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

Not only did Melissa Joan Hart jump start our pop culture obsession, but she seems to have navigated child stardom with grace. We talk to the "Clarissa Explains It All" and "Sabrina The Teenage Witch" star about the characters she relate to most, eldest daughter syndrome, and what it's like working with her mom. Plus, our eternal gratitude for putting "Sabrina's" on the map. Join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're obsessed with the new A24 picture "Janet Planet." Director Annie Baker's debut shows the turning point between an 11-year-old girl and her eccentric mother in 1990's Western Massachusetts. Julianne Nicholson plays Janet, a single mom who relies on her daughter Lacy's advice while simultaneously craving independence. You might recognize Nicholson from the movie "August: Osage County" and the HBO series "Mare of Easttown"— she agrees with the internet that the finale should have gone down differently! In real life, she's a mom of two who wonders why PSAs had to remind parents to check in on their children at 10pm. Parenting has definitely changed since then! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shawn Johnson East is going to the Olympics again, this time as a correspondent for Yahoo Sports. A lot has changed since she won four medals in 2008. For starters, she has three kids! We talk to the retired Olympic gymnast about perfectionism, diet culture and how to be a low-pressure sports mom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're anything like us, you're on your third rewatch of "Bridgerton" Season 3. The romance, the costumes, the steaminess: there is so much to unpack. We can't travel back in time to talk to a real-life Regency era love expert, so we were thrilled to find out that celebrity matchmaker Patti Stanger is a huge fan of the series. Andie and Sabrina talk to the Millionaire Matchmaker about her favorite "Bridgerton" moments, which celebrity couples she thinks are going the distance and what moms can do to turn their boys into Prince Charming. Patti's hot takes literally left us speechless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To celebrate Father's Day, Andie and Sabrina tackle their favorite TV dads. Plus, actor and director John Krasinski on "dad guilt," fatherhood, and what inspired his latest film, "IF." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian Tig Notaro joins us to talk about processing the death of her mom through her show "One Mississippi," what it's like to raise twins, and the humor she finds in parenting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From "Center Stage" to "Black Swan," movies and TV shows about dance usually portray a toxic world of competition, cruelty and out-of-control stage moms. We talked to legendary ballerina Misty Copeland and film producer Leyla Fayyaz about what that world is really like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Writer Elise Loehnen helps us wade through the culture, history and family inheritances that make moms feel like we're constantly failing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ABC Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee has been fascinated by the weather since she was a kid. She talks with us about how weather, with its many ups and downs, is a perfect metaphor for life, mental health and being a mom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a lot we can learn from the maternal figures in our lives and on TV, like the lovable house mother Mrs. Garrett from the 80s sitcom "The Facts of Life." Alison Rosen, host of the podcast "Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend," joins us to talk about about how she found her own Mrs. Garrett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices