Sibling Revelry with Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson - Stop and Smell the Magnolias...with JoAnna Garcia Swisher

Episode Date: April 11, 2025

From 'Freaks and Geeks' to 'Reba,' JoAnna Garcia Swisher has been busy making people laugh and smile for years. Even when her personal life hits tough times, she found a way to stop and smell the 'Sweet Magnolias.' Find out how she created a new chapter when her pro-baseball husband retired, her parents passed away, and how she held onto the friendships in her life- including superstars like Reba McEntire! Meanwhile, Oliver tells a story about a sitcom scene that haunts him to this day!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an IHeart podcast. September is a great time to travel, especially because it's my birthday in September, especially internationally. Because in the past, we've stayed in some pretty awesome Airbnbs in Europe. Did we've one in France, we've one in Greece,

we've actually won in Italy a couple of years ago. Anyway, it just made our trip feel extra special. So if you're heading out this month, consider hosting your home on Airbnb with the co-host feature you can hire someone local to help manage everything. Find a co-host at Airbnb.ca slash host. In early 1988, federal agents raced to track down the gang they suspect of importing millions of dollars worth of heroin into New York from Asia. Had 30 agents ready to go with shotguns and rifles and you name of it.

Five, six white people pushed me in the car. Basically, your stay-at-home moms were picking up these large amounts of heroin. All you got to do is receive the package. Don't have to open it, just accept it. She was very upset, crying. Once I saw the gun, I tried to take his hand, and I saw the flash of light. Listen to the Chinatown Sting on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Let's start with a quick puzzle.

The answer is Ken Jennings' appearance on The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs. The question is, what is the most entertaining listening experience in podcast land? Jeopardy Truthers believe in... I guess they would be conspiracy theorists. That's right. They gave you the answers and you still blew it. The Puzzler. Listen on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

It's important that we just reassure people that they're not alone and there is help out there. The Good Stuff Podcast Season 2 takes a deep look into One Tribe Foundation, a non-profit fighting suicide in the veteran community. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, so join host Jacob and Ashley Schick as they bring you to the front lines of One Tribe's mission. One Tribe, save my life twice. Welcome to Season 2 of the Good Stuff. Listen to the Good Stuff podcast on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. The Super Secret Festi Club podcast season four is here. And we're locked in.

That means more juicy chisement. Terrible love advice. Evil spells to cast on your ex. No, no, we're not doing that this season. Oh, well, this season we're leveling up. Each episode will feature a special Bestie, and you're not going to want to miss it. My name is Curley.

And I'm Maya. Get in here! Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, I'm Kate Hudson. And my name is Oliver Hudson. We wanted to do something that highlighted our relationship. and what it's like to be siblings.

We are a sibling rivalry. No, no. Sibling reverie. Don't do that with your mouth. Sibling revelry. That's good. It's Hudson Express and Oliver Hudson. Oh, gosh.

Coming at you live. Stretching. Here's my stretch sound. Um. Yeah, my lower backs. I just caught myself. I feel like I'm always fucking complaining in these intros. Like, yeah, so this is what's wrong.

I guess it's my time to kind of vent about my life. Like, by the way, my life is fucking great. Like, there's absolutely no doubt about it. You know what I mean? I'm happy. I have a great wife of amazing kids, you know. Am I the least successful of my family? Yeah, but it's okay because even the least successful of my family is pretty successful.

Do I sometimes lay in bed at night thinking, what about me? How come I was left behind? Yeah, I mean, but most people would love to be sort of in my position. I totally understand that but sometimes do I cry in the shower because just I can't work with some of these amazing creative people that my whole family has worked with

and you know they're really doing things that are moving people yeah but you know I'm just it's okay you know I'm still here plugging away anyway enough about me I have Joanna Swisher I have Joanna Swisher

in the waiting room I think I just met I think I just met her. Maybe I've met her before, like a long time ago, but it was just the Dodgers Yankees last year. I think I met her. My sister knows her well. Let's bring her on.

Let's talk. Let's talk some shit. Hi there. Hi, Jojo. What are you doing? That's what my brother calls me. Jojo, I am in. I just saw you.

I know. I just saw you. Well, last season, October. You were having a better night than I was. I know. I know. We're back in the season now. Did you go to the opener?

I didn't. I was in Montana. They, um, there are jerseys with the gold on them. That was like a pretty big flex. That was hot. Rad though. Yeah, it was. Very cool.

Yeah. It was. Yes. I almost have to get one of those. Yeah. You definitely need one of them. I think so. I think so.

But yeah, how are you? What's going on? Good. I'm back in Tampa, just grinding away. I've been in Canada. since the beginning of the year we're producing a few movies up there and I went to Ireland

like dashed a little Ireland in there but now they're done and we're just in post on that and I wait on you doing we launched our production company last year and we have a few like pieces of IP and one of them is it's a lot of romance a trilogy of movies

sexy Irish man comes back like for a second chance with this woman because they messed it up in the first but it's really pretty but I mean it's been a whole journey it's been years getting these okay so this is fun actually

because I like producing I have a production company I'm at Fox yeah have you been in this for a minute you know because obviously you've been in the baseball world forever yes Nick

it's rather than Nick's versus Husby my sister knows everyone you know when she was dating Alex Rodriguez she was in the mix You got to know everybody. That was a good time. We had a good time. Yeah.

Yeah. And you were in, you know, baseball world forever, right? Yes. Were you able to do your own shit? I mean, obviously you weren't playing, but how does that work? How so supportive do you have to be? You're like, you do your baseball and your own shit. Yeah, and I'll do my own thing.

Right. For us, it just kind of timed out that we met and then we saw. started our, like we met, got married really quickly, started our family. And so it was a time in my life where I was like having babies. And so I wasn't looking at, you know, doing an hour long drama in another city, you know, it was like, what can I do? I worked throughout all of that time that he was still playing baseball. But it was more like a limited series or a sitcom or something like that. Just because being together was really important. And then also I had the kids. So I didn't want to take them away from him. But when he retired, it was like full on. I think it was like a

month later. I took an hour long drama in Atlanta. You did. Like, welcome to your new life. Set dad. He's like what? But, you know, we both like oddly and like this, it's not odd at all. It's actually one of my favorite things about us is that we're just both ride or dies for each other. You know, he's, like, so all in on, you know, he's definitely in the dad mode right now. He still works for the Yankees and has his jobs and stuff like that, you know, the home run derbyx and stuff like that. But he's really like, he's in it, you know, he's like, I don't regret, you know, I think he's grateful that they're young and he can be with them and he can also be with us. So we're just about getting ready to go to Georgia because I start the show soon. and he's like, you know, I got him, we got a, like, house with all these golf courses around it, and he's happy.

Amazing. He's happy. Yeah. Well, it's kind of nice. It's like, I did my thing. You know, I'm going to be dad and play some golf and do that. But what was it like having kids, raising kids, you know, with an athlete, especially in MLB, where there's 162 games and they're on the road, you know? They are. Yeah. How do you square that? Did you travel a lot? Or we like, let me do my home base. Yeah, we did. We traveled a lot. And also, baseball is a family sport.

I mean, we, you know, that there's, like, family rooms and they have a lot of support for families. And we were in Cleveland at the time when we had Emmy, and they were amazing to us about, you know, it just, it was, it felt like a family, very much like a family effort. And, I mean, otherwise, they don't really see their family. families that much because it's so it's such a grind. But you can see it takes a toll on dads. Like you can definitely tell the ones that are like, oh, God, you know, they're missing like those, the ones that like got married really young and had babies young. And so they're in the thick of their career and their kids are like 11 and they're missing

it because then school starts. So, you know, summertimes were always really fun because you had all the families up there. Yeah. Spring training, you would get like the families for like a week or two maybe where they could like take spring break or something, but it was always fun. We had little one. Like, well, Emmy, Sailor, Nick retired, officially retired three days after Sailor was born. I was like breastfeeding, and he was about to get on a plane back to New York, or back

to Scranton because he was rehabbing in Scranton, and he, like, literally had, like, the plane waiting for him, and he was like, I'm not going back. And we popped champagne, we were like, so great. Wow, it was like that. The decision was made like that. Yeah. It was a really interesting time for the Yankees, too, because they had, like, an amazing, like, that's when Aaron Judge was in AAA and Gary Sanchez. And they had, like, the baby Bronx bombers or whatever they call them.

And, you know, Nick was, like, kind of the sage old dude that, he wasn't an old, but, you know, to those guys, he was. And he's like, meet me at the Waffle House and I'll, like, drop all my knowledge bombs on you. And it was, it was a very special time. It was a very sad time. It was, you know, unexpected and, you know, you never want to go out injured. Yeah. But he knew his body was sort of limiting him. And he wasn't able to do, you know, taking up a spot on the 40-man roster just because of what you've earned in the past wasn't really something he wanted to do.

Yeah. He wanted to see that space be open and available for younger guys that really deserved it. And look, look at the stars that have risen. So what was that night slash next day like? Was it a lot of communication or just kind of relief or sadness or just drinking? Yeah. I was like I was breastfeeding. Yeah.

Yeah. I mean, I was really, I was, you know, Nick's dad played pro ball. Like, you know, we all kind of were preparing for it mentally. I think he was really excited that we made like a celebration out. of it. And he also retired a Yankee, you know, which was really beautiful and surrounded, like the Yankees organization and the Steinbrenner family and Brian Cashman have been so good to my husband and our family. And so we just knew that that was the right, you know, way to go out. And they didn't let like a minute pass before he was already being welcomed into the fold

just in a different capacity. And so now he works with like, player development. He's a special advisor to general management and ownership. And so he goes to the field every day. And he has amazing friends and he still gets to watch these young guys like, you know, make a career out of it. And the game's changed a lot. You know, yeah, it's the beautiful thing. Honestly, it's, so he was let down gently. He sort of had a change landing. But that's not to say that, you know, this was eight years ago, that there haven't been, and he would tell you this, moments of being like you know who am i what am i doing i'm like you know yes did he you know achieve so much in his young like career and 13 years in the big leagues and all of these he won

a world series and an all star and all this stuff but like it's still now the past so now it's like okay who am i now and that is something we navigate a lot and i'm very sensitive to that Even though he's still in baseball, but as a player, you wrap up your entire world and identity because you're starting from three years old, essentially, and then this is it. And you've reached everything that you could possibly reach. Again, World Series, All-Star. I mean, fuck, retiring as a Yankee. And it's like, all right, thank you.

Amazing. And I'm still, I mean, how old's neck? Right. I mean, how old? Forty-four. 44, so he was like, what, he was like, what, 35 when he retired? I mean, that's like young man shit, you know, and so you're like, okay, this has been awesome, but now what? Yes, and you're home a lot.

Yeah. Even just like the, like for us, the rhythm of our relationship, you know, just the natural. It's like school year, I would always say, like, you have your summer break and then you gear up at like, you know, August, September and all this stuff. And it's like, just like that energy in your body is. no longer this it's not the same rhythm and so i just kind of like you know try to be as supportive as possible of any endeavor that he wants to do you know he's in the beginning we were like okay babe you got to get out of the house i do that i still do what are you talking at the beginning i'm like out like you are yes take he's going to augusta next week with his dude friends and

he's like uh you know he's going to be gone a week i'm like in joy right right get the fuck out of here like you do your shit that's amazing that's amazing you know he's got you know Nick he's got a lot of energy oh my gosh

unbelievable it's intense it's intense it's wild I mean and I'm like the kind of gal this is obviously like letting you into our bedroom but I like to like wind down at night

so we get in and that's when he's like he has this like zoomies at the end of the night it's just like our eight year old And I'm like, holy shit. I'm like, shut up. I was like, I can't talk. I don't want to talk anymore.

I can't talk anymore. Yeah. I just want to like not speak. And he is just like, wants to just talk about the day. And you're like, oh, my God. That's so funny. I know, isn't it funny, though, with the kids, you know, well, Nick is, I feel childlike myself. I'm 40.

Yeah, you guys have very similar. Yeah. And he's very childlike, you know. And it's so funny when you talk. talking about your eight-year-old because I have 17, 15, 15, and 11, two boys, my little girl. And it's the same shit. Like, they come home from school and they're like, oh, how's school, it's fine? Yeah.

And then all of a sudden, at like 10 o'clock, they're all in my room, all chatting, fighting, you know, play, fighting. I'm like, you guys, get the fucking out of here. Yeah, I'm, like, over-touched. I'm over-stimulated. I'm like, oh. You're like, get out of here. Yeah, and they're like, why are you so. mad and I'm like, I'm not mad. I'm mad. It's just 10. Get out of my room.

Where was this energy when I have energy? Yes, when I asked you to like take the dish or the trash out of. Yeah. Oh my God, that's so funny. That's so funny. September always feels like the start of something new, whether it's back to school, new projects or just a fresh season. It's the perfect time to start dreaming of. about your next adventure. I love that feeling of possibility, thinking about where to go next, what kind of place will stay in, and how to make it feel like home. I'm already imagining the kind of Airbnb that would make the trip unforgettable, somewhere with charm, character, and a little local flavor. If you're planning to be away this September, why not consider hosting your home

on Airbnb while you're gone? Your home could be the highlight of someone else's trip, a cozy place to land, a space that helps them feel like a local. And with Airbnb's co-host feature, you can hire a local co-host to help with everything from managing bookings to making sure your home is guest-ready. Find a co-host at Airbnb.ca slash host.

I'm Jorge Ramos. And I'm Paola Ramos. Together we're launching The Moment, a new podcast about what it means to live through a time, as uncertain as this one. We sit down with politicians. I would be the first immigrant mayor

in generation. but 40% of New Yorkers were born outside of this country. Artists and activists, I mean, do you ever feel demoralized? I might personally lose hope. This individual might lose the faith, but there's an institution that doesn't lose faith. And that's what I believe in. To bring you death and analysis from a unique Latino perspective.

There's not a single day that Paola and I don't call or text each other, sharing news and thoughts about what's happening in the country. This new podcast will be a way to make that ongoing intergenerational conversation public. Listen to The Moment with Jorge Ramos and Paola Ramos as part of the MyCultura Podcast Network on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. It may look different, but native culture is very alive. My name is Nicole Garcia, and on Burn Sage, Burn Bridges, we aim to explore that culture. It was a huge honor to become a. television writer because it does feel oddly like very traditional. It feels like Bob Dylan going

electric that this is something we've been doing for hundreds of years. You carry with you a sense of purpose and confidence. That's Sierra Taylor Ornellis, who with Rutherford Falls became the first native showrunner in television history. On the podcast, Burn Sage, Burn Bridges, we explore her story, along with other native stories, such as the creation of the first Native Comic-Con or the importance of reservation basketball. Every day, native people are striving to keep traditions alive while navigating the modern world, influencing and bringing our culture into the mainstream. Listen to Burn Sageburn Bridges on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey guys, it's Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero, and this is More Better. We are jumping right in and ready to hear from you. Your thoughts, your questions, your feelings about socks with sandals. And we're ready to share some possibly questionable advice and hot takes. God, that sucks so hard, though. I'm so sorry. Can you out petty them? Can you match their pettiness for funsies?

Yeah. We had so much fun last season, laughing, crying, talking to some new and old friends. Remember when we were in that scene where you guys were just supposed to hug and I was standing. Oh, yeah. And I was like, can I also hug them? I'm like, this f*** has no. And this time around, we are... Say it, Melissa.

Should I? Say it. Getting a little more better. Oh, finally. It's all the dressing room talk we've loved in season one. All the things. Because aren't we all trying to get a little more better?

Listen to more better on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Culture eats strategy for breakfast. I would love for you to share your breakdown on pivoting. We feel sometimes like we're leaving a part of us behind. when we enter a new space, but we're just building. On a recent episode of Culture Raises Us, I was joined by Volusia Butterfield,

media founder, political strategist, and tech powerhouse for a powerful conversation on storytelling, impact, and the intersections of culture and leadership. I am a free black woman who worked really hard to be able to say that. I'd love for you to break down. Why was so important for you to do, see?

You can't win as something you didn't create. From the Obama White House to Google to the Grammys, Melisha's Journey is a masterclass in shifting culture and using your voice to spark change. A very fake, capital-driven environment and society will have a lot of people tell half-truths. I'm telling you, I'm on the energy committee. Like, if the energy is not right, we're not doing it, whatever that it is. Listen to Culture raises us on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. So you've been in.

the business for a long time then you know so you've been producing yeah that's sort of been this new found love that i have it is how new this is well we so i i got the rights to this particular book series um a few years ago and we so we've been in developing them and just making them now so this is sort of our first big thing and we have a other a couple of other things set up in So it's different places. It just takes a lot. You know, it's hard to get stuff making. It's hard.

It's hard. So you found, you got the books, you option the books. Yeah. You found, did you find your writer first or did you set up the books somewhere? We set up the books and we found sort of like simultaneously at the same time. And then we, and yeah, and then we now we have a couple of things that we, you know, we're going to like, we hired a writer now that we have money. to do that we're going to be able to like kind of you know and I really like developing series

or anything that sort of sticks around um because I I like the you know the trajectory of it the art like the real like getting time to like really but I'm like right now we're in post and I'm you know every music is so important to me as well and so I'm just like going I'm on a merry go round of music well especially I mean depending on what you've allocated for your music budget. It's not enough. I directed Sweet Magnolia's last season, and that was really fun. I enjoyed that, but I also had to direct myself in it, which was just, I was the weakest link by far. Yeah. It was very weird. But, um, so I kind of got dipped a toe in there and that capacity, but like producing, it was even one step more of a bird's eye view, you know,

into that. And I really enjoyed that world building and, um, it's so fun. Yeah. It's so fun. I love But it's just a different outlet, you know, I mean, like I told you, I've had a production company for a minute, but it's always sort of here and there and it's never been really focused because we haven't had a proper deal and we haven't really gone, you know, 100% at it. And in the last two years, we have. And as an actor, I love being an actor, but this is just totally different. I really understand. exploring a completely different creative side, you know, just story and, you know, script analysis and figuring it out and, you know, coming up with ideas and writers and thinking it's, it's fun. I mean, it's really fun. It's been extremely rewarding.

I can totally relate to that. It's been just a total joy. I'm just like, I'm hooked and I still want to be an actor, but I also am interested in telling stories that I'm. not necessarily right for. So as actors, like, we just sort of do what we do, you know. And so for me, it's, like, very interesting. I love, you know, I love historical fiction and all of, like, now I'm kind of just excited about, you know, diving in and.

Do you read a lot of books? I do. So we have a book club called Willie Clover Reads with The Happy Place. Yeah. And it's one of our most popular parts of the Happy Place, the lifestyle blog that I have. And it's what honestly inspired the production company. So I read, I listen to books constantly. I'm like Bell from Beauty in the Beast.

I always have a book in my hand. I just love reading. I've always loved reading. It's just for me, it's like meditation. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's something that I strive to do more and I go in phases. You know, and now I'm in like a book phase. Like I'm following all of it.

these book people on Instagram and there's too many. I'm like, I love everyone. You're a book talk. Yes. I'm like the top five books that I've read in 2024. I'm like, I love them all. Yeah, exactly. And I'm like, I can't read them all. I go into a bookstore and I get overwhelmed and frustrated that I can't just consume every fucking book on the shelf. I agree. And then I never know which one to pick next. I just finished one right now on James Cook. It's, you know, it's his third. I love the ocean. I have a boat. I fit. I dive, you know, and I love of just mariners and

nautical. Yeah. And it was just about James Cook's third journey where he ended up dying and it was incredible to read and they were trying to find sort of a northern passage, you know, to a trade route from the top of the Arctic you know, over into your

very dangerous part of like, right? And it's them stopping in Tahiti and Hawaii and discovering you know, all these new peoples and it's just fucking rad. And yeah. You know, and now I'm like, okay, I finished that. Now, I finished it last night. Now I'm like, okay.

I know. The world is my oyster. Yes. I don't want to make the wrong choice. No. It's no stressful. By the way, I was like, where are my TVR? I have it somewhere in my office.

It's like this thick. Yeah. It's this thick right now. And I'm just like, oh, God, I've got to get a grip. Also, I don't know if you, if you're like doing any adaptations within your production company. But now that we have a book club, we've been getting like tons of submissions and all that stuff. And now that we've actually sold our adaptation. And like now we have proof of concept that we do it, in my opinion, really well.

It's so much more intense. I was talking to a woman that worked at Brownstone, Elizabeth Thanks Company. And she's like, oh, you're about to enter your, I'm not reading things that I want to read anymore phase. And I was like, really? Yeah. So I do have to have that balance of like, okay, this is what I'm reading. And not to say that I'm not enjoying these books, but it's like, I have this other little section of my heart that I'm like, oh, I got to get it.

But I know I'm never going to adapt. It's not for work at all. It's for pleasure. And so I'm like the balance. But I do listen to books on tape a lot because I'm in the car a ton. And that does help. Like I can tear through a few books a week, just listening to it. See, I can't do it.

I can't do it. I don't like it. I don't like listening. I don't like listening. My favorite people. So you're going to, well, let's see. If you do get to that place, I now follow the voices that I love. love on Instagram. I'm, I'm in that level of deep. Oh, you are. What is that? What is that? I don't know

what that is. Just like, you know, the voice actors that bring these books to life. Oh, yeah. I always ask authors about. Well, that's huge. Yeah, it's, by the way, if it's a bad voice, I'm out. Oh, you're done. We're not doing it. The books that I listen to on tape are more like autobiography stuff for self-help stuff. You know what I mean? Yeah, yeah, for sure. I'm listening right now of Jerry Weintraub's Bada back. It's awesome. Okay, that's a hot tip. You know, he, he's just prolific.

He's, he's an icon in, in our industry. Yeah. And he's got this voice. He kind of talks like, Sylvester Stallone. And he's like, you know, Frank Sinatra and I will go into the fucking club and we had a cocktail and I went, Frankie, Frankie. You know, so he's talking kind of like that. And his, his career is just.

epic and as a producer it's really fun to listen to I'm going to download that and the hustle he's a hustler he was a hustler we all are and it's really cool to watch how he hustled September always feels like the start of something new whether it's back to school new projects or just a fresh season it's the perfect time to start dreaming about your next adventure I love that feeling of possibility, thinking about where to go next, what kind of place will stay in, and how to make it feel like home. I'm already imagining the kind of Airbnb that would make the trip unforgettable, somewhere with charm, character, and a little local flavor. If you're planning to be away this September, why not consider hosting your home on Airbnb while you're gone?

Your home could be the highlight of someone else's trip, a cozy place to land, a space that helps them feel like a local. And with Airbnb's co-host feature, you can hire a local co-host to help with everything, from managing bookings to making sure your home is guest-ready. Find a co-host at Airbnb.ca slash host.

I'm Jorge Ramos. And I'm Paola Ramos. Together we're launching The Moment, a new podcast about what it means to live through a time, as uncertain as this one. We sit down with politicians. I would be the first immigrant mayor in generations,

but 40% of New Yorkers were born outside of this country. Artists and activists, I mean, do you ever feel demoralized? I might personally lose hope. This individual might lose the faith, but there's an institution that doesn't lose faith. And that's

what I believe in. To bring you depth and analysis from a unique Latino perspective. There's not a single day that Paola and I don't call or text each other sharing news and thoughts about what's happening in the country. This new podcast will be a way to make that ongoing intergenerational conversation, public.

Listen to The Moment with Jorge Ramos and Paola Ramos as part of the MyCultura Podcast Network on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. It may look different, but native culture is very alive. My name is Nicole Garcia, and on Burn Sage, Burn Bridges, we aim to explore that culture. It was a huge honor to become a television writer because it does feel oddly, like very true.

traditional. It feels like Bob Dylan going electric, that this is something we've been doing for a hundred years. You carry with you a sense of purpose and confidence. That's Sierra Taylor Ornellis, who with Rutherford Falls became the first native showrunner in television history. On the podcast, Burn Sage, Burn Bridges, we explore her story, along with other native stories, such as the creation of the first Native Comic-Con or the importance of reservation basketball. Every day, native people are striving to keep traditions alive while navigating the modern world, influencing and bringing our culture into the mainstream. Listen to Burn Sage Burn Bridges on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey guys, it's Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumerro, and this is More Better. We are jumping right in and ready to hear from you. Your thoughts, your questions, your feelings about socks with sandals, We're ready to share some possibly questionable advice and hot takes. God, that sucks so hard, though. I'm so sorry. Can you out petty them? Can you match their pettiness for funsies? Yeah.

We had so much fun last season, laughing, crying, talking to some new and old friends. Remember when we were in that scene where you guys were just supposed to hug and I was standing? Oh, yeah. And I was like, can I also hug them? I'm like, this has no friends. And this time around, we are... Say it, Melissa.

Should I? Say it. Getting a little more better. Oh, finally. It's all the dressing room talk you loved in season one. All the things. Because aren't we all trying to get a little more better?

Listen to more better on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Culture eats strategy for breakfast. I would love for you to share your breakdown on pivoting. We feel sometimes like we're leaving a part of us behind. when we enter a new space, but we're just building. On a recent episode of Culture Raises Us, I was joined by Volusia Butterfield,

media founder, political strategist, and tech powerhouse for a powerful conversation on storytelling, impact, and the intersections of culture and leadership. I am a free black woman who worked really hard to be able to say that. I'd love for you to break down. Why was so important for you to do, see you?

You can't win as something you didn't create. From the Obama White House to Google to the Grammys, Valicia's journey is a masterclass in shifting culture and using your voice to spark change. A very fake, capital-driven environment and society will have a lot of people tell half-truths. I'm telling you, I'm on the energy committee. Like, if the energy is not right, we're not doing it, whatever that it is. Listen to Culture raises us on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Were you an actor?

Have you been an actor since you were little or? Yeah. So how did that start? It started here in Tampa. It was sort of an extracurricular. There was a really, and I was just lucky because there's not many around anymore here in this area, but a really well, like, highly regarded acting teacher. And she had a little studio called Tampa Academy of Performing Arts.

And I just started taking, I took an improv class. And then I auditioned for the play. And at that time, back in the day, in Florida, it was like booming here and a lot of work. And you could have as many agents as you wanted. So whoever kind of called you first for the audition was who you, you know, who got the commission. Yeah. Who got the commission, right. Yeah. And so I got a few agents. And I started, you know, my mom was amazing.

She, my dad was like, what the hell is happening here? What is you doing? But my mom saw how much I loved it and that, you know, I was good at it. And she was like, let's do this. Like, if this is what you. you love and what you want to do. Let's go for it. They made me stay home. Like, I couldn't fully relocate. I did a show for Nickelodeon for a few years that was in Canada, but I was in and out. Like, I came back and forth. And I worked a ton in Florida. And then I moved to L.A. when I was 18. And I started on party of five, like pretty immediately. And then I did freaks and geeks and then Riva. And so it was just sort of like,

kind of one fun in front of the other that's crazy you did freaks and geeks i don't even know that was so fun that was such a cool job yeah oh yeah and busy and so many ways i didn't really even imagine myself to be like funny or have that mhm smack for it yeah but they really brought that out of me like they saw something in me and i always every time i see jed i'm always like thanks for that thank you for that and then how was i was working with riba she's the best i mean how can it not be right she is such an incredible human just like just in general yeah so being able and she was new to this too and to watch her navigate this like whole new thing that she and honestly she's just a girl that has big dreams and and from start to finish and so you see there's like a very real

humility appreciation her work ethic is extreme she's so kind and you know she was so such a huge, she is such a huge star. And she just, she, she, she still amazes me with her, you know, like, I can't believe this is happening to me vibe. You know, like, I'm like, I'm so good on the voice. She's like, oh my God, I loved that. Like, I hope I get to do it again. Or, you know, having, I was just telling her the other day, I was like, her new sitcom. And I'm like, it's, she came to the Starvary Festival to play, um, which is, close to us. And so we went and saw her play. And the girls love her so much. She's so good to my girls. And so, you know, me and Nick, we took the girls and she does this whole like TV

thing, you know, moment where she sings all the theme songs. And then the last one is obviously happiest place for a new sitcom. And I just told her, I was like, you know, looking back on all those pictures in that time in my life, I was so lucky to be a working actress on a television show that was beloved, but also, you know, that I had like real people that cared about me and made sure I was safe. How old were you, by the way? I was like, I started at 21. Okay. And I mean, wild times. Like me and Steve Howie, my God. Like, we're lucky to be alive. Yeah. And but we had a job to come to at 9 a.m. every day. We were expected to be there on time. We were loved. When I had a breakup my tears were dried by them you know like they just it was family and so many years did

six six seasons yeah i mean i did rules of engagement which is a sitcom for seven i love that i love that sitcom yeah it's incredible yeah i had two kids during that time by the way best time to have kids yeah it's the best because it's the greatest schedule in the world yeah nick's always like should we do that again um i'm like yeah i'll come i'll do a sitcom again for sure i just i'm not i'm not there yet but I will do a sitcom again. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, I know. You really develop real relationships.

Yeah, to this day. I mean, I've lost my mom and dad, you know, and they've just stepped in. Chris Rich was, he officiated my wedding, my dad on the Reba. Riba and Melissa Peterman were bridesmaidsmaids in my wedding. You know, these are people that have, that I, like I always say, like, you know,

when something amazing happens for my kids or like, Sailor just wanted to cheer competition. And I send pictures and I'm like, these are people that genuinely are so excited to like see that and be a part of our lives and a part of our world. And to have that have been like also such a meaningful work experience, I learned so much, you know, like the sitcom. Oh, God. I had never done one. I didn't know what the fuck was going on. Yeah, because mine was with David Spade and Patrick Warburton.

And I was doing a movie in Calgary and I had auditioned for rules of engagement. and I went in and I made a rule for myself that I did would not audition for sitcoms because I didn't understand it. It was big. It was this. It was not real. I was like, I don't know how to connect to this. And I read rules of engagement.

I'm like, oh, this is kind of, it's got some, it's grounded a little bit. I was like, I'll give this one a shot. And I went in. I read for David Spade's character. Oh. And I for Russell and I did the whole thing. And I was walking out and, you know, they come running after me. and they're like, we want you to do another scene.

I'm like, oh, okay, that's good news. Yeah. And I do the other scene and everyone's laughing and I'm like, oh, great. I was like, I'm for sure testing for this. For sure. I'm testing. Yeah. Did not get a fucking call.

It was die. And then I went to Calgary and I was doing a movie and then I get a call like, it was almost like a year late. I mean, 10 months later. Yeah. They want you to come test for rules of engagement. And I'm like, what is that? And they're like, that show, the sitcom.

I'm like, okay, but it was for a different part because they had shot the pilot and they're recasting. Yeah. And so now I fly back and forth and I screen test and I do the whole thing and with Patrick Warburton. And I don't even know what I'm doing. I don't even understand the rhythms yet of a sitcom, but I'm just like winging it and I got the job. And I'm like, holy shit. But this is going to be great. It's going to be great because I got Patrick Warburton season sitcom star.

You got David Spade, season sits, they can carry the big load of everything, and I'll just be the sort of a real guy, you know, not, and it was the opposite because Beda is as dry as it gets, and fucking Warburton is like, you know, a turkey that's been out for two years. That's how dry he is, right? They're like, work, bitch. Yeah, and now they're relying on me to be like, yeah. You know, I'm like, oh, my God.

So it took, it took a couple of year, two years to like really find the rhythm of of it. Yeah, to surrender to it. Yeah, it's honestly, it's a rhythm in your head. It's like a, you know, for me, I hear it like that, you know, and good writing. Yeah. But great sitcoms are, most of the best sitcoms, I think, are super grounded. They are.

And so it's really just, you know, it's a 30 minutes, like, so there is a connection there. I have so much respect for it. Yeah. Nothing better than a great sitcom, nothing worse than a bad one. No, I know. I know. And most of them aren't, aren't good. We got lucky.

No, I know. I know. And the live audience is really fun, you know. I had a moment, I had a moment where I completely lost my mind. So, you know, you got the live audience there. There's 300 people. And for those who don't know, which many don't. You know, there's real laugh in the first couple takes.

But then you do it over and over again. And there's a warm up person sort of saying, oh, you need to laugh. Like, you have to keep the energy up. And I was. doing this scene and sometimes as an actor you just go blank at least i do and i went completely blank to where i couldn't remember a line and we started i do one line couldn't remember it couldn't remember it and the audience is laughing at first because they love when we all fuck up you know yeah and then it got quiet and now it's getting worse and now i'm spiraling and now i can't

remember a goddamn thing to finally where i screamed i'm like all right stop we're done we're fucking done. Here's what we're going to do. Cameras, put the cameras where I got to go. Script Supervisor and the script supervisor is the one who knows the lines who can tell you when you're messing up. And so I stand right here. What's my first line? Oh, blah, blah, blah. Hey, gang, gig, good. Great. Okay, moving on, move the camera. What's, what do I do here? What do I say? Did it? I literally did it in small little pieces. Increments. That was just, I was gone. And then I finished it. And I'm like, all right, cool. moving on, we're done.

And then the audience like erupts and like applause and a laugh. But that to this day was probably one of the worst moments. Does that haunt you? Yeah, that like, oh, it was awful. That's my stress dream, is not knowing my life. Oh, it was awful. It was so awful. I watched Sailor, my little one, do that in her first performance of Beauty and the

beach. She was playing Lafou this year at school. And she played. I literally, I started criminal scene. Oh, God. Oh, my God. I was like, fix your face, fix your face. And I was like, this is my worst nightmare.

I wanted to die for her. But also, I was having like a visceral reaction to. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, I mean, I. It is. It is. It's the biggest thing for me, you know. Yeah.

If I had a, you know, I hate these actors who have like photographic memories. Yeah. And like literally be like, all right, got it. You know? Because if I knew my lines backwards and forward, words and had that confidence i'd be fucking cloney right now yeah for i'd be cloning but i just i get so wrapped up and like oh yeah i got to remember i got to remember okay you know no yeah i don't know if i believe that but i do understand i do understand that feeling of like yeah so then after

reba um you know you kept you're still an actor but at what point you know was it like all right you know is it when you met Nick or or what did you ever give a lot did you ever not quit but like put it on hold or was there ever a moment where you were in part of your career and you're like I thought it was going to go a different way I mean I felt like I was after Riva ended then it was like I did a few shows

I mean I did pretty much a show every year but nothing like the pilot wouldn't get picked up or this that and the other like I did I did a sitcom um right when we got married which was really fun for like a year and so like that kind of stuff but it was nothing like really like settling in and i definitely got just beat down i was like this is a grind yeah just kind of getting thrown into stuff and you know not it didn't feel like super intentional and then i got a call about sweet magnolias and i was like it was a last minute like

we have got to go, we are shooting this thing, you have to make this decision, hear three scripts to read and, you know. So you got an, it was an offer. Yeah. And I, um, and I got on a plane three days later. And really, it's been like the, you know, obviously one of the most meaningful jobs of my life. I mean, it's, it's been fun to like, you know, you know, it's hard. It's hard out there to have a show that lasts again, but also just like that connects. I mean, I meet people every single day. And I mean, I have, I get, someone hugged me in Target yesterday. I was on the phone with network executive. She's like, did a stranger just hug you? And I was like, yeah. She's like, are you concerned about that? I was like, it just happens. It does happen a lot.

I don't mind a hug from a stranger. Yeah. I thank God. Thank God, because that tends to be the jobs that The jobs that I get are the jobs that, you know, people that I don't know want to give me a hug for. But, like, you know, I meet people that have watched their show going through divorces and watch the show, you know, the show's about female friendship and surviving, like, life together and your chosen family. And it's just been a really special, it's a sweet show. It's definitely sweet, but it's just been a really meeting. And I lost both my parents during this time.

And it's just carrying me through. Yeah, I did. Gosh. And so, but they did get to visit set. Okay. It was, they came and surprised me for my birthday and season one. How many seasons is it, by the way? We just streamed our fourth season, like a couple months ago.

And, yeah, it just, they both were able to come. And they always made it to every set I've ever worked on. And so they made it to. to sweet magnolias so yeah it's a gift it was yeah it was it definitely was how how how how how a little over a year my dad died in November right before COVID and my and he died very quickly we didn't know he was sick and um and my mom died in March of 2021 wow yeah was your mom sick as well uh Yeah, she had dementia. Okay.

