This past Sunday, June 22nd was the Season 3 Premiere of HBO's hit series, The Gilded Age. Part of the success of this show is the viewing audience's fascination of this time period -  a time of rapid change and immense wealth in the United States - and the grand mansions of the time located in Newport, Rhode Island.

I thought my listeners would be interested in going behind the scenes - to learn more about this time of great change, wealth, power and drama in American History - and who better to give us a view into this world and history, than Trudy Coxe, the CEO and Executive Director of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

In this episode, Trudy and I talk about the "Gilded Age" - this time of transformation following the Civil War where the railroads, oil, banking, created the Robber Barons and the rise of families like the Vanderbilts, Goulds, Astors.  

We explore the similarities between the show and real like characters - for example, Bertha Russell and Alva Vanderbilt and how the show's creator, Julian Fellowes, went to great lengths to make certain that he was getting the historical details of the time correct.  Importantly, Fellowes engaged historians to ensure that the story of the rise of elite Black Americans during this time were being accurately portrayed through his character Peggy Scott.
We also examine about the role of immigrants in this society, the architecture of these grand homes, the culture of religious freedom in Newport and the broader economy at the time. While we talk about the rise of these families and great wealth in America at the time, we also explore the fall of the Gilded Age and these grand summer cottages and the creation of the Preservation Society and its importance in maintaining these homes and in it this important period of American history.

For lovers of history, Newport or the Gilded Age, this episode is for you!  
And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: ⁠⁠TENMILE DISTILLERY ⁠⁠

All Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout. ⁠⁠Click here to learn more⁠⁠.

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In Today’s Episode: Meet the Women Redefining Swimwear and Shapewear

In this episode, I sit down with two dear friends and former neighbors from Millbrook—Joyann King Michael and Chrissy McCurdy—two of the three powerhouse founders behind Stylest, the brand transforming the swimwear and shapewear space.

Stylest was born from a poolside wardrobe malfunction and has since evolved into a patented, best-in-class solution for women everywhere. Their signature DreamSculpt bras for swim, flattering suits, and effortlessly chic coverups have earned praise from Harper’s Bazaar to Oprah Daily—yes, Oprah really can’t live without them. Stylest is helping women everywhere feel like their best selves—because every body is a swimsuit body.

In our conversation, we talk about building a company from scratch, juggling work and growing families, and redefining what it means to feel confident in your own skin. Joyann and Chrissy are smart, funny, and making things happen.

This is an episode for the dreamers, the builders, and anyone who’s ever felt uneasy about swimsuit season. Stream it now! 

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: ⁠TENMILE DISTILLERY ⁠

In honor of Father’s Day, all Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout. ⁠Click here to learn more⁠.

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down with expert preventative neurologist Dr. Kellyann Niotis.

Dr. Niotis is the Director of Parkinson's and Lew Body Dementia at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. She is the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist specializing in risk reduction strategies for neurodegenerative disorders. She managed the first Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

We often hear about how little can be done once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Lew Body Dementia, or Parkinson's to reverse the progression of the disease. What is so exciting about my conversation with Dr. Niotis is that we talk about ways that we can scientifically reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer's, Lew Body, and Parkinson’s. My conversation with Dr. Niotis was so in-depth that I have divided this episode into two parts!

Part 1 covered statistics on these diseases, as well as the reasons for their rise, symptoms that appear YEARS before diagnosis, and genetic testing - including who is a candidate and the pros and cons of undergoing these tests.

In this episode (Part 2), we talk about all of the modifiable risk factors for dementia, from monitoring your cholesterol levels to having your hearing checked to getting the shingles vaccine. It was such an eye-opening and empowering conversation.

This subject is a personal one for me having my mother-in-law having dementia before she died. After this episode, I hope you, like me, will feel like you have all of the knowledge and tools to reduce and reverse your risk of developing these diseases.

This is a must-listen episode! And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram ⁠@⁠⁠TheInterviewWithLeslie⁠ and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TENMILE DISTILLERY

In honor of Father’s Day, all Interview listeners will receive 10% off their order when they use code “THEINTERVIEW” at checkout. Click here to learn more.

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down with expert preventative neurologist Dr. Kellyann Niotis.

Dr. Niotis is the Director of Parkinson's and Lew Body Dementia at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. She is the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist specializing in risk reduction strategies for neurodegenerative disorders. She managed the first Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

We often hear about how little can be done once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Lew Body Dementia, or Parkinson's to reverse the progression of the disease. What is so exciting about my conversation with Dr. Niotis is that we talk about ways that we can scientifically reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer's, Lew Body, and Parkinson’s. My conversation with Dr. Niotis was so in-depth that I have divided this episode into two parts!

Part 1, released today, will cover statistics on these diseases, as well as the reasons for their rise, symptoms that appear YEARS before diagnosis, and genetic testing - including who is a candidate and the pros and cons of undergoing these tests.

In Part 2, we talk about all of the modifiable risk factors for dementia, from monitoring your cholesterol levels to having your hearing checked to getting the shingles vaccine. It was such an eye-opening and empowering conversation.

This subject is a personal one for me having my mother-in-law having dementia before she died. After this episode, I hope you, like me, will feel like you have all of the knowledge and tools to reduce and reverse your risk of developing these diseases.

This is a must-listen episode! And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

I’m so excited to be back after my six-week break that was filled with parents’ weekends, school plays, crew races—and our daughter’s high school graduation!

And I promise, this next episode was worth the wait.

This week on The Interview, I sit down with Betsy Wills—co-founder of YouScience and author of Your Hidden Genius. Whether you’re reentering the workforce, feeling professionally unfulfilled, or graduating and unsure of your next steps, this conversation is for you.

Betsy shares how we can use science—specifically an aptitude-based assessment—to uncover our innate strengths, interests, and traits. We explore how understanding your natural talents is the first step toward finding both career success and personal fulfillment.

This episode is a powerful reminder that self-awareness is more than a buzzword—it’s the foundation for a meaningful life.

Your Hidden Genius is the perfect graduation gift for your high school or college-aged children, but it’s also a must-read for anyone at any stage of life. We all deserve to better understand ourselves and what we’re truly meant to do.

Don’t miss this one—it might just change how you see yourself.  Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

May is Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month. In honor of that, we are re-releasing a deeply moving episode that focuses on a truly incredible foundation—and the powerful story behind it.

Leslie sits down with Kate Doerge, founder of Penny’s Flight Foundation. Kate shares the powerful story of her daughter, Penny, who passed away in November 2022 from NF—the most common genetic disorder in children, and one that still has no cure.

In the wake of unimaginable loss, Kate, her husband Chad, and their community turned grief into action. They founded Penny’s Flight Foundation, a growing national movement dedicated to raising awareness and funding for NF research.

In this heartfelt conversation, Kate reflects on Penny’s joyful spirit, the mission of the foundation, and the boundless energy fueling efforts to find a cure. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the power of community.

Tune in and be inspired by the legacy of Penny and the incredible work being done in her name.

If you’re moved by this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite platform. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

In anticipation of Memorial Day, we’re bringing back a powerful and timely conversation with two remarkable storytellers, James Patterson and Tim Malloy.

You know Patterson as one of the bestselling authors of all time, with over 425 million books sold and collaborations with names like Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton. You may know Malloy as a veteran investigative reporter and seven-time Emmy winner.

Together, they’ve created something truly meaningful: American Heroes—a tribute to real-life servicemen and women who have earned the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, and Distinguished Service Cross.

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Patterson and Malloy about the unforgettable stories in their book, the weight of military sacrifice, and why these acts of courage deserve our attention—especially now.

They also reflect on their work on Filthy Rich: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein, how their careers began, and their shared passion for telling the stories that matter most.

Funny, thoughtful, and deeply moving—this is an episode that feels especially resonant as we honor those who’ve served. We’re honored to share it again with our listeners. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

In honor of Mother’s Day this upcoming Sunday, we’re revisiting a conversation that celebrates the beautiful bond between parent and child. In this episode, Leslie sits down with the inspiring Jenna Bush Hager—author, journalist, and host of Today with Jenna & Friends.

A force in publishing and media, Jenna is the creator of the Read with Jenna Book Club, founder of the Thousand Voices imprint supporting emerging writers, and co-founder of her own production company.

Jenna and her twin sister Barbara recently co-authored their third book together, I Loved You First, a heartfelt children’s story that captures the magic of parenthood and the strength of sibling connection.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jenna opens up about the inspiration behind the book, the power of sisterhood and female friendship, how it feels to host Today without her longtime co-host Hoda Kotb, and the mission behind her literary ventures. Plus, she and Leslie bond over their mutual love of karaoke!

Whether you’re a mom, a daughter, or someone who cherishes the women in your life, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie.

Tomorrow, May 1st, marks the beginning on Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of that, we are bringing back one of our most impactful episodes: Mental Health Matters - feat. Corinne Catarozoli, Ph.D.

Dr. Corinne Catarozoli is a leader in pediatric integrated care at Weill Cornell Medicine. She specializes in evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges.

With expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pediatric behavioral medicine, she shares practical insights on how parents can identify signs of mental illness early and seek the right kind of support.

In this episode, Leslie and Dr. Catarozoli explore:

• The three most common mental health conditions affecting kids today

• Early signs to look out for

• How to access effective, evidence-based treatment options

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation is packed with valuable guidance and real-world advice.

Listen, take notes, and be part of the conversation. If you enjoy The Interview with Leslie, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie.

In Honor of Financial Literacy Month: A Special Re-Release

This week, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular episodes of The Interview with Leslie — and it couldn’t be more timely.

In “Girls Just Want To Have FUNDS”, Leslie sits down with Lacy Garcia, Founder and CEO of Willow, an award-winning platform that helps connect women and multigenerational consumers with financial advisors who truly understand them. Think of it like a matchmaking service — but for your financial future.

Lacy launched Willow after navigating a divorce as a young mom, realizing firsthand how hard it was to find an advisor who could offer both financial guidance and personal support during a major life transition.

In this episode, Leslie and Lacy dive into key financial literacy topics — from budgeting and emergency funds to 529 Plans and retirement investing. You’ll also hear tips on setting financial goals and how to find an advisor who’s the right fit for you.

Whether you’re working toward your next money milestone or simply want to feel more empowered about your finances, this episode is a must-listen. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie.