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 .

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

Reflecting on Energy and Personality Traits

Speaker 2 5:28

. 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 ?

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

From School Teacher to Broadway Dream

Speaker 2 10:25

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 .

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

Time, Priorities, and College Students

Speaker 3 17:30

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 .

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

Reality Show Challenges

Speaker 2 26:49

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 .

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

Stay True, Stand Up for Others

Speaker 4 32:08

. 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 .