For 17 years, Hoda Kotb helped viewers usher in their mornings each weekday as coanchor of Today. But after nearly two decades at NBC, the 60-year-old decided it was time for something new. For her next act, she’s offering lessons in happiness with her app, Joy 101, which launched in May.
“I’ve had many transitions,” Hoda says of launching her wellness endeavor, which was inspired by a life-changing breathwork session. “I’ve moved jobs and relationships, but this one for some reason just feels like it was right for me.”
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That doesn’t mean that it came without at least a little trepidation. “Pivots are risks because everybody needs insurance and a paycheck,” she says. “I got some great advice from a friend: ‘When you’re thinking about a new chapter, put 10 percent of your time and 10 percent of your money toward the dream, and keep your job so you can pay your bills. Grow it until you feel like you’re on solid footing and can make that pivot.'”
With a sense of optimism and excitement about what her future holds, Hoda shared some firsts and favorites—plus how she’s focusing on her longevity—with Women’s Health in a recent conversation.
What time is your alarm?
I don’t have an alarm. I wake up naturally at 4:30 a.m. because of life. That’s sleeping in for me. I used to wake up at 3:30 [for Today].
Who inspired you early on?
My mom—she led by example. When she turned 60, she ran the Marine Corps Marathon. She was drenched in sweat and delirious by the end. But I will always have the memory of her running up that last hill to the Iwo Jima memorial. When I need inspiration, I think to myself, If she could do that, then I can do this.
First job?
I delivered The Washington Post when I was 12 years old. It was a 4:30 a.m. wake-up. There’s a through line here.…
Fave hype-up song?
“APT.” by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
Go-to mantra?
“This, too, shall pass.” When you’re in the thick of it, you feel like you’re drowning and that’s it, but it’s only for a moment. I try to remember that.
Top longevity habit you do for your body?
I’ve always done [indoor cycling], but now I’ve added weight training and I feel like my body’s changing. I joined a gym that’s the kind where you see beefcakes: lots of weights, and sled pushing.… I have more energy than ever before.
And for your brain?
I meditate. The clarity that comes after—I’m sharper and have good ideas.
Fave vacation spot?
The girls and I go to a place near Cancún for splashing and eating guacamole and finding shells. That’s my happy place.
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Amy Wilkinson is a contributing entertainment editor at Women’s Health, where she edits the magazine’s celebrity cover stories and writes health features. She has previously held editor titles at Entertainment Weekly and MTV News. In 2021, Amy completed her 600-hour teacher-training at Core Pilates NYC to become a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor.