Podcast Summary: "Dirty Rush: Shocking Sorority Rush Behavior"

Podcast: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
Release Date: September 13, 2025
Hosts: Gia Giudice, Jennifer Kessler, Daisy Kent (Guest Hosts)
Guests: Sophie Cunningham, Katie, Jane, Leslie
Focus: The shocking rise of "dead fishing" or "throwing around" in sorority recruitment—where girls sabotage their chances at certain sororities to "game the system."

Main Theme and Episode Overview

The episode shifts focus from a planned celebrity guest (Mercedes Northup from The Bachelor) to a hot, controversial topic in modern sorority rush: "dead fishing" or "throwing around." This is a calculated behavior where potential new members (PNMs) intentionally act uninterested (or even rude) at certain houses they see as less desirable, hoping it improves their odds at getting into a "top-tier" house. The hosts and their guests, all with personal sorority recruitment experience, debate how new and widespread this is, its impacts, and share real stories from those on both sides of the process.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

What is "Dead Fishing" or "Throwing Around"?

• Definition: Intentionally acting withdrawn, uninterested, or even breaking rush rules so a sorority will drop you, letting you focus energy on preferred chapters.
• Quote: “They intentionally are quiet, maybe not even nice, disinterested, so that house does not invite them back. ...They think they're beating the system.” – Sophie Cunningham (03:22)

Is it ‘New’?

• Sophie is shocked by this behavior, insists it’s a new phenomenon. “This would never have happened in my era... it’s so mean.” – Sophie Cunningham (04:51)
• Gia and Daisy argue that while the terminology is new, the behavior may be subconsciously present in past generations—girls always gave less energy to less preferred houses. (05:39)

Is It Effective—or Just Mean?

• Consensus: Trying to ‘game’ the system rarely works; it’s disrespectful to sorority members putting in effort, and it can backfire.
• “I had a couple people say, oh, yes, so and so did that, but she didn’t end up with a house. And it’s like, exactly.” – Sophie Cunningham (07:17)
• The sense of entitlement of some PNMs is called out: “When you have that attitude, 90% of the time, it doesn’t go your way.” – Gia Giudice (08:48)

The New Sorority Rush Culture: Pressure, Coaches, Social Media

• The group is surprised at how 'Rush coaches' are now common, prepping girls to present a curated version of themselves. (09:13)
• “When you’re hiring a coach to get you into this top sorority, they’re making you someone you’re not.” – Daisy Kent (09:15)
• Social media’s influence is discussed. “All those girls doing OOTDs…some schools are frowning upon that…aren’t really so into that.” – Sophie Cunningham (11:29)

The System’s Perspective: Is There Any Real Advantage?

• The computerized “algorithm” behind Greek recruitment is opaque—it’s doubtful that sabotaging interviews really increases your odds with better houses.
• “Gaming the system in rush really doesn’t work.” – Sophie Cunningham (07:17)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On hurting others:
  "I think subconsciously is a good word...I would never put them in a situation like that or myself." – Daisy Kent (06:15)
• On reputation:
  “If you go into a sorority and you’re an asshole…everyone’s talking during the recruitment process, so you still want to make a good impression and represent yourself.” – Gia Giudice (06:36)
• On authenticity:
  “Because you weren’t your true, honest self and you were doing all these things. That is not what the recruitment process should be like, 1,000%.” – Daisy Kent (09:47)
• On social consequences:
  “If you think you’re throwing one house, you could be throwing five…they could go home and be like, ‘This girl was so rude.’” – Leslie (40:21)

Real-Life Stories & Testimonies

Katie (Guest) from California (15:15–24:30)

• "Dead fishing" is real, even outside the South.
• She purposely talked about her boyfriend (usually against the rules) hoping to get dropped from a less-preferred house (Tridel), but the sister interviewing her happened to love that detail, which backfired:
  “I thought my best alternative was to break the rules and talk about my boyfriend.” – Katie (16:52)
  “My plan completely backfired...she’s just feeling really bonded to me in this moment, and I am losing it.” – Katie (21:05)
• Ultimately, she ended up in her favorite house (DG), found the process stressful, and now regrets not just being honest:
  “Sometimes honesty is the best answer.” – Gia Giudice (23:51)

Jane (Guest) on the Chapter Side (24:46–31:08)

• Confirms girls purposely act aloof or rude: “They act mean on purpose so the chapter won’t ask them back…” (24:58)
• The effect on active members is demoralizing.
  “We’re not getting to know the girls because of their personalities. We’re getting a super boring version of them who doesn’t want to be with us.” – Jane (25:45)
• Gave an example where a PNM’s “unique question” was “What’s your favorite color?” and ultimately responded: “I really like beige.” (26:14)
• Chapters try to report rule-breaking, but “You can't be kicked out of recruitment for being boring.” (26:53)
• Some PNMs ask intentionally uncomfortable questions (i.e., about religion) to get dropped, which can lead to blacklisting from even more chapters. (29:41–30:15)

Leslie (Guest) – When It’s Not Malicious (33:34–41:36)

• Freshman on the dance team, overwhelmed, accidentally had to take a Zoom rush round from the bathroom during a performance.
  “I run off the court, and I immediately go. And I grab my laptop. I'm still in my uniform, I'm sweating...in a bathroom.” – Leslie (35:19)
• Didn’t intend to offend, but didn’t make a connection due to the chaos and was dropped.
• Warns that even “small schools” and friend overlap means word gets around fast if you behave poorly:
  “If you think you’re throwing one house, you could be throwing five houses. They could go home and be like, tell their roommates this girl was so rude.” – Leslie (40:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• What is "Dead Fishing"/"Throwing Around"? – 03:09–05:40
• Gaming the system & repercussions – 06:36–07:17
• On hiring coaches and authenticity – 09:13–09:47
• Social Media’s impact – 11:04–11:44
• Personal Stories: Katie – 15:15–24:30
• Personal Stories: Jane (chapter member perspective) – 24:46–31:08
• Personal Stories: Leslie (accidental "throwing around") – 33:34–41:36

Takeaways & Advice

• "Dead fishing" hurts everyone: It can backfire for the PNM and is emotionally taxing for active members.
• Being authentic is key: Pretending to be someone else—via a coach or through dead fishing—results in worse outcomes.
• Word travels fast: Negative behaviors can have larger social consequences beyond just the one house.
• Open-mindedness pays off: Many guests/hosts said the “right” house isn’t always who you expected, and genuine connection matters more.

Final Reflections

• The hosts (Gia, Daisy, Jennifer, and Sophie) urge future PNMs to resist the temptation to "game the system."
• “Don’t do this. Do not do this. It’s totally bonkers.” – Sophie Cunningham (07:17)
• Approach recruitment with an open mind and your true self:
  “Go into every round really just showing your best efforts because you are at the end of the day representing yourself.” – Gia Giudice (39:19)

Summary prepared for listeners interested in the modern realities—and pitfalls—of sorority recruitment, with rich discussion and candid first-person accounts.