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Brooke Shields
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Pharmaceutical Advertiser
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.
Podcast Host Sophia
Everyone deserves access to high quality, affordable healthcare 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 to 22422 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 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 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@bome.com that's b o h m e.com and now a quick break from our sponsor, Miracle Gro. Life is digitally distracted and time starved, but gardening is the perfect way to unplug it. It isn't just about plants. It's about trading the digital noise for a quiet way to reconnect with yourself. Whether you're in an apartment or you've never even touched a shovel, don't let self doubt stop you. With 75 years of expertise, Miracle Gro takes the stress out of the process and makes it pure Joy. Head to miraclegrow.com to check out all of their easy to use products and start your growth journey today. Hey everyone, it's Sophia. Welcome to Work in Progress. Welcome back to the second portion of our conversation with our favorite gal, Brooke Shields. I think there's something so special about finding your friendships as women and certainly something that I, I think I cherish, especially in our, you know, crazy line of work. And you, you are one of the people who lives in the way that I feel like I want to. I have looked up to you likewise for so long because you, you make sure despite, you know, being the face, you know, being the icon, like being all of the things that sometimes women are told they're only allowed to be, you add all of your full humanity onto it and, and you've, you've shared work about reclaiming ownership of your story. You know, your, your books, as I mentioned, have just been so beautiful. You've, you've lived through moments of celebrity culture and also helped us process it. And you've made us, I think, think about those things more deeply. And I'm curious how you feel about fame now. Do you feel like for you it's healthier? Do you feel like it's a ruse? Like how, what is your relationship? You've been famous for 50 years.
Brooke Shields
Like, what is that? You know, so that's a question, actually, that is surprising me not now because it's been coming up. It's surprising that it has been coming up of late. And I'm sort of wondering what is in the zeitgeist and what is interesting, I think, because with. With Internet sensations and TikTok stars and reality shows and. Right. And you ask a kid what they want to be when they grow up and they say famous, you know, you used to be. I want to be a doctor or I want to be this. I think people are starting to really look at fame differently. Like, what does it really mean? Right? And is it good? Is it bad? Is it purposeful? Is it. Because it doesn't. It. It doesn't rely on the same criteria that it used to rely on in many ways. And infamous and famous is also, you know what I mean? Like that sort of. The relationship between those two things, I think is very different in this day and age and for this next generations coming up. What I have. I used to fight it. I used to try to shy away from it, try to hide it, don't want to revel in it, don't want to. Don't want to own it because it just came with too much and it felt like it was cannibalizing my life, right? So I fought for. To be regular and I fought to real friends and I. And I fought f. Fought. I get an education and all those things and you kind of come to this. I've had to come to this conclusion that it's not going away. And I now look at it as a business. And when I was able to sort of make that switch in my head, I didn't resent it anymore. And yes, I still want privacy. And I, And I, you know, I'm always amazed at how people don't listen when they're, you know, they come up and they have to tell their story to you. And you, you know, they. I knew you. I had your jeans or your doll or your this, and you were in my locker and, and, and you're like. And you could be literally saying, like, I'm actually bleeding out right now, and if I don't get to the hospital, I probably will die right here, and it's gonna be ugly and really messy. And, and you. You could literally have a narrative that is that. And they go, I know, right? And, and. And this and the. And you're just like, wow, people really need to just make it about them in that moment. And they're desperate for it. And that used to make me crazy, you know, and it used to be. And then. And then the selfie and the autograph, and you're just kind of going, like, there's nothing to do with me. It's all about you. Then I just sort of stopped and said, okay, first of all, let's have empathy for those people, because if this is the most exciting thing that's happened to them, like, I feel bad, you know, if I'm it, you know, or if that moment is so important to them, let. Let them have it. But also, you know, say thank you and. And. But I have to catch a plane or. Or whatever it is. And you can be kind and you can still protect yourself, but as an actress, you know, I've had to look at it