Podcast Title: Long Winded with Gabby Windey
Episode: Hootin Around with Carolyn Wiger
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host/Author: Dear Media
Introduction
In the episode titled "Hootin Around with Carolyn Wiger," Gabby Windey engages in a candid and heartfelt conversation with Carolyn Wiger. The duo delves deep into personal struggles, professional challenges, and their shared experiences in the realm of reality television. Skipping the typical superficial topics, Gabby and Carolyn aim to unearth the core of their personalities, drawing from Gabby's diverse background as an ICU nurse, NFL cheerleader, and reality TV star.
Navigating Trust and Management in Podcasting
Gabby Windy opens the discussion by expressing her distrust in managers and the challenges of relinquishing control over her podcast business:
"I don't want to have a manager. Like, I don't trust anyone again. I'm not like." [00:01]
Carolyn Weiger counters by emphasizing the necessity of letting go to avoid burnout:
"Yeah, but you gotta let that go. A little or else you're gonna freak your." [00:14]
Gabby shares her fears of overcommitment leading to a mental breakdown, highlighting the difficulty of trusting others after past experiences of betrayal:
"But who's recording already?" [02:10]
The conversation underscores the importance of collaborating with reliable and professional individuals or organizations to maintain creativity and mental clarity.
Personal Struggles with Sobriety and Self-Discovery
A significant portion of the episode focuses on sobriety and the journey of self-discovery. Gabby candidly discusses her past addictions to cocaine and alcohol:
"Everything I could. They used to say, like, if you could smoke, you would. So like, mainly cocaine and alcohol." [18:20]
Carolyn relates her own experiences, mentioning her early start with alcohol at age 13 and the challenges it posed:
"I started drinking at 13. I was throwing up out of my nose." [38:14]
Both hosts explore the complexities of maintaining sobriety while navigating public life and personal relationships. Gabby highlights the transformative power of therapy, journaling, and self-reflection:
"I dig deep. And I fucking journaled. And I went to therapy and I did treatment." [22:24]
Carolyn adds her perspective on the internalization of others' perceptions and the struggle to assert personal boundaries without self-judgment.
Experiences with Reality TV: Survivor and Traitors
Gabby and Carolyn share their insights and frustrations from participating in reality TV shows like "Survivor" and "Traitors." Gabby expresses her disdain for manipulative personalities like Boston Rob, whom she felt hindered her gameplay:
"He typically in his games, he'll tell people what to do... And that's what I appreciate." [14:31]
Carolyn discusses her strategy of being adaptable and not fitting the typical strategist mold, which often led to misunderstandings and underestimated capabilities:
"My strategy is I'm, I can like, whatever pivot. I can take things as they come." [06:00]
They both reflect on the emotional toll these shows take, the superficial relationships formed, and the pressure to conform to certain personas to succeed within the game's dynamics.
Self-Confidence, Public Image, and Personal Identity
The hosts delve into issues surrounding self-image, societal expectations, and the impact of public perception. Gabby opens up about her struggles with how others perceive her unique traits:
"I'm not autistic. I'm weird." [16:58]
Carolyn supports the conversation by sharing her fears of being labeled negatively when choosing sobriety over conforming to social drinking norms:
"I'm afraid people will think I'm antisocial or people will think I'm a bitch or something." [29:39]
They discuss the importance of self-acceptance and the challenges of presenting an authentic self in public spaces. Gabby emphasizes the need to prioritize mental health over societal expectations:
"It's better for your mental health. It's better for your like." [29:50]
Handling Fame and Public Recognition
As their podcast grows, both Gabby and Carolyn address the nuances of increased visibility and the discomfort it brings. Gabby admits her reluctance to embrace the growing attention and the associated pressures:
"I don't like the attention. I don't like people touching me." [55:08]
Carolyn echoes similar sentiments, expressing concerns about meeting expectations and maintaining genuine connections amidst rising popularity:
"I need to be accepted for who I am." [55:46]
They explore strategies to manage public interactions, such as setting boundaries and focusing on personal well-being over external validation.
Conclusion
"Hootin Around with Carolyn Wiger" offers an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of two strong women navigating the complexities of fame, personal growth, and mental health. Through their honest dialogue, Gabby Windey and Carolyn Wiger provide valuable insights into overcoming trust issues, maintaining sobriety, and staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures. This episode serves as a testament to their resilience and commitment to fostering genuine connections both on and off the podcasting stage.
Notable Quotes
- Gabby Windy: "I don't want to have a manager. Like, I don't trust anyone again." [00:01]
- Carolyn Weiger: "Yeah, but you gotta let that go. A little or else you're gonna freak your." [00:14]
- Gabby Windy: "Everything I could. So like, mainly cocaine and alcohol." [18:20]
- Carolyn Weiger: "I started drinking at 13. I was throwing up out of my nose." [38:14]
- Gabby Windy: "I dig deep. And I fucking journaled. And I went to therapy and I did treatment." [22:24]
- Gabby Windy: "I'm not autistic. I'm weird." [16:58]
- Carolyn Weiger: "I'm afraid people will think I'm antisocial or people will think I'm a bitch or something." [29:39]
This summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Gabby Windey and Carolyn Wiger, highlighting their personal journeys, professional challenges, and the profound insights they share. For listeners seeking an authentic and in-depth exploration of these topics, this episode is a must-hear.