Podcast Summary: We're Your Girls – Episode: FAME (I wanna live forever!)

Host Information: Hosted by Good Mess Media, "We're Your Girls" features two best friends, Taryn Delaney Smith and Tiffany Singleton, who delve into life’s multifaceted moments with humor, heart, and genuine conversation. Each Friday night, listeners are treated to real talk, laughter, and discussions on sisterhood, love, and the everyday magic that binds us.

Introduction to Fame

In the April 11, 2025 episode titled "FAME (I wanna live forever!)," Taryn Delaney Smith and Tiffany Singleton embark on an engaging conversation about the elusive concept of fame. The episode begins with a light-hearted discussion about personal style, setting a relatable tone before delving deeper into the subject matter.

Taryn Delaney Smith opens with a humorous anecdote about wearing a friend's shirt, which segues into a broader conversation about self-awareness and personal growth:

"I'm really learning how to shop because I said one thing about me. I'm figuring this shit out." [00:39]

Subjective Nature of Fame

The hosts explore the idea that fame is highly subjective and varies greatly depending on personal experiences and cultural contexts. They discuss how fame isn't a one-size-fits-all concept and how individuals perceive and react to fame differently.

Tiffany Singleton highlights the variability in recognizing fame:

"So, where, like, the base emotion of getting excited when meeting a famous person is that you're meeting someone who's like, cooler than you or has lived a different life than you have lived. And it's exciting." [03:26]

Taryn Delaney Smith adds depth by reflecting on their own lack of starstruck moments due to living in New York:

"Part of it is living in New York. I've lived in New York eight years. About the same. Maybe longer." [03:02]

Personal Experiences with Fame

Delving into personal anecdotes, the hosts share their experiences with meeting famous individuals and how these encounters have shaped their understanding of fame. They emphasize that genuine connections are more impactful than meeting celebrities for the sake of recognition.

Taryn Delaney Smith recounts an emotional meeting with Vanessa Williams:

"I got emotional when I met Vanessa Williams because I was Miss New York at the time. She was a huge reason why I like, she was my screensaver for a long time when I was first competing." [04:24]

Conversely, Tiffany Singleton narrates her surprise encounter with Johnny Gill, illustrating that humility and kindness often characterize the most memorable interactions with celebrities:

"Johnny Gale is such a celebrity in my house. New Edition, all of it. I could not believe how nice he was to us." [05:03]

Interview with Johnny Gill

A highlight of the episode is an unexpected live interview with Johnny Gill, a legendary figure in the music industry. The hosts’ enthusiasm culminates in Taryn's exclamation:

"This is my I made it moment. My I made it moment right now is that I can call Johnny Gill on the phone." [07:53]

During the brief but heartfelt exchange, Johnny Gill shares his personal milestone:

"I got my first check... I bought me a gold nugget watch, a ring. And I thought, oh, shucks, I made it and couldn't nobody tell me nothing." [06:32]

This interaction underscores the personal nature of fame and the tangible milestones that signify success to individuals beyond public recognition.

Impact of Fame on Personality and Behavior

The conversation shifts to how fame influences personal behavior and public personas. The hosts discuss the notion that fame doesn't inherently change a person but rather amplifies existing traits.

Tiffany Singleton reflects on younger celebrities setting boundaries:

"If I were in her position or in their position, I would fight for my boundaries too." [36:01]

Taryn Delaney Smith agrees, emphasizing the importance of kindness regardless of fame:

"Whatever... be kind on both ends." [37:03]

They critique behaviors where fame may lead to arrogance or mistreatment of others, asserting that individuals are simply amplified versions of themselves when they gain notoriety:

"Money only amplifies who you already are." [38:10]

Fame in the Age of Social Media

Addressing modern dynamics, the hosts discuss how social media has transformed the landscape of fame, making it more accessible yet more fragmented. They highlight the challenges of defining fame when audiences are vast and diverse.

Taryn Delaney Smith muses on the paradox of meeting celebrities with massive followings who may be unknown to them:

"I meet people who have 30 to 40 million followers. And to me, that really is an inconceivable number. It's like, more followers than the UN. That's insane." [44:37]

Tiffany Singleton points out the positive aspects, such as increased connectivity and the ability to access diverse communities:

"We have a way to access each other and access communities in ways we didn't have before." [45:08]

Reflections and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the true essence of fame—using one's platform to make a meaningful impact. They advocate for valuing the substance of one's actions and contributions over the numerical metrics of popularity.

Taryn Delaney Smith summarizes:

"What have you done with your life? And that is why people that we meet, certain people, mean a lot to us. Because I'm excited to meet you, not because of the platform you have, but because of what you've done with it." [43:20]

Tiffany Singleton reinforces this sentiment, emphasizing authenticity and the importance of genuine interactions:

"At the end of the day, people that we meet mean so much because we're excited to meet you and what you've done with your influence." [46:52]

Conclusion: "FAME (I wanna live forever!)" offers a nuanced exploration of fame from the perspectives of two relatable hosts. Through personal stories, philosophical discussions, and a memorable interview with Johnny Gill, Taryn Delaney Smith and Tiffany Singleton invite listeners to reconsider the true meaning of fame. They encourage valuing personal connections and meaningful contributions over superficial recognition, providing a heartfelt and insightful episode that resonates with anyone grappling with the complexities of success and public acknowledgment.

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm really learning how to shop because I said one thing about me. I'm figuring this shit out." – Taryn Delaney Smith [00:39]

• "So, where, like, the base emotion of getting excited when meeting a famous person is that you're meeting someone who's like, cooler than you or has lived a different life than you have lived. And it's exciting." – Tiffany Singleton [03:26]

• "I got emotional when I met Vanessa Williams because I was Miss New York at the time. She was a huge reason why I like, she was my screensaver for a long time when I was first competing." – Taryn Delaney Smith [04:24]

• "Johnny Gale is such a celebrity in my house. New Edition, all of it. I could not believe how nice he was to us." – Tiffany Singleton [05:03]

• "What have you done with your life? And that is why people that we meet, certain people, mean a lot to us. Because I'm excited to meet you, not because of the platform you have, but because of what you've done with it." – Taryn Delaney Smith [43:20]

Key Topics Discussed:

• The subjective nature of fame
• Personal interactions with celebrities
• Fame’s impact on personality and behavior
• The role of social media in modern fame
• Authenticity and meaningful contributions over superficial recognition

Conclusion: This episode of "We're Your Girls" effectively demystifies fame, presenting it as a multifaceted and deeply personal experience. Taryn and Tiffany’s candid dialogue encourages listeners to focus on substance and genuine connections, making "FAME (I wanna live forever!)" a thought-provoking and inspiring listen.