Pop Apologists, Episode 310: "What Really Happened on That Plane"
Host: PodcastOne
Date: December 10, 2025
Guest: Brittany Bateman
Main Topics: Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC), "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Reunion, Celebrity Debriefs
Episode Overview
This lively episode features the Pop Apologists sisters, Lauren and Chandler, in conversation with Brittany Bateman — breakout star of RHOSLC and noted Mormon cinema alum. The discussion swings from Brittany’s reality TV journey and personal life to juicy reunion debriefs and candid takes on other Housewives franchises. The episode also includes reflections on family, healing, and the wild "plane incident" that's gripped Bravo fans.
Key Segments & Discussion Points
1. Brittany Bateman: Becoming a Reality Star and Fan Favorite
(00:43 – 03:44)
- Lauren and Chandler fan-girl over Brittany’s RHOSLC impact, calling her a “star” and praising her comedic and vulnerable presence.
- "You are such a fucking star. Oh my gosh. Like, you are this show." – Lauren [01:07]
- They reminisce about Brittany’s earlier work in Mormon cinema: Mobsters and Mormons and The RM.
- Brittany confirms her daughter was in Mobsters and Mormons — “in my tummy.” [03:44]
- Brittany on recognition:
- "The amount that I get recognized just makes me so happy... I see people's faces light up just to see me and then I go get to give them a squeeze and take a selfie..." [02:28]
2. Family, Healing, and Reality TV’s Impact
(05:03 – 09:51)
- Brittany reflects on sharing difficult family dynamics on camera, especially her relationship with daughter Olivia.
- The show is credited for bringing them back together and into therapy for the first time:
- “We credit the show for bringing us together.” – Brittany [07:34]
- Candid discussion about estrangement and hope for parent-child relationships.
- Brittany gives her perspective on Mormon family “pyramids” and how personal values shaped her choices after divorce/remarriage.
3. Love Life: The Return of "The J Word" (Jared)
(10:42 – 16:14)
- The big reveal: Brittany confirms she and Jared are back together — "And back together for good." [11:15]
- Recap of their “long break” following televised drama and how recent commitment (“showing with actions, not words”) led to reconciliation.
- The sisters discuss Jared’s portrayal on the show and the challenges of defending a partner in the public eye.
- Brittany admits she’ll “fiercely defend [Jared] from now on.” [15:20]
- Amusing notes on Jared’s “redemption tour” heading into future seasons.
4. Pop Culture Tangent: Donny Osmond Memories and Brittany’s Singing
(19:36 – 24:32)
- Chandler reveals her “Donny Osmond awakening,” leading to a funny exchange about Donny’s shirtless Joseph days.
- Brittany shares neighborly anecdotes about Donny (“Uncle Donnie”) and the family’s complex relationship with church expectations being featured on TV.
- The hosts ask Brittany about her playful airport “reels” and flirtatious humor.
- “I should do a masterclass on flirting.” – Lauren [23:56-24:05]
5. The Plane Incident: What Really Happened?
(25:23 – 33:53)
- The much-teased “plane incident” is recounted in detail. Brittany addresses rumors of footage, NDAs, and recounts her own experience of enduring conflict during the descent.
- Lauren and Chandler prod for details:
- “Just walk us through that experience. Will we ever see any footage of what happened?” – Lauren [25:41]
- Brittany maintains composure throughout (“I was not gonna give them the satisfaction of reacting.”) and credits Crazy Rich Asians for inspiring her calm under fire. [32:03]
- Vivid imagery: her seatmate, a civilian, hands her napkins, the flight attendant checks in, and Brittany quietly endures wine being spilled on her by others’ chaos.
"He was literally just shaking his head the whole time, like, oh my God. Handing me napkins. I felt so badly for him. He was just, like, trapped like a rat next to me in the window."
— Brittany Bateman [31:12]
6. Bravo & RHOSLC Magic: Why Salt Lake Stands Out
(34:08 – 36:37)
- Discussion on what makes RHOSLC “the best Bravo franchise.”
- Brittany and the hosts agree the cast’s diversity, campy fun, willingness to go all-in on themes, and Mormon upbringing (group singing, showgirl spirit) set Salt Lake apart.
7. "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" and RHOBH Reunion Debriefs
(71:00 – 97:38)
RHOBH Recap:
- High praise for new housewife Rachel Zoe as a “no-BS” MVP likely to inherit Lisa Rinna’s truth-teller role.
- Lauren and Chandler relish the real generational wealth, genuine legacy characters (Kathy Hilton, Kyle Richards), and touch on evolving family dynamics post-Kyle/Mauricio split.
- Amusing speculation on Sutton and the nuances of changing a “prestige” last name.
Secret Lives Reunion:
- The sisters critique Brett and Demi’s behavior — especially Brett’s juvenile jabs and Demi’s attempt to conflate her own controversy with other cast members’ assaults.
- “[Brett] just seems like such a man child. And honestly, him and Demi, they deserve each other.” – Chandler [84:09]
- Strong condemnation of Demi’s comparison:
- “To have it all thrown back at you as a way to, like, garner sympathy... it’s one of the worst things I’ve seen on TV.” – Lauren [88:07]
- Dakota’s segment is dismissed as disrespectful and pointless (“It's their show. Everybody, dad talk is annoying.” – Lauren [93:14]).
- Stassi’s hosting is seen as an unenviable task with too many cast members and not enough time for deeper dives.
Notable Quotes & Moments
Brittany on Reality TV Healing:
“We talked about it. To share this really hurtful, vulnerable story ... To help other people see a road back.” [09:04]
On Jared:
“Oh, he is so. He's just. He's my person and I'm his.” [11:38]
“I'm going to fiercely defend from now on, just like everybody else.” [15:20]
On Plane Incident:
“I was the one watching Crazy Rich Asians at that moment... The second half.” [28:04]
“I am not gonna give them the satisfaction of reacting.” [32:03]
On Salt Lake as the top Bravo franchise:
“I feel so fortunate. I wouldn’t say blessed. I’d say fortunate.” – Brittany [34:30]
On RHOBH's real wealth:
“And real rich.” – Brittany [74:01]
On the Secret Lives reunion’s morality:
“It’s one of the worst things I’ve seen on TV.” – Lauren [88:07]
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 00:43 – 03:44: Brittany’s RHOSLC stardom + Mormon movie reminiscences
- 05:03 – 09:51: Family healing, therapy, and effect of reality TV
- 10:42 – 16:14: Reuniting with Jared and “redemption tour”
- 19:36 – 25:00: Donny Osmond banter, Brittany’s performing reels
- 25:23 – 33:53: Plane incident breakdown (“seatmate, napkins, and chaos”)
- 34:08 – 36:37: Why RHOSLC is Bravo’s best franchise
- 71:00 – 97:38: RHOBH and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reunion debriefs
Tone & Style
- Irreverent, fast-paced, and deeply personal — the sisters’ banter makes even the darkest topics approachable.
- Brittany seamlessly blends humor and vulnerability, staying candid about her journey, her family, and the unique pressures of public life.
Summary
This episode stands out for its blend of pop culture critique, behind-the-scenes RHOSLC drama, and heavier moments of self-examination and family healing. Brittany Bateman brings insight, warmth, and wit to tough topics (estrangement, relationship blunders, the infamous “plane incident”). Meanwhile, Lauren and Chandler dissect the broader Bravo universe with their trademark mix of snark and sincerity, offering listeners both entertainment and meaningful reflection about real-life relationships — both on and off camera.
For listeners who missed the episode, this summary offers a comprehensive and engaging guide to all the most talked-about moments, celebrity revelations, and signature Pop Apologists shade.
