It’s hard to believe this summer marks the 50th anniversary of Jaws—the film that launched the summer blockbuster, introduced a then-unknown Steven Spielberg, and forever changed the way we look at the ocean… and for some of us, even swimming pools!

Beyond the suspense, the unforgettable score, and one of the best movie lines of all time—“You’re gonna need a bigger boat”—Jaws had some unintended side effects. It fueled a global fear of sharks, spiked shark tournaments, and contributed to decades of overfishing.

Today, I’m so excited to welcome someone who’s been there since the beginning—Wendy Benchley, widow of Jaws author Peter Benchley. From the writing of the book to the movie’s smashing box-office success, Wendy had a front-row seat. She has since dedicated her life to shark advocacy and ocean conservation.

Wendy is a world-renowned environmentalist, co-founder of the Peter Benchey Ocean Awards, board member of WildAid, and a Co-Executive Producer of Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story – a brand-new documentary diving into the film’s legacy.

Wendy and I talk about the powerful legacy of Jaws - not only as a film - but more importantly as a vehicle that has shown light on sharks and why they are such a critical part of our ocean’s ecosystem - one that must be advocated for and protected. Thanks in large part to her work, shark fin soup consumption in China is down an estimated 70–80%. The United Nations is now considering a resolution to protect marine life from overfishing on the high seas.

Wendy is brilliant, passionate, and a true force for change. Whether you’re a Jaws fan or simply care about the future of our oceans, this is a conversation—and a documentary—you won’t want to miss.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

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Our Summer Travel Series continues this week with a stop in one of the most beautiful places in the country: Jackson Hole, Wyoming. And who better to guide us through it than Lela Rose — the iconic American fashion designer who somehow makes fly fishing, glamping, and entertaining look impossibly chic.

In this conversation, Lela shares how she got started in the fashion world and how her creative life has evolved to include the Lela Rose Ranch, an old log cabin-turned-boutique in Wilson, WY, and two books on entertaining: Prêt-a-Party and Fresh Air Affairs.

We talk about what to pack for a trip to Jackson, where to stay, her favorite local hikes, the best place to dine outdoors, and who to call if you want to try your hand at fly fishing. (She even sleeps outside every night in her own glamping tent — #goals.)

Lela is a living, breathing reminder that creativity has no limits. Her love of vintage Western wear, her eye for beautiful design, and her zest for outdoor living all come together to paint a vivid picture of what life can look like when you blend style with nature.

She’s a modern-day superwoman with an infectious spirit, and by the end of our talk, I was ready to book a flight and show up on her porch. This is truly one of the most joyful and inspiring episodes yet — I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

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This week on The Interview, we continue our Summer Travel Series with a sun-soaked stop in the Hamptons—home to ocean breezes, classic Americana, and the ever-iconic Wölffer Estate Vineyard.

I’m joined by the remarkable Joey Wölffer—entrepreneur, designer, equestrian, Co-Owner and Chief Brand Officer of Wölffer Estate.

Together with her brother Marc, husband Max Rohn, and winemaker Roman Roth, Joey took over the family business in 2013, launching the now-famous Summer in a Bottle Rosé—a Hamptons essential that sells out each year and has become the fastest-growing rosé in NYC.

In this episode, Joey shares what makes this corner of the world so magical—from sunset cocktails at the vineyard to her favorite restaurants, stores and beaches. We also talk about the amazing wines and work of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, meeting her husband on the train out to the Hamptons, balancing motherhood with all else that she does, and all of the wonderful and special things about this area of the world where she grew up spending her summers. Joey is self-deprecating, funny and smart - her love and knowledge of this part of the world shines through every part of our conversation.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the Hamptons or just daydreaming of drinks at her vineyard or perfect beach sunsets, you’ll want to hit play on this episode.

Stream the episode now wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram ⁠@TheInterviewWithLeslie⁠

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I’m briefly pausing my “Summer Travel Series” to explore a topic that’s gaining national attention: ketamine and ketamine therapy.

You may have heard ketamine mentioned in the news—whether in connection with the death of Friends actor Matthew Perry, or Elon Musk publicly endorsing it. But beyond the headlines, there’s an emerging body of evidence showing that, when used therapeutically, ketamine can be life-changing for those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or alcohol use disorder.

On a more personal note, I’ve had several friends undergo ketamine therapy with remarkable results. Their experiences sparked my curiosity and led me to explore this cutting-edge treatment in greater depth.

That curiosity brought me to Nushama, a licensed ketamine therapy clinic in midtown Manhattan, where I sat down with two seasoned psychedelic psychotherapists: Eric Stoneberg and Anisa Stechert.

Between them, they’ve treated thousands of patients—ranging from 9/11 first responders and veterans to teenagers battling eating disorders and adults living with anxiety.

In this episode, we cover it all: what ketamine is, which conditions it treats (including some powerful patient stories), how it rewires trauma in the brain, who qualifies as a candidate, and what a typical experience looks like at a clinic like Nushama.

Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, I invite you to listen with an open mind. This conversation sheds light on a promising new tool in the mental health toolbox—one that could transform the way we approach healing.

