Scheananigans with Scheana Shay - Christy Carlson Romano: Confessions of a Teenage Disney Queen

Episode Date: October 9, 2026

What happens when a Disney darling trades her squeaky-clean image for a tell-all? Christy Carlson Romano joins Scheana to spill on her revealing new memoir, Once Upon a Trainwreck, and let's just say, Ren Stevens had a MUCH wilder life off camera!  From wild nights at Paris Hilton’s parties to navigating Hollywood’s notorious nightlife scene, Christy pulls back the curtain on the dark side of growing up in the spotlight. She dishes on her complicated history with Shia LaBeouf, the Hilary Duff rivalry, missed opportunities that could have changed the trajectory of her career, and why she's catching heat for naming names in her own life story.  Plus, the surprising story behind her famous stage name, how she nearly became a Real Housewife, and whether the PTA moms will look at her differently after reading the book. But behind the Hollywood gossip are some much darker chapters, as Christy opens up about toxic relationships, family wounds, and the terrifying shooting that nearly cost her life. She also reveals how her mother reacted to the memoir, why she's done protecting everyone else's feelings, and the lessons she hopes her daughters take away from her story. Turns out, playing the good girl on Disney Channel was one thing — surviving Hollywood and learning to stop playing that role in real life was another story entirely. Follow us: @scheana @scheananigans Co-Host: @thechristycarlsonromano Purchase your very own copy of Christy’s new memoir ONCE UPON A TRAINWRECK at the below link:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Once-Upon-a-Trainwreck/Christy-Carlson-Romano/9781668082218Episode Sponsors:Ladder — If you have an iPhone, head to ladder.fit/goodasgold and take a quick quiz to find your perfect Ladder plan. Use my link and get a free 7-day trial with no credit card, and $10 off your first month if you join.Revolve — Shop at revolve.com/goodasgold and use code GOODASGOLD for 15% off your first order. #REVOLVEpartnerWayfair — Join Wayfair Rewards today to get five percent back on every purchase. Head to wayfair.com to shop all things home.REEF — To get 15% off your first order go to reef.com/goodasgold, or use code GOODASGOLD at checkout.Please note that 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.Produced by Dear Media.See 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. From Vanderpump rules to motherhood and everywhere in between. Warm up the kettle. It's time to spill some tea. Let's get into some shenanigans with Shea Shea. All right. Well, we're just going to get right into it because today I am joined by a remarkable woman who I am so fortunate to call a dear friend.

She was on my book tour with me in Austin on stage. And if you're a millennial, you probably grew up watching her on the Disney Channel. You might have dressed up as one of her iconic characters for Halloween at some point. And if you know what year we landed on the moon, there's a good chance. It's because of her.

From playing Ren Stevens on Even Stevens to voicing the iconic Kim Possible to bringing some of our favorite characters to life on stage. age. Christy Carlson Romano was a really defining part of so many of our childhoods. I have so much in common with her because we are the same age and just went through a lot of those life experiences around the same time. But as you are about to hear, because today it's not about me, it's about Christy, there's a whole lot more to her story than what we saw on screen. And I'm so excited. This book is incredible. The audio book. If it's not already a New York Times bestseller,

it is going to be any day because it is so good. It's her memoir called Once Upon a Train Wreck. And let me tell you, she does not hold back from growing up in the entertainment industry to navigating the wild world of the early 2000s, Hollywood, to complicated relationships, motherhood, and truly just finding her voice after spending. so much of her life trying to be who everyone else wanted her to be. Like, she really goes there. And that also I can really relate to. Christy's life has been anything but ordinary. And yeah, I was just surprised listening to it. I'm like, oh my God, me too. Me too. Don't make it about you, Sheena. No. It's good. But, you know, it's like when the world thinks they already know you.

And then you actually get into your story. You talk about how difficult it was deciding which stories to tell. I just, I have a hundred questions for you. So we're going to get through as many as we can because I know us being friends. We're just going to riff off each other. Yes, I hope so. But is there to start it off? Is there anyone you found still protecting while you were writing this book, even though you were like finally supposed to be putting yourself first?

Did you catch yourself holding back at all? Yeah. I held back on my mom and my siblings. And like that was a little disappointing because I was like, this is a critical part of how I was like, raised, right? Like, I mean, you know, I had to, I had to tone down my mom's drinking and just like my involvement with my siblings or like my relationships with them when we came of age and we would like go out together. And I had these relationships. I kind of had to be erased because they were like, well, this isn't your story to tell. I'm like, well, you're not really mentioned in any bad

way. It's just I felt very yucky about finding, finding them feeling so triggered by my truth. And like it's unfortunate because I do feel like it's creating kind of like another awkward moment between me and my family. But it's like they're not even in it. So they are. My mom and who she was to me is all over the place. And she's been really supportive. But when it came to my siblings, it was a little less supportive. And like I love them so much.

And I've just been trying to be respectful of them. And that's just what it is. Yeah. Well, I think you did a really good job of that. And even in the beginning, you know, you had a little disclaimer that. this is how you remember it. Right. And I liked what you said about memory, you know,

because you're like, this is my experience and how I remember it. Someone else could remember something completely different. That doesn't make one right or one wrong. It's just, you know, you can't remember everything exactly the same as someone else. And I didn't even like want to have to say that, but they were like, you should put a disclaimer and I was like, fine. But I honestly appreciated that. Thank you. Because it's a good point to just point out, you know?

Yeah, because I think everybody sees things. And then they're like, well, that was exactly the truth. And if the, if the numbers don't line up exactly right, then somebody does some sleuthing on something. And they're like, I posted a throwback photo of like Kim Possible's McDonald's toy or something. And I was like, in 2000 something, like this came out. And it was like such a big deal for me. And then somebody's like, that didn't come out until this. So like, is she really going to be a credible author?

And I'm just like, this is what we're doing. Like I've done. I've literally had to compile. so many pictures from my mom like hoarding away all this stuff, you know, and VHS tapes and like Google and like all that shit just to piece it together, which I'm sure you can relate to. Yeah. Because it's like where the fuck was. I don't know where I was.

I don't know how old I was. Totally. I don't know. I don't know what day it is today. Yeah. We are fortunate though that we're able to like Google ourselves and look back at that because I had to do the same thing when I was writing my book. I'm like, I think I was 18.

Was I 20? I don't know. Yeah. But people will go back and find exactly when that news article came out. They have a lot of time on their hands, don't they? They really do. I'm like, you know, good for them. I wish I had that much time on my hands, damn it.

Tell me about it. I didn't even have time to sleep last night. Yeah, no, you did it. You just came back from New York. Yeah. Which we should talk about. I know, and we missed each other. I was my fault.

I'm a horrible friend. And no, you were not a horrible friend. I felt like a horrible friend. No. First of all, you were at my book tour and when it mattered. Yeah. That was just a fun. performance to open up a show. You have to prioritize yourself. And that's the thing is I actually

talking about this. I came to see you and I was like so excited and we texted but you had done sound check and you were like you were really busy. But it was the virtual reality awards. Yeah. Right. Did you, were you nominated for anything? I was. Okay. Her music. Lou Ann won. Okay. I wasn't expecting to. I got their literary legend last year. I think they just made up an award to give to me. I love that for take it. Yeah. Come on. No, but you are. You are that bitch. though. I mean, like, you have a bestselling, like, novel. Like, this is amazing. I was so, so proud of you when that happened. I was like, I felt like your win was my win. I was just, like, really excited for you. Yes. No, I can't wait to see you on the New York Times bestsellers list. We'll see.

I feel like the pre-orders would have already gotten you there. Like, you're going to be there because it's, I've gotten really into audiobooks. I drive really far for the gym because my trainer is so incredible that I will put the miles on my lease for her. I'm like, I don't care. Gas is ridiculous, but the miles, I'm like, ah, fuck it. And so it's like an hour there, an hour back. But I enjoy that time because this is, I think, going to be my fourth or fifth audio book now that I've finished, just driving and whatnot. But you, obviously, you do this for a living. You've been a voice actor as well. But, like, you are such an incredible narrator of this audio. Like the way...

This is news for me. Thank you so much. No, no. Like, once I started listening to it, it just drew me in immediately. Your voice is so good. But how you also do the voices and you go back and forth, because it's like when you're reading a book,

you know, you have the like... And then she said like, da-da-da-da. But like you're just going between like your mom's voice and like, Chrissy, da-da-da-da-da. And it just, it's so, so good. I just got triggered when you did her voice. I was like, oh, oh. Shit, I got to be somewhere.

I got to be doing something. And there are like so many things in the beginning too where it's like, you know, the perfect hair and being brown eyed and brown hair and having a blonde mom. And it's just like there were so many things. I'm like, oh, she is me. Yes. You know what? A lot of people actually say that we are written in the same font. Yeah. I love that for us. Yes. I do too. I mean, we clicked right when we met. It was actually via my ex-husband. He was a fan. We were all at an event. And he was like, oh, my God. Oh, my God. Even Stevens. Did he, you know, do so himself to me? Is that how it happened? He was, like, afraid to say hi. And I'm like, and because we are the same age, and it was a bit of a younger audience. It was. Yeah.

I wasn't one who watched that regularly. I knew of the show and whatnot, but I felt like I was a little... Was she a younger than you or he was just a year younger than me? He was just immature on top of that? 100%. But you were like his crush growing up. Because we look alike, Gina. Right?

He has a type. He has a type. And so I was like, well, let's just go up and say hi. And we did. And then him and Brendan hit it off. They did. My husband and him, they were buddies for a minute. Yeah. Yeah. But I mean, this was like probably 12, 13 years ago. So long ago. Yeah. Yeah. At least. Yeah. Because my daughter's almost 10 now. And it had been years before that. Yeah.

Yeah. Driving through West Hollywood when we came back here last night was just wild. It was like, that's where we were, that's where we did this thing. That's where we had that crazy night. That's where my husband was always really great about going out in WeHo. Yeah. I was always like, good for you, babe. Like, you didn't care if he went to the gay bars. Yeah. He, like, was confident in himself.

Totally. He might have gotten fondled a couple times. You know, it happens. It happens in Weho. Wedding, we ho. Well, you talk a lot about responsibility you felt as a role model to your young fans and how whenever you felt you weren't living up to those expectations, you internalize the disappointment.

Did you have to overcome some of the role model? those same feelings when deciding how much of yourself to reveal in this book? Yeah, great question, Sheena. I think that I did have to confront myself because a lot of those kids are now, you know, grown up and but I had to evaluate the fact that they are older now and they're looking to me not in the same way. I don't even want to be the same person that I used to be at all, right? Like they get, they get, you get frozen in their minds and they're like, well, that's, That's not, she's not my big sister anymore. Like, what is it?

But no, I actually am your big sister. It's just, this is like my journal that you're finally reading. Right. And like getting to know me. And your big sister went through shit. Like everybody's family members, like, go through stuff. So even if, like, people really almost relate to me as if I raised them or I was their childhood or something like they always say, that's why I think they have a really hard time when

I start speaking up about the truth or just like, or randomly, like, I get a lot of shit for like talking about people. that I interacted with or like worked with and stuff. And I'm always like name dropping. Yeah. Yeah. Do you ever get that? Oh, yeah.

That was like my entire memoir, the whole book, there's one sentence where I just like, to be funny, rattled off a bunch of names of celebrities I hooked up with and whatnot. I remember that. The whole book, like there were some people who only that one sentence are like, oh my gosh, she just wrote about being a slut in Hollywood and this and that and that. I'm like, if you had my roster, you would probably brag about it in your memoir too. Yes. Period.

I love that. I love your roster. I love your roster. It's a good one. I was proud of that, you know? Yeah. Because it's in the past. It's your lived experience.

There's nothing you can do to change it. And I think like it takes a lot of courage to just be like, this is my shit. It's in a book. And take it or leave it. This is who I am. Yeah. So I am. I know.

People want authenticity and then they mock it when they get it. Right. So weird. Exactly. It's like when you give the people what they ask for and And they're like, this isn't what I wanted. And I'm like, but you did. You asked for this.

Like, literally. Yeah. Wait, so we've never podcasted, have we? No. No. It felt kind of like when I moderated with you. Yeah, but I'm like, because we've been talking about this for years. And then I'm like, I'll come out to Austin, which I still want to do because I feel like

this is definitely going to need a part too. Oh, yes. But I'm so happy that like this is the moment we're actually doing this when your book is out. And I mean, I'm just so, so proud of you. because putting it all out there in a book, it's not easy, especially, you know, you have daughters who are going to read this one day.

And it's like, you did. You didn't hold back. You put it all out there. Yeah. With being a mom and thinking about, you know, writing the book and whatnot, is that what you just like, the dear girls part, I want to say.

That for me, I loved that because it just explained more. Is that something you knew you were going to do write off the bat telling the book or did this come to you after you started writing about the stories? No, like part of the book proposal, I think that made it jump for Simon & Schuster was the dear girls letters. So I do dear girls letters after every chapter that kind of like teaches them like, hey, like this is what you just read and here's the moral of the story kind of thing. And they were the thing that I needed the less, the least amount of editing on because it was just so from the heart.

Yeah. That I was just like, I've got, I felt very compelled. to write it. And I think it's too because they aren't baby babies. They're like now school age kids. And like I know that that time is ticking and that like they are living in this crazy world. Yeah. And like all the shit that, you know, we've gone through. They can go through that now just on social media. Right. Not even being famous. It's like they can just, they can be subjected to people's comments and like all that. The world that they live in is so different than the one that we were raised in that I felt very mama bear and so I put that into those dear girls letters and it is something that people are reacting to. I loved that just as a mom I was like damn I should

have done something more like that in my book but did you write any letters to your daughter so at the end I put one to her in my acknowledgments okay yeah because I felt like my book when I've listened to other audio books and it's like they dedicate it to their kids or their family and I'm like I didn't do that. I dedicated mine to the fans because I felt like mine was, well, your fans made you a bestselling author too. Totally. Exactly.

But then I'm like, I guess I'll just have to write another book, you know? Yes, bitch. Definitely. You should do it. Yeah, because I really, really loved that. You can make it more about this journey of being a mother. Yeah. And I think there's more story to tell, you know?

A thousand percent. But I just, I loved that. I loved how it ended with the epilogue and you talking about getting shot and your, your joke. I'm like, that is so something. I would have done in that moment. Like, that's something I say. Like, you missed 100% of the shots you don't take.

Yeah, I made this stupid joke on the way to the emergency room towards the person that shot me. And I was just like trying to, I don't know, what the fuck else are you going to say? You've got two people in the car with you who are just shook and devastated. And like my husband just thinks I'm about to lose my vision at any point in time. Yeah, I mean, that's terrifying. Yeah. I got shot in the face, guys. I don't know if you know that. Yeah.

So, I mean, in that moment, like, that must have just happened so insanely quick. Yeah. And you lose your vision for like a second, but then it's kind of coming back. Well, I was shook. I think I was unstable. I kind of like take a knee. And so I'm a little like hazy. Yeah.

But I never lost the vision. Okay. I had lost the vision. That meant that would have meant with my situation where it got shot into my eye that it had hit something critical, like a nerve or something. Whereas right now, the reason why it's like a fucking miracle that I can see is because it's like a pencil tip, which is like a millimeter, a pencil tip away from anything vital in the eye as an organ. And I was like, you got to be kidding me. Like, what do you do with that when you receive a miracle?

Like, how are you left to know that you could have died? And like all these things happen for a reason. And it really sent me down this like very long road of like spiritual awakening, reawakening, I should say, because I, I had been doing a lot of work on myself since I've been sober since my first baby. So it was like, yeah, I've done all this work. But then it was like, oh, wait, this is actually, there's so much more to be done. And then I was writing the book already, but it totally changed my approach to it. And so far that I was like not as worried about going deep and being like putting it out there for people.

Yeah. I do remember when that happened because I was planning a trip to Austin around then just to do a podcast with you and then Mark messaged me and told me what happened and I was like, oh my God. Yeah, man. But what a way to end the book and just, you know, like what went through your mind and it's just like you're not thinking about all the shit you did wrong and what you could have done. It's just like you're thinking about your girls. Yeah.

I was just like, holy shit. Like I'm not going to be a mom anymore. Yeah. You know, like it was like that like this chapter can't possibly be over. But there was a there was a good, I would say like 10 to 15 minutes where I thought I was going die at any second. You know, once I registered that I was shot, I was like, am I going to die? Am I going to die? Yeah. And I was also like, am I ugly? That part made me laugh too. I was like, am I ugly? Brendan was like, no, it just looks like you got a hit in the face by Tyson. And I was just like,

okay, great, what the fuck does that mean? You know, like, he's not a doctor. He didn't know, you know? So like, I think it was just this, this looming moment on the way to the emergency room that just made me feel like at any point, like something was going to move in my brain. Like, I didn't know where I was shot. I was, like, so shook up about it. Yeah. Absolutely terrifying. Yeah. On that note, we're going to take a quick little break. Okay. And then I have a million questions for you. Oh, amazing. Okay. So I just got some new clothes, some new shoes, because I feel like the weather is changing and it is just time to switch up my wardrobe. Plus, I've been. so busy lately. You know, it's like I've got school drop off. Then I'm going here, there,

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Offer available for a limited time. So don't miss out. Okay, so you've been on this whirlwind of a book tour. How has it been? What's your favorite thing you've done so far? And are you just happy that it's like finally out? I am. I am happy that it's finally out.

Something in me has been so, I don't know if you can relate to this too, but like, it's just been so cathartic to finally just be like, it's done. Like all of my biggest traumas and biggest fuckups are like now out in the world. And even if somebody can't appreciate it, like there was a part of me that was worried that the PTA moms were going to like look at me sideways because I talk about doing Coke at Paris Sultan's party. Yeah. I was like, oh my gosh.

Like no one's ever going to look at me the same. But I mean, I'm sure a lot of them have done that too. And whether they're going to like, you know, pull their nose up at nothing. I don't really think they are. Luckily, I live in sort of Austin is actually very eclectic and inclusive and cool. And people are kind of like they're good. Just, you know, where I live is kind of bougie. So like there's some bougie people.

So I was a little worried. I was like, does this mean that like I'm going to lose like my footing in my community? But there was just a second thought there where then I was like, no, I don't give a shit. Like it's out. Yeah. It's my truth. And then there was a lot. There's been a lot of empowerment and encouragement.

And I loved, obviously, it's nice to see the DMs when people like, thank you for having the courage to do this, blah, blah, blah. It's really, it's really nice to find that support. And because community is a really big thing in the book for me. Like I'm always talking. about how I've been looking for it and it's hard to find out here. And also just in the industry, whether I was in New York and auditioning as a kid and just like kind of always feeling competitive with other kids, like there wasn't a lot of camaraderie. And so it was pretty lonely over the years. And so I think that like the book is going to find its way into the hands of the people that

needed it. Yeah. And so that's what's really reassuring to me. And but yeah, I mean, it's been, it's been a blast. Like, I do think a highlight was going to just randomly see every reality star ever, like at that event. I was like, what am I doing here? I was like, I technically was on special forces and weakest link. Exactly. So technically I've done some reality. Yeah. But I don't know. You know, there was this like, there was kind of this like development happening with me in a group of women. I did tell you for Housewives of Austin. Yeah. And I don't, I just, you know, I don't know if that's in our cards, but it was fun. It was fun to be a part of the development process. I can tell you that much. The girls got to hang out and some of us were like, maybe something else. You never know.

Yes. Maybe we do something together. Maybe. Oh my God. Wouldn't that be cool? That would be so fun. I think that would, I think that would, I think that would be really cool, right? People would like, people would have opinions. Everyone has one. Something that really struck me reading your book was just how much of your life you've spent trying to protect other people often at the expense of yourself. I could just so relate to that so much. And it's like even in telling your own story, you approach these incredibly painful experiences with just so much grace and restraint. And you don't seem interested in like pointing fingers to blame, you know, even when it comes to people who have caused you

tremendous harm, including the person who literally shot you in the face. But I think it just, it takes incredible strength to be as vulnerable as you are in these pages. And I just, I truly hope, I just want to say this, that you realize that you're helping so many people by putting this story out there and just making people feel less alone and people who are like me and my age and just growing up in Hollywood around that same time with a fake ID. It's like it just brought back so many also fun memories. Yes. But there's, I wish, I almost wish that there was more fun in the book, but I had to kind of like, I couldn't live in any one moment too long because of the page count. Yeah.

So, I mean, I wish that I could have, you know. But I think that there was a portion of it where I am like partying. It's just that, unfortunately, where I was at, it wasn't that I didn't have fun going to Paris's party. And I didn't have fun. I was talking to my publicist who apparently was like at Bolt House parties too. Oh, my God. Lidoo. I know.

Lidu on Wednesdays. Yes. It was a place. I was a spot. Again, I never knew what day it was. I'm just rolling up. My friends are like, we're going. Okay.

But like, whoa, shit, where was that one place called? Not Jimmy's. Yes. Yeah. Teddy's. And there was Joseph's. Voyeur was a little bit later. Boyer was like when we were hanging out. It was.

But, I mean, the nightlife was pretty fucking awesome back then. It really was. It was pretty elite. Nobody. It was just the paparazzi. Exactly. But like inside the club, it was like the safe space where it's like, People actually dance.

Yes. And I remember going from New York, clubbing in New York was like always insane. It's still probably probably has its ups and downs now. But like it was so great that the New York scene moved to L.A. And I think it was because a lot of those club promoters were trying out their spots in L.A. Before going to Vegas. Oh, yeah. Because like One Oak wasn't in Vegas until it was here.

