A Lifetime of Mothering with Heather Brooker

Everyone has a story to tell. How they got from point to point, the struggles they endured along the way, the person they started as and where they stand now, everyone has a story. In many cases, actors, the ones who tend to bring us so much joy have something incredible behind them. What makes it even more compelling is when they use their story to help others live a richer, fuller life. 

“There was a time in my life where I was super proud and then, people tell you that you’re bragging.” – Heather, (1:37)

My guest today is the one and only Heather Brooker. She’s an actor, comedian, and journalist, but most of all, she’s an overcomer and a woman with an amazing story. She’s the founder of the Motherhood in Hollywood podcast and she graciously shares her life experiences to help others navigate the challenges that fall into their path. Heather grew up in an unconventional atmosphere, but her resilience and ability to strategically lever her surroundings helped fuel the success she currently dwells in. 

“It feels a bit unfair to talk about her (mother) struggles in detail because she’s still alive and we have a really strained relationship.” – Heather, (12:48)

Everyone has a story, and we all have the ability to impact and play a role in them. Pull up a chair and hear the empowering message from Heather Brooker as she shares things she’s learned along the way that will help you conquer whatever is keeping you from living your best life!

“You love your children obviously, but then when you get to see your own child, being a parent and going through all the things you felt as a parent, and how they navigate it, there’s a sense of pride.” – Heather, (21:43)

“We’re living in a different world right now where people have access to so much information online and they’re all sharing it on TikTok and social media.” – Heather, (40:30)

In this episode:

(2:00) – Heather expresses her happiness with the career she has built thus far. 

(5:35) – Heather reveals that she doesn’t allow her daughter to have access to social media.

(7:23) – Navigating technology in the Brooker household. 

(10:25) – Surviving the reality of parenting herself.

(10:49) – Heather opens up about hiding the struggles at home.

(11:10) – How the death of her stepfather impacted the household. 

(14:04) – Growing up, Heather did whatever she had to do to create some semblance of normalcy. 

(15:04) – Looking back over life and realizing the way she lived was far from normal. 

(16:47) – Friends are great escape mechanisms. 

(17:34) – Teaching her daughter to navigate being an only child. 

(18:49) – The topic of only children and how they’re often misunderstood. 

(24:00) – Monitoring her daughter when she’s on the set. 

(25:46) – Acting, not journalism was the goal, but her mom wanted her to be an engineer.

(29:26) – She loves the storytelling aspect of journalism, but it can be heavy at times.

(30:44) – Growing up in trauma helped make her a better journalist. 

(33:15) – Acting or standup, which is her favorite?

(35:20) – The ownership element of standup comedy.

(35:39) – Comics live in a bubble.

(37:40) – Heather says journalism numbs her but also helped her become more of a critic. 

(38:40) – Juggling fairness and impartiality as a comic. 

(40:47) – Acting and comedy are all about storytelling. 

(41:37) – Talking about body positivity. 

(44:00) – Heather encourages and remains an advocate for all bodies in the arts. 

(45:20) – Discussing plus-sized women in acting. 

(46:20) – Heather is resilient enough to get through the weight criticisms but knows everyone isn’t.

(47:23) – Don’t be afraid to ask for the seatbelt extender. 

(50:00) – Auditioning for the role of Fat Pam. 

(52:08) – It’s always open season for fat people, especially fat women. 

(53:10) – Fat shaming impacts men in Hollywood too. 

(57:40) – Advice for those who want to be actors or comedians.

Our Guest 

Many years ago, Heather Brooker said goodbye to Oklahoma to follow her dreams in Hollywood! Since then, she’s been hovering on the cusp of stardom waiting for her closeup. During that time, she racked up a couple of Emmy Awards as a journalist, comedian, and TV host. She also created the Webby Award-winning podcast, Motherhood in Hollywood. She’s appeared in over 40 films and TV shows including “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Fresh Off The Boat”, “The Mindy Project” and many more. It should also be noted that Heather was in the unprecedented role of digital entertainment reporter for KNBC in Los Angeles, where she regularly interviewed celebrities and other luminaries in Hollywood. 

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/ 

https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore 

https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/ 

https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/ 

Heather Brooker 

https://www.heatherbrooker.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theheatherbrooker/

https://twitter.com/HeatherBrooker

https://www.facebook.com/TheHeatherBrooker/

https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherbrooker