Shows / Open Book with Jenna
Open Book with Jenna
On Open Book with Jenna, TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager brings her signature openness to spirited conversations with celebrities, friends, authors and fellow book lovers. Each episode, her guests share candid stories about their lives and their sources of inspiration, while weighing in on the topics their fans are most passionate about. Join Jenna on her mission to connect people, create meaningful conversation and, of course, share reading recommendations. Everyone is welcome — because we're all…
Episodes
Open Book with JennaHoda Kotb on Life After TODAY, Embracing New Beginnings, and New Book ‘Jump and Find Joy’
Jenna Bush Hager reunites with former TODAY co-anchor and friend, Hoda Kotb for a deeply moving conversation about embracing new life chapters, and the beauty…
Open Book with JennaZac Brown on Sphere Residency, New Album ‘Love and Fear,’ and Creative Roots
Zac Brown is a three-time Grammy winner and frontman of the Zac Brown Band. Zac joins Jenna Bush Hager for an intimate conversation about music, family, and…
Open Book with Jenna“The Women’ Author Kristin Hannah On Telling The Forgotten Stories of Women In History
Kristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty novels including ‘The Nightingale,’ ‘The Four Winds,’ and “The Women.’ A former…
Open Book with JennaEgo Nwodim On Her Journey From Pre-Med to Saturday Night Live
Ego Nwodim has entertained viewers with her standout impressions and roster of hilarious original characters for the past seven seasons of ‘Saturday Night…
Open Book with JennaKeke Palmer On Her Journey From Child Star To Award Winning Actress
Keke Palmer is an Emmy Award Winning actress, singer, podcast host, and mother. She rose to prominence at the age of twelve through her breakout role in…
Open Book with JennaAmor Towles on The Road to 'The Lincoln Highway'
Jenna Bush Hager revisits her conversation with best-selling author Amor Towles at the Aspen Ideas Festival to talk about his journey from banker to writer and…
Open Book with JennaBeloved Children’s Author Kate DiCamillo On Overcoming Rejection
Jenna Bush Hager is revisiting her conversation with Kate DiCamillo, the beloved author behind family favorite stories like “Because of Winn Dixie” and “Mercy…
Open Book with JennaMatt Rogers on “Las Culturistas” Podcast & Living Authentically
Jenna Bush Hager sits down with actor, comedian, and Jenna & Friends co-host, Matt Rogers. Rogers co-hosts the pop culture podcast "Las Culturistas” with Bowen…
Open Book with JennaStephen Colbert and Wife Evie McGee Colbert On Food, Love, and Laughter
“The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert and his wife of more than 30 years, Evie McGee Colbert join Jenna Bush Hager to talk about their cookbook “Does This Taste…
Open Book with JennaJamie Lee Curtis On ‘Freakier Friday’
Jamie Lee Curtis is a Hollywood legend, an Oscar & Emmy Award winning actor, and a New York Times Bestselling Author. Jamie joins Jenna Bush Hager to discuss…
Open Book with JennaJenny Han on The Final Season of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'
Jenny Han is a literary powerhouse and New York Times bestselling author of the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” series and “The Summer I Turned Pretty”…
Open Book with JennaAnn Patchett On Nashville, Parnassus Books & The Joy of Reading
Jenna Bush Hager sits down with bestselling author Ann Patchett live at the Read with Jenna Book Festival in Nashville. Ann opens up about her life in…
Open Book with JennaMargaret Atwood on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ & Upcoming Memoir
Margaret Atwood is a living legend. The Canadian author and poet has written over 50 books and has been published in more than 45 countries. Her 1985 classic…
Open Book with JennaRead with Jenna Authors Reflect on Their Literary Journeys
Jenna is joined by Read With Jenna authors Chris Whitaker, Alison Espach, Rumaan Alam and Jean Kwok live at the Read with Jenna Book Festival in Nashville…
Open Book with JennaBest Summer Books with Adriana Trigiani & Isaac Fitzgerald
As summer kicks off, Jenna Bush Hager welcomes bestselling authors Adriana Trigiani and Isaac Fitzgerald for a conversation about the perfect summer reads…
Open Book with JennaTiffany Haddish On Humor, Hardship, and Healing
In this special episode of Open Book with Jenna, Tiffany Haddish joins Jenna Bush Hager live at the Read with Jenna Book Festival in Nashville, Tennessee…
Open Book with JennaElin Hilderbrand on Beach Reads, Adaptations, and New Beginnings
Live from the first-ever Read with Jenna Book Festival in Nashville, Jenna Bush Hager sits down with New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand for a…
Open Book with JennaJudy Blume on Shaping Generations
Jenna sits down with the legendary Judy Blume — the beloved author whose stories have shaped generations, opened minds, and helped countless kids feel seen…
Open Book with JennaSarah J. Maas on 10 Years of 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'
Jenna Bush Hager sits down with bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, the powerhouse behind Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. As…
Open Book with JennaJessica Soffer on ‘This Is a Love Story’
Jessica Soffer joins Jenna Bush Hager for a special Read with Jenna book club event to discuss her New York Times bestselling novel ‘This Is a Love Story.’…
Open Book with JennaTikTok star Tinx On Her Debut Novel, Social Media, and Dating Trends
TikTok star, lifestyle creator, and podcast host Christina Najjar—widely known as Tinx—joins Jenna Bush Hager to discuss her debut fiction novel, Hotter in the…
Open Book with JennaEmily Henry On Redefining the Romance Genre
Emily Henry is a New York Times & Sunday Times Bestselling author who has written five consecutive number one Bestsellers. She has been dubbed the ‘Queen of…
Open Book with Jenna‘Giggly Squad’ Hosts Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo On Friendship, Humor & New Book
“Giggly Squad” podcast hosts Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo join Jenna Bush Hager to discuss their new book “How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less…
Open Book with JennaJasmine Guillory On Writing Her Own Happily Ever After
Jasmine Guillory is a New York Times bestselling author of nine novels including 'The Wedding Date' and 'The Proposal.' Jasmine joins Jenna to talk about her…
Open Book with JennaAliza Pressman On “The 5 Principles of Parenting”
Aliza Pressman, psychologist and author of the bestselling book “The 5 Principles of Parenting,” offers effective tools for parents to make their parenting…
Open Book with JennaComedian Heather McMahan On Humor and Heartbreak
Comedian Heather McMahan has made audiences laugh with her relatable and authentic comedy for years. Jenna Bush Hager and Heather sit down to discuss her rise…
Open Book with Jenna‘Saturday Night Live’s’ Ego Nwodim On How Improv Changed Her Life
Ego Nwodim has entertained viewers with her standout impressions and roster of hilarious original characters for the past seven seasons of ‘Saturday Night…
Open Book with Jenna“The Nightingale’ Author Kristin Hannah On How She Went From Lawyer to Bestselling Author
Kristin Hannah is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty novels including ‘The Nightingale,’ ‘The Four Winds,’ and “The Women.’ A former…
Open Book with Jenna‘Onyx Storm’ Author Rebecca Yarros On Living Out Her Childhood Fantasy
Rebecca Yarros is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels including ‘Fourth Wing,’ ‘Iron Flame’ and ‘Onyx Storm.’ Her latest and highly…
Open Book with Jenna“The Summer I Turned Pretty” Author Jenny Han On Representation, Coming of Age, & Building a Media Empire
Jenny Han is a literary powerhouse and New York Times bestselling author of the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” series and “The Summer I Turned Pretty”…
Open Book with Jenna“Blue Sisters” Author Coco Mellors on The Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood
Coco Mellors is a New York Times & Sunday Times Bestselling Author. Her second novel, “Blue Sisters" was a Read with Jenna book pick. Jenna Bush Hager sat down…
Open Book with JennaBest Books of 2024 with Authors Emma Straub & Isaac Fitzgerald
As 2024 comes to an end, we’re looking back at some of our favorite books, and literary trends from the year. Jenna Bush Hager sits down with her two friends…
Open Book with JennaJamie Lee Curtis On The Importance Of Uplifting Others
Jamie Lee Curtis is a Hollywood legend, an Oscar & Emmy Award winning actor, and a New York Times Bestselling Author. Jamie joins Jenna Bush Hager to discuss…
Open Book with JennaRiley Keough on Finishing Lisa Marie’s Memoir ‘From Here to the Great Unknown’
Riley Keough is an Emmy nominated actress and producer, starring in hit shows like “Daisy Jones and the Six.” She’s also part of one of the most famous…
Open Book with JennaMatt Rogers on “Las Culturistas” Podcast, Overcoming Setbacks, & Living Life Authentically
Actor and comedian Matt Rogers co-hosts the pop culture podcast "Las Culturistas” with Bowen Yang and stars in Netflix’s new dark comedy series “No Good Deed.”…
Open Book with Jenna‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu On Creating His Own Yellow Brick Road
Jon M. Chu is a visionary director known for his blockbuster films like ‘Crazy Rich Asians,’ ‘In The Heights’ and the hugely anticipated movie musical…
Open Book with JennaKeke Palmer On Her Memoir ‘The Master of Me’
Keke Palmer is an Emmy Award Winning actress, singer, podcast host, and mother. She rose to prominence at the age of twelve through her breakout role in…
Open Book with Jenna‘Big Little Lies’ Author Liane Moriarty On New Novel ‘Here One Moment’
Liane Moriarty is a global sensation who has written numerous best sellers including ‘Big Little Lies,’ ‘Apples Never Fall,’ and ‘The Husband's Secret.’ Jenna…
Open Book with JennaAnn Patchett On Independent Bookstores, Book Bans, and Book Recommendations
Ann Patchett is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and was named one of the most influential people in the world by…
Open Book with Jenna“The Notebook” Author Nicholas Sparks On Writing Romance Novels & Movies
Nicholas Sparks is the king of love stories who has sold over 130 million copies worldwide. He’s a New York Times bestselling author, with twenty-four books to…
Open Book with JennaStanley Tucci Gives Us A Taste Of What He Ate In One Year
Stanley Tucci is an award winning actor, author, and dad. He’s appeared in roles such as The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games, and The Lovely Bones. His…
Open Book with JennaEmily Henry On Becoming the Queen of the Beach Read
Emily Henry is a New York Times & Sunday Times Bestselling author who has written five consecutive number one Bestsellers. She has been dubbed the ‘Queen of…
Open Book with JennaStephen Colbert and Evie McGee Colbert On Cooking & Laughing Together
“The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert and his wife of more than 30 years, Evie McGee Colbert, partner on a new cookbook, “Does this Taste Funny.” Stephen and…
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Introducing: Open Book with Jenna
TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager is an open book and is known for sharing all of who she is. Now Jenna will bring intimate, inspiring and entertaining conversations…
Open Book with Jenna‘All the Colors of the Dark” Author Chris Whitaker on How Writing Saved His Life
Chris Whitaker is a New York Times bestselling author. His latest novel, All the Colors of the Dark is one of his most personal novels and is a Read with Jenna…
Open Book with Jenna“It Ends with Us” Writer Colleen Hoover On The Film Adaptation of Her Novel
Colleen Hoover is a publishing phenomenon. While she didn’t necessarily set out for fame, she has achieved literary super-stardom, becoming one of the…
Open Book with JennaSarah J. Maas On How BookTok Helped Her Become Publishing Royalty
Sarah J. Maas is a New York Times bestselling author of the “Throne of Glass,” “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Crescent City” series. Between ages 16 and…
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Luke Russert: "I'm Still a Work in Progress"
Back in 2008, shortly after the death of his father, journalist Tim Russert, Luke Russert joined NBC News as a correspondent. He spent eight years covering…
Open Book with JennaTara Westover: “I Wanted a Different Life”
Raised in the rural mountains of Idaho by survivalist parents, Tara Westover never dreamed she'd be where she is today. Her memoir “Educated” tracks her route…
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BONUS: Book Picks for the Holiday Season
In this bonus episode of Read with Jenna, Rumaan Alam, the bestselling author of "Leave the World Behind", a Read with Jenna pick, joins Hoda & Jenna with his…
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Mo Willems: "My Books Are an Invitation to Be Creative"
Children's book author Mo Willems never thought a pigeon wanting to drive a bus could turn into a career. But more than 20 years later, Willems is a rock star…
Open Book with JennaSteven Rowley: “Inspired by a Very Real Love Story”
While New York Times bestselling author Steven Rowley writes about life and love with heart and humor in his novels, his own real life romance is one for the…
Open Book with JennaHelen Ellis: “Marriage Is Play”
Helen Ellis is an Alabama-native turned New York Times bestselling author known for her warm brand of humor and amateur poker skills. In her newest release…
Open Book with JennaKate DiCamillo: "I Learned to Live in My Imagination”
Kate DiCamillo is one of the biggest names in children’s books, with more than 43 million books in print. Her journey is a lesson in resilience. After…
Open Book with JennaR.L. Stine: "I Never Planned to Be Scary ... I Was Always Funny"
R.L. Stine has been giving readers “Goosebumps” for over thirty years. At the age of 9, he stumbled across a typewriter in his attic. With that, his love of…
Open Book with JennaJerry Seinfeld: “The Fun Is in the Ordinary”
Comedian, actor and author Jerry Seinfeld gives an inside look into the minds of some of the greatest comedians of our time with the show “Comedians in Cars…
Open Book with JennaMargaret Atwood: "We All Have Bits of Hopefulness Built In"
Margaret Atwood is a living legend. The Canadian author and poet has written over 50 books and has been published in more than 45 countries. Her 1985 classic…
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Amor Towles: "All From a Message in a Bottle"
Though Amor Towles’ writing talent was recognized when he was just a child, his career as an author didn’t begin until after a 20 year stint as an investment…
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Ruth Simmons: "Be Open to Learning From Everything"
Ruth Simmons came from humble beginnings, growing up in east Texas as the daughter of sharecroppers. But she saw no barriers for her future. Simmons pursued a…
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Judy Blume: "I'm an Optimist"
Beloved author Judy Blume is a literary trailblazer. Cherished by millions of readers across multiple generations, her books have acted as a rite of passage…