In short
Carolyn Murphy discusses her long modeling career (73 Vogue covers), how she maintained individuality across major fashion brands, and why she stepped away from fame in the late 1990s—moving to Costa Rica, becoming a single mother, and later returning to campaigns and runways. She also covers discipline vs dedication, wellness practices (yoga, breathwork, chakra visualization), and balancing visibility with privacy in the social-media era.
Guest backgrounds
Carolyn Murphy is a supermodel and the longest-running Estee Lauder face in the brand’s history. She worked with top photographers including Stephen Meisel, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Peter Lindbergh, and Patrick Demarchelier. She also appeared in a Barry Levinson film and collaborated with designer Yohji Yamamoto. She became a mother to Dylan (born 2000) and later partnered with Infinity Wellness.
Key claims
Staying power comes from intuition and not being attached to outcomes; “beauty is as beauty does” became self-kindness and dedication; yoga/breathwork helped her “stay centered”; brand longevity builds customer connection; privacy (“invisible supermodel”) protects boundaries.
Notable examples
1995 Prada pixie haircut; mentors Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington; Estee Lauder contract supporting single motherhood; visualization for desired campaigns; Japan work ethic shaping her discipline.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOCarolyn Murphy's Journey
2:09 to 3:00
Carolyn reflects on her life as a supermodel and her decisions.
“The one and only pumpkin spice latte and the deliciously smooth iced pecan crunch latte have arrived and are ready to sip all season long.”
Carolyn Murphy's Journey
3:03 to 6:10
Carolyn reflects on her life as a supermodel and her decisions.
“Carolyn, thank you so much for joining Pretty Tough.”
The Evolution of Self-Identity
6:10 to 7:35
Discussion on self-discovery during Carolyn's modeling career.
“It's amazing how long it takes to get to that point of realization, right?”
Navigating the Fashion Industry
7:35 to 11:40
Carolyn discusses her experiences and maintaining individuality in fashion.
“And then you'll see at some point it turns into dedication.”
Advice from Role Models
11:40 to 14:03
Insights on guidance received from mentors in the industry.
“I was a little bit more shy and reserved, but I would light up on camera and I felt like that was my job.”
Discovering Yoga's Impact
14:03 to 15:00
Learn how yoga transformed the guest's life and fitness journey.
“And so next thing I know is going to a class in Brentwood at Maha Yoga at the suggestion of Christy.”
Reflections on Fame and Magazine Covers
15:00 to 17:28
Explore the emotional journey of being on the cover of Vogue 73 times.
“It's a testament to your longevity, to your creativity.”
The Pressure of Perfection in Modeling
17:28 to 19:07
Understand the pressures faced by models in the fashion industry.
“But for the most part, I would say maybe it's because I started later.”
Career Evolution and Icon Status
19:07 to 21:11
Examine how the guest's career evolved into a style icon.
“Was the client happy as opposed to like focusing on the physicality.”
The Art of Collaboration with Photographers
21:11 to 23:12
Discover the importance of synergy between models and photographers.
“And then, you know, started getting the covers of American Vogue.”
Show all 28 chapters
The Importance of Immersion in Fashion
25:51 to 28:00
Learn about the commitment to understanding and immersing in fashion.
“I sense that you are a real student of your craft.”
Exploring Creativity and Travel
28:00 to 28:38
Discussion on creativity and travel experiences, especially in Japan.
“And there's, you know, different levels of, you know, creativity that maybe they're looking to me for guidance now.”
Work Ethic and Japanese Culture
28:38 to 30:50
Insights into how working in Japan shaped Carolyn's work ethic and creative approach.
“What is it about Japan that brought out the very best of you?”
Reflections on Yoji Yamamoto
30:50 to 33:19
Carolyn shares her experiences working with designer Yoji Yamamoto and his candid nature.
“And you couldn't ski because they were like, you cannot break an arm or a leg.”
Life After Fame and Turning 50
33:19 to 34:25
Discussion on stepping back from fame and the reflections that come with age.
“And then when you get past 50, you're like, well, fuck it.”
The Need for Normalcy
34:25 to 36:59
Carolyn discusses her decision to move to Costa Rica for a sense of normalcy amidst fame.
“And you've owned some tough decisions because it was late 90s.”
Returning to the Industry as a Single Mother
36:59 to 40:05
Carolyn talks about her return to modeling and the challenges of being a single mother.
“Because you were like, I need to make money.”
Longevity with Estee Lauder
40:05 to 42:01
Carolyn reflects on her long-term partnership with Estee Lauder and its significance.
“And that's the choice, I admit, because there was just no way I could balance it all.”
Learning Through Brand Collaborations
42:01 to 44:42
Exploring how brand partnerships can serve as learning experiences.
“the role seriously and I have great mentors within the company.”
Wellness Journey and Self-Care
44:42 to 47:26
Carolyn discusses her wellness journey and the importance of self-care.
“I want to talk to you about that because wellness was such a natural part of your life.”
Visualization and Manifestation Techniques
47:26 to 49:59
The power of visualization and how it influences success and performance.
“I'm so glad you talk about it because I think that applies.”
Navigating Public Visibility and Privacy
49:59 to 51:42
The balance between being visible in the public eye and maintaining privacy.
“It took like, you know, at 16, I was like, oh my God, I like you.”
Navigating Public Visibility and Privacy
51:46 to 52:13
The balance between being visible in the public eye and maintaining privacy.
“Sitting around the table, everyone talking all at once.”
The Complexities of the Modeling Industry
52:42 to 56:00
Discussing the contradictions of visibility and authenticity in modeling.
“In your industry, there's this idea of being invisible.”
Navigating Social Media and Personal Boundaries
56:00 to 57:00
Learn how to balance social media's demands with personal wellbeing.
“Sometimes I just have to take a time out.”
Beauty Standards and Self-Acceptance
57:00 to 59:20
Explore the pressures of beauty standards and the journey to self-acceptance.
“I do have a hard time with it, with the social media, because I don't have the numbers I'm supposed to have.”
Embracing Change and Future Aspirations
59:20 to 1:02:00
Understand how to embrace personal evolution and future goals.
“And of course, we worry about the imprint that it has on the younger generation.”
Unlearning Perfectionism and Finding Strength
1:02:00 to 1:04:20
Discover the freedom in unlearning perfectionism and leveraging community for strength.
