Chicks in the Office: Bravo Roundup w/ Abbey Bonides + Temptation Island's Ashley & Tayler Interview
Host/Author: Barstool Sports
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Chicks in the Office brings listeners an engaging episode featuring Bailey Bonides as a guest host alongside the regular hosts, Fran and Ria. The episode delves deep into the latest happenings in Bravo reality TV shows, upcoming pop culture events, and includes an exclusive interview with Ashley and Taylor from Temptation Island.
1. Bravo Show Recaps
a. The Valley
Fran and Abbey discuss the intense developments in The Valley, highlighting Jackson Hudson's recent admission of a cocaine problem. Ria remarks on the unanticipated depth of the show:
Ria (19:23): "It literally has no business being as good as it is. And good is like a hard... it's good entertainment. But it's like, dark, dark. There's some stuff."
They delve into the dynamics between cast members, particularly focusing on Jackson’s struggles and the show's ability to surface underlying relationship issues.
b. Summer House
The hosts explore the evolving landscape of Summer House, noting its wrap-up with an intense reunion episode. They express concerns over the show's repetitive nature and the need for an evolution to keep the content fresh:
Fran (34:07): "It has to evolve... switching to the new owners of the house and bringing in new friends could breathe new life into the show."
They discuss Kyle and Amanda's storyline, emphasizing the emotional depth and the pressure of fertility issues portrayed on the show.
c. Vanderpump Rules
Attention shifts to Vanderpump Rules, where Fran and Ria commend the loyalty and camaraderie among the cast, contrasting it with other reality shows. They highlight the supportive environment fostered by Lisa Vanderpump:
Fran (20:22): "They really are in that group."
The conversation touches on recent conflicts and reconciliations, emphasizing the show's unique approach to maintaining friendships despite drama.
d. Real Housewives of Miami
The return of Real Housewives of Miami is a focal point, with excitement building around the new international season. Fran shares ambitions for the show's growth:
Fran (49:56): "Real Housewives of Miami is coming back finally. The trailer just dropped. They're traveling all over."
2. Upcoming Pop Culture Events
a. Chicks in the Office Tour
Fran announces the upcoming Chicks in the Office tour slated for June, with shows scheduled in Pittsburgh, Maine (already sold out), New York City, and Red Bank, Jersey. The hosts express gratitude towards their Northeast fans and encourage listeners to secure remaining tickets.
b. Met Gala 2025
The Met Gala theme, "Tailored for You," inspired by the Costume Institute’s Super Fine Tailoring Black Style exhibition, is discussed in detail. Ria expresses anticipation for the blend of traditional gowns with tailored, masculine fashion:
Ria (10:40): "I'm obsessed. I think it is going to be so fun to see everyone try to do a different take on Met Gala dressing up..."
They anticipate innovative fashion statements from celebrities, including a refreshed look from Anna Wintour.
c. BET Gala
Fran reveals her role in hosting the red carpet commentary at the BET Gala, emphasizing excitement for the event's unique theme celebrating Black style and dandyism.
3. Interview with Ashley & Taylor from Temptation Island
Ashley and Taylor share their experiences on Temptation Island, shedding light on their motivations for joining the show and the impact it had on their relationship.
a. Deciding to Join the Show
Taylor discusses the couple's rocky relationship and how reality TV served as a catalyst for introspection and potential reconciliation:
Taylor (78:25): "We were like, we're on the rocks. Yeah, our relationship still sucked. So we were like, okay, yeah, this is probably something we need to do."
b. On-Camera Challenges
Ashley opens up about the emotional toll of being constantly filmed and the pressure of maintaining appearances:
Ashley (84:36): "We went on a different podcast where we were together. And Grant said, I'll leave her alone... he was like, I'm not gonna reach out to her anymore."
c. Navigating Post-Show Dynamics
Both Ashley and Taylor discuss the difficulties of interacting with exes post-show and the challenges of maintaining genuine friendships amidst the lingering drama:
Ashley (99:56): "He has not left the vicinity of the block of my apartment, I swear to God."
They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing their mental health after the show's intense environment.
d. Beauty and Self-Care
Addressing their appearance on reality TV, Ashley highlights her reliance on long-lasting lashes to maintain her look:
Ashley (111:51): "My lashes saved my life. I do my own lashes, and so they last, like, a week."
Taylor shares her humorous take on makeup routines necessary for the show’s demands:
Taylor (112:18): "We're talking about the eye patches. So, like, in the morning, literally just putting those on and just, like, being a skeleton."
4. Trivia Segment with Gia and Fran
In a lively trivia game, Gia and Fran engage with guests Brooke and Rachel, testing their knowledge on various pop culture topics. The segment adds an interactive and fun element to the episode, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and playful competition.
5. Concluding Highlights
The episode wraps up with Fran teasing Gia's upcoming appearance on Monday's episode and reiterating the show's comprehensive coverage of Met Gala and BET Gala events. The hosts express gratitude towards their guests and listeners, promising more engaging content in future episodes.
Notable Quotes
- Ria (03:14): "Always? Yeah, I definitely was a reality TV girl growing up."
- Ria (04:35): "We sure did."
- Fran (08:17): "The wedding st is really bringing the pod."
- Ashley (84:36): "I just have a lot of trauma with girlfriends, a lot of trauma with guys I've dated."
- Taylor (112:18): "We're talking about the eye patches. So, like, in the morning, literally just putting those on and just, like, being a skeleton."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Chicks in the Office offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of the Bravo reality TV universe, enriched by candid conversations and expert recaps from Fran, Ria, and their guest hosts. The inclusion of Ashley and Taylor's personal stories from Temptation Island provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities behind reality TV relationships, making it a must-listen for pop culture enthusiasts.
For more episodes, visit barstool.link/chicks-in-the-office