That Was Us - Chrissy Metz and Us | Kate Pearson

Episode Date: November 19, 2024

Join us for a special episode featuring the amazing Chrissy Metz, who captured our hearts as Kate Pearson on This Is Us! Chrissy opens up about her incredible journey from working as an agent to landing the role of Kate with just $0.81 in her bank account. She shares candidly about overcoming self-doubt, finding confidence, and the profound impact playing Kate had on her own life. That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions. Follow That Was Us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and X! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Visit tile.com today and use code TWU to get 15% off. That's tile.com code TWU. It is a very, very special episode because we got Chrissy Metz in the house here. I've made it. I've made it here. We did it. We're in the same room. I can't believe it. I can't Adam and Eve it. How are you doing, sister? I miss you guys.

We miss you. Like, it's weird to not see you guys, even though, like, I see you, but I don't see you in the fillet. Sure. So it's so nice, like, to hear your voices in the same room and your energy. Yeah, we've had it. We've had a bit of a seance of an experience re-watching these episodes and feeling like we're together.

And obviously, the three of us get to see each other a little more often because of this, but, like, yeah, we're with each other. Yeah, we are. It's like we're with you. I feel, I'm like, oh, I just, I watch you all the time. Re-watching this show. It's hard for me to re-watch the show. Well, okay, talk about it.

What specifically is tough for you? How much time do we have? One out. We don't have enough time. I'll give you the cliff notes. No, I think it's just like, you sent me a text message and I couldn't even respond to you because I'm a weirdo. And you were like, oh, this was such a great experience.

All I can remember is like, how. How green I felt. Really? How new I felt. Like, I remember vividly saying to you, I can't do this, Chris. Like, I don't, that night that we did the, um, the overnight party. And your poor suit was chafing his little thighs. My thighs were bleeding.

They were bleeding. You bleed for art. This was at the Kevin party. Yes, like episode two or three or something. Like, yeah, it was early days. And at that, that really cool house. Yeah. And, um, I just was like, oh, I don't think I can do.

this. Like, I have such insecurity about it, and especially because everybody else on the show had had so much, I think, experience, like long lists of credits on a resume. And so when I go back, I'm like, okay. Well, not okay.

I mean, I could see that I had like a progression in my abilities. They were changing, maybe evolving. But it was, yeah, it's, and even to say like this about all of that, I'm like, oh, God, I'm not. seeking i'm not fishing for compliments please so let's get into that yeah so let's get into it

i share the feeling oh thank goodness he said that yes but early on because i i was it was my first network thing and and i and i and i was dealing with all the makeup and the in the costume and i was so in my own head i was so in my own head for the whole first season that you thought i hated you for the whole for the whole first season i was like well we didn't have a chemistry read right Remember, he came to the table read, and I was like, oh, my God, I love him. And then I was like, but does he hate me? That's the first time you guys met each other was at the table. And I told them, in the pockets, immediately it's like, oh, yeah, this is going to work.

But there was so much going on. There was so much pressure. We're all trying to find our feet. We're trying to get to know these characters. We're trying to get to know these relationships. And I will say that whatever, even watching myself, I don't see. see that insecurity as much as I felt, as much as I felt it. And I definitely don't see, I definitely don't see it in you.

And I would say that all of us, it's not that we got better as it went on. We got, we, we, we, we just started season two of the podcast, so we're in season two of the show. And we were talking about how it just feels like there's a new confidence in everyone because they're like, oh, I know this person. Yeah. I know Kate. I know Toby.

I know. And people arrived knowing the character, knowing the relationship. And knowing we were going to have the freedom to do this for a couple of seasons. Right, right. Right. There wasn't so much pressure. So, yeah. It was like, oh, we can kind of melt into this a little bit. Yeah. But you also, you also hit the ground running in a way that was, because it wasn't just like the pressure of being on a TV show because you were getting all the accolades, too. Oh, they were like, oh, who's this big girl? We don't see big girls on TV. Who is she? She never done anything? Oh, okay.

Does she get a new card? Thanks, Justin Hartley. That was the question every single time. Remember this? Like every interview, every time we'd have like those scrums or whatever. Like, oh, so what'd you buy this week, Chrissy? Like, did you get a new car? And Justin's like, yeah, she got a Tesla.

And I'm like, I had an Audi before, okay? Yeah. And I got a Subaru. Yeah. That's right. Which do you love? My friend's obsessed with her Subaru, by the way. But the amount of pressure outside of the show,

because I didn't know how to do any of that either about the press and the processes. Yeah, all of the attention. I show up one of these events and I'd be like, wait, what is this? How do we go from room to who are these people? But do you think the evolution of Chrissy mirrored, the evolution of Kate? Because you arrived in my estimation, and we've talked about this a lot, like, so fully realized like you just were Kate.

And whatever lack of confidence you felt like you sort of brought to the table was not apparent at all. But also, Kate is sort of trying to find herself. And at the beginning of the show, she's in this OA meeting and she meets Toby and then they start a relationship. And so it's sort of like, I just wonder if you felt the correlation between yourself and your character. Maybe that was easier to sort of like pour yourself into it. And actor both in transition. Yeah, in transition, exactly. I think the reason why I got through is because I just used whatever I was feeling.

It's like, oh, she feels uneasy in the second fiddle. And like she doesn't ever feel like she's going to amount to anything. And, you know, the way that she's looked at through the lens of her brothers and her parents. It's like, yeah, like I definitely use that. And I think that's how I got through it. Okay, wait. So you opened up with like a very deep and profound sort of revelation. So let's take a step back, can we, for one second.

Yes. In terms of experience before This Is Us, right? I remember seeing you on one season of horror story, carnival season. Freak show. Freak show. Freak show. Freak show. I can't remember what season it was.

But then, and I know. you were an agent. Can you talk a little bit about you were an agent, putting people in the jobs and thinking like, oh, I should like to do what they're doing or what have you. So you were auditioning at the same time as agenting. Well, let's just go back. I found my manager in Florida at an open call at a holiday end that actually my stepdad and mom met at BT Dubs. That's another story. So anyway, it no longer exists and that's fine. But it is on new. Berry Road for all the three, five, twos. But anyway, so we ended up coming out to L.A. I got an agent. Then I lived in a two-bedroom apartment with six girls. Kenwood Mews.

Okay. Shout out, Burbank. Right on. And then I thought, okay, this is it. Pilot season. That was, like, when pilot season existed. And then I had one audition, and I was taking everybody else on auditions. And then my manager said, oh, your agent wants an assistant.

I was like, for what? Because I can't do it. What are you talking about? A sister, do what? I don't, I would know what, what? So then, it was always the goal and the desire to come out and to be an actor. Yes. But it wasn't until nine years into being an agent that I was like, I always say this in every interview,

but it was like watching your boyfriend take another woman out every day. You're like, oh, nine. Okay. How did you do that for nine years? Well, I ate my white and sprinkles cake. I'm not kidding. It's, you can laugh. Who makes it, who makes a cupcake ATM?

Get out of here, Sprinkles. Thanks a lot. But also, you know, all this, the clients are trying to butter you up. Yeah. Because they want auditions. And so I was getting bettered up, all right. Okay. Anyway, so, yeah, I mean, it was so difficult.

And then literally, like, I was going to quit. I was like, I can't do this. This has been 12 years. I've lived in L.A. And I only had, like, maybe three auditions a year. It wasn't, yeah. It wasn't like I was getting anything that, like. And is the audition always, I mean, looking for someone plus size, or was there ever any sort of opportunities to, like, where they would have saw somebody different, but, okay.

Yeah, sometimes a cast director would be like, oh, like, they eventually knew that I was Jackie's assistant and became an agent. And so they were like, hey, Chrissy, like, there's a specific role. Would you want to come and read for it? Specifically with Horror Story. Gotcha. Eric Dawson, who was casting Horror Story at the time. Roxanne, who actually eventually ended up directing Breakthrough. was his wife.

Anyway, kind of cute. Yeah. So, but they like sort of like knew about me and they were looking for obviously something very specific for horror story. This is how I'm crazy, but like they needed someone big enough that was mobile so they ended up just using a prosthetic suit. Right. More than that later. I got stuck in the trailer with my prosthetic suit on. No.

It was hilarious. I was like, I can't get out. Like I did. And they only had one costume. because fabric only goes so wide, you guys. Yeah. So they only have one costume. We couldn't rip it.

Yeah, it was wild times. Anyway, all that to say, I had always wanted to act, but it just took a little longer. And I thought I was going to quit and move back to Florida and just like think, okay, I'll just, maybe I'll teach acting to kids or like just teach preschool again. Okay. Do early childhood development because I think there's a lot of like inner child work that I ended up sort of figuring out through teaching that helped me. Anyway.

So, yeah, when this has happened, even the whole audition process, like I had to jump some hoops. Can you tell us? Yeah, please. How did they come to be? So many helps. Tell them how many cents you had in the bank account?

81. $0.81 in the bank account. Oh, Lord, I know. That story's going to go down in infamy. And that's fine, because I was so broke, I couldn't pay attention. And that's fine. That's fine.

It's a part of this story. So when I first auditioned, I remember doing the chemistry read, and I was, there was like, I don't know, 30 different people, like, I think like 15 guys and 15 girls, and then it kept getting like narrower and narrower. But because I was still working as an agent at the time, I was sitting in the same office as my old agent, and I would ask him, like, did you hear anything? Did you hear anything? Did you hear anything? And he's like, Chrissy, if you're going to get a call back, like, we're going to know. So anytime the phone would ring, I'm like, is it them? I need a job, and I got to get out of here. Dan? Is it you? Yeah.

So, anyway, I ended up getting a callback. I remember Glenn and John and Dan. Yeah. John and Glenn, who were producing, you know, VPs. And I remember going, and there's, like, one name on the call sheet. I was like, okay, this is good news. Okay, maybe I'm the only one getting a call back. I don't know.

And then I remember I go in, and Glenn's like, oh, can you get your purse? Get your purse? because we want the purse for the scene. And I was like, oh, this is good news. And then I ended up, you know, reading the scene. And I was like, whatever. It wasn't great. I left.

What was the scene? Do you remember? It was, um, oh, it was when we were coming back from our date. Oh, okay. Our first date. With the, with the dolphin sex. Yeah. By the way, how cheeky is the...

Listen, there's a whole segment in the first part of this. This guy is a horny. It is a psychopath. Yeah. And she loves it. Yeah. She's really into it. To be fair, I think she was on the fence, but that's okay.

That was my subtext, but it's okay. So, anyway, then I get called for a chemistry read, which I'd never done before. And that's when they pair, like, all the 15 Kevins with Kate's. So I'm over there looking like, like, do I look like him? Does he look like me? Sure. I'm going to go talk to him because, like, maybe he would be like my brother. And I remember seeing specifically Justin.

I was like, I don't look like him. I don't look like him. He's really handsome. Somebody's tall. I don't look like him. What's going to happen? I'm like, oh, but sometimes twins don't look alike. So, you know, but I didn't, like, zero in on anyone. I just was like, Chrissy, all you have to do is what you did before. So, like, all the things I would tell my clients, you know, about their auditions. So I was like, just go in, like, do what you did.

And then a couple girls, like, left. And then I think Justin and I were, like, the last pair to go in. And the girl, some girl walked by. She's like, oh, that's a good thing. That's a good thing. If they waited for, like, the end, that's a good thing. And I'm like, okay. whatever like she's trying to sabotage me

trying to get my head either way either way either way either way yeah either way I'm just going to do whatever they do so I go in and you know all the executives are there and it's just awkward because you're like if they laugh if they don't and you don't

want to like you want to be in the scene so you don't want to like stare at what their reactions are you know you're like yeah that wouldn't be good you did see you say a line you're like that what did you think what did you think you like that I didn't do

that, guys, for the record. I know you wonder how I got the job. And then I get a call like probably a week later and they're like, okay, we want to change your hair color. And by the way, if you haven't heard the story, hopefully it's not redundant. I had dyed my hair like sort of red and had some like blonde highlights and just got new headshots with my favorite photographer Dana Patrick and had to do like a payday loan to get my headshots. Right? I was made a lot of money And that's okay $2,000. And I said,

this is going to cost about $5,000 about the time I'm done with these payday loans, which is ironic because Bank of Dave Tube is about payday loans, we'll get to that. Anyway, so I just have experience. So, anyway, they're like, we want to, like, tint your hair, dye your hair. Can you go to the Bones

costume department and hair? They're going to, I'm like, Bones? I know. Yeah. Right? It almost sounds like it's been a long time. It's on the Fox lot?

Yes. Yeah. Wow. Yeah. So they're like, we're just going to like dye your hair and like maybe just do a little zeshing of like what we want your makeup to be. I was like, oh, okay. Okay.

That sounds promising. Yeah, that's in here. Maybe they're in, maybe they see something. But also I had no credits to my name. Nothing. So they're like, does she have anything else we can see? Like can you? Just horror story?

Yes. Well, I did like one episode of a show called All of Us, ironically, with Chris Rocked brother Tony Rock. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And that was, I mean, and nothing. And then just like really, and of course, entourage with James Cameron. Okay. Okay, yeah, okay.

It's okay. It's okay. So anyway, I thought, I was like, okay, my hair is ready, and my makeup, I know what, whatever, okay, great. So then we go to the next chemistry read, and Justin walks in, and I'm like, and he already had the job at this point. It was already announced that he was going to play Kevin. And this other girl comes in. And I don't remember her last name.

And I just won't even say her name at all. Yeah, because who cares? Well, she was lovely. She was lovely. She was beautiful and funny. And I was like, oh, great, great. And skinnier than me. I was like, okay, great.

So Justin walks in, she walks in, I walk in, and we're like, oh, hi. And then we're just sitting there. They mic us. The worst. Yeah. They mic us and we're like, cool and i'm like so like just in whatever small talk and then all the executives like file into the room and some say hi some don't and i'm like what what does that mean what does that

what does that mean what does he hate me does it like me does you like what what what can i say something like i remember reading this article in like the new york times and they were talking about the heart rates of different professions when they're doing their thing and the highest heart rate of any profession is like a fighter pilot and the second high high heart rate was like an actor about to test for a network television show. Stop it. So we can fly planes. Basically.

We're equipped. Essentially, we're as important. Do you think that that actor was more stressed out by the chemistry test or by the team of scientists who would strap them with a heart monitor to get their study? I'm just saying like the mental It is terrifying. It is terrifying. Yeah.

But when your life is about to change, is real. Hopefully, right? Yeah. And that's another thing is because I was broke. And you have to sign the contract before you go in. Right. That's what people don't know. See the numbers of like what could be.

Your life. And it's a seven-year contract. Yeah. So you're like, wow. Totally. This is life changing. It is life or death, literally. Yeah.

And especially when, you know, you're on the struggle bus, living with a friend, had to borrow. gas money to even go to the audition, you know, all of those things. And so I'm like, okay, well, here's the thing. I had nothing to lose because I ain't had nothing. There you go. So I was like, it's fine.

But she was so lovely. And right as she was about to go in to read first with Justin, she's like, I just want you to know that I was praying for you. Really? I said, oh, no, no, no, no. Oh, no, no. Oh, doesn't you bring? Okay, well, thank you. I need it.

Thank you. I need it. I receive it. Thank you. A weird power move. Yeah. Weird power move. And so she goes in and they come out and I was like, she's like, okay, well, they want me to sit and wait.

And I was like, okay. They're like, Chrissy. And they call Justin and I back in. And I just remember, like, it was the scene in the bathroom where she has just fallen off the scale. And she's like, my life is in ruins. Help me. And he's like, let's get. get ice cream. So, um, that always tells. It does, but it doesn't. Um, and so I go and we read

and I was like, okay. How'd you feel? I felt okay. You felt okay. But also I am not objective. I, I am, I'm troubled. Are you saying that throughout most of season one, when you were on set, you felt okay? I felt okay. You felt okay. I felt okay. Gotcha. Sometimes it was just like, Chrissy, you just suit up and you show up. Like, and whatever's going to happen is going to happen. I didn't have enough experience to know how it was going one way or the other. Yeah. I was like waiting for someone to tell me.

I was waiting for somebody to be like, knock, knock, knock, we're going to let you go. Oh, yoy, all the time. I'm like, oh, God, what am I doing? And then, like, with Glenn and John, they, you know, directed a bunch. Yeah. And, like, you know, they're very, like, cheeky. And I love them. But at the same time, I'm like, always, like, sort of making sure.

Yeah, you're like, where do I stand? Yes. Always, where do I stand? I felt similarly just in the sense of like I had never done episodic television before and I remember thinking the same thing and I remember telling Milo was like so wait when we had gotten picked up initially

for like that first 13 I was like we do this like for 12 more episode like how do we how do you do it like it just was so hard to comprehend like how do you keep this going and not knowing not having any sort of foresight to know like it all just works itself out this is an ensemble it becomes a well-oiled machine

yeah for sure so this is interesting because I remember table read was the first time meeting you. I think most everybody. I think I met Milo maybe once before. I knew Sue because we went to NYU together, et cetera. But I remember doing the table read, and I was like, Chrissy Met's about to be a star. I remember saying that to myself.

Like people were asking me, like my manager, didn't focus like you at the table read. Were you well? Did you feel well that day? Sound of mind, body, and soul, man. And I had done, I've been privileged enough to have done six years. of a TV show. So you guys are talking. I've done six years of a show before. And I was like, we have alchemy here for the potential of something special. You never know if it's going to catch on with folks, but I see the potential for something really special. You also, like, we did the read and then you and, because Devine, Joy Randolph was there, table read as well or

or not, and you guys were having little bits of sing-offs. And I was like, listen to these sisters, like, they're not faking around. Like, they can really, they can really, sing. And I was like, because you said like, what are your go-toes for karaoke? And you started like naming like Whitney songs. I was like, that was a bit ambitious. But you was doing Whitney and karaoke, which told me something about you. As a singer. That she's crazy. And how you felt about yourself. Crazy gets you a long way in this business. When did they realize that you could sing and therefore write it into the. No, they didn't. They didn't know. I literally received one of the red scripts. And a part of, you know, time after time was in italics. And I was like,

tell, tell, uh, podcast listeners what a red script is. Um, it's a secret. Yeah. It's so you can't copy it. Yes. It's a script that comes on red paper, right? Yes. So, so nobody can copy it. Exactly. Exactly. And it's top secret. And anyway, the, the lyrics were, I mean, of course, they're in italics. And I was like, oh, okay, but does that mean that she's going to sing? I guess Kate can sing. And I remember Dan saying, oh, if you don't feel comfortable singing, like we can just have someone dub it and I was like no no oh could I try and he's like yeah of course if you want below you guys away with my voice hold on a second no but also at the same time there were some things that they would do to the music to not make it sound always so not

I'm definitely not a pitch perfect girl at all but they definitely sort of like tweak things to sort of I guess evolve like her confidence within herself and her music Sure. Which, of course, my ego did not love. Yeah. My ego, whoa. So I was like, oh, it's okay. It's okay.

Yeah. But it was just so exciting and also so scary, so scary. Because it's not like you're just doing it once, right? You're doing it a bazillion times. And then we're in the retirement community with elders. And I will vividly remember this great audience. Great audience. And I'm like, is this a choice?

or did she really fall asleep? Did this background artist, have I bored her to death? It happened. Yeah. So, but I just remember it. And it was such a tender sweet moment with, you know, Toby even bringing her to like gain confidence with her music and her singing.

Like, let's start out here in the retirement. Tender, sweet, psychotic. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. So, but yeah, it was still very exciting, but still very frightening. Yeah. We'll be right back with more.

That was us. As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, I have my chilly weather routine down to a science. Cozy blankets, check. Family activities for colder days, check. Fall fashion, obviously. You know it. You know what I do tend to forget, though, my workouts.

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to me. And it fits into my life and my routine whenever I have time for a workout and I have a new baby. Yes, ma'am. This was the thing that I was like, you know what, I'm adding this into the home to make sure that, like, I'm getting my steps in. And I love the fact that you can just do a 10-minute workout. If that's all you have time for, you can pat yourself on the back for just moving. You can jog while you're breastfeeding. Yeah, that's true. Though I would not recommend it, okay? Neither just Peloton. Some days, I'm all about competing in those live classes, trying to crest that leaderboard, but for others, especially when it's to cool out, right? A simple time. I just go on a walk. That's all I need to clear my mind. With Peloton, your workout adjusts to you. Whether you're feeling

the burn or taking it slow, it's all on your terms. So focus on yourself and let Peloton meet you right where you are. Find your push. Find your power with Peloton at onepellaton.com. How long did it go from recording that song to being nominated for an Academy Award? Well, I wasn't Diane Warren was. Diane Warren. She sang Diane Warren's song. I just sang the song that she wrote. At the Academy Award. Oh, yeah.

Casual. Let's just not brush it off that easily. You sang that song of the Academy Awards. Yeah. What, three years? Two years. Two years. Two years, what?

Between singing for the first time on TV. Oh, yeah. To singing at the Oscars. Two people fully realizing. Was it season three or four? Because I remember Justin and I were in New York at MoMA or something. I remember, like, I was like, I got to go watch. It was season four.

Because we were in New York. Yeah. I was like, I got to go watch Christy's about to perform. And we had like people who had like TVs on their phones and whatnot. And like everybody was like stopped so we could see you sing at the Oscars. In between. It was a very big deal. I mean, you know, because of Tangled.

But, like, you're also, like, a recording artist since you're 15. So, like, but was it so scary nerve-wracking? Oh, yeah. She's taken me. I know. I was like, but it's not about me. I saw it. Yeah, I saw the deflection. I'm not.

I'm trying to relate because we went to the same thing. That was interviewed jujitsu. And it was masterful, but we know what you were doing. We all to you, Chris-Met. That is typical, Chrissy, right there. I'm going to sweat. This is what, so one of the things that we've said many times throughout the course of the podcast with regards to Chrissy is that everything is on the surface, right? Like if something happens, like you respond in such an authentic and honest, like you don't know how not to react the way that you feel.

You know what I'm saying? Like you don't mask any of that. that stuff, which I think it's such a joy to watch on screen, which I think would give me a certain not everybody. You don't think it's great? Not everybody has that access. Well, but it's a, it's a tool for us. Yeah. For you, I don't have it. No, I don't think any of us have it the same way that you do. Yeah. It's true. It is so, you wear it. It's so, it's so like right underneath your skin. Yeah. You're how you feel. It's, it's remarkable. It's like, it's like, it's, like, watching you on screen. How's this podcast going for you? Are you enjoying this? It's so good.

Are you having a good time? We're just going to shower you with all of the deserved compliments. Well, I was like, I was like, is this episode going to be all about Kate? Where we just love you? Yeah. Where we just love you? I'm uncomfortable. Why won't you let me love you? I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I'm trying. Did you know that that was a skill set you had until the show, like, kind of asked that of you. Singing? Well, no, no. Being so emotionally, like, raw and vulnerable.

I think for a long time, I was, like, a very tough, angsty teenager because I had a very tumultuous childhood. And so I think at some point it shifted where I was like, I can't be this, like, tough, mean girl that, like, maybe I should flip that. And maybe I'll just, you know, feel the things that, like, maybe I wasn't feeling for a very long time or allow myself to even feel them. So, yeah, I mean, it's weird and complicated, but also, like, I do feel things very deeply. Yeah, you do. And it's just not always great, you know.

It's not, it's always great. Okay, maybe not, but I'm going to give you kudos because I do think that's a profound step of. evolution. Anger is the emotion that we feel to keep from being hurt, right? It's a sort of defensive thing that we have. But you allow stuff to penetrate. And what you're saying is like maybe I shouldn't do that all the time, but you kind of do do it. I can't even help it. All the time now. It just sucks because like, you know, there'll be wonderful things said and then the one thing that said that's negative, I'm like attached to that. That's the thing that'll stick in here. And I know that's a human thing, but I also think that

I really have a hard time, like, even accepting compliments or because it feels weird. But I love to give them. And I love to love people. And my girl, why can you love? How many love you back? So, you know, again, I'm sweating. That's good. That brings us to the compliment portion of our podcast.

Anyway, it's nice to see everyone. Rapid fire compliments. Not to me. You better night. I love you, Chris. You better not. Let me ask. So this level of insecurity that you say you had when the show first began.

Yeah. Was it consistent throughout six seasons? Did it ebb and flow? Did it recede? Like, from beginning to end, was there any sort of evolution in feeling more comfortable or not? I think always forever it will ebb and flow, because I think it really depends on the day. Or, like, what somebody might have said to you or something that happened, like, as you're getting ready to go to set, or a phone call you get. Or, you know, when your team's like, oh, we thought you were going to get nominated, so sorry.

And you're like, now I'm managing their feelings because I'm okay. Sure, sure, sure. And I'm like, oh, Lord. So it could be anything, everything. But I do remember, like, it was an evolution of like, okay, I'm going to suit up and show up for myself. And then really discovering that confidence is just trust in yourself. Yeah. And so every time I would suit up and show up, I would trust myself that, like, it might not be great, but you're getting through it.

Until you get through it. And then you're like, oh, okay, I feel a little more confident. But at the same time, trying to be objective and saying like, oh, you know what, I really wish they would have used that other take or I didn't love that. You know, it's a collaborative art. And you've got to collaborate with the director and the editor. And you're like, dang it, I had a better take. But it ebden flow.

I mean, it's still, in anything I do, I think it goes minute to minute for me. Okay. What did you love about playing Kate? Like, what was your favorite thing about playing Kate? Oh, wow. I know. That's a challenging question. I think the duality of the hardest part about playing Kate was the best part,

was that, like, finally there was a woman on TV who was trying to be a full-fledged woman. It wasn't just about weight. Yeah. And now I'm not saying it was my doing. I think so much about Dan and the executives. but, like, we see people who are on TV who they might be of all shapes and sizes, and it's not even a storyline about their shape or size or age or race or status. And I'm like, praise God.

Like, it's like, wow, could you imagine our imitating life? Yeah. So, but that was also the hardest part, too, because it felt like all the questions are always about weight. Sure, sure. And she's a woman trying to be more than just her weight. And it obviously informed so much of her life and, you know, the relationship with her mom. And, like, you know, and then it was also really beautiful, too. Oh, no.

The T's might be coming. Yeah. Let him move. We know. We know it happens. Do it. As my stepdad, rest in peace, would say, she's so emotional, she cries when she farts. So anyhow.

Now, that's a good one. Yeah, it's a great one, right? So, um, anywho, um, so... We're not saying she farts every time she cries. For clarity, for clarity. Yes. Is there, is there a thing? Wait, wait, you were about saying something.

Oh, yeah. Oh. Where the tears were coming. Oh, right. Oh, about Jack, about Milo and myself. The storyline with Jack and Kate, like, be, everyone's like, Oh, my God, was it so amazing to work with Milo? And I'm like, yeah.

And they're like, oh, like, did you pull from your real life? I'm like, no. Like, Jack and Kate's relationship healed so much of the lack of relationship I didn't have with my own father. That, like, when those tears would come, it wasn't like tears of joy. It was like, oh, like a reprieve of like a healing of like. Because I didn't have that with my dad. Like, he wasn't around. Right.

And so to see, like, a dad choose. his daughter. Oh, no. So what I discovered in therapy is that my dad was the first man who didn't choose me. And like, oh, to like have, you know that we couldn't get through this without me crying. That, to have Jack choose Kate in any way and anyhow, no matter what. And like she was always like the most important thing to him. I was like, oh, the universe knows what it's doing.

Yeah. You know, and all ways, shapes and forms. So, yeah, I mean, there's so many things. It's hard to just choose. It's crazy because people ask us, you know, if the show affected us. And it's like, hello, it's palpable. How could it not, like, if you're a human being and you suffer from the human condition of just being a human, it's like, yes, of course. Like, whether it's your storyline or your story, like, it's, you can't not approach the work and really feel it and experience it and live it and not.

you know, come away a changed person. And same thing with our relationship, with Rebecca and Kate's relationship. Like, I remember vividly at my mom, like, wanting to take my younger sister, who we have different dads, so she's tall and thin, school shopping. And, like, clothes were always, like, a big thing. And, like, I always had to wear, because there were no cute clothes for girls when I was in middle school, high school. And, you know, when, like, she sees the size of the shirt or, and I, what was so beautiful is, like, I got to see through, you. you my mom's perspective of like just wanting me to be good and healthy and okay and not like picking a part that I was like bad or wrong. And so like it's just so crazy because like I can

understand. And of course after my mom had her stroke and like even before she had her stroke, we had a conversation that was like really healing about the show. So there's so many things that like it's just not a TV show. Yeah. You know, and I know that even after fan reactions and people who come and approach us no matter where and how and what, sometimes in the bathroom. It can be awkward sometimes. I cry with strangers in bathrooms. Yeah.

Not in the toilet. I understood. Washing your hand. Yeah. Yeah. We're sanitary. Right. Yeah.

But, yeah, so there's just so many things. Or like, even having, like, a man really love Kate the way Toby did, you know, or brothers who stood up for her. my brother and I are estranged and I don't talk to him so like it's really wild how like you don't you don't imagine how things are going to affect you is there is there any sort of recurring themes that you hear from fans with regards to Kate's effect on their lives now you just talked about the things that sort of affected you like what are the things that like you hear from fans about Kate's impact it's mostly like even women who outwardly are thin yeah who are like, you don't understand my, you know, eating disorder. You can't understand how much I related to you. And me just looking at them, I'm like, in what way? That's what you say? That's what you say?

Oh, heck, no, I don't say that. That's what I don't know. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, because I'm like, you know, no, of course I would never. Because I have been in 12-step programs for food issues. Yeah. I completely understand. But I remember going into those meetings and I'm like, what is this skinny girl doing here?

Yeah. What is Madison doing here? What is Madison doing in here? Yes. By the way, the look that you give to Caitlin while she's talking, you're just sitting up there like, this chick. These are the moments in the show when your Florida comes out. Yes, the 352 is alive and well. But because I've experienced that.

And so it's great because it also shows another side of it. And, you know, women who had fertility issues or paternity issues. like issues or even issues with there are so many even men and women who are like I never had a great relationship with my mom because of my weight and now we've come together and we understand each other in a different way I mean all the time like yesterday you know a woman came on the plane and she just started crying she's like I'm so sorry I can't believe I'm doing this but like your character and the show changed my life oh yeah and I don't know if you guys have heard the story there was a little boy he might have been nine or ten

He came on a flight once, and this was, I think, third season, and a little boy named Liam, and he was like, oh, my gosh, Chrissy, you're my favorite, like, you don't understand how much you've impacted my life, and I'm like, this little cute little 10-year-old boy, what are we talking about? And his mom's like, I'm going to write you note, I'll tell you. And I was like, okay. Well, Liam wrote me a little note, like all these sweet things, and then his mom comes over, and she's like, we're actually going to like an eating disorder clinic because he's anorexic and he doesn't, you know, and he relates to you in ways and he'll like binge and then he'll purge. And I'm like, wait, what? Like a 10-year-old boy, right? And so I'm just crying on the flight and reading these notes. And this woman's like, I guess I got to watch the show. And I was like, I guess that's the best sort of marketing, right? I guess so. Yeah. So, yeah, it's, yeah, I mean, there's so many things I think Kate and Toby both went through. Even, like, the whole thing where people were mad as how they're like, if she leaves him at the altar, I swear to God, I'm going to call NBC.

And I'm like, ma'am, let's just go back to when she said she wasn't ready for a relationship, and he persisted. Okay? And we love that. We love a man who knows what he wants. however we weren't sure about Thanksgiving you know what I mean I love that you go back

it's funny what's funny does it I pointed out a similar feeling with regards to how the women kind of catch a lot of vitriol in the relationships if things don't go

for sure all through season when we talked about I talked about how like yeah yeah romantic maybe adjacent romantic adjacent only if she's into it

If not, this dude is off his rocker. This is insane. Even Dan Fogelman, like, once in a clam on the bed. Even Dan Fogman was like, he's the horniest character in the history of television. It's just like, what is this guy? But also, like, when Toby started to lose weight secretly,

because he didn't really want to hurt her, but like, you know, there's a lot of amazing, nuanced things that people approach me about all the time, you know, You know, and how it affects their marriage or, like, can we get through, you know, difficult issues? And obviously, I mean, I know if you talked about it, but like with Jack being, you know, blind or I don't know. Visually impaired. Yeah. Because, you know, he wasn't completely, yeah, visually impaired.

Like those things are, it doesn't matter, like, fill in the blank. Everybody relates to that. Yeah. So true. I mean, the show, as it bounces back and forth through time is one of these things, like, it's what you and I've talked about a lot. you know, over the years about like you just never know what someone's going through. Well, this, this show shows you what all of these people are going through. The man who looks like he has it all together, you know, the, the beautiful, tall actor who seems to have it all.

You know, all of these people who, when you look at them, you think, oh. You know that story. Yeah. Yeah, they must have everything. And in fact, there is serious addiction or anxiety or whatever the thing is. That is informing, you know, this inner life that is hard to reveal sometimes. Yes, it is. What do you miss of the whole thing?

Like, when it was over, my name says, when you were over, were you ready for it to be over? Did you think it should have continued? I remember I asked this because Justin would be like, I can do this for another six years. And Justin is going to go do another show for probably another six years. He sure is, okay. 17 years. Yeah, you're right, you're right. He's like, all right, if you guys aren't going to do it, I'm going to take Ken.

I'm like, you know what? I'll do my own thing. I'll do it with my favorite person. But, but what, like, were you ready to say goodbye? Were you not ready? Like, where were you when the show ended? I mean, I love the idea of, like, going out with a bang instead of a thud. Yeah.

Because ain't nobody want all that. Yeah. Like, oh, God, the show's on again. It's still on? Right. Yeah, exactly. Like, oh, wait, 25 seasons later. But I think really just missing, like,

like, seeing you guys every day, like stretching different, you know, acting muscles, like that big old fight scene that we had, that episode that you directed. And like, I mean, I was physically ill. Really? I said, I don't think I can do this. Well, see, kid, let me just reiterate why you're physically ill because I think there's no difference sometimes between pretending or acting something and going through something when you have a certain level of investment that you have.

On a cellular level, like your body doesn't know the difference. Right. You're faking it and you're still being cellularly traumatized. We just talk about how Milo told Mandy to fuck herself the other day. And she's like, no, bro. Not me, sir! Yeah. It's true.

Look me in the fucking face. That's right. Just had to be said. Yeah. Yes. Because your body doesn't know. It's like you're caught up in the heat of the moment. or something and things fly out of your mouth

that you wouldn't have expected. You weren't planning on saying, but it's like you're there. And you're the most polite person. Like, you're a sweet, kind soul. So I'm imagining there's a certain sort of cost for you to go to that place because you don't live in that place at all.

I mean, maybe on like rarest of rare occasions, what have you. So you're like, you sometimes would be like, I can imagine, because I wasn't on set for that, but like, apologetic. Like, are you okay? I'm sorry, I didn't mean it or anything like that. Or do you go there and like, you know, We got to do what we got to do.

No, I'm like, oh, this feels weird. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't like this. But, like, I'm that person that, like, when I'm done, I'm done, like, in real life. Right. I'm a Libra. And so I'm very diplomatic and all those things. But, like, and I, you can push me very, very far.

Yeah. But when you push me and it's gone, I'm gone. I feel you. And so I just was like, Chrissy, this isn't real. Everything's fine. You're safe. When's getting hurt. This is acting.

Right. But there, you know, things. the adrenaline, all that stuff. And also, I'm like, am I prepared for this? Am I equipped for this? I think that's where, like, a lot of the fear comes in. Equipped? Am I equipped?

Emotionally, technically. Everything. Okay. Yeah. Because even, I hate to say it, like, even bad acting is great acting because there are so many things that go on that you have to remember and your, you know, like your marks and the lighting. I see what you're, like, there's so much that we're simultaneously doing.

It's a miracle. Right, right. that we're doing all at once, that I'm like, wow, wow. It's a bit, yeah. Like, it can be, yes, it can be, I can't do that. Yes, you can't. No, I can't. You just did it.

I'm not great at it. You're doing it. You're doing it. Literally. It's only because I watched you. Literally the best they were ever seen. No, no, no, no. Anyway, I did it.

I think it's the only time I ever did it in my life. And that's because there was pressure and you were doing it. This is why you got to watch us on YouTube, guys. You'll just miss. We were just rubbing our bellies and patting our heads. Yeah. She said she couldn't do it, but she did it. I've actually never done that before.

So, thank you. It's a big day. It's a big day. It's a big day. It's a big day. So, anyway, yeah, I just feel like I always second guess, you know. But it really is when I prepare, I do feel more confident. But sometimes, as you know, we don't always have time for preparation.

There wasn't a ton of time. Yeah, God forbid that we have, like, other opportunities that we're so grateful for. Sure. Or, you know, staying out. the night before until like, you know, three in the morning by the time you get home and then you have to be on set at six and you're like, what, but, you know, it's out in these streets, Chris and Matt. I went out on the streets. You're out of the street. You're out of three in the morning until you got to be a six-out.

Do you know, I live in Narnia, and so by the time, by the time, go through the wardrobe. By the time you get through the wardrobe. Hello, and ride the lion is the bar. And the sleigh picks you up. Hello. Literally, I'll be the person taking the bobby pins out of my hair and my bra off in the car on the home because I'd- Me too. Right? You got to take the bra off.

Me too. First thing's first. I got to breathe. Anyway, I'm just saying, I'm not, okay, me, it was exaggerating, and I was not on the streets. Figures speech. Yes, I know, I know, I know, but I don't want people get the wrong, because then you know it's going to be all crazy. You got to go to the Vanity Fair party. You got to go to the NBC party.

Then you got to go to the Fox party. Then you got to, yeah. I'll never forget the one. Or you just leave and go to In-N-Out, this guy. That's what you do. Oh, yeah. What is your In-N-Out order? Oh, me?

I go three-by-three. What's three-by-three? To me. Three patties, three cheese? Wait a second. We're just going to have a whole separate podcast episode about what's a three by three. Both of us said the same thing. What is the three by one?

Three meat, three cheese? Okay, we'll talk about it now. In and Out allows you to put as many patties and cheese on a burger as you want. Really? You want a four by four? You want a five by five. I've had one. You want...

Which one? The five by five? I've had a five by five. I'm a big boy. You are. But sometimes I don't want to hold my mouth that wide, so I'll get a three-by-three and a double-double. Unhinged. Are you lettuce, tomato, onion, raw?

No, I go grilled onion. Sometimes I go animal-style. You like a raw-on-style. But there's a whole secret menu at it in and out. Get out of here. I've heard about the secret menu. Animal-style, protein style. Oh, the animal style.

The largest I've seen order is a 10 by 10. That is too much. And they'll set it on its side, and then there it is. But how do you eat it? Like, Scooby-Doo? Yeah. Like, what are you? You're like, what is that after?

What? How does that happen? I'd have to forego the lettuce, tomato. Anyways, yeah, in and out, if you're listening, the sponsor. That's what a hamburger's all about. Let me touch on this one thing. Chris directed an episode, Mandy directed, Justin directed a couple, Miley directed a couple, Sterling opted out.

Chrissy and Sue each took turns co-writing episodes. How did that opportunity present? itself and what was that experience like? It was scary. Well, it was like a big episode for Kate. Yeah. Which was cool because I felt like at that point in time. I was like, okay, I think I have someone to contribute.

I think I know her voice. I know the relationship. And what was interesting is David and, oh, no. Tiffany. Yeah. Casting or? No, the writing team. The writing team.

Casey. Casey. Casey. I was like that Casey. But Tiffany and casting kind of looks like Casey. True. They do. They do.

True fact. Thanks, guys. Thank you guys. Oh, sorry. Sorry. Yeah. You're good. So David Casey and I were co-writing.

And so the process, well, I initially was like, Dan, like, I want to do this because I'm really interested in writing and scared as heck to direct. Because I'm not great at telling people what to do. Okay. I'm not. I didn't direct. Why didn't you direct? Actually, I've always wanted to know that. Oh, you were?

You were. Yeah. Well, listen. Very. You're busy. You booked and busy. It's busy. But it was also, I felt like my kids, I wanted to be as present for them as possible.

And directing takes a large time commitment. And I did have a lot of other stuff going. Yeah, of course. Got it. I just remember how involved it was, even, like, in the meetings. And, like, I don't know how you guys felt, but, like, you have an idea in your mind of what it's going to look or sound like, and that ain't it. And you're like, okay, I have to relinquish this every second. Like, this is a collaborative art.

This is the, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. And that was tricky. Even like when we were sitting on the stoop and, like, they had to build the stoop, the stairs. And then we did, I was like, oh, my word. Like, it was just a lot. But I loved conceptually that episode because seeing these different ways of the way Kate interprets things and all that. But, yeah, I just, I remember, like, writing a few things. And Dan didn't know if it was David Casey or I.

And he would just get it. And he was like, oh, this is a funny job. joke, this is good. And I was like, yes. Yes. That was mine. That was mine. Dan Folgerman thought something I did was funny or like entertaining or like, oh, I like

this or like that. And I was like, oh, so that was like very validating. And it was just a cool experience to do it. That's great. But it was, yeah, it's just very, there's just so much going on in it. Yeah. To your point about the writer's room earlier, like when you, put something out there.

Like, it's, it's, because I go to the writer's room all the time. I find it fascinating. Oh, it's so cool. And everybody goes, they always begin, it's like, okay, here's the bad pitch. And they always sort of say, like, here's the bad pitch because they don't want anybody to judge what's about to come out of their mouth too heavily. Yeah. But then they put the pitch out there, and you can tell, like, they thought about this really deeply

and whatnot. And you see Dan sitting at the end of the table like, yeah, that's good. Like, they're waiting to hear, like, oh, does he like it? Is it good enough? Does it have legs? And then sometimes he'll take the idea. Sometimes he'll take a kernel of the idea. Sometimes he's like, you know what?

Maybe we'll try that at another time. Like, he's always very kind. Of course he is. Because he recognizes, too, that somebody put in a lot of time, thought, energy into whatever it is that they're allowed to say the bad pitch, right? I mean, well, that's the only way to good ideas is through bad ones. Yeah. Like, sometimes you get lucky and the first one's a good one. But I'm always glad to have three or four takes.

Sure. Yeah. Yeah. Or five or something. More that was us after these words from our sponsors. I have some news that might make your heart raise. Thanksgiving is only a week and a few days away. No.

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Speaking of being an agent, I think I told you guys, but I just had to circle back around. Because Hannah Zeal, who played the younger. Sure. She was my commercial client at one point. I didn't know that. You didn't know that? Yeah. I don't think I knew that. I knew that.

Yeah. What? Really? And ERIS, we also represented ERIS. Did you? Yeah. So it's really kind of wild how life is just funny that way. I just wanted to throw that in.

Okay. So let me ask this question then. And there could be plenty of other ones. I'm just curious. Pre, this is us, post that is us. What is it like walking through the world now? Is it completely different? Is, what, do you anonymity completely gone?

Is it a pain in the butt? Is it a privilege? Is it all those things? Like, what's the difference life now? Yes. Okay. Yes. You know, like, oh, a woman literally stopped my car.

I was driving out of my driveway. She goes, oh, my God. My daughter told me you lived here. Oh, my God, you do. And I was like, yeah, hi. And she was walking her dog. And she was like, listen, if you never do anything again, you've done it. You've done it.

And I said, you know what? I said, man, you're right. wrong. I said, ma'am, you're not wrong. And she goes, no, really, like, if you never booked another job, I don't know which door now. But if you never book another door. Stop saying it, ma'am. I appreciate it. Stop saying it. She's like, do you want to lick death? Yeah. Is that what you're giving me? Okay. Yeah. And she's like, if you never do anything ever again, like you've done it. And honestly, there's a part of me that really knows that. And, like, what really feels that way? Because I think, I can only speak for myself, but as an

actor, like, this is that, this show was a dream. in every capacity. Completely, of course, changed my life. You guys know, I was broken's joke. But also, you know, the opportunities and things that I've dreamt about doing all my life that I was able to do, even being able to, like, take my family places or, like, help them when there's a hurricane and trees have fallen. You know, like... A lot of hurricanes just came to Florida, man.

I mean, literally three. Anyway, all the people of West North Carolina and all the people. But, you know, like, in every single way. most of the time it's great. Yes. Until one woman berated me at the airport. What? It's always at the airport, y'all.

Go in. I'm like a sit and duck. People are having a hard time at the airport. Traveling is not fun. It's not. People are grumpy. So I was leaving Nashville to go to Utah for speaking engagement. Okay.

And about like self-esteem and like all these things and like how we walk through the world. So I'm walking by and she goes, oh my God, oh my God, I'm high. Do you think I got a picture? And I was like, I'm actually running late. And it was for a therapy. call with an ex-boyfriend, it didn't work, which is great. And I was like, I'm so sorry, like, I'm running through the therapy call. And I was like, I didn't have to tell her all this stuff, but I did.

I was like, I'm actually running late for a therapy call, and I don't want to miss it. And she's like, ugh. Like, it was an excuse. And you guys know me, like, the moment I draw my boundaries, ma'am wanted to like poo them. And I was like, mm-hmm, mm-hmm, poop on my boundary. Okay. I said, you know what?

I'm sorry, but I have to go. So I go, I'm in the Delta Lounge. Shout out Delta. Yeah. And it's like one of my favorites. Yeah. It really is. I really love that.

You have to do the Delta One entry? You're listening. We love a Delta one. And Jeree. There you go. Okay. Yeah. So, anyway.

So I'm sitting there. I'm on the call. And I'm bennoised to me. I guess she was in the lounge and I didn't know this. A couple people walked by. I met this really nice guy who was French and blah, blah, blah. And he was like, oh, I love these show. I was like, oh, thanks.

And that was a terrible. I love this show. Oh, my God. I know. Oh, my God, they love this show. We wash it all this time. Yeah. My family alive.

He didn't do no, oh, ha, ha, ha. But I thought he might have. Let me get off this therapy call. No. Are we breaking up because there's a really cute friend of guy. No, he was married. Okay. I'm not always scoping, I promise.

Okay. I believe you. So, so anyway, we get on the flight. We land in Utah, and my public sister was supposed to meet me. She was running late. So I walked through. the airport by myself and sometimes it's fine but this big body girl sometimes cannot hide okay so there are a couple people and there was a big convention going on and i'll never forget this lady was

like oh my gosh my son and she's like walking with me i was like i have to get my bag and she's like okay and she's like oh my god my son is here for this convention and um do you think you can just sign that as i was like you're going to a convention to stand in line to get autographs that you're paying for and i didn't say this but i was like but we're like walking and i got to go and does your son really want the i was like is it me and she's like anyway I kept being like bombarded and I was like okay so then I finally get to the the baggage claim I get my bag and the girl from the plane oh boy or I didn't realize she was in my flight she was like from the airport also in the lounge also she's like Chrissy and I was like oh my gosh and she goes how dare you and she's I'm not kidding you guys shouting pointing her finger at me like I'm her like her child that she's reprimanding how dare you not take a picture her how dare you and the French guy come to my rescue, he's like, he was like, excuse me, excuse me, I think you need to stop. That's when he was like, oh-huh, ha-ha.

Yeah, that's what he's like, oh-huh, ha, ha. No, he didn't, ha, ha. I don't want to say that. So, anyway, he was like, excuse me, you do not get to talk to her like that. And she's like, you're not even a part of this. What I'm saying is all I wanted was a picture. My sister just wanted a picture. I was like, oh, so you didn't even want the picture.

And I was like, the fact that I drew my boundaries and you don't even care and you still don't even care. All you had to say to me was, I'm so sorry you couldn't take a picture earlier. will you take a picture with me now? And she was like, no, I don't even want the picture now. And I was like, okay, great, okay, great. And of course, what does Chrissy start doing? Crying. I start crying.

Because I feel bad because the first time I draw my boundaries. I'm like, they're not even being honored. I said, you know what? And so. This is kind of on Delta, too, because we know that lady got free drinks in that lounge. Yeah. And if she was in that lounge, that means she was in first class, which means she got champagne before she even took off.

Come on, though. Now, Delta, you're fucking. with people's boundaries. Yeah, it's on you Delta. People are trying to hold their boundaries. God forbid a woman can like operate like a human being, but she shouted at me to the point

like it shook me up for a second. Would it would shake anyone up? It was not okay. And luckily like, you know, eventually Cheryl came around the corner. She's like, what the hell's going on? I was like, this lady is being mean to me. She's like, oh, you haven't even seen me.

And I was like, well, she like. Yeah, sick Cheryl on it. Wait, Cheryl did that or the woman said you had. She's like, you haven't even seen me. And she was like, it's enough. It's enough, lady. Wow, like, she wouldn't let it go. No, she wouldn't.

I said at this point, you probably didn't even want a picture of me, right? And she's like, oh, oh, you know what? And the guy was like, I think you need to leave. You need to leave the airport, the French guy, the nice French. Oh-huh. Yeah. Were you at least able to recognize, like, this doesn't have anything to do with me? Eventually, yes, for sure.

Yeah, I was like, this person is having a time. That's, you know, like, the old wound for me is a people pleaser. Sure. You know, it's hard. So that kind of stuff really throws me. Yeah. But most of it, 90. eight point is really, really, really, really great.

And a couple of episodes, we're going to go into the episodes, one, two, three. The first time. For the first time, the first group of them, right? And there's a part of Kevin's episode where he goes back to the high school, and it's like everybody wants a picture. And before he even really grants permission sometimes, people just sort of like snap it or what have you. And it's interesting because I think, you know, I had a different perspective pre-O-J,

this is us than I do now, because especially in the airport, and you can see folks sort of scoping you out if you're in there. And they're like, yo, can I get a picture? I'll say, like, if I do one for you, man, I may have to do a whole bunch of them. It's all right if I give you a hug. Because sometimes, like, a hug for me now at this point in time is easier than a handshake post-COVID. Because I feel like, yo, I can actually like share some warmth and love. And what folks don't understand. Close-mouth kiss. Close-mouth kiss. Maybe a little close-mouth kiss, a slight part.

What people don't understand is like how the picture sort of stops whatever forward momentum that you have at that point in time in your life, whether it's a phone call, whether you are en route to something like you stop, and then, oh, can we turn for the light? Oh, can I take one more? I didn't like that one. Can we do it again? Yeah. It didn't come out. And then you become sort of douche.

And so that's why you try to be as gracious as you know how to be. but still draw the boundaries necessary for you to move through the world because you're a person who has things to do. I think the hardest part for me, I'm sorry. No, go, don't do it. It's like if I was working at a bank, nine to five, right? Like, I get it. Like, a part of the job is like you work nine to five,

and a part of our job is that we are public-facing figures. And so we're around and people are excited to meet us, which is so great because we don't have fans, we don't have a job. I understand that. But, like, to expect people to be on all the time, I think it is a lot, you know. And although at the same time, I'm like, oh, you know, when are they going to see me again? I'm like, you know, all of that.

My complicated relationship with it that I've currently trying to come to grips with is how much I love it. Wait, love taking the picture? How much I need it. Oh, for sure I love the attention. I know you are. For a lot, not being serious. I'm being serious. For many years, I had like a bit of a guy, can we, and I realized that it was faux humility. And now I have a bit of shame around how much I'm like, I really love this.

Guys, I love you. Just tell you. I understand. I love this. There's shame around it, even that, where I'm like, well, I didn't get into acting to not be applauded. He wrong. He was wrong. So I appreciate this moment here in the airport. Well, yeah, it's like, oh my gosh, one day this might not happen ever again. Sure. Yeah.

So that's my new journey with it. Oh, no, my ego is for sure. You're just. Just naked with clothes on over there, man. It's true. Like, I get it. And there are definitely moments where boundaries have to be. No, I can't.

I'm with my son or, you know, like I'm holding my daughter. Like, I'm not going to take. I can't take a photo. But yeah. So, okay, let me just say this. Most of the time now, you're either back home with family or in Tennessee. Talk to us a little bit about music and how things are going on that. And, like, what else you have?

We can look forward to seeing from you. Well, it's been a pretty, you know, I was with a label for a minute. Yeah. And we just weren't on the same page. And my little ego was like, wow, it's been so many. Because there's new music Friday, right? where all the new music comes out. There's been so many Fridays

where I've not had music out. And then I'm like, oh, and I just go back and forth, like, I don't need to be an artist. Like, I just want to make music. I just want to write, like, as you guys know, like, writing, going into a writer's room and you can write a song in four hours that never existed before

is like one of the most magical things. And that's what I really love. Yeah. And being told like, oh, I'm not commercial enough. I'm not country commercial. And I'm like, okay, I don't need to just sing about treks and beers. No offense. I like trucks and beers.

Sure. You know, so it's been tricky, but because Nashville is such a creative community, I feel like I enjoy being there with friends and writing, and I feel more creative. I'm developing a one-woman show for the stage, which is very frightening. Yes. Which is very, very frightening to try to incorporate music that's not so commercial with, like, my, you know, basically my life story and, like, that I'm just an unfinished business, you know. So that's very frightening.

Who knows if it will ever happen, but we're trying. It will. Yes, we're trying. I could absolutely see that. Yeah, we're trying. And then we, I have a second children's book coming out in March. Okay. Cole, when I talk to God, I talk about my feelings.

Excellent. Because every time we were out reading the book, it was, all the kids wanted to talk about were their feelings. I think like we're really going into like a shift, like a paradigm shift of like, you know, so beautiful. And these little five-year-olds being able to. to express themselves and name their feelings and talk about it. And so, and then we're doing music to accompany the book. Okay. And then I did Bank of Dave 2, which is a sequel. Rory Kinnear plays this guy, a real life guy. Have you heard of this story? No. He is in the north of England. Barry is the, like around Barry. It's a really, really small working class town in the north

of England. He created a bank because people weren't able to get loans for cars and houses. So he put his own money on collateral, created a company, a bank that he could like loan money to like his community. And so, Roy Keneer plays Dave in the first one. And the second one is about basically taking down like loan sharks and payday loan, you know, all those people. So it was like, it's like a really cute feel good movie. I did that.

We shot in England. It was really like. I saw a previous fan. Yeah, it was really fun. And then I did, it's coming out next year called a show called Hunting One. based on a novel. It's very salacious and cheeky. Okay.

Let's just say I'm not cheeky or salacious, but I also don't mess around. And it was cool because it's set in Tyler, Texas, and Katie Lowe's From Scandal was on it, and Britney Snow and Malin Ackerman are the leads. So, yeah, it was just really fun. I mean, it was hot as heck shooting in North Carolina, but it was a lot of fun that comes out next year.

Fantastic. So cool. So much to. Yeah, it's just like the first season. I don't know. We don't know about. Gotcha. Yeah.

Gotcha. That's so exciting, Chris. Yeah. So, you know, just trying to stay creative without trying to like, you know, you just trying to survive because life be life and two. Life be life in series. No, that's right. I don't have no kids.

Everybody else got lots of kids. It's so cute. Yeah. We love you. We love you so much. Thank you. Thank you for coming to sit and hang with us. This has been such a long time in the making, and everyone has been asking when you were going to be here.

I can't believe I was busy enough to not be here. So thanks for. You've got, you're a busy lady. Not really, not really. Yes, you are. You are. You are going on now. You just named a bunch of you.

Yeah. That happened last year. That happened last year. Now it's time for the rollout. Listen, I was trying to be Meryl Streep's body double or stand in for only murders, but. Didn't work? But I heard from Dan, so. Dang.

Nobody has. Because you ain't nobody stand it. Exactly. I was happy to do that for Merrill. You ain't nobody standing. No, you're right. Ladies and gentlemen, this has been our Chrissy Mets episode. Yay!

Will you look right in that camera and say that was us? Guys, that was us. Say you next time. This retreat is brought to you by Peloton. Find your push. Find your power with Peloton. All right. We're talking about Chrissy's episode.

What all did we talk about in this one? We got into a lot. Yeah. First of all, she's trying to set some boundaries in airports, so. Please don't just roll up on my grown-up in an airport like that. She told us her whole audition story, the fact that she only had 81 cents in the bank account. She's got more than that now. She also shared just how nervous, how uncomfortable, how just sort of like a fish out of water she felt throughout the whole thing.

Yeah. Yeah. Throughout the entirety of the series. I had no idea. I mean, I think it was just so interesting to ask her, like, what her connection was to those nerves and, you know, what Kate was potentially going through over the course of the series versus what Chrissy was going through

and how she sort of like infuse the character with her own experience. She also shared with us just like when she was younger, she used to be a little snarky or have a tougher exterior sort of pushed back. And now she's sort of gone in the opposite direction to where everything sort of affects her in a very visual way. And sometimes she's like, it's not always good. It's hard to walk around like that. It's actually an incredible gift to have as an actor.

She thought that I hated her for the entire first season. She did indeed. I couldn't believe that. Which she and I had talked about before. So that wasn't like, that wasn't a hot take. That was a lukewarm take. Yeah. That was a lukewarm take.

But yeah, it was great to see her. It was great to see her. We love her very much. Might be the best part about doing this podcast is getting this. Getting together with family. And reconnect. That's it. That was this retread.

Brought to you by Pelotan. Find your push. Find your power with Pelotan. That Was Us is filmed at The Crow and produced by Rabbit Grinn Productions and Sarah Warehound, music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith. Da da-da-da-da-dum. That was us.