Duologue with Leslie Heaney

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From Napa with Love - feat. Alexis Swanson Traina Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

I hope you all had a great July 4th weekend. We are kicking off July with what I'm calling a summer series. I've asked insiders in certain summer communities to share their favorite secret spots and recommendations for places to stay, eat, and things to do.

Who better to kick it off with than my wonderful friend Alexis Swanson Traina - back for her second time on the podcast to share all of her favorite spots from her hometown of Napa Valley, California.

Alexis is not only the Founder of the modern communication app Hinote, but she is also the author of "From Napa with Love," a beautiful book that highlights all the amazing and magical people and spots in Napa.

In this episode, Alexis and I discuss the towns of Napa, its wineries, her own love affair with Napa, and all the must-see places to visit, stay, and eat. Whether you're planning a trip to Napa this summer or fall or just love to learn about this very special spot in our country - this is a great episode you won't want to miss!

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Land Between The Rivers: Iraq Then and Now - feat. Bartle Bull Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by: Tenmile Distillery

All Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout.

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Acclaimed by critics, Land Between the Rivers: A 5,000-Year History of Iraq offers a sweeping chronicle of the region often called the cradle of civilization - a vital crossroads between East and West. Its author, Bartle Bull, draws on his experience as a freelance reporter during the Iraq War in the early 2000s.

Risking their own safety, courageous Iraqis sheltered Bartle, enabling him to report from the front lines for outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times. As a tribute to these remarkable individuals, Bartle penned this extraordinary book, illuminating Iraq’s pivotal role in world history.

In this episode, Bartle and I journey through the ages: from the ancient world of Mesopotamia and the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, to the creation of modern Iraq after World War I, the 1958 assassination of the Iraqi royal family, the rise of Sadam Hussein and the complexities of Iraq’s political landscape today.

We delve into the dangers he faced as a war correspondent, examine the diverse ethnic and religious groups of Iraq and Iran, and discuss the region’s enduring conflicts.

As the Middle East continues to grapple with conflict and change, Bartle examines Iraq’s past and present, revealing how history shapes the realities of today.

Bartle’s depth of knowledge and storytelling are truly captivating. I learned so much from this conversation, and I’m sure you will, too.

For history lovers or those who want to learn more about this very important part of the world, this episode is for you!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen now!

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The Gilded Age in Newport - feat. Trudy Coxe Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

This past Sunday, June 22nd was the Season 3 Premiere of HBO's hit series, The Gilded Age. Part of the success of this show is the viewing audience's fascination of this time period - a time of rapid change and immense wealth in the United States - and the grand mansions of the time located in Newport, Rhode Island.

I thought my listeners would be interested in going behind the scenes - to learn more about this time of great change, wealth, power and drama in American History - and who better to give us a view into this world and history, than Trudy Coxe, the CEO and Executive Director of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

In this episode, Trudy and I talk about the "Gilded Age" - this time of transformation following the Civil War where the railroads, oil, banking, created the Robber Barons and the rise of families like the Vanderbilts, Goulds, Astors.

We explore the similarities between the show and real like characters - for example, Bertha Russell and Alva Vanderbilt and how the show's creator, Julian Fellowes, went to great lengths to make certain that he was getting the historical details of the time correct. Importantly, Fellowes engaged historians to ensure that the story of the rise of elite Black Americans during this time were being accurately portrayed through his character Peggy Scott.
We also examine about the role of immigrants in this society, the architecture of these grand homes, the culture of religious freedom in Newport and the broader economy at the time. While we talk about the rise of these families and great wealth in America at the time, we also explore the fall of the Gilded Age and these grand summer cottages and the creation of the Preservation Society and its importance in maintaining these homes and in it this important period of American history.

For lovers of history, Newport or the Gilded Age, this episode is for you!
And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

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Every Body is a Swimsuit Body - feat. Joyann King Michael and Chrissy McCurdy Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: ⁠⁠TENMILE DISTILLERY ⁠⁠

All Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout. ⁠⁠Click here to learn more⁠⁠.

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In Today’s Episode: Meet the Women Redefining Swimwear and Shapewear

In this episode, I sit down with two dear friends and former neighbors from Millbrook—Joyann King Michael and Chrissy McCurdy—two of the three powerhouse founders behind Stylest, the brand transforming the swimwear and shapewear space.

Stylest was born from a poolside wardrobe malfunction and has since evolved into a patented, best-in-class solution for women everywhere. Their signature DreamSculpt bras for swim, flattering suits, and effortlessly chic coverups have earned praise from Harper’s Bazaar to Oprah Daily—yes, Oprah really can’t live without them. Stylest is helping women everywhere feel like their best selves—because every body is a swimsuit body.

In our conversation, we talk about building a company from scratch, juggling work and growing families, and redefining what it means to feel confident in your own skin. Joyann and Chrissy are smart, funny, and making things happen.

This is an episode for the dreamers, the builders, and anyone who’s ever felt uneasy about swimsuit season. Stream it now!

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

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[Part 2] Alzheimer’s and Brain Health - feat. Dr. Kellyann Niotis Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: ⁠TENMILE DISTILLERY ⁠

In honor of Father’s Day, all Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout. ⁠Click here to learn more⁠.

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down with expert preventative neurologist Dr. Kellyann Niotis.

Dr. Niotis is the Director of Parkinson's and Lew Body Dementia at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. She is the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist specializing in risk reduction strategies for neurodegenerative disorders. She managed the first Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

We often hear about how little can be done once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Lew Body Dementia, or Parkinson's to reverse the progression of the disease. What is so exciting about my conversation with Dr. Niotis is that we talk about ways that we can scientifically reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer's, Lew Body, and Parkinson’s. My conversation with Dr. Niotis was so in-depth that I have divided this episode into two parts!

Part 1 covered statistics on these diseases, as well as the reasons for their rise, symptoms that appear YEARS before diagnosis, and genetic testing - including who is a candidate and the pros and cons of undergoing these tests.

In this episode (Part 2), we talk about all of the modifiable risk factors for dementia, from monitoring your cholesterol levels to having your hearing checked to getting the shingles vaccine. It was such an eye-opening and empowering conversation.

This subject is a personal one for me having my mother-in-law having dementia before she died. After this episode, I hope you, like me, will feel like you have all of the knowledge and tools to reduce and reverse your risk of developing these diseases.

This is a must-listen episode! And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram ⁠@⁠⁠TheInterviewWithLeslie⁠ and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

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[Part 1] Alzheimer’s and Brain Health - feat. Dr. Kellyann Niotis Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TENMILE DISTILLERY

In honor of Father’s Day, all Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout. Click here to learn more.

-------------------------------------

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down with expert preventative neurologist Dr. Kellyann Niotis.

Part 1, released today, will cover statistics on these diseases, as well as the reasons for their rise, symptoms that appear YEARS before diagnosis, and genetic testing - including who is a candidate and the pros and cons of undergoing these tests.

In Part 2, we talk about all of the modifiable risk factors for dementia, from monitoring your cholesterol levels to having your hearing checked to getting the shingles vaccine. It was such an eye-opening and empowering conversation.

This is a must-listen episode! And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Discover Your Hidden Genius - feat. Betsy Wills Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

I’m so excited to be back after my six-week break that was filled with parents’ weekends, school plays, crew races—and our daughter’s high school graduation!

And I promise, this next episode was worth the wait.

This week on The Interview, I sit down with Betsy Wills—co-founder of YouScience and author of Your Hidden Genius. Whether you’re reentering the workforce, feeling professionally unfulfilled, or graduating and unsure of your next steps, this conversation is for you.

Betsy shares how we can use science—specifically an aptitude-based assessment—to uncover our innate strengths, interests, and traits. We explore how understanding your natural talents is the first step toward finding both career success and personal fulfillment.

This episode is a powerful reminder that self-awareness is more than a buzzword—it’s the foundation for a meaningful life.

Your Hidden Genius is the perfect graduation gift for your high school or college-aged children, but it’s also a must-read for anyone at any stage of life. We all deserve to better understand ourselves and what we’re truly meant to do.

Don’t miss this one—it might just change how you see yourself. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

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[REVISIT] Choose Joy - feat. Kate Doerge May 28, 2025

Show notes

May is Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month. In honor of that, we are re-releasing a deeply moving episode that focuses on a truly incredible foundation—and the powerful story behind it.

Leslie sits down with Kate Doerge, founder of Penny’s Flight Foundation. Kate shares the powerful story of her daughter, Penny, who passed away in November 2022 from NF—the most common genetic disorder in children, and one that still has no cure.

In the wake of unimaginable loss, Kate, her husband Chad, and their community turned grief into action. They founded Penny’s Flight Foundation, a growing national movement dedicated to raising awareness and funding for NF research.

In this heartfelt conversation, Kate reflects on Penny’s joyful spirit, the mission of the foundation, and the boundless energy fueling efforts to find a cure. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the power of community.

Tune in and be inspired by the legacy of Penny and the incredible work being done in her name.

If you’re moved by this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite platform. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

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[REVISIT] American Heroes - feat. James Patterson and Tim Malloy May 21, 2025

Show notes

In anticipation of Memorial Day, we’re bringing back a powerful and timely conversation with two remarkable storytellers, James Patterson and Tim Malloy.

You know Patterson as one of the bestselling authors of all time, with over 425 million books sold and collaborations with names like Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton. You may know Malloy as a veteran investigative reporter and seven-time Emmy winner.

Together, they’ve created something truly meaningful: American Heroes—a tribute to real-life servicemen and women who have earned the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, and Distinguished Service Cross.

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Patterson and Malloy about the unforgettable stories in their book, the weight of military sacrifice, and why these acts of courage deserve our attention—especially now.

They also reflect on their work on Filthy Rich: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein, how their careers began, and their shared passion for telling the stories that matter most.

Funny, thoughtful, and deeply moving—this is an episode that feels especially resonant as we honor those who’ve served. We’re honored to share it again with our listeners. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

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[REVISIT] I Loved You First - feat. Jenna Bush Hager May 07, 2025

Show notes

In honor of Mother’s Day this upcoming Sunday, we’re revisiting a conversation that celebrates the beautiful bond between parent and child. In this episode, Leslie sits down with the inspiring Jenna Bush Hager—author, journalist, and host of Today with Jenna & Friends.

A force in publishing and media, Jenna is the creator of the Read with Jenna Book Club, founder of the Thousand Voices imprint supporting emerging writers, and co-founder of her own production company.

Jenna and her twin sister Barbara recently co-authored their third book together, I Loved You First, a heartfelt children’s story that captures the magic of parenthood and the strength of sibling connection.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jenna opens up about the inspiration behind the book, the power of sisterhood and female friendship, how it feels to host Today without her longtime co-host Hoda Kotb, and the mission behind her literary ventures. Plus, she and Leslie bond over their mutual love of karaoke!

Whether you’re a mom, a daughter, or someone who cherishes the women in your life, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie.

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