Welcome back to she Pivots. I'm Jody Sweeten.

Welcome back to she Pivots. I'm Jody Sweeten.

Welcome back to she Pivots, the podcast where we talk with women who dare to pivot out of one career and into something new and explore how their personal lives impacts these decisions. I'm your host, Emily Tish Sussman. This week, I'm delighted to share Jody Sweeton's story. Jody is an author, producer, counselor, and most notably, an actress who has graced our screens as Stephanie Tanner and the iconic shows Full House and Fuller House. I knew I wanted to have Jody on as soon as I heard her story. I always say that everything builds upon itself, and the only way that I was able to connect with Jodi is because when I worked on the Harris campaign, I made these new, incredible connections through my coworkers and through colleagues. And when I realized that one of my new colleagues was connected to Jody, I reached out and was like, I know we're talking about campaign, but I am dying to have this conversation with Jody. Do you think it would be okay to make the connection? And so we are able to tell Jody's story here on she pivots right now. What makes Jody's story interesting to me is that she experienced the full arc of career highs and lows by just thirteen. When Full House ended, what was a wonderful and supportive environment for her during her formative years was suddenly gone, and what followed was a decade's long struggle with addiction. And while it may seem obvious to attribute her battle with addiction to being a child star, it was actually something deeper, she says, something more biological. Jody's parents were actually her adoptive parents, and as for her biological parents, and they both struggled with addiction. As she'll share in the episode, Jody had a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, but surrounded by the love of her parents and her second Full House family, Jody put in the hard work and is in recovery. As if navigating the loss of your second family and career at thirteen wasn't enough of a pivot, Jody decided to channel her own experiences into becoming a sobriety counselor. She went back to school and worked at a drug treatment facility until she returned as Stephanie Tanner on Fuller House. Despite her challenges, she has come to have a beautiful outlook on life and what true success looks like. She is a breath of fresh air and I can't wait for you to hear her story. Enjoy.

Welcome back to she Pivots, the podcast where we talk with women who dare to pivot out of one career and into something new and explore how their personal lives impacts these decisions. I'm your host, Emily Tish Sussman. This week, I'm delighted to share Jody Sweeton's story. Jody is an author, producer, counselor, and most notably, an actress who has graced our screens as Stephanie Tanner and the iconic shows Full House and Fuller House. I knew I wanted to have Jody on as soon as I heard her story. I always say that everything builds upon itself, and the only way that I was able to connect with Jodi is because when I worked on the Harris campaign, I made these new, incredible connections through my coworkers and through colleagues. And when I realized that one of my new colleagues was connected to Jody, I reached out and was like, I know we're talking about campaign, but I am dying to have this conversation with Jody. Do you think it would be okay to make the connection? And so we are able to tell Jody's story here on she pivots right now. What makes Jody's story interesting to me is that she experienced the full arc of career highs and lows by just thirteen. When Full House ended, what was a wonderful and supportive environment for her during her formative years was suddenly gone, and what followed was a decade's long struggle with addiction. And while it may seem obvious to attribute her battle with addiction to being a child star, it was actually something deeper, she says, something more biological. Jody's parents were actually her adoptive parents, and as for her biological parents, and they both struggled with addiction. As she'll share in the episode, Jody had a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, but surrounded by the love of her parents and her second Full House family, Jody put in the hard work and is in recovery. As if navigating the loss of your second family and career at thirteen wasn't enough of a pivot, Jody decided to channel her own experiences into becoming a sobriety counselor. She went back to school and worked at a drug treatment facility until she returned as Stephanie Tanner on Fuller House. Despite her challenges, she has come to have a beautiful outlook on life and what true success looks like. She is a breath of fresh air and I can't wait for you to hear her story. Enjoy.

My name is Jody Sweeten, and I am an actress, author, mom, podcaster, and I don't know, probably a few other hats too.

My name is Jody Sweeten, and I am an actress, author, mom, podcaster, and I don't know, probably a few other hats too.

Okay, so we're gonna rewind. We're going to go to like little Jody. Okay, I mean you started acting so young, But did you have ideas of like what you wanted to be when you grew up? Was it always an actress?

Okay, so we're gonna rewind. We're going to go to like little Jody. Okay, I mean you started acting so young, But did you have ideas of like what you wanted to be when you grew up? Was it always an actress?

I mean, I you know, I cycled through the usual things as a kid of like doctor, astronauts, veterinarian, you know, marine biologists. I feel like those are the top four that kids go for because they're like I like dolphins, I like dogs.

I mean, I you know, I cycled through the usual things as a kid of like doctor, astronauts, veterinarian, you know, marine biologists. I feel like those are the top four that kids go for because they're like I like dolphins, I like dogs.

I you know, space is cool.

I you know, space is cool.

But no, as a kid, I you know, I just I loved performing, Like even if it was just my family, I would, you know, find a little musical instrument and like come out and jump and perform and sing a little thing.

But no, as a kid, I you know, I just I loved performing, Like even if it was just my family, I would, you know, find a little musical instrument and like come out and jump and perform and sing a little thing.

And you know, I started reading at a really early age.

And you know, I started reading at a really early age.

So I was I was precocious, and I you know, by by three three and a half, I was able to read, start reading. By four, I was able to read just about anything. I might not have known the contact of it, but yeah, I was a.

So I was I was precocious, and I you know, by by three three and a half, I was able to read, start reading. By four, I was able to read just about anything. I might not have known the contact of it, but yeah, I was a.

Very early reader. And I'm still a voracious reader.

Very early reader. And I'm still a voracious reader.

But it really kind of led to me enjoying bringing characters to life, enjoying creativity, and you know, all those sorts of things.

But it really kind of led to me enjoying bringing characters to life, enjoying creativity, and you know, all those sorts of things.

I mean, my mom always tells. There's a couple of stories that she tells.

I mean, my mom always tells. There's a couple of stories that she tells.

One is me at tot Lot, which was like the little preschool thing, and I was dressed as snow white, complete with a black wig costume.

One is me at tot Lot, which was like the little preschool thing, and I was dressed as snow white, complete with a black wig costume.

My mom made took it very seriously, and so I would.

My mom made took it very seriously, and so I would.

Be running around the little sandbox area and then I just suddenly fall and collapse, and the moms would be like, oh no, what happened? And my mom was like, oh no, no, no, no.

Be running around the little sandbox area and then I just suddenly fall and collapse, and the moms would be like, oh no, what happened? And my mom was like, oh no, no, no, no.

She just ate she ate the boys and Apple. It's fine, just let her be sure. She's just waiting for the prince.

She just ate she ate the boys and Apple. It's fine, just let her be sure. She's just waiting for the prince.

And my best friend Jeffrey, who was just always there like what do you need? I was like, okay, you're the prince, and so yeah, it was you know, I was both an actor and director at a very young age.

And my best friend Jeffrey, who was just always there like what do you need? I was like, okay, you're the prince, and so yeah, it was you know, I was both an actor and director at a very young age.

The commitment to the character. But so when did that just being dramatic turn into a potential for a career, Like, was there a decision that you are now acting?

The commitment to the character. But so when did that just being dramatic turn into a potential for a career, Like, was there a decision that you are now acting?

Yeah, you know, I said that I wanted to be what I called it was a modeler. At like three and a half four, I was like, Mommy, I want to be a modeler. And that was what I called people on TV. And you know, my mom was like, well, do have some like little talent show pageant things and you know, some print stuff. And it just kind of kept going and kept going, and people would be like, She's like I think she would really do great at this, Like she's a really fun, interesting kid. And my mom was like, I mean, you know, okay, you know my parents had no connection to the industry, didn't want to be famous in any way.

Yeah, you know, I said that I wanted to be what I called it was a modeler. At like three and a half four, I was like, Mommy, I want to be a modeler. And that was what I called people on TV. And you know, my mom was like, well, do have some like little talent show pageant things and you know, some print stuff. And it just kind of kept going and kept going, and people would be like, She's like I think she would really do great at this, Like she's a really fun, interesting kid. And my mom was like, I mean, you know, okay, you know my parents had no connection to the industry, didn't want to be famous in any way.

You know, they are both very much like no thanks, where yes you could go ahead and do that.

You know, they are both very much like no thanks, where yes you could go ahead and do that.

But yeah, it was probably around three and a half four and I and it just kind of snowballed from there truly, where it was like one thing led to another. I started doing commercials around four and then just booking a bunch of commercials and then like you know, sort of all unfolded from that.

But yeah, it was probably around three and a half four and I and it just kind of snowballed from there truly, where it was like one thing led to another. I started doing commercials around four and then just booking a bunch of commercials and then like you know, sort of all unfolded from that.

What unfolded from there was landing a role on what was to become one of the most popular family sitcoms of its day, Full House. Full House. Obviously game changing for your young acting career, for all of us, I would say, who are also watching it? Oh for sure, do you remember the beginning? I mean, you're again you were so young, But do you remember forming those early relationships, Like what were the dynamics like even from the beginning between all of you?

What unfolded from there was landing a role on what was to become one of the most popular family sitcoms of its day, Full House. Full House. Obviously game changing for your young acting career, for all of us, I would say, who are also watching it? Oh for sure, do you remember the beginning? I mean, you're again you were so young, But do you remember forming those early relationships, Like what were the dynamics like even from the beginning between all of you?

Oh yeah, I mean I definitely remember. I mean I have so many pictures and stuff too, So it's, you know, one of those things where it's like do I do I have the live memory or the memory of the photograph, But either way, it's in there.

Oh yeah, I mean I definitely remember. I mean I have so many pictures and stuff too, So it's, you know, one of those things where it's like do I do I have the live memory or the memory of the photograph, But either way, it's in there.

We were just really lucky on the.

We were just really lucky on the.

Show because everyone from the producers to the cast, to the parents of the kids on the show, just everybody was good, genuine family people. It was an environment that put the kids first, not always the case, as we hear a lot in this business, you know, and yes it's still a job, and there were things, you know that you had to show up and do, but like from the beginning, we just clicked, you know, And it really was the adults on the show, Bob and John and Dave and then later on Lori, they were just they were like family to us. I mean, it was that was just genuinely who they were. You know. John would throw huge barbecues at his house for the cast and the crew at the beginning of every season just to get to know each other and every like. It wasn't just the cast, but it was you know, our our crew and our script supervisors and our wardrobe people like we were all close and a family and have remained in contact. And it's it's something that we hear over and over again from people in this business, how like, really truly rare. It was, so it just some little magical things sort of happened where we all.

Show because everyone from the producers to the cast, to the parents of the kids on the show, just everybody was good, genuine family people. It was an environment that put the kids first, not always the case, as we hear a lot in this business, you know, and yes it's still a job, and there were things, you know that you had to show up and do, but like from the beginning, we just clicked, you know, And it really was the adults on the show, Bob and John and Dave and then later on Lori, they were just they were like family to us. I mean, it was that was just genuinely who they were. You know. John would throw huge barbecues at his house for the cast and the crew at the beginning of every season just to get to know each other and every like. It wasn't just the cast, but it was you know, our our crew and our script supervisors and our wardrobe people like we were all close and a family and have remained in contact. And it's it's something that we hear over and over again from people in this business, how like, really truly rare. It was, so it just some little magical things sort of happened where we all.

We all just clicked. Yeah, that's amazing. I mean you said that parental support is critical for a child to start in acting. How was your parental support It sounds like really supplemented in many ways by your cast support and by your production support.

We all just clicked. Yeah, that's amazing. I mean you said that parental support is critical for a child to start in acting. How was your parental support It sounds like really supplemented in many ways by your cast support and by your production support.

Oh for sure. I was raised as an only child.

Oh for sure. I was raised as an only child.

My dad was older than my mom and had several adult kids from a first marriage. And so, you know, when they adopted me, my mom decided to be a stay at home mom and it was just me, so going driving back and forth from Lakewood, California to La back. Also in the mid eighties when you could do that in like forty minutes, and you know, she had time, and so she was absolutely available and she could be with me on set, drive me to all the auditions. You know, there was there wasn't another sibling at home to kind of worry about, So my mom was just always there with me, and my dad was always supportive. But he my dad worked a very you know, normal blue collar job as a superintendent at a gypsum plant in Long Beach, which is what they make drywall out of, and he worked there all throughout me being on the show. So you know, we were a really normal, you know, outside of this weird TV thing that I was doing, like a weird, normal, relatively middle class Orange County family, you know what I mean. So my mom and dad always told me that as long as I loved doing it, they would support me, and if I didn't want to do it anymore, then that was okay, and it was my choice.

My dad was older than my mom and had several adult kids from a first marriage. And so, you know, when they adopted me, my mom decided to be a stay at home mom and it was just me, so going driving back and forth from Lakewood, California to La back. Also in the mid eighties when you could do that in like forty minutes, and you know, she had time, and so she was absolutely available and she could be with me on set, drive me to all the auditions. You know, there was there wasn't another sibling at home to kind of worry about, So my mom was just always there with me, and my dad was always supportive. But he my dad worked a very you know, normal blue collar job as a superintendent at a gypsum plant in Long Beach, which is what they make drywall out of, and he worked there all throughout me being on the show. So you know, we were a really normal, you know, outside of this weird TV thing that I was doing, like a weird, normal, relatively middle class Orange County family, you know what I mean. So my mom and dad always told me that as long as I loved doing it, they would support me, and if I didn't want to do it anymore, then that was okay, and it was my choice.

And obviously, you know don't quit in the middle of the season.

And obviously, you know don't quit in the middle of the season.

But something happens and you really don't want to do this anymore, then we need to talk. So it was never there was never a pressure like some parents I think put on their kids in this business.

But something happens and you really don't want to do this anymore, then we need to talk. So it was never there was never a pressure like some parents I think put on their kids in this business.

And her education was no exception. Both her parents and the show want of the kids to maintain a semblance of normalcy during these formative years growing up.

And her education was no exception. Both her parents and the show want of the kids to maintain a semblance of normalcy during these formative years growing up.

Well, I mean I started school right when I started full house, so I started kindergarten.

Well, I mean I started school right when I started full house, so I started kindergarten.

I was only in kindergarten for like two days.

I was only in kindergarten for like two days.

I skipped a grade, so I was already a little younger than all the kids in my class. But I would be kind of in and out. I went to public schools except for I think two years. I went to a private school in Orange County. The rest it was, you know, all public schools. Once we got our normal kind of routine down, would go to school in the morning and work in the afternoon. My mom would pick me up at lunch and drive me in for rehearsal days, and then I had a couple of days I was schooled on set, so I had very much a foot in normal life too. And our producers and everyone knew how important that was for us kids. You know, we all had the ability to attend a regular school several days a week and not completely be isolated and only schooled on set and not have any you know, peer interaction.

I skipped a grade, so I was already a little younger than all the kids in my class. But I would be kind of in and out. I went to public schools except for I think two years. I went to a private school in Orange County. The rest it was, you know, all public schools. Once we got our normal kind of routine down, would go to school in the morning and work in the afternoon. My mom would pick me up at lunch and drive me in for rehearsal days, and then I had a couple of days I was schooled on set, so I had very much a foot in normal life too. And our producers and everyone knew how important that was for us kids. You know, we all had the ability to attend a regular school several days a week and not completely be isolated and only schooled on set and not have any you know, peer interaction.

Yeah, what was that peer interaction? Like, I mean, I can't imagine someone sort of like casually being on one of the biggest shows in the country.

Yeah, what was that peer interaction? Like, I mean, I can't imagine someone sort of like casually being on one of the biggest shows in the country.

I mean, like it depended on how new I was to the school. You know, like usually you know, my first school in like first grade, that a lot of that year I wasn't there because we didn't quite have our like routine down for shortened rehearsal days and all that kind of stuff, so that I was a little bit more in and out for first grade. And then again being kind of pushed up into that grade and not knowing anybody from my preschool or my you know that I had kind of grown up with in my neighborhood and suddenly being in a different class. But you know, I it was like sometimes kids would be weird about it. And then if I you know, if I had been there for a little while, like second and third grade, I went to that private school, and like, you know, first some kids were weird about it, but mostly no, Like at first yes, and then they'd just kind of be like, oh, it's just normal. And there were always the ones that like held onto some weird resentment or jealousy or whatever. But I was never one of those kids that was like, oh, I'm on TV. I never watched the show. I never I didn't care, Like, I just really was like, it's just just what I do like because I enjoy it. Like, I don't need I'm not impressed by you guys, So don't think that I like think I'm cooler than you because I don't.

I mean, like it depended on how new I was to the school. You know, like usually you know, my first school in like first grade, that a lot of that year I wasn't there because we didn't quite have our like routine down for shortened rehearsal days and all that kind of stuff, so that I was a little bit more in and out for first grade. And then again being kind of pushed up into that grade and not knowing anybody from my preschool or my you know that I had kind of grown up with in my neighborhood and suddenly being in a different class. But you know, I it was like sometimes kids would be weird about it. And then if I you know, if I had been there for a little while, like second and third grade, I went to that private school, and like, you know, first some kids were weird about it, but mostly no, Like at first yes, and then they'd just kind of be like, oh, it's just normal. And there were always the ones that like held onto some weird resentment or jealousy or whatever. But I was never one of those kids that was like, oh, I'm on TV. I never watched the show. I never I didn't care, Like, I just really was like, it's just just what I do like because I enjoy it. Like, I don't need I'm not impressed by you guys, So don't think that I like think I'm cooler than you because I don't.

Well, on the show, we talk a lot about what success means to people at different stages of their lives. So what did success look like to you during that period?

Well, on the show, we talk a lot about what success means to people at different stages of their lives. So what did success look like to you during that period?

Oh?

Oh?

Man, I guess like during that period it was I just I got to have so many amazing, incredible experiences on the set of Full House like I had. You know, we didn't I didn't get to go on field trips, but we would, you know, our our school teacher would arrange for us to go on a weekend down to the San Diego Zoo and you know meet with the you know, zoologists there and stuff like we were. We definitely got to be included in that stuff. So to me, success was really just like getting to enjoy all of these fun activities.

Man, I guess like during that period it was I just I got to have so many amazing, incredible experiences on the set of Full House like I had. You know, we didn't I didn't get to go on field trips, but we would, you know, our our school teacher would arrange for us to go on a weekend down to the San Diego Zoo and you know meet with the you know, zoologists there and stuff like we were. We definitely got to be included in that stuff. So to me, success was really just like getting to enjoy all of these fun activities.

I was getting to do something I loved.

I was getting to do something I loved.

I absolutely loved performing and acting school was fun, you know.

I absolutely loved performing and acting school was fun, you know.

I always liked it.

I always liked it.

Yeah, I guess success for me at that age was like, just get to travel and have fun and be around sun people and laugh all the time and it was great.

Yeah, I guess success for me at that age was like, just get to travel and have fun and be around sun people and laugh all the time and it was great.

Did you ever have like a show business metric of success at that point, like were you trying to get to movies, a next show, you know something, viewership? No, it was just it was as long as it was fun.

Did you ever have like a show business metric of success at that point, like were you trying to get to movies, a next show, you know something, viewership? No, it was just it was as long as it was fun.

It was just as long as it Yeah, it was as long as it was fun. And you know, it was also a very different era. It was nineteen eighty six. You had your network television, you know, and some cable, but it was once you were on a show, you were on a show for a little while and everyone knew it. And so that was a pretty successful place to be. And as a kid, it was like, I don't.

It was just as long as it Yeah, it was as long as it was fun. And you know, it was also a very different era. It was nineteen eighty six. You had your network television, you know, and some cable, but it was once you were on a show, you were on a show for a little while and everyone knew it. And so that was a pretty successful place to be. And as a kid, it was like, I don't.

Know what I want.

Know what I want.

I just was enjoying it for the moment. And I wasn't one of those kids it was like I need to be famous. I was like, this is cool, like, I have fun doing this, but I can do other stuff, you know, So I don't think it was ever like vital to me to be famous.

I just was enjoying it for the moment. And I wasn't one of those kids it was like I need to be famous. I was like, this is cool, like, I have fun doing this, but I can do other stuff, you know, So I don't think it was ever like vital to me to be famous.

So many of our guests go through their quote low point when they are well into their career or at the very least older. But Jody's world changed suddenly when Full House ended when she was just thirteen. She was barely a teenager at that point, and losing something so integral to her life and support system was devastating.

So many of our guests go through their quote low point when they are well into their career or at the very least older. But Jody's world changed suddenly when Full House ended when she was just thirteen. She was barely a teenager at that point, and losing something so integral to her life and support system was devastating.

Hindsight always is twenty twenty, and of course, looking back on it now, what I realized is I was definitely in a period of grief. Nobody had died, but the way that most of my life had been up until that point suddenly was not anymore. And we didn't have very long We only, you know, found out about two weeks before we were done with the season that that was going to be it. There had been talk of us going to WB or CW whatever, it was, a couple other things, and then it just didn't happen, and so two weeks before they were like, actually after next week, that's it. So I think I was grieving. I was grieving that this idea of what had come to be my normal. So it was it was less like, oh my gosh, I'm not going to be on TV anymore. I'm more just like, well, now what do I do? Like okay, so I'm just like at school all the time, like, and there was an appeal to that, you know. There was also like, oh, to just be normal, like you know, to just go to all seven periods every day and be miserable like all the other kids.

Hindsight always is twenty twenty, and of course, looking back on it now, what I realized is I was definitely in a period of grief. Nobody had died, but the way that most of my life had been up until that point suddenly was not anymore. And we didn't have very long We only, you know, found out about two weeks before we were done with the season that that was going to be it. There had been talk of us going to WB or CW whatever, it was, a couple other things, and then it just didn't happen, and so two weeks before they were like, actually after next week, that's it. So I think I was grieving. I was grieving that this idea of what had come to be my normal. So it was it was less like, oh my gosh, I'm not going to be on TV anymore. I'm more just like, well, now what do I do? Like okay, so I'm just like at school all the time, like, and there was an appeal to that, you know. There was also like, oh, to just be normal, like you know, to just go to all seven periods every day and be miserable like all the other kids.

But yeah, like I think at the.

But yeah, like I think at the.

Time, I didn't probably give myself enough consideration about what I was going through. Like I certainly wasn't talking to anybody about it. I didn't you know, there was nobody that I could talk to in my direct daily life of like you know, like my mom understood a little bit, but there was just a different thing to it.

Time, I didn't probably give myself enough consideration about what I was going through. Like I certainly wasn't talking to anybody about it. I didn't you know, there was nobody that I could talk to in my direct daily life of like you know, like my mom understood a little bit, but there was just a different thing to it.

So I think I entered a period and at thirteen, you're like, who the hell am I? Anyway?

So I think I entered a period and at thirteen, you're like, who the hell am I? Anyway?

And then at on top of it, you know, I was adopted at fourteen months old, so you know, I had this I only knew bits and pieces of like my biological family, So there was also a layer of like who am I in regards to that, And so I think at thirteen it was like a really big upheaval and crisis of who am I now?

And then at on top of it, you know, I was adopted at fourteen months old, so you know, I had this I only knew bits and pieces of like my biological family, So there was also a layer of like who am I in regards to that, And so I think at thirteen it was like a really big upheaval and crisis of who am I now?

And what where do I go from here? What do I want to do?

And what where do I go from here? What do I want to do?

Like, you know, at thirteen, I had to ask myself, do I want to keep having a job?

Like, you know, at thirteen, I had to ask myself, do I want to keep having a job?

You know?

You know?

Like sure, I guess, you know.

Like sure, I guess, you know.

And I was like, yeah, okay, because it was easy to just agree to it, but like my heart wasn't as in it, because I was enjoying being a normal kid. So you know, there was a lot of push and pull I think at that time. And yeah, looking back on it now, I would have a lot more grace and sympathy for that thirteen year old who was like just feeling really lost.

And I was like, yeah, okay, because it was easy to just agree to it, but like my heart wasn't as in it, because I was enjoying being a normal kid. So you know, there was a lot of push and pull I think at that time. And yeah, looking back on it now, I would have a lot more grace and sympathy for that thirteen year old who was like just feeling really lost.

Jody continued to struggle, and soon she started to experiment with alcohol, unknowingly opening a Pandora's box.

Jody continued to struggle, and soon she started to experiment with alcohol, unknowingly opening a Pandora's box.

I started drinking at around thirteen, and it was like, you know, I think, like stealing a Budweiser from somebody's step dad's you know, outside fridge or whatever. It was beginning, and I realized pretty quickly that it was doing something for me that it maybe didn't necessarily do for everyone else, and that it gave me a sense of peace and it was something that I was that I just was searching for more than other people that relief.

I started drinking at around thirteen, and it was like, you know, I think, like stealing a Budweiser from somebody's step dad's you know, outside fridge or whatever. It was beginning, and I realized pretty quickly that it was doing something for me that it maybe didn't necessarily do for everyone else, and that it gave me a sense of peace and it was something that I was that I just was searching for more than other people that relief.

And throughout high school, you know, it got more and more.

And throughout high school, you know, it got more and more.

I'd say, like my junior and senior year, I was still getting good grades, I was going to school. I wasn't a problem, teachers liked me, you know, but I was just every opportunity to do the stupid thing or to be in you know, And it was always a stupid thing, either in search of or under the influence of drugs and alcohol, you know, Like that was the repeating pattern for me. Was always looking to get alcohol or weird or whatever, or being on it and making poor decisions. And so my parents were just like they were terrified. By the time I was getting to be a senior in high school, they knew I was going to be heading off to college, you know, and they were like, oh my god, you are incapable of making the responsible choice.

I'd say, like my junior and senior year, I was still getting good grades, I was going to school. I wasn't a problem, teachers liked me, you know, but I was just every opportunity to do the stupid thing or to be in you know, And it was always a stupid thing, either in search of or under the influence of drugs and alcohol, you know, Like that was the repeating pattern for me. Was always looking to get alcohol or weird or whatever, or being on it and making poor decisions. And so my parents were just like they were terrified. By the time I was getting to be a senior in high school, they knew I was going to be heading off to college, you know, and they were like, oh my god, you are incapable of making the responsible choice.

And it was more than that.

And it was more than that.

Obviously. It wasn't just about like, oh, I want to have fun. It was like I just felt so much less judged.

Obviously. It wasn't just about like, oh, I want to have fun. It was like I just felt so much less judged.

It was it muted everything, you know what I mean.

It was it muted everything, you know what I mean.

And it also allowed me to be more extreme and to get angry or upset or things. I lived and It's funny because I think most people say, you know, they drink so that they can kind of be a little more stable. And it was like I was so afraid to let out some of my more negative emotions I think growing up and still it's something I work on in therapy. But it gave me the excuse, I guess, to cry or be upset, or to be angry or you know. And so when that is, you know, the excuse that you use for your drinking, you often make very poor choices in getting angry or being that crying, blubbering person. You know.

And it also allowed me to be more extreme and to get angry or upset or things. I lived and It's funny because I think most people say, you know, they drink so that they can kind of be a little more stable. And it was like I was so afraid to let out some of my more negative emotions I think growing up and still it's something I work on in therapy. But it gave me the excuse, I guess, to cry or be upset, or to be angry or you know. And so when that is, you know, the excuse that you use for your drinking, you often make very poor choices in getting angry or being that crying, blubbering person. You know.

It was just in a lot of pain and super lonely.

It was just in a lot of pain and super lonely.

After years of hard work and therapy, Jody is able to look back and better understand the how and the why of it all.

After years of hard work and therapy, Jody is able to look back and better understand the how and the why of it all.

People always assumed, but peers and just people in general always assumed that I thought I was better than everyone else, that because I was on TV or I was able to buy a nice first car for myself or pay for college, that I somehow would be an asshole, you know what I mean, That I would be stuck up and this and that, and it was it was a weird way for me to try and like level the playing field of being like, oh no, I'm just as much of a mess as you are.

People always assumed, but peers and just people in general always assumed that I thought I was better than everyone else, that because I was on TV or I was able to buy a nice first car for myself or pay for college, that I somehow would be an asshole, you know what I mean, That I would be stuck up and this and that, and it was it was a weird way for me to try and like level the playing field of being like, oh no, I'm just as much of a mess as you are.

In fact, I'm even worse. Like I'm not better than you, I'm worse than you.

In fact, I'm even worse. Like I'm not better than you, I'm worse than you.

And that didn't occur to me at the time obviously, like as I've broken it down, like oh yeah, it was, you know, this attempt to be like, oh, I'm messier than you are, I'm more of a fuck, I'm more you know, look at me.

And that didn't occur to me at the time obviously, like as I've broken it down, like oh yeah, it was, you know, this attempt to be like, oh, I'm messier than you are, I'm more of a fuck, I'm more you know, look at me.

I don't think I'm so special.

I don't think I'm so special.

And then it was also pieces of you know, all I knew about my biological parents at the time was that they both struggled with drug and alcohol use, and so there was also this weird sense of it being the only thing that I knew about them and that I connected with them on that. Okay, well, obviously, like I have some issues with this too. I mean even at fifteen sixteen, I was like, yeah, I don't think, like drinking in the morning is probably normal for like fifteen sixteen. And but yet it was almost this not a point of pride, but a point of connection with the only thing that I knew about, like where you know, I quote unquote came from, you know, I think, and that's we all have this weird like biological attachment to it, and you know, especially as kids, were like, I need to know. And usually then you get to be an adult and you're like, actually things that we're just fine. Yeah sometimes, but yeah, it was a you know, it was both a way to prove to others that I was not stuck up and also a way to connect myself to some sort of answer to the question of who am I.

And then it was also pieces of you know, all I knew about my biological parents at the time was that they both struggled with drug and alcohol use, and so there was also this weird sense of it being the only thing that I knew about them and that I connected with them on that. Okay, well, obviously, like I have some issues with this too. I mean even at fifteen sixteen, I was like, yeah, I don't think, like drinking in the morning is probably normal for like fifteen sixteen. And but yet it was almost this not a point of pride, but a point of connection with the only thing that I knew about, like where you know, I quote unquote came from, you know, I think, and that's we all have this weird like biological attachment to it, and you know, especially as kids, were like, I need to know. And usually then you get to be an adult and you're like, actually things that we're just fine. Yeah sometimes, but yeah, it was a you know, it was both a way to prove to others that I was not stuck up and also a way to connect myself to some sort of answer to the question of who am I.

When did it start to feel to you? It sounds like you knew for a while during it that it was an addiction problematic behavior. When did you accept that to the point of taking action to getting sober the first time?

When did it start to feel to you? It sounds like you knew for a while during it that it was an addiction problematic behavior. When did you accept that to the point of taking action to getting sober the first time?

I was just just past my eighteenth birthday and I got sober for the first time. Then I you know, I was My first semester at college was a mess.

I was just just past my eighteenth birthday and I got sober for the first time. Then I you know, I was My first semester at college was a mess.

I was.

I was.

I had no ability to be responsible or make you know, I had been so responsible my whole life, and then it was like I had this freedom.

I had no ability to be responsible or make you know, I had been so responsible my whole life, and then it was like I had this freedom.

I could do whatever I wanted.

I could do whatever I wanted.

I could make every stupid choice that I wanted in boy did I and I just I didn't have an off switch once it was Once that switch got flipped, it was like we're on, Like any stupid idea it, we're doing it. And so by the time I was just a little bit past eighteen, like it had already become very problematic. You know, I was intelligent and smart, but I was getting a point nine GPA because I just didn't go to any classes. My parents maybe come home on weekends because they were afraid of me being at the college campus because and it was a it was a largely commuter school. It was a small private school in the city of Orange and Orange County, and you know, my parents were like, Okay, you can be there Monday through Thursday, but you have to come home on the weekends because you know, your behavior has warranted that you're untrustworthy. But instead I just saw that as well, Great, now i have Monday through Thursday, like Sunday night through Thursday to party and then I'll just come home on the weekends and sleep.

I could make every stupid choice that I wanted in boy did I and I just I didn't have an off switch once it was Once that switch got flipped, it was like we're on, Like any stupid idea it, we're doing it. And so by the time I was just a little bit past eighteen, like it had already become very problematic. You know, I was intelligent and smart, but I was getting a point nine GPA because I just didn't go to any classes. My parents maybe come home on weekends because they were afraid of me being at the college campus because and it was a it was a largely commuter school. It was a small private school in the city of Orange and Orange County, and you know, my parents were like, Okay, you can be there Monday through Thursday, but you have to come home on the weekends because you know, your behavior has warranted that you're untrustworthy. But instead I just saw that as well, Great, now i have Monday through Thursday, like Sunday night through Thursday to party and then I'll just come home on the weekends and sleep.

And that's pretty much what I did.

And that's pretty much what I did.

And it was just becoming very obvious that things were not doing well. And that was you know, the first time I got sober was just a little bit past my eighteenth birthday, and that was really hard to be going into like my sop my second year of college and feeling again like such an outsider, like, oh, I want you know, I wanted to rush a sorority, and I did. And then I was like in the middle of the pinning ceremony and I'm like, iven, I don't like it these people. I don't want to do this, Like it was just this this. I was just so trying to find myself through other people, like who am I? And I was looking for ways to get that reflected back at me, you know. And and that didn't necessarily get any easier getting sober at a young age, but it definitely slowed things down a little bit, you know, because I didn't It was like two and a half years, maybe a little almost.

And it was just becoming very obvious that things were not doing well. And that was you know, the first time I got sober was just a little bit past my eighteenth birthday, and that was really hard to be going into like my sop my second year of college and feeling again like such an outsider, like, oh, I want you know, I wanted to rush a sorority, and I did. And then I was like in the middle of the pinning ceremony and I'm like, iven, I don't like it these people. I don't want to do this, Like it was just this this. I was just so trying to find myself through other people, like who am I? And I was looking for ways to get that reflected back at me, you know. And and that didn't necessarily get any easier getting sober at a young age, but it definitely slowed things down a little bit, you know, because I didn't It was like two and a half years, maybe a little almost.

Three, right, and you got married during that time as well.

Three, right, and you got married during that time as well.

I did, like you know, any good overachiever.

I did, like you know, any good overachiever.

Once I sort of got my act together, I would back earning top of my class, I got my scholarship back, I bought a house, I had jaw surgery. Over a summer, I was planning a huge wedding, and I was doing my last year of college all at once. And I've realized, now that's a sort of a pattern in my behavior where I'm like, I have to do it all right now, and then I burned myself out.

Once I sort of got my act together, I would back earning top of my class, I got my scholarship back, I bought a house, I had jaw surgery. Over a summer, I was planning a huge wedding, and I was doing my last year of college all at once. And I've realized, now that's a sort of a pattern in my behavior where I'm like, I have to do it all right now, and then I burned myself out.

But yeah, that was you know.

But yeah, that was you know.

I got married the first time when I was twenty and again I think I was just like, Okay, this is what I'm supposed to do next, Like I've done the job. Thing I've done, I've graduated college, like or I was in the middle process of it.

I got married the first time when I was twenty and again I think I was just like, Okay, this is what I'm supposed to do next, Like I've done the job. Thing I've done, I've graduated college, like or I was in the middle process of it.

It's like, okay, so I guess this is the next thing.

It's like, okay, so I guess this is the next thing.

I think a lot of a lot of people do, but particularly young women. We kind of just go like, well, where do I now? What I have some of the things, but like, am is this expected of me? Or is that expected of me?

I think a lot of a lot of people do, but particularly young women. We kind of just go like, well, where do I now? What I have some of the things, but like, am is this expected of me? Or is that expected of me?

After the break, we talked with Jody about what eventually led to her relapse and where she was mentally throughout it all. And during that time, So you're the first time you married it was to a police officer, and your drug use started again.

After the break, we talked with Jody about what eventually led to her relapse and where she was mentally throughout it all. And during that time, So you're the first time you married it was to a police officer, and your drug use started again.

Yes, I started drinking again because I was like, oh, I you know, I'm twenty one now, like I'm older and wiser, and I, you know, had talked myself into the fact that I didn't that alcohol wouldn't be a problem. I just didn't know how to do it. So I decided for us to join a Wine of the month club. That was my like easing back in like normal people. And you know, immediately it was like, oh, yeah, this is it's going to be hard for me to hide the way I like to drink, which is too oblivion, you know. And so I started doing drugs because it was easier to hide, you know. I didn't break of drugs, and he worked all night, and so I could be out and about and come home at you know, or five in the morning and nobody would know, you know, and then I could go about my day and just and you know, it was I was by no means doing it perfectly, but I was for several years just living like completely different lives.

Yes, I started drinking again because I was like, oh, I you know, I'm twenty one now, like I'm older and wiser, and I, you know, had talked myself into the fact that I didn't that alcohol wouldn't be a problem. I just didn't know how to do it. So I decided for us to join a Wine of the month club. That was my like easing back in like normal people. And you know, immediately it was like, oh, yeah, this is it's going to be hard for me to hide the way I like to drink, which is too oblivion, you know. And so I started doing drugs because it was easier to hide, you know. I didn't break of drugs, and he worked all night, and so I could be out and about and come home at you know, or five in the morning and nobody would know, you know, and then I could go about my day and just and you know, it was I was by no means doing it perfectly, but I was for several years just living like completely different lives.

Did you register it as a relapse at the time.

Did you register it as a relapse at the time.

Yeah, at that point I was like, oh, okay, we're back.

Yeah, at that point I was like, oh, okay, we're back.

And then I was like, well, you know, but my my husband at the time, you know, there were times I would tell me like I'm going to a meeting and I was not going to a meeting, or I would still go to meetings.

And then I was like, well, you know, but my my husband at the time, you know, there were times I would tell me like I'm going to a meeting and I was not going to a meeting, or I would still go to meetings.

I had a coffee commitment at a meeting.

I had a coffee commitment at a meeting.

I would go, you know, I would go to recover meetings and I'd like not be sober, but I'd make the coffee and then I'd you know, then I'd take off. So it was like this, you know, it was this weird knowing but also denial. You know, I've described it before as like you're standing in front of a train that you know is coming and you you just you're like, I can't I don't know, I can't move, Like what do I do? And you know, like there's just you'd rather have it hit you and it be sudden, you know what I mean, than be like, oh, I've got to get my act together, like you're almost like I'd just rather get run over by this and have everything blow up. And I think in some ways that was what I was looking for, like how do how do I blow things up instead of and you know, I did that a lot of my life. Let me just blow things up instead of having an uncomfortable conversation or saying what I need or want like but it was like I just stopped, I stopped caring. I didn't care like what happened to me, So why would anybody else? You know, it was like and if you did, like, well, then you're just going to get in my way. And that was, you know, very much that sort of decision making of my early twenties, and it was you know, going to treatment, and there was periods of sobriety in there and then going back to treatment, and then being sober, and then being a sober living and then not and you know, it was a very winding road through all of it. The darkest moments for me weren't necessarily like whinding from the hospital or anything like that. It was those quiet moments when I just.

I would go, you know, I would go to recover meetings and I'd like not be sober, but I'd make the coffee and then I'd you know, then I'd take off. So it was like this, you know, it was this weird knowing but also denial. You know, I've described it before as like you're standing in front of a train that you know is coming and you you just you're like, I can't I don't know, I can't move, Like what do I do? And you know, like there's just you'd rather have it hit you and it be sudden, you know what I mean, than be like, oh, I've got to get my act together, like you're almost like I'd just rather get run over by this and have everything blow up. And I think in some ways that was what I was looking for, like how do how do I blow things up instead of and you know, I did that a lot of my life. Let me just blow things up instead of having an uncomfortable conversation or saying what I need or want like but it was like I just stopped, I stopped caring. I didn't care like what happened to me, So why would anybody else? You know, it was like and if you did, like, well, then you're just going to get in my way. And that was, you know, very much that sort of decision making of my early twenties, and it was you know, going to treatment, and there was periods of sobriety in there and then going back to treatment, and then being sober, and then being a sober living and then not and you know, it was a very winding road through all of it. The darkest moments for me weren't necessarily like whinding from the hospital or anything like that. It was those quiet moments when I just.

Hated the person that I had become, says.

Hated the person that I had become, says.

She checked herself into the Promises Drug Rehab facility and underwent six weeks of intense treatment. Now, she says, she is sober and ready to return to acting.

She checked herself into the Promises Drug Rehab facility and underwent six weeks of intense treatment. Now, she says, she is sober and ready to return to acting.

You know, they talk about in sobriety that you will get to this point where it's not the obsession is lifted, you know. And I was someone I thought I would die with a drink in my hand, you know, I was like, that was my goal was to be, you know, I don't know, little Eaty or something from Grey Gardens and swanning about in a turban and a kaftan with a.

You know, they talk about in sobriety that you will get to this point where it's not the obsession is lifted, you know. And I was someone I thought I would die with a drink in my hand, you know, I was like, that was my goal was to be, you know, I don't know, little Eaty or something from Grey Gardens and swanning about in a turban and a kaftan with a.

Drink in my hand.

Drink in my hand.

That being said, I am a much sloppier drunk than that, and it wouldn't be pretty and I probably wouldn't live that long. So I had to let go of this idea of who that person was going to be. And I realized that through all of the work that I've done, I actually really.

That being said, I am a much sloppier drunk than that, and it wouldn't be pretty and I probably wouldn't live that long. So I had to let go of this idea of who that person was going to be. And I realized that through all of the work that I've done, I actually really.

Like who I am now.

Like who I am now.

And it's nice to finally get to the part where you enjoy that a little bit more.

And it's nice to finally get to the part where you enjoy that a little bit more.

When we come back, Jodi shares how she channeled this exact mentality and her sobriety journey into her next pivot more Soon. So is it around this time or at what point did you become a counselor and you worked as a logistics coordinator at a rehab center.

When we come back, Jodi shares how she channeled this exact mentality and her sobriety journey into her next pivot more Soon. So is it around this time or at what point did you become a counselor and you worked as a logistics coordinator at a rehab center.

When my younger daughter was Just after she was born, I went back to school and got a certification as a drug and alcohol counselor.

When my younger daughter was Just after she was born, I went back to school and got a certification as a drug and alcohol counselor.

I didn't go back for my master's or anything.

I didn't go back for my master's or anything.

My husband has his masters as an LCSW, but no, I went back and I just wanted to start working in treatment.

My husband has his masters as an LCSW, but no, I went back and I just wanted to start working in treatment.

I was like, you know what, one, I needed a job.

I was like, you know what, one, I needed a job.

You know, two kids are expensive and residuals aren't reliable, so you know, well it's and I also, again, I just like being productive and working. I was like, I don't care, so I you know, applied for a job and started working for like ten bucks an hour as a tech in treatment and helping to take in new clients and empty trash cans or wash dishes or whatever.

You know, two kids are expensive and residuals aren't reliable, so you know, well it's and I also, again, I just like being productive and working. I was like, I don't care, so I you know, applied for a job and started working for like ten bucks an hour as a tech in treatment and helping to take in new clients and empty trash cans or wash dishes or whatever.

I was. I was just happy to be there. And then I worked in treatment for quite a while, probably six or seven years. And it was right before Fuller House started, actually that I quit working in that industry. I mean, I was still working in that business while we were going to pitch meetings for Fuller House. You know, I'd be like, Okay, I got to leave my meeting and go, you know, go meet with John and Candice and Andrea and Jeff, you know, over at Netflix or something, and then come back and you know, so again that straddling of two worlds of sort of like normal day to day stuff and then this weird other life.

I was. I was just happy to be there. And then I worked in treatment for quite a while, probably six or seven years. And it was right before Fuller House started, actually that I quit working in that industry. I mean, I was still working in that business while we were going to pitch meetings for Fuller House. You know, I'd be like, Okay, I got to leave my meeting and go, you know, go meet with John and Candice and Andrea and Jeff, you know, over at Netflix or something, and then come back and you know, so again that straddling of two worlds of sort of like normal day to day stuff and then this weird other life.

Yeah, if we think about your going into into the work as a pivot, then you almost pivoted back at the same time. Did it feel like you were doing mental gym now sticks, No, it.

Yeah, if we think about your going into into the work as a pivot, then you almost pivoted back at the same time. Did it feel like you were doing mental gym now sticks, No, it.

Felt like I was really lucky that I had two avenues of careers in my life that I would be happy pursuing. Either way, I loved working in treatment. I loved working with clients. I would have probably gone back to school and become some sort of a psychologist or so I definitely would have gone that route and then taken that and worked in mutual aid programs or whatever. That's always something that I'm like, I know, I could go back and do that.

Felt like I was really lucky that I had two avenues of careers in my life that I would be happy pursuing. Either way, I loved working in treatment. I loved working with clients. I would have probably gone back to school and become some sort of a psychologist or so I definitely would have gone that route and then taken that and worked in mutual aid programs or whatever. That's always something that I'm like, I know, I could go back and do that.

I love it.

I love it.

I connect with people, and that working in that industry was really fulfilling. But then I also am like, but this is you know, being on a set is where I feel the most at home, and it's where I've spent most of my life, and I, you know, it's just sort of this ingrained thing, and I am happiest when I'm there. So the fact that I get to do it, and I think the fact that you know, I've talked about this before in the sort of the interim period of first divorce and sober and having kids and coming back to fuller house and all that, you know, I lost a lot of the financial stuff. I lost money, all my money on the house, and then I paid for rehab, which is not cheap, and then I, you know, and then I just blew money like an idiot, and then I owed taxes and you know, all this kind of stuff, and it was what I did was I stripped away kind of all of the stuff and figured out how to get content finally with me. And so then it was like once I did that, and I was like, oh, yeah, sure, I'll drive this like free twenty year old Toyota that somebody gave me because I don't have a car right now, you know whatever, Like I don't care.

I connect with people, and that working in that industry was really fulfilling. But then I also am like, but this is you know, being on a set is where I feel the most at home, and it's where I've spent most of my life, and I, you know, it's just sort of this ingrained thing, and I am happiest when I'm there. So the fact that I get to do it, and I think the fact that you know, I've talked about this before in the sort of the interim period of first divorce and sober and having kids and coming back to fuller house and all that, you know, I lost a lot of the financial stuff. I lost money, all my money on the house, and then I paid for rehab, which is not cheap, and then I, you know, and then I just blew money like an idiot, and then I owed taxes and you know, all this kind of stuff, and it was what I did was I stripped away kind of all of the stuff and figured out how to get content finally with me. And so then it was like once I did that, and I was like, oh, yeah, sure, I'll drive this like free twenty year old Toyota that somebody gave me because I don't have a car right now, you know whatever, Like I don't care.

I was happy.

I was happy.

And it's almost like once I got happy with just really being in my own skin and not feeling like I needed to change or be somebody or something else or look a different way, it was like it allowed me to to enjoy this second round of it in a much different way, in a way that it's like I love it.

And it's almost like once I got happy with just really being in my own skin and not feeling like I needed to change or be somebody or something else or look a different way, it was like it allowed me to to enjoy this second round of it in a much different way, in a way that it's like I love it.

I throw myself into it completely. But if it goes away.

I throw myself into it completely. But if it goes away.

Tomorrow, like I'll be okay, you know, And I don't a lot of people in this business don't have that, don't don't have that outlook, definitely, i'd say, not the norm. Yeah, and I'm like, again, I love it. It's so much fun. But if life takes a difference, if I have to pivot, I'm happy doing that too.

Tomorrow, like I'll be okay, you know, And I don't a lot of people in this business don't have that, don't don't have that outlook, definitely, i'd say, not the norm. Yeah, and I'm like, again, I love it. It's so much fun. But if life takes a difference, if I have to pivot, I'm happy doing that too.

Yeah, well that's so interesting. I was going to ask about that about you know, going back into it, Like, were you nervous to go back to the thing that had been so identity forming and then had then led to addiction issues for you?

Yeah, well that's so interesting. I was going to ask about that about you know, going back into it, Like, were you nervous to go back to the thing that had been so identity forming and then had then led to addiction issues for you?

No, because you know, for me, the addiction issues and my growing up in this business were two completely different things. For me, I knew that I would have struggled with addiction issues because of my biological predetermination to it, regardless of if I was on TV or not. And it just so happened that I was, so people know that story and always sort of figure that it's got to be part and parcel of that. It made things more complicated, but I definitely know that I would have struggled regardless, So it wasn't like I felt like coming back would jeopardize that in any way.

No, because you know, for me, the addiction issues and my growing up in this business were two completely different things. For me, I knew that I would have struggled with addiction issues because of my biological predetermination to it, regardless of if I was on TV or not. And it just so happened that I was, so people know that story and always sort of figure that it's got to be part and parcel of that. It made things more complicated, but I definitely know that I would have struggled regardless, So it wasn't like I felt like coming back would jeopardize that in any way.

It was I was excited because I was like, I.

It was I was excited because I was like, I.

Get to come do this thing that I thought I'd never get to do again. It was like this that grief that I described earlier of losing that family at thirteen or fourteen, very suddenly and suddenly my life not being what it was all of a sudden.

Get to come do this thing that I thought I'd never get to do again. It was like this that grief that I described earlier of losing that family at thirteen or fourteen, very suddenly and suddenly my life not being what it was all of a sudden.

I got all of that back.

I got all of that back.

I got all of it back, And so what it felt like for me was like, oh, that's right, Like you can say goodbye to something or to someone, but you just don't know how it's what's going to happen in the future, you know. So it was really healing for me truly because I was like we were on the same set, same dressing rooms. I mean, the three girls moved up into like John, Bob and Dave's you know, nicer rooms, and then the kids were down the hall where we were.

I got all of it back, And so what it felt like for me was like, oh, that's right, Like you can say goodbye to something or to someone, but you just don't know how it's what's going to happen in the future, you know. So it was really healing for me truly because I was like we were on the same set, same dressing rooms. I mean, the three girls moved up into like John, Bob and Dave's you know, nicer rooms, and then the kids were down the hall where we were.

But yeah, it was the same dressing rooms.

But yeah, it was the same dressing rooms.

Like it's same and they built it when we moved into that stage on Warner Brothers twenty some odd years ago, So it was really coming home, it really really it was you know, the wardrobe room, the smells of the stage all like, and I was like, this is exactly where everything was when I left it twenty years ago. And to get to do it with people that I love so so much, like we had so much fun together, Like what a gift. And I'm so grateful for it because it was a very healing journey of like, oh, yeah, maybe you don't always know, you know, remember you like you don't you don't always know what's going to happen.

Like it's same and they built it when we moved into that stage on Warner Brothers twenty some odd years ago, So it was really coming home, it really really it was you know, the wardrobe room, the smells of the stage all like, and I was like, this is exactly where everything was when I left it twenty years ago. And to get to do it with people that I love so so much, like we had so much fun together, Like what a gift. And I'm so grateful for it because it was a very healing journey of like, oh, yeah, maybe you don't always know, you know, remember you like you don't you don't always know what's going to happen.

Things can come back around.

Things can come back around.

Did you have a conversation with your onset family, like your co stars, I mean, they must have known would have been happening in the interm years. I imagine you guys kept up to some degree that people knew what was going on.

Did you have a conversation with your onset family, like your co stars, I mean, they must have known would have been happening in the interm years. I imagine you guys kept up to some degree that people knew what was going on.

Oh yeah, yeah, for sure. I mean Candice was my matron of honor and my first wedding. Her daughter was one of my flower girls. I mean, you know, every new person I would date that that was the second family that they had to meet. You know, it was like, okay, well you've got to meet, like you met my parents, but now here's the full house family.

Oh yeah, yeah, for sure. I mean Candice was my matron of honor and my first wedding. Her daughter was one of my flower girls. I mean, you know, every new person I would date that that was the second family that they had to meet. You know, it was like, okay, well you've got to meet, like you met my parents, but now here's the full house family.

And sometimes they were more intimidating. You know. Bob would be like, what are your intentions? And I was like, can you not?

And sometimes they were more intimidating. You know. Bob would be like, what are your intentions? And I was like, can you not?

But you know, yeah, they knew. And they were also like really supportive. I mean, we've all we are very much a family and have supported each other through birth, death, divorce, loss, lawsuits, everything, and we still love each other. Might not always agree, but we're very much like a family. And it's like I'm going to not love you and I'll set a couple of seats down. I don't know, you know, but like that's just but that's what family is. And I'm just so grateful that I got to have that experience again with a different perspective of it.

But you know, yeah, they knew. And they were also like really supportive. I mean, we've all we are very much a family and have supported each other through birth, death, divorce, loss, lawsuits, everything, and we still love each other. Might not always agree, but we're very much like a family. And it's like I'm going to not love you and I'll set a couple of seats down. I don't know, you know, but like that's just but that's what family is. And I'm just so grateful that I got to have that experience again with a different perspective of it.

Just to skip, I'm a little bit here. During the pandemic, you were sober.