Overview of Long Time No Solo Pod
Amanda Hirsch returns with a solo episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat that feels like a mix of diary entry, pop-culture commentary, and candid life update. She reflects on the roots of the podcast, the tension between being content and staying ambitious, and then pivots into her usual stream-of-consciousness takes on beauty standards, GLP-1s, parenting, marriage, and celebrity style. The episode ends with gratitude to listeners and a brief acknowledgment of accountability/apology.
Main Themes
Contentment vs. Ambition
- Amanda talks about trying to balance being grateful and content with still wanting to grow and achieve more.
- She says she genuinely means it when she says she’s content, but she also feels driven and “hungry” to keep evolving.
- Her takeaway: stay ambitious, but don’t lose sight of what matters or forget to appreciate opportunities.
Work Hard, Then Get Lucky
- She highlights a line from Benny Blanco on SmartLess: work hard and you increase your chances of getting lucky.
- She connects that idea to her own success, saying manifestation is less about vibes alone and more about showing up, doing the work, and being a little delusional in a productive way.
Beauty, Aging, and Body Image Commentary
Johnny Depp, Adriana Lima, Sandra Bullock, and the Double Standard Around Aging
- Amanda jokes about Johnny Depp not looking great and says age-shaming isn’t her thing, though she jokes about how rough he looks.
- She reacts to Adriana Lima’s dramatic leaner appearance and Sandra Bullock looking incredible at 62, while acknowledging the uncomfortable reality that beauty and youth are still heavily glorified.
- She emphasizes that women should be allowed to age, get work done, or do nothing at all without judgment.
Mixed Feelings on “Glow Ups” and Weight Loss Praise
- She says she understands why people get annoyed when weight loss is automatically framed as a “glow up.”
- She brings up Lily Reinhart’s press tour styling and argues that part of the praise may be due to the styling, not just body changes.
- Her core point: people can compliment attractiveness, but we should be more thoughtful about how we discuss bodies.
GLP-1/Ozempic FOMO and Wellness Culture
- Amanda revisits her shifting opinion on GLP-1 drugs.
- She says she originally believed the narrative that they were being taken from diabetics, but now sees them normalized in both celebrity and wellness spaces.
- After meeting with a doctor and discussing thyroid issues, Hashimoto’s, cholesterol, and inflammation, she says GLP-1 microdosing is something she’d consider in the future.
- She jokes that she’d only do it after deciding on a third baby.
Family and Motherhood
The Ongoing “Third Baby” Debate
- A big chunk of the episode is Amanda thinking out loud about whether she wants a third child.
- She says she loves the idea of three because she comes from a family of three sisters, and she values sibling dynamics.
- Her husband wants to move forward with life, travel, and avoid more bottles/strollers/diapers, but she thinks he’s more focused on the fantasy of travel than reality.
- She’s honest that she does not want to repeat pregnancy/labor, but also doesn’t feel done deciding.
Parenting Chaos and Sleepless Night Story
- She tells a detailed story about one night when her husband was away, her mom was sleeping over, and both kids needed her.
- Lenny woke up with congestion and needed repeated settling through the night.
- Noah later woke up crying in a panic because he thought he was “Kevin from Home Alone.”
- The story becomes a classic Amanda parenting anecdote: funny, chaotic, and validating for moms.
Pop Culture and Celebrity Talk
Fashion, Red Carpets, and Stylists
- Amanda praises Lily Reinhart’s recent styling, including references to 10 Things I Hate About You and Brittany Murphy-inspired looks.
- She also gushes over Adriana Lima’s sleek red-carpet appearance and wonders how hair stylists always get ponytails so perfect.
Event Recap: Crate & Barrel x Venus Williams
- She attended a Crate & Barrel event featuring Venus Williams’ collection at the Smithsonian.
- The best part of the night, according to her, was hanging out with Uba and Chanel, who she found hilarious and larger than life.
- She notes that Uba confronted her again about something she’d said involving Erin, but says they moved past it and that the dynamic is now part of their thing.
- She also mentions Yvonne from In the City as another standout personality.
Social Awkwardness and Event Preferences
- Amanda admits she can be socially awkward, especially about asking for photos.
- She says she likes more intimate events over huge crowded ones.
- She recounts leaving a major event almost immediately because it felt overwhelming, and later learning that several other guests left too.
Books, Movies, and Things She’s Excited About
Verity and Upcoming Adaptations
- She says Verity got her back into reading and she’s excited about the upcoming film adaptation.
- She mentions being interested in the cast, including Josh Hartnett, Dakota Johnson, and Anne Hathaway.
Other Celebrity Sightings
- She briefly comments on Sienna Miller’s daughter and Kate Moss’s daughter Lila Moss, marveling at the genetics and model energy.
Lena Dunham and Millie Bobby Brown
- Amanda celebrates Lena Dunham’s baby news via surrogate and says she’s happy for her.
- She also supports Millie Bobby Brown’s decision to use a surrogate and/or adopt, saying fears around pregnancy and childbirth are valid and adoption is beautiful.
Closing Message
- Amanda ends by thanking listeners for sticking with her, making mistakes, and still supporting her.
- She says the apology she previously gave was for her listeners and for taking accountability, not for critics.
- The episode closes with warmth, appreciation, and her usual sign-off inviting listeners back for the next episode.