Overview of Not Skinny But Not Fat (episode: Dove Cameron Isn't Goth, She Just Grew Up)
Host Amanda Hirsch interviews actress/singer Dove Cameron in a wide-ranging, candid conversation about growing up in the public eye, transitioning from Disney kid to adult artist, her new Amazon series 56 Days, intimacy and nudity on-screen, body-image and hair changes, and her personal life (fiancé, family support, and living between New York/L.A./Rome). The episode mixes deep reflections with light anecdotes and several ad breaks.
Key topics covered
- Dove’s career arc: Disney beginnings (Liv & Maddie, Descendants) → adult roles → new series 56 Days → music.
- 56 Days: premise, tone, and Dove’s character (Ciara).
- On-screen intimacy and nudity: Dove’s first experiences, vulnerability, and empowerment.
- Public image and styling: hair changes, “goth” mislabeling, and expectations from being a longtime public figure.
- Personal life: meeting and engagement to her fiancé, long-distance logistics, turning 30, and family support (mother’s sacrifices).
- Creative process, preferences (high-concept films), and music/album status.
- Broader cultural notes: Amanda’s opening thoughts on Hollywood’s “thin epidemic” and body-image concerns.
Main takeaways
- Career evolution: Dove embraces roles that push her into unfamiliar territory (morally ambiguous characters, erotic/psychosexual thriller elements) as a way to grow as an artist.
- Intimacy scenes as growth: Filming nudity/intimacy was intimidating but ultimately empowering — she felt it helped reclaim ownership of her body and diminished internalized shame.
- Public image vs. self: Hair, makeup, and stylistic shifts are often interpreted as personality changes; Dove stresses that changing looks doesn’t equal a complete internal transformation — she’s “just grown up.”
- Value of parental support: Her mother’s practical sacrifices helped Dove pursue acting; Dove expresses deep gratitude and frames that support as foundational to her career.
- Creative patience: Her album is “close” and she’s choosing timing + technical logistics carefully; she prefers release on the right terms rather than rushing.
- Advice/attitude: If something scares you, sometimes that’s the next thing you should do — she frames fear-facing as a method for personal growth.
Episode highlights & details
56 Days (what to know)
- Format/genre: Adaptation of a novel, billed as a psychosexual/erotic thriller with a non-linear timeline (present + day-by-day flashbacks).
- Basic premise: A relationship between Oliver (Avan Jogia) and Ciara (Dove) begins innocently; within 56 days one of them is found dead and the series unspools who did what across parallel timelines.
- Dove’s take: She was drawn to Ciara’s moral ambiguity and layered trauma; aimed to make the character human and empathetic.
Career & early years
- Disney background: Lead in Liv & Maddie (played twins), Descendants alumnus; the TV work trained her professionally (versatility on set).
- Liv & Maddie specifics: The show was designed for one actor to play both twins (no real twin actors auditioned); it was a formative period.
- Awards: Dove referenced the significance of early recognition (Emmy for Disney work mentioned).
On intimacy, nudity, and body image
- First major intimacy on-screen: She’d never done explicit on-camera intimacy before 56 Days; the experience was intense but ultimately liberating.
- Emotional authenticity: Described a scene (wiring money) where tears came organically — she highlighted the moral complexity of her character and the surprising emotional moments.
- Body ownership: Doing nudity helped her shed some internalized shame and feel more embodied and in control.
Personal life & relationships
- Met fiancé via music collaborations and later at a concert; relationship developed quickly and deeply.
- Engagement: Proposed in October while on tour; they intended to keep it private but paparazzi photos leaked and forced an early public reveal.
- Living situation: Divides time between L.A., New York (Dove loves NYC), and spends time in Rome where her fiancé is often based.
- Turning 30: Dove celebrated with an impromptu slumber-party-style gathering; says she didn’t have an anxiety-heavy reaction to the milestone.
Public image, hair, and identity
- Hair changes: Shift from bleached/blonde to dark hair was driven by hair health rather than image rebrand; she resists simplistic labels like “goth.”
- Branding tension: Growing up on TV at 16 meant a public “brand” formed that she later outgrew; she’s mindful people conflate style changes with inner turmoil.
Creative preferences & influences
- Taste: Drawn to high-concept, visually bold films (mentions Pan’s Labyrinth, Begonia, Emma Stone projects).
- Music: Album is close to finished by her own standards; release timing depends on technical and label logistics. She is focused on feeling the album is “done” creatively.
Notable quotes & moments
- “If you are afraid of something, that’s the very next thing that you should do.” — Dove on taking on challenging roles.
- On nudity: She described the experience as breaking down a type of shame and “owning” herself more.
- On public perception: “Not goth — I just grew up.” (Theme of the episode)
- On career success and gratitude: Reflection on her mother’s sacrifice — “I have my mom to thank for this.”
Sponsors mentioned (short list)
The episode includes multiple ad reads (Amanda’s usual sponsors): Bloom Greens, IQ Bar, Little Spoon, Merit Beauty, Ollie (pet food), Unreal Snacks, and Olipop.
Action items / recommendations for listeners
- Watch 56 Days (streaming on Amazon Prime) if you like erotic/psychosexual thrillers and morally ambiguous character studies.
- If interested in Dove’s music, follow her official channels for the album announcement — she says it’s nearly ready but timing is strategic.
- For viewers/readers: consider how public branding can freeze an image of a person who is still growing; be cautious about quick judgments based on hair/wardrobe changes.
Quick episode snapshot
- Guest: Dove Cameron
- Host: Amanda Hirsch (Dear Media)
- Tone: Candid, reflective, lightly comedic
- Run-time: Standard long-form podcast (ad breaks and conversational flow)
- Where to watch/listen: 56 Days — Amazon Prime; follow Dove for music updates.