Emily is a go-getter. She puts herself out there and isn’t afraid to jump for the stars. That’s exactly what she did when she applied to be a host in NYC while still living in her small town... but she put on the application that she already lived in NYC. When she got the job a couple weeks later, she made it happen and moved to New York in a whirlwind. We both share the beliefs that hustling, hard work, plus talent and a great attitude are essentials to success. I love Emily’s drive and journey. She also tells me why the tiktok generation may just save us all.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
So I am so excited to have Emily Curl joining me.
What's up? I am so happy to be here. This
is such an honor to be on the podcast. Well girl,
you are just a little mover and shape are doing
awesome things, and I'm so happy to have you on here.
Thanks for having me. It's gonna be fun. So right now,
we you live in New York, but you have been
(00:23):
quarantining in Georgia, where you're from. I have, I have,
and let me just tell you, it's such a weird
thing to be back in your home where you grew up,
but also with a professional job that you got in
New York. So I feel like all of my worlds
are colliding and I'm having to relearn how to be
a kid again but also still be professional. I mean,
it's been just such an interesting time. So okay, so
(00:47):
that at least, just so many questions. First question is
what was it like in the beginning of quarantine when
coronavirus hit being in New York, which was which was
what I feel like was sort of like the epicenter
of every saying. And then what is it like being
back home and what have you learned living their parents
and now as a grown adult with a career. Yeah, yes,
(01:09):
such a great questions. So I remember I we did.
We do these things that I heart called live sessions
where we have artists come in and they perform a
small set dry I heeart audience, and I host the
shows and it's one of my favorite things. And I
remember it was March twelve. We had just hosted a
live session and everyone's like, I actually think like we
(01:29):
might take the rest of the week off. We you know,
ended on this high, and they're like, and I think,
you know, for the coronavirus, We're just gonna be at home.
And I remember getting on the subway that day and
it felt different and I was like, I actually think
we might be here for a long time. And then
later that week we had a meeting on our team
and we were like, well, what equipment can we send
Emily to start working from home just for a couple
of weeks. And then obviously here we are in what
(01:53):
is it August now? So it's just it was such
a crazy transition to go from hosting this live show
with a ton of people sningle I have music. Then
the next day it's like, oh wait, now I'm in
my apartment for who knows how long. And so for
those first few months, I luckily had two roommates, but
you know, New York is small, we were in some
tight quarters and you know, I don't cook, so I
was like learning how to cook in the small kitchen.
(02:14):
I was like figuring out my studio setup, which was
on my bed because my room is so small. And
then so three months and by and in New York,
it was very very serious. So we hardly left. We
were so scared. We went to the grocery store. We
were in gloves, mask, the whole shebang everything, so we
were super careful about that. And then so then I decided,
I was like, you know what, while I have this time,
I'm gonna come down to Georgia for a little bit.
(02:37):
And so it's been really interesting. It's I never thought
my lifetime and that I would be this age and
back at home. Um, but to have a little bit
of space and be able to like breathe for a moment.
And I've been in New York for going on six years,
and so I keep telling my friends in New York,
this is the first time I've had a moment to
just like chill and be like, oh wait, I don't
have to run around and get on the subway and
(02:57):
go do this and this and this. I just stay still.
And my parents are actually both pharmacists, so they were
in the medical field, so they've been working a ton um.
But I feel like my relationship with them has been, uh,
one that's filled with compassion. I think being an adult
being back at home with your parents, you realize how
much as an adult now you can kind of see
(03:18):
It's like, oh man, I wonder what it's going to
be like to have my own family or how I'm
going to do things, and you sort of see them
as people instead of your parents growing up and you're
getting ready to leave the house. Has it been kind
of friend to become more friend like with your parents?
The best ground. We have happy hours every night and
we sit outside. We mostly talk about their lemon try
(03:42):
the grass, how it's growing, you know, is it the
right shade of green? And it's so funny. It's like
such a nice break because I feel like in New
York every single day, as you know, as we all know,
we're always I mean, for me, I'm always on social media.
I'm always like what can I do? Next, who can
I talk to? What can I you know, all he's
on the go, So to have a break and just
talk about grass, lemon trees and drink some wine. I'm like, Okay,
(04:05):
I can do that. That It's so true. I feel
I feel that hustle. And obviously you've been hustling it
and you've been having great success landing a gig at
I heart hosting major artists. I mean, you're in your twenties, right,
and I just turned twenty eight. Yeah, I mean to
have such a great job. How did you get this job?
(04:27):
How did you decide that you were going to take
the plunge and moved to New York? And then how
did you start making your way in this industry and
especially such a competitive industry in New York? For sure?
For sure. So I study digital broadcast journalism at the
University of Georgia, and I always knew I wanted to
do entertainment. But like you're saying, there's no clear route,
(04:48):
and any person entertainment you talked to, they all get
their different ways, which is both discouraging and encouraging at
the same time, because you're like, there's so many ways
to get there. How can I find out, and so
I started my journey working at Refinery twenty and actually
and it's a digital and lifestyle women's entertainment company and
so we do. Yeah. So it's a really really fun company.
(05:09):
Um and I was there for over five years and
so but when I first decided I was gonna go,
I loved this company and I was like, all right,
I'm gonna take the pungement to New York. And everyone
told me to lie on your resume, but they tell
about your address. They say I lived in New York. Oh,
so you just said you said you lived in New York,
but you didn't. I lived in Georgia. And I applied
(05:31):
to a job in New York with my friends new
York address. So I ended up getting interviews and they
were thinking I was right down the street. Meanwhile I
was flying to like go up there. And then when
I they offered me the job, I had one week
to come back to Georgia, packed my bags and moved
to New York. I recommend the strategy to no one.
Luckily it worked really well for me. So I packed
(05:54):
my bags, I moved to New York, and my best
friend at the time, Rachel, was like so gracious to
let me live on her couch, and so I learned
the subway system in like a month or so. I
mean it was like I fully was like in Georgia
one week and then the next I was now living
in New York working for this company like just lifestyle shock.
I didn't even own a coat. I was like, what
(06:16):
is snow do I How do I prepare for this?
I mean it was such a culture shock. Um. And
it ended up working out really really well. I was
there a refinery for yeah, five and a half years
and kind of had a crash course in production, and
then about two years in they really started blowing up
and expanding and so um, I sort of expressed to
(06:38):
my boss that I was really interested in doing on
camera stuff and so from there I got to host
some of our live shows. Then I started doing our
red carpets and was a red carpet correspondent for a
finary and it was so so so exciting. Um. And
then sorry, I got to this stage where I was
producing a lot of branded content. I was doing a
lot of the shows. Um. But then I was like,
you know what, I think I'm ready. I think I
want to fully fully pursue being a host, and so
(07:00):
at the time, I was like a producer host, deciding
which path I was going to go on. And I
decided that this was it, that I would be upset
with myself if I never really went for it. And
so from there I spent a year interviewing and auditioning
and thinking out exactly what I want to do. And
then when this opportunity with I Heart came up, I
had a gut feeling. I got that first email, and
I was like, this is it it? And I've always
(07:23):
loved music, Like I was telling you, I've always loved
country music too, and so it was so exciting to
get to be in this world that I've knew so
well personally just for being a fan of everything, and
then to have this opportunity. The day that I got
the call that I got it, my roommates knew it
was coming in and we were all sitting outside and
they were setting outide my room and I was on
the phone in there, and then as soon as I
said are you serious, I could hear them cheer. And
(07:47):
that night we actually took a polaroid and we kept
it on our fridge and we put the date it
was like the day that I got my call and
I got my job, and um, so it was just
such a special moment, especially because so many people had
helped and encouraged me get to this place, so it
felt like a group win. And honestly the best part
of that process was getting to face time all my
friends afterwards and be like, I got the job, and
(08:08):
that is a like, well, you don't forget how does
that feel to actually make a plan a dream of
vision and put yourself out there and then landed, Like
how does that feel? Does it feel surreal? It feels
so surreal. It feels so surreal and um and it
(08:28):
just was such a long process and it was a
lot of and as we all know, it's a lot
of ups and downs, a lot of nose and um
it can be really discouraging at times. So then you
start getting the imposter syndrome of well, am I even
good at this? Do I even have these skills to
do this job? Is it worth continuing on? And then
when you just get that little bit of affirmation, that
little confirmation of we want you on our team, I
(08:51):
mean I feel like that did wonders for my confidence,
but also I feel like for the first time, I
was like, you know what, no one did me any
favors here, like I earned this job, and then you
sort of I feel for me. I've taken on this
new uh like responsibility almost. It's like, you know what,
I worked really hard for this, and now I'm going
to own this moment that I have been waiting for.
Um and so it's sort of pushed me into this
(09:13):
whole new mindset of you know what, I'm here now,
what can I do? How can I enrich people's lives?
How can I be a great interviewer so people feel
seen and heard and um. And so it's really sort
of shift in my mindset with this role. What do
you like to do to prepare for interviews? What do
you think makes you a great interviewer? I love hearing
(09:33):
how other interviewers minds work. Yes, Okay, so I have
a couple of things and I'm curious. I want to
hear your thoughts on this too. I actually wanted to
ask you about this. I'm glad you brought it up. Okay, Um,
I have I have two big things that I will say.
One is whoever I'm about to interview. I watched as
many videos of them as possible in interview settings, because
one thing that I really want to do is make
(09:54):
my interviews a little more unique, so we all know.
You know, when someone gets asked the same question and
every single interview, you know they get their answers become routine.
And my favorite thing how I know I'm doing a
good job is when they stay back to me that
was a great question. I'm like, yes, so I watched
it all and I sort of decide from there. It's like,
what do I know they like to talk about? What
do they not like to touch on? And how can
(10:15):
I go even deeper? So on a different level, we
feel connected and they feel more comfortable to share with
me because I've already done my research and they know
that I know them. And then the second thing I
do when I'm like writing my questions and compiling them
is I start with what do I think they want
to talk about and what do I want to encourage
them to go deeper on? And then I backed my
question into that, so I think of their answer first
(10:36):
and then write the question backwards. So when I'm writing
a question, I'm like, what do they what do I
think they might want to say? And how can I
set them up for success in that way? Um, But
it's interesting, what do you think do you have? Like well,
I kind of feel like I definitely do a lot
of stalking, Like I get on everyone's instagrams and kind
(10:57):
of like get an understanding of their life and their
personality and obviously are they mine. I don't really have
to talk about what people are promoting so much because
it's not like it's not like a news um my
podcast is like a news feed. It's not like, well,
here's the latest single dropping, or here's the latest project
(11:18):
or whatever. So I kind of I really just love
to get to the core of people's souls and like
what motivates them. And I love to talk about the
journey because I feel like for me, I was always
super intimidated by um like I just always I struggled
(11:40):
with my self worth and like feeling like, oh my gosh,
like how these these people out there are doing such
amazing things, Like how do they do it? I feel
so intimidated, And then like getting to hear people's stories
and realize that it is the roller coaster and they're all,
like you were saying, there's the rejections, And then there's
the lying on your resume, putting yourself out there, take
(12:01):
these risks, like you know, like you have to do
things to push through in a way, because everyone does,
and no one just walks into their like dream job
just so easily. It's like a big process to get there.
And I think that that's super encouraging their dreamers to
realize that. So I really love to hear like that,
(12:24):
just the process of how someone a figured out what
they wanted to do and then be made it happen,
because I feel like all of us have these dreams
inside of us and sometimes we just need to know
that nobody has their ship together. We're all just winging it, all,
winging it for sure, absolutely. And you know what I
(12:46):
will say too, is when I think back on my journey,
and um, I just think about their specifically. I remember
I had one mentor who was my boss and she's
now like one of my closest friends. But her name
is Crystal. And I remember the first time we were
hosting show. The first time I went to an audition
and I absolutely bombed it. It It was so bad point
where I was like, I'm quitting, I'm quitting this job.
(13:08):
I'm quitting my dream. I'm over it. You probably did,
like replay that in your head over and over and
over again. I still do. That's when one does give
me up a night. But I remember I went back
to Crystal's office and I was, you know what really
upset and she was like, you know what for our show, now,
what I want to implement for all of us is
we're going to start really detailed script writing. Because that's
(13:30):
what I really messed up on was reading the script
and delivering it in a way that felt natural. And
so she took these small steps with me, and it's
always set out small steps that she didn't have to
take to help me get better, you know, and to
have that practice. And I think of all these moments
in my life where I've had women especially just really
pour into me. And I think that's a huge part
of the journey that um maybe it doesn't get talked
(13:52):
about enough, is how many people it takes to you know,
to have someone to get there, to get to this
next level. But also like how important is to align
yourself with people who do believe in you, who are
going to encourage you, who are going to help you. Um,
And so even with even me. Now if anyone reaches
out to me for help, it's like I always try
and like give that back because I had people in
my life like Crystal who just did so many small
(14:15):
things that they didn't have to do to make sure
that I was set up for success. Isn't that really
incredible to a lot of people are like the entertainment
industry so cutthroat and people will you know, stabbing the
back to get ahead and all this stuff. But like
I have also found such a supportive community of people,
and like Nashville in general actually have a shirt on
this as spread loove. It's a Nashville way. But I
(14:37):
have I have found that I think, I think you
have to come in with the talent, the raw talent
there and the drive to do it. But then when
you have those two things and also a positive attitude,
like I can already tell like you have such an
incredible positive attitude and hard working attitude. And I feel
(14:59):
like if you have those two things with raw talent,
like I feel like people really do want to help,
and like you said, like you want to then help
and return because you see what a big difference it makes,
and that is such a beautiful circle and cycle to
be a part of because there's room for everybody. We
don't have to be so worried that like we have
just hang on our little spot and not share. There's
(15:20):
a room for everybody to have their place. And what
a blessing it is to be able to all work together,
because then when you do get success, it does feel
like a group win. And how much more fun is
it to have all these people in on the journey?
So fun. You're so so right, honestly, and and it
is nice to see like because I feel like, you know,
people that I've been involved with, like it's gets to
(15:42):
be a part of their lives, like to see them
have these moments, it is so exciting. And don't get
me wrong, there's a couple of times to where I
have to check my jealousy and be like your your
time's coming, chill you know, um, But so it all is.
It's always a balance to of of just like knowing
who you are, knowing your worth and being able to
show up for other people too. I love that you
(16:03):
said that because I love that you're real about it,
because like, who doesn't have moments of jealousy, you know,
like you see someone else get this great job, or
do something awesome, or have like five million followers, or
like get a huge break, and it's like, why how
do they do that? Why not me? But I have
really come back to what you just said, and I agree.
It's like, if you keep doing the hard work, putting
(16:23):
in the time, effort to energy, the hustle, and you
have the goods, like your time won't come it has
to write. Yeah, I know that. That's what I think too,
And and I try to remember when I get like
because I feel like I get bogged down a lot
about like social media or not being influential enough whatever
that even means anymore. Um, but I have to take
a moment in in pause, and I always remind myself,
(16:46):
am I loving what I'm doing? Am I doing the
best that I can? And am I enjoying this process?
And then if those are the answers, and I know
that I can keep forward and keep pushing forward, and
keep working on myself and keep growing those other things
that maybe I am stressed about. But at the end
of the it doesn't that really really matter. It's hard
to I mean, obviously we all worry about it, but
um it is interesting. I do have to check myself
(17:07):
a lot with that stuff, and I try to tell myself,
do I feel resistance? Am I forcing something? And my
like pushing this because I feel like this is something
that my ego really wants to happen, but like, really
it's not my true um, so I'm aligning with my
truth and these doors really aren't opening, like things are
(17:28):
closing and I'm feeling resistance, Like I've had times in
my life where I felt so much resistance it actually
makes me feel ill and nauseating, and eventually like that
turned out to not be the road I was meant
to go down. So I started to kind of learn
that for me, like if I can really just stay
in line with like what is flowing into my life?
(17:49):
What do like like the questions you're saying, like what
do I feel like I'm actually talented at and good
at and like this is really my strength? And are
these doors opening for me? And or if if they
are opening, like even if it's not like huge doors,
like is it still moving in this direction that feels
natural to me? Then I'm like, Okay, I think I
have to be on the right path because it feels
(18:10):
right and it's like and it's moving forward. You know,
I'm not forcing it, but it's it's naturally rolling. What
do you do to stay grounded in that? That's something
I've been learning, especially during quarantine. It's like, how do
I practice these things every day so I can keep
moving forward? What works for you? That's that's a great question, Emily.
(18:32):
It is. Um I feel like so I actually just
heard thirty seven yesterday, and oh my god, thank you.
I am. I feel more line than ever, and then
more just like I don't know what the hell I'm
doing more than ever, you know. And I also feel
like the heaviness of the world where it's like I
(18:54):
just don't want to do stuff that doesn't really matter
right now because there's so much going on. It is
so hard to realize that's happening in our world. Um So,
for me, I feel like it started. I started with
a dream when I was in high school that I
just wanted to be in the entertainment industry. Like I
(19:14):
didn't really know exactly how I wanted to be in it.
I just knew I was drawn to that. I loved
all of it. I started getting into I moved to Nashville,
and then I started in turning, and then like through interning,
I started seeing what I was curious about and like
what really I was drawn to, and that was originally
like being an artist, like a singer and a songwriter,
and then I realized I didn't really love writing songs,
(19:35):
like it didn't come natural to me, Like I did
it for a long time, but I didn't really love it.
It was always felt super forced to me. I never
looked forward to it. So I think that kind of thing,
like if it feels forced, and if I if you
don't look forward to it, then take note of that.
Even if it's like you're on this path and you're like,
well I need to do this to succeed, but like
I don't really enjoy this. So I was like, Okay.
(19:57):
After a certain amount of time, I was like I
don't really like songwriting. And then with singing, like I
loved singing, but like I hated doing harmonies, and I
realized my lead my voice wasn't necessarily strong enough to
be a lead singer, and so then I was like okay,
so I loved Yeah, I was like I love singing,
(20:17):
but like, really it's not like the full thing, Like
it's like it's getting closer, and so then um, I
got this opportunity. I just started kept following this my curiosity,
and like it started, it just started with entertainment in Nashville,
and then I just got here and then I started
diving into different parts of it and like realizing, Okay,
(20:37):
this doesn't really feel right to me, but that's what
I'm doing. And then I just slowly started learning that.
Like so after my I was in a band, in
the band fell apart, and I got an opportunity to
go on The Amazing Race, which is a TV show
where you race around the world. Oh, I know, I know.
And I when I did that, I realized, like, oh
(20:58):
my god, being on TV and using my personality, like
I felt alive all the time, Like I just felt
like in it. And I was like, I love this.
This is exciting to me, Like I have no dread,
I have no resistance, Like I feel energized. And I
was like, how do I do that? Like do like
TV personality stuff all the time. I didn't even really
know about hosting. And then I was like then I
(21:20):
started realizing, oh my god, there's this whole world of
hosting and talking to people. And then podcasts had just
come out, and so I was like, I'm just gonna
start talking to people on a podcast. And then I
really just had this instant love with it and it
felt easy to me and I loved hearing people's stories.
And that's when I kind of realized. I think I
(21:41):
just let my curiosity lead me, like and like I
would get into things that felt like sort of close
to what I was wanting, but I didn't really notice wanting.
And then I would feel like, oh that gives a
resistance that doesn't, and it just sort of like lead
me to this, and it I think I just follow.
I just follow that curiosity and the open doors really
(22:03):
how don't know? How does anyone know? I mean, especially
now like in these times? Um? Wait? And how old
is the podcast? Um? I think it's four years old?
Four years old? Wow? I started a podcast before I
even knew what podcasts were, Like, I had no idea
what I was doing. And my friend had just told me.
(22:23):
I was like, should I start a blog? I don't
know what I told do She's like, no, you just
started podcast because podcasts are about up. And I was like, Okay,
I'm gonna start a podcast A great time. Yeah, yeah,
I started right before podcasts were blowing up, and I'm
so thankful I did because I didn't know what I
was doing. And I think, um, I can never say
this word right, nativity. Being naive is blissed sometimes. Yeah,
(22:47):
you know, because you don't really know what you're doing,
you just start it for sure. But I mean that
worked out great, honestly, me lying on my resume, don't
know what I'm doing, just starting same thing. Yeah, how
do you know? It's interesting? Uh? Wait, how do I
do what? Like you were saying, like how do you
I don't know exactly how you worded it, like like
(23:10):
that whole spiel I just gave. I don't even know where. Yeah,
this is high. I'm I'm so spacey. I don't even
remember exactly the origin of the question. I don't either.
I was fully invested in. But um, I love how
you talked about following your curiosity because that's some of
the best advice. And I was learning because it is,
like I think a lot of people. A big misconception
(23:30):
I had about hosting, which I feel like you can
attest to this was when I was in school. I
was like, Okay, I'm gonna be on screen I'm the
face some I just three to script and that I
can do. But well, you don't realize is how much
goes in behind the scenes of like producing and and
maybe casting, or writing your own questions or learning how
to navigate difficult conversations. But one of the best piece
of advice I got about conducting interviews is following your
(23:53):
curiosity with the interview. So it's like what makes you
question something else that sparks a new question, that leads
to a new idea. Um. So I love these so
that in your life because I feel like that's something
that applies to so many things, even something as small
as having a conversation with someone. Um and especially not
like trying to read script or be to force with anything.
Is like what makes a good host, I think is
(24:13):
someone who really listens, is authentic and and can respond
and um to what is naturally going to be curious
to them. Totally, I totally totally agree. And I think
a big part of that is how you have to
like follow your intuition and put yourself out there and
trust your gut instincts. How do you have the confidence
(24:33):
to do that? Like, are you ever scared you're gonna
crash and burn or like that, you might ask a
question that just like totally flops and then it just
put you have to put yourself out there when you
kind of go with the flow, like how do you
navigate that? Oh my god, I'm laughing as you said
a question because like I can feel my face turning
your read from some of those from some terrible moments
(24:55):
I've had. But um, actually, one of my one of
my favorite women that that I've worked with before. Her
name is Claire Wasserman, and she founded Ladies Get Paid,
which is essentially this organization that helps women negotiate their
salaries and ask for more and gives you really constructive tips.
She's awesome And one of her mantras that she always
says is living is learning and I'm alive and every time,
(25:19):
and I love that so much. And every time that
I really mess up on something or I make mistakes,
which is every single day, because if you're taking risk,
you're gonna make mistakes, which just comes to the territory,
I repeat to myself Living as learning and I'm alive.
So when I hang out that FaceTime caller, that zoom interview,
take a deep breath, realize I'm alive and I'm learning
and I'm not gonna do that again. Um. But but
(25:41):
like you're saying, it definitely is something scary and something
that I'm still growing in and even like going back
to like social media, I feel like it's tough now
to even be super vulnerable online, you know, because like
even as a host, I see the way people respond
to videos or two artists or celebrities and sometimes it's
really unkind. So that also sometimes plays in mind game
with me of if I share too much or if
(26:03):
I'm too vulnerable to myself, like are people going to
attack me for me? And that seems like that would
hurt a little worse. So if I can put up
this small little barrier between us, does that make me?
You know? Is that gonna be a little bit more
of a buffer. But in reality, people relate more to
people who can show all sides and are relatable and
can show those moments. But it does take a ton
(26:23):
of confidence that I'm working towards. So in this world
that we live in right now, like there's so much happening,
And do you struggle with saying the wrong thing? Because
I feel like sometimes I don't feel educated, like perfectly
on every single topic that's happening. But I'm passionate about
change and I want every I want. I want justice
(26:44):
and equality and all that. But sometimes I feel nervous
to speak up. Do you feel that way having a
platform and a voice like you do? Do you feel, um,
do you feel nervous to to speak how you feel
about stuff in this culture that we're living right now.
That such a great question, and I'm so glad you're
bringing it up, because I I definitely do. And I
(27:04):
think especially to just having a platform working for a company, UM,
I want to make sure that everything that I say
UM is going to promote you know, UM, equality and
is going to ask those questions that are going to
allow other people, you know, to also promote that too
that they can share on their platforms. UM. So it's
(27:24):
something that I've been really working on. And in fact,
I have a little calendar calendar invite from Rachel car
based on Rachel Cargo's free lesson, especially in regards to
Black Lives Matter. A little calendar invite that's every morning
that says, do the work and I try and read
one article or watched one video or do something every
single day. So that I can put in the in
the work for anti racism. So I always try and
(27:46):
do that, and I'm trying to read and learn even
more so that when I do show up for my
job that I am very prepared and um and that
I am you know, using the right language and being
super on top of that. Um. But but it's tough,
and and that is scary, but I think it's so important,
especially for me, you know, I want to keep growing
and I want to be the best host I can be.
So I think learning and getting better and and staying
(28:08):
informed is all part of the job. But how do
you feel about that too? Oh? Sorry, I don't mean normal.
I was gonna say, have you been able to work
in some of these questions into your interviews about what's
going on in the world. Yes, such a good question.
I'm so glad you asked that too, because yes, and
what's been really um inspiring and hopeful for me is
(28:30):
a lot of times they bring it up first before
I even have time to get there, you know. And
so I've noticed there's such a hunger for these artists
to talk about it, and they want to talk about it,
and they want to, um know, what's going on they
want to share their side. A lot of them have
been to marches and protests and rallies, and they're sharing
what's happening and how it's impacting their music, how they're
(28:50):
creatively impacted, how they're going to release their new music,
how they're being more inclusive on their teams, how they're
asking good questions to their labels and their managements, and
and I think for me to tell me that, I
think is really really cool because this is going to
our heart audience. So um, I've been really inspired by that.
So a lot of people have been super willing and
open to talk about it, which I think is so great.
Who has been one of your most favorite recent interviews? Oh? Um,
(29:19):
one of my very first interviews on the job, because
I started in January, so I haven't been there super long.
And so you started and then Karna hit, so you
were just like just getting into the groove of it,
just getting in. So yeah, I was there two and
a half way three months. I'm not good at math.
I'm like, yeah, well, however long Yeah, so I started,
(29:40):
Um was finally getting the hang of it, and then
that's when we all were working from home. Um, But
in those three months, I got to interview Dualipa, which
was like the best what. I love her? She was
so awesome. Um, she's such a calm spirit and she's
so funny and cool. Um, but she is all about
(30:02):
supporting other women. So hearing her talk about her album,
that's basically just like a like dancer sized fun class.
That's also just being like can I cuss? I'm honest,
I don't know. I thing like I'm a bad bitch. Okay,
great being like I'm a bad bitch and um and
you are too, And just that sort of energy was
just so cool to me to see. And so I
(30:25):
absolutely loved her and just like getting to hear about
her process making music, but for being such a huge star,
she just was like so chill and common pool and
I just really loved her. Who surprised you? What did you? What?
Who's an interview that you've done that you were like
(30:45):
totally surprised by? Who they were? Who surprised me was
Phineas Billie Eilish's older brother. And they produced a lot
of stuff together and there's such a little dynamic do
how they just do they just create this and they're
how they truly do and you know it's interesting Caroline two.
Is a lot of other artists I have talked to
that are that are releasing the music kind of up
(31:06):
and coming. Phineas produces a lot of other stuff. Phineas
is everywhere, So I had to say that he's is
so talented. Um, but I really liked him. He was quirky,
and he was like and fun nerdy. You know, it's
like and um and Billy, I feel like it's so
moody and dark and cool and Phineas I feel like,
was what's different? Like different than that? So what I expected? Um,
(31:28):
but he is so smart and so he obviously writes
lot of his own music, plays a lot of his
own music. Um, but he's such a phenomenal producer and
can do so many genres. So I was really blown
away by him. Um, not only his personality, but just
like how talented he is and how much he does
behind the scenes too. I don't think he gets enough
credit for that. Yeah, that's so interesting. What you what
(31:49):
before Corona hit? What are these I heeart shows like
that you were hosting? Like what goes down on him?
They're they're so fun. They're probably the most nerve racking thing,
but they're really fun. So if you can't mess up.
If you mess up, you just gotta be like oops.
And sometimes Carl and I say the craziest things and
(32:10):
then I just have to laugh at myself on the
mic and then I'm like, Okay, what have you said? Oh? Man? Like, um,
I remember one time, I was like it was a Wednesday,
and I was like, who donning to party? Like it's
a Friday? And everyone was like what And I was
like what. It's like that didn't really make sense and
(32:32):
like that really didn't happen anymore. You're like, I was like, awesome,
that was a swing in a mist. But that's okay.
Living is learning and I'm alive, so I'm not using
that anymore. Um but no. So we do a lot
of in person interviews, so artists will come in and
we'll do a ton of different content collapse with them,
so interviews, games, all that kind of stuff with our
(32:54):
content team, and then we do a separate thing called
Live five Sessions, and that's an artist can coming in
and they'll play at three song set and so um
Phineas came and he played a three songs that we
have some other up and coming artists, but they ranged
from all different genres. At one time, we had like
a rock band come in. Oh the Catalact Three. Yes,
love them, known them forever. This event, Michael and Jarren
(33:14):
have been like Bessie's forever love the Cadillac Three. They
are so awesome and I felt so bad for them
because the show I think was at eleven am, and
I think they either had a show the night before
or had one later, so they were like hungover. It
was like way too early for them to be there,
and they had their guitars like racking out. They were amazing,
but I'm sure they had never done like an eleven
am show in a corporate office. Um. But they were
(33:37):
so great. So they have we have a whole range
of artists to come in. But it is so fun,
um so one of my favorite parts of job. But again,
we haven't had that in a couple of months and
I'm not sure whe will be back. But I think
I missed so much live music and I find out
I'll do that. I know, I know, I feel the
same way. It's like all these virtual things and face,
(34:01):
Instagram lives. It's great and that's awesome, but just to
have the energy of a live concert. There's really nothing
else like it. Who are you most excited to see
once we're out of quarantine? What concert are you looking
forward to? Well, obviously A thousand Horses. Uh, yeah, you too.
(34:22):
I know they they're putting a new single out on
August tenth, and it's so good. It's called a Song
to Remember. So um, I actually really there. This is crazy,
but my husband is my favorite band, and I think
that I talked to a lot of artists wives, and
I'm like, you really can't be married to an artist
if you aren't a super fan of their music, because
it's such a part of their makeup, and like, it's
(34:46):
such a part, it becomes such a part of your
marriage that if you're not like in it to win
it all the way, I feel like that would be
pretty miserable. Did you did you know the band first?
Did you know your husband first? I knew him first.
Oh gosh. We met at a bar. We were in
our early twenties. Uh, just getting love that getting drunk
and making out, and that is a true love story.
(35:08):
A tail is all this time. You know, if you
can't get drunk in a bar and make out and
fall in love, then what what is life? Honestly and see,
that's what's wrong with twenty It's like we need to
go to bars to make out. That's what we're missing.
What is dating like in New York? Are you dating?
Are you single? Like? What's going on in your love with? Actually,
funny you mentioned it. I Um, I met my boyfriend.
(35:30):
We've been together all over a year. I met my
boyfriend Bumble on a dating app, So you're ever generation
you are the one because I missed it, like I'm
the dating apps? Like, what is it like to date
on Bumble? It worked clearly, especially in New York? What
is it like? Dating in New York is insane? First
(35:51):
of all, and it's been funny to me because the
options are truly endless. So it's like sometimes you'd and
when I was like my my high peak of online dating,
it's like sometimes you go on a date and then
you truly never ever see them again, you'd never worry
about seeing them. But in the opposite of that, I
went on one date that was so bad. We both agreed,
it was like so bad I ran into him Caroline
four times in the world in New York, I was
(36:14):
like the universe is madam, are you nervous going on
because you don't know anything about people? Like I feel
like kind of like in a smaller town, like or
like even like Nashville. It's a big city, but you
can kind of like figure out the background check through friends,
you know, Like you really can't really background check anyone
in New York, Like, how do you know you're not
(36:34):
dating someone who's a total psycho? Me and my friends
have gotten so good at online stocking someone, so we
you know, you find them on LinkedIn, You've got their Instagram,
you know where their cousins live. It's like, I feel
like you have to really research so before any of
us go on any dates. We know way too much
about them, which honestly is like a little common because
(36:55):
I feel like in New York it's interesting, like you'd
almost rather meet someone on a dating app where you
can trace who they are back to them. Then if
you meet someone in a bar, you're like, who are
you where? Don't even live? Like you really because they're
not Like it's not like natural where it's a little
bit of a smaller town. It's like you're in New
York and you're probably never going to see them again.
So it's like, at least Bumble, you're like, okay, we
(37:16):
have some sort of route that we can trace it
back to. But um, I met my boyfriend actually because
I had gone through a stage of online dating and
it can be really disheartening anywhere, but in New York
especially because there's just so many options and people are
always going through. But we I would gone through a
phase where I was like, I'm deleting all apps. I'm
taking a break, and I had taken my bag, taking
time to work on myself, and then I was like,
(37:37):
I'm gonna redownload. And the first person I said I've
done was Camillo and and I'll never forget he's so
he's an artist. He's an art director and an artist.
And when we were chatting in Bumble, we were talking about,
you know, things that like, we like, things that we disliked,
and somehow we got on food and I was telling
them how I hate beats, like the food beats, and
(37:58):
um so he was like, well, let's re imagine it
to make you you like this beat, and so he
we reimagined this character and I called her baby and
then that night he had text me and he had
drawn me this gorgeous beat in like a little beret
and Chanel boots and like, and he had watercolored her.
She's beautiful and anyways, I was like wow. So we
had just gotten along so well, and then on our
(38:19):
first date it was like instant like we talked for hours,
like you know how you get the stories and and
then he had brought baby and at the end of
the date he gave it to me and I still
have her. But now because anytime anything big happens in
my life, like when I got my job at I Heeart,
he painted me an I heartbeat. That is so cute,
these little these little beats all over. But um it's
(38:41):
it's really really sweet. But he is he is so talented,
so he's always like painting and drawing me things and
it's really sweet. But he's the best. What's it like
do dating an artist, dating a creative because I feel
like you're a creative. Also, what is uh creative? What
is your creative relationship? Like that's interesting. I've never asked
to have a or but he um we He's the
(39:02):
first like long term partner that I've that I've really
ever had because I was kind of like, you know
in New York. I was like, I'm having so much
fun three months here at thy months there. It's too long,
you know. And then so Kamilla, I was like, oh wait,
I can be serious with him. And I think the
biggest difference was that I really trusted him not only
in a personal level, but with my work. It was
so important to me in same with him. And even now,
it's like he watches through all of my videos. It's
(39:26):
like I I just filmed this like twenty minute long
makeup video and he was like, I don't know anything
about eyebrows, but you know, and he's like giving me
notes and like he'll photo shops and photos of me. Well,
he'll stay in the phone, we'll run through scripts, we'll
walk through things together, um and vice versa. Like he'll
like send me, you know, some of his stuff to
look at, or we'll reach other's cover letters, or he
helps my website. Actually a prime example of who Camillo
(39:49):
is is during the quarantine, I was having, you know,
a breakdown as as I have once a week for sure,
for sure, and we it was Saturday night and like
instead of watching a movie or doing anything else, he
was like, why don't we get some beers, get a
little drunk, and fix your website. And we did for hours.
He fixed my website drunk on a Saturday night. So
(40:10):
he's just I mean nothing. Yeah, And it is like
such a great working relationship and something that I didn't
even know that I wanted in my life. But it
is so nice to have him to offer this other perspective.
And you're right to be so supportive. So what would
you tell your younger self, who say, someone just like you,
(40:33):
a young Emily who has big dreams, who wants to
take big jumps with her life, who doesn't really know
how to do it or what the process is, but
you know you feel it in your heart and your soul.
What would you tell this young eighteen year old twenty
(40:54):
year old girl to do, to go for it, to
make it happen like you did in the big city
of New York. Like, what be some key some key
pieces of advice that you would suggest. I think two
things I think on a personal level, I wish I
wouldn't have been like at that time. I wish I
wouldn't have been so scared of myself and scared of
what other people thought about me. Man. Yes, yes, yes,
(41:18):
I think you think everyone care so much, everyone is
examining your every move, but really they don't care. They
either like you or they don't, and then they really
don't think about you again, So it's so important. You're
so right, don't over analyze it, don't care so much.
And I think about the people that I love are
the people who are just so unafraid to be themselves
(41:38):
and they're unafraid to have opinions, and they're unafraid to
have dreams, and those are always the people that I
looked up to. So it's like, why was I so afraid?
Why was I so afraid to have any of those things?
It was like the more that I fit in and
the more that I blended in was the better I
felt about myself. But now I'm like, I'm a little
bit further along, and I'm like, you know what, those things,
if you can hone in on them at a young
(41:59):
age and race them, it's like, those make you successful.
Those make people want to know you because you're so
unafraid to be who you are and to own those
things about you. Um, which I think is so important,
especially going into this field, because like you really do
have to develop thick skin. You know, obviously people are
supportive and encouraging, but there's some people that aren't. And
so it's learning how to to be comfortable with yourself
(42:21):
and comfortable with those things. Um. And then I think
on a professional level, I think back to my time
in college and going to I had a great time
in college. Um, but I always think, I'm like, what
would life have looked like if I would have just
started a little sooner. And I think now it's like
on we have our phones where we're like, you can
be on Instagram, on TikTok, you have all these creative outlets.
(42:41):
And I've always loved entertainment too, and and so many
things look back where I'm like, I wish I would have,
you know, started a Twitter about about the Bachelor or
you know, or like I wish I would have started
a live show on my Instagram. And and I just
think for people right now, it's like go ahead and
hone in on those skills that you know you want
to use later and and and away those things that
you love now, and practice and practice and practice, because
(43:03):
to get to where where you are, where where I am,
it's like it takes practice to be good at things.
Takes practice to like have a podcast and be able
to interview people and and you know, I just feel
like the more that you can um flex those muscles
and and flex those skills, it's like the better off
you're going to be later in life when you have
just a little bit of experience, even if you make
it up. And I love what you're saying to like
(43:25):
about social media, take advantage of social media, especially these
younger this younger generation, Like there are so much opportunity
to I mean, I don't even know how to go viral,
but like to like do to come up with a
creative thing that people want to see. And then you
have everyone has the opportunity to have a platform. So
if you can like figure out how to make Instagram
(43:47):
and TikTok and Twitter work, and your advantage you're so
right that is that actually can be as a mark
on your resume. You can mention those kind of things
these days, which is nuts, you know, because social media
is just such a huge present presence in the entertainment world.
And it's cool too because I feel like you can
find other people out there who like the specific things
that you like, so like so you can like have
(44:10):
this whole community of people who also love whatever it
is that makes you happy, and before you really couldn't
connect on that level. So it's like to be able
to find other people that are obsessed with the weird
things you are. That's that's fun, it's great, that's awesome.
Where if you could picture your life in five years,
what would it look like? Oh man, why I hope
(44:32):
we're out and about and not quarantining anymore. Um for um.
You know, that's such an interesting question because I feel
like when I was first getting started in New York,
it was like my answer was always like I'm gonna
be on the news, you know, that was that was
the whole thing. And and it's funny. It's like as
you as you grow up and you learn and you
(44:54):
do have different experiences. I've realized for me that like
my dreams have maybe shifted a little and before, like,
for instance, I never even knew this job at iHeart
was a possibility. You know. It's like when you have
these new experiences, your mind just keeps opening up. And
so I feel like for me, I now that I'm
in this job, I like, I love this job so
much and I love getting to talk to artists, and
(45:15):
I love being in the music world. Um that like
it's interesting. It's like my other dreams have morphed and shift,
so I don't even know. I truly cannot even tell
you what next looks like. So the let alone five years.
But I'm enjoying this ride, and i think for the
first time in a long time, I'm taking a step
back to like making a huge life plan. You know,
I'm thinking, I'm just enjoying this time. I'm so grateful
(45:37):
to have this job. Um, and we will see you
from there. I love that. I love that you said
I'm taking a step back from making a huge life plan.
I think it is so good to have like ideas
of what you want to do, figure out your passion
all that. But then it's also so great to just
hold it loosely and let the universe to hire force
(45:58):
all the different factors that come into your life just
guide you. Because, like you said, you could have not
have even imagined this job, you know, when you were starting,
and now it's just love it. It's it's it's a
dream job for you. So it's like give yourself the
space to let stuff flow. I love that. I think
that is so wise. Thank you, and you know it's
(46:19):
um what again. Going back to my boss that I
had for a long time, it really helped me. One
thing she always told me, well, she was like over
prepared and then give it to God and so. And
I'm a spiritual person. So I think when I when
I do anything, I like, I fully exhaust every single
corner and then I'm just like and now I just
let it be. So even when I do, you know,
(46:41):
or even like working or prepping on something, it's like,
I'm gonna do everything that I can and then I'm
just gonna sit back and see what happens and what
opens up. Like you were saying, oh, I love that,
And that kind of makes life feel magical, doesn't it.
It does. Oh I'm sorry, I think I lost you
for like, okay, we're back. That kind of makes I
feel a little magical, and it makes it feel like
(47:02):
you're you have a purpose regardless. It's like your plan
is gonna work out. It's meant for you, and it's
gonna be for you. It just depends on how you're
gonna get there. I love that, Emily. You're so sweet
and inspiring and I'm so glad we got to get
to know each other and chat and you share your story.
I always end my podcast with leave your Light. So
(47:24):
what do you want people to know? Oh? Just in general? Yeah,
just wide open. Mm hmmm mmmmmmmmm. Well, first of let
me just say that I am fully obsessed with you
and this was to be on this. I'm an emotional mess,
(47:45):
so thank you. I appreciate that same honestly. Um, we
can I have to look something up. I read something
the other day. Can I can I do this? Sure?
It's your world. Okay, let's hear it. Okay. I read
this the other day and I thought this was great
and maybe good to share right now. But it said,
what if you move through your life as if you're
easy to be loved? And I thought it was so cute,
(48:09):
especially for like right now, I know that, like, there's
so much happening in the world and their stressors on
all fronts, and we're all feeling the need to do
more and to say more and to be better and
to continue growing and um, and I think that's so important.
But I also think it's important to be kind to
ourselves and to acknowledge that we are can give love,
(48:29):
but we should also be open to receiving love, um,
Because I think that's the only way that really we're
all going to be able to show up and be
our best selves to make this world the world that
we want to see. Um. But I do have faith
in in this generation and in everyone that we are
going to get there. Um. But I think it starts
with kind of what we've been talking about this whole time,
is being comfortable and happy and safe within yourselves, and
(48:51):
then you can provide that to others. I love that,
And I just want to briefly talk about what do
you think is different about this generation? Like this younger
generation is like the anise and younger like, what do
you think is gonna I feel like they're going to
be the ones that really game change our world. What
do you think is different with them? I actually interviewed
a TikTok star the other day and I asked him
(49:12):
the same question, And I think, what is different is
this generation, this younger generation. I don't think they're scared
of politics, And not that I grew up scared of them,
but I grew up slightly disinterested and I feel like
now I'm a little embarrassed to admit that. But I
I just felt it didn't affect me. And I think
now this younger generation is so willing to have conversations
(49:38):
about um if things that are happening in a world,
about political conversations about environmental impact, and like we see
it on their TikTok's they'll post a hilarious video, then
the next they're like a call to action of how
to register to vote. So I think this generation is
not afraid to embrace all that, and in fact, I
think it's cool if for them, you know, and it's
cool for us to see, but I think they really
(49:58):
appreciate other people who are also of doing that same thing.
I'm not afraid to embrace all sides of your life,
and that includes being activists and making change. I love that.
And they're using social media to be fun and an
outlet for the creativity, but then also to have a
bigger message. That's freaking awesome. How cool is that? And
it was really cool with this with this start too,
(50:19):
because he was like I was talking about because he
was I think he's just turned seventeen or something, and
he was like, yeah, I just don't have any interest
in like drinking or partying. He's like I got bigger
things to worry on, and I was like me in
high school, It's like, can we go to the mall
this week? Like I just feel like it was just
such a different world that Like I was so impressed
with this kid, like he had no time to party
(50:40):
or no time to like do other things. He was like,
I'm busy with with all these life things that I
need to accomplish, visiting with changing the world. I mean
that's heck, yes, Okay, I have this gives me hope.
The younger generation really does give me hope. I think
I think that I think it's gonna be. I think
they're going to turn around for us, and I just
have to believe that. I'm hoping for that. I really am. Well, Emily,
(51:03):
thank you so much for joining me, Thank you for
sharing your sweet soul. And um, I just hope one
day we get to cross paths and meet in real life.
Same and I heart please come to the live session. Okay,
maybe when a thousand horses, maybe when the world opens
back up, a thousand horses will do a session posted
by you, and I'll come. It will be the best,
(51:23):
that would actually be the best, the most fun. Okay,
we're putting that out there in the world, Garly. Thank
you so much having we can. I'm gonna take a
photo of us. Yeah yeah, take it, I got it. Yeah.
Thank you, thank you for coming on by
So I am so excited to have Emily Curl joining me.
What's up? I am so happy to be here. This
is such an honor to be on the podcast. Well girl,
you are just a little mover and shape are doing
awesome things, and I'm so happy to have you on here.
Thanks for having me. It's gonna be fun. So right now,
we you live in New York, but you have been
(00:23):
quarantining in Georgia, where you're from. I have, I have,
and let me just tell you, it's such a weird
thing to be back in your home where you grew up,
but also with a professional job that you got in
New York. So I feel like all of my worlds
are colliding and I'm having to relearn how to be
a kid again but also still be professional. I mean,
it's been just such an interesting time. So okay, so
(00:47):
that at least, just so many questions. First question is
what was it like in the beginning of quarantine when
coronavirus hit being in New York, which was which was
what I feel like was sort of like the epicenter
of every saying. And then what is it like being
back home and what have you learned living their parents
and now as a grown adult with a career. Yeah, yes,
(01:09):
such a great questions. So I remember I we did.
We do these things that I heart called live sessions
where we have artists come in and they perform a
small set dry I heeart audience, and I host the
shows and it's one of my favorite things. And I
remember it was March twelve. We had just hosted a
live session and everyone's like, I actually think like we
(01:29):
might take the rest of the week off. We you know,
ended on this high, and they're like, and I think,
you know, for the coronavirus, We're just gonna be at home.
And I remember getting on the subway that day and
it felt different and I was like, I actually think
we might be here for a long time. And then
later that week we had a meeting on our team
and we were like, well, what equipment can we send
Emily to start working from home just for a couple
of weeks. And then obviously here we are in what
(01:53):
is it August now? So it's just it was such
a crazy transition to go from hosting this live show
with a ton of people sningle I have music. Then
the next day it's like, oh wait, now I'm in
my apartment for who knows how long. And so for
those first few months, I luckily had two roommates, but
you know, New York is small, we were in some
tight quarters and you know, I don't cook, so I
was like learning how to cook in the small kitchen.
(02:14):
I was like figuring out my studio setup, which was
on my bed because my room is so small. And
then so three months and by and in New York,
it was very very serious. So we hardly left. We
were so scared. We went to the grocery store. We
were in gloves, mask, the whole shebang everything, so we
were super careful about that. And then so then I decided,
I was like, you know what, while I have this time,
I'm gonna come down to Georgia for a little bit.
(02:37):
And so it's been really interesting. It's I never thought
my lifetime and that I would be this age and
back at home. Um, but to have a little bit
of space and be able to like breathe for a moment.
And I've been in New York for going on six years,
and so I keep telling my friends in New York,
this is the first time I've had a moment to
just like chill and be like, oh wait, I don't
have to run around and get on the subway and
(02:57):
go do this and this and this. I just stay still.
And my parents are actually both pharmacists, so they were
in the medical field, so they've been working a ton um.
But I feel like my relationship with them has been, uh,
one that's filled with compassion. I think being an adult
being back at home with your parents, you realize how
much as an adult now you can kind of see
(03:18):
It's like, oh man, I wonder what it's going to
be like to have my own family or how I'm
going to do things, and you sort of see them
as people instead of your parents growing up and you're
getting ready to leave the house. Has it been kind
of friend to become more friend like with your parents?
The best ground. We have happy hours every night and
we sit outside. We mostly talk about their lemon try
(03:42):
the grass, how it's growing, you know, is it the
right shade of green? And it's so funny. It's like
such a nice break because I feel like in New
York every single day, as you know, as we all know,
we're always I mean, for me, I'm always on social media.
I'm always like what can I do? Next, who can
I talk to? What can I you know, all he's
on the go, So to have a break and just
talk about grass, lemon trees and drink some wine. I'm like, Okay,
(04:05):
I can do that. That It's so true. I feel
I feel that hustle. And obviously you've been hustling it
and you've been having great success landing a gig at
I heart hosting major artists. I mean, you're in your twenties, right,
and I just turned twenty eight. Yeah, I mean to
have such a great job. How did you get this job?
(04:27):
How did you decide that you were going to take
the plunge and moved to New York? And then how
did you start making your way in this industry and
especially such a competitive industry in New York? For sure?
For sure. So I study digital broadcast journalism at the
University of Georgia, and I always knew I wanted to
do entertainment. But like you're saying, there's no clear route,
(04:48):
and any person entertainment you talked to, they all get
their different ways, which is both discouraging and encouraging at
the same time, because you're like, there's so many ways
to get there. How can I find out, and so
I started my journey working at Refinery twenty and actually
and it's a digital and lifestyle women's entertainment company and
so we do. Yeah. So it's a really really fun company.
(05:09):
Um and I was there for over five years and
so but when I first decided I was gonna go,
I loved this company and I was like, all right,
I'm gonna take the pungement to New York. And everyone
told me to lie on your resume, but they tell
about your address. They say I lived in New York. Oh,
so you just said you said you lived in New York,
but you didn't. I lived in Georgia. And I applied
(05:31):
to a job in New York with my friends new
York address. So I ended up getting interviews and they
were thinking I was right down the street. Meanwhile I
was flying to like go up there. And then when
I they offered me the job, I had one week
to come back to Georgia, packed my bags and moved
to New York. I recommend the strategy to no one.
Luckily it worked really well for me. So I packed
(05:54):
my bags, I moved to New York, and my best
friend at the time, Rachel, was like so gracious to
let me live on her couch, and so I learned
the subway system in like a month or so. I
mean it was like I fully was like in Georgia
one week and then the next I was now living
in New York working for this company like just lifestyle shock.
I didn't even own a coat. I was like, what
(06:16):
is snow do I How do I prepare for this?
I mean it was such a culture shock. Um. And
it ended up working out really really well. I was
there a refinery for yeah, five and a half years
and kind of had a crash course in production, and
then about two years in they really started blowing up
and expanding and so um, I sort of expressed to
(06:38):
my boss that I was really interested in doing on
camera stuff and so from there I got to host
some of our live shows. Then I started doing our
red carpets and was a red carpet correspondent for a
finary and it was so so so exciting. Um. And
then sorry, I got to this stage where I was
producing a lot of branded content. I was doing a
lot of the shows. Um. But then I was like,
you know what, I think I'm ready. I think I
want to fully fully pursue being a host, and so
(07:00):
at the time, I was like a producer host, deciding
which path I was going to go on. And I
decided that this was it, that I would be upset
with myself if I never really went for it. And
so from there I spent a year interviewing and auditioning
and thinking out exactly what I want to do. And
then when this opportunity with I Heart came up, I
had a gut feeling. I got that first email, and
I was like, this is it it? And I've always
(07:23):
loved music, Like I was telling you, I've always loved
country music too, and so it was so exciting to
get to be in this world that I've knew so
well personally just for being a fan of everything, and
then to have this opportunity. The day that I got
the call that I got it, my roommates knew it
was coming in and we were all sitting outside and
they were setting outide my room and I was on
the phone in there, and then as soon as I
said are you serious, I could hear them cheer. And
(07:47):
that night we actually took a polaroid and we kept
it on our fridge and we put the date it
was like the day that I got my call and
I got my job, and um, so it was just
such a special moment, especially because so many people had
helped and encouraged me get to this place, so it
felt like a group win. And honestly the best part
of that process was getting to face time all my
friends afterwards and be like, I got the job, and
(08:08):
that is a like, well, you don't forget how does
that feel to actually make a plan a dream of
vision and put yourself out there and then landed, Like
how does that feel? Does it feel surreal? It feels
so surreal. It feels so surreal and um and it
(08:28):
just was such a long process and it was a
lot of and as we all know, it's a lot
of ups and downs, a lot of nose and um
it can be really discouraging at times. So then you
start getting the imposter syndrome of well, am I even
good at this? Do I even have these skills to
do this job? Is it worth continuing on? And then
when you just get that little bit of affirmation, that
little confirmation of we want you on our team, I
(08:51):
mean I feel like that did wonders for my confidence,
but also I feel like for the first time, I
was like, you know what, no one did me any
favors here, like I earned this job, and then you
sort of I feel for me. I've taken on this
new uh like responsibility almost. It's like, you know what,
I worked really hard for this, and now I'm going
to own this moment that I have been waiting for.
Um and so it's sort of pushed me into this
(09:13):
whole new mindset of you know what, I'm here now,
what can I do? How can I enrich people's lives?
How can I be a great interviewer so people feel
seen and heard and um. And so it's really sort
of shift in my mindset with this role. What do
you like to do to prepare for interviews? What do
you think makes you a great interviewer? I love hearing
(09:33):
how other interviewers minds work. Yes, Okay, so I have
a couple of things and I'm curious. I want to
hear your thoughts on this too. I actually wanted to
ask you about this. I'm glad you brought it up. Okay, Um,
I have I have two big things that I will say.
One is whoever I'm about to interview. I watched as
many videos of them as possible in interview settings, because
one thing that I really want to do is make
(09:54):
my interviews a little more unique, so we all know.
You know, when someone gets asked the same question and
every single interview, you know they get their answers become routine.
And my favorite thing how I know I'm doing a
good job is when they stay back to me that
was a great question. I'm like, yes, so I watched
it all and I sort of decide from there. It's like,
what do I know they like to talk about? What
do they not like to touch on? And how can
(10:15):
I go even deeper? So on a different level, we
feel connected and they feel more comfortable to share with
me because I've already done my research and they know
that I know them. And then the second thing I
do when I'm like writing my questions and compiling them
is I start with what do I think they want
to talk about and what do I want to encourage
them to go deeper on? And then I backed my
question into that, so I think of their answer first
(10:36):
and then write the question backwards. So when I'm writing
a question, I'm like, what do they what do I
think they might want to say? And how can I
set them up for success in that way? Um, But
it's interesting, what do you think do you have? Like well,
I kind of feel like I definitely do a lot
of stalking, Like I get on everyone's instagrams and kind
(10:57):
of like get an understanding of their life and their
personality and obviously are they mine. I don't really have
to talk about what people are promoting so much because
it's not like it's not like a news um my
podcast is like a news feed. It's not like, well,
here's the latest single dropping, or here's the latest project
(11:18):
or whatever. So I kind of I really just love
to get to the core of people's souls and like
what motivates them. And I love to talk about the
journey because I feel like for me, I was always
super intimidated by um like I just always I struggled
(11:40):
with my self worth and like feeling like, oh my gosh,
like how these these people out there are doing such
amazing things, Like how do they do it? I feel
so intimidated, And then like getting to hear people's stories
and realize that it is the roller coaster and they're all,
like you were saying, there's the rejections, And then there's
the lying on your resume, putting yourself out there, take
(12:01):
these risks, like you know, like you have to do
things to push through in a way, because everyone does,
and no one just walks into their like dream job
just so easily. It's like a big process to get there.
And I think that that's super encouraging their dreamers to
realize that. So I really love to hear like that,
(12:24):
just the process of how someone a figured out what
they wanted to do and then be made it happen,
because I feel like all of us have these dreams
inside of us and sometimes we just need to know
that nobody has their ship together. We're all just winging it, all,
winging it for sure, absolutely. And you know what I
(12:46):
will say too, is when I think back on my journey,
and um, I just think about their specifically. I remember
I had one mentor who was my boss and she's
now like one of my closest friends. But her name
is Crystal. And I remember the first time we were
hosting show. The first time I went to an audition
and I absolutely bombed it. It It was so bad point
where I was like, I'm quitting, I'm quitting this job.
(13:08):
I'm quitting my dream. I'm over it. You probably did,
like replay that in your head over and over and
over again. I still do. That's when one does give
me up a night. But I remember I went back
to Crystal's office and I was, you know what really
upset and she was like, you know what for our show, now,
what I want to implement for all of us is
we're going to start really detailed script writing. Because that's
(13:30):
what I really messed up on was reading the script
and delivering it in a way that felt natural. And
so she took these small steps with me, and it's
always set out small steps that she didn't have to
take to help me get better, you know, and to
have that practice. And I think of all these moments
in my life where I've had women especially just really
pour into me. And I think that's a huge part
of the journey that um maybe it doesn't get talked
(13:52):
about enough, is how many people it takes to you know,
to have someone to get there, to get to this
next level. But also like how important is to align
yourself with people who do believe in you, who are
going to encourage you, who are going to help you. Um,
And so even with even me. Now if anyone reaches
out to me for help, it's like I always try
and like give that back because I had people in
my life like Crystal who just did so many small
(14:15):
things that they didn't have to do to make sure
that I was set up for success. Isn't that really
incredible to a lot of people are like the entertainment
industry so cutthroat and people will you know, stabbing the
back to get ahead and all this stuff. But like
I have also found such a supportive community of people,
and like Nashville in general actually have a shirt on
this as spread loove. It's a Nashville way. But I
(14:37):
have I have found that I think, I think you
have to come in with the talent, the raw talent
there and the drive to do it. But then when
you have those two things and also a positive attitude,
like I can already tell like you have such an
incredible positive attitude and hard working attitude. And I feel
(14:59):
like if you have those two things with raw talent,
like I feel like people really do want to help,
and like you said, like you want to then help
and return because you see what a big difference it makes,
and that is such a beautiful circle and cycle to
be a part of because there's room for everybody. We
don't have to be so worried that like we have
just hang on our little spot and not share. There's
(15:20):
a room for everybody to have their place. And what
a blessing it is to be able to all work together,
because then when you do get success, it does feel
like a group win. And how much more fun is
it to have all these people in on the journey?
So fun. You're so so right, honestly, and and it
is nice to see like because I feel like, you know,
people that I've been involved with, like it's gets to
(15:42):
be a part of their lives, like to see them
have these moments, it is so exciting. And don't get
me wrong, there's a couple of times to where I
have to check my jealousy and be like your your
time's coming, chill you know, um, But so it all is.
It's always a balance to of of just like knowing
who you are, knowing your worth and being able to
show up for other people too. I love that you
(16:03):
said that because I love that you're real about it,
because like, who doesn't have moments of jealousy, you know,
like you see someone else get this great job, or
do something awesome, or have like five million followers, or
like get a huge break, and it's like, why how
do they do that? Why not me? But I have
really come back to what you just said, and I agree.
It's like, if you keep doing the hard work, putting
(16:23):
in the time, effort to energy, the hustle, and you
have the goods, like your time won't come it has
to write. Yeah, I know that. That's what I think too,
And and I try to remember when I get like
because I feel like I get bogged down a lot
about like social media or not being influential enough whatever
that even means anymore. Um, but I have to take
a moment in in pause, and I always remind myself,
(16:46):
am I loving what I'm doing? Am I doing the
best that I can? And am I enjoying this process?
And then if those are the answers, and I know
that I can keep forward and keep pushing forward, and
keep working on myself and keep growing those other things
that maybe I am stressed about. But at the end
of the it doesn't that really really matter. It's hard
to I mean, obviously we all worry about it, but
um it is interesting. I do have to check myself
(17:07):
a lot with that stuff, and I try to tell myself,
do I feel resistance? Am I forcing something? And my
like pushing this because I feel like this is something
that my ego really wants to happen, but like, really
it's not my true um, so I'm aligning with my
truth and these doors really aren't opening, like things are
(17:28):
closing and I'm feeling resistance, Like I've had times in
my life where I felt so much resistance it actually
makes me feel ill and nauseating, and eventually like that
turned out to not be the road I was meant
to go down. So I started to kind of learn
that for me, like if I can really just stay
in line with like what is flowing into my life?
(17:49):
What do like like the questions you're saying, like what
do I feel like I'm actually talented at and good
at and like this is really my strength? And are
these doors opening for me? And or if if they
are opening, like even if it's not like huge doors,
like is it still moving in this direction that feels
natural to me? Then I'm like, Okay, I think I
have to be on the right path because it feels
(18:10):
right and it's like and it's moving forward. You know,
I'm not forcing it, but it's it's naturally rolling. What
do you do to stay grounded in that? That's something
I've been learning, especially during quarantine. It's like, how do
I practice these things every day so I can keep
moving forward? What works for you? That's that's a great question, Emily.
(18:32):
It is. Um I feel like so I actually just
heard thirty seven yesterday, and oh my god, thank you.
I am. I feel more line than ever, and then
more just like I don't know what the hell I'm
doing more than ever, you know. And I also feel
like the heaviness of the world where it's like I
(18:54):
just don't want to do stuff that doesn't really matter
right now because there's so much going on. It is
so hard to realize that's happening in our world. Um So,
for me, I feel like it started. I started with
a dream when I was in high school that I
just wanted to be in the entertainment industry. Like I
(19:14):
didn't really know exactly how I wanted to be in it.
I just knew I was drawn to that. I loved
all of it. I started getting into I moved to Nashville,
and then I started in turning, and then like through interning,
I started seeing what I was curious about and like
what really I was drawn to, and that was originally
like being an artist, like a singer and a songwriter,
and then I realized I didn't really love writing songs,
(19:35):
like it didn't come natural to me, Like I did
it for a long time, but I didn't really love it.
It was always felt super forced to me. I never
looked forward to it. So I think that kind of thing,
like if it feels forced, and if I if you
don't look forward to it, then take note of that.
Even if it's like you're on this path and you're like,
well I need to do this to succeed, but like
I don't really enjoy this. So I was like, Okay.
(19:57):
After a certain amount of time, I was like I
don't really like songwriting. And then with singing, like I
loved singing, but like I hated doing harmonies, and I
realized my lead my voice wasn't necessarily strong enough to
be a lead singer, and so then I was like okay,
so I loved Yeah, I was like I love singing,
(20:17):
but like, really it's not like the full thing, Like
it's like it's getting closer, and so then um, I
got this opportunity. I just started kept following this my curiosity,
and like it started, it just started with entertainment in Nashville,
and then I just got here and then I started
diving into different parts of it and like realizing, Okay,
(20:37):
this doesn't really feel right to me, but that's what
I'm doing. And then I just slowly started learning that.
Like so after my I was in a band, in
the band fell apart, and I got an opportunity to
go on The Amazing Race, which is a TV show
where you race around the world. Oh, I know, I know.
And I when I did that, I realized, like, oh
(20:58):
my god, being on TV and using my personality, like
I felt alive all the time, Like I just felt
like in it. And I was like, I love this.
This is exciting to me, Like I have no dread,
I have no resistance, Like I feel energized. And I
was like, how do I do that? Like do like
TV personality stuff all the time. I didn't even really
know about hosting. And then I was like then I
(21:20):
started realizing, oh my god, there's this whole world of
hosting and talking to people. And then podcasts had just
come out, and so I was like, I'm just gonna
start talking to people on a podcast. And then I
really just had this instant love with it and it
felt easy to me and I loved hearing people's stories.
And that's when I kind of realized. I think I
(21:41):
just let my curiosity lead me, like and like I
would get into things that felt like sort of close
to what I was wanting, but I didn't really notice wanting.
And then I would feel like, oh that gives a
resistance that doesn't, and it just sort of like lead
me to this, and it I think I just follow.
I just follow that curiosity and the open doors really
(22:03):
how don't know? How does anyone know? I mean, especially
now like in these times? Um? Wait? And how old
is the podcast? Um? I think it's four years old?
Four years old? Wow? I started a podcast before I
even knew what podcasts were, Like, I had no idea
what I was doing. And my friend had just told me.
(22:23):
I was like, should I start a blog? I don't
know what I told do She's like, no, you just
started podcast because podcasts are about up. And I was like, Okay,
I'm gonna start a podcast A great time. Yeah, yeah,
I started right before podcasts were blowing up, and I'm
so thankful I did because I didn't know what I
was doing. And I think, um, I can never say
this word right, nativity. Being naive is blissed sometimes. Yeah,
(22:47):
you know, because you don't really know what you're doing,
you just start it for sure. But I mean that
worked out great, honestly, me lying on my resume, don't
know what I'm doing, just starting same thing. Yeah, how
do you know? It's interesting? Uh? Wait, how do I
do what? Like you were saying, like how do you
I don't know exactly how you worded it, like like
(23:10):
that whole spiel I just gave. I don't even know where. Yeah,
this is high. I'm I'm so spacey. I don't even
remember exactly the origin of the question. I don't either.
I was fully invested in. But um, I love how
you talked about following your curiosity because that's some of
the best advice. And I was learning because it is,
like I think a lot of people. A big misconception
(23:30):
I had about hosting, which I feel like you can
attest to this was when I was in school. I
was like, Okay, I'm gonna be on screen I'm the
face some I just three to script and that I
can do. But well, you don't realize is how much
goes in behind the scenes of like producing and and
maybe casting, or writing your own questions or learning how
to navigate difficult conversations. But one of the best piece
of advice I got about conducting interviews is following your
(23:53):
curiosity with the interview. So it's like what makes you
question something else that sparks a new question, that leads
to a new idea. Um. So I love these so
that in your life because I feel like that's something
that applies to so many things, even something as small
as having a conversation with someone. Um and especially not
like trying to read script or be to force with anything.
Is like what makes a good host, I think is
(24:13):
someone who really listens, is authentic and and can respond
and um to what is naturally going to be curious
to them. Totally, I totally totally agree. And I think
a big part of that is how you have to
like follow your intuition and put yourself out there and
trust your gut instincts. How do you have the confidence
(24:33):
to do that? Like, are you ever scared you're gonna
crash and burn or like that, you might ask a
question that just like totally flops and then it just
put you have to put yourself out there when you
kind of go with the flow, like how do you
navigate that? Oh my god, I'm laughing as you said
a question because like I can feel my face turning
your read from some of those from some terrible moments
(24:55):
I've had. But um, actually, one of my one of
my favorite women that that I've worked with before. Her
name is Claire Wasserman, and she founded Ladies Get Paid,
which is essentially this organization that helps women negotiate their
salaries and ask for more and gives you really constructive tips.
She's awesome And one of her mantras that she always
says is living is learning and I'm alive and every time,
(25:19):
and I love that so much. And every time that
I really mess up on something or I make mistakes,
which is every single day, because if you're taking risk,
you're gonna make mistakes, which just comes to the territory,
I repeat to myself Living as learning and I'm alive.
So when I hang out that FaceTime caller, that zoom interview,
take a deep breath, realize I'm alive and I'm learning
and I'm not gonna do that again. Um. But but
(25:41):
like you're saying, it definitely is something scary and something
that I'm still growing in and even like going back
to like social media, I feel like it's tough now
to even be super vulnerable online, you know, because like
even as a host, I see the way people respond
to videos or two artists or celebrities and sometimes it's
really unkind. So that also sometimes plays in mind game
with me of if I share too much or if
(26:03):
I'm too vulnerable to myself, like are people going to
attack me for me? And that seems like that would
hurt a little worse. So if I can put up
this small little barrier between us, does that make me?
You know? Is that gonna be a little bit more
of a buffer. But in reality, people relate more to
people who can show all sides and are relatable and
can show those moments. But it does take a ton
(26:23):
of confidence that I'm working towards. So in this world
that we live in right now, like there's so much happening,
And do you struggle with saying the wrong thing? Because
I feel like sometimes I don't feel educated, like perfectly
on every single topic that's happening. But I'm passionate about
change and I want every I want. I want justice
(26:44):
and equality and all that. But sometimes I feel nervous
to speak up. Do you feel that way having a
platform and a voice like you do? Do you feel, um,
do you feel nervous to to speak how you feel
about stuff in this culture that we're living right now.
That such a great question, and I'm so glad you're
bringing it up, because I I definitely do. And I
(27:04):
think especially to just having a platform working for a company, UM,
I want to make sure that everything that I say
UM is going to promote you know, UM, equality and
is going to ask those questions that are going to
allow other people, you know, to also promote that too
that they can share on their platforms. UM. So it's
(27:24):
something that I've been really working on. And in fact,
I have a little calendar calendar invite from Rachel car
based on Rachel Cargo's free lesson, especially in regards to
Black Lives Matter. A little calendar invite that's every morning
that says, do the work and I try and read
one article or watched one video or do something every
single day. So that I can put in the in
the work for anti racism. So I always try and
(27:46):
do that, and I'm trying to read and learn even
more so that when I do show up for my
job that I am very prepared and um and that
I am you know, using the right language and being
super on top of that. Um. But but it's tough,
and and that is scary, but I think it's so important,
especially for me, you know, I want to keep growing
and I want to be the best host I can be.
So I think learning and getting better and and staying
(28:08):
informed is all part of the job. But how do
you feel about that too? Oh? Sorry, I don't mean normal.
I was gonna say, have you been able to work
in some of these questions into your interviews about what's
going on in the world. Yes, such a good question.
I'm so glad you asked that too, because yes, and
what's been really um inspiring and hopeful for me is
(28:30):
a lot of times they bring it up first before
I even have time to get there, you know. And
so I've noticed there's such a hunger for these artists
to talk about it, and they want to talk about it,
and they want to, um know, what's going on they
want to share their side. A lot of them have
been to marches and protests and rallies, and they're sharing
what's happening and how it's impacting their music, how they're
(28:50):
creatively impacted, how they're going to release their new music,
how they're being more inclusive on their teams, how they're
asking good questions to their labels and their managements, and
and I think for me to tell me that, I
think is really really cool because this is going to
our heart audience. So um, I've been really inspired by that.
So a lot of people have been super willing and
open to talk about it, which I think is so great.
Who has been one of your most favorite recent interviews? Oh? Um,
(29:19):
one of my very first interviews on the job, because
I started in January, so I haven't been there super long.
And so you started and then Karna hit, so you
were just like just getting into the groove of it,
just getting in. So yeah, I was there two and
a half way three months. I'm not good at math.
I'm like, yeah, well, however long Yeah, so I started,
(29:40):
Um was finally getting the hang of it, and then
that's when we all were working from home. Um, But
in those three months, I got to interview Dualipa, which
was like the best what. I love her? She was
so awesome. Um, she's such a calm spirit and she's
so funny and cool. Um, but she is all about
(30:02):
supporting other women. So hearing her talk about her album,
that's basically just like a like dancer sized fun class.
That's also just being like can I cuss? I'm honest,
I don't know. I thing like I'm a bad bitch. Okay,
great being like I'm a bad bitch and um and
you are too, And just that sort of energy was
just so cool to me to see. And so I
(30:25):
absolutely loved her and just like getting to hear about
her process making music, but for being such a huge star,
she just was like so chill and common pool and
I just really loved her. Who surprised you? What did you? What?
Who's an interview that you've done that you were like
(30:45):
totally surprised by? Who they were? Who surprised me was
Phineas Billie Eilish's older brother. And they produced a lot
of stuff together and there's such a little dynamic do
how they just do they just create this and they're
how they truly do and you know it's interesting Caroline two.
Is a lot of other artists I have talked to
that are that are releasing the music kind of up
(31:06):
and coming. Phineas produces a lot of other stuff. Phineas
is everywhere, So I had to say that he's is
so talented. Um, but I really liked him. He was quirky,
and he was like and fun nerdy. You know, it's
like and um and Billy, I feel like it's so
moody and dark and cool and Phineas I feel like,
was what's different? Like different than that? So what I expected? Um,
(31:28):
but he is so smart and so he obviously writes
lot of his own music, plays a lot of his
own music. Um, but he's such a phenomenal producer and
can do so many genres. So I was really blown
away by him. Um, not only his personality, but just
like how talented he is and how much he does
behind the scenes too. I don't think he gets enough
credit for that. Yeah, that's so interesting. What you what
(31:49):
before Corona hit? What are these I heeart shows like
that you were hosting? Like what goes down on him?
They're they're so fun. They're probably the most nerve racking thing,
but they're really fun. So if you can't mess up.
If you mess up, you just gotta be like oops.
And sometimes Carl and I say the craziest things and
(32:10):
then I just have to laugh at myself on the
mic and then I'm like, Okay, what have you said? Oh? Man? Like, um,
I remember one time, I was like it was a Wednesday,
and I was like, who donning to party? Like it's
a Friday? And everyone was like what And I was
like what. It's like that didn't really make sense and
(32:32):
like that really didn't happen anymore. You're like, I was like, awesome,
that was a swing in a mist. But that's okay.
Living is learning and I'm alive, so I'm not using
that anymore. Um but no. So we do a lot
of in person interviews, so artists will come in and
we'll do a ton of different content collapse with them,
so interviews, games, all that kind of stuff with our
(32:54):
content team, and then we do a separate thing called
Live five Sessions, and that's an artist can coming in
and they'll play at three song set and so um
Phineas came and he played a three songs that we
have some other up and coming artists, but they ranged
from all different genres. At one time, we had like
a rock band come in. Oh the Catalact Three. Yes,
love them, known them forever. This event, Michael and Jarren
(33:14):
have been like Bessie's forever love the Cadillac Three. They
are so awesome and I felt so bad for them
because the show I think was at eleven am, and
I think they either had a show the night before
or had one later, so they were like hungover. It
was like way too early for them to be there,
and they had their guitars like racking out. They were amazing,
but I'm sure they had never done like an eleven
am show in a corporate office. Um. But they were
(33:37):
so great. So they have we have a whole range
of artists to come in. But it is so fun,
um so one of my favorite parts of job. But again,
we haven't had that in a couple of months and
I'm not sure whe will be back. But I think
I missed so much live music and I find out
I'll do that. I know, I know, I feel the
same way. It's like all these virtual things and face,
(34:01):
Instagram lives. It's great and that's awesome, but just to
have the energy of a live concert. There's really nothing
else like it. Who are you most excited to see
once we're out of quarantine? What concert are you looking
forward to? Well, obviously A thousand Horses. Uh, yeah, you too.
(34:22):
I know they they're putting a new single out on
August tenth, and it's so good. It's called a Song
to Remember. So um, I actually really there. This is crazy,
but my husband is my favorite band, and I think
that I talked to a lot of artists wives, and
I'm like, you really can't be married to an artist
if you aren't a super fan of their music, because
it's such a part of their makeup, and like, it's
(34:46):
such a part, it becomes such a part of your
marriage that if you're not like in it to win
it all the way, I feel like that would be
pretty miserable. Did you did you know the band first?
Did you know your husband first? I knew him first.
Oh gosh. We met at a bar. We were in
our early twenties. Uh, just getting love that getting drunk
and making out, and that is a true love story.
(35:08):
A tail is all this time. You know, if you
can't get drunk in a bar and make out and
fall in love, then what what is life? Honestly and see,
that's what's wrong with twenty It's like we need to
go to bars to make out. That's what we're missing.
What is dating like in New York? Are you dating?
Are you single? Like? What's going on in your love with? Actually,
funny you mentioned it. I Um, I met my boyfriend.
(35:30):
We've been together all over a year. I met my
boyfriend Bumble on a dating app, So you're ever generation
you are the one because I missed it, like I'm
the dating apps? Like, what is it like to date
on Bumble? It worked clearly, especially in New York? What
is it like? Dating in New York is insane? First
(35:51):
of all, and it's been funny to me because the
options are truly endless. So it's like sometimes you'd and
when I was like my my high peak of online dating,
it's like sometimes you go on a date and then
you truly never ever see them again, you'd never worry
about seeing them. But in the opposite of that, I
went on one date that was so bad. We both agreed,
it was like so bad I ran into him Caroline
four times in the world in New York, I was
(36:14):
like the universe is madam, are you nervous going on
because you don't know anything about people? Like I feel
like kind of like in a smaller town, like or
like even like Nashville. It's a big city, but you
can kind of like figure out the background check through friends,
you know, Like you really can't really background check anyone
in New York, Like, how do you know you're not
(36:34):
dating someone who's a total psycho? Me and my friends
have gotten so good at online stocking someone, so we
you know, you find them on LinkedIn, You've got their Instagram,
you know where their cousins live. It's like, I feel
like you have to really research so before any of
us go on any dates. We know way too much
about them, which honestly is like a little common because
(36:55):
I feel like in New York it's interesting, like you'd
almost rather meet someone on a dating app where you
can trace who they are back to them. Then if
you meet someone in a bar, you're like, who are
you where? Don't even live? Like you really because they're
not Like it's not like natural where it's a little
bit of a smaller town. It's like you're in New
York and you're probably never going to see them again.
So it's like, at least Bumble, you're like, okay, we
(37:16):
have some sort of route that we can trace it
back to. But um, I met my boyfriend actually because
I had gone through a stage of online dating and
it can be really disheartening anywhere, but in New York
especially because there's just so many options and people are
always going through. But we I would gone through a
phase where I was like, I'm deleting all apps. I'm
taking a break, and I had taken my bag, taking
time to work on myself, and then I was like,
(37:37):
I'm gonna redownload. And the first person I said I've
done was Camillo and and I'll never forget he's so
he's an artist. He's an art director and an artist.
And when we were chatting in Bumble, we were talking about,
you know, things that like, we like, things that we disliked,
and somehow we got on food and I was telling
them how I hate beats, like the food beats, and
(37:58):
um so he was like, well, let's re imagine it
to make you you like this beat, and so he
we reimagined this character and I called her baby and
then that night he had text me and he had
drawn me this gorgeous beat in like a little beret
and Chanel boots and like, and he had watercolored her.
