Maisie Williams: The Painful Past Of A Game Of Thrones Star | E181

Maisie Williams is one of the biggest actors in the world today. One of the breakout stars of Game of Thrones, Maisie hasn’t known a normal life since she was 11 years old when she was cast in the biggest tv show in the world.
Topics:
0:00 Intro
02:03 Early years
19:52 How do you feel about your father now?
23:38 Did you always think you were wrong growing up?
30:13 Acting took me out of my real world
34:42 Dealing with fame
42:29 Your identity after game of thrones
54:03 Would you erase any areas of your life?
56:46 Are you able to say nice things about yourself now?
01:00:09 Issues with substance abuse
01:03:58 Romantic love
01:09:43 Who are you now?
01:16:36 What does success in the next 10 years look like for you?
01:21:05 Your personality is very different now
01:28:39 Were you nervous about coming here and opening up?
01:31:58 Why we are all artists
01:38:20 Nothing is a waste of time
01:42:43 The last guests question
Maisie:
/ maisie_williams
/ maisie_williams
Maisie recommends this website if you need to talk to someone, it has got her through some of her worst days: www.7cups.com/
Listen on:
Apple podcast - podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Spotify - open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT...
Follow:
Instagram: / steven
Twitter: / stevebartlettsc
Linkedin: / steven-bartlett-56986834
Sponsors:
Huel - g2ul0.app.link/wjmvak5nAsb
Craftd -

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Thank you all for watching, if you could do me a favour, hit subscribe and turn notifications on it helps us more than you know 🙏🏻 currently we have 74% of regular viewers than haven’t subscribed 😅 appreciate you all.

[@edithchetty]

You are such an incredible human being, Steven Bartlett! You continue to inspire and impact continually!

[@Dale_Groves]

Steven This platform is an absolute revelation. Thank you.

[@oldschoolabrahamhicks2742]

So much love and compassion- you would make an AMAZING parent!

[@saz4860]

Well done for being a good human being and giving Maisie a big hug ❤

[@AnnaPugacova]

Done ❤

[@drewcobarrubias2093]

Maisie is a class act. I was driving for lyft and i picked her up, the app informed her that it was my birthday, she was the only customer that day that wished me a happy birthday. I could tell she didn't want to be recognized, i didn't let her know i knew who she was. Arrya Stark was my favorite GOT character.

[@denasharpe2393]

A truly human being....may she come to be genuinely happy in.her ♥ ĺife

[@Thenoobestgirl]

Aww that's nice ☺️

[@kaahfee]

so nice of you. thats being a real fan!

[@nimekupata]

My fav character too, we named our pup Arya. She’s a warrior princess. ❤

[@baggal21]

You’re a class act too my friend for treating her like a normal person. I’m sure that’s what these celebs want.

[@michaelbateson8636]

She had waited her whole life to be asked the right questions. And you were the one who asked them. What a privilege to witness.

[@DaniL731]

My thoughts exactly.

[@smidgelette]

Forgive me but I thought she was referring to her teachers asking the right questions, as a kid. I completely agree though, it’s been a privilege to witness this discussion. She felt safe enough to open up and I hope her openness helps so many others out there. My heart hurts for her. I wish her peace and happiness. ❤

[@gardenia130]

I think even more than the questions, he held the right space. He gave her so much agency and power to guide things and go at a pace. Beautiful demonstration of compassionate listening.

[@evitaaslanidou6150]

That's not what she said!

[@bobo-kj6od]

@@smidgelette no you're right, it was the teacher that asked her if she was hungry etc. which led to all the toxic home stuff being brought to light.

[@stevey187]

Can we just pause for a minute and appreciate the power of a simple hug. That small act of kindness and empathy stands out as one of the more powerful and touching things I've seen on youtube in a while.

[@luciana8492]

People need hug more often ❤

[@lazymary2200]

I admit it was really nice. Although I also want to point out that not everyone who cries wants to be hugged or wants the crying to be emphasized like this. E.g. when I am angry I tend to cry and I hate when the person I talk to is only focusing on me crying and not paying attention anymore to my thoughts and arguments. So please make sure the other person really feels comforted by being hugged. Otherwise it’s not comforting them but comforting yourself and wanting them to stop feel bad because it makes you feel bad. Just think about it for some seconds.

[@maxe381]

I’ve been going through some fertility issues as my husband and I are trying to have a baby. I went to my PCP to ask for a referral to mental health counseling to help me cope. I was a crying, emotional mess. When he left for a moment, the young corpsman in the room said “idk if this is appropriate or not, but can I give you a hug?” It was so sweet and kind and I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life ❤️❤️❤️

[@lisastenzel5713]

I started watching this interview 2 months ago and couldn't even get to the part were they hug. I felt her trauma too deeply. And yes. To get to the point where the listener can give a hug and the other person can take the hug... it's a small window. He has incredibly empathy. His reactions and questions makes this serious so special. Takes me days to get through one interview. But that's more because of the stories told here...deep, heavy stuff. Pain and trauma beyond measure. Still great great interviews

[@lisastenzel5713]

​@@maxe381 He did good by asking your permission. Bless him. I hope you and your husband are okay now and may have a family soon❤

[@hanelno]

This is the strongest interview I think I’ve ever watched. Maisie seems like a beautiful soul and empathetic person. I’m in awe of her.

[@Lomunist]

Yeah, in awe. Such her honesty and vulnerability is incredibly brave.

[@pararararapppppaaa]

I have watched this twice and was making notes along whilst listening to this. One of the best most inatightful interviews there is ❤

[@TGD_B]

“If I wasn’t there, it would have been someone else.” This is such a powerful statement regarding abuse. You are not abused because of who you are, it’s because of who *they* are. And like Maisie said, if you weren’t there to receive the abuse they would have found someone else to abuse. Because they are abusive. Not because you are deserving of abuse.

[@teresayeates3437]

I believed those exact words growing up, however I used them as some sort of belief that somehow I was at least saving someone else. Then when I got older and I realised the magnitude of abuse worldwide, it broke something in me. I felt like it was worth nothing, I saved no one, I was just a drop in the ocean and I did not matter.

[@lindsaysedgwick]

@@teresayeates3437 I struggle with this too. I still am I don't know if happy is the right word maybe relieved that it happened to me and not my younger sister

[@teresayeates3437]

@@lindsaysedgwick Abuse does terrible things to both mind and body. Hugs

[@momogallas]

@@lindsaysedgwick @teresayeates you did you do somtime!!! Your hear and telling your truths you survived the evil that hurt you 🥰 keep heeling and in the words of Dori just keep swimming 😍 plus the fact your on this channel means your open to learning about the things that have affected you. Well done from one that knows 😊 and has learned to be the wee girl that she was before it only took me to 47. That's okay though I am tbh glad I have endured the trauma in a weird way I can see the light in the darkness that gives me the most amazing perspective on life now x

[@lindsaysedgwick]

@@momogallas thankyou 🤗❤️you just gaves me a reminder of how awesome this community is! I appreciate the time you took to leave that heartfelt comment. Peace be the journey, friend 😁

[@robertah2353]

It’s amazing for someone so high profile to be so transparent. Massive respect to Maisie

[@Yellowsnow69420]

Transparent…and rambling. The host does an amazing job of trying to keep this train wreck on the rails.

[@alexterieur8813]

@@Yellowsnow69420 i think she hasnt distanced herself from her trauma enough to be able to speak clearly and not speaking in such cryptic ways.

[@Yellowsnow69420]

@L’esprit de l’escalier Even though she is one of the most fortunate people in the world, I still feel for her. But the interview just isn’t very insightful, deep, or entertaining.

[@jacquiroche6507]

@@Yellowsnow69420 you calling a girl who is struggeling to deal with her trauma, and has been brave enough to talk about it - AND make a success of her life....i dont find kindness or truth in your words...nor understanding, compassion or insight - empathy.

[@FlyingMonkies325]

She was just a person before GOT and is still just a person now no matter how "high profile" what she does is, it's time to change the culture where people just shrug and listen to "celebs" the same as any other person. I get why all the "well known" people have started to say their stories because it's trying to break that perception that anyone whose famous must've had it SO good growing up their entire lives from a "perfect" little family with money or something... nu uh... a lot of people who choose to go into the world of fame actually come from abusive parents many of which force them into that life, while Masie wasn't many others didn't get so lucky especially during the 1980s and 1990s. It helps others realize there's A LOT of things going on in this world that isn't normal and isn't right... that's different from other generations and the culture we're living in across our planet our parents generations from the 1990s and their parents before... something went really wrong that i think we've only just begun to try and figure out, and there's so many trying to stop us do that and others going through a lot of pain that takes it out on others making it 1 million times more difficult. Maybe at some point the things she's saying will help things click for them, cos most won't have anyone to help things click cos "it's too hard" to even try... we get to age 17 and suddenly they throw in the towel cos "we're older now it's up to us", it's all wrong totally... So i guess at risk of her own privacy i thank her for talking about her problems, the same problems most of us are going through these days.

[@ARBernstein]

I'm 70 years old and for the first time, listening to this, remembered just how sad I was as a child. I wondered when the happiness would come to me. I still get those feelings.

[@lisalarita4149]

I hope you are doing better now and you could have felt or you are feeling happines😄

[@baume184]

🌻

[@aidene5513]

Know that even if it did not feel like it, the world loves you❤️

[@1Nida]

Me too. I’m 58 and sometimes I feel like I’m still carrying around that baggage 🧳

[@cindyb9830]

It's never to late for therapy, it's a lot of work, push through and find happiness.💜

[@bupekayoyo5898]

She’s so apologetic of everything and so self aware to not make a mistake or say something wrong or offensive. This is real trauma. I pray she gets healing ❤️

[@charlesgarber5911]

Aye, I noticed that too... I'm definitely going to include her in my prayers, cuz she seems like a genuinely good young lady & as a survivor of trauma she is DEFINITELY a person who could help many others...

[@ClaudiaLewis-zr5is]

Its a hallmark sign of an abused person, as a fellow abuse survivor I apologise way too much and just find it hard to express and own my emotions or myself without automatically apologising after.

[@weaviejeebies]

That self-policing rips you apart. I had such a hard time chipping away at its ruthless voice because, in a way, it developed as a shield to not give the abuser more opportunities to attack than he already took. Trying to drop it and live spontaneously feels like BASE jumping. You might do great, or you might make a mistake with no altitude to fix it and...splat. But it eats you alive inside. I still apologize compulsively and examine every part of a conversation afterwards, but I've come a long way. Maisie seems like she knows what's happened to her, and that it was wrong. I didn't let myself admit that for a long time, so I think she has an excellent chance of decades of normalcy.

[@ChaniBabii]

“I've witnessed people feeling like just them existing in one spot, is them taking up too much room in this world”. That really hit me.

[@saffronbeesley]

You can hear it in her shy little laugh, and how she says "you know" or "but it's ok" and trails off. As though shes apologising for her own voice. So sad. Love her

[@tonynottom4041]

Me too ... feeling helpless to help .... soul destroying

[@ebony5457]

Same that was powerful relatable stuff!

[@daynaelrom6755]

That was such a heavy thing to say. I was moved and have nothing in common to speak for. Wow.

[@markmyers8491]

Me irl

[@YoLyrick]

“The joy. When does that come for me?” - this line is heartbreaking in youth. Maisie is so introspective and wise. I love her even more after this interview!

[@Simplenotion]

​@@user-jy5oi9bi4i Talking about your struggles doesn't mean that your mindset is that of a victim at all. It takes quite a bit of strength to talk about it at all, never mind publicly. Plus she obviously has put a lot of work in to cope and go on...that is the opposite of "victim behavior". Life is also not a competition on who has it worse. And I assure you, there are plenty of people who have faced massive trauma and have gone on to be very successful. Oftentimes people get very very good at covering stuff up esp. children. Unfortunately mentally that takes its toll later. Thank god there is a change in talking about topics like these - there's a chance to break the cycle. If you speak to the older generations you will often find that they have buried those traumas deep down and therefore struggled their whole lifes with it. That often results in transferring their trauma through their behavior onto the next generation...and so on.

[@remylewis8721]

@@user-jy5oi9bi4i you, not knowing her personally at all, making this assumption after her opening up in this interview is incredibly rude and you know it or you wouldn’t have added a disclaimer. Did you even watch this video? Her abuse was bad enough that school teachers picked up on it and intervened because she wasn’t being fed. Grow up. She used acting as an escape from her world at home (dissociative behavior typical of those repressing trauma) and that is how she landed the role, because she didn’t struggle to tap into the tough emotions the way child actors typically do because she already had those emotions. And if you think being a Hollywood actor somehow means you didn’t have a rough childhood just do a quick google search of people like Drew Barrymore, Amanda Bynes, Lindsey Lohan, etc. This is unbelievably narrow minded and unhelpful.

[@CrystalCat24]

Yesssss! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sandrastevens4418]

Just because you have struggled and went through abuse, at home as a child does not mean you act as a victim, when you are not at home. you can have lots of friends during that childhood because if you can be at a friend's house you're safe. wondering when you're house will finally feel safe. when you're constantly being told by your parents that you're not good enough. You grow up feeling. Your not good enough, that you can only be loved when you're good enough to receive it. Without knowing it you start building up a wall of empathy towards others.

[@LennethValkyrie]

I still wonder the same at 35 yo. Huge respect for Maisie, she's amazing.

[@AMBanner]

She would be a great actor to play Sinead O Conner if a movie is made about her life.

[@BlaqpantherMelanistic]

The resemblance is implacable

[@ladyd9511]

Yep yes yes

[@alma.andtheocean5799]

so true..

[@fvs3189]

They do not look a like

[@user-BossMan]

​@@fvs3189..lol.. they both have shaved heads!!! 😂😂😂

[@suzannemullett9506]

I have to say, hearing her talk about the way her dad made her feel like he didn’t like her has had an immediate impact on the way I will raise my son. Instant guilt and a desire to change how short my temper can be with him at times. My god, I’m so glad it’s not too late to change.

[@LareauxLearningLibrary]

I grew up thinking that both of my parents hated me too. My mom, because of her chronic passive aggressiveness and my dad, because of multifaceted abuse, and they divorced when I was 4 so I was tossed back and forth, between two angry parents... I have finally healed my inner child, it took me until my mid-40s to get there. 🙏🏻💝 I resonate with her so much. I'm so glad I found this video today. I feel like I'm hearing myself speak listening to her words. ❤ I can't wait to learn more about her. 🙏🏻💐🌺. Thank you so much for your bravery and for sharing. 🙏🏻💐💝

[@lovetolearn881]

I grew up just knowing I was crazy and not good enough I just never understood why and was never told exactly what to do to fix it so I kept trying different things. Of course they didn't work, because I wasn't crazy or irredeemable afterall, but it took years of therapy to mostly convinced me of that and just writing this there's still a little question in my mind if it might be true? Please be gentle with your sweet child. Be the hero and stop the generational dysfunctions that have been handed down to you. When we know better we do better.

[@lovekingdom5581]

It's very good that you acknowledged this and you're making effort to make that change. God bless you. All you child needs truly is your love.

[@wiaam697]

I really appreciate his empathy and understanding of “mindset privilege.” Not many people realize how much your childhood can have an impact on your perspective or how you see the world. People can be judgmental of things like lack of resilience or having a pessimistic outlook, not realizing the opposites are cultivated in a privileged upbringing by having supportive, wise caretakers, which many people don’t experience.

[@rachelanastasia0001]

Well said

[@ziggypip2938]

Wow. Extremely well said, Yousef. This exactly!

[@thehapavegan7177]

If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you can't.

[@parisarnett87]

​@The Hapa Vegan bruh you can't fly like superman...there are certain things you simply can't do. Be realistic.

[@princessj791]

Wow

[@eiwhaz-tina6528]

It's fascinating to see her corporal language every time she feels overwhelmed. It really makes you think, we have been programmed to feel ashamed when being vulnerable and talking about what hurts us. I wonder... how would the world be if we didn't have to cover ourselves every time a tear is shed? Edit: Wow so many likes thank you!!

[@danbalan5824]

Maisie Williams is very good person amazing human been sweet kind she is very brave i am sou in love with Maisie I have a big crush on Maisie Williams i cry when she cry i dont like she speack about Reuben Selby in this interview Reuben this dude is disquasting person he use Maisie Williams he ruin her friendship with Sophie Turner she and Sophie are like sisters grow up together at Game of Thrones set he put her away from her family who really love her very much Reuben dont deserves Maisie

[@sarahw3055]

THIS. We need better literacy in today’s culture so we can understand ourselves

[@Babidi111]

@@sarahw3055 yeah, for some reason confessions of crushes on celebrity women are so much creepier when the person comes off as flustered and kind of dumb due to their grammar. I get immediate stalker vibes and after watching this interview I think something like that would really mess with Maisie and while I don't imagine any kind of love for her, she seems adorable and her vulnerability definitely hits you in the feels and youd never want to see her suffer.

[@himomimfamous]

What? It’s not shame. That’s a very normal, human reaction.

[@mathiaschristensen1194]

@@himomimfamous While that may be true for you, some are taught differently throughout life. Especially men.

[@navibanfield1591]

When she said that her mother 'Escaped' when she was 4 months old. The boulder in my belly dropped. I escaped a very mentally abusive and manipulative relationship when i was 5 months pregnant. I had to cut all contact so that i could keep my baby with me and it drove him absolutely crazy. It confirmed i was doing the right thing by leaving, but stories like these confirm that i did the right thing by denying him his right to have access to my child. I got out before it before it got physically abusive but the signs were there, things he said, intimidating body language, incredibly aggressive around me and physically aggressive with inanimate objects. (Sexually charged, yet abusive comments towards not only myself but our child, said as jokes, but should never ever have been said in any context) I wasnt going to allow that around my child. She deserved better that that. Better than him. Maisie didnt have to say anything about what she went through, yet i still understood how horrific it must have been. It pains me to see how hurt she was by her childhood. But she is incredibly strong willed and an incredible humanbeing ❤

[@gabbylink2297]

I was abused as a child between the ages of 3-6 and every single emotion, fear, anxiety that Masie talks about is exactly how i have felt or still feel. It feels so nice to know that somebody else knows that pain, understands it and is working through it. It gives me hope and makes me feel like i can get to that point too

[@MackPaddy]

The "Secret Society of (sexual) Abuse" is a thing that so many of us had to figure out. So much messed up emotional crap to get through, because we are indoctrinated into keeping secrets for people who we love and trust, and have no idea that it's wrong, until we do, and then we have to deal with guilt and forgiveness and trying to understand. It's fucky. And its such a COMMON situation .... I've never met a single person who has not been assaulted in some way, and as children, we don't know how to forgive ourselves for being coerced or complicit. And when we can finally realize that it is a psychological cycle that is passed on from generation to generation, we realize that any kind of abusive behaviour is TAUGHT, trained, habituated, and NEVER YOUR FAULT. I wish that there was so much more help available to people, that there could be less of an emotional barrier to seeking help. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your candor.

[@tiabeaniesemotionalsupportdmon]

Maisie’s body language throughout this podcast is so moving. Seeing how she touches her neck, face, head, and stomach in an attempt to calm or soothe herself during the difficult parts of the conversation makes me wish I could give her a hug. What a brave, beautiful person she is.♥️♥️

[@elliotmorin5560]

Yeah but her actual language fails to detail any abuse of any kind. Why does no one on this page question claims of abuse absent any detail of any kind?

[@electricityofmind6300]

​@@elliotmorin5560 She said she does not want to talk about it directly as she finds it overwhelming

[@elliotmorin5560]

@@electricityofmind6300 So she can completely ruin someone's reputation through insinuation without details? If she doesn't want to talk about it then she can not talk about it. But to say someone is an abuser and then provide no details which can be challenged or disproven is a blank check for wild speculation that will destroy someone's reputation. It is unbelievable cowardice.

[@lydiataylor4598]

@@elliotmorin5560probably because it’s a podcast mate not a court of law

[@elliotmorin5560]

@@lydiataylor4598 So that makes it ok to ruin someone's reputation absent any evidence or even a solid accusation. Go clap more you seal.

[@BELLA-lu2vo]

This was the most moving and human episode you've ever done. Wow - blown away by her strength

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

I really appreciate that, thank you so much ❤

[@CrystalCat24]

Yes! Your comment is so well spoken. It's the exact thought that I didn't even know I was thinking. 🤍🤍🤍

[@simonedreyer7540]

@Mer Luzo you're shining a light on your own weaknesses my dude, not hers.

[@reinhardtscholtemeyer9943]

Well said

[@Lebo-Aaliyah]

I couldn’t help but hear her almost shaky inhales of breath. I commend her courage and her ability to be authentic. Also, I relate to her.

[@chevonnecarswell2108]

The camera on her at the end while he complimented her was my favourite part. Her face went through so many emotions. That was genius editing. What an emotional ride. It’s so easy to think that people in the limelight are privileged and without trauma. We are all just people. This was like being in a therapy session as a fly on the wall. I appreciated her honesty and reflection. You could see synapses forming as she was constructing answers.

[@xonlyxjojox]

The part where she mentioned after feeling happy that there’s an impending doom. THAT HITS HOME FOR ME! As someone who was raised by a narcissist mother, I’ve always had this “notion” where is I’m having fun, going outside or doing any sort of thing that gives me little joy that I will pay it’s price. Like everything has it’s price. Which is a very unhealthy core of belief. Even at 27, I sometimes struggle to detach from this notion.

[@Ferreneh]

I recognize that feeling too. Almost like you feel "undeserving" of the fleeting happiness that you might feel, since you're constantly living in flight or fight-mode. Like some higher power could take it away and punish you even harder if they see you got too comfortable. I used to feel a bottomless pit of emptiness whenever I opened our front door to leave for school, because I knew outside of our home I felt million times safer. At some point I was so dissociated that I stopped looking for traffic when I crossed the road, like I didn't even care because no other hurt was incomparable to the hurt I felt at home. Which is pretty messed up thinking in retrospect.

[@xonlyxjojox]

@@Ferreneh shit i feel it on a spiritual level🥲 it sucks that life can be a little bitch sometimes with no reason..i hope u get the healing that u deserve and find the comfort and joy along the way🙏🏻..

[@xonlyxjojox]

@Jacky Drywater lmfao my BPD begs to differ 🤣🥲 but seriously tho, i hope things be less shitty for us along the way🙏🏻

[@danbalan5824]

Maisie is very beautiful girl i love her very much she is very brave person i admire respect and love her very much i

[@danbalan5824]

I dont like she speack about Reuben Selby in this interview Reuben Selby is an imbecil he use Maisie Williams to promote him self he ruin her friendship with Sophie Turner she and Sophie are like sisters grow up together at Game of Thrones set he put her away from her family who really love her very much i am sou in love with Maisie I have a big crush on Maisie Williams to promote him self he

[@shzorber]

i love how she asked if she was being too cryptic then said no immediately after. This is a woman respecting her boundaries. Respect

[@elliotmorin5560]

You're an idiot. She accuses someone of being an abuser and then offers no details or evidence so the man can't even defend his reputation. You morons then praise her for saying nothing while simultaneously ruining someone else's reputation. Fucking unbelievable. I guess you retards learned nothing from the endless me too allegations that ended up being complete bullshit.

[@asifs100]

Timestamp please

[@sa4ra]

​@@asifs100 18:04

[@DonniTom]

As a survivor of csa/sa this interview just hits my nerves so rawly. I am glad she is working thru it at her age. It took me til 56 to start working thru it.

[@RobRoss]

KZbin algorithm sent me here. And wow. I don’t normally watch a 2 hour vid as an impulse suggestion, but once I started listening I was so captivated I couldn’t stop watching until it was over. I’ve never watched your channel before but you really are an amazing interviewer and brought up some deep and important topics in a respectful and considerate manner. I have no doubt this will help many people going through their own struggles. I myself was recently diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I have always felt something was “wrong” with me. This diagnosis has helped me understand a lot about myself. But now the struggle is to use this knowledge to help me adjust my behaviors so I can thrive. Thank you for this wonderful podcast!

[@Peregrine86]

I think maisie was one of the strongest child actors of the bunch and the perfect person to articulate Arya’s character, she really did turn the sadness she experienced in her life to something beautiful.

[@shevahauser1780]

Same

[@missymoonwillow6545]

Beautiful comment, and so very true. She was able to utilize her role to transmute much of the pain. I recall doing similar through high school myself with theater and dance to try to "numb" or distract from the pain I was being gifted everyday upon coming home. This interview is going to benefit so many people, for validation sake alone. It has for me. Wishing anyone out there feeling similar, all the best.

[@dana102083]

​@@missymoonwillow6545take care out there xox❤❤❤

[@paigelivesay2977]

thank you for letting your guests speak without interrupting them :) i literally cant watch interviews these days anymore bc all they do is interrupt. you’re amazing.

[@ragarast]

Right? And he allows silence to happen. It’s wonderful.

[@elliotmorin5560]

It would have been nice if he interrupted to ask her what actually fucking happened!?! How anyone is allowed to hurl vial accusations against someone's reputation absent any details whatsoever is insane.

[@ziggypip2938]

Agreed! He and Lex are the best most present listeners. ❤❤

[@rattaxi9645]

Or putting words in people's mouths! Trying to simplify their story into something that doesn't dignify their experience. Infuriating to watch- can't imagine what it is to experience while you're baring your soul or even just relating something important to you.

[@rattaxi9645]

​@@elliotmorin5560I think she didn't want to adversely affect her siblings and mother by having their past and personal business publicized.

[@_joannahans]

Absolutely adore her, and it makes me sad to see these harsh comments. Her open heart and vulnerability is so appreciated on my end. When she spoke on “feeling like you take up too much space”, gosh I felt that. Appreciate her awareness and her healing journey, I’m on one of my own as well. It’s so hard. And I love how she’s so willing to share with everyone her journey.

[@karenphillips6574]

I hope Maisie considers writing a book at some point because I can relate to her just from this interview in the way her voice shakes and certain gestures she makes, her pain is palpable. It hurt me watching and listening as if I were spying into her soul but I appreciate her for sharing so much of personal life that obviously is still hurting her so deeply. It made me cry for both her and for my younger and my present self. There’s a world of pain I can’t fully face and accept so I certainly cannot let go of it. I’d never be as brave as she is to just put my heart and soul, shattered as they may be, put it all out there to share it with others, but I’m still trying to get to that point. I think she has so much to say that can lift weight off her own shoulders and also the shoulders of total strangers. I wish her so much goodness in life. I saw such a beautiful soul so deserving of the best of life and love. ❤

[@lyrialzander]

The story of Arya Stark is at it's core a story of pain and loss, especially the loss of innocence and family. It makes sense that she has been through a lot of pain herself since she is so good at showing it in her performance. I hope she has nothing but beautiful days and happiness ahead of her. ❤

[@dlppl3407]

What a beautiful wish ❤

[@tendaimabingani5201]

Two things. First, as a survivor myself (father abuser as well) who is the same age as Maisie, it is so interesting that it seems like her body is processing her grief and trauma around the same timeline as myself. It takes yeeeears for the mind and body to gather themselves after the abuse ends. The effects of CPTSD are always in bloom, always in flux, always in a state of evolution. Keeping those feelings repressed can make you really sick and chronically ill or pained (or turn to substances, as Maisie and I both did at some point… and that’s a rough situation to “casually” slip out of too…) Second. I don’t think it’s being acknowledged enough in the comments how she broke down when remembering how a TEACHER asked her all of the right questions. I am an educator and I see abuse often. Reporting abuse is designed to be difficult and bureaucratic, but I am a young teacher with plenty of energy and determination. I sit on the phone with DCS until I see the case through (often this takes months and years… and sometimes it goes absolutely nowhere). As educators, we remember and internalize every heartache, bruise, pained expression, and cry for help that we see in the classroom. I love my job, and while the hard parts affect me deeply, I believe that teachers MUST be empaths so that they are able to spot situations like Maisie’s. So many teachers I know are old and jaded and couldn’t care less about reporting abuse in their classrooms. It’s usually the young teachers who step up.

[@leidyruiz9114]

I really hope more people would be like you, with the same passion and determination, nowdays people just don't care, no matter what they see 😔😔😔

[@tiffaniterris2886]

The young teachers are the ones currently sexualizing children in the classroom through gender confusion tactics. No respect for the you g teachers of today.

[@LaizyDaisy]

Teachers are very much trained to notice subtle and not so subtle signs that a child is not OK. Adverse Childhood Experiences are extremely influential in how you arrive at your mental well-being as an adult - or don’t. Massively impacts who you are.

[@CloudyWolf713]

I’m so sorry for all that you have been through. I certainly hope you’re feeling safe nowadays. And I’ll be rooting for you in your efforts!

[@rialawson7278]

No not all “old teachers” there are many dedicated to their pupils …

[@ernestasxxx3080]

While I was watching intro, seing Maise so emotional and vulnerable, I literally said to myself: - If I was in the Steve's place (I hope I didnt mess up your name), I would just move the mic away and hug her, because thats the most right and sensible thing to do in the moment. And this guy just did like that! You should have seen my smile at this late time of 3:10 AM... You are someone to look up to, pal :)

[@shirsch7048]

I was in tears, when she opened up, wanting to comfort her and it brought up a lot memories about my similar childhood and lasting pain. I am 64 years old now and I still feel this pain.

[@julierose2701]

Also Steven handled this so beautifully - it cannot have been easy but he just gave her the space and allowed her to be whilst supporting her so sensitively. Amazing

[@CrystalCat24]

Right?! And never once made it awkward or forced or pushy or the opposite of pushy, like coddling if that makes sense. It's very easy to respond the way society wants you too or if you feel awkward and you get nervous, maybe you say something to pretend like emotions aren't happening.... Idk how to explain it lol

[@TruggyDude]

God, what a brilliant young lady. She has an awareness about herself that I struggle with at almost twice her age. I'm blown away by her emotional intelligence. At 52:25 she talks about opportunities to react differently to past trauma and how she approaches it. What an insight. I applaud her openness to talk about her struggles... because in her doing that, she's helping countless others. In my eyes, there's nothing more selfless than that. Much respect.

[@Thomas-cr2pt]

"I applaud her openness to talk about her struggles... because in her doing that, she's helping countless others. In my eyes, there's nothing more selfless than that. Much respect. " 100%

[@michaelalovell9767]

Exactly how I was thinking about her. Huge respect ✊

[@latteslettersandlife]

Her voice, you can distinctly hear it, so weak yet so strong at the same time. Incredible human that Maisie.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

I love how respectful Stephen is of this young woman's emotions and experience--and he's barely older than she is! (Stephen, stop complaining about your advanced age, or you may completely alienate your older audience 😊) Stephen is so incredibly mature--as well as being accomplished,--for his 30 years. Words like "awkward" and "cringeworthy" have taken on such importance in youthful lexicon, as places where no one ever wants to be seen. And yet awkward is the state of humanity. It's not a bad thing, not in the original sense of the word. And Stephen goes there, yes, with incredible grace, natural talent and skill, but those aren't the main point. He just goes there, right there, where everyone really needs to go. His guest's fears are alleviated and they go there with him. He does it without spiritual brouhaha, pretense, drama, or offensive shownanship, AND with great, natural respect. He knows himself--AT 30!--so can just get out of his way and honor someone else, his guests in this instance. Would that someone--anyone--as kind and insightful as Stephen had had such a conversation like this with me when I was in my 20's, I'm pretty sure I would have effectively worked through a lot more of my life's exigencies by now. And Maisie is so well-spoken about and present with her experience here. She's integrated, and I'm sure, continues to integrate, the exigencies of her life: abuse, neurodivergence, childhood fame. She's brilliant and good. Our world is so perverse: divided, even broken, into tiny bytes. Tic toc, KZbin shorts, Twitter. People actually think that's life. I've never seen anyone doing what Stephen does. Taking the time to respect and go deep with his wide variety of guests. Beautiful interview. Thank you.

[@maureenponderosa8969]

The conflict of emotions mentioned at 19:07 is why there has been a shift from saying you're rescuing a child to intervening the crime. Because the child doesn't immediately feel rescued they feel something is wrong, that they've gotten someone into trouble. It's so complex.

[@keelyfolwaczny1472]

Cognitive dissonance

[@meganorr7739]

As a survivor and a therapist, I am so grateful for Maise finding her healing at 20s, and opening her future to joy and expansion. Listening to her body and connecting with her joy. What a wonderful therapy!

[@danbalan5824]

Maisie is very brave very good person amazing human been sweet kind I love her very much i dont like she speack about Reuben Selby in this interview this gay Reuben Selby is an imbecil he use Maisie Williams to promote him self he ruin her friendship with Sophie Turner she and Sophie are like sisters grow up together at Game of Thrones set he put her away from her family who really love her very much Reuben use Maisie Williams for her fame monney popularity if she dont be famos i love her very much because i love her very much for what she is as human been not only because is famos i am sure if she dont be famos Reuben Selby never love her i HATE Reuben Selby i wish she be happy but not with Reuben Selby he dont make her happy i wish Maisie be my wide

[@danbalan5824]

I wish very much meet her in person one day hug her talk with her invite her eat and drink something be Friends i wish the marriage me my wife and i will live to make her very happy all my life i cry when she cry Reuben dont deserves Maisie i am climate activist like Maisie I love the nature the animals like Maisie I am from simple family like Maisie

[@danbalan5824]

@Mer Luzo why you tell this she explain why she talk about Reuben Selby in this interview Reuben Selby is an imbecil he use Maisie Williams to promote him self he ruin her friendship with Sophie Turner she and Sophie are like sisters grow up together at Game of Thrones set he put her away from her family who really love her very much

[@danbalan5824]

Maisie Williams is very strong person she is very good person amazing human been sweet kind I admire respect and love her very much i dont like she talk about Reuben Selby in this interview Reuben Selby is an fucking scambeg he use Maisie Williams to promote him self he ruin her friendship with Sophie Turner she and Sophie are like sisters grow up together at Game of Thrones set he put her away from her family who really love her very much i sou in love with Maisie I have a big crush on Maisie Williams to promote him self he ruin her friendship

[@KillingMachine56656]

@Mer Luzo Just white people can't handle their emotions if their life isn't perfect

[@andykarakanna3068]

I'm watching your interview with Maisie at the moment. The best interview I've ever seen. I can totally empathize with what Maisie went through in her childhood. She's such a vulnerable, fragile and gentle soul. Reminds me a lot of myself. You're very eloquent in the way you speak, Maisie. Xxxx

[@user-mn2tz1sq8s]

I don't know why, but feel so bad about all the pain Maisie talks about. No one deserves to be abused!

[@Nicstarmoore]

I’m 42. I was raised by two narcissists, the result being a trauma driven 20’s and 30’s. But then you start doing the work and life gets that little bit sweeter. There’s no going back once you start peeling the onion. Brilliant chat, thank you both for sharing. ❤

[@bebois2529]

Thanks for sharing Nicky! I relate im in my late 30s & starting to wake up from an early childhood of trauma.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

What is "the work" specifically?

[@Nicstarmoore]

@@charlottetaylor4471 for me personally it was finding a therapist that specialized in CPTSD (complex or childhood post traumatic stress disorder) and engaging with books, youtube videos and podcasts on the topic. It wasn’t completely debilitating, I could still function and appear quite “together” but internally I was in constant high anxiety, fight or flight mode. Relationships were always difficult and boundaries tricky to maintain. Life is completely transformed now which I’m extremely grateful for.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

@@Nicstarmoore my C-PTSD is completely debilitating so I have no idea where to start. How did you overcome the "I've wasted so much time/it's too late" feeling? (If you ever felt it)

[@Nicstarmoore]

@@charlottetaylor4471 apologies, I did reply to this but I included a link so I think it may have been deleted. In a nutshell - it’s never too late (even though it might feel that way). You may want to work with a therapist that gives practical guidance on how to recover from c-ptsd. Some say they do but “listening” to you isn’t enough. Endless chatting about the trauma only re-traumatizes you. The Crappy Childhood Fairy has some great YT videos on the topic and a program that works. She got me started on this road from home. The podcast “Being Well” with Dr Rick and Forrest Hanson has a great ep on recovering from complex ptsd with Elizabeth Ferreira. Your mind and body are just trapped in time. Both think the threat is still there but you can reprogram that with a little guidance. ❤️

[@lakid9749]

She is an empath it happens a lot to kids who have to be adults as kids. She lives her life through emotion. Its beautiful and rich but also intensely scattering and overwhelming. Her breaking voice I relate to so much. The moments of being crushed cant be hidden, its raw, intense emotion that springs at any moment. I cried watching this because She is me. I totally relate Best wishes always

[@rocopoco1361]

"empath" bruh

[@karahanley4228]

Let's not take someones raw pain from a traumatic childhood and be like "Oh She's an empath" I cannot tell you how often traumatised people get called empaths when in reality, they are STRUGGLING and not using some 'superpower'. Traumatised does not equal empath.

[@joankney8484]

Beautifully said

[@angelafernandez9927]

Yes, It seems to me she us an HSP as me as well. You have to please everyone morè t'han yourself, you forget about what do you want on Life, but t'he older you get, t'he best you know what do you REALLY not want. And this is Big step yet

[@unthenner5519]

It’s not supposed to be a superpower it’s just a character trait.

[@Robert-ex2qp]

When she said "I look at all the people being so happy, when will I get some happiness?" It's a common trait of depression, the same I feel. I watch in-depth conversations about mental health all the time, one Physiatrist said "depression is like living in an alternate universe walking alongside reality" The perfect explanation of what I feel like everyday since a child.

[@euglefloyd]

it's like watching life from the outside, is not only sadness. I understand, but is possible to get out, although is always there, waiting, so you need to re-direct your life a bit. Do you have the chance to ask for help?

[@PeterK920]

Same here. Good days come and go. But the darkness doesn't go away. It makes it so difficult to imagine things ever getting better no matter what they say.

[@qianajohnson85]

I really needed to know there are other people that have the same internal conflicts and thought processes I experience. Maisie, you are a phenomenal actress but an even more phenomenal human being. Thank you for your transparency and your heart. I appreciated how you were protective and considerate of others affected by your father’s actions, respecting where they are on their journey of self discovery yet still honoring your truth. Beautiful!

[@kyrieshepherd7512]

As a child of an alcoholic… this podcast hit me so deeply… I’m crying as she talks about the shoes in the wrong place at a friend’s house.

[@kyrieshepherd7512]

I’m 34 and still figuring out my trauma responses. It also really hit deep about protecting a parent that is abusive. I know I did it.

[@hayleyholewa1246]

Same. I was "kept" with my alcohol dad when my parents split up when I was 9. Turned against my mum. I feel like I'm reliving a lot watching this

[@laurenmason2743]

Credit to her for sharing such a raw, vulnerable and humbling story of her past. What a brave, incredible woman.

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

🙏🏽❤

[@Wraithand]

What a beautiful, empathic young woman baring her soul to try to help others. I'm a 56 year old man and have never watched anything like this before, she really resonates with my experiences even though I was never abused like her. We all have issues and we all struggle at times how we come out of it is the issue. I'm still struggling with my demons and have definitely not managed to get past them yet. Good Luck Maisie great piece it gives me hope for the future too!

[@swghavoc]

Give that girl a big world hug. She is like everyone's favorite little sister.

[@amandawalker2710]

"Maybe I'm actually worthy of a good life and maybe I'm stopping myself from doing that. That's a crime." Damn. That hit me hard.

[@samanthaorologio6866]

When she explained wanting to protect her dad essentially, but also that she was so relieved to not have to see him anymore…STRAIGHT TO MY SOUL. The same exact thing happened to me. My mom found out and I was terrified. I DID attempt to protect my stepdad. For years even. I excused him. I forgave him. I tried to get everyone else to understand and forgive him too. I worried about him as he sat in prison. I missed him. I was disgusted by him. I was changed forever by him. The counseling I had to get because of him made me SO ANGRY every Wednesday of every single week. But I was “ fine “. I was never going to be traumatized later in life like they said I would (dumb me 🙄). I asked about him to people who kept in contact through prison letters with him. He eventually got out. Two years ago at least. I found out and BEGGED MY MOM to give him another chance!!!!!! !?!?!?? Wanted to see him so so so badly and tell him I loved him through everything and forgave him immediately and Was so so sorry. And then he died. Six months ago. And…I was so relieved. ….. it’s an extremely wild twisting turning flipping flopping speeding rolling slowing reversing breaking fucked up roller coaster ride. For like…ever. Ahfjrifnfkeodmvhturncjfiejdnbvbfyriekscmc gfueiwedncgcyruejsnd < shiver out out.

[@allysoncipollone890]

Oh honey 💜 sending you love and healing

[@colleenraffell4157]

Abuse does fucked up things to the body mind n soul, don't be too hard on yourself, healing is baby steps but completely achievable xix

[@consumertank]

Healing is not a linear process and never ends either. Remember to give yourself the same compassion you'd give to another survivor of abuse. Wishing you the best. You are a light to those around you.

[@lisaclark361]

Sending peace and love, all those things you feel are ok to feel💜

[@malielou17]

I just went through this a couple days ago actually… I’m 30 and I went to therapy to deal with my abusive childhood. The therapist was like “I have to report it,” and my immediate internal reaction was like, “No!!! Don’t get them in trouble!” I’m an adult and I still felt this way about people who I thought might kill us some days as a child.

[@jackiebrown3083]

She’s so brave to do that! She’s doing her inner healing at such a young age! She’s amazing.

[@absolutelynotinvested]

This whole interaction hit me pretty hard. Maisie and I have very different but integrally similar stories. I couldn't help but shed some tears of true empathy when she explained that she knew something was off but couldn't pin it. Living in an abusive home creates a new normal that takes time and perspective to understand is anything but normal. My abuse was between ages 3-10 and only in my mid twenties did I understand that my story wasn't an average human story and that the terrible things that I deemed harsh but normal were indeed terrible. Now I'm 37 and I'm only starting to actually address and deal with things in the last year. I'm beyond happy for Maisie to be doing this work now and to have more years of understanding than years of doubt and confusion. Thank you for this and good luck to all in this position.

[@liveuser8527]

Hahahahaha wow what a story Mark! So how is your sex life? And I love Lisa so much

[@CoffeePlease.]

You never should have had to endure that abuse and I’m so sorry; wishing continued healing to tiny, past you as well as present you. Take good care. 💛

[@May04bwu]

I can relate to Maisie talking about her childhood, in that I was also waiting to feel joy as a kid. I just wanted life to end, to be honest. I didn't get like why was I born, why I existed. I just felt like 2nd class citizen. My opinions had no value at home, I was there only to bring good grades and clean the home for the whole family. I felt like I had no value for anyone and it kept going well until my late 20s. It's messed up.

[@pabloescobarschanclas]

how do you feel now?

[@May04bwu]

@@pabloescobarschanclas Not that well to be honest. But I have a great support in my boyfriend and I just now started therapy at the age of 29. I believe in healing :) Thank you very much for asking, that's very nice of you.

[@KeniaDubon]

Me too. I feel I am a broken person!

[@ireversethings]

❤ one love. We'll make it 💪

[@moniquejonescomedy]

Wow. Same! I was the live in maid who had to make all A’s and B’s or be punished. I’m sorry you had the same. Therapy has helped me a lot. And AA! ;)

[@gingerels]

this was such a stunning episode - I don’t think Maisie realises just how incredible she is !! The way she navigated the conversation of her trauma was so enlightening & articulate. The raw vulnerability was so refreshing to see & really helped me to reflect on the ways I view my own trauma - Thank you both for such a meaningful podcast 🤍

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

Really appreciate that, thank you 🙏🏽

[@carolhunt2023]

🎉

[@christymarshall5331]

Maisie Williams, The book is called "The Body keeps the scores." I have given this to hundreds of people over the years. I am an Active Duty Army Chaplain. It's a book that helps people heal from trauma. As a soldier and coming from my own childhood trauma. It's the greatest book that I've ever read 📚. It's also on audible as well. Fenomanal book!! You are an extraordinary woman. I hope you read this book, and I hope it brings you healing. You shared your story and being vulnerable with people around the world 🌎. Thank you so much for your humanity. That's not easy. You are a brave, strong, intelligent, and beautiful woman. You are going to help so many people by sharing your vulnerability. Gives other people permission to use their voice. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. If you ever need anything, I am here for you. With much love, gratitude, and respect, Christy!! ❤🩵💜😊

[@gigibelle7465]

that fatherly hug was everything. Masie looks so precious... like a porcelain Doll

[@JordanG101]

This episode sums up why I prefer watching and not just listening to podcasts. You can undoubtedly hear the pain in Maisie's voice, but to see the pain in her eyes makes those relatable parts of her story really hit home. Great content, Steven!

[@mysoullovessoul558]

You can see why Maisie got the role of Arya Stark. Learning about her childhood trauma and seeing the pain behind those big beautiful eyes, along with her incredible natural talent, it's all there on the screen. As a fellow child of trauma, I feel and understand her completely. Bless you Maisie for speaking your truth - it will help others.

[@francinerice8999]

I really resonate with this comment ❤

[@dudzi30]

I'm early in the episode but do you think childhood trauma can enable you to be a natural actor. I am certainly not saying there is a positive. It's tough to put into words why I wonder this but I think being aware and wary of adult moods, atmospheres and indicators at an early age is like early training.

[@dudzi30]

I actually think she is kind of answering my question now...

[@user-jy5oi9bi4i]

I doubt her childhood was that hard. The mindset these days of kids is very victim. When you have a rough childhood you don’t become a Hollywood actor.. you don’t even get to acting classes, your life is that f’d. I don’t mean to be rude at all

[@the.office.alliance4736]

@@user-jy5oi9bi4i Your comment isnt rude. It's just ignorant.

[@naomi9660]

I know this was posted a year ago but im only seeing it now. Maisie thank you so much for being so open about your innermost experiences, thoughts and emotions. I related on a very personal level to a lot of the things you said and I appreciate your transparency - I feel a lot less alone right now, and also a little bit more hopeful just after watching this. Thank you. Stay strong, life really is a journey, deal with each moment as it comes ❤

[@alexandervanlohen4229]

I think this is the most honest and raw interview I've ever seen. I've never watched Game of Thrones, it's just the algorithm that brought me here. But Maisi Williams is a wonderful person. So is the interviewer. He would also be a perfect therapist, somehow better because he's not only interested but involved. But all in all, it's almost art. It feels like this openness, with both going deeper layer by layer, takes us all (?), at least me, on a journey to ourselves. It kind of reminds me of Marina Abramović, who lets people look into the last part of their soul. Thank you!

[@cspahn3221]

The George RR books are a good read, especially Dunk and Egg.

[@NamaSika]

That hug you gave her when she needed it the most is priceless. Thank you for being here.

[@joppadoni]

It was weird, i wanted to hug her just about 5 seconds before he got up.. probably the exact same time he realised he also felt it.

[@CindyyCindz]

This is the first podcast I saw by either of you and I'd just like to say how thankful and raw and honest you are being talking about these subjects. It must be really difficult for you Maisie. It's made me think about some of the same struggles within myself

[@Mr.sister.G]

It’s so beautiful and refreshing to see a PERSON being a PERSON. Just raw, vulnerable and free with all the consequences that brings. Thank you so much for the interview and thank you Maisei for showing your biggest strength: your beautiful vulnerability.

[@scunny]

The line "alot of people are trying to retreat to being a child and find the things that brought them joy" hit the nail on the head for me. Thank you Maisie 💜

[@chrisforchrist355]

Same here. I was just realizing I do this.

[@mnlalx6512]

so true. was thinking the same thing and makes someone feel less alone in this world somehow

[@nikkis3156]

@@chrisforchrist355 it’s not a bad thing on its own. It’s actually a great thing to be in touch with that playfulness and childlike joy. Balance is the place to be.

[@seaninness334]

I know Maisie danced around a few things there, and was right to do so. Still, she spoke very knowledgeably and intuitively. Pretty astute at 25. I really couldn't start to talk about some of my issues until I was almost 30. Best wishes to her and her family.

[@shelley5449]

Yeah I don't blame her for not wanting to go into specific details. Like even thinking about those moments were making her tear up, which is completely understandable.

[@saraatkinson8023]

A close family member was abused as a child of 6 or 7, by the teenage son of family friends. He kept it a secret until his early 50s. How brave of this young woman to talk about her abuse and of course it’s her right to only allude to it rather than do so explicitly. Sending her a warm hug just like the one Steven gave her. ❤

[@seaninness334]

@@saraatkinson8023 Yup, Sarah. My issues are from something very similar and at the same age. I don't doubt your family member kept these issues to themselves pretty late in life. I wonder how similar we are. There were a lot of challenges in life.

[@MissNebulosity]

Steven, your podcast is one of the best on the entire internet. You are REALLY good at asking questions. You bring the right amount of empathy and curiosity.

[@hannahahle]

She’s come so far and when she talks about how she’s accepted her pain and now sees how channeling it to help others now gives her some peace she’s clearly done a lot to get there and she’s just at the beginning. An amazing interview and inspiring woman

[@lynnallan7461]

i found this interview incredibly moving and very sensitively handled. As a mother and a huge fan of this young lady I just wanted to scoop her up and hug her and tell her how incredible she is and that a lot of people feel much better for watching her in the space that she takes up in this world. all the best Maisie may you continue to heal and move forward with grace. xx

[@CrystalCat24]

🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 this comment is absolutely beautiful.

[@sandraStory]

Well said I agree!

[@MamaBeeVt]

This comment is beautiful! And spot on!

[@buntyhopscotch7662]

I felt the same. She’s incredible but was always deserving of love.

[@lisaclark361]

Well said mama🥰

[@viaivy5876]

As a kid I always had that “when can I just be happy” all the time, whenever I had fun it was like..I had that impending doom or yk I was always more mature than other kids and I felt like, “why is no one else like me?” Or “why can’t I just be like them?” And yeah i .. felt that so much on another level. Safe to say I shed a few tears.

[@indrinita]

I feel so seen by your comment and sadly I relate all too well.

[@viaivy5876]

@@indrinita I felt really seen in this video, and at first I wasn’t gonna comment but, I’m glad I did because you always felt seen by my comment. Take care of yourself!

[@janejordan1894]

Can relate to this. That feeling of impending doom. Ends up leading to self sabotage at some point.

[@viaivy5876]

@@janejordan1894 so true, definitely on the self sabotage

[@katelynhanson]

I always felt like fun had a price, like if you let yourself have too much, you'd pay for it later. Maybe things would get out of control and something bad might happen, some one could get hurt, someone will be angry and there will be lots of bad feelings to follow.

[@TracyPerson1]

I absolutely ADORE her energy and think she is a major talent. So articulate and wonderful. God bless her journey!

[@lbradley2242]

What a beautiful soul. I admire her courage to share her story with everyone. 💗

[@ronalddepesa6221]

Maisie was so honest and emotionally open here. Omg. What an amazing humans experience to just listen to her. ❤️

[@kamilakopecks]

Do you know about Sophie?I haven't seen them together for a long time

[@mlcarey1000]

At 71, I recognize my own childhood, confusion, disconnected from myself, so much I'd stare in the mirror and ask, 'Who Are You?. I self sabotaged myself and pushed away kind, considerate people. I became a narcissist magnate because that was the relationship role I grew up playing. Maise, you will continue to grow in age, grace & wisdom. You're a fearless self reflective sage for your age. Be gentle with yourself as you seek & identify joy. You're awesome. A treasure!

[@lippylou1532]

I know now why I was drawn to you above all others as my favourite character in game of thrones, I could never explain it when people asked why her? So much you have said about your past has resonated with me. I’m 44 years old n I still can’t talk about my childhood but through your honesty I found a release. Thank u Maisie, your an inspiration to me. Your an amazing young woman n I’m grateful you’re in the world n u do deserve real love, so glad u found it ❤

[@rozwalkerstylist]

Maisie, we can feel your deepest pain, your shift to forgiving yourself and your courage to help heal others through your life story. Wishing you continued love, healing, and exciting next chapters for your life. I cried along with you!

[@Christoff8188]

We need so much more of this. "Celebrities" being real human beings. One of the reasons I love this podcast is because many on here DO in fact ignore (where they can) the "media training" Maisie mentions. Seeing them being themselves I always so eye-opening. Understanding that they're just like the rest of us with their own pain and trauma. Maisie is an exceptional case even for this podcast though. What a brilliant human being. Glad she's learning to be happy.

[@csharpe5787]

I feel like she's a work in progress, but still brilliant and hopefully going to get brighter and brighter.

[@kimberleymartin836]

I’m literally less than 10minutes in and I am identifying with so much that she’s saying. I suffer from severe mental health issues and every day is a learning curve and I’m turning 29 next month. I commend her for doing this interview and being so raw and unapologetically herself ❤️

[@ceeprintz]

Hey, I hope you heal from whatever your going through, love 💫

[@kimberleymartin836]

@@ceeprintz thank you so much Calvin I appreciate it greatly 🌸

[@Meseret4065]

I hope you heal on your journey Kimberley. All the best 💕

[@sierrasky9597]

I dont know you, but I'm proud of you. That's hard work and it's going to be so worth it, YOU are worth it 💝

[@whoswhoo]

You can overcome stay strong

[@wlepard]

This was one of the best interviews I have ever seen. I really feel like I got to know Maisie as a person. Great job on the interview, and my love to Maisie

[@stephc3522]

The way that Maisie felt as a child around play and joy is exactly how I felt - I’ve never heard someone articulate it so well before. Thank you for these conversations, they’re so important. What a wonderful person Maisie is ✨

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

So glad with conversation resonated with you 🙏🏽

[@the.office.alliance4736]

Right? Stopping something when you're having any kind of fun or experiencing any kind of joy because it almost feels 'wrong'. And if it's not wrong yet it will be? It hit home.

[@theohuioiesin6519]

Having grown up with narcissistic abuse and being in a family that is like a cult. Very very relatable. The pain was always evident.

[@janejordan1894]

People don't realise that narcissistic abuse and being in a cult is quite similar and those who experienced the latter are prone to the former.

[@nymbledigitz8453]

OMG I love Maisie Williams so much. She's so talented and does so much incredible advocacy work for a variety of important causes and I think she is so brave and strong to be able to speak with this level of candor. WE LOVE HER!!!!

[@mccartyzoe]

I’m so glad she continued the interview. At one point she said “it’s really important” and it’s so true. It is important. Asking the right questions. Listening. Understanding that a defense of the situation from a child may be a type of indoctrination and love and yet the child may still be in pain and in trouble. Thank you both for this interview. Much respect to you both.

[@CaylaCommonFolk]

“I want to be myself the way I’m most comfortable, not more palatable” that hit really hard

[@remylewis8721]

I love Maisie so much, absolutely a beautiful soul. I identify so much with her childhood struggles and carrying them into adulthood before addressing them. It’s so great to see people of Maisie’s level of fame bringing humanity and compassion to these issues and making it less taboo to speak about these things.

[@pmichael34]

Really honest and inspirational interview. I was moved by Maisie and her honesty, she has a beautiful and caring spirit.

[@rhiannonclark5983]

This was beautiful. Maisie’s story and vulnerability and healing, your kindness and honest reflections and just incredible way of interviewing by being a gentle and curious person. The tenderness and the ability to be comfortable in silence or slowly working out thoughts, from both of you. Maisie is doing soul work, and anyone who’s been there or is there knows the depth of the experience. She conveys it beautifully. This interview is the kind of conversation that can save lives. Y’all are amazing.

[@karynboatman994]

What a sweet gentle soul. I hope she finds peace and a solid internal sense of self that can't be touched.

[@g.655]

I don't know if I've ever seen an actress of her caliber be so truthful and real. Her eyes tell it all really.Thank you for sharing Maisie.

[@valeriefipps8710]

This was helpful for me. Thank you Maisie for allowing yourself to be vulnerable so you can help others. You are going to do amazing things!

[@sadadevries5875]

Your guests are willing to open up and be vulnerable. That’s because you’re giving them a safe space to do so. You’re a good listener and great interviewer. Love that you gave her a hug 🤗

[@alexis2365]

The vulnerability from Maisie is inspiring. I see a lot of myself in Maisie & she articulated things in my mind that I have never been able to articulate myself. I have had some similar experiences and I feel less alone after watching and listening to this. For that, I take away so much from this interview & i’m forever grateful. What a beautiful human being! ❤

[@judefowler6687]

You've taken the words right out of my mouth! I balled my eyes out to begin with as what she said resonated so much. When she spoke about stopping trying to find her identity I felt relieved as I have no clue who I am and I get so stressed and anxious about the fact I change my mind all the time. I never even stopped to think that, maybe, that's ok. She's such an amazing human being. I take comfort knowing there's, in a sense, a community of us who will always have a mutual understanding of each other ❤️

[@joancallis7994]

Speaking from 16 yrs of horrific CA. We survivors have been acting from the moment we are abused. We walk on eggshells around our tormentors. We fake the smile of happiness & go through the emotions and actions of day ti day life. Why? Because we know what happens if we draw attention to the fact we are being abused. To say you doubt her life was that f’d up, just proves you need to be educated on the effects of child abuse. I’m 58 yrs old & still have lasting effects from it. Night terrors, anxiety, panic attacks, flash backs, the list goes on. You don’t ever get over child abuse. You learn to cope with what happened. I could tell you stories from my experiences, that would make rethink your opinion. Be thankful you had a better life than victims of child abuse. It’s nothing I would wish on anyone. It’s a life of hell.

[@roseoliveira392]

@@joancallis7994 So true I feel the same. I could see so much of myself in this young lady.

[@Zoe_EK]

@@user-jy5oi9bi4i I don't think it is necessary to judge other people and their pain! As every human experience it exists on a broad spectrum and on different levels! And being threatened emotionally is just as damaging as being threatened physically since our body reacts the exact same way chemically. Trauma is defined as a deeply disturbing and distressing experience that made you fear your life and it doesn't matter how the circumstances of the situation(s) were. As she said even though you can be in a seemingly safe environment like a wealthy and peaceful country, with access to fresh + clean water and food as well as education and of course a supportive and nourishing social network, trauma can also happen in a very private often interpersonal setting. And since children are highly dependent on emotional as well as physical regulation by a trustworthy and close person (usually (grand)-parents, older siblings or other relatives), any disturbance of that results in some from of hurt. Since young children are narcissistic in a sense that they have a very self-centered worldview they always believe everything is about themselves. So even if you are raised without abuse, just experiencing your parents being constantly stressed, anxious and dysregulated can stall their healthy development since those emotions and dynamics are passed down as it becomes their normal and what they are used to. Subjective emotional experiences and states can't be separated from one's physiology and vice versa (I can really recommend Dr. Gabor Maté if you are interested in learning more about the relationship between childhood experiences and the later onset of disease). Additionally you would be surprised how clever our brain is to come up with mechanisms for protecting ourselves. These also come in a vaste variety of shapes and forms and can even lead to complete compensation and repression of the traumatic experience(s) to a degree that you can function 'normally' in daily life (usually until it breaks through since our bodies keep the score). Our brain is crazy adaptable since it is programmed to ensure our survival no matter how unbearable the situation is/was! There is nothing that isn't possible since everyone's circumstances and series of life events is different which should never put anyone in a position to judge someone else. It is all highly individual and all equally valid and relevant! So I would like to kindly ask you not to judge someone else's experience since that invalidation is for one a re-traumatizing trigger for many people that deepens the pain, secondly is just disrespectful and lastly doesn't do any good for anyone. Just be respectful, kind and take care of yourself! Have a nice day :)

[@pineapplebanana1801]

@@user-jy5oi9bi4ioh shut the fuck up you stupid twat, cause obviously you don't know what you are talking about. the mindset of uneducated people like you these days is very "expert" and it is exhausting. this is totally meant to be rude.

[@mishguna7]

Thank you for being so vulnerable, Maisie ❤️

[@TheDiaryOfACEO]

❤❤❤

[@CrystalCat24]

🤍🤍🤍

[@sillySILLAxx]

this was such an incredible podcast, i randomly stumbled across this video as i was painting and it was the most beautiful, natural and deepest conversation/interview to date. Thanks for being so open and honest, it's never easy talking about past trauma's but its always the best thing to do when reaching a new level of healing. thanks for such a great conversation i didnt even realise it was 2 hrs long and next thing i know the conversation done, painting finished and realised i had just sat there for 2 hrs.

[@shutinalley]

Love her screen presence. Maisie just brings a smile to my face.

[@ColinPoole]

One of the secret guilts of celebrity is understanding the randomness of it. Yes Maisie had a hard childhood - but she knows while she was going to school with no breakfast she wasn't the only one - and her miracle lifted her out of that, but the other girls just continued with their lives, no breakfast, and no miracle. That can be really hard for empaths that find celebrity. They don't want success for themselves, they want success for everyone - and that's not in their power to grant.

[@thememaster7]

Sounds more like whether you prioritize you over the group or the group over you. You can still have empathy for them either way.

[@mrsfmcool]

This is a huge truth ❤ Part of me feels lonely because I shine on stage or in a co-host setting After singing or sharing my magic people come up to me and praise me or wanna chat but I don't have close friends that I get to hang out with weekly or even family I don't have constant super close bonds and relationships with friends or family I'm still longing for this! 🤗💞

[@FatimaMakesStuff]

I went through almost exactly what Maisie went through and relate to absolutely everything. So much so that I had to watch this in parts cause it triggered me so much. The strength it takes to heal from this is insane, you truly feel like you’re cursed. There are days I still do. I’m currently taking care of my father who’s been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The fact that in the end I’m taking care of my abuser in a way he never took care of me isn’t lost on me. That being said she’s such an inspiration for kids like us. I’m no where as near as successful as her but God willing I will be in my own way one day.

[@ladyfl0wers]

Why are you taking care of him after all what has happend?

[@FatimaMakesStuff]

@@ladyfl0wers because he’s my dad. I love him regardless of how he treated me. Helping him gave me more healing than it did him. At first it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done…Now it’s given me peace.

[@dancarter482]

@@FatimaMakesStuff Look after your SELF too by any and ALL means! Talk to someone, find someone you can trust.

[@idab6864]

@@FatimaMakesStuff it's hard to comprehend being able to feel this way after being sexually abused by someone, like they're demonstrating that they do not at all feel or wish to be a parental figure for you in any capacity because it's such alien behavior to something a parent would do.

[@FatimaMakesStuff]

@@idab6864 thankfully my dad has his limits. I got beat a lot(still have the scars), imprisoned at home, and was emotionally/verbally abused. If my father did what yours did, I wouldn’t be able to take care of him. What my dad did was hard to forgive, but sexually abusing your child is unforgivable.

[@sunlight8299]

Thank you to both of you for opening up to anyone who might watch this episode.

[@sweetyogavids]

I'm excited to see where you go Maisie - such a thoughtful human being, keep peeling back the layers!

[@kln2729]

Thank you for humanizing "famous people" and giving people a safe space to be vulnerable. The dialogue is healing!❤