Welcome to Waking Up Well, a column where we hand-select people we admire and ask them to share how they start the day. We think morning routines are a crucial part of an intentional wellness journey and we’re fascinated by the practices of our favorite figures.

Who knows more about a morning routine than a daytime television host? After 30+ years on air, much of it live and in the morning, Tamron Hall has her morning routine dialed in. You’ll recognize her face as a former host of the “Today” show — but more recently, she’s struck out on her own with her syndicated talk show, “Tamron Hall,” which she produces and hosts. And all that hard work has paid off: She’s won two Emmy awards for it. This media maven doesn’t only do live journalism, she’s also authored two novels and has a cookbook coming out this September with Lish Steiling. (You can pre-order “A Confident Cook” here!)

We were curious to hear how Tamron balances life in Manhattan with her husband Steve Greener, a music exec and film producer, and her son Moses, her pooch, and her parrot — yes, you read that right — when she’s in filming mode. This is a look at her weekday morning routine, which she admits is far more regimented than on weekends. (But don’t worry, she still presses snooze just like us.)

5:30am | Built-in snooze 💤

I set my alarm to go off 15 minutes before I actually get out of bed. My talk show is live three days a week, so on these days, every minute is accounted for — even my additional snooze time. I’ve always been a snooze-button person. I’m aware experts say it’s not a good idea, but I can’t stop the habit.

My alarm for the past three years has been a classic soul song from the great Johnnie Taylor, “Disco Lady.” I am still not sure how it got stuck on this song but I love it — plus, at this point, I am superstitious about it. 

Before I step out of bed by 5:45 a.m., I pray, take a deep breath, and it’s off to the races. My husband, our son, pet Bernadoodle Exodus, and the Senegal Parrot Jojo are all still asleep.

A smartphone connected to a charger rests on a light-colored nightstand next to a bed.
A small dog with a black and white coat lounges on a light-colored sofa, set against an exposed brick wall with a framed picture hanging. A potted plant sits on a side table to the left.

5:50am | Find my skincare focus 🔍

I brush my teeth with my Sonicare toothbrush and flosser. Then, I start my shower with my favorite thing, the PMD Clean Body brush. It’s been my go-to for a few years now. I love the quick change from loofah and massage tool.

I cleanse my skin in the shower too. Today, I’m using my iS Clinical Cleanser. My skin routine is determined by any issues I see developing. I wear makeup under the bright studio lights for hours, so I try to stay in tune with my skin, recognizing that each day can bring a new focus. Today, things look great — not too dry, which is a common issue for me. 

The clock is ticking: The goal is to be in the car in the next 30 minutes or so!

A round showerhead releasing water, set against a white tiled background.
A blue bottle of IS Clinical Cleansing Complex with a silver cap is laying on a water surface. The label reads "Innovative Skincare.

6:00am | Morning mask & capp ☕️

Out of the shower, I apply a moisturizing mask. (I’ve used La Mer for years.) I’ve also become a huge fan of neck creams, and Barbara Sturm has a nice one I’ve added to my routine.

My 5-year-old is sleeping, but by now Exodus is awake. With my mask still on, I tiptoe to the kitchen. A cappuccino preprogrammed on my Jura coffee machine is mandatory. While the coffee is brewing, I uncover Jojo and add some fresh fruit to her bowl. Exodus has a sensitive tummy, so her bowl of Purina Pro Plan Salmon and Rice is a must. It’s what works for us!

Two jars of Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare cream are stacked on a wooden surface next to a lamp, a pair of earrings, and a decorative bowl.
A cup of frothy coffee sits on a table beside a smartphone and an electronic device. Sunlight casts shadows across the scene.

6:15am | Pack my essentials 👜

I remove my mask and finish up my skincare routine, then pour my coffee into my Ember mug. I quickly let the dog outside and then glance over at my Givenchy tote and make sure my iPad is near so I can pack it. My Givenchy is the one with a really intimidating Rottweiler. I’ve carried it since 2012. 

As for the iPad, it’s my most important tech gadget, even more than my phone. We have 178 shows a season which I produce, write, and edit with my rockstar team, and all the scripts are on the iPad. It’s the only item I don’t have already loaded up in my bag from prepping for work the night before. 

Pre-planning is key to my short morning start to work. On Sunday night, I pick out what I am wearing to the show and what my son is wearing to school every day that week, so five days are taken care of in one go. Every night I also prepare our dog’s breakfast, and the bird gets fresh water and food before we turn in.

A tablet lies on a white table next to a green vase containing white flowers.
A black tote bag with an image of a snarling dog's face showing teeth and gums prominently.

6:30am | Last check-in 📱

My son is still sleeping but his breakfast and lunch menus are printed for my husband to follow. I check to make sure it’s all in place and ready for when they wake up — then, before I head out, I quickly check my emails and reply. That’s my rule: Read and reply. Plus, I never leave without checking local news. 30 years of being a reporter will never leave me.

6:50am | Off to the studio! 🚖

I head to my car and it’s off to the studio, coffee in hand!

A wide city street lined with tall skyscrapers under a clear sky, with several flags on the left side and light traffic.

Photos courtesy of iS Clinical, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and the Tamron Hall Show.