Vault: Kim Zolciak gives Bert Reality Tv Show advice

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: The Bert Show
Episode: Vault: Kim Zolciak Gives Bert Reality TV Show Advice
Date: June 26, 2026

This episode features reality TV star Kim Zolciak, best known from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," in conversation with The Bert Show crew. The main theme centers on Kim’s insights into the realities and challenges of being on a reality TV show, advice for those considering joining the genre, and candid discussion about contracts, cast dynamics, personal life, and using the platform for professional growth.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Kim’s Health and Upcoming Performance

• Kim starts the segment discussing her illness and nerves about performing live in Atlanta for the first time.
  • "I'm so sick. I've been sick all week... But yeah, I'm going to do it. And you know, I'm performing and I really hope that I feel a lot better tomorrow because I've never performed in Atlanta. I'm very nervous about it." (01:03–01:35)

Contract Negotiations and the Reality TV Process

• She is currently negotiating her contract for the next season of RHOA.
  • "My contract is not signed. We're. Yeah, we're negotiating right now, although we're not supposed to talk about it, but, I mean, you know, we're all. We're all coming back, but we're just starting a little bit later." (02:17–02:28)
• Kim insists on fair compensation, highlighting the intensity of filming:
  • "Would you risk your life again for what you're offering me? No, you wouldn't... I gotta, you know, at least get paid what it's worth." (02:34–02:50)

Why Return to Reality TV?

• Despite traumas, Kim values the platform for promoting her other ventures:
  • "It's a great platform to, you know, do what my song has done really, really well because of the show... I'm doing wigs for a lot of celebrities, actually. That's where I've actually just gone into that, and I wouldn't have that opportunity if it wasn't for the show. You just have to be smart about it and capitalize on it while you have it, because Real Housewives of Atlanta won't always be around." (03:55–04:18)

Relationships and Public Scrutiny

• Kim confirms her relationship status (“with Big Papa”), and discusses how personal life is inevitably part of the show.
  • "I'm with Big Papa." (03:24)
• She acknowledges the challenge for her kids, especially with public scrutiny:
  • "In middle school, they talk and they say this and they say that. So it's difficult for. Because, you know, my kids are older." (06:26–06:34)

Bert’s Reality TV Considerations — Seeking Advice

• The host contemplates joining a reality show and seeks Kim’s honest advice:
  • Bert: "If they do still want me, then, to be honest with you, I'm probably about 75% leaning towards doing it." (05:07–05:24)
  • Kim: "That's the hardest part. You just got to put that on the back burner and, you know, start a bit, do something, you know, capitalize on it. It's a great opportunity." (05:54–06:03)
  • Bert: "The concern... is more about my family... You know, you go ahead, take your shots at me, but when you take shots of my family, I get sensitive to that kind of thing." (05:37–05:54)

How Reality Shows Are Cast and Produced

• Kim underscores the slow, organic process of casting and production:
  • "I filmed the pilot in July, and then they called me in November and I started filming in February." (06:49–06:57)
• She demystifies the misconception of manufactured drama:
  • "None of it's staged. I mean, it may be out of sequence, but it's all. It all happens." (07:47–08:10)

Gender Dynamics and ‘Drama’ in Reality TV

• Comparison between male and female-driven shows:
  • Kim: "But men are competitive. The two though, you guys are competitive. I think that I don't see the drama. You know how women are. We're all so drama driven." (08:28–08:36)
  • Interviewer: "That's what I'm thinking is the wives... we think are going to bring the drama to the table..." (08:36–08:46)
  • Kim: "Exactly right. That's where the drama's gonna come from. They know what they're doing." (08:46–08:48)

Cast Chemistry and First Impressions

• Kim’s first group meeting was dramatic from the start:
  • "We met at the clubhouse... and Nene and Sheree were screaming at each other in the middle of the restaurant... I was like, what am I doing?" (09:19–09:41)
• Real-time casting changes can be made:
  • "If they get you guys together and they're like, you know, this really isn't working, then they have the ability to pull you... your position is never [guaranteed]..." (10:11–10:27)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:27 | Kim Zolciak | "I've never performed in Atlanta. I'm very nervous about it." | | 02:34 | Kim Zolciak | "Would you risk your life again for what you're offering me? No, you wouldn't." | | 03:55 | Kim Zolciak | "It's a great platform... You just have to be smart about it and capitalize on it while you have it." | | 05:31 | Kim Zolciak | "Why? Like, should I call her?" (joking about Bert's wife's excitement for reality TV) | | 05:54 | Kim Zolciak | "That's the hardest part. You just got to put that on the back burner and, you know, start a bit, do something, you know, capitalize on it."| | 07:47 | Kim Zolciak | "You live your life. Reality television... None of it's staged." | | 09:19 | Kim Zolciak | "Nene and Sheree were screaming... I was like, what am I doing?" | | 10:27 | Kim Zolciak | "Your position is never, like, if they didn't ask me back this year, then they don't ask you back whether I have a contract or not." |

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Segment Timestamps for Key Topics

• Opening & Kim’s Health: 01:03 – 01:35
• Contract and Season Renewal Talk: 02:11 – 02:55
• Reality TV Platform as Business Opportunity: 03:46 – 04:18
• Favorite Interviews: 04:18 – 04:50
• Advice to Bert on Joining Reality TV: 05:05 – 06:03
• Casting and Production Timeline: 06:34 – 06:57
• Reality Show Drama & Casting Process: 07:46 – 08:10; 09:19 – 10:27
• Closing Invitations and Goodbyes: 10:27 – 11:07

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Takeaways

• Reality TV is high-risk, high-reward: The exposure can launch careers and business ventures, but not without personal sacrifices, especially regarding family privacy and emotional wellbeing.
• Authenticity and flexibility are key: Cast dynamics and show direction evolve organically, with producers adapting to personalities and situations as they unfold.
• Personal brand-building matters: Kim stresses using reality TV as a "great platform" to introduce side ventures like her wig line and music.
• Preparation and resilience are crucial: Whether it's contract negotiations or backlash from viewers, resilience and strategic mindset are essential according to Kim's experience.

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Final Thoughts

Kim Zolciak blends humor and candor as she gives both practical and personal counsel on reality television. The episode is a light-hearted yet insightful dive into what happens behind the scenes, offering real-world advice for anyone tempted by the bright lights of reality TV.

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Transcript

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[Interviewer 1]

Here's Kim Zolciak. Hey, Kim.

[Kim Zolciak]

Hi. Good morning. How are you guys?

[Interviewer 1]

Good, how are you? Sound a little tired today.

[Kim Zolciak]

I'm so sick. I've been sick all week.

[Interviewer 1]

Jeff has this too. He hasn't. Yeah, he hasn't been in all week.

[Kim Zolciak]

Yeah, Jeff and I have been hanging. No, we haven't been. I have been. My kids are sick. Everybody's sick. It's awful.

[Interviewer 1]

So you're gonna go out and do this thing Saturday even though you're not feeling good.

[Kim Zolciak]

Friday, Friday, Friday, Friday, Friday. Come on now.

[Interviewer 1]

Sorry, I'm leaving town. I'm on vacation. So I've already mentally checked out.

[Kim Zolciak]

Hey, I completely understand, but yeah, I'm going to do it. And you know, I'm performing and I really hope that I feel a lot better tomorrow because I've never performed in Atlanta. I'm very nervous about it.

[Interviewer 1]

I would be too if I were you. I mean, because there are people that want to be critical and they're just, they're going to say, yeah, she can kick ass while she's in a studio, but let's see what she can do live. And if they're waiting for you to fail. So if you go up there and you have this cold with this built in excuse, they're not going to buy it.

[Kim Zolciak]

No, I know. I'm going to, I'm going to Work it out. I'm going to go get a B12 shot or something today, and I'm going to. I'm going to get it together because I've performed in every other city, really, but never in Atlanta. So I'm so nervous about it.

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Are any of your cast members coming to see you and support you?

[Kim Zolciak]

You know, I just. I was actually supposed to have lunch with Candy and I was gonna invite her. I'm gonna text her, but hopefully she'll come out and see me.

[Interviewer 1]

Speaking of which, have you. Have they decided. Have you signed on for the next season or what's going on with that?

[Kim Zolciak]

My contract is not signed. We're. Yeah, we're negotiating right now, although we're not supposed to talk about it, but, I mean, you know, we're all. We're all coming back, but we're just starting a little bit later.

[Interviewer 1]

So they have made you and your counter offering and so they want you back?

[Kim Zolciak]

Yeah, I mean, yeah, they want me to get beat up, but they're just. I mean, you know, I said, would you take. Would you risk your life again for what you're offering me? No, you wouldn't. So, you know, that's a little. They need to up it. Listen, I was very dangerous last year.

[Interviewer 1]

That's a little dramatic. You didn't almost lose your life during this thing. Come on.

[Kim Zolciak]

Listen, it was very dramatic and very traumatic last year. I gotta, you know, at least get paid what it's worth.

[Interviewer 1]

Well, if it was that traumatic and traumatic, why are you doing it again?

[Kim Zolciak]

You know what? Because all in all, it's fun and all the girls, we're all getting along and we've all, you know, it's a different. We're in a different place. I think now we kind of know what to expect.

[Interviewer 2]

Is that orange juice you just drank out of, or is it a glass of wine?

[Kim Zolciak]

You know, I should be. Wine. Maybe I would feel a little better.

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So what's going on with your relationship status? Are you single? Are you engaged? Are you with Big Papa Knot?

[Kim Zolciak]

I'm with Big Papa.

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You are? Okay. So that'll be a part of the next season? If you guys get it all worked out.

[Kim Zolciak]

Yes.

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[Kim Zolciak]

Probably. I mean, we'll, you know, we'll work it out. There's been a lot of changes, so. But yeah, that'll be part of it. I have more music coming out, which will be exciting. My wig line is really coming to fruition. I'm excited about that. I have a lot of good stuff going on.

[Interviewer 1]

I mean, that's really the reason why you're doing the show again. I mean, the only reason why you really would put up with all that crap is so you can make some money off the wig line and the songs and stuff, right?

[Kim Zolciak]

It's a great platform. I told you. It's a great platform to, you know, do what my song has done really, really well because of the show. You know, I think I sold so many songs because of the show and a wig line. I'm doing wigs for a lot of celebrities, actually. That's where I've actually just gone into that, and I wouldn't have that opportunity if it wasn't for the show. You just have to be smart about it and capitalize on it while you have it, because Real Housewives of Atlanta won't always be around.

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Right. Well, Kim, out of all the national press and stuff you've done, who's been your favorite interviewer?

[Kim Zolciak]

You know, I really. My favorite. The favorite. I don't want to say interviewer, really, because they beat me up all the time. They asked me all these crazy questions, but my favorite thing that I've done is was Jay Leno. I don't know if you guys had saw that, but we did this, like, you know, contest or were asked all these questions. It was just fun. But I liked Ellen, too. I really liked Ellen DeGeneres. She's really, really fun and cool, and I was so excited to be on her show.

[Interviewer 1]

So I want to ask you the same question now that you're thinking about signing back up for it, because it's. You're sort of giving me two different answers. Because the last time you were on, I asked you if you would do it all over again. Would you sign up for a reality TV show? Because I've got my hands in one right now.

[Kim Zolciak]

What did you decide on that?

[Interviewer 1]

We haven't decided. They're still in the process of choosing the cast, so it's sort of in the very last phases right now. And they're supposed to get back to all of us over the next couple of weeks. And if they do still want me, then, to be honest with you, I'm probably about 75% leaning towards doing it.

[Kim Zolciak]

Really?

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah.

[Kim Zolciak]

What about your wife? What does she think?

[Interviewer 1]

She's 98% in, man.

[Kim Zolciak]

Really?

[Interviewer 1]

She's way, way excited about it. Yeah.

[Kim Zolciak]

Why? Like, should I call her?

[Interviewer 1]

Maybe you should and warn her. Because really, my concern. I mean, the concern, as you said before, is more about my family, but it's also my wife, too. You know, it's like, you go ahead, take your shots at. Shots at me, but when you take shots of my family, I get sensitive to that kind of thing. So that's gonna be tough to take.

[Kim Zolciak]

No, that's the. That's the hardest part. You just got to put that on the back burner and, you know, start a bit, do something, you know, capitalize on it. It's a great opportunity. You know, it really.

[Interviewer 1]

But I think I'd be doing the same thing you're doing. It's your wig line. But, you know, they're talking about syndicating the show here, so it would be great for that, for us. It would be great for Burke's big adventure, our charity too. So there's a give and take in all of this, you know.

[Kim Zolciak]

No, it's great. You can capitalize on it, you know, and that's what you need to do. And. And just. Right. You know, your marriage is stable. I mean, I think the hardest part is the relationships with. And your kids are younger. My daughter's in, you know, middle school.

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[Kim Zolciak]

In middle school, they talk and they say this and they say that. So it's difficult for. Because, you know, my kids are older.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah. They haven't even asked me to. To be part of the show yet. So we may be getting ahead of ourselves. How long did you, like from the very first time that you contacted them or they contacted you to you accepting and the show actually happening. How long was that?

[Kim Zolciak]

I filmed the pilot in July, and then they called me in November and I started filming in February.

