Podcast Summary: "How The (Reality TV) Sausage Is Made"
Let's Not Talk About The Husband
Host: Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Episode Title: How The (Reality TV) Sausage Is Made
1. Happy Anniversary and Reflections (00:01 - 02:57)
The episode kicks off with Lisa and Harry celebrating their 28th wedding anniversary. Harry humorously likens their enduring marriage to a "Gordian knot" (01:11), emphasizing its strength and unbreakable nature. They reminisce about their favorite getaway spot, Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, mentioning its historical allure tied to Al Capone and the therapeutic benefits of its natural hot springs (01:33 - 02:32). Both express the revitalizing effects of their annual visits, with Lisa noting, "I swear to God, every time I come back, I feel great" (02:32).
2. The "No Problem" Conversation (02:57 - 09:00)
A significant portion of the episode delves into their disdain for the commonplace response "no problem" following a thank you. Harry expresses confusion and frustration over the phrase, questioning its appropriateness: "Wait a minute, where was the problem?" (04:21). Lisa shares her newfound irritation, revealing she now mentally "puts people in the left hand column" if they use the phrase (05:27). Together, they advocate for more traditional responses like "you're welcome" or "my pleasure," suggesting that eliminating "no problem" could foster more positive interactions: "We could change the world one podcast at a time" (08:21).
3. Anniversary and Relationship Insights (09:00 - 25:43)
Transitioning from their discussion on common phrases, Lisa and Harry reflect on their enduring relationship amidst Hollywood's often tumultuous dynamics. They contrast their stability with friends who frequently resort to "girls trips" or eventual divorces. Lisa recounts past travels to glamorous destinations like Hong Kong and Rome but expresses reluctance to engage in future "girls trips" due to challenging experiences (09:00 - 10:25).
Harry shares a personal anecdote about canceling a major trip for two and a half years to secure significant acting roles, illustrating the sacrifices they've made for their careers and family: "We would not have the two beautiful daughters that we have" (21:28 - 23:44). They discuss the importance of perseverance in the entertainment industry, emphasizing that "love is the answer" and highlighting the unique balance they've maintained between work and personal life.
4. Listener Voicemail: The Hustle (26:06 - 41:17)
Caller: Jeff
Topic: The Hustle
Jeff praises the podcast and inquires about Lisa's perspective on "the hustle," seeking insights into their strategies and techniques for maintaining a successful career.
Key Points Discussed:
-
Definition of Hustle: Lisa describes herself as a "hustler" who sells herself and her talents without compromising her integrity (26:57 - 27:32). She emphasizes the necessity of personal effort in achieving success: "You have to be the one that wakes up in the morning... make it happen" (27:06).
-
Evolution of Hustling: Harry explains how the dynamics in Hollywood shifted from simply making a living to the necessity of hustling due to changes in agency practices and the increasing competitiveness of the industry (29:14 - 32:08). This shift compelled them to diversify their careers to sustain their livelihoods.
-
Strategic vs. Survival Hustle: While Harry initially viewed hustling as a survival mechanism in a changing industry, Lisa highlights the strategic aspect, where hustling is driven by intuition and forward momentum: "It's about manifesting what it is that you want to do" (39:48).
-
Impact on Personal Growth: Both agree that hustling fosters continuous personal development and prevents complacency. They also touch upon the role of gratitude in maintaining motivation and self-esteem (37:40 - 40:46).
5. Listener Voicemail: Parenting Advice (45:22 - 64:26)
Caller: From South Africa
Topic: Parenting Through Toddler Years
The caller seeks advice on managing the turbulent toddler years, drawing parallels to Lisa and Harry's own experiences raising their daughters.
Key Points Discussed:
-
Early Childhood Education: Harry shares their decision to enroll their children in progressive schools that prioritize social development over traditional academics, fostering well-rounded individuals (55:08 - 56:10).
-
Handling Toddler Challenges: They recount the chaos of managing temper tantrums and the importance of consistent parenting strategies like Ferberizing, which teaches children to self-soothe and sleep independently (58:24 - 59:08).
-
Adolescent Difficulties: While their daughters displayed challenging behaviors during teenage years, Lisa and Harry emphasize patience, love, and support as essential tools for navigating this phase (60:16 - 63:40).
-
Personal Anecdotes: Lisa humorously shares instances of their daughter's misophonia, highlighting the unique challenges of parenting celebrities' children: "She can't stand you eating... she can't stand you talking" (61:00 - 61:40).
-
General Advice: The couple underscores the universality of parenting struggles and the importance of resilience, teamwork, and creating a nurturing environment: "Love and kindness and compassion with your kids" (62:39 - 64:26).
6. Closing Remarks (64:21 - End)
As they conclude the episode, Lisa and Harry encourage listeners to engage with the podcast by leaving voicemails and following them on social media. They reiterate the value of their discussions, blending humor with heartfelt advice, and invite listeners to tune in for future episodes every Friday.
Notable Quotes
-
Harry on Marriage Knot: "It's actually kind of a Gordian knot, because I don't think we can ever untie it." (01:11)
-
Lisa on "No Problem": "If you say no problem to me, I have devalued you already." (05:51)
-
Harry on Hustling Necessity: "On the transaction when you handed me the coffee and I said thank you, where was the potential problem there?" (09:14)
-
Lisa on Hustle Definition: "Hustle means to keep going, keep moving, keep creating, keep it up." (28:51)
-
Harry on Parenting Philosophy: "Love and kindness and compassion with your kids. You don't want to be spanking them." (62:39)
Insights and Conclusions
In this episode, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin blend personal anecdotes with insightful discussions on relationships, career dynamics, and parenting. Their candid conversation about everyday phrases like "no problem" underscores their commitment to meaningful communication. The exploration of "the hustle" highlights the evolution of career strategies in a competitive industry, emphasizing adaptability and continuous growth. Additionally, their parenting advice offers relatable guidance for listeners navigating the challenges of raising children amidst public lives.
Overall, the episode offers a balanced mix of humor, heartfelt reflections, and practical advice, embodying the hosts' charismatic and genuine approach to shared life experiences.
