#2878 The Valley S2E08, Part 2: A Ring of Truth To It

Summary

Podcast Summary: Watch What Crappens Episode #2878 - "The Valley S2E08, Part 2: A Ring of Truth To It"

Introduction In Episode #2878 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam dive deep into the second part of their two-part recap of The Valley Season 2, Episode 8 titled "A Ring of Truth To It." Released on June 4, 2025, this episode dissects the intricate dynamics and dramatic developments within the Bravo series, offering listeners both praise and critical analysis of the characters and plot twists.

Recap of "A Ring of Truth To It" The episode centers around escalating tensions among the main characters—Jason, Janet, Jasmine, and Brittany. Ben and Ronnie meticulously break down the confrontations and alliances that shape the narrative of The Valley.

Character Dynamics and Conflicts

1. Jason and Janet's Turmoil

   • Jason's Struggle for Redemption:
     Jason seeks to portray a more accountable side, stating, "This is the first time I've talked to you where I've taken full accountability for things" ([27:40]). However, his attempts are marred by lingering blame towards Britney, revealing a complex struggle between self-improvement and old habits.
   • Janet's Accusations:
     Janet continuously undermines Jason, accusing him of being deceitful and manipulative. At [04:55], Ronnie emphasizes Janet's stance: "You're fake. You're fake. You're fake."

2. Jasmine's Frustration

   • Jasmine grapples with feelings of betrayal, particularly concerning her friendship with Janet and Jason. Ben summarizes this sentiment: "She knows Janet way back before all this... but now she's like, you won't even let me talk to you" ([06:11]).

3. Brittany's Struggles

   • Relationship Issues:
     Brittany expresses frustration over her stagnant relationship with Jason, highlighting a lack of basic relationship elements: "He's like got a real job and real responsibilities... texts her things like, good morning" ([10:16]).
   • Financial Strain:
     The looming foreclosure adds pressure, with Brittany taking over the mortgage responsibilities while Jason shirks financial duties, leading to increased tension.

4. Jax's Antagonistic Role

   • Jax remains a central antagonist, exhibiting controlling and manipulative behavior. His sporadic check-ins from rehab are juxtaposed with scenes showcasing his unchanged, destructive nature, as Ben notes: "They are totally making fun of him because they're like, yeah, okay" ([28:04]).

Key Plot Points

1. Mortgage Foreclosure and Financial Disputes

   • The impending foreclosure serves as a catalyst for exposing the characters' true colors. Brittany's attempt to manage the mortgage contrasts sharply with Jason's evasion tactics. Ben questions the plausibility of Jason's claim: "It's automatic drafted from your account... he's not trying at all" ([35:05]).

2. Manipulative Tactics and Blame-Shifting

   • Jason's phone call reveals his flawed perception of accountability. While he claims progress in therapy, sporadic blame towards Britney undermines his sincerity: "I pushed Britney away, but she wanted to be pushed away" ([25:27]).

3. Familial and Social Support Systems

   • Brittany's interaction with Jenny, Jax's sister, underscores the lack of genuine support. The conversation teeters between concern for Jax and dismissal of her own struggles, highlighting the toxic environment surrounding the characters: "You're doing this to yourself and you're doing this to us. Stop it." ([31:02]).

Insights and Analysis

• Authenticity vs. Facade:
  Ben and Ronnie explore the theme of authenticity, particularly how characters like Janet and Jason wear false facades to mask their true intentions and failures. This recurring theme underscores the series' exploration of superficial relationships and hidden agendas.

• Gender and Racial Dynamics:
  The hosts touch upon the complexities of interracial friendships within the group, especially between Jasmine and Jason. Ben reflects, "I've always thought he might be Filipino, but it sounds like Jasmine just said that he's black, so maybe he is mixed race" ([07:19]).

• Mental Health and Personal Growth:
  Jason's participation in therapy and his purported journey towards self-improvement are scrutinized. Ronnie comments on his half-hearted efforts: "He literally says, I wish Britney would have left me a long time ago" ([26:38]), suggesting unresolved issues and reluctance to fully embrace change.

Notable Quotes

• Janet on Friendships:
  "We are leaving. Jasmine's and Beth, Jason, Duke, come. We are going." ([02:49])

• Jason's Admission:
  "I wish Britney would have left me a long time ago so I could have had this moment of like." ([26:37])

• Brittany on Relationship Expectations:
  "I kind of feel so bad for her because these are just kind of like base level things that you should have in a relationship." ([11:21])

• Ben on Jax's Behavior:
  "They put this up there and we just all thrash him because this is totally unacceptable behavior for anyone to do to anyone else." ([36:47])

Conclusion In this comprehensive recap of The Valley S2E08, Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam offer a sharp and insightful analysis of the show's intricate character relationships and plot developments. By dissecting the characters' motivations, conflicts, and growth (or lack thereof), they provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the drama unfolding in The Valley. Their engaging discussion not only entertains but also invites listeners to reflect on the deeper themes of authenticity, accountability, and the complexities of personal relationships within the high-stakes environment of reality television.

Additional Recommendations Listeners who enjoyed this episode may also appreciate the hosts' coverage of other Bravo shows, including Real Housewives and Below Deck, as well as their insightful commentary on pop culture phenomena.