Stream the episode now wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

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We are finishing off this week with a conversation with renowned photographer and co-author of the acclaimed book, A Newport Summer, Nick Mele.

Regarded as the Slim Aarons of our time, Nick is a summer resident of Newport. As someone who also spends time in the summer in Newport, I loved comparing notes with Nick about all of his favorite secret spots.

Nick and I cover everything from walks, beaches, restaurants, places for cocktails, and all of the fantastic activities you can only do in Newport - from visiting Gilded Age Mansions to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, to coffee on mansion lawns on Sundays, to kayaking in the harbor to hear the Newport Folk Festival. 

Nick and I spent so much time discussing his impressive career before we got to our talk about Newport that I have decided to release that part of the conversation—about Nick’s work and career—later this summer.  But in the meantime, here is Nick sharing all of his insider tips on one of the all-time greatest summer towns - Newport!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen now!

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I am very excited to bring you my third installment of this summer series. Today, we are featuring one of the world's favorite islands, Nantucket. 

Ashley McCormick, founder & CEO of the lifestyle brand ASHA, who is a life-long summer resident of Nantucket and who just opened a new ASHA store there this summer, is going to share with us all of her favorite spots to visit. 

In this episode, we discuss her favorite restaurants, places for lunch, coffee, and cocktails, great outings for kids, and her top picks for places to stay.

We also share her favorite beach - keep it between us since she's afraid it will get discovered and become too crowded - but it's Ladies! 

ASHA is also a sponsor of Nantucket by Design, so if you're in Nantucket now or planning a visit this week, be sure to buy tickets! 

Our conversation made me want to jump on the next ferry!  After listening to this, you'll be right there with me!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen now!

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I'm so excited to share the latest installment in my Summer Travel Series—this time, we’re heading to one of my absolute favorite parts of the country: the Hudson Valley.

My guest is the charming, witty, and incredibly talented Lidey Heuck—author of the hit cookbook Cooking in Real Life and a food writer for The New York Times.

Lidey lives in the Hudson Valley with her young family and shares recipes, stories, and seasonal inspiration through her blog Lidey Likes and her Substack newsletter Lidey Letter.

Lidey’s culinary journey began with none other than Ina Garten (yes, we talk about Jeffrey!), and since then, she’s established herself as a trusted voice in home cooking, known for recipes that are accessible and beyond delicious.

Her debut cookbook, which came out this spring is one of my all-time favorites!

In our conversation, we talk about her thoughtful approach to recipe writing, how she fell in love with the Hudson Valley, and even a few cautionary foraging tales.

Naturally, we also dive into her favorite local spots—from antique stores and farmers markets to swimming holes and must-visit restaurants.

As a former Hudson Valley resident myself, it was such a joy to compare notes and swap recommendations on the spots that make the region so special. We also highlight a few standouts in nearby Litchfield County and the Berkshires.

Whether you’re planning a trip or just love dreaming about charming getaways, this one’s for you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen now!

I hope you all had a great July 4th weekend. We are kicking off July with what I'm calling a summer series. I've asked insiders in certain summer communities to share their favorite secret spots and recommendations for places to stay, eat, and things to do.

Who better to kick it off with than my wonderful friend Alexis Swanson Traina - back for her second time on the podcast to share all of her favorite spots from her hometown of Napa Valley, California.

Alexis is not only the Founder of the modern communication app Hinote, but she is also the author of "From Napa with Love," a beautiful book that highlights all the amazing and magical people and spots in Napa. 

In this episode, Alexis and I discuss the towns of Napa, its wineries, her own love affair with Napa, and all the must-see places to visit, stay, and eat.  Whether you're planning a trip to Napa this summer or fall or just love to learn about this very special spot in our country - this is a great episode you won't want to miss!  

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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.

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Acclaimed by critics, Land Between the Rivers: A 5,000-Year History of Iraq offers a sweeping chronicle of the region often called the cradle of civilization - a vital crossroads between East and West. Its author, Bartle Bull, draws on his experience as a freelance reporter during the Iraq War in the early 2000s.

Risking their own safety, courageous Iraqis sheltered Bartle, enabling him to report from the front lines for outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times. As a tribute to these remarkable individuals, Bartle penned this extraordinary book, illuminating Iraq’s pivotal role in world history.

In this episode, Bartle and I journey through the ages: from the ancient world of Mesopotamia and the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, to the creation of modern Iraq after World War I, the 1958 assassination of the Iraqi royal family, the rise of Sadam Hussein and the complexities of Iraq’s political landscape today.

We delve into the dangers he faced as a war correspondent, examine the diverse ethnic and religious groups of Iraq and Iran, and discuss the region’s enduring conflicts.

As the Middle East continues to grapple with conflict and change, Bartle examines Iraq’s past and present, revealing how history shapes the realities of today.

Bartle’s depth of knowledge and storytelling are truly captivating. I learned so much from this conversation, and I’m sure you will, too.

For history lovers or those who want to learn more about this very important part of the world, this episode is for you!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode. Listen now!

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.