Oprah's Super Soul

Diana Nyad, endurance swimmer and author who completed a 110-mile Cuba-to-Florida swim at 64, tells the story behind that quest. She recounts why the swim mattered to her, the physical dangers like jellyfish and delirium, the tight bond with her support team, and the mental tools that kept her going. Her three-word mantra and vivid hallucinations from the swim are also discussed.

Dr. Shefali Tsabary, clinical psychologist and bestselling author who blends Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. She talks about conscious parenting as a path of presence, how children mirror parents and call for inner growth. She outlines shifting from control to connection and treating parenting as a spiritual, transformative practice.

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist known for mindfulness and nonviolent work, shares practices for mindful breathing, walking, and compassionate listening. He recounts meeting Martin Luther King Jr., discusses exile and sustaining joy, and explains interbeing, loving speech, and everyday meditation in short, accessible teachings.

Marianne Williamson, bestselling author and spiritual teacher behind A Return to Love, shares her take on love, fear, and the soul. She explores fearing our own light, forgiveness as a daily practice, and how love can become a force for social change. Short, reflective conversations about presence, prayer, and choosing happiness.

Jay Williams, former Duke champion and NBA player who rebuilt his life after a career-ending motorcycle crash. He recounts the crash, the brutal injuries and dark recovery, and how therapy, faith and a strong support network helped him reinvent his purpose. He discusses confronting ego, attempts to return to the game, and practical advice on finding a new path forward.

Jean Houston, American philosopher and author known for exploring human potential, shares how myth and personal calling shape a life of heart, mind, and courage. She connects Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz to spiritual awakening, radical empathy, creative inner work, aging with purpose, and the power of answering yearning. Short, evocative stories and reflections spark imagination and possibility.

Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics and memoirist, reflects on lessons from athletes and family that shaped his life. He talks about vulnerability, courage, and the revolutionary dignity of inclusive sports. He recounts a defining race that redefined winning and shares spiritual practices that help people feel fully alive.

Madonna Badger, an advertising executive and public speaker who survived a 2011 house fire that killed her children and parents, shares her journey of grief and resilience. She discusses the traumatic fire, sensing her children’s presence, spiritual beliefs that sustained her, the role of action in healing, and why she continues to share her story to offer hope.

Tim Storey, ordained minister, motivational speaker and author, shares his journey from childhood loss to guiding others through major life upheavals. He talks about why people stay stuck, the power of acceptance, reclaiming joy, discovering purpose through small steps, choosing the right partners, and preparing for a comeback with renewed thinking and spiritual practice.

Jack Kornfield, a renowned Buddhist teacher and author, dives into the essence of Buddhism in this enlightening discussion. He clarifies that Buddhism isn’t just a religion but a path to mindfulness and awakening. Jack shares practical tips for daily living, like incorporating meditation and compassion to cultivate inner peace. He addresses modern issues like loneliness and self-judgment, emphasizing our original goodness. His insights into the Eightfold Path and the importance of living in the present resonate deeply, as he offers tools to transform our busy lives into a practice of joy and awareness.