Vulnerable with Christy Carlson Romano

Today on Vulnerable, I am joined by a familiar Disney face, Matthew Scott Montgomery! Matthew is best known for his work on Disney Channel, most notably his role on So Random!. Matthew explains the difficulty of growing up as a queer kid in the South, and how a breakthrough theater role led him to out himself to his parents. With undeniable courage, Matthew pulls back the curtain on his experience with conversion therapy and how he broke free from it. What role did Demi Lovato play in Matthew’s journey? Was he really electrocuted and hypnotized? Why did he feel like he deserved to go to conversion therapy? Join us for this heartfelt and brave conversation. You can follow Matthew at @matthew_scott_montgomery on Instagram and @matthewscottmontgomery on TikTok. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I’m joined by Disney duo Jake Short and Bradley Steven Perry. Jake started his career on Disney's Ant Farm while Bradley made his mark on Good Luck Charlie. Soon enough, the two found their groove side by side on Disney XD's Mighty Med and they still work together to this day on their podcast, Hit the Brake. From casting horror stories to SAG eligibility, we get to chat about the times when we wanted to quit acting and the times we realized how lucky we are to be actors. We even dive deep into the mental health of child actors and what it's like to be a parent of a child in the industry.  Who took their job WAY too seriously? Why did Jake and Bradley hate each other when they first met? Will the old audition process ever come back?! Join us now! You can follow Jake at @jakeshort on Instagram, Bradley at ​​@bradley_s_perry12 on Instagram, and check out their podcast Hit the Brake at @hitthebreak on YouTube. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I get to catch up with the wonderful Lexi Hensler! Lexi is best known for her success as a content creator with almost 10 million followers on TikTok and 5.25 million subscribers on YouTube. Being the mental health advocate that she is, Lexi created the company Hugz to provide therapeutic stuffed animals to soothe and support those who need it.   Due to a necessary brain scan that Lexi had to leave early for, today's episode is a bit shorter. Still, we had a beautiful conversation about mental health, what inspires her, future goals, and having baby fever. She even surprised me with the most adorable gift! What happened after Lexi fell onto train tracks? Why did she create her mental health empire? What lesson does she want teach her audience? Join us now! You can follow Lexi @LexiHensler on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and check out Hugz at https://givehugz.co. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Disclaimer: This content was produced prior to the recent SAG-AFTRA strike authorization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a Nickelodeon vs. Disney showdown today on Vulnerable! I get to chat with my long time friend and colleague, Daniella Monet. After making her mark on Nickelodeon with her iconic role as Trina Vega in Victorious, Daniella went on to new adventures, including getting married and starting a beautiful family. From Nickelodeon to ABC, you've seen her work her magic all across television. We talk about mom life, becoming vegan, and reconnecting with old castmates. We even get to reminisce about memories from working on a movie together and what it was like shooting at the iconic High School Musical school. What ACTUALLY happened to Click Five? Why did Daniella almost flake on the first date with her husband? How was she part of the inspiration for the Vulnerable Podcast? Join us now! You can follow Daniella on Instagram at @daniellamonet, @daniellasdigest, and @kinderbeautybox, and on TikTok at @daniellamonet. Check out her websites at daniellasdigest.com and kinderbeauty.com. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano, at @thechristycarlsonromano on Instagram and @christycarlsonromano on TikTok, and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Follow Vulnerable Podcast at @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version of this podcast on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I get to catch up with a fellow mom and hilariously entertaining content creator, Whitney Leavitt! Whitney is famously known for being a part of Utah’s MomTok. She opens up about the Tinder scandal, the swingers rumors, and what it’s like to deal with criticism in the public eye. We also talk about her future goals and how she plans to transition from TikTok to a traditional Hollywood actress. Were ALL MomTok couples swinging? How did she get past the Tinder scandal with her husband? Is there a MomTok reality show in the works?? Tune in now to find out! You can follow Whitney @whitleavitt on Instagram and YouTube, and @whitneyleavitt on TikTok. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Disclaimer: This content was produced prior to the recent SAG-AFTRA strike authorization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I am joined by the wonderfully talented Isaak Presley! Isaak is best known for his roles in Fuller House and the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle opposite Jenna Ortega. He is continuing to pursue many things in the arts, including a successful music career. Isaak opens up about his experience navigating the industry as a child actor, why he made the decision to get sober, and how getting arrested changed his life. Who had drama on the set of Stuck in the Middle? How young was he when he was exposed to drugs and alcohol? What does he wish Disney had told him? Tune in to this honest and open episode. You can follow Isaak @IsaakPresley on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Disclaimer: This content was produced prior to the recent SAG-AFTRA strike authorization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I’m sharing a Millennial Moment where I take a look at the effects of brands like Barbie, Victoria’s Secret, and Abercrombie & Fitch. What do these brands have in common? They have lived through Y2K and have now completely rebranded to become a better, less problematic version of themselves. Is Barbie REALLY a feminist icon? How did Victoria’s Secret affect young millennial women? Did Abercrombie’s photographer prey on young models? Tune in now to find out. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I have the opportunity to connect with the amazing Maitland Ward! Maitland is an actress and adult film star, best known for her role as Rachel McGuire in Boy Meets World. Maitland is open and honest about her career shift from traditional Hollywood to adult entertainment. She talks about how she got into the industry, relationships with her old Boy Meets World stars, and how her new career has ultimately liberated her from Hollywood. When was Maitland Google’s top trending search? What does she think about Disney today? How did Christy try to shed her Disney image? You can follow Maitland @maitlandward on Instagram and Twitter. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Disclaimer: This content was produced prior to the recent SAG-AFTRA strike authorization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I’m joined by Ren Stevens’ very own bestie, and one of my favorite people, Lauren Frost! Lauren is an actor and stylist best known for her role as Ruby Mendel in Even Stevens as well as her portrayal of Young Barbra in Barbra Streisand’s Timeless Tour. Lauren and I chat about our time growing up together on Even Stevens and the highs and lows of our friendship. We talk about our teenage relationships and heartbreaks, Lauren’s Hollywood journey after Even Stevens, and her current passion for mental health awareness and education. I also share an exclusive story about our co-star Nick Spano (Donnie Stevens) and his unbelievable run in with Megan Fox. What does Lauren really think of Barbra Streisand? Why didn’t Lauren’s Disney pilot show take off? Tune in now! You can follow Lauren on Instagram @laurenfrost and TikTok @laurenfrostok. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I get to chat with the one and only Trisha Paytas! Trisha is a social media superstar, and one of the very first content creators on YouTube. Through her authentic content, she now has over 5 million subscribers on YouTube and over 8 million followers on TikTok. Trisha talks ALL about the ups and downs of her life as a content creator. She opens up about the controversy she’s endured, dangerous online encounters and threats, and the absolute joys of becoming a mother to a beautiful baby girl. She also reveals a documentary she made to take down internet trolls. Who did Trisha post audition tapes for on Myspace? Is she going to start a sexy podcast? Tune in to find out! You can follow Trisha on TikTok @trishlikefish88, Instagram @trishapaytasbackup, Twitter @trishapaytas, and subscribe to her YouTube channel @blndsundoll4mj and her ASMR YouTube channel @TrishaPaytasASMR. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I get to chat with Clayton Snyder! Clayton stole the hearts of many as the teen heartthrob Ethan Craft on Lizzie McGuire. He continues to act to this day while also working as a successful realtor AND water poloist.   Clayton shares what it was like growing up on Disney Channel while trying to live a normal, teenage life. He talks about his water polo career, his Lizzie McGuire audition, and why he stepped away from acting after filming the Lizzie McGuire Movie. Did Clayton bring Hilary Duff to his school dance? What was one of his favorite Lizzie McGuire stunts? Tune in now! You can follow Clayton @heyclayton on Instagram. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I’m joined by the talented writer, director, and actress, Madison De La Garza! Madison is best known for her role as Juanita Solis on Desperate Housewives. Madison talks about her journey to Hollywood as a child and what it was like growing up in the industry on one of the most famous TV sets. She also shares her current passions, including directing, teaching, and raising awareness for incredibly talented TikTok actors. What Desperate Housewives scene traumatized Madison? What is it like working with Eva Longoria? Why does Madison want to become an elementary school teacher? Join us now! You can follow on Instagram @maddelagarza, TikTok @madidelagarza, and Twitter @MadDeLaGarza, subscribe to her YouTube channel @MadisonDeLaGarza, and visit her website Madisondelagarza.net. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I have the opportunity to connect with Lizzie McGuire’s very own Davida Williams! Davida is an actress best known for her roles as “Claire Miller” in Lizzie McGuire and “Taylor Morrison” in Hallmark’s Game, Set, Love. Davida opens up about the challenges of life as a child actor and the comfort she felt on the set of Lizzie McGuire. She also shares the shocking initial plot of the Jonas Brothers’ Disney TV show, ABC’s failed attempt to make Lizzie McGuire into a high school show, and what it was like working with Hilary Duff. What were Davida’s original plans after Lizzie McGuire? What terrible Hollywood experience did she go through? What is Club One Seven? Tune in to find out! You can follow Davida on Instagram and Twitter @DavidaBWilliams, and TikTok @DavidaWilliams4. Tune into her new podcast with Jake Thomas, “Living Lizzie - A Very McGuire Podcast,” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I get to chat with TikTok and YouTube star, Peet Montzingo! Peet is best known for his TikTok content about the ominous Hotel Cecil, as well as his beloved videos with his mom and family. Peet opens up about his unique childhood as the only above average height person in a family of little people. He describes the challenges and joys of growing up with a different family experience, and the meaning of his new book, “Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different.” He also shares his craziest Hotel Cecil sightings and the controversies that surround the hotel. How many boy bands was Peet in? Why is he banned from going inside Hotel Cecil? Would he ever film a reality TV show with his family? Join us now! You can follow Peet @peetmontzingo on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and subscribe to his YouTube @PeetMontzingo. You can purchase his book, “Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different,” here. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, my dear friend Mara Wilson is back, and it’s such a joy to talk with her again. You might know Mara from her iconic childhood roles in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire. She’s also an NYU graduate, accomplished writer, and child actor rights advocate.  Mara opens up about what it was like to step back from a successful acting career, her unique experience as a student at NYU, and how often fame is misunderstood. She also talks about the healing and hardships that came along with writing her new memoir, “Good Girls Don’t.” What other child actor went to NYU with Mara? Why did Mara think she’d never be in front of a camera again? Tune in now! You can follow Mara @marawilson on Instagram, and Twitter. You can listen to her new book, “Good Girls Don’t,” here. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Vulnerable, I’m joined by the incredibly talented actor and TikTok star, Luke Cook. Luke is best known for his role as Lucifer in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and he keeps his 1.5 million TikTok followers entertained with some of the funniest anti-influencer parodies you’ll ever see. Luke and I dig into his experience as an actor in Hollywood and his journey to get where he is today. He shares how he found his niche of pushing back on celebrity culture on TikTok, his very worst audition experiences, and how he’s remained motivated as an actor. We also talk about the vulnerabilities of child actors in the industry and what it’s like raising children of our own. What was Luke’s most disappointing experience on a TV set? How long did he go without booking any roles? Tune in to find out! You can follow Luke @thelukecook on TikTok and Instagram. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I’m joined by actor and musician Corey Feldman! Corey got his start from his roles in The Goonies, Stand by Me, and The Lost Boys, and has gone on to have a successful music career. As someone who has worked in the industry since he was 3 years old, Corey has a unique passion for child actor rights and protections. He shares about his tell-all memoir, his friendship with Hugh Hefner, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his unfinished documentary. He also gives a look into his teenage romance with Drew Barrymore. Which famous Disney animated movie was Corey a voice actor for? How often did Corey go to the Playboy mansion? Join us now! You can follow Corey on Instagram @cdogg22 and Twitter @corey_feldman. You can order his new Love Set 2.1 Boxset here. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I get to chat with Melanie Samuels and Melissa Coulier! Melanie is a holistic nutritionist and Melissa is a fitness instructor and award-winning photographer. They are the Co-Founders of Living Well with Mel and Mel, a wellness brand focused on bio-individuality and managing inflammation. Melanie and Melissa talk about their unique holistic wellness journeys, and how Melanie’s battle with disordered eating and Melissa’s Lupus diagnosis brought them together to find healing and restoration for their bodies. They also share the dangers of the diet industry, what it’s like to live with chronic pain, and their mission for their wellness community. Why don’t women talk more about their wellness journeys? How has Dave Coulier been impacted by holistic health? What went wrong when Christy’s husband proposed? Join us to find out! You can follow Melanie on Instagram @choosewellwithmel, Melissa on Instagram @melissacoulier, and Living Well with Mel and Mel on Instagram @livingwellwithmelandmel and visit their website here. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I review Jennette McCurdy’s beautiful and heart-wrenching memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” So much of what Jennette shares is close to my heart, and I was deeply impacted by this book. Jennette’s book gives a raw and honest look into her life growing up in the industry. She talks about her complex and often confusing relationship with her mom, the abuse she suffered from her mom and Nickelodeon, and how her trauma compounded into years eating disorders and addictions. But her story didn’t end there. With therapy and supportive relationships, Jennette was able to take back control of her life. Change is needed in the industry. Networks and creators need checks and balances and true accountability. Visit this link to learn more about the Coalition for Child Performers and how you can take action today: https://www.coalitionforchildperformers.com/ You can follow Jennette McCurdy @jennettemccurdy on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, and order “I’m Glad My Mom Died” here. Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on Vulnerable, I’m joined by Dan Benson! Dan is an actor best known for his role as Zeke Beakerman on “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and has recently found a new kind of fame on OnlyFans. Dan is the epitome of Vulnerable, and gives an up close and personal view about his experience transitioning from a Disney Channel star to an OnlyFans star. He shares the unexpected circumstances of how he was introduced to OnlyFans, how he’s grown in self-confidence, and the importance of organizations like the Trevor Project. What fanfiction was Dan a part of? What’s the craziest thing he’s been DM’d? Tune in to find out! You can follow Dan on Instagram @danleebenson, TikTok @danleebenson, Twitter @_danbenson, and OnlyFans @danbenson Follow me, Christy Carlson Romano on Instagram @thechristycarlsonromano and TikTok @christcarlsonromano, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and follow Brendan Rooney on  Instagram @thebrendanrooney and TikTok @brendanrooney. Be sure to follow Vulnerable @thevulnerablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok. You can watch the video version on my YouTube channel.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices