The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Podcast
Oprah
Oprah is opening the vault of The Oprah Winfrey Show with 25 years of hand-picked legendary interviews, a-ha moments, ugly cries and unforgettable surprises. A lot has changed since she ended the show, but many of our personal struggles have stayed the same. We’re all still looking to connect, to be seen and to know that we’re not alone. We’re also looking for some joy, some laughs and some much-needed inspiration. As we head into this new decade, what better time to look back and reflect, to take stock of how we’ve grown and to be reminded that we’re all in this together. The Oprah Winfrey Show aired from September 8th, 1986 to May 25, 2011 with 4,561 episodes. The show remains the highest-rated daytime talk show in American television history, averaging between 10 to 20 million viewers a day.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 17, 2026 • 38min
Serial Killer John Wayne Gacy's Sister and Mass Murderer Jim Jones' Son Speak Out
From February 17, 2010: Oprah talks to Jim Jones, Jr., the son of the notorious Peoples Temple leader, about the Jonestown Massacre, why he didn’t “drink the Kool-Aid,” and how sports saved his life. Karen Kuzma opens up publicly, for the first time, about her brother serial killer John Wayne Gacy. She recalls life as they were growing up, the phone call when he was arrested and his last hours before he was executed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mar 10, 2026 • 26min
Bob Greene's Best Life Diet
Bob Greene, exercise physiologist and bestselling author of The Best Life Diet, outlines a three-phase weight-loss plan and how mindset kickstarts change. He covers practical Phase One rules like movement, hydration, and nighttime habits. Real people share breakthrough moments and small-step wins. The conversation ends with tips for transitioning to long-term maintenance.
6 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 28min
Kidnapped as a Child: Why I Didn't Return
Todd Bequette, kidnapped at 13 and held 18 months, shares his traumatic survival and recovery. Ed Smart, father of Elizabeth Smart, discusses family support when a child returns. Ernie Allen, head of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, explains legal gaps and needed policy changes. The conversation explores fear, grooming, reintegration, and calls for stronger protections for children.
Feb 24, 2026 • 24min
The Person Who Changed My Life
Martin Sheen, acclaimed actor who credits a mentor priest for guiding his faith and career. Jada Pinkett-Smith, actress and producer inspired by Debbie Allen’s drive and confidence. Emmitt Smith, NFL legend and philanthropist who returned to college and motivates others. They share personal stories about people who steered their paths and the moments that changed everything.
7 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 25min
What's Your Achilles' Heel?
Wes Roberts, author of Protect Your Achilles Heel, is a behavioral expert who maps how character flaws and patterns undermine relationships. He talks about insecurity-driven attention-seeking, the difference between behavior and intention, why partners drift apart, and how selflessness creates lasting significance. Short, sharp, and thought-provoking.
Feb 10, 2026 • 37min
Messages from Dying Mothers
Erin Kramp, a mother and former venture capitalist who recorded video messages while facing metastatic breast cancer. Tobi Mills, a British mother who sought a new family for her 10-year-old twins while dying of liver cancer. They talk about preparing practical and emotional plans for children, recording lasting motherly advice, finding caregivers, and keeping sibling bonds intact.
Feb 3, 2026 • 36min
Faces of Autism
Katie, Jesse, and Michelle: parents who share sudden loss of speech, regression, and daily caregiving strains. Dr. Anshu Batra: developmental-behavioral pediatrician and parent of two autistic children. They discuss early warning signs, regression, therapies and costs, sibling impacts, sensory behaviors, and paths to communication and hope.
Jan 27, 2026 • 38min
Do You Believe?
Allison DuBois, a medium who aided law enforcement and inspired the show Medium, and John Edward, a TV psychic known for live readings and seminars. They describe how the other side communicates, share live readings that bring comfort and validation, and offer practical tips like meditation and journaling to help people become more receptive to messages from beyond.
Jan 20, 2026 • 40min
What Five Words Describe Your Marriage?
In a captivating discussion, Gary Zukav, a renowned spiritual teacher and author of The Seat of the Soul, delves into what it means to have a spiritual partnership. He emphasizes the transformative power of intention and the importance of emotional awareness in relationships. Gary highlights the significance of changing oneself before attempting to change a partner and encourages listeners to confront their fears and insecurities. By doing so, couples can foster growth and genuine intimacy, moving beyond traditional relationship myths.
12 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 39min
Addiction: Why Can't They Stop?
A panel of recovering addicts shares their harrowing journeys through addiction, revealing the secrecy and denial that often accompany their struggles. They discuss the deep emotional toll of addiction and the role of forgiveness in healing. Experts explain cutting-edge treatments and medications that help manage cravings and support recovery. Personal stories highlight the ongoing nature of recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-admittance and seeking help. It's a powerful exploration of resilience and hope amidst the battle against addiction.
