Giggly Squad: Giggling About Breakdowns, Beta Blockers, and Bravolebs

Hosts: Hannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Episode Title: Giggling about breakdowns, beta blockers, and bravolebs

1. Introduction and Show Updates (02:12 - 05:55)

The episode kicks off with Hannah and Paige sharing updates about their recent shows, highlighting the chaotic yet exhilarating experiences they've had. Hannah recounts forgetting essential items during a late-night Uber ride after a show, leading to humorous yet stressful situations.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (03:39): "I, like, forgot my phone and an Uber and then I almost forgot my MacBook in an Uber. And then I walked in, realized I forgot my library card. And I literally was just naked."

Paige echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the unpredictability behind the scenes and expressing pride in their show's success.

Notable Quote:

• Paige (03:55): "Everything else has been chaos."

2. Navigating Anxiety and Panic Attacks (02:12 - 19:07)

A significant portion of the episode delves into the hosts' personal battles with anxiety and panic attacks, particularly experienced during their live shows. Paige opens up about her first legitimate panic attack, discussing her initial resistance to medication and eventual reliance on beta blockers to manage physical symptoms.

Notable Quotes:

• Paige (04:17): "I had my first, like, real legit panic attack."
• Paige (06:15): "I take beta blockers, too. Don't worry about it. Because I did feel less alone. I did feel less crazy."

Hannah shares her own struggles, highlighting the importance of admitting one's vulnerabilities and seeking appropriate help. The hosts discuss the societal perceptions of anxiety, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the breakthrough moments that helped them cope.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (11:04): "Everyone has. Even athletes have a bad game. Some even go into a slump. Look at Tom Brady. They fucking hated him. He just kept going, and now he's the best. You're the best. Just keep going."

3. Family Support and Personal Relationships (19:07 - 28:00)

The conversation shifts to the role of family support in managing mental health. Paige describes her relationship with her mother, who, despite being incredibly supportive, sometimes struggles to understand her anxiety, leading to moments of frustration.

Notable Quote:

• Paige (21:24): "My mom is the best mom in the entire world. She is the most nurturing, the most loving."

Hannah reflects on her interactions with her own parents, emphasizing the generational differences in discussing mental health and the challenges of opening up to loved ones about personal struggles.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (21:30): "If I tell my mom I'm anxious, then she's going to be anxious with me. And I'm like, she doesn't deserve that."

4. Touring Challenges and Coping Mechanisms (28:00 - 45:00)

Hannah and Paige discuss the intense pressures of touring, including constant travel, lack of routine, and the physical toll of performing live. Paige shares an anecdote about attending a show in Denver, where altitude and overexertion exacerbated her anxiety, leading to a memorable meltdown.

Notable Quote:

• Paige (43:06): "The number one thing that was making me so mad at my own self was like, Giggly Squad is my favorite thing in life. Giggly Squad is my favorite hour of the week."

They also touch upon their interactions with fellow reality TV stars, such as Jax from Vanderpump Rules, highlighting both the camaraderie and the added stress of managing public expectations.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (53:36): "He was like, schwartz's opener. And I was like, okay, what's happening?"

5. Interactions with Fans and Reality TV Personalities (45:00 - 58:10)

The hosts reminisce about their early days on reality TV, sharing inside jokes and memorable moments that shaped their journey. Hannah recalls a humorous incident involving her performance attempt of the worm dance move, leading to unexpected wardrobe malfunctions and audience reactions.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (58:49): "So the first night, I'm wearing a full, like, bubble skirt. And I go, okay, let's do it. The second I do the worm, the skirt goes over my head."

Paige emphasizes the importance of authenticity and humor in navigating the challenges of fame, reinforcing the podcast's theme of finding laughter amidst chaos.

Notable Quote:

• Paige (57:04): "Giggly Squad started truly from being in awkward situations together and no one making the jokes that needed to be made to diffuse the situation."

6. Reflections on Mental Health and Moving Forward (58:10 - 67:35)

As the episode nears its end, Hannah and Paige reflect on their personal growth and the ongoing journey of managing mental health. They discuss strategies such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes that have aided them in maintaining their well-being.

Notable Quote:

• Paige (60:43): "And also, I just want to say one thing. Like, obviously, I was taking medicine that, like, was not prescribed for me. Like, because I had to do it."

Hannah highlights the importance of community support, reminding listeners that it's okay to seek help and that they're not alone in their struggles.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (66:16): "But also, like, when you go on stage and you're calm, like, you're gonna be so proud of yourself and feel so strong."

The episode concludes with a heartfelt message of gratitude towards their listeners, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of the podcast and reinforcing the idea that finding humor in life's challenges is essential for resilience.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (66:41): "We will find the funny in everything because you can't take life too seriously or you'll not make it. So thank you for giggling. We love you guys."

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity in Vulnerability: Hannah and Paige openly discuss their mental health struggles, promoting a culture of honesty and vulnerability.

• Coping Mechanisms: The hosts share their personal strategies for managing anxiety, including medication, therapy, and humor.

• Support Systems: Emphasizing the importance of family, friends, and community support in overcoming personal challenges.

• Navigating Public Life: Balancing fame with personal well-being, highlighting the unique pressures faced by reality TV personalities.

• Finding Humor in Chaos: Reinforcing the podcast's core theme of using laughter as a tool to navigate and cope with life's adversities.

This episode of Giggly Squad offers a candid and heartfelt exploration of mental health, interwoven with the hosts' signature humor and relatable anecdotes. It's a valuable listen for anyone seeking both laughter and genuine insights into managing anxiety and finding strength in vulnerability.