The enduring popularity of The Vampire Diaries, fueled by streaming, has created a unique generational connection, allowing fans to feel as though the show and its stars never truly left them. This eternal appeal is likened to the show's vampire theme, with Paul Wesley noting that he still encounters fans who grew up watching him and now their children do too.
Paul Wesley: Anecdotes of Awkward Encounters and Teenage Rebellion
Paul Wesley recounts several awkward dating experiences, including a failed attempt at a goodnight kiss and asking a girl directly if he could kiss her, only to be rejected. He also shares stories of his rebellious teenage years, obtaining fake IDs at 15 to frequent New York City clubs until the early morning, often returning home to face his mother's beeper alerts.
Alex Cooper: The Viral 'Madison Beer' Mix-Up
Alex Cooper brings up a viral TikTok moment where Paul Wesley, upon being asked if he liked Madison Beer, mistook her name for a type of beer. Wesley explains his confusion, noting he was unaware of her fame at the time and that the incident became a widely shared pop culture moment, even making a 'top 50 pop culture moments' list.
Procrastination serves as a shield against the devastating pain of failure. By not trying, individuals create an excuse for not achieving their goals, subconsciously avoiding the risk of being let down by their own efforts. This avoidance, however, prevents them from pursuing their passions and dreams.
The Domino Effect of Self-Sabotage
Self-sabotage is rarely a single event but a slow burn with massive repercussions that compromise one's life foundation. These consistent, small decisions can dictate the trajectory of health, wealth, and sanity, ultimately destroying self-efficacy and trust in oneself.
Alex Cooper: Reclaiming Control
Ultimately, self-sabotage robs individuals of their potential by preventing them from tolerating the discomfort of growth. Taking accountability for one's life, shifting from a victim mentality to one of reaction and adjustment, is crucial for regaining control and autonomy.
Kenzie reveals her application to Love Island was a spontaneous decision made after failing a crucial nursing school exam. She initially hadn't watched the show extensively but was encouraged by a friend, submitting her application while eating dinosaur nuggets, highlighting the unexpected turn her life took from academics to reality television.
Kenzie's Perspective on 'Roster' Management
Kenzie admits she never understood how to 'manage a roster' and entered Love Island seeking a singular connection. She found the experience of talking to multiple people challenging and time-consuming, likening it to a 'full-time job.' While she acknowledges the fun of the experience, she expresses a preference for monogamous connections and found the public backlash against Dylan for his perceived 'roster' behavior hurtful.
Caleb's Arrival and the Melanie Friendship Test
The arrival of Caleb, a 'cowboy' type Kenzie desired, created a dilemma as she was already developing a connection with Corbin. This situation was further complicated by her friendship with Melanie, who initially assured Kenzie she wasn't interested in Corbin. When Melanie later pursued Corbin after a falling out with Sincere, Kenzie felt blindsided and betrayed, leading to significant tension between them.
Maria Georgas clarifies her relationship with Nick Viall, stating it was strictly a friendship and not romantic, despite past rumors. She acknowledges a history and flirtatious banter but emphasizes mutual respect and support, particularly regarding his current relationship. Georgas prefers to address these rumors directly to prevent speculation and maintain transparency, asserting that their past was never serious and they have always respected each other's paths. She is happy to see him thriving now.
Maria Georgas: The Ex-Boyfriend's Mistress Encounter
Maria Georgas recounts a dramatic story where she discovered her ex-boyfriend's infidelity by checking security footage and subsequently made out with the mistress. She details the elaborate plan involving the concierge and her own emotional state during the discovery. This encounter led to a complex friendship with the mistress, who later confessed the ex-boyfriend's actions. The narrative highlights Maria's investigative nature and her unconventional approach to dealing with betrayal. She ultimately forgives the mistress, placing the blame squarely on her ex-boyfriend's actions and deceit. This experience shaped her perspective on relationships and trust.
Alex Cooper: Navigating Dating Experience and 'The Ick'
Alex Cooper probes Maria Georgas about her dating experience, noting her limited number of serious relationships. Maria explains her perspective on love, stating she's had loving feelings but hasn't been truly in love. She also discusses what gives her 'the ick' in a man, specifically highlighting men who dance badly but think they are good, contrasting it with those who are playfully bad at dancing. Cooper also asks about the craziest thing an ex has done, to which Maria responds with 'dating 32 women at the same time,' referring to her Bachelor experience.
Alex Cooper expresses her deep-seated passion for the New York Knicks, stemming from childhood obsession with the fast-paced nature of basketball and identifying with players like John Starks. She emphasizes the emotional narrative and visible player emotions as key draws to the sport.
Alex Cooper: The Gift of a Capable Mother
Alex Cooper reflects on her upbringing by a single mother, a photographer who was incredibly adventurous, capable, and intellectually stimulating. She highlights her mother's resourcefulness and problem-solving skills, exemplified by her ability to fix a dishwasher and her independent spirit, which served as a powerful role model.
Emmy Rossum: Finding Her People in the Arts
Emmy Rossum found her true belonging and community in the arts, starting with the children's opera chorus at age seven. This early immersion in performance provided a sense of place and connection that she hadn't experienced in traditional schooling, setting the stage for her future career.
Riley Keough found learning to sing and play guitar for her role in 'Daisy Jones & The Six' to be her favorite aspect of acting, as it involved acquiring a completely new skill set through intensive daily band practice over a year. She proudly accomplished this without vocal stunt doubles, despite initial conversations about their necessity.
Completing Lisa Marie Presley's Memoir
Riley Keough completed her mother Lisa Marie Presley's memoir after her mother requested help and then passed away shortly after. Initially resistant due to the personal nature and timing, Keough felt compelled to finish the project for her mother, aiming to share her experiences with grief and addiction to foster understanding and connection.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Riley Keough describes her childhood as intensely private and secretive, marked by high security, constant escorts, and a chaotic environment. This upbringing instilled a unique perspective on relationships, modeling a model of staying friends with ex-partners, a practice she applies to most of her own relationships.
Chloe Bailey recounts how her younger self's strong belief and use of mood boards, including a specific desire to be signed by Beyoncé, manifested into reality, leading to her and her sister Halle being signed to Parkwood Entertainment. She notes that this youthful confidence has waned with age, impacting the speed of manifestation.
From YouTube to Stadiums
The transition from uploading YouTube covers to opening for Beyoncé's Formation World Tour was a monumental leap, exposing Chloe and Halle to massive audiences and demanding professional performance standards. Despite initial nerves, Chloe learned to channel adrenaline into powerful performances, a skill honed through relentless practice and the support of her sister.
Embracing Black Identity
Chloe details the challenges she and Halle faced regarding their natural locs in the entertainment industry, recalling instances where they were advised to alter their appearance for roles. This experience necessitated a strong internal sense of self-worth, as external validation was often tied to conforming to conventional beauty standards, ultimately leading them to embrace and celebrate their unique Black identity.
Alexandra Cooper, legally named Alexandra, shares the amusing and somewhat unusual origin of her childhood nickname 'Sexy Lexi,' which she was called from age five, and contrasts it with her host persona 'Alex.' She also notes the commonality of their legal names, Alexandra.
Aly Raisman: Olympic Dreams and Gymnastics Passion
Aly Raisman expresses immense excitement for the Paris Olympics, her first time attending as a spectator. She highlights her deep love for gymnastics, her admiration for athletes worldwide, and the unifying spirit of the Olympics, while also mentioning her brother's interest in ping pong finals and the debut of breakdancing.
Aly Raisman: Navigating High School with Intense Training
Raisman recounts her experience balancing elite gymnastics training with public high school, describing the exhaustion, self-consciousness about her physique, and feeling of missing out on typical teenage social experiences due to her demanding schedule.
Alex Cooper believes that thorough preparation and genuine interest are crucial for a successful interview, as it puts the interviewee at ease and fosters a more engaging conversation. She emphasizes that this approach makes the experience safer and more enjoyable for both parties.
Katie Couric: Navigating On-Air Challenges
Katie Couric recounts the intense pressure of reporting live during the 9/11 attacks, emphasizing the profound responsibility journalists feel to provide accurate information amidst chaos and fear. She describes the surreal experience of witnessing the events unfold and the subsequent days of uncertainty, highlighting the collective trauma and the need for resilience.
Katie Couric: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Becoming the first woman to solo anchor the evening news was a historic moment, challenging the traditional male-dominated landscape of broadcast journalism. Couric recognized the significance of this achievement for young girls and women, aiming to inspire them by demonstrating that women could hold positions of power and influence.
The pervasive myth of effortlessness, particularly amplified on social media, creates a false narrative where success and perfection appear to be achieved without struggle. This curated reality, seen in cooking videos, fitness content, and lifestyle portrayals, hides the extensive preparation, failures, and hard work involved, leading to an exhausting and inauthentic consumption of content.
Authenticity Over Aesthetics
True attractiveness and interest lie in authenticity, effort, and the willingness to evolve, even when it's messy and difficult. Meeting someone who openly acknowledges their struggles and is actively working through them demonstrates a secure ego and a commitment to growth, making them far more compelling than someone who projects an unearned image of effortless perfection.
The Addiction of Social Media
Social media platforms, designed by billion-dollar companies, profit from addiction and comparison, making it difficult for users to disengage. The endless scroll, filled with curated perfection, often leads to negative emotions like jealousy and self-doubt, making the internet a source of stress rather than relief, and necessitating conscious efforts to limit engagement.
Olivia Wilde's directorial work, particularly her film 'The Invite,' is deeply influenced by the relationship theories of Dr. Esther Perel. Wilde herself was a client of Perel's and brought her on as a consultant for the film, which explores modern relationships by allowing all characters to be 'right' from their own experiences, a concept central to Perel's work on intimacy and individual perspectives within partnerships. This collaboration allowed for a nuanced portrayal of relationship dynamics, moving beyond simplistic 'good guy/bad guy' narratives.
Alex Cooper: A Childhood of Curiosity
Alex Cooper's upbringing was characterized by intellectual curiosity and open discourse, thanks to her parents who were journalists. Dinner conversations were lively, encouraging children to form and express opinions. This environment fostered a value for storytelling and debate, which she now brings to her podcast, creating a space where guests feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
Olivia Wilde: Embracing Singularity and Self-Discovery
Wilde reflects on her high school years, where she felt like an 'alien' and struggled with feeling misunderstood. She learned to value her individuality over time, a process that continued into her early career as an actress where she initially felt pressured to assimilate. This journey of self-discovery and embracing her unique identity has led to a greater sense of humility and empathy with age, allowing her to accept that she doesn't have all the answers.
Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie recount their lifelong friendship, which began in early childhood as they grew up in the same neighborhood and attended the same schools, even sharing a piano teacher and participating in the same tap recitals and orchestra. Their parents' strictness meant they primarily socialized with each other, fostering a deep, inseparable bond from day one.
Navigating Heartbreak: Cheating Scandals and Dating Woes
Nicole Richie shares her experience of being cheated on multiple times, including a particularly shocking revelation on the Peter Pan ride at Disneyland and another discovered via conference calls. Paris Hilton also recounts a painful experience of finding out about infidelity through TMZ, highlighting the universal sting of betrayal and the different ways they processed these heartbreaks.
Early Online Identities: AIM Screen Names and Emails
The conversation delves into their early online personas, with Paris revealing her AIM screen names like 'Princess NR,' 'Ballerina Girl NR' (due to a misunderstanding), and 'Barbie 420,' while also sharing her email name 'Beautiful Blonde Baby Girl.' Nicole's screen name 'Playa for life' is also mentioned in the context of a past relationship.