And your dad, did he know? No. He knew about my mom. He was so wholly focused. My dad was a brilliant, he's a brilliant doctor, but he was so ahead of the curve in terms of like all of this like, you know, type three diabetes being like the new, what they're kind of diagnosing like Alzheimer's as and all of this like the blood sugar and like fasting and all that. My dad was on it. He was on it. He just immersed himself and used to all, you know, chun.

channeled all of that brilliance into wanting to get my mom better and they loved each other so much and they were married for almost 50 years when he died yeah and they were each other's everything and I just don't think my mom I think she was like I'm good yeah I'm good yeah that's what I'm wondering you know it feels like that happens a lot what it's like okay it does yeah I'm okay now I'm good yeah she was a powerful like witchy woman like had all this cool intuition and stuff like that And she very much, I think, orchestrated her passing. And it was difficult and very painful. But just, you know, I know what it was.

I knew where she wanted to be. Yeah. And your dad, he didn't even know himself. No. It was really wild. He started having like little tiny like strokes, like tiny little infarts or whatever they call them. And my dad was diagnosed with this like colangeloal carcinoma, like, some sort of by the liver bile duct kind of thing yeah I'm blacked out about it but um and we had

him we were he was here in tampa we had a plane ready to like take him to cedars because he was going to work with this like surgeon oncology duo that are like cowboys of this sort of like area of the body and um he had another stroke and never came out of the hospital he was like a total of three weeks crazy yeah and my brother and I my brother's a physician as well and I and I And I think he was very well aware of what was happening. I was in total denial. Like, I was pounding the pavement of that hospital day in and day out. And my dad found the women's center.

My dad was an OBGYN at that hospital that he passed away in. So we had a lot of support, a lot of doctors. Yeah. Wow. I know. I know. Crazy. Like life altering.

Yeah, I bet. I can't even imagine, you know. But it's, it's. life and we're at this age now or that shit happens and it's scary and crazy at the same time the more we think about it or dwell upon it we're creating sort of this unnecessary pain that hasn't happened yet you know what i mean like katy and i talk about it it's like oh my god you know our parents are getting old even though they're very healthy but it's just oh what happens what if and you can't live in the what if because it doesn't happen right so no and you'll be okay when it

does and that's what I always tell people they're like my worst night or you're going to it. I was like, yeah, but you know, I'm still here and still thriving and finding purpose and enjoying my life and I know they're so proud and I have unbelievable like moments where I feel them and they're fully telling me that they're right here to me. Yeah, yeah, that's so great. But yeah, you want to enjoy it. Of course. Yes. It's easier said than done them. Of course it is. It is. You You don't know until you're actually in it. Yeah. Yeah.

I mean, gosh. It's not a fun club to be in, but we're all here. No, let's stick to the book club. So there's more fun. Yeah, exactly, exactly. Speaking of which, we're running on time here, but like, you know, let's try to figure something out. I mean, if you have anything cool.

Yes. Definitely. My wheels are already spinning, so don't you worry about that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're doing great. It's awesome. Who are you? This was so nice.

Well, it's great to see you. Good chatting, good scene. I'll see each other soon. Okay, I'll talk to you soon. Okay, all right, bye. Bye. She's doing better than I am. Oh, my God. What's wrong with me?

No, I'm kidding. I love her. She's great. We've known each other for a little bit now. Super fun. Nick is the best. He's so much energy. So crazy.

What a guy to hang out with. It's a blast. All right. I'm fucking starving. I need to get out. I need to go move my body. I'm out of here. I got to leave.

Bye. It's important that we just reassure people that they're not alone, and there is help out there. The Good Stuff podcast, Season 2, takes a deep look into One Tribe Foundation, a non-profit fighting suicide in the veteran community. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, so join host Jacob and Ashley Schick as they bring you to the front lines of One Tribe's mission. One Tribe, save my life twice. Welcome to Season 2 of the Good Stuff. Listen to the Good Stuff podcast on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast. or wherever you get your podcast.

In early 1988, federal agents race to track down the gang they suspect of importing millions of dollars worth of heroin into New York from Asia. Had 30 agents ready to go with shotguns and rifles and you do that. Five, six white people. Pushed me in the car. I'm going, what about that out? Basically, your stay-at-home moms were picking up these large amounts of heroin. All you got to do is receive the package. Don't have to open it. Just accept it.

She was very upset. crying. Once I saw the gun, I tried to take his hand and I saw the flash of light. Listen to the Chinatown Sting on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Hi, it's Honey German, and I'm back with season two of my podcast. Grazacios, come again. We got you when it comes to the latest in music and entertainment with interviews with some of your favorite Latin artists and celebrities. You didn't have to audition? No, I didn't audition. I haven't auditioned in like over 25 years. Oh, wow.

That's a real G-talk right there. Oh, yeah. We'll talk about all that's viral and trending with a little bit of cheesement and a whole lot of laughs. And, of course, the great Vibras you've come to expect. Listen to the new season of Dacus Come Again on the I-HeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

Hi, I'm Jennifer Lopez, and in the new season of the Overcomfit podcast, I'm even more honest, more vulnerable, and more real than ever. Am I ready to enter this new part? in my life like am I ready to be in a relationship? Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my time? Join me for conversations about healing and growth, all from one of my favorite spaces, The Kitchen. Listen to the new season of the Overcombered podcast on the

iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, it's Gemma's Begg, host of the Psychology of Your 20s. This September at the psychology of your 20s, we're breaking down the very interesting ways psychology applies to real life, like why we crave external validation. I find it so interesting that we are so quick to believe others' judgments of us and not our own judgment of ourselves. So according to this study, not being liked actually creates similar pain levels as real life physical pain. Learn more about the psychology of everyday life and of course, your 20s. This September, listen to the psychology of your 20s on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get

your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast.