"My 20s were like such a mess. Like I was trying to figure myself out. I didn't know who I was, a lot of shit happened, and then I kind of like over the past couple years have eased into who I am, and then this year, I'm like, oh, I know who I am. So turning 30 to me has been like, I'm excited for my 30s and what that holds." — Demi Lovato
"I had such interesting relationships with my dads and the abandonment issue from my birth father was so deeply rooted inside of me and when it came to management like I put, I placed that fatherly figure role onto him and onto this other person that I have mentioned. And so when looking for a new manager, I wanted to find someone that I don't place that fatherly figure role onto and that it's just business." — Demi Lovato
"I think sometimes the public needs the truth and that's why I decided to release it as a single 'cause I think the message is so important." — Demi Lovato
The episode features an in-depth conversation between Alex Cooper and Demi Lovato, delving into Lovato's personal and professional journey. Lovato shares their early experiences in pageants and acting, the intense pressures of the Disney Channel era, and the subsequent struggles with mental health, including depression and suicidal ideation from a young age. They discuss the impact of their mother's struggles with an eating disorder and how beauty pageants contributed to their own body image issues and the development of an eating disorder. The conversation also touches upon the demanding workload of child stars and the resulting temptations to "party like an adult" at a young age, leading to experimentation with drugs and alcohol.
Lovato recounts the complexities of managing their career under strict control from management, including the exacerbation of their eating disorder due to controlling food intake and the denial of treatment, which they liken to experiences similar to Britney Spears. They highlight the psychological manipulation and lack of autonomy experienced, leading to a breaking point and a relapse as a cry for help. The discussion emphasizes Lovato's journey to reclaim their voice and assert control over their life and career, learning to set boundaries and trust their own decisions. The interview also covers Lovato's experiences with trauma, including sexual assault, and their process of healing through music and self-reflection.
The latter part of the episode focuses on Lovato's new music, discussing their latest album which reflects anger, self-acceptance, and newfound happiness. They explain the inspiration behind the song "29," which addresses problematic age gaps in relationships, and how releasing such personal music serves as a way to convey truth and important messages to the public. Lovato also shares insights into their current dating life, emphasizing the importance of laughter and understanding in a partner, and their excitement for an upcoming tour where they plan to perform their music authentically and comfortably.