Jennette McCurdy: Half His Age - Call Her Daddy Recap

Podcast: Call Her Daddy

Published: 2026-01-07

Duration: 1 hr 24 min

Summary

In this episode, Jennette McCurdy discusses her journey of self-discovery through her writing, particularly exploring the themes of desire and power in her new novel, 'Half His Age.' The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry and personal reflections on goals beyond career achievements.

What Happened

Alex Cooper welcomes Jennette McCurdy to 'Call Her Daddy,' where they dive into their shared interest in New Year's resolutions and personal goals. McCurdy reveals her enthusiasm for goal-setting, often using workbooks and planners, while Cooper shares her shift from traditional resolutions to more focused career goals. They both reflect on the importance of balancing achievements with self-care, noting how easy it is to get caught up in work to the detriment of other life aspects.

As the conversation progresses, McCurdy talks about her new book, 'Half His Age,' and the personal connection she feels to her writing. She explains the complexities of adapting her memoir, 'I'm Glad My Mom Died,' into a television show, highlighting the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a politically charged environment. McCurdy emphasizes the necessity of relating to the material deeply, especially for a project that draws from her own life experiences, underscoring how personal stories can often become diluted in the hands of others. Her exploration of themes such as desire and power in her new book reflects her growth and understanding of those concepts since her youth.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What are Jennette McCurdy's New Year's resolutions?

Jennette McCurdy shares her passion for New Year's resolutions, emphasizing that she prefers setting specific goals rather than broad resolutions. She enjoys mapping out her year using workbooks and planners, such as the Erin Condren Planners and the Artist of Life workbook. McCurdy dedicates the week between Christmas and New Year's to evaluate her life and set clear objectives for the coming year.

What challenges did Jennette face in adapting her memoir into a TV show?

McCurdy discusses the complexities involved in turning her memoir into a television show, noting that there are many politics at play in the adaptation process. She contrasts the rewards of being truthful in writing with the often convoluted nature of producing, where authenticity can be compromised. This balancing act has made the experience both interesting and challenging for her.

How does Jennette McCurdy view the themes of desire and power in her new book?

In her new novel, 'Half His Age,' McCurdy explores the themes of desire and power, particularly how they can be confused with each other. She reflects on her own experiences, recognizing that what she once perceived as power derived from sexual attention is, in fact, not true empowerment. This revelation serves as a motivation for her writing, allowing her to address past feelings of anger and confusion.

What personal growth does Jennette McCurdy emphasize in the podcast?

Throughout the podcast, McCurdy highlights her journey towards personal growth by focusing not just on career achievements but also on self-care. She acknowledges that while career has always driven her, she now understands the importance of diversifying her sense of worth beyond professional milestones. This shift in mindset represents a significant step in her maturation.

What are the key elements of Jennette McCurdy's writing process?

McCurdy describes her writing process as deeply personal, stating that she pours her heart and soul into her work. Unlike the television industry, where external factors can dilute the essence of a story, her writing allows her complete freedom to express her truths. This connection to her writing is evident in how she talks about her new book, indicating her commitment to authenticity and personal resonance in her narratives.