Podcast Summary: "Dylan Mulvaney On the Hardest Thing She’s Ever Done"
Podcast Information
- Title: We Can Do Hard Things
- Host/Author: Glennon Doyle and Audacy
- Episode: Dylan Mulvaney On the Hardest Thing She’s Ever Done
- Release Date: March 18, 2025
Introduction to Dylan Mulvaney The episode begins with Abby Wambach introducing Dylan Mulvaney, a renowned trans actress, comedian, and creator of the viral TikTok series Days of Girlhood. Dylan has amassed over 1 billion views across various platforms and has been recognized by Forbes' 30 Under 30, Attitude Magazine's Woman of the Year, and has received both the Them Now Award and a Webby Special Achievement Award. She shares her educational background from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and her role as Elder White in The Book of Mormon. Currently based in Los Angeles, Dylan is dedicated to bringing trans stories into the mainstream and is set to release her debut book, Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer.
Personal Beginnings and Coming Out Journey Dylan delves into her early life experiences, describing her initial struggles with her gender identity. She recounts attending Catholic school where her trans identity was not accepted, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. Dylan shares, "I remember in Catholic school, I went to confession when I was 14, and one of the priests told me he couldn't absolve my sins related to being gay." This moment was pivotal, pushing her towards a period she describes as her "very bad girl era."
Rise to Social Media Stardom With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, theater opportunities dwindled, prompting Dylan to pivot to stand-up comedy and, eventually, TikTok. She launched her Days of Girlhood series, which unexpectedly went viral, garnering tens of thousands of followers from an initial audience of mere dozens. Dylan reflects on this transition, saying, "I started making these videos as a way to navigate my own journey, and they unexpectedly became a beacon for others."
Challenges of Fame and 'Beer Gate' Incident Dylan candidly discusses the darker side of her newfound fame, particularly the backlash from the Beer Gate incident. She explains how an innocuous beer-tasting commercial spiraled into a highly politicized controversy, thrusting her into the spotlight as a trans poster child. "The hardest thing was making the video that said, 'This isn't okay, and I need to speak out,'" Dylan shares ([24:00]). She emphasizes the psychological toll, noting, "There’s no part of reading absolutely vile things about yourself every single day that’s normal or healthy."
Mental Health Struggles and Support Systems Throughout the episode, Dylan addresses her mental health struggles, including insomnia and feelings of isolation. She credits her support system, including friends, mentors like Our Lady J, and her life coach Maury Fontenas, for helping her navigate these turbulent times. Dylan states, "Having people like Maury Fontenas by my side helped me operate from my higher self and make decisions that aligned with who I truly am."
Impact on the Trans Community Dylan highlights the responsibility she feels as a prominent trans figure. She discusses how her experiences can influence and educate others, especially trans teens facing similar challenges. "I need to show them that I'm stronger than this and that this isn't okay," she affirms ([16:12]). Dylan also touches on the importance of trans joy as a form of resistance against negativity, saying, "The best weapon I have is my trans joy."
Publishing Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer The conversation shifts to Dylan’s upcoming book, Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer. She explains that the book evolved from initially intended lighthearted content to a more profound exploration of her experiences post-Beer Gate. "What I ended up coming out with is a beautiful, fun mess of joyous early days of transition through journal entries and deeply personal essays," Dylan elaborates ([35:53]). The book aims to provide an unfiltered look into her journey, offering both vulnerability and resilience.
Future Outlook and Mission Looking ahead, Dylan expresses her commitment to fostering unconditional love and supporting the trans community. She discusses her recent experience with ayahuasca in Peru, which offered her profound insights into the necessity of unconditional love. "What I need to lean into is like being a bit of a maternal energy to those who lack it," she shares ([36:10]).
Closing Thoughts and Encouragement In her final remarks, Dylan emphasizes the importance of community and allyship. She encourages listeners to support trans individuals by celebrating their victories and spreading joy. "If there's any world in which you could help a trans or a queer person win, that's the way we win," Dylan concludes ([49:23]).
Notable Quotes
- Dylan Mulvaney ([03:42]): "I'm kind of of the camp where I think if I get one thing, it's going to change my entire life and everything will be fixed."
- Dylan Mulvaney ([16:12]): "I didn't know a trans person fully before my transition, and seeing others live authentically unlocked so much for me."
- Dylan Mulvaney ([35:53]): "People started to see me as this two-dimensional depiction of trans womanhood. I decided that’s not what I want to be."
- Dylan Mulvaney ([49:23]): "The best weapon I have is my trans joy. The more I can win and share my wins, the more they lose."
Conclusion This episode of We Can Do Hard Things offers an intimate look into Dylan Mulvaney’s journey as a trans woman navigating fame, identity, and advocacy. Through heartfelt conversations, Dylan shares her challenges and triumphs, providing valuable insights and inspiration for listeners striving to overcome their own hardships.
Additional Information
- Book Release: Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer by Dylan Mulvaney is available now.
- Follow Dylan Mulvaney: Stay updated with her work and advocacy through her social media platforms and forthcoming book.
Connect with the Podcast
- Subscribe and Follow: Ensure you never miss an episode by subscribing to We Can Do Hard Things on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Odyssey, or your preferred podcast platform.
- Support the Show: Leave a five-star rating, write a review, and share episodes with friends to help the podcast reach a wider audience.
This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting Dylan Mulvaney's personal experiences, challenges, and her unwavering commitment to the trans community. Notable quotes provide depth and authenticity, offering listeners valuable takeaways even if they haven't heard the episode.