Moments That Make Us: Reese Witherspoon Sees Women as the Heroes of Their Own Stories
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- To celebrate turning 60, Melinda French Gates sat down with iconic changemakers of all ages to talk about their biggest life transitions for a special series, “Moments That Make Us.” In this episode, she chats with actress and producer Reese Witherspoon about her passion for sharing women’s stories, what it’s like being a working mom in Hollywood, the one question she asks before deciding whether to recommend a book, and how she feels when someone doubts her.
Check out all of the conversations in this series:
Megan Rapinoe: • Moments That Make Us: ...
Reese Witherspoon: • Moments That Make Us: ...
Ava DuVernay: • Moments That Make Us: ...
Michelle Obama: • Moments That Make Us: ...
Oprah Winfrey & Gayle King: • Moments That Make Us: ...
Billie Jean King: • Moments That Make Us: ...
& don’t miss the Trailer! : • Introducing "Moments T...
In this episode:
• 0:40 - Reflecting on Reese’s 40s and making peace with change and uncertainty
• 1:19 - How Reese’s mother’s career as a pediatric nurse shaped her idea of working as a mother from a young age and her experience as a mom in Hollywood
• 4:13 - Advocating for women’s representation in film to every film studio in Hollywood
• 6:09 - Why books are meaningful to Reese and becoming a continuous learner
• 7:05 - Starting a business without a business background, thinking beyond constraints, and raising money for Hello Sunshine
o See more: hello-sunshine...
• 8:42 - Reese’s decision to take the role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde after watching an interview of Gloria Steinem on Goldie Hawn’s role in Private Benjamin
o See more: • Legally Blonde (2001) ...
o See more: www.glamour.co...
• 11:17 - Pushing back on the constant messages of perfectionism from society
• 13:07 - Finding deep connections and Charlie Munger’s ‘Web of Deserved Trust’
o See more: www.cnbc.com/2...
• 13:53 - The formative experience of an all-girls school and Melinda’s own experience with her teachers at an all-girls school
o See more: / urn:li:activity:716253...
• 16:00 - The joyful experience of raising kids
• 17:22 - Starting Reese’s Book Club and the criteria for picking books to share with others
o See more: reesesbookclub...
• 18:58 - Telling strong female stories and the importance of asking others their story
Produced by Feee Films
Directed by Felicia Manning
Photography c/o Pivotal Ventures
Follow Melinda French Gates on:
Twitter/X: @melindagates
Facebook: @melindagates
LinkedIn: @melindagates
Instagram: @melindafrenchgates
TH-cam: @melindafrenchgates
Follow Reese Witherspoon on:
Twitter/X: @ReeseW
Facebook: @ReeseWitherspoon
Instagram: @ReeseWitherspoon
TikTok: @ReeseWitherspoon
TH-cam: @ReeseWitherspoon
I'm very excited to see Melinda French Gates step out on her own. Happy early birthday Melinda.
What a terrific way to celebrate 60 years of life! I appreciated this wonderful conversation between two incredible women. Happy birthday, Melinda! ❤
Inspiring conversations, thank you Melinda!
Really? How long have you known of her other than being bill gates husband who actually believes he’s a doctor. I thought she divorced him 🤔
It is refreshingly beautiful to see women encouraging and empowering one another! Thank you, ladies!
Reese's face lights up when books and her book club are mentioned. How cute!
This is my new favourite way to spend a half hour in my afternoon, to listen and learn from you and your amazing guests. Thank you Melinda for opening up this uplifting avenue for all of us women to expand and build a more positive life journey 🥰💗
Melinda French Gates! You have no clue how your personality and who you have proven to be as a woman, has inspired me and I'm sure many other women! We need women like you to continue to present the possibilities and examples as you do so we may continue to break through and thrive! Thank you!
Can we all just take moment to acknowledge the FASHION of Melinda French Gates! Honey! These dresses and shoes. Wow!!!!
I love this show. As a 30 year old woman, all of these incredible women are so inspiring. I am in awe.
Thanks for showcasing Reese's courage and tenacity on your platform.
I'm also so delighted to see Melinda's personality, confidence and experience having a platform too, unencumbered by her ex.
Happy birthday Melissa French Gates! What an amazing gift to hear you in your own voice. Thank you for sharing.
I resonate with Reese’s curiosity as I am curious too and it’s true about the people you meet, the places you travelled and books you read that defines you. She is an epitome of someone who has a lot of empathy and loves to share. Thanks for the inspiring chat
Great interview with Reese Witherspoon. Insightful and inspiring to hear her mom was such a wonderful role model and how it informed her life and choices. HBD, Melinda and thank you for giving voice to women.
I totally loved this interview more than I had imagined. I wanted to share it in my instagram stories but I couldn’t. Both women so intelligent, graceful, insightful, inspiring
It was truly delicious their conversation and left me with a bursting heart. I am going through a difficult personal time after many years and it has been a deep process
I truly believe in a support system and how others hold you when you need it and although I know we women have a lot of barriers to overcome, I feel we have more predisposition and freedom to do so. To connect and look for support
I have however 3 boys. The loves of my life. Three beautiful young men I want to be happy and raise well. I worry that men dont have the same ability or predisposition to regroup, to connect in community as we women do.
I believe that would also help in shapping men and the world. More connected, content and understood men would have an effect on how they behave in the world and in their relationships
Interviews, stories like this are amazing and necessary. I also hope it expands to the men’s world as well ❤️
This video is incredibly powerful and insightful. Melinda, your conversation with Reese truly revealed the genius within each of you. I especially appreciated the stories that rose from your foundations in your attendance at girl's school and how it influenced the strength of character that directs your choices and your life. I've always believed that our life experiences map who we are and reveal our unique "genius." It's so inspiring to see this reflected in your conversation. I totally align with Reese' statement that when someone tells her "No" that it ignites "I will show you" in her life. Melinda...thank you for giving me this conversation. I happened upon it today and will now go in search of more. Thank you both!
Absolutely amazing, loved every idea and every word. I come from a female line of survivors in the most absurd circumstances. My grandmother passed away last month, in Eastern Ukraine, making me reflect so much on her strength and struggles. This interview gave me hope and joy so thank you ❤
Wow! What a great interview. Your experience and advice was heartwarming. ♥Thank you Melinda and Reese!
I had my daughter in 2009. There was no support for me at my job to breastfeed 🤱 my daughter. I had to take my 30 minute break if I was lucky enough to get that, to pump & eat my lunch. I wish I had more support to breastfeed my baby. I did all I could for 7 months. I’m glad we’ve come a long way together to support new moms and their babies with giving them proper space to pump for their babies. ❤
Happy Birthday Melinda. This is amazing conversations. Especially for women. I turned 53 the menopause is something else. I was a healthcare worker for many years and heard people speak about it but I did not know it could be so severe and life changing. ❤
"web of deserved trust" ..so profound and spot on ..thank you to both of you❤❤
Reese’s empathy when she thinks about her character is absolutely beautiful. Stunning inside and out.
Smart women with smart fits! 🥰💕
I’m glad I came across this series of interviews. What a wonderful way to celebrate turning 60! Welcome! Happy birthday, and thank you and all of your guests for the enlightening conversations! Thank you Reese, you are amazing! I also attended an all girls school and I loved it!
What an incredible series of conversations. Thank you Melinda French Gates and guests...happy 60th birthday!!!!
Thank you for these wonderful conversations and a very happy birthday to you melinda
Melinda… please do more podcasts, you are an inspiration and I am so glad I came across your interviews💕
These discussions are wonderful and uplifting and just what the world needs. A dear friend of mine and I hosted a similar discussion about women uplifting women and our journeys earlier this year and I'm reminded of that time through your birthday discussions, Melinda. Let's raise up society in more ways like this!
Wonderful conversation! Congratulations Melinda on this very special day! Hope you have found such happiness and peace. Know that you are absolutely admired from my corner in Johannesburg. xxxx
I love this so much. I can't wait for more. I love this time in our lives where women are finding their voices, supporting each other, remembering they matter, and are changing the world.
How long have you been a great fan
Happy birthday Melinda. Thanks for sharing these wonderful women’s stories.
Great series of conversations. I really appreciate this from women who are in my generation and older...it seriously helps to hear from them. Thanks. : )
Thank you for sharing. Your conversations are so eye opening.
These are so timely and beautiful and important! Thank you for ALL your efforts. Happy 🎉60th Birthday 🥳 🎈🎶👏🏻
What an amazing series! Love highlighting women throughout their journey. I can each going to an all girls high school and how truly transformative it was and gave me such a strong foundation.
Finally!
Thank you Melinda for saying all of this!
Being seen and heard is so incredibly important especially for women!
It's so common for people to sit up and say work harder or try harder but most women go to bed at the end of the already exhausted, so working harder is not the answer, it makes us harder on ourselves when that is the last thing we need.
You gave me a wave of relief today
and whether the world wants to accept it or not most of the time having money makes a woman stronger and capable to reach further or just feel safe.
I am not saying it right but you have impressed me again!
You are an amazing woman. Thank you
And Happy Birthday
👏👏well said & on another note, what an inspiration is Reese Witherspoon 💝 Reese & Goldie are the best two most wonderful women in the world so so so switched on and inspirational we can all learn a lot from them.. I would love to see them interview each other one day 🙏🙏😊
Include the wonderful Melinda in that interview as well 😉
Love RW-she’s definitely - legendary “ legally blonde“😂💜
Having gone to a Catholic all girls school, it was such an amazing experience. I think that the value of going to an all girls school was exactly what Melinda & Reese said. We were empowered & challenged to develop and learn. We saw people, we did have a couple men teachers, but mostly nuns & women teachers who showed us what was possible!
Not being distracted, on a day to day basis with relating to boys at that age, allowed us to really bond with one another.
I just went to my 50th high school reunion & although i haven't maintained contact with everyone, we have an active Facebook group and still feel a sense of pride and belonging.
It was a financial stretch for my parents to send me there, but when i was in college, we talked about just how beneficial it was for me to go there.
You are both so so so inspiring! We are the heroes of our own lives! YES! Go Girls!!!
I love this! Happy Birthday Melinda! ❤❤
I love Reese!
Incredibly platform. Loved every minute.
OMGoodness, I didn't know Melinda had her own podcast!!! An episode with Oprah and Gayle popped up on my feed and I'm so glad that it did. I'm now a new subbie 🥰 Watching all that I missed.
Congratulations Mrs. Melinda, you are amazing!
I've watched a few of these interviews. They are amazing!!!
Reese is the most amazing person ever.
This was amazing! Immediately watching Legally Blonde.
I absolutely LOVE both of these amazing women!
I like to earn respect from you Melinda because you're most important to me. It's amazing that you're not afraid to speak up your life journey and celebrate other people's success..
That was super edifying! Said enthusiastically in my best Elle Woods voice 💖💖💖
2 brilliant woman who have more in common than you'd imagine. Thank u 4 sharing hard-won wisdom & insights
Great interview. Melinda you are a natural at this. Good luck
She's a FANTASTIC listener!
Love to grow through moments that you share. Congratulations, keep going!
Happy Blessed Birthday, Melinda French Gates & Thank you for BEING a Blessing!👑
I love that Reese pointed out that to be supported you need to also GIVE support.
Thank you for gifting all of us again and again 💕
Melinda French Gates looks amazing at 60. I enjoyed her interview with Reese. Two inspiring women.
Celebrating women can be done without degrading men. This was a very good conversation.
Sobbing . Love this sm love her
Happy Birthday, what a great guest for your perfect day. I'm 63, and it just gets better at 60
Happy Birthday Melinda! My favorite You Tube subscription. Sending Love.
We matter!!! YESSS!!! Thank you ladies!!! 💝🙏🏻
Very interesting!!! Two amazing women!!!
Happy 60th Birthday!!! To a life well lived 🥂 🍾
Lovely conversation. Sending loving and peace-filled thoughts to everyone.
love, love, love this!❤
So glad I have found this series of interviews I'm addicted
Happy belated Birthday Melinds. Thank you for great interviews.
Well Reese defines the words smart and beautiful. all in one....
Love what she said, We as women, "We Matter".
The best women!!! 💚
I enjoyed this interview.
💕 Love these women ... 🦋
My little heart cannot bear your beauty ❤❤❤❤
💐 💚 💐 💚 💐 ~ Happy upcoming Birthday on August 15th Melinda!!! So incredibly impressed by YOU; someone who had access to absolutely everything & money was no object - yet, you left a marriage to one of The Most Successful Men on The Planet ~ to pursue a different path & life!!! Even more notably, thank you for your BIG & generous heart and hugely philanthropic soul ... 💝
‘I’m going to be my own girl/woman’ the awakening!
I love you two woman !!!
I don't get depressed or sad when I get rejected. I feel relieved! But I do get angry sometimes and feel like in general, that anger is criticized.
Oh my goodness yes. My whole life as a woman I've been told to smile. Of course there are times of joy but there are times when life can make one very angry - in my case, through betrayal by someone I trusted implicitly and I'm owning that anger right now!
So agree about the all girl high school experience! It frees you from constant societal superficial expectations and creates the freedom to be your best self surrounded by your besties. Forty years later, those women are my trusted web. We used extra-curricular and Club activities collaborating with the all boy's high school to learn social skills.
Happy Joysful serene Birthday dear Melinda Gates Cheers. God bless
Melinda I just came across your channel by accident and a happy one I should say . I would just like to say I’ve always admired you and your commitment to causes and women. Your voice matters especially now in the world we live in. I’m an American woman of South Asian descent who recently left the US. As a brown skin woman I did not feel welcome there anymore and most of all my voice or vote did not matter anymore. I digress sorry lol. I’ve watched a few episodes with a lot of your celebrity friends and I like it. But if I may I would love to see more episodes with everyday women ie teachers, women struggling, young women the women who help shape the Country. I will continue to watch from afar and I hope you’re not angry with me for giving my opinion. Have a Fabulous Day. Thank you kindly for all that you do 🤗
I’m sorry you experienced that in the US. These are especially tough days in the US right now, and I feel like every vote does matter. I’m in my late 60’s and have only missed voting in one election since I turned 18. That was due to surgery. I believe my vote must matter because too many legislators work so hard to discount or even steal our right to vote.
But I do hope you are happy and feeling fulfilled in your new home.
I personally think you have made an excellent suggestion about Ms Melinda speaking with everyday people. I enjoy learning more about some celebrities, their thought processes or how they have handled their successes \failures, especially those I admire (like I would love a sit down with Viola Davis or Regina Hall☺️), but it would also be great to hear from everyday women. I grew up in a family of 10 kids with just my dad. There was a lot I had to learn on my own as a woman. Luckily, I have great sisters and good friends, but I am definitely still learning! I bet many young women could benefit from those conversations! Many blessings to you!
@@longlivedemocracy756 omg thank you kindly for your lovely response. It’s ok as an American citizen I was always proud but the past 5yrs reminded me of how much Americans take for granted. I definitely like my new life I miss the US but I certainly do not miss the vitriol and racism thats currently spreading. Definitely tough days. You are correct our votes matter and my husband and I will be voting from abroad. I just think women should always be appreciated and our voices matter. Maybe MS Melinda will do a few shows with women like yourself. I hope you have a Fabulous week 🤗
Great interviews, it would be great to have subtitles in other languages, like Spanish, Portuguese…
You're right. With all ai and google's capabilities you'd think we could watch any video in the language of our choice but they haven't seemed to have worked that one out yet.
9:23 Goldie Hawn interviewed by Gloria Steinem
Happy Summer holidays of love for freedom of expression, encouraging movie stars never give up having fun performing and entertain us fans because movies are our best inspiration of life. Movies are the most powerful influencers, even more powerful than any political strategy above all, wish you good luck ladies. Fans are always here to backup you guys 🎉❤🎉
Yoohoo! Thank you for the link in your linked in to teleport me at here. Gratitude.
Both of you are smart women 🎉🎉🎉❤🎉
Would love to see some women interviewed who aren't millionaires and billionaires. Their experience is nice but the most of us don't have the choices or priveleges they have. Of course it's understandable that they have their challenges but there is hardly a comparison. The middle class is mostly gone.
Then go watch another video.
🎂 #HBD ⚜ #Melinda 💜
How do you stay so grounded and know what questions to ask?
Wow so great and intelligent ❤😊
My fire sign queens ♌️♈️
Feeling enough on your own but still having a web of deserved trust. I needed to hear right now, 26 and struggling working alone single just trying to navigate the world, it's hard especially being a black girl in middle America.
always remember "you are enough" and you are worthy
Love both
I so get the all girls high school…me too…4 years…great education but socially awkward around boys in college.
How do I find your book club? Ms. Witherspoon.
Reese Witherspoon es una de mis actrices preferidas, porque siempre que la escucho aprendo algo, es una referente en cuanto a romper tecos de cristal.
I think you should interview Jenna Bush would be interesting to see her interviewed for some reason.
Lovely
Nice initiative,
Positive feedback: Can you acknowledge your guests answers or add to it once she finishes?
And so this looks less scripted
It improved as interview went along, but 1st 2-3 questions seemed like interview vs norm convo or podcast set up !
Good work, keep up!
And, can anyone find and link the Gloria Steinem/Goldie Hawn interview mentioned plse 😊
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Una Laura senza fine❤
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