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 [https://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 [https://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 [https://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 [https://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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]