Smallville's TOM WELLING talks Perfection, Family, and Anxiety

Introduction to the Podcast

Opening Remarks

• Michael Rosenbaum introduces the podcast and emphasizes its unscripted nature, aiming for an authentic conversation.

• He encourages listeners to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts, highlighting how it helps with visibility and growth of the show.

• The podcast is ranked fifth in a Screen Rant article about actors with podcasts, which brings him joy despite his belief that happiness shouldn't be based on rankings.

Discussion on Podcast Length

Format Preferences

• Michael shares his preference for shorter episodes compared to longer ones like Joe Rogan's, as he believes people have limited time during commutes.

• He humorously reflects on his average performance in school, relating it back to his podcast ranking.

Promotion of Sunspin Band

Band Updates

• Michael promotes his band Sunspin and mentions their upcoming shows and merchandise available at sunspin.com.

• He discusses social media handles for both Sunspin and the Inside of You podcast, encouraging followers.

Guest Introduction: Tom Welling

Anticipation for Guest Appearance

• Michael builds excitement around having Tom Welling as a guest, noting their friendship has grown over time through conventions.

• He hints at a secret that Tom will reveal during the episode, creating intrigue for listeners.

Reflections on Time Perception

New Year Thoughts

• The hosts discuss how difficult it can be to keep track of days during uncertain times like these, especially without regular schedules.

Sports Talk

Football Discussions

• They talk about football as a way to mark time during the pandemic; Michael expresses enjoyment in watching good games regardless of team allegiance.

Personal Anecdotes

Family Health Concerns

• Michael shares concerns about his mother's health after she contracted COVID but expresses relief that she is recovering well.

Analyzing Anxiety

Mental Health Insights

• The conversation shifts towards anxiety; they explore how personal experiences shape mental health issues like hypochondria stemming from family dynamics.

Convention Experiences

Navigating Public Interactions

• Both hosts reflect on their experiences at conventions where they meet fans; they discuss managing energy levels while interacting with large crowds.

Understanding Anxiety Triggers

Emotional Awareness

• They delve into how anxiety can manifest even in controlled environments like conventions; discussing feelings of pressure to perform positively for fans.

People-Pleasing Tendencies

Personal Reflections

• Michael reveals he often feels compelled to please others and maintain positive energy around him, linking this behavior back to childhood experiences.

Therapy Insights

Importance of Self-Awareness

• Tom discusses therapy's role in understanding personal flaws and emotional triggers related to upbringing and relationships.

Creativity vs Survival Mode

Psychological Concepts

• They discuss how being in survival mode inhibits creativity; emphasizing the need for creative expression even amidst challenges such as COVID.

Vulnerability Through Podcasting

Sharing Insecurities

• Michael explains how sharing vulnerabilities through the podcast fosters connection with listeners who may feel similarly isolated or anxious.

Book Recommendation: Green Lights

Matthew McConaughey’s Insights

• Tom recommends Matthew McConaughey's book "Green Lights," which focuses on creating opportunities (green lights), contrasting them with obstacles (red lights).

Loneliness Despite Relationships

Personal Connections

• They touch upon feelings of loneliness even when surrounded by loved ones; exploring deeper emotional needs within relationships.

Echelon Fitness and PetSmart Promotions

Echelon Fitness

• The speaker promotes Echelon Fitness, highlighting its affordability and effectiveness for those looking to improve their fitness in the new year.

• Listeners are encouraged to visit echelonfit.com/insideofyou for more information on their offerings.

PetSmart Services

• The discussion shifts to PetSmart, emphasizing the convenience of pet delivery services similar to food delivery apps like DoorDash.

• PetSmart has implemented strict health protocols during the pandemic, including disinfecting practices and contactless payment options.

• They offer free same-day delivery powered by DoorDash until January 31, 2021, making it easier for pet owners to access supplies.

Personal Reflections on Family and Work

Parenting Insights

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about his son Thompson, expressing pride in his child's development and humor.

• He reflects on how family dynamics have changed due to COVID-19, allowing him more time with his son compared to his own childhood experiences.

Work Ethic Discussion

• The conversation touches on work ethic inherited from parents, noting a tendency towards thoroughness before committing to projects.

• There’s an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by previous generations who had less time with family due to work commitments.

Industry Challenges and Experiences

Tom Cruise Incident

• A reference is made to Tom Cruise's outburst regarding safety protocols on set during filming amidst the pandemic.

• The importance of adhering to strict guidelines is emphasized as crucial for maintaining business operations in the film industry.

Set Dynamics

• Humor is injected into discussions about set behavior and interactions among cast members during filming experiences.

Remembrance of Colleagues

Tribute to Friends

• The speaker pays tribute to a late colleague from "Smallville," reflecting on their close-knit relationships formed over years of working together.

Emotional Impact

• There's an exploration of how loss affects individuals within the industry, emphasizing that colleagues often become like family over time.

Behind-the-scenes Stories

Filming Conditions

• Anecdotes are shared about challenging filming conditions in sets designed for specific scenes (e.g., caves).

Character Development

• A humorous recounting occurs regarding character roles and script reading practices among cast members during production.

Life Changes During COVID

Relocation Decisions

• Discussion arises around relocating due to lifestyle changes prompted by COVID, leading some friends (including the speaker's family), seeking more space away from urban settings.

New Ventures

• Mention of acquiring miniature horses as part of adapting life post-pandemic highlights a shift towards rural living.

Production Experiences Abroad

International Shoot Insights

• Speaker describes shooting a series in South Africa under adventurous yet dangerous circumstances.

Safety Concerns

• Security measures were heightened due to local crime rates; anecdotes include carjackings experienced by crew members.

Family Considerations

• Reflecting on missing family while abroad emphasizes emotional struggles faced when balancing work commitments with personal life.

Introduction to Met Pro and Its Services

Overview of Met Pro

• Met Pro offers tools for optimal weight management and performance goals, utilizing science-based strategies.

• The service includes a high-touch experience with metabolic experts and access to industry-leading coaching tools.

• Interested individuals can visit metpro.co/inside for assessments and consultations.

The Apology Line Podcast Promotion

Synopsis of The Apology Line

• The podcast features Alan Bridge, who invites people to anonymously apologize for their crimes via an answering machine.

• Calls include confessions of various offenses, including serious crimes like murder, creating intrigue around the authenticity of the callers.

Discussion on Conventions

Experiences at Conventions

• Hosts discuss their enjoyment in attending conventions together, highlighting the fun atmosphere they create for fans.

• They introduce "Smallville Nights," an intimate event where they share behind-the-scenes stories and read scenes from Smallville.

Smallville Nights Experience

Unique Aspects of Smallville Nights

• These events are designed to be camera-free, allowing hosts to engage freely with attendees without pressure.

• Laughter is a key component; both hosts express how these nights lead to memorable moments filled with joy.

Upcoming Conventions

Future Plans

• They mention upcoming conventions in Mexico, anticipating a large turnout and exciting experiences for fans.

• Reflecting on past experiences during the pandemic, they emphasize the warmth received from Mexican fans despite restrictions.

Pranks on Set

Lighthearted Moments Behind the Scenes

• A question arises about pranks pulled during filming; one notable prank involved dressing up in a green leotard as part of a joke.

• Another story involves confusion over trailer assignments that led to humorous reactions among cast members.

Actor Dynamics on Set

Relationships Among Cast Members

• Actors share anecdotes about playful interactions that foster camaraderie while maintaining professionalism during performances.

Personal Insights into Travel Preferences

Discussion on Adventure and Fear

• One host reflects on personal fears regarding travel and adventure, revealing deeper insights into character traits affecting life choices.

Closure After Smallville

Reflections on Character Development

• A sense of closure regarding character arcs is discussed; finishing Smallville felt complete before additional appearances in crossover events.

Career Aspirations Beyond Acting

Alternative Career Paths

• Speculation about what could have been if not acting leads to thoughts about working in forest fire services or similar fields.

Fatherhood Reflections

Insights into Parenting

• Discussions reveal profound emotions tied to fatherhood; every moment spent with children is cherished deeply by parents.

Advice About Parenthood

Guidance for New Parents

• Emphasis is placed on selflessness required when becoming a parent; life shifts focus entirely towards the child’s needs.

Friendship Dynamics

Relationship Between Hosts

• Their bond is characterized by mutual trust; neither questions each other's motives due to established understanding over years.

Creative Collaborations

Future Projects Together

• Both hosts express interest in collaborating creatively outside traditional success metrics just for enjoyment's sake.

Importance of Creativity Over Survival Mode

Balancing Life Challenges

• Discusses how survival mode can hinder creativity; stepping back allows broader perspectives necessary for creative thinking.

Closing Remarks

Gratitude Towards Supporters

• Appreciation expressed towards patrons supporting the podcast through various means including merchandise purchases.