Hot Girl Walk & Bravo Talk with Mia Alario

Summary

Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz: "Hot Girl Walk & Bravo Talk with Mia Alario"

PodcastOne | April 28, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Tom Schwartz sits down with Mia Alario from Bravo’s "Southern Hospitality." The conversation blends reality TV behind-the-scenes tales with personal anecdotes, Bravo fandom, and candid reflections on self-care and fame. As Mia shares what it's really like to be on "Watch What Happens Live" and the journey from Trinidad to Charleston, the episode is full of humor, gratitude, honesty, and Bravo-fandom energy.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mia’s Debut on "Watch What Happens Live"

• Tom and Mia reminisce about their recent appearance on "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen, marking Mia's first official episode.
• Tom heaps praise on Mia’s performance:

  “You absolutely slayed it. You get the mazel of the day… you answered everything so quick, so quick witted, so succinctly and graceful." (05:55)

• Mia describes the experience as “immense” and hopes to be invited back, maybe with another castmate for more “kiki energy.” (06:57)
• She recounts her glam routine and the excitement (and surprise) of arriving at the studio with no paparazzi—a very different vibe than expected. (09:42)

2. Behind the Scenes: Bravo, Andy Cohen, and Cast Comparisons

• Tom and Mia discuss Andy Cohen’s hosting style and how cast dynamics shift as shows gain more popularity and "earn" Andy's respect.

  “I think now we're kind of earning his respect as a cast.” – Mia (10:49)

• They touch on the frequent comparisons between "Southern Hospitality" and "Vanderpump Rules." Both express that while comparisons are inevitable, each cast is carving out its own space.

  “Don’t let the comparison be the thief of joy. Your guys’ show is on fire right now.” – Tom (11:52)

3. Navigating On-Air Drama and Real Life

• Mia fields questions about potential blowback from her "Watch What Happens Live" answers, particularly about timelines involving castmates. She emphasizes she had no malicious intent and isn’t deeply involved in Bravo gossip. (12:30–13:41)
• Discussion on the complexities and sometimes messiness of dating within Bravo casts is peppered throughout, illustrating both the drama and camaraderie.
• Mia shares perspectives on being accused of “girl code” violations and stresses the reality behind reality TV:

  “There was no girl code violation...In Charleston, it's 70% women and 30% men.” (28:52–29:00)

4. Mia’s Journey: From Trinidad, Through Belize to Charleston Reality TV

• Mia shares her Caribbean heritage, upbringing in Trinidad and Belize, and how she landed in Charleston, ultimately starring in "Southern Hospitality." (19:41, 29:18–29:41)
• She recounts working in corporate finance before taking a chance with the show—thanks, in part, to a supportive, Bravo-loving boss:

  “My CFO...was like a huge Bravo fan. So I told her I was interested in doing it. She was like, oh my God, we'll give you days off.” (20:48)

5. Island Culture, Food, and Carnival

• Mia celebrates her Trinidadian and Belizean roots, sharing about street food like "doubles" and the lively spirit of Carnival.

  “Anything they make on the side of the road in Trinidad is going to be busted. It’s going to be insane.” (31:00)

• She humorously explains Carnival rules and the relaxed attitude about dancing—the “carnival rule” is that couples can’t get mad about dancing with others. (32:30–32:51)
• Language note: Tom tries out Trinidadian slang, with Mia clarifying and both sharing a laugh. (33:07–33:28)

6. Life as a Bravo-Leberity in Charleston

• Unique perks of being reality TV famous in a smaller city vs. LA/NYC: more recognition, more “free stuff,” and deeper local connections.

  “If you’re a Bravo celebrity in New York or LA...you’re still like a medium sized fish in a huge pond. Here, you can be a big fish in a very small pond.” – Mia (22:20)

7. Self-Care, Hot Girl Walks, and the “Detox/Retox” Philosophy

• Tom asks about Mia’s favorite ways to retox and detox.
  • Retox: “DoorDash. Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Culver’s… relaxing is like Netflix and a mukbang.” (36:49–37:10)
  • Detox: The “Hot Girl Walk”—a walk with headphones, music or a podcast, matching set, and “all girls are hot.”

    “You feel the wind on your face… If you can get directly in the sun, do that to get your vitamin D. No sunscreen.” (38:33–39:31)

  • Tom admits he thought a “hot girl walk” was a euphemism for a digestion walk.

    “I thought a hot girl walk was when you have to fart…” (39:37) “What the f*ck is hot girl about farting outside?!” – Mia (39:50)

8. Quickfire: Career, Fame, and Fun

• Mia’s first job: Credit analyst at her father’s bank in Belize. (40:19)
• Worst job: At a company later indicted for Medicare fraud (no involvement!). (40:38)
• Dream job: Food critic or a big-city weather girl.

  “I want to go down and sit down like the guy from Ratatouille with the notepad. And I want everybody to be shaking.” – Mia (46:43–46:55)

• Most memorable Bravo quote:

  “Everybody drinks here. Like, it’s not Chick-fil-A.” (43:32)

9. Family, Gratitude, and Audience Connection

• Mia’s family is her creative and spiritual anchor:

  “My family. I feel enriched. I’m really blessed to have the world’s most amazing parents… when I’m with them, I feel physically better.” (41:57–42:33)

• Both Tom and Mia reflect on the special bond with their audience, the gratitude for being loved, and how they genuinely enjoy meeting fans. (34:20–35:17)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Being Media-Trained:

  “Are you media trained? Like, I kind of go on there and just... it’s off the cuff.” – Tom (07:59)
  “Obviously not. Obviously not.” – Mia

• On Charleston Fame:

  “Here, you can be like big fish in a very small pond. So I think like, the perks of being on a TV show here in Charleston is like 10 times higher than if I lived in LA…” – Mia (22:20)

• On Hot Girl Walks:

  “If you’re a girl and you go on a walk with a cute little matching set and your headphones in... for maybe like an hour straight, you’re just like strutting... all girls are hot." – Mia (38:47, 39:31)

• On Carnival Culture:

  “That’s one of the things that’s like a carnival rule... you cannot be mad if, like, guys dance on your girl or your girl dances on somebody else…” – Mia (32:30–32:49)

• On Favorite Curse Word:

  “Definitely fck, but I also love moronic fck.” – Mia (44:09, 44:18)

• On What Sound Relaxes Her:

  “Ocean waves crashing... I love the rustle of palm trees, I love coconut trees specifically.” – Mia (44:34–44:37)

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Important Timestamps

• 05:55 – Tom congratulates Mia for her performance on "Watch What Happens Live"
• 06:57 – Mia shares hopes to be back, maybe with castmate Molly
• 09:42 – Mia’s day-in-the-life walkthrough at the Bravo clubhouse
• 10:49 – Mia’s perspective on Andy Cohen’s evolving attitude
• 12:30–13:41 – Mia addresses possible drama fallout from her answers on TV
• 19:41 – How Mia ended up on "Southern Hospitality"
• 22:20 – Life as a Bravo celebrity in Charleston vs. bigger cities
• 29:18–29:41 – Mia’s childhood: from Trinidad to Belize to Charleston
• 31:00–32:51 – Trinidadian food & Carnival culture explained
• 36:49–39:31 – "Retox" (DoorDash & TV) and "Detox" (Hot Girl Walks) routines
• 43:32 – Most memorable Bravo quote: "Everybody drinks here. Like, it's not Chick-fil-A."
• 44:09, 44:18 – Favorite curse words
• 46:43–46:55 – Dream job: intimidating food critic
• 47:28 – “If heaven exists…” end-of-episode food and drink question

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Episode’s Tone & Energy

• Playful, witty, and warm
• Honest, no-holds-barred behind-the-scenes reality TV info
• Strong sense of gratitude, both for career and personal relationships
• Genuine camaraderie between Tom and Mia—bouncing between deep, silly, and raw

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Closing Details

Mia Alario socials:

• Instagram: @mealarieo
• TikTok: @melari

Watch "Southern Hospitality" Wednesdays at 9pm on Bravo.

