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Mary
acast powers the world's best podcasts.
Lex Nico
Here's a show that we recommend. Hello everyone, Sarah Lane here with Roger Chang. Hey Roger.
Mary
Hello everyone.
Lex Nico
And Tom Merritt.
Narrator/Advertiser
Hey everybody.
Lex Nico
We wanted to give you a big update we're very excited about on our weekly product review series called Live With It.
Narrator/Advertiser
Yes, Live with it started as an occasional DTNS segment for our patrons over@patreon.com DTNs but because of such great feedback, we decided to open it up as a standalone show with even more reviewers and a wider range of products. And now, because of even greater feedback we've gotten since then, we're giving Live with it its own YouTube channel. Yay. It's still produced by the DTNS family of folks and friends. Nothing changes. Content wise. We'll be reviewing all the tech products, services and platforms that we think you'll care about.
Lex Nico
We are also leaning on all of you, our community for ideas and suggestions. Are you thinking about a new smart speaker, Robo vacuum modular laptop, kitchen gadget, or a software purchase for your next creative project? We'll live with it so you stay informed. We've also heard you like our show to be easier to access on YouTube and especially easier for new subscribers to find us. So that's exactly what we're doing. Can't wait for you to join us for the next round of episodes. Subscribe now.
Mary
Acast helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere. Acast.com Foreign. Welcome back to two Judgy Girls. This is Mary from the Bay and today I have Lex Nico, creator and host of Conversation Starters. I'm literally obsessed with them. It's the modern day kind of like water cooler talk or heading into the break room and gossiping. Thank you so much for being here. You had a very exciting weekend. I saw you were at the Law. I know you were on the blue carpet at Las Culturitzas. Can you tease anything about it?
Lex Nico
I mean, I cannot say much. The show comes out on Bravo and Peacock, I believe on June 17. But what I will say is if you saw the people coming down that carpet, everyone from Will Ferrell to Pikachu to, you know, Hannah and Paige, Ciara and mia, Mandy Moore, RuPaul. Like, you just get a sense of the caliber of people that were in that room and you know, you know, Bowen and Matt now producing Titanique, the musical on Broadway, you know that they put on a whole show and what I can say that will mean nothing to so many people is like I left that night and I was like, this was the best night of my life. If there was heaven, like, this is my version of heaven.
Mary
You peaked.
Lex Nico
I peaked. Like nothing will top that evening for me in 2026 and maybe in my entire lifetime. It was brilliant. It was so good. How Mary, I can't wait for everyone to see it.
Mary
No. And I loved that Frasier walked down with Matt. I feel like that was huge because
Lex Nico
sometimes I feel like are they together?
Mary
Are they not? Because Frasier still seems like he is yachting and like doing the show and very busy. But I loved that they did the carpet together.
Lex Nico
They kissed on the carpet.
Mary
Oh, really? Oh, I love that. Sierra looked incredible.
Lex Nico
Sierra was, looked gorgeous. Mia looked. That was my first time meeting Mia in person. And oh my gosh, she looked absolutely stunning. Candace, stunning. Like, and you know, the you obviously this is two judgy girls. You are all even more familiar with the Bravo liberties than I am, but they're always down to have a good time.
Mary
Completely fun. No, totally. You know, Chanel Ion looks like she was on the carpet as well, interviewing people. She's a riot.
Lex Nico
I know. They struck gold. Struck gold with her.
Mary
I really think Bravo needs to lean into, like, a morning show. Like, we have watched what happens live after the episode, but it feels like they could break into some type of morning show. My original idea was, like, for Craig and Paige to host it when they were together.
Lex Nico
Oh, my God. With Kelly and Mark.
Mary
Yeah. But maybe something with Chanel Ion, because she is hilarious. Because she also doesn't really know who people are, which I think is very endearing. Also, Hannah and Paige walked the carpet and then we got this great photo of Hannah, Paige, and Ciara all together.
Lex Nico
Yes. And people were like, oh, if things had gone a different way, Amanda would have been in this photo too. It was very, very interesting, the three of them together. Not even the fact that they were together. Obviously they were all there. But then to post, and Hannah posted it too. You know. You know, I don't know if you've ever had one of these situations, but I know I sure have. And I know a lot of my friends that are Scorpios where it's like that person that you told people to be careful about, you were right about. And I feel like Hannah's in that era right now where she's just like, Right. And I know.
Mary
I feel like everything is a message now on Watch what happens live. A week ago, when Kyle and Lindsay were on, they sprinkled Kyle's like, well, it's happening tomorrow. They are giving us messages all the time. And then we come to find out that west and Kyle filmed together. You know what I mean?
Lex Nico
Yes. Yeah.
Mary
So I feel like all of this stuff is. Is really messages, but I mean, there were so many people there. All SNL cast the Hacks.
Lex Nico
I know.
Mary
Do you watch Hacks?
Lex Nico
Are you kidding? I love Hacks. Oh, you're not ready for the Hacks people at the show. It was so good. Did you watch the finale of Hacks?
Mary
No, I have not yet. I'm a little behind, so I need to.
Lex Nico
I'm jealous.
Mary
Hacks is the type of show that I, like, watch all in one day. And I just watch the entire season, so I need to get on that. I heard it's incredible, the ending.
Lex Nico
Yeah. You will be very happy. I. I'm jealous that you have the whole season to watch or majority of it. But, like, yeah, it was just. It's a chef's Kiss show start to finish, no spoilers.
Mary
So you saw Mandy Moore, which there's something about a Mandy Moore comeback that is absolutely hysterical.
Lex Nico
And you know what's interesting? I mean, obviously she was on this is Us. And I know. I think it's with Nate Bergetsi. She has, like, a new movie coming out with him. But what's so interesting with Mandy Moore is she's almost gotten, like, she's had this comeback be propelled by the Ashley Tisdale slam piece.
Mary
Yes.
Lex Nico
About the mom group.
Mary
Right. No, but it's so funny. This past weekend, Jessica Simpson was up here at this casino called Great and Casino. It looks like she's trying to bring back a tour and is probably testing stuff out, like, in smaller venues.
Lex Nico
And then kind of like her sister did. Yeah.
Mary
Yes. And then like Hilary Duff, me and more like a millennial's dream.
Lex Nico
Yeah. I will say from the awards is like, it was a millennial fever dream. What do you think it is? Do you think that we're just, like, now at an age where, like, our culture is nostalgia to the younger generation? But it's like, I don't remember resonating with, like, my parents or, like, Gen X's culture as much as I feel like Gen Z and even Gen Alpha are registering with millennial culture right now.
Mary
That's very true. But it's, like, also super interesting because I. In the early 2000s is kind of when reality TV blew up, like, post real worlds. And we had the simple life and we had, like, Jessica Simpson, the newlyweds. You know, we had the Osbornes and Jersey Shore. Yes.
Lex Nico
Simpler time.
Mary
Yes. And even, I mean, the housewives started 20 years ago, you know, so there is, like, a lot of nostalgia. We say it's popular to watch Bravo now when, you know, I've been watching for 20 years.
Lex Nico
From day one.
Mary
Exactly. Exactly. But I cannot wait to watch this awards show. It's so cool that you got to be on the blue carpet, endlessly grateful.
Lex Nico
I cannot believe that that opportunity came my way. I feel so lucky. I love doing the conversation starters. I love taking it into an interview format. It was just the best. The best. The best. And then to stay and actually watch the show, like, how lucky. You know, Very, very exciting.
Mary
We need to talk about other stuff from the weekend. There was also the Sports Illustrated. You know, Bethany, what are your thoughts on Bethany?
Lex Nico
Here's the thing. You know those charts, graphs, or tables that it's, like, chaotic. Good. Necessary. Good. I oddly, I go back and forth, but I Think right now, Bethany is sort of a necessary evil. With the exception of the shoe thing. Was. Was it Dina's daughter from Jersey who's. Yes. Like, that, to me, takes you into, like, chaotic bad. But, like, sometimes I think Bethany is a necessary evil in the sense that she does push the discourse forward, whether you're disagreeing with her or, like, lashing out at her or, you know. But she's bringing it to the forefront of TikTok culture, oddly enough. Like, she's getting things in Page Six, whether I like her or, like, fuck with her or not. Sorry. Can I swear?
Mary
Yeah.
Lex Nico
Okay. Like, I don't fuck with Bethany, but, like, sometimes I'm like, she is a necessary evil to drive forward the conversation. What do you think about her?
Mary
Oh, God, she's so polarizing. I'm like, Jason Hoppy. I can't stand her. But I also am, like, addicted to watching her. So she's doing something right.
Lex Nico
But that's what it is.
Mary
She walked the Runway this weekend. Stassi did.
Lex Nico
Alex Earle, Alana Mayer.
Mary
Yeah, she was. She's, like, the best.
Lex Nico
Opened the show. Yeah, she looked fucking awesome. Kristen Cavallari, a bunch of wags like George Kittle's wife, who's San Francisco 49ers. Is he still. Yeah, yeah, yeah. His wife walked the carpet. She looked. I don't know what her workout routine is, but I was like, damn, get me in the gym. And eating some chicken and rice. Because she looked really good.
Mary
Totally, totally. No. And then so much happened this weekend also, because. So Amanda and West are in Italy together. They were spotted at this wedding, and everyone's talking about the fuck ass bun, the bunny tail.
Lex Nico
Somebody yesterday told me everyone's calling it a bunny tail now. I was like, oh.
Mary
But I. Okay. I also feel like this hairstyle is a message as well.
Lex Nico
In what?
Mary
Then she's saying, I don't give a fuck what any of you are saying. You thought this hairstyle was bad at the reunion. Like, I'm gonna continue to wear it because guess what? I don't care about anyone's opinions. I'm living for myself right now. Like, I honestly think it's a deep message, and maybe I'm reading into it
Lex Nico
a bit, but I don't want to, like, pass judgment on her for the overall, in the sense that, like, I want us all to move on. I actually don't want to give them, you know, so much of a platform that they think we're feeding into their stuff. But, like, this hairstyle in particular, we've heard the conversation and the discourse about Amanda being lazy. Like, this is just a lazy hairstyle. Like, I'm sorry. That is passing judgment. I have to like, girl, you didn't even, like, kind of twirl a piece of hair around it and put a little bobby pin. Like, we can see elastic, you know, like, what are we doing?
Mary
I don't know. And then to me, the best part was he was, like, sweating through his suit, which nobody was pointing that out, which I hate that the girl always gets the brunt of it. I'm like, he's literally sweating through his, like, khaki linen suit.
Lex Nico
I couldn't look at anything else. And then I go back to the reunion, and Andy's like, are you wearing sweat pads? And he's like, yeah, I've got like. I'm like, you didn't pack any of them for your back, west, what are we doing?
Mary
Come on. And then I keep on thinking this is getting too technical, but no. So this statement came out on March 31, and this wedding was May 30, also a destination wedding. You send out those invites super early. You have to RV RSVP very early. So I'm like, did he r. When did he rsvp? Like, and he was bringing a plus one. Was Amanda always the plus one? Or was it that Montana girl? I just, like, love to know the background on that. Or, like, did he say, hey, can I bring Amanda? Like, I'm going through a lot right now. Like, when was he given this plus one? If he's always for the streets.
Lex Nico
So this is the thing that's very interesting. I saw on X that allegedly one of. And this is the thing. This is where it get sticky. Cuz apparently one of his family. This was a family member's wedding. He was given a plus one. He was originally allegedly bringing Miha, and then all of this stuff came out, and he. She obviously, you know, exited the relationship. And then he asked if he could bring Amanda instead. And because it was like a paperless, post digital thing, I don't know if you saw floating around, like, there's the actual invitation that says West Wilson and Amanda Batula. And everyone's like, there is the possibility that they could change out the name very easily because it's digital, but apparently he was supposed to bring Mija.
Mary
Okay, that makes more sense. I mean, that poor girl. I'm so curious when she's gonna speak out. She has a TikTok, but she hasn't said a ton. Um, how are you feeling about the summer House reunion. What is your timeline?
Lex Nico
I don't know if this is right or wrong. This is just my gut feeling. And based on what's been presented to us, like I think last year, last summer, it is very obvious that there was like an emotional chemistry between the two of them. I wrote about this. I wrote an article on part one reunion for Refinery 29. And I mentioned this because I saw a couple people, other people talking about it online, where people were of the mind that you can start to see west gravitating toward Amanda last season. And perhaps he was doing that because the writing on. On the wall of the divorce was imminent and he thought if he could align to Amanda and she'd get that Ariana Madx edit, then like, you know, he can align to that person and look like a really good friend. But at the end of the day, like Amanda, this is the thing that is crystal clear to me. Not one person on that stage said that Amanda has her own friends. So yes. Ergo, if west is acting like her friend and then suddenly she's only always with his friends, she's just sailing Kyle Cook to another, you know, Totally.
