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The following podcast is a Dear Media production.
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Welcome back to the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Hirsch, and I still can't believe that I get to chat with some of my favorite stars on my very own podcast, where you'll feel like you're just talking shit with your best friends in your living room. Hi, guys. Happy Tuesday. Welcome to a new episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat. I hope everybody is doing well. It's wild. It's been so cold in New York. I honestly don't remember it ever being cold like this. Like, in the last years of my life. The last time I remember it being this cold was when I was in college in Ithaca, hiking up mountains of snow, wearing no clothes while drunk, off, smearing off ice. Like, what's happening? I don't know. But I have to say, like, I am proud of me and I do want to give myself a moment because I'm. I don't complain about weather. I have. Okay. Oh, my God. I know one of my ex. One of my exes talking about weather. Like, I hate when people are like, oh, my God, it's going to rain, or, oh, my God, it's going to. I'm like, okay, yes, yes. There is different types of weather. It can always be sunny and beautiful. Guess what? I also don't like when it's, like, 85 degrees and I can't walk down the street without, like, getting a heat stroke. I would like a nice 68. Like, I feel like 68 is just so classic. Like, that's what I would want to have all year round. But I honestly don't complain. I think, though, it's different. Like, if you're coming to New York for either, like, a vacation, right? And you want to, like, see the city and you're being a tourist and you have to get to Times Square and get to the financial district and get to all these different places and take the subway and walk and you're freezing. You have to, like, layer up. And then you go into a store and you're sweating and you take layers off. Then I get it. It sucks. Like, complain about the weather or, you know, if you're taking subways to work every day, I get it. Because that's not the specific life I'm living. Then I'm like, okay. Then I, like, leave to go into the cold for a sec. You know, I don't have to. Or, you know, I take a cab usually. So, listen, I'm no Taylor Swift, but I just. I feel like I can Avoid the cold if I want to. You know what I mean? But it is a long time and it is a rough winter. So I am, I am feeling that like everybody else that's complaining, but I guess we needed it. And maybe global warming has reversed. Like, is this a good thing? I don't know. I don't know. We honestly don't know what to do. I need your advice because, you know, we know you see people like on Instagram or even, you know, screw social media. Other people that your kids go to school with and they're like on vacation all the time and they go away and I've talked to you guys about this, that I'm not so vacationing. I'm not a big travel person. I haven't, I wasn't even before kids. Which now I look back and I'm like, I should have traveled so much before kids because it's obviously so much harder with kids now that I have Lenny and Noah. I'm like, wow, I should have traveled so much more with Noah because now traveling with two is going to be so much hard. So even thinking about like, you know, when he's going to be off for Passover for 300 days, we're like, okay, maybe we should go to Israel and thinking about that 12 hour flight and not even, I mean, Noah would be fine now. I'm sure he would, like, could watch an iPad and go to sleep. But like with Lenny, who's like a baby, like, he's a good baby, but he's a baby good baby, that's triggering word, isn't it? When I'm like the 12 hour flight and then getting there and then you gotta rent a car and get the car seats and then you gotta get the Airbnb and get the, get the, or a hot and make sure you have the crib and the stuff for the baby. And then. Oh my God, he's like, with, no, I used to just breastfeed, so it's like whip out my tit with him. He's also getting bottles. So it's like I bring my pumps, I bring cans of formula as well. Like bottles, like all these things. I'm like overwhelmed. Nevertheless, even the packing can overwhelm me. You guys like thinking about packing for both. Like, no, that I'm like, why would I want to travel? Like, why would I want to when it's such a headache? So that's just the tip of the iceberg on that. But we're, we're, we're trying to figure it out. Trying to Figure out our plans. Anyway, you guys, aside from that, you know, somebody posted, I think it was Lauren Bostic from the Skinny Confidential she posted this week. And it really, like, I agreed with her. She was doing like an AMA because she's pregnant again, and somebody asked her if she is going to use a night nurse, and she said yes. And she said, honestly, so many people use them, and I wish more people were transparent about it. And I'm like, oh, my God, that's such a good point. Because when you follow celebrities or any sort of influencer, you know, you're never gonna see the nanny, you're never gonna see the night nurse, which, even if you don't see them, which is like, let's say they don't want to show them, rarely do they say that they have them, right? It's like this unspoken thing, which is weird. Not that it should be a flex, but then some of these people are making it sound like they're waking up all night with a baby, doing everything by themselves as a baby. Meanwhile, like, somebody lives at home. You know what I mean? And this can go from, like, talking about, like, super famous people that share about their lives to, you know, influencers that you follow. So I thought that was such a good point. Like, people aren't really transparent about the help that they have. And it's like, wouldn't it be so much nicer if you knew, right? If you were like, oh, like, they're. It's like, how are you managing with seven kids? And they're like, I do it all. You're like, I can't handle one. You know, so. So, I mean, she has such a point. And appreciate her honesty. Love is Blind is back. I did. It started slow for me. I was watching it, and the first episode, I was like, I'm hearing you guys. You're. You're right. It is really slow. And then I got into it. I'm into it now. Yeah, the guys kind of look the same. They're all from Minnesota, which, like, none of them have that accent. So I don't know why I'm doing that. But I thought people do. I thought people said, like, Minnesota. No, it's a little Canadian, Midwestern. Where is it? Where. Where are the accents? I don't buy it. I'm really into Madison still. I haven't flipped yet, but I didn't get to the episode where I think people flip on her. I just think she's so pretty and complicated, and that's kind of like my love language. So I am into It. So I do recommend people watch it so we could talk about it, obviously. Anyway, today's guest, which I love, I love, I love, I love what I do. You know, I love my job. You know, I love my pod. And you, you guys love knowing kind of how guests come about. And there are a mix of ways, right? Sometimes it's like I'm obsessed with the guests and I'll do everything I can to reach out and, and pitch to their teams or pitch to them directly or whatever, Whatever, whatever. Sometimes I get incoming pitches where like the they. The agency comes to me and is like, our, you know, the talent is doing a new movie and this and that and that. They would want to come on your show. They're doing press, right? Which is so funny. Like this kind of fourth wall breaking. But when I started doing podcasts, like, I would just want to have people on my pod and like, I didn't realize they would only probably come on when they have something to promote. Didn't. It didn't click for me. Which, like, is so cute and naive. And now it makes sense, like, okay, you could maybe get the person that you want and it could be really exciting and you can talk about everything else, but it might just be when they're. It probably won't be when they're doing press anyway. That's all to say that it works differently with each guest. Of course. At the end of the day, like, it's up to me, like, who do I want, who don't I want? Sometimes you're like, it's hard to decide because at the end of the day, it's so fun that I get to have the people that I want. But it's a lot of pressure to make those decisions at the end of the day because you can't talk to everybody. However, all this is to say that this person that's on today, I've loved him since he was on the Bachelorette, a contestant, and he was all the rage, Seriously. And I think that now he's so incredibly funny, talented, gifted, not icky at all on social media, especially tick tock. Every time I see a tick tock of his, I'm like, how does he do it? How is he not giving me the ick? How is he so good? How is he perfect at this? You know, where every other dude who would do it would gross me out. I am, of course talking about Greg Grippo, who went to the Meryl Streep school of acting. That's an inside joke, everybody. Greg Grippo was on Katie Thurston's season of the Bachelorette. He got some love, then he got some heat, and now he's just getting a lot of nudes sent to him, apparently. Also, of course, I want to say to Katie Thurston that I'm wishing her so much health and to get better so quick. She did share that she got diagnosed with breast cancer and she's going to go through treatment and, and I'm sure she's going to come out on the other side of this. So enjoy my conversation with Greg Grippo. I was so excited at the opportunity to talk to him because I was like, oh, my God, how did you guys know I love him? Like, I'm so. I love him. I love him, and he's just as silly. And he was wearing the same jeans that he does in all of his videos. And of course, I pointed it out right away. Anyway, so here is my conversation with Greg Grippo. Greg Grippo is here.
A
Yes, I am. Hello, Amanda.
B
How random are we?
A
It is random. I, I, I've, we're so random. We've been in the same spot before.
B
I know. We're talking about.
A
Wait, no.
B
Are we so weird. Why didn't we say hello? What are you talking about? Which place?
A
The Ed Sheeran Spotify thing.
B
I was so awkward.
A
You wouldn't make eye contact with me. I kept on trying to. I was attempting to say hi to you, but you wouldn't make eye contact with me. It was like, directly after my season. So, like, this was, like, going on four years ago.
B
But why didn't you say hi then, you weirdo.
A
I didn't think you liked me. And I was like, oh, she's, I was like, she doesn't want to say hi. And I was like, it's okay. Were you with, like, your husband?
B
I was with my husband. People that listen know this about me. Like, I don't really go to events usually because I'm, it's not like I'm a, like, awkward. It's just like. But you don't give up. Like a free Ed Sheeran personal concert.
A
That was wild.
B
That was such a good invite. That was really the things that are worth it. I go like, yeah, if I'm going, you know, it's like, it's worth it.
A
I had no idea it was gonna.
B
Gonna be like that, but that he would serenade us.
A
Yeah, he really did.
B
When was this? You're saying this was like 2022, right? Right after your season. I remember you were with Andrew.
A
Yeah, it was either end of 21 or beginning. Right in the beginning of 22. But I. It was cold outside still, so I want to say it was end of 21.
B
The thing is, what do you do in that situation? So, like, I know you from the show. How did you know who I was?
A
And I saw your clips. Talking about me.
B
I wasn't talking shit, was I?
A
Sometimes.
B
Okay, so were you think, like, what do you did? Like, should I have come up and say. Said like, hey, Greg.
A
Well, no. I saw one clip that you were like, really nice. You're talking nice about me. And then I think I changed maybe your perception towards the end of the season.
B
Oh, I was defending you with the acting classes for sure. I was like, shut up.
A
Yeah, yeah. You know, you're. That was.
B
I think it was that.
A
Thank you.
B
And. And yeah, I know this about myself. I don't remember what I said then, but I don't like to paint one person as horrible. Like, I really try to find the middle ground. And that's great, you know, that's great of you and obviously like you because you're here today.
A
Yeah, likewise.
B
But. So why didn't you say hi to me?
A
I was just. I was timid.
B
Really?
A
Yeah.
B
Huh.
A
Huh.
B
You and Andrew were there, I remember.
A
Mm. Yeah, we were there. We had a good time.
B
If we could go back in time, by the way, I really think that today is. Amanda would have come up to you.
A
What was different about the other Amanda?
B
Maybe I was like, just more timid.
A
I agree. So we were both timid.
B
Yeah, we're timid. We're just so smart. But I would have come up and I would have said, greg, what's the motherfucking tea? That's what I would have said tonight.
A
And I would have gave you the tea.
B
I would have been like, tell me everything.
A
I probably would have.
B
Stop.
A
It's okay.
B
What a miss. But we did meet it at cheering.
A
Yeah.
B
So the reason why you're here today, aside from us being so random, is because I'm obsessed with you on Tick Tock, which I don't even like Tick Tock, you guys. Okay. I don't even like it however you do it. The best that I've ever seen it been done.
A
That's really nice. Thank you.
B
Is that crazy?
A
Thank you. That is crazy.
B
You're so good at it.
A
That's a crazy compliment.
B
I swear.
A
That's a crazy comp. I didn't. I almost didn't download Tick Tock a while ago, but, I mean, I'm glad I did. I have fun with it.
B
You're good at it.
A
Thank you.
B
Scary good at it. Oh, here's the other thing. I think that any other dude but you who would do it would be so incredibly cringy.
A
Wow.
B
And I would be so icked out by them.
A
That is a major compliment.
B
But you doing it, how is it not cringy and icky?
A
I think that, you know, maybe even like in the beginning, maybe. I don't. I. I think that you just can't take yourself too seriously. And I think the more you care, the less people will like it and enjoy it.
B
But then you know what people do. So. Okay, that's you, naturally. But then people will say, wow, Greg is going really well for him on TikTok, and it seems like he doesn't care. And then he's not taking himself too seriously. I'll do that.
A
That's true.
B
And then it doesn't work for them, because it doesn't. It's not the real thing. They're trying to do the thing that will get the thing. But for you, it happens naturally. You also have the rhythm and the blue jeans that we discuss.
A
I do have the blue jeans.
B
These are the jeans.
A
These are the jeans. Yeah. Yeah. I wish I could say that I own a few pair of them, but these are my only pair.
B
The only pair. And I knew them right away. The minute I saw you today, I was like.
A
You did? Yeah.
B
Is that creepy?
A
It was the first thing you said.
B
Also, the girls are thirsting. How does that feel?
A
Over my jeans?
B
Over you?
A
Yeah, It's. It's. It's not. It's. You know what? There's. People are nice on Tick Tock for sure.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
People are sweet because they don't even care about the season. They don't even care about anything. They're not talking about it still.
A
Yeah, no, no, that happened a while ago.
B
Yeah.
A
No, no, that'd be crazy if people were still bringing up, like, Katie in my comments.
B
I mean, people are crazy, though, so it wouldn't be that crazy.
A
I. I agree.
B
I agree. But you've had a public relationship since. Yeah, I shipped it, actually.
A
Did you?
B
I did, yeah. Thank you. I think I even posted, like, I ship.
A
No, that's sweet.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
You guys were cute.
A
Yeah.
B
You would laugh together.
A
We had fun together. Yeah.
B
So what happened?
A
It just didn't work out between us and it was a mutual decision and she's great. It. But it just. At the end of the day, it just didn't work out. We just had to go our separate ways.
B
Did you think you were gonna like, get married?
A
There was discussions about it for sure, yeah. I mean, like, you know, especially at this day and age, like, I want to date with intention. And that relationship, we really tried. We really gave her a best shot.
B
Are you a good boyf?
A
I mean, I think that. I think that I could have done better in past relationships, but today I do believe that I'm a different version of myself and would be a good boyfriend.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
Are you dating?
A
I mean, I've dated lightly here and there, but like for the past year I've been really taking it slow with my dating life. This is like the first year that I've ever been fully single. And it's interesting, like, I feel like ever since like Jesus, like 14, 15.
B
Years old, you've been a boy, you've been a couple.
A
I've been in a relationship or like somebody to like wake up to in the morning and text and yeah, I've always like, tried to get into relationship and this is like the first year where I haven't put too much pressure on it and I've kind of just been like enjoying my alone time and I. I do believe that since I'm not looking like the right person will come.
B
Are you like being single and like fuck boy vibes?
A
Oh, no, no, no.
B
Just literally nothing.
A
No, I'm not being fuck fuck boy vibes at all. I mean, I have gone out to drinks with people, but like never like pass like really like a first date. Like, I just, I've just been taking it slow in my life. Yeah, I don't want to lead anybody on at this point point in my life and like.
B
But what are you looking for? Why is it so hard to get into that I part of yours?
A
I think that I feel like I've done a lot of self reflecting this past year and I think that my big thing is that, you know, I really want to build like a friendship with someone prior to going into that relationship and like taking it slow with them just for like longevity wise. My parents were legit best friends. They did everything together and they were such a good example for like what I want in life. And so taking it slow is really important to me right now.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
You turned. You're a Gemini.
A
I am.
B
Me too.
A
Are you. What's your birthday?
B
May 31st.
A
Oh, wow.
B
Like, you're June, what, five days away from me?
A
I'm June 5th.
B
What are jet what like Gemini men? What's the vibe? What's the vibe?
A
I mean, we get a Bad rep. You do.
B
You don't have. There aren't prime examples of the leading.
A
Yeah.
B
Gemini.
A
We're supposed to have, like, two sides to us.
B
Right. But I think men like even worse than the Gemini ladies.
A
Oh, right.
B
Yeah.
A
Have you ever dated a Gemini?
B
I have not. My son now is a Gemini, and.
A
I'm like, oh, interesting.
B
I do love. Listen, when you're a Gemini, like, you love being a Gemini. You know, I'm just worried, like, I feel like for a girl, it comes out like, oh, she's spicy. She's crazy.
A
Yeah.
B
For a guy. I don't know. Kanye.
A
Yeah.
B
You know?
A
No, I agree. Yeah. I feel like. Especially if you're being into astrology, like, I hate bringing up that I'm a Gemini because people are like, oh, if.
B
You'Re on a date with a girl and she's like, wants to know your star rising.
A
My rising? Yeah, I've. Yeah. I've downloaded costar in the past.
B
You have? For, like, a date?
A
Yeah.
B
Uhhuh. And then they're like, a Gemini.
A
Oh, SAG rising. I don't know what.
B
I am sad. I think I might be sad something, and I say sag, and everyone makes fun of me. I'm a sag. You're not sad. You made that up.
A
I. Jeez. I mean, I could pull up my co star, but I. I think there's a sag in there somewhere.
B
I have a sag.
A
Yeah.
B
And I have the Scorpio. Not Scorpio. What else is there? What am I? Cancer. Right? I'm cancer something. It is a nice little thing. Like, if you look into it, all your stuff. What's the Tattoo that says 8?
A
Oh, that's for my dad. That's not. That's cool that you noticed that. I've been, like, almost like I feel like hiding my wrist.
B
You're like, what? How did you see that?
A
Yeah, it was like, my. My dad always told us that, like, eight was, like, such a big number in the family, and that number was like. We grew up with, like, an eight for, like, the number of. On, like, our street. And then our phone number had, like, five eights in it. And then he actually, when he passed, it was weird. The time that he passed was on 808. My nephew, who was born and named after him, was born on 808 as well.
B
Wow.
A
Yeah.
B
So did all of you. The siblings get a tattooed, or was it just you?
A
No, it was just me. It was my first tattoo.
B
Do you have more now?
A
Mm.
B
I'm sorry about your dad.
A
Thank you.
B
Remember that? Talking about it on your season and everything?
A
Yeah. Yeah.
B
And he said, you're having an upcoming trip with your whole family soon.
A
It's our first trip, and since I think I was in high school, so he passed in 2019, so I was 25 at the time.
B
Oh, so.
A
Yeah.
B
So pretty. So when you went on the show, it had been like.
A
It was like a year and a half, two years.
B
Oh, wow.
A
Yeah. No, it was fresh. It was fresh. I was definitely. I was in a fragile spot still. And I honestly didn't even, like. I don't think I really comprehended what kind of spot that I was in. Yeah, I feel like I was going through a lot at that time. Like, I went through. I went. I got into, like, grief counseling. It was like, my first ever therapist, and I was so apprehensive to go into therapy after. And I met this guy, and he. I was so close to him. His name was Ron Martino, and he was so smart and so sharp. He's around, like, 87 years old, though. So, like, me and him would meet once a week, and I'd be sitting across the desk from him. We were together for around seven or eight months, and then he ended up passing.
B
He was your counselor. Wow. And then he passed away.
A
Yeah. Yeah. From cancer.
B
Oh, yeah. Did you continue with it and then you got in the show? So you're saying. Did you stop in the middle or something?
A
I stopped, and then I went on the show. I went on the show maybe like, seven or eight months later. And then after the show, I went back in therapy. I've been through a lot of therapy. Yeah, I've been through a lot. Yeah. I feel like.
B
Are you still in it now?
A
I. I'm looking for a new one currently in New York. I actually just scheduled consultation last night for you. Thank you.
B
Both therapy.
A
Yeah.
B
Do you dread it, like, when you have to go to the first one?
A
Yeah, the first one. Because I just want to get right into this, right into the stuff, you know, I want to develop.
B
You really don't want to be like, oh, and then I grew up and my sister and. And they have to get all the names and all the relationships, and then you have to tell them about the Bachelor. Like, you have to tell them about the Bachelor and the whole thing.
A
Absolutely. I know.
B
And then you rather just them, like, know it.
A
Yeah.
B
So we can delve right in.
A
Honestly, I don't even think it's more of, like, the Bachelor stuff I even, like, need to talk about rather than, like, Growing up, I think that I feel like I've pushed down so much of like what I went through as like a child that like I feel like this past year I feel like I've been like trying to understand it more and understand like why, you know, I have, I don't know, certain anxiety about things or if things.
B
You have anxiety.
A
No, I don't have anxiety. But I'm saying like in the past, like in my 20s and I feel like where does that come from? And I.
B
You're trying to like dig, you're trying to understand. Yeah.
A
And I feel like that's come through like my childhood, that that's such a.
B
Green flag probably if like for a potential lady that you're like working on yourself, you're trying to figure stuff out, you're going to therapy.
A
I'm trying, yeah. I'm trying.
B
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They source ingredients that are regeneratively grown, organic and wild, crafted whenever possible. So they literally use nature. No chemicals, fragrances or fillers from skin, body, baby, hair and home. Oh my God, they're deodorant. I love their cult following natural deodorant, you guys. It's just so good. Primally pure. If you haven't heard of them, please check them out. Use code not skinny to get 15 off your Primally Pure purchase. That's www.primally pure. P R I M A L L Y p u r e.com and use code not skinny at checkout for 15% off your order. Have you ever looked in the mirror and not recognized yourself? Me too. Hi, I'm Caroline Baudino from Instagram Shop with Caroline and host of Coming in Hot. This tough New Yorker who swore she would never depend on a man, lives to wear all her jewels and look fabulous. Let everyone else's expectations of being a mom, a wife, a daughter to Cuban parents take priority. I finally put my oxygen mask on first and took the biggest bet of my life. Join me every Monday on coming in Hot to deep dive on finding your own happy tools and living your best life too. Yes, we can. And we're back. Your childhood always sounded to me like it was so kind of picturesque the way that you painted it with like your family and being such a familial guy and you're like a great uncle and all those things.
A
Yeah, I think that I just. It was tough just because, you know, growing up, my parents always thought I was a ladies man. And so I switched a lot of schools. I think I went through five different schools in a matter of like seven years.
B
Wait, why?
A
So I got held back in fifth grade. I. I was like, you know that June month when, like, you're either the youngest or the oldest? And I was so tiny.
B
I. I must have been in size.
A
I was like 4 foot 9, 4 foot 10. Like probably like 75 pounds. And what.
B
@ what age are you talking about?
A
Gosh, what was that? Fifth? How old am I at fifth grade? 12 years old or 13 years old with.
B
Yeah, it's 10. No.
A
Is it 10? Jeez. Okay.
B
I mean, that sounds crazy. It's 10. It does sound crazy.
A
That does sound crazy. And so I transferred to this, my public school. And so there's two separate schools in my town where you can go either TJ or Hoover. And so all of my best friends that I grew up with were all on the other Side of town. They all went to Hoover. So I was by myself in this school.
B
Why?
A
It was just close to my house.
B
Oh, the closer.
A
And I would just. My parents thought I was going to thrive, but it was just the sole opposite of that. And I never. I never had the guts to tell them. I was kind of. I didn't want to let them down because they thought that I was going to be, like, a cool kid at school, but I was getting my ass whooped. Really, like, almost every other day, like, in the locker room, they would, like, choke me. I'd be, like, crying until they stopped.
B
And you didn't tell your parents because they thought you were, like, so cool? Yeah.
A
And I didn't have any guy friends, so I sat at an all girls table. And then it was just, you know, I didn't. I just. No guys liked me in the school at tj. And then I also, like, didn't tell my, like, best friends what was going on in that.
B
From the other. Yeah, I just.
A
I was a little embarrassed. And then eventually, like, I like, got knocked out in gym class. And then they, like, the.
B
What? Cause somebody, like, punched you?
A
Well, they choked me. And like, I like, almost, like, passed out in, like, the middle of class.
B
Oh, my God. And then.
A
Yeah, this podcast is getting rough. Holy. We're doing fine now. I'm okay. So I switched schools out of that. Out of that place. And then, man, I think that was just, like, a lot. Kids are rough and I think they.
B
Were picking on you.
A
I just. I think I was an easy target.
B
Because you were small. And then kids are the worst.
A
Yeah.
B
So it can be the worst. They aren't the worst, but they can be there.
A
So, you know, like, being just friends with girls in that school, you know, everyone was, like, questioning my sexuality and stuff. So like, that was also just, like, a rough time for me. And just. And then it kind of.
B
Were you friend zoned by these girls?
A
Yeah, I think, like, one or two of them, like, had a crush. So, like, one of them. I was in, like, seventh grade at the time. One of them had a boyfriend. I think that we had a little crush on each other. And then, like, the kid that she was dating was in high school, so he's a freshman high school, and he would always be, like, waiting outside the middle school. And like, he was. It was like my first phone at that point. And like I said, we still had aim back then, I'm pretty sure. And eventually, like, my parents saw my aim, that this kid was, like, messaging me, saying he Was gonna, like, shoot me and stuff, and then it carried on into high school. I can't even believe I'm digging in like this.
B
Well, you said you're looking for therapy, so here we go.
A
And then eventually, my freshman year, high school was, like, continuing to happen. But, like, my best friends were also in school, But I also wouldn't tell them just because, like, these kids that were doing it were also really close with my best friends. And, like, I kind of just, like, wanted to be in the. In the crew. And so, like, I wouldn't. I wouldn't, like, bring anything up, and, like, I would kind of just let them say to me.
B
And when you said your parents, like, thought you were such a ladies man, do you mean, like, that wasn't what was happening, but you wanted them to think that that was what was happening?
A
Yeah, I mean, I. I think I was a handsome child, very handsome guy. So I think that girls would have a crush on me back then, but, like, I also was just so timid because everything that was going on. But then, like, I think the boyfriend, like, you know, like, the.
B
That's why the boy. That's why they hated you.
A
Yeah, I guess so.
B
Well, how was your confidence back then?
A
It wasn't. It wasn't that high. It wasn't that high. And especially in high school, freshman, sophomore year, I was in. I was, like, a shell of myself because I was playing, like, varsity basketball at the time. And, like, these kids were, like, our own home crowd was, like, chanting stuff at me, like, making fun of me, like, as I was playing. And it got to the point where, like, these kids were, like, waiting for me, like, by my mom's car to, like, beat me up, like, and, like, because I knew where I would, like, leave from high school, and, like, got to a point where, like, there wasn't, like, really, like, a gang in the school, but there was, like, a small group that considered themselves a gang. And, like, I had a couple of friends I grew up with that, like, considered themselves a gang. And, like, I almost. I got initiated.
B
What is happening in New Jersey?
A
Got initiated into it, but, like, the only way you initiate getting into it is getting jumped. And so this kid went in front of me, and, like, he had to get his ass whooped for a minute, and I was like, I can't do this. And so I ran.
B
So you didn't get into the gang?
A
No, I didn't. I. But I wanted protection.
B
Oh, my.
A
I wanted protection.
B
Are you. Are we in the Sopranos? Like, what? Wait, you wanted to get in the gang for protection. But you had to whoop somebody's ass.
A
No, I had no idea.
B
You had to get whooped.
A
I had to get whooped for a minute. And, like, they were. They. They were beating this kid up in front of me. I was like. They were like, greg, you're next. And I was like, no, I'm not. I'm out of here.
B
And you ran.
A
I ran. And I like, mom, can you come pick me up on the other side?
B
So when did you get tall?
A
I hit the growth spurt. Sophomore going to junior year. That's also. When I transferred. I maybe grew, like, a foot.
B
Because you're tall. You're a tall guy.
A
Yeah. And I grew, like. I grew close to a foot going into my junior year. And that's where I transferred another school into Ruckus Prep.
B
Why did you transfer that?
A
Time for basketball.
B
Okay.
A
And. And also, I just wanted to get out of my high school.
B
Was it better there?
A
Yeah. They were so welcoming there and so nice. I also just, you know, like, looking back on, I don't think, like, I was also like that. I just. I was think I was, like, closed off, and, like, I didn't want that to happen again. So, like, I was just. I just, like, wouldn't, like, befriend, like, that many people. Like, I had, like, my core group, and, like, I feel like it developed, like, I developed, like, a big wall for, like, a lot of years.
B
So all this childhood stuff is, like, school stuff. Bullying.
A
Yeah.
B
That you've been through.
A
Yeah.
B
Well, look at you now.
A
Yeah. No, I feel. I feel good, you know.
B
Hey, now, were you into. Because you were doing sports and stuff, but were you into, like, theater? As we know, you took acting classes at the Meryl Streep.
A
At the Meryl Streep of acting. Yeah. The school is, like, two blocks from here.
B
Which one is it? That's what it's called.
A
William. The William Espers.
B
Okay. Well, that's known. That's known. So you. How did you get into the acting stuff? Did you like that in. In school, too?
A
No. I mean, I feel like I always created, like, these, like, little videos with my friends. Always growing up, we always did these, like, little short skits. And I loved doing it. I would always get a kick out of it. I always crack up. And I wanted to keep pursuing something creative right out of college.
B
Where'd you go to college?
A
St. Michael's in Vermont. Yeah. Really small school. Like, 2500 kids were there.
B
Wow.
A
Which I. I loved it over there. I met My best friends over there. But right out of the gate, I got an insurance job. Hated it. Worked that for six months and I moved back home and went to.
B
What did you go for?
A
For what?
B
College?
A
Oh, it was business marketing.
B
Oh, business marketing.
A
Okay.
B
So you get insurance that. Yeah, insurance job. Didn't like it?
A
I hated it. Yeah.
B
You were living in New Jersey still?
A
Yeah, well, no, I was in Boston. I was like. I was studying, getting my Series six in Boston.
B
You're a Series six? Was that.
A
It's for insurance. Don't ask me now, because.
B
Wait, did they make you get it or you were getting it? Like, this is my path.
A
No, you have to get like a license for insurance. So I did my Life X and health license. I passed that.
B
Wait, did you want to do insurance?
A
I just wanted a job.
B
So you got into this insurance route? Yeah. Doing all these insurance classes?
A
Yeah.
B
And you're like the same. Me?
A
No, I hated it. I just thought that there was something like more out there in the creative route for me, in the creative realm.
B
So when you went signed up for these classes, were you living in New York?
A
No, I was in Jersey. I was commuting every single morning.
B
Oh, it was every day.
A
It was Monday through Saturday.
B
Oh, so what is it, like a conservatory? Like, that's like a hardcore. I thought you were taking like, classes. Like, just like.
A
Well, the classes would be like spaced out. It would be like a 9 to 12 class. Would be like our scene study class. And then it would be voice and speech from 2 to 4, and then movement 5 to 6 from like. Movement?
B
Yeah, movement. That movement in acting classes always freaked me out.
A
Yeah, no, they were.
B
It's weird in there.
A
They were gnarly.
B
Yeah.
A
Those classes. Yeah, it gets crazy in there.
B
So you did that for how long?
A
Well, first year, full throttle. Full time. Second year, went to the Knicks game. It was in February, sixth or seventh, I think. We went to the Knicks game. Got back from the Knicks game with my dad. He wasn't feeling that well. Woke up the next morning, he wasn't there. And my mom wasn't there. It was like 6am I was going for the train and then I was calling them. Nobody would answer. And then, like, I was in class all day and, like, nobody was picking up their phone. My sisters, nobody. I was like, what the hell's going on? Something inside me, I don't know why, I was like, I think something, like, really bad is happening. Like, I think that he's sick or something. And then I got the call that afternoon that he had stage four liver cancer.
B
Oh, my God, that's horrible.
A
I'm sorry. It was shattering.
B
So he found out and then how long until he passed?
A
They gave him maybe two months. And I remember walking in that room and everyone was like, what should we do? And they were like, radiation. It's like too late at this point. Like, chemo. And we kind of just like try to go like the holistic route with him. Like, I went vegan with him and we were just trying, like every outlet we could to help him.
B
Yeah, yeah. And he had no symptoms before that day that they. He didn't feel well and they went to the. Gotta get checked.
A
No, I mean, he was struggling with sleeping like, that week or the week prior, but, like, it was nothing serious. It was kind of crazy.
B
That's so scary.
A
Yeah, it's just like life can change. Like. Yeah.
B
Like, get routine checkups, whatever you can.
A
No, seriously. Yeah, yeah. No, I know my family, we make sure. They all make me do, like, blood work. Yeah. Like regularly, every other year. Yeah.
B
Or like pronovo that. That MRI machine. Did you do it?
A
No, I haven't done it yet.
B
You should do it. You would do a great ad for it.
A
Yeah, yeah, for sure.
B
No, you're very good at ads.
A
Oh, thank you.
B
Hire him, people.
A
Thank you.
B
So are you like full time influencing right now?
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
B
How do you feel about saying it? Like, I'm an influencer.
A
I don't say I'm influencer.
B
What do you say you are? Content creator.
A
No, I also don't say that.
B
What do you say?
A
I say I do stuff on Instagram. I shake my ass on TikTok.
B
Yeah, it's hard. Those words are hard.
A
It's tough. Yeah, it's tough. I. I try to say to people sometimes I try to make people laugh.
B
What do you say on, like, first date if somebody doesn't know you?
A
I say I. I say I post stuff on social media and try to make them laugh.
B
Oh, yeah, that's cute.
A
I mean, that's what I try to do. At the end of the day, do.
B
You care about, like, views and likes and engagement or do you.
A
No. I mean, it' like.
B
No, but you get wrapped up in it. Like, everybody cares. But are you like. You do this video, you put effort into them too, right? You'll, like, edit them, whatever. I don't know.
A
Yeah, it's. It's, you know, surprisingly, it doesn't take that long. It really doesn't. And most of my stuff is like, very like, spur in the Moment and it like happens like in real time or like Andrew will like have his phone out and like, how are you.
B
And Andrew such soulmates, you know, I don't know.
A
I think about that sometimes because I'm really lucky to have him in my life. He's been always such an optimistic person and like, I've never really seen him upset and like really get, you know, anything past like an hour or two, like he gets over and like with him, he's just like always like he's always up and it's always nice to be in somebody's presence like that.
B
Why? Do you get down a lot?
A
No, I think in the past I have. I think I've always been like extremely hard on myself. I think that this year especially I try to wake up every morning, do.
B
A gratitude journal or something.
A
No, I just.
B
Okay, Greg, that would have been taking it.
A
Yeah.
B
What are you doing in the morning? Morning.
A
No, I feel I sound like such a loser right now. I just try to. I don't. Gratitude journal, but I. I think I just like try to say in my head or like even like out loud, maybe a whisper, like, thank you, thank you and I'm grateful for today. Like I have so much in life that I should be grateful for. I have so many great friends, you know, stuff along that. And yeah, I. I think it's. I think it's helped, you know, change me a lot this year.
B
The gratitude, like, gratitude.
A
Like, I think like at first like I thought that it was like so cliche and so weird, but I think that like you can at least train your mind into like learning that like you are grateful and are thankful for everything in your life.
B
Yeah. Even if it's like not the journal or a whisper, even like just, just self talk in your brain.
A
Yeah.
B
You know what I mean?
A
Yeah.
B
You can do it in many ways. Were you nervous about the tick tock ban because of your.
A
No, honestly, I really wasn't.
B
You weren't?
A
No.
B
I mean, were you thinking of doing the secret thing that everybody did?
A
What was it called? Red Note.
B
Well, no, they were doing. Was it that. It was called Red Note. Oh, no, people were doing because they thought TikTok would close. It was like a trend where they were saying like something wild. You missed that?
A
Oh. Oh, no, no. Yeah. Yeah, I. No, I wasn't thinking about that.
B
So you wouldn't care if it got banned, right?
A
No, I mean I. I try to believe that everything will work out in life. So I'm just like.
B
So you weren't crying on that.
A
I wasn't. No.
B
Okay, good.
A
Yeah.
B
Are you gonna do anything with these acting chops? I feel like I've seen the comments on your tick tocks, and aside from, like, Greg, like, daddy or, like, whatever, they're like, go act. You're so good at this.
A
Yeah.
B
People say I'm doing auditions. Are you trying to, like, do some.
A
I've never been on audition in my life.
B
What?
A
Yeah.
B
Why?
A
I think that a lot was going on post school that, like, I just never gave it a shot. Yeah, maybe. Who knows? Maybe down the road.
B
Well, you have a team, and I do have a team of them. Start getting you, like, sending in auditions?
A
Yeah. I mean, we went on a meeting recently just for, you know, stuff. Maybe in, like, more of, like, the creative realm. Not necessarily acting, but just, you know.
B
More stuff like hosting or something.
A
Maybe. Maybe. Who knows is what I have to say. Who knows?
B
I just.
A
I don't know.
B
You're 33. You turned 32? 31.
A
No, I just turned 23. I'm just joking. No, I'm 31.
B
31, huh?
A
Why?
B
No, because I thought you were born in 93, right? Yeah, that's 31.
A
Yeah.
B
Okay.
A
Mm.
B
So you're turning 32, like, in June?
A
Yeah.
B
Okay. Where did you think he would be at 32?
A
Like, oh, man, I thought I was gonna be married with kids. Yeah. House kids. Yeah. So I would have had, like, two kids by now.
B
Do you want three? Like the year you were telling me before your siblings have three kids?
A
Yeah, yeah, I would. I would like to have something close to the household I grew up in. I. I loved. I mean, four is a lot at the end of the day, but I loved.
B
You were four siblings?
A
I'm the youngest of four. Yeah.
B
Oh, wow.
A
I would like to have a couple kids.
B
Yeah. I always. I always think it's funny when on the Bachelor they talk about having kids and the number they would want.
A
Yeah. What do people say?
B
Like, even though I just asked that, I know it's ridiculous, but, yeah, they'll say like, five or six or whatever, and I'm like, have one first.
A
Yeah.
B
Let's talk later.
A
No, seriously.
B
You know what I mean?
A
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I'm not trying to put too much pressure in my life at this point. I think it'll all work out with, like, the right person. We'll figure it out eventually.
B
We'll be right back after the break. You guys, I've been waiting for February because I just have had nothing to watch recently on television, and I knew that February was going to be such a good TV month. And what I'm most excited about is Running Point. It's a new Netflix show. It's going to come out on February 27th. This is a show by Mindy Kaling, who I love, and Kate Hudson is starring in it. So she's back. She's back to being in comedy. She's comedy gold. Like, this is where she's meant to be. This is where we love to see her. So, like, it's a meeting of just two geniuses, Mindy Kaling and Kate Hudson. Like, what could go wrong? And I love the premise. It looks like it's going to be so funny. It's going to be about this huge, like, scandal surrounding a pro basketball team called the Los Angeles Waves. Okay? And Isla Gordon, who's played by Kate Hudson, she steps up to run the family business and she has like, brothers that are hilarious and the board, they aren't thrilled. And the whole sports world is like raising eyebrows. But Isla, she's gonna show everyone she can run the game better than anyone expected. So you just know this is gonna be hilarious. Sharp, edgy. There's gonna be like dysfunctional family drama and Kate Hudson proving the haters wrong while everyone tries to block her shot. So, you guys, I'm going to be watching. I hope you join me. And watching Running Point Only on Netflix. February 27th. Get ready to binge your new favorite comedy. Let's talk about real food for a hot minute. We all know we should be eating real whole foods. You got to read labels and try to avoid sketchy ingredients. That's why we love Primal Kitchen condiments. They nailed the perfect combo of high quality ingredients and delicious flavor. So your meal will taste as real and homemade as it gets. I love it because I'm such a condiment girly. Like, that's how I grew up. So, like, having a good one that is made by good ingredients and not sketchy ones is so important. Their ranch dressing was so delicious, made with avocado oil that I made a salad every day. So if you get Primal Kitchens, no dairy ranch dressing, you'll eat more veggies. It's as simple as that. They also have like an unsweetened ketchup made with organic California grown tomatoes with no high fructose corn syrup and all that artificial sweetener stuff. You guys, if you're all about real food and you need help making it exciting, you need Primal Kitchen condiments and sauces made with real ingredients. We love they're Your secret weapon for making easy dinners of just protein and veggies. Tastes amazing. Exactly what I head to PrimeKitchen.com not skinny podcast to save 20% off your next online order. The code is Not Skinny at checkout and that's Primal Kitchen P R I m a l kitchen.com not skinny podcast and the code is Not Skinny. Primal Kitchen products are also available in stores nationwide. So you can visit primalkitchen.com not skinny podcast to find a location near you. Are you sick of paying big money to big wireless carriers overpaying for your wireless plans? Are you fed up with those crazy high bills, bogus fees and those free perks that actually end up costing you more in the long run? Then switch to Min Mobile. Say bye bye to being overcharged. Okay? With those jaw dropping monthly bills and unexpected overages, you don't even understand that you just like accept and pay anyway. Mint Mobile is here to rescue you with premium wireless plans starting at 15 bucks a month. And all of their plans come with high speed data and unlimited talk and text delivered on the nation's largest 5G network. You can use your current phone with any Mint Mobile plan and bring your own number along with all your existing contacts. Ditch overpriced wireless and get three months of premium wireless service from Mint mobile for only 15 bucks a month. If you like your money, Min Mobile is for you. Shop plans and mint mobile.com/not skinny. That's mint mobile.com not skinny. Upfront payment of 45 bucks a month for three months. Five gigabyte plan required. That's equivalent to 15 bucks a month new customers offer for first three months only. Then full price plans, options available. Taxes and fees are extra. See Mint Mobile for details. And we're back here in New York now. Would you want to settle in New York like in the east Coast?
A
I'm also trying to figure that out because like eventually, you know, my goal for this year is to I do want to invest and buy a house, but that's also tough because I'm trying to think like well what if my person who I meet eventually doesn't want to live there? But like I could always use it as like a rental investment, investment property, who knows. But yeah, I mean I'm trying to figure that out this year.
B
You want to maybe buy something?
A
Yeah, I mean it's always been a goal of mine to at least like have a house like near my family. They're all at down at the beach in Jersey.
B
Oh cute.
A
So like it would be nice to at Least, like, have a home there that, like, I can go to even in the summers or something.
B
We were talking before how you lived in Chicago for six months with Andrew.
A
Yeah.
B
Was that like a trial where you're like, let me see if I like it in Chicago. Like, maybe I'll move?
A
No, it wasn't necessarily trial. I think that I just kind of. I've been in the east coast for so long, I think I just needed to do something for myself.
B
I do want to talk to you a little bit about the Bachelorette shoot. Just because I did. I was watching then. I don't watch anymore. Do you watch the show?
A
You know what? I actually watched last night for the first time, and I don't know how long.
B
Was it the premiere?
A
Yeah.
B
Of Grant.
A
Yeah.
B
How'd he do? I thought you did well. Yeah.
A
I thought you're great.
B
Would you be the Bachelor?
A
I'd be the Bachelor. They wouldn't ask me to be bachelor.
B
Why?
A
I think that it's. It's been, like, you know, four years at this point.
B
Let me tell you something about your franchise. It would be smart, not only Greg, but, like, a lot of people are like me where we stopped watching after, like, Clayton. Okay. I don't know why. No offense. Clean.
A
Yeah.
B
But, like, something happened there when the two girls. What season was the two girls or the two guys. Oh, Gabby and Rachel, which, like, love them.
A
Yeah.
B
But I didn't watch. I was like, they're so cute. Didn't watch.
A
Right.
B
Something happened after Clayton or Colton. No Clayton, because Colton I watch. Anyway, something happened where I know a lot of people fell off, and it's kind of like I missed the days of the Bachelor where we knew all the people. Like, obviously, I knew you. I knew Andrew. We know. Katie, we know. Like, Matt and Rachel, they just broke up. We all know their story. I feel like today if a couple broke up from, like, Grant season, not as many people would know because people kind of fell off. So it actually would be smart of the Bachelor franchise to bring back a Bachelor slash Bachelorette. Like an. An oldie but goodie.
A
An oldie but goodie. Yeah.
B
So. But would you. I'm not saying would they ask you, but would you?
A
I mean, that's an interesting question. It would be interesting. I mean, I think that if I were to do something like that, I would like it to be announced earlier just so, like, people can know who they're going on for, you know, I wouldn't want to be a surprise to anyone.
