Brylee Armstrong: Becoming Her Own Person

Summary

The Squeeze – Brylee Armstrong: Becoming Her Own Person

Podcast: The Squeeze
Host: Taylor Lautner
Guest: Brylee Armstrong
Date: December 10, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Taylor Lautner sits down with Brylee Armstrong, wife of Dancing with the Stars pro Brandon Armstrong and rising social media personality. The conversation dives into Brylee’s journey from being "just a girl from Utah" to carving out her own identity online, navigating marriage in the public eye, setting boundaries, and embracing mental health care. The hosts, joined by candid banter, dissect the nuances of supporting partners in the limelight and building a platform that is authentically yours.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Life Behind the Scenes of "Dancing with the Stars"

• Brylee’s Routine and Moves:
  • Brylee describes the hectic yearly schedule: moving to LA in August for the season, show wraps around Thanksgiving, then Brandon tours from January through May. [(05:09–05:24)]
  • On Brandon's early elimination but a busier schedule:

    “To be busy is a good thing, but the fact that it’s almost over. I’m like, wait, wait a minute. Where did the time go?” [(06:02)]

• Voting Perceptions & Audience Impact:
  • Dissects how unpredictable eliminations can be and stresses the importance of audience votes.
  • The interplay between skilled dancers and celebrities with no experience—why it’s crucial for show dynamics and storytelling. [(06:15–08:38)]
• Social Media’s Role:
  • Social media and influencer contestants are increasingly central to the show’s success and visibility. [(09:16)]
  • Brylee recounts when Brandon resisted TikTok but found his niche through couple trick videos:

    "He doesn’t like doing things that feel forced because he likes to be authentic." [(28:36)]

Becoming Her Own Person

• From “Dancer’s Wife” to Influencer:
  • Brylee shared how she started on social media to show Brandon's true personality, combat misconceptions, and eventually found her own footing and voice. She opens up about labels like “clout chaser” and “wag,” and how she shifted to sharing more about herself. [(30:08–38:27)]
• Building Her Identity:
  • Taylor also grapples with being known primarily as “Taylor Lautner’s wife” and relates to wanting recognition for her independent work:

    “That doesn’t negate all of the hard work and time and effort and tears and sweat I’ve put into building, you know, my platforms and my name.” [(40:10)]

  • Both discuss seeking visibility as individuals, not just appendages to celebrity husbands.
• Support & Partnership Dynamics:
  • Brylee underscores her role supporting Brandon—but is clear she doesn’t want to be overshadowing or “in his back pocket” at rehearsals. [(49:42)]

Navigating Social Media & Public Scrutiny

• Setting Boundaries Online:
  • Brylee and Taylor exchange strategies for deciding what to share, handling hate, and dealing with the mental toll of online criticism.
  • A guiding rule for Brylee:

    “You got to put it out there, and if you don’t like how the perception is, then maybe stop sharing it… You just have to be okay with that people might not like everything you say, and that’s okay.” [(32:46)]

• Mental Health Impacts:
  • Both admit to being affected by negativity but have learned to focus on the positive community that forms in response to authenticity [(33:16–34:43)].
  • Brylee’s approach to criticism: recognizing that “when it pours” she prayed for rain (i.e., growth brings exposure, and with exposure comes criticism) [(34:28)].

Marriage and Mental Health in the Spotlight

• Behind Closed Doors:
  • Brylee and Taylor discuss the need for personal boundaries—revealing that what followers see on social is authentic, not staged, but that private moments and struggles are kept within the partnership [(46:06–52:52)].
  • On Brandon’s sixth sense regarding her mood:

    “This man… If I’m sleeping and I were to open my eye, like peek it open, he would wake up and be like, ‘What’s wrong?’ Like, he just knows.” [(51:55)]

• Self-Care & Recharging:
  • Brylee describes her perfect “mental health day”: sleeping in, hot pilates, shopping with Brandon, going to a movie, dinner, and unplugging from her phone [(53:12–53:47)].
• Shared Ambitions & Partnership:
  • Mutual support as creatives and partners—“He always makes jokes…‘Oh, I’m gonna retire early. My girl literally taken off.’” [(45:12)]

Gender Roles & Modern Marriage

• Changing Dynamics:
  • Taylor and Brylee reflect on how women in the public eye are increasingly forging their own paths, even when married to celebrities. Modern marriage is more collaborative—"teamwork" and mutual respect are core. [(43:06–44:13)]

Technology, Burnout, and the Future

• Concerns About Digital Overload:
  • Both talk about “do not disturb” modes, boundary setting, and tech fatigue. Wonder about the future of phone and social media tech and their impact.

    “What is iPhone 32 gonna look like? It’s just in our brain… like a little hologram…” [(56:04–56:21)]

• The Importance of Unplugging:
  • Taylor highlights the anxieties caused by constant digital communication and need for deliberate phone detoxes. [(54:04–55:42)]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being authentic vs. “clout-chasing”:

  “People actually want to get to know me now, which is fun. And not just this thing that I’m connected to…They’ve grown to love Brandon and I…outside of all of that. So it’s been really fun.”
  — Brylee Armstrong [(38:27)]

• On public perception and forging a path outside of a famous spouse:

  “I never want to sit here and complain. Like, I’m so lucky. I love my husband. I married him because I love my husband, not because he’s Brandon from Dancing with the Stars… Like, who cares? Like, that is the thing that matters the least at the end of the day."
  — Brylee Armstrong [(41:59)]

  “That doesn’t negate all of the hard work… I’ve put into building…my platforms and my name.”
  — Taylor Lautner [(40:10)]

• On social media hate:

  “That means that something’s working. Like, we’re putting in all of this effort and a lot of people are seeing it…there’s also all of these people that really enjoy the content and that those people are the ones that…make you want to make content…”
  — Brylee Armstrong [(34:28)]

• On marriage and mutual support:

  “Brandon is similar to Taylor, like…when I first started really working as, like, a creator, influencer, whatever you want to call me, and I’m…getting brand deals…he always makes jokes. He’s like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna retire early. Like, my girl literally taken off. Like, she’s running the house.’”
  — Brylee Armstrong [(45:12)]

• On boundaries and independence:

  “I want Brandon to be able to, like, shine on his own, and it’s his own career, even though behind the scenes, I’m campaigning for him."
  — Brylee Armstrong [(49:42)]

• On mental health and being seen by a partner:

  “I’m an open book with him and, like, he knows when I’m having a rough go…[he] has just these senses, like spidey senses…he’d wake up and be like, ‘What’s wrong?’ Like, he just knows.”
  — Brylee Armstrong [(51:55)]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:01–04:41: Opening banter, reality show ideas, and the “Citrus Got Real” icebreaker
• 04:41–10:25: Life as a DWTS spouse, show logistics, and social media’s changing influence
• 15:17–17:50: Brylee’s dance background & conversation about performing and live shows
• 19:34–23:55: How Brylee and Brandon met; Cheesecake Factory date and public perceptions
• 24:17–27:30: Navigating Brandon’s show schedule and their relationship dynamics
• 28:16–30:45: Social media: Brandon’s journey, finding authenticity, and couples collaborating online
• 32:19–34:50: Setting boundaries and handling hate online; learning the necessary “thick skin”
• 38:02–41:59: Moving from “DWTSpouse” to independent creator; battling “clout chaser” labels
• 46:06–51:29: Public assumptions vs. real dynamics; giving partners space to shine
• 51:37–53:47: Mental health, self-care, and supporting each other through tough times
• 54:04–56:36: Digital overwhelm, need for phone/social media boundaries, future technology
• 57:05–57:43: Brylee’s proudest achievement: embracing social media and building something meaningful

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Takeaway

This episode offers a refreshingly honest peek behind the curtain of reality TV and influencer life. Brylee Armstrong is candid about crafting her own identity, the joys and oddities of being married to a DWTS pro, and striking the balance between authenticity and privacy online. The conversation with Taylor feels relatable, funny, and sincere—perfect for anyone navigating love, career, and digital life in the public eye.

Transcript

[Bri]

The following podcast is a dear media production. Oh, I'm gonna retire early. Like, my girl literally taken off. I don't know if I could do reality. I'm like, babe, you're on a reality show.

[Taylor]

Technically, do. Yes.

[Bri]

Saw me, messaged me, and he said, hey, how are you? I've never met him in my life. What is this intro like? Good. You like? Hello. I screenshotted his profile, sent it to my mom. She's like, oh, he's so cute. You should go out with him. Like, went to the Cheesecake Factory for our first date. We actually fell in love at the Cheesecake Factory. Three years later, the Cheesecake Factory.

[Taylor]

I feel like that's a good date.

[Bri]

The Cheesecake Factory is a great choice because number one, it's dark. So if you're. They can't really see you too much. Moody. Yeah. Yeah, it's moody. Menu's huge, so there will be options. You don't have to stress. We need your guys opinion prediction.

[Podcast Host]

Takes this.

[Bri]

This man has just these spidey senses. If I'm sleeping and I were to peek it open, he would wake up and be like, what's wrong? This is my perfect day. We wake up eight, nine, like a little bit of a sleep in, pop Pilates, come home, hang out, or go shop with Brandon. Then we go see a movie.

[Taylor]

You like going to the movies?

[Bri]

Love going to the movies. There's so many theaters here that don't have reclining chairs. I'm like, what are we doing?

[Taylor]

We got to get it together.

[Bri]

And then dinner. Chill off my phone 10 more times. Let's do it.

[Podcast Host]

Brightly.

[Taylor]

Welcome to the Squeeze.

[Bri]

Thanks for having me. This is so fun.

[Taylor]

I'm so excited.

[Bri]

I'm so excited to chat and yap.

[Taylor]

And all of the girly things. We start each episode off with this jar.

[Podcast Host]

A little game called Citrus Got Real.

[Taylor]

If you want to pull a little piece of paper out of there, just.

[Bri]

Go for the guy on top.

Okay. If your life was a reality show, what would it be called? Oh, my gosh. Wow. This is a good question.

[Podcast Host]

What.

[Bri]

What would it be called? I don't know what it would be called, but I have a good idea. For one, they should do, like a reality show about, like Dancing with Stars pros. Like, just, like, life.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Plain and simple.

[Taylor]

Yeah. No, I actually, I was talking with someone about that, saying that we were.

[Podcast Host]

Surprised that that doesn't exist.

[Taylor]

I know. Or even, like, even if it's just.

[Bri]

Like, during.

[Podcast Host]

Or honestly, it should be.

[Taylor]

Like, after the show so that there's.

[Bri]

Still more like, oh, I'm curious. Like, I think people would be mostly interested to see the behind the scenes of like, during filming, but also people are really curious about just like their mundane lives outside of the show.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And so I don't know. I think it could be interesting to see what the relationships are. Like, obviously, I'm married to a pro on the show, so that would be really fun.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And just like, what they're up to in off season. Yeah.

[Taylor]

I feel like with cuz I recently.

[Podcast Host]

Had Allan on his episode hasn't come.

[Taylor]

Out yet, but cool. By the time yours does it, Will and Elaine with the Halloween episode and everything and her being hurt and how they had taped the.

[Podcast Host]

They had taped the rehearsal.

[Taylor]

And I was just asking him about it. I didn't realize, like, I know that. I know that it's a whole, like, camera blocking day, but I didn't, like, my brain didn't realize that. It's like actually, like, they press record and they're recording it because obviously you see it back. But, like, it was just something that I never thought of before. So even like, things like that or like when like, Annie and Emma have done, like, Andy, like, walking into, like, you know, the little area with his little bags stuff, like, it's just like seeing everything. It's like, oh, this is like, cool how. Yeah.

[Bri]

Even for me, like, I'm around all the time and I didn't think that they actually recorded those moments. Like, I know that obviously they probably do because just like the dancers, the crew has to practice, like, how they're gonna film it and tape it. But then I don't know if you watched the 20th anniversary episode.

[Taylor]

Oh, yes.

[Bri]

They showed, like, little clips of, like, BTS moments even from last season that I'm like, they saved these for an archive. Like, this would make for a great just like, spin off.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Show. So. Hey, I'm ready. Where do I sign? Yeah.

[Taylor]

So I definitely think they should do that.

[Podcast Host]

They have.

[Taylor]

They have to have thought of it.

[Bri]

I know. I've, like, said it to Brandon just in passing. I'm like, oh, that would really fun. Like, if they ever did that. And he's like, I don't know if I could do reality. I'm like, babe, you're on reality show.

[Taylor]

Technically do.

[Bri]

Yes. And he's like, it's different because I'm just the dancer. And I'm like, okay, fair enough.

[Taylor]

Well, he is also the talent. He is not just.

[Bri]

He's my little star. He's my little star.

[Taylor]

Oh, my Gosh, that's so fun. Well, I'm so excited to, like, get into your lore and just learn and.

[Bri]

Hear about you too. This is so fun.

[Taylor]

I feel like life for you right now is, like, so crazy.

[Bri]

It's so crazy. Actually, like, the season started. We moved down to LA in August.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Is that normal?

[Taylor]

Do you guys normally come down together for that? Yeah. Okay.

[Bri]

Yeah. So Brandon and I have been married since 2022, and we were dating for, like, a year and some change before that. And so since we've been married, we've always moved down together. I always will come with him because it's, like, a big chunk of the year. It's August to December, usually.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

So the show finishes taping in November, usually around Thanksgiving, and then they rehearse for tour, and then we go home for Christmas, and then he leaves on tour in January, and then he's there until May. Like, it's crazy.

[Podcast Host]

So that's like.

[Bri]

Like four months as you're saying this.

[Taylor]

I'm remembering watching all of your, like, vlogging. Tiktoks of you, like, vlogging to, like, pack and go, like, see?

[Podcast Host]

Wow.

[Bri]

Yeah. It's crazy. But all that to be said, it's crazy to think, like, we moved here again in August and it's almost over. Like, it's so crazy. I think it's just because there's been thing after thing after thing, and it cracks me up because Brandon got eliminated week three, and I'm like, you would think that we would be not as busy. No, I think because our schedules opened up. It's like thing after thing after thing, which we're super grateful for. To be busy is a good thing, but the fact that it's almost over, I'm like, wait, wait a minute. Where did the time go?

[Taylor]

No, I'm like, really? I don't know how the time went so fast. Like, this season. I feel like I blanked it.

[Bri]

Have you been watching it?

[Podcast Host]

Oh, yeah.

[Taylor]

I'm obsessed with it.

[Bri]

You just never know, like, how the audience is feeling about them. Like, sometimes you can feel like you can predict, but, like, there's been so many times, especially with Brandon, obviously I'm biased because, like, duh, like, he's my husband, but there's been multiple of his partners that I'm like, oh, I didn't think that they would get eliminated when they did. Warren's a great example, but it's like, you know, the scores. Number one were low. That can happen. But also, if people aren't voting for you it's like, well, who knows? Or they're voting for somebody who doesn't have, like, this great dance experience and they could win the show. Like, I thought Andy for a second was gonna make the final.

[Taylor]

Yeah. No.

[Podcast Host]

I feel like this season we really learned how important it is to vote.

[Taylor]

Like, I mean, you've heard it every week.

[Bri]

I've been trying to tell everybody, like, like, you gotta vote.

[Taylor]

It's actually crazy, like, how much.

[Podcast Host]

I mean, yeah, Andy is the perfect example.

[Taylor]

Like, the fact that he has been on the show for as long as he did.

[Bri]

Like, quarter corner, finals. Yeah, crazy.

[Taylor]

Like, I mean, I. I feel like it was cool, though. Like, I know some of my friends were like, okay. Like, okay, we need to just, like, move on. Like, he's. It's great. It's cute. But I think it was cool that.

[Podcast Host]

He did get to stay on for.

[Taylor]

That long because you really got to see someone who really had zero dance anything. Like, obviously he was, like, low on the leaderboard, so I could say that, but, like, he just did not. Like, it wasn't natural. Yeah, it wasn't there.

[Bri]

Yes.

[Taylor]

And it was cool to see, like, to his final week, like, he was actually, like, really moving.

[Bri]

Like, he got so good. I was genuinely impressed.

[Taylor]

It was really cool to see, like, I feel like we got to see because there is, like, a lot of the people on the season, like, actually, like, they have natural rhythm and, like, they understand. But, like, he. Like, we were able to really see, like, what the show can do to someone that has no dance experience. The. No natural, like, rhythm to them. So I feel like it was really cool.

[Bri]

Yeah, I. It's always interesting to again, hear the public's perception of it, because being married to Brandon, I, like, obviously have my own thoughts and opinions about it. Yeah. And I used to be really salty when they would get really good dancers on the show because I'm like, how's anyone supposed to compete with someone with, like, all of this dance training? And then Brandon got Chandler last season, and it was his first season that I've been around that he had a really good dancer. He had. Do you know Tinashe, the singer?

[Taylor]

He.

[Bri]

That was his first person partner ever when he first became a pro. She was unreal. Like, I think they got a perfect score or, like, maybe not a perfect score, but scored really high really early, and she ended up getting eliminated really early. And. But anyway, all that to be said, Chandler was a great dancer, and I'm like, wait, it's really important to have all levels of like, difficulty on the show because you need the person that doesn't have dance experience, you need the one that does have dance experience and then a bunch in between, or else everyone's storylines are going to be the same. People want. Want a good story from it. So, yeah, it's fun to see people like Andy and like, what they decide to do with it. Plus, social media plays like a huge part in it. Oh, yeah.

[Taylor]

No, I feel like they've finally, like, production has finally, like really realized that there is, like something to. Because I feel like a lot of Hollywood was kind of like this with social media for a bit because, like, there's celebrities and there's influencers and it's like this and that social media is its own thing. Like Hollywood and celebrities is this other thing. But I feel like there is a way for them to merge together.

[Bri]

Yes.

[Taylor]

And I think that's really been evident this season, specifically. Well, I mean, it's slowly, honestly been a thing since I feel like Riley came on and it was.

[Bri]

Yes.

[Taylor]

That also, I feel like was kind of the first season they introduced like influencer type.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Contestants.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Yeah. They've definitely blurred the lines and it's been fun to see the contestants too. That maybe did come from like the acting space.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And they come on to Dancing with Stars and they're like, oh, I don't, I don't do tick tock. And then like a week goes by and they're like, wait, everyone's doing tick tock? And it looks really fun, like we should do it. Yeah. And it's so fun for the audience because it's like more content that they get during the week separate from Dancing with Stars, which I mean, I love. Yeah, I love it.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

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[Taylor]

Did you grow up dancing since you.

[Podcast Host]

I did.

[Taylor]

I did.

[Bri]

I never did ballroom, though, like that. Like, you grew up dancing, right?

[Taylor]

Yeah. Okay.

[Bri]

Did you do ballroom?

[Taylor]

No.

[Bri]

Okay. So you understand it is like its own thing. And that's the other thing. When, like, celebrities have dance experience, but they've never done ballroom and people get upset, I'm like, guys, ballroom dance is, yeah, literally insane. But, yeah, for me personally, I grew up doing competition dance my whole life. So, like, ballet, jazz, hip hop.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

The whole nine yards. Besides tap and ballroom, I did that till I was like, 14.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Bri]

And I did high school cheer and dance company, and then I did a college dance team for a semester. And then at that point I was like, I think I'm done.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

I never thought I'd be, like, in the dance world again. And then here we are.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Do you miss it at all? I.

[Bri]

It's funny because, like, I didn't think that I would miss dance because it was so much of my life. And I loved it. But when I was done, I was, like, pretty ready to move on.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And then obviously I meet Brandon and, like, that is, like, a huge aspect of our lives. And a lot of our friends are from that world and we're just so encapsulated in it that, like, I do miss it now more than ever. Like, I remember what it felt like to perform and to being front of an audience and, like, just the. Where my love came from.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

With dance. And I miss it in that sense. So I'm like, maybe I need to take, like, a ballet class. Should we, like, an adult, please?

[Taylor]

I will go with you.

[Podcast Host]

I've been.

[Taylor]

I've. When I went. I went to my first live show last season. Okay. And which I've literally watched the show my whole life. Like, my nana. I watched it with her when it first came out and she was like, you need to be, like, the dancer on the show. I was like, man, I don't. I don't do ballroom. I can't be the dancer. So now, hopefully one day I'll get to be the star. And.

[Bri]

Oh, I'm campaigning full circle. I'm campaigning to get on Brandon.

[Taylor]

We need all the help we can get.

[Bri]

The dances would go crazy. The Tik Toks would go crazy.

[Taylor]

Absolutely, they would. But when I went to the live show, I literally was like. I came home and I was like, hun, I have to.

[Podcast Host]

I need to perform.

[Taylor]

Like, I. I have to find something to do. Like, that was my favorite part of dancing was like, being like, I love being on stage. I love, like, making people feel something. So I was like, I need to do. I need to do something. And he's like, well, you don't sing, so you can't do Broadway. And I was like, I gotta find.

[Bri]

Yeah. You're like, well, there's gotta be somewhere.

[Taylor]

I gotta get those singing lessons going.

[Bri]

Would you do it, like, if you took singing lessons? Like, would you go get, like, try and be on Broadway?

[Taylor]

I.

[Podcast Host]

Absolutely.

[Bri]

Okay, I'll be there.

[Taylor]

I literally love to do it. And it's so funny because Taylor hates anything live. Like, he long time ago did SNL and he was like, not. It was the best experience and the worst experience because he was so terrified and literally was just, like, crapping his pants the entire time because he gets so nervous with live stuff. And it's intimidating when you're with, like, all of these funny people who, like, do it for a living. And we, like, will if we've done, like, speaking things on stage and stuff. I'm like, frolicking and just so happy. And he's like. He's like, no, this isn't fun even. We just had a mental health summit a couple months ago, and we were, like, hosting it and leading the conversations. It was basically just like this. And he was getting.

[Podcast Host]

He got so nervous before it started.

[Taylor]

And I was like, oh, my God.

[Bri]

You're like, wait a minute.

[Taylor]

I know. I was like, it's just so funny that the actual, like, actor of the two of us is the one that gets nervous.

[Bri]

Nervous. Yeah. It's just because it's just such a different thing that he's used to because what he usually does is scripted and, like, he can rehearse and retake and redo live. Like, I don't know how they do it. That's like, the one thing when people ask me, like, would you ever do the show? And I'm like, well, if Dancing with the Stars calls, like, you have to pick up. Yeah, like, 100%. But also doing it live, like, you have to be built different to do that. So I don't blame him for being a little. A little nervy.

[Podcast Host]

A little nerve.

[Taylor]

Yeah, I know. It's. It's so. It's so cool that it is. Like, I honestly think that was probably one of my first, like, live tapings. I think it made me. Went to American Idol when I was, like, eight. But, like, this was my first, like, live thing. Because we don't get live over here. Yeah. Okay, let's talk about how.

[Podcast Host]

How did you and Brandon meet?

[Bri]

Oh, my gosh. It's funny. I feel like if you were to ask him, it would be like, two different stories.

[Taylor]

Oh, okay.

[Bri]

But I'm going to out him. Okay. Sorry. Sorry, babe. Love you. So he slid into my DMs.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Bri]

Modern day romance. We love to see it, but I think every time I tell the story, people are like, okay, but how did he find your Instagram? Like, that's so random because he was a pro on the show. I was just in Utah.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Bri]

College girl living my life. So it's kind of random. Yeah, but they have, like, this dating app in Utah. It's called Mutual.

[Taylor]

And this is a Utah.

[Bri]

Yeah, like a Utah dating app. I don't know. It's kind of cringe. But, hey, everyone was on at the time. Yeah, I think it's like a similar to, like, Hinge, because Hinge wasn't, like, really a thing back then.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

So, yeah, he and I were both on it, but, like, it was cool to Be on it and just like, put your Instagram on it. And then you would, like, message them on their Instagram because you wouldn't really want to be seen on this app. You know what I'm saying?

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

So I think that's what happened. He was there. He happened to be in Utah in like the off season of filming of Dancing with Stars.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Saw me, messaged me, and he said, hey, how are you? I've never met him in my life. I'm like, what is this intro? Like, good? You like, hello? Yeah, so I literally was just like, good. Like, what's up? And then we just started chatting for a bit and I guess the rest is history. And I tease him about it all the time and he's like, well, it worked.

[Taylor]

Oh, very me. So you literally just like that you were cute and just.

[Bri]

Yeah, Yeah, I guess so. And then did you know.

[Taylor]

Did you know who he was because of the show?

[Bri]

Okay, no. So he, in his bio, it said, like, Dancing with Stars pro. And I remember, like, looking at it and being like, who? Because, like, I had grown up being around the show in the sense of my mom was like a huge fan. And so I remember I would come home from dance and it would be on. And I remember Derek, Julianne. I always looked up to them because they're from Utah.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And Whitney and Lindsay. And so I knew of them, like, pretty, pretty well. But then he comes on the scene and I'm like, okay, I don't think I've ever heard. Heard of this guy before, but he was super cute. So I screenshotted his profile, sent it to my mom, and I'm like, do you know who this is? Because I really was convinced, like, is he real? Is he, like, joking with me here? And she was like, oh, he's so cute. You should go out with him. Like, he's awesome. And I'm like, okay. Yeah. Like, I already thought that he seemed cute. I just needed to make sure. Like, he was like, this is real. Yeah. And so then, yeah, then after that, we. We went to the Cheesecake Factory for our first date. And people, I guess it's so funny. I think it was like the New York Times or the Washington Post. Like a year after we got married, like, emailed us and they're like, we're writing a story on why the Cheesecake Factory is the worst place for a first date. And can we get your comment? And we were like, oh. Like, I didn't realize that. Like, it's the worst place. Like, we actually fell in Love at the Cheesecake Factory. But, yeah, the rest is history. Oh, here we are, three years later, Cheesecake Factory.

[Taylor]

I feel like that's a good date.

[Bri]

Well, in Utah, there's really not options. Like, it's really only chains. Like, that's it. The Cheesecake Factory. If you're going to the Cheesecake Factory, you're, like, going out.

[Taylor]

They got a big menu.

[Bri]

Exactly. And I wrote back into the New York Post, and I was like, the Cheesecake Factory is a great choice because, number one, it's dark, so if you're. They can't really see you too much.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

It's a first date. It's moody. Yeah, it's moody. The menu's huge. So there will be options. You don't have to stress. Why would that be a bad place?

[Taylor]

It's not. I'm gonna. Yeah. I. I don't.

[Bri]

We need your guys's opinions right in the comments.

[Taylor]

I don't like this. I. I disagree with that. So how long did you guys date before you got engaged?

[Bri]

Before we got engaged, like, a year.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Bri]

Which, like, in Utah time, that's, like, pretty. Yeah. Standard.

[Taylor]

And then you got married pretty quick after that.

[Bri]

Yeah, a year and a half.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Bri]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

Oh, my gosh.

[Bri]

I know, I know. I, like, don't feel like that. That's crazy. It's funny because I was 24 when we got married.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And I remember growing up, my mom was like, I was so old when I got married, and I'm like, how old are you? She's like, 24.

I felt like a child bride. I didn't. I didn't feel like that back then. But, like, now looking back, I'm like, oh, yeah, that was pretty young. I have no regrets. But, yeah.

[Taylor]

Yeah. No, I got married. Was I 25 on it? Got married. Yeah, we were. I was, like, the same. Yeah.

[Bri]

Okay.

[Taylor]

As you. Yeah.

[Bri]

I mean, if you. If you.

[Taylor]

You.

[Bri]

I mean, if it's working out, then you know you're doing something right.

[Taylor]

Yes. Well, that's kind of nice that he was already on the show in the sense of you guys, like, navigating. That was already, like, a part of your relationship.