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Note: All timestamps correspond to the original transcript provided.

Transcript

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[Misha Brown]

Every big moment starts with a big dream. But what happens when that big dream turns out to be a a big flop? From Wondery and Ill Media, I'm Misha Brown and this is the Big Flop. Every week, comedians join me to chronicle the biggest flubs, fails and blunders of all time. Like Quibi, it's kind of like when.

[Ronnie Karam]

You give yourself your own nickname and you try to like get other people to do it.

[Misha Brown]

And the 2019 movie adaptation of Cats.

[Ben Mandelker]

Like if I'm watching the dancing and I'm noticing the feet aren't touching the ground, there's something wrong with the movie.

[Misha Brown]

Find out what happens when massive hype turns into fiasco. Enjoy the Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to the Big Flop early and ad free on Wondery Plus. Get started with your free trial at wondery.com/plus.

[Ben Mandelker]

Is what happens when there's so much that happens. Hi everyone. Welcome back. This is part two of a two part recap. If you're wondering where part one was, well go check in the feed and be sure to subscribe. So that way you always get your episodes. But enough of that, let's get right back into the episode. I mean, he Sounds like he's literally Joe Gorga talking to his dad at the christening.

[Misha Brown]

You're my father. You're my father.

[Ben Mandelker]

You're my father.

[Ronnie Karam]

Okay, so Janet's like, we are leaving. Jasmine's and Beth, Jason, Duke, come. We are going. So he's very upset because he doesn't even know if Jasmine's ever been his real friend. And he goes, have fun looking at yourself in the mirror, talking shit about every single person here and every other person here. Jason. So do you and so does your ringleader wife just go home and fucking simp for your ringleader wife. I don't even need to hear from you.

[Ben Mandelker]

I'm like, I would rather look at myself in the mirror and know I talk about people than look at myself in the mirror. And no excuse. Jax.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, know that you're giving Jax air time to come up with this sympathy while violins play in the background. And Janet does as well. So both of you, you know, you pretend you're these great people. You stand for terrorism.

[Ben Mandelker]

Great villains, though. Glad you're on the show. So Jason is like, for somebody who I've invested in a relationship, I really value that. That means a lot to me, this whole thing. It's side of Jasmine that I don't know who brought it out of her because Janet and I haven't, like, we haven't done anything to her. You just, like, pulled her to the side and didn't claim that you wanted to talk to her to find out things. And then when she tried to explain herself, interrupted her and then guilted her and then say that she broke your heart, like, no.

[Ronnie Karam]

And then called her a liar and insisted that she did things to you that she never did because you're too afraid of yelling, Zach.

[Ben Mandelker]

And then like, when you ask her to explain herself and then, like, cut her off. And then so she gets agitated to start saying like, why are you yelling? Why are you yelling? I think that's what you did to her.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yes. But either way, she's like, it was two years ago. And he's like, I can't believe the biggest snake in the grass has been under my nose this whole time. So Janet's like, I'm taking my metal detector and we're leaving.

[Ben Mandelker]

Hi. You know, I was under my nose the whole time. Bottle cap. Just found one now gone. Earring for both ears.

[Ronnie Karam]

So this still like, Wario. He's not listening because she betrayed. She's not a real friend. They have all this. So Janet's telling everyone else she's two faced And I can't even have a conversation with her. I mean, what the hell? And Genesis and Jason's like, I'm out of here. I love my actual friends who don't talk shit about me. And Jasmine's like, your friends weren't fucking with you at the time. Okay, so talk to your boys, not me. Because I already know they're my family. They don't fuck with you. They don't like you. So now she's insinuating that the guys are the ones who said it in the first place. Which would make sense if it was all the guys. Like, Jason's not wearing his wedding ring. And then Luke took that back to Kristen, and then Kristen took that.

[Ben Mandelker]

There we go. Guys talk. Guys chat. That guy's chat's dangerous.

[Ronnie Karam]

But of course, we're going to blame the gay and Jasmine for everything because he's too much of a. To go for the other people. I'm sorry, I shouldn't say he's too much of a wussy to go for the other people.

[Ben Mandelker]

That was a good fix. Lala is there. I didn't even realize Lala was at this beach.

[Ronnie Karam]

I'm pretending to not happening.

[Ben Mandelker]

She's like, this is the best beach days I've ever had. So Jasmine is like, can you know what's. What's crazy to you? That pisses me off. At the party, I said this to Jason. He goes, that makes sense. She goes, yeah, but then they said that you made it up, and that's what they told Jason. Remember my hemorrhoids? So Kristen's like, listen, Gina, Jasmine did not tell me. Just so everyone knows. Jasmine did not tell me. And Jasmine's like, yeah, trust me, I don't do that.

[Ronnie Karam]

So then Jason's like, who's this random group of guys she's even talking about? It's like, wait, she just said, my boys don't like me. Who does she mean? And Brock interrupts it to go support them. And so Janet's like, she's so fake. That was insane. So Janet's like, I love Jason, but I do not love Janet, so I would like to work it out with him, but fuck her. And, you know, I'm getting emotional because I like him. But then Janet's like, you're fake. You're fake. You're fake. And, like, she wouldn't shut up so I could talk to him.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. And Jasmine just saying she's so annoyed because, like, she. She knew Janet way back before all this. Everyone, like, she knew Janet for. For many years now, you know, and she cherished that. But now she's like, she won't. You won't even let me talk to you. And so she's going through it. She's saying she never had an issue with Jason. And they always looked out for each other because they were the only black people in the group. And they've always had each other's back. They both had this language. Like when people were being crazy, they could have kind of like look at each other being like, you know, Jason's.

[Ronnie Karam]

Not black, is he?

[Ben Mandelker]

Did you say Kristen's not black?

[Ronnie Karam]

Jason.

[Ben Mandelker]

Oh, Jason. I didn't realize. I actually didn't really know what his. His ethnic background was. I just. I actually always thought he might be, like, Filipino, but it sounds like Jasmine just said that he's black, so maybe he is mixed race.

[Ronnie Karam]

Oh, okay. I didn't know, so I didn't even hear that part. Well, there you go.

[Ben Mandelker]

Well, just found out something new. I'll tell you what, Earl the Pearl is white.

[Ronnie Karam]

Very white as a pearl. Have you seen him dancing on a boat? So she's upset. And then meanwhile at the car, Jason's getting teary eyed. He's like, I can't talk about. I can't talk about the betrayal. And Janice, like, yeah, we were friends for like seven years. As long as I've been stalking Sheena. I mean, that's crazy.

[Ben Mandelker]

So now back to the fire. Cause the scene is just all going. So Jasmine is like, well, he's so whipped. I know he's not doing shit. And Michelle goes get whipped. So Britney's. Hey, why is this even being brought up? We already squashed all this. Speaking of squash, I think I was sitting on some Hawaiian loaves here. Sorry, everyone, y' all.

[Ronnie Karam]

I'm so sick of the same stuff being brought over and over. Jacks is so mean.

[Ben Mandelker]

So back to the car. Janet is still doing. I am done.

[Ronnie Karam]

I am done already. For sake, man. I. You asked for the check an hour ago. Why are you still at my table? Go.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. So finally this beach scene ends. And now we cut to Kristen and Zach walking through the mean streets of NoHo. Hey, Zach, guess what? We're in the Noho Arts District. This is where a lot of dancers live. Like, we're really cultured right now. Yeah, seriously, we could be in back. We could be in, like a music video right now. Seriously. Seriously.

[Ronnie Karam]

I love that she acts like Zach has never been to the Noho Arts District. That's like, literally one of the main.

[Ben Mandelker]

It's like a Very big part of, like, where they live. Yes.

[Ronnie Karam]

Oh, by the way, I was at a thing the other day, and I saw some of my friends. I saw this gay couple, and they live in the Valley, and they live down the street from Jackson Brittany. And I was like, how's that? And he goes, that guy literally gets in his golf cart and drives around the neighborhood looking for people to take selfies with him or ask him for selfies or he'll, like, do cameos and stuff. Just riding around in his golf cart. It's sad. Said it's actually very sad.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yes. That neighborhood, I believe, is called the noho Farts district. That's where old farts like Jax drive around looking for selfies.

[Ronnie Karam]

The shameless ho Arts District.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. So they go to their cafe.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. They go to this little cafe, and Mia comes and she's talking to Daniel. Hi, everything. Daniel, God damn it. I swear to God, if you don't do it. Everything's great, guys. Daniel's. But, Daniel, did you just burp?

[Ben Mandelker]

The Brittany enters. Hi, everyone.

[Ronnie Karam]

Hey.

[Ben Mandelker]

They say, there's the no Arts district, but I don't see a painting anywhere. What's going on?

[Ronnie Karam]

Now they're talking about last night. Dawn. Dawn. Dawn. After Zach admits he's like, I don't want water. I don't drink water. So it's a big night on Bravo for, like, weird Confessions. Like, in the next show, we're recapping Next Gen nyc. There's a girl who doesn't believe in washing her hands.

[Ben Mandelker]

Oh, my goodness. I feel like this entire day is leading up to that recap. I'm so excited. I mean, what a day for us. Love island, the Valley, Next Gen nyc. I mean, I'm just feel so. Hashtag blessed.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. So.

[Ben Mandelker]

So anyway, Kristen is like, so, Brittany, how was your evening after the beach? How was that hookup? And she's like, it was right. And she says that she's basically been hanging out with this new guy and she likes him, and he's like, got a real job and real responsibilities. And he does things like he, like, texts her things like, good morning. And I kind of feel so bad for her because these are just kind of like base level things that you should have in a relationship and the fact that she is so excited to have them. I'm not even making fun of her. I'm just like, oh, you've been living in a very sad situation with Jax. You've been with, like, a monster.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. He's just so normal. Is he? Because then when they ask where they met. She said I was hosting a Bachelor Monday at Jax's.

[Ben Mandelker]

Oh, yeah, that's. That's true.

[Ronnie Karam]

So that sounds like kind of a thirsty way to meet somebody, you know? And here's Brittany. Anybody want to date Brittany? Let's line them up.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, anyone who's voluntarily going to Jax's bar, like not just as like the novelty of it, to get a selfie to put on Instagram to be like, I went there. Anyone's just going there earnestly. That's a huge red flag now that you say it.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. Someone purposely showing up on Bachelorette night that Britney's hosting at her husband's bar wants to get on tv. So I don't know. I don't know how trusting I am.

[Ben Mandelker]

Damn it. I was rooting for her. So Brittany says, yeah, we're just hanging.

[Ronnie Karam]

Out, having fun, a little pizza. Guarantee, listen, I don't know everything, but one thing I can guarantee is that Britney's. Britney's picker sucks.

[Ben Mandelker]

It sucks.

[Ronnie Karam]

She's not going to. She's not going to pick a good one.

[Ben Mandelker]

Listen, when you've been raised smelling those white out fumes from your mother's lipstick all your life, your judgments need get a little messed up. Sorry.

[Ronnie Karam]

I think our mom's also been through like four marriages, so there was like a lot going on over there. But yeah, her, her picker, six.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. Her mom. Yeah. But her mom, she has a new hairstyle for each marriage, I think. And so now she's doing this. She, her mom now is in her 1977 big sort of like trapezoid hair phase, which is fun.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, yeah. She's into like the flowy bang thing, like the square bangs, but also kind of flowy, like she's got something going on. I remember last week she was wearing the like Flintstones super bright orange Lisa Rinna print. You know, like the leopard print or whatever. She's. I feel like I'm like a leopard, but a real fun orange leopard. Honey, this different. We'll take care of the kids.

[Ben Mandelker]

I feel like Sherry is like, I want my hair to look like the letter A. She just looks like she has a giant letter A on her head. Just made of hair.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah.

[Ben Mandelker]

Attached to her forehead.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. Something Britney never brought home. God bless her. Okay, so we go to Kristen and Kristen's. Brittany's like, I'm just having so much fun with this guy. We're just doing a little peacock and chill.

[Ben Mandelker]

How many times do you think they had to explain that to her? Like, sorry, Brittany, we're not allowed to say Netflix and chill on. On Bravo. So you have to say peacock and chill. But why would you hang out with a peacock? No, it's. It's the streaming service. There's a stream. Where's the stream? Is it. It's called Peacock Stream.

[Ronnie Karam]

You can. So everyone's so happy to see Brit smiling and laughing. It's just like, so crazy. So now they talk about the beach and Britney's like, I thought it was fun. I know Kristen doesn't think it was fun, but it was fun. It's like, yeah, it wasn't fun. Cuz like, Jasmine and Luke and I did not think it was fun.

[Ben Mandelker]

Although I did enjoy putting that horseshoe crab on my back. That was a fun dare.

[Ronnie Karam]

So to me, it's comical that Jenna and Jason, after laughing it off at your birthday party, all of a sudden are making it into a huge deal.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, it's confusing. Yeah. Announce saying that Jasmine fully made it up. I mean, which is not true whatsoever because I heard it separately. Okay. Hashtag hyperbole.

[Ronnie Karam]

And Britney's like, well, yeah, Jasmine was trying to say that, but for some reason they just think hasn't made it up. That's what they said. Yeah, that's easier for them to say other than everybody is saying that he does it, which means that he probably does do it.

[Ben Mandelker]

Honestly, I feel like maybe him and Jenna had some conversations and they were like, you know how you can, like, spiral down a rabbit hole? Sort of like the way Daniel will spiral down a bottle of vodka, you know? And I just feel like maybe that's what happened.

[Ronnie Karam]

Speaking of Daniel, why are you hiding under the table with a bottle of tequila? You're supposed to be with the kids. Sorry. Daniel. Hi. Don't. No talk under four.

[Ben Mandelker]

Zach's like, yeah, Janet, you didn't let Jason off the leash? Like, how could he cheat? Like, let's. Come on, let's be real. Okay? Like, that's what upsets me. Yeah. I feel like she wants to stare at the pot and I'm just like, why do you want to stir a pot? I'm also jealous that she has enough room in her apartment that she can stir pots.

[Ronnie Karam]

And Kristen's like, I just don't. At first she shut it down and I was like, okay, it's over. But now that she's making into this huge thing, now I'm. Now it looks weird. Which I agree. They're making it such a big deal that I'm like, who do you fuck? Because obviously it's somebody. Like, what Are you guys hiding now? So Zach's like, yeah, she's ridiculous. You know, like, if Jax does something bad. Britney. By the way, Brittany is time for a Britney conversation. Hold on, let me squeeze my eyes so they kind of made me cry. Britney.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, this Janet discussion's fine, but, like, we're all here in the NoHo arts district for me to have my scene, so can we sag into it right now, please? Thank you.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. You guys, I just want to start with a little hyperbole. What? Never mind. Britney, like, our relationship, like, you've always been, like, pretending everything's fine with Jax, and, like, you protect him, and, like, you're like, he didn't do me. He didn't mean it. He didn't do anything bad. And that's the same thing you do with John at Kristen's, like, oh, yeah, keep doing it.

[Ben Mandelker]

Keep going. Keep going. Zach, you're doing great. Heaven forbid I do or say or step out of line in any sort of way, and I'm held to, like, this totally different standard and that you, like, don't specifically have my back in that moment. Oh. I mean, I do think Zach is right and having an issue, like Janet comes between him and Britney. Shoulder roll. Yeah, I see that. And I also feel the same way about Janet and my friendship with Britney. Another shoulder roll. Good call.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. And Zach's like, kristen and I are your best friends. And Kristen's like, yeah, I mean, like, by tears, like, we're. We a better tier. Zach's like, yeah, we're like, top tier. And Jared and Janet are just, like, in the back. Like, they're, like, the bottom of the tiers with the dusty webs.

[Ben Mandelker]

I love him advancing the Jarrett feud, even though the producers have no interest in it whatsoever. He's like, as we all saw earlier in this episode, Jared is bottom tier correct. Like, no, we didn't see that. Britney's like, no, you guys are all my best friends, okay? I'm very lucky that I have so many close friends. And if I could give each and every one of you a bot that Janet found in the sand, I would.

[Ronnie Karam]

Okay?

[Ben Mandelker]

But guess what?

[Ronnie Karam]

I'm talking to them.

[Ben Mandelker]

And when I talk to them, I'm going to tell them your God's point of view. So, for instance, when Janet says, zach is so mean, I go, yeah, that's. That's pretty nice of me, I think.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. I mean, when you say Janet real mean. I said, no, you see, it's fair. He's like, no, that's what I'm talking about. Oh my God. I had like a visceral reaction to that. You should get your heart cheddar.

[Ben Mandelker]

The Britney that I knew in the past is not the Britney that I'm here with today. And it kind of sucks because, like, we've been through, like so much. Like when I had horizontal bangs, when I had diagonal bangs, when I went back to horizontal, when I met Bungie. We've been through like so much.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, I just don't want you thinking I like Janet more than I like you. It's just that I like Janet more than I like you. I hope that clear things up.

[Ben Mandelker]

Visceral. Visceral reaction.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, I don't want to work out right now, but I support your journey. It's time for a commercial. It's time for a crappin's commercial.

[Monica Lewinsky]

You set the gold standard for your business. Your website should do the same. WIX puts you at the helm so you can enjoy the creative freedom of designing your site just the way you want. Want someone to bounce your ideas off? Talk with AI to create a beautiful site together. Whatever your business, manage it from one place and tie it all together with a personalized domain name. Gear up for success with a brand that says you best. You can do it yourself on Wix. At 24, I lost my narrative. Or rather, it was stolen from me, and the Monica Lewinsky that my friends and family knew was usurped by false narratives, callous jokes, and politics. I would define reclaiming as to take back what was yours. Something you possess is lost or stolen, and ultimately you triumph in finding it again. So I think listeners can expect me to be chatting with folks both recognizable and unrecognizable names, about the way that people have navigated roads to triumph. My hope is that people will finish an episode of Reclaiming and feel like they filled their tank up, they connected with the people that I'm talking to and leave with maybe some nuggets that help them feel a little more hopeful. Follow Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Reclaiming early and ad free right now by joining Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.

[Misha Brown]

Every big moment starts with a big dream. But what happens when that big dream turns out to be a big flop? From Wondery and Ill Media, I'm Misha Brown, and this is the big Flop. Every week, comedians join me to chronicle the biggest flubs, fails and blunders of all time. Like Quibi, it's Kind of like when.

[Ronnie Karam]

You give yourself your own nickname and you try to, like, get other people to do it.

[Misha Brown]

And the 2019 movie adaptation of Cats.

[Ben Mandelker]

Like, if I'm watching the dancing and I'm noticing the feet aren't touching the ground, there's something wrong with the movie.

[Misha Brown]

Find out what happens when massive hype turns into major fiasco. Enjoy the Big Flop on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to the Big Flop early and ad free on Wondery. Get started with your free [e-mail] plus. Every successful business starts with an idea. And on the Best Idea yet, we're obsessed with those light bulb moments. Like how a bored barista invented the Frappuccino during his downtime and then it got acquired by Starbucks. Or how Patagonia's iconic fleece was inspired by a toilet seat cover. On the Best Idea yet, we dive into the untold origin stories behind the products you're obsessed with and the bold risk takers who made them go viral. These are the wild ideas and insights that made Birkenstock the best selling sandals since Jesus and made Super Mario the most played video game in the history of attention spans. Nintendo almost became a ramen company until Super Mario saved it. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow the Best Idea yet on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad free right now by joining Wondery Plus. And if this podcast lasts longer than 45 minutes, call your doctor.

[Ben Mandelker]

And now it's time for Nia and Dani to go have a lymphatic massage at a place called the Tax. Yeah, a lymphatic drainage massage, supposed to release the drain toxins from your body. Sort of sounds like this when the toxins leave.

[Ronnie Karam]

It's good that we're doing that after spending the week with a couple of toxic people. All right, so they go in and Nia talks about being insecure about her body because of all the babies. So she's, she just wants to like, like get this baby thing out of her and done with so she can go get her body tightened up. And he's like, oh, you go to Santa Clarita and I'll impregnate you. That's all I need, baby.

