Podcast Summary: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge

Episode: By Order of the Faithfuls: It’s Basically A Wellness Retreat (S3 Finale)

Release Date: December 19, 2025
Hosts: Teddi Mellencamp, Tamra Judge
Guest Recappers: Wells Adams (Host), Dolores Catania (Season Winner)

Episode Overview

This episode brings a lively, detailed recap of the Season 3 finale of "The Traitors," with guest Dolores Catania—one of the season’s winners—alongside Wells Adams. The discussion dives deep into the emotional and strategic twists of the last day, key vote-offs, endgame alliances, and behind-the-scenes confessions. Dolores opens up about the psychological journey, the unique wellness-like atmosphere of the competition, and her reflections on trust, gameplay, and personal transformation. The hosts tease the upcoming Season 4 and offer humorous predictions on which Housewives will bring the drama.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Reflections on the Final Day & Emotional Impact

• Dolores describes the finale’s surreal atmosphere (04:04):
  • Standing in the mostly empty castle, Dolores compares the loneliness to the bittersweet loss that comes with aging.
  • Quote: “It was almost…is this what it’s like when you’re older and a lot of people have left you? It was just a weird feeling.” – Dolores (04:04)
• Personal growth & wellness transformation (05:46–07:14):
  • Dolores talks about her time off social media, returning to prayer, and the peace she felt—comparing the experience to both jail time “institutionalization” and a wellness retreat.
  • Quote: “It was so peaceful. The noise of everything outside was shut down…I feel like I needed it.” – Dolores (05:46)

Breaking Down Strategic Moves & Betrayals

• Roundtable drama and Brittany’s pivotal move (07:14–09:46):
  • The team unpacks Brittany’s decision to vote Danielle out, justifying it by scapegoating Dolores.
  • Dolores calls Brittany “a ruthless gamer”—someone “who will not take you to the end because clearly she didn’t.” (11:31)
• Retrospective on alliances and mistakes (09:46–11:31):
  • Regret is expressed over not targeting Gabby instead, and Dolores points out that trusting Brittany (“screw me once, shame on you; screw me twice, shame on me”) was Danielle’s big misstep.
  • Wells and Dolores discuss the possibility and rarity of having two Traitors win together.

The “Seer” Twist & Endgame Suspense

• Seer reveal and uncertainty in alliances (14:33–18:06):
  • Brittany is revealed as the Seer—Dolores notes the chaos this twist introduces and jokes that being chosen as Seer would’ve put a “bullseye” on her back.
  • Dolores would have chosen to verify Dylan’s loyalty if given the chance.
• Final challenges and wellness analogies (19:15–21:32):
  • Recapping a physically demanding mission involving running and a helicopter, Dolores surprises herself with her fitness and matches it to her clean eating.
  • Quote: “I felt like my body feels like a machine…I belong here.” – Dolores (20:18)
  • The experience is likened to a “wellness retreat,” with references to morning ginger-lemon shots and Dolores not wanting to leave her room.

The Ultimate Vote & Fire Pit Tension

• Pre-fire pit tension and unanimous vote (24:41–31:20):
  • In the final roundtable, emotions are raw. Dolores notes her determination to vote out Brittany, regardless of outcome.
  • Quote: “For the first time, I thought with my head, not caring about somebody’s feelings.” – Dolores (25:49)
  • Details about the fateful vote, waiting for colored pouches, and physical discomfort standing on the fire pit rocks heighten the drama.
• Behind-the-scenes facts (31:04–32:24):
  • Dolores praises the show’s light-handed production style, saying it’s “the least produced thing ever.”
  • The suspense over Dylan’s revealed loyalty and the group’s relief on the satisfying outcome: “It was such a breath of fresh air and such a weight lifted.” (31:53)

Aftermath: Confessionals, Celebration & Prize Sharing

• Immediate aftermath and celebration details (32:24–34:09):
  • Dolores describes a champagne toast, late-night confessionals, and the emotional high of winning.
  • She shares the touching moment of calling her mom to share the victory.
  • Her mother’s nonchalant but supportive response adds comic relief.
• Winnings & Generosity (38:01–38:32):
  • Dolores splits her prize money among her family and charities, ultimately buying nothing for herself.
  • Quote: “I like when other people buy my things. I like when Paul pays for my stuff. I don’t buy my own stuff. It hurts.” – Dolores (38:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Emotional Evolution:
  • “I didn’t want to go back to what I left…my fear right now, because I didn’t want to go back to just not being present.” – Dolores (05:46–07:14)
• On Brittany’s Ruthlessness:
  • “Brittany’s a ruthless gamer. Yeah, she really is.” – Dolores (11:31)
• On the Show’s Endurance:
  • “[The show] is the least produced thing ever in the world. Like, it’s unreal how little produced it is. They don’t step in for nothing.” – Dolores (31:20)
• On Winning:
  • “I’d like to call my mom and tell her I won.” – Dolores (34:09)

Preview & Predictions for Season 4

• Dolores speculates that new drama among Housewives is inevitable in the next season, especially at the roundtable, teasing insider knowledge from previous collaborations.
• Humorous banter about betting on Dorinda—not being the first one out—closes the episode.
• Quote: “I know exactly what will happen. I know where it’ll come from. I know who will start it, and I know who will finish it.” – Dolores (36:44)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:04 | Dolores reflects on loneliness and the emotional atmosphere | | 05:46 | Personal transformation, peace, and “wellness camp” feeling | | 07:14 | Brittany’s pivotal vote and roundtable drama | | 09:46 | Regrets, Gabby’s potential, and Brittany’s game strategy | | 14:33 | Seer twist and trust in endgame alliances | | 19:15 | Endurance mission, wellness analogy, and fun challenge recap | | 24:41 | Final roundtable, emotional exhaustion, and game theory | | 31:20 | Fire pit suspense; production style commentary | | 32:24 | Post-win celebration, confessionals, calling her mom | | 38:01 | What Dolores did with the prize money | | 36:02 | Season 4 predictions and future drama |

Tone & Style

• The episode balances humor, warmth, honesty, and occasional sarcasm—particularly in Dolores’s self-deprecating reflections and banter with Wells.
• Emotional vulnerability and rawness punctuate the discussion of the intense, isolating final days.
• Strategic gameplay analysis is blended with relatable moments about real-life friendships, regret, and personal growth.
• The episode closes with excitement and playful speculation about the next season.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Stands Out

Even if you haven’t watched the finale, this conversation gives you an engrossing, emotional journey through the last day’s suspense, strategic betrayals, and the behind-the-scenes experience of the winner. Dolores’s candidness adds depth, moving the recap beyond mere plot summary into genuine, heartfelt storytelling—with plenty of laughs and inside scoop for Housewives and reality TV fans alike.