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June 18, 2024 61 mins
Get the full show notes:
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Alison Arngrim, the actress best known for her role as Nellie Oleson on 'Little House on the Prairie' joins Paula in this look back episode.
 
This episode, originally recorded a few years ago, is revisited as Paula and her son prepare to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and on the 50th anniversary of the TV show.
 
Alison shares her journey from suffering abuse as a child to finding empowerment through acting. She discusses her audition for Nellie Oleson, her experiences working with Michael Landon, and her transformation into an AIDS activist after her co-star Steve Tracy's death.
 
Alison also touches on the dynamics with her castmates, the impact of the show globally, and her post-'Little House' work, including her standup comedy and public speaking on surviving abuse. The episode emphasizes Alison's decision to turn her situation into a source of joy and advocacy. Listeners are also guided to check out the show notes and follow Paula's adventures in Kansas on Instagram.
 
Resources
Alison Arngrim's Bonnetheads.com website (sign up for the Nellie Newsletter here)
Alison Arngrim's Book, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch on Amazon
 
 
 
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
00:31 Revisiting a Classic Episode
01:04 Welcome New Listeners
01:48 Introducing Alison Arngrim
03:04 Alison's Early Career and Little House on the Prairie
05:13 The Audition for Nelly Olson
11:42 The Global Impact of Little House on the Prairie
14:42 Behind the Scenes with Michael Landon
19:25 The Friendship with Melissa Gilbert
21:58 Public Reactions and Personal Reflections
31:29 Navigating Early Uncertainty
32:02 Building a Support System
32:54 A Love Story Blossoms
33:26 Shared Values and Compatibility
35:44 Embracing Public Recognition
39:31 Turning Fame into a Force for Good
43:05 Confessions of a Prairie Bitch
45:21 Empowering Women Through Lectures
51:03 Practical Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
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