Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast
Episode Summary: "Beyond The Memoir with Parvati Shallow"
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Chelsea Devantez
Guest: Parvati Shallow

Introduction to Parvati Shallow and Her Memoir

In this compelling episode of Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast, host Chelsea Devantez sits down with renowned reality TV star and memoir author, Parvati Shallow. Parvati delves deep into her latest memoir, offering listeners an intimate look into her life beyond the glitz and glamor of reality television.

Shared Influences and Childhood Experiences

The conversation begins with Chelsea and Parvati discovering their shared literary influences, particularly "Healing from CPTSD, the Workbook" and "The 48 Laws of Power". Chelsea humorously notes their overlapping references, hinting at a "Venn diagram" of similar childhood experiences.

Chelsea [00:31]:
"We both referenced two of the same books in our books, which I think has a Venn diagram that really explains a lot about both of our childhoods."

Parvati clarifies her upbringing, distinguishing it from being labeled a cult, opting instead for the term "new age commune".

Parvati Shallow [02:17]:
"We're calling it a new age commune for certain purposes."

The 48 Laws of Power and Survivor Strategy

A significant portion of their discussion focuses on how "The 48 Laws of Power" served as a strategic guide for Parvati during her time on Survivor. She emphasizes the book's relevance to the competitive nature of the show.

Parvati Shallow [02:33]:
"The 48 laws of power is a bible for winning Survivor specifically."

One notable law Parvati highlights is "Crush your enemy completely," advising competitors to decisively eliminate threats to avoid future retaliation.

Parvati Shallow [02:49]:
"If you're going to take someone out completely, destroy them... Don't mildly wound them and let them limp along to come back and get you."

Chelsea reflects on how these strategies impacted her personal life, admitting they didn't translate as effectively outside the game.

Retiring the Black Widow Persona and New Ventures

Parvati discusses retiring her iconic Black Widow persona from Survivor, signaling a shift towards new creative endeavors. She teases an upcoming reality competition show with "underworld undertones" but keeps details under wraps.

Parvati Shallow [04:21]:
"I am stepping into a completely new role and it has underworld undertones... It's a reality competition."

Chelsea expresses excitement about Parvati's new role, hoping she will continue to embody her signature style.

Women in Reality TV and Media Representation

The conversation shifts to the broader landscape of women in media. Parvati reflects on the challenges women face in maintaining their image and the differing expectations compared to men.

Chelsea [08:22]:
"Have you felt that become available to you with how the world is changing in our perception of, like, women on TV, or do you feel like it is still a very narrow path they allow you to walk?"

Parvati acknowledges the ongoing struggles, noting that while men often have more leeway, women are scrutinized more harshly for changes in appearance and demeanor.

Parvati Shallow [08:37]:
"Women aging on TV and in entertainment is very different to men... We got to stay fit, we got to stay ready."

Personal Growth and Memoir Writing

Parvati shares how writing her memoir has been a journey of self-acceptance and reclaiming her narrative. She discusses the liberation that comes from telling her own story, free from external judgments.

Parvati Shallow [10:14]:
"Writing my book actually brought me into a place of real self-acceptance and really liking myself... It's just human. All the stories that I tell in the book, I'm like, I see myself as human, as flawed, as inherently lovable because of the mistakes that I made."

Reflections on Survivor and Future Seasons

Parvati opens up about her experiences on Survivor, particularly her seasons Heroes vs. Villains and Australian Survivor: vs. the World. She discusses the dynamics of female alliances and the lasting impact they've had on the game.

Chelsea [16:11]:
"If we do, we're bad."

Parvati elaborates on the stigma women face when they win, contrasting it with male winners who are celebrated.

Parvati Shallow [16:57]:
"If you lose, you can be a hero, but if you win, you're a villain. If you're a woman."

She also hints at her departure from competing on Survivor, focusing instead on new creative projects.

Relationships and Personal Life Post-Memoir

The discussion turns personal as Parvati talks about her evolving relationships following her memoir. She describes navigating a queer relationship and the challenges of maintaining authenticity while in the public eye.

Parvati Shallow [24:26]:
"I had to completely rewrite. I wrote a whole new epilogue."

Chelsea appreciates the raw honesty in Parvati's memoir, highlighting the authenticity that made the book so engaging.

Future Projects and Book Promotion

Towards the end of the episode, Parvati shares insights into her future projects, including co-hosting a new reality competition show with another beloved reality TV figure. She also promotes her memoir, encouraging listeners to purchase signed copies from her favorite bookstore.

Parvati Shallow [27:42]:
"I have it linked on my bio on Instagram because I'm doing signed copies there..."

Conclusion

Chelsea wraps up the episode by thanking the production team and promoting additional resources and special offers related to books and audiobooks. The episode concludes with a heartfelt endorsement of Parvati’s memoir and a glimpse into her exciting future endeavors.

Notable Quotes

• Chelsea [00:31]:
  "We both referenced two of the same books in our books, which I think has a Venn diagram that really explains a lot about both of our childhoods."

• Parvati Shallow [02:33]:
  "The 48 laws of power is a bible for winning Survivor specifically."

• Parvati Shallow [10:14]:
  "Writing my book actually brought me into a place of real self-acceptance and really liking myself..."

• Parvati Shallow [16:57]:
  "If you lose, you can be a hero, but if you win, you're a villain. If you're a woman."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a deep dive into Parvati Shallow’s life, exploring her strategies on Survivor, the societal challenges faced by women in reality TV, and her personal journey through writing her memoir. Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Parvati’s resilience and her commitment to redefining her narrative beyond the competitive arena.

For those interested in Parvati’s story, her memoir is available for purchase at The Village Bookstore in Culver City, with signed copies available through her Instagram bio.