How It Is artwork

How It Is

26 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1.3K ratings

Hear women tell our own stories, in our own words, and share the truths we've learned and lived through. Hosted by Kelly McCreary, in Season 3 you’ll hear from Phoebe Robinson, Jameela Jamil, Suleika Jaouad, Danya Ruttenberg, Sailor J, Cristela Alonzo, and more. This season is all about Journeys: adventures that illuminate the world and ourselves, unexpected encounters that change our lives when we least expect it, escapes that bring peace and fresh starts, souvenirs we’ve collected along the way, and last but not least, the places we call home. Brought to you by Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine.

Society & Culture feminism phoebe robinson storytelling kelly mccreary jameela jamil reese witherspoon women
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Episodes

Bonus: Sunstorm Podcast on What We Were Born To Do featuring Chani Nicholas

January 28, 2020 08:30 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

As a special treat today, we're sharing an episode from Sunstorm, a brand new podcast from our friends Ai-jen Poo, Alicia Garza and the NDWA. Ai-jen and Alicia are two of the leading activists in America and the show is all about how women help each other stay joyful and powerful amidst the chaos of life today. In this very first episode of Sunstorm, Astrologer Chani Nicholas joins Alicia and Ai-jen to discuss the intersection of social justice and the stars. They discuss her New Y...

Home, with Phoebe Robinson, Michelle Zauner, and Liana Aghajanian

December 19, 2018 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

It’s where you drop your bag and kick off your shoes, but home can be lots of places—and mean a lot of different things, too. Phoebe Robinson shares her newfound domestic bliss as a first-time homeowner with her British boyfriend (aka #BritishBaekoff); Michelle Zauner, the singer/songwriter who performs as Japanese Breakfast, describes mourning her mom and finding home in the Korean food she used to make; and journalist Liana Aghajanian tells us how, after being born in Tehran and r...

Souvenirs, with Rosanna Durruthy, Robin Berman, and Hillary Frank

December 12, 2018 08:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

Mementos. Memories. What helps us remember where we’ve been, and what does that say about where we’re going? LinkedIn head of diversity Rosanna Durruthy left Harvard without a degree, and explains that some of the things she picked up on her journey from homelessness to a corner office were even more valuable; psychiatrist Robin Berman tells us how she felt the presence of her husband’s ex-wife, which gave her strength and support during her parenting journey; and “The Longest Short...

Escape, with Fatuma Hussein, Sailor J, and Cristela Alonzo

December 05, 2018 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

What happens when where we are becomes unbearable? And what, exactly, is waiting on the other side? Fatuma Hussein describes her escape from Somalia’s brutal civil war and her new mission helping fellow refugees and immigrants as they resettle in Maine; Sailor J breaks down the ways in which her bold YouTube persona gave her the courage to escape rigid expectations of femininity; and Cristela Alonzo tells us how comedy has been a lifelong escape from grief, fear, and the challenges ...

Unexpected Encounters, with Sarah McKemie, Suleika Jaouad, and Megan Phelps-Roper

November 29, 2018 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MB

Sometimes the thing we didn’t see coming leaves us reeling, in the best possible way. Roller derby star Sarah McKemie shares her story of being an uncertain college student when a gang of roller derby girls skated into her life; Suleika Jaouad remembers a solo road trip she took after finishing cancer treatment, in which her most unexpected encounter was with herself; and former Westboro Baptist Church member Megan Phelps-Roper reveals how she met her husband and best friends after ...

Adventure, with Jameela Jamil, Danya Ruttenberg, and Jada Yuan

November 28, 2018 08:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB

Adventure can mean going around the world—or simply deciding to take a chance on yourself. Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg describes how traveling to faraway places showed her that a true connection to God was inside her all along; New York Times 52 Places journalist Jada Yuan calls en route to Fiji to explain why trusting yourself and others is the key to finding your way; and actress Jameela Jamil tells us how surviving a series of health scares pushed her to take personal and professional...

Trailer: Season 3 - Journeys

November 21, 2018 08:01 - 2 minutes - 2.31 MB

Kelly McCreary, our new host for Season 3 of How It Is, introduces us to the theme of Journeys: five new episodes all about Adventure, Unexpected Encounters, Escape, Souvenirs, and Home. Join Kelly (Grey’s Anatomy) and executive producer Reese Witherspoon this season as we share stories from Phoebe Robinson, Jameela Jamil, Suleika Jaouad, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, and more.   Hosted by Kelly McCreary. Brought to you by Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine. We want to hear YOUR story...

Extra Stories: “There Were No Books” with Sonia Manzano

November 14, 2018 11:00 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MB

Before she became Maria on Sesame Street, Sonia Manzano was a girl who grew up without access to books or a sense of what reading was—until one moment on the subway opened the door to a world of stories, creativity, and discovery. This is an extra story from one of your favorite How It Is season 2 storytellers—stay tuned, season 3 is coming soon! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Extra Stories: “Grieving People Still Want to Go to Brunch” with Nora McInerny

November 12, 2018 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.8 MB

In the wake of her father’s death and her husband’s terminal cancer diagnosis, Nora McInerny learned something new about grief: It’s a whole lot more complicated than just being sad. This is an extra story from one of your favorite How It Is season 2 storytellers—stay tuned, season 3 is coming soon! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Extra Stories: “Limp the Limp” with Maysoon Zayid

November 09, 2018 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.73 MB

Hashtag activism sometimes gets a bad rap, but comedian and disability rights advocate Maysoon Zayid explains that for some people, the internet is the only way to make their voices heard. This is an extra story from one of your favorite How It Is season 2 storytellers—stay tuned, season 3 is coming soon! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Living Our Values, with Ann Dunwoody, Sarah Eagle Heart, and Sonia Manzano

October 24, 2018 07:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB

In our Season 2 finale, we tackle some big questions: How can we put our values into practice every day? What does it mean to live a life of value? Gen. Ann Dunwoody, the first woman to achieve a four-star officer rank in the U.S. military, shares what she learned from her long Army career; Native Americans in Philanthropy CEO Sarah Eagle Heart describes the power of living out values rooted in tradition; and Sonia Manzano (aka Maria from Sesame Street) tells us how changing million...

Time, with Maria Menounos, Eve Rodsky, and May Kim-Tenser

October 17, 2018 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

If there’s one thing we never have enough of, it’s time. So how can we be more mindful of it -- appreciating each moment without losing momentum? Relationship expert Eve Rodsky shares her groundbreaking research about how couples divide their time and household labor; Maria Menounos tells us how being diagnosed with a brain tumor changed her perception of time; and neurosurgeon Dr. May Kim-Tenser explains what it’s like to make life and death decisions in a matter of minutes. Hoste...

Play, with Abby Wambach, Nora McInerny, and Shantell Martin

October 10, 2018 07:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MB

As we get older, it’s easy to forget how much we need play in our lives, even (perhaps especially) when we’re going through tough times. This episode may help change that. Artist Shantell Martin shares her joyful approach to art and explains why everyone should draw; author and “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” host Nora McInerny tells us how playtime helped her and her young son after her husband’s death; and soccer legend Abby Wambach breaks down what it really means to be a team play...

Work, with Cecile Richards, Maysoon Zayid, and Willow Zietman

October 03, 2018 07:20 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MB

Work: Is it just something we do, or is it something that defines us? Maybe it’s a little of both. Activist and former head of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards explains how she found her life’s work; comedian and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid reveals what drives her to break barriers onstage and off; and blacksmith Willow Zietman takes us inside her journey to a mystical world of hot iron and hammers. Hosted by Diane Guerrero. Brought to you by Reese Witherspoon and Hello Suns...

Money, with Roxane Gay, Ms. Pat, and Shiza Shahid

October 03, 2018 07:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MB

No matter how much money we have (or don’t have), it shapes our identities in profound, surprising, and sometimes uncomfortable ways. Author Roxane Gay tells us why she won’t compromise on getting paid; comedian Ms. Pat shares the freedom that comes from breaking the cycle of poverty; and entrepreneur Shiza Shahid explains why women’s financial empowerment will change the world. Hosted by Diane Guerrero. Brought to you by Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine. We want to hear YOUR ...

Trailer: Season 2 - Values

September 19, 2018 11:00 - 2 minutes - 2.53 MB

Executive Producer Reese Witherspoon and our host, Diane Guerrero, introduce season 2 of How It Is, a series of stories from 15 different women. This season we're talking about values. You will hear stories exploring the value of money, the value of work, the value of play, the value of time, and how we incorporate all of our values into our lives. Get ready. We want to hear YOUR story. Find us @hellosunshine on Instagram and Twitter and hello-sunshine.com. #HowItIs See Privacy P...

Extra Stories: "Sex! It's Complicated" With Jenny Yang

September 14, 2018 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.37 MB

You wanted more? We got you. We're going to share a few extra stories from your favorite "How It Is" storytellers from Season 1. Today: Jenny Yang, the comedian and founder of the Comedy Comedy Festival, tells us about how sometimes you're surprised by your own choices. Also! A sneak peek of Season 2! Hosted by Diane Guerrero. Stay tuned for more "How It Is" coming soon! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-...

Extra Stories: "Remember Where You Came From" With Monica Ramirez

September 13, 2018 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.33 MB

You wanted more? We got you. We're going to share a few extra stories from your favorite "How It Is" storytellers from Season 1. Today: Activist and the co-founder of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Monica Ramirez, shares why it's so important to always remember your roots. Hosted by Diane Guerrero. Stay tuned for more "How It Is" coming soon! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Extra Stories: "Just Google It!" with Gabrielle Union

September 05, 2018 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.9 MB

You wanted more? We got you. We're going to share a few extra stories from your favorite "How It Is" storytellers from Season 1. Today: Gabrielle Union tells us about how she stays open to new ideas and is empowered by making her own judgments. Hosted by Diane Guerrero. Stay tuned for more "How It Is" coming soon! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Power, with Lena Waithe, Glennon Doyle and Ellen Pao

May 16, 2018 06:01 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

This is our season finale. We end on a powerful note as Lena Waithe breaks down the importance of giving zero f**ks; author Glennon Doyle reflects on raising boys and changing the world; and Ellen Pao explains how she gained power when she took a stand against sexism in Silicon Valley. Hosted by Diane Guerrero. And stay tuned for more How It Is, coming soon! We want to hear YOUR story. Find us @hellosunshine on Instagram and Twitter and hello-sunshine.com. #HowItIs See Privacy P...

Freedom, with Krista Tippett and Nichole Bowen-Crawford

May 09, 2018 06:01 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

Freedom is a journey, not a destination. What is the work we need to do to become free, and what are we trying to get free from? In this episode, On Being host Krista Tippett drops some serious wisdom about the process of becoming free; and Army veteran Nichole Bowen-Crawford shares how she found her way to healing as a survivor of PTSD and sexual assault in the military. Hosted by Diane Guerrero. We want to hear YOUR story. Find us @hellosunshine on Instagram and Twitter and hell...

Our Voices, with Monica Ramirez, Gabrielle Bellot, and Molly Schiot

May 02, 2018 06:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MB

Who is allowed to speak? Who gets to be heard? In this episode we’re talking about how we find our voices and speak out. Mónica Ramírez, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas co-founder, makes sure female farmworkers’ voices are heard in the #MeToo conversation; writer Gabrielle Bellot explains why speaking out isn’t always easy; and filmmaker Molly Schiot tells us about an amazing group of women athletes who used their voices for change. We also hear from Executive Producer Reese Withersp...

The Gray Area, with Anna Holmes, Kayla Whaley, and Jenny Yang

April 25, 2018 06:02 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

The issues that matter most are never simple. Journalist and Jezebel founder Anna Holmes discusses the online outrage culture that drowns out nuance (and her own role in creating it); writer Kayla Whaley explains her longing to be catcalled (even though she doesn’t want to be harassed); and comedian Jenny Yang embraces her complexity (while she sometimes feels guilty for it). Hosted by Diane Guerrero. Brought to you by Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine. We want to hear YOUR sto...

Our Anger, with Gabrielle Union, Rebecca Traister, and Tarana Burke

April 25, 2018 06:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MB

Anger can be destructive — but it can be constructive, too. This episode explores the range of women’s anger and features a chorus of women’s voices on what anger means to them; #MeToo founder Tarana Burke and journalist Rebecca Traister on the power of women’s collective anger, and their joy; and a personal story from actor Gabrielle Union. Hosted by Diane Guerrero. Brought to you by Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine. We want to hear YOUR story. Find us @hellosunshine on Insta...

Trailer: Season 1

April 18, 2018 04:00 - 4 minutes - 3.85 MB

Executive Producer Reese Witherspoon and our host, Diane Guerrero, introduce the first season of How It Is, a series of stories inspired by the global conversation around #MeToo. You will hear stories exploring anger, the gray area, speech, freedom and power. Get ready. We want to hear YOUR story. Find us @hellosunshine on Instagram and Twitter and hello-sunshine.com. #HowItIs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privac...

Coming Soon! How It Is

April 16, 2018 03:21 - 1 minute - 1.67 MB

Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine, is coming out soon with its very first podcast. You'll hear women tell their own stories, in their own words. In this teaser, Reese tells us How It Is. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guests

Maysoon Zayid
2 Episodes
Nora McInerny
2 Episodes
Cristela Alonzo
1 Episode
Glennon Doyle
1 Episode
Krista Tippett
1 Episode
Megan Phelps-Roper
1 Episode
Phoebe Robinson
1 Episode
Roxane Gay
1 Episode