Hilaria Baldwin: How is Being Bilingual a Bad Thing?

Summary

Not Skinny But Not Fat – Episode Summary

Episode: "Hilaria Baldwin: How is Being Bilingual a Bad Thing?"

Air Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Amanda Hirsch
Guest: Hilaria Baldwin

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Overview

In this lively and candid episode, Amanda Hirsch sits down with Hilaria Baldwin—yoga teacher, mom of seven, reality show star, and wife of Alec Baldwin—just after Hilaria’s debut on "Dancing with the Stars." The conversation dives into Hilaria’s much-discussed 2020 "Spanish accent" scandal, life as a public figure, her approach to parenting (including raising bilingual kids), social media pressures, and what it’s really like being on Dancing with the Stars. Together, Amanda and Hilaria explore celebrity scrutiny, family dynamics, and renewal after public controversy—all with warmth and humor.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recapping the "Spanish Accent" Scandal

• Amanda opens with honesty about her fascination with Hilaria’s 2020 accent controversy, emphasizing it was driven by pandemic boredom and intrigue ([03:08]).
• Hilaria reflects that "people were just bored and there was a lot of misinformation," and states she now looks back on it with humor ([04:18]).
• She notes confusion over the Amy Schumer connection but clarifies there was never any bad blood between them ([04:53]).
• Hilaria openly discusses her bilingual and bicultural upbringing, emphasizing her pride in raising her kids in the same way ([08:19]).

Notable Quote

"To speak a language is such a beautiful thing. It should never be a bad thing."
— Hilaria Baldwin ([10:44])

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2. Parenting, Identity, and Protecting Family

• Hilaria describes navigating new motherhood while suddenly in the media’s harsh spotlight ([06:21]).
• She shares the grounding role of her family in Spain and her commitment to raising bilingual and well-rounded children ([08:19]).
• Amanda and Hilaria discuss the balance between protecting kids’ privacy and letting them participate in public life, with advice from Kelly Ripa to "post them, post it all the time, and the bounty goes down" for paparazzi ([27:29]).
• Hilaria’s oldest, Carmen, co-hosts a podcast with her, "Growing Up Together," reflecting a desire to foster open intergenerational conversations ([23:52], [17:13]).

Notable Quote

"I always want her and my other children to feel that they are respected and that they can live their life with how their soul is."
— Hilaria Baldwin ([17:34])

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3. Dealing with Fame, Scrutiny, and Social Media

• Hilaria describes transitioning from yoga teacher to public figure, often feeling misinterpreted but ultimately focusing on positivity:

  "I just really, anytime there’s negativity, just, let’s go. How can I make other people feel happy? How can I be happy? How can I live with gratitude every single day?" ([07:11])

• She explains her dyslexia and ADHD, pointing out that her learning differences contribute to her unique way of expressing herself and processing language ([10:26]).
• Hilaria talks about evolving comfort with social media and parenting in the public eye, noting, "You’re never going to please everyone...[so] I’ve got to teach the class the way that I’m going to teach the class." ([29:42])

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4. Dancing with the Stars: Joyful New Chapter

• The invitation to join Dancing with the Stars came unexpectedly, with fans on TikTok "manifesting" the call ([33:27]).
• Hilaria admits old insecurities about 'belonging' on the show because of her dance background—but producers reassured her, pointing to several past contestants with dance experience ([35:35]).
• She describes the show's supportive family vibe, the fun and camaraderie among contestants, and the intense rehearsal schedules ([36:31], [37:13]).
• Hilaria opens up about recovering her love for dance after a traumatic hip injury years earlier, calling the DWTS adventure a healing experience for herself and her kids, who see their mom chasing her passions ([37:47], [47:33]).

Memorable Moment

“To see my kids...have me connect with a part of myself that I just closed the door on was huge.”—Hilaria Baldwin, getting emotional over DWTS ([38:45])

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5. Family Support and Co-Parenting

• Amanda asks about Alec Baldwin’s reaction to the move and the spotlight. Hilaria jokes, "Are you kidding me? He loves the spotlight." ([49:22])
• Hilaria reflects on the unique pressures and privileges of being married to someone as famous (and sometimes controversial) as Alec Baldwin, and how their blended family supports each other ([50:04]).

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6. Relationship with Stepdaughter Ireland Baldwin

• The touching, public support Ireland (Alec's daughter) showed Hilaria is discussed. Hilaria shares the story behind their blended family bond, her intentional approach to step-parenting, and the emotional resonance it has for both of them ([57:18]-[60:22]).
• Hilaria lovingly describes their dynamic, with Ireland serving as "my dance mom now" during DWTS ([62:23]).

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7. Looking Ahead: Reality TV, Social Media, and Future Projects

• Amanda floats the possibility of Hilaria on Real Housewives; Hilaria hesitates but won’t rule it out, noting "never say never" ([73:45]).
• Hilaria remains committed to public engagement through both traditional and social media, hoping for kindness and connection.

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Notable Quotes

• On Parenting and Role Modeling:

  "As moms, we’re always so hard on ourselves about, like, are we just thinking about ourselves? And I realize if I do that, I’m modeling for them a life of that for them themselves." ([47:33])

• On Social Media and Scrutiny:

  "How do I want to do the proper air circulation of my family? ... I want to post the photo. ... Go live your life. Have fun!" ([30:41])

• On Dancing with the Stars:

  "This experience is about growth. So I want you to use your feet properly and learn how to isolate a side of your body and just spin better ... We’re here to dance." ([69:59])

• On Forgiveness and Negativity:

  "Every single time, I’m going to forgive you, because when I don’t forgive, it’s only poisoning my soul." ([56:40])

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Memorable Moments & Lighter Exchanges

• Amanda and Hilaria bond over their simultaneous COVID postpartum experiences ([03:35]).
• Hilaria describes the chaos of moving seven children to Los Angeles at the last minute for DWTS ([34:46]).
• Laughter over Hilaria’s inability to understand restaurant specials due to processing challenges ([10:26]).
• Banter about the sweatiness of dance partners and why sweat doesn’t faze a longtime yoga teacher ([72:17]).

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Scandal Recap & Language Identity: [03:08] – [12:00]
• Parenting, Family, Paparazzi: [13:36] – [29:42]
• Social Media & Self-Image: [29:42] – [31:28]
• Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Story: [31:28] – [47:47]
• Blended Family & Relationship with Ireland: [57:18] – [64:44]
• Questions around Housewives & Future: [73:45] – [75:09]

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Takeaway

This episode is a portrait of Hilaria Baldwin in her own words—unfiltered, self-aware, and deeply committed to family and growth after controversy. Listeners will walk away with a nuanced perspective on bilingual identity, celebrity motherhood, and what it means to start anew in the spotlight—with a splash of humor and encouragement for living authentically.

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For more on Hilaria Baldwin’s journey, follow her on Instagram and TikTok, and check out her new podcast "Growing Up Together" with her daughter Carmen.

Transcript

[A]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production.

[B]

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. Hey, guys. Happy, happy Tuesday. Today we have a very special episode. So I'll keep this intro short and to the point because this is gonna be a steak emoji kind of situation. This is gonna be like. Amanda. What? I have to be very honest with this guest right when we started the pod, because I, on one hand, she was on my wish list, legit, like, right under, you know, Britney Spears, Lena Dunham, Hailey Bieber, whoever else I have on there. Good stuff there. Good stuff. She was on it. I called her HB2. In 2020, when this scandal broke, I called her HB2. I went in deep and I went in big in a very, like, entertaining way. I was postpartum. I was looking for something to focus on that wasn't Covid. And this gave me kind of life. It was interesting, it was scandalous and was fascinating, and I've always been fascinated by her, and that's why she was on my wish list. For those who don't know who HB2 is and aren't. Oh, gee, I see you. Okay. I see you, late bloomers. I'm, of course, talking about Hilaria motherfucking Baldwin. Yes. Hilaria Baldwin is on the podcast today. She's competing on Dancing with the Stars. She is with Gleb and a partner, which, you know, is a whole other story. She's obviously married to Alec Baldwin. She obviously had that big scandal surrounding her Spanish accent back in 2020. And, you know, the first thing I do here is delve right into that and, you know, give her my. My honesty, which is like. I was in on it. I was. I was enjoying the ride, and I was fascinated by whatever was going on. Obviously, we talk about much more than that, but, you know, oh, geez. No, this is a big. This is a big one. This is a big one. So super excited to have you guys hear my episode with Eladia Baldwin and Amanda. That's me. I speak Spanish, too. I'm just saying.

