John Cena on Overcoming Childhood Bullying and Discovering Purpose in Retirement

Loss can either anchor you to the past or teach you how to build something extraordinary. Breakout star Alex Warren joins Hoda Kotb on Making Space to open up about his traumatic childhood, the reality of losing his parents at a young age, and sleeping in a car while trying to piece his life together. In this raw and uplifting conversation, Alex shares how keeping his father's memory alive fueled his creative journey, why finding his wife changed his understanding of belonging, and how he turned deep vulnerability into the beating heart of his music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As a bonus for Making Space fans, we’re sharing the trailer for season 5 of Morrison Mysteries.  Enter the shadowy world of Edgar Allan Poe, brought to life by the unmistakable voice of Dateline’s Keith Morrison. In Season 5 of Morrison Mysteries, experience the mystery and madness of Poe's haunting classics, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat and The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Just search “Morrison Mysteries” to follow now or click here: swap.fm/l/mmdfd Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you walk away from the only thing that defined you for over 20 years? In this deeply revealing conversation from Making Space, John sits down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on overcoming childhood bullying, finding true partnership, and discovering purpose in retirement. John explores why stepping away from his legendary 24-year wrestling career was the ultimate act of self-love, how his hardest failures became his greatest teachers, and what it truly means to build a life centered on a real teammate.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you feel like you're losing the daily battle against phones and iPads, psychologist Jonathan Haidt has some good news: the tide is finally starting to turn. In this episode of Making Space, Jonathan sits down with Hoda Kotb to break down how constant screen time is rewiring kids' brains, killing their attention spans, and stealing away real-world play. Drawing from his new book, The Amazing Generation, they dive into what it actually takes to get back to a fearless, tech-free childhood. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most people spend their lives trying to avoid mistakes, but restaurateur Danny Meyer, the visionary behind Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, believes that failure is actually the greatest teacher we have. In this moving conversation from Making Space with Hoda Kotb, Danny Meyer pulls back the curtain on the hardest moments of his career and what it takes to bounce back when everything falls apart. He and Hoda explore his new memoir, What Could Possibly Go Right?, discussing why putting your employees first, trusting your gut, and asking the right question can completely change your life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Culinary icon and bestselling author Ina Garten believes that our hardest chapters do not have to define our destiny. In this deeply moving conversation from Making Space, Ina sits down to pull back the curtain on her remarkable journey, from navigating a painful childhood, choosing authenticity, and reinventing her life and career at 78. She explores the power of leaving the past behind, building a life entirely on your own terms, and proving that your most defining chapter can happen at any age. This episode is about resilience, courage, grace, and finding peace by embracing your true self. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you look solely at the success of her body of work, you’d never guess Oscar-nominated actress Rosie Perez is dealing with the effects of her painful childhood. But over the course of her career and life, Rosie has chosen to focus on the good. In this final episode of the season, Rosie reflects on her own strength and resilience, and she looks back fondly at those who believed in her. Raw and honest, Rosie is making space for healing. She always knew she’d make it, after hearing her conversation with Hoda, you’ll see why.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Powerhouse actresses and producers Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock believe that our hardest seasons are often where we discover our truest strength. In this deeply moving and funny conversation from Making Space, Nicole and Sandra sit down with Hoda Kotb to pull back the curtain on the lessons they’ve learned from caregiving and raising teenagers with grace. They explore the beauty of evolving past public expectations, redefining family on your own terms, and choosing to lead with love and gratitude. This episode is about resilience, legacy, grace, and finding peace in the circle of life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastor Michael Todd is the leader of the Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This dynamic 34 year-old speaks to the power we all have to transform our own lives, turning the impossible into the reachable. He joins Hoda for an honest, high-energy and invigorating conversation, touching on topics from renewing relationships to overcoming struggles from the past. As Pastor Todd has seen in his life—and hopefully you will see in yours after listening—an idea, goal or a vision is only crazy until it happens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Best-selling author Anne Lamott knows a thing about overcoming obstacles. Thirty-five years on the other side of her addiction, Anne is the author of 19 books, a mother, grandmother, and in her 60s, a wife for the first time. Anne offers wisdom, candidly, and often, hilariously. She shares what she calls "operating instructions": how to master a life of peace and gratitude—a reminder that grace always meets you exactly where you are. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.