“That's not my job to take care of others.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00It's funny, I can remember my 40th like yesterday. It's no big deal. Wait till you get 50. That's when you're like, oh, I never really thought about my birthday before. And then you hit 50 and you're like, ooh. And that does not sound good. And then when you get past 50, you're like, well, fuck it. I might as well just go for it now because, you know, it's the inevitable.
0:26She's been on the cover of Vogue 73 times. She's the longest running face of Estee Lauder in the brand's history. And in 1995, one pixie haircut for Prada changed the entire trajectory of her career. Carolyn Murphy is a bonafide supermodel. Three decades deep, shot by virtually every big name photographer for every big name magazine. But at the height of her career, just after she'd starred in a movie with Barry Levinson and was being called the next Grace Kelly, Carolyn did something rash. She walked away. She moved to Costa Rica, became a single mother, and called herself the invisible supermodel while quietly building a life almost entirely out of the spotlight.
1:09Now, at 53, she's back on campaigns, walking major runways, and pursuing new opportunities. Proving that staying power isn't always about chasing the spotlight. It's about trusting your intuition and not being so attached to the outcome. I'm Maria Sharapova, and this is Pretty Tough.
1:34Support for the show comes from Honest. As an athlete, I've always held myself to the highest of standards. And as a parent, same story. There's no room for compromise. Honest thinks the same way with hypoallergenic dermatologist tested baby essentials designed to go above and beyond. Products like their clean conscious wipes or their bath and body essentials and diapers all made for the delicate details that matter most. Your peace of mind starts with Honest, the mother of all standards. Shop Honest on Amazon, Walmart and Target.
2:08Your favorite fall flavors are back at Starbucks. The one and only pumpkin spice latte and the deliciously smooth iced pecan crunch latte have arrived and are ready to sip all season long. Or find a new favorite, like the new iced banana bread latte that tastes just like fall in a cup. You can find your favorite taste of fall only at Starbucks. Your heart can tell you a lot about your health. Apple Watch Series 12 measures your heart rate every five seconds with the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable. So your vitals app, now with heart rate variability, can tell you when something is off.
2:46And your readiness score can let you know when to rest and when to push. Hear the story in every heartbeat with Apple Watch Series 12. The features described are for wellness purposes only and not for medical use. iPhone 11 or later required. Based on Apple-conducted study of heart rate accuracy, August 2026. Visit apple.com slash apple watch series 12. Carolyn, thank you so much for joining Pretty Tough. The last time I saw you, you were on a mountain slope decked out in Montclair walking the runway show while it was snowing in Aspen. And you were a star. Like there were over 100 models. I was just going to say, was I beaming out of the 150?
3:29I mean, that's where I'm going with this. is like when you were walking down those slopes and you're wearing your puffy gear and I think you even had a backpack on. It was a lot. But your walk is iconic. And I was like, she's a star. And then as you were getting closer, because you were like in the mist and it was snowing and it was cold. So you were all bundled up in your winter jacket. And then you come closer and you're like, I knew she was doing something good. She's that's Carolyn Murphy. That's funny to hear that you could even pick me out because I just remember it was such chaos for that show.
4:06And then the elevation, a few of us were getting sick and I had the worst headache, which I'm not privy to those. And I didn't want to whine. I wanted to be professional, but it was such a task. Let alone half of those kids were more than half my age and they couldn't figure out how to get down the mountain because of the way that they had it set up in this kind of, you know, maze. And it's, it was very confusing for a lot of people. I remember they had like, they set up little cones apparently, but because it started snowing, the cones were moving out of place and it confused everyone. It was, it was definitely.
4:44You knew where you were going. I'm like, if I don't have it figured out by now, 30 years into this, then there is a problem. And then I just, I think I did tell a couple of the kids, I was like, just walk, you're fine. You know, you've got to get down to the bottom where the lights are and you're fine. And it was such a magical setting too. Like I remember, I think it was a full moon to boot. So yeah. It was stunning. But anyway, you were radiating. Thank you. So I love to start the show with a quote by the guest. Yours comes with a little assistance from your Nana. In an interview last year, you say, eventually I swabbed discipline for dedication, dedication to myself and my wellness.
5:23my nana told me at a young age that beauty is as beauty does do you remember that quote oh yeah I was very fortunate I guess to have a grandmother who imparted so much wisdom all the time but from a young age you know beauty is as beauty does being kind but I had always thought that that meant being kind to others and it wasn't just that it was about being kind to yourself too and And yeah, that's that dedication rather than the discipline. Dedication just softens a little bit and takes the pressure off and then it becomes more joyful. How old were you when you realized that? You know, dare I say it wasn't that long ago.
6:05I'm 53 now. I turned 53 in August. So this was a revelation I had after kind of what I say a period of the, you know, dark night of the soul. It's amazing how long it takes to get to that point of realization, right? even beyond the experiences that you've had and how you've had to grow up from a young age and the maturity that it takes but still even in our 40s I mean I'm close to 40 and you're still learning you're a baby oh stop it you are such a baby still I want to get to when you're young you were in the beginning of your career as a model you were shy you were a bit reluctant very but then you hit the ground running and it's 1995 and you break out in a major product campaign and you had a pixie haircut a rose mary's baby i had no choice with that i had no choice i was literally dying my hair every color again a part of the rebellion i was like i'm not gonna be the blonde hair, blue eyed girl, you know, that's, you know, proper and pretty.
7:12And I just, it was the nineties and I wanted to be different. I wasn't partying like most of my peers. I was no angel, but I had that discipline from being raised a certain way. I was not an angel. I had a wild side. Yes. A little bit. It was, it was a disciplined wild side. So we'll use the word discipline throughout. It'll be a common thread. And then you'll see at some point it turns into dedication. But yes, I kept dyeing my hair. I was trying so hard. I'll be honest here. I was trying so hard to fit in where I didn't felt that I had belonged. And I say that because I felt like such an outsider in the way that I wasn't, you know, I was taller than Kate Moss, but I wasn't that tall.
8:04And I just was like, I'm not cool. And all these girls that were my age had already been around for a few years. My parents said, nope, you have to not only finish high school, but you have to go to college. I did not finish college. And so I was commuting between DC and New York, just trying to find my way, you know, my early twenties. And so the grunge period. Everybody was dying their hair. I didn't get a septum piercing. But then you have this pixie cut that gets you a major campaign. And I mean, which is funny, because the moment of your rebellious period is what brought you one of the most, a starting point in your modeling career.
8:47It really was a moment because although I didn't grow up knowing what Prada was, I mean, it was getting an education in fashion whilst trying to be a model. that, you know, to land an exclusive contract with a brand like that, I mean, of course, I knew at that point, this is really cool. And Miucha was just so interesting to me. And she was very family oriented and would welcome me in for these long lunch, long lunches that they would have. But she was taken with the fact that I was wearing pencil skirts and three quarter sleeve vintage sweaters with like a little kitten heel and nobody really was dressing like that at that point um I started to kind of discover you know what I I liked in fashion and and I was shopping a lot of second hand or you know some high-end second hand and that's how we kind of bonded so and pretty soon after that you become the face of some of the world's most recognizable brands from Estee Lauder, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Gucci, Chanel.
9:56I mean, who am I missing at this point? But how do you hold your sense of individuality and your voice when you are going from brand to brand, opinion to opinion, campaign to campaign, and everyone has their own version of what Carolyn should be in this campaign? How did you hold true to who you were? That's a fascinating question, because it can muddy the waters, you know, in those, you know, your 20s are still in your developmental years and you're in this time of self-discovery. Who am I outside my family unit? Who am I when my teachers and my parents aren't telling me how I should be and who I should be?
10:41And then who am I at work? Exactly. And so part of our job is, you know, I would often say chameleon, you know, you morph And that's part of the artistry and the creativity. I took it as when I was on set getting direction from Stephen Mizell, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, it was my moment to dig a little bit deeper and to tap into something greater than, you know, not that walking on a runway or posing isn't interesting, but I loved the research. They would often bring books. You know, Stephen would have piles of books, and they would, of course, have a mood board. And there's a level of escapism in that, too.
11:27But I think I had a pretty good gauge on the fact that this is what I'm showing up to do right now. This is not who I am. It's my art form today. This is it. And I'm going to turn it on. And I was never this bombastic personality, unlike some of the other girls that came later on the scene. I was a little bit more shy and reserved, but I would light up on camera and I felt like that was my job. And then outside of that, I made a real concerted effort to have my friend groups that would feed me otherwise and they had nothing to do with the industry. So that was the healthy separation. And that would help you connect with who you were as a human being and keep your feet on the ground, I assume, in an industry that is pulling you in so many different directions.
12:16It is pulling you in so many directions. And I think I had mentors. Cindy Crawford became a mentor. Christy Turlington early on became a mentor. I remember being at a party one night and I share this memory. I just think she's such a great woman, Christy. And she had on a pair of Keds and like a long skirt and a white button down and her hair in a ponytail and no makeup. And I just was like, God, this is class. This is grace. This is somebody who is back at school. You know, she was NYU, the Gallatin, getting her degree. And I think you decide who, eventually, who do you want to be in the world?
12:59And who is it that is going to, you know, represent those people outside of your family? And so she became a mentor and she's, of course, iconic in our industry. Was there a piece of advice that she gave you that you've held on to this moment? The common line was just hold true to yourself, you know, and it was the very question that you just asked me. In fact, I remember being in my new house in California with a baby, calling her crying. And I had signed my contract with Estee Lauder. I was so excited. but there was also a lot of pressure and work. I had done a movie with Barry Levinson. I'd signed with CAA.
13:42Everybody was like, oh, the new Grace Kelly, and you're going to do this film and that film. And I was just trying to wrap my head around a divorce in 9-11. So there were just these moments. And I remember talking to Christy on the phone and she said to me, she's like, You just stay centered. And the best thing for that is yoga, yoga and breath work. And so next thing I know is going to a class in Brentwood at Maha Yoga at the suggestion of Christy. And it really changed my life. I always say that yoga is so easy because you can take it with you wherever you go. And then I'm complaining that my neck is hurting because I started playing tennis.
14:20You did. How are you finding it? It's so fun. You're probably playing more than I am playing at the moment. I don't know. I don't play very often. So you could probably beat me. It's hard. Like you get, I get sore from it. And then I'm like, I'm not doing anything about it. Like you, it's more of a workout than I thought. My coach is amazing. He's really sweet and he's very patient. Yeah. Yeah. Very patient. I feel like a good coach requires great patience. Yeah. So So taking it back to fashion, magazine covers, you've, I mean, when I read this, I was like, is this an accurate number? But 73 Vogue covers.
15:05It's a testament to your longevity, to your creativity. And I mean, ultimately, it's a love for what you do, and the passion for which you do it. But when you see yourself on the cover, like what, to this day what crosses your mind it's very surreal it's almost um a disconnect in a really weird way when i was talking about earlier having that alter ego when you show up on set and i try to be really present i remember carly claus said that to me she's like you're just you're not on your phone you're really present i love connecting with people and it helps me get into the zone. But I almost feel like when I leave the studio, I'm done with it.
15:50So then you're able to disconnect. I'm able to. I mean, very rarely would. Now, if I were acting, that might be more difficult because you're really getting into like an emotional character, the psychological and emotional. But with fashion, it's it's so short lived, especially with digital these days. It's like, come on, let's get the 12 shots and get out. But then when I see it, for the most part, It's just like a, I guess it would be a surge of being proud because you kind of forget. And then when it comes to life a few months later, it's like, oh, I did that. You know, oh, I like the way I look there.
16:32Sometimes I don't like the way things do. I'm so glad you say that because acknowledging that you're proud of your work. Very. decades after you started in this industry is really a testament to perseverance because I'm sure within, you know, the decades that you spent going from shoot to shoot and working with brands and just in lots of people in between, you can get tired. It can be exhausting. The physical demand of, you know, needing to be in one city to shoot with a team and then another city the next day, also dealing with so many different personalities. It's not like there's this continuum of people.
17:12It changes pretty much every time. I remember speaking of personalities. I remember I was, I must have been 17 and it was like my first big shoot. And it was with Vogue and Anna sent the screw to Los Angeles. And I remember Edward Enningful was the stylist at the time at Vogue and he came to my house for a fitting and he just brought loads of clothing and I was like well I don't have like four hours to do a fitting and then the next day I'm on set and the the lady was doing my makeup and I've never really had my makeup done like for anything professional like that and they're like working on my eyebrows for forever like perfecting and like and you're 17 i'm 17 and i like my manager's at the corner i'm like is something wrong with my eyebrows because and like is anyone gonna notice and edward looks over to me he's like everyone notices and i was like well i guess yeah it's a microscope world so the fact that you were able to be under this microscope yeah for this period of time i mean i would be lying to say that at some points in my life, it didn't affect me.