Mary
I believe that 100%.
Lex Nico
And so timeline wise, it doesn't actually matter to me. Like, you were never going to be single girl, because you don't know how
Mary
I. I would love to know her before Kyle. She was never cast for the show. She just started dating Kyle.
Lex Nico
What was. If you reflect, like, she wouldn't. If her and Kyle broke up, she would have never stayed on the show. Like, she has no storyline. She doesn't really have a personality.
Mary
Mm. So when do you think they first hooked up or made out or. What is that timeline for you?
Lex Nico
I think. When did he go on the date with Mia? It was before BravoCon. Mia from Southern Hospitality in September.
Mary
Yes. In the. In the fall.
Lex Nico
Yeah, I think it was around then because she was pre gaming with him.
Mary
Yes.
Lex Nico
Blah, blah, blah, blah. You already again, you see them cozying up in the house that films through August. Like, then they probably started hanging out more one on one after the show. Like, for sure. It was last year and before BravoCon, in my opinion.
Mary
Oh, wow.
Lex Nico
And I do not believe that the first time they had sex was after the.
Mary
Absolutely not. So it's so infuriating that they are lying to us. And it's like the Bravo audience, we are PIs. We are detectives. It's like if you were more forthcoming and fell on the SW a bit and just said, like, we basically hooked up this one time and it just kept happening and this is where we are and and say I am so sorry and be remorseful and like, but we are giving this a shot. Maybe people would come around, but they have done nothing of that.
Lex Nico
Okay. And I have two thoughts and I want your opinions on that. Okay. As it relates to what you just said.
Mary
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Lex Nico
Okay, so I have two thoughts based on what you just said. Number one is do you think that west wants to date Amanda or he feels backed into a corner and now he's like, oh well, I have to put on this front. And like she's kind of happy about it because she can't be alone and she's just like, I've honey trapped you
Mary
a thousand percent backed into the corner. He has wanted to be for the streets. That's kind of how he's gotten away with all of this for so long. I would love to know with Miha if they were what he said to her. We're exclusive, we're dating. I'm not supposed to be hooking up with under other people because obviously the whole time he cheated on her. If that was the case. But they kind of have to make this work from the beginning I said they have to get married. Like, yes, this has to be an all in situation.
Lex Nico
And then my second thought, and I want your opinion, I just. The thing that I cannot reconcile with Mary and I know this has been talked about at length but like how they came into that reunion with no remorse. Like, I don't understand that. And the thing that I keep noticing is like everyone's like, oh, they'll be back next year for sure. It's the drama, the blah, blah. I think they pissed Andy the fuck off. Andy was pissed that west lied to him on Watch what happens live. He's pissed in that green room when they're like giving him nothing before the reunion. Like, I don't know, like why are they acting that way? Do you have any idea?
Mary
I think at this point they're not willing to recognize what they did was wrong. I think in West's mind he's like, I hooked up with Ciara for a summer two summers ago. We were never that serious. I was never exclusive with her. So he doesn't think there's anything wrong with that. And I think that's how Amanda feels as well. And they're more concerned about the timeline and keeping up their lies than, than being remorseful. I don't think they think they did anything wrong.
Lex Nico
Right, but we can roll the tapes, you guys. And you did.
Mary
No, I'm waiting for them in part two to be like, say exactly what I just said. Like, you guys were never that serious. And, and they're going to come at Cyr in that way. That's my prediction.
Lex Nico
But then also to Kyle's point, it's like, okay, but Amanda and Kyle were serious west, so what the fuck?
Mary
It's, it's seriously so insane. What are your predictions for the cast next season?
Lex Nico
I think Andy, you know, they cut the hand that fed them and I cannot see him inviting west back. There's also the rumor and I have no confirmation on this that like Sierra is like, I'm coming back But I'm not. West will not be in that house. So I don't think west will come back. I'm curious with the success or like failure of in the City, what will happen to Amanda? But I could see her not returning to either show just because truly like without Kyle, I don't know what her story, like, I don't know where she fits in. And she did her only friend Katie a disservice with all of this. Cause it's like she's going to be collateral damage as well. But I could see it being Ciara Mia, KJ for sure. Maybe KJ and Dara, if they have broken up, like that will be a little mix up if their ex is in the house. Um, Jesse. 100% Bailey. Bailey. Bailey. She secured season two with that Ben fodder at the reunion.
Mary
Absolutely.
Lex Nico
And I could see Ben and Sabrina Bell coming into the house only if Ciara pushed for it. I think Carl, Lindsay, I think Kyle might be a friend of if they're Will. But like, I don't know. I don't know if Kyle will come back to the house. I don't think Lindsay and Carl will. And then I think we'll get a few newbies.
Mary
It's gonna be interesting because this could potentially be Carl's like end of reality tv. I know there is some hope for him to be in the city because people are loving this Lindsay and Carl friendship that's reigniting. And I think Lindsay is a smart businesswoman and she will play that up for season two of the City, which I presume there will be a second season. Also Yvonne this weekend they had a baby shower for her. She's also expecting.
Lex Nico
Very exciting. Did you see Gabby was there?
Mary
Oh, I didn't see that. I did not see that Gabby was there.
Lex Nico
Okay, put Gabby on In the City. Let's go.
Mary
What do you think about in the City?
Lex Nico
So I'm not 100% sold on it. I think the reason is twofold in that one. Like we're just all so at least for me, like laser focused on the Summer House reunion. Having that second episode after the first episode of the reunion was tough. Just knowing that, you know, we were all dizzy from what we just consumed. But I think it's kind of similar to the Valley where like the valley really grew on me. But to your point of watching hacks, like, I like to sit and watch the Valley, like feeling four episodes at a time. Like, I think within the city it will probably be similar because I think just for me it's Like, I need some time to warm up. There's so many newbies that I just need some time to, like, familiarize myself. And that's just gonna take a few episodes.
Mary
Right. This scandal was also so big that I. I think they did a disservice by. I think they should have run all three of their reunions and then started
Lex Nico
and taken us into and.
Mary
Because people are just like, wanting to analyze this, go over it, just talk about that so much that in the city's getting overshadowed, which I'm actually really enjoying it. And I'm still invested in seeing, like, the demise of Kyle and Amanda's relationship. I think it's fascinating. We'll see. Any other, like, major points from your Refinery article? It was a huge article.
