← CHEERS! with Avery Woods
CHEERS! with Avery Woods
rewriting my story | nia sioux
01:00:43
Avery sits down with dancer-actor and now-author Nia Sioux to talk about growing up on Dance Moms and growing into her voice. Nia opens up about being the only Black girl on the team for years, setting boundaries (including why skipping the reunion was the right call for her), and what it took to reclaim her story in her new memoir Bottom of the Pyramid.
Loading summary
Transcript383 lines
- [00:00]
Jeff Bridges
Morning, Zoe. Got donuts.
- [00:02]
Dana
Jeff Bridges, why are you still living above our garage?
- [00:05]
Jeff Bridges
Well, I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T mobile commercial like you teach me. So, Dana.
- [00:12]
Dana
Oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at T Mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.
- [00:24]
Jeff Bridges
Wow, impressive. Let me try. T mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.
- [00:31]
Nia
Nice.
- [00:32]
Dana
Je free.
- [00:32]
Nia
You heard them.
- [00:33]
Jeff Bridges
T mobile is the best place to.
- [00:35]
T-Mobile Announcer
Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on.
- [00:37]
Jeff Bridges
Us with eligible traded in any condition. So what are we having for lunch?
- [00:42]
Dana
Dude, my work here is done.
- [00:44]
T-Mobile Announcer
The 24 month bill credit experience beyond for well qualified customers plus tax and 35 device connection charge credit send and balance due. If you pay off earlier, Cancel Finance agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs 1099.99 and new line minimum 100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required. Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Oklahoma Speed Test Intelligence Data 182025 Visit T mobile.com all right.
- [01:01]
Avery Woods
Let'S talk about Tinder. Or better yet, that deliciously delulu stage of having a new crush. When you have that kind of crush on someone, they could send you a hey, smiley face on the worst day of your life and boom, suddenly everything's okay. It's true that a fun crush will have you romanticizing everything. They're just magic like that. And finding that feeling is easier than you think. Thanks to Tinder. Explore all of the possibilities for yourself. Tinder. It starts with a swipe. Download Tinder today. Hi, welcome to Cheers. I'm your host, Avery Woods. Hi, Nia. Hi. How are you?
- [01:42]
Nia
I'm good. How are you?
- [01:43]
Avery Woods
I just think you're so gorgeous and I love your story. And thank you for being here, by the way, and coming on to talk about your book.
- [01:51]
Nia
Thanks for having me. I'm so happy to be here.
- [01:53]
Avery Woods
Thank you.
- [01:54]
Nia
And talk about my story.
- [01:55]
Avery Woods
Yeah, it's so, so powerful. And I think just your cover alone on bottom of the pyramid, you sitting on top of all of the previous dance costumes. It's like such a powerful message.
- [02:05]
Nia
Thank you.
- [02:06]
Avery Woods
That you're embracing it and in control of it. And I watched every episode of Dance Moms, but it wasn't until I was a little bit older and so I always felt like I was a very old soul, motherly figure. And so you were always in my heart like I really just had a soft spot for you, as so many people did. Millions and millions of people. Because there's just a difference in the way that you were treated.
- [02:33]
Nia
Thank you. Yeah.
- [02:34]
Avery Woods
And I will say that so openly all day, but, like, I saw it. And it's also different because you were the pretty much the only black girl until what season?
- [02:45]
Nia
I mean, season seven was when Cameron Bridges came on, and I was so happy. She's incredible. But, like, she came on that season. But pre. Up until then, we had some black dancers on every now and then, but there were only like a. Like two. I think there were only like two or three. And they only came for like a week, maybe three. But that was about it. Yeah, that was about it.
- [03:08]
Avery Woods
And that's hard when you're at that age, you're on national television.
- [03:13]
Nia
Yeah, the show's like, literally my life. Like, yes, I have some kind of life outside the show, but, yeah, not really. I mean, we would film like, 40 weeks out of a year sometimes. So it's like that's. That's like your whole life.
- [03:26]
Avery Woods
That's your whole life when you're a little kid, just trying to be a kid, and also in a very intense, high pressure environment. That's not normal, you know? So for those that are not familiar with dance moms, how would you describe yourself?
- [03:38]
Nia
Ooh, that's a great question. Okay, so for me, I would describe myself as kind of like an old soul, like you were saying. I feel like I always knew who I was. Even though. Even though I went through a lot of obstacles and a lot of adversity, I still always knew who I was. Even when I got knocked down, I still always had, like, a confidence about me. And I'm also someone who's not afraid to speak up or, like, fight for what's right or, like, you know, tell someone the truth. I'm just. I've always been that person. I like to be real. I like to keep it real. But at the same time, I just. I have, like, a lot of love for, like, the people in my life that I love or just, like, people who supported me along the way or whoever, really. Like, I just. I have, like, a lot of love in my heart, and I like to. I like to spread it. Yeah, yeah.
- [04:41]
Avery Woods
And I can sense that. And we were just watching a clip when you said you stand up for what's right of you. To Abby saying, like, isn't the whole point of this to, like. It was like, to be kind or to be encouraging or not. Not, not not knock someone down.
- [04:57]
Nia
Right.
- [04:58]
Avery Woods
And I would be like a little kid. Standing up to a grown adult at that age is so telling. I remember also with your positive attitude. They didn't matter what anyone said to you. You always had such a big sm. You performed to the best of your ability, and you came back every day to keep going. Not a lot of kids would do that at that age.
- [05:18]
Nia
No, not a lot. And I think that's what's really interesting, too. Cause I get a lot of people who ask me, why did you stay so long? Why didn't your mom take you out of this environment if it was so toxic? There's so many opinions on the show and why I was there and why I stayed. And there are literally so many reasons. And I list all of them in the book. That's part of the reason why I even wrote the book is because it is just so layered. Like, the whole thing. Like, you said, like, a few things just then about me standing up to Abby and, like, speaking my truth and try to do it in like a kind. Hopefully not a rude way for a kid to be because, you know, you're a kid, you don't want to talk back.
- [06:03]
Avery Woods
No. You are very matter of fact. But respectful.
- [06:06]
Nia
Yeah. And there's a lot that just goes into it. One, it's. It's part of how I was raised. You know, Dr. Holly. Dr. Holly, she's amazing. And she really just helped to keep my head on straight. Like, again, I've never been scared to kind of just stand up for. For what I believe in, what's right. But also with that, you have to. I had to really be careful with my words at times. But at times, especially as I got older, when I became a teenager, you know, you become a little bit more vocal and you have more opinions and you have. You. You have to just filter what you say just a little bit. Because what would I really want to say? I probably wanted to say so much more than what I probably did. But I also recognize that one, I'm talking to someone who's older than me. And also I being, you know, the only black person on the show, you know, I felt like everyone was trying to get that narrative of, like, the angry black woman or, like, having the little black girl be loud and rude and like, you know, so it's just like it was a balance of, yes, speaking up for myself, but also not showing me out of my character. Because a lot of people wanted to see a reaction. They wanted to get a. Get a crazy reaction out of Me. And I tried really hard not to give them that.
- [07:36]
Avery Woods
No, you always kept your composure.
- [07:38]
Nia
Thank you. Thank you.
- [07:39]
Avery Woods
What's your first memory of the show coming about? Like how. What was that process for you?
- [07:45]
Nia
Yeah, well, it was only supposed to be a six week documentary.
- [07:49]
Avery Woods
Okay.
- [07:49]
Nia
So when we first heard about it, I mean, literally like nothing happens in Pittsburgh ever.
- [07:56]
Avery Woods
Yeah, yeah. I was, I remember it being on TV and being on the east coast and I was like, oh, this is really cool.
- [08:03]
Nia
Because it's like, are you from the East Coast?
- [08:05]
Avery Woods
No, I'm not. I'm from California. But that was the thing is that everything happens here or New York.
- [08:10]
Nia
Yes. Right.
- [08:10]
Avery Woods
And so it was something very different, right?
- [08:12]
Nia
Yeah, yeah, it was something very different. So when I kind of saw, when I saw you know, the posters in the dance studio saying like, they're gonna have like auditions and stu for this show, you know, when I went to go ask my parents, they genuinely were like, this isn't real. Like that just doesn't happen in Pittsburgh. Like that's a scam. Yeah. But once they actually saw it at the dance scene, they were like, okay, it sounds legitimate. Maybe we can think about it. And it took me a while to actually get them to come around to auditioning, but we really didn't think anything of it. Genuinely. My mom, even after the audition, after the interview that we had with the producer in the car, was just like, nia, like, I'm just gonna be real with you. Like, this probably isn't gonna happen. So don't get your hopes up. Cause this kind of thing just doesn't really happen and we're just like way too boring. And I write about that whole experience, about how excited, how kind of like not nervous, but like unsure of the whole thing. So that's kind of how it came about. I was, I was nine. Yeah. I was like nine at the time. So I didn't really know what to expect either. My parents know nothing about the entertainment world and industry, so they just were, they were just kind of like taking my lead on the whole thing.
- [09:47]
Avery Woods
It's crazy because my son turned seven on Halloween.
- [09:50]
Nia
Yeah.
- [09:51]
Avery Woods
And so thinking about him just two years older, being on a show like that as a. Makes me so nervous.
- [09:58]
Nia
Right.
- [09:58]
Avery Woods
But also when you, when kids get to a certain age, you want to respect what they love and what they love to do. And so it's a hard balance. And also, obviously, who's going to expect this show with little kids dancing to be this like worldwide phenomenon for years and years still to this day?
- [10:16]
Nia
You know, genuinely. I mean, my parents didn't, like, did not think anything of it. I think that's probably why they were like, yeah, sure, we'll try this out. Because they would have never expected all of this to come about, especially, you know, from a nine year old. And, you know, my parents were kind of like, taking my lead, which I know sounds kind of crazy because it's like, I'm nine years old. But again, like, I love to dance.
- [10:40]
Avery Woods
It was your passion.
- [10:41]
Nia
It was my passion. And my parents, like, they were so supportive of, like, me and my siblings, like, of our paths in, like, what we wanted to do. They were so supportive all the time. So this was just like something that they were like, yeah, we'll let you spread your wings and try this out. And it wasn't them forcing me at all. I was the one kind of like.
- [11:08]
Avery Woods
Yeah, you want to be a part of it?
- [11:10]
Nia
Forcing them.
- [11:10]
Avery Woods
Yeah. Okay. So I know you mentioned how you guys thought it would be really boring and nothing would happen, but it got picked up. It became huge. Do you think it's because. Well, actually, I don't even know were they wanting or trying to create certain conflict to be more interesting? I know that they edit reality TV in so many ways that it's like.
- [11:30]
Nia
Of course not what happened. Yeah.
- [11:32]
Avery Woods
But was that something that was happening? Because it went quickly from focusing on the dancers to the moms.
- [11:37]
Nia
Right. I think I honestly couldn't tell you what the producers really exactly wanted from the show at first. I think it was just the dynamic of it all. Just the dynamic between the moms with the other moms and the moms between the girls. And I think, like, lightly touching on, like, all of our relationships with our dance teacher as well. Yeah, I think it was kind of. Kind of like that. It was like a. It came about in such a weird way. And again, when you think of. When you think of our, or I guess like, reality in general, you think of it as having, you know, like, a lot of editing, a lot of things that are cut out. Which is true. That is. There's a lot of truth to that. But we genuinely had a very dysfunctional cast. Like, they just. They hit the jackpot with us.
- [12:31]
Avery Woods
Like, also the environment in general was that off camera. Was Abby the same as a dance teacher off camera than on camera?
- [12:46]
Nia
I always say that they made her likable for tv.
- [12:50]
Avery Woods
Likable?
- [12:51]
Nia
Likable, yes, that's what I say. Because it's. Because her teaching style is very different. And then also because I dealt with A lot of other things, aside from just, like, her regular teaching as well. Some of the comments that she would make towards me about my hair, about my body, are very much racially charged. So that's a little different. But, yeah, I would say definitely likable for tv. They definitely had to edit some of her stuff out a lot of the times. There were a lot of things that happened to me on the show as well that were edited out. There's even experience, which I won't get into too much here, but in the book where it was a big deal, something had happened, and they completely cut it out from the show and made me look very weak, I would say. But people had no idea what went on behind the scenes. So. Yeah. Yeah. So they kind of just like, hit the jackpot with the cast. Cause they were so dysfunctional and, like, the drama runs so deep. Like, even before the show started, there had been so much drama at the studio that I wasn't really involved in.
- [14:16]
Avery Woods
So there was something that I saw regarding the way you were being treated on Dance Violence, which I think everyone saw. Whether it was cut or not. There was, like, a very obvious shift with the way you were treated. Right. And one of the comments really bothered me, and it was regarding your mom, Holly.
- [14:37]
Nia
Yeah.
- [14:38]
Avery Woods
And first of all, as a mom, I completely empathize with her. Respecting your decision to want to dance, want to be part of the show, want to be with your friends, whatever reason you had for being there. But one of the comments was, you know, I don't understand. Or it's your mom's fault that she didn't take you out of a toxic environment. What's your thought on that? Because I know that she's a good mom.
- [15:02]
Nia
Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Actually, not many comments faze me. That comment always upsets me. That's why, like, sometimes I genuinely cannot look.
- [15:12]
Avery Woods
Oh, I don't look at any of my comments anymore. You just can't.
- [15:14]
Nia
You just can't. You just can't. But that's one that truly bothers me. It truly bothers me because my mom is a great mom, and I would never classify her as a bad mom or even really, like, putting me in that toxic environment. Because that wasn't her fault.
- [15:32]
Avery Woods
No.
- [15:33]
Nia
Like, let's, like, not blame the people that were actually, like, just there to learn, there to kind of have a good time. Let's blame the people that actually, like, made the environment toxic.
- [15:47]
Avery Woods
Also, she stood her ground and she defended her baby.
- [15:50]
Nia
She always protected me.
- [15:51]
Avery Woods
Always.
- [15:52]
Nia
And she always protected me. So I'M like, when people say that, it's very, very hurtful to me. Cause they're like, well, she was the adult, and she should have taken her out of that toxic environment. And one, there were contracts. People always. I'm like, there were contracts, and people were like, well, people left. It takes a long time, and it takes, like, a lot of resources, money. It's a whole thing. It's a whole thing. And I want to be able to work in the future. I don't want to be labeled as difficult to work with. I also, one, wanted to stay because I felt like I had a point to prove, not just to my dance teacher, but to myself, but also I enjoyed performing every weekend. I loved that. I loved the stage. I'm not gonna necessarily get that anywhere else. I loved traveling. I liked that part in that aspect of it. And then also to that comment, people will say things, but it's like, you weren't in that situation, so you don't know how you would react. You don't know what you would do in that situation.
- [16:56]
Avery Woods
You also see such a tiny sliver of what's actually going on, both on and off camera because of that.
- [17:02]
Nia
Exactly. And you know what? Another point, I would say I'm pretty well adjusted. Like, yes, I went through all of that, but because I have such a great mom, because I have such an amazing support system and family, I was able to come out of that being okay.
- [17:18]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [17:18]
Nia
You know, I was able to come out of that and be happy and be successful and be able to do amazing things, you know, And I think that says a lot about her character as a mother.
- [17:30]
Avery Woods
Absolutely.
- [17:31]
Nia
Yeah. So that comment to me is very. Is very hurtful because there's a lot that goes into it. And I hate that people would even consider my mom to be a bad mom because they. They think that it's her fault that all. Not. They don't think it's her fault, but because she didn't take me out of that. But it's so layered.
- [17:54]
Avery Woods
It's so easy for a keyboard warrior, though, to just.
