Call It What It Is

Episode: "Call It Hot Takes, Hollywood Dreams and One Savage Frenemy"

Date: November 4, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Capshaw & Camilla Luddington
Special Contributor: Evie (iHeart Producer/Host)

Episode Overview

In this lively Listener Q&A episode of Call It What It Is, real-life best friends Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington (known for their roles on Grey’s Anatomy) are put in the hot seat by producer Evie. Instead of questioning each other, they field unfiltered fan questions, drawing on their industry experiences and close friendship. Topics range from outrageous TV plots and behind-the-scenes TikTok creativity to navigating frenemies, Hollywood rivalries, and candid relationship advice. The camaraderie, support, and irreverent humor the duo is known for shine throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Switching up the Q&A Format

• Evie drives the questioning, and Jessica & Camilla are given three “passes” each if they prefer not to answer a question, giving the episode a fun game-show feel.
  • (03:33) Camilla: “It’s kind of like a game show. Listener Q&A. I’m not even gonna look at the questions.”
  • Jessica: “Use them wisely.” (03:57)

Outrageous TV Plots – How Real Are They?

• 911 Nashville’s Flying Kite Incident:

  • Jessica is asked whether the now-infamous ‘girl flying off on a kite’ from 911 Nashville could actually happen in real life.
  • Jessica reveals that while the writers base their stories in reality, what happens onscreen is usually "teased out and made bigger… more meaty." (05:17)
  • Camilla jokes the kite would’ve been recalled, adding levity to the conversation.

  Notable Quote:

  • Jessica: “I’m gonna guess that what you saw happen... I don’t think anyone needs to worry at the park.” (05:09)

• Both reflect on TV writers’ imaginations and the fine line between the outrageous and the possible.

Missing Former Colleagues

• Which Former Grey's Star Do You Miss the Most?
  • Camilla: “Jake Borelli. That relationship that him and Jo had… we just always got along really well.” (06:15)
  • Jessica reminisces about her early days as a guest star, and how both she and Jake bonded over the anxiety of hoping to be kept on.

Which Role Would You Choose in Real Life?

• Jessica is given a humorous rundown of her past roles: lawyer, doctor, “rich wife married to a fireman.”
  • She leans toward being a lawyer, citing her love for debate and rules. (07:43)
  • Camilla teases: “I’m feeling Blythe myself… just that combo is over it. And she does have a job, you guys.” (08:30)

Social Media & TikTok Creativity

• How Do You Come Up with Your TikToks?
  • Camilla’s creative process is part inspiration, part collaboration (with help from their friend Kyle).
  • Jessica compliments Camilla’s imagination:
    “You might have more folds in your brain… all of a sudden things just pop out. And you see them in full Technicolor.” (09:51)
• They talk about the desire to show a lighter side on social media, especially since their primary show (Grey’s Anatomy) is so dramatic.
  • Camilla: “I want to have this be something that’s just more fun and show that lighter side of myself… Maybe know that I can do comedy one day.” (11:02)
  • Both praise the trend of actors having more fun online.

Getting Others Involved in Social Media

• Getting Colleagues on Board: Kim Raver (Teddy on Grey’s) is always eager to join Camilla’s TikToks, while production assistants (PAs) sometimes hide to avoid the camera! (14:53)
• Camilla is understanding of coworkers needing to opt-out, especially on emotional filming days.

On-Screen Nemeses & Real-Life Frenemies

• LeAnn Rimes as Jessica’s Nemesis on 911:
  • Jessica recounts experiences with mean-spirited people early in her career—namely, the “covert mean” actress who would make passive-aggressive remarks before a scene. (22:55)
  • “She was a saboteur. I would have handled that differently now… I think I would have been able to draw some boundaries.”
• Both agree that real-life chemistry helps fuel on-screen rivalry in a playful (and safe) way.

Recurring Audition Rivals in Hollywood

• Both have faces they've constantly seen in audition rooms:
  • Camilla often found herself up against Sarah Elson, who “had that thing.”
  • Jessica remembers Leslie Bibb and, on one occasion, Keri Russell. They even made a dinner bet—Keri got the part and paid for dinner. (26:46)

Dream Storylines and Showrunners’ Powers

• Camilla’s Dream Plot for Grey’s Anatomy:
  • Without giving too much away, Camilla teases an idea involving Katherine Heigl’s character, and pitches a true villain doctor, a sociopath sabotaging others, “starting rumors, being awful, like, taking surgeries. Pure sabotage.” (29:36)

Family & the Acting Life

• Did Jessica’s Mom Try to Discourage Acting?
  • Jessica says her parents were always supportive, though she’s now “protective” as a mother seeing her kids show early creative interest, recognizing how much luck is involved in “where talent and luck collide.” (30:02)
• The hosts reflect on how ‘breaking in’ has changed with social media and content creation tools.

Rapid-Fire Rounds

Sexiest Man Alive/TV Show Recs/Who Would Play You

• Sexiest Man Alive:

  • Jessica (32:16): “There’s so much Glen Powell energy around me… I feel like everyone’s putting him up… might be his time.”
  • Camilla agrees, sharing her daughter Hayden is also invested in Glenn Powell’s TV fate.

