Growing up on Dance Moms w/ Nia Sioux and Dr. Holly

The most iconic duo from Dance Moms Nia Sioux and Dr. Holly talk about what it was like growing up on a reality TV show and all of the struggles that came with it. 

Later in the episode we get caught up with what they are doing currently, as Nia is a Senior in college she talks about how she balances her lifestyle with her job and being a student at UCLA. 

Stay tuned for the end when we have Nia and Dr. Holly react to their old clips from Dance Moms.

This is gonna be a juicy episode you don’t wanna miss, so grab your popcorn and your favorite snack, and let’s get this slumber party started!

Nia Sioux:

https://instagram.com/niasioux?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==



Dr. Holly:

https://instagram.com/drholly?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==


Our Socials:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-sis-energy/id1702408819

https://open.spotify.com/show/56dsghqVllbEhxQr1twvXk?si=C7zB-1FqT0urzDRK36AJiQ

https://instagram.com/bigsisenergyy?igshid=YzVobWl4bWxudTZx&utm_source=qr

https://instagram.com/maliaalexis_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://instagram.com/kenziegracee_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Transcript

Big Sis Energy With Nia and Holly

Speaker 1 0:00

First time, thea is on top of the pyramid.

Speaker 2 0:04

It's been a long time coming.

Speaker 1 0:06

I didn't think I would ever live to see this day you were on top of this pyramid because of your hard work and your determination all week long. To me, that's sometimes more important than any trophy, and you shined. Your mother isn't always here, but she does make sure that you're here and you can see the improvement. I'm very happy. I'm on the top of the pyramid this week, yay, yay.

Speaker 3 0:34

That's so funny. I don't think I can ever see All week long. That's so funny. That's like that's actually so. That's so sad. Oh, I never thought I would live to see this day.

Speaker 4 0:52

That's so sad. I didn't see like you were. You're listening to Big Sis Energy. Woo, welcome back to Big Sis Energy. I'm your host, mackenzie, and I'm your other host, malia, and today we have two very exciting special guests Nia and Dr Holly. Hello everyone, welcome Guys. We're so happy that you both had time for one to come in and talk to us. I know I'm like thanks for having us so fun Of course, it's been a long time coming, I know.

Speaker 3 1:23

We've been wanting to do this for a while, so I'm so happy it's happening now, me too, and I'm like the energy, the Big Sis Energy, yeah.

Speaker 1 1:29

I like it.

Speaker 4 1:30

And so we met Nia in February in Wyoming.

Speaker 3 1:34

Yes, Brandomly, brandomly, like brand trip for that.

Speaker 4 1:38

That's actually our first brand trip, so we were super nervous, I remember.

Speaker 3 1:42

I was like this is our first brand trip and I was like this is really exciting. I was like this is a good brand trip to be on. This is your first time. That is the coolest one ever.

Speaker 4 1:50

So fun and the fact that we like met you too, cause I was like she's so sweet and genuine, cause I was like scared, I wasn't sure who was all going to be there, yeah, and I was like you just were so welcoming and nice, so I was like you cute.

Speaker 1 2:00

Yeah.

Speaker 4 2:01

I was very happy that we got to meet you and hang out a little bit. We did like a little get ready with me video. I don't know if you guys remember. Crank it up, crank it up, crank it up. Wait, it's Ken, what are you?

Speaker 2 2:11

doing yes, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, I don't like it, yeah.

Speaker 4 2:13

I guess why not. So we're getting ready for dinner.

Speaker 3 2:15

We're getting all we should do like a transition.

Speaker 4 2:17

Wait, I have one, I want to hear it. Wait, yeah, where are we doing it? Like a one, yes, but we did a little get ready with you. That was so cute, that was so cute.

Speaker 3 2:30

We need to do another one of those one day. That was so fun and I was like the music, the energy.

Speaker 4 2:34

I'm like it was just a vibe. It was a vibe and they are playing SZA, so it was Kill Bill. I was like she was tuned in.

Speaker 2 2:41

I was like I'm not sure the whole transition was so cool. I'm like in every bun's business.

Speaker 4 2:46

Next time I have to have you in one too.

Speaker 2 2:48

No you don't want to be one of that. I'm like there, I'm like invested.

Speaker 4 2:54

She said you don't want that, but I'll watch. I'll watch From a distance. Oh my gosh, have you?

Speaker 3 2:59

guys been on any brand trip since then? Yes, yeah, we have a few. That's awesome.

Speaker 4 3:04

So you guys are getting used to it and, like it, pushed us out of our comfort zone.

Speaker 1 3:07

A little bit.

Speaker 4 3:08

And even because we're from Arizona. So we don't really do a lot of like influencer events or like hang around content creators a lot, so that time I was nervous. I was like oh my gosh like, because you never know how people are going to be. You never know Everyone was so nice, pleasantly surprised.

Speaker 1 3:22

No and we'll team you Everyone was so cool oh yeah, the Kiehl's team.

Speaker 3 3:26

Oh yeah, they're the best Done. Did it the sweetest.

Speaker 4 3:30

Oh my gosh. And then you I slid into your DMs Because I saw that you had blonde Fouani braids. Yeah, no, but Kiehl did tell me about that and she was like I was like she's eaten it.

Speaker 3 3:42

Oh my gosh, I'm pretty sure, didn't you send your girl a picture of you? Yeah, I did. You are pretty much inspiration. I'm like I don't.

Speaker 2 3:50

I'm like there's a big age difference, naturally, so I'm like not her age, but I want something that looks like that. I know I'm not going to look like you. You look amazing, Thank you, but I was like that's the look I was going for.

Speaker 4 4:01

I was so excited, she was so excited, I, literally I slid up on your story. And then you told me that you were like. I actually showed the braider your picture. I'm like me, yeah.

Speaker 2 4:09

You were the inspiration, you were the inspiration.

Speaker 3 4:12

They looked so good.

Speaker 2 4:14

You were the inspiration and I got some great compliments for that. Well good, I love the.

Speaker 3 4:18

Kulani braids they're so cute. They're so cute. I just pulled back a little bit. It's so pretty.

Speaker 4 4:22

Because sometimes these it hits my eyebrow.

Speaker 3 4:25

Dude, they hit the eyebrow and then it messes up my eyebrow. They're always in your face.

Speaker 2 4:29

That's why I just have to pull them back a little bit have them in a half up

Speaker 3 4:32

or something. They're always kind of with back a little bit. So that's one string at a time, because this hair hits my eyebrows, it doesn't do much, but since it's a braid, there's more friction or something. I don't know. It's a little heavier.

Speaker 4 4:43

It's a little heavier, it's like yes, Because even with my curls, sometimes they hit my eyebrows but it doesn't do much.

Speaker 3 4:48

It doesn't do much, it doesn't do much it doesn't do much, not a big impact.

Speaker 2 4:50

It's the braid. It's the braid, there's some weight to it. Yes, exactly, exactly.

Speaker 4 4:57

Oh well, let's get into this episode.

Speaker 3 4:59

I died looking to it OK.

Speaker 4 5:01

So we got our first question for you guys. So, dr Holly, what was Young Nia's personality like? I'm talking in kindergarten on the playground. What was Young Nia like? That's good, because I can barely remember.

Reflecting on Energy and Personality Traits

Speaker 2 5:16

She's like I don't even know Delightful. She's like that little kid that would light up the room Just bright, big eyes, lots of energy, just fun, just sweet. She was just so sweet, like if there was the world was always her stage. So whether there was a real stage or not, it didn't make a difference, it was just like I am here, I'm ready for my audience, I'm ready to perform. She was always a performer. Oh, that's so cute.

Speaker 3 5:43

Always lots of great energy excited.

Speaker 4 5:46

Just yeah, was it always like dance, like, was it always dance reforming, or was she just like walked into the room and she's like mm.

Speaker 2 5:53

It was always like had that diva energy Like but, not in an obnoxious way, but just like world, I have arrived.

Speaker 4 6:01

Yes, I love that.

Speaker 2 6:02

Yeah, she was always like that and so, whether she was dressing up, don't let there be a microphone, because my husband does events a lot for her, because it's a community service, ok. And so you know there are a lot of speeches, and if she was around she was like right there, like hand me the microphone.

Speaker 4 6:19

She's like I'm ready, I'm ready for my close-up, did you remember?

Speaker 3 6:22

that a little bit. I remember a little bit. I've always loved performing and dancing or to whatever extent, but I also was kind of quiet too, though OK. Like I definitely was a lot of energy, but I also was just kind of quiet as well, it's funny because I feel like I can relate to that in a way.

Speaker 4 6:42

when I was really young, I was a ball of fire. And then middle school came around and I feel like I kind of went into my shell just a little bit, because then you start being a little self-conscious about. Oh, what are other people saying about me, and those things have to affect you a little bit.

Speaker 3 6:56

I definitely think that when you get older it's like oh, let me be a little quieter, Let me be a little more shy, yeah, let me be a little more mysterious.

Speaker 4 7:05

It's funny, though I wish that from a young age I always kept that, Because I feel like I have that a little bit more now than I did maybe when I was 13, 14. Yeah, but I feel like I wish I just always had that little little like spunk.

Speaker 3 7:17

That was a bit of like child energy. I feel, like when you're Fakes is energy. Child energy I don't know, but I agree I did. I was like she was always sassy.

Speaker 4 7:27

I was always sassy, Always a little sassy Now. Did you get that from your mom? Do you feel like you had the same energy as her when she was younger, or when you were younger?

Speaker 2 7:36

I don't think I was. I think I was really more reserved, a very quiet child, ok, very self-convinced. I was always tall, so awkward in that way, whereas Nia was always more on the petite side. She grew up with two brothers, so she was the middle child, only girl she could hold her own with two boys, and she was in it wrestling with them too. Oh nice girl.

Speaker 3 8:00

I was like I'm daddy's little girl, like I'm princess of the family, and you're like. I don't always feel that way. It's always felt that way and you're like, and it will always be.

Speaker 2 8:12

I know, I know he's always that way Sweet. So how tall are you? I'm six feet. Oh my gosh, I'm six feet tall.

Speaker 4 8:17

Tall queen? Yes, and how tall is your dad?

Speaker 2 8:21

He's 5'11".

Speaker 4 8:22

OK, I'm 11 and a half.

Speaker 2 8:23

I'll give him a half inch, ok.

Speaker 3 8:26

I always, when people ask, I'm like oh, like they're both six feet, but in reality I'm like he probably is like a little shorter, he's a little shorter.

Speaker 2 8:34

He's a little shorter, so cute.

Speaker 3 8:37

Wait and how tall are you, Nia? I'm five, six. I say I'm five, six. I'm technically five, five and three quarters.

Speaker 1 8:43

OK.

Speaker 3 8:44

But I come across much taller than I am.

Speaker 4 8:47

I feel like you're a tall girl.

Speaker 3 8:48

Yeah, every time I get measured, I'm always like. I always ask the doctor, I'm like are you? Sure I'm like I feel like they're never accurate.

Speaker 3 8:55

Also, I feel like they're probably not, they're never accurate, but I'm like, are you sure? And they're always like, yeah, but when I, it's weird and I'm like, when you see me, I look Tall, like I look tall. I present you do but if I were like stand next to another person that you would think is short, like you, then like measure your head, our heads, and you're like wait, you are the same Energy.

Speaker 3 9:19

I think, I get that from you and I also think it's because my posture as well as kind of good I don't know I feel like I stand like this. She's a lot I.

Speaker 1 9:27

Yeah, like I stand, proud I stand tall.

Speaker 3 9:29

So I feel like I like have my chin up almost okay a lot and like my, I feel like my posture is really good from dance.

Speaker 4 9:35

Okay, so I think that might have like a factor in it as well. The nail salon I'm like bend over.

Speaker 3 9:54

Like you, gotta delete that yeah.

Speaker 4 9:58

Go into recently deleted and delete it again because no, no, okay. The next question that I have for you guys Did you before, before, dance bombs Mm-hmm? Did you think that she would like thrive in reality TV?

From School Teacher to Broadway Dream

Speaker 2 10:12

To be honest with you, I never like I watched reality TV just to watch. Like I love reality TV, I've always loved watching reality TV. It's fun, it's a guilty pleasure. But never in a zillion years that I ever think I would be on reality TV. Or Nia like that was like for other people, like that's like for crazy wild people. I'm a school teacher, principal like there's no way she was, I could see Nia on Broadway. Like for me that would be something I could definitely see her Performing on Broadway, not a question. When she was older, out of school, definitely I could see her doing something like that.

Speaker 4 10:51

But on reality TV, no so that's never something that you envisioned, no okay, I'm a school teacher.

Speaker 3 10:57

She was a principal, right.

Speaker 4 11:00

Yes, and then everything just kind of like yeah, yeah.

Speaker 3 11:05

It really is kind of like a fluke, like that's actually why, yeah it was never like.

Speaker 2 11:11

I think there are some people who come into the industry with a vision like that's what they Want to do right and like that's like there was no. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Speaker 3 11:23

Doesn't really happen.

Speaker 4 11:25

Right. So you just kind of like a on accident type of thing on a sometimes. Beautiful like circumstances.

Speaker 3 11:33

Yeah, it definitely is. Even like when we had, like the beginning, just like what, like interview stages with the show, like because it was like an audition, where you just like went in for like an interview with your mother and I like forced my mom to like Do it with me, and she was like, finally, they were like okay, fine, whatever, and I did it on the way home. She was like, just you know you're not gonna get this Because, like in Pittsburgh, that's like crazy that that does not happen. That's literally like it's a hoax.

Speaker 1 12:10

You know, like it's like, it's not, like that's not real.

Speaker 3 12:14

Ended up being. We're just too boring. Yeah, that was my idea.

Speaker 2 12:19

I didn't think we what? You know, you want to encourage your kids dreams, but then you also you.

Speaker 3 12:23

you have to be realistic, yeah right, she don't want to get my hopes up you know, but then here you are now. Yeah Well, who's watching?

Speaker 2 12:31

reality show about a dance studio in Pittsburgh. Like if you were to hear that as the premise like Really Doesn't even sound real, like we would watch that.

Speaker 4 12:42

That's true, I didn't even think about that. Yeah, it's because it took place in Pittsburgh. Yeah, okay, interesting, because that was actually gonna be one of our questions. Oh, really, like how it all came about. Like did you see a flyer and you're like yeah, did you see?

Speaker 3 12:56

I can't even remember it. Was there a flyer? I feel like there was a flyer and then I like, went home.

Speaker 3 13:02

And it was like mom, dad Is there doing there? We didn't even know what it was. It wasn't even it was just supposed to be like a documentary or something. It wasn't even supposed to be like a reality show. I didn't even really know what it was, but it was some kind of opportunity. I was like mom, dad, we got a tryout and my parents were at first were like no, like that's not real, honey, you know. But like I asked them a few times and I think, like after like the third time I asked about it, I was like like please, like let's do it, other girls are doing it from the studio. My parents were like yeah, whatever, like like what? Like they're just like okay, it's like something silly, like nothing will come of it, right, kind of thing. Like it. Just, they were just like okay, whatever, we'll do this like audition if you want us to.

Speaker 2 13:43

And I think so serious, like it was like the most, like totally random like so, and it was one of those things I was like we don't want to go through life like what if? Like she wanted to. She asked us like three times on different occasions to do this.

Speaker 2 13:59

It's like I have been up for a while and other people have been doing it and setting yourself tapes and all that. Whatever. I'm like I was working, I was working on my doctorate at the time and working for it. It was just like one of those things, like one more thing. It's so right, we're ridiculous. But she really wanted to do it. So we're like, okay, let's do it. And how much I did not believe it was real. I let her do her own makeup. Oh, yes, oh my gosh, I totally forgot about that.

Speaker 3 14:24

Yeah, my mom did not care at all, so she was just like and I was like I want to do my makeup and she was like go for it. She's like slay.

Speaker 4 14:38

For you guys I need to see, oh, I have it.

Speaker 3 14:40

I have it on my phone and I'm like nine years old Glitter all over my face, bright pink lipstick and glitter all over my face. I was like I have to our crown. I wore a crown right. My mom was saying before like me like being like diva, like that's me. I'm like sparkles crown. Yeah, I love it.

Speaker 4 15:08

So okay, setting the scene. So you're walking in. So okay, wait, you were already. You already knew Abby.

Speaker 3 15:14

Then yeah, yeah, I had been at the studio since I was three years old.

Speaker 4 15:22

Yeah oh my gosh, have you always wanted, like in dreamt, of being a professional dancer?

