‘What Matters With Liz’ Episode 10: Jennie Garth on Why ‘I Choose Me’ Hits Different in Her 50s

Jennie Garth— you know her as Kelly Taylor from Beverly Hills, 90210. But in this conversation, you’ll meet the woman behind the role – one who’s far more complex, introspective, and insightful.

In this episode of What Matters with Liz, Garth, 54, explains how her iconic 90210 line, “I choose me” developed a new meaning at midlife. It wasn’t until her 50s, after years of personal highs, lows, and deep inner work, that she understood what it means to choose herself.

Garth reflects on some of the hardest chapters of her life – from her painful divorce to a frightening wake-up call. Through therapy, self-reflection, and acceptance, she began to rebuild from the inside out.

“I started to slow down enough to connect with the things in my life that had made me, molded me into who I am,” she says. “I looked at all the past triumphs and all the past failures, and I really started to self-reflect on how I got here—and also, where the hell do I go next?”

Together, Liz Vaccariello and Garth explore what it really means to choose yourself—not as an act of selfishness, but as a necessary step toward clarity, healing, and purpose.

Watch What Matters With Liz Episode 10 here or listen on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.

Watch Episode 10 right here! ‘What Matters with Jennie Garth: Purpose, Healing & Choosing Me’

In this episode, Jennie Garth shares:

• Why “I choose me” meant something completely different in her 20s vs. her 50s
• How growing up in the public eye shaped her identity—and what it took to reclaim it
• What it was like to revisit Beverly Hills, 90210 as an adult
• How motherhood redefined what matters most
• The moment she woke up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there
• The inner work she did in therapy—and what changed
• Why choosing yourself isn’t selfish (and why it’s necessary)
• How slowing down helped her reconnect with her own voice
• The unexpected experience that sparked a deeper spiritual shift
• How reframing being “emotional” as “emotion-full” changed her perspective
• The relationship belief she finally let go of
• What her mother taught her about empowerment
• Why Taylor Swift’s “You’re On Your Own, Kid” resonated so deeply
• Her daily practices to quiet her inner critic
• How revisiting the past can unlock clarity and purpose

This is a conversation about identity, self-trust, and the courage it takes to finally put yourself on your own list.

Jennie Garth’s Message: Choosing yourself is never selfish

One of the most striking threads in Garth’s conversation is her discussion of how slowing down helped her reconnect with her own voice. In a culture that rewards constant motion and productivity, she found clarity in stillness. She shares daily practices she uses to quiet her inner critic and explains why revisiting the past—rather than running from it—can unlock clarity and purpose. Even a Taylor Swift song, “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” resonated with her on a deeply personal level, reinforcing the message that self-reliance is not loneliness but liberation.

At the heart of Garth’s message is a reframe that so many of us need to hear:

“It’s time for you to take control, take the reins, and start choosing to trust your instincts…We can always choose ourselves. And it’s not selfish—we need to do it.”

For anyone who has ever felt guilty about putting herself on her own list—whether at 25 or 55—Garth’s words land as both permission and encouragement. The woman who once played a character bold enough to choose herself has finally, fully done so in real life. And she wants you to know it is never too late to do the same.

What Matters With Liz airs every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts, with highlights and behind-the-scenes clips shared on Instagram and Facebook.

Also, be sure to subscribe to the What Matters With Liz free newsletter from Woman’s World Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello. Every week, you’ll get real talk about health, money and entertainment, plus uplifting stories, practical tips and exclusive updates on Vaccariello’s new video podcast.

Copyright 2026 A360 Media

This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM.