Making Space with Hoda Kotb: Goldie Hawn on Hollywood, Happiness, and Mental Health

In this compelling episode of Making Space with Hoda Kotb, Hoda sits down with the iconic actress, producer, and mental health advocate, Goldie Hawn. Released on November 20, 2024, the conversation delves deep into Goldie's journey through Hollywood, her personal struggles with mental health, and her inspiring work with the Mind Up program. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key insights, poignant moments, and valuable lessons on resilience and joy.

Introduction to Goldie Hawn

Hoda Kotb opens the episode by expressing her admiration for Goldie Hawn, not just as a Hollywood legend but also as a dedicated mother, grandmother, and philanthropist. She sets the stage for an intimate conversation about Goldie's early years, her rise in Hollywood, and her unwavering commitment to mental health awareness.

Hoda Kotb (01:07): "Goldie is an Academy Award-winning actress, producer, director, and best-selling author. Outside of Hollywood, Goldie is famously a mother and a grandmother... Buckle up. Goldie is about to take us on a ride."

Early Career and Hollywood Challenges

Goldie shares her beginnings as a dancer, her move from New York to Los Angeles, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. She recounts her auditions, early performances, and the pressures of transitioning from dance to acting.

Goldie Hawn (02:57): "When I was 19, I flew out to Los Angeles to pursue dancing. I landed performances in shows like the Tennessee Ernie Ford show, dancing alongside stars like Don Knotts and Andy Griffith."

However, Goldie's path wasn't smooth. She faced anxiety and depression despite her outward success, highlighting the hidden struggles behind her joyful persona.

Goldie Hawn (08:22): "But here's the thing. This is a long story to get up to, why I became depressed and anxious. I didn't want to be used just as a dancer; I wanted to pursue my passion on my terms."

Mental Health Struggles and Personal Turmoil

Goldie delves into her personal battles with mental health, explaining how the pressures of Hollywood and unwanted advances led to significant anxiety and panic attacks. She candidly discusses seeking professional help during a time when mental health was less understood.

Goldie Hawn (08:19): "I didn't want to do that. I was just getting my feet wet as a dancer. But the relentless demands led me to become anxious and have panic attacks."

Her story of standing up against inappropriate behavior from a producer underscores her strength and resilience.

Goldie Hawn (11:28): "I stood up for myself because that was what I stood for. My mom was proud of me because I chose integrity over fear."

Founding the Mind Up Program

Transitioning from her personal experiences, Goldie introduces her philanthropic venture, Mind Up, a program aimed at fostering mental resilience and joy in children. She explains the program's foundation in neuroscience and its unique approach to mental health education.

Goldie Hawn (38:51): "We teach children about their brains—the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus—to help them understand their emotions and reactions."

The success of Mind Up is evident through rigorous research and positive outcomes in schools, demonstrating increased resilience and improved academic performance among participants.

Goldie Hawn (37:28): "The research was extraordinary. Our Mind Up children came back much more resilient, much happier... Math scores went up. It was crazy."

Teaching Joy and Mental Resilience

Goldie emphasizes the importance of joy in education and personal development. She shares anecdotes from her travels, observing how communities globally celebrate joy and maintain mental well-being, contrasting it with the often joyless environments in modern American society.

Goldie Hawn (26:48): "I saw smiles everywhere in Africa and India. People were so generous and joyful, celebrating life in ways we often overlook here."

Through Mind Up, Goldie integrates these observations, teaching children to reconnect with their innate ability to experience happiness and manage their emotions effectively.

Goldie Hawn (32:14): "You were born with joy. We have to remember that and cultivate it through programs like Mind Up."

Personal Life and Daily Routines

Goldie offers a glimpse into her personal life, sharing her morning rituals that help maintain her mental well-being. From breathing exercises to enjoying quiet moments, she illustrates practical ways to make space for oneself amidst a busy life.

Goldie Hawn (48:54): "I stretch in my bed, breathe deeply through my nose, and drink lemon water. These simple practices set a positive tone for my day."

Her routines reflect her philosophy of prioritizing mental health and personal growth, serving as an inspiration for listeners to incorporate similar habits into their lives.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Goldie and Hoda reflect on the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues. Goldie reiterates her hope for widespread implementation of Mind Up and the profound impact it has on children’s lives.

Goldie Hawn (36:29): "If it helps just 10 children, I'm doing this for a reason. The transformation I've seen in them gives me hope."

Hoda expresses her admiration for Goldie's unwavering spirit and encourages her to pursue her long-awaited documentary on joy, underscoring the timeliness and necessity of such a project in today's world.

Hoda Kotb (46:40): "I think it's time for your joy documentary. It's the perfect time."

Notable Quotes

• Goldie Hawn (02:57): "Happiness was a very big aspect of my life. I was a very happy child... But when I became a dancer, it was everything to me."

• Goldie Hawn (11:28): "If the audience doesn't like you, then you won't make it. But I stood up for myself because that's what I stood for."

• Goldie Hawn (26:48): "I saw smiles everywhere in Africa and India. People were so generous and joyful, celebrating life in ways we often overlook here."

• Goldie Hawn (32:14): "You were born with joy. We have to remember that and cultivate it through programs like Mind Up."

• Goldie Hawn (36:29): "If it helps just 10 children, I'm doing this for a reason. The transformation I've seen in them gives me hope."

Final Reflections

This episode of Making Space with Hoda Kotb offers a profound exploration of Goldie Hawn's life beyond the silver screen. It highlights her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, her dedication to fostering mental health in the younger generation, and her unwavering commitment to spreading joy. Goldie's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental well-being and the transformative power of joy in our lives.

Listeners will leave inspired by Goldie's journey and motivated to make space for growth, change, and happiness in their own lives.

Production Credits:

• Produced by: Allison Berger, Alexa Casavecchia, Kate Saunders
• Audio Engineers: Juliana Masterilli, Katie Lau
• Original Music: John Estes
• Head of Audio Production: Bryson Barnes
• Executive Producer: Missy Dunlop Parsons
• Executive Vice President of Today and Lifestyle: Libby Least

High Five Casino advertisements and non-content segments have been omitted from this summary to focus on the meaningful conversation between Hoda Kotb and Goldie Hawn.