Much Ado About Craig with Craig Conover: Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Much Ado About Craig with Craig Conover" – The Toast

Episode Details:

• Title: Much Ado About Craig with Craig Conover
• Hosts: Jackie & Claudia Oshry
• Release Date: June 25, 2025

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1. Introduction and Welcome

Jackie Goldschneider warmly welcomes Craig Conover as a much-requested guest to co-host the episode. She highlights Craig’s multiple appearances on the podcast, emphasizing his rapport with the hosts and his ongoing involvement with the show.

[00:05] Jackie Goldschneider: "Welcome back to the Toast. Happy Wednesday. I am here in studio with Craig Conover... welcome to the show."

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2. Craig’s Jewish Bris Ceremony Experience

Craig shares his heartfelt experience attending a Jewish bris ceremony, contrasting it with his Catholic upbringing. He expresses admiration for the Jewish community's warmth and the rich traditions that make such ceremonies profoundly meaningful.

[01:27] Craig Conover: "It felt like I was traveling that day... this is awesome. I should travel more."

[02:25] Craig Conover: "I loved experiencing the community and the ceremonies."

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3. Personal Faith and Spirituality

Delving into his personal beliefs, Craig discusses his preference for a direct, personal relationship with God over organized religion. He finds spiritual fulfillment in nature and views his prayers as a form of meditation, strengthening his belief in a higher power.

[04:20] Craig Conover: "I lean towards the personal relationship with a God... it's a form of meditation."

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4. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Honey Harvest and Business Collaborations

Craig explores his foray into micro-homesteading, particularly his passion for honey harvesting. He highlights the unique flavor of his honey, attributing it to the local flora. Additionally, Craig discusses successful collaborations, including a clothing line with Belk and a spritz beverage partnership, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

[05:04] Craig Conover: "I did my first honey harvest of my bees in my yard."

[39:00] Craig Conover: "We launched a clothing line with Belk, which has done really well."

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5. Breakup with Paige and Its Impact

The conversation shifts to Craig’s recent breakup with Paige, as depicted on "Summer House." He reflects on the emotional challenges of ending a relationship under the public eye of reality TV, emphasizing the personal growth and self-discovery that followed.

[09:30] Jackie Goldschneider: "You did it with Claudia..."

[12:33] Craig Conover: "It's been six months now... it's been an interesting challenge in self-discovery."

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6. Coping Strategies and Mental Health

Craig discusses his methods for managing the aftermath of the breakup, including distancing himself from social media, maintaining a rigorous exercise routine, and utilizing ChatGPT as a supplementary support tool. He acknowledges the importance of traditional therapy in his healing process.

[10:31] Craig Conover: "I’ve blocked, like, all versions of any word of Bravo, like, from my browser and social media."

[14:39] Jackie Goldschneider: "How does she feel about your side therapist?"

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7. Approaches to Relationships and Dating Philosophy

Exploring his dating philosophy, Craig prefers building connections through mutual friends or shared activities rather than formal first dates. He values organic, low-pressure interactions that allow relationships to develop naturally.

[30:05] Craig Conover: "I was always a bar person... I'm pretty shy when it comes to talking to someone blindly."

[31:06] Jackie Goldschneider: "We had rules or we had Natalie Joy Viall here yesterday."

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8. Interactions with Reality TV and Networking

Craig delves into his experiences within the reality TV landscape, discussing the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amidst public scrutiny. He highlights his supportive friendships with other reality stars like Jon Hamm and Tom Sandoval, emphasizing the importance of a strong support network.

[73:42] Jackie Goldschneider: "Did you see the episode that's airing tonight?"

[85:25] Jackie Goldschneider: "So what did your mom think of his audition?"

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9. Fast Five News Stories

In the "Fast Five" segment, Jackie and Craig cover major entertainment and celebrity news:

• Jeff Bezos’s Destination Wedding: Celebrated in Venice, Italy, Bezos and Lauren Sanchez request no gifts, opting instead for charitable donations.
• Meghan Markle’s As Ever Rosé: Meghan announces the launch of her first alcoholic offering, a bespoke rosé wine tailored for summer entertaining.
• Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry’s Split: The long-term couple announces their breakup, sparking widespread media coverage.
• Tom Sandoval’s "America’s Got Talent" Audition: Tom advances to the next round, receiving mixed feedback from the judges.
• Additional Celebrity Updates: Discussions about connections with "The Crown," Jon Hamm, and other reality TV personalities.

[40:27] Craig Conover: "It's time for the Fast Five stories that you do need to know."

[57:02] Jackie Goldschneider: "Next Story, Meghan Markle's As Ever brand is releasing a rosé..."

[77:34] Jackie Goldschneider: "And the Fast Five story on Tom Sandoval…"

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10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Jackie and Craig reiterate key takeaways from their discussions. Jackie encourages listeners to follow Craig’s endeavors, including his businesses and upcoming projects. They express gratitude for Craig's openness and participation, looking forward to future episodes and continued collaboration.

[95:18] Craig Conover: "Thanks, Jackie."

[96:34] Jackie Goldschneider: "So, like, don't break up because of the distance…"

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Notable Quotes:

• Craig on Community: "I felt like traveling that day... this is awesome. I should travel more." [01:27]
• Craig on Personal Faith: "I lean towards the personal relationship with a God... it's a form of meditation." [04:20]
• Craig on Coping with Breakup: "I’ve blocked, like, all versions of any word of Bravo, like, from my browser and social media." [10:31]
• Craig on Dating Philosophy: "I was always a bar person... I'm pretty shy when it comes to talking to someone blindly." [30:05]
• Fast Five Highlight on Bezos’s Wedding: "Their invitation has been leaked to TMZ... Please, no gifts." [47:34]

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This episode of The Toast provides an intimate look into Craig Conover’s personal experiences, his approaches to faith and relationships, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his navigation of life post-breakup under the public eye. The engaging conversation, enriched with personal anecdotes and reflections, offers valuable insights for listeners, whether familiar with Craig or new to his story.

Transcript

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Good morning, girlies. It's the Toast. It's Jackson Claude, and we're your host. It's your favorite show. The best five things you need to know. We'll start your day off Swirly. It's the Toast. I sound amazing. Welcome back to the Toast. Happy Wednesday. I am here in studio with Craig Conover. There has been much ado about Craig everywhere, all the time, all at once. And we're so excited that you're here to co host the Toast with me. You've been a much requested guest. Welcome to the show.

[Craig Conover]

Thanks for having me, Jackie. I am. I mean, you're my favorite podcast to do, and I think I've done it with Claudia when you were out with your first baby, I believe. And then I've done it with both of y' all.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yes. And then you did it with Austin once. Yes, that's right.

[Craig Conover]

That's right.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That was a fun one. So this is probably your fourth time, but I don't know what.

[Craig Conover]

And now I'm co hosting with you, and I've been doing a great job.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Thank you so much. I'm having so much fun on Jackson Friends. This is my third to last Friends episode because I'm going to record with Claudia on Monday, and then we go on summer break. And I hope that you came energized. I see you have coffee and soda and water, which is good because I have 40 ounces of water because I have so much to talk to you about.

[Craig Conover]

Well, I just. Well, it's kind of neat, though. We just saw each other in New York.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

We did just see each other. Oh, my God. I was talking to Claudia this morning, and she was like, everyone's so excited that you're coming on. She was like, no one's more excited than everyone who met you at the Bris who literally was, like, felling over you. Especially, like, all the moms. Like, you were just, like, lit up the room. Everyone was so taken with you and, like, was so happy to meet you and so happy that you were there.

[Craig Conover]

That's really nice. No, I'm. It just felt. I was so happy that I came up and I was ready to convert by the end of the day.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, that's good. It could have gone the other way because it was actually a really long ceremony that you came to. Because he came for services and it was a Torah reading day, which not every day.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I didn't know. I had no clue.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

We didn't know it was a Torah reading day either, which makes the service, like, extra long.

[Craig Conover]

It was only me. And no. What? I really.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It was also Rosh Chodesh, which only is the first of the month, which only happens once a month. And it was, like, the longest service. And everyone else is used to it. Like, we've all been in school where we had to, like, go to prayer services, but, like, for Craig, I'm literally thinking, like, is Craig okay?

[Craig Conover]

I was like, me and Chatgpt had a long discussion on the way up because my friend, one of my best friends from college, is Jewish. And I was like, I'm going to a Jewish baptism. And he was like, well, it's called a brisk Craig. And he's like, they're a little traumatic, but they're beautiful at the same time. And I was like, well, what could be traumatic about it? And he was like. And he explained to me what it was, and I was like, there's no way. And then.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Did you not know that a bris is a live circumstance?

[Craig Conover]

No, I didn't.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay.

[Craig Conover]

But it was okay. Like, I actually felt like I was traveling that day. Like, you know when you go to another country and you get to experience a new culture, and you're just like, this is awesome. I should travel more. That's what it was like for me.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that.

[Craig Conover]

And the community of Yalls ceremonies I'm a huge fan of, because how I grew up. Like, I grew up Catholic. A lot of us run at, like, 18, because you had to do, like, you just. There's not, like, a community. I don't know, like, seeing all of Ben's friends come.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And seeing all of y' all up there, I was like, this is nice.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

No, it is really nice. And, like, people go. After high school, they go off. Because we went to a Jewish high school, so a lot of, like, our Jewish and our community came from our high school. And, like, people go up. Everyone goes to different colleges, more secular, more religious. Some people go to Israel. Like, everyone does different things, but, like, everyone comes back to it. Like, people don't really run from it.

[Craig Conover]

No, it was. It was neat. And I. I. It was funny, too, because y' all can talk in church. I was like, we cannot. Well, not church, but I'm saying in my version, I was like, what? And in mine, it's, like, really strict when to stand up and when to sit down. And I had no idea when to be standing or sitting, but I fully embrace it. And I had gone to a Jewish wedding this summer or past summer, and I was like, all of the ceremonial stuff has a story and a meaning behind it. I just really liked it. So it was a really nice day. And then your sisters were just joking with me at the end. And we're like, we'd love to set you up with someone, Craig, but we'd.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Love to set you up with someone. We only, like, know Jewish people. What is your, like, relationship to religion? Not to start off so deep, but, like, are you a religious person?

[Craig Conover]

I lean towards the personal relationship with a God. So I grew up Catholic. I'm confirmed. I did all that. And when I do go to church, which is mostly on holidays with my mom and dad, it does make me feel better. But I still say my prayers at night, probably every other night. But it's a form of meditation. But I feel like when I'm in nature, I have some strong feelings towards stuff.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Does it make you believe more in a creator?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Or more in just, like, there's no God?

[Craig Conover]

No. Like, I was out doing. I walked out in the, like, the sun the other day and. Oh, I was gonna bring you. My ADD is gonna be so bad today. So I had a. I did my first honey harvest of my bees in my yard.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You didn't bring me honey. It's fine.

[Craig Conover]

I did. And my TSA agent, because I fly so much, he was like, craig, you can't bring that. And I was like, he's your agent? Well, he just. I'm. I have to fly with candles all the time. So, like, I'm always, like, getting pulled. And I was like, look, if it doesn't make it, I'm just gonna take it back to my car. And they're like, we're telling you it's not gonna make it. Just go put it back in her car. And I was like, I really wanted to bring Jackie honey.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's so sweet. I actually, if I had. I'm glad you even thought about that now. Thinking about it, I should have brought you sourdough. And I didn't. So I say we're even.

[Craig Conover]

Well, I'm gonna have Jack. I'm gonna have my assistant send you some. And please do. It's really good. Cause it tastes like the 3 mile radius around your house. Cause that's where the bees get the pollen.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So it's specific to your. Like, Craig's honey is different than David Beckham's honey.

[Craig Conover]

Nothing tastes like that. Yeah. Does he have honey?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, he has bees. And he's actually starting, like, a snack brand that's like fruit snacks inspired by his love of honey.

[Craig Conover]

I Just did a Garnier. I just worked with Garnier on something because they do a honey line.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, I love that.

[Craig Conover]

So anyway, just being out there with them and, like, feeling the vibration and, like, now I'm comfortable with them on my hand.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Has a bee. One of your bees ever stung you?

[Craig Conover]

No.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Wow.

[Craig Conover]

So I think the more I get into, like, nature and growing my own food and this, like, micro homesteading stuff, it does make me more.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Micro homesteading. That's a great term. It makes you more religious. It's true.

