Elle Apologizes to Dolly

Summary

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Dumb Blonde Podcast – “Elle Apologizes to Dolly”

Host: Bunnie XO
Guest: Elle King
Date: June 15, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this candid and emotionally rich episode, Bunnie XO sits down with singer-songwriter Elle King to dig deep into topics of motherhood, mental health, personal growth, and internet culture—all through Elle’s lens of humor and vulnerability. The episode covers Elle’s struggles with postpartum depression, her controversial “Dolly incident,” complicated relationships with family (including her famous father, Rob Schneider), her spiritual beliefs, journey with addiction and OCD, and the resilience it takes to come back from public mistakes. Elle shares how she reclaimed her life, reconnected with her son’s father, and channeled her challenges into music and personal healing.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introductions & Breaking the Ice

• (03:40) Bunnie giddily welcomes Elle, gushing about being a fan since Elle’s first album and teasing about crushing on Elle’s dad, Rob Schneider.

  • Memorable line:
    Bunny [04:41]: “I always go for funny over anything... if you make me laugh, you get my heart.”
    Elle King: “And my vagina.”
    Bunnie: “You make me laugh, my legs are spread wide open.”

• The two bond over their affection for tattooed, funny men and swap dating stories.

2. Relationships, Motherhood, and Postpartum

• (05:41) Elle shares she’s back with her “baby daddy” after a long, difficult breakup and a year of “insane postpartum,” which she didn’t fully realize she was experiencing until afterward.
  • Elle King [05:50]: “We broke up for a year and I was going through really, really insane postpartum... I never stopped being in love with him.”
• (06:38) Discussion on how women in the spotlight are pressured to “bounce back” after childbirth, with no room to heal.
• (06:59–09:20) Elle describes her struggles with weight gain, depression, returning to work just three months postpartum, using fitness and various therapies for mental health, and learning about the complexity and persistence of postpartum depression.
  • Elle King [09:11]: “…You'd think anything that I know about or had known about postpartum was, like, oh, you could, like, be kind of sad, like, for a couple weeks, a couple months after. And I'm, like, looking down like it's two years after…”

3. The “Dolly Incident” and Finding Forgiveness

• (09:22) Elle addresses the infamous "Dolly incident” that led to public shaming and intense online attacks, discussing how the incident was a culmination of built-up stress and depression.
  • Elle King [10:08]: “Everyone's telling me to kill myself. Everyone's telling me to surrender my child. And it was just so, so wrong. If a man did it, it would have been a completely different story…”
• (11:47) She reveals she can’t discuss some personal dark issues but conveys the importance of context and understanding.
• (14:39) Her low point was crying in the car after the incident, feeling shame, and then receiving a comforting call from Dolly Parton herself.
  • Elle King [15:07]: “She's literally... proof of angels. She truly is.”

4. Spirituality, Past Lives, and Healing**

• (15:38–16:56) Both Bunnie and Elle share beliefs in past lives and soul contracts, spiritual guides, and healing. Elle recounts a “rose reading,” learning she needed a soul contract to have a child in this life, and the powerful Bali healing ceremony she undertook before a successful pregnancy after miscarriages.
  • Elle King [18:45]: “I felt this pull to Bali… I had a miscarriage... she said, ‘the soul is a boy and he'll come back to you.’”
• Discussion of manifesting, intentional speech, and creating positive change by “speaking things into your life.”
  • Bunnie [20:57]: “When I prayed, I wasn't like, ‘God, please don't let me have this.’ I just said, whatever your will is.”

5. Growing Up, Family Dynamics & Stepparents

• (22:32) Elle shares she grew up with her mom and stepdad, not with Rob Schneider.
  • Elle King [23:15]: “He really wasn’t [there]... my mom raised me, always. My mom, single mom until she met my stepdad, who also... he's my dad.”
• Pays tribute to step-parents and describes how her stepdad fostered her love for music.
• (25:17) “Placenta encapsulation” is discussed, as Elle’s mom is a doula and super into holistic health.
• Hilarious and candid talk about “orgasmic birth” and alternative birthing experiences.
  • Elle King [27:16]: “She literally made me and Dan watch this documentary called Orgasmic Birthday. And I was like, okay, so tell me about this.”

6. Disordered Eating, Fat Camps, and OCD

• (39:02–44:47) Elle discusses compulsive eating, inherited trauma, being sent to “fat camp” by her father, and how food as comfort shaped her.
  • Bunnie [42:46]: “Is it okay to call it a fat camp?”
    Elle: “I mean, listen. Hey, I called it that, and that’s what I went to.”
• Describes being a rebellious child, struggling in school, and being labeled “bad” instead of misunderstood.
• (39:21) Elle talks about childhood-onset OCD, tics, and how they’re misunderstood online.

7. Breaking Generational Cycles & Healing

• Both Bunnie and Elle discuss the importance of breaking toxic family cycles, being the “black sheep,” and the strength that creates (48:01–48:35).
  • Bunnie [48:01]: “I am here to break a cycle... Even though we didn't know that's what we were doing at such a young age... we were sent here to shake shit up and break some chains.”

8. Relationship with Rob Schneider

• Open criticism of her father’s lack of presence and emotional support, being forgotten on birthdays, and how that impacts Elle’s parenting.
• (51:41) Elle: “My dad forgot about every single birthday...”
• Talks about estrangement, and how public perceptions about nepotism miss the reality.

9. Musical Journey & Defining Her Own Identity

• (58:17) Elle describes her love of music being fostered by her stepdad, learning guitar, and pursuing music through unconventional means.
  • Elle King [58:45]: “I can kind of pick up… a guitar, a bass, a violin, a mandolin, banjo, anything.”
• (61:46) Details her grassroots transition into the music industry without her father’s help.
  • Notable quote:
    Elle King [65:00]: “He never helped me. I never wanted his help. He also didn't have a very good reputation... I didn't want to be associated with him.”
• Elle addresses her pride in breaking records despite early criticism and self-doubt.

10. Healing, Medication, and Therapy

• (70:26–72:06) Elle acknowledges finally accepting antidepressants and therapy, extolling the virtues of “whatever works”—from talk therapy to acupuncture.
  • Elle King [71:46]: “You should take therapy, and if you might need medication, you should take it.”

11. Reconciliation and New Beginnings

• (72:54) Elle shares how she and her son’s father, Dan, reconnected through therapy and by improving communication, creating a healthier family dynamic.
  • Elle King [76:56]: “I know that it can be like an emasculating thing to date... someone who’s like a strong female... but I want to be like a soft, feminine... loving partner and also have some love.”

12. Promotion of New Music and Moving Forward

• (83:42–84:38) Elle discusses the “Baby Daddy's Weekend Tour,” finishing her new album—which she feels is her truest work yet—and hints at a powerful unreleased project.

  • Elle King [85:42]: “It’s definitely a country album... There’s a lot of songs on this album that, like, I’ll play for the rest of my life.”

• The conversation closes on the importance of letting others help, manifesting greatness, and the perennial struggle to balance stubborn independence with accepting support.

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

On Relationships & Humor:

• Bunnie [04:41]: “I always go for funny over anything... if you make me laugh, you get my heart.”
• Elle King [04:52]: “And my vagina.”

On Parenting & Cycle-Breaking:

• Elle King [23:15]: “He really wasn’t [there]... my mom raised me, always.”
• Elle King [51:41]: “My dad forgot about every single birthday...I put every ounce of my being into my son's birthday...because I know how it feels to be forgotten.”

On the Dolly Incident & Internet Shaming:

• Elle King [10:08]: “Everyone's telling me to kill myself. Everyone's telling me to surrender my child. And it was just so, so wrong.”
• Elle King [15:07]: “She's [Dolly] literally... proof of angels.”

On Healing & Manifesting:

• Elle King [20:09]: “Words are spells.”
• Elle King [71:46]: “You should take therapy, and if you might need medication, you should take it.”

On Self-Acceptance & Comebacks:

• Elle King [68:33]: “America loves a comeback story. If I didn't come back out the gate swinging...I have an opportunity to show that I’ve grown, that I am better than ever.”
• Elle King [69:10]: “I always say like, expensive lessons are the best... because, oh, I can't afford to make that one again.”

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Important Segments by Timestamps

• 04:41 — Humor and attraction, “funny over anything”
• 05:41 — Elle returns to her son’s father, postpartum honesty
• 09:22 — Elle discusses the “Dolly incident,” rock bottom, public shaming
• 15:38–18:45 — Spirituality, past lives, soul contracts, Bali healing
• 39:21–44:47 — Talking about OCD, being sent to “fat camp,” family traumas
• 51:41 — Impact of being forgotten by her father; her determination as a mother
• 58:17–59:57 — Musical roots, her stepdad’s influence, learning instruments
• 65:00 — Elle’s rejection of nepotism, pride in her own path
• 70:26–72:06 — Mental health, medication, eastern medicine, therapy
• 72:54–80:36 — Reconnecting with Dan, healthy communication, couples therapy
• 83:42–84:38 — New album, moving forward, artistic manifestation

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Tone & Language

The episode balances raw, unfiltered honesty with warmth, humor, and relatability. Both Bunnie and Elle are explicit, playful, vulnerable, and supportive, often using candid and sometimes profane language to express difficult truths and big emotions. Their laughter and empathy are tangible throughout the episode, making even the darkest subjects feel bearable and, at times, uplifting.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with postpartum issues, public shaming, family trauma, or needing inspiration about overcoming adversity. It’s also a lesson in how humor, self-belief, and kindness can transform hurts into healing—and why comeback stories resonate, especially when they’re real.

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Transcript

[Bunny]

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[Elle King]

Chime is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services for MyPay and Chime Card provided by Chime's bank partners. Optional products and services may have fees or charges, stated annual, percentage yield and cash back for Chime prime only. No minimum balance required. Checking account based on the J.D. power survey published October 20, 2025. For more information on APY rates, my pay spot me and travel Perks, go to chime.comdisclosures Bunny XO. Bunny Is this thing on?

[Bunny]

What's up, you sexy today? I am so excited because I have been wanting this guest forever. Ever since your first album came out, I have been obsessed with you. And not to mention, your dad was one of my childhood crushes.

[Elle King]

Oh, my gosh.

[Bunny]

L. King is in the house, baby.

[Elle King]

Wow.

[Bunny]

I have been waiting for you to come because you do not know how obsessed I was with Deuce Bigelow.

[Elle King]

Okay. No, I was in that.

[Bunny]

I did not know that.

[Elle King]

A little foreshadowing. You're like, we're gonna be friends. Yeah. I was the little girl scout.

[Bunny]

I love that. I never even knew that. But, I mean, I just. I'm. I've always been like, John Candy and, like, funny. Comedians were always my thing. And your dad, like, I knew. I knew he was, like, the tiniest little thing ever.

[Elle King]

Oh, my gosh. But I was just like, he finds this out, he's gonna be like, I've still got it. Oh, no, dude.

[Bunny]

Rob Schneider was like. It was Rob Schneider, Drew Carey. Like, I had a list of, like, comedians that I loved as a child.

[Elle King]

I always go for funny over anything. Me, too. I mean, I've dated all kinds of different people, but if you make me laugh, you get my heart.

[Bunny]

And my vagina.

[Elle King]

And my vagina.

[Bunny]

I'm telling you, man, you make me laugh. My Legs are spread wide open.

[Elle King]

Yeah. And, like, throw in, like, a neck tat, like, sold.

[Bunny]

Oh, they have to have tattoos. Do you have to date a man with tattoos or can you date a man who has bare skin?

[Elle King]

I'll try anything twice.

[Bunny]

I love that.

[Elle King]

But I do tend to get along better with. I don't know, it just. I. I like people who have tattoos.

[Bunny]

It's same.

[Elle King]

You can withstand. If someone's, like, covered in tattoos, like, they can withstand some.

[Bunny]

Yeah, they can take.

[Elle King]

Or they've been through things, you know,

[Bunny]

or they have that, like, rough around the edges thing.

[Elle King]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

I feel like if. If we're flesh all a mesh and I'm the only one with tattoos, I feel like one of these kids is doing its own thing. And I, like, want you to be on my team, you know, like, you need to be covered in tattoos, too.

[Elle King]

Yeah, definitely.

[Bunny]

Are you dating right now?

[Elle King]

I am actually back with my baby daddy. Oh.

[Bunny]

We're going to dive into this. Okay. Hence the tour name, right?

[Elle King]

Yes. Yes. And we broke up for a year, and I was going through really, really insane postpartum. And I don't even think that I realized I was going through it until I kind of got out of it and we were already broken up. And he just kept showing up. We became best friends. And then through, like, custody and everything and working together and, like, a lot of therapy on my part, we, like, restarted our communication, our, like, respect for each other. And I just. I never stopped being in love with him. And then finally he was just like, I wore the right set of underwear and just, like, locked in.

[Bunny]

I love that.

[Elle King]

And we're doing really, really well.

[Bunny]

I feel. I love that you're talking about postpartum, though, because I feel like a lot of women in the spotlight, like, you guys literally will have babies and then you're thrust back into the spotlight and it's like, you don't have time to heal. You don't have time to nurture yourself.

[Elle King]

No.

[Bunny]

And then the world wants to be mad at you if, like, you're not this picture perfect human that they've put you on this pedestal.

[Elle King]

Yeah. It's honestly, like, it's kind of fucked up because I. I really struggled to get pregnant in a lot of different relationships. And now I know it's like, God's timing is not up to us, and even our baby's timing is not up to us. And I think that, like, the pandemic, everything was shut down and I was able to, like, rest. I sold my house in la. I Moved to New Mexico. I had donkeys and goats, and I got pregnant. And because I wasn't on the road, I didn't have all this pressure. I ballooned up. I got so heavy. And I got up to £284 the day that I delivered my son. And then it was happy weight, though. Yeah, I mean, it was. It was miserable weight, but it was also, like, my body did what it had to do. And then it took me three years to lose baby weight. And the thing that made me so mad is, like, in this day and age, like, no one gives any credit for anything. I don't care how anybody loses weight if somebody takes charge of their own life. Not that anyone has to, because I've been every single size. But, like, I worked really, really hard because I was so depressed. I started working three months after I had my son. I was back on the road, and I was, like, trying to. I, like, already stopped breastfeeding. I was so stressed out. And then I just started working out to try and get my mind right because I was, like, blue. I was really sad, really miserable. And then my song with Miranda drunk, like, really went crazy during my pregnancy. So. So many changes happened so quickly, so fast. And then. I don't know, I just. Like, you'd think anything that I know about or had known about postpartum was like, oh. Like, you could, like, be kind of sad, like, for a couple weeks, a couple months after. And I'm, like, looking down like it's two years after and, like, I'm getting ready to celebrate my son's second birthday and I'm not with his dad, and I'm like, I feel so lost. I tried a lot of different therapies. I tried, like, all kinds of, like, different psychedelic stuff. I tried talk therapy. I tried everything. And ultimately I had to go through certain experiences on my own, some of which I didn't want to go through,

[Bunny]

but, like, life experiences.

[Elle King]

Like, life experiences. Like, you know, I. I'm already kind of. I don't want to say, like, I'm sick of talking about, like, what happened in January and the Dolly incident. And I'm sure people are not gonna, like, what I have to say about a lot of it, but, like, I can already look back and be like, you know what? I have this good thing that came from it. This thing changed in my life. This. I was presented with an opportunity to grow. And I think that every experience is an opportunity for change, and change is inevitable. It's the blade that carves itself and. Or sharpens itself, whatever that quote is. And I really like that.

[Bunny]

But, like, when that Dolly incident happened, were you still going through postpartum? Was that part of it?

[Elle King]

Honestly, I don't. I think I'd kind of come out of postpartum and then everything that had accumulated, everything that I had just, like, sucked onto my life in my, like, depression, all just kind of came to a head. And I think it was probably just rock bottom, right? I just. If it wasn't that, it was going to be something else. And I just took, for the first time, like, you know, when I was pregnant, like, I was like, okay, maybe I've. I've got this time given to me. This was, this year was the first time I was like, I'm stepping. I'm stepping away from this. Everyone's telling me to kill myself. Everyone's telling me to surrender my child. And it was just so, so wrong. And, you know, if a man did it, it would have been a completely different story. But also, like, I've spoken to everybody and I've spoken to everyone at the Opry and they said that I'm not banned. And yeah, it's contrary.

[Bunny]

Is forgiving. They are really forgiving people.

[Elle King]

It is, it is. And this, the saddest part about it is like, and I don't even really want to use these words, but, like, somebody is going to get arrested. Somebody is going to get something that happens. And, you know, some people might say it's good for you, but like, for me, I'm like, that's sad. The biggest thing I learned was like, okay, take nothing that you read online for like, full blown truth. Because everything, you never know from my experience, especially what was going on then. I was going through some, like, heavy, heavy, heavy shit. Not even postpartum, not even my breakup. Not even just that.

[Bunny]

It's just like, can we touch on it?

[Elle King]

I mean, it was just. It was a dark situation that I can't talk about and I don't really

[Bunny]

want to, but, like, Like a relationship.

[Elle King]

Yeah, it was like, bad shit that was going on. And I. Because of that, no one knew what was really going on. And they just thought like, God forbid somebody looks and thinks, wow, like, what was going on with her that day? You know, Like, I played two shows that day. I played two fucking shows. The first show was great. It was perfect. But I hadn't eaten, I hadn't done anything. I hadn't slept in days. I was so. I had such bad anxiety and everything. And I just walked back out on stage and I'D taken one shot too many. We went through that alleyway and went to Robert's Western World and a bunch of people were celebrating and I took, you know, one shot of tequila when I'd been drinking a martini and like that. I was like the tiniest I'd ever been. And boom, I could come to and like the curtains down. And it sucks. It's awful.

[Bunny]

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[Elle King]

It's so do like I did and

[Bunny]

have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today.

[Elle King]

I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail]

[Bunny]

Switch upfront payment of $45 for three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required. Intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra.

[Elle King]

See full [e-mail] but at the same time I went home and I was like I never, I never want to cry like that in a car ride home. I never want to wake up feeling like that ever again. I never want that shame. I never want to, like, you know, any. Anytime Dolly Parton calls you is cool, but, like, I didn't want it to be under those circumstances, and, like. But she called me to make me feel better, you know?

[Bunny]

She's a sweet angel of a woman.

[Elle King]

She's literally. She's like, proof of angels. She truly is. And I think what that taught, like, I learned so much from this experience, and, like, if I can come out of it, literally anyone can. And I've had so many experiences like that, I hope I have less of them in the future.

[Bunny]

I'm with you, girl. I went through some shit this last week. I'm like, lord, what are you trying to teach me?

[Elle King]

Come on. My book of lessons is, like, getting kind of full.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

But I don't know. Do you believe in, like, many lives?

[Bunny]

Absolutely. I also believe in soul contracts, and I believe that.

[Elle King]

Me, too.

[Bunny]

Tell me, what do you believe? Let me know.

[Elle King]

Okay. So I believe. Believe I did. Okay. This is kind of wacky, and I don't know if people believe in this.

[Bunny]

No, we do.

[Elle King]

I'm so into it. I'm very spiritual. I'm very connected to spirit. I meditate. I've got guides. I studied with.

[Bunny]

Sister.

[Elle King]

Yes. Where have you been?

[Bunny]

They're all over here laughing because I. This is me.

[Elle King]

Okay. Amazing. Okay, good. Then I'm. I'm. I'm.

[Bunny]

You found your. You found your coven.

[Elle King]

Okay, great. Stay. I did this one reading with a. With a woman, and she was. It was called, like, a rose reading. I'd never done anything like that. And she went through some past lives. And because I'm clairvoyant and clairsentient, I also don't talk about this a lot, but I don't care. I have nothing to hide. And you are, too.

[Bunny]

Yes.

[Elle King]

Okay. I believe that. And I feel like that's why we're, like, supposed to be connected. It was, like, over the phone. Cause it was during COVID It was right before COVID when things were, like, starting to get crazy. And she was explaining a couple of my past lives, and I was, like, locked in with her, and I could. I could see her. Like, I could see everything that she was seeing and everything lined up. And I asked her, I said, have I ever had a child in a past life? And she said, no. And so she said, you're gonna have to make a soul contract with someone to bring, like, for this lifetime. And I mean, I've even had, like, psychics. One time I was pregnant before I had a miscarriage, and he was like, have you ever had a miscarriage? And I was like, no, not that I know of. Like, boom, a week later I had, like, I had a miscarriage. And then the next pregnancy was missed. And so I think that I had to have a soul contract with either my baby. I don't know how all of it works, but I know that my baby chose me and I know that he's destined to be here. But to do that. I'm so into healing and I'm all into a lot of spiritual stuff, so I felt like it's true. I saw something online that was like, if you're ever feeling, like, called to a place, like, you need to go because there's something that has to happen there. I'd never been to Bali. And I went. I went probably, like, it was like in January. And I had had, like two back to back miscarriages in September. And like, oh, yeah, end of August and into September and was still on the road like three days after, like, bleeding on stage. Everything so sad and doomy, gloomy. I can. It's easier now.

[Bunny]

That's your childhood trauma, is to push through any sort of pain and not sit in it.

[Elle King]

Yeah. It's because I don't. I can't. That's when I lose my mind.

[Bunny]

I don't wanna wallow.

[Elle King]

No, no. I'm like, okay, what job can I do? Okay, what can I do? Like, let's make another album. Let's do something. And then I lose my mind because I'm not actually taking the time. My new thing, I got to feel it, to heal it. And so that's what I did. That's why I took time this year. I know I'm bouncing all over the place, but.

[Bunny]

No, no, I love it. And I'll draw you in.

[Elle King]

Okay, cool. Yeah, I went. I felt this, like, pull to Bali, and I looked up this healing ceremony in the middle of the jungle, and I dragged my best friend with me. And she was like, okay. And even though she's, like, into, like, metaphysical spiritual stuff, she was like, this is, like, a little much. And I'm like, meeting with this healer and. And she says to me, I was like, you know, I had a miscarriage. And, like, I really. All I want to be is a mother. And she said, well, it's the soul is a boy and he'll come back to you. And I said, what do I have to do? And she said, you have to make a sacrifice. And I was like. Like, quitting smoking. And she was like. Just looked at me and got up and walked away. And then did this, like, crazy thing where they, like, whip you with flour. It was beautiful. And, like, poured all this, like, gorgeous water all over you, and then you, like, stuff scream. And then they, like, paint, like, flowers all over you, and they pray for you, and it's beautiful. It was so incredible. And that year is when I got pregnant and I had a boy, and it was just beautiful. I believed it. There's something so, I think, important about just, like, what, like, your convictions are and what you believe in. And it's so simple as, like, the thoughts you tell yourself or the things that you say out loud. All of it is energy.

[Bunny]

Oh, words are spells.

[Elle King]

Yes. Yes. I tell everybody that it's everything that you. Like. Today I had a doctor's appointment, and, like, I was really scared about it, and I didn't even too.

[Bunny]

I had one today, too. What was yours about? Can we ask?

[Elle King]

I'll tell you after.

[Bunny]

Okay.

[Elle King]

Okay. But I didn't want. I didn't want to, like, put negative thing. Like, I was. I was so freaked out about it that, like, I. I refused to say, like, it's not gonna be good. I just, like, I'm nervous.

[Bunny]

Yes.

[Elle King]

And I felt like that was better.

[Bunny]

I had one today, too, where I was finding out if I really had an aneurysm on my carotid artery.

[Elle King]

Oh, my gosh.

[Bunny]

I had just found out last week that I had one. Today I got the news that I didn't have one. And I know exactly what you're saying, because I. I never. When I prayed, I wasn't like, you know, God, please don't let me have this. I just said, whatever your will is.

[Elle King]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

And let me know what the lesson is here.

[Elle King]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

And I never. You know, and I get that. I understand when you're so scared, your first thing is, is you want to be like, no, please don't let the. You know.

[Elle King]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

But. But I really was just, like, surrendered, and it was my moment to actually learn how to have faith.

[Elle King]

Yes.

[Bunny]

And worked. And I'm telling you right now, if you don't speak those things into your life. Not saying that it doesn't happen for everybody, but if you don't speak those things into your life, you can definitely, I feel, change the energy or the trajectory of what's about to happen.

[Elle King]

Yes. And you can create that.

[Bunny]

Absolutely.

[Elle King]

That's, like, the whole thing about manifestation and which is something I learned about this year. And I Even Just speaking it.

[Bunny]

Yes.

[Elle King]

Like, I didn't realize what I was doing. Like, when I took time off, when I was thinking, like, oh, fuck, like, I could. I could go back to the world and I could have no fucking career. I could have no musical career. I could never play a show again. I could get dropped from my label. My management could drop me. And I started thinking, all right, bitch, what do you want to fucking do? Like, what would be cool? What would excite you? Because I want to be. I'm a very passionate person. I'm a very hard worker. And I thought, wouldn't it be cool to play, like, a bad guy in a movie? You know, my dad's an actor, and I don't. I don't really feel like I get a lot of the nepotism stuff, and I feel I. It makes me sad for the people

[Bunny]

who do, because that's one thing I've loved about you, is that when I was researching your life story, you're a lot like me. I didn't come from, you know, know very much, but I always wanted to pave my own way. And you were just like, I want to make my own way.

[Elle King]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

I respect.

[Elle King]

I didn't really grow up with my dad. I grew up with my mom and my mom.

[Bunny]

Let's touch on that. Let's go back. Let's go back and talk about that real quick. So you are a daughter of Rob Schneider. Daddy Schneider. And every time I say that, she blushes. And a beautiful Miss London King.

[Elle King]

Yes.

[Bunny]

You know, and who was. Was like a supermodel. Correct.

[Elle King]

And she's the coolest. You.

[Bunny]

You are her twin. I mean, you guys are beautiful. You are her twin. I could see a little bit of your dad in you, but you are her just, you know, reincarnated. Take me on this journey with your childhood, because I don't think a lot of people don't know that your dad was not in your life growing up.

[Elle King]

He. He really wasn't. And it's. It's interesting because, like, yeah, I was born in California, but, like, my parents, they weren't married for very long. They didn't really know each other. And my mom had a son before me. My mom was a really, really young mom. My family comes from Southern Ohio, like, very close to West Virginia. And it's a super small town. I think it's like 1800 people, which is, like, big for a small town. There's more than one stoplight. Yeah. And it's the place that is and always has been my constant because my family moved around a lot. And my. My parents. Yeah, they split. And I. I have. I would spend time with my dad, but my mom raised me, like, always. My mom, single mom, until she met my stepdad, who also. He's my dad. Like, he. He totally raised me.

[Bunny]

And shout out to the step parents, yes, I'm a step parent.

[Elle King]

Yes, you are. And they're so important. And I. I don't know. I definitely wouldn't be a musician if it weren't for my stepdad. And he taught me everything I know about music. I mean, I'm wearing. He's got his own label, Good Times Rock and Roll Club. I'm wearing his shirt. He's a screen printer. Oh, my God, Definitely. They'll send you a whole care package and records and stuff. I would love that. And he's just, like, the most badass person ever. And my mom. My mom, I saw her reinvent herself, like, like, almost every 10 years because she was a fit model. She was a model. She did some acting and. And then she. She became, like, a fitness instructor. And she was, like, helping. She was, like, really, really, really into health. And then when we moved to New York, when I was about 12 years old, we left Ohio because my stepdad's from New York, and my mom became a doula. And she, like. Like, my mom's pretty crunchy, but she's the coolest. Like, she encapsulated my placenta, and I'm.

[Bunny]

Okay, what is encapsulating placenta? Just for people at home who don't know what that is.

[Elle King]

Okay. So the placenta is basically. It's like a filter, but it's also what gives all the nutrients and all the life from the uterus to the baby. And it's what's connected to the umbilical cord from the baby to the mama. And so it's. Sometimes they call it, like, the afterbirth, and it comes out after you have. After you give birth. And we are the only. I don't want fact checkers to come after me, but I'm gonna try my best. We're the only mammals that don't, like, instinctively or naturally eat our placenta or after birth because it's. It's, like, so full of nutrients. So I don't know if anyone's ever seen, like, a dog or a cat give birth, but, like, they. They eat it.

[Bunny]

They eat the membranes off the. Their puppies and stuff.

[Elle King]

I've seen it because it helps them. And so some people say that. Well, I mean, there's a lot of factual evidence behind it. But I don't want, like, super Western Mexican people to come after me about that. Cause I believe it.

[Bunny]

Everybody gives grace here.

[Elle King]

Yeah. Okay, great. And so my mom cooks the placenta and then encapsulates it. And then the woman or the mother slowly eats it over time. What does it taste like? It tastes like a vitamin.

[Bunny]

What does it taste like? Anything? Well.

[Elle King]

Well, Dan, my boyfriend, he ate a piece of my placenta. It was cooked. It was cooked. He was like, this is the closest I could be to a cannibal. So, you know, it's like, guys with neck tattoos who are funny. I don't know. What are you gonna do? They're wild.

[Bunny]

You're like, let's make another baby.

[Elle King]

Yeah, exactly. But it made me feel like. When I took it, it made me feel, like, kind of anxious. And I don't know. I always feel like I'm, like, letting my mom down because she's this, like, angel. Angelic. Like, she. I was a vbac, so she had a C section with my brother, and then she had a natural birth with me. And she said it was an orgasmic birth. There's a documentary.

[Bunny]

I love Mom.

[Elle King]

I know. Oh, my God. I know.

[Bunny]

I love Mom. She's right up my alley.

[Elle King]

Yeah, she's wonderful. You guys would love each other. And she literally made me and Dan watch this documentary called Orgasmic Birthday. And I was like, okay, so tell me about this.

[Bunny]

Orgasmic Births. I've never heard of this.

[Elle King]

Okay. Okay, great. Neither had I. No, actually, I'd heard of it my whole life. Because my mom was like, I had an orgasmic birth with you. I was like, mom, stop telling people that.

[Bunny]

Words every kid wants to hear.

[Elle King]

Yes. But it was like. It's basically the whole idea of it from what I took from the documentary. I was like, I'm not having that. That's not me. I was like, cut this puppy out. You kind of, like, get yourself into this state. And I was just watching that show too hot to handle, where they had energy orgasms.

[Bunny]

Yeah. Okay. I love that.

[Elle King]

So I don't think it's that far off from that. So you get yourself into this state of, like, relaxation, and you're connected with your partner, and then I guess you have this, like. Like flush. That's like, orgasm. An orgasmic release of. It's. I don't think it's like, a sexual pleasure, but it. Watching that thing, like, you know, you can learn a lot from reality tv. I can understand now how it could be this, like, right orgasmic feeling of, like, oh, my gosh, combined with, like, I did it, and, wow, my baby's here.

[Bunny]

And pride and joy and, like, yeah, yeah.

[Elle King]

Like, it makes sense. Makes me think, like, do I want to try for, like, a VBAC if I have another kid? Like, yeah, I don't know. It's. There's a lot of things. Most likely, if I were, I would be like, cut this out. That's how I was in my pregnancy.

[Bunny]

I still think it's a beautiful thing to think about. So, I mean, if. You know, if I'm scared to death of natural birth, that's why Jay and I are doing IVF and we're gonna get a surrogate, but because I also have issues, too, and I just. At this age, I don't have time for miscarriages and, you know, stuff like that, so. But, yeah, women who give birth, man, you guys are. Are savages, dude. Like, that is the most barbarically beautiful thing that a woman can do. And, I mean, you guys are literally just pushing a soul out of your body.

[Elle King]

Yeah, it's. It's pretty wild. I mean, I had a C section. I freaked out on the table. I was screaming, I can't feel my legs. And I. I was screaming for them. I was like, I literally, like, it's so me. They didn't even let my mom come up, but they. Because it was during freaking Covid. And so I was like, give me. Literally, give me drugs. Where is Dan screaming for him to come in there.

[Bunny]

Poor Dan's in a corner somewhere.

[Elle King]

I know he's like. He's like, what's going on, babe? But it was cool. I just. I feel like I won't do anything that my parents ever expect of me. And I felt kind of sad, and. I don't know. I'm just, like, a different person, and I definitely have, like, a very different destiny. But I also thought, like, because my pregnancy was so hard and intense, like, and before Dan and I got back together, I wanted another child. And I asked my sister. I was like, because she's had three kids, she. She got her tubes tied, but she can still tote it.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

And I was like.

[Bunny]

I love that.

[Elle King]

I was like, hey, like, would you carry a baby for me? Like, it wasn't even two seconds later. She's like, if you pay for a tummy tuck, it's like, that's good. Like, that's. That's cool.

[Bunny]

I love that.

[Elle King]

But, yeah, I was, like, looking up, like, you know, cryo banks and everything. And I. I think that surrogacy is so beautiful. And, like, what a gift. I think any. I. I hate it when I see that people, like, get anything negative about how they choose to be healthy, how they choose to welcome children into this world. It. It should only be like, I've chilled. It should only ever be celebrated, because again, to bring it back, like, you have no idea what someone had to go through to even get to that point to make that decision.

[Bunny]

I just think we live in a world where it's like a fish tank and some days you're the fish that gets picked on, and it's like, they will zero in. Like, when you went through the Dolly situation, I remember it broke my heart. And I reached out to you because I was like, she doesn't deserve this. I've met you. I felt your energy. I'm like, she is the sweetest soul. And that's why I reached out to you, because I wanted you to know, like, you're not alone. But this online shit, man, it's bad. Like, it is mob mentality, and it's millions of people. Mob mentality that just have a.

[Elle King]

Worse. It is too.

[Bunny]

It is, because there's no. There's no re. Recourse.

[Elle King]

No.

[Bunny]

So if you say something, nothing happens. You know, like, I thought, like, after

[Elle King]

all the stuff from, like, early 2000s with, like, the Perez Hiltons and all that just like, horrible, horrific bullying, like, and then I thought maybe, like, like, okay, no more bullying is like a thing. Like, no, no. And. And the saddest part about it, which is the only way that I can, like, still have a Instagram, it's like, okay, that person who's saying that is hurting.

[Bunny]

Yeah, well, you have to post and ghosts. That's what I do now.

[Elle King]

I mean, yes, I've had.

[Bunny]

I had to learn that in the last six months. Well, yeah, you can't look at it, right? Nope, I just. And I'll. I'll look at the first five and then I leave it alone for a few days when I'm feeling a little bit stronger, and then I'll go back in and if there's something by that time, I'm. By that time I'm over that' post, and it doesn't mean anything. So I'll just delete or block, you know, if I need to. But yeah, yeah, I just post and ghost and it was. It's been the blessing for my mental health.

[Elle King]

Dude, you have to, because. Yeah, I Mean, like, most days, I'm like, I don't want to do Instagram.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

And I used to love it. I used to love it because I actually interact with my fans.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

And then same. Some. Some people would comment like, hey, you're getting, like, 150 really kind things, and you're only interacting with the person who said something mean.

[Bunny]

I get that, too.

[Elle King]

And it's weird because, like, you know what? That's true. That's so true. Why. But. And then people, they want that, they want to fight. It's so weird.

[Bunny]

You can't win. You cannot. No, it doesn't matter. And they're always wittier for some reason. They will come back and say some of the craziest, and you're just like, son of a bitch.

[Elle King]

You know, it's really, really wild. I just. I just go straight for, like, the. Your mom jokes because. Yeah, it's so.

[Bunny]

Me too.

[Elle King]

I do this. That's my whole thing.

[Bunny]

Like, they'll be like, you're such a. And I'll be like, that's not what your dad said about your mom. Or, you know, like, I'll say something like, funny.

[Elle King]

I said, like, that's not what your mom said last night. Like, okay, so stupid. Yeah.

[Bunny]

No, seriously. So let's circle back to your childhood. So you grew up in Ohio, and I think a lot of people were like, when you did, and we'll get into your album and stuff, like, your albums and stuff like that. But when you did cross over into country, did you get any kind of pushback? Because people were like, oh, you're not country. But really, you are. You grew up in a rural part of Ohio.

[Elle King]

Yeah, I. I didn't actually get any pushback, I think. I think because I connected with country fans. And the biggest pushback was that, okay, when I would get really drunk, like, if anyone were to ever meet my brother and see us together, like, we say, the Billy comes out. Like, my hillbilly comes out. And so when I'm drunk, like, I, like, become this, like. Like, rooting tootin.

[Bunny]

You know Hillbilly Yosemite Sam.

[Elle King]

Yes. Yeah. And. But no one ever takes the time to find out where someone's from. No one ever takes the time to find out their back parents history. It's like, all they see is like, she was born in la. Her dad's Rob Schneider.

[Bunny]

She's like.

[Elle King]

It's like, God forbid you find out that, like, I'm also Filipino and my family is hillbilly as in a nice way.

[Bunny]

You know, who's Filipino dad.

[Elle King]

My dad's Filipino.

[Bunny]

Wow.

[Elle King]

I never know. I had two very, like, different. I spent a lot of time with my. My dad's mom, my grandmother, she's from Manila. And I had a really large, like, Filipino family in Northern California. And so my dad would always be working, but my grandmother, she would fly at like 60 something years old. She would fly from San Francisco to Columbus, Ohio, pick me up at like 4 or 5 years old, fly me back to San Francisco to spend a weekend with me, fly me back to Columbus, and then she would fly back to San Francisco and like, that's grandmother love right there.

[Bunny]

That is.

[Elle King]

And she taught me a lot about family values. I love Filipino culture. I love Filipino food.

[Bunny]

Me too.

[Elle King]

Yeah, it's so good.

[Bunny]

So good.

[Elle King]

And so I had that. And then I had this like, very like super American Midwest, like, country family life in Ohio. But I was like a rebel. I got kicked out of school in second grade. I was always in trouble. I was like friends with all the bad kids.

[Bunny]

Where do you think that rebellious streak came from? Do you think it was from your father's absence?

[Elle King]

No. You know, it could have had a lot of that. I think now that I'm a mom, like, if I. If I hear of something with a child that is acting out, my first thought is, what me? What needs are not being met of the child? Not. Oh, that's a problem. Kidding. Oh, that kid is a fuck up. And I was labeled as a really bad kid. But honestly, like, I. I didn't have, like, a massive amount of structure. My mom was a hustler. My mom was working. She was. She always had three jobs. She was always traveling. My mom would go back and forth to Hong Kong. So we'd spend a lot of time with my grandparents in southern Ohio.

[Bunny]

And Mama and Papa.

[Elle King]

Mama and Pawpaw.

[Bunny]

Yeah, I did my research.

[Elle King]

Yes. And. And so I don't know. And then when I would. If I would ever spend a summer with my dad, it would be on a movie set and I. I would just get lost in the shuffle. And did you ever feel like you

[Bunny]

guys could connect or it was just

[Elle King]

more of, like, not till I was much, much older.

[Bunny]

I feel like. And this is not an excuse for dads at all, but I feel like dads have a hard time relating to younger kids.

[Elle King]

I think not all of them. It's hard. I think dads who make the choice to connect with their kids do. And my dad and my relationship is like a real big ebb and flow. Like right now we're not flowing. I disagree with a lot of the things that he says, and he is just. Just. I don't know. You want. You can want someone to change so much, and ultimately, like, all you can. You can't control anyone else's actions. You can't control people's feelings. All you can control is how you react and what you do with your feelings.

[Bunny]

Absolutely.

[Elle King]

And sometimes I boil up and I boil over and I bust my lid. I'm trying so hard to not be that way because I feel like that's

[Bunny]

how I'm wired the same way. And my dad and I actually have the same. Had he just passed away in May.

[Elle King]

Sorry.

[Bunny]

It's. It's okay. He and I had the same type of relationship where I. I felt like I was always the one to tell my. To give it to my dad, you know, because nobody else did. But I was always the one that was there to be like, no, you're wrong. No, you need to change this. No. And even in the end, it just. It never got through.

[Elle King]

And you try every different angle. I would try letters. I would try soft. I would try yelling. It's just like, well, see, look, you're yelling. You're yelling. Or like, you can't even stick up for yourself.

[Bunny]

What?

[Elle King]

Like, it's. It's psychotic. And I mean, it's that.

[Bunny]

That generation of men, for some reason, they're so toxic and they're cool being toxic. Yeah, they don't. It's everybody else's fault.

[Elle King]

Everyone else is the problem because they're, like, perfect and they're right and they're.

[Bunny]

And they're, like, so smooth in their delivery too. You're just like.

[Elle King]

It's like, oh, there's some emotion that is sick. You are wrong for that. It's so weird. And like, ultimately it made me a very strong person, but I'm also an extremely anxious person, too. And, like, you grew up with ocd, correct? Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Bunny]

When did that start? Like, when did you start realizing, like, hey, I have an issue here with this because I'm OCD myself.

[Elle King]

Okay. Well, I have. I. My OCD comes out in, like, very mild Tourette's, and I. I twitch constantly. And. And oh, my gosh, I'm, like, so embarrassed about it.

[Bunny]

And so it really beautiful.

[Elle King]

It makes me mad because people are like, she's tweaking online. It's like. Like, I used to be tweaking and nobody said shit then. Now I'm sober, and now my Tourette's are fucking coming out Because I'm not even taking, like, medications for it. Because I'm just trying to, like, come into my womanhood and, like, be myself. And it's like my hands twitch, and it's. It's so that my facial tics don't go crazy, but. But my ocd. I was diagnosed when I was, like, in sixth grade. Cause I had this whole number thing and this touching thing. I had to touch everything with two fingers. Like, really intense stuff. And I was, like, a compulsive eater. And that was, like, something that a lot of people in my family had big issues with.

[Bunny]

And it's like, well, it's gotta be hard, you know? Cause your mom was a supermodel. I'm sure your mom probably dealt with her own issues with eating, too. Because being in that industry, there's no way that you can cutthroat.

[Elle King]

So cutthroat. And she had to stay a size 6 consistently or she would not get it. Not get work.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

But my mom. See, my mom spun it in a way where she took her struggles and all the pressures that she felt her whole life, and she spun it into always telling me to love myself and, like, she had a chubby daughter. Because I felt like. Like both of my parents had their, like, obsessions with eating. I'm probably gonna get in so much trouble for talking about this, but, like, I don't. My mom will be proud.

[Bunny]

I was gonna say. I think that people need to hear this, because not enough people do talk about it. You know, my husband struggles with the same thing, and he's very open about it. And I think that there's a large number of kids that need to hear this too.

[Elle King]

It's hard. It's so hard. And, like, you think about, you know, all the. The things that someone could get addicted to, and ultimately, like, one, I've been addicted to all of them. Two, it's. It's really like. It started with food for me and compulsive eating, because it was, like, where I found comfort.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

And both of my grandmothers, they were, you know, like, they were huggable. They were heavier women. And. But they had so much trauma that they grew up with. And, like, my grandmother saw her freaking brother get beheaded in the war in the Philippines.

[Bunny]

Oh, my goodness.

[Elle King]

Like, so she would eat, and she would feed me. You know, she would feed me, like, lots of food. And then my grandmother, like, she's also

[Bunny]

a love language, too.

[Elle King]

100.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

My grandmother in Ohio, my mom, all, like, she could cook like nobody's business. And she would just like, baby, you want more? You want. Let me feed you. And it was just so good. And I would put sweet cream corn on top of my mashed potatoes, and that's what. That's what I would eat. That's literally still, to this day, my comfort food.

[Bunny]

Sounds so good.

[Elle King]

It's so delicious. So good. But, like, maybe not good for you, but I guess subjective, right? And so I was like a really, really heavy child. My dad said, need a fat camp. I mean, yeah, it was rough. And then I got in trouble one year because I. I sprained my ankle and I didn't lose any weight. So it's, like, very toxic and very silly and, like, it's got to be.

[Bunny]

How old were you when you got sent to the fat camp? Is it okay to call it a fat camp?

[Elle King]

I mean, listen. Hey, I called it that, and that's what I went to.

[Bunny]

I just want to make sure I don't insult anybody because I feel so bad, you know, it's awful, but, like,

[Elle King]

it's the F word. The F word is, like, is so triggering for me.

[Bunny]

I'm. And for me, too, because of my husband and I. It's so. And I've seen the effects of that word on people, and it's so hurtful. And so I never, you know, I just want to make sure.

[Elle King]

It's so awful. But, like, that's where he sent me to. I remember him.

[Bunny]

How old were you?

[Elle King]

I was. I went two summers in a row. I was 11 and 12.

[Bunny]

And it's like, what do they do in these camps?

[Elle King]

They. They literally, like, you get, like, a slice of turkey and like, steamed vegetables for, like, like every meal, and they make you work out all day long.

[Bunny]

That's not healthy, though.

[Elle King]

No.

[Bunny]

And you need way more calories than that to make your metabolism.

[Elle King]

And also, you need therapy. Like, you need to talk about it.

[Bunny]

There it is.

[Elle King]

And you need to figure out, like, what is going on.

[Bunny]

There's no therapy in those.

[Elle King]

I never. I never had therapy. Like, they did things that were like, it. Adults went there too. And, like, I think some people saw results because they were starving themselves. Yeah. I mean, it wasn't. It wasn't. And there was a lot of other stars, kids who went there, so that was sad. And I mean, it was gotta be traumatizing.

[Bunny]

That has to. That probably had to start your. Your anger towards your father, too.

[Elle King]

Oh, yeah, 100%. But, like, it got to a point where, like, I never. I didn't want to spend the summer with him. And like, when I got. I got kicked out of almost every school I went to, I got kicked out of when the first school that I went to in New York City was a school called York Press Prep. And I don't know, I was, I was probably. I was. I refused to wear the uniform. I would like yell back at teachers and. And it. I just, I always had problems with authority.

[Bunny]

Me too. That was my. I got kicked out of every school I went to too.

[Elle King]

See, I get it, but it doesn't. We're not dumb. We don't have a lack of intelligence. We probably just learn a different way than any kind of box structure that most people can, you know, function in. A one size fits all.

[Bunny]

I think us as children, types of. The types of women that we are, we also learned at a very young age that we were surrounded by people we did not want to be. Like, starting anything on your own is terrifying. I don't care if it's a podcast, a business, a clothing brand, there's always that moment right before you hit launch where your brain starts spiraling. Like, what if nobody listens? What if nobody buys anything? What if I completely embarrass myself? I think every successful person has had that moment where they almost talk themselves out of even trying. But honestly, taking that leap ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made. And one thing I've learned is that having the right tools behind you makes such a difference, especially when you're already stressed and figuring everything out as you go. That's why Shopify is such a game changer. And y' all already know, I use Shopify for my own site, bunnyxo.com so I'm on both sides of it. Shopping and running a business, they make it easier to actually run your business without feeling like you need a full marketing team or tech department behind you. Whether it's creating email campaigns, posting on social media, managing inventory, skipping orders, handling returns, Shopify really does all the hard back end stuff that people don't think about when they start a business. And if you've ever checked out online and seen the Purple Shop pay button, that's a reason so many businesses use it. Shopify has one of the best converting checkouts on the planet, which means fewer abandoned carts and more actual sales sales. I also love that Shopify helps get people get discovered. Because let's be real, creating something is one thing, but getting people to actually find your brand is a whole different battle. Shopify helps make that part way less overwhelming. If you've been sitting on an idea and waiting for the perfect time to start something. This is your sign. Just start. Shopify makes it feel way less scary. It's time to turn those what ifs into with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com bu nie go to shopify.com bunny that's shopify.com bunny. This message is sponsored by Iqbar. Hey, I'm Will. I started Iq Bar because I couldn't

[Elle King]

find a protein bar that wasn't loaded with sugar and unpronounceable ingredients. So I decided to make my own.

[Bunny]

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[Elle King]

with protein, fiber and brain boosting nutrients like magnesium and lion's mane.

[Bunny]

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[Elle King]

And if you've been meaning to try

[Bunny]

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[Elle King]

Because right now you can get 20% off all IQ Bar products plus free shipping when you visit iqbar.com and enter promo code BAR20. Whether you're at your desk, on the

[Bunny]

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[Elle King]

clean and delicious options for every occasion.

[Bunny]

Now you can get 20% off all IQ Bar products, plus free shipping when you visit iqbar.com and enter promo code BAR20. To get 20% off plus free shipping, go to iqbar.com and enter Promo Code BAR20. That's iqbar.com promo code BAR20. Yeah, I, I know that my family, I was just, I looked around at everybody and I'm like, you toxic motherfuckers. Not saying I wasn't, but I was just like, man, I am here to break. Break a cycle.

[Elle King]

Yes.

[Bunny]

And I think that's. Even though we didn't know that's what we were doing at such a young age. We're like rebels without a cause. But really, we did have a cause. We were sent here to shake shit up and break some chains.

[Elle King]

Yeah. Even if it hurts. Because unfortunately, we're also strong enough to be able to handle and carry that burden of hurt. Because in some, like, dark, twisted knife way, like, it will continue to push us. And, and I mean, I believe it. That God never gives us anything that we can't handle. And sometimes it feels like. Are you sure?

[Bunny]

Yeah. Last week that's how I felt. I was like, you mean we good? Like, what's happening? Yeah.

[Elle King]

But I don't know. I think that now that I'm like, less destructive, I can see the blessings and the lessons in things much sooner. And I mean, like, literally, as these words are, like, leaving my mouth, I'm like, listen to that. Like, listen.

[Bunny]

Yes. No. And when you're in it, it is so hard. And I. Yeah, trust me, I get it. I. Like I said, I just went through it and. But it is, like, amazing what the mind can do, because what the mind believes, the body will follow. And I always tell people that. And words are spells. And, like, it doesn't matter what you say. If you say, you know, like. Like, I feel like I'm gonna die like that. And I have a problem saying stuff like that. Like, when I don't feel good, I'll be like, I feel like I'm gonna die, and then I have to correct myself and be like, no, no, I don't mean that. You know, like. Yeah, you have to really be careful with what you say and what you put in the world. Definitely circling back. So you had said that you did not want to.

[Elle King]

You.

[Bunny]

You got to a point where you stopped wanting to go and spend summers with your dad.

[Elle King]

Yeah, I mean, like, he was filming this one, like, prison movie in, like, Stockton, California, in a prison.

[Bunny]

And I was gonna say there's not very many.

[Elle King]

Yeah, cool.

[Bunny]

Hang spots.

[Elle King]

Exactly.

[Bunny]

And I shout out the Diaz brothers.

[Elle King]

I had already started getting tattooed, and it was like 108 degrees, like, every single day. So I was having to wear sweaters because my dad was, like, very anti tattoos or like, any form of self expression that differed from what he wanted for me. Not that he ever even thought about me, but.

[Bunny]

You're killing my fantasy of Rob. I'm so sorry.

[Elle King]

It's over.

[Bunny]

It's done. It's over with. I'm Team L all day.

[Elle King]

Oh, I'm so sorry.

[Bunny]

I'm Team L all day.

[Elle King]

But, yeah, I just, like, I would get in so much trouble. And now, like, a massive part, like, of like, I guess little. Little teas that have turned into massive paranoia. Paranorma. Wait, parent paranoia?

[Bunny]

Yes.

[Elle King]

What's paranormal?

[Bunny]

I don't know. I was gonna say. Is that like ghosts or something?

[Elle King]

I don't know. But, like, via ghoul.

[Bunny]

Like, paranormal ghoul dog name.

[Elle King]

I, like, spend one day in this, like, witchy house is cool. And I don't remember what I was talking about.

[Bunny]

Oh, dad, you had to wear sweaters covering the tattoos.

[Elle King]

And. And so, like, I didn't want to be. Oh, okay. My little teeth. So I would get in so much trouble if I ever. Oh, my gosh. If I ever messed up a shot or if I ever was like, like an arm in the camera or like, Fiverr was talking. Like, like, I would get in trouble. And, like, I spent. You know, I'm really putting shit out there right now. But, like, my dad forgot about every single birthday. Like, I spent my 18th birthday in a summer school, like, class with, like, algebra one because if I didn't take it, I wouldn't graduate. And they brought me cupcakes and I came home, my dad forgot my birthday. It's okay. I read. I read an entire. It's totally hurtful, but, like, you know what?

[Bunny]

That shapes and molds you.

[Elle King]

I put every. I put every ounce of my being into my son's birthday. Like, every birthday, even for my friends, like, every birthday, because I know how it feels to be forgotten on your birthday. And that's so sad. It's like, come on. It's my one day. It's my one day.

[Bunny]

Give me that.

[Elle King]

Yeah, give me that. And. And so, like, I stopped wanting to go. And then I got kicked out of school in New York in sixth or seventh grade. And my mom was like, I am done with her. I was being bad. I got my tongue pierced. My mom walked in on me and a boy and she was like, mom's losing her shit. Yes. And my mom is tough. My mom, like, she doesn't give up on me ever. But my mom was like, she's fucking your problem. And he was like, what do you want me to do with her? And he was going to Amsterdam. So I was 14 and he took me to Amsterdam and he, oh, no, I've not.

[Bunny]

Recipe for disaster.

[Elle King]

My dad hired this 21 year old. Sweet. Sweet. She was an Indian young woman. She was a virgin and her name was Aman. And she was like, she was lovely. And every single day I'd say, let's go to the flower markets. And I would be like, oh, yeah, wow, look at those tulips. And then I would dip back behind. I'd like, watch her freak out looking for me and I'd go straight to the red light district. I still, to this day, roll the best joints ever. But, like, I wanted culture. I wanted to see things, and I didn't want. Every single day I would ditch the nanny and she didn't want to lose her job, so she never told my dad.

[Bunny]

Aww.

[Elle King]

So I basically just spent however many months we were there in Amsterdam. I had. I mean, I would go to, like, my. My homeschool, like, teacher. I was like. Like, I don't even. I was learning some Dutch and French or something, but, like, I never paid attention. I can always distract somebody. Like, I had this one tutor. I'd be like, oh, you're into Dungeons and Dragons. That's cool. Like, I don't really wanna learn about, like, science, man. And. And then, you know, like, one time we went to. Anytime my dad would, like, have me on a trip, he would, like, forget that he had me. And so he. I know, I know. Cause he's not a great planner, and is that.

[Bunny]

That's the least of his worries.

[Elle King]

Yeah. And so he took. He took me to Russia, and with him.

[Bunny]

Oh, no.

[Elle King]

I was probably 18, actually. But the thing is, like, I refuse to, like, waste a trip.

[Bunny]

Yeah. So I love that even at such a young age, you were like, I'm here to live.

[Elle King]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

We were in Russia, and he was, like, in a basement, like, getting ready to do some TV show. He had two security guards. And I was like, hey, hey, we're in Moscow. Like, I'm not sitting in this basement TV studio. I was like, I'm gonna go out. And he would always just be like, like, reading something, like, whatever. Take. Take one of the security guards with you. I was like, great. So this, like, beautiful Russian, like, tuxedo, fucking wearing, like, young, handsome security guard. I was like, what do you do in Moscow? And he's like, do you like to ride rides? And I was like, I fucking love rides. Takes me to an amusement park. Rides. All the fucking rides with me is in, like, photo booth pictures with me. Takes me to get, like, the big Russian hat. And then, like, I had started to lose some of my, like, teenage weight, and he was staying with, like, this very. My dad was, like, there for this, like, really rich lady, and she let me buy this, like, La Perla gown and, like, like, heels because they had some fashion show. And I was like, I'm such a tomboy. I don't know how to walk in heels. And there was, like, 25 steps down from this party, and the guy was like, Nikolai. He picked me up, walks me down the steps, opens the limo with me in his arms and, like, sets me down. And I was like, yeah, thank you. Thank you.

[Bunny]

So did you and Nikolai ever hook up?

[Elle King]

No. No, no, no, no. But, you know, I think of him fondly.

[Bunny]

It's just like.

[Elle King]

That was like my bodyguard.

[Bunny]

What's baby daddy's name? Dan, you're not listening, Dan. You're not listening right now.

[Elle King]

We're never going to rush it again. Yeah.

[Bunny]

Yeah. Dan. Dan's like, we're never going to Russia, baby.

[Elle King]

Damn it.

[Bunny]

Damn it, Nikolai. Story that, or he's gonna be like, next time we have sex, call me Nikolai.

[Elle King]

Okay. I love that. I love that, baby. Babe, just pick me up.

[Bunny]

I love that. So, circling back, though, you did say that your stepfather influenced your trajectory into music. Take me on that journey.

[Elle King]

So my stepdad, his name is Justin, and he. He met my mom. He was the lead singer in this rock and roll band in Columbus called Bob City. Amazing rock and roll. And my mom started dating him, and her best friend was dating somebody else in the band. And so we love bad boys around here. Yes. Yes. And I just had, like, rock and roll people all around me. And he. He still to this day has the best record collection I've ever seen. And, like, he. He came into our lives when I was, like, I don't know, maybe six, six or seven. And I remember being, like, so young and, like, he didn't care. Sticky fingered kids and all. Just like. Like, he would let me go through all the records and he'd be like, you like that? Listen to this. Like, my. My. Some of my earliest memories of, like, singing along to music is like, my first, like, time. Singing, like, into a hairbrush in the mirror is like Captain and Tenille. Love will keep us together. It's because he had all these records, and he would just. He would say, like, he still makes, like, New Music Friday playlists that he, like, sends out to all of his friends because he just has the coolest taste in music. And he just shaped me. And so when we moved to New York, my mom always had me, like, you always have to have some kind of extracurricular because I think she knew, like, academics were not gonna be my, you know, the foot that I lead with. So I love that. The foot that I lead with. Yeah. So I would, like, I was taking violin at 4 years old, or I would, you know, anytime I wanted to quit something, she'd be like, you can quit it, but you have to replace with something. I tried ice skating. Like. Like ice sports. Not my thing. Summer, like, water stuff. That's me. But frozen stuff. No. And. Or, like, piano, vocal lessons. And when we moved to New York, his best friend and one of his bandmates. Yo, Keem. Super talented guitar player. He taught me how to play guitar, and it was just kind of on from there. And the way he taught me, it was just like, he's like, I can't teach you how to read music, but I can teach you how to play all your favorite songs, and I can help you, like, learn how to sing along to it.

[Bunny]

It.

[Elle King]

And that's how. Because I. I think also because I studied Suzuki which is an ear training method. On violin, I think I. I'm more attuned to stringed instruments, so I can kind of pick up, like, almost, you know, like a guitar, a bass, a violin, a. A mandolin, banjo, anything. And.

[Bunny]

And kind of finally, too, though, that's a talent. Not everybody can do that.

[Elle King]

Jack of all trades, master of none. But that's fine. Yeah, yeah, it's okay. I can.

[Bunny]

I feel like she's like my soul sister, like, everything. It's so crazy. I. It's a talent, though, because I actually was taught how to read music, so I can read music, but I can't. If I hear something, I can't play it. So I've always been envious of people who can do that. I think that's such a beautiful thing.

[Elle King]

Well, maybe we have to start a band.

[Bunny]

I'll do it. I'll do it. And then we'll go on tour with Daddy Roll.

[Elle King]

Yes. Yes. That was. I mean, listen, I had fun on that tour. I loved it. We had a blast. And you know what? What? Oh, my gosh. When I saw you guys at Stagecoach, like, he came, like, during the show, came over and, like, gave me a big hug, like. But that's. That's like, that's who Jelly Roll is.

[Bunny]

We love El, Man. You're just a little light. You know, you remind me of, like, fairy energy. And don't take that the wrong way, but.

[Elle King]

No, I don't. One of my past lives, she was like, you were Fay and like the beginning times of Earth.

[Bunny]

I love that. No, you do. You just have this twinkle about you. And it doesn't matter what you're going through. It's like you are always just trying to make everybod happy around you. And I just love that about you.

[Elle King]

I feel like I was like, I saw a lot of things back in Hollywood where, like, you didn't get in trouble for how you treated people. And I, I, I'll never forget, like, seeing how, like, after someone got yelled at, for instance, how that made someone feel.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

And I'm not saying I'm perfect. I'm sure there's a lot of people who have worked for me or be like, she's a. And I. I am not a per. I have grown a lot, and I've eaten shelves of humble pie. But I really do believe, especially just for, like, where I'm at now, everything that has brought me to here, it's like all I can control is, like, my reaction. And I've been a very reactive person my whole Life. But if I continue to put out what I hope to receive, then I can feel the path of my life, life and the trajectory of my joy going to where I hope it lands. And that's just like waking up, making choices. I. I look at my son, Lucky, I say, we're choosing kindness today, buddy.

[Bunny]

I love his name.

[Elle King]

Thank you.

[Bunny]

So cute.

[Elle King]

We got Lucky with him, so I love that.

[Bunny]

And I think as unforgiving as the world feels, they love to see growth. And I think them just hearing this podcast is going to change their entire perception of you.

[Elle King]

Well, thank you for giving me the opportunity. And like, I'm obsessed.

[Bunny]

You so. Girl, you come here anytime, baby. You can sit on my couch every year. I do not care. I always have space.

[Elle King]

We have to. We have to see the evolution of growth.

[Bunny]

We really do.

[Elle King]

See you next year.

[Bunny]

Yeah, seriously. So take me on this journey to. Of your first album that you dropped in 2015. Like, how. What were the steps that led up to that? Because not everybody can just get an album and a record deal and all that stuff.

[Elle King]

No, it. It's pretty crazy. I. I mean, I've been playing shows since I was like, like 15 years old. And my mom was always super, super supportive and like, she would help me sneak into bars. She knew that I had a fake id and like, she, I, I had a talent for it. And like, I had. I was. I started writing songs at like 14 years old. And. And then once I started playing the banjo, it was like, it was different. Like, I, I kind of stood out. And so I was playing country songs in New York and I was getting like, residencies at like 18, 19 years old. And then this. A manager found out about me and I had already left New York, was living in la, losing my mind, going kind of crazy. Like, LA is not for me.

[Bunny]

I always find that fascinating because it's like most people who grew up in New York can't handle la, and most people who grew up in LA can't handle New York. I grew up in Vegas and la, so when I go to New York, I'm like, overstimulated.

[Elle King]

Yeah, yeah, no, it can be a lot. Like, I don't. I, I romanticize about, like, New York and I, I really love going back to visit now. Cause my mom's. My mom and dad, my stepdad still live there, and my son loves going to New York. So it's always like a really fun time. Now. I, I just don't. I got very accustomed to having, like, acreage, even if it's Five. You know, like, I have to have, have a four wheeler right now. I'm like, I cruise around the neighborhood. I don't have acreage, but we're, we're buying another house and I love four wheelers and golf carts and like, I have a tractor in my East Nashville, like, card come out this way. You know what? I, we're looking. It's, and it's like 20 minutes away from here. Yay. So it's really, really beautiful. I just. Mama needs a pool.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

So I got to swim.

[Bunny]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Elle King]

And so I, we were talking about

[Bunny]

the, you getting your, you know, music journey.

[Elle King]

I, I moved to la and I just like, was always playing shows. I didn't, I wasn't signed nothing. And then this manager.

[Bunny]

Did your dad ever try to help you not to cut you off?

[Elle King]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Bunny]

You didn't want his help?

[Elle King]

No. And honestly, I, I, I didn't talk to my dad. I go for like four or five years without talking to my dad. Dad. So I got signed, I released my album, everything. Honestly, when I put out my record and people finally started to ask about my dad, my dad called me and was like, don't talk about me in the press. Like, all right, okay, great. But also it's like, get, I don't care. Like, hey, listen, people have asked me about your ass for years and I'm like, you're, you're talking out your ass and you're, you're talking shit about, about drag and, and, you know, anti gay rights. And it's like, get, like, I never heard that. Well, he's, he's just talking out of his ass and I, I want to use this opportunity to say I disagree. I do not agree with what he says. Yeah, I believe in all forms of love. And I just believe in anyone finding their happiness and their joy in whatever way, whatever capacity that is. There are no politics when it comes to love.

[Bunny]

Absolutely.

[Elle King]

And so, yeah, I wasn't, he never helped me. I never wanted his help. He also didn't have a very good reputation, so I didn't want. That was really, wasn't even like a lot of like, I've got to pay my own way. I was like, I don't want to be associated with him and I'm gonna get in trouble for saying that, but I don't care.

[Bunny]

And good reputation as in, like working with him, like, he just not, not nice. Right.

[Elle King]

Gotcha. It's not nice. And, and so, and I wanted to be nice. I, my whole thing is Like, I always want people to want to work with me again and not that because I'm not perfect. And like, I fucked up a lot.

