Episode Summary: "Sienna Mae Gomez: Reclaiming My Voice"
Podcast: The Squeeze
Host: Taylor Lautner
Co-Host: Taylor Lautner’s Husband
Guest: Sienna Mae Gomez
Release Date: August 6, 2025
1. Introduction
In this emotionally charged episode of The Squeeze, host Taylor Lautner and her husband delve deep into the tumultuous journey of Sienna Mae Gomez. Known for her vibrant online presence, Sienna opens up about her struggles with mental health, the impact of sudden fame, and her path to healing and self-discovery.
2. From High School to the Limelight
Sienna begins by recounting her abrupt transition from a regular high schooler dedicating five hours a day to dance, to a social media sensation chased by Hollywood. She describes the overwhelming shift in her life:
"I literally went from a normal high schooler doing dance five, five hours a day and attending high school to then, like, going to LA parties and, like, people knowing who I was and, like, Hollywood is freaking chasing me, like, random. Like, such a switch."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [00:23]
This sudden fame brought with it not only thousands of followers but also intense scrutiny and negativity.
3. Coping with Online Harassment and Cancel Culture
Sienna discusses the dark side of her online fame, detailing the harsh comments and the emotional toll they took on her. She reflects on the contradiction of experiencing both adoration and vitriol in the digital space.
"Losing hundreds of thousands of followers. People being like, go kill yourself."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [00:23]
Despite the negativity, she found solace in the real-world relationships and communities that supported her.
4. The Lowest Point: A Suicide Attempt
One of the most poignant moments in the episode is when Sienna bravely shares her darkest hour—the night she attempted to take her own life. She describes the immediate aftermath and the feelings of isolation, even amidst family support.
"There was a night that I don't really think I've ever even talked about this online, but I attempted and they took me to this. Like, I just feel bad for my family because I feel like they were trying so hard to keep me there. I really think that it's just my time to go."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [00:44]
Her candidness provides listeners with a raw and honest perspective on the severity of her struggles.
5. The Turning Point: Faith and Community Support
Emerging from her lowest point, Sienna highlights the crucial role of her faith and the support from her church community in her journey towards healing. She emphasizes the abundance of love and genuine connections she found outside the online realm.
"Even though I was like numb when I came back to what was happening off online, when I put my phone down and like, I didn't look at what these random kids in like Ohio are saying about me, I was like, it felt the love around me."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [05:40]
Her faith in Christ became the cornerstone of her rebuilding process, helping her reclaim her identity beyond the noise of the internet.
6. Reclaiming Her Voice: Sharing Her Story
Sienna discusses the decision to openly share her story, motivated by a desire to offer hope to others facing similar challenges. She reflects on the courage it took to step back into the public eye and the positive responses she received.
"Or it could go the other way and people could see my side and people could hear my story and maybe it could bring somebody light and maybe it could bring somebody hope that what they're going through is also going to be okay."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [26:23]
Her openness not only humanizes her but also serves as a beacon for those struggling with mental health issues.
7. Healthy Relationships and Personal Growth
The episode delves into Sienna's personal growth, particularly through her healthy and supportive relationship with her partner, Cole. She shares how this relationship has been instrumental in her healing process, providing a safe space free from the pressures of her past experiences.
"He'll carry it for me when it's too heavy for me. So I think once before I met Cole. Yes. I was, like, nervous, and I was like, oh, I'm not gonna find anybody."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [45:38]
Their relationship exemplifies mutual support and understanding, reinforcing the importance of healthy partnerships in personal well-being.
8. Tools and Strategies for Mental Health
Sienna outlines several strategies that have been pivotal in maintaining her mental health:
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Nature and Solitude: Spending time at the beach, hiking, and embracing solitude to reconnect with herself.
"I really like to be sometimes alone when I'm going through something heavy. I think I've always found a lot of solitude and comfort in the beach."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [54:20] -
Physical Activity: Engaging in strength training and surfing to boost her mood through physical exertion.
"When I started strength training, when I started working out, when I started going on walks consistently, when I got into surfing, I felt so much happier because I felt stronger and I felt proud of myself for doing something hard."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [58:34] -
Open Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with her family and avoiding isolation when faced with negativity.
"If I'm going through something, I'm able to, you know, talk through it with somebody who I know cares about me."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [54:53]
These practices underscore the importance of holistic approaches to mental health, blending physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
9. Rapid Fire Segment
In a light-hearted rapid-fire session, Sienna shares personal insights that further humanize her:
- Movie or Song Describing Her Mental Health Today: "Life is Good by Forest Frank." [67:03]
- Openness When Struggling: "Very open, nearly a 10." [67:12]
- Favorite Form of Self-Care: "Going through the car wash and spending time at the beach." [67:44]
- Most Misunderstood Thing About Her: "People think I'm so much older than I am and my height." [68:01]
- Most Positive Impact on Her Mental Health: "God." [68:26]
- Moment to Revisit and Advise Her Younger Self: "The ride back after my suicide attempt with my dad, telling myself that it's going to be okay and better." [68:34]
This segment provides a glimpse into Sienna's personal reflections and her sense of humor amidst serious discussions.
10. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt interactions between the hosts and Sienna, celebrating her resilience and growth. Both hosts express their admiration and support for Sienna, highlighting the transformative power of sharing one’s story.
"This has been fun and I'm excited to see you again with the ring on your finger."
— Sienna May (Host) [68:55]
Sienna concludes by affirming her pride in her faith and resilience, emphasizing that despite past hardships, she remains hopeful for the future.
"I'm proud of my faith. I'm proud of my resilience and for not becoming bitter and dark. I think the path I was on before I got through this redirection would have made me like that. I think I was around people and environments that felt dirty and dark."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [63:13]
Key Takeaways
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The Duality of Online Fame: While social media can elevate individuals to fame, it can also expose them to intense harassment and negative scrutiny.
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Importance of Real-World Support: Authentic relationships and community support play a crucial role in mental health and healing.
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Faith and Personal Resilience: Strong personal beliefs and inner strength are foundational in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.
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Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Engaging in physical activities, seeking solitude in nature, and maintaining open communication are effective strategies for maintaining mental well-being.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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"I felt like I had such a bright future. How is there even gonna be a day after this?"
— Unknown Guest [00:08] -
"Numb. Really hard. Literally went from a normal high schooler to then, like, people knowing who I was in, like, Hollywood is freaking chasing me."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [00:23] -
"There was a night that I don't really think I've ever even talked about this online, but I attempted and they took me to this."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [00:44] -
"I was really blessed to find really good friends during this time because ... it felt the love around me."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [06:40] -
"I think timing for me plays a really important part in my life."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [26:15] -
"Pain can feel so big at the moment, and then you can look back and be like, that was just a vapor."
— Sienna Mae Gomez [53:30]
This episode serves as a profound exploration of Sienna Mae Gomez's journey through fame, mental health struggles, and her inspirational path to reclaiming her voice. Her story underscores the significance of authentic connections, personal faith, and resilience in overcoming adversity.