Loading summary
Shopify Advertiser
What would you do if your online store converted 36% more shoppers? You could take 36% more vacation.
Anthony
Another pina colada? Yes, please.
Shopify Advertiser
Open a new retail location with 36% more square feet.
Anthony
Fantastic.
Shopify Advertiser
Hire 36% more help.
Anthony
You're hired and you're hired.
Shopify Advertiser
Shopify has the world's best converting checkout up to 36% better than other e commerce platforms. What you do with those extra sales is up to you. Switch to Shopify today@shopify.com setup and get a $1 trial. Shopify.com setup the following podcast is a
Anthony
Dear Media Production I real life feel like I'm on a TV show.
Host 1
Did you see the hidden cameras?
Host 2
No, I've never seen a hidden camera, but I guess they're hidden, so I wouldn't.
Anthony
You wouldn't see them, right?
Host 2
You can't tell nobody your interview process. Like, was it just something that popped up? Did you talk to people?
Anthony
Actually shout out to mom? She sent it to me because she knows, you know, I'm always looking for different jobs.
Host 2
This can't be real. Like, this needs to be a TV
Anthony
show because so much craziness and so much craziness that they didn't even script a car crashed in the front door. Albertson fires that with the documentary crews being there f the documentary. Like, this needs to be a TV show. Honestly, learning their names was the hardest part of it. They just take on a Persona of themselves that they have in their mind. The purpose of retreats, right, are just to team building and come together as a family. And that's exactly what happened. Positions where they fit all their backstories. Just the bond. It just seemed so real. And then the next day or two, fucking Sia shows up. And you'd see the cameraman trying to get every moment of Sia and I was just like, yeah, yeah, I should have known.
Host 2
That's so funny.
Anthony
I didn't even know what kind of TV show it was. Come to find out, I was the only one without my phone.
Host 2
What job you want next?
Host 1
I don't think you're ever going to
Host 2
struggle to find work again because I think anyone's going to want to hire you after this.
Host 1
Lemon drops. Welcome back to the Squeeze. Happy Wednesday.
Host 2
First of all, I just want to
Host 1
thank you guys for the love that you gave me last week. I just feel so grateful to get to experience this with such a loving community. Like, I literally can't get over the fact that you guys just give me so much love and the amount of messages that I've received, I see them, I try to look at all of them, especially now, because there's just so many women that are reaching out to me, telling me what they're going through in their pregnancy. So many of us are pregnant at the same time right now. So it's really special that we, we get to do this together. And again, I'm just so thankful that
Host 2
this is my job and that you
Host 1
guys just have given me such amazing love and support. And even though I don't see you
Host 2
in person, I can feel your love through all of our social apps and it's just so special.
Host 1
Okay, so I know last episode I was raving about our guests for the next week and how I've been trying to get her on forever and that she's amazing. So that episode actually you're gonna have to wait one more week for because that will be next week's episode. Because this week's episode actually just came up last minute and it was perfect timing with the finale of the show ending. So we had to just bump this
Host 2
episode up to come out this week.
Host 1
And if you guys have never heard of, of Jury Duty or Company Retreat, which is basically season one and season two of a show on Amazon prime, you have to go watch it right now. This show, the creators of this show are truly so smart. Basically, the premise of this show this season, specifically Company Retreat, is where Anthony, who is our guest today, Anthony thinks that he's been hired as a temp assistant for a small business called Rock and Grandma's Hot Sauce, not realizing that the company, the retreat, the company goes on and nearly everyone around him is part of this elaborate staged comedy setup. So basically Anthony is the only person that is not an actor. Everyone around him is an actor. Everyone's portraying these characters and they basically, it's basically a social experiment to see what Anthony will do. And the first season was Jury Duty and it followed these set of jurors around. This one follows a company and it's this tight knit family mean, it's truly
Host 2
like one of the best shows out there.
Host 1
It makes you cringe in your seat
Host 2
in the best way.
Host 1
But this season you really get to
Host 2
see Anthony, who is the hero of the episode and is our guest today.
Host 1
He is just a gem of a human. He is one of a kind and you can see his kindness play out throughout this season and he ends up
Host 2
doing some amazing things in the final episode.
Host 1
I'm not going to tell you what they are because I want you to go watch it. If you haven't watched it. If you have, you were in for a treat because I asked him why all of the questions? How did he not know? What was his interview process?
Host 2
Like, what did he take away from the experience?
Host 1
Literally, every question under the sun I have asked him. So I'm excited for you guys to meet him.
Host 2
He is truly such a sweet soul,
Host 1
and I can't wait for you guys to just hear more about him in this show. If you haven't watched it, listen to this episode today and then go watch it because it's truly so good. And then I will see you guys right back here next week for a very special episode.
Host 2
Anthony, Sweet, welcome to the Squeeze.
Anthony
Thank you for having me.
Host 2
I'm super excited because Jury Duty, company retreat. Those are, like, me and my husband's favorite shows, Jury Duty. When that came out, we. It took me a minute to get into it because I Like, when things are uncomfortable. I'm like, oh, my gosh, I want to crawl in the hole. My husband, like, thrives off of it. Like, he just is obsessed with it. So when the second season came out, we were so excited. So I'm excited to, like, hear from you in your experience, because that's, I feel, like, the biggest, like, question mark. Because obviously, we kind of understand the production side of it, but you not knowing anything was even going on at all.
Anthony
At all.
Host 1
Okay, well, we start each episode off with this jar. A little game called Citrus got real. If you want to pull a little question out of there and read it for us.
Anthony
Okay. I feel like you put the.
Host 2
I know. I just. I try to stack some so they're, like, easier to reach, but then no one goes for them.
Anthony
If you had to live in one decade forever, which would it. Which would you choose? I probably say, like, the 2000s to, like, 2010. That's when, like, the world was still just raw. We didn't have so much technology. Like, people were still being people, but we were slowly advancing, like, we were getting the good technology, but not so much to where I felt like we're in an advanced civilization. Yeah, that makes sense.
Host 2
Yeah. No, I agree with that. I feel like my TikTok feed, as of recent has been very, like, showing nostalgic things. Like, I came across this TikTok of a girl that posted, like, this little
Host 1
hello Kitty alarm clock that I had,
Host 2
and it was literally just the most simple clock, and it was like a tea mug. Then there was, like, games I used to play as a kid. But I always think about that, like, going outside and playing till the street lights come on and things like that.
Anthony
100%. Yeah. And dancing in the rain. I used to do that. And, like, we would roll around in the puddles out in the. On the concrete. My dad used to get so mad at us. Well, not mad, but he would get off the ground.
Host 2
Yeah. Oh, my gosh. It's so sweet. I know. I hope. I feel like our generation is going to bring that back.
Host 1
Like, I feel like we swung so
Host 2
much into, like, technology heavy. I feel like I know so many
Host 1
my friends that our moms are doing
Host 2
things with their kids where they're not having a phone till, like, they're 16 or there's, like, a communal phone that's in the house that they can house.
Anthony
Yeah.
Host 2
Literally, if they want to, like, have an Instagram, they can do it on that, but that, like, has to be used, like, in the kitchen and nowhere else. So I feel like we're kind of, like, swinging.
Anthony
Yeah. Back then, I saw somebody. I don't know who it was. I saw somebody said that they. They make their kids. They only can have their phone in the kitchen.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
They can't take their phone to their room. They can't. I'm assuming they let them, like, take it to, like, their friend's house if they're leaving, but essentially, for the most part, when they're at home, they can't really have their phone unless they're sitting there.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
In the kitchen. And I love that.
Host 2
It's such a.
Host 1
It's so.
Host 2
It's so interesting.
Host 1
Okay, well, I'm excited to dive in
Host 2
because I have so many questions that I'm, like, so excited to ask.
Anthony
Shoot. Shoot.
Host 2
And I know the viewers are definitely going to want to know the answers to these questions, but first of all, I want to start had before this, had you been doing temp work? Like, what exactly is it? Just, like, short contracted work.
Anthony
So I don't know what. In the moment, I guess I called it temp work, really. Just looking for jobs that fit with my. My schedule with my son. So I have a week on, week off schedule. And really. So it started with valet, and I did valet for, like, three or four years and got very close with a lot of the hiring managers. And so they would just basically say, hey, we got a shift today. Do you want it? So that was cool. Like, they would just text me, like, I can pick it up. You know, there's different apps out there where you can just pick up shifts and like, like now, well, not so much anymore, but I serve weddings. I live In Nashville. So, like, we would work Titans games or, like, set up music events and, like, help break them down and stuff like that. So it is very temporary in a sense that, like, I might just show up and do it for one day or, you know, there's the valet where it's like. It lasted for a long time, but I wasn't on a set schedule.
Host 2
Okay, how long was this set supposed to be for your schedule?
Anthony
A little under two weeks.
Host 2
Okay. Okay, perfect. What was your interview process like for that? Was it just something that popped up? Did you talk to people?
Anthony
Yeah. So actually shout out to Mom. She sent it to me because she knows, you know, I'm always looking for different jobs.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
So she sent it to me and I just applied. I applied to the ad, and then they got back to me pretty quickly after I applied. And then I had two Zoom interviews. I'm not sure with who they were with, but it was to a temp company. It wasn't with Rock and Grandma's at the time. I was applying to a temp company.
Host 2
Got it.
Anthony
And then after, you know, I had those two Zoom interviews. I almost forgot about it. It was like a month, month and a half before they even said anything to me. And then they reached out and was like, you know, hey, I think we want to move forward with you. And then at which point, that's when I got on the Zoom with Kevin, which is shown in the show. And then after that, they just kind of sent me the details. Hey, the time, the date, the pay rate, and all of that. And then, yeah, we got going.
Host 2
That is so crazy. Do you know if they were. If by the time when you did talk to him, were you the only person that they had picked or do you know if they were still talking to people?
Anthony
I'm not sure.
Host 2
Okay. Had you heard of Jury Duty?
Anthony
Not before.
Host 2
Okay.
Anthony
At the very end, when they were, like, explaining to me what Jury Duty was, they showed me a picture of Ronald and I was like, okay, he looks familiar, but I didn't know that he was from Jury Duty.
Host 1
Yeah, I feel like once spring hits, the days start getting longer.
Host 2
I'm just naturally outside more, moving more,
Host 1
doing more, and I've realized how much more important it is to actually stay hydrated. I used to think that I was doing enough by just drinking water, but there's such a difference between just drinking water and actually feeling hydrated. That's why Liquid IV is such a game changer. Especially their hydration multiplier, sugar free and mandarin orange. It's this really refreshing citrus flavor that actually makes me want to drink more water. It has three times more electrolytes of the leading sports drink and eight essential vitamins, which I love because it feels like you're actually giving your body what it needs and not just guessing. If you follow me on social media, you have seen how much I post about Liquid IV. I just absolutely love them because just one stick of Liquid IV and 16 ounces of water hydrates better than water alone. It's powered by Live Hydro Science, an optimized ratio of electrolytes, essential vitamins and chlorides. Clinically tested nutrients that turn ordinary water into extraordinary hydration. And I've really noticed a difference on
Host 2
days when I'm busy traveling or just on the go.
Host 1
It's so easy. You just tear, pour, mix in your water and you're good to go. And it actually keeps you hydrated longer too. It can retain hydration for up to four hours compared to water alone. It's just one of those small habits that makes a really big difference in how you feel throughout the day. Stay hydrated with the vibrant burst of Candy Sweet Mandarin Orange from Liquid iv, the science backed hydration you can trust and enjoy. Tear Pour Live more go to liquidiv.com and get 20% off your first purchase with code SQUEEZE at checkout. That's 20% off your first purchase with CODE SQUEEZE@liquidiv.com I feel like managing money day to day is one of those things that should sound simple, but somehow it can feel a little more complicated
Host 2
than it needs to be.
Host 1
Like whether it's splitting dinner with friends, paying someone back, or just keeping track of your spending, those little things add up and it's nice when you have something that just makes it all feel easy and seamless. That's where Cash App comes in. I love Cash App because it just fits into your everyday routine without feeling complicated. It's super straightforward and everything is in one place. Cash App feels like it just takes something that could feel stressful or annoying. It makes it feel a lot more manageable. Cash App just released a new status program for the way people actually spend called Cash App Green. It unlocks new ways for you to pay, get rewarded, and easily grow or manage your money on your terms. Now when you spend at least $500 a month with the Cash App card or Cash App pay, you earn green status, which unlocks benefits like up to $200 for free, overdraft coverage, higher borrow limits, and custom personalized cashback offers every Friday at places you love to shop Turn everyday spending into status with Cash App Green Download Cash App Today or visit Cash App Slash New to learn more about this and other great features. Now for a limited time, new Cash App Customers can earn $10 if they use the code CASH APP10 in their profile at signup and send $5 to a friend within 14 days. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partners Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton bank member FDIC Cash App Green Overdraft coverage Borrow Cash Back offers and promotions provided by Cash App A Block Inc. Brand. Visit Cash App Legal Podcast for full disclosures. Support for today's episode comes from Square, the business platform that helps sellers become neighborhood favorites. Whether you're gearing up for a busy season or just trying to keep up with everyday demand, Square keeps your business running smoothly, from payments to POS to online orders, inventory, staff and more all in one place so you can focus on your customers, not your to do list. Ready to grow or streamline how to Run Things Square is offering listeners up to 200 off square hardware when you sign up@square.com go squeeze again. That's s q u a r e.com go squeeze start with Square and build a setup that grows with your business. I feel like once you start paying attention to it, you realize how many of your favorite local spots are actually using Square. There's a coffee shop that I go to all the time and every time I check out, it's just so seamless. Whether it's tapping to pay or getting a receipt instantly or even just how quickly everything moves, it feels really easy and smooth. And you can tell the people working there aren't stressed about the system, they're actually focused on the customers. Square really brings everything together. Payments, online, orders, inventory, all of it so business owners don't have to juggle a bunch of different systems. It just makes everything feel so streamlined. And whether someone is just starting out or growing their business, I love that it can scale with you. You can really build something that works for you and evolves as you grow. Square helps you run your business more smoothly, bringing payments, operations and insights together in one place so you're ready for whatever is next. Right now, listeners can get up to 200 off square hardware. When you sign up at square.com go squeeze that's S Q U-A-R-E.com go squeeze get started with Square and build a setup that works the way you do.
Host 2
Because I feel. I mean, I feel like you even said it. There were so many times where you were like. Like, this can't be real. Like, this can't be a TV show.
Anthony
And. Yeah, and that's. I think that's where I. How I got to the. That point of, like, this feels like a TV show is because so much craziness. And so much craziness that they didn't even script. So went to Albertsons one morning. So every morning I had to go do runs.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
A car crashed in the front door. Albertsons. And broke the door. We had. We had fires. We had all of this. And I think that with the documentary crews being there, I was like, f. F the documentary. Like, this needs to be a TV show. Right. So I think that's how I got to that. Not the conclusion of it that it's a TV show, but it needs to be a TV show. Or I feel like I'm in one.
Host 2
Yeah.
Host 1
What. So what did they tell you?
Host 2
Because obviously there's cameras, you know, there's cameramen walking around. What did they tell you they were filming.
Anthony
So it was a documentary of basically big business. Big businesses versus small businesses. Which isn't a lie, I guess, because it was a big business versus small business.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
This wasn't a documentary.
Host 2
And that was probably, like, easy for you to just kind of, like, get on board.
Anthony
Yeah, for sure. Like, sign me up.
Host 2
Yeah, I was thinking too, like, there must just be because of all of the craziness and because these characters that the cast played are just, like, so absurd. I'm sure there's, like, a point where it almost feels normal, in a sense, because it's all just, like, at this, like, absurd level, like, nothing's really, like, standing out. Do you feel like that maybe was like.
Anthony
Yes and no. So at a certain point, you do just gotta, like, buy into the craziness. And, like, I think that allowed me to open up and, like, kind of have fun with it. Right?
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
But there were also moments where it wasn't so crazy either. Like, yeah, Alex or Dougie. He wasn't always being his Dougie self. Yeah, his Dougie stuff. Thank you. Yeah. He wasn't always being his Dougie self. Sometimes it was just cool, you know, normal conversation.
Host 2
Yeah, I know. I think we forget to, like, how. How much time was actually, like, how. How much you are communicating with everyone and how much isn't shown. I think they showed the stat, like, at the end of the last episode. It was like 3600 hours or something crazy like that of just.
Anthony
And then you Mix in the fact that at least me anyways. And we had a seminar. It was a. A digital detox, so we all had to give up our phones. But come to find out, I was the only one without my phone. So when you don't have a phone and, you know, they can't be on their phone around me, so it's like, that's all we really had to. Had to do was do these seminars and sit there and really connect with each other.
Host 2
Yeah. Looking back, is there any standout moments to you that you're just like, oh, my gosh, like, I really should have, like, questioned that or, like, why wasn't that so crazy to me?
Anthony
So one moment that wasn't even shared at all. But Warren, it was his birthday, and I went on a store run and I. I went and got him a cupcake. And it was like a big one, but it was just a singular one. Right?
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
And so we, like. We sang Happy Birthday and stuff. And Jerry, Doug, he was not there, so I went. We was talking about it at a. That same day, it was a little later, and he was like, oh, yeah, I got one of those cupcakes. And I was like. It was. It was. I didn't say it out loud, but I was like, it's only one, so I don't know what you're talking about. Right. But that was just a moment where I kind of. There was, like, hair. The hairs on my back and the back of my neck were standing up.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
Obviously true. K is bringing in Sia and just everything there. There was. They brought us a spa day. Like, they literally got everybody from a spa and brought them into one of our seminar rooms and the. The brunch with all, you know, the big table and the big setup.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
To me, looking back, I'm like, this was a little extra, right?
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
And then also, me and Jimmy were working on his talent show performance, and I was trying. We were trying to remix an Eminem song. And then Alexis, one of the producers, came out, and she was like, this is a small documentary. We don't. We don't have the copyrights. We can't do that. So I was like, okay, whatever. And then the next day or two, fucking Sia shows up, and you see the cameraman trying to get every moment of Sia.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
And I was just like, yeah, Yeah. I should have known.
Host 2
That's so funny. I mean, how could you. I think people. I feel like people when they're like, he knows he's being film. Like, obviously, you know, to some extent. Because they're telling you, like, they're filming a documentary, so you're not like, you know, obviously you're privy to that. There is cameras floating around.
Anthony
Yeah, for sure. And you honestly, you forget about, like, when you're not talking directly to them, you forget about them.
Host 2
Yeah. I want to hear about these seminars because the seminars were honestly, like, the hardest thing for me to watch. And it, like, I liked in the last episode that they really showed a lot of the cast of, like, how they literally, like, could not even, like, keep a straight face during some of these seminars. Like, what, like, what was that experience like for you? Because some of them were just, like, absurd. Yeah, I don't. I don't even know what a better word is than absurd.
Anthony
Yeah, like, just for example, I forget his name. The one he climbed Mount Everest.
Host 2
Yeah, I know. That's the one I was thinking of.
Anthony
But at the same time, like, a lot of those seminars, most of them had good messages, right?
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
What else? Because there were some that were so boring. Like, I literally was just sitting there. I'm. I'm very. I get cold very easily. And, like, so I would just, like, check out and just be, like, shivering and just, like, shaking.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
What other seminars do we have? Please forgive me. This was, like, three years ago now or, like, two years ago, so I have to remember.
Host 2
That's crazy. It was. Wait, it just took them that long to, like.
Anthony
That's crazy to edit and everything. They had so much. They had so much film that they had to go through and then actually doing the work of editing it together. And, you know, I'm sure they sent it to people to make sure, you know, the final cut was good or.
Host 2
Yeah, because I know they. I mean, I know they, like, write out a script, but it's so, like, up in the air. But I bet there was still so many things that, like, popped up, and you have to still make a. A cohesive storyline because it is a show. At the end of the day. What are the emotions? Because I honestly feel like you handled it so well, like, finding out that it. None of it was real. And I just thought it was, like, so sweet how you were just, like. You just, like, believed it right away. And you were so. Just, like, still loved everyone. And also was so sweet to see the whole cast, like, everyone crying and just, like, you could really feel how it was really cool to see how deeply they, as humans, like, as them, as their true selves, like, actually cared for you, too, had, as they had been, been Playing a character this whole time, what was that moment like for you? Like, how long did it take to actually sink in that it wasn't real?
Anthony
Yeah, I would say it didn't really sink in until, like, I got home and kind of really started watching the. The first season. Just like in the moment, like right after the reveal, it's. It's. You don't really even understand. Like, I didn't even know what kind of TV show it was right until after, you know, we. We kind of did a little celebration and then we went and sat down. I would say probably like two, two to three months after. After the fact.
Host 2
What are those initial. Like, is there a sense of not betrayal or like, questioning your trust in people? But I'm sure after going through such high emotional things, because the show definitely takes you on this emotional roller coaster and you feel bad for these characters even though they are insane. You feel bad for them and you are so sweet and helping them through these scenarios. Did you have any of those thoughts?
Anthony
No, no, not at all. I kind of, you know, especially looking back at it now, I look at it like they hired me to go hang around comedic actors all day, and then at the end they're like, oh, by the way, we recorded it and we want to show the world how do you feel like there was no resentment or hate or anything like that.
Host 2
Yeah. My husband really wanted me to ask you this question. If you're just always nice. Like, I feel like I. I feel like Amazon is just like, thanking their lucky stars that they picked you to do this, because I feel like you are truly, like, the perfect person for this because they needed someone that genuinely cares for people. And I feel like you embody that so well. So are you always this nice of a human?
Anthony
So I like, I like to think I always try to be respectful. Right. Now, obviously, you can push me and get. Get me to the nice. Not. No nice side.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
But for the most part, like I said, I think I just try to be respectful.
Host 2
Yeah. What was it like for you, meeting the actual humans that were playing these characters as, like, learning their names? Like, what was that like?
Anthony
Honestly, learning their names was the hardest part of it. They're. They're honestly the same. Not the exact same people, but I just, like, they took. They just take on a Persona of themselves that they have in their mind and just fall into that. Right. I'm going to use Alex as an example. He had a more young, you know, childish mindset. Right. So I just picture him going back to his younger Self. And, like, what. What would I have done in this. In this scenario? Right. So I just. I feel like I still got to know them, just one part of them. So since then, just learning the other sides of them.
Host 2
Yeah. Do you still keep in contact with anyone?
