Not Skinny But Not Fat - Ali Larter: From Legally Blonde to Landman & Aging Gracefully in Hollywood

Episode Date: January 27, 2026

Ali Larter is here! We get into the Landman obsession — what it’s like to play Angela, stepping into her most provocative role yet, and acting opposite Billy Bob Thornton, including their intense, passionate on- and off-set dynamic.We also rewind to her early career: being discovered at 14, Final Destination, Legally Blonde memories, and what the late ’90s/early 2000s fame machine was really like. Ali opens up about motherhood, moving her family to Idaho, balancing ambition with kids, confidence at 49 (turning 50!), aging gracefully in Hollywood, and why she feels more powerful now than ever.This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.As a special offer for our listeners, good wipes is giving you your first pack for FREE! Buy any package in store, text them your receipt, and get reimbursed almost immediately. For more details, head to goodwipes.com/NOTSKINNYGet started today at stitchfix.com/NOTSKINNY and get 20% off your first order when you buy five or more items.Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to nutrafol.com and enter the promo code NOTSKINNY10Use code AMANDA15 for 15% off your order at knix.comLearn more about Starbucks new protien drinks at starbucks.comWildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box - PLUS free croissants for LIFE when you go to wildgrain.com/NOTSKINNY to start your subscription today.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following podcast is a dear media production. Welcome back to the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Hirsch, and I still can't believe that I get to chat with some of my favorite stars on my very own podcast, where you'll feel like you're just talking shit with your best friends in your living room. Yo, yo, yo, what's up, guys? Welcome to a new episode of Not Skinny but Not Fat. This is your girl. It's Amanda. I'm reporting this on a Friday. I'm about to leave for Sundance. It's my first time, Sundance Film Festival.

I'm going with Casamigos, Tequila. So excited. I'm so excited, even though it's going to be a snowstorm in New York. Not in Utah, though. Everyone says there's like no snow there right now. But I'm going to be going to a couple of premieres and like, oh, my God, I feel like it's going to be very cool. So I'm excited about that.

What else am I excited about? Oh, I announced my L.A. live show, L.A. What up, what up, what up. I'm coming for you. So basically, I am doing a live show in L.A. It's part of like the Netflix is a joke comedy festival, which is super cool, but it's still just going to be like my live show. You know, come to see me. So tickets are on sale. Like, I'm recording this now by the time this comes out, tickets will be on general sale. The ticket link is in my bio. It's going to be. at the Belasco in Los Angeles on May 8th at 7.30 p.m. It's going to be so much fun. I literally can't wait to see you. What else is new this week, you guys?

You know what came out last week? My interview that I did on Tamron Hall, which I was invited because she was doing this yes segment. And when they reached out and they were like, we heard you're like in your year of yes. like we thought it would be really like appropriate and cool for you to come speak on that. I was like, oh my God, this year of yes is fucking crazy. Like, you know, just like things that it led to the fact that it's like the gift that

keeps on giving. And so I was super excited. I, for some reason, you know, I take things. By the way, like I've spoken about this before. I'm very into low expectations with everything, even with Sundance. I'm like telling you guys I'm excited. I'm not. But like it'll probably be great.

I'm more like, ugh, you know? So I'm always low expectations. So even with that, it's like, oh, so cool. They're inviting me. But, like, I didn't really think, like, I thought I would just be like, oh, here's this girl that said yes, you know? But they did just such a fucking nice, generous segment on me. Like, when I was backstage watching, like, the package, my, like, intro package, I was

like, gonna cry. I was like, can you send that to me? The doors that opened and then, like, live audience. Like I didn't clock that there was like live audience. Like I knew, but I didn't like, it was just like I'm not with us. And the live audience, let me tell you, like speaking of a live show, like a live audience is so fun, especially because they're told before by like a producer or something to like be vibey. And like if they want to laugh, laugh fucking hard.

If they think something's true, clap away. Like they give you so much. And the minute I realized that I was playing into it like I was. like I was, you know, doing a sermon at church. I was like, can I get an amen, amen? Like, I was on one. I feel like I was, you know, there is like my chill self when I'm like not on, which is like how I am 99% of the time.

And here I was like just high off this audience vibe that I was like, am I right, am I right? You know, it was just really fun. So that was that was very, very cool thing to do. But yeah, last week was crazy and that just another Manick Monday. It was crazy. Brooklyn Beckham posted a series of stories about his family, just saying that they're phonies, they're frauds, everything about them is for social media posts.

They, you know, the narrative is that he's controlled by Nicola, but they controlled him his whole life. He doesn't want to reconcile. his mom didn't want Nicola around from the moment they got together. She even tried to upstage her at her own wedding by dancing the first dance inappropriately. Embarrassed him. Was she grinding on him?

Like, what was happening? Release the tapes. So this is crazy, and I know it's like salacious and like, you know, a boring Monday we get this. But it is so sad to me when a riff like this happens in a family because family is all you got. You know, and I know that not everyone's as fortunate as me to have a close family, but it makes me sad.

It makes me sad when you can't figure it out. You have, they certainly have a lot of tools. So it's funny because everyone has a different perspective. Obviously, some people are like blaming Victoria and being like controlling boy mom. Some people, a lot of people on the internet saying Nicola, Justin Anderson, too, the hairstylist and Kristen Cavalieri's best friend, love him. But he said that she has dark energy. He worked with her and she's not it.

It's hard for me to say my take. I just feel like it's so sensitive. And like when he was on my show, he is the most precious little ball of like feathers, you know? Just like, I didn't want to hurt him. I was like so gentle with him when he was on. Because I was just like, yeah, like my missus and my, I feel bad for him.

I feel like no matter how you turn it, twist it, whatever, poor Brooklyn, because he's caught in the middle. And even that video that was released when they were all on the red carpet together, like it was cringe for me and not even because of the girls. Like I feel bad for him. Like he's torn between his wife and his family. Like that's what's happening. Even if like say what you want to say,

he tried to give undertones of like they've controlled me my whole life separately from, you know, my wife. Like it was before that. But like generally the sentiment is definitely like since I got with her. Like it's been problems. And that's just so exact. But I will say, I do know people like to think that like what you see online is what you get. But like David Beckham, I love, love him.

But I have heard a lot of rumors that he's not, you know, that faithful, hasn't been his life. So, I mean, it tracks that maybe they're not exactly what they seem, which is like this perfect family, which obviously it's not perfect if one of the sons is now like a strange. But I hate that. I hate that. Don't be estranged. But everyone gets back together. but now we know that like all those like fake posts of Victoria and Nicola dancing together,

like we're probably just performative. Like let's show the world we're fine. But I wonder like why they hate her so much. Like what happened? You know, but I just feel so bad. I hope it talks to Hop a 7, you know. On that same day, Amanda and Kyle from Summerhouse announced in a joint statement via Instagram stories. Big day for Instagram stories.

that, which I love, like, don't put it in feed. Love that. Love that for us. That they're apart, that they've separated, that they're not together anymore. I wonder how long it's been. People have been asking me about that Threads dinner if they were together. So I didn't have the tea. They came.

I don't remember if they arrived together. They weren't sitting together. They weren't sitting together. And I thought that was weird. But I also, like, you know, I wasn't sure what, was going on. I did get to talk to Amanda that night and she was kind of like, this season is going to be like what we're going to see is going to be really crazy. Like if you think it's bad, you have no idea. And I was like, Amanda and like my heart just like broke for her, you know,

because you could just tell like she looked defeated. She looked really defeated. And it sucks, you know, people, I said this on Instagram. I said, I am so happy and supportive of people that make this, make this decision. Could it have been made earlier? Maybe. Maybe this was the time. But it's like, go on, flower, blossom. You know, live your life.

You know what? For Kyle, live your life. Like, be a DJ and, you know, maybe don't settle down if you're not ready for that. And Amanda, go, go, have fun. Find your one when you're ready for that. You know, my sister was like, I hate that he wasted so much of her time,

which is a whole other conversation. But sometimes, like, you know, things happen the way they happen. They could have been staying together for the show for a while. Like, that is their livelihood. So, yeah, it goes, it goes deep. But I think this is, obviously, we all know. It's kind of like a, okay, great finally moment. You know what I mean?

Anyway, anywhere. On to today's pot, I'm so excited about this. She is killing it. She is thriving. I see memes and images of her pop all the time. And people are saying, this is aging gracefully in Hollywood because she looks so fucking hot. It's Ali Larder.

I'm doing the thing again. Ali Larder is here. Ali Larder is here. She's on Landman. Season 2 is out now. And she's just amazing there is Angela, Billy Bob Thornton's wife. And she plays such a little sultry.

Southern woman. We talk about all of that. We get into the show. We get into the, you know, legally blonde days. We get into her moving to Frickin Idaho with her family and basouncing from H.Wod. But yeah, I had such a fun conversation with her that you get to eavesdrop on. Anyway, here's Alie Larder. How old are your kids?

Five and one and a half. One and a half I forgot is like the cutest yet the like most challenging age because they're just discovering it all. Like, but it really is. You have yours are also five years apart, right? Yes, four years. Yeah. So my son, my daughter turns 11 Thursday. She's with me on this trip.

And my son turned 15 December 20th. So it's like all that Christmas babies. It's real. It's like I brought Vivian on this trip because she's turning 11. Yeah. But you know how busy these days are. you know, and like she's snuggling with me in bed and kicking me in the middle of the night and you're like, so who is she hanging out with while you're doing that? So my best friend is here with my goddaughter.

And so, and then we're going to like go down to Soho after lunch and take her to all those, you know, Brandy Melvilles and all that stuff. I'm dreading it. It's going to be a beast. Wait, she's turning 11. Yeah. What, remind me what that age was like for us. So she's in the fifth grade. And I feel like you're almost a little girl until you start the fifth grade is what it felt like to me. And now she's like the heatless curls. She does all the get ready with me videos. Nothing that she can post. Yeah.

She's not on socials. Yeah. But she loves the process of getting ready. And like she's definitely part of the Sephora generation. Yeah. And they just love it. They don't use that much. They just want to have them.

Like the full line of summer Fridays. They just want like the like all, you know, the bubble. Do they put the eye things and everything? She just does. No, she curls her eyelashes, uses Vaseline on her lips. Like she's easy but likes it all, you know. And just the clothes are starting. to change. You know, like, she won't wear the cute Zara dresses anymore. Now she wants to be like

between. How does that make you feel as a mom, like watching her grow up like that? Not being able to dress her cute Zara dresses. I think that, I mean, my favorite time being a mother is like the first year because I feel like you can close the doors to the world and you just have your little baby. And it's like, I loved nursing my children. I loved being home with them. I definitely was like, this is the only priority in my life and then life kind of seeps in. And I've really, I've enjoyed most stages then after five, too. Yeah, right. You were talking about that. Like you get to five. And I'm not sad that they're getting older. I mean, they're growing into these really fascinating, interesting people. And I love just being with them. You know, like you get to hang out. I'm not crying over it. I mean,

she's probably going to be taller than me. My son's six, too. Like that might be emotional. Wait, how tall are you? I'm like, I'm like five, six. You're five six. Yeah. I thought you were taller. Maybe I'm 5-7. I mean, it's like how much have I lied, you know, during the years? I don't even know. Right, right. It's like my SATs. I don't know what my real score is. Right. I fucking lied about it so much. Like I'm like, 12. What were you? Wait. 11.20? No, so I. 1310. No, but do you know that I actually don't know? Yeah. I made up so many. Of course. Like, it was just every day a different number. Fake it until you make it. That's how you do it. I love it. Oh my God.

Ali Larder is here if you haven't caught wind. I'm so excited you're here. Thank you for having me. I love your podcast. Thank you. I love you. I'm so excited about the moment that you're having. Thank you.

Like just hosted, presented at the critics' choice. Yes. How was that moment? It was amazing. You know, I presented with Michelle, who plays Ainsley on the show. Yeah. And, you know, those rooms are exciting. I mean, you get to be around so many actors that you have reverence for, you know?

And like, you know, Rose Byrne and Benetio del Toro. And, you know, it's just like the room is stacked. Yeah. And you also get to see, you know, these legendary actors get nervous backstage. And that's a real thing. Yeah. You know, and I like that. Because you always think it's just you, you know, that gets anxiety or gets panicked before

these things. Nobody's really rolling in there. I feel like everyone stumbles over the teleprompter too. Everyone does. Everyone does. You know? And it's like it kind of, when you're in it, you see it, it just reminds you that we're human.

Yeah. You know, and nobody is this made up version of what you see on TV and film or, you know, on podcast or, you know. Who were you excited to see? Well, I mean, I love Benito del Toro. So one battle after another was incredible. So does Chelsea Handler, by the way. I saw that.

Sentimental value. Everyone there. Watch that. It's so beautiful. Yeah. It's so beautiful. I was blown away by that movie because it is about the making of a movie and how it heals a family.

Oh, wow. And so like in a meta way, they're kind of getting to the root of what I love with what this business is. Yeah. You know, like when we get to make TV and, movies that connect people that make people feel something, that make them laugh when they're going through a hard time that pull out an emotion of something, you know, that's happened in their life that they haven't acknowledged. Like, that's the gift of film and TV. So it's a healing in a way.

I was so excited to see like Landman part of like, you know, award season too. So was that. I mean, I was happy, but I was surprised. You were like, hey, Leo, what up? We and your baby. What's up? We were like thinking like, did we break the Taylor Sheridan curse with getting our SAG nomination. I don't know. We'll see. I'm just, you know, to be able to be nominated

by our peers for a show that we'd love to make. And, you know, I'm working with such incredible actors. You know, James Jordan and Michelle and then Jacob Lothlin and then the OGs, you know, Sam Elliott and Demi Moore

and Billy Bob Thornton. I mean, you saved him for us. I was waiting for you to get his name. I can always lead with him, but I'm like, I think it's the other actors around that make the cast come together to. Oh, yeah.

You know, it's not just, you know, it's number one all the way down. But on a show like ours, I mean, the day players, everything counts. You know, it has to feel authentic and it has to feel real. And I think the casting on our show really makes you kind of seep into the world of West Texas. People are obsessed with you on the show. They are calling you like the comedic relief of the show. Yeah.

Like people are just loving every minute of your character. Thank you. Thank you. Which is so cool. I want to know what push up bra you're wearing. because the tits are always rising. They are way bigger than as you see me sitting here with you.

The sneaky one is the Angossamer because then you can put cups in it and it's just very clean and then it's a lot of Victoria's Secret. Really? We do do some Florida Mall, we do some Asian provocateur because I match my bra to my outfit, obviously.

Obviously. And so we go through different ones and also like what fits best with the look. But there's always cups in there. There's always a lot going on to get them nice and high and ripe. And her style is like obviously so different from yours. But do you have fun with like wearing those kinds of clothes?

I do. I think that a big part of me finding this character was through that because she loves color. You know, there's a lot of oranges and blues and then like glitter, sparkle, you know, with my hair that gets, you know, dyed so, so blonde for the show and I'm spray-tanned. And there's all these pieces that go in. And she wears a lot of like animal prints. Like my husband hates animal prints. that does not like them.

And it's so funny because that's what I find defining about Angela. Yeah. It's like when I put on, like I'm zipping myself into my leopard suit, you know, and I feel a different kind of power. And like when I'm in her clothes and fully done, there's just a comfort that I find in that, that I can just go and unleash her to the world. I feel like when actors like have something like that,

you have two things. You have like the clothes so different than you. And you have the accent, which is in your really. your real life accent. Yeah. So it really, does that help, like, really disconnect from, like, Allie and... It does.

I mean, the show had so many components of preparation to get ready for it from, like, I work with my acting coach of Anna Chubbeck. Jessica Drake is our dialect coach who is so specific and so amazing. And, you know, for Angela, who do not grow up in a place of means, you know, in Big Spring, Texas. And the accent needed to be something where you know she wasn't coming from a place of privilege, you know. compared to Cammy, you know, Demi Moore's character,

who's this woman who's just, you know, comes from wealth. You know, you can feel a difference. So you see different little intonations and the accents. And then there's Michelle who has grown up in the social media age, you know, is Ainsley, so she wouldn't do the WHs. So there's so many, we get very, very specific. What's the WHA plan? There's air that comes out with your W.

Oh, wow. And if you watch Billy, he does it like every eighth time. You know, he's not doing an accent. just like, Billy, no? Billy, always, just like rolling on to set. Like, just with his American spirit and his Michaelo Boltra. No, I can't. He still smokes American spirit.

He does. He would be with Sean Penn the Golden Globe. Couldn't believe that. I mean, I love it then. I know, but everyone does, you know? So, but is that Billy Bob's vibe? Like Sean Penn vibes? Yeah, I mean, like, I was amazed. Sean Penn was there and then we'll see if Billy, you know,

comes to SAG. Wait, but, okay, so you, because I saw you, you are into the gum unset, right? I'm literally now. I'm like water, gum, water, gum, all times. Because you want to, like, smell nice? No, I just, I talk fast.

And then my mouth gets dry. I'm always, like, going. I'm a Jersey girl, right? And so me and my sister both talk incredibly fast. Yeah. We need to slow down in life, actually, but, like, I burn hot. So, but the, okay,

because I'm just thinking Billy Bob is like ripping American spirits on set and then you have to make out. It's true. What do you, do you tell him, like, take a mint. He sometimes takes a mint. You know, at this point, you're kind of in character in it. Yeah. And it's like I, like, especially like, Angela loves him for, for what, for that part. Yeah. That he's like a dirty, real cowboy. Yeah. You know, like, you wouldn't see her with a chiseled playboy with like shaved, you know, arms and legs all buffed up.

You know, that's not her style. So I think that for me, I just kind of go for it. I lean in and, you know, I have so much respect for him as an actor that is just, it's so easy for me to find the because I just... And you guys actually have, like, real-life chemistry, too. Yeah. Like, you're so cute together. Thank you. I saw you interview together. We were, like, pulling up his pants on stage.

Like, he's a little hope in life. And I'm there for it. And he, like, was talking about you and saying that you guys, like, your relationship IRL is kind of the same as the show. It's funny. I mean, he likes to say that I'm like this incredibly, like, bougie woman. Right. That's what I was saying.

That's just not true. Like, it works for his story. Like, I live in Idaho. Like, I live in Idaho. I have pimple cream on old flannel pajamas. Like, and they may, I might not get out of them to like three or four. So why does he say that? I think that it's a fun story for him.

Okay. And I think that when we are down in Texas, like I don't always, I'm great at a dive bar, but I also occasionally love a great restaurant. I want some good food. Maybe it's like perspective too. Like, for him, you might be bougie, but not for like everyone else in the world. I mean, do you not love a little bit of caviar? No.

I mean, like, I mean, you can go there. And I bet he actually, I know he likes it too. He would just never admit it. But he just wants to like be down and dirty and you're like, let's go somewhere nice. So he's like, she's Angela. And it's not me and him. It's like 14 of us. Yeah.

You know, we kind of run as a pack. You know? Yeah. I mean, we work really long hours. And at the end of the week, you know, we're rapping early on a Friday. Everyone's just excited, you know, to go out and have some drinks and let loose. And that's, you know, that's, you know, that's, Texas. So when you're filming in Texas, you're obviously like living there. Does the family move?

So we do every two weeks. So my kids come every two weeks and I fly home every two weeks and everything in between. So if I have more than two days off, three days off, I'm on a plane. I fly in. I do parent teacher conferences. I'll hit a soccer match and then I'm out that night, leaving the next day, going straight to work. I definitely burn at both ends when I'm in production because I never want my kids to not feel like they, that I'm there. And what's crazy about face. time and everything is that I almost talk to my kids more. Like, I wake up in the morning. I talk to my daughter for the hour while she's getting ready for school. We have dinner together at night. And then she's on set with me when she flies down. He flies. Yeah. And my son's on set. So we just,

we just do it. And how far Texas? What's the Idaho, Texas? I mean, it's like eight hours because you have to do connections. Like, I'm a full-time commuter. I'm on that little jumper with Bob and Harry and everyone who's going to like every week. We're just on it. How are you with that with like flying? and travel and everything. I don't mind traveling. You know, I've been doing this a long time, and I know how lucky I am to be part of the show. Yeah.

I also understand, like, the peaks and valleys of our industry, and the reality is that it's not always like this. It will hopefully run this for another three or four years, you know, but there will be moments in my career again where I'm home. Right. Extraordinarily available, you know? So you're not taking any moment for granted. No.

And I really believe that I'm capable of doing this. But like we're talking about I hold routine. You know, like I'm really strict with myself with getting the sleep that I need. What's how many hours are you getting? Seven hours. Okay. Like, seven. Like, you know, that means I'm in bed.

Am I sleeping the whole time? But like, you know, last night, probably asleep at 11.30 and I got up at 6.30. Are you like ORA ring girl? Like all that? You're not. You're not. You're not. I don't like being tracked.

I think something's tracking me. Like, things like that stress me out. Yeah. I don't want that. It freaks me out just because it really, I remember one time I was wearing the aura ring and I woke up and it was like, your body temperature was elevated last night. Like, you're getting sick. You're going to die.

And I was like, oh, my God. And I did get sick. And my body temperature was elevated. And I was like, the anxiety that it can give you. Like, I don't want to know how horribly I slept. Like, let me pretend. So 7 hours is good. And you said you go to the gym in the morning no matter where you are.

