Podcast Summary: Not Skinny But Not Fat Episode Title: LUCY HALE: PLL, FMK, AND THE PERFECT DATING PROFILE
Host: Amanda Hirsch
Guest: Lucy Hale
Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of "Not Skinny But Not Fat," host Amanda Hirsch welcomes Lucy Hale, beloved for her role in Pretty Little Liars and her upcoming film F Marry Kill. The conversation promises a laid-back yet insightful dive into Lucy's personal life, career, and perspectives on modern relationships.

Health and Family Challenges

Lucy opens up about battling the flu, comparing this season's impact to the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her frustration and concern over her family's health, especially noting how her partner, Lenny, and her son, Noah, managed to avoid falling ill despite her own sickness.

Lucy Hale [00:28]: "...what is this winter? Like, everybody is sick and, like, it's just crazy."

Lucy reflects on maintaining family health, questioning why some remain unaffected despite taking precautions, and expressing her worries about another sick child entering the household.

Behind the Scenes of F Marry Kill

Amanda expresses her excitement about the episode featuring Lucy Hale, emphasizing the seamless connection they felt despite conducting the interview over Zoom. Lucy reveals that her movie F Marry Kill blends murder mystery with romantic comedy, delving into themes of love and suspense.

Lucy Hale [08:19]: "Lucy Hale, a lover. You know her since Pretty Little Liars, and she's just so great."

The discussion highlights Lucy's role as Eva Bea, a character navigating the complexities of dating amidst a lurking serial killer. They touch on the film's unique tone, balancing humor with serious themes like women's safety.

Lucy Hale [30:05]: "...the comedy played in was just through my character, who's just kind of, like, unhinged a little bit."

Personal Style: Hair and Tattoos

Amanda and Lucy dive into Lucy's evolving hairstyle, discussing her long-held bob and the challenges of maintaining it. Lucy explains the meticulous process behind her iconic bob, including an undercut that keeps it stylish yet manageable.

Lucy Hale [12:07]: "The secret is like the undercut. So under, underneath, every great bob is like almost like mine's almost buzz cutty underneath because it makes it lay flat."

Their conversation shifts to tattoos, with Lucy revealing her decision to remove several tattoos for professional reasons and personal growth. She shares insights into the stories behind her remaining tattoos and the emotional journey of letting go of others.

Lucy Hale [16:01]: "I'm slowly removing all my tattoos. I'm keeping my butterfly, and I'm keeping my dog's name..."

Dating Apps and Relationship Insights

A significant portion of the episode explores the dynamics of modern dating, particularly through the lens of dating apps. Lucy articulates her preferences for what makes a compelling dating profile, emphasizing authenticity and meaningful connections over superficial traits.

Lucy Hale [21:54]: "I always know by the clarity of the image. Like, sometimes people will post, like, pixelated photos and I'm thinking this is such a red flag for me."

Both hosts discuss red flags in relationships, with Lucy emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in potential partners.

Lucy Hale [38:28]: "I really get a sense of a person within like the first 30 seconds... someone who like, regulates my nervous system and calms me down."

They also delve into astrology's role in personal relationships, exploring how sun, moon, and rising signs influence compatibility and understanding between individuals.

Astrology and Personal Growth

Lucy shares her deepening interest in astrology, attributing it to her journey towards sobriety and self-discovery. She explains how astrology provided her with a framework to understand her emotions and interactions better.

Lucy Hale [51:05]: "I became obsessed with spirituality, and I became obsessed with, like, self-help and self-help books and podcasts..."

The conversation covers the significance of different astrological signs, with Lucy detailing her own Gemini sun, Scorpio moon, and Leo rising. She discusses how these elements shape her personality, relationships, and personal growth.

Lucy Hale [46:19]: "I'm a Gemini sun. But I'm a Scorpio moon... I'm a Leo rising."

Sobriety and Mental Health

A heartfelt segment focuses on Lucy's sobriety journey. She candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of overcoming addiction, highlighting the emotional depth and resilience required to navigate this path.

Lucy Hale [52:34]: "The first year of sobriety was just like, I just wanted to stay safe... The third year, emotionally, this last year was the most intense."

Lucy emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, acknowledging the pervasive issues of anxiety and depression in today's society. She reflects on how technology and social media exacerbate these challenges, advocating for mindful consumption and self-care.

Lucy Hale [54:35]: "It's like, we're not meant to know what's going on at across the world at any second... it's too much information."

Navigating Social Media

Amanda and Lucy discuss their differing relationships with social media. Lucy admits to struggling with the platform's impact on her mental health, recognizing the need for boundaries to maintain her well-being.

Lucy Hale [55:36]: "I do recognize how easy it is for my brain to, like, those apps are built to compare your life to... I do feel better."

Amanda shares her strategic approach to social media, using it primarily for professional purposes and personal sharing without falling into the pitfalls of comparison and competition.

Amanda Hirsch [56:39]: "If it's not doing good for me, like, I'm not about to watch that."

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, Amanda and Lucy express their desire to meet in person for future interviews, underscoring the strong connection they forged during the Zoom conversation. They also correct a playful mix-up of the movie title, reinforcing their camaraderie.

Lucy Hale [61:20]: "It's called F Marry Kill, but..."

Amanda Hirsch [61:28]: "I'm just gonna record myself saying it, and then my producer will put it."

Both hosts encourage listeners to watch F Marry Kill, praising Lucy's performance and the film's engaging storyline.

Conclusion

This episode of "Not Skinny But Not Fat" offers an intimate glimpse into Lucy Hale's multifaceted life. From her health struggles and sobriety journey to her thoughts on astrology and modern dating, Lucy provides listeners with authentic and relatable insights. Amanda Hirsch skillfully navigates the conversation, ensuring a rich and engaging dialogue that resonates with both fans and newcomers alike.

Note: This episode contains discussions on personal health, relationships, and mental well-being. Listener discretion is advised.