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This episode is a must-listen for Bravo fans, aspiring reality stars, or anyone who loves a balance of chaos and self-care—the Detox Retox way.

Transcript

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[Mia Alerio]

Don't squeeze in, spread out. Find homes big enough for your whole guest list on vrbo. That's vacation rentals done, right? Book your stay now. It's now time for your weekly we talks with Tom Schwartz.

[Tom Schwartz]

Hello.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

Hi, you Today's episode, Mia Isabella Alerio from Southern hospitality, what's it like to do an episode of watch what happens live? This was her first official episode, and I had the great pleasure of doing it with her. I was in the clubhouse. Oh, there was magic in the clubhouse. Not only was I fortunate enough to be there with my girlfriend shout out to Kiana and her bestie Mikey,

[Mia Alerio]

there

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

was also some other celebs in there. I was a little starstruck. You know what I'm saying? Joan Vassos was in there. Yeah. If you watch the golden Bachelorette, she was in the house. Bailey Brown and Jeremy Simon for Bachelor in Paradise. Love that show. I think it's better than Bachelorette or Bachelor. OG Love the format. Got a little starstruck. But yeah, I love doing watch what happens live. It's so fun. One of the great pleasures of being on a Bravo show. I love flying to New York, cozying up in my hotel, hanging out with my girl in my favorite city in the world. Yes, that's so much fun. So, yeah, what's it like to do an episode? Let's see from Mia's point of view, because she absolutely crushed it. Her debut performance. Just nailed it, really. And it was such a blast,

[Tom Schwartz]

you guys.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

Literally, as I'm recording this, like, five people have texted me asking if Michelle is dating Dr. Dre. I don't know. I know as much as you guys, I guess this is breaking news today as I record this. But yeah, our guest, Mia. Are you guys digging Southern hospitality? I think this season's so good.

[Tom Schwartz]

I really do. Shout out to tj.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

Shout out to the whole cast. And yeah, man, I think it's a great show. And yeah, she's from Trinidad in Tobago. Did you guys know that?

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

What do you know about Trinidad and Tobago? Dual island nation in the Caribbean. I think it's kind of close to Venezuela. I heard it's beautiful. I don't know much about it. Maybe she can enrich us a little bit, Tell us about the culture, the cuisine, what it was like to be born there. And how the heck did she end up in Charleston, South Carolina, on a Bravo show? Oh, I do know that they make angostura bitters there, but you guys know about.

[Tom Schwartz]

I mean, it's.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

It's a staple in every single bar pretty much in the world. It's like. It's like. It's like salt and pepper for cocktails. Put a few drops in there.

[Tom Schwartz]

Ooh.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

It's made from herbs and spices, roots, all kinds of good stuff soaked in alcohol. It's really strong, so you just need a few drops. But it's really nice if you're feeling kind of, I don't know, bloated or nauseous or having a little indigestion. Yeah, man. A little bitters and soda.

[Mia Alerio]

Mmm.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

Hits the spot. But this is gonna be a cool episode. I'm really excited about it. Me, it was the shit. And I had such a good time. Andy, such a gangster, so sweet. Came in the green room, kicked it with me and Kiki and Mikey. Pretty sure Andy and Kiana knew each other in a past life.

[Tom Schwartz]

Also had Laurie in the house.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

Mia and her squad, man, getting glammed out. It's fun. It's so fun doing this show. I love it. I think I've done it, like, 16 times now, you guys. Is that crazy? I'm in the 15 plus club. Watch what Happens Live. That's insane.

[Tom Schwartz]

Like how? I don't even know. But, yeah, I don't want to yap

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

too much to chill in the long intros.

[Tom Schwartz]

I'm sorry, guys.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

Let's just get right into it. Okay, Next stop, we're going to catch up with Mia and see what it was like doing her first official Watch what Happens Live. Wait, did I.

[Tom Schwartz]

Did I get it twisted or that was your first official Watch what Happens live?

[Mia Alerio]

It was.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, it was. By the way, we're recording.

[Mia Alerio]

Oh, we are.

[Tom Schwartz]

Mia Alerio in the house. Mia, thank you so much for doing this.

[Mia Alerio]

Of course. Anything for you, my co host.

[Tom Schwartz]

You. Okay, first of all, you are the star. You are the moment, because your first Watch what Happens Live was a tour day force. You absolutely slayed it. You get the mazel of the day, actually, you and Kiana My girlfriend. You guys stole the show. And of course, Andy. But like, you really honestly put on a masterclass because you answered everything so quick, so quick witted, so succinctly and graceful. And you just also, also, you slayed my makeup. You absolutely slayed my emo makeup.

[Mia Alerio]

I did. I did. I had to. They gave me nail polish. I was like, I'm not about to sit up here and paint his nails. Like, what are we. What are we doing here?

[Tom Schwartz]

That's a bit too far.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah, it was. It was.

[Tom Schwartz]

Because that's an interesting.

[Mia Alerio]

So much fun with you. And then, yeah, your girlfriend out mogged everybody.

[Tom Schwartz]

So listen, I just want to give you flowers. Both you and Kiana flowers. Because you absolutely crushed it. Like, that was a master class. How you feeling after your first official watch what happens live?

[Mia Alerio]

I had a great time. Like, the response has been immense. Truly, like, it's been insane. I hope they invite me back. I hope I get an invite again. Would love to do it. Would love to, like, really maybe even do it with like, you know, you were amazing. First chair with me. But, like, I would love somebody from like my show, like Molly or something that I can like, really kiki up with, you know?

[Tom Schwartz]

Exactly.

[Mia Alerio]

Because yeah, really say something like, who. Who's your crazy second chair? Like, if you had to pick anybody, who would be your crazy second chair?

[Tom Schwartz]

I mean, like a dream scenario.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah.

[Tom Schwartz]

Someone from Saturday Night Live. Maybe like, I. Maybe like a. Like a Amy Poehler or like Will Ferrell. I'm shooting for the stars here. I don't know. Let's go crazy. That's one of my favorite things about Watch what happens live is the. How democratic it is. Because it's like one week it's me and you, and then the next week it could be Cher, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama.

[Mia Alerio]

Before us, it was Kate Hudson and Justin Theroux.

[Tom Schwartz]

I know two of my favorite actors

[Mia Alerio]

to follow them up. I'm like, what are we. What am I supposed to do here?

[Tom Schwartz]

Those are big shoes to fill because it's so beautiful. Because, like, they're like, they're titans of the industry and they're so good at what they do. I'm a huge fan of both of them. And, you know, they have a few drinks. They're off the cuff. But I also like seeing people like, not that we're not media trained, but I'm not really. Are you media trained? Like, I kind of go on there and just. It's off the cuff.

[Mia Alerio]

Obviously not. Obviously not.

[Tom Schwartz]

Well, you know, honestly, judging from Your performance. I would think that you at least have an associate's degree in Mary Shag Kill. No one has answered so swiftly in the history. In the history.

[Mia Alerio]

Those were layups. The hardest one was the one that with you and Tom and. Who's the other one? Brock. Yeah, that was the easy. That was the hardest one. The easy ones are like the Shep and the Craig and the Austin. I'm like, I'm from Charleston. I have to think about that every day.

[Tom Schwartz]

You know, everyone was. It's like you had been waiting your whole life for that moment. Everyone felt like a layup and thank you for sparing me. Thank you for not killing me. I know it was awkward because my beautiful girlfriend Kiana is sitting right there and you were so gracious, like, Kiana, may I? And she's like, of course, darling.

[Mia Alerio]

I was going to say, I was going to say because. Because I'm like, I will say that one attribute that I have that is pretty good is I'm like quick witted. But I was going to say and I have to stop myself sometimes. I had to. I was going to say like just off the bat, like shag you. Because I was like, well, you landed her, so it has to be good.

[Tom Schwartz]

Logically. That makes sense.

[Mia Alerio]

Exactly. I was like, it's got to be pretty good.

[Tom Schwartz]

Thank you for not killing me. You had the full glue. Can we take. So for people who have never done the show, could you take us through like a little day in the life of what it's like to do what happens live? So you're arriving at the studio, you have your glam squad. How you feeling when you walk in? Do you get nervous?

[Mia Alerio]

No, I really, I rarely get nervous. I, I thought they were going to be like photographers outside. Cuz TJ and Brad had photographers outside. So I rolled up like in a cute outfit. I was like, let me, let me get the. And this. There's nobody outside. I think I arrived too early. I think that's what it was. I'm just going to tell myself that. But so I arrived. We get upstairs. I've done watch. I've been to watch it happen lives a couple of times. Like my first one was with me, Joe, Maddie and T.J. or and Grace, Lily. Like it wasn't a real reunion. Those are our first season. But it was the four of us up there that was like kind of our mini reunion. And then I don't know if you know this, but the southern hospitality, we've never had a real reunion except for this season. So all of them have been at the clubhouse. So I've been to the clubhouse before. I've been glammed in those rooms before, but I've never been like me, somebody else. And Andy.

[Tom Schwartz]

Mm. Well, first impress. I love Andy Cohen. Not to be a kiss ass but what were your first impressions? He's so warm. He has like, he's a larger than life character but he's also so gracious with his time. He's so personable. He comes in. What were your first impressions of Andy?

[Mia Alerio]

So I, I might, I might not have that exact same sentiment because I've never had like a one on one conversation with him ever. I think our show is so new and think we got really bad like not ratings our first two seasons. But now it's like really ramping up. Like we are getting a lot of press and I think now we're kind of earning his respect as a cast. And so I think like my first couple meetings with him, he just was like, we did the reunion and he just kind of like came on stage, asked us the questions and then walked off like he didn't really talk to any of us. I would say so I haven't really gotten to know him in that aspect, but he's been a lot nicer like now that obviously the show is like doing totally. And I would, I would have the same sentiments too. Like our press, our first two seasons or something. Hospitality were like so bad. People were like they will never. This is. They were like they will never be Vanderpump rules. Like they will never fill the shoes and we're like, we're not trying to. That's like impossible to fill. So I think he kind of thought that we were like just very, I don't know, like grasping for fame.

[Tom Schwartz]

He just probably thought you guys were a little green and you were coming into your own. And yeah, the comparisons were inevitable because I remember you when, when you. I first of all, I think your guys show is awesome. But when it first launched, yeah, the comparisons were inevitable. I mean Bill Langworthy who created our show, worked on your show and I think he still does. And it's yeah, just like with the new Vanderpump Rules, like people are hating but people are slowly coming around on the new cast too. So yes, don't let the comparison be the thief of joy. Your guys show is on fire right now. Well, by the way, before we move on for watch what happens. Did you get any blowback from some of your answers?

[Mia Alerio]

No, I didn't get any blowback. He hasn't reached out. Wes hasn't reached out to me and expected. I didn't expect him to. I think he has a lot on his plate right now, especially with the nudes that just got released. I'm like. I'm like, Hurricane Katrina then freaking, like, hurricane Irma double whammied him. I'm like, this is just. I don't need to add any fuel to this fire in total. So I was like, that's like, let me just quit.

[Tom Schwartz]

Mia, you said it perfectly. I don't want to stress anybody out at Bravo PR because it's like, listen, that is. It's such a show. And did you, like, I think you inadvertently poked some holes possibly in the timeline with Wes and Amanda, but I think it wasn't malicious intent.

[Mia Alerio]

No, not at all. Because I. I have. I don't. I hate to say this, but I don't really follow Bravo stuff. Like, I knew that he had gone with Amanda and that was it. That's like the. That's the only thing that I know. And that, like, Sierra was his bestie.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah.

[Mia Alerio]

Like, their besties. It's like another scandal ball.

[Tom Schwartz]

It's a whole convoluted mess.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah. And so for me to like, say our timeline. I didn't know that he had already given a timeline. I had no. I had no clue that he already given a timeline. So I was just, like, I was just mentioning that they were hung. They were hanging out before our date.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah. You weren't trying to be a provocateur? Ruffle feathers.

[Mia Alerio]

No, I was like. I was just saying, like, my thought process when she was like, oh, you know, we pre gamed her date. You know, I gave some tips and tricks. Like, when I met her, I was like, oh, that's so nice of you. Like, you're a cool friend, whatever to him. But now finding out they were, like, hooking up since God knows when, I'm like, damn, did she like him before he went on the date with me?

[Tom Schwartz]

I. It's. I think everyone's tired. It's weird because they're like my friends. And I got to hang out with Kyle last. Let's see, last Friday night, and I. I just love that cast. But I know you didn't do it. Like, none of. Yeah, it just. Listen, whatever it is what it is, we had a great time. One of my favorite shows. I've done it. Like, that was like, my 16th time doing it.

[Mia Alerio]

Mia, what happens live?

[Tom Schwartz]

How insane is that?

[Mia Alerio]

What. When was your first. Do you remember your first one?

[Tom Schwartz]

I Do I think my first one ever. I don't remember the year, but I remember I did it with Katie, who's my ex wife, and just. It was my first time being in New York City. I had been. No, no, excuse me. My first time doing Watch what Happens live. It just felt very exciting and new. I felt like I was in a movie. Like, does it's cool to go to the clubhouse to hang out with Andy? You had your glam squad. Did you have a cocktail or two before the show?

[Mia Alerio]

Oh, God, I was. I was messed up

[Tom Schwartz]

for the chorus. Like, listen, I've made that mistake. And no, by the way, I could not tell. I didn't think you drank anything.

[Mia Alerio]

No, you can't. You can't really tell when I get drunk. Like, you can't really tell.

[Tom Schwartz]

You're a professional. Because I just thought you were fully sober. You were so poised and. Yeah, well, good for you because there's been a few times where we've all gotten sloppy and then we've had to suffer the consequences afterwards.

[Mia Alerio]

But I don't know if you knew that we had just finished filming our reunion like the week prior. So at the reunion they definitely like, watch what you're drinking there. Like I was asking. It was, mind you, it's like a nine in the morning and we're from Charleston, so we all drink from like sun up to sundown. It's so unhealthy. Like that's just the lifestyle here. But it's like in a classy way where you're just drinking champagne or you're having like a little Sauvignon Blanca at lunch or whatever, right? And so I was like, hey guys, can I get a little glass of Champagne at like 9am and they're looking at me like, you're going to get cut off by your second one. Like, you better save it.

[Tom Schwartz]

You know what? It used to be like air, airplane, airport rules for the reunions. We used to kind of like drink a lot. Now we're more mindful and more civilized. But like back in the day it was like the Wild west, pre pandemic 2000.

[Mia Alerio]

Were you still married to Katie when you went on Watch out is Live?

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, yeah, I think I've done it with her. Probably half the times were with Katie. But yeah, there was a few times where we were not, not Katie, but me and some other guests got a little sloppy in the back. But it's cool. Isn't it exciting being in the green? So you each. We each have our own green room. Bring some Friends, it's a small. Like, what were your first impressions of inside the clubhouse? It's small, isn't it? It's intimate.

[Mia Alerio]

It's really small. It's really small and really intimate. Like, I love how 1. It's really bright in there as well. Like he does. The green rooms are covered in pictures of like, really famous, like a list guests that they've had on that, that I love looking at that. I saw JLo and I was like. I was like, am I gonna sit in her chair?

[Tom Schwartz]

Like Jay? I think one of JLo's episodes was the highest one ever. I think it was like in 2016, she's had to be a living legend, an icon. Shout out to JLo.

[Mia Alerio]

Oh, my God. Shout out JLo. Like, shout out my. Shout out mom.

[Tom Schwartz]

Like, she is mother.

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[Tom Schwartz]

You guys, if you're watching it, there's like 20 to 30 people in the audience maybe. I think it was like 20. And I think the way you become a part of the audience is through like a lottery system. I think from what I understand, you can go to NBC's website and you sign up, and if you're lucky, they'll choose you. That's as far as I know.

[Mia Alerio]

People ask, what if I submitted myself

[Tom Schwartz]

on a random day next time JLo's in the clubhouse?

[Mia Alerio]

Oh, my God, please. I would. I would give my arm, my left leg for that. But no, it's really beautiful in the green room. And they have like A beautiful mirror. And they have somebody come and, like, help you out with drinks. They have some snacks. I requested hot Cheetos and cream cheese, but that wasn't available at the time.

[Tom Schwartz]

Wait, were you gonna. Were you gonna dip the hot cheetos in the cream cheese?

[Mia Alerio]

Have you ever had this?

[Tom Schwartz]

This makes. This is like a new Oreos and milk situation.

[Mia Alerio]

It's so good because the hot Cheetos, crunchy and hot, obviously, but the cream cheese is nice and creamy and soft and cold. And then you dip it in and you use like the singular cream cheese that they put for bagel. Like spreading on bagel. The sink. Yeah. So it's not a whole freaking mess. You're not eating a whole tub of cream cheese. You could if you wanted to, but,

[Tom Schwartz]

Mia, this is a revelation. You just changed the game.

[Mia Alerio]

And you have. If you have a lime lying around. Oh, my God, it is mouthwatering. It's so good.

[Tom Schwartz]

Thank you for sharing that with us. I never even thought about it, but now it makes perfect sense. Oh, my God. Wait. Southern Hospitality. Your guys show's on fire right now. Can I ask you. I have no idea how you ended up on the show. How. How did you end up on Southern Hospitality?

[Mia Alerio]

So I was working for Leva, like, just very casually at the front door. I have. I used to have a really intense finance job. Like, I worked in corporate finance. I was doing nine to five. I was in office. I'm a big social person person here in Charleston. So, like, I would work all day and then go out at night, and then me and my girlfriends would get drinks, would, you know, sit down. Well, yeah, we'll do whatever. But I just felt like I wasn't getting like, my social battery, which is so high that I felt like I wasn't like, scratching that itch. And so T.J. was like, oh, you should work, you know, at this club and do the door just on like a Saturday, pick up some extra money and, like, you'll see everybody. You can be at it till 2am but you're getting paid to do it. And I was like, you know what? Yeah. And then he started casting for the show. And I wasn't sure if I wanted to do that. Like, you know, I wasn't sure if I wanted to really do that. And so I asked my dad, and he was like, you know what? Go for it. Like it. You're young. I was 23 at the time. I'm 28 now. I was single. My job, I was really lucky because my CFO for the. The Company I used to work for was like a huge Bravo fan. So I told her I was interested in doing it. She was like, oh, my God, we'll give you days off, like, whatever you need to do, like, go for it. It was crazy.

[Tom Schwartz]

You got a. You have a degree in finance from Charleston, right? Charleston University.

[Mia Alerio]

In finance and economics. At the college Charleston.

[Tom Schwartz]

Very impressive. Very impressive. And you did. You did have a corporate job before you. You were on the show, right? Yes, yes, I dabbled in the corporate world myself. Well, I was an account executive, which is just a fancy word for salesman. And I was.

[Mia Alerio]

I was a financial analyst for a biotech firm here. And I was doing that for like five years. Ish. And then, yeah, I was like, I wanted to keep doing that, but then I got fired actually last year. Just crazy. They just fired like five people on the finance team and like outsourced some Filipinos to do it for like half the, like half of the salary.

[Tom Schwartz]

So you got undercut?

[Mia Alerio]

No, I was like, guess what? They probably would do it better than I did, honestly.

[Tom Schwartz]

And even if you were still there, you were. You were probably on the cusp of being replaced by AI like the rest of us, so.

[Mia Alerio]

Exactly. So you know what? It's inevitable. It was inevitable anyway, and I wanted to focus on the show more.

[Tom Schwartz]

So wait, this is a stock question, but I have to ask, like, what's your favorite part of being on the show? It's still kind of shiny and new for you.

[Mia Alerio]

All the free things. I am still an immigrant. Like, I love, like, free shit. Like, give me every single free thing. Me, my mom, my dad. Like, we all just love, like, free stuff. Like I'm the girl going to Costco, like getting something and then like returning it, because you can. And it's like, I'm a revolve return girly.

[Tom Schwartz]

You still get the upfront gratification from the purchase. It's like a little retail therapy. But then if it's like out of your budget or whatever, you can return it.

[Mia Alerio]

But I also, like, because Charleston is so small, like, if you're like a. Not. I don't say like a celebrity. Like if you are a Bravo celebrity in New York or in LA or like a Miami or something, you're still like medium sized fish in a huge pond here. You can be like big fish in a very small pond. So I think like, the perks of being on a TV show here in Charleston is like 10 times higher than if I lived in LA or if I lived in like New York or something. I, like, never want to leave here because I know all the people that work at all the clubs and the restaurants, and we get, you know, call up the manager, get whatever. It's very, very, very nice.

[Tom Schwartz]

It does. It does have its. Really nice. Like, it has its fringe benefits. You know, sometimes free hotels, comps, dinners, comp trips. If you have a cool publicist, like I do, shout out to Lori. It's.

[Mia Alerio]

It. It.

[Tom Schwartz]

It does have its perks, right? It's fun, and I think it's just the right amount of fame. Like, I. I've never considered myself a celebrity, but, like, people recognize me when they kind of feel like, what are you talk.

[Mia Alerio]

You're a. You're a celebrity.

[Tom Schwartz]

I'm like.

[Mia Alerio]

I'm like small fry. I like chopped cheese.

[Tom Schwartz]

What?

[Mia Alerio]

Chop liver.

[Tom Schwartz]

Do not downplay your celebrity. You are greatness.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

You are.

[Tom Schwartz]

You are. You are destined.

[Mia Alerio]

Not yet.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay?

[Mia Alerio]

Not yet. Don't mark my words. Not yet. I want to do. I want to get into, like, hosting and, like, reporting maybe or something like that, like Segway, because I can't be on Broadway, like, forever, but I want to, like, do some sort of, like, hosting or TV reporting or something. I don't know.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yes. Use. You use your platform to parlay it into exactly bigger, better things. It's in. But can I ask you. I just. I just saw some clips on the. On the. On the Instagram before I did this, and I was like, what's going on? This. This whole thing that came back to surface with Emmy and Bradley. What were your thoughts on that?

[Mia Alerio]

I have. I have much maybe, like, meaner thoughts than I think some of the other cast does, because I, like, just don't play. Like, I. Everybody knows about me. Like, I'm not the one. But the thing is, I thought that Emmy's. Her first apology when she said, called Brad and safe. And then we all were like, you can't say that about Brad, especially because he 1. He didn't make you feel like. She was, like, just lying, right? So I was like, just apologize. We all were like, just apologize to him and mean it. So can I curse on here?

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah.

[Mia Alerio]

And I was like. And mean it. And I think we can, like, move forward from this, right? So she apologizes. You see her apologize. But then she goes around Charleston basically, like, defaming him, saying that she was. He was stalking her, told her to sleep with one eye open. Like. Like it was crazy. And the thing is, Charleston is a big game of telephone. But then we watched her say those things on camera, like, Mic'd up talking to some other, like, other people. It was insane to watch because she was trying to do something like, really malicious to him. And Bradley Carter, if you've ever met him, if anybody's listening, has ever met Bradley Carter, he is one of, like, the most responsible, safest human beings alive. I've said this before, like, if I had a kid, he's up for like, godfather duties.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yes. I appreciate the testimony. I have met him and he seems wonderful and he really is. It can be especially dangerous as a black man. You know, we're just throwing out words like that. I mean, listen, if it's warranted, if it actually happened, that's one thing. But from what it sounds like, it. It's. It's a stretch, to say the least.

[Mia Alerio]

Exactly.

[Tom Schwartz]

We don't have to do a deep dive.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah, it's. It's really upsetting and like, her doubling down on it, it's like, it just makes it worse. And it says a lot about her. This is gonna sound mean, but it really does say a lot about, like, her intelligence level, like her social intelligence level. And I think some people were like, made up here and some people made down here, and she's like, she's down here and it really. There's no reasoning with somebody like that. We tried to. We. Her black. Her black friends tried to, like, educate her. Why it was a wrong thing to say. I said something to her. Production said something to her like, Levis. I don't. I don't know if love is something to her, but, like, we all tried to help step in and help her fix the situation. And then she just decided to, like, be defensive and keep digging herself this humongous hole that just, like, is impossible to get out of.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, it's.

[Mia Alerio]

And I don't feel. And I don't feel bad because, like, she is that kind of person. Like, I don't. I'm sorry.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah. Your guys relationship is not good at this point.

[Mia Alerio]

No, no, ours. No, ours is, I think, irreparable. Yeah.

[Tom Schwartz]

Did you. I know we. I know we had a poll on watch what happens live with the whole kissing. Kissing Justin thing. Did you get a lot of for that?

[Mia Alerio]

No, I actually the most I got from. It was like, from Lake and Jordan and I. Like, everyone else was like, what. What the fuck is everybody else talking? Like, because he's on camera being like, that is not my girlfriend. Like, we just are fudge buddies and she wants something more out of it. Like, I don't really want that. I want to keep Dating and, like, exploring and. Yeah, so we went on the date, and it was, like. It was cute. We had a great time. He's a. He's hilarious. But we're way better off as friends. And. And so when I got back from the date and, like, everybody found out about it because I was trying to keep it on the down low. Like, you know, I was just trying to be like, I like kissing and telling. Like, it's not mine. It's not my forte. But, yeah, I got so much. They were like, you're a bad friend. I'm like, I was like, bad friend to who? Like, Jordan and I aren't even friends.

[Tom Schwartz]

It's like. It's just. It's like every cast that happens, why do. They're like.

[Mia Alerio]

But see, the difference is, is that, like, other women get for it. Like, Amanda and Raquel. Rachel. Raquel.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

I think it's.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, Raquel. Rachel. Rachel.

[Mia Alerio]

Rachel, yes. One of the two. Whatever she. Whatever she's feeling. Because they had, like, long standing, like, best friendships, like, years of whatever of friendship. I met this girl once in Vegas, and I didn't like her because she was trying to become, like, a cast member. And so she was like a guy from the last year. It didn't work out, and now she started messing with Justin, who was a cast member, like, the newest cast member. Right. So I was like, sister, I see what you're trying to do. I don't want any part of that. Like, I don't want any part in, like, your. Your, like, climb up to. To be on the show. And so that happened. And then they were trying to say, like, oh, Mia's friends. I was like, we are not friends. She got wrapped up with, like, a six, four, racially ambiguous, sexy guy, like, canon event sister. I'm like, you gotta take a lesson and hear from and learn from it and move on. Like, keep it pushing.

[Tom Schwartz]

There was no. There was no girl code violation.

[Mia Alerio]

Literally, there's no girl code violation. And the thing is, in Charleston, the. The percentage. I don't know if you know this, but it's 70% women and 30% men.

[Tom Schwartz]

I did not know that.

[Mia Alerio]

Yes. Come to Charleston.

[Tom Schwartz]

No, I'm in love.

[Mia Alerio]

Sorry. Never mind. Don't go to. If.

[Tom Schwartz]

If you're a single man and come to Charleston. Wait, so you.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

You.

[Tom Schwartz]

You ended up in Charleston, but you're from Trinidad and Tobago, right?

[Mia Alerio]

Yes. Was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago and then lived in South Carolina for a little bit with my mom, and then I hit it. I hated it. And I moved to Belize to go with my dad and. And so I graduated high school in Belize and then I came back to Charleston to, like, it's beautiful, it's perfect. And so I've been here for like 11 years now, which is crazy, actually.

[Tom Schwartz]

But wait, when did you. When did you leave Trinidad?

[Mia Alerio]

And I was like 10.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay, so you. But you have. Do you have any, like, fond memories growing up there?

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah, no. I don't know if you know, but I was just there doing this world. I competed for this world and lost. But I was there.

[Tom Schwartz]

I was there just to be nominated two years ago.

[Mia Alerio]

Two years ago. Hella lost. But then, no. So I go back and I have very fond memories and I like, really resonate with that, but I also really resonate more a lot with Belize because I kind of like, did a lot of teenage years there growing up, and then some of my really close, like, high school friends are there. So.

[Tom Schwartz]

Cool. I don't know a lot about Trinidad and Tobago, so I was like, can you, can you enrich us culturally? You left when you're 10, so it's like, not that you're not a proud of your heritage, but you probably can't speak a lot to like. Do you have any, like, favorite foods or drinks there?

[Mia Alerio]

My. Some of my favorite foods are. I love something called doubles, which is like a. It's actually a vegetarian dish, which is crazy. You can put meat in it, but it's like this. It's something called bara, which is like. It's like a pita bread, and you make it out of chickpea flour. And then you put like curried chickpeas on top with like, like a. You can do hot sauce. You can do like a. A cucumber slaw on top and you eat it with your hands like a. It's like a drunk street food. Yeah, taco like that.

[Tom Schwartz]

And then they're like, renowned for the street food from what I understand. Right.

[Mia Alerio]

And then it's called boiled corn soup and they make it on the side of the road. Anything they make on the side of the road in Trinidad is going to be busted. It's going to be insane.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay, you guys heard it here, Straight from the source. Mia, Have you been to Carnival? Have you gone back for Carnival?

[Mia Alerio]

So I don't know if you've ever seen. Have you ever seen Carnival videos and like, pictures and stuff?

[Tom Schwartz]

Yes, it. Look, I. I've seen the one in Rio de Janeiro, right?

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah. So TR is like the second. The second most famous. So like Rio. Rio Carnival is the most famous and then Trinidad is the second most famous. And then that one is like really fun and like raunchy and you wear like the really small outfits and it's like you're on the street, on the road, and it's like three days of just straight party. I have never actually done it because my father was like, you're not going there and like doing that.

[Tom Schwartz]

Well, yes,

[Mia Alerio]

on reality tv, that was

[Tom Schwartz]

your form of regaining control.

[Mia Alerio]

But I want to go sometimes. It's really expensive. It's really, really expensive to do it and I want to go soon, but it's always in what is just passed.

[Tom Schwartz]

First day after Ash.

[Mia Alerio]

Yes. Ash Wednesday.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, right.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah. And so did I pass money? It did, right?

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, I think it did. It did.

[Mia Alerio]

So, yeah, so next year I'll do it. But you got to work out for like, I gotta be in my. The best shape of my life. I gotta be like ripped because it's

[Tom Schwartz]

like everyone's scantily cat class, super sexy and like half naked, but and sweaty

[Mia Alerio]

and like on the street and you're like dancing on guys and whatever. Like a thing in Trinidad is if you have. If you have a boyfriend, if you're a boyfriend, girlfriend, like, you cannot be mad if, like guys dance on your girl or you like, your girl dances on somebody else or like you get a dance from another girl, like, that's. You can't like ever be mad at that. Yeah, that's one of the things that's like a carnival rule.

[Tom Schwartz]

It's like when you're a carnival, it's very sexually liberated.

[Mia Alerio]

Yes, yes. It's a fair game. And your girl cannot be mad if you get like a twerked on by

[Tom Schwartz]

just saying that though. I was thinking I might get a cut. Wait, cut, Cut eye to kill. I don't know if you know any Trinidadian trinity. Wait.

[Mia Alerio]

Oh my God, Was that. I thought you were speaking Japanese.

[Tom Schwartz]

No, Karai dokil. Right?

[Mia Alerio]

Do you know that I was like, yeah, like a side.

[Tom Schwartz]

Like, it's like you for. Sorry, guys, I botched that. But it's like a menacing, disrespectful glare to someone who's side eye. Exactly. It's side eye.

[Mia Alerio]

I thought it was like, it's cut eyes. Like when you like, cut your eyes at something.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah. How do you say karai do kill Cut. I don't kill karai dokay. I thought it was perfect for the. Our line of business.

[Mia Alerio]

Speaking Japanese. I was like,

[Tom Schwartz]

wait, this is fun. I don't want to Keep you too much longer. But, like, when I interview.

[Mia Alerio]

Don't worry, we're good. We're good.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, you're. You're a bravo. Wait, do you cringe when people call you a Bravo? Liberty, I feel like it's an honor.

[Mia Alerio]

No, I love it. I love, Like, I love attention. I'm an attention whore. Like, I love. I love all of it. And I love, like, seeing people's reactions to, like, my life. Like, I love when people find me relatable. I like when you look at me. I've. I've gotten girls that come to me. Like, they're like, I feel like you're my friend. I'm like, I am your friend. I'm like, I'm in this for us to be together. Like, I love the parasocial relationship. Like, I love. I love it all. Like, especially when people showing me love. I love that. Like, I just. I love that. And I'll sit and talk to people for, like, 10 minutes straight.

[Tom Schwartz]

Me, too. I get in trouble for it because I'm like, I, like, sometimes I'll go to, like, TomTom or, like, random spots. And I ended up engrossed in great conversations with people who have spent, like, 10 years of their life watching our show. And it's really hard. It's like, we have a special bond. It's a parasocial thing, but I feel like it's transcended that because it's like, they know so much about my life, and I've. They've seen all the idiotic mistakes I've made, and they still embrace me. And I'm like, I love you. I love you. Thank you for. And it just. We have a special bond with the audience. We really do.

[Mia Alerio]

You have to think about it truly from, like, an. I live in a constant state of, like, a gratefulness. I truly do. That's why I'm like. I think I'm always high on just being. I'm just, like, grateful for life. Like, I'm grateful for everything that's ever happened to me.

[Tom Schwartz]

You are. You are radiating gratitude. I can see it right now. You are.

[Mia Alerio]

I do. And I think I'm just great. Like, there are people, Tom, on this plan, on this planet, that they have nobody that loves them. Nobody.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah.

[Mia Alerio]

And what can we. What can you and I even complain about?

[Tom Schwartz]

It's such a great dose of perspective.

[Mia Alerio]

It's insane. And so for somebody to come up to me, like, I didn't want to say anything. I don't want to bother you. I was like, bother me. Let's go. I'm like, let's sit down. Like, tell me what you love. Like, who do you like on the show? Like, what do you not, you know, what do you want to see next season? Like, let's. Let's get into it, you know? Yeah, you a company. Give me some. Send me some free shit.

[Tom Schwartz]

Tagging everyone, hoping to get that swag bag.

[Mia Alerio]

Some lady was like, I had a lady come to me. She was like, I was asking what she did for work and she's like, I make birdhouses. I wanted to see send you one, but I don't know what you would do with a birdhouse. I was like, send me 50 birdhouses. I'm sticking them all up on in my yard. I'm seeing every single bird. I'm bird watching. Like, I love it.

[Tom Schwartz]

I love all of it. Mia's like, I will start an aviary for you.

[Mia Alerio]

Literally.

[Tom Schwartz]

Wait, that's so one of my favorite shows. That's no longer. Well, there's. I don't know if you ever used to watch Inside the Actor's Studio with James Lipton, did you? No, it's that probably before your time. He would just have on famous actors and actresses and he would sit down and have like long form conversation with them. It was like one of my favorite shows on Bravo. But he would do this questionnaire from, I think, Bernard Pavo and I loved it. It was like my favorite part of the show. And I kind of put a little twist on. I was gonna see if you're okay with it. We could do a little question there and then we can just wrap it up because this has been awesome. Okay, Mia, here we go. Okay, this is, this is my version. What's your favorite way to like retox? To just let loose, maybe indulge a little bit.

[Mia Alerio]

Door dash.

[Tom Schwartz]

Door dash.

[Mia Alerio]

Like, I love a Taco Bell. I love a McDonald's. I love Culver's. I love. What else? What? I'll shout out Chick Fil A. Oh my God. Sorry. Chick fil A. Like I. To me, relaxing is like sitting, watching good Netflix. Something good on Netflix or something on HBO or Apple TV or something. And like eating a door dash mukbang.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

It's.

[Tom Schwartz]

It's like there's a. There's no shame to your game. By the only time I feel ashamed is when I'm on my third delivery of the day and I.

[Mia Alerio]

So that. Yeah, yeah, no, I actually save up for one big week. One. Like I do it once a week and I'll save up and. Cause I eat. I eat pretty clean going into it, and I drink pretty clean. Like, I only drink, like, liquor, like, clean and champagne. And so, like, I will indulge myself in, like. Like, a really nice frozen pina colada or something and, like, a nice doordash feel.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay. Yeah. It's a beautiful thing. I remember, like, sometime around the pandemic, Kylie Jenner was getting because she mentioned that she'd spent $10,000 in a year on her Postmates. And I was like, is that a lot? Because I'm.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

Listen.

[Mia Alerio]

I mean, I don't want to look at mine. I don't even want to look at my.

[Tom Schwartz]

I remember I had a moment where I was like, oh, my God. I think I've spent significantly more than that not to flex, because I'm not proud of that, but I'm not proud of that at all.

[Mia Alerio]

But what's that? Yeah, no, I don't think that's even that bad.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay. Okay. On the other side of the coin, what's your favorite way to detox? To. To relax, unwind, nourish the mind, body, soul.

[Mia Alerio]

Oh, that's. So maybe that would be the detox.

[Tom Schwartz]

Well. Well, it could be detox and retox.

[Mia Alerio]

So retox to, like, hype up, just

[Tom Schwartz]

to, like, deep retox. Meaning, like, just treating yourself, not feeling bad about feeling good, having a few shots, maybe smoking a J. Just like your favorite.

[Mia Alerio]

No, I'm not. I'm not. I'm not a smoke girly. But to detox. I love to go on a hot girl walk.

[Tom Schwartz]

Ah, wait, what is for the. For people who are unfamiliar with this term. I think I know what it means. What is a hot girl walk?

[Mia Alerio]

Hot girl walk is if you're a girl because all girls are hot. That's just. That's it. I mean, a guy can do it too, but it's just like a hot girl walk. It's for the ladies. If you're a girl and you go on a walk with a cute little matching set and your headphones in, and you're listening to either your favorite pocket podcast or just, like, Hot Girl Walk anthem playlist on Spotify, it's like Runway model music like. Like, for maybe like an hour straight, and you're just, like, strutting. You get your steps in, you really feel it. You feel the wind on your face. You can. You. If you can get directly in the sun, do that as well to get your vitamin D. No sunscreen. Because you know what? I think sun. The sun is good for the skin and yeah, like maybe or boil down a little bit. Oh. Like that just really gets me going. And then I'm ready for the day after that.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay, so it's grounding. You're feeling the sun on your skin. You're gulping. I thought it was something completely different.

[Mia Alerio]

What do you think it was?

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

I.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay, I'm not even trying to be funny right now. I thought. I thought a hot girl walk was when you have to fart or you have like, stomach cramps so you go outside and walk. I know. I'm not even joking.

[Mia Alerio]

What's hot girl about that? What the fuck is hot girl about farting outside? I thought that this. What the. I thought all hot girls have, like, stomach issues. You either constipate all the time or you have diarrhea all the time. That's one of. That's like a fact. That's a straight fact.

[Tom Schwartz]

And everybody.

[Mia Alerio]

Stomach issues. You're a hot girl.

[Tom Schwartz]

Like, okay. Thank you for educating me. Us. I did not know that.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah.

[Tom Schwartz]

Can I ask you what your first job was?

[Mia Alerio]

Yes, my first job was actually a credit analyst at my dad's bank.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay. Okay. Very corporate credit.

[Mia Alerio]

I was a credit analyst, like, intern at Belize Bank. Shout out. Police Bank.

[Tom Schwartz]

Shout out. Police Bank. What has been your worst job? You don't have to say it if you don't want to. I don't want to get you in trouble.

[Mia Alerio]

I worked for this guy. I worked for this guy when I was like 21, like right out of college. I work for this guy that is now being indicted for like multi billion dollar Medicare fraud.

[Tom Schwartz]

Oh, my God.

[Mia Alerio]

And now looking back on it, I should have known better. I mean, I should have. I had no part in it. I had no part in it. But now he's definitely indicted.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay, Mia, do you remember your first kiss?

[Mia Alerio]

Yes. It was actually a girlfriend of mine. Like, I got one of my. I know everybody's going to be horny now for this one. It was like a girl. Girl best friend of mine. And we had a sleepover. I think I was like maybe 11 or something. And we were like. We had our first kiss, guys. We were like, should we, like, practice on each other? It was like us just like being weird and like rubbing lips together. And I was like, does that. Did that feel good? Like, did that. That make something happen? And she was like, no.

[Tom Schwartz]

It's like kissing with training wheels.

[Mia Alerio]

Be good for like our actual first

[Tom Schwartz]

getting those reps in.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah, we're like one.

[Tom Schwartz]

All right. Mia, what makes you happy creatively, spiritually and emotionally?

[Mia Alerio]

My family. Yeah, my family. All through all of those. Every single one of those, my family. I feel enriched. I have. I'm really blessed to have the most, like, the world's most amazing parents. My mom is incredible. My sister's incredible. My dad's incredible. My stepmom's incredible. Like, my two little bro. I have a brother who's seven and a sister who's four. And, like, watching them being this age and, like, watching them grow up is so insanely, like, rewarding and fulfills me in every single. Spiritually, emotionally, like, physically. Like, when I'm with them, I feel, like, better. I just feel, like, physically better.

[Tom Schwartz]

That's such a beautiful answer. It's so wholesome, and it just authentic and genuine and also, like, you like the gratitude. I have an amazing family, too. That's very up right now. But still, I had a really good upbringing, a great mom and a great dad, and just. It just has, like, a domino effect in a positive way on your life. And because so many people have parents and, like, broken families and. Yeah. Shout out to Mia's family.

[Mia Alerio]

Shut up. Mom, dad, Alexi, Catalina Filippo. Also, shout out my roommate, Hannah. She loves you, by the way. See, at the Shout out.

[Tom Schwartz]

Shout out to Hannah. I see you, Hannah. Appreciate the love.

[Mia Alerio]

She goes. She's like. She's like. I told her that I was on watch on live with you, and she was like, why? Oh, my God. Tell him I love you.

[Tom Schwartz]

Shout out to Hannah. Okay, what line do people remember? What line are you most remembered for so far on your plate, your journey on Bravo, on Southern hospitality? Is there one

[Mia Alerio]

line? Yeah. When I got fired from Republic, Level was like. Level was like, who in here? I was upset with her for, like, firing somebody that had a sip of alcohol, like, at the club. She was like a friend of mine. And I was like. I was like, level, like, everybody drinks here. Like, it's not chick fil A. Like, everybody drinks here in the club. You know, it's a nightclub. And she was like, who's drinking in here? Who's drinking in here? And I go, me. I was drinking. She's like, well, you're fired. And I was like, okay, you went

[Tom Schwartz]

out in a blaze of glory.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah. And I was like, this place. I love Republic. And I love.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, obviously, shout out to Republic. On that note, what's your favorite curse word?

[Mia Alerio]

Definitely. But, like, I also love curse word, but I love being like that

[Tom Schwartz]

and are a match made in heaven. It is so satisfying and gratifying.

[Mia Alerio]

Gratifying, like, or you're like you. You absolute moronic.

[Tom Schwartz]

All right. What sound or noise relaxes you?

[Mia Alerio]

Ocean waves crashing.

[Tom Schwartz]

Easy, easy, easy.

[Mia Alerio]

I'm an island girl. I love, like, the rustle of. Of palm trees. I love coconut trees specifically. I love the sound of, like, waves crashing. I also love the sound of, like, being on a speedboat and, like, the wind kind of going, like, in your. Like going in your ears, you know, and it kind of rushes that very loud, like, white noise. Rush of wind on a boat.

[Tom Schwartz]

It's one of the greatest white noises on earth. Like, you.

[Mia Alerio]

You know when you're going really fast on the boat and, like, somebody's talking to you and you, like, you can't hear them because the wind is so loud.

[Tom Schwartz]

Like, I love that you feel like you're in a movie. Okay. You love the sweet sound of Mother Nature. What sound or noise do you hate?

[Mia Alerio]

You know that car seats. The car seats that are not made out of leather.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yes.

[Mia Alerio]

And then when somebody scratches it with their nails. Yeah, I can't stand that. Like, it's like the vinyl car seat or the polyester car seat. Yeah, yeah. When the cars, they don't make those really that much anymore, but.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, that's. That's your version of nails on a chalkboard.

[Mia Alerio]

Okay. It actually gives. Gets my hands sweating. Gives me the shivers.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay. What profession, other than reality TV or finance, would you like to attempt a

[Mia Alerio]

new a weather girl?

[Tom Schwartz]

One of the greatest jobs ever.

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah, I would love to be, like. I would love to be, like, a big city weather girl. Like the weather girl in LA or, like Miami or something.

[Tom Schwartz]

You know, because you're a local celebrity, you make a great salary, and it's just cool. Everyone loves you. Who doesn't love the weather, man? Unless it's.

[Mia Alerio]

And, you know, like, when you walk into, like, a restaurant or something and you're like, I'm like, no other girls here.

[Tom Schwartz]

I love that. Okay. What profession would you not like to attempt other than your own pro athlete?

[Mia Alerio]

Because then there's, like, an end to that. Ah. You know, I always feel bad for, like, athletes that are really good in their primo. And then, like, they just kind of die off. Yeah.

[Tom Schwartz]

And hopefully they don't. They will. They end up with, like, a lot of back problems, head trauma, cte. Hopefully.

[Mia Alerio]

Yes. Your body's completely shot.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, Well, a lot. A lot of former athletes, if. If they're not fulfilled in their. In their love life or with a family, they just. They. They struggle with, like, an existential crisis.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

Right?

[Mia Alerio]

Yeah.

[Tom Schwartz]

It's like your whole Life.

[Mia Alerio]

I forgot my dream job other than that food critic. To be like an actual food. Not a fruit, not a food blogger, but like a critic where you walk into the restaurant and the chef starts shaking.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yes.

[Mia Alerio]

He's like, everybody get on their P's and Q's right now. Like, everybody lock in. Like, Mia's in the building. Like, get the table ready. Get the thing. And I want to go down and sit down like the guy from Ratatouille with the notepad. And I want everybody to be shaking. That's what I want.

[Tom Schwartz]

Oh, my God. You're going to be. You're going to be the Jonathan Gold of. Of Charleston, South Carolina. Oh, my God. Okay, okay, last question. Mia, if heaven exists, what would you like to see when you get to the Pearly Gates as your first meal and drink waiting for you?

[Mia Alerio]

So doubles the meal that I was talking about, the one from Trinidad, because I can't get it anywhere. So I hope the one in heaven would be really bust and then drink. I would want a really nice, crispy glass of Aperol Spritz.

[Tom Schwartz]

Oh, my God.

[Mia Alerio]

Right? It was a nice juicy orange slice and it. But. And I want the glass to be super thin, the stem to be super long and thin in the glass to be thin. And I want one of those striped straws that bend at the top.

[Tom Schwartz]

You gotta have the striped straw. I just got off FaceTime before our chat with Kiana, and she was sipping an Aperol Spritz in New York, and

[Mia Alerio]

it looked like I knew I loved her. Oh, my God.

[Tom Schwartz]

You guys would be a duo. You guys would be a power duo.

[Mia Alerio]

No, she's so cute.

[Tom Schwartz]

Well, Mia, thank you so freaking much. I had the best time with you. You crushed it. I watched what happens live. Thanks for doing this. Appreciate it.

[Mia Alerio]

We did it together.

[Tom Schwartz]

We appreciate you so, so much.

[Mia Alerio]

Where can we find you on Instagram at Me Alario and on Tick Tock at Melari. It's a lot more casual over there. I kind of just throw up whatever comes to brain. And then what else on Southern hospitality we are airing on Bravo TV Wednesdays at 9pm do not miss, because this last half of the season is a mess.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yes, and we love messes. Mia Alerio, soon to be Charleston's father, fiercest food critic. Thank you for doing this.

[Mia Alerio]

Thank you, Tom. I had the best time.

[Tom Schwartz]

Appreciate you, Mia.

[Mia Alerio]

Thank you. Bye bye. Detoxification dumplings. Pluto TV has thousands of free movies and TV shows.

[Tom Schwartz]

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[Mia Alerio]

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[Mia Alerio]

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[Tom Schwartz]

Amazon Health AI presents Painful Thoughts I I can't stop scratching my downtown. Mm, yeah, but I'm not itching to go downtown and tell a receptionist I'm here to talk about my downtown.

[Narrator/Podcast Host]

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[Tom Schwartz]

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