The Twot Seat: CYNTHIA BAILEY (RHOA)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge - Episode: The Twot Seat: Cynthia Bailey (RHOA)

Release Date: March 11, 2025

In this episode of Two Ts In A Pod, hosts Tamra Judge and Cynthia Bailey delve deep into Cynthia’s multifaceted career, personal life, and her ongoing journey with The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA). The conversation offers an intimate look into Cynthia’s experiences both on and off the show, her approach to relationships, and her perspective on the evolving dynamics of RHOA’s latest season.

---

1. Welcome and Introduction [02:36 - 03:12]

Tamra Judge opens the episode with enthusiastic welcome remarks, highlighting Cynthia Bailey as not only a prominent figure in the Bravo universe but also a dynamic entrepreneur and actress. She emphasizes Cynthia’s versatile career trajectory—from reality TV to modeling and scripted television.

Tamra Judge [02:49]: "Today we have a girl that I like to call not only in the Bravo World but in the real world, Ms. Cynthia Bailey."

2. Career Highlights and Current Projects [03:13 - 05:36]

Cynthia Bailey shares insights into her bustling career, balancing her role on RHOA with various acting projects. She highlights her recent work, including Lifetime's "Cruel Instructions", and upcoming projects like "Jingle Hells," "Different with Me," and "Bid for Love."

Cynthia Bailey [04:03]: "Acting is still my number one priority, but as the inventor of the friend contract, full circle moment."

She discusses the challenges and logistics of filming multiple projects simultaneously, particularly how filming in Atlanta has been advantageous.

Cynthia Bailey [04:57]: "It just worked out the season. It just worked out the season."

3. Personal Life and Relationships [05:37 - 09:06]

Cynthia opens up about her personal life, including her recent birthday celebration and her approach to aging gracefully. She candidly discusses her age, turning 58, and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and confidence.

Cynthia Bailey [07:56]: "I'm older, I'm wiser, and I'm just tired, girl."

She also touches upon her romantic life, revealing a year-long, private relationship with Le Prince, a musician based in Amsterdam. Cynthia explains their decision to keep their relationship off social media to maintain privacy.

Cynthia Bailey [06:18]: "I've been dating someone for almost, almost a year now."

4. Involvement with RHOA and the Friend Contract [09:07 - 12:00]

Cynthia discusses her long-standing role on RHOA, emphasizing her creation of the Friend Contract, a tool she developed to manage and sustain her friendships both on and off the show.

Cynthia Bailey [04:09]: "I came up with the friend contract."

She explains how the contract allows her to focus on her acting career while maintaining meaningful relationships with fellow cast members.

Cynthia Bailey [09:27]: "I'm still in my world, on a break or a pause."

5. Season Dynamics and Cast Relationships [12:01 - 18:27]

The conversation shifts to the current season of RHOA, dubbed "Sweet 16", highlighting significant cast changes and dramatic developments. Cynthia reflects on the departure of key cast member Kenya Moore and her hopes for her return.

Cynthia Bailey [16:15]: "Kenya is one of the smartest cast members we have on the show, and she's great freaking TV."

She also discusses the introduction of new cast members like Shamia, Brit Kelly, and Angela, praising their energy and ability to integrate seamlessly with the original members.

Cynthia Bailey [20:18]: "They come in hot. They're not intimidated. They're reciprocating the same energy they get."

6. Addressing Drama and Maintaining Harmony [18:28 - 23:07]

Cynthia shares her approach to handling drama on the show, positioning herself as a peacemaker and the "voice of reason."

Cynthia Bailey [11:05]: "I pride myself on just trying to be the voice of reason when I can."

She offers insights into specific conflicts, such as rumors surrounding Drew and Dennis, asserting that their relationship is strictly professional.

Cynthia Bailey [15:26]: "I hope not. We worked really hard on trying to get to the bottom of that."

Additionally, she comments on Portia, her close friend on the show, and the ongoing challenges Portia faces, ensuring to highlight their supportive relationship.

Cynthia Bailey [14:58]: "She's still my favorite person to laugh with on the show."

7. Reflections on Casting and Future of RHOA [23:08 - 27:55]

Cynthia reflects on the casting choices for the new season, emphasizing the importance of introducing strong personalities who can hold their own without fear.

Cynthia Bailey [20:18]: "If you don't respect them, they're not going to respect you."

She expresses optimism about the show's direction, believing that both original and new cast members understand their roles and contribute positively to the season's narrative.

Cynthia Bailey [21:46]: "There's always room and timing for the other cast members to come back."

8. Personal Growth and Podcasting [27:56 - 30:26]

Transitioning from her RHOA experiences, Cynthia discusses her involvement in podcasting, particularly her collaboration with Tamra Judge on Two Ts In A Pod. She describes podcasting as therapeutic and enriching, allowing her to explore topics freely in a safe space.

Cynthia Bailey [29:53]: "It's almost like therapy for me."

Cynthia also hints at future collaborations, such as potential pod swaps, showcasing her enthusiasm for expanding her media presence.

9. Support for Cast Members and Final Thoughts [30:27 - 30:26]

In the closing moments, Cynthia expresses heartfelt support for Teddi Mellencamp, acknowledging her recovery and the challenges she faces.

Cynthia Bailey [28:24]: "I am always praying for Teddy."

She concludes by reaffirming her love and commitment to the podcast community, thanking Tamra and expressing hope for continued collaboration.

Cynthia Bailey [30:23]: "All right, Tamra, I love you."

10. Post-Interview Segments [30:32 - End]

The transcript includes promotional segments and fictional podcast advertisements, which are not covered in this summary as per the guidelines to skip non-content sections.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Cynthia Bailey [04:03]: "Acting is still my number one priority, but as the inventor of the friend contract, full circle moment."

• Cynthia Bailey [06:18]: "I've been dating someone for almost, almost a year now."

• Cynthia Bailey [11:05]: "I pride myself on just trying to be the voice of reason when I can."

• Cynthia Bailey [20:18]: "If you don't respect them, they're not going to respect you."

• Cynthia Bailey [27:55]: "Cynthia Bailey: I think Phaedra's fans are going to be excited to have her back. You know, she's got her housewife fans, she's got her traitor fans."

---

Conclusion:

This episode of Two Ts In A Pod offers a comprehensive and candid exploration of Cynthia Bailey's life, both professionally and personally. From her strategic maneuvering within RHOA to her heartfelt discussions about aging and relationships, Cynthia provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of her journey. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity, resilience, and supportive relationships in navigating the complexities of reality TV and personal growth.

Transcript

[Tamara Judge]

Virgin Voyages is the adults only destination for anyone seeking a luxurious and award winning vacation at sea. Exclusively adult award winning cruises By Virgin, over $1,000 in value is included in every sailing and everything they offer from their menus created by Michelin star chefs to their cabins designed by top international firms is award winning. Relax, Restore, Revive. Your cabin was designed to give you a gorgeous place to feel renewed. Book [e-mail] or contact your travel advisor.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Like your must watch list Our network is all over the place because T Mobile helps keep you connected from big cities to your hometown on America's largest 5G network. Switch now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off at the $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com keepandswitch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card will have 15 days qualify and unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required card is no cash access and expires in six months.

[John Cameron Mitchell]

Do you remember what you said the first night I came over here? Ow goes lower from Blumhouse TV, I Heart podcasts and Ember 20 comes an all new fictional comedy podcast series. Join the flighty Damien Hirst as he unravels the mystery of his vanished boyfriend. I've been spending all my time looking for answers about what happened to Santi. What's the way to find a missing person? Sleep with everyone he knew? Obviously. Listen to the hookup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Holly Hunter]

This is John Cameron Mitchell and my new fiction podcast series. Cancellation island stars Holly Hunter as Karen, a wellness influencer who launches a rehab for the recently cancelled. In the future we will all be canceled for 15 minutes, but don't worry, we'll take you from broke to woke or your money back. Cancellation Island's revolutionary rehab therapies like bad touch football, anti racism, spin class and mandatory Ayahuasca ceremonies are designed to force the council to confront their worst impulses. But everything starts to fall apart when people start disappearing. Karen, where have you brought us Cancellation island, where a second chance might just be your last. Listen to Cancellation island on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cynthia Bailey]

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

[Tamara Judge]

Hey guys, welcome to another episode of the Twat. Seat is with me, Tamara Judge. And today we have a girl that I like to call not only in the Bravo World. But in the real world, Ms. Cynthia Bailey, who is an actress, an entrepreneur girl, is booked and busy. She went from reality to modeling, reality TV, scripted TV. She's done it all. So let's bring in Ms. Cynthia Bailey.