And then even like the Pussycat dolls. Like that was back then when they were, they were. were doing their burlesque show here before they went to Vegas. So much nightlife was happening. It was such a and everybody knows this, like from watching the hills and like watching you guys. Like there was like a big nightlife scene that was so much fun. But then the culture of it could be a little toxic. You know, like I think some of it could be predatory. Like there was a lot of predatory guys. Oh yeah. You know how it is. I do. Those guys, those producers and directors and, you know, finance guys. Like they were just all so predatory of the models and actresses and stuff. Oh, no, I remember some of those, like, after

parties and what you remember, like, the beach, like the private beach houses and, like, all the, like, sponsored parties, like, all of those guys were all, like, what the term toxic bachelor came to be known. Yes. Those were those guys. Uh-huh. They were just the worst. I know. And they're like in their, like, which was old to us then, but, like, probably in their 40s or. A hundred percent. And we're like 20, 21. Yes. Yes. I remember. I will not name who. I'll tell you after. Okay. But it was these two very big movie producers and directors and I was at a party at their house and one of them was working downstairs while the other one just brought up girl by girl upstairs downstairs upstairs and I'm like, is this what I have to do to be in movies? Oh my gosh. I didn't

book that many roles. You're like yeah. So there you go. Do the math guys. That's not that that's a separate roster. You know what I mean? Yeah. The people that you actually consented to being with and having fun with is very different than like being put in a situation, which I think people don't recognize, right? There was a guy in my book that I talk about very briefly, and I will tell you who it is later. I wonder if you dated him. I don't know. Wait, no, I'm dying to know. But he was like this executive producer of a big animated show. And I'd say that in the book. And like, I remember, you know, going on dates with him and I'm just kind of like always being seen with other girls. But he would never take me outside of his house. It was always that I was like in his house.

and always like hanging out or watching movies and like kind of being like a gal pal. Yeah. And eventually I was just like, what are we doing here? Right. This isn't even like, this is like, this is like, I'm your secret or something. Whereas like, and then like the girls that he felt were famous enough to be seen with.

Like he would go out and you'd see them in the news. And I was just like, this is demoralizing. I was like, I didn't think that we were going to be like, you know, boyfriend, girlfriend, but like this is just ridiculous. Yeah. So I don't know. There's so many politics and dating in L.A. Tell me about it.

I don't even remember the question. Honestly. I'm like, what was it? We knew this would happen. You describe yourself as a train wreck. So we can go there. But I mean, reading this book, I kept thinking it's like, was she really a train rack? Or was she just a woman trying to figure out who she was in a world where everyone else had already decided who you should be?

You know? So I truly just going through the whole book, I'm like, I can see how you would feel that way. But it's like it wasn't a train rack. It was just literally your life and navigating and figuring out, you know, from such an early age of being in the entertainment industry and away from your family and home and school for a year on the road and just crazy. Yeah, you make a really good point. I think that what I love about the train rack analogy is that, you know, because I was so in the Disney system, it was as if I was on a train that was going in one direction. You know what I mean? Like it was like full steam ahead and there was no hopping off.

And I think that the train wreck part of it comes a little bit later with the FBI case. Before I met my husband where I was like I had no money. I was really not working. I had moved from L.A. to New York. I was, you know, occasionally using cocaine, drinking, going out, lonely, sort of just feeling really lost. And I think that like what makes maybe. the book relatable too is that if anyone has ever felt lost, like they can have hope to find themselves again. I think that's what you're saying the book can give to people because I think we just

sometimes we get we get lost, you know? And and it's it's that's how I felt at least at the darkest part of that. And then like there's an assault in there that's like really personal that I've never shared about. Wow. And that felt really vulnerable to like put in there. And, And it's like there's just those little things that made me feel dirty over the years because I had started off on this like huge pedestal of perfection that like little by little I felt my confidence was just chipped away at. And then what was underneath though was like somebody who'd never really had the kind of childhood that would have really helped them stand on their own two feet.

Right. Which is why when I'm like writing to the girls I'm like trying so desperately to like reach across time and space and to make sure that they have some of these like skills like I just want to make sure like if I were to die tomorrow I could give them this book and I would you know I love that so much like yeah that was my favorite part at the end of every chapter right when I hear dear girls I'm like oh okay what's you gonna say now because it just I literally just got chills no but it just it gave so much more from like a mother's point of view because it's like you're writing your story you know it's a kid and young adolescent and all that but just like to have that

at the end of every chapter and to explain why maybe you didn't want them to do a certain thing or why you did the things you did. It just, I really loved how that brought together. I hope they like it. Like when they're 15, 16 and they read this. Like, I hope they're like, you know, they're a little probably shook about it, I'm sure. But I hope they'll see what the intention was. And like, I think over time, now I'm going to have to live with this book as a part of my family. And that'll be really interesting to see how that plays out. Yeah. Definitely. I know you're getting back into acting too, which we love to see because we've needed you back on our screen. Special Forces was not enough. So we've got holiday ever after a Disney

World Wish come true that comes out Thanksgiving weekend. Yeah, the 28th. Okay, I'm so excited for that. Did you ever worry that speaking so openly about the industry could impact future opportunities? Definitely. I mean, I was worried that people would think. think that this was like an anti-Disney book. Yeah. And there's still a part of me that's like, well, I'm scared, you know, that like Disney will think I'm, you know, not grateful or whatever. But that's that people pleasing part of me that I'm really trying to move past and just be like, nope, this is my truth. Unapologizing. Like, not. This is what it is. We chose to go down this route with this book. Like, who cares? Because I'm also like not really so beholden to the industry anymore,

right? Like, I do a lot of work online. a lot of social media stuff, which really affords me, like, an income to be able to live in Austin and just, like, do it differently. So, like, I'm really proud of that, that point of, like, not having to feel like I have to wait for my agent to call me to be like, we've got something for you. Like, that just doesn't even happen anymore. People just don't get those calls. You talked about that in the book, like just waiting for your mom's pager to go off. And then it's like, okay, we're waiting too long. Like, it just. And time passes by. Like, your life passes before you. And I think that was one of my biggest pet peeves about having to be just solely an actress.

So now it's like I've diversified a little bit. I'm pretty proud of that. And I would love for that to continue. You know, I mean, there's no, who's to say that, you know, influencing is going to be a thing in like 10 years. But like, I love the lifestyle. Like, it affords me to be able to, like, be home with my kids. And like, if I need to do a Comic-Con, like, I'll do a Comic-Con.

Yeah. But, like, in general, like, I don't feel desperate. it. I feel like there's a lot of really great opportunities to like tap into different conversations online and like if I want to rebrand myself tomorrow, I could probably do that. Like even just the book is sort of this, its own rebrand. Yeah. But yeah, I mean, I think that there was a little bit of a little bit of fear there when the book started to come out. But I think I just did Nightline and there was the guy who interviewed me has been working at Disney because it's like a Disney show with ABC. And I was like, hey, so like, you know, what did you make of this when I talk about the media training?

Right. There's kind of like a little bit of a scandal that happens with a girlfriend of mine who was underage and like hooks up with an actor. And I kind of got blamed for it by like one of the marketing executives. And so I was like, this doesn't have anything to do with me. And so this kind of like little scandal, I was like, is this going to be blown out of proportion? Like any, you know how it is like they're going to take anything they want. We don't have any control over it and make it about something we just don't know what. And he was like, no, he's like, you wouldn't have been here if Disney hadn't already read this book and was like okay with it.