18:29But for the most part, I would say maybe it's because I started later. You know, I'd had all these, the formative years and was really allowed to just be a teenager at home. And I didn't start until my early 20s. Maybe that saved me a little bit, although I'm not impervious to having these quirks in the way of kind of overanalyzing in a way, which was mine would be probably more, you know, did I do a good job? I could be really hard on myself. You know, did I get it? Was the client happy as opposed to like focusing on the physicality. But there is that part of it, like you said, my eyebrows, and believe me, they do, they see everything.
19:19It's in, you're like, especially Anna. Yeah, she does. And she's right. How she is right. And that was the other thing too. That's when my career really took the turn was I could experiment a bit more. And I was doing a lot of covers for French Vogue. and then I just remember being on set one day shooting for American Vogue and the photographer Stephen, we came up with the whole plan. He's like, oh my god, you should be blonde. I was growing my hair back out. I'd had the short hair. I'd had this kind of black Louise Brooks version. Then it went more like a honey blonde, which I looked a little bit like Anna.
20:03And then, of course, I loved everything that she wore. So, you know, you'd see her walk by in like a great, you know, skirt and a little Manolo. And I was starting to earn some money. So I was upping my game a little bit, which was wonderful because I was ending up in the pages of Vogue for my own style, which was like, that's almost, you know, as important to me as it is being in the magazine as a model. The fact that it becoming like a style icon in a way of that time. Once I was on that shoot and Stephen says, you can make some money. Let's grow your hair out and go back to being blonde. And I was like, that's really funny because that's what I was trying to get away from was being the blonde haired, blue eyed, pretty girl.
20:52But now you're telling me if I look like this, I can make money. And that was it. Did you listen to him? Oh, yeah. We'll always listen. To Stephen Meisel. Anna and Stephen, for sure. And then my late agent, Ivan Bart, who I was with for 28 years. Bless him. Yes. Yes, that was the mastermind. And then, you know, started getting the covers of American Vogue. And it was a whole... That was the beginning of the 73 and counting. Yes. And you've worked with some of the most incredible photographers in the industry. You mentioned Stephen Mizell, Helmut Newton, Peter Lindbergh, Patrick de Marchier among there.
21:31Do you remember a shoot during which the photographer just brought out the very best in you? Oh, gosh, everybody you just mentioned. See, I get goosebumps now. I was thinking about Peter because Peter and I met each other late. I'm really fortunate that I'm a late bloomer in that way. I met so many important people in the fashion industry. And I would get frustrated by it when I was younger. But then I just think divine timing is a real thing. And with Peter, he was just like a teddy bear. And that synergy is so important for me because I feed off of that. Peter's like, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this.
22:19And you know, Stephen is very intuitive. It's almost like I can feel him and watch him out of the corner of my eye. And he knows that. So I could be appearing to be so focused, not even really looking at the camera. I could be looking off and he's guiding me from the side and he could do this. And then you know that it means to turn your chin a certain way. You saw the angle. Yeah. And then Irving Penn, I mean, that was an environment which there was really no talking, no walking, and it was much more controlled and posed and really embodied. So that's the part that I get so excited about when I'm working with a great photographer.
23:04What are they going to give me today? Because I have so much that I want to give back, but it's that reciprocation between the two of us. Patrick, from my experience, when he... Did you shoot with him? I did. Patrick DiMachia shot my first big campaign for a watch brand. Oh, amazing. And I just remember, I was like, finally, someone that knows when he has the shot. Because he's like, we're done. Because you can't understand what he's saying either. No. He's like, done. Finish. And I was like, wait, we have the shot? I thought every photographer... You have the whole day? I was like, I thought every photographer just works like an extra hour because they're not convinced or not confident that they have the shot.
23:43But he was that first person that was like, I have the shot. I don't need to keep going.
23:54Support for the show comes from Honest. When you're a professional athlete, you hold yourself to the highest of standards. You have to have a certain mindset that lets you train with precision and stay committed. When we become parents, we keep those same principles. And that means we stick to brands who also hold themselves to a high standard, like Honest. Honest makes hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested baby essentials that will give you peace of mind through everyday messes, cuddles, bath time, and cleanups. They hold every product to their highest standards. They even call it the Honest Standard.
24:26That means they thoughtfully choose the ingredients to put in and the ones to leave out. From Honest clean-conscious wipes to bath and body essentials and diapers, everything Honest makes is designed for the delicate details that matter most. Because when caring for your baby comes with so many little decisions, you need products you can trust to take care of that soft baby skin as safely and gently as you can. Honest, the mother of all standards. Shop Honest on Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
24:56Your favorite fall flavors are back at Starbucks. The one and only pumpkin spice latte and the deliciously smooth iced pecan crunch latte have arrived and are ready to sip all season long. Or find a new favorite, like the new iced banana bread latte that tastes just like fall in a cup. You can find your favorite taste of fall only at Starbucks. When you need to build up your team to handle the growing chaos at work, use Indeed Sponsored Jobs. It gives your job post the boost it needs to be seen and helps reach people with the right skills, certifications, and more. Spend less time searching and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all your boxes.
25:37Listeners of this show will get a$75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com slash podcast. That's Indeed.com slash podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Need a hiring hero? This is a job for Indeed sponsored jobs. I sense that you are a real student of your craft. like you before going on a shoot or working with a brand you want to know the history you want to know the direction for you it is you treat it as an art form walk me through that process um because i i really appreciate individuals that are not just showing up and showcasing what they do or showing their face and leaving, but just immersing themselves in the project that they've committed to.
26:27It's the only way. For me, it's the only way. I don't... You don't know another way. I don't know another way. And maybe it comes from, again, we're going back to that for discipline, but also, you know, even academically in school, I did really well. And it wasn't about trying to be perfect or prove anything. It was just that was what I needed to do in order to feel good. And with fashion, you know, there's this misconception that, you know, we're just walking down the runway, we're just showing up and you just click, click, click, click, and you're done. For the most part, a lot of girls aren't like that.
27:06For the most part, most of them are studied, especially those who are successful. So maybe they're going to go about those studies in a different way, but that total immersion is what gets me excited. If there is a film that I'm to reference, if there is a book that I am to reference, great. Give me a stack of all of it because I want to know. And then it's that education on top of it. And I think the exploration in our industry is what makes it so fun. The history, it's so fantastic. It's vast. There's so much there. And now we're looking towards the future and I'm getting a different education.
27:52Wait, who am I working with tomorrow? And then I go down the rabbit hole of looking up this young photographer's work and, you know, then getting to know their personality a little bit. And there's, you know, different levels of, you know, creativity that maybe they're looking to me for guidance now. Because of your experience? Yes. What my opinion is, which is fun. And by having these longstanding partnerships, you traveled around the world. And I want to talk to you about travel because we both have a love for Japan. Oh, my gosh. I didn't know that you love Japan as much as I do. What's the term?
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28:29Japanophile? I mean, file anything. Whatever it is. Yeah, yeah. But you've had the great privilege of working with many Japanese artists, Yoji Yamamoto, collaborating with him. What is it about Japan that brought out the very best of you? Gosh, well, I started in Japan because I could go to Japan and work seven days a week, sometimes two and three jobs a day, come home with like wads of cash. And I was happy as a lark. But it really was that I was busy over there. But the work ethic, it shaped my work ethic so early on. Not that my parents would have had my head if I didn't, you know, act professional.
29:14Because I remember Newsweek naming me in the top 10 supermodels. I was like number four or five. And I was called the professional. And I was so like, I want to be cool again. You didn't like that term. No, I didn't. I was like, I want to be cool. But how much more do you appreciate that now? I appreciate it so much now. because I'm sitting here with you and having this conversation and, you know, reflecting on those beginning years in Japan, which again, you know, created a work ethic of two and three jobs a day, going home, hitting the pillow, starting all over again. You know, I had rent to pay.
29:51It's a hard pillow there. It is a hard. It's a hard pillow and it's on the floor. It's small. It's kawaii, ne? Yeah. Kawaii. Yeah. Yes. I just remember also learning like, my name is Carolyn, or even how to count the food, the people. It's the most wonderful experience. What was the longest time you ever stayed there? I won my first professional tournament. I was still very young, but before you get to the main, main pros, you play a challenger circuit, which is technically pros, but when you're just getting into things. and I was in the middle of nowhere. It was in a city called Gunma. I don't even know where that is.
30:34Exactly. It was actually a winter town. My dad loved it because mountainous. It was an indoor tournament. My dad loved it because he could like ski all day long and then I'd play my match and then he'd go back to skiing and it was such a fun time. And you couldn't ski because they were like, you cannot break an arm or a leg. I would not even know what to do with skis or boots or any of that. I still don't. I'm a beach girl. But at the time I was like slowly tapping into that culture because there was something so professional about it. Like back to the discipline. Everything was structured. I love structure.
31:12Structured and just beautiful and not beautiful because it was overly decorated. It was beautiful because the materialization was perfect. the the way that it was bought like every piece of clothing is bonded beautifully and sewn beautifully and the shapes the tailoring the textures just the way it flows i could talk about all day me too it really is that yin and yang of that feminine masculine there's this real balance that they strive for and there's a quietude it's the quietude to have it whether you're in the mountains or you're in Osaka or, you know, it's some Japanese inn. I mean, I could literally go there right now mentally.
32:00It's just, there's a serenity to it and that culture and the food. Yoji was incredible. I had such a crush on him and I remember going to my fittings and I just couldn't even look at him. Talk about a rebel. Oh yeah. He was the ultimate rebel. He was the really know it because we didn't have access to online at the time. But you could sense that about him. I didn't know that he was a rock star. He's like Neil Young of Japan. It's also so brutally honest. I remember him giving an interview a couple of years ago. And he's like, they asked him if he loves the job. He's like, no, I don't love any of this.
32:39I don't love it. What am I going to tell you? And they're like, wait, you don't, you don't, you're not passionate about it? No, I do this. This is my job. I show up in my office. I have a team. They all help me create these great creations. I sell them and I do it season after season. I was like, that's it. I saw that same interview and I really, I internally applauded him for that, for exactly what you're saying. It's just that he is going to be honest and straightforward and there's no fluff because there is enough of that in our industry. And it's okay. It's okay to say, you know i'm here to make the money and you know i don't want to go to all those parties every night i just don't nothing wrong with that no there's nothing wrong and everybody has their way of doing it and yeah he and nelson rey kabuka they're yeah japan's amazing i need to go back we should what was last time you were there last year for my birthday but i can i'm i'm available let's figure anytime anytime there's a japanese trip on the horizon i'm available so we have to go we'll make that happen yeah we have to go we have to find a creative avenue like i'm sure we could come up with something because this is what happens to the brain now and you're you're 40 i'm 52 53 i have a few more months don't get me to 40 you have you're almost yeah it's funny i can remember my 40th like yesterday it's no big deal wait till you hit to 50 you get 50 that's when you're like oh i never really thought about my birthday before and then you hit 50 and you're I'm like, ooh.
34:11And then when you get past 50, you're like, well, fuck it. I might as well just go for it now because, you know, it's the inevitable. That's right. It is. Just own it. It really is. Yeah, you've got to own it. And you've owned some tough decisions because it was late 90s. You make a big decision to step back from the industry. You just filmed the movie that you described with Barry Levinson. and everyone labeled you as the next Grace Kelly. And your response is to move to Costa Rica. Oh, why? If I could talk to my younger self, we would have a really good conversation. You know, it's funny. I have no regrets.
35:02I have no regrets. I think at that time it was so overwhelming for me you know, not everybody wants to be famous. I enjoyed making the money. I enjoyed being creative. I was happy with where I was at in my life. And I didn't quite have a full understanding of the responsibility it was going to take to become an actress. And it coincided with meeting my ex-husband at the time, falling in love, getting pregnant, getting or getting married, then getting pregnant. It was a lot happening at once. And I think I was searching for normalcy because even prior to, to falling in love and, and Costa Rica, um, with all my success, there was a loneliness and Costa Rica was this really kind of, it was a reprieve for me.
36:05I had started surfing and it gave me a sense of normalcy and separateness. Belonging. Yes. But it was a bit extreme. Oh, yeah. Yeah. And Anna, I remember Anna and the whole fashion community were like, oh, it's so great because you're rebuilding a school and we can help, you know, do a book drive and send books down. And it was beautiful and it was amazing. But then, you know. You're like, I don't want to hear from anyone. I did and I didn't, but I wanted it to be on my terms. So it's like when you start claiming that agency for yourself, which is, you know, this is how I want it to go. And I felt like I didn't have any of that.
36:43I felt like everybody else was telling me how my life was going to be. This is who you're going to work with. This is what you're going to do. And I didn't like that, but I didn't have to go to the extreme of moving to Costa Rica. however what you have your you have dylan oh my gosh i mean talk about 10 she's amazing gave birth to dylan in 2000 the end of 2000 she's incredible i mean you're not there because you're you're still with little i'm in the toddler so you have a four-year-old yeah and then how old oh just a four-year-old for now the plenty yes it's a lot and so you have dylan in 2000 I signed with Estee, 2001.
37:272001, you signed with Estee. You separate from your ex-husband. Yes, yes. And you get back into the industry. Yeah. Because you were like, I need to make money. I'm a single mother at this point, and I need to work. And I go into this, also 9-11 had happened, which was terrifying. and I just thought to myself how do I want my life to be but also for my daughter and unfortunately my marriage was not in a great place and I said I was like you know the world could end tomorrow so you know this is unfortunate it was a devastating devastating time because it's not what I wanted but it was necessary um so I was a single mom I moved to California to be near family I also didn't want to be pushing the stroller around New York City at that point or isolating upstate New York, which is where I also had a house.
38:28So LA was like a really nice landing for us. And I was shooting a lot out there. So it was beautiful. I had family. I had great friends, you know, right from the get go. She had a yard to play in. And I started really taking, my role at Estee Lauder very seriously. And I was so happy because I grew up with the brand and it was like a pinch me moment. And actually, and funnily enough, when I first started modeling in the early nineties, Paulina Porsikova had test me. She'd taken pictures of me. She was, she was pregnant and with her husband, Riko Kasich at the time. So there was like this omen.
39:13It was so wild. At that time, was there a sense of fear? Of course. Luckily, I had my contract with Estee Lauder. Thank God. I mean, honestly, it has afforded me to be a single mom and to take care of my daughter because unfortunately, it ended up where I was the only parent. So I became mother, father, breadwinner. so that's why when Hollywood was still like oh wait you're here and here's the script and we want you to go do this movie I really it was a hard decision to make at the time but it was the right decision that I can't go on set for six months at a time I have to be a mother to my child.
40:02I'm really all she has. So I'm going to forego making more money and being more famous to be her mom. And that's the choice, I admit, because there was just no way I could balance it all. You know, Estee Lauder was so supportive of that. Let's talk about that partnership, because besides, I mean, it is still ongoing after 20, how many years? 25, it'll be 26 years. 26 years. I mean, holding on to a partner for just a few years is already a testament to longevity in this industry. But with the amount of turnover that we see in your industry specifically, where influencers are coming in for deals that are only five, six months long, I mean, to hold true to a brand that's it's beyond product right it's a legacy it's a lifestyle and I'm sure there's been several people within the company that I've turned over but yet I mean your partnership still stands talk about what that means to you you know to be there for this long and to have them I guess use me as an example of aging and these different stages of aging, I think benefits the brand.
41:29I mean, yes, it's great for me to have that predictability and that consistency, but I think it's what customers really want. And women feel like they feel more of a connection and a relatability to the actual product because they've seen me grow up with the brand. and that's a true honor. I mean, I do not take it lightly at all. I count my blessings every day. And then it's not just about getting free products that I love. I really believe in it. And I take the role seriously and I have great mentors within the company. I mean, that's how I used. I remember like back to curiosity and when I was young, you know, I only knew one thing because that was my craft and I, you know, I trained at it every day.
42:17But when I would have a brand partnership, I used it as a vehicle to learn and to learn from people that, you know, had different responsibilities within the brand. I mean, the things I learned about marketing or collaboration or even on photo shoots, like these brands gave me the opportunities to learn, to get smarter. And so, I mean, it's almost a little bit selfish, but you utilize. Yeah, it's okay. Thank you. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. Because with every nugget of wisdom you gain because you are in the position that you are, being a public figure, whether it's sitting here right now having this conversation or when you're doing an interview, you know, down the line or whatever you decide to put out in the world, that's the gift.
43:09And I think that's what came much later for me was realizing there was this level of self-deprecation for so long that I had to realize, wait a minute, I need to own this. I need to own this. I need to revel in this. I need to figure out how I can flip on its axis and turn this into doing something good. And I think when you become a mother, there is this kind of internal shift that happens where you're like, I've got to get out of my own way. And so I'm constantly wanting to set an example for her the best that I can, you know, what I have control over. Right. A lot of things are out of our control as a mom.
43:48Yes. I mean, I've had things happen in my life publicly that are just the most humiliating and harrowing things that you can imagine. But, you know, it's our resilience and it's what you can learn from those moments to show people that you can rise above and you can make your life what you want to make it. And then to take that wisdom and say, hey, you know, what about we do this with, you know, packaging or product? And, you know, I have an idea and it becomes so much more collaborative. It always was, you know, to a certain extent on set, not in the beginning. It's something that comes over time.
44:31You earn it. And now I feel like that's where I am in life with the collaborations or this, you know, partnership that I have with Infinity Wellness. I want to talk to you about that because wellness was such a natural part of your life. I mean, we have joke about Costa Rica, but there is an element of being in Costa Rica that was calming. That was, I mean, you literally had your feet in the sand and in the ground. I did. And in the 90s, I had met this woman through a life coach healer named Sally Kravich, and she was this nutritionist. and that's why so I that actually started before Costa Rica it was like 1995 I was living in the meat packing district which made me a vegetarian for like a minute and I was like you know dodging carcasses on the way to the studio that was like the start of this kind of whoo wow wait a minute I want to feel good because I'm traveling a lot right now and I do not feel good and drinking champagne at every show and drinking coffee just to stay awake.
45:39This is not working. And I feel horrible. So when I met this life coach, then she introduced me to a nutritionist. I think Sally's still around. And that's when I started paying more attention to like what I was putting in my body, my sleep. So because I was like, well, I'm performing. This is my performance. I'm a performer. And that's when my career, that alignment happened. My career really got even better and better and better. Isn't that amazing when those two things align and they aren't deliberate, but they subconsciously kind of are. They really are. Your inner reflects so much in your outer, energetically too.
46:26And I was doing a lot with that life coach at the time on visualization and manifestation. This is like 1997 and 98. How did you visualize? Making a lot of things happen. Well, through meditation. Okay. And she would have me use chakra colors. So we would use a lot of chakra colors to cut through certain emotions. You know, blue for, you know, the voice, throat chakra, fear. What was the color for fear? Blue. Blue. Green for the heart center. So we were doing a lot of that chakra balancing and a lot of breath work. Like this is 96, 97, 98. And the trajectory of my career got better and better.
47:08And I would say, I really want to work with this photographer. I really would love to do this campaign. Or I know that they're looking and I would visualize it. And then I would go into the meditation of what would it feel like? What would it feel like if I got that? So I try to use that a lot in my life. It is so powerful. I'm so glad you talk about it because I think that applies. I'm sure you use it in sport. And I applied it a lot to training, to matches. And not so much, it never was about the outcome or it wasn't result oriented. It was just so that my body would feel what some of those motions or techniques would be like.
47:47So they wouldn't be jarring. But when I was young, I used to really think about what it would be like. Like we didn't come from a lot of money. And my parents and I would go into a department store and we'd get the little things that we could afford. And I would think like one day, imagine myself walking through the store and what if I could buy whatever I wanted? And this is, I mean, I was young. I was like 11, 12 years old. but I look I still think of that moment because it was it was this power of visualizing of what if and I would walk through the aisles and like pick you know you know silly things toys at the time or books you know Christmas decorations and think I could have all of these and I would I would visualize them in my basket that is profound that you were doing that at 11 I mean, but it wasn't that, I mean, that was just like my silly kid, you know, my imagination.
48:46Imagination. Imagination is creation. Imagination is so important. Yeah. I mean, it really can. There's this great quote, you know, I think I posted and it just alludes to the fact that imagination creates your reality. Our minds are so powerful without sounding too esoteric. Like, really, truly without sounding to us, it's here what it comes down to is it's going to invoke a feeling in you of believing. It's like when you're telling your best friend, don't go out with that guy. You know, just imagine if you were doing this and this and it already starts to make you feel better. It's no different in a way.
49:26If you're not attached to the outcome, right, it's just because you can't be so attached to the outcome. But it's this, you know, self-convincing that is so important. And so now I see my daughter who is way smarter than I am. And she is on it. She is on the ball. And I'm like, well, she's got it together. But it's probably because I hammered into her, do not be, you know, again, in my younger years, so much more of this artist. And I'm just going to flow. And I'm going to be cool. And I'm going to do my thing. and then you realize one day wait a minute i need to to take agency and be deliberate exactly i have to decide what it is and then you set the example for her and she's she's been able to watch you you know through her eyes and without probably even telling you she's that i mean it's such an inspiration to well she does tell me now yes she's 25 and by the way i'm just saying it just happened.
50:26It took like, you know, at 16, I was like, oh my God, I like you. I have to be patient for another 15 years. But what? Who are you right now? And now it's funny because I just want to hang out with her. She's so much fun to be around. But yeah, it really is like, it's, I think it's so cool when you think about how lucky we are with what you've done in your career. And now you get to take on this new role of motherhood and sharing with the world. I think it's so exciting. To sit across unique, incredible individuals that have performed at the highest level, but continue to inspire and push themselves.
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53:46That is the biggest marker for me. I can be around somebody and it's not like, oh, I get a weird vibe. It really is so much of intuition and feeling. And sometimes we have to do things we don't like. That's just the way that it is. And you chomp the bit and you go. And God knows a lot of my life has been as such. but I think the invisible part is interesting I remember in the mid-2000s there was a journalist that had interviewed me and she coined me as the invisible supermodel and I was like what does that mean but then I understood that because she knew that I really took my private life as such and I you know that was out of protection and self-preservation I was dating, you know, a rock star who, Brandon's still one of my best friends, you know, five, we dated for almost five years.
54:46And it was a lot to just already handle my own being in the public eye and then with him. And we had a lot of fun with it. I feel like you really have to listen to yourself and what your limitations and your boundaries are. And we don't always have to be visible. I think it's something that we get conditioned in this industry and other industries of the like, which is, oh, you know, if you're not out there, people, they're not going to want you. There's actually something to be said for mystery. And I think and I hope that more people are going to want that. But we hear the word authenticity a lot.
55:28It's overused. You know, it's okay. But it's mystery. I just don't want to know everything. I don't want to know what you had for lunch today. Maybe one day, depending on my mood, I might want to know. Or maybe if it's a Japanese recommendation. Maybe, yes, exactly. That's when we want to know. It's a different story. Yeah, if I like it. But also, we're living in such a time of judgment. we are not only judging others we are judging ourselves to the point of exhaustion it is it's just so much i think you know people say oh there's going to be this backlash with social media i don't see it happening in fact if anything you know it's par for the course it's the necessary evil but how do you choose to balance that and here comes the word again It's discipline.
56:20That's the only way. I bought that brick. Sometimes I just have to take a time out. And over the years, my agent would get so mad. What do you mean you're going to go live in Ojai? What do you mean you're going to live on a farm upstate? I just need a break right now. It's not forever. It could be two months. It could be six months. And you're establishing your own rules. Yes. And I will be better. Don't worry. I'm going to come back. I'm not ready to go away. But I just need this. And when I will be a better performer, because at the end of the day, at the end of the day, I'm a performer. That's what we're doing is it's performance driven.
56:56And you're setting you're setting your boundaries and you're setting your standards and and ultimately just standing up for yourself. I do have a hard time with it, with the social media, because I don't have the numbers I'm supposed to have. And it's a you know, I it's a love hate. only the love is when I go on the search page and it's like gardens and cooking and dogs and you know things that I really like I wanted to wrap this up with talking about beauty standards you're in your 50s I mean I sit across from you you're barely wearing any makeup which is very annoying or at least the makeup artist is very talented and makes you look like he's very talented, but also I have the best products.
57:41Yes, you do. You have to give yourself credit. But you are, there's a simplicity in your beauty and that's been part of your longevity. It's classic. When you think of, and what you see online, when we speak about beauty, there are injectables, there's a version of someone that is unrecognizable. I mean, And when you see that, what do you think and how do you hold up true to who you are when the world is trying to push us into so many directions? It's really difficult because I'm at that age where so many of my peers, you know, there's a lot of whispers. Oh, did she? Didn't she? And about facelifts, which I think, great.
58:30Sign me up. I've been doing my research. I have no shame. and saying that I will happily when I decide and if it works for me. And I think it's whatever makes anybody feel good. The pressure that, you know, we've put on one another for this, you know, perfect face, you know, the perfect lips and eyes. I mean, it's really just, I don't know. I think it's run its course. I think it's going to get back to individuality. And, you know, we're all there's always going to be something, you know, it could be hair color, it could be butt lift, it could be a facelift, it could be lips, it's it could be the newest sweater.
59:16It's just another trend. It's whatever makes you feel good. And that's all that matters. And of course, we worry about the imprint that it has on the younger generation. And And, well, that's our responsibility as a parent, but you can only do so much there, too. So I think embracing, you know, loving yourself, but embracing your talents and, you know, in a world where it's so much about, like, I don't know, just the fame, you know. Such a terrible word. It's a horrible word. And a horrible action. It's, well, some people just can't help it. Yeah. You know, there are leading. It is addictive. I mean, the little.
1:00:01Being in the spotlight is addictive. It's addictive. It is. And it's easier for me to sit here and say, oh, you know, you know, I'm not in any way putting it like in a negative context, at least trying not to, because it has its pros and cons. but I feel like I sometimes I miss the days of like when is the fireman going to be the hero when is the teacher going to be the hero again and the scientist oh I love a scientist yeah I nerd out on that so much we've been doing some a lot of work with Stanford longevity and it's just so much it's fascinating it's fascinating and I feel like we're at an amazing intersection with science we are we're like at the cusp of breakthroughs that we're slowly witnessing in our generation it's it is an exciting time it's can be scary you know with ai and so is life it is that that's kind of my take on it is you got to take a leap and just believe in it and hope that it works out for the best because it will it will i mean humans we're funny we're funny creatures we're quirky and funny and really and they're probably aliens among us who knows so is there something that you've yet to accomplish that you're striving for oh gosh yes yeah there are a lot of things that i'd still like to do some things that i would share and not share But I feel like in a weird way, I've only just begun because my daughter is where she is in her life.
1:01:45And it's almost like my 50s will be a whole new version of self-discovery. And I also don't want to stop. That curiosity is just going to be fed and healthily so. but I have a lot that I still want to do and I just don't think that there's any limitation maybe there's some things that I wanted to do back then that I could do now we are down to the very last pretty tough questions oh okay are they really tough I mean we'll see okay you have to tell me at the end what is something that you've had to unlearn oh gosh I've had to unlearn I've I had to unlearn people pleasing. It really like being too nice.
1:02:37That's not my job to take care of others. Maybe I learned that in my childhood, but I don't need to do it anymore. What is a routine that's helped shape your success? A routine that's, I would say, going back to the visualization. I really feel like that and then having a plan. What does six months from now look like? What does a year or two years look like? Having an idea of what it is that you want, as crazy as some of those goals may seem, just write them all out. What is a common misconception about you? Oh, gosh, maybe that I'm aloof. Oh. Yes, I've been told. It's funny, I hear aloof or that I'm just like really warm and kind of ethereal, but the aloof more so just because I'm more shy than people realize because I've learned to turn it on.
1:03:33But I actually preserve preservation, but I actually prefer to observe and just kind of check everything out a little bit. What is your relationship to perfection? Oh, we're done. It's over. Perfection and I are over. Yeah. Yeah. We're broken up. When did that train leave? We broke up probably about a year ago. Oh, it's fresh. We were in a long-term, very codependent relationship, Perfection and I. And we had to have a talk. And I said, you need to sit over there because this is not doing me any good anymore. and that is so freeing. It is so freeing. That's a successful breakup. Well, there were a few get-togethers, you know, getting back.
1:04:28As one does. Yes. You know, what is something that makes you feel tough? Something that makes me feel tough would be my tribe of women. My daughter, my tribe. I think when we all band together, it's like goddess warriors. and something that makes you feel pretty I guess self care self love, self care but also when I feel feminine and I can receive I think is when I feel I'm most beautiful we have to end with that note this was wonderful, thank you Carolyn
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1:05:52Support for the show comes from Honest. When you're a professional athlete, you hold yourself to the highest of standards. And as a parent, you got to keep that same energy. So when it comes to essentials for your baby, choose Honest, the mother of all standards. They make hypoallergenic dermatologist tested baby essentials, and they're all made with rigorous ingredient assessment, safety testing, and thoughtful design. From honest, clean-conscious wipes to bath and body essentials and diapers, your peace of mind starts with honest. Shop honest on Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
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From the publisher
Supermodel icon Carolyn Murphy sits down with Maria Sharapova to reflect on three decades in fashion, shooting 73 Vogue covers (and counting), and the pivotal moment she walked away from fame to live quietly in Costa Rica with her daughter. Carolyn opens up about the power of intuition, breaking up with perfectionism, navigating single motherhood, and why dedication always beats discipline.
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LISTEN:►Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1893437254
00:00 – Introduction: Aging, Longevity, and Supermodel Realities
00:59 – Escaping the Spotlight: Why Carolyn Walked Away to Costa Rica
02:00 – The Chaotic Moncler Aspen Runway & 30 Years of Experience
03:43 – Nana's Wisdom: "Beauty is as Beauty Does" & Trading Discipline for Dedication
05:32 – The 1995 Prada Pixie Cut & Finding Her Footing in the Grunge Era
08:34 – Maintaining Individuality Amidst Endless Industry Opinions & Working with Legends
11:00 – Christy Turlington’s Mentorship & Turning to Yoga and Breathwork
13:28 – 73 Vogue Covers: Surreal Moments and the Microscope of Fashion
20:00 – Legendary Photographers: Steven Meisel, Peter Lindbergh, and Irving Penn
25:12 – The Work Ethic Learned in Japan and Loving Japanese Culture
31:00 – Becoming a Single Mother and Choosing Family Over Hollywood Stardom
37:25 – A Historic 26-Year Partnership with Estée Lauder
41:41 – Visualization, Manifestation, and Wellness in the 1990s
48:00 – The "Invisible Supermodel," Boundaries, and Escaping Social Media Exhaustion
52:50 – Aging Gracefully, Injectables, and Redefining Beauty Standards
57:08 – Rapid Fire: Unlearning People-Pleasing, Perfectionism, and Finding Strength
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About Pretty Tough
Pretty Tough is the weekly interview podcast hosted by five-time Grand Slam champion, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Maria Sharapova. Each week, Maria sits down with founders, CEOs, athletes, creatives, investors, and other high achievers for candid conversations about leadership, ambition, decision-making, performance, entrepreneurship, wellness, and building exceptional careers.Drawing from her own experience at the highest levels of sport and business, Maria explores what it really takes to succeed—from navigating failure and reinvention to scaling companies, leading teams, and pursuing excellence over the long term.
About Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion, former World No. 1 tennis player, entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and one of the most recognizable athletes of her generation. Since retiring from professional tennis, she has built businesses, invested in consumer, technology, and lifestyle companies, and become a respected voice on leadership, performance, and entrepreneurship.
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