The Stories: “Literally no one would know who I was in Australia at all! It wasn't until very recently that it's changed. It's not something I focus on. I'm quite a private person and quite protective of my life. It's funny to finally feel embraced by the country that you always wanted to work in. I can't say that I haven't had some of those earlier struggles, where there was a juvenile resentment for not feeling important enough in your own country.” The Backstory:   "I had very early exposure to the arts growing up. My mom was a children's television writer and my dad was a musician. So that definitely reinforced and encouraged a lot of creative pursuits from a very early age."  Wisdom Rains: “What I’ve learned in my work, is that so much is out of my control, creatively. There’s something to be said about learning to embrace the wave; the flow of things.”  On Inspo: “I always go in with this idea that you’re always trying to be as honest as you can; you’re finding the essence of truth. My process and my style is to make sure I’m doing the best job and justice to the character---and that means working from a place of real honesty and truth.”  On Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar: “People are drawn to the complexity of the wellness and medical industries, and we all know someone who has been affected by cancer or a serious illness. Not only are we constantly bombarded by new information about health and wellness all the time, the chase for eternal youth and wellness is everywhere and so pervasive in our lives. Apple Cider Vinegar really touches on the complexities of conventional and nonconventional medicine.  On Wellness: "I think I have a healthy relationship with wellness and balance where I want to be as healthy to myself as I can, but in terms of more tangible wellness practices, I think moving your body is always a good thing. I do pilates, yoga. I think trying to take care of your mental health is important. I’m someone who has my own struggles with anxiety and trying to manage that in a healthy way. I do a lot of journaling. Art is also really helpful for me.” What Else: Creativity has been so imbued in my life, and I feel like I have a strong idea of my taste, so directing is something I'm wanting to explore more. Obviously, it's quite hard to get your foot in the door, so I'm going to try to write---in order to facilitate it.”  Obsixed: A collection of Alycia’s current lifestyle obsessions and brands.

A WORD FROM THE HOST

This week’s podcast features our latest cover star, Alycia Debnam-Carey, who is knee-deep in widespread recognition for her role in Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar….yes….that six-episode series that keeps popping up for you in your ‘Your Next Watch’ section on the app. I got to know the Australian actress who has long been based in LA and known for roles on Fear the Walking Dead and Hulu’s Saint X in both spending time with her recording this podcast, and also styling her on set in LA for our cover story. On our 159th episode I ask Alycia about what it’s been like to experience two waves of fame…first in America, and then in Australia. Her answer is candid. We also discuss the---what some see as controversial---combination of fact and fiction in series writer-creator Samantha’s Strauss’ Apple Cider Vinegar story, based on the book and stunning scam story of one of the wellness’s industry’s first influencers, Belle Gibson. Alycia weighs in on how her hit series addresses the wellness industry, the earlier days of social media---addressed in the series as well--and talks about her own personal relationship with wellness. This story was of particular interest to me as someone who had early interest in all things wellness and was an early follower of every single wellness podcast…you see that reflected on storyandrain.com. The Dior and Cartier brand ambassador talked to me A LOT about her taste and the many instances she’s had to let creative control go, and how growing up in a creative household and expressing herself across the arts has led to that. Hear her talk all about having her own razor-sharp creative vision for things, and wanting to get behind the camera. And listen in for much more with this star who’s having a moment in the zeitgeist. 

                                        + tamara rappa