Joy 101: Jodie Turner-Smith

Summary

---

Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb: Jodie Turner-Smith

Release Date: June 29, 2026
Host: Hoda Kotb
Guest: Jodie Turner-Smith

---

Main Theme

This episode of Joy 101 is a deep dive into what it means to experience, cultivate, and sustain joy—especially in the context of success, motherhood, and identity. Through a candid and warm conversation with acclaimed actress Jodie Turner-Smith, Hoda Kotb explores topics like gratitude, ambition, resilience, the immigrant experience, self-critique, and defining “enough.” The pair share personal stories and philosophies, offering listeners actionable lessons on presence, acceptance, and mindful parenting.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Power of Slowing Down

• Hoda begins by reflecting on the importance of intentionally slowing down (00:10). She describes how meaningful conversations with her kids happen only when she’s not rushing (“the best convos I find come either late at night…or when I’m driving because they’re not staring at me”).
• Example: An honest conversation with her seven-year-old daughter about living with type 1 diabetes.
  • "Sometimes it feels kind of unfair because all the other kids get cupcakes and I don’t." - Hoda’s daughter (03:00)

Meet Jodie Turner-Smith: Tenacity, Roots, and Expectations

• Hoda introduces Jodie’s background: born in England to Jamaican parents, living as the only Black family in a small village, and later moving to the U.S.
• Jodie credits her “A-type personality” and Virgo traits for her drive and leadership since childhood—“If you want something done, you gotta do it yourself” (11:05).
• Discusses longing for Black community and the mixed emotions of fitting in versus standing out (15:59).

Navigating Identity and Belonging

• Growing up different—both Hoda and Jodie reflect on their childhoods as children of immigrants, trying to fit in while standing out (14:06–15:44).
• Jodie’s approach: Rely on intellect and achievement (“being the smartest, being in charge”) to close “the gaps” where she didn’t fit in (14:47).

The Impact of Motherhood

• Jodie describes motherhood as “not for the faint of heart”—a complete transformation and her greatest joy and challenge (18:18).
  • “You literally become a whole new person...The motherhood informs it all. And there’s just no heartache and disappointment like the ones you experience in motherhood.” (18:34).

The Immigrant Experience and Defining Success

• Jodie on moving to Maryland after her parents’ split, the reality of systemic challenges for Black Americans, and comparisons with the Jamaican diaspora’s drive for opportunity (23:21–25:38).
• Initial career goals: law. Jodie was a passionate, argumentative student whose mother encouraged her advocacy (25:38–26:37).
• She recounts a shift away from corporate ambitions, questioning her constructed identity in college:
  • “I realized all this stuff I’ve been doing...I don’t know who this person is, and I want to find out who I am and live as that person.” (27:41–28:39)
• Success and joy:
  • “In America, that’s the whole idea of the American dream. You can be born a pauper and become a prince…But joy is not in abundance among the most successful people.” (28:43–32:31)
  • Emphasis on the “trap” of chasing things; true joy comes from connection, not possessions.

The Secret to Staying Present: Gratitude

• Hoda prompts a discussion about ambition versus contentment and the challenge of “enough” (33:59–35:26).
• Jodie shares a pivotal lesson:
  • “The finish line is always going to move. You have to learn how to be in gratitude for this moment.” (35:26–36:28)
  • Her mantra: “Yes, thank you. More of this…That’s my prayer always.” (36:52–37:09)

On Inspiration, Validation, and Hard Work

• Pharrell Williams encouraged Jodie to pursue modeling/acting—an external validation that sparked internal belief. But Jodie stresses the ground between encouragement and achievement is filled with self-work (37:40–39:18).
• “I approach everything as someone who is here to learn...People don't see the tears, the hours...It's a constant process of not allowing the inner critic to paralyze me.” (39:18–41:11)

Self-Criticism & Navigating Imposter Syndrome

• Jodie discusses being a “Bambi” learner, never feeling like an expert, and notes frequent self-doubt (41:11–42:39).
  • “There is no amount of outer affirmation, acknowledgement, hardware...that can quiet the inner critic. That’s why the work is in the self. Love is in you really believing in you.” (41:46–42:39)
• Tools for resilience: minimizing exposure to toxic commentary, focusing on self-care, careful language, and therapy (43:06–44:41).

Mindful Parenting & Breaking Patterns

• Jodie is intentional about positive self-talk, modeling self-love, and how she and others speak around her daughter.
  • “Do nothing without intention…I pay attention to how I speak about myself, to her, and how I allow others to speak about themselves in front of her.” (45:13–46:04)
• Grateful for her mother’s assistance, seeing her as a “mummy’s helper” (46:11–47:46).
  • “When I chose to become a mother, I chose that with all of me.” (46:28)

Navigating Co-Parenting and Nontraditional Families

• Both hosts discuss addressing questions from kids about family structure post-divorce (51:23–54:27).
• Jodie’s approach:
  • “Two homes filled with love...My favorite tool has been books. Children's books about divorce, about that new world.” (53:07–54:07)

What Brings Jodie Joy Right Now

• Without hesitation: her daughter.
  • “Hanging out with her is so amazing. She really is my little tiny best friend. I love some of the conversations we have now.” (55:08–56:03)
• Describes creating a magical “jungle” bedroom filled with plants, disco balls, and light for her daughter—an emblem of her dedication and creativity (56:05–57:49).

Passion for Her Craft

• Discusses season two of The Agency, the stakes for her character, and her insistence on authenticity (speaking Arabic in relevant scenes) (58:08–61:29).
  • “We were always pushing for more scenes all in Arabic because we felt like that would be authentic…I've never been afraid of working hard.” (59:43–61:29)

Final Notes on Work Ethic and Joy

• Jodie pushes back on her “procrastinator” label in light of her achievements, agreeing with Hoda that her drive and diligence prove otherwise (61:31–62:27).
• Emphasis on being present over plotting the “next” move.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Slowing Down for Joy:
  • “The best convos I find come either late at night…or when I’m driving because they’re not staring at me. And when I’m in slow motion.” – Hoda Kotb (02:15)
• On Success & Belonging:
  • “I relied on my intelligence to fill in the gaps for the places I didn’t fit in.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (14:47)
• On Motherhood:
  • “Just even the entrance into motherhood is not for the faint of heart. You literally become a whole new person.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (18:18)
• On Immigrant Motivation:
  • “If you had any hope of doing anything or making it in your life and not ending up with nothing, you had to get out of Jamaica…That’s the whole idea of the American dream—success is a key immigrant motivator.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (28:43)
• On Joy vs. Success:
  • “Joy is not in abundance among [successful people]…Part of this idea of success is centered around having things, and things do not bring joy. The most joyful people are surrounded by those they love.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (31:43)
• On Gratitude & Presence:
  • “The finish line is always going to move...You have to learn how to be in gratitude for this moment.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (36:28)
• On Self-Love Amid Criticism:
  • “There is no amount of outer affirmation…that can quiet the inner critic. That’s why the work is in the self. Love is in you really believing in you.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (41:46)
• On Parenting with Intention:
  • “Do nothing without intention...I’m very mindful about how I speak about myself and to her and how I allow other people to speak in front of her.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (45:13)
• On Non-Traditional Families:
  • “The idea is always two homes filled with love...That’s a nice way to put it.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (53:07)
• On Her Daughter as Joy:
  • “Hanging out with her is so amazing. Like, she really is my little tiny best friend.” – Jodie Turner-Smith (55:08)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:10–03:40: Hoda’s reflections on slowing down and meaningful conversations with her children
• 09:04–11:29: Jodie describes her “A-type” personality and Virgo traits
• 14:47–15:44: On fitting in vs. standing out and using intellect to “close gaps”
• 18:18–19:20: The all-consuming transformation of motherhood
• 23:21–25:38: Relocating to the US, discovering the Black American experience
• 25:38–28:39: Early ambitions, changing identity, moving away from law
• 28:43–32:31: The immigrant drive for success vs. the reality of joy
• 35:26–37:09: Lesson on moving finish lines and a gratitude practice
• 37:40–39:18: Pharrell Williams’ encouragement and the importance of self-belief
• 41:11–42:39: Imposter syndrome and the limits of external validation
• 45:13–46:04: Intentionally modeling self-love and positive language as a parent
• 51:23–54:07: Co-parenting, choosing language, and using books to normalize family differences
• 55:08–57:49: The joy of watching her daughter grow and fostering creativity
• 58:08–61:29: In-depth discussion of The Agency and her dedication to her craft

