What Matters with Liz

Woman's World
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

What Matters with Liz is an empowering series focused on the health, happiness, and hearts of women. Hosted by Woman's World Editor-in-Chief, bestselling author, and TV personality Liz Vaccariello, each episode explores a unique theme delivering compelling conversations, memorable moments, and transformative takeaways. In a world filled with noise and negativity, this is your place for connection, gratitude, authenticity, and joy. What Matters with Liz premieres February 18, 2026 - like and subscribe today! Follow @womansworldmag for more!

  1. May 27

    What Matters with Jenny Mollen: Connection, Humor & Grit

    “I want to know people because I also want to be known by them. I want to have that connection.” ~ Jenny Mollen She’s been called an actress, a New York Times bestselling author, and an influencer, but at the heart of Jenny Mollen’s multi-hyphenate career is storytelling driven by curiosity, humor, and connection.  On What Matters with Liz, Jenny reflects on the importance of listening, valuing other people’s stories, and sharing your truth. She explains how writing helps her process emotion and make sense of the world. Fearless, forthright, and unfiltered, Jenny talks about life in the public eye, her social media regrets, and why Instagram is “the ultimate narcissist.” She gets real about her marriage to Jason Biggs and how feeling like “the American Pie spare” was both frustrating and strangely freeing. She explains why she and Jason decided to protect their children’s privacy and not share their faces and why she hopes to delay giving her sons cell phones until they’re sixteen.  Jenny also shares how dyslexia, rejection, and years of hearing “no” built her resilience and drive. She explains that every hero’s journey starts with hardship and her happy fairytale ending is for her sons to see that no matter what life throws at their mother, she’ll keep moving forward, rewrite the story and become her own hero. “I want my kids to see that you can't keep this bitch down – she is just gonna keep going. And I want them to always keep going,” says Jenny. “I want them to have grit. I am desperate for them to have the grit.”  In this episode, Jenny opens up about: Finding her voice in oversharing and turning the chaos of life into comedy The anxiety of public life and why she calls Instagram “the ultimate narcissist”Marriage, fame, and the decision to share Jason Bigg’s infamous “American Pie” scene with their 12-year-old sonHer scariest moment as a motherHer biggest social media regretHow writing helps her understand herself and other peopleWhy “Do it for the plot” became her life philosophyThe art of listening, building connection, and communityWhy she’d still write even if the audience disappearedCelebrating her 40th birthday with a Bat Mitzvah ceremony in IsraelSupporting the Kenya Education Fund and putting faith into actionHow the October 7th tragedy changed her perspectiveThe loss of her soulmate petStruggling with an eating disorderWhere she finds joy during life’s darkest momentsDyslexia, rejection and the grit she developed hearing “no”Why failure no longer scares herHer definition of a happy fairytale ending now “I’ve been told no so many times that no doesn’t mean anything anymore,” declares Jenny. “It’s lost its power.” Whether you’re a mom who’s tired of pretending she has it all together, a woman starting over in midlife, or simply someone who needs a good laugh, Jenny Mollen delivers. To hear more of Jenny’s stories, follow:  https://www.instagram.com/jennymollen/ https://jennymollenbiggs.substack.com Follow Woman’s World magazine at: https://www.instagram.com/womansworldmag Let us know what you thought of this episode in the comments.  Like and subscribe to What Matters with Liz on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    50 min