more as a commodity element and use it and access it and pick up that phone call and call an executive. And, you know, where I never would have done it. I was, you know, I only be humble and be smaller and be everybody. You know, don't, you know, walk onto a set and be. I have to walk onto a set, and I can be kind and have wonderful work ethic, but. But I'm the boss and I have to act like it. And owning that power, that fame or whatever you want to call it, has given it this. Its purpose to me in a very different way. And, you know, it got me a pickup on a show. You know what I mean? And I know it did because of all the publicity I did and the people wanted. And I thought, okay, don't resent it. It's not taking from your life. If you can harness it appropriately and don't ever overuse it, but use it correctly and fairly, you can have a long, longer career, you know, And I think that that's been only in older years. Wow. You know, I love that. It's. It's a little. It took me a while because in a way, I was like, oh, that's ew. But then I started looking at it as an executive producer and as a. As someone. You know, I was talking to the head of the. The union, and we were at an AFL CIO event, which was all the different unions and the presidents of all the unions and Actors Equity was there, and I went as the president. And this one woman is just such a dynamo, and she runs all of. I mean, she runs the automotive union and the construction workers union. And she's just this lovely mom and this beautiful. Like, she's just a great person. And she said, to me. She called me up one day and she's like, I have to tell you something. And I said, okay. She said, you don't, you don't step into your power and you deserve to and you really, really should. And she said, not just as a union leader because it's the most uncomfortable thing for me, but because it's all about taking the attention and speaking on behalf, I can speak on behalf of people and for people, but I'm used to being of the people more. And I think that she said that's, that's, that's known more. You've to stand in it and be as big as you can be. And, and I had a therapist who said the same thing. And it was a, it's been a very interesting few years of being okay walking into a room with my head held high and not apologizing, you know, and I think that, that, I think many women do experience that.
Podcast Host Sophia
Yes.
Brooke Shields
And, and I, I want to keep telling them it's not arrogance, it's ownership and it's a privilege to be able to have that. And yeah, that's changed while I've been getting to this sort of stage in my life and I'm taking more risks and I'm. And then there's a freedom in it too. And it's amazing what people want that from you, you know, they want, they want that, they look to it. And so you putting yourself down is not, is not helpful to them, you know.
Podcast Host Sophia
Right. And now a word from our sponsors who make this show possible. This is for those who experience allergic reactions from food, medicine, insects or other allergy triggers. About 60% of patients do not consistently carry their epinephrine needle injectors, which scares me. And that's why I wanted to tell you all about our new friends at Nephi. Nephi is 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, which is a big deal. Nefi works as well as a needle injector and it's designed to be safe and easy to use at the first sign of symptoms. So in a high stress moment, you can quickly treat an allergic reaction. Nefi is also small and discreet, so it's easier to carry as part of your everyday routine. That way you always have it with you if the unexpected happens. 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, diabetes if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and all medications you take. Side effects include nasal discomfort, headache, runny nose, shakiness and throat irritation. These are not all side effects. Before you get a new epinephrine prescription or refill, ask a doctor about needle free Nephi today. Visit nephi.com that's n e f-y.com or call 1-877-my-Newhew to learn more.
Pharmaceutical Advertiser
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.
Podcast Host Sophia
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. 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 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 thrivecosmetics. C A U S E M E t I c s.com progress 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 with the iconic leaf, T forte delivers premium, 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@teaforte.com or on Amazon. It's an interesting thing because men aren't asked to humble themselves as they succeed. And I will never forget Connie Britton said something to me similarly to what you're saying now. We were, you know, talking about something we had done and she was gonna post something and was like, she was asking me for like a. What's a. What's another way to say. And I said, I don't know, maybe because this is such a, you know, monumentous moment. Open with like something like, I'm just so humbled to be here. And she looked at me and she goes, no, I'm not humbled. I worked for this.
Brooke Shields
And I went.
Podcast Host Sophia
And it was this sort of moment where I was like, oh, yeah, yeah. And also like, you're Brooke Shields, she's Connie Britton. You know, like, I'm looking at my friends going, oh, right. And I could see it for other people, always. And I could do exactly what you're saying. I could say, step into your power, know your worth, organize for more. Our unions deserve a raise. People deserve healthcare. You know, everyone deserves rights. Dah, dah dah, dah, dah, dah dah. And it took me until the last couple of years to realize I can inhale and, and expand and speak out. Power. More power for us. I take it away from myself in every second, all the time. And I, and I am currently in a season where I am trying to recalibrate my relationship with and my comfort with who I am. Like, I can look at every woman in my life and say, you are first name, last name. Can I say that about myself? And it is a really interesting moment to go, oh, I'm sort of an expert analyst at systems that affect us negatively in the world. And I have not given myself the same grace to look at the way I have been impacted by a system that wants to take worth away from women. Whoa. Like, it's a crazy, it's a crazy moment. And it's really cool to hear you take talking about owning your power when you walk in a room because I, I've thought of you as like this gorgeous, powerful person for as long as I've known you.
Brooke Shields
I mean, it's, I think that's a common thing. I think women are so used to holding other people up and, and taking care of and supporting and you know, you, you, you spend it all and then you don't have it for yourself. And it's like, yeah, yeah, her, but. And you were a part of the, like somehow not a part of the club. Yeah. And I think, you know, I also. Humility is an interesting Being humble and being. I always thought that that was the key. And I had, I had a trainer once who said, I will never teach my children to be humble. And I said, wow, I always thought that that was a good thing. I thought those who weren't humble were arrogant. And he said, I'm not saying you have to be bad or arrogant or mean or stuck up or anything like that, but you walk into a room leading with being humble and you've just made yourself smaller. You can be gracious, you can be thankful, you can be humbled by seeing something unbelievable that's beautiful or that's something in a child. You know, that is, that is being brought to the, to the core of. That's not bad.
Podcast Host Sophia
Healthy humility, maybe.
Brooke Shields
Healthy humility and willingness to, willingness to celebrate yourself. Because how do we expect others to do it if we don't, you know. And you think, I mean I used to think, oh I'll self deprecate and then they'll, they'll like me and then they'll, they'll stick up for me and then you start believing your self deprecation and then you start actually being self deprecated to yourself and then you're like oh wait a minute. And then you're mad because you feel less than.
Podcast Host Sophia
Yeah.
Brooke Shields
And it's very, it's the opposite of arrogance and it's taken me quite some time and listen, it served me in the beginning, do you know what I mean? Because people did like me and they did want to work with me and I did make friends and it did put people at ease at first when they first met me because I was famous and they weren't or whatever. And it's a shtick, you know, and it's funny at times but as I've gotten older it just doesn't fit the same way. And, and, and that's freeing too, you know. But it's kind of daily. You sort of have to. I have to work on it daily because I'll fall right into the pattern again so quickly. And I, I was. This is a crazy story. I broke my femur and I was a couple of few years ago and I was on the ground in a gym and I just finished this like crazy two week challenge that I don't know, I needed to do it for whatever reason and the paramedics are there and I'm on the ground and I mean I'm in the kind of pain that is unfathomable. I mean like animal sounds are coming out of me and I could see the paramedic recognized me in that moment. He recognized me. And without missing a friggin beat as in pain as I was, I started to say something like not Blue Lagoon but like something for Chilty, right? To like. Cause I saw it in his eyes.
Podcast Host Sophia
You were gonna crack the joke. That always plays well.
Brooke Shields
Right. And within a second my trainer grabs my shoulder and he goes hey. And I kind of looked up, he goes, you don't have to do that, stop it. And it was that moment that then I ended up being just able to just. I think I passed out because of the pain. But it was, I thought wow, this is so hardwired into me. Yes. I'm even doing it with a broken femur and I'm dying.
