Loading summary
Stassi Schroeder
Hello and welcome to Hulu's Tell Me Lies official podcast. I'm your host, Stassi Schroeder. So every week I'll dig into the episodes, I'm gonna spill some behind the scenes stories, and I get to chat with the cast and crew of season three of Tell Me Lies, now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney. And I couldn't be more excited to kick things off with none other than Tell Me Lies, most toxic on screen duo Grace Van Patton and Jackson White to talk about Lucy and Steven's sordid past and where they're at in season three. Plus, my fellow Vanderpump graduate Katie Maloney is here to help me unpack this week's episode. But before all that, here is a recap. After listening to the message Stephen sent her right before she walks down the aisle, Brie declares that she's a terrible person. But back on campus in 2009, everyone's getting back from holiday break. Steven and hell bent on punishing Evan for telling him he slept with Lucy, makes Evan literally clean up the mess he left in Evan's apartment. Wrigley's still recovering from the death of his brother Drew and the fallout, and Pippa's emotionally drained from spending the break supporting him. Steven and Lucy are back together and no one seems happy about it. Low key, including them. Oliver gives Bree the cold shoulder and Bree spots a new freshman girl leaving his office. The group goes to the first party of the semester and decides to try mdma. Bree recognizes their drug dealer and obviously Diana thinks the drugs are a bad idea. They get into a fight about it, which ends in a confused confession from Pippa. After the party, Bree tells Wrigley about her affair with Oliver and they talk about their complicated families. And then later, Wrigley lets it slip to Evan that Brie was seeing a married man. Steven, who lied about taking the drugs that Lucy is clearly on, tries to torture her into telling him about Evan herself. She doesn't take the bait and he ends up telling her he knows about the two of them anyway. She begs Steven to forgive her, but he is ice cold and dead sober. And just like that, we're back at the wedding. Brie walks down the aisle triumphantly, and everyone's face is telling a very different story.
Jackson White
So what's happening now is that you guys are pretending like you don't know each other?
Grace Van Patten
Shut up.
Stassi Schroeder
Are you serious? Are you joking? You're ruining it.
Jackson White
I'm sorry, you're ruining it.
Stassi Schroeder
That is so Steven to ruin it.
Grace Van Patten
That's so Steven.
Stassi Schroeder
Okay.
Jackson White
Am I supposed to call it like I see it?
Grace Van Patten
Oh, my God. Okay.
Stassi Schroeder
Okay.
Grace Van Patten
Well, we just met two seconds ago.
Stassi Schroeder
You know what? We just met and fangirled, obviously, before the cameras turned on, so the fangirling was missed. Grace, I'm obsessed with you.
Grace Van Patten
I'm obsessed with you. This is crazy to be speaking to you, because you are my biggest inspiration for Lucy.
Stassi Schroeder
And, yeah, when you say that, I'm just like, is this for real? For real. It's such an honor. Like, even though Lucy's such a fucking psychopath. I was a psychopath.
Grace Van Patten
I mean, it was more of, like, you and Jax's relationship, too. Cause it's like, it reminded me so much of me and this sweet boy.
Stassi Schroeder
Do you ever call him Jax?
Jackson White
No.
Stassi Schroeder
No.
Grace Van Patten
Honestly, I love that name. And his sister calls him Jax, but I can't. Cause it reminds me of.
Stassi Schroeder
Because of Jax. It's just. I was wondering that also, when you guys are out together, do you just stay home more because you're like. I don't feel, you know, having people come up to me being like, what are you doing? Why haven't you dumped him yet?
Grace Van Patten
It's. Honestly, whenever people meet us, they do. He's not. They freak out, and then they realize very quickly that we are not them. Thankfully.
Stassi Schroeder
Yes.
Jackson White
I have to overcompensate a little bit, though. I have to go. I have to.
Grace Van Patten
He has to really turn up the. Nice eyes.
Jackson White
Yeah. Kind of uncomfortable.
Stassi Schroeder
That's really interesting. See, I don't think that people would realize that or know that. I would never have guessed that. That you have to overcompensate.
Jackson White
No, I have to be, like, super nice to people. No, wait, wait. Don't use this. That sounds like I'm an actual sociopath. I'm not.
Stassi Schroeder
I'm gonna play. Would they rather. Oh, God, Jackson, I'm gonna go to you first. Would Grace rather choose the movie or veto every one you pick?
Jackson White
Veto. Veto. Everyone I pick, not choose.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah. I'm a bad decision maker.
Jackson White
You are. Like, we could. Yeah. But we'll scroll through movies for as long as a movie would take.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Jackson White
And we'll sit down there and we'll decide on something. And then Pretty soon it's 12:30, and then we can't. We have to go to bed. Awful.
Stassi Schroeder
That's. You know what? I relate. Because my favorite thing is to just watch the trailers until I'm like, oh, it's too late now to watch anything. And.
Grace Van Patten
And then when we do pick, I fall asleep immediately.
Jackson White
What is that about? If you have that too, that means people have that. That must mean we're all fucked up. That's bad.
Grace Van Patten
It's comfort for me.
Stassi Schroeder
I just can't commit to something. Yeah, we have too many options.
Jackson White
There are too many options.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
Grace, would you rather lie or be lied to?
Grace Van Patten
That's so hard. Probably. Probably lie.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
What about you?
