Love Island's Olandria: From Villa Bombshell to Runway It Girl

Summary

House of Maher — "Love Island's Olandria: From Villa Bombshell to Runway It Girl"

Podcast: House of Maher
Host: Wave (ft. Ilona Maher, Olivia Maher, Adrianna “Dre Baby” Maher)
Guest: Alandria Carthen ("Bama Barbie," reality TV star, fashion model, SI Swimsuit Model)
Date: June 2, 2026

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Episode Overview

This vibrant House of Maher episode features the Maher sisters welcoming Alandria Carthen—a Love Island fan favorite, HBCU grad, and breakout star in the fashion world and beyond. From relatable beauty blunders to the wild ride from TV villa to international runways, mental health, and negotiating brand partnerships, this freewheeling, honest chat delivers real “girl dinner” energy and some excellent tea.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Maher Sisters' Beauty Banter & Blush Wars

• The sisters catch up on beauty faves, especially blush trends and applying makeup to suit different skin tones.
• Memorable Quote:
  “There’s no such thing as blush blindness. I love blush. It’s so girly.” – Alandria (28:34)
  • Alandria explains her signature blush placement—high on the cheekbones, blending into concealer.
  • Olivia (Host 1) and Dre (Host 2) admit rediscovering blush after a “bare-faced” youth.

Style & Fashion—Owning Your Look

• Alandria’s “Bama Barbie” style covers 90s supermodel to Hollywood glam to grunge. It’s all mood-based and not about blending in.
• She prefers standing out and isn’t into the “clean girl” all-natural makeup aesthetic.
  • Quote:
    "Makeup is just like fashion. It’s all about expression. Why would I want to look like everyone else?" – Alandria (31:01)
• Pokes fun at beauty trends she doesn’t love (powdery lips, super-feathered brows).
• Hosts discuss styling evolution, Pinterest inspo boards, and Southern fashion stereotypes.
  • Quote:
    “Fashion is expressive. It’s not supposed to be digestible for everybody.” – Alandria (38:50)

[28:24–36:26] – Fashion, Makeup, Alabama Roots

[36:26–38:50] – Food, White Sauce, Bar Culture, and Stereotypes

From Viral Villa to Runway—Career Trajectory & Strategy

• Alandria’s meteoric rise post-Love Island was never planned; she expected it to be a brief adventure.
  • “I went into this whole thing with low expectations... Every moment for me has been such a pinch-me moment because I had such low expectations.” (39:13)
• Highlights the stress and importance of assembling a trustworthy team—relying on a lawyer cousin for initial contract calls, avoiding big promises and long-term exclusivity.
  • Quote:
    “I didn’t want to negotiate myself too low because I know my worth—but I don’t know if I know my worth in terms of numbers yet.” (40:39)
• She actively resisted influencer culture despite her large following, striving for a bigger platform.
  • “I’m not an influencer, but yet I do have influence.” (45:06)
• Ilona (Host 3) relates her own lessons as an athlete in contract negotiations.

[39:13–46:15] – Navigating Fame, Team Building, Career Moves

The Realities of Public Life & Mental Health

• Alandria is raw about mental health and the costs of fame.
  • “If you don’t have tough skin, this is not the thing for you. It’s a total hit to your mental health and your privacy. Nothing is private anymore.” (48:18)
• Her confidence is “built from experiences” and adversity, peaking in college when dealing with peer criticism and growing up as a high achiever.
• The importance of knowing yourself before going public: “If you don’t know who you are, the world will try to tell you who they think you are... It’s gonna mind-f you so bad.” (49:08)

[48:12–54:30] – Mental Health, Confidence, Handling Online Hate

SI Swimsuit, Barbie, & Dream Projects

• Behind-the-scenes on her Sports Illustrated, shot in freezing Florida—“the coldest day ever.” (51:59)
• Alandria’s Barbie partnership is a career highlight—especially meaningful as a Black woman who rarely saw herself represented growing up.
  • “Being able to be that representation for smaller girls that look just like me, it fed the inner child in me.” (57:52)
• Would jump at the chance to work with Schiaparelli or on an interior design show; creative expression is at the core.

[51:59–57:58] – SI Swimsuit, Barbie, Aspirational Projects

Home, Family, and Real Talk

• Alandria shares a deeply personal story about an artwork she made when she was “in between blessings” in Houston—now a prized possession in her new penthouse.
  • “That picture symbolizes all those things when I first moved to Houston. It reminds me of a place I once was and a place I never want to go back to.” (69:52)
• Opening up about love languages (gifts and acts of service), Southern food culture (Big Bob Gibson’s “white sauce”), and being “brutally honest” with friends.
• Childhood nickname: “Tiny,” from her family, due to her petite size. (73:21)

[66:54–73:40] – Home, Love Language, Pet Names, Friends & Honesty

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Fun & Notable Moments

• Blunt Sister Energy: The Mahers and Alandria riff on speaking your mind, being “brutally honest” with friends and customer service, and the courage to demand “enough sauce” at dinner ([16:59 – 19:04]).
  • “Speak up, ladies. It’s hard. If you’re not getting enough sauce, say it.” (19:15)
• Try Hard Segment (Rapid-fire Q&A):
  • Hot girl habit? “Fire playlist before a night out is essential.” (63:53)
  • Pregame or actual party? “Pregame, absolutely.” (64:33)
  • Acts of service and gift giving as love language, fiercely valued.
• Mentor or Self-made? “It’s just been the internal confidence the entire time.” (49:53)
• Party Limits: Alandria is a self-proclaimed lightweight; one shot and she’s good. (65:11)
• Favorite childhood book: “A Child Called It... I used to be into books like that. Goosebumps didn’t hit for me, I needed something real.” (66:54)

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Quotes by Timestamp

• On blush and beauty:
  • "There’s no such thing as blush blindness. I love blush. It’s so girly." — Alandria (28:34)
• On style:
  • “Fashion is expressive. It’s not supposed to be digestible for everybody.” — Alandria (38:50)
• On media and team-building:
  • “I didn’t want to negotiate myself too low because I know my worth – but I don’t know if I know my worth in terms of numbers yet.” — Alandria (40:39)
• On mental health/fame:
  • “Your peace of mind and your mental health is priceless. You can’t put a price point on that.” — Alandria (48:18)
  • “If you don’t have a strong sense of self and confidence, it can derail your mental health immediately.” (49:08)
• On honesty:
  • “I am terribly blunt... my friends come to me if they really want some real advice. They might not always like it, but I’m not gonna give you advice that you’re gonna always like.” — Alandria (61:28)
• On life lessons and home:
  • “That picture... reminds me of a place I once was and a place I never want to go back to.” (69:58)

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Segment Timestamps

• Beauty & Makeup Trends: 28:24–31:28
• Fashion Styling & Alabama Culture: 33:44–38:50
• Media, Career & Team Building: 39:13–46:15
• Mental Health & Confidence: 48:12–50:53
• Sports Illustrated & Barbie: 51:53–59:54
• Try Hard Q&A: 63:04–66:54
• Lifestyle, Love Language & Home: 66:54–71:11

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Takeaways for Listeners

• Authenticity pays off: Alandria’s meteoric rise happened without a masterplan, but with a strong sense of self and sharp boundaries.
• Don’t rush your career decisions: Taking time to find trustworthy partners and agents is critical—avoid “promises of the world.”
• Confidence is learned through experience: Adversity and not fitting in can be the roots of lasting internal strength.
• Speak up for yourself: Whether at restaurants or in business, honesty and kindness together make for personal and professional wins.
• Find what makes you stand out: Individual style—be it in fashion, makeup, or career—often means bucking trends and going with your gut.

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For More

Follow Alandria on Instagram: @alandria
TikTok: @alandriacarthen
Follow House of Maher on socials for behind-the-scenes and future episodes.

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Transcript

[Kylie Kelce]

Hey guys, Kylie Kelce here. If you're a type C mom winging it, a huge sports fan, a nightly TikTok, Doom scroller, or all three like me, I highly recommend my podcast.

[Host 1]

Not gonna Lie.

[Kylie Kelce]

I've got you covered every Thursday with episodes featuring guests I have no business talking to. Seriously, who let me talk to Demi

[Alandria Carthen]

Lovato and Jennifer Garner.

[Kylie Kelce]

On this show, I get brutally honest about important topics like the rise of women's sports, the reality of raising four tiny humans, and my lifelong distinct pain for the Dallas Cowboys.

[Alandria Carthen]

Go Birds.

[Kylie Kelce]

Plus, once a month we get out of the studio and cover new ground, literally, from a curling sheet to a tiger habitat for my new series around and find out where I ask experts the questions on everybody's mind. Listen to NGL every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch NGL and FAFO. Not gonna lie is Wave Original. And once again, go Birds.

[Alandria Carthen]

Ready to soundtrack your summer with Red

[Host 2]

Bull Summer All Day Play.

[Alandria Carthen]

You choose a playlist that fits your summer vibe the best. Are you a festival fanatic, a deep end dj, a road dog, or a trail mixer? Just add a song to your chosen playlist and put your summer on track. Red Bull Summer All Day Play. Red Bull gives you wings. Visit Red Bull.com BrightSummerAhead to learn more. See you this summer.

[Host 2]

So good, so good, so good.

[Alandria Carthen]

Everything you want for summer is at Nordstrom Rack stores now and up to 60% off. Stock up and save on the brands you love like Vince, Sam, Edelman, Frame and Free People. Join the NordicLub to unlock exclusive discounts. Shop new arrivals first and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you wreck Wave.

[Host 3]

I don't know if I mess with feathered brows.

[Alandria Carthen]

I don't.

[Host 3]

When people really feather their brow up a lot, I don't know if I like it as much. What do you think, Alandria? It can be so dramatic when they do it. There's a little when it can be, but sometimes they do it and I'm like, they are sticking up, they are facing.

[Host 1]

The higher the eyebrow, the closer to God and all that.

[Host 3]

Welcome or welcome back to House of Mara. Wave Original presented by jbl. Serve a look and help yourself to whatever is in the fridge. The WI fi password is hi. Underscore Barbie. All caps. Sorry. Let's serve a look on three. One, two, three. Perfect. You should know now that we have a few house rules.

[Host 1]

Girls are magic.

[Host 2]

Reading is hot.

[Host 3]

And so are you to check those looks we just served. And we continue to serve. Make sure to, like, subscribe and watch on YouTube. And for example, Olivia is wearing a lip color that, I mean, is genuinely just gorgeous on you.

[Alandria Carthen]

What's happening there?

[Host 3]

Thank you so much.

[Host 1]

Actually, I wore this a couple of episodes ago, and a girl commented and said, I'm looking for my wedding lip. And this is exactly no way I'm looking for. And so I would love to address that girl specifically and anybody else who wants to know. It's Lavenue. Like. Like avenue, but French. So, like, le avenue by merit. Beauty. And it just looks.

[Host 3]

Yeah, it looks good on me.

[Host 1]

I'm sorry.

[Host 3]

It's like the mauvey. Something called a plum.

[Host 1]

It's more. Yeah, it's like a brick.

[Host 3]

More like brick red. I'm into it, girl.

[Host 1]

Brick red. No, because bricks can be kind of orangey.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

So, yeah, ladies, thank you so much for saying that. I appreciate it. And also, when I served a look there, I don't know if I look like I was serving a look or I look more like I was constipated.

[Host 3]

Okay, again on three. One, two, three.

[Host 2]

I'm getting scouted right now.

[Host 3]

Do you guys remember, like, just there'd be moments when I'd be in the backyard? One time, I remember I was in the backyard seeing Thriller by Michael Jackson, and I was like, I gotta keep singing this because there might be an opportunity for there to be a Scout next door.

[Host 1]

Right?

[Host 3]

And I live next door singing it so loud on the swing. I remember vividly hoping that people would hear me be like that. Who is the voice? That's an angel.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

I used to bike around the neighborhood singing with that exact same thought.

[Host 1]

Are you guys kidding? I don't think I would do that.

[Host 3]

I also, when I skied, I would be skiing and thinking, these guys in this chairlift probably think I am such a good skier. Yeah, they probably are. Like, that is. That's Lindsay Vaughn.

[Host 1]

Yes.

[Host 3]

Yeah, I was doing pretty much switchbacks the whole way.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

No pizzas the whole way. But I thought I was doing something interesting. I never had that.

[Host 1]

I wasn't doing, like, the same, but I was more like. When I had learned that model Scouts go to malls in cities that are not Burlington, Vermont, I was learning that through, like, magazines and stuff that I was like, whenever I was in public, I was kind of like, I could do it. Somebody's looking. Somebody's looking at me. It's fine. And then I also just had a crush on any Teenage boy when I was a literal child and I thought they were like, oh, they're all probably obsessed with me. And no, I was a child. So, yeah, I wasn't singing around the neighborhood.

[Host 2]

See, I was never. I knew modeling, scouting wasn't really, you know, in my future. So I was like, singing is the avenue. And to do it while biking was a choice.

[Host 3]

It's so crazy.

[Host 2]

It really helped my breath control. Maybe that's what they're saying.

[Host 1]

Maybe.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

And then I'd stop and get a bug juice.

[Host 3]

Anyway. Did not get any offers, so that didn't work. But still hoping.

[Host 1]

Didn't get any boyfriends in my one piece bikini where the lifeguards were, you know, older at the water park in Canada.

[Host 3]

Weird.

[Host 1]

I wish.

[Host 3]

Huh. Well, let's get into what's going on with us and online in the group chat.

[Host 1]

Well, in girl news, my close personal friend Zara Larson released girls trip version of her album. So it's like a bunch of features of. That's how I understand it to be. And though she released that album in late August, September, that's going to be the album of the summer. And I know that now. Like it's, it's, it's lasted this long.

[Host 3]

Is Midnight sun also the one that has European Summer on it?

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah, Euro Summer.

[Host 3]

Why did. Oh, is that. Sorry. Why did she not release that before summertime?

[Host 1]

That's what I was wondering. I, she, I literally was last year when it came out, I was training for the New York marathon, but in like September.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

And I was like, why am I listening to this hot, sexy dropping beat called Euro Summer in September? It's about to be winter.

[Host 2]

Maybe she's playing the long game and she was ready for 2026.

[Host 1]

Do you think so?

[Host 2]

No.

[Host 3]

Okay.

[Host 2]

I think her label probably was like, you're gonna do Midnight sun and Pretty Ugly.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

You know, as your lead ones, which are amazing and Pretty ugly.

[Host 1]

I loved from the beginning. Other people didn't.

[Host 2]

Oh, I was on that.

[Host 1]

I saw the vision.

[Host 2]

But Euro Summer, I think that could be a song of the summer.

[Host 1]

Beautiful, Fly, hot and sexy. Beautiful.

[Host 3]

That's Euro Summer.

[Host 1]

That's. No, that's. It's called Hot and Sexy.

[Host 3]

Oh, well, that was confusing.

[Host 1]

Sorry. Just other songs. The whole album is amazing and I think the whole thing will last us through the summer.

[Host 3]

Okay, gotcha.

[Host 1]

This summer we are here entering.

[Host 3]

Ariana Grande is coming out with that album pedal. And I actually really enjoyed her past albums.

[Host 1]

Oh, I love Ariana Grande albums.

[Host 3]

She's maybe changed up But I am intrigued to see what she does with this. What was the album I really liked? Hold on.

[Host 1]

And this new album, Petal sets July release date. Variety is telling us.

[Alandria Carthen]

Okay, July.

[Host 3]

Adriana, any thoughts on this? You seem very hesitant.

[Host 2]

No, I'm not hesitant on it. Her last few albums haven't. Haven't spoken to me like her older ones. Really, you know, I think kind of after.

[Host 1]

What was it like?

[Host 2]

Thank U. Next. I took a break.

[Host 1]

You took a pause.

[Host 2]

I took a pause.

[Host 3]

I will.

[Host 2]

I of course, listen to all of her stuff. I give it a, you know, good old college try. And so I will do the same with this. And maybe this is the one.

[Host 1]

Was. Thank you.

[Host 3]

Next.

[Host 1]

Breakfast at Tiffany's.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Thank you. Next was like my favorite one. I remember I was driving to with friends to Vegas for a tournament and we were just obsessed with this. And that's how we always remember this trip is by listening this album. So thank you from 2019 was one of my favorites. I don't think I minded positions.

[Host 1]

Sweetener.

[Host 2]

I loved Sweetener. Oh, bring me back. RA Training camp in the summer. We just have that blasting. I'm making door decks.

[Host 3]

Oh, really? Yeah. So I hope. I hope she pops off of some things.

[Host 1]

I love her music.

[Host 3]

So I'll be listening to Petal and I hope we get some belting songs. Like some real.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Express the vocal types, but also some of that old. Remember she used to do that? Really? The old over. She was just so. So many tracks over one another stack. She's so good. Hope she does that.

[Host 1]

I saw a clip of her practicing Dangerous Woman and people are like, I cannot believe her singing. I can't believe I'm hearing Ariana sing Dangerous Woman in the year of our Lord 2026.

[Host 3]

Okay. Intriguing.

[Host 1]

Hopefully for me it will be a country music summer as always.

[Host 3]

Will it always.

[Host 1]

Female country artists, of course. A little bit of old, a little bit of new, of course. Some Ella Langley in there. But you're also going to get like, it's Carolina Tails, California. You know, some of that old 90s country stuff.

[Host 2]

Sorry, don't. We don't know that you know Mr. Bojangles.

[Host 1]

Who's Mr. Bojangles?

[Host 2]

The song will answer it for you. Oh, Mr. Bojangles. Dad has not taught you well.

[Host 1]

Who's Mr. Bojangle?

[Host 3]

I don't know if I know this either.

[Host 1]

Our poor producer is trying to pull up everything as fast as she can.

[Host 2]

You don't know Mr. Bojangles.

[Alandria Carthen]

Okay.

[Host 2]

It's just like, it's very fun. It's like an older country, like, maybe.

[Host 1]

Cool.

[Host 2]

Some people kind of get, like, maybe it's not country, maybe it's yada, yada. But it's just a fun, traditional.

[Host 1]

It's just like storytelling country.

[Host 3]

Yeah. Love that.

[Alandria Carthen]

And I love that.

[Host 2]

And it's just.

[Host 1]

And it's based on a true story.

[Host 2]

So that's homework for everyone. Listen to Mr. Bojangles. Hold on, let me pull up the Virgin Island.

[Host 1]

Why you pull that up? What are your thoughts on. I don't do this, but my friends do this. Speakers in public places. So, like, at a beach or at a pool, bringing your own speaker and playing your own music. Thoughts, go.

[Host 3]

If it is a big enough group, like, I can understand a little more. But if it's like just you and somebody else. No, it should be quiet there. Like, I don't agree with that, but I come from sports worlds where we're listening to music a lot. So I hear if it was 14 of us at a pool, you know, we own that space. If it's two of you, I can.

[Host 1]

So 14 is the. Is the limit to be able to have a space.

[Host 3]

I mean, 14 is like seven would be seven.

[Host 1]

Interesting. Yeah. Because I go to. I've been to beaches, I've been to pools with friends, and they bring a speaker, and I'm like, what are you doing?

[Host 2]

Don't. You can play it on your phone.

[Host 3]

Very cautious people of other. We're trying to make sure everybody's okay around us. So cautious.

[Host 1]

Like, what do you mean you're going to play our own music loud enough for everybody else to hear?

[Alandria Carthen]

I hate that.

[Host 2]

And if you're going to do it, you got to make sure the songs are good.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

Especially I find at beaches, people are playing the worst stuff imaginable.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

And it's like, I get annoyed hearing other people's stuff. So I wouldn't want to put myself in a situation where other people are getting annoyed at me. At a certain.

[Host 2]

I do a good amount of picnics in the summer. I live by Central park and Sheep's Meadows, where everyone descends upon. And we cannot all have speakers. Yeah. You know, because I'm hearing. I'm hearing five different songs at once.

[Host 3]

Like, you know what? I think a park is crazy, too. Cause it's more of a. If it was like a beach, you know, you go find another place on the beach, but in a park, when

[Host 2]

you're like 5ft or less from the next blanket, you can't do that.

[Host 3]

No.

[Host 2]

If you're under a tree and no one's around you.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Do it. We just want to be considerate of other people. It's funny because when I was in Texas with Gloria, there was a pool. We were going to do a bit of a pool morning. She was like, oh, my gosh, should I bring my speaker? And I went, no. And then it's like such a knee jerk reaction. She goes, oh, you hated that. She was like, oh, you don't like that? I was like, sorry, no. Yeah, we shouldn't bring the speaker to the pool.

[Host 3]

We're recently in a first class lounge. No one around us. Olivia is absolutely whispering to me. Like, she's sitting a five feet across from me. I swear to God, she's mouthing it to me. She's. I'm like, what are you saying? She's like.

[Alandria Carthen]

And then.

[Host 3]

And I was like, what? Why aren't you speaking? Speak. Speak, Valentina. And she's like, well, we're in the. We're in the lounge because they're talking over there. I was like, we are in here because we're about to fly. Business class. Like, we should deserve to be in here.

[Host 1]

You can take up space.

[Host 3]

We can take up space. And she was just continued to whisper the whole time. Like, this is a massive lounge. Barely anyone around us. She was whispering. I had to lip read.

[Host 2]

And then Ilona was getting annoyed that Olivia wasn't talking loud enough.

[Host 1]

And then Olivia was getting annoyed that

[Host 2]

Alona was saying, talk louder.

[Host 3]

And I was like, so then I'm talking louder. Like, Olivia, we're in a lounge. You can talk. Because I feel I'm like, in these spaces. Like, yeah, I should be in these spaces.

[Host 1]

Yeah, right.

[Host 3]

She's like, this is my first time. Yeah, I guess.

[Host 1]

So I've gotta be quiet.

[Host 3]

I don't know what the hell.

[Alandria Carthen]

Sorry.

[Host 1]

I'm considerate. So I'm a really good person.

[Host 3]

Take up space.

[Host 1]

That's just you as a woman. That's just true. I got to lean.

[Host 3]

Society is telling you to be quiet, man.

[Host 1]

They're trying to. Yeah, they're trying to quiet me.

[Host 3]

They're trying to quiet.

[Host 1]

Silence me.

[Alandria Carthen]

You're right.

[Host 3]

You know what?

[Host 1]

Somebody get me a JBL speaker.

[Host 3]

Yeah, right. You know what I'm saying it. I was just in the gym or I was down with my team, and the young kids play music so loud that I was talking to my good friend Sarah, who. She's like, I can't actually sit in one part of the bus because they play music so loud there. I can't hear my thoughts. So maybe that's me being older and 30. But we are in the gym. They have this massive speaker. It's like, from the floor to here, and it can bump. And I was like, I don't. Maybe I just. Because I'm not like these young kids, but I can't hear myself think. I cannot be in these spaces. And then I'm like, they're doing something. Can you guys even hear?

[Host 2]

Olivia and I were in a restaurant recently, and, like, right under the speaker, and it was so loud where it was moving the water in our glasses. And we kept, like. We asked like, three or four times for them to turn it down. And they're kept being like, yep. No, it was bad because one time at the first time, they were like,

[Host 1]

actually, I want to name the place. I did not like that place.

[Host 3]

What the hell was that thing? What was it called?

[Host 2]

Kanto.

[Host 1]

Kanto in the West Village, banging frozen espresso martini. Everything else. Figure it out.

[Host 2]

I will say I went up to a girl, like, as we're leaving, it was. There's two girls standing there unprompted. I just had to let them know. And I was like. Because they were waiting to get in. I was like, you guys shouldn't go here.

[Host 3]

Really. That was.

[Host 2]

Our experience was so bad. The music so fucking loud. We could not get over.

[Host 1]

Food was beyond Cisco grade mediocre. Aloda.

[Host 2]

We were with Olivia's friend Katie.

[Host 3]

I.

[Host 2]

We both took sips of the water at the same time. Her and I look at each other and we go.

[Host 3]

The water.

[Host 2]

The water tasted like hose water, which

[Host 1]

is like, New York water is famously, like, some of the best ever. And it was just, like, not good.

[Host 2]

Never in my life have I critiqued a restaurant's water.

[Host 1]

No. Mind you, Adriana goes up to these girls and was like, only get these pressed martinis. Don't eat here. And they were like, oh, my gosh. Thank you. Also, are you alone? Amar's sister?

[Alandria Carthen]

And I was like, oh, yes.

[Host 3]

So. Oh. And the thing about Olivia is she's going to express her. What would you call it?

[Host 2]

Her dislike.

[Host 3]

Dislike. Her opinions, but in a good way. Like, if we get. We get a hotel room and it's not facing the park we wanted. She's gonna go tell. Oh, my God, she's gonna go tell. And she went and told the front desk. This is when we were in Ireland, hang out with my friend Jordan. And she's at the front desk. She's like, So I booked the room. And she's. It's all based on Facts. I booked the room overlooking the park. We're actually looking over this kind of, like, weird thing on the other side. And so she's all speaking there, but when you talk, you talk about it.

[Host 1]

I'm like, I'm at the front desk. I'm pulling up receipts. I do things in a very business oriented, very kind way. Like, that's how I would. I've worked in these industries. That's how I want to be spoken to. I'm like, here's the facts. Hey, this is what we booked. Like, this is that. Or whatever. Jordan comes up, and I don't know if it's just the Irish. I don't know if it was just like, he comes up and to him, he would, I guess, never do something like that. Like. Like, complain or, you know, whatever. Maybe it's my American mindset. He was just kind of like. He was tweaking out. He was like, you don't even want to look at that park. I'm telling you. You don't want to look at that part. It's ugly. I'm telling you, it's whatever. Come on, let's go. And I was like, what's happening right now? He's just never spoken up, I think, to her, like, in that ways where he thought that I was, like, arguing with them or something. I was like, oh, no. Like, I just. I'm showing them the reservation. He's like, yeah, yeah. Believe me, like, it's. It's gonna be great. Like, he was so nervous, and I was like, it's fine, dude.

[Host 3]

Maybe that's the American in us, too.

[Host 1]

Yeah, I think so.

[Host 3]

Whereas I just, like, sometimes I'm like, okay, Olivia, we're gonna be fine. But I just let her do her thing now. But some people cannot take that.

[Alandria Carthen]

They are.

[Host 3]

They're, like, just so used to just going with it. Like, okay, fine. This is how it is, Livy. Not anymore. Maybe it's her. It's her in her advanced stage. She. She's gonna say something when it's not right.

[Host 1]

I have something to say.

[Host 3]

And also, it's freeing. I think that is something you learn more. Like, no, I don't like this. I'm gon. I'm gonna say something and change it.

[Host 2]

Say it.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

I recently, I was at a pizza restaurant, and we got on a ranch, and we've been here several times, and it just tasted like dill. I famously do not like. I like dill in certain places, not in my ranches. And so at the end, I had, like. We got in the bill. And I just told the server.

[Host 3]

I was like, oh, by the way,

[Host 2]

like, you might want to tell the kitchen, the ranch is like, just dill. And I was like, but you don't need to take it off or anything. Like, I'm fine. She was like, no, we'll take it off. Whatever. And my friend was so embarrassed. She's like, you just had to say something. And I was like, we like this place. I like their ranch most of the time. We want it to be consistent.

[Host 1]

We like this place.

[Alandria Carthen]

You know what?

[Host 3]

This happened to me on a date recently. What do you mean? We went to the steakhouse, and, you know, I'm gonna get every sauce.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Alandria Carthen]

To be sure.

[Host 1]

You got a peppercorn sauce.

[Host 3]

I got the sauce.

[Host 1]

I got the bearnaise.

[Host 3]

I got this.

[Host 1]

You got a mushroom sauce. Can aioli.

[Host 3]

I'm getting it all. So when the steak comes out and the sauces come out, the sauce things, when you tilted it, you could see the bottom. So, like, you. You know what I'm saying? Like, your sauce container, when you just, like, tilted it slightly, the sauce. There was so little sauce in there. You could see the bottom of it.

[Host 1]

Barely.

[Host 3]

There was barely any sauce in there. And so my date's over there. I'm looking at sauces, and I was like, that's $4 worth of sauce. He was like, honestly, it was true.

[Host 1]

No, it's true.

[Host 3]

And so I think that this was just like, the boy, bring out the plates. But then the waitress came. She's like, is there.

[Host 1]

Sorry.

[Host 3]

Is there anything. I was like, yeah, sorry. And I'm being nice. I'm like, that's just. It was just so crazy. I'm like, that's just. There's no sauce in there. There's. That's one spoonful of sauce.

[Host 1]

Absolutely.

[Host 3]

And so she got us more of it. And he actually was like, you know what? I.

[Host 1]

Hey.

[Host 3]

Because it wasn't enough.

[Host 1]

No, absolutely.

[Host 3]

And I did. I paid $4 for each of those sauces. I swear to you, it was probably a tablespoon of sauce.

[Host 1]

If that. And the thing is too, like, if you do it in a funny way, if you present it in a funny way, I think that makes it a little bit better. Like, you're a girl, too. Come on. Tell me that I'm not being crazy. Like, ask the audience. That's the audience. Hey, guys. Here I am.

[Host 3]

Is this enough sauce?

[Host 1]

Would you pay $4 for this little sauce? And I don't play about sauce.

[Host 3]

I don't play about sauce either. I Got myself more. I got more of his because I was going to eat his as well. Yeah, I just was. There are some moments where you should speak up for yourself in a kind way. Tone is really important. Oh, my God.

[Host 1]

Absolutely. There's a way to do it. Absolutely.

[Host 3]

You're very much of the. This is what I ordered. It's gonna be slightly okay if it doesn't happen, but this is what should happen.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

This is what should, is, and needs to happen.

[Host 3]

As soon as I'm going to happen or I will. They're better talk about it on my podcast. Yeah. Or we're gonna bring it up on the podcast.

[Host 1]

Or I'm gonna talk about it on the podcast.

[Host 3]

So, ladies, start speaking up for yourself. It's hard if you're not getting enough sauce. Say it.

[Host 2]

Say it.

[Host 3]

If you don't get the right room, go to the front desk, have a

[Host 2]

word, because your money's worth something.

[Host 3]

Your money's worth saying.

[Host 1]

Yeah. Oh. And then they couldn't change the room, and so they're like, well, we'll send a complimentary Prosecco. And then they bring two glasses. I was like, oh, it's not a bottle.

[Host 3]

Oh, yeah. Then she had to get another glass.

[Host 1]

Jordan, once again tweaking even harder.

[Host 3]

She had to call down to get another glass.

[Host 1]

I called down, and I was like,

[Host 3]

thought it was a bottle.

[Host 1]

All good. I just need one more glass of Prosecco, like, for our friend that's here, too, or whatever. And he's pacing the room. He's like a kid.

[Host 3]

And then throughout the day, he parked his car, and then we would go out, and they were going to get her, like, free parking him. Free parking. And I think they mix it up something. Olivia walked her ass right back to that desk and asked for more. And I just sit there. I'm literally like, I'm a child when I'm Olivia with Olivia. And I'm just like, yeah, just go. Let her do her thing.

[Host 1]

You got to let her do her thing.

[Host 3]

Say anything, man.

[Host 1]

Believe me, it's going to be all good. It's going to help you in the long run. Yeah, yeah.

[Host 3]

Anyway, anyway. Speak up, ladies.

[Host 1]

Speak up. It takes practice and time, but always just be kind and, you know, know your worth.

[Host 3]

Love that.

[Host 1]

Welcome to Dirty Talk. Our producer will give us a rare vocabulary word, and we have to choose to either take our best guess at the real meaning or come up with the funniest possible fake definition. And, yes, we will reveal the actual definition so you can get smarter every week with your favorite literate ladies. That's us. Are you ready? Yes, yes, yes.

[Alandria Carthen]

Word of the day.

[Host 1]

Sorry, it's wankle. Hold on. Wankle. That is W, A, N, K, L,

[Alandria Carthen]

E. I got it.

[Host 1]

Wankle.

[Host 3]

Oh, my God.

[Host 2]

It's past tense for winkle.

[Host 3]

Past tense for winkle. And what's winkle? What is winkle? And what is winkle?

[Host 2]

When something is, like, glittering, that's twinkling.

[Host 3]

Nope.

[Host 1]

Winkling is when you've got a bit of glitter on your weenus and you're moving around, and so it's winkling, but the past tense is when it wankled.

[Host 3]

He's winkling at me. Stop wankling.

[Host 1]

No, guys, I went on state last night and he wankled at me.

[Host 3]

Wank. From the origin of the word wank to. Wait, he wankled. He wankled on my.

[Host 1]

Whatever you guys say.

[Host 3]

He wankled on my.

[Alandria Carthen]

You guys always say this, though. He.

[Host 1]

He lit on my wank until I.

[Host 3]

No, that's.

[Alandria Carthen]

He wankle my.

[Host 2]

Look until I wankle.

[Host 3]

We didn't do much stuff. We just wankled a little.

[Host 1]

Yeah, we just wank. Wankled. No, he's really cute. I just didn't want to go all the way. So we just wankled a bit.

[Host 2]

Yeah, like second base.

[Host 1]

Second base.

[Host 3]

Wankle.

[Host 1]

Okay, so is that our final.

[Host 3]

That's a verb. We wankled.

[Host 1]

We wankled.

[Host 3]

We wankle. So wankle should be wankle to wankle.

[Host 1]

Would you maybe want to wankle later?

[Host 3]

Do you want to wankle later?

[Host 1]

I'd wankle him.

[Host 3]

Yeah, I would wankle him, too. No, I'd wankle him. He's a wankable guy.

[Host 1]

It's a wankable guy.

[Host 3]

And then we. If we Is wankle, the. Which is a present.

[Host 1]

We're deciding right now.

[Host 3]

Winkle is present. Yeah, we wankled. But when we were winkling.

[Host 1]

When you were wankling.

[Host 3]

When we were winkling.

[Host 1]

Winkling.

[Host 3]

Winkling.

[Host 1]

That guy's a wankler.

[Host 2]

Whoa.

[Host 3]

Okay. Tone. Tone, Dude. Oh, my God. But I guess that kind of works

[Host 1]

because the British say, like, wanker.

[Host 3]

Yeah. Yeah. All right, give me this definition.

[Host 1]

A wanker is weak, unstable, not to be dependent on.

[Host 3]

Okay, that's not a wanker.

[Host 1]

Wankerish. Yeah, Wankler.

[Host 2]

Damn.

[Host 1]

Wankel.

[Host 3]

That's a wankle.

[Host 1]

Mind you, the word is wankle.

[Host 3]

Wankle.

[Host 2]

We're creating things.

[Host 1]

Weak, unstable, not to be depended on.

[Host 3]

You got a. I wonder if that is where wanker comes from.

[Host 1]

Yeah, Wankle. Wankel.

[Host 3]

Weak, unstable, not to be dependent on.

[Host 1]

Can we look up where wanker came from or do we look at where.

[Host 3]

Computer,

[Host 1]

Computer. Show me this guy's balls.

[Host 3]

So then is Wanker wank Bull part of that? Wankler part of that.

[Host 1]

Oh, wait, to masturbate? Yeah, he's a masturbate.

[Host 3]

Like so we got wank, right?

[Host 1]

Wank lure.

[Host 3]

Wait, so Wanker comes from the wanking. Masturbating.

[Host 1]

It's from the wanking.

[Host 3]

And then Wankler is a different thing though.

[Host 2]

So if we take it from the.

[Host 1]

It's also not Winkler, it's Wankle.

[Host 3]

What am I saying? Wankle. Wankle's the name, the word.

[Host 2]

If you get it from the British Essex variant, then

[Host 1]

the Sussex Liverpool.

[Host 2]

Dude, I wankled drink.

[Host 3]

I wankeled out of a home last night.

[Host 2]

That's what I did.

[Host 3]

Okay, all right.

[Host 1]

What was that new? Do you guys hear the door? You know, we're always talking about what we're listening to, but how we listen also matters. That's why we've been all in on JBL's live headphones for our audiobooks.

[Host 3]

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[Host 2]

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[Host 3]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 3]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 2]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 2]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 2]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 2]

Meritbeauty.com if you're sick of fighting with your bras every day, you might just want to meet ThirdLove because at a certain point we're just too grown to be adjusting straps and side eyeing underwire before noon.

[Host 3]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 2]

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[Host 3]

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[Alandria Carthen]

your first [e-mail] Good sleep is everything. That's why Ollie's Science Back support is made with a blend of melatonin and L theanine for both kiddos and grownups. So when your mind won't switch off, you've got something that can help your racing thoughts and restless nights won't stand a chance. Find Ollie Sleep Solutions for the whole [e-mail] that's o l l y.com study

[Host 1]

and play come together on a Windows 11 PC. And for a limited time, college students

[Alandria Carthen]

get the best of both worlds.

[Host 1]

Get the unreal college deal everything you need to study and play with select Windows 11 PCs. Eligible students get a year of Microsoft 365 Premium and a year of Xbox game. Pass ultimate with a custom color Xbox wireless controller. Learn [e-mail] while supplies last ends June 30, terms at aka mscollegepc.

[Alandria Carthen]

Spring just slid into your DMs.

[Host 1]

Grab that boho look for that rooftop

[Alandria Carthen]

dinner, those sandals that can keep up with you. And hang some string lights to give

[Host 1]

your patio a glow up.

[Alandria Carthen]

Spring's calling, Ross. Work your magic.

[Host 1]

Our fourth Mars sister today is the star of every room she's in. You may know her as one half of the iconic Love island ship Nickelandria, but she's turned her reality TV moment into a a full blown fashion career. Walking runways at New York, Milan and Paris Fashion Week. She's a proud HBCU grad and the definition of strategic powerhouse. Welcome to the family. The Bama Barbie herself, Alandria.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yay. Thank you for an amazing intro.

[Host 1]

Please. Thank you so much for being here. And I'm also obsessed with your blush placement. Can you tell me about that a little bit? It looks so good.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah. So it's funny because I took it very lightly with a blush today. My slogan is there's no such thing as blush blindness. I love blush. It's so girly.

[Host 2]

Okay.

[Alandria Carthen]

But I always place it at the very top peaks of my cheekbones because it's one of my favorite features on my face. So I always try to place it at the very, very top to like make them pop a little more.

[Host 3]

I've been learning about blush. I think I was putting it like almost too much on my cheeks. Now I've almost been going even higher, almost into the eye socket a little bit.

[Alandria Carthen]

Is that right? Yeah, that's how I do it. I kind of like blend it with my concealer as well because I love a bright under eye. So like with the blush and the concealer, it's just like a beautiful finish. I don't know.

[Host 3]

I love it.

[Host 1]

I love that. Yesterday I went over to her house and Adriana was there too. And Adriana goes, are you wearing blush today? And I go, yes. She goes, I can tell it was a lot.

[Host 2]

I love wasn't bad. It was just more than your usual.

[Host 1]

It was more than my usual. I guess so. Yeah. I love that. No such thing as blush blindness. I was being a girl.

[Host 2]

I've only started to dabble in Blush again. I run pink. And so I am like, why would I need to add more, right? But then I have been told, like, it adds dimension. And, you know it does. So I'm trying.

[Alandria Carthen]

I used to never be a blush girl at all. And suddenly I woke up one day, I was like, I'm gonna put blush everywhere. So same it seemed like a doll

[Host 1]

or like an older lady thing. And then all of a sudden I'm like, no. I'm so feminine and young and petite. Like, I need blush.

[Host 3]

Have you always been good at makeup? Like, I'm only now 29. I learned to do eyeliner literally earlier this year. But have you always been good at it? Yes. I know. Is that embarrassing?

[Alandria Carthen]

No. It's so funny because all throughout college, I never wore makeup. I didn't even know how to put a lash on or anything. I knew after graduation, I was gonna move to Houston. I was like, okay, the girls there are really pretty. I really want to learn how to, like, dabble in makeup because I want to go out, I want to have fun, you know, make friends. I learned to do makeup, like, a week or so before I graduated college, and that was what, four years ago? So, yeah, all throughout college, I was bare faced all the time.

[Host 1]

And were you learning on YouTube? Where were we learning? Where did you clock into?

[Host 3]

What house did you learn?

[Alandria Carthen]

A friend of mine that I. I used to use YouTube a lot, but I did had a friend of mine that did makeup and she taught me the basics. But then I went to YouTube to look at girls is more. So my skin, my skin tone to see, like, how can I bring, like, dimension to my face and look a little more warmer? Because if my shade isn't right, I can look casket ready immediately.

[Host 2]

So do you get scared trying new things with makeup now that you're in the public eye?

[Alandria Carthen]

I learned to be a lot more open minded and more expressive when it comes to makeup because I really feel like makeup is just like fashion. It's all about expression. Why would I want to look like everyone else? So when it comes to these fashion weeks, you see all this crazy liner everywhere, these crazy fake piercings of mine. That's me, like, really doing my own thing with makeup. I don't know. Makeup is very fun. So it's not for everyone to look up, look, look the same, like, clean yourself. I love that I'm not a clean makeup girly.

[Host 3]

I was gonna ask that.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah, I know. That's like a cute little aesthetic that everybody's trying to do, but I'm like, I'm not trying to be like everyone else. I want to be, like, the standout person, so that is so funny.

[Host 3]

And it's something I always talk about, too. It's like, it'd be so boring if we were just all the same. I'm sorry. We got to get some gossip. We got to get some. I got to get something for them to talk about. Yeah, no, for sure.

[Alandria Carthen]

I agree.

[Host 1]

And of course it's artistic. Everyone has their own take. But is there anything that you're not jiving with? Like, is there something you wish people would kind of, like, let up on in, like, makeup?

[Alandria Carthen]

I'm not going to lie. I'm not a huge fan of a powdery lip. I. It looks like you've been into a powdered donut. I don't like it powdery. I don't really like powdered lips.

[Host 1]

Is that like a matte lip?

[Host 3]

What does that mean?

[Alandria Carthen]

Like powder, I guess like a mecca bright nude.

[Host 2]

Oh, like the ballet donut.

[Alandria Carthen]

And went on about your day.

[Host 3]

I don't like that, guys, can I share? I don't know if I mess with feathered brows.

[Host 1]

You don't mess with feathered brows when

[Host 3]

people really, really feather their brow up a lot.

[Host 1]

You don't like that?

[Host 3]

I don't know if I like it as much. That is, like, what do you think, Landria, Is that? I guess some people do it and they do it. It can be so drastic, like, dramatic when they do it. Yeah, there's a little when it could be, but sometimes they do it, and I'm like, wow, we really. They're sticking up. They're sticking up. There they are facing. The higher the eyebrow, the closer to

[Host 1]

God and all that.

[Alandria Carthen]

Do you already have, like, insanely thick brows? Like, if it's too bushy, I can see why that's kind of scary.

[Host 3]

Yes.

[Host 2]

I don't know.

[Alandria Carthen]

I like the bush brow, and I also like the gel bra, like, when it's all clean and nice, too. Like those.

[Host 2]

I've been getting really into the 90s of the skinny brow.

[Host 1]

You like a skinny brow?

[Host 2]

Yeah, I kind of want to go ham on my brow.

[Host 3]

You think you're going to make your brow skinnier?

[Host 2]

I think I just try it, you know, Like, I'm young now. Why not make a risk? Take a risk.

[Host 3]

Or like, they do the straight across.

[Host 1]

Oh, yeah.

[Host 3]

One number from cat's eye.

[Host 1]

Yeah, that straight across brow because apparently makes your face look very, like, lifted.

[Host 3]

Okay.

[Host 1]

That plus the blush placement, we're good to go. I'd be I don't know about that. It. Let's do into some tea time. Yeah. Manon from Cat Life,

[Host 3]

Alandria, there's so much tea to spill today. Let's get into tea time. Tea time is brought to you by JBL and their newest noise canceling headphones. The JBL lives. You love fashion. In your IG bio, you have Bama Barbie. What is Bama Barbie style?

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, Bama Barbie style is so funny because you can't really put her in too much of a box. Like, every time I hit the carpet, it's always something different. I might be, you know, channeling my inner 90s model aesthetic. I might be, you know, old Hollywood glam. Hence the what is that carpet that I did go to glows carpet. I did more of the old Hollywood glam. Dorothy Dandridge was, like, the main face for that. That's where I got my inspo from. I might do a. What else? I do 90s supermodel a lot. I do old Hollywood glam or something grungy, even. I don't know. My. My style is kind of all over the place. It's what I'm feeling in that direct moment.

[Host 3]

Do you work with, like, a style team, or is this, like, you coming up with, like? Because I know that for me, I've been trying my style throughout the years, but I also love to see what these people who. Whose job is style to can come up with. And they're like, they pair something. And I'm like, who thought to pair that with that?

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah, no, I do have a style team. I have my. My stylist. But, like, if an event is coming up at red carpet, we try to, like, say, like, okay, what's the mood? What are you feeling like? You know What? We did 90s supermodel last time. Let's go grungy this time. Let's do something different, something dramatic with the hair. Let's play in colors, let's play in patterns. So kind of like, just bounce all off of each other's ideas kind of when we come to collaborate for a look. But, yeah, it's pretty much how it is.

[Host 1]

I'm gonna need access to your Pinterest boards. I'm gonna see what's going on in there.

[Alandria Carthen]

You know what? I was just on my Pinterest today. Cause I'm trying to, like, renovate my house, and I'm like, I need to work on Pinterest. I get on Pinterest and I screenshot a lot. I never actually make boards. No, I know. I'm doing it all and I've been doing it for years. So I plan this year to like really get my Pinterest laid out correctly and actually have boards and stuff.

[Host 1]

Yeah, I actually just cleaned up my Pinterest. Like I went and reorganized, I went and renamed. I went and got rid of the old boards. That was like my wedding inspo when I was 12 years old or whatever the hell I started. You know, that's like not in fashion anymore. And it was a really cathartic experience and it actually made me feel a lot more creative and inspired to like, I guess make more because my, it was all organized and I was like, this is what me as a 31 year old woman, I love now. Like I loved having it all together. So I'm not gonna like yuck your yum, but like, let's, let's start pinning. Let's get into some boards on Pinterest. Alandria.

[Alandria Carthen]

Okay, I got you on my downtime. I'll do that.

[Host 3]

Yeah. And all our. In all our free time. Yeah.

[Host 1]

Right.

[Host 3]

Carpets. We need you to start bidding well

[Host 1]

on like airplanes and stuff. You know, it's all good.

[Host 2]

Use the free WI fi.

[Host 1]

Yeah, use the free WI Fi. Clean up your Pinterest now. None of us have actually been to Alabama. Have you been to Alabama?

[Alandria Carthen]

I've not been out. No, I've not.

[Host 1]

We've never been. What is something that we should do? We love eating. Like, what is the food culture like in Alabama?

[Alandria Carthen]

Okay, so specifically in Decatur, Alabama, where I'm from, we're known for the white sauce. It's a place called Big Bob Gibson and it's sold in stores. It's like this mayonnaise base, like a vinegary mayonnaise based white salad. They literally marinate the meats in and smoke them and it's delicious. Now, I don't like actual white sauce. I don't know. I have a weird thing with sauces that's too white. But I do eat because the meat is already marinated. It's a weird thing. I don't know what's going on with me, but I actually do eat the meat that's marinated in it. And it's amazing.

[Host 1]

I love that. It's almost like the Southern, like ranch. It's like the ranch of all ranches almost, basically.

[Alandria Carthen]

It's so funny because it's only sold, I think in north Alabama, like south Alabama. My people have to come up to where I'm from to buy the bottles is not even sold there. So it's very need to find a dealer.

[Host 3]

A white sauce dealer.

[Host 1]

White sauce dealer?

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah, they sell it in Walmart, at least here.

[Host 1]

What's the bar culture like?

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, oh, depends. On what? What area of Alabama you're in. You obviously got, like, Tuscaloosa with U of A. University of Alabama. It's a party town, obviously. You got Auburn in. In Auburn, Alabama, with too much corners. Bars. All right. There's. I guess if you're in college, it's a good vibe. I didn't really go out much to bars in Alabama. We kind of just did our own thing on campus, to be honest.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Alandria Carthen]

Family can be a little dangerous sometimes, so we have to, like, have like, some safe fun on campus.

[Host 1]

I hear.

[Alandria Carthen]

I hear that.

[Host 3]

I love it.

[Host 1]

Well, I'm getting white sauce. The next time I'm down there, you

[Alandria Carthen]

should let me know how you like it.

[Host 1]

Or I just. You were saying I can get it at Walmart, so I'm gonna take a bunch home.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Way up north to Vermont, where we're from.

[Host 2]

What's one stereotype about Southern or Alabama fashion that you want to speak your truth on?

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, my goodness. Every time people mention Alabama and the way people dress there, they swear we dress so country and tacky and like, old things. I'm just like, we got style. We might be limited on resources there as far as stores, but we got style. I like it. At least I don't know a lot of people from where I'm from, which is very expressive. Differently, like, I don't know, you'll see. See some. Somebody have on a dress with, like, some Jordans or something. People be like, oh, that's so tacky. Like, why would she do that? Why would. You know? I'm like, it makes sense to us. It's cute to us, you know, but people are not always that fond of our Alabama fashion. But I'm like, you know what? Fashion is expressive. It's not supposed to be digestible for everybody, so.

[Host 1]

Exactly.

[Alandria Carthen]

Let's do it anyway.

[Host 3]

You've had, I mean, such a cool journey, and I think, like, you've really just been doing all the right moves to continue to put yourself in the public eye. Because the way things change in media, I mean, even myself, you have to constantly be doing something to, you know, get eyes on you to be seen. So is this a really well thought out plan? Was this something you, like, had a. I guess, a plan for?

[Alandria Carthen]

Not at all. I kind of went into this whole thing with low expectations, honestly, and I feel like that's why I have been like, every moment for me has been such a pinch me moment because I had so, such low expectations. Honestly, after all this, I thought I was gonna go back to my job. Before I even introduced myself to the world, I literally sat my general manager down, was like, hey, can you please hold my position? I probably will be back in a few weeks. You know, no way. And that's where my mind was. I love my job. So I'm like, you know what? I'll come back. You know, no biggie. Got my phone back. Huge platform, over 2 million followers. I was like, yeah, so about this job, I cannot come back. Like, it was. Was no way I could come back. So, no, none of this was thought out. I came out. I did not know the first thing about, like, gathering their team. I didn't know how to negotiate for myself. I didn't know anything. I came from a regular 9 to 5. I was a regular 9 to 5. Girly, like, regular life, small town girl, like, really simple lifestyle. So just to be thrown in the spotlight with this huge platform and, like, building a team from scratch, I'm like, I don't even know where to start. No one in my family has ever done this before. I hope I'm making the right decisions when I'm doing this stuff. So, no, none of this stuff is thought out. I'm literally thinking things out as they're happening, and I guess they're landing correctly. So I'm just super blessed for that.

[Host 1]

And have you just been going based on, like, vibes and trust and obviously there's probably so many more people in your life now helping you make these decisions. When you were assembling that team, what was that like for you? Is it just, like, a lot of checking in and being honest with yourself?

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah. So, yeah, that was the most stressful part. It took me like, a month to do so. So as you can imagine, my inbox is overflowing. Deals. Some deals kind of like. Like, didn't even happen because I took too long to respond. But at the time, I didn't want to negotiate myself too low because I'm like, I know my worth, but I don't know if I know my worth in terms of numbers yet. Like, so I don't want to say any. Any wrong thing or take any offer. So I missed out on so many deals at first because I took too long to respond. But even with that happening, it didn't make me want to just go out and just sign a paper just to say, I have a team yet. So I would literally get my cousin, who's a lawyer, to sit on these calls with me to use it as a scare tactic. Cause I know people will try to railroad me because I didn't know the rights and wrongs, like, the ins and outs of this whole business. So I literally sat down with so many teams, like 10, 15 teams, and like, asking questions, had my cousin ask questions. And I didn't really like the teams that kind of like, were offering me the world. We can do anything for you. We can make all your dreams come true. I'm like, you know what? As good as that sounds, you're not going to trick me. And then you got some teams that's like, oh, you got to sign the two year contract. I'm like, why I got to sign two years? Like, why are you trying to give me for two years? Like, I'm not. I might be new to this, but I'm not crazy. Like, I'm not slow. I'm like, okay, you might not be the one for me. I couldn't imagine being in contract with somebody for two years. And I don't like it per se, you know, So I kind of went with the team that was like, you know what? I hear you. I hear your goals and your aspirations. I'm not gonna promise you everything, but we're gonna try our best to build out whatever this looks like and build out a roadmap on how to get there. And I appreciated the honesty in that answer. I'm like, you know what? This is more of my speed. You're not promising me the world, but you are willing to get into the weeds and get down to the nitty gritty with me to actually make this work. And that's exactly what I did. And I think that's why I've been so successful, because I didn't take the first bone that was thrown at me or just take all this, oh, I'll sell you a unicorn. I'll get you this, I'll get you that. I'm like, you know what? That's not. I don't think that's feasible. And that's okay. But it's like, you might have gotten everybody else, but you're not gonna get me. So I just took my time in that space and kind of just excelled from there.

[Host 3]

I think that's so similar to me as well, especially as athletes. All these agents were like, they come to us and I hear it from my teammates, I'll do this for you. I'll do this for you. I'll do this for you. And so they're like, well, perfect because I, I have nothing and I, I, I can't do this. So they sign with these people. And I fell into it as well. It wasn't until somebody was like, here's what I can do for you. And then I was like, well, I want to keep my own email. I wanna, if I can do, if I do a deal on the side, is that okay? Do I have to evolve you? My agent was like, yeah, if you want to do a deal by yourself, that's okay. But it's gotten to the point now where I just send everything to her. And we've never done a deal on our own because of the trust we have because of the not promising. And also she was like, get your bag wherever. Like, Olivia was talking to some agents recently and they're like, you have to be exclusive to us. But it's like, don't you want somebody making money? Don't you want to see the opportunity? So it was, it's really smart. And I think that's an interesting thing is don't go with somebody who's promising you the world.

[Host 1]

And then, yeah, there's nothing worse than being over promised and under delivered.

[Host 3]

Oh, yeah.

[Host 1]

You know, but I know that sounds, I've just been so curious about that. Like, when, when I found out we were going to be sitting down with you, I was like, I gotta know, like, what, that she's had this insane meteoric rise. Like, what does that look like for her? So what seems so scary and big is assembling a team to carry it off so nicely as you have. I'm just like, how did that go? Because we did it for Alona and obviously we're growing our own stuff now too. And you had to do it like that because everything was happening.

[Alandria Carthen]

And kind of by myself too. Cause I'm like, like my parents, they have, like, no one had no idea of how to like, to assemble a team. So I'm just like, God, please, like, please make sure. Like, just, just let me know if I'm making the right decision here. But I'm like, you know what? I have to like, trust my gut. And like, me and my cousin was just going back and forth, like, what do you think about this team? What do you think about that team? I'm like, you know what, not signing a contract for a year. Like, I'm not doing that, like, that type of stuff. I want to be able to like, you know, do a month to month thing to see how you work with me, how you're able to like, really get me out there in that way. And it's kind of what I did. I'm like, you know what? I might not know my words worth numerically number wise to negotiate for myself, but I didn't know my worth here. And that is not put my name on the paper for two years straight. And having you have me for two years, because that can be very detrimental to a new career like mine, you

[Host 1]

know, because then they shelf you and they just do other things and.

[Alandria Carthen]

Exactly, exactly. I want to keep them on their toes. I want to do it month to month.

[Host 3]

And I see you on a more a different trajectory of not even like an influencer trajectory. Something even bigger than that, which, I mean, maybe the same as me, but like, for me, I'm an athlete. I'm not an influencer, but people will call me that. I'm. I'm more than that. And it seems to be what you're as well creating this image of.

[Alandria Carthen]

Exactly, exactly. I honestly tried the whole influencer thing prior to all of this because I. I love interior designing. So I would literally move it like my new place here. And I was like doing like a rollout off my couch and my rugs and all that stuff. I'm like, bro, editing sucks. Sucks. I don't like it. As cute as these videos are on, you know, social media, this is really not my thing. Like, I can't do that. So when I came out and I had all these opportunities, I'm like, well, I am not being an influencer. I know I don't like, like the editing part and obviously you can like hire people to do that, but I kind of want to be something a lot more bigger. You know what I mean? I don't mind. There's nothing wrong with being an influencer, but it's like, I'm not an influencer, but yet I do have influence. So it's like, that's all that matters for me. But I felt like I needed something bigger. I got this platform. I'm like, I have the world at my fingertips at this point. Why not shoot for the stars and do everything and see what sticks and what I'm good at? So I kind of just been, I don't know, trying out all the lanes and just seeing what I'm truly passionate about at this point.

[Host 1]

I love how intentional you've been with every step of the process. It's very cool to hear. And I'm also obsessed with this idea of you calling back your manager and being like, yeah, you can Release that position. I'm gonna go shoot with Sports Illustrated or whatever.

[Alandria Carthen]

Whirlwind. Heck, a lot of the Clowns customers became fans and I'm like, okay, this is not going to be. It's not going to work out at this point. You know what I mean?

[Host 1]

Not going to work out.

[Host 3]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 2]

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[Host 3]

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[Host 3]

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[Host 3]

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[Host 1]

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[Host 3]

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[Alandria Carthen]

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[Host 3]

the positives, have you also learned some, like, tough things along the way, whether about fashion, whether about this industry?

[Alandria Carthen]

Yes. Honestly, in this industry, especially if you want to put yourself out on a public platform, as far as, like, a reality show, you have to have tough skin. You don't have tough skin. This is not the thing for you. It might look all. Look all glitz and glam on the outside, but, oh, my goodness, it takes a total hit to your mental health and your privacy. Like, nothing is private anymore. And I even found myself asking myself in the beginning stages, did I make a mistake? Did, like, was it worth it? Basically, because your peace of mind and your mental health is priceless, is. You can't put a price point on that. I don't care how big of a partnership or a big of a deal is. Financially, yes, it's cool, but it's like, you know, you. I don't know when you trade off your privacy, that's. I don't know that all. All things are out the window. But you gotta have a good sense of self when you're putting yourself out in that way. And thank goodness I already knew who I was before I put myself on a public platform, because if you don't know who you are, the world will try to tell you who they think you are. And you're gonna. It's gonna mind f you so bad to where you're gonna be like, you know what? They might be right? Wait, am I a bad person? Am I this? Am I that? But it's like, if you don't have that strong sense of self and that confidence, it can derail your mental health immediately. And it's how it was doing that to me at first until I had to snap out of it. I'm like, you know what, girl? These folks don't know you. They only seem like an edited version of you on this one show. They don't know who you truly are. So, like, this is your chance now to take advantage of your narrative and change the minds of people and show them who the real you are. And if they sitting like you after that, then so be it, because that's the real you. You know what I mean? That's why I wanted to pay attention from the beginning to the end period.

[Host 1]

And have you had an older sister kind of figure in this space that you've. That's helped you navigate? Or has it been that internal confidence?

[Alandria Carthen]

It's just been the internal confidence literally the entire time.

[Host 1]

That's amazing.

[Host 2]

Have you always been this confident or was there a pivotal moment growing up that changed the game?

[Alandria Carthen]

No, I haven't always been this confident. I don't really feel like. Like, I feel like confidence is built from experiences and things like that throughout life. No, I've not always been this confident. Honestly, I didn't start really being like, truly, truly confident until I got into college.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Alandria Carthen]

So I was always confident. But it's like, it really. He hit peak in college because that's when I was facing a lot of adversity. Like, you know, we need a new girl on campus. People like, oh, she thinks she is like that type of stuff. And I was like, girl, what? You know what I mean? So it's all there. So honestly, I have thick skin from, like, growing up and not always being the most light because people thought like, oh, she's a teacher pet. She's this. She thinks she's cute. She thinks she's that. I'm like, well, no, you think those things. I never said that. So that's very telling for me. But I used to always get nitpicked at growing up because, you know, cause I dress nice. And it's weird because I'm like, you picking on me because I dress nice. Okay, whatever.

[Host 3]

I was always.

[Alandria Carthen]

I was like the teacher's pets. I made good grades all the time. I was so smart in school. My teacher used to literally allow me to give the spelling test. Like, I used to give the spelling test to the kids in the fourth grade. They hated me for it because I didn't help. You know what I mean? So I'm like, okay, at this point, you gonna hate me to just hate me. I'm gonna just love myself regardless. So going through that as a kid and going into college and all those things and facing the exact same things like, like, it's kind of like I was getting prepared for this moment because obviously the hate that I get now is on a bigger scale because it's worldwide and it's not just your social class or whatever. But now it's just like, okay, this is intense, but I'm still, you know what I'm saying? Go about it the exact same way. I'm not going to clap back. I'm going to let my success continue to be my clap back because that's why you're mad. And that's not my problem. And I'm going to continue to be Beyonce to the bs. I'm not going to. I'm not going to respond. I'm not going to, you know, address anything. I'm Gonna keep on climbing the ladder and all those things. I'm not gonna let some faceless accounts get in the way of me and my money, period. I'm not responding to none of that.

[Host 1]

So I love that so much. Can you tell us about your Sports Illustrated shoot? The photo was unbelievable. I loved it.

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, my goodness. My Sports Illustrated shoot was crazy. So we shot in Florida. Mind you, this has to be on one of the coldest days ever.

[Host 1]

Ever.

[Alandria Carthen]

They said it's been like 20, 30 years. It's ever been, like, to that degree. Literally. When we looked on the weather app, it said it felt like 11 degrees. Because you imagine being outside and something that feels like 11 degrees. The windshield is up to here. You're right here by the water, so it's even cooler in a bikini. And everyone else around you is in scarves and gloves and coats. And I'm like, oh, my gosh, what in the world? Like, I had to just like, mentally prepare myself for that shoot. But honestly, the crew was so amazing. Such good vibes. I had hot hands all over me. And honestly, I was like, you know what? This is a one in a lifetime type of thing for you. Go all the way with it. Like, don't let this weather get in your way. So I'm jumping in the water, I'm putting the water all over me. I'm posing, I'm doing all this crazy stuff, and I'm like, alyndra, you're gonna pay for this later. Like, you're gonna be so sick.

[Host 1]

You're gonna.

[Alandria Carthen]

But I'm like, you know what? Forget it. This is a. My. My time to shine. This is a one shot thing. Let me just go all the way. It was such an amazing experience. So I wouldn't change it for the world. I love it.

[Host 1]

And you would think being in Florida, what the hell? That's so rude of Florida.

[Alandria Carthen]

So excited. I can't. I got off the plane, I was like, what is this?

[Host 1]

What? A Florida story? Yeah, right?

[Alandria Carthen]

Are you sure?

[Host 1]

Like, what? Ilona shot her cover in New York State. So, like, because when she thought, oh, Sports Illustrated Tropical or whatever, that she

[Host 3]

was going to be doing a cover,

[Host 1]

she was going to the. I'm gonna go Bora Bora. And then she shot her cover on Long Island. She's like, oh, okay. Movie. Movie magic.

[Host 3]

I guess it was great.

[Alandria Carthen]

Honestly, I'm assuming it was.

[Host 3]

It wasn't. No, Mine was in August after the Olympics. And it was.

[Alandria Carthen]

Lucky thing.

[Host 3]

I know, I know. So it was honestly fine. And it was in somebody's hometown, one of the crew. So we got access to all these places, so it was perfect. And actually really ended up being good. But I just, like, seen all. I'd love Sports Illustrated for so long, and I'd seen them when they would go to Bora Bora and then they would go to Jamaica, and I was like, this is it. This is my time. And then you're going to Long Island. Long Island, New York.

[Host 1]

But, like, she talks about endlessly about the SI team and how wonderful they were, so I can imagine that they were just all the support you needed.

[Alandria Carthen]

Such a good group of people. I'm so happy to have them now.

[Host 1]

And are you happy with the shot?

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, yeah. The shot was amazing. We had a lot of good shots. Honestly, it was so many to pick from, but they chose a good one.

[Host 2]

Now, what's one show, project, or brand that if they called you up, it would be an instant yes?

[Host 3]

What's an interior design show?

[Host 1]

You would say yes.

[Host 3]

You should do that. An interior design show.

[Alandria Carthen]

You think so?

[Host 3]

Don't you love it?

[Alandria Carthen]

I do, but I'm really getting into the weeds of it now. Like, when I'm renting a place, you can't change out the cabinetry and all that. You gotta just kind of look around it. With my new place, it's like the possibilities are endless, and I don't know, like, when to stop and start. Like, you know what I mean? I usually have to decorate. What? Like, around what's already there in, like, a rental space because I can't redo the cabinets. But here, it's like my. My thoughts, like, it's in my head can literally be in my face. Like, you know what I mean? So I'm like, I'm struggling in that aspect. So I don't know.

[Host 2]

You can be Bobby from Queer Eye. You can take it all down.

[Host 1]

All right, so then.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

What's a fashion house that if they called it, would be an immediate yes.

[Alandria Carthen]

Let me see. Fashion house. I would have to Schaparelli.

[Host 2]

Yes.

[Host 3]

Their dresses. I watched the Runway tick tocks.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

It's just so beautiful.

[Host 1]

All of them stunning.

[Host 3]

I want to wear those bad boys so pre.

[Alandria Carthen]

I'm scared to wear it. I just want to stare at it all day. Like, that's how amazingly crafted everything, Every single piece, every detail. I'm like, wow. Like, what type of brain and mind do you have to have to, like, make something so beautiful like that? And it's wearable, too. It's like wearable art. So, so love.

[Host 2]

And I think about that a lot too. When I see some of these, like, amazing fashion houses, I was like, how did you think about that? Because it's. You know, we've been creating clothes for thousands of years now, and I'm like, they're still doing new things.

[Alandria Carthen]

Things. Yep.

[Host 3]

Who's. I saw this one guy. I'd have to look him up. I DM'd him because I wanted to wear some of his stuff. But he. He has, like. Of his last Runway, he had both plus size and, like, I guess, straight size, regular size models wearing the same outfits. So you got to kind of see the difference. Like, but on a plus size versus not.

[Host 1]

Hold on.

[Host 3]

I will find it. Lauren walked in it as well.

[Host 1]

And did you. Because you've walked in, you know, fashion weeks now. Did you have a walking coach or did you just, like, do a lot of research?

[Alandria Carthen]

How did that work? I literally. And I was so. I never thought I would be on a Runway because I am five three.

[Host 1]

You're five three.

[Alandria Carthen]

I never thought the opportunity would present itself. So I'm like, oh, okay. So I'm looking at all the mall. Oh, my gosh. Y' all are tall. Like, what is this? So, no, I did not. I did not. I just did it on the whim.

[Host 3]

Five three. Oh, my goodness. You have such a presence about you.

[Host 1]

You.

[Host 3]

You have a. You have a 510 present.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

You have a tall energy about you.

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, I love that. A lot of people, when I got off the the show, they were literally like, oh, I thought you were taller in person. I'm like, no, I'm five three. That's it. No, I guess I appear, like, get, like, to your point. Like, I appear bigger. Like, my presence is like. I don't know. It's grander than just 5:3, but, yeah, all that coming out of a 5:3 frame.

[Host 3]

I love that. It's Christian Siriano.

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Oh, I love Christian. I've worn so many of his. Of his pieces.

[Host 3]

Have you? So good.

[Alandria Carthen]

My biggest moments.

[Host 3]

Was he okay?

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Great stuff.

[Host 1]

Love that. I gotta look that up.

[Host 3]

Oh.

[Host 1]

What I definitely want to talk about was your Barbie partnership. Be any Barbie you want. Can you talk to us about that? Because Alona's Barbie doll will be coming out later this year. What was your. What was it like working with them for you?

[Alandria Carthen]

A rugby Barbie.

[Host 1]

Can you believe it?

[Alandria Carthen]

I love. I love Bama Barbie.

[Host 3]

Rugby Barbie.

[Alandria Carthen]

Bama Barbie.

[Host 1]

Rugby Barbie. What was your. What was it like working with them for you?

[Alandria Carthen]

My partnership. My Barbie partnership has been, like, by far like, one of the best things I've done. Only because it's so funny, because years ago, I'm probably going to expose myself in the coming weeks. I literally was like, DMing Barbie, like, five years ago. Like, hi, I'm a lander. Everyone always said, the luck of Barbie. Like, we should partner. Like, we should, like, you know, collab. Course they did not respond. So it's like, years later for me to just be able to be in this very moment, be present with them and, like, be the face of their brand for a weekend. Like, this is huge. You know what I mean? Growing up, I didn't really see many Barbies that looked just like me. So I always kind of struggle with that, you know? So being able to be that representation for smaller girls that look just like me, it kind of like fed the inner child in me. And I'm also knowing that I'm actually touching up the younger generation of black women as black little girls as well. So I don't know. It was huge for me. It was huge. I never thought, like, for them to take a risk on a reality star and all those things. I'm like, this speaks volumes to them as a company, and they're very embedded in the culture and pop culture and all those things. I'm like, this was an amazing partnership. It did amazing. It blew all of the goals that they set for the partnership out of the water for the weekend. Blew it out of the water. It was so well put together. I loved every moment of it.

[Host 1]

They made the right choice. Absolutely for that. And they had you in that. They had you in the.

[Alandria Carthen]

The.

[Host 1]

The vintage Barbie swimsuit, right? The black and white one that even that, like, Margos in. In the start of the Barbie movie, I thought, I love that so much.

[Alandria Carthen]

It was so cute. It's so funny because that vintage shoot, like the pre shoot that I did before the polar rollout, that was done in, like, 10 minutes. I was rushing.

[Host 1]

Yeah, but you were just hitting it.

[Alandria Carthen]

All right. You're not a glam. And like, the. The hotel was like, well, you gotta hurry up before all the other customers want to get into, like, the pool. Like, you gotta hurry up. So maybe you had, like, 10 minutes to get all the shots and you

[Host 1]

had to clock in to serve.

[Alandria Carthen]

You had to, like, literally every single second of it. I'm taking advantage of every single second in the pool. And the floaties on the chair, like, it was crazy, but it came out really, really nice.

[Host 1]

You're like, don't stop snapping. I will move.

[Alandria Carthen]

Just keep taking Pictures, literally. Literally, that. That was me the entire time. So I was happy that I was able to bring it all together.

[Host 3]

Are you a naturally good poser? Because I sometimes my teammates, I'll be taking pictures of them the most. They put. You put a camera in front of them. The most awkward people you ever met. I'm like, at least point a toe or something where it's like, for me, it feels so natural. I. I don't know if I've been doing it since I was young, but I literally, a camera's on me. I am serving immediately.

[Host 1]

Right.

[Alandria Carthen]

I have a few of my go to poses, but once I'm run out of that, I'd be like, okay, what should I do next? I get awkward after that. I hit my little one too. And once I feel like I got a good few, I'm like, okay, like, let's get creative here. What else should I do? I've hit my. My Zova 2's already. I get a little awkward after that.

[Host 1]

But yeah, I try to hit some. I try to get creative and hit some more poses and they both go. You won't like that. No, sorry that we know. You try again.

[Host 3]

No, I'm like, cool, yeah, I'll be taking it. I'll put the phone down. Like, no, let's do something else. You're not gonna like this.

[Alandria Carthen]

Honestly, that's some real friends. That's some real friends right there.

[Host 1]

Literally.

[Host 3]

And especially, like, you know, the friends who just like, no, no, you look really good in this. Like, if the. If my friends don't look good, I'm like, you know, not that one.

[Host 1]

Change it.

[Host 3]

Don't be nice.

[Host 1]

This is a business. It's a business decision. Absolutely.

[Host 2]

It's gotten to the point where, like, my friends will show me to be like, which one? Because they, like, trust me implicitly to, like, tell the truth on, like, what

[Host 3]

they look good in.

[Host 2]

And I'm like, yeah. Feels kind of mean, but sure,

[Host 1]

right?

[Alandria Carthen]

I love honesty. Please be honest with me.

[Host 3]

Are you a really honest person? Like, do your friends go to you for that advice?

[Alandria Carthen]

Yes, sometimes brutally honest. I'm very blunt, but I grew up in a very blunt household, and I say my. My family says the most, the craziest things you could ever think of. Like, literally, it's here and it comes out immediately. And I have that problem too, obviously in the public eye. I can't. I have to dial it back a lot more because they can come off a lot ruder than I anticipate for them to. But I am Terribly blunt. So my friends come to me if they really want some real advice. They might not always like it, but I'm not. I'm not gonna give you advice that you're gonna always like. I'm gonna give you the real deal. So it's always just been me.

[Host 1]

That's hard to do because a lot of people don't want to hear it. And they might try to keep a distance from you then. But I hope that.

[Alandria Carthen]

Exactly. But it's like if I sugarcoat it and you still in the same cycle of whatever you're in, it's like, okay, I'm not a good friend. If that's the case to me, I'm not a good friend.

[Host 1]

Exactly. I'm trying to be better about that. We were just talking about how I want to be more. Yeah. If I feel this way and I don't think it's right for you, I'm not going to judge your decision, but I'm going to tell you what I think. Like, and maybe I'll help you down the line because I've had that where I haven't spoken up and now I'm not actually friends with that person anyway just because naturally fell apart. I wish I had just been honest.

[Host 3]

Yeah. I gotta be better about that.

[Host 2]

I think you have to say it once just so that, like, it's also partly selfish so that you know, if, like, even if they continue to do so, you said your piece. You know, like, whether it's a boyfriend and you're like, hey, I'm not sure about this. Like, hey, you tried to warn them. And like, obviously that's such an intricate situation that it's like, you're not going to be five years down the line. Be like, oh, I wish I said something then.

[Host 3]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

I would never be like, told you so. But, like, like. Want to say my piece.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Piece.

[Host 3]

Well, let's go into some try hard. Well, Alandra, we're going to get into try hard. So in rugby, a goal. A rugby goal is called a try. It's okay if you don't know. So you're going to have to try as hard as you can to answer these questions as quickly as possible.

[Host 1]

What's one hot girl habit that you swear by

[Host 3]

always taking off your makeup?

[Alandria Carthen]

No, I. The way I always fall asleep in my glam. I. I literally woke up this morning with my full. Like, come on. Like, I.

[Host 3]

That makes me feel better.

[Host 1]

It's not good. I mean, your skin's amazing, though, so maybe I should do that.

[Alandria Carthen]

I don't know, but like, yeah, I fall asleep in my glam all the time. I don't know. When I'm tired, I'm tired.

[Host 1]

Like, that's that good for you About

[Alandria Carthen]

a hot girl of me, maybe that

[Host 1]

is your hot girl hack is just working so hard to fall asleep in your glam.

[Alandria Carthen]

No, no, that's actually really, really. That's terrible. Hot glerp girl take. I guess a fire playlist before a night's out is like a essential.

[Host 2]

Nice.

[Host 1]

That's literally one of our questions. What is one song on your going out playlist?

[Alandria Carthen]

Ooh, where do I start? I would have to say something. Meg Thee Stallion. She gets me anything, that girl. She really know how I get me going. One.

[Host 1]

Yep.

[Host 2]

All right, what's better, the pregame or the actual going out part?

[Alandria Carthen]

The pregame, absolutely.

[Host 2]

Yes.

[Alandria Carthen]

I love a good pregame because this is just very intimate with your people, as you know. I'm saying, y' all having a good time, having fun. And I always end up being. Being late to the actual functions. I'm having so much fun at the pregame.

[Host 1]

And like, the little bit of tips you get at pregame is just like the perfect level of consumption to me.

[Alandria Carthen]

Sometimes I go a little too hard and be a little, I know, frazzled at the actual event, but come on.

[Host 1]

Doing my makeup, listening to my music with my girls.

[Host 2]

Best.

[Alandria Carthen]

I have to get the makeup done before the liquor starts kicking in though, cuz I'm no good, really.

[Host 3]

Do you drink a little when you get ready? Like, I love a glass of wine next to me as I get ready.

[Host 1]

Or a little cocktail.

[Alandria Carthen]

I am such a lightweight. I could take one shot. I'm like, oh, y' all feel that? Y' all hot. I am such a lightweight. I don't know. I did not drink in college at all. I was always a no. Wow. Because I always wanted to be very aware of my surroundings. I was just very, like, I don't know, paranoid all the time. But I didn't really start drinking until I graduated and went to came to Houston. I'm like, okay, I need to know my limits. And I still don't really know my limit now when my mouth starts watering, I'm like, all right, that's enough. I think it's too late. Like, I'm already like over a trash can, you know, kicking my brains out already. So I'm like, I'm. I have to pace myself.

[Host 1]

When my mouth starts watering is so funny.

[Host 3]

A 5, 3 limit, you know, it's over with.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

A 53 drinking limit is definitely different than a 5, 10 drinking limit. Yeah, we can go. We. We go about what, three drinks and we're like, wait a second. Starting to feel maybe something's happening.

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, no, wait. So how many shots do you take before you feel it?

[Host 3]

I can stay pretty locked down. I have to let it overtake me in a way. But I could take about three. Yeah. And then I would never take shots back to back. Mostly because I'm scared. I would. I do like a shot and a drink. Shot and a drink. So I would do. I could do about three to four drinks an hour. Is that crazy? I don't know. But I can and I stay locked in.

[Host 1]

Yeah, there's a lot of. There's a lot to us.

[Host 2]

Get on your level.

[Alandria Carthen]

That's crazy.

[Host 3]

No, you don't. Not, not. You're safe for your reason. Please.

[Host 1]

There's a lot of us. Are you a reader? And if so, what is your favorite book or the last book that you read?

[Alandria Carthen]

Okay, so I've been very busy, so I have not been reading. But as a kid, I used to love this book called A Child. Called it.

[Host 1]

Oh, Child.

[Host 2]

A Child's so Familiar.

[Host 1]

That sounds so familiar. I don't know it, though.

[Alandria Carthen]

It's such a sad book. It's about someone's childhood.

[Host 1]

Never abused.

[Alandria Carthen]

I don't know. I was a weird kid. I used to, like, really be into books like that because the Goosebumps books and all the other books just wasn't really hitting at me like that. So I'm like, I need something real. I need something more mature. I would always read books like that. And I'm like, wow, this is crazy. But, yeah, it was one of my favorite books as a kid.

[Host 1]

Yeah, we read very much so. Not real books. We do a lot of, like, fantasy romance romps.

[Host 3]

Really?

[Host 1]

Like, fluffy.

[Host 3]

Oh, we love a smut oland.

[Host 1]

We love a spicy book. We do like, what's that thing that was like, oh, my gosh. You read so many books. You must be so smart. It's like, not in these books.

[Host 2]

Not the books I'm reading.

[Host 1]

Oh, yeah, they're in the books.

[Alandria Carthen]

My friend, she was. I was like, what's going. What's going on in that book? Why are you squirming? What is. What are they saying? What are they talking about? So, yeah, I know them authors get down on them books.

[Host 1]

I'm like, all right, I'm just getting down. And then when you see somebody reading that in public, I'm like, you're a freak. You're a freak. I know what you're reading.

[Host 2]

I'm on the subway sometimes, and I'm like, you're reading that in public around

[Host 3]

me in a heart.

[Host 2]

And turn it around.

[Host 3]

Let me take a look at the pages. Matter of fact, what is your love language, Alandria?

[Alandria Carthen]

I would have to say acts of service.

[Host 1]

Okay, why is that?

[Alandria Carthen]

I don't know. I mean, things are gonna get done regardless, but if you just take the initiative to do it anyway for me to where I don't have to, I think that speaks volumes. Not only do you know my routine and, like, know what. What needs to happen, but, like, you took the initiative to, like, take that task offhand. Yeah. It could be something as simple as, like, like, you come over and see that the trash is overflowing or whatever you like. You just get it done. When I was growing up, my stepdad used to. I used to wake up and my car would be gone. So take my car, fill it up with gas, clean it outside, inside, wax it, and bring it back. I'm like, although, like, I was going to do that. You did it for me. And it just made my day. Like, things like that.

[Host 3]

Right.

[Alandria Carthen]

You know what I mean? So.

[Host 3]

I don't know.

[Alandria Carthen]

I just love things like that.

[Host 1]

And is that also how you show love, or do you show love in a different way?

[Alandria Carthen]

I. I am a gift giver. I love gift giving. Like, that is my love language. That's how I. That's how I show a person. I'm listening to you. I know you like, I'm understanding you. I'm knowing what you like. I really feel like when it comes to women and men, sometimes guys don't always feel heard in that sense, heard and you know what I mean? Or shown up for. So I always made it a quality for me with my person. Like, you know what? Let me just sit down and ask you, your favorite color. What are you interested in? What do you like? What don't you like? And I always show that love through the gift that I give you. It's always very thoughtful and very well thought out. And I love giving people gifts that people typically don't think that people will give them. Like, whether it's expensive or not, it's like, you know what? I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking about you. I. I really, you know, I really do be listening, even if you think people are not. I just feel like everyone deserves to be listened to and be heard and thought of. So.

[Host 1]

And now you've mentioned how. How Much. You're into interior design. What is one thing in your home that is very special to you?

[Alandria Carthen]

You. Ooh. H. I would have to say one of the. It's. You can't see it, but I made this. This art piece. It's on this canvas. It's a black canvas. I painted it black and I put this queen size sheet bed sheet on it. It's really pretty. It's all. I'm not even going to show you.

[Host 2]

You're good.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah, it's really. It's really, really pretty. But anyway, I made it. When I first moved to Houston, I was so broke. I don't even like to say broke. I was in between blessings at the time. And I didn't really have enough money to buy extra things for my house. I had enough money for bills and food, but I really didn't have enough money to decorate my space. I was already like missing home. I was homesick and I was a little depressed and I was like, you know what? I'm gonna make my own art. So that's one of the art pieces that I really, really, really love. It means a lot to me. It reminds me of a place that I once was and a place that I never wanna go back to. But that. That picture symbolizes all those things when I first moved to Houston. So.

[Host 2]

That's beautiful.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

I love that. You can now like bring it to you or bring it with you to all the spaces that like.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah, yeah. My new penthouse. I'm gonna put that. That little art piece right on it. Like, girl, look right by the door. There you go.

[Host 1]

Front and center. Yeah, I guess. Then my last question would be, have you heard any good gossip lately?

[Alandria Carthen]

Good gossam. Ciao. I'll be starting bit a little. Y' all heard from gossip. I love being messy. But y' all know. Wait.

[Host 1]

No, it's true.

[Alandria Carthen]

How about it?

[Host 1]

We just love some hometown gossip. I love hearing from my mom when she's around town what she's got to say. And the people she's talking to or my. Are almost acting up. You know that.

[Host 3]

Honestly, I think I'm more the creator of gossip for my friends.

[Host 1]

Yes, you do.

[Host 3]

Oh, really? I give them and they're just. They're probably talking about me to everybody.

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh yeah.

[Host 3]

The shit I'm saying. I'm creating gossip. Sorry. That I'm interesting.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 3]

Okay. I'm feeding the people.

[Host 1]

Doing it for the stories.

[Alandria Carthen]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Do you have any gossip right now?

[Host 3]

It's my gossip right now. No, honestly, all of this stuff is way Too embarrassing to share. It's a bit X ray, but, Alandria, when I see you in person, I'll let you know.

[Host 1]

She'll fill you in. Okay.

[Host 3]

And then you can share. Then you can share with other people. I love it.

[Host 2]

Well, let's swing on into the chore wheel. Alandra, now that you're part of the family, you've got to help out around their house.

[Alandria Carthen]

So.

[Host 2]

So we're gonna give you a list of chores. You'll choose one, and we'll give you the corresponding challenge. The options are laundry, dishes, vacuuming, or sweeping.

[Alandria Carthen]

Vacuuming.

[Host 2]

All right, reveal your go to excuse for when you want to cancel plans.

[Host 3]

Oh, you know, she knows you're gonna expose me.

[Alandria Carthen]

My training's gonna kill me because I canceled my training session this morning. Like, girl, I'm so tired. All this traveling, my body's shutting down, which I do need. Timer. I just really did not want her to kill me in the gym today, so.

[Host 3]

Right.

[Alandria Carthen]

I'm gonna be queued out once this is aired, but it is what it is. So my go to is I'm tired, but I'm. I do travel, so it. It checks out.

[Host 1]

Fair self care.

[Host 2]

There's truth in it.

[Host 1]

Good for you.

[Host 2]

All right, truth.

[Host 1]

There. One more chore. Laundry dishes or sweeping laundry. Reveal. What a favorite cutesy pet name that people call you that like, you love or do you just go by Alandria?

[Alandria Carthen]

Oh, like my family.

[Host 1]

Yeah. With your family or with your man? Or, like, what nickname do you like the most?

[Alandria Carthen]

My. Well, my grandfather, he passed as a kid. He's always called me Tiny. Like, that's my name. My dad calls me Tiny all because I was. I'm little. So as a kid, I'm like this skinny little, short little thing. So my nickname is Tiny for my family.

[Host 2]

Oh, Tiny.

[Host 1]

I love that.

[Alandria Carthen]

It's so cute and sentimental. That's gorgeous.

[Host 1]

I love it. All right, well, thank you so much for coming over, Alandria. Follow the BAMA Barbie on IG at Alandria and on TikTok at AlandriaCarthen.

[Host 3]

Bye, Barbie.

[Host 1]

We will see you all next week.

[Host 3]

Thanks so much for coming on.

[Alandria Carthen]

You guys were amazing.

[Host 3]

Bye, darling.

[Host 1]

Thanks for being here.

[Host 2]

Thanks so much for coming over to the House of Mar a Wave original.

[Host 3]

Be sure to watch, subscribe on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[Host 1]

Plus, follow the show on social media at House of Mar for clips and behind the scenes scenes content.

[Host 3]

Bye, everybody.

[Alandria Carthen]

Bye.

[Host 3]

Bye. Bye.