Hoda Kotb Breaks Down In Tears On Her Podcast While Discussing ‘Difficult’ Parenting After Split From Joel Schiffman

In a recent emotional conversation between Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, Kotb, 59, shared that reading Guthrie’s latest book, Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere, helped her navigate challenging moments as a parent.

The chat took place during the fifth season premiere of Kotb’s podcast, Making Space. In her new book, Guthrie explores the importance of faith in her life. Upon rereading the book, Kotb shared with her Today colleague and friend that she found renewed hope and confidence in her capabilities as a parent to her two young daughters, 7-year-old Haley Joy and 4-year-old Hope Catherine.

Hoda Kotb Finds Comfort After Reading Savannah Guthrie’s New Book While Experiencing A ‘Difficult’ Parenting Journey

During their discussion, Kotb shed tears as she revealed more about her “difficult” parenting journey following her split from longtime partner Joel Schiffman in 2022. Exes Kotb and financier Schiffman, 65, share their adopted daughters Haley and Hope, and first began dating in 2013. 

"You know, what’s funny, I read the book when you first sent [it] to me — chapter by chapter," Kotb told Guthrie, 52. The Today with Hoda and Jenna anchor continued, with her voice breaking: "And I reread it last night when I was going through a difficult time with my daughter and I was worried, 'Am I enough? Am I doing it right?'"  

The mother of two went on: "It's so interesting because there is a part in here that — I don’t remember where it is now because I have so many dog ears — but it makes a parallel on how God loves us like how we love our own children."

With her voice sounding emotional, Kotb added: "I had already read that, by the way, a few months ago and it didn’t hit me but it hit me last night like it was meant for me in that moment."

Guthrie expressed empathy towards Kotb, and noted that she could relate to motherhood being "a revelation on every single level." Guthrie shares daughter Vale, 9, and son Charley, 7, with her husband, Michael Feldman. Guthrie explained that the feeling of vulnerability that comes with being a parent is "totally terrifying."