Therapuss with Jake Shane Episode: Session 85.5: Interview With A Very Serious Actor
Release Date: July 27, 2025

Introduction to the Guest

In this candid episode of Therapuss, host Jake Shane welcomes rising star Meg Stalter, a serious actor known for her compelling performances. From the outset, the conversation delves into Meg's personal and professional life, setting the stage for an intimate and introspective session.

Notable Quote:

Meg Stalter (00:48): "Thank you so much, Jake."

Personal Relationships and Affairs

The dialogue quickly shifts to Meg's complicated romantic life. Meg admits to having had an affair with fellow actress Claire Danes, leading to tumultuous relationships and the dissolution of her marriage. This revelation highlights the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amidst the pressures of Hollywood.

Notable Quotes:

Jake (02:42): "She said that you broke her heart."
Meg Stalter (02:46): "I hate to call her that, but it's an inside joke. We did have an affair."
Jake (06:02): "And you had kids?"
Meg Stalter (06:29): "Yeah. And I was single at the time. Then I met. I got married. Then I met Claire on set."

Acting Career and Challenges

Meg discusses the relentless demands of her acting career, emphasizing the difficulty in balancing personal life with professional obligations. She expresses frustration over limited capacity to nurture friendships and manage time effectively, underscoring the emotional toll of the industry.

Notable Quotes:

Meg Stalter (01:44): "I'm a hard friend to keep. We give ourselves so much to our jobs."
Meg Stalter (08:43): "But, yeah, I just love acting, I think, you know, sometimes it's hard, I guess, not to take your work home."

Parenthood and Custody

The conversation reveals that Meg is a mother who has limited custody of her children, with their aunt taking primary responsibility. She expresses concern over her children growing up in a home fraught with parental conflicts, highlighting the personal sacrifices made for her career.

Notable Quotes:

Meg Stalter (08:20): "I have to tell you that there is something in this business called opening up your heart to people."
Jake (08:45): "So the husband. Your husband doesn't have custody of them either?"
Meg Stalter (08:43): "My aunt."

Emotional Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

Meg opens up about the emotional challenges of her profession, particularly the difficulty in separating her on-screen persona from her real self. She shares her coping strategies, including moments of vulnerability and seeking support through therapy-like conversations.

Notable Quotes:

Meg Stalter (09:02): "I feel like sometimes it's not a choice. I have to shake it off a bit."
Jake (10:04): "I wish they did call me in there. That's Hollywood."

Professional Setbacks and Resilience

The discussion touches on professional setbacks, such as not landing desired roles and facing public criticism. Meg candidly addresses how rejection affects her, revealing her proactive steps to overcome disappointment and maintain her passion for acting.

Notable Quotes:

Meg Stalter (17:16): "When I'm rejected, I look in the mirror and I go, no, no, no."
Meg Stalter (17:58): "I destroy everything inside. And I go home, I order my usual Panera bread and go to sleep."

Interactions with Industry Peers

Meg shares anecdotes about her interactions with other industry professionals, including playful jabs at Jake and humorous exchanges about personal habits and mutual friends. These moments offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and underlying tensions within Hollywood circles.

Notable Quotes:

Meg Stalter (14:12): "No. Keegan and Peel."
Meg Stalter (22:50): "He wasn't gay when he was eating my ass last night."

Concluding Remarks

As the session wraps up, Meg reflects on her journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her story. The conversation ends on a light-hearted note, with Meg and Jake exchanging playful banter, leaving listeners with a sense of the complex dynamics at play in Meg's life.

Notable Quote:

Meg Stalter (22:23): "What did you do last summer, John?" Jake (23:22): "Okay, well, thanks, everyone. Give it up for everyone. Yeah, everyone ever give it up for Meg."

Key Takeaways

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Meg's struggle to maintain personal relationships while pursuing a demanding acting career.
• Emotional Resilience: Coping mechanisms employed by Meg to handle rejection and emotional stress in Hollywood.
• Parenthood Challenges: The impact of limited custody and parental conflicts on Meg's family life.
• Industry Dynamics: Insights into the interpersonal relationships and tensions among Hollywood professionals.

This episode offers a raw and unfiltered look into the life of a serious actor navigating the complexities of fame, personal relationships, and career aspirations. Through honest dialogue and revealing moments, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Meg Stalter's journey and the multifaceted challenges she faces.