Podcast Summary: Therapuss with Jake Shane – Session 67: Sophie Thatcher

Episode Information:

• Title: Therapuss with Jake Shane
• Host: Jake Shane
• Guest: Sophie Thatcher
• Episode: Session 67: Sophie Thatcher
• Release Date: April 17, 2025

Overview: In Session 67 of "Therapuss with Jake Shane," host Jake Shane engages in a candid and insightful conversation with Sophie Thatcher, renowned for her role in the acclaimed series "Yellowjackets." The episode delves into Sophie’s experiences in the acting world, her creative endeavors in music, personal challenges, and her perspectives on mental health and relationships. Balancing humor with profound reflections, this episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Sophie’s multifaceted life.

1. Introduction and Personal Updates

Jake Shane begins the episode by sharing his recent experiences, including attending Coachella and watching "The Leftovers." He expresses his anxiety about his favorite show nearing its end.

• Jake (00:10): “I’m about to finish the Leftovers. I just don’t know who I’m going to be without it.”

He sets the stage for the episode by highlighting the emotional investment he has in "The Leftovers" and his apprehension about finding a new show to binge-watch.

2. Welcome and Introduction of Sophie Thatcher

Jake introduces Sophie Thatcher, emphasizing her prominence in "Yellowjackets" and her burgeoning music career. He expresses his enthusiasm about having her on the show.

• Jake (00:40): “Today we have on one of my favorite actresses and also musician. She just released her debut EP, Pivot and Scrape... Sophie Thatcher.”

3. Deep Dive into "Yellowjackets"

Sophie elaborates on her role in "Yellowjackets," discussing the complexities of her character and the intense nature of the show’s narrative.

• Sophie (04:26): “Everyone has a very visceral reaction to Shawna this season. Because Sophie Nalis is amazing.”

They discuss specific seasons and episodes, highlighting character development and pivotal moments that shape the storyline.

• Jake (06:07): “It was super, super, super moving.”

4. Challenges of Filming Group Scenes

Sophie shares her experiences filming demanding group scenes, which require numerous takes and emotional stamina.

• Sophie (08:07): “It takes probably like eight hours to do like a two-page group scene, which is insane.”

She compares these scenes to theater, emphasizing the exhaustion and the need to maintain character consistency throughout the process.

5. Auditioning for "Yellowjackets" and "Companion"

Sophie recounts her auditioning process for "Yellowjackets," highlighting the surprise of being cast without a traditional callback.

• Sophie (20:05): “I booked it. I was like, wait, you even do call back. No, no callback.”

She also discusses her role in the movie "Companion," detailing the differences in character portrayal and the challenges of transitioning between projects.

6. Transition into Music: "Pivot and Scrape"

Sophie speaks about her debut EP, "Pivot and Scrape," exploring the personal nature of her music and how it contrasts with her acting career.

• Sophie (31:13): “I feel like music is still so foreign to me that it's more exciting.”

She shares her musical influences and the therapeutic aspects of creating music, highlighting the intimate and personal process involved.

7. Lessons Learned and Personal Growth

Through her journey in acting and music, Sophie imparts valuable life lessons, such as the importance of standing up for oneself and effective communication.

• Sophie (36:17): “Standing up for yourself, you have a lot more say than you think.”

Jake and Sophie discuss strategies for personal growth and overcoming challenges, drawing from their professional experiences.

8. Mental Health: Coping with OCD and Anxiety

The conversation shifts to mental health, with both Jake and Sophie opening up about their struggles with OCD and anxiety. Sophie offers advice on finding the right therapist and the benefits of combining therapy with medication.

• Sophie (60:18): “It's like dating where it's just, you can't. Even if they're a great person, sometimes it's not a match.”

• Jake (60:47): “I prescribe ‘Lose You to Love Me’ by Selena Gomez.”

They discuss the importance of exposure therapy and medication in managing OCD, sharing personal anecdotes and coping mechanisms.

9. Relationship Advice and Breakups

Jake discusses his recent breakup and the emotional turmoil it has caused. Sophie provides compassionate advice on handling complex relationship dynamics, emphasizing self-focus and setting healthy boundaries.

• Jake (52:09): “My long term boyfriend and I broke up a little less than one year ago. He also happened to break up with me when I was going through the worst point in my life.”

• Sophie (57:04): “Distance yourself. Distance yourself. That person is messy.”

They explore the challenges of navigating trust and insecurities in relationships, offering practical tips for maintaining emotional well-being.

10. Favorite Shows and Media Recommendations

Sophie and Jake exchange thoughts on various TV shows and movies, including "The Leftovers," "Breaking Bad," "Girls," "BoJack Horseman," and Studio Ghibli animations. Sophie highly recommends "BoJack Horseman" for its authentic portrayal of depression.

• Sophie (64:32): “I recommend it to everybody because if you know me... it was my fall asleep to show.”

Jake adds his appreciation for shows that delve into deep emotional and psychological themes, encouraging listeners to explore these narratives for personal growth.

11. Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Sophie emphasizes the significance of honesty in life and artistry, inspiring Jake to adopt a similar approach in his own life and work.

• Sophie (70:04): “Honesty is everything in artistry, in life. So that was just a good reminder.”

Jake expresses his gratitude, highlighting the cathartic nature of their honest exchange and commending Sophie for her openness and talent.

• Jake (70:35): “I'm gonna take that with me for the rest of my entire week.”

Notable Quotes:

• Jake (06:07): “It was super, super, super moving.”
• Sophie (08:07): “It takes probably like eight hours to do like a two-page group scene, which is insane.”
• Sophie (36:17): “Standing up for yourself, you have a lot more say than you think.”
• Sophie (60:18): “It's like dating where it's just, you can't. Even if they're a great person, sometimes it's not a match.”
• Sophie (57:04): “Distance yourself. Distance yourself. That person is messy.”
• Sophie (64:32): “I recommend it to everybody because if you know me... it was my fall asleep to show.”
• Sophie (70:04): “Honesty is everything in artistry, in life. So that was just a good reminder.”

Key Takeaways:

• Acting Challenges: The demanding nature of filming "Yellowjackets," especially group scenes, requires significant emotional and physical stamina.
• Creative Balance: Balancing acting with a music career offers Sophie a therapeutic outlet and a deeper connection to her personal experiences.
• Mental Health Awareness: Open discussions about OCD and anxiety highlight the importance of seeking the right therapeutic support and embracing honest communication.
• Relationship Dynamics: Setting healthy boundaries and focusing on self-care are crucial in navigating complex relationship issues.
• Honesty in Artistry: Embracing honesty and transparency fosters genuine connections and personal growth, both professionally and personally.

Conclusion: Session 67 of "Therapuss with Jake Shane" offers a profound and heartfelt exploration into Sophie Thatcher's life, both as an acclaimed actress and a passionate musician. Through honest dialogue, Sophie provides valuable insights into the complexities of her craft, the importance of mental health, and the nuances of personal relationships. This episode stands out as a beacon of authenticity and introspection, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.