[Bri]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

Because I always think about that. Taylor. Taylor's done a few projects. He worked a little bit when we started dating. Then he's kind of taken a break the past few years. Just mental health and. Yeah. Whatnot. Kind of sorting it. But I'm so curious. Now he will be going back to work. How that's going to be.

[Bri]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

Because that's something we haven't had to, like, deal with navigate in a long time. Was that hard for you to, like, adjust to him being. Did you guys do a season while he was out here, or.

[Bri]

Yeah, so he. When I met him, he was off season, and then we had been dating for. We were, like, dating from March to August. By the time that he, like, got the call and moved down, so, like, it had been, like, a chunk of. Chunk of time, and he had kind of prepared me for, like, what it will look like. Because if people are aware with how the processes work with Dancing with Stars, they basically could call you at any moment's notice and be like, we need you here tomorrow. We need you here in a month. Like, you don't really know what to expect. So I knew that sort of thing. But, like, yeah, like, as far as, like, how it was, is that what you're curious about? Like, how it was, like, being with him? It was completely different than it is now because not our relationship, but just, like, the show now is so much bigger than it was then. Like, it still was really big, but back then, like, and even now, it's always been, like, me and Brandon, and he hasn't changed at all, but the show has changed. Does that make sense?

[Taylor]

Yeah. Was it hard? Like, are you a person that needs attention in the sense of, like, was it hard for you? Like, I know I could say for Taylor, like, he needs, like, okay, I could.

[Bri]

Relationship wise.

[Taylor]

Yeah, relationship wise. Like, I could go, like, a couple of days without talking to Taylor in the sense of, like, I don't necessarily. Like, Like, I know, Like, I don't need that.

[Bri]

But he, like, the validation or.

[Taylor]

Yeah, like, he needs to talk. Yeah, he needs to be talking to me.

[Bri]

Yeah. It's definitely, like, a niche situation to be in because ballroom dance is intimate, and people all the time ask me that question, like, does this affect you? Like, it's almost, like, really sensual and, like, they're not wearing very many clothes. And how do you feel about that? And I'm like, it's never really affected me in that way. Yeah. Like, number one, I grew up a dancer, and so, like, I think I. I come from a place of understanding, and I know Brandon's dated people in the past where it hasn't been that way. So it's been something important for him to find someone that's mature enough to handle it, but also can understand because that doesn't fly for everyone, and that's totally okay. But I am somebody that can understand. But then as far as, like, our relationship Goes during the season, we're still very close. Like, at the end of the day, he's still coming home to me and being like, babe, watch this video.

[Taylor]

Like, what do you think?

[Bri]

Is there anything in this that you think, like, I need to change or take out? Like, he values my opinion, which I'm like, I don't know why you value my opinion. I've never ballroom danced. But, like, I think he just trusts me and I trust him. And. Yeah, so I don't think, like, either of us really, like, we need each other's attention and all of those things, but it doesn't affect us at the end of the day. Yeah.

[Taylor]

Yeah, that's good. Will he, like, come home and want to do, like, practice things?

[Bri]

Yes. Oh, my gosh. It's so funny. Like, he'll. He'll watch a video on YouTube or tick tock and it will be some trick. And he's like, babe, if I have an Argentine tango, I just need to make sure I can do this stand up. We'll be on the couch just like this. I'm like, watching a show, have food in my hand. And he's like, please, just. Can you just really quick. And I'm like, right now we're gonna do this right now. It's like, I just gotta make sure that I can do it because I'm gonna do it tomorrow. And I'm like, okay, let's do it. And then. Yeah. It's funny because the number one question people ask us is like, do you guys just dance together, like, all the time? And I'm like, no. Like, at first, no, but now we actually do because we do those trick videos.

[Taylor]

I was just going to say the trick videos.

[Bri]

I actually have a lot of fun in that. Like, before, Brandon was like, I do not like social media. I don't. I can't do it. But now I think he's, like, enjoying it because of the trick video. Yeah.

[Taylor]

I feel like he is slowly coming around to it. I definitely feel like he is, like, not, like, ill, but he's like, it's not for me.

[Bri]

Oh, yeah. He's been that way literally forever. It's the pain of my existence. I'm like, please. But yeah, that's like the whole reason that I got on social media, because he hated it. And it wasn't like, he didn't think that it wasn't cool or any of those feelings, but just it was so foreign. And he doesn't like doing things that feel forced because he likes to be authentic. Yeah. And I Think that's a great thing. But I was like, honey, unfortunately, we've got to do the nae nae. Like, we've got to get on this trend because it's working.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Your colleagues are doing this, and it's, like, furthering them outside of the show, and I think you should get on it. And he just couldn't figure out a way that felt natural for him.

[Taylor]

So I'm like, okay, it makes total sense.

[Bri]

Yes. Yes. And like, hey, any normal, normal guy, like, probably isn't, like, nay nang on the Internet. Like, he's like, probably watching a YouTube video and, like, I don't know, eating a hamburger. So, like, I. I totally understand. But that's when I was like, you know what? I was already doing it for work at the time. I have a bachelor's degree in PR, but I was, like, working in marketing, doing TikToks for, like, this brand. And I was like, you know what? Like, I should try it from my point of view to show Brandon's personality. Yeah. Because the result of him not doing TikTok, people were kind of writing his story for him and being like, oh, we don't like Brandon because he's too cool to do these things or he's rude or just, like, these things that I'm like, literally could not be further from the truth.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

So I'm like, okay, let me get on the Internet and start posting him from my point of view and see if maybe that works.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And I mean, it's worked so far. People have, like, really grown to love him because I'm showing the unfiltered point of view of Brandon and just like, him at home in his element, just saying what he says. And as a result, people have grown to love him, but also, like, he's grown to love the Internet and understand that there is a way that he can get involved that doesn't involve him doing things that, like, he feels weird doing.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And he's learned, too, that, like, being on the Internet is silly. Like, you just gotta embrace it.

[Taylor]

Yeah. I feel like that took Taylor a while too. Like, he was kind of like, not. He was not into social media for a little bit. And then once I finally downloaded TikTok, it took me a while. I downloaded it during COVID and then I deleted it it and then I re downloaded it.

[Bri]

The story of all of our lives.

[Taylor]

I know a couple years later because everyone was doing it and I was like, this looks kind of fun. I was doing it with my friends on their tick tocks. And I was like, this is kind of fun. So then I finally downloaded it, and now it's literally, like, it's just so fun. It's so fun. It's so unserious. It's so, like, I can be dumb and we can make. I just posted this, like, really sweet video I was so excited about for our anniversary, and it's like, one of those ones that's, like, what he thought I saw when I said I do versus what I saw.

[Bri]

This. So cute.

[Taylor]

Everyone in the comments was like, I was waiting for you to troll him and for, like, you to put photos of Jacob. I was like, I can be nice to trolling my husband, which is 99% of the time. But it was.

[Bri]

I should be.

[Taylor]

I was laughing because that's. I love that that is how that the Internet really sees me for.

[Bri]

As they know you.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Knows that about me. Is that I'm so doing something right.

[Bri]

Yeah. Because then they're like, oh, we actually feel like we know who Tay is. Yeah. We know her personality and how she would act. So why isn't she trolling him? We're confused.

[Taylor]

Yes. Yeah. No, I was like, I can make a sweet video every once in a while, and you guys are just gonna have to deal with it. How do you set. When it comes to social media? How do you set boundaries with, like, what you want to share?

[Podcast Host]

Because you're.

[Taylor]

You're pretty open on the Internet. But, like, how. How have you kind of figured out what boundaries to set?

[Bri]

Yeah. I feel like that's something that I deal with still, like, every day. Because I would. I would say that we've been posting now on the Internet for, like, two years. Seriously? Yeah. So it's pretty new. We just take it day by day. But I would say at the beginning, it was definitely a lot harder to know, like.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Bri]

What to share and what not to share. And, like, I. It's funny because at the beginning, it's like when you are introduced to hate for the first time, that you're like, oh, if I say this thing, someone might not agree with that, and you have to learn, like, what you're willing to put out there. Yeah. So I think that that's kind of what I've learned is just like, you got to put it out there, and if you don't like how the perception is, then maybe stop sharing it or that you just have to be okay with.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

That people might not like everything you say, and that's okay.

[Taylor]

Yeah. How did it really affect you in the beginning?

[Bri]

Yeah. Hey, definitely. Definitely. I feel like I am somebody that doesn't look for drama and doesn't find myself in those situations. And like, I grew up with the same set of friends my whole life. And like, I don't know. So when I was posting online and getting feedback that was both positive, very positive, but also with any positive, there's going to be negative. I was like, I took it very seriously because I had never had that before in my life. But also it's interesting and I'm sure that you know this too, after being online for a while that, like, you learn that it's not always like, about you. Like, it's not that deep. And over time, I've just realized that, like, you can't complain when you, like, prayed for rain or what is it when it poured. What's the quote? When it's like when it. You can't complain when it pours when you prayed for rain. I think that's how it goes. And so when I would be sad or complain that, you know, I was getting this hate, I would realize that, like, that means that something's working. Like, we're putting in all of this effort and a lot of people are seeing it. And at the end of the day, yeah, there is these people that are sharing their opinions and they might not like it, but there's also all of these people that really enjoy.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Bri]

The content and that those people are the ones that keep you going and, yeah, make you want to make content. But.

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

You can toss it over a sofa.

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

Gift, especially during this holiday season, because.

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

Where you heard about them.

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

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[Bri]

Also, I will say I feel like at the beginning I was posting things that I thought people would want to see. Very much like Day in the Life of a Dancing with Star's Wife, which kind of makes me cringe now because I'm like, I just thought that like it was clickbaity and people would watch it and people's perceptions of me were like, oh, she's a clout chaser, a wag. And maybe you can relate with to this. That people kind of just assume that when you marry somebody that.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Is in the public image and you are like a normal person.

But. Yeah. So I. I would say that that on my part was something that I learned, that it's okay to share more personal things about myself and not just what you think people want to hear. People actually want to get to know me now, which is fun. And not just this thing that I'm connected to, which is like, my husband on this TV show that people love. They've grown to love Brandon and I. And. Yeah. Outside of all of that. So it's been really fun.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Special. I mean, it makes sense. Especially if you come from, like, pr like that. Yeah. You know, that background like you. That makes sense for your brain to do that. But, like, that's so cool that people. Because I've been feeling. I've been feeling this personally as well. Like, when people want to know me, like, for myself, not the wife of a famous person is, like, really sweet. Because I feel like recently I've been running into. Not running into the problem. I. I even feel silly saying it, but I feel like people can, like, relate to it, whether it's their relationship or their job or some identifier in their life. But, like, always just being known as Taylor's wife. And he knows this, and he is, like, my number one supporter in this campaign, quote, quote, unquote of me trying to separate myself from him in the sense of, like. No, actually, I'm my own individual. I have worked my butt off to make this podcast what it is. I've worked my butt off with my social media. Like, obviously, I. Not shying over the fact that I have his name and I am married to someone famous.

[Bri]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

But that doesn't negate all of the hard work and time and effort and tears and sweat I've put into building, you know, my platforms and my name. So that's like, something I'm, like, battling. And it's.

[Podcast Host]

It's.

[Taylor]

I. I feel like it's. God is just, like, laughing at me half the time because I'm, like, trying to separate myself from my name. Like, because we literally have the same name now. Like, it's just. I feel like it's just.

[Bri]

Oh, yeah, that's true. I didn't think about that joke of.

[Taylor]

Life, but have you dealt with that at all?

[Bri]

Like, yes.

[Taylor]

Figuring out, like, who you. I mean, not. Not some. Not figuring out who you are, but really, like, establishing who you are outside of your husband.

[Bri]

I feel like that I've Always been somebody who is pretty confident in who I am. I feel like I did get married pretty young, but at that point in time, like, I had graduated college and made a name for myself so far. I mean, as much as you can at 24 years old. Yeah. But there, I never felt as challenged as to, like, who I am and who I wanted to be and who I thought I was until I started posting on the Internet because of exactly what you were saying. Just being perceived a certain way, that it kind of makes you be like, wait, who am I? And, like, who do I want to be? But, yeah, I feel like it's people like you and Allison Cooch. She's like, somebody that I used to. Or I still watch. I love her, but, like, back then when I was thinking about posting, I watched her a lot. And those types of people, like, gave me the courage to post because it's such a niche situation, and I never want to sit here and complain. Like, I'm so lucky. I love my husband. I married him because I love my husband, not because he's Brandon from Dancing with the Stars, for crying out loud. Like, who cares? Like, that is the thing that matters the least at the end of the day.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

But, yeah, it's just, like, been a really interesting thing to navigate, and not a lot of people can relate to it. And so, like, hearing people like you be like, I'm trying to figure out who I am separate from my husband. That's something that I haven't really thought about until this year. Being like, oh, people want to know me outside of my husband. Maybe I should let them get to know me. Like, it's actually not a bad thing at the end of the day that people care.

[Taylor]

Yeah, it's cool, because I feel like we're really. Not that we haven't been, but I feel like the females in careers, like wives and careers, like, have really because. Not because of social media, but I think social media plays a huge role. Like, I know so many girls, Women who are influencers and their husbands are retired, and, you know, they're the breadwinner, and they. You know what? It's. It's really cool that I feel like women now really have. Are making a name for themselves, and I think that's something that this generation is like, oh, well, who am I, like, outside of it? Because it's like, it's your page.

[Podcast Host]

It's your.

[Taylor]

Like, there's a lot more, like, individual stuff now, and it's really cool. And I know Brandon is probably the same way as Taylor, like, he. He gets upset when people, like, try to do something with me and attach him to it. He's like, no, like, have her by herself. Like, yes, it's. And it's. It's sweet because when I first wanted to start growing my platform and doing more stuff, I was like, I won't do it if that makes him feel uncomfortable or unwanted or anything, because at the end of the day, we'll literally. If Taylor's uncomfortable, obviously within raising people, like, I would. I would quit everything because he's my main priority. Like, that my marriage is what comes first in my life. And it's really sweet to have someone that really just like. Like, is my number one hype man. Like, going to the Stranger Things premiere, he's like, oh, yeah. And it's just, like, being so, like, sweet, and it's really cool to have.

[Bri]

Yes, no, 100, and yeah. Going back on that. I just feel like having people like you guys that have been in. In the space for a lot longer and are in a similar relationship and career path.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

That I can watch you guys and be like, okay, so this is what's worked and this is what hasn't worked. And I can take. Take that and put it into our relationship, because I feel like it's so new and, like, it's not even. I shouldn't even say our relationship, because our relationship is great, but it's just like, figuring out what we want to share, what we want to do, where we want to take this, and bringing everyone with us on. On that journey.

[Taylor]

I know. And you never know, like, the dynamic to, like.

[Podcast Host]

I think a lot of the reason.

[Taylor]

That'S why maybe, like, celebrity couples fail or why sometimes people in. When. When there's fame introduced to one party in the couple, that can sometimes not be fun for the other person, and then that could definitely, like, lead to something. But it's really cool to be in a relationship where both. Both successes and whatever it is are celebrated by the other. And it's not like, a tit for tat.

[Bri]

Oh, you're doing this. I could not imagine, like, Brandon is similar to Taylor where, like. Like, when I first started really working as, like, a creator, influencer, whatever you want to call me, and I'm, you know, getting brand deals and we're standing with management and things like that. Like, he always makes jokes. He's like, oh, I'm gonna retire early. Like, my girl literally taken off. Like, she's running the house. If you were to ask him, he'd be like, oh, Bri, like, she's. She's wearing the pants here. Like, she's going places. Yeah, absolutely.

[Taylor]

Teamwork. I'm curious, what's something that people.

May not know about your life or marriage from social media? Something maybe, like an assumption that you think people have.

[Bri]

Ooh, an assumption they might not know. I feel like I gotta think about this.

I don't know. That's a really good question, because I feel like the things that we show are a lot of, kind of bts of our dynamic and our relationship that I really feel like it's really authentic. Like, everything that we post is exactly what's happening in the home. So something that people wouldn't know about us. I don't know. I genuinely am. Like, what you see is what you get. Like, Brandon and I goofing around. That is not for the camera. That is. We would be acting like that.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

If the camera was off. Tripod is down.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

We're just having as silly goes time.

[Taylor]

I love it.

[Bri]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

I feel like I get. I've been getting one recently that I've been trying to. I mean, it's fine. But my. My close friends know that, like, I don't really, like, speak in group settings.

[Bri]

Okay.

[Taylor]

Like, in the sense of I. Which is so funny because I feel like I swung. I'm an only child, and I grew up, like, just loud. Love being center of the tension. Center of attention.

[Podcast Host]

Center of.

[Taylor]

Right. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Center of attention.

[Bri]

Wait, now it's. The more you say it, I'm scared. I'm like, wait, yeah, yeah, it sounds.

[Taylor]

It feels weird, but I feel like I swung in adulthood and I'll have, like, my five close friends over, and I'm just quiet. I'm just, like, listening. Not because I'm upset or anything. I'm just, like, everyone else is talking, so I'm just listening. Yeah. Especially if some of my friends talk a lot and they know who they are.

There's just. I'm not going to try to, like, compete over the. Like, I'm just listening, and when I talk, I'll talk. Um, and we recently have been getting people. We went to Disney World and we had our guide that was with us. Was with us for, like, three days. And we went with some of our. Some of our best friends. And one of them, he's, like, just, like, chatty. Making conversation, makes everyone feel so loved. And he's like, what did you think about our group? Like, was Taylor as nice? Like, did you think he was gonna be mean? What did you, like, just, like, asking, like, Dumb questions. And she's like, I actually thought Tay.

[Podcast Host]

Was going to be a lot more.

[Taylor]

Outgoing, but she's really quiet. And it. That's just, like, been this thing that follows me around, and I'm just, like, I'm accepting it. So that. That was. That's something I've been learning recently, is I'm like. I feel like I did, like, this random swing. Like, I'm so fun, and I love to have a good time, but I'm just, like, quiet.

[Bri]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

People that.

[Bri]

An observer.

[Taylor]

Yeah. I've learned that people that don't know me sometimes are, like, intimidated by it or, like, think I'm like, I have an attitude. And I'm like, no. I literally just, like, I'm just existing and probably thinking 15 thought in my head.

[Bri]

Yes.

[Taylor]

And trying to sort those.

[Bri]

Yes.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Bri]

Well, that made me think of one, actually, so. Because Brandon and I do a lot of social media together, and I'll make jokes that, like, I'm. I'm his wife, a jerk. Like, we have a manager, but it's really, like, me. She'll come to me and be like, brandon needs to do this, and I'll go to him and be like, always. Yes. Because, like, he's got a million and one things going on, especially during the season that, like, it is my job to do the social media part and glad. I'm glad to do it. But there's, like, this thing that people think I live in his back pocket. Like, they'll be like, oh, like, Riley just controls his rehearsal and, like, follows him around and whatever. I'm like, guys, I've probably been to maybe less than 10 of his rehearsals in, like, the four years that I've been with him. Like, I definitely am the person that I'm the most supportive that I can be. Like, I am his number one cheerleader and fan. If I didn't. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be on social media trying to get people to vote for him every week.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

But, like, I also don't want to be that person that, like.

That'S just, like, trying too hard or, like, putting themselves in situations that I don't need to. Like, I want Brandon to be able to, like, shine on his own, and it's his own career, even though behind the scenes, I'm campaigning for him. Sure.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

But, like, I want him to have his own thing. Kind of like what you said before. Like, I want him to have his own thing and be confident in what he's doing and know that I'm at home, cheering him on. But like, we are completely different. Like, when it comes to our. Our workplace. But yeah, just funny where people kind of come up with these ideas. I'm like, yeah, I don't know. I just. I would feel super uncomfortable if I was just sitting in the corner. I'm like, lauren and Chandler or Lauren and Brandon. 10 more times. Let's do it.

[Taylor]

You're like, the foot was flexed.

[Bri]

Maybe with the social media, I'll be texting that and being like, hey, you guys should do a TikTok. I had this idea. You don't have to do it. Like, it won't hurt my feelings. That's more my personality. Like, it won't hurt my feelings if you don't do this. But here's my idea. Like, I want to be the most, like, out of the way. That is my nightmare. To be the one just taking up space in the room.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

That's why I've never gone on tour with them. Because I don't want to just like, be in the way. Like, why would I be there, you know?

[Taylor]

No, that's so that's valid. Yeah. It makes.

[Bri]

It's an interesting dynamic.

[Taylor]

Yeah. And respect to you for. For that and being like one. Aware of that, but also like not, you know, wanting that for your husband too. Wanting to have his own time in his own space.

[Bri]

Yeah. The last thing I would want him to feel is like suffocated, which, like, I know he could have it. Like, he's always like, like, the reasons I have gone before is because again, he'll be like, can you please just come watch this? Like, I'm stressed.

[Taylor]

Just.

[Bri]

I just need eyes. Like, I just need eyes on it. And I'm like, sure. Like, I would love to come and give my unsolicited. I guess it's solicited because he wants it. But like, to me, I'm like, what does my opinion mean?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Bri]

But that is the only time that, like, I'll go and yeah. Give a little bit of my advice, I guess. For what it's worth, I love it.

[Taylor]

How are you mental health wise when you're struggling? Do you tend to be open with people? Do you tend to keep it in? How do you.

[Bri]

I feel like I keep it in for sure. I think the only person that I would talk to is Brandon. Like, I'm. I'm an open book with him and like, he knows when I'm having a rough go.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

This man, I feel like, has just these senses, like spidey senses. If I'm like if I'm sleeping and I were to open my eye, like peek it open, he would wake up and be like, what's wrong? Like, he just knows.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And so the same goes for when like mental health wise, if I'm, you know, just maybe acting different, I might not even feel like I am, but he can just tell.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

He'll automatically pick my brain and be like, let's get to the root of like, what's making you feel this way? What can we do to fix it?

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

And that always makes me feel better. But yeah, I'm not really one that likes to like be negative even on my page. Like, I don't like to be like, I'm having this problem because I always feel like too that my problems are very surface level and people don't want to hear it, you know, And I, I think that's fair. There's way worse things going on in the world than like the day that I'm having. So I don't really like to bring it out. But to Brandon, I can complain to him about literally anything and he's the best.

[Taylor]

That's special. What do you do for self care wise?

[Bri]

What are like, care if you're feeling.

[Taylor]

Burnt out, run down, a lot going on in the head. What self care tools do you use? Is it like working out? Is it massage? Like what? Yeah. Does it go to.

[Bri]

Yeah, I do like a workout. I love like a hot pilates class. Like my. This is my perfect day. If I was like having my perfect mental health day. We wake up at like a reasonable time, like eight or nine, like a little bit of a sleep in.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

Then we go to hot pilates. We come home, we hang out or go shop with Brandon. Yeah. Then we go see a movie. I love a movie.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Bri]

And then dinner or dinner than a movie. Yeah, that's it. Just chill off my phone. Yeah. Just kind of out of the house. Yeah. I like to like do things because I'm at home a lot because of my job. I'm editing emails, whatever. So that would probably.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Are you like, you like going to the movies?

[Bri]

I love going to the movies. Brandon and I are big movie people.

[Taylor]

We just got back into going. There's a cute theater out here that has like the reclining chair.

[Bri]

Oh, yes. Oh my gosh. There's so many theaters here that don't have reclining chairs. I'm like, what are we doing?

[Taylor]

We gotta get it together. No, that, Yeah, I love that. I feel like I'm gonna do a little like Phone detox here and like literally just I think I'm gonna like weekends I need to be.

[Podcast Host]

It's hard because sometimes during the week.

[Taylor]

It'S so busy and then like a Saturday I'll be on my LA for like six hours and finally like sorting podcast guests, returning email, whatever it is. Like I'll finally have the time to do that. But I really have been. I also have like so many texts I haven't responded to. So I think I'm just like subconsciously I'm like keeping it over there and it's making me more stressed. So I need to like sit down for 20 minutes and just respond to everyone and then lock it away for like a day and not look at it.

[Bri]

I don't know if you're this way, but I am quite criminally a bad text or because of that I'll be like, oh, I have so many of these messages and then they just sit there because I know they're there and it takes me forever to respond.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, I think it's cuz our brains.

[Taylor]

Aren'T like all of obviously like social media, you know, in its own right is not healthy for long periods of time at long periods at a time for us. But even just being able to text.

[Podcast Host]

Hey, how are you?

[Taylor]

Like the short, not the mean nothing.

[Podcast Host]

Conversation because I think it's important to.

[Taylor]

Check in with your friends. But it's so easy to get a hold of people. Like we're not meant to be that easy to get a hold of. But it's so like, it's.

[Podcast Host]

Everyone can just be like, hey, how are you?

[Bri]

What's this?

[Taylor]

Oh, I loved it. Like, it's just. There's so many like little conversations that our brains aren't used to being able to like be contacted all the time.

[Bri]

Yes.

[Taylor]

I think there's something there because I feel like we've focused a lot on social media, but I think, I think.

[Podcast Host]

The do not disturb.

Option is really.

[Taylor]

Help more helpful than we realize.

[Bri]

Yes. Do you ever like wonder where we're going, like with social media and stuff, you know? Like, I'm scared.

[Podcast Host]

I was just talking to Taylor about.

[Taylor]

That the other day. Wait, I can't remember what, how it came up, but.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, that's what I was saying because we're on the iPhone 17.

[Taylor]

I was like, what is iPhone 32 gonna look like?

[Bri]

It's like what are we. It's just in our brain. It's like a. Yeah, like it's gonna.

[Taylor]

Be like a little hologram that like pops up. Like how, how Much more is there to do before it is like, you know, the thing that they show in the movies of the stuff.

[Bri]

I'm scared. I. I don't like to think about it too much because I'm already like, we have so much that we're doing.

[Taylor]

Yeah, there's. Yeah, I know.

[Bri]

You know, I guess.

[Taylor]

I guess we'll see.

[Bri]

Yeah. I mean, it's benefited us. Like, it's become a job for us, but it is just like, as a society, it's like, whoa, this is.

[Taylor]

Yeah, I know.

[Podcast Host]

I'm very curious. We'll have to look back to this interview and see.

[Bri]

I know, I know. Do we need to make a prediction?

[Taylor]

I'll, like, bury it in the time.

[Bri]

Yeah. When are we having a flying car? I feel like that we've been saying that for, like, how many generations and we still don't have it, so I'm ready to teleport that one. That's what I want. I'm ready.

[Taylor]

Oh, yeah.

[Bri]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

I can't even. I can't even wrap my brain around it. Last question. Before I let you go, I'd love to know what you're most proud of yourself for.

[Bri]

Oh, what am I most proud of?

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Bri]

No, I would say. I would say getting on social media and sticking with it. Because, like I said at the beginning, it was really hard to just navigate where I was going with it amidst all the feedback and things like that. And I'm proud that I was able to stick with it and find something that was positive and that people really seem to enjoy. And I also enjoy. Yeah. And it's also something that I can do with my husband that we both love and that it's benefited our lives so, so much. So I'm really proud that I was able to build that.

[Taylor]

Yeah, I love that. Well, thanks for coming and chatting.

[Bri]

Thanks for having me with me. I always get, like, nervous to do these podcasts. I'm like, so just like, just a girl from Utah. Just like a little chatty, yappy gal. So you crushed it.

[Taylor]

It.

[Bri]

Thanks. I did my best.

[Taylor]

Remember to vote for Brandon next season.

[Bri]

I know. I would. I would tell you guys to vote. He's not in the competition. I'll forgive you guys for that one Better.

[Taylor]

You'll just have to follow Briley and then she'll remind you.

[Bri]

Yes. Next season. Yes, exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Foreign.

[Bri]

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