The Interview with Leslie Heaney: [REVISIT] I Loved You First - feat. Jenna Bush Hager

Release Date: May 7, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney, host Leslie Heaney sits down with Jenna Bush Hager, a prominent media personality known for hosting Today with Jenna and Friends, authoring books, and spearheading initiatives like the Read with Jenna Book Club and the publishing imprint Thousand Voices. Their conversation delves into Jenna's latest collaborative work with her twin sister Barbara, explores the dynamics of sisterhood, discusses her role on the Today show, and touches upon her passion for fostering emerging literary talent. Throughout the episode, both hosts share personal anecdotes and insightful reflections, enriched with heartfelt quotes and memorable moments.

1. Introduction to Jenna Bush Hager and Her Multifaceted Career

Leslie Heaney opens the episode by highlighting Jenna Bush Hager's extensive portfolio. Jenna is not only the host of the fourth hour of NBC's morning program but also an accomplished author and entrepreneur. She founded the Read with Jenna Book Club, which has become a staple for book enthusiasts, and launched Thousand Voices, a publishing imprint in collaboration with Random House aimed at supporting emerging writers. Leslie commends Jenna's ability to juggle her professional responsibilities alongside her roles as a mother, wife, and active citizen.

Key Quote:

• Leslie Heaney [00:05]: "Not really sure how Jenna sleeps. She does all this by being a mother of three and wife and friend and citizen."

2. Exploring "I Loved You First" – A Tribute to Motherhood

The centerpiece of the discussion revolves around Jenna's third book with her twin sister Barbara, titled "I Loved You First". The book serves as a meditation on the profound bond between parent and child, reflecting on how motherhood transforms one's perspective of the world.

Inspiration Behind the Book: Jenna explains that her collaboration with Barbara stems from their deep-rooted sisterly bond and shared experiences growing up as twins. The decision to write "I Loved You First" was influenced by their journey into motherhood, offering a heartfelt ode to moms and the unique way parents view the world through their children's eyes.

Key Quote:

• Jenna Bush Hager [02:19]: "This book is really one of those kind of like odes to moms. Like you'll read it to your new baby. You know, it's like that moment where it's. You see your child and you know, like, I was the one that loved you first and I'll love you forever."

Leslie adds that the book resonates with parents who rediscover the magic in everyday moments, such as observing clouds or appreciating nature, through their children's fresh perspectives.

Key Quote:

• Leslie Heaney [04:03]: "You talk about in the book kind of discovering the natural world right through their eyes."

3. The Power of Sisterhood and Female Friendships

Leslie and Jenna delve into the significance of sisterhood and female friendships, both in personal and professional realms. They discuss how their twin relationship has been a cornerstone of support throughout their lives, especially during challenging times like the post-2016 election period.

Collaborative Writing Journey: Jenna shares that their first book together acted as a catalyst for deeper collaboration, leading them to further explore themes of sisterhood and mutual support. Their collective experiences highlight the importance of women uplifting each other, transcending political and personal differences.

Key Quote:

• Jenna Bush Hager [07:33]: "Most women we know lift each other up, whether they're sisters or friends. You know, I know many of them who I also surround myself with, are strong, amazing women who are kind and devoted and would be the first to be there for you or to lift you up, to support you."

Leslie appreciates the mission behind their books, emphasizing the positive messages of unity and support among women.

4. Read with Jenna Book Club and Thousand Voices Imprint

The conversation transitions to Jenna's literary initiatives. Read with Jenna has been a platform since 2019, encouraging readers to engage with diverse books and fostering a community of book lovers. Additionally, Thousand Voices is Jenna's partnership with Penguin Random House, dedicated to publishing emerging and debut authors.

Impact on Emerging Writers: Jenna explains that Thousand Voices aims to spotlight new talent, providing a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard in a saturated market. This initiative allows her to actively participate in the publishing process, ensuring authenticity and depth in the stories being shared.

Key Quote:

• Jenna Bush Hager [20:03]: "We're working with Penguin Random House to publish emerging and debut talent. So I'm looking for new writers and I'm like the publishers."

Leslie emphasizes the significance of this endeavor, noting how crucial it is for new authors to have support and visibility.

Key Quote:

• Leslie Heaney [22:01]: "Being able to have agents who kind of know for those authors and those books that you choose, it's a game changer for them, whether they're established authors or not."

Jenna proudly mentions the success of authors like Jessica Sofer, whose book "This is a Love Story" recently made the New York Times bestseller list, showcasing the imprint's impact.

5. Transitioning on the Today Show and Guest Hosting Experiences

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Jenna's role on the Today show, especially her experience hosting the fourth hour in the absence of her longtime co-host, Hoda Kapp. Jenna shares the emotional challenges of filling Hoda's shoes and the camaraderie that developed during this transition.

Guest Co-Hosts and Memorable Moments: Jenna recounts hosting the show with various guest co-hosts, including notable figures like Scarlett Johansson. These experiences have been both exciting and rewarding, allowing Jenna to maintain the show's dynamic while introducing fresh interactions.

Key Quote:

• Jenna Bush Hager [31:06]: "We have comedians, we have people, we have other broadcasters, we have other actors and actresses like Scarlett Johansson. Like, we never had Scarlett Johansson hosted morning television before, and everybody fell madly in love with her because they didn't know that side of her."

Leslie highlights the seamless transition Jenna has managed, praising her ability to connect with both guests and the audience effortlessly.

6. Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Personal Growth

Jenna opens up about the challenges of balancing an illustrious career with motherhood. She reflects on the constant distractions of modern life, such as the omnipresence of smartphones, and the conscious effort required to slow down and connect deeply with her children.

Embracing Slowness: Jenna emphasizes the importance of being present with her children, advocating for unplugging from digital distractions to foster meaningful interactions.

Key Quote:

• Jenna Bush Hager [14:18]: "I think we all need to get out of like cell phone range."

Leslie relates to Jenna's sentiments, sharing her own experiences of intentional disconnection during personal trips to enhance quality time with loved ones.

7. Shared Passion for Karaoke and Performing Arts

Both hosts share their love for karaoke, weaving in entertaining stories of singing duets with celebrities. Jenna recounts joyous moments singing with friends like Holly Williams and Tina Fey, highlighting how these experiences enrich her personal life outside of her professional commitments.

Memorable Performances: Jenna describes performing songs like "Islands in the Stream" and "Endless Love" with friends, bringing a lighthearted and relatable dimension to the conversation.

Key Quote:

• Jenna Bush Hager [34:42]: "We started singing like 'Kid Rock,' which he can be a polarizing fellow, but nobody can say they don't like rock."

Leslie echoes the fun, sharing her own karaoke adventures and the amusing reactions from her family.

8. Future Endeavors and Closing Thoughts

As the episode winds down, Jenna hints at upcoming projects, including new publications from Thousand Voices and potential television ventures. Both hosts express excitement for Jenna's future endeavors, underscoring her relentless drive and passion for her various projects.

Key Quote:

• Jenna Bush Hager [35:36]: "Our focus really is now on the imprint, which has been so much less. And we have some, hopefully some projects that you'll see on television at some point."

Leslie concludes by expressing her anticipation for what's next, leaving listeners eager for Jenna's future contributions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Leslie Heaney [00:05]: "Not really sure how Jenna sleeps. She does all this by being a mother of three and wife and friend and citizen."

• Jenna Bush Hager [02:19]: "This book is really one of those kind of like odes to moms. Like you'll read it to your new baby. You know, it's like that moment where it's. You see your child and you know, like, I was the one that loved you first and I'll love you forever."

• Jenna Bush Hager [07:33]: "Most women we know lift each other up, whether they're sisters or friends. You know, I know many of them who I also surround myself with, are strong, amazing women who are kind and devoted and would be the first to be there for you or to lift you up, to support you."

• Jenna Bush Hager [20:03]: "We're working with Penguin Random House to publish emerging and debut talent. So I'm looking for new writers and I'm like the publishers."

• Leslie Heaney [22:01]: "Being able to have agents who kind of know for those authors and those books that you choose, it's a game changer for them, whether they're established authors or not."

• Jenna Bush Hager [31:06]: "We have comedians, we have people, we have other broadcasters, we have other actors and actresses like Scarlett Johansson. Like, we never had Scarlett Johansson hosted morning television before, and everybody fell madly in love with her because they didn't know that side of her."

• Jenna Bush Hager [14:18]: "I think we all need to get out of like cell phone range."

• Jenna Bush Hager [34:42]: "We started singing like 'Kid Rock,' which he can be a polarizing fellow, but nobody can say they don't like rock."

• Jenna Bush Hager [35:36]: "Our focus really is now on the imprint, which has been so much less. And we have some, hopefully some projects that you'll see on television at some point."

Conclusion

This episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney offers a deep dive into Jenna Bush Hager's multifaceted life—balancing her roles as a mother, author, and media personality. From exploring the intimate themes of motherhood in "I Loved You First" to championing emerging writers through Thousand Voices, Jenna's insights provide inspiration and a blueprint for nurturing both personal and professional passions. Her candid reflections on sisterhood, the challenges of modern parenting, and the joy of karaoke add a relatable and heartfelt dimension to the conversation, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.