Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

Actor, director, and activist Tony Goldwyn joins Monica this week on Reclaiming for a candid conversation about power, empathy, and life beyond the spotlight. They revisit his years as President Fitz on Scandal, the surreal experience of watching real-life political scandals unfold while making the show, and what playing flawed characters has taught him about the stories we attach to people. Tony reflects on his Hollywood inheritance—his grandfather Samuel Goldwyn was the “G” in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer—and the complicated conversation around nepotism, privilege, and forging your own path with a famous last name. Away from Hollywood, Tony shares lessons from his enduring marriage to production designer Jane Musky, the boundaries that keep family at the center of his life, and the joy of collaborating with his daughter Anna on their podcast, Far From the Tree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actor, comedian, and writer Jenny Slate joins Monica this week on Reclaiming for a truly adorable conversation about creativity, motherhood, and embracing every tender, strange part of yourself. Jenny reflects on finding raw, unexpected humor in birth and parenting, the creation of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, and on the public rejection that transformed her relationship with performing. Together, they explore artistic courage, womanhood, and how to trust that we can not only survive life’s hardest moments, but emerge from them more fully ourselves. It feels like a conversation between old friends —though they are not! Head over to Bombas.com/RECLAIMING and use code RECLAIMING for 20% off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oscar-winning performer Ariana DeBose joins Monica for a deeply personal conversation about her rise to fame, navigating public scrutiny, and moving through grief. Ariana reflects on launching her Broadway career as a member of the original cast of Hamilton, becoming the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar for her performance in West Side Story, and the complicated experience of being truly seen. She also opens up about losing her mother and grandmother—and how she carries their love, strength, and lineage with her as she enters a new chapter.Together, Ariana and Monica explore representation, the transformative power of creative mentors, and the importance of protecting your choices—even when the noise gets loud. Honest, funny, and deeply moving, their conversation is about honoring where you come from, defining success on your own terms, and reclaiming the freedom to become who you are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices