The Oprah Podcast The Oprah Podcast

She Lost Her Mother at Age 11 and Taught Oprah a Lesson She Never Forgot

Jul 7, 2026 · 29m

Summary

Oprah revisits a poignant story from her show featuring Kate, who appeared as an 11-year-old after her mother’s death. The episode highlights how simple moments, like eating Cheerios, mattered more than grand gestures. Kate shares her adult journey through depression, addiction, and recovery, emphasizing the strength found in family bonds. Now a mother herself, she reflects on how her mother’s legacy continues to guide her life and relationships.

Topics discussed

Intro: The profound impact of a simple Cheerios moment Oprah introduces Kate, Zach, and Tom's story from 25 years ago Original interview: Tom and the family's journey through Kathleen's illness Lesson learned: Time and moments matter more than material things Ad break: Accenture sponsorship Follow-up: Kate and Zach discuss honesty and feeling their mother's presence Kate at 29: Overcoming depression, addiction, and finding sobriety Ad break: LinkedIn Hiring Pro sponsorship Kate at 40: Motherhood, marriage, and honoring her mother's legacy Reflections on family bonds, resilience, and shared joy Outro: Encouragement to subscribe and share the episode
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