Anthony
Yeah, absolutely. All of them. All of them, yeah.
Host 2
That's so sweet.
Anthony
Alex, though, that's. That's my brother Helen or Stephanie. She's so sweet. She'll swing. Send, like, Christmas cards or. She actually bought me. You'll see it in the reunion shoot or the. Yeah, the reunion shoot. I had on a red hoodie that says Hero. She made me one, and she made one for my son. So, you know, we. I've just, you know, sending stuff back and forth and just text facetimes every now and again just to check on each other.
Host 2
That's so sweet. Yeah. I feel like there's such, like, a deep bond. Like, not a trauma bond, but some weird form of a trauma bond that you guys go through because it is such. Especially because it is so intense. Like, you don't have your phone. They're playing this Persona literally every second of every day. Like, that's probably so tiring for them to having to do this and really, like, trying not to laugh and trying to remember all of the details. I love that they did that in the last episode. Like, they had to really. The difference between the two seasons with Jury duty, no one knew anyone, so they didn't have to, like, build these memories or be like, oh, yeah, the company retreat, this many years ago this happened, or.
Anthony
Yes. And they did a phenomenal job from the moment I walked in the door, like, PJ being the receptionist, like, he just fits.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
Just every. Every. The positions where they fit all their backstories. Like, you know, you go in the warehouse and Lanisa and Jimmy. Or like, where. How. You know what I'm saying? Like, just the bond, it just seemed so real.
Host 2
Yeah. When you found out that it was like, an Amazon prime show and after, like, watching Jury Diddy, were you excited? Were you nervous? Were you embarrassed? Like, what. What was the anticipation waiting to, like, see this, see the season.
Anthony
A little nervous. Just because I had never seen my face on a screen, especially in this manner before.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
Never did I feel embarrassed at all because they never did anything to, like, make. Make it a joke on me. Right. So I never. Did I ever feel embarrassed.
Host 1
Did you see the hidden cameras?
Anthony
No. Like, no. How would I see them?
Host 2
I know I have. No. I have. No. I've never. I mean, I've never Seen a hidden camera, but I guess they're hidden, so I wouldn't.
Anthony
You wouldn't see. Right.
Host 2
But I've never, like, even had the thought to. So you just thought it was, like, the guys, like, the actual cameramen walking around.
Anthony
There was three of them, and it was the same guys every day, and then there was two. I guess you would have called producers.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
And they were there every day at the same time. They came, they showed up the same time every morning. They left the same time every day.
Host 2
Oh, my gosh. It's so. I want to. Like, after the first season, my husband
Host 1
was like, I have to be a
Host 2
part of the show. And then he thought about it, and he was like, actually, that would literally be, like, the most terrifying thing. And so James Morrison's been doing, like, interviews, and he was like. Someone asked him if he was sad he wasn't in the second season, and he was like, no, I'm not sad, because that was the most stressful thing I've ever done in my life. Like, I can't imagine that as an actor. Like, what. What that takes of you, because it is literally, like, all day, 24 7, all the time.
Anthony
But on the same side, I feel like it's fun, right? Like, you're in on it, and it's like. It's exciting, too.
Host 2
Yeah, no, you're in on the bit for sure. You said it took you, like, a couple of months to process everything. Did you feel any form of, like,
Host 1
emotional crash from it?
Host 2
Because, you know, you were so. You were defending these characters, like, to the end. Like, you literally were like, had your hand on this contract, and you were like, don't sign it. Was there any form of emotional crash after that? You were like, oh, like, thank God. Like, that, like, actually wasn't real.
Anthony
I mean, a little bit. Not towards, you know, them. Me saving the company and then possibly losing their job and, like, feeling okay about that? Yeah, I would say that there was a bit of a crash, right? From just excitement and joy of, like, just being a part of something so, so big. And then it's like, I think about, like, I'm the kid on Christmas Eve, right? You're waiting all day until Santa comes. For me, I had to wait, like, a year and a half, and it was, like, that big excitement, that rush of, like, knowing them be a part of it. But then I had to go back to my normal life and just, like, almost forget about it. So just being so excited for a long time did kind of make me frustrated, in a sense. And I guess that's where I guess I would call the crash, because it's like, oh, my God, I'm so ready. I'm so ready. And then it's. You're just tired of being ready all the time and you're ready for it to be here.
Host 2
Yeah.
Host 1
I mean, yeah.
Host 2
You're anticipating something that is a world that you've never been a part of. And, you know, so much of you was shown on it like you were just yourself, literally. They have so much footage of you, so I'm sure there's so much, like, anticipation. Not because you're scared that they're gonna show a bad side of you, just because you literally have no idea what this world even looks like. And you're just waiting to see it. Waiting, waiting and waiting to see it.
Host 1
I feel like I've definitely gone through phases with makeup where it felt like I was constantly trying to perfect everything, covering things up, layering products, and then you look in the mirror and it just doesn't even feel like you anymore. And I don't want to look like
Host 2
a completely different person.
Host 1
I just want my skin to look healthy and fresh like me, just a bit more glowy. And that's honestly why I've been so
Host 2
obsessed with Jones Road beauty.
Host 1
Their miracle balm has been such a game changer for me. It doesn't mask your skin, it actually just enhances it. It gives you that really effortless natural glow without feeling heavy or like you're wearing a ton of makeup. I love how simple it is. You can literally just use your fingers.
Host 2
No brushes, no complicated routine.
Host 1
And it replaces so many steps. I'll use it as a blush, a highlight, even on my lips sometimes. And it's just one of those products that makes getting ready so much faster. And the best part is that all their products are actually good for your skin. Everything is made with really thoughtful, skin loving ingredients. So it feels like you're taking care of your skin while you're wearing it, not just covering it up. They also just have their just enough tinted moisturizer, which is great for when you want a little more coverage, but still want to feel so super lightweight and natural. If you want makeup that brings out your natural glow instead of hiding it, Jones Road is the way to go. For a limited time, our listeners are getting a free shimmer face oil on their first purchase. When they use code squeeze at checkout, just head to Jonesroadbeauty.com and use code squeeze at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask where you heard about them. Please support our show and let them know that we sent you. I feel like we've all had those moments when you're craving something sweet and you reach for one of those quote unquote better for you freezer options and it just does not hit the same like you want something that actually tastes satisfying, not something where you're taking bites pretending it's good. That's where Yasso comes in because they are the real deal. Yaso took everything you love about ice cream and upgraded it with creamy frozen Greek yogurt. The best of both worlds. Delicious ice cream taste and better for you nutrition and they have so many options Bars, Chocolate Crunch bars, sandwiches Poppables and Yaso just launched their new spoonables which each have around 400 calories and 19 grams of protein per container. The spoonables come in five delicious flavors chocolate chip cookie dough cookies and cream, Fudge brownie, mint chocolate chip and coffee chocolate chip. They're all made with Greek yogurt and truly feel like a treat at the end of the day. I have been so obsessed with these because it's one of those things where you don't feel like you're compromising because it actually delivers on both taste and what you're looking for in a frozen treat. You can find new Yasso spoonables at a grocery store near you now through April 30th, Yasso is giving away 40,000 in one of their new spoonables. Head to yasso.com squeeze to enter and upgrade your freezer. That's y-s s o.com squeeze to enter and find the full giveaway details, rules and regulations I feel like when life gets busy, dinner is always the first thing that becomes stressful. It's so easy to fall into the habit of ordering takeout or just throwing something together that doesn't actually make you feel your best. And lately I've been trying to be more intentional about what I'm eating, especially making sure I'm getting enough protein and just having meals that feel more balanced. That's why Butcherbox is such a great option. ButcherBox delivers 100 premium protein options straight to your door, including 100% grass fed beef, free range organic chicken, grape free pork and wild caught seafood. It's all responsibly raised and thoughtfully sourced so you're not guessing about what's on your plate. For over a decade, Butcherbox has led the industry with meat and seafood that's antibiotic free, hormone free and independently verified. Because when it comes to fueling your Body quality isn't extra, it's everything. Clean whole protein means better support for strength, metabolism and that steady all day energy we're all chasing. I love how easy Butcherbox makes it to prioritize getting enough protein and having just good meals. Meals are truly the first thing that go out the window for me when life gets busy. So having something delivered straight to your door really takes the guesswork out of everything. As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between chicken breast or top sirloin for a year or ground beef for life plus $20 off when you go to butcherbox.com squeeze that's right. Your choice of chicken breast or top sirline for a year or ground beef for life plus $20 off your first box and free shipping always. That's butcherbox.com squeeze don't forget to use our link so they know we sent you.
Host 2
Like, what was the most like fun moments to you? Like is there anything that stands out to you that like, oh, the sage brush dinner was super fun or doing the little like challenge thing. Like, is there anything that stands out to you that you were like genuinely, genuinely just had the best time doing?
Anthony
Yeah. So first and foremost we played wiffle ball and they didn't put it in there, but that's okay. Big baseball guy and everybody, everybody played and everybody like showed up. They didn't half heartedly play like, you know, why are we out here doing this? Everybody genuinely showed up and was like having fun and that meant a lot to me. And then the ride back from Sagebrush, Kate or Erica was in the back and then Rachel or Claire was right beside each other and Claire was flirting with Kate and I was like, weren't you just trying to flirt with the boss? And then me and, me and Mark Sully sitting there cracking up about what we just like we saw them kissing and stuff like that and he's like, you can't tell nobody. So just that whole, that whole bus ride back was hilarious.
Host 2
I feel like the group had such fun people. Like everyone was just felt so positive and so down. So I just feel like it's like it looked like you guys were just genuinely like having the best time.
Anthony
Yeah. It literally was like the purpose of retreats, right, are just to build, you know, team building and come together as a family. And that's exactly what happened.
Host 2
Yeah. Getting into who you are outside of company retreat. What's something about your life that people would maybe be surprised to know?
Anthony
I guess I'll say I'm a homebody. I don't I don't really like to go out too much. You know, I spend time with my family and outside of that, I'll be. I'll be at the house.
Host 2
Yeah. What's been the biggest change for you? Life before this in life now, do you feel like you're still able to keep sense of normal in your life now that the show is out or what's kind of been the biggest shift for you?
Anthony
Yeah, for the most part, it's been pretty normal. Just like my day to day life here lately, it's been changing a little bit. Just people coming up to me and, you know, talking to me and stuff and sharing a lot of love. I think the biggest change for me is just fighting my thoughts. And what I mean by that is like, you know, everybody tells, you know, is telling me you're such a good person, you're such a good person. And eventually you'll want to believe, like, buy into that and that can change you. And I didn't, I didn't feel like I had to previously fight that. Right. And now, now that I'm getting all this, this outside.
Host 2
Yeah, like, attention.
Anthony
Yeah, attention. It's like I have to sometimes stop myself and be like, yo, go. Go back to the oju. You're like, yeah, don't, don't let it get to you.
Host 2
Yeah. Well, I think that's what makes what everyone saying is true, that you have that foresight to not let it get to your head because it very easily can. Easily, very easily. Do you. Have you gotten used to people like, coming up to you? Because I know you're kind of a quiet guy. Is that like, is that adjustment hard for you or is it. Is, is it just fun? Because it's just a fun time right now.
Anthony
It's more fun just because everybody's so sweet and so kind. And it honestly just started like when the first episode dropped. Nobody really said anything to me, but since the finale, it's been, it's been picking up.
Host 2
Yeah.
Host 1
How do you prioritize your mental health?
Anthony
So I isolate. I put my phone down, turn the TV off. Don't let any outside influence. Influence influence me at all. Honestly. I try not to think. I try to just let my mind just be blank and just kind of reset myself.
Host 2
Yeah. What job do you want next? Because I think after seeing this in the human that you are, I don't think you're ever going to struggle to find work again. Because I think, I think anyone's going to want to hire you after this, honestly.
Anthony
So what I Would, like, like where I want to retire at. I just want to build a baseball facility and complex to where I can just coach and, like, host tournaments and stuff like that. But from now until then, I would like to do, like, brand deals, endorsements, maybe smaller commercials. I mean, I think it would be cool to be in, like, movies and stuff like that, but that's not something I'm chasing.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
For instance, like, I love Teen Wolf growing up, so, like, if they had an opportunity for me to jump in there on one season, like, I think that would be dope.
Host 2
Yeah. That's so cool. I feel like you've gotten such a fun intro into, like, this world.
Anthony
Yeah, for sure.
Host 2
I want to know what did this experience teach you about yourself that maybe you didn't know before?
Anthony
That I'm not as much of a. Of a talker as I thought I was. And I'll say it made me. Made me love myself a little bit more. Obviously, the outside, not reinforcement, the love
Host 2
that you've been getting from people from.
Anthony
From the world is nice. Right. But just understanding that I couldn't have made it through without being myself. So just knowing. Knowing that it makes me love myself a little bit.
Host 2
Yeah. No, that you. You just being yourself was enough to put, literally run a TV show. And the whole reason this show exists is just because of the human that you are, so.
Anthony
Well, thank you. I. I like to argue against that because I. I think there's plenty of consoles out there. Would they have said things differently or handled things maybe a little differently? For sure.
Host 2
What does being a good person mean to you now?
Anthony
It doesn't mean anything different than before. I think. I think we should have always leave with lead, with love and respect.
Host 2
Why do you think people connected with you so strongly throughout watching your experience on the show?
Anthony
I probably say just my willingness to be a part of a team, honestly and willing to help out others. Growing up playing sports, like, that's all I'm used to. Right. So that's just instinctually what I go to.
Host 2
Yeah. I think your willingness to just, like, be down to do anything. And also, you're so, like, when someone's like, hey, can you run and do this? You're always like, yep, that's what I'm here for. Like, you always were like, the first one to jump up and do it. And you were so willing to do literally anything all the time and also just participate in the most, like, insane activities and things.
Anthony
They were really fun activities, though. Yeah, most of them weren't fun.
Host 2
Yeah. At least you got to have some real fun.
Anthony
Yeah. Ronald, he's kind of like, bro, I'm so jealous, bro. You had a whole freaking property, you could roam around so funny. And he was just sequestered in his hotel room.
Host 2
What has been your. Because I know you guys have talked and I know this is going to come out. What was it like getting to like, talk with him and share amazing experiences?
Anthony
Amazing. Much needed. He, he, he's, he's amazing. First and foremost, he's been there for me every step of the way. Anytime I call or text, he's there. We're actually going to grab dinner when I leave here or a little bit later. But honestly, I look at him like a big brother. There was one point I want to say it was the first conversation we had. I told him I was like, you know, I'm not the only one that's been through this. Like, what can I do for you? Right? And he was like, no, no, bro, I'm here for you. Anything you need, just let me know.
Host 2
How soon after, like, was it more recent that you guys met, like when the show was coming out, airing or how long have you kind of been. Were you able to kind of talk with him before the show came out and like, process the.
Anthony
It was a while after we finished filming. I actually, I was on the phone with two of the producers, Nick and Alexis, and I was like, you know, can you send me his contact information so we can talk? And in the middle of me saying that, he said, you know what, mate? That's a bloody good idea. Let me get back to you. Didn't hear nothing for like three or four months. And then that's when we. I went back out there to do the reunion shoot.
Host 2
Yeah, I'm so excited for that because
Host 1
I feel like a lot of people
Host 2
really want to see the behind the scenes of shows and see stuff. So that's why I especially love the last episode that they really like showed. Like, I think it's just, I like geek out over things. Like, I love knowing and learning things. But it's so interesting to see really like the ins and outs and getting to, you know, hear you guys talk
Host 1
and see more about the show and
Host 2
get to hear from the cast, I think is super special. And I love that they're doing that because a lot of shows obviously don't do that. So I'm excited for myself to see that.
Anthony
I'm excited as well. Even though I lived it, I haven't seen the edit, the edited version of. So I'm excited To watch too.
Host 2
Yeah. Was it fun for you, like, watching it back?
Anthony
Yeah, it's. It's almost like reliving it. I almost want the 36,000 hours or what a film or whatever the number is, just to go back and relive every moment of it.
Host 2
Yeah. Last question I have for you is, what do you hope people take away from your story?
Anthony
Just be willing to help others. You know, our Lord tells us to. To love our neighbors. Right. So love your neighbor.
Host 2
I think that's so special because I feel like I was just talking to someone this morning about this.
Host 1
We're in such a. I feel like
Host 2
we swung a little too much with the boundaries of, like, setting boundaries and protecting our peace and anything, which I think is important, but I think we need to kind of swing back the other way and have that willingness to help people. And, you know, maybe I don't want to go get lunch with a friend because I woke up and have a headache or whatever it may be, but pushing yourself to do something for someone, I feel like the reward is just so much better. So I think people getting to see you do that with such, for lack of a better word, happy heart, to, like, literally just go and just be a part of this insane journey and be so willing to help and to be Captain Fun and just do all this fun stuff is really inspiring.
Anthony
Thank you.
Host 1
I love that last little segment is called Lemon 7. But the first question is, what movie
Host 2
or song title best describes your mental health today?
Anthony
I probably say how far we came by Meek Mills.
Host 2
That's good. I like that. Okay.
Host 1
Number two is how open are you with people in life when you're struggling?
Anthony
When I was younger, not so much. But before. Before this experience, I had recently had started opening up more. More to my family.
Host 2
Yeah.
Host 1
Number three is if you could follow
Host 2
only three social media accounts, what would they be?
Anthony
Espn.
Host 2
Right.
Anthony
You know, the real big win is.
Host 2
I don't know.
Anthony
He's a comedy guy.
Host 2
Okay.
Anthony
He's super funny. He never takes anything serious. He makes me laugh. Every video. Every video he posts. So him. And then I would say, like Jordan Peterson or somebody, like somebody that I can look up to and learn and want to better myself from listening to them.
Host 2
Those are great. Next question is, what is your favorite form of self care?
Anthony
I think I'm gonna. I think we touched on this already. Isolation, just taking time to myself and disconnecting from the world.
Host 2
Yeah. Number five is what is the most misunderstood thing about you?
Anthony
So I guess I'll say the most misunderstood thing about Me is from, you know, what y' all see and what people say. You know, I'm this outgoing person in which I can be. But it. It takes a while for me to get there. You have to make me feel comfortable, and I have to. I have to feel that you're comfortable around me. Right. For me to get to that level of just being. Being myself.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
So that just. I feel like people would just think normally I'm just always like. Like that, and I'm not always like that. It takes time for me to get there.
Host 2
Yeah. Number six is who's had the most
Host 1
positive impact on your mental health?
Anthony
Oh, my son. My son, for sure. Anytime. If it's been a long day, I'm going through a lot. He can run in there, being loud and crazy, doing whatever he wants, but just seeing his face will always make me feel better.
Host 1
Say, how old is he?
Anthony
Three.
Host 2
Oh, that's so special.
Anthony
But he acts like he's 10, though.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
I think he's grown.
Host 2
Oh, I know. I'm not. I'm not looking forward to that.
Anthony
You should be. All of it is great.
Host 2
I know, I know. I. I nannied. I nanny a little girl from 8 months to 4 years old. So I'm like. I am familiar with the early stages years of life, and it's, like, crazy that I'm going to, like, go through it again, do it again. It's gonna be my own child. Just. Just.
Anthony
I'll tell you this. The first, like, two, two, three months, maybe like five, when they have to eat every two hours.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
That is the worst part about. But once they get past that and they go. Go to sleeping through the night.
Host 2
Yeah.
Anthony
You'll be all right.
Host 2
Yeah, that. Yeah, I've. I have been prepared for that, definitely. Um, I. My friends have definitely told me that one. So I'm just anticipating hell for a couple months there, and then it'll be better. Um, last question is, if you can
Host 1
go back to one moment in your
Host 2
life, what moment would that be, and
Host 1
what would you say to yourself?
Anthony
I probably say I would go back to my sophomore year. My sophomore year, I had a lot more. Both my siblings are older than me, so I think once I got to that point, not that my parents stopped caring, but they almost felt as if their kids were grown and I was. Had a lot more freedom than I should have, had made some not so great decisions and made some bad habits. So I would go back and tell myself, like, yo, just slow down. Don't try to grow up too fast and just Enjoy it.
Host 2
Yeah. That's sweet.
Host 1
Well, thanks for.
Host 2
Thanks for coming and chatting with me.
Anthony
Absolutely. Thank you. Can I say something?
Host 2
Oh, yeah. I hit it.
Anthony
Team Jacob, first and foremost. No. So when I was younger, our family nights, we would, like, binge watch movies.
Host 2
Okay.
Anthony
And of course, Twilight. There's a bunch of them. So we would binge them. And then when he commented on the. On the video, I kind of fanned out for a minute. I was like, no. No freaking way.
Host 2
No. It's so special. That's how. That's how this whole episode really came to be. Listeners. Taylor commented.
Host 1
And now we're here.
Host 2
We just. We genuinely are such, like, fans of the show. So this is so fun. And if you guys haven't watched Company Retreat, you need to go watch it because it's so special. And I'm excited to see all this reunion stuff.
Anthony
Yes, ma'. Am. Friday. Perfect.
Host 1
Love it. Awesome.
Host 2
Thank you.
Anthony
Thank you.
Shopify Advertiser
Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
Episode Title: Anthony Norman: When Reality Isn’t Reality
Date: April 15, 2026
Host: Taylor Lautner (with husband/co-host Taylor Lautner)
Guest: Anthony Norman (star of “Company Retreat,” Amazon Prime)
This episode centers on Anthony Norman, the breakout star of the hit Amazon Prime show “Company Retreat” (the second season following “Jury Duty”). The premise: Anthony is hired as a temp assistant at a fake company, not knowing that everyone else is an actor and the whole experience is a secret social experiment/comedy. The discussion dives into Anthony’s surreal experience, the emotional and mental impact of realizing reality wasn’t reality, his process navigating the show, and reflections on authenticity, vulnerability, and kindness in today’s hyper-mediated world.
Anthony’s realness and heart made “Company Retreat” more than a hidden camera show—it became a lesson in humanity, vulnerability, and the awkward beauty of true connection. His experience sheds light on what it means to remain yourself when reality shifts, and how kindness endures even under the oddest circumstances.
Final Quote:
“Just be willing to help others. Our Lord tells us to love our neighbors. Right? So love your neighbor.” — Anthony (43:33)
Jump to [16:19] for Anthony’s wildest realizations, [22:52] for the emotional aftermath, and [44:39] onward for the “Lemon 7” rapid-fire mental health and fun questions.