Work in Progress with Sophia Bush

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Work in Progress with Sophia Bush features frank, funny, personal, professional, and sometimes even political conversations with people who inspire Sophia about how they’ve gotten to where they are, and where they think they’re still going. These discussions stem from her "aha" moment of realizing you are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously. read less

Our Editor's Take

Sophia Bush is best known for being an actor. During her career, she has starred in many popular TV series and films, including One Tree Hill and Chicago P.D. What people may not know is that she is also an activist and the host of the Work In Progress with Sophia Bush podcast. This podcast series sees Sophia interview a range of people who have inspired her. She talks to them about what it has taken to get them to where they are today and where they think they're going now.

The podcast aims to help listeners understand why people are the way they are. It also encourages listeners to know their worth and celebrate their successes. Each episode features a different guest, with frank conversations covering many details. The series includes funny, personal, professional, and sometimes even political conversations. Since the first episode, the guest list has seen some impressive names from all walks of life. The first guest was writer, political activist, and feminist organizer Gloria Steinman. Other guests include musician Jack Garratt, former CIA agent Valerie Plame, and actor Kate Bosworth.

Sophia's friendly and informal style allows the guests to open up and share intimate details about their lives. It's the perfect combination of comedy, self-awareness, and inspiration. The show leaves listeners feeling positive about their lives as a Work In Progress.

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Welcome to Work in Progress Season 3

Welcome to Work in Progress Season 3

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Episodes

Work in Progress: Yvonne Strahovski

Work in Progress: Yvonne Strahovski

Emmy-nominated actress Yvonne Strahovski first turned heads as a CIA agent in the popular NBC series Chuck, followed by a role in another hit show, Dexter, and, of course, as Serena Joy Waterford in the award-winning series The Handmaid's Tale. Yvonne joins Sophia to chat about the final season of The Handmaid's Tale, including how she feels about the show coming to an end, the scenes that made her feel uncomfortable, how significant and relevant the show is in the current political space, and how she would love to dive into a comedy next! Plus, she talks about juggling her globe-trotting career with motherhood, what she was like as a child, and starring and executive-producing her new horror series, Teacup, on Peacock! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Zachary Quinto

Work in Progress: Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto has thrilled audiences with his performances on stage, film, and TV, starring in huge hits like Heroes and American Horror Story and playing the iconic character Spock in the Star Trek reboot. The brilliant actor is now tackling a new role in NBC's medical drama "Brilliant Minds." In a candid chat, pals Zachary and Sophia get very vulnerable about the election's outcome and how they plan to move forward. Zachary also talks about his journey through sobriety, shares the impact meditation has had on him, the biggest shift in his life that set him on the path to acting, and how booking Heroes and Star Trek at age thirty affected him. Plus, Zachary reveals why he initially was not interested in playing the leading man in NBC's new medical drama, "Brilliant Minds," and what changed his mind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Amber Ruffin

Work in Progress: Amber Ruffin

Comedian, performer, and host Amber Ruffin knew she was funny at a young age, so it's no surprise she is making viewers laugh out loud on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and CNN's "Have I Got News For You." Amber joins Sophia to talk about her road to comedy, making history as the first black woman ever to write for a late-night talk show in America, her decision to share her own experiences with police brutality on late night, writing a best-selling book with her sister, her decision to come out as queer earlier this year, and why humor is such an important force for good. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people are feeling heartbroken and terrified right now, and the biggest question in the air is, what went wrong? The View co-host, political strategist, and commentator Ana Navarro joins Sophia to try to make sense of the election outcome, the Latino vote, the role misogyny, racism, and misinformation played during the election, the importance of supporting organizations that help our most vulnerable, and how we move forward. Ana also discusses the importance of Democrats finding strong candidates to run for office in 2026, choosing hope vs hate, the importance of self-care at a time like this, and a reminder - you are not alone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Kaitlan Collins

Work in Progress: Kaitlan Collins

It's go time! Election Day is here, and CNN Anchor Kaitlan Collins joins Sophia to chat about what she's hearing from both camps, the gender gap, polls in 2020 vs 2024, youth voter turnout, and what it was like being called a "nasty person" by Trump. Kaitlan also talks about being prepared when things go off the rails, how CNN plans to cover election night, and when she thinks we will know the actual results. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Traister