[Bunny]

Like, we all learn and we all grow.

[Elle King]

Yeah, but, but my label hasn't dropped me and I. Okay, so I went in, it was, it was Christmas of probably 2014, I was maybe 22 years old and I go into an empty office and it was before Sony bought emi and this, this guy named Jake Gottman, I just went in with my banjo and I played a song called Good to Be a Man. And he signed me right on the spot. So I got a publishing deal. He sent that song to Peter Edge, who's the chairman of rca. And I'd been kind of talking to some labels and everyone was sort of like dicking me around. And RCA was like the first, I mean, mind you, they had Elvis and they had so many bands that like, I really loved. And they were like always like full steady, like always consistent. Never made me feel like they were dicking me around or anything or like weirdly courting me. They were just cool and great and I felt like they truly believed in me.

[Bunny]

Which is rare for record labels.

[Elle King]

Yes, which is very rare. And like, even though I found out that like men were getting $10 million deals, I didn't get a lot of money for mine, but I felt like they believed in me. And my first album had great success.

[Bunny]

I mean, it was a great album.

[Elle King]

Thank you. X's and O's was awesome.

[Bunny]

And Ain't Nobody's Baby. Baby, that was my shit, girl. That is Mean was my. Mean is a great song.

[Elle King]

Thank you so much.

[Bunny]

I love that.

[Elle King]

Well, I, I, I, I'm trying to get back to that whole aspect of like just writing. I don't know, it's, it's hard. Who I, I think it was Bob Dylan. I don't know who said it, but you have your whole life to write your first album and then a year to write your next one. And it's just strange. And I got like, like a lot of nominations on that first album. I topped a lot of charts and, and then I kept going and like it's, it makes me uncomfortable to say, but I'm also very proud to like, I've broken a lot of records and as like, you know, I think Back to like 11 year old Chubby me, like Ellie, like at fat camp. Like, and people always saying like, you're, you know, you're not gonna ever do anything. It's like you did it on your own too. Yes, I Did eat it. Eat it up, up.

[Bunny]

Suck it while it's soft. Yes.

[Elle King]

And I'm very proud and like, I want my son to know that. And like, sometimes I think about like, at what age do I like tell my son, like, son, like, don't google me because stuff will come up.

[Bunny]

But I mean, find out a mom that speaks her mind and doesn't take. I don't know, I mean, that's respectable to me. I don't have a problem with a woman who stands her ground.

[Elle King]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Granted there's a couple situations that, that you know, you've owned up to and. But just because your mistakes happen online and in front of people doesn't mean that other people aren't making similar mistakes behind.

[Elle King]

They just are on a fucking grand TikTok.

[Bunny]

Exactly. Exactly.

[Elle King]

But America loves a comeback story. And I will say if I didn't come back out the gate swinging and like with my shit together and putting on like great shows, I put a lot of effort, energy and money me into like this. I have an opportunity. I have an opportunity to show that I've grown, that I am better than ever. That like, that is not. That might be one facet like my mess ups are. They are part of me. And, and they are part of ultimately I feel like I learned more. I always say like, expensive lessons are like the best. Yeah. To learn. Yeah. Because like, oh, I can't afford to make that one again.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

And. And so like they're a part of where it hurts, you know?

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

But like, like I can kind of look back and laugh and just be like, wow, that was like, that was so crazy. And it wasn't even that long ago that I was like, I don't want to wake up. I don't want to be here. Like, I don't. I should. Maybe the world is better. Maybe it is better off without me. And like to think like now I'm like, wow, that was pretty crazy. I was like, oof, probably should have eaten that day, you know? And I, I feel, I feel like it's very much behind me and I feel so distanced from it. It.

[Bunny]

And I feel like the same person.

[Elle King]

I'm not.

[Bunny]

And if Dolly can forgive you, the world can forgive you totally.

[Elle King]

And I. But I also think that like there's such a massive part of that that like helped me get to this like, point where I'm the happiest I've ever been. I'm not putting as much pressure on. I was like, I had so much pressure that I was putting on Myself to, like, lose all my baby weight. And, like, I was, like, just. I was going crazy. I was losing my mind. And now I'm like, you know what? I think I'm okay. I don't need to meet anybody's standards but mine. I'm healthier than I've ever been. You look beautiful. Thank you. My brain is good. I'm like. I'm taking, like, healthy medication. There's nothing wrong with antidepressants. In fact, they're great for you.

[Bunny]

Did you. So did you are on medication? Did you. Were you taking it for your postpartum or did postpartum. Cause you did get on them.

[Elle King]

I was refusing to take any antidepressants because I felt like there's all these weird things, and I don't know if it's OCD or just, like, obsessive thinking, but, like, I. I really, like, I didn't want to get on it. I don't know if maybe part of it was like, I don't want to gain weight. I don't want to be sleepy. I don't want to feel like I can't create, because I've. I've tried to take a lot of, like, antidepressants before in my life, and sometimes they made me feel like I couldn't create or anything. But I also thought that I had to be, like, high off my fucking mind to, like, make a record in a month in the studio with my friends. And it's like, that's actually, like, not conducive, and it's not good for, like, anyone. And you're a mom now. And so I finally was like, all right. I reached this point of, give me anything that will make me not feel sad. Give me anything that will make me feel more confident and less anxious, because I don't want to feel like this. And I. I got to it, and I figured it out, and, like, I take antidepressants, and I feel great, and, like, I feel happy, and I. I don't know it. I just think that, like, when there's

[Bunny]

nothing wrong if you need it, nothing

[Elle King]

wrong with it at all. In fact, I'm like, you should take therapy, and if you might need medication, you should take it. But I also, like. I love Eastern medicine. I love acupuncture. I think a massage goes a long way. Talk therapy is incredible, even on the computer, you know? And, like, I just like where I'm at now. I'm like, tell me what to do.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

And when it used to be like, I don't want to fucking hear it now. Like, what works? Like, yeah, you know, like, throw this noodle at this wall and if it sticks, like, I'll take it. Like, that's good. You know, I just want to be happy. And I've learned that, like, if I can be the best person for me, that act that actually makes me a better mother for my son because I can't be doing any of this for anybody else. Else, I have to do it for me because then I can be firm, steady, and grounded. And then that, like, when my cup is full, that's when I can give to other people. And I've just noticed that I could be so much more present. And I can. I can just be. I don't know. I wasn't such a to Dan and he was like, he started to soften

[Bunny]

and like, let's talk about Dan and Lucky. Let's talk about that area of your life.

[Elle King]

Oh, I love the them so much.

[Bunny]

I see you light up. I see you light up. When you talk about them, your stepfather and your mom, you just get this, like, twinkle in your eye.

[Elle King]

Family's so important to me. And sometimes it's your chosen family, you know? This is a paid message from GoFundMe. Meet Juan Naula. When a son was hospitalized for a viral infection, Juan started a GoFundMe to pay for medical expenses.

[Bunny]

It was 5k to pay the bill for my son, and I need only 22 hours.

[Elle King]

It was amazing.

[Bunny]

People really trust on GoFundMe.

[Elle King]

How did Juan raise $5,000 in less than a day? He posted a short video on GoFundMe telling his story in 30 seconds.

[Bunny]

30 seconds. Be specific. Be quick and tell. What are you gonna be using the funds for? I was nervous to do it because it doesn't feel okay to ask money. But you shouldn't be nervous. Sometimes you just have to do it

[Elle King]

and see the results.

[Bunny]

We were able to save my son's life thanks to gofundme that we still have my son with us.

[Elle King]

Start your GoFundMe today at gofundme.com that's gofundme.com gofundme.com this message reflects one person's experience. So here's how you can save up to 70% on your favorite brands from rebel.com has everything for your home, family, and life. Life. From strollers to skincare at unbeatable prices. Every day, Rebel drops thousands of new products for up to 70% off.

[Bunny]

It's a constant stream of endless deals from brands like UPPAbaby Nuna, Baby Bjorn,

[Elle King]

Nespresso, Breville Wilson, Dyson, Caraway, and more. Every listing is one of a kind, and the best things go first. So you have to move fast. Save big on your favorite brands.

[Bunny]

Shop now for up to 70% at from rebel.com Amen. I got my chosen family. Jay Bailey. Those are my chosen family. Like, I just. I don't know what I would do without them.

[Elle King]

Yeah, know, they're like. They just become like our sturdy rock. And I think I was. I've been really selfish a lot, A lot in my life because I'm such a hard, hard worker, but I didn't want to make a lot of the same mistakes that I grew up seeing. And. And so, like, again, like, this thing that happened, like, in January, like, it just. It just changed me. And I, I. I faced a lot of stuff from my childhood that, like, I felt like, Like I could put to bed. And now I'm starting to. I've been, like, given this opportunity to, like, meet me where I'm at now and start working on these issues in my, like, adult life and, like, all my unhealthy things. And, like, you know, you're only as sick as your secrets, right? And so I'm like, you have to tell on yourself, and you have to be honest and truthful. And like I said before, like, I started to treat Dan how I would just hope that he would treat me because we were, you know, fighting pretty bad, and neither of us. You can't be heard if you're not listening. And so our communication was really not in a great way. We were, like, speaking different languages, and it was all rooted from a place of fear and all rooted from a place of hurt.

[Bunny]

Right person, wrong time.

[Elle King]

Yeah. And then once we started to, like, like, hey, you can't talk. Like, we can't talk to each other like this. Like, this is not okay. Lucky can't be around this. And we just started to respect each other. And I. I think maybe there is some of that missing even in our prior relationship. And so this doesn't feel like we got back together. He. He kept saying, like, it's a new relationship, babe. Like, we have to take it slow. And I was like, let's get fucking married. Let's get married right now. And he's like, I want to take it slow. Like, we owe it to ourselves. And I'm listening to him and, like, I want him to be, you know, like, I want him to feel like a man and a strong man. And I think as someone who's a performer and someone who's. I, you know, I don't really can like, think of myself as like a famous person, but I, I am, you know, and you've earned it.

[Bunny]

You've worked your ass off, babe.

[Elle King]

But I know that it can, it can be like an emasculating thing to date, like, like, or be partnered with someone who's like a strong female, especially one. Like, I've got a reputation. It's like, oh, she's a badass and she can really go toe to toe with the boys. And like, while that's all true, I also, I want to be like a soft, feminine, like, wife and like loving partner and also have some love. You can be both. Me? Yes. Love me for both. And he does. And I need to love him. And I need to celebrate his masculine. And I also need to totally celebrate my favorite part, which is his soft, silly, sweet. Because our, like, funny neck tattooed guys are usually the sweetest. Teddy bears.

[Bunny]

Teddy bears, yes, absolutely.

[Elle King]

And that's what we love because we're tough ass chicks. Right?