Speaker 3 15:28

Yeah, I've always wanted to be like. I've always wanted to be a performer, okay some sort. So I mean, as long as I can remember, it was like Broadway, like that's what I wanted to do, like before the show even happened, like I just I saw myself on Broadway. That was like the big thing, like cause a lot of girls from the studio ended up going, or males too, like they went to, they went on Broadway and I like I just thought that was like the coolest thing ever. I've always loved it. My family has taken me to Broadway shows since I was like little and I've always loved them. So that was like my thing, also kind of like Cirque du Soleil, for like a little bit Cause when I was little I used to be really flexible, so I was like, oh, I could do this.

Speaker 3 16:09

But then once you get older, you're like oh my gosh, this hurts my body so bad. You're like no thank you Like no thank you, I've not been hurt.

Speaker 4 16:17

You know, my new dream is now seeing you in Broadway. I know I was gonna say is that still a dream of?

Speaker 3 16:22

yours. It's never not been my dream. I still want to do it so bad. I've done an off-Broadway show before. I did that when I was like 15 and that is still the best thing, best experience, work wise of my entire life. Like I will, like I stand by that.

Speaker 1 16:38

That's like the best thing ever.

Speaker 3 16:40

So I'm like really excited to, you know, like once I finish up school and like get my feet kind of like on the ground to like focus on other things like Broadway.

Speaker 4 16:50

Oh well, so how much longer of school do you have? I'm a senior, so I'm like oh my gosh. Oh, my gosh, oh my gosh, that's awesome. So in.

Speaker 3 16:58

June I will be done and I will have a degree.

Speaker 4 17:01

Oh, my gosh and I'm really excited. Can we give a round of applause? Yes, please, I'm like, oh my gosh, I'm so excited for her.

Speaker 2 17:07

I'm really excited.

Time, Priorities, and College Students

Speaker 3 17:08

Honestly, I didn't even think I would finish in four years, just because I'm always kind of like traveling and working still and just doing all these other projects. But I'm really happy I've been able to like balance it with school. I've had to like pull back a lot on work stuff, but I've still been able to do like a lot of really cool things while I've been in school, so it's been really cool.

Speaker 4 17:30

I mean your time management skills must be 10 out of 10 because I could imagine. I could imagine even just like the trips and stuff for, like even when we first met you at the Kiehl's trip, like that obviously takes time.

Speaker 3 17:43

Yeah, and I was in school during that.

Speaker 4 17:46

Oh, that's what I was saying. We like got back to the hotel and you're like typing up away.

Speaker 3 17:51

It was crazy because I'm on a dance team at school as well, ok, and I remember we were coming back on a Thursday. I think we were like we were leaving on a Thursday from that trip and I was. I was like you know what, I think I'm going to get in time to still go to dance later that night. So as soon as I landed I went straight to dance.

Speaker 3 18:10

No way, so I could be with my dance team. So, like it is, it is like a lot of balancing and it's a lot of back and forth, like I feel. I'm always like going from place to place. So I always have to like plan out if there's like a trip or like an event or something.

Speaker 3 18:25

I have to like kind of plan things out, which is nice that we have, you know, the syllabus, so you can kind of see, like when you have a test, when there's midterms, I try to scale back, but for some reason, whenever I have like midterms or like finals, that's when we're really cool stuff.

Speaker 2 18:39

And that's when the really cool stuff happens.

Speaker 4 18:42

So yeah, but of course very timing.

Speaker 3 18:45

But it's actually really funny, though, sometimes, because some of the things I get to do are like really cool, like I've gotten to go to the White House a couple of times. I saw. Yes.

Speaker 1 18:54

I met so cool I've met.

Speaker 3 18:56

Like I've met the vice president, I've met the president. And it's so funny when I'm emailing my professors because I'm like they're never gonna believe me. You know, like they're not, like they're not.

Speaker 4 19:07

I'm so sorry. Due to me meeting Joe Biden, I'm actually not gonna be able to come in with him.

Speaker 3 19:11

I'm so sorry I missed our lecture on how the civilization of X, y and Z came about.

Speaker 4 19:16

I'm actually, I'm actually getting that email from Steve Right exactly You're like right?

Speaker 2 19:20

That is just as crazy as that's gonna be a reality TV show.

Speaker 4 19:25

I'm like dog at your homework is what I'm hearing.

Speaker 3 19:26

Yes, yes, so, like, when I write those, you know I'm like. Sometimes I'm like I don't even want to tell them what it is, but I'm like. But I have to tell them because I'm like this is the reason why I miss, like it's important.

Speaker 4 19:38

But sometimes I'm like maybe I just won't, we'll leave it out.

Speaker 3 19:40

But I'm like, but that sounds kind of sketchy. If I leave it out, they're like oh, she's just missing.

Speaker 4 19:47

But no, I'm like, I have their seats. Check my Instagram.

Speaker 1 19:50

I was with Conn here.

Speaker 4 19:51

Yeah, I watched my story Go watch your story real quick. Oh my gosh yeah. That's funny, so cute.

Speaker 3 19:58

Oh my gosh. Oh, also like this I mean not so funny, but like last year, like unfortunately my grandfather passed away.

Speaker 1 20:07

And it was during thank you.

Speaker 3 20:09

And it was during our fall, our fall quarter, and my, my professor like, and I told them I was like, hey, I'm gonna miss school because you know I've had a death in the family, so I'll be gone for just like a few days, right, and he was like it was fine, it's kind of like whatever. But like when I emailed him about like me meeting the president, like going to the White House and meeting the president, he was like oh, that's great, take your time. Like what you give me more of a response oh my gosh, oh my gosh.

Speaker 4 20:43

And then like a tragedy happened and I was like this is a better response than like what You're just like I'm taking notes in the brain. Right, I'm like okay, I see what really matters.

Speaker 2 20:56

Yeah, he gave you condolences, but he was really very impressed with yes, wow, going to the White House Interesting Joe Biden.

Speaker 4 21:04

Yeah, he's like a tragedy. He's like he's probably used to that. He's probably like yeah, I'm sure a lot of people will maybe use it as an excuse.

Speaker 3 21:12

I'm sure, I'm sure people do.

Speaker 2 21:14

But still like that's, that's interesting, yeah, I have seen a tweet from like a professor who said he had more deaths of grandparents for his 9am class and then he switched the time toward the other time Suddenly. The grandparents were okay, but I guess people use that as an excuse.

Speaker 3 21:29

I think people actually do.

Speaker 4 21:31

Wow, they're like going great great on to you, know you're like. Hopefully you don't send that email twice.

Speaker 1 21:36

Right.

Speaker 4 21:39

Yeah, seriously, yeah, exactly.

Speaker 2 21:41

Oh no, that's crazy. When you're desperate as a student, I guess anything goes, I guess. I don't know, I guess she actually went to school, because for the longest time you weren't sure if she was going to go to school. So the fact that she decided to continue on.

Speaker 4 21:55

Yeah, what kind of made you make that decision?

Speaker 3 21:59

So I've always wanted to go to college, like that was always a goal of mine. So it wasn't like I was not ever going to go to school. But right after or my senior year of high school, when I was like applying to colleges, I was like really, really stressed because I was working. But then I was also just like I don't know. I you know it's, it's your senior year, you don't really know what you want to do and I don't know. I was by myself in LA at the time because I was. I forgot what I was even doing. Was I working on?

Speaker 2 22:31

on bold. You had just finished. Bold and beautiful, maybe that's what it was.

Speaker 3 22:34

I can't remember what I was working on, but something and I was out here and I was trying to do these applications and I was just like I don't know, like I was just getting stressed out. So I texted my mom was like, hey, I'm getting really stressed, like I don't know what to do, I don't know where to apply, whatever. And she was like, okay, well, just finish applying to the places that you started to do and then just let's just take a gap year. She's like take a gap year so you can relax, you can focus on yourself, you can travel if you want to, whatever. So I finished up my application to UCLA because that was the only one I started with and I finished that up and I applied to just like three UC schools because it's like easy, you just like click on all the ones you want to apply to you.

Speaker 2 23:18

send the same thing to all of them.

Speaker 3 23:20

And then that was it, and I was like I'll be, you know, I didn't think anything of it, I just sent it off, and a few months later, covid happened.

Speaker 4 23:29

Right.

Speaker 3 23:29

And then I was like, oh well, I don't know if I'm going to go to school now, because we're literally in a global pandemic Right. But then my parents asked me they're like did you ever even hear back from UCLA? I was like you know what, I haven't checked my email. Like how long I was like I wasn't even thinking about it, because my mind was already pretty much made up. I was like I'm just going to take a gap year.

Speaker 1 23:59

Like that was it.

Speaker 3 24:00

But then I opened up my email and I was like wait, I think I got it. Hey, boo, and they were like you think you got it and my brothers were like there's no way, there's no way.

Speaker 4 24:09

I was like and you're like wait, actually, yeah, and I was like I think I got it and it's like says congratulations, when I'm like I think, let me see that my brother was.

Speaker 3 24:19

Like, let me see that, oh my gosh, I'm like, wow, she got in. I can't believe it.

Speaker 4 24:25

You're like best believe, I'm like you know, you know, you know the family. Yeah, I'm like you know, but after that yes, oh my gosh.

Speaker 3 24:37

For sure. But yeah, after that I was like, okay, this is a really great school. I was like I'm not going to not go. And my Nana called me later that night and she was like you have to go, you're going. She's like people take gap years to travel and she's like you've already traveled, you can go. And I was like you got a point. So I ended up? I ended up just going straight out of high school which is nice, but it was all online the first year.

Speaker 4 25:00

Okay, okay, and look at you now. You're almost done. I know I'm almost done, so awesome that's awesome.

Speaker 3 25:06

Thank you, I'm so excited.

Speaker 4 25:08

Oh, oh, my God, so many things, yeah it is You're like it's? A lot. There's no other way to say that it really has been like the best experience, though I'm so glad I went.

Speaker 3 25:22

It's been really like fulfilling. I've like healed my heart with dance and everything as well, because I'd like do a little dance team on campus. I'm like helping to run it this year. So like.

Speaker 4 25:33

it's like my baby. I always see your stories on Instagram, Thanks.

Speaker 3 25:36

Yes, I see what's going on.

Speaker 4 25:37

I see what's going on. Oh my gosh, on reality TV. I feel like there were probably a lot of times that y'all were stressed like high emotions. How did you guys always keep yourself so poised? Like literally like both of you guys are so mature, so mature, so respectful, and from such a young age to incredible. But Dr Holly, I'm serious, I'm serious. I was like oh my gosh, I'm watching this. I'm like I would have said something that I wouldn't.

Speaker 3 26:08

Yeah, you're so easy to say something that you'll.

Reality Show Challenges

Speaker 2 26:12

It was really hard. So, yes, definitely you're put in positions where you're reacting quickly and I guess for me, I always pray before I got on set for clarity speech in mind, because you need it. But I also remembered that my family is watching this, my kids are watching me, my parents, my husband and I have to set a good example. I don't want to do something that would later regret and by no means was I ever perfect, and there are definitely times I was on the show and I did not think I was as poised as I could have been.

Speaker 3 26:49

You were also a principal too.

Speaker 2 26:51

And I was a principal, my students were going to watch it, and my faculty and their parents. I mean, I had a lot of eyes on me and also, as a black woman, I think sometimes people were expecting this, this trope of being an angry black woman, and I didn't want to become that example or become that stereotype that people equate or just assumed I would go there and I also just wanted to be me. I just wanted to be me and that's how I would resolve a situation in real life, because that's as a principal, that's how I resolve conflict, that's how I talk, that's how I behave, that's how I think, and so just yeah, that's it came through.

