August 12, 2025 • 36 mins
This week, Tommy is joined by actress and singer Meg Donnelly who has played the fan-favorite character of Addison in the last four Zombies movies. Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires has been one of the biggest movies of the summer! You may also know and love Meg from her role in another beloved series, American Housewife, or maybe you’ve been streaming her debut EP, “dying art,” which is a deeply personal portrait of finding your way in a fast-changing world. Today, Meg opens up about what the Zombies franchise has meant to her, the most challenging part of filming those films, if she is happy with how Zombies 4 ended, if she shot any of the alternate endings, if she really feels like this is the end of the Zombies franchise for her, the moment that made her emotional when filming this last movie, why she felt protective of Freya and Malachi, what she hoped to achieve with her debut EP, the most personal thing she opened up about for the first time, the song she was most nervous to put out, if she is getting more comfortable not playing it as safe anymore, how she battles with imposter syndrome, the thing that freaks her out in the kitchen, and so much more.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey, guys, welcome to I've never said this before with
me Tommy di Dario Zombies four Man. It has been
one of the biggest movies of the summer. So I
had to bring on someone that has been a part
of the franchise from the very beginning right. Today's guest
is the very talented Meg Donnelly, who has played the
fan favorite character of Addison in the last four Zombies movies.
(00:24):
And you may also know Meg from her role in
another beloved series, American Housewife, or maybe you have been
streaming her debut EP called Dying Art Like I Had.
Meg has come up in the Disney world and she
is stepping into her era of not always playing it
so safe, of showing sides to her that are real
and vulnerable and honest. And we are covering so many
(00:48):
things today that I think you're gonna listen to and say,
oh my god, I can so relate to that. So
let's see if today we can get Meg to say
something that she has never said before. Meg Donnelly, how
are you today? I am so good. Thank you for
(01:10):
making some time to join the show. You are booked
and busy, You're all over the place.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Yeah, no, but yeah, thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Of course, I'm super excited. We have a lot to
get into. I mean, your new EP is absolutely phenomenal,
and we are going to dive all into that. It
is so much fun. I was just telling you I
was listening to it in the gym, and you cover
a lot. There's a lot of range and emotion and
things to talk about on that EP. But before we
get to that, let's celebrate you and Zombies four for
(01:39):
a minute. Because boom, it came out number one, like
instantly took over the world. It was all I was
seeing on Twitter and social media and the internet for
weeks and weeks and still seeing it, which is just
so cool. What does that franchise mean to you since
you've been a part of it from the.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Beginning, it means the world?
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Yeah, I mean yeah, on Zombies one, I don't think
milone I ever could imagine what it would become now,
And it's just so surreal that we're here at four
and it's definitely like the best that it's ever been.
I just feel like this reaction has just been wild.
I think because of social media now and because of streaming,
Like it's just exceeded all of my expectations. Like, I
(02:19):
think we knew it was going to be well received,
and I think we knew fans were gonna love it,
but not like this, Like I have never in a
million years thought that it would it would be like this.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
So I'm just really happy and really excited.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Well, and what's cool is people of all ages love it,
Like I feel like I've seen so many different demographics
talking about it because it just brings joy to people.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Yeah, yeah, I think what's really cool about the movie.
I mean it's very camp and you know, it's very
like there's all these monsters and they're singing and they're dancing.
But at the end of the day, like it's I
think the message is just really incredible about acceptance and
treating others the way you want to be treated. And
I think, you know, if we do it in a
fun way, that's tangible for But I think it's also
(03:01):
a message that will never like grow old. I think
anybody at any age can be reminded of it.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
And they're also just fun to watch. Yeah, so I
think that's why. But I also I don't know, Yeah,
it's wild and.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
You are singing, you are dancing, you are acting, you
put in the work for these movies. What's something that's
challenging doing the zombies films that maybe we would be
surprised by.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Hmmm, I don't know what's challenging. I think probably the
most challenging part is the early call times because a
lot of times we like Chandler had it the worst
because that werewolf makeup and tattoos and her fangs like
all of that.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
I think her call times were usually like.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
Three thirty four am ooh yeah, really early. So mine
were like five six, which is still very early, but
not that early.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
So I think the hardest part is, honestly the call times.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Obviously, like the dance days and the music days were
like always really challenging just to keep your energy up,
but those were also the most fun.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
So I think, yeah, probably the early call times.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Were you putting in your coffee order, bright and early.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Yes, And also in New Zealand they have like coffee
trucks like the whole day, so yeah, I definitely like,
I'm like a fiend for coffee, so that definitely didn't
help my addiction.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
You're like I will have all day, oh my god,
five coffees a day.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
I know.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Every time someone would come up and be like, do
you want another coffee?
Speaker 2 (04:30):
I was like, now I can't say no, I have
to say yes.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
Incredible, that is incredible. Where are You're not from the
East Coast? Are you? I am? Where are you from?
Because I'm hearing coffee and it sounds a little Italian?
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Yeah, I know, I'm from New York.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
You're from New York. I'm like, I hear, I hear
the East.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Coast and you yeah, where are you from?
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Originally I am from New Jersey, but I live in
New York. Now I've been here forever.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
Where in Jersey little.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Town called Berkeley Heights, I doubt you've heard of it.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
Yes, I so all of my families in Jersey, and
for a while I lived in like Pee Pack Gladstone,
Oh yeah yeah, and then also in Morristown.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
Oh that's where my sister is, right.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
On the green Yeah, oh my god, right above the Starbucks.
That's like right there where like the is.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
And yes, yes, I knew I heard that in you.
I knew it. I knew I was going to say,
like maybe Jersey, New York. But some people don't like
when I throw Jersey in so you.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Know, I love Jersey. I'll always represent Jersey.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
All right, good good, Oh my god, I am obsessed
with this conversation already. Do you do you feel happy
with how Zombies four ended?
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Super yeah. I think it was really cool because Zen Madison.
In the script, originally it was Zed Madison saying vows
to each other basically like almost like marriage vowels, where
it was like we're, you know, committing to each other
for the rest of our lives, like we now know that,
like we're together forever, and it was just like us
(05:54):
saying it to each other. But then they put an
a no doubt about it because without like the little
ad libs off like love were seventeen, it's like basically
us saying vows to each other. So when they changed
it and took out like those ad libs, it just
became this really beautiful, amazing moment between Zed and Addison,
And not only was the scenery amazing, but it was
(06:14):
one of my favorite days of filming, Like Milon and
I were just there and it was just a very
full circle moment. And I think just ending and wrapping
up the movie with the four of us walking off
into the.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Sun, that was just like it just couldn't have been better.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Yeah, yeah, it was beautiful to watch. And I know
there were some alternate endings that were shot. I've heard
like maybe four or five. Did you shoot any alternate endings?
Speaker 3 (06:39):
No, that was just Malachi and Freya. Yeah, they shot
a bunch of different endings of you know, kind of
what the hug looks like, what the cliffhanger looks like. Yeah,
because originally in the script, like Victor and Nova actually
had a moment where they kissed, and then we Myleon
and I didn't kiss in the first movie, and I
(07:00):
think it was just way more like innocent and just
you know, I don't think they we wanted to slow
burn the that moment and just have them hug for now.
Also there you know kids, So I think it would
it was just better if they just like hugged.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
It just made it more intimate.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
But but yeah, there was like a bunch of different
versions for the ending.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
I know everybody's like, please release them. We want to
see them all.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Maybe, I know, I know, maybe one day.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Maybe one day. Do you do you really feel like
this is the end of Zombies for you?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
I don't know. I definitely don't think so.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Honestly, I during Zombies three, like I mourned that whole
process so because I thought that was the last.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
One and then it wasn't.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
So like, honestly, I have no idea, Like you never know,
I think if I'm pretty confident, I have no idea.
I have heard nothing, but I'm pretty confident in a
Zombies five happening, just because of the reaction already from
the movie and it hasn't been out for a month
yet and it's just been incredible. But I think Milo
and I definitely want to be behind the scenes again,
(08:03):
like definitely as executive producers.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
So we'll definitely be there.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
I don't know if we'll be on screen, but we
definitely will be involved until the end of the movies.
So but you know, it's really cool that, you know,
Nova and Victor have their own journey kind of sets
them up.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
So I just am excited to see where that goes.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Yeah, and how exciting that you get to be a
creative mind behind something that you grew and you brought
to what it is today and now you're like making decisions.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
It's so surreal.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Yeah, on Zombies one, I feel like Milo and I
wanted to have creative put input, and we always did,
and we always had like our opinions and like because
we cared about ze Nadison so much and also just
the world of zombies. But now we actually get to
do that and not just talk about it, but we
actually get to like have say and have change. And
Disney was just so collaborative and so amazing and we
(08:52):
felt so hurt, and yeah, it was just really cool.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
So do you think if you know, you'll be behind
the scenes, but if they're like, hey, we want to
have you in some scenes, like you're not opposed, No.
Speaker 3 (09:03):
Definitely not opposed. Yeah, yeah, I don't know what that's
gonna look like. But yeah, maybe there's like a cameo situation.
Maybe Victor Andova calls ed Madison for some help again,
and I don't know what that looks like. But yeah,
never say never, because you never know. With this franchise,
like every single movie that happened, I thought it was
the last one. So even after the first one, like
(09:24):
I had no idea what we were doing more. I
thought it was just like one movie. So you never know.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
That's so cool. That's really really cool as an actor,
as an artist, now that you had a taste of
executive producing and having say in your role and in story,
is it weird to do a project going forward where
you don't have that, Like, is that something really important
to you now?
Speaker 2 (09:45):
I think it definitely is. I think it depends.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
You know, it is really cool to have creative say
and to be also behind the scenes as well, and
it's something that if there is another movie I really
want to like dive into because it was just so
cool being on the other side, but especially actually for
a project that I loved and it's been a part
of my childhood and my life forever, and I just
thought that was really really cool and I think it
(10:08):
is definitely something important moving on. But especially as a
d COOM fan, I think was the most important part
because me and Mala grew up watching all the movies
like they were our everything, and we got to be like, Okay,
if I was, you know, eight year old me watching
high school musical, like what would I have wanted to see?
Speaker 2 (10:24):
You're like, what did I love about those movies?
Speaker 3 (10:25):
And we got to actually put that in there, So
it definitely is was an incredible privilege and it's going
to be hard moving forward.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
To not have that on some projects.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Yeah, but you know what, I feel like you're a
really good leader in those environments because you just asked
a question. I feel like so many people and executives
and you know, higher ups don't ask, which is like
what would I have wanted to see? And in television
and film and news and entertainment, like in any of it,
it's like for some reason people forget that question and
you want to give them what they wanted, what you
(10:56):
wanted to see?
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Yeah, totally.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Yeah, Yeah, because especially as a young girl, I feel
like the romance is always the most incredible part to me.
And so especially in Zombies Wore, I was like, what
moments can we like milk or.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
You know, make you have those like butterfly moments.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
There's so many with Victor and Nova it's just so cute,
and same with Zedan Addison obviously as well. So those
moments are always my favorite.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Well, from listening to you rep which we're going to
get into in a minute, I feel like you're definitely
someone very connected to your emotions and you feel deeply
and you feel intensely, which I can very much relate to.
So when you were filming this last movie. Did you
have a moment on set, like did something specific happen
or a scene or a day where you kind of
looked around and thought, oh, man, like this could really
(11:49):
be it that made you a little emotional.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
During the rehearsal process, I was crying so much, all
happy tears. I wasn't sad at all. I feel like
on Zombies three, I like mourned the movies. I said
that before, but I feel like I was this was
a whole new, completely new thing for me of like
we've like wrapped up our story and now we're like
(12:13):
passing the torch to these new comers. And it was
just like such a surreal feeling because never in my
life have I felt like I had experience to share
or I had advice to give because I'm still so
young myself that but then these kids come in and
they're like fourteen to seventeen, and I'm like, wow, I'm
not that age anymore, Like I'm an.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Adult, so like what is happening?
Speaker 3 (12:36):
And it just was a really great reminder of like
why I got in the industry in the first place,
like why I love creating, And because in the rehearsals
they were all just so excited and so eager to
be there, and they're like acting out the scenes before
the dances and they're like so in it and so nervous,
and and it was just wild because it was like
we I was watching Me and Milow all over again
(13:00):
and like as kids, and I've just never experienced that before.
And we were all so Chandler, Kylie, Milo and I.
We were all so emotional and it was just cool.
And even now just seeing them on tour, it's just
like just the most surreal thing. It's like, it's wild
to see them going through I mean, we never did
a tour, but like it's wild to see them go
(13:21):
through the same things that we went through. Yeah, it's
so surreal. So that's what I was most emotional about.
And yeah, I just was like, Wow, they're going to
do amazing and people are going to love them, and
this is so crazy.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
Isn't it crazy how fast time goes?
Speaker 3 (13:38):
I know, it's crazy because Zombies feels like so long
ago and it feels like a different lifetime. But at
the same time, it's just like I blanked and now
we're here. It's so surreal.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
I know, I know, And you mentioned advice. Did you
give a great piece of advice to Malachai and frail
One you remember giving as you passed the baton, So
you say.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Hmmm, I'm not really sure.
Speaker 3 (14:01):
There's not really anything specific because to be honest, like
they are absolute rock stars and so mature for their age,
so there really wasn't that they they didn't need much advice.
But I think it was really cool because whenever something
happened on set, if it was like a small thing
or a big thing, like negative or positive. I feel
like because Milea and I were also executive producers, like
they went to us first and then when then we
(14:23):
went to you know, the the higher ups at Disney,
So it was just really cool to be that like
conduit between the two. I think that was really special
because and why I would want to come back is
to be that like safe space for them, so they're
like talking to you know, their older brother and sister
and can vouch for them instead of talking to, you know,
(14:44):
like older adults that they don't know very well.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
If that makes sense, Yeah, for sure. And did you
did that hold special meetings to you? Because maybe that's
something that you felt like you wanted in the business
coming up.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
One hundred percent.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
I think especially with like especially with Frey, like her
and I are so close, because yeah, it's like watching
her go through everything, it's just really surreal because it's
like just trying to be like, okay, as like a
young girl in the industry.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
She's only fifteen, it's like, and she's.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
So talented and just incredible and amazing and just it's
going to go so far.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
I'm so excited for her.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
It's just like, what would I have wanted when I
was that age, because I feel like I didn't really
have anybody to rely on that was older and has
been in the same position as me, and I feel
like I just was like I'm still trying to undo it,
but just being like a yes man all the time
and not being able to say no and whatever. And
she's like so good at that and she's learning. But
(15:39):
I think the people pleasing thing is just really hard
for anybody.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Not just in the industry.
Speaker 3 (15:45):
I think a lot of people deal with that in
their own world. But I think especially as a child actor,
you're just taught to like be easy and go with
the flow, and but I just think if even if
you say no, as long as you're nice about it,
like nobody can get mad at you for it, but
it is really scary.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
Yeah, one hundred percent. Oh my god, I feel like
I was just talking about this with a friend and
how there's so much power in saying no and like
setting your boundaries because for whatever reason, in any career,
we all do it. But I feel like, especially in entertainment,
we have a hard time sometimes disappointing somebody.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
Yes, one hundred percent.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
I love that you're passing that on. That is so cool.
All right, let's talk about your EP that I was
jamming out to in the gym. It gives me like
all the vibes are some retro vibes or some dance vibes.
I mean, it's it's it's deep, it's meaningful, it's personal.
What did you hope to achieve with the CP because
this is your big, full on debut.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
Yeah, I think, like I like, the last time I
put out music, it was still it was kind of
under like the Disney Umbrella when I was like, I
think it was twenty eighteen, twenty nineteen. So it's been
a while and music is something I've always wanted to pursue,
and it's something that I know that I want to do,
but I think in the music industry, like I'm kind
of starting at zero because it's like immensely hard to
(17:05):
there's just so much music, and there's like on social media,
it's so like congested, and I was just like trying
to figure out like what I wanted to put out
and what like music, music that meant something to me.
And and I think this EP is kind of just
the start of me getting back into music, and it's
just all of my influences at one So it's kind
(17:25):
of like almost like understanding like my music influences and
like where I'm coming from.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Like I love hip hop and R and B.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
It's like where it starts, and like that's like my
basis for everything. That's like my comfort music. And then
I also love yacht rock, which is kind of like
what like the middle of the EP is kind of
like yacht rock like eighties vibes, which I absolutely love.
And then and then I also love like singer songwriter music,
which is like the title track Dying.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Art is very much that vibe.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
And so I have always struggled being like I don't
know where I belong because I have.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
Such an eclectic music tastes.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
I just don't know like what lane I want to
go into and what's authentic to me, because I just
want it to be authentic. I don't want to do
anything that I don't want to do. So yeah, this
is kind of just like putting an EP out there
and being like, hey, these are all of my influences
and this is kind of where I'm starting from.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
So and it's so interesting to hear you say you're
starting kind of from the ground up, from zero, because
you would think, you know, you're such an established artist,
and but I guess the music world is different.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Yeah it is.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
And I'm definitely not starting from zero because I have
such an incredible fan base from like zombies and and
so I'm definitely not starting from zero. But in moments,
in my most insecure moments, it feels like that because yeah,
like with acting and in front of the screen, I
feel like I have done a lot of work, which
I'm so grateful for, and music is just like it
(18:53):
takes a lot of time.
Speaker 2 (18:54):
And I think the hardest thing for me.
Speaker 3 (18:56):
Is social media because with acting, social media is definitely
very important, but you can kind of be like a
blank slate and just kind of like post pictures and
do like whatever. But music it's like you have to
post every single day and be promoting your song, and
like social media is such a huge part of it.
It's a huge part of everything, but especially with music,
and your name is like a brand. I think when
(19:18):
I was like figuring out the rollout of the EP,
everyone kept being like, so, like who is Meg Donaldy?
Speaker 2 (19:23):
Like what does Megdonnally want?
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I was like, I'm going to have an existential guy.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
Guys, who is she? I don't like? You know?
Speaker 3 (19:30):
So yeah, so it was that was part was really difficult.
But yeah, I'm just trying to figure out like what
music means to me and what I want, And I
just really want it to be authentic as possible because
I think if you're authentic, then you know, nothing can
really go wrong. Even if people don't like the music,
at least you're like, well.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
This is me, So yeah, it comes off totally authentic.
And don't you wish sometimes you can just like go
away from social media. We love it, but sometimes I'm like,
I wish I didn't have to do it all the time.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
I know, I'm I like, that's like my biggest struggle,
like since social media started becoming part of work, is
just like how much do I post of myself?
Speaker 2 (20:15):
How much do I keep private?
Speaker 3 (20:17):
People are just like perceiving me, Like they're looking at
my social media and being like, oh, this is her,
but it's not, Like it's really not me at all,
like it is but it's not, and just posting all
the time, and like thinking that posting is like cringy
and and how people are looking at it. I feel
like that again, it's the feeble pleasing thing. I just
(20:37):
cared too much about what people think. I need to
let go of that and just post whatever because who cares?
Speaker 2 (20:43):
I care.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
I know it's easier said than done. It's easier so
than done. I think most people who are going to
be listening to this are going to be like, oh
my god, I totally agree and can sympathize and empathize
with all of that. It's a lot, and I grew
up without any of it, and then it like suddenly exploded.
I'm older than you, I'm thirty nine, so like to
like get adjusted to that world, you.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Know, Yeah, no, it's it's wild, and I think with music,
I'm trying to look at it or just social media.
I'm just trying to look at it as part of
like the job. It's like, Okay, this is the part
that's not as fun. But if you do it and
you stick with it, then you know you'll end up
building what you want and then eventually, if everything goes great,
then you won't have to do it and you don't
(21:22):
have to do the hard part anymore. But yeah, it's
definitely still work in progress and I have I definitely
do not have that figured out yet so well, from
what I am figuring out right now.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
It is so relatable. It is so relatable. So you
talk about many things in the CP. What do you
think is the most personal thing that you opened up about.
Speaker 3 (21:45):
I mean, I think the most personal is definitely Dying Art.
Like the title track, I knew I wanted the EP
to be called Dying Art before I even had the song.
Like I knew, I was like, I'm just going to
write a song called Dying Art, which was actually really
cool and challenging because going into the studio with like
this amazing team and being like, hey, like I want
(22:05):
to this is the title track about Dying Art, and
it's about my relationship with the industry, Like I already
had like a prompt of like what I wanted to do,
and I think with dying art, I think it's not
necessarily true. But in like moments of being like why
do I want to be in the music industry and
kind of just looking at what's out there now, and
(22:26):
there's amazing talented people, but it's like music videos, people
still make them, but like labels don't really find the
value in music videos anymore, and it's all about short
form content. And I feel like live performance people still
use like bands and they use music and it's great,
but like just like the fact of you would record
(22:46):
music to perform it live, and I feel like not
a lot of artists do that anymore, which I understand
it makes sense because you can just put out music
and then tour it and it's great, but I feel
like there was you bands made me to perform, and
like that's not necessarily like the goal now, And so
I just was like, dang, is what I want to
(23:08):
do like a dying art? Am I really cut out
for this industry? Like is it too hard?
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Am I? Am? I just going.
Speaker 3 (23:15):
Into blind into this crazy industry? And then I was
like I think That's a great title for the EP
because that's how I'm feeling. And then I've always wanted
to put my thoughts into a song like this, and yeah,
it's basically just about being like, you know, I've done
this my entire life, Like I've been in the industry
since I was like six years old, and I was like,
(23:36):
am I just giving my life for a dying art?
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (23:40):
This is what I want to do.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
So yeah, definitely, turning twenty five, this is like a
perfect time for a quarter life crisis. So that's kind
of what I'm what I'm going through, and I just
wanted to write about it because I think even if
you're not in the industry, I think it's very relatable
to anybody who is trying to figure out what they're
doing and what they want to do.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
With their life. Is just like it, like you know,
what am I doing?
Speaker 1 (24:11):
People don't always like to talk about that because it's
uncomfortable and you know, it doesn't vulnerable. Yeah, it's very vulnerable,
and you kind of, especially on social want to put
on that like everything's great face. So I really liked
that you opened up and talked about that. Is there
a lyric in either the song Dying Art or your
entire EP that you were the most worried or afraid
(24:32):
to put out.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
Hmm, I don't know. I definitely feel like the song
Dying Art.
Speaker 3 (24:42):
I not that I was like nervous about it, but
it was like weird and just a little bit like
vulnerable just about the industry. I thought that was like
just a little bit scary, just like talking openly about
it was kind of like like I don't know if
I want people to know that I'm like struggling with
this thing. But also like my favorite songs are when
(25:03):
people like talk about things like.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
This, just about life or any like existential things, So
that was really cool. And then also I guess, like.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
I mean, talking private is like a little like risque,
so I kind of was like, ooh, like I don't
know if I should put this up. But that's also
a side of me that I was like, I mean,
it's not too crazy, but it's a side of me
that is definitely there. So I was like, might as well,
you know, like dive into that and just be more
adult and don't have to like censor myself as much
(25:37):
as I usually do, just because I have like a
young audience obviously, But yeah, I guess those are like
two of the at least I'm thinking about right now.
Speaker 1 (25:46):
Yeah, No, those are solid choices. And I also like
Strangers because I think that's yeah, very relatable, you know,
seeing someone either change in the course of a relationship
or after and you're like, who is this person? You know?
Speaker 2 (25:58):
Yeah, I think that.
Speaker 3 (26:00):
But Strangers always makes me very emotional because, like I mean,
the song itself is about a relationship, but it when
I listen to it, like I kind of just think
about and when I was writing it as well, it's
like just thinking about everyone, like friends, family, just people
that you were so close and you talk to every
day and then now you just don't talk anymore. And
(26:20):
I think it's a something that every human goes through,
no matter what, no matter what context it's in, And
that song is so special to me. And it also
just feels really nostalgic, like the eighties.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
Synth and everything.
Speaker 3 (26:32):
It just has that like you're like driving and the
windows down, you're like, or you're on an airplane and
you're like looking out the window, like.
Speaker 2 (26:41):
You know that vibe.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
Yeah, it's just cue the slow motion like look out
the window. Yeah, exactly, would you say you're getting more
comfortable not playing it safe anymore?
Speaker 2 (26:57):
I think so. Yeah. I feel like.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
As a child actor or just any child in this industry,
I feel like it's really easy to want to like
cover everything up and be okay and put on a
smile all the time, and like I was saying before,
just like acts like everything's okay and every like.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
You know, yes, yes, yes.
