Hot Mess with Alix Earle – Episode: Family Fights & Tulane Nights

Release Date: November 21, 2024

In this engaging episode of Hot Mess with Alix Earle, hosts Alex Earl and Ashton delve into the chaotic yet heartwarming experiences of attending Tulane University's Parents Weekend in New Orleans. The episode, titled "Family Fights & Tulane Nights," offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the complexities of navigating familial relationships, managing social events, and the inevitable mishaps that come with large family gatherings.

1. Preparing for Parents Weekend

The episode kicks off with Alex expressing her excitement and nerves about traveling to New Orleans with her extensive family. She shares her anxiety about packing for the unpredictable weather, highlighting the challenges of balancing comfort with style.

Alex Earl [03:15]: "I think I have an outfit that I think will be good for this. I think I put something together once."

Ashton provides practical advice on appropriate attire, steering Alex away from heels to more suitable footwear for tailgating and outdoor activities.

Ashton [02:47]: "You're not gonna want to wear heels. You're gonna be breaking your ankle and stepping in mud."

2. Reflecting on Past Parents' Weekends

The duo reminisces about previous Parents Weekends, sharing stories that range from humorous to cringe-worthy. Ashton recounts an incident where she danced on tables with her mom, much to the dismay of her younger siblings.

Ashton [06:33]: "Is that where the videos of Penelope dancing on, like, the picnic table came from?"

These anecdotes highlight the blend of fun and frustration that large family gatherings can bring, setting the stage for the current weekend's events.

3. Navigating Current Weekend Events

Upon arrival in New Orleans, Alex and Ashton navigate a series of planned activities, each presenting its own set of challenges:

• Family Dinner Chaos: Despite efforts to foster family bonding by enforcing a phone-free dinner, the evening descends into chaos as children become restless and parents attempt to manage the situation.

  Alex Earl [31:12]: "Everyone put their phones down... Everyone's screaming, then they're kicking."

• Zoo Visit Fiasco: A planned trip to the zoo turns problematic when the family arrives just as it closes. The ensuing frustration leads to an impromptu sprint through the exhibits, showcasing the generational differences in energy levels and patience.

  Alex Earl [36:11]: "And it was like we're running past every exhibit... Obviously, that was not an option for our family because they were like, we have to hit every corner of this zoo."

• Bowling Mishaps: A relaxing bowling night quickly spirals out of control when an adult, Todd, injures himself, causing panic among the group and revealing the underlying tensions within the family dynamic.

  Ashton [39:39]: "Thomas picked up a bowling ball... Ashley runs over. She's like, he's gonna drop it on his foot."

4. Managing Family Dynamics and Personal Strain

As the weekend progresses, both hosts discuss the emotional toll of hosting a large family and the exhaustion that comes with constant social interactions. Ashton opens up about feeling drained and the difficulty of maintaining her usually optimistic demeanor amidst the chaos.

Ashton [48:03]: "I feel very, very drained sometimes when I spend time with our family. Too much."

Alex supports Ashton, sharing her own struggles with managing stress and seeking moments of solitude to regain her composure.

Alex Earl [48:37]: "We're trying to find moments of peace... Ordering Subway. Sit down. Peace and quiet."

5. Highlights and Heartwarming Moments

Despite the challenges, the episode is sprinkled with heartwarming moments that underscore the bonds of family. The hosts share laughter over shared mishaps and express gratitude for their close-knit relationships.

• Birthday Celebrations: Although plans are disrupted, the intention behind celebrating their sister Penelope's birthday remains a touching gesture.

  Ashton [46:42]: "It was so fun... Then we danced, and then it was raining, so we didn't go to the game."

• Support During Turbulence: A tense moment occurs during a family flight where unexpected turbulence triggers anxiety. Both Alex and Ashton demonstrate their resilience and support for each other and their family members.

  Alex Earl [54:07]: "So, I'm like really freaking out on this flight. And then all of a sudden it stops."

6. Listener Q&A: Personal Advice Segment

Towards the end of the episode, Alex and Ashton transition into a "What Would Alex Do?" segment, providing insightful advice to listeners facing similar dilemmas:

• Navigating New Relationships: Alex shares her personal experience with defining relationship boundaries, emphasizing the importance of honesty and communication.

  Alex Earl [60:10]: "I think the roommate thing is always so tricky... It's never gonna be an easy conversation."

• Handling Online Content Consumption: The hosts discuss the impact of platforms like OnlyFans on relationships, advocating for personal boundaries and mutual respect.

  Ashton [62:00]: "I think only fans is different than, like, porn... if you're, like, subscribing to, like, one person and, like, personally paying to watch one person, like, that feels wrong."

7. Closing Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Alex and Ashton reflect on the whirlwind of events, acknowledging the unpredictability of family gatherings. They express a mix of exhaustion and fondness, underscoring the messy yet meaningful nature of familial bonds.

Alex Earl [63:30]: "It's crazy, I don't know. We just hit turbulence. How did you already sign off to everyone? I was like, she was like, she's quick with it."

The episode concludes on a lighthearted note, reinforcing the theme that despite the "hot mess" nature of their lives, the journey is one they navigate together with humor and resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashton [03:07]: "I can't wear heels. I'm probably more so wearing these to like the coffee shop or the grocery store."
• Alex Earl [07:03]: "Don't leave us."
• Ashton [08:12]: "I don't want to be like, I don't want to go back."
• Alex Earl [22:47]: "Anyone who listens to Hot Mess and when I say, like, oh, Ashton gets closed off... that's so ash encoded."

This episode masterfully balances humor with heartfelt moments, offering listeners relatable content about family dynamics, personal growth, and the ever-present "hot mess" of life.