• Dancing with the Stars:

  • Robert Irwin gets their votes for sweetness, but Whitney (for TikTok prowess) and her dance partner Mark also get a shout.
  • Neither wants to compete—too much work!
    • Camilla: “I’m a little slothy.” (34:56)

• Celebrity doppelgängers:

  • Jessica: “I always get Reese Witherspoon’s sister.” (35:07)
  • Camilla: “I get told I look like Rose Byrne a lot.” (35:12)
  • Camilla would love to play Rose Byrne’s sister.

• Who Would Play You in a Biopic?

  • Camilla nominates Olivia Holt.
  • Jessica mentions a younger version of Blythe has been cast but can’t yet reveal who.

Grey’s Anatomy Role Swap

• Both would love to swap—Camilla as Arizona Robbins, Jessica as Jo.
  • Camilla: “I want a day as Arizona Robbins.” (41:42)
  • Jessica: “I think that we’d swap.” (41:47)

What Are You Watching?

• Jessica keeps lists but doesn’t have time for much TV, plans to binge in the winter.
• Camilla recommends Pen15 (42:14): “It’s absolutely incredible.”

In the Kitchen

• Jessica: “Breakfast is my specialty… flipping eggs and pancakes.” Makes “the perfect bite” with each element. Says chicken pot pie is a passion project—“Don’t take chicken pot pie for granted, because a lot of work goes into them.” (44:21)
• Camilla: “Matt [her husband] cooks in my household… I can make a really good spaghetti bolognese.” (44:46)

“This or That” TV Romance Round

• Felicity: Ben over Noel.
• Sex and the City: Both choose neither Big nor Aiden, but nuance the characters—Big is “a jerk,” Aiden “too mushy.”
• Grey’s Anatomy: Camilla says “McDreamy” for herself and “Dreamy” for Meredith. (46:50)
• The Summer I Turned Pretty: Everyone agrees—Conrad.

True Crime & Reality TV Obsessions

• Camilla is a true crime fanatic—loves Dateline, Discovery, and particularly fixated on LA’s Cecil Hotel. (47:57-48:44)
• Camilla would have loved to be the Bachelorette for the lifestyle, Jessica finds Survivor compelling.

Relationship and Dating Advice

• Green Flags on a Date: Listening, humor, manners, and treating servers well. (50:26-51:19)
• US vs. UK Dating: Camilla finds the UK “cheekier” and probably a bit harder.
• Perfect First Date: Early start, not too much pressure, maybe an activity like bowling—“Bowling is an excellent first date!” (54:08)
• Drink Before a First Date?
  • Jessica: “I think you want to show up as yourself.” (54:53)
  • Camilla: Too risky for her, she’s a lightweight.
• Texting Your Ex:
  • Camilla: “If you’re wondering if it’s meant to be, go for it… but be okay with being rejected.” (55:16)
• First Time—Is There a Right Age?
  • Camilla: “I think, wait until college.”
  • Jessica: “There are some wrong ages.” “You’re never going to regret not having sex.” (56:06)
• Telling a Friend About a Crush:
  • Camilla: “Tell them! Today is the day.”
  • Jessica: “If you want to be the leading lady in your own life… you’re definitely telling them.” (56:36)
• Meeting People Over 35:
  • Grocery stores and bookstores (“Barnes & Noble is where it’s at!”) win their vote over clubs. (57:01)
  • Camilla: “If I had been single and in the section [at Barnes & Noble] and he grabbed [a book] for me… married instantly!” (57:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s like where talent and luck collide, right, in this business.” —Jessica (30:33)
• “If you want to be the leading lady in your own life… you’re definitely telling them.” —Jessica, on confessing a crush (56:36)
• “Bowling is an excellent first date. I’m serious… you get to get up and bowl and be a little competitive and maybe it can be a little flirty.” —Camilla (54:08)
• “You don’t write movies about people who don’t tell them. You write movies about people who do tell them.” —Jessica (56:43)

Tone & Atmosphere

Warm, funny, supportive, with plenty of relatable asides and best friend bickering. The episode blends practical advice and industry candor with laughter, real talk, and loyalty—Often returning to the importance of showing up for your people, then also for yourself.

Standout Segments with Timestamps

• [05:09] The flying kite incident from 911 Nashville and TV writers’ creativity
• [09:51] Jessica’s praise for Camilla’s creative mind
• [14:53] Camilla on TikTok, getting Kim Raver’s help, and PAs hiding!
• [22:55] Jessica relates her experience with a passive-aggressive actress: "She was a saboteur."
• [29:36] Camilla pitches a true villain for Grey’s Anatomy
• [35:07] Celeb doppelgängers—Jessica gets Reese Witherspoon, Camilla gets Rose Byrne
• [44:21] The labor of love that is making chicken pot pie
• [54:08] Advocacy for bowling as the ultimate first date
• [56:36] Should you confess a crush to a friend? ("Tell them!")

Final Thoughts

This Q&A episode delivers all the magic of Capshaw and Luddington’s real-life friendship and their unapologetic, unfiltered experiences as women in Hollywood. Whether talking TV tropes, personal nemeses, or relationship “green flags,” listeners are welcomed into their inner circle—pep talks, giggles, and all.