  2. May 20

    What Matters with Elizabeth Perkins: Art, Authenticity & Self-Acceptance

    “Fame has never been a motivator for me. Ever.” ~ Elizabeth Perkins Actress Elizabeth Perkins has built a career bringing complex, unforgettable women to life - from her breakout role opposite Tom Hanks in Big to her Emmy-nominated turn on Weeds to her current role on the Netflix series Big Mistakes. In this episode of What Matters with Liz, she reflects on her messiest and most memorable roles, the lessons she’s learned over four decades in Hollywood (including some from Elizabeth Tayor!) and how aging has strengthened her as an actress and a woman. But this isn’t a conversation just about Hollywood. It’s about being human - the frustrating, three-years that led to being diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and the importance of advocating for yourself, the burnout that led to moving to a farm and the joy found in nature, the grief of an empty nest and the freedom to pursue what makes you feel alive. In this episode, Elizabeth shares: Why she’s drawn to characters with secrets, flaws, and hidden vulnerabilitiesHow “faking it till you make it” helped launch her Hollywood careerWhat she misses about Celia Hodes - and if she thinks a Weeds reboot will happenHow a “fangirling” moment led to working with Dan Levy on Big MistakesWhat she learned from Elizabeth Taylor What she’s learned about aging Why she’s grateful to Jean SmartWhat it was like working with Tom Hanks on BigHer new series Cry Wolf with Olivia Coleman - and their surprising bondsHer journey to being diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and why women must advocate for their healthWhy she moved from Los Angeles to a farmHow art, yoga, meditation and nature bring her peaceHow the lessons we learn about being likeable can keep us from being authentic Why fame and awards were never her motivationWhat she loves about true crime  - especially SnappedThe importance of working with people who lead with integrity and kindnessWhy self acceptance matters more to her now ever She also opens up about the liberating realization that “nobody cares”—so you might as well be yourself. Follow Elizabeth Perkins at: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethperkins/ Follow Woman’s World at: https://www.instagram.com/womansworldmag Thanks for subscribing to What Matters with Liz. Let us know what you thought of this episode in the comments!   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    59 min

  3. May 13

    What Matters with Prue Leith: Being Old, Staying Curious & Loving Life

    “You’ll only be happy if you’re curious.” — Prue Leith After nine seasons of The Great British Baking Show (known as The Great British Bake Off in the UK), Prue Leith is stepping away from the beloved series. On this episode of What Matters with Liz, she reveals her first impression of Paul Hollywood, her favorite moments on set, and the real reason she’s leaving a TV show watched by millions. “I’m running out of time. I haven’t very many years left—certainly not decades. So things I’ve always thought, ‘I’ll do that one day,’ I better damn well do them now,” she says. At 86, Prue isn’t slowing down—she’s changing direction. The celebrated chef, writer, and restaurateur wants more: more travel, more time with family, and more freedom to create the projects she’s most passionate about. In her book Being Old and Learning to Love It, Prue explores the realities and taboos of aging, along with its unexpected joys. She opens up about grief, falling in love again, and what it means to live boldly at every stage of life. In this episode, Prue shares: Behind-the-scenes stories from The Great British Baking ShowThe real reason she’s leaving the showHer advice to Nigella LawsonA tour of her Cotswolds kitchenHer biggest career failure—and the lesson it taught herHer secret to living with energy and enthusiasm at any ageHow she grieved the loss of her first husband and found love againThe question you should never ask a widowWhat it’s like to fall in love in your 70sHer advice for living boldly and joyfullyHer one regretWhy she believes the greatest sin is boredomThe places she still wants to visitWhy she loves colorHow women can embrace fashion in their later yearsWhich of her books is her favorite—and which one could become a movieWhat she’s most excited about in her next chapter With refreshing honesty, Prue reminds us that the secret to a beautiful life isn’t complicated: “Eat well, sleep well, and love well.” And those are things we can all strive for. Thanks for subscribing to What Matters with Liz. Let us know what you thought of this episode in the comments!   For recipes, books, and more from Prue, visit: https://prue-leith.com/ Follow Prue on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/prueleith/ Follow Woman’s World at: https://www.instagram.com/womansworldmag See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    57 min

  4. May 6

    What Matters with Amy Grant: Creativity, Stillness & The Me That Remains

    • Amy Grant has six Grammy Awards, 26 Dove Awards, and a music career that spans genres and generations. But this conversation isn’t about awards and accolades. It’s about what happens when life cracks us wide open and we face unimaginable struggles. It’s about embracing stillness and looking inward for answers…and the freedom and strength that emerge. The Me That Remains is Amy’s first album in more than a decade and, in many ways, her most personal. After undergoing open-heart surgery and surviving a bicycle accident that caused a traumatic brain injury, months of slow, quiet recovery unlocked a new depth of creativity in the songwriter. On this episode of What Matters with Liz, she opens up about her challenges, how they changed her, and who she is now. As she sings on the title track, “Life cut me wide open, when my head hit the ground. Wasn’t my time for dying, guess my soul just stuck around. Out of this wreckage, I’m beginning to claim the gifts in the healing - and the me that remains.” Amy shares: • How a bike accident and traumatic brain injury (TBI) changed her life • Why slowing down and simplifying led her to write new music • Her advice to those in a season of uncertainty or rebuilding • How her limitations changed the way she writes music • Her songwriting process and why it’s all about saying “something that matters” • Why people in their 60s need music that reflects their perspective • How the Covenant School shooting in Nashville impacted her • The tender final moments of her mother’s life and how they changed how she sees death • What the hit song “El Shaddai” means to her — and how it almost didn’t make the album • Why she crossed over from Christian music to mainstream pop • How her faith has evolved • Why she embraces the mystery of faith – and why Jesus remains the one being she trusts • Which three songs in her music catalog are her favorites • How The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu led her on a path of forgiveness • Why she’s committed to Compassion International – and the story of how she reconnected with her first sponsored child • How a checkup with husband, Vince Gill, led to the discovery of her previously undiagnosed, rare congenital heart defect • The untold story of reclaiming her great-grandfather’s legacy in a six-year legal battle • How small everyday choices can have a huge impact • How you can give to others while honoring your capacity • Why “every good thing starts with gratitude” This conversation reminds us that self exploration, expression, and evolution is a lifelong journey and that discovering new versions of ourselves, while honoring who we’ve been, creates a dynamic and beautiful life. Because what matters…is what remains. For more on Amy Grant visit: https://www.amygrant.com/ https://www.instagram.com/amygrantofficial To connect with Host Liz Vaccariello and for more conversations that matter visit: https://www.youtube.com/@RealWomansWorld https://www.instagram.com/womansworldmag/ For more stories you’ll love, visit womansworld.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 2m

  5. Apr 29

    What Matters with Kate Bowler: Aching, Hoping & Finding Joy Anyway

    “Happiness is great, but joy is for the rest of us.” - Kate Bowler What does it mean to be joyful… anyway? Five-time New York Times bestselling author, Duke University professor, and host of the podcast Everything Happens, Kate Bowler, sits down with Liz for a conversation about joy that doesn’t ignore how hard life can be—it starts there.  At 35, with a young child and her dream job, Kate was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. Now, ten years later and in durable remission, she’s still living inside the question: How do you hold joy and grief at the same time? In her new book Joyful Anyway, Kate articulates what most of us feel but rarely admit– the ache: a subtle, persistent sense that something is missing. With the diligent curiosity of a researcher and the wry humor of a comedian, Kate dismantles the clichés of toxic positivity and examines how authentic joy finds us.  This is a conversation about what happens when you stop trying to skip to the good part and let life be messy, tell the truth instead of performing resilience, and stay open to the unexpected, technicolor moments of life. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between joy and happinessWhy Joyful Anyway is a response to a life that doesn’t follow the scriptHow Kate’s cancer diagnosis reshaped her faith—and her relationship to certaintyWhy toxic positivity can distance us from real joyWhat “the ache” is—and it might be the most honest part of being humanThe common obstacles that keep us from experiencing joyWhy ruthless honesty is the first step to making space for joyHow joy actually shows up (hint: it’s rarely convenient or controlled)Why there’s no 5-step plan to joyHow a poisonous snake bite became an unexpected moment of healing for KateWhy joy and grief aren’t opposites—they’re companionsHow purpose, love, and hope can lead us back to joy Because maybe joy isn’t something you chase.   Maybe it chases you. “I thought I had to have a lucky life to have it be deeply beautiful” says Kate. “I don't believe that anymore. I think that joy is made for everyone–no matter what–and I think it will chase us down.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    46 min

  6. Apr 22

    What Matters with Jennie Garth: Purpose, Healing & Choosing Me

    Jennie Garth - you know her as Kelly Taylor from Beverly Hills, 90210. But in this conversation, you’ll meet the woman behind the role - one who’s far more complex, introspective, and insightful. In this episode of What Matters with Liz, Jennie explains how her iconic 90210 line, “I choose me” developed a new meaning at midlife. It wasn’t until her 50s, after years of personal highs, lows, and deep inner work, that she understood what it means to choose herself. Jennie reflects on some of the hardest chapters of her life - from her painful divorce to a frightening wake-up call. Through therapy, self-reflection, and acceptance, she began to rebuild from the inside out. “I started to slow down enough to connect with the things in my life that had made me, molded me into who I am,” she says. “I looked at all the past triumphs and all the past failures, and I really started to self-reflect on how I got here—and also, where the hell do I go next?” Together, Liz and Jennie explore what it really means to choose yourself—not as an act of selfishness, but as a necessary step toward clarity, healing, and purpose. In this episode, Jennie shares: ● Why “I choose me” meant something completely different in her 20s vs. her 50s ● How growing up in the public eye shaped her identity—and what it took to reclaim it ● What it was like to revisit Beverly Hills, 90210 as an adult ● How motherhood redefined what matters most ● The moment she woke up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there ● The inner work she did in therapy—and what changed ● Why choosing yourself isn’t selfish (and why it’s necessary) ● How slowing down helped her reconnect with her own voice ● The unexpected experience that sparked a deeper spiritual shift ● How reframing being “emotional” as “emotion-full” changed her perspective ● The relationship belief she finally let go of ● What her mother taught her about empowerment ● Why Taylor Swift’s “You’re On Your Own, Kid” resonated so deeply ● Her daily practices to quiet her inner critic ● How revisiting the past can unlock clarity and purpose This is a conversation about identity, self-trust, and the courage it takes to finally put yourself on your own list. As Jennie reminds us, “It's time for you to take control, take the reins, and start choosing to trust your instincts…We can always choose ourselves. And it’s not selfish—we need to do it.” Follow Woman’s World at: https://www.instagram.com/womansworldmag/ Follow Jennie Garth at: https://www.instagram.com/jenniegarth/ I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose & Embracing Reinvention by Jennie Garth is available now wherever books are sold. #IChooseMe #Healing #Transformation #Reinvention #Midlife #Motherhood #Divorce #LifeAfterLoss #WomenOver50 #BeverlyHills90210 #JennieGarth #WhatMattersWithLiz See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    47 min

  7. Apr 15

    What Matters with Sheinelle Jones: Motherhood, Grief & A Legacy of Love

    Sheinelle Jones, Co-Host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle lays her heart wide open as she shares the journey of writing her new book Through Mom’s Eyes: Simple Wisdom from Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans while her husband battled brain cancer, a fight that ultimately took his life.  This episode is about what it means to be a mother, the lessons it teaches us, and how to choose joy even in the face of unimaginable grief. Vulnerable, strong, and hopeful - it’s a conversation you won’t forget.  In Through Mom’s Eyes, Sheinelle interviews the mothers of icons like Lady Gaga, Matthew McConaughey, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Venus and Serena Williams, Steph Curry, Thomas Rhett and dozens of extraordinary women, to create an insightful and beautiful reflection on motherhood and celebrate the love that shapes who we become. What started as a recurring TODAY segment asking celebrities’ mothers how they raised confident, successful children evolved into a book with a deeply personal message. “What emerged for me that I didn’t see coming were the whispers to my soul about the power of these women,” says Sheinelle. In this episode of What Matters with Liz, Sheinelle shares:  The powerful lessons she learned from celebrity momsThe realities of motherhood—from raising infants to young adultsThe terrifying moment that forced her to slow down as a motherThe one regret Lady Gaga’s mother holdsThe tough lesson Sonya Curry taught her son Steph Curry early onHow the mother of Venus and Serena Williams empowered her daughtersHow “discipline wrapped in love” shapes a childWhy self-preservation is essential to strong parentingHow faith informs and strengthens mothersThe untold stories of how her TODAY colleagues—Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush, Al Roker and Hoda Kotb—supported her through the loss of her husband, Uche OjehThe one thing no one talks about when you lose a spouseHow cancer changed her— and what she fears less nowThe surprising connection between Sheinelle’s father and George W. BushThe moment she knew she was meant to be a network news anchorWhat success really means to herWhat Sheinelle’s grandmother taught her — and how her legacy lives on in this bookThe deeply personal reason Through Mom’s Eyes matters and how she hopes to encourage mothers everywhere “We can’t curate a life – even my own,” says Sheinelle. “What I am trying to figure out is how we can squeeze the most out of the life that we’re given and the days that we’re given. And how can we do the best we can to pour into those little beings that we love.” Follow Woman’s World at: https://www.instagram.com/womansworldmag/ Follow Sheinelle Jones at: https://www.instagram.com/sheinelle_o/ #SheinelleJones #WhatMattersWithLiz #Motherhood #Grief #Parenting #ThroughMomsEyes #TodayShow #WorkingMom #GriefSupport #Resilience #LoveAndLoss #ChooseJoy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr

  8. Apr 8

    What Matters with Deborah Cox: Self Love, Reinvention & Trusting Your Instincts

    Multi-platinum recording artist Deborah Cox has spent over 30 years redefining what longevity looks like in entertainment. From chart-topping hits like “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” to starring roles on Broadway in The Wiz, Aida, and now Titanique, her career is a masterclass in reinvention. In a powerful full-circle moment, Deborah now stars in a musical built around the songs of Céline Dion—decades after touring as her backup singer. It’s just one example of what can happen when you trust your instincts and take the leap. In this episode of What Matters with Liz, Deborah shares the pivotal decisions that shaped her career, how she learned to stop overthinking, embrace the unknown, and why getting “comfortable with the uncomfortable” is the key to growth. Beyond the spotlight, she opens up about motherhood, the surprising grief that comes with launching your children into adulthood, and how personal loss deepened her commitment to advocating for human rights and equality. She also reveals: How staying curious, taking risks and trusting herself led to successWhat she learned working alongside Céline Dion—and the discipline behind vocal longevityThe moment she took a leap of faith and stepped out on her ownHow her role as the Unsinkable Molly Brown in Broadway’s Titanique is challenging her in new waysWhich song in her catalog resonates most—her answer may surprise youHow Angela Bassett convinced her to lend her voice to the Whitney Houston biopicHow she avoided being boxed in and built a career on her own termsWhy her philosophy is to be “in the industry, but not of it”How she balances marriage, motherhood, and a decades-long careerHer advice for anyone navigating change, uncertainty, or reinvention With six Top 20 R&B hits, thirteen #1 dance singles, Grammy nominations, and a historic induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Deborah Cox continues to evolve—proving that true success isn’t about staying the same, but about staying true to who you are. As she says:  “A lot of times, we question ourselves. But it’s important to trust that path—it’s unique to you.” Follow Woman’s World Magazine at:  https://www.instagram.com/womansworldmag Follow Deborah Cox on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/deborahcox/ For more information on Titanique or to purchase tickets go to: https://www.broadway.com/shows/titanique/ #DeborahCox #WomenWhoInspire #CareerReinvention #TrustYourself #SelfLoveJourney #Reinvention #WorkingMoms #EmptyNest #Broadway #MusicIndustry #ArtistLife #WhatMatterswithLiz See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
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About

What Matters with Liz is an empowering series focused on the health, happiness, and hearts of women. Hosted by Woman's World Editor-in-Chief, bestselling author, and TV personality Liz Vaccariello, each episode explores a unique theme delivering compelling conversations, memorable moments, and transformative takeaways. In a world filled with noise and negativity, this is your place for connection, gratitude, authenticity, and joy. What Matters with Liz premieres February 18, 2026 - like and subscribe today! Follow @womansworldmag for more!

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