Chicks in the Office – ANTM Doc Exposes Tyra Banks + Mark Ballas Answers Our Burning Traitors Questions

Barstool Sports | February 18, 2026

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In this episode, Ria and Fran tackle some of the biggest headlines in pop culture: an in-depth critique and reaction to the new "America’s Next Top Model" (ANTM) documentary that scrutinizes Tyra Banks and the legacy of the show, a spirited discussion of the upcoming Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special, and a high-energy interview with Mark Ballas—Dancing With the Stars legend and current contestant on Peacock’s "The Traitors." The episode also features lively listener hot takes and pop culture debates, all delivered in the casual, comedic, and unfiltered style that defines Chicks in the Office.

Key Discussion Points

1. America’s Next Top Model Documentary Reaction

(Starts ~13:20)

• The ANTM docu-series aired and left the hosts unimpressed and "not stunned" by Tyra Banks’ lack of authentic remorse.

• Ria and Fran highlight Tyra's inability to admit fault and tendency to deflect blame onto others or the realities of the TV industry.

  “I was absolutely not stunned watching this. By the way, does she have an authentic bone in her body?” – Fran (13:27)

• Tyra’s on-camera demeanor and responses felt rehearsed, with moments where she seemed detached from past controversies.

• Ken Mok, the show’s producer, similarly failed to convincingly accept responsibility, only owning up to one specific misstep.

• The hosts were especially disturbed by the handling of Shandy’s story—her trauma was not protected and was instead made into sensational content for both ANTM and Tyra’s talk show.

  “You were watching a girl who was clearly obliterated be taken advantage of in her extremely drunk state…and what you should have done was, ‘Hey, let’s send these guys home.’” – Fran (16:44)

• Ongoing issues like racially insensitive photo shoots and the lack of true industry mentorship for contestants were dissected.

• The fallout with former judges and mentors (Ms. J, Jay Manuel, Nigel Barker) was discussed, including Tyra’s refusal to directly address past conflicts and lack of supportive follow-up.

• Reactions from former contestants, notably Tiffany’s harsh Instagram post, were shared to underscore the ongoing hurt and estrangement from Tyra.

  “Let’s keep it cute. You are one lying ass, tight ass bitch. You know how you treated me the whole time off and on camera...” – Fran, quoting Tiffany (23:14)

Notable Timestamps:

• 13:20: ANTM Documentary begins
• 16:40: Discussion of Shandy’s storyline and trauma
• 23:14: Tiffany’s viral Instagram response to Tyra

2. Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special Announcement

(33:50)

• Disney to release a Hannah Montana special hosted by Alex Cooper, featuring a sit-down interview with Miley Cyrus.

• The hosts question the choice of Cooper as interviewer but are excited for Miley’s return, nostalgic set reconstructions, and tease of musical performances.

  “I just don't get where the Alex Cooper comes into this…I am very excited for a Hannah Montana special.” – Fran (34:32)

• Hopeful speculation about cast reunions and potentially more events, like a one-night concert.

• Miley’s gratitude and pride in the show’s impact is shared via her own statement.

  “Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am...This haniversary is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who stood by me for 20 years.” – Miley, quoted by Rhea (38:55)

Notable Timestamps:

• 33:50: Announcement details
• 38:55: Miley’s statement

3. Listener Popcorner: Hot Takes and Opinions

(41:15) A selection of listener voicemails and opinions spark mini-debates:

• Traitors "Breakfast Order" Theory – Is the breakfast entrance order manipulated to give away who’s been murdered? Noah and the group debate whether editing or gameplay explains the suspense, agreeing it’s more about TV suspense than actual clues.

  “I think it's just suspense build for us to be like, who did they murder?” – Fran (44:24)

• Chris Harrison’s New Dating Show – The hosts react to Harrison’s comeback as host of a “traditional marriage”-themed dating show, unimpressed and somewhat put off by the regressive language.

  “I’m not fully into that. I don’t really know what kind of different vibe this is gonna be…” – Rhea (48:27)

• TV Series vs. Movie Book Adaptations – Callers and hosts agree that more books should become TV series for richer storytelling (examples include "The Housemaid," "Seven Husbands").

  “I think that any book can be made into a TV show. And I think when it gets made into a movie, you gotta cut shit out.” – Fran (51:14)

• Impact of Offscreen Relationships on Viewing – Fans say it’s hard to enjoy shows when they know the cast doesn’t get along, and the hosts agree: ‘We know too much now’ due to press/social media making friction impossible to ignore.

4. Interview: Mark Ballas on "The Traitors"

(62:34)
A deep-dive interview with Mark Ballas covers his time as a "faithful" on The Traitors, reality TV strategy, and behind-the-scenes secrets.

Major Insights:

• The game is far more chaotic and confusing in real-time than viewers realize; paranoia rules all.

  “You really. You don't know your ass from your elbow in there.” – Mark Ballas (63:51)

• Ballas reveals he kept extensive notes and journaled to track alliances—none of which viewers see.
• He discusses gameplay dynamics, including alliances, betrayals, and specific events at the roundtable.
• Analysis of key players (Rob, Johnny, Tara, etc.) and why some trader moves slipped under the radar.
• Mark weighs in on the controversy over traitor recruitment and strategic missed opportunities.
• Fun off-camera moments, like Skittles paranoia and alliance drinks, demonstrating how deeply suspicion runs.
• Mark praises the immersive reality of filming and teases that the reunion was more Real Housewives than strategy breakdown.

  “I quickly realized…we’re not talking about the game. So I just kind of sat back.” – Mark (100:36)

• He also talks about his future on Dancing with the Stars, injury management, and the joy of new fan bases.

Memorable Quotes:

• “If you thought someone was a traitor, stay in their good graces…as soon as you get a sniff, be like, it’s them—it’s over for you.” – Mark (65:49)
• “You cannot go into this game and not trust anyone…At some point you have to push your chips in on somebody…then just pray to God that your compass has pointed you in the right direction.” – Mark (83:16)
• “The faithfuls kind of have to eat each other alive to get there…It’s not just traitors vs. faithfuls.” – Mark (95:55)

Notable Timestamps:

• 62:34: Start of interview with Mark Ballas
• 65:49: Traitor strategy and trust
• 76:14: On alliances and trust with other celebrities
• 91:34: On Maura’s editing vs. her real in-castle presence
• 95:29: ANTM-style “banishment” of Michael Rappaport
• 97:12: On losing Rob Cesternino (Survivor legend)
• 98:53: Skittles poisoning paranoia

Noteworthy Quotes

• Fran on Tyra Banks:
  “I was absolutely not stunned watching this...Does she have an authentic bone in her body?” (13:27)

• Fran (on the Shandy incident):
  “You were watching a girl who was clearly obliterated be taken advantage of in her extremely drunk state—and what you should have done was, ‘Hey, let’s send these guys home.’” (16:44)

• Listener Hot Take:
  “There is no way I am the only one who notices that the faithfuls who come into breakfast last are always the ones the traitors are debating whether to kill…” (41:15)

• Mark Ballas, on the paranoia in The Traitors:
  “You really. You don't know your ass from your elbow in there.” (63:51)

• Mark Ballas, on trusting in the game:
  “You have to pick your people, and just pray to God that your inner compass has pointed you in the right direction.” (83:16)

Fun/Memorable Moments

• Fran and Rhea riff on the inane details of Olympic merch and sweater season (02:00 & on), setting up their usual blend of pop culture seriousness with day-to-day banter.
• Frank discussion about sneezing and farting etiquette in public vs. private (09:05), replete with jokes and relatable stories.
• Lively speculation and daydreams about Miley putting on the Hannah wig again (39:48).
• Mark Ballas’ description of cast paranoia over Skittles and drinks, and alliance trust games involving even the smallest acts (98:53).

Structured Timestamps

• 13:20 – ANTM doc user reactions begin
• 16:40 – Shandy storyline and critique
• 23:14 – Tiffany’s Instagram takedown
• 33:50 – Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special deep dive
• 38:55 – Miley’s statement to fans
• 41:15 – Listener Popcorner: traitors’ breakfast, Chris Harrison’s dating show, book adaptations
• 62:34 – Mark Ballas interview kicks off (Traitors deep dive)
• 65:49 – Traitor gameplay strategies
• 76:14 – Celebrity alliances scrutiny
• 91:34 – Maura’s edit vs. real presence
• 95:29 – Rappaport banishment and behind-the-scenes banter
• 98:53 – Skittles poisoning paranoia
• 100:36 – Reunion taping drama

Concluding Thoughts

This episode stands as a multifaceted pop culture catch-up—biting and honest in its takedown of ANTM's legacy, excitedly nostalgic about Hannah Montana, and loaded with insider reality competition wisdom from Mark Ballas. The show balances humor, critical analysis, and a love of the hottest cultural moments, offering plenty of entertainment even for those who haven’t watched the referenced doc, shows, or seasons.

For listeners looking for…

• ANTM doc breakdown: 13:20–33:00
• Hannah Montana news: 33:50–40:12
• Traitors/Mark Ballas interview: 62:34–105:10
• Hot take pop culture debates: 41:15–61:40