SmartLess Podcast Episode Summary: "RE-RELEASE: Selena Gomez"
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Introduction of Selena Gomez
In this episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome the multi-talented Selena Gomez as their mystery guest. From the outset, the conversation is marked by playful banter and genuine excitement among the hosts.
Notable Quote:
- Jason Bateman (07:47): “Unmotivated.”
- Selena Gomez (07:53): “Perpetually failing not to laugh. It was so hard.”
Early Career and Breakthrough
Selena Gomez shares insights into her entry into the entertainment industry, highlighting her early start at seven years old influenced by her mother’s involvement in theater. She discusses her roles in children’s programs like Barney and the Disney series Wizards of Waverly Place, emphasizing the supportive yet protective role her mother played in her career.
Notable Quotes:
- Selena Gomez (12:16): “I was seven when I got my first job because I was only child, super dramatic, and I was like, I'm so capable of this.”
- Selena Gomez (13:07): “I was like, yeah. I was like, I'm fine.”
Transition to Music and Balancing Careers
The conversation delves into Selena’s transition from acting to music. She explains how her involvement in Disney provided opportunities to explore her musical talents, eventually leading to a successful music career alongside her acting endeavors. Selena reflects on the challenges of managing both careers, especially during tumultuous times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notable Quote:
- Selena Gomez (21:22): “I started having a lot of fun with music and then touring was really fun, but I was doing my TV show at the same time and Waverly Place. I just, I found it really fun. So I just kept going.”
Mental Health Advocacy and Personal Struggles
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussions about mental health. Selena Gomez opens up about her experiences with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and the impact of her mother's battle with Alzheimer's disease. The hosts commend her for her openness and advocacy, highlighting how her transparency helps connect with and support her audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Selena Gomez (25:52): “I've been to, like, four treatment centers, and just because of depression, anxiety.”
- Sean Hayes (31:02): “I like the way that you're so open and frank about that, about mental health... It helps so many people.”
Rare Beauty and Business Ventures
Selena discusses her entrepreneurial journey with Rare Beauty, her cosmetics company that has grown into a significant business venture. She emphasizes the company's focus on authenticity and self-expression, aligning with her personal values. Selena expresses pride in Rare Beauty’s success and its expansion into skincare, attributing much of the growth to the supportive period during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notable Quote:
- Selena Gomez (24:16): “Rare Beauty... we try not to be everything else, you know? Like, I'm not huge on promoting, like, crazy, you know, makeup.”
Authenticity and Personal Growth
The hosts and Selena engage in a deep conversation about authenticity, self-perception, and the challenges of maintaining genuine connections in the public eye. They explore the balance between personal identity and public persona, with Selena emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself despite external pressures.
Notable Quotes:
- Selena Gomez (36:38): “I'm all about authenticity. I can't really force myself to be anything other than who I am.”
- Will Arnett (52:56): “They are definitely attracted to all the things that are very special about you. And not to take away from any of that, but I think it is also very indicative of how common it is for people around the world to be not perfect.”
Upcoming Projects and Future Aspirations
Selena provides updates on her current projects, including her upcoming movie and television show, as well as her continued work with Rare Beauty. She expresses excitement about her evolving roles and the potential for future endeavors, mentioning her documentary focused on mental health as a pivotal project that fosters deeper connections with her audience.
Notable Quote:
- Selena Gomez (43:58): “I just finished this movie, this Jacques Gardillard film, and it's all in Spanish, and it's a musical, and it was one of the most challenging things that I'd done.”
Closing Remarks and Reflections
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on Selena's impact both as an entertainer and as a mental health advocate. They commend her for her authenticity, resilience, and the positive influence she has on millions of fans worldwide. The conversation ends on a light-hearted note, with plans to connect further, highlighting the strong rapport among the hosts and their guest.
Notable Quotes:
- Will Arnett (60:02): “But it is also very indicative of how common it is for people around the world to be not perfect.”
- Sean Hayes (62:31): “And I'm so grateful for how honest you are.”
Conclusion
This episode of SmartLess offers a comprehensive and heartfelt conversation with Selena Gomez, exploring her multifaceted career, personal challenges, and advocacy for mental health. The hosts and Selena engage in candid discussions that provide listeners with valuable insights into her life and the principles that drive her success.
Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and reflect the approximate timing of each notable quote within the conversation.