Recharge with David Ko

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Latest Episodes:

Recharge with Sheryl Lee Ralph: Emmy Magic & Unstoppable Joy May 27, 2025

Emmy-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph brings her electrifying presence to David Ko's podcast, sharing the journey from Broadway's "Dreamgirls" to her beloved role as Barbara Howard on "Abbott Elementary." With trademark authenticity, Sheryl recounts transforming personal tragedy into purpose by founding the Diva Foundation after losing friends to AIDS in the 1980s.
Her historic Emmy win at age 65 becomes a powerful testament to perseverance, embodying her philosophy that "it's not over 'til you say it's over." Sheryl candidly discusses fighting for authentic Black representation in an industry that once marginalized her, advising listeners to "build your own table" when faced with exclusion.
Sheryl shares touching stories of mentorship and her commitment to mental health advocacy through community walks that blend mindfulness with social justice.
With delightful self-assurance, she celebrates embracing the very features once mocked by bullies—her distinctive lips and nose—now admired worldwide. Sheryl's memoir "DIVA 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me For You!" and her campaign for mental wellness and racial equity reflect her lifelong commitment to creating meaningful change through authentic representation.

Recharge with Common: Rhythms of Resilience May 20, 2025

Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winner Common explores the intersection of art and activism with David Ko, drawing from his new book "And Then We Rise." The conversation traces his evolution from Chicago's South Side to global prominence, highlighting how his mother's spiritual foundation and the legacies of figures like Emmett Till shaped his worldview.
Common speaks candidly about breaking mental health stigmas in communities of color, sharing a moving story about a grieving teenager inspired to seek help after hearing his advocacy. With remarkable vulnerability, he discusses attending therapy with his daughter and how this strengthened their relationship during challenging times.
Common reveals his daily recharging rituals: prayer, meditation, walks, and the joy of NBA games, alongside the importance of retreats and intentional "doing nothing" for deeper renewal.
Throughout the conversation, Common exemplifies how authentic self-expression can catalyze community healing and social change. Listeners gain insight into balancing artistic creation with activism, maintaining spiritual grounding amid success, and finding personal peace while addressing collective struggles.

Recharge with Jordan Chiles: Olympic Triumphs & Resilience May 13, 2025

Two-time Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles joins David Ko to discuss her new book “I'm That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams” and her groundbreaking journey from childhood Nike dreams to becoming a TIME Women of the Year honoree. Jordan reveals how she's revolutionizing gymnastics culture with her unapologetic self-expression through tattoos, braids, and Beyoncé-inspired performances.
With remarkable vulnerability, Jordan shares how therapy, artistic expression during COVID isolation, and sometimes confiding in strangers helped rebuild her psychological resilience.
The conversation highlights her historic Paris Olympics podium moment alongside two other Black women gymnasts—a first in the sport's history. Jordan distinguishes her impact from teammate Simone Biles with the observation: "Simone changes the game—I change the culture."
Beyond athletics, Jordan discusses battling social media negativity while maintaining her authentic self, and finding balance through unexpected pursuits like binge-watching Netflix to quiet what she calls her "creative chaos" brain. Throughout, she exemplifies how embracing one's complete identity can transform not just personal achievement but an entire sport's culture.

Recharge with Chelsea Handler: Unapologetic Resilience May 06, 2025

Comedian and author Chelsea Handler joins David Ko to discuss her seventh New York Times bestseller "I'll Have What She's Having" and her remarkable journey to self-acceptance. Chelsea recounts her entrepreneurial childhood—from spiked lemonade stands to a neighborhood babysitting business—before sharing how a disastrous Montreal Comedy Festival performance paradoxically launched her career.
With heartfelt appreciation, she credits her third-grade teacher Mrs. Schekman for instilling the confidence that would define her career. Chelsea's therapeutic journey becomes a central theme as she discusses processing grief, family dynamics, and developing unshakable self-assurance despite public criticism.
The conversation explores practical mental health practices including meditation and quality sleep, while Chelsea offers refreshingly straightforward advice on resilience: embrace failure as essential to growth and maintain authenticity regardless of consequences.
Chelsea reveals her personal recharging methods—skiing in beautiful environments and helping others—while emphasizing the transformative power of gratitude. The episode balances humorous anecdotes with thoughtful reflections on finding joy and purpose in a highly visible career, concluding with details about her upcoming standup special and Las Vegas residency.

Recharge with Kevin Bacon: From Footloose to Philanthropy May 01, 2025

Hollywood legend Kevin Bacon joins David Ko to discuss his iconic 40+ year career spanning from "Footloose" to "Apollo 13" and "A Few Good Men." Beyond the spotlight, Kevin reveals his commitment to giving back through SixDegrees.org, demonstrating how fame can become a platform for meaningful change. He also opens up about the #IGETIT campaign, a new initiative aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and meaningful action around mental health.
With refreshing candor, he reflects on his early hunger for fame before eventually embracing the true craft of acting.
Kevin shares valuable life lessons about personal growth, humility, and one regret that might surprise listeners: wishing he'd said "no" more often throughout his career. His perspective emphasizes that longevity matters more than perfection, and that even disappointing experiences contribute to professional development and personal wisdom.
The episode blends humor with profound insights, offering listeners both entertainment and practical wisdom about navigating life's unpredictable journey with grace and resilience, regardless of whether you're pursuing stardom or simply seeking inspiration.

Trailer: Recharge Apr 25, 2025

Get ready for Recharge with David Ko, a five-part limited podcast series launching this May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Hosted by David Ko, CEO of Calm and bestselling author of Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery, One Conversation at a Time, the series explores a vital question: How do we replenish our mental energy in a world that constantly drains us?
Drawing from his own journey and the lessons from his book, David sets the stage for a series designed to normalize mental health conversations, break the stigma, and empower you to take charge of your mental well-being.
Subscribe now and join us on the path to recharging—one conversation at a time.

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