Session 68: Amelia Dimoldenberg on "Therapuss with Jake Shane"
Release Date: April 24, 2025
In this engaging episode of Therapuss with Jake Shane, host Jake Shane sits down with Amelia Dimoldenberg, the creative force behind the popular web series Chicken Shop Date. The conversation delves into Amelia's journey, the evolution of her show, her experiences hosting high-profile red carpets, and her insights on handling anxiety and media ownership.
Amelia Dimoldenberg's Journey and Chicken Shop Date
Amelia begins by tracing the origins of Chicken Shop Date, revealing its inception over a decade ago. Originally a column in a magazine at age 17, the concept transitioned to YouTube, gaining momentum particularly with the advent of TikTok which significantly expanded its audience base.
Amelia Dimoldenberg [07:01]: "Before I started, when I started Chicken Shop Date, like, content didn't exist... I felt like there was a space for some more comedy."
Amelia emphasizes the importance of owning her content, which has allowed her to diversify and feature a wide range of guests from various backgrounds, including music, sports, and film.
Navigating Success and Media Evolution
The discussion highlights how Chicken Shop Date did not achieve overnight success but grew steadily as Amelia persisted in reaching out to diverse personalities. The rise of social media platforms played a crucial role in catapulting her show to international fame.
Amelia Dimoldenberg [07:50]: "The invention of TikTok really catapulted the dates to new eyeballs."
Amelia also shares her strategic approach to maintaining creative control, resisting offers that required relinquishing ownership rights, which she identifies as pivotal to her sustained success.
Hosting Red Carpets: Challenges and Triumphs
Amelia recounts her experiences hosting red carpet events, including SNL50 and the Golden Globes. She candidly discusses the anxiety that accompanies live interviews, sharing a particularly intense moment during the Golden Globes when a technical mishap threatened to overshadow a standout interview with Andrew Garfield.
Amelia Dimoldenberg [16:49]: "I cried because I just knew in the moment, when you do a great interview, and you just know, like, that interview is amazing."
Through resilience and positive feedback from fans, Amelia illustrates how setbacks can lead to unexpected positive outcomes, reinforcing her belief that "everything happens for a reason."
Managing Anxiety and Maintaining a Positive Mindset
A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to coping mechanisms for anxiety, especially in high-pressure situations like live hosting. Amelia shares personal strategies, including preparing extensively, adopting a "fake it till you make it" mindset, and seeking support from her team.
Amelia Dimoldenberg [20:14]: "Have more confidence in yourself... if you're prepared, like, then that's all you can be."
Jake Shane resonates with Amelia's insights, reflecting on his own struggles with anxiety and the importance of a positive outlook.
The Role of Social Media and Digital Well-being
Transitioning into a broader discussion, Jake and Amelia explore the pervasive influence of social media and smartphone addiction. They debate the merits and drawbacks of digital engagement, contemplating societal changes if a significant number of people decided to disconnect from their devices.
Amelia Dimoldenberg [69:12]: "I'm thinking about it because I feel like people's brains are being altered, and people are getting more depressed."
Their dialogue underscores the challenges of maintaining mental health in the digital age, advocating for mindful usage and digital detox strategies.
Interactive "Tell Me What's Wrong" Segment
The episode also features the interactive "Tell Me What's Wrong" segment, where Jake and Amelia address listener-submitted dilemmas. Topics range from relationship struggles and friendship tensions to workplace issues and personal anxieties.
For instance, when discussing a situation where a friend intoxicated and damaged new shoes, Amelia advises addressing the issue with humor and directness, while emphasizing the importance of evaluating the health of the friendship.
Amelia Dimoldenberg [54:09]: "That's definitely strange behavior, don't you think?"
Similarly, they tackle questions about handling family reunions after long periods of distance, offering pragmatic tips to navigate potential awkwardness and foster meaningful connections.
Closing Reflections
In wrapping up the episode, both Jake and Amelia exchange mutual respect and appreciation for each other's work ethic and mindset. Amelia commends Jake's talent and natural ability, while Jake lauds Amelia's hard work and positive outlook.
Jake Shane [72:14]: "That's my biggest takeaway is that you work super hard and you have a really good mindset."
The session concludes on a heartfelt note, reinforcing the show's theme of blending humor with deep introspection to provide listeners with both entertainment and valuable insights.
Key Takeaways:
- Persistence and Ownership: Amelia's dedication to Chicken Shop Date and her insistence on owning her content were crucial to her show's longevity and success.
- Handling Live Anxiety: Effective preparation and a supportive team can mitigate the stresses of live hosting.
- Digital Well-being: Mindful engagement with social media and technology is essential for mental health.
- Navigating Relationships: Addressing conflicts with honesty and humor can strengthen or clarify personal relationships.
Quotes have been selected to highlight significant moments and insights from the conversation, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and newcomers alike.