[A]

So we're in la, and this is like, such, like, a last minute, crazy adventure that I decided to drag my family on. And so then, you know, we had to figure out schooling. And so they're. They're homeschooling. And it's also my now 3 year old to cry. My God, she's feels so grown birthday today. So it's like just like a crazy, crazy thing. And then I know and I practice later. So we're like, it's just like all the shuffling together. But that means a lot. As soon as you know, when you reached out to me on Instagram, I was like, oh my God, I was so excited to, to do this because, you know, the conversations you have on here are really honest and such like a woman to woman. Really strong conversations that are very needed right now.

[B]

Well, I'm so happy that it worked out. And like, again, honestly, like this is my wish list. But I want to be honest because I'm an honest girl. So I'm going to be honest with you that I was kind of obsessed with your story in 2020. Not in a mean way. Okay. In a. Like I was at home, I just had a baby. It was 2020.

[A]

When was your baby born?

[B]

In Covid. Like.

[A]

Yeah, but when? Cause I had babies in Covid too. So when was.

[B]

When he was. August 2020. When was yours?

[A]

August 2020. So I had one September 8, 2020. I mean I, I've had one every single year since the beginning of time, but so you had we. August what?

[B]

August 5, 2020. And you had September 8, 2020. So when did everything start? Oh, new. Like December 2020. December. Because it was Amy Schumer who posted the thing and then it spiraled. And I just owe you that to tell you that I was very interested in this whole story back then. So I wanted to be honest with you about that and tell you that.

[A]

I was, I think everybody was very bored and it was Covid. I feel like, I feel like there's very bored and it's Covid. I mean, you know, I actually write a lot, a lot about it in my book. I don't know if you've had a chance to read my book. And it's, you know, I talk about it in sort of, it's a very sort of long form thing. And you know, I mean, it's one of those kind of. I look back with much more of a sense of humor than I did at the time. I'm just kind of be like, I think people are just bored and there was a lot of, you know, misinformation out there and. Yeah, so I mean, I've. I don't quite understand the Amy Schumer aspect of it. I've never met her actually.

[B]

No, I think it was that she tried to be funny. She wasn't, she wasn't poking fun at you or your accent or the Spanish or anything. She posted. You posted maybe like a.

[A]

She posted a photo of a photo of you. She posted it. Well, I was working. I mean, I was doing brands, a brand thing, and it was talking about, you know, and also, you know, one of the things that's been really important for me and I like to think that I was a part of is sort of talking about how, you know, the postpartum body and how it's, you know, I remember. Do you remember when Kate Middleton came out after the birth of their first child? And it was right before, I think I had Carmen, my first child, and she had a, like, she was, I think she was wearing a blue dress and she had like a bump still. And I was pregnant and I, like, it never occurred to me before because I did zero research when I was pregnant that I was going to have a bump after I gave birth, right? And like, it was just like, like. And of course you, of course you do. Like, it was like, again, this is such like an Ilaria moment of. It's like, oh, my God, I don't think things through. I'm just like, what this is going to be like. And then I became, as a fitness instructor, I became sort of fascinated with the transformation of the body and how it kind of, you know, the woman's body is just incredible. So, you know, I started posting photos throughout pregnancy with my first, not at all, because I was so, like, young and shy and like, oh, my God, what's happening?

[B]

How old were you when you got pregnant with Carmen?

[A]

So I met Alec when I was 27. I got pregnant late when I was 28, like towards when I was 29. I had her on at 29. And again, like, I mean, joining this world, you know, that you just touched on a bit. When I'm 27 years old and I just meet Alec and I met somebody who hasn't always had like, the most warm and fuzzy relationship with the tabloid media. And I, I nothing could have prepared this, like, yoga teacher who everything is like rainbows and sunshine and namaste. And I want everybody to breathe in and feel good about themselves for being swept up into that world. Now. A lot of good things. I never want to be that person who's like, oh, my God, it's so hard. No, there's, I mean, there's such wonderful, amazing things. I mean, I get to be here with you. You, you know, you think yoga teacher, me who's, you know, doing all that? You think I would be here with you? No. I mean, this has been. Brought me tremendous amount of privilege to be able to do really fun things. Dancing with the Stars, our reality show, writing books. I mean, there's been so much wonderful stuff. But there is a negative side of being had as well. You know, being mis. Misinterpreted or misconstrued for fun, for people poking fun at you. You know, I remember when we were, like, younger and you ever go to, like, get your nails done and when people would read the magazines. Now people look at their phone magazines and you look over and it's like, look at these celebs, and they're cellulite, and look at this. And it was just like the. The. That's like women's inhumanity to women sometimes get. Is like such an. Such a. Such a thing. So, you know, I'm in a place in my life where I just really, anytime there's negativity, just, let's go. Let. How can I make other people feel happy? How can I be happy? How can I live with gratitude every single day?

[B]

How did you navigate that time? Especially now that I'm putting two and two together. That you were postpartum. You were postpartum.

[A]

I think anytime you go through something difficult, I mean, I'm very lucky. My. I have a wonderful family. My whole family that I come from lives in Spain. And we would, you know, have long talks, and it was great because I couldn't sleep. And so I would, you know, be talking to my brother, you know, because it was six hours later there, and he would kind of laugh, and he'd be like, you're talking to me in Spain in Spanish about people being offended about your relationship with Spain. Yeah, just have it, like, have a sense of humor. And I'm. My big brother is just very, very special that way. You know, I think that no matter what and whether. What I've learned, whether you're in the Hollywood world or you're not in the Hollywood world, I mean, people gossip about everybody in communities. And I think that the more that you can get connected with yourself, what's actually true, Tune out the noise and. And lean into your community. I mean, I'm so close with my family, and, you know, maybe my family looks differently than other people's families, but it's just still valid and it's still who we are. And, you know, I'm very proud to be raising my children bilingual. My. One of the reasons that they're doing Homeschool is I send them to an immersion school in New York. And so coming here last minute and trying to find a similar program that would be compatible was difficult. So we were fortunate enough.

[B]

Are they all in school now?

[A]

The baby is not in school.

[B]

Okay. Okay. Because that's so many people to schedule.

[A]

Yeah, it's a lot. But, you know, I mean, I think, you know, this is, you know, this is. This is a time in my life to kind of just, you know, move on. And everybody now can look around and say, am I gonna lean into negativity or am I gonna lean into just. I'm gonna go live my life and be happy. And most of the time, what people get sort of worked up about is.

[B]

Just, did you feel like you had to change? Well, now, because you're also. I mean, you had the show and now Dancing with the Stars. Did you feel like you had to, like, change anything about yourself so people aren't talking like, I know that you wrote that you did some, like, enunciation classes or something.

[A]

Yeah. So I have ADHD and dyslexia, and that is a big part of how I learn, how I process things. I'm somebody that I'll never order the specials in a restaurant because I can't understand what they're saying to me.

[B]

I can't either. Oh, no. What does that mean? I can't understand either.

[A]

I mean, I don't know what that means for you. For me, it means it's processing. I have processing issues. So sometimes people say things to me and I'm like. I have trouble understanding it. And I think what people sometimes will confuse. Yes, of course. You know, I mean, you come to my house, and I'm going to turn to Alec, and I'm going to speak in English, and then I'm going to turn to one of my children, and I'm going to speak to them in Spanish. And it's back and forth. And that's how I was raised, too. That's the kind of multilingual house I grew up in. And there's nothing wrong with that, actually. Like, I mean, hello. This is like a really good thing. Daughter now is learning French as well, you know, so she, like, the more languages, the better. And for fun, she's on Duolingo and she's teaching herself Russian and Italian. I mean, to. To speak a language is such a beautiful thing. It should never be a bad thing. And of course it's going to affect the way that we speak. Of course. Of course it is. It's just ABC is about speaking. I have a brain like anyone else. It cannot be different. But you know, I mean, I am somebody that because of, I think sometimes my processing issues, I can be a little bit, you know, a little bit different as well. I know school was hard for me, but. And I had to work really hard. I probably had to work harder than the average person, but I did it. And you know, writing a book was difficult.

[B]

Do you speak any other languages?

[A]

I can speak like words of Russian like a little bit.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What about Catalan? What they speak in Catalan I don't speak at all.

[A]

I can like understand it a little bit, but I don't speak Catalan now.

