Pop Culture Moms

We sit down with actor Bethany Joy Lenz to discuss her new memoir, Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While Also in an Actual Cult!). Bethany opens up about the dual realities she navigated during her years as beloved TV star, Haley James Scott–balancing the demands of a hit teen drama while secretly living under the influence of a high-demand group.

In this candid conversation, Bethany reflects on the blurred lines between fiction and reality, how storytelling became her lifeline, breaking free from codependency, and what motherhood has taught her about trusting herself. We also discussed the wildest One Tree Hill plot lines, how much her music meant to us, and asked if there is any hope for a One Tree Hill reboot.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sat down with the brilliant and hilarious Catherine Reitman, the mastermind behind the massive hit series "Workin' Moms." Catherine opened up about her journey from acting to becoming a writer, director, and showrunner, and how her real-life experiences as a working mom inspired the show's raw, hilarious, and often emotional stories. We talked about the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career and how she weaves that authenticity into her writing. Catherine also shared some behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the set, the importance of representing complex, even "unlikable" women on screen, the power of an all-female writer's room, and reflecting on coming from a family of talented filmmakers. It was an honest, insightful, and empowering conversation that working moms–and anyone juggling multiple roles–will relate to deeply.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Tamera Mowry-Housley, one of the iconic stars of "Sister, Sister." We dove into her early days in the industry alongside her twin, Tia, the blissful ignorance and freedom of being young and confident, and the guidance she got from her TV parents, Jackée Harry and Tim Reid. Tamera shared heartfelt stories about the ways her parents supported her while growing up in the spotlight, structure and discipline as love, and how her faith has been a guiding force in her life. We also touched on the beautiful yin and yang of sisterhood and what she admires most about Tia. This conversation was filled with laughter, wisdom, and an inspiring message about staying grounded and true to yourself.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re joined by the incredibly talented Rachel Platten, the voice behind hits like "Fight Song,” as she opens up about her latest album, I Am Rachel Platten. Rachel shares the personal journey behind this deeply introspective and empowering project, heavily influenced by her experiences with motherhood.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode, we sit down with the legendary Kelly Bishop, known to many as the sharp-witted and glamorous matriarch, Emily Gilmore, from The Gilmore Girls. Kelly takes us on an intimate journey through her life, as we dive into her new memoir, The Third Gilmore Girl. From her early days on Broadway—winning a Tony Award for A Chorus Line—to Dirty Dancing—to her iconic television roles (Bunheads, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel…), we discuss the stories behind the scenes with Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, the brilliance of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s writing, and the reason she’s Team Logan.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gillian Flynn has created some very dark and twisty moms in her books "Sharp Objects," "Dark Places" and "Gone Girl." Now she’s revealing what kind of mother she is and which of her characters she relates to most. Plus – we ask her a question that has plagued us for months, would the original Cool Girl Amy Dunne be a Cool Mom?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breast cancer doesn't exactly scream "funny," but comedian Jessica St. Clair incorporated her real-life diagnosis into season 3 of her hit USA sitcom 'Playing House.' Alongside her best friend and co-creator, Lennon Parham, Jessica drew inspiration from her successful cancer battle to portray the importance of female friendships for moms. Jessica talks to us about her comedy career, her precocious daughter and why having a village matters when you're not feeling your best. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lisa Ann Walter plays tough-talking teacher Melissa Schemmenti on ABC’s "Abbot Elementary," but she first imprinted on our millennial minds as Chessy, the best parent in "The Parent Trap." She talks to Andie and Sabrina about how her Sicilian roots inform her portrayal of Mrs. Schemmenti, the teachers that made their mark on her, and why she’s trying to brag about her kids to her kids. Thank a teacher! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Garcelle Beauvais is an actress who knows how to get real. As a beloved cast member of the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," she dazzled viewers with her elegance and honesty. Now she's starring in a new Lifetime movie, "Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love," where she plays a glamorous chef who falls for a younger man. It's part of the May-December trend that’s been surfing this summer, putting women's pleasure at the forefront. Garcelle talks to us about parenting, pop culture and the younger celebrities she'd love to date. She also dishes about the time she almost quit "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and one big change listeners can expect next season.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leah McKendrick writes, directs, and stars in a film about fertility that includes ZERO - count 'em - babies. And no romantic interest to speak of! So why is her movie "Scrambled" the rom-com we've been waiting for? She plays a struggling jewelry designer who decides to freeze her eggs to buy herself more time to have children. In the meantime, she supports her friends going through big life transitions and stands up to her dad, who constantly asks her why she isn't married yet. Leah talks to us about the stress of the biological clock, milestones beyond motherhood, and turning her experiences into her first feature film. "Scrambled" is streaming on Hulu, which is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices