Cancelled with Tana Mongeau & Brooke Schofield – Episode 93: Leah from Love Island Exposes the WHOLE Show

Introduction In Episode 93 of Cancelled with Tana Mongeau & Brooke Schofield, released on August 1, 2024, Tana Mongeau opens up about her current mental health struggles while broadcasting from the serene landscapes of Maui, Hawaii. The episode marks a significant shift as Tana introduces Leah Kate from Love Island, fulfilling fan requests for a deeper dive into the realities behind the glamorous facade of influencer and reality TV personalities.

Mental Health and Personal Struggles The episode begins with Tana Mongeau addressing her audience from an unconventional setting—Maui—due to unforeseen circumstances preventing her from hosting from her usual studio in Los Angeles. [01:00] Tana expresses vulnerability, revealing that she has been on the brink of a mental breakdown despite her outward successes, including a top-ranked podcast and a sold-out tour.

"I’m praying on my hands and knees that Brooke and BB or Brooke and Paige or whoever, the shooting at home carries this episode on their back because I'm shooting from an iPhone in Hawaii," Tana confides at [02:15].

She discusses the overwhelming pressure of public scrutiny and constant demands from fans, which have intensified her mental health challenges. The stress from events like the United Airlines ordeal exacerbates her anxiety, underscoring the toll that fame can take on personal well-being.

United Airlines Rant A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Tana's harrowing experience with United Airlines. She recounts a traumatic flight journey fraught with cancellations, extreme heat, and unprofessional conduct from airline staff. [05:00] Tana vents her frustration:

"United Airlines needs to get on their motherfucking zoom, okay? Because the travel experience I had getting to Hawaii caused me 100 times more stress than anything ever should."

This rant highlights not only travel frustrations but also reflects Tana's broader struggles with maintaining composure under pressure.

Introducing Leah Kate from Love Island Midway through the episode, Tana shifts the focus to meet Leah Kate from Love Island. [18:37] Leah, alongside Brooke Schofield, joins the conversation via Zoom—a departure from the show's usual dynamic. Tana expresses excitement and relief:

"I think Leah saved everything... I’m so grateful Leah got on her Zoom and I do have some content to provide you today."

Brooke Schofield’s Insights from Love Island Brooke Schofield, a close friend of Tana, shares her Love Island experience, delving into the emotional and psychological challenges faced during the show. [20:42] Brooke opens up about her initial expectations versus the reality of being on the show:

"I thought everyone hated me... But Miguel came into the picture, and everything got better."

Brooke discusses her relationship with Miguel, emphasizing the importance of having a supportive partner during the intense environment of reality TV. Their bond serves as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

Navigating Relationships and Public Perception The conversation between Tana and Brooke deepens as they explore the complexities of relationships formed under the public eye. [22:58] Brooke reflects on her relationship dynamics post-show:

"Miguel is the most compassionate, understanding person ever. My family keeps saying they couldn't have dreamt of someone better."

Tana adds her perspective on maintaining healthy relationships despite external pressures:

"I can't imagine what it does psychologically, especially with no phone... You’re set up to fail and to end up prevailing is like, so strong and intelligent."

Handling Public Scrutiny and Personal Boundaries Tana and Brooke address the invasion of privacy that comes with fame. They recount instances of being harassed in public and the difficulty of establishing personal boundaries. [40:32] Brooke shares a distressing encounter:

"I was sitting by the pool, and a random man screamed in my face about Cody and Co. It's just... I feel like we're surrounded by so much negativity."

They emphasize the importance of mental health and taking necessary breaks to protect themselves from the relentless public and media attention.

Friendship and Support Systems Throughout the episode, the strength of Tana and Brooke’s friendship shines through. They discuss how their bond has been a crucial support system during challenging times. [51:58] Brooke expresses heartfelt gratitude:

"I love you. You're the best."

Tana reciprocates, highlighting the mutual support that helps them navigate their turbulent lives:

"Your support is the one driving factor of that I'm okay... We have something beautiful here."

Leah Kate’s Journey and Authenticity Leah Kate provides her perspective on Love Island, sharing personal anecdotes and the emotional impact of the show. She speaks candidly about the manipulative aspects of reality TV production and the pressure to maintain a certain image. [35:21] Leah addresses the emotional toll of being on the show:

"It was really toxic... It put me in a headspace that I haven't been in a very long time."

Her honesty serves as a counter-narrative to the often glossed-over struggles of reality TV contestants, offering listeners a more nuanced understanding of the behind-the-scenes reality.

Conclusion and Future Directions As the episode concludes, Tana reassures her listeners of her commitment to mental health and the continued evolution of the podcast. [99:22] She teases future collaborations and episodes that promise more in-depth conversations and guest appearances.

"I love you guys so much... We'll have a Tana B.B. Brooke episode. I love you and Miguel so much."

Notable Quotes:

• Tana Mongeau [02:15]: "I’m praying on my hands and knees that Brooke and BB or Brooke and Paige or whoever, the shooting at home carries this episode on their back because I'm shooting from an iPhone in Hawaii."

• Tana Mongeau [05:00]: "United Airlines needs to get on their motherfucking zoom... the travel experience I had getting to Hawaii caused me 100 times more stress than anything ever should."

• Brooke Schofield [22:58]: "Miguel is the most compassionate, understanding person ever. My family keeps saying they couldn't have dreamt of someone better."

• Brooke Schofield [40:32]: "I was sitting by the pool, and a random man screamed in my face about Cody and Co. It's just... I feel like we're surrounded by so much negativity."

• Leah Kate [35:21]: "It was really toxic... It put me in a headspace that I haven't been in a very long time."

Key Takeaways:

1. Mental Health Awareness: Tana's candid discussion about her mental health struggles underscores the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over public image and obligations.

2. Reality TV's Hidden Costs: Both Brooke and Leah highlight the emotional and psychological toll of participating in reality TV shows, revealing the often unseen challenges contestants face.

3. Support Systems: The episode emphasizes the crucial role of supportive friendships and relationships in navigating the pressures of fame and public scrutiny.

4. Authenticity Over Image: Leah’s honesty about her experiences encourages a more authentic portrayal of influencers and reality TV personalities, moving beyond superficial narratives.

5. Future of the Podcast: Tana hints at evolving the podcast’s format to include more diverse interactions and guest appearances, promising deeper and more meaningful conversations.

Final Thoughts Episode 93 of Cancelled with Tana Mongeau & Brooke Schofield offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the personal lives of influencers navigating fame, mental health, and the pressures of reality TV. Through heartfelt discussions and the introduction of Leah Kate from Love Island, the episode provides listeners with a more profound understanding of the challenges behind the glamorous surface of social media stardom.