Podcast Summary: The Oprah Podcast | Episode: Tina Knowles: "Matriarch" | Release Date: April 22, 2025

Hosted by Oprah Winfrey and presented by Harpo, this episode features Tina Knowles discussing her memoir, "Matriarch." Set in a cozy Starbucks café in her old Chicago neighborhood, Tina delves deep into her personal journey, family legacy, motherhood, and the resilience that has shaped her life.

Introduction to "Matriarch"

Tina Knowles opens the conversation by welcoming listeners to Oprah's Book Club, presented by Starbucks, highlighting the nostalgic setting of her old Chicago neighborhood. She introduces her memoir, "Matriarch," describing it as an intimate and revealing exploration of legacy, love, loss, and perseverance passed down through generations, particularly from mother to daughter.

Tina Knowles [00:02]: "It's an intimate and revealing look into an extraordinary American life and family. It is a memoir, and it is a page turner about legacy. It's about love. It's about loss. It's about perseverance and the wisdom that is passed down through generations, especially from mother to daughter."

Exploring Family Legacy and Heritage

Tina shares poignant stories about her ancestors, highlighting the strength and resilience of the women who came before her. She recounts her great-great-grandmother, Rosalie, an enslaved woman, and her great-grandmother, Celestine, who bore ten children with her slave owner. This lineage underscores the historical struggles and unwavering spirit that have influenced Tina's identity.

Oprah Winfrey [04:30]: "I come as one, but I stand as 10,000."

Tina emphasizes the extensive research she conducted to uncover these family histories, marveling at their ability to care for their children despite immense adversity.

Early Life and Overcoming Adversity

Tina narrates her upbringing in a modest home in Weeks Island, Louisiana, where her father worked in a salt mine earning $9 a week. She paints a vivid picture of her childhood, filled with love and camaraderie despite financial hardships.

Tina Knowles [07:20]: "Because of all the camaraderie...we just created our own playground, our own world, and I just never really thought about being poor."

A significant moment in her childhood was attending a Catholic school where a nun told her she didn't belong, a comment that has left a lasting impact on her self-esteem and sense of belonging.

Tina Knowles [09:26]: "I was five."

This encounter with authority figures sowed seeds of insecurity but also ignited her fighting spirit.

Tina Knowles [10:34]: "It made me a fighter."

Motherhood and Raising Iconic Daughters

Tina discusses the distinct personalities of her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, emphasizing the unique nurturing approaches she employed for each.

Tina Knowles [22:39]: "Solange is art. She's not just an artist. She is art."

She highlights the challenges and triumphs of raising two highly talented daughters, maintaining a balance between freedom and structure to cater to their individual needs. Tina explains how therapy played a role in strengthening the bond between Beyoncé and Solange during their childhood conflicts.

Tina Knowles [17:19]: "My fearlessness came from survival."

Personal Struggles and Empowerment

Tina opens up about her marriage to Matthew Knowles, detailing the complexities of their relationship, including his struggles with fidelity. Despite the challenges, she expresses gratitude for the supportive moments they shared and the life they built together.

Tina Knowles [35:10]: "We were a team and, you know, we had kids and we built businesses together."

Her eventual divorce marks a turning point where she prioritizes her well-being and sets a powerful example for her daughters about self-worth and happiness.

Tina Knowles [40:14]: "I'm truly at peace with myself."

She reflects on the importance of self-care and breaking free from self-sacrificing tendencies that overshadow personal happiness.

Passing Down Wisdom and Legacy

Throughout the memoir, Tina emphasizes the importance of embracing one's heritage and the lessons learned from previous generations. She instills in her daughters the value of being proud of their black identity and encourages them to "knock the doors down" in pursuit of their dreams.

Tina Knowles [19:30]: "You gotta knock the doors down and that you should be at home at any space that you choose."

Tina also shares heartfelt moments about her family, including the acceptance and love extended to her nephew Johnny, highlighting the unconditional support within their family unit.

Tina Knowles [30:46]: "Family respected him. And my brothers respected him."

Reflections and Closing Thoughts

As the conversation draws to a close, Tina reads a moving passage from her memoir, encapsulating her realization of self-worth and the peace she has found in her later years.

Tina Knowles [50:51]: "I am 70 and I just learned that I am enough. ... This precious time of gathering memories is closing. It's not an end, I know, but my new beginning."

Oprah echoes the sentiment, praising Tina for her ability to nurture strong, compassionate daughters and for her unwavering strength as a matriarch.

Oprah Winfrey [51:18]: "You're gonna love this memoir. It's gonna open up you to thinking about the matriarchs in your own life."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tina Knowles [05:00]: "I was amazed by their resilience and their ability to still take care of their kids and make sure that they weren't sold or separated from them."

• Oprah Winfrey [07:06]: "You felt like y'all were millionaires, right?"

• Tina Knowles [09:39]: "It is."

• Tina Knowles [16:24]: "It's a class thing. They felt like their self worth was tied into teaching a teacher's kids."

• Tina Knowles [43:08]: "I just get so full and so proud when they respect people and they do charity or they do, you know, something that's a normal thing."

Conclusion

In this heartfelt episode, Tina Knowles shares her journey of resilience, love, and empowerment. "Matriarch" serves as a testament to the strength inherited from her ancestors, the challenges overcome in her personal life, and the profound impact of her role as a mother. Through her storytelling, Tina offers valuable insights and inspiration for listeners striving to lead their best lives.

Availability: "Matriarch" is available wherever books are sold, and Tina also narrates the audio version for fans to enjoy.