Dr. David Dodick is a notable neurologist and the Chief Science and Medical Officer of Atria. He joins Martha to discuss the latest research about lifestyle interventions that help reduce cognitive decline, actionable ways to optimize your brain health, and when to be worried. He also shares tips for stroke prevention and explains why sleep is really the most important thing you can do for the body.

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With all eyes on the consequential presidential election already underway, Martha talks this week to the famed political operative, James Carville, and the director of the new documentary about his work, Matt Tyrnauer. The documentary, called "Winning is Everything, Stupid!" chronicles how Carville has practiced a brand of old-school political gamesmanship from the 1992 Bill Clinton campaign through today. The film looks at his longtime marriage to Mary Matalin, his partisan opposite, and Carville's mastery at shaping messages. Don't miss this timely and insightful discussion.

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Yotam Ottolenghi, like many of us, is looking for comfort now more than ever. The influential London-based chef joins Martha today to talk about his newest cookbook: Ottolenghi Comfort. These passionate cooks talk about the simple foods that comfort them and tips about the ingredients they use for them, from pomegranates to phyllo dough. Yotam also shares his insights on the how the Israeli cuisine he grew up around came to be blended from the many diasporas of Jewish people. This charming conversation will leave you hungry for more!

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Thousands of years ago, Cleopatra used olive oil to keep her skin beautiful. Today, Agatha Relota Luczo has created a “clean” beauty business based on this common kitchen ingredient. The model and entrepreneur uses fruit from the ancient olive trees on her Sicilian farm (the oldest is more than 1,000 years old!) to make Furtuna Skin's organic skincare products. From her daily shot of extra virgin olive oil to her olive oil-based cleansers and moisturizers, Agatha is an evangelist for the beauty benefits it provides “from inside out.” She talks to Martha today about the transformative effects of this ancient ingredient and the business she has built around it.

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In today’s episode, Martha sits down with two sisters from a multi-talented family, the incomparable Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton, a successful musician, actress, and the co-author of “Good Lookin’ Cookin” with Dolly. Martha, Dolly and Rachel share a mutual admiration, a love for cooking, and a wealth of knowledge about carving out success as a woman in the public eye. Listen here as Dolly and Rachel share memories of the family cooks who inspired the book, plus Rachel’s secrets for delicious cornbread. From Thanksgiving menu planning to wigs, waist size, and advocating for your own career, Martha covers the gamut with these powerhouse sisters.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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