We've Been Like This Podcast By Jillian Mercado and Lauren "Lolo" Spencer cover art

We've Been Like This

We've Been Like This

By: Jillian Mercado and Lauren "Lolo" Spencer
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A new podcast hosted by Jillian Mercado and Lauren "Lolo" Spencer. With careers constantly pushing for representation that actually feels real—and asking why the stories we see are still so behind the times, Jill and Lolo explore who gets seen, heard, and centered in modern media. We've Been Like This is a space for the conversations we've always been having-about identity, power, pop culture, and the stuff that makes you say, "wow... same!" If it feels familiar, that's because... We've Been Like This."Jillian Mercado and Lauren "Lolo" Spencer Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Wicked's Marissa Bode on Disability Representation, Imposter Syndrome & Finding Your Voice
    Mar 16 2026

    Jill and Lolo return to catch up and bring on their first guest Marissa Bode! Jill shares how she went on a spontaneous trip to San Francisco around the Super Bowl to celebrate a meaningful moment for the Latin community, while Lolo shares she’s moving into her own apartment and embracing a more intentional, “locked in” era. And their guest....actress Marissa Bode of Wicked and Wicked: For Good! She shares her experience becoming disabled at 11, navigating being perceived in public, and her audition process for Nessarose, including receiving a callback the same day and working through insecurity about singing. Marissa reflects on the pressure to prove herself, the importance of authentic casting and disabled consultants, and how representation can change policy and storytelling. The hosts also answer a listener question about navigating intimacy, safety, and relationships while protecting boundaries and vetting people’s intentions.

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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Lessons In Hustle Culture
    Feb 10 2026

    Jill and Lolo touch on viral sensation Heated Rivalry, hustle culture, Lolo’s journey while hitting 20 years in LA. Jill and Lolo discuss hustling tips, needing a gaffer, and the film Zola. Answer a fan question about if they have caregivers and if they’re 24/7. Jill and Lolo having had completely different experiences.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • What's your type?
    Jan 26 2026

    Jill wants to gain weight, Lolo hates when people assume people in the disability space aren’t into wellness culture. Lolo’s hair got an update, and why she’s going to stick with it. Jill and Lolo come to the realization that Jills never had a certain iconic hairstyle. What makes a real New Yorker, and discussion about wanting to stay safe and also experience new things with a disability. One of Them Days, and how it relates to type A/type B personalities. Find out why Jill asked Lolo if she was 80, and a shoutout to the most iconic Grinch of late — and it isn’t who you’re thinking of. Jill and Lolo answer a fan question about how they got into acting.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
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