E4 - Community Star Amanda Booth

Hello, everyone, and happy Sunday morning. For those of you that are listening right away as the pod drops. And I appreciate if you are this. You're listening to visible panty lines. Transparent conversations of inspiration, encouragement, and adversity. Overcoming adversity. It's been a long day, so I think my guest today, like, perfectly exemplifies that. Not only is she super inspiring, but she's had this amazing life. Definitely has overcome adversity, not only in your childhood, Amanda, but also in your life as a mom. So I. I feel like there's so much to talk about with you, and you have, like, such an amazing story to share. So I'm here with Amanda Booth. You may know her from shows like Community, and she is also a pretty famous model. Has been an Italian Vogue, Australian, Harper's Bazaar, advertising campaigns for Lancome, Anthropology, Fiat Target, Old Navy, and more. Just has had this amazing, amazing career. And I was so fortunate to have been introduced to Amanda by a mutual friend. And I was like, I got to have you on my pod, girl. You are perfect for that. Hi, Amanda.

Thank you so much for having me here. Oh, my gosh.

Thank you for being here. I've been so excited to talk to you these past couple of weeks that we've been, like, chatting on email. And I also think, actually, you'd make a great story for hello, Giggles as well. So I want to talk to you about that after all this, but I think, like, when I started this podcast, the whole crux of it was just to be able to share stories that maybe could inspire other people. And it's not necessarily someone who is famous or some. Some weeks, it's a person that, you know, nobody has ever heard their name, but it's like, everybody, like, we all have a story, and we all have, you know, some way that we can inspire. And especially, I think, like, being a mom, that kind of puts you into a whole other category of, you know, being this role model. So you've been very open about your childhood, and you and I actually grew up. Well, you. Your family moved to Pennsylvania, but you were born essentially not very far away from where I was in upstate New York. Yes, yes. And so tell me a little bit about, like, how your childhood sort of shaped the person that you are today.

Yeah, So I. I was born on an army base, and my dad was in the army, and we moved a lot. And, you know, I. Aside from just, like, different things that, you know, I grew up in a trailer park, and my grandma worked in a factory, and my grandfather worked in A coal mine. And his dad died of black lung.

Like.

Like the North East. Grit has just been in. Passed down in my bloodline, you know, and bouncing around and starting over in different schools and, you know, growing up without access to. To things that people with money have access to, you know, it gave me a grit and this just perseverance, and it shaped everything about who I am that I think lent to the type of tools that I would need to have in my life as an adult. Now entering the, you know, modeling industry at a really young age. And all of the things that are sort of thrown at you that could make that path not become successful.

Yeah. Yep.

Or. Or detrimental to your mental health. Like, all the things that I had to sort of face on and go through. And to be in the industry for 18 years now and then eight years ago, to have my son be born and receive a diagnosis of down syndrome at birth, and then three years later get a secondary diagnosis of autism. I just feel like being honest about all the things that seemed to be difficult about my life as a young person. Yeah. How those exact things are what gave me the, you know, possibility to face the difficult things later in my life.

Yeah.

With strength and with courage. And it's so important to know that maybe something you're going through that feels hard today, it can serve you in the future and remind people such a good message. Yeah, we have that. We have that ability in us, and I think it allows you to be more present in your difficult times, knowing that. That, you know, that's going to come for you in the future in a good way.

I think that you just. So many good things. What, you know, with your attitude and everything that you just said. And I feel like I just had this conversation with my last guest, too, and she was in a situation where her mother was very mentally ill and kidnapped her multiple times as a child. And it was, like, really traumatic. And I said to her, you could have had this, like, ptsd, you know, from your childhood and not become this successful, you know, functioning human mom. You know, you could have went down a totally different path because of what happened to you, but you didn't. You didn't let that define you. And I think the same thing applies to you. The same thing applies to me. You know, I grew up, same thing, kind of as you. It like a lot of similarities. A small town in upstate New York, not many resources available. And my parents divorced when I was little, and my mom didn't have, you know, they had a store, a clothing store, and they Closed it. And then my dad left and, you know, was kind of starting this, this new life. And, you know, my mom, unbeknownst to me, like, had 80, 87 cents in her, you know, wallet, trying to drive around to find jobs and a job and everything and would come home crying and, you know, that sort of thing. And just like, seeing that as a kid and I feel like everything just motivated me to want to, you know, you know, not have that situation happen. Especially like not relying on a man, not, you know, that sort of.

