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

Danielle and Simone discuss this week’s pop culture stories with Amanda Kloots, co-host of “The Talk” and moderator on Live from the Other Side with Tyler Henry. What’s the best way to connect with your child-free friends? And is sharing gum with your partner hot or not? Simone, Danielle, and Amanda weigh in. Check out our episode with Michaela Jaé’ here! And click here for more information on the Elle open casting call. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natasha Rothwell has gone from the writer’s room at “Saturday Night Live” to on-screen roles in HBO’s “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” to becoming a leading lady in her own show, Hulu’s “How to Die Alone.” Natasha joins the Bright Side to discuss her newest series, why she wants to give people a character to root for, and how it’s a humbling thing to have your dream come true in front of people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is self-reliance? And how can it be used as a tool in the workplace and in life? On today’s Wellness Wednesday segment, global communications strategist and author of “7 Rules of Self-Reliance” Maha Abouelenein breaks down the rules of building self-reliance and puts them into practice for Danielle and Simone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A decade ago, Laverne Cox burst on to the scene with her role as Sophia Burset on Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black,” becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. This month, Laverne stars in the Netflix film “Uglies,” a dystopian story set in a future society where everyone undergoes extreme cosmetic surgery at the age of 16 to become “pretty.” Laverne joins the Bright Side to discuss her latest role, her changing perceptions of beauty standards, and how at 52, she is saying “yes to life.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran journalist Connie Chung originally wanted to tell her story through stand-up, but her husband — veteran daytime talk host Maury Povich — convinced her to write a memoir. We’re still hoping for that stand-up, Connie! In her memoir “Connie,” she describes her career as an Asian American woman in a white male-centered industry, and provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of her career-defining reporting. Connie joins the Bright Side to discuss her new memoir and why everyone needs a mentor or a Maury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kirbie Johnson returns! She’s a beauty guru and co-host of the podcast “Gloss Angeles,” who’s also known for her work with The Cut, PopSugar, and more. She joins the show to pop off on a viral parenting controversy, the pros and cons of wedding content creators, and who’s the real queen of Halloween?  Check out our episode with Alexene Farol Follmuth here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halle Berry doesn’t need an introduction. She’s the first Black woman to win the Oscar for best actress and has been a fierce advocate for women’s rights, raising awareness about menopause. She’s also got a new horror film out called “Never Let Go,” that she produced through her own production company HalleHolly — just in time for spooky season this fall. Halle joins the Bright Side to discuss her new horror film, what she hopes her legacy will be, and how she paves the way for herself and others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We chronically undervalue the invisible domestic tasks that women disproportionately own. Eve Rodsky took this imbalance head on by authoring “Fair Play” and creating the corresponding card deck. She shares how we often view women’s time like sand, and men’s like diamonds. Plus, she reveals insights from her latest research — relevant whether you're a parent, a partner, or just interested in playing a little bit more fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eve made her mark in the rap scene in the late ’90s as the first lady of Ruff Ryders. And over the past decades, she’s had platinum albums, hit singles, and a Grammy Award. She was also one of the first female rappers to have a sitcom, launch a clothing line and co-host the daytime talk show, “The Talk.” Eve joins the Bright Side to share how she’s navigating life in London with a blended family and she’s spilling all the details in her new memoir, “Who’s That Girl?”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julianne Hough is a dancer, actor, Emmy Award-winner — and now she’s adding author to her impressive resume. She’s out with a brand new book titled “Everything We Never Knew,” a fictional book based on her real life experiences. She shares about her healing journey, her new “factional” book, and the moment she reconnected with her body again. Plus, the new season of “Dancing with the Stars” premieres tomorrow, and Julianne shares the secret to success on the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.