Totally Booked with Zibby: Episode Featuring Alyson Stoner – SEMI-WELL-ADJUSTED DESPITE LITERALLY EVERYTHING: A Memoir

In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Alyson Stoner, the author of the debut memoir SEMI-WELL-ADJUSTED DESPITE LITERALLY EVERYTHING. Released on August 12, 2025, the episode delves deep into Alyson's multifaceted life as a former child actress, mental health advocate, and entrepreneur. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussion.

1. Introduction to Alyson Stoner

Zibby Owens warmly welcomes Alyson Stoner, highlighting her impressive portfolio and multifaceted career. Alyson is not only a renowned multidisciplinary entertainer with over 200 film and television credits—including notable appearances in Camp Rock, Phineas and Ferb, and Step Up—but also the founder and CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company aimed at improving well-being through therapist-led content. Additionally, Alyson hosts the award-winning Dear Hollywood Podcast, advocating for industry and policy reforms to protect children in both traditional and digital media environments.

Key Highlights:

• Alyson's extensive experience as a child performer.
• Transition from entertainment to mental health advocacy.
• Founding of Movement Genius and its mission.

2. Motivation Behind Writing the Memoir

Alyson shares her initial reluctance to publicize her personal experiences, emphasizing that writing was her "preferred form of personal processing from a young age" (04:35). However, she felt compelled to reveal her story to address the repetitive patterns seen in memoirs and documentaries about former child performers. Alyson aimed to unpack the surrounding ecosystem affecting child stars and present actionable ideas for intervention.

Notable Quote:

"While it's very trying to dig into the deep crevices of your own psyche and relay them to the entire world, it also was really beautiful that I could couple my processing with the medium that comes most naturally." (04:35)

3. Exposing Flaws in the Child Performance Industry

Alyson critically examines the lack of proper safeguards in place for child performers. She was astonished to discover that background checks were often neglected, posing significant risks such as exposure to potential predators on set. Moreover, there was a glaring absence of training for those working with children, unlike roles such as camp counselors who receive some level of preparation.

Key Points:

• Absence of mandatory background checks for on-set workers.
• Lack of specialized training for individuals working with child performers.
• Alyson’s proposal for preventative resources and legislative protections.

Notable Quote:

"There are no background checks required on the workers who are surrounding the kids... there could be child sex predators on set and there wouldn't have been any." (07:33)

4. Personal Struggles and Path to Recovery

Alyson opens up about her personal battles, including an eating disorder and a traumatic experience of sexual assault. She discusses the internal conflict between maintaining her career and seeking help, ultimately choosing to prioritize her mental health. This pivotal decision led her to treatment, where she found the stability and support necessary for her recovery.

Key Highlights:

• The immense pressure to remain available for auditions and career momentum.
• The devastating impact of mental health issues amidst a demanding career.
• The role of professional treatment in her healing process.

Notable Quote:

"It was actually the first environment where I experienced consistency, stability. I was surrounded by adults who... were in service of my well-being." (10:51)

5. Advocacy and Development of Support Tools

Transitioning from her personal journey, Alyson elaborates on her advocacy work and the creation of tools designed to support young performers. She discusses the "Artist Well Being Essentials Toolkit," which includes exercises tailored to the unique experiences of performers, such as transitioning in and out of character. Additionally, Alyson emphasizes the necessity of systemic changes, including policy reforms and legislative protections to create safer environments for child performers.

Key Points:

• Development of specific tools for performers’ mental health.
• Importance of both individual support and systemic policy changes.
• Alyson's involvement in drafting legislation to protect minors.

Notable Quote:

"Our mind and body systems follow an ancient speed of evolution... while technology is at an absolutely faster than fast pace. So we've got to negotiate all of these different paces." (15:26)

6. Impact and Building a Community of Support

Alyson discusses the challenges and isolation often faced by former child stars as they transition to adulthood. Despite the loneliness, she observes a growing movement of individuals coming forward to share their experiences, facilitated by social media platforms. This digital connectivity allows for greater collective healing and societal examination of the issues at hand.

Key Highlights:

• The loneliness inherent in early mental health advocacy.
• The role of social media in fostering community and support.
• Encouraging others to share their stories for collective healing.

Notable Quote:

"I see a lot of the same patterns playing out... people can empathize with this particular group... but we're painted as reckless, entitled, luxury seeking, child performers and gosh, that could not be further from the truth for most of us." (29:28)

7. Advice for Parents Navigating Child Performance Careers

When asked about guidance for parents who wish to support their talented children in the entertainment industry without subjecting them to the industry's pitfalls, Alyson advises utilizing the Artist Well Being Essentials Toolkit. She emphasizes the importance of education, setting clear boundaries, and ensuring that a child's overall development is not disproportionately affected by their career in entertainment.

Key Points:

• Importance of education and informed decision-making.
• Setting and enforcing boundaries to protect the child’s well-being.
• Encouraging parental empowerment and advocacy within the industry.

Notable Quote:

"Make sure, you know, pace yourself and spend some time in that information gathering stage... feel empowered with your parental rights to actually follow through on those boundaries." (32:06)

8. Reflecting on the Past and Looking Forward

In a poignant moment, Alyson reflects on her past decisions and expresses no regret, emphasizing the lessons learned and the strength gained from her experiences. She acknowledges the ongoing need for advocacy and systemic change, while also highlighting the importance of personal agency and the emergent nature of purpose in her life.

Key Highlights:

• Acceptance and lack of regret regarding past experiences.
• Continuous growth and adaptation in her advocacy efforts.
• The concept of purpose as an evolving constellation rather than a fixed destination.

Notable Quote:

"Purpose ends up looking a lot more like a constellation. We don't exactly know where we're headed... just make our best guess for now and then maybe bounce around from star to star." (27:24)

Conclusion

Zibby Owens and Alyson Stoner conclude the episode with mutual appreciation, underscoring the importance of Alyson's memoir in shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles of child performers. Alyson’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope, advocating for systemic changes and providing practical tools for those navigating similar paths.

Final Thoughts:

• Alyson’s journey from child star to mental health advocate.
• The significance of her memoir in initiating important conversations.
• Encouragement for listeners to support and engage with Alyson’s work for a more informed and compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by child performers.

Notable Closing Quote:

"Resilience was earned in tiny breadcrumbs. It was not like I woke up feeling particularly courageous." (27:24)

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers an unflinching look into the complexities of growing up in the spotlight, the toll it takes on mental health, and the imperative need for industry-wide reforms. Alyson Stoner’s candid storytelling and proactive advocacy provide invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone navigating the intersections of fame, personal well-being, and systemic change.