Making Space with Hoda Kotb:
Jenna Bush Hager & Sheinelle Jones on Trust Amidst Change and New Beginnings
Release Date: February 4, 2026
Host: Hoda Kotb
Guests: Jenna Bush Hager & Sheinelle Jones
Episode Overview
This heartfelt episode of "Making Space" explores the power of trust, vulnerability, and friendship as TODAY Show colleagues Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones step into a new chapter together as co-hosts. Joined by Hoda Kotb in a SiriusXM Front Row conversation, the trio reflects deeply on navigating personal and professional change, handling public scrutiny, finding strength through grief, and the formative influence of generational wisdom. At its core, the discussion is about supporting one another through transitions, honoring authenticity, and making resilient space for joy even in the midst of pain.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Magic of New Beginnings
[00:00-03:47]
- Hoda opens by framing the episode as a moment of transition, paying tribute to the enduring bond she shares with Jenna and celebrating Sheinelle stepping into a new role—despite personal heartache.
- She reflects on a moving torch-passing moment with Kathie Lee Gifford, emphasizing that "when something is built on authenticity and heart, it does not end. It evolves."
- The symbolism and emotion of Oprah introducing "Jenna and Sheinelle" as co-hosts is discussed, with Sheinelle describing the internal struggle between leaning into her feelings and staying "in her body":
“But I tried to stay in my body.” —Sheinelle Jones [02:52]
2. Chemistry & Connection
[03:47–05:36]
- Hoda prompts Jenna to break down what makes her dynamic with Sheinelle work:
“What matters is what's between us...I liked her immediately...She's from Kansas, I'm from Texas, we're similar age, our children are similar age...but I liked her, like, I want to go get a glass of [wine] with you and hang.” —Jenna Bush Hager [03:48]
- Jenna credits Sheinelle’s professionalism and vulnerability as critical to their chemistry and her own growth as a host.
3. The Importance of Vulnerability and Open Hearts
[05:36–06:18]
- Jenna and Sheinelle agree that an open heart is essential to meaningful relationships and authentic broadcasting:
"To have an open heart means you do cry." —Jenna Bush Hager [05:39]
- Jenna shares a personal story about crying in church, using it as a teaching moment about embracing emotions.
4. Conquering Imposter Syndrome & Finding Belonging
[06:18–11:44]
- Sheinelle recalls her nerves joining NBC, describing an on-air panic and the symbolism of carrying her grandfather’s pen as a grounding reminder of her roots and support system:
“All these people who have poured into me...I deserve to be here. And if I'm gonna forget that, I'm gonna hold this pen to remind myself.” —Sheinelle Jones [09:11]
- Jenna relates her own self-doubt, touching on public perceptions due to her family legacy and the lasting advice from Maria Shriver:
“No matter how hard you work, there are people who are still gonna say [you got the job because of your name]. So you live your life, you do it on your terms.” —Maria Shriver, recalled by Jenna Bush Hager [12:35]
5. Navigating Grief in the Public Eye
[13:35–17:36]
- Hoda and Sheinelle discuss Sheinelle’s journey following her husband Uche’s recent passing, including the pressures to "be better" and the importance of honesty about ongoing pain:
“Maybe it can be a teachable thing for people to know...No, I'm not better. And I don't know when I'm going to be better, if ever. But what I do know is that I know how I want to be.” —Sheinelle Jones [14:16]
- Sheinelle shares how modeling resilience and presence for her children motivates her, while also allowing herself restorative breaks.
6. Public Response, Compassion, and Shared Humanity
[17:36–20:18]
- Sheinelle reflects on the outpouring of support from viewers across divides:
“We are good people...what I know now to be true is that grief knows no color, no gender. It's not blue or red...We all feel it.” —Sheinelle Jones [18:30]
- She discusses “earning her badge” of grief, and how this experience has shaped her ability to "hold space" for others’ pain.
7. When Work and Family Intertwine
[21:30–27:36]
- Jenna describes the emotional challenge and ultimate growth she found after Hoda’s departure and a year of “Jenna and Friends.”
- Both women talk about their children’s down-to-earth reactions to their public successes, highlighting the grounding role of family and humor:
“I feel like I'm learning how to fly a plane and flying it at the same time. Chanel 2.0, as my friends say.” —Sheinelle Jones [25:15]
8. Friendship as Foundation and Lifeline
[27:36–31:25]
- Sheinelle details her circle of lifelong best friends (“besties from their whole life”), how they got her through the hardest moments after her husband’s passing, and a lighthearted “restoration tour.”
- Jenna and Sheinelle relate over the power of long-standing friendships and supportive networks.
9. Generational Wisdom and Grandmother’s Influence
[33:40–37:46]
- Both women end with tributes to their grandmothers’ strength, feistiness, and guiding values:
“When you choose to name somebody something, it's like the most profound first moment. So from the very beginning my parents were saying like these women mean everything to you, they mean everything to us and therefore they'll mean everything to you.” —Jenna Bush Hager [34:23] “Just the way I move in a space and the way I carry myself, that's from not only being taught by my grandparents and my grandmother, but just watching them and it becomes how you navigate.” —Sheinelle Jones [36:40]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You can move forward without leaving love behind.” —Hoda Kotb [00:48]
- “What matters is what's between us...I liked her immediately.” —Jenna Bush Hager [03:48]
- “The woman I want to be...she would go outside and she would stop and go around...and look at them. And receive what they have to say, because it's just love out there. And so I did.” —Sheinelle Jones [15:11]
- “It pained me when I got home yesterday when everything is still. That's when it gets hard. And I couldn't call grandmama and I couldn't call Uche.” —Sheinelle Jones [16:44]
- “We are good people...what I know now to be true is that grief knows no color, no gender...We all feel it.” —Sheinelle Jones [18:30]
- “Both of my grandmothers...taught both of us, Barbara and me, how to use our voices.” —Jenna Bush Hager [35:01]
- “My girlfriends put me back together again.” —Sheinelle Jones [31:02]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00 — Show intro & episode framing by Hoda
- 02:52 — Sheinelle describes her emotional journey & internal tug-of-war
- 03:48 — Jenna on instant friendship chemistry
- 06:53 — Sheinelle’s first nerves joining NBC; story of her grandfather’s pen
- 11:49 — Jenna on public scrutiny, Maria Shriver’s advice, and finding peace
- 13:51 — Sheinelle on grief, resilience, and setting an example for her kids
- 18:27 — Sheinelle on the universality of grief and finding connection
- 22:42 — Jenna reflects on her emotional year without Hoda and personal growth
- 25:15 — Sheinelle on adapting to “Chanel 2.0” in life and career
- 29:26 — Sheinelle on the importance of long-term friendships
- 34:23 — Jenna discusses being named for her grandmothers as a guiding lesson
- 36:40 — Sheinelle’s tribute to her grandmothers’ influence on her life
Theme & Tone
The tone throughout is candid, supportive, and deeply empathetic. There’s a steady balance between laughter, nostalgia, and raw vulnerability. The women model how to create and hold space for growth, grief, and genuine connection—emphasizing that strength comes from authenticity, not perfection.
For the Listener
You’ll finish this episode with fresh insights on friendship, courage, and embracing your “next chapter”—even when life feels uncertain and heavy. Jenna and Sheinelle’s openness, bolstered by Hoda’s warm facilitation, is a reminder that shared stories and mutual support can light the way through new beginnings.
Recommended Listen:
Check out this episode for an inspiring, tearful, and joy-filled meditation on finding grace in transitions, trusting in friendship, and making space for every part of the journey.