Podcast Summary: The Squeeze – Episode Featuring Julia Michaels: "Second Self"

Podcast Information

• Title: The Squeeze
• Host/Author: Taylor Lautner (not the actor; co-hosted with her husband, Taylor Lautner)
• Episode: Julia Michaels: Second Self
• Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction

In this emotionally resonant episode of The Squeeze, host Taylor Lautner sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Julia Michaels to delve deep into Julia’s personal journey with mental health, her rise in the music industry, and her latest project, the "Second Self" EP. The conversation offers listeners an intimate look at Julia’s struggles with anxiety, her relationship with Taylor Lautner, and her evolution as an independent artist.

Early Struggles and Mental Health [00:01 – 13:22]

Julia Michaels opens up about her introduction to mental health challenges at the age of 18, coinciding with her first publishing deal. The sudden pressure to perform and the demanding schedule without adequate support led to severe anxiety and panic attacks.

• Notable Quote:
  • "I signed my first publishing deal at 18, and it became very real. Had this pressure to perform. Yeah, that just ate me up." ([00:37])

As Julia achieved remarkable success with chart-topping songs like Selena Gomez's "Good for You" and Justin Bieber's "Sorry," her anxiety intensified, leading to fear of live performances and public expectations.

• Notable Quote:
  • "I had this fear that I was gonna walk into a room and people were gonna expect me to, like, spit gold." ([20:56])

Julia candidly discusses her journey through therapy and coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and understanding that mental health struggles can persist despite external success.

• Notable Quote:
  • "I still have PTSD anxiety responses from success, and that's something I've really been trying to work on in therapy as a 31-year-old woman." ([20:57])

Relationship with Taylor Lautner [03:58 – 32:42]

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Julia's relationship with her husband, Taylor Lautner. They share how they met, their engagement story, and the unique bond they share, including having the same birthday.

• Notable Quote:
  • "I slid into his DMs... when I saw he was gonna be in New York, I DM'd him and we just started talking. We've been together ever since." ([04:08])

Julia describes Taylor as her rock, especially during her anxiety episodes. Their mutual support system, understanding, and shared experiences create a safe space for both to navigate their mental health challenges.

• Notable Quote:
  • "He's so understanding. Thank God. He's not really jealous. Love him so much." ([10:34])

The couple discusses setting boundaries, the importance of open communication, and how Taylor aids Julia in managing her anxiety through simple yet effective actions like taking baths or spending quality time together.

• Notable Quote:
  • "If I'm really stressed, he knows that we could be on the couch and he could put his pinky toe on me, and I feel loved." ([31:20])

Navigating Fame and Mental Health [38:20 – 41:50]

Julia addresses the common misconception that success and fame preclude mental health struggles. She challenges the notion that achieving milestones like number one hits should automatically equate to happiness.

• Notable Quote:
  • "Everyone struggles with mental health. Fame just brings on a weird level of mental health struggles that people don't see." ([40:47])

Discussing public perceptions and online bullying, Julia emphasizes the importance of self-validation and not allowing external opinions to dictate her self-worth.

• Notable Quote:
  • "You have to validate yourself. You don't have to let others define your emotions based on your success." ([39:34])

Songwriting Journey and "Second Self" Project [42:03 – 74:15]

Julia shares her passion for songwriting, tracing her journey from a young enthusiast to a celebrated songwriter. She recounts how her first success came at 17 when her song was chosen as the theme for a Disney show, propelling her into the industry.

• Notable Quote:
  • "I started writing songs because I loved it, not knowing it could be a career. At 17, my song got picked for a Disney show, and everything changed." ([43:12])

Transitioning to her latest project, "Second Self," Julia discusses her decision to become an independent artist, granting her full creative control. This move allows her to express the multifaceted aspects of her personality beyond the emotional and vulnerable persona established by previous hits.

• Notable Quote:
  • "Second Self is like my second chance to bet on myself, to show that I am goofy, silly, and flirty as much as I am emotional and vulnerable." ([68:08])

She highlights the challenges of leaving a major label, the liberation of owning her music, and the unwavering support from her fans who have stood by her through her independent journey.

• Notable Quote:
  • "Owning my music means having full creative control, allowing me to realize my vision without the constraints of a major label." ([71:33])

Personal Growth and Setting Boundaries [74:16 – 81:35]

In the final segment, Julia reflects on her personal growth, emphasizing the importance of therapy, breaking toxic cycles, and setting healthy boundaries in her relationships. She expresses pride in overcoming adversity and maintaining her authenticity both personally and professionally.

• Notable Quote:
  • "I'm proud of myself for breaking cycles of toxicity and actively working on who I am. Therapy has been a crucial part of my journey." ([78:47])

Julia advises her younger self that the experiences and challenges she faced were essential in shaping her into the resilient and successful individual she is today.

• Notable Quote:
  • "The good and the bad things I've gone through have made me who I am now. My 20-year-old self couldn't have imagined this growth." ([76:55])

She concludes by celebrating her ability to maintain genuine relationships and respect her boundaries, reinforcing the episode's central theme of self-acceptance and mental well-being.

• Notable Quote:
  • "I'm proud of finding someone who respects and supports me, and for never settling for less in my personal life." ([80:07])

Conclusion

This episode of The Squeeze offers a profound and heartfelt exploration of Julia Michaels' life beyond her public persona. Listeners gain valuable insights into managing mental health amidst professional success, the significance of supportive relationships, and the empowerment that comes from artistic independence. Julia's candidness and vulnerability provide both comfort and inspiration, reinforcing the podcast's mission to foster conversations around mental wellness.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental health struggles can persist regardless of external success.
• Supportive relationships are crucial in managing anxiety and fostering self-acceptance.
• Independence in creative endeavors allows for authentic self-expression.
• Personal growth involves setting boundaries and breaking toxic patterns.

Notable Quotes for Reflection:

• "Everyone struggles with mental health. Fame just brings on a weird level of mental health struggles that people don't see." ([40:47])
• "Second Self is like my second chance to bet on myself." ([68:08])
• "I'm proud of myself for breaking cycles of toxicity and actively working on who I am." ([78:47])

About the Hosts

The Squeeze is dedicated to unpacking mental health and well-being through open conversations. Hosted by Taylor Lautner and her husband, the podcast features insights from celebrities and experts, offering listeners coping strategies and the reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles.