The Martha Stewart Podcast

Hormones and their role in women’s health have long been understudied, misunderstood, and controversial. Following a new interpretation of the landmark Women’s Health Initiative study, the subject is under discussion more than ever. Dr. Elizabeth Poynor is here to share her expertise. An Ivy League-educated and heavily credentialed surgeon and gynecologic oncologist, her work has been dedicated to midlife women’s health. She also happens to be Martha’s own doctor. Dr. Poynor, now the Chair of Women’s Health & Gynecology at Atria, has seen how crucial hormones are to understanding the overall health and well-being of women. She joins Martha today for a candid conversation about the risks and benefits of hormone support, how to pay attention to the body’s signals, and the science that helps explain “why” lifestyle changes impact the body. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Kelly has played scores of CIA agents, political operatives, and military personnel during his prolific acting career. From roles like Doug Stamper in House of Cards to Byron Westfield in Lioness, the actor has perfected a steely gaze and great monologues. But even though Michael says “you’d never know I have teeth” by watching those characters, Martha knows another side of him – a prolific actor, family man and neighbor with a ready smile and a great sense of humor. Listen as they chat about working with the hitmaker Taylor Sheridan and the all-star cast of Lioness, what he’s learned about real-life politics from his roles, and what he’s looking forward to next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Martha talks to best-selling author Ann Leary about letting go of the need to be “nice,” a subject Ann explores in the title essay of her new book, “I’ve Tried Being Nice.” Following a passive-aggressive neighborhood squabble, this wry, witty author made the abrupt decision to stop being a people pleaser. She shares with Martha how that came about, plus how she works at her writing and the family stories that have helped shape it. From a nomadic childhood to her marriage to actor Denis Leary, Ann’s observations make for funny, relatable books – and a thoroughly enjoyable conversation with Martha. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Clint Misamore and Joe Petrillo, marketing is the intersection of storytelling, hospitality and impact. They co-founded WUF, a platform for uniting pet lovers worldwide. They also have a long history of creating marketing campaigns for Martha. On today’s episode, they talk about creating viral hits for Tito’s Vodka and Liquid Death, and share stories about their Artic Circle expedition with Martha to raise awareness for the Global Seed Vault. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jess Damuck spent a decade cooking for Martha Stewart’s magazines and television shows, launching a culinary career that included cooking for Snoop Dogg and publishing the best-selling cookbook Salad Freak.Her latest book, Health Nut, reflects the influences of her California lifestyle and aims to make “hippie health food” appealing for all. She catches up with her former boss Martha in this conversation about light, fresh recipes, the luxury of growing one’s own produce, and making cookbooks in an increasingly competitive landscape. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Martha turns her attention to the business of beauty in a conversation with industry veteran John Demsey. Demsey, who spent 30 years leading brands at Estée Lauder, developed MAC Cosmetics into a global powerhouse and was the force behind Tom Ford’s expansion into fragrance and cosmetics. He loves the legacy brands, he supports the newcomers, and he understands why we can’t get enough of the products. Listen here as he shares his insights about the multi-billion beauty industry and talks about his book, Behind the Blue Door, about the extraordinary home he created in Manhattan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode continues the conversation about skincare from our first episode this season. Dr. Dhaval Bhansuali is here today to talk about the science of skincare. A board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Bhansuali is renowned for his work healing scars and his passion for formulating skincare compounds. This “doctorpreneur” has developed several businesses and is the expert behind Hailey Beiber’s skin care line, Rhode. Listen as he dissects the ingredients that make the products for skin of all types. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Martha talks to Donna Kelce, also known as “Mama Kelce.” She is the mother of football stars Jason and Travis Kelce, the first brothers to play against each other as Super Bowl opponents in NFL history. Donna wore split jerseys to represent both of their teams, and became a media star in her own right, with Today Show appearances and national ad campaigns. Today, she shares what it was like to raise future football champions, how she juggled family roles against her career, and her advice for moms everywhere. Don’t miss this special mother’s day episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just 30 years ago, Manhattan’s west side shoreline was marked by decaying piers and dilapidated buildings left when the shipping industry moved out of the city. Today, the Hudson River Park stretches four miles along New York City and the piers have become playgrounds, paths, concert venues, and places to bike, walk, kayak and play volleyball. Listen to the story of this unique park, and how a partnership between the city and state of New York, along with residents and donors, transformed the prized waterfront space. Martha interviews Connie Fishman, Executive Director of Hudson River Park Friends and Carrie Roble, Vice President Estuary and Education for the Hudson River Park Trust, in this enlightening conversation about preserving our public spaces. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I had a chance encounter last fall with Half Baked Harvest creator Tieghan Gerard while she was in New York City. Starting in her early 20s, Teighan built a following amongst young social media users attracted to the rich, beautifully photographed comfort-food recipes she posts. She joined me on my podcast to talk about brand authenticity, weathering criticism, who owns a recipe, how to make pierogies and the best turkey method. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martha and author Jonathan Safran Foer share a deep interest in raising awareness about the harms of factory farming. They met years ago around that cause and then reconnected recently during a photo shoot at his home. Listen to them catch up about his latest books, visiting the Pope to talk about climate change, and how reducing meat and animal products in one’s diet can impact the environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1972 Florence Fabricant was living in East Hampton and reveling in the pleasures of farm-fresh produce. There weren’t many careers in food writing at that time, but she forged one, and is now a prolific cookbook author and the longest-running food writer for the New York Times. For more than fifty years she’s been sharing new restaurants, recipes, food and wine with her readers. She joins Martha to talk about her earliest food memories, her latest discoveries, and what exactly clam pie is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Aliza Pressman is a developmental psychologist and a savior for the parents who follow her work at the Mount Sinai Parenting Center and listen to her popular podcast, “Raising Good Humans.” Martha interviews her at the 92nd St Y about her new book, “The 5 Principles of Parenting,” which breaks down the science behind child development into just a few simple rules. Why is “perfect” parenting actually harmful? What is the best way to manage anger outbursts? Listen here for Dr. Pressman’s advice on how to raise good humans and feel good about the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ankur Jain believes that business can solve real-world problems. It occurred to the young entrepreneur that millions of renters spend the largest portion of their budget on rent - but can’t build lasting value off that money. His solution? Bilt Rewards, which lets tenants earn points on their rent that can be used for travel and other purchases – and helps them build a path to homeownership. Ankur comes from a family of business creators Bilt is his third company. He talks to Martha today about changing an industry and the challenges he met to make Bilt into a 3.1-billion-dollar company in less than two years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martha has heard the questions about her cover images and selfies - what does she do to keep her face healthy, youthful, and glowing? Dr. Dan Belkin, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, joins Martha for a frank conversation about taking care of your skin and body. Botox, fillers, retinols, skin tighteners, lasers - Dr. Belkin debunks the myths and dissects the science behind popular cosmetic procedures. What is hype and what is worth it? Which products are backed by evidence? For anyone interested in finding your best face, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are innovators always difficult to work with? What kind of person can create disruptive change? Walter Isaacson is a student of history with a focus on geniuses, from Albert Einstein to Leonardo da Vinci. The former Time magazine editor followed Elon Musk for three years to report that best-selling biography, as he did with Steve Jobs before him. Martha talks to Isaacson about watching genius up close, and the common threads among the people who are drawn to change the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special holiday bonus episode, Martha and her culinary experts field your most pressing Thanksgiving questions. We asked our followers on Instagram, X, and TikTok to send in their Thanksgiving meal planning questions. Ideas for the turkey - or turkey alternatives? Make-ahead sides? Perfect mashed potatoes? Martha, along with Thomas Joseph and Sarah Carey, have you covered. Listen here for Thanksgiving tips to help you create the perfect holiday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is widely known that smoking and obesity can lead to chronic disease and death, but do you know that loneliness can be equally detrimental to your health? Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, is here to talk about the epidemic he is most concerned about right now - the epidemic of loneliness and isolation. As technology increasingly enables us to work, shop, socialize and live online, people are reporting higher feelings of loneliness than ever before. Dr. Murthy shares important information surrounding these issues and what can be done to protect your physical health and well-being. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Humm is by all accounts one of the most celebrated chefs in the world: number 1 on the World’s Best Restaurant List, a decade-long streak of 3 Michelin stars, and a starry list of accolades for his kitchens. But after running a community food commissary during pandemic, he made the bold move to remove animal products from the menu of his acclaimed Eleven Madison Park. He talks to Martha here about the urgency of reducing our meat consumption and evolving the way we eat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Martha flips the script. Instead of asking the questions, she is the one fielding them. The fashion maven Fern Mallis, who created New York Fashion Week, interviewed Martha at 92nd Street Y in New York for “Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis.” Martha gets candid with Fern about family memories, her marriage, the parties that launched her career, her friend Snoop, posing for Sports Illustrated - and more. You’ll hear a side of Martha you haven’t heard before. Listen to their entertaining and revealing conversation here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.