Oprah’s Master Class: The Podcast

Dr. Condoleezza Rice reveals herself as the woman behind the Washington power player in an intimate and surprising interview. Dr. Rice shares the lessons of her childhood in racially charged Birmingham, Alabama, and how her parents instilled in her a sense of strength and conviction to succeed. She also reveals her candid thoughts on her years in the Bush administration, and what the events of 9/11 and the war on terror have taught her. Dr. Rice reveals how her background, ideals and vision helped shape her and ultimately gave her a front row seat to witnessing history.

Revolutionary surfer, author and model Laird Hamilton shares the lessons he says he’s learned from surfing with passion, enthusiasm and a sense of wonder. Laird is a veteran big-wave surfer who elevated the sport to an art form. He has risked his life to surf the biggest waves in existence, some that are more than 80 feet tall and move 50 miles per hour. Laird describes the first time he rode a giant wave as a mystical experience that inspired in him a fearless awe. Laird shares why he sees the ocean as a teacher: its power connects him with his spirituality and the waves teach him how to stand proudly and how to fall with grace.

Golden Globe-winning, and Oscar-, Grammy-, and Emmy-nominated actress Diahann Carroll has many firsts to her name, including the first African-American woman to win a Tony Award for a leading role and the first African American woman to star in her own primetime television sitcom, “Julia.” Diahann opens up about the prejudices she faced, how she helped create the role of Dominique Deveraux in the television soap opera "Dynasty,” and her battle with breast cancer. Diahann also explains how she learned to ignore the people who discouraged her passion for singing and instead began following her own internal compass.

Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning actor, director, screenwriter and musician Billy Bob Thornton opens up about his family, relationships and success, and shares his advice on how to keep the artist inside of you alive. Billy Bob explains how he dreams about the movies he wants to write, even if he knows they might fail. He says it's more important for him to create films that satisfy the artist inside than to generate an impressive weekend box office. Billy Bob also describes the sadness that has never gone away since his younger brother Jimmy died suddenly of a heart condition. Billy Bob says he’s come to accept that he’ll only ever be “50 percent happy.” He also shares his poignant advice for anyone who has lost a loved one.

Oscar- and Golden Globe-winner Goldie Hawn says she already knew at the age of 11 her goal in life--it wasn't to be a dancer, an entertainer or even an actress. Her goal was simply to be happy. Even from such an early age, this guiding principle has been at the core of Goldie’s most valuable life lessons. When she turned 50, Goldie says she wondered what else she was going to do with her life, and began searching for ways to give back. That's when, she says, she discovered the beauty of getting older: making the world a better place with the wisdom she's accrued over the years. Goldie also discusses her extraordinary career, her famous daughter, Kate Hudson, and her relationship with longtime love, Kurt Russell.

Golden Globe- and Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges made his debut on television as young boy alongside his father, legendary actor Lloyd Bridges, in the television series "Sea Hunt." Throughout his career, Jeff has been applauded for his ability to shine in an array of roles with his "shaggy charm," gaining wide popularity and respect from critics. He has been nominated for an Academy Award seven times for films such as "The Last Picture Show," "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" and “True Grit.” Jeff garnered his first win for his turn as a fading country star in "Crazy Heart," a role that reunited him with his teenage dream of making music and also launched a tour with his band, The Abiders. Jeff shares the joy of returning to music and opens up about his upbringing as a product of Hollywood royalty. Jeff also explains his "aimless" approach to his performances, why he believes in being present and the value of living a happy life.

"Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts opens up about her brave battle with breast cancer and how she uses her diagnosis to help others. She shares her most valuable life lessons, including how to be true to yourself and listen to your inner voice. Robin also reveals the two most influential people she’s ever met.

Legendary journalist Barbara Walters is a 13-time Emmy award winner, an Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Famer and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient whose career is unrivaled. In this rare glimpse into Barbara's personal journey, she details how she got her big break and describes her ascent, from being the first woman to co-anchor "The Today Show" to interviewing every president and first lady since Richard Nixon. She offers the most valuable lessons learned from her five decades in the business. Barbara also explains why she chose to step away from the Emmy-winning daytime show she created, "The View."

Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar- and Tony-winning actress, TV host and stand-up comic Whoopi Goldberg talks candidly about her childhood in New York City, her most valuable life lessons and her defining screen roles. Whoopi explains how she landed her two most iconic roles: Celie in "The Color Purple" and Oda Mae Brown in "Ghost." She shares how she learned to accept success and open up doors of opportunity in her life. Whoopi also describes the moment she made peace with her mother’s death.

Creator and producer of “Saturday Night Live,” Lorne Michaels discusses the landmark series that changed television and comedy forever. Lorne shares what he's learned from being at the helm for more than 25 years, and his thoughts on the power of laughter and taking risks. He reflects on the importance of changing with the times and the value of comedy as a political tool. Lorne also discusses the tragic loss of “SNL” cast members John Belushi and Chris Farley.