Overview of Not Skinny But Not Fat
This episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat (host Amanda Hirsch) features actress Ali Larter. The conversation covers Larter’s role on Taylor Sheridan’s Landman (season 2), career trajectory from modeling to film and TV, motherhood and family life in Idaho, her acting preparation and on-set routine, wellness and beauty habits, and thoughts on aging gracefully in Hollywood. The episode also includes multiple sponsored segments (Good Wipes, KNIX, Nutrafol, Stitch Fix, Wildgrain, Starbucks).
Guest — Ali Larter: quick bio & current projects
- Actor known for Legally Blonde, Varsity Blues, Heroes, Resident Evil and more.
- Currently stars as Angela in Landman (Season 2) — a darkly comic, oil‑country drama set in West Texas. Season 2 has seen substantial audience growth and critical buzz; available on Paramount+.
- Presented/hosted at Critics’ Choice; Landman cast includes Sam Elliott, Demi Moore, Billy Bob Thornton, James Jordan, Michelle (Ainsley), Jacob Lofland.
Topics covered
Family & lifestyle
- Lives in a small ski town in Idaho with husband Hayes and two children (daughter ~11, son ~15).
- Moved from L.A. to Idaho during COVID for family life, outdoor access, and schooling; she values the slower, grounding pace.
- Filming logistics: kids fly in every two weeks; Larter commutes frequently on small regional “jumper” planes; when shooting she balances long workdays with strict sleep and routine.
- Parenting perspective: cherishes this season (raising kids) and prioritizes family; acknowledges career trade-offs when stepping back for family.
Career & craft
- Early start in modeling (discovered as a teen), then transitioned to acting; breakout roles include Varsity Blues and Legally Blonde.
- Took breaks in her career (e.g., after Heroes) to focus on family and other interests (cooking, cookbook).
- On Landman: her character Angela is colorful, bold, and more heart‑led than comparisons to Beth Dutton suggest. Larter collaborated with dialect coach Jessica Drake and acting coach Ivana Chubbuck.
- Preparation process: heavy prep with coach work to access emotional truth; prefers quiet, alone time before intense scenes; sometimes rehearses on camera for organic takes (especially with actors like Billy Bob Thornton who improvise).
- On set chemistry: praised cast camaraderie and the way ensemble work elevates performances.
Filming life & practical details
- Shooting schedules can be long (production can run five months); when on set she limits socializing before intense scenes to preserve focus.
- Discussed practicalities of wardrobe, prosthetics and putting together Angela’s look (spray tan, wigs, push-up bras, animal prints).
- Anecdote: creepy June bugs incident in a lettuce salad on set — became a standout (gross) memory.
Health, beauty & routine
- Workout routine: 4–5x/week (mix of strength and cardio); uses Peloton trainers and home workouts when travel makes meeting a trainer impractical.
- Sleep goal: ~7 hours/night; keeps routines strict while traveling/working.
- Wellness approach: blends prayer/meditation, movement, and practical self‑care habits.
- On aging gracefully: emphasizes strength training, routine, and prioritizing health rather than chasing perfection.
Key takeaways
- Intentional life choices: Larter deliberately prioritized family and chose a quieter lifestyle in Idaho, accepting career trade‑offs for stability and presence.
- Craft through preparation: she relies on coaches and specific preparation rituals to sustain emotional performance across long shooting days.
- Ensemble power: the success of Landman is credited to the cast chemistry and tonal balance (comedy + drama + family heart).
- Consistency matters: disciplined fitness and sleep routines help her manage anxiety, performance demands, and travel.
- Career arcs are non‑linear: Larter candidly describes the peaks and valleys of a 30‑year career—breaks are sometimes necessary, and rebuilding is part of the industry.
Notable quotes and insights
- “I prepare, prepare, prepare.” — on the work required to access emotional intensity for a role.
- “I almost pray more than meditate.” — on her grounding practice.
- “This is my season.” — about prioritizing family and recognizing life stages.
- “Her love runs deep.” — describing Angela’s motivation and how that shaped her portrayal.
- On exercise: “After I exercise and I sweat, I’ve burned off a lot of my fear.”
Rapid-fire highlights
- Favorite part of filming: the cast/community.
- Least favorite: being away from her children.
- Hardest scenes: emotional Episode 9 (empty‑nester beats) and bikini scenes (body‑image pressure).
- Most fun scenes: family dinner scenes and the white truffle scene — lots of on‑set laughter.
Sponsors & offers mentioned
(brief list of ad reads from the episode)
- Good Wipes — free pack offer via goodwipes.com/not-skinny (receipt/text promo).
- KNIX (Nyx uplift bra) — promo code AMANDA15 for 15% off at knix.com.
- Nutrafol — NotSkinny10 for $10 off first month + free shipping at nutrafol.com.
- Stitch Fix — $20 off first order at stitchfix.com/not-skinny.
- Wildgrain — $30 off first box + free croissants for life at wildgrain.com/not-skinny.
- Starbucks protein options — mentioned as an easy wellness habit upgrade.
Where to watch / final notes
- Watch Landman (Season 2) on Paramount+.
- Episode vibe: a wide-ranging, candid chat—mix of career storytelling, parenting realism, on‑set anecdotes, and practical lifestyle/wellness tips from a working actress balancing family and a resurging TV career.