Podcast Title: Not Skinny But Not Fat
Host: Amanda Hirsch
Guest: Camilla Ludington
Episode Title: CAMILLA LUDDINGTON: GREY'S ANATOMY, ZOLOFT & REALITY TV
Release Date: December 24, 2024

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat, Amanda Hirsch welcomes Camilla Ludington, best known for her role as Jo Wilson on Grey's Anatomy. The conversation delves into Camilla's personal journey, her experiences on the hit medical drama, her struggles with anxiety, and her latest ventures in the world of podcasting.

Personal Anecdotes and Daily Life

Amanda kicks off the episode with light-hearted tales about her Pilates routine, humorously sharing her struggles and triumphs with maintaining fitness. She recounts a funny encounter with a publicist on her way to her child's school event, highlighting the quirks of her personal life and her relationship with her husband, Matt.

Notable Quote:
"I saw the baby Girl movie... Nicole Kidman is motherfucking grunting, okay? She's orgasming on the floor."
— Amanda Hirsch [04:30]

Camilla Ludington’s Journey to Acting

Camilla shares her early passion for acting, ignited at the age of four by her love for Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Despite her family's lack of connections in the industry, Camilla pursued acting rigorously, attending Italia Conti acting school in England and securing her first agent at eleven. Her move to the United States marked a significant turning point, where she honed her craft at the New York Film Academy before transitioning to Hollywood.

Notable Quote:
"I was really blonde and I started googling on auditions. I didn't get who got the role every single time. It was a brunette every single time."
— Camilla Ludington [32:50]

Navigating Life as an Expat and Mother

Camilla discusses the challenges and rewards of moving from the UK to the US during her teenage years, emphasizing the cultural adjustments and her adaptability. She touches upon her responsibilities as a mother of two, balancing family life with her acting career, and the impact of relocating on her children.

Notable Quote:
"I have anxiety. I talk about this on the podcast a lot... Zoof've love it."
— Camilla Ludington [18:24]

Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around mental health. Camilla opens up about her struggles with health anxiety, exacerbated by the loss of her mother at nineteen and the pressures of pregnancy during the pandemic. She credits medication like Zoloft for helping her manage her anxiety, sharing her journey towards seeking professional help and the transformative impact it had on her well-being.

Notable Quote:
"I was just prepared for anything. And then the pandemic happened, and it became real."
— Camilla Ludington [26:12]

Experiences on Grey’s Anatomy

Camilla provides an insider’s look into her role on Grey’s Anatomy, discussing the rigorous ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) process to perfect her American accent and the emotional depth required for her character, Jo Wilson. She reflects on pivotal moments, including the challenging scenes involving her character’s breakup and personal traumas, highlighting the show's realistic portrayal of complex medical and personal issues.

Notable Quote:
"You couldn't tell by the movie. So I went to a wig shop and threw on a brunette wig and took a picture and sent it to my agents... My booking rate just went."
— Camilla Ludington [32:50]

Leaving Grey’s Anatomy and Future Endeavors

Discussing the longevity of Grey’s Anatomy, Camilla shares her thoughts on the show's continued success, attributing it to its loyal fanbase and adaptability through streaming platforms. She expresses optimism about the show's future and her own potential departure, emphasizing her desire to explore new creative avenues and projects beyond the medical drama.

Notable Quote:
"I think there's so much more to tell, so as long as I'll have me, I'll stay."
— Camilla Ludington [39:15]

Launching a New Podcast: Call It What It Is

Camilla reveals her exciting new project—a podcast co-hosted with Jessica Capshaw titled Call It What It Is. The podcast aims to create a space for genuine conversations, breaking away from the scripted and polished narratives often seen in traditional media. They intend to foster a community feel, inviting guests and listeners to share their stories and challenges openly.

Notable Quote:
"We got to shake off our media training and be really real and really vulnerable and talk about a bunch of stuff."
— Camilla Ludington [55:30]

Social Media Presence and Content Creation

Embracing her role as a content creator, Camilla discusses her active engagement on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. She shares insights into her creative process, managing her online persona, and the collaborative efforts involved in producing engaging digital content.

Notable Quote:
"I'll give feedback, like, take a two seconds off because it makes it not funny if you know..."
— Camilla Ludington [58:39]

Closing Thoughts

Amanda and Camilla conclude the episode by reflecting on their shared experiences in the entertainment industry, the importance of mental health, and the excitement surrounding their new podcast venture. They encourage listeners to connect with their communities and continue engaging with meaningful conversations both on and off the screen.

Notable Quote:
"Grey's Anatomy is on, everybody. Go watch it. Everybody. Listen to your podcast. Call it like it is."
— Amanda Hirsch [63:37]

Key Takeaways

• Camilla Ludington’s Acting Journey: From her early beginnings in England to her impactful role on Grey’s Anatomy, Camilla's dedication to her craft highlights her resilience and passion for storytelling.

• Mental Health Advocacy: Both Amanda and Camilla emphasize the importance of addressing mental health openly, sharing personal struggles to inspire and support their audience.

• Transition to New Projects: With the launch of Call It What It Is, Camilla steps into a new realm of content creation, aiming to foster authentic and vulnerable conversations.

• Community and Support: The episode underscores the value of community, whether through loyal fanbases in long-running TV shows or through new podcast initiatives that seek to build supportive listener networks.

For More Information:

• Follow Amanda Hirsch on Instagram: @NotSkinnyButNotFat
• Listen to Call It What It Is Podcast: Coming soon!

Note: This summary excludes promotional advertisements and focuses solely on the conversational content between Amanda Hirsch and Camilla Ludington.