Folks We Love with Casey Wilson, actress and writer
Who’s in your family? Ages? Names?
As of now just my husband, myself and our one year old son, Max Red.
How did you choose your kids names?
Max is named for my husband’s best friend who passed away (Max) and my beloved grandfather (Red). It’s the only name we considered and we love that it is a tribute.
Location?
Los Angeles.
Occupation?
I am an actress and writer.
What’s on your manifest board?
Oh what isn’t! I can’t cook and I used to be fine with that and if anything I told myself I worked and that was more important than staying home and cooking. Since Max was born everything changed in how I view myself as a nurturer and I DELIGHT in cooking for him and my family. By cooking I mean struggling through You Tube tutorials of the most basic foods on Planet Earth but it still feels good to feed him and love him in that special way. So I am hoping to manifest more cooking skills! Also, oddly, or maybe not oddly, since I had Max I have become much more confident in my work. I have to work quicker and more focused and with less fear and I think it is serving me. That’s been a surprise but I have many new goals work wise on my manifest board! And naturally I’d love to manifest a bottle of wine for myself each night haha.
Tell us some of your most loved ways to spend the day with your clan?
I love cooking pancakes for Max and then taking him to the park and we lower the temp on our hot tub and all get in and splash around. And we will nap when he naps and then take a walk and read books and maybe have some friends over for wine and a play date and walk to dinner in Los Feliz or cook (or more often than not, Postmates…)
What are some silly/fun things that the kids do or say?
Max isn’t really talking yet but when we sing he “dances” by very robotically swaying somewhat violently side to side but his expression never changes. It’s slightly scary but the funniest, cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
When you were a teenager what did you dream of? Do things look different?
I dreamed of being an actress or a journalist. I do a podcast where I make fun of The Real Housewives (Bitch Sesh on iTunes) so I can check off journalist! I loved performing and it still brings me so much joy. I count myself VERY, INCREDIBLY blessed to be able to do what I love. I am so grateful.
What are some things you really believe in?
Whispering Angel rose. And, oh yes, I am spiritual and believe something is out there. I believe in the power of family, ritual, reading together, eating together, laughing and finding joy and humor in any and everything you possibly can. Life is hard. We have to enjoy it when we can. I would say laughter is my true religion!
Where do your passions lie?
In my female friendships. I believe in nurturing old and new friendships to the best of my ability because I learn SOOOOO much from my girlfriends it’s astounding and I would be lost without them. I have a passion for advocating for children with special needs as well and serve as Vice President for The Kathy Wilson Foundation, a foundation my father and brother and I started on behalf of my mom who passed away ten years ago. The foundation raises money to screen children in low-income areas for special needs and developmental delays and promotes early intervention. My mom was a preschool director in my hometown, Alexandria, VA and was a FIERCE advocate for all children. I am proud to carry on her legacy.
Has your relationship with your other half changed since having kids?
My husband and I had a crash course in parenting the first three months and were of course exhausted and I had tinges of Postpartum. Once I straightened that out and got past those first hectic few months he and I really became such a team and I have to say I think we are closer than we have ever been. I want another baby!
What are some of your favorite life lessons you’ve grown to love? (Even if learning them at the time was hard)
Oh man, so many. A broken bone heals stronger is one of the main lessons I try to remember.
What do you wish you could’ve told yourself when you were a teenager?
Everything will be just fine. Also, your musical theatre loving boyfriend is gay.
What do you find most challenging about being somebody’s parent?
My biggest challenge is mom guilt. It is so pervasive and is like a weed. You pull it up and it grows back immediately. Just the cliché work/life balance has been a struggle. I am blessed to make my own hours, but I still have to work full time and it is a challenge feeling like I always need to be in two places at once. I am really still working on this every day- every hour.
What do you want your kids to learn about the world?
I want my kids to have empathy more than anything. And always do unto others as they would want done unto them.
What are four things you can’t live without as a parent?
Water Wipes, a sense of humor, Butt Paste and Bravo. (in no particular order.)