Two years after ending their engagement, Hoda Kotb is finally revealing the reason why she broke things off with her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman. The 60-year-old Today Show cohost appeared on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast on August 13, 2024, revealing some never-before-shared details about her romantic life and reflecting on what she believes is to come post-breakup. She and the 66-year-old financier went their separate ways in 2022 after being together for eight years.
More from CafeMom: 'Golden Bachelor' Couple Gerry Turner & Theresa Nist Reveal the Real Reason for Divorce
She shared the reason she broke up with him.
Speaking to host Jamie Kern Lima, Hoda revealed that she and Joel were "growing at two different paces" and weren't "in sync" with each other at the time she decided to end things. "Joel is one of the best people I know, and he really is a great human being," she said. "And I feel like I'm a pretty great human being, but sometimes two great human beings together isn't quite enough to make it work."
Hoda believes many are in similar situations.
"When people are growing at two different paces it's hard to be in sync," Hoda continued, before going on to suggest that "a lot of people are probably in these situations." She also confirmed that a "profound experience of deep inner work" that she went through in 2021 was tied to the reason she decided to end the relationship.
More from CafeMom: Lisa Bonet Files for Divorce From Jason Momoa 2 Years After Announcing Their Separation
She is still open to love.
Further into the interview, Hoda expressed that she's not giving up on finding true love. "When I close my eyes, and I envision the romantic part of my life, I can see it very clearly. I see it. Like I know it is coming for me," she shared. "Because for the first time in my life … I am me."
She declares: 'This is who I am.'
"Someone is meeting me. Not the version that you might want, or not the version that I'll twist a little bit to fit your needs or what is appealing to you," the talk show host added. "This is who I am. And I feel like once you get there, your rests."
Hoda went on to explain that she doesn't see the face of her soulmate and doesn't care about certain physical traits, but she knows "the essence, and I can sense the soul of that person."
Watch the full podcast episode here.