Podcast Host Sophia
Who.
Brooke Shields
They didn't know if I was internal bleeding or like it was so, so dire. And serious. And I did it even that second. And this was like five years ago, maybe. And I remember, like, waking up in the hospital and being in excruciating pain and they wouldn't give me another X ray. And I finally said, look, if you want me to be a hysterical female, I can do it. I said, I'm really good at it. And I said, but give me another X ray. Thank God I did, because my bone had popped off the. The device. And I thought, self advocacy.
Podcast Host Sophia
Yep.
Brooke Shields
And not. Don't do it anymore. Just stop. Just. It's not. It's not attractive either. It's not good for your girls.
Podcast Host Sophia
You know, you don't have to poke fun at yourself to make other people comfortable. And it's hard.
Brooke Shields
It's hard. And, you know, again, there is a shtick in it that kind of does serve you in a way, but it's. It doesn't feel like it fits anym. That's been really kind of eye opening for me in this era of my life.
Podcast Host Sophia
Well, when you talk about how it doesn't fit and it's a new era and there is a new job, and you've said you are the boss. You are the executive producer. You know, you, by the way, fought to defend the title of your show, and I love that it stuck. You're killing me is. It's the perfect phrase. It's the perfect, perfect joke. It's. It's also a little bit of spice in the cozy core mystery world, you know, for those of us who were raised on Angela Lansbury. Like, I love that you have managed to thread this needle for yourself. And I'm really curious, did you set kind of intentions for this on day one? Because you've been on this journey of, oh, the old shtick doesn't fit. Did you go into this job a new version of yourself?
Brooke Shields
Very much so. And I was spearheading the whole thing. I mean, I reached out to the showrunner, and I had worked with her multiple times, and I knew she got my humor and I knew her writing was smart. And I called her and I said, look, I know we've done movies and episodes here and there of things. I said, but let's. Let's write a. Let's create a show. Let's find a vehicle. And she was like, well, mysteries are very popular right now, and only Murders in the Building and Matlock and Murder, She Wrote and all of those that kind of. It's kind of coming back and it's this cozy mystery sort of a thing. And I said, you know, there's a huge appeal and it is very much a big chunk of my audience. And I said, let's. And we just started talking and brainstorming. And I said, you know, I'm fascinated by generational differences and I have kids who make fun of me and they are in their 20s. And it's funny, but it's also. We both teach each other. So we brought that kind of put in the mystery world. She came up with this sort of idea, this character. And every step of the way, I knew I was going to be an executive producer, but I'd never been an executive producer that had that much talent, say, and that, you know, AMC would call me and say, what do you think about this? Or how about this director and these actors and what about this? And they actually wanted my opinion. Yeah. And I fought for things. I fought for the title. I fought to keep the humor in. You know, they get very safe with me. They want me to just be non offensive and pretty and not, you know, networks, you know, just keep her likable. And I'm like, no, the reason why these characters are likable is because they're flawed and they're funny. And we're not doing bloody gory. We're doing Agatha Christie. We're doing a little bit of a little wink without taking you out of it. But we're doing things that are relationship oriented. And these people you care about, I mean, yes, there's a body that's gonna drop every week, right? Sleepy little town, little fishing, sleep, safe little fishing town, something cove.
Podcast Host Sophia
We love it.
Brooke Shields
Yeah. And. But I. I walked into this whole thing. I pitched it with her. We pitched it to AMC and AMC Acorn and. And from every step of the way, I watched them look at me differently and look at my history and my experience and nostalgia and fame and all of those pieces put together. And then I worked my ass off for the, for the show and for the edit and for the pr. And I said, you know, you guys have the capacity and the capability to make this a hit or not. I will. I will do everything I can. And I know I can get the publicity and get the outlets and the. I mean, to be on these competing shows. I don't know how the press department did that, but, you know, normally if you do one, you can't do the other, and.
Podcast Host Sophia
Right.
Brooke Shields
Yeah, everybody owns you. And it just. I kind of really looked at it and I walked on to set every day and I set an example. And you watched it in the electrics you watched it in the gaffers, you watched it in the dolly pole, you know, and guys, these crunchy old guys would come up, you know, came up to me and said, you know, you really make this an enjoyable place to be and you make me laugh every day and it's really good. We want to, like. And these guys have been pulling cable for, you know, 50 years, you know what I mean? And they've seen it all. And there was such respect for the way that I set the tone for the, for the set and people worked extra hard and it was just, it was so great to sort of be able to be that example and feel, really not feel arrogant about it, but just feel like I did earn the right to have these opinions and also say, like, please prove me wrong and I will defer to your expertise. And I love that. And I will learn as well. And that's important too, because it doesn't mean I'm always right, you know.
Podcast Host Sophia
Yeah. And now a word from our sponsors. This is for those who experience allergic reactions from food, medicine, insects or other allergy triggers. 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 neat 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. Nephi 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, diabetes, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and any and all medications. Side effects include 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.
Pharmaceutical Advertiser
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.
Podcast Host Sophia
Everyone deserves access to high quality, affordable healthcare 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 error. 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 to 22422 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 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 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. And now a break from our sponsor, Miracle Grow. Let's be real. We're all feeling a little digitally distracted and time starved lately. We're craving real connections and ways to unplug. And honestly, gardening is the ultimate way to do this. It isn't just about plants. It's about trading the digital noise for a quiet win. As you pour your energy into helping something grow, you're pouring a sense of calm and connection back into yourself too. If you're in an apartment or you've never even touched a shovel, don't let self doubt stop you. With 75 years of expertise, Miracle Grow takes the stress and out of the process and makes it pure joy. And let me tell you what I can confirm this. From the garden I love spending time in outdoors in Los Angeles to my little potted plants where I grow herbs indoors in New York, I love working with plants. And I love Miracle Gro because whether I'm doing something in the soil or potting something in the apartment, Miracle Gro takes the best care of my plants. So my plants can help take care of me. And here's the big secret. Most people think water and sunlight are enough. But no, no. Your plants actually need more to truly thrive. Whether it's starting with the right soil foundation or giving plants the boost they need to stay vibrant with plant food. Our friends at Miracle Gro have all the essentials to make growing simple and stress free. Head to miraclegrow.com to check out all of their easy to use products and start your growth journey today. I had a producer really early. My my sort of like, you know, safe person mentor in North Carolina when we did One Tree Hill. And he always used to say the best idea always wins. He said if it's my idea, he'd go. So if it's your idea, he goes. If it comes from one of the electrics, I don't care. Best idea always wins. And I took that with me forever and eventually I finally came to the place that you're talking about, which is sometimes I do have the best idea and if somebody else has it, a plus. But if I have it, I'm allowed to have it too. And that little Nuance that. That feels like a nice place to be where I'm not always saying, oh, well, you know, you know better than me. No, we're all really smart and let's put our heads together and come up with something great. I don't have to diminish myself to make anyone else happy. And actually, if I don't diminish myself, maybe I can encourage other people to be as big as they are.
Brooke Shields
You know, I've learned a lot from, like my husband in. In the writing room, you know, and, you know, they write a script and then put it to the room and they're all around a table and what about this as a joke? Or what if he did this? Or what if she said this? And it becomes. It's augmented and the power of all of it, the collective. And nobody is fighting for their idea just because it's their idea. The best idea does make it into the script, you know, and so, I mean, how cool.
Pharmaceutical Advertiser
Yeah.
Brooke Shields
And I think that's great. I mean, writing books, too, and having a really good editor and not. And having an editor that doesn't just say, well, write this. Instead, they have a series of questions that they choose to pose to you so that my. The editors that I've had, that I've really enjoyed working with, have given me the ability to. To come up with the best way to say something because they've asked certain questions of me and. And helped guide me into thinking about it differently. Instead of saying, here, write this, you know, and that. That, I think is in most creative endeavors if you're lucky, you know, I love that.
Podcast Host Sophia
What do you want the friends listening at home to know about the show? Obviously, everyone, if you've been living under a rock. You're killing me. Is on Acorn tv. It's such. It's just such like a delicious thing to watch.
Brooke Shields
First of all, it's. You really hook into these two women and their. How they are navigating together, coming from very different lives and experiences and ages and. And I think that, first of all, people have a hard time finding Acorn. It's really easy to do. You just go on to whatever you. You stream through, whether it's like Roku or whatever. Yeah. And search. And then you can search the show or search Apple. You can even go on to Amazon, I think, and you can find it. But it. It's there and it's like, it pops up first. So that's been interesting to try to help educate people on how to get Acorn, because not everybody has Acorn.
Podcast Host Sophia
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Brooke Shields
But is that you can watch it with all types of people. Like, you don't. You can watch it with your kids. You can watch it with a partner. You can. And it's just entertainment. And you will laugh and you will have your heartstrings pulled every now and then, and you will, you know, it. It's a great escape. It's, you know, it's 45 minutes or whatever with commercials or whatever, and it's just. You kind of watch it and you leave feeling lighter because you forgot everything. And that's crazy in the world.
Podcast Host Sophia
You mean an enjoyable TV watching experience. Remember those?
Brooke Shields
And you just sort of feel like, oh, I feel like I just took a yoga class or something, you know, and you laughed and you've cried. It's better than Cats. And it's just a. It's a feel good, they say, cozy mysteries and I don't know. I mean, that gets kind of a little schmaltzy in my opinion, the way that sounds. But. But it's definitely, you know, there's room for just entertainment and it's okay to laugh and it's okay to, you know, and we're not. It's not gory. You don't get a sick feeling in your stomach, you know, like, so much of it that I watch, and I'm just like, oh, God. And makes you feel good.
Podcast Host Sophia
I love that there's so much that you've done. And I. I know you're not. I know you're not hanging anything up anytime soon. So when you think about, you know, how life feels right now and how fulfilling it is, what feels like your work in progress still?
Brooke Shields
I mean, probably everything. I mean, you know, I'm gearing up for the second season and already I'm already fighting just like, already having conversations like, no, we have to get the writers room started two weeks earlier, not two weeks later. Yeah, yeah. No, we have to build the sets. It was like all these things, but I think I'm. I think where I am, a work in progress is giving myself a little bit more of a pat on the back and knowing that I really do have to take care of myself. And that means sleeping, and that means physically and because I will run. So, I mean, look at my arm. I'm in a huge cast. What happened? My muscle was starting to attach itself around a nerve and killing the nerve, and I was losing feeling in my hands. And, you know, you don't want to be. You don't want to be the crazy lady, you know, And I finally just said to this doctor, I was like, can you do all the tests, please? Because turns out something's up. Something was up and you know, better about your body. So I think where I am a work in progress as natural. Not really not being afraid to speak up for myself and for things that don't feel right to me and not saying yes to absolutely everything because I just, I'm tired. I'm just tired.
Podcast Host Sophia
I know.
Brooke Shields
I really am. And, you know, it's okay. You don't owe anybody anything. You know, I mean, yes, there are kids, but, but that, it's, that comes from a different place, you know, But I think, you know, this, this obligatory yes, yesness, you know, it's just doesn't. Doesn't feel good anymore, you know?
Podcast Host Sophia
Yeah. Yeah, that's. I think that might be my work in progress too, my friend.
Brooke Shields
Wow. Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Podcast Host Sophia
Oh, well, I love it. I mean, for everyone at home, catch up on the whole season of your killing. Yeah, it's like, it's perfect. It's, it's, it's like a great weekend of being entertained and then we can all be ready for season two to come out.
