Eris Baker and Us | Tess Pearson

This is a HeadGum podcast. How are we doing? It's good to see you. We have a big burger. We do indeed. We do indeed. We do indeed. Right around the bench. By the time the episode comes out, I will officially be 50 years old, but in real time, we are two days away from SKB's 50th. I got invited just under the wire. You were invited by me. My wife was sitting out. I was invited by you. Invitations. Several times. And Ryan. Michelle Bather. I can't wait for it to see this. It was just like. Not that guy. Let me tell you something. She and Ares got together and said, not Chris Sullivan. Not that guy. She's been so, it's very sweet to see her planning this party for me because she's very goal oriented. Like, my wife puts in her head that she's going to get something done. She does it. Like, make sure everybody gets invited. Yeah. Like that part. We'll go over because there's, I will have been roasted, and she's like, who do you want to be the rosters? And I was like, well, people from family and people from this part of life, this part of life. So I want people to be represented from all different parts of life. So it is who already participated. Chris and Wertis. Yeah. We'll have. We'll have roasted. Some friends of mine from college will have roasted. I think somebody from my family. The judge is the judge. The judge is one of the rosters. Great. And then my buddy from high school, Michael Hogan, who's very funny. He was actually, he played the bartender in the first season of Paradise. Okay. Yeah. So he'll be one of the rosters. And I think, I think possibly my brother and maybe somebody from grad school, right? So it's just. Is Ryan going to roast? She's sort of the. Mr. Yeah. Yeah. She's the master. So I'm very excited. Which means she's open game, too. She's on the day. You're on the day. She's on the day. She's on the day. So if you have something for Ryan, oh boy, oh boy, it's going to be great. So everybody's asked me, like, why did you want to do a roast, right? And I said, I feel like laughter is kind of like my love language. Yeah. And, and like good, if you can't, if you can't take it, you shouldn't dish it out. So like, I feel like what a better way to sort of celebrate what I think has really been the thing that has allowed me to get through life through these 50 years is like finding the joy, finding the thing that it makes you genuinely tickled about, even the things that are difficult to deal with. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? It doesn't mean that we don't have difficult parts of life, but like there's something funny about all of it. So I look forward to having the, the piss taken out of me. I can't wait. It should be. I can't wait to see you up there. Well, we'll see the roasting is a delicate thing. I had to honor being roasted by Josh Johnson recently. Josh Johnson. He's a comedian. Yeah. Yeah. He's, he's one of the daily show folks and he was hosting the daily show and shout out to Josh. Like if you guys get a chance, check it out. Like you, you can find it on, on YouTube, whatever. It's like a roast, but it's like a roast of compliments. Right. And it is so funny, like you made my face hurt from smiling from ear to ear, good. It's like the cutest roast. This roast won't be like that. No, it won't be like that. No. No. He wants, he wants tears. Really? Maybe you want blood. If you want to keep something in. Yeah. Feel free. What? What could your wireless mic and if something just comes to mind? Comes to mind. Off the cuff. Yeah. Top of mind. Two glasses of shardonnay. I got one. Who's got the mic? Like Andrew said the same thing. He's like, he, he roasts people in the house all the time. Yeah. And he's actually pretty funny. I was like, bro, you should do this at the roast. He's like, if I'm not funny, it goes bad. Yeah. But Amari, Amari is like, I'll do it. Amari is unafraid of anything. I can't introduce us at the live podcast. Yeah. Like if you give Amari a microphone, he's going to do something with it. So we'll see what happens. I love that. I can't wait. What's happening in your world? Yeah. What's happening in my world? Traveling a bit, getting ready to do a movie, getting, getting kids ready for summer break, which will be our first real summer break from, from, from, from school. You guys traveling? Yeah. I mean, we've got all kinds of Airbnb's lined up. There you go. Correct answer. That's right. Yeah. I'm sure we'll put something together. But there's something about traveling with five year old and a three year old that, it's not a vacation. It's, like, not a vacation. It's important. It's a family trip. It's a relocation. Yeah. It's like, where can we take these snacks and eat them? Sure. In a new place. Yeah. In a new place. Let's eat goldfish at altitude. Yeah. Let's eat. By the ocean. Let's have hummus by the ocean. But I do want to say this is an important distinction. I think a family trip and a vacation are two different things. Correct. So a certain extent. And I want to make sure, like, you, you and the wife still get away together. We have not. Not since you've been parents. Have you had a chance? Yeah. Once your choice for like a night. We haven't. We haven't still haven't done the, uh, you can get like, yeah, two or three in a escape. Yeah. You need to do the great Italian escape. You need to do it. You need to do it. You need to do it. What about you guys? I mean, you're going to think of it too. How often do you guys get to get away at all? Not. We need to do that too. Especially now that there's three. You guys, I was 11 years in the parent group before Ryan and I took a trip without them. That's too long. Too long. Too long. Yeah. We have to have some time to themselves. Okay. I'm just saying. You need me to babysit. I am great with little white babies. I have. I carry what I'm on the horse. Come your way. Yeah. Oh yeah. You're all in a horse. Everybody over the sterling house. Yeah. We're teaching my swim. Just put them in the backyard. What's going on with you? Zoe, you. I know you're going to. Well, I didn't know this because your husband is going to be touring soon. You guys are going to go out with them for a little bit. Because we're going to sort of piggyback and find him in different places around the country. Like they're doing the new pork film, a folk festival. You know, like that kind of stuff and we'll try to plan some little trips around some of the shows. So you'll be. You'll be tripping with the three by yourself, not with him, not with him or we might go with him to some of these places, but then me and other places and like I'll bring my mother-in-law. Have you done three? No, no, no. I won't do it by myself. Okay. She's like, it's two for one. She gets to see both of her boys and with all her grandkids. So that'll be fun for her. I'm about to wrap on the land where we're like, yeah, 10 episodes. How many months do you have? How many days? I'm literally done on Monday. Nice. I know. Good for season. You feel good? I feel good. You saw me. You watched the first three and you like what you've seen so far. I do really like it. Has it made you a football fan at all? Oh, yeah. Really? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love it. It makes me more excited too for like the next football season. And then it makes me excited for the show to come out and for football fans to hopefully discover the show and be like, wow, this is a cool companion to, you know, this game and entertainment that I already love. Do you have a team now? Well, I'm a Rams girl, obviously, for the proximity of, but we've also become very close with less and Cara's need. Less need is the GM of the Rams. Okay. his wife Kara is the greatest human to love her and she's like kind of become a consultant on the show and she's kind of like part of our family. So we love her. We love her. We love her. We love her. We love her. We love her. different way than prior years? - Yes, but also with the investment of liking a team. It's different when you're just neutral. When we went to the Super Bowl years ago for the show, it was fun to be like, I'm like, I don't like the Patriots. So I'm definitely rooting for the Eagles. I knew that, but I still didn't, sorry. I don't care. - I stand by that. - But I didn't have that same investment, but watching the playoffs and wanting to see the Rams go all the way. It was like, oh, it was crushing when that didn't happen. So it's like, I get having that investment in that connection with a team. - Yeah. - Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. - We have a really special episode today. I'm excited 'cause I feel like we've wanted to get this lady in here for a really long time. - Yeah. - You've had the pleasure of getting to spend some time with her recently because she was a PA on Heritage. - She's a PA on Paradise. She's my TV daughter, play Test Pearson. She is Ares Baker. She's now in college, you guys. - She's at USC. She's gonna take over the world. - She's gonna take over the world. - As we found out. - She is gonna take over the world. - Yeah, I tell you. - Like I have no doubt. She said, I wanna have a production company and I wanna, I'm like, it will. - Absolutely. - I see, like there's no stopping her. - Yeah, like how she was sort of embraced on set was such a gorgeous thing to behold because she just, people just fall in love with her. - Yeah. - Yeah, I'm saying. - We just got done talking to Ares Baker. - You're about to hear us talk to Ares Baker. [BLANK_AUDIO] There was something about her from the jump, from a ten-year-old onset doing her, pretty much her first job in the business. Like there is such a self-assuredness and a humility and like an openness, a curiosity to wanna learn about the business, learn about how everything works and how do you make a TV show. She's so generous. She has such a big heart. She has such, like, a big personality. She's so much fun, man. She's so much fun to be around. Like her energy is contagious. It was like, I mean, she made being like her dad a joy. You got to experience what it was like to have daughters. Yeah, it was pretty, pretty cool. Let's jump right in. Yeah, let's jump right in. This is our interview with my TV daughter, Tess Aresbiker. (upbeat music) This is such a joy. I don't know if you know this, but we had faith on. Yes, I know. Right, and we had a wonderful time. And this is my oldest biologically born daughter to Randall Pearson and Beth Pearson on this is us who played Tess Pearson. Guys, this is Aresbaker, what's going on? (cheering) It's just very exciting to have you because you just got, she was just on set with me for Paradise as a PA. And she was so professional and so good. And as you can see, did you pretend not to know him? No, Sterling would come up to me and be like, "Aresb, that would be like. " I am. (laughing) I would be like, someone to my ear. No, no, no, we need to get the set. Like they're calling you right now. Yeah, no, he's right here with me. No, I know, I'm trying to be able to call him. He will not come down. You're gonna have to get another PA over here. Absolutely. But it's so amazing because we met. When you first did the pilot, were you 10? I was 10. And you were now 20. You guys. Welcome to the world. It's still, it's dumb. I was saying to somebody the other day, I remember this one scene where I like you and Faith, I had to like, put you each in one arm and like, carry you up the steps. Can't do that now. No, no, no, no. Actually, I bet you could. That would be a good social media video. That would be crazy. No, leave it for you, please. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, Now, we're free, more than likely. We'll leave it for you. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. More that was us after these words from our sponsors. Ladies and gentlemen, these days I'm all about quality over quantity, especially in my closet. If it's not well made and versatile, it's just not worth it to me. That's honestly why I love quints. Why we all love quints. The fabrics feel elevated. The cuts are thoughtful and the pricing actually makes sense. I have gotten clothing. I have gotten jewelry. I have gotten home goods. 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That's a full year to wear it and I love it. And you will. Now available in Canada too. Don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to cuinc.com/twu for free shipping and 365 day returns quints.com/twu. If this is us has taught us anything, it's that a home is never just a home. It's where all the big moments and the small ones happen. Like you think of all the Pearson house moments. There was always something happening in every corner, but in real life, there's usually that one space that just sits there. And the practical side of it is those spaces still have value. Whether it's a guest room or your whole place when you're away, you could be listing it on Airbnb and turning that unused space into extra income. And if you've ever considered listing your space, but it felt a little overwhelming, now it's easier than ever with Airbnb's co-host network. You can hire a local experienced co-host who can handle the details and help manage everything for you. That's the part. Whenever I've thought about listing my home on Airbnb or guesthouse or anything like that, that is the part that has been kind of the most anxiety inducing. How do I handle all these bookings and the scheduling and watching the calendar? And if my guests need anything, I want them to be comfortable and I want them to be helped immediately, but if I'm not available, who can do that? And now Airbnb has a whole network of hosts, professional hosts, who can do that for you. A co-host can handle guest communication, manage reservations, and even provide on-site support, so hosting feels a lot more stress-free. So it doesn't feel like you're taking on a whole new responsibility. It just becomes something that actually fits into your life. If you're curious about getting started, find a co-host at Airbnb.com/host. It's okay. I want to tell people that you can set it up a little bit more, but this young lady is in school at USC. You are a film major? Yeah, film production. Oh, so it's production. It's producing. Yeah, film production major, yeah. Well, I want to start with this thing because she's on set. Season's almost over what not. And she's about to go direct. Is it your first short or you directed some other things before? Like my second short. Like your second short, right? And she's like, I wrote the script and it's like six pages and like, can I read it? And you're like, you want to read it? I was like, yeah. I was like, go to set. And he was like, no, I want to read it. I was like, no, I want to read it. You guys, this young lady has skills in six pages. She tells this gorgeous love story. I was in tears. I was like, I want to read it. I was like, no. So then she wound up, let's read it right now. Let's do that. Hold audition. She wound up shooting it and she wound up bringing in lyric to play like the female. No way. Who played the, I don't know the young man. Ethan. But I don't know. Ethan, yeah, he's from when they see us and nickel boys. Yes. Okay. So did she bring the, and like, and I wanted to come to set, but I tore my Achilles. And I was kind of jacked up and I was like, I was reading. But, but how did it go? Were you happy? It went so good. It went amazing. And my crew was amazing. And my parents are always on set, like they'll like do crafty. And like, it's always like, so it's so good. You got the best set parents. I have the best parents and the best crew. And it just felt like making a short film with my friends, honestly. And lyric being there was insane. And it felt like I was directing like my sister because we've always just been really close. Yeah. And that was amazing. And I've knew Ethan for years. Yeah. But like, because when they say, this is kind of like going on like during like this is us. So I kind of like knew him. And, but we weren't really close. And he read the script and he was like, I'll do it for you. Like, I'm so down. And I was like, I'm not paying you by the way. And he was like, I'm so sorry. Like, I can't do that. And he was like, I want to do it because the script is good. And the energy just felt amazing. And the shoot, yeah, I went great. How did it turn out? It went really good. I mean, I'm currently editing it right now with a friend. But yeah, I'm excited just to get it done and put it out there and put it into festivals. And yeah. How? Start that. So tell me the difference between a film major and a film production major. Like what are the focuses? Yeah. The differences in the focus. So USC is very complex. There is film. There's a film production major. And that's when you're kind of directing everything. You're directing and you're writing all your material. And then there's also like cams majors. And there's also like, and that's kind of like, there's like different like school. There's different majors under like the school of cinematic arts. No, cams is more so like we're going to be writing about film. Oh, wow. Yeah. And then there's like business and film. And you're learning the whole entire business side of film. Interesting. So there's different setups. But film production is kind of like what you're like you're directing. You're writing. You're producing the whole nine. Got it. But there's so many times where I'm just like, well, I wish I learned more about the business side of it. Yeah. But it's everything creative in film production. Very cool. Yeah. What is the end game? What do you like at this point in time in your life? What is it that you see yourself doing in this career? I really want to be a career. of producer at a film production company. - Okay. - Yeah, like I, 'cause I just love development. Like I love like the creative process. I wanna be in the writers room, but I also wanna kind of oversee like just the entire production in terms of like story and where it's like end goal of where we're going and like the message that we wanna put out. - Stop looking at me. (laughing) - I'm just like, I feel like I'm talking to my dad. - I'll be right here. - I just, but yeah. But yeah, I really wanna be a creative producer. - This has us turned you away from acting. (laughing) - And just forced me into production. - Yeah. - That's hilarious. - If you can learn somebody's production company, if you need somebody. - That's right. - And now yeah, please, we'll start your own. - Wait, okay. - Yeah, well on your way. - All right, so let's take it back to beginning, right? Was this is us, the first thing that you ever did? - Ever did, yeah, 10 years old. I was like, I think I did a target commercial before I did this as I was, yeah. - Okay. - And then I was pretty rad. - No, yeah, I was great. I was like a giant pencil, it was great. - And then it was straight to my side, I love it. - From a giant pencil to this is us, yeah. - Was it how many auditions had you had prior? - I have no idea. I think it was like the first audition. And then I remember going in for the call back because faith was sitting next to me during the call back. - Yeah. - And my dad was like, talking to Donna, I was just like, oh, like that'll be hilarious of like you guys are sisters. And then I was like, yeah, like, whatever. And then I go into my audition. I think I completely bombed it. I just remember like messing up. And I'm 10 years old and I'm just like, forget it. - Sure. - Back to target, no, yeah, let it target. (laughing) - Back to commercial. - Back to commercial, like the same thing. - It's good to take my giant pencil and get out of here. You brought it with you. Try to stick it behind your ears. - You're so funny. (laughing) - Okay, I'm so done. - You're my favorite guest we've ever had so far. (laughing) - I'm so telling Miles that he's not gonna believe it. Oh my God. Okay, so I don't even know what I was talking about. Okay, I bombed, I bombed my audition. I think you were there. I think you were in the room. - Clearly you didn't bom it. You felt like you bombed it. - I felt like I bombed it. I think we had an audition before. - Maybe. - I don't know. I don't know if you were in the room. But I remember my call back Dan was in the room. Some of the producers around the room. - Do you remember there being a football in the room? - I do. - He wasn't there. - Okay, okay. No, I don't remember there being a football. Okay, okay, okay. So then I think I had to have one more. And then I think that was it. I'm gonna say three. - Did you ever get paired up with face? - No. - So they didn't have you reading with anybody. - They were just seeing all the. - Yeah, I mean in-face, no, right. - Test in any parts at the same time. - What scene did you have to do? Was it just the soccer stuff? She's, I know, 10 years is hard to think back then. - Yeah, you can remember. You made that. - I know. - Don't even worry about it. - I have a question though. Let's go back to the beginning though. - Okay, how did you know you wanted to be a performer at all? - I just remember loving Disney movies. I remember just loving Princess Tiana. I was like, who is this black princess? Like, I saw her on screen. I remember, for Christmas, I told my parents, like, I wanna be on the screen, like Tiana. And then they were like, girl, go play with that Barbie doll and get on my face. And I was like, okay. And then I remember, I was just asking, for Christmas for my birthday, like, I really wanna act. And then my uncle was a director at the time. - Oh really? - But he was a director and then he was like, you should go to this acting coach. And then my amazing acting coach, acting coach, Dee Dee, she was like, here's your manager. Like, you need to go on auditions, get an agent. And I booked this as us, like, pretty fast. - Yeah, that's what it was. - I was talking commercial. - After the turn of the camera. - Right, quick. That was the primer. - That was it, I mean, that's a great primer, right? - Geez, Louise. - It was so fast. And I was like, and I don't think I realized what I was getting on to. - I was just about to ask that. - No, yeah, 'cause it's like this giant NBC show, and I'm 10 years old, and now I was just like, okay, like, this is so fun. - But by the way, you felt that way. Chris and I both felt that way too. - Stirling it here. - Mandy Moore and you were literally Rapunzel. - I was like, why? - Why? (laughing) - You literally, like, it's my favorite film. - Yeah. - Like, let's not. - Oh, you're Mandy Moore. - But I- - I literally Mandy Moore. - I literally Rapunzel. - But what I mean is, I had never done, like, I had never done a television show before this. - Yeah. - Everything was had a bit of experience. You had a ton of experience. - Vinicence. - And so, well, but popping on to do a couple episodes of a show is not the same thing. So it's like, I felt like, for the most part, there were a good, healthy majority of us who were sort of like, whoa, this is new territory for us too. Like, I think that's what kind of solidified and bonded our group in such a deep way. We were like, we really all are on this journey together. - That's right. - Yeah, that's right. - Winning those ensemble awards. - I think that there's like, for me, it was this idea that like, this doesn't come along all the time. Like, a story that feels so important to so many people that you can actually pour yourself into and feel like you're not just entertaining people, but giving something positive into the world at the same time, right? And as I was, I just turned 40, 'cause I'm like four years older than Randall, and I was like, oh man, like, what a gift to be given as I'm, you know, entering into this fourth decade of my life, and everybody seemed so egoless. Like, there was, there was this, oh man, you guys saw my poker face, but, and action. There's, like, everybody was so egoless, and a willingness and wanting this for us to experience it together. - Yeah, yeah. - Like, I remember, man, and you would say, and I echo this feeling, like, every once in a while, people would get recognized from the show. And it would be wonderful. If you got recognized as an individual, it's always a cool thing. But it's fun to show up when everybody gets to be together, and we're recognized as a whole. So when we got, like, those show nominations and stuff, like, those two years at the Act Awards, the Saga Awards, nothing better. - Nothing better. - Yeah. - Nothing better. - Yeah. - Like, friggin' fantastic. - Yeah. - So yeah, it was, it was pretty special. - And also, I was just gonna say, like, I don't think, I don't think this has been done before, but when we got picked up for three more seasons, yeah, off the bat. - Yeah, mm-hmm. - That's when I knew I was, like, (laughing) - Yeah. - And, like, this TV thing's easy. - Yeah. - I don't know about it, but I was like, oh my god, like, this is, like, this is crazy. And I just remember, like, everyone's reaction was just, like, whoa, like, this is big. - Yeah. - And you don't really see that nowadays. Like, nowadays, shows like it picked up for another season. - Right, yeah. - Or maybe two, well, this is, like, three off the bat is insane, yeah. - When we had, we got picked up for the, we got picked up for the set, did we get picked up for two and three at the same time? - Yes. - And then we got picked up for four, five and six. - Yes. - Yes, yeah. - Which is cool. Wait, so what was it like for you on the show? What was it like for you moving through the world, being at school, et cetera? Like, do people respond to you differently at all? Were there haters? Were there people giving you mad love? Like, what was it like? - Yeah, school was so hard. Like, I grew up such an extrovert. - Are you? - What? - I think I grew up. - I grew up an extrovert. - What happened? - There is no way. - I know what happened. - And let's talk about it. (laughing) Okay? (clapping) I grew up such an extrovert. I loved school. I loved my friends. - Yeah. - I loved my teachers. - Yeah. - And then I get to high school and they were like, oh, like, basically, like, they had to take, I was, instead of like being like, I don't wanna like have like, absent on my record. I would give them pink slips. So I'd be like, I'm working. So I don't put absent on my record. And like, all up until high school, they would take that. And then when I got to high school, they were like, we're not taking that anymore. And I can't be absent every single day. 'Cause then I'm not gonna go to college. So I was like scrambling. And then my parents were like. - But they knew that you had a job. - But they wouldn't. - Was it an L.A. U.S.D. school? - Yes, yeah. - Yeah, yeah. - So there's only a certain number of days. - Okay, before. - Before you become truant. - No. - Okay, by the law. - Yeah, yeah. - And I was like, and my parents were like, we're gonna have to take you out. And I was like, you gonna take who out? - And then they were, I was like, I don't wanna go. I don't wanna leave public school. And then I had to go into a hybrid program. And that changed my life. And I think I just became an extrovert lookie. Like I had to go, I was only going into school. I just feel like something switched though. I only go to, I was only going to school maybe two or three times a week. And I was on this, us at the entire time. Like for the other days. And I like miss all of my friends. - Yeah. - It was just, and everybody there was like, they're all like crazy athletes who have like crazy schedules and their parents put them in a hybrid school. Or they were actors as well. And it was just like, everyone kind of had like an agenda. Like we're students, but we're also working. We're also working. But I was just like, God, like I wanna be a kid. But anyway, it was really hard. And then we were on this as us. And then it was, you have to do six hours of school I believe. So yeah, like I just remember it was, it was set. And then it was like, I'm going straight to Ms. Monique. I'm going straight to get my hours in. And that was always cool. And I just remember like being with Niles and being with Faith. And then being in the score and being with Lyric. And we used to be getting on Ms. Monique's nerves. And it was always so much fun. - She loved you. - She loved that sound. - Oh my God, I still talk to her. I love Ms. Monique. - She is wonderful. - She is wonderful. It's wonderful and I'm always like, "How are you doing?" And I'm like, "Well, how are you doing?" I love her. But. (laughs) But, yeah, school was really hard. Once I had to leave school and do two days of week, that was hard. Do you feel like you're getting more of a normal experience now being in college that you missed out on in high school? Definitely. Happy you get that. No, yeah, I'm so thankful for college. I'm so happy I went to college. It was never a question. I was gonna go to college the way I was raised. But I just love it. Like, I just love school. I've always loved school. And I'm doing what I love and I'm learning what I love. So it's just everything there. Many more. Did you have any, like, what was your high school situation? Yeah, extended studies. Yeah, I got my GED. Okay, got it. And I kind of had designs on wanting to go to school and then work just. Affirmative. Yeah. Happened and it got away from me. Yeah. I think it's so admirable that you are following your heart and following your wishes and the fact that you always saw school in your future and you made that a reality is so rad. Thank you. Yeah. Did people recognize you from the show? There are some people. I don't think, like, a lot of people my age, like, I don't think they really watch this as us. Yeah, I don't think they really watch this as us when I was, yeah, but then, like, some always, like, it's always like a professor. Like, I'm taking like a direct in the comedy class right now. And when I was directing, like, he stopped, like, it's like we're directing, like, live. And then he stopped me when I was directing, like, my friends and he was like, have you been an actor? He was like, 'cause you direct as someone who's been an actor before. And I was like, I want to take this a compliment 'cause that sounds like a compliment. It is. Yeah, absolutely. I was like, that sounds good. And then I was like, but he didn't like explain what he meant. And then he was like, okay, continue. And you pulled out your saga work. No. Oh, this? Oh, this? And your giant pencil? No. Maybe you recognize me from both of these days? From my target commercial? Shout out to Target, like, why is this? It's about to be my target. No, it's about at this point. Yeah. Yeah. But, yeah, he was like, oh my god, you're on this. So, like, my professors kind of know. Okay. There was one time where I was like walking and this girl was kind of like following me. And I was like, girl, like, what's happening? And then she was like, where are you on this class? And I was like, mind you, we're like walking the glass. And I was like, yeah, girl, like, no, I'm gonna go to the floor. Yeah. Yeah. But yeah, it's fun. Some people. That is hysterical. Yeah. Was there any memories that you have? Well, what do you remember most from just being on set? Either work or just the people, like, what are the memories that you carry with you from the show? I feel like I carry so many memories. I mean, the relationship between me, Lyric, and Faith have always been like really special. And I just remember, like, first meeting Lyric and getting on her nerves. And then getting on her last nerve. And then, like, just me being like obsessed. Like, Russus. You're really, like, airs is like Chinese water tortures. She's just gonna keep staying there and eventually, she's just like, okay, fine. Let's go. But then Lyric, no, because, like, and then she was just like, yeah, like, you're my sister. And then, like, I just remember like the three of us, like, just getting along so well. I remember school a lot. Like, I just remember like me, Miss Monique, fractions. So, it sounds like it's a bit more time in school. - School is big. - School is big. - School is big. - I'm not realized. We don't get much time between action and cut. - There's not a lot of-- - Even when you have a lot of acting to do. - And for a lot of students, like, as soon as they finish, you have like that educator, that tutor is just like, all right. - Come on, let's go. - Yeah, and Miss Monique was on. - She was on it. - Yeah. - She's pulling me off. - Pulling you guys out. - Yeah. - Yeah. - Yeah. - Yeah. - You done with her? - Yeah. - You done with her? - Five times nine. - Five times nine. - Yeah. - Five times. - Can you do it? - Well, you're on set. - Yeah, well, you're on set exactly. - 45. - Just quizzing you. - Look, wait, I was gonna say it. - Capital mile. Just constantly clocking, clocking education time. - Second by second. - That relationship with your sisters, you guys got real close. Are you guys still-- - You got real close? - No, yeah. - Communicate fairly often. - I had one scene with you. I think I had, I had like one, just like one-on-one scene with you, and I like was obsessed. 'Cause I'm in the auditorium, right? - In the car. - In the car. - That's right, that's right, that's right, that's right. - Wait, did we have an auditorium scene? - No, I was-- - That was everybody together. - Yes, yes, yes. - Yes, yes. - I never had scenes with you. - No. - Yeah, yeah. I like put that in my contract, like, don't you ever-- - No, no. - I, very smart. - With, very smart. - Yeah, very smart. - Don't you ever feel me-- - Very smart. - Very smart. - I've never had scenes. (laughing) - But I just remember, like, when we, like, the few times, when we were on set together, the entire cast was there. - Yeah, yeah. - It would be lit. - Like, the energy would be high. - Yeah. - 'Cause you guys, I feel like all the adults were kind of, like, best friends. - Yeah. - And I just feel like, it would always be, like, me, lyric and faith being like, oh, I wonder, like, what they're talking about. - What? - We all keyed up when we were, like, around each other. - Yeah, yeah. - Like, it's electricity to just, like, work, work, work, work, work, doing things, giving, or doing some, like, big holiday, or something festive, and then it's Ken, like, coming up to me. I love Ken, oh, my God. - We love Ken. - We love Ken. When I saw one pair of dyes, I was like, - He's amazing. - He's amazing. - He's everything. - But there's an energy that you bring. Like, let me just speak for, like, the black piercings for a second, because-- - Shout out to the black piercings. - Shout out to the black piercings all day, every day. - Yeah. - Sue. - You guys remember Sue? - Yeah. - God. - Sue. - The magical healing. - Like, every time we were to get, like, it felt like family. - Yeah. - Yeah. - That's the show, right? - Yeah. - You know what I'm saying? - But, like, it was like, "Oh, this is our family." - Yeah. - And you are a special part of that sauce, because you are an electric human being. - So electric. - We would-- - This was before I was an introvert. - Do you remember, like, we used to do that whole-- - Eyo, like, at the very beginning, like-- - Yes. - And it would just be me, and you'd be like, "Eyo!" And you're like, "Eyo!" And it was dumb. - Wait, that's so, yeah. - But we just had fun. - Yeah, I remember filming. I'll never forget this when I felt like, "Oh, this feels like a black family." - Yeah. - But when we were doing a scene in a living room, and I was laying, and I think-- I don't know who was directing, I think it was him. But I think he was like, "Hey, lay on the couch." Like, "Be on the couch." Like, you just got home from school or something like that. And then my shoes were on. - Yeah. - And I was just like, "Well, like, but I was so shy, I was like, I'm just gonna do what I'm supposed to do." - Yeah. - And I was just like, "I'm just gonna put my shoes on the couch." And then, you know, action, okay, okay. And then Susan came in, and she was like, "Take your shoes off." We don't-- She was like, "What black household is having shoes on the couch?" - Right. - "What household?" And then she was like, "No, no, no. Where's she with household?" - No, no, no, no, no. - Especially your house. Can we-- we'll talk about that. - Yeah. - We are a shoeless household, and I love me. - My home. - My home. Okay. But yeah, and I was like, "Oh, wow. This is so-- this just feels so right." And yeah, I don't know why that's a core memory. - It's all good. Here's one that I have, and I want to know if you ever got any sort of feedback, because I know maybe not from young people, but I remember one time, and I said this on the show. I said, "I was in the airport one time, and this black woman came up to me." And she said, "I did not have as much grace as you and Beth had when my daughter came out to me, but I saw how you guys dealt with it, and I don't know I can do better." And so, that storyline-- Just talk to us a little bit about, like, when they first presented it to you, like, how you felt about it, and then, like, what it was like to actually sort of, like, especially, like, the coming out to your parents. - Yeah. - Yeah. I'm trying to think of, like, when they first presented the idea to me, because I remember it was, like, a pretty big deal, and they, like, I think they sat like me and my parents down. - Yeah. - I think they actually talked to my parents first. - Okay. - In my think, "Oh, yeah, okay. I got it." So, my parents sat me down at lunch one day, and they were like, "Hey, like, Dan or someone, like, they came to us with the idea of, like, making Tuskei." And, like, we want to know how you feel about that, and if you want to move forward, and I was like, "Yeah." I was like, "Wait, like, why not?" - I was just like-- - Yeah. - Like, in my head, I was just like, sure. Like, yeah, like, finally, like, I want to do, like, I want to, like, place someone that's, like, that has, like, just like, I feel like everyone's characters were just, like, they were so strong, and I was like, "I want to, like, I want to go forward, I want to do something," and I was like, "Why not?" And I felt like I could make a difference, I think, and I was like, "I want to make a difference with this." And I was like, and you know, yeah, I was just like, I want to do something, and I just, I wasn't really thinking about myself, but I was like, also just thinking about, I think I had, like, a couple of friends that were gay at that time, and I was just like, "Yeah, I think it's cool." And I remember then, I think, Dan and them, like, sat me in my parents' town, and we were just like, "So, we heard that you're cool with it, but, like, we want to talk to you about it more." - Sure. - Like, just so, like, you know, you're 12, like, let me know, like, what you're getting yourself into. - Yeah. - And then they were like, "You're gonna cut your hair." And that's when I was just like, "Oh." - Yeah. - And I was like, "Gay?" - I was like, "That was harder for you." That was so, I was like, "Oh, I'll play gay." And then they, like, cut your hair, and but then, also, like, super naive 12-year-old, I was like, "Sure, yeah." I'm like, I'm like, I'm looking on Pinterest. I'm like, "Okay, Halle Berry. She was black. She had short hair. She looked good. I was like, "Gay." I was like, "Going through." - Don't put that out, man, don't. - I had to make you lose a webbie. - Never. I put that out there. I'm like, going through all, like, the black eye, going into my short curly hair. They looked amazing. I was like, I was like, "Okay, like, you can come here." The second they cut my hair, I was like, I- - Like, except the same thing. - It was like, and you're cut to do it on camera. - She had to do it on camera. - Yeah. - So, I can't even, like, I can't even imagine that. - It was all hard. - That wasn't real. - Because you had long hair, like, all of your life. - I had, I loved my hair. I'm just like, I don't know, just like growing up, black girl, like, my hair was, I- everything. Yeah. Um, so then, but you know, like I'm 12 and I'm looking at all these photos of like short curly hair and I'm looking at Hallie Berry and I'm like, why don't look like Hallie Berry? But, sure, I'll like, you know, get Hallie's hair style and I was like, okay, you can come out my hair. And then, um, yeah, that was really hard. I was really hard on me. Yeah. The tough age to make a huge change. And I started my freshman year of high school with your short hair with my short hair. And I was like, and I was like, oh my god. So you weren't feeling your cutest as you're going into like one of the most sort of like, no, in this one. This is before like the whole like pink slip thing. So I went to Redondo Union for like, I want to see like, at least like a month before I had to go hybrid. And I grew up like, um, going to schools or we don't know, like, I love down my friends are there. And I just remember starting school. And Redondo Union is a big high school. And it's, it's so big. Um, and I just remember like walking to class and like, black girls had their braids and their curls. And I was just like, oh my gosh. I want my braids back. Like, they're gay people with long hair. No, I was like, we like, I don't like, oh, and then it was really hard. And I just, I did not feel beautiful like at all. And I was like the one time my life where like, I was like, my confidence was so bad, like so bad. And my parents, like, you're so beautiful. Like, what do you talk? I was like, stop. Like, I was just like, can you look back now with like, grace and see that you were stunning. And it was, uh, can you? No, I honestly, I was just like, looking back on like, this is us like during that time. I just think it was just really, really special. And I'm happy that I did it because I just feel like I was like, probably the only time my life where I was like, that was a really big risk for me. Like, I was just like, could my hair like, okay. And the fact that I just went for it and was just like, I don't know, I'm proud of myself for trying. I'm for doing it. More that was us after the short break. Listen, if you are fans of this podcast, then you are well aware that Sully and SKB and myself are huge David Protein fans. I mean, I'm not sure I ever leave the house without a David bar in my bag. David is now available at Walmart stores nationwide and on walmart.com where you can try a single bar for only $2 and 97 cents. Why do we love them? Not only do they taste great. All right. The David gold hero protein line has the most protein for the fewest calories of any protein bar. I'm talking 28 grams of protein. All right. 