Work in Progress with Sophia Bush

"The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" fan favorite Mayci Neeley gets brutally honest about love, loss, and survival —stories she lays bare in her new memoir "Told You So." Her journey from heartbreak and abuse to resilience and rebuilding takes on new dimension as she reflects on life lessons only learned in hindsight.Brace for some fun shockers, too, as Mayci also spills the tea on "Mormon Wives" season 3 and reveals why she's not losing sleep over some of the show's wilder revelations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hulu’s acclaimed limited series "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox" pushed Grace Van Patten to her limits—learning Italian in weeks, embodying Amanda’s story, and carrying insights from both Knox herself and producer Monica Lewinsky that changed her beyond the role. Grace opens up about the pivotal gap year that made her choose acting for good and the unexpected lessons she’s still trying to apply off-screen. Plus, with "Tell Me Lies" season 3 filming now, Grace hints at what makes this chapter of her career both thrilling and bittersweet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carson Daly has been a defining voice in pop culture for more than three decades, but despite his warmth, humor and openness in front of the camera, behind the scenes, he's struggled with potentially career-crushing anxiety.Carson opens up about his first panic attack which took place in his TRL dressing room and how he went from thinking he was “broken” to becoming a leading voice for mental health. Find out how he's turned his self-awareness into a superpower and uses his mental health toolkit to help others, even on live TV.Learn more about the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival at https://www.projecthealthyminds.com/    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beloved Pediatric Emergency Department doctor and social media sensation Dr. Meghan Beach is trusted by millions on social media for her razor-sharp insights and relatable, no-nonsense style. She’s also changing the way parents receive and understand vital insights about children’s health. Hear how Dr. Beach balances saving lives, raising four kids, and breaking down medical myths online. Plus, she reveals a few life-saving tricks every parent should know, including a surprising way parents could prevent severe allergic reactions.Find and follow Dr. Beach on instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/dr.beachgem10?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unfiltered, unapologetic, and utterly magnetic—Malin Åkerman is fresh off her bold, twist-filled turn in "The Hunting Wives" and opens up about embracing freedom on screen, the power of female friendship, and the honesty that fuels both her marriage and her career.  Plus, find out the current state of the show's second season and how she and her husband feel about her new status as a queer icon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cristela Alonzo isn’t just one of the funniest voices in comedy—she’s a storyteller whose underdog journey fuels razor-sharp stand-up on identity, class and culture. Her latest Netflix special "Cristela Alonzo: Upper Classy" blends hilarity with humanity, but in the comedy clubs, she’s proving that laughter can spark real change. Hear firsthand about the family struggles that shaped her, the dystopian nightmare she found herself in on election night, and the unexpected way she raised $30K of life-changing support, one laugh at a time.All proceeds from Cristela's live "Room Temperature Shows" benefit The Immigrant Defenders Law Center. Learn more about their work at https://www.immdef.org/.Cristela's new Netflix special "Cristela Alonzo: Upper Classy" comes out September 23rd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lilly Singh has never been afraid to break boundaries, and her latest project proves it. A trailblazing comedian, storyteller, and digital creator, Lilly reveals all the dirty details about her bold new comedy “Doin’ It” and how this film had moments that made her blush. Lilly’s also making amazing strides in her mission to uplift women and amplify underrepresented voices! Find out how and discover what she says is her number one priority in life.  Learn more about Lilly’s projects and mission here: Unicorn Islandhttps://www.unicornisland.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.