Watch What Crappens Podcast Episode #2949 Summary: Below Deck S12E09: Kell On Earth
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Introduction
In Episode #2949 of "Watch What Crappens," hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the latest developments of Below Deck Season 12, Episode 9 titled "Kell On Earth." As usual, the duo offers their signature blend of praise, ridicule, and sharp humor, providing listeners with an engaging analysis of the show's ongoing drama and character dynamics.
Episode Breakdown
Opening Remarks and Sponsor Messages
The episode kicks off with Ben and Ronnie briefly mentioning sponsor messages, including promotions for Cinnamon Toast Crunch’s limited-edition cereal boxes featuring football stars and Rakuten’s cashback services. They smoothly transition from these ads into the main content, setting the stage for their discussion.
Initial Reactions to "Kell On Earth"
Ben expresses his initial excitement about the episode, highlighting its departure from last season's repetitive themes:
"Just when I was gonna start complaining that Below Deck was kind of boring me this season, in comes this episode to give me the sort of belly laughs I really needed on a Monday." [02:44]
He specifically praises the introduction of the character Kelly, who brings fresh energy and humor to the show, countering the monotony Ben felt earlier in the season.
Character Dynamics and Drama
The episode focuses heavily on the intricate relationships and conflicts among the crew and guests. Ben and Ronnie dissect several key interactions, primarily centered around the romantic entanglements involving Barbara, Jess, Fraser, Damo, and Kyle.
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Barbara and Jess’ Relationship:
The hosts discuss the tumultuous relationship between Barbara and Jess, noting Jess's manipulative behavior:
"Jess is a fuck girl, she's got fuckboy behavior as well." [06:20]
They highlight moments where Jess flirts and creates tension, leading to Barbara's frustration and eventual heartbreak.
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Damo and Kyle’s Friendship:
Damo's strained friendship with Kyle is another focal point. Ben critiques Damo's selfishness, emphasizing how his actions negatively impact Kyle:
"So, so he calls up the dock authority, which is clearly overdubbed by, like, a product, like a PA on the crew, who's like. She's like, we got someone who's get. We need to get her off the boat. She's too drunk." [78:17]
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Fraser’s Leadership:
Fraser's attempts to manage the crew and guests are portrayed as ineffective, leading to increasing chaos onboard:
"He was like, 'I need every answer, focus. You see them on the dock, then the deck. Get him off.' Not like that though, okay, Fraser, stop looking so excited." [63:24]
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Throughout the episode, Ben and Ronnie punctuate their discussion with memorable quotes from both the podcast and the Below Deck episode:
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Discussing Kelly's chaotic behavior:
"This is a true story of love, loss, and the temptations of technology." [85:38]
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Highlighting moments of conflict:
"It's all being handled by solving a war with love." [07:14]
Humorous Takes and Critiques
Ben and Ronnie do not shy away from criticizing the show’s portrayal of drama, often interjecting humor to underscore their points:
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On Kelly’s exaggerated drunken antics:
"This is amazing. She really was the worst that we've ever seen." [81:30]
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On the stereotypical behavior of drunk characters:
"These people are terrible. They're just garbage. I was like, Jess is garbage." [22:18]
Behind-the-Scenes Commentary
The hosts occasionally diverge to discuss off-topic events, such as Ben’s experience with a canceled Delta flight and its possible connection to a pilot arrest. This segment adds a personal touch to the podcast, blending real-life frustrations with their analysis of Below Deck.
"My Delta flight was abruptly canceled because there was no Pilot. Was my pilot arrested? What sort of criminals does Delta..." [43:30]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Ben and Ronnie reflect on the escalating drama aboard the yacht, predicting further turmoil in upcoming episodes. They express their anticipation for how the crew will handle the persistent chaos and whether any semblance of order can be restored.
"They were just a step and repeat. Just ready to go. So they're being terribly irresponsible." [60:47]
Ben wraps up by reiterating his frustration with the characters’ selfish and destructive behaviors, setting the stage for future discussions.
"They really are. They're just garbage. They are just garbage." [22:18]
Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with Ben and Ronnie thanking their listeners and reminding them to support the podcast through Patreon for exclusive content. They also promote upcoming projects and briefly discuss other podcast offerings, maintaining their characteristic humor and engaging style.
"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." [85:24]
Key Quotes with Timestamps
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Ben Mandelker:
"Just when I was gonna start complaining that Below Deck was kind of boring me this season..." [02:44]
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Kelly:
"I'm still a little breezed and sw but I don't feel like wearing glasses today..." [02:32]
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Ben Mandelker:
"She’s a fuck girl." [06:25]
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Kelly:
"Democrats, Democrats, Democrats, Democrats, Democrats." [03:49]
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Ben Mandelker:
"Songs lie." [15:43]
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Kelly:
"I'm a boat person and I can swim all I want." [72:14]
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Ben Mandelker:
"They really are. They're just garbage." [22:18]
Final Thoughts
Episode #2949 of "Watch What Crappens" offers a comprehensive and entertaining analysis of Below Deck Season 12, Episode 9. Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam skillfully navigate through the episode's drama, providing sharp critiques and humorous insights, making it a must-listen for fans of the show and those who enjoy a spirited discussion of Bravo’s reality TV offerings.
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