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BFF Host 1
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BFF Host 2
Yo, what is up, everyone? Welcome back to the BFF's podcast. Make sure you guys tap that bell. Subscribe and like the video.
BFF Host 3
Yes.
BFF Host 2
I guess I kind of took it all, didn't I?
TJ
Did. Let's get into that.
BFF Host 2
Let's go.
TJ
All right, guys, welcome back to BFFs. We have a very special special guest. We have TJ dumped from the villa. Straight to BFFs.
BFF Host 1
What's going on?
BFF Host 2
What's up, man? How are you?
BFF Host 1
I'm good. How are you guys? Thanks for having me.
BFF Host 2
We're great.
TJ
We.
BFF Host 2
Yeah, I mean, we get to interview you right Post show. It's. It's an honor.
TJ
There was a clip of you were on the Vile Files, and the first thing he said to you is, are you okay?
BFF Host 1
I'm good. I promise. I'm good.
TJ
You're good. You just said that you're in LA for the first time ever. Who else are you with from the show? Hanging out with.
BFF Host 1
Yeah. And so this is my first day in L. A. I'm staying with Austin and Charlie. I'm sleeping on the couch the next couple of days.
BFF Host 2
There we go.
BFF Host 1
There we go.
BFF Host 2
I got to say, one of my favorite clips I think I've seen post show or like when people come off the show and they're answering comments or they're going live. Probably one of my favorite clips actually of all time coming out of Love island is you on live on your couch and you're sitting there looking and reading commentary and you're like, oh, Iris got cracked. At least I got to go camping. Like, that might be an all time favorite clip of mine.
BFF Host 1
Oh, my. I appreciate. You know, honestly, I didn't know what that comment was saying until I read it. And, like, you could, you could tell, like halfway through I stopped reading and I was like, but, yeah, that's tough.
BFF Host 2
I've been there. I've been there. You read a live comment, you're not really trying to read the comment, and then you got to go from there. It's.
BFF Host 1
It's a tough situation. Yeah. And I'm not. I'm not really good with social media and, like, I never was, so I'm just trying to get used to it and everything. That was like my first live ever too, so.
TJ
Well, people are saying, I mean, me included, you're one of the funniest, like, contestants on social media. After coming out of the villa, you're kind of crushing it.
BFF Host 2
Which is.
BFF Host 1
Which is crazy because I never would have thought that, like, like I said, I'm so new to social media, so, like, this whole thing, this whole space is new to me. So I'm just trying to do my best and I feel like I have a decent sense of humor and I'm just trying to, like, you know, show the audience that the people that, like, didn't get to see that on the show.
TJ
Yeah, you're crushing it.
BFF Host 1
Thank you.
BFF Host 2
So for, like, you. What was the reason to go on the show then? Because I know there's a lot of people that will go on the show and, you know, there is the, like, find love aspect, but I think there's a lot of people that go on the show and they go on and it's like, okay, my socials are going to get boosted. Like, there are a lot of semi influencers or people that were already doing social media that went on the show this season. So if it wasn't a social boost for you, what was, like, the true reason you wanted to go on Love Island?
BFF Host 1
It was really because of, like, finding love. I feel like I haven't had the best dating experience and I don't really love the date. I'm super picky and, like, I thought this would be a great experience regardless. Like, it's just a once in a lifetime opportunity. So it's like something that probably is never going to come around again. So it's like one of those things where I felt like I had to do it regardless. But also like, the love aspect, like, I just want to find that person. You know what I'm saying?
BFF Host 2
Yeah, definitely.
TJ
I think a lot of us thought you did find that person with Iris. I think you thought you found that person with Iris. So when you got dumped from the villa. I hate saying that, it sounds so dramatic, but when you got dumped from the villa, what. What was going through your head? Ever think, oh, maybe it could be a possibility Iris would leave with me, or we could make this work? Like, what was. Was your feeling about Iris when you left?
BFF Host 1
Yeah. So I think in the moment, I was, like, completely stunned. Like, people would say, like, sorry, and, like, you know, this is a tough decision and whatnot. I just didn't really have any words because it didn't feel real to me yet. So, like, you know, now I've processed it. But also in the moment, I didn't really think about Iris leaving with me. Like, yeah, it was an option, but at the end of the day, like, it's her experience. And I told her that, like, hey, listen, I want you to go through with this because I don't want you to have any regrets. You'll probably never get to do this ever again. And I just felt like it's her experience, not mine, and I wanted her to go through with it. So that was, like, kind of the conversation that we had. And, you know, we agreed, or, like, you know, she said she was going to wait a couple of days and, like, think about it, whatever. But I told her, like, hey, listen, like, you're strong. You got this. And, like, I just want you to go through with it. And that's kind of like where we left off. But, you know, throughout the whole process, I always thought, like, would this work on the outside? I always thought it would. Like, we had the same, you know, morals, values, the same. We wanted to get the same things out of life, so we just connected on that level. And, yeah, it was tough leaving, but, you know, what are you going to do at the end of the day? Yeah. Yeah.
BFF Host 2
I gotta ask. Have you watched any of the show since leaving?
BFF Host 1
So I've watched. I didn't watch last night's episode, but I've watched the last few episodes since I left. Okay. And I haven't watched the ones that I was in because I feel like it's so weird watching me on tv.
BFF Host 2
Watching yourself on tv.
BFF Host 1
Yeah, it's so weird.
BFF Host 2
Yeah. Because I was gonna say. I was gonna say, like, even your response you just gave. I had said to Bri on last week's episode, it felt like to me, you and Iris were Like one of the only two people and the only couple that went on that show and were just about building a relationship and building a connection and, you know, falling in love ultimately, because everyone else was always in the drama. And with that, it seemed like I was like, yo, where is my tj? Where's my tj? Screen time. What's going on here? Like, why are they, you know, they're cutting to all the drama throughout the show and I'm like, you'll put that guy TJ back on the screen. This guy actually gets the point of the show.
BFF Host 1
Yeah, I think, you know, me and her were just super unproblematic and like drama free. And not that we didn't care about what the hell was going on, but it was just like, it was like a bit childish to us and like, we were just like in our own world. And I appreciate that and I'm super, you know, drama free and I don't like that. But, yeah, I haven't watched everything back, so I don't know what they showed to me, but I've heard that it's not a lot and, you know, I'm not mad about it. I think I went about it the right way and, like, that's all I could ask for.
TJ
Yeah, you, you say, and you guys were clearly. Because they didn't show you a lot, there wasn't a lot of drama with you and Iris. But as viewers, we've been locked the hell in on the show. There's. It comes off as like a very drama filled island. Like people are always going at each other and of course it's a show and we don't get to see all of it. But when you're in the Villa, did it feel. Was there tension? Did it feel like there were drama between, like, Huda and Shelly and the girls or like the guys? What did it actually feel like living in there or was it just kind of dramatized for us viewers?
BFF Host 1
Yeah, I mean, obviously you guys only see like a few percent of what actually happens, but I would definitely say that waking up, for example, after the postcard night, I felt like there was a lot of tension. I didn't know who to talk to because I just felt like everybody was on edge. But some like, days like that, yeah, definitely. I feel like majority of the time everybody gets along and everyone speaks their mind and I felt like, like everyone was having a good time. We were all super genuine and just being ourselves. So I never looked at it as like, oh, my God, everyone's always in drama. But there Was definitely a lot of days where I was like, oh, like, what is going on? And I was kind of out of the loop sometimes. Like, that postcard night, I was looking around like, I didn't know that happened, you know, And I think Iris was kind of, like, in the same boat, but. Yeah, but there was definitely some tension.
TJ
Were there any guys that you felt you didn't really connect with in the villa or that you probably wouldn't be friends with outside of it, or did you. Do you think you guys kind of all got along well?
BFF Host 1
I think I didn't get the chance to really get to know the casa boys as much. We only had, you know, a handful of days, and they were, like, in their own group and so and stuff. But, you know, I'm here with them now, and they're all great people. I think all the OG guys that, like, when I came in, they were all super welcoming and, like, that's all I could ask for. And there's nobody I. I didn't get along with, to be honest. There's people that I was closer with, like, Pepe, Nick, but. Yeah, Pepe, Nick, Austin, but, like, there's nobody that we didn't connect with. You know what I'm saying?
TJ
Damn. To hear you say you were closest with Pepe.
BFF Host 2
Yeah.
TJ
Now it's like a little, like.
BFF Host 1
Yeah, it's. It's tough. It's tough seeing it because, you know, I'm human. But I just remind myself that, you know, he's there for himself, and, like, I don't expect him to do anything for. For me. Like, I'm. I'm out of there. You know, if I was in there and he was doing something, even then, you know, it's Love Island. Like, this is his experience, and that's what you're supposed to do. So I can't blame him at all. And I have nothing bad to say about him, and I never would say anything bad about him.
BFF Host 2
Did you expect him. Did you expect him to stand behind you?
BFF Host 1
Yeah, I really did. I'm pretty sure in that episode, you could see, like, the smile on my face when he's walking up to me, and then he kind of goes around me and says, I'm sorry, and, like, my head drops, and that's. That shocked me just because, like, throughout that day, again, I don't know what they've shown, but throughout that day, he was just, like, praising Iris and I's relationship and, you know, how good she was, how good of a, like, couple I was, I guess. And so I Was like, really expecting him to stand behind me. And, you know, when he didn't, it hurt. But I just hope that in his mind at that time, like, that was the right. He thought that was the right choice. And, you know, as long as he thought that I'm. I'm all right with it.
TJ
Do you think it was fair or do you think. Because Taylor. I don't know how to say it without sounding like a hater, because I might be a little bit of a Taylor haters just from the beginning of all the Alandria stuff, but do you think that everyone that stood behind him should have stood behind him? Like, what do you think about Shelley, Sierra standing behind him?
BFF Host 1
So I think the biggest shocks for me to Pep were Pepe and not Austin. Pepe and Sierra was so close to Iris. We would go on double dates with Nick and Sierra, but I still expected Nick and Ace to stand behind Taylor. Like, I just assumed that was going to happen just based off of, like, friendship. But I think Huda also shocked me with Iris standing behind Hoda that one time, saving her over Jalen. So there was just a few that. It just didn't really make sense to me. But I think Sierra shocked me the most and definitely shocked Iris because she couldn't believe it. She was like, well, none of my friends stood behind you. Like, this is crazy. And. And I agree.
TJ
Do you think that they were following Ace? Like, did it actually feel like Ace was kind of the ringleader in the house or, like, kind of what he said everyone would follow behind.
BFF Host 1
I don't think it was like a ringleader thing. He definitely had a strong opinion. Everyone, like, took that into account. But, like, at the end of the day, everyone makes their own decision. And, you know, like I said, they probably take it into account, but I don't think they base their votes solely off of him. But he definitely has a strong opinion.
BFF Host 2
Yeah, because they very much like the. The perception on the outside of the villa for all us viewers is like, Ace is very much the guy that's, you know, stirring the pot. He's a little bit of a disturber, and he also has, like, very strong. It seems like whenever he has a decision made, a lot of people in the villa tend to follow it. Is that more of a editing thing that's going on or is there some truth that it actually on this show?
BFF Host 1
I would. I would say there's some truth to that, just because I feel like since the jump, those guys, like, I came in as a bombshell, obviously, but those guys were super close from the jump. So coming into that, like, those guys have their own opinions on everything. And I think that they kind of really stick together. Not that we didn't have conversations and we couldn't, you know, discuss things, but I think that he did have a strong or does have a strong opinion and people take that into account. But I don't think like, you know, he makes a decision, everyone listens. I don't think so. But yeah, he does always speak his mind. And I feel like, you know, that's always shown you.
TJ
You were just talking about coming in as a bombshell. How, like, terrify. How nervous were you coming in with Meg the Stallion?
BFF Host 1
So I didn't. I thought it was coming in alone and I was, I was shaking. And then I found out, like, I was coming in with Andrina and then Megan thee Stallion was coming. That made me even more nervous when I heard that. But you can't see in the episode, but I was shaking, like my legs were shaking standing next to Meg. And it was just super nerve wracking. I didn't know what to do, who to talk to. Like, it was just super nerve wracking. But I got through it and it was a fucking great experience.
TJ
How, when, like, how close to it do you find out that you're walking with Meg thee Stallion? Did they tell you right before or did you know a little bit beforehand?
BFF Host 1
So I. They told me it was a special guest and then they probably told me like an hour or two beforehand. And then they had me do like the walk in shoots with the camera following me. And she was like in front of me getting her makeup done. And she kept looking at me and I was like, really distracted. The producer, like, telling me to, like, walk this way and I'm like, what? Like, like tj, like you like looking at Meg like a couple hours before.
TJ
Wait, how. I always wonder. This, this is just kind of a silly question, but how awkward are those shots that you guys have to make because you have to do all these, like, sexy walks. You have to, like, touch yourselves. Like, how long do those take and how often did you have to do them?
BFF Host 2
I don't know.
BFF Host 1
They were all right for me. Like, the first few were nerve wracking, nerve wracking. Like, everyone watching you. There's a whole crew. You got to do it like 10 times. And so that was super nerve wracking. But once you do it a few times, like, it's. You get over it. And everyone's like, everyone doesn't care. No one's Judging you. So it's. Yeah, I think that's, like, what I was more worried about. Like, oh, how do I look? Like, what do these people think? But nobody cares.
TJ
We have. I know we have limited time, but we do have some, like, a lot of questions we want to know. We want to make sure we get them all in. But I think what everyone wants to know and everyone's freaking out about is in the challenge where you guys, like, all had to dress up the heart rate challenge, Did Huda, like, sit on Ace's face? Did they cut something that we're not seeing?
BFF Host 1
Did she sit on his face? I feel like I'm, like, pretty. I didn't also, I didn't watch the episode, so I don't know what they showed, but I'm pretty sure she did not sit on his face. I think that she did go a little overboard with the challenge, and I. I think a lot of people didn't like that, but I also think that hooded and mean it in a malicious way. And, you know, she. She's. She's always known for going hard in challenges, but I think some people took it as, like, it's getting late in the season and, like, this is my man and you're going overboard with it. And I think that's where the disconnect was.
TJ
Do you think? Okay, so clearly everyone freaked out about that for Hooda. Like, in the villa, Shelly was freaking out. People thought it was disrespectful. And then now we kind of fast forward and Sierra left the villa and Alandria immediately with Nick, but it's just kind of not talked about. It's like, whatever. No one's saying that. Maybe that's not a girls girls thing to do. What do you. What do you think about Nick and Alandria together?
BFF Host 1
So I think it's okay that, you know, Landry is exploring and being Sierra's friend just because it's Love island again. Like, it's a completely different world than the outside world. And I hope, like, in real life she wouldn't do that, but I feel like in Love island, it's okay. And I love Alandria and I love Nick too. Like, I think he's. He's the best. Do I think it's, like, super real? I have no idea. I feel like now that Sierra is gone and Taylor's gone too, that they could really, like, focus on each other and, like, figure it out without any, like, distractions or, like, Sierra and Taylor watching. So I hope it's real. You know, I Would like to think so, but I know they tried it before and didn't really work out, so that's the only thing that's a little sketchy to me. I don't know.
TJ
I don't think it's real.
BFF Host 1
No, I don't.
TJ
I don't.
BFF Host 2
I feel like that was our guess.
BFF Host 3
Yeah.
TJ
Me and Josh, we really said that you and Iris felt like one of the only real couples, and it's just came. It seems like everyone's scrambling to win at this point. And I hate to even say it, but Iris and Pepe, just because I'm saying it to you, but Iris and Pepe do seem like, I don't know, they. They could be, like, good in the outside world. I like to look at it in that sense and, like, what are your thoughts on Amaya and Brian?
BFF Host 1
So I love Amaya. Maya is like, she's so funny and I think she's hilarious and just, like, very misunderstood. Brian, I, like, honestly, I really didn't get to talk to him much, but I think he's a good, good ass guy and they look good together. I hope it's real and I hope, like, you know, they both genuinely have feelings for each other and they genuine, genuinely want to be with each other. And it's not just like, all right, you're here and you're the only person left type of deal. But I like them. I think if anybody was to probably win, it would probably be them, to be honest.
TJ
If you could give the money, TJ gets 100 grand to give to his. His winning couple, who are you picking?
BFF Host 1
I would give it to. I would give it to me and Iris back in the day. But.
TJ
Brian.
BFF Host 1
Yeah, there we go. There we go.
BFF Host 2
When you were ultimately having to choose between Iris and Va, like, how quickly did you know the decision was? Iris, was it all the time? Iris, was it, like something that you had to have a couple conversations or where was your mind at?
BFF Host 1
So my mind with the whole experience was like, I'm just gonna be present and, like, try to immerse myself in this crazy experience. So when I was in Casa, I did my best to, like, try and not think about Iris over in casa. That was obviously hard and she was always in the back of my mind. But I went into it, like, I'm going to give these concert girls the best, like, chance to get to know me, and I don't want to, you know, take that experience away from them. I think that my first conversation with Vanna went super good, and there was a lot not Shown after that, that just led to, like, my final decision. But I think after, like, our last conversation that day, I knew where my head's. My head was at completely, and I was okay with, like, going home, and I knew that. And I just didn't want to fake something with Vanna and then. And just stay because I. You could tell, like, I just didn't really vibe with her towards the end at all. And, you know, I saw her last night. She's a great person that we just didn't get along romantically. But it was, you know, it was like, always Iris.
TJ
It was always Iris.
BFF Host 2
This is why I'm Team tj.
BFF Host 1
Let's go, Josh.
BFF Host 2
We might be over there, you know, cheering on Pepe, but. But I'm all TJ over here, dog.
BFF Host 1
I'm all tj.
BFF Host 2
When I get back to la, we'll all hang.
BFF Host 1
All right, let's do it. Let's do it.
BFF Host 2
There we go.
BFF Host 1
There we go.
TJ
I. I do have one. One more question. It's also kind of stupid, but I'm so curious. So you and Iris, you guys, like, went, and you went camping, but you went. You left the room, and so you didn't do it inside the room? What. What is it? Like, do you hear people having sex all night in the room together? Is it quiet? Do you know what's going on? Do people actually have sex? Like, what's the deal with that?
BFF Host 1
So, yeah, people definitely have sex. I feel like, for me, I. I was, like, so tired every day, and, like, when I finally got to bed, I just knocked out, so I really didn't wake up and, like, hear people. But, like, every morning, people would be like, oh, my God, like, did you hear, like, you know, blah, blah, blah. And I'd be like, no, I'm sleeping. But yeah, definitely under those covers, holding hands, getting nasty.
BFF Host 2
Do you think you were correctly perceived on the show, tj?
BFF Host 1
No, I think. I mean, I'm, like, an introvert. I have, like, that extrovert side of me, but I'm. I'm more quiet than not. I feel like a lot of the clips they showed to me was. Were super awkward. And, like, people come up to me on the street like, yo, you're actually, like, a good guy. Like, you're cool. And. And I'm like, like, maybe I have to watch these episodes back, but, you know, what are you gonna do? They didn't show me much, and I think that's why I was in the bottom three. I don't think that people disliked me. I think it Was just more of. We didn't get to see tj, if that makes sense.
BFF Host 2
Yeah, no, definitely.
BFF Host 1
Yeah.
TJ
Is there. Is there anyone, like, couple right now that you don't think should be a couple currently? Yeah. Or you think they should have ended with someone else maybe, or be with someone else?
BFF Host 1
Yeah, I think I need to think about this one.
TJ
It's kind of hard. Well, who do we have? We have Ace and Shelley. We have Alandria, Nick, Huda and Chris. And then Pepe and Iris. Is that it? Amaya and Brian.
BFF Host 1
Sorry, my Brian. Yeah, I think. I think Brian always wanted to speak to Jaden and I thought, like, they had, like, a good connection, but, like, that never happened. She got kicked off that night. That's kind of like why he voted for her. So I was interested in seeing that, but I don't know. I think Chris was very interested in Shelly and I thought that could possibly work out. I know Shelly and Ace have been together for a while, and I think that, like, how long?
TJ
Like, before the villa?
BFF Host 1
I mean, I didn't know that. I thought they just, you know, knew each other from the outside, but supposedly, word on the street is they. They were together. I don't know. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's.
TJ
Just word on the street.
BFF Host 2
That's good. I'm just hearing that through the grapevine. There's whispers going on.
BFF Host 1
Yeah, I didn't know anything about that.
BFF Host 2
So TJ is officially confirming that he heard they were dating before the show.
BFF Host 1
No, I did not know they saw.
TJ
Them on a date three years ago.
BFF Host 1
All I know is that they knew each other beforehand.
BFF Host 2
I see what you're doing, though. Romantically, they've known each other beforehand. I get it.
BFF Host 1
I see what you're doing.
TJ
TJ said it. TJ said it. Why weren't you invited to Vanna's birthday party?
BFF Host 1
I was, but I couldn't make it. I was with family and I just flew last night, so. Or, like.
BFF Host 2
Yeah.
TJ
Oh, I thought there was beef, but I guess you said you saw her, so there's no beef.
BFF Host 1
No, there's no beef. There's no. We talked last night. It was. It was awesome. It was all chilling.
TJ
All right, well, this was awesome. I could ask you questions about the. The villa all day long.
BFF Host 1
I would. I would answer them all day.
BFF Host 2
Wish we had a little bit more time, but maybe I'll get some good inside scoop stuff when we. When we link in la.
BFF Host 1
Yeah, let's do it, bro. All right.
BFF Host 2
I've already talked to Austin, too, so we'll get all. We'll get all the guys together.
BFF Host 1
Oh, yeah. Let's do it.
BFF Host 2
Oh, yeah.
TJ
Feeling left out, but okay.
BFF Host 2
Sorry, New York. I guess if you make the flight, you can come hang.
TJ
Okay. Thanks, boys.
BFF Host 2
No problem. No problem.
TJ
Thank you, tj.
BFF Host 1
Thank you so much. I appreciate you guys.
BFF Host 2
Hey, thank you, man. Thank you for coming on.
TJ
Oh, my gosh, you look so pretty. What the hell?
BFF Host 3
Thank you. You're so pretty.
TJ
Thank you. Okay, are we good?
BFF Host 2
I'm also here though, too.
BFF Host 1
I'm also here.
TJ
Okay, we're here. We only have limited time, so we want to get all of our time with you. We have Jaden from Love island, usa. How are we feeling? How are we doing?
BFF Host 3
Good. I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm overwhelmed for sure. Excited to talk to you guys. I am in LA right now, but still living in Seattle, and it's been really fun and cool to see a lot of. A lot of the people.
BFF Host 2
It seems like everybody goes to LA right after the show wraps. Like that was the same with the cast last season too. Is this something that, like, Love island tells you guys to do, or do you guys just all want to go hang out post show and you're like, oh, let's just all go to la?
BFF Host 3
I think we all just want to hang out post show, and the majority of the cast, I feel like, always lives in la, so it's. It's just the most convenient.
BFF Host 2
Makes sense. Makes sense.
TJ
Have you seen Austin in LA yet?
BFF Host 3
Barely. I saw him last night, but it was, like, a really short interaction, unfortunately, because it was so late.
TJ
I had to go. I had to go.
BFF Host 3
And that was really nice. But I think we had a. We had a discussion just about us both being super overwhelmed with the whole process. And I think we definitely want to still explore, but I think we both are planning to, like, come back to each other when things have, like, calmed down a little bit.
TJ
Okay, so. So you guys want to explore each other or you're. You're exploring other connections outside of the villa?
BFF Host 2
Outside of the villa. You pulled him for a chat and talked to him about this?
BFF Host 3
Yeah, I pulled him for a chat last night.
BFF Host 1
Nice.
BFF Host 3
That's so funny, because that's actually what I said.
BFF Host 2
The lingo sticks for a bit, eh?
BFF Host 3
It does, yeah. I think we both just, like. I don't know, I had no social media presence or anything before. I'm not sure that he did either. So I think just we are both extremely overwhelmed and not really even sure, like, what we're doing. Right now. So, like, with our own lives. So I think we're trying to figure that out before we take anything too seriously, like, together. But we're both still very interested in each other.
TJ
Okay. I like that. That's a. That's a mature way to go about it. Do you think you're overwhelmed because maybe are, like, a lot of people sliding in your DMs now?
BFF Host 3
You know, I haven't even looked.
TJ
No way. You haven't even looked?
BFF Host 3
No, no. I feel like I'm so overwhelmed. Like, scrolling. Like, it just doesn't end. And I've, like, never seen that in my life.
BFF Host 2
So there's not, like, one username? Not one username maybe with, like, a blue check that stood out in the DMs?
BFF Host 3
No, like, I haven't looked at all, like, genuinely. I think deep. Dead serious.
BFF Host 2
I'll believe you. I'll believe you.
TJ
She's still. She's still. Not a bit. She's still on the violin.
BFF Host 1
Yeah.
BFF Host 2
There we go.
BFF Host 3
Yeah. I feel like if it wasn't for a few of my friends, like, I don't even know. They've helped me. Like, you need to post. You need to post. Like, I. I feel like my friends were always telling me to post before Love island, otherwise I wouldn't. So I think it's just a lot. I'm, like, trying to be better at social media now.
TJ
When you. When you guys go onto the show, like, someone runs everyone's account for them. Is that something that Love island tells you guys to do? And how did you pick someone to run your account for you?
BFF Host 3
I think they definitely recommend it, but not everyone. It's optional. Not everyone does it. I. It was honestly a hard decision at first. I just thought, okay, mom, you got this. And she. I tried showing her how to put a song on the. Like, a photo on Instagram, and she couldn't. She was so confused. And I was like, okay, this is not going to. To work out. I was like, I think I'm trying to teach her about hashtags. And I was like, yeah, I think I got to pick somebody who knows.
BFF Host 2
They'Re doing a little bit more.
BFF Host 3
And I. I picked my friend who's just really good at social media.
TJ
Yeah, she crushed it. Do you think she did a good job?
BFF Host 3
I do. I do. Especially from, like, what I've seen. I haven't seen all the episodes yet. And I don't think, like, I think with what she was given. Absolutely. I think she pushed it. Yeah.
BFF Host 2
Have you been keeping up with the show? Post like, you exiting, like, have you been watching episodes, like, after you. Have you watched any of the episodes with you on. I know you said you hadn't watched, like, all of the show yet, but what have you watched?
BFF Host 3
I've watched, I think the first three or three to four episodes I was in. And then I have kept up with the show through social media. I do want to watch it, especially now, being friends with everybody. I want to see it, but I just haven't had time.
TJ
She's l. A busy girl. She's getting crazy. She doesn't have the time.
BFF Host 2
She's pulling awesome for chat. She doesn't have time to watch the show.
BFF Host 3
And there's no peacock in Fiji.
TJ
Oh, true.
BFF Host 3
Ironic. But yeah, I feel like I could have caught up there if it were available.
TJ
How long do you have to stay in Fiji after you're dumped from the villa?
BFF Host 3
I think everybody is different, but most people do after sun. So you. You get dumped and then you go back to the hotel until after sun and you don't get your phone back yet. You don't get any. Everything is basically the same as it was before you went in the villa until you've done after sun.
TJ
Okay. And how long were you in Fiji before you entered for casa? Were you there from the beginning of the show, like, waiting in a hotel?
BFF Host 3
No, I actually went in the very beginning. The very beginning. And then they flew me home and said, we might fly you back. And I wasn't sure that was actually going to happen or not, but then they did end up flying me back for casa, obviously, so I didn't have to wait in the hotel too long.
TJ
Oh, so when you originally flew there, did you think you were, like, going to be one of the OGs on the season?
BFF Host 3
I did.
TJ
Oh, wow, that's so interesting. So they must be like, last minute picking who they want the cast to be.
BFF Host 3
Yes, it's very last minute. I feel like they change their mind, like, every day leading up to the first day of filming too.
TJ
Yeah, I feel like they have to. They're probably thinking about who would even be good connections in there, like, what's going to fit and who would be a match. But, oh, my God, I would be so sad if I flew there and they were like, yeah, you're leaving. You're not. You're. You're going home.
BFF Host 3
I know. And I think, unfortunately, that happens more than you think. I think that happens to a lot of people. So when they told me, oh, we. We might fly you back, I was like, yeah, I Don't think I'm gonna be back here.
BFF Host 1
Oh, there's tough.
BFF Host 2
Who? Who? When? Like you. Oh, sorry, sorry. My bad. Someone. Wait, Bri, can I pause for someone? Someone keeps knocking on my door.
TJ
Yeah, I'll. I'll. I'll talk.
BFF Host 2
I'm so sorry, guys. I'm so sorry, guys. Give me one second.
TJ
Wait. I wonder who's knocking on his door. He's in Cabo. He decided to just go to Cabo this week.
BFF Host 3
Oh, that's nice.
TJ
Yeah, he's having fun.
BFF Host 3
Yeah.
TJ
And he's back.
BFF Host 2
All right. I'm so sorry, guys. I'm so sorry. I'm in my own villa right now.
TJ
Wait, I want to. I want to talk about you actually being in the villa. So you coming in, you're a casa girl. You have to do, like, all the crazy makeout challenge in the beginning. You're there, you're with the boys. Did you have your eye on anyone immediately that you wanted? Like, right when you guys sat down on those bleachers, was there, like, someone. You're like, damn, I want that person?
BFF Host 3
No, I think I did. I had my eye on Austin before going in, so I kind of knew that. But it was interesting seeing them in person, for sure. Like, just seeing, like, things that you don't really notice on tv. Like, for instance, height, like, things like, things like that. But. And they're all more attractive in person, I swear. All of them.
TJ
How. How about is Ace really 510?
BFF Host 3
I think so.
TJ
Really?
BFF Host 2
That was a little bit of a hesitant answer there.
BFF Host 3
I feel like that's been a question, like, circling. I actually know, but I feel like depending on what heels I wore, I was taller than.
BFF Host 2
And how tall are you? How tall are you without heels?
BFF Host 3
Five seven. I'm five seven. So I feel like.
BFF Host 2
Were you ever wearing four inch heels? Well, I think we got the answer, folks.
TJ
We got to the bottom of that one pretty quick.
BFF Host 2
That was pretty quick. That was pretty quick, wasn't it?
BFF Host 3
Oh, my gosh.
TJ
Okay. When you first had to do. You're recoupling. I. I don't know why. It was something in me. I was like, no, I know that she's going to stand up and pick Nick. I really thought, and I think everyone watching thought you were gonna, like, leave Austin and pick Nick just because they showed us some conversation that you guys had had, and it kept showing us that Nick was kind of interested in you. So I wanna know, was it ever a thought that crossed your mind to even picnic or. Or not? And why didn't you.
BFF Host 3
Honestly, it did cross my mind because I feel like a quality that I am looking for and was looking for is, like, a sense of humor. And I feel like Austin and Nick definitely both have that, but I feel like something that stood out, like, and made them a little bit different. Making that decision was. I felt so comfortable around Austin and the whole situation, and the feeling of being in the villa is so uncomfortable. And he's, like, the only person that I felt like peace when I was with. I feel like I wasn't nervous about anything. I wasn't overthinking when I was with Austin. But it was a really hard decision because typically, like, I feel like us girls always say, like, we wish we could take different qualities of different men sometimes and, like, make one. But for. For both of them, I liked them both for the same reasons, and that was just the only reason about Austin that stood out.
TJ
Yeah. I mean, I could only imagine being thrown into the villa and then also being a casa girl. I feel like you're just so scared that all the other girls are going to hate you and you're already so overwhelmed. I would. I would 100% pick the person that made me feel comfortable, too. So that makes sense. Were you.
BFF Host 3
And I think. Sorry, I did not. I did not know. I thought him and Amaya were good. I thought Nick and Sierra were good. So that didn't really have anything to do with making that decision until speaking with Austin later. Then I was, like, I was nervous about, you know, stepping on toes and whatnot, but it helped. Going in with, like, a group of girls. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Now, were you.
TJ
Were you guys terrified, like, just as being the casa girls, of meeting the OG Girls when they finally come back to the villa? Was it awkward? Was there tension?
BFF Host 3
I was excited and nervous, and I think I was the only one that said they were nervous. I think all of us were. I was just one that said. But they were all so, so nice that I had no reason to be nervous. I was curious to see how. I didn't know how Amaya would react to Austin recoupling. I'm super happy that she was making other connections the entire time. I was nervous about meeting some of them, but they all exceeded my expectations as people.
TJ
That's good, because I know that Vanna went on another podcast and had said that Huda was actually a really nice girl, and that's when kind of the whole public perception of her was that she was mean and she was awful. And she had said that Like, Shelly wasn't that nice and that some of the girls were really mean. But you experienced everyone being nice to you.
BFF Host 3
Yeah. And especially with Huda. I asked Alandria because we basically unpacked into that dressing room in any space that we could, and basically we're taking over one of the girls spaces in that moment. So I asked Alandria, whose closet am I using right now? And she said. And I was like, oh, great. I was like, I'm so scared. I was like, I'm scared to tell her. I'm like, took over her entire closet. And I told her. That was one of the first things I said to her. And she was so cool. She's like, I don't care. And she like gave 75 of the closet to me just because I was lacking space in other areas. Like, she was so sweet and so cool about it.
TJ
So do you think that's crazy to hear? Because, like, like I said, and I know you didn't watch all of it, but the public is so. I don't even know if they're 5050 on Huda, if they like Huda, if they hate Huda, it's like whiplash. But it's great to hear that she's actually really kind to everyone in the villa. So you think that, like, she's not being perceived correctly on the show?
BFF Host 3
Yeah, I would agree that she's not. I think she's so sweet. Yeah, she's definitely a dramatic girl. But at least when it came to her and I's relationship, I feel like in a way maybe she was like, maternal, like, to me, because I was. I was probably the most nervous or I might be the most introverted girl that was casted, I feel like. And I feel like she kind of took me under her wing in a way.
BFF Host 2
So you guys connected really quickly. That's great. That's great. Is there any of the girls or guys, any of the contestants from the villa that you have like zero interest in speaking to again?
BFF Host 3
Honestly, No. I feel like I would be excited to see anybody, but I did not get to know like, the casa guys that unfortunately got dumped during the recoupling. I actually just basically spoke to them for the first time last night.
TJ
So what was going on last night? Everyone was together. We just had TJ on and he was like. He was. Yeah, I was with everyone last night.
BFF Host 3
Andre, you know, and I were kind of doing our own thing. So I wasn't there for majority of the night. And then it was her last night here, so she was like, I Was like, okay, fine, we'll. We'll go see them even though it was like two in the morning. So that's why, unfortunately, Austin and I didn't talk for a long time. We. We just showed up at the very end to say hi, but I think everybody else was together for like, the entire night.
TJ
Ah, okay. Was it like a house party?
BFF Host 3
Yeah.
TJ
I wonder if any new connections were made with people. Is there any.
BFF Host 3
Is there any.
TJ
Yeah. Flirting in the LA villa?
BFF Host 3
I don't think so.
BFF Host 2
You didn't pick up any vibes of new couples?
BFF Host 3
No, literally.
TJ
All right.
BFF Host 3
No. That's interesting, though. You guys say that now. I'm actually.
BFF Host 2
Now you're thinking through the night a little more.
TJ
Yeah, I know. I'm like, would you. And I'm like, what about you and tj? Is there. You're exploring new connections? I'm like, what Would that ever be a connection?
BFF Host 3
No, we're really good friends. Like, he's super. He's super sweet. He's really nice.
BFF Host 2
But, yeah, we just had him on and he was. He was great.
TJ
What do you think about Iris and Pepe?
BFF Host 3
I think it's wild, but they're very cute. Like, I feel like they're cute, but I also haven't seen the episodes. It was just shocking because of how upset she was and how saddened. I feel like TJ may still be that. I do feel like their connection was super genuine. And I feel like from what I've seen on social media, at least, Pepe and Iris were almost like, immediately. I don't know, I haven't seen it, but, like, immediately coupled up, like, it almost took, like, no time.
TJ
It was pretty fast. Yeah.
BFF Host 3
So I think that's, like, a little crazy. But I also know that Pepe didn't really have a strong connection, and I could see them being compatible.
TJ
Yeah.
BFF Host 2
Do you think part of it is got to go get in a couple? It's like nearing the end of the show, try to win 100k.
BFF Host 3
I think most of us forget that there is a, like, a prize at the end of it. Surprisingly, you don't really feel like you're on television when you're in there. Like, I would forget all the time. So for me, I. I even just forgot until you said that, that there's 100k at the end. So maybe. Maybe some people think about that. Yeah, I. I did not. I took it day by day. But I do think in that atmosphere too, like, you do know that you have, like, you have to couple up.
BFF Host 2
Is there anyone? Is There anyone on the show that you felt you didn't get a chance to connect with or have a conversation with or somebody that you had your eyes on that you didn't explore besides Austin or besides that quick chat, like.
BFF Host 3
Little chats with Nick, Brian.
TJ
That'S what TJ said about you.
BFF Host 3
Yeah, I think we had a lot more conversations that were not shown and we were getting to know each other quite a bit, actually. A lot more than I think was shown. So I also haven't seen. I wish I could see. I want to see, like, how him and Amaya are doing, but I definitely. We spoke for a minute when I got dumped and we talked about possibly talking when he were to get off the show. So we'll see.
TJ
Well, I guess that will tell if, like, him and Amaya's connection is real. If he leaves the villain and he goes straight to you, we'll see what we make. But he seems like a very genuine person, like with all of his connections. And I think, like, he was exploring you a little bit, he showed interest in you. You haven't watched it, but he would talk about wanting to speak with you while you weren't even, like, around him to the other guys. And he also would talk about that with Amaya. So it does feel like he's actually following good connections. And I feel like you guys would be compatible if him and Amaya don't work out.
BFF Host 3
Yeah, I definitely spent more time with Austin. Like, if there were recoupling, I would have still chose Austin, but that was probably the only other connection that I wanted to explore more.
TJ
Yeah, fair. I've seen a lot of discourse about your eyeliner on. On social media, which I don't even know how you do it. It's so perfect. It's so great. But did you. Did you sleep in it? People were wondering, oh, my gosh.
BFF Host 3
Not for, like, what's it called? Vanity reasons. What is it?
TJ
Yeah, not for. Not to be in vain, literally.
BFF Host 3
Not because I wanted to. To be quite honest, there are some nights that go so late and you don't have the time to get re ready like you do the night before. So I'm like, yeah, if it stays on, great. If it doesn't, great. Like, there's a chance it will. So I just took my chances. Sometimes I have.
TJ
I love that I have a couple questions about just, like the girl shit that I'm always so curious about. So when you guys wake up, is it immediately get glam to go, like, have chats and stand by the pool? How long do you guys glam for before that? Before going to the pool in the morning?
BFF Host 3
You really. We did not have a lot of time. We had less than an hour for sure. It was depending on the day. But I learned how to get ready so fast, real quick, because you don't have a choice. You like, 30 to 45 minutes to get ready for the entire day.
TJ
And you guys.
BFF Host 3
And that includes showering, you know, brushing your teeth. It's not just, like, your makeup.
TJ
Holy. And you guys have no, like, for the girls. No glam teams helping you or anything? It's just you guys.
BFF Host 3
Yeah.
TJ
Oh, my God, you're so. You guys are all so good. Then if you guys have razor burn. I forgot to ask. Ask that.
BFF Host 3
Yes. I mean, I think all of us did at one point. I mean. Yeah, that was.
BFF Host 2
Are they supplying you with your brand razors on the island, like, on the villa, or is it like those, like, hotel razors that you get that just always cut you no matter what?
TJ
Oh, my goodness. This.
BFF Host 3
I had. I had the. My razor still. I left it at the hotel. It's a good one. So I asked for one. When I got there, it was like, the one single blade. I was like, oh, my God.
TJ
It'S.
BFF Host 3
Not going to be good.
TJ
Is there anything that you wish you were allowed to bring to the villa with you that you couldn't?
BFF Host 3
Yes. I think for me, I love makeup, and I use, like, a. Like a magnified mirror. They would not let me bring that. And, like, a mirror with, like, a light. Like, you could see the mirrors on the dressing room table. They don't turn on, so no.
TJ
Good luck.
BFF Host 3
The lighting kind of sucks.
TJ
Oh, my gosh. Oh, we're done. We have to wrap up. We only have 25 minutes with you. Sadly, I could talk about the girl stuff all day long. It's all I want to know.
BFF Host 3
Me too. I love those questions.
BFF Host 2
Great.
TJ
Well, you are awesome. Thank you so much for coming on. And I hope maybe you and Austin find each other again.
BFF Host 3
Thank you. Thank you for having me.
BFF Host 2
Oh, thank you for coming on.
TJ
Yeah. Good luck in the LA villa.
BFF Host 3
Thank you. Thank you.
BFF Host 2
Have fun.
BFF Host 3
Bye, guys.
TJ
Bye.
Podcast Summary: BFFs with Josh Richards and Brianna Chickenfry Episode: We Pulled Love Island's TJ & Jaden for a Chat Release Date: July 10, 2025 Host: Barstool Sports
In this engaging episode of BFFs with Josh Richards and Brianna Chickenfry, the hosts welcome a special guest, TJ from the popular reality show Love Island. The conversation delves into TJ's experiences on the show, his relationships, and his transition into social media influence post-show.
The hosts kick off the episode by introducing TJ, highlighting his recent stint on Love Island. They express excitement about having him on the show to gain insider perspectives and personal anecdotes from his time in the villa.
TJ shares his feelings about his social media growth following his appearance on Love Island. He discusses his initial apprehensions about engaging with platforms he's unfamiliar with and his efforts to develop a humorous persona online.
TJ: "People are saying, I mean, me included, you're one of the funniest contestants on social media. After coming out of the villa, you're kind of crushing it."
BFF Host 1: "I feel like I have a decent sense of humor and I'm just trying to show the audience that the people that, like, didn't get to see that on the show."
The conversation shifts to TJ's motivations for joining Love Island. Contrary to some contestants seeking fame or a social media boost, TJ emphasizes his genuine desire to find love and improve his dating experiences.
BFF Host 2: "If it wasn't a social boost for you, what was the true reason you wanted to go on Love Island?"
BFF Host 1: "It was really because of finding love... a once in a lifetime opportunity."
TJ reflects on his relationship with Iris on the show and the emotional impact of being dumped from the villa. He recounts his conversations with Iris and his support for her decision, highlighting his belief in her strength and their shared values.
BFF Host 1: "I told her, like, hey, listen, I want you to go through with this because I don't want you to have any regrets."
TJ: "I thought everyone watching thought you were gonna leave Austin and pick Nick... was it ever a thought that crossed your mind to even pick one?"
The hosts probe into the social atmosphere within the villa, contrasting the reality of genuine connections versus the edited portrayal of constant drama. TJ provides insights into moments of tension, particularly referencing the "postcard night," and discusses his interactions with other contestants like Pepe and Nick.
BFF Host 1: "There was a lot of tension. I felt like everybody was on edge."
TJ: "Do you think Ace was kind of the ringleader in the house?"
The discussion moves to TJ's experiences interacting with other Love Island contestants, including the presence of special guests like Megan Thee Stallion. He shares humorous anecdotes about participating in challenges and adapting to the fast-paced environment of the show.
BFF Host 1: "I was shaking, like my legs were shaking standing next to Meg. It was super nerve-wracking."
TJ: "How awkward are those shots that you guys have to make because you have to do all these, like, sexy walks?"
TJ challenges the public perception of certain contestants, specifically Huda, by sharing his firsthand positive interactions with her. He emphasizes that the show's editing does not fully capture the genuine personalities of the participants.
BFF Host 3: "When I asked Alandria... she was so cool. She's like, I don't care."
TJ: "So do you think that's crazy to hear? The public is so... but it's great to hear that she's actually really kind to everyone in the villa."
As the episode nears its conclusion, TJ discusses the aftermath of the show, including the relationships formed and the potential for future connections. He expresses optimism about his friendships and possible romantic developments, particularly focusing on his bond with Austin.
BFF Host 3: "I feel like we're both extremely overwhelmed and not really even sure, like, what we're doing right now."
TJ: "Yeah, I think most of us forget that there is a prize at the end of it."
The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing their appreciation for TJ's candidness and sharing plans to reconnect with him in Los Angeles. The discussion offers listeners an authentic glimpse into the life of a Love Island contestant beyond the televised drama, highlighting the importance of genuine relationships and personal growth.
BFF Host 2: "When I get back to LA, we'll all hang."
TJ: "Thank you so much. I appreciate you guys."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with an insightful overview of TJ's experiences on Love Island, his interactions with fellow contestants, and his journey into the world of social media influence post-show.