B
Yeah.
A
And, like, I would want to have people genuinely there for me?
B
Yeah.
A
I mean, if I'm single, could you.
B
Imagine Greg being like, are you here for the right reason? Did you hear was me and then sign up? I need to know.
A
No, I would just want people to.
B
It makes sense. I've always wondered that as a viewer. Like. But do they know? Do they know it was her? Sometimes I remember us cluing in because they would say, like, when I heard it was you, I. Blah, blah, blah. But it's like, when you heard it was you, you were excited, but you had already applied, no matter who it was, like, yeah. So do you know if they. Do they do that on some seasons, yes. And some seasons, no. Or they don't do that at all. Like, tell the people. I feel like when they sign up.
A
I feel like they rarely announce. Really? Yeah, yeah. They. They didn't tell me at all who was. They wouldn't tell me.
B
And so you didn't know?
A
I had no idea. And then eventually I was in. When I was in New Mexico, I looked out my window and they were like, filming something out with Katie, and I was like, oh, it's Katie. Great.
B
Oh, really?
A
Yeah.
B
Okay, so let's go back. You were doing the Meryl Streep school of acting.
A
I was doing Meryl Streep school of acting, yes.
B
And you said you did the year really seriously. And then everything happened with your dad. And then.
A
And then I was working two different jobs. I was working at Mondo for a few months, and then I made the switch over and I was marketing for an agency. I was running, like, social media and back end stuff for a documentary called Fantastic Fungi. And so I was working.
B
People love that.
A
Yeah. So I was working with them on that. On that. And then eventually I was working with them for, like, I don't know, nine months. And I got that call to go on.
B
That's about the mushrooms, right?
A
Yeah.
B
I might have a girl for you.
A
No. Is that right?
B
That's obsessed with that.
A
Oh, cool.
B
And like, she's so cute. Oh, and you worked on it, and I feel like that's. You know who it is. She was a guest. She. She loved the fun. She loved Fun Guy. Imagine that. I'd be like, how awkward am I? I know somebody who worked on the Fantastic Fun Guy would. And he's cute. Would you want to date him? Like, that will be my opener. Anyway, so you worked on the Fantastic Fungi then?
A
Yeah. And then I got the call to go on. It was on.
B
But who applied?
A
Well, I got called for a couple different Seasons. At first. Yeah. Like, called for it.
B
Cause they saw your social media.
A
No, my sister Samantha submitted me. She loves the show. And so she submitted me back in the day. And I was in school, it was my first year, and I got an LA number randomly. I was like sitting in between classes and I picked up and like, I hung up because I thought somebody. I thought it was my friends pranking me.
B
Yeah.
A
And then they called me back and they were like, no, like, this is serious. Like, would you like to talk? And what was I, 24, 25 at the time? And I. I sent them an email back and I was like, this isn't the right time. I was like, I'm in no shape, like, ready to get engaged or anything at this point. And then they called me back two years later and it was for. I didn't know at the time, but then it was like, for Claire Crawley season. And I almost did it. I mean, they came to my house and everything to film stuff. And then I went there and then Covid hit and then I had to go home.
B
And then I just gonna do Claire Crawley season. You were like, how old?
A
Gosh, what was I, 26?
B
Huh?
A
Yeah. And then I didn't.
B
And she was like, 40 now.
A
Yeah. Yeah.
B
And you didn't know that?
A
No, I had no idea prior.
B
Okay.
A
And then they were like calling people back to go on after. Like, they announced us. Announced the cast. I was talking to producers. Like, I gotta be honest with you. I don't think she's gonna like me.
B
Why did you think she wouldn't?
A
I. I just. I. I just felt like, still like a little boy at the time. Honestly, I really did.
B
Yeah.
A
And I was like, there's no way.
B
That she's a woman.
A
Yeah, no, there's. I was like, there's no way. And like, I also didn't have, like, I don't feel like I had my, like, my life together settled at that point.
B
Okay.
A
Like, I didn't feel confident enough to walk in there.
B
Yeah.
A
And I just feel like we were set different stages and like, it just wouldn't have happened. And then I just. It just stopped. And then eventually it was. It was so weird. It was the night of my dad's passing that they called back. December 30th.
B
You mean like a year later?
A
Yeah, a year later. And it was on the day of his passing. And they called back and I told them. I was like, I don't know if I am ready for this. And then they're like, we really, really think that this. This girl, like, you'll like a lot. And I was like. Thought about it with my family and stuff. My mom saw this medium, like, the following week, and she was like, and for your son, she was like, anybody with the name of Blank that, like, that would, like, ring a bell for him or, like, something along that nature. Something. I keep on getting this name for him. And it was the producer that called me, and I was like, that's so weird. That is so weird that that name got brought up out of everyone's name.
B
Yeah.
A
And I said it. Why not?
B
Yeah.
A
And I went on.
B
Hashtag no regrets.
A
Yeah, hashtag no regrets.
B
Okay. So I looked at this, like, compilation of your time there. Even though I was very much in the season, as you know, I was still watching, and somebody said something on TikTok. So smart. Which that rarely happens. Yeah, but they were like, the word. Because I always say this today. There are so many buzzwords that go on. Right. People say gaslighting, toxic narcissist, all these words. I feel like Katie brought the word gaslighting back or to the forefront.
A
Yeah.
B
With you.
A
Yeah.
B
That was. Word was everywhere.
A
Yeah. That was an interesting time.
B
How did you. So watching it back, you said, I love you. She was kind of not saying anything. You wanted more. Then you stormed off. People found out you were in the Meryl Streep school of acting.
A
Yeah.
B
They were like, that was all an act. He wanted out.
A
Yeah.
B
And there was big. And then the gaslighting. He was g. People thought you were gaslighting because she was, like, trying to, like, calm you down. And you were kind of saying, like, this isn't enough. Like, you're not saying what I want to hear.
A
Yeah. I think that, you know, even, like, looking back on it, like, I think four years.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah. I think that I even, like, back then, like, put too much stake in other people to, like. Because I. I remember I. I say, even during it, like, like, you, like, filled, like, a hole. And, like, I shouldn't, like, even back then, like, I was, like, relying on people to make me happy, like, which wasn't healthy. But, like, I think I just. At the end of the day, I threw a hissy fit. At the end of the day.
B
You were into her, though, for real. Oh, yeah. You, like, loved her at the time.
A
Yeah. Yeah. Without a doubt.
B
You what?
A
I said without a doubt.
B
Oh, without.
A
I mean, I was on the plane.
B
And I think she was really into you, too. You didn't sense it, like, because I think maybe the viewers got so mad because we're like, greg, she's obsessed with you. Like, how don't you see it? Like, you're in this moment saying, like, you're not saying it back, but, like, as viewers, we kind of knew, like, you were her front runner.
A
Yeah. I mean.
B
But you didn't feel it.
A
It was a tough situation. It was really tough. I. It's not that. It's. I mean, we just.
B
You threw a hissy fit.
A
I threw a hissy fit because you.
B
Didn'T hear what you wanted to.
A
Not that. It was also, like, a gut feeling that I had. I was like. I just. Something about it just really didn't feel right to me. And I remember getting on the plane, like, an hour after because I got flown out. Like, literally, I didn't even have any time to, like, process or think. And I went on literally, like, the next flight out. And I remember being in the airport being like, holy shit. Like, did I just really, like, mess this up? Like, I was trying to be like, hey, like, can you guys contact me if anything? Would love to maybe speak with her? And I just. I mean, I didn't hear back.
B
And she hated you.
A
Yeah.
B
I mean, she roasted you at the reunion. She was waiting for that moment.
A
Yeah, the reunion was. It was. It was. I felt like I was. Especially with, like, the crowd and everything. Like, you walk into that place, you, like, feel like you're in, like, the Hunger Games for a second. I just. I was like, oh, my gosh, what am I?
B
I felt like, so how did you get through it? Because so many people experience this, like, especially on social media, even without being on a reality show right. When everybody just comes for them. How did you deal with it and, like, get through it? Because you got through it. You're here today. Like we said, most people aren't talking about this anymore. So how. How did you do it?
A
I spent a lot of time with, like, my best friends and my family. I just tried to stay offline. I mean, I also didn't have TikTok at the time, so I feel like people were, like, dissecting everything on TikTok. So, like, not having TikTok, I think, was really good for me at that point. And I also. Were, like, reels even, like, a thing back then?
B
Yeah, no, we weren't making reels.
A
And so, like, I think it was just different back then with social media. So I really. I really, like, wasn't seeing it as much.
B
It was like, me and my story being like, so Greg went to the Marist Man.
A
Yeah. No, Seriously. So I was like, don't look up, Amanda. Yeah. I kind of just, like, kind of just try to distance myself on social media.
B
Yeah.
A
And just try to stay close to my friends or family. But, like, honestly, even, like, going out was a little brutal because I would always, like, get chirped. Always.
B
People would say.
A
I mean, people were really sweet also, but then there was also, like, another side that, like, people would, like, you know, were upset. Yeah. They would, like, rip me apart in the street. We. We, like, hashed it out over, like, a dm, I want to say, like, a month after. And, like, we squashed it.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
You're all good. So you're saying bachelor, maybe Bachelor in paradise. For some reason, Andrew went on. But you didn't go on.
A
Yeah, no, I didn't go on.
B
Why?
A
I also didn't feel like I was ready back then. I really don't. I really don't. I just felt like it was still, like, so fresh. I also didn't feel like I didn't feel, like, stable enough, like, in my own life to go back there. I really feel like I let everyone's, like, opinions back then really affect me, and I'm glad that I took time off. I'm really glad.
B
Would you date anybody from the bachelor world? You guys love, like, that bachelor incest?
A
If the right one was around.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah.
B
I mean, I'm sure you get a gazelle. Dms.
A
A gazelle.
B
A gazelle.
A
I love when you do this.
B
Like, more DMS on TikTok or more DMs on Instagram? I don't even know how DM on TikTok work. Like, I feel like it's less of a thing or is that a thing?
A
I think that. Yeah. No, you could DM me on Tick Tock. I don't. I've. I don't.
B
You don't check?
A
No, I mean, there. There's more on Instagram. No. Nobody ever really shoots me a DM on Tick Tock.
B
So. DMS on Instagram.
A
Tick Tock. Tick Tock. DMS are weird. I've seen. Yeah, they're like a really weird dms.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah, they're strange.
B
Wait, so DMS on Instagram, like, our girls throw. Are there nudes? Are there? Well, asking you out. Are they asking you out?
A
I honestly don't know if there's news or not because, like, if there's, like, a photo, like, well, you can cl. And, like, I just. I'm not gonna do that.
B
Yeah, I'm not.
A
I'm not checking.
B
Okay.
A
I'm not checking, because I remember back, like, when I was, like, first experiencing the show, I would, like, like, what's this photo? I was like, oh, really?
B
So there were then.
A
Well, like, it wouldn't just. Yeah, it was just. It was. It was interesting.
B
Wow.
A
Yeah, it was interesting. And, like, I would just be like, oh, gosh. Like, they just saw that I just opened that. I'm just gonna.
B
So like it at least.
A
No, I, I, I didn't want to.
B
You left a nude on. Rad.
A
I. Come on. I just.
B
Oh, that would imagine being that girl.
A
No.
B
Or I.
A
Maybe. Or. No. I think I. I think I might have said thank you.
B
Oh, that's nice.
A
Thank you for this.
B
Thank you for this. Wait, so how many dms of girls hitting on you a day do you get?
A
Oh, God. Hitting on me a day? I don't check every day. Yeah, I don't. I don't know.
B
I mean, have you ever gone out with somebody who had DM'd you?
A
Yeah, there's been a girl that. Yeah, with.
B
Yeah, but, like, a fan.
A
No, she wasn't a fan.
B
For sure. I was gonna say for sure. These. But, like, I don't want to, like, use more slang today.
A
No, she definitely wasn't a fan.
B
Really? She didn't know who you were?
A
No. I mean, I think that she just. She's probably. I don't know.
B
I. I don't know either, Craig. I have no idea what you're saying.
A
I don't think that she was a fan. I think that she watch the show. Maybe that's why she followed me. But she probably hung out with way cooler people than.
B
Than you.
A
Yeah.
B
Really?
A
So I was like, oh, do you.
B
Slide into people's yams? Maybe?
A
Like, rarely.
B
Really?
A
Yeah, rarely.
B
So how do you meet the ladies when you do?
A
Well, I'm not in the app.
B
Right. You're not in the apps.
A
I haven't been on it for years.
B
So when you go on dates, how do you meet them?
A
I. I meet them in the wild, honestly.
B
Really?
A
Yeah.
B
You hit on girls?
A
I wouldn't say I hit on girls.
B
I mean, like, if you're at a bar and you meet them in the wild, how does the interaction occur? Because you don't even say hi to people like me.
A
Hey, you know what?
B
Maybe I'm just saying. No, I'm just serious.
A
No, no. Like, yeah, and I'll say, hey, you know what? Like, do you come here often?
B
You'll say that they'll do, like, a little awkward thing.
A
I mean, it might Be awkward.
B
Yeah.
A
But, yeah, maybe. Usually it's like a little funny exchange, and I'll be like, yeah, how about you and I get a drink one night and then.
B
That's cute. I forget if you were, like, funny on that season.
A
I don't think that. I don't think I was. I was labeled as a sad boy, which, like, I.
B
But that's. With them knowing everything that had happened. That's a weird label.
A
Yeah. I mean, I think that I just have. And, like, people come up to me sometimes, like, if I'm like a. A restaurant or, say, a bar sometimes. And, like, it's happened all throughout my life, ever since college. People be like, what's wrong?
B
Because you have. I. My sister has the same face. It's like a worried face.
A
I'll be like, what do you mean? Nothing's wrong. Nothing's wrong. Is something wrong with you right now?
B
Is your face look, like a little, like.
A
No, I know. And I think it's just. I think it's just like, my. My face when it settles. I think that, like, I just.
B
It's just my face.
A
I just look. I just look sad maybe, but I get it all the time. All the time.
B
That's annoying.
A
Yeah.
B
In patronation news, Matt James and Rachel broke up. Do you see he posted the. The breakup thing.
A
I saw, yeah.
B
What'd you think of it?
A
I thought. I mean, I was shocked. I don't know them or follow either of them, but, like, I obviously saw. I feel like everyone was talking about it.
B
Do you have any tea that you'll tell me after?
A
I have zero t. Seriously, I'm not even kidding you. I have zero t. When you and.
B
Victoria broke up, did you do an announcement?
A
It was, like, a slow kind of thing. Like, I think that people were dissecting for a while that, like, we've.
B
I think I even dissected that we've.
A
Been broke up and we both just, like, kind of, like.
B
So you didn't do an announcement?
A
No, no.
B
Did you think to maybe do it?
A
I went on a podcast and, like, Jason asked me if I was single, and, like, we were broken up at that point for a couple months. And, like, it was just. Yeah, it was like a slow burn type of thing. Like, in terms of, like, announcing something, like. Yeah.
B
Are you on good terms?
A
Yeah. Okay.
B
Will she like your tiktoks? Oh, no, no, no.
A
We don't, like, like, talk or anything, but, like, we wished the best for each other.
B
Yeah.
A
And, like, I know that she wishes the best for me as well, and like, I, I wish the best for her, but like, no.
B
See her with another dude. Would you be jelly?
A
Oh, no, no, no, not anymore. Yeah, no.
B
What's an unpopular opinion that you have that would piss people off?
A
I like pineapple and pizza.
B
For realsies?
A
For realsies?
B
Like you order it on the reg?
A
No, no, I got introduced to it like a few years ago and I, and I don't mind it. I like it. It, I like it a little sweet and salty.
B
What. What's like a pop culture hot take that.
A
You have pop culture hot take?
B
Like, do you, do you follow like the, the pop culture news?
A
Not really.
B
Okay, so let's do a more fun game.
A
Okay.
B
Who would you rather date? Only three I'm going to give you.
A
Oh, boy.
B
Okay. Rachel Cardonnell or Kaylin Bristow?
A
Oh, you're a messy one. Oh, you are a messy one. Oh, God. I mean, that's interesting. I'm buddies with Jason.
B
So, Rachel, slide in.
A
Yeah, yeah.
B
So Rachel, I guess Paige desorbo, who's also single now.
A
Yeah.
B
Or Sierra from Summer House.
A
I think they're. I haven't met Paige. Sarah's really cute. I've met her before.
B
I could see Sierra falling for Greg.
A
But I also have never met Paige. But Sierra was really cool.
B
Sierra. Sierra. My channel is here. Okay. Daisy Kent or Maria Georgas?
A
Yeah, I, I, who, who are they? I'm just joking. I plead the fifth with that one.
B
Oh, you plead the fifth, Why?
A
I just, I don't know.
B
I can't decide.
A
I. No, they're. They both are. They both are great. I both met them. They're. They're, they're really cool.
B
Okay.
A
Yeah.
B
So let's react to some thirst comments from your tiki talkie.
A
Oh, you got them.
B
Got some.
A
Okay.
B
Day seven of me asking Greg Grippo to get drinks with me and my friend on the Upper west side. Day seven, she's been drama. Seven days.
A
Holy shit. She's in New York City.
B
She's. I mean, she's on the Upper west side.
A
Maybe I, Maybe I just surprised them.
B
Yeah, maybe tell. I have an idea for you, girl. Tell him where. Be like Jacob's pickles. I don't know what's on the Upper west side. Like, yeah, I would go just tell, Tell them where.
A
Okay.
B
We'll make it happen. I don't know what looks better, the food or you. Okay, that's our reaction.
A
That's a sweet one. That's really sweet. Well, I wonder what the food was.
B
I know. I wonder too. Do you post good food?
A
I don't know. I don't do food content.
B
I fear this is my exact type.
A
That's really sweet.
B
Yeah, that is sweet.
A
It's sweet.
B
So passionate. So complicated. So, Greg.
A
Wow. I think they hit the. I think they hit the nail right on the head with.
B
That is so you.
A
I. I like that she said that. I thought that that was very original.
B
I have one that's kind of like what I said, but, like, I didn't say it romantically. Like, she's obviously saying it.
A
Yeah.
B
It's so cringy. It's not cringe because it's you.
A
Oh, I see. I like that.
B
That's. But it's so true. Like, it's. If you could teach a class, it would be in that. It would be.
A
It would be cool to, you know, be a professor one day and that. And like. Yeah, it. It would be cool. Yeah. Who knows?
B
I'll tell you, if you ever get cringy.
A
Yeah, please do. Please do.
B
Because I see some bachelor guys and I'm like.
A
And I. I don't doubt that. You tell me.
B
I will.
A
Yeah, I will.
B
Mix of Ryan Gosling and Chris Olsen. Oh, I told him Kieran Culkin. Was that when we were on air? So I told you Kieran Culkin because I told you that during the season. I thought you were Jewish. I'm like a nice Jewish boy from New Jersey and then found out you were very not Jewish. But you were saying you get that from a lot of people. The Jewish boy vibes.
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I do a lot. But the Kieran Culkin once, like, some. I feel like it just started happening.
B
Because he's, like, back really in, like, limelight.
A
That makes sense.
B
So you're both like, you know, having.
A
Who's Chris Olson?
B
He does a lot of tick tocks with, like, Meghan Trainor or something.
A
Oh, I know who you're talking about. Yeah, I know you're talking about. Okay.
B
Random. But they also said thought this was Armie Hammer.
A
Oh, wow. Do I look like Armie Hammer?
B
Maybe, like, kinda. I mean, it's a compliment. He's very handsome.
A
He's very handsome.
B
Somebody said weird way to propose, but I do. No, that's funny. That actually is funny. So when should we pick out rings? Thanks.
A
Wow. Wow. Moving fast.
B
Yeah. I wonder what this feels like. Like, so we talked about confidence in high school and stuff. Does this give confidence? Does this make you a confidence person?
A
You know, I wonder. I think in the beginning stages of social media, when I started first, started posting. I think that I let everything get to me, the highs and the lows. And so now I think I've reached a point where, like, I try to not take any stake into, like, really either because, like, I just. You don't want to rely on people for that or to, like, get, like, you know, some serotonin or.
B
True.
A
And so, like.
B
Because if you live off of that and then the tides turn and so. And it could kill you.
A
Exactly. So I just, I, I, I think it's funny. And yeah, you know, I, But I, I definitely try to not, you know, let it affect me.
B
Okay, good. We don't want that head getting too bad.
A
I know, I know.
B
With the sad face and the big head.
A
I actually, I do have a massive, like, actual head. Like the, the cap size. I have to, like, go to, like, the last stitch on, like, a snapback.
B
Really? It's a big head.
A
Yeah. I have a noggin.
B
And, you know, men's heads sometimes, as they age, get bigger. Like, you guys, before you shake your head. Leonardo DiCaprio, thick ass head. Oh, Val Kilmer, thick ass head.
A
Damn. I'm gonna really have a mass.
B
We need to make sure it doesn't.
A
What do I, I can't do anything for that, right?
B
I don't know. I don't know if they, if they.
A
Haven'T done anything and their heads grew. Like, there's definitely. I don't have X. I don't have access to that.
B
You guys, seriously now, at home, think about all the actors, you know, with big head syndrome that occurred as they age. And you will, you will be like, Amanda.
A
Yeah.
B
You're so smart. Greg, thank you for coming on.
A
Thank you for having me.
B
I love how this is Kisman. It happened. Even Regina works with me, knows because I always love your content and what you put out, and I think you're so funny. And this kind of happened. Yeah, I was like, oh, my God. Hello. God is listening.
A
Yeah.
B
So I love that.
A
No, I love that too. I'm happy that we finally met.
B
Me too. And I will say hi next time I see you.
A
Thank you. You better.
B
And you too.
A
I will. I will.
B
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Episode: Greg Grippo: The Bachelorette, Being Bullied, and His Fave Blue Jeans
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host: Amanda Hirsch
In this episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat, host Amanda Hirsch welcomes former The Bachelorette contestant Greg Grippo for an intimate and candid conversation. The episode delves into Greg's experiences on reality TV, his struggles with bullying during his childhood, his passion for acting, and his journey toward personal growth.
Greg Grippo initially gained fame as a contestant on Katie Thurston's season of The Bachelorette. Beyond reality TV, Greg is recognized for his engaging presence on social media platforms like TikTok, where he shares humorous and relatable content. An alumnus of the William Esper Studio, renowned for its rigorous acting program akin to the "Meryl Streep school of acting," Greg balances his acting pursuits with his growing influence online.
Amanda and Greg reminisce about their first meeting at an Ed Sheeran concert in 2021, where Amanda felt too timid to approach Greg despite his friendly demeanor.
[09:44] Amanda: "Wait, no. Are we so weird. Why didn't we say hello?"
The conversation shifts to Greg's journey on The Bachelorette. Greg shares his initial hesitations about joining the show, especially following the passing of his father from stage four liver cancer—a period that left him emotionally fragile.
[54:27] Greg: "I just felt like I was still like a little boy at the time. Honestly, I really did."
He discusses the intense scrutiny and backlash he faced during and after the show, including being labeled as a "sad boy" and experiencing negative interactions on social media.
[56:30] Greg: "I feel like I just have to try to distance myself on social media and just stay close to my friends or family."
Greg opens up about his tumultuous childhood, marked by frequent school transfers due to bullying. As the youngest of four siblings, he experienced isolation and physical abuse, particularly during his time at TJ public school where he was an easy target.
[28:07] Greg: "I was shelved, I was a shell of myself because I was playing varsity basketball, and these kids were... making fun of me."
These experiences led Greg to develop a "big wall" around himself, making it challenging to form close relationships and impacting his self-confidence.
[34:20] Greg: "Everyone would be, like, what's wrong? Nothing's wrong. Is something wrong with you right now?"
Despite early involvement in sports, Greg's true passion lay in acting. After a brief stint in an insurance job post-college, he pursued acting more seriously, enrolling in classes at the William Esper Studio. His commitment to the craft was unwavering until personal tragedies and career opportunities, like working on the documentary Fantastic Fungi, altered his trajectory.
[34:37] Greg: "I wanted to keep pursuing something creative right out of college."
Greg's acting aspirations were momentarily derailed by his father's illness and subsequent passing, but he remains open to future opportunities in the creative realm.
[42:29] Greg: "Maybe down the road. Who knows?"
Amanda and Greg discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining a social media presence. Greg highlights his natural ability to create engaging TikTok content without the cringe factor often associated with male influencers.
[12:58] Greg: "I think that, you know, maybe even like in the beginning, maybe. I don't... I think that you just can't take yourself too seriously."
He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and not relying on social media for self-worth, a lesson learned from his experiences on reality TV.
[71:05] Greg: "I try to train my mind into like learning that like you are grateful and are thankful for everything in your life."
Greg candidly discusses his journey toward self-improvement, including engaging in therapy to address unresolved issues from his upbringing and his time on reality TV. The loss of his counselor, Ron Martino, further complicated his healing process.
[20:14] Greg: "He was my counselor. And then he passed away."
Despite these challenges, Greg has made significant strides in personal growth, focusing on gratitude and building healthier relationships.
[40:07] Greg: "I think like this past year I feel like I've been trying to understand it more and understand like why, you know, I have, I don't know, certain anxiety about things or if things."
Looking ahead, Greg expresses his desire to invest in real estate, aiming to purchase a house near his family in New Jersey. He contemplates the balance between personal stability and the uncertainties of life.
[48:39] Greg: "Eventually, you know, my goal for this year is to I do want to invest and buy a house."
He remains optimistic about future relationships and potential opportunities in both acting and content creation.
[42:29] Greg: "Maybe down the road. Who knows?"
Amanda and Greg wrap up their conversation with light-hearted banter, reflecting on Greg's journey from a bullied teenager to a beloved reality TV personality and influencer. Greg's resilience and commitment to personal growth shine through, offering listeners an inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity and embracing authenticity.
Greg's story is one of resilience, growth, and authenticity. From navigating the pressures of reality TV to overcoming childhood bullying and personal loss, his journey offers valuable insights into the importance of self-awareness and the pursuit of genuine happiness. Amanda's empathetic hosting complements Greg's narrative, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in the human side of Hollywood fame.
Note: Advertisements, sponsorship messages, and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions.