Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"I think the idea of people's whole humanity is just more interesting than like, you know archetypes tropes like the whole it's just like there's so much more going on." — Elizabeth Banks
"You're not the only one who did, you know what I mean? There's people that came before us that did this for us to have these opportunities and to keep it going that's it." — Elizabeth Banks
"My advice is like, you're almost probably never alone so you know, and you don't need to compete with other women there is that it's not a pie with only so many slices there really is opportunity out there for everybody." — Elizabeth Banks
The episode features a conversation between Alex Cooper and Elizabeth Banks, who discusses her multifaceted career as an actress, director, producer, and entrepreneur, noting that her path was not pre-determined but rather a result of continuous learning and adaptation. Banks shared her experience navigating an Ivy League education while working class, emphasizing the dignity of work and the importance of ambition. The conversation then moved to personal topics, including Banks's long-standing marriage, her journey to motherhood through surrogacy due to unexplained infertility, and the importance of finding a supportive community and focusing on the ultimate goal of parenthood.
Banks also highlighted the timely relevance of her film "Call Jane," which portrays a group of women in the 1960s providing illegal abortion care before Roe v. Wade. She detailed her character's development from a conservative housewife to an empowered advocate, drawing parallels to her own evolving understanding of women's rights and autonomy. Banks stressed that feminism is about equality and honoring the contributions of women who fought for the opportunities available today. She encouraged listeners to embrace their individuality, learn from experiences, and stand up for what they believe in, emphasizing that safety and solidarity are crucial for enacting change.
The discussion touched on the challenges women face in male-dominated industries and the importance of having a voice. Banks reflected on how personal security and collective action, like the #MeToo movement, enable women to speak out against injustice. She advised young women to seek mentors, build networks, and recognize that they are not alone in their struggles, as isolation is a tool of patriarchal systems. Banks concluded by advocating for the right to choose, framing abortion as a necessary "insurance policy" against unwanted pregnancies in a society where sex can be for pleasure, and affirmed her faith in her own relationship with a higher power, asserting that individual autonomy is paramount.