Pop Apologists – Ep. 304: Layla from Momtok Spills All about S3 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives

Podcast by PodcastOne | Date: Nov 19, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, sisters Lauren and Chandler are joined by Layla, breakout star of Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (“Momtok”), to debrief on all the drama from Season 3. Layla gets candid about confronting Jesse, the Marciano scandals, the complicated friendship dynamics, and her experience navigating Mormon culture and reality TV. The conversation also dives into personal growth, representation, and behind-the-scenes details from filming.

Fans of reality TV, especially docuseries exploring female friendship and complex social circles, will find plenty to chew on.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Confronting Jesse About Marciano

• [02:24] Layla’s Nerves and Motivation

  • Layla discusses the anxiety leading up to her on-camera confrontation, knowing the disclosure could jeopardize Jesse’s marriage and business.
  • “I was just thinking, like, the long term effects of it. I’ve dealt with my parents cheating... I know how that can affect your children too.” — Layla [02:24]
  • She clarifies she had no intention of exposing Jesse, and only acted after Marciano unexpectedly implicated Jesse in conversation.

• [03:27] Honesty Versus Drama

  • Jesse's reaction is praised; she appreciates Layla's transparency and doesn't deflect blame.
  • “It wasn’t like, ooh, I caught you. ...It was me... saying, ‘hey, I heard this, I want to give you a chance to tell the girls how you want to.’” — Layla [03:27]

• [04:23] The Marciano Factor

  • Layla and hosts note that Marciano likely would have leaked the story to tabloids if not confronted—telling Jesse directly was the "least bad" outcome.

• [05:46] Timeline

  • Layla met Marciano and told Jesse within one or two days—she waited to share in person.

2. Jesse’s Response & Lie Detector Scene

• [06:54] Jesse’s Openness

  • Hosts reflect on Jesse’s willingness to take a lie detector test, her straightforward approach, and transparency with her husband Jordan—even with him physically present for the awkward “sex text” reveal.
  • “At that point, it’s already all out there. Might as well own up to the full truth.” — Layla [06:19]
  • “She wasn’t even mad at you for bringing it up, which was so impressive.” — Lauren [03:15]

• [07:26] The Infamous Texts

  • Layla and hosts laugh about Jesse using old texts as proof of innocence.
  • “I can prove that we didn’t have sex just by the way we were texting about sex.” — Jesse, quoted by the hosts [07:26]
  • The conversation gets candid and comic as they parse the cringey nature of the texts and Marciano’s on-camera bravado.

3. Demi, Assault Allegations & Group Dynamics

• [11:12] Demi’s Allegation

  • The group discusses the shift mid-season to allegations against Marciano by Demi.
  • Tension arises as the women feel unable to question Demi’s version of events without being seen as “victim shaming.”
  • “It was just talking in an endless circle... It was all of these things, just constant.” — Layla [12:17]

• [12:34] Inconsistencies & Collusion

  • Chandler and Lauren flag the oddity that Demi’s husband Brett was apparently aware of Marciano’s alleged actions, but continued to encourage close contact for strategic reasons.
  • “If that’s what happened to your wife, I don’t understand... why they’re protecting the man that did that to you.” — Layla [13:04]

• [13:51] Manipulation Accusations

  • Layla and the hosts agree some interactions (e.g., comparing trauma between women) felt highly manipulative, and that other women showed commendable sensitivity under pressure.

4. Layla’s Current Relationship with Demi

• [17:18] No Friendship, Just Cordiality

  • Layla says she keeps Demi at arm’s length after seeing her behavior: “If she could do that to Jesse... she could easily f over anyone else.”

• [18:42] Demi’s “Coaching” & Intimidation Tactics

  • Layla refuses to be manipulated, saying Demi “puts a weird spell on your brain.” She asserts her independence from Demi’s groupthink and labels her a “master manipulator.”
  • “She doesn’t want to directly respond to what she’s accused of. She just wants to coach you on how you’re going to look bad.” — Chandler [19:01]

• [21:14] Fear & Legal Threats

  • Layla and hosts speculate that people don't expose Demi due to her frequent legal threats (cease & desist, lawsuits), and that, beneath the bluster, Demi is “a scared little girl” using aggression as protection.

5. Whitney’s Arc & Production Insights

• [22:40] Whitney’s Redemption
  • Layla feels Whitney’s defensive “I’m only here for Dancing with the Stars” stance was self-protective, and she’s proud of Whitney’s growth.
  • Their friendship is good, and she urges grace for Whitney and other castmates, noting the effect of Mormon upbringing on emotional maturity.
• [25:36] Filming Logistics
  • The show films over several months; cast are filmed 5+ days per week, 5+ hours a day depending on storylines.

