QUESTION EVERYTHING

iHeartPodcasts

There are celebrity interviews, and there are life-changing conversations. On Question Everything, you get both. Journalist Danielle Robay has a rare gift: she makes people feel safe + seen enough to tell the truth. Every week, she draws out the stories the world's most fascinating people rarely get to tell– the heartbreaks, the risks, the controversies, the beliefs they had to unlearn to become who they are and every now and then, their thoughts on the Bravoverse. You'll come for their story. You'll leave rethinking your own.

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Danielle is also the creator of the bestselling QUESTION EVERYTHING card game series, which has sparked connection in thousands of living rooms around the world, and the co-executive producer and host of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, alongside Reese Witherspoon. Dubbed "The Queen of Questions," she brings both heart and rigor to every conversation — a background in political science, a Gloria Steinem Fellowship, and a mentorship under Larry King, whose legacy of curiosity and connection she's carried forward across more than 8,000 hours of interviews with icons from Taylor Swift to Malala Yousafzai.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 48 min
The Secret to a Long Career? Have More Fun. Lessons From Stephen Colbert’s Head Writer Ariel Dumas
Ariel Dumas spent more than a decade helping shape one of America's most iconic late-night shows, earning 13 Emmy nominations as Head Writer of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Colbert Report. In this episode, she takes Danielle inside the end of an era following the show’s official end in May. Ariel shares what it was really like writing alongside Stephen Colbert, and why the friendships, not the job title, are what mattered most. If you've ever had to let go of something you loved, this episode is for you. Ariel also shares: Why she believes the best careers are built on joy. What it was really like inside Stephen Colbert's writers' room and the standards that made it one of television's best. The leadership lesson Stephen Colbert taught Ariel that completely changed her confidence. How to overcome imposter syndrome and start taking up more space at work. Why the end of The Late Show offers a lesson everyone can apply to their own career. The career advice that landed Ariel her first television writing opportunity (hint: it started with a thank-you note). Why failing constantly is one of the most important skills for creative success. Her thoughts on women in late night, and why she dislikes the phrase "women in comedy." What makes great comedy fundamentally human, and why AI can't replace it. Inside Second City, the comedy institution that launched generations of legendary comedians, including Stephen Colbert and Steve Carrell. Why podcasts may be the future of late night television. The surprising leadership qualities that made Stephen Colbert one of the best bosses Ariel has ever had. Why it's never too late to pursue your dream career, and the surprising path that led Ariel to comedy writing. The simple mindset shift that helped Ariel stop waiting for permission and start taking herself seriously. The question that could change how you think about ambition: What if the secret to a great career isn't working harder, but having more fun? Ariel’s Book recommendation: Slaughterhouse-Five Follow Ariel Dumas on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 23 · 1 hr 4 min
Tefi Pessoa: Can Heartbreak Change Who You Are Forever?
Can heartbreak change who you are forever? Or is the real challenge making sure it doesn't? In this episode of QUESTION EVERYTHING, Danielle sits down with writer, storyteller, and Love Island USA: Aftersun host Tefi Pessoa for an unforgettable conversation about heartbreak, healing, and the version of yourself you lose after being hurt. Most people think heartbreak is about grieving another person. Tefi argues it's often about grieving the person you were before they broke your trust, the version of yourself that loved easily, believed people, and wasn't afraid to hope. Together, Danielle and Tefi explore how to move through heartbreak without becoming cynical, why protecting your tenderness matters more than protecting your pride, and how to heal without losing yourself in the process. What she's learned from her own heartbreak. Why love is still worth believing in after being hurt. How to keep heartbreak from hardening your heart. How she refuses to compromise who she is in relationships. Why she turns to her "tribe" before ending a relationship. What we're often really mourning after a breakup. How to recognize the traits in someone that are unlikely to change. When it's worth listening to friends who tell you, "You can do better." What it's like navigating heartbreak in the public eye. Why there's courage in choosing an ordinary, authentic life. How men and women often experience heartbreak differently. Tefi’s Book Recommendation: Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. Follow Tefi on TikTok. Listen to Tefi’s podcast Tefi Talks here, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 16 · 58 min
You're Probably Taking Criticism All Wrong with Jennifer Morrison
What happens when the dream you've chased your whole life finally comes true... and you realize you've lost yourself along the way? Actress and director Jennifer Morrison (House, Once Upon a Time, How I Met Your Mother, This Is Us, Yellowjackets, The Night Agent, The Five-Star Weekend) joins Danielle for a conversation about craft, ambition, creativity, and the hidden cost of success. After decades in front of the camera, and now directing some of television's biggest series, Jennifer shares the mindset that transformed not only her career, but her life. In this episode, Jennifer shares: Why success can quietly pull you away from yourself—and how she found her way back What directing The Five-Star Weekend taught her about grief, friendship, and showing up for the people you love Why meaningful friendships require intention—not just good intentions Why actors should think like emotional athletes, and how criticism became coaching Her directing philosophy: why preparation creates creative freedom and how to make audiences feel what characters are experiencing How becoming a director made her a better actor Behind the scenes of directing Yellowjackets, The Night Agent, and Peacock's The Five-Star Weekend Her thoughts on the future of Hollywood, creator-led storytelling, and why the breakout film Obsession signals a shift in the industry Why actresses like Jennifer Morrison, Greta Gerwig, and Regina King stepped behind the camera How growing up in Chicago and Midwest values shaped her career Her unique creative process for building unforgettable characters Why women don't have to be just one thing: identity, authenticity, and embracing every version of yourself The Artist's Way, motherhood, creative reinvention, and the unexpected cost of achieving your biggest dream Lessons from House, curiosity, and the audition that almost never happened Book Recommendation: East of Eden Follow Jennifer Morrison on Instagram Check out Jennifer's newest directorial project, The Five-Star Weekend on Peacock, starring Jennifer Garner, Regina Hall, Gemma Chan, D'Arcy Carden, Chloë Sevigny, and Timothy Olyphant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 9 · 55 min
The Cost of Pretending You're Okay: with Jamie-Lynn Sigler
What happens when the life you planned is no longer possible? Jamie-Lynn Sigler joins Danielle to discuss living with multiple sclerosis, the shame of hiding a chronic illness while starring on The Sopranos, and the moment she realized she couldn't keep pretending everything was okay. Together they explore identity, vulnerability, healing, reinvention, and why telling the truth about our lives often becomes the very thing that connects us to other people. Jamie also reflects on her new memoir And So It Is...: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope, her podcast MeSsy with Christina Applegate, motherhood, purpose, and how she found a new way to answer the calling she thought she'd lost. In this episode you’ll learn: Jamie’s experience growing up on The Sopranos, and finding fame at the age of 16 How Hollywood shaped her confidence Why she says healing isn't one breakthrough, it's hundreds of small ones The journey of writing her memoir And So It Is...: A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope Jamie’s mantra about the story that you tell yourself becoming the root of your suffering How to stop letting shame define your life What happens when you stop performing for everyone else Why self-acceptance changed Jamie's life The lengths Jamie went to during Hollywood auditions to hide her diagnosis The freedom that comes from telling the truth about your life Why Jamie hid her MS diagnosis for 15 years How Jamie rediscovered the joy of performing Why authenticity became Jamie's greatest strength What James Gandolfini taught Jamie about being seen Jamie’s unfiltered thoughts about the controversial end of The Sopranos The surprising lesson Jamie has learned from co-hosting MeSsy with Christina Applegate Jamie's Book Reccomendation: The Alchemist Grab a copy of Jamie’s book And So It Is...A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope here. Follow Jamie on Instagram Listen to Jamie and Christina Applegate’s podcast MeSsy here, and See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 2 · 1 hr 15 min
How to Tell the Story Only You Can Tell with Girlfriends Creator Mara Brock Akil
What if the stories that stay with us are really trying to tell us something about ourselves? In this episode, Danielle speaks with legendary television creator, writer, and showrunner Mara Brock Akil, the creative force behind Girlfriends, The Game, Being Mary Jane, Love Is, and now the debut novel The Revelation of Dionne Daphne. Together they explore the deeper questions that have fueled Mara's work for more than three decades: friendship, identity, ambition, shame, love, healing, and why the stories we tell often reveal who we are before we even realize it ourselves. Mara reflects on creating some of television's most iconic female characters, the Black Hollywood renaissance of the 1990s, why our closest friends become the "surrogate parents" of adulthood, and how journaling—even for an audience of one—can become an act of healing. In this episode you’ll also learn: What inspired Mara to write her debut novel, The Revelation of Dionne Daphne. Mara reflects on creating Girlfriends and its lasting cultural impact. How Girlfriends changed the way women saw themselves on television. The Black Hollywood renaissance that transformed television in the 1990s. Lessons from creating The Game, Being Mary Jane, Love Is, and more. Where Mara finds inspiration for her unforgettable characters. Why imperfect women make the most meaningful protagonists. The role shame, desire, identity, and love play in every great story. Why Mara believes our girlfriends become our surrogate parents. The surprising reason she thinks friendship becomes the foundation of adulthood. The question Mara asks before writing every story. Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for self-understanding. Mara explains why journaling can be the beginning of healing. Why your story matters—even if the audience is only you. How great stories help us understand who we're becoming. Make sure to grab a copy of Mara’s novel The Revelation of Dionne Daphne here. Follow Mara on Instagram here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 25 · 53 min
You Will Marry the Wrong Person (Couples Therapist Vienna Pharaon)
What if the biggest challenge in your relationships isn't finding the right person, but understanding the person doing the choosing? This week on QUESTION EVERYTHING, relationship therapist and bestselling author Vienna Pharaon joins Danielle to unpack the hidden wounds that shape our dating lives, relationships, and marriages. From the five core origin wounds we all carry to the surprising reason we keep repeating the same patterns, Vienna explains how childhood experiences quietly influence who we're attracted to, what we tolerate, and why some relationships feel impossible to leave. Together, they explore the difference between chemistry and compatibility, why awareness alone isn't enough to create change, how emotional maturity transforms relationships, and the questions healthy couples ask that most people avoid. Plus, Vienna shares her thoughts on modern dating, reality TV relationships, betrayal, healing, and the one question everyone should ask themselves about their childhood. In this episode, you’ll also learn: Why Vienna believes most relationship problems start long before we meet our partners The five core wounds shaping your dating patterns, relationships, and marriage How childhood experiences influence who you're attracted to and why you stay The surprising reason we often choose familiarity over healthy love Why awareness alone isn't enough to break unhealthy relationship patterns How to identify whether you're choosing someone from love or from a wound The hidden connection between shame, emotional immaturity, and defensiveness Why people-pleasing and shape-shifting can sabotage your relationships How childhood attachment wounds show up in dating and long-term partnerships Why emotionally mature couples handle conflict differently The relationship questions healthy couples ask that most people avoid Vienna's take on Love Island, Love Is Blind, and what reality dating shows reveal about modern relationships Why "if they wanted to, they would" isn't always true Vienna weighs in on Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet's romance and why she thinks they’ll last The one childhood question that could completely change how you understand yourself and your relationships Vienna’s Book Recommendation: Awareness Make sure to grab a copy of Vienna’s book The Origins of You, and follow her on Instagram @mindfulmft See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 18 · 56 min
Learn How to Stop Proving Yourself with Top Chef's Kristen Kish
Kristen Kish has built an extraordinary career. She's a Top Chef winner, the host of Top Chef, NYT best selling author of the memoir Accidentally on Purpose. But this conversation isn't really about food. It's about belonging. In this episode, Kristen opens up to Danielle about being adopted from Korea and raised in Michigan, growing up feeling different from the people around her, struggling with social anxiety, and spending years unsure of where she fit in. She shares how kitchens became the unexpected place where she found confidence, purpose, and a sense of identity. Kristen reflects on the relationship that changed her life, the career mistake that taught her the most, and how she's learned to make peace with some of the unanswered questions surrounding her story. In this episode you’ll learn: How Kristen went from struggling with self-doubt to becoming the host of Top Chef The unexpected place Kristen found confidence after years of feeling like she didn't belong Why she says she spent much of her childhood believing she wasn't good at anything How food became Kristen Kish's way of connecting with people without having to perform The behind-the-scenes reality of hosting Top Chef and judging world-class chefs Why she believes other people often see our potential before we can see it ourselves The surprising reason comfort food has nothing to do with food—and everything to do with identity The career decision Kristen regrets making after prioritizing money over purpose What stepping into Padma Lakshmi's role as Top Chef host taught Kristen Kish about confidence Lessons from Kristen’s memoir, Accidentally on Purpose Kristen’s journey with coming out, queer visibility, and living authentically The love story that helped her become fully herself How adoption shaped Kristen Kish's sense of identity and self-worth The emotional encounter in Seoul that changed the way Kristen Kish thinks about home Why making peace with unanswered questions can be one of life's greatest freedoms Follow Kristen here Check out Kristen’s memoir Accidentally on Purpose here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 11 · 1 hr 6 min
