Tyler Blackburn: Healing, Self-Worth, and Asking for Help

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Squeeze with Tyler Blackburn
Episode: "Tyler Blackburn: Healing, Self-Worth, and Asking for Help"
Host: Taylor Lautner
Date: March 11, 2026

---

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode, host Taylor Lautner sits down with actor Tyler Blackburn, best known for his role on "Pretty Little Liars" (PLL), to discuss Tyler’s personal journey with mental health, body image, self-worth, and the challenges of being vulnerable. The conversation explores Tyler’s emotional low point, the importance of asking for help, and his newfound commitment to loving and accepting himself. Throughout, both Taylor and Tyler share stories, insights, and laughter, offering comfort and solidarity to listeners struggling with similar issues.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

---

Nostalgia and Early Career (03:11–14:31)

• Shared Memories of "Pretty Little Liars":

  • Taylor expresses excitement and nostalgia for PLL, sharing high school memories of weekly watch parties (03:11).
  • Tyler reflects on the significance of being part of such a formative show:
    “My favorite thing is when people say to me that PLL was their comfort show—because it’s like, we all had that or hopefully, you know, and to be a part of that…that’s the most important thing for me that came out of it.” (03:37)

• The Evolution of TV and Fandom:

  • Discussion of the changing landscape from scheduled TV viewing to streaming, and how it affects shared cultural experiences.
    “I just don’t know that kids experience it in the same way anymore. But it’s just—their new reality.” – Tyler (05:17)

• Tyler’s Path to Acting:

  • Started in performing arts-focused preschool, pursued acting seriously in high school.
  • Chose not to have a backup plan, driven by gut instinct and strong desire for the craft (08:24–09:08).
  • Faced years of auditions and setbacks before landing PLL, underscoring the importance of persistence and self-definition:
    “I kind of had this explosion after high school where I just kind of got a little wild, and I was partying a lot, and I was not taking care of myself... I had to define who I was for me.” (10:15)

---

The Impact of Fame & Pressures of Hollywood (11:33–16:23)

• Transition to Fame:

  • Tyler describes how notoriety from PLL happened “almost overnight” after joining the series (12:01).
  • Points out the double-edged sword of recognition—validation mixed with invasive attention and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
  • Early days of social media:
    “We utilized social media in a way that other shows hadn’t yet... I was told by the studio...you should really be leaning into Instagram.” (12:43–12:54)

• Changing Social and Industry Standards:

  • Tyler reflects on body image and gendered expectations earlier in his career:
    “There were so many conversations around my body...you need to bulk up, you need to come across more masculine, you can’t come across as queer in any way. Those types of conversations just aren’t really okay anymore.” (23:10–23:14)
  • The importance of embracing individuality, as “it’s actually cooler to be weird now than it used to be before.” (23:28)

---

Body Image, Sexuality, and the Cycle of Self-Criticism (27:36–34:54)

• Mental Health Struggles and Body Image Issues:

  • Tyler discusses how self-worth became entangled with physical appearance and external validation, particularly after coming to terms with his sexuality in his late 20s:
    “Do I have sex appeal? Am I lovable? ...It did start this cycle that I didn’t realize how bad it was getting until last year. I had a really hard year last year. Really quite dark, I’m not gonna lie.” (28:43)
  • Describes harmful behaviors like daily “pinching fat” and constant self-comparison driven by industry expectations.

• Learning Self-Love:

  • Recent efforts to rebuild self-compassion and empathy:
    “I want to have, like, the deepest love affair with myself that I’ve ever had in my life.” (30:45)
  • Emphasizes being multifaceted and allowing oneself to exist without rigid boxes or the need for external validation:
    “I would avoid certain parts of myself because they were unlovable in my mind…Now I just want to be like, all that really matters is how I feel about me.” (31:02–31:23)

---

Hitting Rock Bottom, Asking for Help, and Healing (41:02–47:43)

• Narrative of Breakdown:

  • Tyler revisits last year’s “layered” breakdown, brought on by career stagnation, health crises (gut issues, vertigo, spinal surgery), and major loss of self-worth:
    “If I don’t have the money and the nice things and the success—what do I have? Who am I? I’m nothing.” (43:29)
  • Describes anxiety and insomnia at their worst:
    “I was sleeping, like, one hour a night, literally, if I was lucky.” (43:02–43:07)

• Asking for Help & Community Support:

  • Details how he was forced—against all instincts—to rely on friends and family:
    “Last year I had to ask for help from my family and friends in a way that I was not prior comfortable with...I just don’t think I could have gotten through that time without my family, my friends.” (44:32–45:29)
  • This vulnerability led to greater empathy and a shift in how Tyler aims to connect with the world:
    “After hitting a rock bottom of sorts, you can become a little bit more empathetic toward just, like, the human experience.” (46:20)

---

Self-Worth, Acceptance, & The Path Forward (50:14–60:37)

• Defining Self-Worth Then and Now:

  • Tyler contrasts his former dependence on external validation with today’s inner grounding:
    “10 years ago was like...a darker time in my life where I put a lot of stock in how other people were responding to me...Now I just think that my relationship with myself has to be the most important thing.” (50:14–50:45)

• Rituals for Healing:

  • Shares practical methods to foster self-love, such as affirmations and mirror work after challenging experiences:
    “I’ve started to implement rituals, like looking in the mirror in my own eyes...I love you, Tyler...Before in my life, I probably would have left something like this and spiraled...Now it’s like, I don’t let those things in. I want to look in the mirror. And I’m so proud of you.” (53:24–53:56)

• Letting Go of Perfectionism and Embracing Vulnerability:

  • Discusses the freedom in accepting messiness, showing up imperfectly, and moving through fear:
    “Perfectionism was always so important to me, and now I’m just like, we’re messy. Show up tired.” (55:19)

---

Tyler’s Greatest Pride: Resilience (57:15–60:37)

• Reflection on Personal Growth:
  • When asked what he’s most proud of, Tyler gets emotional:
    “It was almost like, I don’t know how to just choose one. Which I think is...a very polarizing narrative to how I used to feel. So it’s a little overwhelming because I really...I like me.” (57:15)
  • Ultimately, his resilience stands out:
    “I think that my resilience is what I’m most proud of...This world is designed to challenge us...but I just don’t want to give up…more so now than ever, I want to be happy.” (58:24–59:22)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If I don’t have the money and the nice things, what do I have? Who am I?" – Tyler Blackburn, (43:29)
• "I want to have, like, the deepest love affair with myself that I’ve ever had in my life." – Tyler Blackburn, (30:45)
• "Perfectionism was always so important to me, and now I’m just like, we’re messy." – Tyler Blackburn, (55:19)
• "After hitting rock bottom, you become a little bit more empathetic toward the human experience." – Tyler Blackburn, (46:20)
• "I like me. I like that I’m weird sometimes. I like that I can say I’m sorry. I think what I’m most proud of is my resilience." – Tyler Blackburn, (57:15–58:24)
• "What are we really afraid of? We aren’t running from a dinosaur...Just being seen. Great, that means you need to force yourself to be seen even more." – Tyler Blackburn, (54:21–54:34)

---

Key Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 03:37 — Tyler on being part of a comfort show
• 08:24–10:15 — Tyler’s path into acting and his formative years
• 12:01 — How PLL changed Tyler’s life overnight
• 23:10 — Industry standards and identity pressures
• 27:36–34:54 — Body image and queer identity struggles
• 41:02–47:43 — Hitting rock bottom, health crises, asking for help
• 50:14 — “What self-worth means to me now”
• 53:24–53:56 — Self-love rituals and affirmations
• 57:15–58:24 — Pride in resilience; loving one’s quirks

---

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is honest, vulnerable, warm, and at times, emotional. Both Tyler and Taylor foster a compassionate environment filled with empathy, gentle humor, and heartfelt encouragement. Listeners are reminded that they are not alone in their struggles, and that healing is possible one step at a time.

---

Summary Takeaway:
Tyler Blackburn’s journey from the heights of early fame through setbacks and internal battles, culminating in a renewed commitment to authenticity and self-love, offers listeners hope and practical inspiration for healing, self-acceptance, and the courage to ask for help. This episode provides a powerful look at how even those in the public eye are weighed down by “sour lemons,” and how asking for help—and learning to love oneself—can be the ultimate act of strength and transformation.

Transcript

[Tyler Blackburn]

The following podcast is a Dear Media Production. I'm nothing. I don't have those things. I'm nothing. I'm already nothing. And it caused a true spiral.

[Lexi]

What got you to that breaking point? Was there something that kind of triggered it or were you just like, I'm done?

[Tyler Blackburn]

It's a little bit of a layered story. After a couple years, I started really manifesting physical problems. And so I started having health issues, gut health issues, crazy vertigo. And then I found out my spine was broken. I don't know how. I had to have full spine surgery. I was trying all these different avenues. Nothing was happening. My love life was tumultuous. I felt really alone. I was really cruel to myself. I look at it almost now, like me as a spiritual being was trying to like wake me up. And it got really wild and I realized that I wasn't making the kind of money I had been making. If I don't have the money and the nice things, what do I have? Yeah, who am I? Last year I had to ask for help from my family, family and friends in a way that I was not comfortable with. I don't think I could have gotten through that time without my family, my friends. And I felt like people showed up for me in a really immediate way, in a really magical way.

[Lexi]

Happy Wednesday, you little lemon drops. I am so excited because this week's guest is Tyler Blackburn and you probably know him from Pretty Little Liars. This show was my go to show in high school. My girlfriends and I, I think it was on Tuesday nights. Every Tuesday we would end dance at like 8:30. We would all go to Whole Foods, we would all pick up dinner and then we would all drive to one of our houses to, to watch the new episode that was coming out that week. And it is such a fun memory of mine to look back on. And we just had so much fun doing that. So I was super excited to sit down with Tyler this week and really hear more about his story, his time on Pretty Little Liars, but also what's been going on in his personal life recently. Tyler and I had a very honest and vulnerable conversation about him reaching an emotional breakdown last year and what really led to that. Over years and years of being in the industry and how he's learned to work through that. We talked about what accepting yourself really means to him and how he's learned to heal from past trauma. This episode was so sweet and I can't wait for you guys to hear it because I left so inspired after talking with Tyler. So hope you enjoy. Tyler. Welcome to the Squeeze.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Thank you so much for having me.

[Lexi]

I have to tell you, we were just talking about high school. We grew up in the same city. My girlfriends, I texted them this morning. So I grew up dancing. And in high school, once we all, like, got our driver's licenses, we would all. Every Tuesday, we would finish dance at 8:30, we would go to Whole Foods, we would get our healthy dinner, and then we would go over to someone's house and watch the new episode of Pretty Little Liars.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Oh, that's fun.

[Lexi]

And so I texted them today and I was like, guess who I'm having on the podcast? And they were like, oh, my gosh.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Oh, my God.

[Lexi]

It was just like a core memory for us. Like, my parents. My parents had friends, like, when they had, like, just moved into their house and they had like, a couple other, like, younger couples that lived on their street, and they would watch Friends every week when the show was airing. And so this was like my friends, when there was still, like, cable television.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Airing.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Which is funny because that Friends was like a nostalgic thing for me. Like, that was a comfort show. It still is. Like, I'll put it on sometimes still. But my favorite thing is when people say to me that PLL was their comfort show because it's like, we all had that or hopefully, you know, and to be a part of that, it's. That's kind of the. That's the most important thing for me that came out of it.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, and it still is streaming. People are still watching it all.

[Lexi]

All of them are like, it's so. They were all like. I was just thinking about rewatching it. Like, we all want to. I feel like I've actually forgotten it enough now that I could.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You could rewatch. I mean, it's a commitment. I know it's like seven seasons, 22 episodes a season. Like, it's a commitment, but it's kind

[Lexi]

of like, is it really 20?

[Tyler Blackburn]

22? 22. Yeah.

[Lexi]

I forget that. That was like. That was probably like, normal back then, right?

[Tyler Blackburn]

Oh, yeah. I mean, I think, like, I think

[Lexi]

now it's like eight episodes and that's it.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I know. Yeah, it was. That was pretty common back then.

[Lexi]

Is that why there was just like, so many A's?

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah. I mean, I.

[Lexi]

That was one of my girlfriends.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I remember at the time being like, okay, this is getting redundant, blah, blah, blah. But I'm like, I can't imagine being one of the writers.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And having to be like. Or any of the Writers and having to be like, what are we doing now?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Do you know what I mean?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But, yeah, it was really an incredible time in my life. Yeah, it really was.

[Lexi]

It makes me sad for, like, my kids and, like, this next, like, generation, like, they're not gonna. Like, they could. I mean, technically, I guess. Streamers are now doing, like, the weekly releases, and I still have, like, some watch parties, but I feel like having to, like, go to someone's house, really wait for it and, like, wait for the commercials and, like, all that stuff is, like, such, like, a sweet.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I know.

[Lexi]

Such a sweet time.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I know. There. There are so many memories that I have as a kid that I'm like. I just don't know that kids experience it in the same way anymore.

[Lexi]

I know.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, but it's just. It's their new reality.

[Lexi]

I know. I was just telling. I was just telling Taylor the other day. I was like, maybe we, like, do the opposite and, like, just raise our kids, like, really sheltered, like, on the farm somewhere, and, like, don't give them access to anything, because I feel like we've just, like, swung so much. Like, I think about when I was a kid and I was. I forget what I was listening to, but how. Like, I used to play outside with my neighbors all the time growing up and, like, go knock on their door and all that stuff. And now, like, I don't.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I know.

[Lexi]

Does that happen?

[Tyler Blackburn]

I did video games off and on.

[Lexi]

Okay.

[Tyler Blackburn]

When I was a kid, but, yeah, I spent so much more time outside just exploring the hills in Santa Clarita. I'd just, like, go in there and play Buffy the Vampire Slayer with my friends and, like. You know what I mean? Like, it was constantly. Like, I had this. This group of friends in sixth grade where we would run around the streets playing what we called Scream, which was, like, tag. But the person who was it wore the Scream outfit. And we committed hard to this because we all loved film. We all loved horror. And so the person who was it wore the Scream outfit or costume. And then. I know. And we would do it at night. Like, we were psycho. I don't know what. Like. But we were. We had the best time. And so if you got. If you were tagged, you were stabbed. Where did he stab you? In the arm. Great. You could still run around, but you had to pretend your arm was stabbed.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

If he got you in the head or the back or the heart, you're done. You lay there for the rest of the game.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

So we committed. It was so fun that Is so some of the best memories.

