Melanie “Sporty Spice” Chisholm: The Discipline of Girl Power

Melanie Chisholm (AKA “Sporty Spice” of the Spice Girls, solo artist, author of The Sporty One memoir) joins us to discuss the Spice Girls’ impact on music and culture, battling difficult personal struggles in the extreme public eye, and the toll playing a caricature of yourself can take. She reveals the origins of the band and their “Girl Power” message, the similarities between each band member and their onstage personas, and why she finally decided to reflect on her experiences in her new memoir. Mel C opens up about the onset of her disordered eating, why she finally decided to seek help, and the toxicity of the tabloid media when Spice Girls rose to fame compared to today’s social media. Mayim and Melanie consider denial as a coping mechanism, the loneliness that comes with disordered eating, and the impact of the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
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[@latnscorpio1]

I’ve been on a Mayim breakdown bender for the last 3 days and i don’t see an end in sight.

[@sarah.93.30]

I’ve said this once and il say this again. Melanie C is such a genuinely beautiful person, unchanged by the level of fame she acquired. She is also an interviewers dream ❤

[@Surfishy888]

I'm 70 yrs old and experienced the Spice Girls phenomenon along with my two teen girls. My favorite was Sporty also, bc she reminded me of my younger girl. I liked her gymnastic dancing on stage and for the same reasons that you (Mayim) stated. I liked too that each girl had their own personalities and came across as strong as Melanie did. As a parent, I thought they were the cutest thing going at the time. Have been following Mel C's music endeavors since then. Loved their musical and entertainment contributions.

[@itsjamylle]

Wow. This episode was VERY powerful. Melanie is so strong and listening to her gave me literal chills (also made me tear up).

[@shellistutzman5148]

As a ginger, I can 100% confirm that Geri was a massive inspiration to me. Being able to see someone with my color hair doing things that I wanted to do was huge! Because for once being a ginger didn’t mean you were the butt of the joke. Love the Spice Girls, they have always been a huge part of my life. Love that you had Melanie C on your show, Mayim, thank you for all that you do!

[@marisamartinezolivera]

I adore ginger heads. Do you know that almost all the characters painted in the frescoes of medieval churches in my Catalonia’s country are ginger headed to distinguish them from the dark haired arabians invaders of the south? When painting were the teaching language, nuances were needed. 😉

[@SuperTink]

That’s all interesting but she’s not even a ginger… it was all hair dye 😂

[@Sammysam44]

@@SuperTink AND??

[@sidewalksurf800]

I was a spice girls fan before I knew the negative connotation with ginger and i had to have it explained to me when people tried to clown me for being a “ginger”. I was like OH it’s a bad thing? Geri controlled the initial narrative there for me.

[@shellistutzman5148]

@AJ neither of my parents have red hair either! In fact I’m the only ginger in my family, but the guys get red beards with their brunette hair 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Kmbrgss]

This is surreal for me. I can remember when the Spice album first released, my best childhood friend at the time and I were literally jumping up and down on her bed with a blacklight on dancing and singing into our hairbrushes. A much simpler, carefree time in my life that is very close to my heart. So grateful today to be reminded of those special memories!! 💜

[@bbee4523]

I bought the book on Audible because Melanie reads it herself as soon as it was available. I really wanted to hear it the words how she meant them. She was always my favourite Spice Girl and my favourite solo artist. The book was amazing and so well put together.

[@TheresaK71]

Melanie is so eloquent, this is probably my favourite episode of this year. Thank you to Mayim and Melanie for this fully honest and raw discussion, I needed to hear this today, especially from people so successful and in the public eye.

[@dionmajuru5631]

I also thought the breakdown was closed for the year....... And here she is giving me another reason to be happy

[@BSBSPSensGirl88]

Mayim, this is only the second podcast of yours that I have watched, the first being when you spoke with A.J McLean, after having followed your career on Blossom and The Big Bang Theory. I have to say, I think that all celebrities, or anyone really, who has been on a journey towards a healthier life or has a story to tell about the struggles they have overcome, needs to speak with you. You are so careful to remain kind and respectful while successfully articulating your thought process in forming your questions in a different way than other interviewers. It truly does allow us to attain deeper, more complete, insight not only into the interviewee's life and message but into yours as well as the entertainment industry as a whole. Can't wait to see what's next in store!

[@MayimBialik]

Thanks so much for watching this one, and so glad you enjoyed it!! 🧠🫶

[@penelopefp]

I agree. Mayim's an excellent interviewer!! I love her interviews !!

[@pipermaru2006]

I saw Mel C on the London stage in Blood Brothers. 'Tell me It's Not True" broke my heart. so beautiful. xxxxx

[@libraryofkayla]

Me too! I think about her in that a lot, she was just amazing in that show

[@alanredversangel]

I still play her duet with Bryan Adams on the guitar, great song. Is it "baby when you're gone"?

[@darnitthelma4247]

It is a good song but I actually don’t like her screechy voice on that one 😮

[@5ammusic]

This was SO. GOOD. 😢 Melanie is one strong woman.

[@Jordan_Brown_WoW]

Totally agree with Mayim on her explanation of why sporty spice was her favorite spice girl. ❤ Sporty spice was always my favorite too!

[@juliebaird4539]

I love the part when she talks about learning from her daughter ❤️ I totally agree. I’ve learned so much from being a mom and my kids.

[@dionmajuru5631]

Liking the content before I even watch it❤️😊

[@pamelaanahimclibertynegrin7587]

I knew I picked the right spice too!!! I love this woman so much, she’s really an inspiration in so many ways. Thank you, Mayim!!! I didn’t know about this podcast, but count me as a regular from now on! ❤❤

[@matiaspereira9382]

Hey Dr Bialik. I kind of like the Spice Girls too. I admit I ate very much when I was little but I now can balance my food. Thank you for your really great performance as Amy Farrah Fowler! Nobody could've played her better than you! I really really hope you reprise your role as Amy someday! I also totally agree with girl power. Women can do anything too

[@alefonseca6162]

One of my favorite people in the world.!!!!! What a wonderful surprise, I absolutely love Mel C. I don’t remember if I had favorite Spice back in the day, they weren’t as huge in my country as they were in the UK, USA, and other countries but of course we knew of THE Spice Girls ( or maybe I was just not paying attention), there was also no social media and all the stuff we have know so I didn’t really live the Spicemania. As I grew older I found Mel’s music extremely comforting, her lyrics and melodies just spoke to me in a special way and I have been a massive fan for years. From her interviews she seems down to earth, very aware of her privileges and honest about her struggles, I love the way she speaks about her daughter. My favorite thing about Mel is how passionate and dedicated she is to her career as a singer/performer, she didn’t give up that important part of her life even during the hard times and to me that is a very important lesson because it’s so hard to find a passion in life and but even harder to stick with it when things are not going our way. Thank you Mayim for sharing this interview I LOVED IT and you should definitely give Mel’s music a listen.

[@tmcbgrrl0074]

The "Girl Power" movement meant so much to me. I have a mirror that I stuck all my 'cool' empowering stickers on. I still have it. Thank you all for what you did for young women at that time xo

[@JaneKellie-uh3mo]

Hi Mayim . Melanie C. Spice Girls back in the 1990s where the biggest, most successful girl band . Im in my 60s today and Im all in for the Spice Girls Reunion in 2024 ,..sent from Liverpool 🇯🇪 U.K .. Yes im a true Beatles and Paul McCartney & Ringo 🍏 huge fan

[@headlesspostman]

Love you Mel C!

[@orland0110]

Thank you so much for another amazing episode, Mayim. I really enjoy seeing the awesome guests that you have on your podcast. I totally love being here!

[@joanneskelton9304]

She continues to be such an inspiration for so many ❤️ so Humble and wonderful in person to meet also.

[@joseu151]

Oh my gosh, I love this... Mel C is my favorite one since day 1 she was even the first poster I stocked on my walls. Thanks for this great interview. I think I've seen so many podcasts where she is the guest and I just love her. ❤️

[@GoGoSachiko]

I loved this interview!! Spice Girls were such an integral part of my childhood, I think my friends and I watched Spice World a hundred times. I don’t remember if I had a favorite, I just liked some more than others…Sporty, Posh, and Scary lol. Ginger was ok and Baby…well lol wasn’t my favorite but still appreciated all their voices and talent. I was in Martial Arts growing up so maybe I identified more with Sporty even though I never had the athletic build and then Scary was also the other Spice I identified with and then Posh was something I wanted to be but wasn’t.

[@kateh7406]

I was 20 in 1996 and in college. It was great music and lots of fun in the clubs. Love Mel C. This was a fantastic interview Mayim, as usual! ❤

[@neoshadowdukeofgames8223]

The Spice Girls are amazing and I loved how open Mel was with her mental health adventures.

[@tellmeurfavoritesong]

I love Melanie C, always my favorite 😅. Thank you, Mayim, for this.

[@monicatata6725]

My sincere Gratitude for this interview, deeply thankful for the willingness of the Human Being, beyond the spice girls persona, to express so openly and straightforward the suffering and the regeneration of her humanness ❤ her daughter sounds like an old soul, Bless her heart, and I am sure all children choose their Parents.

[@BebopDesigner]

I’m a huge fan of you Mayim, and seeing you having this amazing conversation with my idol Mel C blows my mind and melts my heart, Thank you 🙏🏽🥳

[@quelarte]

I need this book urgently. She was my favorite spice and I can't believe how much our minds are similar, the stuff she went through, depression, dysphoria, eating too much and hating myself for it, the agorafobia, the rage, the loneliness, the struggle to search for treatment. It's a long way to walk... But even if we have to crawl sometimes, we can still go forward.

[@honestlee3556]

I related with her the most when I was a teen. I hate to pick favorites....but..... She was my favorite spice girl also! Now I know her a bit better. Thank you

[@bowdowntojules]

45:08 made me cry, OMG! I'm such a HUGE spice girls fan and thank you Mayim for this! Mel, you've made an impact to this once-young-boy's life!

[@nicolewilliams2468]

You know, I never got into the Spice Girls as they came into effect as I was in college & they seemed to be more for a younger crowd, but I’ve loved watching Victoria Beckham due to my love of soccer / proper footy. This interview adds a whoooooooole new level to what they did, & my respect for what they did just skyrocketed. WOW!!!!

[@theboyjames3065]

Ginger spice was named that to echo her "fiery" and "feisty" red-headed personality. Also, Geri often mentioned the Hollywood actress Ginger Rogers - pointing to the golden era of Hollywood and those pin up girls of the 1950s which she would often dress like.

[@rachelfarmer0277]

Both Melanies were my favourites. All of you are beautiful ladies. You are enough.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🫂

[@justmytwocents2022]

I enjoy all of the talks, but being a Spice Girls fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Thank you so much. Greetings from Germany. 🖤🖤❤❤💛💛

[@piotr6744]

Its a first time that I came across Mayim's channell probably thanks to her guest who is one of my huuuge idols (all Spice Girls are) and wow! I love they way you talk about such an important issues with such ease and warmth being able to let your guests open up on a very sensitive and personal experiences, some of which I am identifying with myself. You are doing a great job. Sending love from Poland for both you Mayim and for Melanie C ❤❤

[@TheOtherNiki]

Yay! Thank you so much for chatting with Melanie!! Absolutely love that girl and so cool to see worlds colliding like this!

[@carolperry7695]

mel's voice has changed. she's more articulate and softer spoken

[@rrain21]

I just bought her book today after hearing this.

[@cherishhow]

This episode is wonderful! And it is my first time watching your podcast. Thank you for doing this, Mayim👍

[@ivettagerba2023]

Thank-you for bringing disordered eating to the forefront. I am a survivor of anorexia and bulimia and suffered for 5 years in my twenties. It took me another 5 years to recover. In those days it was looked at as a behavioral problem and not the result of trauma. Mine was definitely the result of trauma.

[@Michael-pu4pd]

This one and the Leslie Jordan Interview are my 2 favorite. Been a Melanie C fan ever since discovering the Spice Girls in 1996. I absolutely loved this interview Mayim.❤️ I was secretly hoping for a question about Melanie’s relationship with Anthony Kiedis. But I totally understand you kept it professionally as always.☺️

[@normapalacios4956]

this interview is the reason @MelanieCMusic is my favorite Spice Girl. I've read this book more than once. To read her words, is just 😌 and she will forever be Sporty Spice. ✌Thanks Mayim, and I say yes, the glossary does help. ☺

[@1971GeeGee]

Yet again, you've brought us an amazing, insightful interview! I am a ginger but Sporty Spice was my favourite! Ginger was my second,. Thank you for sharing this with us. Much love from Ontario, Canada.

[@KHBogWitch]

“I hear you, but you’re not being very helpful right now.” I love this! It doesn’t bash on a person for having negative thoughts, and it doesn’t invalidate the thoughts themselves-but it chooses to elevate love and true self care in one’s mindset instead of giving into the negative thoughts.

[@KimLachanceMusic]

What a great episode. My parents got me Spice World for my 7th birthday and that movie and their music was a huge part of my early childhood. I was WAY more obsessed with them then the Backstreet Boys or NSYCH. I wanted to be them, I wanted that sort of confidence and talent and fun. The Spice Girls were so criticized for being overly sexual, but they were just women owning who they were and having fun while doing it. I'm 100% getting this book haha.

[@brinsonopinion]

This is one of your best so far, I think. Maybe because it was clear how much the 2 of you were genuinely enjoying the conversation. I also especially enjoy when you host celebrities because the depth & breadth of conversation, especially around mental health aspects of their experiences, transcends regular interview status. I think it probably helps that, McConaughey aside lol, they know what they're getting into with your podcast & it's sort of unspoken that they can & will "go there," discuss things with maybe a little more candor because you provide a safe space for that. Anyway, another great job Mayim!

[@itsjamylle]

I felt like i was the one making this comment only by reading it 😂 YES to all of this.

[@Ashley-wu7hy]

Spice Girls was my first concert .... and very different from what I only listened to which was ToM Petty, Stevie Nick's, Fleetwood Mac Beatles. Something about an all girl bandana Mel C was my favorite and who I related to.

[@cdg1111]

Profound. Loved this video, thank you Mayim.

[@drluizpires]

Thank you so much for inviting her ❤

[@HakuhoVento]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@ana85ist]

Thank you for the interview,very deep and interesting. Thank you Melanie for your music and sharing your experiences.

[@CJCPhotography]

Loved this interview! I had the chance to meet Melanie during her book signing over the Summer in NYC and she was so incredible.

[@Ores77]

Beautiful interview!! Well done Mayim! And Melanie was so sincere and beautiful as well. Really nice!!

[@marisamartinezolivera]

First things first: Chag Sameach 🕎and Merry Christmas 🎄to all the Breakers out there and all the ones at MBB team! 🫶🏽 Regarding today’s episode, if surviving fame as a kid or a teenager being a single one (actor, singer, etc..) must be difficult, I can’t imagine how it could be while being a part of a worldwide successful ensemble that went as a perfectly greased machine! How touching and sad is to watch here Mel Crisholm explaining about “feeling lonely” even in the middle of adoring crowds and luxury hotels rooms..And how rewarding is to see how she bravely found the help and the tools to overcome the scares left after living under public scrutiny for years blooming afterwards with a brain so well furnished! “Girls Power” at its best! You rock Mel C! And Mayim, another fabulous woman-to-woman (even missing a bit JC comments here..) episode! THANK YOU!!

[@KristinsCreations]

Absolutely beautiful interview. It's incredible to think that someone who's so successful and on top of the world could have felt those things at that time.

[@Biabia49]

I love Melanie C so much! And this interview was amazing. Mayim you are amazing too! 🥰❤

[@victoriayornet7130]

What a fantastic interview! I love Mel and YES to embrace growth in every direction. I simply enjoy so much to know about THE NEXT FASE and what she has been doing from her own reflection and perspective.

[@jennaa624]

you always have such amazing people on ❤

[@ZukiTV]

Another great interview! This has got to be my favorite podcast by far! Keep it up!

[@MayimBialik]

🙌🙌🙌

[@bethanythatsme]

What a lovely way to start a day. Great talk ☕💙

[@ramiejones793]

Love this interview. Two strong powerful women ❤

[@samsong24]

31 million albums? That's an album sold every second of that year lol. Mind boggling. EDIT: Thanks for this, Mayim :) Mel C is one of my favourite people.

[@m_brokenleg]

By age, all I knew about Spice Girls came from my sisters & brothers & curiously, all them where Mel C fans and her posters filled our home! After watching (we watch the “survivors” even after hard fighting, overcoming it) how fame, social media & living under the public eye destroys, or at least tries to destroy lives, how I appreciate the work done by Beverly Bialiak by keeping her daughter sane & grounded. Bravo Bev! (btw, missing #Bevisodes as I think many watchers here!!) Such a remarkable person is Mel C..and how adorable her old-soul-kind daughter seems to be by her comments! Another great episode, again! Happy Holidays to Mayim, Jonathan & to all who celebrate! 💜

[@peter_bazinet]

Amazing interview!

[@onemoresongs]

Mel C/Sporty Spice had such a positive impact of my younger years :) Appreciate this interview so much- thank you both! 🙏❤️

[@danisolda]

I love Mel C, Mel B, Victoria, Geri and Emma, those are my favorite people in the world. Bring Victoria, she is not often open to interviews, but please try, she is something!!

[@kmacca5342]

She’s a good interview!

[@ec9121]

Thank you 😊

[@diegoshepherd3464]

The second half was fascinating

[@BWR82]

I loved the Spice Girls! I was a teeanger when they were famous and Mel C was my favourite Spice Girl!

[@pipermaru2006]

Wow. Great episode! xxx

[@ccrosas1]

This was like a big hug for my inner child!! Sporty was my fave too!!

[@kellyj.azania4371]

Mayim, that was THE BEST interview! Where the heck is the movie about the Spice Girls?! It's LONNNGGG pass due! I'm not talking about "Spice World". There's gotta be a major motion film in the making. Honest to blog, I would literally invest half of my monthly pension into seeing a Spice Girls film come to fruition. With whom do I have to speak?

[@elleeme9451]

I genuinely laugh out loud when Mayim said "owwww.... like a bad BOYFRIEND". Much love to Melanie ❤️I think you're fabulous. Because you're a fabulous person. Not because of the fame.

[@tommyryan3434]

She has a lovely soul very down to earth

[@phoenixmoon3]

I love all my girls! This was awesome. 🥰🥰🥰 I love this! Thanks Mayim love you too. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 I also love this show.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Wow mel c I'm a fan of the spice girls I'm definitely will be reading her memoir next year 🙂👏❤❤

[@robsonel56]

Makes perfect sense knowing Blossom has Mel C/Sporty Spice as her favorite. hahaha

[@chk859]

Sporty Spice was my fave. No point repeating all the lovely compliments in my words. I think the same as everyone here. Love all the Spices, but Sporty Spice is my fave. I can relate to Sporty.

[@avrilarteagapuente2701]

She is the world's favourite Spice Girl

[@RedHeadThriller10]

The little girl in me is hyped up whenever I see the spice girls so you having her on is sooo nice🥰 Good to know you like gingers 🤣😍🤐 Happy Hannenukah babe

[@lauralimon3160]

I feel sooo jelous and glad at the same time. Melanie C is my favourite spice girl

[@elecktra6223]

Happy Hanukkah Mayim! Love to you and the ones you love.

[@juliajones2283]

Melanie is so strong and this was so interesting. I still think she has a great voice - loved her singing with Bryan Adams too. X

[@medicinaemdia4895]

35:10 sometimes you just gotta listen to that little voice on your head that says “ you can’t keep on doing this” a just take care of yourself. I’m gonna say that 99,99% of the times you gotta listen tho that voice inside your head.

[@madamplant]

I'm first!! Love you! Good morning. Happy Hanukkah 🕎

[@tomlichnofsky.7048]

My favorite Spice Girl 😊👍👌 All the best To you Guys! Take care and Seasons greetings And Happy Holidays to you guys! ✊👊🍁♈

[@HH-gv8mx]

I love mayim’s podcast. I just noticed that almost every podcast I listen to claims that they use athletic greens. I wonder how many of these people that do their podcasts actually use this product.?

[@themuttsandthemal7729]

I 100% agree I too am a ginger and she is iconic in showing gingers aren’t weird. Seeing someone who actually looked like me other then ginger on Gilligans island, or cartoon characters or even Lucille Ball. I am only (32) but when spice girls where big honestly bullying wasn’t as big of an issue for sure when spice girls where on top. After they stopped bullying slowly in some ways was Awful. Geri was/is the ginger icon of todays generations.

[@Sportyspice4eva]

Luv luv @Melanie C sporty is the best spicegirls for ever 🥰✌️I have her star tattoo on my arm

[@tessajetta8146]

I love Tuesdays!

[@tinakilloran]

she's always been my favorite too! I love her performance in Jesus Christ Superstar.

[@patriciagallant8133]

Missing my fellow Canadian. :(

[@GoGoSachiko]

If you take requests here, I just listened to Tom Felton’s book and I think he would be a good interview!! You had a Ravenclaw and now it’s time for a Slytherin 🤓🤓

[@istvansolymar5297]

Hi miyam 😁

[@angelaholmes8888]

Happy holidays mayim ☃️❄😊🎁⛄🌨👍

[@brachashighhopeshomestead226]

Mayim I love this haircut on you!! how much does it cost to get your haircut in LA now?

[@darnitthelma4247]

She is that “normal” I bet she does it herself or Jonathan does it 🤷🏼‍♀️