Dear Hollywood

Latest Episodes:

What it’s Really Like to Be An Influencer Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

As Alyson prepares listeners to examine Kidfluencing, they share their own personal foray into the digital media landscape at the dawn of Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. From learning the “art” of clickbait to navigating unpredictable algorithms, they ran a makeshift production company and found themselves struggling with deeper ethical questions around this emerging industry.

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The Truth About Social Media Platforms Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

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Over 95 million photos and videos are posted on Instagram daily. Some people turn content creation into a livelihood and become digital influencers. Yet, rarely do they consider the deep inner workings of the platforms, who’s behind them, and the ways they’re intertwined with capitalism, politics, culture, and human well-being. Alyson shares their personal foray into social media during the Camp Rock concert tour in 2010, and questions about ethics and safety of child influencers (and everyone) online.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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Stage Parents, Toxic Socialization, and Poor Life Skills Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

Stereotyped as living vicariously through their children, stage parents are demanding and competitive, prizing their child as the best talent in the industry. When does a healthy parent-child relationship become harmful and controlling? Whose dream is it to pursue Hollywood if the child can hardly write their name yet? What happens to the parent after the child star becomes an independent adult? Alyson presents fifteen questions every parent should ask before getting into the industry.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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Child Stars: Broken Family Dynamics Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

Hollywood notoriously rips apart families and relationships, so who would let their child get into such a wild industry? Many parents don’t realize the breadth and depth of responsibilities that befall them, including protecting their child’s image, managing their finances, understanding contracts and labor laws, and ensuring their child has an adequate education. Alyson explains how even the most loving and well-intentioned parents can unknowingly drive their family towards a cliff’s edge.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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The Psychology and Aftermath of Auditions Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

TW: Simulating Trauma. Out of 500,000 hopeful artists, only 205 will make it. Everyone else will face repeated rejection at auditions. So, what does a child really face when they pursue the industry? Brace yourself for the rollercoaster of learning how to play characters and bring scenes to life. Learn what happens when a child depicts explicit or traumatizing material. Dig into the impact of typecasting, hierarchies of cast members, and being sexualized during puberty.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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Why Child Stars Have Chronic Illness and Mental Health Issues Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

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TW: Child Abuse. Many child stars have come forward about having entire periods of their lives missing from memory due to dissociation and PTSD. So, let’s go all the way to the core. How does the industry affect a child’s nervous system? Alyson discusses common ruptures in secure attachment, the long-term effects of chronic stress on a developing body, and the harmful pattern of rapidly cycling between high highs and low lows. For child stars enduring particular abuse and trauma, Alyson provides a salient description of the consequences on their health, relationships and future.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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The Hunger Games: Rehab and Plastic Surgery Sep 15, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

TW: Eating Disorders. Alyson shares the audition process that landed them in rehab, along with the intense journey of recovery, therapy sessions, and what happened immediately after returning to Hollywood. They discuss undergoing plastic surgery and body modification while experiencing deep inner conflict, and the way it ultimately changed their career trajectory and relationships.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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Becoming a Product: Eating Disorders and Body Image Sep 08, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

TW: Eating Disorders and Abuse. What is the impact of commercializing a child’s body as a product? What are the effects of Hollywood on a child’s body image? Alyson shares raw and intimate details of developing a severe eating disorder driven by industry pressures and protocols, intense perfectionism, fear of losing career momentum, and daily abuse happening at home. They share how a fast-paced and chaotic schedule leaves no room for pause or processing, resulting in many young stars choosing to cope with substances, partying or self-harm.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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How Hollywood Culture Leads to Narcissism Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

What happens when child performers - due to fame and the industry - accrue copious access to wealth, material luxuries, status, and power? What traits and behaviors show up? Alyson confesses to early moments that led to an inflated self-esteem, selfish behavior, and getting kicked out of a rehearsal for disrespecting the crew. They explore the paradox of extremes where child stars gain unusual power and influence over others, yet remain voiceless and vulnerable in the workplace.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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The Cause and Effect of Being Owned, Controlled and Manipulated Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

For the FULL story, preorder my memoir “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything” here: https://bit.ly/semiwelladjusted

TW: sexual violence/abuse. Hollywood was not built with children in mind, nor is it prepared to protect children on set. Alyson explores the risks and unsuitable conditions of adult workplaces and responsibilities, including a personal account of being given a cigarette as an 11-year-old on an ABC series. They outline facets of Hollywood culture such as having a posse of “yes people”, never turning “off” the Performer identity, and power dynamics that enable abuse behind the scenes.

As an independent podcast, your support means a lot. Subscribe and follow @alysonstoner to join the conversation. New episodes every Friday.

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