Recharge with David Ko Podcast By David Ko cover art

Recharge with David Ko

Recharge with David Ko

By: David Ko
Listen for free

About this listen

 Recharge with David Ko is a 5-part limited podcast series premiering in May to honor Mental Health Awareness Month. Hosted by David Ko, CEO of Calm, the podcast invites listeners to explore the central question of his bestselling book, Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery, One Conversation at a Time: How do we recharge our mental energy when the world feels draining?

In each episode, David engages in intimate, candid conversations with celebrities, thought leaders, and mental health experts about their personal journeys to recharge, recharge techniques, and how they manage mental wellness in a fast-paced world. Drawing from David's own story and the themes of his book, the series will normalize mental health conversations, reduce stigma, and empower listeners to assess and replenish their mental energy.Forbes Books Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Recharge with Sheryl Lee Ralph: Emmy Magic & Unstoppable Joy

    Recharge with Sheryl Lee Ralph: Emmy Magic & Unstoppable Joy
    May 27 2025
    Emmy-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph brings her electrifying presence to David Ko's podcast, sharing the journey from Broadway's "Dreamgirls" to her beloved role as Barbara Howard on "Abbott Elementary." With trademark authenticity, Sheryl recounts transforming personal tragedy into purpose by founding the Diva Foundation after losing friends to AIDS in the 1980s.

    Her historic Emmy win at age 65 becomes a powerful testament to perseverance, embodying her philosophy that "it's not over 'til you say it's over." Sheryl candidly discusses fighting for authentic Black representation in an industry that once marginalized her, advising listeners to "build your own table" when faced with exclusion.

    Sheryl shares touching stories of mentorship and her commitment to mental health advocacy through community walks that blend mindfulness with social justice.

    With delightful self-assurance, she celebrates embracing the very features once mocked by bullies—her distinctive lips and nose—now admired worldwide. Sheryl's memoir "DIVA 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me For You!" and her campaign for mental wellness and racial equity reflect her lifelong commitment to creating meaningful change through authentic representation.
    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • Recharge with Common: Rhythms of Resilience

    Recharge with Common: Rhythms of Resilience
    May 20 2025
    Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winner Common explores the intersection of art and activism with David Ko, drawing from his new book "And Then We Rise." The conversation traces his evolution from Chicago's South Side to global prominence, highlighting how his mother's spiritual foundation and the legacies of figures like Emmett Till shaped his worldview.

    Common speaks candidly about breaking mental health stigmas in communities of color, sharing a moving story about a grieving teenager inspired to seek help after hearing his advocacy. With remarkable vulnerability, he discusses attending therapy with his daughter and how this strengthened their relationship during challenging times.

    Common reveals his daily recharging rituals: prayer, meditation, walks, and the joy of NBA games, alongside the importance of retreats and intentional "doing nothing" for deeper renewal.

    Throughout the conversation, Common exemplifies how authentic self-expression can catalyze community healing and social change. Listeners gain insight into balancing artistic creation with activism, maintaining spiritual grounding amid success, and finding personal peace while addressing collective struggles.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Recharge with Jordan Chiles: Olympic Triumphs & Resilience

    Recharge with Jordan Chiles: Olympic Triumphs & Resilience
    May 13 2025
    Two-time Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles joins David Ko to discuss her new book “I'm That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams” and her groundbreaking journey from childhood Nike dreams to becoming a TIME Women of the Year honoree. Jordan reveals how she's revolutionizing gymnastics culture with her unapologetic self-expression through tattoos, braids, and Beyoncé-inspired performances.

    With remarkable vulnerability, Jordan shares how therapy, artistic expression during COVID isolation, and sometimes confiding in strangers helped rebuild her psychological resilience.

    The conversation highlights her historic Paris Olympics podium moment alongside two other Black women gymnasts—a first in the sport's history. Jordan distinguishes her impact from teammate Simone Biles with the observation: "Simone changes the game—I change the culture."

    Beyond athletics, Jordan discusses battling social media negativity while maintaining her authentic self, and finding balance through unexpected pursuits like binge-watching Netflix to quiet what she calls her "creative chaos" brain. Throughout, she exemplifies how embracing one's complete identity can transform not just personal achievement but an entire sport's culture.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
No reviews yet