The Media Moves Fast—Here’s How to Keep Up with Nikki Ogunnaike of Marie Claire
What does it mean to actually understand the media you’re consuming—and how does that shape how you move through the world?
That’s what we’re getting into this week with our guest, Nikki Ogunnaike. In this episode, we talk about the power of media literacy, why your personal style isn’t a destination, the gem Nikki got from Lena Waithe that will help you overcome imposter syndrome for good, and why having your own lens is one of the most underrated success tools out there. Nikki is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire US, host of Marie Claire’s Nice Talk podcast and one of the sharpest voices in fashion and culture today. Having held roles at Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Elle, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair, she’s spent years helping people not just look good, but think critically about what they’re watching, reading, and sharing.
We Also Talk About…
How we can be more conscious consumers of fashion and media
How running has helped her find clarity and community
Her “Ins and Outs” for 2025—and whether they still hold up
Why media literacy is a non-negotiable in today’s world
The difference between copying style vs. cultivating it
Chapters:
[2:34] Dream Jobs and Representation in Media
[6:22] Evolving with the Media Landscape
[16:44] Finding Joy Outside of Hustle Culture
[29:34] The Power of Trying
[35:04] The Confidence Lesson
Resources:
[Listen to Nice Talk on Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)
[Listen to Nice Talk on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2hhSNkQ...)
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram [@marieclairemagazine]( / marieclairemag )
Follow Marie Claire on TikTok [@marieclairemagazine]( / marieclairemagazine )
Download my free [Best Case Scenario Journal Template](https://shessolucky.kit.com/bestcase)
Sponsors:
Quince: Elevate your fall wardrobe essentials with Quince. Go to [quince.com/balancedles](http://quince.com/balancedles) for free shipping on. your order and 365-day returns.
Simply Pop is a new fruit-forward bevy of prebiotic sodas with 6 grams of fiber. Go to [cokeurl.com/simplyPOP](http://cokeurl.com/simplyPOP) to find out where you can try it.
Function: Take charge of your health through lab testing with Function. Visit [functionhealth.com/lucky](http://functionhealth.com/lucky) or use the gift code LUCKY for a $100 credit towards your membership.
Nutrafol: Get stronger, healthier hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering $10 OFF your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to [nutrafol.com](http://nutrafol.com) and enter promo code BALANCEDLES.