Podcast Summary: Not Skinny But Not Fat

Episode: Greg Grippo: The Bachelorette, Being Bullied, and His Fave Blue Jeans
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host: Amanda Hirsch

Introduction

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.

Guest Background

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.

Early Encounters and Reality TV Experience

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."

Childhood Struggles and Overcoming Bullying

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?"

Passion for Acting and Career Shifts

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?"

Social Media Presence and Influencer Life

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."

Personal Growth and Therapy

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."

Future Plans and Aspirations

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?"

Conclusion

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.

Notable Quotes

• Amanda Hirsch [09:44]: "Wait, no. Are we so weird. Why didn't we say hello?"
• Greg Grippo [54:27]: "I just felt like I was still like a little boy at the time. Honestly, I really did."
• Greg Grippo [34:20]: "Everyone would be, like, what's wrong? Nothing's wrong. Is something wrong with you right now?"
• Greg Grippo [12:58]: "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."
• Greg Grippo [71:05]: "I try to train my mind into like learning that like you are grateful and are thankful for everything in your life."
• Greg Grippo [20:14]: "He was my counselor. And then he passed away."
• Greg Grippo [48:39]: "Eventually, you know, my goal for this year is to I do want to invest and buy a house."
• Greg Grippo [42:29]: "Maybe down the road. Who knows?"

Closing Thoughts

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.