Riley Keough: Nepo babies, Addiction & Grief
What is up, Daddy Gang? It is your. founding father, Alex Cooper, with Call. Her Daddy. Riley Keough, welcome to Call Her Daddy. >> Thank you. >> I am such a big fan. Thank you for being. here. >> Thank you for having me. >> Of course. I huge Daisy Jones and the. Six Girl. >> Oh, cool. >> Like binged the whole thing in sitting. >> Really? >> Loved it. >> watching. >> My husband was like, "Are you could take. a break." I'm like, "No, no, no, it's.
kind of one of those where you just got. to get I got to get Yeah, I got to get. to the end." It was awesome. >> What was your favorite part of playing. that role? >> I think getting to learn like to sing. and play guitar was my favorite part. because it was that I think that's one. of my favorite things about acting in. general is learning like a whole new. skill set and this one was like very. in like. normally you do a few rehearsals or do. if you're, you know, training to. do I don't know, to be a dancer or.
whatever. I don't know. Like I've never. done something so involved. Like I. haven't had to fully learn to like sing. and play guitar. So, I I found that really fun. >> Wait, you were doing like full voice. lessons? >> We were doing Yeah, like we had band. practice. >> [laughter]. >> every day and it was like a year long. Um but we needed it. Like none of us. none of us a few of us had never picked. up an instrument and or sang. So. >> Was there ever a point in your life that.
you would have considered a music. career? >> Never. >> No? >> Never. No, I still would never. I'm not. a singer. I'm just. >> you have a good voice unless they. auto-tuned it. >> [laughter]. >> They didn't auto-tune it, but I have a. fine voice. I just got by, but I I. I'm a realist and then I know I'm not a. singer. >> The fact that you're telling me they. didn't edit your voice, you have a good. voice. >> They didn't edit it, I think. >> [laughter]. >> You call them, and like, "Oh, babe, that. [ __ ] was auto-tuned." And you're like, [ __ ]. >> I think they I don't think they.
auto-tuned. I think the whole point was. because it was meant to sound 1970s that. you wouldn't do that, you know? >> yeah. You sounded gorgeous, I guess. >> I. >> lean into. >> I felt proud that I was able to do it. because there was a like a conversation. uh about potentially getting like vocal. stunt. >> stunt doubles. >> doubles. >> [laughter]. >> or something. >> god. >> And so I felt really determined to make. it work, and I feel proud we made it. work, you know? I I. >> Girl, >> think I'm like the best singer in the. world, and I you know, that's fine. >> You made it work with Flying Colors.
>> Um [laughter] I love how you're like, oh. like I no, no, no, I like never sang. From my research, you and Dakota Johnson. were in a band together in New York. City. Don't lie to my face. >> [laughter]. >> This is so funny. This comes up so. often, and like I think that we need to. do something here because yes, we were. in a band, but the band was. me and her sitting with her brother. around a table in her apartment in New. York with Photo Booth like doing covers. of songs. >> Oh my god, that's adorable.
>> the thing, neither of us were confident singers, so. we would just kind of like all sing. together. >> Oh, so you were you were all competing. for like the lead role. >> all the lead vocals. >> You're all the lead. >> Yeah. >> Wait, what was the band called? >> Foki Porn. >> Foki Porn? >> Color Daddy. >> Wait, [laughter] I'm obsessed. I had a. band at one point, and I was like so. committed. >> Yeah, but it was so bad. >> do? >> So yeah, well, here's the thing. >> You know, >> I I started as like the electric. guitarist. >> Cool. >> But that is like loosely saying that.
The only song I could. >> electric guitarist. >> Yeah, I was right. >> [laughter]. >> I'm a loose guitar player. >> I like looked incredible holding it, but. the minute I would get going, it was I. was giving nothing. I knew how to play. the like da. da da. whatever that song is, I could do those. like three little things. That was all I. knew. Our band was called The Aliens. It was a. big deal. It was in my basement. And. then we changed it to Green Jelly.
>> Cool. Were the other people in the band. also loose. musicians? >> Everyone was loose. Everyone. >> [laughter]. >> Everyone was loose. We were kind of just. there for the vibes. >> Yeah. >> Our sign was on like printer paper with. like a little marker. It was edgy. It. was the thing. I actually paid my. neighbors at one point like 25 cents to. come watch us perform. >> Wow. >> They were upset that we wasted their. time. So like I'm a big band girl. >> So Dakota and I didn't get like that far.
into it. We kind of like it lasted maybe. like three days. >> [laughter]. >> And. then it was over. The band broke up. >> Good to know. Good to know. We How do. you guys know each other? Like when did. you become friends? >> We became friends because we both grew. up in LA and just there was some kind of. I had a friend who was friends with her. boyfriend. And we met at like an In-N-Out parking. lot. And then we went to all the same parties. in in LA at like 16, 17. And I'd see her.
out and about. And then I became friends. with her boyfriend. And then so I went to go see his band. play. And she was always there. And she was. like the coolest girl. >> The coolest. >> The coolest. >> She still is. >> She is. And then we just I don't know, became friends and. >> Don't you love when like people are. obsessed with like celebrity. friendships? Where like no, no, no, come. on, tell us more. You're like we're just. friends. We're at In-N-Out, [ __ ]. >> Sometimes we hang out and talk on the. phone. >> [laughter].
>> I think cuz it makes people feel like. closer to you guys of like you guys are. obviously both like very cool, interesting people. And so I think to. know that you guys are friends, people. like I'm like come on, give me more tea. >> I can give you tea. I just don't really. have any. But. >> [laughter]. >> there's anything you can think of. >> I'm going to give you that I'm a tea. giver. >> Okay. Okay, You did show up today and be. like, "We don't have to cry.". >> [laughter]. >> I just don't want you to feel pressure. >> I don't want you to feel pressure at. all. If you hate any of my questions, let me know. We can pivot.