[Lexi]

I love that. Okay, well, we start each episode off with this jar. It's a game called Citrus Got Real. If you want to pull a little piece of paper out of there and read it to lemon drops, they all kind of fell.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Okay. If you were a tree, what tree would you be?

[Lexi]

Lol.

[Tyler Blackburn]

What? You hate that? No.

[Lexi]

It's so random. Oh, now I gotta think of my trees. Maybe I'd probably be a Christmas tree. Like a pine tree.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Okay, like Christmas, but, like, decorated or not.

[Lexi]

Maybe just. Oh, frick. I'm rethinking my answer. Do you have one?

[Tyler Blackburn]

Okay. My, my first thought was an olive tree just because I love olive trees the most. Like, they're so beautiful to me, but I also kind of feel like, like my, if I could live any kind of life, it would be on an island. So I'm thinking maybe a palm tree.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Would be me.

[Lexi]

Oh, that's good.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah. Or a fruit tree, actually. I mean, look at a lemon tree is right behind you. Should be a lemon tree.

[Lexi]

Yes. Frick. Okay. I'm a lemon tree. I have, I actually have, like, five lemon trees, like, on our property.

[Tyler Blackburn]

On the property.

[Lexi]

Yeah. There you go. I know. Great. Okay. Lemon and palm tree. I love that for us.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Okay. So I'm just, like, curious about PLL days and all of that stuff. So I'm going to ask all of my fun questions. But going back to, like, way the beginning. You're auditioning for it. Had you been acting prior to that? Like, what, what was your, what were your goals back then for you wanting to be an actor?

[Tyler Blackburn]

Oh, yeah, big time. I mean, I, I, I went to a preschool where we really focused on performing arts. So, like, dancing, you know, it was kind of just something that I loved all the, like, from a very young age, I loved the idea of performing. And so I did theater throughout, like, middle school. I did. I, I started pursuing acting a bit professionally in middle school too, but it was mostly for commercials and print and stuff. And then took a break. And towards the end of high school, when everyone's applying for colleges and stuff, it was like I knew what I wanted to do. Like, yes, I loved and I romanticized the idea of college, but it was also this thing of, like, but I already know what I want to do.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I was obviously told, like, you need a backup plan, so you should go to college.

[Lexi]

Sure.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And it was like something in my gut was like, I feel like if I have too solid of a backup plan, I'm going To fall back on that, you know, And I wanted to be an actor quite badly, you know, and so I. I started driving from Santa Clarita down to Hollywood to take an acting class in, like, my junior year, I think.

[Lexi]

Okay.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And got managers towards the end of that year and started auditioning then. So I was about 16 or 17 when I started, like, actually auditioning for stuff.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And so I was auditioning from 16 to 17, and then I think I was 22 or 3 when I got PLL. So between that time, I booked, like, some guest spots and stuff, but, you know, and some commercials. Nothing to keep me afloat. I had normal jobs.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, going on as many auditions as I could. I had a manager at the time who just really believed in me and, like, was just so incredible. Shout out Joe Lorenzo. And, you know, he pushed me and really was like, it's just a matter of time.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, and I would audition. I mean, like, I came close to a role on Gossip Girl. Like, I mean, there were things, like, the momentum sort of building.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, and so then. But I think also, too, like, it was in those earlier years, I think, like, for me, in my late teens, early 20s, I kind of had this explosion after high school where I just kind of got a little wild, and I was partying a lot, and I was not taking care of myself. And so simultaneously, I'm pursuing this career, and I felt very emotionally, spiritually, and, like, mentally all over the place. And I think for me, like, I had to kind of settle into myself, and I had to define who I was for me, in a way, and I had to do it. That's. I would say that's kind of young to do that. You know what I mean? Late teens, early 20s.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But then once I did, I started working, and I was on a soap for a little while. I was on Days of Our Lives for a little while. And then that ended. And then PLL happened, and it just. I was supposed to be in only four episodes, and then they kept having me back for. For, you know, episode after episode as, like, a recurring guest. And then. And then I booked a. A pilot for NBC, and because I was just a recurring guest on pll, they had to let me do it. And then they realized, oh, we might lose him. So then they said, once the NBC pilot didn't get picked up.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Then they said, we want to make you a series regular as Caleb. And I was like, hell, yeah.

[Lexi]

Oh, my gosh.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

When did. When did the show, like, start gaining Momentum, like, was it right off the bat? I'm trying to like, remember.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I. So my character came in halfway through the first season.

[Lexi]

Okay.

[Tyler Blackburn]

So like there were 10 episodes before I. Yeah, I even showed up. When I got on the show, I already. I could feel there was buzz about it, you know, because I think it was around the same time as like Gossip Girl and stuff. So that sort of like teen world.

[Lexi]

Yeah, that.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Ya. The phones. Exactly. And that was kind of the beginning of that. Right. Where it was like the phones and social media in some way were starting. But yeah, I feel like it kind of already had some momentum, but it was pretty quick, I'm not going to lie to you. Like, once my episodes started airing, it genuinely felt like my life started to change overnight. You know, went from feeling pretty much anonymous to like being followed around Trader Joe's and to L and stuff. You know what I mean? Like, it really was crazy. And then it just kind of got crazier as. As social media really started building too. Right. We utilized social media in a way that other shows hadn't yet.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I didn't even have social media really. It was like private. I barely used it. And I was told by the, you know, studio and stuff like, you should really be leaning into Instagram now. And you know.

[Lexi]

Oh, wow, that's interesting.

[Tyler Blackburn]

So it was, it was kind of like that, that impetus of.

[Lexi]

Yeah. Social media, was it exciting, stressful? All of the above. When that attention started happening, like, was it. Were you just like living in the moment or.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I was. Honestly, it felt a little surreal.

[Lexi]

Okay.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But it was also a feeling that I had worked my ass off.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And this life that I felt like I knew was going to happen for me was happening, which, you know, just on a human level, that is so validating.

[Lexi]

Yeah. And

[Tyler Blackburn]

it just made me feel so empowered. You know what I mean? Obviously there were elements about it that were weird.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

For sure.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Obviously that was strange because you. You sort of think about the idea of being recognizable or work, just a working actor and what that entails.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You. You romanticize it. And in a lot of ways it does mirror the exact thing that you always thought it would be. But then there are other things that start to feel a little bit scary. Like if people just start showing up to your house and you're like, how did you even get my address?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, and just stuff like that. I mean, I'm sure that you. You guys have some experience with it. You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

Well, yeah, no, that's obviously Taylor has. I always say Taylor, like literally lived a full life before I met him. We've been together for eight years and a lot of our relationship he has been just taking time off and resetting because he was.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Was he a teenager? During Twilight?