- [17:58]
Nia
Also that. Also that. Yeah. So, yeah.
- [18:02]
Avery Woods
What gave you the courage to write your memoir? What. What. What point were you at that you were like, you know, I really want to tell my story my way.
- [18:10]
Nia
I was a junior in college, so. Well, actually, I always wanted to write about my experience on dance moms. That had always been the plan. And after the show had ended, I was actually looking into writing a book, like, pretty much like a year or so after, because I was very upset and that was a time where I did have a hard time adjusting a little bit after the show because I had been on the show for like year for the past seven years. And I was in a place where I'm like, I have to get this out there. I felt like I needed to say something then, so happy I didn't. I would have regretted the things that I would have said like out of anger. Out of anger. And now that I've had time to reflect and time to really have other experiences outside of Dance Moms, I've been able to collect all of these emotions and collect all of these experiences that I had. And I have a better understanding of what actually went down. And I can actually articulate how I'm feeling, how things went and how I went about it. Because the thing about the book was I didn't want it to be a sob story. I'm not trying to like win the oppression Olympics. Like, I'm just, I'm not doing that. I know some people just like, they want to say, like, well, my experience was worse. I don't care. Like, everyone's stories matter, you know, everyone's experience matters just like mine, you know, And I just wanted the space to tell my story. So as I was writing this or for a while, it was hard for me to consider writing it, this book because for me, I didn't want to ruffle feathers. I don't like drama. I don't really like drama. I like to stay out of it.
- [20:14]
Avery Woods
I can tell.
- [20:15]
Nia
Yeah, you really do stay away from all that.
- [20:18]
Avery Woods
I do.
- [20:19]
Nia
I try my best because it's not the healthiest. But at a certain point, like, I'm not here to protect people, you know, I'm not here to erase my story. I'm not trying to filter my story. I'm like, I simply like deserve to tell my side of things.
- [20:41]
Avery Woods
Yeah, you do.
- [20:41]
Nia
Because along the way my narrative, you know, became tainted and bottom of. I literally titled my book Bottom of the Pyramid. And I feel like one baby Nia, 9 year old Nia, deserves for her truth to be told even after all these years. And I feel like other. And I also feel like a lot of people have felt the same way I have as well. You know, like, I have a very unique experience, but at the same time, a lot of, a lot of people have had similar things happen to them. Yeah. Especially like being black in like white spaces. I feel like a lot of people have been there and to have a story that kind of reflects their experience could, could help them for them to know that they're not the only ones to keep going and things always get better.
- [21:43]
Avery Woods
Cooler days call for layers that last and Quint is your go to for quality essentials that feel cozy, look refined and won't blow your budget. Think $50 Mongolian cashmere premium denim that fits like a dream and luxe outerwear you'll wear year after year. They're wool coats. They look designer level, but they cost a fraction of the price. Because Quint partners directly with top tier ethical factories and cuts out the middleman. They deliver luxury quality pieces at half of the price of similar brands. It's the kind of wardrobe upgrade that feels smart, sty and effortless. I'm obsessed with anything that's loungewear or pajamas from Quince. But as for fall, my recent purchase was the Mongolian cashmere crewneck sweater that was only $50. The color rich burgundy is what I went with and it is the perfect staple for fall for layering and to keep you cozy but also looking so classy. Their bamboo pajamas and loungewear are so cozy, buttery, soft and the best part is I love that you can dress them up or down. I can lounge around at home with my kids, but I can also put on a pair of heels, put on a coat and go out to dinner with my husband. Find your fall staples at quints. Go to quince.com cheers for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q U I n c e.com Cheers to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com Cheers Morning Zoe.
- [23:02]
Jeff Bridges
Got donuts.
- [23:03]
Dana
Jeff Bridges why are you still living above our garage?
- [23:06]
Jeff Bridges
Well I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T mobile commercial like you teach me.
- [23:12]
Dana
So Dana oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at T mob we'll get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.
- [23:25]
Nia
Wow.
- [23:25]
Jeff Bridges
Impressive. Let me try. T mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.
- [23:32]
Nia
Nice.
- [23:33]
Dana
Jeffrey, you heard them.
- [23:34]
Jeff Bridges
T mobile is the best place to.
- [23:36]
T-Mobile Announcer
Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on.
- [23:38]
Jeff Bridges
Us with eligible traded in any condition. So what are we having for launch?
- [23:43]
Dana
Dude, my work here is done.
- [23:45]
T-Mobile Announcer
The 24 month credit is on experience beyond for well qualified customers plus tax and $35 device connection charge credit send and balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Finance agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs $1099.99 and new line minimum $100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required. Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by O Speed Test Intelligence data. 182025 Visit T mobile.com There are a.
- [24:02]
Avery Woods
Lot of things that I'm good at. I feel very proud to be a businesswoman and financial. But there is one thing, I'm not going to lie to you guys, I'm not that good at and that's keeping track of my finances. That is where my husband comes in. Okay, I just make the money and then he handles what's going on behind the scenes. But if I didn't have him, honestly, I'd be kind of scared. I can't tell you how many times I have checked out in public and my card gets declined and I'm like, I know I have money in my bank account, but what happened was basically when I get paid, I put everything in my business account. Because that's just how it works when you own a business, right? So I never put anything into my personal checking account, but a lot of bills, auto draft out of there and I can't tell you how many times I've just never replenished it and it's just in the red and I'm getting all these overdraft fees, missed payments. But however, Chime understands that every dollar counts. That's why when you set up direct deposit through Chime, you get access to fee free features like free overdraft coverage, getting paid up to two days early. With direct deposit and more, you can open a checking account with no monthly fees and no maintenance fees and not to mention access to over 47,000 free ATMs. Chime is banking done right. Work on your finance goals through Chime today. Open an account in 2 minutes at chime.com avery that's chime.com/avery. Chime feels like progress. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit cards provided by the Bancorp Bank NA or Stride Bank NA members. FDIC spot me Eligibility requirements and overdraft limits apply. Time depending on submission of payment. FIL fees apply at out of network ATMs. Bank ranking and number of ATMs according to the U.S. news and World Report. 2023 Chime checking account required. Yeah, you know, so my daughter Stevie's been in dance since she was 23 months. She's four. Wow. And I think about her in the future, even just a few years down the road, being nine years old and be being ranked like that. Yeah, I would probably go to jail because I would be getting aggressive. Like, I just don't think that that is good for a young girl with a developing mind that already struggles. Like, I am so aware of the way I speak to myself, of my daughter doing affirmations in the morning. I will make sure I don't even put her in clothes I know will be too small because I'm so conscious of, like, my body image issues I had growing up. And I don't want her to ever think that she's too big or looks the way she shouldn't look or is the worst dancer in her class because she's ranked last. What did that do to you? Like, how did that affect you in your mind developing as you're growing up and becoming a young woman?
- [26:56]
Nia
Yeah, it definitely had its effects on me. And they show up in different ways. Like, for me, I felt like I probably had some body dysmorphia growing up, always feeling like I was the biggest one there. And, you know, also, I feel like just as a dancer, as dancers, we're in tune with our bodies, but we're also very hard on ourselves in our appearance because we're looking in the mirror all the time. All the time.
- [27:28]
Avery Woods
And you're wearing very, like, form fitting, exposing costumes.
- [27:31]
Nia
Yes, exactly. So you feel very vulnerable a lot of the times. So I feel like a lot of people who have even grown up in dance or, like, in a sport can kind of relate to that in. In a certain way. But for me, I. I feel like it's. It's gonna go back to my mom, but because she kind of took on that role of being that person to tell me affirmations, to tell me, like, nia, you look gorgeous. Like, don't listen to those other people. Like, you. You're not too big. You know, you're meant to be there. You're beautiful. And having. Having someone to constantly remind me of that, super helpful. But I did feel exposed a lot of the time, especially when I got older, especially when I went through puberty and then was a teenager on the show. And then my appearance in my body was literally being talked about on, like, not even national, like a global. Like, globally. It's. It's scary. I would say it's definitely scary for.
