Call It What It Is: Happy Birthday Call It Crew! – Episode Summary

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Jessica Capshaw and Camille Luddington
Podcast: Call It What It Is
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

1. Celebrating One Year of Friendship and Community

In this milestone episode, Call It What It Is celebrates its one-year anniversary, reflecting on the journey, growth, and the vibrant community that has formed around the podcast. Jessica Capshaw and Camille Luddington delve into the evolution of their friendship circle, highlighting the deep connections they've fostered with their listeners.

Jessica Capshaw shares her astonishment at the podcast's rapid ascent, stating, "We're almost at 5 million downloads, which is wild, you guys. But it does feel like a little community still." (03:40)

2. The Power of Vulnerability and Community Engagement

A central theme of the episode is the importance of vulnerability in building a genuine connection with the audience. Jessica reflects on the initial apprehensions about opening up, emphasizing how quickly the community reciprocated with their own openness and support.

"When Jess and I decided to do Call It What It Is, we knew that we were going to have to be really vulnerable... But it instantly felt like this little community." (04:30)

Camille echoes this sentiment, appreciating the listener engagement and the humor brought in by the audience's comments and stories, which have been pivotal in shaping the podcast's dynamic.

3. Highlighting Memorable Guests and Moments

The hosts reminisce about their favorite guests and unforgettable moments over the past year, illustrating the diverse and meaningful interactions that have enriched the podcast.

• Stefania: Jessica praises Stefania for her honest and raw conversations, likening the discussions to behind-the-scenes moments on set. "It felt like downtime on set... you got to be part of that friendship circle with us." (07:15)

• Teresa Caputo: A particularly emotional episode involved Teresa Caputo sharing personal experiences related to grief. Jessica admits the vulnerability of the moment, "It felt like this really real moment... I'm still processing." (09:45)

• Kyler Lee: Camille shares her excitement about having Kyler Lee, a beloved Grey's Anatomy star, as a guest. She describes the encounter as a fangirl moment, appreciating Kyler's openness and the seamless chemistry during their conversation. "She was so fantastic... you can hear it in the chemistry of the conversation." (11:10)

4. Unforgettable Moments and Surprises

The episode doesn't shy away from discussing shocking and heartfelt moments that have defined the podcast's first year.

• Vulnerable Conversations: Jessica recalls a moment of unexpected depth when Teresa Caputo shared heartfelt stories, highlighting the podcast's ability to handle heavy topics with grace.

• Humorous Insights: Both hosts share lighter moments, such as Jessica laughing over Camille's unexpected love for the word "fart," showcasing the balance of humor and seriousness that characterizes their discussions. "Jess is like, so chic... but fart is like her trigger happy word." (15:52)

5. Lessons Learned and Personal Growth

Jessica and Camille reflect on the personal growth they've experienced through the podcast. Jessica mentions learning not to overthink and to stay present in the moment, which has been crucial in connecting authentically with their audience.

"I've learned to drop that and just be in the moment. And that is what I've learned the most in the first year." (16:30)

Camille adds that engaging with the community has felt therapeutic, both for them and for listeners, creating a sense of shared healing and understanding.

6. Looking Ahead: Season Two and Beyond

As they wrap up the anniversary episode, the hosts express their enthusiasm for the future, hinting at exciting plans and potential guests for season two.

• Guest Suggestions: Jessica whimsically suggests having a UFO alien expert to discuss cosmic mysteries, hoping to dive into intriguing conversations that challenge the imagination. "Aliens need to be a big time episode for season two." (19:10)

• New Listener Recommendations: Both recommend new listeners start from the very first episode to fully grasp the foundation and growth of the podcast. "Starting at the beginning is a good start because you really get the backstory." (18:45)

• Community Involvement: They invite listeners to continue shaping the podcast by suggesting guests and topics, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that has defined their first year. "We want to hear more from you and we want to build on this community." (20:05)

7. Personal Insights and Shared Experiences

The hosts share intimate details about their lives, including inviting Jessica's husband onto the podcast, offering listeners a glimpse into their married life and the dynamics it brings to their conversations.

"Having Matt on was just really fun... it's like couples therapy with us." (17:20)

They underscore the importance of authenticity and honesty, which has allowed their friendship and the podcast to thrive, creating a supportive environment for both hosts and listeners alike.

Conclusion: A Heartfelt Thank You

Wrapping up the episode, Jessica and Camille extend their heartfelt gratitude to the listeners, acknowledging that the podcast's success is a collective effort driven by the supportive and engaged community.

"You guys are the magic, and we get to be along for the ride with you." (05:10)

They sign off with excitement for the future, promising more engaging content and deeper connections in the upcoming seasons.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jessica Capshaw (03:40): "We're almost at 5 million downloads, which is wild, you guys. But it does feel like a little community still."

• Jessica Capshaw (04:30): "When Jess and I decided to do Call It What It Is, we knew that we were going to have to be really vulnerable... But it instantly felt like this little community."

• Camille Luddington (11:10): "She was so fantastic... you can hear it in the chemistry of the conversation."

• Jessica Capshaw (15:52): "Jess is like, so chic... but fart is like her trigger happy word."

• Jessica Capshaw (16:30): "I've learned to drop that and just be in the moment. And that is what I've learned the most in the first year."

• Jessica Capshaw (17:20): "Having Matt on was just really fun... it's like couples therapy with us."

• Camille Luddington (20:05): "We want to hear more from you and we want to build on this community."

Final Thoughts

"Happy Birthday Call It Crew!" is a deeply engaging episode that not only commemorates the podcast's first year but also strengthens the bonds between the hosts and their listeners. Through heartfelt discussions, humorous anecdotes, and reflections on memorable moments, Jessica and Camille encapsulate the essence of Call It What It Is—a space for genuine connection, shared experiences, and unwavering support.

Listeners, whether longtime fans or newcomers, are invited to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the continued adventures and conversations that lie ahead in season two.

This summary captures the essence and key moments of the "Happy Birthday Call It Crew!" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't yet tuned in.