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(upbeat music)
(sighs happily)
(♪)
(laughs)
- Hi, honey. How is it going?
Hey, Mom.
Do you think the sunflowers should be
spread across throughout,
or sort of gathered in the center?
- Well, given that they're sunflowers,
I think front and center.
Let them command the attention they deserve.
Yes. That's it!
I'm gonna finish this in a minute.
I've just gotta write something down
- really quick. - Oh, okay! I'll finish up.
(soft music)
Okay.
"She commanded attention...
in every room she--"
- (door chimes) - Hello!
Lisa, hi!
So nice to see you. What can I get started for you?
Well, yes.
I'm actually looking for someone.
Might you happen to know where I could find
"the" Ms. Sophie Wood,
accomplished author extraordinaire?
- (chuckles) - Hmm, I'll uh...
Let me go check on that for you.
(comical music
- Oh, yes, I'm Sophie Wood,
multi-hyphenate florist slash author.
A pleasure. (laughs)
- Sweetie. (laughing)
I remember when you were just a little girl
sweeping up rose petals.
- Now look at you! - Oh.
(door chimes) (Evelyn): Lisa!
Is Sophie taking care of you?
- Just popped in to shower her with praise.
Well, good.
She's her own worst critic. (scoffs)
- It was actually published by Tails of Ink.
You know that indie publishing house
- just down the street? - Well,
aren't they lucky to have such talent?
I'm not even exaggerating
when I tell you I could not put it down.
In fact, I'm grabbing this extra copy
for my book swap.
The more readers, the better, right?
- Thank you so much. That means a lot.
And please, enjoy, on the house.
Oh, that's so sweet!
- Aw. (laughing)
(loud kissing) And...
this is on the house, just for you.
- Oh. Have a good one, ladies.
And congrats again, doll. Amazing work.
- Thanks, Lisa. (door chimes)
(sighs)
- So, the bestseller list comes out today.
- Since when do you keep track of that?
- Since I had my own horse in the race.
(chuckles) (Evelyn laughs)
- Well, I think I have to win a few more races
before I make it to the derby. (Evelyn gasps)
Number three!
Wait, what?
Number three!
Look, right here in black and white!
(Evelyn giggles)
(gasps)
This... this can't be real!
You did it!
- What?! Oh my gosh, this is huge!
(phone rings)
Oh, it's Janice.
Oh, take it, take it!
Hi, Janice.
Yeah, I'm just seeing it now.
Yes, I can come in, I can come in right now.
Sure. Okay, yeah, I'll see you soon.
Bye. (call beeps off)
(squealing and laughing)
(uplifting music)
(sighs happily)
(phone chimes)
(sighs happily)
(♪)
(Janice): Can you believe it?
Honestly,
I'm struggling with the fact that I'm even awake right now.
- I mean, of course, it shouldn't be a surprise,
based on your talent alone.
You wrote an absolutely incredible story.
- (sighs happily) - But 20 years in this industry
and I've never seen a splash like this
for an indie author, let alone a first timer!
- Which is exactly why I'm convinced
my alarm is gonna go off any second.
Well, don't wake up just yet.
Guess who I got a call from this morning.
I don't know, Santa Claus?
Better, Meredith McEvans.
- No! From Grapevine Publishing?
That's the one.
She's eyeing you for a three-book deal.
Oh my gosh, this is...
Career altering?
Life changing?
Every writer's wildest dream!
Yeah.
(laughing)
(elevator chimes)
(upbeat music)
Morning.
Good morning, Emma.
Daniel, you're early today.
- Yeah, I'm actually meeting Janice Kilner this morning.
Secretly switching agents?
Scandalous! Tell me everything.
- Ha! No, no juicy scandals, unfortunately.
Just doing Janice a favor after she helped set up
that initial meeting for the web series.
- Oh, right! How's that going?
It's...
going.
It's a work in progress but we'll get there.
- Oh, I'm sure it'll be great. - Thanks.
So, for the book tour,
we have you in Boston, Chicago, LA.
- Kind of a... coast to coast action.
- Yes, and the kickoff for the tour
will be an event here in the city,
sponsored by Pen and Paper Bookstore.
It'll be a media only interview, hosted by Olivia Winters.
Wait, the Olivia Winters?
I grew up watching her show with my mom.
- Yeah, the queen of late night is a big fan of your book.
- Wow! Okay, no more news for today.
My brain is about to... poof!
Oh great,
Meredith McEvans just got back to me.
She'll be in the audience that evening
and wants to take you out to dinner after
to discuss the book deal.
Perfect!
Perfect.
- Come in! - Morning, Janice.
- Oh, Daniel, welcome. Grab a seat.
(Daniel clears throat)
(playful music)
(Daniel clears throat)
- You must be Sophie. Daniel Burke.
Looking forward to working together.
- Sophie Wood. Nice to meet you.
Uh, Sophie and I
were just going through the details of her book tour
and I was about to get to your role in all this.
Just in time! Nice.
- Okay, you know, I'm actually surprised
you two haven't met yet.
Daniel's another client of the agency
and he's working on a web series
with uh, Revel Lifestyles, if you've heard of them?
Oh yeah!
Yeah, I've watched a lot of that content.
Um, congrats.
- Thanks. And congratulations on the book.
- Amazing news. - Thank you.
So, Sophie, for book tours,
we always hire a public-speaking coach
to help authors prepare.
And since Daniel is a thought leader on the subject,
and a client of the agency,
I figured he'd be a natural fit to help with the book tour.
- Oh, that won't be necessary. Honestly.
I'm totally good to go. Consider my bags packed.
(chuckles) No offense and...
and thank you for the offer.
- Yeah, no problem. (scoffs)
Are you sure, Sophie?
Speaking prep is pretty standard.
My clients always rave about how helpful it is.
Oh, I'm sure it is, um...
- And Daniel's been working hard on his web series scripts,
so I was thinking
maybe in return for his help with the coaching,
you could help him with some editing.
- Oh, actually, the scripts, they're--
- Oh yeah! I'll totally help with the editing.
- Anytime. - No. Thank you.
But uh, yeah,
my friend is reviewing them for me.
He's a real stickler for grammar and...
words.
Well, it's just about 1:00
so I'd better go check to see if the reporters are here.
Oh, great.
Yeah, I should head back to the flower shop.
On Wednesdays we ice the orchids so--
- Actually, they're here to see you, Sophie.
- Sorry? - Yes.
I called a mini press conference
as soon as we got the news this morning.
Hmm.
Great!
That sounds fantastic.
And Daniel,
I'd still love you to observe.
- Sure! It'd be great to see one of these press conferences
in case you ever need my help for any other clients.
(Janice): Great!
(chuckles awkwardly)
(indistinct chatter)
So, these are reporters
from some of the top-lit magazines,
here to get the scoop on your book.
Everyone, Sophie. Sophie, everyone.
Hi, there.
- All right, if everyone can take a seat,
we can get started.
- Thank you all so much for taking the time to stop by.
I think I speak for both Sophie and myself
when I say that we are just blown away
by the massive early success of Walking on Air.
Though rare for a new author,
I can't say I'm too surprised.
Ever since the first time I read her work,
I knew that Sophie had a gift.
But enough from me.
Sophie, I'll let you go ahead and introduce yourself.
Uh... hi, everyone.
I'm Sophie. (ring clangs to floor)
Oh, whoops.
(chuckles nervously)
Um, Sophie... Wood.
Sophie Wood. I'm the... uh...
author of the novel.
(tense music)
- Uh, maybe you can start by telling us a bit
about your writing process.
Yeah! Uh, right.
Um, yeah, I've never really...
(clears throat) ...done this before.
Uh, so to start, I um...
I... I talk to my characters.
Not in the mirror. That would be weird.
(chuckles nervously)
Uh, I, uh...
like to talk to my character on the, um...
- Page? - The page.
I like to talk to my character on the page.
- You know, I've noticed while working with Sophie
that her talent lies in her ability to be diligent.
Without letting the rigidity of deadlines
or deliverables squash her creativity.
Sophie is an everyday writer
Who will produce draft after draft...
(tense echoing music drowns out words)
- (tense music stops) - Sorry, I'm just gonna grab...
Okay, there. Okay.
(slurps water)
(Janice): Well, uh, thank you all for coming.
(playful music)
I'll uh, see you at the media gala
in a few weeks.
Thank you.
(exhales)
- I'm sorry for springing that on you.
- No, no, I'm sorry I didn't bring my A-game.
Not a problem.
But can we uh, reconvene tomorrow?
I wanna chat a bit more about the book tour
since it uh... it is coming up fast.
- Absolutely. Same time?
If you can, yes.
- Great. - See you soon.
Yeah.
(melancholy music)
(blows out breath)
What was that?
(gentle jazzy music)
(door chimes)
- Hey, Mom. - Hmm!
- When was the last time you watered the ferns?
Ooh! Last week, sometime...
Something like that, I think.
- Okay, they actually weren't due for a watering
until this week so I'm gonna make a note
for another watering in two weeks. Okay?
These ones are very fussy and they looked a bit drowned.
Okay. Well,
the plants can wait until tomorrow
to be fussed over.
Why don't you call it quits
and bask in the glory of your big day?
Oh, look! Look, look!
Great Reads Magazine!
- Wow. - Yeah.
- That was fast. - Oh.
Oh, your father would be so happy.
He always knew his little girl
would make it someday.
I have a funny feeling
he pulled a couple strings for me up there.
- Mm-hmm.
I'm gonna get a hard copy of this tomorrow
- and frame it. - Oh, nice!
Maybe you can put it over my sixth grade school photo.
Oh! Oh, look!
There are reader reviews at the bottom of this article.
"My favorite book of the year."
Oh, this one has every color of heart emoji at the end of it.
(chuckles)
- I love that you know what emojis are.
Oh yeah, I text.
(laughs)
(soft music)
(sentimental music)
(sighs happily)
(box lid clunks)
(sighs happily)
(train passing by)
So, what do you think?
(sighs)
- Uh, yeah. Yeah, I mean,
it's obvious you've done a lot of work on this.
And um, I'm not trying to be harsh in any way,
but uh, these episodes seem a little...
Dry?
Yeah, I felt that while I was writing them.
- Right? They're just like, missing the...
the sparkle that makes you good at what you do.
- Oh, Tom, you think I sparkle, man?
- Not in these scripts, you don't.
- Yeah, okay. Point taken.
- No, but seriously, man, I mean,
I know how challenging the writing process can be,
and if I could write these things for you, I would.
But you're the expert
they're paying the big bucks for.
- And I'm just the young and dashingly handsome producer
trying to get his own career off the ground.
(chuckles)
Well, questionable.
(clears throat)
Okay, but hear me out for a second.
This whole series
is based on public speaking, right?
And I believe
that the real sparkle behind any great speaker
is the ability to embrace spontaneity.
- Okay. - So...
What if we just send them an outline
of all the key points I plan to touch on,
and then just tell them that part of my process
is simply being in the moment when the camera's on?
Okay, believe me,
I would love to save us both that kind of time.
And sure, you can embrace spontaneity all you want
once we get into filming.
- Great. - But...
Revel specifically asked us for full episode scripts
before we can even move into production.
(grunts)
(sighs)
See if I can squeeze in another pass
in the next week, if I can fit it in.
The deadline's Friday.
Remember?
Yikes.
- Friday snuck up fast. - Yeah.
It's right after Thursday.
(sighs) (laughs)
(chill electronic music)
(pensive music)
(sighs)
(Sophie): I'm sorry, Janice.
I know I messed up yesterday but--
- No need to apologize. To start,
let's just zoom out a bit and agree
that no one really likes public speaking.
Okay?
No offense.
- None taken. I know full well
that enjoying it is a little bizarre.
I actually enjoy it, too.
Look, I was off yesterday. Okay, I know that.
But it was a fluke and it won't happen again.
I promise.
- You have a lot riding on this interview, Sophie.
And if yesterday was intimidating,
just imagine being in the hot seat
with Olivia Winters.
- Janice, I can assure you--
- That's exactly what I need, assurance.
It's my job to set you up for success
and I can't just sit back and let you miss out
on this book deal with Grapevine.
I don't say that to scare you,
but these big publishers wanna work with writers
who are not only talented, but also capable
of upholding a certain public prestige
that goes along with their brand.
And if Meredith McEvans decides
to pull the plug on the deal
because she feels you aren't ready,
it'll be really hard for us to bounce back.
I totally understand
but I think I'm fully capable of--
I know you are capable,
but in order to prevent any jitters
from getting in the way, I'm going to insist
that you work with Daniel to prepare.
Just think of it as...
taking out an insurance policy on your dream career.
- I was thinking maybe we can go for a business lunch.
Talk through the coaching, see where you're at?
Sure.
A business lunch.
That's a great idea.
(chuckles awkwardly)
(gentle music)
Sophie, hi!
- Hey! (chuckles awkwardly)
Sorry about that, I didn't see you at first.
I thought I would just, uh...
- run a quick errand. - All good.
Thank you for meeting with me.
I'm excited to dive into the coaching with you.
- Yeah! Listen, Daniel,
I don't wanna underplay your qualifications.
- Mm-hmm. - I looked you up, by the way.
I hope that's not weird.
- As long as it isn't weird if I looked you up, too.
- The fact that it's not weird makes it weird, you know?
- Ha! Sign of the times, for sure.
- Mm-hmm. But I have to say,
I was really impressed by your work.
I'm sure it works wonders for people who...
- who need it. - Yeah, well, that's the goal.
Yeah. I just, um...
I just don't think I'm one of those people!
You know,
and I don't wanna take time from your busy schedule.
And your scripts!
I'm still available for edits if you need me.
- Yeah, thanks. Maybe down the line.
Sure thing.
Anyway, um... I know we just met,
but do I really seem like that shy of a person to you?
No, not at all.
But effective public speaking doesn't always hinge
on whether a person is shy or not.
I mean, there have been plenty of outgoing people
throughout history
that have been terrible public speakers.
Even presidents.
So, how about this?
I could do a quick assessment right here,
see where you're at, and if I agree
that you don't need the coaching,
then I'll tell Janice
you have my official stamp of approval.
Hmm. Deal.
Cool.
Gonna walk us through a quick visualization.
- Shoot! I left my crystals at home.
- It'll only work if you take it seriously.
You did say you wanted to be off the hook, didn't you?
Okay.
All right.
We'll start by having you exhale,
close your eyes, place your hands on my palms.
(exhales sharply) Okay.
We'll use the interview as the example in this scenario.
(tense echoing music)
Picture yourself at Pen and Paper Bookstore.
There's Olivia Winters getting ready
to introduce you to a full audience.
You look out and there's Meredith McEvans
taking a seat in the middle row.
- No, no, no, no. Nope.
I'm terrified, okay?
I despise public speaking.
Hey, let me help you.
I use a skill-based, five-step method.
The interview's in 10 days, right?
Don't remind me.
- The coaching won't take too long.
If you give it a try and decide it's not for you,
we'll part ways. No hard feelings.
- Well, if you help me pull this thing off,
you might just be an expert in magic
by the time we're done.
(tenuous rock music)
(elevator chimes)
Hey, hey. Welcome.
- I didn't know this place was here.
- It's beautiful. - Isn't it?
My friend Tom and I use it as a workspace all the time.
And it's entirely donation based
and maintained by the artists that use it.
- Very cool. - Hmm.
And um,
why exactly am I wearing athletic gear?
Please tell me we're not running.
- Don't worry, running is not on the docket.
- Good. I used to run every day in college
but these days, I prefer a brisk walk.
Yeah, I saw that,
two-time track champion at Knowles College.
- How did you know--
Right.
Well, it was actually cross-country
and I came in third both years, but I like your spin on it.
- Well, your time as a runner might actually help you
with what we're working on today.
Step one in the coaching program is breath work.
Did you know
that if you can control your breath,
you can actually trick your nervous system
into calmness?
- I did not. - Hmm.
Makes sense.
Public speaking and forgetting how to breathe
seem to go hand in hand for me.
- You are not alone. It's very common.
(gentle music)
Oh, wow!
This is lovely.
- Hey, brother, how's it's going?
All right.
Yoga.
I've been meaning to get into yoga.
So, if I pull a hammy on the first try,
you're gonna have to carry me down
- four flights of stairs. - The risk is low,
but I've got your back either way.
Okay, we're gonna start with some warm-ups.
Big breath in. (inhales deeply)
And melt all the way down.
- (laughs) - Come on.
- What? - You look like
one of those inflatable tube men
at a car dealership.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
- Ever noticed that tube man seems
like a pretty carefree guy?
He's not out there worrying about what anyone else thinks.
- He sure isn't. - Right?
Let him inspire you. Commit to your inner tube man.
(laughs)
(inhaling deeply)
(exhaling deeply)
(laughing)
(♪)
The singular most important thing you can do
when trying to control your breath
is to breathe from your diaphragm.
- Hmm, I've heard some of my favorite pop stars
talk about that.
- Funny, I had you pegged as more of a jazz fan.
Because I'm a novelist?
Yeah,
which is a pretty bad case of stereotyping
when I say it out loud.
- You're probably into house music?
Because I have a lot of energy
and essentially make a living as a glorified hype man?
- Mm-hmm. - Wow.
Well, I'll have you know, yeah, that's exactly right.
Yeah. Unce, unce, unce, unce.
(laughs)
Okay, DJ Daniel,
are you gonna teach me how to breathe
or have I lost you to your inner dance floor?
- Wait for it. Here comes the beat drop.
Boom!
(hand taps floor)
(chuckling)
All right, so one hand on your chest,
the other on your stomach,
and exhale fully
and then simply let the air re-enter your body.
It should feel like you have a balloon
inflating underneath your ribs.
(inhales deeply) In through your nose, and out.
(exhales deeply)
In through your nose... (inhales deeply)
...and out. (exhales deeply)
- So, if I practice real hard, what's the likelihood
that I end up like one of these popstars?
- Well, I don't know, let's hear a few notes.
- (laughs) - Yes.
I walked right into that one, didn't I?
- You sure did. (chukles)
(exhales deeply) And out.
(Sophie's phone chimes)
Oh, my mom needs me
to cover at the flower shop for a few hours.
- Can we pick back up tomorrow? - Hmm.
- Sorry, she's not always so good with schedules.
- No worries, we're just about done for today.
Why don't I walk you?
We can wrap up quickly at the shop.
I have to head that direction anyway.
You don't mind?
- Nope. I love a brisk walk myself.
(uplifting music)
- There you go. Nice to see you.
(chuckles)
- (door chimes) - Thank you.
- Hey, Mom! - Oh!
- This is Daniel, the one I was telling you about.
- Yes, Daniel. - Hi.
- I'm Evelyn. Nice to meet you.
And I'm so sorry to interrupt your session
but I completely forgot about an appointment
- I have this afternoon. - No trouble at all.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Evelyn.
Yeah, yeah. And uh...
Oh, thanks so much, Sophie,
and I'll see ya later tonight, hmm?
- Yeah, funny how you forgot about your appointment
but you didn't forget about pasta night, huh?
- Uh, priorities, priorities! (chuckles)
- Uh-huh.
(door chimes)
Your mom seems awesome.
Must've been a lot of fun growing up.
Oh yeah, never a dull moment.
So, step two is memorization.
And it comes with some homework.
- Romeo and Juliet? - Mm-hmm.
- These two are nothing but trouble.
- Whenever you have to speak in front of an audience,
it can always be helpful to memorize some sort of text,
a safety net to fall back on when the nerves take over.
- So, if I freak out in front of Olivia and Meredith,
I'm supposed to start reciting a Shakespearian monologue?
- I would pay big bucks to see that, but no.
The monologue will be for step five, the trial run.
In a few days,
you'll recite the monologue in front of a group of friends,
incorporating all the new skills you've learned.
This story stresses me out.
Not a big romantic?
- I have no problem with romance.
I just don't believe that love should be as hard
as it's made out to be in stories.
- Hmm, I get that. But then again,
love can be pretty hard in real life.
- Well, not if you keep your head on straight.
- Yeah, but who's ever kept their head on straight
- when they've fallen in love? - Me.
I've never totally lost my head for someone.
Oh.
Is it possible
you've never actually been in love?
Uh...
(door chimes) Hello.
Let me know if you need any help with anything.
Okay, Mr. Speech and Debate Co-Captain
- Oh, wow. You did a deep dive, huh?
- I'm thorough. - Now,
before we even get to the trial run,
we have to tackle step three, facing your fears.
Okay.
We could do that or we could, I don't know...
- not do that. - Oh, all right.
So, I'm gonna have you write down
some of your other fears
and I'm gonna set a 20 second timer
so that you can go with your gut instinct
- and not overthink it. - Okay, but what if--
- Go. - Oh, okay. Um...
(playful music)
And time!
Oh.
Lemme see.
Interesting.
Yeah, we can definitely knock off
a few of these tomorrow.
- You in? - Do I have a choice?
- Oh, you always have a choice to be chicken.
- You did not just chicken me! - Oh, I did.
- You let me know the time and place
- and I'll be there. - You got it.
(soft music)
- How'd it go with the master of the stage today?
- Seemed like a nice guy. - Yeah.
- Well, he's uh... a character. - Hmm?
- I still think it might be a waste of time,
but he did share with me a couple tips
- to keep in my back pocket. - Well, that's great!
Here, let me taste this.
- What do you think? - Mm.
You measured everything, right?
- Yes! I followed the recipe exactly.
- Yeah, well, this recipe is more of a suggestion
than a rule, right?
I mean, little dash of this,
a pinch of that.
Just go with the flow.
(chuckles)
(laughs) (glasses clink)
- Cheers. - Cheers.
(upbeat music)
(scoffs)
Hi.
- Did you really have to pick the tallest building
in the neighborhood?
Couldn't we have started with something smaller?
Like, climb a tree or check out the fire escape
of a two-story building?
Or see a movie that takes place on a plane?
Well, I do have to admit,
I did have a double motive for picking this place.
My dad actually brought me here for the first time
when I was a kid.
I come back once a year
to get a picture from the top for him.
Aw. Where does he live?
- He's upstate, but he's a city guy at heart.
Just doesn't make it out this way
as much as he'd like to anymore.
(Sophie chuckles lightly)
- Well, if I have to do it for Dad,
I guess I have to do it for Dad.
Chickens first.
- Hey! (chuckles)
(sentimental music)
My legs are Jello. My legs are Jello.
- Um... - Come on.
- I mean, I feel brave, we can go now.
- You've got this. Come on,
we're just gonna head over to the ledge,
check out the view, take a picture,
and then, we're gonna head back down, right?
- Oh. - Okay, I can't look down.
I can't look until we get there,
- so just make I don't-- - Okay.
Almost there, you got it.
- ...bump into anything. - You got this, come on.
All right, all right, almost there.
Okay, and the last few steps are all you.
- Oh, come on! - Okay, almost there!
- What? - You got it, come on.
Ugh. Oh!
There you go.
I'm gonna count it down, and when you look up,
you're gonna see the city
like you've never seen it before, I promise.
- Oh, oh. (exhales nervously)
Okay, go, go, go.
All right, three, two, one.
Ah!
(revealing music) What?
(Sophie sighs)
(chuckles) (gasps)
- This is like a totally different city from here.
It's incredible, right?
(sighs)
I think that's my...
I think that's my first apartment
over there.
My roommate was so sweet, but so messy.
(chuckles)
Oh!
- My high school was just past that intersection.
There was a pizza shop and a bakery
right across from each other.
Best smelling corner in the city.
- Oh yeah, I recognize that area.
My dad's auto shop was there.
- Oh yeah, I know that place. Does he still work there?
Oh, no.
He passed away when I was nine.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
- Thanks. He was the best.
It's getting windy up here.
Um, I should take that picture of you.
Yes!
(clears throat)
- Okay. (laughs)
(camera shutter snaps)
Got it. These look great!
- One more for good luck? - Yeah!
No, come in.
Okay.
- Oh, all right, all right, your good side.
- (chuckles) - Ready?
(camera shutter snaps)
Got it.
- Good? - Yeah.
Would you like to go back down to the ground?
- Yes, please. - Let's go.
- Great. (upbeat music)
(city rumble)
I can't. You do it.
- Come on, buddy, you'll be fine.
Just hit send.
- Do you really think the changes helped?
- You know what? I do. I mean,
I'm sure we'll get some notes back
but that's to be expected. We can handle notes.
You're right.
And a deadline's a deadline, right?
- There's not much else we can do.
Okay, here we go.
(chiming) Done.
Atta boy.
And now, we wait.
And now we wait.
Just hurry up and wait.
(upbeat music)
- So... (Evelyn clears throat)
Now that you've conquered your fear of heights,
would you water the plants on the top shelf up there?
Very clever segue,
but I actually have to leave in a minute
- to go meet Daniel at the park. - Oh!
What's on the docket for you two today?
Another fear challenge.
I just don't know the details yet.
Of all the fears I listed,
I didn't think you were gonna be able
to get your hands on rollerblades so quickly.
- Seems like skating is really making a comeback.
A few of the bike rental shops in the city
have expanded their horizons into skate rentals.
- Goes hand in hand with the 90s fashion.
Yeah.
- Speaking of the 90s - Mm-hmm.
- ...that was probably the last time
I put on a pair of these bad boys.
Ooh, me too.
Your horror story first and then mine?
- Well, I used to be pretty good
until I took a huge fall and had to get knee surgery.
Oh.
- I can spare you the show and tell unless--
- No! I'm good. (chuckles)
Are you squeamish?
Uh, maybe a little squeamish.
A little just don't wanna jinx it.
Fair. Your turn.
Oh, join me up here
and I will tell you a story of young heartbreak
that would make Romeo and Juliet look like child's play.
- Ah! (laughs)
I bet it all started
when you lost your head for a girl.
Big time.
It was the sixth grade
and I was madly in love with my girlfriend,
Colleen Shine.
- Hmm. - Mm-hmm.
- Let met guess, her smile could light up a room.
You know it.
We dated for three months,
which means we talked like once a month
during lunch period. (laughs)
- See, that's why I waited to have my first boyfriend
until I was a grown, mature, eighth grader.
(laughs) We talked every day.
If you count passing notes in class as talking.
- So, it was the end of the year field trip,
and we were at Skate Town, this big roller rink in Jersey.
Lights come down, disco ball starts to spin,
and my favorite R&B song comes on.
- Uh-oh. I think I know where this is going.
- (clicks tongue) - Yeah.
I look over at Colleen
and she's slow skating with Steve Sherman.
No! Not Steve Sherman!
- Steve Sherman. - Hmm.
I was so crushed
I never hit the rink again after that.
- (laugh) - You win.
Your emotional scar
is much more gnarly than my surgery scar.
- (gasps) - Whoa!
- Oh! (laughs)
- Are you good? - I'm good. I'm good.
Oh, so, how did it end with pen pal boy?
- Well, he said he wanted to take things off the page
- and meet face to face. - Ooh!
- I didn't feel ready so I dumped him.
With a haiku.
Sheesh!
Ruthless with the pen, even as a youth!
(wheels rattling)
(chuckles)
(light music)
- You know, that wasn't that bad.
I might have to stick with it for the cardio.
- Yeah, that was a lot more fun than I remember.
- So, what next, matching tattoos?
Couple fears conquered.
We even had time to stop and reward ourselves.
Cheers to that.
If we break now
we can head back to the loft space
and run through step four.
Which is?
(rhythmic music)
(Daniel): Body language.
The goal here is to use your physicality
to send a signal of confidence,
not only to the audience, but to your own brain.
Make eye contact,
especially if you know someone in the audience.
You could even make eye contact with Meredith,
- if you're feeling brave. - Okay, baby steps.
- (Daniel laughs) - Let's see. Give it a try.
(Daniel laughs)
That's it.
Chin up, shoulders back.
(laughs)
That... that is certainly shoulders back and chin up.
(laughs)
(Daniel laughs)
Okay, are you taking this seriously?
- Do you want to learn? - Yes, obviously.
- All right. I'm gonna come show you.
- I know how to walk. - I can see that.
(Sophie laughs) Come on. Ready?
- Okay. - So,
feet, shoulders, chin,
then we walk.
That's the one.
And as corny as it might sound,
smile.
There it is.
(laughs)
(upbeat music)
(Sophie): Don't tell me, don't tell me.
"Should I fall, let it be with grace and...
grace and..."
Levity.
- "Levity of spirit." Shoot, okay.
- Let's start again. - Yeah, but...
(sighs) But you were almost done!
Can't we just pick it up from here?
- No, I have to get it right. I have to get it perfect.
I'm no improvisor when the heat is on.
- Won't you have to improvise the answers
during the interview? I mean,
you don't always know
what questions they're going to ask.
Regardless, I'm not there yet.
The point is to get this monologue
memorized and down pat
so I can work on the other skills
- I've learned with Daniel. - Do you think
you might be giving this silly fear of yours
- a little too much power? - Mom,
I get what you're saying but it doesn't feel so silly
when I'm up there in fight or flight mode.
- No. No, I know. I don't mean to downplay it,
it's just that...
I think if you just went into it freely,
without all this build up,
you might find some levity of spirit.
- (exhales) - I wish I could.
You can head home if you're tired
but I'm gonna stay here and get this perfect.
(chuckles)
- You really are your father's daughter,
aren't you?
Yeah, I've always said, the two of you were sent
to teach me a thing or two about diligence.
So...
From the top!
- Okay. (clears throat)
Should I fall,
let it be with grace and levity of spirit.
(Evelyn): There you go.
(soft music)
(city rumble)
Thank you guys for coming.
I'm a little nervous but it's gonna be fine.
- Hey. Sorry for the delay.
Tom was supposed to be here
with the speaker and mic already.
- Oh no! I guess we should reschedule.
How about uh, never?
Hmm.
- No? - No.
- (Tom): Hey, guys! - Okay.
- There he is! - Ah, great!
Sorry I'm late.
Hi, you must be Sophie.
I'm Tom, Daniel's friend,
and personal tech department. (laughs)
- I paid him to add in the friend bit.
- Well, it's nice to meet you, Tom.
(Tom): Definitely.
- Thanks for coming through, man.
Feel free to stick around and help us
fill in this little crowd we've got here.
- Will do. Let me just get all set up
and I'll be back out here.
(Daniel clears throat)
Okay.
(feedback squeals)
Okay, testing, testing.
(feedback squeals) Oh, ooh.
Whoops, sorry about that everyone
but that's why we test. Ha, ha.
Testing, testing, testing.
Sounds great!
Whenever you're ready.
- All yours. - Okay.
Okay.
(gentle music)
(breathes quickly)
Uh...
(heartbeats) (breathes shallowly)
Testing...
(tense echoing music swelling)
(indistinct chatter)
I can't.
I can't, I can't. (tense echoing music stops)
I'm sorry. I...
(Daniel clears throat)
Hey, folks,
just wanted to let everyone know about the food trucks
that you'll find if you walk down that way.
Yep, just keep walking that way
for New York's best food on wheels.
Not here, over there.
(soft music)
Sorry, man. Thanks.
(♪)
Thank you.
Just doesn't make any sense.
Last time, I couldn't stop babbling,
and this time...
I forget how to speak entirely.
How am I supposed to fix the problem
if my reaction's different every time?
- Look, I know you have it in you, okay?
You worked through the coaching steps
just as well, if not better,
than some of my strongest clients.
And? I still failed!
Why don't we try again later?
Oh, no. I'm spent.
- I get that. - No, you don't!
I'm sorry?
No, I'm sorry,
I didn't mean to snap, I just...
there's no way
that you could possibly understand
what I'm going through
because you've always been a natural.
- Public speaking has always come naturally to me,
sure, but I've got my own fear.
A big one for me, actually...
writing.
Yeah...
I know.
What, you do?
- Mm-hmm.
I recognize that look in your eyes
every time someone mentions your scripts.
Some might even call it the chicken stare.
(Daniel laughs)
- So, you caught me, huh? - I sure did.
- Seriously though, let me know
when you get those notes back on your scripts.
I'd love to return the favor and help out.
And I promise to be as patient with you
as you have been with me.
Thank you. Really.
And I will definitely take you up on that
when I hear back.
Cool.
But getting back to you,
I think we can try a few more creative ways
to tackle this fear that's still blocking you.
If you'll keep me on, that is.
- Oh, you're not jumping ship now.
- Good. Wouldn't want to.
To facing our fears.
(rhythmic music)
Let's go.
(♪)
- I know exactly when everything went downhill.
Fourth grade science fair
and it was my turn to present my diorama.
Oh, I forgot about those!
You make 'em out of shoeboxes, right?
Yep.
Mine was a deciduous forest scene.
I used the trimmings from the plants at my mom's shop
to make the trees.
It had been about a month since my dad passed
and I guess I was determined to prove to everyone
that I was back to being a normal kid,
- whatever that meant. - Sure.
That's a lot for you to be going through at such a young age.
- So, there I was at the front of the room,
ready to go,
and all of a sudden, my mind went blank.
I started getting really hot
and the walls seemed like they were closing in on me,
and the next thing I know, I'm...
sobbing uncontrollably
and the teachers had to rush me to the bathroom.
- No! Poor little Sophie. - Exactly!
That's the part that still sticks with me.
Those teachers looking at me with such deep pity.
I felt pathetic.
And now that I say it out loud, maybe that's the fear.
It's not so much the act of speaking in front of everyone
but the idea that I could be perceived as weak.
Huh.
Yeah, that's deep.
(soft music)
Well, the good news?
You could never look weak, 'cause you're not.
You're talented, articulate,
self-assured, beautiful.
Beautiful, huh?
- Sorry, uh, I mean, you-- (Sophie's phone rings)
- (sputters) - Hey, Janice.
Oh, uh...
Which podcast is that again?
(rock rattles in cradle)
Um... sure!
Yeah, I think I can make that work.
(blows out breath)
Okay, great.
Yeah, I'll be there.
Thanks, Janice.
(call beeps off) I'm gonna be
on the Tailored to the Page podcast
tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Help!
- Is that the one where they try and imagine
what fashion designers
the characters in the books are wearing?
That's one segment, yes.
My protagonist is a tightrope walker.
I don't know any famous leotard designers!
Is that even a thing?
- This is actually the perfect warmup.
You get to work on your interview skills
without actually having a crowd. Less pressure.
Aren't you proud of me?
Look at me,
living life on the edge, all the way up here.
- All the way... it's the fourth floor.
(Sophie laughs)
- Still counts! I'm facing my fears.
Actually, you know what?
There's one more fear I wanna try to conquer
before the podcast. Wasn't on your list.
- Then how do you know it's a fear?
- Thought I'd have a curveball challenge
handy the other day, so...
I contacted a local expert in all things Sophie.
Who?
- Tom? - Hey.
- Not who I was referring to but...
Hey, Tom.
- Uh, sorry to interrupt but um...
can I steal you for a bit to talk about the project?
Something sort of just um, came up.
Uh yeah, definitely.
Hey, if you're free later,
can I meet you at the flower shop?
- (clicks tongue) - Oh, Mom's the expert.
Of course. Uh yeah,
I'll be at the flower shop this evening
- to help her close up. - Perfect.
- See you then. - Sounds good.
- Nice to see you, Tom. - Likewise.
Take care, Sophie.
- Revel hated the script, didn't they?
- Let's just say they didn't land well, at all.
Ugh!
(sighs) I'm really sorry, Tom.
I didn't think we were this far off the mark.
- I know! Me either. Luckily,
they're gonna give us another shot.
All we gotta do is go in there
and give them something totally fresh.
- Yeah, yeah, great, let's...
- Let's do it. - All right, great.
Let's get started with uh...
trying to focus on nailing down
a brand new concept for the pilot episode.
- That's a good idea. Yeah, if we could sell them
on whatever new direction that we're heading in,
then we can build from there.
Definitely.
Brand new concept.
(computer keys clacking)
- Hey! What about Sophie?
- Yeah, she actually offered to help with the edits,
which will be great.
- No, no, no, no, I mean I think she would be
a really great case study to focus on
- for the pilot episode. - Ah, honestly,
- I don't know about that, Tom. - Hear me out, buddy.
Okay, Revel said they wanted something more tangible,
- less hypothetical, right? - Yeah, but--
- I think Sophie's real-life story
about overcoming her own stage fright
could be really inspiring. Plus, she's a rising name.
So, by the time the series comes out,
audiences will already be familiar with her.
It's kind of a win-win on the publicity front.
Yeah, but...
if we were gonna use her as a subject in an episode,
I would have wanted to ask at the start of the coaching.
All right? Asking midway through feels...
shifty.
And I don't want her thinking
that I have some ulterior motive for helping her.
No, no, no, I get that.
But you do take notes on all your clients, right?
And I assume you have some notes on Sophie?
Yes, for my own use.
Okay, how about this?
We play around with sketching out
an episode about Sophie
based on the notes you already have.
And then, if she nails the interview
and you think it's appropriate,
we can pitch the concept to her at that point.
Fine. But...
if she isn't absolutely thrilled with how this interview goes,
we scrap this idea and we're back to square one.
- Totally, we scrap it. But for now,
let's just see what notes you already have
and maybe we can get a rough draft going.
It's worth a shot.
Producers.
(laughs)
(soft music)
- Really? - Hmm?
- You told him I'm afraid of small spaces?
- Well, I admit, it was a bit selfish on my part
but um... well, look.
The closet is due for a reorganization
and I just thought it could be
maybe your last project in the shop
before you become rich and famous.
- All right, let's not get too ahead of ourselves.
- Yeah, well, just speaking it into existence.
(Daniel chuckles) Mwah!
- Oh, and um, if you two get locked in there,
just be sure to scream real loud.
- Not helping. (Evelyn laughs)
(door opening) See? I'm perfectly fine.
Wait, what if we get... trapped?
- Well, we could either walk out...
...or we can scream for Evelyn, which would be my vote.
- (laughs) - Please don't get her going.
(Daniel chuckles)
Here we go.
Just like everything else,
start with the breath.
(inhales and exhales deeply)
Instead of focusing on the science of the space,
try focusing on what's inside the space,
sweet aromas, beautiful flowers.
- You ready? - For?
Ahem, this thing on?
Welcome to the inside floristry podcast.
I'm your host, Daniel Burke. (giggles)
And today, I'm joined by a very special guest,
best-selling author, aspiring daredevil,
and master florist, Sophie Wood!
How's it going, Sophie?
- Well, I'm currently cooped up in a closet
with a man who's imagining things,
but other than that, I'm hanging in there.
- Little imagination never hurt anyone.
In fact, our listeners
are gonna use their imaginations right now.
For those of you who can't see me...
(Sophie giggles) ...which is everyone,
I am currently selecting a bunch of flowers
and forming a small bouquet.
In a moment,
Sophie is gonna tell us a little bit
about each flower,
and she's gonna rate my bouquet on a scale of one to ten.
- Here you are, my lady. - Oh! Why thank you, kind sir,
they're absolutely lovely. (sniffs)
(tender music)
Oh, sorry kids,
a customer just called with a last-minute order.
Oh, Daniel, you're tall,
would you mind reaching up into the corner
- and getting that planter for me? - Sure thing.
- Mm-hmm.
- Sorry. (chuckles nervously)
There. (Evelyn): Lovely, thank you.
That wasn't so bad, was it?
The bouquet?
Yeah, I'd give it a solid eight out of ten.
Not bad for a rookie.
- Well, I'll give you a 15 out of 10
for enduring a whole five minutes
with a podcaster in a cramped space.
All you gotta do tomorrow is wake up and repeat.
- It'll be a piece of cake. - You know what?
- Maybe you're right. - There you go!
- Right on, baby! (laughs)
(giggles) Oh, here you go.
This'll ensure you both get a decent night's sleep.
Just put it under your pillow.
- (Daniel): Will do, thank you. - Mm-hmm.
- I'll see you tomorrow around 8:45?
- Yeah, I'll be there at 8:30 but no rush.
And uh, text me if you want coffee.
- It's a pleasure seeing you, Evelyn.
- You too, hun. See you soon.
- Well, it looks like the two of you
are getting along very well. (door chimes)
Yeah, he's been um...
He's been great, actually.
I just hope it all works out.
You know, the tour, and the interview and...
everything.
- (clears throat) - Well,
I have a funny feeling it'll all work out just fine.
(chuckling softly)
(tender music)
That came fast.
- Uh, I'll be right back, Mom. - Oh!
(door chimes)
Daniel!
- Hey! Did I forget something?
- No, but I ordered this for you and it just came in.
- For me? - Yes.
This is one of my favorite writing journals.
It has a daily prompt on each page
and it's what I always use
whenever I'm going through writer's block.
It helps get the creative juices flowing.
- "Which is more romantic, sunrise or sunset, and why?"
Well, I guess I'd have to say sunset.
- Oh, no, no, gotta write it down.
Right.
I guess I'll have to noodle on this one
when I get home then.
Thank you, Sophie. This was really thoughtful.
It's the least I could do.
- Get home say, okay? - You too.
Good night.
(soft music)
(door chimes)
(♪)
(exhales deeply)
- Okay. (elevator chimes)
- Morning. (screams)
- Sorry, sorry. - You scared me!
- I didn't wanna disturb your reading.
- Don't worry, I'll get you back
one of these days when you least expect it.
I'm sure you will.
So, how are you feeling? Ready?
I'm good. I think.
You're good, I know.
- Sophie! Oh, it is so nice to meet you.
- Georgia, it's a pleasure. - Please, call me Gigi.
- This is my friend, Daniel. - Hi.
- Daniel, nice to meet you. - Likewise.
- All right, right this way. (Sophie): Okay.
- All right, so we're gonna have you over here.
Okay.
- Thank you so much for coming in last minute.
- Oh, of course. Big fan of the show.
- Oh, I'm a big fan of the book! Seriously,
I finished it all in one day.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
- That's amazing. - It was!
Seriously, such a treat.
Ooh, I almost forgot about
our lightning round questions for later.
Uh, lightning round?
I don't remember that being part
of the segment of the episodes I studied.
- I mean, listened to. - Oh, well, you're gonna be
the very first guest we try this with.
The producers just thought it would be a really fun way
- to wrap up the show. - Oh, um,
is there any sort of hint as...
as to the type of questions in this lightning round?
- (giggles) - Well, that would be cheating
but um, I promise you, they're all really fun.
So just don't even worry about it.
Yeah, I'm sure.
- Okay, so in just a couple moments here,
we will be good to go. (clears throat)
All righty. You ready?
- Yeah, yeah. (clears throat)
- Oh my gosh, do you need some water?
- I should have asked. - Oh, no, no, no, I'm okay.
- Thank you. - Trust me, hydration is key.
You would not believe
how much these mics will pick up on a scratchy voice.
- Thank you. - Scratchy voice, head cold.
I swear, the more recording I do,
the more I feel
like these mics are just a window to the soul.
(light music)
Uh, wow, that's uh...
- So, when I press this button here,
the recording will start. Are you ready?
Ready.
(button clicks)
(bouncy theme music plays)
- Hello, all you bookworm fashionistas.
I am Georgia Marks
and this is Tailored to the Page.
Our guest today is an icon in the making.
Not only is her very first novel,
Walking on Air, an instant bestseller,
but you will also have to believe me
when I tell you, her style is immaculate.
Welcome, Sophie Wood
and thank you for bringing your book
and your look today. (Sophie chuckles nervously)
- Hi. Thanks for... thanks for having me.
- Okay, so we will get to talking about
your incredible novel in just a moment,
but first, I must know,
where did you get this jacket?
It is so sleek!
All of you listeners, don't worry,
- I will post a photo on my IG. - Ha.
Uh, I got it um...
I think I got it online, actually.
Um...
(chuckles)
(blows out breath)
(tense echoing music building)
(heartbeats)
(breathes shallowly)
(faintly): Are you okay?
Can we stop?
(tense echoing music stops)
Is everything okay?
- Oh yeah. Um...
Sorry, I'm actually...
I think I actually might be coming down with something.
- Oh no! - Yeah,
I woke up today feeling a little blah!
But I wanted to power through, um,
but I don't wanna leave you with a bad recording.
Is there any chance I could reschedule
- once I'm feeling better? - Of course.
Don't even worry about it. Let me grab you a ginger ale.
(panting)
- Ooh! Okay. - Okay.
- Thank you. - Here you go.
All right. I-I... will walk you out, um...
(Daniel): That was quick.
Feel better soon, Sophie.
I will have our producers
reach out to your people again next week
to see about a redo, if that sounds good?
Sounds great.
Uh, thank you so much for understanding.
Um... sorry again for all the trouble.
Oh please, don't apologize.
- Seriously, just rest up. - Right.
- If I-- - No.
- What happened? - I'll tell you later.
(soft music)
(sighs)
- So, I'm guessing you're not actually--
No, I'm not actually sick.
But that microphone up there saw directly into my soul,
- and it wasn't pretty. - Huh?
Can we go back to the loft?
Maybe you can try to hypnotize me.
Whatever we can do to fix my brain
in the next 48 hours.
My expert advice?
Write this off as a bump in the road.
- Oh. - And try and relax
- for the next few days. - Good one.
- Okay, I know, you're still gonna practice
and stew over it up until the big event,
so...
how 'bout we pencil in a mandatory dinner break?
Tonight, for a little rest and recovery.
Coach's orders.
(chuckles softly)
- Guess I do need to eat at some point.
(♪)
(lounge music) (indistinct chatter)
(pen scratching on paper)
Let me guess.
"Dear Diary, Daniel's running late
and I can't wait to tease him about it."
- (laughs) - It's more like, "Dear Diary,
remind me to ask Daniel if he knows any body doubles
that can stand in for me at the interview."
- Ooh, we have tried a lot of creative techniques,
but that would definitely push us
in a bold, new direction.
(laughs) Thank you.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
(glasses clink)
Hmm.
So?
What are you really writing in there?
- Just some notes for my next novel.
Already on to the next one.
Manifesting that three-book deal.
- Yeah. The truth is,
I'd still be working on my next novel
even if I knew I'd never get paid again.
Hmm.
Why do you write?
Well, for one thing,
I love the comfort of knowing that a book has
a solid beginning, middle, and end.
- Hmm. - Whereas real life,
a bit more unpredictable.
Very true, indeed.
- Right? One moment,
you're quietly drawing up plots and characters
between flower orders,
and the next, you're going on tour.
(sighs)
But I think more than anything,
writing is like breathing to me.
Like, it allows me to tap into this power that...
doesn't exist for me in the real world.
- That's exactly how I feel on stage.
Like, tuned all the way in, or something.
Yes!
And I think I wanna pay it forward.
There were certain books and stories
that stitched me back together
when I was going through some of my darkest hours and...
...the thought of being able to touch
even just one person in that same way
is what keeps me going.
- Well, consider me one touched reader among many.
- You read my book? - I did.
I did. Full disclosure,
I started it with the goal of trying
to get some clues into your psyche.
- Oh! And what'd you think?
What's the verdict?
- The only concrete conclusion that I could come up with,
the world needs your voice and your story, Sophie.
- Aw. That's very sweet.
- No, no, I'm not saying that to be sweet.
What I read in your book
are the words of someone who believes in hope,
bravery, and tenacity.
And wouldn't it be a shame for that same person
to let anything stun her into silence?
Much less a little stage fright.
(chuckles)
- I'm aware of the brutal irony, yes.
- Why don't you try thinking of this book tour
as just another way to share your words with the world?
Because what you have to say matters, Sophie.
And nothing can take that from you.
(tender music)
Thank you.
(upbeat music)
(Daniel): You certainly had a day for the books,
I'll give you that. (chuckles)
That is so true.
(laughs)
(romantic music)
- Oh, I love this song! - Such a classic.
(chuckling)
♪ Follow your beautiful stare ♪
♪ Cinder blocks ♪ Shall we?
♪ And cold hotels ♪
♪ Where feeling hearts meet empty stairwells ♪
♪ And out the fire escape ♪
♪ Escape ♪
(chuckles softly)
- Wow, pulling out all the big moves.
- Feeling inspired, what can I say?
(Sophie chuckles)
Thank you, Daniel,
for everything.
And thank you
for taking the chance in trusting me.
- Well, I can't really take all the credit for that.
Janice did have to force me into it.
And I'm glad she did.
♪ Forlorn my two hands ♪♪
- (upbeat music) - Hmm.
This song, on the other hand,
- I'm not so sure about. - Oh...
Then, we're gonna have to agree to disagree on that one, hmm?
(laughs)
- I like that move. What was that?
- Oh, yes, yes, this is my specialty.
- That? Oh yeah? - Mm-hmm.
- That's your signature move? - That's the clutch one.
(laughs)
(♪)
- Okay, my ride should be here in two minutes.
- Hmm. - I meant to ask you,
have you heard back on those scripts yet?
- Yeah, we are back at square one, unfortunately.
Oh no, I'm so sorry.
Well, why don't you send me what you have now
and I'll see if I can help
come up with some fresh story ideas?
- Yeah, I was thinking I'd send you a few examples
after your interview was out of the way.
- Oh no, just go ahead and send them tonight.
I mean, I'll be up practicing anyway
and I'm sure distraction
will come in handy at some point.
What about getting some rest?
- Who needs rest? (Sophie's phone chimes)
Oh. That's me.
It's just around the corner there.
- Oh, uh here, here, you uh, you take this.
- What are you gonna do? - I will be fine.
- Are you sure? - I will be fine, I'm sure.
- Yeah, yeah. - Well, thank you.
- All right. Sophie, go to bed.
- Yeah, yeah, I will. (Daniel laughs)
(soft music)
That's a great question, Olivia.
Uh, no, don't... don't say that.
Just... answer the question.
Start over.
Well, of course,
I've always dreamt of this kind of response,
and I...
You know...
Ugh! (phone pings)
(messages swoop)
(chuckles softly)
Don't go anywhere.
(soft music)
(chuckles softly)
(yawns deeply)
(soft music)
(♪)
(soft music)
Sophie?
It's Daniel.
I come bearing coffees and a good luck gift.
- Um, now's not really a good time.
Oh, you okay?
I thought we were meeting at the loft
at our usual times.
Did you just wake up?
- Hmm. (scoffs)
Guilty as charged!
Anything else you wanna take note of?
Is everything okay?
(sighs)
So, tell me,
what's your final hypothesis?
Will I get through the interview tomorrow
or will the most complex case you've ever encountered
end in total disaster?
- Hey, Sophie, I-- - Didn't mean to send me
the episode you were writing about me behind my back?
Yeah, I figured.
It is not what it looks like.
We just thought that we could work--
- I didn't even want your help to begin with
and yet, somehow, here we are.
Was this your plan the whole time?
To treat me like some sort of lab rat?
- No. No, it's not that at all.
Okay? Tom, just thought that we--
- You know what the worst part of it is?
I was actually starting to believe
that maybe I could do it.
Maybe I could just go out there
and forget what anyone thinks.
- You can and you will. Look, I promise
- that I can explain-- - I'm sorry, I...
I just don't have time for this right now.
- Wait! Sophie, wait! I can explain.
Um...
I don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow
but your services will no longer be needed.
I guess you'll have to find a new muse.
Fine, but if I can leave you
with just one last piece of advice.
I've had my fill on advice.
Thanks.
(exhales heavily)
(blows out breath)
Step out of your own way.
(clicks tongue)
Might be surprised by what you find.
(soft music)
(sighs) (door opens and closes)
Homemade lunch has arrived!
(chuckles) Or... oh!
Should I say brunch?
Hmm.
- A girl spends one day in her pjs
- and everyone gets on her case. - Hey, hey,
I didn't say it wasn't a cute look, did I?
Hmm. How's it going, honey?
- Just about as well as it looks.
- Hmm. Looks like maybe it's time to tap out
and go with the flow.
- Mom, I keep telling you-- - I know it's a cliché.
It's not that it's cliché,
it's that it doesn't work for me the way it works for you.
I didn't inherit your carefree gene.
Believe me, I wish I did.
- Right, so then your life could just be
as easy breezy as mine is? Hmm?
Okay, no. No, I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean it.
I know your life hasn't been easy for you.
- Not at all. - Hmm.
Well,
I know sometimes even if you do go with the flow,
it doesn't mean you'll never hit choppy waters.
- Oh, I'll definitely be filing today under choppy.
- Hmm? - First, I blow up at Daniel.
Next, I'm being testy with you.
Not my best work.
- Why? What happened with Daniel?
- Turns out he's writing an episode about me
for his web series. And apparently,
I'm the most complex client he's ever encountered.
Can you believe that?
Well... well, actually, yeah.
- What? - Well, look,
the guy spent days cooking up
unique and okay, sometimes strange ways,
to help you overcome a major fear
that's holding you back.
So yeah, I'd say that's pretty--
- Complex. - Mm-hmm.
- Fine, but he could have at least told me about it first
or asked for my permission to be in the episode.
- Why so sneaky? - Yeah, that is odd.
Did he say why he never told you?
No, and we didn't get to that.
Or I guess,
- I didn't let him get to that. - Huh.
Well, maybe your paths will cross again
after this storm subsides and...
Then you can get to the bottom
of what his true intentions were.
- Maybe. - Hmm.
But no matter what happens in the future,
just trust yourself.
Okay?
You know why?
Why?
- Because the flow rewards those
who are tough enough to hang in there,
even in the toughest currents.
So, do yourself a favor
and get a grip, will ya?
(laughing)
I'm trying.
Ah, mwah.
(chuckles lovingly)
(tender music)
Okay, decision time.
Should we take a taxi, walk,
or the train to Nate's party?
- Yeah, I don't think I'm gonna go.
And...
I am sorry to spring this on you now
but that Sophie episode is officially off the table.
No! No, no, no.
Okay... what happened?
- Still trying to figure that one out.
Oh.
You finally asked her out and she turned you down?
Man, I really wish you'd waited until after we found out
- about the episode. - What? No!
Why would you think I was gonna ask her out?
- Hmm, where would I get a wild idea like that from?
- Okay, it may have crossed my mind a time or two,
but our professional relationship
has been my top priority since day one.
- Oh yeah, of course. Totally.
- Not that it matters now, anyway.
I'm pretty sure she hates me.
Yeah, I don't know about that.
- Okay, hate might be a strong word.
(soft music)
(knocking on door)
- Yes, you forgot your hot plate,
and yes, I washed it.
(gasps) Oh!
I thought you were my mom.
Ah, well,
I do hope to be as cool as her one day.
- Yeah. For the record,
I'm going to bed soon, so.
- Yeah, no, no, I won't be long, I just...
really still wanted to give you this.
Thanks.
- And to tell you that I'm sorry.
Look, I was never gonna produce anything
without getting your permission.
Tom and I were just brainstorming some ideas
and we thought that your story,
or even exaggerated version of your story,
could be a really interesting one to tell.
I bet it would.
- I should have told you as soon as it came up
but it was so close to your interview,
I didn't wanna psych you out.
But... plan obviously backfired.
Just a little bit.
But um...
...thank you for this. Um...
...really. I uh...
I should really take your advice and get some rest.
Long day tomorrow.
- Obviously. - Absolutely.
Uh, good luck tomorrow, Sophie.
Thank you.
- Good night. - Good night.
(blows out breath)
(tender music)
(sighs)
(music brightening)
(soft music)
(Sophie exhales deeply)
- Oh, okay. Get a grip, won't you?
Okay.
Shoulders back, up, hands loose.
Okay.
(blows raspberry)
Ha, okay.
(chuckles nervously)
(exhaling deeply)
Hate to interrupt.
Janice!
Hi.
What am I interrupting?
It looks fun! (Sophie chuckles)
- Oh, I was just doing the tube man, uh...
just something silly to calm the nerves.
- Daniel taught me, actually. - Oh yes, isn't he wonderful?
- He is. He really is.
- I'm sure you're ready to knock this thing
out of the park.
- As ready as I'll ever be. - Great.
Well, I'm gonna check in with the media partners.
You come find me if you need me?
Yeah.
Sounds good. Oh, uh, wait.
Um, is Olivia here yet?
I would really love to meet her before we start.
Yeah, so here's the thing,
Olivia's big on meeting guests for the first time
during the interview.
Oh.
Uh cool, great, yeah.
- Something about it feeling more fresh that way.
Right. Yeah!
Totally. Totally fine.
Great.
Yeah.
Totally fine to meet my childhood icon
in front of an audience. Yeah.
(blows raspberry) Okay.
(blows out breath)
(indistinct chatter)
- Uh, may I sit beside you, please?
Oh, thanks.
Ah, the book!
(blows out breath)
Good evening,
can you hear me in the back there?
Well, thank you everyone for joining us tonight.
I am thrilled to be here to discuss Walking on Air.
Everyone please give a warm welcome
to Sophie Wood.
(clapping)
Such a treat to meet you.
- Thanks. - Well,
let's get right into it, shall we?
- Yes! (feedback squeals)
Oh, sorry. (Olivia laughs)
(Olivia): Oh, no worries.
So, Sophie,
tell us how you heard the good news
about your bestseller.
Uh, better?
(Olivia): Mm-hmm. (Sophie): Okay.
So yeah,
I woke up in the morning, obviously.
(chuckles nervously)
Um, and I read it in the paper.
We still get the paper at my mom's flower shop.
It's my day job. (chuckles nervously)
And uh, so yeah, that's... that's where I was.
- Mm-hmm, well that's a good segue
to my next question. (Sophie): It is?
(Olivia): Yes.
They say, "Write what you know."
So, my question is,
are you a pro on the tightrope when you're not writing,
and if so, can you demonstrate for us after this?
(laughs) (Sophie): Wow!
Uh, a curveball and a challenge.
Um, well, I hate to disappoint you
but I'm actually terrified of heights.
But I did visit a very tall building this week
so um, I just might be getting closer to giving it a try.
- Oh! Don't ask me to join you.
I am a big fan of gravity.
(laughs)
Tell us about Sasha, your protagonist.
Where did the inspiration for her character come from?
- Right, so my process is very much about research,
and when I first read
about the first female tightrope walker
to ever, um...
...to ever uh...
(tense echoing music starts then fades)
Sorry, yes. The main character was inspired
by a real-life circus artist,
but as far as her inner dialogue,
her perseverance, her drive,
her unwavering belief
to do whatever she set her mind to,
all of that was inspired by my mom,
Evelyn.
- Oh. (chuckles lovingly)
- She raised me as a single mom in the city
with very few resources after we lost my dad.
And as a child, I remember thinking
that some kind of luck or magic was at play.
Somehow we always got by.
Somehow we still managed to laugh
and smell the roses.
Somehow we healed.
But much like tightrope walking,
there's nothing magical about it.
She got us both through by taking one step at a time,
balancing both strength and softness,
never once letting us fall.
(sentimental music)
Is Mom here?
- Oh yes, uh, she's right there, actually.
(Olivia): Let's give Mom a round of applause.
(clapping)
- It was so great to have you on the show.
Oh, thanks again.
- Oh! (Evelyn chuckles)
I cannot believe this whole time
you thought of me as a svelte and nimble acrobat.
(laughs)
- Even the bravest of daredevils have nothing on you.
- Oh, well, you hung on tight up there.
- Oh! - Can I cut in here?
Oh, yes!
- Meredith McEvans from Grapevine.
So nice to meet you!
Ms. McEvans, it's an honor.
- Thank you for coming. - Oh, of course!
I just talked to Janice and confirmed our dinner,
if that still works?
Would love to discuss what's next for you.
- Yes! Can't wait to chat.
Great.
(uplifting music)
Wow! Whew!
Amazing job up there, Sophie!
- Thank you so much. - Oh! I mean,
I knew you'd get through it, but that was beyond.
The chemistry with Olivia, unreal.
- You think? - Oh, it was fantastic.
And the book deal's all but signed.
Don't be surprised
if Meredith draws up the contract
over appetizers.
- (gasps unbelievably) - Wow.
- And thanks again for letting me
connect you with Daniel.
- Oh, thank you for the recommendation.
I think it's safe to say it definitely helped.
Oh, definitely.
I couldn't get over his face
when he was watching you up there just now.
He looked so happy for you.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
Is he still here?
- Mm-hmm.
Right over there.
(indistinct chatter)
(romantic music)
- Hey. - You did it!
Did I?
- You were incredible. 20 out of 10.
- Listen, I'm sorry I didn't hear you out yesterday.
- I was scared. - Nah,
I shouldn't have started anything
without your permission.
I was just... inspired.
Let's make the episode.
Together.
- Are you sure? Really,
it's fine if we just keep everything between us.
I thought you said
I had a story to share with the world?
Wouldn't be very honest
if I held back the messy parts, would it?
I can't argue there.
Good.
Looking forward to our next project.
I wonder what other fears we'll conquer along the way.
- You know, there's actually something I've been...
a little scared to do for a while now.
No need to be shy.
(Daniel): Oh. (giggles)
(romantic music)
(upbeat music)
Subtitling: difuze