Podcast Summary: Not Skinny But Not Fat Episode: JESSICA WILLIAMS: SHRINKING, HARRISON FORD & BEING A TALL GIRL
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Host: Amanda Hirsch
Guest: Jessica Williams

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat, host Amanda Hirsch welcomes actress Jessica Williams to discuss her role in the acclaimed TV show Shrinking, her experiences in Hollywood, personal life insights, and more. The conversation is candid, humorous, and offers listeners a deep dive into Jessica's journey both on and off the screen.

Podcast Evolution and Personal Reflections

Amanda begins by reflecting on the evolution of her podcast, sharing emotional moments such as her producer Christiana's departure. She emphasizes the podcast's significance in her life, stating,

“…the podcast is my life. Okay? It’s just wild how.” ([02:30])

Amanda discusses her early days in podcasting, balancing it with her passion for sharing content on Instagram. She highlights the obsessive dedication required to produce quality content, which her former producer aptly described as “serious... but chill” ([04:15]).

Amanda’s Personal Life: Pregnancy and IVF Journey

Shifting to her personal life, Amanda opens up about her ongoing pregnancy with Lenny, her challenges with postpartum recovery, and the complexities of kindergarten applications for her son Noah. She offers relatable advice to parents feeling pressured about their children's educational paths, reassuring them that,

“… wherever your kid ends up going, it'll be fine.” ([06:20]).

Amanda also shares her experience with egg freezing, detailing the emotional and physical toll it takes.

“You're doing a bunch of shots at the same time every day... it's not guaranteed that it's even going to work.” ([12:00])

Support for Spencer and February TV Lineup

Amanda praises Spencer for his unwavering support of his wife Heidi’s musical endeavors, commending his dedication:

“You are so interesting to look at. February, we're in Feb. Oh my God. We're in Feb.” ([08:45]).

She also previews exciting television releases slated for February, including White Lotus 3, Summer House, and her favorite, Shrinking. She expresses particular enthusiasm for Jessica Williams’ portrayal of Gabby, highlighting Jessica's energy and the character’s positive impact.

Deep Dive into "Shrinking" and Gabby’s Character

The core of the episode focuses on Jessica Williams’ role as Gabby in Shrinking. Jessica describes landing the role as a smooth process, praising the supportive and collaborative environment created by the show's creators:

“… it felt really good to me.” ([27:14]).

She elaborates on the character development, emphasizing the freedom given to her to infuse life into Gabby through improvisation and personal input.

“I always want people to feel like they're watching something that's alive.” ([29:20]).

Costume Design and Being a Tall Actress

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the challenges Jessica faces as a tall woman in the fashion and acting industries. Jessica explains the meticulous process of tailoring costumes to fit her six-foot frame, ensuring that her wardrobe reflects her character accurately:

“… if you spend the money to tailor it, you can always take it down.” ([20:40]).

She shares her personal experiences with finding clothing that fits her stature, humorously lamenting the struggles:

“Ass out there. Really?” ([22:00]).

Interactions with Hollywood’s Elite: Harrison Ford and Others

Jessica recounts her interactions with Hollywood legends like Harrison Ford, sharing amusing anecdotes and the surreal experience of being part of such illustrious circles. She mentions a memorable moment during a panel where Harrison Ford expressed his fondness for her character:

“I just missed you a lot, and he was like, I missed you too.” ([53:24]).

Navigating the Acting Industry

The conversation delves into the unpredictable nature of acting, with Jessica discussing the emotional challenges of auditions and the constant threat of rejection. She advises aspiring actors to maintain resilience and authenticity:

“...you learn really early on, like, don't tell people you're on stuff until you watch it on tv.” ([33:19]).

Jessica also touches on the importance of meaningful storytelling in her performances, striving to portray complex, relatable women rather than one-dimensional characters:

“I want to play women that are complicated and really interesting.” ([34:40]).

Future Aspirations: Directing and Work-Life Balance

Looking ahead, Jessica expresses her ambition to venture into directing, aiming to combine her acting experience with a behind-the-scenes perspective. She emphasizes the importance of balancing a fulfilling career with personal well-being:

“I want to have a really nice, full life. Like, I want to work and... work to live my life.” ([62:09]).

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on friendship, personal growth, and the continuous journey of balancing professional aspirations with personal life. Amanda and Jessica share moments of levity and warmth, reinforcing the podcast’s theme of feeling like conversing with best friends in a relaxed living room setting.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda on podcast dedication:
  “The podcast is my life. Okay? It’s just wild how.” ([02:30])

• Amanda on parenting pressure:
  “... wherever your kid ends up going, it'll be fine.” ([06:20])

• Jessica on character improvisation:
  “I always want people to feel like they're watching something that's alive.” ([29:20])

• Jessica on tailoring costumes:
  “If you spend the money to tailor it, you can always take it down.” ([20:40])

• Jessica on industry resilience:
  “Don't tell people you're on stuff until you watch it on tv.” ([33:19])

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Jessica Williams’ professional endeavors and personal experiences, intertwined with Amanda Hirsch’s candid insights. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on the multifaceted nature of life in Hollywood, the dedication behind podcasting, and the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional realms.