The Squeeze - Morgan Simianer: Raised by Resilience

Episode Date: May 28, 2025

In this week’s episode, Tay is back for another girl-talk conversation, this time with Netflix's Cheer star Morgan Simianer! Morgan kicks things off by sharing how she met her husband, their engagement story, what she’s loving most about married life, and her favorite moment from their wedding day. She then opens up about her early childhood, from the pain of her mom leaving to living alone in a trailer so she wouldn’t burden anyone. Morgan reflects on the role her grandparents played in giving her stability, the moment she finally felt safe, and whether she’s in touch with her biological parents today. She dives into how her upbringing shaped her relationships, what healing has looked like for her, and the biggest hurdle she’s had to overcome. We then shift into her cheer journey, from trying out for Navarro to becoming a fan favorite on Cheer, and how she navigated the sudden public attention and its impact on her mental health. Morgan shares the challenges of having her most personal moments broadcast to the world, her reaction to being pitched Battle Camp on Netflix, her favorite parts of filming, and the castmates she’s closest to. Finally, she shares what’s next for her, her favorite form of self-care, and the message she’d give to her younger self!Be sure to follow Morgan https://instagram.com/morgannlyn/!To email us your questions or share your story, you can reach out to [e-mail] sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode! Plus, follow us on all of our socials:The SqueezeInstagram: https://instagram.com/thesqueeze/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thesqueezepodcastTay LautnerInstagram: https://instagram.com/taylautner/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrstaylautnerAmazon Storefront https://urlgeni.us/amazon/FDXj7 Taylor LautnerInstagram: https://instagram.com/taylorlautner/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorlautnerTo learn more from The Lemons Foundation, follow https://instagram.com/lemonsbytay/ and visit lemonsbytay.comEpisode Sponsors:Use the code “SQUEEZE” at Rhoback.com for 20% off your first order — now through the end of this week.For a limited time, Tempo is offering my listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box! Go to TempoMeals.com/SQUEEZE.Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to SkylightCal.com/SQUEEZE.Nuuly is a great value at $98 a month for any 6 styles, but right now you can get $28 off your first month of Nuuly when you sign up with the code SQUEEZE at Nuuly.com.Be your own icon. Shower with Harry’s. Try Harry’s body wash today for just $8 at harrys.com/SQUEEZE.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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It's cheering like you need to go somewhere where they know what they're doing. So I googled as places to cheer in the United States of America. Navarro College pops up. I watch a video and I was like, I'm going there. Oh, let's go. It's game time. Like this is going to be iconic. It's like during track, I'm like doing cartwheels and backflips when I should be running.

I'm shocked right now. You haven't been doing this your entire life. No. What? I just like didn't have the fear of like trying anything. I was like, let's just flip our body and see how this, see how this goes. Were you scared at all sharing about your personal life? I just feel like I'm going to be judged.

I feel like it's a part of me that like I've hidden for so long, terrified of what other people were going to think. You know, flip side of it, it's like the complete opposite where I was like, I hit it forever. I don't want anyone to know about it. And now it's like the world knows, but it's like helping others where I was like I would have never in a million years would have thought sharing my story would have done that. Morgan, welcome to the squeeze. Thank you. I am so excited because I've watched you on my TV multiple times now. And I just feel like we would be friends. Like, I just feel like you're so sweet, but you have this, like, fun, silly, goofy side to you.

Yeah. I enjoy watching all of your stuff that you post on social media makes me laugh. I'm like, oh, she's funny. Yeah. I'm, like, shy in the beginning. But then, like, once you, like, break my shelf in, I'm, like, crazy. She can't be stopped. I love that.

Okay. So we start each episode off with this jar. It's a game called Citrus Got Real. If you want to pull a little piece of paper out of there and read it. us that question. Let's see. I feel like I'm like secretive. Yeah. Okay. This question. Favorite vegetables. Okay, wait, that brings you to a topic that we were definitely going to talk about because we'll get to battle camp, but I need to know you don't eat food. Okay, I do eat food. I'm just so picky. I eat like a toddler. Like I literally have like basic foods that you would feed like your one year old minus

the vegetable portion of it. I'm like, cheese, I love, bread I love, ranch I love. But outside of that, like, you know, I have like pizza and that sort of thing, but I'm like it has bread and it has cheese. Yeah. Girl cheese, love, mac and cheese, love, chips, love. But it's like all the other things where it's like, oh, like coleslaw and like mashed potatoes. I'm like, no. The potato thing blows my mind. Like, do you eat french fries? I eat some french fries. If it's like ones where it's like cut up and it's like bigger chunks and it's like basically like just like a potato like but if it's like I'd say like chick filet love their french fries so it's like different types of them I'll eat I don't know I have no idea I like couldn't tell you and it's not like a texture thing necessarily

it's just I just don't like it what is your least favorite food I would say ketchup and tomatoes I'm like actually like terrified of ketchup like won't even like touch the bottle at a restaurant like if someone's like passing the ketchup I'm like you can get up and get it I'm not touching it. And like, even when they put it on my tray, like, they'll be like, oh, like, here's your food. And it's like, I get like a side of french fries and they'll put ketchup on it. And they'll set it and bring it to me. I'm like, like, push it away. And my husband like grabs the ketchup and like takes it. Like it's insane. Are you like forced to eat ketchup as a child? No, I don't even know where it came from. Like I actually don't know where like the whole ketchup thing came from.

But you like pizza. Yes. But like certain types of like marinera sauce. But I also, if I have marinerer sauce that has like tomatoes in it, I'll sit there and pick every. And I'll sit there and pick every. single tomato out before I eat it. Chili, pick every single tomato out before eat it. It makes like literally no sense. Do you eat any grains? Not really. I like cucumbers. Okay. But there's some health to that. Just a little water. Yeah. I'm like, I like celery sometimes. Like, if I mean like hot wings, okay. I can have celery. Okay. But you can do, do, do you do like chicken and steak like, like, like protein. Yes. Love chicken, love steak. Okay. Do you do fish? No, I hate any type of seafood. I've tried a lot, and that's my other thing, is I'll try foods. Yeah. And I'm like, I just don't like it. So I've

had like octopus before. I've had, you know, squid, like all these different things. I don't really like those. And I like fish. Like in tuna. Like I just can't with tuna. Like my cats eat tuna because it's like their cat food. But I'm like literally dry heaving as I'm like feeding my cats. I'm like, I just can't do it. My husband's thing is he likes sushi but not cooked fish, which normally people like the cooked fish before they like the raw fish. But I, I love it. I love it. all of it. He has tried to get himself to like cooked fish. And he'll make me salmon all the time, which is great. Yeah. Very kind of. Very kind of him. He's the chef. So he'll make, he'll make me salmon. And I'm like, it's so good. It doesn't taste. Because I even know, like, sometimes it'll taste

fishy, but it doesn't bother me. I'm like, the other night, I was like, hunt, like, I swear to you, like, it's not fishy. Like, just try it. And he tried it. He was like, almost fit it out. He's like, no. I just can't. I don't know. Any type of fish. But also if I know what it is eating it, it makes it 15 times worse for me. Yeah. Like, I feel like if we would have done the challenge on the show and I would have been blindfolded.

Yeah. Oh, for sure. Fear I would have done a lot better because I wouldn't have known. Yeah. But, like, knowing what it was. And I was, like, oh, this is probably his eyeball.

This is probably his stomach. Like, I was like, like, could not. It was just awful. I was grossed out watching that. Okay. The first thing I want to touch on in this interview is your ring.

Oh, my God. Can you show the camera your ring? It's literally, like, I actually, need to like see it close up. My favorite thing of all existence. Did you get it glued together? No. So you can get it soldered. Here I'll show. glued. That soldered was the correct word. I said of the glue. Yeah. So it's, I mean, it's really on there. But it's like my engagement ring is like inside of it. So it's like two different pieces. Oh, wow. And then you can like push it together. But most people get it soldered together. Oh, wow. I can just wear just my engagement ring. Like if I don't want to wear like, because it gets caught on like literally everything. Yeah. No, it's so funny. But it just

like goes right inside of it. Was that your, was that your doing or how did the ring process happen? Yeah. So actually, Molly was in on this. So obviously I didn't know I was getting engaged. We looked at different types of rings and that sort of a thing. And I kind of like had an idea. I did not like the Marquis cut at all. Yeah. Until I went and tried on rings. I was like, I'm going to be a round girl, maybe oval. Is that so funny how happens? I had the same thing but opposite. set on it. I was like, there's no other way. Like, you can't convince me otherwise. Like, I just want to go and, like, see. And, like, I knew I wanted gold because I'm a gold girlie. Yeah. And so we go into K jewelers and I'm, like, testing, like, all the different, like, sizes and shapes and, like, all the things. And the lady was like, oh, you should just try, like, try, like, try, like, try it. And I was like, oh, my God, this is it. And I'm, like, look at Marquis and all this stuff. And I was like, no, like, I just want oval. I just want this. And she's like, no, just like, try it. Like, you never know until you try. So I try it on. And I was like, oh, my God, this is it. Like, like, and I'm, like, like, looking at Stonein, look on your face. I'm screwed. I'm so screwed. And I'm just like, okay, I'm like, I have to have it. I have to have it. Like, obviously, I didn't think we'd get engaged, like, you know, soon, soon after that.

Yeah. But he was like, okay, she likes marquee. She likes murky. She likes murky. I'm like smirky. So then he basically kind of like designed it with K, which was insane. And took like elements because I like different parts of like wedding bands and stuff as well. Yeah. And I loved like the halo around it. Like I was just like, I love it. I was like in more diamonds. So like might as well. Why not? So it kind of just like pieced together different. parts of it and just created it. And then when it came to the wedding band, I knew I wanted, like, you know, a band, but like the way that my ring is shaped on the bottom is, like, curved. So, like, if I put a band on, it would stick, like, right on the top. So it wouldn't fit. Yeah. So they had to, like, customize a whole thing. And, like, my OCD was like,

I can't just have, like, one side of it. Yeah. It has to go on the other side because then it's, like, not symmetrical and it's driving me nuts. Yeah. So it's, like, basically fully customized. It is so pretty. That was, like, when I was looking through your social media, that was one thing. I was like, oh my gosh, I have to get a close-up of this ring because it looks. Unreal. How did you and your husband meet? So he met online. Okay.

Yes. I love that. And basically I ended up bringing two of my best friends on our first date. Okay. Because I'm like, you know, people are creepy. You never know, like first dates. I've never been on one of my whole entire life. So he was my first date, which is actually insane.

Because other people I dated in like high school and like college, I knew from being friends with friends of friends and hung out with them multiple times and then we'd go on a date. Yeah. I'd never been on a first date. where I'd never met the person before. And you, like, on a dating app or was it like, okay, got it. So I was like, straight panic mode. Like, how do you interact with someone?

Like, how do you do this? Yeah. I'm like, what do we do? What do we talk about? I'm like, I don't know. So we'd been like messaging, you know, back and forth. And I didn't give him like any, like, social media, not a lot of information about myself because of this time, cheer already came out on social, like on the world.

Yeah. Like, cheer was here. And I was like, I don't. Like some people had message me and like wanted to like, you know, start talking to me and stuff because they were fans of me on cheer like for the followers and like all that stuff. So I was trying to find someone that was genuine that wanted to be with me because I was me. And so I did not give stone any information like about like what I did or anything. And kind of like basically blocked him on all social media. So he couldn't like figure out like who I was. So we just were messaging and we went on our first day. I brought two of my best friends with me. Because I was like he could be a serial killer. He could kidnap me like you never know. So I bring two my friends. Our first day ended up being like 17, 18 hours long. We went to a restaurant. We sat and ate there. My two friends were there. We ended up going back to my apartment that I had in Dallas at the time and set up on the rooftop and talked until the sun started rising. And my friends ended up leaving after a while. They're like, are you good? I'm like, yeah, I'm good. You're fine. You can leave? And then he's like, I work in 30 minutes. Like I've got to go. And I was like, wait, that's crazy. And I was like, okay, well, it's nice to meet you. And he's like, no, like, can we hang out tomorrow? And I'm like, yes. We've been together every. single day since then. Oh my gosh. Which is insane. And then, you know, he kind of found out who I was on social media. But it was nice for him to get to know me before that was like brought up in conversation. Because I'm like, it's weird. It's like, how do you explain? Yeah. You know, oh yeah, I was on like a

Netflix show and they're like, wait, what? And I'm like, it's kind of a lot. Yeah. Yeah. I could imagine that would be tricky. How long ago was that? I want to say like 20, 22. Okay. And you guys are coming up on two years. Two years of marriage. Oh, my gosh. Okay, lemon drops. Big news. Roeback is back with a brand new drop. And this one's all about comfort, movement, and elevating athleisure. First up, say hello to the just-launched era high-rise shorts. These are your new go-to-for-everything active with the sleek high-rise fit and lightweight performance fabric. They're built for workouts, weekend walks, and everything in between. Plus, they've got just the right amount of stretch and structure to keep you feeling supported and

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comfortable in the clothes that you wear doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. And thanks to Roebuck, I don't have to do that anymore because their athleisure is truly so cute. You can use code squeeze at roback.com for 20% off your first order. Now through the end of this week. That's R-H-O-B-A-C-K dot com and use code squeeze for 20% off your first order. What's your favorite part of married life? I don't know. I just love all of it. Everyone's like, the first year's going to be hard and all this stuff. And I'm like, it's not. Yeah. I was like, I don't know what you guys are talking about. And like all this like, you know, marital advice we'd get from people. Like, before we got married. I'm like, I don't know what you guys mean. Like, this is like the easiest

thing ever. Like, yeah. I love living life with him. He's my best friend. Like, life is great. Married life is fantastic. I'm like, everything's good. Yeah. I know. We had a lot of people tell us that too. And it never, it never got hard. And we have this joke where wherever, whenever we like get in an argument, we're like, oh, I guess the tough part's coming. The tough part's coming. But it's not. And it's been fine. But I know. I've most. always like, I always say that I think it's because we like went, I feel like we went through a lot of like tough times together because I worked as a COVID nurse and like did all of that. And my husband went through a lot of mental health stuff. We kind of like, I feel like went through like the weeds

together before we got married. I feel like that kind of like helped a little bit. Like we knew how to communicate. We knew how the other communicated. Yes. And that's the other thing too is like we basically lived together before we got married. Yeah. Which a lot of people are like, oh no, don't do that. All the things. I was like, I was like, I was paying. so much for my apartment in Dallas and so was he. Where I'm like, we're basically like with each other every single day, 24-7, we're paying these two apartments. And I was like, there's no point in that like we could literally get a house for, like,

pay a mortgage for less than what we're paying for these apartments. Yeah. So we ended up moving in together. And I feel like that was like the easiest transition into marriage. Everyone's like, oh no, like does he leave his toothpaste open? Does he do this? Does he close a toilet? Like all the things.

And I feel like living with him before that made it so that there wasn't that awkward transition into like living together. Yeah. No, that was us too. I feel like it's important to like, I mean, I commend people that can do it successfully before because I think there is, I think there is beauty in, you know, waiting to live together and there is pros that come with it. But I think for me and Taylor in our relationship, that was something that I'm very thankful for. Yes, we definitely just like worked. You get to see what the other person is like at home, how they like, how they live. I mean, we were, I mean, I was young. I met when we were, I met him. I met him. I was 20. So like we've been, wait, like I didn't really like live on my own, like have

and established like self-independent life. But he did. And so, you know, bringing me in and having that transition. I feel like we definitely got to see together. I love asking married people this, but what was your favorite part of your wedding? Where did you get married? So I got married in Texas. Okay. Yes. Photos are so pretty. Is that the Owana? I was like, this is like a castle, like dream venue. I was like, I love it. Um, I don't know. I had so many favorite parts. Like, I think like overall as like a whole, I think the best part, obviously was marrying my best friend. Yeah. But having all of our favorite people in the same place at the exact same time. Yeah. Like it was like all of our worlds were colliding. Like he had, you know, friends that he did sports with. I had all my two friends. We had like, you know, our cousins, like second cousins, aunts, uncles, like friends, like people that were mentors to us. Like we just had all the people that like played like a massive role in our life in the same place at the same time. Yeah.

Like the odds of that happening like is slim to none. Like even like, you know, celebrating like birthdays and that sort of a thing. It's like, you know, you have some friends that can't make it or whatever, but every single person was there. Yeah. That was like the craziest thing. Yeah. So I'd say that or the cheer routine was pretty iconic. Yes. I feel like that was a fun moment. Um, and then I would say our private vows before our wedding. Okay. That was like, I was like sobbing my eyes out before like anything. But it made me feel so much better like walking down the aisle because I like don't like attention. Yeah. So I was like, I don't know how to like, like, do it. I smile at people, do I, like, wave? Like, I'm like, I want to, like, hug people because I haven't seen you in forever, but I'm like, I don't know what to do. Yeah. So, like, eased my nerves before walking down the aisle. And then our private last dance was, like, a very, very special moment as well. Oh. It was just you guys for your little last dance. Yes. Like, they, like, they, like, sent everyone out to, like, the sparklers and all that stuff. And we just, like, the whole room was cleared out, like, photographers, like, were there for, like, you know, 30 seconds, like, took one picture. Yeah. And it was just us. Yeah. And so it was like the whole,

like, you had, like, all these, like, like, stroblights going. off. Yeah. You know, there's just a mess everywhere. Like, and then it's just our song playing. And we're just, like, in the moment, like, oh my gosh, like, we're married. Like, this is crazy. Oh, my gosh. So that is so so sentimental. I love that. Okay. I want to get into your childhood and your upbringing, because I feel like looking at you, you just seem like the cutest, sweetest, like, you just seem like the sweetest person. And I feel like you are genuinely that sweet. But I would never think that you. You just seem like the cutest, you've endured the life that you have with how you present yourself and how kind you are to people. But I would love if you can just share a little bit about your early childhood years with our

lemon drops, our listeners, about what life was like for you. Yes. So, I mean, growing up, like, I mean, my life wasn't awful, terrible, but I did face, like, a lot of challenges. But I feel like everything that I went through growing up, like made me where I am today. So I wouldn't have changed anything in my past. Wouldn't have done anything differently because I am who I am today because of it, which is fantastic. And it's nice to have like, you know, like those learning lessons. I did have to grow up a lot faster than most people did. But in the same, you know, time, it's like I'm more wiser. I'm more mature. And like, I really value life differently than some other people do. And I'm like, I wouldn't change that for

anything. So I don't know. It's just like different being so young and not having like that support system because those are like, I feel like the prime time in your life where it's like you need the love, you need the support. Yeah. And that's like, I don't know, like prime like development, I'd say for like that sort of stuff. And so I was lacking in that. But then once I got into custody with my grandparents, you know, my whole world flipped upside down. Like everything was positive, everything was good. So it was like it sucked growing up and it was like, why me, why me? Why is this happening to me? Like no one loves me. Like don't really have friends. Like all the things. I was like, what's wrong with me? Like what am I doing that's so bad that people don't want.

want to be around me. They keep leaving. Like, what did I do? So I'd, like, hurt myself on it all the time. And, like, it would even happen in, like, sports, like, after that and, like, different parts of my life. Like, if a friend, like, you know, wasn't being a true friend and, like, our, you know, connection broke off. I'd like, what did I do? Like, why am I in the wrong? Like, what did I do? Like, how can I fix this? Like, I would just harp on myself for it because of my past. There's, like, parts of it that, like, sucks still. And it's also, like, not really having, like, parents. I guess you'd say everyone's like, oh, like, how's your mom and dad? I'm like, oh, my grandparents are doing good. It's always like the little things are like, you know,

thinking of like your father walking down the aisle one day. Like I knew that that wasn't the case. But I knew I had my grandfather to step in that place. So it was like little things that like would bug me. But it's like made me who I am today. So I'm like so grateful for the opportunity to be able to share my story and like have other people that can like relate to it. And like some people are inspired by it. But I'm like, it's just how it is. And I'm like, I don't want people to ever feel alone in any situation like that. Yeah. Can you share with us a little bit about your parents before your grandparents stepped in what was your relationship with them? What was their involvement in your life? So I didn't really have the best relationship. I mean, there were a lot of kids that were involved from different marriages and all the things. So I didn't really have the best relationship with them.

But, you know, my grandparents are my parents in a sense. So it's like I still had parents and like, you know, guardians and like people to look up to. But I didn't really have communication with them and still don't really have communication with them. Okay. When, were your grandparents always in the picture or did? For parts. Okay. So they had no idea what was happening when we were younger.

They weren't as involved, which wasn't all their fault whatsoever. Yeah. They did live kind of far away from us. So it wasn't, you know, we see them all the time type of a thing. They still would support us and like, you know, track meets when I was little and like all those different things. Yeah. But they had no idea like in like the prime time of everything that happened in my life. They had no idea.

And then after the fact, it was like a shock factor to them. But they've always like been like the best people ever. Like I remember my papa would like, you know, come and he would just like bring me a bag of like Cheetos or something. Every time he'd see me or bring me like a power rate to like attract me. And I just like, oh my gosh, like you're the best. You know, all the different things. But yeah. I love that. I feel like that's such a common thing to like remember that about your grandparents. Like I remember my nana. Whenever I'd say with her, she'd always give me a sprite. I would always give me a sprite. I love. Sprite, but she had like the cute, like, mini cans. And I just, like, so vividly remember her. Yeah. It's like the craziest thing. Yeah. It's a very, like, shared thing that I love. It's like the sense of their house too. Like I can like, like think of their house and I can't describe the smell. Yeah. But like I know what the smell is. Yeah. It's like the craziest. Exactly. Who's parents? Are they your dad's parents? Dad's parents. Okay. Yes. When, was your mom always in the picture or not so much. Okay. She, I mean, I grew up obviously. It was like, I want to say joint custody. So we would see her like every once in a while. Yeah. And then there just became a point where like we didn't see her. Yeah. I don't really know the full reasoning behind it.

But then she just wasn't really in the picture. And then we tried to reconnect with her a couple of times. And, you know, just wasn't the best interest of us at the time. Yeah. So then after that, we really haven't rekindled or reconnected or anything. Yeah. Was that hard trying to like reconnect with her and maybe being met with? Yes, it's hard because there's so many working parts in it. And it's like so many different sides, so many different things where it's like, I will never like judge someone based off of what I've heard about them. I will take everything at face value. So for me, it's like I could hear, you know, crazy things. And I'm just like I am going to like do this like and learn them in their heart like on my own terms. So that's kind of like how I took it. And it's just, I don't know. It's just hard. It's just a tricky situation sometimes. But yeah. Did I. Did I.

read that you lived by yourself? Yes. I lived by myself for a short period of time. How old were you? I was in high school. So I was like, it was my, like, my sophomore junior yearish. How, how did that come to be? Um, I don't know, there was just a lot of working parts within our family where my brother, he was living with me and he made a decision for himself and like I fully respect it. He was like, I'm going to try. like do something for myself and like do my thing. And it's not on him whatsoever. So I feel like it was just like the timing of it was. It just was what it was. And so I ended up being on my own. My dad was with my stepmother at the time and their other children. And it was just me. And then my grandparents found out about it. And then that's when, you know, everything started spinning and

twirling and then ended up just with them. Yeah. Did, because I know you lived by yourself for a period of time. Did you not want to burden anyone? Did you not feel like you could go to anyone to say, hey, could I live with you? Like, what were those emotions for you? Yes. So I didn't feel like I could talk to anyone about it. I feel like it was like not like embarrassing, but like I don't know. Like in your high school years, like it's always like people like comparing themselves and their lifestyles and everything.

And I just like didn't want to be a burden to anyone. I don't really talk about like the hard things. Like I just will bottle it in until I just erupt one day. Yeah. And it's like my worst toxic trait. but I'm like, it is true. Yeah. So I feel like whenever that was happening, I couldn't talk to people about it.

I couldn't bring it up. But I also, like, didn't know how to or what to do. But I had a counselor, and she was very aware of me and Wyatt's situation growing up. And I still remember her to the same. I'm like, I'm not going to say her name because I'm like, I don't know if she would want to be out there or not. But she was the kind of sweetest soul ever. Like still somewhat stay in contact with her every once in a while, once in a blue moon will message her. But she was very aware of our situation, was very supportive of it.

and helped in so many different ways. And then other people that I did know growing up, I would go and stay with them or like I'd go to their house and eat dinner and like, you know, be able to feel like I was living like a normal life and not so isolated. But also at the same time, I was fine being by myself.

Yeah. Like I felt like it was like kind of clarity for me in a sense where it was like, I mean, I didn't have any rules. I didn't have any expectations. Like I just did my own thing. But that's why I'm such a rule follower to this day is because I didn't have that,

but I had the expectation on myself of like all these different things. So I didn't, I don't know, like didn't have to worry about certain things. Like I was always going to school, was always on time. Like, no, I didn't have food on the table ever. And like, you know, how was I going to pay the bills and do all these different things? Yeah. So it was like difficult. But at the same time, like I was okay. Like I was going to make it. I was going to figure it out. Like I knew that something good was going to happen. I didn't know what. I didn't know how to explain it. But I was like, I know I'm going to be okay. Which is weird. Yeah. Wow. So then when your grandparents took you in, was that, I imagine there was a sense of relief with that. I literally was just like huge weight lifted off my chest. And I was like, this is it. Like we're safe. We're good. We're like happy. And this is like going to be the start of like your new life basically. Like this is like where it all begins. Yeah. Were they privy at all to like like I can't imagine them learning that you were on your own and them being like what like just being stunned? Like were they? privy at all to anything that was going on in the home that made you and your brother leave?

No. So they, I feel like they didn't really know a lot of the things that were happening behind closed doors, basically. Yeah. I mean, all the things, you know, it is like on social media. Like, everything seems like a highlight reel and that sort of thing. So like that's, I feel like the sense that they were getting. Yeah. So like they just had no idea. But then once they, you know, found out it was like, I don't know, like they just did everything in the correct ways and got like temporary cuts. of me so that I could be with them. And I'd carry this paper around to school all the time where it said that they had temporary custody in case anything were to happen. And I would like guard that paper with my life. I'm like it was like on me 24-7 like did not go anywhere without it. And then once I was with them, I was like, we're good. And this is going to be amazing. I love that. Technology was supposed to make our lives easier. So why does it feel like we now have less and

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give you a time, date, like what was happened, what was said. I feel like the hard part was is like I kind of like block out parts because I'm like, it's just easier for me to not have to deal with it. Or sure. That makes sense. So I feel like I could not tell you like the last conversation that I had the last time I saw them. but the last thing was said, but I'm also like, I'm okay with that. Yeah. It's like my way of like coping with it, I guess, in a way. Yeah. I mean, yeah, that's definitely a very common trauma of response, but it seems like it's almost working to your advantage. Sometimes it's not healthy and maybe there's some unhealthy things under there. But I feel like, I feel like it's a very common thing when I sit down with people and they're like, I actually don't remember parts of my life because I feel like I'm the same way. My husband's the same way. He's like, I blocked out like four years of my life. I literally can. But it's like, I don't know. It's weird because it's like easier to. And it's like, it's like easier to. to cope with it, I feel like, which is odd to say because it's like, I don't know, like, obviously childhood, like there's parts of it where I'm like, oh, yeah, that seemed like it was good and, you know, certain things and whatever, but I'm like, I could not fully explain all

the details. Yeah. Also, I was so young where it's like I don't know a lot of the things that did happen or like, you know, situations are like, you know, what the adults were talking about versus like me as a kid seeing it from my perspective. So it's like difficult to try to like piece everything together where it's like in a sense to me I'm like I've moved past it where it's like I don't need to go back and like put all these puzzle pieces together and figure it out and like the reasonings and all the things I'm like it just is what it is and yeah it's happened so I can't change anything so just move on from it yeah good for you for that um you touched on it a little but I'm curious how your upbringing how you see it coming out and affecting like your

relationships with people yes so I feel like I don't know I've learned a lot from what I went through, like, what I went through. So I feel like by going through what I did, I just respect, you know, relationships more, like the relationship I have with my grandparents. Like, every relationship I have now is so intentional. And, like, I just will give a million percent to anyone that's around me. Like, regardless of it feels like it's hurting me or making me feel like, you know, I'm exhausted. I'm tired of this. I will still, no matter what, give a million percent to everyone else around me. So it's like the positive that came from it. But then there's sometimes where I'm like, I can't say no to people.

Like, I cannot say no whatsoever, no matter what the situation is. So that's like my downfall of it is I always just have to say yes to situations. Yeah. I'm curious what does like healing look like for you now? Like, what do you feel like? I mean, obviously, that whole upbringing is a big thing to overcome. But I'm curious, you know, taking a look inward at yourself. Maybe like what you're most proud of for healing or what's been.

the biggest thing you feel like you've had to overcome? I don't know. I just feel like learning through it and like taking it and not using it as a negative and being like, oh, like, poor me, like this happened to me, this happened to me, this happened to me. And using it as like an excuse, like flipping it more into a positive. Like I always see things as the positive in life. Yeah. But I feel like by taking things that I went through and learning and growing from them and applying them into like, you know, how I want to parent one day or how I want to, you know, race a family, like all these different things. and even like having relationships with people. I'm like, the fact that I've learned and grown from it has helped me like overcome what it was.

Like instead of like sitting there and dwelling on it, I just take it and like flip it into a positive and like apply the good parts of what I've learned from it into real life. Do you want kids? Yes. Not yet. Yeah. But I do want kids. Yeah. Is there something that you're looking forward to with kids or maybe like a way you want to parent them or something you don't want to do?

thing you do. I mean, I'm sure you can list things you don't want to do. But something that you're like, oh, when I'm a parent, I definitely like want to make sure I do this. I just want to be very like supportive. Like I don't want to be like, you know, overbearing mom, you know, like all, you know, over the top type of a person. But I want them to know, like they can come and talk to me about anything. Like, yeah, their biggest support system. Like, even if they think I'll be mad about a situation, like, I'd rather you come tell me and like, you know, I want to be that person for you where you feel like you're in a safe space and you can say anything to. And that's like my going to be my main goal like when I do become a parent. But also I'm just excited to have like a

mini like me and stone like running around. Like that's just the craziest thought. It's going to be either like, you know, five foot or like seven foot. So got a huge height difference. That's funny. Just having like someone that's like you know, you and your partner is like the craziest concept to me where I'm like so excited for it. I know. I feel like we're friendly at the age where like that's like happening like that will happen soon and it's like a crazy concept to like think. Yeah. I've always wanted to be a mom. But now that it's like actually like the time is coming here, basically. I feel that. Yeah. I'm like, I'm like, am I ready? Am I not ready? But I'm like, you can never fully be prepared for a child. For sure. When did you start cheering? So I started when I was

super young, but it was a smaller program. Um, was not the same competitiveness that there was at like Navarro college. Yeah. So I did a little bit when I was younger. And then when I moved to Wyoming, they didn't really have cheer there. Yeah. But I had a lot of like self-taught skills and like, you know, I could just throw backflip in the grass just for fun. Yeah. And do cartwheels and stuff during like, you know, other sports. Like during track, I'm like doing cartwheels and backflips when I should be running. Yeah. Um, so I just like always had that like drive into me to be the cheerleader. And I was like, I just love it. Like I love flipping my body. It's like a cool, like party trick, all the things. Yeah. Um, but then like took a huge break, obviously. Um, and then in college, I was like,

I want to be a cheerleader. Like, I want to be a cheerleader. Like, I want to be a later in college. So I actually went to University of Wyoming my first year. Wait, I'm sorry, you didn't, I'm shocked right now. You haven't been doing this your entire life. No. What? Yeah, I did it when I was young for a little bit and then he took a break from it for a few years. And then I ran cross country and track and played basketball. But I still like flipped on the side. Like my species are you. My technique is awful. That's crazy. Okay, sorry. It's like self-taught. It's like ghetto cheer, but I still did it. Oh my gosh. Okay. So sorry. Keep going. You did cheer at Wyoming. Yes. Okay.

Because there weren't any like cheer programs like in Wyoming. Yeah, yeah. There was like gymnastics gyms, but there were also like hours and hours away from us. And then the closest cheer like place that I could do competitive cheer out was in Denver, Colorado. And I wanted to go there so bad. But it was so expensive. We couldn't afford it.

So and it didn't make sense to drive, you know, seven hours to go to cheer practice. Like that's just not realistic. So I just didn't do any sort of cheer. And then in college, I was like, I want to be a cheerleader. Like I'm going to go to University of Wyoming. I'm going to, you know, try out for the cheer team. tried out for the cheer team, made it. And it was more like game day cheer.

It wasn't the competitiveness that I had like the drive for. Yeah. So I went for my first semester and then ended up leaving after that. Got it. And then I told my grandparents, I was like, I still want to cheer. I still want to cheer. I still want to cheer. Like if you're going to go somewhere like that's cheering, like you need to go somewhere

where they, you know, know what they're doing and like, you know, all the things. So I was like, okay. So I Googled, best places to cheer in the United States of America. Navaral College pops up. I watch a video and I was like, I'm going there. I'm going there. So I go on their website. I'm like looking up their Instagram. I'm so shocked by this story right now. All the details. I was trying to figure out like where it's at, like all the information. I'm like, okay, it's a junior college. Like this, all these different things.

Because I'm like, I'm still like technically first year of college. So I was like, oh my gosh, like I can, you know, go in and like it'll be cheaper for me. Like I can still leave financial aid, like all the things. And they had a trial or a clinic that was coming up. So I go to my grandparents and I'm like, hey. So there is this college. I really want to go. to. It's called DeBaro College. It's in Texas. It's a shocker. And they're like, you're going to Texas. And I was like, well, it's like go to this clinic, just like test it out and like see, you know, everyone else is a better cheerleader to me. But I'm going to test it out anyways. So I baked them, bake them, bake them. My pop ends up driving me down to Texas from Wyoming. And we go to this

clinic. And I am terrible. I'm awful. I can't do any skills compared to all the other people they were there. They all cheered at like cheer athletics and had been doing competitive cheer since they were like six. Yeah. Like every single year like the highest level that you can compete at at their age division. And I was so intimidated. I was like, I suck. I'm awful. Like all these different things. Like I'm like still trying to like learn how to do stunts there. And like yeah. I'm having like the best time at the same time though. I'm like this is so cool. Like I watched you guys on videos. Like you guys are iconic. Like this is crazy. And so then they're like, oh yeah, like we have a trial at this date, whatever. So I come back for the try. And so I come back for the try. out. And I'm like talking to Monica at the end of it. I try out was awful. I literally, I don't, I didn't fall in my trial, but I just literally did the most basic skill. I did like a toss target or like a full up and then like an arabesque that was like so ratchet and then try to do double down and it was just ankles like crossed just literally awful. If I were to watch that back now, I would probably like laugh cry at myself. Yeah. And it was just an awful tryout and I like never wore my shoes outside. It was like a weird thing I did for the longest time. I was like, they're inside shoes. Like, they stay in

pristine condition, all the things. I walked out of the trial and my grandma was with me. We had flown down for the trial. And I walked out with my shoes on and she was like, oh, no, this is not good. Like, she probably didn't make it. Like, something happened. And I was like, I didn't make the team because I was so, so, so intimidated by all the people that were there because they were so phenomenal. And I'm like watching them do like all these crazy transitions and all these crazy stunts that I had never done ever in my life. So I was like, yeah, I'm not making the team. So. I go back home and there was like a couple months before we got like, you know, the letter

in your email saying that you made it or you didn't make it. So at this point, I still am waiting around still not hearing anything. So I made plans to go to a different college. And I was like, you know, doing all the paperwork to get like accepted into the school because I was like, I don't think I'm going to make Navarro. Like there's no way. One day get an email. Well, I didn't get an email. I had messaged Monica on email and I was like, hey, I just didn't get an email, like, you know, it's either yes or no. Like, I didn't get either. So I was like, oh, like, I just want to know if it's a no. So I can make my other plans. And she was like, oh my gosh, well, actually, we forgot to send it to you. Like, you're on the team. Like, we have camp in like a month.

And I'm like, I made Navarro. Like, I didn't get like the official email where it's like, you are Navarro College cheerleader for the season or whatever. I didn't get that email. I just got, oh my gosh, yeah. Like, we actually did select you. You're on the team. You're on the list. Like, we have camp in a month. So I'm like, oh my God, my life is crazy. Like, this is not real. So then I'm like going shopping to get like sports bras that are red and like spandex that are red, like trying to like this girl. I'm like, oh my gosh, iconic. So then I go down, go to the camp and then end up starting school in Navarro. And then that's how they started filming cheer.

They just came to film like the proof of concept. And then from that point on, I just was at Navarro learned millions and millions of skills. Like I don't even can't even comprehend how I gained the skills that I did so quick. Yeah. I just like didn't have the fear of like trying anything. I was like, let's just flip our body and see how this, see how this goes. Yeah, that's like, yeah, you really had no fear because that is insane that that you, I don't know. I can't remember if you said that, but knowing the skills that you can do, like, and hearing this whole story, my mind is like, nowadays can't really do that much. But like, I'm retired. My body hurts. Yeah. But I could probably still do a backflip if I, like, Matt talked myself enough to it. Yeah, I think good. I think you could. What was it like when the docu-series came out? And I'm sure there was like a big influx of. It was insane. Yeah. I that was actually not like a very bad low for me, but I was not taking care of myself whatsoever. My mental health was plummeting, which was so crazy because it was such like a highlight in my life. Yeah. But I, there's no like textbook on how to like adapt to being in the public eye. You don't get, you know, a book handed to. And it's like, hey, this is how to deal with it. And like I did not have a manual. Yeah. So I just basically got thrown to the sharks. And I'm like trying to figure it out like I'm getting all these like followers and like I'm

flying to LA and I'm flying to New York and I'm still going to school at Navarro and Texas A&M at the exact same time. So I'm doing double school. I'm doing all these interviews still have cheer practice. I'm like, how do I manage all these different working parts? Yeah. So it was like overload like was like eating meals during the day because I just didn't have the time. So I'd literally drank like five energy drinks during a single day just so I could be prepped and ready for like an interview or have enough energy to flip my body at practice or like stay up to like finish homework assignments. Like, it was psychotic. So it was a very huge adjustment. Yeah. But I don't know, it's like one of those things where you just like learn and like adapt and like then it's good. Yeah.

What was your relationship with social media during that time? Because I imagine having that all of that noise coming to you from social media. It was insane. I cried so much. I basically never cry. I'm like, I feel like me crying is like showing too much emotion for myself. I just will bottle it. I'm like, I saved it from my pillow. Yeah. But I cried every single day, I feel like, because I would get messages of people saying that they were in similar situations as me or that they have related to me or knew someone and like all these different things.

And like, I would just break down crying at like the stories that I was hearing. And like people have been like, I've really connected to your story. Like it's really like resonated with me or it's helping me get through the situation I'm in now. Or I'm just like sobbing my eyes out. I'm like, I can't explain like the feelings that I had because I'm like, I feel like I'm helping people. And I was like, I didn't know that that would have that effect. Like, I didn't know that, like, sharing my story and being so vulnerable was going to help people where I was just,

like, a complete mess. Like, could not process, like, emotions, thoughts. Like, yeah. It was just, like, so wild. So it was, like, a healthy relationship with it at that point. Yeah. Because it's like, you know, you're seeing all these people and, like, how you're, like, helping them and, like, you know, how your life is, like, making a difference in other people. I was like, this is insane. But also it's cool because I was like, oh my gosh, I'm getting like likes and followers and like people are like, you're pretty like you're getting like all these like nice comments. And then, you know, a few years later you get like the mean comments like, oh, you're wearing a baggy sweatshirt because you're gaining weight and like all this stuff around like, okay, whatever.

Yeah. So don't have like any negativity towards social media anymore. Yeah. But it was like a difficult adjustment from going to literally nothing to having a million followers in like three days. It was like night and day difference. That's so sweet that you got to have like that tender moment with all those messages. Yeah, it's insane. I have screenshots of all of them like literally still saved in my camera roll from like all these times. That's so smart. I feel like we talk about so much, which I think we should like having boundaries, social media and, you know, the harm it can cause because I do think there is detriment to it because our brains aren't supposed to have that much going to it all the time.

But on the other end, like with this podcast, like the amount of people that will. come up to me and be like, tell me that this podcast saved their life. And like, it's just mind-blowing to me. Like, I've still saying it. It's, it's so cool that, you know, us sitting here today, like, this is going to help someone. Like, all we're doing is, we're just talking. Like, we're just sharing our life. And, you know, it's- That's the crazy part, though, is, like, I don't know, like, it's hard because some people, like, for social media, for example, a lot of people see it as, like, the highlight reels of people's lives. Yeah. Which that's what it is. Like, I'm not going to post a picture that I don't think I look good in.

Yeah. I'm going to post a picture. I'm like, oh, yeah. Yeah, I'm eating. Like, that's fierce. I love that. So I'm going to post all this stuff. And people are going to see it, but they're going to see the highlights. They're not going to see me, you know, cleaning out my cat's litter box. They're not going to see me doing, like, certain things where it's like the highlight reel. So that's where people start comparing themselves to others. And like, that's where the toxic part of social media comes into play, which is like so different. But having like stuff where it's like real and raw and like just showing like the different sides of you. I'm like, now I post pictures and I don't even edit a single photo. Yeah. Like there'll be pictures where someone will post a picture. and it's like full edited and then my version's unedited. Yeah. Because I'm like, it's just real and raw. Like, you know, and I look down in the road like at some of the pictures, I'm like, that filter was so bad. I'm like, why did I do that?

And I'm like, I whiten my teeth so much, that's insane. Literally, I had to like archive some of the photos on my Instagram from a while ago. So I'm like, what, like, what even was I thinking with this filter? Like, why did we do that? I thought I was eating, but it was just a trend. At the time, at the time we were eating. Now, maybe not so much. I take it back.

Were you scared at all sharing about your personal life? Terrified. Okay. I was so scared. I remember having conversations with Greg about it. And like at first, when you first started talking to me, like,

we didn't know I was going to be like a main character. I didn't really have like that thought until like it got very close to cheer airing. Because then they would like go home with people and film at their hometowns. And I was like having these conversations to all these interviews with them. And they would ask me these questions and I would just like dodge it. You know, I'd be like, so like, you know, tell us about this. And I'd just be like, yeah, cheer practice today was really hard. And, you know, I'm like avoiding it. And so then I had a heart to heart with Greg

and was just like explaining to him, like my story. And he's like, just go in there and just say the same thing you said to me. And I'm like, I just feel like I'm going to be judged. Like, I feel like it's a part of me that like I've hidden for so long. And like people like people like on this cheer team. Like, people are, you know, I have friends now. Like, I have, like, a good life where I don't want to, like, bring that up and make people think of me differently. I was terrified of what other people were going to think. And then, you know, flip side of it, it's like, people didn't think that. It was, like, the complete opposite where I was like, I hit it forever. Like, I was so embarrassed by it, like, didn't want to share, didn't want anyone to know about it.

And now it's like the world knows, but it's like helping others where I was like, I would have never in a million years would have thought sharing my story would have done that. But I was, terrified. Terrified. That's so special because that's clearly something like even when you were in high school like going through it, you didn't want people to know of your home situation. And that's really awesome that, you know, well, it's not awesome that it carried with you, but that that carried with you and then you got to share your story and how the response has been to that. Do you feel like you've like overcome that feeling of wanting to hide that? Yes. I feel like at first I obviously was so scared, but now it's like seeing how you can relate to people and like can help them

get through tough situations or like be a light in their life. I'm like, let's go for it. Like I'll give you all the tea. I'll give you, you know, whatever you want to know, like, because it just like helps people. And that's the thing is like you want, like I love like watching people on social media that I can relate to or like they give like the real and the raw because it's like, that's just that's life. That's normal life. Like yeah. So like seeing, you know, all these highlights of like these fashion posts and everything. But I'm also like the girls that are just sitting in a t-shirt that's just like, you know,

just making coffee and just talking about this crazy thing that happened at the DMV. I'm like, oh my gosh, I love it. I know. That's why I love TikTok so much because I feel like it's really like, like, not normalize. What's the word I'm liking for? Like I will post TikToks like nothing on my face in the back, like, like,

looking like Adam Sandler. Just, just post to post. Yeah, literally. Like you don't have to think about it. You just do it. Yeah. You could totally just be yourself. And I feel like TikTok really brings out the, you know, a day in the life or like,

get ready with me. And it's people like, like you said, like cleaning the litter box. Like people will show them themselves doing that. I feel like it's really. It makes it so much more relatable. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Like, okay. Like, yeah, this is like real life. Yeah. I love it. Because I want to talk about it. Period. Period. I, we love, we're like a sucker for like any form of game competition.

Yes, reality show. But we were excited with this one because we knew, I mean, not know, but a lot of the cast we liked. And so we were like, oh, this is like, what is this going to be about? This is interesting. When you were first talked to about this, what was your initial reaction? I was excited. I was so stoked because my husband and I are the same way. Like, we love watching like squid games and like, yeah, the circle and like all these competition shows. And we always like joke about it. Like if something, if someone like drops a, you know, puzzle people. or something on Survivor. We're like, how does you do that? We're like so intense with it. We're like, there's no way. There's no way. So seeing it and like getting an opportunity to do it, I was like, oh, let's go. It's game time. Like, this is going to be iconic. Yeah. So I was so stoked for it. Oh my gosh. What was your, what was your least favorite part? I have a feeling I know what the least favorite part is, but I'll let you share. Least favorite part was eating the bugs. Obviously, that's disgusting. My favorite part was actually like getting to meet the cast. was so different because some of the people that were on the cast, their shows hadn't come out yet.

So QT and Kyle from The Circle, their season of The Circle hadn't come out yet. Oh, wow. And same with Bree that was on too what to handle. So, like, it was, like, interesting going in. And, like, I didn't know these people and, like, didn't know them from their show. So it was harder for, like, strategic gameplay. Because I was, like, I can't reference how you played on your show or, like, how you portrayed on it. But it was, like, nice to get to know them for, like, who they were.

and then also watch them have their show come out and just be a part of it. It felt like behind the scenes. That was like one of my favorite parts was like connecting with the cast members and like, you know, I'd watch some of them like on shows and stuff. But like to like be living all with each other for like, you know, weeks and stuff, it was insane. Yeah. Was there someone there that you had watched that you were like surprised to see or excited to see? Yes.

So I was excited to see Geo and Polly from Selling the OC because I love watching it and Selling Sonset I'm obsessed with. So I was really excited to see them and be able to meet them. Trey, I remembered from Squid Games because he, him and his mom and all the things. And then also I remembered Lorenzo because I was like, he's the one that stole the food. Like, I remember that. So I was like, recognized them, like, knew where they were from. So I was like, oh my gosh, this is cool.

I'm going to meet you guys. Like, also, like, I want to know all the behind the scenes of Squid Games, like, how it operated. Like, I want all the tea. So it was nice to meet them. George I had seen on her shows and same with Chase. Yeah. So it was, like, nice to see them because I'm like, you guys pop up on my screens all the time. But like, and we've been in the same place at the same time, but we've never, like, cross paths.

Yeah. So, like, it's so cool to, like, actually, like, be doing something together. Yeah. So I was really excited about that. Yeah, I mean, the whole cast, like, everyone, like, I was so excited to meet Shubi. I was like, oh, my God, I love you already. Like, I already know we're going to be best friends. So, like, let's kick you up.

Yeah. And that's just what happened to be your best friends. I love that. Would, who's, like, the closest are you still, like, close with from the show? I would say I'm closest with Shuby, QT. Ile and Nick. Those are like the people I'm closest from. I, fun fact, QT, I call it Corey because I, I, we danced together in college. Shut up. So, um, we both did a dance. I went to school originally for dance and then I

switched to nursing, but we were in the same dance program in Long Beach. And so I, we've like been Instagram friends because we were in the same program and that is wild. We've just been like friendly. And then all of a sudden she like started posting and she was on the circle. I was like, wait, what? And then when the show came out, I was like, Wait, you're on my TV. Like, this is so funny. She's a sweetheart. She's awesome.

I mean, we've kept in touch, obviously, over social media, but I haven't seen her in years, but it's so fun. I was with her yesterday, the day before. Yeah. It's so fun, like, getting, it's, like, such a random thing, but it's really cool, like, getting to see her, like, shine on there and all of those. Yeah, that is insane. I know. It's crazy. It's so random.

I'm curious, what's next for you? What are you excited about? Is there something you want to do? Are you just excited to do, like, go home and be married? and I'm excited to go see my husband and cuddle with my cats, obviously. But I'm just excited to like see like where life takes me because I feel like I don't have like a set plan of like what I want to do. I just love like dabbling in all these different things and like just experiencing like the different things that this career, you know, has. Yeah. So I feel like I'm excited to see like

what there is in the future. Yeah. But it's like there's not like one specific thing that I'm like fully looking forward to since, you know, eventually having kids. Yeah. But career wise, I'm just excited to see like what the future holds and, you know, just go with the flow. Yeah. I love that for you. Well, great. Okay, I have a last little segment for us. It's seven questions. You can rapid fire them. You can go into a monologue if you feel like your heart wants to do that. It's called Lemon 7. So seven questions. The first one is what movie or song title best describes your mental health today? I would say, this is the life by Miley Cyrus slash Hannah Montana. Because I'm like, this is a lot. Like that's right now.

We're like, live in it. Yeah. Live in love. You are living the life. I love that. Number two is how open are you with people in your life when struggling? Not very open at all. I'm very closed, but I have a very, very small group of people that I can barely even

fit on one hand that I feel very comfortable telling anything to. But outside of that, I will not share much with anyone else that's not in like that very, very close-knit circle. Yeah. Number three is if you could follow three social media. accounts only follow three social media accounts what would they be okay so I thought of this one yeah so I would say Kylie May um love her she she I love her love her she's the cutest thing ever and christie Howard and the reason why I'd follow both of them is because they're just real and raw with their social

media like they post struggles they post you know no makeup like all the different things where they're so relatable yeah but like their character and like their personalities like and they're just like so funny where I'm like, I am obsessed and I'm in love with you guys. And I don't know, I just feel like they're so relatable. Like even like, you know, Kaylee talking about like how she had a miscarriage and like all these like hard things. Yeah. Where it's like, she's so open with it where it's like I feel like I can really with like how I was with cheer where I just like admire her for it. Yeah. And like same with Christy. She's just like the sweetest person ever like like, like I know that like if I met them like I'd be best friends with them. Yeah. So I'm like would follow them hands down.

And then the last one I would follow would be Starbucks because I feel like I have to know like what the new drinks are. Yeah. Like, I just have to know. So those would be the three people I'd fall. Well, you came, what, what is your drink that you have here? It is the ice vanilla chai made with brephe. It is my iconic, we call it the Morgan. Oh my gosh. I need to try that. But I haven't had a chai and so long. It's like Christmas in a cup. Like I am obsessed with it. Is it like really sweet? Yeah. You like, would. Would you drink like a plain coffee? Yeah, I would. But I also love sugar. That's so shocking. I love sugar. I wouldn't drink black coffee, but I got into it because I learned more about like how Starbucks like roast their coffee and like where it comes

from and like the different notes of it and like I gained appreciation for black coffee. But before I would not drink black coffee, I would have more creamer than I would have coffee. Yeah. And now I'm like I could actually sit there and drink, you know, just plain coffee and be completely fun. I love that for you. I love your Starbucks content. That's really cute. That's really cute. Okay. Number four is what is your favorite form of self care. Sounds weird, but hibernating is what I call it. Okay. So literally I just shut down. No phones, no TVs, no, like, going out, doing anything. Like, I'm literally I'm just in bed and I'm doing arts and crafts or something. And it's just like, like a detox, if that makes sense. And also a good bubble bath. I love me a good bubble bath. Oh my gosh.

I need to hibernate. I love, I love that. Some days I'm like, I'll tell my husband, I'm like, I'm working from bed today. Yeah. Don't. I'm like, you just have to be out of bed. Like, you just need it. Yeah. Like, it's just, I don't know, it's just like a full factory reset. Because sometimes I'm like, I have too many tabs open. Yeah. We just need a full factory reset this and just try again. That's so good. So that's my best way of doing it. Hybernating. I haven't figured out another way that's more successful than that. So we're just sticking with it. Yeah, we'll stick with that. Number five is,

what is the most misunderstood thing about you? That I'm actually 27. Everyone thinks that I'm like 15, 16, 17 years old. I'm like, guys, I'm 27. And I don't still cheer. That's the other thing. Everyone's like, oh my gosh, you still cheer? I'm like, that was like five years ago. Did you look, because I feel like I've been seeing people post on social media. Like, now they're 30, but people think they're like a teenager. And when they were a teenager, people think they were older. I'm going to look the same from the point where I was 12 years old until I'm like 65. Yeah, you're going to have your kids.

And people are going to think you're like babysitting them. They're going to be like, oh, like, is this your sister? And I'm like, nope, I gave birth to this one. Hey, that'll be good. That'll be good for you. And they say it pays off later in life. Yeah. Oh, I'm like, I'm just waiting for it.

Yeah. I'm just waiting for it. You're patiently waiting. Number six is who has had the most positive impact on your mental health? I would say my grandparents for sure and also my husband. Like it's like different parts of my life. They play different roles. But even my grandparents still play a role today. Yeah. But those are like the three people where I'm like hands down. This is like fully changed my life for the better. Yeah. Number seven is if you can go back to one moment in your life, what moment would that be and what would you say to yourself? A million percent. I'd go back to when I was younger when I was going through all my hard times. And I would tell myself, like, it's

going to be good. It's going to be okay. Like, you're going to get through this. Like, you know, you're going to find people that are going to surround you that are going to love you that are going to love you that are going to care for you and support you. And you're also going to tell your story one day. And it's going to like impact and inspire others. I think she would have loved to hear that. I think she would have been like, you're like, oh, no, I'm actually not. She's like, no, I'm actually never going to talk about it. We're not doing that. And we're also not cheering. We don't cheer. We're going to run track instead. Oh my gosh.

that's so good. Well, thanks for coming and chatting. This is so fun. I love getting to learn more about you more than I have from watching you on TV. But I'm excited to film some TikToks because you had some ideas. I'm excited. You're the sweetest. Thanks for having me. Of course. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.