Work in Progress with Sophia Bush

Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Jonathan Capehart opens up about his extraordinary life and his latest book, “Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man’s Search for Home.”  He takes us from the tension of straddling two very different worlds—urban New Jersey and rural North Carolina—to the complexities of race, queerness, and identity in America’s shifting landscape.  Plus, Jonathan explains why he feels obligated to share his opinions, even when others in his industry are blasted for doing the same.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Lemon is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and one of the most influential voices in American media. Known for fearless storytelling and unflinching conversations about politics, culture, and identity, he’s now reinvented himself in bold new ways. In this conversation, Don opens up about resilience, his new YouTube series/podcast “The Don Lemon Show” and the power of queer joy. Plus, Don talks candidly about what led to his leaving CNN and gives his take on Trump’s intimidation efforts against mainstream media.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophia's in-depth conversation with Amanda Knox continues with what happened after the guilty verdict - from Amanda's traumatic time spent in an Italian jail to the equally shocking revelation that her conviction was overturned and she'd be set free. Amanda takes us through the painful process of grieving all that was lost, finding purpose in what came next and seeking closure through the most unexpected source.Before you watch the rest of "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox" on Hulu, listen to Amanda share her story in her own words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Knox went from a college student studying abroad to the center of one of the most notorious wrongful convictions of our time. Vilified by tabloids and betrayed by a justice system, she spent years fighting not just for her freedom, but for her truth — the actual truth — to be told.Now a bestselling author, journalist, and advocate, Amanda is reclaiming her voice and dismantling the false narratives adopted by a media fever storm that once defined her. Find out how Hulu’s highly anticipated limited series "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox" empowered her to finally seize control of her own story, and how another woman who intimately understands media vilification, none other than Monica Lewinsky, joined the deeply personal fight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alyson Stoner appeared in over 200 films, TV shows and tours, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture long before they were old enough to drive. But being a child star is not for the faint of heart!In this candid conversation with Sophia, Alyson opens up about their tumultuous childhood in Hollywood, sharing first-hand knowledge of exploitation and offering constructive insights on how to fix the broken system.Alyson's memoir, "Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything" is out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Hale has infused humor and heart into hilariously awkward TV characters on "Arrested Development" and "Veep," and now he’s taking on a profoundly different role in the fantasy-drama “Sketch” — a beautiful film he worked for eight years to make.Hear which moment in the movie hit very close to home and even helped him be a better dad. Find out what traits he and Sophia share, and which one informed his character in “Arrested Development.” Plus, Tony tells why "Veep" writers would never have written storylines like the ones playing out in real life current events."Sketch" is in theaters now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lake Bell is known for acting, directing and screenwriting, and now she adds children’s author to her credits! Inspired by her young daughter’s journey with epilepsy, Lake hopes “All About Brains: A Book About People” will normalize the conversation about neurodivergency -- something Sophia wished people were doing when she was a child! Lake and Sophia get real about everything from politics to parenthood, including the plight of being a night owl with kids. Plus, Sophia shares a wild encounter inside an airport bathroom that’ll have every woman wondering what she’d do in that situation. “All About Brains: A Book About People” is available at booksellers everywhere.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning actress Jurnee Smollett is a veteran of the big and small screen, and she’s not even 40 yet! The actress started her career when she was still in diapers and won a Critics' Choice award by the time she was eleven years old. Now she’s turning up the heat with her new Apple TV+ crime drama, “Smoke.” No stranger to tackling complex roles, Jurnee joins Sophia to talk about playing a brilliant but troubled detective in her new show, including her prep and research, the behind-the-scenes process of creating a world for her character, and what it was like watching it in front of an audience for the first time! She also opens up about her divorce, early childhood acting experiences, overcoming major working mom guilt, and her relationship with her siblings.  New episodes of “Smoke” drop every Friday on AppleTV+.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breakout star of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Bozoma Saint John joins Sophia at the Create and Cultivate Festival to share all the juicy details about trying to convince Sophia to join RHOBH!  Is there a chance Sophia would take Boz's offer seriously?    Then, Sophia turns the tables and digs into why Boz is not your typical 'housewife'.  Plus, parenting cheat codes you need to know and the secret to slaying in the boardroom and in life!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The current administration's environmental rollbacks are certainly disheartening, but there are folks like Former Governor Jay Inslee who are on a mission to defeat climate change.  Environmental advocate Jay Inslee joins Sophia to talk about the ongoing fight to protect our environment, the future of clean energy production, his entry into politics in his 30s, and how he was able to pass one of the strongest clean energy laws in the country. Plus, he shares personal experiences with climate-related disasters, the power of perseverance, and his work in progress. This is a chat full of hope that we could all use right about now!To learn more about the power of clean energy and how you can get involved, head on over to climatepower.us(http://climatepower.us/)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Changes are a part of life, and sharing one's experiences can help others navigate their life transitions. That's what philanthropist, businesswoman, and advocate for gender equality, Melinda French Gates, is hoping to do with her new memoir, "The Next Day."Get ready for a deeply personal conversation as Melinda joins Sophia to discuss her life, both in and out of the public eye. From her 'crisis of self' to her path to philanthropy, motherhood, and moving forward after her divorce, Melinda shares it all. Plus, she reveals her 'word of the year' and her work in progress!Melinda's book, "The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward," is out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our favorite guests is back on the pod! Multi-award-winning actor, producer, director, and proud father David Oyelowo has been very busy in front of and behind the camera! Currently, he can be seen in his Apple TV+ series “Government Cheese,” and if you love the art of acting, this chat is not to be missed!    