Speaker 4 27:31

It came through throughout every season honestly because I was watching some clips. I wanted to watch some clips with you guys. Oh, I'm sorry If that's okay, if that's okay.

Speaker 1 27:38

Yes, no, I mean, we have a little bit of time. I love it. I just do.

Speaker 4 27:40

Okay, you guys are like an iconic duo, though no, seriously, Was there any time because I know things got heated a lot Was there any time where you both wanted to kind of quit? Or was one person like hmm, I don't know if I can do this or Well, we had contracts honestly.

Speaker 1 27:55

Yeah.

Speaker 3 27:56

So it's really hard to get out of a contract, and we had like a seven year contract, oh wow, but I don't know. I feel like there were times where it got really. It got really hard, but I knew that there were a lot of people there that didn't want me there, so that made me want to stay.

Speaker 4 28:13

So oh, that was kind of fueling you the motivation.

Speaker 3 28:17

Yeah, there were a lot of people that I just knew like really did not want me there, so that made me want to stay to prove them wrong.

Speaker 4 28:25

Oh my god, I'm wrong. That literally will fuel the fire, though, yeah, I don't think everyone understands that, like they don't get that.

Speaker 3 28:33

That can really make you motivate you, yeah, and my mom, I think more than any, like literally, my parents are the best parents ever. Like they literally like every season when things got bad, they would always ask me they're like do you want to stay, do you want to leave? I mean, it's like it's so hard to get out of a contract, but they're like, if we need to, we will. And they honestly just kind of always took my lead and I was like, it's fine, like I'm going to finish what I started, wow.

Speaker 4 29:02

Dang. So y'all just had it in you. Y'all just had it in you yeah.

Speaker 1 29:05

You know, it's like a young girl too.

Speaker 4 29:07

That's so cool though.

Speaker 1 29:09

That's like inspiring, though that really is, especially for all the younger girls that are watching Like that is incredible.

Speaker 4 29:13

There was so much that went on.

Speaker 2 29:15

Yeah, so much and so much. That's not hasn't been seen. Yeah, so I was going to say Also that Behind the cameras.

Speaker 4 29:22

You know, like, did the producers ever like kind of want you to say certain things? Oh, all the time. I wouldn't say that normally. All the time, All the time, oh my gosh.

Speaker 3 29:33

Yeah, we would get interviews and the producers like, okay, say this. And I'm like I'm not going to say that, I'm going to say something else I'm going to say that yeah, people will try to put words in your mouth, and when they were little, they would. When we were a little bit, I feel like they would get away with that a little bit more because we, you know, were like nine years old.

Speaker 1 29:50

They're like say this You're like, oh okay.

Speaker 3 29:52

And you say you're like, and the moms are like, you said what?

Speaker 4 29:55

And we're like girl, what are you doing? You're in a room by yourself with the producer. Hey, could you like say this person did this? And you're like, oh my God.

Speaker 3 30:05

Yeah, literally at nine years old.

Speaker 4 30:07

we're all very impressionable. I mean wow. And then you have so many eyes on you too, because everybody in the world is watching this show and it's hard.

Speaker 2 30:18

It's hard. It's a parent and I'm a mom. First, first and foremost, I'm a mom. And then having your child a parenting in a fish bowl is hard because everyone has like their opinions on you as a parent. And then watching your child grow up in front of not just America but internationally, where everyone is watching her literally grow up before their eyes and everyone has opinions about her shape, her size, her hair, like every little thing, every little thing her dancing, everything is being scrutinized, the way you speak. I'm like, oh my gosh, this is a little girl.

Speaker 1 30:51

And you're like it's a left her left.

Speaker 4 30:52

Stop staring at her own part and that would be a lot for any age, you know, but especially growing up as a little girl on a television show. Like, how was that? Like dealing with people commenting and all of those things.

Speaker 3 31:06

I think it really just prepared me for, like what how social media is. Now, you know, I feel like that's, it really did prepare me for that because it's so easy for me to not always easy, but it really is easy for me to like brush things off. Like I see a comment and I'm like, whatever, I haven't seen that one before.

Speaker 4 31:25

You know, be a little more creative next time. I've seen that.

Speaker 3 31:31

So I feel like it was good like preparation for like the world that I'm in now. But you know, I mean it's it was hard, but I had really good people surrounding me, like my family, like they helped me throughout everything, like my brothers, my, my parents, my grandparents, like I had a really good support group and I probably would not come out this way if I didn't.

Stay True, Stand Up for Others

Speaker 4 31:59

So you can really tell, though. I feel like your guys is dynamic, like your mom was there if something happened to you, or like the other girls too, or even like some of the other moms. Yeah, dr Holly's going to come in and mama bear comes out, not too much, my word doesn't come out too much, yeah, just remind

Speaker 2 32:19

you. She's there Exactly. I'm not going to bite, but I'm going to let you know I am still here and that's funny because I forget, because we filmed so many episodes over seven seasons that there are a lot of things I do forget. And then people will play clips on like Tik Tok and on social media and I'll watch them like oh my gosh, I forgot that and I'm so. I'm not going to give myself a little pattern of back like you just stick up, even when they didn't stick up for you. And that's the thing. Like I still stay true to who I was, regardless of how other people are going to be shady or low, whatever. Just you just got to remember to be you.

Speaker 3 32:54

That's it.

Speaker 2 32:55

And people like, how did you do it? Like I say to myself, and as long as you say to yourself, regardless of the edit or whatever else, because I have no control of the editing we don't see the show before it gets air. You know, I just like I stand by who I am and my word, but I will. You know, for me it was important as a teacher to stand up for other kids. It's very hard to have other kids see those things.

Speaker 4 33:18

Right.

Speaker 2 33:19

So it was always like okay, something's crazy is happening. Kids have to get out of the room, so they cannot witness too much crazy. One moment, yes.

Speaker 4 33:28

I have. I have, like, some very short clips that I wanted to play for you guys. And what I want to ask is if you could just like when you react to it, like the very first word that comes to your brain after oh, okay, like just the first, like initial reaction.

Speaker 2 33:40

Okay.

Speaker 4 33:40

Okay, we have a few. We have a few Okay.

Speaker 1 33:43

I'm entitled to have my opinion and I'm entitled to my. Why are?

Speaker 2 33:46

you entitled, holly, and not me. You're entitled to your wrong opinion. That's fine, bam.

Speaker 3 33:52

I use that all the time now Like seriously it's that is I think that's one of my favorite things you have ever said. Like that is just like such a savage moment.

Speaker 2 34:02

It's iconic, it's iconic. I still stand by that Like that's, so, like set.

Speaker 3 34:07

so little but like shut her down immediately, like she was just like how can you come back from that? You can't. I actually saw.

Speaker 4 34:16

I think that there was like a mug with that saying on it no, I'm serious, I think I'm serious. I said that I looked up that exact. I was trying to find what season it was from and what episode. I was like season three that was our idea. Was what if we like play these? And asked you guys like what season it was from, but I couldn't find each season.

Speaker 3 34:40

Oh, I feel like I would not be able to do that. You probably would. I could, but I was like initial reaction, first word that that would stick.

Speaker 2 34:49

I do remember that day so mad.

Speaker 1 34:54

I your bad.

Speaker 4 34:54

Looks different than mine.

Speaker 2 34:56

I was like you handled that so well, but, like you said, exactly what needed to be said, I'm trying to be like you and it's funny because people think that stuff is scripted like it's unscripted.

Speaker 4 35:06

Like I would. You know I'm quick with it, she's always reminds people she's from the Bronx.

Speaker 2 35:13

So that is true, that is true.

Speaker 4 35:15

Okay, I got another clip for you guys, lisa, for the first time.

Speaker 1 35:20

It's been a long time coming.

Speaker 2 35:24

I didn't think I would ever live to see this day.

Speaker 1 35:26

You were on top of this pyramid because of your hard work and your determination all week long. To me, that's sometimes more important than any trophy, and you shine. Your mother isn't always here, but she does make sure that you're here and you can see the improvement. I'm very happy. I'm on the top of the pyramid this week Yay, that's so funny, that's so funny, that's so funny.

Speaker 3 35:59

That's like that's actually so. I never thought I would live to see today it was so sad.

Speaker 4 36:09

It didn't seem like you were saying that in a bad way, though.

Speaker 3 36:11

It was like, it wasn't like a bad way.

Speaker 4 36:14

I mean, finally, it wasn't picking like her favorite. You know like that's how I took it.

Speaker 3 36:18

But no, it was just well after a while I just like after a while, I didn't even care about being on top of the pyramid yeah. Like I got, so used to the bottom I was fine.

Speaker 2 36:28

And then there were times like she didn't even know why you were at the bottom. So, yeah, that was so funny.

Speaker 3 36:33

The times were She'd be like, yep, Well, actually you didn't do anything, you were fine, but you had to. You know, someone has to be there.

Speaker 4 36:43

And you're like oh, no critiques, but every like, all right, cool, I'll take my spot Proud.

Speaker 3 36:48

But you enjoyed it. Well, you didn't make it to the top.

Speaker 2 36:51

It was a joyous thing.

Speaker 3 36:52

Like wow.

Speaker 2 36:53

That was a big moment. No, that was exciting.

Speaker 3 36:56

I'm sure I was very excited and I think the other girls were very excited too they were.

Speaker 2 36:59

That's what the little screening was. It was kind of gathered around you Everyone gave me a hug.

Speaker 4 37:02

Yeah, that's so cute. Though Look how excited your face was. Yeah, that was so cute. That's so awesome.

Speaker 3 37:13

Not only did my mom never see the day, couldn't see the day.

Speaker 2 37:16

I don't think anyone else really saw the day coming, either it's all. Oh my gosh, I have a surprise.

Speaker 4 37:23

It was so cute that everyone was happy for you though.

Speaker 3 37:24

Yeah, you know the whole little group hug, everyone was like jump out.

Speaker 4 37:27

Yes, it's very cute Nia got what she deserved. She did.

Speaker 1 37:30

Got what she did. She did.

Speaker 4 37:32

OK, last little one. Oh yeah, this is a good one. Ok, I'm a little worried.

Speaker 1 37:37

You too. You're up here because you have a doctorate and everybody else is down here.

Speaker 2 37:42

That's your problem, abby. You were intimidated by me because I do have a doctorate. Boom, oh, abby, don't be ignorant, that's it. No, then, yep, that was my front desk. Yeah, we were having it. Yeah, yeah, she was. I think that was part of my.

Speaker 2 38:01

There were a lot of reasons for our disconnect, but I was. I stand on my credentials and, like you, cannot take away my credentials, as much as you might want to chip away, you could talk about my clothes, my size, whatever you want, or how I pronounce a word, I still am. I'm just like run circles around you in an argument because you do not make sense. And that was it. Like what's your logic and what you're trying to explain, why certain kids can't have certain experiences? It just didn't make sense. It was a logical and she's a teacher and she's ahead of a school, and I am a teacher and an educator and ahead of a school. So I do know good pedagogy and I do know when there's good teaching and there's bad teaching and no one has something fair and not fair. But yeah, she was definitely. That's why I was so and it's not necessarily about education, about having a degree, it's about just knowing who you are and just being educated and being critically for yourself.

Speaker 1 39:02

And ask questions.

Speaker 2 39:03

Like. You don't need a degree to do that and to be educated, and no one can take that away from you. That's why I'm such a big advocate for education.

Speaker 3 39:11

Yeah, well, that's why, like that's part of the reason why I honestly wanted I've always wanted to go to school as well, because my mom, like, has always told me like no one can take away your education, like that's something no one can take away from you.

Speaker 1 39:25

Right, you know.

Speaker 3 39:26

And I'm like, I stand by it. Yes, oh, my god, I love it.

Speaker 4 39:31

No one can take away class and poise, that is true, that is also very true.

Speaker 2 39:36

And that was also something else. That was very intimidating, too, because we were coming from a class that I don't think she was prepared for, and she was just like wow, what do I do with this woman, with this family, who is not going to be intimidated by me? Who's trying to threaten me with this? I do not care.

Speaker 3 39:55

Right.

Speaker 2 39:56

Do not need it, it's just yeah and certain types of class. It speaks for itself, yeah.

Speaker 4 40:03

And she was scared a little bit. Exactly, yeah, she was scared. Oh, my god, you raised your voice. She was like yeah, oh, I was like oh.

Speaker 2 40:10

She didn't have a clue, the hell's to say. I know I was like what's the fact? She's like I'm back from my life.

Speaker 4 40:15

That's what you say, gosh please, ashley Notville, let's fact check really fast. Not for real. Oh my gosh, you guys, this was so much fun. Thank you so much for coming on. I wish you had more time, but I do have one last question for you Sure we ask Oliver, guess this, but what's one piece of big sis advice you would give your younger self?

Speaker 3 40:34

So I guess I'll ask both of you guys that's a good question actually that is, oh my gosh, my younger self.

Speaker 2 40:43

You don't have to have everything figured out. I think sometimes people feel like they have to have their whole lives scripted and figured out and give yourself grace Like you're great, because you're not going to get everything right all the time and allow yourself the opportunity to make mistakes, to learn from them, to grow from them and to move forward. But just don't be so hard on yourself. I think sometimes we're just entirely too hard on ourselves because we think we have to have everything figured out and comparing it to everybody else's life, and you only have your life that you have to be responsible for.

Speaker 4 41:17

So that's so good. I'm going to use that in my own life, that's so true, that's so true. Oh my gosh.

Speaker 3 41:25

I feel like there's so much I would tell my younger self, but I think just everything's going to be OK Because I think, growing up, I think it doesn't really really you could be on a show. You could not be on a show, you could just be a normal kid growing up out of school. But I think kids should know like everything's gonna be okay you know I think that's.

Speaker 4 41:49

I would just tell myself that A little me of that I feel like that's the beauty of being a child is like your parents are there to protect you and like you're gonna make mistakes along the way. And I'm even harder on my younger self too is like dang. I wish I didn't do that at 14 years old. It's like I was a kid and like I'm doing mistakes, and I'm 20 now and I'm still gonna make mistakes but, life's gonna keep going and I'm gonna keep learning and progressing and I feel like that's the key to life.

Speaker 3 42:11

You gotta keep doing. Yeah, that's the point of it. People make mistakes.

Speaker 2 42:13

That's all the time it's leading to your imperfections, like it's okay to be imperfect and you have to have a sense of humor too. Also, laugh at yourself, yeah.

Speaker 4 42:24

Oh, I laugh at myself all the time, all the time you have to, you have to. It just makes the situation better. Like, just don't be too serious. Like you can't.

Speaker 3 42:34

There's enough serious stuff going on.

Speaker 4 42:36

Like it's never that deep. It's never that deep. Life is so much better with laughter too.

Speaker 3 42:40

Like it just makes you like fun, it does, it just makes my heart is.

Speaker 4 42:44

Is there anything you guys wanna like announce? Tell the audience, tell people Any socials.

Speaker 2 42:49

No, no. I wish I had something really exciting to announce. I have nothing.

Speaker 4 42:53

You could just give them your Instagram. You're like hey, follow them. It's exciting. Oh, I guess I had. I just plugged Instagram.

Speaker 2 42:59

Of course. I mean I post mostly on Instagram. I do have TikTok, but I'm not verified on it because I don't.

Speaker 3 43:05

She's only posted like three videos. Yeah, three videos.

Speaker 2 43:07

But I follow and I comment on people's stuff and they never think it's really me. They're like that's not the real Dr.

Speaker 4 43:13

Holly.

Speaker 3 43:14

She doesn't follow me and you're like actually, I'm like oh my gosh, we have to follow you.

Speaker 4 43:17

I don't think I follow you yet.

Speaker 2 43:18

Well, I don't have anything on TikTok we're following. I have like three videos One's with an empty chair and two others are for my dog or something. Oh my gosh, my Instagram is Dr Holly, so very easy.

Speaker 4 43:32

I love it. Oh my gosh.

Speaker 3 43:34

That's pretty much it. I'm in the same boat, I, just my socials are just like my name. It's Nia Sue.

Speaker 4 43:40

Well, we'll also link all of their socials down below.

Speaker 3 43:42

Thank you guys, you can go check them out.

Speaker 4 43:44

Give them a follow if you don't already follow them, and you guys can follow us on Viggs's energy with two Y's on Instagram and on TikToks, and you can listen on Apple and Spotify. Thanks, guys, so much, thank you.

Speaker 2 43:55

Thank you for the information. This was amazing. This was so much fun.

Speaker 3 43:57

This has been the best ever. This was so fun. I know this was fun.

Speaker 4 44:00

Thank you guys. See you next week's episode. Bye, I'll see you guys next time.