Common Sense Media Review
By Lakshmi Hutchinson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Oprah talks self help with guests; some mature topics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
OPRAH'S SUPER SOUL is a podcast about self-help, spirituality and overcoming adversity. The show is a collection of Oprah's interviews with authors, spiritual leaders, mindfulness experts and others. Some episodes are from live tours, while others are studio interviews. She talks to Tracy Morgan about the near-death experience he had after his car accident, and how it changed him. She speaks with Salma Hayek about she channeled her anger about Harvey Weinstein into positive action. In other episodes, her guests discuss techniques like meditation and manifesting the life you want. The overall emphasis is on growth, self-awareness and positive change.
Is It Any Good?
As a collection of Oprah's interviews over the years, the podcast's quality really differs by episode. Oprah's Super Soul features some very insightful interviews with public figures like Salma Hayek and Lady Gaga. However, Oprah also gives a platform to some controversial guests. Deepak Chopra has frequently promoted his theories on Oprah's shows as scientific facts, even though they've been disputed by the scientific community. A few of the religious leaders who've been on the show are known to have shared anti-LGBTQ views online or in sermons. Though this isn't a reflection of Oprah or the show's beliefs, it's unfortunate that these interviews could detract some from and otherwise insightful show. If you have an interest in self-help and healing you can find many more episodes that feature positive role models and others can be used to spark important conversations with teens around difference of opinion and fact checking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Oprah's Super Soul podcast includes some guests who share controversial advice or theories. How do you separate facts from opinions when listening to someone labeled an "expert"? How do you come to your own decisions of what you believe and what you disregard? Why is it important that media does fact checking before claiming something as true?
Do you think that people who have said hurtful things about certain communities should be given a platform? How can podcasts and other media formats hold these people accountable and spark important conversations in a productive way?
Oprah Winfrey's endorsements have carried a lot of weight over the years (long before "influencers" existed). Do you think you're influenced by celebrities or social media stars? Why or why not? Are these influences helpful or problematic?
Podcast Details
- Release date : August 6, 2017
- Genre : Entertainment
- Run time : 35 minutes
- Host : Oprah Winfrey
- Production Company and Network : Independent
- Pricing structure : Free
- Last updated : November 14, 2022
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