Today’s Lessons from Hoda & Jenna’s Texas Takeover
When The Today Show announced Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager’s Texas Takeover in Austin, I knew I had to be there. For a lifelong Today Show fan, seeing my favorite hosts up close in my hometown felt surreal. Growing up, my mornings began with The Today Show, so watching Hoda and Jenna bring a national broadcast to the Austin skyline was like watching a piece of my own story unfold against the city I love. And with Matthew McConaughey joining them? It was all my favorite people, in my favorite place, doing the work I love.
A Texas-Sized Welcome with Austin’s Spirit Shining Bright
The day kicked off with the University of Texas band playing their heart out, bringing Texas pride alive with every beat. Watching Hoda and Jenna interact with UT’s spirit squad and then seeing McConaughey make his iconic entrance captured Austin’s unique charm—warm, genuine, and unapologetically Texas. McConaughey’s stories and Jenna’s connection to Austin made it feel like a homecoming. Moments like this reminded me why Austin is so special: a city where connections run deep, and local pride shines in everything we do.
Behind-the-Scenes Inspiration as a Media Professional
As someone who’s built a career in digital media, seeing The Today Show crew at work was a masterclass. Every element, from lighting to social media strategy, was carefully orchestrated. Watching the team capture key moments across platforms was both inspiring and insightful—it reminded me of the level of detail and passion we bring to each project at McKee Media. This experience validated my belief that quality storytelling is essential, whether for a major broadcast or a local brand, and it renewed my excitement for delivering that excellence to my clients.
“Repotting” and Reinventing with Hoda Kotb and Maria Shriver
One of the day’s most resonant moments was the conversation between Hoda Kotb and Maria Shriver about “repotting”—uprooting yourself to find new growth. Hoda shared her own journey of stepping away from Today after years of dedication, a bold choice that took her in a new direction. This idea felt deeply personal. Starting McKee Media was my way of “repotting”—leaving behind the comfort of a corporate role to build something of my own. Their conversation reminded me that true growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone, trusting in your potential, and finding courage in the face of the unknown.
Rachel Platten’s Anthem of Resilience
Then came Rachel Platten’s performance. Singing “Girls,” an anthem of resilience, she filled the air with strength and authenticity. Her journey, like so many of ours, has had its ups and downs, but she has stayed true to herself—a reminder that resilience is at the heart of every meaningful success. For anyone starting from scratch or facing challenges, her words resonated as a powerful call to believe in oneself and keep pushing forward.
Takeaways, Authenticity and Community
Attending Hoda and Jenna’s Texas Takeover was a full-circle moment. It reaffirmed the values that inspired me to start McKee Media: authenticity, resilience, and community. These are the very qualities that make storytelling impactful and relatable. Whether you’re a local business or a national brand, connecting with audiences in meaningful ways can make all the difference. This event was a reminder of how powerful stories can be, and it inspires me to keep bringing that level of purpose to every project I take on.
If you missed it, I highly recommend watching the Today Show episode of the Texas Takeover to experience the magic of Austin and these unforgettable voices. And if you’re ready to bring your brand’s story to life with passion and authenticity, reach out to McKee Media—we’re here to help make your vision unforgettable.
