Therapuss with Jake Shane: Session 86 Featuring Selena Gomez

Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Jake Shane
Guest: Selena Gomez

Introduction

In the 86th episode of THERAPUSS, host Jake Shane welcomes the iconic Selena Gomez for an intimate and insightful conversation. The session offers a blend of humor and deep introspection, delving into Selena's personal life, career, mental health, and her journey navigating fame.

Personal Milestones and Celebrations

Selena begins by sharing heartfelt reflections on her recent birthday and engagement:

• Birthday Celebrations: Turning 33, Selena opted for an intimate dinner with 20-30 close friends, appreciating the simplicity and warmth of the gathering.
  "[00:03:05] Selena Gomez: ...it was one of those unexpected, lovely birthdays, for sure."

• Engagement: She expresses immense happiness about her engagement to Benny, highlighting the mutual support and understanding in their relationship.
  "[00:10:18] Selena Gomez: I am very, very happy."

• Family Moments: Selena cherishes moments like her sister's sixth-grade graduation, emphasizing the importance of these milestones.
  "[00:04:28] Selena Gomez: ...my little sister is graduating sixth grade."

Rare Beauty: Building a Community

Selena discusses her successful beauty brand, Rare Beauty, focusing on its inception, mission, and growth:

• Brand Origins: Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rare Beauty aimed to create a safe space for self-expression and mental well-being.
  "[00:05:48] Selena Gomez: Rare is great. Thank you... I want people to feel good and themselves and their bodies and their minds."

• Mental Health Integration: The brand integrates Selena's personal experiences with mental health, fostering a strong, supportive community.
  "[00:07:07] Selena Gomez: ...anything that I touch or anything I'm a part of, it has to give back in some sort of element."

• Product Innovation: Introduction of innovative products like layering balms allows customers to customize their fragrances, enhancing personal connection with the brand.
  "[00:29:20] Selena Gomez: So these are the layering balms... They are supposed to enhance the perfume that I just sprayed on you."

Acting Career: From Wizards to Murder Mysteries

Selena reflects on her diverse acting roles, highlighting memorable experiences and lessons learned:

• Disney's Wizards: Landing the role in Wizards was a pivotal moment, marking her entry into the entertainment industry.
  "[00:17:30] Selena Gomez: Wizards got picked up, and my whole life changed after that."

• Only Murders in the Building: Transitioning to more mature roles, Selena discusses working alongside legends like Steve Martin and Martin Short, emphasizing the organic nature of these opportunities.
  "[00:14:33] Selena Gomez: It felt something that was organic and natural for me to step into and to try."

• Lessons from Co-Stars: Working with seasoned actors taught her about professionalism, humor, and maintaining genuine connections on set.
  "[00:15:50] Selena Gomez: I've learned a lot about etiquette, about humor, about timing, and just overall being a professional that has fun."

Music Journey: Reflecting on Her Musical Past

Selena shares nostalgic insights into her music career with Selena Gomez & the Scene:

• Favorite Tracks: "Who Says" stands out as her favorite song from the band, considering its empowering message and personal significance.
  "[00:21:10] Selena Gomez: If you were to ask me, that is hands down my favorite."

• Emotional Connection: The song holds deeper meanings as she grows older, resonating with her current feelings and experiences.
  "[00:22:06] Selena Gomez: It's the little me who was there saying these really powerful messages that I still need to hear."

• Performance Challenges: Discussing the challenges of performing "Who Says" live, Selena humorously contemplates re-recording it for her matured voice.
  "[00:23:57] Selena Gomez: I swear, we love... I've worked so hard on these. I'm so anxious to see what people are gonna say."

Navigating Public Life and Mental Health

The conversation delves into the complexities of maintaining mental health amidst public scrutiny:

• Privacy in Adulthood: Selena appreciates a greater sense of privacy in her 30s, balancing public life with personal sanctuaries.
  "[00:08:44] Selena Gomez: I do try to keep the sacred things private at the same time."

• Mental Health Advocacy: Open about her bipolar diagnosis, Selena underscores the importance of therapy and medication in her life.
  "[00:07:14] Selena Gomez: I believe in therapy. I'm on medication and I feel really lucky that I'm in the position that I'm in now."

• Dealing with Rumors: Addressing the challenges of combating misinformation, Selena emphasizes self-acceptance and the futility of trying to appease everyone.
  "[00:39:27] Selena Gomez: I know what's being said, but I'm very much okay with who I am, and I don't need to validate every rumor."

Personal Relationships and Friendships

Selena opens up about past relationships and enduring friendships:

• Past Relationships: Reflecting on her early years, Selena discusses dating members of the Jonas Brothers and the subsequent blossoming of her friendship with Taylor Swift.
  "[00:44:53] Selena Gomez: And then make it something that is enjoyable to laugh at and then help her."

• Friendship with Taylor Swift: From teenage romances to a 16-year enduring friendship, Selena highlights the supportive bond with Taylor.
  "[00:45:54] Selena Gomez: ...we became best friends, bonded over the breakup as girls do."

Audience Interaction: 'Tell Me What's Wrong'

In a heartfelt segment, Selena engages with audience questions, offering genuine advice:

1. Roommate Drama: When Jake shares a distressing incident involving a roommate and a mysterious guest in his bed, Selena advises honest communication and setting boundaries.
   "[00:55:19] Selena Gomez: I would first say, sorry you didn't have the threesome... No more naked guys."

2. Manipulating in Relationships: Responding to Jake's confession about manipulating men post-heartbreak, Selena advocates for authentic flirting and self-worth.
   "[00:58:56] Selena Gomez: ...make sure you have a balance of normality and stability is so crucial to growing up."

3. Dealing with Accidental Pet Injuries: When Jake admits to accidentally dropping his roommate's dog, Selena urges honesty and taking responsibility.
   "[01:03] Selena Gomez: Oh, please, please. Maybe do I. I care about animals sometimes more than people."

4. Handling Ghosting: Offering support to a friend who got ghosted after sending a voice note, Selena emphasizes self-love and confident communication.
   "[01:25:34] Selena Gomez: You are such a catch. Have fun. And be yourself."

Reflections on Childhood and Media Consumption

Selena reminisces about growing up in the digital age versus her own experiences:

• Early Media Consumption: She fondly recalls reading J-14 magazines and navigating pre-digital interactions with celebrities.
  "[00:64:18] Selena Gomez: I was dying to know what Hannah Montana's shampoo secret was."

• Digital Overload: Expressing concerns about the overwhelming influx of information available to today's youth, Selena advocates for balance.
  "[00:66:08] Selena Gomez: And, you know, Everything's so digital... it's very tricky to do."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Selena expressing gratitude for the heartfelt exchange and extending a warm welcome to Jake and listeners alike. Her authenticity and openness provide valuable insights into balancing fame, personal growth, and mental well-being.

"[01:68:01] Selena Gomez: Today I learned that I've made a new friend."

Notable Quotes

• On Rare Beauty:
  "[00:05:48] Selena Gomez: Rare is great. Thank you... I want people to feel good and themselves and their bodies and their minds."

• On Mental Health:
  "[00:07:14] Selena Gomez: I believe in therapy. I'm on medication and I feel really lucky that I'm in the position that I'm in now."

• On Authentic Relationships:
  "[00:44:54] Selena Gomez: ...we became best friends, bonded over the breakup as girls do."

• On Facing Challenges:
  "[00:58:56] Selena Gomez: ...make sure you have a balance of normality and stability is so crucial to growing up."

Session 86 offers a profound look into Selena Gomez's life, blending her journey through stardom with personal anecdotes and heartfelt advice. Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation of her resilience, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to fostering genuine connections.