This week on The It Girl Podcast, Britney Shields is joined by the original It Girl in her life: Mother Shields. In a rare and deeply personal episode, the two sit down to reflect on what it was like to grow up alongside a kid who was always performing, producing, experimenting, and dreaming — sometimes loudly, sometimes awkwardly, always creatively.

They reminisce about years of projects, shows, and schemes, and about all those unforgettable nights shutting down West Hollywood clubs, dancing through history, and celebrating the passing of marriage equality.

Mother Shields shares her wisdom for moms of gay children and drag artists, offering reassurance, encouragement, and hard-earned perspective for families navigating unfamiliar terrain. She also speaks to her broader philosophy on life — why strangers are always drawn to open up to her and Britney, and how listening can be one of the most radical acts of care.

The conversation turns to her vocation as a theatre teacher:

· What it means to feel called to teach

· The rewards and challenges of guiding young people through creativity

· Advice for new teachers just starting out

· How society can better support educators in meaningful, material ways

She also reflects on teaching through the pandemic, the toll it took on students’ mental health, and the lasting effects educators are still grappling with today.

It’s a warm, grounding, and honest episode about creativity, parenting, education, and showing up — for your kids, your students, and your community.