Craig Melvin joined as a regular host on the TODAY Show following Hoda Kotb’s departure in January 2025. He has been part of the team for years, but his permanent position was a huge move that elevated his career.
Naturally, with such a demanding job, his role on NBC has affected his personal life. In a new interview on The Pivot podcast, the news anchor opened up about the “sacrifices” he’s made for his job.
“I’ve done morning television for a long time,” he shared. “People who are really good at something, you’re sacrificing time, sacrificing money, you’re sacrificing relationships. We’re all sacrificing something. For me, I had to make peace with what I was sacrificing.”
Craig and his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, met while both working at NBC Washington, with Craig enlisted as a news anchor in 2008 and Lindsay boasting the title of sports anchor. The pair tied the knot in 2011 with a wedding in Washington D.C. – the city where they met – at the Church of the Holy City. They later welcomed their son, Delano, in 2014, and their daughter, Sybil, in 2016.
© Getty ImagesCraig Melvin’s upbringing
Elsewhere in the interview, the NBC star addressed his father, Lawrence Melvin’s, battle with addiction. “It took me a long time to realize that it was impacting me. I think a lot of times we want people to be things that they’re not capable of being,” he shared.
© Instagram“When I became a dad, I was like, ‘You know what, I’m going to be there physically.’ A lot of their stuff isn’t good and you go to a dance recital for four hours, your child dances for two minutes.”
Craig continued: “Growing up, I saw a woman working two jobs. I saw my father in the throes of addiction working overnights.”
In 2018, following a family-led intervention, Lawrence Melvin entered treatment for alcoholism – a turning point that led to lasting sobriety. Since then, he’s been fully present in the lives of his wife, children, and grandchildren for the first time.
“I pivoted from a life of debauchery and bad mistakes. It’s made me who I am, and more importantly, everything that I’m not,” explained Craig.
Craig previously honoured his parents when he earned his new job at Studio 1A. “They believed in me long before anyone else,” he told People “with tear in his eyes” of his parents Betty Jo and Lawrence. “I didn’t fully appreciate how much they had sacrificed over the years.”
“Without them and the sacrifices they made when I was a kid, I’m not here,” he said.
The podcast
Craig’s interview on The Pivot aired on April 10. “From South Carolina roots to the bright lights of Today, Craig gives up his normal hosting seat to chop it up with the fellas for one of the most honest and intriguing conversations we’ve had,” read the Instagram caption.
“He opens up about fatherhood, marriage, and the real cost of success… why he’s okay being a “bad friend” and how his complicated relationship with his father became the pivot that changed everything. We share a lot of laughs and lessons about raising kids and through Craig’s vulnerability, He shares how losing his brother pushed him to advocate for Colon cancer awareness, using his platform to save lives.
“This episode goes deeper – into addiction, forgiveness, breaking cycles, and turning pain into purpose. Plus, a look inside the Today Show family, the strength of Savannah Guthrie, and why your mindset – glass half full or half empty – says everything about you.”
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