Bravo's Hot Mic: Jax Taylor Talks Brittany Cartwright Divorce, The Valley New Season, and More

In this emotionally charged episode of Bravo's Hot Mic, host Bravo TV sits down with Jax Taylor, a prominent figure from Bravo’s reality TV universe, to delve deep into the tumultuous events surrounding his recent divorce from Brittany Cartwright, his struggles with mental health, and the exciting developments in the new season of The Valley. The conversation offers an unfiltered glimpse into Jax’s personal battles, his journey towards self-improvement, and his evolving professional endeavors.

1. Navigating Separation and Emotional Turmoil

The episode begins with Jax reflecting on the year marked by significant personal upheaval. He candidly shares the emotional weight of his separation from Brittany, comparing it to profound losses in his life.

Jax Taylor [00:50]: “Divorce is like going through a death. Dealing with my father's death was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through in my life. This is right under that.”

Jax describes the confusion, fear, and emotional drain he felt during this period, emphasizing the depth of his despair and uncertainty about the future.

2. Discovering Brittany’s Relationship with Julian

A pivotal moment in their separation was Brittany's relationship with Julian, a mutual friend. Jax recounts how he discovered this relationship, which became a catalyst for his downward spiral.

Jax Taylor [02:26]: “I saw a message from Julian on her phone—a simple message, but it was at night and very weird. I caught her lying, and an hour into the conversation, she finally broke and told me.”

The revelation of Brittany dating Julian violated their separation agreement, which prohibited seeing friends or mutual acquaintances. This breach of trust deeply hurt Jax, feeling it was a “slap in the face” given his investment in Julian’s career.

Jax Taylor [03:26]: “I felt like it was such a slap in the face to me a little bit.”

3. A Downward Spiral into Mental Health Crisis

The mounting stress from the separation and betrayal pushed Jax into a severe emotional breakdown, leading to destructive behavior and eventual institutionalization.

Jax Taylor [04:24]: “I threw furniture. Luckily, my son was upstairs, but that was my breaking point.”

Jax describes his reluctance to seek help initially, hindered by societal stigmas around men discussing mental health.

4. Institutionalization and Bipolar Diagnosis

Jax details his experience in a mental health facility, shedding light on the challenges of accepting help and the relief of receiving a proper diagnosis.

Jax Taylor [05:36]: “They diagnosed me with bipolar disorder, not depression. Switching my medication was a game changer.”

In rehab, Jax underwent extensive therapy, which provided him with vital tools to manage his mental health. This period marked the beginning of his journey toward stability and self-awareness.

Jax Taylor [07:39]: “I compared it to going to Home Depot. They gave me new tools, and I learned how to use them.”

5. Rebuilding and Current State of Mind

Post-rehab, Jax has established a routine that anchors his daily life, emphasizing the importance of therapy, medication, and structured habits in maintaining his mental well-being.

Jax Taylor [10:58]: “I've been checking in with my therapist every other week. My medication has helped so much. It's changed my life.”

He acknowledges his past mistakes and expresses a genuine desire to change, striving to be a better father and individual.

Jax Taylor [25:44]: “I just make stupid mistakes. I'm trying to be a lot more humble and grateful.”

6. Impact on Marriage and Divorce Proceedings

The strain in Jax and Brittany’s marriage culminated in divorce proceedings, with Jax clarifying misconceptions about initiating the separation.

Jax Taylor [25:29]: “I initiated the divorce by emailing Brittany about getting a mediator, not the other way around.”

Despite his efforts to amicably resolve their differences, Brittany chose to proceed with a more formal legal separation, leading to public misconceptions about the dynamics of their split.

7. Co-parenting Amidst Personal Struggles

Jax discusses the complexities of co-parenting with Brittany, highlighting his commitment to being an involved father despite personal conflicts.

Jax Taylor [37:59]: “Co-parenting has been fine. I'm just trying to be flexible and supportive for Cruz.”

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining stability for their child, striving to navigate their schedules and responsibilities collaboratively.

8. Professional Ventures and Future Plans

Amidst personal challenges, Jax is proactively shaping his professional future. He shares plans to expand his business ventures, including opening new restaurants and launching a podcast focused on mental health.

Jax Taylor [31:41]: “We're hoping to open another restaurant in Nashville and Florida. I'm starting another podcast called In the Mind of a Man to advocate for mental health.”

These initiatives reflect his commitment to growth and using his platform to support others facing similar struggles.

9. Reflections on Personal Change and Public Perception

Jax addresses public perceptions of him, acknowledging his flawed past while asserting his ongoing efforts to improve.

Jax Taylor [24:43]: “I get seen as a terrible person, but I'm not malicious. I have a big heart and want to be a good person.”

He hopes the new season of The Valley will showcase his transformation, urging viewers to withhold judgment until they see the complete narrative.

Jax Taylor [47:55]: “This is going to be a really interesting season. I hope people can watch the whole season before they make any judgments.”

10. Conclusion: A Season of Transformation

As the conversation wraps up, Jax emphasizes the challenges and revelations that The Valley will portray, promising an honest portrayal of his journey through divorce, mental health recovery, and professional reinvention.

Jax Taylor [47:41]: “It's going to take the cake. I hope people can be patient and understand the full context of my story.”

He closes with a sense of optimism, looking forward to the future while acknowledging the ongoing nature of his personal growth.

Jax Taylor [48:08]: “Work in progress and more to come. This season is going to be very tough, but I hope people can be patient with me.”

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Honesty: Jax provides a raw and transparent account of his struggles, highlighting the profound impact of his separation and mental health challenges.

• Mental Health Advocacy: His journey from denial to acceptance of his bipolar diagnosis underscores the importance of seeking help and destigmatizing mental health issues, especially for men.

• Commitment to Growth: Jax's ongoing efforts to rebuild his life, both personally and professionally, illustrate his determination to overcome past mistakes and foster positive change.

• Complex Co-parenting Dynamics: Navigating co-parenting amid personal turmoil presents significant challenges, yet Jax remains focused on providing a stable environment for his child.

• Future Prospects: With new business ventures and platforms aimed at supporting mental health, Jax is positioning himself as a proactive participant in his own recovery and as an advocate for others.

This episode serves as a poignant exploration of resilience, vulnerability, and the continuous journey towards self-improvement, offering listeners an intimate look into Jax Taylor's life beyond the glitz and glamour of reality TV.