[Ben Mandelker]

I mean, I just want to have a mommy makeover and I'm not gonna do it till we get this freaking other last baby out. So now they get their massage and then this lady is like going to town on Danny's lodge and he's like, four under four. Sim. Four. Under four.

[Ronnie Karam]

And that's what he does. He's like, I'm having a fourth child. Four under four. I. You know, they seem very nice. I cannot hear about another child. I don't care. I don't want to hear about it. I don't care how many children you have. You're doing this to yourself and you're doing this to us. Stop it.

[Ben Mandelker]

Stop it, stop it. So now we go back to Janet and Jason's, and Janet and the baby are back in the ball pit and they are still playing around with that sheer scarf. The sheer scarf, the ball pit, the low hanging hood. This house has a lot of calamities happening in it.

[Ronnie Karam]

And Janice, like, oh, my God, I've not been in a situation like this where I'm sitting in a ball pit crying all day. I mean, I could have died today. I could have died. Jasmine basically almost murdered me in front of my child. Because he knows. He senses what's going on. And he was like, his first words came out today and he said, mommy, don't die. I said, I'm sorry. It's Janet. It's Janet.

[Ben Mandelker]

Oh, look, I found a bottle cap in this ball pit, Jasmine.

[Ronnie Karam]

I mean, look, I found a bottle cap. And then he said, ow. And I realized there was a bottle cap in there.

[Ben Mandelker]

Damn it said Fanta on it. So Jason's like, yeah. When we were talking to Jasmine, the way she looked at you and spoke, it was like. It was just like you were the scum of the earth. I'm like, wait for BravoCon. So Janet's like, I just. I don't understand what's going on. Like, it hurts really bad. It's like playing skeeball and not a single ball goes into the big circles.

[Ronnie Karam]

It's just terrible.

[Ben Mandelker]

I just feel like I'm being dumped. Out of nowhere. She talks about how Jasmine was her friend for so many years and it just feels like her friendship's been discarded.

[Ronnie Karam]

Oh, who cares, Janet? You're an asshole. And people call you an asshole and then you cry like a victim. Okay, stop being an asshole. So this scene isn't really about Janet or her ball pit. This scene is about how we're supposed to really feel for Jack. So can we please bring the Trixie Monocle Violin Quartet out for a jax call?

[Ben Mandelker]

A jax call. So, so now Jax is on the phone and he's like, oh, God, today was kind of like a rough day. I mean, it's just like with my therapy. I mean, overall, it's been. It's been really, really good, like, really helpful. And, you know, I got on some old stuff today and I'm just trying to really figure out where my anger is coming from. I'm just like, so tired of my anger. I'm so tired of yelling. I wish Brittany would stop making me yell. I just lost all when I found out about Julian. Oh, my God.

[Ronnie Karam]

Best friend.

[Ben Mandelker]

It's just so awful. But you know what? I pushed Britney away, but she wanted to be pushed away to be fair. And I just, I pushed her in and pushed her and I didn't even fucking see it, you know, And I just, I didn't realize what I was doing. And like, I've gotten so. I've gotten away with it for so long that I found this to be acceptable behavior. And it's really her fault because she was one who let me get away with it for so many years. I mean, ugh. But I'm really, I'm doing better. I'm doing better.

[Ronnie Karam]

I just wish Britney told me to stop. That's like crazy. But she didn't. You know, like, I have to be supportive of Britney for not being able to tell me to stop it because, like, it's been really hard on me the way she's just let me go. I mean, what a piece of shit. This fucking guy. Like, he gets worse every single time. He's like, guys, I've been horrible and I'm so upset that Britney, like, let me think this was acceptable behavior. But now that I've learned that it's Britney who's fucked up, hopefully I can fix Britney enough that I'll be okay. What?

[Ben Mandelker]

This is. This was. He. He was like, he's. He's presenting like he has had, you know, epiphanies and is taking accountability. But he's. There's like these little lines. He drops in there like, oh, I wish she hadn't let me go this far.

[Ronnie Karam]

Right?

[Ben Mandelker]

I wish she had. I wish she had. I wish she had left me earlier so I could have had this. This moment of like. He literally says, I wish Britney would have left me a long time ago. Like, he's still blaming her.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, he's saying it's changed me. So I wish she'd done it a long time ago because look how changed I am. No, you're still here blaming somebody else. You, you haven't even changed your shirt. You're in the same outfit. You've been in the same drawn on eyebrows. Take a shower and please stop putting him on this show. So Jason says, yeah, well, you know, like, if you really want to help Brittany, you know, she mentioned the mortgage hasn't been paid, so maybe you could pay that. That would be a good step forward. He's like, well, I have a situation for that. You know, Brittany and I have a podcast. It's huge. It is basically the Rogan of couples. And, you know, huge deal. So I'm just gonna let her have the money from that for a while. You know, like, whatever. She could have the rss, like, whatever. So we find out later that he's not even doing this podcast. It's been her doing it solo, earning money that he's been taking half of while she's been doing.

[Ben Mandelker]

So Jason, he's like, wow, man. This is the first time I've talked to you where you've taken, like, full accountability for things and not said, I messed up, but Brendan did this, or I messed up, but this happened. Like you're taking full accountability and this is. I see, like, legitimate change. I was like, are we listening to the same phone call, Jason? Because I'm hearing with subtle insertions of blaming Britney for. Why?

