The Oprah Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Your Brain on Revenge with Oprah and James Kimmel, Jr. Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Is revenge the root of all forms of violence? Oprah sits down with James Kimmel, Jr., a revenge and violence researcher and lecturer in the psychiatry department at the Yale University School of Medicine and the bestselling author of the eye-opening book, The Science of Revenge: Understanding the World’s Deadliest Addiction - and How to Overcome It. From bullying to school and mass shootings to terrorism and even war, James Kimmel Jr’s 20-year research argues that the root cause of all human aggression and violence in the world is the one universal human emotion: revenge. After being bullied as a teenager, James Kimmel, Jr shares the horrific moment he almost became a mass shooter himself, and why that became the catalyst for his life’s work. James Kimmel Jr shares a research study that could reveal just how prone you might be to seeking revenge. He has also created The Non-Justice System & The Miracle Court App, a 5-step scripted virtual courtroom where a person who has been wronged can play all the roles in a simulated trial - victim, defendant, judge, jury, and warden. Oprah and James Kimmel Jr also hear searing stories from the audience including a woman whose neighbor shot and killed her dog, a woman who got revenge on a boyfriend who cheated on her, a wife and mother whose intense revenge addiction landed her in the hospital. And how a mother, who lost her precious 6-year-old son to gun violence at Sandy Hook Elementary, came to forgive her son’s killer.

BUY THE BOOK!

The Science of Revenge

https://amzn.to/4g35d7p

00:00:00 - Welcome James Kimmel, Jr. author of “The Science of Revenge”

00:04:00 - James Kimmel share his story of revenge

00:10:15 - Lawyers sell revenge to the masses

00:13:15 - How revenge is an addiction

00:16:00 - Understanding how revenge leads to crimes

00:17:30 - When revenge becomes addiction

00:27:00 - Woman shares her desire for revenge

00:28:20 - Types of forgiveness

00:37:55 - How can we speed up forgiveness

00:39:30 - How this man resisted getting revenge

00:43:30 - Mother of son killed at Sandy Hook

00:50:50 - Recovering revenge addict

00:57:00 - The motive is revenge

00:59:00 - The power of forgiveness

Additional Resources:

https://www.revengeanonymous.org

The Non-justice System: miraclecourt.com

What's Your Revenge Score? https://www.jameskimmeljr.com/quiz

Connecticut Violence Intervention and Prevention - https://www.ctintervention.org/

Choose Love - https://chooselovemovement.org/

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

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Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Serena Williams and Oprah on Deciding to Take GLP-1 Medications Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

For her most of her adult life, Oprah has struggled with her weight. She never dreamed in her lifetime, there would be medications that could help her as well as millions of others. On this episode of The Oprah Podcast, Oprah is joined by Dr. Ania Jastreboff, leading endocrinologist and associate professor at Yale School of Medicine in front of a live audience in New York City.

They discuss Dr. Ania’s new book, Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What It's Like To Be Free which delivers a deeply transformational message: there is a path to healing from the blame and shame of obesity to lead the life you have always wanted. Dr. Jastreboff shares the science behind why obesity is a disease and not a question of willpower and why the new medications have been so effective for tens of millions of people. Oprah shares her decades-long public struggle with her weight and reveals how her experience with a GLP-1 medication has given her a freedom and energy she never thought possible. Plus, 23-time grand slam tennis champion Serena Williams joins the conversation and opens up about her own battle with weight calling it “the one opponent she couldn't defeat.” Serena also reveals why - after her initial skepticism - she decided to start a GLP-1 medication. Finally, we hear from guests in the audience about how the GLP-1 medications have changed their lives. One of those guests is Stedman Graham’s nephew Julius who shares with heartbreaking honesty how his weight held him back for decades. He says that after losing 64 pounds on a GLP-1 medication he is now “fully alive.”

BUY THE BOOK!

https://amzn.to/4yLnL3z

00:00:00 - Welcome Dr. Ania Jastreboff, author of “Enough”

00:01:30 - 74% of americans are overweight

00:04:30 - Obesity is a disease

00:07:30 - We live in an obesogenic environment

00:09:10 - Genetic link to obesity

00:10:50 - You can’t willpower away obesity

00:13:30 - Defining food noise

00:18:30 - Recalibrating your “enough point”

00:22:30 - Some people have food noise, others don’t

00:23:40 - Welcome Serena Williams

00:27:00 - Why Serena tried GLP-1s

00:29:30 - Everyone responds to GLP-1s differently

00:31:00 - How Serena feels on GLP-1s

00:40:00 - Why your body settles on an unhealthy “enough point”

00:42:00 - Welcome Julius, Stedman’s nephew

00:50:00 - How GLP-1s changed Julius

00:54:00 - Do you stay on GLP-1s forever?

01:02:00 - Can GLP-1s prevent obesity?

01:04:00 - Oprah wants GLP-1s available to all

01:05:40 - Dr. Ania wants people to understand obesity

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

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Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

What Is Your Full Potential — with Adam Grant and Oprah Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Oprah sits down with renowned organizational psychologist and professor Adam Grant to talk about lessons from his latest #1 New York Times bestselling book "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things.” Known for his research on human potential, Grant shares how anyone can achieve greatness and unlock potential by cultivating character traits like resilience, curiosity, perseverance and embracing discomfort. He shares personal stories of overcoming his own limitations and insights from people who’ve accomplished the extraordinary. Joining the conversation is the first Black Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley and people from around the country via Zoom who desire to harness the power of hidden potential.

BUY THE BOOK!

'Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things' by Adam Grant: https://amzn.to/4bjr2gq

Adam Grant 2026 Day-to-Day Calendar: Something to Think About: Daily Insight from the Psychologist and Author

https://amzn.to/4vWmfcc

Adam Grant:

https://adamgrant.net/about/biography/

00:00:00 - Welcome Adam Grant, author of Hidden Potential

00:04:13 - How character and personality differ

00:06:10 - Action and confidence

00:09:00 - Critics as coaches

00:11:50 - Standing in your values

00:14:15 - What makes a good leader

00:17:18 - First Black Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley

00:22:45 - How potential gets overlooked

00:24:10 - How ‘Hidden Potential’ helps educators

00:27:30 - Three priorities for a school to thrive

00:30:25 - Tap into your hidden potential

00:33:28 - Confidence in your ability to learn

00:34:50 - Managing perfectionism

00:38:00 - Appreciate your progress

00:39:30 - What keeps Oprah motivated

'Move by Move: Life Lessons on and Off the Chessboard' by Maurice Ashley:https://mauriceashley.com/move-by-move/

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/

Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Oprah and Iyanla Vanzant on Daily Care for Your Spiritual Hygiene Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

Oprah sits down with world-renowned spiritual teacher, bestselling author and “fixer" Iyanla Vanzant for a powerful, soul-shifting conversation about her newest book "Spiritual Hygiene: A Practical Path for Clean Living, for Inner Authority, and for Divine Freedom." In this intimate and deeply personal episode Iyanla explains the transformative concept of spiritual hygiene—the idea that just as we tend to our physical hygiene our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being also require conscious, daily care. Iyanla shares what she’s learned and how she’s healed from her own childhood trauma as well as losing two of her adult daughters, Gemmia in 2003 and Nisa in 2023. Oprah and Iyanla are joined by audience members who bravely ask how they can cleanse their spirits of the pain, heaviness and generational burdens they’ve carried throughout their lives. Together they explore how spiritual hygiene offers clarity, courage and a way forward. This episode is a moving invitation to let go and step into a more grounded, spiritually spacious life.

BUY THE BOOK!

https://amzn.to/4yPSegO

00:00:00 - Welcome Iyanla Vanzant, author of ‘Spiritual Hygiene’

00:03:40 - Meaning of spiritual hygiene

00:04:15 - Iyanla’s backstory

00:11:08 - The power of grief

00:13:30 - Parenting with spiritual hygiene

00:14:00 - Iyanla says she was a horrible mother

00:15:25 - The distinction between wrong and bad

00:17:50 - The meaning of divine freedom

00:19:00 - Everything is energy

00:20:30 - Healing the pain of being a daddy-less daughter

00:30:20 - Create your own spiritual hygiene

00:33:15 - How to be expressive with family

00:37:40 - Reorder your story

00:38:10 - The life you signed up for

00:40:00 - Look at far you’ve come

00:41:40 - The guilt of choosing yourself

00:46:15 - Always choose yourself

00:48:02 - A sacred no and a spiritual yes

00:52:00 - Everything has a purpose

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

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Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Oprah with Jeremy Allen White & Scott Cooper on Creating Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Oprah sits down with actor Jeremy Allen White and writer-director Scott Cooper for a fascinating conversation about their stirring new film, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere. The film is a revelatory look at Bruce Springsteen during a personal and professional crossroads; the film explores the mental health struggles and creative reckoning behind the making of his deeply personal album Nebraska. Oprah calls White’s Golden Globe–nominated performance “mesmerizing” and praises Cooper for “elevating quiet struggle into cinematic poetry,” describing the film as “a gift” and a meditation on “what it means to be human.” The film also stars Jeremy Strong, Odessa Young, Stephen Graham, Johnny Cannizzaro, Gaby Hoffman, Paul Walter Hauser and Grace Gummer.

SEE THE FILM!

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, starring Golden Globe nominee Jeremy Allen White, written and directed by Scott Cooper, and distributed by 20th Century Studios is now available on Demand.

https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/springsteen-deliver-me-from-nowhere/umc.cmc.44ij3fzlajh43wxngtyxd6ioi

00:00:00 - Oprah introduces the movie Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

00:03:22 - Oprah, Jeremy Allen White and Scott Cooper at Santa Barbara Film Festival

00:05:00 - Jeremy on getting cast as Bruce Springsteen

00:06:30 - Scott on telling Springsteen’s story

00:08:35 - Scott on asking Bruce to make this film

00:12:00 - How Jeremy prepared to become Bruce Springsteen

00:14:50 - Jeremy on learning guitar

00:18:20 - Scott on using black and white photography for flashbacks

00:25:27 - How playing Springsteen changed Jeremy

00:28:10 - Scott on how making the movie changed him

00:29:10 - Springsteen and mental illness

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/

Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Oprah with Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson & Their Movie You Have to See this Christmas Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Academy Award-nominated actors Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson join The Oprah Podcast to discuss their upcoming extraordinary film Song Sung Blue which will be released in theaters on December 25. Song Sung Blue is a deeply moving love story about dreams and second chances. Based on a true story, Hugh and Kate portray the Milwaukee couple Mike and Claire Sardina, who were the legendary Neil Diamond tribute band duo known as "Lightning & Thunder.” The film is also an homage to Neil Diamond’s beloved catalogue of iconic songs. The podcast was recorded with a live audience who screened the film in New York City. The episode also features a surprise guest from Kate Hudson’s past, a Zoom surprise with viewers in Milwaukee and questions from the audience.

Song Sung Blue

In theaters everywhere Christmas Day.

https://www.focusfeatures.com/song-sung-blue

00:00:00 - Welcome Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, stars of Song Sung Blue

00:00:00 - Song Sung Blue movie preview

00:04:50 - Hugh Jackman on the Lightning and Thunder documentary

00:08:00 - Hugh and Kate react to reviews

00:10:15 - Oprah shares her love for Neil Diamond

00:11:48 - Movie clip

00:13:06 - How Hugh prepared to be a Neil Diamond impersonator

00:14:00 - Neil Diamond’s reaction to the movie

00:16:35 - Kate on her singing role

00:19:50 - On doing a Wisconsin accent

00:22:22 - Oprah surprises Kate Hudson

00:25:00 - Hugh Jackman on working with Kate Hudson

00:26:30 - Movie clip

00:29:50 - How the movie inspires

00:33:50 - The characters struggle with substance abuse

00:34:45 - How Hugh and Kate developed on-screen chemistry

00:39:20 - Hugh on his performance

00:39:55 - Movie clip

00:44:03 - Oprah surprises Lightning and Thunder fans

00:51:58 - Hugh shares Neil Diamond story

Song Sung Blue (2008)

A Documentary by Greg Kohs

http://watch.songsungblue.com

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

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Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Oprah and Misty Copeland on Her Remarkable Life & Career that Transformed Dance & More Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Oprah sits down with world renowned, history-making ballet dancer Misty Copeland for an intimate and deeply reflective conversation as Misty takes her final bow with the American Ballet Theatre. As the prestigious company’s first Black female principal dancer, Misty looks back on her incomparable career that changed the face of classical ballet by expanding who gets to be seen, centered and celebrated on the world’s most iconic stages. We also hear from one of Misty’s longtime mentors whose guidance helped shape her career along with listeners of all ages from across the country seeking Misty’s wisdom, encouragement and perspective as they pursue their own unique paths. Misty shares lessons on resilience, courage and gratitude we can all learn from as well as the legacy she hopes to continue building for young dancers of color. Misty shares her rigorous process of preparing for her final dance at her retirement gala of which Oprah serves as co-chair. Presented by Walmart, this episode celebrates Misty’s inspiring path and the joy of sharing your unique gifts with the world. Misty also discusses her two newest books: Letters to Misty: How to Move Through Life with Confidence and Grace and Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance and Courage, which you can find on Walmart.com.

BUY THE BOOKS:

Letters to Misty: How to Move Through Life with Confidence and Grace https://amzn.to/4fTcxCG

Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance and Courage https://amzn.to/4bpboQG

00:00:00 - Welcome Misty Copeland, Author of Letters to Misty

00:02:45 - Performing One Last Time: Her Emotions

00:06:28 - Knowing When It’s Time to Step Away

00:08:20 - Physical + Emotional Pain Behind Dancing

00:10:50 - Imagining Her Final Bow

00:13:21 - Misty’s Childhood

00:15:15 - How the Boys and Girls Club Impacted Her

00:18:15 - Invitation to American Ballet Theatre

00:19:00 - Being the Only Black Woman at ABT

00:23:05 - Welcome former ABT director John Meehan

00:25:15 - Challenges of Starting Ballet Later in Life

00:26:50 - Debbie Allen’s Impact on Her Career

00:28:55 - Advice for Young Dancers of Color

00:31:28 - What She Wants People to Know About Ballet

00:32:35 - Life + Goals Beyond Ballet

00:36:16 - The Loneliness of Being a Trailblazer

00:42:25 - Painting Ballet Shoes to Match Her Skin Tone

00:45:42 - Misty and her siblings now

00:47:42 - Misty on her husband

00:48:50 - Becoming ABT Principal Dancer

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/

Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Why Young Men Are Struggling Right Now with Oprah & Scott Galloway Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Oprah and a live audience of mostly men are in a lively conversation with author, entrepreneur, NYU professor and podcaster Scott Galloway about his new book, Notes on Being a Man. Galloway’s #1 New York Times bestseller has ignited a nationwide discussion around what many see as a crisis facing young men today. In this candid discussion, men open up about manhood, vulnerability, and the unique challenges facing young men in modern America. Scott answers questions from the audience and opens up about his own personal journey of being a man and a father to two sons. BUY THE BOOK! 'Notes on Being a Man' by Scott Galloway:

https://amzn.to/4wrHB1h

Chapters: 00:00:00 — Intro: Scott Galloway, Notes on Being a Man 00:01:20 — Why anger is the only “allowed” male emotion 00:02:40 — Men want role models 00:05:10 — Male friendships in decline 00:07:25 — Screen time and declining well-being in young men 00:09:40 — Why many young men don’t ask women out 00:11:38 — Relationships are life’s greatest reward 00:12:36 — Scott’s upbringing 00:13:50 — Rule #1 of being a good man 00:17:45 — Building a personal code of conduct 00:20:50 — Moms are sounding the alarm too 00:22:38 — Learning to be vulnerable 00:26:27 — Balancing self-love with finding love 00:27:52 — The 3 things women want in men 00:30:48 — Why taking risks is difficult 00:32:42 — Staying on the right path 00:36:30 — Scott on toxic masculinity 00:39:26 — How men can show up for each other 00:43:10 — What Scott would tell his younger self 00:46:42 — Is dating getting harder? 00:50:38 — How parents can support young men Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Oprah Explores the Rising Trend of Going No Contact with Your Family Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

In a groundbreaking conversation about one of the fastest-growing cultural shifts of our time: Oprah talks with leading experts and a live audience about the decision to go “no contact” with a family member. It’s estimated one third of Americans have cut off ties or is estranged from their family. Once considered taboo, family estrangement is now being openly discussed by people of all ages who are redefining what healthy boundaries look like in family relationships. In this revealing episode, Oprah and best-selling psychologists unpack this rising trend of people distancing themselves from parents, siblings, or relatives they consider toxic. Adult children and parents who have chosen to go "no contact” share their stories and their reasons behind this difficult decision. Oprah and the audience explore the emotional, cultural and psychological issues behind the movement - ranging from trauma and generational patterns to mental-health awareness and the expanded definition of abuse.

BUY THE BOOK!

DR. JOSHUA COLEMAN - RULES OF ESTRANGEMENT

https://amzn.to/45uDXZp

DR. LINDSAY GIBSON - ADULT CHILDREN OF EMOTIONALLY IMMATURE PARENTS How to Raise an Emotionally Mature Child by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD:

https://amzn.to/4w2X33z

NEDRA GLOVER TAWWAB - DRAMA FREE & THE BALANCING ACT

https://amzn.to/4pNxr9z

https://amzn.to/4fquQ1O

Chapters:

00:01:00 - One-third of Americans are going no contact—what it means

00:02:00 - Younger generations choosing no contact for mental health

00:02:50 - Guest: Dr. Joshua Coleman, Rules of Estrangement

00:03:40 - How the concept of family has shifted

00:06:27 - Guest: Dr. Lindsay Gibson, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

00:09:30 - How to tell if a parent is emotionally immature

00:10:25 - Guest: Nedra Tawwab, Drama Free

00:12:20 - Dr. Coleman on his daughter cutting contact

00:14:22 - Chris shares going no contact

00:18:48 - Why Chris made the decision

00:19:30 - Talking to kids about going no contact

00:23:04 - What kids learn from cutting off difficult relatives

00:24:39 - Bristyl shares her no-contact story

00:26:20 - Will the longing for a mother–daughter bond fade?

00:29:00 - Expanded definitions of harm, neglect, trauma, abuse

00:30:00 - Bree shares her no-contact choice

00:33:37 - Is forgiveness possible?

00:37:26 - Christy shares her daughter’s estrangement

00:39:40 - Do some estranged kids lack conflict resolution skills?

00:43:20 - Kendall on going no contact with her adult son

00:44:50 - Why parents are criticized for going no contact

00:47:20 - Aaron shares his daughter cut ties with him

00:53:25 - Have we gone too far?

00:54:48 - The one thing that can save your family relationship

00:58:10 - There are separate realities in every family

01:00:17 - Hadley shares her experience as a hospice nurse

01:05:00 - Why Hadley went no contact

01:09:00 - Parent child dynamic has shifted from role to relationship

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/

Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

How Loved Ones Communicate After Death - Oprah Speaks With Medium Laura Lynne Jackson Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In a compelling conversation, Oprah talks with renowned psychic medium Laura Lynne Jackson about her new book Guided: The Secret Path to an Illuminated Life. Laura Lynne Jackson says she has the ability to communicate with people who have passed on to the afterlife. She believes we all have the same ability if we “stay open” to receiving messages or signs from the other side. It’s what Laura calls living an “illuminated life.” Laura says her psychic medium gift showed up for her at a very young age and she has been giving readings over the course of her life. She describes how everyone of us living on Earth “in the physical world” has a “Team of Light” or loved ones, spirit guides and even pets who have died and who are watching out for us and sending signs. Oprah and Laura Lynne Jackson are joined by several listeners who have questions and doubts about communicating with deceased loved ones. Brittany from Arizona shares how she asked for a specific sign and received it from her 7-year-old son, Bodhi, who tragically died in 2024. Do you believe in signs and messages from the afterlife? Laura Lynne Jackson is also the author of two New York Times Bestsellers, Signs: The Secret Language of The Universe and The Light Between Us: Stories from Heaven. Lessons for the Living.

BUY THE BOOK!

"Guided: The Secret Path to an Illuminated Life" by Laura Lynne Jackson

https://amzn.to/4z4qx46

Chapters

00:00:00 - Welcome Laura Lynne Jackson, author of “Guided”

00:03:07 – Discovering her psychic abilities

00:04:40 – Realizing she’s also a medium

00:06:50 – The spiritual lives of children

00:09:30 – How her brain activity differs from others

00:11:00 – Understanding our “team of light”

00:12:50 – Hearing guidance from our spirit guides

00:15:00 – Asking for signs from the other side