The Twot Seat: CYNTHIA BAILEY (RHOA)

Summary

Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge

The Twot Seat: Cynthia Bailey (RHOA)

Air date: August 8, 2025
Guest: Cynthia Bailey (Real Housewives of Atlanta)
Co-host: Dolores Catania
Host: Tamra Judge
Note: Teddi Mellencamp is absent from this episode.

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Episode Overview

This lively episode brings Cynthia Bailey—RHOA legend, actress, and entrepreneur—into the "Twot Seat" with Tamra Judge and co-host Dolores Catania. The ladies dig into Cynthia’s experience on the latest season of Real Housewives of Atlanta as a “friend”, her wide-ranging career, her take on the evolution of the franchise, and her personal life, including her new relationship and thoughts on returning to the Housewives. The conversation is candid, warm, and full of the inside-housewives knowledge only insiders can bring.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cynthia as "Friend of the Housewives" & Show Evolution

Timestamp: 04:14 – 10:59

• Cynthia discusses the challenges and upsides of returning as a “friend” rather than a main Housewife, sharing that she created the iconic “friend contract.”
  • Quote: “Navigating a friend role in a lot of ways was just as hard as being a housewife. I thought this is gonna be easier...but I have to say, I was pulled in a lot this season and caught a couple strays.” — Cynthia (07:02)
• She emphasizes the importance of not picking sides, supporting all the women, and says she takes pride in the respect she’s earned from both cast and fans.
  • Quote: “Those ladies still showed me so much respect. They get mad when I even say I’m a friend of the show. They’re like, ‘No, Cynthia.’ That respect was earned.” — Cynthia (10:28)
• The hosts agree that the “friend” role offers flexibility, especially with Cynthia’s busy acting career and business ventures.

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2. On Mentoring the Newbies

Timestamp: 16:14 – 18:09

• Cynthia describes herself as a “safe space” and off-camera confidante for the cast, specially mentioning Angela Oakley and how she encouraged her through a rough patch.
  • Quote: “I was very instrumental in making sure that Angela Oakley stayed in place...I did have a conversation with her on camera and off, just giving encouragement to trust the process...she ended up being one of the fan favorites.” — Cynthia (16:22)

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3. Housewives Dynamics: Brit’s Absence & On-Screen Friendships Falling Apart

Timestamp: 19:17 – 24:20

• Cynthia shares her disappointment over Brit’s absence from the reunion, believing she missed a chance to share her story.
  • Quote: “I was a little disappointed...she had a lot—that was her opportunity to say what she needed to say.” — Cynthia (19:41)
• They discuss the challenges of first seasons and speculate on behind-the-scenes factors, like rumored lawsuits.
• The falling out of Portia and Shamia, two long-time friends, is analyzed. Cynthia hopes for reconciliation and points out how family involvement intensifies drama.

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4. Rumors, Reunions & Potential Returns

Timestamp: 25:31 – 26:21 & 31:00 – 34:12

• Cynthia clarifies she’s never heard Portia say she didn’t want Shamia to have a peach (i.e., a full-time Housewife role), citing Andy Cohen’s reunion comments clearing this up.
  • Quote: “Portia has never personally told me that she didn’t want Shamia to have a peach.” — Cynthia (25:01)
• Cynthia’s relationship with Nene Leakes is in a “full circle” positive place, and she praises Nene’s reality TV skills.
  • Quote: “Nene hands down is always going to be amazing TV...those things were definitely the glory days.” — Cynthia (25:45)
• Cynthia, Tamra, and Dolores manifest her future on reality competition Traders, discussing the evolution and pay bumps for later seasons.

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5. Life Beyond Housewives: New Ventures & Personal Life

Timestamp: 33:39 – 53:24

• Cynthia details recent and upcoming acting roles, including playing a heroin addict in the film Diamond, and shares how being a “friend” on RHOA suits her other pursuits.
• She’s got a podcast with Crystal and a successful partnership in a new tequila with Adrienne Maloof’s family, plus a skincare line.
• Cynthia discusses her love life: a year-and-a-half-long, transatlantic relationship with a younger man based in Amsterdam.
  • Quote: “We have somehow managed to make it to a year and a half...a lot of that is because we’re not on social media together.” — Cynthia (48:00)
  • On age differences: “I feel like with some of the guys my age, they literally treated me like I should be so grateful they chose me...The younger guys are like, hey, I am excited to be with you, I can learn so much from you.” — Cynthia (52:11)
• Tamra and Cynthia bond over menopause and health, discussing weight struggles and advocating for open talk about women’s health as they age.

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6. Social Media, Family, and Protecting the Next Generation

Timestamp: 39:06 – 42:05

• The group discusses the double-edged sword of social media, the hate their children have endured, and how this impacts decisions about letting their kids participate in reality TV.
  • Quote: “Even when Noel came out as fluid...she got so much hate on social media. Like, people were like, ‘You’re going to hell, you shouldn’t be gay...’ It really bothered her.” — Cynthia (39:43)
• Cynthia shares her cautious support for her daughter possibly joining Real Housewives: The Next Generation, stressing the need for mental readiness.

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7. Celebrity Encounters & Silver Linings

Timestamp: 43:35 – 47:01

• Cynthia recounts a “dream DM” from an A-list celebrity (not disclosed on-air) expressing support for Cynthia’s current life direction, saying it canceled out the negativity of trolls.
• She fondly recalls a time Beyonce wished her happy birthday on social media while she was cut off from her phone filming Celebrity Big Brother.
  • Quote: “Apparently, Beyonce wished me a happy birthday...the one time I’m locked up...I get a birthday wish!” — Cynthia (46:38)
• The conversation reflects on how positivity from peers or celebrities can outweigh online hate.

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8. Looking Ahead: Return to Housewives and What’s Next

Timestamp: 53:25 – End

• Cynthia says she’d happily return for another season in a “friend of” capacity and expects most of the current cast to return, except for Brit.
  • Quote: “I’ve made it pretty clear that I would like to go back in that space.” — Cynthia (53:47)
• She teases new cast members are likely each year and previews her podcast and upcoming movie.
• The trio closes with love, support, and admiration—Dolores and Tamra reiterate their respect for Cynthia.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Navigating a friend role...was just as hard as being a housewife.” — Cynthia (07:02)
• “I invented the friend contract. Literally. Listen, the game has changed.” — Cynthia (08:15)
• “Nene hands down is always going to be amazing TV...those things were definitely the glory days.” — Cynthia (25:45)
• “We have somehow managed to make it to a year and a half. A lot of that is because we’re not on social media together.” — Cynthia (48:00)
• “My superpower is that I’m never a threat. That’s how sometimes you win.” — Cynthia (34:43)
• “I’m just taking everything day by day. Wherever it goes, it goes. I’m making incredible memories. I’m having fun.” — Cynthia (53:07)
• “Cynthia, everyone really loves you...and speaking of love, let’s talk about the prince.” — Dolores (47:36)
• "[Menopause] totally messed me up...I've been skinny my whole life, but now when I tell you nothing's moving—nothing really moves." – Cynthia (57:25)

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Highlight Timestamps

• Cynthia’s “friend” role & respect from cast: 07:02 – 10:59
• Mentoring newbies, Angela Oakley: 16:14 – 18:09
• Brit missing the reunion & Bravo drama: 19:17 – 24:20
• Portia/Shamia friendship analysis: 22:00 – 25:31
• Nene Leakes, nostalgia for RHOA’s heyday: 25:31 – 26:21
• Cynthia’s acting roles & personal life: 33:39 – 36:38, 47:36 – 51:04
• Her new relationship & long-distance romance: 48:00 – 53:24
• Protecting children, generational challenges on TV: 39:06 – 42:05
• Positive celeb DM stories: 43:35 – 47:01
• Housewives future speculation & cast changes: 53:25 – 55:28

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Tone & Takeaways

This episode balances deep, heartfelt truths about reality TV, social media, and life transitions, with the warm camaraderie and playful tone characteristic of Bravo alums. Cynthia comes across as grounded, grateful, and empowered, ready for her next act—whatever that brings. Dolores and Tamra’s affection for her, and for the wider "Housewives" sisterhood, gives listeners an insiders’ but also very human perspective on the stakes and joys of life in the reality TV spotlight.

