Summary of "Not Skinny But Not Fat" Podcast Episode: "BAYLEN OUT LOUD: TOURETTE SYNDROME ON TIKTOK"

Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Amanda Hirsch
Guest: Balin Dupree

In this compelling episode of "Not Skinny But Not Fat," host Amanda Hirsch engages in a heartfelt and informative conversation with Balin Dupree, a rising TikTok star and advocate for Tourette Syndrome (TS). Balin shares her personal journey, challenges, and triumphs living with TS, offering listeners an intimate look into her life and the broader implications of her condition in the entertainment industry and beyond.

1. Introduction and Guest Background

Amanda begins the episode by expressing her excitement about interviewing Balin Dupree, highlighting Balin's growing presence on TikTok and her upcoming show, "Bailing Out Loud."

• Amanda Hirsch [00:00]: "Her name is Balin Dupree. You might know her from her TikToks. You might know her from her show 'Bailing Out Loud.'"

2. Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Balin delves into her diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, detailing the onset of her tics during childhood, the periods of remission, and the resurgence of symptoms during her teenage years.

• Balin Dupree [15:21]: "I started having tics around 6 or 7. They stopped and came back when I was 15, 16."

She explains the difference between motor and vocal tics, emphasizing the challenges in controlling them and the misunderstanding she faced before her official diagnosis.

• Balin Dupree [15:52]: "A motor tic is like any type of movement... and then there can be complex ones where it's multiple muscle groups."

3. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

The conversation shifts to how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Balin's condition. Isolation and increased stress levels contributed to the intensification of her tics, leading to significant disruptions in her daily life.

• Balin Dupree [21:03]: "I chose to go completely virtual. So I learned that my tics didn't like my computer."

4. Journey to Diagnosis and Seeking Help

Balin recounts her arduous journey to obtaining an official diagnosis from the Mayo Clinic, highlighting the scarcity of TS specialists in her region and the challenges of finding appropriate medical support.

• Balin Dupree [22:27]: "I can't diagnose you with anything. I have no idea what this is."

5. Advocacy and Community Engagement

Balin discusses her active involvement with the Tourette Association of America (TAA), participating in events like Advocacy Day and TikCon. These platforms not only provide her with a supportive community but also amplify her efforts to raise awareness about TS.

• Balin Dupree [24:53]: "There are like three gatherings a year: Advocacy Day, TikCon, and the Gala TikCon."

6. Social Media Presence and TikTok Influence

With nearly 10 million followers on TikTok, Balin leverages her platform to educate and inspire others about living with TS. She shares candid moments from her life, breaking down stigmas and fostering a sense of community among her followers.

• Balin Dupree [31:57]: "I get a lot of support, but I also face negativity."

7. Personal Life and Engagement

Balin opens up about her recent engagement to Colin, discussing the dynamics of their relationship, especially in the context of her TS. She candidly talks about the challenges of dating with a condition that often leads to public scrutiny and misunderstanding.

• Balin Dupree [53:31]: "He’s so amazing with letting me know... he's the best person to have a child with Tourette."

8. Dealing with Negativity and Misunderstanding

The episode addresses the hurtful comments and skepticism Balin faces from those who doubt her condition. She shares her strategies for coping with such negativity, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and resilience.

• Balin Dupree [65:52]: "I have nothing to prove to anyone at this point."

9. Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health

Balin elaborates on the coping strategies she employs to manage her tics and associated mental health challenges, including OCD, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. She highlights the role of therapy, exercise, and supportive relationships in maintaining her well-being.

• Balin Dupree [40:44]: "It's like trying to hold in a blink... there's an itch you have to swallow."

10. Future Aspirations and Hopes

Looking forward, Balin expresses hope for increased awareness and understanding of Tourette Syndrome. She aspires to make daily life more comfortable for herself and others with TS, leveraging her show and social media presence to educate and inspire.

• Balin Dupree [63:21]: "I hope that there's more insight into something that I struggle with every single day."

11. Notable Quotes

• Balin Dupree [14:22]: "I have Tourette syndrome and just take my power back."
• Balin Dupree [17:05]: "Don't approach me by my tics."
• Balin Dupree [33:45]: "I'm excited, I'm nervous. I'm just ready for people to understand me."
• Balin Dupree [41:12]: "Once you work on your mood, your tics are kind of impacted."
• Balin Dupree [53:31]: "There's just so many things."
• Balin Dupree [65:52]: "I don't want to have to explain myself to everyone because I'm not."

12. Conclusion

Amanda concludes the episode by commending Balin's resilience and dedication to advocacy, expressing eagerness for the audience to watch Balin's upcoming show on TLC, "Bailing Out Loud."

• Amanda Hirsch [68:28]: "I can't wait for everybody to see the show. Bailing Out Loud."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a powerful testament to Balin Dupree's strength and determination in navigating life with Tourette Syndrome. Through her candid storytelling and advocacy, Balin not only fosters greater understanding of TS but also empowers others facing similar challenges to embrace their authentic selves.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been omitted from this summary to focus solely on the core conversation and insights shared during the podcast.