Peptides, Ozempic, Lies + Health Hacks: What Actually Works? with Harley Pasternak
Peptides are everywhere. Ozempic won't leave the headlines. And social media seems determined to convince us that the next health breakthrough is only one purchase away. So what's actually worth paying attention to? In this episode, Danielle welcomes celebrity trainer, nutrition scientist, and bestselling author Harley Pasternak for an unfiltered conversation about the biggest wellness trends dominating the internet right now. From peptides and Ozempic to detoxes, supplements, fiber-maxxing, and celebrity health culture, Harley breaks down what's backed by science, what's overhyped, and what's potentially dangerous. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Harley says most peptides being promoted online are essentially an uncontrolled experiment on human beings The surprising reason he trusts Ozempic and GLP-1s, but remains deeply skeptical of most other peptides The scary reality of what's actually being found inside many peptides sold online Why "Big Pharma doesn't want you to know" is often a red flag, not a revelation The wellness trend Harley says has absolutely no evidence behind it How social media created a generation of people taking supplements they can't explain Why Harley changed his mind about Ozempic after years of opposing it The concept of "food noise" and what GLP-1s may actually be doing inside the brain The shocking reason Harley walked away from The Biggest Loser before it became a hit Why focusing on weight loss can make you less healthy (and what to focus on instead) The Viktor Frankl quote that completely changed Harley's approach to health, happiness, and success The lesson about weight loss that most busy people miss Why intermittent fasting may be a lot less revolutionary than you've been led to believe The one form of exercise Harley believes every woman should prioritize—even if she hates it What working with Jessica Simpson, Megan Fox, Halle Berry, and the Kardashians taught Harley about discipline and success In a world obsessed with hacks, shortcuts, and miracle solutions, what Harley says actually works Harley’s Book Recommendation: Man's Search for Meaning Make sure to follow Harley on Instagram @harleypasternak Check out Harley’s latest book The Carb Reset here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 4 · 1 hr 5 min
The Math Behind Modern Womanhood: With Corinne Low
Women entered the workforce. We got the degrees. We built careers. So why do so many of us still feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and like we're falling behind? In this episode of Question Everything, economist, professor, and author Corinne Low helps us unpack the hidden economics of modern womanhood, from invisible labor and unequal leisure time to the surprising role our relationships play in our ability to become who we want to be. Corinne and Danielle explore what "having it all" actually means, why choosing a partner may be one of the most important decisions we'll ever make, and whether women are still making trades inside a social contract we never agreed to. Because this conversation isn't really about chores, marriage, or even economics. It's about a bigger question: What does becoming look like for us—and what are we willing to trade to get there? In this episode, you'll learn: Why women still perform trillions of dollars of unpaid labor every year What 400 extra hours a year could mean for our careers, health, creativity, and happiness Why equality at work didn't automatically create equality at home The hidden reason so many ambitious women feel perpetually exhausted Why Corinne says choosing a partner is one of the most important economic decisions we'll ever make The surprising quality that's sexier than "sexy" in a long-term relationship How invisible labor affects ambition, career growth, and self-worth Why resentment often starts with time, not money The trap many couples fall into when one person's goals take priority over the other's Corinne's argument that a happy marriage requires both people to be self-actualized Why "having it all" may be the wrong question entirely The tradeoffs every woman is making (whether she realizes it or not) How modern relationships can either accelerate or limit who we're becoming A question Danielle couldn't stop thinking about: What would you do with ten extra weeks of your life every year? Make sure to pick up a copy of Corinne’s book Having It All, here. Follow Corinne on Instagram here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 28 · 1 hr 10 min
Why High-Achieving Women Can Still Feel Empty With Brooke Taylor (ex-Google)
What if the version of success you’ve been chasing was inherited, not consciously chosen? In this episode, Brooke Taylor, former Google Marketing Lead turned career coach and author argues that many ambitious women are unknowingly suffering from what she calls “the success wound”: the belief that our worth has to be earned through achievement. From elite schools to prestigious careers, we’re taught to chase accomplishment as the path to freedom. But what happens when you finally get there… and still feel empty? Brooke opens up about how her own success nearly destroyed her career at Google and shattered her sense of self. She also details why achievement can become a coping mechanism, how comparison quietly shapes our identities, and why so many outwardly successful women are falling apart behind the scenes. Brooke shares: Why high achievers often feel empty after “making it” The hidden psychological cost of tying self-worth to achievement Why success can quietly become a coping mechanism The breaking point that led Brooke to leave Google and completely reevaluate her life What Healing the Success Wound reveals about burnout, ambition, and identity The difference between healthy ambition and trauma-driven hustle The five types of unfulfilled achievers: Grinder, Pleaser, Hider, Seeker & Work Hard Play Hard Why outward success doesn’t guarantee inner fulfillment The surprising reason high-achieving women experience more anxiety and burnout How perfectionism keeps women stuck playing small Why curiosity (not confidence) may be the real key to healing Why learning to make decisions with only 51% certainty can transform your confidence and self-worth The dangerous lie behind “I’ll relax once I get through this season” How to stop using productivity to prove your worth Practical ways to rebuild self-worth without losing your ambition Brooke’s book recommendation: My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem Follow Brooke on Instagram @brookevtaylor Be sure to grab a copy of Brooke’s book Healing the Success Wound here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 21 · 1 hr 5 min
This Is Why Your Dreams Haven’t Happened Yet: Morgan Radford (NBC News) on the Rejection Letters She Kept + the One Yes That Changed Everything
What if you did everything right… and still weren't seen? NBC News anchor and author Morgan Radford is the kind of person who makes you rethink in real time. From being rejected by every local news station she applied to becoming one of NBC's most trusted correspondents and anchors, Morgan shares the truth behind her success and the moments that almost broke her. Inspired by her debut novel Now Then, this episode centers on the question passed down through generations of women in her family: "Where can we go to be whole?” In this episode, Morgan shares: The rejection letters she saved + the unpaid 2AM CNN internship that changed everything Why success doesn't protect you from feeling unseen The workplace moment she realized she could have a job, but not a career What it costs to be "the only one in the room" The love story that came back 12 years later + the pregnancy test she took that same night Why motherhood made her see the world "in Technicolor" The emotional inheritance passed down through the women in her family What writing Now Then forced her to confront about identity and vulnerability Her take on "fake news" and why journalism is at a breaking point The line that stopped Danielle in her tracks: "Dreams aren't something you have. Dreams are something you build." Morgan’s book recommendation: The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy Grab a copy of Morgan’s debut novel Now Then here Follow Morgan on Instagram @morgankradford See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 14 · 55 min
She Sent One (Imperfect) Cold Email… Now She Runs the Industry with Robin Arzón (Peloton)
Movement can change more than your body, sometimes it changes the entire direction of your life. In this episode of Question Everything, Robin Arzón, Vice President of Fitness Programming at Peloton, bestselling author, ultramarathon runner, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Project Swagger, opens up about leaving behind a successful career in corporate law to build a life centered around movement, reinvention, discipline, and purpose. Robin shares her philosophies on burnout, ambition, motherhood, mental toughness, GLP-1 culture, and learning to live in the uncomfortable space between who you are today… and who you’re becoming next. In this episode, Robin shares: How she went from corporate lawyer to one of the most recognizable faces in fitness at Peloton Why women “should” themselves into burnout The mindset shift that helped her reinvent her life Her philosophy on discipline, motivation, and mental toughness The productivity habits she uses to protect her energy and time Her honest thoughts on GLP-1 medications and modern body image culture Why motherhood made her more ambitious The self-talk techniques that helped build her confidence What endurance training taught her about resilience and mental toughness Why your feelings “aren’t always telling you the truth” Why she intentionally schedules “boredom” into her week The question that helps her overcome imposter syndrome How to create a life that feels expansive instead of performative The wellness trends she thinks are actually worth the hype Make sure to follow Robin on Instagram here and listen to her weekly podcast, Project Swagger. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 7 · 56 min
Rachel Goldberg-Polin on Being a Tragic Optimist + Why Love Is the Strongest Force We Have
On October 7, 2023, Rachel Goldberg-Polin's son Hersh was taken from the Nova Music Festival into Gaza. For 330 days, she and her husband John fought to bring him home; meeting with world leaders, speaking at the UN, and wearing a piece of tape on their chests with the changing number of days he'd been held captive. Hersh was murdered in captivity on day 330. In this raw and unforgettable conversation, Rachel sits down with Danielle to talk about her new book When We See You Again (NYT bestseller). She opens up about the reality of living inside grief, the pressure society places on people to “heal,” why she rejects toxic positivity, the philosophy of “tragic optimism” that now guides her life, and why she refuses to let her humanity break.In this episode, she shares: The final two texts Hersh sent his parents and what they meant Why Rachel calls herself "disordered" The story behind the tape that millions of people around the world started wearing "Toxic positivity" vs. "tragic optimism" — and the Viktor Frankl quote that Hersh lived by How Rachel held space for the suffering of mothers in Gaza while her own son was held there The one question she still can’t answer: “How are you?” Why Rachel says motherhood changed “the DNA” of who she is in the world The Jewish mystical idea that reframes why we're here at all What it means to mother a child who is no longer in this world Why Rachel says “hope is mandatory” even after unimaginable loss "Every soul comes to this world to do one act of kindness." The teaching that helps Rachel make sense of Hersh's life and her own Grab a copy of Rachel’s NYT bestselling book When We See You Again here Follow Rachel + her family on Instagram here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 30 · 41 min
Erin Walsh on Styling Anne Hathaway, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and the Real-Life Andy Sachs Arc
What if the way you get dressed every day is shaping more than your appearance? In this episode of Question Everything, Danielle speaks with celebrity stylist Erin Walsh, known for shaping the iconic looks of Anne Hathaway, to explore the deeper psychology of style, identity, and intentional living. From styling Selena Gomez, Sarah Jessica Parker and more, to her full-circle connection to The Devil Wears Prada and her new book The Art of Intention, Erin reveals why getting dressed is more than fashion. It's a daily practice of self-definition. If you’ve ever wondered how to become the person you’re meant to be, this conversation reframes transformation as something you choose—one decision at a time. In this episode you’ll also learn: Erin’s full-circle journey: from working at Vogue to becoming a The Devil Wears Prada fan, to styling Anne Hathaway on the The Devil Wears Prada 2 press tour What Erin has learned about fashion and pop culture from styling celebrities like Selena Gomez, Kerry Washington, and Sarah Jessica Parker The rise of “method dressing” and storytelling through red carpet fashion Why Erin believes “what should I wear?” is the wrong question, and what to ask instead The concept of intentional dressing and how it impacts confidence, identity, and performance The biggest lesson Erin learned from working at Vogue How to use fashion as a form of self-therapy and emotional regulation The “3-word method” to define how you want to feel each day Why most people disconnect from their personal style, and how to rebuild that connection The difference between dressing for the event vs. dressing for yourself Why criticism (and even harsh feedback) can be a creative advantage How small daily choices compound into major life direction shifts The role of intention in manifestation, success, and personal growth How many times a year you should be cleaning out your closet Why your closet might be holding you back, and how to turn it into a “portal of possibility” A new definition of transformation: becoming the you you were meant to be Erin’s book recommendation: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin Make sure to check out Erin’s book The Art of Intentional Dressing here Follow Erin’s journey on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 23 · 1 hr 13 min
Playbook for Navigating Uncertainty With Paralympian Amy Purdy
What if uncertainty wasn’t something to dread, but something we’re meant to live inside? In this episode, Danielle sits down with Paralympian Amy Purdy, whose life changed overnight at age 19 after losing both of her legs to bacterial meningitis. What followed wasn’t just a story of resilience, it was a complete redefinition of identity, possibility, and what it means to move forward. Amy went on to become a three-time Paralympic medalist, a finalist on Dancing with the Stars, and the author of Bounce Forward. But more than what she’s accomplished, this conversation focuses on how she navigates uncertainty, reinvention, and the moments that don’t make sense while you’re living them. In this episode, you’ll learn: The wild story of Madonna discovering Amy Purdy in a casting call Amy’s story of losing both legs to bacterial meningitis at 19 How Amy became a Paralympic medalist after losing both her legs The premonition-like encounter Amy had weeks before she nearly died What facing death actually feels like (and why it wasn’t fear) How to redefine purpose after losing everything familiar Ideas for staying grounded when life feels uncertain and out of control The difference between “bouncing back” vs. bouncing forward What it’s like learning to snowboard again on prosthetic legs The mental tools Amy uses to navigate fear, anxiety, and uncertainty How Amy manifested working with Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra, and Liz Gilbert The role of presence and mindfulness during life’s hardest moments Amy’s devastating second injury, and the moment she realized she “might never walk again” The power of choosing challenges and reframing our reality Make sure to check out Amy on Instagram, and read her new book Bounce Forward Amy's book recommendation: Your Thoughts Can Change Your Life by Donald Curtis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 16 · 50 min
How to Actually Win at Work (Without Playing Yourself) With Ginny Clarke
We’re all bombarded with a lot of career advice these days. And while some of it sounds good in theory, most of it doesn’t actually work in real life. In this episode, Danielle speaks with leadership coach Ginny Clarke, who brings 35+ years of experience across executive recruiting, talent management and leadership, including time as a Director of Executive Recruiting at Google. Ginny’s advice is simple: work is a game. To win, you have to learn to play. From what recruiters are really looking for, to why “main character energy” can quietly sabotage your career, to uncomfortable truths about titles, leadership, and workplace culture. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure how to navigate work without losing yourself in the process, this conversation will reframe how you think about all of it. You’ll learn: Career advice that actually works (and what’s quietly outdated) Job interview tips that go beyond rehearsed answers The most common interview mistakes, and how to avoid them How to answer “tell me about yourself” without sounding scripted What recruiters are really looking for (beyond your resume) Interview tips for introverts who don’t want to “perform” Career growth strategies that don’t rely on a linear path Workplace advice for navigating office dynamics and expectations How to succeed at work without burning out or losing yourself The truth about “main character energy” at work Leadership advice you can apply at any level, not just management How to deal with a bad boss (without hurting your own career) What company culture really is, and how to spot red flags fast Why your job title matters less than you think The mindset shift that unlocks real career success Follow Ginny on Instagram and TikTok. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 9 · 55 min
Is This a Men’s Crisis—or a Human One? With Dr. Gary Barker
Men are more lonely, more disconnected, and more unsure of who they’re supposed to be than we’ve seen in generations. And while the data is alarming, what often gets lost is how this is actually showing up in real life: on dates, in relationships, and in the expectations men and women are navigating every day. In this episode, Danielle speaks with Dr. Gary Barker, a leading global researcher on men and masculinity, to unpack what’s actually going on. From the cultural forces shaping modern manhood, to how it’s showing up in dating and relationships. Plus, the surprising TV show Gary points to as a model of healthy masculinity. Gary also unpacks: Why modern masculinity feels more confusing than ever The loneliness epidemic among men, and why it’s getting worse Why so many men feel blamed for systems like patriarchy and the Me Too movement The difference between calling men out vs calling men in (and why it matters) Why accountability alone isn’t working, and what’s missing How men actually benefit from gender equality and a safer world for women What role women play in reshaping masculinity, and where the line is The emotional labor gap in relationships, and why women tend to carry more The growing disconnect in modern dating, and why many women feel misaligned How dating apps and comparison culture are changing expectations for men The biological conversation we avoid: testosterone, male sexuality, and agency Why men are also wired for care, connection, and emotional bonding (not just aggression) The sources from which boys learn masculinity: mainly media, culture, peers, and family Why pop culture (like The Pitt) is starting to show healthier versions of masculinity Why no country, not even Scandinavian countries with progressive policies, has fully figured this out What it actually looks like to raise boys differently in today’s world The link between masculinity, violence, and school shootings in the U.S. Follow Dr. Gary Barker’s organization Equimondo on Instagram Book recommendation: Father Time by Sarah Hrdy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 2 · 49 min
You're Not Failing Long Enough To Be Successful With Artist Daniel Arsham
We all move through the same world, but we don’t all notice the same things. In this episode, Danielle speaks with visual artist Daniel Arsham about what it actually means to pay attention, and how refining that skill can shape not just your worldview, but your creativity and success. From choosing to live inside a 90-square-foot space in his own studio to building a global career spanning art, fashion, and design, Arsham’s life is a case study in the art of perception. Today, his work sits at the intersection of culture and luxury, collaborating with brands like Dior, Porsche, Tiffany & Co., and Pokémon, with sculptures that sell for millions and exhibitions that draw thousands across multiple continents. This conversation goes beyond aesthetics and into something deeper: how we train ourselves to notice, what we filter out, and how those choices quietly shape what we create, a philosophy he explores further in his new memoir, Future Relic. In this episode, you’ll learn: Daniel’s take on the art of noticing, and how photography first taught him that a camera is not just for documenting the world, but for framing a personal way of seeing it. The idea behind failure as a creative necessity. Why Daniel says success often comes down to being willing to fail longer than most people are comfortable with. How his humble beginnings at his Greenpoint studio became a key lesson in his career. Why Daniel wanted his memoir Future Relic to focus so heavily on process, detours, and setbacks What Daniel considers his clearest public failure, and why most creative disappointments matter far less than they feel like they do in the moment. The story of Daniel building a full-scale cardboard replica of Emmanuel Perrotin’s gallery inside his studio as a way of pitching himself. The changing value of handmade work in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world Daniel’s take on taste, which he says is developed through exposure, travel, and experience, not something you are simply born with. Follow Daniel on Instagram and make sure to check out his book Future Relic See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 26 · 59 min
The Hidden Story Running Your Life With Katherine Woodward Thomas (Therapist)
We like to believe we know who we are. But what if the version of yourself you’ve been living as… isn’t actually you? In this episode of Question Everything, Danielle sits down with bestselling author and therapist Katherine Woodward Thomas to explore the hidden stories shaping our identities, our relationships, and the patterns we can’t seem to break. Katherine, best known for coining the term “conscious uncoupling,” is back with a deeper question: not just how we separate from others, but how we separate from the outdated versions of ourselves we’ve been living inside. This conversation challenges the idea that healing is only about looking backward, and introduces a new way of thinking about identity, growth, and what it actually takes to change your life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you may still be living inside a story you formed as a child The concept of “source fracture stories” and how they shape your identity Why many self-help approaches keep us stuck in analysis instead of actual transformation How we can recreate our biggest wounds in present-day relationships The subtle ways we reinforce beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not wanted” A simple practice for speaking to yourself in a way that interrupts anxiety and spiraling How to recognize when you’re operating from reaction vs. consciously creating your life Why healing isn’t just about understanding your past, but changing your future The difference between your “wounded self” and your “wise self” How to interrupt emotional patterns in real time with one simple question Why Katherine says beliefs are formed in relationships, and must be transformed in them The role of identity in manifestation Tools for understand what you are uniquely coded for How to begin shifting into a new version of yourself The power of asking: What am I assuming is true? Follow Katherine on Instagram and make sure to check out her book What’s True About You Book recommendation:The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 19 · 1 hr 16 min
Dany Garcia: The Bigger the Loss, The Bigger the Life
Dany Garcia has built one of the most powerful portfolios in entertainment, but her path there was anything but smooth. Before she became the chairwoman, entrepreneur, and strategic force behind some of Hollywood’s biggest names, she was a 13-year-old girl who decided she was going to build wealth and create a life for herself. From selling men’s suits as a teenager to leaving Merrill Lynch to start her own firm, to architecting the career of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (even after their divorce), Dany has spent her life questioning the rules about power, ambition, and success. But behind the empire is a story of setbacks, rejection, and reinvention. Dany believes that there is no big life without losses, and that the willingness to keep showing up after failure is the real difference between people who dream big and people who build big. In this episode of Question Everything, Dany opens up to Danielle about the lessons that shaped her: childhood expectations, career risks, painful losses, and the mindset that helped her rebuild again and again. Dany shares: The rule she broke that changed her life: “The red carpet is only for celebrities.” How she decided at 13 years old that she was going to create wealth. Selling men’s suits at 16 and the early lessons that shaped her business mindset. Meeting Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in college — and later becoming the architect of his career. Why she continued working with Dwayne professionally even after their divorce. What she learned from walking into Hollywood boardrooms where people didn’t take her seriously. The painful realization that the system she helped build might never give her the recognition she expected. The moment she decided to stop waiting for her “turn” and create her own platform. Why she believes winning and losing are inseparable when you’re building a big life. Becoming a competitive bodybuilder in her 40s and what athletics taught her about resilience. The philosophy behind her brand Dany Garcia’s Donny Moss and advancing the human experience. What she does better than almost anyone else in business. How success has evolved from money and ambition to culture, sustainability, and impact. Follow Dany @DanyGarcia to stay updated on her latest ventures, including DANIMÁS, The Garcia Companies, Seven Bucks Productions, the UFL, and more. Book Recommendation: Power vs. Force by David R. Hawkins See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.