Almost 30 years ago, when she was a local journalist at WWL in New Orleans, Hoda Kotb met another TV reporter by the name of Karen Swensen. The connection was instantaneous, and they’ve been best friends ever since. Together, they’ve navigated some of life’s most challenging moments, like illness and loss, and they’ve also celebrated each other’s joyful moments. As their lives have evolved, so too has their friendship. In this very special episode, Hoda and Karen reflect back on life, love, motherhood, and friendship. Life’s about change — and, together, they’re embracing it.

Karen Swensen: “Life’s About Change”

Where do you draw your strength? Join TODAY’s Hoda Kotb as she continues on a journey of self-discovery and exploration of the resilience of the human spirit. Hoda hears from some of the people she admires most, and whose testimonies of compassion provide lessons for how to make space for whatever it is you may be seeking in life right now. Like Hoda, you’ll leave these talks stronger than when you started and inspired to make space for growth and change in your own life.

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Carissa Moore is a World Champion surfer and Olympic gold medalist, widely considered to be one of the greatest surfers of all time. Moore burst into the world of professional surfing when she was 17, and has achieved legendary status as a dominant force in the sport. Earlier this year, Moore announced that she will step away from competitive surfing after she defends her title at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Moore sat down with Hoda Kotb to discuss her love affair with surfing, her Olympic journey and what lies ahead as she embraces her next chapter.

Carissa Moore on Riding the Wave

In honor of the fifth anniversary of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna¸Hoda is revisiting her conversation with co-host and friend Jenna Bush Hager. It’s an intimate episode touching on love, loss, work ethic and what turning 40 meant for Jenna.

Jenna Bush Hager on Love, Life & Friendship

Drew Brees spent 20 years as an NFL quarterback, playing on the New Orleans Saints for 15 seasons. In 2010, Brees led the Saints to their first ever Super Bowl championship, helping to bring back the spirit of the city after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. For Brees and wife Brittany, playing for the Saints was about more than football, it was a calling to be part of something greater. Brees sat down with Hoda Kotb to discuss his prolific career, life after football and their mutual love for New Orleans.

Drew Brees on Navigating Change

Chip Conley is a bestselling author and co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first “midlife wisdom school”. After an impressive career in the hospitality industry, Conley is now leading a worldwide revolution to re-frame midlife and change the narrative around aging. Conley joins Hoda Kotb for an inspiring conversation, sharing tips to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

Chip Conley on Learning to Love Midlife

Arthur Brooks is a bestselling author, acclaimed public speaker and professor at the Harvard School of Business, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. Brooks joined Hoda Kotb for a conversation on the art and science of getting happier, and how to build the life you want.

Karen Swensen: “Life’s About Change”

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