Podcast Summary: Books With Your Besties – Interview with Heather Vassar
Release Date: December 20, 2024
In this engaging episode of Books With Your Besties, hosts Emily and Ashley sit down with their dear friend Heather Vassar, delving deep into her multifaceted life, career, personal growth, and literary interests. The conversation spans Heather's professional journey in the music industry, her athletic past, her ongoing struggles and triumphs with mental health, her evolving relationship with religion, and her unique reading habits. Through candid discussions and humorous exchanges, listeners gain an intimate glimpse into Heather's world.
1. Introduction and Personal Background
The episode begins with Emily and Ashley warmly introducing Heather Vassar, a longstanding member of their book club and a confidant attending every retreat since its inception.
- Heather Vassar: "I've been in Nashville 15 years, been in the music industry 15 years, been at a label 11." [01:06]
Heather shares her roots, originally hailing from West Texas, and her academic background from Texas Tech in Lubbock before moving to Nashville to pursue her passion for music.
2. Career in the Music Industry
Heather provides an overview of her role in the music industry, highlighting her position as the Senior Vice President of Operations at Empire, the leading independent record label.
- Heather Vassar: "I am senior vice president of operations for Empire, which is the number one independent record label." [00:55]
Her decade-long tenure at the label underscores her deep expertise and commitment to the music business, emphasizing her preference for the creative side over the accounting profession she briefly pursued.
3. Athletic Background and Transition
The conversation shifts to Heather's athletic past, detailing her lifelong commitment to sports, particularly softball during her freshman year of college.
- Heather Vassar: "I was in a band in college, played in college, and we were like a rock... But when they took softball out of the Olympics, I quit." [02:31]
Heather recounts the challenges she faced when women's softball was removed from the Olympics, leading her to reevaluate her life's direction and reignite her passion for music.
4. Balancing a Busy Schedule and Mental Health
Heather discusses her hectic travel schedule, balancing work responsibilities, and maintaining her mental well-being. She openly talks about her need for rest and strategies to cope with constant movement.
- Heather Vassar: "I can go weeks with four and a half hours of sleep, but I'll need a good eight every now and then." [06:05]
- Emily: "Do you put your phone on do not disturb ever so that you don't get woken up?" [07:03]
- Heather Vassar: "My phone is as disciplined as I am... personal time from 5 am to 9 am." [07:09]
Heather emphasizes the importance of maintaining a routine regardless of her location, highlighting her disciplined approach to sleep, diet, and exercise to sustain her mental health amidst her demanding career.
5. Personal Journey with Religion and Identity
A significant portion of the interview delves into Heather's relationship with religion, her upbringing in a Southern Baptist, ultra-conservative family, and her journey towards self-acceptance.
- Heather Vassar: "Grew up Southern Baptist in an ultra-conservative family and have since fully deconstructed." [12:32]
- Heather Vassar: "I'm better and happier and more fulfilled than I've ever been. I'm more me than I've ever been." [14:16]
Heather candidly shares her struggles with reconciling her queer identity with her religious upbringing, the therapeutic work involved, and the transformative experiences that led her to embrace uncertainty and authenticity.
6. Reading Habits and Book Preferences
Heather opens up about her unique approach to reading, favoring audiobooks over traditional reading due to her auditory learning preference.
- Heather Vassar: "I probably read the most books I ever have last year. I just don't read creepy books." [24:00]
- Heather Vassar: "I'm an Audible, like, 99.9 percenter." [24:10]
She discusses her current reads, including Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell and Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry, and explains how her diverse listening choices reflect her mood-driven approach to consuming literature.
7. Involvement with Books and Retreats
Heather reflects on her evolving role within the book club and the retreats, initially hesitating to engage but eventually becoming an integral and beloved member.
- Heather Vassar: "I enjoy you guys and love watching and getting to know." [34:35]
- Emily: "Now, you, Honor, you've come to every retreat. You're mandatory guests. You stay with us." [34:16]
She shares insights into event planning, the challenges faced, and the importance of having dedicated professionals to manage the logistics, ensuring successful and enjoyable retreats for all members.
8. Social Media Presence and Personal Dynamics
A humorous and honest discussion ensues about Heather's absence from social media, her feelings of being overshadowed, and her role as the business side of the music industry.
- Heather Vassar: "I don't want a social media presence. That's not really my thing." [51:07]
- Emily: "We're a little bit upset with you right now... we're not sure if you're going to get invited because you have to leave early for some dumb show or something." [35:20]
Heather addresses misconceptions about her role and personality, emphasizing her dedication to her work and her preference for authentic, meaningful connections over digital fame.
9. Event Planning and Business Insights
The trio delves into the intricacies of organizing book retreats, learning from past mistakes, and the importance of hiring skilled event planners to alleviate stress and ensure seamless experiences.
- Heather Vassar: "I hate throwing events. It's not my strong suit. It's so stressful for me." [37:08]
- Emily: "We put so much back into the business... we can't afford to hire anybody." [38:10]
Heather highlights the value of professional assistance in event management, advocating for sponsorships and strategic investments to support the growth and quality of their retreats.
10. Conclusion and Closing Remarks
As the interview wraps up, the hosts and Heather engage in light-hearted banter about potential future collaborations and Heather's possible appearances on their podcast. They also touch upon Heather's contributions to their mutual projects and the enduring bond within the book club.
- Heather Vassar: "I would love... give me questions if you're willing to do one of those." [52:55]
- Emily and Ashley: Share humorous exchanges about Heather's role and personality, reinforcing their affectionate and supportive relationship.
Heather expresses gratitude for being part of the podcast, acknowledging the meaningful connections forged through their shared love of books and genuine friendship.
Notable Quotes:
- Heather Vassar: "I'm better and happier and more fulfilled than I've ever been. I'm more me than I've ever been." [14:16]
- Heather Vassar: "I can go weeks with four and a half hours of sleep, but I'll need a good eight every now and then." [06:05]
- Heather Vassar: "My phone is as disciplined as I am... personal time from 5 am to 9 am." [07:09]
- Heather Vassar: "I do have a face for podcasting." [51:18]
This episode offers a heartfelt and insightful exploration of Heather Vassar's life, intertwining her professional achievements with her personal growth and literary passions. Emily and Ashley foster a supportive environment, allowing Heather to openly share her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, making it a must-listen for fans of the podcast and anyone interested in the intersections of friendship, career, and self-discovery.