Speaker 3 (27:20):
And I think now, especially the past couple of years
that I've just been figuring out like who I am
and you know, trying to grow as a person, I
feel like, just especially in conversations like this, like I
just want to be as honest as possible just with
my journey and what I'm going through, and then especially
in my music because I think, you know, if you're
(27:42):
talking honestly and vulnerably, there's nothing wrong with that, and
I think it will help other people as well be
more honest and vulnerable with themselves.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
But also like it helps.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
Me even just talking about all this out loud, because
I I'm just trying to figure it out too, like
I you know, so, so i think I'm definitely done
playing it safe and I'm trying to figure out what
that means for me, but I definitely am way more
open and honest than I've ever been in my life.
Speaker 1 (28:11):
Yeah, that's liberating, but also it's scary as hell, right, Sury.
Speaker 3 (28:15):
It's really scary because like you don't know, especially on
social media, it's like you say.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
One thing and then a couple months later.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
You know that that's not maybe how you feel anymore.
But then it's just out there. But then also like
everything's recorded and everything is out there now, so it's
like you know, you can grow and change no matter what,
and it's like.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
At the end of the day, it's like, eh, whatever.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
Yeah, yeah, And I think people are more understanding of
people evolving and growing in all of that as well,
Like it's so funny. A quick aside is this, this
podcast is predominantly an interviewing show, and I bring on
favorite artists and we talk about projects and what they're doing.
But then iHeart was like, we want a second episode
from you a week, and we want it to be
you giving advice on a topic you've you know, based
(29:01):
on what you've gone through. So there's a second episode
that drops every Friday called Tommy Talks. And I was
so petrified to do this because in my job, I'm
used to facilitating conversation and yeah, I chime in and
share some things, but it's not ten minutes of me
just talking. So in the spirit of what you just said,
it's like, you know what, I'm also feeling like I'm
at a point in my life where it's okay and
(29:22):
what I put out there is my truth.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
Yeah, that's really cool. Like what kind of topics you
talk about?
Speaker 1 (29:29):
Have you so? Like a few examples. One was when
it's time to let go of a friendship. Wow, And
they're all based off experiences. Another is do you tell
your friend that their partner kind of sucks?
Speaker 2 (29:42):
That's a really hard one.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
So there's a lot of things like that. So anyway,
it's it's super fun, but I agree it's it's liberating
but also scary. You have so much going on, and
I from an outsider, I feel like you should feel
so proud of everything you're doing and all the success
you've had. Do you feel that or do you have
(30:06):
to kind of remind yourself to like stop be present
and say like, oh my god, I am doing it,
like I'm accomplishing things that are not easy.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
Yeah, I think it. It kind of goes in waves.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
I definitely am a very big like I have like
a lot of imposter syndrome of like a lot of
times it's all a lot of my insecurity because I
am I'm always like am I good enough?
Speaker 2 (30:30):
Am I do I belong here?
Speaker 3 (30:32):
And I think with my amazing people in my life,
like when I go through ruts like that, which I
do often, I feel like there's people in my life
to be like, hey, like look at where you're at,
and like think about your younger self and like think
about what your younger self wanted and look at everything
that you've accomplished.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
And then I feel.
Speaker 3 (30:52):
Stupid because I'm like, wow, like it is so surreal
and I don't think it will ever fully like process
in my mind, like how much I have done and
how much life I have lived in just twenty five years.
But it's really wild and I'm so grateful and and
it's just been incredible. But but yeah, I like I
(31:16):
can't like lie and say that. A lot of times
I definitely am like, well, it was luck or it
was you try to like you get into these negative cycles,
and I think I tend to think negatively just about
myself specifically and I like think positively for everybody else
Givvy like Givvy.
Speaker 2 (31:36):
I think positively.
Speaker 3 (31:37):
Forgivvy, but I tend to think negatively for myself and
I'm trying to get out of that cycle.
Speaker 2 (31:43):
But I am very grateful for everything. It's really surreal.
Speaker 1 (31:48):
Yeah, yeah, it's not easy to kind of it's easy
to tell a friend or someone you love, like don't
talk to yourself like that or don't do it, but
then like when you have to navigate that on your
own about you, that's the hardest.
Speaker 3 (32:00):
Thing I know, because if anybody else I always love that,
like that saying is like if somebody else was talking
to you the way you talked about yourself, you would
get rid of that, get rid of that friend immediately.
And it's just really funny that we just allow ourselves
to talk to ourselves like that because it's like so
(32:20):
not okay and it shouldn't be that way.
Speaker 2 (32:22):
But yeah, it's it's it's wild.
Speaker 3 (32:26):
But yeah, I definitely have gotten better at it for sure,
but it's still like a work in progress.
Speaker 1 (32:31):
Hey, works in progress are good. That means we're trying
to evolve and better ourselves. So I am all for
a work in progress. I love that. Oh my god,
I could talk to you for like four more hours,
but we have to, Like literally, this is like the easiest,
most fun conversation, but in the spirit of giving you
your day back. The name of this show is called
I've Never Said This Before, And it was born because
(32:54):
I cover a lot of red carpet movie premieres and
junkets which you're no stranger to and you get like
you know too, and it's on a carpet or four
to five minutes in a junkit and it's it's just
not enough time to have a real conversation for everyone
to relax, to talk about things that actually matter, because
everybody you know needs the same headlines and the bites.
So I had this idea to create a show where
(33:14):
I brought on people and let them say something they've
never said before, whatever that means to them, something they
want to put out in the world. And it's totally
totally up to your interpretation on what you want to
share with that question. But what is something that you've
never said before, something.
Speaker 3 (33:33):
I've never said before. I don't know, thinking of like
something that's so not deep at all. I've never cooked,
like meat, before.
Speaker 1 (33:44):
Are you a viga vegetarian?
Speaker 2 (33:47):
No, I don't think I've ever said that lad before.
Speaker 3 (33:49):
I don't know why my brain went there, but yeah,
Like I bought a bunch of broad chicken last night
and I was like, I'm going to cook it, and
I'm actually terrified because I realized that I've actually never
have cooked me before. I just I don't know why
I'm not a big cook, but I'm starting to get
into it. I've got eggs down, I've got different like
open faced toasts down, and now I'm working my way through.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
But yeah, I've never cooked meat.
Speaker 3 (34:14):
I'm just scared about chicken specifically because if it's like
pink in the middle and then I'm out of commission
for three days, I'm going to be really upset at myself.
So but apparently it's really easy to like overcook, so
I don't know like what the sweet spot is in there.
So I'm going to figure it out this week and
I'll let you know. I'll give you an update on
(34:34):
how it goes. But yeah, I've never I don't think
I've ever cooked meat before.
Speaker 1 (34:38):
I I love that answer so unexpected, And also I
get really pricked up by raw meat. Too, so like
totally get it. I am so with you. Like there's
certain raw meats I just won't touch. I'm like to
my husband, please handle this. I don't want to touch it.
Speaker 3 (34:50):
I know every single time there's chicken like on a plate,
I'll like cut it open and then I'll go to
whoever's next to me and I'm like, is this bik
because I just am really paranoid about it. But yeah,
I'm gonna try it. Hopefully I don't give myself food poisoning.
Speaker 1 (35:05):
Oh my god, please don't do that. But I look
forward to seeing your amazing creations on Instagram.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
Thank you. Yeah, yeah, I'll definitely voice it be like
cooked me.
Speaker 1 (35:16):
Thank you for sharing. I've never cooked this thing before.
I like that a different spin on the show. And
for everybody who's afraid to cook something, this is your
science step outside of your comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (35:26):
There's something you haven't cooked before, Let's do it.
Speaker 1 (35:29):
Let's do it. Meg Donnelly, what a pleasure. I am
so excited for everything going on in your life. Congratulations
again on the number one movie Zombies four and your
EP Dying Art. Everybody go stream it wherever you stream
your music. I just I know there's so much more
in store for you, and you've already accomplished so much.
It's like, what else do you need to check off?
(35:50):
But you're gonna be You're gonna be around a very
long time.
Speaker 2 (35:53):
Thank you. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (35:55):
Of course, Well come back anytime if you're in New York,
let me know I would love that. Yes, here, welcome anytime,
and until we meet again, my friend, Thank.
Speaker 2 (36:03):
You so much, Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (36:06):
I've Never Said This Before is hosted by me Tommy Dedario.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Puglisi at iHeartRadio
and by me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've
Never Said This Before is part of the Elvis Duran
podcast Network on iHeart Podcasts. For more, rate review and
subscribe to our show and if you liked this episode,
(36:29):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy de Dario
Hey, guys, welcome to I've never said this before with
me Tommy di Dario Zombies four Man. It has been
one of the biggest movies of the summer. So I
had to bring on someone that has been a part
of the franchise from the very beginning right. Today's guest
is the very talented Meg Donnelly, who has played the
fan favorite character of Addison in the last four Zombies movies.
(00:24):
And you may also know Meg from her role in
another beloved series, American Housewife, or maybe you have been
streaming her debut EP called Dying Art Like I Had.
Meg has come up in the Disney world and she
is stepping into her era of not always playing it
so safe, of showing sides to her that are real
and vulnerable and honest. And we are covering so many
(00:48):
things today that I think you're gonna listen to and say,
oh my god, I can so relate to that. So
let's see if today we can get Meg to say
something that she has never said before. Meg Donnelly, how
are you today? I am so good. Thank you for
(01:10):
making some time to join the show. You are booked
and busy, You're all over the place.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Yeah, no, but yeah, thank you so much for having me.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
Of course, I'm super excited. We have a lot to
get into. I mean, your new EP is absolutely phenomenal,
and we are going to dive all into that. It
is so much fun. I was just telling you I
was listening to it in the gym, and you cover
a lot. There's a lot of range and emotion and
things to talk about on that EP. But before we
get to that, let's celebrate you and Zombies four for
(01:39):
a minute. Because boom, it came out number one, like
instantly took over the world. It was all I was
seeing on Twitter and social media and the internet for
weeks and weeks and still seeing it, which is just
so cool. What does that franchise mean to you since
you've been a part of it from the.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Beginning, it means the world?
Speaker 3 (01:57):
Yeah, I mean yeah, on Zombies one, I don't think
milone I ever could imagine what it would become now,
And it's just so surreal that we're here at four
and it's definitely like the best that it's ever been.
I just feel like this reaction has just been wild.
I think because of social media now and because of streaming,
Like it's just exceeded all of my expectations. Like, I
(02:19):
think we knew it was going to be well received,
and I think we knew fans were gonna love it,
but not like this, Like I have never in a
million years thought that it would it would be like this.
Speaker 2 (02:28):
So I'm just really happy and really excited.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
Well, and what's cool is people of all ages love it,
Like I feel like I've seen so many different demographics
talking about it because it just brings joy to people.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Yeah, yeah, I think what's really cool about the movie.
I mean it's very camp and you know, it's very
like there's all these monsters and they're singing and they're dancing.
But at the end of the day, like it's I
think the message is just really incredible about acceptance and
treating others the way you want to be treated. And
I think, you know, if we do it in a
fun way, that's tangible for But I think it's also
(03:01):
a message that will never like grow old. I think
anybody at any age can be reminded of it.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
And they're also just fun to watch. Yeah, so I
think that's why. But I also I don't know, Yeah,
it's wild and.
Speaker 1 (03:14):
You are singing, you are dancing, you are acting, you
put in the work for these movies. What's something that's
challenging doing the zombies films that maybe we would be
surprised by.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
Hmmm, I don't know what's challenging. I think probably the
most challenging part is the early call times because a
lot of times we like Chandler had it the worst
because that werewolf makeup and tattoos and her fangs like
all of that.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
I think her call times were usually like.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
Three thirty four am ooh yeah, really early. So mine
were like five six, which is still very early, but
not that early.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
So I think the hardest part is, honestly the call times.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Obviously, like the dance days and the music days were
like always really challenging just to keep your energy up,
but those were also the most fun.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
So I think, yeah, probably the early call times.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Were you putting in your coffee order, bright and early.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Yes, And also in New Zealand they have like coffee
trucks like the whole day, so yeah, I definitely like,
I'm like a fiend for coffee, so that definitely didn't
help my addiction.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
You're like I will have all day, oh my god,
five coffees a day.
Speaker 2 (04:27):
I know.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Every time someone would come up and be like, do
you want another coffee?
Speaker 2 (04:30):
I was like, now I can't say no, I have
to say yes.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
Incredible, that is incredible. Where are You're not from the
East Coast? Are you? I am? Where are you from?
Because I'm hearing coffee and it sounds a little Italian?
Speaker 2 (04:43):
Yeah, I know, I'm from New York.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
You're from New York. I'm like, I hear, I hear
the East.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Coast and you yeah, where are you from?
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Originally I am from New Jersey, but I live in
New York. Now I've been here forever.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
Where in Jersey little.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Town called Berkeley Heights, I doubt you've heard of it.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
Yes, I so all of my families in Jersey, and
for a while I lived in like Pee Pack Gladstone,
Oh yeah yeah, and then also in Morristown.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
Oh that's where my sister is, right.
Speaker 3 (05:07):
On the green Yeah, oh my god, right above the Starbucks.
That's like right there where like the is.
Speaker 1 (05:13):
And yes, yes, I knew I heard that in you.
I knew it. I knew I was going to say,
like maybe Jersey, New York. But some people don't like
when I throw Jersey in so you.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Know, I love Jersey. I'll always represent Jersey.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
All right, good good, Oh my god, I am obsessed
with this conversation already. Do you do you feel happy
with how Zombies four ended?
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Super yeah. I think it was really cool because Zen Madison.
In the script, originally it was Zed Madison saying vows
to each other basically like almost like marriage vowels, where
it was like we're, you know, committing to each other
for the rest of our lives, like we now know that,
like we're together forever, and it was just like us
(05:54):
saying it to each other. But then they put an
a no doubt about it because without like the little
ad libs off like love were seventeen, it's like basically
us saying vows to each other. So when they changed
it and took out like those ad libs, it just
became this really beautiful, amazing moment between Zed and Addison,
And not only was the scenery amazing, but it was
(06:14):
one of my favorite days of filming, Like Milon and
I were just there and it was just a very
full circle moment. And I think just ending and wrapping
up the movie with the four of us walking off
into the.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Sun, that was just like it just couldn't have been better.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Yeah, yeah, it was beautiful to watch. And I know
there were some alternate endings that were shot. I've heard
like maybe four or five. Did you shoot any alternate endings?
Speaker 3 (06:39):
No, that was just Malachi and Freya. Yeah, they shot
a bunch of different endings of you know, kind of
what the hug looks like, what the cliffhanger looks like. Yeah,
because originally in the script, like Victor and Nova actually
had a moment where they kissed, and then we Myleon
and I didn't kiss in the first movie, and I
(07:00):
think it was just way more like innocent and just
you know, I don't think they we wanted to slow
burn the that moment and just have them hug for now.
Also there you know kids, So I think it would
it was just better if they just like hugged.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
It just made it more intimate.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
But but yeah, there was like a bunch of different
versions for the ending.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
I know everybody's like, please release them. We want to
see them all.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Maybe, I know, I know, maybe one day.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Maybe one day. Do you do you really feel like
this is the end of Zombies for you?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
I don't know. I definitely don't think so.
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Honestly, I during Zombies three, like I mourned that whole
process so because I thought that was the last.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
One and then it wasn't.
Speaker 3 (07:41):
So like, honestly, I have no idea, Like you never know,
I think if I'm pretty confident, I have no idea.
I have heard nothing, but I'm pretty confident in a
Zombies five happening, just because of the reaction already from
the movie and it hasn't been out for a month
yet and it's just been incredible. But I think Milo
and I definitely want to be behind the scenes again,
(08:03):
like definitely as executive producers.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
So we'll definitely be there.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
I don't know if we'll be on screen, but we
definitely will be involved until the end of the movies.
So but you know, it's really cool that, you know,
Nova and Victor have their own journey kind of sets
them up.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
So I just am excited to see where that goes.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Yeah, and how exciting that you get to be a
creative mind behind something that you grew and you brought
to what it is today and now you're like making decisions.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
It's so surreal.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Yeah, on Zombies one, I feel like Milo and I
wanted to have creative put input, and we always did,
and we always had like our opinions and like because
we cared about ze Nadison so much and also just
the world of zombies. But now we actually get to
do that and not just talk about it, but we
actually get to like have say and have change. And
Disney was just so collaborative and so amazing and we
(08:52):
felt so hurt, and yeah, it was just really cool.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
So do you think if you know, you'll be behind
the scenes, but if they're like, hey, we want to
have you in some scenes, like you're not opposed, No.
Speaker 3 (09:03):
Definitely not opposed. Yeah, yeah, I don't know what that's
gonna look like. But yeah, maybe there's like a cameo situation.
Maybe Victor Andova calls ed Madison for some help again,
and I don't know what that looks like. But yeah,
never say never, because you never know. With this franchise,
like every single movie that happened, I thought it was
the last one. So even after the first one, like
(09:24):
I had no idea what we were doing more. I
thought it was just like one movie. So you never know.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
That's so cool. That's really really cool as an actor,
as an artist, now that you had a taste of
executive producing and having say in your role and in story,
is it weird to do a project going forward where
you don't have that, Like, is that something really important
to you now?
Speaker 2 (09:45):
I think it definitely is. I think it depends.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
You know, it is really cool to have creative say
and to be also behind the scenes as well, and
it's something that if there is another movie I really
want to like dive into because it was just so
cool being on the other side, but especially actually for
a project that I loved and it's been a part
of my childhood and my life forever, and I just
thought that was really really cool and I think it
(10:08):
is definitely something important moving on. But especially as a
d COOM fan, I think was the most important part
because me and Mala grew up watching all the movies
like they were our everything, and we got to be like, Okay,
if I was, you know, eight year old me watching
high school musical, like what would I have wanted to see?
Speaker 2 (10:24):
You're like, what did I love about those movies?
Speaker 3 (10:25):
And we got to actually put that in there, So
it definitely is was an incredible privilege and it's going
to be hard moving forward.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
To not have that on some projects.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
Yeah, but you know what, I feel like you're a
really good leader in those environments because you just asked
a question. I feel like so many people and executives
and you know, higher ups don't ask, which is like
what would I have wanted to see? And in television
and film and news and entertainment, like in any of it,
it's like for some reason people forget that question and
you want to give them what they wanted, what you
(10:56):
wanted to see?
Speaker 2 (10:57):
Yeah, totally.
Speaker 3 (10:58):
Yeah, Yeah, because especially as a young girl, I feel
like the romance is always the most incredible part to me.
And so especially in Zombies Wore, I was like, what
moments can we like milk or.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
You know, make you have those like butterfly moments.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
There's so many with Victor and Nova it's just so cute,
and same with Zedan Addison obviously as well. So those
moments are always my favorite.
Speaker 1 (11:28):
Well, from listening to you rep which we're going to
get into in a minute, I feel like you're definitely
someone very connected to your emotions and you feel deeply
and you feel intensely, which I can very much relate to.
So when you were filming this last movie. Did you
have a moment on set, like did something specific happen
or a scene or a day where you kind of
looked around and thought, oh, man, like this could really
(11:49):
be it that made you a little emotional.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (11:52):
During the rehearsal process, I was crying so much, all
happy tears. I wasn't sad at all. I feel like
on Zombies three, I like mourned the movies. I said
that before, but I feel like I was this was
a whole new, completely new thing for me of like
we've like wrapped up our story and now we're like
(12:13):
passing the torch to these new comers. And it was
just like such a surreal feeling because never in my
life have I felt like I had experience to share
or I had advice to give because I'm still so
young myself that but then these kids come in and
they're like fourteen to seventeen, and I'm like, wow, I'm
not that age anymore, Like I'm an.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Adult, so like what is happening?
Speaker 3 (12:36):
And it just was a really great reminder of like
why I got in the industry in the first place,
like why I love creating, And because in the rehearsals
they were all just so excited and so eager to
be there, and they're like acting out the scenes before
the dances and they're like so in it and so nervous,
and and it was just wild because it was like
we I was watching Me and Milow all over again
(13:00):
and like as kids, and I've just never experienced that before.
And we were all so Chandler, Kylie, Milo and I.
We were all so emotional and it was just cool.
And even now just seeing them on tour, it's just
like just the most surreal thing. It's like, it's wild
to see them going through I mean, we never did
a tour, but like it's wild to see them go
(13:21):
through the same things that we went through. Yeah, it's
so surreal. So that's what I was most emotional about.
And yeah, I just was like, Wow, they're going to
do amazing and people are going to love them, and
this is so crazy.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
Isn't it crazy how fast time goes?
Speaker 3 (13:38):
I know, it's crazy because Zombies feels like so long
ago and it feels like a different lifetime. But at
the same time, it's just like I blanked and now
we're here. It's so surreal.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
I know, I know, And you mentioned advice. Did you
give a great piece of advice to Malachai and frail
One you remember giving as you passed the baton, So
you say.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Hmmm, I'm not really sure.
Speaker 3 (14:01):
There's not really anything specific because to be honest, like
they are absolute rock stars and so mature for their age,
so there really wasn't that they they didn't need much advice.
But I think it was really cool because whenever something
happened on set, if it was like a small thing
or a big thing, like negative or positive. I feel
like because Milea and I were also executive producers, like
they went to us first and then when then we
(14:23):
went to you know, the the higher ups at Disney,
So it was just really cool to be that like
conduit between the two. I think that was really special
because and why I would want to come back is
to be that like safe space for them, so they're
like talking to you know, their older brother and sister
and can vouch for them instead of talking to, you know,
(14:44):
like older adults that they don't know very well.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
If that makes sense, Yeah, for sure. And did you
did that hold special meetings to you? Because maybe that's
something that you felt like you wanted in the business
coming up.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
One hundred percent.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
I think especially with like especially with Frey, like her
and I are so close, because yeah, it's like watching
her go through everything, it's just really surreal because it's
like just trying to be like, okay, as like a
young girl in the industry.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
She's only fifteen, it's like, and she's.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
So talented and just incredible and amazing and just it's
going to go so far.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
I'm so excited for her.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
It's just like, what would I have wanted when I
was that age, because I feel like I didn't really
have anybody to rely on that was older and has
been in the same position as me, and I feel
like I just was like I'm still trying to undo it,
but just being like a yes man all the time
and not being able to say no and whatever. And
she's like so good at that and she's learning. But
(15:39):
I think the people pleasing thing is just really hard
for anybody.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
Not just in the industry.
Speaker 3 (15:45):
I think a lot of people deal with that in
their own world. But I think especially as a child actor,
you're just taught to like be easy and go with
the flow, and but I just think if even if
you say no, as long as you're nice about it,
like nobody can get mad at you for it, but
it is really scary.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
Yeah, one hundred percent. Oh my god, I feel like
I was just talking about this with a friend and
how there's so much power in saying no and like
setting your boundaries because for whatever reason, in any career,
we all do it. But I feel like, especially in entertainment,
we have a hard time sometimes disappointing somebody.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
Yes, one hundred percent.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
I love that you're passing that on. That is so cool.
All right, let's talk about your EP that I was
jamming out to in the gym. It gives me like
all the vibes are some retro vibes or some dance vibes.
I mean, it's it's it's deep, it's meaningful, it's personal.
What did you hope to achieve with the CP because
this is your big, full on debut.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
Yeah, I think, like I like, the last time I
put out music, it was still it was kind of
under like the Disney Umbrella when I was like, I
think it was twenty eighteen, twenty nineteen. So it's been
a while and music is something I've always wanted to pursue,
and it's something that I know that I want to do,
but I think in the music industry, like I'm kind
of starting at zero because it's like immensely hard to
(17:05):
there's just so much music, and there's like on social media,
it's so like congested, and I was just like trying
to figure out like what I wanted to put out
and what like music, music that meant something to me.
And and I think this EP is kind of just
the start of me getting back into music, and it's
just all of my influences at one So it's kind
(17:25):
of like almost like understanding like my music influences and
like where I'm coming from.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Like I love hip hop and R and B.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
It's like where it starts, and like that's like my
basis for everything. That's like my comfort music. And then
I also love yacht rock, which is kind of like
what like the middle of the EP is kind of
like yacht rock like eighties vibes, which I absolutely love.
And then and then I also love like singer songwriter music,
which is like the title track Dying.
Speaker 2 (17:52):
Art is very much that vibe.
Speaker 3 (17:54):
And so I have always struggled being like I don't
know where I belong because I have.
Speaker 2 (17:59):
Such an eclectic music tastes.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
I just don't know like what lane I want to
go into and what's authentic to me, because I just
want it to be authentic. I don't want to do
anything that I don't want to do. So yeah, this
is kind of just like putting an EP out there
and being like, hey, these are all of my influences
and this is kind of where I'm starting from.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
So and it's so interesting to hear you say you're
starting kind of from the ground up, from zero, because
you would think, you know, you're such an established artist,
and but I guess the music world is different.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
Yeah it is.
Speaker 3 (18:31):
And I'm definitely not starting from zero because I have
such an incredible fan base from like zombies and and
so I'm definitely not starting from zero. But in moments,
in my most insecure moments, it feels like that because yeah,
like with acting and in front of the screen, I
feel like I have done a lot of work, which
I'm so grateful for, and music is just like it
(18:53):
takes a lot of time.
Speaker 2 (18:54):
And I think the hardest thing for me.
Speaker 3 (18:56):
Is social media because with acting, social media is definitely
very important, but you can kind of be like a
blank slate and just kind of like post pictures and
do like whatever. But music it's like you have to
post every single day and be promoting your song, and
like social media is such a huge part of it.
It's a huge part of everything, but especially with music,
and your name is like a brand. I think when
(19:18):
I was like figuring out the rollout of the EP,
everyone kept being like, so, like who is Meg Donaldy?
Speaker 2 (19:23):
Like what does Megdonnally want?
Speaker 3 (19:24):
I was like, I'm going to have an existential guy.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
Guys, who is she? I don't like? You know?
Speaker 3 (19:30):
So yeah, so it was that was part was really difficult.
But yeah, I'm just trying to figure out like what
music means to me and what I want, And I
just really want it to be authentic as possible because
I think if you're authentic, then you know, nothing can
really go wrong. Even if people don't like the music,
at least you're like, well.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
This is me, So yeah, it comes off totally authentic.
And don't you wish sometimes you can just like go
away from social media. We love it, but sometimes I'm like,
I wish I didn't have to do it all the time.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
I know, I'm I like, that's like my biggest struggle,
like since social media started becoming part of work, is
just like how much do I post of myself?
Speaker 2 (20:15):
How much do I keep private?
Speaker 3 (20:17):
People are just like perceiving me, Like they're looking at
my social media and being like, oh, this is her,
but it's not, Like it's really not me at all,
like it is but it's not, and just posting all
the time, and like thinking that posting is like cringy
and and how people are looking at it. I feel
like that again, it's the feeble pleasing thing. I just
(20:37):
cared too much about what people think. I need to
let go of that and just post whatever because who cares?
Speaker 2 (20:43):
I care.
Speaker 1 (20:45):
I know it's easier said than done. It's easier so
than done. I think most people who are going to
be listening to this are going to be like, oh
my god, I totally agree and can sympathize and empathize
with all of that. It's a lot, and I grew
up without any of it, and then it like suddenly exploded.
I'm older than you, I'm thirty nine, so like to
like get adjusted to that world, you.
Speaker 3 (21:02):
Know, Yeah, no, it's it's wild, and I think with music,
I'm trying to look at it or just social media.
I'm just trying to look at it as part of
like the job. It's like, Okay, this is the part
that's not as fun. But if you do it and
you stick with it, then you know you'll end up
building what you want and then eventually, if everything goes great,
then you won't have to do it and you don't
(21:22):
have to do the hard part anymore. But yeah, it's
definitely still work in progress and I have I definitely
do not have that figured out yet so well, from
what I am figuring out right now.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
It is so relatable. It is so relatable. So you
talk about many things in the CP. What do you
think is the most personal thing that you opened up about.
Speaker 3 (21:45):
I mean, I think the most personal is definitely Dying Art.
Like the title track, I knew I wanted the EP
to be called Dying Art before I even had the song.
Like I knew, I was like, I'm just going to
write a song called Dying Art, which was actually really
cool and challenging because going into the studio with like
this amazing team and being like, hey, like I want
(22:05):
to this is the title track about Dying Art, and
it's about my relationship with the industry, Like I already
had like a prompt of like what I wanted to do,
and I think with dying art, I think it's not
necessarily true. But in like moments of being like why
do I want to be in the music industry and
kind of just looking at what's out there now, and
(22:26):
there's amazing talented people, but it's like music videos, people
still make them, but like labels don't really find the
value in music videos anymore, and it's all about short
form content. And I feel like live performance people still
use like bands and they use music and it's great,
but like just like the fact of you would record
(22:46):
music to perform it live, and I feel like not
a lot of artists do that anymore, which I understand
it makes sense because you can just put out music
and then tour it and it's great, but I feel
like there was you bands made me to perform, and
like that's not necessarily like the goal now, And so
I just was like, dang, is what I want to
(23:08):
do like a dying art? Am I really cut out
for this industry? Like is it too hard?
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Am I? Am? I just going.
Speaker 3 (23:15):
Into blind into this crazy industry? And then I was
like I think That's a great title for the EP
because that's how I'm feeling. And then I've always wanted
to put my thoughts into a song like this, and yeah,
it's basically just about being like, you know, I've done
this my entire life, Like I've been in the industry
since I was like six years old, and I was like,
(23:36):
am I just giving my life for a dying art?
Speaker 1 (23:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (23:40):
This is what I want to do.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
So yeah, definitely, turning twenty five, this is like a
perfect time for a quarter life crisis. So that's kind
of what I'm what I'm going through, and I just
wanted to write about it because I think even if
you're not in the industry, I think it's very relatable
to anybody who is trying to figure out what they're
doing and what they want to do.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
With their life. Is just like it, like you know,
what am I doing?
Speaker 1 (24:11):
People don't always like to talk about that because it's
uncomfortable and you know, it doesn't vulnerable. Yeah, it's very vulnerable,
and you kind of, especially on social want to put
on that like everything's great face. So I really liked
that you opened up and talked about that. Is there
a lyric in either the song Dying Art or your
entire EP that you were the most worried or afraid
(24:32):
to put out.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
Hmm, I don't know. I definitely feel like the song
Dying Art.
Speaker 3 (24:42):
I not that I was like nervous about it, but
it was like weird and just a little bit like
vulnerable just about the industry. I thought that was like
just a little bit scary, just like talking openly about
it was kind of like like I don't know if
I want people to know that I'm like struggling with
this thing. But also like my favorite songs are when
(25:03):
people like talk about things like.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
This, just about life or any like existential things, So
that was really cool. And then also I guess, like.
Speaker 3 (25:15):
I mean, talking private is like a little like risque,
so I kind of was like, ooh, like I don't
know if I should put this up. But that's also
a side of me that I was like, I mean,
it's not too crazy, but it's a side of me
that is definitely there. So I was like, might as well,
you know, like dive into that and just be more
adult and don't have to like censor myself as much
(25:37):
as I usually do, just because I have like a
young audience obviously, But yeah, I guess those are like
two of the at least I'm thinking about right now.
Speaker 1 (25:46):
Yeah, No, those are solid choices. And I also like
Strangers because I think that's yeah, very relatable, you know,
seeing someone either change in the course of a relationship
or after and you're like, who is this person? You know?
Speaker 2 (25:58):
Yeah, I think that.
Speaker 3 (26:00):
But Strangers always makes me very emotional because, like I mean,
the song itself is about a relationship, but it when
I listen to it, like I kind of just think
about and when I was writing it as well, it's
like just thinking about everyone, like friends, family, just people
that you were so close and you talk to every
day and then now you just don't talk anymore. And
(26:20):
I think it's a something that every human goes through,
no matter what, no matter what context it's in, And
that song is so special to me. And it also
just feels really nostalgic, like the eighties.
Speaker 2 (26:31):
Synth and everything.
Speaker 3 (26:32):
It just has that like you're like driving and the
windows down, you're like, or you're on an airplane and
you're like looking out the window, like.
Speaker 2 (26:41):
You know that vibe.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
Yeah, it's just cue the slow motion like look out
the window. Yeah, exactly, would you say you're getting more
comfortable not playing it safe anymore?
Speaker 2 (26:57):
I think so. Yeah. I feel like.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
As a child actor or just any child in this industry,
I feel like it's really easy to want to like
cover everything up and be okay and put on a
smile all the time, and like I was saying before,
just like acts like everything's okay and every like.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
You know, yes, yes, yes.
Speaker 3 (27:20):
And I think now, especially the past couple of years
that I've just been figuring out like who I am
and you know, trying to grow as a person, I
feel like, just especially in conversations like this, like I
just want to be as honest as possible just with
my journey and what I'm going through, and then especially
in my music because I think, you know, if you're
(27:42):
talking honestly and vulnerably, there's nothing wrong with that, and
I think it will help other people as well be
more honest and vulnerable with themselves.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
But also like it helps.
Speaker 3 (27:52):
Me even just talking about all this out loud, because
I I'm just trying to figure it out too, like
I you know, so, so i think I'm definitely done
playing it safe and I'm trying to figure out what
that means for me, but I definitely am way more
open and honest than I've ever been in my life.
Speaker 1 (28:11):
Yeah, that's liberating, but also it's scary as hell, right, Sury.
Speaker 3 (28:15):
It's really scary because like you don't know, especially on
social media, it's like you say.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
One thing and then a couple months later.
Speaker 3 (28:22):
You know that that's not maybe how you feel anymore.
But then it's just out there. But then also like
everything's recorded and everything is out there now, so it's
like you know, you can grow and change no matter what,
and it's like.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
At the end of the day, it's like, eh, whatever.
Speaker 1 (28:38):
Yeah, yeah, And I think people are more understanding of
people evolving and growing in all of that as well,
Like it's so funny. A quick aside is this, this
podcast is predominantly an interviewing show, and I bring on
favorite artists and we talk about projects and what they're doing.
But then iHeart was like, we want a second episode
from you a week, and we want it to be
you giving advice on a topic you've you know, based
(29:01):
on what you've gone through. So there's a second episode
that drops every Friday called Tommy Talks. And I was
so petrified to do this because in my job, I'm
used to facilitating conversation and yeah, I chime in and
share some things, but it's not ten minutes of me
just talking. So in the spirit of what you just said,
it's like, you know what, I'm also feeling like I'm
at a point in my life where it's okay and
(29:22):
what I put out there is my truth.
Speaker 2 (29:25):
Yeah, that's really cool. Like what kind of topics you
talk about?
Speaker 1 (29:29):
Have you so? Like a few examples. One was when
it's time to let go of a friendship. Wow, And
they're all based off experiences. Another is do you tell
your friend that their partner kind of sucks?
Speaker 2 (29:42):
That's a really hard one.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
So there's a lot of things like that. So anyway,
it's it's super fun, but I agree it's it's liberating
but also scary. You have so much going on, and
I from an outsider, I feel like you should feel
so proud of everything you're doing and all the success
you've had. Do you feel that or do you have
(30:06):
to kind of remind yourself to like stop be present
and say like, oh my god, I am doing it,
like I'm accomplishing things that are not easy.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
Yeah, I think it. It kind of goes in waves.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
I definitely am a very big like I have like
a lot of imposter syndrome of like a lot of
times it's all a lot of my insecurity because I
am I'm always like am I good enough?
Speaker 2 (30:30):
Am I do I belong here?
Speaker 3 (30:32):
And I think with my amazing people in my life,
like when I go through ruts like that, which I
do often, I feel like there's people in my life
to be like, hey, like look at where you're at,
and like think about your younger self and like think
about what your younger self wanted and look at everything
that you've accomplished.
Speaker 2 (30:51):
And then I feel.
Speaker 3 (30:52):
Stupid because I'm like, wow, like it is so surreal
and I don't think it will ever fully like process
in my mind, like how much I have done and
how much life I have lived in just twenty five years.
But it's really wild and I'm so grateful and and
it's just been incredible. But but yeah, I like I
(31:16):
can't like lie and say that. A lot of times
I definitely am like, well, it was luck or it
was you try to like you get into these negative cycles,
and I think I tend to think negatively just about
myself specifically and I like think positively for everybody else
Givvy like Givvy.
Speaker 2 (31:36):
I think positively.
Speaker 3 (31:37):
Forgivvy, but I tend to think negatively for myself and
I'm trying to get out of that cycle.
Speaker 2 (31:43):
But I am very grateful for everything. It's really surreal.
Speaker 1 (31:48):
Yeah, yeah, it's not easy to kind of it's easy
to tell a friend or someone you love, like don't
talk to yourself like that or don't do it, but
then like when you have to navigate that on your
own about you, that's the hardest.
Speaker 3 (32:00):
Thing I know, because if anybody else I always love that,
like that saying is like if somebody else was talking
to you the way you talked about yourself, you would
get rid of that, get rid of that friend immediately.
And it's just really funny that we just allow ourselves
to talk to ourselves like that because it's like so
(32:20):
not okay and it shouldn't be that way.
Speaker 2 (32:22):
But yeah, it's it's it's wild.
Speaker 3 (32:26):
But yeah, I definitely have gotten better at it for sure,
but it's still like a work in progress.
Speaker 1 (32:31):
Hey, works in progress are good. That means we're trying
to evolve and better ourselves. So I am all for
a work in progress. I love that. Oh my god,
I could talk to you for like four more hours,
but we have to, Like literally, this is like the easiest,
most fun conversation, but in the spirit of giving you
your day back. The name of this show is called
I've Never Said This Before, And it was born because
(32:54):
I cover a lot of red carpet movie premieres and
junkets which you're no stranger to and you get like
you know too, and it's on a carpet or four
to five minutes in a junkit and it's it's just
not enough time to have a real conversation for everyone
to relax, to talk about things that actually matter, because
everybody you know needs the same headlines and the bites.
So I had this idea to create a show where
(33:14):
I brought on people and let them say something they've
never said before, whatever that means to them, something they
want to put out in the world. And it's totally
totally up to your interpretation on what you want to
share with that question. But what is something that you've
never said before, something.
Speaker 3 (33:33):
I've never said before. I don't know, thinking of like
something that's so not deep at all. I've never cooked,
like meat, before.
Speaker 1 (33:44):
Are you a viga vegetarian?
Speaker 2 (33:47):
No, I don't think I've ever said that lad before.
Speaker 3 (33:49):
I don't know why my brain went there, but yeah,
Like I bought a bunch of broad chicken last night
and I was like, I'm going to cook it, and
I'm actually terrified because I realized that I've actually never
have cooked me before. I just I don't know why
I'm not a big cook, but I'm starting to get
into it. I've got eggs down, I've got different like
open faced toasts down, and now I'm working my way through.
Speaker 2 (34:12):
But yeah, I've never cooked meat.
Speaker 3 (34:14):
I'm just scared about chicken specifically because if it's like
pink in the middle and then I'm out of commission
for three days, I'm going to be really upset at myself.
So but apparently it's really easy to like overcook, so
I don't know like what the sweet spot is in there.
So I'm going to figure it out this week and
I'll let you know. I'll give you an update on
(34:34):
how it goes. But yeah, I've never I don't think
I've ever cooked meat before.
Speaker 1 (34:38):
I I love that answer so unexpected, And also I
get really pricked up by raw meat. Too, so like
totally get it. I am so with you. Like there's
certain raw meats I just won't touch. I'm like to
my husband, please handle this. I don't want to touch it.
Speaker 3 (34:50):
I know every single time there's chicken like on a plate,
I'll like cut it open and then I'll go to
whoever's next to me and I'm like, is this bik
because I just am really paranoid about it. But yeah,
I'm gonna try it. Hopefully I don't give myself food poisoning.
Speaker 1 (35:05):
Oh my god, please don't do that. But I look
forward to seeing your amazing creations on Instagram.
Speaker 2 (35:11):
Thank you. Yeah, yeah, I'll definitely voice it be like
cooked me.
Speaker 1 (35:16):
Thank you for sharing. I've never cooked this thing before.
I like that a different spin on the show. And
for everybody who's afraid to cook something, this is your
science step outside of your comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (35:26):
There's something you haven't cooked before, Let's do it.
Speaker 1 (35:29):
Let's do it. Meg Donnelly, what a pleasure. I am
so excited for everything going on in your life. Congratulations
again on the number one movie Zombies four and your
EP Dying Art. Everybody go stream it wherever you stream
your music. I just I know there's so much more
in store for you, and you've already accomplished so much.
It's like, what else do you need to check off?
(35:50):
But you're gonna be You're gonna be around a very
long time.
Speaker 2 (35:53):
Thank you. I really appreciate that.
Speaker 1 (35:55):
Of course, Well come back anytime if you're in New York,
let me know I would love that. Yes, here, welcome anytime,
and until we meet again, my friend, Thank.
Speaker 2 (36:03):
You so much, Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (36:06):
I've Never Said This Before is hosted by me Tommy Dedario.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Puglisi at iHeartRadio
and by me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've
Never Said This Before is part of the Elvis Duran
podcast Network on iHeart Podcasts. For more, rate review and
subscribe to our show and if you liked this episode,
(36:29):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy de Dario
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