I mean, four or five days a week. You know, it's like, because there's always going to be days like when I have, like, tomorrow I start at 5 a.m. Or when I'm catching my jumper, which is at 7 a.m. I'm up at 5 a.m. How you call it? I call it a jumper. Because it's just like a little plane.

It's a little commuter plane. Wait. 20 people on it. Oh, like you do it. Oh. Because I'm going from a small town to like a bigger hub. You know, and then I fly to all the cities from there. Tell me more about this plane.

It's just not that big. There's probably 20 seats on it and you hop and you just. Is it? It's not like a PJ. No. It's a like you book it. Where do you book this? No.

It's like one of like United American Delta, you know, but it's just a smaller plane. That freaks me out. And how much turbulence is there on that plane? I mean, I've gone through snow storms and we have to get iced down. I mean, traveling is part of my life at this point. And just like trying to stay calm is, is part of it. Oh my God. Breathwork. I mean, everything gives me anxiety. I mean, look, we're mothers. And I'm very, you know, I'm intense. So whatever I can do to keep myself, my heartbeat a little bit slower. I'd say almost pray more than meditate. You know, my meditation

is almost prayer at this point. Like I'm thinking about my children. Yeah. And like, you know, grounding them and wanting beautiful health for them and, you know, dreaming about our lives. And, and living in, like, gratitude for the experiences we've had, the good and the bad. So a lot of that keeps me very much in the moment, which I need, which I need. I need things to, like, pull me back. Yeah. I only do that when it's like 11-11, make a wish. I like that one too.

Health happiness. My kids say, how many can I do? How many can I do? We'll be right back after the break. Okay, we're going to have a grown-up TMI conversation and you're going to calm down about it, okay? because sometimes, let's admit it, toilet paper alone is not enough. And I'm just going to leave that at that because you get it. And this is where good wipes come in.

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But what I wanted to talk about today in the spirit of like Valentine's Day coming up, I got this red uplift bra from Nick's. because my boobs, like, I'm not going to complain about them. Like, I love them. They're great. They're not, like, totally pancake-y yet. Like, I don't know. Like, I feel like that happens after you have a lot of kids.

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And it's a small eye into the dangerous world of oil. Like, I don't think that we realized it would connect, you know, with the coasts. And then on top of that internationally, I think that was the biggest surprise for all of us. And I think that also when people started watching this show and what we realized as we shot it and what people, know now the second season is that the heart of the show is the family, you know, so you come back to that. There's always going to be all these things happening in oil and, you know, with the different

storylines, but what you come back to is this messy relationship and that people, life is complicated, you know, and we try to show that on the show in a very heightened way. I feel like comedy, through love stories. Like at least in my like Instagram people I follow, I feel like a lot of people are discovering the show now season two and like going back, you know, people are like obsessed with it. It's like really having a huge moment. We were, the team was super excited that we were so much bigger, like 300% bigger for the premiere of our second season, which is very rare to like have that. Usually it's the first one and you kind of trail off. And so I mean, look, it's just, it's a blow away. I've been doing this for a long time. I'm so grateful. I love the show. I love the people are laughing. I look at women and like when women come up to me about the show, I see a, sparkle in their eye. It's like ignited something in them.

You know, Angela's reckless. Yeah. She does it by, you know, her own rules. She does not care what people think about her. She wears what she wants. She drinks what she wants. She drives fucking fast. I love the scene of, um, that I'm sure like everyone can relate to and I'm

going to like, uh, quote it next time I get my period. But the, when he says something about her having her period. Yeah. Yeah. And you freak the fuck. That monologue was so. good. Oh my God.

And you get to flip a table or something. In my room for a day. I was like, how am I going to do this? You know? Yeah. What do you call him on? Yeah, Neanderthal sperm. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, Taylor's writing is hysterical. And the fact that he also stays so calm. But it actually is a very, maybe heightened, but true portrayal of like, try to be a man telling a woman something about her being on her period. Like, take that. And not even your period.

let's talk about the week before because that's what really matters. Because once we get it, we're great. You know, it's the week before. The week before, oh, my God. Don't even fucking try. Was that fun to shoot? We love all family dinner scenes. I was leading the charge, you know, with that, as I do in most of them.

So, you know, again, it's for me, it's like where preparation can lead to relaxation. And so I prepare, prepare. I work really hard so that when I get on set, I'm ready to go. Yeah. And it can go in many different directions and not knowing how we were going to make it grounded enough in this very over-the-top moment that people are going to believe that she flips that hard, you know? And we just had to get there. And a lot of Angela and Tommy's relationship is that he provokes her, and then she explodes. So, like, she's just waiting for him to say something for her to do

that so that they can go do the fun shit after, you know, the fun makeup stuff. How do you, you said, you like, prepare, prepare, prepare, prepare? Is it, like, alone in the room to yourself? Do you, like, film your, what do you do? So, well, I work with my acting coach on Zoom, just to kind of do not actually running the lines. For me, it's not even about the lines anymore. Like, I learn them by myself. I can do that. It's about being able to connect

with the emotional intensity of what she's feeling. So it's like making sure there's some direct line into my real life, even though it's not the same thing, but would have the same emotional reaction because you're not doing it once. You're doing it sometimes for 12 hours.

Right. And for me, it's like, I need to go into my toolbox and figure out different things that, you know, if I'm not feeling it in that moment, what do I need to bring me? back to this. And when I'm on set, I am pretty much in a room by myself. I'm not out there chatting with the crew. Like, when we're doing it, I'm lovely. I love our crew. I love hanging out with

them after work. But if I'm going into an intense scene, I'm just sitting quietly. Like you need that. I just really need the quiet. I need that alone time. I mean, Michelle is now part of my alone time. She's snuck into my dressing room. So then Kayla started coming in and I was like, guys, the whole point is like I have a process. I have a process. I just like, quiet. it, you know, just before I'm going into these beasts of scenes, I can't just be like chatting about, you know. Right. No, that makes sense.

Everyday life. That makes sense. I've been thinking about because, you know, people like to make fun of like method actors or stuff like that, you know, and be like, okay. But I think about it a lot in my spare time. And it's like thinking about being an actor and like switching on and off like that, you know, because you're not being yourself in that moment. You have to be somebody else.

So you can't be like, blah, blah. Yeah. I'm sure there are actors that. Have you worked with people that can do that? Like, literally just talk to someone. Yes, I think that everyone has different techniques that work for them. Yeah. And I think that it's been a really, it's been amazing for me getting to work with Billy

because as an actor, there isn't, you know, he doesn't rehearse. And so I come in and like, we're really finding these scenes and we are rehearsing on camera, but it's more that we use a lot of those takes in the show. So you just have to be ready to go and finding, it's like you don't want. You want the opposite of perfection, you know, going into it. You just want whatever's present. Like more natural. And organic.

Yeah. You know, if he does something or someone trips or someone stutters, like, you know, I've caught him a few times when he can't get a word out and I'm right on him. You know, like we are kind of really in this energetic kind of exchange. And that's what I want to be relaxed enough to be able to walk into. Did you watch like all of Yellowstone before Landers? I watched like four of the seasons. Yeah, there are a lot.

There's a lot. I also watch like. Yeah. And were you, did you ever. think like I'm going to be on like that type of kind of cowboy show. I didn't. You know, I think Kelly Riley is brilliant, you know, and you know, as actors were delivered these scripts and you have to go find on the page how you can bring it to life. Yeah. And she's fierce and. Because people do compare you, right? They're like, you're the Beth Dunton. Sometimes. Yes. I mean, like I think of Angela.

Angela's all heart. And that was something that was really important to me because nobody's going to do Beth better than Kelly did. Yeah. Right. And so I didn't want someone that was that. harsh. And in the original scripts, there was definitely a more caustic relationship. And Angela was much just, there wasn't as much of the love that I brought into it. And I'm like, I need this. For her to get away with this shit, she has to have a heart of gold. Yeah. You know? And so it's finding, for me, always finding those ways to deliver a line or catch a moment in between or touch someone's arm or whatever it is to show that, you know, her love runs deep for her family. So is that, because I'm trying to find like the common thread between you and her, is that it? Is it

the family. I think it's family and fierceness with that. Like, I mean, I would move heaven and earth for my real family and obviously you've seen it on the show, you know? Yeah. I mean, like, hell have no water. You know, it's just like, forget it. Are you filming currently or going back to filming? We start in May. So, you know, our show is big. I mean, we shoot for five months. We have a huge budget. It's real. So the kids will live in Texas with me during summer and then kind of like bounce in and out. It's just like in the summers. It's just like in the summer. It's super It's not, it's not great. Like Idaho is nicer in the summer.

Beautiful. Yeah. Idaho is beautiful in the summer. You know, as an actor, Texas is like a scene in our show because it's the, we like the heat. I want to sweat. You know, like I do. That's what my character would be doing.

So it's very real. The family life, I mean, we'll be doing a lot of movies and probably indoor tennis. Yeah. You know, like that's what we'll do. But yeah. So for people that don't know, because we reference Idaho and this is a big part of your life and you get asked about it all the time. It is.

You do, like, that's where you live. That's where I live in Idaho. We moved away from L.A. in COVID. Tell us about that. So we moved away when, you know, the kids' schools were shut down. And we wanted to go to a ski town because we wanted to be able to be outside with our family when you couldn't be inside or wear masks. And our daughter was six when, well, five when we decided to go and six when it was on her six birthday, actually. So it'll be six years ago on Thursday.

We drove in to Idaho and we made this choice. We wanted to go to a place where we didn't have a ton of friends. We wanted to take this moment as a family because we also know in our business, there's many times where one of us is away shooting, you rarely get this where everyone's home. And we skied together and we would sit together and then we realized that the schools were open there. So we were able to put her in kindergarten. And I felt like at that age during the developmental years, it was really, really challenging for her to be home just with us and not be able to be around other kids. And so being in that environment, she was able to ski all the time with kids and be around people. So it was really a chance for us to kind of give them the most normal life in a time of, you know, crisis in our country and in our world.

And then we stayed. And we fell in love. We fell in love with the schools. We fell in love with the families there. You know, if you're going to live there, you're making a choice, right? It's just, it's a very small town. And it holds you to a different kind of integrity and character. There's no beeping your horns. you know, you're not rushing. You know, you're waiting in line and there's someone's chatting in front of you at the grocery store. You're just going to sit there. You're going to sit and hold. Do people know you and get excited to see on the street?

They do like during holiday season, like holiday rush, you know, but I'm a local. I'm a local. So for me, most of my friends and the people that work there, they just know me. Yeah, they're not. Yeah. No. Very different than LA. Very different.

Is there anything you miss about about it? I love, so I guess when you ask me about travel, I love traveling because I do. do love going to L.A. and getting like, you know, my creation and like getting all my smoothies and going to Sunset Towers and saying Dmitriot Tower Bar and like, these are the things that I love. And I still have amazing friends there. I just don't need it all the time. And it's the same as New York. Like, I love coming in and coming out and then going back to this kind of quiet place where, again, it's quiet where I'm with my family most of the time. Does your husband feel the same way? He's also an actor. Like, he loves it. I mean, he's like Mr. Idaho. I can't. He's not going to run for a governor.

Totally. One hundred percent. No, we don't align with it in all that way, in all those ways. But we really do love being in the small town. And he loves like, you know, the hunting and the camping, you know, and just like animals. Like what's the, what's the, we've a herd of elk that just lives in our neighborhood that, you know, comes through and the dogs just go outside. We have, you know, mountain lions. And you actually ski a lot. It's like part of the lifestyle. It's part of the lifestyle as a family, you know. And I think that that Hayes and I both have always, we've made that choice for our life. We love, we know how far. We know how. We know how. fleeting it is. And so, like, looking at my son, who's 15 and 6-2, okay, like, I know he's leaving for college in four years, you know, like, this is all very real to me. And I think that part of slowing down our life in Idaho has allowed me to kind of see how precious each moment is and to, you know, I put time into it and I prioritize it. And I don't have a lot of space and time for the BS in my life any longer. How do you, do you see yourself ever moving out of there? Well, I want a place in New York. Like, oh, more than L.A. You want New York.

So I'm from Jersey. I'm from Cherry Hill, which is 10 minutes from Philly, exit four. Exit four. I just, I mean, I grew up. I know. I remember going to college and all the Jersey kids would always say their exit. Or there were the kids that got offended when you were like, what exit? They'd be like, well, Jersey, I mean, I think like you do have a little bit of a chip on your shoulder. You know, like I started coming up here at 13 up to New York. And like, it opened this whole new and extraordinary world for me around artists.

And, you know, I just wanted to be here. Like how quick could I get here? Really? What was the path? Because I didn't have a family that grew up within the arts or had anything to do with this industry. And so it was pretty much- But you knew you wanted to be in it. I knew it.

Really? And what did you think that you wanted to do? Well, I love being around artists. I love being around art, architecture, diversity, cultures. I love traveling. I have wonderlust. I love that feeling of, you know, someone else showing me, you know, a dish that they love to cook at their home.

Like, you know what I'm saying? Like all the different parts of meeting people. that are different from me. Yeah. And I also loved always being in the city because I would take the Peter Pan bus up and there was usually, you know, you go to a go see for 10 minutes.

And then you're sitting there and I would sit in Washington Square Park and just watch people. And I loved it. And I think, you know, so much of my life was formed from New York and then I lived here from 24 to 29. So where did you live?

So I lived above Pete's Tavern in Gramercy Park. Oh, wow. 18th and Irving. Nice. I didn't have a Ferrar's Deli on Grand between Mott and Mulberry. I recently actually just walked back by all these places that I've lived and this city is just, it's just such a part of me.

So put me in 24 to 29. What was happening then? Was that, was that after legally born? Yes. Yes. That was after legally born. Right after I finished Final Destination 2, I moved away from the business because I just, I was in a slew of commercial films and I just didn't feel like I was doing a good job. You know, I just, I didn't.

You were like hard on yourself? Yeah, I just didn't. I didn't like the work that I was doing. And I moved back to New York and I went back into acting classes and was just really living here. And I think that what I didn't know at the time is how important it is in your 20s to be able to allow yourself to grow up and decide what you like without other influences around you.

And so much I think of living in New York is that you can figure out who you are in this magical city. You know, it's like the melting pot of the world. Yeah. You know? And so I was kind of figuring out who I was and the kind of. of actor I wanted to be in the stories that I wanted to tell during that time. So you were like, let me like get rid of all this noise, come to the noisiest place on the planet.

Yeah, exactly. This quiets me. Yeah. And like, try to reinvent myself kind of thing. I wanted to do more independent films. And, you know, that didn't work out. There weren't that many being made at that time. I mean, that's part of being an actor.

You know, it's like, is there something that's right for you at the right time you're having a moment in your career? It doesn't always line up. Sometimes the magic happens. But it's not always like that. So I just, you know, New York is a place I want to come back to. And I just, when the kids are in college, you know. The people watching is so real.

I used to go to, so yours was Washington Square Park. Mine was Union Square. Yeah. Sitting on those stairs. Just like watching the skaters. Yeah. The Christmas market there in November. When you just like walk through.

Yeah. It's just like, that's magic to me. So you already have a plan, it sounds like, like kids go to college. It's already happened, Amanda. It's happened. It's happened. Not really, but in my head. Wait, and Ms. Hayes, your husband, down with this. Yeah, he wants to do more theater. I mean, I think that, you know, well, now the business has changed so much. You don't have to be in L.A. I mean, things are shooting everywhere. And you're in Atlanta, or, like, meetings on Zoom. You just never know. Our business has dwindled. You know, there's 35% less production than there's ever been before.

And so, you know, when you find a job that's exciting and that you want, most of the time you're going to have to travel for it. Yeah. So the rest of the time, you get to choose where you want to be. And I think that for us, we left, we left L.A. early enough because we wanted to raise our kids somewhere else. I don't think of this is my season in life, right? Like, I'm working really hard and I'm raising my family and parents are getting older. Like, this is a time where I feel like there's just so much going on where in a couple years when I'm back in New York, like there'll be another moment in my life. This is your season of life.

You do? I don't know. What? Wait, how would you say that? I love it. I mean, it looks like it's your season. It's not like I'm sitting around reading a book, thinking about like fashion or architecture or things like that. Like, that's not, I don't have time to sit and read the paper for two hours on a Sunday morning. Like, that's just not happening in my life right now.

And you want that. That's what I love. I love that. You love to have like some piece. I do. And I love being able, you know. But do you know what's going to happen? You're going to have the piece and you're going to be like, I want to get on that jumper plane.

I need some turbulence in my life. 100%. We'll be right back after the break. Okay, wait. Quick tangent. You know I'm always looking for new ways to elevate my wellness habits. But it's challenging finding the right ones that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle and that really work for you without like trying way too hard and not following through.

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Oh, bread. Bread makes the world go around. Even if you think, I'm not going to eat bread. You want to eat bread. You want to eat bread. It's like it just makes life so much better. I'll never quit you, babe. I'll never quit you. If you're like me, though, you really want, like, fresh bread. Okay. I know it sounds like a luxury, but it's really not. Also, I'm not making a sourdose starter kid. You know, I need help. I need help because I'm not a baker. This is where wild, rain comes in. Wild grain is a subscription box of frozen, artisan bread, pasta, and pastries that you bake at home. And when I say bake, I mean, you put it in the oven and suddenly your house smells like a legit bakery. Okay, their breads are so good. Sourdough, seeded loaves, listen, they're fresh pasta and pastries, croissants, biscuits, dinner rolls is like just classic old school, like let's sit down, have dinner as a family, and have these things on the table that are just like fresh, you know, we have good things on the table. Kids love it, adults love it, and guests will think that you worked way harder for it than you actually have. Wild green boxes are also

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Many times in my career. I mean, that's part of working in this business for 30 years. And, you know, one of the big ones was after Heroes, I made a cookbook. And I was at this point where I was 33, 34, somewhere right there. And I just really, I needed space and time again to figure out who this next transition of myself, who I was going to be without the. pressure. And I have always loved cooking. And New York was a big part of it of like meeting people and traveling. And so I took a couple of years off and had in time with my baby, my beautiful

teddy, you know, and he was in the house. And I will cherish that time forever. And I'm so thankful that I've always decided that my family has to come first. It has definitely hurt my career. There's no question in my life that when you take your foot off the pedal, you have to rebuild again. you just have to. And when I wanted to go back to work after him, it was hard again. Like people, you know, they don't think you've lost the pregnancy weight.

Like, you know, you're not the hot thing. You're not on a show that's bleeding into the next one. Most actors that, if they do that, they're not stopping. They're not stopping. I mean, how many actors that, by the way, like, it is applaudable in a way, you're back to work out for six weeks? Yeah.

Right? Because you're like, how? Yes. How? I was wearing those underwear that I stole from the hospital. The same time you're like, wow. that's amazing that you're doing it. And maybe you are breastfeeding in the trailer or whatever you are doing.

But you're right. Like what we're saying, Margo Robbie shot Wuthering Heights coming out. I think she was also like six weeks or eight weeks postpartum. So this is really, no, it's real. I mean, I will tell you, when I went down to do Resident Evil 3, Vivian was seven months old and Mila's daughter, Dasham was six months old. And we were both nursing down there. And we were covered in blood doing action stunts, shooting nights. and you just did it.

I mean, I've done both. Do you know what I'm saying? Like, I've done both. And I think that truthfully with Vivian, because I saw how hard it was after Teddy to like kickstart my career again, it was like, this is here. I love being part of this franchise.

I love Mila. I love Paul. Let's go down and do this. But I don't think I slept for three months, you know, shooting that movie and with the baby down there and my husband and Teddy, we put him in kindergarten there.

He was in Afrikan school. I mean, you know, there are wild stories. There are wild stories. Because people, you know, I find this world so interesting. Like, why I have the pot is because, like, you see actors. You see the critics' choice. You see the glam.

You see the dresses. But, like, I'm thinking about you on the commuter plane. You know, like, I'm thinking about your kids having to go to school, like, somewhere in the Middle East. I just heard, like, Claire Daines talk about that with her kids, like, which is great. And it's an experience. But think about, like, I make a big deal about driving in Jersey with my kids, like, on the weekend. Totally. I get it.

During nap time. And it's not happening. But you, so you actually started as a model. So, yeah, when I was 13, I started coming up to New York and I was with like four teens and was just doing like book covers, you know, like. Because you were discovered though. Yeah, like teen magazine. Yes, I was discovered in Philadelphia and I did Philadelphia Phillies commercial, which was

amazing. And then I did like little catalogs there, like Woolworths or something, whatever was there, you know, Strawbage and Clothier. And then I started coming up to New York. And that was, I was also making a. ton of money that was so shocking to my parents, like, you know, that I was making this money. And my dad got me like a retirement fund. I'm not kidding you, at like 16 years old, 15 or 16. And he always instilled in me like how lucky I was to be getting the opportunity to do this.

It was not like, you know, oh, you know, this is so great for you. It's just like this is, this is a life-changing moment for you. And he really actually wanted me to go to college. And I was working so much at that point. And it had gone along, gone far enough along on this path in this journey that I knew I was going somewhere. But yeah, I mean, that was my, was my teens was, you know, taking that Peter Pan bus. So you, because you're saying, like, you loved coming to New York, you loved that life, but like. Photographers, architecture. You would have pursued it, but it found you is what I'm asking. Like, it ended up kind of finding you. I don't think there would, there was a way that I could have found it myself. Really? No, because I, again,

I didn't come from an incredibly artistic family. I mean, my sister's a fifth grade teacher. She's brilliant with kids. She's amazing. My mom and dad are the best. But they're not like theater buffs or movie bus. You don't think if it didn't happen this way. I don't know. I don't think I would have thought it was an option. Really? You know, I think that my life probably would have taken a different route. I mean, you know, I've said this before I wanted to be a news broadcaster, which I guess is adjacent to this. Yeah. That to me felt like a route I could do. Yeah. You know. Because you could study that. You could like, yeah. And I also wasn't a theater kid, you know, like I didn't want to do the school play. I didn't think it was cool. I was embarrassed. I feel to this day, I feel nervous on a stage.

I don't want to do theater. I'm, it's not for me. Okay. Everyone who's amazing at it, go with God. Could you be convinced, do you think? You know, I almost did a Nealabute play. I was talking to Amanda Pete about it, like, right after Vivian was born. And I just, I couldn't, I couldn't do it. I was just like still like postpartum and everything. It just gives me sheer terror in life. I hate that feeling like of being on the stage. I just don't like. I just don't like. being judged in that way and that pressure in my life. I put enough pressure on myself. I just don't need more from anyone or anything. From a live audience. From a live audience. But my husband, on the other hand, like, he's all, like he comes from stand-up comedy. There are certain people that are just built for

that. You know, like, I want to get lost in a tiny, quiet little scene on my show. And you can pretend that no one's going to see. We're just lost. We're lost. And energy's being exchanged and you're completely invested in this story and that's what you believe and what you see and what you feel. And it all just naturally comes out of character. I don't want to then like have to project something on a stage or do it. And you know, it's just a different, it's a different art kind of. Yeah. When you, so you were doing the modeling, gorgeous girl. How did you then say this isn't enough for me like just to be a pretty face I want to like act? Well, I was doing a ton of commercials and then I got the chance to travel abroad. So,

that was kind of like the circuit. I went to Japan when I was 17 years old and lived by myself there. To model. To model. Yeah. Which was just like a complete crazy thing. Those usually go to like Paris or something? I mean, I wish. I wasn't good enough. I wasn't tall enough. As we know, the 5-6, 5-7. I don't know. And, you know, at all these places, I made enough money to get by, you know, I was never kind of the star of the show, but I got enough work to get the opportunities for them to pay for my plane flight, you know, and give me the money up front to pay for the apartment so I could pay them back, you know, and break even. But it was more that I just, I fell in love with just being around so many different people from all over the world and getting a chance to just understand them.

You know, I just love connecting with people and I love traveling and understanding different people's paths and views. So how did you get the first, like, acting gig? So I was down in Miami and then I went to L.A. with the modeling agency to do just some modeling. And I got the Esquire cover, which was like the fake hoax. And that put me on the cover of Exquire. At that point, I'd already been in acting classes for about a year. And I started getting auditions. The hardest part in our business is getting auditions.

It's getting in the door if you're not a NEPO baby or have something that connects you. And I have zero connection to this industry at all. So that was kind of the door that opened. And I just, you know, busted my butt. You know, sometimes six, seven auditions a day and just went for it and got small roles and just kept building it, you know? Was it, what did you feel like was the one that like really kind of?

Blue's definitely was the breakthrough one. You know, it was a time where it was that, that was like an eye into like the teens in Texas, but it was also like a sweet story of people connected with the characters on that. And even playing Darcy, you know, it's like, she's just trying to find her way out in life, you know, and I understood that in a way.

Wasn't Billy Bob also on the show? Yes. It was on Friday night lights. Yes. That's so interesting. Yeah, another one. I know. Listen, I was recently watching Legally Blonde again.

Okay. your scene at the jail was like they should teach out an acting class like you were shaking crying like emoting as fuck

over like a fake liposection whatever that was how do like that was really good which I feel like when we watched it when we were younger it was like funny and cute and legally blonde but looking at it today I'm like wow that was really powerful You know, in our industry, they want to put us in one box.

You either do comedy or you do drama or, you know, you do TV. It's so crazy. If you do one thing, they think you cannot do another. And when I got a chance to do that, how I've always found comedies through character. And it's always from the truth. And it's always from the stakes that the character feels. And that's what I find funny, you know, is knowing what the truth is. And for that woman, the idea of anybody knowing that she had gotten liposuction, the level of

terror that ran through her, like being able to show that, then it's funny to watch that. And Reese is like, no. Yes. But it was fun to be able to do that. And I'm excited to be able to do more comedy again. I don't think that people realized how much comedy was going to be in Landman. And we have so many tones in our show and that the humor is such a necessary part of it.

Yes, totally. It's like, if not, it becomes some parts become melodramatic or too much. And the weaves of the tones for me, it's like that's what Taylor does. Like master. Has your daughter watched you in legally? She has. She has. She loves it. Yeah. She loves it. When did she? What age did you? Did you? I mean, I think seven or eight. It wasn't, she wasn't that, I mean, when she got it, like seven or eight. Yeah. It's not even like a. It's also when her friends were watching it. So once it becomes that, then she wants to see it. Yeah. You know, which is part of it. They don't want someone, you know, we want our kids to kind of know enough about what's happening in our careers without like, you know,

scarring them for life. I read that you, like you were too young to play to her. Well, because me and Reese are the same age and I'm supposed to play the older sorority sister. So I'm supposed to be four years older and they didn't want to see me. And I was like, who cares?

Like, come on. I'm coming in Robert Luke Hattuck. Oh, they didn't want to. Yeah, they wanted to. Yes. I didn't want to play one of the other frat sisters. I want to play Brooke Window. Yeah.

So I went and got her. So you were like, it's fine. Yeah. It's fine. Yes. Did you hear? or anything about a new movie? I've always heard little Twinklies.

I mean, look, now that there's a TV show going, I'm sure that will punt, I don't know if it will ever happen. Yeah. But wow, game on. I mean, amazing. Absolutely. We need to talk about your hotness in general. Thank you.

Because I feel like people. I'm working so hard at it these days, Amanda. I mean, she did say she was like, I don't know, I work out four to five days a week as if it's like a little. Like, four to five days a week is the max you could do humanly, it's humanly possible. But you look amazing. Thank you.

I mean, people are really, like, raving about it. Like, everyone's saying, like, this is what, like, natural, beautiful. Thank you. Hot. I mean, this is, like, this is, like, unreal. Thank you. No. But, you know, it's like I take care of myself.

So that's what I do. But also, when I say I go to the gym, yes, you need to strength train. You know, as you get older as a woman, it's part of it. You have to do it. But I'm also there, babe. I am, like, getting through my terror of life. Like, I'm working my anxiety. 80 out. And then I can start the day. Like my husband knows not to speak to me until like, no,

it's really not going to work out. Wait, is workout pre-coffee? No. Okay. Salary juice, coffee. Salary juice that you make. Or buy. Or buy, you know. Whatever. And then coffee. Kids dropped off at school straight to the gym. And when I'm filming, it's usually, you know, it just starts early, whatever I get up an hour and a half before call time before I get picked up. And do you, like, train yourself? Do you have a trainer? I do. You know what to do. I just do it. I do the Peloton trainers. You know, for me, it would be more stressful to have to have to have something else on my schedule, to have to meet someone at a certain time. Like, you need to fit it in when I fit it in. I fit it in when I fit it in. I don't do a lot. Sometimes I'll do half an hour. Sometimes I do 20 minutes. Well, you even did it today and you're on a press day. I did, but I wanted to look good for you.