Lex Nico
I know. Sorry, everybody.
Mary
How many pages was that?
Lex Nico
It was eight pages in, like a word, Doc. Yeah, it was, as my editor said, shout out to Kathleen. It was a meticulous recap.
Mary
Any other, like, two major bullet points you want to discuss or.
Lex Nico
I mean, first of all, I don't know if it's a major bullet point, but Jesse Solomon, this is the thing. Just when you think Jesse Solomon, you're like, I'm gonna find a reason not to like him. When Ciara walked out and he said all rise. That was incredible. His timing perfect. And then I felt. So this is why I think Jesse Solomon, who will always be a two person name for me, did not know he was on the brink of tears that entire. Every time he was either crying or tearing up, about to cry. That is a hurt, emotional person on that stage.
Mary
I think he's like, I trusted west with so much and I told him so much information about my own life. And I'm sure they have a lot of, like, secrets together. Just boys being boys. And then he's like, I asked you multiple times and you, like, lied to me. Like, I don't think he knows what is the truth in their friendship. Like, he can't trust the man. And he's genuinely, really, really hurt because I think he feels duped by the friendship.
Lex Nico
I agree. And I think everybody said it, especially Lindsay. Like, as much as, like, you said, like, we're harping on the Amanda of it all. I do hope that in the second and third episodes we see a bit more of, like, the hand coming down on west because, like, west is a manipulative person. He is a chameleon who will shapeshift to whomever he is trying to like or, like, be liked by. And I think everybody, like, I think Jesse is realizing that in real time, Lindsay clocked it. Kyle is so hurt by it. Like, I just think that we're not laying enough emphasis on the west of it all completely.
Mary
Have you met Wes in real life?
Lex Nico
Yes. And he was. He couldn't give a fuck if I lived or died. And, like, I'm literally close with Sierra. Like, not in, like, a ba. You know, like, he just.
Mary
Where have you met him?
Lex Nico
At the Super Bowl.
Mary
Cause that day you were on the boat with us for a little bit, but then you left to go to the Super Bowl.
Lex Nico
To the Super Bowl? Yeah.
Mary
Okay, so then were you sitting with them?
Lex Nico
I wasn't sitting with them, but we were at the same hotel. And before the day before the super bowl, there was, like, an Abercrombie event that was very small that I attended, and they were there, and I was with Ciara and another one of our friends, Ayan, and, like, west came up to her and, like, you know when somebody is talking to somebody else and, like, they're like, you don't exist. Yes, it was very brief, but it was kind of like that. So, like, I'm being dramatic. Let me be clear, because last time I came on this podcast, I got in trouble.
Mary
Oh, no, no, you're fine. You're fine. No, I mean, I was completely duped by him on the boat. Like, ooh. Oh, he couldn't have been nicer. I mean, he was the sweetest. Like, gave me so much attention. But also, we were stuck on a boat for hours, you know, And I
Lex Nico
feel like west is, like, a fun guy. Like, Dara kind of said it well, you know, like, here for a good time, not a long time kind of thing. Like, west is a fun guy. I'm confident in that. He's a likable person. But, like, there's something. There's always something cooking in the back of that head. Right as Lindsay said, that social climby thing.
Mary
Well, I also thought after the super bowl, they could have maybe hooked up.
Lex Nico
Same. I don't have any confirmation of that, but, like, I definitely thought it crossed your mind. You know, you just assume, and then you see the show and you see them flirt. Are we gonna talk about the episode where West. Amanda kisses Kyle during Spin the Bottle? And then west is, like, blackout drunk, and he's, like, grabbing at Sierra, rubbing leg on her, and she looks Jim Halpern to camera, like, what the is going on? Like, you cannot tell me that he didn't. Like, they were nothing when he's doing that to her in the house last summer.
Mary
You Think he got jealous that Kyle and Amanda made out.
Lex Nico
So there's part of me.
Mary
He goes for Sierra that night.
Lex Nico
There is a part of me that
Mary
thinks, no, I mean, I. That's an interesting take. Yeah.
Lex Nico
Roll the tape, your honor.
Mary
Believe me, I'm buying in. Okay. Are you watching anything else? I started Widow's Bay this weekend on Apple based on a recommendation. And the original preview was, like, so spooky and scary. I didn't want to. To watch it. I actually think they did a disservice with themselves with the original trailer because it is amazing. It is hysterical. I love it. It's not spooky, it's funny.
Lex Nico
I'm so glad you said that because I want to watch it. And I went to Apple, had their sort of media day where they previewed all the new shows, and that was one of them. And like, the teaser they had for that show with that little flash was scary. So I'm like, I don't do scary things. Now that you said that. I do really want to watch it. I think I can give it a chance. I just was so scared. So I haven't watched it yet.
Mary
I've.
Lex Nico
Obviously, if anybody goes on my social media, I've watched Off Campus 7,000 times.
Mary
So wait, tell me. I. I am not in the lore of off campus yet. Tell me everything. I know. I know I can be very behind because I'm so. Bravo, focus.
Lex Nico
But yeah, that's.
Mary
Tell me.
Lex Nico
Okay, so off campus is like a teen drama on prime video, and it is based off of a book series called off campus written by a Canadian author, L. Kennedy. It is about this college group of friends. They're on their college hockey team and there's five books, and so they follow, like, each one of their love stories. And then the fifth one is kind of like all of them. And so prime video got the rights, turned it into a show, and like these. These books came out 10 years ago. Like, but as soon as I saw prime video got the rights, this, I'm like, oh, this is gonna be big. I think what Prime Video has done for others, my lord, I saw the summer I turned pretty. I've seen Maxton Hall. I've seen all, like, Culpamia, the Spanish movies. So, like, they know a teen drama inside and out. Okay. And so when off campus came out, I'm like, especially after stupid rivalry just came out and people got into hockey, I was like, these kids lives are about to change. Like, I was scared for them and I was correct. But it is just so Good. The cast is perfect. The way they've evolved the books from, like, you know, even a decade ago. So much has changed in the storyline and like, what, you know, how we communicate and how we talk. Like, that was so great. Just the music. It feels like a CW show again of our millennium. Like millennial generation.
Mary
It's a YA moment. It's a modern day Dawson's Creek, if you will. Yes.
Lex Nico
And they just started shooting season two, but yeah, I love that show. It's just again, I'm Canadian. I read the books. I love hockey, but like, I also love the romance and light drama.
Mary
When did you read the books? Like 10 years ago.
Lex Nico
Not 10 years ago, but like a long time ago. And then I reread them when the show came out. Yeah.
Mary
Wow, you are busy, lady.
Lex Nico
I love to read, but like, those, you know, those books are not like you can read one of those books in an afternoon. They're just totally, totally speed reader and, you know. Yeah.
Mary
Okay, wait. And then you tell us about Dua Lipa this weekend.
Lex Nico
Do you see? I'm in my. Oh, my God, you're so cute. I'm wearing my Dua Lipa jersey because I love her. Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, the loves of my life, my close personal friends got married in London. They just had like a small town hall wedding with their family and friends, you know, doing their civil ceremony. And the rumor is that this week they're bringing everybody, like the bigger group to Sicily for like a full, like, I think it's three or four day wedding week to have like their proper big wedding. Um, and I mean, I don't know if you saw the photos, she looked stunning. Like a suit, almost a. A skirt suit.
Mary
Almost. Yes.
Lex Nico
Yeah, it was like somebody said it was very Carrie Bradshaw when her and Big get married at city hall. And I kind of agreed.
Mary
Okay. Yeah, totally, totally.
Lex Nico
I was gonna say the big rumor is that they're getting married. Now, obviously they've been engaged, but like, the big rumor that is why this timing is happening with their wedding is because he's going to be announced as the new James Bond and he's my first pick. So.
Mary
Okay. Wow, this is very exciting. And then also in weddings this week, and I heard possibly Travis Kelce had his bachelor party in the Bahamas this weekend. Did you hear that?
Lex Nico
I didn't hear that. Tell me more. I guess he was like spotted golfing
Mary
in the Bahamas and Matthew Stafford was there, I think as well. So where do you think they're gonna get married?
Lex Nico
I know that Like, a lot of people said New York, fourth of July, but, like, she has that big Rhode island property, you know?
Mary
I know.
Lex Nico
Couldn't you just do it there? I mean, the.
Mary
I think it's all just about, like, privacy. I'll be very curious. I think it will be in the United States.
Lex Nico
I don't see them doing a destination either. Yeah, I see it being here.
Mary
Yeah.
Lex Nico
So she's got that Toy Story song dropping in 50 minutes.
Mary
Oh, I didn't know about this. What's that?
Lex Nico
So did you see over the weekend, like, there's these TS billboards that went up with, like, clouds, like, teasing that Taylor's gonna be on the Toy Story soundtrack. And then for 1989, they switched the album cover and it had birds in the background. And now it's clouds, apparently on Spotify and Apple Music. And then her website this morning had a countdown that at 2pm Eastern, something's dropping.
Mary
Oh, okay. That's exciting. Okay, let's take a break and we'll get into the Rhode island episode. Okay. Caller 1 wins courtside seats to tonight's game. What? I won floor seats. You did?
Lex Nico
I've been calling for 13 months.
Mary
Wait. Chris. Yes.
Lex Nico
I finally did it.
Mary
What are you gonna wear?
Lex Nico
Men's Wearhouse.
Mary
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Mary
Okay, this episode was called Fools Rush In. This was such an amazing episode, and Liz is flailing now. It is crazy. I think she started out and she was like, I am going to be the matriarch. I have Dolores bringing me in, and I am going to be the head. And my, how the mighty have fallen. The mask is coming off. And it was shocking to see her aligning with Rula out of anyone this week.
Lex Nico
Like, I don't understand how we went from. But he is ma to her now aligning with Rue La La La. Like, what are we doing?
Mary
And that Rula is even a housewife. She does not film. It's crazy.
Lex Nico
Until Liz went and met her for lunch in this episode. When I started watching this week, I truly forgot about Rula. Like, I know she has the whole storyline with the husband and Joellen, but, like, I literally forgot about Rula until Liz met her for lunch. So I'm just like, how are you actually one of the housewives standing there
Mary
with a tagline I don't understand.
Lex Nico
I. I would like to make a point about Liz because you said it's like the mask has come off, and she started as this matriarch. And I find it so interesting that you talk about, like, the evolution of a reality TV star, and you kind of see them trying to produce themself and stay on the straight and narrow. But on the other side, in the juxtaposition, you have Alicia, you have Joelle, and you have Kelsey talking about how Liz is kind of mean, and we hadn't really seen that yet. And I think we are just starting to scratch the surface of the Liz that they know off camera.
Mary
You're totally. You're totally right. I mean, when she says, Dolly was never homeless, Dolly was never homeless. This entire scene gave me, like, so much joy. There is so much happening. So we get out of the Suburban, we sit down at the restaurant. The. The tense, the awkwardness, the uncomfortability. Everyone's like, what are you gonna have to drink? Like, everyone's dying inside. And then Ashley, I walked.
Lex Nico
They literally said, this is uncomfor.
Mary
He's like, what happened then?
Lex Nico
Then I also thought it was really
Mary
funny that they just, like, threw in this random Monique person who is actually a Rosie's friend who is married to Patrick, a former Patriots player. I love how they're all connected. Like, Alicia knows her very well. Too. But Alicia cannot stop crying. She's just, like, inconsolable. And Alicia's just, like, the perfect character to me. She is like Paris Hilton, Elle Woods. And her daughter is also the same.
Lex Nico
Her dada is, like, a diva that is a star in the making. But, yeah, Alicia, her, like, lack of self awareness, almost like flightiness, is what makes her so likable as a housewife. And as of now, I don't believe that that is an act. Like, you know, we've all been duped by our Bravo liberties, But, like, she is so good at being aloof completely.
Mary
She's just herself. Liz is like, I'm going outside. I'm gonna have a cig. Joellen follows her, and Joan's like, you didn't bring me a cig. And I also. I just, like, love a housewife that smokes on camera. It gives me fire. Liz is like, well, now, once again, I'm the monster. Like, she kind of knows where this is going.
Lex Nico
Yeah.
Mary
And Jo Ellen did feel like she was trying to help her. Like, you're an amazing person. You said sorry 12 times. She's trying to calm her doubt in. Liz just gets, like, super animated in this moment. And I couldn't tell because when she goes back to the table, too, she seems to be, like, slurring her words a bit. Do you think she's, like, wasted? And then the aunts kind of talk about medication, and I'm not sure if they were talking about the marijuana. What do you think was going on?
