E1071 - Traitors and Free Bert w/ Arden Myrin, RHOSLC Reunion Part 3, RHOP, and Snowstorms

Summary

The Viall Files – E1071: "Traitors and Free Bert" w/ Arden Myrin

Date: January 29, 2026
Host: Nick Viall (with Natalie Joy, Susie, Heather, Mary, Justin, and special guest Arden Myrin)

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Episode Overview

In this Reality Recap edition, Nick Viall and The Household dive into snowstorm survival, kitchen fails and wins, and prepper mishaps before recapping the explosive Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (RHOSLC) Reunion Part 3 and Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP). They discuss headlines like Sydney Sweeney’s Hollywood sign stunt and the unfolding Justin Baldoni–Blake Lively case. Later, comedian and actress Arden Myrin joins to talk about her new Netflix show Free Bert, age-gap dating, and her love of reality TV—plus an in-depth chat about The Traitors US.

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1. Life Updates & Snowstorm Survival

Timestamps: 01:33–11:31

• The team jokes about kitchen fails during the recent snowstorm power outage, with Nick bragging about gourmet sesame chicken made by headlamp.

  • “I made the most delicious sesame seed chicken with broccoli and onions in the dark.” – Nick [02:09]

• Conversations turn to prepping for snow emergencies, food shortages, and generator confusion.

  • Natalie admits, “I feel like bread, milk, and eggs go first... meat’s always gone too.” [06:28]
  • Childhood hurricane and tornado stories offer a perspective on how parents and kids experience natural disasters differently, with warmth and nostalgia for those ‘campout’ moments as kids.

• Takeaway: Moments of chaos can bring families together in funny, vivid ways—and sometimes reveal which spouse is truly the prepper.

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2. Pop Culture & Headlines: Sydney Sweeney, Justin Baldoni Allegations

Timestamps: 12:57–24:00

Sydney Sweeney’s Hollywood Sign PR Stunt

• Summary of the “general fatigue” around “PR stunts” after Sweeney decorated the Hollywood sign with bras.
  • Nick: “It’s 100% a PR stunt…a thousand bucks for this type of press—come on.” [14:24]
  • Susie: “She needs a mug shot if she really wants this to take off.” [15:47]

Discussion on Crime and “Bigger” Offenses

• Jokes fly about celebrity stunts and their effectiveness, and comparing future PR strategies:
  • “What’s a bigger crime? Climbing the Hollywood sign or dating Scooter Braun?” – Mary [15:59]

Justin Baldoni–Blake Lively Lawsuit Developments

• The team delves into the disturbing revelations from a driver who claims Justin Baldoni discussed forcing himself on women during a car ride, allegedly in front of Blake Lively.

  • Nick: “He [Baldoni] ran the company that produced this movie...and then he gets in a car and talks about how he’s forced himself on women.” [19:49]
  • “Does fame or power mean you don’t have the right to feel safe?” – Nick [21:53]

• Natalie and Mary contextualize the seriousness of such conversations in workplace dynamics and power imbalances.

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3. RHOSLC Reunion Part 3 Deep Dive

Timestamps: 24:00–47:09

Meredith v. Brawan (Bronwyn)

• In-depth analysis of the power struggles, with Bronwyn gaining independence and Meredith using legal/PR maneuvering.
  • “It’s for Meredith to kind of, like, use Bronwyn as a spy…” – Nick [26:07]
  • Angie’s plane ride comments are seen as especially damning.

Brawan’s Separation

• The Household collectively unpacks Brawan’s separation from Todd, viewing the show as a “spotlight on the cracks.”
  • “I really think it’s about feeling independent…now that she is a popular housewife with her own platform.” – Nick [32:40]
  • The “cherry” metaphor: Small moments add up to expose deeper rifts.

Lisa Barlow’s Vulnerability

• Heartfelt moment when Lisa tries to express hurt over her relationship being discussed on TV and the women don’t give her space.
  • “Let the girl feel. Let her feel her feelings.” – Mary [39:26]
  • “The number one way to destroy a connection…is to feel like you violated their trust or embarrassed them deliberately.” – Nick [41:14]

Meredith Blames Production

• A rare “breaking the fourth wall” moment with Meredith blaming the producers for her issues.
  • “Trying to throw anyone under the bus…to deflect attention off her.” – Nick [43:10]

Other Reunion Highlights

• Whitney’s self-discovery sees her comparing herself to “the Todd,” and Angie and Lisa share a ‘Scorpion’ moment.
• Mary dozes off during taping; Andy Cohen calls her out. “Andy, you’re the one always yawning during Dorit’s speeches!” – Heather [45:06]

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4. Interview: Arden Myrin on Free Bert & Age-Gap Dating

Timestamps: 51:44–70:28

On “Playing Bert’s Wife” in Free Bert

• Arden explains her process for portraying Leigh Anne:
  • “I decided to read it and treat it like channeling a part…If you love Bert Kreischer, it’s not a shock that he might get into trouble. That’s what you love about him.” – Arden Myrin [52:17]
  • “A lot of my friends went in doing thick Southern accent impressions. I intentionally did not watch videos because I didn’t want to do an impression.” – Arden [52:13]

Leading Lady at Last

• Arden shares her late-blooming lead role journey and defying Hollywood’s “traditional” couple dynamic.
  • “I would just break up with someone if I found you that annoying…that’s not the fun couples I know.” [55:13]

Dating, Aging, and Confidence

• Arden and Susie bond over dating younger men and societal expectations (“The young guns don’t care!” – Arden [61:03]), and discuss the confidence that comes with age.
  • “I used to not believe people when they said it gets better…but I’m more comfortable in my skin, cuter, happier.” – Arden [64:21]
  • “Make them want what you’ve got in every area of your life.” – Arden [67:07]

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5. Reality TV: The Traitors US

Timestamps: 70:28–81:48

• Arden (a huge Traders fan) and The Household discuss the latest drama, favorite players, and fashion hits and misses.

  • Rob from Love Island is widely praised: “I’ve never seen a man be able to pull off ‘90s overalls…with no shirt like this man.” – Arden [70:51]
  • The “underdog introvert” strategy is dissected, referencing Nick’s own takes on compatibility: “Fundamentally, are you a going out or staying in person?” [74:27]

• Extensive and humorous takes on cast styling—Colton’s “Harry Styles” pearl tie gets roasted.

  • “They’re dressing him like the grandma from Courage, the Cowardly Dog!” – Mary [80:13]
  • “When a stylist gets their hands on you…they can make you look like a magician really fast.” – Arden [78:31]

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6. RHOP (Potomac) Rapid Recap

Timestamps: 82:28–84:37

• Mary delivers a whirlwind summary of RHOP’s Fly Fishing debacle.
  • “Wendy had to have two gas station margaritas while dressed in all Chanel because of the planning.” – Mary [83:45]
  • The segment is filled with quick quips about the group’s endless drama and missed meals.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I might not be for everyone, but my wife loves me.” – Nick (channeling what Bert’s show means) [54:24]
• “If a guy can do it, why can’t a woman? Who cares?” – Arden [60:14]
• “Don’t give them what they want. Make them want what you’ve got in every area of your life.” – Arden [67:07]
• “She’s got some of that brutal honesty. What the fuck is that?” – Nick (on his daughter’s art critiques) [06:12]

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Important Timestamps Reference

• [02:09] – Nick’s snowstorm culinary adventure
• [14:24] – Sydney Sweeney PR stunt jokes
• [19:49]/[21:53] – Justin Baldoni allegations analysis
• [24:00–47:09] – RHOSLC Reunion recap
• [51:44] – Interview with Arden Myrin begins
• [64:21] – Arden on enjoying life more in her 40s
• [70:28] – Deep dive: The Traitors US
• [82:28] – RHOP rapid recap

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Tone and Style:
Playful, candid, pop culture-savvy, and sometimes irreverent. The discussion flows with rapid-fire banter and plenty of self-awareness, delivered like a lively group chat at the dinner table—with emotional intelligence sneaking in among the jokes.

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For Viall Files fans and reality TV obsessives, this episode serves up the week’s juiciest recaps, sharp pop culture commentary, real talk about relationships and self-worth, and a healthy dose of comedians’ wisdom for navigating life and love at every age.

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Skip ahead to [51:44] for Arden Myrin’s interview, or to [70:28] for the Traders deep dive!

Transcript

[Nick]

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[Nick]

What's going on, everybody? Welcome back to another episode of the Vile Files Reality recap edition. I am your host, Nick, and I'm joined by my wife, Natalie.

[Natalie]

I told him I felt like the bit should be over. What y' all think? Like, we've done the bit. We've outrun the bit.

[Susie]

Is it a bit or is it. I feel like it's genuine every time.

[Nick]

Thank you.

[Susie]

Yes, of course.

[Heather]

And it is. Well.

[Natalie]

And it is in my head as well.

[Nick]

I don't want to say beautiful, sexy, gorgeous every single time, but apparently Nick.

[Heather]

Came in with all these adjectives that he had prepared.

[Nick]

Yeah, I'm like, this is really about me learning more.

[Mary]

You got him a thesaurus and everything.

[Natalie]

Yes, I know. Listen, we're on the road again, you know, and I have not had a light to be able to pluck the chin hairs that are coming out of my chin in several days. And when I tell you I think I need to do the entire show.

[Nick]

Like this, I was pretty impressed with myself yesterday. Let me tell you why. If I could just. If I could brag on myself a little bit yesterday, if I may, you.

[Natalie]

Know, does he have the floor?

[Nick]

I know, I know. This is. I know that you guys aren't used to this type of Nick, the humble king that I am. But I do want to.

[Natalie]

He has the floor.

[Nick]

I went to Home Depot and I went and bought some flashlights. And I got the flashlights that you wear on your head like a liner, which is kind of fun. We had them on Special Forces.

[Justin]

Oh.

[Nick]

And we, you know, had food. We have. Obviously we're stocked up on food. And I made in the dark because thank God we do have gas stove and we have a gas fireplace. And I made the most delicious sesame seed chicken with broccoli and onions in the dark.

[Heather]

Isn't that dark?

[Susie]

That is crazy.

[Natalie]

With a headlamp on.

[Nick]

With. With a headlamp on.

[Susie]

That is impressive.

[Heather]

I can't even cook in the light.

[Nick]

No, it was some gourmet shit. I will. And honest, it was the second time I ever made it. The first time I tried it was last week. It was like not very good. I made some adjustments. I will never order Chinese food again.

[Mary]

Really?

[Natalie]

Isn't that crazy?

[Nick]

Unless I'm getting dim sum from Din Tai Fung.

[Susie]

Wow, that's really impressive.

[Nick]

I can make a really delicious sesame chicken.

[Heather]

Wow. And here I am fucking up a shepherd's pie in the bright light.

[Mary]

You fucked up a shepherd's pie?

[Heather]

I don't want to talk about it.

[Mary]

Okay.

[Natalie]

Like the preheated.

[Nick]

Did you make it or was it something you bought at the grocery store that says put it in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes?

[Heather]

Made from scratch.

[Nick]

Oh, okay.

[Mary]

What do you put in your shepherd's pie?

[Heather]

Beef and carrots and onions and celery. I even went to the farmers market, buy the produce.

[Natalie]

Oh my gosh.

[Nick]

Yeah, pie's hard. I. I don't know how to do pie.

[Mary]

Are you putting mashed potatoes on top?

[Heather]

Yeah, the potatoes was the.

[Mary]

What. How did you. How did you go in with that?

[Heather]

Just their dried whatever. I'm going to eat it cuz it's made.

[Nick]

Wait, so no matter what the outcome, you just eat it?

[Natalie]

Yes.

[Mary]

I'm using a microwave mashed potato for the top of my shepherd.

[Nick]

You've never like made a dinner that didn't turn down and then put in a frozen pizza instead?

[Heather]

Well, okay. If it's like super salty or like soup, like there's no going back. There's nothing to do. I won't eat it. Yeah, if it's like super burnt or like the other day I was making a London broil and I didn't know that you can't put glass in a broiler.

[Nick]

Excuse me.

[Heather]

I didn't know. And it shattered. So that I threw out with the glass shards. Yeah, I wasn't going to eat glass digestion.

[Natalie]

Did Louis eat your shepherd's pie?

[Heather]

Louis ate it.

[Natalie]

Oh, great.

[Heather]

It's eatable. It's just not my favorite thing. I just didn't do a good job.

[Susie]

That's responsible, actually.

[Heather]

But I will eat it grown. There's a threshold, right? Like, if it's unedible, inedible, but if.

[Nick]

It just tastes off, you're still. You're still taking it down.

[Heather]

Well, define off. Like, if it tastes spoiled, I'll throw it out. But she worked hard on it. Just like, this isn't great. I'll unfortunately eat it because it's just, like, I don't want to waste the.

[Natalie]

Fact that Louie ate it is, like, a huge compliment, I feel like. Because river will be the first to be like, no, Natalie, Louis drinks his bath water.

[Nick]

So does River.

[Heather]

So I don't know if he's the.

[Natalie]

Best judge of good food recently. Wait. We've been drawing. Obviously, we've been very, very bright. So she's got one of those, like, boards that you can draw on, and then you, like, move the thing and it love those. So we've been being like, what should we draw? A cow. You know, whatever. And she's now to the point where you'll be like, look how cute the cow is. And she's like, not a cow. We'll be like, this doesn't look like a cow. And she's like, no.

[Heather]

Uh.

[Susie]

Oh, wow.

[Natalie]

You're like, oh, boy. Okay.

[Susie]

Step it up, guys.

[Arden Marine]

Perfect.

[Nick]

She's got some of her dad in her.

[Susie]

You know what I'm saying?

[Nick]

Yeah.

[Natalie]

Got some of that brutal honesty.

[Nick]

Yeah, she's got that. What the fuck is that?

[Susie]

A little critical, perhaps?

[Justin]

Wait, Nick. Natalie, I have a question. So in the snow, or when there's a snowstorm, what are the products that people are pulling from the shelves? Like, what's empty?

[Natalie]

It's always interesting because I feel like bread, milk, and eggs go first, but that's, like, the first thing I feel like meat.

[Nick]

I went to one grocery store on Wednesday, and, like, they had no chicken, no ground beef, no meat, period. And my Wisconsin in me got a little cocky.

[Heather]

We can weather the storm.

[Natalie]

Yeah, well, it was.

[Nick]

I just.

[Natalie]

Come on.

[Nick]

I've been in snow before.

[Heather]

This is nothing.

[Nick]

If they would have told me we were going to be without power for several days, I. I mean, I'm definitely annoyed with myself.

[Natalie]

I told you so, bitch.

[Mary]

I hate it.

[Natalie]

You know, I really do. But, like, I was telling Nick, like, you know, a lot of people are getting generators and stuff. I think they're worried, like, it could get bad. And Nick was like, we don't need that. We're fine.

[Susie]

You don't have a generator or anything?

[Natalie]

No.

[Mary]

I did text Nick last night, and I said, do you have a generator? And he said, no. And I was like, no.

[Natalie]

But also coming to find out. Generator. Unless it's, like, one of those that's built into the house or, like, really connected to the house so that when.

[Nick]

Your power goes off, it switches on automatically. It's only, like, you turn on appliances. Yeah. It's not connected. Yes. Be connected to the things that you have turning on.

[Susie]

I thought.

[Natalie]

Yeah, I thought. I was like, you need to go and find us a generator. You need to drive all over this country and.

[Mary]

Oh, my God.

[Nick]

And I'm like, can I. Do I have to find us an electrician, too? Because I don't know how to do that when I just know how to cook great sesame chicken in the dark. When.

[Mary]

When I was little, there was this one year in Florida where, like, four hurricanes hit in a row at one. And we didn't have a generator at the beginning, but it's like the way we would do it is once we finally got one, you just get a real big extension cord and you plug the fridge in first. And then you kind of just gotta figure it out. We would have, like, two lamps and the fridge plugged in and, like, an AC unit.

[Susie]

Two lamps in a fridge.

[Natalie]

I mean, I feel like luckily. I mean, not luckily, but with it being cold outside, like, we could take everything out of the fridge and. Yeah, outside, you know.

[Justin]

True.

[Nick]

Yeah.

[Mary]

And I guess with the meat, people can freeze the meat because it's so cold.

[Natalie]

Yeah. And if you have, like, grills with, you know, propane tank, you know, like, you can still grill.

[Heather]

Yeah.

[Natalie]

But it's, you know, it's fun. And you can, like, for one day, you're like, oh, camp out by the fireplace. And I was like, wow, I really would love a puzzle. I. Yeah. You know, there's not much to do.

[Nick]

Yeah. We didn't even game up appropriately.

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Heather]

That's tough.

[Natalie]

Yeah.

[Susie]

I'm from the east coast and we had hurricanes. And I remember my dad pulled a nick and was like, I'm from Miami. Like, yeah, we got this.

[Mary]

We're built different.

[Susie]

We're built different. And then during the hurricane. Hurricane Isabel, we had waves Crashing into our back door at my parents house and.

[Heather]

Oh my God.

[Susie]

Yeah. My dad pulled out rope, a chainsaw and life jackets and pulled down the attic door. And my mom was like, what are you doing? And he just looked at her, was like, I might have made a mistake. My mom was like, tom, I swear to God, like I will not. This is not okay. And my parents always say that's like the toughest year of their marriage because we were like out of power for like weeks. But we were like grilling out outside with all of our neighbors. Like as kids we were like, this is lit.

[Natalie]

No. It's so funny. As kids, you like don't. Obviously. Yeah. You know, you don't think of it as the same. Like I remember I. Tornadoes coming through Alabama, like when I was a kid. And we all like got into the basement, like storage room or whatever, like surrounded by the Christmas tree and like Halloween decor. And we just had like one flashlight and a bunch of blankets and we were all doing the like shadow puppets on the wall. And it was like one of these very vivid memories that I have. And I'm sure my mom was like panicked.

[Susie]

Can you imagine? Like, I think back to how my parents must have felt in that moment and I'm like, as a parent, you're responsible. Like I. If I make a bad decision in me, that's on me. But like, if I'm doing this with a child.

[Mary]

Woo.

[Natalie]

So yeah, when we sc.

[Mary]

When we got hit, it was like, it was like Hurricane Charlie in like 2004 or something. But my dad went to Publix and my mom got so mad at him because we were supposed to be prepping stuff and he came back with like a bunch of pop tarts and bananas and that's it.

[Susie]

That's such a dad thing.

[Mary]

And I do think. And then like we made like a home video because we were watching so much like of the like Weather Channel where we all pretended to be news anchors. Yeah. Literally. We went outside with like a giant piece of plywood and put an eye of a hurricane on it and like screamed for Hurricane Charlie to come hit us. Which is really stupid.

[Susie]

Right? We did the same kind of stuff.

[Mary]

But it's like you just like have fun during those times. It's weird. Even though it's so like devastating.

[Heather]

It's like while your parents are quietly freaking out.

[Susie]

Right?

[Arden Marine]

Yeah.

[Susie]

While your parents are like.

[Mary]

The video that we made started off as an insurance video for them.

[Susie]

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

[Natalie]

And then we.

[Mary]

And then it transition to like us goofing off. Yeah.

[Natalie]

Yeah.

[Nick]

We're certainly not the only ones in this country who's been affected by the snowstorm. I mean, so many people in so many states and cities have been as well. So certainly our hearts go out to everyone affected. Stay warm, stay safe, find a local shelter, listen to the proper authorities on what you should do best, reach out to family and friends, ask for help if you need it. And yeah, stay safe, stay warm. Also, don't forget Val Files plus is now ad Free plus in addition to some ad free episodes for all Vile Files episodes, you get your update specials with some great updates from some of your favorite Ask Nick callers. Our reality recap deep dives where we dive even deeper into the shows that we watch and cover. So we really get into the weeds with shows like the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City or Karen Huger's release from prison. All of that and so much more. Plus Pop Extra, your pop culture roundup. Plus some great new content coming your way soon, so be sure to subscribe. Just go to vile files.com to sign up for Vile Files. Plus you'll be glad that you did. Also, we have an amazing episode lined up for you today. The hilarious and wonderful Arden Marine returns to the Vile Files to talk about our new show, Free Bert, where she plays the comedian Bert Kreischer. You guys all know him, you love him. She plays his wife. Not like his real wife. I mean, Bert has a real wife.

[Heather]

Leanne.

[Nick]

Yes, Leanne, who I've met. Lovely lady. And Arden plays her. So interesting. She's also a huge trader fan, just a general fan of reality tv. She actually, I think she has her own bachelor recap podcast. So she is well versed in all things reality tv and she joins us later this episode. Have you guys been following the Sydney Sweeney? She's now she's a. She's a criminal.

[Heather]

Yeah, actually, this article allegedly the independent written by friend of show Carson Holiday.

[Susie]

Oh, wow.

[Heather]

Could Sydney Sweeney face charges for decorating iconic Hollywood sign with bras?

[Nick]

Ooh, I'm guessing a big old fat misdemeanor.

[Justin]

Well, so did she actually get charged? Because my first thought of this and I haven't looked into this, so my first thought is like, there's no way she would be dumb enough to like do something that she doesn't actually have approval of. So then in my head, it's just a PR stunt with like a permit.

[Nick]

No, it's 100% a PR stunt. The first headline was she may face charges. Like, and to your point, Justin, it Doesn't sound like she reached out to the proper authorities to ask for permission to decorate the Hollywood sign with her new lingeries and bras. But I guarantee you, she spoke with her lawyers and her team, and they're like, listen, here's what's gonna happen. It's been done before. I'm pretty sure there is a standard, like, you know, fine, couple hundred bucks.

[Susie]

I think it's a thousand.

[Heather]

A thousand bucks worth the risk.

[Natalie]

No, I feel.

[Nick]

Thousand dollars for this type of press. Come on.

[Natalie]

I feel like this is going to make people be like, oh, so it's easy to get up to the Hollywood sign. I guess we should all do it.

[Nick]

And then if you have a thousand dollars to blow and you want to maybe spend a night, you know, if. If. Listen, if you're Sydney Sweeney and you can afford, Even if it's $5,000, maybe some lawyer fees, you know what I'm saying?

[Natalie]

I mean, I will be honest. I. This does not make me, like, be like, oh, I need a new bra.

[Heather]

No, like, we're talking about Sydney Sweeney trespassing the Hollywood sign, but no one's really talking about the lingerie.

[Nick]

Hey, listen, two days ago, I and myself and many of you had no idea she was working on this lingerie. And now we all do.

[Natalie]

No, no, no. I still didn't know. I thought it was her personal bras that she was throwing up.

[Heather]

Yes, me too, by the way. N. Also, like, so, okay, so now I know she has a lingerie line. Great. But I'm not gonna go buy it. I'm gonna just talk about this.

[Mary]

Here's my thing. Maybe I'm just not in the Sydney Sweeney algo. I, like, only heard about this when you brought it up, so I don't think it's as big of a story as maybe she was hoping it was gonna be.

[Natalie]

I think it might a little.

[Nick]

I think it's a pretty big story.

[Mary]

It might have been a little bit of a flop on her end. I'm so sorry to say.

[Nick]

I think you're wishing, I think, for $1,000, and you got the Independent and you got every major tabloid writing about it.

[Mary]

I'm not doing that.

[Susie]

I say go big or go home. And she needs a mug shot if she really wants this to take off, so.

[Nick]

That's true. That's true.

[Mary]

Commit an actual crime.

[Susie]

She's got to do a bigger crime. Like, she kind of went a little low, if you're asking me.

[Mary]

Wait, what's a bigger crime? Climbing the Hollywood sign or dating Scooter Braun.

[Nick]

Is she still dating?

[Natalie]

Gotta be dating Scooter anyway. No, but you're right. She 100 needs a mug shot. She needs to, like, be mugshot with.

[Susie]

Like, in her bra.

[Natalie]

In her bra. Like, boobs. Looking good.

[Nick]

Yes.

[Susie]

By the way.

[Heather]

Even if they just did that for pr. Like, even if it's a fake mug shot of her standing there in a bra.

[Susie]

No, lamb. Literally.

[Heather]

Now I'm buying the lingerie.

[Mary]

If it's a fake mug shot. That's lame. Commit.

[Natalie]

Yeah. It's like everyone who's had a mug shot that looks slay, I feel like, has gone viral.

[Heather]

Yeah.

[Natalie]

And, like, people have gotten modeling jobs from them.

[Susie]

That's so real.

[Natalie]

You're totally right. She needed a mug shot.

[Heather]

Has anybody here trespassed?

[Nick]

Yes.

[Susie]

For sure.

[Natalie]

Nick has been an angel his whole life. He's never even thought about it. Really?

[Nick]

Never was one time when I was a senior. No, I was a junior, and it was like, there was a week where we called it the junior versus senior war, where we, like, toilet papered each other's houses.

[Heather]

Oh, my God.

[Nick]

There was a quote unquote ski hill, the side of the hill. We'd go sledding there. And the ski hill was the steeper part of the hill where you could see from our high school. And me and this other guy named Adam went up there and tried to spray paint 99. And I was terrible. Like, honestly, I was like, I shouldn't have done that. I'm gonna get in so much trouble.

[Natalie]

Did you go home and, like, tell your parents? Like, mom, Dad, I did something.

[Nick]

No, you didn't.

[Natalie]

You kept it to yourself.

[Nick]

No.

[Susie]

Did it eat at you?

[Nick]

It did eat at me. The good news is, the next morning I showed up, and you could, like, barely see it. You had to squint. It was like.

[Natalie]

Did you go. Did you talk to the. Did you do a confessional?

[Justin]

Oh, the priest.

[Heather]

You know, this is like Meredith Marks finally saying that you broke a plate. Like, you're finally getting this off your chest right now.

[Natalie]

Poor Adam is like, catching a stray. He's like.

[Heather]

He's like, I haven't told anybody this. My deepest, darkest secret.

[Nick]

A lot of Adams in my high school.

[Heather]

Adam gets in trouble with his parents.

[Nick]

Now more is coming out with the Justin and Blake case, and more depositions are being leaked. And this one, I think, is something I've been waiting for. This one because this was part of the original. I don't know when the New York Times piece that kind of came up with, like, here's what's really happening from, I guess, Blake's point of view. And it talked about some of the allegations that Blake had against Justin, one of which included a conversation that Justin had in a car with Blake's driver. And now he has finally been deposed. Now we are now seeing, you know, what he had to say. And this is one of the many alleged witnesses who experienced some of the same accusations that Blake made against Justin or witnessed some of these things that Blake put out. The statement reads, Blake Lively's driver, Kevin Alexander, recounted an alleged disturbing conversation he had with Justin Baldoni. While It Ends With Us was in production, Baldoni was discussing his sexual relations with women. Alexander alleged in a deposition, noting that he can't forget the conversation because it took my focus off driving. Alexander claimed that Boldoni said he was forced on and he forced himself on women. The driver confirmed that this car ride in which Blake Lively and one other person was present was the first time he had met Baldoni. To me, it was very out of the ordinary to meet somebody and to talk like that in a vehicle. That's why it caught my attention. Alexander continued, Basically, he kept talking about his sexual relations. I'm repeating myself, I believe. But he would force himself on women.

[Natalie]

If they said, no, this. That he would revert back, like, huh, that's disturbing.

[Nick]

This is, again, reminder. This was regardless of how Blake Lively, how famous she is, doesn't matter who her husband is, doesn't matter how much money she has. Justin Baldoni was her director, her executive producer. He was her boss. He ran the company that produced this movie. He hired her. So, like, and then he's getting in a car. The guy who, again, has written books about, like, how to be pro women and gives TED talks about, like, positive masculinity and how that he's an ally of women. And then he gets in a car and talks about, like, how he's forced himself on women.

[Natalie]

Allegedly, he continued. Alexander claimed that Baldoni talked about more stuff during the car ride, but he did not pay attention. Then he said in quotes, it is those key points when someone says, you know, forcing myself on women, women forced on me, I didn't care. And he continued, it is disturbing to me. You can't forget something like that. Yikes down.

[Susie]

Why would that come up? Like, that's, like, such an uncomfortable topic.

[Nick]

Well, as someone who's read his book and has watched some of his TED talks in preparation for the interview I did with him a while back, his whole, like, shtick was, like, being this kind of reformed fuck. Boy. And. And I think in that vein, I think he got a little too comfortable. And this is me guessing. This is my interpretation. So who knows? But, like, this whole, like, I used to be bad, now I'm good. You know, it's like, I've been saved almost. Now that I'm an ally for women, I can speak freely about some of the things I did in the past.

[Susie]

Gotcha.

[Nick]

That, you know, were wrong, that were bad. But because I'm not like that anymore, you know, I just want to get it off my chest, so to speak. And if you've listened to the show and you think that, you know, if you've been Team Justin and you think we just have this biased point of view, just, like, why? Because Blake has money. Like, if you have fame and power and money, does that. Does that mean that you don't have the right to feel safe around men or in general? Like, in what world would that be okay for someone to speak like that around you and not feel uncomfortable? And then when, again, you ask them to stop, their response is to hire Melissa Nathan, this PR company that has a track record of, like, PR smear campaigns. Like, those dots have been connected, and it's not even disputable. The only thing people are disputing are intentions and timelines, which is just, like, crazy to me. But anyway, more and more of this information comes out. There are more witnesses coming forward.

[Mary]

There's one more little bit of the quote, Alexander recalled sharing his thoughts about Baldoni with Lively. After the car ride, when we got to the production office, which was down the road from that area, I pulled over, let everybody out. The deposition read, I stated to Blake, I feel very uncomfortable. Something is not right here. I would like to do a background check on him or something. And later to learn that he was the producer in production of this movie. So he was weirded the fuck out and was like, who's this freak? And then he was like, oh, shit.

[Nick]

Anyway, but anyways, yeah, if. If. Just listen. If there. I don't know what's inside your heart that is stopping you from wanting to believe this woman who's come forward. And I don't know if it's just because you like Justin's eyes or. Or what, or you think he has nice hair, but just like. Like, you think it's just some big conspiracy, you know, it's like. So, yeah, I'm sure more and more information will come out and just maybe consider the possibility that he is not this sweet, gentle guy that he claims to be. And there Is so much dirt on this guy from. If you just look, if you just pay attention. His ex co host, you know, Liz Plank, has spoken up about the dark side of Justin Baldoni. Like, are all these people in cahoots? Like, are they all just lying? Or is maybe Justin and his best friends not the people they claim to be? Anywho.

[Natalie]

Well, the reunion part three was not all about love at all, actually. Well, not really.

[Mary]

Between some people.

[Heather]

Between some people.

[Nick]

I mean, it was about love, but maybe like the end of it or beginning. I was fascinated by this episode. There was a lot of meat in this bone to pick through. Okay, I want to start with Bron. First of all, Mare, I thought Brian ate your girl for lunch.

[Natalie]

Ate her up, spit her out. She said down. Yeah, listen, listen.

[Mary]

I can, you know, as I'm a Meredith Marks defender till the day I die, I will love that woman down until I am in the grave. But I can't acknowledge when she does get eaten up sometimes because that's what gives people multitudes and things to grow from and learn from and change.

[Nick]

You know, it's interesting. Like, Meredith is obviously, you know, has a lawyer background, very polished, very professional, very, I think, very smart, very intelligent. You know, there were. There are some fourth wall breaking with this episode where they, you know, these women, you know, reference the responsibility that they have to the audience, which is, hey, we're making a TV show. And you don't get to pick and choose which topics you want to talk about and which ones you don't, other than maybe some of the agreed upon, off topic, you know, things like family and relationships, which they'd ever honor anyways. But like, I listen, I think it's a smart play by Meredith to like, you know, I think Meredith recognizes what happened on the plane was really bad. You know, we've heard a lot of things behind the scenes about the plane ride. We've had guests come in and say things that maybe didn't make the cut. I thought what Angie said was damning. And she said, and if you would.

[Natalie]

Have had that fight with me, there would have been an air marshal waiting for us when we landed.

[Nick]

And that echoes some of the things we have heard from other people who know this story very well, that this was at a level of not just, hey, she was yelling at me that it was. Yeah, but I kind of get it, you know, like with. With Meredith, why her reasoning for not doing it. But, you know, the problem is she is on a TV show, right? Like, she. She is not her own boss. You know, type of thing. You know, like, I think, you know, I think the audience kind of always expects things. You know, it's just like if the audience doesn't see it, they don't think it's happened, even though maybe it has. Maybe Meredith has had offline conversations with some of these people and has acknowledged her wrongdoings, and maybe these women want her to say it publicly. I don't know. But Bron absolutely ate her for lunch, but with Grace, because I still thought it was very nice for Brawan to say, I think we could be great friends. And I. And I still want to be, but like, you. Not if you're going to be. Not if you're going to treat me like this. And it is for. For Meredith to kind of like, use Brolin as a spy. And she made a good point. She's just like, wait, like, you. Like, you didn't have my back when it was going on. And the way Meredith, again, this. The whole plane ride was centered around Britney's mistake, and it was definitely shitty of Britney to do. And it was a mistake for her to spread this rumor about her marriage, but Meredith allegedly went nuclear. And yet when Lisa does it to Brawin, Meredith's alleged friend, she doesn't say shit.

[Susie]

She doesn't.

[Nick]

She doesn't. Or just a mouse.

[Natalie]

Or what about two seasons ago when they were coming after Angie's husband and Meredith was a part of that is.

[Nick]

So I'm curious. Okay, let's talk about Brahman's separation. Yeah, it was very coded in. And I really so glad that Andy asked the question. Was it the show that broke you up?

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Nick]

Here's my interpretation of what happened. And Brawan, I apologize, I'm making assumptions. But listen, like, from what we know of Brawin, she, you know, had a very. She had a child at a very young age. She met Todd. Todd you know, took her in. They got married. She's been very open about Todd supporting her and her family. I think this show has provided a level of independence for Brawan she has never experienced before. In addition to the attention, the popularity, the fame she is now earning, you know, like, you know, these housewives, depending on who they are and how long they've been, like, they can make some serious money. And then obviously with, you know, there's no prenup. There's that, too, I think. I don't even think it's about the money for Bron. I really think it's about feeling independent. And I think, yeah, I think she has, like, love for Todd because she, she like what did make sense to me. She was like, she would. She kind of low key reference like things that Todd did, which I, I almost took as. Oh, maybe there is fire where the smoke about the allegations of him like looking at like bikini pictures or making out with a girl while farting or something like that. And then later not. And like almost like two minutes later, Brahma was like, Todd is really confused about why this is happening, which was okay. So like, no, he didn't. There's no smoking gun from like Todd's actions. If, if Brolin is empathetically saying Todd just. He doesn't seem to understand. And honestly my heart broke when she was talking about how Todd went back and watched all the episodes and read comments and went online and read the Internet and just read all the filth about what people are saying about him. And while he, I'm sure he's not a perfect guy, like, no one deserves that. And for a guy who didn't sign up for this show, who I assume at least wanted to support his wife is like, it. It breaks my heart that he had to experience something like that. But listen, like, you know, I, I guess people.

[Natalie]

I think it's. I think it was so like honest of her to say, like watching this back was really hard. Like, I think watching. I think maybe she's always had these underlying feelings of like, wow, like he just, like he won't look at me or what. He just is like not having this conversation with me. And then. But to like watch it back as a viewer must have been so eye opening to her. And then having him being like, should I, you know, should I not have taken your cherry? It's like he still just doesn't see it. And that must have been so frustrating to the point where I understand her being like, I. I just like can't do that.

[Susie]

So.

[Nick]

But okay, I'm. Genuine question for the ladies because maybe this is just me being a guy. Like, I heard that story and it felt. I didn't get it.

[Susie]

The cherry one.

[Nick]

Yeah, it was like, sure, maybe Todd has some things to work on. You know, maybe he, you know, maybe it's like it sounded like something they could unpack in a couple, couple therapy sessions where it's just like, hey, I wish my husband would like pay a little bit more attention to me when I make some requests. But like this being like some sort of smoking gun as to like a separation. I don't, I didn't quite understand.

[Natalie]

I understand.

[Mary]

I think that's just what was on camera?

[Susie]

Yeah. I don't feel like it's the one scene about the cherry. I feel like I kind of. Honestly, I was like, if he's gonna eat the cherry on camera like that. I'm like, what else is he just doing? It's. To me, that felt like somebody actively communicating, hey, like, I like this or I want this. And then your partner being like, I literally just heard you say that you like something, and I'm gonna take it right in front of your face. And like, yeah. And I know some of the girls were like, well, I thought it was kind of cute or endearing. I'm like, I really didn't think it was cute or endearing. And if she's communicated other things in that relationship out, not just a cherry on top of this sundae. It's like, things in your actual relationship, and he's just blatantly not stepping up, then it's like a bigger picture.

[Justin]

Yeah.

[Mary]

And I think it's also kind of just the metaphor of it all.

[Susie]

It felt like a metaphor of.

[Mary]

Of. It's quite literally the cherry on top of every single other thing that's happening in that relationship. And I think with.

[Arden Marine]

If.

[Mary]

If it was something, I. I believe Bronwyn said it in the episode where if it was. If we didn't have other things going on and that happened, it would have been funny. But because of the tension that was kind of already there. It was quite literally, you know, as far as, like, the plot of this show goes, it's the cherry on top.

[Natalie]

They were already having a tough conversation. She already felt like he wasn't listening to her, and she was in tears, like, eating her sundae. And so the fact that, like, he's watching her be upset, he's not, you know, and then he's just gonna be.

[Susie]

Like, let me take the one you're looking for.

[Natalie]

You told me you wanted.

[Nick]

Maybe. Maybe it's a power dynamic thing, you know, back to what I said before, like, bro. And finding her independence. Like, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that, like, you know, Todd, this successful business guy, kind of curmudgeony. Like, when he. You know, I think, you know, as every relationship, you gotta find a balance. Right? You know, it's just like, you know, Natalie and I have talked a lot about this, Right? You know, when we met, you know, there was an age difference. We talked about it. We recognized it. It was really important for me to be like, listen, if I want to date her, she is my equal. Like, I may bring things to the table. Right. And that she. She finds helpful and meaningful, but, like, she also brings things to the table that, like, help me and regulate me. Right. And it goes deeper than just, like, companionship and maybe. And I don't think, and I don't want to speak for Todd and Bron's relationship. I'm making assumptions, but I think in some relationships where there is an age gap difference, specifically where it's an older guy with money who maybe dates a younger woman, there is this sense of like, hey, I provide, and you just need to be grateful. And the power dynamic is very off. Or he's. He's in charge, you know, he calls the shots. You know, I have the money, you know, type of thing. And maybe over the years, that was kind of their dynamic where maybe Brawan felt like he never really took her that seriously. He's like, oh, silly. Almost like silly little girl. Kind of like treatment by Todd, you know, I'm going to go off on my business trip. I want to have very important meetings. You're going to do your quote unquote silly things, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And maybe it's that energy he brought to the table for all these years, and now that she is a star, a popular housewife with her own platform and her own independence, maybe that's. That's why she's. That's where it's coming from. Like, this is really up. And like, you don't. You don't treat me like you're equal.

[Natalie]

Well, sometimes that's, like, what it takes. I mean, like, like, fine, I think being in a really toxic, rough relationship, not saying that theirs was toxic, I obviously wasn't in it behind closed doors, but speaking from my own experience, it's like when you're in that and then you, like, get a little bit of independence and you've, like, depended on this person who has hurt you for so long, and then you finally get a little independence. You, like, see the light at the end of the tunnel, you see, like, oh, my God, I could maybe do this without them. Like, maybe I can leave. Maybe I don't need them. Like, wow, I really feel, you know, like this new version of myself. And sometimes it takes just, like, getting a little bit taste of that to know, like, you can. You can leave. And so maybe that's all it took for her was, like, getting a little bit of, like, feathers in her own cap to be like, wait a minute, I don't need this man who doesn't listen to me and doesn't talk to me. And takes my cherries. Like, I. I don't need this. I can do my own thing.

[Heather]

And she's also watching herself back, like, offering to, you know.

[Susie]

Yeah.

[Heather]

Do things that she wasn't actually comfortable with. Like when she sat down and, like, digested it and watched it back. And she's like, who is that person, like, trying to, you know, change for this man? And. And that's not really who I am or what I want to do. And so she's. I mean, I do think that, like, when she answered Andy's question that, like, the show didn't, like, cause the split. I think that it probably did, like, contribute to it in the sense that, like, she's watching their relationship back and realizing things that, like, she maybe, like, you know, could have second guessed or, like, did I read that wrong? And then she's watching it back and she's like, oh, no, no, like, exactly how I felt is what happened.

[Nick]

Yeah, well, yeah, she said it.

[Natalie]

She said it sped it up and it definitely shined a spotlight on the cracks.

[Nick]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. But if she felt empowered by what the show has brought her, it kind of, you know, again, literally gave her more of a voice.

[Natalie]

Yeah.

[Nick]

Anyways, super sad. I mean, obviously, like, I mean, if Bron's happier, then we're happier, but, you know, it's sad to see him.

[Mary]

Should we talk about Whitney?

[Nick]

Oh, if I'm Justin. What was that? She goes off stage, she's like, hey, bro, just asked, like, they're separated. And Justin's like, yeah, no, but we're okay. She goes, he's like, we're okay. And she goes, we'll figure it out.

[Heather]

Well, she was comparing herself to the Todd in the relationship.

[Natalie]

Yeah. I think sometimes it takes, like, someone else opening up about what's going on in their life for you to, like, realize what's going on in your life. And I think it just triggered her in a way where she, like, maybe put up some mirrors. And she was like, oh, my God.

[Mary]

This.

[Natalie]

Like, you know, sometimes things finally click for you when you hear someone talking about their own story. And I think it just, like, she, you know, her being like, I'm always the one to fuck it up. And, like, I'm on this show and I'm, like, the one making mistakes and being this and being that and being dramatic and, like, Justin is just this perfect husband.

[Heather]

And.

[Natalie]

And so I think she just was listening to Bronwyn speak and was like, oh, my God, I am the fucking Todd. And it just, like, hit her and.

[Nick]

She'S already going through a lot. I didn't think of that.

[Natalie]

She's already going through a lot with. I mean, she said that herself of just, like, I'm in a bad place in general. And, like, I think it was just.

[Justin]

I agree.

[Natalie]

Natalie. Yeah.

[Nick]

My favorite part of the episode.

[Mary]

Yes.

[Nick]

Andy Cohen goes to Lisa. Lisa, some of the fans think you're not good at being accountable. Lisa goes, no, that's not true.

[Heather]

I did feel for Lisa, though, when.

[Mary]

She wouldn't let her.

[Heather]

They wouldn't let her speak. It was so annoying. There was nothing that. There's nothing that pisses me off more than when they do those split screens and they're talking at the same time, and I'm just like, just. Just, please just let her talk. And then respond like they just weren't letting her speak. And, like, I don't know if I agree or disagree with Lisa because I have no clue what she fucking said.

[Mary]

Yeah, I feel.

[Nick]

I just. I just thought it was funny how she did that.

[Natalie]

But she was valid and being like, her, like, getting emotional and getting vulnerable and talking about, like, her feelings during the yacht trip or whatever. And then for Heather to be like, well, and then also my feelings.

[Heather]

Yeah.

[Natalie]

Like, no, please, Heather.

[Heather]

Heather wouldn't let her talk.

[Mary]

Heather.

[Nick]

Heather goes like, I still want to be your friend. And basically, and I'm paraphrasing, suggested that she deserves a medal for it.

[Mary]

Yeah. Well, I think it's like, here's the thing. We have all sat through enough reunions and enough episodes of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City to know when Lisa Barlow is doing her thing, and she's being too much. What she was doing when she was opening up was not that you could hear it in her voice that she was being vulnerable and feeling vulnerable, and they just completely railroaded her. And I'm like, let the girl feel. Let her feel her feelings. She's obviously sensitive, and she's trying to open up, and you're just not letting her.

[Susie]

Pushing her.

[Mary]

Yeah. You're pushing her back into that place where she is that person you don't like because you're putting her walls up.

[Nick]

Also, I'm pretty sure if you're gonna have a rule about, like, not talking about family or, like, relationships or husbands, whether you agree or disagree with Lisa about what happened with that scene with John, you don't get to have an opinion about it. When Lisa is talking about how hurtful that was for her to experience the rest of the women chiming in and, like, giving their, like, opinion about Lisa's relationship with her husband seems like in the lane of, like, you don't get to talk about my relationship, like, whether I'm right or wrong. Shut the fuck up. You don't get to, like, have an opinion about my relationship or, like, my.

[Natalie]

But there was something that, like, felt very real about it, obviously. Like, we've never really seen the two of them kind of bicker like that. And so it did feel like, oh, wow, this is, like. This is so real and authentic and genuine. And then for her to be like, you know, I would never embarrass him like, that. I would go to the grave before I did that. And he. And it's like, it feels like, oh, you didn't want. You didn't want, like, the realness of your relationship to be shown on tv. Like, you just want to show us, like, Picture Perfect. Lisa and John, we're great. We're besties. We're business partners. Like, nothing ever goes wrong. We always, always listen to each other. And it's like, that's not the case for anyone. So, like, for them to be able to pull the curtain down and, like, show that. No, they do have arguments just like the rest of us. But for Lisa to have such a visceral reaction of, like, I couldn't believe he did that. It's like, why. It's showing us that you're human.

[Nick]

Like, yeah, I see. I. I'm. I'm Team Lisa on this. I just, like, listen. And we talk about this all the time, too. Like, it's. It's one thing for these housewives to say, hey, if I want to do this, I have to be real, authentic. I got to show things I don't want to do. But, like, again, these women and across franchises have some of these, like, untouchable rules, children, relationship, things like that. There's a reason. And, like, forgetting about reality TV in general, like, the number one way to destroy a connection between a relationship is to feel like you violated their trust or embarrassed them deliberately and didn't consider their feelings. So, no, like, TV aside, I respect that Lisa has this kind of, like, yo, we don't do that shit. I might do a lot. I might. I might have fake accounts. I might do all that, but we don't do that to each other. And John did a fucking scene for the cameras to, like, call out his wife. And, you know, yeah, he was, quote, unquote, being real. But, like.

[Natalie]

But it also.

[Nick]

We have an understanding that if we did a show, like, yeah, but it.

[Natalie]

Also wasn't like, that big of a fight. It wasn't like he was like, oh, my God, you like?

[Heather]

No, but he cared, Mother. He, like, talked about her accountability.

[Nick]

And listen, I think he. But if. If. If we sat down and did a scene and given how we kind of talk about how we approach things and have each other's back, if one of us did that, the other person would have been like. Would have been. Would be caught off guard and felt very violated and pissed. And, like, Lisa knows that, like, you're giving them exactly what they want. They're going to use this. They're not going to cut it. And if John chose to say those things to his wife on camera without, like, giving her the heads up, I think Lisa has every right to feel the way she does.

[Justin]

Okay.

[Heather]

Could never do reality tv.

[Natalie]

Did y' all understand the whole, like, Meredith blaming production and then Mary crying?

[Heather]

No, no. The whole cast very upset about it, for sure.

[Mary]

Seems like something else had been going on behind the scenes with Meredith and production. And I think that was the biggest.

[Heather]

Thing where I was like, I wonder if something happened. Like, if someone.

[Natalie]

It was another thing that they, like, didn't tell us. Like, Andy's like, what happened? And Meredith's like, it's just too. I'm just not to get it.

[Nick]

Carlos king of it all. Like, I think, again, producers of people who produce these shows, like, they're often the scapegoats and the punching bags for, like, cast members and fans when things don't go their way.

[Mary]

But.

[Nick]

And they're not angels, and they're not perfect people, but they're just doing their job.

[Justin]

Yeah.

[Nick]

And they're often an easy scapegoat for cast members. And here's a situation where we have Meredith, like, in a. A situation she got herself in, trying to throw every. Anyone under the bus to kind of, like, deflect the attention off her. And I think the rest of the cast thought it, like, just thought it was really low of her to pull the whole, like, production excuse on them. And I think it was more like, yo, you're gonna do that? Like, that's almost. You know, that's kind of like. That's like amateur bachelor power, you know, where, like, people who go on the show kicked off two weeks are like, well, that wasn't me. That was I. It was the edit. You know, whatever. And I think for these. These reality TV professionals in Bravo, like, that's. That's. They're like, we don't do that amateur. You know, that's kind of how I Took it.

[Justin]

Yes. Especially in the housewives world. Like, you don't blame production because housewives are usually pretty close to the people that are working with them.

[Heather]

Like.

[Mary]

Like, they all were like, what the.

[Heather]

It sounds like maybe there was even a specific person.

[Justin]

Yeah. Like, Heather did it with a black eye for a split second and then said sorry for it, because I think they know how much these. The production cares about them. And then also, before we move on, Mary falling asleep while Whitney's talking.

[Heather]

Well, my favorite part was Andy, of all people, calling her out for it. Because I'm like, andy, you're the one who's always like. I just thought back to, like, dorit. How like, every season I feel like Andy's, like, yawning and Dorit's like, andy, don't you.

[Natalie]

Am I boring you?

[Heather]

Yeah.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah.

[Heather]

And then he's calling Mary out, and she's like, no, my eyes were just like.

[Mary]

Also, they were filming for, like, 11 hours or something, weren't they? Let me take a nap.

[Heather]

It's like me when I'm. When I film, totally fall asleep while Danny and I are watching a show. And he's like, are you sleeping? I'm like, no, I'm wide awake. I'm just resting my arms.

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Nick]

Well, another great season that all these women gave us. Congratulations. As Andy said to them, can't wait for next season. I hope they're all back. Honestly, they better be. I miss Ronin edition. But, you know, it is really a perfect cast right now. I. I hope. I mean, it. It really. It ended in a kind of an ugly, toxic way where it almost feels like, you know, are they getting. Is it. Are they getting too close or. I don't know. Can they regroup?

[Natalie]

There was the cute moment between Angie and Lisa being like, scorpions.

[Justin]

Oh, we also haven't talked about it. Britney's saying she'll never film with Meredith ever again.

[Mary]

Oh, yeah, girl.

[Nick]

I don't think Brittany has that type of power.

[Heather]

If Meredith's coming back, Brittany will come back.

[Justin]

Yeah.

[Natalie]

Yeah.

[Nick]

Still a friend of mine, whether we like it or.

[Heather]

Well, no, hopefully she'll.

[Justin]

She's gonna be a full time. Yeah.

[Heather]

But I think she's coming back. I hope she comes back.

[Natalie]

I really wish. When she stormed off and I know this is the last one, I really wish she would have just kept walking instead of turning around and being like, I'm not a victim. Stop calling me a victim. It felt very like when you're a little kid and you're like, sister pisses you off and you like run away. And then you're like, shut up, stupid.

[Heather]

Well, even when she came back and she like interrupted whatever conversation was happening between Mary and Meredith and she just, just like brought it back up and Whitney was like, hold on. Like, I was really interested in this conversation.

[Susie]

You were getting somewhere.

[Heather]

And he's like, yeah, let's go back.

[Natalie]

To, let's go back. Thanks, Whitney.

[Nick]

All right. Well, up next, Arden Marine joins us. She has a new hit show. She is playing the wife of Bert Kreischer on the new hit show on Netflix, Free Birch. He's also a huge fan of all things reality tv, including Traders. And we will get into all of that with her coming up. Up next.

[Natalie]

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[Nick]

L l the new year is here so get back into an at home routine you love and elevate your space with Wayfair. From bedding to mattresses to smart storage for every room, Wayfair is your one stop shop. Refresh your living room with accent pillows, mirrors and faux plants. All for less. We always rely on Wayfair now they get some great pillows. So many decorative pieces both at the lake and at home. Also our office space. They really have it all. I mean you can get trampolines, you can get pizza ovens at Wayfair. It really is amazing. Everything that Wayfair has to offer must haves for guests like bedding, mattresses, towels, kids, room refresh and get them on track this year the home decor there is amazing. Finally have a big garage and I got a bunch of like storage containers from Wayfair that are game changing so I can stay organized in the garage. A huge selection of home goods ranging from appliances to area rugs to beds and wall art. It really is like think of anything for your house or outdoor space or offers and chances are Wayfair has you covered. Get organized, refresh and back on track this year for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. That's W A Y f a I r.com Wayfair Every style Every Home Managing your money doesn't have to be a struggle this year. Monarch is the all in one personal finance tool designed to make your life easier. It brings your entire financial life, budgeting, accounts and investments, net worth and future planning together in one dashboard on your laptop or phone. Start your new year on the right foot financially. Get 50% off your monarch subscription with code V I A L L. Monarch is the go to tool for a New Year's financial reset, reviewing spending over the holidays, setting fresh budgets and getting ready for 2026. With automated weekly money recaps and tracking progress towards future financial goals, it's easier than ever to stay financially fit in the short and long term. Unlike most other personal finance apps, Monarch is built to make you proactive, not just reactive. Their AI assistant is game changing their 247 access to a financial coach accessible from anywhere in Monarch. From questions about how has my shopping spend trended in the last two months to how can I plan to pay off my student loan debt, the AI assistant is there with answers. Monarch will comb through the data to surface insights personalized to you, such as hidden patterns, identifying lifestyle creep versus inflation, changes in saving rates, and more, Monarch has helped users save over $200 per month on average after joining. I wish that is something I had back in my early 20s. Listen, 200 bucks a month can a long way. So if you are looking to save as much as possible, look to Monarch. Eight out of 10 members feel more in control of their finances with monarch. And eight out of 10 members say monarch gives them a clear picture of where their money is going. This year, achieve your financial goals for good. Monarch is the all in one tool that makes proactive money management simple all year long. Use code V I A l [e-mail] for half off your first year. That's 50% off your first [e-mail] with code V I A L L. Well, Arden, it's great to have you back on the show.

[Arden Marine]

Thank you. I'm so happy to be here. I have so much to talk about, you guys.

[Nick]

So you are playing Bert Kreischer's wife. His re. His real wife.

[Arden Marine]

Yes.

[Nick]

Leigh Ann Leigh Anne, who I've had the pleasure of meeting. Lovely woman.

[Arden Marine]

She's adorable.

[Nick]

So I'm curious, obviously, with it being obviously comedy, and it's Bert Kreischer, but, like. And I know you are a serious actor.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Nick]

But, like, did we spend a lot of time with her? Did we. Are we. Are you trying to recreate her, or is this your interpretation of who she is? Like, how do you play someone's wife who, like, you're also friends with?

[Arden Marine]

Can I just say, thank you so much for asking. It was a stressful audition because I loved the part. I loved Bert. I did not know Leanne, and a lot of my friends knew her. And I intentionally did not watch videos because I didn't want to do an impression. And they said a lot of people went in doing thick Southern accent impressions. Cause she's like a Southern girl. And so I decided to just read it and treat it like channeling a part. And she reminded me of my mom. My parents married on a dare. I was also raised by a shirtless man, and my dad was a rascal. And my mom was sort of of Mary Poppins and super fun. But, like, so I just channeled. I made the decision, like, if you love Bert Kreischer, you're not surprised that he's Bert Kreischer. If you love Bert Kreischer, it's not a shock that his shirt is off. It's not a shock that he might get into trouble. And so I had to audition seven times. I had to keep going in. And they said that I was the one who always seemed to be on his side. And that when we had to improvise like, yeah, that we amuse. I made him laugh. He made me laugh. And that I wasn't scolding him like a bad boy. I'm like, my mom loved that my dad was arrest. Like, yeah, you're picking. She could have married a banker. She chose Bert Kreischer. You know, like, so you, like, that's what you love about him. Look how tan I am in your office. Can I just shout out, I got a spray tan for you guys. I hope I don't leave a st. No, that's.

[Nick]

Honestly, that's so fascinating to hear because I think, like, the intuition, right? You watch so many, like, traditional sitcoms, right? It's always, like, fancy pants wife and mom who runs the house. Stupid, annoying husband. And, like, it's fun to see someone like Bert, like, showcase his. His. His. His family and his life. And to like, to say, like, no, I mean, I might not be for everyone, but I am for some people. And, like, my wife loves me. And, like, no, she doesn't minimize me or condescend me or roll her eyes at me or, like, suggest that I'm constantly stupid. Like, she loves me. And I think that's really cool to hear.

[Arden Marine]

Thank you. I'm glad that comes through. Leanne picked me, which was also an honor, and I made sure she's an executive producer, and it's very weird to audition for, like, hey, Susie. I'm playing Susie, and I'm gonna touch your man. He's, like, walking in. So I made sure to introduce myself to Leanne first. And even in the auditions, we had to do, like, a. He was crying. And I just thought if. If I was married to somebody and they were crying, I would, like, touch them or try to, you know, comfort them. So I made sure to be like, hey, is it okay if I touch you? And he was like, ah, intimacy coordinator. I'm like, no, no. Like, this is for Leanne, bro. This isn't for you. Like, like, your wife is. She's right here. And it just felt, you know, I've never. This is my first time being a leading lady, and I. Which is, like, so, like, fun that it's happening now.

[Susie]

Amazing.

[Mary]

And.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah, yeah, finally. But I feel like. Like, I would watch things and I never related to. If I'm dating somebody, I don't scold them, I don't nag. Like, I would just break up with if I found you that annoying that I had to treat you like a bad child. Like, who. You wouldn't want to date me. And I don't want to date you. So I just think that's not the fun couples that I know. Like, nobody is scolded by their wife. Like, get out of there.

[Natalie]

How hard was it for you to, like, not break character? Because I just know that y' all are the funniest people ever, Dude.

[Arden Marine]

I mean, what is fun is that Bert was so cute because, like, Bert would come, and he's such. I think he does such a good job acting, and he hadn't acted much, and so he would try so hard.

[Natalie]

And.

[Arden Marine]

And I think it's also fun if you do break, because I feel like Leanne would find something that Bert is doing funny anyway. So, like, it just adds to. I mean, he is. What you see is what you get. You've never met somebody better at being fam. Like, he would order 400 cheeseburgers to set from McDonald's. Like, everywhere he goes, he's not only is, like, he's got his belly and he's shirtless. He's also, like, a beast. He's like 6 foot 2, 6 foot 3. He's a big guy. We filmed in Atlanta in the summer, so his shirt is never on in public. So anywhere you go, it's like shirtless drinking Santa, and people just swarm. And you've never met somebody that just is happy to get their picture taken. Like, he's. He loves it. He's like. He's like a circus. A drunk circus ringmaster who's got a huge heart. Oh, that's. I love him. I love Bert. And then you have these children on set, too, that you're like, who are swearing and stuff, so. So all this storyline is a little bit racy. So there's also trying to keep it together. Cause there's real children. The whole thing was wild. It was so fun.

[Nick]

Arden, can I say something? And I want to hear what the rest of the household has to say about this. But, like, I mean, I've known you for a bit now. Now that you are a leading lady finally, finally on what is going to be, no doubt, a successful hit show on Netflix. I feel like you are really giving a perfect potential cast for a future White Lotus season.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, my God. Thank you.

[Nick]

Like, you scream White Lotus character. Am I crazy household?

[Susie]

Am I like, you're not crazy.

[Natalie]

Amazing hunting wives.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, my God. Thank you. Can I. Can I just please clip both of these and just. Yeah, can we just blast these? I mean, your lips to captain of Hollywood's ears, Mike White. I would do any. I would play. You could kill me. Episode One. You know what I mean?

[Susie]

Just put her in.

[Arden Marine]

I auditioned for Parker Posey's part and. But by the way, I don't even think they watched anybody's tape because I think he wrote it for her. But. And I'm such a Parker Posey fan that it was like, like an honor to lose a part to Parker Posey. Are you kidding me? But like, I will play any pilled out woman. Any. Like, I feel like on gemstones, I'll get. Get yelled at by some rich dude. I will play like any Coolidge character, whatever. I'll work at the resort. I'll be like somebody that's working at the front desk who's just like, you know, doing, doing the best she can and failing anything. I'll do anything.

[Nick]

You could be like a negative sexual influence to like the guy who. Just 18 on the family trip.

[Arden Marine]

Oh my God. Which I did on Insatiable. That would be exact. He's legal.

[Nick]

I could be like, yeah, obviously illegal, inappropriate, but legal.

[Arden Marine]

Let me tell you what. When I got divorced, it was weird when you've been married and I got. I was like single for the first time in my life. Like really as an adult coming out of the pandemic. You know, your normal age range, like they're all married, you know, or the guys your age, they want it. They want to date the 18 year old Worlds. So it's like the outer edges that were coming for me, but the main group was like the real young guns were taking swings. It was.

[Susie]

Oh, I love that.

[Arden Marine]

It was like full Gamestop. Yeah, for sure. It was crazy.

[Natalie]

Did you dabble in Gamestop?

[Arden Marine]

You know what? Like, honestly, at a certain point she.

[Nick]

Applied for a job.

[Arden Marine]

I just, I love Assassin's Creed. I did date a bunch of younger guys. Yeah, I dated a bunch of guys that were much younger. Mostly because they were also the ones that weren't threatened by. By that I've been in comedy or like that I like own a house. Like they've been raised by cooler women than guys that are like mad at you somehow that you like the guys. Like, you own much bigger houses than I do. What do you care that I have a little house? Like so yeah, the younger guys are cool. They don't care about the age difference. So I did. I am now dating a respectable adult man. But I have dabbled in. The younger guys were very cool and not threatened and like I had no problem with it. And if a guy can do it, why can't a woman who cares?

[Susie]

No, absolutely.

[Arden Marine]

The age difference would come out when we would do karaoke. The karaoke of it all.

[Nick]

I was like, they're like, k. Popping it.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah, exactly. And they're like, oh, this was at my fifth grade dance. I was like, this is my. It's like my first dance at my wedding. Like, whatever.

[Susie]

This is Shania Twain.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah. So have you found that younger guys swing at you?

[Susie]

Okay, so I recently went out with a couple of girls that were like four or five years younger than me.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah.

[Susie]

And this guy approached us and was like, oh, my God, you girls are beautiful. I want to set you up. My friends. When he found out I was 32, I was too old for any of his friends. Mind you, this guy's 38. And he was like, I might have one friend that might be interested.

[Arden Marine]

Wait, he was 38, and his friend was 38.

[Susie]

And then.

[Nick]

Wait, whoa, whoa, whoa. His friend was 38?

[Natalie]

His friend was 38.

[Nick]

He said that you're too old?

[Susie]

No, he said he.

[Ad]

His.

[Susie]

The one friend that might be interested is 38. And he's like, but you might. You're on the cusp.

[Arden Marine]

That's so.

[Nick]

And that's crazy.

[Susie]

And then I went outside of the club and a young whipper snapper that we couldn't even get in.

[Arden Marine]

That's what we're talking about.

[Susie]

He came right up.

[Nick]

They don't care.

[Susie]

And he said, you are the most beautiful woman I've seen. I said, by the way, you can.

[Natalie]

Have my number, sir, and I will sneak you in. Yeah.

[Susie]

And I will get you inside, cuz I know the bouncer.

[Arden Marine]

Young man, you're coming my way. I will say, the other guy that I dated that was older than me, he was six years older than me. And he was like. He had a problem with my age. I was like. And he was six years older. I'm like, so that's what I'm saying. Truly, the young guns don't care. I would talk about it on stage, and they would still come up and be like, they don't care. They're like. And I feel like, great. Like, I don't care. Whatever. If you're cool and you have. Because they're also not. They're not cynical yet because the world hasn't failed them. They're like. Like, I had some optimistic. I dated a guy for a year and a half that was much younger, who was great. Great.

[Susie]

Yeah, yeah.

[Natalie]

Who cares?

[Nick]

Well, I mean, listen, I think it's, you know, as we all get older, like, to your point, Arden, it's just like, it affects Others negatively. And yeah, there is a lot of bad options as we. As we get older.

[Arden Marine]

You know what I have to say though, I'm having fun. I've had a nice. Really fun to date.

[Nick]

I just can't believe, Susie, that a guy looked at you, you know, it was just like, okay, now I see what you look like. Know what? Regardless of what he thought, you know.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah.

[Nick]

And found out your age and just based off a number alone, I want to wrestle him.

[Natalie]

Yeah.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah.

[Susie]

I can give you his name and you can wrestle him.

[Arden Marine]

I'm gonna go. I'm gonna be like, knock it.

[Nick]

Like, if you were 29, would that have been okay?

[Arden Marine]

Yeah. What's the age number?

[Susie]

Well, the girls. I was with a 27 year old and a 28 year old, and he was like, okay, cool. And then 32, so he was like.

[Arden Marine]

Just deep sea fishing. Like, like the deadliest catch. Look, let me get all. All, like, I'm gonna get like a hall of women that I'm gonna maybe, Right?

[Natalie]

And like, what did his friend owe him? You know? Like, why was he doing all this work for his buddy?

[Susie]

Very true. It was a. It was. I guess he just had friends. This guy was taken. Which, you know, maybe shouldn't have approached us in the first place, but he was like, friends.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah, yeah.

[Nick]

He won't be taken for long.

[Natalie]

Don't worry about me. I'm not hitting on you.

[Arden Marine]

I cannot believe how shiny my legs. I mean, true, truly. If you want to do your makeup in my legs right now, the shine is.

[Nick]

It was wild. It sounds like the classic asking for a friend, right?

[Arden Marine]

Yeah, for sure.

[Susie]

Yeah, that was. It was funny, though. Honestly, my girlfriends were very offended. And I was like, they should be. I was like, don't even give them the time of day. Like, we didn't ask to be set up, ladies. Like, we're not asking for this. But they were like, oh, my gosh, are you serious? Like, get away from us. Like, they were. They took it very personal where I was like, it's fine. I'm used to it.

[Nick]

Like, honestly, you probably took it better than them, Susie. They probably went home and they're all like, like, we got three years, right?

[Susie]

We're approaching.

[Nick]

Honestly, I'm just gonna. I'm gonna say yes to the first proposal.

[Susie]

Honestly, I know it's tragic over here, dude.

[Arden Marine]

I. That is. So I'm here to say, ghost of Christmas, future leading lady now who care. Like, like, stick true to yourself. Have a good time.

[Natalie]

Thank you.

[Nick]

Like, Arden, what's the best decade of your life.

[Arden Marine]

The best.

[Nick]

What decade of your life? 20s, teens, 20s, 30s.

[Heather]

Now.

[Arden Marine]

I would say the last 10 years.

[Susie]

Nice.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah, the last 10 years, for sure. I would say 40 and up. 40 and up, for sure. And I remember turning 30. I mean, like, oh, my God. I remember, like, being so devastated. And then I truly can say that I'm more comfortable in my skin. I'm happier. I feel cuter. I, like, I feel like I've landed in my. I know how to set a boundary now. I can just, like. And it can be with a light touch. Like, I feel like I have more balance. I have hobbies. Like, I would say the last 10 years, for sure.

[Nick]

Awesome.

[Arden Marine]

By far. Like, by far. And there have been a lot of good ones, but it's, like, not even close. And I used to not believe people when they. I'd be like, yeah, right. I was like, no, no, that's actually true.

[Susie]

I believe it because honestly, I think every year I've gotten older. I. I may have in fact gotten uglier, but I literally feel hotter. I'm like, I'm hotter than ever.

[Arden Marine]

We're both hotter than ever.

[Susie]

I literally feel hotter than ever. And I'm so comfortable. And so I'm like, I actually believe when they say it just gets better. It actually feels like I'm experiencing it. Even though I can look at pictures and be like, oh, no, I was definitely hotter then. But I was.

[Arden Marine]

And I look, I saw you on television. Like, you fucking, by the way. Absolutely adorable. But, like, peak hotness right now, like, it just. I do think. I also think, like, there's a certain thing when you start to like yourself and know yourself, that is when it's less. I used to be so fear based, where it's like. Like, I may not be for everyone. I may not be everybody's cup of tea. I've survived my biggest nightmares. And I'm like. And they've all worked for me and not against me. Like, my life has gotten way better because of anything terrible that's happened.

[Natalie]

Yeah.

[Arden Marine]

And like, and. And I feel like it starts from within. Like, I just like myself more.

[Susie]

Honestly.

[Arden Marine]

She's.

[Susie]

I feel like we need to clip all of that. I'm like, that's beautiful. Honestly, young women need to hear that too, because I think. I think in general, there is so much fear that goes on with one aging two finding the right person. Nick made a joke. Oh, they're gonna say yes to the first proposal. But, like, there. I mean, truly, like, I'm 32, and it is it is a scary time to be like, okay, like, you've. There is a technical.

[Arden Marine]

You know, if you can afford to freeze your eggs, freeze your eggs. Don't freeze embryos, freeze your eggs. And like. And I, I do. I. Look, I got to LA at a time. I started when I was 21. I started when I was 19, but I started when I was 21. And like, you had to be a stick thin. Like, I fully had, you know, like, eating issues, like, which I didn't have when I first arrived. And then. And I, you know, I booked stuff early on because I was different. And then it became like, oh, I want to just be like everyone else. Let me just be. And I realized, like, don't give them what you they want. Make them want what you've got in every area of your life.

[Susie]

Like.

[Arden Marine]

Like, the more I started to try to be generic and bland, the more I lost myself. My light dim from my eyes and it was like. And then I just. I will not go against myself ever again. Like, it is enough. It was enough then. Like, I've always had a little belly. I have a little belly now. I had a little belly that I think it's hot and womanly. Like, I work hard. Like, I don't know. I just. It's okay that I'm not a supermodel. I'm. I'm super cute. I was super cute then. Even though I was told that. That I wasn't attractive, I was told I wasn't. And like, I. I think I was never a leading lady. Cause I would. I am different. I have a high voice. I have a personality. And it's like, that's what got me this job. And it took a long time, but, like, in the meantime, you know, just. Just having balance. Like, starting a podcast, doing things with my friends, writing, doing stand up, playing tennis. Like, trying to be of service to people. Like, try to have a life outside of here, being in small towns. Like, I just. I really hated myself when I was just trying to make myself generic. It's never enough and fit into something. Yeah. Yeah.

[Susie]

Honestly, I think you're my new favorite person. I think we are both meant to be on the podcast today.

[Arden Marine]

When's your birthday? What time are you.

[Natalie]

When's your birthday?

[Susie]

I'm a Leo. I'm August 18th.

[Arden Marine]

Ooh, she's a sunny Leo. We're fire. Fire. Fire. What are your birthdays?

[Natalie]

I'm Virgo.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, I love a Virgo. You relax.

[Nick]

Me, I'm a Libra.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, also relaxing. These are all good. Signs.

[Nick]

Okay.

[Arden Marine]

A massage. A massage.

[Nick]

Shameless. Plug. Arden, I feel like you're gonna really be excited about this new hit reality TV show coming your way on also Netflix.

[Arden Marine]

Tell me, tell me.

[Nick]

It's called Age of Attraction.

[Arden Marine]

Are you on it?

[Nick]

We host it. And it's ageless dating.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, my God.

[Nick]

You have age gaps. It's 40 singles, 20 women, 20 men from ages 60 to 22, honey.

[Arden Marine]

OK. Okay. How could this. That's what I'm talking. Okay, now let me ask you this. First of all, when does it drop?

[Nick]

Soonish.

[Arden Marine]

Did you find that age didn't matter?

[Natalie]

It was.

[Nick]

It was very inspiring. It was wildly successful. There were a lot of connections. There were. And there was no. Like, there were same age. There were similar age connections, and there were connections that were a lot of age differences. And obviously the show, based off what it is, focused more on those storylines. But we didn't like. Like, we let. It was really just like a singles mixer.

[Susie]

So you.

[Arden Marine]

There was. It was not like, producer put. It was like. It was. And did you film, like, in a house? Like, how long were they all together?

[Nick]

We were. It was. It's very like Love is Blind coded in terms of, like, the pacing of the show.

[Arden Marine]

I can't wait. Can I come talk about it when it's on?

[Nick]

Oh, yeah.

[Arden Marine]

As a fan.

[Natalie]

Please, please.

[Arden Marine]

How many were you surprised by who liked who?

[Nick]

I don't want to give too much away, but I think there's a lot of compelling characters and different types of age difference relationships that I think a lot of people will be inspired by.

[Arden Marine]

I'm very into this. I literally. Because I get a cellular re. I'm like, having a visceral. My tail is wagging a good meal. My tail is. My hairy, blind off arms are standing off. I'm like. That excites me. Congratulations. I'm happy for you guys.

[Nick]

Oh, thanks. It'd be fun. I think. You know, you never know. Obviously, with.

[Arden Marine]

No, it's gonna do well. I'm having a chemical feeling about it.

[Nick]

I think it's gonna be a big hit. We'll see.

[Arden Marine]

I love Love is Blind.

[Nick]

Okay, let's talk a little. Traders, are you watching?

[Arden Marine]

I am watching. I'm one episode behind. I'm really enjoying it this season. I think Rob is a really fun traitor.

[Nick]

He's very good.

[Arden Marine]

Like, I hated myself for having a cr. Love island. Like, I really hate. And I've never seen a man be able to pull off 90s overalls, denim, dark denim with no shirt like this man. Because it feels Organic to him. The snake wrangler.

[Natalie]

Yeah.

[Nick]

Would you ever go on the show? Yes, if you.

[Arden Marine]

Yes, you would? Yes. I love games. I would be a very bad trader. But I would love to be. Love to be on the game Shout out. Candace's styling. I'm loving her little, like, her little. Her hero look with her red thing and her, like, like her stewardess hat. And they have to do their own hair and makeup. And I. I feel like that. Would you ever do it?

[Nick]

I would love to do it someday. It would be a lot of fun. I. I haven't had the time or the opportunity to do it yet.

[Arden Marine]

Have you guys been watching?

[Nick]

Oh, yeah.

[Arden Marine]

Okay. Watching Michael Rapoport eat eggs, it's my fear. So I am. I, I, I'm trying to be like, on. On dates. I've tried to learn how to eat the European way. Cause I. Cause, like, I grew up in a. Everyone, like, would just steal your food. So I eat defensively. So I. So I'm aware. I try to slow down. So my fear of what. What in my brain on any date, what I think I look like is Michael rapping full hungry Hungry hippo plates in the mouth, like an angle down.

[Ad]

Like, that's what.

[Arden Marine]

It's what I fear I look like on a date. But, like, the. Watching him eat is fine.

[Susie]

I feel like he reminds. I've said this before, but he reminds me of a Tim Robinson character on. I think you should leave. He literally is a character from.

[Natalie]

He could be.

[Susie]

He could.

[Mary]

The lead in Friendship.

[Susie]

Right, Exactly.

[Arden Marine]

Friendship was. So can we also just shout out. I think you should leave the haunted.

[Natalie]

So funny.

[Arden Marine]

Adults only haunted house. Oh, my gosh. Have you guys seen that? Who are you enjoying on Traders? Who are you rooting for?

[Nick]

I think Rob. I mean, this is a traitor. I've been, you know, like, we had the pleasure of interviewing him when he was on Love Island.

[Arden Marine]

He's had.

[Nick]

And you could tell very quickly that he's smart. You know, he's an introverted guy. So, like, I, you know, I always kind of relate to people like that when I'm in the same room with him.

[Susie]

Yes.

[Nick]

And it's always fun to see someone who people underestimate. Underestimate. Thank you. And he's playing a great game. And my favorite, like, you know, he's really good. Was when Eric hit the magic ears. Is Michael.

[Natalie]

Yeah.

[Mary]

Yes.

[Heather]

Yes.

[Nick]

And, you know, even before Michael said, it was like these, like, huh. You can hear footsteps. What are you? Daredevil?

[Arden Marine]

So good.

[Natalie]

The laugh. He could hear the Laugh.

[Nick]

Oh, hear the laugh. Ron could hear the footsteps.

[Arden Marine]

And jam.

[Nick]

Jam could hear the laugh.

[Arden Marine]

Yes, exactly.

[Nick]

And Rob goes, you know, I've heard some of Eric's music. That's. That's a really good point. And I don't think Rob believed that at all. But like, he was smart enough to.

[Arden Marine]

Like, validate as a person with a. A small blonde woman with a high voice. Like, I've been underest. And people say talk to your face like you, like, I know you're talking to me like I'm an idiot. You know, when people treat you like you're dumb and you're, you know, and you're right that his acting was so good in that moment. And I want to just take a pause and give you a shout out. Nick, you just see your point. Like how he's quiet and like that you like the, like the introvert. When the person I dated for a year and a half, I remember you on your podcast, you talk about, like, fundamentally, are you like the going out or you the staying. Like the just the. I am more of a stay at home person and like, like, But I thought about like, just when you break it down like that, like, is this a per. Like, like, I can present extrovert, but like, at the end of the day, I am more of an indoor cat.

[Mary]

Me too.

[Arden Marine]

Like, I, I like to go out, but I will go out for dinner and then like, I don't need to be at the party till four. Like maybe once. But I've thought about that. Like that if you're not. If you don't have the same team jerseys, maybe it's not the right. Like, I think that's such a smart way. I heard you and I thought about it and that was part of my reasoning of like, this might not be the right person for me.

[Nick]

Maybe it's not your guy.

[Arden Marine]

It wasn't good time.

[Nick]

Not your guy.

[Arden Marine]

It wasn't exactly a good time until it's the most stressful time. You're like, you're still out. Maybe not for me. Okay, wait. Back to Traders. I'm surprised at how well the three traders are getting along. They're playing nicely.

[Nick]

The smart. I think they took a page out of last season. We're like, I think Lisa Reno's been great. You know, I think she's.

[Arden Marine]

Dorinda's been great. Dorinda's been well, I think a lot.

[Nick]

Of people were expecting Lisa.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah.

[Nick]

To kind of Lisa Rennet and kind of be unpredictable. But to your point, she's been a Great team player.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah.

[Nick]

In that vein, she's flying under the radar and not, you know, getting herself in trouble. Dorinda's been great. Yeah.

[Arden Marine]

Dorinda looks very pretty. I feel like she's been mellow because having seen her on Housewives, like, when she gets fiery, I feel like she's really. She has been mellow when she's sweet. She's so sweet. Makes me want to go to Bluestone Manor. So wait, how would you guys style yourself? Like, who. Who do you think has the best styling? Man and woman.

[Nick]

Woman.

[Natalie]

I think this season's pretty bad. I don't think anyone is really blowing our minds this season.

[Nick]

I thought our boy Dylan Efron last season.

[Arden Marine]

Nailed it.

[Nick]

Gabby.

[Natalie]

Wendy. Last season.

[Susie]

Beautiful.

[Arden Marine]

Yes. I mean, look, I appreciate. I appreciate in Monet all the. All the, like, the pins. I. I do think Candace. I think her, like, what she's going for. I like her sweet, sort of heightened. Elle woods looks are very cute on her.

[Nick]

Candace has done a great job, and.

[Arden Marine]

I feel like they've done a good job with their own hair and makeup. Like, they have to do it themselves. I think they all look very cute.

[Susie]

I think I. I like more. More, more Mara.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, yeah.

[Susie]

But I don't know if it's just that I think she's so beautiful, so pretty crazy that I just, like, stare at her.

[Arden Marine]

I know when she wears any, like, her patent leather outfit.

[Susie]

Yes. I was gonna say, I think she had, like, a plum leather.

[Arden Marine]

She had a plum leather, and then she had a leather suit.

[Susie]

She's.

[Arden Marine]

So do you think she and Rob would ever, like, Are they single? What's the deal? Because there's some flirting.

[Susie]

I think the Internet's helping that I know things. I would. I would be into that.

[Arden Marine]

Me too. Yeah, they're cute. Okay. Colton. I'm not into the aqua blue white sea captain looks.

[Mary]

No. I don't know why he's wearing.

[Arden Marine]

Yeah. Peter Pan collar.

[Natalie]

Yeah. I don't love the pearl ties. Scottish.

[Arden Marine]

I feel like the pearls really, like, peaked on paradise, like, six years ago. It's, like, too late for the guys with the pearl ties.

[Susie]

But I will say the. The preview for the next episode, they do, like, a quick flash, and it's, like, slow mo. And I'm pretty sure Colton's outfit looked sick in that. I will say I.

[Natalie]

That's.

[Susie]

I haven't seen it in full yet, but they did, like, a little flash forward, and I was like, okay, that. That eats. And he got his moment in that slo mo.

[Arden Marine]

Because I also Feel like you gotta be careful. When a stylist gets their hands on you, particularly as a man, they can make you look like a magician really fast.

[Mary]

I think he was kind of looking like a magician. Oh, it's mobo.

[Nick]

I gotta be honest. I think you can almost pull it off.

[Arden Marine]

Nick, have you ever been overly styled? Like early days? Did anybody ever magician you?

[Susie]

Oh, my gosh. Wait, I need to see pictures.

[Mary]

If they did.

[Nick]

I almost took a. I almost took a leap that I didn't. And it was like. It was a. It was when I hosted the red carpet for the people's choice for E. What was the.

[Ad]

What.

[Arden Marine]

What was like, what were you almost.

[Nick]

I wonder if I have a picture of it.

[Arden Marine]

This is incredible.

[Nick]

It was like a onesie.

[Arden Marine]

Okay.

[Nick]

A onesie short sleeve.

[Arden Marine]

Okay. Okay. Like a jumpsuit jumper.

[Justin]

A romper.

[Susie]

A romper.

[Nick]

It was a romper.

[Natalie]

Well, did it have legs? Yeah, that was a jumpsuit.

[Heather]

Yeah.

[Arden Marine]

It wasn't like BJ on gemstones, like full romper situation.

[Natalie]

Wait, this is so funny.

[Susie]

I've never heard of anyone describe it as a magician. And you. You're so right.

[Arden Marine]

Sometimes I. Sometimes I have male friends that. And I will not name names. So I've had some male friends at like one or two events. I'll see them and I'll be like, oh, my God. So and so they got styled like they are now a full magician. There's too many rings. There's like a weird flat brim hat. It's like you're a father of three. You're a father of three. There's a lot of silver bracelets. There's like, there's a magician thing happening. There's like, you got over styled. If you just like Coco Chanel, just take a few things off. But the men in particular get. Because, by the way, men can now have fun with their fashion. But you gotta know who you are, what the stories. And I appreciate a man having fun, but you can tell when it's performative, not originating from them. And somebody talked them into. Now's your chance. Let's put you in a mess. Dress a little like, like, I think.

[Nick]

I deleted the photo.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, man.

[Nick]

But I almost got convinced to wear it.

[Arden Marine]

And what. What color was it?

[Nick]

White, black and turquoise.

[Mary]

Ooh, ooh.

[Susie]

Pairing.

[Arden Marine]

I'm glad that you didn't. But I also appreciate that you almost said yes. You almost said yes to the dress.

[Nick]

Listen, I want to push my boundaries of comfort.

[Natalie]

I think that the place to do that would 100% be traders.

[Arden Marine]

Yes.

[Mary]

Wear A skirt. Wear a skirt.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, yeah.

[Nick]

That being said, the audience is not very gracious when it comes to taking fashion risks.

[Mary]

Why? I've never said anything mean about a man wearing a weird outfit on Traders. That couldn't be me.

[Arden Marine]

I tr. Have you done it on Traders? But who have you?

[Nick]

Who have you?

[Mary]

Colton?

[Arden Marine]

Okay.

[Mary]

I just don't.

[Arden Marine]

Let's talk about it.

[Mary]

He's built like a linebacker, and I don't know why they're dressing him like the grandma from Courage, the Cowardly Dog. I just don't think it's good.

[Arden Marine]

Which way is it? Which outfit do you like the most? And which one are you like, get at out of here.

[Mary]

I really, really did not like the pearl tie. They're styling him like Harry Styles, and it's like, Harry Styles already. You're like, what are you doing?

[Arden Marine]

But to me, it's almost. And again, I'm not trying to be. Look, I know what I look like right now. I know I'm too orange. So I want to say I like my outfit. I'm too tan. I want to say. So I'm not trying to throw, but throw stones in glass houses. It does feel Harry Styles. It feels almost like Hot Topic Harry Styles, where Harry Styles feels a little more actual knit. Like the actual. Like, they got the, like, real homemade quality. And he was sort of early days to do it a little earlier, you know, like the strawberry would like, you know, I'm up at the Beachwood Canyon.

[Mary]

Yeah. Oh, my God. The, like, bracelets.

[Arden Marine]

This feels a little more just like God Alpha Zara.

[Mary]

It feels like if Harry Styles was Meryl Streep and Devil Wears production, Underwood is Anne Hathaway learning about cerulean and Devil Wears product.

[Arden Marine]

Yes. That's so good. That's a solid reference. Okay. I respect that. Look. I'm still enjoying it, but.

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Susie]

Who.

[Arden Marine]

What man are you liking the look.

[Susie]

Of Looks wise outfits, outfit.

[Heather]

Yeah.

[Arden Marine]

I don't know.

[Susie]

That's. I was just, like, looking to see if I could get some. I'm like, I don't think there's anyone in particular standing out to me.

[Arden Marine]

I like that Michael Rapaport was like, I'm just gonna do Michael Rapap.

[Susie]

It's true.

[Nick]

And honestly, could you imagine if he showed up in, like, a Scottish.

[Susie]

Actually could see him in a Scottish killed and then being offended when everyone's. When he's like, what do you mean, I can't wear this?

[Arden Marine]

I mean, look, I haven't gotten up to when he starts taking swings. So, like, I haven't I haven't seen the problem part. I know it's coming. Look, this is not news for me. I do. I do want to say. And people are. People are complicated. I love that. The guy loves the Housewives franchise. I did Bravo. Calm with him. We. We did Scary Island. We did Real Housewives theater. I played Sonja Morgan. I ordered a Sonja by Sonja Morgan dress. He sincerely loves the Housewives.

[Nick]

Arden, you've been so much fun, guys. Mary, can we just. Can you just. Arden, you want to hear a rapid recap of the Real Housewives of Potomac before we say goodbye to our audience?

[Arden Marine]

Oh, my God, yes, Mary, can you take it away?

[Mary]

Well, if you missed the most recent episode of the Real Housewives of Potomac, here's a rapid recap. We pick up, still in Colorado, angel and Gisele arguing about whose trip is. This is. The girls would rather go to the Four Seasons than fly fish before getting on a plane. So it seems like Giselle is winning the ownership of the trip battle. But then they still are gonna go fly fishing, which causes drama.

[Natalie]

Of course.

[Mary]

Wendy thinks Angel's biggest issue on the group is that she just has her personality, and she can't do anything about that. Jazzy doesn't think that Stacy actually wanted to go to her wedding, and she just went because Ashley and Wendy went. Wendy then called her out on it point blank and was like, fucking liar. And then apparently, Chris Samuels gave a little sly look to Ashley Darby one time when she asked him about hooking up with Stacy. So it means Stacy may have actually hooked up with Chris Samuels, but Stacy deflected by saying Jazzy was recording her. And then, also, if we're wanting an update on the fly fishing saga that's happening right now, the girls end up in the absolute middle of nowhere in an RV in a mountain, and the flight leaves in two hours.

[Susie]

That was bad vibes.

[Mary]

Angel. I don't know what you're doing with your planning, girl. Not great. Also, all of this, like, Wendy had to have two gas station margaritas while dressed in all Chanel because of the planning.

[Arden Marine]

This is the only way to watch the house. Yeah.

[Mary]

And then Angel's group got lost, and then Giselle's group decided that they should just pack it up and go back to the airport. But there was so much food at the excursion, the fly fishing one, that they didn't.

[Nick]

I felt bad about that.

[Susie]

I did, too, for the company. I know it.

[Mary]

It felt like one of the mirages when you almost push through and you see it but then it's not there anyway.

[Nick]

It was back, like, you know, like every, like, sitcom or movie back in the day. They would never eat their food. Always like a delicate. You know, it'd be like Macaulay Culkin sits down. It's this delicious Mac and cheese. And then the robbers show up. It's like, why can't he just eat his food first?

[Arden Marine]

Exactly. On every bachelor date. Exactly.

[Mary]

Yeah. Anyway, and then instead of going fly fishing, everyone just decided to tell Stacy they wish she was a normal human woman. And Wendy says she still loves Stacy, but she just wants her to be honest. And that's it. That's the.

[Nick]

When they were confronting Stacy about only going to the wedding because the other women went, and they're like, you. You didn't. Like, we got. You got the wedding invite before you even started your business. And she goes, indeed.

[Arden Marine]

Wow. Can I ask your opinion? Because. Because of, like, all the promo for Bert stuff, and I'm doing Traders and I'm doing heated rivalry right now. Should I. So hot. Should I do. Which should I do? Beverly Hills, Salt Lake, Potomac, right now. Okay, great.

[Nick]

Arden, always a pleasure. Please come back and talk Some Age of Attraction.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, my God. I can't wait. I literally can't wait. I got even hearing it again, my hair standing up. So I think it's going to be a hit. And congratulations, and I hope you guys get back safely. Free Bird is up right now on Netflix. It's a fast watch. It's funny, it's edgy, it has heart. It's got, like, raciness, but, like, it's. You can watch it like two hours.

[Nick]

Where can people follow you? All that fun stuff?

[Arden Marine]

I'm on Instagram, Artemarine, M Y R I N. I was just on Righteous Gemstones and my podcast will accept this rose. We're about to do traitors, and then we're gonna be doing the Frankie season on Bachelorette.

[Nick]

The Frankie season.

[Arden Marine]

Okay.

[Susie]

So fun.

[Arden Marine]

So fun.

[Nick]

Thanks for coming. Sorry we couldn't be there in person.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, my God. I'm set. Next time, get back safely.

[Nick]

Invite us over for game night.

[Arden Marine]

Oh, my God. I'll tell Jim.

[Nick]

Thank you guys for listening. Thank you to our guest, Arden. We will see you back next week. If you haven't listened to the Going Deeper episode. Episode with Seth Rollins and his wife Becky lynch, it's an episode you do not want to miss. So be sure to check that out. We'll see you back on Monday. Bye.

[Arden Marine]

You're crazy.