Alex Cooper: Pregnancy Announcement and Past Hesitations
Alex Cooper announces her pregnancy, expressing immense happiness and reflecting on her previous decision a year ago to pause on starting a family. She explains that after prioritizing her relationship, work, and self for nearly two years, she now feels completely ready and fulfilled for this next chapter.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Trying to Conceive
Alex Cooper describes the shift from the initial excitement of trying to conceive to the more clinical and mentally taxing process of tracking ovulation and facing negative pregnancy tests. She highlights the anxiety and self-doubt that arise when conception doesn't happen immediately, emphasizing the crucial support of her husband, Matt, in navigating these challenges.
The Agony of Waiting to Tell Matt
Alex Cooper recounts the intense four days she spent waiting for her husband, Matt, to return from a work trip before telling him about her pregnancy. She describes the torture of keeping the secret, the struggle to focus during a podcast interview, and her deliberate efforts to mislead him via text about her period to preserve the surprise.
Alex Cooper reveals her current pregnancy is the perfect excuse to indulge in watching Love Island every night, framing it as self-care. She discusses her deep investment in the show, comparing past seasons and expressing fascination with whether season 8 can maintain the franchise's high level of cultural impact and drama.
Alex Cooper's Take: The Name Change Dilemma
A listener is annoyed that her boyfriend expects her to change her last name upon marriage, rather than him changing his or hyphenating, feeling it's an expectation based on gender. Alex Cooper validates this frustration, highlighting the historical privilege men have in not having to consider changing their names and the importance of open communication about such decisions. She stresses that a partner's unwillingness to discuss this can be a significant red flag, indicating a potential lack of respect for equality in the relationship.
Wedding Woes: The Mystery of the Missing Invite
The speaker expresses strong concern for a listener whose long-term boyfriend is repeatedly invited to weddings without her, especially when the hosts know her. She posits two potential, negative reasons: either the boyfriend speaks poorly of the listener to these acquaintances, or the listener herself has behaviors (like being too loud or rude) that make her unwelcome. She stresses that a partner's reaction to this exclusion is key; a supportive partner would question the lack of an invite, not simply accept it.
Alex Cooper humorously recounts the creation of her 'vagina tunnel' in her old house during COVID-19, describing it as a meditative, warm, and vibrating space designed for cleansing and relaxation, which she misses but acknowledges is a unique artifact of that time. She expresses a desire to recreate a more mature version in the future.
Alex Cooper: The Illusion of Perfection in High Society
Alex Cooper observes that high society often promotes an image of perfection, masking underlying issues, which confused Cara Delevingne. Cooper notes that while Delevingne's family appeared privileged, there were significant hidden struggles, particularly concerning her mother's health and substance use, which impacted the family dynamic.
Cara Delevingne: Self-Harm and Seeking Validation Through Pain
Delevingne reveals that in response to repressed emotional pain, she developed dangerous self-harming behaviors, including breaking multiple bones, as a way to feel physical pain and receive validation. She explains that a broken bone offered a tangible reason to say 'Ow' and receive sympathy, which she felt she deserved but couldn't otherwise express, making her situation worse than it needed to be.
Aly and AJ recall their time on Disney Channel, noting that while they didn't fully grasp its iconic status in the moment, the success of 'Potential Breakup Song' and their music airing on the channel made them realize their impact. They experienced being recognized after the first season of 'Phil of the Future' aired, marking a shift from normal life to public recognition.
Sisterhood & Grounding Influence
Despite the pressures of the entertainment industry, Aly and AJ credit their parents with keeping them grounded. Their parents enforced strict guidelines, ensured a parent was always present on set, and prioritized their well-being over exploiting them as 'cash cows.' This parental guidance was crucial in preventing them from becoming rebellious or liabilities.
Navigating Industry Pressures
Aly and AJ state they were never rebellious and didn't feel the need to act out, attributing this to having each other and their parents' strictness. They were trusted by club bouncers in LA to bring friends in without causing trouble, demonstrating their responsible nature even during their younger years.
