This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Tanner Smith: I'm Tanner Smith, and you're listening to The Art of Kindness.

[0:09] Robert Peterpaul: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to The Art of Kindness, where we have compassionate conversations with artists from all areas of the entertainment industry who are using their voice to spread joy and make this big spinning planet in the universe a better place to be. I'm Robert Peterpaul, and I'm so glad you're here.

[0:30] Robert Peterpaul: Welcome to The Art of Kindness, where we have compassionate conversations with artists from all areas of the entertainment industry who are using their voice to spread joy and make this big spinning planet in the universe a better place to be. I'm Robert Peterpaul, and I'm so glad you're here.

[0:48] Robert Peterpaul: Welcome to The Art of Kindness, where we have compassionate conversations with artists from all areas of the entertainment industry who are using their voice to spread joy and make this big spinning planet in the universe a better place to be. These are truly wild times for this world. My cat agrees. Hi. How are you? I don't know if you heard my cat, but she was screaming in the background. Yes, I agree. We absolutely should be kind to ourselves in this time. I know it's hard. I know I'm trying. And I also know it's the pursuit that matters. So just keep swimming, y'all. On a brighter note, did you celebrate Valentine's Day? Did Cupid strike ya? Honestly, I'm still binge-eating chocolate and watching all the sappy rom-coms.

Actually, one of my favorite TV shows is about love. My wife, Cassie, and I have recommended it to anyone that will listen. I'm talking about Love on the Spectrum. We've watched all the seasons of this show across all the countries that it covers, and it truly is the most heart-lifting watch. Love is in the air this month, which is why I think it's the perfect time to check out this show. It's also an ideal time to share our conversation with one of our favorite stars from the show, the lovely Tanner Smith.

[2:17] Robert Peterpaul: Tanner Smith is a 26-year-old South Carolina native thriving on the autism spectrum whose self-proclaimed mission in life is very aligned with what I strive for, to spread joy all over the world. Tanner came into the public eye after appearing on season two of Netflix's hit show, Love on the Spectrum, and has captured the hearts of millions. I'm thrilled to say he's back for season three, I can't wait, continuing as a shining example of what is possible for others affected by autism. You can truly feel his joy and kindness oozing through the screen as he gives his signature thumbs up, big smile, and high fives. Tanner is also a strong advocate for employment for the disabled community and shows what valuable assets they are in the workforce.

He is happily employed by the Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, a job we discussed during our chat. By the way, I am thrilled to say that Tanner's incredible mom, Nicci Smith, who you'll also recognize from the show, joins us for this conversation. She is truly a beautiful soul inside and out. The Smiths are the very definition of beacons of light. This conversation brought me immense sunshine in what feels like a rainy time, and I hope it does the same for you, friend, wherever you're listening from. For more joy, please check out our social media pages at artofkindnesspod and at robpeterpaul. You'll also want to, of course, follow Tanner if you're not already because his social media is off the chain.

Thank you for being a part of our kindness community. Aw, audio hug. I also have to shout out my wonderful wife, Cassie, who is not only an awesome cat mom, but a great guest suggestor. Suggestor? Suggestor. I'm a jester. Can't speak today. Might as well keep talking, right? Tanner is another example of a wonderful person Cassie reminded me to reach out to to be on the podcast. When we first watched Love on the Spectrum, as soon as Tanner came on the screen, and I'm not even exaggerating here, we turned to each other, and she said, you have to get him on the podcast now. And I never thought that dream would come true, but it has, just as my dream of being with Cassie has. Oh, I'm getting mushy.

But, you know, it's a Valentine's Day special. Kind of. A belated one. Anyway, love is evergreen, right? Love is year-round. So tell the people that you love you love them. Love you, Cassie. Now, without further ado, please enjoy some time in the sunshine with the lovely Tanner and Nicci Smith.

[5:16] Robert Peterpaul: You both look great, and I have to say, I'm such a big fan, Tanner.

[5:21] Tanner Smith: I love you.

[5:22] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you. How's it going?

[5:24] Tanner Smith: You're one of my biggest fans, Mr. Rob.

[5:25] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, my gosh. I think you're so wonderful, and I've been so excited to talk to you, and I'm honored to have you both here. So welcome to The Art of Kindness.

[5:33] Nicci Smith: Thank you so much.

[5:34] Tanner Smith: We're happy to be here.

[5:35] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I'm so glad. You know, I just truly admire how you use your voice to make the world a better place. I feel like you're sunshine in human form, and I feel that way about your whole family and your mom, you too, of course, Nicci, and I think you're actually the first mother-son duo that we've ever had on the podcast.

[5:57] Nicci Smith: I'm so honored.

[5:58] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[5:59] Nicci Smith: That's so cool.

[6:00] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[6:01] Nicci Smith: Yeah, that's kind of fun. We're coming up on a year. You know, the show came out in January, and I mean, if anybody would have told me last November what we would be doing this November, I would have been like, no, there's just no possible way. It has been the wildest ride, just the best year.

[6:17] Robert Peterpaul: Well, it's so good to see good things happen to good people, and I think one thing maybe you knew that you would be doing last November is celebrating Tanner's birthday. I heard you turned 26.

[6:26] Tanner Smith: Yes, you did.

[6:27] Robert Peterpaul: It was May 26th. Happy birthday. How did you celebrate?

[6:32] Tanner Smith: We had pizza, chips, fruit, and cake.

[6:35] Robert Peterpaul: What kind of cake?

[6:37] Tanner Smith: Oh, it was a unique chocolate cake. It had ghouls on it, and there was evidence inside it, and there was a jilla, uh-huh.

[6:45] Robert Peterpaul: And who brought you that cake?

[6:47] Tanner Smith: The delayed Miss Brandy.

[6:48] Robert Peterpaul: And where's Miss Brandy from?

[6:49] Tanner Smith: She's from Virginia.

[6:50] Robert Peterpaul: And is she one of your fans that drove all the way there?

[6:54] Tanner Smith: Yes, sir. She's one of my fans.

[6:55] Tanner Smith: She's one of my fans. Tell Mr. Rob about her family.

[6:59] Tanner Smith: So her husband is Mr. Jarvis, and their two daughters, Skye and Aria.

[7:04] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, wow. That's so special. They made a five-and-a-half-hour road trip to personally deliver him this two-tier personalized elaborate cake.

[7:14] Nicci Smith: It was really special.

[7:15] Tanner Smith: It was really special.

[7:16] Nicci Smith: It was really special.

[7:17] Tanner Smith: And delicious.

[7:18] Robert Peterpaul: Wow. So if you're watching this or hearing this is in Virginia, go see The Sugar Cave.

[7:23] Nicci Smith: Yes, I mean, I'm about to get in a car and drive there right now. That sounds so good.

[7:27] Tanner Smith: It was such a wonderful treat. And just, you know, talking about kindness, the lengths that people have gone to to show kindness back to Tanner has been just unbelievable. Right, Tanner?

[7:38] Tanner Smith: You guys, yeah. Kind of like a little joy magnet.

[7:40] Tanner Smith: I am.

[7:41] Tanner Smith: I am. I mean, it's been really amazing. When she DMed me asking about the cake, I just assumed she was shipping it. You know, I just assumed there was some way. And then we said, oh, no, we're going to drive it to him. I was like, what? You know, I mean, it was just such a sweet thing to do. And so over the top nice.

[7:56] Nicci Smith: The power of kindness. And, you know, we work with a nonprofit, kindness.org, that actually researches kindness from a scientific standpoint. And there is, yeah, there's science that shows that when you are kind and you put kindness out there, it does come back to you. So I think you're an example of that. You've experienced that this year, haven't you, buddy?

[8:18] Tanner Smith: I have.

[8:19] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Well, I know you conquered some fears getting older here, which I think everybody can relate to.

[8:24] Tanner Smith: Yeah, I did. I'm catching my fear of getting older.

[8:27] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, I'm so proud of you. And you too, Rob. I'm proud of you, too.

[8:31] Tanner Smith: And everybody.

[8:32] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, thank you. That's so sweet. Well, I hear you're excited to get older, though, because you have a great plan for when you turn 40.

[8:38] Tanner Smith: I mean, that's why I'm 44. Can I tell you?

[8:42] Robert Peterpaul: Please tell me.

[8:43] Tanner Smith: I'm going to move back home to St. Matthew's, live in a house and buy a Polaris.

[8:46] Robert Peterpaul: I'm 44. Tell Mr. Rob what a Polaris is.

[8:49] Tanner Smith: I'm not sure. You may or may not know.

[8:51] Tanner Smith: I'm not sure. A Polaris is a vehicle. It's like a little jeep.

[8:55] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, it's like a little jeep. Jeeps are my favorite, too. That's always been my dream car.

[8:59] Tanner Smith: Yes.

[9:00] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Wow. And where do you want to drive it? Where do you want to drive to by yourself in the Polaris?

[9:03] Tanner Smith: I want to drive to take my friend Kate to dinner tonight.

[9:09] Robert Peterpaul: Oh. That would be nice. Do you know where you want to go to dinner already?

[9:13] Tanner Smith: Yeah, uptown country, the Hardee's, and the Calhoun House Pizza, and the Blue Market Cafe, if they'll still have it in Cameron. We have very limited dining options in our rural area. I want to drive my mom to take her to get her hair cut.

[9:26] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's so nice. How old will I be when you're 44?

[9:30] Tanner Smith: 70.

[9:31] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Wow. And why did you want to move home when me and Daddy are in our 70s?

[9:35] Tanner Smith: Because I want to take care of my mom and dad when they're old, because I care about them. That's why.

[9:40] Robert Peterpaul: That's so nice. I love that. I wish more people had that plan, because that's what we're here for, right?

[9:44] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[9:46] Nicci Smith: Me feels so good. If we start seeing his 40s and 50s, I will tell you something. He wants to be in Clemson forever, because from his hometown, there wasn't a lot of fun things to do from his hometown.

[9:56] Tanner Smith: Then he should probably stay in Clemson.

[9:58] Nicci Smith: Yeah. But there's still fun things to do down here while I start seeing the 40s and 50s.

[10:03] Tanner Smith: There are fun things.

[10:04] Robert Peterpaul: That's right. There's always fun things, especially when you have such a great attitude like yours, Tanner, and yours as well, Nicci. I think you can always find the fun, and I'm already having so much fun. I'm already smiling from ear to ear, so I'm so excited to be here today and talk about kindness.

[10:18] Nicci Smith: Yes.

[10:19] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. As you know, the show is all about kindness, so to kind of set the stage for today's conversation, I would love to know both of your definitions of kindness. There's no right or wrong answer. It means something different to everybody.

[10:31] Tanner Smith: I'll go first.

[10:32] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah.

[10:33] Tanner Smith: Please do.

[10:34] Tanner Smith: I will wait. What am I asking?

[10:36] Tanner Smith: Mr. Rob said, what do you think kindness means?

[10:39] Robert Peterpaul: What does it mean for you, for Tanner?

[10:41] Tanner Smith: It means to think about other people's feelings before I think about me. That's what it means.

[10:46] Nicci Smith: That's an amazing definition.

[10:48] Tanner Smith: Yeah. And smiling.

[10:55] Nicci Smith: Yes.

[10:56] Tanner Smith: And giving our friends hugs.

[11:00] Nicci Smith: Yep.

[11:01] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I love a good hug. That's an excellent definition.

[11:03] Tanner Smith: I do give the best hugs.

[11:06] Nicci Smith: Yeah, you love hugging?

[11:08] Tanner Smith: I love that.

[11:09] Nicci Smith: I love hugging.

[11:10] Robert Peterpaul: That's so special. What about you, Nicci? Do you have anything you would want to add?

[11:14] Nicci Smith: I thought about that a lot in this past year, and we have just been overwhelmed. I think true kindness is just an attitude of the heart. I mean, how are you approaching other people? Are you genuinely interested in them, or do you genuinely want to listen? Remember, Tanner, we talked about not just listening to respond, but really listening to people to see what they really are trying to communicate to you. So I think a lot of kindness is truly being a listener with good intent and really trying to understand the other person's viewpoint and getting into their world.

[11:45] Robert Peterpaul: Wow. You know, I wish more people had that view in these times. I think we all need to listen to each other a little bit more, right?

[11:51] Nicci Smith: I agree. And it's hard. I mean, it's hard when there's so many voices just bopping at you from every different direction. It's very hard to quiet things down enough to listen. I think that's what we need to do.

[12:00] Nicci Smith: One thing that's been so fascinating watching the public's response to Tanner is how they have... Really Tanner, everyone has just been so heart warmed by you.

[12:05] Tanner Smith: Yeah, everybody has been so heart warmed by you.

[12:11] Nicci Smith: It's amazing, it's almost like people are just sort of praying simplicity and purity and honesty and that's... It's just been... Those three words to me describe him to us.

[12:21] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah.

[12:22] Nicci Smith: You light up the screen and whether it's a little social media screen or a big TV screen on Netflix, it's so amazing to see.

[12:29] Tanner Smith: It's been really... It's been really amazing to watch.

[12:30] Nicci Smith: I love to just step back when he runs into people on the street or they approach him and just sort of watch.

[12:36] Tanner Smith: I like to watch the expression change and the body language kind of soften.

[12:42] Nicci Smith: It's really just a neat thing to watch and very full circle for us to watch Tanner have this time that he's got right now for however long it lasts to do that in the world.

[12:50] Tanner Smith: It's been really neat.

[12:51] Nicci Smith: That's so neat. I mean, you had someone drive so far to bring you cake, which I think says it all and you deserve that.

[12:56] Tanner Smith: It's been wild.

[12:57] Nicci Smith: It's just been incredible what people have done being so kind.

[13:01] Robert Peterpaul: Well, kindness begets kindness and I would love to know, Tanner, do you have favorite ways to show kindness?

[13:05] Tanner Smith: I know you said smiling and hugging. What else comes to mind?

[13:09] Tanner Smith: Giving people high fives.

[13:13] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[13:14] Robert Peterpaul: You are the king of the high five.

[13:15] Tanner Smith: Yeah, yeah. I'm the king of the high five.

[13:17] Tanner Smith: I love high five. I wish I could give you a high five right now.

[13:20] Nicci Smith: Maybe they could invent that one day.

[13:23] Tanner Smith: I love that.

[13:24] Nicci Smith: We're doing it through the screen.

[13:25] Tanner Smith: That's fun.

[13:26] Nicci Smith: We are doing it through the screen.

[13:27] Robert Peterpaul: Well, it seems to me, Tanner, that a big self-kindness for you is having a routine and I also love having a routine. I can really relate to that.

[13:34] Tanner Smith: I'm glad you can relate to that.

[13:36] Robert Peterpaul: Do you have a favorite part of your daily routine?

[13:42] Tanner Smith: What does daily mean?

[13:43] Robert Peterpaul: Every single day.

[13:44] Nicci Smith: What did we talk about that you're so good with with your routine that I'm not very good at?

[13:47] Tanner Smith: Setting my alarm and getting up at-

[13:49] Nicci Smith: Tell Mr. Rob about it.

[13:50] Tanner Smith: Mr. Rob, I'm good at setting my alarm and getting up at six o'clock in the morning.

[13:54] Tanner Smith: The way I have worked from seven to 12, it wakes me up in the morning.

[13:58] Robert Peterpaul: Do you push snooze and lay in bed?

[13:59] Tanner Smith: No.

[14:00] Robert Peterpaul: No, I don't push snooze.

[14:02] Nicci Smith: That's really special. A lot of people need a lot of alarms to get up.

[14:06] Nicci Smith: Tanner has an amazing ability to carry out routines and learn steps and order.

[14:12] Tanner Smith: You've always liked it.

[14:13] Nicci Smith: Don't you love- What do you love for me and Miss Katrina to put on paper for you?

[14:18] Tanner Smith: You have jobs to do.

[14:19] Nicci Smith: What do you love on paper?

[14:20] Tanner Smith: Workbooks.

[14:21] Tanner Smith: A list.

[14:22] Tanner Smith: A list.

[14:23] Tanner Smith: A list.

[14:24] Nicci Smith: Exactly. I like it when you, Miss Katrina, put a list.

[14:27] Nicci Smith: That helps you keep everything in order, doesn't it?

[14:29] Tanner Smith: I'll tell you, that helps me keep everything in order.

[14:31] Robert Peterpaul: Tanner, would you say it helps you to think clearly if you have a list?

[14:34] Tanner Smith: Yes, it helps me to think clearly.

[14:36] Nicci Smith: He has always been very dependent on routine.

[14:41] Nicci Smith: That's a large part of how he copes with day-to-day tasks that he has to achieve and all that kind of stuff.

[14:46] Nicci Smith: He amazes me with how he just doesn't even hesitate.

[14:50] Nicci Smith: That alarm goes off, feet are on the floor, we're turning around, we're making the bed, we're going to the kitchen.

[14:56] Tanner Smith: Very disciplined.

[14:57] Nicci Smith: He's very, very disciplined.

[14:58] Tanner Smith: Wow.

[14:59] Nicci Smith: That's right. Tanner's very neat.

[15:01] Tanner Smith: I'm very neat.

[15:02] Nicci Smith: Yeah, he keeps all his laundry in the shop.

[15:03] Nicci Smith: He washes his dishes right away, makes his bed every day.

[15:06] Nicci Smith: You do really well with your daily routines, don't you?

[15:09] Tanner Smith: Yeah, I do do really well.

[15:10] Tanner Smith: Yes, I am.

[15:11] Robert Peterpaul: That's amazing. I think a lot of people out there listening are wishing that they did that well with their daily routines, but I love that.

[15:18] Tanner Smith: I do the same.

[15:19] Robert Peterpaul: I have a ton of to-do lists.

[15:21] Robert Peterpaul: My wife actually made me this.

[15:22] Robert Peterpaul: I can send an example to you all after this, but she made me a personalized book of to-do lists.

[15:29] Nicci Smith: That's so nice.

[15:30] Robert Peterpaul: It has pictures of us and it's so fun.

[15:31] Nicci Smith: Like a very own day planner.

[15:32] Robert Peterpaul: How nice.

[15:33] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[15:34] Robert Peterpaul: It's really amazing, but I think that's awesome. Definitely had to get disciplined about my list this past year.

[15:38] Nicci Smith: Oh, I'm sure.

[15:39] Robert Peterpaul: Stay on top of everything.

[15:40] Nicci Smith: Yes.

[15:41] Robert Peterpaul: Speaking of this past year, it's I'm sure been a whirlwind.

[15:45] Robert Peterpaul: I would say a kindness you've done for all of us is appearing on Love on the Spectrum.

[15:51] Robert Peterpaul: Before we dive into the show, I thought it might be cool just to explain what does having autism mean to you?

[15:55] Tanner Smith: It makes my brain work a little differently and it makes me cool and unique.

[16:04] Tanner Smith: It makes me see the world a little differently.

[16:07] Nicci Smith: I think so.

[16:08] Nicci Smith: I think that's an amazing definition.

[16:10] Robert Peterpaul: I think everybody needs to embrace what makes them different and wonderful.

[16:15] Nicci Smith: Speaking of Nikki, I think your alarm bells went off when you saw this casting notice on Facebook for Love on the Spectrum.

[16:20] Nicci Smith: I did.

[16:21] Nicci Smith: It did.

[16:22] Nicci Smith: It did.

[16:23] Nicci Smith: It was really one of those things that you're just like, you know, sometimes you just randomly do things, you know, like you sign up for a workout class or you order something off the internet.

[16:30] Nicci Smith: You're like, you don't really know why I did that. It was just like a random Tuesday.

[16:34] Nicci Smith: I wasn't doing anything special and I had zero thoughts of, you know, of him doing any sort of public appearance or being on any type of television show, but I loved the show and I really had a lot of respect for Kian and his work because, honestly, I watched the Australian seasons, which were, you know, before U.S., very skeptically.

[16:54] Nicci Smith: And I was kind of like, I'm not so sure because a lot of times I feel like things get misrepresented.

[16:59] Nicci Smith: But when I watched it, I was like, wow, this is really beautiful.

[17:02] Nicci Smith: This is really raw and authentic.

[17:04] Nicci Smith: And they show some of the struggle and they show some of the areas that are really difficult.

[17:09] Nicci Smith: And I just really liked the way it was presented.

[17:11] Nicci Smith: And so I was a big fan and follower of the show.

[17:14] Nicci Smith: So when I saw this casting call, I mean, obviously, I think Kian is very handsome and charming and wonderful.

[17:20] Nicci Smith: And I'm like, well, I have a handsome son on the spectrum, so I'm going to send it in.

[17:25] Nicci Smith: And it was just really a win.

[17:27] Nicci Smith: And I sent his picture and his bio and had an email that night.

[17:30] Nicci Smith: So I feel like, you know, I believe in destiny.

[17:32] Nicci Smith: I believe God has a plan for everyone.

[17:34] Nicci Smith: I just think that was a little nudge for me, you know, sort of like a little God wink, like send the picture in.

[17:39] Nicci Smith: And this is what he had for him.

[17:40] Nicci Smith: This is how things were going to come, that full circle moment for Tanner to really shine his light.

[17:46] Nicci Smith: It was just through that show.

[17:48] Nicci Smith: And we're very grateful to them.

[17:49] Nicci Smith: They've been wonderful to work with and really edifying.

[17:52] Nicci Smith: And just I think they do a beautiful job of showing autism in its true life.

[17:57] Robert Peterpaul: I love that.

[17:58] Robert Peterpaul: I love that you said God wink too.

[17:59] Robert Peterpaul: And it makes me curious, Nikki, you know, as you started the process for this show, I know it was a wonderful experience, which I'm grateful for.

[18:07] Robert Peterpaul: How did you sense that production sort of caters to each family and each person and really kind of like keeps an open mind and listens to them?

[18:12] Nicci Smith: Because I imagine it's different every time they go to a different house.

[18:18] Nicci Smith: Oh, absolutely.

[18:19] Nicci Smith: And everybody gets sleepy.

[18:20] Tanner Smith: Well, if I was up at 6 a.m., I'd be sleepy too.

[18:25] Nicci Smith: And every family, you know, is so unique and every, you know, castmate has such a unique life.

[18:30] Nicci Smith: And, you know, as you know, Tanner is actually one of the only people, might be the only, that lives independently, that doesn't live in his family home.

[18:39] Nicci Smith: So that was a whole different ballgame because when they were filming, either Midge, the sister that was on the show, she lives locally where Tanner does, or I had to travel up there to sort of support and just help with the logistics and the details.

[18:52] Nicci Smith: But I was just really impressed watching, you know, you just sort of get a feeling like and when the other family members would come on the show, I was like, I could just tell, I was like, that's a mom just like me.

[19:04] Nicci Smith: That's a mom who's gone through the same thing.

[19:05] Nicci Smith: You know, I could just feel it.

[19:07] Nicci Smith: And then when we started the process, you know, it starts with Zoom calls, it starts with online meetings, just like this.

[19:12] Nicci Smith: And I just, it was very low key.

[19:13] Nicci Smith: It was very casual.

[19:15] Nicci Smith: It wasn't super formal or structured.

[19:18] Nicci Smith: I didn't feel like they were asking us to do anything out of a comfort zone or asking us to try to be something we're not.

[19:26] Nicci Smith: I just got a very authentic feeling.

[19:28] Nicci Smith: I think authentic is the best word from them.

[19:31] Nicci Smith: And it was a more low key production process than maybe some people think.

[19:35] Nicci Smith: I think for as well as the show comes off, I'm amazed with what they do.

[19:39] Nicci Smith: I mean, and you know, they're very sensitive to the fact that we're talking about people with sensory issues, you know, and a need for routine and a need for structure.

[19:47] Nicci Smith: And those things all have to be taken into account, you know, because it's definitely a different story.

[19:52] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah.

[19:53] Nicci Smith: I love to hear all that.

[19:54] Nicci Smith: And, you know, you reminded me, speaking of the sensory issues, one of my favorite parts of the show is the way they introduce all the participants and saying, you know, Tanner loves this and hates this or doesn't like this.

[20:06] Robert Peterpaul: How did you think about figuring those out?

[20:08] Nicci Smith: Was that a hard thing to decide?

[20:09] Tanner Smith: Tanner, do you remember when Kian asked you the questions that were at the beginning of the show when you were sitting in your bedroom?

[20:16] Nicci Smith: Tell Mr. Rob about that.

[20:17] Tanner Smith: How do I explain it, mom?

[20:18] Nicci Smith: Well, just what was it like for you?

[20:21] Tanner Smith: It was, it wasn't that hard.

[20:22] Tanner Smith: It wasn't that hard.

[20:24] Tanner Smith: Honestly, Rob, I was not there.

[20:28] Tanner Smith: When Mitch, they came and we helped like make sure that everybody got, because he lived in an apartment building then that was kind of complicated to get in and out of, you know, security and stuff.

[20:38] Tanner Smith: We made sure the crew got in and all that.

[20:39] Nicci Smith: But then they were like, mom, hit the road, mom, you know, so that was Tanner.

[20:45] Nicci Smith: That was Kian and Tanner just sitting in his bedroom, talking, you know, boys and they're all in their bedrooms.

[20:52] Nicci Smith: I had nothing to do with that.

[20:54] Nicci Smith: That was not prescriptive.

[20:55] Nicci Smith: That was not, they didn't give us, you know, any type of questions to consider.

[20:59] Nicci Smith: That was just Kian hitting him in the moment.

[21:01] Nicci Smith: So that was very Rob, very authentic.

[21:04] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, such a beautiful job.

[21:05] Nicci Smith: It really comes through.

[21:06] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, great editor.

[21:07] Nicci Smith: He does.

[21:08] Nicci Smith: He knows how to, that is for sure.

[21:10] Nicci Smith: He really does.

[21:11] Nicci Smith: And he's really, Kian is a very low key, calm, you know, presence.

[21:17] Nicci Smith: He has a real, just steady demeanor about him, which I think is a wonderful thing and both very well.

[21:23] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[21:24] Nicci Smith: He just seems to love him on the show when they're, when they're giving him shout outs and we're asking him to repeat a question.

[21:29] Tanner Smith: Super, super nice guy.

[21:31] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's amazing.

[21:32] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah.

[21:33] Robert Peterpaul: I wonder, you know, speaking of, of nice things, is there an act of kindness that either of you have experienced on or because of the show that really stuck with you?

[21:40] Nicci Smith: I know we talked about the cake earlier, but does anything else come to mind?

[21:43] Tanner Smith: That's a big one.

[21:44] Tanner Smith: That's recent.

[21:45] Robert Peterpaul: Tanner, what was probably your favorite big surprise that you got all this year?

[21:50] Tanner Smith: What was your favorite thing you got?

[21:52] Tanner Smith: You mean on my birthday?

[21:53] Nicci Smith: No.

[21:54] Tanner Smith: Since the show.

[21:55] Nicci Smith: Things that happened because of the show.

[21:56] Robert Peterpaul: Rob, what was your favorite thing?

[21:57] Tanner Smith: My favorite thing was the Jack Black video.

[21:59] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I saw that.

[22:01] Tanner Smith: That was so cool.

[22:02] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[22:03] Tanner Smith: He's a good actor and a good singer.

[22:05] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah.

[22:06] Nicci Smith: What's your favorite of his?

[22:07] Tanner Smith: Do you like the Kung Fu Panda?

[22:08] Nicci Smith: I like Kung Fu Panda.

[22:09] Tanner Smith: Oh yeah.

[22:10] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[22:11] Tanner Smith: I like Shark Tale.

[22:13] Nicci Smith: Oh, that's a good one too.

[22:15] Tanner Smith: Because Jack Black plays the shark, Lenny.

[22:17] Nicci Smith: Yes.

[22:18] Tanner Smith: I haven't seen that movie in a while.

[22:19] Nicci Smith: I'm going to have to rewatch that now.

[22:20] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[22:21] Tanner Smith: You're going to have to rewatch it.

[22:22] Nicci Smith: That was an incredible surprise.

[22:25] Tanner Smith: It was an incredible surprise.

[22:26] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[22:27] Robert Peterpaul: I would say that ... Was that your number one?

[22:29] Tanner Smith: That was my number one, Mom.

[22:30] Nicci Smith: That was pretty cool.

[22:32] Nicci Smith: And they really ... We had no idea that was about to happen.

[22:35] Tanner Smith: Oh, wow.

[22:36] Nicci Smith: I love that.

[22:37] Nicci Smith: When that video popped up, I was in the audience watching, obviously, and I could see ... DeAndre, you were kind of shaking.

[22:41] Tanner Smith: You were so excited.

[22:43] Nicci Smith: I was, Mom.

[22:44] Tanner Smith: I was kind of shaking.

[22:45] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[22:46] Nicci Smith: You did a great job.

[22:47] Nicci Smith: I rewatched that last night and I made my wife come over.

[22:49] Nicci Smith: I said, you have to come over here and rewatch this with me.

[22:51] Nicci Smith: She was like, oh, yes.

[22:52] Nicci Smith: I love this video.

[22:53] Nicci Smith: And your reaction is just so happy that it makes people watching happy.

[22:56] Tanner Smith: Oh, it was great.

[22:57] Nicci Smith: It was amazing.

[22:58] Tanner Smith: Are you saying you rewatched Kung Fu Panda or Shark Tale?

[23:00] Nicci Smith: No, the Kelly Clarkson episode.

[23:01] Tanner Smith: That's good.

[23:02] Nicci Smith: With Jack Black.

[23:03] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[23:04] Nicci Smith: Yeah, the clip of you.

[23:05] Nicci Smith: But I do want to watch Kung Fu Panda now.

[23:06] Tanner Smith: It always reminds me of that song.

[23:07] Nicci Smith: Everybody was kung fu fighting.

[23:08] Tanner Smith: And Kung Fu Panda 4, I have the song that they sing when it's over on Jack Black, Baby One More Time.

[23:13] Nicci Smith: Jack Black.

[23:15] Tanner Smith: From that year.

[23:16] Nicci Smith: Oh, really?

[23:17] Tanner Smith: Yeah, yeah.

[23:18] Nicci Smith: And he's in Mario too, right?

[23:19] Tanner Smith: I think he is.

[23:22] Nicci Smith: Oh yeah.

[23:23] Nicci Smith: He's the bad.

[23:24] Tanner Smith: He plays the bad guy Bowser in the new Mario movie.

[23:25] Nicci Smith: He does.

[23:26] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[23:27] Nicci Smith: Well, I'm glad that he got to reach out to you.

[23:34] Nicci Smith: And he said he's a fan of yours, too.

[23:35] Tanner Smith: So that must have felt super cool.

[23:37] Nicci Smith: That was, yeah, that was a big moment, wasn't it?

[23:39] Tanner Smith: It was a big moment.

[24:02] Robert Peterpaul: I have a feeling, Tanner, that he would probably love to chat with you. I feel like you two would really go off on some good tangents.

[24:08] Tanner Smith: I think so.

[24:09] Nicci Smith: I'm asking things of myself, and I'm going to tell Jack back about my plan to move back home on 44.

[24:14] Tanner Smith: I bet he would love to.

[24:15] Nicci Smith: Because he comes to see me in St. Matthew's.

[24:17] Tanner Smith: Yeah, maybe he'll come see.

[24:18] Nicci Smith: Wow. I've been in this class, Rob. Just, Rob, a few things of myself.

[24:22] Robert Peterpaul: You can't. You can't. Let me answer his question really quick.

[24:25] Tanner Smith: Yes, Mom.

[24:26] Nicci Smith: You said, like, the things that have stuck out this year. And I just think this is just so important to put out there because it just sort of, like, really sends the message of Tanner's whole journey. My husband and I and the girls, I mean, all his siblings, we have just been amazed how every experience, whether it was a podcast or a show appearance or a live appearance somewhere, whatever it might have been, I mean, I think it's been almost every single one. Somebody, either the production assistant or the person who was emailing me or the person who made the news call, their lives had been impacted by autism.

[25:02] Tanner Smith: Every single one of them had a sibling, a nephew, a friend's child. They all had autism in their life. Now, what are the odds? Like, we were on News Nation in April during Autism Awareness Month, just a brief little interview on the morning show. The production assistant who had our story, she has a nephew with autism. I mean, it was just like he was meant to be this beacon of what's possible and what can happen with 20 years of hard work.

[25:32] Nicci Smith: And, you know, of course, you go through times when something like this happens, like, oh, gosh, you know, here we are on social media. Not that it's, you know, real fame or anything, but, you know, you do get seen by a lot of people. And you're kind of letting people into your life. And you think, should we? Is that wise? Was that the best choice? Is that what I should have done? But then every single place we go, we end up somehow and they'll say, oh, I'm just so glad I got your story. Or I got, you know, I got to talk to Tanner because my nephew is five and just got diagnosed. Or, you know, my best friend's daughter is seven and they've been working with her for four years. And seeing Tanner was the light, you know. And it's just been like, oh, my God. Like, that's divine. I mean, that's divine. There's no explanation for that.

[26:13] Nicci Smith: And so every time we've had like a moment of doubt or we've just been like overwhelmed with just amazement that this happened, we're like, there's a reason. I mean, there is a reason. So for me, it's not like necessarily one moment because there have been so many. Like, one of my goals before December 31st is to sit down with my calendar and my photo album on my phone and just write down everything that happened.

[26:36] Tanner Smith: Oh, I love that.

[26:37] Nicci Smith: And just like, so I'll never forget it. Like, this year and the things and the people that we met, everybody. When we were on Kelly Clarkson, that was just the most incredible experience. Oh, I love her. And Laura Palmer, who was a producer that worked with us, stellar. And everyone, everyone, every news, every podcast person, you're wonderful. I mean, everyone is so nice. So I just feel like it is really like renewed my faith that there's good people out there and people really do want to be kind. People want to connect. People want to be heard. People want to be seen for what they are. So it's just been amazing. It really has. It's been amazing.

[27:16] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[27:18] Robert Peterpaul: And I think that's something people can learn from you, Tanner, is that.

[27:20] Tanner Smith: I think so, too.

[27:21] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. When you lead with the love and the kindness and you're just excited to be places, it's very contagious.

[27:26] Tanner Smith: It is very contagious.

[27:27] Nicci Smith: It is.

[27:28] Tanner Smith: It is.

[27:29] Nicci Smith: And you just like your life.

[27:30] Tanner Smith: That's like my life.

[27:31] Nicci Smith: I love that you like your life. And you reminded me, Nikki, when you were saying about the calendar and writing things down. Something I want to try to do with the new year is some people are creating kindness jars. You have a jar. And then every time something good happens to you, you put the note in the jar.

[27:44] Tanner Smith: That's so cool.

[27:45] Nicci Smith: And then at the end of the next year, you celebrate and you read them all. Or when you're having a bad day, you pick one out.

[27:51] Tanner Smith: You're right. We do a kindness jar like Mr. Rob was saying. You're right. Every time we have a really cool kind thing happen, we'll put it in the jar. And then at the end of the year, we'll read them all.

[27:59] Nicci Smith: Yes, ma'am. That would be so fun. I love that.

[28:01] Tanner Smith: Yeah, I love that.

[28:02] Nicci Smith: And you're so right. I mean, we have a cousin on the spectrum and a friend here at our local theater. And then there was an amazing Broadway show recently, How to Dance in Ohio. I don't know if you've seen it or heard of it. I think it was the first Broadway show where every cast member was on the spectrum. And it was so special.

[28:18] Tanner Smith: That's goals for next time we come to New York.

[28:22] Nicci Smith: That would be so fun. I think it's on tour now, maybe.

[28:25] Tanner Smith: Yeah, definitely.

[28:26] Nicci Smith: I'll send you the information. How to Dance in Ohio.

[28:28] Tanner Smith: OK.

[28:30] Nicci Smith: Let's look it up. That would be so cool. Well, from Ohio to Clemson, I'll say one thing I really loved about seeing on your journey on and off the show, besides your awesome family, is the way you really highlight the importance of employment opportunities and independent living for young adults with disabilities, which is really important and really special. And, Tanner, you're so great at your work, you know, at the Shepherd Hotel.

[28:53] Tanner Smith: Yes, I am.

[28:54] Nicci Smith: See, and you know it, which I love. I believe 30 percent of the employees there have disabilities. We get to see a little bit of that on the show. But can you tell us more about your job?

[29:04] Tanner Smith: Yes. Can I tell you what I do there?

[29:06] Robert Peterpaul: Please do.

[29:07] Tanner Smith: I vacuum the stairs halfway to the Thomas Bar. I ride down the woods all the way up to the Thomas Bar. I vacuum the blue mats. I vacuum the blue mat up on the floor that goes out to the valley. I vacuum the carpet under the furniture. I vacuum the carpet under the welcome desk. I clean the bathrooms. I clean the bathroom. I clean the toilets. I mop the bathroom floors. I wipe down the vanities. I put more toilet papers and more paper towels in the bathrooms when they need more.

[29:35] Nicci Smith: You do a great job, too, buddy.

[29:37] Tanner Smith: I do a great job.

[29:38] Robert Peterpaul: Wow, that's amazing. I can barely clean my own bathroom by myself. Here, I don't know how you do all that. That's a lot.

[29:44] Nicci Smith: I was actually with him last week, and we did just like a little day in the life vlog. And I was following him on his day. And we just threw his normal task list. And it was so cool to watch him.

[29:52] Tanner Smith: I wasn't that fun to him.

[29:55] Nicci Smith: When I came in, I did you a bit cleaning. He's got it down. And I mean, it's so amazing. When you walk in that hotel, you can just feel like an energy shift. And because, you know, there's obviously the hospitality side, and then there's a restaurant. You might be having your lunch served to you by someone with Down syndrome. And you might get your coffee from someone with Williams syndrome. And then there's a person with autism cleaning the bathroom. And I think it just brings out in the guest. There's an automatic understanding that you might have to be just a touch more patient. Or you might have to wait just a minute longer. But no one cares. No one is bothered. No one is ruffled. Because they're out there, all these young people. And you just innately know that they have worked harder than the average person to get there and do that job.

[30:43] Nicci Smith: And I feel like Tanner, you and Robert and Frankie and everybody that works there. You guys just you really like what you do.

[30:50] Tanner Smith: Yes, ma'am.

[30:51] Nicci Smith: And they just work so hard and with such a joyful spirit and are glad to be there. It really gives you like a feeling when you're in the hotel. It's just a neat feeling.

[31:00] Tanner Smith: It's so cool.

[31:01] Nicci Smith: Yeah, so unique. I love to hear that and how you're keeping it in tip top shape. And you're also doing that for everybody watching you. You're making everybody's souls feel very clean. So I think there's a parallel. And we really hope that the message of The Shepherd will be taken. Just the idea of it being featured on Netflix for even the little bit that it was. And then, of course, Kelly Clarkson talked about it a lot. That other businesses out wherever, all over the country and the world will be like, Oh, wow, I need to consider the special needs community when I'm hiring. And I need to think about where in my business would they fit in. Because I think it's a whole population of people who have so much to offer that a lot of times, just if there's an assumption that it won't work or they would take too much extra training.

[32:41] Tanner Smith: You learned your job very quickly.

[32:47] Nicci Smith: I did. Very quickly. I would say he was functioning independently without anyone overseeing his duties. When you started in July, you didn't really have anybody helping you by August.

[32:56] Tanner Smith: Nope, I didn't, mom.

[32:57] Nicci Smith: No. Wow. He has a list and there's all kinds of systems you can put in place. And it's just an amazing thing to see. And everyone needs to feel productive. You have to have a reason to get out of bed. Everybody needs to feel like they're needed and that they're worthy and that they're contributing. I mean, you're a much happier person when you're contributing to a larger good. And so, I mean, it's just been amazing to see all these young people just blossom. And, I mean, Tanner, you get yourself up. You get dressed. He goes and works a six to seven hour shift at home.

[33:24] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[33:25] Nicci Smith: I love to hear that. It warms my heart so much. And there's a movie theater, I'll shout out near us, called The Prospects Theater that has a similar mission.

[33:30] Tanner Smith: I do.

[33:30] Tanner Smith: Love it.

[33:31] Nicci Smith: And, you know, if you had told me that, and this is what I want other moms to hear, when Tanner was 10, if you would have told me that that was going to be the outcomes, I would have left you out of the room. I would have been like, there's no way. There will never be a place, number one, like that, that will be that supportive. And I just don't think it's possible, but it is possible. It is. It is a long road and it takes a little longer, but it's possible. And I'm just so hoping that over this next 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, more and more and more businesses will pop up and offer opportunities like this because it's good for everybody. It's so good. It makes everybody happier. And I feel like the typical employees that work at The Shepherd are happier employees than average because of who they work with, you know, because of how they're impacted every day. And it really is. It's just a different feeling. It's a simple, joyful, loving feeling that you just don't get everywhere.

[33:31] Nicci Smith: And that's a great place because a lot of people, like Tanner, I know he loves movies and, you know, anything to do with animation and anything to do on screen, you know.

[33:41] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[33:42] Nicci Smith: It's a great fit.

[33:43] Tanner Smith: It's a natural fit.

[33:44] Nicci Smith: I love movies, too. What is your favorite movie, Tanner?

[33:47] Tanner Smith: The Emperor's New Groove.

[33:48] Nicci Smith: The Emperor's New Groove. Oh, it's so good.

[33:50] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[33:51] Nicci Smith: Pull the lever, Kronk.

[33:53] Tanner Smith: Does Kuzco say that or does Yzma say that?

[33:57] Nicci Smith: I think Yzma, right?

[33:59] Tanner Smith: The purple lady. She's like, oh, blah, blah, blah, Kronk, or something.

[34:02] Nicci Smith: And he's like, oh.

[34:03] Tanner Smith: I love it.

[34:04] Nicci Smith: That's a good movie. I love that movie. Love it. I guess, speaking of things you love, what is it that you love most about your job while we're here talking about The Shepherd?

[34:11] Tanner Smith: Because I love working there and seeing my friends.

[34:14] Nicci Smith: Mm. It does seem like everybody there knows your name. There's an old TV show called Cheers that you might not know, but it's always the dream for people. And you know what? That's the only job I'm going to have until I move back home to St. Matthews when I'm 44.

[34:29] Tanner Smith: That's the only job I'm going to have until then.

[34:30] Nicci Smith: That's so special. I feel like he's on a good road to keeping the job.

[34:34] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[34:35] Nicci Smith: I mean, it seems like you're one of the most amazing employees ever there and that they really value you.

[34:40] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah.

[34:41] Nicci Smith: I think as long as you just keep on your current track, buddy, you'll have a job for a while.

[34:44] Tanner Smith: Well, what's it?

[34:45] Nicci Smith: As long as what, though?

[34:46] Tanner Smith: No, it's as long as you keep doing a great job like you're doing now.

[34:50] Nicci Smith: Yes. You got this.

[34:52] Tanner Smith: I wondered, do fans come there now to meet you? That must be interesting.

[34:54] Tanner Smith: Yes, they do.

[34:56] Nicci Smith: Yeah. Tell Mr. Rob about how you handled it at the beginning.

[35:00] Tanner Smith: At the beginning, I handled it. Ms. Katrina, Mr. Rick, told me that I can just say to them nicely, I can give you a high five and a hug and a quick picture with you, but I can't hang out for a while because I'm on task and I have to stay focused.

[35:14] Nicci Smith: Yeah. That's good. That's good to have boundaries, right?

[35:17] Tanner Smith: It's hard to learn them.

[35:18] Nicci Smith: We learned a lot about that at the very beginning.

[35:20] Tanner Smith: Yes.

[35:21] Nicci Smith: Yeah. There's a little bit of overwhelm going on, but Tanner, you implemented your boundaries very well.

[35:26] Tanner Smith: Is that because I felt like it was distracting me at work, but I'm glad Ms. Katrina and Mr. Rick told me that that's what I can do nicely.

[35:32] Nicci Smith: Yes. Yeah. As long as I'm kind, bud.

[35:35] Tanner Smith: That's right.

[36:02] Nicci Smith: Like the show and everything that's with us has offered him so many opportunities to grow as a person and maybe navigate some things that wouldn't have come his way otherwise. And I've really seen so much growth in this last year. It's been amazing.

[36:14] Robert Peterpaul: That is amazing. Well, I know we know, you know, the Shepherd Hotel isn't the only place doing this. It's certainly a special one. But is there a way for that both of you think everyone at home can help contribute to a world where more companies hire people with disabilities? What do you think about that?

[36:30] Nicci Smith: I really think just educating themselves and seeing what's out there and like looking at places like the Shepherd and looking for businesses in your area that are open to that or suggesting it to an employer. Like, have you ever thought, you know, that this might be an option for us or that this might work in our area?

[36:50] Nicci Smith: Another thing Tanner and his many of his friends have almost all your friends that is really a great idea. There is a small business in Clemson called Champion Support Services, and it's run by a young man named Zach Calvert. And it is basically like a personal check-in business. And his entire business model is he has a relationship with about 22 of these special needs young adults. And he goes to their house once a week and does what he calls check-in. They do an online grocery order where they look at friendliness. They talk about their feelings. Are you having anxiety? They look at their finances, maybe go for a haircut, a manicure, pedicure. They struggle with those things. It's just an amazing brainchild.

[37:34] Nicci Smith: And I would love to see more things like that pop up in different communities because Zach's service and Champion Support enables us to rest easy three hours away. Because I know there's that point of emergency contact that's local because I'm not local. You know, Tanner's home with me today, but he does not live here all the time. And that is just such an amazing concept to me because I feel like there's so many young adults that are like Tanner and his friends who just maybe need just a touch extra support. But Tanner does 95% of his stuff totally independently. He just needs right here. Zach definitely makes you feel safe.

[38:10] Tanner Smith: Yeah, mommy, dad, mom.

[38:11] Nicci Smith: Yeah. And it's just nice for the family knowing there's that extra set of eyes looking into his life once a week and I can depend on that. That kind of thing is just an amazing brainchild because we feel strongly that it's better for Tanner and it's better for us that like other 26-year-old men, he is living on his own. You know, he has moved into his own apartment. He is managing his life, has autonomy, does not have to ask me for every move that he makes. You know, and it's a good thing with a young adult child. It's the way things are supposed to be. And a business like Champion Support enables that for people that otherwise it might not be a possibility for.

[39:01] Nicci Smith: So there's just so many things, I feel like so much more that could be done other than just community service. I mean, that's a great job field, you know, for someone who has a heart for people with special needs or is impacted by that community in some way. What a way to have a thriving business that's very emotionally satisfying, doing so much, not just for the individual, but for their family. It's incredible.

[39:10] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah. And it gives back to them too, I'm sure.

[39:13] Nicci Smith: Absolutely. It gives back and the trickle out is incredible.

[39:16] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[39:17] Nicci Smith: It's incredible because you're not just, you know, ministering to that person. You are helping their family. You know, Zach is our saint, Jeanette.

[39:25] Tanner Smith: Yeah, I'd love to hear that.

[39:27] Nicci Smith: Zach is our saint, Jeanette.

[39:28] Tanner Smith: Yeah, Zach is wonderful, isn't he?

[39:30] Nicci Smith: He's fun.

[39:31] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I'd love to hear that. Shout out to Zach.

[39:33] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[39:34] Robert Peterpaul: Well, something else that's rippled out again back to Love on the Spectrum is your star, Tanner. I mean, you've added TV star to your resume. What's your favorite experience been that's happened because of the show? It could have been on the show or after, but do you have one that pops into your head?

[39:51] Robert Peterpaul: What was your favorite thing when you were filming the show? Like, what was your favorite date you went on?

[39:54] Tanner Smith: My favorite was the date with Kate.

[39:58] Robert Peterpaul: Which one?

[39:59] Tanner Smith: When we went to the restaurant.

[40:00] Robert Peterpaul: Tell him.

[40:01] Tanner Smith: My favorite... My favorite date was I'm going to the restaurant with Kate.

[40:04] Robert Peterpaul: Was that the day the umbrella didn't work?

[40:09] Tanner Smith: That was the day the umbrella didn't work. I remember that.

[40:11] Robert Peterpaul: And you're a big foodie, too, right? You love food, too, like me.

[40:15] Tanner Smith: I know you do. Everybody loves food.

[40:17] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[40:18] Robert Peterpaul: No, don't we?

[40:19] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[40:20] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, I love seeing that date. And you said you're still friends with Kate, right?

[40:23] Tanner Smith: Yeah, we still text to each other.

[40:25] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I love that. She seems so sweet.

[40:28] Tanner Smith: She's so sweet. And Kate has, since the show, become employed at Biddy and Bo's, which is a coffee shop that employs special needs people. And so there's a new one in Columbia, South Carolina, and she's working there and thriving, doing very well.

[40:42] Nicci Smith: Oh, I love to hear that.

[40:43] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[40:44] Robert Peterpaul: I saw also because of the show, one cool thing, and it's relevant to the show because we saw elephants on the show as well, but...

[40:50] Tanner Smith: Oh, yes.

[40:51] Robert Peterpaul: I saw you got to rescue an elephant.

[40:53] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.

[40:54] Robert Peterpaul: Did you see the pictures of me and Midge, me together with Midge in Thailand?

[40:58] Tanner Smith: I did. They were so cool. What was that like?

[41:01] Tanner Smith: It was so cool because I never gotten close to real elephants before.

[41:04] Robert Peterpaul: But you did, didn't you?

[41:05] Tanner Smith: I did. I did.

[41:07] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. What's the elephant's name? I feel like it had a great name.

[41:10] Tanner Smith: I think it's one of the good elephants, Joy.

[41:12] Robert Peterpaul: Joy.

[41:13] Tanner Smith: Joy. Oh, that's so fitting. I love that.

[41:15] Tanner Smith: Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

[41:18] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Great experience.

[41:20] Tanner Smith: It was a great experience.

[41:21] Robert Peterpaul: Amazing. They say they're such kind animals, right? Like they're very friendly?

[41:25] Tanner Smith: They are such kind animals.

[41:26] Nicci Smith: Yes. He went with Aaron Jackson with Planting Peace.

[41:30] Robert Peterpaul: Okay.

[41:31] Nicci Smith: Aaron does elephant rescue missions regularly, among other things. He's also done water systems. He's done a lot of deworming with children in other countries. Just an amazing organization. And he was also very touched by Tanner's kindness on the show and noticed his love for animals. So he reached out to Tanner and said, hey, would you like to join me on an elephant rescue? And my girls were, I said, well, he's definitely not coming by himself and I couldn't go. So my daughters were like, pick me, pick me. Aaron was very kind and let both the girls come.

[42:03] Nicci Smith: And it was a really neat like adult sibling adventure. His older sister Taylor just got married. And this was pre-wedding that they got to go do that. The three of them in their 20s, you know, international around the world trip. It was such a unique mission. It was just really neat for the three of them.

[42:22] Tanner Smith: You guys had a blast.

[42:23] Nicci Smith: We got a blast.

[42:24] Tanner Smith: Tell them about the plane ride.

[42:25] Nicci Smith: How was the plane ride?

[42:26] Tanner Smith: The plane ride, it was long, but we did good.

[42:28] Nicci Smith: Oh, good. I'm glad. Did you watch any movies? I know that's what I do on the plane.

[42:32] Tanner Smith: I watched the Cartoon Land, the real Aladdin. I watched a Superman movie. I can't remember what other movies I watched.

[42:38] Tanner Smith: I love those.

[42:39] Nicci Smith: It's King Kong and Batman Begins.

[42:41] Tanner Smith: Oh, Batman Begins. That's a good one.

[42:42] Nicci Smith: I like it.

[42:43] Tanner Smith: You like movies that were from when I was growing up, too. I like that.

[42:48] Tanner Smith: Hey, Mr. Rob, do you like Batman?

[42:50] Robert Peterpaul: I do love Batman.

[42:51] Tanner Smith: I do, too.

[42:52] Robert Peterpaul: What's your opinion about Batman? Do you think he's strong or do you think he's weak?

[42:58] Tanner Smith: I think Batman is strong because, you know, Batman's origin story comes from him going through a lot, right? Like, maybe we can relate to this.

[43:05] Robert Peterpaul: What do you mean about him going through a lot?

[43:07] Tanner Smith: Like his background, before he was Batman.

[43:10] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, like his parents passed away, right? And he had to go through this really hard thing. And I think that makes someone strong, besides his superpowers.

[43:17] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah. And, boy, he has those superpowers, but he has good gadgets.

[43:21] Nicci Smith: He does, yes.

[43:22] Tanner Smith: His gadgets and Alfred in the Batcave and all these kind of things. He's usually very buff, so he's literally pretty strong, right? What do you think? Do you like the Joker?

[43:31] Tanner Smith: I do like the Joker. Because he is a cool villain.

[43:35] Robert Peterpaul: I think so. Did you see The Dark Knight?

[43:37] Tanner Smith: That one's a little creepy.

[43:38] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, yeah. I like The Dark Knight.

[43:40] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[43:41] Robert Peterpaul: I saw that in movie theaters on the big screen. We went to go see it at the movie theater when it came out.

[43:45] Tanner Smith: Oh, cool.

[43:46] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, wow. That was one of my favorite movies. I thought Heath Ledger was a great Joker.

[43:50] Tanner Smith: Uh-huh. Yeah.

[43:51] Nicci Smith: It's such an amazing actor. And The Penguin's out now, too. That's a new Batman spinoff on HBO.

[43:54] Tanner Smith: The Penguin?

[43:57] Nicci Smith: It's called The Penguin.

[43:58] Tanner Smith: Is he still bad?

[43:59] Nicci Smith: Yes, but I think it shows you why he became bad.

[44:02] Tanner Smith: Oh, we'll have to watch that.

[44:03] Nicci Smith: That's so cool. Do you think you'll like it, Mom?

[44:05] Nicci Smith: I don't know, but you and Frankie should definitely try to find it.

[44:07] Tanner Smith: Okay.

[44:08] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[44:09] Tanner Smith: Yeah, my dad loved it, and my dad doesn't watch a lot of TV, so I think it's supposed to be for everybody.

[44:13] Nicci Smith: So maybe, yeah.

[44:14] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah. The Penguin's a cool villain, too.

[44:16] Nicci Smith: Yeah, right? And I also—

[44:18] Tanner Smith: And the Scarecrow.

[44:19] Nicci Smith: Oh, yeah. The Scarecrow. Did you know the Scarecrow's in Batman Begins?

[44:24] Tanner Smith: Oh, you're so right. And do you ever play the video games? There are a lot of Batman video games, too.

[44:27] Nicci Smith: Not really.

[44:30] Tanner Smith: Yeah. That's probably better for your use of time.

[44:34] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[44:35] Robert Peterpaul: Well, you know, I'm thinking, too, with The Elephant, I'm wondering, did you sing The Lion King to it?

[44:40] Tanner Smith: That was one of my—

[44:41] Nicci Smith: I don't remember.

[44:42] Tanner Smith: I love seeing that. Did you sing to Joy?

[44:45] Tanner Smith: I might have.

[44:46] Nicci Smith: I was not on that trip.

[44:48] Tanner Smith: He was with the girls.

[44:49] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[44:50] Nicci Smith: Yeah, we went totally independently.

[44:52] Tanner Smith: Yeah, we went totally independently.

[44:53] Nicci Smith: That's amazing. Remember when they did that on the show? They sang The Lion King?

[44:56] Tanner Smith: I thought that was really sweet.

[44:58] Nicci Smith: Yeah. It sounds so hot. We had Abby and David.

[45:01] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[45:02] Nicci Smith: They were so sweet. Yeah, my daughters were saying, like, it's Tanner before that had never traveled internationally or certainly never anything that long. And they were amazed at what a great flyer he is. And we—because I was, of course, you know, I'm mom. I'm home, like, three of my children. Like, three out of my four children.

[45:18] Tanner Smith: Yeah, that's a trip.

[45:19] Nicci Smith: I called Aaron, and I was like, listen here, buddy. I think you better take care of my kids. I'm sending them halfway around the world to you. You better watch my family. The girls were like, Tanner's, like, the most low-key flyer, does not really get jet lag, is not really impacted by time change that much. He just rolled right through it. I mean, I probably would have been, like, in the bed for a week.

[45:39] Tanner Smith: I know.

[45:40] Nicci Smith: Me too. But isn't it cool when you're so up high and you see how tiny everything is when you look out the window?

[45:45] Tanner Smith: Yeah, it's so cool.

[45:46] Nicci Smith: It's so cool.

[45:48] Tanner Smith: It is. It looks fake, right?

[45:49] Nicci Smith: It looks like little toy cars or something.

[45:50] Tanner Smith: It does.

[45:51] Nicci Smith: Little what?

[45:52] Tanner Smith: Like, it almost looks like it's like a little toy car and a little model when you're looking down.

[45:56] Nicci Smith: It looks so tiny. Like you're looking at Toy City.

[45:58] Tanner Smith: You're right.

[45:59] Nicci Smith: Oh, yeah, you're right. It does. It's so cool. You're right. Yeah, we were like, I guess Tanner was meant to travel. We never knew that before, but he does it very well.

[46:05] Tanner Smith: Yeah?

[46:06] Robert Peterpaul: Well, maybe we'll see you on a trip in the next season of Love on the Spectrum. I'm wondering what's—

[46:11] Tanner Smith: I sure hope so.

[46:12] Robert Peterpaul: Maybe we will.

[46:13] Tanner Smith: I hope so.

[46:14] Robert Peterpaul: Maybe we'll see you on a show. Are you coming back? What's going on? Can you talk about it?

[46:18] Tanner Smith: You'll have to wait and see.

[46:19] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, okay. Oh, I like that. Let's just say we hope so. I think you will because everyone loves you and you bring so much joy to people, not just the elephant.

[46:28] Tanner Smith: I do.

[46:30] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you. But literal joy. Do you have a favorite way to cheer people up, Tanner? I think people could use a little bit of your energy in this world.

[46:37] Tanner Smith: Yes, my favorite part is giving people hugs.

[46:39] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, yeah, that's amazing. When did you start doing that? Have you always done that? Your whole life?

[46:44] Tanner Smith: When did I get older?

[46:45] Nicci Smith: Well, you've always been pretty much a hugger.

[46:47] Tanner Smith: I've always been pretty much a hugger.

[46:48] Nicci Smith: Yeah, yeah. Tanner, one of Tanner's sensory issues when he was younger was sort of like not really knowing where he was in space, like proprioception. So in physical therapy and OT, we did a ton of pressure point work. He always required a lot of pressure.

[47:04] Tanner Smith: You like massage?

[47:05] Tanner Smith: I do massage.

[47:06] Nicci Smith: Yes, yes. And he's always like—we've always done a lot of this for grounding, you know, just like pushing into his shoulders.

[47:12] Tanner Smith: Oh, you need grounding, mom.

[47:13] Nicci Smith: Like so that you know—so your body feels good and safe. And tell me, Rob, what are you so good at that I'm not very good at?

[47:21] Tanner Smith: I'm good at doing back flips.

[47:24] Robert Peterpaul: Well, what are you good at?

[47:25] Tanner Smith: Swimming, I'm so good at swimming.

[47:27] Nicci Smith: You're not a good swimmer.

[47:28] Tanner Smith: I'm not a great swimmer. I'm okay, I can do it, but I'm just not great like you.

[47:31] Nicci Smith: Gotcha. I mean, I can swim, but I'm not like a great—and that's been very therapeutic for Tanner. We always say it's fascinating to watch him in water. So I think that's where like the hugging comes from, you know, to bring that back around. I think it's that need for pressure and just, you know, feeling some weight in his body feels very good to him. He's an incredible swimmer. It's so entertaining. He swims like a dolphin. Like he kind of comes up and goes down, up and goes down. Oh, yeah. Swim team, and he never loved it because they tried to make him do the strokes, you know?

[48:03] Tanner Smith: I love swimming too. I used to be on the swim team. I was a big swimmer growing up.

[48:09] Robert Peterpaul: Oh yeah, I'm excited. You can ask me anything you want.

[48:18] Robert Peterpaul: But I'd love to hear that you love swimming and I wonder if you like pressure. Do you have a weighted blanket?

[48:25] Tanner Smith: I do. I do.

[48:26] Robert Peterpaul: And what else did they send you?

[48:27] Tanner Smith: Me too.

[48:28] Tanner Smith: They sent me the dinosaur.

[48:30] Robert Peterpaul: A weighted dinosaur.

[48:31] Tanner Smith: Oh, that's cool.

[48:32] Robert Peterpaul: What'd you name him, Peter?

[48:33] Tanner Smith: I named him Peter.

[48:34] Robert Peterpaul: Yep.

[48:35] Tanner Smith: That's like my last name, Peter Paul.

[48:36] Robert Peterpaul: Peter Paul. That's right, Peter Paul.

[48:38] Tanner Smith: And he lays it on his chest. It's got the beads in it. It's weighted and he has a really nice blanket.

[48:44] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. I love that. Well, that's a great gift for the holiday season.

[48:48] Robert Peterpaul: And I just would love to know, Tanner, since the holidays are around the corner, we have Thanksgiving and Christmas and so many fun things coming up. What do you love to do during the holiday season?

[49:00] Tanner Smith: I take out my family and celebrate Christmas with my family.

[49:03] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, and what are some of your favorite things to do when you're celebrating Christmas?

[49:08] Tanner Smith: One of my favorite things to do is go Christmas caroling.

[49:15] Robert Peterpaul: You go Christmas caroling?

[49:17] Tanner Smith: I do go Christmas caroling.

[49:18] Robert Peterpaul: I bet Mr. Rob would love this. What do you love to pretend to be around Christmas time?

[49:23] Tanner Smith: I love to pretend to be Santa Claus around Christmas time.

[49:26] Tanner Smith: And who else?

[49:27] Tanner Smith: And Buddy the Elf.

[49:28] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I love Buddy the Elf. Be watching social media because I feel like you're going to get a good taste of that.

[49:34] Tanner Smith: Oh, okay.

[49:36] Robert Peterpaul: Tanner is the most incredible Buddy the Elf besides Will Ferrell.

[49:40] Tanner Smith: Oh, I can't wait to see that. Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?

[49:45] Tanner Smith: That's definitely one of the highlights of our Christmas season.

[49:48] Tanner Smith: He's already got a couple engagements as Buddy.

[49:53] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's exciting.

[49:55] Tanner Smith: It was just a random thing. He's always liked to dress up, so I saw the costume, grabbed it one day thinking it would just be funny to make a video with. This was long before the show or anything, and it's kind of taken a life of its own, so it's becoming a thing.

[50:08] Robert Peterpaul: Wow.

[50:09] Robert Peterpaul: You wore it at the Shepherd last year, didn't you?

[50:11] Tanner Smith: I did, I did.

[50:12] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I can't wait to see. Now, this is an important question. Have you tried spaghetti with maple syrup like he does in the movie?

[50:19] Tanner Smith: No.

[50:20] Robert Peterpaul: I think we should.

[50:21] Tanner Smith: You think we should, Mom?

[50:22] Nicci Smith: For a video maybe.

[50:23] Tanner Smith: Yeah, and film it.

[50:24] Nicci Smith: We can do it any day you want.

[50:26] Tanner Smith: Maybe before we come out here?

[50:28] Nicci Smith: Sure.

[50:29] Tanner Smith: That would be fun.

[50:30] Nicci Smith: I think it would be fun.

[50:31] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[50:32] Tanner Smith: Could you make spaghetti for dinner Friday night?

[50:34] Nicci Smith: Sure.

[50:35] Robert Peterpaul: How would you make it Friday night?

[50:36] Nicci Smith: Okay.

[50:37] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, let us know what you think.

[50:38] Tanner Smith: I think it'll be really sweet. I want to try it with Hershey's chocolate syrup.

[50:42] Nicci Smith: Ooh, Hershey's chocolate syrup.

[50:43] Robert Peterpaul: Oh.

[50:44] Tanner Smith: Or do you think I should just regular chocolate syrup?

[50:46] Nicci Smith: You know what? It's your final choice. You can be Buddy however you want to be Buddy.

[50:51] Tanner Smith: Do you have the Hershey chocolate syrup?

[50:52] Nicci Smith: Yeah, I do.

[50:53] Tanner Smith: Yeah, I want to try it with it. Well, I will say shout out. Elf is on Broadway right now. It came back. It's a musical, and some of our friends are in it, so maybe I'm going to tell them about this and send them those videos.

[51:04] Nicci Smith: Definitely be watching the TikTok and the Instagram. We're hoping to have some funny stuff up soon.

[51:09] Tanner Smith: Oh, I can't wait. Once we get through Thursday, we'll bring out the Buddy.

[51:13] Nicci Smith: Yay.

[51:14] Tanner Smith: Oh, I know. Thanksgiving is fun, right? Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving food?

[51:16] Tanner Smith: I can't wait for the stuffing. My first favorite Thanksgiving food is macaroni and cheese. My second favorite is turkey.

[51:22] Tanner Smith: Hey, Rob, Mr. Rob, do you have a favorite Thanksgiving food?

[51:26] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah.

[51:27] Tanner Smith: Thank you for asking. I love stuffing.

[51:29] Robert Peterpaul: That's a good choice.

[51:30] Tanner Smith: I really love to eat stuffing.

[51:31] Robert Peterpaul: That's a good choice.

[51:32] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[51:33] Tanner Smith: So good. But someone asked me the other day. They said, if you could only have turkey or pumpkin pie, what would you choose?

[51:38] Nicci Smith: Oh.

[51:39] Tanner Smith: Pumpkin pie.

[51:40] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[51:41] Tanner Smith: I love pumpkin pie too. That's a hard question though, right?

[51:43] Nicci Smith: It's a very hard question.

[51:44] Tanner Smith: Yeah. But you know the answer right away.

[51:47] Nicci Smith: I loved it.

[51:48] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah. Always an answer. Well, you know, speaking of hopefully this isn't a hard question, but one thing I always love to ask people at the end of our time together is for a tangible kindness tip. So I would love to know for both of you, if you both have something you would like everybody out there listening to do on their own little corner of the world to make the world brighter. So something kind people can do.

[52:10] Tanner Smith: Okay. Take.

[52:11] Nicci Smith: Wait, wait, wait, wait. What's this from? Remember? We looked at this one.

[52:14] Tanner Smith: Huh?

[52:15] Nicci Smith: What is a kindness tip that you think everyone in the world should be doing more of? Something other people should do to be more kind.

[52:24] Tanner Smith: I think they should give people more high fives and they should give people more hugs.

[52:29] Nicci Smith: I love that.

[52:31] Tanner Smith: I agree.

[52:32] Tanner Smith: And they should. I think they should smile more.

[52:35] Nicci Smith: Definitely.

[52:36] Tanner Smith: Right.

[52:37] Nicci Smith: Right.

[52:38] Tanner Smith: I think so, too. I'll give you a high five again through here, through the camera.

[52:41] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[52:42] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. What about Nicci? I would love to know if your mom has one, too.

[52:46] Nicci Smith: I really think what we talked about before, like listening, like being more of an active listener and like trying to think about like where this person's come from, you know, just in general. I mean, I think it would bridge age gaps, you know, social gaps, everything like if more people, you know, we talked with Tanner a lot about not just not just listening to respond, but listening to truly get to know the other person. That's something. I talked about the time I met Neil and we'll say something that I was about to offend him by. Right. And that you have to really think about the other person and like where they're from and their life experience and how they see the world. Because that's part of the part of traveling. Right. That's part of what you learn in traveling. It's part of being kind. Because everybody's different religions and we got to respect that.

[53:28] Tanner Smith: That's right.

[53:30] Nicci Smith: Different beliefs, different things that are important to them. So it's very important that you listen to that person and really try to understand them before you say something.

[53:38] Tanner Smith: Yeah. And Mr. Rob, the truth is, I learned that being nice does not get you to heaven.

[53:43] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, yeah. What is it?

[53:45] Tanner Smith: Jesus.

[53:46] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, that's a good answer. Did you know that, Mr. Rob, that being nice does not get you to heaven or did you not know that?

[53:54] Robert Peterpaul: I think it's being authentic like you are being yourself and trying to. You brought up an interesting point. Sometimes you can say something too fast that might offend someone or you might not know you are. But it's all about something called the intention. So if you mean to be good to people, that's all that matters, I think.

[54:12] Tanner Smith: That's right.

[54:13] Nicci Smith: That's exactly right. And that's what we were talking about.

[54:15] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[54:16] Nicci Smith: Recently, we've been talking a lot about really trying to understand people and meet them where they're at.

[54:20] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[54:21] Nicci Smith: It's not always about what?

[54:22] Tanner Smith: Not always about.

[54:23] Nicci Smith: Well, about yourself.

[54:24] Tanner Smith: It's not always about myself.

[54:25] Nicci Smith: Exactly. We've been talking about that a lot. Think about other people.

[54:28] Tanner Smith: It's a hard lesson to learn.

[54:29] Nicci Smith: That is hard.

[54:30] Tanner Smith: But you're such a great mom, Tanner. You must appreciate her so much.

[54:32] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[54:36] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[54:37] Tanner Smith: Yeah. Well, what's something that you love about your mom?

[54:40] Tanner Smith: She's the best mom ever.

[54:42] Tanner Smith: And she's very smart, too.

[54:44] Robert Peterpaul: I get that sense that she's very smart and she has your back, which is great.

[54:47] Nicci Smith: Very supportive.

[54:49] Nicci Smith: And Tanner's been definitely probably the greatest teacher that we have had. Navigating his diagnosis and his life and just watching it all unfold has been truly like just the most, I don't know, instrumental thing that's ever happened to us. You know, when you have something come into your life that you felt like, you know, you were never going to get over that hurdle or get up that mountain. And then you do and you turn around and see how it was all meant to be and that this was for a greater good and that there was purpose in everything that you went through. And it's so hard, you know, when you're at the bottom of the mountain. You know, I feel this way for newly diagnosed families, you know, and that's been one of the most special parts for me is, I mean, I don't even know how many there have been now, but hundreds of DMs that I've gotten from other families, other mothers.

Just to know that seeing Tanner and his friends and everyone else on the show and all the kids at Clemson Life is seeing where they are in their early 20s is giving other families hope to keep on with the therapy, to keep researching, to take your kid to OT, to look into, you know, what makes your child tick and just embrace them for who they are. It's just been the most amazing, just the most amazing lessons of my life and changed us all for the better, I think.

[56:00] Tanner Smith: I love that.

[56:01] Nicci Smith: And it changes us all and we only get to see snippets of it. So I can only imagine how it must be to see the whole thing.

[56:05] Tanner Smith: And I love that.

[56:07] Nicci Smith: It's been great.

[56:08] Tanner Smith: It has really been wild. This year has just been like, what?

[56:11] Nicci Smith: Yeah.

[56:12] Tanner Smith: I know. And it's almost, it's almost over, almost in a new year. But I did, I think Tanner, you said you had some questions. Did you still have questions you wanted to ask?

[56:18] Tanner Smith: Okay. What do I do for fun?

[56:22] Robert Peterpaul: What do you do for fun?

[56:24] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[56:25] Robert Peterpaul: What do you like to do for fun?

[56:26] Tanner Smith: Oh, what do I like to do for fun? That's a good question. I also love watching movies. I do love watching movies. I like to go into the city and see shows. I like to hang out with my friends. I like to eat food.

[56:39] Tanner Smith: So, Mr. Rob, those are good things I do for fun.

[56:41] Robert Peterpaul: And I'm with you on all that. Because I like to watch movies and go into the city and see shows and hang out with my friends and eat food too. So I'm with you on all that.

[56:49] Tanner Smith: Wow. So we're very similar. Tell them what show we saw when we came to New York for Kelly Clarkson.

[56:54] Nicci Smith: Do you remember?

[56:55] Tanner Smith: Who was it about? Remember when we went to that theater and we saw that they danced? Do you remember who it was about?

[57:00] Tanner Smith: Michael Jackson.

[57:01] Robert Peterpaul: Oh.

[57:02] Tanner Smith: Hey, let me tell you some things I like to do for fun.

[57:05] Tanner Smith: Yeah.

[57:07] Tanner Smith: I like to swim.

[57:09] Robert Peterpaul: Swimming is great, right?

[57:11] Tanner Smith: I love that you swim like a dolphin.

[57:13] Nicci Smith: There's a very physical guy.

[57:14] Tanner Smith: He is, yeah. Well, what do you do when you're mad and upset?

[57:18] Robert Peterpaul: Well, oh, what do I do when I'm upset? That's a good question.

[57:21] Tanner Smith: Yeah, when you're mad and upset.

[57:22] Robert Peterpaul: Well, you know what's interesting is that your show, Love on the Spectrum, was something that brought us so much joy. So our family was going through a hard time, actually, when it came out. And watching the show made us really happy. And it felt like a warm blanket.

[57:34] Tanner Smith: So things like that.

[57:35] Robert Peterpaul: Sweet, Tanner.

[57:36] Tanner Smith: Yeah. Honestly, that's what you do when you're mad and upset? Watching, like, a comfort TV show.

[57:41] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, or I talk to people, like talk to your loved ones, right?

[57:44] Tanner Smith: Right.

[57:46] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Hey, you know what? That's a smart thing for you to do when you're mad and upset. That's a very smart thing for you to do when you're mad and upset.

[57:51] Tanner Smith: Oh, thank you.

[57:52] Robert Peterpaul: What do you—

[57:53] Tanner Smith: I'm not with you on that. That's not what I do when I'm mad and upset.

[57:56] Robert Peterpaul: But that's a smart thing for you to do when you're mad and upset.

[57:58] Tanner Smith: Thank you.

[57:59] Tanner Smith: See, here, I'm doing a good job.

[58:00] Tanner Smith: Don't call me mad and upset.

[58:01] Robert Peterpaul: You're doing a great job.

[58:02] Tanner Smith: You are doing a good job.

[58:03] Robert Peterpaul: You're doing a great job.

[58:06] Tanner Smith: What do you do? I would love to hear what you do.

[58:08] Robert Peterpaul: I talk to my friends at dinner night. I listen to music. I go on walks. I take deep breaths.

[58:11] Tanner Smith: You know what? You reminded me. I go on walks, too, every day. I have to go on a walk for at least an hour every day. It makes me feel so good to go on a walk and get outside.

[58:17] Tanner Smith: It does.

[58:18] Nicci Smith: It's so good.

[58:19] Tanner Smith: It does. Do you like to travel?

[58:21] Robert Peterpaul: I do like to travel.

[58:22] Tanner Smith: Yeah, we're going—

[58:23] Robert Peterpaul: Me, too. Where are you going to go next?

[58:26] Tanner Smith: I'm hoping to go to Jamaica.

[58:27] Robert Peterpaul: I heard Jamaica's fun. I was about to ask him the question. But he was about to tell me where he's going to travel.

[58:30] Tanner Smith: Yes, go ahead.

[58:31] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, we're going to Aruba for Christmas.

[58:33] Tanner Smith: That would be fun.

[58:34] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, it'll be nice and warm. And I think we might ride a horse on the beach.

[58:36] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:37] Robert Peterpaul: Just you and your wife? Or is it like family?

[58:39] Tanner Smith: My dad's taking all of us, so my siblings, my wife.

[58:40] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:41] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:42] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:43] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:44] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:45] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:46] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:47] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:48] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:49] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:50] Tanner Smith: Oh, my goodness.

[58:52] Tanner Smith: Thank you.

[58:53] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, do you, and do you have any other dream places you want to go, Tanner?

[58:54] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah, so I want to go to Jamaica, Europe and Greece one day.

[58:55] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that'll be great, right?

[58:56] Tanner Smith: That'll be great, right?

[58:57] Robert Peterpaul: Right.

[58:58] Tanner Smith: Yeah, I've been to Europe. Europe's really cool. Because there's a lot of old buildings and really amazing things to see.

[59:02] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, that'll be fun, wouldn't it?

[59:03] Tanner Smith: Yeah, that'll be fun, wouldn't it?

[59:04] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, that'll be fun, wouldn't it?

[59:09] Tanner Smith: be great.

[59:10] Robert Peterpaul: Right.

[59:11] Tanner Smith: And good food.

[59:12] Robert Peterpaul: I'm Italian, so I would say go to Italy.

[59:13] Tanner Smith: Oh, yes.

[59:14] Robert Peterpaul: Yep.

[59:15] Tanner Smith: Oh, yeah. Italy, spaghetti.

[59:19] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, yeah.

[59:20] Tanner Smith: Pasta.

[59:21] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. And you could put maple syrup on spaghetti over there, too.

[59:23] Tanner Smith: That's right.

[59:24] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Good bread.

[59:26] Tanner Smith: Absolutely.

[59:27] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Oh, well, I don't want to take up too much more of your time. Thank you both so much for being here. I am an even bigger fan now, and I'm so grateful that we have people like you in this entertainment industry that we can all look up to, because you really make people so happy.

[59:32] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:33] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do make people so happy.

[59:34] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:35] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:36] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:37] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:38] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:39] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:40] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:41] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:44] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do.

[59:45] Tanner Smith: Yes, I do make people so happy.

[59:46] Nicci Smith: That's so sweet.

[59:47] Nicci Smith: Thank you so much for having us, Rob.

[59:48] Tanner Smith: Thank you, Mr. Rob.

[59:49] Nicci Smith: Thank you, Mr. Rob.

[59:50] Tanner Smith: Thank you.

[59:51] Nicci Smith: Thank you.