Brooke Shields
Yes. Thank you. Well, thank you so much. And I just, I'm so happy this is a, this is a piece of what you're doing right now because I think not only could I listen to your voice always, forever, but you have so much to say and you're so smart and lovely and it's. And I'm glad people are getting to experience it.
Podcast Host Sophia
Thanks, honey. 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.
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Podcast Host Sophia
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 and 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 store, 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@t4t.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 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@boam.com that's b o h m e.com and now a quick break from our sponsor, Miracle Gro. Life is digitally distracted and time starved, but gardening is the perfect way to unplug. It isn't just about plants, it's about trading the digital noise for a quiet way to reconnect with yourself. Whether you're in an apartment or you've never even touched a shovel, don't let self doubt stop you. With 75 years of expertise, Miracle Grow takes the stress out of the process and makes it pure Joy. Head to miraclegrow.com to check out all of their easy to use products and start your growth journey today.
Brooke Shields
This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human.
Work in Progress with Sophia Bush — Brooke Shields (Part 2) | June 26, 2026
In this rich and engaging continuation, Sophia Bush welcomes back Brooke Shields for a candid conversation about the evolution of fame, embracing power and ownership, rejecting outdated humility, and taking creative control as an actress and executive producer. With characteristic warmth and wisdom, they dissect personal growth, professional challenges, the importance of self-advocacy, and what it means for women to take up space, particularly in entertainment.
“I used to fight it...it felt like it was cannibalizing my life...I’ve had to come to this conclusion that it’s not going away. And I now look at it as a business...When I was able to sort of make that switch in my head, I didn’t resent it anymore.” [06:52]
“I want to keep telling them it’s not arrogance, it’s ownership and it’s a privilege to be able to have that.” [12:26]
“She looked at me and she goes, ‘No, I'm not humbled. I worked for this.’” [18:09] – Connie Britton, as quoted by Sophia
“I could see the paramedic recognized me in that moment...as in pain as I was, I started to say something like not Blue Lagoon but like something for Chilty, right?...My trainer grabs my shoulder and he goes hey. And I kind of looked up, he goes, you don't have to do that, stop it.” [24:22]
“I fought for things. I fought for the title. I fought to keep the humor in...Networks…just keep her likable. And I'm like, no, the reason why these characters are likable is because they're flawed and they're funny.” [28:17]
“I think where I am a work in progress is giving myself a little bit more of a pat on the back and knowing that I really do have to take care of myself...not being afraid to speak up for myself and for things that don’t feel right to me, and not saying yes to absolutely everything because I just, I’m tired.” [43:33]
“I don’t have to diminish myself to make anyone else happy. And actually, if I don't diminish myself, maybe I can encourage other people to be as big as they are.” [38:31]
“You leave feeling lighter because you forgot everything...it’s a feel good...there’s room for just entertainment and it’s okay to laugh and…it’s not gory.” [41:52–43:13]
On Fame & Power:
“Owning that power, that fame or whatever you want to call it, has given it this...purpose to me in a very different way.” — Brooke Shields [09:42]
On Humility vs. Ownership:
“It’s not arrogance, it’s ownership and it’s a privilege to be able to have that.” — Brooke Shields [12:26]
Connie Britton's Wisdom (via Sophia):
“No, I'm not humbled. I worked for this.” [18:09]
On New Era of Career:
“I walked into this whole thing...from every step of the way, I watched them look at me differently and look at my history and my experience...and I set an example.” — Brooke Shields [29:45–30:43]
On Work in Progress:
“I think where I am a work in progress is giving myself a little bit more of a pat on the back and knowing that I really do have to take care of myself.” — Brooke Shields [43:33]
This episode is a dynamic, empowering exploration of what it really means to be both a "masterpiece and a work in progress." From the shifting sands of stardom to asserting one’s place in the room, both Sophia and Brooke underscore the liberation and value in stepping up, speaking out, and celebrating one’s own achievements—without apology.