Work in Progress: Allison Stoner

Podcast: Work in Progress with Sophia Bush
Host: Ryan Seacrest
Guest: Allison Stoner
Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Ryan Seacrest welcomes Allison Stoner, an accomplished entertainer, author, and mental health advocate. Stoner shares her journey from a child star in over 200 films and TV shows to the founder and CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company. Her insightful conversation delves into the complexities of balancing personal well-being with a high-profile career and the transformative process of writing her memoir, Semi Well Adjusted Despite Literally Everything.

Allison Stoner’s Background and Career

Allison Stoner's early entrance into the entertainment industry saw her appearing in a multitude of projects, including iconic roles in Camp Rock, Phineas and Ferb, Step Up, Cheaper by the Dozen, and memorable music videos with Missy Elliott and Eminem. Her extensive career provided her with unique insights into the pressures faced by child actors.

[05:37] Allison Stoner: "During my childhood, I was in over 200 films, TV shows, and tours. Everything from Camp Rock to Phineas and Ferb to Step Up."

Mental and Emotional Well-being

Stoner opens up about her current mental and emotional state, describing a sense of duality between feeling stable at home and the external world's chaos. This juxtaposition reflects her ongoing journey toward self-acceptance and healing.

[05:37] Allison Stoner: "When people ask, 'How are you?', I'm in a genuinely good place at home, but the world feels like it's falling apart."

Ryan empathizes, sharing his own struggles with desensitization and the importance of retaining empathy amidst overwhelming information.

[07:56] Ryan Seacrest: "We have to vow to retain empathy."

The Impact of Child Stardom

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the detrimental effects of child stardom. Stoner highlights the "toddler to train wreck pipeline," a phenomenon where child actors experience severe mental health issues later in life due to the industry's exploitative nature.

[40:17] Allison Stoner: "When you see young stars showing signs of mental illness, it's not just an individual problem but a systemic issue."

She emphasizes that the industry's facade of glamour often masks exploitation and abuse, leading to long-term psychological scars.

[39:17] Allison Stoner: "Child stardom is such a bizarre and unique cultural phenomenon. The facade hides exploitation and abuse."

Writing and Publishing the Memoir

Stoner recounts her journey to authoring her memoir, detailing the challenges of piecing together fragmented memories and undergoing a rigorous legal and fact-checking process. Her book aims to shed light on the untold stories of child actors, advocating for industry reform.

[13:55] Allison Stoner: "This book is a roadmap to healing and a beacon for reform."

She discusses the emotional toll of exposing personal truths and the importance of delivering these truths with compassion and dignity.

[20:58] Allison Stoner: "There are things in the book that are very difficult to say, but they need to be said for a greater purpose."

Advocacy and Solutions

Transitioning from her personal experiences, Stoner outlines her initiatives to support mental health in the entertainment industry and beyond. She founded Movement Genius to provide therapist-led content accessible to all.

[40:17] Allison Stoner: "Movement Genius is designed to be like Headspace and Calm but offers a broader variety of strategies and tools for well-being."

Stoner introduces the concept of "Mental Health Coordination" on sets, akin to intimacy coordination, to ensure the psychological safety of young performers. She also highlights the need for legislative reforms to protect children in both traditional and digital media spaces.

[46:36] Allison Stoner: "With mental health coordination, we can support cast and crew and ensure accurate depictions of mental illness."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a powerful exchange on the importance of honesty, transformation, and communal healing. Stoner and Seacrest reflect on their personal growth and the ongoing work required to foster a healthier, more empathetic society.

[84:14] Ryan Seacrest: "My journey is about negotiating anger, self-worth, and trusting myself to make meaningful changes."

[86:26] Allison Stoner: "You deserve to begin your healing journey, and we're all in this together."

Stoner expresses her readiness to step back from the limelight and focus on advocacy and community efforts, emphasizing that personal and societal transformation is a gradual, collective process.

Notable Quotes

• Allison Stoner [05:37]: "During my childhood, I was in over 200 films, TV shows, and tours."

• Ryan Seacrest [07:56]: "We have to vow to retain empathy."

• Allison Stoner [40:17]: "Movement Genius is designed to be like Headspace and Calm but offers a broader variety of strategies and tools for well-being."

• Allison Stoner [13:55]: "This book is a roadmap to healing and a beacon for reform."

• Ryan Seacrest [84:14]: "My journey is about negotiating anger, self-worth, and trusting myself to make meaningful changes."

• Allison Stoner [86:26]: "You deserve to begin your healing journey, and we're all in this together."

Key Takeaways

1. The Hidden Struggles of Child Actors: Stoner sheds light on the often unseen psychological toll of child stardom, emphasizing the need for systemic change in the entertainment industry.

2. Importance of Mental Health Advocacy: Through Movement Genius and other initiatives, Stoner is actively working to provide accessible mental health resources and support systems for performers and the general public.

3. Transformation Through Honesty: Writing her memoir was a pivotal step for Stoner, allowing her to confront and share her past, fostering personal healing and encouraging industry-wide reforms.

4. Collaborative Solutions: Stoner advocates for coordinated efforts, including mental health protocols on sets and legislative actions, to create a safer and more supportive environment for young performers.

5. Community and Empathy: Both Stoner and Seacrest highlight the importance of empathy and communal support in navigating personal and societal challenges, underscoring that healing and transformation are collective endeavors.

This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers a profound exploration of the intersection between personal well-being and professional demands, providing listeners with valuable insights into overcoming adversity and advocating for meaningful change.