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‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb opens up about friendship and disagreements on ‘Longer Tables’, says people ‘just want to be seen and heard’

‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb emphasized the importance of actively listening and trying to understand others

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a recent candid interview with ‘Longer Tables’, ‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb talked to Chef Jose Andres about friendships and disagreements. She also spoke about the importance of listening to others and explained how she deals with disagreements.

Kotb, 58, appeared as a guest on ‘Longer Tables’ to talk with Chef Jose Andres for a new podcast episode. ‘Longer Tables with Jose Andres’ is a podcast hosted by the chef that explores how food shapes our world and our identities. In each episode, Jose Andres engages in conversations with friends and guests from various backgrounds to discuss the significance of food. The podcast covers a range of topics related to food, including its cultural, social, and humanitarian aspects. Andrés has connected with a wide range of celebrities on ‘Longer Tables’ with famous personalities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Eva Longoria also having appeared on the podcast.

‘I think we all just want to be seen and heard’

During a recent episode of the podcast, Jose Andres welcomed ‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb who shared her insights on how to get along with people she disagrees with. She revealed her personal experiences and emphasized the same advice throughout the episode, saying, “I think we all just want to be seen and heard.” Kotb believes that a key aspect of her success is ensuring that people feel heard since it takes “the temperature down about ten degrees.” She emphasized the importance of actively listening and trying to understand others because their perspectives are shaped by their long personal histories preceding any “moments of rage.” On her podcast, she also talked about the importance of expressing one's own opinion in order to to avoid unintentionally condoning opposing views. Kotb reveals that she has friends on both sides of the political spectrum and acknowledges that sometimes they choose to avoid political discussions due to their inability to reach an agreement. She said that it requires “patience and maturity, I think popping off is real easy”.

Why did Hoda Kotb lash out at Jenna Bush Hager?

Earlier this year, during a game segment on the morning show ‘Today’, Hoda Kotb scolded her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager for unintentionally using a curse word on-air. The incident took place during a game called 'What's the Name of This Game Again?' where associate producer Sean Hickey played the game show host. The game was going smoothly until Jenna was asked, “What’s the name of that movie?” She was shocked by the movie's storyline and exclaimed, "She falls in love with the dad from Schitt's Creek!" Jenna's pronunciation of "Schitt's" sounded similar to a curse word, causing Kotb and Sean to react. Kotb chastised Jenna for repeating it, reminding her that they only get one chance to avoid such mistakes.