Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky
Episode: Jurnee Smollett
Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Monica Lewinsky
Guest: Jurnee Smollett
Episode Overview
This episode explores the themes of identity, ancestry, resilience, and the quest to reclaim joy and presence in a constantly challenging world. Actress Jurnee Smollett joins Monica Lewinsky for an intimate, honest discussion about her multifaceted heritage, her experiences growing up in the entertainment industry, generational trauma, the importance of creativity, self-compassion, and what it means to reclaim the present moment. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, deep insights, and moments of laughter, offering listeners both an examination of larger cultural forces and an invitation to individual healing.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Identity, Heritage, and Ancestral Memory
(Timestamps: 03:12–12:04)
- Monica and Jurnee connect over the complexity of identity—specifically, being both Black and Jewish—and the deep, sometimes painful legacies this represents.
- Jurnee shares how her mother emphasized embracing all parts of their heritage, celebrating diverse holidays, and the importance of not apologizing for one’s identity:
"You can celebrate the entirety of who you are. You can own who you are. You don't have to apologize for who you are." — Jurnee, (06:14)
- She discusses the notion of "blood memory," epigenetics, and feeling the impact of ancestral experiences on her craft and personal life.
- Jurnee recalls a powerful moment filming Underground, describing a visceral connection to her ancestors while standing under a 200-year-old oak tree, channeling the memory and pain of those who came before her:
"I prayed for the ancestors to use me as a vessel. ... I felt completely taken over by spirit." — Jurnee, (09:16–10:06)
2. Generational Trauma, Resilience, and Responsibility
(13:01–19:19)
- Monica asks about healing from the atrocities of historically rooted trauma. Jurnee emphasizes collective responsibility and the need for ongoing awareness:
"We all are a part of the solution." — Jurnee, (13:24)
- The two discuss how hiring practices, representation, and creating opportunities for people from marginalized backgrounds is tangible progress.
- Jurnee shares stories of resilience from her Black and Jewish grandmothers, underscoring how survival and strength are passed down:
"You gotta get up. ... It's not really about how many times you get knocked out. It's about how many times you get up." — Jurnee, (18:44–18:53)
3. Artistic Practice, Family, and Creative Upbringing
(21:02–25:17)
- Jurnee reflects on growing up in a creative, performance-driven family, with her mother encouraging artistic expression as the literal centerpiece of family gatherings.
- She discusses the healing power of the arts, regardless of chosen profession, and the importance of creative outlets.
- The conversation turns playful as both reminisce about family performances and the ongoing thread of music and theater in their lives.
4. Navigating Childhood Stardom and Craft
(25:00–30:16)
- Jurnee recounts being a child actor—her start at 10 months old and her breakthrough role in Eve’s Bayou at age 10.
- She describes the parallel between her character's emotional turmoil and her own experience of her parents’ separation:
"By inspecting the inner life of a character, I feel like it brought me a little bit of healing and understanding in what was going on in my life." — Jurnee, (27:54)
- Jurnee shares a formative piece of advice from her mentor, Alfre Woodard:
"The key in building a character is you just gotta find their eyes, the way they see the world." — Jurnee, (28:24)
5. Spirituality and Feminine Strength
(32:34–38:31)
- Monica comments on Jurnee’s powerful feminine presence and old soul; they talk about the inheritance of feminine strength from mothers and ancestors.
- Jurnee reveals the influence of her spiritual practice—rituals, discipline, prayer, journaling—and how it keeps her centered amidst life’s uncertainties.
- They discuss the mystical nature of the feminine and the collective shift toward acknowledging multiple dimensions and multiverse in both science and pop culture.
6. Discipline, Self-Compassion, and Managing the “Sensor”
(39:19–47:25)
- Jurnee details her methodical approach to organizing her days, using planners and routines to foster self-esteem and combat inner criticism.
- They identify the “sensor” — the negative inner voice — and its roots in societal and industry expectations.
- Both discuss the importance of therapy and self-help tools like The Artist’s Way for maintaining mental health and clarity.
7. Navigating Shame, Perfectionism, and Parenting
(51:11–57:07)
- They discuss the role of shame in personal development and the challenge of parenting in a way that avoids instilling shame, especially as they recognize perfectionist tendencies in themselves and their children.
- Jurnee is reflective about the positive and negative aspects of being self-driven and how she tries to teach her son kindness toward himself.
8. Industry Pressures, Body Image, and the Trap of Self-Consciousness
(59:20–64:57)
- Jurnee addresses her experiences of body image in an industry that comments on appearance and the danger of becoming overly self-conscious:
"The trap of being self conscious—that's death for an actor ... If you're worried about looking beautiful or your angles or that, it's death." — Jurnee, (62:58)
- She notes that the best way to serve the work is by being present and not distracted by external judgments.
9. Current Projects & Aspirations
(65:15–65:56)
- Monica asks about dream projects; Jurnee hints at a secret project with Misha Green and expresses her desire to one day perform on Broadway, staying open to whatever comes next.
10. Reclaiming the Present and Finding Joy
(66:13–70:31)
- Monica closes by asking what Jurnee is currently reclaiming:
"I'm really working on reclaiming the present ... and the radical act of finding my joy now. ... I'm not going to postpone my joy, and I'm not going to put my life on hold until everything's perfect." — Jurnee, (66:13–67:56)
- Jurnee ties this back to losing her father and recognizing how precious and fleeting time is, encouraging listeners to access joy in the here and now.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- "I felt completely taken over by something higher than myself. That blood memory, that connection ... does reverberate in moments that are important." — Jurnee, (10:05)
- "You are part of it, though. We all are ... I think the fact we're even able to discuss it ... is essential." — Jurnee, (13:01)
- "Not all progress is improvement." — Jurnee, (47:53)
- "Are we actually walking in our own walk, or are we just operating as a ghost of what people have said about us?" — Jurnee, (49:52)
Important Timestamps
- 03:12: Monica and Jurnee discuss meeting and shared interests in trauma and identity
- 06:00: Embracing multiple heritage and family traditions
- 08:25: Jurnee on Underground and blood memory
- 13:01: Collective responsibility for historical trauma
- 18:44: Family resilience stories
- 25:17: Early career and emotional processing through acting
- 28:24: “Find their eyes”—the key to character
- 36:38: Spirituality, science, and the multiverse
- 39:19: Detailed daily rituals and combatting the sensor
- 43:28: The Artist’s Way and journaling practice
- 51:11: Parenting and perfectionism
- 62:58: The danger of self-consciousness for actors
- 66:13: Reclaiming the present and practicing joy
Final Reflection
The episode is an open-hearted journey into how personal and historical trauma, identity, family, and creativity intersect in the ongoing project of self-reclamation. Jurnee Smollett’s vulnerability and wisdom, paired with Monica Lewinsky’s empathetic curiosity, make this conversation a meaningful exploration of how we carry the past, create our future, and—most radically—find meaning and joy in the present.
Transcripts and quotes are attributed to speakers Monica Lewinsky (“A”) and Jurnee Smollett (“B”) as delineated in the text.