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For more Bravo deep-dives, return to Two Ts In A Pod each week!

Transcript

[Cynthia Bailey]

This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human. Remember when people were nice?

[Tamra Judge]

When we could occasionally stop fighting and come together?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, here's some good news.

[Tamra Judge]

The Ripple Effect is here. Hosted by comedian Jenna Kim Jones. It's a show about how powerful it is when we reach out to one another.

[Cynthia Bailey]

It's the perfect weekly proof that goodness isn't gone.

[Dolores Catania]

The Ripple Effect is more than a podcast.

[Tamra Judge]

It's a reminder that you can start.

[Dolores Catania]

A ripple that changes every everything.

[Tamra Judge]

Listen to the ripple effect on iHeartRadio.

[Cynthia Bailey]

App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Tamra Judge]

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[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

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[Cynthia Bailey]

High Key Listen to High Key, a bold, joyful, unfiltered culture podcast. Speaking of crunchy, what did you think of your trainers? Run. I was amazing on that show, sister.

[Dolores Catania]

Were you? I had some.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I was amazing. And I was better than you would be if you went. This is exactly why Bob is a good drag queen. Because she won't back down. She's not gonna go double back on that lie. I felt like you came in real hot, real strong, and that is just not the game, girl. Yeah, I'm gonna tell you why you're wrong and I can't wait to do this. Please listen to High key on the.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

Iheartradio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Bowen Yang from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, and I'm Matt Rogers from the very same podcast. And guess what? It's the holiday season. And you know what that means. Holiday parties. Vo Holiday parties. They're the best. But there's always the stress of what to wear, what to bring. Easy solution. Okay. Bring a bottle of Casamigos. Casamigos. Wow. That is the move you can make Casamigos mules or Casamigos Espresso amigos cram. And don't forget about Casamigos margaritas. A Casamigos margarita is the perfect cocktail all year round. Casamigos is just the perfect gift that keeps on giving. And as the saying goes, anything goes with my Casamigos. On second thought, a holiday party might be in order. That's a great idea. Please drink responsibly. Imported by Casamigos Spirits Company, White Plains, New York. Casamigos Tequila. 40% alcohol by volume.

[Dolores Catania]

Two T's in a pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamara Judge.

[Tamra Judge]

Hi, guys. Welcome back to another episode of the Twat Seat. And today, co hosting with me is Dolores. Hi, Dolores.

[Dolores Catania]

Hi. So you know that was a very. That was twat when I was growing up in the 70s was the word.

[Tamra Judge]

Yes, I know.

[Dolores Catania]

Do you remember that, Tamara?

[Tamra Judge]

Yes. But our twat is with O. So it's. It's. You know, it actually spells out two T's.

[Dolores Catania]

So that's brilliant and genius.

[Tamra Judge]

Well, it was a total accident, but it worked out. But today we have one of our favorites.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, I.

[Dolores Catania]

All season. Did we not like she's love on her? How could you not love on the. I feel like she's the lady of Bravo.

[Tamra Judge]

Yes. The Ms. Cynthia Bailey. But not only is she, you know, been in the housewife world forever, she's also an actress and entrepreneur. She recently started in a lifetime show. Lots of lifetime shows. Cruel Instructions and is set to appear in the upcoming project Jingle House. Different with me and Bid for Love too. I mean, this girl is booked and busy.

[Dolores Catania]

She don't stop.

[Cynthia Bailey]

She does.

[Dolores Catania]

She also has had her own sheet line, correct?

[Tamra Judge]

Yes. I mean, she has a whole thing alcohol line, sheet.

[Dolores Catania]

Like.

[Tamra Judge]

Like it just goes on and on. Sean, Celebrity big Brother. Like, she just.

[Cynthia Bailey]

She.

[Dolores Catania]

I'd love to see her on more and. And she has her podcast with Crystal.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, yep.

[Tamra Judge]

Absolutely. She has her pod and we will hopefully be seeing her on Traders.

[Dolores Catania]

I mean, she'd do well.

[Tamra Judge]

We'll have to ask her about that. But let's go ahead and bring Traders. I know. I'll do it again.

[Dolores Catania]

Me too. Can we do it again together? Put me in Tamara On.

[Tamra Judge]

We should just do a Housewife Traders. That's it. All housewives.

[Dolores Catania]

That would be some roundtable.

[Tamra Judge]

That would be.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, my God.

[Tamra Judge]

Let's bring her in.

[Dolores Catania]

Cynthia Bailey.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Hi, ladies.

[Tamra Judge]

Hi, beautiful.

[Dolores Catania]

Cynthia, do you realize how much we've loved you all season? Do you know that?

[Cynthia Bailey]

We just. Oh, I just dare you. Trust me. I appreciate both of you guys. Like, honestly, you guys know the deal. It's like you. You know, you film it, you watch it back, and then you wait for everyone's two cents.

[Dolores Catania]

Like, oh, it's so much fun. I'm having so much fun here.

[Tamra Judge]

Cynthia, Cynthia, are you happy filming's over and it's aired? Or did you enjoy the process? Or was it stress?

[Cynthia Bailey]

You know what? I am happy that it's over. I think whatever capacity you are filming a reality show, it's always nice when it ends and then, you know, when you wait for it to start again. So for me, yes, I am happy that it's over, but I really enjoyed my time on the show as an official friend this season.

[Tamra Judge]

Yeah, it's kind of like pregnancy, right? It's like you're pregnant, you're excited, then you're uncomfortable, then you're like, just stop this.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

Then you deliver it. It's horrible. Like the reunion.

[Cynthia Bailey]

And then I was comparing it to giving birth. You know, a lot. It's a lot, but it's a beautiful thing.

[Dolores Catania]

Yeah. And then two.

[Tamra Judge]

And then two months go by and you're like, let's do this again.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Exactly. I never said let's do this again. I will say this. I will say this. You know, navigating a friend role and a lot of ways was just as hard as being a housewife. And, you know, for you, I already got the housewife T shirt, but I was like, okay, this is going to be easier. This is going to be lighter for me. But I. I have to say, I was pulled in a lot this season and caught a couple strays, like, the whole thing. But the one thing I stood strong on was, as a friend of the show, is the fact that I never picked a side. I tried to give all those ladies love. I tried to give them all grace.

[Dolores Catania]

Because you did a great job.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Thank you. Everything that they're going through, I've done it. Did it. Got the T shirt already.

[Dolores Catania]

That's the thing. But Cynthia, isn't it As a friend of. And we spoke about this because I had to make a decision on that, too. First of all, it's so funny that you loved being a friend of because people get pissed off. Like when people come back as a friend of. They're like, oh, it's a downgrade or it's a demotion. But you were like, shit, I get to do everything. I get to go on the cast trips. I get to go do all this stuff. And I don't have to bring on my man if I don't want to.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, well, the game has changed. Listen, I invented the friend contract. Literally. Listen, the game has changed. And what I loved about having my opportunity to come back as a friend, I was able to really, you know, my focus is still my acting career, which.

[Dolores Catania]

That's what I.

[Tamra Judge]

That's what I was going to say. It's probably a perfect role for you because when I did the intro, like, you got a lot going on, Jimbo. Hell's the different for me, the bid for love too. Like, you are busy.