And you said, you said it woke you up. That's what you said, you woke you up. Because I was like how you look so awake because I know you're really busy. When you have to go and put yourself, you know, hopefully speak eloquently and be asked questions. You never know where things are going to go. For me, after I exercise and I sweat, I've burned off a lot of my fear. And I spend a lot of time just breathing and it just gets so much oxygen into my body. And then I just feel better about myself. Like, I've already won the day. Yeah. And like, that's a huge thing for me. Stop. This is motivating. No, you need to do it. Like, you need to do it. You need to do it because it's a life changer. And I've never been this disciplined. This started. Like, this is the most you've ever worked out in your life. Always. Is it because of Angela? I think it's because of Angela and also that to be able to keep up with my schedule and my life.

This is my one constant. Yeah. And it works. Yeah. Like that's the bummer too. You never want to go, but you're never going to call and tell me that you don't feel good after a 30-minute run.

Right. You're never going to say that. That's what they say. And your skin, well, you don't need it. You have gorgeous skin. Thank you. I need some help in that department right now.

No, you have gorgeous skin too. I got sweat and stuff. But steam. But they do say, and it is true, that you're never going to feel worse after. Or you're never going to regret it. Like, you will, want to not go, but after you'll never be like, damn it, why did I do it? You'll be like,

I'm so glad I did it. I feel so good. But it sounds like you're more of a cardio girl than the weight stuff. No, I definitely do 50-50. You do. Yeah. So even the weights you're doing solo, like you know what you do? Look, I listen to dirty rap, okay? And I bring in some Malaya and there's a lot of Nelly. You know what I'm saying? And like, it's on, you know? And you lift weights. And it's like half an hour and you kind of dance to it. You like, you find your people and you can make it kind of fun. Yeah. And then I listen to a lot of like house music, like with a trainer when I run. I'm not getting out there running for 30 minutes. Yeah. Someone's coaching me in my ear, you know, and that's how I just get it done. I just get it done. Good for you. And then you eat.

And then you eat. Yeah. I saw you love your like peanut butter M&Ms. I love to eat at all times, you know, like that's not, I don't have the gift of someone who can wait until 2 o'clock and, you know, not have eaten for the day. I get low blood sugar. I faint. I also love to cook. I love But you have like a regimen with food, I'm assuming, too. So when I'm filming, I keep my kitchen in Texas very, very clean, which, you know, it's like eggs and protein and, you know, I don't keep in a ton of red wine and cheese on the weekends. I enjoy what I want. Yeah.

You know, I'm not eating a ton of pizza. Yeah. Like, that's a bummer. Right. But I also, like, feel better. You know, like, I feel better when I'm not eating, like, a huge plate of, you know, bowl of fondue. Like, I was just going for Christmas. We live on a ski mountain and we're, like, fondue and chabli.

Like, that's what you do. So you do. Is Idaho have like a good food scene? It's got some amazing places. This place called the Covey's amazing. We have some very special spots where you get amazing food. But I like, I love an oyster bar and we don't have that. I wish we had an oyster bar.

Maybe you'll end up like combining your love for cooking in Idaho and open like a restaurant there. Anything's possible, although I might be just like shacked up here in New York. Yeah. You know? No, she's looking at New York. I'm feeling both. She's feeling both. Okay.

Some rapid fire before. I let you go. Favorite part about filming? The cast. Being with this incredible cast, they raised my game every day. That's sweet. Least favorite part about filming. I'll say something. Being away from my children. Yes. Always. Yeah. Hardest scene to film. It's either, I had to do them in one day. Episode nine was a really difficult episode. And when Aisley gets dropped off for college, I wanted to really show the pain for Angela of what it's like to become an empty nester. That was really hard. I had to do it for seven hours. It's not like you're just doing it.

So it was like the ugly sobs and the pain. And then honestly, the bikini scenes kill me. It's just the worst. Because you're hard on yourself? Who wants to do that? I don't know an actress in the world. You know,

it's just tough. It's tough. You're just building yourself up. Like so much of it is me and the mental game, you know, of getting ready for it. And then, you know, spray tanning and moving things around

and trying to position your, it's just uncomfortable. Most fun scenes of film. probably the white trouble scene or any dinner scenes when I'm with the family. Yeah. Like when Michelle and Jacob and Billy's there, like we just laugh.

Like we laugh hard and James Jordan. So me, I mean, like, we just laugh. So I love being with, you know, the whole cast. And also me and Michelle, when we're at the old folks home, we just like, we're having fun the whole day. No, you too.

There's no stress. Are you like BFF? Yes. What kind of advice do you give her about the industry? Well, we talk a lot and I never give advice unless she's asking for it. But the reality is that when I think about my life, I've always, I'm so thankful I made the decision to have a family.

That's what you tell her. You know, it's like don't make choices that will, you know, impact the rest of your life. Like, think about that part of your life, too. Yeah. No rush. No rush. I heard the Powell family loves Landman. They were asked about it on the carpet.

Did you hear that? I did not. Okay. But I understand why. Something you'll never look at the same after doing the show. Oh, my gosh. In the Bollonnier's episode, Michelle, It was like the salad was served before the bolognese and water bugs climbed out of it.

And I can never like look at one of those bugs again and not think about it like crawling into my mouth and down my throat. Wait, the real, real ones? Like they're this big. Real. They're this big. This big. Wait, was this? Not on purpose.

Yes. Yes. Did they come out of the lettuce? Yes. What? Oh my God. And I saw it crawling. Michelle's holding.

Okay. So you're never going to eat lettuce again. Yeah. I mean, or a June bug. Oh my God. Okay. One thing you miss about L.A. My girlfriends.

Yeah. Yeah. For sure. Do they come visit? Sometimes. Sometimes. But I see them in L.A. in New York.

Do you have like industry friends? Not really. Not really. I have a few. But I feel like we see each other at events. Yeah. You know? And it's so for me it's like, no, I see the people that I've known for 30 years, you know?

Gotcha. Favorite part about living in Idaho. I'm probably saying Idaho. Like the whole state. Yeah, just mountains. Yeah. You know? The mountains.

I think it's just a grounding place. It's quiet. Hardest adjustment moving out of L.A. Oh, gosh. I think modern convenience. Amazon gets there, though. Four days later. Oh, it's not a two.

Like four days later. Vivian grew out of all her dresses for this trip. So we go to the stores on Sunday. Everything's closed in our small town. Oh. So I'm freaking out. On Friday, we had FedExed overnighted. full outfits from addicted, nothing arrived. And so we got here with nothing after many tears.

Like, there's little things like that. You can't run out and get something. Like, it's not, that's the hardest part, modern convenience. I guess I'm not moving I don't know. Thank you so much for coming on. Thank you for having me. I'm just so obsessed with you and the show and the moment that it's having and enjoy every, every minute of it. Thank you. And congrats on the success of this podcast. And you guys, the Landman is is out now. All of it? Paramount. Paramount. Catch up, you guys. Yes.

Binge it all. Thank you. Thank you guys so much for listening to this episode of Not Skinny but Not Fat. Follow me on Instagram at Not Skinny but Not Fat. Subscribe to the podcast

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