---

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The conversation is open-hearted, honest, and deeply relatable. Both women share from places of vulnerability and wisdom. Jodie is characterized by her mix of ambition, self-inquiry, and commitment to family. Listeners are left with actionable insights: the value of slowing down, practicing gratitude, setting internal definitions of success, staying present, and parenting with intention.

For anyone in need of inspiration—or a reminder that joy is both a practice and a perspective—this episode is uplifting, practical, and real.

---

Transcript

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Foreign.

[Hoda Kotb]

Hey, guys. Well, summer is here. And you know what I try to do every summer? Because I feel like during the regular year, we're sprinting, I'm missing things, we're racing through things, we're getting to the next thing. I. I mean, I even think about it when I'm getting my kids ready for school. It's like, get your shoes, get your shoes. Let's go, let's go. I feel like we're always in motion and in fast, crazy fast pace. So let's talk about what happens when we slow it down. Doesn't have to be summertime to slow down, but just to slow it down. Because what's weird is I think when we slow our days down and we can do it intentionally, like, it feels like there's more time in the day. It feels like there's more room to flush it out. It feels like everything slows down. And so when summer comes, since we don't have all the deadlines, it's the idea of taking it slow. Like, what I like to do on a summer day is have one mini plan during the day. Whether it's go to the pool or do something the rest of the day, I feel like it should breathe. And I've noticed something about myself and I don't know if you guys have this. When I'm rushing, my kids hardly say anything because they're always being rushed. They don't. We don't have any kind of conversations that are any good. The best convos I find come either late at night when you're putting your child down, or at night when you're putting your child down and there's nowhere to go except for to sleep when I'm driving because they're not staring at me. And they, for some reason, they just start talking it all out and when I'm in slow motion. So here's an example of my. One of my daughters. So we were in the bathroom and she was using the bathroom. We were reading a book together. She's seven. And so she, she. So I was sitting there and I thought, let me just ask her this question. I said, so, honey, my daughter has type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed when she was almost 5. And so I said, can I ask you a question? I said, what's it like to have diabetes? Because I never really asked her that, you know, and anyone who's got a child or knows someone with diabetes knows there's a lot of insulin and shots and monitoring and, you know, all that stuff. And she said, well, sometimes it feels Kind of unfair because all the other kids get cupcakes and I don't sometimes. And kids are always asking me, like, what is that thing on your arm? And sometimes my legs feel wobbly. And she was just going through all the things that come with being a little kid with diabetes. And I was listening and so. And she said, so, but I guess that's life, right, Mom? Something like that. And I said, yeah, honey. And she said, well, what's it like for you to have me? I said, oh, my God, like, it's one of the greatest blessings of my life to have you. I said, I'm learning so much from you and I'm watching your resilience. And, you know, and I'm talking on and on, and she blurts out in the middle of it, like, wipe me, mom, or something like that. But the point is, like, that conversation would not have come had I not slowed down. If I'd been racing like I do to hurry up and brush your teeth and wipe yourself and move on and let's go and in the car, put on your seatbelt, you know, all the things I would have missed it. And so my summer intention is to slow down, is to have real conversations that are rich and full and beautiful and they're all around us. And I think sometimes we miss them because we're too busy getting to the next thing. I remember Maria Shriver told me the story once that she had a million things to do. And she was talking to her friend on the phone. She was in the car, friend was on speaker. And she's like, I'm late. I have to go here and I have to go there. And she said, maria, where are you going? Maria goes, I'm going to this place and I'm going to that place. Then I'm going to this place. And she said, maria, where are you going? And she realized she didn't know where she was going. She was, you know, just going fast to nowhere. So anyway, this is a long way of saying slow down, summer, and let's slow it all down. Which brings me to my next guest. Okay. She's got a three namer, Jody Turner Smith. So Jody is such a fascinating person. Okay. She is from Jamaica, originally. Her mom's from Jamaica. She was born in England and she lived there for 10 years. Then she moved to the States. This is a person who has such crazy tenacity as such a student and became an actress. I mean, you probably know her from the Agency, which is an incredible series where she is, like, fantastic in this series you might know her from some of her earlier work, which is Queen and Slim. She's played Anne Boleyn and for those of you who are swifties, she happens to have been in a Taylor Swift video. What's fascinating about her is how she defines joy and how she defines success. Everyone's kind of got their own trip when it comes to those kinds of things. Sometimes you need more, more, more, more. And maybe you're still not joyful. Well, I think Jodi has sort of cracked that nut. She understands where her sweet spot is. She's got a six year old daughter, she's acting and she's living this very joyful and wonderful life and she sprinkles her interview with beautiful life lessons. So I hope you enjoy my conversation with actress Jodie Turner Smith. Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb is presented by CBS. CVS is there for moments big and small, making it easy to get what you need and leave feeling confident that you've got it all covered. It's where everyday errands turn into something more. You go in for the essentials, but you end up finding those small, useful things that add a little something extra to your day. With CVS brands, there's something for every moment from trusted care and better for your essentials to trend forward finds and little touches of joy. Visit your local CVS pharmacy. Presented by CVS Unlock the savings at

[Commercial Announcer 1]

Boost Mobile and save up to $600 a year I've been scouting these big carriers for a minute now and I've seen them pull the same play a thousand times. They promise you the world, then hit you with a price hike right when the game gets tight. But boost mobile, their $25 a month unlimited wireless plan is the most consistent player on the floor. No contracts, no price hikes. Unlock the savings today@boost mobile.com Unlock based on average annual single line payment of AT&T Verizon and T Mobile customers compared to 12 months of the Boost Mobile Unlimited Wireless plan as of January 2026. For full offer details, visit Boost Mobile.com Happy Birthday America. It's time to celebrate and play your

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

favorite Las Vegas casino games by American

[Commercial Announcer 1]

owned spinquest.com what's better than fireworks and

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

American Pie hitting a blackjack in the

[Commercial Announcer 1]

palm of your hand and you won't lose your fingers.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

Over a thousand games including slots and

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

live dealers and $30 coin packs are

[Hoda Kotb]

on sale for 10 spinquest.com buy American players.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

For American players, Spin Quest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited, visit spinquest.com for more details. Introducing Taco Bell's new Jalapeno Citrus Salsa with bright citrus, real red jalapenos, guajillo chiles. Usually you add sauce to the food, but when the sauce is this good, the food is just there to get the sauce to your mouth.

