Podcast Summary: "Rosie O'Donnell Did Not Become an Artist to Be Liked"

Podcast: The Best People with Nicolle Wallace
Host: Nicolle Wallace (MSNBC)
Guest: Rosie O'Donnell
Date: September 29, 2025

Overview

In this candid, heartfelt episode, Nicolle Wallace welcomes comedian, actress, and activist Rosie O'Donnell. They explore themes of motherhood, self-preservation, fame, activism, and the personal impact of contemporary American politics. Rosie opens up about her decision to move to Ireland amidst concerns about the U.S.'s political trajectory, the deep emotional connection she shares with her audience, and her ongoing artistic evolution. The episode radiates honesty, vulnerability, and a sense of urgency, encouraging listeners to find truth and connection in these turbulent times.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rosie’s Move to Ireland: Self-Preservation and Motherhood

• Self-Preservation Over Politics (02:39)

  • Rosie describes her move to Ireland as driven by self-preservation, not a political statement.
  • After reading Project 2025 and worrying about the U.S. election, she consulted her therapist:

    “I called my therapist and said, I need to go to Ireland... So I went to my people, and it was totally because I knew how badly I did during his first term.” (02:39, Rosie O'Donnell)

  • She wanted to be fully present for her youngest daughter’s transition into teenage years.

• Motherhood at 50+ (04:12)

  • Both Rosie and Nicolle reflect on becoming mothers later in life and the patience and awe that come with it.

• Adoption Story (04:12-06:42)

  • Rosie recounts the emotional adoption of her youngest daughter and the profound moment with the birth mother:

    “I've never witnessed God's grace so profoundly as I did in that moment when this woman who loved her baby... graciously handed her to someone who felt that they could.” (05:00, Rosie O'Donnell)

2. Personal Sacrifices for Well-Being

• Rosie admits leaving the U.S. meant leaving her adult children behind, which is a daily pain but was necessary for her mental health (06:57).

• On being a ‘homebody’ and uprooting her nest (08:01)

  • Rosie details her apprehension about moving:

    “I like to be in a country where I could speak the language... What if I'm in France and there's an emergency?” (08:01, Rosie O'Donnell)

3. Public Voice, Artistic Purpose, and Criticism

• Rosie never sought universal approval as a performer:

  • “I never became an artist to have everyone like me... I care about people. I really do. I care about everybody's feelings... But if you can't see that there's a madman in the House, you're never gonna protect the kids.” (09:27, Rosie O'Donnell)

• Rosie’s Relationship with the Audience and Fame (23:01-23:55, 29:04-30:08)

  • Deeply values the bond with her viewers, striving for authenticity and connection:

    “I always feel more akin to an audience member than to the celebrity on the stage.” (23:55, Rosie O'Donnell)

  • Fame in America versus Ireland:

    “This is not a celebrity influenced culture... If people recognize you, they ignore it... They don't value celebrities more than they value normal people. And I think that's a beautiful quality for a country.” (29:04, Rosie O'Donnell)

  • Ireland reminds Rosie of her childhood, providing comfort and anonymity (30:08).

4. Reflections on Trump and U.S. Politics

• Rosie’s long-standing, public opposition to Trump is discussed:

  • She clarifies that her criticism is based on his actions and danger to the country—not personal animus (09:27, 11:09).
  • On Trump's “theatrics” and obsessive attacks:

    “I only spoke to him one time for four minutes... I think he is very upset that I, a girl who reminds me of all the tough girls in his neighborhood who never fell for his shit or listened to him...” (13:27, 14:02, Rosie O'Donnell)

  • Trump as a “wounded person” lacking compassion (14:02).

• Her Frustration with the Media and Political Apathy (15:25, 20:10)

  • She calls out the media for not holding Trump accountable:

    “They don't come back and say, that was insane. Did you hear what the President did? That's what we need from the newscasters.” (15:25, Rosie O'Donnell)

  • Critiques mainstream journalism for placating Trump's narrative and neglecting the watchdog role:

    “The fourth estate mainstream media has let down the democracy... The fact that he's controlling the media and thinks he can, the fact that no one is standing up to the idiocy...” (20:10, Rosie O'Donnell)

5. Vulnerability, Loss, and Empathy

• Rosie shares profound personal loss (mother’s death) and how it shaped her acute sensitivity:

  • “My shrink has said more than once, most people have a window with a window pane and a screen and shutters and curtains. And your window is open. You have no way to filter out the painful stuff.” (36:56, Rosie O'Donnell)

• She discusses the challenge of “absorbing it all”—how traumatic events and news hit her deeply and lead to her prioritizing mental health.

• On connecting with others in times of crisis:

  • “Find your community of like minded people. Stick together, take care of each other, hide each other if you need to... Be a human being and stand next to them and hold their hand through it and suffer what they suffer. And that's empathy.” (48:10, Rosie O'Donnell)

6. Activism, Hope, and Advice for Listeners

• Encourages forming real-world, local communities for emotional and civic support (45:42, 48:10).

• On the power of collective action:

  • “Bravo, America. And this is how much power we have. And don't let them tell you we don't.” (42:32, Rosie O'Donnell)

• Believes women, particularly women of color like Jasmine Crockett & AOC, are the hope of the Democratic Party (45:06).

• Stresses the importance of empathy, truth-telling, and activism—big or small.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Artistic Motivation:

  “I never became an artist to have everyone like me.” (09:27)

• On America’s Challenges:

  “And if you don't stand up now, we're gonna be like Nazi Germany.” (15:25)

• On Personal Sensitivity to World Events:

  “World tragedies slay me, and I need to protect myself from them.” (39:17)

• On Empathy:

  “Be a human being and stand next to them and hold their hand through it and suffer what they suffer. And that's empathy.” (48:10)

• On Community and Action:

  “Find your community of like minded people. Stick together, take care of each other, hide each other if you need to.” (48:10)

• On Fame and Connection:

  “I always feel more akin to an audience member than to the celebrity on the stage.” (23:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Rosie explains her move to Ireland (02:39)
• Emotional adoption story (04:12 - 06:42)
• Rosie on being a homebody and the risk of uprooting her life (08:01)
• Artistic motivation—‘not to be liked’ (09:27)
• Reflections on Trump and the cost of criticism (11:09, 13:27, 14:02)
• Media’s failure and the importance of holding truth (20:10, 42:32)
• Rosie’s relationship with fame and audience (23:01, 23:55, 29:04)
• Mother’s death, loss, and the importance of music (32:07)
• Rosie’s emotional filter, trauma, and mental health (36:56)
• Advice for activism and community-building (45:42, 48:10)

Final Thoughts

The episode is a testament to vulnerability, the complicated realities of activism, and the power of personal truth. Rosie O'Donnell’s honesty about her own limitations, her activism, and her artistry remind listeners that being “the best people” is about courage, kindness, and connection—especially in difficult times.