A Spoonful of Paolo with Paolo Presta

Can I tell you how excited I was to sit down with the incredibly talented and beautiful Liza Colón-Zayas? She won an Emmy for her performance as Tina on Hulu/FX hit series (AND MY FAVORITE SHOW!) The Bear, and I don’t think I can find the words to fully describe how impactful and meaningful this conversation was. We explored love and grief and dreams and resilience (and SPIDER-MAN…), and I didn’t want this interview to end. I hope this episode inspires you to believe that no matter where you are in your life, it’s never too...

She was Jan Brady. But there is so much more to her story. 💛 I'm so honored to welcome television royalty EVE PLUMB to #ASpoonfulofPaolo! We talk about The Brady Bunch, her life beyond Hollywood, her personal journey through breast cancer and grief, and her beautiful new memoir 'Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond.' Eve opens up in a way audiences rarely get to see in this honest, vulnerable and inspiring interview. This one stayed with me long after the cameras stopped. Don’t miss it!

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Joan Lunden is in our Chicago studio, and she did not hold back! The iconic Good Morning America host and trailblazing journalist is incredibly open in her new memoir, JOAN: Life Beyond The Script — and what an honor it was to sit down with her for this intimate conversation. Joan is a true trailblazer, and I'm in awe of the powerful stories she shared, both in her book and in this interview. If you're looking for a little inspiration, hope, and love, this episode is for you!

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Today I'm talking with the beautiful and talented actress, singer, author, advocate and entrepreneur Tatyana Ali! If you’re looking for a dose of love, inspiration and hope, then this episode is for you. We talk about everything in this interview, including Tatyana’s incredible new children’s book Aszi and the Octopus & soooo much more. I mean, I got to talk with Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air… how freaking cool is that?! I am so proud of this episode and just wait until you see the emotional surprises we BOTH got at the end of t...

Join me for a powerful new episode of A Spoonful of Paolo featuring daytime legend and Emmy Award winner Susan Lucci. I haven’t stopped thinking about this conversation since we taped it last week. Susan’s New York Times bestselling memoir, La Lucci, is beautiful, raw, and deeply truthful. I couldn’t wait to sit down with her to go even further into her extraordinary story. We talk about profound loss, grief, enduring love, and what it truly means to hold onto your dreams. I also treasured the opportunity to thank her for her unforgettable portrayal of Eri...

Here’s a HOT NEW A Spoonful of Paolo episode with actor, comedian, author, and Emmy winner Jeff Hiller! If you didn’t fall in love with him on HBO’s incredible Somebody Somewhere, it’s time to start watching immediately. This is a conversation I will truly never forget. Jeff’s story is raw, honest, relatable, and deeply inspiring. From being bullied as kids, to coming out to our parents, to losing our beloved moms and always dreaming BIG, our worlds felt beautifully—and cosmically—connected. Enjoy!

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My heart broke this week when I heard about the passing of General Hospital icon Anthony Geary. So many of us remember where we were when his character, Luke, married Laura. I grew up watching this show with my mom and sister, and I still watch it every night with my husband Patrick. We had the honor of interviewing Anthony Geary back in May of 2015 when he was retiring from the show. When we released the episode, Anthony sent me a text thanking me. As you’ll hear in the intro, it’s something I hold dear to my hear...

Discretion advised: This episode contains adult language. My interview with comedian, actor, and NYT bestselling author Leslie Jones is out today! This is truly one I will never forget. In this conversation, Leslie opens up about her new comedy special (which was taped the DAY after the election), how her big dreams took her to SNL, and her extraordinary grief journey with so much honesty and heart. I’m forever grateful for her vulnerability, her strength, and the beautiful energy she brought to this interview. 

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Today, I sit down in an all-new A Spoonful of Paolo interview with world-renowned psychic medium John Edward! What an honor it was to talk with John about everything from his secret life working with the FBI in his new book “Chasing Evil” to his incredible 40+ year journey providing comfort and healing to countless people all over the world. I’ve been blessed to sit down with so many guests who’ve had a huge impact on my life, but this episode was truly something special. His words hit me like a ton of bricks and I walked away with a d...

We’re back with an all-new A Spoonful of Paolo episode featuring comedian, author, producer, and activist - the very funny, Cristela Alonzo! There was so much to talk about from her childhood growing up in poverty, to chasing her dreams, to her new Netflix special “Upper Classy.” Let me just say, if you need a little inspiration and motivation, this episode is for you! 

To see the video version of this interview or any of our other interviews, head over to aspoonfulofpaolo.com or our YouTube channel. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!

INSTAGR...