Alex Cooper recounts the viral moment when Gayle King asked her about her favorite sex position on CBS Mornings, highlighting the unexpected nature of the question and the ensuing internet reaction. King explains her philosophy that anything can be asked with the right context and audience, and she knew Cooper would understand the humor.
The Genesis of a 50-Year Friendship: Gayle and Oprah
King recounts meeting Oprah Winfrey 50 years ago when they were both young Black women working in a Baltimore news station. A snowstorm led to an overnight stay at Winfrey's house, where they discovered shared philosophies and a deep connection, forming the foundation of their enduring friendship.
The Anchor in Friendship: The Push and Pull
King explains that true friendship involves a dynamic 'push and pull,' where friends act as anchors for each other during difficult times. She notes that a balanced friendship requires this support to be reciprocal, preventing one person from constantly carrying the burden.
Alex Cooper: The Chaos of Life and the Comfort of Podcasting
Alex Cooper reflects on her recent experiences, including a demanding acting gig in Canada, which highlighted the ease and preference she has for podcasting. She contrasts the slow, meticulous nature of acting with the dynamic, on-the-go process of podcasting, reaffirming her commitment to her current career path. She also shares upcoming travel plans to New York and her recent decision to reduce social media usage, finding more fulfillment in reading.
Freuden Frea Maxing: The Joy of Others' Success
Alex introduces the concept of 'Freuden Frea Maxing,' defined as the experience of feeling joy for someone else's happiness or success. She contrasts two friend groups: one that is entirely supportive and celebrates each other, and another where a friend's engagement has led to increased calls, seemingly driven by a lack of similar happiness or support from her other friends. This highlights the importance of genuine celebration in friendships.
Navigating Friendship Shifts: Addressing the Issue
Alex advises on how to approach conversations with friends who exhibit unsupportive behavior. She suggests first determining if the shift is a recent, temporary dynamic (due to external stressors like job loss or heartbreak) or a persistent pattern. For temporary shifts, asking 'Are you okay?' can open dialogue. For established patterns, a direct conversation naming the behavior as a pattern is recommended, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and maturity in addressing the friendship's future.
Alex Cooper introduces herself as the 'founding father' of Call Her Daddy, setting a playful and established tone for the interview. This self-proclaimed title highlights her role as the creator and driving force behind the podcast.
Alex Cooper: The 'Class Clown' Persona
Alex Cooper reflects on her past as a 'class clown,' admitting she didn't know how to channel that energy effectively, leading to trouble. She contrasts this with her current 'sophisticated and harnessed' approach to attention, implying a growth in managing her public persona. This self-assessment reveals a journey from disruptive behavior to controlled influence.
Hoffman's Audience: A 'Church' Vibe
Robby Hoffman describes her stand-up comedy audiences as incredibly respectful and engaged, likening the experience to 'church.' She contrasts this with negative audience interactions reported by other comedians, suggesting her approachability or the nature of her shows deters heckling. She believes her audience comes to 'win it' with her, creating a unified and positive atmosphere where direct confrontation is rare. This unique dynamic suggests a strong connection and mutual respect between Hoffman and her fans.
Audrina Patridge was inspired to write her book, 'Choices: To the Hills and Back Again,' by direct messages from fans seeking advice and relating to her experiences. She felt compelled to share her story to set the record straight on media narratives and personal struggles, aiming to empower others who have faced similar challenges.
The Hills: Accidental Stardom and Early Days
Audrina Patridge was cast on 'The Hills' after moving to LA with aspirations of becoming a psychologist. She was scouted by Adam Dello while living with roommates, initially unaware of the show's scope. Her family was supportive, viewing it as a stepping stone for her acting ambitions, though she found the initial filming process uncomfortable due to the pressure of being herself on camera.
Lauren Conrad & Heidi Montag: On-Screen vs. Off-Screen
Audrina initially found Lauren Conrad reserved but came to understand her guarded nature due to past exploitation. She and Lauren lived together, sharing wild times and having a strong, opinionated friendship. Audrina instantly connected with Heidi Montag's outgoing personality, enjoying their early days of dancing and laughter, though she notes the show often put their real friendships on the line.
Alex Cooper and Tana Mongeau discuss their initial missed connection for the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast and how their relationship has evolved over six years, culminating in a more profound bond after a recent lunch meeting. This re-framing aims to rewrite their digital footprint and acknowledge their personal growth.
The Weight of a Platform and Personal Growth
Mongeau discusses waking up to the realization that she no longer wanted to live that way, attributing it partly to her frontal lobe developing and gaining a deeper understanding of her platform's weight. This led to a desire for more depth and substance, moving away from the 'anything goes' mentality and embracing sobriety to foster healthier relationships.
The Double-Edged Sword of Online Criticism
Tana Mongeau explains that while harsh criticism, like that following Tanacon, deeply affected her and served as a catalyst for learning business lessons and seeking accountability, she also learned to avoid internalizing everything the internet says. She emphasizes that placing too much value on external validation, good or bad, leads to losing oneself, highlighting the importance of a strong, accountable inner circle.
Rachel Bilson describes the emotional and disorienting experience of rewatching 'The OC' two decades later, feeling a disconnect with her younger self and reflecting on the life events that have transpired since. The process brought up feelings of depression and confusion about her past choices, highlighting the stark contrast between her 21-year-old self and her present life.
Adam Brody: From Co-star to Real-Life Romance
Bilson recounts the development of her relationship with Adam Brody, her co-star on 'The OC.' She explains that while their on-screen chemistry was evident, the real feelings began to emerge when Brody offered her advice about a previous relationship, leading to a pivotal moment and their first kiss. This personal connection blurred the lines between on-screen and off-screen romance, a common yet complex experience for actors.
The Trauma of Marissa Cooper's Death
Rachel Bilson describes the profound sadness and trauma experienced by the cast and crew of 'The OC' following the decision to kill off Marissa Cooper, Misha Barton's character. She likens the departure to a family member leaving or dying, noting the somber atmosphere on set and the difficulty in processing the event, which marked a dark period for the show.
Kesha has recently engaged in samurai training, which taught her to listen to her body and gut rather than overthinking with her head or heart. This practice is part of her broader healing journey, aiming for a joyful, powerful, and authentic life.
Alex Cooper: The Power of 'Nights In'
Alex Cooper finds joy in 'nights in,' prioritizing comfort and relaxation with her pets and snacks. She highlights T-Mobile's value and perks, like streaming benefits, which enhance the experience of staying home, making it a preferred lifestyle choice.
Kesha's Past Lives & Pisces Identity
Kesha believes in past lives, even identifying as a reincarnation of Athena, and notes her mother specifically wanted a Pisces child due to their spiritual and emotional nature. This belief system informs her understanding of self and her journey.
Alex Cooper shares her intense, life-consuming obsession with the book series 'Fourth Wing,' detailing how it impacted her sleep and focus, and how she's now experiencing withdrawal as she awaits the next installment. She emphasizes the positive impact of having a good book on one's mood and overall well-being, encouraging listeners to pick it up if they're in a reading rut.
Navigating Friendship Divergence
Alex Cooper validates the listener's concern about outgrowing friendships due to different life stages, explaining that this divergence is normal. She advises that while direct relatability might decrease, understanding and support remain crucial. She also shares her own experience of being in different friend groups where she is either the more 'established' one or the youngest, emphasizing that friendships ebb and flow and it's okay to adjust closeness or find new friends who are on a similar page.
Alex Cooper: The 'Milf Era' and Dating Younger
Responding to a listener dating a 25-year-old man at 42, Alex Cooper enthusiastically encourages the date, framing it as an opportunity to explore and have fun. She dismisses age concerns, stating that men do it all the time and women should too. Cooper suggests the listener embrace her 'milf era' and that this experience could be revitalizing, even humorously suggesting a potential for a 'squirt' moment.
