Hoda Kotb Launches Joy 101: A New Era of Wellness
Hoda Kotb, beloved former host of "Today," is stepping into a new chapter with the launch of her wellness app, Joy 101, set to debut in just two weeks. This innovative platform aims to create a personalized daily wellness experience, blending insights from various experts and Kotb’s own wisdom. For a monthly fee of $17, or $99 for an annual subscription, users will gain access to a treasure trove of resources, including guided meditations, expert-led courses on topics like brain health and breathwork, and much more. With a rich variety of over 500 wellness sessions and community conversations, as well as twice-monthly livestream sessions featuring friends like Jenna Bush Hager and Savannah Guthrie, Joy 101 promises to be an engaging space for those on a journey of self-discovery.
At the heart of Joy 101 lies a mission to promote holistic wellness, providing not only expert advice but also the tools needed for meaningful personal growth. The app is structured around essential aspects of well-being, from sleep support to movement sessions, ensuring that users can cultivate a lifestyle that resonates with their unique needs. Moreover, Kotb plans to host in-person retreats and an annual celebration called JoyFest, further fostering a sense of community among users. Esteemed advisers, such as Good American CEO Emma Grede and neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki, lend their expertise, enhancing the platform’s credibility and scope.
The inspiration for Joy 101 can be traced back to Kotb’s experiences during her time on "Today." A push from her cohost, Jenna Bush Hager, led her to reluctantly try breathwork sessions that emotionally transformed her. This five to seven-minute daily practice brought her unexpected clarity and calm, prompting her to incorporate more wellness rituals into her life. On her wellness journey, she explored various practices, including retreats, meditation, and journaling. Conversations with influential figures, like journalist Maria Shriver, inspired her to look for ways to share these transformative experiences with others, culminating in the creation of Joy 101.
Kotb emphasizes the notion of starting anew in her 60s, viewing this decade as an opportunity for exploration and personal growth. Initially, she considered designing a summer camp for children but soon realized that women also longed for a supportive community and access to wellness resources. Joy 101 aims to provide that space, acting as a beacon for women seeking inspiration and practical advice. One powerful moment that shaped her vision was an interview with actress Viola Davis, whose resilience through adversity resonated deeply with Kotb. She hopes Joy 101 will empower women by showcasing transformative stories and practices, encouraging them to embrace change and see their lives in a new light.
Kotb’s commitment to daily wellness practices has become a cornerstone of her life. Each day, she engages in breathwork, meditation, and journaling, creating a personalized roadmap for her physical and emotional well-being. She focuses on the needs of her body, intellect, emotions, and spirit, dedicating time to nourish each aspect. For example, she might choose to engage in light exercise or delve into a book that has been on her reading list. These small, intentional actions have become essential components of her daily routine, offering grounding and clarity in her busy life.
As Joy 101 prepares for launch, Kotb envisions success measured by the depth of community engagement rather than sheer numbers. She aspires to build a dedicated user base that eagerly anticipates new courses and retreats, valuing meaningful connection over mere app statistics. Kotb’s dream is to create a nurturing space where users feel supported and inspired, reflecting her own journey of discovery and personal development. In her words, Joy 101 is “the retreat in your pocket,” an inviting gateway for women seeking to explore and enhance their wellness journeys while sharing in the collective experience of growth and transformation.