[Interviewer 1]

See, it's a long time process. I don't think people realize that about reality TV shows. You just assume, okay, they accept you. Let's start shooting tomorrow. It's way longer than that.

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[Kim Zolciak]

There's no storyline. You live your life. Reality television.

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Exactly.

[Kim Zolciak]

You know, you live when the producers were here the other day, just like, what, you know, what, where are you at in your life, what's going on? You know, just so they can kind of figure out what they're gonna. What they're gonna do when you know where it's gonna go. And because we're all so insane on the show, their drama just comes on its own. You know, people think that they instigated or it's staged. None of it staged. I mean, it may be out of sequence, but it's all. It all happens.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah. And with the guys that I met last night that they're considering maybe because I don't know some of them all that well. I'm comparing this show to what you do for whatever reason. And I think it's going to be very different because I don't think that the driving force can be drama. Based on what I saw last night,

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I don't know it's going to be.

[Kim Zolciak]

But men are competitive. The two though, you guys are competitive. I think that I don't see the drama. You know how women are. We're all so drama driven.

[Interviewer 2]

But that's what I'm thinking is the wives of the guys that they're casting, we think are going to bring the drama to the table and then the guys are going to get competitive about their wives and that's what's gonna cause the drama.

[Kim Zolciak]

Exactly right.

[Interviewer 1]

That could be. That could be.

[Kim Zolciak]

That's where the drama's gonna come from. They know what they're doing. So they know exactly what they're doing. I mean, Princess cast us. She knew exactly what she was. I mean, initially didn't even. I wasn't even gonna be on the show. It was gonna be an all African American cast. I wasn't on the show. I just did the pilot and kept moving. But Princess said she knew the day that she met me that I would be end up on the show the

[Interviewer 1]

very first day that y' all hung out together as a group. And I'm just trying to compare this to my experience last night. Did you feel like you. Everybody's going to get along great here. These are really, really great women. Because I felt that about every guy

[Kim Zolciak]

that was there last night, honestly. We met at the clubhouse, which is no longer there, and Nene and Sheree were screaming at each other in the middle of the restaurant. I had to stand up. It was horrible. We weren't even filming. We were just meeting with the producers and Sheree and Nene were screaming. The producers had to separate them. I was like, what am I doing?

[Interviewer 1]

What am I doing?

[Kim Zolciak]

So, no, it was day one drama. So maybe you have a little bit. Your path will be a little different.

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah, I mean, there really seemed to be like this kind of cool chemistry last night because all of the guys seemed really, really cool to me.

[Kim Zolciak]

But again, we had another girl that was originally on our show. And the very first day of filming, she acted crazy, crying. And they said, bye, bye, you're done. And then they didn't use her.

[Interviewer 1]

Too much drama.

[Kim Zolciak]

Yeah, she was just emotional wreck. I don't know if she took her meds that day or what, but she was a mess. She was gone. And they cast somebody else.

[Interviewer 2]

Huh.

[Kim Zolciak]

Okay, so stuff changes as you go too. Like, if they get you guys together and they're like, you know, this really isn't working, then they have the ability to pull you. Like, your position is never, like, if they didn't ask me back this year, then they don't ask you back whether I have a contract or not. You know, they don't have to ask me back.

[Interviewer 1]

Right, sure. Okay. Well, cool.

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[Interviewer 1]

Thanks for the insight. I appreciate it.

[Kim Zolciak]

Yeah. So you guys need to come out to the Gold Room. You're going on vacation?

[Interviewer 1]

Yeah, three of us are heading out. Well, four of us are heading out. Wendy, you're going to not until next week. So you can be there.

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I can go out and party.

[Interviewer 1]

So Wendy will be there with you.

[Kim Zolciak]

You should come. Yeah, come hang out tomorrow night at 10.

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[Interviewer 2]

Well, good luck, Kim. I hope you feel better, hon.

[Kim Zolciak]

Thanks, you guys.

[Interviewer 1]

All right, Kim, thanks for the insight too. And good luck Friday night.

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[Interviewer 2]

Yes.

[Kim Zolciak]

Oh, I always do. You guys are my favorite. I just tweeted about y'. All.

[Interviewer 2]

Oh, perfect.

[Interviewer 1]

Promise you'll call us once it's signed?

[Kim Zolciak]

Oh, I promise you it'll be next week probably.

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[Kim Zolciak]

I'll keep you posted.

[Interviewer 1]

All right, talk to you then.

[Kim Zolciak]

Thanks, Kim.

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[Kim Zolciak]

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