Call It What It Is: A Deep Dive into Friendship, Acting, and Personal Growth
Hosts: Jessica Capshaw & Camilla Luddington
Guest: Will Friedle
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Title: Call It With Chyler Leigh
Introduction
In this heartfelt episode of Call It What It Is hosted by iHeartPodcasts, Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington open up their friendship circle to listeners, delving into their real-life bond and professional experiences alongside special guest Will Friedle. The conversation navigates the intricacies of maintaining lifelong friendships amidst the demanding world of acting, sharing stories from iconic TV shows like The Practice and Grey's Anatomy, and exploring personal growth and resilience.
Meeting and Working Together
The episode kicks off with Jessica and Camilla warmly welcoming Will Friedle, known for his roles in Supergirl and the beloved teen movie She's All That. The trio reminisces about their early days working on The Practice, sharing anecdotes about their initial meetings and the camaraderie that developed on set.
Jessica Capshaw [04:24]: "It's just like, you know, gamey or that they're looking over their shoulder or there's some competition that's implied to being in business together. And I never felt that in my own life, and so I never felt it with you."
Will echoes this sentiment, highlighting the supportive environment fostered by the crew and cast.
Will Friedle [11:30]: "I definitely felt that. I hope to answer that without it sounding like, no, no, no, no, no, no."
Memorable Moments from The Practice and Grey's Anatomy
The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as they recount specific episodes and moments from their time on The Practice and Grey's Anatomy. One standout memory is the infamous plane crash episode, which marked significant changes for both shows.
Jessica Capshaw [08:27]: "I remember the plane crash episode left us in the woods, you did. I'm laughing through your death. I'm really not meaning to laugh."
Will shares his emotional experience filming these intense scenes, reflecting on the challenges of portraying such dramatic storylines.
Will Friedle [25:38]: "It was super traumatic to film it and then to go back through it was like. I was like, okay. I. That's. I'm. I'm good."
Balancing Personal Life and Acting Careers
Throughout the episode, Jessica, Camilla, and Will discuss the delicate balance between their personal lives and demanding acting schedules. They touch upon topics like pregnancy, motherhood, and the impact of these life changes on their careers.
Will Friedle [12:03]: "I was pregnant the whole fifth season of the show. I had Annie 10 days after we wrapped."
Jessica adds her perspective, emphasizing the importance of having a supportive network on set.
Jessica Capshaw [12:23]: "You remember there being a whole thing about getting a chair... Sorry, just to be clear, they're personal expenses. You would buy an Up."
Navigating Industry Challenges and Personal Growth
The trio delves into the challenges faced within the acting industry, including self-doubt, aging, and societal expectations. Will shares his journey of embracing personal changes and finding confidence beyond self-criticism.
Will Friedle [54:20]: "It gave me the courage... to just say I can just live."
Jessica and Camilla provide their insights, discussing topics like perimenopause and the importance of self-acceptance.
Jessica Capshaw [57:08]: "How does this self doubt creep in? Like, how does this. Like, oh, I should look like this or I should look like that or I should feel this or I should have that or all these things."
Impact of COVID-19 on Productions
The discussion also touches upon the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television productions. Will recounts the challenges faced while returning to Grey's Anatomy amidst travel restrictions and health concerns.
Will Friedle [13:37]: "I was filming Supergirl in Vancouver. And it was legit Covid. And so we had started filming on the show again, but no one could leave Canada like you."
Current Projects and Future Endeavors
As the episode progresses, Will highlights his current projects, including his role in a Hallmark series that breaks traditional molds by incorporating intense and emotionally charged narratives.
Will Friedle [50:17]: "It was really mind blowing, like, reading it and going, wait, this is what? Like, there was so much to it. And it was so beautifully done and so beautifully written."
Jessica and Camilla express their admiration for Will's dedication and the depth of his current work, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling in acting.
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring bonds formed through shared professional and personal experiences. Jessica and Camilla reaffirm their commitment to supporting each other and their listeners through life's highs and lows.
Jessica Capshaw [71:06]: "Find out if weight loss meds are right for you in three minutes at tryfh.com."
Though primarily an ad, this segment ties back to the podcast's theme of support and wellness, encouraging listeners to prioritize their health.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jessica Capshaw [04:24]: "A lot of times we'll tee it up and we'll be like, we're not gonna tee it up. But this is just an episode with Kyler Lee."
- Will Friedle [11:30]: "I definitely felt that. I hope to answer that without it sounding like, no, no, no, no, no, no."
- Jessica Capshaw [08:27]: "I remember the plane crash episode left us in the woods, you did. I'm laughing through your death. I'm really not meaning to laugh."
- Will Friedle [54:20]: "It gave me the courage... to just say I can just live."
- Jessica Capshaw [57:08]: "How does this self doubt creep in? Like, how does this. Like, oh, I should look like this or I should look like that or I should feel this or I should have that or all these things."
- Will Friedle [50:17]: "It was really mind blowing, like, reading it and going, wait, this is what? Like, there was so much to it."
Conclusion
This episode of Call It What It Is offers a profound look into the lives of Jessica Capshaw, Camilla Luddington, and Will Friedle, highlighting the strength of their friendships forged in the crucible of the acting world. Through shared stories, laughter, and vulnerabilities, they provide listeners with insights into maintaining meaningful relationships, overcoming personal challenges, and finding fulfillment both on and off the screen. Whether you're a fan of their work or seeking inspiration for your own life journey, this episode is a testament to the power of genuine connection and resilience.