[B]

No, I study abroad in Barcelona because I love, I also love Spanish, by the way. Not as much as you, for sure, but I do love Spanish. Vamos hablar en espanol. I really love Spanish and I studied it throughout my whole, like high school. Like I did a study abroad and then I was like, okay, I want to do another study abroad, because I did in Sevilla. And then I wanted to do. And I picked Barcelona. And stupid little old me didn't know that. No Spanish. And like, it sounds like a made up story, but only when I landed there physically for a full semester and I was ready to like, Spanish it.

[A]

Up, I was like, wait a minute.

[B]

And it's not the same.

[A]

Like, no, it's not the same at all.

[B]

I know I was.

[A]

It's not the same at all. You know, my family lives in Mallorca where they speak mallorquin, which is a version of Catalan. So. And my nephew is. My, my brother has. I've lived most of my adult life here and he's lived most of his adult life in Spain. And so. And my nephew is born there. And. And we also are very focused on him being bilingual as well. So he went, you know, he's 20 years old, but he went to an immersion school with English as well. So his, his English is very good. But yeah, no, he also, at the same time he speaks Catalan too, you.

[B]

Know, and so wait, Mallorquin is a.

[A]

Fully other language, like a dialect of, of Catalan. So there's like Valenciano, there's, there's like a bunch of. I'm not an expert at all of.

[B]

The different places I went to Mallorca from Barcelona. It's like a. There is like a very touristy area to that, to that place, right?

[A]

Yeah, there's. Yeah, there's. I mean it's very, it's a very international school place. Super international. People are from Everywhere. And then, yes, there's the touristy areas.

[B]

Right. I think I was probably only in the touristy areas where, like.

[A]

Which is beautiful, too, you know? I mean, every single inch of Mallorca is absolutely beautiful.

[B]

Is that your home base when you visit that area?

[A]

Not really. Well, kind of. Well, first of all, traveling with seven kids is really hard.

[B]

I don't know how. Yeah.

[A]

So we went to go visit my family in the spring. Spring. Alec was doing a movie in Italy, and so I flew over, and it was easier. My nephew's in university in Madrid, and so it was easier for us all to meet in Madrid. So my parents flew over from Mallorca because then it would be like, fly from Italy to Madrid because there was no direct flights and how we were going and then bring them to Mallorca. It would be like, too much with, like, baby. Baby boss pulling my hair out on the flight.

[B]

Wait, who. Which one do you call Baby Boss?

[A]

What's the baby, though? She calls it herself, by the way. This is not something we invented. She made it up all funny on her own.

[B]

Did she watch the movie or has it.

[A]

She has seen the movie and, you know, her dad is. Is the baby.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Some people don't know. Some people are like, oh, my God. What is like. But no, that's.

[B]

I think it's so funny that you call her baby boss, because I saw. I saw that you do. Is she the boss of the family?

[A]

Yes, because she's scary. So funny. Carmen, my oldest, was doing something she could. They poke at each other, even though they have a big age difference. I mean, they're still. They're still siblings. And Carmen has taught her something where she, like, puts her arm out to the baby's mouth and she says, okay, now, nice. And she. And then the baby kisses Carmen and she's like, okay, now. Mean. And the baby will, like, pretend to bite her. And so she teaches her. So when she actually is, like, mad, she's, like, trying to train her. Like, I'm like, she's not a dog.

[B]

But Carmen is at that age, and she's the first. So not only is she a girl, but she's the first girl. And I feel like when there's a household with a first girl, like, she's another mommy now.

[A]

She is another mommy. And I feel like that's both a wonderful thing and something where as her mom, I have to remind her that she's a kid, and that's a really important thing. And I think for my kids as well, that they've had an unconventional upbringing in many ways. Not just, you know, the reality of our life, but, you know, think different experiences that we've had going to school and, you know, I mean, any. Anybody knows how many, how many of you guys listening right now can relate that, like, you've had your kids go to school and they come back and they're like, so and so's mommy said blah, blah, blah about you kind of thing. You know, it's being able to sort of navigate these things where they feel very protective of our family and very protective of. Of their parents and they want to take care of us is both a wonderful, nurturing thing. And at the same time, it's very important for their mental health that we have to keep it within the context of be a child, enjoy, play, have fun, lean into joy. So it's, you know, because they.

[B]

Because, like, Carmen completely gets it. Like, if she. She's in it, she's in the know, she can like, hear stuff, read stuff.

[A]

Well, yeah, we're. We just started a podcast. It's. We're gonna. We've recorded some of it already. All of this kind of happened at the same time that we were gonna do the podcast, like that all of this is Dancing with the Stars has happened. So it's been, you know, a lot of, like, sort of juggling and reshuffling things. You know, the way that I parent them is understanding that kids get a lot more than we want them to get. Right? We never want the kids. We don't want our kids to get hurt by the world. You know, we want to protect them and bubble wrap them. And at the same time, if I try to pretend that hard things aren't happening around us, and that could be within our family, within the world, any of things, they're going to feel like they can't talk about it with me. And so our podcast that we're doing is called Growing Up Together. And it's real. It's about understanding that I'm a work in progress. I'm growing up along. I mean, if I think about the mom I was when I gave birth to her to now 12 years later, and all the children and experiences I've had in between, I've done a tremendous amount of maturing, and so. And so I always want her to. Yes, of course, I am the mom. There's times when I have to lay down the lot. It's time to go to bed, eat your vegetables, do your homework, all that kind of stuff. But ultimately, I want her and my other children to feel that they are respected and that they can live their life with how their soul is. And because I want to always be close to them, I don't want them to turn 18 years old and run away, you know?

[B]

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So if you're curious about by heart head to buy heart.com that's spelled by H E A R T and use my code not skinny and you can save 30% off with your subscription order for a limited time. Again using my code, not skinny 30, but it's also available at Target, Walmart, and other major retailers nationwide. So you can check them out there. Additional terms and conditions apply. The code, again, does not scan skinny. If you get it from buyheart.com. and we're back. Are they gonna be on the pod?

[A]

Carmen's my co host. Oh.

[B]

Carmen's your co host?

[A]

My co host.

[B]

Wait, it's you and Carmen doing a pod together?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

What? That is adorable. Are you gonna bring guests? Are you gonna. Or is it just gonna be you and her? Kind of.

[A]

We're gonna do guests. So far, we're, you know, I mean, this. This is a process of. You know, as much as she. Her on the reality show, she's like, I'm all right.

[B]

So is she interested in this world? Like, is she gonna. You think she.

[A]

I mean, I feel like most kids who are little, they want to be. I mean, my kids want to be yoga instructors and actors.

[B]

Oh, they want to be like their parents. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, I again, think that what we're. What I'm doing with them is embracing the life that they're being raised in, you know, so it's. Which is all that you can do.

[B]

So you would support. You would take to auditions.

[A]

I mean, we haven't done auditions and stuff like that, but I want them to feel that their voice matters. I want them to be a part of it. When I first gave birth to her, I was super, super protective of her image. I was like, I get nervous even with, like. And in an embarrassing way, like, shame on me for doing this. I would be, like, really scared of people taking pictures who I was very close with of my baby, because the world at that point wanted. It was money. Her photos were money. And I also, like, joined this world, and I didn't understand anything of, like, what. Like, I knew what a paparazzi was, but I didn't understand from a lived experience what that life is. And at that point, you know, people were selling photos of. Of their babies for, like, either the paparazzi gets the money or you get the money or. Well, what we did with hers is we. I did a photo shoot with People magazine, and then I donated all of that money to a group in Mallorca that works with children who have been sexually abused. So it was a way of. And I did that with all of the children that we did these kinds of photoshoot. Yeah. And I did it in their name, and it was a way to turn something that felt kind of gross of like, your kids money. Your kid's image is worth money and turn it into something where I could help kids because. But there's tremendous stress along with that. Like when Carmen was born, we didn't have. Let's see, she was born on a Friday. And I think that the magazine. I could be wrong on. I could be wrong on this timeline. So forgive me, because it was a long time ago. I feel like it was like the next week that the magazine came out or. Or a week and a half later. Something like that was a.

[B]

Because if you don't do it quick, like, they'll get ahead of you because.

[A]

They were like, getting. It was so toxic. And of course, like, you know, it gets, you know, my husband all riled up about it. And I was so new to the world and also just postpartum and I'm getting like, chased around, you know, while I'm trying to, like, figure out how to be a mom. And so I. Eventually what I started doing is just posting the photo on. On my Instagram because it wasn't worth the stress.

