Loading summary
Brooke Shields
This is an iHeart podcast guaranteed human
Commercial Announcer
Xolair Omalizumab is proven to significantly reduce allergic reactions if a food allergy accident happens. Xolair 150mg is a prescription medication used to treat food allergy in people 1 year of age and older. To reduce allergic reactions due to accidental exposure to one or more foods while taking Xolair, you should continue to avoid all foods to which you are allergic to. Don't use if you are allergic to Xolair. Xolair may cause a severe life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Tell your doctor if you have ever had anaphylaxis. Get help right away if you have trouble breathing or if you have swelling of your throat or tongue. Xolair should not be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Xolair is for maintenance use to reduce allergic reactions including anaphylaxis while avoiding food allergens. Serious side effects such as cancer, fever, fever, muscle aches and rash, parasitic infection or heart and circulation problems have been reported. Please see xolair.com for full prescribing information. Ask an allergist about Xolair this is an advertisement for Xolair paid for by Genentech and Novartis.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Friends, the Trump administration and its backers in Congress are messing around with our healthcare. They have already passed a law supposedly defunding Planned Parenthood, which blocks Medicaid patients from getting life saving care like cancer screenings, wellness exams, birth control, STI treatment and more. And now these lawmakers want to shut down health centers by defunding Planned Parenthood permanently. Our communities deserve better. To learn how you can get involved, text the word update to 22422 if you want your guests to ask, wait, where is this from? T Forte is the perfect place to start. Known for their signature pyramid tea infusers topped iconic leaf tea, Forte delivers premium blends served in luxury hotels and restaurants around the world. Beyond the tea itself, the beautifully designed packaging, curated gift sets and tea chests make every day feel elevated. From brunches to dinner parties, birthdays to thank you gifts, T forte turns everyday hosting and gifting into something effortlessly refined, memorable and genuinely special. Shop now@tforte.com or on Amazon. Boam is a boutique fashion brand that curates effortlessly feminine trend forward clothing for women who want to feel confident, stylish and comfortable without compromising quality or affordability. With bome, you'll find outfits that work for every plan on your calendar from day to night. Simple styling elevated results and looks you'll reach for again and again and again. Their designs are made to last and won't break the bank. Shop now@bome.com that's B O H M E dot com this is Jenny Garth from I Choose Me with Jenny Garth.
Brooke Shields
History is full of mysteries like how
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
people ever survive before modern laundry detergent. Luckily, Tides here with boosted stain fighting for cleaner, whiter, brighter and fresher laundry versus Tide.
Brooke Shields
Simply no wonder it was America's number
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
one detergent in sales last year.
Brooke Shields
If it's gotta be clean, it's got to be Tide.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Tide is a proud sponsor of the
Brooke Shields
Elton John Impact Awards, honoring those who
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
have helped shape a more inclusive and compassionate world with their artistry, advocacy and unwavering commitment to equality.
Brooke Shields
You won't want to miss the Elton John Impact Awards podcast, available on June 1st on the iHeartRadio app. And everywhere podcasts are heard.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Hey everyone, it's Sophia. Welcome to Work in Progress. Welcome back to Work in Progress. Friends. Today we are joined by a woman I adore so much, who I've also been lucky enough to call a co star. She is an exceptional co worker. She is the sort of woman who mentors all of us through her example. And she also happens to be someone I've looked up to literally my entire life. Today we are joined by the icon Brooke Shields. Brooke has spent her entire life in the public eye, from being a child movie star to a model to a best selling author entrepreneur, and now wearing her latest hat as the executive producer of Acorn TV's breakout mystery series, you're killing me. She is someone who has continually redefined herself and reclaimed herself. And I am just in awe of the woman that she is, whether she's talking about motherhood, aging, mental health, work, deep reflection, or being the absolute funniest person in the room. She is in an era where she seems less interested in meeting other people's expectations and perhaps more interested in living according to her own values. I am fascinated by a life led by someone who's been looked at her whole life, who's finally deciding how she wants to be seen. So let's dive in today with our dear friend, Brooke Shields. Oh, well, I'm just so excited for all the things for you. I'm loving the new show. I. I have a million things I want to ask you about.