[Cynthia Bailey]

And I just recently played, which I'm so excited for you guys to see. A heroin addict. What?

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, I saw pictures.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Like, everyone was literally calling me, like, oh, my God, who do we need to fight? What happened? Who beat you up?

[Tamra Judge]

That's what I thought that I'm like, what the hell happened to Cynthia?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I know, listen, everyone.

[Tamra Judge]

Housewives turned her to crack.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm telling you, everyone was blowing me up. Understood. That's still my priority. And coming back as a friend, I get to still do all the other things that I have going on.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, Cynthia, I'm happy for you.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I always say this, you guys, and you guys are housewives too, forever. I. I won't ever say I wouldn't do it, but I really, at this point in my life would consider going back when I want to do it. And I still love the space that I'm in right now. I have.

[Dolores Catania]

On your terms. She's going to go back on her terms, this girl.

[Cynthia Bailey]

That's what it is. And I think, you know, I'm just older. I'm at a different time in my life. You're a woman, and I really get to pick and choose how I want to work. And that's a blessing. That's a blessing that I have options.

[Tamra Judge]

It is. And Andy said at the reunion you were the best friend Atlanta has ever had, which was.

[Dolores Catania]

That was a very high compliment and well deserved. So, Cynthia, we have a little question.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, okay. Well, first of all, let me thank Andy for. For saying that, because I sure that he. That he saw that way. Like, I didn't really. Again, I just set out to be fair. We all did be kind, Cynthia.

[Tamra Judge]

At One point he looked to you as like, help. How do you fix this, Cynthia?

[Dolores Catania]

This is fixable.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

I'm like, Andy, isn't that your job to ask those questions right now?

[Cynthia Bailey]

He definitely mad respect. And you guys can see all the, you know, there was a lot of editing, but I, I definitely felt like what, what was great, you guys, is that although I am in a friend space, those ladies still showed me so much respect. They did. They get mad when I even say I'm a friend of the show. They're like, no, Cynthia. You know, that's really nice. You're Cynthia. So I love being seen and just being given that respect that, that meant the world to me, to be honest.

[Dolores Catania]

Well, that respect was earned. Thank you.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Thank you, Dolores.

[Tamra Judge]

Here's the thing about being a great gift giver. When you find something truly perfect for everyone on your list, you almost don't want to give it away. That's what happened with my quints. Order everything so soft and well made, I'm seriously tempted to keep all of it for myself.

[Dolores Catania]

Quint's pretty much has your whole list covered. Mongolian cashmere sweaters for $50 when you'd normally pay $200 or more, the kind you'll wear on repeat.

[Tamra Judge]

Then there's the denim that goes with everything. Silk tops and skirts for when you need to look put together. Cashmere beanies and scarves and down jackets that actually keep you warm. The Italian wool coats, absolute top of my list.

[Dolores Catania]

They look designer and are made with premium materials.

[Tamra Judge]

But like everything at Quint's, the price.

[Dolores Catania]

Won'T make you panic. We're talking way less than other brands charge.

[Tamra Judge]

By working directly with trusted factories that maintain high standards for both craftsmanship and ethical practices, and by cutting out the middleman and markups, Quince is able to pass those savings straight to you.

[Dolores Catania]

I can't tell you how much I'm loving my new cashmere sweater.

[Tamra Judge]

I will be wearing it a lot.

[Dolores Catania]

This holiday season and getting one for my daughter. Slate.

[Tamra Judge]

Find gifts so good you'll want to.

[Dolores Catania]

Keep them with Quince.

[Tamra Judge]

Go to quince.com Tamara for free shipping on your orders and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too.

[Dolores Catania]

That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com Tamara to get free shipping and 365 day returns.

[Tamra Judge]

Quince.com Tamra Sandals and beaches resorts offer their best all inclusive value in the Caribbean through their all in one pricing. Located across the Caribbean's most stunning islands, Sandals Adults only resorts offers immersive experiences, gourmet dining plus both land and water activities including padi certified scuba diving, golf and pickleball. Families love beaches resorts where kids enjoy water parks and parents unwind at the Red Lane SPA. And coming March 2026, beaches Turks and Caicos is set to unveil their latest village, Treasure Beach. There's no better place to experience the Caribbean than at resorts founded by a family from the Caribbean. Visit sandals.com or beaches.com for the best all inclusive resorts and offers.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Before all of the algorithm fed Bala and the endless sea of dupes, shopping used to feel more fun. But here's a confession Podlings. You can find that fun feeling again on ebay. Because on ebay it's not just shopping, it's a full on fashion pursuit. And when you find the thing that adrenaline hit is real. I recently found a dress I had been looking for since I was 19. I saw it on a TV show and I swear it called out to me and it has been something I have come back to time and time again. I have searched everywhere, every single secondhand store until finally I found it in my size. On ebay. It's about the thrill of finding pieces just like that. And I want you to find pieces that feel like you as well. There's always more to discover. Ebay has millions of pre loved finds from hundreds of brands backed by ebay. Authenticity guarantee eBay things people love did.

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[Tamra Judge]

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[Tamra Judge]

Bring your A game and talk to your doctor. Learn [e-mail] or call 1-888-240-0-0340.

[Dolores Catania]

Of the newbies, who would you think you were the closest with? Because I think all the girls did a great job. All of them this year.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Of the newbies, I talked to all of the ladies, the newbies, on and off camera. I had my own little relationship with them because I was kind of the safe space to call off camera if someone was freaking out, to just say, hey, how do I navigate this? You know, what's your opinion? Because they know that I've been through, through it all. So I will say that I was very instrumental in making sure that Angela Oakley stayed in place. She was very upset after the Nashville trip about the whole husband thing and, you know, as she should be. Yes. So she was very upset about that. And she was struggling after that. And I did have a conversation with her on camera and off camera, just giving her some encouragement to just trust the process and just stand in her truth and just be great. And that's exactly what she did. And it ended up, although she was a little bit of a slow burn in the beginning, that really activated her. And I felt like, you know, she, you know, she just trusted my advice because obviously I just gave her the, you know, the honest advice that I could give her, and she ended up being one of the fan favorites, if not the fan favorite.

[Tamra Judge]

She, she became one of our favorites as well. You know, at the very beginning. We're like, with her husband, we're like, ah, man, this is a little uncomfortable. But I feel like toward you know, him being at the reunion and you saw them dancing in the hallway and you saw a different side of him. And, and I just love their dynamic.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I did too know that how you start is. Is maybe not how you finish.

[Tamra Judge]

No. Especially with the men. Because you know what? Not all men are comfortable being on these shows.

[Dolores Catania]

He certainly wasn't. And he's. You would expect him. He's.

[Cynthia Bailey]

He's. No.

[Dolores Catania]

Not shy and no stranger to the limelight.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes.

[Dolores Catania]

But I think maybe him being, he did struggle and being out of it for so long, and then to come back into it around a bunch of women is a little rough, Especially when they're going to be coming for you.

[Tamra Judge]

Well, especially this platform.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Here's the thing. This is what's tricky with reality tv, because I went through this a little bit with my ex, Peter. When we first came on, a lot of people thought that he wasn't super warm and fuzzy with me. So, you know, we. On a show like this, I love when you're just who you really are. And I felt like Charles was very authentic to, you know, who he is, and I think that's why the fans ended up resonating with him. And, you know, the beginning, it's like you can't come on. And, like, you know, I don't like when people put on for the cameras and be like, oh, let me just act super nice in the scene. Like, if you like how you are in your house is how you should be on these cameras, because someone will relate to you, and it is what it is.