And I was like, wow, the devil works hard, but Disney works harder. They were already reading the book. Yeah. That's crazy. No, I've been looking forward to this book ever since I found out you were writing it. I'm like, I cannot wait to read this. Well, I'm so glad that it didn't disappoint because I think sometimes people are like, well, there's not. enough gossip in it or something. I'm like, there's so much more than just. There's so much.

Yeah. It all kind of interplays with each other because what what comes through the Disney T is got contacts from before and then what comes after is because of all that too. Like it builds off of each other. Yeah. Definitely. I mean, your teenage years attending high school in Manhattan were definitely not like most high school experiences, you know, you were going to school alongside Scarlet Johansson, hanging out with other young actors and just hearing about eighth graders, attending parties, exclusive nightclubs. You're talking about like losing virginities and smoking cigarettes and this and that. I mean, like, what was that whole social scene actually like? You know, unfortunately, I was like the nerd of this world. That's quite good. Probably good.

Yeah, because what I had heard was just that there was these like drug-fueled parties for, the ballerinas. I've heard crazy things like that they would like break their feet so that they would get a better point when the bones grow back. Ooh. Crazy shit. And then like that, you know, they would be doing like, oh yeah, there was like a big talking to from the principal because they've caught wind at one of the parties were like drug fueled and like there was like sex everywhere. And then one of the parents I think spoke up and like it became a thing. And so I just think these kids, these New York kids were really advanced. Mm-hmm.

And I was just kind of like being, I was luckily, they say that like, what is it? Like God saves you from what you don't get. You know, like God's protection is the, yeah, you know what I'm saying? Yeah. Yeah. God's protection is something. I'm fucking this up, but. I haven't been to church in a long time.

Yeah, I'm sorry. It's not even like, it's not even like a Bible quote or something. No, I understand what you're saying. It's like, what you don't get is God's protection. action basically. Yes. You know what I mean? And so like I think that for me, if I'd been exposed to that even earlier, who the fuck knows would have happened? Maybe I would have been more addicted to something and just been completely off the path. But yeah, so that's the other thing I want to mention about like child actors too, is that they're really advanced and mature

in some ways and then really immature in other ways. Because they're not necessarily getting the socialization like you would like if you were parenting your child or something like a normal childhood. And so for me, I had a really delayed maturity. So that's why like my party time came like when I talked to my husband. He's like, oh yeah, I did that in high school. And I'm like, okay, I did it. I did it later. So that happened to you? Same. I was the sober driver all of the time. High school parties, college. Yeah, I was always the mom. I was the responsible one. I didn't really drink until after I was 21, never did anything else until I was like 22. Yeah. And it was it was Hollywood. It was Hollywood that happened.

It was Hollywood and a cute actor. Oh, no. Try this. Oh, no. Oh, no. Interesting. Yeah. Interesting.

Yeah. So just so much I could relate to. But not like going to school with Scarlett Johansson. Yeah, that was that happened to. Moking parliaments with the Duff sisters. Yes, that's right. We did smoke parliaments. It did happen.

Are you still in touch with any of your like Disney fan back in the day? Like, are you and Hillary Duff still friends? Not the big ones. The big ones, I feel like. You know, everybody who always wants to know about that. I know a ton of the other ones, the ensemble characters. And like the Jake Thomas, the lame, Kim Brown from Halloween Town. I mean, even Lacey Chabair and I were able to reconnect because we did the Hallmark movie together.

But, I mean, I grew up with all these people. Right. And so it's like we all know each other. And when we can see somebody from across the room, it's like you, you just know. Yeah. You know them. It's probably like you with like the, when we were at virtual reality, it's like, Oh, totally.

You've known those people for years. Yeah. I talked to Austin Kroll about you. He was like, oh, Sheena? Oh, my God. Yeah. No. You're way back. I know. That's what he said. It's like you guys are legacy now. And so like for us, it's like no time passes when we see each other. Yeah. It's just a matter of whether we know what's going on in each other's lives. I feel that that would be the same way if I were to see Shia or Hillary, except that now I feel like because I've kind of done the book thing, I'm not sure how they would feel about me just like talking about this stuff. But what I can assure you is that nobody gets like

defamed or hurt or like anything it's just the little details of this is what people want to hear about and I'm like there's there's nothing holding me I'm 42 years old like if we can't just like live in reality right at this point like what's the fucking point exactly we all have a lived experience and stories to tell yeah mine just happen to be with these people yeah I want to get into some more about those people but we're going to take one more quick little break and then let me organize these and be right back good cliffhanger Okay, so now I'm back home. The holiday season, starting with Halloween is upon us. And I just wanted to get some new stuff for outside, for the front yard, the backyard. And so where do I go? Wayfair. What I love about Wayfair is they have something for every occasion and every person, you, whatever you're looking for. I mean, sometimes you might not know you're looking for. something until you see it on Wayfair because they just have everything. So when you want to get some

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You can use my link and get a free seven-day trial with no credit card and $10 off your first month if you join. All right. So kind of speaking about the child actor community, when was the last time you spoke to Shia? I mean, the last time I saw him, we were at a club and we were definitely of age to be there at that point. And he was with like a crew of other child actors that we'd all grown up with like, I think it was like Chris Marquette and probably Margot Harshman who played his grand. girlfriend on the TV show on even Stevens. And then like, I don't know, it was just probably a group of those people that he would be, he was like still friends with a lot of the same people for a really, really long time. And then from what I know, he had a falling out with them when he was like getting really big. But I mean, he had his crew and I think I had my girlfriends at the time that were

like fun and clubby. And I, I like walked up to him and we were like, how are you doing? Everything's good. And I was like, it's so weird to me because he had had the glow up where like, To me, he was this goofy little boy. And then he grew up and got hot, I guess. People think he's hot. And I was like, no. I never thought he was hot. I still don't think he's hot.

I'm just like, no. No, I never did either. But I remember the glow up. Yes, he had this glow up. And I was like, it's so weird to me that my friends want to sleep with you. And he was like, yeah, well, my friends want to sleep with you too. And then I was like, wait a minute. Is this like getting weird?

Right. Is this conversation getting weird? I was like, I don't know. what's happening right now. But yeah, I mean, I feel like we always, I was always trying to find a way to, like, break the ice with him. Yeah. I don't think that I ever really could. I think that kind of, I think over the years, he regarded me as, like, his sort of cold, big sister type that, like, he just didn't really have a lot in common with. Yeah. And so that kind of sucked because I think once we were out and about, I was, I don't, I mean, of course, I'm not going to get his number, right?

Like, it would have been weird to just be like, I need your number. I probably could have asked him to do that, but there just wasn't enough, like, background between us for me to really feel like we would be friends. Like, he had his friend group. It just didn't seem like I could fit into his life. So, unfortunately, there was just never really a time where we reconnected and felt like,

okay, let's actually be friends. Like, you could really be like a brother to me. Like, I don't know why maybe he just felt like time had gone by and he just wanted to move on. Yeah, and I mean, he's obviously had his struggles as an adult. But he just, I guess Mia got to like today or yesterday just filed for divorce or something. He's like always in the news. And so when people ask me about him, I'm always like, look, when good things come, I'm rooting for him.

When bad things come, I'm praying for him. Like I just hope he finds his way. Totally. Or continually finds his way. Because every time, like, this is the hard part about being a shy fan. It's like it's like being the fan of a really, really bad. football team. Because like, yeah? Chargers. Chargers? We're 0 and 4 right now. So I feel that. So you know that. So deeply. There you go. It's like being, it's like, it's like when they win, you're like, yes. Like,

they're doing it. They're getting it. They're finally getting it. We're on top of the world. And then like when, when when you get that let down, the rest of the world is like, this is just the worst. He's the worst. And you're just like, I don't know how to feel right now. It's a really good analogy. Right? Yeah. I just don't know how to root for you. I don't know, I don't know what to do sometimes. I feel like even though you guys aren't particularly close today, like you did share such a formative time, you know, in your life. And I got the sense while reading your book that there's still like an unconditional bond. You may not be texting or close, but I don't know if it's like protective, but it just, it definitely came through that you do still like really care about him, even just how you're talking about him right now. It's like,

you want to see him win and it's just, it's hard when they're not. Yeah, it's hard when they're making dumb decisions and they're not failing upwards. And like, I guess I think maybe there just is something about us that is somehow connected. I don't really know what it is because when my husband saw him at a shooting range, I want to say it was like our kids were little. He was training with a bunch of military guys at a shooting range for a movie that he was doing. And Brennan was citing in and like, you know, in order for him to keep his license and, whatever he needs to like practice. So like he was doing something like that and he went up to him and he was

like, hey, you know, I'm Christy's husband or whatever. And he goes, oh, tell my big sis. I said hi. So it's like I can't, I can't deny that like I think he probably is got fond memories of that time in his life because things were a little more uncomplicated for him. Yeah. Same goes for Hillary. Like she was on a vernonity fair interview and she was like giggling about Cadet Kelly when they like played her the video. And it's like, I can tell that these people who are these, I constantly. big names in our industry now. Like, they still have this, like, wholesomeness about them when they think back on these times. Yeah.

Have you seen any of her shows now that she's touring and will you? She was in Austin and I missed her. Damn. But that would have been really fun. Yeah. I was really shy about even reaching out to her people to be like, hey, like, maybe we could do something. But I think that would be fun.

I mean, she's very nostalgic. Like, she's really leaning into it finally. She's leaning to it for the longest time. I feel like she just wasn't about it. In fact, there was a lot of like people in my era that were like very anti-nistalgia for the longest time. And I was the only one that was like talking about stuff on YouTube and like kind of going viral about it and like just opening up. And then finally I see like Allie and A.J are like getting really nostalgic on their on their page. And just everybody is just way more okay with nostalgia.

Well, yeah. And now I mean all of us, Millennials can afford to do all of the shit that maybe we couldn't do as a kid because our parents couldn't or whatever, you know? So it's like, yeah, we can afford to go see Hillary Duff on her world tour now and Backstreet Boys and whatever. Like, I love that people are leaning into that. And I mean, this book just, it gives so much nostalgia. It does. Oh, it's so good.

I think it delivers. I want to talk about your name because you write about the Carlson part of your name and what it represents, how it isn't even a part of your name, but your mom thought it would make you more distinct as a brand. She wasn't wrong. Sure, you're right. She wasn't wrong. I don't know if she knew that part, though. That's the thing. And that's what hurts because, you know, she actually wanted to get a divorce from my dad. And she was like, well, Romano sounds really ethnic. So maybe someday you'll just be Christy Carlson. And I was like, what's happening? You know what I mean? Like there was a lot of conversations like that where I don't think like I was ever asked. Like, what do you think about this? And what do we actually want to do? do with you as a brand? Like, I don't think we were thinking along those lines. And in the book, I talk about how, when I'm shooting Connecticut Kelly, like, we're looking at Susan Duff, Hillary's mom is her momager, who was like the Chris Jenner of her time. And she was just so advanced and screening the way that Hillary would be projected to be a star in two years, five

years, 10 years. And, like, she was playing chess. We were playing checkers. It was like, we just couldn't we couldn't get it together to like hire a stylist, hire publicist when the momentum was happening. Like we had no idea what we were doing. That's the truth. So when people are like, where were you? Like, where did you go? And it's just like it was because I didn't have my own personal machine like activated to like keep me out there and like in front of people's minds. Have you ever thought about changing how you're known professionally? No, I think at this point I'm just leaning into everything that people know. I think it's easier just to like embrace what works.

Yeah. You know, rather than like reinventing everything. I completely understand that I have my ex-husband's last name. That's right. Everyone else has an issue with. But I'm like, Sheena Shay is a New York Times bestselling author. Fuck, yeah, she is. Not Sheena Marie, not Sheena Jankin, not Sheena Davies.

No. Sheena Shea. That's how you identify. Exactly. Okay. Yeah. So I'm glad to see that we feel the same. Yeah.

How does he feel about it that you have his name? Which one? How does Shee feel about it? It doesn't bother him at all. We had lunch like a year ago and we talked about it because I sat down with him and told him about it was actually over a year ago because I told him I was writing the book. And I said, you know, I'll give you a copy ahead of time. This and that. And he was just so happy for me.

And I asked if it bothered him and he was like, no, not at all. He's like, I don't know why it bothers like other people and it doesn't bother me. How's he doing? He's good. Okay, good. Yeah. Is he sober? From what he tells me, yeah.

Yeah. Okay, good for him. I hope so. Yeah, me too. Yeah. But we keep in touch and I'll tell him that you were here today. Yeah. I know he'll be excited.

One thing I wanted to ask you, because you say that Kim Possible is the character you identify with the most. What is it about Kim Possible that just like really resonates with you? You know, it's not that I identify with her as much as she inspires me the most. Okay.

I think it's because she's got like this like insatiable desire to like win the day and like is so good at turning a negative into a positive. Yeah. And just like, that whole mantra of like, I can do anything, I can do anything. Like being the voice of that really like, whenever I'm down and out about something, it's like, oh yeah, but I'm fucking

impossible. Yes. Anything is possible. Anything is possible. So she's continued to inspire me over the years, I think the most, in the most uncomplicated way, because I think I had the most fun recording her voice. It required the least amount of work. And it really touched so many lives, continues to. And I'm just like really proud to be a part of it. I'm just like really proud to be a part of it. of that. You know, there's like absolutely no judgment of what that meant for me. It's just like a positive. It's like totally positive. Yeah. I love that. One thing when you were talking about doing the voiceover and stuff was your voice changing. Yeah. With having nodules and all of that, is that something I'm just like curious that can come back or once you have that surgery,

like you're good. You're good for like a really long time unless you go back into misusing your voice the way that I had misused my voice from the time I was like a little little girl. I think because I was like belting and like just going for it and Annie and like you know you misusing my voice. Then I was like smoking and drinking a lot in college specifically that by the time that I got the opportunity to be Bell for Beauty and the Beast like my first audition in the book, I completely fuck it up. I'm like I can't sing. I can't like I'm so flustered and I'm just like a paucing. apologizing for myself in front of them. I'm like, I'm so sorry. You know I can do this, I say. But then I realize that I have these like double nodules on my vocal cords. Usually it's like one, but I had like double. And they were like, yeah, if she's ever going to sing again, like you need to take these out. So I had the open throat surgery. And then a month later, my mom's like, she's getting back in there. Like we don't care what it takes. And it was like, but I'm post-op. But again, I'm 19. Like I could have stood up to my mom. But this is the part where I'm like, we're a little more immature because it's like I just didn't have the words to be like, this seems like a lot. Like I just did this. Maybe we want to like wait on this.

Right. But it felt like I was being left behind in Hollywood because I was really being told that like, look, like this Vanity Fair cover comes out and it's like Mandy Moore and Raven and Lindsay and Oh, I would never get over that either by the way. So I was thinking you're saying that and you're like, and I'm still upset. And I'm still upset about it. Well, because it was really just such a sign of the times for my career. It was. like you are not a part of this conversation. You are being iced out. And it's all these girls. It wasn't just like, oh, this is a feature on this person or that person because they have a movie coming out. It was like, no, these are the people that actually have been making a difference in your children's lives.

And I was like, but I thought I was a part of that. And thankfully, like it does still feel like I slip in there from time to time. But yeah, it's, it's an interesting thing. Yeah. Yeah. You and Brendan decided your children wouldn't become child actors. Is that a hard and fast rule? Or would you say your perspective has evolved as they're getting older? Have they shown any interest in wanting to be in entertainment? Not at all. Okay.

You know what I mean? They're like learning to read and like doing math. And like they're so far removed from the industry that, you know, I think my daughter has been trying to make like weird YouTube videos of her toys where she'll like steal my phone and be like, Mommy, I need to. So if anything, I think she's like more into directing, you know. I can't wait for them to meet because that is

summer to a team. Oh, good. Literally. Oh, good. Summer Moon. Oh, I love that. The best name ever. But yeah, they're really, they're really joyful kids and I would hate to take that away from them. Yeah. I am still reparenting through being a better parent than, say, my mom was at times.

And so, like, I just feel like my focus is on breaking these cycles. If they were to come to me, but if they were to come to me, But if they were to come to me and be like, I really love dancing, like, we just haven't. And I've tried. I've put them in everything. I've put them in gymnastics and dancing and cheerleading and arts. And really, they're just not gravitating towards it.

Yeah. So, like, right now I feel like I've gotten off scot-free. But if eventually, like, my oldest daughters, I think she could model. I really do after she gets her braces off. But I just, I don't know if it is the best used of her time as a child. Like, I think there's other things that she could be doing that that isn't all. also taking up our time as parents because we still have to make a living. Yeah.

You know what I mean? Like if you really dedicate time and energy to them to be in the industry, like it takes a tremendous amount of time. I'm not doing it. So you're not either. No. And I just, I feel like she still gets shy in certain situations. She's great when she's doing like a cooking video with Brock for like YouTube or Instagram live.

Like she's good with that. I've seen her on the vlogs. Yeah. She's adorable. So good with that. Because the stakes are just not high. Exactly. But I'm like to put her on set and to do that. I'm like, I just know. And it was like another reason I even said no to doing the Valley. I was like, I just don't think this is aligning with our family right now. I don't think it's the right setting for her when I had her, you know, and I'm days postpartum. I had no choice. Like that was my job. The world opened back up. And that was the only way I was making money. So it was just like, okay, well, the baby's on the show. And now the toddler's on the show. And then when the show got rebooted, I'm like, let's take a step back and. And. see if is this what we want our daughter doing? Do we want her on reality TV? Is she going to

enjoy it at this new age? Because when she's one and two, she's like, ooh, big cameras. And like, it was fun. It doesn't make a big difference. But now I'm like, it's just. Well, there's questions. They have questions about like, like, as they should, by the way. Like, I think that's a good sign of good parenting. If they're like comfortable enough. And I think that's what they say usually is if your child pushes back, it's a good sign, you know? And it's like, yeah, that that's the thing that I lacked so much of in the book is I was just such a compliant child that it kind of put me more at risk to kind of get swept up into this like long career of really not putting myself first. Yeah. And you grew up being taught not to quit,

you know? So it's like how do you distinguish between encouraging your kids to persevere versus pushing them to stay in situations that aren't good for them? Yeah. So I don't think there should be any question of what's comfortable for them or not. Like I think, I think it, okay, so here's the trick, right? Like, you want them to, you want them to try new things and to be, and to persevere. Just like you said, it's a fine line here. But, but at the same time, if they're not happy, like, their childhood is goes by so quick. Yeah.

Like, do we really want to spend that? I don't, how do you evaluate? How do you know when to step in? And it's just like. It's hard. I can't be the only one going through that, not just in the case of like, of performing, but rather like anything. Anything.

Literally. Yeah. Your relationship with your mother obviously was complicated, but the note that you wrote to her toward the end of the book is incredibly moving. Is that something you shared with her before the publication? Yes, I printed that note out

before she read the book. And I was like, you must read this so that we can get to you actually being able to understand what I was trying to do. Yeah. And so so far, like mom read it three times. Like I said, she had some notes on some of her drinking. And I was like, okay, we'll scale that back.

But she has been so supportive. And I tell her she's like my ride or die because I don't even know if she knows what that means, to be honest. She's like, what the hell is that? But I mean, she is there for me and has always been there for me when things have gotten really tough. And she doesn't have all the answers. None of us do.

She really, yeah, it's her first time living on the. planet too. And so like I think now that I've seen her actually accept the book, I have, this is another reason why it's been so cathartic is because I'm like, wow, she's actually like stronger than I thought she was. Yeah. Like to actually, she's like, yeah, she goes, I'll take it on the chin. It is what it is. And I told her mom, we have two different truths. Like there's my truth and your truth. Yeah. And like they're not going to be the same. Exactly. And so for her to accept that was like, oh, wow. Like I actually maybe maybe didn't think my mom was this strong, but she is. Yeah. Do you think it's changed your relationship for the better?

I think it will. I think like now that the book is out and it will always be a part of my history, I think that she'll understand that like I have boundaries, you know, and that like I, I, I just need the truth to be the thing that that fuels our future. The other thing was like my mom lived in the past a lot. Yeah. She would talk so much about like, well, do you remember this time and that time? She was like, she was way more nostalgic than I ever was. And it would be like you couldn't even have a conversation with her at times because she would just go back into the past. And it was like her happy place or something. And it became like this whole psychological thing for her where like you couldn't have a normal conversation without it coming up. And I was like, this is really hard because you're just talking about stuff to me that triggers me.

That's like the stuff I don't want to be brought up. And so she's now learned through this process just how serious. I am about living in the present moment. And I think I feel like, I almost feel like I got my mom back. Yeah. Because it's like, okay, now we can start over. Yeah. We can move forward.

Totally. Yeah. I loved the realization that when your mom told you not to give up, she wasn't necessarily asking you to stay in Hollywood. She wanted you to believe in yourself. When did you make that revelation? Through writing the book. Yeah.

Yeah. I mean, some of these, some of these letters that I was writing, like, came and then strangely didn't have to be even edited because they were just so emotional that they felt so right for the moment I would read the chapter once or twice before approaching the letters and so it was very it was very like close to my mind to be like okay this is what needs to be said right now in the context of this situation yeah so I'm glad that they're resonating with people yeah yeah it really really like such a good job I can't get over it the second I started listening. I like texted you and I'm like oh my god. I know I was like I was so I was so happy to

hear from you that was such a highlight of my day no I love it I'm gonna have my mom listen to it I'm telling everyone telling everyone so okay we said you know you're getting back into acting new movie coming out next month what can you tell us about that project what are you looking forward to with this I mean I'm actually really looking forward to going back to Walt Disney World because they're doing the screening there. And Disney will always have this like, you know, place in my heart that can't be touched by anything else that Disney has done. Like, honestly, Disney has magic to it. And I, I still very much love it and believe in it. And I think I start the book by saying that I believe in magic. And I end the book by saying that I believe in magic. And I just believe in the magic that's like

hard earned. Yeah. You know, like those magical moments that come from. putting closure on chaos and trauma like that's magic that's how i've redefined magic for myself and going and they say sometimes like go back to the places where you cried and learned to laugh yeah and that's like what i feel like i do every time that i engage with walt disney world or or disney any time that that they're calling me to like hey we have this little like they've done this a couple times where they're like can you play kim on this little like they do like little commercially things and so i've done kim a couple times and even though there's no reboot in the works,

it's still nice that they consider me and they're like, she's our girl. Like, let's call her. Let's call her beeper. Yes. So they're going to do the party at Walt Disney World, the screening and the premiere. And it's really cool to sort of be a part of the Hallmark family now.

Like this is a big movie for them. It's the first time that Walt Disney has worked with Hallmark. And I guess the backstory is that Walt was good friends with, what is his name? Like Mr. Hall from Hallmark. Okay. And so they were like besties. They were both from Kansas City.

And they always wanted to work together, but never found a way to do it. So now that they're obviously long since past, this is this is sort of the highly anticipated synergy project that they're doing. So I'm happy and proud to be a part of. Yeah. Yeah. I'm happy. Really happy. I mean, you've done it all.

You've acted. You've sang. You've hosted, produced. You know, you've built a digital media presence. and now New York Times bestselling author. I love this. I love this. Is there anything still left on the career bucket list,

something that you haven't tackled yet that you're looking forward to doing? Oh my goodness. Oh, wow. What a great question. I mean, I feel pretty, maybe that's why I'm not hustling so hard to like continue to act and continue to do things because I feel like I have done so many things that I've wanted to do. Maybe that's why I, I've made peace with the fact that I'm like not working all the time and I'm not like, you know, where I thought I would be when I was 18, 19 years old.

I look back and I can tell you like I'm pretty happy with the diversity of experiences that I've had. And like you said, I have hosted. I think hosting is a really comfortable fit for me. It's just hard to get a hosting job like outside of. Right? Like you would be so perfect for all of those. But it's like there's only so many now with like Access Hollywood being gone. and stuff like that.

I know. All of the things I wanted to do when I was getting my broadcast journalism to create news and like all of that. I'm like, yeah. It's few and far between now. I know. So, I mean, but you've got shenanigans for nine years.

Yes. Fuck yeah. That's insane. Okay. So looking back at the little girl who wrote that she wanted to be someone worth remembering, what would you tell her today? Yeah. Just what comes up is just give yourself grace.

You know, I think like it's going to be a hard road. But if you can, if you can give yourself grace, then you'll be able to learn to forgive yourself for the things that you just didn't know you were doing wrong. Yeah. Right? Like, you're like, I didn't know. I didn't know this was, there was a easier way to do this. If I did, I probably would have.

But like, you don't really know. People can tell you like there's an easier, like, you can lead a horse to water. Yeah. And you can't make a drink. Like I definitely had people. trying to reach out and tell me, like, there's a better way to do this and I just didn't listen. Mm-hmm. And so giving yourself grace is the only way to forgive yourself, then that's what I would say.

Yeah. What do you want to be remembered for? Oh. I think that I would want to be remembered for being a good mom and a great wife and somebody who, you know, kept their shit together when times got tough. and persevered and didn't quit. You know, I think I want to be remembered as somebody who's resilient and caring of their family. Yeah.

Yeah. Well, I've got to say it's always so good to see you, but there's just something different about like this version of you right now. You know, you have a glow. It's not just the great glam. It's like from the inside out. And just the smile, it's infectious. And you seem just more confident at peace with who you are.

You know, I mean, you face. death. You got shot in the face. Like, not a lot of people can say they got shot in the face. Yeah. And they're here to tell the story. So it's just, you seem very comfortable in your own skin. And I mean, you just, you literally look better than ever. Like, you do not look like you're in your four days. Okay. Thank you, Gina. Of course. This is the Botox. So at the end of every episode, we like to give flowers to someone. And my flowers are obviously going to you. Because after reading this book, I swear, like, I have an even greater appreciation for just every everything you've overcome and the courage that it takes to tell your story. It's not easy to just

put it all out there and the grace that you've not only shown yourself, but others along the way, I just think it's incredible. You know, you spend so much of your life just trying to live up to other people's expectations. And it's just beautiful to see you in a place where you're defining your success and happiness on your own terms. Yeah. Not because of anyone else. So I just, I hope you know that you're not only an inspiration to your daughters, your mother, but like to me, to so many people out there. Like you should be very, very proud of yourself because this is something. It's timeless.

It's going to be there forever. And it's just, it's a really incredible accomplishment. So you are my flowers of the week. I love you so much. And I've been literally looking forward to this book, this interview, all of this. Same. And I'm overdue for a trip to Austin. We're going to have to do another podcast soon.

But tell everyone, please, where they can get your book. Man, I mean, you can get it on Amazon. It's at Barnes & Noble. You can get it anywhere that you get your books. I'm also the narrator on the audiobook. So check that out in case you're like with Sheena. She loves the audiobook. I do too.

And I think it's really great. So please pick up once I want a train wreck, the fall and rise of a child star soon. And the cover is so good. Thank you. I love the cover. The cover is really beautiful. Yeah. The printed version is the hardcover.

I love it. Yeah. We also wrap up every episode with a jack's hole. So my jacks hole for the week, I'm just going to give it. Wait, what's a jacks? Like a asshole. Like on Watch It Happens Live, Andy Cohen does a jackhole. But I made mine a jacks hole after Jacks Taylor.

Oh, yeah. When in doubt, you can just always make it him. For sure. Oh, my gosh. But I want to give it to a whole group of people, the frogs you had to kiss before you finally found your prints. Like, I can't tell you how angry I got just like Giovanni, just so many things in this book. I'm like, this, these are the jacksholes.

And it just, I dated many jacks holes. I mean, we all have. You know, that's part of our. The roster. And whatnot. But it's like what made me even more angry was how often you were the one left feeling ashamed and guilty or somehow responsible for their behavior because it was never on you. So it's just, it's infuriating how. many times women are made to carry the shame for things that were done to them.

Facts. You know, it's just, it's fucked up. It is. It is. To all of those for rogues who mistreated Christy, you are collectively my jacksholes of the week. And I'm just so happy for you and Brendan that, you know, you just found someone who loves you, respects you. You're raising an amazing family together. And I can't wait to come visit y'all in Austin.

Yeah, let's go. Let's go now. Everyone, right? Everyone, check out her book, please. Tell everyone where they can find you on socials. Sure. Yeah, I'm on Instagram. I'm Christy Carlson-Ramato. I'm on TikTok. And I do have a substack, but I'm mostly on Instagram. And just thank you for being here. Thank you for writing such an incredible book that so many people are going to be able to relate to. And I'm telling you guys, if you're like me and you're not one who just has the timer wants to sit down and read, listen to the audiobook. It is five star. Yes. Ten star. How many stars you can get. Yay. Thanks for doing this. This is so fun.

Love you. Love you. Thanks for listening to shenanigans with Shea Shea. Tune in next time for juicy updates from the world of reality TV, pop culture, and more. Download new episodes every week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen. Please note that 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.