Embracing the Gifts of Nellie Oleson: Alison Arngrim on her time on Little House on the Prairie

Jump Start Your Joy

Get the full show notes: Follow/subscribe to JSYJ (free) on your favorite app: https://plnk.to/JumpStartYourJoy 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

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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 56:03 Finding Joy in Everyday Life