HerMoney with Jean Chatzky: Summary of "Introducing Season 2 of 'How She Does It' with TODAY Host Jenna Bush Hager"

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Podcast: HerMoney with Jean Chatzky
Episode: Introducing Season 2 of "How She Does It" with TODAY Host Jenna Bush Hager
Host: Jean Chatzky
Guest: Jenna Bush Hager, author, journalist, and co-host of the fourth hour of "Today"

**1. Introduction to Season 2 and Jenna Bush Hager

Jean Chatzky opens the episode by introducing the new season of the sister podcast, "How She Does It," hosted by CNBC's Karen Feinerman. The focus of the season is to highlight incredible women leaders balancing their careers and personal lives. In the inaugural episode, Jenna Bush Hager shares her journey to becoming a prominent figure on NBC's "Today" show.

**2. Jenna's Unexpected Journey to NBC

Karen Feinerman delves into Jenna's unexpected path from teaching to national television.

• From Teacher to Television:

  • [01:27] Jenna Bush Hager: "I was teaching... and I realized my kids here could use these stories."
  • Jenna recounts her transition from being a high school newspaper editor and English major to teaching in Baltimore and working with UNICEF in Latin America.
  • Her first appearance on "Today" was to promote her narrative nonfiction book, which led to further opportunities on the show.

• Initial Reluctance and Decision:

  • [02:53] Jenna: "I think the best advice is you always take the interview."
  • Despite not initially seeing herself in media, Jenna decided to seize the opportunity, which opened doors to traveling internationally and expanding her career.

**3. Leadership Transition at the Today Show

Jenna discusses the significant change in the "Today" show leadership with Hoda Kotb stepping down.

• Impact of Hoda's Departure:

  • [04:18] Jenna: "It was a shock, and it was a disappointment at the time."
  • Jenna describes the emotional process of adjusting to Hoda's departure and how it has brought her closer to the team.

• Maintaining Leadership Style:

  • [06:00] Jenna: "I lead with humor... appreciation and gratitude."
  • She emphasizes maintaining her leadership style by fostering a family-like atmosphere, showing vulnerability, and expressing gratitude towards her team.

• Adaptation and Team Cohesion:

  • [06:35] Jenna: "Our team has become closer... it's been a really fun, beautiful chapter."
  • The transition has strengthened team bonds, allowing for a more supportive and collaborative environment.

**4. Jenna's Publishing Imprint and Book Club

Transitioning from television, Jenna shares her passion for publishing and nurturing emerging writers.

• Establishing Thousand Voices:

  • [16:22] Jenna: "We're looking for emerging voices, a wide variety of storytelling."
  • In partnership with Random House Publishing Group, Jenna's imprint focuses on spotlighting debut authors and diverse narratives.

• Discovering "Conform":

  • [17:53] Jenna: "Her name's Ariel Sullivan... it's been an obvious choice."
  • Jenna narrates the serendipitous discovery of Ariel Sullivan's manuscript during a casual encounter at a playdate, leading to the publication of "Conform" in October 2025.

• Efficiency and Teamwork in Publishing:

  • [22:06] Jenna: "I'm obsessed with this app called Speechify... it changed everything."
  • She discusses the tools and team structures that enable efficient reading and editing processes, ensuring timely publication of new works.

**5. Balancing Public Life and Personal Privacy

Jenna addresses how she manages her public persona alongside maintaining a private family life.

• Supportive Partnership:

  • [09:15] Jenna: "I have a husband who's so supportive... he killed it too."
  • Jenna highlights the importance of having a supportive partner who respects boundaries and prioritizes family.

• Protecting Children's Privacy:

  • [09:27] Jenna: "We're so aligned on our thoughts about how we want to protect our children."
  • She emphasizes thoughtful consideration about sharing details of her children's lives, ensuring their privacy and well-being.

**6. Personal Habits and Preferences

In a lighthearted segment, Jenna shares personal anecdotes and preferences that offer insight into her personality.

• Habits During Uncertainty:

  • [29:41] Jenna: "I'm going to clean out my closet... I like to clean."
  • Jenna explains how organizing and cleaning help her manage stress and uncertainty.

• Time Management and Division of Labor:

  • [27:49] Jenna: "He takes the mornings... I take the even."
  • She details the balanced division of household responsibilities between her and her husband, ensuring both can pursue their professional and personal interests.

**7. Lightning Round Highlights

The episode features a fun lightning round where Jenna responds to rapid-fire questions, showcasing her personality and preferences.

• Preferred Leadership Style:

  • "Long hair or bob?" - Bob

• City Preference:

  • "New York City or Austin, Texas?" - Austin, Texas

• Time Management:

  • "Arrive at the airport two hours early or just make it?" - Just make it.

• Social Preferences:

  • "First on the dance floor or last one off?" - First on the dance floor.

• Musical Collaboration:

  • "Duet with Dolly Parton or Beyoncé?" - Dolly Parton.

• Investment Insights:

  • Best Investment: Time spent with her grandparents.
  • Worst Investment: Mindless scrolling on social media.

**8. Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Jenna concludes with reflections on the importance of meaningful relationships and the impact of her work.

• Advice on Relationships:

  • [26:10] Jenna: "Marry somebody that's wanting to be a partner... it can predict the trajectory of their careers."
  • Emphasizing the significance of supportive partnerships in achieving personal and professional success.

• Gratitude for Her Platform:

  • [25:26] Jenna: "It's such a privilege just to have a platform you can share."
  • Jenna expresses gratitude for her role in publishing and her ability to amplify emerging voices.

Key Takeaways

• Seizing Opportunities: Jenna's journey underscores the importance of taking interviews and opportunities, even if they don't align initially with one's vision.

• Leadership and Teamwork: Maintaining a consistent leadership style during transitions fosters team cohesion and resilience.

• Passion for Publishing: Jenna's transition into publishing highlights her commitment to nurturing new talent and creating platforms for diverse voices.

• Work-Life Balance: A supportive partnership and thoughtful division of labor are crucial for balancing a demanding career with personal life.

• Personal Growth: Jenna's personal habits, such as organizing and using tools like Speechify, demonstrate effective strategies for managing a busy and multifaceted life.

Notable Quotes

• Seizing Opportunities:
  Jenna Bush Hager [02:54]: "I think the best advice is you always take the interview. You always go see what they're offering."

• Leadership Style:
  Jenna Bush Hager [06:00]: "I lead with humor... I also have vulnerability. People know that watch our show. I'm very honest about my feelings."

• Supportive Partnership:
  Jenna Bush Hager [09:15]: "I have a husband who's so supportive of my work that he would do something like go on television to sit next to me... he did a great job."

• Publishing Passion:
  Jenna Bush Hager [16:22]: "I'm obsessed with it... we're looking for emerging voices, a wide variety of storytelling."

• Balancing Privacy:
  Jenna Bush Hager [09:27]: "We're so aligned on our thoughts about how we want to protect our children."

This episode provides an in-depth look into Jenna Bush Hager's career trajectory, her leadership approach, her venture into publishing, and her strategies for maintaining a balanced personal and professional life. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, listeners gain valuable insights into managing career transitions, nurturing emerging talent, and the importance of supportive relationships.