[Tamra Judge]

Yeah. Let's talk about Brett. Are you guys friends?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, of course. You know, we filmed together, and I. I do consider her, you know, I. I never had an issue with Brit, so I. I haven't spoken to her, but I'm in a very friendly space with Brit.

[Tamra Judge]

When were you shocked when she didn't show up to the reunion?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I was shocked.

[Dolores Catania]

I think everyone seemed to be, but we don't know.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I was a little disappointed as well, because I felt like things were starting to turn a little bit for Brit toward the end. Fans were starting to, you know, resonate with her a little bit more. And, you know, a lot of the things that happened season 16, you know, she was involved in different ways, so I felt like she was a. We probably would have gotten four. Four reunions had she been there, because she had a lot. You know, that was her opportunity to say what she needed to say.

[Tamra Judge]

I just didn't understand why she didn't show up. And it, like, nothing happened. That was so horrible that, like, I've seen. I've seen girls not show up because, you know, they do something really bad and they don't want to face the fire.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, you guys know, we watch those episodes before we go to the reaction. And I watched the episodes, and I was like, I couldn't understand why she wouldn't come. I felt like the worst was.

[Dolores Catania]

Had already had already been passed, and she stayed on after the worst of it.

[Tamra Judge]

The only thing that I can think of is somebody got in her Ear and is like. Because there was rumors out there, I don't know if they're true, that she was filing a lawsuit, that she could.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Hear about a lawsuit until after the whole. She. After she didn't show up. That's the only time I started hearing about a lawsuit. I never heard anything about it before.

[Tamra Judge]

Okay, well, let's.

[Dolores Catania]

You know what I think, though, about Brett, she was a good housewife, but I don't think it was. Would have been good for her in the end. I think she. She's too messy. I think she's too nasty all the time, and I think that she.

[Tamra Judge]

But she's good. Is that what you're saying?

[Dolores Catania]

She's a great housewife at her own expense, but we love to see it. But I think it would have hurt her in the end, down the road had she stayed on, because now she can't come back.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Right. Well, here's the thing. I think first season is very difficult for everyone. I really don't think it's. Anyone has, like, an amazing, great, like, flawless first season. I wish she had a state to just what a second season would have looked like. Yeah, my first season, I'm like, we were losing our asses. It was, like drama all the time between, you know, myself and my ex, and it was a lot going on. And when I look back, I thought I looked completely insane my first season, but, you know, second season happened, third season happened, and then, you know, I was able, you know, to just figure it out.

[Tamra Judge]

So, yeah, it made me really sad to see the demise of Portia and Shamia. I love them both so much, and, you know, they're so good together, and they've been friends for so long, and sometimes when friends like that come on a show like this, it screws things up. And Dolores can speak for this because, you know, your show, Dolores, family and friends, when you have that much drama in a show, it really destroys families and friends like this. Do you think they're able to move forward?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I hope so. I really hope so. I think they need to take a beat, to be honest. Sometimes I think a little bit of time and space is always good for the healing process.

[Dolores Catania]

Time heals.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, it's different. I've had my ups and downs with friendships on the show as well, but I've never. My mom wasn't besties with any of the ladies that I was best friends with on the show, so I think some of the issues go a little deeper that are bigger than Portia and Shamia, and I think that's when it becomes really personal. And I think that's when, you know you have to defend your mom.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

No.

[Dolores Catania]

100%.

[Tamra Judge]

100%.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Any of that. So that makes it really slippery to.

[Tamra Judge]

Me because, well, I want to see the moms and the daughters.

[Dolores Catania]

Sit down, Tamara. That's episode one. And that's a good idea.

[Cynthia Bailey]

That would be beautiful.

[Tamra Judge]

That would be beautiful.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I've had the pleasure of meeting both of their moms and being around both of them, and they are amazing, beautiful, strong women who have raised these gorgeous children.

[Dolores Catania]

Look at them. Right?

[Cynthia Bailey]

And. But, you know, in a lot of ways, I said this in another interview. You know, Portia and Shamir kind of inherited each other a little bit. It's not like they were, like, playing at the playground and decided to be friends. They became friends through their moms. Oh, yeah. You know, it's like, you know, your mom's like, oh, I'm going over to my friend Diane's house. You're coming with me. And then you play with her kid. And, you know, that's.

[Dolores Catania]

And then you call each other aunt, and then they become cousins.

[Tamra Judge]

Yeah. A long time.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Friendship layers to this, so. Which is why, you know, we have to just give them a little time and grace. But I think, and I will always say this, real, true friendships find their way back.

[Dolores Catania]

It may take real, true ones on both ends. It takes two people to really be real friends. But then, you know, there was the talk that Portia didn't want Shamia to have the peach. Do you find any truth in that at all?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Like, we don't.

[Dolores Catania]

We're really on. We're not. I don't believe that. But we. We were not clear on this conversation that took place. Like, they really didn't follow up on that conversation?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, no. Andy cleared it up at the reunion. Remember when Portia had a conversation with Andy saying, if I ever said that to you.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, that's. You're right. You're right.

[Cynthia Bailey]

She did. And Andy did. Yes.

[Dolores Catania]

Okay.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Clear that up. And I will say that Portia has never personally told me that she didn't want Shamia to have a peek.

[Dolores Catania]

Well, why wouldn't somebody want an ally on the show? Especially somebody as close as the two of them were.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, exactly. Exactly.

[Dolores Catania]

So it didn't really make sense. That's why I was always confused about that. And I don't know where it came from.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I can't remember me. I would love to have, like, one of my childhoods on the show because I feel like, you know, we could, you know, really support each other and have each other's back.

[Tamra Judge]

Well, speaking of that, can you bring Nene back?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I wish I could.

[Tamra Judge]

I mean, you recently went out with Phaedra and Nene.

[Cynthia Bailey]

That'd be so much fun.

[Dolores Catania]

Yes.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You know what? I had am in such a full circle moment with Nene. I came on the show as Nene's friend and you know, we had so many years of just fun times filming together and then we went through ups and downs and all things. And I did her YouTube. She reached out to me about it and she recently did humble brag with us and I love the space that we're in. And Nene hands down is always going to be amazing tv. She's good TV and you just can't make it up. Like those things were definitely the glory days. Yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh yes.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Foreign.

[Tamra Judge]

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[Cynthia Bailey]

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[Tamra Judge]

Price, saving searches and spotting verified listings.

[Cynthia Bailey]

It makes shopping feel smart and exciting again.

[Tamra Judge]

And when you score that rare Adidas.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Collab or that Dior saddlebag you've been manifesting, you It's a rush. Ebay has millions of pre loved finds from hundreds of brands backed by eBay's authenticity guarantee. EBay Things People Love did you know.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

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[Tamra Judge]

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[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

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[Tamra Judge]

Bring your A game and talk to your doctor. Learn [e-mail] or call 1-188-240-0340.

[Cynthia Bailey]

This is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and jewels. For the second season in a row.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

I partnered with T Mobile's Friday night 5G lights, powering up hometown football across America.

[Cynthia Bailey]

This year, T mobile invested over $4.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

Million in prizes to help schools take their Friday nights to the next level.

[Cynthia Bailey]

The votes are in.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

And now it's time to crown our $1 million grand prize winner.

[Tamra Judge]

Congratulations to Derrick's High School and Derrick's.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

Arkansas, home of the Outlaws and your.

[Cynthia Bailey]

2025 T Mobile Friday night 5G lights champion. The Outlaws and their community rallied to.

[Tamra Judge]

Help them score a game, changing home.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Field upgrade, a Gronk Fitness weight room.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

Makeover, an epic 2026 tailgate party and.

[Cynthia Bailey]

A VIP trip to to the SEC championship game.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

To every school that competed, posted and rallied your communities. Thank you and to T Mobile for.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Making it all possible.

[Tamra Judge]

This season may be over, but the story isn't.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Stay tuned for season three in 2026.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

Congratulations again to Derek's high school Outlaws.

[Tamra Judge]

Well, Nene recently hinted that she spoke with Bravo because there was rumors in the past there was some bad blood going on there.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, I remember.

[Tamra Judge]

So I'm hoping that everything's good. I would love to see her at Bravo Con. I'd love to see her back On Atlanta. So let's keep our fingers crossed.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, you know, she was going to do Traders, Tamara, and then we talked about, you know, what happened.

[Tamra Judge]

That's right. That's right.

[Cynthia Bailey]

That was kind of moving, you know, toward, you know, getting back, you know, on the way, opening up the door.

[Dolores Catania]

That is a door.

[Tamra Judge]

Well, I feel like, like ultimate Girls Trip Traders, Things like that really opens the door for housewives that haven't been on for a while.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes, yes. Yeah, yeah. Now actually. What? Wait, you guys go dead Traders already? That's one of the shows that I'm.

[Tamra Judge]

You're doing next. You're doing it next.

[Dolores Catania]

We talked about it out there.

[Cynthia Bailey]

We're manifesting that very patiently to do it. I listen, Cynthia, wait longer and long.

[Tamra Judge]

Wait, Wait longer and longer because the longer it goes on, the more they.

[Dolores Catania]

Pay, more money you make.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, that's true. I didn't think about that.

[Tamra Judge]

I was on season two.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, and you know what? I'm friends with Reza. He was on season one. He said it was like a whole different.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, yeah, it's like a donation. Season one for any show.

[Tamra Judge]

It cost you money. It cost you money to go on it.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You do.

[Tamra Judge]

You just wait a couple seasons. All right.

[Cynthia Bailey]

As long as I'm on the list. Okay.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, you'll be on the list.

[Dolores Catania]

You have to be.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

Where do you stand with Kim Zolciak?

[Cynthia Bailey]

We're in a great place. I mean, she.

[Tamra Judge]

She hates me so much.

[Dolores Catania]

She does.

[Tamra Judge]

She was on Watch Happens Live last week and was talking all kinds of shit about me.

[Dolores Catania]

I think I saw that. Yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

I'm like, girl, I. Whatever.

[Cynthia Bailey]

All right, well, we're good. We actually did a Hulu show together called Got to Get out and we were roommates and we were never close on Atlanta.

[Tamra Judge]

Wait, is that the one Luke produced?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. And I actually won, which by some miracle.

[Dolores Catania]

Stop it. I want to see that.

[Cynthia Bailey]

What was it about for that show, by the way? Myself and my accomplice, we were the only ones to get out. He ran it. He ran it for me. I basically masterminded the whole plan and he. I just needed his legs because these 58 year old legs was not escapes.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, I hear you. So it's a. It's a physical and a mental show.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You're the prisoner in the house and you're like the prison guard. So they basically put 20 people in the house. It's still on Hulu right now. For everyone who hasn't watched it, I'm.

[Tamra Judge]

Going to go watch it.

[Cynthia Bailey]

But so. So you get in this house with 20 different people and you have to try to escape. And the money, the clock goes up. You can win up to a million dollars. So everybody's waiting, you know, everybody's just chilling until it. I think we just kind of chilled until they hit like 300,000. And we're like, okay, now we're going to try to figure out how to get out of here. But like, everyone's on the roof, everyone's watching everyone's move. Like, where's Cynthia? Where's this person? Where's that person? So it's almost impossible to get out. So I had to work on my trust building skills while I was in the house.

[Dolores Catania]

And maybe that's where she'll do good in Traders.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, I have this talent of becoming invisible. Like I literally become the furniture. I'm telling you, like, they forget there because I'm usually, you know, older or maybe even the oldest one. I'm.

[Dolores Catania]

How tall are you?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm 5 10.

[Dolores Catania]

Okay. It's really hard to be invisible, Cynthia.

[Tamra Judge]

And you're like 5:10.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Full force. Listen, when I tell you when. I mean, I did the same thing on Celebrity Big Brother. Like, that was. I just, like, people just forgot I was in there. And then I was like, final three. I was like, because I suck at games. I never win any of the things. But once I clock, neither do I. I clock in same. Tamra. Like, I'm like, I'm not gonna win that. Yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

Any competition, I don't win. And I'm the most athletic person so that I don't. I don't know what it is. I like, freeze or something.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm not. My superpower is that I'm never a threat. I'm never a threat.

[Dolores Catania]

That's how sometimes you win. That's how you.

[Tamra Judge]

That's how you win. Traders.

[Cynthia Bailey]

There you go.

[Dolores Catania]

Right?

[Tamra Judge]

So you use that invisible power and all that when you go on Traders.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You do not see these cheekbones. You did not see this cheekbones. No.

[Tamra Judge]

You're not seeing this beautiful face. These cheekbones.

[Dolores Catania]

I don't know, Cynthia. Any room I've ever been in, you really stand out. So I don't know how that happens.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, thank you. You know, I actually just. I was in talks for another show. I was considering doing it.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, I know what you're talking about.

[Dolores Catania]

I know what you're talking about.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Let's say I don't think I'm going to be jumping out of a helicopter anymore. No, no.

[Tamra Judge]

Not after I heard. Not after I heard the Denise Richards popped her implant.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, my God. Like, I am so terrified. As much as I would like to, like, be fearless and, like, jump off a cliff or whatever, I just don't think. I just don't think it's in my wheelhouse. I don't think I can.

[Dolores Catania]

Well, see, I. I think that I did speak to Teresa, who was on it, and she said it was harder than jail.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah. Oh, shit. No, thank you.

[Dolores Catania]

That's exactly what she said.

[Tamra Judge]

Okay, so they've already filmed.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, I didn't know that.

[Dolores Catania]

No, it's airing.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, I didn't know that. I thought they just announced the.

[Cynthia Bailey]

No, it's passed. No, it's like, I never like to leave money on the table. I'm just being completely.

[Dolores Catania]

And it's a lot of money. That's a good one.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Let me tell you something. I prayed about it. I meditated.

[Dolores Catania]

I'm sure it would have been hard. Cynthia.

[Cynthia Bailey]

That's a lot of money to do that show. And I was like, can I just make it through one episode? Can I just get to the first episode I watched? I was like, all the hard stuff happens in that first episode. Helicopters. You've been dropped into the Indian Ocean. I'm like, oh, my God.

[Dolores Catania]

We in a car. In a car with the windows closed, going under.

[Tamra Judge]

No, I'm too old for that shit.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I cannot. Please do not submerge me underwater in a car and make me have to break out like that. I. I can do a lot of.

[Dolores Catania]

Things, ladies, but no, I have claustrophobia. That just took my breath away.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, all of the things. Afraid of heights, you know, I don't want to, like, swim in the ocean. I don't want to do. I don't want to be closed in. In a situation. And I try, but I was like, you know what? I think this is the one time.

[Tamra Judge]

I'm going, well, Traders is not that bad. Like, the missions are not like that. I mean, they did in the very. I think it was the season one. People had to be buried alive.

[Cynthia Bailey]

They were buried alive.

[Tamra Judge]

But you had a choice, like, you could do it or you don't have to do it.

[Dolores Catania]

I just rewatched the episode. Okay. Buried. Cynthia. Did you see that one with the coffins? They put. They bury them and put the dirt on top, and they have to stay in the coffins till people find them. Listen, not for me.

[Tamra Judge]

I would have died in there, and you could have just left me.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, I could have done that before I jumped out of a helicopter for sure.

[Dolores Catania]

No, not me.

[Cynthia Bailey]

No, but no, you know, with all.

[Dolores Catania]

These shows that you're doing, Cynthia, I, I. What do you think about your daughter if she was approached for the next Gen Z?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, she was right, actually. They're doing la. And as much as I would love her to, you know, show up on reality TV in her own way, in her own space and not be, you know, not being a part of my package because she's only done Housewives with me. Yeah, I would love that for her, but she has to love that for her. And when we've talked about it, I don't, I don't think she's ready yet. I don't think she's ready. But she did watch the season that just aired, and I think at this point, she might be interested in maybe taking a meeting about it, but I just don't know. And, you know, Noel's 25 now. I'm not going to make those choices for her. This is her life. I don't.

[Tamra Judge]

Sure, again, tell her to wait to season three. The pay will be better.

[Dolores Catania]

The pay will be better. And then they get out all the clerks.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Like, you see, you guys have to realize, too, you know, we all have our kids and stuff. Like, we're different. Like, I'm older, like, I'm tougher mentally. Like, I can just kind of. I've been through some, some shit, and I can deal with certain things. I feel like Noel's generation is very fragile. They're very. Yeah. And I don't want to have to deal with that. She's in a great space mentally, spiritually, emotionally, all of those things.

[Dolores Catania]

We don't want to mess. Muddy that up.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I don't want to mess that up. I, I feel good about it. It has to be her choice, and I don't want to have to get anything on the back end because she did it. And I would never force her to do any of it. Like, girl, do you do what you do?

[Dolores Catania]

It's a lot different when you're filming with your mom. Right. And you're just doing this, but when.

[Cynthia Bailey]

It'S all on you, I was still able to protect her a little bit on Housewives.

[Dolores Catania]

Not now. Yeah, no, she won't be there.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah. I was like, no, she's not comfortable doing. Doing, but, like, she would be on her own doing it. And it's still a hard thing to navigate, like reality tv, because. Yeah, but then you got to deal with the fans. Like, even.

[Tamra Judge]

It's the fans.

[Dolores Catania]

They're the nasty ones.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah. Like, even when Noel came out as fluid On Housewives, she got so much hate on social media.

[Dolores Catania]

She did.

[Tamra Judge]

Social media is the devil.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Like, they were like, oh, you're going to hell. You shouldn't be gay. What?

[Dolores Catania]

I would never.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Really bad. And I was like, you know, you can say, don't read the comments. It doesn't matter. These are just trolls. But, like, it really, you know, bothered her.

[Tamra Judge]

I just had this conversation with Sophia, who now, this is her second season on Housewives, and she had a scene with me, and I posted it, and prior to it, you know, we had a conversation like, you know, social media is mean. On and on and on. Are you sure you want to do this? You don't have to do this. You don't want to do it. And she's like, no, mom, I'm fine. I don't care what people say. So we go to lunch the other day and she's like, damn, mom. Like, I can't believe the comments. I go, like what? I said. I, I looked. And, like, it looked like, you know, I try to go through them or have my guy go through them and delete anything that's really nasty about her. And she's like, people are saying I look unhealthy, that I'm a spoiled rotten.

[Dolores Catania]

Brat, and you can't, you can't even, it's an abyss. You can't keep up with them.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I know.

[Tamra Judge]

And then I said, but.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I go.

[Tamra Judge]

She go, I go, but you do understand, 99% of them are really nice. And, and we agreed that it's like that 1% that you focus on.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, it's true.

[Dolores Catania]

That's human nature.

[Tamra Judge]

It's human nature. And, and it's just. Oh, it is, it's, it's hard.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I would literally probably do, like, I'm, I'm so open at this point because I feel like once you do Housewives, you can do anything. But I still feel like, you know, for our kids and stuff, especially, you know, for me speaking just for my kid, I, I, I, I want to still protect her as much as I can. Let her go be great and do the things that she wants to do. And after that whole thing happened with her coming out, she actually got off social media for a few months. She just couldn't.

[Tamra Judge]

Smart.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Smart. Yep.

[Tamra Judge]

Smart.

[Dolores Catania]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Bailey]

And even now, she's very private. Like, Noel doesn't do podcasts. She doesn't really put her private life out there that much, which is one of the things why she was, one of the reasons why she was having a little trepidation about doing gen X. Because she's like, I don't know if I'm ready to really show my life, because good for her criticism and the, you know, the hate that, you know, we all are subjected to on social media. So.

[Tamra Judge]

Yeah, well, speaking of bullying. That's bullying. But speaking of protecting people, you're close with Denise Richards, correct?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes.

[Tamra Judge]

Have you spoken to her recently? How is she doing?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I have not, but I just literally got back to LA yesterday and, you know, it's one of those situations when people are going through things because we, you know, we all have people that are going through stuff. Of course I was devastated. Yeah, give her a beat and some space and then just say, hey, you know, I know you're going through a lot because when crazy things are happening to me, it's very overwhelming. When everyone's texting you and calling you, you're like, I just need a beat. I just need a minute. But I love Denise. It broke my heart to see. To learn that she was going through that and dealing with that.

[Tamra Judge]

It just gave me chills when I saw she had a black eye.

[Dolores Catania]

You never know what someone's going through behind closed doors. You just don't.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Absolutely. So I'm gonna give her a call and try to, you know, have a drink with her while I'm.

[Tamra Judge]

Yeah, give her our love. For sure.

[Dolores Catania]

Yes. We stand behind her and the. Again, social media here, she's actively being abused. The proof is there. And people are saying nasty things about.

[Tamra Judge]

Her social media and it's so bad, it's.

[Dolores Catania]

I mean, how. How could you say nothing, say. Unless it's support in that.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Say less.

[Dolores Catania]

Unless. Unless if you. Unless if you know it firsthand. But, I mean, come on, look at. Look at what that woman's going through. Just.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, it's horrible.

[Tamra Judge]

So are we talking about the boyfriend?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Wait, wait, wait. But I do have, like. I know we're just talking about all the horrible things with social media, but I will share one good thing about social media, please. Going back to. And I can't say who it is because I have to reveal it on my own show, but I'm going to tee it up on here. Okay. I actually got a very nice DM from a huge celebrity like Beyonce level. It's not Beyonce.

[Tamra Judge]

Lenny Kravitz.

[Cynthia Bailey]

No, don't guess, don't guess. Tamara. I gotta reveal it.

[Dolores Catania]

But the point Tamara has to know she cannot wait for your podcast.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Really nice, lengthy dm. Oh. Basically saying how much she enjoyed me this season. She just loves seeing me in this space and I seemed really happy and just really confident and just really. And just in a good place in my life.

[Tamra Judge]

And, oh, my God, how exciting to.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Be seen by people that you actually. Not the trolls that hate you, but, like, I know.

[Dolores Catania]

And there you go, like, public people.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I, I. So I was like, yes, this is, like, this cancels out any negativity because this person has taken the time to reveal it on humble brag. But I just wanted to say, I.

[Tamra Judge]

Can'T wait to hear.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Actually, you know what? I was actually having a pretty crappy day that day. And then I, you know, I was getting ready to go shoot the movie, and I checked into my hotel, and I was like, okay, let me go see what's happening on social media. And I saw this dm, and I was like, wait, is this real? Is the number. It's really.

[Tamra Judge]

Is it. Is it somebody that you follow?

[Dolores Catania]

Look, Tamara's not going to.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You cannot do this with Tamra.

[Tamra Judge]

And do they follow you?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes, they do. Okay.

[Tamra Judge]

I'm on a hunt, you know, or.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Let it go, Tamra. I will.

[Dolores Catania]

Cynthia.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You know better. I just.

[Tamra Judge]

I need to know for myself. That's it. I remember back in the day, I don't know, it's probably five years ago, Khloe Kardashian commented on one of my posts about Eddie because Eddie was having heart problems and stuff. And, I mean, I didn't even know it because there were so many comments.

[Dolores Catania]

My.

[Tamra Judge]

My daughter saw it or my daughter's friend, and then it was like, I was, like, fan girling out, and I screenshot it and I put it on my Facebook, of course. How embarrassing, though, for me.

[Dolores Catania]

I hate to say that it's not too significant for you, because she wished me a happy birth one year, and I almost. Chloe, and I'm sorry, but I love her. She's so beautiful, and I know.

[Tamra Judge]

I just love. She's my favorite out of all. I love all the girls, but she's my favorite out of. Out of the Kardashians.

[Cynthia Bailey]

They're a lovely family. Put it all out there. I have one more. I have one more. Okay, okay, okay. Celebrity Big Brother house. And I had no phones, no nothing. I was, like, literally in prison right when I got out, they were telling me everything that happened while I was in there, because I was in there for, like, a month and a half.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

No.

[Cynthia Bailey]

But apparently Beyonce wished me a happy birthday.

[Tamra Judge]

Stop it.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes. Yes. She has, like, a. A page that she wishes certain people happy birthdays, and she wished me a happy birthday, so I was like, the one time I'm locked up in prison, I get a birthday. You missed that, like, one of my baby pictures. And she said, happy birthday, Cynthia. So.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, my goodness.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Anyone who's mean to me, I.

[Dolores Catania]

There you go.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Fire me. So now we know.

[Dolores Catania]

But now we know how we make other people feel.

[Cynthia Bailey]

There you go.

[Dolores Catania]

When we give them grace or when we do a little something and just happen to come across some random account on Instagram and just say, you know what? Happy birthday. Your dog is beautiful. I'm sorry. I do that all the time. Someone loses their dog, like, it could probably be from 10 years ago. It comes up. I'm like, I'm so sorry for your loss. But it means a lot. It does.

[Tamra Judge]

Especially when it's Beyonce.

[Dolores Catania]

It doesn't surprise me. Cynthia, everyone really loves you. And speaking of love, let's talk about the prince.

[Cynthia Bailey]

The prince? My prince. Like, lord, send me a king, but he sent me a prince instead. So.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, my God. That should be your tagline.

[Dolores Catania]

You made your own tagline better than probably the one they give us.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I just thought of that. How are things going? You know what? We have somehow managed to make it to a year and a half. Wow. A lot of that is because we're not on social media together. Going back to social media. The bad stuff. Yeah. And I feel like, you know what? When you put your private business out there, you give people permission to have a say, to come.

[Tamra Judge]

Now you're in Atlanta and la, Right. So where does he live?

[Cynthia Bailey]

He lives in Amsterdam.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, that's right. That's right. You know, that's where our cast trip was this season.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Amsterdam. How was.

[Dolores Catania]

Was fun?

[Tamra Judge]

It was a lot of fun. I had never been there before, so I always love going, you know, somewhere I've never been. So how often do you see each other?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Okay, so this is how it works. So when he comes. He's coming next Sunday. He comes for, like, two months, and then he goes back for, like, two months.

[Tamra Judge]

So he stays with you?

[Cynthia Bailey]

He works there. He works. You know, his work is there.

[Dolores Catania]

He's a musician, so he's American.

[Cynthia Bailey]

He stays with me when he comes. Absolutely. So here's the problem. He here for unlimited time and just go back and forth, work. But I can't. I don't work in IT over there. So my. My work is all here. So I can't just go to, you know, Amsterdam for three months.

[Tamra Judge]

Have you been?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I have, yes. We went there. I spent Christmas. We spent the holidays together last year, and then I got a chance to go To Switzerland with him to watch him perform, which was, like, amazing because he's so talented.

[Dolores Catania]

But, yeah, Cynthia's glowing and she's in love. And this is a year and a half.

[Cynthia Bailey]

This is.

[Tamra Judge]

What's the end game?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Distance.

[Tamra Judge]

You can't just keep having long distance. Do you think about, like, the future?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I love that long distance conversation. I'm, you know, we. I am in a pretty big age gap relationship. I'm older. I'm like, in my season right now. Like, I'm at that age where honestly, I want to retire in 10 years. I really do. Like, that's my plan. So I'm just really, like, hustling, just getting it all in and trying. That's my goal. That's where I'm trying to go. He's like, way younger, so he has his whole career and life ahead of him, where I'm like, I got to take every phone call, I got to check every email. Like, I have to get it so I can set myself up so I can sit my butt down and relax in 10 years. Right. So, you know, with that said, I can't go to Europe for three months. I, you know, I have to get it. And he understands that, but it is a little frustrating for us. But anyway, he's coming next week for a couple months.

[Dolores Catania]

Are you in love?

[Cynthia Bailey]

We'll just keep going and see what happens. Like, I don't know where we're gonna end up. A lot of fun.

[Tamra Judge]

Well, I bet you are keeping.

[Dolores Catania]

It's keeping you young.

[Tamra Judge]

I bet you are.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Listen, I'm in very good shape being chased around like Bailey when he's a kid.

[Dolores Catania]

Wait, Cynthia, I have a confession. So when we were at the two T's podcast.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah. Yep.

[Dolores Catania]

Were you dating him then, around then, or.

[Cynthia Bailey]

No, it's been. How long ago was that?

[Dolores Catania]

I think a year and a half.

[Cynthia Bailey]

That was. That was kind of like the early stages.

[Dolores Catania]

I know, because. October.

[Tamra Judge]

It was October.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, yeah. Yep. Yep. Because we're like, either was just starting. I can't remember. I just know it's about a year. We're about a year and a half in now.

[Dolores Catania]

I heard you on the phone.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, I know.

[Dolores Catania]

You were sitting next to me and I didn't tell one.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Here's the reason. I don't know if I will ever get married again, but he's like, never been married. That's the whole thing with the younger guy. I've done everything, and he hasn't done all of those things. Right. I mean, the good news is, you know, he has he has a son already, so.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, that's good.

[Tamra Judge]

That's perfect.

[Dolores Catania]

Does he want more children?

[Cynthia Bailey]

If I was able to give him some kids, he probably would. But I, you know, I'm done. I'm out of the baby thing. I. It's not happening. I, you know, I couldn't do it if I even wanted to at this point. Side of that. But it does come up. It's like, fun dating a younger guy, but there's so many things. Like, I've just lived and done so much, and he's still starting to do all of the things I've done already. So sometimes it's like.

[Tamra Judge]

Does it make you nervous?

[Cynthia Bailey]

You know what? It doesn't make me nervous, Tamro. What it does is like, you know, sometimes I feel like. I don't know, like, I aimed for someone a little closer to my age, but I feel like that doesn't always mean that I'm compatible with them. And I feel like with some of the guys are my age. They literally treated me like I should be so grateful that they chose me.

[Dolores Catania]

Because you were their age and they.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Could be with a younger woman. So please.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, give me a break already. See, the younger men are much smarter.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Guys are like, hey, I am excited to be with you. I can learn so much from you. Like, they can't learn from the people, people that. That are their own age, because they're all in it, you know, they're trying to figure it out. So.

[Dolores Catania]

No wonder she's in love.

[Cynthia Bailey]

So question. It doesn't really scare me. I'm just at a space now where I am just taking everything day by day. I'm not.

[Tamra Judge]

Yeah. Just letting it happen.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm an overthinker. I'm not going to overthink it. Like, wherever it goes, it goes, and wherever it doesn't, it doesn't. And that's just what it is. The point is, I'm making incredible memories. I'm having fun. This guy's been consistent. He loves me, I love him, and we have a great time together. Oh, good.

[Tamra Judge]

I'm happy for you.

[Dolores Catania]

Well, I'm so happy for you.

[Tamra Judge]

In closing, Cynthia, what's next for you?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Wow. What's next for me? Well, I would love to go back to Housewives in a friend capacity again.

[Dolores Catania]

She likes the friend thing.

[Tamra Judge]

Well, you should. You guys just finished, so you should be filming pretty soon, I would imagine.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes, they are gearing up to film. I figured they were announced yet, but I've made it pretty clear that I would like to go back in that space.

[Dolores Catania]

So in your own opinion, and I know you can't reveal this because you don't know. You don't know. You think everyone's coming back, the same people that left?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I would imagine that everyone's coming back except Brit, obviously. Obviously.

[Dolores Catania]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah.

[Dolores Catania]

But I. I enjoyed this. This cast very.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Talking about Atlanta again, like, when I tell you everywhere I go, people. People are talking about land.

[Dolores Catania]

So, yeah, I. I enjoyed this cast very much.

[Tamra Judge]

I got a little scared because Shamia put out some video.

[Dolores Catania]

Yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

And I thought, oh, my God, she's not coming back. So that's why I'm asking. Yeah. I DM'd him. I'm like, don't tell me you're quitting. She's like, oh, no, no, no. So I'm like, oh, thank God.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I don't think she is going anywhere.

[Tamra Judge]

No, no, no. The only way she would go anywhere would be on her own. Well, it wouldn't be because they got rid of her.

[Cynthia Bailey]

She's too good. She was great. Great addition to the show.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, I'm so excited. We got to talk.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm looking forward to that, if that works out. You know, Stay tuned for the season 17 announcements, and I will confirm that there is some new blood coming in, for sure. That's always.

[Dolores Catania]

Somebody did talk about that.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes. Yeah. Every season that I've been on the show, they always still look for new people. That's just always.

[Dolores Catania]

They're always casting on YouTube, right? O.C.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Camera. Yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, they always cast, and sometimes even if they don't bring anybody in, they still cast.

[Dolores Catania]

They're always looking because they don't know.

[Tamra Judge]

Maybe somebody falls out during negotiations. You know, who knows?

[Dolores Catania]

Things happen.

[Cynthia Bailey]

So season 17, hopefully, you know, humble brag. You know, Kristen and I, we got some things going on over there. Super excited about my movie to drop. It's called diamond, where I play the heroin addict. What else?

[Tamra Judge]

And we'll see you at BravoCon, right?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, yes. And I'll be at Bravo Con. Yes. Yes.

[Dolores Catania]

Can't wait. That'll be here before you know it. This summer went really fast, and November will be here.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Gonna be there as well, right?

[Tamra Judge]

Yeah, we'll be there.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah. Y. Yep. And, oh, ladies, we have to turn up. I have a new tequila as well that has a bottle of that. My Tequila commissarial. And that's like, a partnership that I actually did with Adrian Maloof's family, and that's like, a whole thing.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, wow.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, I'm excited. Send it over.

[Cynthia Bailey]

And I gotta send you guys, my skin care, my gouisama. I have a beautiful, amazing moisturizer and a face oil. And I know people like face oil.

[Tamra Judge]

I love face oil.

[Dolores Catania]

Face oil.

[Tamra Judge]

I love them. I have. Because people think that it makes your skin break out or clogs, of course. And it doesn't at all because I have really dry skin.

[Dolores Catania]

Me, too.

[Cynthia Bailey]

But you know what? When you put your moisturizer on, the great thing about our face, well, it just seals in the moisturizer. So you moisturize, because a lot of times you put it on the morning, and then like, three hours later, you're like, wait a minute, where did it go? It just, you know, it seals a moisturizer way. So I got. I got a lot going on. I got a lot.

[Dolores Catania]

This menopause skin needs it. Send it, girl.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm telling you. I'm telling you. Are you on the other side now? You. You're on the other side of it.

[Tamra Judge]

I'm on the other side.

[Dolores Catania]

I don't feel like I'm on the other side. I don't feel.

[Tamra Judge]

She's. She's going through it right now.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Pop ups.

[Dolores Catania]

Oh, no. I'm just tired. And. And, And. And the weight and the. Yeah, I haven't. I don't think I'm on the other side of it. I don't know that feel like I'll ever be.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Totally messed me up. Like, I. Before I started my whole menopause journey, my body was a completely different body. That's why, you know, I partnered with Weight Watchers just to help give me support to try to lose weight. And it's hard to get it off now. And I've been, like, skinny my whole life from the whole modeling thing, but now when I tell you nothing's moving, like, I don't even have. I could, like, not eat for three days, and still nothing really moves.

[Tamra Judge]

It's. I went through that when I was going through menopause. Like, I gained weight, and no matter what I did, and I've always been the one, like, I did not gain weight. And if I wanted to lose a pound, all I had to do is not eat for a day, you know?

[Dolores Catania]

Well, there needs to be more talk. Yeah, we need to talk more.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah. No, I, you know, I love talking about, like, all, like. Well, I just love women and talking about what we go through.

[Dolores Catania]

Me, too.

[Cynthia Bailey]

So anytime you want me to jump on the menopause train and keep that conversation going, like, I'm all into health and wellness because I'm at, you know, health is a priority. I'm, you know, Absolutely. I'm up there.

[Tamra Judge]

I'm same age as you.

[Cynthia Bailey]

So you are.

[Tamra Judge]

I'm 57. I'll be 58 September 2nd.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, my goodness. And I turned 58 in February. Thank you. I may have to eventually get your doctor for that face thing you got where you looked crazy and now you look amazing.

[Tamra Judge]

Oh, yeah, absolutely.

[Dolores Catania]

Her mother thought she had road rash or fell off her motorcycle.

[Tamra Judge]

I know. I'm like, thanks, Mom. She's like, you look horrible.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Thank you.

[Tamra Judge]

Thank you very much.

[Dolores Catania]

Well, your skin is beautiful.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I don't like gatekeepers. I like if you're looking good, tell me what you're doing, girl.

[Tamra Judge]

Right.

[Dolores Catania]

That's not gatekeepers.

[Tamra Judge]

When I do things, I'm like, here it is. And this is what I'm doing.

[Dolores Catania]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes, absolutely. And you get to get it for free, mostly.

[Ad Readers/Commercial Voices]

That too.

[Tamra Judge]

That too.

[Dolores Catania]

That's the perk.

[Tamra Judge]

But thank you so much, Cynthia.

[Cynthia Bailey]

We really appreciate the time.

[Dolores Catania]

It was such a pleasure to see you. I fangirled over you all season.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, thank you for my flowers, lady. You know, I love both of you very, very much.

[Tamra Judge]

And we love you.

[Cynthia Bailey]

It's always good when you see what's happening to go to your. Your. I'm like, what is. Tamara and Dolores, you guys always have my back. You guys have my back the whole time.

[Dolores Catania]

Well deserved. Well, yeah.

[Tamra Judge]

It's so easy to have your back.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Dolores Catania]

So thank you for taking the time. My busy woman.

[Cynthia Bailey]

All right.

[Dolores Catania]

Bye.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Bye.

[Tamra Judge]

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[Cynthia Bailey]

You've got the New Year's motivation, but the crowded gym? Not so much.

[Dolores Catania]

Keep your drive.

[Cynthia Bailey]

With iFit, we bring the world's best trainers right to your living room. Whether you want to crush a studio cycle class, build strength, or zen out with yoga, iFit adapts to to your pace and your schedule. No waiting, no judgment, just results. Make 2026 the year it sticks. Start [e-mail] Ever wish you could try.

[Tamra Judge]

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[Cynthia Bailey]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.