Podcast Summary: Call Her Daddy – Episode Featuring Halsey: Power Dynamics & Toxic Relationships (FBF)
Release Date: April 11, 2025
In this compelling episode of Call Her Daddy, host Alex Cooper engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned artist Halsey, delving into themes of power dynamics, toxic relationships, personal growth, and the complexities of fame. The discussion offers listeners profound insights into Halsey's personal experiences and her journey toward self-discovery and healing.
1. Introduction to Halsey’s Identity
Alex Cooper opens the conversation by addressing Halsey's real name and her stage persona.
- Alex Cooper [01:41]: "Halsey. Welcome to Call Her Daddy."
- Halsey [01:59]: "Yeah. Everyone calls me Ash."
Halsey explains the distinction between her legal name, Ashley Frangipani, and her stage name, Halsey, revealing how both identities coexist and sometimes function as alter egos.
- Halsey [03:11]: "Have you ever looked at it like it's an alter ego? Recently? Yeah."
2. Navigating Fame and Public Perception
Halsey shares her ambivalent relationship with fame, discussing the challenges of maintaining a genuine self amidst public scrutiny.
- Halsey [06:10]: "I'm kind of indifferent at this point. It used to be just torturous."
She emphasizes the importance of keeping "really normal people" around her to stay grounded.
- Halsey [07:21]: "I just forget all the time. And she's like, you just are still."
3. Childhood and Family Dynamics
The conversation shifts to Halsey's childhood, highlighting her experiences with a volatile household and the impact it had on her development.
- Halsey [12:50]: "I had, like, a really hectic childhood. My parents were, like, really young when they had me."
Halsey discusses the constant moving and the lack of stability, which contributed to her feelings of loneliness and her coping mechanisms.
- Halsey [17:29]: "I think a lot of people are gonna be like, yeah, thank you for just talking about something that we don't have the answer to any of this."
4. Power Dynamics in Relationships
A significant portion of the episode explores the power imbalances in Halsey's past relationships, particularly with partners struggling with addiction.
- Halsey [50:03]: "I think that when you're romantically involved with someone who is in active addiction, there's no logic."
She reflects on the difficulty of setting boundaries and the emotional toll of trying to "fix" a partner.
- Halsey [58:12]: "I needed someone to tell me at that time, like, you're not a bad person if you leave someone who's, like, hurting you."
5. Personal Growth and Therapy
Halsey opens up about her journey through therapy and the importance of self-healing in establishing healthy relationships.
- Halsey [54:37]: "You have to heal first. When you get out, it's not going to feel that way right away because you need to heal."
She discusses the concept of "toxic empathy" and the necessity of setting clear boundaries to prevent resentment.
- Halsey [67:32]: "You will. You have to heal first."
6. Engagement and Personal Life
Towards the end of the episode, Halsey shares joyous news about her engagement to Avan Jogia, detailing the proposal and her evolving perspective on marriage.
- Halsey [71:02]: "He proposed in Barcelona. It's kind of like where we first started hanging out."
Halsey reflects on her initial reluctance toward marriage and how her relationship with Avan transformed her views.
- Halsey [73:09]: "I just knew I wanted to marry him. And I couldn't explain why."
7. The Great Impersonator – Halsey’s New Album
Halsey discusses her upcoming album, "The Great Impersonator," explaining the dual meanings behind the title and how her experiences have influenced her music.
- Halsey [85:09]: "It's kind of like an alter ego and like, coming forward and being like, I've built a career off of being really honest and authentic."
She delves into the philosophical questions about fate and destiny that inspired the album.
- Halsey [87:31]: "What if I debuted in the 70s? Like, what if I debuted in the 80s, the 90s?"
8. Health Struggles and Resilience
Halsey bravely shares her battle with lupus, describing the physical and emotional challenges she faces as a public figure dealing with a chronic illness.
- Halsey [88:31]: "I have lupus, and I was feeling so good. Like, I thought I was gonna be fine. And then on the flight home, I saw the rash."
She highlights the importance of mental health and the role of therapy in managing her condition.
- Halsey [96:07]: "Fighting a disease doesn't make me better than anyone else."
9. Art and Authenticity
Halsey discusses the intertwining of her personal experiences with her artistry, emphasizing honesty and authenticity in her work.
- Halsey [68:49]: "Some people are, like, I'm sorry, I need to preserve this for myself."
She explains how her songs evolve with her, allowing her to express different facets of her life and emotions.
- Halsey [70:22]: "Every time I sing it, it feels different. Feels like it's about a different thing."
Key Insights and Takeaways
- Dual Identity: Halsey's navigation between her real name and stage persona illustrates the complexities of maintaining personal authenticity in the public eye.
- Fame’s Impact: Fame brings both opportunities and challenges, including public scrutiny and the need to preserve genuine relationships.
- Healing from Childhood Trauma: Halsey's tumultuous childhood shaped her approach to relationships and her drive to find stability and self-worth.
- Toxic Relationships: Power imbalances and toxic dynamics, especially with partners battling addiction, can lead to significant emotional distress and the necessity for personal boundaries.
- Role of Therapy: Engaging in therapy has been pivotal for Halsey in understanding herself, setting boundaries, and fostering healthier relationships.
- Authentic Artistry: Halsey's commitment to honesty in her music allows her to connect deeply with her audience while evolving her artistic expression.
- Resilience in Health Struggles: Despite battling lupus, Halsey demonstrates resilience and emphasizes the importance of mental health support.
Notable Quotes
- Halsey on Fame: “[I'm] still lonely. I'm like, you know, loneliness is like, when it affects you on...” [23:26]
- Halsey on Setting Boundaries: “You have to set clear boundaries...” [37:45]
- Halsey on Therapy: “Healing first... It’s not going to feel that way right away because you need to heal.” [67:32]
- Halsey on Authenticity in Art: “I would rather regret being honest and being reflective... than regret not saying something.” [68:49]
Conclusion
This episode of Call Her Daddy offers an intimate glimpse into Halsey's life, exploring the intersections of fame, personal trauma, toxic relationships, and artistic authenticity. Halsey's candid reflections provide valuable lessons on self-awareness, the importance of boundaries, and the ongoing journey of healing and self-acceptance. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those in the public eye and the universal struggles of navigating complex personal relationships.