‘The Oprah Podcast’ launches: What to know
NEW YORK - Oprah Winfrey is adding podcaster to her resume.
On Tuesday, the 70-year-old launched "The Oprah Podcast" – a weekly series airing on her YouTube channel that will feature book club authors, along with "global newsmakers" and "culture changemakers."
"Exploring timely themes, including happiness, resilience, consciousness and connection, the weekly series aims to help listeners on their journey to lead their best life," according to the podcast’s description.
Winfrey kicked off the podcast with Irish author Claire Keegan, who wrote the prize-winning historical novel "Small Things Like These," which is Winfrey’s latest book club selection.
Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage during the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. (Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
"To know that Oprah Winfrey took pleasure in reading my book is the most exquisite compliment, which will last my lifetime," Keegan said in a statement. "To be told that she has also recommended it for others to read and has chosen this novel for her book club is a tremendous honor. May her wonderful book club encourage people into reading for years and years to come."
Other upcoming podcasts will feature chef Ina Garten and the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.
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Winfrey's interview with Keegan and other book club choices will be presented in partnership with Starbucks. Conversations will be filmed in various Starbucks cafes, starting with one in the Empire State Building, and the books will be paired with a Starbucks beverage.
Winfrey previously worked with Starbucks in the 1990s for a project to raise literacy funds and in 2014 on Teavana Oprah Chai Tea, which raised millions for youth education organizations.
"Connecting with people about what matters to us in this moment, so we can all continue to reach our highest, truest potential is what I’m most interested in offering at this time in my life," Winfrey said in a statement. "As one of my greatest pride and joys this past 30 years has been introducing books to new audiences, I am delighted to partner with Starbucks as we craft this new podcast. It is the perfect opportunity to bring together readers around things we both love: books, coffee and conversation."