[Lexi]

He was 16, 17, 18.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Oh my God. I feel like I met him back in the day cuz I used to hang out with Kristen a little bit. I think I met him once or twice back in the day and then we have. We have mutual friends too. I just always remember him being so sweet, like kind. Kind soul, which I just felt like that's. You might be in one of the biggest movies ever made.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And to have that sort of soul still is pretty telling.

[Lexi]

Yeah. You know. Yeah, he still has that. He's literally just like, oh, I love it. The nicest person. He's so. He's so kind.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I love that.

[Lexi]

I'm. I always wonder like, how did he not like, I. I feel like he's just like one in a million with how he obviously he very much has struggled with body image issues and mental health and stuff that he's opened up about. But I always just say it's like, it's insane that he stayed like sane pretty much. Like he didn't, he didn't have a big mental breakdown. He didn't turn to drugs. He didn't like. Right. The fact that he has just always been himself and is still so like no ego, like loving is really cool. But I mean, yeah, I hear stories from him about like. I feel like that time period like, was like. I feel like that was kind of like the last of like not the hype of celebrities, but like celebrities. I feel like because of social media and everything now I feel like. And because of how much content is out there.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah, it's like so saturated. Not.

[Lexi]

Yeah, it's not as like hyped up. But then it was like. I mean, they were being followed everywhere. I'm sure you guys were too. Like, it was just like you were on like a TV show or a movie. Like you were famous and you were like in this category. Now it's like a little more. Yeah. Like.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Saturated. Okay. Lemon drops. I am so excited to introduce to you Gatorade Lower sugar. This has 75% less sugar than Gatorade. It has no artificial flavors, so sweeteners or colors. And I figured what better way to try these flavors than to do a little taste test with you because they are looking delicious. We have here we have Rainberry we also have lemonade, which is very fitting for this podcast. And we also have fruit punch. This one is Taylor's favorite. I haven't tried them yet, so I'm gonna see which one is my favorite. Let's start off with this Rainberry. Oh, that's good. You can actually taste that. It's less sugar, but it, like, not in a bad way. I don't love super sugary drinks. This feels very hydrating, but with a little bit of flavor. Okay, next is lemonade. Okay. This one might be my favorite, which I kind of knew because I'm a lemon girly. If you couldn't tell by the fruit, that's behind me. But let's try this one. Fruit punch, Taylor's favorite. Drum roll. Oh, shoot. That one's good too. No, I don't really know. I kind of think all of them. If I had to choose. I think I'm going with lemonade just because lemons are my favorite. What I love about Gatorade is that Gatorade hydrates better than water. And when I think Gatorade and electrolytes, I feel like I think about people that are working out every day, intensely sweating, but majority of us aren't getting the electrolytes that we actually need. So incorporating something like Gatorade, especially these lower sugar ones, is so easy to do. Especially like a midday. I am like a midday drink girl. I love to have a little snack, a little tea, a little drink, whatever it may be. And having a little Gatorade midday is the perfect pickup and it really hydrates you and gets you going for the rest of your day. Like many of us, I feel like I am always on the go, whether that's doing podcast, tapings work, prep work for the foundation, going to carpets and events, and traveling. I am always looking for an easy fix to make sure I'm getting my hydration in. So being able to just grab a bottle of Gatorade and take it with me on the go wherever I am is truly so easy. And it's so easy to incorporate. I feel like there's so many different ways wellness things we try to incorporate and try to get in our electrolyte somehow. But it's truly so simple to get it in with Gatorade and the fact that it has 75% less sugar, I feel so much better drinking it. I am so excited to start incorporating this Gatorade lower sugar into my routine. And it's so simple. And you guys should definitely try it too. Try Gatorade lower sugar today. It's available on Gatorade.com and in source nationwide. Cheers. Lately, my life has felt like a constant juggling act between work, social plans, travel, trying to move my body and still show up for myself. There are so many days where my own health ends up taking a backseat. I'll look up and realize I've been running around all day, answering emails, hopping from one thing to the next and haven't actually fueled myself in the way that feels good. And that's exactly where Premier Protein comes in for me. On those busy days when I need something quick, convenient and actually satisfying, Premier Protein has become my go to. It's the kind of thing that I can grab without slowing down, but still feel good after choosing. Whether I'm heading out the door, need an afternoon boost, or just want something easy that fits into my routine, it makes fueling myself feel simple instead of stressful. And honestly, it tastes amazing. I always keep the vanilla on hand. It's my favorite flavor and it makes it so easy to reach for something that I actually enjoy and look forward to forward to having. What I also really appreciate is that Premier Protein fits into real life. It's not just for intense gym sessions or hardcore workout days. It's for everything you need fuel for. With 30 grams of protein and tons of delicious flavors, Premier Protein isn't just for those who get after fitness, it's for those who get after life. It's for squeezing in a walk, showing up to a meeting, feeling ready, saying yes to plans with friends, winning game night win, or even mastering a new recipe for a dinner party. That's why it feels like such an easy, smart choice. Find your favorite [e-mail] that's P R E M I E R P R O t e I n.com or at Amazon, Walmart or other major retailers. If you're a dog parent, you already know it's not just a dog, it's your baby. I saw the stat that 91% of dog parents say their pup is an important member of their family and 40% even save their dog over a human stranger. Safe to say people are obsessed. And honestly, I get it. I am in that obsessed category. And if anyone truly understands that level of dog obsession, it's Ollie. They are relentless about delivering the best dog food and experience for you and your puppy. What really sets Ollie apart is the food itself. Ollie's fresh recipes are developed by real chefs and backed by vet nutritionist. They're obsessed with making high quality meals using thoughtfully sourced ingredients and it's not just about the food, it's the whole end to end experience. From the moment you start your subscription, everything is tailored to your dog. The meals are perfectly portioned based on their needs and they send you a puptainer and scoops. So storing and surfing is super easy. And with Ollie, you don't just get food through their app. You can check in on your dog's health with real vets by uploading a photo. Their team can check in on things like weight digestion, teeth and coat. My girls absolutely love Ollie and I tell all of my dog parent friends to switch to Ollie because giving them real food truly makes such a difference. Get ready for both you and your pup to be obsessed. Head to ollie.com squeeze tell them all about your dog and use code squeeze to get 60% off your welcome. Subscribe today. Plus they offer an obsession guarantee. If you're not completely obsessed, you'll get your money back. That's O l l I e.com squeeze and enter code squeeze to get 60 off your first box. Ollie, feed the obsession.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah, and I also, I also just think like the tone around how we treat people has changed too. I mean, yeah, when I was starting out acting, there were so many conversations around my body and like, you need to bulk up. You need to look like this, you know, you can't. You, you need to come across more masculine, you know, you can't come across as queer in any way.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Those types of conversations just aren't really okay anymore.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And so I think that there's like less pressure in those ways. Like I think individuality, self expression. I think it's actually cooler to be weird now than it used to be before it was like, you need to fit into some sort of box.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, and so I think that it's taken some pressure off and it hasn't even been that long since that change has happened.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, so it's so true.

