TJG: RHORI S1 E10 with Lex Niko!

Summary

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Two Judgey Girls: RHORI Recap with Lex Niko!

Episode Date: June 1, 2026

Hosts: Mary (Bay Area), special guest Lex Niko

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Episode Overview

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.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Las Culturitzas Blue Carpet & Celeb Sightings (03:13–10:44)

• Lex Niko shares her exhilarating experience attending the Las Culturitzas award show taping, teasing an "absolute fever dream" of a guest list and production extravaganza.
  • Notable attendees included Will Ferrell, Pikachu, Mandy Moore, RuPaul, Paige & Hannah, Ciara, and more.
• Observations on the Bravo talent present and why moments like Frasier and Matt walking the carpet together stood out.
• Analysis of how Chanel Ayan is a breakout personality:

  "They struck gold with her." (06:16, Lex Niko)

• Tangent on the dynamics and social media undertones between the Summer House women, especially the trio photo of Hannah, Paige, and Ciara—which reignites the "what if Amanda was there?" conversation.

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2. The Power of Millennial Nostalgia (09:37–10:44)

• The hosts reflect on the generational obsession with nostalgic pop culture, especially among Millennials and younger generations.
  • Mary: “I don’t remember resonating with Gen X’s culture as much as [Gen Z/Alpha] do with ours.” (09:56)
  • They credit reality TV’s 2000s boom—Simple Life, Newlyweds, Osbournes, Jersey Shore, Housewives—as a cultural anchor.

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3. Weekend Bravo/Pop Culture Catch-up: Bethenny, Sports Illustrated, Summer House Scandals (11:13–19:39)

Bethenny Frankel’s Polarizing Presence (11:13–12:30)

• Lex assesses Bethenny as a “necessary evil” in pop culture:

  “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)

• Mary admits to being “addicted to watching her” despite her negative feelings.

SI Runway & Influencer Coverage (12:31–13:20)

• Shout-outs to Stassi, Alex Earle, Kristen Cavallari, and football wags including George Kittle’s wife.

Amanda & West’s Italy Saga and "The Bunny Tail" Hair Discourse (13:21–19:39)

• Breakdown of Summer House drama around Amanda, West, timelines, and the infamous messy bun:

  “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)

  • Debate on whether West and Amanda's relationship was organic or a post-scandal PR necessity.
  • Sneaky guest-list analysis: Was Amanda always West's plus-one?
• Sharp skepticism about their narrative:

  “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)

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4. In-Depth: Summer House Reunion — Timelines, Friendships, Fallout (16:27–19:39, 24:31–32:39)

• Lex’s Refinery29 recap highlights, including the evolving Amanda/West dynamic and theories about the shifting alliances.
• Discussion on emotional betrayals, especially West’s dishonesty with Jesse:

  “That is a hurt, emotional person on that stage.” (31:04, Lex Niko)

• The “Ariana Madix edit” theory and how cast members strategize their image for longevity.
• Extended consideration of who should or shouldn’t come back for the next season, with predictions on cast shake-ups and “the hand that feeds them” falling out with Andy Cohen.

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5. Reality TV Spin-off Analysis: RH in the City and The Valley (29:08–30:30)

• Mixed reviews for In the City (spin-off), with acknowledgment that stacking fresh casts after a huge reunion fatigue may have impaired viewer attachment.
• Both hosts foresee it growing on fans, echoing the slow-burn success of The Valley.

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6. Pop Culture Roundup: YA TV, Celebrity Marriages, Taylor Swift Rumors (35:13–41:09)

• Lex passionately recommends Prime’s teen drama Off Campus:

  “It feels like a CW show again of our millennium.” (37:53, Lex Niko)

• Dish on Dua Lipa & Callum Turner’s civil ceremony, possible Sicily wedding, and speculation on Callum as the next James Bond.
• Mention of Travis Kelce’s rumored Bahamian bachelor party and speculation on a forthcoming wedding with Taylor Swift.
• Mary reveals anticipation for a Taylor soundtrack drop for Toy Story, fueling further Swiftian investigation.

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RHORI (Real Housewives of Rhode Island) Detailed Recap

Episode: “Fools Rush In” (42:58–66:37)

The Liz Meltdown & Shifting Alliances

• Liz’s failed attempt to control the season; mask slipping, and unexpected alliance with Rula.

  “It is crazy. I think she started out… the matriarch. My, how the mighty have fallen. The mask is coming off.” (42:58, Mary)

• Rula’s inconsistent involvement as a Housewife—a running joke of this season.

Standout Restaurant Scene

• Tense group dinner escalates into a cinematic chaos as Liz, Jo Ellen, and Alicia’s grievances combust.
• Breakdown:
  • Liz and Jo Ellen’s cigarette confrontation outside (“You didn’t bring me a cig!”).
  • Liz’s erratic behavior, slurred words, and escalating physicality:

    “Liz probably went in her ear and was like, I will f*ck you up.” (50:43, Lex Niko)

• Comic relief: Rich singing Sinatra as chaos erupts mere feet away.

  “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)

Best Friends to Scorched Enemies

• Heated whispers, hair pulls, and whispered threats.
• Jo Ellen’s devastation after being shut down by Liz:

  “Stop calling me one of your best friends. I’m the real deal, and you are a fake.” (62:58, Liz recounted by Mary)

• Mary and Lex compare them to fighting sisters—anger turns to family-style loyalty the next day.

Kelsey’s Dilemma; Rula’s Schemes

• Kelsey tiptoeing between alliances, oscillating support between Liz and Jo Ellen.
• Speculation about Kelsey’s ex still paying her bills and the resulting lack of independence.
• Theories about Rula possibly being in on her husband’s infidelity or trying to exit the show to avoid more dirty laundry.

Reunion Foreshadowing & Final Predictions

• Both predict fireworks at the reunion—Rula threatening to expose Jo Ellen’s supposed infidelity, but the house consensus is Jo Ellen is likely unbothered and has more dirt herself.
• Lex predicts Rich will go far in March Madness Bravo voting; both hosts root for minimal cast changes in Season 2.

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Memorable Quotes & Standout Moments

• 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)

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Important Timestamps

• 03:13 Las Culturitzas blue carpet breakdown
• 11:13 Bethenny Frankel pop culture assessment
• 13:21 Summer House: Amanda, West, and the “bunny tail” saga
• 19:05 Mary calls out reality TV cast for lying to the audience
• 24:31 Does West want to date Amanda or is he trapped by the scandal?
• 31:04 Jesse Solomon’s emotional betrayal by West
• 41:09 Taylor Swift Toy Story soundtrack theories
• 42:58 RHORI "Fools Rush In" episode discussion begins
• 50:06 Liz allegedly provoking Jo Ellen to get physical
• 51:08 Rich’s serenade as chaos explodes at the table
• 62:58 Liz’s harsh disavowal of Jo Ellen as a best friend

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Final Thoughts

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).

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Transcript

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[Mary]

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[Lex Nico]

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[Mary]

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[Lex Nico]

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[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]

They've got today's looks for any occasion. And I need to look like a celebrity. Don't want to stick out. Exactly. They've got Chill Flex by Kenneth Cole,

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Mary]

store for the perfect fit.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Congrats. You can stop calling now. Not a chance.

[Mary]

Hit any look for every occasion at Men's Wearhouse. Love the way you look.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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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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[Mary]

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[Lex Nico]

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[Lex Nico]

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