- [28:45]
Avery Woods
Such a young girl.
- [28:46]
Nia
For just a young girl. Yeah. Yeah. And I mean, I was nine when I started, but I was. I was almost 16 when we, like, filmed, like, the last episode, and was. I was 16 once the episode came out that's a. Like, those are literally your developing years.
- [29:03]
Avery Woods
They're so important.
- [29:04]
Nia
They're.
- [29:05]
Avery Woods
They're so important.
- [29:06]
Nia
They're so important. So hard and it's taking a long time.
- [29:10]
Avery Woods
And go. Getting curves.
- [29:11]
Nia
Yeah.
- [29:12]
Avery Woods
Starting your period. Like, those are all things that you're experiencing off camera and already self conscious of. And then when everyone's pointing it out to you, like, I can't even imagine how much that would affect.
- [29:20]
Nia
And it's. And then when it's not just the people on, on set, like, it's not just cast members making comments about my body and my appearance, but then we have people online watching the show on the Internet, talking about my appearance as well. Like, I remember when I started like getting boobs and stuff. Like, people genuinely were so rude about it online. Like when I started gaining a little bit more weight because I'm no longer nine years old, people would be like, you've gained so much weight. I was like, well, I sure hope so.
- [29:53]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [29:54]
Nia
Because I'm not 9 anymore. 15. Like, I'm not supposed to look the same way as when I was nine years old.
- [30:00]
Avery Woods
You can't control how big your boobs are getting when you're going through periods.
- [30:04]
Nia
Exactly. And it's like we're working out so much too. It's like I'm. This. Even the weight that you're even talking about, I'm like, this is a muscle. Like, I, I'm just working out and you know, so people had things to say about me, my appearance all the time, on and off camera, online. And it definitely at a certain point caught up to me because it was, it was a lot. It was a lot and extremely hurtful. And I would cover up a lot. Especially like in the later seasons, you can see me. I wore like a lot of leggings or tank tops. Like, I would, I would always try my best to kind of like cover up my body a little bit more as I got older because I just, it was too. It was just like so much so that was like the one thing I could control. So I was like, okay, I'm going to try and cover up a little bit.
- [30:56]
Avery Woods
But.
- [30:57]
Nia
But yeah, it didn't really matter. Didn't really help with the criticism.
- [31:02]
Avery Woods
Well, you're beautiful. You've always.
- [31:04]
Nia
Thank you. Thank you. I'm in a good place now.
- [31:06]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [31:07]
Nia
With my body and how I feel about myself.
- [31:10]
Avery Woods
Yeah. And you had a good support system at home that reassured you. And so I'm happy for you that you were able to get past that because it's Just. Just. It's awful.
- [31:18]
Nia
Thank you.
- [31:19]
Avery Woods
Do you still dance?
- [31:20]
Nia
Oh, it's a great question.
- [31:22]
Avery Woods
Or is it, like a fun wedding, rare occasion type thing?
- [31:26]
Nia
I. I do still dance, actually. Well, it's been a minute since I've danced now. Just because of scheduling in life.
- [31:33]
Avery Woods
She's busy. She's a memoir.
- [31:35]
Nia
Exactly, exactly. Like, I have books to sell.
- [31:38]
Avery Woods
Yeah, she's like, we're gonna be a New York Times bestseller.
- [31:43]
Nia
When you talk, you know, like, yeah, we've got goals.
- [31:45]
Avery Woods
Yeah, we're both too busy.
- [31:48]
Nia
But I actually. I danced all throughout college. Did you?
- [31:52]
Avery Woods
Where'd you go to college?
- [31:53]
Nia
I went to ucla, period.
- [31:55]
Avery Woods
See, she's got beauty and brains.
- [31:58]
Nia
Thank you.
- [31:59]
Avery Woods
Like, that is a hard school to get into.
- [32:01]
Nia
Yes, I know. I was shocked when I saw the acceptance email. I was like, oh, this is crazy.
- [32:07]
Avery Woods
That's amazing. What did you study?
- [32:09]
Nia
American literature and culture.
- [32:11]
Avery Woods
Dude, you just get cooler and cooler. I'm telling you, like, you love it all. Good for you.
- [32:16]
Nia
That's why, also, in my junior year of college, I was like, I think I'm ready to write my book. Because not only have I done reflection about my life, but I also know how to write pretty well now. And I felt confident in my abilities to actually sit down and write out my feelings.
- [32:34]
Avery Woods
I love that because a lot of people get ghostwriters nowadays. Yeah, that's a very common thing.
- [32:39]
Nia
Being able to be a true part of my book and feel like I actually wrote the book. I have read this book 10 million times. Like, editing, changing, picking what parts I should leave in and take out. It's taken so much time. And the fact that I was. Anyway, I'm getting off subject, but, yes. So I went to ucla, American literature. But at ucla, they had a dance club that I found and loved it. That's so cool. Absolutely loved it. It was so healing for me. And I even got to start. I even got to choreograph dances for the team. And we performed at, like, school events. So we would perform at, like, basketball games if they had, like, any fun. Or, like, we had something called, like, First Thursday. Yeah, First Thursday is where it's like, the first Thursday of every month. They would have, like, something fun in Westwood where. And we performed at that event. So there were certain events that we had at UCLA where we would perform as well, which was so cool. So much fun. Took a lot of pressure off of dance as well, and I learned to just really fall in love with it again. So I do still dance, but it's more just for fun. Now it's always gonna be a part of me and I think that it's gonna absolutely come in handy one day for all the other ventures I go about. But. But yeah, I'm. I'm pretty content with it. I don't really post myself dancing that much anymore just cause like social media is so cruel. And every now and then you might. But I like to keep that little bit to myself.
- [34:28]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [34:28]
Nia
At least for now.
- [34:29]
Avery Woods
And I can imagine that dance club we did in college was probably so healing because it was actually enjoyable.
- [34:34]
Nia
It was.
- [34:34]
Avery Woods
There was no pressure.
- [34:35]
Nia
Exactly. And yeah, in the D, dancers too, in the club were so like, they were so good. So being able to dance with good dancers because yes, it's a dance club and all of us are just like doing this for fun. But all of us kind of had a similar upbringing in dance where it's like a lot of us did competition dance or just dance really like full time when we were younger. So having that outlet, especially in school was like, it was amazing.
- [35:03]
Avery Woods
So good. When you were writing your memoir, did you go back and re watch some of the seasons and episodes?
- [35:10]
Nia
I did.
- [35:11]
Avery Woods
What was that experience like for you?
- [35:14]
Nia
It was really hard sometimes. Like there were a lot of moments where I wanted to cry because watching I never really understood. I would say when people were like, no, like you said you felt like maternal towards.
- [35:28]
Avery Woods
Oh yeah. So I was like about to jump through that TV screen, girl. And I was like a teenager.
- [35:33]
Jeff Bridges
Yes.
- [35:33]
Nia
And I was like, I never really fully understood that when people would tell me they're like, no, like we feel maternal about you, Nia. And like when we would see certain things happen. Like I was crying during, during this part that Abby was yelling at Nia or when she forgot her solo, you know. And I watched some of these moments back and I got like, I got teary eyed and I was like, oh, I see what people are talking about now. Because in the moment, you know, there's a lot of emotions. And even after. Cause I didn't watch the show when it was live. Like. Yeah, no, no. Maybe like the first season or maybe like the first couple episodes of the first season. And I would catch things here and there. We were at dance most of the time when the show was even on.
- [36:20]
Avery Woods
Yeah. And school on top of it.
- [36:22]
Nia
Yeah, and school. So it's like we didn't have one time to watch the show. But even if we wanted to, like I'm not just sitting down and watching all of this. Cause I get too, I get too angry and agitated. Like, I'm not. But when I would look back at some of those moments, I would get really emotional because I didn't realize, like, how upsetting that really was until I kind of took a second to look at it through my adult lens, my adult point of view. And watching, like, me at 9 years old. And also, it doesn't feel like me. Like, I know it's me, but it also does not feel like me. I feel like this is like, someone else. Someone else. And I. I'm even, like, rooting for myself. I'm like, oh, my gosh.
- [37:09]
Avery Woods
Like, when you watch it back, do you remember that stuff vividly or do you, like, have it blacked out?
- [37:16]
Nia
Yes and no.
- [37:17]
Avery Woods
So traumatic.
- [37:17]
Nia
Yes and no. Okay. I get asked this. They're like, do you. Do you remember things or do you black out a lot of it? But I think a lot. Personally, I think a lot for me, specifically when I don't remember things, I think it's less about it being traumatic and more just. I was nine. Yeah. Yeah.
- [37:38]
Avery Woods
I don't remember anything when I was nine. Yeah.
- [37:40]
Nia
I was like, honestly, like, I just don't remember, like, a lot of things from when I was, like, younger. I don't necessarily think that's because of the trauma. Could be not saying it's not, but I'm like. I think I also was just really young, and you're just not gonna remember everything, so. Yes and no to that question. Sometimes I, like, remember things vividly. I'm like, oh, my gosh. I remember when that happened. And then I'm like, oh. And they didn't show that clip of someone saying X, Y, and Z or like, oh, they only showed this part of that. I didn't know they showed it like that. I didn't know they played it out like that. Or they'll change the song in the title to the dance that we did. Like, they. They'll dub it over with something. I'm like, oh, that was not the song to that. It's very. It's very, like, kind of trippy sometimes because they're like, wait a minute. That's. That's not how I remember it. Interesting. But a lot of. But sometimes. Sometimes I genuinely do not remember certain things happening. And that's also very interesting when. When people tag me in videos and I'll say something. I think there was something I said in an interview, in the interviews, like the testimony testimonials we would do where he's just, like, talking to the camera, and I said something about like, another dancer. And I was like, yeah, I can do, like, jazz, hip hop, tap. And what can the other girl do? Acro. And I was like, I don't even remember. I don't remember that. And I don't remember.
- [39:12]
Avery Woods
He said, hmm. And what can she do? Yeah.
- [39:14]
Nia
And I'm like, one, like, crazy. Like, okay, but two. And that's the thing. Like, now I'm like, I can. I can own up to things, and I can laugh about things. Like. Cause guess what? It's out for the world to see. Like, I could laugh about things, but it's also, like, I don't remember that.
- [39:33]
Avery Woods
It's so funny. I feel like my daughter would say something like that. She's so sassy.
- [39:37]
Nia
I don't remember that. So, yeah, sometimes it's like an emotional roller coaster, rollercoaster. And sometimes I feel like I'm finding out new things that happened.
- [39:47]
Avery Woods
What's a positive memory you have with your former castmates? Like, what's something good that you remember from the show?
- [39:52]
Nia
Oh, I feel like there is a lot of good that I remember from the show. I mean, unfortunately, the bad did outweigh the good in the end. But we did have, like, a lot of special moments. Like, before competition, like, the night before competitions, we would hang out in one of our hotel rooms and play. Play games, watch tv, make, like, those little, like, rainbow loom bracelets. Like, we would do a lot of fun things together.
- [40:21]
Avery Woods
Being normal little kids.
- [40:22]
Nia
Being normal little kids. We love to, like, go get ice cream and get our nails done. Occasionally, we had to get, like, clear polish. Cause we weren't allowed to have, like, actual, like, color nail polish on. But, like, we would do things together that were so sweet. And, like, as we got older, we'd go shopping together, we'd go out to eat, we'd go to the mov. Like, we did normal kid stuff, you know, and that's something that I really appreciate the moms doing for us. They always made sure that we could still, like, act like kids when we weren't on set, which was really nice.
- [41:02]
Avery Woods
And what's the relationship now with your previous castmates?
- [41:05]
Nia
I'm friends with a lot of them still.
- [41:07]
Avery Woods
Cause you weren't on the reunion.
- [41:08]
Nia
No, I wasn't.
- [41:09]
Avery Woods
I watched the reunion, and I thought it was very interesting because, by the way, fully respect you not being there and, like, not choosing to be there if you don't want to be in an environment.
- [41:20]
Nia
I mean, we wouldn't be able to have, like, this type of conversation.
- [41:23]
Avery Woods
Well, and also, you Respected your own boundaries. If that's a boundary you had, then that's okay. And, like, I'm in this stage of life, too, where I'm like, I have to protect my peace. You have to. You protected your peace at such a young age. That was like, what, four years ago or something?
- [41:38]
Nia
Oh, my gosh.
- [41:39]
Avery Woods
It was a while ago.
- [41:39]
Nia
It was a bit ago, maybe. I think it was like. Yeah, maybe like three, though.
- [41:43]
Avery Woods
Three. Okay.
- [41:44]
Nia
Ish.
- [41:44]
Avery Woods
And I remember a conversation kind of being mentioned, though, about certain people that weren't present and how they said, you know, you. People that weren't present using the dance mom's business as part of their brand, but then not showing up to their reunion. What's your thoughts on that?
- [42:09]
Nia
I think everyone has used dance moms as part of their brand, and anyone deserves to. I feel like it's me because I stayed seven seasons also.
- [42:19]
Avery Woods
I think you are. You made that choice.
- [42:24]
Nia
Yeah.
- [42:25]
Avery Woods
And you had a completely different experience than the people that were on the reunion.
- [42:29]
Nia
Exactly.
- [42:30]
Avery Woods
And that's okay. And everyone's experience is validated and valid. But I think that you chose peace.
- [42:40]
Nia
Yeah.
- [42:40]
Avery Woods
I think that you wanted to tell your story in a different way and on your own.
- [42:44]
Nia
Yes, I wanted to.
- [42:45]
Avery Woods
Bottom of the pyramid.
- [42:46]
Nia
Tell it on my own terms.
- [42:47]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [42:47]
Nia
Yeah. And I'm allowed to do that. I'm not contracted to do.
- [42:50]
Avery Woods
Absolutely.
- [42:51]
Nia
To do that anymore.
- [42:52]
Avery Woods
I absolutely agree.
- [42:53]
Nia
And that's. And we are, like. I'm, like, years removed from the show, too. Some of the girls who were. Who did the reunion, actually. Well, I'm the one who stayed the whole term of the thing of the show. But I know some of the girls, they hadn't had as much time on the show, so for them, they're not going to maybe feel like it's still too soon or that, you know, they just haven't gone through the same things. At the end of the day.
- [43:32]
Avery Woods
No.
- [43:32]
Nia
And that's okay. And if they want to tell their story that way, that's amazing. Like, good for them. I don't know why everyone's so worried about me like that. I just. I don't understand you.
- [43:47]
Avery Woods
You keep your head down and mind your business.
- [43:49]
Nia
Yeah. I'm like, I'm just trying to mind my business. I didn't need, like, that kind of energy. Especially, like, I was in my senior year of college. I was like, I just don't need this energy right now. Um, but, yeah, I mean, I. Yeah, that's another point that I bring up in the book about the reunion show. And Being asked to do it. And yeah, I just. I could not bring myself to do it. And to anyone who was saying, like, well, you're still using the dance. I never said I wasn't going to talk about dance moms. And that's the thing. Like, I'm not ashamed of where I came from, where I got my star. I'm not ashamed of dance moms either. And people are like, well, she's never really. She doesn't talk about dance moms. But now she's talk. Yes, because now I'm ready to talk about it.
- [44:38]
Avery Woods
It was a huge part of the majority of your childhood, and then you went to college and became a woman and had some time for yourself. And that's a very mature, healing thing to be able to recollect your memory and what happened. Like you said before, you would have regretted speaking out about it earlier, which I think was such a mature, smart decision to make. You gather your thoughts. You grew up and now the time is right.
- [45:03]
Nia
Exactly. And also, like, I had no. I would have no control over the edits either. And I. I went through seven years of that, and I just couldn't bring myself to do that again. It's a lot like, that's a lot of pressure making sure you say the right things. And even if you did say the right things, they can still edit it in a way that doesn't make you look great.
- [45:27]
Avery Woods
Were you getting any backlash from production about not being there?
- [45:32]
Nia
I wasn't getting backlash. I think that they just wanted me there, which, you know, it's always nice to be wanted. You know, it's nice that they offered me to be a part of it. I'm always grateful for the show. I mean, that's how I'm even, like, in the position where I am today, you know, like, I'm not bashing the show at all. Like, I. And I think that's. Cause I've seen a couple comments recently saying, like, well, she should be grateful about where she came. I'm like, I've never said that I wasn't grateful. And that's the thing. I've never said that I regret doing the show or that I don't respect where I came from. Because that has nothing to do with. That has nothing to do with it. I've just lived a lot of life and I'm now at a place where I can make these decisions as an adult and see things clearly. Cause I'm an adult now and I'm not a kid anymore. And I know what's good for me and what's not good for me and having those boundaries which I'm still working on. Cause always gonna be a work in progress. But yeah, I think that's something that. I think sometimes people misconstrue or don't fully understand. They think that me writing this book is to just bash on dance moms and cast members. And that's not it at all.
- [47:00]
Avery Woods
It's your story.
- [47:02]
Nia
It's simply my story. It's simply my story.
- [47:05]
Avery Woods
Yeah. Do you. When they do reruns or play on streaming networks, you get a chunk of that?
- [47:11]
Nia
No, we don't get residuals.
- [47:14]
Avery Woods
That's crazy.
- [47:15]
Nia
Yeah, we don't get res. I know, like, a lot of people probably think that.
- [47:19]
Avery Woods
I was gonna say I talk about.
- [47:20]
Nia
That in the book as well. About, like, how much we were getting paid. Yeah, yeah, I talk about that because that seems to be something that people don't really fully understand. I remember seeing comments like, well, you know, she's probably rich from all that dance mom's money, honey, that. That dance mom's. We were not there for the money. Let me just tell you that. There was not. I mean, I was still a child working, so we got some kind of compensation, which for a child making any kind of compensation is like, really cool.
- [48:00]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [48:01]
Nia
But it was not.
- [48:03]
Avery Woods
Did you have access to that money when you were 18?
- [48:05]
Nia
Only, like, like, yeah. You only have access to like, a certain amount and then. Yeah. It gets put up into a Coogan account. Yeah.
- [48:12]
Avery Woods
That's amazing.
- [48:13]
Nia
Let's just say when I saw that Coogan account when I was 18, I was like, that's it.
- [48:17]
Avery Woods
You were like, for seven years of hell. Seven years of hell. And I get that. And I have to go to UCLA and pay that tuition.
- [48:25]
Nia
I. I genuinely, like, I. I'm so grateful for my agents, but, like, they had me working in college so that I can. I could pay for college without any debt. And I'm so grateful to them. That's amazing that they continue working. And that's. Honestly, that's one of my biggest achievements, is that I put myself through college. I didn't have to put that strain on my parents. That is one of my biggest goals that I ever accomplished.
- [48:55]
Avery Woods
That's incredible. Huge deal. And also, I know people in college right now, especially at those big schools. Yes, it is expensive.
- [49:05]
Nia
College is so expensive. But it. College was the best purchase I have ever made.
- [49:10]
Avery Woods
Absolutely. You. You can never. No one can ever take back your education from you.
- [49:14]
Nia
That's what my mom always said she was like, no one can take your education from you.
- [49:17]
Avery Woods
It's funny because that's. I was a nurse.
- [49:19]
Nia
Yeah.
- [49:20]
Avery Woods
For a lot of years. Yeah. And I still have an active license and. Wow. I'm like, people can say whatever they want that I'm an influencer or podcast husband. Like, you can never take my degree with from me.
- [49:28]
Nia
Can never take that away.
- [49:29]
Avery Woods
You can never take my work experience away from me. You can never take my knowledge away from me. And, you know, a lot of people nowadays are like, it's just a piece of paper.
- [49:39]
Nia
It's not just a piece of paper.
- [49:41]
Avery Woods
Four years of, like, such hard work and dedication and the fact that you came from tv, had an account set up, and had a social media following. You didn't have to go to college. You chose to go to college.
- [49:55]
Nia
Yeah, I definitely did not have to go to college, but it was a decision that I made for myself and it was something I had always dreamed of doing. And I'm so happy that I went. I loved my experience. College was definitely for me and I learned so much about myself in school that has just. It's just helped me so much with just life safe in general.
- [50:23]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [50:23]
Nia
And adjusting.
- [50:24]
Avery Woods
You should be so proud of yourself.
- [50:25]
Nia
Thank you.
- [50:26]
Avery Woods
24. Caring yourself the way that you have and also putting yourself through school. That's incredible. Thank you, you guys. I am so excited for fall. You have no idea. Decorating my house, making delicious, warm baked goods that are all pumpkin, spice flavors, apple pies, just, you name it, I'm on it. I even got a fall apron because the baking is going down. I will say, as a busy working mom, sometimes it can be a little bit difficult for me to get my grocery shopping done. Stocking up on all things pumpkin or grabbing ingredients for your favorite fall recipe. Let Instacart help to deliver what you need so you don't have to add another errand to your day. Order fresh groceries and household essentials online through the app and they can arrive at your door in as fast as 30 minutes. With Instacart, accurate orders, timely service, and experienced shoppers make quality and convenience possible. I can't tell you how many times I lose track of what day it is. And the kids are always being involved in a new activity or have a play date on the calendar. And I'll sometimes forget that I signed up to make the bait good or bring the snack or the Gatorade trade. And Instacart always saves a day and brings whatever I need so quickly. That way I can focus on whatever is going on at home or if I'm busy working or getting the kids ready, I don't have to worry about making an extra stop on our way. Another thing that I love so much is the quality of the food that's brought from Instacart is always incredible. I feel like most times that I've had food delivery services, a lot of the food is damaged or the produce is already going bad. And I've never had that problem with Instacart, which I'm so grateful for. Download the Instacart app and use Code Avery Woods Woods 20 to get $20 off your first order of $80 or more. That's code Avery Woods. 20 to get $20 off your 1st order of $80 or more. Offer valid for a limited time, excludes restaurants. Additional terms apply.
- [52:08]
Jeff Bridges
Morning, Zoe. Got donuts.
- [52:10]
Dana
Jeff Bridges, why are you still living above our garage?
- [52:13]
Jeff Bridges
Well, I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T Mobile commercial like you. Teach me, Sudana.
- [52:20]
Dana
Oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at t mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.
- [52:32]
Jeff Bridges
Wow, impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.
- [52:39]
Nia
Nice.
- [52:40]
Dana
Jeffrey, you heard them.
- [52:41]
Jeff Bridges
T Mobile is the best place to.
- [52:43]
T-Mobile Announcer
Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on.
- [52:45]
Jeff Bridges
Us with eligible trade rated in any condition. So what are we having for lunch?
- [52:50]
Dana
Dude, my work here is done.
- [52:52]
T-Mobile Announcer
The 24 month bill credit is on experience beyond for well qualified customers + tax and 35 device connection charge credit send and balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Finance agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs 1099.99 and new line minimum 100 plus a month plan with auto PayPal taxes and fees required. Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Oakland Speed Test Intelligence Data 1H 2025 Visit t mobile.com all.
- [53:08]
Avery Woods
Right, let's talk about Tinder. Or better yet, that deliciously delulu stage of having a new crush. When you have that kind of crush on someone, they could send you a hey smiley face on the wor day of your life and boom, suddenly everything's okay. It's true that a fun crush will have you romanticizing everything. They're just magic like that. And finding that feeling is easier than you think. Thanks to Tinder. Explore all of the possibilities for yourself. Tinder. It starts with the swipe. Download Tinder today. I love the COVID of Bottom of the pyramid, you sitting on top of all those dance costumes. What was the worst dance costume that you wore?
- [53:41]
Nia
Oh, my gosh. There were a lot. I don't think I. There were a lot.
- [53:47]
Avery Woods
They looked so itchy.
- [53:49]
Nia
Yeah, some of them really were itchy.
- [53:52]
Avery Woods
All the sequins and stuff.
- [53:53]
Nia
I said, yeah, if it had sequins, I'm like, nah, if it had sequins, I mean, honestly, I would have loved some more dance costumes with some sequins. Usually we were. I've dressed up as a clown probably, like, a couple times. I've dressed up as a dog. I've dressed up as. I don't even know what it was, but, like, I had, like, a blue unitard on and, like, this crazy mask. Oh, my gosh. Like, I. I could. I couldn't even name the amount of, like, really, really, like, not cute costumes I wore, but I could count. Probably the pretty ones because I didn't.
- [54:34]
Avery Woods
Get many of them. And doing it for so many years, too.
- [54:37]
Nia
I was like. Like, I know, like, people are like, well, like, your mental health and all these things that came with the show. And, like, yes. But for me at that time, the things that I was, like, most concerned about was like, oh, my gosh, I have to wear a clown costume this weekend. We just have to laugh sometimes.
- [54:59]
Avery Woods
Sometimes you just have to laugh so you don't cry. What's been the most unexpected project that you've gotten, aside from writing your incredible book, out of coming from Dance Moms?
- [55:09]
Nia
Oh, my gosh. There's been so many. One of the things that I don't necessarily think it, like, it didn't come directly from Dance Moms, but because I was on a show for so long, I have gained an amazing platform where I have people who follow me and kind of care what I have to say, which is incredible.
- [55:38]
Avery Woods
It's a very powerful thing.
- [55:39]
Nia
It's a very powerful thing. But that would probably be working with the Biden Harris administration. That would be probably one of the coolest and probably one of the most unexpected things that has happened post Dance Moms. I would have never thought that I would be able to. To do something like that.
- [56:00]
Avery Woods
You're like, I'm sorry, the White House, like, the government. It's actually insane how much our world is shifting, really, from celebrity status to social media and how impactful your words are.
- [56:14]
Nia
Yes. Yeah. It's super impact for impactful. So using my social media to, I guess, like, talk about issues that. That really, like, matter to me and issues, in my opinion, I Don't even think. It's just my opinion. But things that aren't, like, they're not radical, they're not crazy, like, things. It's just, like, basic human rights, in my opinion. So, like, standing up for what's right and, like, using my platform for good, you know, and being able to give back in that sort of way has been really fulfilling for me. I've learned so much, and it's very inspiring to be around. Around public figures and world leaders like that. It's very surreal to be able to be at a table, sitting at a table with the vp.
- [57:06]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [57:07]
Nia
On like, a couple different occasions. You know, like, that's. It's really amazing to be able to do that sort of stuff. But then also just like, in. On the entertainment side, like, I've been able to do a lot of really cool things. I've directed and produced my own shows, which has been really awesome. I've been able to do quite a few acting projects as well. Like, I did a Lifetime movie, like, my freshman year of college. Yeah. And then since then, I've. I don't know, like, I've done, like, things here and there. I did. I made a cameo in Mean Girls, the new Mean Girl. So cool. I did an off Broadway show that was, like, my last season of Dance Moms, I think I did an off Broadway show. So I've done a lot of great things because I was on a show for so long and been able to, like, grow a following and grow a community. I mean, it's been amazing. Just, like, the things that I've been asked to do and the brands I've even been able to work with, it's been. It's been amazing. And I truly, like, am honored that people, like, want to work with me and are excited to work with me because also for so long, I was told that no one was going to want to work with me, that I wasn't what people wanted to see, you know? So being able to, like, live this way and live my truth has been very healing and super rewarding.
- [58:47]
Avery Woods
And you have proved those people wrong that doubted you just by showing up and giving it your all. Because you have work ethic and drive, and you're amazing at what you do.
- [58:57]
Nia
Thank you. And I'm like. And I'm like, I'm 24. Like, this is just the beginning. So we'll see what else happens.
- [59:04]
Avery Woods
What is a story from the book that your closest people in your life, friends, family, were the most surprised about?
- [59:12]
Nia
Ooh. Well, I feel like a Lot of. I feel like a lot of people have heard me talk about most of the things I've said in the book, because I will, like. I will talk about certain things that have happened on the show with, like, family and friends. Like, I've.
- [59:32]
Avery Woods
It's part of your story.
- [59:33]
Nia
It's part of my story. I've never been, like, shy to talk about how things went down. It's more just, like, publicly trying to just think of, like, something that, like, friends and family were surprised to see. I don't necessarily know if this. This doesn't necessarily answer the question, but something that I know, like, people reading, like, readers will be surprised to read about in the book is my relationship with my family, especially during the show, because, you know, I have two other brothers. I have a dad. My parents are still married, and we spent a lot of time away from home, and I took my mom away from my brothers for a really long time. And how that affected me, how that affected our family. So being able to talk about that, talk about not just, like, my immediate family, but even, like, my grandparents and the impact they made on my life and. And how much they've done for me and my family, like, during the years. Cause both my parents had very demanding jobs and being able to, like, honor my grandparents with everything that they did to help me with my career even at such a young age. I mean, like, it truly, like, took a village.
- [60:59]
Avery Woods
Yeah, I was gonna say it takes a village.
- [61:00]
Nia
Yeah. Yeah, it truly took a village to, like, get everything. Make sure everyone got to where they needed to be. Everyone, you know, like, was accounted for and taken care of. So, yeah, it was a lot of juggling and being able to kind of share that aspect, because a lot of people, you know, they. I think people just assume it's my mom and I, and it's like, no. Like, I have. I have a dad. I have two brothers. That's amazing. Yeah. So being able to talk about that has been really good and I think will surprise a lot of people.
- [61:34]
Avery Woods
What is something that you wish that readers take away after reading the book?
- [61:38]
Nia
Oh, I hope that they take away that they're important no matter what. I think I tried really hard with this book to make sure that although it's not necessarily, like, a hard read, there are some things in the book that are serious and that are. That are deep and kind of sad, you know? And I wanted to make sure that people knew that no matter what they go through, that they will be okay. And that no matter what anybody says about them or you know, people. There's always going to be people who are going to try and bring you down. Like, there's always going to be Abbies in the world. Like, there. There just are. And like, sorry, just going back to our comment earlier about, you know, why do you. Why did you stay so long? It's like, well, if it wasn't this, it's gonna be something else. Like, that's just how life is. You know, there's always going to be obstacles. There's always going to be people that are going to try and bring you down. But at the end of the day, you have to remember to keep going and you have to remember to know your worth. And that just because someone's telling you something and they're trying to get in your head, that they don't dictate your life and your future. You know, they don't get to dictate what you do with your life. And I want people to know that just because other people might not deem them as successful, that they absolutely can be and are. I still have people saying that, like, I'm not successful and I'm not doing X, Y and Z. But it's like at the. I'm. I'm doing a lot. I'm proud of who I am. I would classify myself as successful, you know, and that's what really matters, you know?
- [63:40]
Avery Woods
And you're not commenting to other people, negative things like that.
- [63:43]
Nia
Exactly.
- [63:43]
Avery Woods
There's also a difference in happiness and fulfillment.
- [63:46]
Nia
Exactly. Yeah.
- [63:48]
Avery Woods
You're making your dreams come true and you're healing your inner child because so much was taken away from you so young.
- [63:57]
Nia
Yeah, exactly.
- [63:58]
Avery Woods
And that's a huge accomplishment in itself.
- [64:00]
Nia
A huge accomplishment. And everyone's journey looks different, everyone's paths look different. And you are the only one who truly gets to define success for yourself. So if you feel like what you're doing is impactful, it's true to yourself, it's making you a better human, then that's success. Then that's all you need. The other people talking in your ear. Like, they can.
- [64:28]
Avery Woods
It's noise.
- [64:29]
Nia
It's noise. It's noise. It's simply noise. Yeah. Yeah.
- [64:32]
Avery Woods
If you could go back and tell little Nia one thing, after watching some of those things back, what would you tell her?
- [64:39]
Nia
I would give her a big hug, first of all. But then I would also just tell her, like, everything is gonna be okay. Everything's gonna be okay.
- [64:48]
Avery Woods
It's hard to know at that age.
- [64:49]
Nia
It's hard to know at that age. And it's so funny. I've always been a confident person and I feel like little Nia and me now, we're very similar now. But I feel like the Nia in the middle, kinda like teenage years is probably the one who I'd be like, like, you got this girl. You got this girl. Because seriously, like 9 year old NIA was so optimistic and like had so much like pep and joy and like I feel like that Nia again, which it took a long time to kind of get back.
- [65:26]
Avery Woods
I can tell you're so happy and bubbly and like you just have like the positive energy and light.
- [65:32]
Nia
Yes. Yeah. And I've always been that way and you know, like little by little like that, that light did get dimmed, you know, throughout the seasons and. But like I. It took time.
- [65:45]
Avery Woods
Yeah.
- [65:45]
Nia
But I. I'm back, you know.
- [65:47]
Avery Woods
She's back.
- [65:48]
Nia
She's back and better than ever.
- [65:50]
Avery Woods
Okay, let's end with rapid fire. You ready?
- [65:52]
Nia
Okay, I'm ready.
- [65:53]
Avery Woods
Products you can't live without.
- [65:55]
Nia
Ooh. Kiehl's ultra barrier face cream.
- [65:58]
Avery Woods
That stuff is so, so good. I had a makeup artist use it on me and I was like, girl, what is it?
- [66:04]
Nia
That.
- [66:04]
Avery Woods
And I immediately ordered it from Sephora.
- [66:05]
Nia
Yeah, it's actually amazing. It's just such. It's so good.
- [66:09]
Avery Woods
Go to coffee or tea order.
- [66:11]
Nia
Oh my gosh. Well, my go to coffee order is genuinely just like an iced vanilla latte. Isn't it all for us with oat milk?
- [66:22]
Avery Woods
That's exactly what I get.
- [66:23]
Nia
I'm not. We're such dairy free though. I just, I just.
- [66:27]
Avery Woods
It makes you feel better.
- [66:28]
Nia
It makes me feel better 100% sometimes I'm like, I'm not really a milk person.
- [66:32]
Avery Woods
I'm like, can I get with almond milk? And I like genuinely don't enjoy it. But I'm like, that's so healthier me. I'm like, why don't I just get something I actually like?
- [66:39]
Nia
No, literally.
- [66:40]
Avery Woods
Okay. Guilty pleasure. Show that you love.
- [66:43]
Nia
Oh, Random flavor of love.
- [66:47]
Avery Woods
Flavor Flav. Way iconic way.
- [66:52]
Nia
Me and my best friend watch that in our free time and it's cuz I listen. I don't really watch reality unless it's like Dancing with the Stars or like, you know, something along that line. Those lines. Lines. But it's something about that show that just draws me in.
- [67:07]
Avery Woods
God, I remember when that show like first came out and his like huge clock, huge clock.
- [67:13]
Nia
And then he would give the clocks to the. Yeah. Iconic wild show.
- [67:19]
Avery Woods
Okay. A song you can't listen to anymore. Because of dance.
- [67:22]
Nia
Oh, there's a lot. There's a lot of them. Okay, wait, wait. I know this is rapid fire. I'm just trying to think.
- [67:29]
Avery Woods
No, you're fine.
- [67:30]
Nia
Oh, maybe like, off with your head.
- [67:32]
Avery Woods
Oh, yeah. Dance, dance, dance.
- [67:34]
Nia
Because every single dance studio has had a song to that. A dance to that song. I think we need to retire it. Even though it's a great song, I just. I can't listen to it.
- [67:44]
Avery Woods
Makes your ears bleed now.
- [67:45]
Nia
Yeah.
- [67:45]
Avery Woods
Dream vacation destination.
- [67:47]
Nia
Ooh, that's a great one. Because I love to travel.
- [67:52]
Avery Woods
Okay.
- [67:52]
Nia
Yeah.
- [67:52]
Avery Woods
I want to know, like, where you haven't been and you want to go.
- [67:55]
Nia
Okay. Dream vacation destination. Probably Bali.
- [67:59]
Avery Woods
Bali. That's a great choice. Yeah, That's a really good choice.
- [68:05]
Nia
I just. I always see beautiful pictures of it. Yeah. And I would like to go there.
- [68:10]
Avery Woods
One day after your book tour press is done.
- [68:13]
Nia
Maybe. Maybe that's the first place I had.
- [68:15]
Avery Woods
You deserve a girl.
- [68:15]
Nia
Yeah.
- [68:16]
Avery Woods
Go do it.
- [68:16]
Nia
Yeah.
- [68:17]
Avery Woods
Well, thank you so much for coming on.
- [68:18]
Nia
Thank you so much for having me.
- [68:19]
Avery Woods
You were such a joy and such a light, and I feel like. Like just the era that you're in. You can just tell you exude happiness and sunshine, and your parents should be so proud of you.
- [68:31]
Nia
Thank you. Oh, my gosh. My par.
- [68:33]
Avery Woods
Tell Dr. Holly. Press it high.
- [68:35]
Nia
I will. I will.
- [68:36]
Avery Woods
You're an educated queen and an icon. We love you.
- [68:39]
Nia
Thanks, Avery. I really appreciate it.
- [68:40]
Avery Woods
Oh, my gosh. Of course. Anytime.
- [68:42]
Nia
So great.
- [68:43]
Avery Woods
Best of luck. Where can people find you, follow you and get your book?
- [68:46]
Nia
Yeah, absolutely. You can follow me Iassoo on all of my. My platforms, and then you can buy my book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble. Look how gorgeous all the bookstores.
- [68:59]
Avery Woods
Look how gorgeous this is. Do you see this, everyone? Queen.
- [69:03]
Nia
My life.
- [69:04]
Avery Woods
Queen. Queen. Okay. Thank you for being here. Cheers.
- [69:14]
T-Mobile Announcer
This season on the Kardashians.
- [69:16]
Nia
Let's do it.
- [69:17]
Avery Woods
I'm shooting a TV show with the most amazing cast. I have my podcast. I think I might move back to New York. I heard footsteps walk into my room.
- [69:27]
Nia
What's happening? Don't you want to see all the craziness?
- [69:31]
Avery Woods
I'm freaking out. Some familiar faces are back.
- [69:34]
Nia
Is Bob here? It's good TV.
- [69:37]
T-Mobile Announcer
The Hulu original series The Kardashians premieres October 23rd on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers terms apply.
- [69:44]
Nia
They say if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. At Ameca Insurance, we're built for our customers. And prioritize your needs. Call 87741Amica for a free coverage review.
- [69:59]
Avery Woods
Just in Thousands of winter arrivals at your Nordstrom rack store. Save up to 70% on coats, slippers, and cashmere from Kate Spade New York, Vince Ugg, Levi's, and more. Check out these boots.
- [70:12]
Nia
They've got the best gifts.
- [70:13]
Avery Woods
My holiday shopping hack Join the Nordic get an extra 5% off every rack purchase with your Nordstrom credit card. Plus, buy it online and pick it up in store the same day for free. Big gifts, big perks. That's why you wreck.