Podcast Summary: The Nikki & Brie Show – "Reality Hits Different with Brittany Cartwright"

Introduction In the episode titled "Reality Hits Different with Brittany Cartwright," released on May 26, 2025, hosts Nikki and Brie Garcia delve deep into the intricate world of reality television alongside their special guest, Brittany Cartwright. Brittany, known for her appearances on "Vanderpump Rules" and "The Valley" Season 2, shares her personal journey navigating the tumultuous waters of reality TV amidst significant life changes.

Guest Introduction: Brittany Cartwright The episode kicks off with Nikki and Brie warmly welcoming Brittany Cartwright to the show. Brittany expresses her excitement about joining the hosts, highlighting her longstanding connections with the Vanderpump crew. She shares, “[00:03:22] Brie Bella: It’s so fun because it’s Brie and I. I mean, I’ve known the Vanderpump crew, like, I’ve known all of you for so long.”

Life After Filming "The Valley" Season 2 Brittany opens up about her recent experiences post-filming, describing Season 2 of "The Valley" as her most challenging yet. She states, “[06:00] Brittany Cartwright: This has definitely been the hardest I’ve been on eight seasons of reality TV.” The conversation delves into the difficulties of maintaining personal relationships under the public eye, especially during her separation from her husband, Jax.

Navigating Separation and Public Scrutiny Brittany discusses the strain her separation has placed on her life, particularly as it unfolds on camera. “[07:06] Nikki Bella: Obviously, I 100% agree with you. I feel like some of us are put on earth to be the ones, the poster children, to show, like, real relationships, why we're reality stars.” She emphasizes the importance of transparency, saying, “[06:20] Brittany Cartwright: So it was like just one episode this whole season. You see, like, the downfall, how bad it's been, what we all went through.”

Co-Parenting Amidst Divorce The conversation shifts to Brittany’s ongoing divorce and the complexities of co-parenting. “[11:09] Brie Bella: And how’s co-parenting going? Oh, oh really? I mean it’s a struggle.” Brittany elaborates on the challenges, especially with her son Cruz being a central figure, and the emotional toll it takes. She highlights the difficulties of interacting with ex-partners and the impact of public personas on personal relationships.

Personal Life and Dating Post-Divorce Brittany shares her cautious approach to dating following her divorce, expressing reluctance to remarry. “[17:13] Brittany Cartwright: I don’t know if I would legally sign papers again.” She discusses her desire for meaningful relationships and the importance of introducing new partners thoughtfully into her son’s life, reflecting on advice from her life coach.

Comparing Reality Shows: "Vanderpump Rules" vs. "The Valley" A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Brittany’s experiences on different reality shows. “[20:40] Brittany Cartwright: Oh, my gosh, they look a lot alike.” She contrasts her time on "Vanderpump Rules," which she found more manageable without the added responsibilities of motherhood, to "The Valley," where the stakes felt higher due to personal life intertwining with on-screen drama.

Behind the Scenes of Reality TV Brittany provides an insider’s perspective on the production aspects of reality TV, such as the early filming of reunions due to cast members’ impending pregnancies. “[50:00] Brittany Cartwright: So this season, which I can say this because Andy talked about that we had to. Andy Cohen.” She explains how this unique production schedule has affected the viewing experience and the authenticity of the show’s conclusions.

Interactive Segment: "Cart Right or Cart Wrong" The trio engages in a playful game called "Cart Right or Cart Wrong," where they humorously assess various scenarios. For instance, when Nikki poses, “Putting a store-bought cake on a fancy cake stand, then pretending you baked it from scratch,” Brittany confidently responds, “[35:35] Brittany Cartwright: Cart wrong. I am such a party planner,” illustrating her commitment to authenticity in her social endeavors.

Reflecting on Public Image and Self-Acceptance Brittany candidly discusses the pressures of maintaining a public image and the personal regrets she has from her time on reality TV. “[47:11] Brittany Cartwright: But it's just one of those confidence things for me that, like, I've always been so worried about that.” She shares her experience with liposuction gone wrong, highlighting the vulnerability that comes with reality television exposure.

Conclusion and Inspirational Message As the episode wraps up, Brittany offers an empowering message to listeners facing their own struggles. “[51:51] Brittany Cartwright: If you’re going through a hard time, just try to focus on the positives in your life.” She emphasizes the importance of gratitude and positivity, especially when dealing with public scrutiny and personal challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity in Reality TV: Brittany underscores the importance of being genuine on reality shows, even when facing personal hardships.
• Coping with Public Scrutiny: Navigating personal issues under the public eye can be challenging but can also inspire and support others facing similar situations.
• Co-Parenting Strategies: Effective co-parenting requires focus on the child’s well-being despite personal differences.
• Embracing Positive Change: Focusing on the positives and maintaining a supportive network are crucial for personal growth and resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• “[06:10] Brittany Cartwright: So that's been something that, like, keeps me strong when people are like, why are you talking about so much? I'm like, well, first off, it’s not my fault.”
• “[17:16] Brie Bella: Oh, I’m the same.”
• “[51:51] Brittany Cartwright: If you’re going through a hard time, just try to focus on the positives in your life.”

Final Thoughts This episode of The Nikki & Brie Show offers an unfiltered look into Brittany Cartwright’s life, showcasing the realities of balancing personal turmoil with the demands of reality television. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, listeners gain valuable insights into resilience, authenticity, and the power of focusing on the positive amidst life's challenges.