Jackson White
You would rather lie?
Grace Van Patten
I. Being lied to is, like, so scary for me.
Jackson White
That's the number one fear.
Grace Van Patten
Like, number one.
Stassi Schroeder
That's my number one fear, too. Why do you think I always used to dark passengers so much? Because I just thought everyone was lying to me. Everyone was cheating on me. Everything was a lie.
Jackson White
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, I feel you, Grace.
Grace Van Patten
It's scary. It's a scary thought.
Stassi Schroeder
Jackson, would you.
Jackson White
It's been very helpful and growing for me, though. Grace is a truth seeker and it forces you to fucking be on the ground and really, like, be thoughtful and communicative.
Grace Van Patten
Aw.
Stassi Schroeder
That's really.
Jackson White
It's like I'm learning. She's teaching me how to. She's learning not to get down like that.
Stassi Schroeder
You're changing, Steven.
Jackson White
Changing me.
Stassi Schroeder
Jackson, would you rather lie or be lied to?
Jackson White
Same thing.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Jackson White
Yeah, it sucks to be. You don't want to be lied to.
Grace Van Patten
I know. What about you?
Stassi Schroeder
Well, no, it's my worst fear to be lied to. Yeah, but I'm actually a shit liar. Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
I'm a bad.
Stassi Schroeder
I'd like to give it a shot. I would choose to give it a shot and lie. No, I can't handle being lied to.
Grace Van Patten
Same.
Stassi Schroeder
Okay. Grace, would you rather be Lucy and Steven at the end of season one or Lucy and Steven at the end of season two? Both you guys are gonna answer this question.
Grace Van Patten
What's the end of season one again?
Jackson White
I don't know.
Stassi Schroeder
Season one is when you come down. When Steven comes down with Diana. Coconut bra.
Grace Van Patten
And then season two is we're together.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, but I'm thinking wedding.
Jackson White
Obviously you'd wanna be.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. So, like, my brain.
Grace Van Patten
I'm thinking present day.
Stassi Schroeder
I'm thinking present day.
Grace Van Patten
When we're not together and we just had sex.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. That was so diabolical.
Grace Van Patten
That was so diabolical.
Stassi Schroeder
I know. It's like, so fucking crazy. Like, when the fact that Max lasted this long, I'm like, wow, you, like, strung Max long for eight years. However long. And then this is how it all ends with him.
Grace Van Patten
I know.
Stassi Schroeder
You're like, let me just text Stephen to watch us bang.
Grace Van Patten
I know.
Stassi Schroeder
Okay, so I'm just gonna ask you guys some Stuff. Do you ever accidentally call each other by your characters names?
Grace Van Patten
Never.
Jackson White
Never.
Stassi Schroeder
No way.
Grace Van Patten
Sometimes. Remember when we in the beginning when we like forgot each other's names?
Jackson White
No, she said when she was like really sweetly, she was like have you ever like forgotten my name?
Grace Van Patten
And he goes yeah. And I'm like, I was not expecting you to say that.
Jackson White
Yes, that's happened to me before.
Stassi Schroeder
You know, like in the beginning of.
Grace Van Patten
A relationship you go to like call their name and you're like who is this?
Stassi Schroeder
In the beginning of a relationship?
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Jackson White
You know when you've been with someone for like.
Stassi Schroeder
Yes.
Grace Van Patten
Like dating and.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. Yes. But not once we've like entered into a relationship.
Grace Van Patten
I sound crazy right now.
Stassi Schroeder
We remember their names once, you know, they become my boyfriend.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah, totally same Jackson.
Stassi Schroeder
Do you guys think you would have dated in college if you would have met in real life back then?
Jackson White
We would have been. All of our like young shit would have clashed so hard. We're very similar in a lot of ways. We're very.
Grace Van Patten
I think we would have gotten along really well. But maybe have not dated.
Jackson White
We would have been like. We would have been like running. Running buddies. Like.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah. We're.
Jackson White
We're both really stubborn and probably you know, some one of us more than the other. And. And we, and we would have been. We would have been.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah. So not because there is an alternate reality. Cuz he went to usc.
Stassi Schroeder
Uhuh.
Grace Van Patten
For. Not for the whole time. But. And I was gonna go and I kept deferring so there is there, there is a world where we met in college.
Stassi Schroeder
You guys totally at least would have hooked up.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah, probably.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. Yeah, probably.
Grace Van Patten
And probably would have been like really close. But not would have like. We wouldn't have taken each other seriously.
Jackson White
You know what, actually we're. This is. We've been giving the clever answer. This is like the clever, thoughtful like fucking whatever. The truth is, it'd be over if I met you at any time. It'd be over.
Stassi Schroeder
Oh, that's the truth.
Grace Van Patten
You're so sweet in your little screen.
Stassi Schroeder
This is how Steven always gets him back. You know, he says something like that and it's just like man. You know, Jackson, I have something embarrassing to admit.
Jackson White
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
I was asked who I thought was the most misunderstood character and I foolishly, stupidly chose Steven. Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
I mean you really see that in the first season when he goes home to his family. Yeah.
Jackson White
I do think he is misunderstood. I'm. I'm going to defend him a little bit. I think he's going through a lot. I Don't think. I don't think I was able to see in. Into that window like you're talking about. And you saying that you were thinking there was going to be some kind of conversation about why he is the way he is is exactly what I wanted to try and show. But hopefully by the first year of this, we've established him, especially by this last year when he's just kind of overtly. Yes, he's hurt and he is taking his hurt out on people, but he's. But he's. He's acting in a very two dimensional, aggressive way.
Stassi Schroeder
What do you think he does do when he's by himself?
Jackson White
He's cleaning meticulously and he's like, he's on the phone and he's going to bed on time and he's doing these really interesting structured things and it's a lot more simple and eerie than you'd think. And he's reading a lot and he's always on the phone. He's always on the move. He's walking on the treadmill for like an hour and a half while he makes phone calls. And then he just can't sit still.
Stassi Schroeder
Wait, I like this question. What do you think Lucy does when she's by herself? Oh, God.
Grace Van Patten
Like, stares at a wall.
Stassi Schroeder
I mean, she's depressed a lot.
Jackson White
Me, you're like, I don't know if she probably.
Grace Van Patten
I don't think she has at least yet, like, any ounce of ambition. Her priorities are so out of whack. Like, especially this season. I think it's just like sitting and feeling so much shame and so much guilt and not doing anything about it.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
And it is like, it really sets it up in the first episode. Like, is this gonna be different? Like, they are being sweet with each other. You understand, Again, like, they do. As awful as they are to each other, they do have this chemistry and connection, even though it's so toxic. Like, you see why they're drawn to each other.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. And then there's the MDMA scene. Pretty sure. This episode.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
Okay. That's this episode where you, Jackson, pretend to take MDMA and then Lucy does, and then you want to get the truth out of her about her and Evan.
Grace Van Patten
That was really fun.
Jackson White
My favorite thing of this show is getting nose to nose with Grace and I and metaphorically and going there.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah. It's so fun acting with each other.
Jackson White
It's the best. It's the same thing. We do it the same way in a lot of ways. We go about it the same way. We have the same breath. We have the same curiosities. And. And we're fucking. I don't know. We're doing a very similar thing. I think that's why that relationship is so interesting to watch. Cause we do things very similarly.
Stassi Schroeder
This is so romantic. Like, part of me feels like I shouldn't be here.
Jackson White
Totally. I don't even mean it that romantic.
Stassi Schroeder
But it was romantic to say. Like, it was. Okay. So you guys have a dog?
Grace Van Patten
Jackson does, but I'm like, what's your dog's name?
Jackson White
It's our dog.
Stassi Schroeder
It's our dog.
Jackson White
It's Fred.
Stassi Schroeder
It's Fred.
Jackson White
His name's Fred. Yeah, Fred.
Grace Van Patten
Is he there with you?
Jackson White
Yeah, he's not in the hotel with me.
Grace Van Patten
But Fred's such a little weirdo. He's the best.
Jackson White
He's a freak. I don't. He needs his own fucking segment. He's a freak.
Stassi Schroeder
What's the freakiest thing Fred does?
Grace Van Patten
Freaky Fred just, like, stares at you, into your soul, looks at you.
Jackson White
He just looks at you like he knows you for a long time.
Grace Van Patten
He's like, he's a human. Like, we're convinced that there's a guy in there.
Stassi Schroeder
How old is freaky Fred?
Jackson White
He's six.
Stassi Schroeder
Okay, that's a good answer.
Grace Van Patten
Jackson's been saying he's five since I met him.
Stassi Schroeder
Oh, so he's like 12?
Jackson White
No, he's not. He's a young man. He's got a young man dental.
Grace Van Patten
He's in denial.
Stassi Schroeder
When you guys are at home. Like, which shows do you binge watch together?
Jackson White
Okay, here we go.
Stassi Schroeder
Oh, here we go.
Grace Van Patten
Now he's gonna thrive.
Jackson White
Okay, see, I'm awake now.
Grace Van Patten
Go for it, Jack.
Jackson White
Reality. We watched the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and I was floored. I'm floored by it.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah, that was shocking.
Stassi Schroeder
It was Housewives.
Jackson White
I've never been. I've never done that. So I'm, like, new to the game. Grace has seen, like, Grace is like.
Grace Van Patten
You need to watch Vanderpump Rules now that you know Stassi.
Jackson White
Oh, yeah, I'm going.
Stassi Schroeder
You're gonna freak out or not. You don't have to.
Jackson White
No, I'm going in. I'm going in.
Grace Van Patten
You have to.
Jackson White
I'm going in.
Grace Van Patten
It's like a rite of passage.
Jackson White
Yeah, yeah, I'm ready.
Stassi Schroeder
I just want. I was 23 at the time, so it's like, I'm not proud of my behavior.
Jackson White
So are you guys, like, you guys are all work at the bar or everyone? Like, the woman who owns the bar is the head of it. And then you all cycle in with different jobs in the bar and then start dating each other.
Stassi Schroeder
I was really working at this restaurant and then a production company came to us and said, we wanna do a reality show about you guys. Whoever is interested, stay. And then we interviewed for it and then it got picked up and we filmed it. So I was really. Yes, we were. And we were all dating each other because that's what happens when you're like 22, 23 years old working at a restaurant. You date your co workers. I have a question. Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
You being in the relationship with Jax.
Stassi Schroeder
Ew.
Grace Van Patten
Yes.
Jackson White
Ew. Oh my gosh. Is that an extra?
Grace Van Patten
Did you watch the show? Did you watch this is what I like modeled Lucy and Steven after Jackson. So did you watch the show when it came out? Like, did you watch the season Tell Me Last? No. Vanderpump Rules?
Stassi Schroeder
I'm like, of course I watched Tell Me Lies at once. I know all this stuff. Okay.
Grace Van Patten
Did you watch it?
Stassi Schroeder
Yes. We have to watch them back because we have reunions.
Grace Van Patten
Oh, you have the reunions and we.
Stassi Schroeder
Have to be able to answer.
Grace Van Patten
So did you learn about yourself and that relationship when you watched it back? Oh, yes.
Stassi Schroeder
I learned about myself through every relationship I had on that reality show.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah. Crazy.
Stassi Schroeder
And so when I watch Tell me Lies, I think of like my 20 year old self, my 23 year old self, my 25 year old self, even my 27 year old self. And I wanna hug her. Cause I'm just like, these men did these things to me and I feel Lucy, it's like, it's. I don't think you understand.
Jackson White
Jackson, can I jump into this?
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Jackson White
And if this is offensive, cut me the fuck out.
Stassi Schroeder
No, nothing really offends me.
Jackson White
I'm like, well, I'm of the belief that I think everything is a two way street. Everything. And I firmly believe that people have been through horrible, traumatic relationships and situations. But do you ever go like, what did I do? What's going on with me? Yeah, what's going on with me?
Stassi Schroeder
Of course I did. Of course I did.
Grace Van Patten
Cause that's probably so crazy, like watching yourself back, being like, oh, okay, maybe I wanna change that part about myself.
Stassi Schroeder
But you can't change too much. Yeah, you're like, but you can't lose the thing that made you sparkle, the thing that made people wanna watch you. It is a, it's a.
Grace Van Patten
So you're like, oh, I can change. Maybe in my day to day life and then on tv I still have to maintain this, like, personality that people are.
Stassi Schroeder
But also people wanna see growth. People wanna see people evolve. Like, I think it's boring to watch the same thing over and over again, you know?
Grace Van Patten
Totally, totally.
Jackson White
That's a. That's a very unique way to grow up. It's part of you. I. You can look up some. The stuff I did when I was trying to break into this. I'm still doing.
Grace Van Patten
Jackson had a pompadour.
Stassi Schroeder
What?
Jackson White
Fucking. I had.
Grace Van Patten
Let's bring those pictures.
Jackson White
I had a pompadour. You can. You can pull up. We all will have.
Grace Van Patten
We all had crazy, awkward.
Jackson White
Yeah, come on. That's what it is. You're just. Yours was televised. That's. That's the part that's crazy. I mean, do you feel traumatized? Do you feel like, whoa, whoa. My whole, like, childhood was documented. That's weird.
Stassi Schroeder
No, I just feel like this was like, what. This is what I was destined to do.
Katie Maloney
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
I don't know. And I enjoy it and I'm good at it.
Grace Van Patten
Being yourself, which is so admirable. Like, that's what I think is so cool, is that you're not changing. Cause cameras are in front of you. I totally do. I think I act because I'm comfortable. Because being other people, like, more than myself. And I think, like, seeing you, I was not expecting to meet the person that I. But. Which you're not. But, like, you're authentic. It's like you're being authentic.
Jackson White
This is why reality is the best case study for us if we're trying to fucking be natural.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Jackson White
Because our whole. The goal, the one goal we want is to push this camera out of the way, pretend like it's not there, and blend that line. That's. That's what you're working toward. And you guys do it. You guys are the most natural. And you've fucked the camera. You're so fucked the camera that it's like. It's amazing.
Grace Van Patten
So cool.
Stassi Schroeder
You guys.
Grace Van Patten
Thank you for coming to our office.
Stassi Schroeder
I'm in therapy with Steven and Grace.
Grace Van Patten
Maybe Steven and Lucy should start their own therapy podcast.
Stassi Schroeder
This was a dream. You guys therapized me and I feel just like. What just happened? This was so cool.
Grace Van Patten
This was awesome.
Stassi Schroeder
This was really cool.
Grace Van Patten
This was so fun.
Stassi Schroeder
Hey, everyone. Welcome back to the Tell Me Lies official podcast. We've decided to stay back with Grace Van Patten, one on one, to unpack that explosive season opener. Let's do this. People are going to think we're drunk. We're not. Okay.
Grace Van Patten
I don't Know what time it is. But we're not.
Stassi Schroeder
I don't know what time it is either, because we're in this studio that, like, has no windows.
Grace Van Patten
We're in, like, a little.
Stassi Schroeder
And so, like, I.
Grace Van Patten
Tell Me Lies House.
Stassi Schroeder
We are at Tell Me Lies House. It's like a Tell Me Lies nicer dorm.
Grace Van Patten
Totally.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. Anyway, okay, so in this episode, Steven's still mad that Lucy and Evan slept together. Hey.
Grace Van Patten
Where'D you go this morning?
Jackson White
Sorry I didn't mind. So great.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah, I'm not sure MDMA is the best fit for us.
Jackson White
Yeah, I think it's less about the mdma, more about you fucking Evan last year.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah. Which, you know, I get it. He can be mad. But, like, he.
Stassi Schroeder
He does. That night he walked down with Diane.
Grace Van Patten
Exactly.
Stassi Schroeder
While you were in the Coconut Brow, you were allowed to go and hook up with whoever the fuck you wanted. Not you personally. You know what I mean?
Grace Van Patten
Yeah. It should have been even Ben should have been like, all right, you did this. You did all that.
Stassi Schroeder
Instead, you did Evan.
Katie Maloney
Truce.
Grace Van Patten
Instead I did Evan. Even Evan. Even his.
Stassi Schroeder
Like, it should have been even. She should have said she didn't have Evan.
Grace Van Patten
We're Evan. We're even. Yeah. This is awful. Okay.
Stassi Schroeder
How do you feel about Steven not owning up to his role in life? The hookup? No, it's like he played a part in you hooking up with Evan.
Grace Van Patten
I mean, it tracks, right?
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
He never, like, takes accountability. He always, like, finds a way to blame it on someone else. And Lucy, unfortunately, like, is convinced by that. And you see Lucy feel really, like, shameful about it because she really wants it to work this time.
Stassi Schroeder
Poor girl. I know.
Grace Van Patten
And it's so sad. It's so sad to, like, just watch him control her.
Jackson White
Are you worried about losing me or are you scared of me?
Stassi Schroeder
It was wild to see that. Like, I felt like I had to. I wanted to shake your character, not you.
Katie Maloney
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
Like, it was skated over. Just the fact that. Hello. He walked downstairs with Diana and crushed your heart.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
Broke your heart. And, like, you. Lucy's the one that's sitting there feeling guilty. I'm like, make that fucking make sense.
Grace Van Patten
I know. I know. Yeah. I think it's about, like, eggshell. I think, like, if you're in a relationship that is so toxic like, that, you, like, you choose your battles. I think Lucy is, yes, wants it to work, but is in so much fear about what he's capable of that it's like, even if she's not sorry, she's gonna say Sorry.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
Cause she's, like, completely living in fear in this relationship.
Stassi Schroeder
I think a lot of people could relate to that. Everyone's been in a relationship like that. Yeah. Well, also in this episode, Lucy begs to be forgiven, but that they just want. He just wants to see how it goes. Is he telling the truth for once, or is this more manipulation?
Grace Van Patten
Um, I mean, I think. I think Lucy believes it, but, like, I think what Steven does so well, which is so scary, is, like, he's not saying, we're good. Like, I want to move on. He's saying his words are so carefully chosen to make Lucy always feel on edge.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
And that, like, nothing is ever confirmed. Okay. So I think. Yeah, I think he knows how to choose his words.
Stassi Schroeder
It's just more manipulation.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
Truly. What was your first thought when you read the scene where Lucy tells Steven that they have to be nice to each other this time?
Grace Van Patten
It's just like, I. It's sad that she still has hope that this could be a relationship that could be remotely good is really sad. But I also understand I've. You know, it happens so much. Like, whether you know you're in a toxic situation or not. And you're. If you're in that cycle, like, you don't. You don't. Do not have clarity. And I think Lucy sees it as her only option right now and is so desperately wanting it to be okay. So she's in complete denial.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. Just like the fact that she has to say, let's try and be nice to each other. It's. The bare minimum of a relationship is just to be nice to each other. It's true.
Grace Van Patten
It's so true.
Stassi Schroeder
It's. It's just wild.
Grace Van Patten
It shouldn't have to be remarkable.
Katie Maloney
I know.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
At the end of the episode, so Pippa walks down the aisle, followed by Lucy, who seems to go through every emotion possible in under 10 seconds. What was going through her head in.
Grace Van Patten
That moment at the wedding, at the end? Right.
Stassi Schroeder
Walking down the aisle?
Grace Van Patten
Well, she's terrified. Cause Steven. She hasn't seen Steven yet, and they had had sex that morning. So I think she's like, what is he about to do? Which puts her right back into her college years and her psyche then. And then when she sees him sitting there, I think it's like. I think it was like. Well, she sees him with Lydia, so it's like, okay, he's still with her. I think it's like, relief. Like, okay, he's here. He's not, like, off creating some evil plan.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Grace Van Patten
Like, he's here, he's in the room. And also I think relief. Cause I think Lucy was satisfied that he didn't change for anyone but her. I think she was so upset at the idea that Steven could have changed for Lydia.
Stassi Schroeder
Yes.
Grace Van Patten
And she got confirmation that he has not changed. He's the same exact guy. And probably like, okay. I think it gave her a lot of validation.
Stassi Schroeder
You're so right. That's a million different feelings in one down the aisle. Yeah. And finally, without giving anything away, what would you use to describe what we should expect from the rest of the season? I know it's like, how do you.
Grace Van Patten
Not give stuff away? I know, it's so hard, but it's absolute chaos. You see kind of everyone face consequences which they haven't really faced before. And it's nothing what you would expect. I didn't expect it when I read it. And I'm in Lucy's brain, unfortunately, a lot.
Katie Maloney
So.
Grace Van Patten
You're gonna freak out. People are gonna freak out. Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
I can confidently say that all of.
Grace Van Patten
Y' all are gonna freak out.
Stassi Schroeder
Cause I watched all the episodes. It's no big deal. I'm just flexing right now. But like, yeah, everyone's gonna freak the fuck out.
