Monica Lewinsky Launches Podcast, Reclaims Her Story and Voice

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2025 — Nearly three decades after becoming a household name due to a scandal involving then-President Bill Clinton, Monica Lewinsky is stepping into the spotlight once more with the launch of her new podcast, “Reclaiming.” This venture marks a significant chapter in Lewinsky’s journey of self-discovery and narrative control, as she engages guests in discussions about pivotal moments in their lives.

“This is big for me,” Lewinsky, now 51, shared during an interview. Her podcast will feature various guests, including celebrities like Molly Ringwald and Kara Swisher, allowing them to share their personal reclaiming stories. Each episode culminates with Lewinsky gifting her guests a crystal, symbolizing healing and transformation.

Lewinsky’s life changed dramatically in 1998 when her affair with Clinton became public, thrusting her into a media frenzy that invaded her privacy and reshaped her identity. “The media attention was a tidal wave of mocking commentary and take-downs,” she recalled, adding that navigating her public persona after the scandal has been a complex process.

Despite the chaos, Lewinsky leveraged her notoriety, launching a handbag line and making appearances on platforms like MTV and HBO. However, feeling uneasy in these roles, she retreated from the limelight around 2005. “It ultimately didn’t feel satisfying to me,” she admitted.

In recent years, Lewinsky has re-emerged, penning a viral essay for Vanity Fair in 2014 and delivering a powerful TED Talk that same year. Her work culminated in producing the FX series “Impeachment: American Crime Story,” allowing her to influence the narrative surrounding her experiences.

In her own words, Lewinsky desires her new podcast to serve as a platform for open, honest conversations. “I have to be more open for this podcast to be all it can be,” she stated. “The podcast is me reclaiming, as much as the stories of people I’m talking to.”

Public discourse has shifted since the 90s, with Lewinsky recognizing the impact of the #MeToo movement on her perspective. “I now see my experience as textbook abuse of power,” she explained, reflecting on societal attitudes towards women and power dynamics. “The idea of being in a relationship with a 24-year-old is insane to me, on so many levels,” she added.

Lewinsky cherishes the personal growth she has achieved, expressing gratitude for her supportive family and community. As she ventures into this new role, she remains aware of her past and how she has continually worked toward healing from it. “Every positive thing that comes erases something negative from the past,” she concluded, firmly asserting that her journey will continue to empower others.