Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness

Trust—it’s a five-letter word that makes the world go 'round. In this episode, JVN sits down with Rachel Botsman, a leading expert on trust in the modern world, to explore the role trust plays in our relationships, decisions, and even society at large. Together, they dive into why trust isn’t just a feeling but a belief, how impulsivity and unmet expectations erode it, and how to rebuild trust with ourselves and others after it’s been broken. They unpack why “trust is a confident relationship with the unknown,” how learning to navigate uncertainty strengthens our self-trust, and the practical ways to foster trust through small, consistent actions.  Rachel Botsman is a leading expert on trust in the modern world. She has authored three highly acclaimed books—What's Mine is Yours, Who Can You Trust?, and out now, How to Trust and Be Trusted. A sought-after speaker, her TED talks have amassed over five million views. Rachel teaches at Oxford University's Saïd Business School, where she created pioneering cour

Winter skin woes, Pilates breakthroughs, and a whole lot of beauty tea!  JVN is diving into all things skincare for the coldest months this side of the globe, from must-have moisturizers to whether that fancy face oil is really working for you. Plus! JVN spills on their latest pilates journey and the return to group fitness. But it’s not all glow-ups and gym gains—JVN also gets real about the highs and lows of launching a beauty brand, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and why playing the long game is always worth it. If you’’re able to support relief for the California wildfires, here are some amazing places doing amazing work that you can check out: Anti Recidivism Coalition  Mutual Aid Pasadena Humane  Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript.  Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our Senior Pr

Friendship breakups. Knowing when to hold on—and when to let go. JVN sits down with friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson to unpack the complexities of platonic relationships and why they can be just as emotionally charged as romantic ones. They dive into the signs that a friendship may have run its course, how to end things with integrity, and whether “friendship should be easy” is really just a myth. Plus! The emotional toll of ghosting, how to handle resentment, and why strong friendships impact our health more than diet and exercise. Danielle Bayard Jackson is a friendship coach, educator, and author dedicated to helping women build and maintain meaningful connections. She provides coaching, hosts the Friend Forward podcast, and offers research-based strategies to navigate female friendships. Her expertise has been featured in The Washington Post, Oprah Magazine, and NBC News, and she’s worked with brands like Bumble and Harvard Business Review. You can find Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardj

Golden Globes glamour, behind-the-scenes intel, and a whole lot of feels—this episode has layers, and we’re not talking about a haircut. JVN takes us inside their first-ever Golden Globes red carpet, from jaw-dropping fashion moments (Emma Stone’s pixie! Andrew Scott’s suit!) to mingling with Hollywood icons at the after-parties. Plus! BTS from the red carpet, handling the chaos of live interviews, and that very unexpected TMZ chase. But it’s not all fun and fashion—JVN also opens up about their look and the online backlash that followed, the trolls in the comment section, and why this moment felt different. This episode is giving: visibility, resilience, and reclamation of joy. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engin

GLP-1 medications are everywhere—on your FYPs, on the evening news, and, as JVN shares, in your own weekly routine. But what do these drugs really do? In this no-holds-barred conversation with Dr. Terry Simpson, a surgeon and culinary medicine expert, JVN dives deep into the science, the side effects, and the cultural firestorm surrounding GLP-1s like Ozempic. Are they the future of weight loss and metabolic health—or just another wellness trend? Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about eating disorders, body image, and weight loss medications. Please listen with care. Dr. Terry Simpson, MD is a physician, research scientist, weight loss surgeon, cook, author, dad, and a proponent for healthy eating. "And not in that order.” He received his undergraduate, graduate, and medical degrees from The University of Chicago. When he became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons he was the 22nd Native American to become a surgeon and the first Alaska Native to become one. He was the first

New year, new realizations! We are so back to kick off 2025 with a deep dive into  joy reclamation, breaking free from negative feedback loops, and embracing joy without guilt. Plus! JVN spills the tea on the look they’re wearing to their first ever Golden Globes gig (Christian Siriano is involved, so you know it’s major), dishes on beauty holy grails you actually need in 2025, and answers listener questions submitted by you gorgeous curious people. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic

Happy New Year, Curious People! It’s 2025! Kick off the New Year with a truly transformative conversation with Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy! In this episode, we dive into what it means to leave behind “Old Happy”—the toxic pursuit of perfection, individualism, and relentless achievement—and embrace “New Happy,” a philosophy rooted in connection, self-compassion, and contributing to the world. JVN gets candid about navigating shame and embarrassment while Stephanie shares her expert insights on managing emotions, cultivating resilience, and finding joy in uncertain times. Together, they explore everything from the pitfalls of toxic positivity to how capitalism affects our collective well-being (spoiler: it’s a lot). Whether you’re looking to thrive in 2025, find your purpose or just feel a little less alone - we’ve got you covered for the year ahead! Stephanie Harrison is an expert in the science of happiness and a writer, designer and speaker. Since receiving a master’s degree in positive p

Reporting to all you curious people from the liminal week between Christmas and New  Year’s —JVN and their iconic mom, Mary Oaks, are bringing us a festive kiki straight from Austin, Texas! Recorded mid-Christmas revelry, this episode is brimming with family vibes, advice for trusting your aesthetic instinct, and some mic drops about life in small town America. Whether you’re here for the holiday glow or a little aesthetic inspo - this dynamic mother-child duo is serving, darling. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show

ICYMI: This week we’re answering all of the money questions you have always wanted answered. What the heck is a Roth IRA? How should you approach spending money? What’s a high-yield savings account and should I have one? Internationally recognized money expert Tori Dunlap joins Jonathan to answer all these questions and more to teach us how we can all save our money. Tori Dunlap is an internationally recognized money and career expert, and podcast host. After saving $100,000 at age 25, Tori quit her corporate job in marketing and founded Her First $100K to fight financial inequality by giving women actionable resources to better their money. She has helped over three million women negotiate salary, pay off debt, build savings, and invest. You can find HerFirst100k on Instagram @herfirst100k and on their website, here. You can listen to Financial Feminist wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for eac

Mariah, Lindsay, Sabrina, Jennifer, Hailey…what do all those gorgeous ladies have in common? Two words. One Name. Danielle Priano. When we tell you that we’re excited to have Danille on today’s episode - that’s an understatement - we’re OVER THE MOON! She is a hair icon, a legend, and the most sought after hair stylist in the game. We’re talking life in the industry, tips for the perfect slicked back ponytail, and HAIR darling! Take the tips you learn here to your next holiday party! New York based hairstylist Danielle Priano flawlessly executes effortless, timeless glamor for an impressive roster of celebrity, commercial, and editorial clientele. There is a magical quality to her endlessly inspiring energy and incredible talent. Coupled with her tenacity, Danielle has established herself as one of the leading hairstyling and spokesperson powerhouses in the industry. When a door opens for Danielle, she is sure to be invited back, again and again. Danielle’s vast body of work especially translates to her

In da clerb, we all fam - and we’re so thrilled to welcome Ilana Glazer to “clerb Curious” this week. Ilana stopped by to talk about her upcoming sophomore special, Human Magic, streaming on Hulu this Friday, December 20th! We’re talking about how she developed her new special, the inspiration for her comedy these days, and how she stays plugged into humanity in a dehumanizing world… Ilana Glazer is a comedian, actress, writer, and producer celebrated for her sharp humor and fearless storytelling. She rose to prominence as the co-creator and star of Broad City, a critically acclaimed sitcom that began as a web series and became a cultural phenomenon for its hilarious and authentic portrayal of millennial life in New York City. Glazer's comedic voice blends irreverence with deep social awareness, often spotlighting issues like feminism, equality, and identity. Beyond Broad City, she has expanded her repertoire with stand-up specials and acting roles in films such as False Positive, The Afterparty, and Babes

I know you’re all getting your holiday shopping ON, honey. It’s that time of year, and while it’s not the reason for the season - it is one of the main events. So today, we’re coming to you with a very special episode… Move over, Nonsense Christmas! Get outta town, Barry Manilow’s Very Barry Christmas - It’s time for the Pretty Curious Holiday Gift Guide episode. We’re giving you the Top 5 JVN Approved beauty gifts to give this holiday season! It’s giving Oprah. It’s giving intel you need to know. It’s giving holiday joy! We’re also giving you our picks for THE Best of the Best in Beauty of 2024 - we are entering awards season after all. AND we’re SO excited to be taking beauty questions submitted by you gorgeous, beautiful, and curious people! You don’t want to miss this… Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript.  Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious gu

Who’s that?! Why, it’s the newest member of the Fab 5, Jeremiah Brent! Jeremiah stopped by on a very special day: the season drop for Queer Eye Season 9 - out now on Netflix. Jeremiah and JVN talk Queer Eye behind-the-scenes, Jeremiah’s design process and ethos, and some science fiction thrown in for good measure. You do NOT want to miss this… Jeremiah Brent is an interior designer, television personality, author, and founder of lifestyle brand Atrio and Jeremiah Brent Design (JBD), an interior design firm with offices in Los Angeles and New York City. Since its inception in 2012, His process begins by developing an in-depth familiarity with his clients’ emotional lives and personal journeys, integrating the nuances of their stories into his design choices. In addition to his JBD clients, Brent shares his expertise and eye for design with households around the world through brand partnerships and custom product lines with partners like Living Spaces and PetSmart, and as host of multiple hit television seri

We’re going under the metaphorical scalpel today on Pretty Curious with Dr. Anthony Youn! We’re tackling everything from upper and lower eyelid surgery (or upper blephs & lower blephs as we refer to them in this episode) to the importance of diet and giving the body the opportunity to “autojuvenate” before going under the knife for substantial plastic surgery. We’re also talking about regional plastic surgery trends, intermittent fasting, and Dr. Youn’s newest book, Younger For Life. Dr. Anthony Youn is a renowned plastic surgeon and expert in holistic approaches to beauty, emphasizing his motto "Autojuvenate Before You Operate." He advocates for achieving youthful looks through a combination of non-surgical methods. Dr. Youn has appeared on major TV shows like Live with Kelly and Mark, The Rachael Ray Show, and The Doctors, and has authored bestselling books, including Younger For Life, which offers holistic tips for looking younger without surgery. He hosts The Doctor Youn Show, a very popular health and

Hot flashes, brain fog, sleepless nights—menopause is often shrouded in mystery and stigma. But what if it didn’t have to be? In this episode, we’re joined by, Dr. Louise Newson, a trailblazing GP and menopause specialist who’s work is transforming how the world understands this pivotal life stage. Menopause care is a fundamental healthcare issue, and Dr. Newson brings both science and empathy to the table. Whether you’re navigating menopause, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how to advocate for better healthcare - we’ve got the episode for you. Dr. Louise Newson is a physician, menopause specialist and member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce. She is also an award-winning doctor, educator, and author, committed to increasing awareness and knowledge of perimenopause and menopause. Described as the “medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution”, she has empowered a generation of women to have a greater understanding, choice and control over their treatment, bodies and mind. She

We’ve all been there - we’ve all experienced doubt, uncertainty, not knowing when to tune out the outside opinions. But! This week’s guest, Darcei Giles (one of the original YouTube beauty queens), learned how to bet on herself and built an online beauty empire all her own. Lucky for us, she’s here to inspire us all to do the same! Whether you’re a young entrepreneur, a blossoming beauty influencer, or on the cusp of the next chapter in the adventure of your life, Darcei and JVN suss out how we can all put utmost faith in ourselves and stay (and slay) the course. Darcei Giles, known as MissDarcei, captivates viewers with her vibrant personality and unique perspective on everything from trending makeup looks to discussions on cultural appropriation. With a deep interest in Korean culture, Darcei brings her audience a blend of K-beauty, K-fashion, and K-pop insights, making her a go-to for fans of the genre. Her popular series “Black Girl Tries” has played a key role in her rise, showcasing her fresh and oft

This year we’re thankful for you, curious people! It’s the holiday season - a time for office parties, family get-togethers, and friendsgivings. To help us figure out how to make the most scrumptious spread and host the best holiday party with unbeatable vibes, we’re bringing in chef extraordinaire, Sohla El-Waylly! We’re talking turduckens, mac ‘n cheese, hot toddies…are your mouths watering yet? Plus - Sohla’s favorite holiday memories! Sohla El Waylly is a culinary innovator and passionate food educator known for her vibrant approach to cooking and her ability to bridge cultural flavors with creativity. With a background in both restaurant kitchens and digital media, Sohla has captivated audiences through her engaging videos and thoughtful recipes, emphasizing the joy and accessibility of diverse cuisines. A former line cook turned culinary star, she champions the idea that food is not just sustenance but a powerful medium for connection and expression. Whether sharing her latest culinary adventures or

Emma Stone, Rashida Jones, Pippi Longstocking… what do all these ladies have in common? FRECKLES. They all have freckles. Well honey, freckles got launched into the zeitgeist this fall when Taylor Swift was photographed wearing glitter freckles to a Kansas City game. Yes. GLI-TTER FRE-CKLES. So, just like the rest of the world, we wanted to learn more! That’s why today on the pod, we are welcoming the co-founders of Fazit Beauty: Nina LaBruna & Aliett Buttelman! Fazit Beauty is best known for their innovative skin patches that address common skin issues with an approach centered in loving your skin in any condition. AND… they make the glitter freckles! Fazit Beauty is on Instagram @fazitbeauty and on TikTok @fazitbeauty Nina is on TikTok @nina_beautyfounder Aliett is on TikTok @alliettbutts Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Find books from Getting Curious and P

It’s fall, it’s cuffing season, and maybe you’re looking for a way to extend that new, cozy relationship to a love for all seasons… Dating can be a mystery to some, but to our guest expert - it’s a scientific method! Today, we have Logan Ury from the new Netflix show The Later Daters talking to us all about how to become a better dater - at any age - and how we can say “f*ck the spark!” once and for all. Plus! We’re covering the latest Hinge data, ethical non-monogamy, and “other significant others.” Logan Ury is a behavioral scientist turned dating coach and the author of the bestselling book How to Not Die Alone: The Surprising Science That Will Help You Find Love. She’s the dating coach on the new Netflix series — The Later Daters — from executive producer Michelle Obama. She works as Hinge’s Director of Relationship Science, conducting research on modern dating. She also writes the popular weekly newsletter — Logan's Love Letter. She studied psychology at Harvard and ran Google’s behavioral science tea

This week, we have an unbeatable cosmetic chemistry duo - Perry Romanowski & Valerie George from The Beauty Brains Podcast! We’re coming to you today with the 411 on a fundamental element of any skin care routine: cleanser. But what’s the deal with cleanser anyhow? How many kinds of cleansers are there? What are the differences between them? What are they doing on a microscopic level? What kinds of conditions do we need to be aware of when selecting a cleanser? We’re getting into all of that - and much, much more - with Perry & Valerie! Perry Romanowski is a writer, cosmetic chemist, Inventor, scientist, instructor, futurologist, and thought leader. He’s also the founder of Chemists Corner blog and training program. He also has the longest running streak done while joggling. Valerie George is a cosmetic chemist, science communicator, educator, leader and avid proponent of transparency in the beauty industry. She works on the latest research in hair color and hair care as Vice President of Research & Dev