Grace Van Patten
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
After the break, Katie Maloney and I break down this week's drama. You're here. You're here. We made it. We're like, tell me lies, girlies. You know it's about us kind of.
Katie Maloney
No, actually it is about you.
Stassi Schroeder
Grace confirmed. I know, but if you. Like before, she actually confirmed. When I watch it, I'm literally like, this is Vanderpumpels looking in a mirror. This is the group of friends at sur.
Katie Maloney
Who am I on the show? You think?
Stassi Schroeder
Oh, I've always thought that you were Bri. I think that's just because you guys are. Your faces are so beautiful and like you just want to stare at them. And then you guys end up having the same haircut. And she's like a little more. She's a little. I don't say. I don't know if alternative is the right word. It's like she has your energy a bit.
Katie Maloney
You don't think so maybe a little bit of an edge? Is that what you're saying?
Stassi Schroeder
Maybe that's what it is. Like edgier. Like when you watch the show, who do you think you are?
Katie Maloney
None of them.
Stassi Schroeder
Who do you think your 20 year old self was?
Katie Maloney
You know, maybe like a brie type.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, I'm like not talking about now because if we're talking Now I'm Diana.
Katie Maloney
Minus the affair with the. You know, with the teacher.
Stassi Schroeder
Don't get me started on the affair because it'll trigger me. Cause Brie's one of my favorite characters. But the second that she decided to have an affair with a married man, knowing the wife, I was like, I can't. I. You're making it really hard to stand behind you.
Katie Maloney
Yeah, there's some, like, single white female stuff happening there.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, the earrings, all of it. Just.
Katie Maloney
Just like the. The wanting her validation and attention and being like a fan of her in a weird way. Just.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. Okay, so I didn't mean that when I said that you're most like Bri. Sorry.
Katie Maloney
Of course not.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, obviously you were like that. Everything else okay to me gives Bri. And I think I'm just a blend. I was Lucy. I graduated to Diana.
Katie Maloney
Okay. Yeah, no, I. I can see that.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Katie Maloney
Yeah. I mean, I think. Listen, we all have a little bit of a Toxic Lucy in us, even if it's just a temptation to be toxic.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Katie Maloney
It's intoxicating.
Stassi Schroeder
Totally. Well, before we actually start talking about Tell Me Lies, I wanted to do a classic. Would you rather. I feel like we invented. Would you rather.
Katie Maloney
Don't you feel like that in a way?
Stassi Schroeder
I don't know, like before Vanderpump Rules and we worked at sur. I feel like we thought we came up. We invented. Would you rather?
Katie Maloney
Perhaps if no one's claimed it, then we will.
Stassi Schroeder
We did. We invented the game. Would you rather.
Katie Maloney
You're welcome.
Stassi Schroeder
You hear it here. Would you rather this one's tough. Date someone who refuses to watch your favorite show or someone who watches ahead without you?
Katie Maloney
There's no good option here. But I feel like if we're like, into the same things, that's a good sign. If we can at least share in conversation about what's happening, you know?
Stassi Schroeder
So you would rather have someone watch ahead? Not me.
Katie Maloney
No.
Stassi Schroeder
No.
Katie Maloney
Okay.
Stassi Schroeder
Actually, I like my alone time, so I'd rather have someone not want to watch it.
Katie Maloney
I considered that as a good option, but I just feel like I would rather just have that in common with someone than not.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, it's great. Agree to disagree, period. Would you rather date Steven for a year knowing he's trash?
Grace Van Patten
Uh huh.
Stassi Schroeder
Or have Lucy as your roommate who accidentally steals every guy you like?
Katie Maloney
I'll date Steven. That's fine. I can. He's hot. Like, no problem.
Stassi Schroeder
I actually.
Katie Maloney
No problem Steven.
Stassi Schroeder
Once you date him, he doesn't let you go. Even when you stop dating, he tortures you for the rest of your life, kind of. Or years and years to come. One year of feeling like a loser because Lucy's stealing all your your guys.
Katie Maloney
That would. I feel like the long term effect would be more detrimental than some guy who is toxic. I don't know.
Stassi Schroeder
That's true. Because that would be a year of your life that you just felt worthless and like that would shape how you. You date for the rest of your life.
Katie Maloney
I feel like I would learn a lot about myself. I'd come out of that like the strongest I've ever been. So.
Stassi Schroeder
So Steven, date the hot dog. Katie Maloney wants to date Stephen from Tell me Lies. Would you rather speak only in Stassi season one sound bites. So like just the sound bites from season one.
Katie Maloney
Okay.
Stassi Schroeder
Or only communicate with people using your rage texts from man or pump rules and that's it. You would have to text people. You couldn't open your mouth. But if you did open your mouth, it was something I said.
Katie Maloney
No, I would rather communicate with what you said. I don't know. They're bars, man. Like they were so good. So I will. Yeah, the rage text.
Stassi Schroeder
Like I'd actually choose rage text because you know what? Sometimes I just don't feel like talking, you know?
Katie Maloney
Well, I definitely sometimes become very non verbal, but that's for other reasons. Yeah, we know.
Stassi Schroeder
We see it via text.
Katie Maloney
I just think it would be fun.
Stassi Schroeder
Okay. I'm the devil. Those were my would you rathers. All right, let's talk about Tell me Lies. Okay, so I think I already asked this. Didn't we go over this? Which character do you relate to the most?
Katie Maloney
It's not about a relatability, but I do feel like I've been in like, like similar, like at least positions or feelings that I find like bre in. Honestly, like, I do love her a lot on the show. Like, Lucy does frustrate me.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, Lucy frustrates everyone.
Katie Maloney
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
And obviously you can love her and be frustrated by her at the same time.
Katie Maloney
Yeah. And I think that's a healthy balance.
Stassi Schroeder
It's just I feel like she always for the most part has good intentions, but she just fucks things up.
Katie Maloney
Terrible execution. I relate to that. I feel like my intentions with people are often very good and they're coming from the best place. Delivery and execution. Awful.
Stassi Schroeder
So maybe that's why Lucy annoys you so much because you see so much of yourself in her. So therefore you do you ever relate to me right now to Lucy the most?
Katie Maloney
Okay, fine. Perhaps you're correct on that. But I aspire to be more like Bri.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. Yeah, well, she's more level headed outside of the Oliver thing. Okay, I'm not talking about that. Okay, so on this episode, Bri listens to Steven's voicemail at her wedding and then she goes, I'm a terrible person. Yeah. Okay, like, what does that even mean?
Katie Maloney
I don't know. And I have a feeling it's gonna be the completely opposite of what I think. Like, based on what I know, I'm like, okay, well, maybe there's that. But is she that self aware?
Stassi Schroeder
Mm.
Katie Maloney
Is Oliver still in the picture? Mm. What is Bri up to?
Stassi Schroeder
I don't know. Okay. Also in this episode, Steven is still mad about Evan and Lucy. He just won't let that go.
Katie Maloney
Steven's always mad.
Stassi Schroeder
I know he's always mad. But like, that one is just like, so not the hill to die on. You know what I mean? He left with Diana while Lucy was in the coconut bra. She's allowed to go and have sex with whoever she wants, even if it's your friend. Zero.
Katie Maloney
Well, I mean, you gotta be prepared for the fallout from that. For sure. Like, those are still choices you're gonna make that are questionable, right?
Stassi Schroeder
Yes.
Katie Maloney
But. Yeah. No, the thing is, Steven was doing whatever he wanted. It was like rules for the not for me kind of thing. And he was also. That name Steven, it kind of just pisses you off.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, let's offend. Steven's everywhere. Steven, like, it just kind of like, yeah, the name.
Katie Maloney
Like there is no other name for a guy like that. Unless it was like Jason or something.
Stassi Schroeder
That's Jax's real name.
Katie Maloney
I know, I know. As it was coming out of my mouth, I realized that we got. Steven is such a, like, apt name for such a terrible person. But yeah, I feel like he's always mad and doesn't think he has to apologize for anything. He's never accountable for anything.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah. And I always. And I feel like whenever I watch, even when he's not mad about something, when he finds himself not mad, he's like on the rear keys and you see him like, freak out. Like, wait a second, this doesn't feel right. I need to like, find fucking something to be mad about.
Katie Maloney
He's a self sabotager.
Stassi Schroeder
Absolutely is.
Katie Maloney
And a life ruiner. So.
Stassi Schroeder
Life ruiner. So Oliver brushes off Bree in the hallway and wishes her a cold, happy New Year.
Katie Maloney
That would destroy me, especially.
Stassi Schroeder
Cause he's so hot.
Katie Maloney
That part of it. But I just like, I just blew up my life. I Don't know. I just risked the biscuit and this is what I get for it.
Stassi Schroeder
I've never heard anyone say that before, but I like it. I just risked the biscuit and this is what I get.
Katie Maloney
Yeah.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah, I like it.
Katie Maloney
Thanks.
Stassi Schroeder
So also, Pippa and Diana fight, but it's really about their complicated feelings because we know that they end up together at the wedding. But do we think they get together in college?
Katie Maloney
I'm leaning towards yes. When this came up in season two, I was here for it. I was like, I like this. So, yeah, I want to see. I want to say that this is the. You obviously know more than I do, but this is like the beginning of their love story. Yeah, of course it's toxic, but yes.
Stassi Schroeder
Isn't it crazy that if this is the beginning of their love story and the beginning again of, like, Bri Nevin, because we see them get married, that everyone stayed together that long, it gives small town vibes. It does give small town vibes.
Katie Maloney
Could never be me, but. But.
Stassi Schroeder
Well, I mean, you did get married young.
Katie Maloney
It's 20. No, first I. I got. I was 30 when I got married, which. Which I still think is young.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Katie Maloney
Like, I. Anyone out there that's like, don't do.
Stassi Schroeder
It or do it if you're in love. Like, don't. Let's not scare people.
Katie Maloney
I'm here to be real.
Grace Van Patten
That's all.
Katie Maloney
I speak truth into existence. No, I love when people are like, we've been together since we were 19 and now they're in their 70s and it's. That's the cutest thing ever. That's the rarest thing ever, too.
Stassi Schroeder
That's the exception, not the rule.
Katie Maloney
Exactly. So, yes, it is weird, but honestly, that's how it is in so many places that we don't live. That people do meet in college, they meet in high school, and they stay together and they stay through it. I don't know. And then they go together. Look. See? I can be optimistic.
Stassi Schroeder
That was so sweet. That was cute of you. That was really cute. Do you think Lucy and Steven will be together by spring break?
Katie Maloney
I sure hope not. This is the kind of will they, won't they story that I hate. I am here for will they, won't they? Like, I love that kind of stuff and I want to root for that. I am rooting against these people so hard.
Stassi Schroeder
Yeah.
Katie Maloney
But I love mess. And I love watching.
Stassi Schroeder
I love to watch. Yeah, but of course. Okay, what are your predictions for the rest of the season?
Katie Maloney
That Lucy and Steven will get back together and break up four times probably. Oh, God. Evan and Bri. I maybe see them getting divorced this season. Who else do we have?
Stassi Schroeder
You're not a Bri and Evan fan? See, I feel like not really. Evan is like, kind of a little. It's like what she. It's the stability that she needs. Like, she wants to be able to depend on someone, and he is not fulfilled.
Katie Maloney
That relationship will never fulfill her. Yeah, I'm not saying that the teacher was a good idea, but, like, I think that type of girl just craves more, bigger. I don't know. She needs to get out of that town.
Stassi Schroeder
Thank you so much for joining me.
Katie Maloney
Oh, my God, I love being here.
Stassi Schroeder
That's it for this episode. And thank you so much. Thank you so much for listening. And stay tuned for the next episode of Tell Me Lies official podcast. And don't forget to share, follow and subscribe wherever you like to listen all of the things. Bye. Watch and listen to Tell Me Lies official podcast, available on Hulu and wherever you get your podcasts. And don't miss Tell Me Lies now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers terms apply.
Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Stassi Schroeder
Guests: Grace Van Patten (Lucy), Jackson White (Stephen), Katie Maloney
The premiere episode of Season 3’s official Tell Me Lies podcast, hosted by Stassi Schroeder, plunges into the aftermath of the explosive season opener. Stassi is joined by stars Grace Van Patten (Lucy), Jackson White (Stephen), and Bravo-vet Katie Maloney, offering fans a heady mix of recaps, personal reflections, behind-the-scenes secrets, and juicy “would you rather” games. The conversation is playful, candid, and occasionally therapeutic as the cast shares insights into their characters’ twisted dynamics, off-screen friendships, and how the show mirrors their own 20-something experiences.
[00:01–02:25]
[02:25–05:25]
“Grace, I’m obsessed with you.” — Stassi Schroeder [02:47]
“You are my biggest inspiration for Lucy.” — Grace Van Patten [03:05]
[04:30–07:06]
“We’ll scroll through movies for as long as a movie would take.” — Jackson White [04:48]
“Being lied to is, like, so scary for me. That’s like, number one.” — Grace Van Patten [05:46] “Same thing... You don’t want to be lied to.” — Jackson White [06:40]
“Grace is a truth seeker and it forces you to f---ing be on the ground and really, like, be thoughtful and communicative.” — Jackson White [06:10]
[07:11–11:44]
“He’s cleaning meticulously... It’s a lot more simple and eerie than you’d think. He’s reading, always on the phone, always on the move. He just can’t sit still.” — Jackson White [11:16]
[11:50–13:47]
“My favorite thing of this show is getting nose to nose with Grace... metaphorically and going there.” — Jackson White [13:05]
[15:06–18:06]
“I learned about myself through every relationship I had on that reality show.” [16:53]
“Do you ever go like, what did I do? What’s going on with me?” — Jackson White [17:41]
[19:09–19:35]
“That’s what I think is so cool, is that you’re not changing. Cause cameras are in front of you.” — Grace Van Patten [19:09]
[20:26–27:30]
“He never takes accountability. He always finds a way to blame it on someone else. And Lucy, unfortunately, is convinced by that.” — Grace Van Patten [22:10]
“It’s sad that she still has hope that this could be a relationship that could be remotely good.” — Grace Van Patten [24:23]
“The bare minimum of a relationship is just to be nice to each other. It’s true.” — Stassi Schroeder [25:04]
“She’s terrified... What is he about to do? Which puts her right back into her college years... When she sees him with Lydia, it’s like relief; he’s here, he’s the same exact guy.” — Grace Van Patten [25:34–26:36]
[27:31–39:01]
“I’ll date Steven. He’s hot, no problem.” — Katie Maloney [31:01] “So Steven, date the hot dog. Katie Maloney wants to date Steven from Tell Me Lies.” — Stassi Schroeder [31:40]
“Lucy does frustrate me... I feel like she always... has good intentions, but she just fucks things up.” — Stassi Schroeder [33:09]
“Terrible execution. I relate to that.” — Katie Maloney [33:16]
“This is the kind of will-they-won’t-they story that I hate. I am rooting against these people so hard.” — Katie Maloney [37:59]
The episode is lively, open-hearted, and loaded with dark humor—mirroring both Tell Me Lies's youthful chaos and the self-aware reflections of a cast and host who know what it’s like to be messy in the public eye. Grace and Jackson dig deep into their characters’ pathology, while Stassi and Katie make sharp, sometimes brutal assessments that will resonate with fans who see themselves—or their exes—in the Baird crowd.
For those who haven’t watched, this episode is a crash course in Tell Me Lies’s potent blend of romantic disaster, codependency, and generational growing pains—all dissected by people who’ve lived it both on and off screen. With cast confessions, sharp fan analysis, and plenty of '90s/2000s nostalgia, it’s a mix of fun and therapy, just like the show itself.