This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with artist and author Charlie Mackesy for a warm conversation about softness, grief, and what it means to stay human in a world that urges you to harden. Charlie opens up about the unexpected impact of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, the emotional weight of meeting readers in their most tender moments, and how creating gentle work requires its own quiet courage. Together, in this connecting, deep dive they explore childhood defenses, the ache of losing the people and animals we love, and why storms change us even when we don’t choose them. Charlie also tells us about when his 19 year old dog, Barney, met the late Queen Elizabeth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Malala Yousafzai—activist, author, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose courage and conviction have inspired a global movement for girls’ education. In this conversation, Malala reflects on growing into herself—beyond the headlines and history—and learning to see her life through her own lens. She speaks candidly about her feminist father, whose belief in equality helped her imagine a future not just for herself, but for generations of women to come.We also explore her evolving relationship with her mother, and how, as Malala gets older, she’s come to understand and honor her mother’s perspective in new ways. And because self-discovery isn’t all philosophy and politics, Malala shares the lighter side too—like deciding it was finally time to wear jeans and the tragic, but clarifying, realization that she looks truly terrible in a cardigan. And if you’ve ever wondered if being brave in activism translates to being brave in other areas — Malala and Monica discuss rollercoasters!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Adam Scott—actor, producer, and storyteller whose career has spanned cult classics, beloved comedies, and boundary-pushing drama. In this conversation, Adam reflects on the years of struggle before his “big break,” the self-doubt that came with them, and how Parks and Recreation didn’t just change his career—it reshaped his sense of belonging. He shares how the unexpected, global resonance of Severance has opened up a new creative chapter, one defined by leaning into the unknown. We also explore the loss of his mother to ALS and the complicated experience of parenting while building a career.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Lili Reinhart—actor, producer, and author who’s redefining what it means to live honestly in the spotlight. In this conversation, Lili opens up about her ongoing battle with anxiety, PMDD, and cystic acne, and how learning to be present has become the foundation of her healing. We chat about her relationship to the characters she’s played, from Riverdale’s girl-next-door, Betty Cooper, to the anxious, dread laden Harper of Hal & Harper. Lili also opens up about the inspiration behind her new skincare line, Personal Day, born from years of vulnerability, experimentation, and self-care. A conversation about authenticity, duality, and the courage to show up—exactly as you are.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with actor Grace Van Patten, whose fearless performances have made her one of Hollywood’s most intriguing young talents. Grace opens up about the challenge and responsibility of portraying Amanda Knox (The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox on Hulu), and how she approached the role not as a tabloid figure, but as a complex human being caught in an impossible situation. She reflects on growing up in a famously creative but deeply supportive family, where encouragement and curiosity were constants—and how that foundation helped her stay grounded while pursuing a life in front of the camera. Grace also shares how her college courses in criminal psychology unexpectedly became tools in her actor’s toolkit, helping her build deeper, more layered characters. Together, she and Monica explore how the Me-Too movement reshaped her generation’s relationship to power and vulnerability—and how, through it all, Grace is learning to reclaim her inner child, to hold space for joy, curiosity, and self-trust amid the demands of a difficult world. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Sarah Paulson for a conversation about ambition, empathy, and what it means to be seen. Sarah reflects on the roles that changed her life, from American Horror Story to Impeachment, and the complicated art of portraying someone like Linda Tripp with both honesty and compassion. Together, they unpack how childhood survival skills can turn into creative instincts, the tension between visibility and vulnerability, and the quiet strength that comes from forgiveness. It is an intimate look at transformation, grace, and the power of meeting your past with understanding.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinskySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, OB-GYN and author of The New Menopause. Together they explore what it really means to navigate perimenopause and menopause with clarity and compassion. Dr. Haver explains the physical and emotional changes of this stage, the gaps in medical training on women’s health, and the cultural silence that leaves so many unprepared. She and Monica talk about weight stigma, hormone therapy, brain fog, and the urgency of science-based care. And, since Dr Haver was originally focused on Geology, they chat on Monica’s favorite topic: crystals!Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Flamingo Estate founder, Richard Christiansen, for a conversation about wonder, reinvention, and slowing down. Richard shares how the collapse of his old life gave way to the garden at Flamingo Estate, reflecting on childhood shame, creative awakening, and the quiet work of softening into love. Together, they explore how convenience erodes meaning, why ceremony matters, and how beauty can be turned into impact. It is a soulful look at what blooms when we choose to live with intention.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with the incomparable Allison Janney—Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress whose depth, humor, and humanity have made her one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers. In this conversation, Allison opens up about the silver screen legends who shaped her early career—Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman—and how their mentorship changed everything. She reflects on her own journey of self-exploration through ketamine, MDMA, mushrooms, and even astrology, sharing how those experiences have helped her see herself, and the world, more clearly. We also explore her profound love for her mother, the unshakable bond she shared with her brother, and the enduring ache of his loss. Allison also reflects on her deep friendship with Matthew Perry, and the shared understanding that comes from loving people who wrestled with pain and brilliance in equal measure.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica sits down with Gabrielle Union for a conversation that is both deeply personal and profoundly expansive. Gabrielle opens up about her journey through trauma and survival, the ways disassociation shaped her life, and her ongoing work to reclaim peace in her body and spirit. She reflects on the cultural legacy of Bring It On twenty-five years later, her pilgrimage to Africa for her 50th birthday, and how listening to ancestors has guided her path forward. Gabrielle also shares the story of surviving sexual assault at 19, the impact it had on her relationships and career, and why she has committed her voice and advocacy to changing how we understand and treat PTSD. Later in the episode, psychiatrist Dr. Sofia Noori joins the conversation to unpack how trauma lives in the body and the tools that can help survivors heal. Together, Gabrielle and Sofia talk about their work with Nema Health, the company they’ve helped build to create new, lasting pathways to trauma recovery. It’s a raw, soulful episode about ancestry, survival, advocacy, and the possibility of a life defined by more than trauma.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by award-winning actor Jurnee Smollett for a conversation about ancestry, resilience, and the radical act of finding joy in the present. Jurnee reflects on the “blood memory” carried through generations, the lessons of her mother and grandmother, and the responsibility of bringing truth to the screen without succumbing to trauma. She shares the spiritual practices that help her quiet her inner critic, the balance of parenting without shame, and the resilience forged at the intersection of her Black and Jewish heritage. Together, she and Monica explore feminine strength, the complexities of history, and how art can heal what feels impossible.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Nicole Byer—comedian, actress, writer, and unapologetic force of nature whose humor has reshaped the boundaries of what comedy can hold. In this conversation, Nicole opens up about the loss of her parents and the lasting ways their absence continues to shape her outlook on life and love. She reflects on her honest, refreshingly relatable relationship with her body—how rejecting society’s unrealistic standards has become both a personal act of liberation and a cornerstone of her comedy, and how that candor eventually led to a successful book. Nicole also shares her lighthearted take on living with ADHD, why hecklers don’t stand a chance, and the joy she finds in turning the whole audience into her co-conspirators.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Jamie Kern Lima—entrepreneur, author, and trailblazing founder of IT Cosmetics, the billion-dollar beauty brand built on authenticity and inclusion. In this conversation, Jamie opens up about what she calls “doubting yourself out of your destiny,” and her “season of setbacks."She reflects on how persevering through countless “no’s” taught her the power of resilience, why creating products that reflected real women’s skin tones and needs was non-negotiable, and how listening to her gut—even when others didn’t believe—changed everything.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Mark Duplass—actor, filmmaker, writer, and creative force whose career has stretched across indie film, television, and music. In this conversation, Mark opens up about his personal journey with anxiety and depression, and how he works to keep what he calls “the woog” at bay. He reflects on the tools that help him navigate those darker stretches, the importance of naming what scares us, and how leaning into vulnerability can become its own form of resilience.He also shares his evolving perspective on creativity, fatherhood, and partnership, and why showing up authentically online—even in the messiness—can foster a kind of intimacy that transcends likes and algorithms.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by Liz Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and City of Girls, for a deeply personal conversation about solitude, self-compassion, and the courage to live outside expectation. Liz opens up about the liberation she’s found in celibacy, the radical practice of befriending herself, and the cost of female over giving. She and Monica talk about loneliness, freedom, recovery, and what it means to say: this isn’t working for me. It’s a candid and soulful episode about grief, transformation, and the power of reclaiming your own life. And make sure to check out her new book "All the Way to the River" out now!Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with Julia Fox—actress, artist, author, and unabashed cultural provocateur who has turned fearlessness into a full-blown art form. In this conversation, Julia opens up about the importance of having a positive male role model for her son, the determination not to let the demons of her past overshadow the blessings of her future, and how she manifested—yes—a sugar daddy. She reflects on her meteoric rise from the New York art scene and doing sex work to breaking into Hollywood, her sometimes rocky relationship with her parents, her perspective on being a muse, and the politics of beauty.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ronan Farrow for a conversation that’s as vulnerable as it is incisive. From growing up under relentless scrutiny to reporting on some of the most powerful men in the world, Ronan opens up about the emotional toll of telling the truth and the unexpected ways trauma can shape ambition. They talk, disinformation, misplaced reality, and the quiet bravery of choosing compassion in a world that rewards cruelty. It’s a revealing and unexpectedly tender episode with one of journalism’s most fearless voices. Plus, Monica talks about the time she got catfished by a fake Greta Thunberg.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, Monica is joined by Amanda Knox—advocate, writer, and executive producer of the new Hulu series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox—for an unflinching and deeply personal conversation about identity, injustice, and the long tail of trauma. From being wrongly imprisoned for her roommate’s murder at 20 years old to reclaiming authorship over her own story, Amanda reflects on the cost of being turned into a symbol—and the strength it takes to become a person again. They talk about shame, survival, and what it means to be thrust onto a global stage as a young woman in the public eye. It’s a candid and emotionally layered episode about truth, bias, and the power of finally being heard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with comedian, writer, and host John Oliver for a candid and thoughtful conversation about comedy, shame, and the power of laughter. John reflects on his interview with Monica in 2019 for Last Week Tonight and how that moment became part of her reclaiming journey. They explore the ethical tightrope of making jokes in a world full of gray areas and how humor can be both a coping tool and a way to call power to account. John shares what really surprised him about interviewing the Dalai Lama and the unexpected way His Holiness threw him off balance. With wit and depth, he and Monica dig into the weight of public shame, the risk of accountability, and why, for John, getting into trouble might just be the point. (And they use the C Word quite a bit!)Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Reclaiming, we talked to, beauty mogul, author, advocate, and all-around force, Victoria Jackson,. She built a multi-million-dollar makeup empire out of her garage, TRADEMARKED the no makeup - makeup look, and later helped bring three life-saving drugs to market after her daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease. We talked about reclaiming self-worth, purpose, and joy, and what it means to keep reinventing yourself at every stage of life. OH, AND DID YOU KNOW ONE OF HER MAKE-UP INFOMERCIALS WAS PLAYED AT THE VATICAN. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/reclaiming-with-monica-lewinsky now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
jeunesse ph
I deeply appreciate Gabrielle Union's courage in sharing her trauma recovery journey. As someone who has also struggled with anxiety and dissociation, hearing her discuss how trauma lives in the body really resonated with me. Her work with NEMA Health sounds groundbreaking for PTSD treatment. It's inspiring to see celebrities use their platforms for meaningful mental health advocacy rather than staying silent. Her pilgrimage to Africa for healing speaks to the power of reconnecting with our roots. When I need lighter moments during my own healing process, I sometimes play Italian Brainrot Clicker for a mindless mental break. https://italianbrainrotclickergame.com
Erin Grote
This was lovely! I heard Monica's episode on Call Her Daddy the other day, and hopped right over here to get more! I'm hooked.
Camilo Moreno
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Bilski Maryann
Great insights into identity and creative freedom! Josh's journey resonates deeply. Letting go of "Ted Mosby" must've been liberating. Granny always said, "You gotta shed old skins to grow new ones." Spiritual exploration alongside music – powerful combo! Failure as a teacher is key. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful piece! https://grannyfree.io/
Ngaio Neumegen
Love this podcast so much. could you please do an episode with Maren Cpsta, rhe woman who spoke out about Amazon. She's so strong, and definitely put herself on the line to make things better. Then did it again by making the Netflix special. 🥰