What's the Reality? – Gi & Blake Guest Host: How Perfect Match Almost Broke Them Up

Podcast: What's the Reality?
Date: January 14, 2026
Guest Hosts: Giannina Gibelli ("G", from Love Is Blind) & Blake Horstmann (from The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise)
Theme: Behind-the-scenes look at reality TV relationships, their journey as a couple, and how being cast for "Perfect Match" almost broke them up.
Tone: Playful, honest, unfiltered, and affectionate, with the signature banter and roast dynamic between Gi and Blake.

Episode Overview

This episode brings together Giannina Gibelli and Blake Horstmann as guest hosts while Amber Desiree is on maternity leave. They open up about navigating love after reality TV fame, cultural differences, the impact of public life, parenting, and the major crossroad that nearly split them—when Gi was offered a spot on Netflix's "Perfect Match." They also roast each other in a hilarious "relationship roast" segment.

Meet Gi and Blake (01:26–06:42)

• Gi and Blake introduce themselves as guest hosts and joke about keeping the couch warm for AD.
• Both are from different reality TV worlds: Gi from Love is Blind, Blake from The Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise.
• They playfully grill each other about whether they would have ended up together had they met in another reality TV format.
  • Gi: “I wasn't veering toward American men after Love is Blind, so… I was literally gonna move to Europe and Barcelona, and then we met, and now I live in Colorado.” (04:24)
• Discussion of cultural differences and competitiveness in dating show environments.
• Each confesses to having Googled the other, but neither watched the other's full reality TV season.

Reality TV Reflections (08:04–18:21)

The Evolution of The Bachelor/Bachelorette (08:04–13:32)

• Blake reflects on how the franchise has changed: New showrunners, new format tweaks, but the core formula (rose ceremonies, iconic tropes) persists.
  • Blake: “On paper is a completely different show, but the formula is still the same.” (09:07)
• The franchise’s struggle to compete with Netflix shows like Love is Blind and Perfect Match.
• Discussion about TikTok influencer Taylor Frankie Paul being chosen as Bachelorette:
  • Blake: “I wish they would have just called this, like, celebrity Bachelorette. To me… it’s a bit of a slap in the face to all the incredible Bachelorette leads we’ve had in the past.” (11:25)
  • Gi: Wonders how a traditionally-minded, cultish Bachelor audience will embrace a social media star.

Love is Blind's Evolution (15:45–18:21)

• Giannina’s insight: Season 1 cast were clueless/“in it for the right reasons,” but newer casts are more aware. She likes the experiment but notes some recent seasons feel more manufactured.
  • Gi: “I think if you want to be on Love is Blind, just don’t watch the show.” (17:38)
• Blake’s advice: Don’t go in with a playbook—producers will always clock it.

The All Star Shore Origin Story (19:08–30:10)

Meeting and Falling in Love

• How Gi and Blake met: Both were cast for Paramount+/MTV’s All Star Shore, a challenge show (not a dating show).
• Gi’s story: Came off a tough breakup, prayed for guidance in Colombia, got the call for the show, and took it as a sign to go for adventure.
  • Gi: “I was literally going to churches in Colombia…being like, I just want you to show me how good it can get. And as soon as I came out… got a text… coast of Africa…divine timing.” (20:15)
• Blake’s view: Was in a low place after Paradise, only agreed to a game show since there was a prize and it couldn't be manipulated. Instantly drawn to Gi upon arrival.
  • Memorable quote: “We literally fell in love. 18 days. I asked her to be my girlfriend at the end of the show…in Spanish.” (30:10)
• Their first impressions: Gi noticed Blake's aura, not his shirt; both started talking about past failed TV relationships from night one.

The “Perfect Match” Crossroads (30:18–34:08)

• Gi reveals she was supposed to be on Netflix’s Perfect Match two months after meeting Blake.
  • Gi: “I just met this man. Do I go on Perfect Match, get clout, money, maybe another boyfriend, or do I stick with my gut?” (30:25)
• How it played out:
  • She told Blake, who responded calmly but set a boundary: “If you go, I will not be your boyfriend back home.” (31:13)
  • Emotional standoff in a hotel room; Gi walks out crying, but returns, feeling seen by his understanding.
  • Blake: “I knew that was a big opportunity for you, and I didn’t want to ruin that.”
• Her ultimate decision: Chose Blake over the show.
  • Gi: “That was a very pivotal moment in our relationship. So thank you, Perfect Match, for giving me the confidence I needed.” (30:55)

Navigating Public Life, Boundaries, and Parenting (34:09–54:42)

Adjusting to Public Life

• Both reflect on the challenge of living relationship in the public eye; it’s made them more of a team.
  • Blake: “We always have to have each other’s back…sometimes to a fault.” (36:34)
• Gi admits the time when they were private, before going public with their relationship, was their most cherished.

Emotional Maturity & Communication

• They have fierce arguments, but “within 10 minutes, we’re cuddling.”
• Proud of post-fight communication and mutual growth.
  • Gi: “I’m really proud of us, Blake. This is such, like, a healthy way to deal with things.” (39:48)

Parenting Little Heath

• Parenting changed their priorities, made them more patient, and fueled their teamwork.
  • Blake: “My instincts, I don’t know if it’s thousands of years of evolution, just kicked in. I need to do better. I need to build this little man a good life.” (51:04)
  • Gi: “He just sees me as…his safety, his blanket… That’s what moms are.” (47:20)
• Both choked up discussing parenthood and their hopes for Heath to grow up healthy and happy.
  • Blake: “Now…the second he was born, I just want him to be healthy. That’s all I care about.” (52:01)

Family & Wedding Plans

• Upcoming wedding in 2026, destination chosen for its ties to Gi’s heritage.
  • Hint: “No one can tell if I’m white or brown, so figure that out on your own.” (60:35)
• Blake jokes he’ll be the “Bridezilla.”
• Planning approach: Very relaxed—Gi admits “I haven’t had to lift a finger.”

Relationship Roast Segment – Letting Loose! (65:20–80:25)

• Format: Take turns roasting one another in various categories, with playful burns but clear affection between them.

Highlights & Quotes

• Most Delusional Trait:
  • Blake (about Gi): “She’s delusionally positive…which I think could be a good thing, but it’s also annoying sometimes. I could be having the worst day…and she’s like, ‘it’s fine!’” (66:03)
  • Gi (about Blake): “36-year-old DJ, ladies and gentlemen!” (67:54)
• Most Dramatic “Roll the Cameras” Behavior:
  • Gi: “He’ll check himself out a LOT…like this blue steel…propping his chin up.”
  • Blake’s example: Gi fighting a security guard at Coachella when denied her car access: “I had to peel her off a 6'6" massive man…” (69:33)
• What Wouldn't They Survive Without:
  • Blake: “G needs someone in her life who will say, ‘How many unread texts do you have?’ Her manager will text me… her friends will text me: ‘Can you tell G to text me back?’” (77:26)
  • Gi: “You think the pool is a shower…you would literally get MRSA. You eat it? I don’t know.” (79:33)
• Most Iconic TV Moment:
  • Blake: Being "Mr. Stagecoach," even though it wasn't on camera (backstory from Bachelor in Paradise drama).
  • Gi: The actual Runaway Bride moment, “like only what you see in movies.”

Closing Thoughts & Advice (81:06–82:35)

• Key takeaways: Embrace each other’s quirks, stop taking yourselves too seriously, and give each other grace.
  • Gi: “You just need to accept them, embrace it—the past, how they are right now. If you become parents, just give each other grace and learn together…”
• Looking ahead: Wedding, bachelor–bachelorette parties, and upcoming podcast guests.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• On choosing to stay together:
  “That was a very pivotal moment in our relationship. So thank you, Perfect Match, for giving me the confidence I needed.” – Gi, (30:58)

• On public life:
  “I think it’s made us stronger. We always have to have each other’s back.” – Blake, (36:34)

• Parenting vulnerability:
  “He just sees me as…that. I’m gonna cry, I need a tissue.” – Gi, (47:20)

• Roasting Blake’s DJ career:
  “36-year-old DJ, ladies and gentlemen.” – Gi, (67:54)

• On what they'd miss without each other:
  “She needs me to be like, ‘hey babe, you should probably text back your family.’” – Blake, (77:54)

Standout Moments with Timestamps

• Gi decides not to do Perfect Match for love: (⁠30:18–34:08)
• Hilarious relationship roast: (65:20–80:25)
• Heartfelt parenting stories & tears: (46:43–56:59)
• Blake’s “Stagecoach” saga explained: (73:03–75:53)
• Wedding hints and planning: (60:25–62:41)

Final Thoughts

This episode is a must-listen for reality TV fans and anyone interested in the real-life dynamics behind TV personalities’ public personas. Gi and Blake's authentic storytelling, self-deprecating humor, and genuine affection shine through—a testament to what can happen “when the cameras stop rolling.” They mix behind-the-scenes insight with relationship vulnerability and laughter, making for a warm, engaging listen.

Tip for Listeners: Try playing their “relationship roast” game with your partner for laughs, self-awareness, and maybe a little loving chaos!