The Jann Arden Podcast

Rosie O’Donnell returns to The Jann Arden Podcast for a candid conversation about her return to the public eye, the privilege of aging, feminism, relationships, motherhood, politics, and what it means to keep using your voice when the stakes feel higher than ever.

Rosie reflects on returning to television to guest-host Jimmy Kimmel Live, noting that he stuck his neck out for her, confirming the appearance before the network executives had approved the messaging.

They discuss nostalgia, legacy and Rosie's decades in entertainment, including what audiences are looking for in a media landscape increasingly shaped by misinformation, algorithms and political division.

Rosie reflects on the independence she has fought to protect throughout her life, both personally and professionally, and why getting older has given her greater clarity about what she wants, what she will tolerate, and where she chooses to spend her energy.

Rosie shares why she believes authenticity, empathy and genuine connection matter more than ever, and why comfort and familiarity continue to resonate so deeply with audiences, while speaking about the toll the political climate can take on mental health, especially for highly empathetic and sensitive people.

She reminds listeners why it’s important to speak out against injustice, touching on her advocacy for Epstein survivors, the moral obligation she feels to amplify people whose voices have been ignored, and the complicated territory celebrities enter when they use their platforms for activism.

Jann and Rosie also talk about feminism and the power of choice, motherhood, relationships with other women in entertainment like Barbara Streisand and P!NK, celebrity friendships, public controversy and the courage it can take to remain outspoken when silence would be easier.

At the heart of the conversation is a question about legacy: after decades in the public eye, what does Rosie O’Donnell want to do next?

Keep up with Rosie:

https://linktr.ee/rosieodonnell

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Leave us a voicenote!

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Proudly produced by Women in Media Network:

www.womeninmedia.network/⁠

Chapters:

(00:00) The Return of Rosie O'Donnell

(03:10) Navigating Relationships and Independence

(06:11) Embracing Aging and Personal Growth

(09:04) Creating Common Knowledge

(11:48) The Power of Empathy and Sensitivity

(14:55) The Impact of Politics on Mental Health

(17:49) The Future of Media and Representation

(21:00) Reflections on Career and Legacy

(28:35) Nostalgia and Legacy in Entertainment

(30:55) The Importance of Authenticity

(32:46) Advocacy for Epstein Survivors

(39:43) Personal Reflections on Life and Motherhood

(40:53) The Impact of Celebrity Relationships

(43:57) Women Supporting Women in Activism

(49:02) Navigating Controversy in Celebrity Activism
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Looking back at this conversation from October 2025, Jann revisits her conversation with WWE superstar Natalie "Nattie" Neidhart about her memoir, 'The Last Hart Beating.' They discuss Natalie's journey through wrestling, her family legacy, personal struggles, and the challenges of writing a book. Natalie shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, the importance of resilience, and the impact of her family's history on her career. The conversation highlights themes of healing, vulnerability, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

Nattie Neidhart is a third-generation WWE Superstar who has wrestled at the highest level for nearly eighteen years. Her family, the Harts, built a wrestling dynasty spanning nearly eight decades. She is the first woman in the family to carry on the tradition and holds six world records. She and her husband TJ, along with their eight cats, reside in Tampa, Florida, where they train aspiring wrestlers in their private training facility, The Dungeon.



Grab the book:

⁠https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/The-Last-Hart-Beating/Nattie-Neidhart/9781668098547⁠

#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.

Leave us a voicenote!

⁠www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/⁠⁠

Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon:

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Chapters

(00:00) Family Dynamics and Personal Experiences

(16:53) The Journey of Writing a Book

(19:55) Overcoming Vulnerability and Imposter Syndrome

(22:54) The Fight for Relevance in Wrestling

(25:53) The Wrestling Dungeon and Family Legacy

(28:53) Navigating Grief and Family Challenges

(31:44) The Future of Wrestling and Personal Aspirations
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Jann, Caitlin, and Sarah invite Thordis to recap her experience at the couple’s wedding, but also to discuss the recent Meta settlement as a leader in digital safety.

Jann and Thordis reflect on their transition into married life, discussing the public and private aspects of their lives, particularly regarding their wedding coverage in media.

Thordis walks us through the $18 billion Meta settlement, discussing its implications for social media platforms and child safety. They touch on the profound impact of algorithmic feeds on society, particularly concerning youth and mental health. They explore the differences between chronological and algorithmic feeds, the consequences of addictive products like those from Meta, and the importance of parental controls and societal awareness in protecting children.

The crew wraps up with some listener voicenotes!

HELLO Magazine:

https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/920249/exclusive-jann-arden-marries-thordis-elva-in-whimsical-alberta-wedding-see-the-photos/

Thordis Elva Guest Episodes:

https://www.jannardenpod.com/guests/thordis-elva/

Chapters:

(00:00) Wedding Reflections and Highlights

(13:11) Navigating Public and Private Life

(16:01) Meta's Settlement and Social Media Impact

(17:42) The Impact of Algorithmic Feeds

(22:41) Understanding Chronological vs. Algorithmic Feeds

(25:48) The Consequences of Addictive Products

(30:47) Parental Controls and Societal Awareness

(36:47) Personal Experiences and Reflections on Parenting

(41:05) Exploring Toronto's Outdoor Activities

(42:13) Back to School Excitement

(43:36) The Deep Connection Between Mothers and Children

(44:20) Fishing Adventures and Family Life

(46:55) Long-Distance Relationships and Transitioning

(48:34) Listener Engagement and Heartfelt Stories

#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.

Leave us a voicenote!

⁠⁠www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/⁠⁠⁠

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In this edition of Behind the Song, Jann and Sarah discuss the story behind Jann's hit song 'The Sound Of,' as inspired by a loyal listener's voicenote. They discuss the songwriting process and the themes of the song, including its exploration of one night stands and personal empowerment. This leads Jann to reflect on the challenges she faced with her record label and the legacy of her music.

What song do you want us to cover next?

#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.

Leave us a voicenote!

⁠www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/⁠⁠

Get access to bonus content and more on Patreon:

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Jann, Caitlin & Sarah begin the show with a special tribute to Dolly Parton following the news of her passing. Along with reflections from the hosts, members of the OnlyJanns community share what Dolly meant to them during a recent book club gathering, celebrating the music, humour, generosity and spirit that made her so deeply admired.

Shortly after, Jann welcomes bestselling author Carley Fortune. They discuss Carley's remarkable transition from a successful media career to becoming a celebrated romance writer. The conversation explores second chances, the challenges of writing romance, and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Carley shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her novels, and the adaptation of her work into a Netflix series. She shares insights on balancing her successful career with family life and reflects on the personal elements she weaves into her characters and the creative rituals that inspire her writing.

More about Carley Fortune:

Carley Fortune is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After, Meet Me at the Lake, This Summer Will Be Different, One Golden Summer, and Our Perfect Storm. Previously a journalist, Carley lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons.

https://www.carleyfortune.com/

#ASKJANN - want some life advice from Jann? Send in a story with a DM or on our website.

Leave us a voicenote!

⁠www.jannardenpod.com/voicemail/⁠⁠

Join our Book Club & access bonus content on Patreon:

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*Photo credit* Jenna Marie Wakani 2025
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