Podcast Title: Call It What It Is
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: Short & Sweet: It'll Be Our Little Secret
Release Date: November 28, 2024

Overview

In this episode of "Call It What It Is," hosts Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington delve into the theme of "dirty little secrets," inviting listeners to share their anonymous confessions. The episode is a candid exploration of various personal mishaps, ethical dilemmas, and humorous anecdotes that listeners have chosen to reveal. Through laughter, empathy, and insightful commentary, Jessica and Camilla create a safe space for listeners to unburden themselves and feel a sense of camaraderie.

Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Theme

• [03:22] Jessica Capshaw:
  "Call It Crew. And welcome to another episode of Short and Sweet. Sweet. We're gonna dive straight into this one."

• [03:35] Camilla Luddington:
  "Someone's cheating? They got you on that. In-laws are in-lawing? Let’s get into it."

Jessica and Camilla set the stage for the episode by introducing the concept of sharing anonymous secrets, emphasizing the importance of unburdening oneself, especially around the New Year.

2. Listener Confessions and Discussions

The hosts read and react to a series of anonymous submissions from listeners. Below are some highlighted confessions along with notable interactions:

• Confession 1: The Goodwill Dump

  • [04:29] Listener:
    "In college, I found out my friend was hiding valuable items from his house. I collected an Xbox, a huge glass bong, a gold necklace, and video games, then dumped them at Goodwill. He still has no idea to this day."

  • [04:42] Jessica Capshaw:
    "I think that might be illegal."

  • [04:44] Listener (Call It Crew):
    "It's also called karma."

  • [04:47] Jessica Capshaw:
    "Okay, that's what I have to say about that."

  Discussion Points:
  The hosts discuss the ethical implications of the act, touching upon legality and the concept of karma. Jessica humorously points out the potential legal issues, while Camilla adds a light-hearted perspective on karma.

• Confession 2: The Dorm Planter Incident

  • [04:47] Listener:
    "During my senior year of college, I was too hungover to make it to the bathroom and ended up throwing up in a huge planter in our dorm building. It stunk for days, and I've never told anyone."

  • [05:14] Jessica Capshaw:
    "Better in there than other places."

  • [05:22] Listener:
    "No, it's just gross."

  • [05:25] Jessica Capshaw:
    "That's why we're here. We forgive you."

  Discussion Points:
  The conversation centers around embarrassing moments and the discomfort associated with keeping such secrets. The hosts offer empathy and understanding, reinforcing the supportive nature of their friendship.

• Confession 3: The Teacher Romance

  • [05:44] Listener:
    "I slept with my 50-year-old female teacher when I was 19. It wasn't illegal, but it was messy and involved a position of power."

  • [06:00] Jessica Capshaw:
    "It's just messy and position of power. I mean, we could deep dive."

  • [06:12] Listener:
    "I killed my sister's fish by overfeeding them and then lied about it."

  • [06:55] Jessica Capshaw:
    "They're dead."

  Discussion Points:
  These confessions touch on more serious and ethically complex situations. Jessica and Camilla navigate these topics with sensitivity, highlighting the consequences of actions and the importance of honesty.

• Confession 4: The Secret Breakups and Lies

  • [07:08] Listener:
    "I call out sick to work occasionally without telling my husband so I can have a day to myself."

  • [07:19] Jessica Capshaw:
    "You should be proud of that. I would have put my name on that."

  • [07:55] Listener:
    "My mom's best friend had a three-year affair with my uncle. I caught them once but haven't said anything."

  • [08:36] Jessica Capshaw:
    "That's really sad."

  Discussion Points:
  The hosts address personal boundaries and the complexities of family relationships. They offer support and understanding, acknowledging the difficulty in disclosing such sensitive information.

• Confession 5: The Workplace Awkwardness

  • [09:32] Listener:
    "The son of our CEO was watching porn at his cubicle, and I was too shocked to say anything."

  • [09:55] Jessica Capshaw:
    "You would have."

  Discussion Points:
  This confession leads to a discussion about workplace conduct and the appropriate responses to witnessing inappropriate behavior. The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing such issues, even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Confession 6: The Nurse's Embarrassing Moment

  • [10:20] Listener:
    "I'm a nurse, and while working in the ICU, I had gas and blamed my farts on an intubated patient."

  • [10:53] Jessica Capshaw:
    "That is funny and terrible all at the same time."

  Discussion Points:
  The balance between humor and professionalism in high-stress environments is explored, highlighting the human side of healthcare workers.

• Confession 7: The Fake Background Photo

  • [15:37] Listener:
    "During COVID, I made a fake background photo of my home office for Zoom meetings. I wasn't in the country, but I adhered to the 'must be home' policy. I never got caught."

  • [15:52] Jessica Capshaw:
    "That's so smart."

  Discussion Points:
  The ingenuity and lengths to which people went to adapt to remote work are discussed, with Jessica commending the listener’s cleverness.

3. Reflections and Support

Throughout the episode, Jessica and Camilla emphasize the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and the idea that everyone has their "naughty" moments. They reassure listeners that sharing these secrets is a form of unburdening and that they are not alone in their experiences.

• [19:22] Jessica Capshaw:
  "We've all been on the naughty list."

• [20:35] Jessica Capshaw:
  "Being like, oh, oh, oh, yeah, it's me, it's me, it's me."

The hosts reinforce the sense of community and support, encouraging listeners to continue sharing and seeking solace in the collective experience.

Conclusion

"Call It What It Is" successfully creates a relatable and engaging environment where listeners feel comfortable sharing their personal secrets. Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington navigate each confession with a blend of humor, empathy, and thoughtful commentary, making the episode both entertaining and emotionally resonant. By addressing a wide range of topics—from harmless pranks to more serious ethical dilemmas—the hosts demonstrate the complexities of human behavior and the value of supportive friendships.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jessica Capshaw ([05:14]):
  "Better in there than other places."

• Camilla Luddington ([04:44]):
  "It's also called karma."

• Jessica Capshaw ([06:00]):
  "It's just messy and position of power. I mean, we could deep dive."

• Jessica Capshaw ([07:08]):
  "You should be proud of that. I would have put my name on that."

• Jessica Capshaw ([19:22]):
  "We've all been on the naughty list."

Final Thoughts

The episode effectively balances light-hearted confessions with deeper, more serious discussions, showcasing the hosts' ability to handle diverse topics with grace and humor. For listeners who enjoy candid conversations about personal experiences and the intricacies of friendships, this episode offers both entertainment and meaningful insights.