Podcast Summary: "The Interview": Miley Cyrus Told Us to Ask Her Anything
Episode Release Date: May 31, 2025
Hosted by: Lulu Garcia Navarro
Podcast: The Interview, The New York Times
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Interview, hosted by Lulu Garcia Navarro, Miley Cyrus opens up about her life in the limelight, her latest musical endeavors, personal relationships, and her journey towards self-discovery and healing. Scheduled for release on May 31, 2025, the episode delves deep into Miley's experiences, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her world.
Early Career and Transition from Hannah Montana
Miley begins by reflecting on her early days as Hannah Montana on Disney Channel, a role that catapulted her to fame at the age of 13. She discusses the transition from her Disney persona to establishing herself as a standalone pop star:
Miley Cyrus [04:47]: "I never admitted to myself how much it hurt me to not always be recognized for my work."
She elaborates on the challenges of breaking free from the Hannah Montana image and the subsequent evolution that led to her Grammy-winning hit "Flowers."
New Album: Something Beautiful
The conversation shifts to Miley's latest project, her ninth album titled Something Beautiful. She describes it as her first visual album, blending personal narratives with innovative musical experimentation:
Miley Cyrus [12:59]: "With Something Beautiful, I wanted to reclaim and reimagine the word beautiful. And what it means to me..."
Miley emphasizes the duality of her music, balancing "normal" accessible tracks like "Flowers" with more experimental pieces such as "Prelude" and the title track "Something Beautiful."
Personal Relationships and Family Dynamics
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Miley's relationships with her family, particularly her mother, Tish Cyrus, and her godmother, Dolly Parton. She shares heartfelt stories about their bond and how they've influenced her personal growth:
Miley Cyrus [06:36]: "I never want to say detached from my mom because we're so close. I just love her so much."
Miley also touches upon the complexities of her relationship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, especially in the context of their shared fame and his new relationship with Elizabeth Hurley.
Mental Health and Therapy
Miley candidly discusses her experiences with trauma therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), highlighting the profound impact it had on her overcoming stage fright and emotional baggage:
Miley Cyrus [41:19]: "EMDR saved my life."
She recounts a transformative session where she visualized her life's pivotal moments, leading to a significant reduction in her stage fright and a deeper understanding of her emotional struggles.
Sobriety and Personal Growth
Addressing her sobriety journey, Miley explains how maintaining sobriety was essential for her vocal health and overall well-being:
Miley Cyrus [51:13]: "I've been carrying it for her [her mom]. So that's something I'm working on."
She acknowledges the challenges her father faces with sobriety and expresses hope for meaningful conversations about their respective journeys.
Reflections on Fame and Authenticity
Miley reflects on her relationship with mainstream success and the pressures that accompany it. She expresses a desire to balance commercial success with artistic authenticity:
Miley Cyrus [54:12]: "I'm starting to wind down on the pressure and not do it like that again."
She anticipates a personal rebirth in the coming year, aiming to redefine her career trajectory in a way that aligns more closely with her true self.
Closing Thoughts
Towards the end of the interview, Miley touches upon her aspirations beyond music, including her current stance on parenthood and her deep admiration for Dolly Parton’s authentic approach to life and career.
Miley Cyrus [35:32]: "It's like the minute I put on a gown, I'm somebody else."
She concludes by emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the continuous journey of personal growth.
Notable Quotes:
- Miley Cyrus [05:53]: "I don't want to leave situations that make me uncomfortable. Because that's what life is, you know, we gotta be comfortable being uncomfortable."
- Miley Cyrus [12:59]: "Sometimes my albums are experimentation for me, and they end up being shared."
- Miley Cyrus [41:18]: "EMDR is real. It's medical. It's real."
Conclusion
This episode of The Interview provides a comprehensive look into Miley Cyrus's multifaceted life, balancing her artistic ambitions with personal healing and familial bonds. Listeners gain valuable insights into her resilience, creativity, and the continuous quest for authenticity in the ever-demanding spotlight of fame.