Call Her Daddy Podcast Episode Summary: "Halsey: Power Dynamics & Toxic Relationships"
Host: Alex Cooper
Guest: Halsey (Real Name: Ashley Frangipani)
Podcast: Call Her Daddy
Episode Title: Halsey: Power Dynamics & Toxic Relationships
1. Introduction to Halsey’s Dual Identity
The episode opens with Alex Cooper welcoming Halsey to Call Her Daddy, emphasizing the excitement of finally having her on the show.
Notable Quote:
- Alex Cooper [00:03]: "What is up, Daddy Gang? It is your founding father, Alex Cooper, with Call Her Daddy Halsey. Welcome to Call Her Daddy."
- Halsey [01:23]: "It's so funny. Yeah, it's crazy."
Halsey shares that her legal name is Ashley and that those closest to her call her "Ash." She humorously recounts her son’s attempts to have her referred to as Ash instead of Mommy, highlighting the delicate balance between her personal and public personas.
2. Navigating Fame and Personal Persona
Halsey delves into the distinction between her real self, Ashley, and her stage persona, Halsey. She describes how each persona embodies different aspects of her personality and behavior.
Notable Quotes:
- Halsey [02:32]: "When I'm Ash, like, I'm definitely way more, I think, masculine than when I'm Halsey."
- Alex Cooper [04:40]: "How would you describe your relationship to Fame?"
Halsey reflects on feeling indifferent towards fame, describing it as torturous and not something she fully embraces despite her success. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining genuine relationships outside the public eye to stay grounded.
3. Childhood and Family Dynamics
Halsey provides an intimate look into her tumultuous childhood. Born to young parents who frequently moved in search of better opportunities, she often felt like a burden and struggled to fit into new environments.
Notable Quotes:
- Halsey [11:20]: "I was always starting over in a new place. We were just trying to go where there was, like, cheaper apartments, better jobs."
- Alex Cooper [12:43]: "Your manager, Anthony, has a tattoo on his arm, and it's a tattoo of his childhood home."
She discusses the volatile nature of her parents' relationship, oscillating between intense love and constant conflict. This instability influenced her perception of love and acceptable relationship behaviors, leading her to navigate similar dynamics in her personal life.
4. Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth
To cope with her chaotic upbringing, Halsey turned to writing, journaling, and escapism through literature. These activities became foundational in her development as an artist and a person striving for self-understanding.
Notable Quotes:
- Halsey [15:07]: "I watched you live in a completely different reality that they've constructed as a survival mechanism."
- Alex Cooper [21:08]: "First of all, thank you for sharing that..."
Halsey emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal healing, especially when dealing with toxic relationships. She acknowledges the difficulty in setting boundaries and the ongoing process of unlearning harmful patterns.
5. Toxic Relationships and Power Dynamics
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Halsey's experiences with toxic relationships, particularly with older men battling addictions. She explains how these relationships were characterized by power imbalances and her instinct to "fix" her partners.
Notable Quotes:
- Halsey [26:57]: "I think it did in, like, a lot of different ways."
- Alex Cooper [36:05]: "No, no, no. I've progressed and grown."
Halsey discusses the emotional turmoil of being in relationships where she felt responsible for another person's growth and well-being, leading to cycles of validation and resentment. She highlights the challenges of breaking free from these patterns and the importance of prioritizing her own mental health.
6. Healing and Setting Boundaries
Halsey shares her journey toward healing, emphasizing the necessity of setting clear boundaries and the difficulty of seeking help when accustomed to being the caregiver.
Notable Quotes:
- Halsey [50:52]: "You have to heal first."
- Alex Cooper [60:27]: "You're not a bad person if you leave someone who's, like, hurting you."
She underscores the significance of self-compassion and the ongoing nature of healing, encouraging listeners to recognize their worth and the importance of self-care in overcoming toxic relationships.
7. Engagement and Personal Life Updates
Towards the end of the episode, Halsey shares heartfelt details about her engagement. She recounts the romantic proposal in Barcelona and reflects on her evolving views on marriage, initially skeptical but ultimately realizing its significance in her relationship.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex Cooper [63:40]: "How did the proposal happen? Can you tell me?"
- Halsey [65:00]: "I just knew I wanted to marry him."
Halsey describes her fiancé as solution-oriented and supportive, emphasizing the mutual growth and understanding that led her to embrace marriage as a meaningful union rather than a mere formal arrangement.
8. The Great Impersonator: Exploring Authenticity
Halsey introduces her upcoming album, The Great Impersonator, explaining its title as a reflection of her struggle with maintaining authenticity while navigating various personas. The album serves as a deep exploration of her true self amidst external pressures and expectations.
Notable Quotes:
- Halsey [74:48]: "I've been looking at myself and being like, okay, if you do die, is this how everyone’s gonna remember you."
- Halsey [77:03]: "What if I debuted in the 70s? Like, what if I debuted in the 80s?"
She articulates her desire to be completely honest in her art, unbounded by previous constraints, encouraging listeners to embrace their truth and the complexities of their identities.
9. Health Struggles and Resilience
Halsey opens up about her battle with lupus, detailing how it affects her daily life and career. She candidly discusses the challenges of managing a chronic illness while maintaining her public persona and the importance of seeking medical treatment despite setbacks.
Notable Quotes:
- Halsey [80:23]: "I felt like, I'm still sick, that's still reality."
- Alex Cooper [84:01]: "You're used to being the one that's taking care of and fixing everyone."
Halsey's honesty about her health struggles serves as an inspiration for listeners facing similar challenges, highlighting the strength required to balance personal well-being with professional obligations.
10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with mutual expressions of gratitude and excitement for Halsey's future endeavors. Alex Cooper congratulates Halsey on her engagement and upcoming album, reaffirming the positive impact of their conversation on both the host and the listeners.
Notable Quotes:
- Alex Cooper [87:43]: "It's so beautiful to hear. And I'm so happy for you in everything you've shared today."
- Halsey [88:18]: "Thanks for having me."
Key Takeaways:
- Dual Identity: Halsey navigates the complexities of her public persona versus her private self, striving for authenticity amidst fame.
- Toxic Relationships: She shares deep insights into power dynamics, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the journey toward healing from toxic partnerships.
- Personal Growth: Halsey's experiences underscore the importance of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and continuous growth in overcoming adversity.
- Health and Resilience: Her candid discussion about lupus highlights the resilience required to manage chronic illness while maintaining a demanding career.
- Artistic Honesty: The Great Impersonator represents Halsey's commitment to honest self-expression and exploring her multifaceted identity.
Impact on Listeners:
Halsey's openness about her struggles with relationships, fame, and health resonates deeply, offering empathy and understanding to fans facing similar challenges. Her message encourages self-compassion, boundary-setting, and the pursuit of personal authenticity.
Final Notable Quote:
- Halsey [50:52]: "You will. You have to heal first."
This episode serves as a powerful testament to Halsey's vulnerability and strength, providing valuable insights into navigating life's complexities while maintaining one's true self.