Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald
Episode: Brandy and Julie, America’s Next Top Model, RHOBH, Epstein
Date: February 19, 2026
Guests: Julie Goldman & Brandi Howard (Dumb Gay Politics podcast)
Episode Overview
Heather McDonald welcomes back comedians and podcast hosts Julie Goldman and Brandi Howard for a packed episode overflowing with pop culture hot topics, reality TV takedowns, and wild true crime/celebrity conspiracy talk. The trio dishes on everything from Modernism Week, kids TV nostalgia, and the state of modeling competitions, to ongoing internet sleuthing into current true crime cases and the darkest rumors about Hollywood, Epstein, and the RHOBH universe.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Palm Springs Modernism Week & Catching Up (03:00–06:30)
- Heather shares stories from her Palm Springs Modernism Week trip, gushing about retro homes, glam tours, and celebrity throwbacks. She jokes about her friends missing out due to being "responsible nerds" doing their taxes.
- Julie and Brandi lament missing the event and share travel updates (Minneapolis-bound for their live show).
- Heather teases future plans for more insider Modernism Week events.
Notable Quote:
“We need to do something with Martin [Ballard] to discuss Erika Jayne’s pool area that he redid.”
— Julie Goldman (06:39)
2. The Nancy Guthrie Missing Person Mystery (06:45–16:20)
- Heather & guests deep-dive into the bizarre disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, discussing TikTok-fueled theories, suspicious neighbors, and shifting clues.
- They debate viral analysis of ring cams, the role of the media (esp. TMZ), and internet sleuthing ethics.
- The panel grapples with how high-profile missing persons cases differ in coverage and law enforcement response.
Notable Quote:
“Honestly, this is the most confusing, bizarre, weird, shady...there's nothing to hold onto.”
— Brandi Howard (13:00)
3. Valentine’s Day Pop Culture Recap: Portia’s Lesbifabulous Bash & “Cheers to Love” with Nick Cannon (16:20–21:19)
- Heather dissects viral influencer and reality star Valentine's Day extravaganzas, notably Portia’s high-dollar lesbian celebration.
- The group laughs about Nick Cannon’s complicated web of baby mamas, discussing their elaborate photoshoots, social media posturing, and competitive flair.
- They joke about Nick Cannon deserving his own "Bachelor"-esque show with his children’s mothers.
Memorable Moment:
“Instagram wars of the baby mamas of Nick Cannon...it could be a whole reality show.”
— Heather McDonald (20:25)
4. America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) Netflix Docuseries Breakdown (23:56–52:52)
- The trio critiques the recent “Reality Checks: Inside America’s Next Top Model” series.
- They roast outdated reality show ethics, the physical and emotional exploitation of contestants, and Tyra Banks’ attempts at damage control.
- Debate over whether Tyra or Jay Emanuel was at fault for ANTM’s infamous backstage drama and staff shake-ups.
- Sobering discussion of the show’s many problematic moments: sexual harassment, “tragic” photo shoots, and forcing contestants into uncomfortable situations.
- Call-out of the industry’s lack of real modeling success for winners and the “stink” attached to reality stars afterward.
- Docuseries exposes the ongoing exploitation, as former contestants still contribute for free while hosts profit.
Notable Quotes:
“It’s crazy that we had to go through Me Too for people—and I mean women included—to understand that you have the right not to be touched inappropriately or groped.”
— Julie Goldman (43:54)
“You wrote an email saying you didn’t want to do the show anymore... Not to mention...you told girls over and over again just to deal with it when you’re being groped and made uncomfortable...”
— Brandi Howard (38:57)
“Classic: now they're being exploited for a second time by the documentary itself.”
— Julie Goldman (53:12)
5. Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story: JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette” Review (53:23–62:44)
- The panel shares reactions to FX/Hulu’s miniseries about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
- Discussion of casting, on-screen accuracy, nostalgia, and pop culture’s fascination with “it” couples.
- Light-hearted banter about Daryl Hannah’s “annoying” characterization and the accuracy of bridal/family drama scenes.
- Shout-out to George magazine and its moment in US political/pop culture (Brandi was a superfan).
Notable Quote:
“There are certain girls...they are not necessarily the most perfect looking, they might not even be the best in the sack, but they can just mind fuck a guy like no one else...and it’s a talent I have never been blessed with.”
— Heather McDonald (57:16)
6. Epstein, Ghislaine, and Unraveling Conspiracies (63:20–76:00)
- The group speculates that the woman currently in prison may not be Ghislaine Maxwell based on facial differences—“the nose sent me!”—and floats the idea of body doubles and possible plastic surgery.
- They discuss Epstein’s teeth-related fetishes and evidence for potential faked deaths, hidden files, and “encrypted” conspiracy breadcrumbs in pop media.
- Shout-outs to online sleuths, TikTokers, and podcasts leading the charge on unpacking the Epstein files while authorities do little.
- The conversation highlights the overwhelming, disturbing nature of the revelations and the blurry line between rabbit-hole conspiracies and documented fact.
Notable Quotes:
“The person [in the video]...is not her, in my opinion.”
— Heather McDonald (66:45)
“At this point, it’s so beyond anything we could have ever imagined...my hope is that because of so many visuals...this might be the time where something happens.”
— Brandi Howard (73:30)
7. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Manifesting, Scams, and Social Dynamics (78:31–84:32)
- Reviews RHOBH’s focus on “manifesting” wealth and happiness, with Heather parodying influencer “masterclass” schemes.
- The panel debates whether TV personalities pushing online courses are genuine or grifters; recognizes that it isn’t a crime, just a sign of the times.
- Rachel Zoe receives praise for her role and authenticity.
- The toxic fun (and occasional bonding) of group-forming against an outsider on girls trips is explored—relatable and reality TV gold.
Notable Quotes:
“She didn’t invent the wheel. She took it and did make it successful. And if people bought it...that is not a crime.”
— Heather McDonald (83:21)
“The most fun [on a group trip] was bagging on the one girl who was being weird...”
— Heather McDonald (84:47)
8. Pop Culture Mysteries, Mandela Effect & Time Travel (86:58–90:12)
- The infamous “not real” airplane woman resurface—did she see a shape-shifter or have a psychotic break?
- Julie muses that lottery winners might be time travelers, leading to jokes about the Mandela Effect: Berenstain Bears, Curious George, Looney Tunes, Froot Loops, etc.
- Philosophical detour: How manifesting positive outcomes can blend with urban legend and mass memory phenomena.
Notable Quotes:
“There is no way to explain why... there is a weird time travel [thing with the Mandela Effect].”
— Heather McDonald (87:33)
“I do believe in manifesting. I do believe in putting it out there. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
— Heather McDonald (90:12)
9. The Michael Jordan “Butt Grab” Viral Clip (91:56–96:38)
- Heather describes a viral clip of Michael Jordan grabbing a young boy’s butt after a race car win, sparking debate over boundaries, intention vs. perception, and acceptable displays of affection across generations.
- The panel recalls their own childhood experiences and the shifting norms around touch and physical affection, especially with children.
Notable Quote:
“You would think in this day and age...you would definitely be made aware of it and be a Keanu Reeves that, like, is like this. But maybe he just hadn’t ever thought of it.”
— Heather McDonald (93:58)
10. Farewells & Plugs (97:58–end)
- Julie and Brandi promote their live show “Nightmare on Strip Street” in Minneapolis, their ongoing Dumb Gay Politics podcast, and travels to come.
- Instagram handles:
- @thebrandyhoward
- @mrjuliegoldman
- Heather plugs her shows in Salt Lake City and Patreon.
- Final jokes about manifesting, friendship, and upcoming projects.
Notable Quotes Table
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 06:39 | Julie Goldman | “Julie and I need to be with Martin to discuss Erika Jayne’s pool area that he redid.” | | 13:00 | Brandi Howard | “Honestly, this is the most confusing, bizarre, weird, shady...there's nothing to hold onto.” | | 20:25 | Heather McDonald | “Instagram wars of the baby mamas of Nick Cannon...it could be a whole reality show.” | | 43:54 | Julie Goldman | “It’s crazy that we had to go through Me Too for people—and I mean women included—to understand…” | | 38:57 | Brandi Howard | “You wrote an email saying you didn’t want to do the show anymore...you told girls over and over again just to deal with it…” | | 53:12 | Julie Goldman | “Classic: now they're being exploited for a second time by the documentary itself.” | | 57:16 | Heather McDonald | “There are certain girls...they can just mind fuck a guy like no one else...and it’s a talent I have never been blessed with.”| | 66:45 | Heather McDonald | “The person [in the video]...is not her, in my opinion.” | | 73:30 | Brandi Howard | “At this point, it’s so beyond anything we could have ever imagined...this might be the time where something happens.”| | 83:21 | Heather McDonald | “She didn’t invent the wheel. She took it and did make it successful. And if people bought it...that is not a crime.”| | 84:47 | Heather McDonald | “The most fun [on a group trip] was bagging on the one girl who was being weird...” | | 87:33 | Heather McDonald | “There is no way to explain why... there is a weird time travel [thing with the Mandela Effect].” | | 90:12 | Heather McDonald | “I do believe in manifesting. I do believe in putting it out there. There’s nothing wrong with it.” | | 93:58 | Heather McDonald | “You would think in this day and age...you would definitely be made aware of it and be a Keanu Reeves that, like, is like this.”|
Episode Highlights
- In-depth, signature “Juicy Scoop” style analysis of true crime, internet sleuthing, and the intersection of pop culture and criminality.
- Honest, sharp, and funny takes on how reality TV, past and present, can both exploit and empower.
- Surreal and hilarious speculation (from whether Ghislaine is really in prison to if lottery winners are time travelers).
- Relatable and witty conversation about friendship, fame, and “manifesting” in modern society.
Timestamp Guide for Major Segments
- 03:00 – Modernism Week Recap / Friend Banter
- 06:45 – Nancy Guthrie Disappearance & True Crime
- 16:20 – Valentine’s Pop Culture / Nick Cannon / Reality Star Instagrams
- 23:56 – America’s Next Top Model Retrospective & Docuseries Breakdown
- 53:23 – “Love Story: JFK Jr. and Carolyn” Miniseries Review
- 63:20 – Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Hollywood Conspiracies
- 78:31 – Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Manifesting & Masterclass Grift
- 86:58 – “Not Real” Plane Girl & Mandela Effect
- 91:56 – Michael Jordan Viral Butt Grab Clip
- 97:58 – Plugs & Goodbyes
Final Thoughts
This packed episode exemplifies Juicy Scoop’s unique blend: pop culture obsession, unfiltered humor, social commentary, and a touch of the unhinged. Heather, Julie, and Brandi deliver laugh-out-loud moments, incisive analysis, and just the right amount of conspiratorial spice. Whether you’re chasing reality TV drama or reading between the lines of news headlines, this episode guarantees your scoop is juicy.