Podcast Summary: Dumb Blonde Episode – TBT: Brittany Furlan Lee

In this compelling episode of the Dumb Blonde podcast, hosted by Dumb Blonde Productions, Bunnie XO sits down with Brittany Furlan Lee to delve deep into Brittany’s personal journey, covering topics from childhood trauma and mental health challenges to navigating fame and maintaining a healthy relationship. The conversation is both raw and insightful, offering listeners an intimate look into Brittany’s life and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

1. Introduction and Personal Background

The episode kicks off with Brittany Furlan Lee sharing her early life experiences and the challenges she faced from a young age.

Notable Quote:

Brittany Schmidt: "My mom was pregnant with me, and I was born with a really severe birth defect. I was born with clubbed feet. So my feet were bent in completely, almost backwards." [13:14]

2. Childhood Trauma and Its Lasting Impact

Brittany opens up about the physical and emotional trauma she endured as a child, including being separated from her mother shortly after birth and growing up with a parent diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "I couldn't move. I couldn't roll over as a baby. And I do have memories of just being really scared all the time." [14:14]

Brittany Schmidt: "My mom yelled a lot... And I just couldn't handle this as a kid." [14:17]

3. Mental Health Journey

The discussion transitions to Brittany’s battle with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors during her teenage years.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "I wanted to die all the time... I was a cutter. And so I got caught at school cutting." [08:14]

Brittany Furlan: "When I was going through my suicidal ideation, I remember looking at Jay and I was like, I don't know how I'm gonna live till 50." [07:22]

4. Coping Mechanisms and Treatment

Brittany shares her experiences with medication, therapy, and the difficulties of overcoming addiction, particularly her struggle with Xanax addiction.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "I've been on the same antidepressant since I was 16... It's really hard." [09:14]

Brittany Furlan: "I had a Xanax addiction because my anxiety was so bad. I did it cold turkey." [09:58]

5. Career in Entertainment and Social Media Fame

Brittany discusses her move to Los Angeles, her foray into stand-up comedy, and her unexpected rise to fame on Vine, eventually leading to opportunities in television.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "I started doing open mic comedy... And a casting director from E. was watching and asked me to audition for a show." [25:36]

Brittany Furlan: "I remember you on Vine. You had like 9 million followers. It was crazy." [27:00]

6. Navigating Relationships Amidst Fame

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Brittany’s relationship with Tommy Lee, addressing the challenges they faced due to his past alcoholism and the scrutiny from the media.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "Tommy was a massive alcoholic. We convinced him to go to rehab, and he did great." [47:46]

Brittany Furlan: "How do you deal with the Internet not letting Tommy move on and live happily with you?" [44:04]

7. Dealing with Media and Online Criticism

Brittany expresses her frustrations with how the media portrays personal relationships and the relentless online trolling that accompanies fame.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "People make their judgments based on what the media wants to show. They don’t know what’s really happening." [45:10]

Brittany Furlan: "The Internet is like that telephone game... by the time it gets to someone's personal story, it's completely twisted." [60:35]

8. Personal Health and Wellness

The discussion shifts to Brittany’s ongoing health issues, including PCOS and related complications, and her husband Tommy’s pursuit of sobriety and healthy habits like bonsai gardening.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "I have cysts in my ovaries, liver, and breast. I even have a cyst in my brain." [70:17]

Brittany Furlan: "Tommy loves his bonsai trees. It saves his life." [65:42]

9. Building a Supportive Relationship

Brittany and Bunnie share insights into maintaining a supportive and loving relationship despite external pressures and personal challenges.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "We cook dinner together every night and have our happy little safe space." [66:55]

Brittany Furlan: "If Jay and I don’t make it, I’m literally going to be dating little 25, 26-year-olds just so there’s no emotional commitment." [43:24]

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with both Brittanys reflecting on their growth, the importance of mental health advocacy, and the value of authentic relationships.

Notable Quotes:

Brittany Schmidt: "We’re all hurting from something. We're all trying to live our lives and get along the best we can." [59:46]

Brittany Furlan: "Nobody gives us a handbook on life... you're allowed to have feelings and not have to push them down." [59:36]

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience Through Adversity: Brittany’s story underscores the power of resilience in the face of early trauma and ongoing mental health challenges.

• Mental Health Advocacy: Open discussions about depression, anxiety, and addiction can foster understanding and reduce stigma.

• Navigating Fame Responsibly: Brittany highlights the complexities of maintaining personal relationships and mental well-being amidst public scrutiny and social media fame.

• Importance of Supportive Relationships: Building and sustaining supportive relationships is crucial for personal growth and overcoming challenges.

• Health Awareness: Awareness and proactive management of personal health issues, such as PCOS, are vital for overall well-being.

This episode of Dumb Blonde offers a heartfelt and honest conversation that can inspire listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities and seek support in their own lives.