Podcast Summary: Work in Progress with Sophia Bush – Episode: Work in Progress: Tinx
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, host Sophia engages in an in-depth conversation with Christina Najjar, widely known as Tinx—a New York Times bestselling author, podcast and radio host, and influential voice for women. The episode delves into themes of personal growth, online identity, societal challenges, and the creative journey behind Christina’s latest novel, Hotter in the Hamptons.
Reflecting on the Younger Self and Personal Evolution
The discussion begins with reflections on childhood and personal growth. Sophia asks Christina whether she sees a connection between her younger self and who she has become.
Christina Najjar [05:10]: "I think you can definitely see the roots of who I am. I think I would be so excited if I knew that this was my life when I was, like, five. I would be like, yeah, oh, my God, we made it."
Christina emphasizes the purity and defined personalities of children, contrasting it with the doubts and insecurities instilled by the world as one grows older.
Sophia adds her perspective on the journey of self-discovery and unlearning societal expectations:
Sophia [05:48]: "There's a really interesting thing as you evolve where, in a way, you sort of also unlearn a lot to get back 100% sort of core self."
Navigating Personal Growth in Adulthood
Christina shares her experience of moving from a traditional upbringing in London to embracing a more authentic self in her early 30s. She discusses the common evolution many women undergo—relearning who they truly are after experimenting with different roles and seeking validation in their 20s.
Christina Najjar [06:45]: "My early 30s was when I started to, like, be like, oh, I need to unlearn all that stuff and go back to who I really am."
Sophia relates by discussing her own journey of unlearning perfectionism and embracing authenticity, highlighting the importance of finding the right therapist to support this transformation.
Sophia [08:21]: "I found a great, great therapist who I really like. ... therapy can be a lot like that too. It takes a while to get to a really constructive place where you know that your life is better because of their presence."
Christina echoes the significance of therapy, sharing how her therapist has been instrumental in navigating her unique challenges as an online personality.
Christina Najjar [09:35]: "I've been with her for five years. ... I journal as well. I'm planning to do it this summer."
Balancing Online Presence and Personal Privacy
A significant portion of the conversation explores the complexities of maintaining an authentic online persona while safeguarding personal privacy. Christina discusses the challenges of sharing personal experiences, such as dating and health issues, without compromising her sense of self.
Christina Najjar [16:39]: "I had to set that boundary, ... do my best to set your boundaries and do your best."
Sophia reflects on the difficulty of presenting oneself authentically to millions of followers, emphasizing the disparity between online perception and reality.
Sophia [15:42]: "No matter how open or private you choose to be online, you can try to be your most authentic self... they receive you as they receive you, not as you are."
Christina shares her approach to content creation, opting to speak about sensitive topics like health to inspire and advocate for her followers, while maintaining necessary boundaries.
Christina Najjar [16:39]: "I know that a fraction of my followers have the same... I want to inspire women who follow me to go and be their own advocates."
Societal Challenges and Advocacy for Women
Sophia and Christina transition into a discussion about the broader societal challenges facing women, touching on patriarchy, the MeToo movement, and the political landscape's impact on women's rights.
Christina Najjar [32:26]: "The society we live in is a patriarchy, and it thrives off of keeping women down."
Christina laments the backlash against women's advancements, highlighting the ongoing struggles despite significant progress in education and economic participation.
Christina Najjar [34:24]: "Women are outperforming men in every vertical. But why doesn't it feel better?"
Sophia concurs, emphasizing the resistance encountered when women gain power and the importance of unity in combating systemic issues.
Sophia [35:35]: "Because the fact that we have gained any measure of power is why we're being attacked and trying to be relegated to second-class citizens again."
Creative Endeavors and Hotter in the Hamptons
Shifting to a lighter topic, Sophia invites Christina to discuss her new novel, Hotter in the Hamptons, and its upcoming adaptation for television. Christina explains her motivation to create a purely creative work separate from her online persona, aiming to provide escapism through a glamorous and sexy narrative set in the Hamptons.
Christina Najjar [37:42]: "I wanted to do something that was purely creative. ... I wanted to create summer escapism."
The conversation touches on the collaborative process with queer writer Gabrielle, addressing online narratives and ensuring proper credit for contributions.
Christina Najjar [40:04]: "I wanted to get it right. I wanted to nail it. ... we're really adapting it for TV."
Sophia and Christina express excitement about the book's transition to screen, highlighting the collaborative spirit and creative synergy involved.
Sophia [43:29]: "It's really exciting. And the book has barely been in the world, and it's already been announced that it's going to be a show."
Audience Interaction: Rapid-Fire Questions
The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment where Sophia poses questions to Christina, covering topics like dating red flags, deal-breakers, ghosting, and advice to her younger self. Christina emphasizes the importance of self-worth, setting personal boundaries, and embracing the journey of continuous self-improvement.
Christina Najjar [47:34]: "Stop worrying so much. It's really not. It's really okay."
When asked about her "work in progress," Christina beautifully encapsulates the universal truth that everyone is constantly evolving.
Christina Najjar [47:59]: "We're never done, and it's just more about enjoying the journey, enjoying working on yourself."
Conclusion
This episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush offers a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Christina Najjar (Tinx), exploring the intersections of personal growth, online identity, societal challenges, and creative expression. Through their candid dialogue, Sophia and Christina illuminate the ongoing journey of being both a masterpiece and a work in progress.
Notable Quotes
- Christina Najjar [05:10]: "The roots of who I am. ... we made it."
- Sophia [08:21]: "Therapy can be a lot like that too."
- Christina Najjar [16:39]: "Set your boundaries and do your best."
- Christina Najjar [34:24]: "Women are outperforming men in every vertical."
- Sophia [35:35]: "We're being attacked and trying to be relegated to second-class citizens."
- Christina Najjar [37:42]: "I wanted to create summer escapism."
- Christina Najjar [47:34]: "Stop worrying so much."
Key Takeaways
- Personal Growth: Embracing change and unlearning societal expectations are crucial for authentic self-discovery.
- Online Identity: Balancing authenticity with personal privacy is a common challenge for influencers.
- Therapy and Self-Help: Finding the right therapeutic support is essential for navigating personal and professional challenges.
- Advocacy for Women: Despite advancements, systemic challenges persist, necessitating continued advocacy and unity.
- Creative Expression: Transitioning from online personas to creative endeavors can provide new avenues for storytelling and escapism.
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the rich discussions and insights shared by Sophia and Christina.