Work in Progress: Lake Bell

Episode Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: Sophia Bush
Guest: Lake Bell
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to Lake Bell

In this heartfelt episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, Sophia sits down with the multifaceted talent Lake Bell—actress, writer, director, and author of the children's book All About Brains. Lake Bell stars in the upcoming HBO series The Chair Company and has recently released a book inspired by her daughter, Nova. The conversation delves into Lake’s journey as a parent of a neurodiverse child, her evolution in her career, and her commitment to activism.

The Unique Voice Phenomenon ([05:12] - [09:33])

Sophia and Lake begin by discussing the significance of unique vocal qualities in acting. Sophia reminisces about their early days together on the set of One Tree Hill in Wilmington, highlighting how their distinctive voices set them apart in the industry.

Sophia Bush ([05:10]): "I was like, oh my God, same girl. I feel it."

Lake Bell ([06:47]): "The science of sound. And the kind of emotional sort of qualities that I think really either pull you to somewhat. It's like a magnet."

Lake articulates how vocal nuances can influence both professional opportunities and personal interactions, comparing the attraction or repulsion of certain voices to pheromonal chemistry.

Lake Bell ([07:10]): "It's almost like pheromones, you know?"

Parenting a Neurodiverse Child ([19:41] - [43:00])

The conversation shifts to Lake’s experience as a mother to Nova, who has epilepsy and a genetic mutation affecting her neurological functions. Lake shares how Nova’s unique perspective inspired her children’s book, emphasizing the importance of celebrating neurological differences.

Lake Bell ([30:13]): "Nova was my daughter has epilepsy... what makes her great and what makes her a poet, you know, and all of those superpowers."

Sophia reflects on her own journey with ADHD, relating it to Lake’s experiences and the broader theme of understanding and embracing neurodiversity.

Sophia Bush ([42:23]): "I was diagnosed with ADHD. I was like, wow, okay, so does Nova."

The duo discusses how All About Brains serves as a tool for children to understand and accept their own and others' neurological differences, fostering empathy and self-confidence.

Work-Life Balance and Activism ([44:00] - [61:17])

Lake speaks passionately about balancing her roles as a parent and an activist. She underscores the necessity of self-care to sustain her advocacy efforts, addressing the pervasive guilt many parents feel when taking time for themselves.

Lake Bell ([28:24]): "You have to do it. It is my responsibility to take care of myself in order to take care of my children, in order to be an activist."

Sophia and Lake explore the depth of systemic issues such as misogyny and white supremacy, discussing how storytelling and grassroots actions can contribute to meaningful cultural shifts. They emphasize the importance of incremental change and radical compassion within existing systems rather than attempting to dismantle them entirely.

Sophia Bush ([48:22]): "It's not just that it's knotted like your hair. It's your hair. If you burn it down, you burn with it."

Lake emphasizes the power of everyday actions and interactions in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Lake Bell ([66:51]): "The whole thing is capable of having such a ripple effect... be generous in your space at any time."

Impact and Future Projects ([68:25] - [70:27])

As the episode draws to a close, Lake highlights her upcoming projects, including All About Brains available at various bookstores and her audiobook Inside Voice, which explores sound and voices in depth. She also teases her role in the new HBO series The Chair Company alongside comedian Tim Robinson.

Lake Bell ([68:44]): "All About Brains is the children's book that you can purchase on pretty much any bookseller right now..."

Sophia expresses deep emotional resonance with Lake’s work, sharing how the book moved her to tears, underscoring the universal appeal and emotional depth of Lake’s storytelling.

Final Thoughts and Reflections ([70:27] - [73:47])

In their concluding discussion, Sophia and Lake reflect on the continuous journey of personal and professional growth. Lake identifies her perpetual work in parenting and activism as integral to her identity, emphasizing that these roles are dynamic and ever-evolving.

Lake Bell ([70:27]): "My work in progress will be forever. Being a parent, I think being an activist, those two are in me..."

Sophia and Lake reinforce the importance of sustaining activism through consistent effort and patience, likening it to a lifelong marriage committed to societal betterment.

Sophia Bush ([49:09]): "I think the way to be radical is to stay in the fight for your whole life."

Where to Find Lake Bell’s Work

• Children’s Book: All About Brains available at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other local bookstores.
• Audiobook: Inside Voice by Lake Bell available on Audible and other audiobook platforms.
• Upcoming Series: The Chair Company on HBO this fall.

Notable Quotes:

• "The science of sound... It's almost like pheromones." — Lake Bell ([07:10])
• "You have to do it. It is my responsibility to take care of myself..." — Lake Bell ([28:24])
• "It's not just that it's knotted like your hair. It's your hair. If you burn it down, you burn with it." — Sophia Bush ([48:22])
• "My work in progress will be forever. Being a parent... being an activist..." — Lake Bell ([70:27])

This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers an intimate glimpse into Lake Bell’s life, weaving together themes of voice, parenthood, neurodiversity, and activism. Through their candid conversation, Sophia and Lake inspire listeners to embrace their own work in progress and contribute positively to the world around them.