Podcast Summary: "Call It Holidays and the City"

Host/Authors: Jessica Capshaw & Camilla Luddington
Podcast Series: Call It What It Is
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In this festive episode titled "Call It Holidays and the City," Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington dive into the spirit of the holiday season while navigating the bustling streets of New York City. The episode kicks off with both hosts joining forces in the studio after previously being apart, setting a warm and collaborative tone.

• Jessica: "Hello, hello, hello, hello, Call It Crew. And welcome to another episode of Call." [01:46]
• Camilla: "It what It Is." [01:53]

2. Strolling Through New York City's Holiday Wonderland

Jessica and Camilla recount their enchanting walk from Grand Central Station to the iHeart studios, capturing the magic of NYC during the holidays. They share their anticipation and mild disappointment in witnessing the Rockefeller Christmas tree still under construction.

• Camilla: "The walk was so magical... It’s like, come here, take a picture." [02:47-03:46]
• Jessica: "I think it is the holiday season already in New York. There's no way you can't come into the city and feel so festive." [03:52-04:05]

3. Embracing a Festive Episode Theme

Deciding to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, Jessica and Camilla dedicate the entire episode to festivities, traditions, and the varied experiences that come with this time of year.

• Jessica: "We have decided to dedicate this episode to being a festive theme." [05:46-05:58]
• Camilla: "Yes. Because it's never too early to start." [05:58-06:02]

4. Thanksgiving Traditions and Culinary Adventures

The hosts delve into their Thanksgiving traditions, sharing humorous and relatable stories about cooking mishaps and favorite dishes. Jessica recounts her disastrous attempt at roasting a turkey from scratch, leading to an unintended food poisoning incident.

• Jessica: "The turkey I got that year was an... And took... And I gave food poisoning that year to everyone." [07:16-08:14]
• Camilla: "I have a butter turkey. Nobody's, but no." [10:23-10:24]

They also discuss the importance of preparation and managing expectations to reduce holiday stress.

5. Navigating Holiday Stress and Gift-Giving Pressures

Camilla shares her strategy for staying calm during the holidays by starting preparations early and managing her gift lists effectively. This approach helps mitigate the overwhelming pressure that often accompanies the festive season.

• Camilla: "I start preparing early... Either cutting the list meaningfully or giving one universal gift." [25:52-27:34]
• Jessica: "It’s so much pressure." [36:11]

6. Listener Submissions: Diverse Holiday Traditions and Challenges

The episode features heartfelt listener submissions that showcase a range of holiday traditions and the challenges some face during this season.

• Isabelle: "I always learn a Christmas piece on the piano and buy tons of Christmas candles." [30:58]
• Jenny: "We do a gingerbread house competition with my kids who are in their 20s." [43:09]
• Reina: "We blast Christmas music and put up our decorations way too early." [45:17-45:19]

These stories highlight both joyous celebrations and the emotional complexities that holidays can bring.

7. Coping with Family Dynamics During the Holidays

Jessica and Camilla openly discuss the difficulties of maintaining family relationships during the holidays, especially in cases of divorce or strained connections. They offer empathy and reassurance to listeners navigating similar situations.

• Lizzie: "Holidays are hard for me because my parents divorced and my dad moved out." [34:14-34:27]
• Camilla: "Being around a big family can have its challenges, but also tremendous togetherness." [39:29]

8. Celebrating Diverse Cultures and Traditions

The hosts honor various cultural celebrations, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of recognizing different traditions, such as Hanukkah.

• Eden: "For Hanukkah, we light the menorah together and eat and sing. It makes me so happy." [38:43-38:52]
• Camilla: "We sang a lot and we danced. It was a Jewish conga line." [39:29-40:27]

9. Encouraging Acts of Service and Community Involvement

Camilla highlights the significance of community service during the holidays, sharing her family's experience of serving Thanksgiving meals to those in need. She encourages listeners to find ways to help others, fostering a sense of connection and purpose.

• Camilla: "We have gone to serve Thanksgiving meals to those who are party of ones... It feels good and distracts you from your worries." [41:30-42:26]
• Jessica: "Just know that there's millions... feeling the same way." [35:02-35:26]

10. Closing Thoughts and Positive Messages

As the episode wraps up, Jessica and Camilla offer uplifting messages, reminding listeners that challenges are temporary and encouraging hope for positive change. They emphasize the importance of community and mutual support during the holidays.

• Camilla: "Nothing stays the same forever... We are here with you." [50:07-51:30]
• Jessica: "Bigger picture. This too shall pass." [51:35-51:45]

They conclude with a playful nod to their ongoing celebration of the holiday season, dancing in the streets of New York City and inviting listeners to share their own festive moments.

• Camilla: "Lovin' being with you here... Send us all your things." [47:00-50:19]
• Jessica: "We’re gonna be dancing in the middle of the street... Call it the end of the episode." [49:50-52:09]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jessica Capshaw:

  • "Hello, hello, hello, hello, Call It Crew. And welcome to another episode of Call." [01:46]
  • "The turkey I got that year was an... And took... And I gave food poisoning that year to everyone." [07:16-08:14]
  • "Bigger picture. This too shall pass." [51:35-51:45]

• Camilla Luddington:

  • "It what It Is." [01:53]
  • "I start preparing early... Either cutting the list meaningfully or giving one universal gift." [25:52-27:34]
  • "We have gone to serve Thanksgiving meals to those who are party of ones... It feels good and distracts you from your worries." [41:30-42:26]

Conclusions and Takeaways

"Call It Holidays and the City" offers a heartfelt exploration of holiday traditions, the joys and stresses they bring, and the diverse experiences of individuals celebrating during this time. Jessica and Camilla provide a blend of personal anecdotes, listener stories, and practical advice, fostering a sense of community and understanding. The episode emphasizes the importance of preparation, inclusivity, and acts of service in navigating the complexities of the holiday season, ultimately delivering a message of hope and solidarity to all listeners.

For more insights and episodes, tune into "Call It What It Is" by iHeartPodcasts, where Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington continue to share their friendship journey, offering support, laughter, and real-life advice.