Oh, yeah, right.

So it's like all these, like, themes that can come from that to unpack.

Yeah, it really can. You know, they, like so many people are like, wow, it could really have gone one way or the other.

Yeah, that's all victim to everything.

And, you know, my brother struggled with addiction for 20 years of his life and wow, we had the same situation. And I did. And, you know, I have, I have some other, like, siblings that are like, I don't, you know, some people that are saying, like, I don't know how you did it. And I've got to be honest, like, it's. It's not like I recalled sitting down as like a 15 year old and being like, you know what? I've been hard, but I'm gonna choose to overcome it. It just kind of. It just happens.

Just you. That's who you are. Yeah.

So I also, you know, there's a level of like, giving some people grace and being like. Some people just have this like, iron grit and this fight within them, and then some people don't. And sure, there are ways we can encourage each other to like, keep showing up for ourselves and work on ourselves and the ways that we receive things in our life. But also, I don't know if maybe it was just like my grandma and her spirit just being in me, you know, it's like, I don't want to take all the credit for it. I think there's just like something some people naturally maybe have.

I agree completely with that. It's crazy that you even say that because I just had like a past life reading, which was so cool. And she was like, there's this woman in your family that you never met. She was like your dad's great aunt or something. And she is like your spirit, one of your spirit guides. And she was very gifted and could bring light to, to other people. Like, her whole job on the earth was just to be like a light for other people. And that's you. And she. You're like the new incarnation of her. And I was like, wow. Because I've always just felt like, even in my career, like, yes, it's great being on camera and, like, having glamorous parts of aspects of the career, but, like, my whole mission is always, like, inspiring people, helping people. Like, I feel very driven in that aspect to, like, use the tools that I've been given to try to help people. So I think, like, there's a lot of truth to that. Like, it's like, however, whoever it comes from, however it comes, like, intrinsically, it's in you. And I ended up, as an aside, I ended up figuring out who this woman was, and my dad sent me a picture of her, and he goes, everybody loved her. She was like, everybody loves her. You know? And then my daughter goes, wow, she even, like, looks like you. It's creepy. Wow.

Whatever our journey is, and however we find out about ourselves, like, why we're doing, why we are the way we are.

Yeah.

I think that is so cool. And I think, like, also, you had naysayers. Like, also you had, you know, like, me too. I, like, I think we can all relate to that. But, like, I feel like naysayers in my life have been especially vocal and, like, loud and close by. Like, people that are close to you that should be encouraging and aren't. And again, that was just another step that motivated you to, like, keep achieving, basically. So, because you talk about that even, like, in your bio that I printed out from online. Like, I don't know if it's your. Oh, on your IMDb. So, like, you talk about that, right? In your bio. Like, this person, this family member said, you'll never make it. And you were like, fuck you, I will.

Yeah.

Tell me, like, a little bit about that. Like, how that, you know, you were a kid, you, you know, were in this small town in Pennsylvania, army brat, moving around. And then here you are now with this dream.

Right, Right. Yeah, I, you know, even I was a waitress. And I remember, you know, some of my last few days at work telling people that I was leaving because I was going to move to New York City and pursue my dreams of being a model and an actress. And. Yeah, you know, people that were, like, regulars. It was. It's a small town.

Right.

So, you know, the people that are always coming into the.

Everybody knows everybody. Yeah. Yeah.

Like, it's not like they were my mom's best friends, but, like, I knew these people, and they would just, like, throw me to my face. They would laugh and say things like, oh, good luck. You'll come back in a year addicted to drugs or whatever. You know, that's a story that happens, right? People move to the big city, they can handle it or whatever. They get this, like, party that. Especially in, like, the industry. It's a big, like, party scene. And at that time, like, I'd never even. I'd never. I never smoked. I still have never smoked a cigarette. I didn't drink alcohol. I was like, super straight edge.

I was just like, okay. Now, in fact, I just want to, like, prove you wrong. Right, Right.

Yeah. Now you're like, yeah, even more, like, motivated.

I am motivated.

Yeah.

That's the thing is, like, I'm stubborn and I'm like, you don't even know that. You're just giving me fuel to be very successful. So, like, I. And then when I moved to the city, I, you know, I. I didn't have any parents who could help me pay my rent if things got tight. I had to pick up temp jobs and work at weird seminars, like filling rooms, you know, so, like, just like, the oddest jobs just to, like, pay my rent, which, by the way, I lived with, like, five people in a.

One bedroom apartment, of course, but quintessential New York story. Single New Yorker.

Yes. And I think that I never had that safety net to fall back on.

Yeah.

Like, yeah, I. I have to be successful. I don't have a choice.

No other choice.

Yeah, totally. And, you know, it's so. This is so lame, but it's just so true. I. So I would listen to. I'd walk around to my castings, and I would have, like, my ipod in my pocket, and I would listen to music, and Eminem had that song, you know, and he's like, talking about how. He's like, I came from this trailer park. I have no other option.

I love Eminem. That story is great, too.

I'm like, yes, that's my anthem. My anthem. So I just, like, listen to this.

And I love it.

I would go to castings and, you know, I would be told I was too old or too short or too fat or whatever, and I would just keep playing that over and over in my head and be like, I have to find a way because, yeah, I can't go back there.

No, that. Oh, my God. I really not only relate to you in so many ways, but I, like, that is an amazing story and message for other people, you know, who may be tempted right now in their lives to give up. Like, I always say, like, however many listeners or people that tune into what I have to say on the podcast and the guests that I bring have to say, like, if we can inspire. Inspire one person that week, then that makes me happy. Like, then I feel like my job is done because, like, that one person that could turn their life around. So I think, like, just hearing your story and, like, the success story, basically. But my. So I was fortunate that my stepfather came into my life when I was 15, and he was just an amazing, you know, father figure in my life. And when I then went to college and was graduating, basically, I was interning at an NBC station here in Albany, and my parents were basically like, well, if you don't get a job out of this internship, then you, like, you're basically going to be homeless. So I was like, that is sure enough a motivator. Like, I literally. And I didn't even think they were joking, like, a little bit. I was like, they are dead serious. They're kicking me out on the street. I was 21 years, like, just turned 21. So I did. I. I busted my ass, made a resume that, like, was newspaper background that said, janae gets the job on the headline. And I was like, I'm getting. And ended up getting three offers out of four TV stations right in the market. I was like, this is the only way it can happen, because you have to do that. You have to do that. And then just kind of throughout my career, just feeling like I'm doing this for, like, a greater good and. And the future me, where I will have my own two legs stand on. I don't have to rely on other people. I work really, really hard, you know, and I made so many mistakes, of course, like, along the way, like, we all do, but.

So now I want to get to your son. I definitely want to make sure we have time to talk about your son before we run out of time. I. But I'm still, like, I'm so fascinated by all of this in your life. So now you're living in New York. Like, people in Pennsylvania were like, you know, okay, see you in a year, whatever. Like, how. What was that big, big break? Like, what was the time where you were like, I know. I finally made it. I don't have to worry anymore.

You know, it was interesting because I ended up quitting the industry. I was just so tired.

Oh, wow. Yeah.

I was so tired of being told to lose weight, and I. I never fell victim to that. I was like, well, if that's the case, then this isn't for me. I always wanted to be, like, the Sports Illustrated Cindy Crawford, like, strong woman. And then I had agents be like, well, you're not going to change the industry. Like, they would. They would say that to me because it was, like, coming off the heels of, like, Kate Moss and Runway and everything being buried.

The waif look. The waif look, totally. Which seems to be coming back. P.S. as an aside, Kardashian, Chloe. So weird.

But I was like, okay, well, then this isn't for me. And I was just walking on the street one day, you know, doing temp jobs in the meantime. So I was like, what the heck now? And I got an Aveda hair campaign because I have naturally really curly hair. And so I ended up doing that job. And it was like an instruction video for people who would go to their school. It was not a glamorous thing. And I took all the money, and I bought a car, and I drove to Los Angeles.

Amazing.

You know what? I've heard that in Los Angeles, it's more like commercial. And I want to.

Yes. And I look Runway, stick figure, Right? Yep.

I was like, okay. So I came out here, and I started doing commercial acting. And I would say that financially, that was my big break. I've been in 70 national network commercials.

Wow. That's crazy. And I mean. Yeah.

And then Michael was born. And what's so interesting is I definitely got comfortable with the level of work I was obtaining in Los Angeles. And when he was born and he had his diagnosis down syndrome, and I would go out to auditions and things where I would see my friends with their kids in these.

Yeah.

Real parent castings, and I was never called in with my son. That was the day that I had realized the lack of inclusion and how there really was no representation for people who looked like my son. And, yeah, that was the moment where everything sort of came full circle, where I heard my agent, like, telling me I was never going to change the industry. And now I had this opportunity to do it, and.

Oh, I love that me.

It was for my son, which makes. Which made me standing up for that. It made it easier because it's so much easier to fight for someone you love than for yourself and your kids.

Especially with your kids. It's like. Yeah.

And I literally did. I did end up changing the industry is so amazing.

So, yeah, since. Since I do want to go back to. To a couple of things that you touched on, the losing weight and the rejection part. But since we're on Micah, you're. He's six years old. He is seven, eight years old. Okay. So I was looking at an old bio that said he's six. So he's eight years old. Okay. That's what I thought you had said. So, okay, so he's 8 years old. You started. You were taking him on auditions, found out that, like, people were kind of passing you over because he was different. That motivated you kind of to change the industry, which is freaking amazing in itself. So how did. How did you begin to, like, take those steps? Like, what were those steps?

Yeah. So, I mean, I simply just called my agent and I said that I had noticed other friends bringing their babies to calls, and I would go out for, like, the mom rules and things and would ask. They were casting people with down syndrome, and they would just be so offended that I would even just.

It.

And so I was like, listen, if something comes in, like, if a breakdown, that's how you get work is like, the agents see breakdowns. This is a client. This is what they're looking for. Then they're people for it.

Okay.

Yes. These breakdowns submit me for it. Here's my kid. And so cute. And so they started to do that, and we started to go out. And, you know, the honest truth is that we also happen to be entering this time where, in general, diversity and inclusion was being talked about in the media.

Yes. So perfect timing in that sense. Perfect timing.

I'm sure every mom in the history of time who had a kid with down syndrome wished that they would have seen someone like their kid on tv, but I have to have, like, the motivation and the opportunity. And so I just started showing up with him, and we started booking jobs. You know, I. People had known me for the work that I had done individual, and they kind of gave us a shot. And he loves being on set and, you know, the, like, strobing lights, it's like a sensory experience for him.

Yeah. Yeah.

And I think people realized, you know, they. These clients, these companies were getting such good press by being inclusive, and they're like, oh, wow, this is not only the right thing to do, this is good for business.

And so that's all it takes, is show them the. Yeah. Almighty dollar, like, set. And, like, you're in. And that is. That is so amazing that you did that. And, like, what a cool experience for Micah. Like, I. I've done two commercial jobs with kids of mine. I did a Huggies thing with my son, and I did.

A commercial for.

Oh, my God, I'm liking Oscar Meyer with my daughter.

Yeah. So it's like, whenever you can, like, bring your kids into, you know, what you do. And both of my daughters have modeled for me on, like, various TV shows, like fashion segments and stuff that I do. So it's like that. Not only is that super special, but the fact that you, like, changed basically that person in your ear way back when, that agent, that was like, you're never going to change the industry like you did, which is, like, the coolest thing. Coolest thing ever. You should feel so proud of yourself because that's huge. That's huge. And. And just how beneficial for him. Like, you. So many working moms have mom guilt that they're not working with their kids. Like, you're including him, you know, wherever you can. And being a mom is, like, part of your identity. I just love that so much about you. And then, you know, talking on the industry quickly. We're starting to run out of time, but I feel like I could do a whole other one with you, a whole other interview with you, but talking about, like, the industry in general. So there's a big thing going on. I'm sure, like, you've noticed now with, like, the body shaming culture and, like, women's bodies. And I know personally, like, that's what kind of shot made me shy away from modeling because I was. I was a very shy kid. If you can freaking believe it. You would never know it now, but I was shy. So, like, my mom encouraged me to enter this local modeling contest, and I ended up winning this modeling contest. And so then I had. I was like, oh, this is so cool. You know, I'm five foot nine and everything. So it was like, okay, cool. So I started. I went up to Albany and I joined this, like, modeling agency there, you know, this, like, small agency. And they were like, okay, we want to have you work with this photographer. He shot. Him and his wife, he shot for, like, Elle magazine. They're going to take pictures with you. And I'm like, okay, cool. And at this time, I was maybe like, I don't know, probably a size six. You know, something like a normal. I was 15 years old. Like, I said my mom had to drive me up there, and I do this photo shoot. And they were like, wow, you. We love your look, and blah, blah, blah. And you could model in LA. LA, but you have to lose, like, £25. And I'm like, yeah. And I get in the car with my mom and I'm like, I'm not. I'm done modeling. I'm like, good on this. I'm like, I love. I'm Italian. We eat food. Like, we. I'M not into that. And that just after that, like, yes, I ended up in a career that kind of puts me in front of people. But, like, no one's telling me, you know, you have to look this way. Like, I, I have tattoos, I have the color hair I want, I have like, piercings, whatever you freaking want to do. And I think that's such an important message for people. Like, it is tough too. And I'm sure you know this, like the corporate side of things and representing brands and you have represented all these major brands. So sometimes you have that kind of corporate person who is like, oh, I really don't like tattoos. Can you cover them all up? And here I am, you know, slathering myself in body paint. So it's like that juxtaposition too, of like, you need to make money, you are a working mom, but you also want to stay true to who you are. So I think that is important. And the whole, the whole body shaming thing has been such a big thing lately too. So the fact that it has been being done forever and it's like, what are we going to be able to do to change it? Like, maybe that can be your next mission since you were able to change the industry, the way that they looked at your son and everything and people like your son. So maybe that can be your next.

You know, move of like, hey, that's a good one. And I have been in a place recently of floating, you know, where do I go now? What do I do? And finding some footing again as an individual person. But I think that the problem is that we're sure the ideal standard of beauty, it shifts. You know, you're very curvaceous woman because you could afford food, so that meant that you had some stuff status that was beautiful. And then, and then it went to like, super wavy. And then it went to like the Kardashian curvy diversity and body positivity. And in any sort of like physical descriptor as our beacon of, of beauty is just inherently going to leave someone out. And so I think that so true. He started shifting into more of like, who are you? Like, what are you doing? What kind of kindness do you have in your heart? How are you helping others? How are you serving people around you? If that was beautiful thing. And like everyone just realized that beauty is always and has always been and will always be in the eye of the beholder. Like, that is subjective.

Yeah. So subjective. Active. And yeah.

When everyone is just trying to like. And it changes.

Right?

So when everyone's trying to.

Yeah.

Box of like, oh, now I have to do all this contour and all this makeup and have this jet black hair because Kardashians are hot. Well, then, like, yeah, you know, in five years from now, it might be some other thing that's completely different than you. And why are we always trying to chase what society is saying when.

Yeah.

Especially being in the industry, I've realized that I only have the jobs that I've ever had because of something unique about me, Whether it's my crooked and someone loves it or that I do have tattoos and someone loves it or. Yeah, my hair. You know, there has to be a reason why I get the job, which unfortunately, also at times are the reasons why I don't get things. But.

Right.

Constantly trying to fit into, like, everyone's ideal. Then I would. Then I would never be me, which is the thing that you would drive.

Yourself nuts, to be honest. Like, you would drive yourself absolutely insane. And I feel like that's what some of these people are doing. Like, Kardashians, like, the fact that they do change their look so much. And, like, all of a sudden, Kim went platinum blonde to wear Marilyn Monroe's dress. And, like, just. It's, like, about being somebody else all the time instead of just, like, being you. And it's just such a hard message to send to people because it's like, the opposite of really what you want. Like, your young girl, you know, your. My daughters like young girls to, like, see, so I feel like I'm, like, almost overboard constantly every day, like, saying to them, like, you're beautiful just the way you are, and, like, you're tall and beautiful and you're short and beautiful. You know, like, it's.

I also think you. We've intermixed so much of, like, you know, the people like Kim Kardashian. She earns a living based off of.

Her what she looks like.

Right. It's a little bit different than an actress. They have, like, who they are, who they present to the media and who they are in their life, they're probably very different. This is their. How they make their money, how they pay for food for their kids. And so I don't know now with social media and how that's just collided into being, like, one thing. This is. This is this person. And that must mean this is how they live their life. Well, maybe this is just how they're making their money and separating that for young people who also are growing up in this generation of, like, what a great way to earn Money by being on social media as a career, it has got to be very complex.

And yes, you know, I feel really.

Grateful that I get to be a mom and not, at least for now, not have to really worry about those types of things because of the kiddo that I have. And I don't see that, that's for sure. But I feel like there has to be a way to start separating the two and to tell people, just because there's a beauty influencer, you know, who makes their money by putting on makeup, doesn't mean that that's the way to go about your, like, day to day life.

Yeah, that's so true. Right. Like separating fantasy from reality. And like these people are essentially getting paid a lot of money to create a fant. And I think because it's now like this world of social media, like people are looking at that like it's real life, but it's not, it's an illusion. So it's almost like you should look at it like you're watching a TV show or a movie.

Right? Like we used to do.

Right? It used to be, it used to.

Be TV star, like movie stars and, and that.

Right.

Or like suspension of disbelief because we can go and see them on TV, but now TV is literally. It's YouTube, it's. Yeah, it's Instagram reels and their lines, like, blurred.

Yeah, yeah, that is such a good point. Oh my God, you're fascinating. And I feel like I could like, chat with you forever. We need to like, have a. Go have a drink or something.

Totally, yes.

You're in California, right? You're in la. Okay. So I'm there like once a month, so I'll have to call you next time I'm out there so we can hang out. What's. So you're at Amanda Booth, right? On Instagram.

Amanda underscore Booth. Okay, so people can follow you and then what. What's next, like project wise for you? Like, what can people look for just in case they want to follow you?

Well, you know, I've also been trying to do be on the other side of things and, and produce projects that are inclusive. And so I have a short film coming out soon where awesome actors has down syndrome. And I helped produce a music video a couple of months ago where the two lead actors have down syndrome. And, and I just want to keep moving this conversation and these stories forward that, you know, maybe aren't just me and my son, but other actors who happen to have down syndrome that want to be in movies and to Help produce things and give the people on set the tools to understand how to work with individuals with differing abilities. And so currently in pre product, very pre production on a feature length film which happens to star. There's five lead actors and two of them will have down syndrome and so amazing. Who knows how long.

That's amazing.

But yeah, I want to work with more people with differing abilities and help facilitate opportunities for them to have dreams like I always had as a youngster.

I love that I'm just everything that you're doing, I love. I also like totally forgot I had printed out this one of your social media posts. Like you have a really strong following. Obviously not just because you're an actress, but I think because you have something to say also, like you are very, you share a lot and you have, you're very open and I love this one post that you were basically posted a picture in your underwear. Right?

Essentially.

Right. But the caption was about you becoming a mom. It says I'm so a weird thing happened to me since becoming a mom. I'm so afraid to allow myself to feel or present as feeling sexy, which like how many moms can't relate to that?

This isn't just a post to distract you and pretend I didn't just post a photo in my underwear. It was a series that you shot with Mike at Mike Runtime. But you say, you go on to say my job for 18 years has required freedom in front of the camera and I've never been shy about it. But now that I'm a mom, I feel shameful. Even though it's still my job and clients will still check my social media to judge me if I'm bookable. Some gals pull it off so well. I'm proud of my body. Your body created life and you're proud of your career. But maybe it's just another one of those lose yourself things because society has all sorts of rules on how moms should be and how we should feel. So I love that. I think that's so relatable for women. Like what prompted you to kind of do that post? You know, like, what's your.

Yeah, I mean, because quite literally I went to a casting and they don't care about the jobs that I've done or the portfolio that I've built. They literally just ask for your Instagram handle.

And I hate so much I'm like.

This, this isn't, you know, I'm like, you're not going to find it interesting. And then they'll say, clients will Say things like, well, why don't you make it interesting? I'm. Oh, no, I'm sorry. What I meant is, like, I'm not making it interesting for you. I make it for me and my life and yeah, there's a mission to it. And so I was like, I'm. I'm so sick of that. And then I go to the beach and if, you know, like, I want to wear a bikini because I don't want tan lines for my job, I feel really insecure all of a sudden. And I'm like, what the heck? Why am I feeling so insecure in my body when I should feel, like, more secure than ever? Because I've created a human being.

Yes.

Recognize how incredibly amazing that is. Then like, screw you. And I need to just start like. Like living in that and my truth and my experience. And so I just in general take to social media to be honest about how I'm feeling, because I have this wonderful experience of having people reach out and say how something I said resonated with them or made them feel a little bit less alone. And it's so powerful and it's such a magnifying feeling that I. I want to keep doing more of that because there's so many lies that we tell on the Internet that make people feel really bad. And I think people forget how much power they wield. Whether you're some famous actress or you're, you know, a gal who lives in upstate New York, like, you are a person who. You're projecting something to the world that if it's false, is going to make someone else feel less than. And so I always sort of err on that side of not being filtered literally and like, figuratively and just trying to connect with people. And even I tried to make that post for like two weeks. And every time I would just hit, like, I would just put it in my drafts, put it in my drafts.

Oh, wow.

I felt so nervous to put that picture out or to say that. And then the second you do and someone writes, you know, oh, my God, I feel this too. You're like, right, like, no dummy. Look at what you can do. Keep doing it.

It's so true. Like, I try to remind myself. Like, I feel like lately too, I've been hard on myself because, like, I haven't really had time to work out. I started this new editor gig I had Covid that was pretty bad for a little while. So, like, that knocked me out and I was like, oh, so like, you'll sit there and you'll look in the mirror and be like, oh, my gosh, I have love handles, or I have this or I have that. And then I try to, like, remind myself, like, my body has served me pretty good. It's not like something you should hate. Like, your body has served you. Like, I have had two kids with it, and, you know, it allows me to walk, take steps every day, and be upright.

I just had Covid too, for the first time.

Oh, you did too.

I was so sick.

And it was brutal, right?

It was really, really hard. And I'm like an active and healthy person. And I literally rolled over. I was in so much pain. And I told my body, I said, if you just heal me, I promise, I promise I will never be mad that you've given me cellulite ever again.

Yeah.

I just want to live. And I'm so sick of judging this outwardly appearance when all I should be thinking about is how can I make my heart strong and my arms strong so that I can carry my son forever and, you know, my lungs strong so I can breathe air for his whole life. Like, that is literally all that we should care about. And I just hope by doing that and living that way and sharing my life as being that way that more people will start to do it too.

I love that. That is so great. You're awesome. So inspiring and such a great message for every in so many different areas. I feel like you're like the life guru. You could be like a life guru.

That's. That's your next job there. I found it. That would be great acting. Life guru.

Yeah, Life guru.

All right, well, thank you so much. And I definitely want to, like, keep in touch with you. I like I said I'll talk to you over email about other ideas I have for the website that I write for, but yeah, so thank you so much. And everyone, you have been listening to Visible Panty Lines and Amanda Booth and a new episode episode coming at you next Sunday morning. Thank you so much. I hope you have a good rest of your day.

Thank you. You too.

Thank you for your time. Thanks.

Bye.