Selma Blair opens up about how early labels shaped her and her battle with MS and alcoholism. She discusses hiding her diagnosis for her career, finding freedom in hitting rock bottom, and her journey to becoming an advocate. The podcast also touches on vulnerability, personal growth, and a book recommendation.
Childhood labeling impacts identity formation, leading to unexpected career paths.
Overcoming challenges like alcoholism and MS diagnosis can lead to personal growth and advocacy.
Deep dives
Impact of Childhood Labeling on Identity Formation
The podcast discusses how Selma Blair's parents labeled her as a 'mean baby' from a young age, impacting her self-perception. Despite this early portrayal, she went on to achieve success as a movie star. The conversation delves into the effects of such childhood labeling on identity formation and how it influenced her journey, including her eventual career in acting and writing.
Navigating Transition from Writing to Acting
Selma Blair's transition from aspiring writer to actress is highlighted in the podcast. Initially desiring to pursue writing, she found her path shifting towards acting. The discussion reveals a pivotal moment where a teacher labeled her as an actress, leading her to enter the world of acting despite her initial reservations. It delves into the complexities of adapting to a new identity and career trajectory.
Journey from Fame to Personal Growth
The podcast explores Selma Blair's experience with fame and personal growth amidst challenges. It sheds light on her candid reflections on handling fame with gratitude, along with her struggles with alcoholism. The conversation delves into her transformative journey, including pivotal moments like hitting rock bottom with alcohol abuse and navigating her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis publicly. Blair's narrative emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, acceptance, and advocacy in her evolving identity.
Before Selma Blair was an actor, an advocate or a writer, she was known as, “Mean Baby” – a nickname lovingly given to her by her parents. Although that comes off innocent enough, how does that kind of nickname impact your sense of self? So, she might’ve started out as "Mean Baby," but Selma’s somebody you likely know from movies like Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde and Hellboy. She’s also gotten a lot of attention recently for opening up about her diagnosis with MS and her struggles with alcoholism. So what happens when you feel like your life is predetermined for you? Why can hitting rock bottom actually be kind of freeing? And what do you do when your doctor tells you to hide your diagnosis of MS for your career? Selma tells Tom about all this and more.
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