The actor joins Sophia for a revealing conversation about his new show and the long road to getting it made, being a forever student of acting and storytelling, the things you can’t learn in drama school, the sheer amount of rejection you will face in this industry, and the key to successfully pitching projects!    Plus, he chats about him and his wife being “half empty nesters,” how he feels about his son going to the same drama school he did, and his current work in progress!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melanie Lynskey has viewers glued to their TVs with her on-screen work in Showtime's Emmy-nominated hit series, “Yellowjackets,” but she once thought the show would never get off the ground! The award-winning actress joins Sophia to discuss her ever-evolving career in Hollywood, women’s experiences in the industry, and why she thought nothing would come of “Yellowjackets!” She also opens up about overcoming her eating disorder, loving motherhood, why she goes to a psychic, and the deliciousness of being on a hit show in her 40s! Plus, Melanie revisits her time working with Kate Winslet on “Heavenly Creatures” 30 years ago, being obsessed with her hubby’s (Jason Ritter) show “Matlock,” and she and Sophia trade stories about meeting and fangirling over Megan Thee Stallion!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

True talent speaks for itself, and Micael Urie has it in droves! From playing fan favorite catty assistant Marc St. James on "Ugly Betty" to playing a hilarious narcissistic attorney in Apple TV+'s "Shrinking" to entertaining fans with his podcast and putting queer stories front and center with Pride Plays!  Actor, producer, writer, and director Michael Urie joins Sophia to chat about his acting journey, including a fascinating chat about the interesting relationship actors have with the camera, what he has learned from Harrison Ford on the set of "Shrinking," what it was like hosting the GLAAD awards, and working (playing) with his "Ugly Betty" co-star and real-life friend Becki Newton on the rewatch podcast "Still Ugly!"Plus, he shares the backstory on co-founding Pride Plays and putting queer stories center stage, what his younger self would think of his career, and what he believes is the greatest show ever!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve seen the headlines, the news footage, and the online outrage about the ICE raids in LA, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joins Sophia to give a real-time report on the State of the City.How did a small pocket of unruly protesters in one of the largest populations in America lead to military movement on city streets? Should law-abiding Angelinos be living in fear?Mayor Bass sounds the alarm on the daily departure from due process, and what could be next in the immigration sweeps happening across the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Activist and author Shannon Watts has an important message for women - it is not too late — and you are not too old! — to go after what you really want. The founder of Moms Demand Action is back on the pod with Sophia to chat about the inspiration and message behind her new book, "Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age." Shannon opens up about the turning point in her life, the phone call from Maria Shriver that led to her new book, and the inspirational stories from women living their most authentic lives.  Plus, real talk from Sophia and Shannon about living with ADHD, Michelle Obama's parenting advice, and the importance of practicing hope . . . especially through the next four years. "Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age" will be available for purchase on June 17. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Her motto in fourth grade was, 'If you can believe it and dream it, you can do it!' And Heather McMahan has done it! She's got a standup special streaming on Hulu right now, is on the road with her Bamboozled comedy tour, and is the host of her own popular podcast, "Absolutely Not!" The comedian joins Sophia to discuss life on the road, the inspiration behind her podcast, and why hosting awards red-carpet shows is the wildest experience ever, but she has a bigger goal in sight . . . hosting the big show itself - The Emmys! Yes, she's manifesting! Plus, Heather opens up about how losing her Dad impacted her comedy, how grief can expand one's capacity for joy, and how she knew her husband was the 'right one.'Heather's comedy special, "Breadwinner," is streaming on Hulu now, and for info on how to see her live and in person on her Bamboozled tour, visit heatherontour.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triple threat, O-T Fagbenle, has had viewers glued to their screens with his portrayal of Luke on Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale," which is coming to its conclusion after six intense seasons!The actor, writer, and director joins Sophia to talk about the final season of the Emmy-winning show, including his evolving relationship with his on-screen wife, June Osborne — aka Elisabeth Moss — his audition for the role, and his feelings about the show ending. Plus, a deep dive into AI, a conversation about politics and community, and O-T's heartfelt work in progress.The final episode of "The Handmaid's Tale" will drop on Tuesday, May 27, on Hulu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Temperatures are climbing in here! Radio and podcast host and NY Times best-selling author, Tinx, has just dropped her anticipated debut fiction novel, "Hotter in the Hamptons!” It’s a romance for a new generation, sizzling with sexual tension! TikTok’s “big sister” joins Sophia to talk all about her steamy new tale — including addressing the ghostwriting drama — her novel getting the TV treatment, and what she learned in her 20s that she wants all young women to know! Plus, dating red flags, learning boundaries as a content creator, and her work in progress! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a small-town girl doing plays as an 8-year-old in Macon, Georgia, to being a leading lady on her own hit TV show! Carrie Preston shines as 'Elsbeth Tascioni' in one of CBS' most successful dramas, a show she thought would never see the light of day!Carrie Preston is opening up to Sophia about reprising the Emmy-winning role of 'Elsbeth,' which viewers first saw on the small screens 15 years ago in "The Good Wife," and what it's like playing a woman of a certain age reinventing herself. She also shares her journey to becoming an actress, director, and producer and using her platform for good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.