>> Deal. >> Okay, good. Um how do you think you. What? >> Hey. >> [laughter]. >> I mean, let's sit in silence. I do love that you were 30 minutes. like early and you brought no one. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> Can I tell you I've had people come to. my studio with 20 people, 10 people, five people, but the solo. >> Solo is a first? >> Um here's my answer. I'm not like technically on like a press. tour right now. So, I'm not I have I have no problem.
going places all by myself, you know? >> I love that for you. >> like I actually enjoy it. >> I am the same way. Whenever I go on a. podcast, which is rare, I'm like, "No. one come with me. I'm going to let it. rip. Let God go with me.". >> The cool thing about not having a. publicist here. >> [laughter]. >> is I can say whatever I want. >> For sure. Then she's going to call you. after and be like, "What was it?" And. you're like, "I don't remember. We. talked for almost an hour. Like, who. knows? Just let it be. You know what I. mean? It's fine. You're not going to get. canceled from this. Um how would your.
friends describe you?". >> Oh my gosh. That's such a hard question. I don't know. I have no idea. Like in. what way? Like there's like a. >> Like how would they describe you? Like. if Dakota was in the room right now, like what would she say about you? Oh, we should we could call her also. >> Do you want to go get her? >> Let's call her. That would be [ __ ] funny. Go get your. phone. >> So, she didn't answer. >> Okay, let's call another friend. All. you're asking is how would you describe. me as a friend? >> you describe me as a friend? >> I'm on a show. Give me a good answer. >> So, do you want them to be famous. [laughter] or not?
>> famous is fun. Famous is more fun. You're like, "I'll call John." We're. >> funny cuz people every I do this a lot. of the a lot and where people will be. like, "How would your friends or what. friends could we speak to about you for. this interview and I give like my all my. closest friends and they're like, but. what about like famous ones? >> They're like they're [laughter] like, no. no no, we don't care about Cassidy. Like. >> we don't want, you know, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> So funny. Okay, should I try Zoe. Kravitz? >> Yeah, let's give her a go. >> The Nepo Baby phone. >> I'm in the phone book.
>> [laughter]. >> okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Oh my god, hello. >> Hi, wait, you're on air. >> Call Her Daddy is brought to you by. Häagen-Dazs. Daddy gang, I think we all. deserve a little more me-time. Whether. it's work, school, or whatever is. bringing you down, it's so important to. take a second to slow down and treat. yourself. And lately, my favorite way to. do this is with some rich, smooth, creamy ice cream, and none better than. Häagen-Dazs. You guys, you have to try.
their cherry dark chocolate bar. Let me. just tell you something, okay? Picture. rich cherry ice cream with some tart. cherry ribbons all covered in a thick. layer of dark chocolate. Yes, it's the. kind of thing you don't want to just. eat, but you like literally experience, okay? Usually, I'm the type to just like. crush a dessert in 2 seconds, but this, oh girls, I'm taking my time. I'm like. savoring every bite. Häagen-Dazs is just. one of those things that's meant to be. savored. I've literally been eating. Häagen-Dazs since I came out of the. womb. My entire family has always had it.
stocked in our fridge. It'd be like, movie night, boom, sit down, get our. Häagen-Dazs. And now the cherry dark. chocolate bar, it's always in my hand, okay? It is just a perfect sweet treat. that I just can't get enough of. It's my. go-to treat at the end of a long work. day. So, take your sweet time, that's. Dazs, available at retailers nationwide. >> Hello. >> [laughter]. >> I'm chewing, sorry. >> So, >> What are you eating? >> What are you eating? >> I'm eating some toast. I'm eating I'm. eating raisin toast.
>> So good. >> Cinnamon raisin toast with butter. >> Okay, so I'm on a podcast and they asked. me to call a friend to describe how you. would describe me as a friend. As a. friend. >> As a friend? I would describe you as a ride or die. Like you are down for whatever. You will. always You show up all the time. You're. very consistent. Like me I feel like me. and you will like not talk or see each. other for like six months and then it's. like we just pick up where we left off. And I think you're really good at. keeping secrets.
>> [laughter]. >> Going to tell those on this pod. >> actually. Um and. incredibly loyal. and. you're funny. You're funny as hell. And you're honest. >> Keep going. >> Um you always text me back. >> That's so cute. >> It's true. >> I think so. You're welcome. >> All right. Love you. [laughter] Love. you. Bye. >> One more one more. >> Okay.
>> You're You're just like you're such a. [ __ ] sometimes. You're just like a. [ __ ]. >> I'm a [ __ ]. Really? >> [laughter]. >> You think? Really? >> You're the nicest person in the world. >> Okay. >> [laughter]. >> I love you. >> Okay, love you, too. >> I'm obsessed. Thank you for doing that. First of all, imagine if you're like, "I'm just kidding. I'm not on a podcast. I'm just like feeling needy today.". >> [laughter]. >> Keep going. >> Yeah, right. >> Okay, those That feels pretty accurate. >> know. I didn't really hear much. She. said I was loyal. >> She said you were loyal,
really good at keeping secrets. >> [laughter]. >> You're like, "No, no, I am on air. Don't. say anything crazy. Don't say anything.". No, all of that was lovely. >> Oh, good. >> And I when she said you were a [ __ ]. I'm like, that is the complete opposite. of what I'm getting. You're You are very. like gentle soul. >> Thank you. Um I think that I would say I would I am. a loyal friend. I I do really care about. my friends and you know, I. hope. I I think. >> [laughter]. >> Allegedly. Allegedly. Um okay, let's.
talk about the book. It is. so fascinating like what you wrote about. from here to the great unknown. First of all, just to like tell the. Daddy Gang my audience like how did this. book come to be? >> This book came to be because my mother. was. in the middle of writing her. autobiography. And [snorts]. in December. she came to me and said. um.
you know, I need help. Like she couldn't. she she didn't really I think she just. got to a point where she was. feeling frustrated and and she she. didn't like talking about herself so. writing an autobiography was difficult. and she asked if I would help her. Um and then she passed away a month. later. So. I just found myself like it was just. this thing that I had to do. So I just. completed her memoir which was you know, very intense. Um. >> How long did it take you?
>> Oh my gosh. Um. probably about a year. Yeah. >> Wow. >> Start to finish? >> How do you think like having that. project to work on after your mom passed. like helped you work through your. feelings? >> Well, I think that when I started. working on the book it was only like. three four months after she'd passed. away. So it was very. like intense and I didn't really want to. be doing it to be honest. Um it felt.
like this thing I had to complete. >> [gasps]. >> And so I was a little bit resistant in. the beginning and it's also like it's. it's very out of my comfort zone to. write. a. a. story or tell all of the things like my. family's personal all these vulnerable. things about my family. Um it's not. something that I. would do otherwise. You know, so it was. there was a lot I felt very resistant, but ultimately I was doing it for her. and it's what she wanted and I knew how.
much she wanted to finish her. autobiography and share her story. so people could understand her more. And also so she could relate to people. and she's been through so much and I. think that. largely why she did this was to kind of. share her experience in grief and. addiction and these very human things. and so yeah, so I would say that I. I did it, but I wasn't like. really excited to do it. >> No, I think like hearing you even say.
that is interesting when you said like. my natural reaction isn't to just like. spill all family secrets and I think. just to clarify for anyone that is not. like familiar with like your family. lineage like you are Elvis's. granddaughter. Your mom was Elvis's only. daughter and so I get what you're saying. is like it's a very famous family that. you come from. So, to write basically. like a big book being like here's detail. by detail what went down. Usually we. don't get that from very famous.
families. >> Yes, and you know. particularly. in my family growing up and with my mom, she was extremely private. She hated. talking to the press. She didn't want to. be famous like she was born into a. situation she really didn't enjoy. And. and growing up in the the world we grew. up in was very private, very secretive, very like everything was a security. issue. Like there was no talking to. friends about things like our family.
stuff was you know, everything was very. private. So, it was a lot of uh. I had to push through that sort of. uncomfortable feeling of like sharing. all this information, but the other. thing is is like as a person I'm very. honest person and I also. couldn't imagine so she like she was. uncomfortably honest? So, I think I. couldn't have imagined a version of her. book where she didn't. you know, share all of these things.
>> Yeah, and like go all in. >> Yeah. >> Your baby photo was sold for $300,000 on. the cover of People magazine. Like. that is insane in. >> What's insane is I is like $300 then was. like a million. >> $300,000? >> $300,000, sorry. >> $300,000? [laughter]. >> It was like a million like it was close. to a million dollars. >> Like you're so wanted. >> Well. >> Well. >> used to be. >> [laughter]. >> Um can you like looking back at your. childhood, obviously growing up in this.
famous family, what is something that. was definitely not normal that like you. got pretty used to because you're just. like, oh, I I thought this was our. reality. >> Like all of it. >> Yeah, [laughter] you know, like if I if. I like shared the day-to-day growing up, it would probably be like, you know, crazy to. >> Give us a little, come on. >> Well, it was just a lot of like thing. like it was very like high security and. like. if we're going somewhere, it was like. lots of people following us and very. like intense and chaotic and like.
going through, you know, I don't know. Like. >> How are you so calm? >> Uh. I don't know. I'm not. >> [laughter]. >> at all. >> You're like internally on fire. >> Internally. I'm burning down. >> [laughter]. >> All day. >> It's the external you're keeping it all. together, but internally. >> Yes. >> Okay, good to know. How would you have. described yourself as a kid? >> I was very quiet. Um. really internal. I wasn't uh. I I I got called shy a lot, but I.
actually wasn't shy. I just was very. internal. Like I just didn't have a lot. to say and and. just was yeah, I was very quiet. I was. like that actually most of my life until. I started to realize that people would. perceive that as rude, so I really. pushed myself to to, you know, come out of my shell. >> [laughter]. >> Like right now, I don't want to be talking, >> Yeah. >> but I have a camera in front of. >> Got to be here. >> [laughter]. >> Hi everyone. Oh, that's so interesting. So if like you're in if you're going.
through something in your life, whether. it's like a fight with your partner or a. friend, like do you just go silent? >> No. >> No. >> No, no, no. I'm very I'm very emotional. I'm just not somebody like at a dinner. party. >> Got it. >> If a lot of people are talking, I prefer. to listen. It's just that. It's not like. I'm like internalize. I'm very I'm very. open with my emotions. >> Got it. Got it. >> I'm just not like a big chatter. >> Love. >> Yeah. >> Love. Welcome to an hour sitting down. with me. Let's go, girl.
>> I am now. I wasn't. I've grown I've. changed. >> You're doing great. >> know. I don't know. >> [laughter]. >> Where am I? Um the book obviously. switches between like your mom and her. perspective and then yours. How do you. think you guys were similar as. teenagers? >> Wow. Um. I think I also had a moment of like. rebel She had like a her rebellious. moment. I also had that, like where I. would sneak out and, >> [sighs]. >> you know, hang out with people I. shouldn't wasn't allowed to and getting.
arrested and, you know, >> You got arrested? >> Is it a good mug shot? No. >> [laughter]. >> You're like, wait, this is why my. publicist is going to kill me. >> Where's my publicist? Come in. >> No one's [laughter] here to save you. Wait, that's kind of like. >> I I was arrested once. Yeah. >> Is it a good mug shot? >> I never saw it. >> What? >> I know. >> You need to make t-shirts. >> I know. I was a minor, so luckily I. think it was like Oh, so it's like an. underage. >> Yeah. A lot of people that I know got those. Those were like I was like so terrified. to get one cuz I like needed to go play.
like soccer and if you had one you. couldn't play. It was a whole thing. But. like I was there. >> You got You got a mug shot. You didn't. get your mug. >> get a mug shot. But now in hindsight I'm. like, huh, would have been like a little. edgy.". >> [laughter]. >> So had an edgy moment. >> We were doing it for just drinking? >> It was for. >> [laughter]. >> Oh god. >> I can't say this my public I was for. breaking and entering. >> Wait, [laughter] what where? >> Um so it was actually. so. >> [laughter].
>> I went to a party at my friend's house. >> Okay. >> But. I didn't know that it wasn't my friend's. house. It was a house for sale. Um. and so most people like the police came. and most people like got away and then. about 10 of us got. arrested. My mom was. pissed. >> Did she try to like get it not in the. papers? >> No, she was like. "This is on you, girl.". >> [laughter].
>> Yeah. >> Oh my god, but. >> Luckily it didn't get it wasn't in the. papers. >> Was your mom someone that would punish. you like are you getting grounded? >> grounded. Oh yeah, I was grounded for. like 3 months. And I was grounded on my like 16th or. 15th birthday or something. Yeah. >> That's tough. >> I was grounded and. she was in Las Vegas and I had to call. her and tell her to come back from Vegas. and to pick me up in prison. I've never. told anyone this. >> [laughter]. >> Like, "Mom, I'm in jail.".
She's like, "I'm on the strip, [ __ ]. What?". >> No. >> So she she's like, "I can't get there.". So she sent my aunt to come get me and. uh so you know, I had a moment. >> [laughter]. >> I had a mo like a moment as a teenager. and she also did. >> Love. >> Yeah. >> Love. Okay. Um you write a lot about. like the different relationships that. your mom had romantically throughout. your childhood. When you were five, your. parents got divorced because your mom. wanted to marry Michael Jackson. How was.
this explained to you as a kid like that. they were getting divorced? >> So my mom I was like we were in Florida. and I was sitting on her lap and she. said, "I'm. me and your dad are getting a divorce.". And I took like the way I received it. was that he wasn't my dad anymore. Um. and it was like I it's so memorable to. me cuz I just was destroyed. I didn't. understand what a divorce was. So I just. thought like you he's not my dad now.
Um but the great thing was shortly after. like they. were so close and they really cared. about keeping them, you know, our family dynamic the same. So he was. at our house and staying over and so he. was there a lot. So I think I kind of. forgot about it, which was amazing. >> to see like a very loving relationship. between the two of them even though they. got divorced. >> Yeah, like a really unique like it was a. very unique experience. especially in the '90s, you know, to have both of your parents.
sort of like brother and sister really. close, living together. He lived with us. for a lot of my life when my mom had. other partners and other. uh husbands. Um he would live in the. guest house and so my what was modeled. to me was when you break up with. someone, you stay friends with them. Um and like I really like apply that to. most of my relationships because that. was kind of all that I. that was what I saw with my parents and. um it was really beautiful. I mean, they.
were. they were like best friends and I don't. know if they should have been married. >> We when you break up with someone or. they break up with you and you're. staying friends with them, have any of. your past relationships been like Riley, like we broke up. Why are like are you. still trying to stay so amicable and are. people ever confused by like how. amicable you are? >> No, because I think that like it was. never a forced thing. I think I just. I don't know how I did it. That.
There were there was like one. relationship that there was, you know, no friendship there. But for the most. part, all the other ones I don't even. know. It wasn't I wasn't like. consciously thinking about it. We just. ended up friends. >> It's just kind of like how you were. raised to think that's how you go about. it. Which is probably in hindsight like. a. I don't know. Do we think it's a better. way to go about it? Like is it easier? >> feeling was always like this is a person. that I loved, that I spent a lot of time. with. Why wouldn't I have them in my. life? >> Yeah.
>> If. you know, unless it was like some like. crazy unhealthy situation. >> Yes. >> Um of course it's uncomfortable for a. minute, but I think ultimately if it's. someone that I really cared that much. about. >> Yeah. >> then I'd want them in my life somehow. >> We just skirted past the big name, Michael Jackson. Let's go back for a. second. So, on top of like your family. already being obviously so famous, how. did your life get even crazier when. Michael entered the picture? Cuz he had. his own slew of like paparazzi and.
people following him and a media empire. essentially. >> Mhm. Our life wasn't crazier because that was. already there that already existed like. the press and the crazy the paparazzi. and the, you know, all that. Um. but her life, I think when she saw. Michael's life there were things that he. had that she didn't have. >> Mhm. >> Like she didn't have a plane at the time. or, you know, things like that. And so. her she want she then was like, "Oh, I'm. I should have a plane and I should have.
a. you know, this and that." And so our. life in that way kind of. >> got bigger. >> got bigger. Cuz she Before that she was. with my dad and my dad their life was. very simple. Not not with the press and. the craziness, but in terms of like at. home, like she didn't have 10 million. assistants and, you know, she didn't. need all all of that. And I think that. changed. >> How did your mom try to protect you and. your brother from the paparazzi during. all this? >> so. >> cuz I get tagged in these photos all the. time where we're wearing like a hat and. glasses. And I'm like, "What does that.
do?". >> [laughter]. >> It's so weird. >> Stunning. Like. >> Like a hiding I. I don't know. Like I guess they. attempted to hide our faces, but it was. like impossible. >> What is the most like extravagant thing. Michael did for you and your brother? >> There was a lot of like um closing down. things for us. Um well, it was kind of. like the only way that our family could. do things. Like. uh if we wanted to go to a toy store or.
like. something like that. Like. or ride rides or you know, so so. it wasn't the I don't know if it was. necessarily done for us or if it was. just for like. our family situation where we had to. shut the, you know, the toy stores and. stuff, but there was one memorable time. in London where um. we were in the toy store, so it was just. my brother and I in the whole toy store. And we were just like going floor to. floor to floor and like filling up our. >> [laughter]. >> our thing. And yeah, it was that was the.
first thing that comes to mind, but I. don't know if that was for us or just. like the way that our life was, you. know. >> Daddy gang, today's episode is brought. to you by Sour [music] Patch Kids. Anyone who works at Unwell could tell. you we keep them. literally everywhere in the office. You're in edit bay? Sour Patch Kids. You're in a conference room? Sour Patch. Kids. My desk drawers? Multiple packs of. Sour Patch Kids. My pockets? Sour Patch. Kids. Because sometimes when you're, you. know, staring at your inbox for the. seventh hour of the day, a Sour Patch.
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>> It's so interesting like hearing that. cuz now I know obviously you have a. daughter. >> Mhm. >> Growing up with such lavish things. around you, have you thought to yourself. like that was so normal to you and like. how are you going to parent differently. than how your mom parented you? >> I think she was such a she was an. amazing parent and she wanted us to have. I think like her father did. um these amazing experiences all the. time. For me personally, I.
want I think that a the problem there. could be for some that. when you're used to so much, it's hard. to find joy in simple things. And so I. really want my children to be able to. find joy in just, you know, playing in. the backyard and. doing normal kid stuff and not need like. elephants and circus and you know, [laughter] like all these things all the. time. So that's probably what I would do.
differently, but um I think her. intention was really. you know, wanting to to give everything. [snorts] she could to her kids. >> Have you had a hard time like finding. happiness in the simple things since you. were around such wealth and big moments? >> I think that there was a. time in my life where. I was like, oh. we're not going to you know, let me. think of a good example of this like. like even going to dinner.
growing up was like 50 people. It was. like a big deal. Everything was a big. deal all the time. So. there was more of like a loneliness that. would that I experienced in my 20s when. our life was a bit different of. um I was just used to having so many. people around and everything being so. intense. that I felt a little bit lonely. when it was when my life was smaller, I. think. >> I think that's like a relatable. concept. I think like I always talk to.
my friends who. when you get older and your like life is. changing and and families and. Thanksgivings, like. even if you look at what we see in like. Hallmark movies and everything, like the. bigger seems happier, right? Like a big. family at a table and everyone is there. And when you have a smaller unit, it. feels like this isn't as fun. This isn't. as when really like it could be more. intimate and you can have stronger. connections and it's not it doesn't mean. it's not fun. >> Yeah. >> But there's this feeling. >> It's that exact phenomenon, but like.
probably just a little different, but. yes, it's like probably the same feeling. you'd get if you, you know, came from a. huge family and had big family. gatherings all the time and then it was. just, you know, you or you moved. somewhere and you're just. >> What? This feels. lonely. >> Absolutely. Um. obviously. finishing cuz I have to acknowledge it. with the Michael stuff. Like obviously. before your mom's relationship with him, there were allegations of abuse and that.
he assaulted children. Then your mom went on to marry him and. you spent a good amount of time with. him. Like were there any adults in your. life that were like wait. I don't know if you should be spending. time at Neverland and I don't know if we. want you to be there. Like was your dad. nervous? >> I was never told anything. So even as. it's And it's actually not something I. ever asked as an adult. >> Why do you think? >> I don't know. I think it just like was what it was. Like I didn't.
I don't know. It just never came to. mind, I guess. Um I would imagine that. my dad was really heartbroken and. reading the news and I'm sure that I'm. just imagining. >> Of course. >> imagine he. said all kinds of things to my mom, you. know, that we didn't know. Know about, but nothing like the the way my parents. parented. was very much like we don't fight around. the kids. We don't ever say anything. around them. There was no like we didn't.
know anything. We didn't know about any allegations. We. didn't know. We were had no awareness of. that. >> As an adult when you look back on that. time of your life, like. how do you feel about it now? >> Um. I mean the one thing I know is that they. were in love. and that their love for one another was. genuine, you know, because I was there. and I remember. Everything else like I don't know cuz I. wasn't there for, you know. >> When your mom would break up with these.
people and she would like find a. different partner at some point your. life, like how do you think that. affected your own attachment style? >> That's really interesting. I definitely. would be really upset. Like when she. would break up with people, Michael, her. other partners, I would cry. I'd get mad. at her. Um. I really was. upset. Like I'd get mad at her. I'd be. pissed, you know, not knowing what happened, but I was. always just mad at my mom for the.
breakups. Cuz so it really affected me. My attachment style, the one thing I. know is that like. throughout through all of her. relationships, everyone would always go, she should have stayed with Danny, who. was my dad. And so I always have this. voice in the back of my head. that's like she should have stayed with. Danny and I. I know that she was, you know, someone who. when things got.
boring or mundane or difficult, she was. like, see ya, you know. >> Right. >> And uh. I think that. there's this part of me that feels like. I don't know. Staying with. If you find if you're so lucky to find. somebody who is like your kind of best. friend in the way that that they were. to just to try and like, you know. >> Make it work. >> Make it work. >> Yeah, that was what I thought was.
interesting the book was like basically. saying like when your mom was. um when she was passing like wasn't he. like the last person there basically for. her? >> Yeah. >> And there were all of these different. relationships. Didn't she date like Nicholas Cage? And. one of these big moments that were press. moments but really the through line was. like it seemed like your mom and dad. like always kind of stayed by each. other's side. >> Mhm. >> Which I can imagine for your own like. romantic. situation. I know you're married now but. like prior to your husband.
were were you ever feeling that through. line of like ooh this is getting boring. I'm going to run or have you You know. what I mean? >> I definitely had that when I was. younger. >> Okay. >> When I was younger I was very hard to. pin down. >> [laughter]. >> I was not interested in you know. sticking around. >> Yeah. >> And I definitely like didn't have the. best track record there. So that I think. would tie to sort of my mom's way of. like. you know, moving on once the the.
>> the thrill. >> the thrill is, you know whatever. That. When I was a teenager I was like a. >> That makes sense. >> Yeah. >> I'm curious like. was there any part of you that was ever. nervous to get married? >> No, which is so stupid. >> [laughter]. >> I was I mean I was young. I was 25 when. I got married. >> god. >> I was a little girl. >> And you weren't nervous? >> I wasn't nervous. I was so excited. I. didn't I. I didn't know what marriage was. I. didn't I hadn't been in a relationship. longer than 3 years, you know? Like I I.
didn't think about it. >> Yeah, I love that for you. I mean, that's like really interesting to hear. cuz like I know why I love these type of. conversations is like you never know. what you're going to get cuz some people. could be in your situation be like, "I. was so petrified because I didn't want. to. do what my mom had done or you know. you're going to like play out what she. was doing, but you're like, "No, I like. went right into it.". >> Yeah, I didn't really think I was Yeah, it was it wasn't impulsive or anything. I just like knew that he was the person.
I knew he was the person I was meant to. have kids with. I just knew it. So, I. don't know. And neither of us were like. Neither of us ever put any pressure on. it either. It wasn't like We still. don't. We're not like. "Our marriage will never fail and we're. going to be together till we're 80." You. know, like we're both kind of like if we. ever were unhappy, we would get. divorced. Right. >> You know, we're realist. >> We're realist. We're like, "Whatever.". >> You talk about how your mom was very. open with you and that sometimes could. feel like a curse. >> Mhm. >> What do you mean by that?
>> There were just not a lot of boundaries. It was very like everyone knew. everything about everybody. Um and. everyone was involved in everybody's If. I was breaking up with a boyfriend, like. she was involved, you know? Like it was. like that kind of a thing. Um she. everyone, you know, my brother, my dad, like we were very enmeshed, I think. Um. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> So, would you ever find yourself though. like roles reversed? I feel like. sometimes people get to the point where. they almost become the mother to their. mother. >> Mhm. >> Did you ever play therapist with your.
mom? >> Yes, I think that there was a certain. point probably in my mid-20s when. I sort of. became more of the caretaker in the. relationship and I think it was around. when she became addicted to opiates. >> Mhm. >> Um. cuz she was always sort of the like. leader in our family and then she had, you know, fell into her addiction and at. that point I sort of. Yeah, our our dynamic changed a lot.
>> Yeah. Can we talk about that because. so many friends and I have these. conversations now. I have people that. write in and it's like such a mindfuck. when you become the adult in the dynamic. with your parent because you're like, wait, no. >> It's inevitable. >> It's so weird and hard and it's like. you have to have so you either have to. have so many conversations or you don't. and it just is what it is and you're. left feeling. a little bit like an identity crisis. because. your parent who you could always go to.
and be like the child to, you're kind of. now like, wait, why are you relying on. me so heavily for things that like. >> the weirdest part about it in my. experience is they don't notice they're. doing it. >> [snorts]. >> Yes. >> You know? And you're like, wait. >> No. [laughter]. >> How who's seeing this? >> It's such an unsaid thing. >> Yeah. >> No, you're so right. Like they're not. aware, but you're aware. >> Yeah. >> And I'm like, how. >> And then it's like awkward cuz you can't. say like, I don't want to be your. parent. >> [laughter]. >> Like, grow up.
>> Like, what is going on? And that's why I. think it's such a mindfuck because then. the people or the person that you're. most likely going to in your past go to. to complain about something like that is. your mom. >> to the other one. >> Right. >> So you go to the your dad. [laughter]. >> And then he's losing it, too. And you're. like, >> [gasps]. >> We're all going insane. It's really. interesting watching my parents get. older now. I'm like, >> Do you feel like you have that dynamic. with your parents? >> I started to in a moment and I. have been doing a lot of therapy and.
they have like my mom and I have talked. about like our therapy journeys cuz I'm. like, we got to try to not make this. happen. Like we even if we're equals as. adults, but I think and it's and it's. >> What are the ways, if you're comfortable. in sharing, that you find yourself in. that situation? Like how. >> I think like. as basic as like. calling me for help on everything where. you're like. how did we get. >> here?
>> How did we get here? >> How did we get here? >> Yeah. >> How did we get through life where. >> I have to say like that is something. that I really am going to try my best. I. don't know if it's just inevitable, but. like as a parent, like I don't ever want. my kids to feel like they have to take. care of me. >> Yeah. >> Or unless they literally do. >> Yeah. >> But I mean. >> like emotionally. You know? I don't want I don't want my. children to feel like my happiness is. their. >> Yeah. >> responsibility. >> I feel the same way, but I also feel.
like so many people have that point of. like I'm going to do it so differently. than my parents and it feels like every. generation says that and then we keep. [ __ ] up. >> I think there's another you know, I. think you just have to accept that. you're going to do stuff wrong. >> Yeah. >> And you're going to end up like your. your child is going to end up talking to. their therapist about you. It's just. part of being a parent. So I for me I. just I try and not you know, read into. it. >> Read or read anything. >> Yeah, [laughter] at all. >> I don't read. >> I sit in silence.
>> read, but I think there's so much. pressure you know, to improve on the. future generations as you know, whatever. and and so I think I don't know. I don't. know what the [ __ ] I'm talking about. >> No, it's such a. >> [laughter]. >> like and pivot. No, I know exactly what you're talking. about. Also, I love that you having a. daughter like. did your mom ever talk to you about the. trauma and the grieving process of like. losing her father and like how she dealt. with that cuz I feel like you write a. lot in the book of like. seeing her in a moment like crying and.
drinking and. crying over Elvis's death, but then it's. like. how. >> She She never talked about her grief. She only would talk about him. So she never would I don't think she. processed her grief. Like I think that because her grief was. so public, she would hide a lot of her feelings. because she they felt personal like. something she could keep to herself. So, I think because of that she didn't.
really talk about the grief so much. Um. and I think as she in her late 40s. and like when she was 50, she started. realizing that she hadn't really ever. talked about it to anybody. >> Yeah. >> Which I think is also common with older. generations, you know? Nobody was. talking about. >> At all. >> all their things. >> Support [music]. for Call Her Daddy comes from Google. Pixel. As you guys know, I have been. trying to cook more, okay? Which sounds.
honestly like a great idea until it is. 7:00 p.m. I am looking at a fridge full. of random leftovers and ingredients. thinking, "How How do I make this all go together, right? And is any of this even still. good?" That's very important, too. And. normally, this is where I would just. like accept the chaos. I would open 17. tabs, take a million screenshots of. recipes, and convince myself that my. phone was helping me, right? I'm like, "This is working." But at a certain. point, you have to ask, "Why am I so.
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AI features are for users 18 plus. Make. sure to check responses. >> You obviously have experienced grief. I. mean, you lost your brother and your mom. in a span of. couple years, 2 years. How have you. thought about like. how to process grief in terms of one for. yourself, but also for your daughter? Cuz right? Like you watched your mom not. be able to handle it till she was about. 40, 50 and start to feel it. Like have.
you taken different steps? >> The only like step that I've actively. taken is to like feel my feelings. >> It's a good step. That's a good step, girl. >> lot harder than it sounds. >> Yes. >> You know? And some of them are have been. extremely unbearable. And whether that's. grief or. anxiety, sadness, like um. I think that feeling my feelings is is. has been the only conscious thing that.
I've done and trying to be present. >> Yeah. >> in my feelings. >> Could you give. just cuz I know there's so many people. that do deal with it. Family members. that have addiction. Like. how did your relationship with your mom. change when she became addicted to. painkillers? >> Well, I've had a lot of family members. who have had addiction issues that I. will and won't say on air cuz it's their. personal. >> Yeah. >> you know? Story. Um but more than just my mother. Um. and.
it's been a really interesting life. because. I've been surrounded in a way with. people suffering from addiction, but. there's [clears throat] never anything I. can really do about it. Um. and it's I I I I I. have I found myself kind of going like, "What is the lesson here?" Like to be. around people harming themselves and and. nothing I do will change it. And so, the. only thing that I could. do was surrender to what is, you know? >> Yeah.
>> And uh of course. I mean, with my mom, it was a. you know, years of me trying to drag her. into, you know, rehab or get her help or like so much. effort, you know? And thinking like, "This is going to be. effective every time." And and not. really being present in the fact that. the person sitting across from me is not. participating in my plan, you know? Um. so, I just was I mean, that was I I.
tried. really hard to, you know, keep all of. these plates spinning. And then ultimately, it resulted in like, you know, addiction. sort of resulted in the loss of two of. my family members. >> Yeah. >> I was kind of forced to surrender. And I think that. it's a really hard line because you you. can't do nothing. Um. because you feel. like,
you know, you have to. You You someone you love is. suffering, you have to. do everything you can to help alleviate. the suffering. So, I wouldn't necessarily like take. back all of the effort that I put in. But it's just just a weird uh. lesson in like, I don't know. I don't know what I. actually don't know. >> No, >> [laughter]. >> I think that's a good answer, though, because I feel like. I feel like there's so many people that. go through it and you feel like you're.
kind of like going in circles at some. point. It's like the same thing with. it's it's a way more extreme version of. when someone doesn't want to go to. therapy and you're trying to get them to. go to therapy. It's like you can't make. the person go to therapy they don't with. addiction it's like this person you can. try to help. but at some point you also in a weird. way have to like give yourself some. grace that like. >> Yeah, something my mom always would say. is she'd say tough love doesn't work. And. that was I didn't give tough love that.
was that's not part of who I am but to. other people around her who would try. and like force enforce things. Yeah. And I really agree with that. Like I. don't think that. personally like unless the unless the. person is really causing harm. or is is a threat to you and your safety. or you know, then that then it's very. different in addiction but I never. withdrew love in in.
moments. of you know, difficulty and through. addiction and I I I really believe that. you know, I think there's a lot of like. when you watch those TV shows that are. like about. you know, whatever addicts and stuff and. they're dragging them out of you know, these are human beings that are in pain. So I think that. always operating from a place of empathy. to me was always felt right. >> I one of the things that you wrote in. your book that I felt like was. so sad for you cuz it goes back to that.
like isolating feeling was when you kind. of talked about being seen as a narc by. your family. You're like I was my. brother's telling me to leave the club. and I didn't know why and I was like oh, he's sending me home so he can start. doing drugs in the club and he didn't. want you around. Like how do you think. that affected the way you acted around. your family because I think the people. that aren't doing the drugs like I've. had a situation like this where like. someone trying to hide it from you, and.
then you also just kind of feeling like. not wanted, and as much as you don't. want to be a part of the drugs, you also. feel like you're being alienated because. you're the only, quote-unquote, sober. one. >> Yeah. It was a really strange experience. because. I never was We were never having the. same experience. Like, in my experience, I was always being very I was being. firm, but I was always very gentle. And to them, it was like. "You're making me feel so bad." Like, they took it Everything was really.
was received. >> Yeah. >> really intensely, and it wasn't my. experience. So, I think there's so much like shame. around addiction. that. um. >> [clears throat]. >> it's really hard to like. uh have conver- you know, honest. conversations. >> Yeah. >> Um but I, you know, like. I don't know. It wasn't like. I'm in the room, everybody's like. leaving me out or something, you know?
It was a It was a slow burn, too. >> Yeah. When you went through this like 2-year. span of grief, essentially, or like the. beginning of, who did you lean on? Like, who do you go to when you're you need. someone to support you? >> I really leaned on people who had had. similar experiences because it felt so. isolating. I had friends who had lost. loved ones in various ways, and. I found that to be the most comforting. because I just wanted them to tell me. that I was going to be okay, you know,
from someone who'd experienced it and. say, "Like, you're going to survive. this." And cuz in the in the moments. in the moment itself, particularly. losing my brother, I I didn't see a way. that I could. So, I I wanted to just. talk to people who. had lost a sibling, had lost someone in. a sort of more. shocking sort of. way, like the way I lost my brother. People who had experienced suicide, um I I just wanted to hear just from. them. But then I had amazing an amazing.
group of friends around me and husband. Um. but it's it's a really isolating. experience. >> It is. I appreciate you talking about it. and I think that's what was wonderful. about you writing about your experience. in the book is like like you saying you. wanted to go to certain people that had. experienced it because. you as much as you love certain friends, it's like if they don't under if they've. never gone through it, you're kind of. like, okay, I don't need you to like. hold my hand right now. I literally need. like answers. >> Yeah. I would go on I would go on like.
Reddit. I would literally go on forums and go. like and just cuz it was I was such an. isolating experience. And and like read people's experiences. and like blogs and like I talked DM'd. with people on Instagram who DM'd me who. had also lost their siblings. Like I. would just and talk to them and be like, did you feel this way? Did you feel this. way? Cuz it was so lonely. >> Right. >> So I'd anyone who would experience it, I. would literally. >> talk to you. >> talk to you. >> Oh my god, you on Reddit. I love that. I. love that for you. Are you also a Reddit.
sleuth though? Are you. >> No, no, no. I'm not like I'm I'm not I. don't I just do a Google. I'm not like. deep I don't have an account. >> [laughter]. >> You're like XXXR. F M N Q Q. >> Nark 25. >> [laughter]. [gasps]. >> Imagine you're like the. biggest Reddit sleuth and this all comes. [laughter] out one day. We find your account. No. Um okay, I. read that you're a certified death. doula. >> Yeah. >> Can you talk to me about what that. entails and how you got into that? >> Uh yeah, I got into it because a friend.
of mine was a death doula and um because. of what I was just saying how I felt. like when my brother died there were no. resources and I was literally going on. Reddit. Yeah. I found a community of. people who worked in like the death. world and I didn't know that that. existed and um. she was a death doula, and I just. thought if I could make myself of use at. all to people who are experiencing. anything like this, I I would. So, I. yeah, I did my. death doula training and got certified.
It's base It's essentially like what a. birth doula is. >> Okay. >> for dying, and you're um taught how to. be with the dying. >> Wow. >> person. >> Do you find like that. kind of also continues to heal you while. you work with other people, or is it at. all triggering if something is similar. that they're going through that you've. been through? >> Um it's I wouldn't say triggering. I I would say you're very empathetic. >> Mhm. >> You know? Um.
it's hard to. you're because you've experienced. something, you. you're very much with them emotionally. because it's it's a shared. lot like a experience of grief. >> Yeah. >> So, um. yeah, I think it's just It's not that. I'm triggered and thinking of my own. situation, but I'm. very much emotionally with. the person. >> Yeah. When you were in the press with like all.
of that [ __ ] about the estate and. everything and legal and all of this, like how does it feel when your family. is so publicly like in the news like. that? And that I feel like was the first. time you were at the forefront. >> So, that's that's actually true. Like uh. my family's been since I my first. memories is my family's in the news. 24/7. Like growing up every where I. would go, my family are on the front of. every magazine. Like it's. as a child, like that was very normal. >> Yeah. >> But.
my mom. received all of it. You know? Um when my mom died, that was the first time I received all. of that. >> Right. >> energy, which was very intense. And I It. made me really empathize with her, you. know. It's funny, when I. I've been doing press for. years. Like, I've been acting for a long. time. And typically, it's a pretty good. experience. When. I went out to do press for this book,
um. I real like like the the vibe I got from. certain interviewers. was aggressive. Like, tell me this thing. Tell me the. answer to this. Why did this happen? Like, a more like like putting me on. like in the hot seat kind of experience, which I've never like as an actor, I'm. just having a nice time doing press, you. know? And I was like, "Wow, because it's like related to my mom, I'm. getting the energy my mom would get.". You know, um.
>> And it's so interesting, and maybe it's. because of the name and how media was. different back in the day, and then. we're just like the core tenants of who. was famous, and there weren't that many. famous people. It almost is like they're. carrying on that sense of entitlement in. media of like, "We deserve to know this, and we will go to the end of the earth. to get the picture and the shot and the. information." And you're literally like, we. >> I'm like, "Wait, this does not happen. anymore.". >> You're like, "We need to. >> [laughter]. >> I'm like, "No, no.". >> Nope. You're like, "Next question.". You're like, "Wait, you can't say that.".
>> Yeah, I'm like, "Yeah, I can't. You want. to fight?". >> [laughter]. >> That's crazy. >> Um yeah, but then I realized like. what she would have been dealing with. >> Yeah, it's so interesting like your. every generation it changes and it gets. different. Like, and the way that you. probably feel about your grandfather is. so different than the way that your. mother felt about her father, and how. your daughter will feel about her. grandfather. Like, this empire that he. was. >> Yeah. >> That's what's so interesting is. reading this book and hearing you talk.
about it. For most of us, like, this has. been a very long time since Elvis was at. the center of the conversation. >> Like I I don't quite understand either. It's like there's still movies all the. time. Like and I'm like this is you. know, it's it's. it's amazing that somebody could you. know, impact. people so much. Like it's it's. really unique, you know? And I you know, I really appreciate it because. of course we love our family and.
you know, want other people to as well, but I do. I do often go like what there's always. like in my inbox like this movie and. that movie and Elvis this and I'm like. wow, it's really. >> still popping. >> still popping. >> [laughter]. >> You're like go grandma. >> Um okay, in a way with this book now. finally being out, do you feel. a sense of relief? Like not that it's. being put to bed, but you got to tell. this story and now it's like the next. chapter of your life is beginning.
>> I I do feel relief because it felt like. this thing that I knew was coming that. was going to be this big thing and I did. sort of want it to be over. >> Yeah. >> You know? Um. I think this is like my last podcast by. the way. >> [laughter]. >> You're like I'm done. >> So going out with a bang. >> I love it. I love it. >> Um and I yeah, I don't want to think. about my. trauma all day every day, you know? >> I feel like I didn't we didn't get too. crazy, right? >> No.
>> You wanted to laugh more. >> No, I didn't want to laugh. I don't To. be honest, I had no expectations. >> [laughter]. >> Did your friends think you were coming. in to talk only about sex? >> I literally. We can. >> [laughter]. >> I mean I'm I'm an open book. >> Maybe you're going to have to come back. on and we're going to have to do like a. [laughter] different Color Daddy. episode. >> Great. >> Where we get into the tea. >> We'll do a tea We'll do a tea episode. coming soon. >> I'm very very appreciative. Thank you so. much for taking the time. I know this is. like a lot. So thank you. >> No, I appreciate it.
>> [music]. >> Oh.
