In this episode, I talk with Monica Ruiz. Monica and I connected through a mindful mom’s meditation group I was leading, and I had no idea she was an actress. In this conversation, we covered the creative journey, parenting life - including having kids on the autism spectrum, and how the world just needs honesty and kindness. She was an instant connection for me, and I think you’ll find the same thing when you listen.
Key Points, Top Takeaways, and Memorable Quotes
“I love when people have never seen me before and don’t know what my job is, and they just see me as a mom dealing with two kids.” 2:47
“Be an open book. People are comfortable with you when you’re that way.” 3:20
“I can’t be insensitive to those people who took it that way.” 9:46
“I’m a natural mediator.” 17:08
“These are hands reaching out, going ‘you don’t have to do this, but I’m here to help you and guide you if you do.’” 21:07
“In the end, you think you’re in all this control and think because you know all this stuff, that you’re not going to get hurt, but you still get hurt because you’re a human being.” 27:53
“Can you stay home and build a puzzle with this person?” 31:20
“That’s always been the biggest thing for me is; worried about people not liking me.” 37:42
“I’ve been you more than I’ve been me right now….. I have to constantly remind myself that I’ve been that person to somebody else.” 39:10
“We’re not in control of a lot of the things that happen to us, but we are in control of our own narrative.” -Wendy @ 45:03
“Show that you are interested, show that you want to be involved on as many levels as you possibly can because then the teachers know that you’re working with them, and then they have so much more patience for the child.” 48:27
“We can’t just be having him work for something that’s a prize or something that’s an award. He also has to realize there are consequences.” 56:27
“Sometimes mommies need breaks.” 57:40
“We all deal with what we do and don't sort of remember.” 1:04:15
“Watching people grow and change makes you realize that sometimes when you’re judging someone in the midst of their story, you have to remember and remind yourself that you don’t know the whole story or where they are on their way to.” 1:05:50
“I can see people who were never athletes, that never played a team sport, in a second. When you are on set, it’s a team effort.” 1:06:57
“Be yourself and don’t worry about being yourself because your people will find you and be around you and come to you.” 1:12:38
“Being myself is actually what’s given me a lot more success.” 1:13:10
“It doesn’t matter if you’re not cool right now, later down the road, you’re going to be very happy with your life, and with the people who surround you.” 1:13:30
“I wish people would just hear each other out.” 1:15:14
“I always say we are more alike than different.” 1:15:27
Guest Bio - Monica is a wife, mom, and actress famous not only for her roles in The Bold and the Beautiful and About a Boy, but as the ‘Peloton Wife’ in the commercial that caused controversy in 2019. As a yogi, she is an advocate for mind/body/spirit health and wellness. Monica’s message is relatable and real when it comes to the ups and downs of life, parenting and chasing our dreams until they become a reality.
Show Notes
0:00 - What I Meant to Say Podcast Intro
0:18 - Introducing Monica
1:05 - Connecting As Moms First and Foremost
4:04 - Peloton Story
7:43 - Today’s Show Interview
9:26 - Friend in College
10:50 - Sense of Community
11:39 - How Does Ryan Renolds Relate?
15:18 - Interview Trap
16:26 - Aviation Gin Commercial
18:59 - Leading With Kindness
20:02 - Only 50 People
22:18 - Italy Poem
23:08 - Parent’s Divorce
24:36 - When I Met My Husband
26:20 - Knowing It Won’t Work
28:18 - 26 Years Old but I Can’t Date My Boss
30:15 - I’ll Bartend, but I Won’t Serve
31:50 - The Real Gilligan’s Island
32:50 - Degree in Sociology
33:43 - Being True to Yourself and College Independence
35:55 - Model Life
38:10 - The Why Behind the Podcast
39:35 - It’s Not About You
40:10 - Miles Brendan and Micheal Robert
41:15 - Sensitivity with Autism
44:05 - Early Intervention is Huge
46:17 - Occupational Therapy Vs. Behavior Therapy
49:05 - Speech Therapy
50:19 - Is There Anyone Else?
51:50 - They Are Not Fine
53:00 - It Relates to My Kids
53:46 - How to Balance the Attention
56:10 - Accountability Using Consequences
57:01 - Challenge Skills Balance
57:31 - Role of Yoga
59:45 - Mind Body Connection (@sohoyoga)
1:00:45 - Childhood Understanding - Generational Trauma
1:02:11 - Chrissy’s Blog
1:02:51 - Divorced and Remarried
1:05:50 - Judgment Day
1:06:36 - Sports Background
1:08:58 - Talking Kate and Theater
1:11:43 - Perspective on Height
1:12:10 - What Would You Say to Your Younger Self?
1:14:11 - Lead the World with Honesty
1:15:32 - Wrap Up
1:15:53 - Where Can We Find You?
1:16:37 - Podcast Closing
Links & Where to Find Monica
IG - @monpearl