbal medications, or have liver problems, the risk of low blood pressure and fainting increases and you should not take ADDYI. Do not take if you are allergic to any of ADDYI’s ingredients. Sometimes serious sleepiness can occur. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, tiredness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and dry mouth. See PI and Boxed Warning at addyi.com/pi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2026

This week, JVN & Chris talk: Punch the Monkey, the return of the perm, Supreme Court striking down Trump Tariffs, Kristi Noem’s private jet funded from ICE’s budget, the shelf life of slang, and our hot b*tches of the week!  The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer, Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 February 2026

How Enneagrams can help YOU! This week, JVN dives into the world of the Enneagram with coach and expert, Courtney Smith. This is the personality system that  doesn’t just describe your behavior… it describes your motivation. JVN learns their type and discovers why two people who look NOTHING alike (hi history!) can actually operate from the exact same psychological blueprint. We’re talking: What the Enneagram actually is (and what it definitely is not). The 9 types and their core fears + desires. Instincts — the part that explains your relationships, stress, and habits. Why people-pleasing and codependence show up. How mistyping happens (and why most of us do it). And yes… JVN’s official type reveal.  BIO: Courtney Smith combines her experience as a management consultant with her expertise in a variety of tools and practices (including the Enneagram) to offer coaching and consulting services tailored to the individuals and organizations she works with. She is committed to helping all of us see how we unwittingly limit our lives and how to unlock more present, intentional, and richer ways of being in this world. The best way to access her tools now is by joining her new newsletter. Courtney works with a variety of clients one-on-one to identify places in their lives where they feel stuck and would benefit from an outside perspective. Using the Enneagram, somatic practices, and other pragmatic tools, Courtney helps her clients break through their patterns and limiting beliefs, and more fully experience aliveness, connection, integrity, appreciation, effectiveness, authenticity, clarity, support, and freedom. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2026

This week, JVN & Chris talk: calling out sick, Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Performance, Winter Olympics themed spelling bee, the HIV Funding Rollback, Greenhouse gases, and Hasan Piker's POV on 3rd Party voting. Plus! This week's HBOTW.  The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 February 2026

We’re getting out the red yarn, receipts, proof, timeline, screenshots - f*cking everything - and piecing together the saga of that is: The Epstein Files. JVN and Betches co-founder, Sami Sage, unpack a tangled web that tracks 50 years into the past and traces all the way to today. From concrete evidence to conspiracy theories - this is just the tip of the iceberg, and we'll be keeping an eye on this EVER unfolding story here on the pod. Sami Sage, host of Morning Announcements and co-founder of Betches Media. Catch Morning Announcements wherever you get your podcasts. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Sami Sage on Instagram @sami  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2026

Choose Courage, Build Community, and Take Action to Create Change…  ICYMI: JVN sits down with Cristina Jiménez Moreta to talk about her new book Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear Into Pride, Power, and Real Change and the work being done at United We Dream, the country’s largest youth-led immigrant organization – which Cristina co-founded. Plus our breakdown of the Tony awards and our HBOTW! Cristina Jiménez Moreta is an award-winning community organizer, political strategist, prominent advocate for social justice, and author. She is the Co-Founder and former Executive Director of United We Dream (UWD), the nation’s largest immigrant youth-led organization. Cristina immigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador with her family in 1998, seeking a better life. She grew up undocumented in Queens, New York, and has since become a powerful voice in the fight for immigrant rights and equity. Cristina is currently a Distinguished Lecturer at the City College of New York’s Colin Powell School, where she also co-teaches Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice (LDSJ). Under her leadership, UWD grew into a formidable network of over one million members, shifting the national conversation around immigration and helping secure policy changes at both the local and national levels. Cristina played a pivotal role in United We Dream’s successful campaign that led to the implementation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) under President Obama. The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2026

Melissa Murray & Kate Shaw, two of the three hosts from the HIT podcast Strict Scrutiny join JVN on this week’s episode of Getting Better to break down the biggest legal and political stories shaping our lives right now — from ICE and Minneapolis, the TikTok data debate, and the Supreme Court cases that could change everything. Check out Strict Scrutiny wherever you get your podcasts! They talk: voting rights, power, accountability, what the headlines miss…and whether there’s still reason for hope. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Strict Scrutiny @strictscrutinypodcast Follow Melissa Murray @profmmurray  Follow Kate Shaw @kateashaw Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2026

This week: our first official TME Spelling Bee, Producer Nathanael learns the Tin whistle, we try the viral smoked salmon, talk GLP-1 & Cannabis usage, coverMifepristone Access in the US over at the Jonathan Van News Desk, and drop this week’s Hot B*tch of the Week.  Catch JVN on tour this weekend: February 6th - Omaha, NE & February 7th - Kansas City, MO The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2026

Chris Appleton takes a seat in JVN's chair!  JVN and Chris talk about how vulnerability not only changed Chris’ life, but allowed him to write his debut memoir Your Roots Don’t Define You. Plus! JVN and Chris talk: bleach and tones, celebrity clientele (like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry to name a few), Met Gala tea, how red carpet moments come together to make absolute perfection. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Chris Appleton on Instagram @chrisappleton1  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2026

Queer Eye Press Week, WICED Oscar Snubs, Ariana Grande in Sunday in the Park with George, Victoria Beckham the Wedding Crasher, ICE Warrants, Ice Skating Video Games, IU Football.  The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and executive producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2026

Queer Eye Season 10 is upon us! This week, JVN gets personal and reflects on the last decade making Queer Eye. They also catch up with iconic heroes Tammye Hicks, Kathi Dooley, and Angel Flores on this very special celebration episode! Queer Eye Season 10 is now streaming.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Tammye Hicks @mamatammye Follow Kathi Dooley @kathidooley Follow Angel Flores @arkangeljoy  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2026

This week we’re talking: the Final Queer Eye Season, Australia & New Zealand & Comedy Tour, Bag Purchase Update, Supreme Court Abortion Access Hearing, Co-Workers & Politics, and our HBOTW The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2026

Why do people join cults?  JVN is joined by investigative journalist Ellen Huet, who spent years interviewing more than 125 former members to expose how a movement built around empowerment, intimacy, and “sexual wellness”  spiraled into coercion, manipulation, and abuse of power. Together, we break down how wellness culture can blur boundaries, why charismatic leaders are so effective, and how language around healing and liberation can be weaponized. They explore what OneTaste and Orgasmic Meditation (O.M.) actually promised, how social pressure and taboo minimization kept people trapped, and what finally led to an FBI investigation and federal trial.  Most importantly, we talk about why smart, curious people join cults, how to spot red flags before it’s too late, and what to do if someone you love might be caught in one. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Ellen Huet on Instagram @ehuet  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2026

The Monday Edit, now on YouTube!  This week: Wigs, buying bags, JVN Hairspray Launch, policing language, Gwyneth Paltrow singing, Renee Good, Minneapolis, Reading vs. Audiobooks. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2026

High-Functioning Depression—what does it really look like?  ICYMI: JVN is joined by the brilliant Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and researcher, to explore high-functioning depression — what it is, how to recognize it, and why so many people struggle with it in silence. Together, they break down the signs that often go unnoticed, unpack the stigma around seeking help when things "seem fine," and share tools for finding support and healing. Whether you're curious about your own mental health or looking to better understand a loved one, this episode is for you.  Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Dr. Judith Joseph on Instagram @drjudithjoseph  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

We’re talking: Elder millennial moments, AI slop, Diet Soda in 2025, image hangups that are SO last year, life before and after Queer Eye, ADHD self medication, attraction vs. promotion, non-violent communication, failing with grace, anti-aging products, and the Stranger Things Finale.  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

Play isn’t something we grow out of — it’s something we desperately need to return to. When was the last time you truly played — without trying to be productive, impressive, or good at it? This week on Getting Better, JVN sits down with toy designer and author Cas Holman to help us learn the value of a little playtime! From designing iconic toys to studying how people of all ages learn through play, Cas breaks down how play shapes creativity, problem-solving, and even how we relate to joy. They dig into how gender norms influence the toys we’re given, why play can feel harder than ever in a productivity-obsessed culture, and what happens when we detach play from outcomes altogether. Cas also shares insights from her new book Playful, including the different types of play, what “free play” actually means, and how bringing fun into everyday moments can change how we work, learn, and live. If you’ve been feeling burnt out, stuck, or disconnected from joy — this episode is your permission slip to loosen the rules, have some fun, and remember that play isn’t frivolous. It’s foundational! Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Cas Holman on Instagram @casholman  Follow Getting Better on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2025

This week, we’re talking: Lessons learned in 2025, bringing a sense of play into our every day lives, cubed salmon, jump roping on TikTok, muddling, exploring beauty as an expression of our individuality, AI Babies with buss down wigs, making Republicans “cool,” gay stuff in 2025, and our Hot Bitches of 2025!  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

Connection isn’t just about being around people — it’s about feeling seen. This week on Getting Better, JVN sits down certified mental health coach and founder of the SEEN Method, Morgan Burch, for a powerful conversation about authenticity, isolation, and what actually makes relationships work. Together, they unpack why so many of us feel disconnected even when we’re surrounded by others, how fear and rumination can quietly shape our relationships, and the ways cancel culture and manipulation can push people into deeper isolation. Morgan breaks down the psychology behind feeling “separate,” how visualization can either heal or trap us, and what it really means to be emotionally safe with another person. From recognizing when you’re being pulled away from connection to learning the key foundations of healthy, successful relationships, this episode is about finding your way back to yourself — and to others — with clarity, compassion, and intention. Whether you’re navigating friendship shifts, romantic relationships, or just trying to feel less alone, this conversation offers grounding tools to help you reconnect. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Morgan Burch on Instagram @goodmorgantherapy  Follow Getting Better on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

This week, we’re looking back at our favorite Monday Edit moments - just like in the Golden Girls when they sit at the kitchen table with their cheesecake and reminiscence, we're looking back at what was going on in YOUR world this year, the TikTok’s that spent the most time on our FYP, and one of our fave Hot Bitches of the Week!  Stay tuned for an all new Getting Better this week! Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

Boundaries aren’t about being mean — they’re about being clear. This week on Getting Better, JVN sits down with Melissa Urban, founder of Whole30 and a leading voice on boundaries, to talk about how to set limits that actually stick — especially when emotions, history, and guilt get involved. From defining what a boundary really is (hint: it’s not just what you say, it’s what you do), to navigating boundaries at work, in relationships, and even with yourself, Melissa breaks down the practical steps that make boundaries sustainable instead of exhausting. Together, they dive into when “no contact” is the healthiest option, how to recover after a boundary gets crossed, and why patience — with others and yourself — is a key part of the process. JVN also shares their own personal experience going no contact, what self-care looks like when you’re holding firm to your limits, and how to get “back on the boundary horse” when things don’t go perfectly the first time. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, second-guessing yourself, or holding a boundary without spiraling — this episode is your permission slip to do it differently. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube.  Follow Melissa Urban on Instagram @melissau  Follow Getting Better on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn  Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

This week, we’re talking: Going no contact, All Her Fault, the Fanning Sisters, ADHD flow states, JVN’s new favorite European city, Miss Universe pregnancy rules, Norway’s royal family, Matthew Morrison’s dance breaks, thirsty little c*nts on Tiktok, "rebranding" domestic terrorism, Bari Weiss, blocking CBS news, Glogg, Tumeric, and success with semaglutides.  Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive content, bonus episodes, and more! www.patreon.com/jvn  Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and senior producer Chris @amomentlikechris  New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday.  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025