10 years ago, my husband and I went to see the incredible Danielle Brooks in Broadway’s The Color Purple. We were mesmerized by her performance and we have been following her remarkable journey as a Grammy Winner and Oscar, Tony and Emmy nominated actor ever since. I've dreamed of this moment for a long time and today that dream comes alive. I am so proud to say we are kicking off our 15th season of A Spoonful of Paolo with the one and only Danielle Brooks! This interview is filled with love, dreams, inspiration and, of course, a surprise mo...

It’s time for a very special Pride Month episode of A Spoonful of Paolo with the one and only Sandra Bernhard — actor, comedian, and true national treasure! Sandra can do it all, and in this episode we talk about everything from her new comedy tour Shapes & Forms to her extraordinary Hollywood beginnings as manicurist to the stars to her declaration at 5 years old that she was going to be a comedian. Today also happens to be Sandra's 70th birthday!!! Of course, we surprised her with a party and a heartfelt gift to celebrate!! Happy PRIDE and Happy Birthday, Sand...

My super fun, super special, and super heartfelt interview with the queen of surviving and thriving Michelle Buteau is out today! Michelle's story is beyond inspiring, and this small clip shows you how she did more than just manifest her dreams...she took charge of her life and ignored all the nay sayers. This A Spoonful of Paolo episode is bursting joy and love and a few surprises. I had so much fun talking with Michelle about her Oprah & Julia Child-inspired childhood to her stand up comedy to her hit Netflix show Survival of the Thickest! This will be...

I can’t believe I can say this, but my interview with Ms. Tina Knowles is officially out! I feel so grateful to have had this special moment to talk with Ms. Tina about her powerful, raw and inspiring memoir, Matriarch. From her childhood in Galveston, TX to learning how to stand up for herself & her girls to some truly amazing full circle moments, this was one conversation that will live in my heart forever. I hope her story inspires you to never give up on your dreams, to fight for what’s right, and to always believe in your...

Recently, I had the honor of being the moderator for the 8x Grammy-nominated musical genius Tori Amos to promote her gorgeous new children's book Tori and the Muses. I have to say this was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I was super nervous before the show, but the moment Tori and I walked on stage together, I felt completely at home and we had a fun, heartfelt and inspiring conversation. I am grateful for how open she was and how comfortable she made me feel onstage and off.  To all of her fans - s...

Here's a brand new A Spoonful of Paolo with the legendary comedian, actor, singer and author MARGARET CHO! She has a fabulous new album out called "Lucky Gift" and it's packed with with so many great songs. We had tons to talk about, from her new album to her relationships with the beloved Robin Williams & Joan Rivers to the struggles and triumphs of her incredible career. Margaret Cho has been making us laugh for decades and I was so honored to have her on A Spoonful of Paolo. She has gone through so many obstacles in her life but...

Here's my interview with the brilliant co-host of The Today Show, Savannah Guthrie! She wrote a beautiful new children’s book called “Mostly What God Does Is Love You” and this conversation was filled with A-ha moments and “God winks”. It was such an honor to talk to Savannah about her lovely picture book, her amazing career at The Today Show, her relationship with grief and how she chased her dreams! I walked away from this interview feeling more hopeful than ever and I hope you do too. Link in bio to watch the full episode and I hope you love it...

We have a very special A Spoonful of Paolo holiday episode out today with Tony-nominated actor Megan Hilty! Megan is currently killing it as Madeline Ashton in Broadway's new hit musical Death Becomes Her. I've wanted to talk with Megan ever since I saw her play the one and only Galinda in Wicked back in 2007. I was so grateful to finally get the chance to sit down with her,  and I loved our conversation. Her story, her talent and her perseverance has inspired me in so many ways, and she will remind you to follow your heart & do what m...

20 years ago TODAY, Oprah Winfrey made my wildest dream come true on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Now, I’m sitting down with Oprah herself for a very special & heartfelt A Spoonful of Paolo episode! This conversation is an offering of inspiration, love, perseverence and hope in a moment that we desperately need it. Patrick and I poured our hearts and souls into every detail of this episode, so I truly hope you enjoy it. ❤️🥄👏🥳🥄 

To see the video version of this interview or any of our other interviews, head over to aspoonfulofpaolo.com or our YouTube channel. Thanks for listenin...

SEASON 14 of A Spoonful of Paolo has arrived and we are kicking things off with the amazing, Tony Award-nominated Micaela Diamond! Micaela is currently starring in Ryan Murphy's new hit series Grotesquerie as the scene-stealing fan favorite Sister Megan. We met up with Micaela in NYC where she opened up about her meteoric journey from growing up in Margate, New Jersey to seeing her name in lights on Broadway, and what's it like working on a Ryan Murphy show alongside the incredible Niecy Nash. I truly loved my conversation with Micaela, and I hope her story of...

On July 13, 2024 the world lost an icon… Richard Simmons. Richard brought so much joy and love to his fans. He was America’s fitness guru who made us all feel seen and loved. I know this firsthand because Richard was a guest on A Spoonful Of Paolo on June 20th 2013. It was a big moment for our show because this was our 50th episode. A dear friend of mine made this interview possible and I am eternally grateful. I couldn’t believe we were going to tape my chat with Richard Simmons at his iconic studio, Slimmons in Beverly Hills...

Ending season 13 of A Spoonful of Paolo with the super-talented Mandy Moore reminds me that dreams do come true when you do the work and never give up. For the past 25 years, Mandy Moore has been a perfect example of that. I can't tell you what an honor and privilege it was to speak with her. A huge part of my life was spent listening to Mandy’s music, watching her movies & being mesmerized by her brilliant performance on the Emmy award-winning show This Is Us. Mandy and her two This Is Us co-stars, Sterling K. Brown and Chris Su...

Stop what you're doing because my interview with the legendary Brooke Shields is here! We talked about her new Netflix movie Mother of the Bride, her incredible career and her truly one-of-a-kind life. Stay til the end for super fun game that had us all spinning and a special surprise that left Brooke (and us) in awe. I've been so honored to sit down with some of Hollywood biggest legends, and my interview with Brooke Shields is right up there at the top. I will treasure my time with her forever and her inspiring story will remind you to...

The last time I talked with Valerie Bertinelli was 2 years ago, which was a pretty dark time in both of our lives. I can't tell you how JOYOUS it was to reunite in person and see just how much we both have been able to heal since then (after putting in lots of hard work, of course). We had such a meaningful and fun conversation about her new cookbook Indulge, how she deals with grief, and how Valerie got to a place where she truly loves herself. I can’t tell you how much I loved this ep...

Her nickname may be Scary, but she has a heart of GOLD! Here is my sit down interview with one of my dream guests - the one and only Mel B! She just released an update to her powerful memoir Brutally Honest where she opens up about her 10 year abusive marriage and how she was able to take her life back. In the true spirit of Girl Power, she is sharing her story to change the conversation around domestic violence and provide hope and healing to victims everywhere. We’re also celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Spice Girls in a...

Here it is, folks - our 200th episode of A Spoonful Of Paolo with the one and only Gayle King! I met Gayle for the first time 20 years ago when Oprah made my wildest dream come true. It was an honor and privilege to interview Gayle decades later at the CBS Mornings studio in Times Square - a true full circle moment. Gayle showed up to play and this special episode is filled with lots of fun, heartfelt and surprising moments. Patrick and I thank you for being a part of this amazing Spoonful journey and I hope my...

I'm so proud to share with you my full interviews from the purple carpet with Oprah Winfrey and the cast of #TheColorPurple! I still can’t believe this happened one week ago today. It was a dream come true to talk with this phenomenal cast about a story that has transcended generations. I watched “The Color Purple” twice last week and I can’t overstate how powerful, magical and profoundly beautiful this film is. I want to give a special thank you to everyone at Oprah Daily for believing in me and trusting me to represent you on the purple c...

Ease on down the road with this brand new A Spoonful Of Paolo episode with award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, producer and winemaker Deborah Cox! This conversation goes DEEP and will inspire you in so many ways. We’re talking about everything from her time working with Celine Dion & Whitney Houston, to taking a chance on her solo career to her Broadway-bound role in The Wiz. Stay 'til the end to find out the special gift that brought us ALL to tears. I can't even explain how much I loved this interview and I hope that yo...

It's Spoonful time! Here's my brand new interview with 3x Emmy-winning co-host of ABC’s The View & 2x NYT best-selling author Sunny Hostin! I have been a huge fan of The View since the show was launched back in 1997, so to be able to sit down with Sunny Hostin was a huge honor for me. I am so inspired by Sunny’s journey to her dreams and her perseverance in life, and I know you will be too. ALSO, since tomorrow is Sunny’s birthday, you know we had to surprise her with a special gift at the end. I will...

If you look up “triple threat” in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of today’s LEGENDARY “A Spoonful of Paolo” guest - the one and only Ann-Margret! What an honor it was to sit down and have a heartfelt, fun and inspiring conversation about her iconic Hollywood career and her fascinating life. We talked about everything from her new perfume to working with some of the biggest names in entertainment to her inspiring journey to America as a young girl. I am forever grateful for this episode and to Ann-Margret for being so open about her family, career and d...