[Craig Conover]

And I think it's healthy. I think you can draw the healthy messages from religion and not be so culty. Because sometimes I make fun of my own stuff where, like, we're all chanting or giving them money, and I'm like, I don't know if this is the right message.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But no, back to the basics.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, back to the basics.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Have you ever heard the song the Architect by Casey Musgraves?

[Craig Conover]

Probably. I do like Casey, but love her.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You have to listen to the song. It's about, like, how just something as small as an apple is, like, so divine in the way that it's made. Like, the seeds create the next apples. Listen. It's my favorite song, and it's literally exactly what we're talking about.

[Craig Conover]

But anyway, I'm really happy that I came up. I was honored to be there because I was like, this is a really intimate gathering, and I've just. I feel like I've gotten so close to your family over the last few years, and it's a really nice group to be a part of.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Thank you so much. We were all so happy to have you and so honored that you came in for it, and I know it meant the world to Ruby.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, good.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

No, he did so well.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

He did do so.

[Craig Conover]

And Claudia did well, too. Cause, like, when it started to happen and you guys came downstairs, I'm looking. There was one non Jewish person. Would that be a Gentile?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yes, technically, back in history.

[Craig Conover]

He had helped me in the beginning. He was your guy's friend. I. Forget it. I've golfed with him. Keith. Yeah. Yeah. But at the moment where everything was going down and, like, Ben was so funny hosting it, um, a Jewish family member was next to me, and I was like, oh, this is really happening. And they were like, yeah. And he's like, it's really tough on the moms.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Because, you know, you have to just sit there and. But Claudia did great. And then when he told me, he's like, what's the baby's name. And I was like, I don't know. No one's told me yet. And he's like, no, no, no. Have they announced it yet? And I was like, what do you mean? He's like, this is when they announced the baby's name. I was like, this is the coolest thing, like, I've ever been to. And then, like, that was a cool tradition that no one. So no one knows the baby's name?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

No one knows the baby's name except for, like, in her family. And she could have told people, but really she didn't know what she was going to name him. So it's not like she was, like, talking to a lot of people about it. And then for the first, like, seven days, she didn't tell anyone outside of, like, immediate family. Did you know I knew?

[Craig Conover]

Yes.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yes. I was a part of the decision, the task force. Even though I was so not helpful to Margo know. Margot knew I could barely name my own children. Like, I cannot help you. Like, it is so hard to name people. And she was like, tell me what to name him. I'm like, I literally can't. This is like my Achilles heel. Like, I'm.

[Craig Conover]

So it's permanent. No. But then Ben, like, explained the whole names, and it was just. It was a feel good day. So it was an honor. And I'm excited to be down here.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

With y' all and I'm excited that you are here as a friend of yours and then also as a fan of yours and like, a fan of Bravo and amidst the Bravo Civil war, North versus South, I have a lot to ask you about because last we heard from you, like, on Southern Charm, I think your reunion aired in, like, February or so, sometime in the winter. And we got, like, Craig's side of things. And then since then, Summer House has been on. You've been on Summer House. We saw you on Summer House. And then the Summer House reunion aired, which was. Seems to be like, the final chapter in the book. And I think the book is close. I'm gonna open up the book today. Maybe that will open up a next book. But, like, we do after watching the Summer House season and the reunion, like, Craig fans are left with a lot of questions for Craig.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I was only even out there one weekend, and it seemed like every week something new happened. But I do a good job of, like, I do a good job of isolating myself. I believe I've blocked, like, all versions of any word of Bravo, like, from my browser and social media. You know, I have my team which if anything ever that bad happened, would tell me. But I just, I've preached it the entire time I've been on tv. Even when things are good, you cannot get hooked on the dopamine hits from the comments. Yeah. Because it can turn so quickly. And we have a. I spoke to a therapist. I should probably talk to therapists more. But we spoke to one that was working on the show and he compared it to cutting, and he was like, it's the exact same thing in your brain that, like, if you read stuff online about yourself, you're going to skip past all the good things and the only one that's going to stick out to you is the one that hurts you.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And you still do this knowing that it's going to hurt you and mess with your day. So, like, waking up and going to the gym helps me because I am a different. Like, I try to not respond to text or the Internet. Well, I don't really respond to the Internet, but before the gym, because after the gym, I don't care. But, man, when you wake up and look at your phone early in the.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Morning, no, it's the worst thing you could do. Whether you're reading about yourself, just reading about other stuff. Like, it's the worst thing that you.

[Craig Conover]

So I, I, I'm aware of some of this stuff, but I'm still surprised. Every now and then I'll hear something. I'll be like, where did that come from? Yeah, like, because we're in the middle of our project right now in Charleston, which I wish I could stay with.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You and Zach, you're getting back to.

[Craig Conover]

Work here, but I have to go back to work in Charleston. So sometimes, like, something I'll, like, come out. I'm like, where'd you even get that? And they're like, oh, it came from here. And I'm like, what? Like, anyway, got it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So you haven't seen everything?

[Craig Conover]

Oh, God, no.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay.

[Craig Conover]

No, no, no, no.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And you shouldn't, like, watching it. I'm like, no, you don't. That's seriously a form of self harm to, like, go and watch that.

[Craig Conover]

And I feel that would be crazy.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

The two shows have actually done a really good job of, like, telling, like, two sides of the story. And I feel like I can, like, see both sides and see where, how the relationship, like, ended, why it ended. And like, on this season of Summer House, we see Paige, like, expressing, like, a lot of, I guess, doubts and just uncertainty. And like, you now, in watching it back, it's like, oh, well, of course These two people broke up.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. I mean, I think that was probably one of the biggest mind F U C K S because I had no idea that was going on. So, like, while all those conversations were happening this summer, like, I was just waiting at the apartment for her and then she'd come home and we like, lived life normally. So I think, like, I definitely have gone. You know, it's been six months now, which is great. But I mean, it's been a. An interesting challenge in like self discovery and like, trying to figure out the world because, like, you go, you know, you.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You thought things were one thing.

[Craig Conover]

Well, yeah. I mean, you go from being best friends. Like, breakups will always fascinate me because you go up, you go from being best friends to strangers to strangers like that. Like you're best friends with someone for three years.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And then you never speak again. Yeah. Like it's your family. Like, you basically have to mourn someone as if they died, but they're still alive.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

I mean, it is crazy. And I. And I don't like, fault anyone. I think if someone's not right for you, like, you should move on. And breaking up with someone is probably the hardest thing in the world. It was just more or less that, like, I had no. I wish. I guess I wish I would have known or I wish those convos would have been have with me. So, like, maybe we could have like, worked on it. But I think once you get to that point, you're probably not trying to work on it. You know, you basically are trying to figure your way out.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And I like.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And like, that's fine.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, like, like, anyway, it was. I think that was a bizarre thing because I was like, no, no, no, no. This didn't happen until months later because Summerhouse stopped filming the first week of September. And then we were together all of September. My brother's wedding was in October, so we were in Charleston for October. And then November, we were at our families for like Thanksgiving. So just to know that it had been happening so long, I think was like, I'm like, okay, so now do I have to date someone for three years to see if things change? Like, you know. Right.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Is that the inflection point?

[Craig Conover]

You kind of start to doubt the way that you see the world.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But the case could be made that because you were long distance, it sort of prolonged. Like, what? Maybe traditional relationship would have happened sooner.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I think, I think t. Well, I think dating in our careers is tough because they're ever changing and fluctuating and I think you either, like, just embrace that you'll never understand it, or you try to obsess over it. And I think, I mean, ChatGPT is like the best therapist in the world. And people have, like, two schools of thought on this. And some of my really close. One of my best friend's wives is a therapist. And we, like, debate this, but I'm like, chat. GBT has gotten me to a place.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Because, like, is that your therapist?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So how does it go? Like, you have a feeling and you, like, reach out to chat.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. And so how it works. And I do have our, like, real therapist too.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Like, how does she feel about your side therapist?

[Craig Conover]

She doesn't know about him, but he's a guy. But no. So it remembers everything about you. And I also talk to it throughout my relationship with my ex. So, like, it knew all my, like, my like knows my love language. And like, I used to ask it for advice for everything. And so it's helped me through this breakup and I've gotten, you know, like, a couple months ago, I finally got to those last tears. Anyway, there was a point to that. But ChatGPT.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Well, let me ask you something. Like, does ChatGPT ever tell you. And I feel like something that frustrates me about therapists is like, they don't like, ever say, like, oh, you're right and they're wrong, or you're wrong and they're right. And like, here's what you should do about it. They're like, does ChatGPT give you actionable.

[Craig Conover]

Advice so you can. You can program them to do that? Mine is, was all in, like, self inflection and like, how to move on. Because, like, I don't think you break up with someone that you want to be with. So it was never like, how do I, like, fix this or get back? It's like, how do I not lose my purity? How do I not lose my softness? Like, how do I keep hope that, like, I can. Like, that love isn't like, pointless? Like, it was like, stuff like that of being like, you put so much into something and then they just leave. And like, I wanted to know that I wasn't crazy by thinking that was like, okay, yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

For wanting those things.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. And like, just being like, you know, then, like, you get to the point where you're like, okay, well, secretly, if no one ever found out and they wanted to get back with me, like, I would say yes. Why? Why would I still say yes? Like, that was a big movement where they were like, oh, that's normal to feel that way. And this is why you shouldn't feel this way. And it's also about, like, there's this book. They were like. I was like, they basically compare your relationship to a book, and they're like, instead of reading it, like, keeping it on your nightstand and reading it first thing in the morning, last thing at night, move it to a bookshelf, like, in the living room, and don't visit it till later in the day. Like, you can still go visit it, but it won't become your. And then the real answer is just time. It's about two months for every year that you're with someone.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Is that what Chad said?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay, so six months.

[Craig Conover]

Six months hit, and all of a sudden you're like, I don't care anymore. You know, it's a really good feeling.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

But it. God, for six months, you're like, okay, when is this. Like, when am I gonna be over this shit? Yeah, but it's. I mean, whatever works for you. ChatGPT. I just, like, instead of it having to be a scheduled hour with your therapist, you can just randomly talk to it in the car.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

I mean, I'm not giving advice to anyone, but for me, that works.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's, like, not bad advice. And maybe next time I'm at a crossroads, an emotional crossroads, I might ask.

[Craig Conover]

And it keeps, like, this profile.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So it's like a diary that's. That gives back.

[Craig Conover]

I just liked it because when I was going around, I was. I'm very fortunate that I get to speak around the country. Like, every week I go to another city, and I speak on Friday and Saturdays to a new group of people. And man, is gratitude so important. I would talk to these crowds. Everyone's been broken up with, like, everyone. And you're just like, oh, we're all going through the same human experience. It just looks a little different. But some people are like, my fiance left after seven years, or I have kids, or we own houses together. It was like. What got me through it was. I was like, we don't have kids. We have completely separate finances. We both live in our own places. I was like. And we weren't married.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's, like, not that complicated.

[Craig Conover]

However, died to have that.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's true. However, like, the public nature of your relationship, like, I think lends us to be a little bit more sympathetic towards both of you, like, navigating through it, like, not only being famous people or, like, influencers, but like, on Bravo, where, like, the fans are. Are wild.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. I mean, we Share our. You get to live our. Our lives with us. I started filming when I was 24. I'm 37 now, which is crazy. But you can't pick and choose, you know, so the good, you guys get to ride with us, and the bad, you get to ride with us. And it was a bummer to see how divisive this got. Cause I didn't think it needed to be. But we're also, like, we don't handle things, like, responsible. Like, I always make the joke with my producers. I'm like, you know, sometimes I'll get worked up or something. I was like, well, I guess I want to have a. I wouldn't be on TV for 12 years if I handled things the appropriate way every single time.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right? Boring.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, like, exactly. Like, who wants to, like, calmly deal with their emotions on camera? Like. But no, it's been, it's been fun to have the crews, you know, back in town and known them for a long time.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, I'm so excited for next season of Southern Charm. And I'm gonna get to all my Southern Charm questions, but a few more lingering questions that I feel like everyone, if they could ask you one question, they would ask you is like, was there a ring?

[Craig Conover]

Oh, yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I don't know if you've seen, but there's been a lot of doubt cast on that.