Brooke Shields
Okay.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Before we jump into the present, which is so full and so gorgeous, I am really curious, especially for you, because you have, I mean, you've been famous your whole life. You know when you did, you. You were 11 when you booked Pretty Baby. You've. You've done this incredible act, I think, of love for women and of mothering so many of us and your community, in addition to your beautiful daughters, by reflecting and sharing in the books you've written and the conversations you've had with us and for us out on these stages, I think have made us all feel so seen. And I'm really curious for you now, not just in terms of your advocacy as a woman in the public eye, but. But for you, Brooke, if you got to walk out in the backyard and encounter yourself at 9 or 10 years old, what would it feel like to see yourself now with all your wisdom and all your experience? Do you think that little girl would see herself in you? Would you see who you are now in her?
Brooke Shields
I think I would see who I am now in her. I don't know if she would see herself in me, because I think, you know, being that young and sort of, like, exposed and commented on and in the public eye and fighting for your friendships and school and being lucky, actually, that I lived in New York and my mom was, you know, very adamant about my going to real schools and not moving out to, you know, get a high school equivalency test and be a kid actress, I think that helped, but I think I was so desiring of being liked, and I just didn't know that I was enough. And I don't know if you're supposed to know that at that age. I mean, I. I try to instill that in my children from when they were younger to sort of say, like, be you. You are more than you even know. But I want you to know it, and I want you to feel confident. And it's hard, but if you surround yourself by good people. I had my mom, which was really lucky, but. And I had friends that were. None of them were actresses. And I think that those types of grounding forces helped me navigate not losing myself entirely. But I. I don't think I would have had the confidence to say, like, oh, that you're gonna be. You're gonna have longevity, and you're gonna be this, and you're gonna be looked at like this. I think I would have been. I probably wouldn't have believed it.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
That's so cool. You know, you talk about your mom being part of that grounding for you. And now as a mom, when. When you look back at your early career, do you think you understand things differently about your relationship with her and how those things have informed Your own vibe.
Brooke Shields
As a mom, I think I've taken actually a lot. You know, I. In one of my. In there was a little girl. I. One of the first lines in the book is, you know, we spend our lives either running away from or running towards our mothers, you know, and, like, even the most decorated of soldiers on their deathbed will yell for their mommy. Do you know what I mean? There's such a profound, profound connection between children and their mothers. But I think mothers and daughters as well, I don't. That's my perspective. But I think I took so much more from her than. Than less. Her sense of humor, her work ethic, her joy, her appreciation of everything that is given to you or afforded you and friends. And I think that she was actually, for as broken, scarred, alcoholic, scared as she was, she had such deep love, and I really purely felt loved. And I think that that is. And I didn't feel judged because I was being judged by the world. She sort of said, you know, you're on this. Like, you are everything, you know, and there is something to be said for that, for children to think that their mother thinks they're the best in the entire universe, you know, And I think that that's what I try, too. And I have two girls, which is weird because they're constantly saying, well, I'm her favorite. Well, no, I am. And you're like, who do you. Who do you love more? And you're like, there's no such thing.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Yeah, yeah. You're like, depending on how you act, one of you will be my favorite on any given day.
Brooke Shields
Yeah, exactly. So you better behave.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
It is so funny. And now a word from our sponsors who make this show possible. Friends, you know, we like to prioritize our health over here at work in progress. And we like to do that grounded in science. We got so much amazing feedback from you all when we had a medical expert on the show talking about allergies, allergic reactions, how to be prepared. Whether you're the person with allergies like me or you are a caregiver for someone or the parent of a kid who has them, we all need as much information about this stuff as possible so we can stay safe. And that's why I'm excited about our new friends at Nephi. This is for parents or caregivers of a child that experiences allergic reactions from food, medicine, insect, or other allergy triggers. Now, listen, I know this time of year can feel like a lot. There's summer activities and camp and travel and getting ready for back to school. You are doing everything to make sure your child is safe wherever they are. You're educating coaches and teachers and other parents on your child's allergies, scheduling doctor's appointments, filling out camp and school forms, and the million other things that come with managing your child's allergy diagnosis. But at some point, you have to trust they'll be okay if an allergic reaction happens when you're not there, right? Which is why I want to tell you about Nephi, the only needle free epinephrine nasal spray for those who weigh 33 pounds or more. It's used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and Nephi works as well as a needle injector and delivers the same trusted epinephrine in a nasal spray. It's designed to be safe and easy to use at the first sign of symptoms, so in a high stress moment, your child or someone else can act quickly to treat an allergic reaction even if you're not there. Nefi is also small, discreet and easy to carry, including in a backpack or a lunchbox or a sports bag, so your child is prepared anywhere the day takes them. You can pay as little as $0 for at least four Nefi devices two packs through the copay Savings Program with commercial insurance if eligible. Patients should not pay more than $199 for NEFI. If you have medical conditions or take certain medicines, your condition may worsen. So tell your doctor about nasal heart, thyroid or kidney issues, high blood pressure, Parkinson's diabe if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and any and all medications. Side effects include nasal discomfort, headache, runny nose, shakiness and throat irritation. Those are not all side effects. If your child needs a new epinephrine prescription or refill, don't wait. Ask your doctor about needle free NEPHI today. Visit nephi.com that's N-E-F-F-Y.com or call 1-877-my-NEPHI to learn more. Stay SAFE out there Everyone deserves access to high quality, affordable health care, no matter what. And that's why millions of people rely on Planned Parenthood health centers for services like cancer screenings, wellness exams, birth control, STI tests, and much more. In fact, one in three women in the US have been to Planned Parenthood for care. So it kind of blows my mind that lawmakers are trying to permanently shut them down. They already passed a law that blocks patients that use Medicaid from getting the affordable preventative care that they need, and now they want to make that law permanent guys. Nobody benefits when people are getting fewer exams, paying more for care, or just skipping the healthcare they need altogether. And we know that is happening. Planned Parenthood health centers have reported that fewer patients are getting basic care like breast exams and STI tests since the Trump administration and their backers defunded Planned Parenthood. This is not okay. Patients shouldn't suffer because of their laws. Our communities all deserve better. To get involved, text the word update
Commercial Announcer
to 22422 Zolair Omalizumab is proven to significantly reduce allergic reactions if a food allergy accident happens. Xolair 150mg is a prescription medication used to treat food allergy in people 1 year of age and older. To reduce allergic reactions due to accidental exposure to one or more foods while taking Xolair, you should continue to avoid all foods to which you are allergic. Don't use if you are allergic to Xolair. Xolair may cause a severe life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Tell your doctor if you have ever had anaphylaxis. Get help right away if you have trouble breathing or if you have swelling of your throat or tongue. Xolair should not be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Xolair is for maintenance use to reduce allergic reactions including anaphylaxis while avoiding food allergens. Serious side effects such as cancer, fever, muscle aches and rash, parasitic infection or heart and circulation problems have been reported. Please see xolair.com for full prescribing information. Ask an allergist about Xolair this is an advertisement for Xolair paid for by Genentech and Novartis.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Oh friends, I'm just so happy that it's getting warm out. It makes me want to open up all the windows, clean out the house, clean out my pantry, get outside and touch some grass. I think we should all change up our routines and a refresh can be as simple as amplifying your look with clean beauty from Thrive Cosmetics. Every product is 100% vegan, cruelty free and made with clean ingredients that we work with your skin, not against it. And when we use Thrive Cosmetics, we're helping others shine too. With over 150 million in product and cash donations to over 600 giving partners, every purchase feels real impact and that's beauty with purpose. I love a bold lip, so I use the Empower Matte Precision Lipstick Crayon. This one comes in 18 buildable, long lasting matte shades designed to be worn as either a liner or layered, leaving lips looking luscious and fuller. I also tried the brilliant eye brightener. It is a waterproof eyeshadow highlighter stick made to brighten and open your eyes. It definitely comes in handy after long days on set. So amplify your everyday go to thrivecosmetics.com progress for an exclusive offer of 20 off your first order. That's Thrive Cosmetics. C A U S E m e t ics.com progress there's something about the way that T forte elevates even the simplest gathering that feels so intentional and memorable. T forte is known for their signature pyramid tea infusers topped with the iconic Leaf plus premium blends that are served in luxury hotels and restaurants around the world. But honestly, it's also the presentation that makes everything feel so elevated. Their tea chests, curated gift sets, and beautiful packaging make hosting feel effortlessly polished and gifting feel incredibly thoughtful. Whether you're putting together a summer brunch, heading to a dinner party, celebrating a birthday or bridal shower, or just looking for a meaningful thank you gift, T forte turns everyday moments into something a little more special. It's the kind of detail that guests notice right away and talk about long after they leave. T forte feels elegant, intentional, and effortlessly refined. Shop now@tforte.com or on Amazon. You know, it's so interesting to think about what you're able to hold, right? And I think that's such a marker of healthy evolution in life when you can, when you can hold the good and the bad and give grace to all of it. And, you know, you speak about your mother in that way in a way that I think is so honest and also so generous. And I wonder if the desire to do that, do you think it was added to. I think it's a natural thing, right? You want to, you want to process your life and, and be okay with all of it and do the work and be a healthy person. But I think about it for you, because for so long you had so many other people's opinions and all those opinions were ordered in whatever way each of those people thought about them projected onto you, like beauty and innocence and controversy and being sexualized or not being sexualized and glamour and fame and like all these things that, that you had to meet when you were also meeting people. And do you think that knowing how you had to do the work to take all that stuff apart and then, and then be able to hold it all, do you think that also made you, in a way, like so much better at doing the personal stuff, too, because you were like, oh, no, I know how to do this. I know how to analyze the landscape of something and figure out where I fit in the middle of it.
