Jennette McCurdy On Mormonism, Beauty Standards, And The Finances Of Child Stardom

In this episode, filmed in Los Angeles in summer 2021, Chelsea sits down with Jennette McCurdy to candidly discuss her experiences with child stardom, why she didn't join the iCarly reboot, the cost of living up to external expectations, and more.
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[@hebiluver13]

I feel like this would be an interesting conversation to have again in a few years with the kids of family vloggers when they are grown up. There are some protections in place for child actors but it is truly the wild west for children of family vloggers on youtube and I think a lot of them are going to have severe issues from being exposed to millions of people before they even know what's happening and before they can truly consent.

[@crimson4066]

The vast majority of family vlogs are all gross and exploitive.

[@hebiluver13]

@@crimson4066 Agree. Something tells me those parents aren't setting aside 15% of their earnings for their kids' future lol

[@jigglypuff4ever]

And Instagram “influencers” who monetize on positing pics of their family and little kids everyday. It’s so gross to me.

[@bananaflywar]

YES!

[@Lovelyasdfghjkl]

Lol id be extremely interested in that like even the unproblematic ones like Ryan’s toy reviews and Diana & Roma

[@abrampena6385]

I am a male ex child performer and ex-mormon. This means everything to me Chelsey. Mental health is crucial to great financial success and plain happiness.

[@arapaimagold8088]

It's cortisol, not mental health.

[@dfjulesful]

Hope you are doing well now!

[@shannon7646]

usually financial success is crucial to good mental health... good mental health resources require financial privilege of some sort

[@snoozyq9576]

@@arapaimagold8088 huh?

[@Unoniomus]

@@shannon7646 we’re aware lol

[@lockheart619]

"Boundaries were a sign of betrayal" I felt this and I feel her pain 💜

[@ItsAllAboutPerspective375]

That's classic Narcissistic Personality Disorder rules. "I decide your boundaries, and there are none between me and you."

[@leslienope]

Ugh... even outside of religious reasons, it's gross to force a teenage girl to wear a bikini on tv if they don't want to. It's so heartbroken hearing everything Jenette went through, but I'm glad she's getting to speak up about it.

[@SunshineKarebare]

and then something also rubs me the wrong way about them needing to take pictures of her in multiple bikinis... weird.

[@lilacmoon2120]

Exactly. I dont remember them wearing bathing suits in the show...... like... why was this necessary???? Why are we having these pre-teen children pose and try on different bikinis?

[@sierrabird3817]

@@lilacmoon2120 it was for the pedos in the industry

[@hekate.13]

​@@lilacmoon2120 i think in the end they've gone with her wearing a tank top with a hawaiian shirt and swimming trunks for iCarly. From the chapter that covers that incident i assumed that it was pretty early into filming, 1-2 season. So those photos were just to "visualise options". But it's extremely disturbing to think of. Like all the show executives were older men, and the fact that those photos can still be somewhere outhere is also unsettling.

[@kayla3751]

I’m estranged from my abusive parents (mainly my mom), and while cutting ties with them was the best thing I ever did for myself, the berating from other family members and comments like “don’t you realize the pain you put them through?” was incredibly painful and draining in the beginning. Hearing Chelsea and Jeanette validating the choice to break off abusive family meant a lot to me, truly.

[@borkbork4124]

Exactly, some see you as the villain for saying enough is enough. It is not my fault that everyone else puts up with their bs and or abuse. The rhetoric should be flipped: Question who the person is that is no longer in your life, and question what they are doing wrong. No one knows your relationship with someone, especially a close family member, better than you. So, when a commenter knows them only from pleasant family gatherings, what they know about that person is not a honest picture. I am having troubles with my mom, and as of now, she has made it clear that she is not changing her ways, so even though the people who really know her in the family (spouse and sibling), they are making me as a villain for finally confronting her on how she has treated us. Me and my sibling are adults, but when we were kids we were walking on eggshells constantly!

[@jdrichardson39]

I just started the process with my father. It was a last resort. The man never complimented me in my whole life.

[@inventedcool1076]

Same, I felt incredibly seen when they discussed that

[@rubiademoraes]

Yeah... I don't know about you... But not only like from family members. I broke off with my mother about 9yrs ago and even friends sometimes still don't REALLY get it and make weird comments.

[@ramenchuu]

Same, there is a lot of pressure and piled on guilt from other members of the family who also constantly try to talk you out of it. Nobody understands it was a last resort and sees the suffering on the person that caused that decision to cut ties.

[@Rosebud0801]

As someone who watched icarly growing up, it’s so hard to know that she was going through so much off camera, but she seems to be incredibly mature and clearly has gone through therapy to the point where she ca accept who she is and what happened to her. ❤️

[@lijohnyoutube101]

Never heard of the actress or the show previously to this interview. She seems to have a lot in common in many aspects with a mixture of Mayium B ( Blossom) and Wil W ( Star Trek next gen) both 80’s kid actors.

[@iluvzurara2]

Same!! Absolutely and so happy to see her so calm and healthy!

[@LeileyWow]

This is a crossover I never expected 🤯

[@ericanewcomb2643]

Right?? But omg I'm glad it happened!

[@cammy60467]

Same

[@ipsitamazumdar4849]

TFD & Jennette aced this interview. It's a goldmine of mental health issues and relationship dynamic. But the part where she declared her mother dieing was the best thing that happened to her...it gave me goosebumps. In trying to live vicariously through her daughter & chasing success, she failed so miserably as a human being that her own flesh & blood felt blessed at her demise. What an end to a life!

[@selkie.strings]

you mean what an end to a lie!

[@catmaylie27]

The financial aspects of child acting is so fascinating and disturbing to me. I love that more former child actors are speaking up about this.

[@mollyross888]

i know it’s been basically turned into a meme but Kim Cattrall turned down the role in the Sex & the City reboot because “i don’t want to be in a situation where i’m not enjoying myself even for thirty minutes” (i might have gotten the wording wrong) but anyways mad respect for kim and of course jennette

[@anitcolor]

She actually refused because Jessica Parker was payed more the Kim and the gals. Kim was not having that

[@arrydoll2021]

Jennette comes across as someone with incredible emotional intelligence and depth. I love seeing how she lit up when you asked her certain questions- she seemed so genuinely grateful to have an engaged, understanding interviewer. I think she truly has a gift for sharing her voice and story. Thank you for the wonderful conversation!

[@meghansullivan6812]

Yessss! No generic questions!!

[@andreapoulieva6717]

"I felt that my entire idendity was to make my mom happy" hits like a ton of bricks. Now, as a mother to young daughters, I am so aware of never, ever putting that kind of burden on their shoulders. Thank you for this insightful, fascinating conversation. I've never been happier of my nobody status and the gifts that go with it - although being both anonymous and wealthy definitely sounds like the way to go 😆

[@mzzzzzzday]

I love how open she has been with her experiences. I know she can't share EVERYTHING but she's still very open and specific.

[@ClayMastah344]

The things she can’t share openly, she’s implied. Sometimes that is enough.

[@BrittMasters]

Probably TFD's best interview yet--thoughtful engagement on both sides.

[@vhelma21945]

YES, for sure

[@WWEdiva246]

Jennette just gave me another look at the discourse “why are adults playing teenagers?” I think I’m actually leaning towards letting adults do that because of how much abuse and trauma child actors suffer

[@borkbork4124]

48:28 Yes! I am having serious issues with my mom and I am sick of hearing that she is nice and doing her best. News flash that that is such a LOW BAR. Plenty of people are “nice” and “trying” in this world, but when her words and actions hurt me….fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, and nowadays I am making sure I do not get fooled a third time. We need to get over preserving the family when someone in the family does bad and harmful things.

[@BellesView]

💯

[@aj7058]

It also plays to fool us. I spent a while in that transitive period of thinking "ok my mom is just trying to be nice. She just isn't very good at it." And giving her more and more chances to hurt me because of the constant barrage of "advice" from people who have loving parents. If she's hurting you consistently she isn't being nice. I'm so sorry you have to deal with that. It really really sucks.

[@aj7058]

Sorry to reply twice but it also really fucks up your ideas of social interactions as a kid. Like I've only in the past few years realised how having internalized the idea that my mom was "nice" and "loved me" I would try to connect with other people/make friends by treating them in a really unpleasant way. Thankfully my mothers abuse was mostly emotional and pretty complex in terms of being reliant on excessive access to me and the patterns it formed so I was lucky not to be put here re-enacting traumatic incidents on other kids. But it definitely completely screwed up my ability to connect with others. If someone had just said to me when I was a kid "yeah your mom is mean and the way she treats you isn't nice" I might have been able to salvage myself a little more/sooner. But yeah there are so many later of damage caused by people insisting your abuser is "nice". And it comes from people who love their moms and are loved by their moms and for people like that it takes a lot of purposeful work to actually understand what it's like to lack that love and care for your entire life.

[@cassandralyris4918]

I just finished reading "I'm Glad My Mom Died" and it is haunting. Knowing what Jennette went through is a modern tragedy. Anyone being judgmental about the title of her book had not read it and is clearly struggling with NPD themselves. Boundaries are necessary, not a betrayal. Excellent interview and I hope Jennette is in a better place now.

[@FlamedWater]

This interview felt extremely balanced - both professionally structured but also personal without trying to get too much under the guest's skin. It was a pleasure to listen to.

[@Love-dc5tq]

I watched icarly with my son and Sam was our favorite. Listening to her now, makes my stomach turn. There isn’t enough money in the world to expose my child to Hollywood.

[@vJorddan]

Super insightful convo y’all! Didn’t realize so many child actors had to support their families that’s a lot of responsibility to put on kid.

[@lijohnyoutube101]

Look into Wil Wheaton’s story from Star Trek Next Generation

[@lorettaknoelk3475]

Right????

[@alisalaska1786]

Watch Shia Lebouf’s Honey Boy. Most of his costars had no idea what he was going through at home and how poor his family was.

[@susanmurphy958]

Jordan Burnett, think of the Phoenix family. River and Joaquin and their sister Liberty were all put to work because Mom & Dad didn't have any job skills or much education.

[@snoozyq9576]

I think Bella Thorne has talked about it as well. It's a sad thing I also never really considered before.

[@therobotdevil2284]

Jennette really feels like such a genuine, kind soul. And so well spoken. I'm glad she's been able to work on healing herself and is sharing her experience to help those in similar situations.

[@aliyasyeda7335]

As someone who moved out from home at 19 because of my abusive and overly religious mother, this podcast meant so much to me. I'm nearly 23 now and I'm so much happier, working full time in my first post-grad job. I have a mostly no-contact relationship with my mother and my father and, thankfully, a very close relationship with my siblings. If you're someone who is still living at home with an abusive parent, this message is just a reminder that you will make it out of there and things will only get better from there on out :)

[@kailynanderson383]

Jeanette spoke so eloquently about such heavy themes and her honesty and openness was incredibly refreshing and eye-opening. Definitely one of the best Financial Confessions episodes I’ve seen, in my opinion.

[@Kellen_Quigley]

Having grown up watching iCarly, and Sam being my favorite character, this was such a heartbreaking yet inspiring insight into how messed up child stardom can be and how important it was for Jennette to make it out the other side and do what's best for her. This is probably my favorite Financial Confessions episode to date.

[@lizd.8655]

My mom was one of 8 children who grew up with 2 parents in a developing country. She had to leave school in the 3rd grade to help support the family and she immigrated to the US when she was 14. I can't imagine an American child being told at 6 that SHE now had to help support for family. Major props to Jennette for finding the strength to break free and move on. Her feelings are valid toward her mother and I'm glad she's been able to find some peace.

[@dinkyboss]

Yeah most American kids definitely wouldn’t of made it living like their immigrant parents did. They went through so much in comparison. I hear the stories all the time and I’m like nope I want my privileged, American childhood lol

[@kiya12309]

It's so sad to think about little Jennette hearing her agent tell her mom she won't be cast in a movie because she "reads homely." What a horrible thing to have to hear about yourself as a child, especially from an adult. Child stardom really seems to make people who should be protective towards children treat them as commodities instead of as people.

[@destinyrexya]

Reads homely? What does that mean?

[@aj7058]

@@destinyrexya not quite ugly but plain and normal looking. In the context of casting it basically means "not sexy enough." Yeah...

[@destinyrexya]

@@aj7058 what the actual fuck? you don't say that shit ever! especially to a kid!! 😠

[@arianaraquel1958]

Eeeeewwww

[@tinyfeistymillennial1157]

I know she wants out of the spotlight, and I respect it, but Chelsea and her energy are so good together. I wish Jeanette (sp?) would sign on as a cohost. Her insights on fame and financials are great!

[@kalpic11]

She does have her own podcast you can listen to. (Just in case you didn't know).

[@tinyfeistymillennial1157]

@@kalpic11 I didn’t know that! Thank you so much!

[@Pikminiman]

It is phenomenal to see such a well-adjusted person come out of those circumstances.

[@MrTwinpegasus]

Loved the interview! As a psychiatrist, I admire her openess about what people didn't see of her "dream job".

[@kevineslinger6723]

And your a Psychologist? lmfao!!!

[@angelfrmabov32697]

as someone who has a difficult relationship with her mom, it was so refreshing to hear you guys talk about how some mothers are bad and don't deserve all the accolades mothers get. thanks for helping me feel less alone

[@KarateSHOES00]

The part getting into the book and the reality sh-t and abusive moms was peak. Chelsea moderated that part perfectly and really helped validate that mom stigma that I also am coping with an n/mom. Overall, I think this was great episode since Chelsea was able to hit meaningful points Jennette that the chemistry and comfortability made it enjoyable to watch.

[@ARRTY97]

This whole thing was riveting, it was so emotionally smart & graceful. There are very few interviews where I want the participants to be friends, but this is one of them. I hope you two become friends. What great chemistry.

[@BriCheyenne]

Such great chemistry! They seem like friends already

[@kimlebherz7204]

That was so good. And thank you so much for the bad parents/no contact part. There‘s so much stigma around this. Not every relationship has a happy ending just because they have given birth to you

[@jessday4712]

I have a complicated and difficult relationship with my mom. When I first started to reach out for help, I was met with invalidation by some people. Classic “she tried her best. It’s only because she loves you. She didn’t mean to hurt you”. I finally said “drunk drivers almost never mean to kill people, but they do.” I asked my friend with father issues if she was ever met with those same phrases and she said “never”. I would say a good half of my struggle is fighting those cultural voices every single time I set boundaries and ask for space. (Also something that is seen as betrayal and rejection)

[@jessadelix7415]

Gosh this interview hit me like a train. I came here to learn more about the abuse of child stars, and instead found a woman with an experience so close to my own when it comes to mother/daughter relationships. I feel exactly the same way about mine, I feel SO heard and Jeanette expressed the emotions and trauma behind so well.

[@thefinancialdiet]

Thank you for sharing. Glad you enjoyed the episode.

[@jessadelix7415]

@@thefinancialdiet I think the person interviewing the questions was fantastic :) I love how she didn’t spend a lot of time talking and was interested in hearing Jeanette’s thoughts and not just her own voice, yet she still maintained a really friendly atmosphere while sharing a few things about herself.

[@Naluvaz]

Chelsea's interviewing skills have improved so much! I'm glad she's able to interview people at a much more intimate and deeper level than she did before and convey her objectives much clearer! (I'm still salty about Cristine's interview :( )

[@p_roduct9211]

Pardon me, I am new here. What happened or was bad about the interview with Christine?

[@maya1mae]

@@p_roduct9211 i didnt watch it but i just searched the channel and looked at the comments, the interview with simplynailogical is what they’re referencing here. a lot of commenters felt that chelsea didn’t have enough familiarity with cristine and also didnt delve enough into certain interesting aspects of cristine like how she runs her own business. hopefully that’s a decent synopsis but i didn’t watch the video lol

[@billiescott9799]

Christine who ?

[@85728itsmeee]

@@billiescott9799 Cristine the you tuber her channel simplynailogical

[@HNGuthrie]

I had no intention of sitting through this entire interview when I turned it on, but the conversation was so insightful! I'm going to go preorder Jennette's book now...

[@kyotojan]

I'm just blown away by your interviewing technique, it's thoughtful and conversational and a real treat to listen to. Better than any late night or radio host I've heard

[@victoriaissakova7109]

Wow, this was the best TFD video/interview I’ve seen. It spoke to me on so many levels. I was a child performer, was never asked or given the opportunity to voice my ideas/needs/wants, with an unhealthy father. There was a lot of abuse on different levels which I won’t get into. At the end of the day, I had to cut my father out of my life. Sometimes, for self preservation and to make something out of your own life, cutting out a parent is the only option. Glad this beautiful soul was able to turn her life around and create the life she was meant to have. It takes a lot of time and work to get to that point… but it’s not impossible!!

[@camillacaloi4122]

I felt so seen by the whole family estrangement judgement thing. I always feel so judged when it becomes clear that I don't get along with my family, but obviously the judgement is not disclosed so I can't even say anything. Plus I was born and raised in Italy when it is practically a sin not to get along with your parents. I'd like to add that it is also very victim blaimy as a thing because genuinly most estranged children I know (including myself) drew very big boundaries with their families because of abuse and other injustices they endured so...

[@thefinancialdiet]

Thank you for sharing this... glad you liked the episode.

[@spookeymo]

I'm from Poland where the mother cult is also extremely huge and it is really tough trying to convince people that abusive parents don't deserve all the respect and awe they're getting JUST because they're parents. literally anyone can have a child, this alone does not grant anything

[@Siures]

Families are such a complex thing. Financial and emotional dependence together is the normal family life, but… it can be so devastating if the relationship is toxic. And yeah, I had a terrible mother, too.

[@jazzgirlie]

Holy shit. This was my favorite episode of TFC (next to Ashley C. Ford's episode). Wow Jennette is an incredible human being and Chelsea nailed it with the questions and the dialogue.

[@twelvesmylimit]

I've never heard of this actor or programme (probably because I'm in the UK), so almost skipped this video but I'm SO glad I didn't. What a lovely person she is and we share so much regarding our toxic relationships with our mothers. Chelsea, you're also a brilliant interviewer.

[@tiffany.Elizabeth.]

Revisiting this since i just saw her book was released. I’m 38 so I had no idea who she was when I first saw this but I’m enthralled by her. She’s so well spoken, and insightful. Can’t wait to read her book.

[@mariadoslunas4782]

Wow. I'm only 12 minutes in and this is so enlightening! Jeannette should consider creating a company to educate child entertainers and their families about fame and finances. Maybe some families will consider it and just the fact that something like that exists could bring some light on the issue and also help protect the child's best interests in the long run.

[@MP-jl4df]

I feel for her. Her mother’s death was a blessing in disguise. Also, it takes so much to speak up. I just can’t imagine the roller coaster of emotions she’s been through to get to this point.

[@stephaniem2743]

This was incredible. Jennette was so open and vulnerable. Things won't change unless people like her speak up. I hope they do. No child should go through that. We can do better. Wonderful job, ladies

[@Daaaanielle]

I’m going through EXACTLY what Jennette went through with her mum but mine is still alive and I had to figure all of this out whilst I take care of her and her dementia. That whole speech of figuring out things about a person and chipping at the pedestal hit me like a train.

[@ashassassin]

Came back to watch again after reading Jennette's book. I really hope she writes more books. She has a great talent as an author.

[@mcsmaria28]

I read Jennette’s book. Glad she transitioned to writing. She is an excellent writer. Her book was super funny while also being heartbreaking . I would gladly read anything else she puts out there!

[@Bingobango295]

This was such a great interview! The bikini story was truly heartbreaking but it looks like Jennette is doing a lot of good work healing herself ♥️ my 11 year old just watched ALL of I-Carly during the pandemic, bummed she doesn’t see any residuals. I’m going to order her memoir to make up for it 😘

[@addie-eileenpaige6460]

Such a cool, unique interview. I've seen a lot of interviews with McCurdy & they sound the same sometimes. This was such a unique angle.

[@camillepage208]

Wow, I have never watched this channel before but this interviewer is INCREDIBLE. She asks such authentic, vulnerable, respectful questions that give a platform & voice to her guest. This was a phenomenal interview, thank you so much for sharing such a vulnerable conversation with all of us.

[@cynthiasoto7098]

I am a mom and the mom comment is so on point. Props to you ladies! You aren’t a saint for just having a child. You must prove you are worthy by protecting and caring for your children. ❤❤

[@S-R-H]

I've always said that the WORST thing that could ever happen to me is becoming famous. It sounds absolutely dreadful. I'm all for rich and anonymous.

[@Daaaanielle]

This 100%. I want to be able to not worry about money ever but also have people never know that I never have to worry about money. The dream.

[@clairbear1234]

Amazing insight, impressed how non bitter she sounds towards her mom.

[@erikalevy9567]

Not to be mean (towards her mom), but having the distance of 8 years since her death probably helps. It’s really difficult to find that mental space to look on your relationship dispassionately when the abuse is ongoing.

[@AzulFyre]

Thank you for sharing. My mom died when I was 21 as well. It's indescribable what that does in terms of personal growth and I really appreciate the comments on those that have a trying relationship with family. Not all family is good for you and society needs to recognize that.

[@karobarsamian]

My heart goes out to Jennette. I am so proud of her obvious personal growth and awareness and grace after everything she has been through. Also, Chelsea is a total powerhouse of an interviewer and if she didn't already have my full and undying respect before, this interview would have sealed the deal. Such good questions and conversation -- and her commentary on the stigma of estrangement had me clapping!!

[@soapygirl83]

Growing up my aunt had both of my cousins in acting and one of them even played an orphan during a tour of Annie. I used to beg my mom to put me in shows and she refused, said I could do community theater/school plays. I resented her a bunch as a kid but as an adult I am grateful. This interview really confirms how damaging and predatory the show business can be for young children.

[@sageholla]

The interview I never knew I needed until I saw the title and went “I needed this” thanks for the tears and laughter

[@erincgreen2]

Jeannette, I am delighted to meet you in this capacity. I was too old to watch ICarly, but I am excited to see what you'll do now that you are in a place to explore your career and life in the ways that excite you! Thank you for sharing your thoughts/experiences on some seriously under discussed topics! Chelsea, I am encouraged to hear you have long term visions for your company that allow you operate as much or as little as you wish in your business. (Imagine a gif of a professional woman politely thanking everyone and slowly leaving a meeting and running away)

[@vickisigh2674]

i adore jennette and am so happy to see something new from her today, especially since her podcast hasn't updated in awhile! thanks so much for this incredibly insightful interview!

[@lucyskyler21]

Thanks for asking Jennette such good questions. It's always a pleasure to hear her speak and it was great to see her really engaged with this. Looking forward to reading her memoir.

[@tablelamp801]

The estrangement mom stuff and stigma is so real. It was so joyful to see two women talk about this honestly!

[@leelsbless]

I’m laughing, at 15:44 when Chelsea asks her question I paused the video and said to myself Chelsea is asking some great questions and then unpaused just for Jennette to say the same thing hahaha Edit: what an incredible interview!! I was apart of the group that watched iCarly at its height. It’s so eye opening to hear jennette’s experience. Glad she’s doing well and working on yourself these days!!

[@lorens8959]

These were some really thoughtful questions without being prying and insensitive and wonderfully honest answers. The rapport was lovely to watch. I just pre-ordered the memoir!

[@spookeymo]

I'm currently reading her book and it's truly AMAZING. As someone with an abusive mother and knowing so many other mothers who never should've gotten children, the whole book and this interview resonates with me a lot. Thank you for talking about the mother stigma, it's so important to educate people on this topic, I myself have heard enough of "how can you talk about your own mother like that?". Well, how could she have said such things to her own child? A child who can't know any better, who grows up to resent themselves and walk on eggshells, trying to please everyone around?

[@elizavetacassel881]

Thank you for bringing Jennette on. I found her very interesting, intelligent, and I love how good she is at putting her thoughts into words. She's very admirable!

[@peyton2995]

Chelsea, you have such amazing interview skills and insightful questions! Please continue to do these with people, I learned so much from this and see so much potential in this format! So grateful I’ve found your channel, I’m a 26 year old that has busted my way out of poverty and your advice helps me not feel so lost in this complicated financial world! Thank you for what you do💜💜

[@karynstudiosloane-ceramics436]

thank you SO much for asking jennette some GREAT questions - to be honest I've been let down by a different male youtuber who interviewed her and disregarded the nuances of her past / disregarded what she was saying. thank you! jennette has some amazing stories to tell and I wanted to hear more of them. this was a great interview. I can really tell you care, chelsea.

[@deborahhattel351]

Abusive narcissists never apologize & never take accountability. At 45 years old I finally went no contact. On the daily I am grieving a person who is still alive. I am 52 now. No rational adult, just goes no contact with an abusive parent(s) on a whim. It’s usually after decades & decades of taking their abuse. Narcissists do not respect boundaries, especially toward the “child” that is targeted. I wish Jeanette well. The healing process is life long.☮️💟.

[@melissaandreag]

How cool!!! I’m excited to watch this! Edit: watching this, it’s heartbreaking to hear everything Jennette went through in her life, particularly concerning her mom. But I’m glad she’s able to talk about it like she does now, I’m glad she’s gotten the help she’s needed, and I’m glad she seems to have a clear vision of what she wants and needs in her life. I’m glad she can say no to other acting opportunities she’s not interested in because it’s not what she wants.

[@Sarah-oy2lr]

I’ve been a listener/subscriber for a while now, and this is by far my favourite episode. Thank you so much for this honest and open conversation about topics we usually tend to gloss over

[@thepragmaticspiritualist7074]

This was amazing. I used to watch iCarly with my kids when they were younger and I often thought about the pressure that must be on the kids, especially the girls. Jeanette is so refreshing in her approach and her vulnerability. So great to see that she’s doing well.

[@BlackCanary0007]

Loved this interview!!! Very enlightening. You just never know what is going on "behind the scenes" ... clearly. How brave for Jennette to talk about such painful aspects she has endured; so proud of her for addressing her mental health and being cognizant of how it could affect different areas of her life.

[@vhugh1681]

This conversation was outstandingly beautiful and insightful. I related to Jennette's story in innumerable ways, even though I grew up on the other side of the planet and had nothing to do with acting. Chelsea's questions were impeccable. I have no words. The questions were highly thoughtful, and she addressed them in a distinctly respectful manner. It seemed that the guest didn't find them intrusive and felt safe answering them (I sincerely hope that was the case), which is something hugely important to me as a listener. On the whole, this conversation was oh-so heartwarming. I am exceptionally grateful for this.

[@alexchirpy4086]

I've watched a bunch of the interviews with Jennette and this one was one of the best. I appreciate that you let her answer fully and asked good, thoughtful questions.

[@domenicaausdenweiden7726]

That was a truly fantastic episode. I had heard about Jenette on another youtube video before so I knew who she is. I especially liked how you both touched on self-image and how some comments can stick with you and how damaging it is to constantly see yourself on camera and to be in the public eye. Also liked Jenette's observation that tracking your finances can become an obsession.

[@camy.]

This was such a good interview/ conversation. Thank you both. Very insightful. Wishing Jennette all the best with future projects and health.

[@hiimchuckiewannaplay]

I am blown away right now. I have been relentlessly devouring all of TFD content since I discovered it a few months back... I am 31... my mom died when I was 22.. I am currently in DBT for ED that I got from my mom... How is JENNETTE LIVING MY LIFE... I have GOT to read this book! I can't believe it isn't out yet! This is one of the best interviews I've seen you do Chelsea... truly blown away by the honestly and vulnerability... GREAT video

[@luisez.5888]

This was great and deeply impressive. Two kind, intelligent and eloquent women talking about finances, but also about poverty, motherhood, choices, development, grace and happiness - in fact about life. I enjoyed every bit of it, and also found it very moving. Thank you.

[@snehaa1197]

love hearing Jennette’s experience, thank you for sharing and being so open!!

[@sewkale]

my favorite podcast episode you've done. thank you chelsea for asking good questions, and thank you jennette for being so open and vulnerable. i have never really considered how much finance would be linked between child actors and their families.

[@mahikamihan]

I love how she presented herself, she is so self-aware and I love that for her!

[@dessertcactus]

I'm glad to see these topics talked about so well, and that Jeanette was able to share this in an understanding setting. Really enjoyed the interview, especially when dealing with a toxic mother in my own life.

[@alisalaska1786]

“Just because it was her best, doesn’t mean it was good enough.” Yaaaas. Such a good way to put it.

[@RobinInTheCut]

Awh, I love her 🥰🥰 Jeanette is soo real and down to earth. As a mom, I was horrified by how she was treated and I will definitely support her book. My daughter loved 🥰 iCarly so I had to watch it as well, she was by far my favorite character!! Good luck 🍀 on all your future endeavors Jenette!!

[@Courtney6]

Love this interview. My daughter used to watch her spinoff show. When it ended I wondered what happened to her so it’s nice to see her doing well and living on her own terms.

[@devoidcolors]

Jennette is so authentic, down to earth, incredibly refreshing. Loved this episode, thanks for having her on! I grew up being a fan of hers, so to hear all this behind the scenes is really eye opening.

[@kaciesawadski4873]

This was really eye opening and relatable. My mother suffered with substance abuse and i had a very toxic upbringing. She has since passed (unrelated to substance abuse) and though i love and miss her dearly, my life truely improved when she was gone.

[@hektoria2310]

It felt so wholesome listening to the way Chelsea navigated the interview and validated Jeannettes's experiences. This interview is giving me life 💜

[@JoyandSerenity.]

My mom died in December 2020 and I get it... Coming to terms with my moms death has been a journey, I'm glad to have a sister who lived through it so I know I'm not crazy. People who have never had a bad parent/parents could never understand the sense of betrayal that comes with finding out what they have done to you over the years. I remember telling a friend when I was 14 that I wished her mom was my mom, I didn't want to be sisters, I wanted a loving mom, my friend reacted very negatively like I had insulted her, as if no one could possibly think that about a mom.

[@melw9147]

This interview was enjoyable and informative. The energy between you two was great and I loved how Chelsea asked questions that weren’t intrusive yet still asked a lot. Well done!

[@alexandrakettner]

46:00 I’m not crying, you’re crying. This video means everything. Thank you for posting and understanding ❤️

[@mariaskoozynska3486]

Each episode I listed to, I’m struck with how amazing Chelsea is at interviewing and how great the guests are. This episode is especially fantastic. Thank you for making my life so much more interesting.

[@polkaloseur]

I loved this episode. Chelsea, you are a very kind and thoughtful interviewer. Jenette has been through so much. Although she does not owe anyone her story, I hope people can hear it and help others or themselves. Thank you both.

[@jcreader13]

I've never seen this channel before but the interviewer was very kind and an amazing listener! I love the deep questions and care for what Jennette is feeling and what she has experienced!! Jennette is so brave and what she has experienced and learned from it really resonates with me. Loved her book as well!!

[@YvonneHansonPhotography]

After reading her book,I feel so much adoration and respect for her candour and honesty in all places- fantastic interview with an incredible person!

[@rebeccav9106]

I love Jennette’s honesty and energy. Super interesting to hear about the financial experience of child acting too!

[@spenserhalfyard4913]

Wow. This was incredibly well done and intriguing! Jennette is so inspiring in her process to get through what she endured in her past. She knows herself so well! Chelsea interviews her so authentically and with such a kind-heart. What a beautiful and informative interview.