Lex Nico
I mean, okay, there's a few things I've got to break down here, because there is a part of me that sees Liz's point of view in that when Joe Ellen is one on one with Liz, she's like, you said sorry a hundred times. Blah, blah. She's not saying that to Alicia. She can say. And you know, when this is skipping ahead, but when Liz and Joellen have their little dinner in the rain, she's like, what you're saying to Alicia is not wrong. She's allowed to own those feelings. But, like, I am apologizing, so I can see how Liz is getting crazy. But there is something. I don't know if it was that shot they took or whatever, where Liz goes 0 to 100, and you can tell she's drunk.
Mary
Yeah.
Lex Nico
But then Alicia says to her family that she doesn't take, like, eat her own product in terms of the marijuana. So, like, what is she taking, if anything? But there's something. I. I think there's something being mixed
Mary
there it also felt like Alicia got a little bit scared that the aunt said that on camera.
Lex Nico
Like, yeah, yeah. And she was trying to backtrack.
Mary
Uh huh. Like, and that was her saying she doesn't take her product or she was trying to help this situation because she's genuinely scared, I think. But. But going back to the restaurant, this, there was like a cinematic moment because, you know, Liz and Jo Ellen are going at it outside. And I also feel like Liz was getting in Jo Ellen's his face. Like, yeah. And she was saying, get the out of my face. You are a disingenuous. Then they go back in and literally the way that Jo Ellen, like, skips, hops after her, she's like, what did I do? She's like getting really, really upset. And they walk inside, Rich is singing, and the saints go marching in. I'm like, this is Frank Sinatra.
Lex Nico
I was like, what? What is Rich like? Poor Rich is just out here trying to like, catch a tune, sing a show tune. And these women are yelling in the middle of the stage. And poor Rosie, Rosie is so complacent, like, around it all. She's just like, I love his singing.
Mary
And then he's like, wise men say, homely fools run. Okay.
Lex Nico
And. And then Jo Ellen, Joellen, Larry on the stage right now.
Mary
And then Jo Ellen's and Liz, they sit down back at the table and they can't stop. And Joellen's like, you're a nasty human. And literally, Rich is a true artist, keeps on singing. And yes, Liz, like, touches Jo Ellen's
Lex Nico
hair and she kind of tugs on it.
Mary
Yes. But it's to totally ignite her. I think she is trying to provoke Jo Ellen to punch her. Like, she wants Jo Ellen to punch her for sure.
Lex Nico
Yeah.
Mary
Yes. Jo Ellen's like, pull my hair again. I will punch you in the face. And then Liz pushes her chair. And then Liz goes over into Jo Ellen's ear and starts whispering things. And we don't hear what is said. What do you think was said then?
Lex Nico
I feel like Liz threatened her.
Mary
I do too.
Lex Nico
Like, is like, if you don't cut it out right now, like, I will fuck you up. You know? Like, I think Liz was inebriated in that moment, and maybe Joellen was a bit too, but it seemed like what we saw, it seemed like Liz was more activated.
Mary
Yeah.
Lex Nico
And I think Liz probably went in her ear and was like, I will fuck you up. Like, like, come in my face one more time. Tugging my, like, tugging your hair will be the least of your problems.
Mary
I know, I know. Like, she got so scary. And I love that Alicia was like, jo, Ellen, do not react to her. Do not be like. She was like, she's trying to activate you. It was an insane. This was like a top 10 housewife moment for me because Rich just keeps singing the whole time and that's what made it.
Lex Nico
It so good. Mary. It was like they are an arm's length away. They showed how close they were to Rich on that stage. And Rich and the three people band just keep going. Rosie's just like minding her business. Alicia's like, I love this song. And that's why I think for Liz, this is a pattern that this group of women, with the exception of Ashley Iconetti, poor Ashley is used to, you know, like, they're used to this behavior because they just all kept going.
Mary
Right.
Lex Nico
And it is so clear that, like, that was insane.
Mary
Right. And we kind of saw this behavior at her Studio 54 party with her and Kelsey where she kind of forgot the cameras were there and didn't realize they went up to her bedroom. It is cinema. I. But I want to go to capos. I want to see Rich perform same. I'm kind of obsessed with him.
Lex Nico
I love Rich as, like a house husband. I think in these 10 episodes, whenever he's been on camera, he's done such a great job of being a house husband and playing the voice of reason, moving the story along. I think he's solid. And you know what? Him and Rosie take your 5,000 square foot house. House.
Mary
Like, they're so.
Lex Nico
They're cute together.
Mary
I think he will do very well in March Madness. That's my prediction. Do you think they will have kids?
Lex Nico
Maybe when the house is done. But it really didn't seem like she wants them based on the conversation with his family.
Mary
I know, it's so tough. I think she'd be a great mom. I'm really curious about her own mother because obviously they have a really hard relationship and I would love to see that brought to the camera for season two. Personally, I'm really curious if they. If they will end up having kids because I think I. You don't want to feel forced to do anything.
Lex Nico
No, but I think that they would be, like, it would be very. They'd have a very cute kid and they'd be great parents to it. And clearly they have such a big. With Rich's family, big support system that is close by. I think it would be like just a very nice, nice situation for a
Mary
child to come into totally, completely, completely okay, let's talk about Dolores, Liz, and Kelsey because they're kind of rehashing the night. And you can tell Kelsey is like, I want to stay out of this. I do not want to be on Liz's bad side, but I feel like she almost believes Joellen more. What do you think about this?
Lex Nico
Yeah. It seemed like in the conversation with Dolo, Liz and Kelsey that Kelsey is just appeasing and validating Liz's feelings to her face. But then when she goes to paint with Jo Ellen, she's like, on Jo Ellen's side, you know?
Mary
Yes.
Lex Nico
And she also acknowledges she's like, I don't want to be involved because I'm scared of Liz.
Mary
When Jo Ellen says that Liz is like the person from the ring and in her confessional comes out, it's like this. Everything about this. I mean, her painting, the slam pig photo there.
Lex Nico
Oh, it was good. It was good.
Mary
Everything about this show is just so amazing.
Lex Nico
Yeah. This is like a 12 out of 10. This is. You've struck gold. Diamond in the rough type cast. Liz calling her Joe Devil. You cannot make this. This stuff up. No.
Mary
And it's because they're all interconnected. You know, when Alicia says, I've literally known Liz since I was born, I was like, this is deep.
Lex Nico
And Joellen saying, she's like a mother to her. I know, because she's, like, best friends with her aunt or something. But, like, she's a big sister. She's a mother. Like, that's why it's so good, because these people go back, and then it's
Mary
like, then we have Ashley Ey who doesn't really fit in. Do you see her coming for season two?
