In the first of a special two-part podcast, Oprah has a conversation with her beloved mentor, the late poet, author, icon and activist Dr. Maya Angelou. She's also the woman Oprah called her mother, sister and friend for more than 30 years. Oprah says, "She was there for me always, guiding me through some of the most important years of my life. The world knows her as a poet, but at the heart of her, she was a teacher." Dr. Angelou discusses her last book, "Mom & Me & Mom," delving into one of the deepest personal stories of her life: her relationship with her mother. Dr. Angelou shares intimate memories of her childhood, including the nine words her nurturing yet fiery mother said to her that changed her life forever, challenging her to find strength in the face of adversity.

Underneath his over-the-top hair, makeup and outfits, RuPaul Charles believes that at the core “we’re born naked and the rest is drag.” It’s a radical way of interpreting who we are, but whatever we claim as our identity is considered our drag, he says. A pop culture fixture since the early 90s, RuPaul has preached a gospel of self-love and tolerance that has permeated American culture. Now more popular than ever, thanks to the success of his Emmy-award winning competition show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” RuPaul shares what he believes is the authentic meaning of “identity,” and how we can all see past the stereotypes and labels to discover true connection with those around us.

Would you like to expand your wealth and improve your relationship with money? Lynne Twist, author of the groundbreaking book "The Soul of Money," exposes three deep-seated financial myths and explains how letting go of these beliefs can align our money habits with our souls. She explains why our deep-rooted connection to money can be our most unexamined and "wounded" relationship.  Lynne says we can even create a spiritual relationship with our finances, transforming our values and ourselves so as to lead a more fulfilling life.

Time magazine named Pastor Rob Bell "one of the most influential Christian leaders in the country." Rob's progressive and unique interpretation of the Bible considers new ways of thinking about God, religion and faith. In his book "What We Talk About When We Talk About God," Rob explains why more people are identifying with spirituality over religion, and walks listeners through his three basic principles: "God is with us, God is for us, and God is ahead of us."

Paul Williams is the songwriting legend behind hits such as Barbra Streisand's Oscar-winning song, "Evergreen," Kermit the Frog's beloved "Rainbow Connection" and the Carpenters classic "We've Only Just Begun." Paul says that, at the height of his fame, an addiction to alcohol and drugs nearly destroyed him. After hitting rock bottom in a harrowing public meltdown, Paul got sober and started a difficult journey to discovering the true happiness he feels today. Together with author, director and screenwriter Tracey Jackson, Paul has written a book, "Gratitude and Trust," outlining six affirmations they say can help people become better versions of themselves. The co-authors claim that the affirmations work for fear-based habits like perfectionism, overeating, fear of intimacy and even smartphone obsession. Paul says, "When getting help was important enough for me to let go of ego and do it, I began to connect. And that connection, that brought me to life."

A graduate of Yale Law School, Gretchen Rubin spent a year doing scientific research and practical projects in an attempt to discover how to lead a happier life. This experiment of self-discovery led to her New York Times bestselling book and phenomenon “The Happiness Project.” The book recounts what Gretchen learned about herself and how she was able to become happier and more fulfilled.  Gretchen shares her eight personal rules of happiness, which she says can help fill your day with more joy.

New York Times bestselling author and weight loss pioneer Geneen Roth was one of the first people to link compulsive eating and perpetual dieting with deeply personal and spiritual issues that go far beyond food, weight and body image. Geneen believes that our relationship to food reveals everything about our lives.  She discusses guidelines for mindful eating and the real reasons people binge eat. Geneen also shares her acceptance with losing her life savings to the Bernie Madoff financial scandal, and why it was a positive transformative experience.

He’s the creator of some of the most groundbreaking shows in television history. Legendary producer, writer and director Norman Lear talks about changing the landscape of TV, his life as a spiritual seeker and his political activism.  Norman shares behind-the-scenes stories from his socially conscious shows “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times.” Norman explains why he believes there may be no greater unifying spiritual expression than when we laugh together. He also discusses his documentary film "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," and his first-ever book, the memoir "Even This I Get to Experience."

How do you find your purpose? Jack Canfield is co-creator of the worldwide phenomenon “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series, which has sold more than 110 million copies and been translated into more than 43 languages. Based on the lessons in his New York Times bestseller “The Success Principles,” Jack explains how to align our vision and goals with the fulfillment of our purpose. “Everyone has a purpose on this planet,” Jack explains. “The key is figuring out what you really want, deep inside, by listening to your internal GPS.”

The conversation with Harvard-trained researcher and New York Times bestselling author Shawn Achor continues. Shawn offers advice on how to turn down the noise of the electronic, hyper-connected world we live in, which he says is blocking us from true happiness. Shawn also shares how we can increase the levels of happiness for others in our lives.

Do you want to be happier? Harvard-trained researcher and bestselling author Shawn Achor shares his simple, achievable steps to diminish depression, increase joy, and shift our perspective to be more positive. Shawn brings to life his research on the science of happiness and the techniques of what he calls positive psychology.

Sebastian Junger, the New York Times bestselling author of “The Perfect Storm” and “War,” discusses his newest book “Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging.”  Sebastian challenges us to rethink some of our culture’s most fundamental ideas about purpose and prosperity.  He says, “It’s about what we can learn from tribal societies about loyalty, belonging and the eternal human quest for meaning.”  Read more about identity and belonging in the January 2018 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

Born in New York City, Pema Chödrön is one of the first Western women to be fully ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. Pema explains how difficult times can be an opportunity for growth and change if you're willing to embrace the situation and the feelings that come with it. One of the basic Buddhist tenets, Pema says, is that change is constant. "Things are going to keep changing," she says. "If you're invested in security and certainty, then you're not going to feel good a lot of the time."

Would you like more fun, love, laughter and adventure in your life? Oscar-nominated actress and best-selling author Mariel Hemingway and her boyfriend, Bobby Williams, a stuntman and extreme athlete, say they have the answers to living a simpler, more vibrant life. In their book, "Running with Nature," Mariel and Bobby show us how to tap into our soul's mission and reconnect with our true selves. Mariel also opens up about her famous family, including her grandfather Ernest Hemingway, and their legacy of addiction, mental illness and suicide.

The New York Times best-selling author Cheryl Strayed talks to Oprah about her book "Brave Enough," a collection of her own quotes, which Cheryl describes as a "mini instruction manual for the soul." Cheryl also says the book urges readers toward their own "incredible capacity for love, compassion and forgiveness." Cheryl's best-selling memoir, "Wild," which recounted her spiritual journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, was an Oprah's Book Club selection and was adapted into the critically acclaimed film starring Reese Witherspoon.

Oprah's conversation with New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert continues. Elizabeth shares what she knows for sure about love, happiness and what it means to be a soul mate. Elizabeth says, "A true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention." She also opens up about her decision not to have children and its impact on her life spiritually.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir, "Eat, Pray, Love," sparked a global conversation about what it means to fulfill your life's purpose. Elizabeth opens up about the soulful lessons she learned from her yearlong quest around the world. She also discusses how the uncertainty of transformation in our lives is never easy or painless, but is essential to experience. Elizabeth gives practical advice on how to start your own spiritual quest and answer your life’s calling.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained brain scientist, describes how a massive stroke gave her a second chance at life. Dr. Jill couldn't walk, talk or remember her own name, but she was able to turn this life-changing experience into a spiritual awakening. Although she was unable to communicate, Dr. Jill says she was aware of the energy around her. She learned a simple, powerful and profound lesson while recovering in the hospital: “Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.”

New York Times columnist, political pundit and bestselling author David Brooks reveals how we can discover and build a stronger, more meaningful moral character and deeper inner life. David shares his personal and well-researched path on the road to “save his own soul.” He takes listeners on a journey through history, sharing examples of people who cultivated their own character with self-sacrifice and honor. David also shares his thoughts on vulnerability, the importance of believing in yourself and gaining strength from those around you.

Prolific TV show creator, writer and executive producer Shonda Rhimes reflects on her memoir “Year of Yes.” The force behind the hit shows "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal" and "How to Get Away with Murder," Shonda explains how saying “yes” for one year allowed her to live a more awakened life. She also shares the one sentence to use when you want to say “no” without feeling rude.