Nikki Blonsky: Go Be You

Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray, Huge series, Bosco film) stops by to discuss the importance of seeing oneself represented accurately in the media, body type stigmas, and her coming out journey. She opens up about her start as a singer, the moment she first fell in love with Hairspray, and how it changed her life. Nikki shares the tension she faced in the entertainment industry from not fitting the mold, the origins and evolution of her self-confidence, and how she feels about the notion of radical self-acceptance. Mayim considers self-awareness and situations where we may not always present our true selves.
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Ask Mayim Anything: www.bialikbreakdown.com​​
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6TgOe2p...
Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
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Find Nikki Blonsky:
Twitter: @NikkiBlonsky
Instagram: @NikkiBlonsky
Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #NikkiBlonsky

[@johnmitchell2154]

AWESOME!!! Nikki Blonsky is AWESOME!!! And so is Mayim Bialik! Mayim is solid proof that you can come back better than ever as an actor or actress! Personally, I'm proud of both Mayim Bialik and Nikki Blonsky ❤🌈💋💕😃👍💙💗🌹

[@m_brokenleg]

I watched this episode, & with me some pals here who didn’t knew ab it but will be watchers from now on, while collecting, packing & preparing a truck full of humanitarian aid from Barcelona to Ukraine. In this darkest hour, the optimistic aproach to life of someone as Nikki enlightens our day. THAN YOU Mayim & Jonathan! 💙💛And thanks for the subliminal message of the blue & yellow item at your desk, intented or casual!

[@robynrains7252]

Thank you for helping those in Ukraine. I am heartbroken for the brave citizens and so proud of them for standing up to evil invaders. I needed a break from the news, Mayim and Jonathan are a much needed respite

[@m_brokenleg]

@@robynrains7252 Thanks. It’s our obligation as European and world’s citizens. At the Ukranian Consulate of Barcelona, the one guiding all the humanitarian aid process here told us they’re amazed about the response of civil society worldwide. They have had to hire more trucks from here, and drivers are volunteers. It’s the less we can do.

[@annamaxflair]

A lot of the hype for Hairspray was Travolta in drag , it didn't take long to see who the real star was. Truly enjoys Miss Blonsky"s version of Hairspray

[@gypsywoman9140]

It was a star-studded cast, which I imagine would be daunting for any debut performer, but she owned that screen. It was also cute how much John loved being Edna.

[@vitomcsween974]

Thank you so much for this I haven't seen Nikki Blonski in like forever

[@briana_leonard]

I was 25 when Hairspray came out and it helped to change my body image for the better. It was a real turning point for me. I also watched it with my little sister (who was 10 at the time) and it seriously had such a positive affect on both of our lives. Thank you, Nikki!

[@marisamartinezolivera]

Yess! Exactly as Mayim says at ~ 1:02:30. The thing that as a creator (actors & architects alike) validates your job isn’t the applause nor pumping your ego (in my branch we’ve “diva architects” for that) but it’s when you see people living/using the building you create happy and comfy in it, even making it evolve as their lives evolve too. It’s the architect’s approach to the concept of “engaging” people, exactly the same way Mayim talks about herself as a performer: connection! All Nikki’s episode is great (Hunter McGrady’s one comes to mind) but it was the last “solo” part of Jonatan and Mayim that resonates so much in me! Forever grateful! 🙏🏼💜

[@Shimmerprincess13]

Hair spray came out on my 11th birthday and me and my group of friends went to see it! It was so encouraging for me (the largest girl in the group) to see a bigger r women on screen!!! The movie impacted my next few years of puberty/ being a teenager and I’ve never been so happy a movie came out when it did!!

[@believer773]

Again bringing us interesting and unexpected guests from the Breakdown team, thanks.

[@barbarabornholdt2854]

Thank you Mayim for being so open! I filter every decision through 3 other people's perspective before I get to mine and what I want. It is exhausting, but honestly hearing someone "famous, who has it together " express the same personal struggle brings hope.

[@andreasnrlie1381]

Great interview. Nikki is so sweet, charming and strong. Plus-size women can be beautiful and confident and its about time that the entertainment industry showed that more often.

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

YAY! It's another wonderful vid!

[@alishamanning9302]

Much needed episode! Thank you for what you share ♡

[@sharonallen2020]

Yes--sometimes, there's a need to be alone and just sing, and my go-tos are songs from musicals, especially "The Sound of Music". I love the discussion about stereotypes between the look of a person/character and the issues they're struggling with, and the message to just go be "you." Great interview!

[@MyLifeAsMeeee]

This episode is fantastic! "Maybe if I keep telling you I don't think you're self-aware, you'll get more aware.. Oh wait, that's not how it works"

[@eccccecccce]

loved this episode and the delightful chat at the end! as a neurodivergent person (asd+add) and also child of inmigrant parents I identify so much with the story and traits Mayim described about herself and the way she process social information, and would love to see her talking about this topics in the future 💖 thank yo guys so much for such high quality content!

[@forestduffe5576]

Awesome episode with Nikki😊 she was great on "hairspray"

[@MyStylist.Naomi12]

The post interview wrap up of this episode was something I connected with SO deeply that I almost wanted to cry but also felt so comforted it literally felt like the rush I get when someone I love gives me a big hug. It brought me back to a therapy session I had a couple months ago where I had many aha moments while discussing my brains constant chatter and constant need to understand the people around me. And my enormous discomfort with people who are difficult to read. I know Mayim doesn't like praise but seriously, I connect with her on this crazy level where she makes me feel more normal and less alone in this world.

[@TheHahaha247]

Omg love Nikki! I loved the original Hairspray as a kid and her reboot. I felt like all the things they talked about were so important when I was a kid. 💜

[@aliciarodrigues6300]

Omg, I love Nikki💖💖

[@bobbiek1976]

I appreciate this episode 🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@beyondallmeasure]

This was such a great episode. ❤

[@lilpoet27]

Hairspray (2007), along with Dreamgirls, are some of the best modern movie musicals

[@aprilmatthysse3123]

The after talk about your personality and the dodgers story is also me!! SO MANY TIMES I RELATE TO HIW YOU FUNCTION

[@opticalmixing23]

Great show Mayim!

[@SL313]

Love this podcast so much!!

[@avigailsumaylo6253]

I love that interview with Nikki. I can totally relate to what you guys were talking about trying on bathing suits. Omg, my 2nd favorite part of your videos is the recap that you guys do after you say bye and thank you to your guest. You both had me cracking up talking about what you said to the Dodgers owner😆😆😆 You inspire me Mayim! I love, and enjoy watching your videos. It makes my day!!

[@liseyboop]

i’ve always love nikki, hairspray as a movie really was so important for me as a ten year old, i love this interview. but also and as always, i relate to mayim so so so heavily especially on her lol excerpt at the end i want so badly to connect and be important to someone/the person ❤️

[@erinelizabeth9047]

Wait!! I’m dying to know how the owner of the Dodgers reacted to what you said, Mayim! 🤣🤣🤣

[@tictocsick6225]

LOL!!! you both are so funny. I loved this episode.

[@archaprice3372]

Fascinating!

[@HeatherLangone]

OMG Mayim, after this episode we may be long lost soulmates ha! I loved this episode so much. I am also overly nice and deferential at times and then weirdly confrontational as well! I laughed so hard! I laughed so much!

[@melissareid640]

Nikki is beautiful. 💝🙏💝 Jonathan is so silly.

[@MinMovieMaker]

Johnathan is ne'er do well who glommed on to MB and is a taker. Getting him to pay to be in podcast and I'm sure other things. So he doesn't need to make his own money. As con men often are he can be charming, That doesn't mean he's dangerous.

[@loveinthematrix]

Hey! Is that Nikki Blonsky (from the movie Hairspray)? For real though I love her personality

[@jamiersher5131]

Me listening to the story about the Dodger game invite: "If that were me, I'd have said 'I'm not going to a secondary location! That's how people get murdered! Mulaney told us so!" I think Mayim's response was much better. Lol

[@franciscomenezes4308]

I love Blosson!

[@homotron8629]

elevator during leather night with your mom 😂😅🥰 Nikki, you are so radiant! It's so revealing of your character that while some people would be terrified of seeing themselves even slightly vulnerable on a billboard, and one in NYC at that!!! you instead chose to see the value in what it could mean for others who may otherwise feel marginalized. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

[@TinyTotPropShop]

Nikki helped me with my self-esteem. Hairspray came out when I was a fat 16 years old. I watched the movie SOOOO many times

[@merle309]

I love to sing with the into/outro song *-*

[@marie-clairedelongchamp1330]

I agree, it puts me into instant good mood 😝

[@robinkirkpatrick9090]

Fluffy is what I like to call myself 🎹💕

[@LivingAble]

As a "disabled" person (wheelchair user) I feel like using actors that are at least not disabled in a similar fashion like a walking person playing a wheelchair part just carries on the stereotype that those who are using a wheelchair are truly "disabled". There would be a lot less people on disability if we were actually represented in an accurate way because less people would be conditioned with the idea that we can't do this or that before we even speak. And accommodation like a ramp is way less expensive than paying people on disability because people won't even give them the time of day because of what they think we can or can't do.

[@Rainbowofthefallen]

Just Commenting for the algorithm 💛

[@nicolenichol3820]

I would love to do karaoke with Nikki, Mayam and Jonathan. That would be so fun. Nikki is such a cool lady with talent. 🥰🫂🖖

[@ritakrill6211]

Woooahhh Mayim really blew my mind at the end of this episode when she brought up women being better at reading people since they have a motherly instinct of sensing their babies. I never made this connection before myself and I am enlightened. Makes total sense!

[@MinMovieMaker]

True but she can't read that Cohen is using her. There is nothing in his bio that can be confirmed. He gets her to pay him for pod and I'm sure he sponges other money as well. Even the most astute can have a bind spot.

[@davidadams2395]

As a male of a certain age (six years older than Mayim), my younger, tighter self would have felt much more exposed having my image on a billboard while in nothing but a speedo. My 52-year-old self would feel more confident in my lived-in body. This body tells a grander story than that one. I remember seeing the marketing image for Huge, and I can see how that could make one feel it's no longer an ensemble but the Nikki Show, and it's up to her to carry it. Although, I thought the photo of Nikki as Willamena sold me on watching the show. Huge was sweet and funny and received plaudits from critics, but not so much from the audience; alas, 8 of the network's 13 top-rated shows (70% or above) lasted only one season.

[@cathygormanson2941]

Don't know where else to post so hope someone out here and answer my question. Seeing ads about Mayim CBD Gummies but none of them have a purchase option. Are these for real?

[@themcgeefamily7514]

💚💙

[@Xinrui_Heartflower]

For the sake of intersectionality speaking as a Neurodivergent person, we also need more non neurotypical actors and writers rooms with consultants who are neurodivergent as well. This goes for all disabilities even if the subject is handled with the utmost care and dignity it can still fall short in the sense of representation when accommodations (which under labour law are mandatory in some form) are not asked for or are asked for and not met. It makes it harder to employ those who need them regardless of industry. Currently I work in Retail and I’m Autistic luckily my position isn’t more than entry level and I’m not in a level of how my body and brain function that it’s a challenge. But I’d like to see better representation on that front for disabled (physically and neurodivergent) people. When you have a consultant in a writers room who is in this group of people they can guide the neurotypical/non-disabled writers to craft a story line for the character that’s authentic and real that isn’t guided by often harmful stereotypes. What people don’t understand about disabled and neurodivergent characters is that no matter how masterful and dignified the actor portraying the character is that character falls flat when the writers use the existing often harmful and ableist rooted stereotypes about this group of diverse and interesting people which creates a vast disconnect in how the portrayal feels to people with the disability or neurodivergence that is trying to be depicted. For instance and to be truthful I’ve tried to watch it and give it a chance but The Good Doctor good thing it depicts an autistic man, not so great thing you can as an autistic person figure out that it’s written by neurotypicals and also Freddie Highmore though he’s a great actor and does a good job is not autistic. There are just somethings in this example an Autistic Actor would understand better from living with the disorder (and it is a disorder as it can cause mobility issues and severe sensory sensitivity among other things) rather than having to research and act on stereotypes. Point being I relate to the notion of the world not being for certain people and that very much includes People of Colour, Indigenous People, Larger Bodied People, LGBTQIA2S+ People, Disabled People, and those who are Immigrants (people coming to another country from their homeland), Emigrants (someone moving from their homeland to another country) and Refugees (those displaced by war or conflict of any type fleeing for their safety).

[@samanthakennedy9514]

Sonny Bono was on Blossom

[@cayceesmith2650]

I'm coming out. But also staying in. 😂

[@Authentistic-ism]

With all fondness and respect from a neurodivergent adult fan, it is my pleased opinion based on your post-interview chat, that both of you are neurodivergent AF. :) Yall are describing lifetime of adult masking scenarios in social situations

[@flexulant]

my favorite racist queen i lovee herrrrrrrrr

[@janeswidler5129]

Great Neck North cheerleader and kiltie 196-. Go Blazers

[@collgoff]

Nikki Blonsky sounds different from the last time I saw her.

[@greatlakesnarwhalmichellee4507]

I like to say fluffy of phat with a P.H. I played trombone from 5th grade - grade and was never able to fully read music. It didn't help that I'm dyslexic.

[@kogazilla]

OMFG Nikki is a lesbian??!! YYYYAAAAAYYYYY!!!!

[@marie-clairedelongchamp1330]

Mayim, I’m Canadian 🇨🇦, &…I still go into a bank!! 🤣💦lol.

[@alexanderh9878]

I don't know how many people would happily stand in front of the mirror naked- skinny, fat or in-between.

[@ratedrachel3670]

Ps the cute ginger was mad at you for 7minutes 25seconds of the podcast. I like when he's grumpy but I also don't want to sexualized his feelings. Why you madd bb!? 💜

[@annamariaml9137]

I thought it was such a shame to waste so much time reflecting on the body image issues concerning the industry... I understand it's maybe a important discussion, but it seems to me that this super talented actress would have liked to talk about more interesting things... But still an enjoyable episode

[@maureenmckillop3622]

You made this interview all about weight and not about her acting, singing, etc.

[@marisamartinezolivera]

Maybe because the podcast is about Mental Health, weight and coming out is related or could affect Mental Health and it’s not a podcast dedicated to pamper any “ego”? Just asking…

[@homotron8629]

​@@marisamartinezolivera Who are you quoting? The episode was not specific on the subject of body standards. Had it been explained from the beginning, it would have not felt so much as if Mayim was projecting her insecurities at Nikki. Bless Nikki for taking part in this interview and allowing us a glimpse into the mind of someone exemplary to the benefits and power that comes from not focusing on just oneself. It's evident what a selfless and caring person Nikki is; seeing the value on what her bathing-suit billboard could mean for someone growing with a body outside of the industry norm. It's evident Mayim would have perceived it as an assault to her own property (likeliness) and while it's so powerful that she'll be the first one to admit that. It leads to my second point: Marisa, I think that you are mistaken in saying that the podcast isn't "dedicated to pamper any “ego”;" as here seems to be a recurring practice in which guests are often unable to elaborate past a few sentences before being interrupted so that the host impulsively responds to the question they themselves asked, even when the audience knows the answer from episodes past. I think this is a great podcast and am thankful for the creator's time. i hope to see the opportunity for Jonathan to be able to open up more and not be constantly interrupted or be the target snarky remarks, maybe then it won't seem so much as if his participation is dependent on making sure his every word is to the host's liking.

[@marisamartinezolivera]

@@homotron8629 I was answering someone that missed they didn’t speak about creer, acting and singing but about Mental Health and all related to it at a podcast about, curiously, Mental Health….

[@homotron8629]

​@@marisamartinezolivera and who's to say there might not have been something to discover about mental health when discussing those things as well? Nikki described her singing as a tool for her stress. She has obviously no qualms about her weight yet it kept being pushed into conversation

[@marisamartinezolivera]

@@homotron8629 As you wish. I move on. New episode today. Have a nice day.

[@MinMovieMaker]

Since There is no evidence of Cohen being a futurist except being in a company with 9 employees but no futuristic predictions. No evidence of him being a writer or anything else of note. Shouldn't it be wise to be very skeptical of him. At a difficult time in your life, he shows up. Con men can be charming and seem like good people but it looks like his main source of income is Mayim Bialik. He has his claws in. You've seen the many documentaries about women taken advantage of seemingly honest decent men. How much of your money is he after?

[@jadeswrapsandbraids]

Here's the video where she gets the iconic part kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJTKf3elr9NsY6s

[@jendymunoz7642]

No may may . Dodger's 🏟️ baby

[@opticalmixing23]

'You don't fit the mold'

Hi there dear sis, Mayim, how u doin today, well ı'm ok exept for a herniated disk problem in my neck, pain in the ass you know, nowadays ı gotta go to the physiotherapy center every afternoon daily which is a bit close to my house, lol so pls listen up dear sis,ı like to critisize you guys a bit if you don't mind, first of all ı always rather to support weakest sides of the population such as women,gays,lesbians,poor and homeless people,black people,asian people,etc. cuz ı'm kinda radical left wing guy you know but ı'd rather to name myself as an humanitarian only and nothing else you know, however ı suddenly realized that there are for instance LBTQ guys, middle eastern,asian or black people in almost every fucking single American tv series and productions however unfortunately pretty much no metal dudes such as just as me you know, well ı mean some of those long haired guys with the band Motorhead t-shirts,etc. for instance you know. ı just wanted to catch your attention to the matter dear sis, take care adios muchos, se you guys around yeah

[@tam9856]

Her career should’ve soared after Hairspray… sadly, she got the one-hit wonder treatment.

[@curt8806]

Just realizing Mayim is actually a narcissistic person who just wants to hear herself talk. Damn.

[@upendasana7857]

I think its somewhat disengenuous of Mayim to say theres two types of actors or performers..the ones who want applause and adulation and the ones who are simply desperate to be loved or validated ...I think they both come from the same place and on a continuum maybe but ultimately they are really are one and the same. Its also gets abit tired with Mayim "I'm so weird and neurotic" all the time ....it all gets abit jaded tbh and shes not a young girl anymore or woman...shes a mother and has a successful career...really enough already of this neurotic indulgence. Face your #hit Mayim and get on with it.There is nothing contradictory about being a people pleaser as well as confident too...many people can hold these two apparent opposities.Obviously there is some kind of pay off in it for and lets face it ,,,its takes real courage to truely be yourself,you have to rosk rejection and disapproval and judgement etc and none of us like that..but at some point you just got to grow up and grow some. Please...there are people out there in way more insecure positions than you without financial security etc ...stop focusing so much on yourself and do something of service for others...honestly its just gets so indulgent

[@joannaurban2418]

I agree. Much as I love this podcast for spreading awareness, the constant "I was poor growing up, my grandparents didn't speak English and I go to therapy for 7 different things" gets on my nerves, especially when it draws the attention away from a really interesting guest who supposedly is there to be interviewed, not to pat Mayim's back.

[@sidewalksurf800]

Cut class to audition for Hairpspray, just like Tracy Turnblad 🥹

[@wannabetrucker7475]

💙💛