Recharge with David Ko

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, 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.

🎙️ Listen to the Recharge podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart, YouTube or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Episode 1: Recharge with Kevin Bacon: From Footloose to Philanthropy

Hollywood legend Kevin Bacon joins David Ko to discuss his iconic 40+ year career spanning from “Footloose” to “Apollo 13” and “A Few Good Men.” Beyond the spotlight, Kevin reveals his commitment to giving back through SixDegrees.org, demonstrating how fame can become a platform for meaningful change. He also opens up about the #IGETIT campaign, a new initiative aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and meaningful action around mental health.

With refreshing candor, he reflects on his early hunger for fame before eventually embracing the true craft of acting.

Kevin shares valuable life lessons about personal growth, humility, and one regret that might surprise listeners: wishing he’d said “no” more often throughout his career. His perspective emphasizes that longevity matters more than perfection, and that even disappointing experiences contribute to professional development and personal wisdom.

The episode blends humor with profound insights, offering listeners both entertainment and practical wisdom about navigating life’s unpredictable journey with grace and resilience, regardless of whether you’re pursuing stardom or simply seeking inspiration.

Episode 2: Recharge with Chelsea Handler: Unapologetic Resilience

Comedian and author Chelsea Handler joins David Ko to discuss her seventh New York Times bestseller “I’ll Have What She’s Having” and her remarkable journey to self-acceptance. Chelsea recounts her entrepreneurial childhood—from spiked lemonade stands to a neighborhood babysitting business—before sharing how a disastrous Montreal Comedy Festival performance paradoxically launched her career.

With heartfelt appreciation, she credits her third-grade teacher Mrs. Schekman for instilling the confidence that would define her career. Chelsea’s therapeutic journey becomes a central theme as she discusses processing grief, family dynamics, and developing unshakable self-assurance despite public criticism.

The conversation explores practical mental health practices including meditation and quality sleep, while Chelsea offers refreshingly straightforward advice on resilience: embrace failure as essential to growth and maintain authenticity regardless of consequences. 

Chelsea reveals her personal recharging methods—skiing in beautiful environments and helping others—while emphasizing the transformative power of gratitude. The episode balances humorous anecdotes with thoughtful reflections on finding joy and purpose in a highly visible career, concluding with details about her upcoming standup special and Las Vegas residency.

Episode 3: Recharge with Jordan Chiles: Olympic Triumphs & Resilience

Olympic champion Jordan Chiles joins Ko for a memorable talk about excellence, authenticity, and the power of self-expression. Not only does she dish on her viral performances and her friendship with Simone Biles, but she also reflects on finding the strength to overcome negativity. Chiles’ journey is all about resilience and inspiring the next generation to be bold.

Episode 4: Recharge with Common: Rhythms of Resilience

Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy winner Common joins Ko to discuss creativity and living with purpose. In a soulful conversion, the singer reflects on how he stays mentally strong and what he wants others to know about protecting their own wellbeing. With wisdom and warmth, Common, who also authored the book, “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self,” shares lessons on ambition, humility, and the power of art.

Episode 5: Recharge with Sheryl Lee Ralph: Emmy Magic & Unstoppable Joy

“Abbot Elementary” fans will want to hear star Sheryl Lee Ralph open up to Ko about her inspiring career, including her historic Emmy win at 66. The actress and founder of the DIVA Foundation also discusses turning tragedy into activism, fighting for Black representation, and being a champion for mental health and racial equity. Ralph encourages listeners to push forward, “build [their] own tables” when they face exclusion, and have the courage to be themselves.