6. On Motherhood and Privacy

• [29:10] Protecting Their Kids
  • Layla explains why some choose not to feature their children: “They didn’t sign up for this world... I just don’t want them to be pulled into it.”
  • The show is more about the women as individuals than “mom life.”

7. Other Standout Segments

• DadTok and Clout Chasers — [29:21]
  • Joking about the “dad” influencers in their circle, Layla names husbands who are there just to support their wives as the real MVPs. She expresses skepticism about men more interested in online fame than relationships.
• Dating, Co-parenting & Layla’s Ex — [33:49–36:16]
  • Layla gets personal on navigating dating in Utah as reality TV cast; discusses co-parenting struggles with her ex, who’s unsupportive and critical of her career.
  • “He tells me all the time that my job is the devil’s work.” — Layla [36:02]
• Mormon Community Backlash — [36:24–37:29]
  • The show initially faced skepticism and backlash from active Mormons concerned about “misrepresentation.” Layla stresses they never claimed to be poster children, just truthful about personal experiences.

8. Representation and Personal Growth

• [41:21] Natural Hair Journey

  • Layla thanks Jesse for handling her decision to see a Black hairstylist with grace. She shares how embracing her own identity has helped her mental health.
  • “Your differences give you strength, and you shouldn’t have to look at yourself as any less than because you don’t look like people around you.” — Layla [42:02]

• [43:04] Vulnerability on TV

  • Layla and hosts discuss the importance and impact of sharing struggles with mental health, divorce, family abuse, and sexuality on the show.
  • The cast intends their openness to make others feel less alone.

• [45:44] Sexuality, Taboo & Utah Upbringing

  • Layla and Lauren connect on challenges around female pleasure and sexuality in religious contexts, highlighting personal experiences meant to break those taboos.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Confronting Difficult Truths:
  • “It was really a hard conversation to have...” — Layla [03:04]
• On Lying and Redemption:
  • “If you’re getting caught in something and you’re trying to be honest … just getting all the skeletons out of the closet is the best idea.” — Layla [06:34]
• On Demi’s Manipulation:
  • “When she’s caught in a hot place, she will point fingers. She’ll start name calling ... I’m for once actually using my own brain and thinking for myself.” — Layla [19:16], [19:27]
• Motherhood & Privacy:
  • “They didn’t sign up for this world … just keeping them and protecting them is my top priority.” — Layla [29:10]
• On Vulnerability’s Impact:
  • “If I can just help one person, that’s, like, it’s worth it for me.” — Layla [44:00]

Rapid-Fire/Listener Questions (Selected)

• On Marrying Young: [47:13]
  • Take your time unless you truly know. Living together first helps.
• On “Dancing with the Stars” Offer: [49:20]
  • Layla would do it, but not now with another cast member, noting the real friendship strains caused by competition.
• Utah Trends She Loves/Hates: [50:44]
  • Loves Swig sodas; is over “hair blindness” (too many extensions).
• Taylor & Dakota’s Relationship: [52:14]
  • Layla hopes they’re truly over but doubts it, citing intense attachment.

Behind-the-Scenes & Reality TV Production Notes

• Timeline Confusion: The show’s production schedule and editing (pickups, timelines, reunion filming) blur the chronology for viewers as storylines are condensed for drama.
• Filming Balance: Most women still maintain jobs/motherhood alongside the show.

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Marciano drama, confronting Jesse: 02:24–05:47
• Jesse’s texts, lie detector, Jordan present: 06:54–08:22
• Pivot to Demi scandal: 11:12–14:35
• Layla on no real friendship with Demi: 17:18–21:54
• Whitney’s arc/filming logistics: 22:40–27:04
• Motherhood/kids privacy: 29:10–29:18
• Co-parenting & ex’s attitude: 33:49–36:16
• Mormon community response: 36:24–37:29
• Personal journey, hair, self-acceptance: 41:21–43:03
• Listener Q&A: 47:13–52:14

Style and Tone

• Casual, candid, sometimes irreverent.
• Layla is sharply honest, vulnerable, often self-deprecating, and wields humor to defuse tough subjects. The hosts match her energy, mixing insight with lively banter.

Takeaways

This episode is a masterclass in unscripted, real talk about reality TV, Mormon culture, and complicated female friendships. Layla is authentic and witty, offering no-holds-barred commentary on the season’s drama, her personal struggles, and the lessons she’s learned, making this a must-listen for both die-hard fans and newcomers to the show.