“Are we lucky or what?” is Julie Andrews’ longtime motto and I am officially borrowing it for the day. I am filled with gratitude as I share my magical chat with the legendary Julie Andrews and her lovely, creative & talented daughter Emma Walton Hamilton. We talked about everything from their inspiring new children’s book The Enchanted Symphony to their special mother/daughter relationship to their BIG dreams & MORE! When you dream of something for years and it actually happens, it’s almost impossible to contain all of the emotions and happy tears. I will cherish this interview forever and I hope...

Join me for a brand new, JUST GORGEOUS episode of A Spoonful Of Paolo with social media sensation & New York Times best-selling author Nadia Caterina Munno… AKA The Pasta Queen!  Not only was this my first interview during a hurricane, it was one of my favorite conversations ever. I’ve been a huge fan of Nadia's videos and her journey to becoming the QUEEN of pasta is so inspiring! I hope y’all love it as much as I do. Grazie a tutti! 🍝😋❤🥄 

To see the video version of this interview or any of our other interviews, head over to aspoon...

TLC's My Big Fat Fabulous Life starts it's 11th season today, and it's the first without Whitney's beloved mom Babs. I first interviewed Whitney Way Thore back in 2015, and I knew I needed to talk to her again as we both lost our mothers last year. The new season of her hit show is going to be full of raw tears and healing, and so was this conversation. It is an honor to kick off A Spoonful Of Paolo season 13 with my friend Whitney, and I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did! 

To s...

We are kicking off Pride Month with a very special interview with the SUPER talented American Idol & The Masked Singer star David Archuleta! I hope you will take the time to listen to this beautiful & heartfelt episode. We talk about everything from processing the chaos of American Idol as a young teen to coming out as a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community to his new song “Up” which comes out tomorrow, June 2nd. David's had one inspiring & amazing journey! I hope this interview helps any parent out there who is struggling with embracing their LGBTQ+ child and...

Today, the whole country is celebrating the 90th birthday of the one and only Carol Burnett! I was beyond honored to sit down with her in 2018 to talk about her about her legendary life and career. Getting the chance to spend time with Carol and tell her how I feel about her was truly one of the best days of my life. We also gave her one of my favorite gifts we have ever given on A Spoonful of Paolo and her reaction brings me to tears every time I see it. Today, we are releasing a brand new...

The wait is over....check out my exclusive interview with former first daughter, activist & author Chelsea Clinton and the brilliant & supremely-talented illustrator Alexandra Boiger. They have a beautiful, informative children's book series out called #ShePersisted, and the story of how it came about is truly inspiring! Make sure you watch until the end because we have a few incredible SURPRISES in store for both Chelsea and Alexandra. TBH this was by far my favorite surprise we have ever done on #aspoonfulofpaolo! I hope you love this interview as much as we do, and don't forget to always persist and...

I've watched Kathie Lee Gifford since "Live with Regis & Kathie Lee" - and I was late to the party... She's been entertaining people since she was 10 years old! I had so much fun talking to her about her tenacious personality that made all her wildest dreams come true (and got her kicked out of Sunday school). The story of how she fought for what she deserved during the launch of "Live" is absolutely inspiring. I hope you enjoy our chat and she reminds you to have faith, dream big, and not to sell your joy! 🥄🥄🥄
 

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Today, I sit down with Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo for a beautiful, healing and insightful conversation. This was a very special episode for us and I hope you love it as much as we do. Theresa has a gift and it was an honor to talk about how she coped with it as a child and how her Catholic family has embraced her abilities as a medium. Also, don't forget I will be a guest on Theresa Caputo's podcast "Hey Spirit!" next Thursday, April 13th. I was able to connect with my beloved mom and it was an...

Check out my one-on-one interview with Emmy-nominated actress, writer, host and comedian Yvette Nicole Brown. We had a moving, emotional and fun conversation about her new hit sitcom Act Your Age, her early years in L.A., the loss of our beloved mothers and being a caregiver to her Dad. This girl from East Cleveland, Ohio had big dreams and the story of how she got to where she is today will inspire you deeply. Stay til the end for a special surprise that had us both in tears! 🥄🥄🥄

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What an incredible honor it was to sit down and talk to the entire cast of Hulu’s hit show “How I Met Your Father”! We had so much fun being on the set (in Sophie and Valentina's living room!!!) and seeing up close how magical and special this cast is. Check out my super fun interviews with Hilary Duff, Chris Lowell, Suraj Sharma, Tom Ainsley, Tien Tran and Francia Raisa and be sure to catch a new episode of #HIMYF today on Hulu! 🥄🥄🥄

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