Vulnerable Podcast

Today on Vulnerable, I talk with Lisa Jakub. You may remember her from Mrs. Doubtire, Independence Day, and The Beautician and the Beast, to name a few. I had the pleasure of meeting her at 90's Con. In this episode, Lisa shares with me how she started acting as a child and the events that led up to her decision to ultimately quit the industry. She details the work she did to discover herself outside of performance and how she addressed her anxiety and depression. Today, Lisa has written two books, is the CEO and founder of two organizations. Blue Mala is a pay-what-you-can mental health community that offers yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. Mission Flexible is a non-profit which supports veterans through mindfulness retreats. Lisa is inspiring because she has built a life that she truly loves when before she didn't have the agency to do so. I hope this episode is encouraging to everyone to care for their mental health and seek community in the process. Follow Lisa @lisa.jakub on Instagram and @lisa_jakub on Twitter. Check out Blue Mala at bluemala.com and Mission Flexible at missionflexible.org. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Vulnerable, I get to chat with Nikki DeLoach. You may remember her from MTV’s Awkward, many Hallmark movies, and as a member of the popular 90’s cult classic show “The Mickey Mouse Club” alongside Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera, to name a few of the iconic cast. I had the pleasure of meeting her at 90's Con. In this episode, Nikki and I reconnect over parenting, caregiving, the healthcare system, and her advocacy efforts with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Mind What Matters, and The Alzheimer’s Association. Nikki has been in the business for decades, from her early days in The Mickey Mouse Club to her girl group Innosense to now being a Hallmark leading lady. She is taking her experience and now writing and producing her own movies with Hallmark. Nikki is part of the new era Hallmark is creating. They are telling more stories that represent their diverse audience. The throughline for Nikki is to tell authentic stories. Nikki also shares her experience grieving her father's passing while working and how that has pushed her to a greater depth of authenticity in her work. She recently starred in A Gift of Peace, exclusively on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, which highlights grief in the midst of the holiday season. Nikki is SO REAL, and I am so appreciative of Nikki sharing her story and life experiences. I know it will encourage anyone to be more honest with themselves and with others. Follow Nikki @nikdeloach on Instagram and @nikkideloach on Twitter. Check out her website here - welcometowhatweare.com. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Vulnerable, I get to chat with Tia Stokes. She is the dancing QUEEN on TikTok. You may remember her from dancing to Glorious by Macklemore (feat. Skyler Grey) throughout her cancer journey. I was an avid follower and was rooting for her and her family. In this episode, Tia shares with me how she got into dancing and her decision to document her cancer + other illness via video. She gave us a real perspective on what it was like to be seriously sick during the height of the pandemic on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. She wanted to communicate to all there is still goodness in the midst of hard situations. She is currently cancer free, and beyond her social media fame and content creation, she designs merch, owns Vault Dance Studio, and is a wife and mom to 5. Tia's joy and optimism are so infectious. I am so grateful for her and her choosing to dance to support those who are going through health trials. So during this holiday season, I want to remind you of something that Tia said in our conversation. Every day, we have a chance to start again. So no matter where you are or what you are feeling, you are glorious! Follow Tia @thetiabeestokes on Instagram and TikTok. You can you can follow along her work at her website - tiabee.org. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Vulnerable, I get to chat with Allina Robie. Allina and I connected via TikTok when her Ukrainian orphan advocacy videos started popping up on my FYP. In this episode, Allina and I discuss how her childhood shaped her to become an orphan advocate. Last year, Allina moved to Ukraine to care for the orphaned and vulnerable children and young adults in the Zakarpattia Oblast of western Ukraine. Less than a month later, Russia invaded Ukraine. Allina details how her daily life has changed due to the war, also, how the war has exacerbated Ukraine's orphan crisis. Allina educates me on the differences between the Eastern Europe orphan crisis vs. the US foster system and how she is maintaining joy in the midst of war. Allina's compassion, vulnerability, and joyful demeanor are evident throughout our conversation, and I know the kiddos under her care are receiving lots of love. I appreciate her education, advocacy, and the beauty of the internet that brought us together! Follow Allina @allinakay on Instagram and TikTok. You can support Allina and her orphan care work by donating here. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Vulnerable, I get to chat with Monique Coleman. Monique is a Multi-hyphenate Creative - actress, speaker, producer, Emmy Nominated host and "Champion for Youth." In this episode, Monique and I catch up about what she's been up to, and goodness, she is up to A LOT. She's currently training in weapons, martial arts, taekwondo, and dancing to be prepared for the role she believes she is ready for. She's developing MOtivated Kids. She'll be your kiddo's future Fred Rogers meets Ms. Frizzle figure affirming and empowering kids. She's starring in Greed, joining the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series cast to reprise her role, and so much more. Monique and I take a step back and discuss how she got into the business, her time as the first-ever UN Youth Champion, how we can better protect child actors. This conversation is so FULL of heartfelt vulnerability. I am so grateful to have had such a candid with Monique and see how her self-awareness and self-worth oozes out of her and encourage us all. Follow Monique @_moniquecoleman on Instagram, @moniquecolemanofficial on TikTok, and @gimmemotalk on Twitter. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Vulnerable, THE podcast queens Monica Padman and Liz Plank join me. Monica is a producer, podcaster, and actor. She is best known for co-creating, co-hosting, and building the Armchair Expert empire along Dax Shepard. Liz is a filmmaker, award-winning journalist, international bestselling author of For the Love of Men, and co-host of Man Enough Podcast. In this episode, Monica and Liz share with me why they decided to document the process of freezing their eggs and make it into a podcast. The Race to 35 Podcast is currently in the thick of their journey. Each episode invites different voices to talk about fertility as they document their experiences. It was an eye-opening journey for them, and they hope their personal experiences will support and educate others. We chat about how the intersections of feminism, ageism, class privilege, reproductive health + rights all converge around fertility and egg freezing. Monica and Liz are so generous to invite us along on their journey. There are tears, heartfelt laughter, anxious thoughts, and moments of clarity. Be sure to catch up on all the Race to 35 episodes wherever you stream podcasts. Follow Monica @mlpadman on Instagram. Follow Liz Plank @feministabulous on Instagram and Twitter + @lizplank on TikTok. To subscribe to her Substack go to - lizplank.substack.com and learn more about her work at www.elizabethplank.com. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

*Content Warning* In this episode, Alyson Stoner and I discuss the realities of child labor and the exposure child actors experience. We do discuss different traumas we experienced. It may be triggering, and we encourage you all to take care of yourself.  Today on Vulnerable, Alyson Stoner and I continue to our conversation advocating for high-performing children. Alyson is a multi-disciplinary artist - actress, singer, dancer, and podcast host, to name a few. You may remember her from Camp Rock, Cheaper By The Dozen, Step Up Franchise, and more. Alyson and I discuss the deeper work we are doing in our own healing journeys. We talk about how we work to feel safe, being in romantic relationships, and more. We share an update on our efforts to organize a way to advocate for and protect child actors. We both discuss if we would allow their kids to be in the business. Follow Alyson @alysonstoner on Instagram and TikTok. You can also follow Movement Genius @movementgenius on Instagram. To learn more about Movement Genius, go here. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today my guest is actor Max Casella. You may remember Max from Newsies, Doogie Howser, M.D., The Sopranos, Lion King on Broadway, and, currently, Tulsa King, to name a few. Let's be real, I'm a huge fan of Max Casella. In this episode, Max and Christy deep dive into his complicated relationship with his father and how his father's disapproval didn't prevent Max from pursuing his dreams. We should all be grateful because Max has been acting for 40 years and has such diverse credits from Broadway to voice-over work to Coen Brothers film to many culturally-iconic films and television shows. With his artistry and passion for the craft, he's graced our screens and brought storytelling and entertainment to us all. Max shared how despite how he looked, he actually wasn't a child actor. Due to pituitary dwarfism, a hormonal condition that inhibits growth, he landed roles that would suggest he was younger than his actual age. Max is currently playing Armand Truisi in Paramount +'s Tulsa King alongside Sylvester Stallone, which just premiered November 13, 2022. It was so great to connect with a fellow 'paisan' in the industry and see how our career paths have intersected over the years. I hope you enjoy this episode. You can follow Max @max.casella on Instagram. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano, on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano, TikTok @christcarlsonromano, and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today there is no guest. It was supposed to be Aaron Carter. It's my first solo episode. In this episode, I share my perspective and my experiences with sobriety and accountability. You get to know why I am hosting Vulnerable. I hope that this episode encourages those on their own journey with sobriety and the loved ones who are supporting individuals on that journey. You can have a fulfilling life being sober, and I want to remind you all to be kind to yourself. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano, on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano, TikTok @christcarlsonromano, and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. If you, or a family member, needs help with a mental or substance use disorder, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U), or use SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to get help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today my guest is the QUEEN of roasting on TikTok, the icon herself, Drew Afualo. In this episode, Drew shares with me her journey to becoming one of the most loved and hated people on TikTok. FYI - I LOVE HER (#TeamDrew). From getting her dream job at the NFL to being fired because she couldn't "build a following" to creating her TikTok account in the early pandemic, in these past few years, Drew has completely transformed her career. Today she spends her time calling out misogyny, patriarchy, bigots, and racists. She advocates for women, femmes, the LGBTQ+ community, people of color and other marginalized groups with witty honesty, humor, and her iconic laugh. She speaks truths that a lot of people react to. Drew opens up about her support system, how she stays grounded and navigates the vitriol that is piled upon her. Despite the heavy load of hate that is thrown her way, Drew's healthy boundaries, self-awareness and confidence keep her motivated to advocate and speak truth to oppressive systems and people. Drew continues to create her own path to fulfill her dreams. She is hosting two podcasts, collaborating with CHNGE on a capsule collection, hosting on red carpets, and more. We celebrate Drew for the content she creates, her advocacy, and holding bigots and racists accountable. We're here to support her journey and can't wait to see all the places she goes to in her career. You can follow Drew @drewafualo on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter. Her podcast Two Idiot Girls is going on tour. Get tickets here. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano, on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano, TikTok @christcarlsonromano, and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.