Brooke Shields
I think that's a very astute way of looking at it, because I think I was doing that before I knew I was doing it right? So, you know, you. You read a room, right? You just, you go, you know, it's like a Heat Seeking Missile. And you, and you and you feel behind you and you, and you're just like. And you're. You're taking the temperature all the time, right? So just to be able to. And. And I. I'm proud of being able to navigate that and do that. And I learned it at such a young age that in my, like when I went to school or in my personal life, it made it, you know, I watched other kids, you know, my age sort of fight through it all in flounder or get their feelings hurt or, you know, and I would think, like, oh, I don't waste the time anymore. You know what I mean? And I don't feel obligated, it's like, to have to be part of that group or this or if somebody doesn't call me back, what did I do? What did I do wrong? What did I do wrong? And I would watch that sort of angst in other students, and I would think, like, oh, all of this past, this history, this navigation, this adult world actually gave me the. A certain presence and power in really being able to enjoy this and meet people where they are not where I want them to be. Right? And that's very freeing because then you can, you know, you can genuinely like someone, and if you don't or they don't like you, it's okay, you know, it's not the end of the world. And I think that being surrounded and having to be a professional and operating and watching adults act like children, you know, and bad behavior, and you think, oh, my God, don't they see how they're coming across? Why is that okay? And I don't want to be that. And it, you know, and it allowed me to understand what I didn't want and who I didn't want to be. Right. You know, what I didn't want, what I wanted to reveal, and what I hoped to nurture in myself. Because you can go any direction if you think about it, you know, And I. I remember thinking, no, I don't. I want to be the best of myself, and I want to be a good person, and I want good People in my life that are there for, I mean, you know, I, in my 60th year, I. All of my different groups of friends, like my high school buddies, my college buddies, like my work buddies individually, but in, in their kind of groups and they don't know each other. Instead of having like a big party with everybody, which would have just made me so uncomfortable, we did specific things and in each sort of clump, you know, of, of gals, we all mentioned, like I just got a text this morning from one of, one of the girls and said it's amazing how long we've been friends and I always feel the best me when I'm around you guys because there's such deep connection in years and we've been through so much together. But like there's something so comforting about having long term friends. And I think that at a very early age, partially because my mother again wouldn't let me just give school up and just work, I was able to have quote unquote, normal friendships, you know, and they're still around today. And it's such a great feeling to be able to say, wow, I've got these quality friends and we've known each other over 40 years.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Yeah. Oh, I love that so much. I have a group like that, my, my three closest friends from high school and I. And it, it is so special.
Brooke Shields
Not everybody has it. It's like you talk to people and they're like you're still friends with them.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
I know, and I feel so lucky. Especially because not everybody is. We had friends. So many people's friendships fractured. But there is this little group of us that started going to school together in the seventh grade and we have just like been on this ride together for so long and it's so special. And interestingly enough, you know, we, we have deeper friendships we've all made in our adulthood. You know, where, where you find, you find your people that are so much like you and that care about all the same things you care about and whatever and still like it might. One of the, one of the girlfriends of the four of us, like we literally could not be more different people. And we just cackle like when we talk about. And we realize we are like I am day and she is night or vice versa. We just laugh because we're obsessed with each other and it's so, I don't know, there's something so special about it, about, about all of it. And I, I don't know. It must be really surreal. You know, you were talking about your, your kids, friends all being over the other day. It must be so crazy to watch your daughters take that whole journey. You know, you have these babies and they, they grow and, and you watch them go through middle school and high school and college and like, is it so surreal because you've been a woman who's chosen to be so self reflective and to do the work and also share the work with people to then watch your kids do it. It's like, I feel like you are the wisest woman. Cause you've taken inventory of your life in this direction and then you've raised lives in this direction. And like, do you just go, whoa, when you look at your kids wild?
Brooke Shields
Because they're not me, right? So that's already wild. You're like, oh, you're a person. I didn't plan that. You know, and, and there's. They're so different. They're, they're, they are night and day and. But then you watch like the first time I visited my daughter in college, my older one, and she had inside jokes with people I'd never met and nicknames and they, you know, kind of came up and run up and tackled her or, you know, gave her a hard time about something. And I was just like, what? How do you know my daughter? What do you mean? What? You're so not a part of it. And it's really hard to not want to make it about you and separate and, and just let it happen because you don't know who you are anymore, right? You're not really mom in the same way. And they're, they have these relationships and they're growing up and you, you're not needed in the same way.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Which by the way means you did your job right. But it must be so hard.
Brooke Shields
You're like, oh, no, no, I did not bargain for this. I know. I wanted you to be your own person, independent, blah, blah, blah, but not that independent.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Right.
Brooke Shields
I didn't want you to have friends and you're just kind of, you know, and then you bring in boyfriends and there's an intimacy there that you're really excluded from and you're just like, oh, oh God, I want to put you back in.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
That is so funny.
Brooke Shields
And it's. But then another interesting thing happens as they get to become more women, as they're evolving into these more fully flushed and continually continuing to evolve women. We had a big, big dinner for the television show as like a mystery murder mystery dinner. And it was this beautiful party and seated dinner. It was amazing. And it was like, I Felt so celebrated, but it was. And, you know, that's not usually comfortable for me, but there were people that I had known for so many years, and I hadn't seen so many of them, and they all came out to. I mean, to drive to, you know, East Hampton and do this. You know, it was just. I couldn't believe the effort people made. But my girls were sitting there and, you know, that you play this game, and I had never done it before. They were the most vibrant, hysterically funny women who were laughing, and, you know, every time a clue would happen, one of them would go like that. And it was like they weren't trying to pull attention or be theatrical. They were just present and joyful, and they were just so in their skin, and they were funny. And I watched. You know, there were, like, a lot of famous people, too, like, that they would recognize. And I watched those people look at these girls. And there were three of them. One of. I call my third daughter their best friend from. From grade school and still, you know, graduated college, and they're still best friends, and. And, you know, and it's. It's so lovely to see. And I watched them being watched by. By other people with, like, they were laughing with them and at them in the best way, and they were engaged and engaging, and, you know, you don't get to see that that often. And then there was a really beautiful toast made, and it was. You know, and the CEO of AMC Global Media was there, and so it was kind of very business for me. And, you know, I said, this is my boss. And I said to my daughter, and. And I watched my daughters hear things about me that, you know, I. I can't say. You know what I mean?
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
And so.
Brooke Shields
And I could see them be proud and also, like, okay, yeah, Mom's like that. She's. She's. She does a lot. Like, she's okay. She's good. Like, they looked up to me in a way, and then they just took off. Like, they ended up winning the whole game. And it was like there was, like, 40 people at this thing, and people were taking it very seriously, and they won. And then one of the other news people was like, rowan, we got it, too. And Rowan was like, okay, you know what?
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Good luck.
Brooke Shields
But it was, like, it was just really nice. So it's. It's very surreal. But when they want to be around you.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Yeah.
Brooke Shields
And they say, like, mom, can we. You know, will you come out with us? Or will you. Will you do this with us? And when they're not Ashamed of their mommy. You know, it's, it does come back around kind of, and you start to sort of, you know, have a cocktail with your daughters. And it's weird, but it's lovely, you know, and it feels good and it feels wonderful that they still enjoy being around me when they want to be.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Yeah, I love that. And now a word from our sponsors, friends. You know, we like to prioritize our health over here at Work in Progress, and we like to do that grounded in science. We got so much amazing feedback from you all when we had a medical expert on the show talking about allergies, allergic reactions, how to be prepared. Whether you're the person with allergies like me or you are a care, caregiver for someone or the parent of a kid who has them, we all need as much information about this stuff as possible so we can stay safe. And that's why I'm excited about our new friends at Nephi. This is for parents or caregivers of a child that experiences allergic reactions from food, medicine, insect or other allergy triggers. Now, listen, I know this time of year can feel like a lot. There's summer activities and camp and travel and getting ready for back to school. School. You are doing everything to make sure your child is safe wherever they are. You're educating coaches and teachers and other parents on your child's allergies, scheduling doctor's appointments, filling out camp and school forms, and the million other things that come with managing your child's allergy diagnosis. But at some point, you have to trust they'll be okay if an allergic reaction happens when you're not there. Right, which is why I want to tell you about Nephi, the only needle free epinephrine nasal spray for those who weigh 33 pounds or more. It's used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. And Nephi works as well as a needle injector and delivers the same trusted epinephrine in a nasal spray. It's designed to be safe and easy to use at the first sign of symptoms, so in a high stress moment, your child or someone else can act quickly to treat an allergic reaction even if you're not there. NEFI is also small, discreet, and easy to carry, including in a backpack or a lunchbox or a sports bag, so your child is prepared anywhere the day takes them. You can pay as little as $0 for at least four Nefi devices, two packs through the copay Savings program with commercial insurance if eligible patients should not pay more than $199 for NEFI. If you have medical conditions or take certain medicines, your condition may worsen. So tell your doctor about nasal, heart, thyroid or kidney issues, h blood pressure, Parkinson's, diabetes if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and any and all medications. Side effects include nasal discomfort, headache, runny nose, shakiness and throat irritation. Those are not all side effects. If your child needs a new epinephrine prescription or refill, don't wait. Ask your doctor about needle free Nephi today. Visit nephi.com that's n f f y.com or call 1-877-my-Newhew to learn more. Stay safe out there, friends. The Trump administration and its backers in Congress are messing around with our health care. They have already passed a law supposedly defunding Planned Parenthood, which blocks Medicaid patients from getting life saving care like cancer screenings, wellness exams, birth control, STI treatment and more. And now these lawmakers want to shut down health centers by defunding Planned Parenthood permanently. Our communities deserve better. To learn how you can get involved, text the word update to 22422.
Commercial Announcer
Xolair Omalizumab is proven to significantly reduce allergic reactions if a food allergy accident happens. Xolair 150mg is a prescription medication used to treat food allergy in people 1 year of age and older to reduce allergic reactions due to accidental exposure to one or more foods While taking Xolair, you should continue to avoid all foods to which you are allergic. Don't use if you are allergic to Xolair. Xolair may cause a severe, life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Tell your doctor if you have ever had anaphylaxis. Get help right away if you have trouble breathing or if you have swelling of your throat or tongue. Xolair should not be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Xolair is for maintenance use to reduce allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, while avoiding food allergens. Serious side effects such as cancer, fever, muscle aches and rash, parasitic infection or heart and circulation problems have been reported. Please see xolair.com for full prescribing information. Ask an allergist about Xolair. This is an advertisement for Xolair, paid for by Genentech and Novartis.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
There's something about the way that T forte elevates even the simplest gathering that feels so intentional and memorable. T forte is known for their signature Pyramid Pyramid tea infusers topped with the iconic leaf plus premium blends that are served in luxury hotels and restaurants around the world. But honestly, it's also the presentation that makes everything feel so elevated. Their tea chests, curated gift sets, and beautiful packaging make hosting feel effortlessly polished and gifting feel incredibly thoughtful. Whether you're putting together a summer brunch, heading to a dinner party, celebrating a birthday or bridal shower, or or just looking for a meaningful thank you gift, T forte turns everyday moments into something a little more special. It's the kind of detail that guests notice right away and talk about long after they leave. T forte feels elegant, intentional and effortlessly refined. Shop now@tforte.com or on Amazon. Bome is a boutique fashion brand that curates effortlessly feminine trend forward clothing for women who want to feel confident, stylish and comfortable without compromising quality or affordability. With Boem, you'll find outfits that work for every plan on your calendar from day to night. Simple styling, elevated results, and looks you'll reach for again and again and again. Their designs are made to last and won't break the bank. Shop now@boem.com that's b o h m e.com. I can't wait to send this episode to my mom because I we've been through our own version of, I think that complicated thing when you're you did raise smart, independent women and they go out in their independent world and it's hard. And there was a period where I was doing the same and it was, I know it was tough for my mom and also it was necessary for my life. And we are in this place now where yes, she's my parent and I'm her daughter, but also we're more friends. Like we're peers. You know, I'm an adult, she's an adult. And whenever I'm home on the west coast, we go to the flea market together every weekend and my mom comes with me and all my friends and my friends are like, mom's coming. You know, and it's this cool thing and my mom is back in the space. Oh my God, we have to. But like my mom's back in the space that she was in when I was, you know, 13, 14, 15, 16, where she was always the mom all my friends wanted to hang out with. She was the one my friends wanted to ask advice of, which I just know is exactly you. And now she's kind of like, mom gets invited again to the stuff and it's so fun and it's so sweet and I don't know, it makes me really Nostalgic for her to hear you talking about the stage you're in and the journey with your girls. And it's a trip, because it makes me realize how long I've known you. I will never forget you said something when your kids were little that really solidified, like, this thing I talk about a lot now, which is everyone wants to cartoonify motherhood, and I think it does such a disservice to moms. And I will never forget. It's like, it's the most magical thing you've ever done, and it's also the hardest. And anyone who says it's not hard is a traitor. And, like, you said a thing forever ago. Somebody said, like, when did it. You know, when did you really know you were a mom? And you were talking about having one of the babies, like, up in the air, and that one of them, when you had them up laughing, threw up in your mouth, and you had to be like, okay, I can't drop the baby. I have to hold this in my mouth. I have to get the baby, you know, settled and then go clean myself up. And it has stayed with me for so long. And there was like.
Brooke Shields
I traumatized you?
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
No, I just was like, no one's ever said it out loud. And I'll never forget it. It was like. It was like an SNL skit that makes an impact. But I read it, and I will never forget. You know, I don't know, what is it? Like, a year, two years ago, Like, a stomach bugs going around pre K. And I am, you know, holding ashes. Our precious little boy who's like, my favorite little boy literally on the planet. And I. I got thrown up on in such a way that was like, in my mouth, in my eyes, in my hair, down my shirt, just so. And I was like, okay, here we go. Like, I have to. It's okay. Don't be scared. You're okay. Like, and what do I do? And how do I. How do I manage this moment? And I thought about you, and I was like, it's official. It's official. Like, that's the thing. And you've shared, like, the funny things and the real things. And, you know, you talked about postpartum before anybody would. And, like, you. I don't know, you've just been so generous with us for so long in ways that I think make women feel seen. And so in all the years I've known you, like, over and over again, you. You do that for me?
Brooke Shields
Oh, gosh. Thank you. I've always, always looked up to you. And I've always really loved your brain and loved the way you treat people and obviously your talent, that just goes without saying. But your intellect and. And your willingness to just. But really, your willingness to sort of have convictions and speak them and enter in debate and conversation. And to me, like, that's just such a beautiful thing, to be a mom and have that. You know what I mean? And be a friend and be a wife and be a partner and be a colleague and all of those things that. What you represent is such a beautiful image for. For women in particular to. To. To own all of the complexities of being a woman. Do you know what I mean? The. The. Yes, the beauty, but the. The intellect, but the sex appeal, but the strength and the vulnerability and all of that is what makes a woman. Do you know what I mean? And to be not afraid to reveal it. And I mean, I. I feel like I. The second I met you, I was like, oh, yeah. I was like. And then you compounded it by having the white tattoo, and I was like, oh, God, never gonna be this cool. You know, that that type of model as a female is. Really. Is. And you share it, too. And I'm. I'm proud to say that you're my friend. You know,
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
I just love you, you sweet soul. I am enjoying this conversation so much. Join us for part two so we can ask Brooke all the questions we have about her breakout series, you're killing me on Acorn tv. See you for part two. Everyone deserves access to high quality, affordable health care, no matter what. And that's why millions of people rely on Planned Parenthood health centers for services like cancer screenings, wellness exams, birth control, STI tests, and much more. In fact, one in three women in the US have been to Planned Parenthood for care. So it kind of blows my mind that lawmakers are trying to permanently shut them down. They already passed a law that blocks patients that use Medicaid from getting the affordable preventative care that they need, and now they want to make that law permanent. Guys, nobody benefits when people are getting fewer exams, paying more for care, or just skipping the health care they need altogether. And we know that is happening. Planned Parenthood health centers have reported that fewer patients are getting basic care like breast exams and STI tests. Since the Trump administration and their backers defunded Planned Parenthood. This is not okay. Patients shouldn't suffer because of their laws. Our communities all deserve better. To get involved, text the word update
Commercial Announcer
to 22422 Xolair Omalizumab is proven to significantly reduce allergic reactions if a food allergy accident happens. Xolair 150mg is a prescription medication used to treat food allergy in people 1 year of age and older. To reduce allergic reactions due to accidental exposure to one or more foods while taking Xolair, you should continue to avoid all foods to which you are allergic. Don't use if you are allergic to Xolair. Xolair may cause a severe life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Tell your doctor if you have ever had anaphylaxis. Get help right away if you have trouble breathing or if you have swelling of your throat or tongue. Xolair should not be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Xolair is for maintenance use to reduce allergic reactions including anaphylaxis while avoiding food allergens. Serious side effects such as cancer, fever, muscle aches and rash, parasitic infection or heart and circulation problems have been reported. Please see xolair.com for full prescribing information. Ask an allergist about Xolair this is an advertisement for Xolair paid for by Genentech and Novartis.
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
If you want your guests to ask, wait, where is this from? Tea Forte is the perfect place to start. Known for their signature pyramid tea infusers topped with the iconic, iconic leaf, Tea Forte delivers premium blends served in luxury hotels and restaurants around the world. Beyond the tea itself, the beautifully designed packaging, curated gift sets and tea chests make every day feel elevated. From brunches to dinner parties, birthdays to thank you gifts, T forte turns everyday hosting and gifting into something effortlessly refined, memorable and genuinely special. Shop now@tforte.com or on Amazon. Boem is a boutique fashion brand that curates effortlessly feminine trend forward clothing for women who want to feel confident, stylish and comfortable without compromising quality or affordability. With balm, you'll find outfits that work for every plan on your calendar from day to night. Simple styling, elevated results and looks you'll reach for again and again and again. Their designs are made to last and won't break the bank. Shop now@boem.com that's b o h m e.com this July 4th come celebrate at America's Block Party hosted by America 250. America's Block Party is a can't miss
Commercial Announcer
4th of July concert happening at the
Sophia (Host of Work in Progress)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Brooke Shields
Experience music, performances by major artists, patriotic tributes and and the kickoff to giving 4th helping to make July 4th the largest day of giving in American history.
Commercial Announcer
It's more than just fireworks.
Brooke Shields
Join this landmark celebration and get your America's Block Party Tickets now for $17.76 at america250.org LA this is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.
Episode: Brooke Shields – Part 1
Date: June 24, 2026
Host: Sophia Bush
Guest: Brooke Shields
In this rich, heartfelt conversation, Sophia Bush welcomes iconic actress, model, and producer Brooke Shields. Their discussion navigates Brooke’s life in the public eye, her evolving definitions of self and motherhood, lessons from her relationship with her own mother, and the work of holding space for both joy and struggle. With warmth and candor, they unpack what it means to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress.
On grounding and confidence:
“I was so desiring of being liked, and I just didn't know that I was enough…and I don't know if you're supposed to know that at that age.”
—Brooke Shields (07:24)
On mother-daughter connection:
“We spend our lives either running away from or running towards our mothers… there's such a profound connection between children and their mothers.”
—Brooke Shields (09:15)
On learning from her mother:
“She had such deep love, and I really purely felt loved. And I didn't feel judged because I was being judged by the world.”
—Brooke Shields (10:17)
On reading a room, handling fame and relationships:
“You read a room, right? ...You're taking the temperature all the time…being surrounded and having to be a professional and operating and watching adults act like children… allowed me to understand what I didn't want and who I didn’t want to be.”
—Brooke Shields (20:43)
On friendship longevity:
“There's something so comforting about having long-term friends. ...I've got these quality friends and we've known each other over 40 years.”
—Brooke Shields (24:26)
On daughters’ independence:
“Because they're not me, right?...they're so different…you bring in boyfriends and there’s an intimacy there that you’re really excluded from, and you’re just like, ‘Oh god, I want to put you back in.’”
—Brooke Shields (26:39, 27:58)
On her daughters at the party:
“They were just present and joyful, and they were just so in their skin, and they were funny…”
—Brooke Shields (29:03)
On the realities of motherhood:
“It's the most magical thing you've ever done, and it's also the hardest. And anyone who says it's not hard is a traitor.”
—Sophia Bush (40:56)
On being a multidimensional woman:
“The beauty, the intellect, the sex appeal, the strength and the vulnerability—all of that is what makes a woman. And to be not afraid to reveal it.”
—Brooke Shields (42:40)
| Time | Segment / Topic | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 04:34 | Sophia’s introduction and praise for Brooke | | 07:08 | Brooke reflects on her childhood self | | 09:11 | Brooke discusses her relationship with her mother | | 11:02 | On parenting daughters and sibling rivalry | | 20:40 | Navigating fame and friendships; reading a room | | 24:26 | The value of long-term friendships | | 26:38 | On her daughters’ independence and growth | | 29:03 | The special moment witnessing her daughters at a party | | 31:39 | Adult relationships with children | | 40:56 | Cartoonifying motherhood and honest parenting stories| | 42:40 | Celebrating women’s complexity and friendship |
This first part of Sophia Bush’s conversation with Brooke Shields is a masterclass in vulnerability, friendship, and evolving self-acceptance. Listeners are left with a sense of deep connection—both between the hosts and their own communities—and an invitation to embrace the messy, rewarding work of being a person, a woman, and a mother in progress.
Sophia teases Part 2, promising a dive into Brooke’s latest career chapter and more personal stories.