Overview
Jump and Find Joy is #1 New York Times bestselling author and beloved former Today co-host Hoda Kotb’s most personal, ambitious book yetâa guide to dealing with change and upheaval, even (and perhaps especially) when it’s unexpected. Published in September 2025, this inspiring book arrives at a pivotal moment in Kotb’s own life as she transitions from her 16-year tenure on the TODAY show to embrace new chapters of motherhood, personal growth, and reinvention.
Jump and Find Joy combines the wisdom of change experts, insights from the latest work on resilience, and deeply personal stories from celebrities and inspirational people in our own communities. From small shifts in daily routines to major leaps of faith, Hoda shows why change isn’t to be feared but embraced.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Self-Help / Personal Development / Motivational |
| Publication Date | September 23, 2025 |
| Publisher | Penguin Random House |
| Page Count | Approximately 288 pages |
| Core Message | Change is inevitableâembrace it and find joy in every season of life |
| Narrative Style | Personal stories interwoven with expert insights and inspiring interviews |
| Tone | Warm, encouraging, optimistic, authentic |
| Current Status | New York Times Bestseller |
Book Structure
Introduction: Standing on the Edge
- Opens with the universal experience: “Everybody in their life, at one point, stands on the edge of something”
- Kotb’s own recent life changes: leaving TODAY, ending her engagement, single motherhood
- The metaphor of jumping into the unknown
- The book’s dedication: “This book is dedicated to you, my darling. Curious, hopeful, determined, you.”
Part One: Recognizing the Moment
- Identifying when you’re standing at the edge of change
- Distinguishing between changes you choose and changes thrust upon you
- Signs that it’s time for a leap
- Overcoming fear and analysis paralysis
- Kotb’s story of joining the Today Show at 44
Part Two: Small Jumps, Big Impact
- How tiny shifts in daily routines create momentum
- The power of incremental change
- Starting where you are with what you have
- Building confidence through small wins
- Real-life stories of everyday people making meaningful changes
Part Three: Major Leaps of Faith
- Career changes and reinvention
- Kotb’s experience facing nearly two dozen job rejections early in her career
- Relationship transitions and new beginnings
- Geographic moves and lifestyle transformations
- When to make the big jump
Part Four: Navigating Unexpected Change
- Dealing with change you didn’t choose
- Navigating a cancer diagnosis and health crises
- Loss, grief, and finding your footing again
- The breakup of her engagement to Joel Schiffman
- Leaving a job she lovedâher decision to depart TODAY after 16 years
Part Five: The Wisdom of Change Experts
- Insights from psychologists, life coaches, and resilience researchers
- Latest research on adaptability and growth
- Science-backed strategies for managing transitions
- Expert perspectives on finding joy through uncertainty
Part Six: Inspiration from Others
- Celebrity interviews about their pivotal moments
- Stories from “regular” people who made extraordinary changes
- Community voices and shared experiences
- Common threads among successful life transitions
Part Seven: Life After the Jump
- What happens after you take the leap
- Adjusting to your new normal
- Continued growth and evolution
- Finding joy in the present moment
- Looking forward with hope
Conclusion: Your Turn to Jump
- Encouragement and practical steps for readers
- Creating your own roadmap for change
- Permission to be scared and jump anyway
- The invitation to find joy right where you are
Structure Style: The book alternates between Kotb’s personal narrative, expert insights, and inspiring stories from others, creating a mosaic of wisdom that’s both practical and deeply personal.
About the Author
Hoda Kotb is an award-winning broadcast journalist, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and one of America’s most beloved television personalities. Born in Oklahoma and raised in Egypt and later Virginia, Kotb’s diverse background shaped her warm, inclusive approach to storytelling.
Career Highlights:
- Joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC
- Became co-anchor of the fourth hour of TODAY with Kathie Lee Gifford in 2007
- Named co-anchor of TODAY alongside Savannah Guthrie in 2018, becoming the first woman to co-anchor the flagship morning show
- Left TODAY in January 2025 after 16 years to focus on her daughters and new life chapter
- Won multiple Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Awards
- Author of multiple bestselling books including I Really Needed This Today and This Just Speaks to Me
Personal Life:
- Survived breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy in 2007
- Adopted two daughters: Haley Joy (2017) and Hope Catherine (2019)
- Was engaged to Joel Schiffman from 2019-2022; they remain friendly co-parents
- Known for her infectious optimism, authentic warmth, and ability to connect with people
- Reflects on transitioning from “sprinting” through life to “feeling life slowing down”
Other Books:
- Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee (2010)
- Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives (2013)
- Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us the Way (2016)
- I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By (2019)
- This Just Speaks to Me: Words to Know, Share, and Live By (2020)
- Hope Is a Rainbow: A Book of Colors and Kindness (children’s book, 2020)
- You Are My Happy (children’s book, 2022)
Why This Book Resonates
Perfect Timing: Published just as Kotb herself embarked on major life changes, the book authentically reflects her lived experience of embracing uncertainty.
Universal Relatability: Everyone faces transitionsâwhether chosen or forcedâmaking this book relevant across demographics and life stages.
Authentic Voice: Kotb’s trademark warmth and honesty shine through, making readers feel like they’re having a conversation with a trusted friend.
Practical and Inspirational: Balances motivational messaging with actionable strategies and real-world examples.
Expert-Backed Wisdom: Incorporates current research on resilience, change management, and positive psychology alongside personal stories.
Representation of Midlife: Celebrates the possibilities of midlife rather than presenting it as decline or ending.
Single Motherhood: Offers perspective on solo parenting by choice and the courage that requires.
Career Courage: Demonstrates that leaving success to pursue fulfillment is valid and admirable.
Community Building: The inclusion of diverse voices creates a sense that we’re all navigating change together.
Ideal Audience
- Anyone Facing Major Life Transitions – career changes, relationships, relocations, or identity shifts
- Midlife Women – navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of this life stage
- Working Mothers – balancing career ambitions with family priorities
- Empty Nesters – reimagining life after children leave home
- Career Changers – contemplating or navigating professional reinvention
- Recently Divorced or Single – starting over and building new lives
- Health Crisis Survivors – finding joy after illness or diagnosis
- Fans of Hoda Kotb – longtime TODAY show viewers and readers of her previous books
- Self-Help Enthusiasts – seeking inspiration and practical guidance
- Book Clubs – rich discussion material about change and resilience
- People Feeling “Stuck” – needing encouragement to take the next step
- Anyone Seeking Joy – learning to find happiness despite uncertainty
- Readers Who Loved Glennon Doyle’s Untamed, BrenĂ© Brown’s work, or Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic
Memorable Quote
“This book is dedicated to you, my darling. Curious, hopeful, determined, you.”
This dedication encapsulates the book’s spiritâaddressing readers with affection and recognizing the courage it takes to be curious about change, hopeful about the future, and determined to keep moving forward.
Central Themes
| Theme | Exploration in the Book |
|---|---|
| Embracing Change as Inevitable | Rather than resisting life’s transitions, Kotb encourages accepting change as a natural part of the human experience and even finding excitement in the unknown |
| The Power of the Jump | Using the metaphor of jumping into water or off a platform, the book explores what it takes to commit fully to a new directionâand the liberation that follows |
| Finding Joy in Uncertainty | Joy doesn’t require perfect circumstances; it can be discovered and cultivated even during transitions and upheaval |
| Small Changes, Big Impact | Not all transformations require dramatic leapsâincremental shifts in mindset and daily habits can create significant life improvements |
| Courage Over Comfort | Growth happens outside comfort zones; choosing courage even when scared is the path to a fuller life |
| Resilience Through Adversity | Drawing on research and personal stories, the book examines how humans adapt, survive, and even thrive through difficult circumstances |
| The Gift of Unexpected Change | Sometimes life’s greatest blessings come disguised as disruptions we didn’t chooseâillness, breakups, job losses can redirect us toward better paths |
| Midlife as Beginning | Challenging cultural narratives that midlife is decline, Kotb presents it as an opportunity for reinvention and new adventures |
| Listening to Your Gut | Trusting internal wisdom and intuition about when change is needed, even when external circumstances seem “fine” |
| Community and Connection | We don’t navigate change aloneâhearing others’ stories, seeking support, and sharing experiences creates collective resilience |
| Motherhood and Personal Growth | Being a good parent sometimes means pursuing your own fulfillment and showing children what courage looks like |
| Letting Go of Perfection | Change doesn’t have to be executed perfectly; messy, imperfect steps forward are still progress |
Key Life Changes Kotb Discusses
Leaving TODAY Show: After 16 years, leaving a job she loved to prioritize her young daughters and create space for presence rather than constant sprinting.
Breakup from Joel Schiffman: The end of her engagement and navigating co-parenting while remaining friendly and committed to their daughters’ wellbeing.
Cancer Diagnosis and Survival: Navigating a cancer diagnosis that changed her perspective on life, time, and what truly matters.
Single Motherhood: Adopting two daughters as a single woman and building a family on her own terms.
Career Rejections: Facing nearly two dozen job rejections early in her career and learning persistence.
Joining TODAY at 44: Starting a new chapter at an age when many assume the best opportunities have passed.
Slowing Down: Transitioning from “sprinting” through life to “feeling life slowing down” and appreciating the present.
Wisdom from Change Experts
While specific experts are best discovered by reading the book, Kotb reportedly includes insights from:
- Psychologists specializing in change and transition
- Resilience researchers with data on human adaptability
- Life coaches who guide clients through major shifts
- Neuroscientists explaining how our brains handle change
- Authors and thought leaders on personal development
- Mindfulness and meditation experts
- Career transition specialists
The book bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, making scientific insights accessible and actionable.
Celebrity and Everyday Stories
Kotb shares inspiring stories from both famous figures and “regular” people who exemplify courage in the face of change. While specific interviews are best experienced in the book, categories include:
- Actors and entertainers who reinvented their careers
- Athletes who transitioned after sports
- Business leaders who pivoted industries
- Parents who made sacrifices for family
- Health crisis survivors who found new purpose
- Late-bloomers who discovered passion in unexpected seasons
- People who left toxic situations for healthier lives
- Individuals who moved across the world for fresh starts
The blend of celebrity and community stories reinforces that courage and transformation are universal human experiences.
Companion Resources
Joy 101 App: Kotb released a wellness app called Joy 101 designed to complement the book’s message with daily practices, affirmations, and community connection.
Book Tour and Speaking Events: Kotb has participated in speaking events and book signings across the country, sharing extended conversations about the themes in Jump and Find Joy.
TODAY Show Features: Special segments on TODAY have expanded on book themes, providing additional context and inspiration.
Podcast Appearances: Kotb has appeared on multiple podcasts discussing her personal journey and the book’s creation.
FAQ
Q: Is this book just for people facing major life changes? A: No. While it addresses big transitions, the book also focuses on small, incremental changes that can improve daily life and build momentum for bigger shifts when needed.
Q: Do I need to be a Hoda Kotb fan or TODAY show viewer to enjoy it? A: Not at all. While fans will enjoy the personal insights, the book’s wisdom about change is universal and doesn’t require familiarity with Kotb’s television work.
Q: Is this another generic “be positive” self-help book? A: No. Kotb acknowledges real struggles, includes research-backed strategies, and addresses both chosen and unchosen change. It’s grounded in reality while being optimistic.
Q: Does she talk about Joel Schiffman and their breakup? A: Yes, with respect and honesty. She discusses the end of their engagement and how they navigate co-parenting their daughters.
Q: What age range is this book for? A: While particularly resonant for those 40+, the themes apply to anyone old enough to face major life decisionsâlikely late 20s and beyond.
Q: Is there practical advice or just inspirational stories? A: Both. The book includes actionable strategies, expert insights, and practical steps alongside the motivational content.
Q: How does this compare to her previous books? A: This is described as her most personal and ambitious work, going deeper into her own vulnerabilities and current life transitions than previous titles.
Critical Reception
Jump and Find Joy became a New York Times Bestseller immediately upon release and has received warm reception:
Reception Highlights:
- Praised for authentic vulnerability and relatability
- Recognition of perfect timingâpublished during Kotb’s own major transitions
- Appreciation for balancing inspiration with practical guidance
- Noted as her most personal and ambitious work to date
- Positive reviews highlighting the inclusion of diverse voices and stories
- Readers report feeling empowered and less alone in their own transitions
Media Coverage:
- Featured interviews on major morning shows and podcasts
- Book club selections across the country
- Social media buzz about specific passages and quotes
- Sold-out book tour events
Reader Impact:
- Many readers report the book gave them permission to make changes they’d been contemplating
- Particularly resonant for midlife women reconsidering priorities
- Appreciation for honest discussion of single motherhood by choice
- Comfort in knowing others struggle with change too
Discussion Questions for Book Clubs
- What “edge” are you currently standing on in your own life? What’s holding you back from jumping?
- Discuss the difference between changes you choose and changes thrust upon you. Which type is harder to navigate?
- How does Kotb’s decision to leave a successful career to focus on her daughters resonate with you? What does it say about our cultural values around work and family?
- What small changes have you made that created unexpected ripple effects in your life?
- Do you agree that midlife can be a beginning rather than a decline? What shifts in perspective does this require?
- Which story from the book (celebrity or everyday person) most inspired you, and why?
- How do you find joy during uncertain times? What practices help you stay grounded?
- Discuss Kotb’s journey with cancer and how health crises can catalyze life changes. Have you experienced this?
- What does courage mean to you? When have you chosen courage over comfort?
- How can we better support friends and family members going through major transitions?
Practical Takeaways
Actionable Strategies from the Book:
- The Edge Exercise: Identify what you’re standing on the edge of and name your fears specifically
- Small Jump Practice: Commit to one tiny change this week to build momentum
- Joy Inventory: Regularly assess what brings you joy and whether you’re making space for it
- Future Visualization: Imagine yourself one year from nowâwhat do you hope will be different?
- Support System Mapping: Identify who can support you through transitions
- Fear vs. Excitement: Learn to reframe nervous energy as excitement about possibilities
- Daily Gratitude: Even during change, notice what’s working and what you’re grateful for
- Permission Giving: Write yourself permission to make the change you’re contemplating
- Progress Over Perfection: Celebrate messy forward movement rather than waiting for perfect conditions
- Regular Check-ins: Schedule time to assess whether your life aligns with your values
Final Thoughts
Jump and Find Joy arrives at a moment when many people are reconsidering their lives post-pandemic, navigating midlife transitions, or simply feeling the weight of constant change in an uncertain world. Hoda Kotb’s greatest gift in this book is her willingness to be vulnerable about her own struggles while maintaining the optimism that has endeared her to millions.
What makes this book special is its authenticity. Kotb isn’t writing from a place of having it all figured outâshe’s writing from the middle of her own leap, sharing the view from where she’s standing. This real-time vulnerability makes the book feel more like a conversation with a friend than a lecture from an expert.
The book successfully balances inspiration with practicality, never veering into toxic positivity while maintaining genuine hope. Kotb acknowledges that change is hard, scary, and often unwanted, but she demonstrates through research, expert insights, and real stories that humans are remarkably adaptable when we stop resisting and start embracing what is.
For readers standing on their own edgesâwhether facing divorce, career changes, health challenges, empty nests, or simply a nagging feeling that something needs to shiftâthis book offers both permission and a roadmap. It reminds us that the life we want often requires the courage to leave behind what’s comfortable, even when that comfort looks like success to others.
Perhaps most importantly, Jump and Find Joy reframes how we think about midlife and change. Rather than decline or crisis, Kotb presents this season as ripe with possibility, freedom, and the wisdom to finally choose what we actually want rather than what we think we should want.
Rating Snapshot: ââââÂœ (4.5/5)
- Authenticity: 5/5 – Genuinely vulnerable without oversharing
- Practical Value: 4/5 – Good balance of inspiration and actionable advice
- Research Foundation: 4/5 – Well-researched with expert insights
- Relatability: 5/5 – Universal themes told through specific stories
- Writing Quality: 4.5/5 – Warm, accessible, engaging
- Hope Factor: 5/5 – Genuinely uplifting without being unrealistic
Personal Development Integration
How to use this book as a tool for growth:
Solo Reading:
- Journal alongside the book, answering prompts and questions
- Identify one change you want to make and create an action plan
- Track small wins and momentum over 30 days
- Return to favorite passages when feeling stuck or scared
Book Club Format:
- Rich discussion material for group exploration
- Opportunity to share personal stories of change
- Accountability for implementing insights
- Building community around mutual support through transitions
With a Therapist or Coach:
- Excellent complement to therapeutic work on life transitions
- Framework for discussing fears and obstacles
- Tool for identifying values and priorities
- Resource for goal-setting and action planning
Links
Author’s Website: hodakotb.com
Social Media:
- Instagram: @hodakotb
- Facebook: Hoda Kotb
- X/Twitter: @hodakotb
Similar Books You Might Enjoy:
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
- The Second Mountain by David Brooks
