Podcast
Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel
Hosted by Rachel Uchitel · EN
New episodes every Tuesday at 12am ESTNew Patreon episodes every Saturday at 12pm ESTThis podcast will delve into the lives of those who have been reduced to a single headline. Each episode will take a closer look at the stories of those who are on a mission to change their narrative. Through raw and honest interviews, we will reveal the human behind the headline. Join me, as we uncover the truth behind the misconceptions, shed light on the stories of those who have perhaps been wrongfully portrayed, explore the complexities of the human experience, and celebrate the power of second chances.
71episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How would YOU know if you were in a cult? Sarah Edmondson on leaving NXIVM #380
2d ago01:06:49Summary readySarah's Book "Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped NXIVM, the Cult That Bound My Life" : https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Story-Escaped-NXIVM-Memoir/dp/1452184267Sarah Edmondson never thought she'd join a cult.Like so many others, she was searching for personal growth, community, and purpose when she discovered NXIVM—a self-help organization that promised to help people become the best version of themselves.Instead, she found herself trapped inside one of the most notorious cults in modern history.In this eye-opening conversation, Sarah shares how she became involved with NXIVM, the red flags she noticed from the beginning, and why she ignored them. She opens up about the secret inner circle known as DOS, the shocking branding ritual that changed everything, and the moment she realized the organization was far more dangerous than she ever imagined.Rachel also shares her own experiences with coercive environments and explores the psychology behind manipulation, control, and why intelligent, successful people can find themselves caught in systems they never intended to join.This is more than a story about NXIVM.It's a conversation about trust, belonging, influence, and how easily our instincts can be overridden when the right person—or organization—knows exactly what we want to hear.
SummaryThe Truth About Joey Merlino: Mob Boss, Prison, Loyalty & Life After The Headlines
2w ago00:58:15Summary readyFor decades, Joey Merlino has been one of the most controversial and recognizable figures in America. Federal prosecutors called him the boss of the Philadelphia crime family. He's spent years behind bars, fought some of the biggest federal cases of his life, and recently became the subject of renewed public attention through a Netflix documentary.In this candid conversation with Rachel Uchitel, Joey opens up about prison, solitary confinement, loyalty, betrayal, gambling addiction, family, second chances, and how he navigates a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about him. Whether you view him as a mob boss, businessman, survivor, or something else entirely, this conversation reveals a side of Joey Merlino that rarely makes the headlines.--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
SummaryI Was In Prison With Mackenzie Shirilla: The Real Story Behind Netflix's The Crash | Miss Understood #378
3w ago00:54:51Summary readyAfter Netflix's The Crash reignited national attention around Mackenzie Shirilla, Rachel Uchitel sits down with former inmate Kat Crowder, who spent time incarcerated with her in Ohio prison.Kat shares what Mackenzie was really like behind bars, why she says the woman featured in the documentary didn't match the person she observed in prison, and what inmates thought about one of the most talked-about true crime cases in recent years. She also discusses Mackenzie's prison reputation, disciplinary reports, relationships behind bars, and the reaction inmates had to seeing the documentary while incarcerated.But this conversation becomes much more than a story about Mackenzie. Kat opens up about her own troubled past, her father's suicide, addiction, multiple arrests, a high-speed police chase that landed her in prison, and the daughter she believes ultimately saved her life. It's a powerful story about accountability, redemption, second chances, and rebuilding after prison.--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
SummaryThe Animals Left Behind in the California Fires | Miss Understood #377
May 2600:59:53Summary readyBoomer Buddies Rescue: https://www.boomersbuddies.comJessica Davis IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessandheranimals/?hl=enAs wildfires tore through California, many residents were forced to flee without knowing if they would ever see their pets again. In this heartbreaking episode, Rachel Uchitel speaks with animal rescuer Jessica Davis, who entered the Palisades fire zones to search for stranded animals after entire neighborhoods had been destroyed. Jessica shares the emotional stories of desperate owners, surviving pets found hiding in the rubble, and the devastating reality facing California’s overwhelmed shelter system. From rescue efforts during active fire conditions to the growing animal crisis happening across the state, this is a powerful conversation about survival, compassion, and the bond between people and their animals.--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
SummaryKelly Bensimon on The Golden Life, Reinventing Herself & Why She Embraces Being Misunderstood
May 1901:13:43Summary readyReality TV icon, model, entrepreneur, author, and luxury real estate powerhouse Kelly Bensimon joins Rachel for a deeply personal conversation about reinvention, resilience, and why being misunderstood may actually be her greatest strength.Fresh off filming E!’s highly anticipated new reality series The Golden Life — which reunites original RHONY legends in Palm Beach — Kelly opens up about what it was really like stepping back into ensemble reality television on an entirely different network with a completely new storytelling style and energy. But this episode goes far beyond reality TV.Kelly shares the truth about rebuilding herself over and over again — from modeling and publishing to becoming one of the top luxury real estate brokers in New York and Florida — all while learning how to stand firmly on her own two feet. She reflects on public perception, fame, heartbreak, and why she’s finally comfortable owning the parts of herself the world never fully understood.She also addresses her complicated history with Bethenny Frankel, discusses the lasting tension from the RHONY years, and gives her honest thoughts on friendship, competition, and reality television today. The conversation also dives into love, dating, and relationships after the end of her engagement to financier Scott Litner in 2024.--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
SummaryAndrea Bartzen: EXCLUSIVE Inside the World of Family Offices, Charity Galas & Social Climbing Gone Wrong
May 1601:18:32Summary readyAndrea Bartzen was labeled the “Fake Cartier” in a viral society scandal that lit up Palm Beach, Manhattan, and social media. But headlines rarely tell the full story.In this episode of Miss Understood, Rachel Uchitel sits down with Andrea for an exclusive conversation about the accusations, the media storm, and how one article changed her life overnight.Andrea opens up about her past, her connections, the claims made against her, and why she says much of the story was false.Then Rachel takes it one step further — attending one of Andrea’s real-life events herself and sharing what happened after the cameras stopped rolling.Is Andrea Bartzen misunderstood… or exactly who critics say she is?Watch and decide for yourself.#MissUnderstood #RachelUchitel #AndreaBartzen--- --- —VISIT OUR AMAZING SPONSORS!Odyssey Functional EnergyGo to www.odysseyfunctionalenergy.com/ and use code RACHEL20 at checkout for 20% OFF--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
SummaryIs Korea 10 Years Ahead of American Beauty? Inside the Billion-Dollar K-Beauty Boom
May 1200:45:34Summary readyK-Beauty expert Erin An joins Rachel Uchitel on Miss Understood to break down why thousands of people — including celebrities and luxury clients — are flying to Korea for advanced beauty treatments. From stacked lasers and stem cell facials to anti-aging trends not available in America, Erin explains what makes Korean beauty clinics so different, why Seoul has become the global hub for cosmetic treatments, and what people should know before booking their own trip.Learn more at: http://www.kbeautyconcierge.com/Follow:IG: @k__beauty__conciergeIG: @erinfromkbeautyconcierge--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
SummaryJeff Bezos, Amazon & The Case That Took Everything | Amy Nelson
May 500:57:52Summary readyWhat would you do if everything you worked for was suddenly taken from you?In this episode, Rachel sits down with Amy Nelson to break down a shocking 6-year legal battle involving Amazon, federal prosecutors, and a case that completely unraveled.Amy’s husband, a former Amazon Web Services real estate executive, was accused of being part of a multi-million dollar kickback scheme tied to data center land deals. Amazon claimed he used insider knowledge to profit from real estate transactions.Then everything escalated.The FBI showed up at their home. The government seized their money. Their assets were taken. Their family lost their home and financial stability.And yet… after years of investigation, the government never filed charges.Multiple related cases collapsed. Key guilty pleas were vacated.No conviction. No charges.Amy breaks down what really happened behind the scenes, the pressure to plead guilty, and what it’s like to go up against one of the most powerful companies in the world — and survive it.--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
SummaryOz Pearlman's Life Story is UNREAL - The Art of Mentalism | Miss Understood #373
Apr 2800:59:13Summary readyBefore he was standing next to the President of the United States at the most chaotic White House Correspondents' Dinner in history — Oz Pearlman sat down with Rachel in 2023 and told her everything.In this throwback episode, Rachel sits down with Oz Pearlman, the mentalist who just took the world by storm at the 2026 WHCD, for an intimate conversation you won't find anywhere else. Oz opens up about growing up as the twin who survived, how losing his other half at birth shaped the man he became, and how a magician on a bar mitzvah cruise changed the entire trajectory of his life.From teaching himself magic in his bedroom in Michigan, to quitting Wall Street after a CEO told him he had no business being there, to becoming the most talked-about mentalist in America — this is the origin story the world is now desperate to know.And yes — he reads Rachel's mind live on mic. And it will make your jaw drop.If you're just discovering Oz Pearlman, start here. This is where it all began.--- --- —VISIT OUR AMAZING SPONSORS!--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
SummaryAndrea Bartzen Breaks Silence on “Fake Cartier” Accusations | Miss Understood #372
Apr 2500:43:14Summary readyTo watch the full interview go to: https://www.patreon.com/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelTo listen to the full interview go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/miss-understood-with-rachel-uchitel/id1676849476?i=1000763518791Andrea Bartzen was labeled the “Fake Cartier” in a viral society scandal that lit up Palm Beach, Manhattan, and social media. But headlines rarely tell the full story.In this episode of Miss Understood, Rachel Uchitel sits down with Andrea for an exclusive conversation about the accusations, the media storm, and how one article changed her life overnight.Andrea opens up about her past, her connections, the claims made against her, and why she says much of the story was false.Then Rachel takes it one step further — attending one of Andrea’s real-life events herself and sharing what happened after the cameras stopped rolling.Is Andrea Bartzen misunderstood… or exactly who critics say she is?Watch and decide for yourself.#MissUnderstood #RachelUchitel #AndreaBartzen--- --- —VISIT OUR AMAZING SPONSORS!OHHOGo to weareohho.com and use code MISS15 at checkout for 15% OFF--- --- ---PLEASE LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE, AND GIVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW!: ratethispodcast.com/missunderstood Become a Patreon Member: https://www.patreon.com/c/MissUnderstoodwithRachelUchitelShop Miss Understood Merch https://missumerch.com/Follow Rachel on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/racheluchitelnyc/?hl=enFollow Rachel on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@itsracheluchitelExecutive Producer: George Carmona
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