Podcast Summary: The Squeeze Episode: Brianne Howey: Grief, Growth & Georgia
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Taylor Lautner
Co-host: Antonia
Guest: Brienne (Actress known for "Ginny and Georgia" and "Scream Queens")

1. Introduction to Brienne and Her Roles

The episode begins with host Taylor Lautner and co-host Antonia welcoming Brienne, an accomplished actress known for her roles in "Ginny and Georgia" and "Scream Queens." The conversation sets the stage for an in-depth discussion about Brienne's personal journey, mental health, grief, and her portrayal of complex characters on screen.

2. Brienne’s Acting Journey

Brienne delves into her passion for acting, which ignited during her high school years. She shares how initial struggles with athletics led her to discover improv, which became a pivotal point in her career.

[07:54] Brienne: "In high school, I tried basketball, volleyball, tennis—all the athletic extracurriculars my family encouraged. None of them worked out, and I ended up making no teams. Then I joined the improv team, and that’s when everything changed."

Her determination paid off when she auditioned for the rebooted "90210," landing her first named role as Stacy despite it being her initial audition.

[10:12] Brienne: "I booked my first audition, went in for a girl role, and ended up getting a named role. It was surreal and really boosted my confidence."

3. Balancing Acting Career and Motherhood

Brienne discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding acting career with her role as a mother. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility and support from her husband and nanny.

[21:16] Brienne: "Prior to having a family, balancing work was tough. With COVID allowing my husband to work from home, it added much-needed flexibility. Season three of 'Ginny and Georgia' was our first time traveling as a family, which was both challenging and rewarding."

She highlights the difficulty of missing family milestones and the emotional toll of maintaining a work-life balance.

[23:22] Brienne: "It’s tough to find balance. I constantly remind myself that this is temporary and cherish the moments I have with my daughter, even if they are brief."

4. Coping with Grief

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Brienne's journey through grief after the passing of her mother. She reflects on the lasting impact of her mother's death and how it has influenced her personal and professional life.

[38:22] Brienne: "My mom passed away 14 years ago from cancer when I was 21. It was sudden and traumatic. I remember feeling aimless and lost for months, throwing myself into work as a distraction."

Brienne shares how therapy has been instrumental in her healing process, helping her navigate complex emotions and rebuild her life.

[29:22] Brienne: "I’ve been in therapy for almost seven years now. It’s helped me name my feelings and prevent myself from becoming my own worst enemy."

5. Mental Health and Therapy

The conversation shifts to the importance of mental health and the role of therapy. Brienne advocates for seeking professional help and discusses the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in demanding careers.

[32:13] Brienne: "Therapy has been the best thing for me. It helps nip negative narratives in the bud before they escalate."

Antonia and Taylor echo these sentiments, emphasizing the value of having a trained professional to navigate emotional challenges.

[34:03] Brienne: "Our generation is the first to openly talk about mental health. It’s crucial for our children to grow up with this awareness."

6. Portraying Georgia in "Ginny and Georgia"

Brienne reflects on her role as Georgia, drawing parallels between her character and her real-life experiences. She finds playing a strong, ambitious single mother both challenging and healing.

[55:00] Brienne: "Playing Georgia allows me to interact mentally with my mom in a way that's not about grief. It’s about celebrating her attributes and understanding her ambitions."

She credits her mother's influence for instilling a sense of control and ambition in her, which she brings to her portrayal of Georgia.

[55:00] Brienne: "My mom was a CEO at 30, building her own company from the ground up. Watching her hustle has made me more comfortable stepping into the unknown and taking risks."

Brienne also discusses the nuances of her accent and character development, highlighting the dedication required to authentically portray complex roles.

[58:10] Brienne: "Georgia is intense and passionate, much like my mom was. We had a dialect coach on set to perfect the accents, which added another layer to the character."

7. The Impact of "Ginny and Georgia"

The episode concludes with Brienne emphasizing the meaningful impact of "Ginny and Georgia" on its audience. She shares heartfelt stories of how the show has helped listeners navigate their own struggles.

[52:02] Brienne: "It’s motivational to hear that the show helps people. Knowing that my work resonates and aids others in their journey makes every challenging scene worth it."

[52:37] Antonia: "I have cried watching it, and the acting truly immerses you in the characters’ experiences."

Conclusion

In this emotionally charged episode, Brienne opens up about her personal battles with grief, the complexities of balancing a career and motherhood, and the therapeutic role of acting. Her candid discussions provide listeners with valuable insights into mental health, resilience, and the healing power of storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• Brienne on Therapy:

  "[29:22] I’ve been in therapy for almost seven years now. It’s helped me name my feelings and prevent myself from becoming my own worst enemy."

• Brienne on Grief:

  "[38:22] My mom passed away 14 years ago from cancer when I was 21. It was sudden and traumatic. I remember feeling aimless and lost for months, throwing myself into work as a distraction."

• Brienne on Portraying Georgia:

  "[55:00] Playing Georgia allows me to interact mentally with my mom in a way that's not about grief. It’s about celebrating her attributes and understanding her ambitions."

• Brienne on Impact of the Show:

  "[52:02] It’s motivational to hear that the show helps people. Knowing that my work resonates and aids others in their journey makes every challenging scene worth it."

Timestamp Highlights:

• 07:54: Discovery of passion for acting through improv.
• 10:12: Landing first named role in "90210."
• 21:16: Balancing acting career with motherhood.
• 29:22: Importance of therapy in mental health.
• 38:22: Personal journey through grief after mother's passing.
• 55:00: Connection between real-life experiences and portraying Georgia.
• 52:02: Impact of acting role on listeners’ lives.

This summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of the conversation between Brienne and the hosts, offering a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode. Through her honesty and vulnerability, Brienne provides inspiration and comfort, aligning perfectly with the podcast's mission to discuss mental health and well-being.