Lex Nico
So this is where I go back and forth, because my immediate thought is, no, I don't think she's really finding her footing with this group, But I think for season one, she was, like, a really great and necessary bridge to have a familiar face on the cast. That being said, I do enjoy and appreciate the moments where she comes in, like when she came into that dinner and she's like, did I miss something? What is going on? I do think she is good at moving the story along in that capacity, but as these people get more seasoned as a cast, I don't know if we'd need her necessarily, but I like her.
Mary
I agree. I think they can leave the cast as is. They've used a ton of her confessionals, I think, to, like, narrate the story, which I think is interesting. And she is kind of the voice of reason the person, like, the outcast that doesn't really fit in. And Rosie needs someone to back up. Back her up, too. So, yeah, I hope that they all get to come back and they leave the cast as is. We don't need any new people. But I'll also be curious about, like, Rola and Brian, because next week, it looks like they're going to tell her all about this video. And I don't know. I was talking to Gibson and he was saying, I think they're in on something together, kind of like the Salah. What do you think is going on with Brian and Rula?
Lex Nico
I don't know if she, like, accepts his affair, you know, or, like, allows for it. But, like, I don't think any of this is as much of a surprise to her as she's trying to play off for cameras. And I think the fact that, you know, she's like, oh, I feel sick. Oh, this. Like, she's kind of maybe didn't realize, like, how much of this would be brought to the forefront, and she's, like, trying to get out of a contract sort of.
Mary
I know it feels that way. Or I've heard things that she was maybe a friend of, and then they promoted her to full time.
Lex Nico
I do love this cast, but if Rula is not down to film, like, let's test Monique some more. Bring her in. Right. What's her patriot husband Patrick up to? Like, you know, I. I'm just like, I don't think Rula realized maybe the extent that her dirty laundry would be aired. And she is clearly uncomfortable when she's on camera.
Mary
And now she's trying to kind of hang out Joellen to dry. So she. When she sits down with Liz, she alludes to, you know, she shouldn't be so interested in my life. She should go fix her own. And then in her confessional says, Joe Allen hasn't been faithful to Gary. Do you think that she's gonna have receipts at the reunion?
Lex Nico
I think this is a very scary place for Rula to go. And if she's going to make that plain, that claim, I hope to God she does have receipts, because if she doesn't, Joellen is going to scorch the earth with her at the reunion.
Mary
I know. And I mean, I just think about, you know, Jo Ellen and Gary were at Watch what Happens Live together. Mm. I'd be really curious what these receipts are and claims. I feel like it's gonna be from a very long time ago. We've talked a lot about Jo Ellen's Hookups and threesomes. And she's been very forthcoming, so I can't imagine she'd go after Rula about this cheating allegation if she was doing the same on her own.
Lex Nico
Yes. And I think, again, you know, as we learn with any cast of the Housewives, like, the more time they spend on tv, the more comes out. I don't know if Joellen, quote, unquote, wasn't being faithful to Gary. Again, I kind of digress that. Like, Gary probably knows, or maybe he's involved too, or, like, maybe it's a whole situation. I don't think Jo Ellen would be coming out here pointing the finger. I don't. I don't think she's that silly to come out here and point the finger that hard knowing that it might turn back on her.
Mary
Totally. I completely agree with you. And I think Joe Allen will have even more info at the reunion. Again, Brian, let's talk about Kelsey and Bill. I think that she's been broken up with her other guy for, like, two years. Okay. And then that's like, Billie and her have been dating for about a year, and the timeline isn't matching. So I think at the reunion, she's gonna have to, like, say exactly when she moved out of that house. I think she's. Her timeline isn't accurate. What do you think about, like, him continuing to pay her bills?
Lex Nico
The ex boyfriend?
Mary
Mm.
Lex Nico
I mean, this is. This is gonna be harsh. And I, like. Like, I think Kelsey's a good cast member, but what? Like, I get that he's going to continue to pay her bills, but I see Billy's point of, like, how can you fully move on and build an identity for yourself when this person is paying your bills? I understand that you were together for 10 years. I understand you have a lifestyle that you're accustomed to, but, like, if you are gonna say you want to move on and build your own thing, like, stand ten toes down and let's go. You know?
Mary
Like, it feels like this man still wants to have a little bit of control over her. And she's okay with that. Exactly. And I'm like, well, I do think she maybe deserves something out of this. And it's like, we'll get a pan. You know, like, take. Take a lump sum. You don't have to continue to ask for money on a monthly basis, because I'm sure she has to be like, I need this, this, and this. So they're in constant communication, and he still has control of her.
Lex Nico
And I do find it interesting, like, they were talking about her health insurance, and she's like, I have my brain thing, which I fully understand, but what I do find interesting is in her mind, the way that it works is, like, well, my ex pays for it. Or, like, billi, you pay for it. But there's never the process of, like, how do I pay for it myself? And honestly, I kind of die for that. Her brain operates so differently from mine, but, like, I kind of die that. Never once does it come up of, like, well, I should figure it out for myself.
Mary
Totally, totally, totally. What does Billie do? Do we know?
Lex Nico
We don't know. But clearly something just does not pay the bill to the degree that she is accustomed to.
Mary
Complet completely. Completely. Okay, let's wrap this up, because Jo Ellen and Liz, they do this, like, final sit down. It is raining. And Liz is like, you know, I don't want to fight, and I'm not gonna go back and keep talking about the homeless thing, quote, unquote. And I just. I took such offense to you being the peacemaker in that ride. You weren't a peacemaker in this moment. And Joan's like, you're just, like, mean, though. And once again, it just, like, escalates so fast, and I know. And Joanne's like, why are you so mean? Like, you are one of my best friends. And Liz is like, stop saying best friends. I'm the real deal, and you are a fake. And, I mean, she just gets, like, so scary so quickly, I think. And then she.
Lex Nico
And, like, that was the harshest part, was when Joellen said. Said, I'm one of your best friends. And she's like, stop calling me one of your best friends. I was like, liz, oh, my God.
Mary
And then she's like, you are a freak. Pulled your hair. You are the devil. I did not pull your hair. There is something so up about you. I don't need to be here anymore. And bye.
Lex Nico
Bye. Nothing tickles me more on, like, a Bravo show, especially the Housewives, when they deny something and they cut right to the clip.
Mary
I know, I know, I know.
Lex Nico
Nothing tickles me more. She's like, I didn't pull your hair. And then we see her tugging on the hair. But what I love about this cast and why they have done it for me so quickly is, like, the way that things escalate. They are not making this up. This is how they operate on or off camera. Like, things escalate this quickly whether cameras were up or not. And it is a beautiful thing to watch.
Mary
I know. And they honestly, they Fight like their sisters, you know, Like, I mean, I'm one of three girls. Like, sisters are ruthless. They say to your face they could sometimes get physical with each other, like, all this. And that's what's really happening with these women.
Lex Nico
That is what's really happening. And then same with sisters. It's like, the next day you could be like, oh, do you want to, like, go get lunch? It was when Alicia. Alicia was with her family. Like, Alicia's, like, kind of defending Liz to her family when it's like, Alicia and Liz was the whole reason this fight started. And now she's fighting with Jo Ellen more than Alicia. Like.
Mary
Right.
Lex Nico
And then Alicia's defending her. Like, that is a very sisterly process that we're witnessing.
Mary
And those aunts are freaking gold. Oh, she's just jealous. Jealous. She's just jealous of you. You have a perfect life. And Alicia, like, my life isn't that perfect. I never got my Cinderella proposal.
Lex Nico
She's like, I'm not even married. I never, like, got proposed to as I, like, wanted to. Her daughter won Miss Title. Like, what is Miss Title? Like, she can't even say the dance trophy that her daughter won the competition of. Like, I love Alicia. Oh, my gosh. And I love her family.
Mary
It's so fucking good. Okay, so it sounds like you're Team Jo Ellen.
Lex Nico
You know what? This is the thing. I don't think Liz is wrong. I think Jo Ellen did play both sides in the sense that I think Jo Ellen could have said, alicia, you are right to own your feelings, blah, blah. But, like, hear what Liz is saying. She's literally saying, I'm sorry, because in that car, she was saying, I'm sorry. But I think Jo Ellen is trying to play both sides. That being said, I think Liz is. Her delivery and the way she accepts constructive criticism and feedback and how she escalates does not help the situation. So it's impossible to, like, argue or take that person's side because they don't want to hear it.
Mary
Yeah. And I just feel like there's going to be more stuff that comes out about Ma, if you know what I mean. I think there's going to be things that come out about Liz and Gary and Dino in that situation.
Lex Nico
The whole Dino of it all.
Mary
Yeah.
Lex Nico
And how we're seeing Liz is a little Mob Wives esque. Like, Drita. Drita.
Mary
She reminds me of Drita from Mob Wipes.
Lex Nico
Yeah, yeah. It's just.
Mary
And it's so good. I love the, like, old school, the Italian, like, some Mob References Jersey. Like, yes, yes.
Lex Nico
It's.
Mary
It's fantastic.
Lex Nico
And I cannot wait for next week and I need. It's like, you know those tiktoks where they like go like this When Rula is like, I haven't seen any video. I'm like, oh, I am sat. I know.
Mary
It's perfection. I could talk to you about this forever, but it's time to go. Tell us where we can find you.
Lex Nico
And find me all over the Internet at Lexniko, L E X N I K O. And then on Instagram at Conversation Starters as well. That is where I share the sort of water cooler chat the five things you need to know daily to keep you in the cultural conversation. And thank you for having me. I could talk to you all day, Mary. I love you girls. Have the best time whenever I'm on here and it's just so much fun. So thank you.
Mary
I love shooting the shit with another girl. So thank you so much. Make sure to follow Nick, Lexnico and Conversation Starters. Have a great day, everybody. Bye
Lex Nico
Bye.
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Lex Nico
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In this episode, Mary is joined by pop culture commentator and Conversation Starters host Lex Niko. The pair dive deep into the latest episode of "Real Housewives of Rhode Island" (RHORI), break down juicy Bravo gossip, touch on reality TV’s current cultural nostalgia, and offer predictions and hot takes on Bravo futures. The episode is loaded with sharp observations, quick wit, and an authentic out-loud-friends-watching energy.
"They struck gold with her." (06:16, Lex Niko)
“I don’t f*ck with Bethenny, but sometimes I’m like, she is a necessary evil to drive forward the conversation.” (12:09, Lex Niko)
“This hairstyle is a message... I don’t give a f*ck what anyone is saying. I’m living for myself right now.” (13:34, Mary)
“It’s infuriating that they’re lying to us. The Bravo audience are PIs. If you were more forthcoming, maybe people would come around.” (19:05, Mary)
“That is a hurt, emotional person on that stage.” (31:04, Lex Niko)
“It feels like a CW show again of our millennium.” (37:53, Lex Niko)
“It is crazy. I think she started out… the matriarch. My, how the mighty have fallen. The mask is coming off.” (42:58, Mary)
“Liz probably went in her ear and was like, I will f*ck you up.” (50:43, Lex Niko)
“This was like a top 10 Housewife moment for me because Rich just keeps singing the whole time and that’s what made it.” (51:08, Mary)
“Stop calling me one of your best friends. I’m the real deal, and you are a fake.” (62:58, Liz recounted by Mary)
Lex Niko on Las Culturitzas:
“If there was heaven, like, this is my version of heaven.” (05:05)
Lex Niko on Bethenny:
“I don’t f*ck with Bethenny, but sometimes I’m like, she is a necessary evil to drive forward the conversation.” (12:09)
Mary on Amanda & West:
“This hairstyle is a message... I’m living for myself right now.” (13:34)
On Liz & Jo Ellen Fight:
“Liz was inebriated in that moment, and maybe Joellen was a bit too, but it seemed like… Liz was more activated.” (50:43, Lex Niko)
“I think she is trying to provoke Jo Ellen to punch her. Like, she wants Jo Ellen to punch her for sure.” (50:06, Mary)
On RHORI’s Cinematic Chaos:
“Rich just keeps singing the whole time and that’s what made it.” (51:08, Mary)
On Kelsey’s Ex Paying Her Bills:
“Her brain operates so differently from mine, but like, I kind of die that never once does it come up of, like, well, I should figure it out for myself.” (61:20, Lex Niko)
This episode delivers an expert blend of reality drama breakdown, Bravo meta-commentary, and friendship dynamics, all sprinkled with keen cultural insight and unscripted laughs. Both Mary and Lex Niko bring their A-game with incisive, no-holds-barred judgments and loving appreciation for Bravo’s messiest moments. For Bravo fans—or pop culture junkies—this recap is essential listening (or reading).