
This week, Alix and Ashtin discuss the harsh truths of social media. They warn against editing your body, comparison, and overuse. Alix opens up about her desire to unplug and encourages listeners to do so when they can. They also update each other on their lives and Ashtin even alludes to some shocking news. Follow and connect with all things @HotMess across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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Alex Earl
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Ashton
Tell me what happened with your car.
Alex Earl
My car got towed.
Ashton
Did it actually. Do you have to pick it up?
Alex Earl
I don't know. I don't know where it went, but I just came out of the hair salon and it's gone. Wait, did I just turn that off? How do I get that back on? I'm a hot mess. This show is sponsored by Better Help. The New Year's is coming up. We have 2025, which is crazy that it's already 2025, but we have a whole year ahead of us, a blank slate. I love the New Year because I feel like you get to kind of start over, start fresh, set some good goals for yourself. And I think a lot of the times we'll set New Year's resolutions of end up fading by like halfway through January or by the time you get to February, you completely forget about them. But a really, really great way to set resolutions for yourself and help yourself become a better person, work on yourself, is through therapy. And that's something that I did this past year that I really, really loved. I mean, you can think of therapy as like your editorial partner helping you write new chapters and create the meaningful story you deserve to live. And I love Better Help. It is fully online making therapy affordable and convenient. It's serving over 5 million worldwide. You can access a diverse network of more than 30, 000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties, and you can easily switch at any time with no extra cost. Write your story with better help. Visit betterhelp.com hot mess to get 10 off your first month. That's betterhelp H-E-L-P.com hot mess let's talk about quitting, vaping, and smoking, because it's a journey that can feel impossible without the right tools. That's where Jones comes in. Jones offers holistic support to help you quit nicotine altogether or simply cut back. Find out why over 20, 000 quitters use Jones to help them reach their goals with nicotine. Head to quit with Jones.com and use code hot mess for 15 off your first order of nicotine mints. Jones is FDA approved and available for those that are 18 and older. I thought I, like, parked on the wrong thing because I actually have done that before where, like, I thought my car was towed, and then I just realized I, like, forgot where I parked it, but it's actually towed and it's gone, and I don't know where it is, and there's no phone number on the sign, and I got a lawsuit served to me last night.
Ashton
Wait. Yeah. Do they, like, come to your front dorm where they, like, hey, are you Alix Earl? And you were like, yeah. And then they were like, you just got served. Is that work?
Alex Earl
Like, I was watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion show, and I ordered dinner, and I was like, oh. Like, my apartment calls me, and they're like, a delivery is coming up. And I was like, great, my dinner's here. And I was like, braxton, can you get the door? Like, my food's over there. And Braxton answers it, and Braxton's, like, talking to this man. And I'm like, what is Braxton talking about? To this, like, UberEats driver for 10 minutes. Like, literally back and forth, back and forth. And I'm looking over, like, what is happening? And then Braxton was like, comes with a big stack of paper. And he was like, you just got served. And I was like, what does that mean? I didn't know that you, like, got served actually, like, when you got a lawsuit. But, yeah, my first lawsuit.
Ashton
Aww. So cute. But let's talk about the Victoria's Secret Fashion show, because I actually, actually was screaming the entire time. I thought it was so good.
Alex Earl
I thought it was good too. I don't know why people are complaining.
Ashton
Yeah, people. I mean, I get, like, this. The Runway was a little weird. I don't, like how they did that.
Alex Earl
Yeah, I kind of agree, personally.
Ashton
Like, the one where they were, like, zigzagging across and then they would, like, walk on one side the whole time or, like, the other side the whole time. I feel like the production could have been a little. But I thought everyone looked awesome. The performers were amazing. I actually. I was obsessed. I'm now a huge fan of Lisa from Blackpink. I've never listened to blackpink before, but now I will just because of her performance at the Victoria's Secret show. She was amazing.
Alex Earl
Yeah, I thought it was great. And I. I mean, I feel like it just felt like it was back, like, seeing everyone and, like, the big wings, like, I feel like they did such a good job at making it so exciting. Yeah. I'm just really upset about, like, my lawsuit and my car getting towed.
Ashton
Well, you know what? It's just. It's just one of those days. I woke up on my period today, so that makes a lot of sense because I cried myself to sleep last night.
Alex Earl
Ashlyn's been going through it a little bit.
Ashton
I actually, like, I was crying so much that I couldn't fall asleep. So I just laying face down in my pillow, crying for, like, three hours until I fell asleep because I couldn't, like, put myself to sleep.
Alex Earl
Last month when I was just, like, kind of going through it when, like, my anxiety was really bad, I got a journal, and I recommend that you do this. And I'm. I tried to do, like, a monthly journal entry, right? So I wrote down everything that happened that month, like, where my mental health was, what's going on, like, work wise, friends wise, just, like, relationship everything. And I was, like, really down bad. And then I read it two nights ago, and. And I went to, like, journal for this month, and I was like, holy shit. Like, I don't. I didn't even remember that I was thinking some of those things. And it's so crazy when you write it down, and then you look back and you're like, that was literally the biggest deal. And, like, now I can't even remember that I was thinking that. But I feel like it's so good to, like, have a log of things. Like, I'm so excited to look back on it.
Ashton
No, I know. I bought a journal a while ago because I thought I needed one, and then I ended up only journaling when I was really, really upset about things. So now it's just, like, a depression journal. And it's always like, everything's wrong. I'm so upset. This is Horrible. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And so that's like what my journal is now. So I kind of gave up on journaling.
Alex Earl
But I feel like it kind of helps. Like if. If you're going to rant, you might as well rant in a journal.
Ashton
Yeah, I guess sometimes you got to let it out.
Alex Earl
Like no one else is going to see it.
Ashton
That's true. I still feel like I'm still hungover from Vegas and it's been two days and I never ever, ever o for I never want to drink like that ever again. Like I feel disgusting and horrible.
Alex Earl
Well, that's how you should feel coming back from Vegas.
Ashton
Okay.
Alex Earl
But like it's like a rite of passage to feel that way.
Ashton
Like never again though. I can't ever drink like that again.
Alex Earl
Can you explain how it was what you did?
Ashton
I actually got there late. Everyone got there like Thursday night or early Friday morning. Cuz like they wanted to go to the date clubs on Friday. But me and my roommates all landed at 9.30pm on Friday, which I am so happy about because I could not have handled any more than what I did this weekend. So we got there like 9:30pm and we kind of just like got ready really quick and we went to a club and saw Cascade. But by the time we got there because we're late to everything, everyone was leaving because they wanted to like get up early the next day. So it was kind of an uneventful night for me. And then we went to see Fisher at the day club the next day. I started drinking at like 10am and I did not stop drinking until 5am when I got home. Same thing happened on Sunday. We day clubbed and I started drinking at 10. And then we got back and got changed immediately because we were going to one of like the male like strip shows, which was so much fun and so terrifying.
Alex Earl
It looked like you had fun there.
Ashton
Yes. This big beefy man picked me up and whipped me around and like laid me out on our table and I was like, oh my God, it was so scary. But it was really funny when you.
Alex Earl
Were up on stage in the middle.
Ashton
Yes. That was like our table. And they like have like a Runway in the middle for like the men to like jump and dance on. And he literally like picked me up and swung me around and like put my legs over my head. I was like, oh, I can't believe some of the stuff they do is like legal. Like they took one of like.
Alex Earl
What? What did they do?
Ashton
They were like going up to like the other Girls in the audience, and they would, like, grab their hands. I saw him, like, look at her, and he was like, is it okay? And she was like, I guess he put her hand down his pants, like, on his cucaracha.
Alex Earl
What?
Ashton
Yes, I was.
Alex Earl
What?
Ashton
It.
Alex Earl
Wait, I didn't. This is not the type of.
Ashton
And he, like, flashed this old lady. Like, it was like, oh. Oh, my God. And they made.
Alex Earl
Mine was just like, some dancing and grinding.
Ashton
Oh, no, no, no. I saw, like, they were also, like. Kept showing us their butt cheeks. I was like, thank you. I think.
Alex Earl
Oh, my God. What?
Ashton
Where were you? Thunder down Under.
Alex Earl
I feel like I though, like, I struggled in Vegas to go out because, like, you said you were drinking from like 10am to 5am and I feel like if you don't keep drinking, then that's a problem. So, like, I remember after the day clubs, like, I wanted food and I, like, laid in bed and I ordered Chipotle and it took, like, two hours to come. And then I, like, napped, and I was like, I cannot go out at night.
Ashton
That was the thing.
Alex Earl
So it's like you either, like, keep going or you just, like, stop, and then you're hungover.
Ashton
Yeah, I. I was like. I knew I was gonna get tired. Like, Saturday night we went to see Dom Dolla at Liv and we went to, like, Komodo before. So I was like, I can't be tired. So I just, like, stayed out and, like, drank in the lobby with my friends, like, at the, like, casino. There was, like, 30 colleges there last weekend. It was insane.
Alex Earl
I kind of think that I would do my bachelorette trip in Vegas, but, like, do it, like, bougie Vegas.
Ashton
Really fun. You don't think so? No, I think that would be so fun.
Alex Earl
Wait, you know what I always heard, though, is, like, who was it? Was someone on my tick tock. She was like, I'm a bottle girl at, like, these clubs in Vegas, and, like, all these guys come for their bachelor trips. And she's like, they're so disgusting. And, like, all of them, like, the guys who are getting married, like, they're literally just the worst. They're, like, cheating and doing all this stuff. And I was like, I don't think that, like, I don't think my bachelor would need to go on a bachelor trip.
Ashton
Yeah, no, he doesn't need to, like.
Alex Earl
You can go, like, golfing or, like, go to dinner, but, like, you don't need to go to, like, these, like, crazy, like, strip club things.
Ashton
I also cried on Saturday night for, like, I couldn't stop crying for, like, five hours after the club. But I was, like, in the casino when I got back to my hotel after, and I was like, still. It was like one of those cries where you're, like, so delusional. I was, like, laughing, but, like, tears were, like, streaming from my face and everyone was.
Alex Earl
Was that like a chainsaw?
Ashton
Brief pause. I was in the lobby after getting home, and I'm just, like, sobbing, and I of course, like, run into all my friends and I can't stop sobbing. And then these.
Alex Earl
Were you alone?
Ashton
No, I was with my friend Hayden, and I was. I was actually trying to get pizza because I was starving, and she's like, I'm gonna get you pizza. And then she actually never got me pizza, so I'm still kind of mad at her for that.
Alex Earl
Well, I'm gonna take care of you when you get here. Are you coming tomorrow now? Are you waiting for this weekend?
Ashton
No, I actually have to wait till Friday because I forgot I have a delivery coming tomorrow that I have to be here for.
Alex Earl
Oh, okay.
Ashton
I'm getting a credit card.
Alex Earl
Oh, I was gonna say, what kind of delivery? I was like, this seems like crazy.
Ashton
I'm getting my first official credit card.
Alex Earl
Wow.
Ashton
Woo.
Alex Earl
Moving on. I'm stressed about. I'm stressed about my Halloween party.
Ashton
Wait, I'm so excited for your Halloween party.
Alex Earl
So have I talked about that on here yet? I don't think I have. I'm throwing a Halloween party in la and it's gonna be fun.
Ashton
It's gonna be fun.
Alex Earl
It's gonna be fun. But, like, I'm just so stressed that no one's gonna show up. And I guess next week when we podcast will be like our Halloween debrief. So I'll let you guys know how it went. But, like, I'm just so stressed of, like, planning it, and it's Loki coming together, like, pretty last minute, and I'm just like, what if no one shows up? And we're putting so much money into this party.
Ashton
You sent the save the date to all these people, right?
Alex Earl
Like, some. Yeah, but, like, people, like, you know.
Ashton
Have people, like, RSVP'd or we.
Alex Earl
We haven't made, like, an RSVP thing yet, so I have to do that. But I'm like, it's also like a Halloween party, so people have to get costumes. And I'm like, what if they don't want to get costumes? And like, this. Oh, my God. I'm just. Well, if no one shows up, like, and the club is empty, Like, I'm going to, like.
Ashton
Well, you have, like, friends in la. You can just be like, tell your friends to come.
Alex Earl
I know, but what if they don't? Actually, right now, I have to go. I'm going to a photo studio right now to shoot a costume with Braxton for Halloween. So I actually have to go. And we'll continue this later.
Ashton
That's really funny. All right, have fun with your little photo shoot.
Alex Earl
Thanks. Okay, I'll see you guys for Hot Topics in a sec.
Michelle
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RuPaul
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Michelle
Raider Queen is back. I hold their face in my fancy.
RuPaul
Little hand because wetter is better. RuPaul's Drag Race is back. New season tomorrow, Wedding 7 Central on MTV.
Ashton
All set for your flight?
T-Mobile Representative
Yep, I've got everything I need. Eye mask, neck pillow, T mobile, headphones.
Alex Earl
Wait, T Mobile?
T-Mobile Representative
You bet. Free in flight. Wi Fi, 15 off all Hilton brands. I never go anywhere without T Mobile. Same goes from a water bottle, chewing gum, nail clippers.
Ashton
I'm gonna leave you to it.
Michelle
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Alex Earl
I'm back. So no one mind right now if you're watching this and I look a little tad orange. Do you see me looking orange, Ashton?
Ashton
No, you look great. All you just see is your white eyelids.
Alex Earl
Yeah, we just did a photo shoot for Halloween with Braxton, and I'm in a much better mood now than when this episode started. I mean, that was like. That was like, rare form, Alex. I feel like I was just like. I don't even feel like that person anymore.
Ashton
Yeah, I was a little scared. I was having, like, flashbacks from high school.
Alex Earl
I was turning on the podcast equipment. I was like, fucking straight.
Ashton
God, Ashton, I'm in such a bad mood right now. I was like. It was the double whammy of the car getting to ode in the lawsuit.
Alex Earl
I don't know what happened before. I also was really hungry. I, like, only ate, like, a granola bar at the salon and I was like, I got hungry, but then I had McDonald's. I just got a good burger and chicken tenders and fries.
Ashton
Was that your dinner?
Alex Earl
Well, no, because I feel like that was my mid afternoon lunch. So I'm probably gonna order some dinner after this. Probably Sushi. I eat. I eat sushi.
Ashton
I could eat sushi every day. I love it.
Alex Earl
But I think I. I really eat it like five nights a week. Braxton was like, you have a problem. Like, you have to stop eating that much sushi. And it's like the only thing I want to eat.
Ashton
What is it?
Alex Earl
A slab mercury slab of salmon sashimi. But I don't really have that much tuna.
Ashton
But yeah, honestly, salmon. I've been. I've switched over to salmon as my number one.
Alex Earl
I love salmon. I forgot that we're going to three Points this weekend.
Ashton
Wait. I'm so excited.
Alex Earl
I'm going from the Heiress tour to three Points. So I'm literally going to listen to like Taylor Swift crying my eyes out and then I'm going to rave.
Ashton
Wait, what time is the ERAS tour? You're gonna leave?
Alex Earl
It's from 8 to 11. Yeah, I'm leaving for a little bit and then. But I feel like three points goes to like five in the morning.
Ashton
Yeah, you'll be fine.
Alex Earl
So for anyone who like, goes to festivals or music festivals or concerts in general, I really like three Points because it's not too big where it feels like overwhelming. Like, it feels like very.
Ashton
I've never been before.
Alex Earl
In a good way.
Ashton
Excited, like how many?
Alex Earl
It's not like such a product. I think there's seven stages, but it's not like such. Yeah, but it's like in the streets of Wynwood. So it's not like such a production where like, it feels like a big to do. Like getting in took like two minutes. You know what I mean? Like, there was no lines, like, but there was a lot of people there. But it just was like, I feel like it's like small and fun. So that's why I liked it. And I'm very excited. It doesn't feel like we have to like, it's going to take so much out of us. So Friday night I'm doing the ERAS tour, then two, three Points. Then Saturday we're doing three Points into space, which means we'll be at Club space until which. Oh, we have to get the grilled cheese. So excited to get the grilled cheese.
Ashton
Oh my God, this is going to be the best weekend ever.
Alex Earl
And then. But we'll probably be there, what, till like 10 in the morning? 9am you have to get on your flight. My flight's at 12, so I'm gonna have to go from.
Ashton
Yeah, you should Pack now.
Alex Earl
I know I need to pack tonight or tomorrow while my brain is still like a hole. And then I'm flying right to New York with Sally. We're going to Jake Shane's Puss tour. I'm legitimately going to be going from the club to the Puss Tour. And I'm so excited.
Ashton
Yeah. So I have a question for you. Are you going to be wearing your. Your rave fit to Taylor Swift? Are you wearing your Taylor Swift fit to the rave?
Alex Earl
No.
Ashton
Are you going to change?
Alex Earl
No, I'm. I'm going to wear, like, normal clothes to Taylor Swift and I think I'm going to change in the car and I'm going to have a car, like, because Braxton's coming with me to Taylor Swift. So it's going to, like, drop me off and then Braxton's going to go home alone with my clothes because he's.
Ashton
I miss him so much. I don't know why. Again, like, I just, like, really miss Braxton a lot.
Alex Earl
You need, like. I feel like you right now, you need a baby hug. Like, I feel like Braxton can fix all my problems. I'm just like, Braxton, what do I do?
Ashton
Yeah, he just, like, really has it together and he makes you feel so safe.
Alex Earl
Yeah, he's really. He's really good at under pressure, too. He's just the best. So, yeah.
Ashton
Bb, Shout out to bb.
Alex Earl
Look at my cute mug. I have some tea. Do you have any tea for us? I feel like we kind of foreshadowed this a little bit with our episode last week.
Ashton
Yeah. We might have, like, accidentally manifested it.
Alex Earl
Ashton's like, I love being single so effing much. Like, this is like, that's just like, the best time of your life. Let's get into this week's Hot Topic. Let's stop rambling. Our Hot Topic this week is all about social media. Photoshopping, Facetune, how social media can be a little bit overwhelming, knowing when you need to put your phone down. So let's get into it. Well, we actually wanted to just talk about in general, we were like, we should talk about, like, social media and unplugging from your phone, because I feel like.
Ashton
We all need to do that.
Alex Earl
I've been unplugging a little bit recently or a little bit more, and it has been good for the mental health for me. Or if you're getting really stressed out, it's like you kind of forget that there's this whole online world of social media. And not that it's weird because, like, it is real, but it feels. It can feel fake if you, like, step back from it. Because.
Ashton
Because it is.
Alex Earl
There are times, but there's times that I'm really stressed out or whatever and just overwhelmed. And you put your phone down, and I'm like, oh, my gosh, the people.
Ashton
You can shut it off.
Alex Earl
People around me. And I'm like, you don't see any of that if you're not looking on your phone and on social media. And it's so crazy. It reminds me of those, like, virtual reality goggles that you can put on and see, like, a different universe, but it's real, which is the weird part. But, like, you can definitely unplug from it if you need to. It is weird because I would love, like, nothing more than to go a week and, like, put my phone down. Like I always say. I'm like, that would be amazing. Because I go to things and I'm like, you just forget. I'm. What was. You get, like, traveling to Paris? Yeah, I get anxious if I'm not posting it on it. But, like, I was traveling to Paris. I was taking photos and videos on my phone for, like, my vlog. Then I'm taking photos for my Snapchat. Then I had, like, a camera in my hand for a YouTube vlog that I vlogged a whole trip to Paris, but I never ended up editing. And half the files I got were, like, corrupt. So I don't even know what that means, but there's no YouTube vlog. But basically, it's just, like, everything I do. I'm like, oh, here's like a. Here's a cup of coffee. Let me add this to my vlog. Let me add this to the YouTube vlog. Let me add this to a photo for my Snapchat. Let me get a photo for a photodop. And I'm like. It's so crazy. I'm like, sometimes I would. I would love to just go throughout life without stopping and needing to capture everything at every moment. And I've been trying to give myself some, like, grace with it.
Ashton
Yeah, you don't. But I feel like you just get in your head. You're like, oh, I'm doing this. I need to, like, take a video and post it. And, like, you don't have to, but that's why. No, but I do. And that's why everyone sees you so much.
Alex Earl
I like. I.
Ashton
And that's why I'm so bad at my job. If I, like.
Alex Earl
I don't think you understand. Like, I get Ready. And it sounds so stupid and I know, but it's like I get ready to do something or it goes somewhere and I don't vlog it. I'm like, if I didn't like post it or talk about this on social media, I'm like, I feel like, no, it's not that I didn't do it. I just feel like inauthentic to my audience. I'm like, oh my God, they didn't know. Like, they don't know. Like, if I don't post in real time too, I'm just like, oh my God. Like I'm stressed out that they don't know what I'm doing. And I'm like, that is like a weird thing and a weird habit of me. But it is like a great. I have a great, like. But that's a relationship with all my.
Ashton
That's why you're like unique and, you know, that's why you are so good at your job and you have fans because you do all this and you post everything and people love you for it.
Alex Earl
I really do enjoy doing it and it is really. I mean, it's like the coolest job in the entire world. But it is weird at times where I'm just like, oh my God, like.
Ashton
This isn't like the real world.
Alex Earl
But like, I don't do anything that's not online. And then I started podcasting and then it's like I'm talking even more about my life and I'm like, oh my gosh, should I not be sharing some of these things? But I like to share it, but I'm just like, it, it is weird. And then I also freak out sometimes because I'm like, oh my God, my kids are going to be able to look at. Do you ever think about that?
Ashton
No, I actually have never thought about that.
Alex Earl
Our kids are going to be able to look at everything. They're going to watch our podcast episodes and be like, oh my God, like, Aunt Ashton and Alex are like such dumbasses.
Ashton
So cute.
Alex Earl
That is cute. But like, is that not crazy? Like, whatever we're doing right now is just online forever. I don't remember much about the beginning of Instagram, but it definitely was like way more casual and just like, oh, here's my coffee, here's this. And like, we were just so free flowing. Like, I can't imagine having an Instagram in fifth grade and like trying to like curate my feed in fifth grade.
Ashton
No, I remember my first Instagram post actually. I set up my phone on my Dresser in my bedroom. And I took a video, and I. I took a video of me, like, jumping up in the air with, like, my arms up and my feet, like, hitting my butt. And I, like, screenshotted me, like, midair, and I was like, first Instagram post, it was, like, all blurry, and I had, like, this Instagram filter on it. It was so great and so cute. Also, like, as a kid, I feel like I was chronically, like, commenting on, like, every celebrity's post. Like, remember, like, the Magcon boys, like, obsessed with them and, like, cameras. I would, like, comment on all their posts, be like, I love you so much. And I would, like, change my profile name to, like, Cameron Dallas Lover. 1, 2, 3. I was one of those kids.
Alex Earl
No, it was one of the. I don't even want to say, but, like, I DM the selfie of me in sixth grade. It was before we were going to the, like, Daddy Daughter dance. I DM the same selfie of me to one of the matcom boys maybe, like, 800 times. Like, I'm not kidding. And was like, here. And I gave my phone.
Ashton
Yeah.
Alex Earl
And said, here's my. Here's my number. Here's my number.
Ashton
Yeah, I remember, like, you would send your phone number to all of them and be like, text me. And you're like a little kid. Like, it's crazy, though. Like, you just have, like, no concept. You would just, like, harass people. It was great.
Alex Earl
I do remember when I first discovered Facetune. I think was in seventh grade. Actually, I know it was in seventh grade, but maybe I feel like it was, like, summer seventh grade going into eighth grade, because I was having a sleepover with my girlfriends. And I remember exactly the girl who showed me this app. She was like, have you ever heard of Facetune? And I was like, no. What's that? And she was like, oh. Basically, you can, like, edit anything you want to make it look whatever way you want. And I was like, well, that's great. And, like, in my mind, I had never heard of Photoshop. So, like, I didn't think that anyone else would think that there's Photoshop, because I didn't know that there was Photoshop.
Ashton
So I was like, no one's ever gonna know.
Alex Earl
No, I was like, this is crazy. Like, I could make myself have pink hair, and, like, everyone would think I have pink hair and, like, not even think that this could be fake. I don't know. But anywho, she starts showing me how I can, like, morph my body on facetune. This one particular sleepover we went to Sunrise at the beach. Because that was like the cool thing to do.
Ashton
I miss going to Sunrise. Like that was like, you would like ride your bikes with all the boys. We would ride our bike, go to the.
Alex Earl
And then we would get like Dunkin Donuts, like the puladas.
Ashton
Or you'd like sleep on the beach with the boys and like your little bikes. You never slept on the beach, Loser. We would like, I would like tell mom.
Alex Earl
Middle school.
Ashton
Yes. That was like where you would have your first boyfriends and we would like hold hands, but like not really. We were all just like a big friend group. And like we'd be like, I'd be like, mom, I'm sleeping at like Emma's house. And she'd be like, okay. And then we'd like take bikes from her house. Well, we'd sleep on the beach. We'd go at like 3am and like sleep till sunrise at like.
Alex Earl
Wait, that's so funny because the story I'm talking about, I was biking from Emma's house as well.
Ashton
Oh my God. I lived at that house.
Alex Earl
We took a photo of me in a Victoria's Secret thong bikini and a.
Ashton
Push up bra top.
Alex Earl
Yes. And you know the bikinis that was like scrunched on the butt, the little ruffles around, you know the ones. And I can take a photo.
Ashton
I can see it so clearly.
Alex Earl
I took a photo popping my hip like turning around and it was on my shoulder. Yep. And I took it to Facetune and I was like, like, let's blow this out of the park. Like I made my butt so big. It was like. I don't know how to explain it. It was massive. I was like this tiny little 100 pound girl and my butt was, I kid you not, like maybe had a width of 3ft. No, it was massive.
Ashton
No. And it was.
Alex Earl
No one would know. This is fake.
Ashton
It was like comical. Especially because Alex up until like senior year of high school was a toothpick. Like dad would literally call her toothpick. She was just like, she looked like a little kid.
Alex Earl
Like she was produce fat on my body.
Ashton
And I was like her little stick legs and her little stick.
Alex Earl
I was always insecure about it. Like every time I hugged dad he was like, you literally feel like a toothpick because you're so. He's like, you're like, imagine that.
Ashton
And it was so funny because I was snuggly bear or cuddly bear and Alex was Toothpick because I would Always cuddle with dad, and he's like, oh, you're so cuddly. You're so cute. And then Alex would try to cuddle.
Alex Earl
Traumatizing toothpick.
Ashton
You're so bony.
Alex Earl
But, you know, yeah, whatever. So imagine the little girl, bony girl, toothpick, that everyone knows. I post up this photo on Instagram, thinking literally nothing of it. I changed my Twitter profile picture. I changed my Instagram profile picture. I was like, this is now the photo of the year.
Ashton
Alex with them.
Alex Earl
And it was. It was so obviously fake. And we were at dinner, I remember we were at via Venido, and you were like. You picked it up your phone and you were like, alex, like, what is this? Like, what is this post? Like, this is so fake.
Ashton
And I was like, so funny because, like, the thought never crossed your mind to be like, people are gonna see me in person and be like, the. Hello.
Alex Earl
But, like, the thought never crossed my mind that people knew about this, like, Facetune hack. So I was just like, I'm fine. Like, I don't know what I was. It's like, I don't know. Like, that's so embarrassing. And you were like, alex, this is so fake. And I was like, what are you talking about? Like, you can't even make a photo fake. Like, I don't even know what you're talking about.
Ashton
No, I think it was funny because I didn't know what Facetune was, but I was just like, this obviously isn't real. Like, you know, I was just like, it's just not real. I was like, I don't know what.
Alex Earl
You did, but I would do anything to find my bikini photo with my face tuned. Butt and me too.
Ashton
Honestly, can we, like, scour the Internet for it? It's gotta be there somewhere. You posted that thing everywhere?
Alex Earl
No, I made it my whole personality. And then I think at that point, I think you, like, low key humbled me. And I was like, wait, maybe people do know that, like, this could be.
Ashton
A thing and y'all dial it down a little bit.
Alex Earl
Like, and then I don't really know. Did you, like, Facetune your photos in high school? I, like, don't think.
Ashton
I think, like, towards maybe a little eighth grade or like, beginning of high school, I would sometimes, like, cinch my waist or, like, edit my jawline. Because I don't know why, like, jawlines were really important to me. I did, like, a little bit for sure. And, like, I look back now, I think there's, like, still some pictures I have that I'M like, you can tell that's Photoshopped. And they weren't, like, anything, like, crazy aggressive, but, like, now. Oh, wait, what?
Alex Earl
Oh, wait, I. I do remember. I did. I did in high school.
Ashton
Yeah.
Alex Earl
I'm such a liar. I, like, forgot. Cause I, like, couldn't place photos in my head, and then I just remembered, and I know I absolutely do remember. I was making my waist this big.
Ashton
Waist was on thinner, but it was so funny because, like, I literally still had, like, a little kid body, and I'm, like, skinnier.
Alex Earl
I remember going to dance class and being like, yeah, I'm, like, saving up to get my ribs removed.
Ashton
Yeah, obviously, like, one day we're gonna get our bottom ribs removed to, like, make our rib cage and our waist smaller. Like, duh. Wait, but that's insane.
Alex Earl
People do that.
Ashton
Well, actually, I always thought that, like, we grew up and we're like, obviously, that's not real. But when I was at model camp, Coco said that models actually did that, like, back in, like, the 90s, early 2000s, when everyone was obsessed with being, like, super skinny. And I was like. I was literally sitting there. I was like, no. Like, you're lying. And she was like, yeah, no, people actually did that.
Alex Earl
There was a phase where I do try now. Like, I really tried just to, like, not touch any of my photos, especially now that I like to post my skin and everything. And also, like, I don't understand, like, you. When you go to events and there's, like, red carpets and stuff, like, those photos are just coming straight from photographers, so it's like, you can't even, like, Photoshop it if you try.
Ashton
But, like, you kind of just got to, like, accept what you look like.
Alex Earl
Yeah. Yeah. I'm like, fuck, okay.
Ashton
You know, I've kind of been like, forced into, like, seeing my face in a way that, like, I don't really want to, but I'm like, okay, that's fine.
Alex Earl
There was one point in college where I made the eyes on all my photos, like, really big. Like, I made my eyes, like, huge. And I don't know why I did that.
Ashton
That's so funny to me. I, like, you just made. Maybe that was, like. Was that, like, 2020 era when, like, everyone was, like, obsessed with, like, weird things?
Alex Earl
No, it was, like, after that, like, I was, like, obsessed with making my eyes just, like, bigger.
Ashton
That's probably why you started the white eyeliner trend.
Alex Earl
Yes. No, I did. I loved white eyeliner because it made my eyes look bigger in real life. Like, I. I was obsessed with big eyes. I don't know. That was my thing. I do think I moved on from big butt to big eyes.
Ashton
As a creator, like, you don't want to be putting out, like, fake things and, like, fake standards. Because I feel like there was such an era when we were in high school kind of where, like, it was all, like, the insta baddies and everyone was, like, looking all snatched. Or at least, like, what I was seeing was, like, everyone was looking, like, picture perfect on Instagram. Like, all done up. Like, skinny waist, like, big butt, big boobs, smooth skin, like, perfect nose. Like, like, you know, everything was just, like, very, like, done up. I feel like at least what I was seeing, like, from creators, and it was just, like, so unrealistic. And I think that's why, like, I would sometimes be like, oh, I should, like, smooth my skin or make my waist a little smaller. I was like, everyone knows I don't have a butt or boobs, so, like, there's no point in doing anything there. But, you know, it's just, like, things like that that I don't want anyone to, like, see me and be like, that's. Well, like, you know, or, like, see something fake and be like, that's how I look.
Alex Earl
That is like a fear of mine when people are like, oh, my God, like, I. Like, you're so, much, like, better online. Or just like, if someone was like, oh, yeah.
Ashton
Like, because I met people where I'm like, oh, my God. I do not recognize them in person. And I'm like, I don't want anyone to think that about me, you know?
Alex Earl
But there is definitely times that I meet people. Like when I go down to the coffee shop in the morning or, like, come from the gym and I like actual horrendous trash. And people are like, can I have a photo with you? And I'm like, oh, my God. These people are probably, like, texting their friends right now, like, wait, she's so ugly in real life.
Ashton
Actually, this summer one time, me and Kristin had just gotten back from hot yoga and we were going to get coffee downstairs, and this girl comes to take a picture with us, and we're both fully sweat through our work outfits. My hair is, like, slicked back with sweat, and I have, like, my little curls, like, popping off my hair head. My face is still purple because my face gets, like, bright red purple when I do, like, hot yoga. And, like, I'm sweating. Like, you can see the sweat stains, like, through my pants. I have, like, a camel toe. And she posts it immediately. And I was like, yep, that's just.
Alex Earl
My airport ones are always really bad. I went to the airport with, like, oil in my hair and, like, a slick back bun. And then, like, I had, like, my Big Apple headphones on and you couldn't even see the bun in the back of my head. It's when I was traveling to Jersey and I was just like, someone took a photo of me and I was like, I'm like, these people are definitely like, okay, well, she's a big fake faker. But I was. But then it's also like, there. There are times when I'm looking good and times when I'm looking like a rat. And we can do both.
Ashton
Everyone goes through that. Like, everyone has days where they look great and days where they look horrible. And I think it's important that everyone knows that we're just like you and we look horrible sometimes. But also, like, when I post on TikTok, I'm not, like, doing my makeup most of the time.
Alex Earl
I feel like there's such a weird thing for me that between Tick Tock and Instagram, because Instagram, still, I'm like, I want to post things that, like, I look good, I feel good, like, whatever, like, yeah, more curated. And Tick Tock, I'm like, I'll post literally the most horrendous stuff on me on there and I don't care. But I'm like, I have, like, millions more followers on Tick Tock, so I don't know, like, what, like, doesn't process through my head, but I'm like, that doesn't matter. But, like, a perfect Instagram photo matters. I don't know. It's like, it's just like the different.
Ashton
Aesthetics between social media platforms, which is just funny. Like, even my public Snapchat story, which, I mean, this is different for everyone. I feel like most of my friends don't use their public Snapchat stories, but, like, I do because I just think it's funny and, like, I have a lot of, like, followers on it. So it's, like, kind of funny. But, like, I'll just post, like, kind of like I'm posting on my private story, even though I still do have a private story on Snapchat for, like, my close friends.
Alex Earl
And, like, you really stress me out with your Snapchat because.
Ashton
Because you can't tell what's on what. Or I just post too much on my Snapchat story.
Alex Earl
She's also. I can also tell that you're posting, like, while you're out and drunk. And I'M like, oh, my God. Yeah.
Ashton
Sometimes I wake up and I have this Snapchat story.
Alex Earl
There was one time you posted something and I literally texted you right away. I was like, take this down. Because there was like, I don't know, you're at a party or whatever and yeah, sometimes like you, I. I literally watch all your Snapchats and I look for the little like, lock of the private or not. And I'm like, oh, my God.
Ashton
I'm like the back and forth between.
Alex Earl
It stresses me out so much. Like, I would really appreciate if you just stopped like, posting on your private story. Like, just don't. You don't need to wait.
Ashton
No, I do need to. Because the girl.
Alex Earl
I don't have any. I don't have any private stories or close friends.
Ashton
You don't have close friends on Instagram either. I do both.
Alex Earl
I just like, there's. I just anything I want to post, like, I just want to post for everyone.
Ashton
You know what's so funny is dad, like, because, you know, he's chronically online, he'll like, call me after I like, post a TikTok. Just like a get ready with me or me, like, talking about something. He's like, funny TikTok. Nice work. Thanks, dad. Every time he's like, that was funny. I'm like, you think I'm really funny, don't you?
Alex Earl
And my dad is on TikTok probably way too much now because now like, my dad just invested in what we do for work. So like, now that we're like, okay, like we're making money from this, he like, pays very much so attention and he's.
Ashton
Well, he's also like our manager.
Alex Earl
Yeah.
Ashton
Like, so he wants to see what we're doing.
Alex Earl
He kind of has to. But he like, watches us and like, it's just his commentary is so funny. Like when my dad sends me, my dad knows about tick tock drama, like before I do.
Ashton
And I'm like, he'll like, bring up something to me. I'm like, who are you talking about? He's like, you haven't seen that. I'm like, wait, dad. Hello? You got it? You gotta put the phone down. Yeah. You think you need to put your phone down? I think dad does.
Alex Earl
Our dad needs to put his phone down. But yeah, I think, like, moral of the story is social media is fun, but it's fun, but, like, you don't need to take it so seriously. And if you do, then maybe put your phone down.
Ashton
Yeah, I think that's a good point. Don't take it too seriously because you can get lost in it.
Michelle
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Michelle
Raider Queen is back. I hold their face in my fancy.
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Alex Earl
New season tomorrow.
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Ashton
All set for your flight?
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Yep. I've got everything I need. Eye mask, neck pillow, T mobile, headphones.
Alex Earl
Wait.
Ashton
T Mobile?
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Ashton
I'm gonna leave you to it.
Michelle
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Alex Earl
Yeah, I kind of want to order my sushi now.
Ashton
Well, now I want sushi.
Alex Earl
Wait, and next week's Halloween. Next week's Halloween.
Ashton
Oh, my God. Favorite holiday. One of them. Alex, tell us what you're gonna be. Tell us what you're gonna be.
Alex Earl
Can't. I'm one of the annoying people that's like, I'm not gonna tell you what I'm being.
Ashton
I love.
Alex Earl
And that's just how I am so much. Wait, we have to do a really fun Halloween episode. We're actually gonna. We're gonna recap, like, right after I throw my party, too. And, like, what's going on and if anyone showed up, hopefully.
Ashton
I just miss you. I'm so excited to see you.
Alex Earl
I know. I'm so excited to see you. See you on in two days.
Ashton
Oh, my God. Yeah, I need to pack. Do you have your outfits? I don't, no.
Alex Earl
But, yeah, I have to figure that out. But I love you.
Ashton
I love you, too. Time for what Would Alex Do? Should we do a what Would Ashton do?
Alex Earl
I do I just make up a scenario. Okay. Let's do a what Would Ashton do for a change?
Ashton
Yep.
Alex Earl
Do you actually want to read one?
Ashton
Sure.
Alex Earl
Hey, girl, I need help. Is it weird to do a couple's costume with a situationship? We're going to the same Halloween party this year, and we've been hooking up for four months. But not official because we're seniors in college and don't want to plan our futures around each other. Is a couple's costume too much to do together or kind of fun?
Ashton
Honestly, I feel like, especially for a college party, like, you could totally do it if you have, like, a good idea. Yeah, I've never done a couple's costume, but I feel like they're fun. And as long as he's not, like, oh, what?
Alex Earl
I also feel like for a college party, it's not as serious. And also it's like, it's fun and, like, maybe I would say what makes it serious is if you, like, post a photo of you two. You know, Like, I feel like that.
Ashton
Like, makes, like, not even, like, if you get a picture, whatever. But, you know, if you're like, wait, we have to take pictures and, like, post them, that could be, like, a lot.
Alex Earl
But wait, I disagree. I feel like you can ask to take photos and have them, but, like, I just feel like. Don't you feel like posting a guy, like, just with a guy alone is, like, official? But if you have, like, a Halloween dump and you guys in there and you're dumping, I feel like that's fun. I feel like you don't need to force it. But if you have a good idea and you want to do it, I would definitely do it. I did that once in college, but we did, like, Naomi and Jordan Belfort, but he was actually my boyfriend. But, like, like, was he really?
Ashton
Was he really?
Alex Earl
Imagine, though, what if he says no? Like, what if she's like, oh, should we do this?
Ashton
And he says no, then be like, okay, bye. Don't take it too personally. I think, you know, just go into it being like. He could say no and be like, all right, brace yourself.
Alex Earl
No, I disagree. So this is where we differ with what would Ashton do and what would Alex do, I think, if he were to say no to something so, like, like, unserious, like a college party and you're just, like, suggesting a fun idea and you had been hooking up for four months. That's a long time. A situation trip. That's a long time. If he had said no to a Halloween costume, he's talking to other girls and you're not the one. And he knows. He knows that. He doesn't want to give off the impression that you guys are a couple because he doesn't see himself dating you.
Ashton
That could be true. I just feel like the situationship spectrum is, like, so crazy because, like, if you've been in a situationship for two years, then, like, yeah, he's probably talking to other girls behind your back. If he's not, like making moves.
Alex Earl
But also, no, four months is fine.
Ashton
It's, like, still early. Like, you could. I don't, like, want to, like, say it, but, like, you could eventually, like, start dating or get.
Alex Earl
Yeah, but I'm saying if this guy likes you, he would be like, that's so fun. He would feel the same way about it.
Ashton
If he really liked you, he'd be like, oh, my God, yes. That would be so fun.
Alex Earl
Yeah. And if he doesn't, like, funny. Not that you don't need to pose a fight, but it's just something to note in the back of your head if he doesn't want to.
Ashton
Yeah, that could give. Like, he's not like you.
Alex Earl
Just, you know, where he's not into you.
Ashton
Yeah.
Alex Earl
All right, well, I really need to order my sushi and Halloween next week, so everyone stay tuned and subscribe to the podcast. Actually, subscribe. I know. I say, but, like, really good.
Ashton
Do it. Subscribe. It's really important for me.
Alex Earl
Okay, bye. I'll see you next week, Teeny.
Ashton
Oh, bye. Next week. I'll see you in two days.
Alex Earl
Yeah, I know, but for them. But for all of us hanging out.
Ashton
Oh, for all of our hot mess chats.
Alex Earl
Okay, love you.
Ashton
Love you.
Alex Earl
Bye. Wait, did I just turn that off? How do I get that back on? I'm a hot mess.
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Hot Mess with Alix Earle: Episode Summary
Title: Faking It With Facetune
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Host: Alix Earle
Guests: Ashton
The episode kicks off with Alix sharing a frustrating experience where her car mysteriously disappears after a trip to the hair salon. She humorously remarks, “Wait, did I just turn that off? How do I get that back on? I'm a hot mess” (01:12). The conversation takes a serious turn when Alix reveals she's received her first lawsuit, a situation she's navigating with bewilderment and concern.
Transitioning from personal mishaps, Alix and Ashton discuss the recent Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Despite some criticisms, both hosts express their admiration for the performances. Alix notes, “I don't know why people are complaining,” reflecting her appreciation for the event's grandeur and excitement.
Ashton recounts her recent trip to Las Vegas, detailing late-night clubbing, intense drinking, and experiences at strip shows. She shares a memorable moment where a performer aggressively interacts with her, leading to both fear and amusement. The narrative delves into her emotional state post-trip, revealing she was overwhelmed and cried for hours after returning to her hotel. Alix empathizes, sharing her own struggles with anxiety and the therapeutic benefits of journaling: “Writing it down, and then I look back, it was literally the biggest deal” (05:56).
Alix expresses her anxiety over organizing a Halloween party in LA, concerned that few attendees might show up despite significant investment. Ashton offers support, suggesting rallying friends and emphasizing the fun aspect of themed events. Alix decides to document the planning process, promising a Halloween debrief in the next episode.
Alix and Ashton delve into the overwhelming nature of social media, discussing the mental health benefits of taking breaks. Alix shares her struggle with feeling the need to constantly capture and post every moment, stating, “I would love to just go throughout life without stopping and needing to capture everything” (20:35).
The conversation shifts to the prevalence of photo-editing apps like Facetune. Alix reminisces about her early experiences with Facetune in seventh grade, humorously recounting how she drastically altered her appearance: “I made my butt so big. It was like this tiny little 100-pound girl and my butt was, like, maybe had a width of 3ft” (28:01). Ashton shares her own minimal editing habits, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.
Both hosts reveal their histories of editing photos to meet perceived beauty standards. Alix discusses editing her eyes and waist during high school to appear more “perfect,” while Ashton admits to slight alterations like cinching her waist and refining her jawline. They reflect on the pressures of presenting a flawless image online and the challenges it poses to self-esteem.
The duo touches on how social media behaviors differ across generations. Alix mentions her father's increasing involvement in their online presence, humorously noting, “Our dad needs to put his phone down” (38:23). They explore the lasting impact of online personas, pondering how future generations might view their current digital footprints.
Alix and Ashton share nostalgic anecdotes from their middle school and high school years, highlighting their initial interactions with social media platforms. Alix recounts obsessively messaging celebrities and using Facetune to alter her appearance, while Ashton reflects on her first Instagram post and early engagement with photo editing. These stories underscore the long-standing influence of social media on their self-image and interpersonal relationships.
Concluding the discussion on social media, Alix and Ashton advocate for embracing one’s natural appearance and reducing reliance on photo manipulation. Alix emphasizes the importance of authenticity, stating, “Social media is fun, but you don't need to take it so seriously” (39:18). They encourage listeners to find a healthy balance between online presence and real-life interactions, promoting mental well-being over digital perfection.
In this episode, Alix and Ashton candidly navigate personal challenges, social media pressures, and the quest for authenticity. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt discussions, they offer listeners relatable insights into managing online personas and embracing real-life imperfections. The episode serves as a reminder that while digital platforms shape our interactions, true well-being stems from genuine connections and self-acceptance.
Timestamps: