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

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.

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])

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])

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])

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])

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]).

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]).

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.

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])

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]).

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]

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.

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.