
Call Her Daddy
"It's like, oh, he, he wins. That's so funny. That's so cosmically funny. I am sorry. I think it's a big tragic comedy at the end. It's so fucking crazy." — Jackson White (describing the series finale of "Tell Me Lies")
"I think normal people don't as much. I'm in a lot of fear. Why? Because I just grew up in fear. I grew up in a lot of inconsistency. So I didn't know what was going on a lot of the time." — Jackson White (discussing his approach to relationships stemming from childhood)
"It's exhausting to to to um be unconscious. You don't even know it's exhausting." — Jackson White (reflecting on the impact of unhealthy coping mechanisms)
The episode features an interview with actor Jackson White, who discusses his role as Steven DeMarco in the television series "Tell Me Lies." White shares insights into the process of embodying such a morally complex character, noting the initial challenge of understanding Steven's motivations which evolved into portraying a deeply flawed individual. He touches upon the unexpected nature of the series finale, admitting that the cast and crew were surprised by the show's conclusion and expressing a sense of sadness and loss akin to finishing a long-term project. The conversation then shifts to White's personal journey, where he candidly discusses how childhood inconsistencies and fear have influenced his approach to relationships. He elaborates on unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol consumption with his father, and the eventual realization that such behaviors are exhausting and detrimental to personal growth.
White further explores the concept of "notes" or patterns in behavior that individuals receive, prompting self-reflection and change. He highlights that fear is a core emotion that can manifest in various symptoms like anger or substance use, and emphasizes the importance of addressing these root causes. The discussion touches on the challenges of navigating social norms around behaviors like drinking and the difficulty of replacing destructive habits with healthier ones, especially when societal pressures exist. The conversation also includes reflections on his parents' divorce and remarriages, and how this impacted his perception of love and commitment. He acknowledges a shift from resentment to understanding and acceptance regarding his parents' roles in his life, ultimately recognizing that "hurt people, hurt people."
The interview also explores the unique experience of working alongside his girlfriend and mother on "Tell Me Lies," detailing the conscious effort required to prevent blurring the lines between personal reality and on-screen portrayal. White speaks about the evolving nature of his relationship with his girlfriend, Grace, highlighting the progression from professional interaction to a romantic connection. He shares amusing anecdotes about their early relationship, including receiving tattoos from Grace, and discusses how his childhood experiences with instability have shaped his desire for and approach to stable relationships. The episode concludes with White looking forward to audiences getting to know him as Jackson, beyond his character, and expressing his hopes for a fulfilling career.