The Viall Files – E1020: Going Deeper with Brooke Schofield

Podcast Date: October 22, 2025
Host: Nick Viall (with Natalie Joy and Justin)
Guest: Brooke Schofield

Episode Overview

This “Going Deeper” episode welcomes Brooke Schofield—co-host of the recently-ended "Canceled" podcast—for a raw, vulnerable deep-dive into her life, the fallout from "Canceled," personal growth, Internet drama, and life lessons from public scrutiny. The conversation is candid, at times emotional, and full of insight on fame, accountability, family, boundaries, and online toxicity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The End of "Canceled" and Brooke’s Perspective

[05:13–13:20]

• Brooke confirms “Canceled” (her podcast with Tana Mongeau) is over, noting their differing reasons for stepping away.
• For Brooke, the show became mentally and emotionally taxing, leading to regret over almost weekly exposure to hate and misrepresentation online.
• She reveals:

  “If it were up to me and me alone, it wouldn’t have ended...but I was really, really struggling...I was putting myself in a position to be perceived as a version of myself that I was not proud of...” (Brooke, 06:15)

• Constraints like contractual obligations prevented a needed break, worsening her mental health.
• They discuss the value and challenge of accountability, and how the show’s name felt fateful given its own controversy-driven end.

2. Accountability, Regret, and Online Culture

[08:50–15:55]

• Brooke acknowledges the irony that her “accountability police” persona on "Canceled" contributed to harsh backlash.
• She admits inadvertently sparking hate campaigns:

  “I drove some major hate campaigns toward certain people that didn’t necessarily deserve it. Matt Rife comes to mind, Zach Sang … I would never do it again.” (Brooke, 12:49)

• The co-hosts share how their own podcasting rules (e.g., not platforming rumors) evolved to minimize damage, and Brooke agrees she learned empathy the hard way—by becoming the target herself.
• On lessons for her young audience:

  “I hope people have noticed the weight of your words...even things I've said, you know, so many years ago can have so much impact...” (Brooke, 14:32)

3. Growing Up: Family, Trauma, and Healing

[15:24–21:16]

• Brooke opens up about her mother’s ongoing addiction, being raised by grandparents after a chaotic childhood, and grappling with associated trauma.
• She reflects on her tendency to joke about trauma as a defense and the recent need to face it more earnestly.
• On her relationship with her mom (now no contact):

  “It became a very emotionally abusive relationship...It was really constant, like, taking from me and with nothing in return.” (Brooke, 18:33)

• She contrasts her current “friendship” with her father, who was less present, and how reframing expectations has helped heal that dynamic.

4. Regret, Gratitude, and Moving Forward

[21:16–24:15]

• Nick prompts a discussion about regret and how to be grateful despite pain and past mistakes.
• Brooke does not regret "Canceled" or her career path, even with hardships, because of the growth and opportunities:

  “All of that led me to where I am right now. And I'm very, very happy where I am right now.” (Brooke, 24:13)

5. Toxicity of Internet Fame & Setting Boundaries

[24:18–26:49, 58:06–59:48]

• She speaks candidly about her toxic relationship with the Internet, focusing on hate comments and how they overshadow positive feedback.
• Natalie and Brooke discuss tools to restrict who can comment on their social media, and the psychological benefit of stepping away from platforms like Reddit:

  “That used to be my literal heroin...Had I stayed on that pattern, I really genuinely think I would have killed myself.” (Brooke, 58:37)

• Advice emphasized: limit exposure to hate, don’t “give oxygen” to rumors, and accept that you can’t please everyone online.

6. Public Rumors and Defending Her Relationship

[32:26–38:46]

• Brooke defends her fiancé, Miles, against persistent, unfounded allegations (accusations of inappropriate past relationships), explaining their origins and the real impact on them both.
• She details the frustration of defending against misinformation that persists even after those involved refute it.
• The co-hosts relate, emphasizing how easily online rumors can override facts; Nick notes public figures “can’t convince everyone.”

7. Friendships Post-"Canceled" – Tana and Paige

[29:38–32:22, 56:34–57:25]

• Brooke shares that she and Tana butted heads during "Canceled," but since its end, their friendship has improved:

  “Now I feel so much better about our relationship...we’re back to being friends.” (Brooke, 30:06)

• She addresses Internet speculation about Tana skipping her engagement party (Tana was in Hawaii) and affirms there’s no bad blood.
• On her friendship with Paige (Tana’s former assistant), Brooke dismisses rumors of a feud as completely false and describes Paige as “one of the funniest people on the planet.”

8. Personal Growth, Love, and the Future

[22:30–45:37]

• Brooke has found new stability and self-worth in her relationship with Miles, contrasting it with previous emotionally abusive relationships.
• She isn’t currently planning her wedding, focusing on settling into her new home, and hopes for children in the next few years—though she wants to heal more before starting a family.
• She talks about wanting to break cycles of pain:

  “…when I do have children…I'm prepared for it, and I'm not battling everything with myself to the point where I can’t show up for them in the way that ended up happening to her.” (Brooke, 45:06)

9. Media and TV Talk

[48:39–55:18]

• Reality TV wrap-up: Brooke is a die-hard fan of “The Challenge” and “Big Brother,” dreams about being on “Traders,” and jokes she could do “Love is Blind.”
• Discusses drama with ex Clinton Kane (who faked his origins and family deaths), the ethics of telling the public about such deception, and its emotional toll.
• Pop culture detour: Taylor Frankie Paul as Bachelorette; thoughts on “Golden Bachelor.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Validation to me was, like, currency. I wanted attention so bad always growing up...”
  — Brooke, [15:24]
• “It’s crazy, because all day long it’s like: ‘Brooke, you’re ignoring the allegations!’ and it’s like, there’s no allegations. She herself is saying this never happened.”
  — Brooke, [36:57]
• “You could do a hundred more of these podcasts…and it still won’t change everyone’s mind…”
  — Nick, [40:23]
• “Had I stayed on that pattern in my life, I really genuinely think I would have killed myself. Like, it was so dark.”
  — Brooke (on reading hate forums), [58:37]
• “She gave me a career. I think that’s…pretty valid.”
  — Brooke, [31:49] (on Tana’s engagement gift)
• “Let people think whatever the fuck they want.”
  — Nick, [40:38]
• “Absolutely everything about my relationship with Miles is different…”
  — Brooke, [42:26] (on healing through love)

Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments

• Brooke on "Canceled" ending and mental health:
  [05:13–07:55]
• How "Canceled" contributed to Internet hate & accountability lessons:
  [09:47–13:20]
• Apologies for past drama (Matt Rife, Zach Sang):
  [12:49]
• Childhood, mother’s addiction, adoption by grandparents:
  [15:55–19:45]
• Current relationships with parents:
  [19:45–21:16]
• Discussing regret and gratitude:
  [21:16–24:15]
• Toxic Internet dynamics, coping mechanisms:
  [24:18–26:49, 58:06–59:48]
• Miles and the public rumor drama:
  [32:26–38:46]
• Friendship with Tana & Paige (post-podcast):
  [29:38–32:22, 56:34–57:25]
• Therapy from confronting ex Clinton Kane’s deceptions:
  [50:15–54:54]
• Reality TV favorites & aspirations:
  [48:39–49:59]
• Plans for future, family, and boundaries:
  [43:30–45:37, 44:45–46:06]

The Episode’s Tone and Style

Candid, self-aware, and unfiltered—Brooke brings vulnerability, self-criticism, and honesty to a table of empathetic hosts. The conversation is irreverent but compassionate, balancing cringe retrospection, hard-won wisdom, and dry humor. Listeners are offered both catharsis and empathy for those in the public eye.

Summary Takeaways

• Mental health matters: Brooke’s experience on "Canceled" and as a target of social media scrutiny reveal the very real dangers of burnout, emotional exposure, and Internet-driven distortions.
• Fame isn't simple: It brings blessings and trauma, and doesn’t solve deeper issues.
• Boundaries are necessary: Both in family/friend relations and in online spaces.
• Growth is possible: Brooke’s story is one of learning from mistakes, taking stock of harm caused, growing empathetic, and aiming for self-truth and betterment.
• People will talk: No amount of explanation can please every critic; sometimes, it’s healthier to go offline and focus on real life.

Where to Follow Brooke Schofield

“I’m Brooke Schofield on everything.” (Brooke, 60:38)

Send kind comments!

End of summary.