[B]

Does that scare you at all? I mean, people have such differentiating opinions on this. Like, I post my kids. A lot of people don't post their kids. Even people with no followers, little followers, lots of followers. I mean, people have different opinions. How do you feel about posting them and then being in the reality show? Do you still have, like any fears with that?

[A]

The thing is that that was how I originally was a very protective and like hiding them and stuff like that. And then Kelly Ripa told me she's been a really great guide over the years.

[B]

I love her.

[A]

I love her, I love her. She told me, just post them. Post it all the time, and the bounty goes down. So as soon as that People magazine thing came out of showing her face for the first time, I mean, it's not that there were no paparazzi, but it wasn't as crazy as it was.

[B]

Right, right.

[A]

And so that's one of the things that I started to do. I had to train myself of like, you know, and you. And you see the other people who are in the spotlight, who are very hidden of their kids, they're very protective of them. And that's a bit how Alec was. And good for. Good for them. Good for them. I understand that as well. What I found, especially living in New York City where there's no privacy, is it caused more stress. So what I decided to do was lower the bounty of my kids images and post them and post them regularly and post them all the time.

[B]

And then Paparazzi, like, they can't sell.

[A]

It for as much because all the online magazines are just going to take from my social media because it's free.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And so that was a really good piece of advice that was given to me. And it took me a while to get more comfortable with it and not feel like. Because people will write to me, how dare you pull, like. I mean, again, like, everybody has opinions about everything.

[B]

Well, it makes you at least second guess, like, with people's opinions. For me, it's like, I'm so naive that if people weren't like, don't do that. I'd probably post a picture of my kid in the bath. Like, not with showing anything, but I would be like, he's so cute. He's in the bath. Like, what? Because my mind doesn't go to dark places. You know what I mean? So it's, it's like there's a balance of, like, letting the people kind of remind you. Like, not everything because there are gross people out there, you know? Yeah, but, but, but I, I also, like, I like to live life more like, not thinking of the. The negatives that could come of it and more thinking, like, but this can bring joy and like, it makes me happy to, to share it.

[A]

Yeah, no, exactly. And you'd be proud of your look. You're never going to please everyone. When I was teaching yoga all the time, I'd have like 70 people in a class. Was like the max capacity.

[B]

70?

[A]

70. Yeah, I saw.

[B]

Where is 70 people in a class in New York in.

[A]

Well, not anymore. Because the place. I don't think it didn't. I stepped away from it before COVID and I think it didn't survive through Covid, but we was like a really fun yoga studio on, on 12th in university called Yoga Vida. And we would have. We had some fans and you'd have. I sort of have 70 people. And somebody would say, can you just crack the window a little bit? So crack it like an inch. Only like a couple. And then at certain points, I'd put on the fans another person, like, I can't sweat if it's like this. And then this person's like, I can't breathe because there's no air. And it was like, you just get to a point where you're like, I gotta teach the class the way that I'm gonna teach the class. Because 70 people are not going to agree on the air circulation of this class.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And it's just some people are not gonna be happy with it. And you take that. 70 people in social media is nothing. It's nothing. You've got millions of people coming at you, and so you have to be in the same way. How do I want to do the proper air circulation of my family?

[B]

Right.

[A]

I want to post the photo. Post the photo. I want to, you know, go and do this experience. I want to wear this thing. Go wear this thing. And I think that it really is just leaning into the communities of. Of other people who are going to be like, yes, go live your life. Have fun, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's really the trick of navigating. I mean, sometimes I need it. Sometimes I'll read a mean comment. I'm like, oh, my God, I'm a full on us. And, you know, but all I know is I have to call my friends or my family or something like that, and they go like, stop it. Yeah, snap out of it. You know?

[B]

So deciding to do Dancing with the Stars, did you have moments like that too, of like, kind of being scared of the public but wanting to go for it, or was this a full.

[A]

I'm not scared of the. I'm not scared of the public anymore. I'm not. I feel. I feel so confident in who I am and how I am and how I parents now. Am I perfect? No. I'm gonna get things run. Absolutely. Are. Are there gonna be. It still happens all the time, where people completely, like, make up a story and I'm like, I wasn't even there. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's just that you can't. And at the same time, I'm never gonna let that debilitate me ever again. And that's something where. When this opportunity came along, and I don't know if you know a little bit about how this opportunity came along.

[B]

Well, I heard from Julianne Huff that you manifested this. Like, you.

[A]

You made it so I love. I loved. I love Julianne. And I don't know where she got that from because I loved it because I saw that too. And I was like, that's not how it happened. But I love that story too. I actually love that story. I wish I had. I wish I had Manifest was all you. Yeah, it was all I wish. I wish. I mean, I don't know. I guess it depends on which way you look at it. So I'm new to TikTok, I'm brand new to TikTok, and I'm trying to figure it out, and there's like a lot of dancing and lip syncing and all that kind of thing. And I started, like, doing the trends, and some of them are, like, samba trends. And I danced a million years ago, and people started writing to me, you should be on Dancing with the Stars. You should be dancing with Stars. And because I danced before and I haven't, my connection with ballroom is a little painful because I broke my hip and I didn't ever dance again. So I've kind of, like. I'm always, like, a fan of the show. I get, like, excited to kind of see it, but I haven't really focused on who the contestants are. And I realized that they let dancers on the show. So I always thought this thing, like, I can't do this show. That's not, like, the right fit for me. It's people who've never danced before.

[B]

Cause you technically danced before.

[A]

Cause I danced before, and it just felt like this was probably not a place where I belong. And for me, who has tremendous, you know, issues of belonging, I was like, I don't want to go into a place where I don't belong.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then. So this was, like, late August. I'm just posting these things and having fun and people writing Dancing with the Stars. I'm not even, like, responding to their comments, you know? And then Dancing with the Stars called me out of the blue. They called me.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yes. And I was like, what is this? And at first I was like, you know, now you can do that. And a few days later, I was on a plane.

[B]

Wow. That quick.

[A]

Crazy. No, crazy, like, stuff that I don't do. Like, I do. I am like a. I'm a mom. We have breakfast, lunch, dinner. We're like, I have to have seven kids. I have to have structure. I'm a little crazy. I've got my things. But, like, ultimately, my home life is like, I'm here, right? So I got my oldest and my youngest to kind of help out with because the other ones were in a day camp, but the oldest and youngest were not. I brought them out to L. A. And we did the promos, and then we went back and did GMA and then Glenn, my dance partner, and I stayed there for, like, a week and a half. And they were. I mean, Dancing with the Stars is, like, the most supportive place on the planet. They're so supportive.

[B]

Wait, it was that late? Just in August, you found out that.

[A]

I, like, late, late August. So this was like. And then like a week later or something like that. I'm moving seven people, seven children out here. Found the house, like, 12 hours before we moved into it. Found homeschool a few days later, it was like they missed a few days of school. Like, it was just this, like, crazy, crazy last minute thing. So did I manifest it? I mean, I don't know. I think the word was like, campaign. And I think it was like I said, you didn't love the beginning. No, but it was like, no, no. I just, like. I mean, I wish I had been so, like, such an advocate for myself because I would have loved to do this sooner. So I love that. But no, it really was just. I was playing around, and the people who manifested it were the fans.

[B]

When you talk to Dancing with the Stars, did you say, like, wait, I thought I couldn't even go on it since I have dance experience. And what did they say?

[A]

They're like. They're like, look at Charli d'. Amelio. Look at all these people. And by the way, like, there's. I mean, there's so many people on this season who have dance experience. And, you know, Jordan, who. Right. Whitney is an amazing dancer. Like, there's just. There's just such. This is a really, really incredible cast.

[B]

It really is. I. I told Julianne when she came on, and I kept my promise because I was like, I think I'm gonna watch this season. I said, I think I'm gonna watch this season because, like, there's something about this cast that I think is gonna be so good. And I watched the first episode as we're recording right now. There's only one episode out, unfortunately, because I want more, but I loved it. And Hilara, you killed it. Like, you did so good. I posted about it too. You killed it. Whitney was also great. Alex Earl surprised me. I didn't know she was gonna be so good, but I was like, oh, my God, I'm back in. I'm back in Dancing with the Stars.

[A]

Well, I'm excited. We're gonna do. We're gonna do another one tomorrow. But it's just, you know, one of the things that I'm so amazed about this experience is how much the Dancing with the Stars family, they always talk about that as a family. And it really is. I mean, to go from, hey, you belong. Do you want to do this, like, last minute crazy adventure? And then to go from that to, all of a sudden I'm there and everybody is nice here. Like, it's like, you look around, you're like, how is this possible that they have. It's a huge production, so many nice people, and then the contestants are all so nice. Even though it's a Competitive show. Everybody is like, such. There's such good camaraderie.

[B]

Really.

[A]

I think it's. Yeah, because I think we're just doing such physically hard things, and we. We. We practice every single day for, like.

[B]

Is it eight hours at this point?

[A]

It's like four or five. Depends on the day. And, like, if you do less on one day, then you're gonna do more on another day. But on show day, I. Last week, I got there seven. Like, I leave 7:15 in the morning, and we finished. I mean, I feel like it was like 9:30pm Something like that. It's a long day.

[B]

And your kids aren't used to, like, not seeing you for that long, I'm assuming.

[A]

Yeah, that's usually. Well, they came.

[B]

Oh, they came for the show.

[A]

They came for the show and they're so excited. Like, my kids are so supportive. And I think one of the other amazing things that Dancing with the Stars has given to my family and I'll forever be grateful for this, is this really joyful adventure because not only did I need it, and reconnecting with dance after thinking I would never dance again, to my children being able to see their mom real happy and to come back. Are you getting emotional? Yes. I mean, it. It really is. You know, I mean, it's like, I. My. My kids have had, you know, to watch their parents go through stressful experiences over the past few years, and I. To see my kids, who so much children want their parents to be happy. And I think that we did a pretty good job throughout everything of finding moments where we could really bring joy. And, you know, you go into, like, I. My thing. I mean, I don't know other moms out there, but, like, I would, like, need a, like, 30 seconds to cry. And I go into, like, the furthest bathroom during stressful experiences, scream for like, 30 seconds. I come out, I wipe my tears, and I'm like, I'm there. And so to have my kids see me do something that is not only just a fun adventure where they get to go somewhere and have a different experience, but also to then have me connect with a part of myself that I just close the door on because, you know, I broke my hip all the way through, and I was, you know, in a wheelchair and crutches and, you know, trying to teach yoga from crutches and wheelchairs and just like an insane time. And I mean, to this day, I. I sleep with a lacrosse ball in my hip because my leg spasms at.

[B]

Night, scared to injure it again.

[A]

Sometimes dancing With a, we're doing a. We're doing a lift tomorrow. That is actually not my hip. I'm feeling my elbows. I mean, also I'm 41 now. You know what I mean?

[B]

I mean, but you're like, but with a body of like a freaking 17 year old.

[A]

I mean, as. I've got a lot of miles on my body. I'm still 41, but. And I've had a lot of kids.

[B]

And you've had a lot of kids.

[A]

I've had a lot of kids. Yeah.

[B]

We'll be right back after the break. So, yes, I'm a protein girl. I'm a workout girl. I'm all of it. I often like to show off my breakfast smoothies and I get asked a lot what protein powder I use. So I have a few favorites that I kind of interchange. One of them is Clean Simple Eats. And the reason I love Clean Simple Eats is because they have nothing artificial in it. It's third party tested, it's non GMO, it's soy free, and there's zero added sugar. Most importantly, each serving has 20 grams of grass fed whey protein isolate. So when we are talking about protein, we really want to make sure that we're getting a serving of protein in each of our meals. Which by the way, like sometimes I double up on this and do like 40 grams. So two scoops. And that's kind of what we want to be getting at each of our meals and also in our snacks. So if, if you're looking for an in between snack, also great. Clean Simple Eats is just a delicious way to get enough protein every day, which as we all know is super important. I love the chocolate flavor the most. I even got Noah a children's protein powder from Clean Simple Eats because he was loving to drink my little hot cocoa that I've been making with the chocolate protein powder as a late night snack. So you gotta check it out. They also have clear protein powder which is really neat. It's light and refreshing when you mix it with water. And again, still 20 grams of protein. Visit CleanSimpleats.com and use code NOT skinny10 at checkout for 10 off your order. Again, if you want to get a 10 discount you go to CleanSimpleats.com and the code is NOT skinny10 for 10% off your order link is also in the show notes. You guys, this is an exciting day because I am such a fan of Little Spoon. I have so many of their ready to eat meals for my kids in my fridge. I love their pouches Lenny loves them. They're so good for on the go. They have amazing fruit and vegetable ingredients in them. And again, they're ready to eat. Meals are a lifesaver. When your kid is screaming, you don't have a minute. You didn't cook anything. You need to just have the, you know, one minute to heat this up in the microwave and your kid has a fully nutritious meal to eat. I love Little Spoon that you can do like a subscription situation on their website, but having it now available in Target really is life changing. Their recipes are made with pediatricians packed with hidden veggies. I love that they have this Mac and cheese vibe that's packed with veggies in it. Lenny, when I say he could eat like seven servings, it's actually insane. You wouldn't believe it. It's so freaking good. Like I said, if you can do a subscription through a Little Spoon, you can have their meals and snacks show up at your doorstep every two weeks and ready to go. You don't have to think about it. Okay, now they're available in Target, which is so exciting. So on your next diaper run and obligatory candle sniff, you can also grab baby food and snacks, pouches, yogurt, smoothies and bars. Target has an exclusive frozen line as well. Think their cult favorite, chicken nuggets, meatballs and sliders. Now you can find those in the snack and freezer aisles. You guys. So we're obsessed. Little Spoon is the mealtime hack parents can't stop talking about. Try their no Prep nutrient packed meals and snacks for babies, toddlers and big kids. Get 50% off your first online order@little spoon.com not skinny with the code not skinny at checkout. That's Little Spoon. L I T T L e S P O-O-N.com not skinny. Don't forget to use my show's code on skinny for 50% off your first order. I've been really elevating my style lately, if you've noticed. Thank you very much. I just feel like I finally kind of found my footing of like, I'm not going through phases. I'm just a lady. Yes, a lady in this world. A mama trying to like look good, look put together. And you know what? It's time to like invest in good pieces and like not wear like just everything fast fashion. So one of my favorite stores to shop in that really gives that kind of quiet luxury, elevated chic lady vibes is Quint. So I discovered Quint when I was looking for like cashmere for less. And their cashmere stuff is so good, like long sleeve cashmere sweaters, but they also have short sleeve cashmere that is just so freaking good and starts at like $30. Honestly $50 for Mongolian cashmere. They have amazing denim, they have luxe outerwear. They literally have suitcases, beds. My bed is from Quint. Yes, you guys. Amazing European linen. Just great stuff. And it's all because Quinn's partners with top tier factories and they cut out that middleman. So they're delivering you the same luxury quality pieces they just at half the price of similar brands. So get it. Got it. Good. Find your fall staples at quince. Go to quince.com not skinny for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. It's now available in Canada too. Woohoo. That's Quinn's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com not skinny to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com not skinny. Tell me if I'm alone here, okay? Tell me if this is just an Amanda thing, but shopping used to be way more fun before all the algorithm fed blah and the end of sea of dupes and trends. But I have a confession. I've found that fun feeling again on ebay. Yes, ebay. Let's throw it back. Because on ebay it's not just shopping, it's a full on fashion pursuit. And when you find the thing, the adrenaline hit is real. Like when you scored that rare Adidas collab that's lived on your mood board forever. The Dior saddlebag you ripped out of a magazine in 2007 and never got over. The pashmina scarves that are back. And the Olsen twins are still wearing. Yes, I didn't keep mine. So I'm back on ebay looking for them. And we're talking clothes that actually fit your lifestyle and your body, not just whatever is trendy on Tik Tok or any of your favorite items that sold out in five seconds you can find on ebay. It's about the thrill of finding pieces that feel like me and not that everyone else has. And I want you to find pieces that feel like you. There is always more to discover. Ebay has millions of pre loved finds from hundreds of brands backed by ebay. Authenticity guarantee, eBay. Things people love. And we're back. First of all, I just want to say before we we go back, but what you're saying about kids watching their parents and now that you're new on Tick Tock, there Is this like tick tock trend that's so sweet that I couldn't execute because I'm not very good at it either. But like it's like you give your kid the phone and they're supposed to be like filming you, but it's filming them and you're doing something like silly or fun. And basically it's showing how your kids kind of beam when they watch you having fun. So it's exactly what you're saying. There's a full trend about this. Like the, it says if you're telling your kid to film you, but they're filming themselves and you see their reaction, like seeing their parents smile and how that makes them smile. So it is really special. So I'm happy that you guys get to have this experience. Experience.

[A]

If you go, I saw a little bit of my, my kids in the audience. Not just when I was there dancing because I was so focused on the dancing, but like afterwards what the cameras picked up and it was just like, I mean, how beautiful for them to see that. And I think as moms, we're always so hard on ourselves about like, are we just thinking about ourselves? Are we self centered if we do things that nurture our souls? And what I've learned over and I used to very much be like, oh no, I have to work hard, I have to be. Everything has to be about them. And I realize if I do that I'm modeling for them a life of that for them themselves. Which doesn't mean that they don't have all of their needs met, that I can meet and take care of them in the best way that I can. But at the same time having, you know, as we're saying, having our kids see their parents chase passions, enjoy and smile and laugh is just not only going to make their nervous system happy growing up, but also teaches them that they deserve the same.

[B]

Totally. I told my husband that one week, there was a week where we usually maybe go out like once a week. There was a week where like I had a work event and the next day he was meeting friends. The next day we did a dinner together and my son was starting to like, you know, be like, oh again. And I felt bad. But then I told my husband and this was partly me trying to feel better, but I was like, good. Like he sees that we also have a life and that we want to go out at night and have fun. So I agree with you completely.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

How did Alec feel about this? Because I imagine it's a conversation like we're moving seven Kids, they're not starting the school year. You're going to be in the spotlight. Like, he doesn't love it, all of that.

[A]

No, he. You kidding me? He loves the spotlight. He loves the spotlight.

[B]

While you were saying, like, paparazzi and like.

[A]

Well, he has his. He has. You know, I mean, Alec has been famous since his early 20s.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, while it can be a lot on his nervous system, it can also, like, he doesn't know anything different. And so he loves to play. I mean, I think. I think the real trick is good attention versus bad attention. You know, of course, like, we all want every. Every. It's natural.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You know, to be like, I want to come and I want to have fun, and let's all be, like, happy together. Like, that's the vibe that he wants, that I want. In a world that is. Knows that negativity can sell more than positivity.

[B]

Right.

[A]

That's hard when you just are there to be like, we're just here to. To entertain you. I mean, I'm Dancing with the stars. Let's bring some joy into this world. Let's dance. Let's entertain people. This is not just for ourselves. This is to bring joy to other people. So getting back to your question. See, look at my age, therapy coming back. I'm working on it is. He's been wanting me to be on this show for a very long time.

[B]

Really? Like, I was very telling you, you need to do it.

[A]

Yes. And I said to him, I, like, there. Nobody's gonna want to have me there, there. I'm not gonna belong. And so when this whole crazy universe, mystical, twistical, like, fates come together, where, like, people are manifesting it for me online, and I'm like, okay, I'll do another dance. I'll do another dance. And then they're ring. Dancing with the stars. Dancing with the stars and calling in. And then, you know, I get connected with Dina Katz and everybody on Dancing with the Stars, who are, like, the most lovely people on the planet. Alec is just there. He's like, told you so.

[B]

But why didn't he try to help? Like, couldn't have. He tried to help then, like, when.

[A]

He wanted you to be on it, I don't. Well, first of all, I'm a Capricorn and he's not. If he ever made a call that would make things, like, easier on me for something I don't deserve.

[B]

You don't want to.

[A]

I would just be like, I would feel like I didn't deserve it. I'm very Much like, I'm a hard worker, I want to earn things on my own, on my own merit, I think, especially because I'm. You know, anybody who marries a celebrity is going to be accused of being like, oh, but you just get to, like, you know, I mean, again, there's wonderful things, but. Right. It makes you feel like you don't earn things, which is just horrible feeling. Especially as a Capricorn. Horrible feeling. I know. It drives Alec. One of the things that drives Alec crazy is I'm so independent and I was like, you know, I want to open the door for myself. And he's like, just let me open it. Like, even simple things like this, let me open the door. I'm like, I can do it by myself. Okay. No, he's very proud. He's very supportive. Alec is always extraordinarily supportive of me with working.

[B]

So he was excited when you got the call.

[A]

He was. He literally like, I told you so. Like, I told you. And he won't stop. Every single day he calls me. It's like, I told you so. I told you you'd like it. I told you so. But I am happy that I. That it happened in the way that it happened. Which was just so, you know, organic. It was. So. Thank you. That is the word I've been looking for. So organic. It was so organic. Yes.

[B]

So thanks to Tick Tock, if anything.

[A]

I know, I know I didn't even have that many followers in the grand scheme of things on TikTok, but. And that's the thing with Tick Tock is I'm like, I don't understand this. And I kind of feel like a little bit of a loser on it because I'll get like, it's like 200 likes. I'm like, and I post the same thing on Instagram and my following is much more there. But, you know, stick with. People say, stick with it. And again, like, I also, like, with like, the Gen Z things, like, you totally ate that and stuff. Like, people have these. And I'm like, oh, my God, I'm like, going to mess up words again. Like I said, you're going to be like, I. Like, I'm going to eat something. And they're like, no, not right in that context.

[B]

Like, well, you know, like, I did see that people are so supportive of you, and it made me happy. Like, I saw that since you've been posting about Dancing with the Stars on your Instagram, because that's where. Where I am too. Like, I feel like people seem to be so supportive of you so happy that you're, like, living this dream. So I'm very happy for you about that. And you fudgeing killed it. And we did talk about this a little bit earlier, which you are right. Because when I saw some comments saying you danced before, so it's, like, not fair. Immediately, there were the other side of things, being like, wait, there was Charlie d'. Amelio. There was Zendaya apparent.

[A]

So apparently that happens every single year.

[B]

Okay. There's somebody that has.

[A]

Yeah. So when it started happening again, like, my biggest fear was doing this and being people, being like, you don't belong here. And they're like, I just want to dance. Like, it's not like, just want to dance, and I'll work hard. Yeah. And I'll dance. But, like, apparently they're doing the same thing to Whitney, and, like, so she and I'll get together, and I'm like, yeah, I know. And you just. You just ignore it. You just ignore it. Because, again, like, you talk about the positivity. It's like, as it should be. We should be positive about each other. You know? I mean, I'm not the smartiest. I'm the smartiest. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Welcome. Welcome to my brain. Okay, now you get it. I'm not the smartest. I'm not the prettiest, I'm not the most talented. I'm not the most this, that, and the next thing. But I'm a kind person. And I know that every single day I live my life with kindness and integrity and trying to make sure that I'm leaving the world a better place. And so I think that being that kind of person throughout the years, and I know that any woman who would have married Alex would have gone through her version of what I went through and what I've gone through and what still happens. You know what I mean? And because he has this very prickly relationship, and I think it's gotten much better. You know, we had. I won't. I won't name the publication of this, but, like, way early on in our relationship, we got a gigantic. When he was, like, really railing against, like, whoever is the head of whatever news company. They gave us a gift basket with derogatory things about his daughter, about Ireland, and, like, bumper stickers and everything. I mean, like, there is so much stuff that happens behind the scenes on, like, a really dirty, like, gross. Exactly. And so that was, like, the toxicity of it.

[B]

Is this a publication that you wouldn't talk to today? Because they did that.

[A]

I Don't want to have that kind of negativity with anyone in my life now. I don't want to be afraid of people. I don't want to. No, I talk to everybody now because I'm not afraid. And I'm happy with who I am. And I know doesn't make it okay, but I know that the things that have happened to me was because I was targeted to try to undermine Alex. And. And that's something that I have to separate myself. You know, my mom said to me one time, she said, is this a problem with Hilaria Thomas or Hilaria Baldwin? It's never a problem before. It's a problem now because it's part of the Baldwin, and it's part of the world that I've entered.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so I just have to see it with clarity and I have to wish people well because I don't want to have any kind of negativity. Even with paparazzi now. Even with paparazzi now.

[B]

I see that you're, like, more playful with that.

[A]

Yeah, I'm more playful. And you know what part of that was that Alec Baldwin taught me how to be a famous person. Like, don't sign up for that class, anyone. Not one. This is, like, not the. Not the class you want to sign up for, because that's not also who I am. I'm somebody that I want to have fun with people. And so this is. I'm in my 40s now, and this is about just being like, you know what? I see you. I'm here. I want to embrace you. I'm not going to be negative towards you. You might be negative towards me. And every single time, I'm going to forgive you, because when I don't forgive, it's only poisoning my soul.

[B]

Can I tell you that Ireland, speaking of her, I mean, you know this. She wrote a post that was so freaking sweet about you that I reposted. Like, I posted what you wrote, and I said, everybody, like, read. This is so nice. And when I tell you that I got so many messages telling me, like, wow, this made me cry.

[A]

I know. It was like.

[B]

I mean, so many people were moved by it. Did that take you by surprise? That it did.

[A]

So how. She texted me where she was. Ireland and Andre and their daughter Holland visited us this summer in the Hamptons, and we had, like, the best time ever in Holland. And my baby are the same age, more or less.

[B]

Like, and one of them is an aunt.

[A]

Yeah. So my baby. So baby Laria is an aunt to Holland. And they're the funniest. Like, they're.

[B]

That's gonna be a good story.

[A]

It's a good story. It's really cute. So. And then, like, I don't know about you, but, like, when you look on my camera roll, it's like, all my Children, right? And then when Holland is there, it's Holland and All my children. Because those are the only things that matter. And if there's a photo. So Ireland asked me, do you have a photo of the two of us from that time? Like, more recent time, of just the two of us? And I'm looking and I'm like, nope.

[B]

It'S all the babies.

[A]

It's literally all the babies. And then, like, 20 minutes later, this is a night in New York City time, I started getting messages from people like, do you see what Ireland posted? And I was like, no. And I go on. And I'm like, oh, my God. Like, it was such a nice gift because Ireland really knows me. And Ireland has really seen me. And Ireland has seen how much I care about her dad and her family and her. And we've been so blessed to have a wonderful relationship. And that's not just being blessed and lucky. It's also, you know, being walking that line of being a stepmom, you know, and coming into her life when she's 15, 16 years old. And I was just always very clear that I'm there to be supportive. When she needs me, I'm not there. I told Alec before I met her, I said, if she doesn't like me, I'm not going to stay because I can't hurt a family. And he gets mad. He's not mad at me then. He gets mad at me when I say it now. But, like, I really feel that the family unit is the most important thing. And always be respectful about her mom. Always understand that it's Alec, Ireland and Kim, and I can come in and. And be a guest. And if I'm welcomed in, wonderful, I'm there. But I have to be strong enough on my own and not come in and, you know, mark my territory and all that kind of stuff. You know what I mean? Like, that. That for me is very small, but I was also very lucky that Ireland was extraordinarily welcoming of me right at the beginning. So it was a non issue, but I was very prepared to have it be. You know, this is. We have had a great few months together, and I'm gonna go, wow.

[B]

And then. So technically, you have eight kids.

[A]

I technically have eight kids. I know we Always. Oh my God. It was so funny. When she was younger, we went to get. The only time I've ever been to tanning booth, she really wanted to go tanning and obviously I got her parents permission. And it was, I think right after we got married or it was like for our wedding.

[B]

Wait, how old is Ireland now?

[A]

So Ireland's 11 years younger than me. So Ireland's about to be 30. Yeah. So we go to this tanning place in the village around the corner from our house. And she's six foot two. Ireland's really tall. And I'm.

[B]

She's literally, she's.

[A]

She's. She's six foot two. She's actually six foot two. And I am like almost five foot three. I round up, but I'm almost five foot three. So we're like, it's a very funny like. And also like my dark hair and she was blonde at the time. And so we go in and she needs parents permission and she's like, well, this is my mom. And I'm like, I'm like. And so I did it. But we're like, she will. She would really, like make fun of it for a long time. In a cute way. In a really cute way. But no, we are very lucky to have a good, A good relation, our whole family. And she's such a good sister. And you know, I mean, we're. I, I think again, you, you talk about negativity.

[B]

And why do you think she felt that, though? Like, it wasn't your birthday, right? It wasn't. So what do you think propelled her to, to post it that day? Did you ask her?

[A]

I think people in my life, whether it's Ireland, my. My parents, my brother, my. My best friends, my husband, there is a desire to protect me because I protect all of them. And I think that you know, anybody, when you love somebody and you see that people say things, it breaks your heart. And you see how people have. When you get misinterpreted, misconstrued, you just want to like shake people and be like, you don't know this person. This is a whole human being. And so I make. First of all, she's the biggest fan of Dancing with the Stars. Talk about number one. She's like my dance mom now. She's like, what are you wearing today? What's it gonna be? What's the nail color?

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

So she is like very excited about this. She'll. If we stay on long enough, she'll come to a show. She's with her in laws right now. But yeah, she's been very excited about the show. But I think her, her whole thing is just, you know, we love each other so much. And I think that she wishes people would just plainly see the person that she actually knows.

[B]

Does she call you for, like, advice and mom stuff and everything?

[A]

I call her for advice. Well, that was like. The really interesting thing is, like, I don't know how you were when your first was born, but I was like, really, like, didn't know what I was doing and I knew that I didn't know what I was doing. So I was really insecure. Like, I remember I gave Carmen a bath for the first time, like after her umbilical cord fell off. And I'm like trying to do everything. And I put some water on her head, like a little, little bit. And one like, drop went like all the way on her nose and into her mouth. And she starts coughing. I'm alone in the apartment. We're like way up high. I take her. I think I've killed my baby. I think she's like dead. Like, it's like, that's from one drop of water from exactly. No. Because I don't know what I'm doing. I run with this naked baby out to go get an elevator and I'm like hysterically crying like, my baby is not okay. My baby's not okay. And then I come out of my panic and I look at her and she was just like looking at me. Like, like, all is well. But like, that's the kind of like this new mom I was. Whereas, like Ireland was like, boom, boom, I got this. Everything is very, you know, like just. She just is so confident and so like, just her instincts are so good where I had to learn to trust myself a little bit. So, you know, in so many ways, I'm like leaning to her and be like, well, what do you think about this? You know, especially because we have kids the same age. So I'm. I learned from her, you know, I'd like to think that she learns a little bit from me. And when we talk, we'll talk for like, you. Like, I look at the time and it's like been like two hours, which is like a long time.

[B]

Yeah, so you said before, like, if you stay on the show, she'll come out because she's now with her in laws. What's your goal? Are we trying to win the mirror world?

[A]

To win? I'd love to win. I. I really would love to win, you know, I mean, and at the same time, I'm Such an effing yoga teacher. I'm like, I want everybody to win, too. I mean, I wish that, like, the only thing I change about this experience is I wish that everybody could stay on the entire time and then we'd just be given, like, placements at the end because.

[B]

Okay, it's like you're, like, you're. You're already kind of mourning somebody leaving and it hasn't even happened yet.

[A]

Tomorrow there's going to be a double elimination.

[B]

Or tomorrow, I don't know, double already. Well, no, tomorrow. Whenever we're talking.

[A]

Whenever we're talking. So. So the second show, elimination. Yes, but they didn't eliminate anybody the first week. And so there's double elimination and, you know, I don't want to go home. I'm having the best time. I, you know, if you asked me when I broke my hip 16 years ago if I was ever going to dance again, I would just, like, you know, it gutted me. And so now I, I've gotten a taste of it and I'm like, I just can't wait. Like, every single.

[B]

This is a question for someone like me, which I'm sure we have other listeners here that maybe haven't watched the show in a few years. Getting back on track. The elimination is the fan votes. Is it a combined fan vote and judge vote?

[A]

Yeah, it's combined. And, you know, I mean, that's the thing as well, is like, you know, I have a big following not on TikTok, but on Instagram, of a big. So guys, follow me over on TikTok, guys, to try to make me not be so insecure there. I'd really appreciate it. There's a people with a huge following. So then you kind of look and you say, well, you know, it is not just about the dancing. And that's fair. I mean, it's a, It's a reality show. You want it to be. You want to see your people.

[B]

But I feel like historically, people that have won have done really well dancing. Like, you're not gonna have someone who can, like, you know, do a good dance.

[A]

There's also really good. I mean, like, I thought. Didn't Robert Irwin, I don't know if you saw his thing. Like, he did such a good job. Like, first of all, he's the most adorable person on the planet and I want to like him. I know, Me too. I really love, I mean, I love everybody. That's what, again, like, is so painful about this is like, of course I don't want to go home, but I Don't want anyone else to go home either, because I like them all. So we get to go see each other and work every day. Like, it's so much fun.

[B]

Well, tell me about finding out Gleb was your partner. Who did you want, Gleb? Did you want somebody else?

[A]

I didn't. So I, again, like, I don't think things through, so I didn't really. I was like, you know, what's so interesting is that the Dancing with the Stars Dina Katz is a very intelligent woman. She just knows what she's doing and she just is like. Like where I think Gleb and I are very, very similar in our personality. And so I didn't actually didn't know who he was, but I knew Val, and I had met Val a few times when I was dancing before, and. But, like, I didn't really know a lot of prose on it. And so there's so many things that I'm happy to be dancing with. Gleb, number one, he is all about the dancing and the technique. So he is so classically trained in both standard and Latin dancing. And so I, like, I'm such a dance and movement nerd that, like, he'll explain, okay, use this side of the body and the floor to then propel yourself over here. Like, that's all I want to, like, know and do. So I'm really enjoying him that way. But he's like, you know, he, like, meditates every morning and he's very into, like, sort of crystals and, you know, good energy and stuff like, stuff like that. Like, I've enjoyed getting to know him. And we're like, you're total buddies. I think where we struggle a little bit is we'll get so hyper focused on the dancing. And then we, like, like four hours have gone by and we're like, oh, God, we haven't made any tiktoks. Oh, God. Because that's part of it as well. Like, we're just, like, bad.

[B]

Wait, so tell me about the tiktoks, because that interests me so much. So what is the expectation from a Dancing with the Stars couple? How many tiktoks are you supposed to churn out a day?

[A]

I don't think that there's necessarily a number, but it's definitely like, if you have a big following and your posts are doing well, that helps get the vote, so that's gonna help. And we're just like, again, like, I hope that the viewers can see that. We're just like. I mean, I'm like a really busy. Mom, I'm tired. I come back. I'm so tired.

[B]

And so you have to come up with a concept. So, yes. Like, no one's helping you? Like, no.

[A]

And again, we're just, like, such, like, can we just talk about the dancing? And the dancing.

[B]

But he has it. I think you. Here's my tip. I think you need to push him because he has it in him because he's gone crazy with tiktoks in the past. So you need to tell him this is on you. I'll do it. You have to, like, push us to. To do it.

[A]

Because to do it.

[B]

He's into it. He lip syncs all day. Go through his TikTok.

[A]

Well, the one. The one with the Whitney Houston. If you saw that one where I'm, like, holding onto his leg and he's, like, trying to get out. And that was my idea. I was very proud of that one. That was Alec one.

[B]

The Alec one was really cute.

[A]

No, and again, like, I mean, of course, like, people are going to. You know, it's always, like, makes us roll our eyes that people were like, well, how does Alec feel about this? And I'm like, right.

[B]

Because it's Gleb. I'll tell you why.

[A]

Him and. Him and Gleb would, like, actually, like, go and leave me in the dust and go, like, hang out the two of them together. I'd be like, oh, okay. Like, I mean, it's also.

[B]

I'll tell you why it's not that surprising. I'll tell you why. Because Gleb is a player. Player. Like, I say. So his. His contestant from last year on. On my show a little while ago, Brooks Nader. She has a new show. So they were dating and they were a contestant. I feel like everyone. Like, my sister just told me those pros are married. Like, everyone's like, you know, it's like a. Like, it's a family day.

[A]

The Gleb that I know and I've, like, gotten to be very protective of him because you get very close with people. The Gleb that I know is a really, like, honest, good person, and that's the Gleb that I know. And it's like, you know, he's. I grew up with an older brother, you know, and so I'm getting that, like, same kind of like, buddy. Buddy relationship with people. So I am. I am somebody that, because I've been misrepresented in the past, I get very protective over people. So the Glove that I know is kind and funny and respectful and he pushes me hard. I mean, I hope one of the things when going to get into the dancing, like when you watch the cha cha that we did, you see from the beginning to the end, we're dancing the entire time, right? We're not taking a long time walking onto stage. He's like, we're not wasting any music. We're dancing the whole time. We're doing the tango. Same thing. You know, it's like all of these dances we're doing as a viewer, watch our. The choreography that he's doing, and it's hard. He's really pushing me to really high level of choreography because, number one, he loves to dance. And he's like, okay, we can do that together. And then number two, he wants to challenge me. He's like, this. This experience is about growth. So I want you to use your feet properly and learn how to isolate a side of your body and just spin better and all that. He says, we're here to dance. And also, you know, I mean, Len Goodman, who passed away, who was a judge forever, every single day, he was very close with Len, and he said, we do this for Len. Lan loved the traditional, authentic ballroom dancing. And so, you know, before we go on, we give like, a little shout out up there to Len with our hearts. Yes.

[B]

Sweet.

[A]

And we just decided that this year, like, what we can do differently as a couple is dance is not. I know. I mean, a lot of people can dance.

[B]

No, no. Is like, focus on the dance.

[A]

Focus on that really fine quality of ballroom dancing. I mean, there's amazing dancers on this. This is like, I am not better than any of the other people. Like, it's like there's. Everybody has their. Their thing, but, like, for him, he's just very focused on technique. And I think that that's one of the things that we go out there and, and. And we're doing.

[B]

And I have a personal question because I am such a, like, germaphobe, slash get grossed out by people, and you guys really sweat all over each other. And I need to understand, like, if you're dancing with someone that isn't your husband, it's not your kids. Like, I'm personally like, oh, my God, like, his whole shirt is wet. He's dripping on you. Do you get used to that? Is it.

[A]

So I'm a yoga teacher, so sweat doesn't gross me out. I'm used to sweaty people and I don't even know their name because I would teach, like, such big classes. I was actually starting a yoga program in In a jail. I never talked about it publicly. And then it was like, a Covid thing, and it was like a. It's a bunch, but, like, I would love to go back and do that. So, like, you know, I mean, I'm somebody that I like to get very. I take care of people's bodies is my job. So sweat doesn't gross me out. It's just. It's natural, you know, it's things that scare me. Mosquitoes, sharks, and mice. Those three things you. If a mouse ran across the board, I'd be like, goodbye, see you later. I will never come in here again. Or mosquito. We were in. I brought the kids to the playground yesterday after I was done with practice, and I saw mosquitoes. I was like, we're leaving. That's it. One mosquito. We're leaving. We did not bring bug group on it. That's it. So there are things where I will get, like, squeamish about that. Other people will be like, just, like, deal with it. Okay.

[B]

But it ain't sweat.

[A]

I got sweat.

[B]

It ain't sweat. Okay, so after this reality show, and you've done your own reality show. Would you ever do. I remember people were campaigning for you, actually campaigning for you, for Housewives.

[A]

Oh, God. Are they.

[B]

People really wanted you, you know, to be on Housewives?

[A]

I don't know. I don't. That. I mean, what I've learned is never say never, because I. When I met Alec, I was kind of, like, dating the same kind of guy over and over again. And I was telling my girlfriends, and I was like, oh, my God. It's like, this is not working out. And one of my friends is like, maybe you don't know what you, like. Like, stop looking for the same thing over and over again. So I always approach life with a sense of humility, of not, like, having all the answers. So I'm never gonna say never to anything. I just think that, like, I don't think I'm, like, zesty enough. I feel like I'm just like. I'm just like. You know, I, like, want to go. I'm not, like, fun. I mean, I'm fun, but I'm just not fun in, like, a. I'm gonna throw drinks. I'm not gonna throw drinks around. Like, I have to parent. Like, I'm not gonna go out and get wasted. Like, the dancing. But then you, like, take an athletic thing. I'm like, dancing with the stars. No alcohol. Know this. I'm gonna exercise. I'm gonna stretch. I'm gonna take My hot baths. Like, that's the kind of the challenge that I do. But I do love a housewife moment. I am friends with some of the housewives. I love what they do. I'm a huge fan. So we shall see. If they're like, we want to have, you know, a yoga teacher on, maybe. We'll see. But I feel like, I mean, look, I was wrong with being not fitting in with Dancing with Stars, so I'm willing to be wrong in my life.

[B]

Right. I love that. Well, thank you so much for coming on. Like I said, I've wanted to talk to you for so long, and we made it happen. I thought we would do it in person, but I was like, she's in Dancing with Stars. She's in kind of promo mode. We'll do it now.

[A]

I'm very grateful for all of your time and your understanding, and I hope I get to talk with you again.

[B]

Me too. Thank you again, and good luck. I'm gonna be watching. I'm gonna be watching. And follow her on TikTok, everybody.

[A]

And follow me on TikTok and Instagram and every other place, because I want to improve my. My feelings about my online presence.

[B]

We got you. We got you, girl. Thank you guys so much for listening to this episode of Knott's Kenny. But me on Instagram at not skinny, but not fat. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any episodes. Rate the podcast that you love so much on Apple Podcasts and write a little review. If you tell me you did, I'll give you a big virtual smoocharoo. Thank you guys so much for listening, and I'll see you next Tuesday.

[A]

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a.

[B]

Direct or indirect financial interest in products.

[A]

Or services referred to in this episode.