The JTrain Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Zoloft, Nepo Babies & Worst Slang with Hannah Dickinson - CHIT CHAT WEDNESDAY
Host: Jared Freid
Guest: Hannah Dickinson
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The JTrain Podcast, host Jared Freid welcomes comedian Hannah Dickinson for a vibrant conversation filled with humor, personal insights, and engaging discussions. The episode, titled "Zoloft, Nepo Babies & Worst Slang," delves into topics such as mental health, the impact of social media on self-perception, the phenomenon of nepotism in the entertainment industry, and a playful segment on disliked slang terms.
Mental Health and Social Media Pressures
The conversation begins with Hannah sharing her recent experiences with mental health, specifically her switch to Zoloft to manage anxiety.
- Hannah Dickinson [02:25]: "I just switched to Zoloft, which I feel like everyone's on Zoloft if you live in a city."
Hannah discusses the anxiety stemming from turning 33 and not being where she desires in her personal and professional life. Jared probes into whether societal expectations, amplified by social media, contribute to these feelings of inadequacy.
- Jared Freid [03:08]: "Do you think there's more feeling of that not being near where you want to be now? Is that a social media thing?"
Hannah concurs, highlighting how social media fosters constant comparison, making individuals feel they're falling behind.
- Hannah Dickinson [04:15]: "I'm nowhere near a relationship. I'm nowhere near where I want to be in my career. So I felt all this pressure, and then I was like, I just gotta fix this."
The discussion emphasizes the pervasive impact of curated online personas on mental well-being, with both hosts acknowledging the difficulty in finding and celebrating personal contentment amidst external pressures.
The Reality of Nepotism in Hollywood
A significant portion of the episode addresses the prevalence of "nepo babies"—individuals who leverage family connections to advance in the entertainment industry. Hannah shares her experiences from film school and contrasts them with the seemingly effortless success of those with established industry ties.
- Hannah Dickinson [17:31]: "I always wanted to act. You know, I auditioned for Hannah Montana as a child, so I wanted to be."
She details her struggles in acting without the advantage of a famous family, juxtaposing her efforts with figures like Patrick Schwarzenegger, whose success she attributes to his lineage rather than solely his talent.
- Hannah Dickinson [19:36]: "That's why Jeremy Isaacs was saying... it's crazy. You don't have to be on the panel to do all that."
Jared echoes her sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of meritocracy and the difficulty for genuinely talented individuals to break through without nepotistic support.
- Jared Freid [22:07]: "Everyone knew this. Like, Aunt Becky wasn't the only one."
The hosts critique the entertainment industry's favoritism towards those with connections, discussing how it creates an uneven playing field and perpetuates unmet expectations for aspiring artists.
Segment: Worst Slang Words
Introducing their new segment, "Worst Five," Jared and Hannah humorously debate the most disliked slang terms, providing both comedic relief and cultural commentary.
Hannah's List:
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I Y K Y ("If You Know, You Know") [27:40]:
- Hannah Dickinson: "It's self-explanatory. If you know, then you know. Why are we making this an acronym?"
-
Fire [29:25]:
- Hannah Dickinson: "Anytime someone says something is 'fire,' it's like the event is going to be the worst ever."
-
Busing [30:57]:
- Hannah Dickinson: "I don't have any friends who would say 'busing,' and I'm going to keep my circle that way."
-
Bet [32:19]:
- Hannah Dickinson: "I feel like the only person I know who says 'bet' has a neck tattoo and it's a guy. It's so douchey."
-
No Cap [33:59]:
- Hannah Dickinson: "It means 'no lies,' but it's so overused and out of place."
Jared's List:
-
Dope [34:54]:
- Jared Freid: "Every time someone says that's dope, I'm taken out of the conversation. It's like they decided to put this in a sentence from a word of the day calendar."
-
Dude [35:29]:
- Jared Freid: "I was saying 'dude' a lot when I lived in LA. My brother threatened to kick me out because of it."
-
Basic [36:44]:
- Jared Freid: "Calling something 'basic' is a way to elevate oneself above, implying everyone else is the problem."
-
Adulting [37:03]:
- Jared Freid: "Anyone who uses 'adulting' makes me wish I could roll my eyes all the way around back into my head."
-
Sleigh [38:47]:
- Jared Freid: "Using 'sleigh' in conversation feels unnatural, especially when referring to mundane activities like getting sandwiches."
Both hosts agree on the overuse and inauthenticity of these slang terms, reflecting on how language evolves and sometimes alienates those who prefer more traditional expressions.
Gratitude and Coping Mechanisms
Transitioning from critiques of societal norms, Hannah shares her personal coping strategies to maintain mental well-being.
- Hannah Dickinson [25:14]: "I've started doing a gratitude list, which is so embarrassing."
The gratitude list involves writing down five things one is thankful for each day, a practice Hannah adopts to foster a positive mindset despite ongoing challenges.
- Hannah Dickinson [25:38]: "It's just a notebook. You just write down five things."
Jared humorously engages with the idea, highlighting the difficulty of intertwining humor with genuine thankfulness.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Jared and Hannah reflect on the topics discussed, reinforcing the importance of authenticity and acknowledging the challenges posed by societal expectations and industry biases. They encourage listeners to follow Hannah Dickinson on Instagram to support her comedic endeavors.
- Jared Freid [40:31]: "Hannah Dickinson, thank you for coming on. This was fantastic."
Notable Quotes
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Hannah Dickinson [02:25]: "I just switched to Zoloft, which I feel like everyone's on Zoloft if you live in a city."
-
Jared Freid [03:08]: "Do you think there's more feeling of that not being near where you want to be now? Is that a social media thing?"
-
Hannah Dickinson [19:36]: "You don't have to be on the panel to do all that."
-
Hannah Dickinson [27:40]: "It's self-explanatory. If you know, then you know. Why are we making this an acronym?"
-
Jared Freid [34:54]: "Every time someone says that's dope, I'm taken out of the conversation."
Conclusion
This episode of The JTrain Podcast offers a candid and humorous exploration of personal struggles, the influence of social media, and the often unfair advantages within the entertainment industry. Through relatable anecdotes and sharp wit, Jared Freid and Hannah Dickinson provide both laughter and thoughtful commentary, making it a compelling listen for those navigating similar challenges or interested in the dynamics of modern fame and language.
For more insights and laughs, follow Hannah Dickinson on Instagram @HandsDicky and stay tuned for next week's episode of The JTrain Podcast.