150 calories, zero sugar. Most protein bars are filled with excess calories and sugar and honestly, David does it right. They are delivering the most protein and the fewest calories. I try to stay fit. I try to eat healthy, right? And so sometimes hunger will creep up on you and it's nice to be able to reach for something that is delicious and nutritious. Your boy is trying to keep these gains. You understand what I'm saying? I mean, you can't go wrong with any of the flavors as well. We're talking like chocolate chip cookie dough. We have peanut butter chocolate chunk. That's my personal favorite. Listen, peanut butter and chocolate chunk. It's so, so good. And don't just take my word for it. Go grab one for yourself. Head to Walmart today to try a bar or stock up on four cartons of your favorite flavors like blueberry pie or salted peanut butter, sold exclusively at Walmart. Check out Walmart dot com to find a store near you. But you didn't cut your hair immediately. You cut your hair later. Yeah. So this is because that's what looms large to you, which is hilarious because what looms large to me is me, you ensue in that scene because you've already had a conversation with your uncle. And had you already, was it, did you have the scene with you before two before coming out to the pan? Everybody, but everybody everybody, but definitely not me. Yeah, exactly. At all, not even in consideration. But like, what did you, did you surprise yourself in that scene with regards to like the emotion that sort of came out? Yeah. Or did you know that that was, and not that you knew it was going to happen, but like, just tell me, but because I, because like you, you made your remarkable in that scene. It's so beautiful. Yeah. So yeah, what was it like? Honestly, I was so excited that day, but I was also so nervous because I was just like, I think there was just an expectation that I was kind of like, okay, like you're going to have to kill it. Like you're going to have to take it there. And I had never cried on camera before. And I remember going to you and being like, how do you get so emotional because you be crying every episode. And I was just like, I was like, Sterling, how do you get so emotional? And I think that you were telling me like, you told me a couple of things because you're like, you can go back like, look at a time of your life where you were like sad or dad and you like channel that. And then you're like, or is there a song? And I remember like my uncle had passed away. And I think it was Halo by Beyoncé. And I listened to that song and I will break down into tears. And I just remember like thinking about my uncle and thinking about that song and also just thinking about like my friends who have been in similar positions and who haven't had like parents that were just like welcoming and just like just it was, I was just thinking about just like the gay community, but also just like, yeah, just trying to like channel so many things, trying to channel so many things. And I think I was like, and I hadn't like lived a lot like at that. I was just like, I wish there was like a point in my life where it was just like, I was so sad. But I haven't, I don't think I lived enough to just to be able to really like go there. So I was nervous about that. I was like, I don't even know if I can do it. And then I just remember like, can I love this, I love working with Ken because I think that he just like, let me get there on my own into the like, so I'm just like directing me every single time. Like, he just let me get there. And I just remember like the third take I was like, holding my eyes out. And it would, it just felt so good. And then I just really just felt like, I don't even, I don't even think I was aress anymore. I was just so into tests. And I just remember like you and Susan, like just like really taking me and it was just so proud of me. And it was, it was a really like pretty moment. And like I just remember the entire set. It was like, it was really emotional. Like, and it was stopped. It was a real standout moment of the entire show. It was really, thank you. It was, yeah, it was really emotional. And then I remember Dan was an onset when we were doing that scene. And then like we took lunch or we did something. It was like a really big thing that was happening that day. And everybody was there. Yeah. And then I remember like we were like getting food. And you told Dan, you're like, you weren't there today. But Ares did a great job on set today. And I was like, my heart. I was like, Oh, like, because that means everything like, I don't want to get emotional when you guys, because I just look up to you guys so much, you, you too. No, no, I don't want it now. No, no, no, no, I don't need it. I look up to you guys so much. And also like, I'm like a kid. So I was like, if the adults think I killed it, like then I must have done something good. And yeah, it was a great day. It was a great moment. I'm like, we're in the storylines now with, um, who's your partner that Alex, sorry, I have like a whole different sort of association with the name Alex. So I was like, you can't be out, but I was like, no, it's Alex. Like, what was it like just this sort of, first of all, here's a question. Do you feel like you gave your parents a tough time as a teenager at all? What? Yeah. Absolutely. My mom for sure. Yeah. Yeah. How does it manifest? Like, no, don't go into details, but like, what was, what was it like? Was it similar to like tests and tests? Yeah. Honestly, like, I think, yeah, a little bit. I think I was just like, I think I was always like testing my mom. And my dad always says like, you and your mom are so like that, that's why you guys clash. Um, yeah. So growing up, like me and my mom would like, I would always like go back and forth with her. And then like, yeah, the teenage phase that I guess like the stereotypical, like, teenage phase. Um, but yeah, I would say, I would say it was, honestly, like, I don't, was test, was test and Susan. Was it that bad? It was, yeah, I remember I'm like, it was more like, okay, so testy teenager, testy teenagers, like she kept jacking up her pronouns. Oh, okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And then like, there's this beautiful moment that they have where you don't, you don't see this. Uh, she has a conversation with her mom because Mama C comes and stays with us for a while. And she talks about having to give up the ideas of the life that she thought you were going to have the expectations. And she's like, you know, grandchildren and all this sort of thing. And I guess like, I think I'm okay with it. Like, I don't feel like it reminds me of the conversation she had with Randall was like, am I homophobic? Am I? She's like, no, I don't think you're not. It's just that like you have these ideas and thoughts and hopes that you have to eventually just sort of let go and let them live the life that they are living in front of you. Yeah. So, and then she comes up and sort of has this moment with you. I don't know, you probably don't even remember to sing, but it was a good one. That's all. No, I'm like, as you're talking, it's like coming back to me. I'm like, oh, my God. I haven't seen the show in years. Um, it's been so long. It's good. You'll like it. Yeah. Did you watch it? when it was on? - Um, I think so because my mom, my dad knew like everything 'cause he was all on set with me, but my mom, I never told her any details from set. So I would always watch it with her in real time, yeah. So I'd watch it, yeah. - Even my episodes? - No, I kind of skipped those. - She was like, let me fast forward to that. - I was like, you don't even gotta like speed it up. - No, no, no, no disrespect. - No, I was the same, I was the same. - No, you were the same with me. - What's that? - What? - What? - No, not with you. - With himself. - With your own self? - I was there. - I know this. - I've seen it, lived it, felt it. - Nailed it. - Nailed it. - Oh my God. - There's to you, see yourself, siggling back to acting at any point? - That's good question. - Yeah, yeah. I would love to, I would love to go back into acting. I'm still like, I'm so auditioning. And it would be like so hard of just like, just not getting things, or like, I would get close. And it would be like, and school's so hard with it. I mean, USC is honestly like, I think it's a good school to go to if you wanna do that because there's so many actors there. So my professors are really understanding, but it's like, do you wanna graduate late, or do you wanna like go back? So it's just so hard to prioritize. - It's so hard to prioritize. And because I really, and I'm so close, I'm a junior, I'm like, let me graduate. Like, I just wanna go to it. - How did you get the PAing job on paradise? - Oh, I reached out to Dan. And I was like, hey, like, I really wanna like, I wanna just learn a set. Like, any job you can give me. And he was like, do you wanna work as a PA? And I was like, I would love to. And I came on, I came on like a little bit later. - Yeah. - 'Cause I had to finish school. So, yeah, I came. And I'd take a few months with them. And I ended the season with them. And it was so fun. - Do you think you'll do it again? - Yeah. I mean, I think I'm gonna do it again. - Yes, yeah, yeah. - Okay. - It just depends if I get this internship or not. - Right. - Monkey Paul. - Monkey Paul. - Gotcha. - They haven't gone back to me. I'm like, please get back to me. - Okay. - But I reached out. - Jordan. - Yes. - Jordan Appeals. - Jordan Appeals. So I'm done. Like, I really wanna work at a phone production company in turn there. I did it one time and I absolutely loved it. And it was 10-0 to done this company 10-by-10. And it was an amazing company. And I loved it. And I was like, okay, I reached out. I did a lot. I'm trying to reach out to this every production company and I can. But yeah, if I don't get it, then I'll definitely end the season with you, like for sure. Either way, I have like great options for the summer. - You're a hustler, man. - Yeah. - Like, that spirit is like, cannot be stopped. Like, we'll probably all be working for you at some point in time. - That's what I'm thinking. That's what I'm thinking. - A drink. - A drink. - Not you. - Chris is like, I'll take a job. - Is it? - I'll take a job. - I'll pee on your set. - No, I need you to direct. - What's that? - Do you want to direct? - What's that? - Sure. - He does want to direct. - I feel like you're hilarious. - Is this an offer? - Yeah. - Is this an offer or not? 'Cause it's on? - For sure. - For sure. - For sure. - It's legally binding. It's on camera. - This is California. - Verbal. - Verbal. - Verbal. - You need to direct. - It's like comedy. - He's a very funny man. - You're hilarious. - Yeah, very funny. - I would love to. - I'd watch anything you do, Chris. - Yeah. - No. - Sorry. Off the record. - Do you help me? - Do you help me? - Don't put this on the podcast. - Off the record. Cut this out. - Yeah, it's out. - Did you, you announced overlap a year? Was this senior year your freshman year? Was he gone by the time you got here? - When I was a freshman, he was a senior. - That's right. - So I saw him on campus, like, sometimes then he graduated, like immediately. - Was he nice to you or did he? - He was. - No, he was so nice. - I'm kidding. - He's so nice. - He was so nice. - I don't know you. - Yeah. - I don't know you. - It was great, I only saw him like a few times, he graduated like immediately. - Tell me, 'cause you said your mom and dad, we would, I would see your mom on set every once in a while. - Yeah. - You had a cousin or an aunt, who was with you sometimes? - Yeah. When my dad had to work sometimes. - When your dad was with you. - But for the most part, it was your dad. - It was your dad. - It was my dad. - It was the dude who was there. - Everyone loves my dad. - Your dad is. - Yeah. - He's so cool. So much fun to hang out with, man. Like, how's he doing? - He's doing amazing. My dad is my best friend. - Aww. - No, like, that is my best friend. - Yeah. - He's everything to me. Yeah. So, he's doing great. Yeah, my whole family. Honestly, my mom and my sisters have three little sisters. - None of your sisters have followed in your footsteps in terms of this, have they? - So, Demi actually played Young Annie. My youngest sister, there was like a flashback for Annie. And it was a small flashback. - I know what you're talking about. - She was just had to be on the swings. And I just remembered my mom being like, "Yeah, I got her that audition." And I was like, "You got Demi, what?" - Yeah. - I was like, "What?" And I was like, "Oh, my God, is she going to get it?" And my mom was like, "Uh, duh." And I was like, "She's the cutest little kid. Like, why not?" And I was like, "Oh, my." - Like, "Second cutest." - Hello. - Hello. - I'm right here. - Right. You killed me. - Um, like, what? Chris is like, he is never leaving. - No, like, you're never leaving. - You're never leaving. - This is, uh, fourth co-host. - Yeah. - This is what I need. - But yeah, I was like, she wants to go into acting. - She does. - And then I have a younger sister, Harley, who is like an incredible soccer player, incredible. - Okay. - But she recently, like, joined the drama club, like, in her middle school. And she was like, "Hey, she was really into it and she's really enjoying theater." - Okay. - And I was like, "But she's an athlete at heart, but I feel like she might venture into it for fun." - Okay. - Yeah. - Did you ever, like, did your dad enjoy being on set? I was wondering, like, set parents. - Yeah. - Did they like it? - It's a sacrifice. - It's a big sacrifice. So I'm curious, is it, like, a fun thing, or is it, like, "No, I love my kids. I'm here because my kid wants to do it." - I mean, no one believes in me more than my parents. So, like, my dad, he left his job and, like, and just took it on as a full-time job to be with me every day. And he was very protective of the environment and, you know, you do any research on this industry. And he's like, "I'm going to be by your side 24/7." And he, he was just always there. And I think that, I think that he did really enjoy being there because we had a good set. - We did a good set. - We had a good crew. And my dad, he's going to be friends with anyone and everyone. So he's, like, he's talking to Susan. He's talking to Dan. He's talking to Ken. I'm like, "Where are you?" You're like, "Why?" I'm like, "Why are you closer to Ken than me?" Yeah. I would be so jealous. But he has his own relationship with everyone and with hair and makeup and everything. And I'm just like, "Oh, my gosh." - But you know what that is? I feel, like, as a parent, he had a sense of comfort that you were protected, that you were okay. - Yeah. - So he didn't have to just be like, "You're a good hand." - You know what I'm saying, like, he's really, like, trusted, just like the cast and the crew. And he was still very protective. I just think this is us, it was just a great environment. It was just a great environment, especially for parents, especially, like, just like letting your kid just be like, "You know what you're good, like, I'm going to go talk to everyone." - Right. I dig it. - I dig it. - I agree. - What else do we need to cover? What are you guys, am I missing? - When we see your short film? - Well, we're still in post-production. So Jesus Christ. - I don't know. I don't know. Movies work. - We're in post. So, like, and is it about-- - Is it about-- - Is it on your phone? - I have a director's card on my phone. - Oh. I want to say that. - But it's so raw. Like, it's a temporary score. I don't want you to see it. - Okay. - I can respect that. But you could show them the script. - Yeah. I'll show you the script. - Okay. - I'll show you the script. - I'll do a dramatic reading next episode. - I'm done. Um, the fact that you played a grandma is like-- - Is it nuts? - It's nuts. - It's nuts. - They really had to, like, to make her find you because you look like your mind. - That's not true. - No, it really, like, very kind of-- - No, like, you look so good. - You do. - You're sweet friend. - That's true. - It really is. - And I'm good. - Y'all look good. - Can I just, like, talk about Mandy, like, for five seconds. - Ah. (laughs) - Maybe, like, let me give you a five. - What do we do now? - I don't know, like, for 10 seconds. - Oh, okay. - Let me look into the camera. - Go ahead. - That's you. - Mandy Moore is one of the greatest actors in the world. - Amen. - In the world. - Amen. - Her resume is absolutely insane. - Yes. - And I don't know. I don't know if this sounds like weird, but you're such, like, a woman to me. - I agree. - You're so kind and you're so elegant and you're so humble. And you don't have to be. Because you are that girl. - And me. - And your resume is insane. - Yes. - Can we, like, lift this? - Yes. - I'm just gonna, like, put it on my phone so I wake up and I'm having a bad day. I'm, like, Harris believes in me. - Yeah. - Like, I just, but I also feel like this. - This is how everyone, like, thinks about you. - Oh, that's true. - Oh, that's true. - It's, like, truly, truly, truly means so much. I mean, like- - Thank you. - Of course. - Thank you. I received that, and I appreciate it. - Mm-hmm. - Thank you. - You're her. - You're her. - You were the cutest, 'cause you would do this on set sometimes, about whatever was happening in the world, like, whether it was, like, we had all gone to an award show and she was, like, that dress, or if there was music out, or something, or, like, I just have all of these memories of you guys constantly doing dances, and, like, TikToks, and doing, like, funny things on set, like, you and Faith and Lyric were really thickest thieves. - Mm-hmm. - In a way that, like, my kids were, in their own way, like, Niles and Logan and Hannah had that, like, like. - Yeah. - That they were definitely siblings. And Parker and Lonnie, my kids to like a certain extent. - Neon job where it does. - But you guys were above and beyond. Like it was as if this was a sisterhood like match made in heaven. - Check out. - Like you guys were meant to book this role to meet each other and be sort of seamlessly woven into each other's lives. - 100%. It was so fun though. - It was so fun to go into college. - Yeah. - And like it's crazy. No, Faith is in college, you know what I'm saying? And I'm just like, and it's amazing. I'm like, oh my god. Like when it's crazy when you guys like wow, I feel old. Like cause now I'm like, why do I feel that Faith is like coming to me asking me about USC? And I'm just like, I really do think I gained like two sisters. - Yeah, you did. - I did. - That's the best part of our jobs that you could never sort of like predict, right? Like what's gonna stick afterwards? - And it's so nice, like we have each other now with this podcast and it's pretty awesome. - Yeah, it's amazing. - I mean get good referrals for LASIK. - Exactly. - You guys, you know what I mean? - Yeah. - Guys, this has been AirSpeaker. Thank you so much for joining us. - AirSpeaker, thank you. We've wanted to give you in here for so long. Thank you. - You are awesome. You got another year's school before she's out in the world and she's gonna be running production companies or having her own production company as a creative producer. - Just don't forget about us. - I know, are you gonna let me really but don't forget about Chris and myself. We want to come in and work for you. - I have a good question. I have a really good question. - Sure. - That's it. - Absolutely. - That I just thought of. What do you think tests would be doing right now? - That's such a hard question. - But a good one, right? - It is a good one. Did you just think about like just now? - Just now. - Wow, that's insane. - I want to answer that. I want to hear your answer. - Wait, you already have an answer? - No, I don't. But like, she's my daughter, so I'm curious after what she is. - I have an answer for both Dacia and Annie, but not us. - Really? - Yes. - Give the Dacia and Annie, give the Dacia and anyone. - I think, well, Dacia, well, wasn't that in the show? I didn't actually become a social worker. - You become a social worker. - I become a social worker. - Yeah. - Yeah. - You should watch the show. - It's great. - No, no, no, no, no. - And Dacia becomes a doctor. - Dacia becomes a doctor. - There's a rewatch podcast for this show. There's a rewatch podcast for this show called That Was Us, where members of the cast go back to the whole show. You could follow it. Watch it. - You love it. - You learned so much. - You learned so much about the show. - But we don't know, we don't know what Annie is doing. - I feel like she'd become like some, because I feel like Annie, her relationship with Ron was always really special to me. - I agree. - So I feel like, I don't know, maybe like-- - With William. - Yeah. - Yeah. - Being like a caretaker. - Oh. - Or also like, or like, what's the doctor? I feel like she would be like a doctor like for animals. - Better than anybody. - Oh, but there you go. - Yeah, yeah, yeah. - I don't know, she just, she was, Faith is just so like in her character. - She's so gentle. - So gentle. I'm just like, you have like a job like that. - I like that. I like that. But you have no idea what you think. Besides, you're coming. You're a social worker. - Right. - Which is what was in that? - Which is what was in the script. - Right. - That's just, that's not the trash. - But that doesn't mean like, that could be later. That could be something that happens in the evolution. - Yeah. I just feel like she was really like create, I'm trying to just think of like, she was so creative and she was just like taking risks. And I wouldn't be surprised if she was like, I don't know, gone into like, just like a creative industry. - Well, here's something interesting. So do you know, have you, did you ever meet the young lady who played the older? - Yeah. - I answer. - Yeah. - So I answer is a series regular on Will Trent. - Okay. - Right? And she actually just directed her first episode of the show. Yeah. And she is a dancer, like she's a dancer by trade and actor as well. So I've just said, like in terms of what you're trying to do and what she's doing in her career, it's kind of like. - Wait, yeah, that's really, yeah. Wait, yeah, yeah. And we also like identical. - You guys, yeah. - It's like scary. - So much alike. - Yeah, very much alike. - That I don't even know if we were able to fool the audience. - No, no, I told you that Taylor like walked through and he had, I was watching the show and he wasn't. He was like, oh, it's test. All right, Danny, that's deja. Like he just, I was like, yeah, yeah. Like it's so, it's, it's insane. - It's insane. - It's kind of crazy. - And you playing like your younger yourself is like hilarious to me. I'm like, you really like, you're doing it all. - They, well. - 16 to 90. - Listen. - Like, they took that make up off. - They're like, you wouldn't even have to do the make up now. They could just AI your face. I'm like, oh, that's crazy. - I was like, I liked, it gave me the time to like. - Can you do that? - Oh, no. Yeah, they can. I'm taking AI, I'm class right now. - The Irish match. - Yeah, but it doesn't look right. - I agree. - I agree. - I don't think it's perfected. - Yeah, it's perfected. - I agree. Like, it's definitely needs to be innovative more. - Yeah. - But the idea is like, is they, like it's insane. And you need all that physical make up to pull the joy out of your peeing, you know, that old people have lost, you know. Like, just that, that cake downstairs makes you so sad and not able to laugh about anything, you know? All right. I think. - Sarah's is like, what happened? - I like to see the camera. I like an abit, I love entering my own when I was like. - Yeah. - Yeah. - Yeah. - There's my camera. - Do you want our listeners to be able to follow you on socials anywhere? - Yeah. - Sure. That's all the time we have. Thank you so much for being a guest on, that was us. (laughing) - Tell them where to follow you. - You can follow me on Instagram @ArisBaker, E-R-I-S Baker. - It's just IG, nothing, no talk, no thanks. - No, no nothing, no, I know, I know, I suck at being like, I've just done like a 20-year-old. - I'm pretty much, no thanks for my hat's off to you for that. It's perfect. - Better for your brain. - Give me a favor, look into your camera, and will you please tell them the name of the podcast. - This is the, that was us podcast. - Yeah. (laughing) - Here's Bigger, everybody. (clapping) - That was us as film that rabbit-grinned studios and produced by rabbit-grinned productions. Music by Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith. (singing) - That was us. - That was a headgun podcast.