[Hoda Kotb]

That rolled quesadilla.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

Not a rolled quesadilla anymore. Now it's a sauce shovel. Taco Bell's jalapeno citrus salsa. Get it with any item on the

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Cantina chicken menu while it's here.

[Hoda Kotb]

The participating U.S. taco Bell locations for

[Commercial Announcer 1]

a limited time only while supplies last contact store for availability. A burst pipe, A dead water heater. The AC calling it quits. Who do you call? HomeServe is an easy way to handle unexpected home repairs with plans covering stuff basic homeowners insurance usually won't. Instead of scrambling for a contractor, make one call to get the repair process started. Join the millions of customers who trust home serve. Right now go to homeserve.com podcast for 50% less your first year. That's homeserve.com podcast savings compared to renewal price void in Florida.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Oh,

[Hoda Kotb]

wait a minute. Glam has hit zoom.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Listen, and I did my own glam today.

[Hoda Kotb]

No, you did not. That's impossible.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I did.

[Hoda Kotb]

What's the wand? I want to know what wand was used for that. That hair. Because that took work.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Listen, listen. You know what I've been so getting into is doing those little soft rollers at night.

[Hoda Kotb]

Come on.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

The ones that like.

[Hoda Kotb]

Of course. It's like old school, babe.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

It's everything.

[Hoda Kotb]

It's everything.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

And last night too, because my hair was like this big.

[Hoda Kotb]

Oh, please.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

It, you know, it reverts when. With any kind of moisture outside. And it was like so big. And I was like, I remember it was like, it was like 11 o' clock last night and I was outside and I was like, why didn't I put on like a bonnet or something? My hair is gonna be so messed up. I have to do it myself tomorrow. And then before I went to bed, I was like, you know what? I was eyeing those Frolos and I was like, let me just.

[Hoda Kotb]

Okay, well, this is. I think you need to do something on that. Because if this is the result of that, I mean, by the way, I always say, like, I have weather sensitive hair. Every time I step out in the rain, it's like I feel like there's incoming fire. I'm like, my kids know I have a. I have a 7 year old and a 9 year old. When it starts raining, they're like, let's go. They understand that we got trouble when it's raining.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Okay, I know. And you know what? I was, I've always been like such a short haired girly. And so it's like for me, I'm like, oh, gosh, you know, this just having to be cognizant of and sensitive to the weather, it's like a new thing.

[Hoda Kotb]

Yes. But

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I'm adapting well.

[Hoda Kotb]

Okay. It's all making sense now. In high school, you were most likely to succeed. I understand from this brief interaction that of course that's what they voted because of course that's what you were. What were you like in high school, by the way?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You know, I was your classic overachiever. You know, I have an A type personality. So, you know, I'm that one who's like. And I'm a Virgo too. And you know, I always see these memes. Like, Virgo is like. If you have Virgo in the group project, Virgo may just be like, you know what, you guys, you leave it. I'm just gonna do this. Because if you want something done, you got to do it yourself.

[Hoda Kotb]

Okay.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Definitely wanting to be in control of results. So I'm very much like. I was always the person who was just like, I gotta do it all. I gotta. But then you know what? I was also. I've always been a very big procrastinator. Even in, even in high school, I was a procrastinator. Yeah.

[Hoda Kotb]

Okay. Just be. Before I got on here. Since you said Virgo, I just have to stop you for a second because I decided that I was gonna put your birth date in to the. The big Virgo situation. And this is going to describe you and tell me if I'm right. This is your birthday, your date, and your year. Okay? Positive traits. Thoughtful and observant. They always notice details that others miss. They tend to be perceptive and good listeners. Dependable people born on this day often take commitment seriously. If they say no to something, they usually don't do it. If they say yes, they'll do it. Intelligent and curious. Ruled by Mercury. They enjoy learning, asking questions and improving them. Caring through actions. They may not always be gushy, but they show love by helping, fixing, organizing and remembering things. High standards. This is so you. Wait. They strive for excellence. Often inspire others to do better. Not because they're flashy, but because they are quietly disciplined. Strong intuition. Virgos are known for their logic. But September 7th birthdays often have an emotional intelligence and intuition that helps them Read people and. And they are loyal beyond belief. Am I hitting you right?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You know what? It's so crazy because it's like, as much as people want to say, like, oh, you know, astrology, I don't believe in that. But I don't know if it's like, the older that I get, the more that I'm just like, yeah, this is spot on. But everything that you just said.

[Hoda Kotb]

Okay, let's wait. Okay, hold on. Challenges, girl. Sorry. There's this side of the coin. Are we ready?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

All righty.

[Hoda Kotb]

Perfectionism, their gift for noticing details can become a burden sometimes. They may set impossibly high standards for themselves and others. Overthinking. September 7th. Virgos can replay conversations, analyze situations endlessly, and have difficulty turning off their minds. All right, self criticism. I hope this isn't right. They often extend grace to others, but can be remarkably hard on themselves. Difficulty receiving help. They like being capable. The capable one. And they struggle to be vulnerable. And they worry. They anticipate problems so well, they can spend too much time preparing for things that sometimes never happen.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

It's true.

[Hoda Kotb]

It's all your things. So is this you? Okay, so this girl who we just described was voted most likely to succeed is now this success, successful actress, has had this incredible life in. What is the secret? Because my parents are from Egypt, so often when I was in a classroom in Morgantown, West Virginia, I was the one with the funny name. I was the one with the crazy hair. I was the one. And so I was constantly trying to fit in everywhere in all these spaces. Were you one who tried to fit in, or were you somebody who kind of wanted to stand out as a kid?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

It's so like, all you want to do is fit in. Do you know what I mean? You don't want to be the person who's on the outside. You know, you crave, Crave, belonging, and as humans, we crave that it never goes away. So, I mean, I definitely think that I did try to fit in in so many ways, but I also, What I did was I relied on my intelligence to sort of fill in the gaps for the places that I didn't fit in. So it's like I made myself unquestionable by being the smartest, by being the most on top of it, by being the. The best, by being the, you know, like, that way, it's like if there were bits that people wanted to criticize, they couldn't. I'm like, I was like, trying to close all the gaps of anybody trying to criticize me. By just like, being the best, being the smartest, being in charge, you know what I mean? That's why I was always wanting to be like, the captain, the leader, the president, you know what I mean? In some way in a position of authority.

[Hoda Kotb]

Oh, well, okay. God, I'm learning. You're so fun to get to know. I like all of this. Okay, so you're born in the UK. What was that, 10 years? What were those 10 years? If you were to nutshell them in a couple of lines, what was that like?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I mean, you know, I. I feel like I definitely. Very naive, for sure. I don't think I really had an awareness of some of the different and varied experiences of the world because also I was from a small town, you know, a little village outside of Peterborough called Coates. I remember always, you know, it was a very simple life. I lived right around the corner from my primary school. You know, like, we. I could just walk there in two minutes and then, like, you know, you've heard me say before, like, you know, we were the only black family in our village and the only black children at our school. So, you know, for me, there was always, like, a longing for black community that was like, outside of just like my family.

[Hoda Kotb]

How's your little girl, by the way?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

She's so.

[Hoda Kotb]

Oh, she's. What is she, six?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

She's six now.

[Hoda Kotb]

Is she bossy?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Is she bossy? Is water wet? And she says I'm bossy. Do you know what it's like? Here's the thing. Okay, so. Because I guess I am bossy, and so is my mother, who was living with us and helping me raise my daughter. So she's got these two bossy, fiery women who are looking after her, and she is just like the amalgamation of those energies.

[Hoda Kotb]

Wow.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

It's again, I'm always referring to a meme again. But I remember one time seeing this meme, and it was like me. Me trying to cuss my daughter out for having the same attitude that I have.

[Hoda Kotb]

That's hilarious.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I know you want to get mad at them. Yeah. But it's like she's literally just has my same attitude.

[Hoda Kotb]

It's like, I love it.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I love it, you know, and it's like. But, you know, I don't. I really don't get mad at it because I'm just like, I, you know, it's my job to, you know, to nurture and guide that energy. But I. I also, I want to flourish. You know what I mean? I want.

[Hoda Kotb]

You know what? You're so right. What's harder being an actor and doing all the things that acting as you do or being a mom.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Being a mom, of course, Thousand percent. First of all, just even the entrance into motherhood is like, not for the faint of heart. Do you know what I mean? It's like you literally become a whole new person.

[Hoda Kotb]

Yeah.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You know what I mean? I lean on what I've learned in motherhood from my work, and it's made me stronger. It makes me stronger as a human being, and it makes me stronger as an artist. Do you know what I mean? Like, the motherhood informs it all. And then also it's like, you know, there's just no heartache and disappointment like the ones that you experience in motherhood. Like, it is so hard to be split between what you want to do for and with your children and having to go like, you know what I mean? It's like, how do I even leave the house sometimes? I don't know. It takes such strength. You know what I mean? But it's also just like, beyond that as a physical process, as an emotional process, as a spiritual process. It's like there's nothing, all of it like it.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

This is Tony Ayo from the Real Report with Tony Ayo and Uncle Murder. You ever notice how everything keeps going up? Rent's going up, streaming services are going up. Even your favorite burrito spot suddenly thinks salsa should cost extra. But with Boost Mobile, you and your phone bill don't have to play the will this go up soon? Game because Boost Mobile has an unlimited talk, text and data plan at a price, and that'll never go up. It's the same price you'll pay for life, meaning you're set to never worry about your bill increasing again for as long as you're on the plane. While the world keeps finding new ways to nickel and dime you, Boost Mobile gives you unlimited wireless at one set price for life. Imagine something in your budget actually staying the same. You'll pay the same for unlimited wireless when you're posting mirror selfies in your 20s. And when you're posting mirror selfies in retirement, some things never change. Switch now for unlimited wireless at a price that'll never go up. Only at boost mobile. After 30 gigabytes, customers may experience slower speeds. Customers will pay 25amonth as long as they remain active on the Boost unlimited plan.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

What's up, baby? It's Bretzky, and I'm here to tell you that spinquest.com is giving out free sweeps coins. All you got to do is purchase a 10 coin pack. And guess what? They're gonna give you the coins from a 30 day dollar coin pack that lets you play all your favorite games like Blackjack, Wanted, Dead or Wild. And we're talking real cash prizes baby. Spinquest.com Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. This is Jacob Goldstein from what's yous Problem? When you buy business software from lots of vendors, the costs add up and it gets complicated and confusing. Odoo solves this. It's a single company that sells a suite of enterprise apps that handles everything from accounting to inventory to sales. Odoo is all connected on a single platform in a simple and affordable way. You can save money without missing out on the features you need. Check out Odoo at o d o o.com that's o d o o.com hi,

[Commercial Announcer 3]

I'm Cindy Crawford and I'm the founder of meaningful beauty. When Dr. Saba and I decided to do a skincare line together, he said, we are going to give women meaningful beauty. And I said, that's exactly right. We want to give women meaningful beauty. Which means each and every product is meaningful. It has a reason to exist. It's efficacious. You're going to get results and then you just go out and live your life. Meaningful Beauty confidence is beautiful. Learn more@meaningful beauty.com

[Commercial Announcer 4]

the following ad is sponsored by Pets Best Insurance Services. You knew right away he's perfect, the one for you. Those puppies, happy dog eyes, that cute little button nose. You don't even mind the drool. When you find your perfect match in a dog or cat, the love is unconditional. Your budget, on the other hand, has realistic limits. Help protect your heart and your wallet with pet insurance from Pets Best. With plans starting from less than a dollar a day, you can get up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. Pets Best makes it easy to pick a plan that works for you and your bank account. Find the perfect match for your Perfect [e-mail] Pet insurance products offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company for terms and conditions, visit www.petsbest.com. backslash policy products are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, Independence American Insurance Company or Ms. Transverse Insurance Company and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC. $1.00 a day premium based on 2024 average new policyholder data for accident and illness plans. Pets Age 0 to 10 all right,

[Hoda Kotb]

I'm going to take you back again. So you're, you're in the uk. You were describing your life there. And then your parents split. Your mom's like, we're going to Maryland. Okay, so Maryland is the of the uk. So what was again, another repotting pulling you up by the roots. You're dangling in the air. Where are we going, Mom? And you land in the soil there. What did, how did you land in that? How did that feel?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Obviously, big culture shock. I mean, a level of diversity, at least in the community that I was in, that I hadn't experienced yet. But it was like super mixed. I was in Gaithersburg. It wasn't like, you know, I wasn't like in D.C. or something where it felt like predominantly black, but it was like way more black people than I had.

[Hoda Kotb]

What did that feel like?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I mean, you know, in some ways it was exciting. And then it was like a freaking lesson in life. I mean, you know, the black experience in America is so unique and the way that it has shaped the country and the people, you know, I have so much respect for the black American community because to survive and thrive under such circumstances, and not to say that black people aren't oppressed worldwide and that anti blackness doesn't exist worldwide, but I just think so interesting in America, where they don't have like a cultural touch point, right. Of which they're in the majority, that they can sort of have ownership of. They're living in a country that they built that is also denying them any ownership to that or any belonging to that. And you know, all of the systems are entwined, all the systems are created so as to not let them be able to succeed. And it's just like, it's so insane that yet and still so influential, so beautiful, so powerful and managing to thrive and survive, you know, so it was definitely, you know, it's. It was definitely. It was, it was heartbreaking. It was, it was overwhelming. It was exciting. You know, it was a lesson. A lesson in black.

[Hoda Kotb]

I mean, you are so. First of all, you speak your heart, you're a straight shooter. You don't try to mince words. You say exactly what's on your heart, which is such an awesome trait. And with that kind of trait, when you were thinking about what you wanted to do with your life, what was the first kind of career choice that came to you?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I mean, I always thought I was going to be a lawyer.

[Hoda Kotb]

Ah, that makes sense. Yeah.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Also because my mom loves to tell the story whenever I would like if my mom told me no for something I would literally come back with, like, a dissertation of the reasons of why I was gonna put together a convincing argument. And, I mean, this extended all the way through my schooling. Like, my. My teachers used to call home to be like, can you please speak to your daughter about why it's okay for her to receive XYZ grade? Cause I'm like, if somebody gave me a grade that I didn't think that was the grade that I had earned. You're gonna have to debate me. You're gonna have to debate about why this is the grade that I should get.

[Hoda Kotb]

Okay. Did your mom encourage your behavior, or did she try to say, honey, gotta listen to the teachers?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

She encouraged it.

[Hoda Kotb]

Oh, yeah. That's why you're.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You believed in me. And she trusted in the work, and she knew. Listen, she. She's like. I've known her from the womb. I already know this girl. She's coming with this dissertation as to why she deserved that grade. She deserved that grade.

[Hoda Kotb]

So you're. So law school, you're thinking about being a lawyer, and then you obviously didn't go down that path. What. What. What took you on another path? Why. Why did you end up in this industry?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Well, a multitude of reasons, in a way. Right. It's like there's so many, I think, sliding doors, moments in everyone's life that lead them to something. Right. So the first thing was, you know, so when I went, I thought I was going to be a lawyer. And obviously my intention was to be a lawyer that makes a lot of money, but I think all lawyers make of a lot, like, a lot of money. Personally, I've paid lawyers a lot of money, but so I was like, I'm gonna be a corporate lawyer. And so I went to university and studied finance with an English lit minor. And I just. I hated it. Yeah. And I think it was also. It was just more than just that. Like, you know, it was. I. I had had, you know, the school that I wanted to go to. We couldn't afford to send you there. And I was carrying that heartbreak, and I just was like, you know, and I didn't really love, like, where I was. And, you know, I was also going through my own just changes, seasonal changes of, like, coming to terms with who I was as a person and how I felt about that and who I wanted to be like as a human being and how I sort of felt that I had been. Had spent all my years since I came to America sort of performing for people in order to survive being what was expected of me or what I needed to be in order to not be questioned or teased or. Or out an outcast. And I. By the time I got to university, I kind of realized all this stuff I've been doing. Like, I don't. This person that I've created. I don't know who this person is or like, this person, and I want to find out who I am and live as that person.

[Hoda Kotb]

Was making money super important.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Well, of course.

[Hoda Kotb]

Okay, Just checking. Some people aren't motivated, I know, but

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

you know what I mean. I feel like it's a key immigrant motivator. And this is America, you know, this is, you know, if there's one country where capitalism is truly singing and doing its thing, it's this one. Because there's literally. There's relatively no cast. Systematic quotes, because unlike in other places, I mean, people always ask me, do I have family in Jamaica? And I'm always like, I really don't have any immediate family left in Jamaica because my family was poor. And if you had any hopes of doing anything or making it in your life and not ending up with. With nothing, you had to get out of Jamaica because there's no. It's very difficult to be born poor and become wealthy as opposed to in this country where it's like, you know, that's the whole idea of the American dream. Like, you could be born a pauper and become a prince, you know. So this idea of success, financial success, is very motivating, I think, for any immigrant and any person living in the country. You know, this idea that, like, I could, you know, I can be successful.

[Hoda Kotb]

This is interesting. What you're saying is super interesting because you're right. All those things are right. And I have a question for you. Since this podcast is called Joy 101. If you were to swallow a truth pill and think about your relatives in Jamaica who are living the life that they were living, and I don't know if you would describe it. I don't know what that was, but I'm wondering, because there's. There are a lot of studies that say if you make, I don't know, a certain amount of money, you're happy. If you make less, you're definitely unhappy. And if you make more, you're unhappy. If you make enough. Enough to provide and take care of and, you know, do all the things you want, you're. You're at your happiest, and everything else is going to throw you. Do you think the most joyful people you know, are the ones Who've made it

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

in terms of my family or.

[Hoda Kotb]

Yeah. Or in general. And you could. You could use your family as an example, or you could just use in general because you. You know, so many people, probably in both worlds, like we all do, but who. Who's the most joyful of those groups?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You know, it's like, yes and no. Do I think that the most troubled people are the ones that have made it? I think that obviously, I mean, you know, more money, more problems, as they say, but, you know, like, right now, like, in my family, like, I'm sort of the person who has achieved a certain level of success and that is. Enabled me to look after my family. There you go. And so in so many ways, it's like, I feel so much joy because I can do that and I'm. I can. You know what? Success. The. The independence that success has afforded me is incredible and brings me so much joy. And the fact that I can look after the people that I love brings

[Hoda Kotb]

me so much joy.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

When I look at the world and I look at. I mean, I know so many very successful people, and I gotta say, joy is not in abundance among them, but I also think it's because that's the trap. You know what I mean? It's like a part of this idea of success is centered around having things and things do not bring joy, you know, So I find that the most joyful people are the ones who are surrounded by the ones that they love. Because when you're surrounded by your family and not just by things, I find that that tends to bring more joy. But I also just find in general that Jamaicans tend to be the most joyful people that I.

[Hoda Kotb]

No kidding. No kidding.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

To my family. Yes. But it's like, you know, the trap is that, like, success is going to bring you happiness, but then what happens is you, you, you. You know, there's so many who have left Jamaica to come, you know, abroad to come afar in, as they say, and end up on a hamster wheel of just working and working and working until you die.

[Hoda Kotb]

Right.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

And there's no real joy in that. You know what I mean? I know a lot of people who. Their aim is to get back to Jamaica because with the success that they've made, that, with whatever small amount of success that they've had abroad in Jamaica, they can live a happy life because they have enough to live off the land and to enjoy the land and to enjoy what is much more. A lot more easy to deal with and live with and live inside of. I Mean, just being in that. On that island brings me joy. And it's like. It's a lot more. I mean, there's a reason why there's the saying. They say, jamaica nice. It really is nice. And it's much nicer than being on the hamster wheel in America. I mean, I try to get there. I'm there at least once a year because I'm like. When I'm there, everyone's like, oh, do you want to do something? I'm like, I don't want to do nothing and drink jelly water and go into this and touch the water, the ocean, the sea, and just give thanks.

[Hoda Kotb]

You know, you said a word there that jumped out at me, and the word was enough. I think it's sort of like, when's enough? What's enough? Whether it's success or whether it's money or whether it's fame or whether it's. And it's sort of like, for many people, I think it's the itch they can't scratch because there's always something else. And you can call it ambition, which it is. I think ambition is great. But you also wonder about, you know, like, the motivation part of it. Because if you genuinely are happy when you open your eyes, when nothing's happened, like, for me, it's like, I don't have an interview that day. I'm not. Nothing huge has happened. I'm not going to the Olympics that day. Nothing's happening. I'm just waking up. My kids are in room one, and right here, they're seven and nine. There they are in their rooms. I've got. I'm going to go for. I'm going to have a tea, go for a walk. Like, if you have that piece of it. I feel like you've cracked the nut. Because I have friends who are like, what about the next? You put a book out, when's your next one? How many times have you had a role and they said, jodi, what are you doing next? You're like, I just got this. I don't know what I'm doing next. But everyone wants to know. You have a kid, when's your next? That's what everyone wants to know about, what's next. How do you stay yourself sort of in the present, where you're not always thinking about the next role, the next audition, the next whatever.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Gratitude.

[Hoda Kotb]

Yeah.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Because if I'm giving thanks for what is here and what has shown up for me, then I am staying present, you know, And I think that for me, it's the most important step in the process. You know, the finish line is always going to move because we expand and we grow and we change. You know, what I wanted yesterday or last year is going to evolve this year and today, Right. Because I'm not the same person I was yesterday and last year. And every time that I expand the tent, I need more things to keep the tent running. But, you know, I had somebody tell me a long, long time ago when I first started, and I was in that conversation, you know, like, he asked me how I was doing. I was like, you know, I'm doing well, but I want, you know, I need. And he was like, the finish line is always going to move. You have to learn how to be in gratitude for this moment.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Wow.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

And, you know, I take that very seriously because I also think being in gratitude is. Is also when you are thanking God, you're also acknowledging the blessing and inviting more.

[Hoda Kotb]

I love that.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

So I'm always like, yes, thank you. More,

[Hoda Kotb]

please.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I know my three part mantra, by the way.

[Hoda Kotb]

I say that again.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Yes, thank you. More of this. That is my. That is my prayer always. I'm always saying yes to what has shown up for me because I'm not trying to say no to God.

[Hoda Kotb]

Well, it's so funny how doors open for you in weird ways. I mean, the fact that Pharrell Williams saw you out one day and you were telling him about your life plans and he's like, no, no, you should be an actress or a model. I personally think whether or not you ran into Pharrell Williams on that crazy night, you would have still been exactly where you are because you're fantastic. However, it was nice to have someone on the outside looking and say, wow, did you ever see yourself the way Pharrell described you?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You know, not really. You know, and so for me, that moment was because it's like, you know, and everybody always references that moment, which is. Was a pivotal moment in my life. But it was pivotal not because of what it changed for me in a, like, exact way, but what it changed for me, like, in a spiritual way. Because for me, I just felt like if a complete stranger can have this sort of enthusiasm and certainty about what they see for me, then why can I not take a chance on myself and believe in myself? You know, I. I really. I think I've always, even without knowing how to totally identify it felt like it is important for me to be the strongest believer in myself. And he inspired me to believe in myself, you know, and that shifted everything because at the end of the day. There was a lot of ground between that moment and this one. And in that ground, I had to do a lot of work. And if I didn't do the work, I wouldn't be here, you know, but it motivated me to want to strive and to do it. I was like. I mean, because it was. His enthusiasm was so contagious and inspiring. And it is for that which I am eternally grateful.

[Hoda Kotb]

Well, it's funny. People are like, Jodie Turner Smith, man. She's like an overnight sensation. She just popped out of nowhere. You're like, I have been grinding. Hello. What didn't people see?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You know, I feel like everybody who really knows me knows how hard I've worked. You know, as I said from the. I've always been a show your work kind of girl, right? But I think people who don't know me and who are just meeting me and who have sort of or started to meet me at these moments that I, you know, what they didn't see was how much I approach everything as somebody who is here to learn and thus is not afraid to work. I don't walk into anything as like, I'm an expert. Like, I got this. I walk into everything like, I am Bambi. The world is my oyster. I'm here to learn. I'm ready to learn. I'm so open to all of the knowledge and I want it all. You know, of course, people don't see all the tears and all the hours and all the, you know, you were talking about earlier, the, the negative side of things. I mean, so much self doubt that I have that I've done so much work on. Like, that's another thing that I do a lot of work on. You know, it's a constant process of just like, really not allowing the inner critic to let me be paralyzed. Right? Because that is something that is. I can be. Sometimes I can get paralyzed because I'm just. I want to come up with the best plan, but I don't know what that is. And it's like instead of just being in the flow and just not being afraid to, you know, roll up my sleeves and, and just try and be embarrassing.

[Hoda Kotb]

Yeah, it's so funny. The num. The number of people who talk about imposter syndrome. I don't know if that's what you're hitting on, but I interviewed Audra McDonald, who's one, I think, five Tonys. Who counts? Anyway, she goes, you know, I have imposter syndrome. I was, I asked her, I said, how many Tonys do You need, before you stop having that, like these are Jodie Foster, like some of these kind of older actors and actresses and it goes all the way to now. These are people who are established, who we've applauded, who've received the highest accolades, still somehow feel inside, huh, I wonder if I'm enough here.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Because there is no amount of outer affirmation, acknowledgement, hardware in terms of awards that can quiet the inner critic. And that's why the work is in the self. Love is in the. You really believing in you, you know, because all that ends up happening is it's just like the pursuit of success and money. You are constantly going to be. There will never be enough that will fill the hole, you know, there will never be enough. It's you, you gotta love you, you gotta show up for you, you gotta. And so, you know, it's, I mean it's difficult, but for me it's like. And you're, you know, and you're always going to feel like, that was dumb, that was stupid, like it's not good, you know, and, and there's always going to be people, especially now on social media, who are going to come and say, that was dumb, that was stupid, that's not good.

[Hoda Kotb]

So what do you do with that?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

How you feel about yourself?

[Hoda Kotb]

What do you. So give me something practical because I was imagining listening to this as I'm driving my car saying, yeah, I feel those things. Because it doesn't matter where you get your critic, where the criticism comes from. You could be famous or you could be just someone in your community and seeing that someone has said something or someone on social media mentioned something about it. How do you process, like, what do you do? What's your fit? What do you actually do?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You know, something that I have been trying to do definitely within the last five years, six years is disconnect from commentary. That's helpful because the commentary ends up being really poisonous. It's not actually helpful, you know, and just really work on myself. I'm reading the books, I'm doing the. I'm not a big meditator, I'm not. Can't quiet the mind long enough. But self care is one way. To me, I'm like, you know, I think sometimes we can't always intellectualize our way through things. Sometimes we just need to let our physical body lead it. And even the smallest things, an act of self love can support you in having mental self love. And so I just, and I'm very careful about my language, how I talk about myself and How I talk about others, you know, that supports it too, you know, and I stay positive towards other people, you know, and it's like, for me, I'm like, if I keep my mental space in the light, it will support me in pushing out the darkness. And. And also just like, really doing what I can, you know, I have therapy, you know, to not take myself so seriously that I get stuck. To know that, like, it's okay to be flawed. Now what am I going to do about it? Well, how am I learning? How am I growing?

[Hoda Kotb]

Such good lessons, not just for you and those around, but I was just thinking about your daughter, who's 6. To even witness that. When you said, I worry about how. I mean, I pay attention to how I talk to myself. Because kids do. See, no matter what it is, if you say you hate your hair, your kids are going to go, oh. Or, oh, God, are these tight? Your kids are going to say, oh. Like, you may not even be intentionally saying anything. However, it is what it looks like to them. So when raising your little girl, like, how do you raise a powerful, strong kid?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Do you think with intention? Do nothing without intention. And, you know, thankfully, I think with my personality and how I am. As I said, I've been preparing for this my whole life. So I am 100%, you know, I'm paying attention to everything. And I'm being very mindful about how I speak about myself and how I speak to her and how I allow other people to speak to me and to her or about themselves in front of her. You know, I'm like, I. I be on people, you know, my mom, everybody, she's like, leave me alone. Don't say that. Don't say that.

[Hoda Kotb]

Don't say that

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

language. Like. And I'm. And I'm also. I'm always going to be like, here's a suggestion for language. I'm not just being like, rah, rah, rah.

[Hoda Kotb]

I'm like, mom, help me out here. What's it like raising your daughter with your mom? What's that like?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

I'm so lucky. Yeah, it's a blessing. It is a blessing. And I have, like, a mom. She mothers everybody in my village. Do you know what I mean? My friends, most of my friends talk more to my mom than they talk to me.

[Hoda Kotb]

Why does she give great advice Relationship,

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

their own relationship with her. She just becomes everybody's mother, you know? And so it's like, that's the kind of mom that I have with me, you know, she's really helping me. She's not one of those grandmas who's like, I already raised kids. I'm not doing this. You know, she's there, like, having my back. And it's so inspiring because it inspires me to step up, you know, because it's so easy, especially with, you know, I'm so busy. I have so much stuff going on. But again, thank God, the type of personality that I have because, you know, that's always been my way. It's like, yes, I'm trying to achieve all of these things, but when I chose to become a mother, I chose that with all of me. And so I am also mothering. I'm not that mother who's like, you know, I need a break from my kid.

[Commercial Announcer 4]

I don't want to.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Do you know what I mean? Is it hard? Is it exhausting? Absolutely. Of course. Am I sometimes like, okay, you know what? Let's both walk away right now and just take a little space from each other. Of course, we're humans. But, like, I'm all over it, you know, it's why. It's why I have my mom instead of having a nanny. It's like, it's kind of hard to have a nanny sometimes because nanny culture is so like, they want to raise you. They used to. They raised the kid. You know, I'm like, I'm more of a mummy's helper kind of guy. And I have one in my mom.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

This is Tony Ayo from the Real Report with Tony Ayo and Uncle Murder. You ever notice how everything keeps going up? Rent's going up, Streaming services are going up. Even your favorite barriers. Burrito Spot suddenly thinks salsa should cost extra. But with Boost Mobile, you and your phone bill don't have to play the will this go up soon?

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Game.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

Because Boost Mobile has an unlimited talk, text and data plan at a price that'll never go up. It's the same price you'll pay for life. Meaning you're set to never worry about your bill increasing again for as long as you're on the plan. While the world keeps finding new ways to nickel and dime you, Boost Mobile gives you unlimited wireless at one set price for life. Imagine something in your budget actually staying the same. You'll pay the same for unlimited wireless when you're posting mirror selfies in your 20s. And when you're posting mirror selfies in retirement, some things never change. Switch now for unlimited wireless at a price that'll never go up. Only at boost mobile. After 30 gigabytes, customers may experience slower speeds. Customers will pay $25 a month as long as they remain active on the Boost Unlimited plan.

[Commercial Announcer 4]

Hey everybody, Lady Luck here and we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now all summer long I'm going to be celebrating by playing on spinquest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over a thousand slot games and live blackjack, live craps, live bubble craps. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a $30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

Spin Quest is a free to play social casino. Visit spinquest.com for more details. This is Jacob Goldstein from what's yous Problem? When you buy business software from lots of vendors, the costs add up and it gets complicated and confusing. Odoo solves this. It's a single company that sells a suite of enterprise apps that handles everything from accounting to inventory to sales. Odoo is all connected on a single platform in a simple and affordable way. You can save money without missing out on the features you need. Check out odoo@o d o o.com that's o d o o.com hi, I'm Cindy

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Crawford and I'm the founder of Meaningful Beauty. Well I don't know about you, but like, I never liked being told, oh wow, you look so good for your age. Like, why even bother saying that? Why don't you just say you look great at any age, every age. That's what Meaningful Beauty is all about. We create products that make you feel confident in your skin at the age you are now. Meaningful Beauty. Beautiful skin at every age. Learn [e-mail]

[Commercial Announcer 4]

the following ad is sponsored by Pet's Best Insurance Services. You knew right away he's perfect. The one for you. Those puppy dog eyes, that cute little button nose. You don't even mind the drool. When you find yourself your perfect match in a dog or cat, the love is unconditional. Your budget, on the other hand, has realistic limits. Help protect your heart and your wallet with pet insurance from Pets Best. With plans starting from less than a dollar a day, you can get up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. Pets Best makes it easy to pick a plan that works for you and your bank account. Find the perfect match for your Perfect [e-mail] Pet insurance products offered in administered by Pet's Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company for terms and conditions, visit www.petsbest.com. policy products are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, Independence American Insurance Company or Ms. Transverse Insurance Company and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services LLC. $1.00 a day premium based on 2024 average new policyholder data for accident and illness plans.

[Hoda Kotb]

Pets age 0 to 10 Something strange happened to me with. Not strange, but something that made me uncomfortable. Happened with my kids the other day. So we were. It was a first grade kind of sleepover with moms and kids and I'm not with my partner, he's not with us, but he is. He comes and visits and everything's great. But they did say to my daughter, why isn't your dad around? And I remember I froze. I did actually didn't. I hadn't seen that. And she said, well, my dad, you know, and he's a lovely guy, you know all these great things but he, I said he lives somewhere else but he comes, he's coming for Father's Day. She was trying to say all these things and I asked her after if it made her feel uncomfortable or whatever and she kind of brushed it off and said no and I just went on with it. So I'm not going to give her more info than she needs but you can feel free to answer it or not. But is there. Have you had. How do you handle that piece of the puzzle? Because it's actually, it's part of my kids lives and it's part of your daughter's life too.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Yeah, you know, it's definitely been one of those things that is, you know, so I mean I'm a child of divorce myself and you know, and so is my ex husband, you know and so it's like it's always been important to think about okay, what is the language around which we are going to talk about this with our daughter? Because this is her new reality, you know, and we're learning as well and not always getting it totally right, but the idea is always two homes filled with love, you know. And I'm like, I'm like, you got two houses girl. That's why.

[Hoda Kotb]

That's a nice way to put it.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

You know, it's like, it's like it's just you got two houses and. But you know, it's one of those things. It's like, it's so you know, because my daughter was quite young when I split with her dad and and so it's like it's always, you know, for me less difficult what I'm. What she's experiencing from other people and more difficult at just navigating the conversation with her. That's like, you know, why, why is this happening. And it's like, you gotta walk this line between obviously being age appropriate and child centered in the way that you talk about it, but also keeping it real so that she has an understanding of, of what this means. And honestly, my favorite tool in all of this has been my favorite tool for life. Books.

[Hoda Kotb]

Oh, so just seeing yourself in another.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

So many books.

[Hoda Kotb]

Yeah.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

About divorce, about what that means, you know, about what that new world is about, what is supposed to be happening, what's not supposed to be happening. You know, books have, children's books have been helpful as well, you know.

[Hoda Kotb]

Yeah, that is, that's such a great way. And I was going to say, like, every family is unique and families come in so many ways. And I say that to my kids all the time. You know, there are so many different kinds of families. I said, your mom loves you, your dad loves you, we love you, you know, and so whether. I think, I think the world is just different than it was, and I think I just try to normalize it too. It's like, this is how life goes. We're having a beautiful life. Oh my gosh, you're going skiing, you're going to go meet dad. Yay. You know, everything is everything. I like that. Two houses full of love. What brings you the most joy in your life right now?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

My daughter. It is, you know, so she's six now and you know, it's like, it's so interesting, like all the different changes that kids go through. And at every stage I feel like someone's like, oh, this is the best age. This is the best age. But there's something so interesting about 5 and 6 where it's like, because my daughter. And you know, everyone also says, you know, the, the days are long, but the years are short. And like, you know, it's, it goes so fast. But I am so enjoying watching her grow because it's like we just get to hanging out with her is so amazing. Like, she really is my little tiny best friend. Like, I love some of our conversations that we have now. I'm literally like gonna cry. It's just that I'm just like, I'm so amazed by her.

[Hoda Kotb]

What did she say?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

It's just, I mean, just even like any, like, any opinion that she has on something, the questions that she asks, her little sassy attitude, you know, I, you know, I made for her sixth birthday, you know, I threw a big party, but I also redid her bedroom. And she says that when she grows up, she wants to be a jungle girl. She's A wild girl. So I decided to design her room with all of these plants hanging from the ceiling. And I was like thinking to myself, because she's got very high ceilings in her room. I was like, how can I design this so that like the plants are hanging but like I can get to them. And I put them all on these retractable plant hangers. And then we had found together these like disco balls, these mirror ball planters. And we had the two of them. And she's. And it was this amazing thing where I was like, oh my God. Because she's. Where her room is in the house, when the sun is coming down, it's shining in the windows. And so I then I got this idea and I got all these prisms and mirror balls that I also hung from the ceiling. And she's also got like these hot air balloons. So she's like, it's full of plants. And I did this like ivy planter. Like I. I planted ivy like on the side of her. She's got this.

[Hoda Kotb]

You're unbelievable.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

With like a reading nook underneath it. And because I'm so. I'm trailing the ivy and she's got this big vinca plant that's like right in front of the bed. So, like it. All the vines hang down in front of her reading nook. And it's just like when it's magic hour, it is truly magic.

[Hoda Kotb]

By the way, can I just say, that is such a beautiful w. Okay. I cannot believe the agency is. I cannot believe that this is. I bring this up now at this point in the interview because you're so fascinating on so many levels that all of your roles are like, oh, yeah, that too. But the agency, season two.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Well, so, you know, at the end of season one, we didn't know what Samya's fate was going to be. And as you can see from some of these trailers that have come out, Samia is in captivity, which is such a life changing. And I wanted to say a word that I won't say on this podcast. Messed up situation to be in, you know, and so it's like there is, you know, we're really finding for her, like season two of the agency is. I feel like season one was a little bit more of a slow burn, right? It was like, you know, introducing this kind of world and idea and we're like. And also people were like, what's going on with Zamia? Like, is she a spy? That kind of thing. But season two, I think is like immediately. It's immediately just like Balls to the wall. Like, action. Everything that. The stakes have gone from 75 to a thousand. And here's Marcian weaving, continuing to weave this tangled web so that he can undo the damage that he has done to this woman.

[Hoda Kotb]

I can't believe how. I mean, not to mention. I mean, a lot of actors, when they play a role like Samya, they would play the role. But you're like, you are so immersed in her. I mean, from the language, from. I mean, did you insist on speaking Arabic? Was that. Or learning it? Or did you could have just memorized and gone on, but you.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Well, you know, the funny thing is, so in season one, you know, we had some scenes in Arabic, and then, you know, we were like, the actors. We were like, it doesn't make sense that this scene would be in English. Like, if we're. If I'm doing a scene and it's Samia and Osman and Dalaga, it's like, there's no reason why if it's just us and we're alone, we would be speaking. So we were actually, like, always pushing for more scenes all in Arabic because we felt like that would be authentic. And we really wanted to. I think, for me, this is the first time I've worked on a show where they really are investing in us being able to authentically, as authentically as possible, play these characters. You know, I've done so many roles where I was meant to have an accent or speak another language, and it was on me to find a dialect coach or somebody so that this could be done. Done well, you know, And I mean, we have. You know, we've got an incredible Arabic scholar, actually, Khaled Abnama, who not only works with me doing Arabic, Arabic lessons, but then we do our sessions as well, obviously, for the scenes and the scene work, and then he's on set with us. But we are. You know, it's. As I've said, I've never. I've never been afraid of working hard. Yeah. And I love this show. I love this character. You know, this journey that she's on is so intense and heartbreaking. Not just because, like, how far she's fallen. I mean, she's an intellect, and she is fallen so low because she chose to love the wrong man and woman.

[Hoda Kotb]

Isn't that always the case?

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

What woman can't understand? She's also mad about that. You know what I mean?

[Hoda Kotb]

Okay, I need to correct something you said in the beginning. You said, quote, I'm a procrastinator. That's what you said. Okay. First of all, I'm going to tell you that's not true. Because after everything I've heard during this discussion, there's no way on God's green earth that you could have gone from where you were to where you are without doing exactly what you said you do, which is you write it down. You have your list. Where's your notepad? Cue the notepad again. I mean, this is what you do. So maybe you describe yourself that way, but of all the things to take off the list, I'm gonna ask you to scratch that one, because that is not you at all. I don't care if it's a little

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

bit in my way, but I definitely. I pick my moments. Definitely. And the thing is, I'm just such a hard worker.

[Hoda Kotb]

Yes.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

And I don't sleep. You can't be both.

[Hoda Kotb]

You can't be a procrastinator and a hard worker. Sorry. If you're playing Candy Crush in bed.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

And then I just don't sleep to get all the work done.

[Hoda Kotb]

All right. All right, girl. Well, look, let me tell you something. I'm not going to ask you what you're going to do next, because I want to be right where we are. So I want to say thank you. You're an awesome interview. Thanks for coming on the podcast, honey.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Hoda Kotb]

All right. Love to your sweet daughter. You got it. Take care of. Okay. Jody is awesome, and I also like just her depth of thinking. She's got. She just has a good handle on things, I think. You know, a lot of times when people have been to Hollywood and done all these great things, their perspective changes. She just seems like sort of girl next door, someone who you'd want a good hang with. Someone who is trying to improve herself all the time. I just. I think she's got all the beats, and I just love her take on life. I hope you guys did, too.

[Jodie Turner-Smith]

Okay.

[Hoda Kotb]

You know, I love myself a poem. Here's one. And this kind of reminded me of Jody. It's called the Little Things. You know, life isn't about all the Emmys, the Grammys, the. Whatever. It's about stuff that happens on normal, everyday bits and pieces. So here we go. The little things. The little things carry you. A glance that lingers A smile like sunlight spilling through the curtains A text that said I heard a song that reminded me of you when the night feels endless and stillness sinks into your bones Even a whisper of light can hold you Even a tiny spark can remind you that you're alive. It's always been the small gestures, the soft ones, the fleeting ones that echo the loudest. The little things are not little, they are everything. That poem's entitled the Little Things. Thanks for listening guys. When Kohler, global design leader in luxurious kitchen and bath products, asked me to be their ambassador for timeless, elegant dreams durable Cast iron, I said, I'm in. Soon after, I was in their Kohler, Wisconsin foundry watching molten iron, poured enamel applied by hand, and the beautiful finished pieces ready to ship. Since 1883, Kohler cast iron has been crafted by incredible artisans and seeing it firsthand gave me a whole new appreciation for their craftsmanship. Now I am proud to lend my stamp of approval to my favorite Kohler Cast Iron products for their durability, beauty and enduring style. Shop my curated [e-mail] as the Kohler Cast Iron Ambassador, I say long live cast iron.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

Running a business shouldn't feel like surviving a software group project. One app for accounting, another for inventory, another for sales, and somehow none of them talk to each other. That's where Odoo comes in. An all in one business management software that brings every part of your business together from sales and accounting to inventory and marketing, all in one powerful platform. No messy integrations, no bouncing between tabs, and best of all, no spreadsheets. Stop managing software and start managing your business with one unified system. Try for free today at odoo.com iheartradio that's O D O o-o.com iheartradio here's the truth. You could literally be adored by everyone and then come home and still get completely ignored by your own cat. It's classic cat behavior, but new Shiba Premium Puree is a lickable treat that changes all that. They're protein rich, made with bone broth and have the smooth, creamy texture cats go crazy for, especially when it's hand fed. Yeah, it's more than a treat. It's a fast pass to favorite human status. So feed your cat Sheba and go from totally ignored to truly adored in just 12 days. Guaranteed or your money back. Learn [e-mail] big transfer news today. Who's moving me to the couch with Domino's? Best deal ever since they just added stuffed crust. Any pizza? Any toppings? Now with stuffed crust for 9.99, it's a long term contract with no release clause. Only $9.99. Yeah, that sounds like to move. I'm heading straight to dom. Prices higher for some locations. Excludes Excel and specialty pizzas. Select this offer from 6:15 through 7:26 online only. Size availability varies by crust type max 7 topping 6 for pan and New York style crust. Minimum purchase required for delivery. Prices, participation, delivery area and charges may vary. 250 years ago, America made a promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Since 1903, Harley Davidson has been living it out on the open road at the next exit ramp with old friends, new ones and the next generation of riders. Because the best part of any promise is keeping it. Harley Davidson motorcycles ride.