Overview of How Long Gone — Episode 919: Nicole Richie
This episode of How Long Gone (hosts Chris Black & Jason Stewart) features a longform conversation with Nicole Richie. The discussion mixes light-hearted banter (Oscars, red carpet culture, fashion trends) with personal topics: travel (New Orleans/Tulane), parenting teenagers, sobriety/low-alcohol preferences, baking and cooking (sourdough), past acting work (Great News), entrepreneurship (House of Harlow), and some personal anecdotes (childhood Tower Records moment, a pog “steal,” vertigo). The episode also includes multiple sponsor reads (Dart Collective, Squarespace, Rocket Money, Quince, Two Good, and Vogue’s Run-Through).
Guest background (quick facts)
- Guest: Nicole Richie — actress, entrepreneur, founder of House of Harlow (jewelry/fashion), former reality TV star turned multi-hyphenate.
- Living situation: lives with husband and two teenagers (16 and 18).
- Recent activities: spoke at Tulane University, curated “The Burgundy Room” at New Orleans Book Fest.
- Media credits highlighted: acted in the comedy series Great News (two seasons).
- Personal practices: mostly sober (does sip occasionally), home baker (sourdough starter), cooks frequently.
Main topics discussed
Career, public projects & entrepreneurship
- Nicole talked about curating speaking panels and interviews at Tulane and the New Orleans Book Fest (Burgundy Room).
- Discussed acting work (Great News) and interest in comedy/acting — enjoys the craft and performing.
- House of Harlow: she signaled folks to check out and support her jewelry line / female-founded brand.
Family and home life
- Parenting teenagers: describes the workload as different but still full-on; enjoys being involved and staying connected (Snapchat, calls).
- Home: shares space with family, husband is more the “art person” and manages art acquisitions; Nicole bakes weekly bread and keeps a sourdough starter.
Lifestyle, habits, and health
- Sobriety: largely abstains from alcohol but isn’t averse to “a little sip”; prefers simple non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, water, ginger ale).
- Vertigo: experiences episodic vertigo treated with meclizine (anti-vertigo medication); impacts activities like flying/coaster rides.
- Diet: not a huge cheese or mayo fan (dairy can trigger rosacea), but will enjoy a cheeseburger on occasion.
Pop culture, fashion & red carpet conversation
- Hosts and Nicole riff on Oscars/red carpet culture: gliding vs. candid interview energy, brooch trends on men, the “glaze” of red carpet interviews, and how bodies vs. clothes dominate modern coverage.
- Discussed the Jake Shane Vanity Fair red carpet controversy and the modern trade-offs between viral moments vs. tasteful interviewing.
Personal anecdotes & lighter moments
- Childhood trauma/lesson: parents allegedly laughed at her when she bought Biz Markie’s tape — she vows to “break the cycle” and not shame her kids’ music.
- Confession: stole a pog slammer from a Brentwood toy store as a kid.
- Roller coasters: big fan historically but vertigo has complicated that; hosts/guest joke about favorite coasters and theme-park memories.
- Height banter: extended joking about being tall (hosts are very tall) and the practicalities/assumptions about height.
Notable quotes & takeaways
- “I will never do what my parents did to me. Break the cycle.” — Nicole on not shaming her kids’ tastes.
- “When you fit nowhere, you fit everywhere.” — Host Chris on flying coach as a life philosophy.
- Practical health note: Nicole uses meclizine for episodic vertigo — a reminder that adult-onset vertigo can be intermittent but impactful.
What to follow up on / recommendations from the episode
- Check Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow jewelry line (support a female founder).
- If interested in her TV work: stream Great News (two seasons).
- Look into the Burgundy Room events/archives if you like author interviews and literary curation.
- For listeners curious about vertigo treatments, Meclizine was mentioned as Nicole’s helpful prescription (consult a doctor for medical advice).
Sponsors & plugs called out in the episode
- Dart Collective — wedding/event DJs (hosts recommend for authentic, musician-driven DJs).
- Squarespace — website builder (promo: squarespace.com/howlong).
- Rocket Money — subscription & bill management (promo: rocketmoney.com/howlong).
- Quince — wardrobe essentials (promo: quince.com/howlong).
- Vogue’s “The Run-Through” — fashion podcast recommendation.
- Two Good — coffee creamers (available at Kroger).
If you want the episode’s tone: it’s conversational and warm, alternating between playful host banter and sincere personal reflections from Nicole — a mix of celebrity anecdotes, lifestyle chat, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative and family life.