Lainey Wilson on Following Her Dreams

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 investigates the collapse of youth mental health, exploring 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.

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 joins Hoda Kotb for season 6 of Making Space to talk about the importance of using your voice, speaking your truth and fighting for what you deserve.

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. Lainey has broken records and reached new milestones, all without compromising her voice. And while it may seem like Lainey is an overnight sensation, she’ll be the first to tell you that her success took time - she faced years of rejection and heartbreak before making it big, but she never gave up on her dreams. Lainey joined Hoda Kotb on Making Space earlier this summer, reflecting on her career, her music and her love of storytelling, marking a milestone as Hoda's 50th guest. To celebrate the release of Lainey's new album "Whirlwind", Hoda is revisiting this very special conversation.

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.

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.

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. 

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. She’s ready to “get the job done”, and bring home gold for Team USA. Simone sat down with Hoda Kotb in an exclusive interview, reflecting on her journey and her goals for Paris.

Bette Midler is one of the most iconic entertainers of her generation. Her legendary career spans half a century, including a wide-range of music and Oscar-nominated roles. She’s won multiple Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes and Tonys, endlessly entertaining and inspiring fans. 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”.

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. He dedicated himself to meditation and trusting his intuition, drawing on his own experiences to inspire healing in others. 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.

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. And while it may seem like Wilson is an overnight sensation, she’ll be the first to tell you that her success took time - she faced years of rejection and heartbreak before making it big, but she never gave up on her dreams. 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.