[Bunny]

Well, I had to learn that with Jay, you know, because I came into the situation with just so much baggage. And I mean, I was like, like a, just a, like a, just a force to be reckoned with. And I came in and I just was so used to emasculating every man that I had ever been with. I make the money. Don't, you know, don't. I'm going to fight, you know, and I finally, we. I don't think it's said enough as couples, especially when you are having communication issues, to be able to sit down and look at each other and say, hey, we can't talk to each other. Like that, that changes was everything. And my husband and I had to sit down and do that. And we've had the best relationship since. Communication is key, comprehension is vital. And it's like you literally have to be in. You are fighting dragons with this person every day. That is your teammate, your co conspirator. Like, you guys are literally slaying this thing called life together and you guys have to be on the same page. If not, that ship's not going to sail.

[Elle King]

And it's a choice I've struggled with. Like, okay, how do people get married? Like, what is it? How do you like, really know? And like, do you just pick? Do you just choose? Because that's why, like, when you're, when you're just talking about that, I'm like hanging on every word because, like, you know, I, I think I I don't think Dan would be upset from, like, with me saying, like, you know, we're doing couples therapy and, like, trying everything.

[Bunny]

J and I have done so much therapy. I just had a therapy appointment before you came in here.

[Elle King]

But that's beautiful. And, like, it's. It makes your bond stronger. And, like, honestly, we. I asked him. It was, like, such divine timing. This. This. This therapist who basically, like, kicked us out because I asked if he would go to couples therapy with me. And we had gotten into, like, a

[Bunny]

big fight that happened to Janice because

[Elle King]

he, like, this booty girl on Instagram, and I was mad. And so we walked in, we sat. Like, there could have been an ocean between us, and we were fighting, and she was like, I don't think that I can continue to see you guys, blah, blah. And it was not great. But then she emailed me, and we weren't together, but we were, like, in a really great flow of things. And she was like, hi. I just wanted to let you know that, like, I'm starting to take new patients again, and I didn't know where you guys were at in your journey. And I was like, oh, wow.

[Bunny]

Wow.

[Elle King]

We're actually doing really, really well. And I asked him, I was like, hey, like, do you think you, like, want to, like, go to, like, couples therapy? And he was like, yeah. And I said, like, just as friends, like, just so we can help, like, our communication. He was like, yeah, I think I would like that a lot. And then, like, a week later, we were, like, back together, and all you

[Bunny]

guys needed was a conversation. Like, a conversation of two people actually wanting to listen to each other can change so much, much.

[Elle King]

And it's. It's really, really crazy what happens when you put down the receipts and you put down the swords and you don't yell and you just, like, take a second. Like, that's not my strong suit. It is not my strong suit. I'm. I was made to fight. I grew up in a yelling family. That's just how we communicated. And it wasn't even. Like, nobody wins in that. That. Not even the loudest person. Everyone just is, like, in fight or flight and shaking with adrenaline, looking like Ren and Stimpy. Yeah, it's crazy. It's not good. And I think we both, like, grew. Grew up with a lot of that, because that's. No one told anybody. No one told anyone that that's wrong until recently. Now everyone tells you that you're wrong for anything that you do.

[Bunny]

Sometimes I'm. I'm kind of like, all right, enough, you know?

[Elle King]

Yes, of course.

[Bunny]

But definitely the speaking softer to each other. We don't yell in our house. I think I've yelled at our daughter one time, and she really deserved it. Yeah. Like, I just. We don't. Because I grew up in a screaming household also, so I can't. If you start yelling at me, I'm automatically shutting you out.

[Elle King]

Yeah.

[Bunny]

Like, I can't listen to it.

[Elle King]

And. But also, if you think about it, like, even going back to, like, not toxic people, but, like, you know, who does win an argument the calmest?

[Bunny]

Because they'll piss you off even more

[Elle King]

because they'll get you. Like, I'm like, what the you do, you know, like, any, like, teacher. Like, I just think about, like, principals who are like, talk like this. I'm like, you.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

But, like, that's how, like, I want to be. But I also.

[Bunny]

I want to be levels to get to that.

[Elle King]

Yes. And I'm not there. I mean, peeling the layer back on, like, maybe level one.

[Bunny]

I'm. I'm. Don't start none. Won't be none.

[Elle King]

Okay. Oh, I like that. I like that. I just want to be the mom that, like, my son comes to, no matter what. If he gets arrested, God forbid, I mean, I'll let him. I'll let him sit. I'll. I'll keep that tradition in my family. My mom said, you get arrested, I'll let you sit in there. But I've never been arrested.

[Bunny]

Yay.

[Elle King]

I know. Shocker.

[Bunny]

Good. That is awesome. I've been arrested, so that's crazy. How have you never got arrested? I know.

[Elle King]

I've been handcuffed twice, but, like, I'm very smooth with my words.

[Bunny]

If you make love the same way, he. He can get out of handcuffs at any time. I'm like, you motherfucker, dude.

[Elle King]

Very charming.

[Bunny]

He is. He is so charming. I'm like, I hate you. He can get out of speeding tickets. I get them all. It doesn't matter. And you would think it would be opposite because they always say, oh, cops could let pretty girls off. Not saying I'm pretty, but, you know, just saying. Just saying that. It's like a myth, you know? And no, my husband gets off on every ticket. They stick it to me every time.

[Elle King]

I only got one speeding ticket also. Shocker. I know. And it was in my hometown.

[Bunny]

I can't believe they gave it to you, though.

[Elle King]

I know. She goes, I know who you are.

[Bunny]

Oh, it was a shit.

[Elle King]

But I still have to give you this ticket. I was like, Damn it. And then she came to the show. Oh, she even commented because I. I, like, took a video because I was like, man, I never get pulled over. And I took a video of, like. Oh, she commented on it. She was like, I was the one who gave you a ticket. But we loved your show, me and my girls. I was like, like, 85.

[Bunny]

I love that. That is so funny. So what. What's happening now with Elle? You. Ha. You are on your redemption tour. Your baby. What's the. What is it called, Baby? Ask the baby.

[Elle King]

Baby Daddy's weekend tour.

[Bunny]

Baby daddy's weekend.

[Elle King]

And I am just playing lots of music. I'm about to finish. Finish my album. I have a lot of music coming out. I'm really, really excited about it. And it's. I always say, like, this album is the most me, but, like, I think anything that I'm working on is, like, where I'm at in my life. And I'm very proud of the music that I'm making. And I started making a lot of it before I, like, had a nervous breakdown this year. And it's bringing me back to life, just, like, creating again and, like, having these, like, seeds planted and then making this beautiful album. So it's definitely going to be a little different than my last three albums, but I don't think that even though all my records have sound, they all sound like me. I don't think any of them have sounded, like, exactly the same. But, like, my music is a representation of where I'm at in my life.

[Bunny]

And what is it more like as a country?

[Elle King]

It's a country. Yeah. It's definitely a country album. Album. But it's really beautiful, and it's what country is to me and everything that I've kind of learned in the country world. And I feel like these are gonna be the songs. Like, I don't play every song from every album at every show, but there's a lot of songs on this album that, like, I'll play for the rest of my life, and that makes me really proud and excited. And I'm also sitting on an album that I made when I was pregnant. Pregnant before I went to country. And I'm, like, drunk, and I don't want to go home. I wrote eight years before it ever came out. And so that. That song taught me so much about the life of music. And so I'm also sitting on an album that's, like, really, really incredible. And I'm just waiting for the right time for that to come out because it's probably, you know, the best album I've ever made. And drop that. I know, I know.

[Bunny]

What are we waiting for? I don't know.

[Elle King]

I think after this. This big. That big eclipse, right?

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

Everything is supposed to be, like, all the seeds that we've planted. I don't know if it's the same for every star sign, but, like, a lot of things are coming to fruition from, like, the last eight years, and. And so everything that I've been really, really working on is all coming to a head in a good way. And I think it's the same if you believe in that and if you believe in yourself and if you are manifesting these good things, things that you're putting out in the universe, it makes so much sense. If you're into, you know, astrology or astronomy or anything like that, like, how all this stuff can be coming. Even. Even the crazy lessons that, like, I've learned this year, like, I feel like all these things are leading me to these manifestations of things that I've been maybe too afraid to try. And, like, when I was thinking about doing, like, I want to be cool, man. To be a bad guy in a movie. Movie. I did a movie. I just did, like, my first, like, actual, like, really, really cool movie.

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

And it's all things, like, you just have to try and continue to put yourself out there. And, like, it's not the first movie that I've ever done, but this is the first time that, like, I really prepared. I worked so hard to get it. And, like, all these things that. All these good things that are, like, hey, wouldn't that be cool? And just thinking about it and, like, putting it out and, like, dreaming about it, like, that's manifesting. That's pulling it, that's inviting it. And I always say, visualizing that it's already yours. Yes. And I say you have to make room in your life for greatness. And, like, you have to clear things out. You have to, like, cut things off. And that's how, like, you know, like, you have to clip, like, buds on roses sometimes. But that's how. More roses. I'm not a great gardener, but I

[Bunny]

do have some roses that's been on. I'm manifesting to learn how to garden. It's hard, I know.

[Elle King]

I can't even.

[Bunny]

I can't even save a sunflower from the grocery store. Listen, I've tried twice.

[Elle King]

I. I've tried to, like, mulch and put. I'm trying to, like. Because what. Like, the. Your house is a representation of your mind, right?

[Bunny]

Yeah.

[Elle King]

So I was like, my house looks like. So I tried to garden, and now all the grass is growing up through the mulch, and it's like, oh, my God.

[Bunny]

That's why you need landscapers.

[Elle King]

It's so hard. Yeah.

[Bunny]

You got to have. You have to have people help you.

[Elle King]

I know, I know. I'm really trying to fight this stubbornness. Yeah, you got.

[Bunny]

You can't do it all.

[Elle King]

Yeah. All right.

[Bunny]

I think your lesson this year is you can't do it all, baby.

[Elle King]

Ask for help.

[Bunny]

Yeah. Allow people to help you, baby. You need just. I get a landscaper. Okay. It'll make you feel better.

[Elle King]

Okay. Yes.

[Bunny]

L. Thank you so much for this conversation. It was so sweet, and I can't wait to have you back. And I can't wait to see this tour. I can't wait for people to hear this podcast. I really feel it's. It's going to touch a lot of their hearts, and they get to just see a glimpse inside of you, and I just.

[Elle King]

Just.

[Bunny]

I love it.

[Elle King]

You're so beautiful, and you spread so much amazing positivity, and I just. I appreciate you. Thank you for having me on. I love you so much, Bunny. You're. You're amazing.

[Bunny]

We're gonna make out after this. Don't tell Dan.

[Elle King]

Don't tell Dan.

[Bunny]

Don't tell.

[Elle King]

But I will tell my mom. Yeah.

[Bunny]

Shout out, Mom. Shout out, Mom. We love you. Thank you guys for tuning in to another episode of Dumb Blonde. I'll see you guys next week. Bye.

[Elle King]

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