Making Space with Hoda Kotb

Tom Llamas is the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News. He got his start in news at just 15 years old as an intern for Telemundo in Miami. After 30 years in the news industry, he says raising his hand for opportunities helped get him to the anchor chair. Llamas is the son of Cuban immigrants, who fled the country when they were young. Growing up in a Cuban American community, Llamas says his family didn't shy away from discussing politics and current events. He opened up to Hoda about his upbringing, his love for storytelling, and the responsibility of anchoring an iconic broadcast.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Sahil Bloom is an author, businessman, and investor. He had a successful career in finance before a conversation with a friend changed his life forever, forcing him to rediscover the meaning of true prosperity. In his book "The 5 Types of Wealth", he writes that a fulfilling life is built around five kinds of wealth: time, social, mental, physical, and financial. He opened up to Hoda about taking a leap and discovering whats on the other side.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

In this special episode of Making Space, Hoda sits down with former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern. During this inspiring and thoughtful conversation, Ardern touches on the significance of becoming the country’s youngest Prime Minister in 150 years, plus her reaction to the surprising news she was pregnant just six days after being elected. Ardern also speaks about her unwavering commitment to kindness while also taking swift action on major policies during her five and a half years in office.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx and Sneex and opens up about believing in her products and trusting her gut. She created her revolutionary brand after identifying a problem in her wardrobe: what undergarments could she wear with white pants? Blakely's answer to that question started a shapewear revolution. She used the money she earned selling fax machines to launch her products, which soon started flying off the shelves of department stores and became a wardrobe staple for millions. She sold her majority stake in Spanx in 2021 after more than twenty years at the helm. Blakely opened up to Hoda on her journey to success, embracing failure, and trusting her intuition.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Dr. Judith Joseph is a New York-based psychiatrist, studying happiness. Throughout her life, she's been a high-achiever, graduating from medical school at Columbia and opening her own clinical research institute. She now says she was "pathologically productive" to try to mask feelings of inadequacy. Through her research, and her own experience, Dr. Joseph identified what she refers to as "high-functioning depression". On the outside, she had it all, but she was wrestling with fatigue, poor concentration, and restlessness. In her new book “High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy”, she shares what she's learned with Hoda.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

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, comes out May 6th.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Dwyane Wade is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. The thirteen-time all-star player won three championships during his time in the league. In the six years since his retirement, he's focused on his family and philanthropy, working with the Wade Family Foundation to support communities in need. Wade opened up to Hoda on how he fell in love with basketball, his decision to retire, and his battle with cancer.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Dwyane Wade is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. The thirteen-time all-star player won three championships during his time in the league. In the six years since his retirement, he's focused on his family and philanthropy, working with the Wade Family Foundation to support communities in need. Wade opened up to Hoda on how he fell in love with basketball, his decision to retire, and his battle with cancer.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Big Sean has been topping the charts for nearly fifteen years. The Detroit-born rapper says he knew from an early age that he would make it, even when his peers said his dream was impossible. In addition to his award-winning music career, he released a book this year called Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace. He opened up to Hoda on his struggle with fame, and why he's not afraid of losing it.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Actresses Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler have spent decades in the spotlight, with iconic roles on "Married With Children" and "The Sopranos". They've taken on a different role in recent years as the public faces of multiple sclerosis. Sigler was diagnosed when she was just 20 years old, but didn't publicly share her diagnosis until 2016. Applegate received her diagnosis less than four years ago. The two opened up to Hoda about the pain and triumph that has bonded them.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Vicky Nguyen is the NBC News chief consumer investigative correspondent. In her new memoir, "Boat Baby", she shares her family's harrowing story of fleeing Vietnam in 1980, five years after the fall of Saigon. Along the way, Nguyen's family relied on smugglers, encountered pirates, and eventually lived in a refugee camp on a beach in Malaysia, all while she was less than a year old. Her family ultimately immigrated to the U.S., and she says her parents embraced the opportunity to give her a "great American childhood". Nguyen opened up to Hoda about her decision to share her story. Through all the ups and downs of assimilation, Nguyen says her book is "a love letter to America" - and to her parents.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Elle Macpherson is a supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur. Nicknamed "The Body" at the height of her modeling career, Macpherson appeared to have it all - but looking back, she says she didn't appreciate herself in her twenties and thirties, struggling with addiction and eventually entering rehab for alcoholism. Macpherson's sobriety renewed her commitment to health, and in 2014 she launched her wellness brand, WelleCo. Just three years later, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent two lumpectomies and chose a holistic approach over conventional treatment. Macpherson sat down with Hoda to talk about her career, her wellness journey and why she feels more alive than ever.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Hey Making Space fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview of the first episode of an all-new season of Jenna Bush Hager’s podcast, ‘Open Book with Jenna’. In this season’s debut episode, Jenna sits down with bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. Together they talk about how Rebecca drew on her experience with chronic illness and life in a military family to write “Fourth Wing,” and her process to plot out five books in the series. To listen to the full conversation, just search ‘Open Book with Jenna’ wherever you’re listening to follow now, or click here: https://www.today.com/open-book-with-jenna

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

In this special episode of Making Space, Maria Shriver joins Hoda Kotb live at the Making Space Wellness Weekend in Austin, Texas. In this beautiful conversation, Maria shares how she has learned to live a meaningful life, as the most authentic version of herself. Maria reflects on her continuing journey of self-discovery, sharing her wisdom, her insight and the lessons she’s learned along the way. (Event sponsored by Miraval Resorts & Spas, furniture and florals provided by our sponsors CORT and Bouqs)

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

As Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles for 37 years, Rabbi Steve Leder has learned and witnessed the many ways death teaches us how to live, and love, more deeply by showing us not only what is gone, but also the beauty of what remains. In this inspiring conversation from January 2024, Rabbi Leder joins Hoda Kotb to talk about life, loss and the profound way in which the two intertwine.

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

Walker Hayes is one of the top selling and streamed artists in country music. Walker spent more than a decade chasing his dream, when a TikTok video with his daughter catapulted him to stardom. His smash hit “Fancy Like” went from the social media platform straight to the music industry, topping every country music sales chart, hitting number one at country radio and earning Walker his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Country song. Beyond his music, Walker is a man rich in family, faith and love. Walker sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about his journey through sobriety, life as a dad and the inspiration behind his music.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

Tyler Hubbard has had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter and one half of the multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line, with 22 no. 1 singles on country radio, countless awards and sold-out tours. Tyler has an unmistakable voice, and recently he’s using it to begin a new chapter, as a solo artist. His self-titled debut album has millions of streams and counting, with hits like “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country”, and his latest album “Strong” reached the top spot at country radio, with songs like “Back Then Right Now” and “Park”. Tyler joined Hoda Kotb for a very special conversation, live in Austin, Texas. He opens up about family, faith and finding balance in it all.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

Kendra Scott is a designer, philanthropist and founder of the jewelry brand, Kendra Scott. After starting the company in 2002 with only $500 and a mission to help others, Kendra’s commitment to innovation, quality and detail transformed the small startup into a billion-dollar brand. Based in Austin, Texas, Kendra continues to lead her company on the foundation of three core pillars: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy. In this special episode of Making Space, Kendra joined Hoda Kotb live in Austin, Texas. Kendra shares the inspiration behind her billion-dollar brand, why she believes the truest form of success is giving back and the three words that inspire her to keep going.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

In the spirit of the holiday season and all the time we'll spend sharing meals with loved ones this month, Hoda Kotb is sharing something special with you. It's a podcast called Your Mama’s Kitchen, all about cuisine and culture, ingredients and identities, and the meals and memories that make us who we are. Host Michele Norris talks to guests like Michelle Obama, Glennon Doyle, José Andrés, and more about the complexities of family life and how our earliest culinary experiences shape our lives. And of course, each guest shares a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. In this episode, Al Roker shares his holiday traditions, new and old, plus tips on how to perfect his mama’s oxtail stew with dumplings. You can find more Your Mama’s Kitchen at https://lnk.to/yourmamaskitchen!makingspace

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

Mike McDaniel is the Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins, now in his third season at the helm. Together with his lifelong love of football, his unmatched drive and outside-the-box approach to coaching have brought him all the way to where he is now. Throughout his career, Coach McDaniel has overcome both personal and professional challenges, leaning on his belief that adversity is opportunity. Ahead of the start of the NFL season, Coach McDaniel sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about his career, his approach to the game and the lessons he’s learned both on and off the field.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

Goldie Hawn is a Hollywood legend. And while she never set out to be a movie star, the Academy Award winning actress, producer and director has had a career spanning more than five decades, with iconic roles in films like “Overboard”, “Private Benjamin” and “The First Wives Club”. And while she is beloved for her work on-screen, she is also making an impact off-screen, with her charity MindUp, created with a mission to promote mental health and fitness for children. Goldie sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her accidental rise to fame, her famous family and where she finds her purpose.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

Gabby Bernstein is a spiritual teacher, New York Times bestselling author and host of the “Dear Gabby” podcast. For nearly two decades, Gabby has been transforming lives, including her own. After facing her own struggles, Gabby strengthened her spiritual connection, turning her trauma into a limitless source of love and strength. She uses her methods and practices to help others to heal from their past, and live in alignment with the Universe. Gabby sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her upcoming book, “Self Help”, sharing simple methods we can all use to turn fear into faith, connect to our power and manifest a life beyond our wildest dreams.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

Bestselling author Brianna Wiest has touched millions of readers with her books and quotes featuring messages of empowerment, self-reflection and hope. In this beautiful conversation from March 2024, Brianna sat down with Hoda Kotb to discuss her own journey inward, the impact she hopes her words have and her latest book “The Pivot Year: 365 Days to Become the Person You Truly Want to Be”.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

Dr. Wendy Suzuki, world renowned Neuroscientist and Dean of Arts and Sciences at New York University, joined Hoda Kotb live at the Making Space Wellness Weekend in Austin, Texas for an enlightening conversation on the brain-changing effects of exercise and movement. Dr. Suzuki breaks down the science of how exercise can boost your mood and memory, and protect your brain against disease. Her practical tips and fascinating insights will empower us all to take control of our mind, and focus on ways we can improve brain function.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

For years, TODAY Contributor Jill Martin has been lighting up our TV screens with her optimism, her joy and her open heart. In June 2023, Jill’s life changed when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, after she learned she had a BRCA gene mutation. Now, with a clean bill of health, Jill has a new perspective on life. Jill sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her journey, and her mission to spread awareness, encourage genetic testing and help others.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024

Hey Making Space fans! As a bonus, we’re giving you a special preview of Jenna Bush Hager’s new podcast, ‘Open Book with Jenna’.     In the podcast’s debut episode, Jenna sits down with “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert and his wife of over 30 years, Evie McGee Colbert.     Stephen and Evie recently partnered on a new cookbook, “Does this Taste Funny” and sat down with Jenna to share their favorite family recipes, funniest memories cooking together, and why humor is the key ingredient in their marriage. They also reveal who holds the title of ‘best chef’ and who they’d love to invite to one of their famous dinner parties.     To listen to the full conversation, just search ‘Open Book with Jenna’ wherever you’re listening to follow now, or click here: https://link.chtbl.com/obwj_lw

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2024

Ina Garten is undoubtedly one of America’s most beloved cooks, known and adored for her approachable style, her exquisite taste and her comforting, attainable recipes. Ina is opening up like never before, in her new memoir, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens”, sharing her remarkable story for the very first time. Ina sat down with Hoda Kotb, reflecting on her difficult childhood, her trailblazing career, and of course, the love of her life, Jeffrey.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

Jonathan Haidt is a bestselling author and social psychologist at New York University’s Stern School of Business. In his latest book, “The Anxious Generation”, Haidt explores the alarming effects of excessive screen time on children, and what he calls “the great rewiring” of children's brains as they move from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood. Haidt sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about his plan for a healthier, freer childhood, and steps that parents, teachers and schools can take to end the epidemic of mental illness and restore a more humane childhood.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2024

Taraji P. Henson is an actress, producer and mental health advocate. Taraji has shined in roles like “Hidden Figures”, “Empire”, and her latest project, “Fight Night”. Throughout her life and career, Taraji has overcome naysayers, proving who she is and what she has to offer. Taraji sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about the importance of using your voice, speaking your truth and fighting for what you deserve.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2024

Thomas Rhett was born with a passion for music that has carried him all the way to where he is now. In this beautiful conversation from April 2022, Rhett sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about his love for music, life as a husband and father of four daughters, and how he finds balance in it all.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2024

In this very special solo episode, Hoda opens up about life at 60. She celebrates the decade ahead in this love letter to her personal journey. Hoda reflects on her life’s path, overcoming hardship and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2024

Simone Biles made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the most decorated American Olympic Gymnast. Biles joined Hoda Kotb live in Paris to reflect on the games, her triumphant return to the sport, and if she'll compete in the 2028 Los Angeles games.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast of all time. After dealing with mental blocks known as the “twisties” at the Tokyo Olympics, Simone stepped away from gymnastics and made mental health her priority. Now, she’s making her return to the sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics, stronger than ever. Simone sat down with Hoda Kotb in an exclusive interview, reflecting on her journey and her goals for Paris.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2024

Bette Midler is one of the most iconic entertainers of her generation. She’s won multiple Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes and Tonys, and has been entertaining and inspiring fans for half a century. Midler sat down with Hoda Kotb to reflect on her life, the peak moments in her career and her new comedy film “The Fabulous Four”.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

Diego Perez is a poet, meditator and #1 New York Times bestselling author, widely known through his pen name, Yung Pueblo. Inspiring millions with his writing, his work focuses on the power of self-healing, creating healthy relationships and the wisdom that comes when we truly work on knowing ourselves. Yung Pueblo’s path to deep healing began after struggling with physical and mental health, finding that the way forward was to turn inward. Yung Pueblo sat down with Hoda Kotb for an inspiring conversation, reflecting on the importance of finding stillness, connecting with the present and practicing self-compassion.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Season 3 of Dateline: Missing in America. The chart-topping podcast series is back with a brand-new season and brand-new cases. Are you the key to solving a mystery? Correspondent Josh Mankiewicz reports on perplexing missing person cases brought to Dateline’s attention by our social media followers. Each episode focuses on one person’s story, as told by those left behind. Listen carefully to the details, descriptions and clues offered by family, friends and investigators. Something you hear might jog a memory that could help authorities crack a case. You can listen to the first episode of Dateline: Missing in America season 3 here: https://link.chtbl.com/dmiast_lw

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

Grammy-award-winning and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson has taken the music industry by storm with hits like “Heart Like A Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine”, solidifying her status as a next-generation icon. Wilson has broken records and reached new milestones, all without compromising her voice. Wilson joined Hoda Kotb for a very special episode of Making Space, reflecting on her career, her music and her love of storytelling, marking a milestone as Kotb’s 50th guest.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

Steve Harvey is one of the most influential entertainers of our time. But success for Harvey was far from guaranteed, and it didn’t come overnight. In this inspiring conversation from January 2023, Harvey sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about the struggles he faced, the lessons he’s learned and his advice for anyone who feels like they’re up against a challenge right now. Spoiler alert - you might as well keep going.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024

Elise Loehnen is a bestselling author, editor, podcast host and former Chief Content Officer at Goop. At the heart of all she does is storytelling, leading with an open mind, and introducing us to new ideas, new concepts and new ways of thinking. Loehnen sat down with Hoda Kotb to discuss her latest book “On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and The Price Women Pay To Be Good”, exploring perfectionism, insecurities , how we can often be our own toughest critics and more.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

Jamie Kern Lima is a self-made entrepreneur, CEO, thought-leader, founder of IT Cosmetics and bestselling author of “Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life”. After a lifetime spent battling self-doubt, she began to lean in to her own self-worth and turned her life around, all by learning to believe in herself. Lima sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about the difference between self-confidence and self-worth, dealing with imposter syndrome and her mission to share a simple truth - you. are. worthy.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

Legendary singer and music icon Celine Dion sat down with Hoda Kotb for an NBC News Exclusive interview to discuss her life and health since being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological disorder. Dion opens up about her health struggles, the impact SPS has had on her life and where she’s finding hope.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

Ashley Graham is a supermodel, author, entrepreneur and activist, whose influence has reshaped the fashion and media industries and redefined traditional beauty standards. Graham sat down with Hoda Kotb for a bare and beautiful conversation, opening up about her childhood, what she’s learned over the course of her career and the message of body positivity she hopes to share with the next generation.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

As Maria Shriver has navigated her own personal journey, she’s figured out not only how to handle challenging times, but also how to live her most authentic life. In this intimate and inspiring conversation from February 2023, Maria opens up like never before. She sat down with Hoda Kotb to talk about her continual quest to heal, the importance of slowing down and how she finally gave herself permission to be Maria.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

Tembi Locke is a New York Times best-selling author, screenwriter, producer, actor and podcast host. Her book ‘From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home’ follows her real-life love story, that all began with a chance encounter in the streets of Florence. Her life-changing journey of love, loss, resilience and hope was adapted for the screen by Netflix, in the limited series starring Zoe Saldana. Locke sat down with Hoda Kotb for a beautiful conversation on love, life after loss and how to begin again.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for Dateline: True Crime Weekly, an all-new weekly podcast series. Every Thursday Dateline correspondent Andrea Canning and her guests dive into the biggest crime stories of the week, bringing you the latest on trials and investigations around the country. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/dtcw_fdlw

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

Selena Gomez has spent most of her life in the spotlight, as one of the world’s biggest popstars and actors. After facing physical and mental health challenges, Gomez is stepping into what she considers to be her true calling, mental health advocacy. She’s partnering with Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to change the conversation around mental health, and to help youth struggling with the same challenges she’s faced. Hoda Kotb sat down with Gomez and Dr. Murthy for a candid conversation about their mission, and where Gomez is on her health journey today.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024