She's beautiful and anyways, I was like wow. So we
had just gotten along so well, and then on our
(38:19):
first date it was like instant like we talked for hours,
like you know how you get the stories and and
then he had brought baby and at the end of
the date he gave it to me and I still
have her. But now because anytime anything big happens in
my life, like when I got my job at I Heeart,
he painted me an I heartbeat. That is so cute,
these little these little beats all over. But um it's
(38:41):
it's really really sweet. But he is he is so talented,
so he's always like painting and drawing me things and
it's really sweet. But he's the best. What's it like
do dating an artist, dating a creative because I feel
like you're a creative. Also, what is uh creative? What
is your creative relationship? Like that's interesting. I've never asked
to have a or but he um we He's the
(39:02):
first like long term partner that I've that I've really
ever had because I was kind of like, you know
in New York. I was like, I'm having so much
fun three months here at thy months there. It's too long,
you know. And then so Kamilla, I was like, oh wait,
I can be serious with him. And I think the
biggest difference was that I really trusted him not only
in a personal level, but with my work. It was
so important to me in same with him. And even now,
it's like he watches through all of my videos. It's
(39:26):
like I I just filmed this like twenty minute long
makeup video and he was like, I don't know anything
about eyebrows, but you know, and he's like giving me
notes and like he'll photo shops and photos of me. Well,
he'll stay in the phone, we'll run through scripts, we'll
walk through things together, um and vice versa. Like he'll
like send me, you know, some of his stuff to
look at, or we'll reach other's cover letters, or he
helps my website. Actually a prime example of who Camillo
(39:49):
is is during the quarantine, I was having, you know,
a breakdown as as I have once a week for sure,
for sure, and we it was Saturday night and like
instead of watching a movie or doing anything else, he
was like, why don't we get some beers, get a
little drunk, and fix your website. And we did for hours.
He fixed my website drunk on a Saturday night. So
(40:10):
he's just I mean nothing. Yeah, And it is like
such a great working relationship and something that I didn't
even know that I wanted in my life. But it
is so nice to have him to offer this other perspective.
And you're right to be so supportive. So what would
you tell your younger self, who say, someone just like you,
(40:33):
a young Emily who has big dreams, who wants to
take big jumps with her life, who doesn't really know
how to do it or what the process is, but
you know you feel it in your heart and your soul.
What would you tell this young eighteen year old twenty
(40:54):
year old girl to do, to go for it, to
make it happen like you did in the big city
of New York. Like, what be some key some key
pieces of advice that you would suggest. I think two
things I think on a personal level, I wish I
wouldn't have been like at that time. I wish I
wouldn't have been so scared of myself and scared of
what other people thought about me. Man. Yes, yes, yes,
(41:18):
I think you think everyone care so much, everyone is
examining your every move, but really they don't care. They
either like you or they don't, and then they really
don't think about you again, So it's so important. You're
so right, don't over analyze it, don't care so much.
And I think about the people that I love are
the people who are just so unafraid to be themselves
(41:38):
and they're unafraid to have opinions, and they're unafraid to
have dreams, and those are always the people that I
looked up to. So it's like, why was I so afraid?
Why was I so afraid to have any of those things?
It was like the more that I fit in and
the more that I blended in was the better I
felt about myself. But now I'm like, I'm a little
bit further along, and I'm like, you know what, those things,
if you can hone in on them at a young
(41:59):
age and race them, it's like, those make you successful.
Those make people want to know you because you're so
unafraid to be who you are and to own those
things about you. Um, which I think is so important,
especially going into this field, because like you really do
have to develop thick skin. You know, obviously people are
supportive and encouraging, but there's some people that aren't. And
so it's learning how to to be comfortable with yourself
(42:21):
and comfortable with those things. Um. And then I think
on a professional level, I think back to my time
in college and going to I had a great time
in college. Um, but I always think, I'm like, what
would life have looked like if I would have just
started a little sooner. And I think now it's like
on we have our phones where we're like, you can
be on Instagram, on TikTok, you have all these creative outlets.
(42:41):
And I've always loved entertainment too, and and so many
things look back where I'm like, I wish I would have,
you know, started a Twitter about about the Bachelor or
you know, or like I wish I would have started
a live show on my Instagram. And and I just
think for people right now, it's like go ahead and
hone in on those skills that you know you want
to use later and and and away those things that
you love now, and practice and practice and practice, because
(43:03):
to get to where where you are, where where I am,
it's like it takes practice to be good at things.
Takes practice to like have a podcast and be able
to interview people and and you know, I just feel
like the more that you can um flex those muscles
and and flex those skills, it's like the better off
you're going to be later in life when you have
just a little bit of experience, even if you make
it up. And I love what you're saying to like
(43:25):
about social media, take advantage of social media, especially these
younger this younger generation, Like there are so much opportunity
to I mean, I don't even know how to go viral,
but like to like do to come up with a
creative thing that people want to see. And then you
have everyone has the opportunity to have a platform. So
if you can like figure out how to make Instagram
(43:47):
and TikTok and Twitter work, and your advantage you're so
right that is that actually can be as a mark
on your resume. You can mention those kind of things
these days, which is nuts, you know, because social media
is just such a huge present presence in the entertainment world.
And it's cool too because I feel like you can
find other people out there who like the specific things
that you like, so like so you can like have
(44:10):
this whole community of people who also love whatever it
is that makes you happy, and before you really couldn't
connect on that level. So it's like to be able
to find other people that are obsessed with the weird
things you are. That's that's fun, it's great, that's awesome.
Where if you could picture your life in five years,
what would it look like? Oh man, why I hope
(44:32):
we're out and about and not quarantining anymore. Um for um.
You know, that's such an interesting question because I feel
like when I was first getting started in New York,
it was like my answer was always like I'm gonna
be on the news, you know, that was that was
the whole thing. And and it's funny. It's like as
you as you grow up and you learn and you
(44:54):
do have different experiences. I've realized for me that like
my dreams have maybe shifted a little and before, like,
for instance, I never even knew this job at iHeart
was a possibility. You know. It's like when you have
these new experiences, your mind just keeps opening up. And
so I feel like for me, I now that I'm
in this job, I like, I love this job so
much and I love getting to talk to artists, and
(45:15):
I love being in the music world. Um that like
it's interesting. It's like my other dreams have morphed and shift,
so I don't even know. I truly cannot even tell
you what next looks like. So the let alone five years.
But I'm enjoying this ride, and i think for the
first time in a long time, I'm taking a step
back to like making a huge life plan. You know,
I'm thinking, I'm just enjoying this time. I'm so grateful
(45:37):
to have this job. Um, and we will see you
from there. I love that. I love that you said
I'm taking a step back from making a huge life plan.
I think it is so good to have like ideas
of what you want to do, figure out your passion
all that. But then it's also so great to just
hold it loosely and let the universe to hire force
(45:58):
all the different factors that come into your life just
guide you. Because, like you said, you could have not
have even imagined this job, you know, when you were starting,
and now it's just love it. It's it's it's a
dream job for you. So it's like give yourself the
space to let stuff flow. I love that. I think
that is so wise. Thank you, and you know it's
(46:19):
um what again. Going back to my boss that I
had for a long time, it really helped me. One
thing she always told me, well, she was like over
prepared and then give it to God and so. And
I'm a spiritual person. So I think when I when
I do anything, I like, I fully exhaust every single
corner and then I'm just like and now I just
let it be. So even when I do, you know,
(46:41):
or even like working or prepping on something, it's like,
I'm gonna do everything that I can and then I'm
just gonna sit back and see what happens and what
opens up. Like you were saying, oh, I love that,
And that kind of makes life feel magical, doesn't it.
It does. Oh I'm sorry, I think I lost you
for like, okay, we're back. That kind of makes I
feel a little magical, and it makes it feel like
(47:02):
you're you have a purpose regardless. It's like your plan
is gonna work out. It's meant for you, and it's
gonna be for you. It just depends on how you're
gonna get there. I love that, Emily. You're so sweet
and inspiring and I'm so glad we got to get
to know each other and chat and you share your story.
I always end my podcast with leave your Light. So
(47:24):
what do you want people to know? Oh? Just in general? Yeah,
just wide open. Mm hmmm mmmmmmmmm. Well, first of let
me just say that I am fully obsessed with you
and this was to be on this. I'm an emotional mess,
(47:45):
so thank you. I appreciate that same honestly. Um, we
can I have to look something up. I read something
the other day. Can I can I do this? Sure?
It's your world. Okay, let's hear it. Okay. I read
this the other day and I thought this was great
and maybe good to share right now. But it said,
what if you move through your life as if you're
easy to be loved? And I thought it was so cute,
(48:09):
especially for like right now, I know that, like, there's
so much happening in the world and their stressors on
all fronts, and we're all feeling the need to do
more and to say more and to be better and
to continue growing and um, and I think that's so important.
But I also think it's important to be kind to
ourselves and to acknowledge that we are can give love,
(48:29):
but we should also be open to receiving love, um,
Because I think that's the only way that really we're
all going to be able to show up and be
our best selves to make this world the world that
we want to see. Um. But I do have faith
in in this generation and in everyone that we are
going to get there. Um. But I think it starts
with kind of what we've been talking about this whole time,
is being comfortable and happy and safe within yourselves, and
(48:51):
then you can provide that to others. I love that,
And I just want to briefly talk about what do
you think is different about this generation? Like this younger
generation is like the anise and younger like, what do
you think is gonna I feel like they're going to
be the ones that really game change our world. What
do you think is different with them? I actually interviewed
a TikTok star the other day and I asked him
(49:12):
the same question, And I think, what is different is
this generation, this younger generation. I don't think they're scared
of politics, And not that I grew up scared of them,
but I grew up slightly disinterested and I feel like
now I'm a little embarrassed to admit that. But I
I just felt it didn't affect me. And I think
now this younger generation is so willing to have conversations
(49:38):
about um if things that are happening in a world,
about political conversations about environmental impact, and like we see
it on their TikTok's they'll post a hilarious video, then
the next they're like a call to action of how
to register to vote. So I think this generation is
not afraid to embrace all that, and in fact, I
think it's cool if for them, you know, and it's
cool for us to see, but I think they really
(49:58):
appreciate other people who are also of doing that same thing.
I'm not afraid to embrace all sides of your life,
and that includes being activists and making change. I love that.
And they're using social media to be fun and an
outlet for the creativity, but then also to have a
bigger message. That's freaking awesome. How cool is that? And
it was really cool with this with this start too,
(50:19):
because he was like I was talking about because he
was I think he's just turned seventeen or something, and
he was like, yeah, I just don't have any interest
in like drinking or partying. He's like I got bigger
things to worry on, and I was like me in
high school, It's like, can we go to the mall
this week? Like I just feel like it was just
such a different world that Like I was so impressed
with this kid, like he had no time to party
(50:40):
or no time to like do other things. He was like,
I'm busy with with all these life things that I
need to accomplish, visiting with changing the world. I mean
that's heck, yes, Okay, I have this gives me hope.
The younger generation really does give me hope. I think
I think that I think it's gonna be. I think
they're going to turn around for us, and I just
have to believe that. I'm hoping for that. I really am. Well, Emily,
(51:03):
thank you so much for joining me, Thank you for
sharing your sweet soul. And um, I just hope one
day we get to cross paths and meet in real life.
Same and I heart please come to the live session. Okay,
maybe when a thousand horses, maybe when the world opens
back up, a thousand horses will do a session posted
by you, and I'll come. It will be the best,
(51:23):
that would actually be the best, the most fun. Okay,
we're putting that out there in the world, Garly. Thank
you so much having we can. I'm gonna take a
photo of us. Yeah yeah, take it, I got it. Yeah.
Thank you, thank you for coming on by
Host
Caroline Hobby
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