To kick off Season Two of The Thrive Global Podcast with iHeart Radio, Thrive Global founder and CEO Arianna Huffington sat down with CBS This Morning co-host, O Magazine editor-at-large and media icon Gayle King. In a wide-ranging conversation, Huffington and King spoke about everything from King’s social media habits and morning routine to self-acceptance and the possibility of an Oprah presidential run.
King told Huffington that though she goes through an extensive pre-work beauty routine, which she called “the transformation process,” she’s comfortable going out in public without her hair and makeup done.
“I don’t have the hang-up about that,” she said. “I’m just not gonna do all of that to run into the store.”
Her authenticity and openness extend to what she’s willing to share with viewers and fans.
“People say, ‘I can’t believe that you show your weight. I can’t believe that you tell your age,’” she says, “and I think, number one, I’m so happy to be on the planet. I’m so happy to be on the planet doing the job that I do. And as far as weight, I think people have eyes, you know? It’s not like it’s something you could lie about.”
“I just don’t see any point in sugar-coating things,” she added.
King also posts photos of herself on social media that show her without makeup and share the nitty-gritty details of her life. For example, on Instagram she recently posted behind-the-scenes footage of herself getting ready for the Golden Globes with Oprah, including Oprah telling her she needed lotion for her elbows.
“It was exciting, it was two girlfriends sharing the moments before the big event,” Huffington said. “I just loved that. I think it’s teaching people so much about what it is to live an authentic life.”
King said some people tell her they can’t believe she shares some of the photos she posts, but “You just have to get to the point where you really are okay with yourself. And so, that’s why I don’t have hang-ups about posting pictures of myself where I may not look the best.”
Huffington brought up the correlation between social media and multiple mental health issues, especially among teens. “It drives me crazy when I hear young people saying, ‘I’m building my brand. I’m concentrating on my brand,’” King replied. “‘How many likes do I have?’ I just think you need to concentrate on being a good person and doing a good job.”
In terms of her own reality, King said, “Life has a lot of warts and ups and downs, and I try not to overshare, but I think that my life is pretty typical of what a lot of people go through.”
To hear the full conversation, click here.
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