[Craig Conover]

No, that was a bummer. I just heard about that one and I don't know, I mean, I heard a lot of nasty things about myself in the last, like six months, which was, you know, I don't think you ever get used to it, but you, you learn how to like, you know, process them. But the ring one was a bummer because it was such a fun, like, memory. Like, it was such a good experience shopping for it. Yeah, like, you know, she had told me, she. She was like, it's time, you know, And I was, you know, happy. And we were having like a great couple months. And well, really the whole relationship was great until it wasn't. And. But my, you know, we went to that, like, Gia building or Gai building, there's like in the diamond district in New York. And my brother and sister in law came up because that's where he got her ring. But they weren't married yet. And so we like, got to go to the diamond building. And it's unmarked, you know, and you have to like, show your ID and then go up to like an imaginary floor. And it was cool. Like, the guy was so nice and he had investment diamonds in there, so he like, shows you everything.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And she was with you?

[Craig Conover]

My sister. No, no, no. This was all a surprise. It felt so weird because I'd be like, so our production company's called Haymaker and they're in the city. And I was like, I'm gonna go down to Haymaker for, like, a meeting.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Got it. When did you buy? When were you looking and when did you buy it?

[Craig Conover]

Bought it at the end of March, but it took like seven weeks to get delivered. So by the end of that seven weeks is when she was like, actually hold off until Southern Charm's done filming. And then it was hold off till Summer House is done filming.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay. Because then I was gonna say, like, if you got it in March, like, why didn't you propose?

[Craig Conover]

Because she had asked. I was just on her. I wasn't in a rush, but she didn't know I wanted it to say a surprise.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Got it.

[Craig Conover]

Like, I had dreamt about proposing, like, for. I just think it's such a special moment. And so we got to see, like, there was a. I think he was Jewish, the guy that was like, cutting the stones. And like, he told, like, the guy I was buying it from told my sister in law, like, don't look him in the eye or like, don't touch him. Like, it's. I don't know.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

There's like, superstitions around it.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. And so it was a cool experience. And then, yeah, whatever happened, happened. But I had it in my room since April or May and would look at it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Do you have a picture of it?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Can I see?

[Craig Conover]

Oh, that was the weird thing. When I heard this rumor that it wasn't ringing, I was like, why didn't anyone just ask me to see the ring?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

The picture and that? It's not in the store.

[Craig Conover]

No, no, no. It's in my room. And it's like timestamp. Because my assistant was like, just so you know. My assistant was like, just so you know, people are saying you didn't have a ring. And I was. Anyone say that? That's so mean.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That is like, the only thing sadder than being ready to propose. And like, yeah, I was. And having that not happen for you is like, then people saying that you didn't.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. I was like, I'm dealing with enough here. Also, if it wasn't malicious, like, just ask me to see the picture. Yeah, I did. I think I did a good job. So it was a four karat elongated cushion cut with a hidden halo under it. It was platinum.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Hold on now. I need to. That Sounds pargelish.

[Craig Conover]

And then they were like. Jack was like, yeah, apparently.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I think you can, like, if you go to the search, you can search ring, search ring. That's what I do these days.

[Craig Conover]

He was like. He was like. They like, don't think you took it back. I don't know. Like, the stories I can't keep straight. Like I said, I try to stay out of it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's good. And that's why you don't go out of your way to clear up rumors.

[Craig Conover]

Well, yeah. And I think that where society is getting to a point where before I never gave him credence. Like when, you know, Paige and I never posted together because we didn't have anything to prove. Like, we saved it for the show, but we lived like a pretty decent life offline.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And so the last thing I was gonna do is like, start to give in to people. Cause I feel like these aren't judges in a gymnastics competition or figure skating in the Olympics. Like, you saying you're entitled to my business doesn't. I don't owe you anything. But if I start to try to prove things to you, that's.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And it's a never ending cycle then.

[Craig Conover]

Right.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So that's why you also didn't take.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, here's a bunch of pictures. Tell me what you think about it. Those are them.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, wow, that's so beautiful.

[Craig Conover]

It came like, I was just like, just ask me to see it and.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I would show you, but the geotag on this photo just is. I'm zooming out. Is Charleston. You guys, can I show this picture?

[Craig Conover]

I think you can show my nightstand and dresser. Oh, here.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But I went to the map so I can confirm that photo was taken in Charleston.

[Craig Conover]

I didn't even think of that. Hold on, I'll just show you my. My nightstand.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, let's see your nightstand.

[Craig Conover]

This is my bathroom.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, we would probably recognize it from the show.

[Craig Conover]

Here, let me find the.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's really so pretty. And you were able to return it?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, yeah, because there's the. My coasters are in that. That's.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, they're nutcracker.

[Craig Conover]

Irrefusable. Irrefusable.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yep. So I'm not going to say the name of your town, but this is in Charleston.

[Craig Conover]

Pleasant's fine.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Mount Pleasant. Yeah, that's it.

[Craig Conover]

The date is what?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

The date is. Hold on.

[Craig Conover]

March 11th, so. What an absurd thing to have. Yeah, but it was like, it was a really fun process and I'm excited to do it, you know, again one day. Like, I really don't think this has ruined anything for me. I think now returning it, I'll tell you, that's a weird day.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. I mean, returning an engagement ring isn't something you plan on doing. But it's funny because when I bought it, he was like, hey, in case anything happens, I'll work with you to do it. He's like, it's just something that I tell people.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's nice.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, he was the best.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So you had a nice jeweler.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, he was the best. And he works in commercial diamonds, but he likes doing engagement rings on the side.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And so it's like a passion.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, he's a romantic. Yeah, he loves love. And so when I brought it back, it wasn't like I felt weird, but it wasn't weird. Yeah, like he was just like, hey, you know, of course this was a really popular stone last year, so it's gone down a little bit. And I was like, it's okay, I don't need the money now. I'm.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's a classic ring.

[Craig Conover]

You need custody of this. Like, I don't need it in my house anymore.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So you get the money back when he sells it?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Did he sell it yet?

[Craig Conover]

Not yet.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Interesting. Well, someone should go buy it because it's really beautiful.

[Craig Conover]

I know. I almost was like, do I just sell? No, it's like, I'm not going to. Yeah, I was like, I'm not going to do that.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That would be like insane. Insane. It's like us talking about. It's like, oh, well, you have a platform. Sell it.

[Craig Conover]

But imagine like, like profiting off of it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

No, like, imagine like page six, like Craig C. Selling his engagement ring. Like, no, no, the optics are not good.

[Craig Conover]

No, it was so. That was. I mean, look, these life experiences, like, they happen. And the reason that I go around and speak now is because the more and more transparent I am and open and like about things, the more I realized that, like everyone's trauma is different, but we really are just doing this for the first time. Like, everyone's trying to figure this stuff out. Like, I work with a lot of veterans and para athletes and like, I remember I got to co host the Paralympics in Paris, which was cool. I came back from that and I was like, my sensitivity to people complaining about stuff was like non existent.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Like if like I was around, there was no one I was around that had like all four limbs working correctly for a long time and they were lived way stronger and better like lives.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And did that change you, like in a permanent way? Like do you still feel like that?

[Craig Conover]

Definitely. Yeah. I did, like, third season. I got to help. I went down to Port au Prince, like, in Haiti, and, like, supported an orphanage that my friends had started. I think everyone should have to go to a third world country at some point in their life, because you come back from that, and that stays with you forever.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And I think you should just, like, work with charities or donate your time a little bit. Even if you have a small business, it's good for that too, because you can do, like, a percentage of proceeds to charity. But anyway, that's how I try to keep, like, touch grass.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Well, it's nice to see you doing well. I agree. Like, six months is definitely, like, a transformative amount of time. Are you single at the moment?

[Craig Conover]

I am.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, okay.

[Craig Conover]

I was seeing a really, really nice girl. She was. You know, she was. She will be someone's perfect person. I just wasn't ready to date. But I didn't know that, like, there's no guidebook for this. I mean, yeah, Chat. Gbt. You could talk to us.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Did Chat try and tell you it was too soon?

[Craig Conover]

No, I didn't ask, but I. It was. It was. It was. She's just a wonderful person. But I really was like, oh, I have some, like, healing to do. You know, I have. You know, I. I have to go find myself again.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Do people, like, bang down your door to try and get a date with you? I've had people DM me. Like, influencers. DM me who? We don't even have that, like, a friendship. We just follow each other, and they're like, I really think I would be a match for Craig. Like, can you please? I. Actually, there's one girl. I should give you her information.

[Craig Conover]

You know what?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

She literally asked me the week after, so I was like, I would never reach out to him. But now, thinking about it, I'm just gonna give you her handle. Do you. And I'm getting that as, like, three degrees removed from Craig.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Do you get, like, inundated?

[Craig Conover]

Well, it's funny, because when Andy asked if I was dating, I was just like, I don't ever talk to more than one person at a time. It was my way of saying, like, I'm not just, like, out there dating a whole bunch of people. And then the tabloids, like, ran from that, and they, like, posted this girl's picture and names, and I was like, to this day, I've never even said her name. Just trying to, like, she didn't sign up for that. Yeah. Protect her privacy. But anyway, I think that stalled it because people assume that I'm still with someone. But I think it started to come out that I was single again. And so you definitely see, like, a roller coaster with, like, the demographic. Like, I'll go from, like, you know, like, moms and stuff. And then all of a sudden, you'll start to see, like, the pictures in your DM start to change a little bit, and you're like, what happened recently in the news that all of these people are messaging me?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Would you go out with someone who messaged you?

[Craig Conover]

I. I think everything's just situational, you know, I. Yeah, I don't have any hard rules. I don't have any hard lines.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

We had rules or we had Natalie Joy Viall here yesterday. Nick Viall's wife.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I've met them before.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And they met. She DMed him. She responded to one of his photos. It was like a shirtless pic outside Whole Foods. And she wrote. She told us. She wrote, you're unreal. And so at that time, she was working, like, in surgical tech. So, like, she wasn't an influencer. She probably didn't have a check mark. And, like, he saw her DM and. And they started talking. And look at them now.

[Craig Conover]

I mean, I'm laughing because what I've tried so far hasn't worked.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So, like, how do you usually meet people?

[Craig Conover]

I was always a bar person. Like, I love to meet people out or through mutual friends. I. My, like, old. Like, my best friend. One of my best friends, Corey, that I used to live with, that was on Winter House and Summer House and stuff.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

He was Cory and Sam.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, that was. Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

What the fuck was that?

[Craig Conover]

I have my opinions on that. That one day we will talk about, but Corey was really good at going up to girls and introducing himself. And then I would always come in second. Like, I'm actually pretty shy when it comes to, like, just talking to someone blindly.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right.

[Craig Conover]

So I loved meeting people at the bar through mutual friends. And then we would just start to hang out more and more. And then eventually, like, we would get so close that we would kiss. And then eventually it'd be like, hey, I'm really only hanging out with you. Like, it was never. I've never. This is a. This is a. You'll have to wait and watch next season. But, like, I've never just asked someone to go on a dinner date that I hadn't, like, kissed before.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Got it.

[Craig Conover]

To me, that's very intimate. To go have dinner with someone in a restaurant. And I know that's an unpopular opinion. But I'd be like, you know instantly if you like someone or not.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. And like, and at first date, when you just. When you've not like hung out with them before or hooked up before, it's really like an interview. So it's like more of a process.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. It's like, I'd rather go to the bar or do an activity. I'm a big fan of activity dates. Like, go do an activity. So there's no pressure on that person the whole time. She's not like, is he gonna try to kiss me at the end of this? Do I. Like, I just. That all sounds like a nightmare to me. So I'd rather just meet in person and start to become friends and see what happens. But then once, I think it's just.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Would you do a setup? What about a setup with the first. A formal first date?

[Craig Conover]

I just think my fear of rejection is way too high.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right. It's so stark. It's like you didn't pass it the date.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Like. And so like, if I've. If I know that you like me, like, I will spoil the heck out of you and like, we will go on all the dates you want. But I'm. I just, I think it goes back to like those high school days where you get friend zone for the first time.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And the girl, like, we would get on instant messenger, like aim, which they don't. They don't even have anymore. And she would just tell you about the, you know, the. All the bad things about the guy she was talking to.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And then you think it's going to be you and it's just never you.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And you're just like some trauma there to unpack.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Again. Which is why I'm probably on reality TV for 12 years.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right. So I'm guessing, like in this next season, we'll see you in that era of like meeting people.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I mean, I just. It's going to be. You get to see like the next chapter of my life and trying to figure it out as a, you know, a 37 year old. That isn't objectively when you're like, not the 37 year old. You're like, you have your whole life in front of you.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

But as the 37 year old, I think it's like, all right, but like, what are we, what are we doing here? But then you just. I think you just gotta be kind to yourself and patient and just be like, look, it's no big deal. Like, you've got your Health. You're very fortunate.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You're a man.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Yes.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's better. Yes, Better.

