The Stunning Effects of Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma

Even in 2024, menopause is a taboo subject. But lately, women like Halle Berry, Jennifer Anniston, Drew Barrymore, and Gabrielle Union are speaking out. We join the conversation with Dr. Jennifer Ashton to answer all of your menopause questions: from first symptoms, to libido, to muscle building as you age. Dr. Ashton is a double board certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology. She recently stepped down as ABC's chief medical correspondent to launch her own wellness company called Ajenda, which focuses on women’s health and wellness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity stylist Karla Welch has dressed the world’s biggest stars including Tracee Ellis Ross, America Ferrera, Olivia Wilde, and Justin Bieber, but the greatest accomplishment of her life may just be her work to fight period poverty. Period poverty – defined as a lack of access to menstrual products or education – affects millions of people who menstruate every day. As the co-founder and CEO of The Period Company, Karla built a mission-driven business that makes affordable, long-lasting period underwear more accessible to everyone, both in the United States and globally. Karla sits down with us to spread the message and show how you can get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the co-creator and star of “Broad City”, Ilana Glazer spent her twenties perfecting the relatable buddy comedy about trying to "make it" in New York. Ilana’s new movie “Babes” also draws from her own experience, this time of becoming a mom in her early thirties, to portray the messy, hilarious, and poignant reality of motherhood and how it can test even our most cherished lifelong friendships. She spoke with us about what pleasure looks like in her thirties, why she hates it when people call pregnancy “gross” and how she’s learned to manage her nerves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yulin Kuang was born for this moment. Growing up, Yulin rewrote movies in her head to include more kissing scenes and transcribed romantic comedies into her diary before bedtime. In her career as a screenwriter and director, Yulin’s credits include “I Ship It”, “Dollface” and the forthcoming adaptation of Emily Henry’s bestselling “Beach Read.”  Yulin’s lifelong love affair with the romance genre culminated when her first book, a contemporary romance novel called “How to End a Love Story”, was selected as May’s pick for Reese’s Book Club. Yulin sits down with Danielle and Simone to talk sexual awakenings and learning to sit with your feelings. You can find "How to End a Love Story" on Apple Books or wherever you get your books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 13 years as one of the most respected and recognizable news anchors at CNN, Brooke Baldwin left the network at the height of her career – not because of the stress of covering the pandemic or the tumultuous Trump presidency, but because of the toxic work culture, bullying, and unequal treatment she experienced. Years later, Brooke calls that transformative time in her life and its aftermath her “unraveling," and she credits it with finally finding her own voice amidst the noise. She joins us to share how she garnered the strength to reinvent herself and what she’s up to now that she has entered her bad girl era. The list is long!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary singer-songwriter Jewel found success at a young age. When she hit the music scene with her iconic album “Pieces of You” in the ’90s, her authenticity endeared her to millions of fans worldwide and thrust her into the limelight. Her experience with the trauma of fame led her to eventually quit the industry for seven years and explore what she wanted to do with her life. She stopped by The Bright Side to talk about learning how to become more self-reliant, the pressure of success, and learning how to be happy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We revisit highlights from three conversations we loved having on this show. Maryjane Fahey, who created the Glorious Broads community, talks about aging powerfully and living imaginatively. Amanda Montell, linguist and author of “The Age of Magical Overthinking,” gets into how we deal with the incredible amount of information that comes at us every day. And Priya Parker, the author of “The Art of Gathering,” tells us how we can make our time spent with others more meaningful with a little bit of intention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and our sights are set on summer barbecues, patio drinking, and picnics with our pals. Sommelier Alison Morris Rosyln, of Francey Not Fancy, stops by The Bright Side to guide us through the best wine picks for the summer. She drops some wine knowledge, and also gives us some tips on how to pick out the best wines at a restaurant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Alexandra Hayes Robinson — AKA Hello Hayes — the journey to becoming an advice columnist started when she realized that she was a person with very big feelings. Now, with hundreds of thousands of followers across social media platforms, she uses that introspection to answer questions all about friendships, confidence, and so much more. Plus, Danielle and Simone discuss active listening and couples who sleep in separate bedrooms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacqueline Novak is the co-host of the podcast “Poog,” the author of “How to Weep in Public: Feeble Offerings on Depression from One Who Knows,” and the force behind the Netflix special “Get On Your Knees” — a comedically highbrow exploration of a less-than-highbrow sex act. She talks about the act of creating something unique, and of being true to who you are. Simone fills Danielle in on a life-changing retreat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.