Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb, the dynamic duo whose chemistry lit up the fourth hour of NBC’s Today Show, are reuniting—but not under the studio lights of 30 Rockefeller Center. The beloved pair has thrilled fans with news of a special collaboration on Bush Hager’s podcast, Open Book with Jenna, set to drop on September 23, 2025. This reunion, announced just as the podcast’s third season kicks off on September 18, promises the same warmth and authenticity that made their on-screen partnership a fan favorite, sparking a wave of excitement across social media.

Bush Hager, who has continued to helm Today With Jenna & Friends since Kotb’s departure from the morning show in January 2025, shared her enthusiasm for the podcast’s new season in an interview with Today.com on September 16. “I am so excited for our new season of Open Book with Jenna because it’s such a ripe time for awesome conversation,” she said. The podcast, which launched in 2023, invites celebrity guests to dive into candid discussions about their lives, projects, and the books that shaped them. With a lineup featuring Zac Brown on September 18, Tembi Locke on October 2, and Malala Yousafzai on October 16, the season promises to inspire and entertain. “Just like a good book, these conversations will leave you feeling inspired,” Bush Hager noted, adding, “I’ve always been an open book, sharing all of who I am—my life, my family, and my love of storytelling.”

The Kotb episode marks her first appearance on Open Book with Jenna, a significant moment given their history. While Bush Hager has guested twice on Kotb’s Making Space podcast since its 2021 debut, this role reversal offers fans a fresh glimpse into their enduring bond. Kotb, who stepped away from Today to focus on her family and new ventures, including her book Joy 101 and a burgeoning business, recently made a guest appearance on the show on September 9. There, she joined New York City teacher Reyes Andon to play sports with his students on the plaza, later reuniting with her Today colleagues in Studio 1A. “I miss you guys like crazy,” Kotb admitted, her voice tinged with emotion. “Being here made my heart hurt a little bit.”

Bush Hager, ever the playful friend, teased Kotb for not regularly watching Today With Jenna & Friends. “You pretend you’ve been watching,” she quipped, to which Kotb replied, “It’s been going really, really well.” The exchange captured their signature blend of humor and heart, a dynamic fans are eager to hear more of on the podcast. Social media buzzed with reactions, with fans posting on X about their excitement: “Jenna and Hoda together again? My heart is full!” and “Cannot wait for this podcast episode—their chemistry is unmatched!”

Open Book with Jenna has become a platform for Bush Hager to channel her passion for storytelling, a natural extension of her work as an author and publisher with Random House’s Thousand Voices x RHPG. The podcast’s format—intimate chats about books, personal journeys, and creative inspirations—suits her self-described “open book” persona. Kotb, known for her empathetic interviewing style on Making Space, is the perfect guest to complement this vibe, promising a conversation that’s equal parts reflective and uplifting.

The reunion comes at a pivotal time for both women. Kotb, now waking up at 5:30 a.m. to manage life with her two daughters in third and first grade, is embracing a new chapter. Bush Hager, meanwhile, juggles her Today duties, her publishing ventures, and her growing podcast. Their September 23 episode is poised to be a highlight of the season, offering fans a nostalgic yet fresh take on their friendship. As one fan tweeted, “Hoda and Jenna on a podcast? This is the magic we need in 2025!” With their knack for heartfelt connection, this reunion is sure to deliver the same joy that