Call It What It Is: Episode Summary – Featuring Hilarie Burton, Joy Lenz, and Camille Luddington

Introduction

In this episode of Call It What It Is, hosted by iHeartPodcasts, best friends and actresses Hilarie Burton, Joy Lenz, and Camille Luddington delve deep into their personal and professional lives. They explore the complexities of maintaining strong friendships amidst the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, the challenges they faced on set, and the empowering journey of creating their podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Origins of the Podcast

The conversation begins with Camille Luddington sharing the heartfelt inspiration behind launching the podcast. As COVID-19 restrictions took hold, the trio found themselves isolated yet yearning for connection. Camille recounts, “[10:00] When we were all stuck at home and on FaceTime, we realized how much we missed hanging out together. Opening a bottle of wine virtually led to an hour of meaningful conversation, sparking the idea for our podcast.”

This spontaneous virtual gathering highlighted their desire to stay connected and support one another, ultimately leading to the creation of Call It What It Is. The podcast became a platform for them to share their experiences, offer advice, and extend their friendship circle to listeners.

Navigating Professional and Personal Boundaries

Joy Lenz opens up about the transition from acting to podcasting, emphasizing the shift from portraying characters to expressing their authentic selves. She reflects, “[12:30] ‘As actors, we're trained to speak in certain ways and represent projects a specific way. Podcasting allowed us to break free from that and speak our truth.’” This newfound freedom enabled them to discuss sensitive topics without the constraints of their on-screen personas.

Camille adds, “[12:27] ‘Podcasting requires us to own our narratives from start to finish. It's different from acting because everything we share is genuinely ours, from the ideas to the final edit.’” This authenticity fosters a deeper connection with their audience, allowing listeners to relate to their genuine experiences and emotions.

Addressing Harassment and Power Dynamics

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the harrowing experiences the actresses faced with abusive power dynamics on set. Camille shares her ordeal, stating, “[24:00] ‘We were the first cast to collectively author a statement about the use of power. It was our way to stand unified and protect each other from further trauma.’” This collective stance was crucial in creating a supportive environment for themselves and their colleagues.

Joy recounts her anxiety during a confrontation with Human Resources, “[32:07] ‘I remember being called into HR and feeling my heart race. It was pre-2017, and support systems were virtually non-existent. I felt isolated and unsure of how to proceed.’” These candid admissions highlight the importance of solidarity and the need for improved reporting mechanisms in the industry.

Evolving Friendships and Personal Growth

The trio discusses how their friendships have evolved alongside their professional lives. Camille reflects, “[22:14] ‘Through the podcast, we've revisited our most innocent selves and navigated our complexities as adults. It’s been a journey of making more space for each other and ourselves.’” This evolution has strengthened their bond, allowing them to support one another through personal and collective challenges.

Hilarie Burton adds, “[39:29] ‘The podcast allows us to be more vulnerable and authentic. We’re not constrained by a script, which lets us explore our stories honestly and supportively.’” This vulnerability has not only deepened their friendships but also resonated with their listeners, fostering a community of mutual support and understanding.

Balancing Vulnerability and Professionalism

Joy shares her struggle with balancing vulnerability and maintaining professionalism, “[21:05] ‘As actors, we're used to being the project we're representing. Podcasting flipped that dynamic, forcing us to represent ourselves authentically without the usual filters.’” This balance is challenging but vital for creating meaningful and impactful conversations on the podcast.

Camille echoes this sentiment, “[27:00] ‘We had to learn to set boundaries and decide what to share and what to keep private. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s essential for our mental well-being and the integrity of our friendships.’” Their ability to navigate these boundaries has been pivotal in sustaining the podcast’s success and their personal relationships.

Empowering Lessons and Future Directions

Throughout the episode, the friends emphasize the importance of vulnerability, mutual support, and standing up against injustices. Camille shares a powerful takeaway, “[35:15] ‘Not being afraid to be vulnerable and cherishing our relationships has been key. We’ve learned that it’s okay to be imperfect and to seek help when needed.’”

Looking ahead, the trio expresses their commitment to continuing the podcast as a safe space for discussing real-life issues, offering advice, and supporting their audience. They highlight the therapeutic and empowering aspects of their conversations, “[39:19] ‘The podcast has become a part of who we are. It’s a way for us to give back and help others navigate their own challenges.’”

Conclusion

This episode of Call It What It Is is a testament to the strength of friendship, the courage to speak out against adversity, and the transformative power of authentic conversations. Hilarie Burton, Joy Lenz, and Camille Luddington not only share their personal stories but also provide invaluable insights and support to their listeners, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to navigate life’s complexities together.

Notable Quotes

• Camille Luddington [10:00]: “When we were all stuck at home and on FaceTime, we realized how much we missed hanging out together. Opening a bottle of wine virtually led to an hour of meaningful conversation, sparking the idea for our podcast.”

• Joy Lenz [12:30]: “As actors, we're trained to speak in certain ways and represent projects a specific way. Podcasting allowed us to break free from that and speak our truth.”

• Camille Luddington [24:00]: “We were the first cast to collectively author a statement about the use of power. It was our way to stand unified and protect each other from further trauma.”

• Joy Lenz [32:07]: “I remember being called into HR and feeling my heart race. It was pre-2017, and support systems were virtually non-existent. I felt isolated and unsure of how to proceed.”

• Camille Luddington [22:14]: “Through the podcast, we've revisited our most innocent selves and navigated our complexities as adults. It’s been a journey of making more space for each other and ourselves.”

• Hilarie Burton [39:29]: “The podcast allows us to be more vulnerable and authentic. We’re not constrained by a script, which lets us explore our stories honestly and supportively.”

• Camille Luddington [35:15]: “Not being afraid to be vulnerable and cherishing our relationships has been key. We’ve learned that it’s okay to be imperfect and to seek help when needed.”

Final Thoughts

Hilarie, Joy, and Camille’s candid dialogue offers listeners a profound look into the resilience of friendship and the importance of creating safe spaces for honest conversations. Their journey underscores the significance of standing together, especially in challenging times, and serves as an inspiring guide for anyone navigating the complexities of personal and professional relationships.