Podcast Summary: Not Skinny But Not Fat – Episode Featuring Ariana Madix: From Vanderpump to the Villa

Podcast Information:

• Title: Not Skinny But Not Fat
• Host/Author: Amanda Hirsch, Dear Media
• Episode: Ariana Madix: from Vanderpump to the Villa
• Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction and Background

In this episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat, Amanda Hirsch welcomes Ariana Madix, renowned for her role on Vanderpump Rules and her recent foray into hosting Love Island USA. The conversation kicks off with Amanda reminiscing about her "skinny margarita" days, setting a relaxed and friendly tone for the discussion.

Friendship and Professional Relationship

Amanda and Ariana delve into their personal history, highlighting the unconventional way Ariana approached Amanda for a job:

Ariana Madix [04:02]:
"I was dying for them. Like, this is what you don't get."

Amanda Hirsch [04:20]:
"You're going to have haters if you continue this."

Ariana recounts her initial attempts to connect with Amanda, including ghosting and persistent follow-ups, which eventually led to her securing a position:

Ariana Madix [09:08]:
"I was like, I'll be done. I'm gonna quit my job that I came here for."

Amanda Hirsch [09:17]:
"Wait, after I said no, you keep following up? See if something changes."

This segment underscores the tenacity required in the entertainment industry and the evolution of their professional relationship into a supportive friendship.

Handling Fame and Reality TV

A significant portion of the conversation addresses Ariana's experiences in reality television, particularly her struggles with anxiety and depression:

Ariana Madix [33:32]:
"I think sometimes what made me a bad reality star is also what makes me a good reality star."

She reflects on the pressures of maintaining a public persona and the challenges of authenticity on screen:

Ariana Madix [40:17]:
"Sometimes it would be, like, to the point where it was, like, debilitating."

This introspection provides listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and emotional toll of reality TV fame.

Broadway and Other Ventures

Ariana shares her transition from reality TV to Broadway, discussing the rigorous demands of performing in a live theater environment:

Ariana Madix [48:07]:
"I would have too much fomo. Like, I would kill me if I didn't get every single dance."

She contrasts the repetitive nature of Broadway performances with the dynamic and ever-changing challenges of Dancing with the Stars:

Ariana Madix [49:55]:
"Dancing with the Stars is a new dance every, like, five days... Broadway, you do the show over and over."

Ariana also highlights her successful cocktail book, which became a New York Times bestseller, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

Hosting Love Island USA

The discussion shifts to Ariana's role as the host of the new season of Love Island USA. She expresses excitement about meeting the new cast and the revamped villa:

Ariana Madix [76:14]:
"I'm really excited to meet the new cast, whoever they may be."

Amanda praises Ariana's ability to attract new viewers and maintain engagement:

Amanda Hirsch [71:54]:
"You brought over a lot of new viewers."

Ariana elaborates on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the show, including the secrecy and rapid turnaround of episodes:

Ariana Madix [68:11]:
"They are sequestered... They have to have a chaperone."

Personal Insights and Future Endeavors

Towards the end of the episode, Ariana discusses her personal growth, managing her mental health, and future aspirations. She shares her experiences balancing multiple projects and her commitment to self-improvement:

Ariana Madix [62:15]:
"I've had so much work on my mental health is so much better right now."

Amanda and Ariana also touch on personal milestones, such as Ariana's upcoming 40th birthday, reflecting on aging gracefully and embracing new phases of life:

Ariana Madix [78:07]:
"Just don't look at my neck too closely."

Notable Quotes

• Ariana Madix [33:32]:
  "I think sometimes what made me a bad reality star is also what makes me a good reality star."

• Ariana Madix [40:17]:
  "Sometimes it would be, like, to the point where it was, like, debilitating."

• Ariana Madix [76:14]:
  "I'm really excited to meet the new cast, whoever they may be."

• Ariana Madix [78:07]:
  "Just don't look at my neck too closely."

Conclusion

Amanda Hirsch and Ariana Madix engage in a heartfelt and candid conversation, exploring the complexities of fame, personal growth, and professional endeavors. Ariana's journey from Vanderpump Rules to hosting Love Island USA is portrayed as one of resilience and continuous self-improvement. This episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the life of a multifaceted celebrity navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry.

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