Watch What Crappens Episode #2856: Below Deck Bonus – Chef Tzarina Plates It Up
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Guest: Chef Zarina from Below Deck Down Under
Introduction
In this special bonus episode of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve deep into the tumultuous second season of Below Deck Down Under with a special guest—Chef Zarina. The episode provides an insider’s perspective on the behind-the-scenes drama, personal challenges, and the intense environment aboard the yacht.
Returning to Below Deck Down Under
[03:47] Laura:
“We have a very special episode today… we are lucky enough to have her on the episode today. We have recorded an interview with her and without further ado, let's get right into it.”
[04:21] Laura:
“Everyone, please welcome to Watch what Crappens, the one and only the Chef. The chef of Down Under, Zarina. Hi, Zarina. How are you?”
[04:29] Chef Zarina:
“Hi. Good. Thank you for having me.”
Chef Zarina expresses her excitement and nervousness about potentially attending BravoCon, highlighting the anticipation and eagerness to engage more deeply with the Below Deck community.
Season 2: A Rollercoaster of Emotions and Challenges
[06:04] Ronnie Karam:
“How's it been the second time around for you?”
[06:06] Chef Zarina:
“It was just a complete… opposite of my first experience. It was like night and day.”
Chef Zarina details the stark contrast between her first and second seasons. While the first season was filled with camaraderie and positive relationships, the second season was marred by persistent conflicts and overwhelming stress.
[07:13] Ronnie Karam:
“They're showing a lot of the rocking becomes actually part of the storyline where people are barking.”
[07:20] Chef Zarina:
“I was miserable the whole time because I'm just seasick constantly.”
The physical discomfort of being seasick compounded the mental strain, making the working conditions on the yacht even more challenging.
Interpersonal Drama and Conflicts
[10:32] Laura:
“Are there certain things like industry standards… or are the rules just subjective?”
[10:55] Chef Zarina:
“I actually googled what a sous chef's role is on that size boat, and it was everything that I was asking him to do.”
Chef Zarina discusses the confusion and mismatch in roles between her and the sous chef, attributing part of the conflict to differing expectations and lack of clear communication.
[12:36] Ronnie Karam:
“Well, it was interesting to see once those guys left… it moved over to women dynamic.”
The shift in dynamics from male-dominated tensions to female interpersonal conflicts marked a significant turning point in the season, altering the nature of the drama.
[13:34] Chef Zarina:
“She uses… I kept being like, break up with him.”
Chef Zarina shares personal frustrations stemming from Lara’s manipulative behavior, highlighting the toxic environment that developed.
Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms
[27:41] Chef Zarina:
“It's been a huge learning curve… understanding limits and boundaries.”
Chef Zarina emphasizes the importance of mental health support provided by Bravo, contrasting it with her personal long-term therapy. She credits mental health resources for helping her maintain composure amidst chaos.
[28:51] Laura:
“I love therapy.”
[28:53] Chef Zarina:
“I’m a therapy whore.”
The candid discussion about seeking therapy sheds light on the emotional toll the season took on Chef Zarina and the proactive steps she took to manage her mental well-being.
Behind the Scenes vs. On-Screen Portrayals
[32:11] Ronnie Karam:
“Are you seeing any stuff that makes you look at her differently?”
[33:38] Chef Zarina:
“For me, it's just like the biggest stab in the back for me… I put you on that platform and told everyone how incredible you were.”
Chef Zarina reflects on the disparity between her genuine support for Lara and the antagonistic relationship portrayed on screen, expressing disappointment and betrayal.
[34:56] Ronnie Karam:
“People seem to feel the need for that drama and just go for the most comfortable way to get the drama.”
The hosts discuss the phenomenon of manufactured drama for television, noting how it exacerbates real-life tensions.
Environmental Challenges on the Yacht
[36:07] Ronnie Karam:
“Well, this is like one of the sweatiest seasons we've ever seen.”
[36:15] Chef Zarina:
“I have no air conditioning and I'm in a stainless steel prison. My feet were so swollen…”
The lack of air conditioning on the yacht added a layer of physical discomfort, intensifying the already stressful environment for the crew.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
[37:35] Chef Zarina:
“With studying therapy… it's been a huge learning curve.”
Chef Zarina shares her journey of growth and learning from the season, emphasizing the personal development and resilience she has gained despite the challenges.
[39:46] Laura:
“Well, I'm glad that you’ve managed to emerge from this boat without being totally traumatized.”
[41:16] Ronnie Karam:
“You’re just talking… this is my version of how it happened and this is how I feel.”
The episode concludes with mutual appreciation and understanding, as Chef Zarina opens up about her experiences and the lessons learned, fostering a sense of closure and hope for healthier future interactions.
Notable Quotes
- Chef Zarina [06:06]: “It was just a complete, like, opposite of my first experience… night and day.”
- Chef Zarina [10:55]: “I actually googled what a sous chef's role is on that size boat, and it was everything that I was asking him to do.”
- Chef Zarina [27:41]: “It's been a huge learning curve and you know, understanding limits and boundaries.”
- Chef Zarina [33:38]: “I put you on that platform and told everyone how incredible you were.”
- Chef Zarina [36:15]: “I have no air conditioning and I'm in a stainless steel prison.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of Watch What Crappens offers a raw and honest look into the behind-the-scenes turmoil of Below Deck Down Under’s second season through Chef Zarina’s experiences. From interpersonal conflicts and role misunderstandings to the physical and emotional challenges faced on the yacht, the discussion provides listeners with an in-depth understanding of the pressures reality TV can impose on its participants. Chef Zarina’s reflections on mental health and personal growth add a poignant layer to the narrative, making this episode both engaging and insightful for fans and newcomers alike.
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