Miss Represented Podcast: Victoria Larson [Episode 47] Summary

Release Date: October 16, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 47 of the Miss Represented podcast, host Lisa Opie welcomes Victoria Larson, a prominent figure known for her appearances on The Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise, and East House of Villains. The episode delves deep into Victoria's journey through reality TV, her experiences on House of Villains, her ventures into pageantry, and her approach to mental health and personal branding.

Casting and Participation in House of Villains

Victoria shares her casting journey, highlighting her persistence and passion for reality TV.

• Casting Insights:

  • "I got casted because I was a villain on the Bachelor, so hard work paid off." [01:15]
  • Initially contacted for the first season but later joined Season Two, appreciating the lighter and more humorous cast dynamics.

• Choosing House of Villains:

  • "Joel McHale is the host. It's very unserious, and I feel like, you know me. That's how I am. So it's perfect." [01:56]
  • Admiration for the show's format and host, aligning with her personality.

Relationships and Alliances on the Show

Victoria discusses the complexities of forming alliances and friendships within the competitive environment of House of Villains.

• Initial Overwhelm:

  • "I almost, like, blacked out only because everything crazy was happening." [02:14]
  • Struggled to navigate the intense dynamics upon entering the house.

• Forming Alliances:

  • "Thank God Wes brought me into his little cult." [04:01]
  • Praises Wes for being a stabilizing influence and helping her find her footing.

• Friendship with New York:

  • "I love New York. She really is, like, my favorite." [06:02]
  • Transitioned from rivalry to a strong friendship, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding.

Comparing House of Villains to The Bachelor

Victoria provides a comparative analysis of both shows, highlighting the differences in production and participant interactions.

• Producer Involvement:

  • "House of Villains was way different than Bachelor because I did not see producers as often." [17:03]
  • Finds House of Villains to be more genuine with less producer interference, fostering authentic interactions.

• Show Dynamics:

  • "House of Villains is more of a live interaction than navigated." [18:09]
  • Appreciates the immediate and unscripted nature of House of Villains compared to the heavily produced Bachelor.

Mental Health and Dealing with Online Hate

Victoria opens up about the challenges of online negativity and the strategies she employs to maintain her mental well-being.

• Healing from The Bachelor:

  • "I healed by taking time off the Internet and being in real life." [11:40]
  • Emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from online hate to find personal happiness.

• Overcoming Bullying:

  • "Journaling, talking to a friend who really knows you, and going for a walk." [27:09]
  • Advocates for practical mental health practices to combat online negativity.

• Perspective on Hate:

  • "I know the hate made me more compassionate." [28:17]
  • Turns negative experiences into opportunities for personal growth and empathy.

Pageant Background and Experiences

The conversation shifts to Victoria's involvement in pageantry, outlining her motivations and growth through the process.

• Entering Pageants:

  • "Grant told me I should do pageants, even though I had never participated before." [29:23]
  • Credits encouragement from peers for her entry into the competitive world of pageants.

• Competitive Nature:

  • "I always get into things where I'm in over my head." [29:48]
  • Describes pageants as both challenging and rewarding, fostering personal development regardless of outcomes.

• Connection to Host:

  • "I met Lisa when you were selling your eyelashes at a pageant." [30:57]
  • Highlights the serendipitous moments that led to her friendship with Lisa Opie.

Social Media and Brand Partnerships

Victoria delves into her ventures beyond reality TV, focusing on her social media presence and brand collaborations.

• OnlyFans Experience:

  • "My OnlyFans is PG; anything I post is also on Instagram." [23:01]
  • Clarifies misconceptions about her OnlyFans content, stressing its artistic and non-pornographic nature.

• Brand Partnerships:

  • "I want to continue partnerships with spas and health-related brands." [10:27]
  • Aligns her personal brand with her passion for health and wellness, seeking authentic collaborations.

• Personal Branding:

  • "I'm not fake. Just be you if the brand aligns." [09:15]
  • Advocates for authenticity in personal branding, avoiding superficial engagements for mere brand deals.

Future Plans and Dreams

Victoria shares her aspirations, both personal and professional, reflecting her optimistic outlook.

• Career Goals:

  • "I love being on set and seeing what the universe provides." [20:15]
  • Open to diverse opportunities, including potential spin-offs like a "villain academy."

• Personal Aspirations:

  • "I want to be married, have kids, and pursue any show that excites me." [20:14]
  • Envisions a balanced life combining family and career.

• Relocation Thoughts:

  • "I don't know where I want to live. New York, L.A., Dubai." [20:00]
  • Contemplates various vibrant cities, indicating flexibility and openness to new experiences.

Advice for Overcoming Online Negativity

Victoria imparts valuable guidance to listeners facing similar challenges with online bullying.

• Practical Tips:

  • "Journaling, talking to a supportive friend, and going for a walk." [27:09]
  • Encourages engaging in activities that promote mental well-being and seeking support systems.

• Maintaining Boundaries:

  • "I have 3,000 people on my block list. Boundaries are crucial." [26:55]
  • Stresses the importance of setting limits to protect one's mental health from online toxicity.

Fun Segment: This or That

In a lighthearted finale, Lisa and Victoria engage in a "This or That" segment, revealing personal preferences and playful insights.

• Preferences Highlighted:

  • Sushi over Steak: "Sushi." [32:25]
  • Photo Shoot over Fashion Show: "Photo shoot." [33:25]
  • Gown over Swimsuit: "Gown. More creative and fun." [33:37]
  • Crown over Sash: "Crown, duh." [33:29]
  • Shopping Spree over Spa Day: "Shopping spree." [34:53]
  • Makeup over Hair: "Makeup." [34:05]

• Humorous Exchanges:

  • Playful banter about forgetfulness and personal anecdotes, adding a relatable and entertaining layer to the episode.

Closing Thoughts

Victoria's candid discussions offer listeners a comprehensive look into the life of a reality TV personality navigating fame, competition, and personal growth. Her emphasis on mental health, authenticity, and setting boundaries provides inspiring takeaways for anyone facing similar challenges.

Notable Quotes

• "I'm trying to think, but just getting back to New York. Like, I feel like I've never been confused when I've one on one talk with her." – Victoria Larson [06:56]
• "The females body is beautiful. It can be very artistically displayed." – Victoria Larson [23:01]
• "So, like, know your worth." – Victoria Larson [22:48]

Connect with Victoria Larson

• Instagram: @VictoriaLarson (All links available in her bio)
• TikTok: @VictoriaLarson
• Snapchat: VictoriaLarson

Join us in supporting Victoria Larson as she continues to make her mark both on and off the screen. Don't forget to vote for her and stay tuned for more inspiring episodes on the Miss Represented Podcast!