Now What? with Brooke Shields

Legendary broadcast journalist Katie Couric joins our final episode to share lessons she's learned from her extraordinary career. Katie tells Brooke how she responded when CNN’s president questioned her talent, what she took from her history-making turn at CBS Evening News, and how she fought to shake the “morning news albatross.” Speaking candidly about the lingering pain from her husband and sister’s deaths, Katie also shares how standing up to cancer has become her life’s mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2023

Brooke’s hubby Chris Henchy makes his “Now What?” debut! The couple swap details about their meet-cute on the Warner Brothers lot, their parenting skills and favorite family traditions, and how Chris’ dedication to his Irish granny helped convince Brooke he was "the one." Chris also opens up about his journey from finance bro to comedy writer, and shares how he moved on from the failure of his first movie to one of his greatest successes to date.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2023

Writer, director, and actress Jennifer Esposito stops by to talk about her critically acclaimed new film, Fresh Kills, and shares how making her dream project helped her heal from years of abuse from industry heavyweights. Brooke and Jennifer discuss the importance of self-advocacy, Jennifer’s life-long struggle with celiac disease, and the power of art to breed greater empathy and understanding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2023

Author, advice columnist, and all-around badass Cheryl Strayed joins Brooke for a wide-ranging conversation about parenting, childhood poverty, and what it means to be rich in love. Cheryl gets candid about the years leading up to her famous trek on the Pacific Crest Trail, and shares why she’s in need of another life-changing journey. Plus, the one thing Cheryl keeps in mind whenever she gives advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2023

Neurosurgeon, podcast host, and CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta chats with Brooke about why some brains respond more positively to “now what” moments than others, what his mom’s refugee journey taught him about resilience, and why his pivot into broadcasting was one of the biggest challenges of his life. Plus, Brooke and Sanjay share the advice they’d give their 25-year-old selves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2023

Singer, songwriter, and activist Joan Baez chats with Brooke about her new documentary “I Am Noise,” and shares why she chose now to reveal intimate new details about her personal life and music. Joan also reflects on some of the biggest moments of her 60-year career (including her performance at The March on Washington), how our voices shape our identity, and what it means to be courageous.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2023

Cedric the Entertainer chats with Brooke about his new novel Flipping Boxcars, the origins of his "dapper style," and his pre-comedy career at State Farm. Cedric also opens up about how the industry has evolved for non-white performers and shares why he pivoted his career to be closer to his family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2023

Have mercy! John Stamos and Brooke take a trip down memory lane as they reminisce about their young Hollywood days and their struggle to find legitimacy as actors. John opens up about his early “hatred” of Full House, his past alcohol addiction, and how love letters from his parents inspired him to write a memoir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2023

Actress and comedian Sarah Silverman bonds with Brooke over their own parents' "sick" sense of humor, and discusses how her struggle with bedwetting as a kid made her less afraid of bombing onstage. Sarah also talks about the comedy boy’s club of the '90s, the evolution of her own material, and how aging forced her to embrace "the other parts" of herself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2023

Brooke’s good friend and long-lost brother Willie Geist (Morning Joe, Sunday Today) joins the pod and shares the ways in which living in the South for 10 years changed his worldview, the moment he got (and then subsequently lost) a dream job, and what his father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis taught him about gratitude. Brooke and Willie reminisce about the origins of their friendship, including the show-stopping way Brooke first met his family (spoiler: it involves theft.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2023

“Now What?” returns with actor-comedian Bowen Yang! Brooke talks with Bowen about his early days recording Saturday Night Live on VHS tapes, why he abruptly left his MCAT mid-exam, and the warning Lorne Michaels gave him before he joined the cast of "SNL." Bowen opens up about learning to embrace his queerness after his painful experience with conversion therapy and explains why "compassion" is an integral part of his comedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2023

Sportscaster, podcast host and new mom Erin Andrews joins Brooke for the last episode of the season! The Fox Sports mega star talks about her most embarrassing sideline gig, and why she feels she has to work harder than her male counterparts. Plus, Erin opens up about her decade-long fertility struggles and gives a candid perspective of the surrogacy process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2023

Ellie Kemper (The Office, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Brooke bond over memories of their alma mater Princeton (Go Tigers!), and their shared love for Wawa hoagies. Ellie also opens up about her short-lived career as a D1 athlete, her 'terrifying' audition for SNL, and why you won’t see her in a drama anytime soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2023

Gynecologist and women’s health expert Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz joins Brooke for an information-packed episode about aging, fertility, and menopause. The two discuss why society has normalized women’s pain, and what we can all do to better advocate for our well-being. Plus, the physiological “Now What?” moments you should look for in your lifetime. Love Dr. Suzanne as much as we do? Check out her latest book “Menopause Bootcamp”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2023

Today co-anchor (and literal ray of sunshine!) Savannah Guthrie chats with Brooke about their mutual love of Arizona, Savannah’s high school “slacker” days, and how her father’s sudden death pushed her toward the career she has today. The broadcast journalist and children’s book author also gets candid about her past struggles with infertility and why she hopes to start singing (and songwriting) in the years to come. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2023

TV personality, sports broadcaster, and entrepreneur Michael Strahan stops by the pod! The Hall of Famer chats with Brooke about his childhood spent on a military base in Germany, how he coped with being separated from his family as a teen and later as a young father, and why he credits his legendary NFL career (in part) to Jane Fonda’s workout videos.  To learn more about Michael and his business endeavors, go to michaelstrahanbrand.komi.ioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2023

Buckle up for the Mayor of Flavortown! Chef, restauranteur, and TV personality Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games) joins Brooke for a story-packed episode. Guy shares how a childhood rebellion against vegetarian food pushed him towards the culinary world, how he grappled with his younger sister’s death from cancer and the ways in which her legacy inspired him to think (and cook!) differently. Plus, Guy shares how a tragic wake-up call as a teenager pushed him away from life in the fast lane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2023

DISCLAIMER: This podcast was recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike Actor, author, and Brooke's #1 fan Selma Blair (Legally Blonde, Cruel Intentions, Hellboy) opens up about her lifelong struggles with multiple sclerosis and sobriety, and shares how a public humiliation years ago led her to the diagnosis that would change her life. Plus, why Selma started saying yes to the things that scared her most, and what she’s manifesting for the years to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2023

Kar-Jenner matriarch and media mogul Kris Jenner joins Brooke for a wide-ranging conversation about the surprising origins of her business savvy and how her approach to managing her children's careers has changed over the years. Plus, Kris opens up about the “wake-up calls” she experienced following the death of her friend Nicole Brown Simpson and her divorce from Robert Kardashian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2023

Brooke welcomes Tig Notaro (One Mississippi, Tig) to the pod for a candid conversation about mothers and daughters, and the origins of their senses of humor (Shout out to Teri Terrific!) The actress-comedian opens up about finding love and shares what back-to-back illnesses and an unexpected death taught her about vulnerability and the importance of family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2023

Actor-director Andrew McCarthy (Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire) chats with Brooke about the nostalgia surrounding '80s films and how he struggled to be taken seriously after his Brat Pack fame. Andrew shares how he flew under the radar as a successful travel writer and details his most profound trip yet: a 500-mile walk along the Camino de Santiago with his eldest son.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2023

Singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (Waitress, Girls5Eva) chats with Brooke about privacy, self-doubt, and what it’s like to fight for — and win — an authentic career. Sara also gets candid about the lingering effects of her parents' divorce, including why she and fiancé Joe Tippett waited to get engaged. Plus, we dig into her newest role mentoring up-and-coming musicians on Audible’s Breakthrough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2023

Entrepreneur and media personality Bethenny Frankel kicks off Season 3 with a candid conversation with Brooke about her chaotic childhood and what growing up at the racetracks taught her about business. Bethenny reflects on her pre-Housewives days (including a nightmare audition for The Apprentice), how she moved forward after her divorce, and what led to her latest venture as a beauty influencer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2023

Politician, activist, and writer Stacey Abrams talks to Brooke about her deep love for classic TV, how she's coped with difficult political losses, and why her psychological thrillers had to be masked as romance novels. Stacey shares a story from her childhood that underscores her drive to change the system, and why she thinks she ruffles so many feathers in Washington. Plus, the "Rogue Justice" author reveals how a bad breakup helped define her life philosophy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2023

Actor, dancer, and Broadway legend Bebe Neuwirth (Chicago, Cheers, Julia) joins the podcast! Brooke and Bebe swap stories about their very different Princeton days and dig into Bebe’s early years on Broadway — including her work with Bob Fosse and the time she lied in an open call (and still got the part!). Bebe shares what it was like to end her first marriage and opens up about the pressure of dancing on Broadway after having two hip replacements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2023

Author, model, and former MTV VJ Karen Duffy joins the show to talk about the importance of having a “life philosophy” and how ancient wisdom helped her cope with a life-altering diagnosis. Brooke and Duff talk about aging out of the beauty industry and the difficulties they had trying to conceive their children. Plus, Duff shares a true story about her surrogate that’s worthy of a Lifetime movie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2023

Actor, comedian, and podcaster Rosie O’Donnell joins Brooke for a wide-ranging conversation about having a family member who suffers from addiction, the ways they learned to practice tough love, and what it’s like to come into your own in the public eye. Rosie opens up about her early stand-up career (including stealing Jerry Seinfeld’s jokes!), her controversial turn as a co-host on The View, and why producers of a cult-classic film pushed her to hide her sexuality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2023

Author and therapist Amy Bloom joins Brooke to talk about her powerful new memoir “In Love,” which chronicles her late husband’s decision to pursue end-of-life treatment after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Amy shares how she made peace with her husband’s unwavering choice, how they approached their final months together, and the ways in which his death gave her a greater appreciation for her own life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2023

Brooke sits down with Dr. Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and leading researcher on sexual violence, to talk about the pervasiveness and danger of normalizing traumatic experiences. Brooke opens up about her own sexual assault and shares why she struggled to come forward. Then, Dr. Bedera debunks some of the biggest myths surrounding rape culture and shares what you can do to support survivors. Resources: https://www.rainn.org/ https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/resources.html https://www.nicolebedera.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2023

Award-winning journalist and all-around badass Lisa Ling (This is Life with Lisa Ling, Take Out with Lisa Ling) joins the show! Lisa talks with Brooke about her experience being raised by a single dad, what it was like dropping out of college to become a war correspondent, and how a trip to Taiwan helped repair her relationship with her mother. Lisa also reflects on her “uncomfortable” fight for equal pay, and shares how her latest project has given her a new appreciation for her Chinese heritage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2023

Model, muse, and fashion icon Twiggy joins the podcast! Brooke and Twiggy chat about their cringe-worthy ‘80s TV movie, their famous teenage years, and why the fashion industry’s claim that it’s now “body positive” feels like a big sham. Twiggy gets candid about her years as a single mom after her first husband’s death and shares how a dream job helped her cope during difficult times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2023

Hello… It’s Lionel Richie. The music icon -- and Brooke's longtime friend! -- joins the podcast to share his experiences growing up in Alabama during the civil rights movement, the first song he ever wrote, and his unexpected rise from college freshman to Motown superstar. Plus, Lionel explains the biggest lesson he learned as a co-parent and why he wishes his own children “lots of failures" when they're young.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2023

Monica Lewinsky opens up about the fallout from her most famous ‘Now, What?’ moment and how she learned to cope with both the shame of her experience and the weight of decades-old abuse. Then, Brooke and Monica discuss the ways in which public shaming has shaped the 21st Century, and what they wish private citizens understood about life in the public eye.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2023

Alan Cumming (The Traitors, The Good Wife) opens up about his difficult childhood and the freedom he felt when he finally parted ways with an abusive parent. Brooke and Alan reflect on lessons learned from past relationships and discuss why they never put their drinks down at Hollywood parties. Plus, all the behind-the-scenes secrets from Alan’s hit new show ‘The Traitors.’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2023

Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Obvious Child) and Brooke talk about their mutual love for Marcel the Shell, what it was like for Jenny to continue working with her ex-husband after their divorce, and how she’s learned to overcome crippling stage fright. Plus, Jenny gets candid about her uncomfortable time as a cast member on 'SNL'. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2023

Chelsea Handler (Chelsea Lately, Chelsea Handler: Revolution) joins Brooke for the final episode of season one! The two chat about the surprising way Chelsea got into comedy, their cringeworthy Bill Cosby stories, and how the death of Chelsea’s oldest brother changed the entire course of her life. Plus, Chelsea looks back at her year of “Now What?” moments, including fighting to get her special sold and deciding to walk away from her relationship with comedian Jo Koy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2022

Brooke reunites with Blue Lagoon co-star Christopher Atkins to swap stories about their 1980 movie that became a surprising cult classic. Did they ever date? Did a young Brooke make a powerful acting choice or was it just pneumonia? Hear the good, the bad, and the ugly, including how the two really felt about all the nudity on set. Plus, Chris opens up about the life-changing moment when Hollywood broke him and his 36-year sobriety journey that followed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2022

Jessica Capshaw (Grey’s Anatomy, Tell Me Lies) chats with Brooke about the misconceptions people have about her famous parents, the stigma of being a small-screen actress during the heyday of film, and how she handled being discharged from Seattle Grace/Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital after playing the beloved Dr. Arizona Robbins for 10 years. Plus, Brooke and Jessica break down the “creative” ways writers account for actresses over 40.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2022

Cooper Manning (Fox Sports’ The Manning Hour) joins Brooke to talk about growing up in a football famous family, the secret to raising Super Bowl champs (no, there’s nothing in the water), and the devastating diagnosis that ended his own sports career and forced him to pave a different life path. Plus, Coop shares his secret dream of doing stand-up comedy one day and reveals which Manning brother is their mom’s favorite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2022

Bestselling author Angela Garbes (Essential Labor: Mothering As Social Change, Like a Mother) and Brooke discuss how the pandemic created a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to rethink the ways in which we value domestic work. The two share why they’ve embraced leaning on others to help raise their own children, the ways their own mothers influenced their parenting styles, and why changing how we care for ourselves and our loved ones could actually change the world (no, really!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2022

Gayle King (CBS Mornings, Oprah Daily) and Brooke talk about the difficulties of divorce, the biggest co-parenting challenges, and the one unforgettable piece of advice Maya Angelou gave Gayle when things got tough. Plus, Gayle reflects on working at CBS during the height of the #MeToo movement and shares a "now what" moment from her childhood that has come to define her life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2022

New York Times bestselling author Celeste Ng (Little Fires Everywhere, Everything I Never Told You) chats with Brooke about the underlying meaning of her latest novel Our Missing Hearts, why she doesn't take public reaction to her work personally, and what it's like to take a back seat when a project gets adapted by Hollywood A-listers. Plus, Celeste reveals how a harrowing racist encounter from her childhood has forever changed the way she approaches injustices in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2022

Actor, comedian, and Brooke’s bestie Ali Wentworth joins the show for our first-ever crossover episode! Brooke shares why she regrets waiting to lose her virginity, Ali reveals the time she asked her mom about masturbation on Christmas, and the two swap stories about their failed relationships (from ending an engagement to catching a cheating ex-fiancée). Plus, Brooke reveals if she's ever slept with a coworker during a fun game of "Never Have I Ever." The party continues Thursday with a down-and-dirty game of Bad Choices on Ali’s podcast Go Ask Ali.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2022

Brooke talks with Patton Oswalt (The King of Queens, The Goldbergs, A.P. Bio, I Love My Dad) about the “coin flip” that landed him in San Francisco, how grief made him more emphatic after the tragic loss of his first wife Michelle, and what he wishes internet trolls understood about his friendship with Dave Chappelle. Oh yeah, and Brooke tells us about the time she sent her mom into the afterlife without pants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2022

Kal Penn (House, Designated Survivor, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle) opens up to Brooke about his “tragic” rejection from Yale, being pigeonholed in Hollywood because of the color of his skin, and how Harold and Kumar helped him subvert racial stereotypes and land his dream role. Then, Kal digs into the biggest pivot of his life: his decision to leave acting to go work for the Obama Administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2022

Geena Davis (Thelma and Louise, A League of Their Own, Commander in Chief) joins Brooke to talk about the perils of having polite parents, how playing empowered female characters onscreen helped her cope with childhood trauma and her latest thoughts on Bill Murray. Plus, she shares a #MeToo moment involving a Hollywood director that changed how she forever saw the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2022

Brooke and Julianna Margulies (ER, The Good Wife, The Morning Show) swap stories about their bohemian childhoods, what it’s like to realize you’re famous, and how they've learned to shed the labels given to them by others. Plus, why Julianna turned down a $27 million paycheck in order to leave ER and how she dealt with the unexpected backlash from fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2022

What do you do when you encounter the unexpected? That make-or-break moment that leaves you crying in front of strangers or quitting your job to pursue your true passion. Now What? with Brooke Shields dives deep into the world of redos, resets, and forward fails: From career pivots and personal missteps to moving through grief (or just plain moving on). Join Brooke as she sits down with authors, experts, and celebrity guests to hear their ‘now what?’ moments and learn what they’ve done (or are still doing) to get through it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2022