[Craig Conover]

I know that it will all work out one day, but I can't visualize it. It yet.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Got it. But you still, like, want, like, you're actually. Austin coined this term for me on the last season of Southern Charm, and I was, like, shocked by how much it was.

[Craig Conover]

Can't wait for this.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

He said that now he's dating with intention.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, good.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Because he used to just date, make everyone feel like they were the love of his life, but he had no plans of doing anything with them. But now he dates with intention. So, like, you are still dating with that intention or, like, now you're like, I want to have fun.

[Craig Conover]

Well, I think not.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That intention can't be fun.

[Craig Conover]

I think I realize that it's not fair to anyone else for me to seriously date them right now. Right now, like. Like, I'm going to go to, like, September, October, November. I'll be in London. Like, I'm just renting an apartment. I was like, I just want to go live somewhere else for a little bit.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Wow.

[Craig Conover]

And just do these life experiences that I might not have a chance to do again. But I just don't think you can make a plan. I think I. I. The. One of the most. One of the messages I receive most is, like, it'll happen when you least expect it. And, like, I just kind of have to put my hope into that.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I think it's true, but it's an annoying thing to hear. People used to always tell me that, and I'm like, can you shut up? Like, I'll never not be expecting it. I'll never not be wanting it. So it's like, never gonna. Like, I have to pretend like I don't care. Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. You're like, okay, cool. I'm completely fine being alone now.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Sure. Sure. Fine.

[Craig Conover]

So it's, you know, I'm excited to share more of my life with everyone. And it's just. It's a chapter that I didn't ever think I'd be experiencing or in. But it's like, okay, it's a fun new chapter. You know, everything happens for a reason. And I think one of my biggest bummers during the last six months was, you know, through speaking through. I mean, I spoke every weekend, and I, like, I just will never lose my positive message of, like, over the last three years, I was able to evolve into a person. I only dreamt of being like, you know, my ex helped me unlock potential in myself that I would have never reached before. And, you know, I hate when people are like, well, everyone has, like, a purpose in your life. And I'm like, it's hard for me to understand why, like, things have to end sometimes. But, like, now I've accepted that. But, like, for three years, it was great, and it was a fun chapter, and you just have to hope or you have to believe that, like, each new chapter is gonna be just as fun. And it's funny. Cause when I speak to people, it used to be about my breakup with Naomi. I always was like, no one is ever not better off after a breakup, like, ever. There's no one that, you know that's like, you know, Jamie's never been the since. Jamie's never been the same since Bill left her. Like, you always find her person. So now it's just taking my advice and being like, yeah, you're gonna be like, everything's gonna be fine.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Everything is gonna be fine. Big things for Craig on the horizon. And I just wanna ask about how's the gang has every. I mean, they've all really rallied around you. The. The Bravo wars have been really crazy. How's my girl Madison?

[Craig Conover]

She's very pregnant. I love her, and she's doing so well.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Is she gone the next season? Is she filming, like, with you guys?

[Craig Conover]

Well, you gotta wait and see that stuff.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

She better. I know she's super pregnant. I never wanna push a pregnant mama, but, like, girl, we need you.

[Craig Conover]

Madison is a star and always will be.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. Yeah. I love. And how's your relationship with the boys? That was really, like, the pivotal arc of the season. Like, you and Austin, you and Shep. Are the boys better than ever. You would think, like, well, these, like.

[Craig Conover]

These are the ones that you just gotta wait and watch and see.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I know, but what about new cast members? I know you can't tell me anything. Okay. Can you tell me who's not on the show?

[Craig Conover]

No, but you can have me back in a couple.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

What about Molly and Shep?

[Craig Conover]

I can't tell you.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Give me something. I love them.

[Craig Conover]

Well, that. Yeah. Nothing that you guys don't know.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So. Nothing.

[Craig Conover]

Nothing.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So there's nothing?

[Craig Conover]

Nothing. Except that. What about season 11? Will be here one day, and you guys will love it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Well, there will. Like, if Southern Charm has no fans, I am dead. It is my favorite show. I watch a lot of TV for work. To recap, it is one of the few shows that I watch for pleasure. Like, even if no one wants a Southern Charm recap for me, like, I'm Watching. And I will be talking about it. I don't know why. Like, it's my comfort show. I love the vibes. I love the cast. Like, it's. And even I used to be really hard on Ms. Patricia.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And I. I've so come to appreciate her. And maybe that's just, like, me getting wiser in my old age, just, like, realizing that she's such a queen. That Napoleon dinner that she had, I literally think about it once a week when I'm like, what do I want for dinner? I want Patricia's Napoleon dinner.

[Craig Conover]

She's. She's doing so well. I mean, she's. I don't. I don't want to give her age away, but she looks fantastic. And she's just. She's kicking along with the, you know, with the best of them, so she's doing really well. And I think Charleston is a really good secret. Cast member or not secret, but, like, I think people love watching Southern charm because they get to see so much of Charleston, too.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. I've never been there. Oh, yeah, you guys gotta go. I will come one day. I would love to go and go. Like, if there's a Southern charm, like, tour bus where you could, like, sit on the double decker, like, that's where I'll be.

[Craig Conover]

We do it in golf carts. Fun. Yeah, we do it in golf carts. One time, Paulina was visiting Gretzky. They're right here in Jupiter. And Dustin had a tournament out at Kiowa, and we were, like, golf carting around, and we went to Ms. Patricia's, and, like, we were looking over the wall to, like, see the house. And then we were like, wait, why are we looking over the wall?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Can you ring the doorbell?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, we rang the doorbell and went in, and Patricia's like, would y' all like to do a caviar tasting? And Paulina is, like, a fan of the show, too, and she was like, this is the greatest thing ever. And so we did a caviar tasting with Ms. Pat just randomly in the middle of the day.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, my God. I love that. No, now I need to plan a trip to Charleston. I feel like it'd be really family friendly. I'll come see, you'll give me, like, the tour.

[Craig Conover]

It is. It's an easy trip, too. It's like two to three days. It's wonderful. Food, wonderful.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I can see the store.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, we've got two stores now.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

How's business?

[Craig Conover]

It's good.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's booming.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. We launched a clothing line with Belk, which has done really well.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, that's so exciting. I love your pillows.

[Craig Conover]

Thank you.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You gave us Hanukkah pillows that we literally used, like, all summer year long. And then after Hanukkah this year, I, like, put them away for now. But I've put your pillows in my studio.

[Craig Conover]

I. You guys had on my, like, ferns. Like, the green ones Forever.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yep, forever. Like, we still, like, have them, and I have them in my house.

[Craig Conover]

I'm gonna send. We'll send. We love sending you guys boxes of stuff. But, yeah, we've got Chris. Let's see what's happening. We've got a bunch of new collections coming out this year. Christmas in July is always really big for us. We do, like, we turn the store and make it, like a wintry wonderland.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, my God.

[Craig Conover]

In July.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You should do a collab with Hallmark.

[Craig Conover]

I would love that. I would love to be on Hallmark Movie.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You should be in a Hallmark movie.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, that's a goal. I did get to do a scripted. I did a scripted show just recently, and then I'm in a movie called Tuesday's Flu that's coming out soon, which was really fun. But, yeah, we've got a store in Nashville on 12 south, two stores in Charleston. You can find everything online, too. And then the Spritz collab is just killing it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

The Spritz collab.

[Craig Conover]

So fun.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I texted the team today. Coach Craig 20, is active again. I said, it feels like a Craig 20 sort of day. 20% off@spritz society.com using code Craig 20.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, when Zach was there last, I told him it's really fun to see our group of friends randomly just taking them from my fridge and drinking them. Like, it's not like I'm used to, you know, people like it being, like, four. Like, anyway, Spritz has never had to be forced.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But it's like, especially on reality shows, it's like, try my new drink. Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And, like, I'll just, like, look over and, like, someone's drinking it. And I'm like, this is awesome. And, like, girls, boys. And that's what it was. It was supposed to be, like, a summery drink. Cause I always loved twisted teas. There's just a lot of sugar in them. And I was like, I would love, like, a lemon iced tea beverage.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

So it's been going really well, and it's just. It's a happy thing. Like, when we do the meet and greets at the store, everyone's drinking Spritz, and I'm signing pillows and just trying to spread you know, happiness and positivity. Why not?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Same with Spritz. It's a lovely family owned brand. We love working with with friends, we love paying people and those who work with us and for us. And so I'm so glad that we get to do it together.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I know. My. I'm having an employee party on Monday for sewing down south, and I'm really excited. We're gonna do like, hibachi, like a hibachi pool party and then maybe go bowling because we have to fix the air conditioner in the store.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay. Good luck.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I know that's not my alley. That's Jerry's. Jerry will do that. I get to take the employees out while he fixes the air conditioning. Sums up our relationship.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's really funny. Okay, well, we are gonna do the fast five, probably quickly because everything else is just more interesting than the fast five. Today, we are the news. So now, without further ado, da do da do. It is time for the Fast 5 stories that you do need to know. Today's episode of the Toast is brought to you by Smart Mouth. Smart Mouth is the only mouthwash scientifically proven to eliminate and prevent bad breath for 24 hours with just two rinses a day. Smart Mouth was developed by a dentist, Dr. Cohen. He spent years researching the cause of bad breath, which led to the development of Smart Mouth's patented zinc ion technology. It also led to the development of Claudia wanting to kiss him on the mouth for heavily studying the root causes of halitosis and working to eradicate them. He literally wrote the book on bad breath as the author of the halitosis section in the medical edition of the encyclopedia. That is really funny and perfect for us because Smart Mouth prevents bad breath, which is so yucky it lasts 12 times longer than the leading brand. Its unique dual chamber bottle keeps the two powerful solutions separate until you're ready to rinse. And then when you pour the two solutions into the cup, you are activating the smart zinc technology. Women in stem. So never have bad breath again. Find Smart Mouth at Walgreens, Walmart and Amazon or visit www.smartmouth.com toast to snag a special discount on your next Smart mouth purchase. That's www.s m a r t m o u t h.com toast. Don't miss out on 24 hour fresh breath. Your mouth will thank you. Your friends will thank you. Your family will thank you. Your co workers will thank you. Today's episode of the Toast is also brought to you by Ro so Ro's Insurance Checker is going to help you get your hands on GLP1s like Ozempic or Bogovy, and they are going to let you know if you are covered for these medications for free. So getting your hands on or Ozempic or Wegovy is enough of a hassle. Negotiating with your insurance provider shouldn't be something else that you need to worry about if you're curious about these medications but not sure if your insurance covers it. That's where Roe comes in. Because let's be real, no one wants to be calling their insurance provider to see if their medication is covered. Especially not for GLP ones like Ozempic or Wegovy. So Rose Insurance Checker lets you know if you're covered for GLP1s for free. They can help you understand if GLP1s like Ozempic and McGovia are right for you and your goals. But that's just the beginning. If you're eligible for GLP1s and want to see if you're covered, all you have to do is submit your insurance card and Roe will take care of the rest. No paperwork, no negotiating, no waiting on hold. Rose Free Insurance Checker will send you a comprehensive report of your coverage details so you can make a decision that's right for your goals and your budget. Go to Ro Co Toast for your free insurance check that's Ro Co. To see if your insurance covers GLP1s for free. Go to Ro Safety for black box warning and full safety information about GLP1 medications and go to ro co toast to see if your insurance is would cover these GLP1s for free. They will check your insurance and your provider for free, which is really great to not have to do that. Today's episode of the Toast is also brought to you by Quince. As the temperatures are rising, we are feeling that urge for a little closet refresh. But we don't want to waste money on pieces that will only wear one. So we wear them and then they turn into garbage. Or you only wear for one season. We need transitional pieces, timeless classics. And that's where Quince comes in. Because Quint's clothes are timeless, lightweight and far more elevated than anything else. At this price, it finally feels like our wardrobe can match our standards. So the key with Quince is that they cut out the middleman. They work directly with top artisans and they can give you that luxury piece without the markup. Since they go straight to the source, they only work with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing Practices in premium fabrics and finishes. You know, top quality fabric is of the utmost importance to me and Jackie Goldschneider and Quince delivers like their 100% European linen shorts and dresses started $30. They have luxe swimwear. They have Italian leather platform sandals. So much more. If you want to revamp your wardrobe for the summer and have it carry you into summers to come and seasons to come, you've got to check out quints. So give your summer closet an upgrade with quince. Go to quince.com toast for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's Q U I N C E dot com toast to get three free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com toast our first story is probably the big news of the week weekend as we are rolling into the Bezos Sanchez wedding. So Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have arrived in Venice, Italy, where they expected to exchange vows this weekend. Their guests are starting to arrive, and it's all going down. So their invitation has been leaked to tmz. Not with any, like, serious details, but about their gift preferences. It says, we are excited for you to join us. We have one early request. Please, no gifts. Instead, we're making contributions in your honor and with gratitude to you for making the journey to celebrate us in Venice. So they will be donating to charity in lieu of gifts. We will donate to charity.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I've never seen that one before, but I do like the destination wedding no gifts policy. Yeah, I think it's. Oh, I think. I think it's a given. I mean, I like. Sorry, I'm gonna sneeze.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I feel a sneezy, too.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. But I think. I think if you have to. Like, one of my friends just got married in the Bahamas, and they were like, guys, you're spending, like, thousands of dollars to come to our wedding. That's all we want. Like, you don't have to get us a gift. And they didn't even have, like, a registry.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's nice. And that makes sense. And I, in thinking about it, like, yeah, that. And what do you even get Jeff Bezos that he can't?

[Craig Conover]

Well, that's. I just thought it was funny that he's like, you know what? We're gonna give gifts at our own wedding.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

I saw that they had, like, a foam party on a GIA as a welcome party, and I was like, I'm so fascinated with yachts.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Because what a lot of people don't realize is the things on board are just so Much more than you can ever imagine. Like take the nicest luxury hotel in the world and just Times that by 10, like he has the ability to have a foam party on his yacht.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right. Would you go on Below Deck as a guest?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. I think we even asked. We've pitched doing a trip with Patricia like a crossover on Below Deck so many times.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And what do they say to that? The perfect idea. What? How do they decline you.

[Craig Conover]

They act excited and then we just never hear, you know, from it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I feel like they're always looking for like new shows and ways to like cross over.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And that's a no brainer.

[Craig Conover]

I think there's probably an. I think there's. I know that there's difference of opinions on crossovers and there always will be. I'm a huge proponent and fan of them. I used to love when shows that I watched would cross over. Even scripted shows.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I'm like, this is sweet Life on Jack with Hannah Montana.

[Craig Conover]

It's just so cool.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

A cultural shift.

[Craig Conover]

I mean the NCISS used to do it a lot.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I'm just saying, a cultural shift. But even Winterhouse was like a great idea.

[Craig Conover]

And to be fair, like the first season of Winter House, it was only a six episode order. We could have, if we had 15 episodes, it would have been one of the best shows ever made because you had these like people that, I don't want to say all stars, but you had these people coming together and we just, all we know how to do.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Is like make good TV confirmed good reality TV people. You don't need to keep hiring like new untested people. Like use the people that you have.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, I think, I think, I don't think that they'll lose track or I don't think they'll lose control of like what our network really is if we have like one or two crossover things every once in a while. But I think they're doing it with like love or Love.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Love Hotel. Love Hotel and Traders.

[Craig Conover]

Traders has been a phenomenal success.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yes.

[Craig Conover]

It's the number one watch show. It was Special Forces.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Now it's Traders Ultimate Girls trip is with all like the.

[Craig Conover]

I think a boys trip would be good.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I think so too. I, I don't watch ultimate. Like I don't watch all that stuff. But I like, I am here for it and I think it's a good idea objectively. Would you do Special Forces? I feel like I would. There was no special Forces.

[Craig Conover]

I don't know if. Yeah, I guess I can say this. I was, I was going to. I've been training for it. And can I say that? Yeah, I think so.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I'm training for Special Forces.

[Craig Conover]

No, no, no. I was. But it's during. There was a conflict, so I wasn't able to do it this year. And to the girl that I was seeing credit. I originally said no. And she was like, why? And I was like, cause I'm scared. And she was like, that is the best reason ever to do it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And I was like, I've never thought of something that way. She was like, yeah, wait. You're lucky enough that you were asked to do something that makes you nervous and that you're scared of. Say yes. And that's all it took. And so I started training a couple months ago because I was like, it's either gonna suck now or it's gonna suck then. And I wanted to bring. I'm on the board of Hope for the warriors, so I wanted to bring awareness to our organization, which we give $0.92 to every dollar to the cause, which is a. It's a really wonderful thing. Reach out to me if you ever wanna come to our events. So I was gonna go do it, and if anything, it got me in shape and, like, was a great distraction from everything. So hopefully one day I'll be able to. There was just a conflict this year.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay. Yeah. I think you'd be great for it. Even, like, in terms of it just, like, changing you and, like, being a new experience. Tyler C. Was on this show last week. He did Special.

[Craig Conover]

What did he say?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

He said it was the hardest thing ever. And, like, that he got so much out of it. And then Natalie's husband, Nick, did Special Forces last season with Tyler, and they, like, became good friends.

[Craig Conover]

So I, I, there's just something that feels right about it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And, like, maybe. I don't know, maybe they'll catch Rachel Kirkconnell when you go.

[Craig Conover]

That was a funny.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That was a fun time.

[Craig Conover]

It was, but we were. We had met with. So her and her ex and me and Paige met, like, we were together at a wedding last night.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You told us how much would happen.

[Craig Conover]

Yes. I don't think it would be very appropriate, but she's a wonderful human and seems to be doing well.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. It's just you guys broke up around similar times with a similar story. Just the genders were flipped.

[Craig Conover]

Right.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And, like, what you were saying you were looking for and what she was saying she was looking for, it's like, well, you found. We found you guys. So, of course, everyone naturally, like, wants to put you Together, But I understand.

[Craig Conover]

No, but I'm down to do Special Forces. I think it would be. I mean, why not challenge yourself, you know, and you can't even pay to do that stuff.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Like, all those challenges and Tyler said, like, it was not Hollywood, like, fake. Like just a set. Like, it was so real. Like, you were so in it.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, it's run by like all guys that have done it and stuff. Guys and gals. I mean, that's like. Well, I'm sure we'll get to them.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But that's like Sandoval. Yeah, we're going to talk about Sandoval today. Would you do a show, like a Perfect Match, Like a romantic alumni show?

[Craig Conover]

Well, I don't want to. It's not in my nature to do a dating show because I really think that if you were to put me in a room with people, I would know instantly who I like liked. Yeah, like instantly. As in like 10 seconds.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And I like having to break, reject or break up with people. It sounds like absolute hell.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Like, that's my nightmare.

[Craig Conover]

Like to have to hurt people's feelings over and over and over. Like, that is my nightmare. I'd probably just leave.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. Not for you.

[Craig Conover]

No. But I think competition or. I mean, I'm really open for.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

There's so many good opportunities for reality stars.

[Craig Conover]

I'm just. And like, I think, I think the. I think the doors are opening where you can start to see the value in being. Like, if you've watched someone for over five years, you'll watch them do anything.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Like, you are just a fan of them as a person and you want to see them in. You want to see them more.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, that's how I feel. That's how I feel. So as a fan, you guys got.

[Craig Conover]

To come on the show.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, my God, I would love to come on the show. Except, like, no, I would be. So, like, the thing is some things, it's like I just want to enjoy it. Like, I don't want to see how this. I don't want, like, insider access. Like, I just want. And it's nice to be able to, like, ask you a question if, like, something's been like, on my mind. Like, why didn't so and so do this? But, like, I just like to be a fan. I don't need the magic ruined you.

[Craig Conover]

It's funny because, like, I like, will always feel mic'd up because, like, it's just part of our life.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Like, we always have a mic on us.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's funny.

[Craig Conover]

And it's Funny. Like, if, like, friends come to the thing, they're like, oh, you're not like, miked right now. I'm like, I'm always mic'd up. Like, times I have a microphone on me. And they're like, wait, wait, wait. But there's no cameras around. I was like, it doesn't matter. I always have a microphone.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Really? Like when they're just, like, in another room when you're filming, you're always miked. Damn good to know.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Our next story is a little Bezos wedding adjacent news, because Orlando Bloom, we reported two weeks ago, I think that Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry are splitting up. And, like, I didn't believe it when they said it, but it's. I don't know. Now it's like taking on more.

[Craig Conover]

How long have they been together?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Like, sid. It's like 2017 and they're.

[Craig Conover]

I thought you were gonna say 20 years.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, no, no, no, no. Like, almost eight years. I guess it's still a long time since. A long time. And they have a child together, a daughter. And now they're saying that they broke up and that he's attending the wedding solo. Even though I feel like if only one of them was going to the wedding, it'd be Katie, because she literally went to space with Lauren and Jeff. Right. Like, I feel like she's the connect and he should stay home.

[Craig Conover]

I feel like that would drive her crazy. She's like, I introduced you to these people, right? And now you're over there partying because she's on tour, which I didn't even. I haven't heard Katy Perry's name other than the space thing in a really long time. But I was a huge teenage dream fan.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And I just. I always, always. I thought she was cool. And then Orlando blooms in so many movies. But I just think, right. Pirates of the Caribbean, I was like, if. If they could just go back to the Black Pearl, I would be happy.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. Well, I guess they really are splitting. I think he was also seen, like, visiting her with the daughter in Australia this week on her tour. Which doesn't mean that they're not splitting because, like, he was probably just, like, helping co parent.

[Craig Conover]

I just love the gossip circles like, there. So, like, you don't have to worry about, like, strangers, photos and videos. But, like, is Oprah gonna text Katie and be like, yo, like your boys here, like, talking to, like. Yeah, but, like, whoever he's talking to is another, like, a lister.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And. And I mean, celebrities, they're just like us, You Know the gossip circles.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I hope we get, like, content from this wedding. So far she's, like, given a lot. Her bachelorette party was like very Kardashian filled. And like, we got a lot of photos from it and she kind of does the most. And as she should as Jeff Bezos's fiance, like, she is, like, not being shy about being that person.

[Craig Conover]

I should contact them and be like, would you like to make a reality show?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, they would be great. She would be great.

[Craig Conover]

She'd be like, we do not need your help, but thank you.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, no, like, we own Amazon Prime.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. You.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Thanks.

[Craig Conover]

Would you like to put a show on our network that we own? Cool, thanks. Sweet.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So I think the wedding's this weekend and I think it's going to be like, really star studded. Of course. And I just hope that we get access.

[Craig Conover]

What's the age difference?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

She's pretty age appropriate. I think he's in his 60s and she's in her 50s.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, wow.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

That good for them.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. No, they're like super in love. He's 61 and she's 55. Oh, cool. And they've like been together like a very kind of traditional courtship. Two years till engagement. I think like a year engaged and now a big fancy wedding.

[Craig Conover]

Cool.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

They're just like us.

[Craig Conover]

Venice. Yeah. Italy would be an amazing place to get married. I know the tourists were having. Not the tourists. I know the town was having issues with the influx of tourists. Because of the wedding.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. I mean, and they were being like, mean to Jeff and Lauren, which is like such low hanging.

[Craig Conover]

Yes. Stupid. Like your footprint. Like, I'm sure they're doing their best to travel with as light as of a footprint as possible. But, like, you have 200 or however many people of like some of the wealthiest people in the world coming to this wedding. Like, it just is what it is. It's a week. Just deal with it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And also the charities that they are donating, Right. It's local, in lieu of gifts, are like Venetian charities to protect Venice's future.

[Craig Conover]

Hater. It's out of jealousy. I always say that, like most 95% of hatred in the world is based off of jealousy in some form for sure. And like, you're not. What, what are you mad about? They're bringing a ton. That town's probably going to make so much money this week. And I'm sure everyone's nice. But the charities, like when Bezos donates to a charity, like, it's not like when we donate to a charity, he's basically changing the ch. He's underwriting the whole charity of this entire charity. So I think people should just deal with it. But that's like, in Charleston, people are like, we're. We're closed. Like, we have too many people. And I'm like, it's. People own businesses here. Like, and we're not gonna gatekeep Charleston. Like, it is what it is.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Like, do you guys hear from, like, higher ups at Charleston?

[Craig Conover]

I have a really great connection now with this group called Explore Charleston, which basically runs, you know, the airport and tourism and stuff. And I work with them a lot, and they're great.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And they like the show.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Well, I mean, it took. They. They like what we are now doing in the community. Like, you know, Austin and I own a couple businesses in town, and we are very. You know, some of us are really charitable, and it's just. It's a good. It's. You know, it took Charleston a while to admit that tourism had been affected by the show. Like, they would never say that people came because of the show, but they did. The city came to my store opening and cut the ribbon with me and was like, thanks for everything you do. So now it's very. The synergy's good now.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, I love that.

[Craig Conover]

And it's funny because restaurants that didn't used to let us film, there are still some, because they just don't need, like. But some are like, hey, can you come film with us? And, like, you just end up filming in places that you never thought would say yes, which has been kind of fun.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That is fun. That's always nice. Our next story. Meghan Markle's As Ever brand is releasing a rose. So this is kind of major news for, as ever, Meghan Markle's lifestyle and wares brand. As Ever, she is releasing a. The as Ever announced the release of its first alcoholic offering, a rose wine described as having soft notes of stone fruit. Stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish. The brand called it a bespoke blend arriving just in time for summer entertaining. So the wine will officially go on sale on July 1st. I wonder if she has Kyle Cook for permission.

[Craig Conover]

Well, he has to ask James for permission to DJ first.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

True.

[Craig Conover]

But do you know what a stone fruit is?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

No.

[Craig Conover]

Okay. I just learned this. It's any fruit with a pit. So like a peach, A plum.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay, that's dramatic.

[Craig Conover]

That's. That's what a stone fruit is.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's dramatic.

[Craig Conover]

I know. I was like, what the heck is a stone fruit? When I. Except I do more into wine.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I do like the idea of like, I like when people excavate like old language. Like there's a term fruit with a hit and like great. Use it. Teach us something new. I actually I ate a lot of stone foods over the last week because the pizza peach truck sent me 140 peaches. It was. They meant to send me 70 and they accidentally sent it twice. And so I made a peach cobbler. I've had more peaches this week than I ever had in my life, my whole life combined. Not that I. Because I didn't. I never ate a lot of peaches because I got them from the store.

[Craig Conover]

But a good peach is great.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

A good peach. Oh my gosh. I'm in my stone fruit era.

[Craig Conover]

You're gonna have a hard time finding it. Stone fruit era. It's a good era to be in.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

I like that they. So Meghan Markle for me, unfortunately her character on Suits started to drive me nuts.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh.

[Craig Conover]

During the later season. I know. Yes. I know that she's not Rachel, but man does sometimes she does things that are Rachel esque and pisses me off. And I'm like, you're not that sometimes you're not that far away from Rachel. Megan.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Wow. Do you feel. I didn't even think like, do you feel in competition with Megan she's like cramping on your lifestyle?

[Craig Conover]

I think so. I'm very like. I truly believe that the more collaborative you are, the higher you will go. Because even like I operate in a way that like, even though we are so far apart, one day I might be in the same room as Megan and the last thing I want is to be like burn a bridge with her for no reason. Like burning a bridges with people is not the way to the top. Well, you guys are good here. Like just stay like you know, we're happy.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's like if I were in a room with Megan Mark, like I would just run like I don't need. I like doing this. Like I don't mean I don't need to be.

[Craig Conover]

Well, everyone keeps messaging me about when they saw me like doing my honey harvest last week with my bees. They're like, you and Megan. You and Megan.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I just want to say she's kind of copying you and like I think it's like a form of flattery. But like I was just saying cuz like she's very like lifestyle, you know, content oriented.

[Craig Conover]

I think we're both racing to be the next Martha Stewart probably.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I think that you have a Bit more credibility at this point.

[Craig Conover]

She's royalty technically.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right, I know, but, like, she. That's like an insult to her. Like. Like, it's like, oh, I would.

[Craig Conover]

I would run with royal.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, my God.

[Craig Conover]

I would wear my crown everywhere I went.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Pull me out of that castle.

[Craig Conover]

No. Like, at all.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

No, I can't.

[Craig Conover]

I think I would be a nice king. I would take care of everyone, but I would wear all the jewelry all the time.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And especially if I were, like, a fringe member, like, married to a prince. And so I'm just, like, getting all the perks, the titles, the this, and. Yeah, you have to go, you know, open up a gymnasium sometimes. Not the funnest.

[Craig Conover]

I watch too many Hallmark movies. They really glorify marrying into a royal family secretively.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But did you watch the crown?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So good.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Like, and I just love her.

[Craig Conover]

Queen Lizzy, who's the pretty princess that. I mean, they're all pretty, but the. She's, like, carries herself really well. Or the Dutch. Is it Penelope? No.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Is she alive now?

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Kate.

[Craig Conover]

I'm just gonna get myself in trouble. There's someone I'm picturing, and she's always got her, like, boys with her.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Princess Kate Middleton. Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

[Craig Conover]

She seems like she does a good job.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, she loves it. She's like, the pride and joy of. Okay. Yeah, they love her. I'm cracking up.

[Craig Conover]

I, like, I don't keep up with the royal news that much.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's good.

[Craig Conover]

I do remember when the last wedding happened and everyone, like, took off work to watch it. I was a little confused.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Meghan and Harry's or William and Kate?

[Craig Conover]

It might have been William and Kate, where, like, the whole world seemed like it shut down.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. That was before I was really into the royal, so, like, I missed out.

[Craig Conover]

Okay.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I was just.

[Craig Conover]

Harry and Kate are stateside, right?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Harry and Meghan.

[Craig Conover]

Harry and Megan.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And, yes, they are stateside. After a big kerfuffle, I guess you could say they're now stateside.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. They made it all the way to south park, which is a Right. Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Is that how you know them? From South Park? Oh, Harry. Meghan from South Park. Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

That's pretty funny. That's. Yeah. You guys are. You're from South Park. I know you.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's really good. Well, she's coming out with a rose, which I think is, like, exciting for the as ever brand that it continues to expand.

[Craig Conover]

Are you a rose person?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I do enjoy a rose. I'm more of a white wine. That's, like, my go to. But Then I would go, rose. And I don't. Don't like red wine. I've never gotten into it. Yeah, but, like, I like rose. Like, you know, a little.

[Craig Conover]

Do a chilled red, like a Spanish red. Baby steps into it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Is that what I should like? Is that how you get into it? Because it's just. It tastes like, to me like Passover. That's when we used to drink it, like, and I'm just like. I don't know. I can't get into it.

[Craig Conover]

A lot of drunk kids just running around.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, you're like, you know, you, like, dip in the wine for, like, the 10 plagues.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And so you, like, just lick it from your finger. And so, like, that's what.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, that makes sense. I would start with a white Pinot Noir, which is really good.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But it's white.

[Craig Conover]

White. Yes, it's white.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But I have no problem with white.

[Craig Conover]

I know, but I have to get accustomed to basically, like, a red grape that they make do into a white wine process.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay.

[Craig Conover]

It's really good. And then just try, like, a chilled red wine. Who knows? Who cares? Drink whatever you want. Life's too short.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It would be nice because then sometimes, you know, a certain meal goes with a certain beverage.

[Craig Conover]

I just don't like hot beverages.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You don't?

[Craig Conover]

No.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You don't like a tea. A hot tea.

[Craig Conover]

Tea is the only thing. Because I drink a lot of throat coat.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, I mean, like an iced tea, but not a hot tea.

[Craig Conover]

No. I will drink hot tea because it's the only thing that keeps my voice put together. And I get to use honey with it. I basically use excuses like I'm a big condiments guy. So, like, I order shrimp cocktail for the cocktail sauce.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Got it.

[Craig Conover]

Order wings for, like, the blue cheese or ranch.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So what do you use honey with in addition to, like, regular honey things?

[Craig Conover]

Have them figure it out.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Out. Got it.

[Craig Conover]

I eat it a lot. Just, you know, just put a little.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Do you ever have apples with honey?

[Craig Conover]

I don't.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's like something that we eat in, like on Rosh Hashanah in Judaism, like, just for a sweet new year.

[Craig Conover]

I gotta practice.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But they're so not even like, outside of really biscuits are eat them year round.

[Craig Conover]

I'm just not a big biscuits guy. But the other day we were somewhere and the mom made biscuits and we put my honey on them and it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Was really yum and. Or like, you know, goat cheese on a cracker.

[Craig Conover]

I've got an ice cream maker I might use in that.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, nice.

[Craig Conover]

Who knows?

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I'm really excited for your honey. Like, I really hope that you follow up.

[Craig Conover]

I will, I will. And it really. I. Thank you. It, like, tastes good. It was such a cool process. Like, we.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Do you ever feel like you could do this? Like, what Megan's doing? Like, she has, you know, a garden.

[Craig Conover]

I would love to like the wine. So, like, the wine is just. It's a little expensive and we're on, like, the east coast, so it's. I just feel removed. But a. A pipe dream of mine would be to have a vineyard one day. I think that would be awesome.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But would you also sell honey? Like, would you ever want to bottle your honey and sell it?

[Craig Conover]

I would. But, like, we did get way more honey from my one hive than I ever thought. The demand is there. I just don't want to have to white label someone else's honey.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Why is it someone else's?

[Craig Conover]

Because I can't.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I wouldn't. Because it's coming from your backyard.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Like, I'd have to buy, like a little. Little plot of land and like, start doing it. Just seems like more of a venture than, like, gifting it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I understand.

[Craig Conover]

Like, I started to. So, like, when I was sewing, like, hand making gifts is really, like, I'm just went on this, like. So we've been filming outside of our show my journey to learn different crafts around the country. So you can watch it on YouTube. And I learned to quilt in Missouri in Hamilton, Missouri, from Missouri Star. It's this, like, quilting capital of the world. So I just made, like, Madison's baby blanket. Like, I made her a baby quilt and she, like, cried, which was kind of my goal. I was like, if she doesn't cry, then I have the wrong idea.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Seriously. Throw it in the garbage. Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And she'll have that for, like, ever. And I'm like, I'm all about handmade.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Gifts now, so that's really nice anyway.

[Craig Conover]

Or I told you my ADD will take us.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, no, but that's me too. I'm so chatty. And we have so much to talk about. Like, sorry. Like, it is what it is. So anyways, as ever's coming out with a Check it out. Out at as ever dot com. Today's episode of the toast is also brought to you by Cakes. Cakes is a t O B. A toaster owned business founded by sisters Taylor and Casey in 2022. So a toaster on business is always our favorite. As is a sister owned business. They're in a women owned business. Their first solution was designed in response to an embarrassing case of NFO nipple freak out next to a boss at the gym because the shitty foam sports bra pads fell out. So they launched the company with $10,000 for no social media followers and a single Instagram post and prayed that their mom and friends might buy some cakes. So cakes quickly went viral when women from every stage of life, like girls going through puberty to breastfeeding moms to women going through mastectomies, all shared that cakes made them feel flattered and free in their clothes. I'm sure you've also seen cakes on Shark Tank. They are the nipple covers that are like the ones that can do the job, all sorts of jobs. If you need to go braless, if you're wearing a backless shirt, if you need just like a little cutlet, a little nipple itis, you know, we have needs as women and all of our needs are different. And cakes really serves all of those different needs. So to find out what all the hype is about and what all the girlies are talking about, go to cakesbody.com and you can use code TOAST for 20 off your first order. This summer, I have been using cakes that I right now, this summer, my favorite way to use them is in my swimsuit because obviously I'm not gonna wear a brassiere with my swimsuit. But you know, I have needs, as I've stated, and it's a great way to smooth everything out in your swimsuit and feel your best. But I know it's everyone uses them for so many different reasons and they have something for everyone. So check out cakesbody.com use code toast. Today's episode of the Toast is also brought to you by booking.combooking. yeah. From vacation rentals to hotels across the U.S. booking.com has the ideal summer stay for absolutely anyone, even those who might seem impossible to please. So step one, you need to treat yourself to a bit little a little something this summer, a little trip, little girls trip, maybe a couple's trip, maybe a family vacation. Like we're gonna have a bit of fun this summer. Summer should be fun. And booking.com is the place to book your stay. Because whether you want a rental house, if you have a house that you need, or you need a kitchen or you need laundry, like when you go on vacation, everyone has different needs, different things that are gonna make their vacation extra fun and less stressful. And booking.com is able to hook you up with those customizations and help you find the best stay for you. If you want to stay at a hotel. Like who doesn't want no dishes? How about no dishes? How about no cooking? Let's stay at a hotel. How about a pool right downstairs? How about other guests that we can mingle with? Booking.com is going to help you find the perfect stay for you. I've used booking.com I have a lot of needs when I travel, especially as a family with kids and they have a lot of needs and we like kid friendly hotels. Like there are just things that are going to make our trip much more enjoyable than if we just booked any old trip. So if we can find our perfect stay on booking.com, anyone can find exactly what you're booking [e-mail] booking yeah. Book today on the site or in the appbooking.com booking yeah. Today's episode of the Toast is also brought to you by Boulevard. If you are in the self care business and offer high end personal experiences, you and your clients deserve a modern, easy to use client experience platform that works just as efficiently as you do. Enter Boulevard Boulevard is the number one client experience platform built specifically for appointment based self care businesses. Because salon, spas, barbershops, med spas and all other self care businesses are so personal, the platform powering your business should feel the same. It's not just software, it's a smarter, more personal and organized way to manage all of your businesses locations in one place. Whether it's online bookings, payments, appointment reminders, client profiles and more, Boulevard makes every interaction seamless and every part of your business look polished and professional. No more no shows, scheduling headaches or chaos behind the counter. Just smoother operations and happier clients. Plus, Boulevard helps you elevate your marketing, generates custom reports, manages memberships, taking your business as far as you want to go. See why top beauty and wellness brands choose Boulevard to empower their team and grow their business. Right now, Boulevard is offering new customers 10% off your first year subscription when you go to joinblvd.com toast and book a demo. That's joinblvd.com toast book a demo and get 10 off your first year subscription. That's J O I N b l v d.com toast toast. Check out Boulevard. Thank you to our sponsors. Next Story Taylor Swift performs live for the first time since reclaiming her Masters at a Nashville gig hosted by Travis Kelsey. So I just saw like Taylor Swift, we were saying she's in Nashville for Tight End University which is like a program for tight ends in the NFL. Like Travis hosts it with George Kittle.

[Craig Conover]

And I think Greg's Part of that.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Greg Olson. Yes.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, okay. Keep on. So sorry.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

No. So she's been in Nashville supporting him, like, going to the events. And then she got up and performed last night, like, with her guitar and acoustic set. She sang Shake It Off. This, literally, the video and the pictures look like something that was taken from when she was a teenager. Like, we never see her in, like, this sort of setting.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, cool. Yeah. That's like album one and two. Like.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, our song debut.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. She sang with Kane Brown also. And just like, really supporting her.

[Craig Conover]

All those guys were just in Charleston golf tournament, and Travis flew in, and so we were, like, playing golf next to, like, he was like, on the hole next to me, and I was like, oh, that's him.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

What was the tournament?

[Craig Conover]

Is it part of PGA Greg Olson's. It's. It's when children are born with an undeveloped heart.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, and that's his charity.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. And so because they do tight end university together, Travis flew out to support him.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, that's so nice.

[Craig Conover]

And, you know, everyone's like, I wonder if Taylor's in Korea somewhere.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Probably.

[Craig Conover]

Probably. I mean, Charleston's great. You guys are the only ones that have never been there. But.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

No, I know. No, now it's like, I rarely get the itch to, like, go somewhere. I don't get, like, wanderlust easily, but I've got to go to Charleston. What would you say the best time of year is? Fall.

[Craig Conover]

Spring or fall? Spring or fall. It's not July or August. It's too hot for everyone. But yeah, they. To see Taylor. I. I mean, that's when Spritz started. Was that when we all went? Not. My involvement with Spritz started after we all went to Taylor Swift together.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's true. Eras Tour brought everyone together.

[Craig Conover]

I'm a huge fan. Swifty.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's so nice. Did you watch Full Swing?

[Craig Conover]

I have seen a couple episodes, but just because I'm friends with some of the guys and I wanted to see it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

When I see Dustin, I think of you. I only know who. Like, I only watched Full Swing last month, and I don't keep up with golf, so I don't really know a lot of people. But I'm familiar with Dustin and his work from following you.

[Craig Conover]

Right.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So I always associate the two.

[Craig Conover]

They're great. He's like, the night. He's one of the most generous people that I've ever met. And he's just a great, great dude. Great dad. Pauline is great, and we have a lot of fun together. Like, we always Go. We travel with them a lot, which is nice. And it's just been. People would be like, oh, so do you like the live tour, pj? I was like, I'm just gonna go watch where my friends are playing. Like, Keegan Bradley's, like, a friend to live. Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But I mean, Keegan Bradley and he got to be captain, and he's gonna.

[Craig Conover]

Make his own team, hopefully. And Keegan, it's. It's been. I love the golf world, and the golf world translates to Bravo a lot. Like, everyone there also watches Bravo.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Which is cool.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's cool.

[Craig Conover]

They just want. They. Travis or Travis and Taylor sat in their box at the Panthers. Yeah. So Wayne and Ty, like Paulina's brother.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right, right, right. Wayne Gretzky.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Yeah. Wayne's a great guy, too. My. It's funny. Like, this world takes you in, like, random places, but you know where it's.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Taking you tonight, I don't know if you realize that you're on tonight's episode of Kristin Cavallari's reality show. I do realize, which I am watching, because I am the biggest fan of Kristen Cavallary reality shows we filmed.

[Craig Conover]

Well, Kristen's great. She's a star. And I'm. I'm happy she's back on tv because she's just really good at it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

She is.

[Craig Conover]

And she was one of the first ones. Like, she kind of trailblazed it for all of us.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Who didn't watch, like, Laguna beach and the Hills and. And stuff, but she. We filmed that back in February, which I'm realizing that people aren't gonna understand why.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Because you talk about stuff just, like, you.

[Craig Conover]

And it's not bad. It's just. The timing won't make sense.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. Okay.

[Craig Conover]

Well, no, just for people being like, I can't believe Craig's talking about that. And you're like, it was in February, and I wasn't supposed to, and they asked me, and I don't know. So.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Got it.

[Craig Conover]

I think I look really nervous. Nervous on stage because, like, our deal with them because, like, Chris, like, I. Kristen and I are really close friends, and, like, she's done so much for me and Austin and pillows and beer and, like, stuff like that. That she was like, hey, will you come do my show? Like, do my podcast? And I was like, sure. And then she got the TV deal after that, and obviously, like, if something's on tv, like, it's just a different notch. Like, and. And, you know, I was like, I just don't want to talk About Paige. And Jerry's like, yeah, like, we have an agreement, everything's fine. Like, but then I think because it got a TV deal, like, it got bigger. It got bigger.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

And so, like, the first question was out Paige. And I thought I was gonna die, like on stage because I hadn't talked about it at all. And I was like, oh my God, I'm stuck on this stage and there's so many cameras. And so I wonder if that's gonna come off.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Off. I wonder how. Because every episode is about like, the show and the guest. And like each guest, like some. There was like one where she felt like she wasn't like all the way dialed in. Then she had like her old friends from the Laguna beach come on and like, they stunk. And she was like saying that she's like, I can't believe Talon. Like, blah, blah, blah. So I wonder what the narrative is gonna be, like, about you and us. But then like, Harry Jowsey went on, he's such a pro and she like, loves him. So it could be like, we, I.

[Craig Conover]

Mean, we, like, the show is good. Like, like it was a really fun show and everyone was excited. But like, I like, I just like.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I wonder what the drama, like when.

[Craig Conover]

I walk off stage, I say, that was the dumbest thing I've ever done.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, okay.

[Craig Conover]

And they air it and I'm like.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Said something dumb. You said something dumb?

[Craig Conover]

No, because I like, hadn't talked about the breakup at all.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. And that's like a crazy place to.

[Craig Conover]

And only did the show because they said, like, they wanted to ask me about Paige.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Got it.

[Craig Conover]

And then it looks like, it looks like I went there to talk about the breakup.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Got it.

[Craig Conover]

So I was just panicking.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Have you seen the episode that's airing tonight? No.

[Craig Conover]

And I can't. I mean, I won't watch it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So you don't watch your own stuff at this point. That's good. I'll watch it for you. I'll send you Cliff's notes.

[Craig Conover]

Text me and just be like, well, it wasn't that bad. But I mean, she. Kristen's doing so well. I mean, she's got like three best selling cookbooks too. Like, there's. She lives. She's a very successful person, but she is just good at what she does.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Like, she's just a star. Yeah. And like, of course I should have. Yeah, it's. No, it wasn't a big deal. I just was like, watch how it's.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Not even in the episode. And you're like telling on yourself.

[Craig Conover]

Like, well, I just didn't want. I was like, oh, my God, what am I doing? I just. And so we'll see.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay.

[Craig Conover]

And then I was also dating that. The girl that I was seeing. So then, like, we get dared to kiss, and I was like, oh, my God, how am I in this situation right now? Cause I hadn't told anyone.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right. But so, well, I guess. Don't spoil it. They didn't show us in the commercial. I wonder if I have a screener for that. No, I don't have escreen she's doing.

[Craig Conover]

But Kristen's doing really well, and I'm glad to be, you know, friends with her. And I think all of, like, you know, it's one of those things where if you just keep moving and keep putting your foot in front of, like, one in front of the other, like, we all, like, it's a new day and age with, like, the streaming and the Internet and cable TV and, you know, being not like it. Like, I feel like a hit on YouTube now is almost as valuable as a hit on, like, a TV channel or, like, a podcast. And you guys are, like, number one every week. Like, there's so much for us to do.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

There is a lot. An object in motion stays in motion.

[Craig Conover]

Yes, exactly. That's why you don't say no to things. You just say yes to things, which ultimately, like, you know, Jack's like, who cares? You did a podcast with Kristen and it was funny. Like, it's not that big of a deal.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, it's really.

[Craig Conover]

Sometimes I over.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Sometimes you have to, like, just lighten up.

[Craig Conover]

I think I've started to catastrophize things a little bit, and I need to work on that.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay, Chat will help you.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Our fifth and final story, Tom Sandoval's fate on America's Got Talent has been revealed. So earlier this week, we spoke about the fact that Tom Sandoval and his band, most extras, auditioned on America's Got Talent, which was genuinely shocking. We all got to watch the video, but we didn't get to see what the judges said and whether or not he advanced to the next round. Oh, so he does advance to the next round. This is what the judges said. So Mel B. Said, you made me smile, you gave me happy vibes. And apart from that song being one of my favorite songs, you all look like you were fully enjoying yourselves then. Sophia Vergara is also a judge, and she said that he looked amazing during his performance. Howie Mandel dubbed him as showman. And then Simon, thankfully Was like, the vocals weren't great. Tom, I'm gonna be honest with you. However, not everyone comes on the show to get a record deal. Sometimes it's about being true to who you are. And for that, Tom and his band were put through to the next round of the competition. Do you think something's going on between Tom and Howie Mandel? After the interview heard around the world, that's where he, like, went after Scandival to do one interview. He went to Howie Mandel.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, that's right. I forgot.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

A little sus.

[Craig Conover]

Now he's playing the long game. So what's funny is I. This just got brought up. My parents were just in Charleston this week, and my dad was trying to explain to my mom who Tom Sandoval was. Because my dad, Classic. Secretly keeps up with everything.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

But my mom doesn't. And for her, like, she. After someone, was mean to me. Like, she doesn't like, in her mind. She doesn't like when people are mean to me on tv, so she just doesn't watch.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, my gosh. As a boy. Mom. As a mom. Oh, my God. I could never.

[Craig Conover]

And so I'd come down there, like, back in the early seasons with, like, me and Shep, and she was like, I don't.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Does she hate Chef?

[Craig Conover]

No. No, she just doesn't. She's not exposed to any of it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Craig Jr. I would hate him as a mother.

[Craig Conover]

But my dad is aware of everything.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But I love him as a person.

[Craig Conover]

Right. Right.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

Oh, yeah. As Craig's mom, you wouldn't.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

As Craig's mom, I would hate Chef.

[Craig Conover]

Yes. But Shep and I are in a really great place, which is good.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Good.

[Craig Conover]

But my dad secretly keeps up with everything. He just doesn't tell me because he knows I'm less stressed if I don't think he knows. Because, like. Like, same thing. Like, when I was growing up, like, if I got bullied at school, like, I didn't tell my parents. Cause I just felt like, why burden them? Like, I don't know, like. Or like, you just want to take care of it yourself. I don't really.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Did you get bullied?

[Craig Conover]

Oh, yeah. Horribly growing up. It, like, shaped my whole future.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

For what? Not that they need a reason.

[Craig Conover]

It's just. It's like I wrote a lot about it in my book, but it's like, when I. I remember, it's because their dads were doing that to them when they got home. So, like, I had this weird empathy for the bullies, which was a really weird place to to be as a kid, like, a really weird place that is really weird. And, like, that's why reality tv, I'm like, there's nothing you can do that, like, was worse than them. So, like, it actually all happened for a reason. But when I was. It took me six months to sign my contract. Like, me, I think Shep signed first after five months, then me, and then Cameron. And I remember being like, I hope there's TVs in jail in Delaware so those, like, see me, like. And it follows you that long, which is crazy. So anyway, Shep, you're not that bad. But I. So my dad keeps up on all of it. And he was talking about America's Got Talent, and my mom likes that show. And when I got to BravoCon, the year of Scannable, I was checking into the hotel because I got there a day early for this brand deal with raising canes. And this guy in a hood came up to me and was like, hey, Craig, what's up? And I, like, looked, and it was Tom. And I was like, hey, what's up, Tom? How are you? And he's like, oh, I don't know. Like, I didn't know if, like, it was okay to talk to you, but Tom and I had worked together on a couple different commercials and stuff. And, like, he was always nice to me. Like, obviously don't agree with what happened, right? Or the behavior. But, like, I'm. He's like, oh, like, what am I gonna do? Like, flick him off and be like, piss off. So, like, we weren't having dinner. He was just saying hi. So I was like, oh, hey, what's up, Tom? Like, this is my. These are my parents. This is my dad, my mom. And so they met him. And my mom was like, oh, the guy that we met when we got to Bravo. But that's all she knows about Sandoval. But my dad knows everything.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

She could be a jury member for scandal.

[Craig Conover]

She's a school. She was a school teacher. She's like the most honest person alive. And, man, she's had an interesting ride with me, you know, like.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right.

[Craig Conover]

Just was gonna be a lawyer. And then I am a lawyer. But then I was like, I'm gonna do a reality show. They didn't even know what that was. Then I'm gonna start a sewing company. And.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And, oh, man, it's probably been a rollercoaster. But they're probably very proud of you today.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, they are. They are. And she loves going to the stores and she's. We'll always see her Order come across on Shopify. And we always refund her money. We're like, you're not paying for stuff. But I'm like, sandoval has been everywhere. He did Special Forces. Yeah. And Ariana's doing great too, but with Love island, that's huge. But, yeah, Special Forces, traitors. Now America's Got Talent.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

So what did your mom think of his audition?

[Craig Conover]

I don't know. I didn't ask her. I was in the car and I didn't want to hear it because it makes me feel really awkward to watch people that I know.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, that makes sense. I'm shocked that he got through. I don't know what it. Like, how was the audition? It was fine. Like, they are cover bands.

[Craig Conover]

I saw. That's what happened. My dad went to show me and I saw him in the beginning, and he's very theatrical on stage. And I was like, I can't do this right now. Because we. I was doing my own, like. Like we were in the middle of something and I was just like, yeah, I just can't right now.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I understand. I thought they are a nice cover band. Like, I would hire them for a wedding. It's probably a good time. I don't know. Like, what qualifies someone to be on America's.

[Craig Conover]

Sophia Vergara has a Southern. Has a history with us a little bit. She used to date Whitney's cousin, and so she did Easter at Ms. Pat's house.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I'm obsessed.

[Craig Conover]

And the paparazzi caught her, like, out on the porch. Like, you know, know, she was like, waving to people.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But iconic.

[Craig Conover]

Sophia's had easter Sunday at Ms. Pat's house.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Wow. Also Southern charm. White Lotus. You guys have been, like, part of the White Lotus story. Jason Isaac said that he based his character off of Thomas watching Southern Charm. And Thomas Ravenel, actually, the creator said that. And then Jason Isaacs was like, no, I didn't, but he is so Thomas Ravenel. Did you watch this? This season?

[Craig Conover]

I watched the. So I usually watch the last episode of White Lotus, which I can't really handle the whole season.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's a lot.

[Craig Conover]

I get stressed out. But I did watch Neighbors and Friends and Neighbors, which was incredible.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's Jon Hamm.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. I do want to give because there's no way for me to reach Jon Hamm. I do want to say thank you, Jon Hamm, for all of the positivity that you show Southern charm and me. And, like, I love it. And like, we're all big fan. Like, our entire cast has watched his New show, like, over the last few weeks, like.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Cause he just, like, came out swinging in support of Southern Charm. He loves Southern Charm. He said he loves the guys. He just wants to get together with him.

[Craig Conover]

He's a great dude.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And he's like, he might be a bigger fan than me.

[Craig Conover]

He's just. I just want to, like. It was so funny because we were in. This is when I was like, this is so, Like, I knew I was kind of gonna. It was gonna be a tough road. So we were in. So Paige and I were supposed to go to London for New Year's, and then when she broke up with me, we. Like, Paulina and Dustin, we always do a ski trip with them to Aspen. And they had also invited us to Aspen, so we were trying to decide between the two trips. And then when we broke up, she was like, well, like, you can still go on this ski trip, but I'm not gonna go. And I was like, okay. So Paulina was like, just come out with us. Like, don't be sitting at home by yourself over New Year's. And so I went to Aspen with Dustin and Paulina, and on New Year's Eve, Paulina could tell, like, some days were better than others, But I was having a really tough time. So she's like, instead of going out tonight, I'm just gonna throw a party at the house. And she's like, it'll just be us. And we had a good crew with us, all of their, like, friends and family. And so Paulina throws this New Year's Eve party at the house, and, like, the ball's getting close to, like, dropping, and I just, like, need a minute. So I go to, like, the other wing of the house, and the TV's on, and it's Jon Hammond, Andy and John Hammond. So I'm like, oh, there's Andy. Like, it made me a little happy. And then Jon Ham's like, hey, I just want to start out by pouring one out for Paige and Craig. Like, end of an era. And I'm watching the New Year's Eve broadcast, and I'm like, how is this happening right now? And John's like, you know, I'm just really bummed. And I was like, I can't escape this anywhere right now.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's insane.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, but it was. It is crazy. Like, but it's a. It's a. It's a wild place to be, you know, to be in. And I am very gracious and fortunate, you know, grateful. But I do want Jon Hamm in case he's also a toaster.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. Or he has toasters working for him.

[Craig Conover]

He has to tell him, like, we see it and we think it's awesome. And we're always like, high fiving and being like, hell yeah, dude.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Oh, my God, I'm.

[Craig Conover]

We appreciate it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

That's a really good one.

[Craig Conover]

He's. Well, everyone loves Jon Hamm. Like, everyone, right? And he's just a bro. And like, he's like, yeah, I love watching these dumbasses navigate life. And I'm like, that's kind of what Southern charm is.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah. The show description. Well, that was the fast five stories and we were supposed to do Dear Toasters. I feel bad leaving everyone hanging. Okay, we'll do one. Dear Toasters, even though this episode has gone so long and I know you have flights to catch and, like, I have a family to raise. So, like, we at some point have to end the episode. But let's do. Let's do one. Let's do. Okay. Dear Toasters, here's actually, I think you'll be the perfect one for this. Some relationship advice is needed. My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost three months, having known one another for about a year. He's wonderful, a great man, and an excellent boyfriend. The problem is we're about to start long distance. He's taking a job in Cleveland, whereas I'll still be in New York. Even though we haven't been dating very long. I don't want to just break up with him because he's moving. I want to keep dating, but I'm terrified of being in a long distance relationship. Should I just break it off now because in the grand scheme of things, we haven't been together very long, or should I give it my best shot and risk our great relationship ending poorly? On that note, any long distance advice would be appreciated. Thankfully, I have the master here. Love a girly who may start frequenting Ohio. Well, you know, I love cleaning Cleveland, so I support it.

[Craig Conover]

The boys were just in Cincinnati. Austin and Sheppard, a golf tournament one. All that matters is if you like them enough. So, like, if you actually like this guy, don't just break up with him for long distance. The thing is, is, like, long distance isn't what it used to be with FaceTime. And you live in New York City. Like, there's probably eight flights a day, right? To Cleveland, another major city. So, like, and they're not going to be expensive. So if you like them enough, it will be fine.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

The last thing, like saying. Or the last part saying, like, I don't want to ruin our relationship by dating long distance. Like, if you stop dating now, like.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You'Re confirmed ruining it.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Like, there's no going back to being friends because, like, he definitely likes you. And, like, he's not gonna keep. You don't get to keep being, like, gal pals. Long distance, like, gal pals. It's just not a thing. Thing. So. I never had a problem with long distance, and I don't think my ex did either. I think it was really special. I mean, she used to rave about how it made our time together even more special.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

But, like, yeah, with. With technology and the ease of travel these days, I just. It's no different than a commute. Like a daily commute, so. Well, not daily, but weekly. Yeah. I just. It's all like, if you want. If you see a future with him, then, like. Like, outside of the distance thing, then, yeah, stay together. It's just about effort. It's just about effort.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I agree. But I would also. I feel like. And I've not. I don't have long distance experience, but I would imagine, like, having a. A goal, like an end goal or a plan.

[Craig Conover]

Well, that's the thing.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It's like, okay, either in two years, he can move back to New York, or, like, in two years, you would move to Cleveland and leave your job in New York. And if there's, like a. A destination to arrive at. But I.

[Craig Conover]

So we. So that was. I think. I mean, I don't think we'll ever know what happened with my relationship. But I will tell you, we did not do that. Right. Because Paige loved New York and I loved Charleston and we loved each other. So it was like, why put the cart in front of the horse? Let's just.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

By the end, you were going to move to New York.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah, but that's because. That's why the distance doesn't matter. Like, if you find your person, that's the hard part.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

You will do more than Charleston.

[Craig Conover]

Well, yeah, of course. Like, I do love Charleston as a home base, but, like, if something. If I end up moving later, like, if there's a reason to go somewhere, like, I don't. Like, that's no big deal. So I wouldn't put. But by not having a plan, I think it eventually stressed her out.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

By being like, you will end up resenting me for moving in. Like, we just never talked about the plan, and I think the horse eventually caught up to that cart.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah.

[Craig Conover]

So, yeah, I guess I would have it, like, if he's just moving to Cleveland, for work. And, like, he could. Like, he's not moving there because his family's there, and he never wants to leave Cleveland. But getting a New Yorker to leave New York is tough. So, like, I've talked.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Depends on the New Yorker. Oh, Ben.

[Craig Conover]

Ben is. Ben's not.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

But, like, the thing. I'm technically in New York, and I'm.

[Craig Conover]

Like, yeah, that's true. But Ben. I remember talking to Ben about it because he took me to a Knicks game.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

They are New Yorker.

[Craig Conover]

And he was like, I mean, I love going to Jackson Jackie's for, like, a month, but, like, we will raise our kids in New York. And I was like, oh, God, these people don't.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I don't know if that's true today anymore. So we'll see.

[Craig Conover]

Okay.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

And I'm working on them. And maybe, like, maybe we could. Maybe we could do Charleston. I will literally move anywhere.

[Craig Conover]

Ben loves coming to Charleston. Claudia hasn't been yet.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

No, we're coming. We will be there.

[Craig Conover]

But I'm. I'm saying don't break up because of the distance, but if you don't see yourself marrying him one day, because you will know after knowing someone for a year and three months, use the distance as an excuse to break up with them.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I think that's great advice. I'm gonna make the call to end this episode before, like, we are into the night here. Craig, we love you so much. We'll do Dear Toasters two more tomorrow with our guest co host, who you guys are gonna love. Most requested co host yet after Craig. Thank you so much for joining me today.

[Craig Conover]

Thanks, Jackie.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Where can everyone follow you? Shop every wonderful pillow and beer.

[Craig Conover]

I think my. Yeah, my Instagram is Ca Conover, and then my company's Instagram is sewing down south. And I think between the two of them, you'll find everything. If you are going to Charleston sometime soon. Me and my wonderful friend Austin and castmate and our partners just opened, by the way. I saw that, and it is really doing great. And our chef, Chef Marcus, just presented it at Aspen Food and Wine, and, like, it's just become this destination of Charleston. So it's called, by the way. It's right off King street, and I think you'll really enjoy it.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

I love that. And where can everyone listen to your podcast? Did you.

[Craig Conover]

We don't have a podcast.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Okay. The podcast dissolved.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. Yeah, we'll see what the next chapter is on that. But it was a fun ride.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It was.

[Craig Conover]

It was a Covid podcast, though, and.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

It made it really far, way past Covid. You guys had a tour?

[Craig Conover]

Oh, yeah, we went on tour twice. I mean, we met so many people through it, so I think we just gotten a little. There's a lot we just need to settle. You know, there's. We have so much in our ecosystem right now that we just have to, like, you know, reset.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Right. And of course you can watch Southern Charm on Bravo, stream old episodes on Peacock, like treat yourself the old season.

[Craig Conover]

I think there's like 180 episodes of Southern Charm now.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Yeah, the old episode. The early episodes, like really feel like another time.

[Craig Conover]

Yeah. And just be excited for this future and drink spritz.

[Jackie Goldschneider]

Drink spritz. Spritz. Society.com code craig20 today and get all spritzes and have a great rest of your day. Craig, thank you so much for being here. We love you. Bye.