Podcast Summary: "Not Skinny But Not Fat" – Episode Featuring Aaron Lishi on RHONY's Crazy Finale

Podcast Information:

• Title: Not Skinny But Not Fat
• Host: Amanda Hirsch
• Guest: Aaron Lishi
• Episode: ERIN LICHY: RHONY'S CRAZY FINALE
• Release Date: January 28, 2025

1. Introduction to the Finale Drama

Amanda Hirsch opens the episode by delving into the intense drama surrounding the recent finale of "The Real Housewives of New York City" (RHONY). She highlights the controversy involving Blake Richardson and Justin Baldoni, particularly focusing on Justin's ten-minute video addressing Blake's accusations of sexual harassment during a slow-motion dance scene.

• Amanda (02:15): "Justin Baldoni released that 10-minute video that is supposedly negating Blake's accusation of sexual harassment... So imagine just how confusing that is."

Amanda expresses her confusion over the actors supposedly "acting in character" while discussing off-script content, raising questions about the authenticity of their interactions on screen.

2. Transition to Guest Introduction

Amanda transitions to introduce her guest, Aaron Lishi, a beloved member of RHONY and a personal friend. She sets the stage for an in-depth discussion about the season's finale, Aaron's experiences, and the underlying tensions among the cast members.

• Amanda (07:54): "Today's guest is a reality TV star that I love. She's a friend. Her name is Aaron Lishi, and she's unreal. Housewives of New York. You know her. You love her. I love her."

3. Personal Updates and Pregnancy Conversations

Early in the conversation, Amanda and Aaron exchange personal updates, particularly regarding Aaron's pregnancy. They discuss coping mechanisms, dietary habits during pregnancy, and the challenges of managing multiple pregnancies without significant lifestyle changes.

• Aaron (08:57): "I leaned in and I gained a ton of weight. Took me a year to lose it. Like, it was really hard for me. So this time I'm like, no, I'm not changing any aspect of my life..."

• Amanda (10:15): "I think having in the back of your mind, like, I think in the front of your mind while you're pregnant, you're like, it's okay... But the fact of the matter is the baby doesn't need those Oreos and bagels and cream cheese and pizza."

4. Deep Dive into RHONY Finale and Cast Dynamics

The core of the episode revolves around the tumultuous relationships and confrontations witnessed in the RHONY finale. Amanda and Aaron dissect specific incidents, including pranks orchestrated by Bryn Ross and the ensuing fallout with Christina Beckford and Uba Bridges.

• Aaron (15:32): "The roach prank was down, Aaron."

• Amanda (17:03): "The sh*t's during. Which is another thing that annoys me that is said about you..."

Aaron candidly shares her frustrations with Bryn's manipulative tactics, expressing feelings of betrayal and exhaustion from navigating the constant drama.

• Aaron (25:35): "How could we. How could any of us simple folk be, you know, onto Something like that. So it creates... It's a concern of trust..."

5. Analyzing Bryn's Actions and Their Impact

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Bryn Ross's behavior, including her pranks and the allegations that arose from them. Aaron recounts specific instances where Bryn's actions led to misunderstandings and tension within the group.

• Aaron (27:02): "The Jenna not. Yeah, the Jenna Uber slash thing that your drama with Bryn started then, which... It's so complicated with that, because then we find out that it's a rental."

• Amanda (31:16): "Does she do it in real life or only when you're doing the show?"

Aaron emphasizes the blurred lines between real-life relationships and on-screen dynamics, questioning Bryn's authenticity and the genuine nature of her interactions.

6. Navigating Friendships Amidst Drama

Both Amanda and Aaron discuss the challenges of maintaining friendships amidst the high-stakes environment of reality TV. Aaron shares her struggles with setting boundaries and the emotional toll of constant drama.

• Aaron (41:29): "You're going to have to tell people. Cuz the minute people have a second kid in the city, they're like, we're out. And you're going to have four."

• Amanda (61:16): "Yeah. And you're also Uba's good friend. But in this instance, yeah, Bryn got you and a few of you riled up to be like, Uba..."

7. Coping with Public Accusations and Reconciliation Attempts

Aaron candidly discusses her efforts to reconcile with Bryn after witnessing the latter's false accusations against her. She details the emotional strain of being publicly misunderstood and the difficulty in rebuilding trust.

• Aaron (65:47): "She blocked me. So I didn't speak to her for months, until my father passed away, I hadn't spoken a word to her."

• Amanda (68:36): "Did she see your comment on that account? Did she say anything about it?"

• Aaron (71:48): "So it was like, they kept... I couldn't. It's exhausting. Like, leave me alone."

8. Reflections on Trust and Moving Forward

As the conversation draws to a close, both Amanda and Aaron reflect on the importance of trust, the challenges of navigating relationships in the reality TV sphere, and the personal growth they've experienced amidst the chaos.

• Aaron (73:06): "So, like, that the fact that she. She was the one who did it and she thinks that things were normal and okay is it makes things more confusing."

• Amanda (75:34): "And it seems like with everyone, like, the minute that Psy. And you said in your confessionals, like, that was the breaking point..."

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Amanda wraps up the episode by expressing her support for Aaron and summarizing the key takeaways from their discussion. They acknowledge the ongoing nature of RHONY's drama and the personal toll it takes on those involved.

• Amanda (77:35): "Did she see your. Your comment on that account? Did she say anything about it?"

• Aaron (78:07): "Love you. Thank you for for coming on anytime. Thank you guys so much for listening to this episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat."

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda (02:15): "Justin Baldoni released that 10-minute video that is supposedly negating Blake's accusation of sexual harassment... So imagine just how confusing that is."

• Aaron (08:57): "I leaned in and I gained a ton of weight. Took me a year to lose it... So this time I'm like, no, I'm not changing any aspect of my life..."

• Aaron (25:35): "How could we. How could any of us simple folk be, you know, onto Something like that. So it creates... It's a concern of trust..."

• Amanda (31:16): "Does she do it in real life or only when you're doing the show?"

• Aaron (65:47): "She blocked me. So I didn't speak to her for months, until my father passed away, I hadn't spoken a word to her."

• Aaron (71:48): "So it was like, they kept... I couldn't. It's exhausting. Like, leave me alone."

Conclusion

This episode of "Not Skinny But Not Fat" provides an unfiltered look into the behind-the-scenes drama of RHONY's latest season, particularly focusing on Aaron Lishi's experiences and perspectives. Through candid conversations, Amanda and Aaron navigate the complexities of reality TV friendships, personal challenges, and public misunderstandings, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the realities of life in the spotlight.