[Lexi]

I just had the previous episode, I just had two of my girlfriends and we were just had a girl chat. Yeah. Cute episode. And they're both in the beauty industry. They're both like OG content creators. Beauty girls, like have just been through and we were talking about beauty standards and how like now I feel like it's finally coming around. Like there obviously will always be a beauty standards and there's always like super skinny as in right now and like whatever it is. But I, I was telling them that I feel lucky because I've like. And now I feel like we're getting to this age where it's, like, okay to be different. And, like, I'm not one that, like. Whereas, like, I don't have, like, funky hair and, like, cool, like, aesthetic, like, funky style and stuff. Like, I'm just, like, in sweatpants and look like Adam Sandler at the time, but I don't feel like, wait, that's amazing.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Adam Sandler is the man.

[Lexi]

I know, but I don't feel. Feel like. I feel like it's. I don't want to look like the beauty standard, and I feel like we're finally getting, like, into that a little bit.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Which is, like, nice. And people can. It's. It's cool to be different. I actually was listening to. Amanda Seifert was doing an interview recently for one of her projects, and she was actually talking about Botox. And that is, like, the one thing I always get is Botox.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I've been thinking about getting it. So you got. We gotta talk about that in a second. Go ahead.

[Lexi]

You can do, like, a baby one and see how you like it.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Okay.

[Lexi]

Um, but I was like, I got it originally because I. When I first started doing content, I was, like, seeing how expressive my face was even when I, like, wasn't, like,

[Tyler Blackburn]

when you were watching it back.

[Lexi]

Yeah. And I was like, oh, that's like. There's a lot of movement going on there. Not because I was like, oh, there's wrinkles. But I was just like, we gotta, like, tone this down a little bit. But in this interview, she's talking about, like, I don't get Botox because, like, it will mess up my work. Like, I need to be expressive, and I want to, like, show my real skin. And just, like, the way she was talking about it, I really was, like, it really just resonated with me. So I haven't gotten Botox again because, like. Really? Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Like, I was gonna say, you seem very expressive, but not, like, overly.

[Lexi]

Yeah. I mean, I also barely get any because.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Right.

[Lexi]

I still like to have.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah. When your face can't move at all. Like, I feel like that would be, like, panic inducing.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

Yeah. No, and I. When that interview came out, I was like, oh, I actually, like, do want some movement. Like, I. I miss, like, even though I don't have work done, I was like, I miss my natural face. Like, how she was talking about. And I think more celebrities are kind of, like, keeping that natural look about them and talking about that.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Which one thing I was thinking about doing it is for, like, jaw. Like, TMJ stuff. Cuz I get, like, tension headaches back here and into the jaw and like, all the way down here.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But I heard you have to kind of get a lot of it. And it can also, like, change the shape of your jaw, which I'm like, I don't want to look, like, sunken.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Necessarily.

[Lexi]

No, you haven't. Maybe try it here first.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Traps.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

And see. But just if you go to someone that's, like, good.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Trustworthy.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I'll get your person's number. But. Yeah, no, but I hear you and I think that's great. I think. I mean, the cool thing about Botox, I guess, is that if it does fade and you can.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Kind of. See, do I like. What do I like better? You know? But yeah, I mean, the beauty standards will always be there. They've always. Not always, but beauty is something that I really do think it's, like, subjective and it can be. It can, like, spread like, wildfire. Right. Like trends and all of these things. And I just do think that going too overboard with, like, the filler and the Botox and stuff can literally, like, you could never. You can't go back from it.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

At a certain point, you know what I mean? Like, just. I want people to be, like, careful, I think, because. But I'm also like, do you, like, if you actually feel happy doing. Doing what you're doing, do it, you know?

[Lexi]

Yeah. Check the intention in. Like, you're like. I. I say as long as you're, like, coming from a healthy place, then like, if, like, my girlfriends, if they want to go on like a DLP one, I'm like, if you're coming from a healthy place, do it. And when you need to stop, you need to stop. Like, as long as you can do something healthy. Yeah, I'm for it.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

But, like, I want you to love yourself.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah. Like, the goal is to love yourself no matter what.

[Lexi]

Yeah. When talking about, like, beauty standards and stuff, obviously Taylor has talked a lot about body image and stuff, struggling with that as a male, and you kind of, like, touched on that. How has your journey with that been body image? Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah. Not. Not horrible. I mean, I have. Last year was, like, a turning point for me where I really realized how I was treating myself. And I had been for years for a lot of different reasons. I feel like, like, when I got on pll, I was. I was pretty confident in a lot of ways. And then, of course, it was so validating to like, have your dream come true and all of these things. And then I feel like, at a certain point for me, like, maybe late 20s, is when I really came to terms with my sexuality. And I think that that opened up a lot of wounds that I hadn't really confronted yet. And I think it then started to spiral into my looks, and where do I fit in in the queer community? And am I likable? Am I lovable? Am I. Do I have sex appeal? Like, all of those things, you know? And so it did start this cycle that I didn't realize how bad it was getting until last year. I had a really hard year last year. Like, really. Really quite dark, I'm not gonna lie.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I've been, like, unearthing these layers of what got me there. And the way that I was treating myself was just horrific. And some of it. A lot of it did have to do with my body. It really was like, I would pinch fat every day and weigh myself all the time. But it was this vicious cycle to where it was, like, I would work out, but then I would eat really badly because it felt like I needed something to, like, make me feel fulfilled or. I don't know. Like, it was just. And when I say really badly, I'm not, like, eating McDonald's every day. But for me, I know that based off of the way I want to feel, the way that I want to look, like, I can't eat, like, you know, lasagna every single day or, like, whatever, you know?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But it was just this vicious cycle, and I was very. I was very hard on myself, really hard on myself. And it made me have a more of a sort of, like, contemptuous relationship with other people in my life and, like, just the way that my life looked. I was not a happy person, you know, And I do think that the way that we view the world and other people literally is like a mirror that starts with how we feel about ourselves. I love that, you know? And so my journey over the last few months and for the rest of the rest of this year is like, I've said this a few times. It's like, I want to. I want to have, like, the deepest love affair with myself that I've ever had in my life. Yeah, probably. Like, I think when I was a small kid, I really. I liked myself. I had confidence. I knew what my abilities were, what my talents were, what my heart and soul were. And, you know, I'm not, like, I'm not a perfect person. I'm not. I'm not always chill, I'm not always calm, and I'm leaning into the Fact that I have variation.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, I feel like so much of my life was about putting myself in different lanes and boxes.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And being consistent with them. And that was my, like, barometer of how well I'm doing.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I'm just realizing that, like, I. At least. But I think most people, if not all people, are multifaceted.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, and I would avoid certain parts of myself because they were unlovable.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

In my mind. Or harder to love or less acceptable. Or, like, when I behave that way, what's the reaction I get from people? Oop, not so good.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Better censor that. And now I just want to be like, all that really matters is how I feel about me.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I trust my. My instincts pretty well. I know that I'm a good person. I know I'm not gonna be perfect all the time. I'm not always gonna do the right things or say the right things, but I know my intentions, and I don't want to be searching for outside validation. It's easier said than done.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Right. But like, 2026 for me. Year of the horse. I'm sure you've heard about this. Yeah, it's. It's. I want to go forward with vigor in so many areas of my life, but the one I want to go towards the most is like. Like celebrating me every day. Celebration. You know? Sorry. No, I just feel like. But I'm like. But then I keep thinking, like, if everyone felt fortified in doing that, like, the world would be a happier place. It really would. Because if we can't love ourselves, we can't love other people, or if we feel unsafe, we can't. We can't allow other people to feel safe. You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

So my. My. My biggest goal is to fall in love with myself. You know, of course I want love. I want validation. I want.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

To have opportunities. But what I'm realizing is when I've started to really do that with myself, I am attracting the right things.

[Lexi]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, I really am attracting the right scenarios.

[Lexi]

Yeah. That's so true. And I bet, too, like, for someone that has, like, with your past of being in the public eye and having people put you in a box and telling you, you know, you're only going to be successful if you look or act this type of way, like, how deep that probably, like, festered in you.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah. Oh, my God. I was. I had so much anxiety as a. As a teenager and a kid, and then also, like, in the beginning of my career.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

So Much anxiety. I would go into auditions. I mean, I actually had to walk out of some auditions because I was so. So in my head.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I. I was. I was like on the verge of panic attacks because I would be looking around, comparing myself to all these other guys that looked older than me, they seemed straighter than me, they had better bodies than me. They were, like, probably most definitely gonna get the roll over me. What am I doing here? Yeah, I'm not. You know what I mean? The inner dialogue was so crazy. You know what I mean? I. I struggled with anxiety, like, as a teenage. I was. I was bullied. Like, I'm sure that you understand this when I talk about going to high school in Santa Clarita.

[Lexi]

Yes, I do.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Which, listen, like, I'm not shitting on Santa Clarita. Totally. But as a queer, artistically minded, sensitive, emotional person, there's not a ton of room for that out there, you know, So I didn't really have a ton of friends.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I didn't have, you know, to. I didn't have a. I didn't have a safe space really out there. You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And so the narrative started then, for sure. You know, I went from being a kid who was doing theater and really, like, if you asked me to sing you a song, I would do it on the spot. To literally eating lunch in my biology classroom alone with my biology teacher.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, because I didn't feel like I had a safe space. And then when I got out of high school and I started pursuing my. The life I wanted, You. I was carrying a lot of that with me, but trying to combat it at the same time.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And, yeah, it was. I don't know. I mean, I'm glad I didn't find success even younger. It really would have been wild, I think.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But, yeah, I think for me, what I've realized when I really look at my past is, like, when I step into my power, for me is when I start to succeed. Like, I did not start working as an actor until I stopped feeding into the pressures to party and do drugs and go crazy like that. I found success when I said, hey, you know what? I'm not going to be the quarterback. I'm not going to be that hot guy. I'm not gonna bulk up and wear tight shirts. You know what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna grow my hair out as long as I can. I'm gonna wear tight jeans. I'm gonna be like. I. I was really, like, I had like leaned into like the 70s rocker vibe a bit. My hair was literally down to here.

[Lexi]

Oh, wow.

[Tyler Blackburn]

It was incredible. I loved it.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

My reps were like, what are you doing? But I was getting so close to so many projects that I don't think they wanted to drop me.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Because they could see like some. But I said I will cut my hair if I get a job and they want me to. You. Otherwise, this is me. And you walk into a space. Like when you have boundaries, it's like this funny dichotomy because when you have boundaries, it's not that you're closing everything off. Yeah, you're, you're creating space for the right things to come in. I feel like. Do you know what I mean? Like, I feel like, I feel like boundaries to people feel like such a stop. Like, okay, I'm not going to do that. I can't go here. Just. But it's not about that. It's about actually like pushing those things away so that you can make room for the path that's meant for you, you know, that's good. And so, yeah, I don't know, I feel like that's something I just keep coming back to. It might be a few years until I realize it again. But I think it's important, you know, to, to have your own integrity about who you are and have your boundaries, you know.

[Lexi]

Yeah, that's important. When dinner time hits and you're trying to stay on top track, Butcherbox makes it so much easier. Having high quality protein delivered straight to your door means fewer last minute grocery runs and way less guesswork. ButcherBox delivers 100 premium protein options including 100% grass fed beef, free range, organic chicken, crate free pork and wild caught seafood. Everything meets the same rigorous standards. Whether you're cooking something simple like chicken breasts or elevating dinner a bit more. Its quality across the board. For over a decade, Butcherbox has led the industry with meat and seafood that's antibiotic free, hormone free and independently verified as an exclusive offer. New listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast or shrimp in every box for a year plus $20 off when you go to butcherbox.com squeeze that's right. Your choice of organic ground beef, chicken breast or shrimp in every box for an entire year 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 that we sent you. If this season feels busy, you're not alone. That's exactly why I'm excited about the brand new Peloton Cross Training Tread Plus. Powered by Peloton iq, it's Peloton's most elevated equipment yet with real time guidance and endless ways to move. What really stands out is Peloton iq. It provides real time strength coaching with features like goal setting and smart weight suggestions so you're always progressing. There's even a new movement tracking camera that counts your reps and helps you correct your form in real time. It takes the guesswork out so you can train safer, lift smarter and make every rep count. And I love the versatility. You can go from a 45 minute run and then with one smooth spin of the swivel screen hop into a 5 minute stretch or strength session off the tread. It makes cross training feel seamless even on tight schedules. Peloton IQ also builds personalized plans and weekly class recommendations that match your mood and energy, helping you stay motivated and consistent. Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push and go. Explore the new peloton cross training tread [e-mail] we're officially into the New Year and this is usually when I start reassessing how my space is actually supporting my everyday life. Refresh your space and make your home work better for you. With Wayfair, I've been really intentional about making my home feel more functional, more organized, and honestly just more enjoyable to spend time in, and Wayfair has made that reset feel surprisingly simple. From furniture and decor to organization solutions and outdoor essentials, Wayfair makes it easy to find exactly what fits your style and needs. What I appreciate most is how everything lives in one place. Whether you need bedding, a mattress, fresh towels, storage solutions or even outdoor pieces for seasonal refresh, it's all there. This season I wanted my home to feel calmer and more streamlined, so I focus on the basics. Upgrading bedding and bath essentials, adding smart storage that actually keeps things organized, and swapping in practical kitchen pieces that make weeknight dinners feel easier. Wayfair makes it simple to narrow down exactly what works for your style and budget. I also love that they offer installation and assembly services available for a truly seamless experience, which just makes the whole process feel stress free. One thing that really stands out to me is how many pieces have thousands of five star reviews, which helps you feel confident when you're shopping. It takes the guesswork out of ordering something big for your home. Find furniture, decor and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home that's W A Y-F A I R.com Wayfair every style, every home. What got you to kind of that breaking point of hitting kind of your low last year? Was there something that kind of triggered it, or were you just like, I'm done feeling this way.

[Tyler Blackburn]

It's a. It's a. It's a little bit of a layered story, to be honest. I feel like it was. It had been years coming.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

After pll, I did another show called Roswell. And during that show, prior to that show even, I had kind of opened up this Pandora's box about my love life, my sexuality. It caused problems in my family a bit. It caused problems in my. The way I viewed myself. And then. And then, like, after a couple years, I started really kind of almost like, manifesting physical problems. And so I started having health issues. I had, like, gut health issues that were crazy. I had, like, a year and a half of, like, crazy vertigo.

[Lexi]

Oh, wow.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, which. I don't know if you've ever had that, but that is rough. Wild.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And then it was, like. Then my. And then I found out my spine was broken.

[Lexi]

What?

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yep. I don't know how my lower spine was just broken. I had no disc between two of my vertebrae. I had to have full spine surgery. And. Wow. I just, like, was slowly crumbling. And then, like, as soon as that was. That surgery was done.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I was like, okay, I need to get back to work. Let me get an agent again. And, like, I don't know. I just felt like it was, like, a lot of pushback right away from the. The business that I had been in for years. Then we have these strikes. I lose my agents. I was not auditioning. I'm like, how am I going to work if I'm not auditioning?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I was trying all these different avenues. Nothing was happening. My love life was tumultuous. I felt really alone. I spent a lot of time alone. I was really cruel to myself. And I just reached this point where I realized, like. And. And to be honest, I look at it almost now, like, me, as a spiritual being, was trying to, like, wake me up. But it manifested initially as, like, severe anxiety again.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

It became an insomniac. I was sleeping, like, one hour a night, literally, if I was lucky.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And then you add lack of sleep onto it.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And it got really wild. And I realized that, you know, I wasn't making the kind of money I had been making. And if I don't have the. The money and the nice Things and the success. What do I have?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Who am I? I'm. I'm nothing. Like the narrative was like, I'm nothing.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

If I don't have those things, I'm nothing. I'm already nothing. But, you know, I've lost my, my mojo. I've lost my whatever, you know, and it, and it caused a true spiral. True, true, true spiral. And the anxiety was wild. And I had to ask for help, which I didn't love doing because I was like very much someone who from a really, quite, quite a young age felt a lot of emotional responsibility for myself. I didn't really get a lot of true feelings of understanding or support from people in my life.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And so I had to figure out how to do that for myself. And then, you know, that becomes sort of how you walk through life and you start to become so almost closed off to other people that you don't. I don't need help.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And like, I've talked to friends who have in retrospect said like, you just never seem like you need it. Like you always have it together.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I'm like, interesting. That's because I try to make it seem that way. You know what I mean? So last year I had to ask for help from my family and friends in a way that I was not prior comfortable with. Hold on. And hold on. I cry all the time. She knows. She's smiling because she just knows I cry all the time. I just don't think, I don't think I could have gotten through that time without my family, my friends. Because it was like a very scary place to be.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I felt like people showed up for me in a really immediate way, in a really magical way. You know? And now it's just made me go like, I want to do that for people in my life too. But not even my. Just my life. Like I wanna, it's changed my perspective too on how I want to exist in the world as far as the way I view humans.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Because I feel like I, I for many reasons have had walls up for a long time where I started to vilify people. Like, oh gosh, people are so annoying people. I can't, I can't figure people out. And I just started to like have a lot more empathy. I think after, when you hit like a rock bottom of sorts, you can kind of like, you can become a little bit more empathetic towards just like the human experience, you know?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I really have low tolerance for like actual and actual evil.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But I have a lot more understanding of just sort of, like, how everyone's navigating life and everyone's just trying. I'm still allowed to have my boundaries and demand respect. Just because you're going through something doesn't mean you. You're allowed to disrespect me.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But I can also look at you. I can implement my boundary. Still coming from a place of love. I see you. I see what you're dealing with. You can't treat me like that. Yeah, but I see you. So do you want the conversation to become about how we can actually change this and. And grow? Because I'm here for that. You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

For sure. Anyway, I love that.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Thank you for sharing that.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You're welcome.

[Lexi]

And opening up. Proud of you. And I love that you said, like, just how it's changed, like, your perspective on how you want to be there for your family and friends and people. Like, that's, like, the whole reason I, like, started this podcast is to, like, have these conversations because, like, people like you had before, like, people never hear these stories of. So many people are probably in that same position you were in before you asked for help and not feeling like maybe like you could. They can ask for help or even how to or that they don't need to.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Right.

[Lexi]

And just you deciding to, like, open up and share this is, like, huge. So I'm just so thankful for you.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Honestly, it's like, you know, my new social media management team is so incredible, and they were like, you got to do podcasts? And I was like, oh, my gosh, I'm so nervous to do that. You know, like, that just feels so raw. But I'm also leaning into this idea of, like, dismantling the things that I felt limited by, which were those, like, internal thoughts.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Of, like, why? What am I afraid of, though?

[Lexi]

Yeah. You know, you look at it, you're like, it sounds like when after you speak it, I feel like it just, like, minimizes it.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Speaking it. I think the reason that it feels better is because it's the opposite of pushing it down.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You're, like, bringing it out.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know what I mean? And then to be fortunate enough to have someone or people in your life that you can sit and discuss it with, who have the patience and the love for you to help you, even if it's take. If it takes 20 minutes to process it, that's gonna help so much. You know, intimacy has so many levels, and I think that feeling safe enough to communicate is a huge Sign that you are in an intimate relationship of some kind.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, and you can be. You can have an intimate relationship with your friends.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

It's not just the person you go to bed with. You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

Yeah. So I always say that intimacy and friendship, that's like my.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yes.

[Lexi]

That's my favorite form. Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yes. And I think for me, like, intimacy comes when you feel safe.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, and when you feel seen. And I really, like, that's what I want, you know, And I think that we all have the capacity to. To have that and then also allow other people to have that, you know, which again is why I think in some ways, like LA can feel so intense because I do feel like everyone's trying to do or be something.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And everyone feels a little bit, like, fearful, you know, or like unfulfilled or whatever. And therefore it's hard for them to feel safe, which makes it hard for them to make other people feel safe.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

So there's this, like, weird little game going on. You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

No, it's so true.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

I want to know, going into this, like, year of self love and your love affair with yourself, I want to know what, looking back between now, how you Feel and maybe 10 years ago, what is self worth. Self worth mean to you now versus 10 years ago?

[Tyler Blackburn]

10 years ago. Okay, wait. Okay. Actually, 10 years ago was like, kind of the beginning of like a darker time in my life where I put a lot of stock in how other people were responding to me and the kind of. The kind of treatment I was getting from other people. Like that. That was kind of my. That was how I determined how I. Or like, what I deserved.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Or if I was doing something right or something was wrong with me or whatever. So I feel that now I just think that my relationship with myself has to be the most important thing because I, again, I'm not perfect. I'm not going to always do or say the right things. I have definitely done and said things I regret, but I'm. I'm very good at taking responsibility for those things. I'm not going to sit there and say, well, you made me do that. I'm like, no one makes you do anything.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I'm sorry. No one makes you do anything. You choose to respond in a certain way.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Even if it's just like an immediate reaction to then come back and take responsibility for it. That's then your responsibility, you know, And I think that that's important. So I think when I do that, among Many other things. I sleep better at night because that's my integrity. And so I think. Yeah. I think self worth has to do with that. That internal journey with yourself and how you are outside world as a whole. So that's like, what you do with your time, how you treat people, what you do, like, what do you do with people? Like, that is reflecting the. The person you are and what you want, you know, I don't want to be someone who changes who I am for other people.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I don't want to be someone who does. Does a lot that I regret, you know, and it goes the other way around, too. Right. Where I want to do everything that I feel like I really want to do that's in me. Like, we have this life.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, I. I happen to believe in reincarnation, so I'm kind of like, I'm gonna probably carry.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, karmically through other lifetimes, but this life right now is being lived, and I want to have my ideas of who I am and what I want my life to look like to be realized as much as possible. This life, you know, and trying and striving towards those things and. And feeling like you're a good person, I think is what increases confidence and self worth. So I think that's my thing now is it's like, I mean, literally being here, I wouldn't have. I never would have done a podcast before because I was like, oh, I'm gonna be so nervous, because I. But I wasn't comfortable about being open about my actual feelings and thoughts all the time. You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

For sure.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And so this is just, like, one little step in. In that journey of, like, I'm gonna leave here and I'm gonna go. And this might seem silly, but I've started to implement rituals, like looking in the mirror in my own eyes. In my eyeballs.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And positive affirmations. Sometimes I go like, you know, I love you, Tyler. Or I might be like, I love me. You know, it depends on how I'm feeling. But before in my life, I probably would have left something like this and spiraled about, was I sitting properly? Was I speaking properly? Did I come across as stupid? Did I sound gay? Like, so many things would run through my mind.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Now it's like, I don't let those things in. I want to look in the mirror. And I just am like, I'm so proud of you. Like, you just did something you're afraid of.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Or you were afraid of. You know, And I don't I don't want to have. I don't want to let fear take me out ever again.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know, anxiety is fear of something.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Fear of, like, lack of control or something. You know what I mean?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I don't want to ever let fear take me out. I. I don't. I mean, what. Cause, like, what's really happening in the moment.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

What? Like, what are we afraid of? It's not like we aren't running from a dinosaur or something. You know what I mean? It's like we're sitting across, like, what's scary.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

No, it's so being seen. Great.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

That means you need to force yourself to be seen even more.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know what I mean? I saw this thing on Instagram that was, like. It was reframing the idea of, like, when you're afraid of something and your heart starts beating. What if it's like your inner applause?

[Lexi]

Oh.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Where it's like, go for it. Like, we're cheering you on. Oh. Do you know what I mean by that? Like, I love that the idea of, like, this is intense. I don't know if I should do it. That's like your inner applause. Like, go, go, go, go, go. Obviously. Listen, there's a. There's a. There's a. There's, like, a time and place, like, you know what I mean? Like, obviously, if your heart is racing because you're actually afraid of something.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Like, I don't know, maybe you're about to hit bad car. Get out of the way. Yeah. You know what I mean? But, like, in life stage, or you're

[Lexi]

going into, like, an interview, like, yeah, do it.

[Tyler Blackburn]

And I think for me, the other thing, too, is perfectionism was always so important to me, and now I'm just like, we're messy. We are messy. Like, show up tired. Like, right now, I am so sore from. I started working out again. I'm so sore. I literally have a headache today. And I. This morning was like, I can't believe this is how I feel going into this experience. And I was like, I don't. I don't care. Like, why. It's not gonna change.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I can just decide I'm gonna be good no matter what.

[Lexi]

I love that.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Do you know what I mean? I'm still here.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I don't have to be perfect.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But I think again, too, like, wanting to make it in the entertainment business from a young age, you know, and, like, meeting with, like, you know, PR teams, and here's what you should say. Here's how you. I was just. And it's just like.

[Lexi]

Yeah, I know. It's like. It's kind of like not like a die to self, because it's not self, but it's like died to whatever this old version of you. Because Taylor has told me so many times, like, things. I mean, I. I've seen it even firsthand of, like, when he would do press and interviews. He would be so nervous every time for everything you said. Was he sitting right? Did he say the right thing? Like, every. Like, that was just something that was always in his head. And it's been so cool. Like, he did a couple. Maybe it was last year or the year before he did Fallon. And it was the most relaxed, comfortable. It was literally his best interview he's ever done. And he was just relaxed. He had fun. And that's because he's like, just released all of that. And he's like, loves himself and he's just like, in this state of like. So I just hearing everything you said made me so happy because I've got.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I wish he was here too, because we would have so many things to, like, relate to probably, you know.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I hope to hang out with. With you guys again at some point.

[Lexi]

Gosh, please. I would love that. Last question I have for you is, what are you most proud of yourself for?

[Tyler Blackburn]

Oh, no. Where's the tissues, Lexi? Don't laugh. It's actually what I was getting emotional about for a second. It was like. It was almost like, I don't know how to just choose one. Which I think is a very. I love that it's a very polarizing narrative to how I used to feel. So it's a little overwhelming because I really. I like me. You know, I kind of like that I'm weird sometimes. I like that I'm not perfect all the time. I like that I can have, like. I will literally cry at a commercial.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

But then if, like, you mess with me, like, I'm going, like, you're gonna see some talents.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Like. But I kind of like that too.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I like that I can say I'm sorry. I like that I can take responsibility for things. I like that. I don't know. I mean, I think at the end of the day, though, like. And this is probably just because I'm on this, like, self love journey. I think that my resilience is what I'm most proud of. I think that I've had to kind of deal with a lot throughout my life, more so emotionally and mentally.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I did not have, like, a terrible childhood, but I dealt with stuff that I wouldn't want my child to deal with and I wouldn't want to deal with again, you know, whether it was, like, within my family dynamics or my. My peers. Yeah, there were some really intense, dark things. And then to push through and say, I have a dream, and I'm going to make my dream come true and become an actor, that took resilience because I would walk through those audition doors with the narrative of, you're not good enough, you're this, you're that. And I would say I'm doing it anyway. You know what I mean? Like, then to ride that wave and stay close to who I am naturally, and then find it again now, like, it just. I really feel like I forget, like, the actual saying, but, like, kind of the concept of, like, your. Your character is defined, like, by how you get back up.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

You know what I mean? And I think that. I think it's. This world is designed to challenge us. And I just think some people really succumb quickly, which is unfortunate, because I bet you anything those people even have extreme amounts of power that they have, are. Are untapped. But I just, like, don't want to give up, you know? And for me, more so now than ever, it's like, I. I want to be happy. I don't care, actually, if I ever work again as an actor, if I'm happy, I don't care if I make a lot of money ever again, if I'm happy. I don't care if I ever find a partner, as long as I'm happy, you know? Do I think all of those things can add value to your life and give you tools that make you feel supported and excited? Yes. But, like, I. I really do think that happiness comes from within us. So if we're looking for any sort of outside source of happiness, it's going to be a little bit tricky, you know?

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Tyler Blackburn]

That was a very long winded answer. But, no, in a nutshell, I think just. I am proud of my resilience and fighting for me being me, I think.

[Lexi]

You know, truly, I love that.

[Tyler Blackburn]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Awesome. Well, thanks for coming.

[Tyler Blackburn]

This was so great. Thank you so much.

[Lexi]

I know. I love it. It's just. It feels so nice. Like, just go about my.

[Tyler Blackburn]

So casual.

[Lexi]

I know.

[Tyler Blackburn]

I know. I love it so much. I appreciate you.

[Lexi]

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.