[Cynthia Bailey]

What's up, friend?

[Tamara Judge]

What's up, girl? How are you?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm good.

[Tamara Judge]

Good. Are you on a little press tour today?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I am, yes.

[Tamara Judge]

Are you in New York or L. A?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm in Atlanta.

[Tamara Judge]

You're in Atlanta.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Okay.

[Tamara Judge]

I have already seen the show. Oh, my God, it is so good. Like, it is like Atlanta, like, years ago, when it was on top. When we were on top. Yeah, yeah. It slid down a little bit, but they got it right back up there. How are you doing?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm doing great. I'm doing great. You know what? I had so much fun filming with these ladies, Tammy. Acting is still my number one priority, but as the inventor of the friend contract, full circle moment.

[Tamara Judge]

Like, are you really the inventor of the friend contract?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I came up with the friend contract. Yes. Yeah.

[Tamara Judge]

I didn't know that.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I gave a friend contract to Nene years ago. I forgot what season it was. And it's just so funny that I have a friend contract and I'm an official friend for season 16. And it's great because for me, I'm still able to focus on my acting, you know.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I don't know, schedule. And when I pop in, I pop in. And, you know, I have a, you know, it's fun reconnecting with the ladies. And, you know, I have a lot of history with some of the OGs, and, you know, I made some new, you know, friendships with the. With the new lady.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah, we'll get into that. But you have recently starred in Lifetime's Cruel Instructions, you're appearing in upcoming projects, Jingle Hells different with Me and Bid for Love, too. You are freaking busy. How were you able to film while you're doing all this?

[Cynthia Bailey]

You know what? It just ended up working out, honestly. First of all, some of this stuff filmed in Atlanta, which was helpful, and when it didn't, we were just able to work around my schedule if I had to leave. I shot a show for Hulu that's coming out in April. It's called Got to Get Out. So I'm getting ready to start press for that. And I was there in Canada, shooting there for, like, you know, 15 days. But in any case, I've. Look, I was on a consistent housewife for over a decade. I love that I still get to be a part of the show in a Way where I can show up and hang out with the ladies. We just worked it out. It just worked out the season.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah. I was thinking the last time I saw you was at Twat's Con, but it wasn't. I saw you at Crystal's party. Yeah, Crystal's holiday party.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You look so beautiful, by the way. We can't. I did.

[Tamara Judge]

Oh, thank you.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Stunning. Like, stunning. Absolutely.

[Tamara Judge]

It's all about the makeup artist. It's all about the glam team.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I know, I know. Tell me about it. Mine just left about three hours ago, so.

[Tamara Judge]

Well, my. I just rolled out of bed and looked like this, but. Oh, well. So I saw some stuff on social media about maybe your love life.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Bet you did.

[Tamara Judge]

I saw. I saw a little something. Something out there. Any you want to share with us?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, sure. At this point, TMZ is pretty much out at the situation, but I've made no secret that I've been seeing someone. I've been dating someone for almost, almost a year now. And I don't know how we were able to keep it secret for this long, but we have intentionally not done social media. We stay off social media. We don't post together. So we've kept that part of our lives very private. So that helps. But in real life, we're outside. We're always.

[Tamara Judge]

Are you gonna tell the listeners who he is?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, I think TMZ already did. That is Le Prince. He is a musician from Amsterdam. I just call him Amsterdam. You guys may get a little sneak peek of him here and there on the show because I FaceTime with him a lot. It is a long distance relationship, but he's been able to spend quite a bit of time in the States with me. And I got a chance to go to Amsterdam over the holidays to see him perform for the first time in Switzerland. So that was really great. And yeah, it's been almost a year now and it's going well. It's going well. You know, I get usually, you know, I get all into my relationships. I'm a Pisces, I'm a lover of love, and I usually do the most this time since I've been married and divorced twice, I just wanted to just take my time and just really get to know him outside of any outside distractions like social media.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah, no, I don't blame you. And let me tell you from someone who knows, the third time's a charm.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Thank you.

[Tamara Judge]

The third time is a charm. The other two are just, you know, you practice, you do things, you know, and then the third Time around, you're like, this is what I want and this is what I'm going to get.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, here's the thing, Tamara. I'm. I just celebrated a birthday. I have never made a secret about my age. I just turned 58. It is what it is. I'm older, I'm wiser, and I'm just tired, girl. I have no time or no, I'm.

[Tamara Judge]

Going to be 58 this year.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, get out of here.

[Tamara Judge]

57 years old. September 2nd, I'll be 58 years old.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, you look amazing.

[Tamara Judge]

Do you ever, like, say the number and go, whoo. How'd that happen?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I know. Well, you know what? Now that I'm getting. Now that it's not, you know, I've always like you. I know that representation matters. I've always stood on my age. I made such a big deal out of turning 50. But after, be honest, after 55, and, you know, at 58, it's a lot closer than to 60 than it is.

[Tamara Judge]

That's how I feel right now.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm like, I'm gonna stop it at 60. Once I turn 60. No one will know how old I am from that. Yeah.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah. I mean, there's like, people that lie about their age and don't want anybody.

[Cynthia Bailey]

No, I don't have time for that.

[Tamara Judge]

I don't have, like, who cares? Like, I, I. It is what it is. And it's better than the alternative.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Absolutely. And it's not how old you are, it's how you look, it's how you feel.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah. How you take care of yourself and all that. So everybody's excited that you're coming back. As a friend of. Even now, you don't sound like you'd have time to be a full time cast member if you wanted to.

[Cynthia Bailey]

To be honest, at this point in my life, I don't. And I wouldn't do it unless I really had that time to put into it.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Bailey]

But I'm still in my world, on a break or a pause. And my own, I mean, I put my own stuff on a pause at this point because I just did it for so long. I mean, over a decade. Like, there's so many other things that I just want to do, and I'm lucky enough to be able to still stick a toe in when I get ready to and take it back out here. Like, I'm having so much fun doing the podcast with Crystal. Like, we are completely out of our minds. I didn't, you know, had no idea we would have such insane chemistry. And I'M having fun. I think one of the things going back to age when you get older, I'm doing things that I want to do and things that make me laugh. And I feel like we live in a world where there's so much going on. I just want joy and laughter and fun and money and any.

[Tamara Judge]

Anything in between. No, thank you.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You know what I'm saying? And the great thing about the show is this season, I went back and I had fun. Like, I think I. I remember, like, you know, when I was a housewife driving the scenes, like, oh, my God, like, you know, the target. Am I the target? What's going to happen? And you know that feeling. You know it all too well, where you're like, you know, you know, something's brewing or whatever. And when I tell you I drove to every scene happy, go lucky, Couldn't wait to get there, hear what was going on with the ladies, because it just wasn't, you know, it wasn't about me and going back to the friend contract. I really had a great time being a friend to the, you know, to all the ladies, the new ones and the old ones.

[Tamara Judge]

I mean, do you cause any drama?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Do I cause any drama?

[Tamara Judge]

Do you cause any drama?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I don't remember causing any drama. I'm around a lot of drama.

[Tamara Judge]

You're around it, but you didn't cause it.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Absolutely. I mean, I pride myself on just trying to be the voice of reason when I can. Like, these girls had a lot going on. Like, the friendship circle was definitely, like, a lot going on. Lots of ups and downs, divorces and stuff. I've been divorced twice. Like I said, I can speak and give counsel to a lot of different situations because, you know, motherhood, I've done it all. Like, what, what. What do you need advice on? What do you need help with? So I.

[Tamara Judge]

Well, that's the position I need, Cynthia. I need that position.

[Cynthia Bailey]

No, you. You are doing a great job in the drama position.

[Tamara Judge]

You are trying not to. Try not to. Try not to. My old bones can't take it anymore.

[Cynthia Bailey]

All right, then I can give you some kill. Let me know when you won't have a margarita. I'll guide you in trying to go from the drama queen to the peacemaker.

[Tamara Judge]

To the voice of reason.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Check engine light on. Take the guesswork out of your Check engine light with O'Reilly Veriscan. It's free and provides a report with solutions Based on over 650 million vehicle scans verified by asexual certified master technicians. And if you need help, we can recommend a shop for you. Ask for O'Reilly Veriscan today.

[Holly Hunter]

Auto Parts.

[Tamara Judge]

Now, I noticed on the show they have new confessional looks like they're doing like, almost like Dubai full body. So you like that?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Do like that, actually, because a lot of times we would. When I would pick out my outfits, all the magic had to be in the top part because we never would see the bottom part. I know we'd see a great outfit. And the, you know, the magic happened at the bottom, but the magic happened with the shoot, you know, choice. So now you get to see the full look. So I think it makes sense. And, you know, it's like, otherwise it's kind of a waste of a look.

[Tamara Judge]

Because you're just waste of an outfit. Yeah, we hate that. So I often have they do ours to our knees now. So in the past, it used to be like the waist up, have like sweatpants on and slippers and like a cute shirt. But now you have to have on your show the. In the whole enchilada over there. Yeah.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Because these ladies bring, bring the fashions. Like, we have quite a few fashionistas on the show, so I'm sure they can appreciate that we're getting the full body.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah, yeah. Oh, yeah. Now, you seem to be stayed close with Portia. I love that she's back. How is she doing? There was all that stuff about Simon getting detained by ice. I saw that. She's like, I had nothing to do with it. I promise.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I don't think she had anything to do with that. Portia's doing good as to be as well as to be expected. It just feels like every time she gets over one hurdle that something else is coming her way. I am so excited back. She's always been great tv. Our relationship, we've had our ups and downs, but we've always been connected. There was always that space of trust, trust and love. Even if we, like, you know, went back and forth about stuff. And with, with Portia, I actually shoot quite a bit with her this season just to help her, you know, just to be a friend, let someone to just navigate her very murky, dark waters of a lot of things that's happening with her because there's a lot of ups and downs and just emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, it's just a lot. And I've been through a lot on this show. But when I look at Portia, some of her story storylines, I'm like, oh, my God, girl, like, made for tv. Because she is like, just unfolds like Every, like, month, something's happening. So kudos to Portia for just sharing, you know, her life with us.

[Tamara Judge]

Continuously keeping it together.

[Cynthia Bailey]

She's so.

[Tamara Judge]

So well put together, too, and still.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Keeping it together and still having a sense of humor. She's still my favorite person to laugh with on the show. Like, we. I don't know how to even let us film together because we. All we do is cut up the whole time. She's definitely.

[Tamara Judge]

I mean, in the first episode, we get to see Dennis's name resurface.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yes.

[Tamara Judge]

And there's some talk that maybe Drew and Dennis are dating. Do you think there's any truth to that?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Girl? I hope not. We worked really hard on trying to get to the bottom of that. Drew said they were not. It was just a business relationship. But for me, that's just a line that I personally would not cross. I would. I would never work with any of these ladies. Husbands, booze, baby daddies, none of those. Those things. Because I feel like. And especially if we're going to be on the show together, like, that's when it's really tricky. I just feel like that's just a recipe for a lot of drama that's going to happen at some point. So I wouldn't cross that line. You'll see how it plays out. How, you know, Drew definitely has her position in that whole situation, and we. We definitely go back and forth with her about it because everyone had, you know, everyone felt the way they felt about.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah. But now there's a lot of drama and speculation surrounding Kenya. We did see her in the first episode, but she has been. She's no longer a housewife. She is a friend of maybe. I don't even know at this point.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Not really sure.

[Tamara Judge]

Not really sure what she is. What is your opinion of what? Everything that went down. Like, did she take it too far? Was it. Were you there when this happened?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Like, I was there. I was there. I definitely felt like she took it too far. I think at this point, she realizes that she took it too far. Kenya is one of the smartest cast members we have on the show, and she's great freaking tv. She's funny, she's shady. She is all the things. So I just felt like that whole situation was unfortunate for everyone involved and obviously especially for Kenya, because it just put her where she is now, and that was never the plan. Like, one of the great things about Portia coming back was having Kenya to be there to anchor her and, you know, make the magic happen. And once we lost Kenya, it's like going to the freaking super bowl without one of your main players at the last minute.

[Tamara Judge]

That's exactly what it's like. Like, Kenya's a big, big part of the show. I don't know exactly what's gone, what exactly went down. I only heard rumors. And, of course, those are always blown out of proportion. But do you see a world where they ask her back?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I hope so. I really hope so. I think that, you know, I don't know the inner workings of whatever. I just know that had she called me and asked me if she should do it, I would have definitely talked her off. That bitch. I don't think you should do it. Not for a number of reasons. But the most important reason I would have talked her out of doing it is because I don't. I didn't think it would benefit her to do it. Yeah, she's like someone that, you know, that I considered a friend. So I was like, no, we save you first and, like, TV second. Like, you would never put yourself in a situation to do something like that. But I hope so. I hope so. Yeah. I really hope so. You know, it's just. It's, like, really hard to even talk about.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I can't even believe that it happened.

[Tamara Judge]

I'm like, I know. I know.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, and now that the show's finally coming on, it's like, wow, that. That. That did happen.

[Tamara Judge]

She did do the right thing. She went on a talk show and she admitted what she did, and she was remorseful and all that. And, yeah, we all screw up. We all screw up.

[Cynthia Bailey]

The first step in coming back is to take, you know, to just take an accountability.

[Tamara Judge]

Absolutely.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Kenya has so many great fans that want to see her life, and, you know, maybe. Maybe soon that she will come back. I really hope so. I'm definitely rooting for her.

[Tamara Judge]

Well, we got some new girls. So Shamaya, who was a friend of in the past. Yes. That girl's rich.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Rich. Rich. No, no, no. She's not rich. She's wealthy.

[Tamara Judge]

Wealthy. So Shamia is back from a friend to a housewife. I heard prior her husband didn't want to do the show, so that's why she was never a housewife. You know, she was offered. Yeah, but she is one.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I've been interested in her in the past, but he never really wanted to do it. Yeah.

[Tamara Judge]

One wealthy, wealthy woman. And she's funny. Her whole story about in her now husband's toilet.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah.

[Tamara Judge]

Was. It was a great story. Let's just put it that way. It was pretty good.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I just saw her last night. I saw a bunch of the ladies last night. I had a dinner for Weight Watchers last night, and we were just laughing about, you know, I was asking everyone what they thought about the first episode. And Shamir is definitely with the shits. Literally.

[Tamara Judge]

My type of girl. Now. What about Brit, Kelly, Angela? Thoughts? Do you. Did you know them?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I did not know them. I met them on the show and I think they are a great addition. What I love about Brit Kelly and Angela is as newbies. Normally when new ladies come on the show, they're always a little intimidated by the OGs because you gotta, you know, remember these ladies have just watched us on TV all this time, so it's a little intimidating to come into the circle. But when I tell you, I am so glad that Bravo took their time with casting these ladies because they got the right three, okay? These ladies definitely come in hot. They're not intimidated. They're reciprocating the same energy they get. They're not afraid of the OGs. If you don't respect them, they're not going to respect you. They're just like, you know what? Which I think is great because you can't operate from a place of fear in a circle like this. You got to come in and own who you are, and if you somebody disrespect you, you're going to come back at them.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah, well, normally, Wendell, you know, because Marlo's not there, Candy's not there, Charade is not there. And normally when the show comes back and you watch it, you miss those people. And I. I love them, however, and.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Hopefully they'll come back throughout. I mean, I, like, there's no reason why, you know, Kenya, Marlo, like, I just feel like what I do love not to interrupt you is that there is always room and timing for the other cast members to come back. The fans love that because they're all so invested in us because we've been on the show for so long. So why not, like, throw us in the mix and bring some new ones and throw, you know?

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah. But that being said, a lot of times when the OGs or girls have been on the show for a long time, like Shiray and Candy, like, they. You go back, you know, a new season comes out, you're like, I miss. You know, I miss the. Oh, geez. But in this first episode, I'm like, I'm fulfilled. Like, this is good. This is great. I still miss Kandy and Sheree. But, yeah, it was good. It was really good. Who do you get along the best with?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I get along well with, wow. Portia, Phaedra, Shamia drew great relationships with the new ladies.

[Tamara Judge]

I'm in a good place.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Like, I'm actually the perfect friend to come on this season because I'm in a really get space with all of them, and I give them honest. My honest opinions about the different things that they're going through. And I think they respect me. I think they trust me. You know, there's a lot that's a big thing on a show like this is trust. You know, there's a lot of texting, there's a lot of, like, stuff off camera. There's a lot of going to have drinks off camera. There's a lot of that stuff that happens on a platform like this. And I'm the kind of person, if you tell me something, it's going to stay here even on Mad Day, I'm not going to take you out. I'm just not like. I think that's a great position to be in because that's not always the case on a platform like this.

[Tamara Judge]

Oh, that's a good friend. Now Phaedra's coming back and excited for that. When do we get to see Phaedra, do you think, or do you even know?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I feel like Phaedra comes in maybe. I don't really know. She shot with for maybe about two and a half weeks toward the end, but she came in hot, definitely. So she.

[Tamara Judge]

And she's coming in as a housewife.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Too, which is like, has never happened.

[Tamara Judge]

I think that's the attorney in her negotiated that.

[Cynthia Bailey]

The crazy thing like this this season, we call it sweet 16, but it really should be surprise 16, because no, we never, you know, planned on Kenya leaving. So then that was like, wait, no, Kenya can't leave. So she ends up leaving. Then just when we thought that was crazy enough, then Phaedra comes in, like, toward the end.

[Tamara Judge]

There's lots of twists and turns on your season.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Lots and lots of twists and turns. But, you know, I think Phaedra's fans are going to be excited to have her back. You know, she's got her housewife fans, she's got her traitor fans. Like, you know, she's on fire right now. And, you know, it's her season, it's her time, and she comes in with her same fun shade, you know, prayer cloth, all the things, of course, good tv.

[Tamara Judge]

Oh, my goodness. So you're. You're on good terms with everybody. There is a lot of drama in the first episode for sure. There seems to be a lot of drama surrounding episode.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, wait till you see the second episode.

[Tamara Judge]

Oh, really? Oh, geez.

[Cynthia Bailey]

They just had to introduce everyone in the first one.

[Tamara Judge]

Well, there is even drama just introducing people, so that's good. I mean, there seems to be a lot of drama surrounding husbands, partners, fraud, scamming the season. It's. Is there a lot of truth revealed or just a lot of rumors?

[Cynthia Bailey]

There's a lot of everything revealed in the end. I'm telling you. I would not say this, and I always tried to be. I've always tried to be supportive of Atlanta, even just from the sidelines at this point, from not being on the show, but I think Atlanta is back. I think.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah, I do, too.

[Cynthia Bailey]

The little mini. It wasn't like a whole reboot, but the little mini reboot was needed. And I think these ladies understand the assignment.

[Tamara Judge]

They do. What are your honest thoughts about Ralph?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I like Ralph. I don't have an issue with him. I thought. I've always thought he and Drew were a beautiful couple together, but it just felt like, to me personally, they didn't have great chemistry together. It just felt like that. I mean, they made beautiful children, but it just felt like there was. They just couldn't get on the same page, and it just shouldn't be. I'm not saying marriage is easy, but it just felt like it was so hard for them to just communicate just on the page. Yeah.

[Tamara Judge]

Well, we learned in the first episode that they have to text with a. With an app that the judge or courts can look at. Back in my day, when I got divorced, it was called Family Wizard. I don't know if it's called the same thing. So they can't text each other, but they're living in the same household together. He's been banished to the basement. We've heard his voice. Are we going to see his face this season, do you think?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I believe so. Oh, as a matter of fact, I know.

[Tamara Judge]

Okay, well, that's good to know. I mean, I.

[Cynthia Bailey]

They can't even come in out of the basement, honey, trust me.

[Tamara Judge]

He's coming out. He's coming out. He's got to get permission. Got knock on the wall to come upstairs, but he's going to come out.

[Cynthia Bailey]

And make an effort. Okay. Trust and believe.

[Tamara Judge]

Who do you think is the biggest pot stirrer this season?

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm. You know, I've been pretty consistent with this answer. I'm going to give it to one of the newbies, Angela. She definitely kind of will give you some. A little Bit of, like, a little splash of Charay, who was always good at, like, being a bone carrier and a pot stirrer. She was like a slow burn, but when she got ignited, she was on fire. She definitely was the one that asked all the hard questions and was just figured out how to move information around. I'll say that.

[Tamara Judge]

Was it Kelly that said she met Portia and was like, did you take somebody's man or something like that?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Yeah, that was Kelly.

[Tamara Judge]

And I told you they come in hot.

[Cynthia Bailey]

And that was like, the first. That was the first. All cast. Usually you got to get through two or three, you know, gatherings before someone.

[Tamara Judge]

Just, you know, especially a new girl. I'm like, you're coming in hot. You're gonna blow your wad in one second, and then you have nothing else to go off of. So you might want to slow your roll a little bit that.

[Cynthia Bailey]

You know what? That's not the case this season. These girls, and they stay hot, and they help create a really good season, so.

[Tamara Judge]

Well, thank you so much for being on the pod. I know that Teddy would love to be here with you.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I know. And, you know, I am sending my pr. My love to Teddy. I've been getting updates from Jeff and anyone I can. I didn't want to, but if you could just keep me posted, I know you have to text everybody just once a week, let me know she's good and she's recovering, but I am always praying for Teddy.

[Tamara Judge]

She is. She's been posting, you know, Teddy with her Instagram. She loves to post, and I wish she would be relaxing a little bit more because she starts there. She starts treatment soon, so.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Well, you know Teddy.

[Tamara Judge]

I know Teddy. She can't sit still. I'm like, just, girl, just, you know, relax a little bit. But she's love girl. I know through all of this, like.

[Cynthia Bailey]

In the beginning when I first saw the post, I was, like, laughing at her video. Like, you know, just, she's always gonna find the funny and everything and just.

[Tamara Judge]

I wish I could share her text message to me when she found out. I just went, teddy, no, this is not something to joke about. But she finds joke and everything.

[Cynthia Bailey]

She's gonna find the funny.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah, I know. But thank you so much. So happy that you're back.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Tamara Judge]

And I'm so proud of you. Your podcast is killing it.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Thank you so much. Well, I learned. I learned from the best. Ms. Teddy got the groom filling in.

[Tamara Judge]

That's right.

[Cynthia Bailey]

That's when it all kind of started. I was like, I never really filled in or co hosted. And I had so much fun with you guys. And I still, a lot of times when I'm out and about, they're like, oh, my God, we had so much fun on with, with you on two T's. You guys have such a great fan base and I got a lot of, like, followers and love just from, you know, filling it. So I thank you guys for helping me pop my cherry into the pot.

[Tamara Judge]

Podcasting is kind of addictive. Once you start doing it, it's like, okay, this is fun.

[Cynthia Bailey]

It's almost like therapy for me, like we say and just talk about all kind of crazy stuff. It's just a safe space to just put it all out there. I mean, but you guys are good at, like, really doing the. The recaps of the, you know, the house.

[Tamara Judge]

Yeah, we should do a pod swap one day.

[Cynthia Bailey]

I'm gonna say that someone asked me about that. Yeah, we have to definitely do that.

[Tamara Judge]

Let's make that happen when Teddy gets back. We'll definitely do that.

[Cynthia Bailey]

All right, Tamara, I love you.

[Tamara Judge]

All right, bye. Bye.

[Cynthia Bailey]

All right, bye.

[Tamara Judge]

Bye.

[John Cameron Mitchell]

Do you remember what you said the first night I came over here?

[Holly Hunter]

How?

[Cynthia Bailey]

Go slower.

[John Cameron Mitchell]

From Blumhouse TV, iHeart podcasts and Ember 20 comes an all new fictional comedy podcast series. Join the flighty Damien Hirst as he unravels the mystery of his vanished boyfriend. I've been spending all my time looking for answers about what happened to Santi and what's the way to find a missing person. Sleep with everyone he knew, obviously. Listen to the hookup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

[Holly Hunter]

This is John Cameron Mitchell and my new fiction podcast series. Cancellation island stars Holly Hunter as Karen, a wellness influencer who launches a rehab for the recently canceled. In the future, we will all be canceled for 15 minutes, but don't worry, we'll take you from broke to woke or your money back. Cancellation Island's revolutionary rehab therapies, like bad touch football, anti racism, spin class, and mandatory ayahuasca ceremonies are designed to force the council to confront their weakness worst impulses. But everything starts to fall apart when people start disappearing. Karen, where have you brought us Cancellation island, where a second chance might just be your last. Listen to Cancellation island on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Are you hungry? Colleen Witt here and eating while broke is back for season four every Thursday on the Black Effect podcast. This season, we've got a legendary lineup serving up broke dishes and even better stories. On the menu. We have Tony Baker, Nick Cannon, Melissa Ford, October London, and Carrie Harper Howey turning Big Macs into big moves. Catch eating while broke every Thursday on the Black Effect Podcast Network. IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast. Wherever you get your favorite shows, come hungry for season four.

[Holly Hunter]

Dressing. Dressing.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Oh, French dressing.

[Holly Hunter]

Exactly.

[Cynthia Bailey]

That's good.

[Holly Hunter]

I'm A.J. jacobs. My current obsession is puzzles, and that has given birth to my podcast the Puzzler.

[Cynthia Bailey]

Something about Mary Poppins?

[Holly Hunter]

Exactly.

[Cynthia Bailey]

This is fun.

[Holly Hunter]

You can get your daily puzzle nuggets delivered straight to your ears. Listen to the Puzzler every day on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.