Podcast Title: Not Skinny But Not Fat
Host: Amanda Hirsch
Episode: Scheana Shay: Her Good Side
Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

In this episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat, host Amanda Hirsch welcomes Sheena Shay, a beloved member of the reality TV show Vanderpump Rules and the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Good Side. Amanda expresses her excitement about finally meeting Sheena in person after previously featuring her virtually on a different podcast episode.

Amanda Hirsch [07:28]: "I think I've done her virtually years ago, but never have been with her in person. And here we are."

Sheena Shay’s Book: My Good Side

Amanda dives into Sheena's recently released memoir, My Good Side, highlighting its candid exploration of Sheena's journey from her early days in Hollywood to her experiences on Vanderpump Rules. Sheena discusses the book's revelations, including behind-the-scenes details about the show's production and her personal struggles.

Sheena Shay [09:46]: "My Good Side actually became a New York Times best seller. So take that."

Sheena opens up about her demotion during the eighth season of Vanderpump Rules, explaining how the production decided not to pay her adequately, which led her to start her successful YouTube channel to share her true story.

Sheena Shay [10:17]: "It's just a part of my story. And I'm now looking back, in hindsight, thankful that that happened, because it forced me to start my YouTube channel."

Pregnancy During COVID-19 and Health Challenges

The conversation shifts to Sheena's pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period she initially describes as the "best time to be pregnant" due to fewer social obligations and more time at home. However, Sheena candidly shares her terrifying experience with HELLP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia, which nearly led to fatal complications for both her and her baby.

Sheena Shay [19:33]: "It's basically preeclampsia gone wild. So it's terrifying."

Sheena recounts the harrowing 15-hour labor during which she was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, detailing the emotional and physical toll it took on her.

Sheena Shay [21:07]: "I'm shaking uncontrollably. I'm like, oh, my God, I'm killing my baby because I'm trying to force her out so I can film a TV show."
Amanda Hirsch [22:00]: "So this syndrome help is like, could be fatal."
Sheena Shay [22:18]: "Could be. Yeah. I had several women reach out and say they either lost a friend or a sister or someone to help syndrome."

In hindsight, Sheena is grateful for the medical intervention that saved her and her baby's lives, reflecting on the possibility of far worse outcomes had she not been closely monitored.

Sheena Shay [22:26]: "What if I did just go into labor and I had a stroke and died because we didn't have enough time to monitor my blood pressure and her heart rate?"

Relationship Struggles and Affairs

A significant portion of the discussion delves into Sheena's personal life, particularly her marriage to Brock Davies and the devastating revelation of his affair. Sheena explains the emotional turmoil she experienced upon discovering Brock's infidelity, both publicly and privately, and how it impacted her mental health and family life.

Sheena Shay [45:30]: "And Brock and I went back and forth with this. There was a leak, a blind item on a blog site that. Then when I announced the book, it resurfaced on Reddit."

Sheena emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her memoir, choosing to disclose the affair despite the potential backlash and personal pain, believing that omitting such a crucial part of her story would render her memoir incomplete.

Sheena Shay [46:05]: "I could have taken it to the grave, but then I would have to be lying the rest of my life. I didn't see how I could write a memoir and not talk about one of the most devastating chapters of my life."
Amanda Hirsch [47:02]: "You also say, which is very interesting, which I could totally see happening, and this goes along with your people pleasing is at. Lisa Vanderpump kind of used you as a, you know, as one of her pawns would call you, ask you to kind of like, do things, steer you in."

The couple engaged in intensive couples therapy and deliberated extensively over whether to include the affair in Sheena's book. Brock supported her decision, understanding the necessity of transparency for the sake of their family's integrity.

Sheena Shay [46:57]: "It was really difficult."
Sheena Shay [47:34]: "At the end of the day, I was just like, look, this is a part of our story, and I think we need to tell it because the book would be incomplete without it."

Online Reactions and Public Perception

Following the publication of her memoir, Sheena addresses the negative online reactions, including skepticism about the authenticity of her account and accusations of seeking attention or book sales. She expresses frustration over the public's tendency to doubt her integrity and the personal attacks she faces.

Sheena Shay [53:35]: "To sell books."
Amanda Hirsch [53:42]: "But isn't that I mean, isn't that wild, too, that people think that you would do that?"
Sheena Shay [53:52]: "I was just like, honey, so we're gonna make up that you had an affair. You're gonna get online, but it's going to sell some books."

Despite these challenges, Sheena remains resilient, focusing on her personal healing and the well-being of her family.

Forgiveness and Moving Forward

Sheena shares her journey towards forgiveness, both for Brock and her best friend Tom Sandoval, who also committed an affair. This path to forgiveness was fraught with emotional struggles, including obsessive thoughts that affected her relationship and mental health.

Sheena Shay [49:45]: "I have to release both if I'm gonna be the best version of myself."
Sheena Shay [51:07]: "I said the words, I forgive you. And I remember that moment. It was like a weight lifted."

Amanda and Sheena discuss the complexities of maintaining a marriage post-affair, the importance of accountability, and the difficult balance between personal healing and public perception.

Continuing Presence in Reality TV

Looking ahead, Sheena affirms her intention to remain involved in reality TV, hinting at future projects and ongoing storytelling that remains true to her authentic self.

Sheena Shay [55:43]: "Whatever. That next chapter is. It'll be on your television screens for sure."

Conclusion

Amanda wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to read Sheena's memoir, My Good Side, praising its honest and comprehensive portrayal of Sheena's life both on and off the camera.

Amanda Hirsch [56:00]: "Thank you. Go read my good side. It's so good. It's out already."

Sheena expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and hopes that her transparency will resonate with and support others facing similar challenges.

Sheena Shay [56:04]: "Thank you so much."

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Hirsch [07:28]: "I think I've done her virtually years ago, but never have been with her in person. And here we are."
• Sheena Shay [09:46]: "My Good Side actually became a New York Times best seller. So take that."
• Sheena Shay [19:33]: "It's basically preeclampsia gone wild. So it's terrifying."
• Sheena Shay [45:30]: "And Brock and I went back and forth with this. There was a leak, a blind item on a blog site that..."
• Sheena Shay [49:45]: "I have to release both if I'm gonna be the best version of myself."
• Sheena Shay [51:07]: "I said the words, I forgive you. And I remember that moment. It was like a weight lifted."

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity Matters: Sheena prioritizes honesty in her memoir, choosing to reveal deeply personal and painful experiences to provide a complete narrative of her life.

• Resilience Through Adversity: Despite facing severe health challenges and the emotional devastation of her husband's affair, Sheena demonstrates remarkable strength and a commitment to personal growth and forgiveness.

• Navigating Public Scrutiny: The episode highlights the harsh realities of living under public scrutiny, particularly for reality TV stars, and the impact of online negativity on personal well-being.

• Importance of Support Systems: Sheena credits therapy, supportive relationships, and her focus on family for helping her navigate through her toughest times.

This episode offers a raw and unfiltered look into Sheena Shay's life, providing listeners with an intimate understanding of her journey through fame, personal struggles, and the path towards healing and self-acceptance.