Laverne Cox on “Uglies,” Beauty Standards, and Being Herself

Pop culture anthropologist and internet personality Blakeley Thornton joins the show to give an all-access pass to the “Wicked” movie premiere! He, Danielle, and Simone dive into the star-studded fashion, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's emotional bond, and the profound impact the film is having on audiences. They debate this year's Sexiest Man Alive from "People," (John Krasinski…?) and call out some alternatives. Plus, they ask the age-old question: Is it ever a good idea to get back with your ex? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are back with another installment of “Mom Friend,” a judgment-free zone to explore the often-overwhelming work of parenting. Emily Oster is back. She is an economist, bestselling author of “Expecting Better” and “Cribsheet,” and is the CEO of ParentData. We unpack what the data says about all the parenting concerns that arise from birth through the preschool years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How fluffy is YOUR hippocampus? Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist and expert on brain plasticity, joins to share all about the incredible effects of exercise on the brain. Dr. Suzuki reveals how regular movement (especially aerobic exercise) does more than keep our bodies healthy — it actually changes the structure of our brains, boosting memory, focus, and mood. She shares her personal journey of discovering the power of exercise (even a ten-minute walk!) and explains how we can all use movement to create a “fluffy hippocampus,” improve cognitive function, and protect against age-related decline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So much of the advice we get on negotiation is about acting a certain way or adopting a particular posture. Negotiation expert and Wharton School professor Mori Taheripour offers actionable advice on how to close the deal — while staying true to your authentic self. She shares her insights on why women often struggle with self-advocacy in negotiations, offering practical tools to boost confidence and reclaim power at the bargaining table. Plus, she reveals her own pre-negotiation pep talk and the ultimate hype song! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Bonnet is a cast member from the glamorous world of  “Selling Sunset” and the author of the new memoir “Selling Sunshine.” She opens up about her incredible journey — becoming a mother at 16, overcoming personal traumas, and more — and how it all fueled her determination to succeed in both her personal life and career. Mary also dives into her fertility journey and how her husband, Romain, has helped with her healing. Plus, we get the inside scoop on what it’s really like behind the scenes of “Selling Sunset” — from the drama to the real estate deals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you grow up in a snack house, or an ingredient house? It's Feel Good Friday! Danielle and Simone are joined by showrunner Tim Palazzola for a good-vibes, laughter-filled episode. They dive into inspiring stories from the New York Marathon, the tale of a woman who found love at Home Depot with the help of some "questionable" advice, and the power of trusting your intuition. Plus, Tim shares what a showrunner actually does!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show, we’re celebrating the launch of Hello Sunshine’s brand new wine label, Drop of Sunshine. Guiding Danielle and Simone in a tasting is master sommelier Gillian Ballance, who helps demystify the heady world of wine tasting, and talks through festive holiday pairings. Plus, legendary broadcaster Angela Yee gives her perspective on business, community, and being a boss entrepreneur.  To buy your bottle of Drop of Sunshine, use code BRIGHTSIDE15 Code expires at 11:59pm on December 31, 2024. One time use per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. No minimum purchase required. Discount applies to sub-total, does not impact taxes and shipping costs. Enjoy Responsibly. Drop of Sunshine, Sonoma, CA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is National Stress Awareness Day. It’s a tremendously stressful time but there’s so much hope! Judith Moskowitz is a psychologist and Northwestern University professor who studies the unique mental and physical health effects of positive emotions. She comes on the show to break down all the ways you can embrace a positive mindset in your life today and into the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Election Day! As we celebrate the power of making our voices heard at the ballot box, Danielle and Simone are joined by acclaimed historian Dr. Martha S. Jones to discuss the courageous women who fought to make women’s right to vote a reality and to honor the unsung heroes who have carried that torch into the present day. Dr. Jones is a professor of history at Johns Hopkins University and the author of “Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes the barrier to entry with investing comes down to vocabulary: What’s an ETF? A bond? A stock? Simran Kaur is here to get you started if you have never invested before. She is an entrepreneur and founder of the platform Girls That Invest.  She brings concise, clear, and actionable advice on where to start if you’re new to investing, and debunks some of the “common knowledge” many women have been fed about their abilities to manage and invest money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.