[Ronnie Karam]

Not even subtle. Flat out blaming Britney flat out for his. Yeah. And, you know, Janet's like, wow, I'm so impressed. And Jason's like, why am I crying? Because I've been, like, crying 20 times in five days. Because you're surround yourself with horrible people and then support them.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. Now, it's interesting because we've said before, like, oh, we don't like this, like, pro Jax redemption angle that the show is doing. I actually think the show is not giving him a redemption. I think the show is sort of doing a troll, is actually trolling Jax. Because every time they do Jax checks in from rehab and he talks about his progress. Every single time he does that, they immediately follow up with a scene where we see he is actually just as wretched as he always was. And I think the show is. I think the show is totally making fun of him because they're like, yeah, okay, like, this is his now. Now you're gonna see what he's really doing to Britain.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, I like that they did that today for sure. This is definitely the most blatant follow up we've had. But you know, the Jacks, like, they literally play tinkly piano music when he's doing his. I just. I can't. So we go to Britney's and she's still pissed about the condo. The condo. I'm so upset about the condo. And she's going to be taking over the mortgage and this and that. So she's talking about talking to her mama. Mama, I need a ladder. He hid the ladder for me. So I can't. So I can't cover up them cameras again. What a weirdo. Like he's not gonna just spy on me whenever he had it covered the entire time. I mean, 2.2 can play at this game, buddy. Okay? 2 can play at this game. Take the cameras out.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. Yeah. So she's covering the cameras back up again. This is also fucked up. And she's like, well, my plan moving forward. The rental is just gonna sit vacant there for two and a half months. That's okay. Cuz, like, I'm doing okay and I.

[Ronnie Karam]

Can afford it right now.

[Ben Mandelker]

But, like, I gotta figure something out because that's a lot funny. So they FaceTime. She FaceTimes Jenny, who's Jax's sister. Which I guess I just feel like. Don't even. I understand. Like, Jenny seems like fairly normal. But why are you. I was would. I would just cut out the entire family. I would not talk to any of them.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, Jenny's also a Jack supporter. So you're calling Jenny under the. Like, under the guise of, Jax is sick and he needs our help when we should be talking about poor, sick Jax, which shouldn't be the thing. It should be, Jax is abusive and he's ruining my. Are you gonna help me or not?

[Ben Mandelker]

Yes.

[Ronnie Karam]

But this whole, like, let's check in on Jax is so gross. I hate it. So she's like, well, Jenny, I want to catch up with you, obviously, on everything. Did you guys ever get that GoFundMe money that you. That people had to make so your mom could pay for your dad's funeral after Jax took off all the inheritance money and never helped pay. How's that going? But no, we never get a question like that. Instead, it's poor Jax, you know? And then we find out that Jack stole the wedding rings and the wedding bands, probably to change them in for something that goes up his nose. And Jenny's like, wow, they're missing. Wow, what a shame. Hang up on Jenny right now.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, this is. She hasn't paid the mortgage, and yet the wedding rings, the jewelry is missing, but the money has not been paid. So then. And she's like, yeah, like, I don't know where they are. Like, what? Like, I don't understand. So this is why she's really calling Jenny, because she wants to be. Basically be like. Like, Jax hasn't paid the mortgage, so maybe you should pay it because you're his sister. And like, that's like, bullshit. And also, like, where the are my wedding rings? I need you to yell at Jax for me. So. But Jenny's like, oh, that's too bad. Not falling for it at all.

[Ronnie Karam]

Trying not to show her fingers. So then the producer's like, oh, Brittany, I just got a text from Jax. And so Jax has just texted Brittany and it's like, I can hear everything. You fucking idiot. Idiot. You look like an idiot on tv. You look ridiculous talking about this right now. I can't believe you. And so childish behavior. Yeah, childish behavior. And she's like, this is crazy because those cameras don't have sound on them. So what, he bugged the house too? He put a microphone in here? I mean, this is Jacks. He's so. Jacks.

[Ben Mandelker]

Why is he like this? I'm like, because he's a narcissist and he's. He's demented. I'm sorry. That's why he's like this. Don't question it. Just leave it. So then. Then Brit's saying like, well, unless he put some secret device around the house, our interior cameras don't have sound. But we are speaking about Jack Taylor here. I don't put past but anything pass him anymore. I've given up hope. It's like, unless he puts some devices, I think there's like a good chance if Ralph from Atlanta can put the devices around, Jax can definitely put them around.

[Ronnie Karam]

He's probably got something on your phone. He's probably found like some way to mirror your phone that's sending him stuff.

[Ben Mandelker]

It's one of two situations. Either he has planted devices, which is fucked up, or the other thing is he saw on the security cameras that he came back into the house. So he wants to rattle her by saying. By pretending like he can hear it, even though he can't, but he just knows it'll get under her skin. Both ways are despicable. Both options are terrible.

[Ronnie Karam]

And we also find out in this scene that he not only hasn't paid since May, it's been a lot longer than that. And the house is in foreclosure now. So. Yeah, and I think someone said that on the after show, she said it was over 100,000 because it had been since October, Uber or something.

[Ben Mandelker]

And then she's taking over the mortgage. So does that mean it's going to impact her credit because she's taking over the mortgage? I don't know how that all works.

[Ronnie Karam]

No, she's just going to be Paying for it. I'm sure he didn't sign the house over. He's not going to sign that house over without. She's just. Me. She's going to be paying for it.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then Jenny's like, oh, hold on a second. He's. He's calling me. Very convenient that he decides to call her because like, you know, of course.

[Ronnie Karam]

Doing this with Brittany on camera. This.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then she calls back.

[Ronnie Karam]

This is rough.

[Ben Mandelker]

My God, it's crazy. So he calls back and she's. She calls back. He's like, oh, he's going to the hospital. She's like, what do you mean? His blood pressure is super high? I'm like. And then Jenny says, yeah, you. He. He saw you guys like, putting on the stickers, you and Sherry. Oh, Jenny, stop, like, being confused.

[Ronnie Karam]

You've killed Jack. You've killed Jack.

[Ben Mandelker]

His blood, if his blood pressure is going up because of that, the same thing that he did to his own wife, then, then, then let that pressure go soaring.

[Ronnie Karam]

Let the brain say, I agree with you and I don't care what people say about Jenny. She needs to hang up on Jenny because her. Jenny calling to like relay Jax's manipulation is like, oh my God, he has to go to the hospital. And Brittany's like, well, my biggest fear was it before he went there, was he. He's got to go because he's gonna have a heart attack. And Jenny's like, yeah, well, both of my uncles died before the age of 50. Brittany, she's like, oh my God. Well, I don't want him to die. But off Jenny. Okay, Were both of your uncles abusive pieces of manipulative shit? Like, was it also caused by the women in their lives? Hang up on Jenny.

[Ben Mandelker]

Well, they do hang up. And so she turns to her, mom, mom, come over here. Okay. Jack just wrote me this really long email saying in terms of the mortgage, I've been trying to contact the bank to, to pay off what is owed, but they just let me know. The home is in for, by the way. Here's the bullshit already. I've been trying to contact the bank. It's not hard.

[Ronnie Karam]

Right? Right.

[Ben Mandelker]

We all. Let me tell you something. It's 2025. You pay, you do the stuff online. You get an email that says mortgage is due. Okay? It's not like this.

[Ronnie Karam]

It's automatically drafted from your account. The fact that it's been this long means you stopped the draft on your account.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, the. The banks are not going to make it hard for you to give them money. Okay? It's very simple to reach out and be like, I need, I owe you money. I'm going to pay you. They'll be, yes, come on in, sir. So him saying, I've been trying to contact the bank means that he was not trying at all. He's just now been caught. So. And then he says, I will not be paying anything after this month. I will not be paying anything more. You will be responsible until we sell the house.

[Ronnie Karam]

And they just laugh because obviously that's not true. They'll both be on the, if they're both on the mortgage, they'll both be held responsible. But she's like, I just was hoping for change. Which was your first mistake. She just keeps going. And then the kid comes over. So get over here, get over and let me get them boogers out of your nose. Why? You should call boogers. Come here. It tastes like casserole. That's weird. Okay, go over there. Well, it is a metaphor.

[Ben Mandelker]

Plucking the booger out of your nose. And that's what she needs to do with Jax. Pluck that booger out of her nose.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, I mean, it is. Her picker is broken. Even her son doesn't have a good picker. He's always got boogers in his nose. Like, learn to pick your nose. What kind of kid are you? Let's learn. I'll teach you. So then Brittany is like, oh. And so he says he's gonna just let me keep all the money from this podcast. He told Jason and Janet he was going to let me keep this podcast money. And now he's saying I'm going to have to figure out how to pay this whole mortgage and everything else. He's just so gross. It's like hurts my feelings to watch. I don't even like watching it.

[Ben Mandelker]

I find it fascinating. I, I, because it's, it's real. It's something that's so real that's happening. And it's also great for people to see that, like they're pieces of like Jax is, because Jax is only one of thousands, millions of pieces of shit guys that do this that are just like total narcissist pigs. And I do enjoy seeing him getting like, they put this up there and we just all thrash him because this is totally unacceptable behavior for anyone to do to anyone else. So fun times on the Valley, right? Another fun episode. Thanks everyone for being here on a two part Valley episode. Certainly lots of fun. And go check out our Love island coverage and we'll be back later with some next gen new York City Bye, everyone. Bye, Angeladas watch what Crappens would like to thank its premium sponsors Ain't no thing like Alison King Our way is the Amber way It's the Foster and the Furious It's Amanda Foster she can.

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[Ronnie Karam]

It'S always a good time when you're wasting time with Bravo. She ain't no shrinking violet Coutar. We love you guys. If you like, watch what crappens. You can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey what is daddication? The thing that drives me every day as a dad is Dariona. We call him Dae Date for short. Every day he's hungry for something, whether it's attention, affection, knowledge. And there's this huge responsibility in making sure that when he's no longer under my wing that he's a good person. I want him to be able to sit back one day and go, we worked together. We did a good job.

[Ben Mandelker]

That's dadication. Find out [e-mail] brought to you by.

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