Rebecca Traister

Rebecca Traister is an award-winning writer covering women in politics and media, a best-selling author and one of Sophia’s idols! Rebecca joins Sophia to discuss the shifting ideas of power distribution, the clash we are in the middle of now, what preceded the rise of Donald Trump, the preventable death of a pregnant teen in Texas because of the state's abortion ban, and the Republicans' plan to undermine workplace protections. Rebecca is the author of "Big Girls Don't Cry," "All the Single Ladies," and "Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger." For more information on Rebecca and her work, visit rebeccatraister.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Governor Jay Inslee

Work in Progress: Governor Jay Inslee

As a kid, he dreamed of playing for the Boston Celtics. As he got older, he thought he would end up in the medical field, but Washington Governor Jay Inslee found himself on a path toward public service instead. The 'Greenest' Governor sits down with Sophia to share the story of his political journey. From the positive experience of connecting with communities, to the negatives of the political experience . . . like when Former President Trump refused to provide disaster relief to a whole community that burned down in Washington, because the Governor opposed Trump's Muslim ban and climate change denial. Despite the good, bad, and sometimes ugly? Inslee says you should not be afraid of throwing your hat in the ring!! The Governor also discusses the election ballots that were recently burned in his state and what is being done about it, the positive economic impact of climate policy and the creation of green jobs, his optimism about the future of clean energy jobs, and his plan to focus on climate solutions after he leaves office after his current and final term. He’s ready to pass the torch. To us!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harvard Professor, bestselling author, and founder of Vision & Justice, Sarah Lewis, is bringing to light what has been hidden from view about racial hierarchy in the U.S. in her new illuminating book, "The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America." Sarah joins Sophia to discuss her extensive investigative work that revealed the hidden history of images that changed our perceptions of race. They also discuss the moments in history that have shaped us, how Frederick Douglass' speech on the power of images inspired Sarah's work, and how her near-death experience changed her outlook on life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Joanna "JoJo" Levesque

Work in Progress: Joanna "JoJo" Levesque

Singer, songwriter, and actress Joanna "JoJo" Levesque was only 13 years old when she broke onto the music scene with her smash hit song, 'Leave (Get Out).' Her career was skyrocketing straight to the top, but then she disappeared from the spotlight. JoJo is finally telling her side of the story. JoJo opens up to Sophia about her decision to write down her experiences in her new memoir, the power of owning your story, growing up with parents who struggled with addiction, misconceptions people have regarding fame and success, and the nearly decade-long battle with her record label. Plus, JoJo talks about feeling stronger than ever, advice Cyndi Lauper gave her, being on Broadway, and her new music! JoJo's new memoir, "Over the Influence,” is available now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Gwen Walz

Work in Progress: Gwen Walz

Minnesota's First Lady and the wife of VP Nominee Tim Walz is hitting the ground running with an important message - get to the ballot box and VOTE! Gwen Walz joins Sophia to discuss the critical issues at stake this election, including a top voter concern that’s also incredibly personal to her and Sophia: reproductive freedom. Gwen also shares why and how Tim got involved in politics after returning from his military deployment, how they kept their infertility story to themselves for 20 years, and why they decided to go public with it in hopes to support other families. Plus, Gwen reveals who she turns to for advice, lessons learned as a teacher (and why she thinks Sophia would make a great professor!) and her own work in progress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Jason George

Work in Progress: Jason George

Onscreen, he's known for saving lives as Ben Warren on Station 19 and Grey's Anatomy. Offscreen, he's making a real difference as the chair of SAG-AFTRA's Diversity Advisory Committee and as an advocate for gun safety. Actor Jason George joins his 'fellow circus performer' Sophia for an insightful chat about how his upbringing led to his activism and union work, being in the negotiating room when the actors went on strike, saying an emotional goodbye to Station 19, and returning to Grey's! Jason also talks about his new passion project - flipping the script on how guns are portrayed in the media and making gun safety cool. To learn more about Hollywood, Health & Society's 'Trigger Warning: Gun Guidelines for the Media' in collaboration with Brady, the nation's oldest gun violence prevention group, visit hollywoodhealthandsociety.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Gary Vaynerchuk

Work in Progress: Gary Vaynerchuk

Serial entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author Gary Vaynerchuk, better known as 'Gary Vee,' currently has not one but two new books out, all while juggling multiple enterprises! Gary joins Sophia to reveal how he finds balance, the two core foundations of his life, hustle vs burnout, and what petrifies him. He also shares some of the secrets to his success, including his biggest tip: be nice! Plus, Gary chats about his new children's book, "Meet Me in the Middle," and for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators, "Day Trading Attention," both available now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Penn & Kim Holderness

Work in Progress: Penn & Kim Holderness

For online content creators Penn & Kim Holderness, the saying, "the couple that works together, stays together," is spot on! The couple, who have been married for over 18 years, are best-selling authors, podcast hosts, and Season 33 'The Amazing Race' winners. They join Sophia to discuss their new project, taking on the stigma of ADHD with their book "ADHD is Awesome." The power couple opens up about Penn's ADHD diagnosis, reframing how people think about ADHD, dealing with 'time blindness,' the viral video that jump-started their company and the lessons they learned along the way!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Marcia Clark

Work in Progress: Marcia Clark

She became a household name in the 90s as the lead prosecutor in O.J. Simpson's trial, but her career in law was accidental. Marcia Clark initially wanted to be an actress! Even though the prosecutor, author, and host had different career goals, she admits to Sophia that her interest in criminal law and solving mysteries started at a very young age! She also shares what it was like being in the eye of the storm during the trial of the century, the sexism directed at her, and how she felt when she first heard about the limited series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Plus, Marcia talks about her new podcast, 'Informants: Lawyer X,' which is about a high-profile defense attorney who turned police informer against her own clients, and that is just the tip of the iceberg! 'Informants: Lawyer X' is out now on Wondery+.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Amanda Zurawski

Work in Progress: Amanda Zurawski

The repercussions of overturning Roe v. Wade have been devastating for many women. One of them is Amanda Zurawski, who nearly died after being refused life-saving healthcare. Amanda shares her harrowing story with Sophia - one that should never have happened. Amanda was looking forward to being a new mom when the unthinkable happened: she suffered complications during her pregnancy. Doctors informed her that the baby wouldn't survive, but due to Texas' abortion ban, they were unable to terminate the pregnancy. Amanda went into septic shock twice before getting the care she desperately needed. Now, she's fighting for reproductive rights so that other women will never have to endure the same trauma she did.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Kamala Harris

Work in Progress: Kamala Harris

There's a lot at stake in this election, including women's access to healthcare. Sophia, a long-standing advocate for reproductive healthcare, shares her conversations about reproductive rights with Vice President Kamala Harris from 2022 at Bryn Mawr College and 2024's "Fight for Reproductive Freedoms" tour. The discussions center on the fight for the freedom of every American to make decisions about their own bodies, how we got here, and who these attacks affect the most.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the brightest minds, activists, and trailblazers came together in NYC for The Ford Foundation's Free Future panel, "Preventing Gender Violence Around the World." Sophia and Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice with the ACLU's LGBT & HIV Project, explain why the ACLU is heading to the Supreme Court to fight for trans youth health care and what's at stake. For more information, head over to aclu.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Uzo Aduba

Work in Progress: Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba is a force on the big screen, small screen — and the stage! Now, she is crossing off one more accomplishment from her list: author. The Emmy award-winning actress opens up to Sophia about her new memoir, "The Road Is Good: How a Mother's Strength Became a Daughter's Purpose.” Uzo shares her coming-of-age story growing up Nigerian-American in a predominately white suburb, her journey to becoming an actor, and the profound life lessons she learned from her mother that helped shape who she is today as an actress, advocate, and a mother herself. Plus, both women reflect on the emotional impact of attending the DNC (lots of tears were shed). Uzo also talks about another impactful moment in her life, being on the verge of quitting acting, when she landed the role of Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' on "Orange is the New Black." She reveals how she prepared for the role, how it changed her life, and the one actress who knew it would be a hit from the start!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Morgan Wade

Work in Progress: Morgan Wade

Rising country music artist Morgan Wade may seem like an overnight success, but it took a lot of hustle and hard work to get to where she is now. The singer-songwriter chats with Sophia about being young and hungry to make it, and putting everything she had into kick-starting her career from booking her own shows, creating her own merch, and even building her own website! She reveals why her collaboration with Kesha felt like a full circle moment, and what it’s been like to tour with legends Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett. Plus, she shares that despite her busy schedule, she's already written her next record! Morgan gets candid about the gauntlet of media exposure — from good to bad — and how she felt reading some of the more sensational headlines about herself. She also courageously shares about her personal road to sobriety, and opens up about her double mastectomy. Conversation topics that she hopes help others too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work in Progress: Karine Jean-Pierre

Work in Progress: Karine Jean-Pierre

Karine Jean-Pierre grew up the proud daughter of immigrants who came to this country for a better life. And she achieved the ultimate American Dream, making history as both the first Black woman and the first openly gay person to serve as the White House Press Secretary. During an in-person sit down at the White House, Sophia catches up with Karine, who reveals what really happens outside of the Briefing Room, the secret to her success, how her tough childhood shaped her, the historical significance of the room they're chatting in, and why representation matters to all of us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.