Watch What Crappens Podcast Episode #2682: RHOSLCS5E15 + Sold on SLC Part One: For The Record

Release Date: January 9, 2025
Host/Authors: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam | Wondery

1. Introduction: Navigating Real-Life Crappens

Ben Mandelker opens the episode by addressing recent wildfires devastating Los Angeles. Sharing personal anecdotes, he recounts his experience evacuating from Hollywood to Oceanside due to the raging flames at Runyon Canyon. Ben humorously notes their temporary stay at the same hotel used by the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills during their notorious "Duck Duck Goose" episode. He shares light-hearted observations, such as Tom Cruise's nearby property being transformed into a pastry cafe named "Top Bun."

[02:39] Ben Mandelker: "I literally saw the Tom Cruise house... they've converted the Top Gun house into like, a pastry cafe that you go."

Ronnie Karam empathizes, highlighting the emotional toll of witnessing such natural disasters and expressing concern for vulnerable populations, including seniors displaced from their facilities.

[03:18] Ronnie Karam: "Everyone was just... in their hospital gowns... I just felt so bad for... these elderly people."

2. Addressing Public Sentiment and Online Abuse

The hosts discuss the influx of supportive messages and, unfortunately, some offensive remarks aimed at Californians facing wildfires. Ben passionately condemns hurtful comments blaming residents for the disasters, reinforcing the importance of empathy during crises.

[07:17] Ben Mandelker: "Why would you ever send something like that? Get a life and go throw yourself into the wildfire."

Ronnie echoes Ben's sentiments, vehemently rejecting derogatory remarks linked to political or environmental blame games.

[08:04] Ronnie Karam: "Liberals blaming global warming. Go yourself. How about that?"

3. Transition to Bravo Drama: Recapping "Salt Lake City"

Shifting gears, Ben introduces the main content of the episode: a recap of a particularly chaotic episode from Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and their bonus segment, "Sold on SLC." They tease potential extensions of the recap due to the episode's complexity and announce upcoming live tours and events related to their podcast.

[08:48] Ben Mandelker: "We are going to touch on Sold on SLC after the SLC recap on this episode... it's going to be amazing."

4. Deep Dive into "Salt Lake City" Episode Drama

a. The Coffee Maker Incident

The hosts kick off their recap with Brittany's struggle to operate a Keurig coffee maker, setting a tone of incompetence that foreshadows the ensuing drama.

[12:40] Ronnie Karam: "I could watch Britney try to work that Keurig for an entire season of shows like Give the Woman a Spin Off."

b. Dinner Table Tensions

A dinner scene unfolds where Lisa grapples with emotional fallout from previous interactions, leading to confrontations involving Bronwyn. Meredith aggressively questions Heather about her behavior, revealing deep-seated tensions within the group.

[14:01] Ben Mandelker: "She's like, 'so today I came up the boat, and I did not feel super close to you...'"

c. Britney's Secret Recording Scandal

The centerpiece of the episode's drama is Britney allegedly recording her friends without consent. This act sparks outrage, with cast members accusing her of betrayal and manipulation. Britney's attempts to justify her actions—claiming she was filming scenery—only exacerbate tensions.

[17:32] Ronnie Karam: "How dare you insinuate those things. That's right, girls."

d. Confrontations and Accusations

As revelations surface, Meredith confronts Britney about her recording, leading to a heated exchange filled with insults and accusations of dishonesty. The situation escalates when Britney's recorded footage is played, showcasing raw and unfiltered conflicts among the cast.

[20:53] Ben Mandelker: "After I introduced him to AirPods, he got very confused and put two Werther's Originals in his ears."

e. ATVs and the Collapsing Bridge

The drama continues with the group embarking on an ATV adventure that leads them to a precarious, untested bridge. While most cast members are anxious, Meredith remains unfazed, highlighting her detached demeanor amidst chaos.

[51:13] Ronnie Karam: "She's like, avoid wind. It will destroy you."

f. Emotional Fallout and Resentment

Post-ATV trip, the group gathers for lunch where unresolved tensions boil over. Britney grapples with guilt over betraying her friends' trust, while others express frustration and disappointment in her actions. The episode concludes with Heather attempting to mediate, only to further complicate alliances within the group.

[54:04] Ronnie Karam: "I have supported you, I've defended you. This is an indefensible thing."

5. Themes Explored

Throughout the recap, Ben and Ronnie emphasize themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of maintaining friendships under pressure. They highlight character flaws such as manipulation, dishonesty, and the struggle for personal redemption within the group dynamic.

[36:10] Ben Mandelker: "Don't record your friends when they're fighting in a sprinter van on a girls trip if you're not Bravo."

6. Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

As part one wraps up, Ben and Ronnie reflect on the emotional turbulence depicted in the episode, setting the stage for a continuation of their analysis and commentary in the forthcoming part two.

[66:32] Ronnie Karam: "This is the end of part one. So thank you so much for listening to this. Just come back a little later for part two."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Mandelker (00:59): "For those who may not know truly what's going on, there's like wildfires all over Los Angeles. It's like a hellscape. It's so incredibly scary."

• Ronnie Karam (03:18): "I just have to keep my... hand on your shoulder right now while I'm standing here?"

• Ben Mandelker (17:32): "She's implying that I would cut a lemon without my entire family presence. It's enough and it needs to stop."

• Ronnie Karam (54:04): "I've supported you, I've defended you. This is an indefensible thing."

• Ben Mandelker (36:10): "Don't record your friends when they're fighting in a sprinter van on a girls trip if you're not Bravo."

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Ben and Ronnie adeptly blend personal anecdotes with their signature comedic critique of Bravo’s dramatic portrayals. They navigate between real-world events and the fictional turmoil of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, offering listeners both empathy for those affected by natural disasters and an incisive, humorous take on reality TV drama. Part one serves as a comprehensive overview, promising more in-depth analysis and entertainment in the upcoming segment.