Temptation Island’s Sydney McGregor: Reunion Drama, Mikey & Xzavier, and What You Didn’t See

Summary

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Podcast Summary: “Temptation Island’s Sydney McGregor: Reunion Drama, Mikey & Xzavier, and What You Didn’t See”

Podcast: What’s the Reality?
Host: Amber Desiree (AD)
Guest: Sydney McGregor (Temptation Island Season 2)
Date: April 29, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features Sydney McGregor from Season 2 of Temptation Island, who sits down with host Amber Desiree (AD) for an unfiltered, heartfelt discussion. They dive into the fallout from the recent reunion special, Sydney’s post-show relationships with Mikey and Xzavier, what really happened behind the scenes, navigating reality TV as the only Black woman in the cast, healing, growth, fan reactions, and Sydney’s plans for the future. Expect tea on editing, emotional moments, and plenty of reality-check wisdom.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Initial Feelings Post-Show & Fan Response

• Sydney’s Candid Reaction:
  • “With the show airing, I loved all the feedback. Everybody’s like, ‘Oh, she stood on business.’ But I already knew when that reunion came out, they were gonna be like, ‘girl, what. What are you doing? What happened to the whole plot?’...Let’s give some grace.” – Sydney (01:51)
• She admits to being nervous about the vulnerability shown, especially after breaking down in the first few days:
  • “I was like, I’m not gonna cry. No. Bawled my eyes out...First one to cry, first one to crash out.” – Sydney (03:22)

Relationship Recap: Sydney & Mikey, and Life After Filming

• Timeline: Sydney and Mikey were together 1.5 years before TI, got back together for three months post-filming, but ultimately broke up.
• Navigating Fame: Returning to work as an esthetician, fielding client questions, considering a move to LA (02:25).
• On Mikey’s Portrayal:
  • “I hate it...Mikey is such a good guy, and to see him in such a bad light...really doesn’t sit right with me.” – Sydney (03:57)
• Mikey Showing Emotion:
  • “He never cried like that when we were dating, ever.” – Sydney (04:32)
  • AD noticed: “In the beginning, I was like, oh, this is more of a show...but then as he kept going, I’m like, oh, no, he’s down.” (05:08)

Fan & Cast Dynamics

• Women Supporting Each Other:
  • “It was amazing. Being a support system...A sisterhood, like, girlhood ran so deep in that house.” – Sydney (08:58)
• Bonfire Support: Unseen moments of comfort for castmates like Cheyenne that didn’t air but meant a lot behind the scenes (09:38).
• About Seeing Partners Tempted on TV:
  • “At some point, you have to accept it…That wasn’t part of my process. That was part of his.” – Sydney (12:05)

Being the Only Black Woman on Cast

• Hyper-Awareness:
  • “It made me very aware of the things I was doing, what I was okay with, what I was not okay with...I will never have that label on me. And that is self-respect.” – Sydney (20:55)
• Lone Experience:
  • “It’s hard not having another girl there that looked like me to talk to about things outside of what was just going on there.” – Sydney (22:27)
• Production Took Her Journal:
  • “They took my journal...I wrote about literally every day I had...They took all of it.” – Sydney (23:20, 24:07)

Production Influence & Show Editing

• Influence on Story:
  • “I would say heavily influencing. Like honestly...after my first date with Xavier...I was leaning more towards friends…but I just feel like I was really pushed to be with Xavier and give that love story.” – Sydney (19:35–20:18)
• ‘Clipping’ and Editing:
  • Both Mikey and Sydney felt their actions/words were editorialized for drama (13:36–14:52).

Emotional Journey: Boundaries and Growth

• Choosing Herself:
  • “Choosing myself. Putting myself first...understanding when enough is enough. Knowing what I deserve. In past relationships, I have never set boundaries...” – Sydney (30:01)
• Concrete Boundaries:
  • “Being treated like a princess...just little things that aren’t materialistic...the bare minimum.” – Sydney (30:28, 30:52)
• Host’s Advice:
  • “You deserve more than somebody to just open the door and get your candy. Like, that’s a Monday, sis. You deserve the world, the moon, and the fucking stars...” – AD (31:15–31:30)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Mikey’s Behavior and Their Reconciliation

• “Production was lying to you. I didn’t do anything. They clipped me up...They stood right there and made sure like, I said X, Y, and Z that they wanted me to say...It was a horrible experience for me.” – Sydney, relaying Mikey’s message post-show (33:43)
• “He was throwing it in my face constantly. And that ultimately led to us having a really big falling out New Year’s Eve...I don’t have to take this.” – Sydney on their final breakup (39:35)

On Manipulation and Friendship Boundaries

• “Do you think...Mikey has manipulative tendencies?” – AD (34:11)
• “I wouldn’t say manipulative tendencies...but it is manipulative.” – Sydney (34:19)
• “It seems as if he is trying to be a ball and chain in your life...plant the seed in your head that, like, don’t forget, I’m your blah, blah, blah.” – AD (35:21)

Mikey, Xzavier, and What Might Have Been

• Sydney told Xzavier she couldn’t continue with him while confused about Mikey: “If I’m going to move forward with somebody, I need a complete clean slate.” (36:36)
• Relationship with Xzavier: “We talked here and there, but it wasn’t really, like, too heavy on, like, really trying to pursue anything. It was more like a friendship.” (42:24)

Insights on Reality TV

• Alcohol on Set: “They would take it if, like, somebody got too drunk...But I think the boys’ Villa is another story.” – Sydney (24:45)
• Therapy Availability: “Production offer you guys therapy? – Yeah, they did. They did.” (44:26)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:51 – Sydney on fan reactions & vulnerability
• 03:57 – Backlash Mikey gets
• 04:32 – First time seeing Mikey cry
• 08:58 – Camaraderie among women
• 13:36 – Editing (“clipping”) and truth
• 20:55 – Sydney as the only Black woman on cast
• 23:20, 24:07 – Production taking contestant journals
• 30:01 – Personal growth and boundaries
• 33:43–34:06 – Mikey’s claims about show editing
• 39:35 – Details of the final breakup
• 42:24 – Sydney and Xzavier post-show
• 44:50 – Most shocking reunion moment: Jack’s breakdown
• 46:40 – Growth in Mikey post-breakup
• 53:01 – Sydney praised by Mark for being “that girl” with the best advice
• 53:44 – AD’s closing affirmation: “Love your life. Be the best version of you, but, like, also know your worth.”

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Behind-the-Scenes: What Viewers Didn’t See

• Support System: Unseen moments of sisterhood at bonfires, emotional breakdowns comforted by other women (09:38).
• Production’s Heavy Hand: Push towards Sydney/Xzavier storyline, choice restrictions on dates, “clipped” confessionals for drama.
• Cast Bonding: Family-style dinners cooked by cast members, friendships across gender lines.
• Journaling Confiscated: Production took all contestants’ journals, sometimes returning them much later (23:20–24:13).
• Charlotte Casting Trend: Many cast members from Charlotte; the city becomes a “reality TV hotspot” (28:16–28:54).

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Reunion Drama & Reflections

• Sydney’s Take on the Reunion:
  • “You revealed at the reunion that you got back with Mikey four days after leaving the island...walk us through it.” (31:34–33:43)
• No Plan to Rekindle:
  • “I just. I don’t think it is very apparent because we both have grown...I don’t know what could happen, honestly.” – Sydney (48:02)
• Mom’s Perspective:
  • “My mom literally, like, catches him (Mikey) in her arms. And she was like, Sydney, like, this was like, I’ve never seen anything like it...But with the whole show coming out and everything, she’s really like, I have seen the growth after the fact.” (49:38–50:36)
• On Her Own Evolution:
  • “She was extremely proud of me. She was like, you carried yourself so well. You had class, you had grace, and you really represented everything that me and your dad have raised you to be.” – Sydney quoting her mother (50:38)

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Fun Superlatives from Sydney

• Best Dressed: Scarlett (51:51)
• Biggest Flirt: Mikey (52:01)
• Biggest Red Flag: Jack (52:08)
• Most Genuine: Xzavier (52:12)
• Most Dramatic: Mikey (“All the tears. Jesus.”) (52:38)
• Best Advice: Herself (52:46)

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Sydney’s Next Steps

• Moving to LA: “It’s looking like in like two months, like July 1st....just like moving out here, starting fresh, starting new, being with shy, making new friends, building a new community...” (53:57)
• Career: Managing her esthetician business from afar, looking forward to LA opportunities.

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Closing Reflections

• AD’s Farewell: “You might have went back for a little bit, three months. And if you go back, whatever, that’s love...No one has the answers. No one has the cheat code. Like you do” (53:43)
• Sydney’s Gratitude: “I’m so happy you had me.” (53:54)

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This engaging episode delivers an authentic, multi-layered look at not only the drama behind Temptation Island’s second season, but also the personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs of its breakout star, Sydney.

Transcript

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[Podcast Host]

Hey, you guys. Welcome back to another episode of what's the Reality, y'? All. I have a very special guest with me today. We have Sydney from season two of Temptation Island. Yes, y'. All. Okay, before everybody says you not asking the questions, you not asking the hard questions. This is filmed after only, what, part one of her reunion. So I'm gonna try to pull out some tea from part two. But I only have so much information.

[Sydney]

Yes, right.

[Podcast Host]

But you're gonna drop more for me.

[Sydney]

Yes, I will. Okay. For sure.

[Podcast Host]

Well, welcome to what's the Reality?

[Sydney]

Thank you. I'm happy to be here.

[Podcast Host]

I'm happy to have you. How are you?

[Sydney]

I'm good, girl.

[Podcast Host]

Your show has aired. The people are seeing. Give me an overall hotel hot take of how you're feeling right now, honestly.

[Sydney]

So with the show airing, I loved all the feedback. Everybody's like, oh, she stood on business. But I already knew when that reunion came out, they were gonna be like, girl, what. What are you doing? Like, what happened to the whole plot? Yeah, yeah. And it's just like now I'm just like, guys, let's, let's. I'm just a girl. Like, I'm trying to figure this out. Just like y' all are like, let's give some grace.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Remind me how long y' all were together.

[Sydney]

So we were together for like a year and a half.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, okay, okay. I got to come back to that because my brain is like, okay, so what have you been up to in the nine months since you guys have wrapped filming?

[Sydney]

So, honestly, I got back together with Mikey and we were together for like three Months. But during that time, you know, like, going back home, getting back in the swing of things. I have my own business. I'm an esthetician. So I was taking my clients. You know, my clients are asking me all these questions. I told some of them. I went on the show, and then when the trailer dropped, it was just like this big, like, questions from everybody, my friends, family. And I'm like, I'm trying to navigate this new space that I'm in and really just trying to see what's next in terms of, like, do I want to move to la? Like, what's next for Sydney?

[Podcast Host]

Come to la?

[Sydney]

Yeah. I'm really excited. That's what I'm planning to do.

[Podcast Host]

So fun.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Were you nervous for the show to come out?

[Sydney]

I was extremely nervous for the show to come out.

[Podcast Host]

Why?

[Sydney]

Because, like, the. Everybody has their own opinions. Of course, they're entitled to those. But I feel like I represented my way. My way. I represented myself in a way that, you know, I was real. I was vulnerable. Like what you saw at the bonfire, the first bonfire clip, that's how I felt.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

And I was like, oh, I'm going to go on the show. I'm not going to cry. No. Bawled my eyes out. Bawled my eyes out. Within the first three days.

[Podcast Host]

I'm like, first want to cry. What are we doing?

[Sydney]

First one to cry, first one to crash out. I'm like, oh, my gosh. But, you know, that's what happened. That's so funny.

[Podcast Host]

So what. How are you feeling about, like, the fans response to you on the show?

[Sydney]

So it felt really good. And I love to see, like, women supporting me, you know, step away from my relationship, see what I felt like personally and just like, going after something different than what I was comfortable with.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. How do you feel about the backlash that Mikey's getting?

[Sydney]

I hate it. Like, I really hate it. Mikey is such a good guy, and to see him in such a bad light and all the negativity that he's giving, getting, it really doesn't sit right with me. In the first part of the reunion, you saw me break down and cry. Nick asked me, you know, how was it watching it back? And it was like, it was hard. I didn't see Mikey cry until the fourth bonfire. That's what a lot of people don't know is, like, I didn't know when

[Podcast Host]

he was going 30th cry.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

18th meltdown.

[Sydney]

Exactly. So it's like to know him and to see him go through those emotions, it really was not an easy watch.

[Podcast Host]

So you've never seen him cry like that? No. Never?

[Sydney]

Never. He never cried like that when we were dating, ever.

[Podcast Host]

It looks like he got it on go.

[Sydney]

Like, he's just ready to cry. Ready.

[Podcast Host]

Have you just, like, not applied the pressure to him in that kind of way where he didn't feel like, Yeah,

[Sydney]

I just feel like, honestly, when we would have conversations where I would be upset or he would hurt me or I would do something to him, he never took it serious. Like, it was always, like, that performative, like, funny, funny guy. Like, this isn't real. Like, we're like, you know, whatever.

[Podcast Host]

And.

[Sydney]

But to see him on the show, I was like, wow. Like, you really went through it and you really let yourself feel everything. Yeah. So that was shocking. That was really shocking.

[Podcast Host]

Me and Ollie, my husband, we were watching and we were talking about, like, how he was like, he had these, like, moments of crash out that he was, like, trying to hide, and we're all like, bro, you're literally crashing out. He's like, nope, I'm fine. He's like, no, you're actually losing it. And it's just like, in the beginning, like, I was like, oh, this is more of a show. Like, the crying is just a show. It's manipulation. Blah, blah, blah. But then as he kept going, I'm like, oh, no, he's down.

[Sydney]

He's really hurting.

[Podcast Host]

And then it was just like, the more down he went, the more up you went.

[Sydney]

Yeah, exactly.

[Podcast Host]

And I kept looking at my husband. I was like, is she glowing? Did she just elevate? Like, you just kept getting more and more pretty. Like, you could see the layers shedding off of you. Like, you were, like, floating around. I literally was like, she looks like a goddess.

[Sydney]

Oh, my God.

[Podcast Host]

You had on, like, white or something. I was just like, look how happy this girl is.

[Sydney]

Yeah. It was like going through that first bonfire and seeing what I saw and being like, I'm done. It really gave me, like, a sense of relief, of, like, okay, I don't have to hold on to this anymore. This is like, this was my boundary that was crossed, and I'm done and I'm going to let go of it. I'm not going to let it continue to hinder me, and I just stepped into that.

[Podcast Host]

Do you think that. Because I always see these shows when the guys get all the bracelets. At first, do you think he thought the show was going to go a

[Sydney]

different way for him? I definitely think. I definitely think he did. You know, he was like, oh, My risk.

[Podcast Host]

My wrist is heavy.

[Sydney]

I'm risky and heavy. I'm like, please, please. So I definitely thought he. Yeah, it was gonna go a different way, but, you know, you never know. Expect the unexpected.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Especially with reality tv, you never know. And it's, like, so, so easy. And, like, one on one in real life, like, to keep that mask up. Something about reality TV breaks it down. Breaks it down. You cannot hide from the producers, those cameras, everyone else around you. Like, we all see exactly what is. Like, even Marcus. I see what you're saying.

[Sydney]

Yeah. But their body language.

[Podcast Host]

There's something going on, girl. So before we get into the drama of this season, you kind of talked about a little bit on the reunion, but how did you and Mikey end up getting cast for the show?

[Sydney]

So a casting producer reached out to me, and they were like, we're casting for this new show. Are you single? They reached out to me as a single, and I was like, well, I'm actually in a relationship. Yeah. And they were like, oh, that's great. We're looking for our last couple. I was like, what show is that? They're like, Temptation Island.

[Podcast Host]

I was like, oh, they told you the name? Oh, gosh, that's bold.

[Sydney]

So I went back to Mikey and I brought it up to him, and he was like, oh, no, I. Absolutely not. He had watched, like, multiple seasons of the show, and I had only watched, like, three episodes with him, so I didn't really know, like, the extent to how bad it could get. So he was like, no. I went back to the casting producer. I said. He said, no, we're not doing it. He was like, see if he'll be open to a conversation, a phone call, and I can explain it. So after that phone call, he was like, you know what? We can go through the process, and if we get it, then, okay, we'll go and.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. From the reunion, Mikey said he thought it was fake. Yeah, he thought he was getting, like, an acting deal, I guess.

[Sydney]

I guess. But he. I think he realized very quick.

[Podcast Host]

Very quick. Gosh. Wait, is he, like a reality TV person in general, or he just watched it just because. Doing research?

[Sydney]

No, he's like. He watches reality tv, so, like, Love Island, Love is Blind, all that type of stuff. And he really had watched Temptation island before it was on Netflix.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, wow. So he was a fan, and he just didn't think he would get got.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Damn.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

I'm sorry, but you don't bring a girl like this. You just don't bring the. You don't Bring your baddest out and then think that you're not gonna get hurt. Okay. So it seemed like you and the other girls really bonded. What was it like having them as a support system during this experience?

[Sydney]

You know, it was amazing going through this experience with them, being that we all had our high highs and our low lows. So, like, being able to pull each other and just talk about what all was going on, like, internally, mentally, and talking to them about, like, what do you think they're over there doing? And it's like, girl, we're here. We gotta focus on us. Like, we gotta bring that in. So it was like, really just being a support system. A sisterhood, like, girlhood ran so deep in that house.

[Podcast Host]

I had noticed that the bonfires, you guys were always, like, kind of grabbing each other and hugging each other and just kind of like, how. Like, tell me, the energy after the bonfire, like, when the cameras weren't looking, what was energy like?

[Sydney]

Yeah, honestly, even when the cameras were on, there were some clips that they didn't put in there. So the second bonfire, when Cheyenne breaks down, hops up and is like, I can't do this. Like, what is he doing? She sits back down, and Mark's trying to talk to her. She does not listen to anything. And I literally turn around and I grab her and I'm like, listen, you are going to get through this. I'm like, we're going to help you through this. I'm like, I know you're hurt right now. And he's. This is painful, and he's putting you through this, and you don't deserve it. I was like, but you have to realize your worth. So it was so many different conversations that we had as a whole. And leaving the bond, getting in the car, talking about it, crying, holding each other. Like we really were each other's backbones. So it was something really, like, amazing to experience.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Do you guys ever get to, like, interact with other women from the.

[Sydney]

From the. The singles from the. Yeah. So I've met Julianne and Sydney. And who else did I meet? I think that was it. I met a couple of them in Miami, though, and they were super sweet. You know, I didn't get any bad vibes from them, but I'm pretty sure there's other girls in the villa that I probably would have got a little rub wrong. Rubbed the wrong way. I did meet Christelle. I met Christelle. She was one of the three amigos.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, yes, yes, yes.

[Sydney]

Okay. She's super sweet. I really enjoyed our conversation Yeah. I really enjoyed our conversation. You know, she was telling me different things her and Mikey talked about in the house and how, like, she was like, he's a. He's a great guy. You know, I really looked at him as a friend, and I was like, I'm so glad, like, y' all built that connection there.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. You know what I want to talk about, because I feel like everybody is so strong, and I just don't think I'm that strong, how you guys are, like, you know, I just appreciate how the girls had him. Like, I grow up, be sliding down the wall if I had to be like, you know, the girls really had my man. I'm so grate for what you did for my.

[Sydney]

That's so real. That's so real.

[Podcast Host]

I'm so sorry. Like, I get it. It's not their fault, and everybody's there to do their job and their own thing, but I just could never, like, sit there and be like. And I'm just so grateful for all 20 girls that shook their ass in front of my man to really help him find himself.

[Sydney]

Yeah, exactly.

[Podcast Host]

How did you do that?

[Sydney]

Honestly, I think it's just going there and knowing that that's what you're stepping into and knowing that those girls are

[Podcast Host]

there for that reason, tempt your man.

[Sydney]

And it's like, you just. At some point, you have to accept it. You know, at some point, you just have to accept it and be like, you know what? This is what it is. Yeah. And it's like, I can't have any bad blood towards them because that's not. That wasn't part of my process. That was part of his.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

So I just look at it different. I have to separate the two, because if I don't, then I will go crazy and I will be like, what do you mean? You just talking to them, and they were helping you in ways that you said I couldn't.

[Podcast Host]

So.

[Sydney]

So it was.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Even Mikey was saying, like, yeah, like, Xavier was so good to her. Like, thank you for having her.

[Sydney]

Yeah. What do you mean?

[Podcast Host]

Right?

[Sydney]

What do you mean? Thank you.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, that's so weird. It's so weird. But it's very interesting because when you're in that world, you have, like, you said, you have to accept it.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Or you'll go crazy.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, so you were done with Mikey after seeing the clip at the first bonfire. What made you so resolute in your

[Sydney]

decision so honestly going into the experience, you know, Mikey was like, I want to prove to you that I'm not that guy. I'm not that flirty guy that you saw in college.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

I'm not the hoe. I'm not the player. He's like, I want you. I want to prove that to you. Yeah. So going into the first bonfire, I wanted to see him being like, homies, you know? He was like, I'm gonna go in here, I'm gonna make everybody my homie, and da, da, da. And the first thing I see is you saying, oh, I might around and fall for one of y'. All. Oh, I'm going to shoot my shot. It's time for me to be selfish. Whoa. This is not what we talked about. This is not what we were coming here for. So it was. It caught me completely off guard.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. But now at the reunion, he's saying, I got clipped. I got clipped. I got clipped. So what do you believe?

[Sydney]

So he get clipped. See, and that's the thing. Coming off of the show, talking to him about it, he was like, I got clipped. I didn't say that. He was like, this is what I said. He said. He said, my biggest fear is Sydney thinking I'm falling for y'. All. Watching it back, I'm like, is that what you said?

[Podcast Host]

I said, editing is good, but it ain't never that good.

[Sydney]

It ain't that good. It kind of threw me off. But I honestly, I don't know what is true and what is fake. What do you feel? I feel like he did get clipped. Honestly, watching the whole show through, I do feel like he got clipped.

[Podcast Host]

Do you feel like you did a lot?

[Sydney]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

And that's why you can kind of give him the benefit of the doubt.

[Sydney]

I know I did. Watching the show back, really, in particular, there was a specific scene where I said, even if I'm in a relationship, I can still talk to other guys or something like that. That is not what that conversation was based around in that confessional. It was more so me saying, like, okay, I'm not in this relationship anymore, so I can move forward and let myself be open to other conversations. It wasn't like, oh, I'm in a relationship, and I'm a still do me. That's not at all what it was. So it's like a lot of different clips and twists and things, and I'm, like, looking at production crazy because I'm like, no way y' all tried to play me like that.

[Podcast Host]

Uh, oh, do you think y' all were clipped more than everybody else, or.

[Sydney]

I kind of, like, I think they tried to put clip us more and put us against each other very early in the show. Yeah, I do feel like that.

[Podcast Host]

I hate saying clipped. I feel like I've said it 20 times. After watching yesterday, I was like, clip, clip, clip, clip.

[Sydney]

Yeah, exactly.

[Podcast Host]

I know Mark asked you at the time if you might have been looking for an out. Mm. Looking back, do you think he was right?

[Sydney]

No, no, no. Because if I was looking for an out, why would I get back with him after the show? That makes no sense. I didn't bring it. A lot of people were like, she brought him there to break up with him. She was already done before she got there.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

No, I actually brought him there to see change. And at the first bonfire when he's still flirting with these girls and doing the same thing that he was before. That's not change.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

So, yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Because it was such a quick, like, that's all I need to see, and I'm out.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

But you could see that at home.

[Sydney]

Yeah, this is true.

[Podcast Host]

Were there any other guys you spoke to that we didn't get to see, or was it always just you and Xavier?

[Sydney]

So it was so. That's a good question. After my first date with Xavier, I was actually going to ask Clint on my second date, and production was like, no, we think, like, you and Xavier are really good fit. Like, let's just stick with that. And I was, like, kind of feeling like a setup, but okay.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

And then the next date was the coffee date, and that's when you saw me breaking down and crying and talking about me and Mikey's past. But I did want to go on another date with somebody else.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. How much of a role did production play in this show? I keep hearing clipped and production this. And I didn't say this. And production said, do this and do that and do that. Like, how much did they play? Let's talk about the reality of the dreaded afternoon struggle. You know, the point in the day where your energy just decides to ghost you? Well, the new Starbucks Energy refreshers are the plot twist you didn't know you needed. Now you can power the moments that matter most with the new Starbucks Energy Refreshers. Now ready for the real showstopper? If you like Starbucks refreshers now, your favorite flavors come with an added boost of caffeine with the new Starbucks Energy Refreshers. Starbucks energy refreshers are an energizing way to stay on top of your day. I hate when I feel like I have to choose between something that tastes good and something that actually gives me energy. Why can't I have both? That's why I'm loving the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Energy Refresher. It's giving main character energy. Made with strawberry, passion fruit and acai flavors and served over ice with real freeze dried strawberry pieces, it's the ultimate afternoon pick me up. Let's be honest, reality TV can be a roller coaster plot twist, wild arguments, emotional cliffhangers. Some days keeping up with it all feels like a full full time job. But that's where Starbucks Energy Refresher comes in. It's my little energizing reset while I'm on set. A sip, a pause and I'm ready to deliver all the tea. Try the all new Energy Refreshers at Starbucks.

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[Podcast Host]

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[Sydney]

role just in I would say heavily influencing things. I would say heavily influencing. Like honestly like like I said with the whole after my first date with Xavier I was like he's a really great guy. But I wasn't really like I Was, as I said, I was leaning more towards friends with him.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

And they were like, sidney, like, we can really see a real love story here. And I was like, you know, well, that's not what I came here for. I was like, I would like to experience things with Clint because Clint reminded me more so of Mikey. So I was like, maybe if I could experience that and then get to the final bind for it, and it would be different. But I just feel like I was really pushed to be with Xavier and give that, like, love story. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Interesting.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Do you feel like you kind of resent them for that, or do you think it made kind of sense for your story?

[Sydney]

Honestly, I don't resent them for that because in the end, me and Xavier did build a real connection. So I do feel like that push did help me, you know, actually open my mind to moving on from Mikey. But do I feel like I would have just done that on my own and, like, actually, like, fell for somebody? I don't think so. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Interesting.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. You opened up on social media about being very aware of how you could be perceived as the only black woman on cast. How did that affect your experience on the show?

[Sydney]

It made me very aware of the things I was doing, what I was okay with, what I was not ok, okay with. Like, I told myself, off rip, we're not going in the Haven. I do not want to let people allude to anything that they. I want them to see everything that I'm doing. And you can talk about what you see, but you can't talk about what you don't. I can't let people be like, oh, well, she went on there and she was just wilding and doing whatever. I will never have that label on me. And that is, like, self respect to it.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, I feel that because it translates different.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Like, there's a lot of things we can't do that other people can, and it'll just be like, oh, she's so whimsy.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

And it won't translate like.

[Sydney]

No, it does not.

[Podcast Host]

It. She's a hoe and she went on TV and got, you know.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Whatever.

[Sydney]

So. So I definitely had to hold myself to a different standard, for sure.

[Podcast Host]

How do you feel about that? Just in general?

[Sydney]

You know, it's what my life has always been. I grew up in private school, so I've always been, like, the only black girl on a sports team, the only black girl in the classroom. So I've always had to do that. Do I think it's fair? No, not at all. But it's what's expected.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Yeah. Gosh, I feel like I need a compilation.

[Sydney]

Are we not sick of that?

[Podcast Host]

It's just like, why do we all have the same story?

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

I literally need a compilation of every black woman that I've had say the same thing I've had to hold myself to. More than perfect, like. Okay, anyway, next question. You also shared that because of this, a lot of your journey happened internally. What did that journey look like for you?

[Sydney]

It looked like a lot of journaling. So every night before bed, I would pray, I would journal, and I would just get it all out because I felt like, you know, some things I was going through, others wouldn't understand. And it's like. It's hard when you're on a reality TV show and you're going through a breakup, but you're also meeting this new guy who's great. So it's like, how do you balance the two of them? Not being able to really ever be by yourself until night, and then it's like when I'm tired and how do I process all of these things? So it was hard not having, you know, another girl there that looked like me to talk to about other things outside of what was just going on there.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Honestly, do you still have that journal? Girl?

[Sydney]

They took it. Isn't that crazy? Literally. I was bonfire.

[Podcast Host]

They took it.

[Sydney]

They took my journal.

[Podcast Host]

Did they give you the journal?

[Sydney]

No, it was mine. They literally made me snatch the pages out of my journal.

[Podcast Host]

Wait, why?

[Sydney]

Yeah, I think that's a great question.

[Podcast Host]

What about what's her name? Oh, girl that her man was reading.

[Sydney]

Scarlett.

[Podcast Host]

They took hers, too.

[Sydney]

They took everybody's. They took everybody's journal.

[Podcast Host]

Wait, so what pages did you take out?

[Sydney]

No, they took all the pages.

[Podcast Host]

They took the page?

[Sydney]

Yeah, they took all of them. It was from. I was writing from first day of filming, which was, like, three days long. Like, the scene with Mark was, like, three days long. It took forever to film that. Yeah. And I wrote about that. I wrote about literally every day I had. Day one, day two, day three, day four, Temptation island, day five, Dark. I had everything. Yeah, they took all of it.

[Podcast Host]

You know what? Now that I think about it, they took our journals on Love is Blind.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And then they mailed it to me, like, a year later.

[Sydney]

Really? But. And I'm like, am I ever gonna get it back? Like, you know, like, that's stuff I want to share with, like, my fans, like, my audience.

[Podcast Host]

Like, wait till your NDA expires.

[Sydney]

I get it back.

[Podcast Host]

What? Interesting. That's probably why they took it, because they're like, no BTs.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Without us knowing whatsoever. Imagine you get on there, like, day five. They did not feed us.

[Sydney]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

And we're all drunk. Like, they were like, absolutely.

[Sydney]

Literally. Not literally.

[Podcast Host]

Was there a lot of alcohol flowing?

[Sydney]

Was there? Yes.

[Podcast Host]

Was it limited, or it just was free?

[Sydney]

So they would take it if, like, somebody got too drunk, but, like, all four of us girls, like, we kept it cute. Yeah. We're like. We're not gonna get, like, blackout. That was never what it was. But I think the boys Villa is another story.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. They were lit. They were.

[Sydney]

They had a time over there. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

It's always like, boys are weird.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

They make everything so weird.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Anyway, at the final bonfire, you and Xavier both said you had fallen in love with each other. Looking back, were you actually in love with him?

[Sydney]

Looking back, you know, I feel like it was more so like, all of these emotions and just, like, him being the main person that I was with for the whole show and just being like, he was my best friend on that show. So it was like I had developed love for him, but in terms of, like, really falling in love and, like, being in love with somebody, I think it looked like that. But ultimately, in the end, it just wasn't that, like, without the cameras, I don't think.

[Podcast Host]

And he. Correct me if I'm wrong, he's in Charlotte, too, or North Carolina.

[Sydney]

He was in North Carolina. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Because I remember watching, but I never seen these people before.

[Sydney]

Yeah, I never seen y'. All. Exactly. And everybody was, like, trying to be like, oh, she knew him before the show. Like, they knew each other.

[Podcast Host]

Did you plan this? No.

[Sydney]

I had never met that man before.

[Podcast Host]

No. Interesting. So he's wearing Harrisburg.

[Sydney]

Did he say where is? Yeah, Harrisburg.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. That's where he lives or that's where he's from?

[Sydney]

That's where he lived. He doesn't live there anymore. He lives in LA now.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Fancy. He said, all I need is my one shot.

[Sydney]

Yeah. Out of there quick. I said. Okay.

[Podcast Host]

Wait, so you're in la?

[Sydney]

Oh, well, no, I'm just visiting. Right. But I'm. I'm planning on moving.

[Podcast Host]

But he's here in la.

[Sydney]

He is here in la, and you're here in la?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Have you seen him?

[Sydney]

I saw him with the whole class last weekend, but I haven't seen him since.

[Podcast Host]

Why not? We're just friends. Let me find out. Let me find out. Is he gonna have the same story when this comes up?

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. And you're here for how many more days?

[Sydney]

Just two.

[Podcast Host]

And when are you gonna see him? If you see him, I wanna know.

[Sydney]

Okay. I'm like, I wanna know. I'll take.

[Podcast Host]

But is it possible you might.

[Sydney]

Well, there's a couple events this weekend.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Sydney]

Possibility.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Okay. Okay. I'll be scoping the scene. I'll be on your Instagram trying to piece it together.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Okay. Were there any other behind the scenes moments that the audience didn't get to see? Any, like, fun? Anything? Tea? Anything drama?

[Sydney]

We had, like, a family dinner at the villa.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Sydney]

And Chris cooked for us. He made, like, steak, asparagus, potatoes. It was a layout. It was so good. And we all went around the table and talked about, like, the bonds that we had, like, the community we had built. And it was just, like, so nice and refreshing to see, like, people our age, like, young adults in that space and not, like, jumping each other's bones, you know, but, like, having respect for each other, being able to build friendships and build relationships that will last a long time.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, nice. Are you still friends with any of the other guys?

[Sydney]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Smitty, Donnie, Chris. Who else? Peter, Malik, Bradley. A lot of the guys.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Sydney]

I can still keep in touch with a lot of them.

[Podcast Host]

Do any of them live in Charlotte?

[Sydney]

Malik lives in Charlotte.

[Podcast Host]

Really?

[Sydney]

Yeah, he does.

[Podcast Host]

They love casting in Charlotte.

[Sydney]

They do.

[Podcast Host]

They love. That's like, a new thing.

[Sydney]

I'm like, everybody's from Charlotte.

[Podcast Host]

You want to go on reality tv?

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Because there's another show, I think.

[Sydney]

Oh, I think I saw Married First Sight.

[Podcast Host]

Married at First Sight is coming into Charlotte. And then I think a brand new love show is coming to Charlotte. Like, they love Cassidy.

[Sydney]

Charlotte.

[Podcast Host]

If you are a young single, take your ass to Charlotte. Yeah.

[Sydney]

Literally. They love them there.

[Podcast Host]

They do.

[Sydney]

And, like, you kind of get a

[Podcast Host]

little bit famous in Charlotte, too.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Everyone in Charlotte also watches reality tv. Everybody they know. And the word spreads like wildfire.

[Sydney]

They love it so fast.

[Podcast Host]

How are your friends reacting?

[Sydney]

I've gotten so much support from them, and they're seeing a lot of the backlash I'm getting from the reunion. And they're like, girl, just let me know when. Let me know when. And I'm on it. I'm like, let's just.

[Podcast Host]

Let's just relax. It'll. It'll blow over.

[Sydney]

It'll blow over.

[Podcast Host]

Don't let your friends blow your bag.

[Sydney]

Yeah. Literally, there's my tip. Yes.

[Podcast Host]

Everybody, keep it cute. Keep it mute.

[Sydney]

Keep it classy. Listen. Yes.

[Podcast Host]

Because that will. That will ruin it all, you know? You know, Keep it right here. Right here. I remember Tiffany from. From Love is Blind season four, Tiffany. I remember I met her and she was just like. I was like, yeah, I don't really say a lot. She was like, I'm seeing everything that's happening on social media. I was like, I don't say a lot. I just kind of keep it quiet. She said, keep it cute and keep it mute.

[Sydney]

And I love it. I love that.

[Podcast Host]

Keep it cute and keep it mute. And, like, I didn't have a title for what I was doing, but I'm keeping it cute and I'm keeping it mute and I'm passing on the wisdom. So keep it cute.

[Sydney]

Keep it muted. Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Don't let it can get weird. Don't let it get weird.

[Sydney]

Yeah, exactly.

[Podcast Host]

What would you say is your biggest takeaway from your experience on Temptation Island?

[Sydney]

Choosing myself. Putting myself first. Focusing on myself, like, understanding when enough is enough. Knowing what I deserve. And in past relationships, I have never set boundaries, and that is like, the first thing that I did when I was single again. I was like, let's write it down. Like, that's one big thing. My mom has always told me. She's like, whatever you want, write it down and it'll come to you. So that's been my.

[Podcast Host]

What's one of your biggest, like, boundaries that you're setting now?

[Sydney]

Oh, my gosh. Honestly, like, being treated like a princess. Like, you know, like, opening, like, the basic things, like opening my door, taking me out on nice dates, little things that aren't materialistic. Like writing me a letter, giving me. Picking up my favorite candy. Like, just little things like that. I want to see the bare minimum. The bare minimum? Yeah, the bare minimum is the.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, you need a not bare minimum list. Yes, this is the things that I need. But you need another list that's, like, above the stuff that I should be getting. This is what I. This is what I want.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Like, this is not a want. This is a need. And that has to happen. So this needs to be your this is what I need list. But you need a boundary list that

[Sydney]

is, like, top tier.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, we need to up that list. Put that one aside.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Make a mental note, but, like, up the bounty of it. Because you deserve the world. You deserve more than somebody to just open the door and get your candy. Like, that's a Monday, sis.

[Sydney]

That is.

[Podcast Host]

You deserve the world, the moon, and the fucking stars, and never settle for less.

[Sydney]

Period.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, let's chat about the reunion.

[Sydney]

Okay.

[Podcast Host]

You revealed at the reunion that you got back with Mikey four days. Yeah, four after leaving the island. Walk us through it. Okay.

[Sydney]

So coming back from the villa, Mikey sent me a really, really long message. And in it, he was just saying, like, production was lying to you. I didn't do anything. They clipped me up. They edited everything I said. And it caught me off guard because that was what I made my decision to move forward by myself on. So when he said that, I was like, okay. I was trying to, like, ignore him for the longest because he was reaching out, and I was like, I don't have anything to say to you. Like, you embarrassed me on that show. Like, whatever. So when I. When I got that long message, I read it and I was like, okay, let's have a conversation. So we ended up talking about it, and he was like, production hated me. I wouldn't do anything. They made me say all these things. They stood. They stood right there and made sure, like, I said X, Y, and Z that they wanted me to say. And he was like, it was a horrible experience for me. He was like, I went to the therapist every single day, and I was just like, oh, my God. I was like, no way. This is what you've been going through. And production on my side was telling me he's not. Like, he's over there with all the girls. Like, he's vibing with the girls, he's flirting with the girl and tell me all this stuff. And I'm like, yeah, I'm. I'm done. So when we had that conversation, I got in my head and I was like, oh, my gosh, did I get played? Like, did they clip everything he said to make me do something and then try to get him to re retaliate based off what they were trying to get me to do? So it's like it started to become like I was trying to decipher the real from the fake. Who was telling me the truth? Who wasn't? Was Mikey being honest? Was Mikey lying? I hadn't seen anything like. Like the show when it came out. I hadn't seen any of that. So I had none of that to go off of. All I have is his word. And of course I'm gonna believe the guy who I've been dating for over a year and a half. Like, you know, I went into the show planning to leave with him. It wasn't like, people say I went there to dump him and move on with my life. That's not what I went there for.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

So when he came to me and was talking about that. I'm like, oh, I fucked up. That was my mindset. I was like, I fucked up. Now I feel guilty, and I need to figure out how we can fix this.

[Podcast Host]

Let me exhale before I go off on this, man. That I don't know.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Do you think, in your own opinion, that Mikey has manipulative tendencies?

[Sydney]

Tendencies? I would. I wouldn't say manipulative tendencies. I would say he does it without knowing he is, if that makes sense. Like, I think he does things with that. Not without the intent of being manipulative, but it is manipulative.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. I think he's well aware. And I'm only gonna say that because I was watching the reunion last night, and this whole. And you know what? Kudos. If you guys end up being best friends till you're 109, God bless you. But to me, it seems as if he is trying to be a ball and chain in your life of being like, she's gonna be my best friend no matter what, through thick and thin, regardless of who comes around, that is my best friend. And I'm her best friend. Sir, relax. Like, we can be friends. We could be cool, and we can be cordial.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

But if you get a new man and. Or he gets a new girl, that whole.

[Sydney]

My best friend.

[Podcast Host]

And I feel like he's trying to plant the seed in your head that, like. But this is me. Yeah, allegedly. This is all just me talking. Y' all don't get mad, but it just feels like because I'm a little bit wiser, a little bit older, and I've seen these tricks and I've kind of heard it all. It just seems like he's trying to plant a seed in your head of being like, don't forget, I'm your blah, blah, blah. I could be wrong, but just keep an eye on it.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

It just doesn't feel. And that's only from watching the reunion. When did y' all film that, by the way?

[Sydney]

We filmed that last Wednesday.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, so he's still on it. Just be mindful. Just be mindful. Because it does come off that way. Even if he doesn't intend. You know, like, the intention might not be that, but it does come off. Come off that way. And then, like, the guilt tripping, it's all like. It's like a whole grouped in thing that he's, like, doing. Doing. Just be mindful. Yeah, Just something I'm seeing.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

It could be a lot of nothing. I could just. You guys could Be best friends for life.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And God bless it. But it's just something I saw. I feel that where was Xavier? And all of this, like, get back together with Mikey. Where was he?

[Sydney]

So with that, when Mikey reached out to me and we had a conversation, I text Xavier, and I was like, hey, some new things have been brought to light. You know, I don't feel comfortable moving forward with what we're going into. Mind you, me and Xavier never made it official. Like, we were never officially boyfriend and girlfriend. So I texted him, and I was like, you know, I don't feel comfortable continuing on, you know, trying things out with you if this is what Mikey's telling me. And it's going to be in the back of my head, like, if I'm going to move forward with somebody, I need a complete clean slate. Like, I don't want to drag him along and be like, oh, I'm still thinking about Mikey, because he didn't do anything on the show. So it's like I needed to completely close that chapter with Mikey before moving forward with him.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Did you see Xavier in those four days?

[Sydney]

I did when we. Well, we flew back together. So I saw him the first two days, and then the two days after that is when I saw Mikey.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Sydney]

Because he wasn't in Charlotte, per se, but we spent some time together. Yeah. But he didn't live there.

[Podcast Host]

Do you think he was hopeful that y' all would be something for real?

[Sydney]

You know, like, we. We both were like, okay, the show was on camera and everything. Like, we were like, let's see how it is in the real world. And I think we both were, like, optimistic about it, but I wouldn't say, like, 100% sure.

[Podcast Host]

At the reunion, Mikey claimed that what he said at the first bonfire was fake and clipped and edited. You kind of went. Touched on that a bit, but can you elaborate on that a bit more? Like, what is he saying was fake? What did he say was edited?

[Sydney]

Okay, so what he said was fake was the conversation that he had in the confessional when he was like, it's time for me to be selfish. I'm a shoot my shot with India. He said that was somebody asking him a hypothetical question. Like, if this happens, what are you gonna do? Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Because then he say something like, y' all really thought I just sat down.

[Sydney]

Yeah. And push record. And. Yeah. I mean, every time you do a confessional, there was somebody sitting there asking you questions. Right. So it's like, they. I. I do believe that they probably asked him a hypothetical question. And he was like. Yeah. And you can also tell that in that clip he was super drunk. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. You know, I really wish I could get raw footage of the show.

[Sydney]

What is the truth? Don't we all? What is the truth? It's like, history.

[Podcast Host]

Your story and then the truth, and the truth is actually captured somewhere.

[Sydney]

It is.

[Podcast Host]

Somebody knows exactly. Did you trust your producers?

[Sydney]

You know, it's hard to trust people you don't know. Yeah, but I mean, for the most part, I thought they were telling me the truth.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

Because I'm like, you know, this is my real life. You can't play with somebody's real life. That's crazy.

[Podcast Host]

That's the beauty of tv. They can.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

You signed it away.

[Sydney]

It did. I did. Especially with that NDA. Yep. My whole life was gone.

[Podcast Host]

Gone. Hello, the fine print girl.

[Sydney]

Yes, exactly.

[Podcast Host]

So you got back with Mikey four days after you got home. How did we end up breaking up?

[Sydney]

We. We dated for, like, three months. And, like, the first.

[Podcast Host]

That's a long time.

[Sydney]

Yeah, the first two weeks, I saw, like, a change, and then it dipped. And it was more so, like, him pointing the finger at me, like, all about the show. He couldn't get past it. He was like, you did this on the show? I can't believe it. He was throwing it in my face constantly. And that ultimately led to us having a really big falling out New Year's Eve. And he was really upset with me, and I was like, I just. I can't keep taking this. I was like, I don't have to take this. And it's like a ding. Like a light went off in my head, like, bro, you gotta do this. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And literally the next day, I broke up with him, and. And I was done. And I hadn't. Like, he was reaching out to me and everything. And it was probably, like, two weeks after we broke up, he called me and I was like, listen, we cannot speak anymore. Like, this is completely done, and I need you to give me my space and please stop reaching out to me.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, and he did. So the. The next time you guys speak is at the.

[Sydney]

Was at the reunion. Yep. Four months later.

[Podcast Host]

Did you see him the night before Y' all filmed or.

[Sydney]

No, just at the reunion.

[Podcast Host]

Did he reach out to you?

[Sydney]

Yeah, he did. He reached. He sent me a voice memo, like, a week before the show dropped. He was just like, I hope you're doing good. Like, you know, everything's about to get real chaotic with the show. I just wanted to check on you and everything, and I responded. I was like, you know, I really appreciate that. I hope you're doing well as well. And we left it at that.

[Podcast Host]

Interesting. Do you guys still follow each other on socials? Yes. Okay. Are you seeing what he's posting?

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

You revealed that you met up with Xavier after you and Mikey broke up. Where does that relationship stand today?

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[Sydney]

so when I met up with Xavier, I really just wanted to give him clarity on why I made the decision that I did to go back to Mikey. And, you know, he's very understanding. And that conversation basically left off with he was about to move to la and I was still going to live in Charlotte, so we didn't see each other a lot. And, you know, we talked here and there, but it wasn't really, like, too heavy on, like, really trying to pursue anything. It was more like a friendship.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

So we're friends.

[Sydney]

Yeah, we're friends.

[Podcast Host]

Until tonight when you guys have a dinner. Thought I forgot. I didn't forget. I did not forget.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Were you surprised that Cole and Scarlett got back together?

[Sydney]

No, because I knew they got back together after the show. Oh.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

So I've been known.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

You know, but honestly, I didn't expect it to be so quick that they got back together just because of conversations that me and Scarlett had of how she wanted to see a difference in him. But watching the show back, I personally saw the change that cold. The changes that Cole made in terms of, like, the little lies and stuff. I. You know, like, if that was the only problem, then, you know, I wasn't really surprised. Yeah. Yeah. But I will say that her and Bradley, I really loved the friendship that they created. Yeah. I really loved that.

[Podcast Host]

There was a lot of tears this season. It was Everyone very emotional. My goodness.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

I didn't think Temptation island would take a turn like that, really. Especially after, like, last season with the all the four sums and the five songs. I just assumed that this was going to be, but I felt like this one was so. So, like, I don't. Wholesome is not the word, but, like, just tugged on your heart. It did.

[Sydney]

It was a lot more.

[Podcast Host]

Everyone was crying.

[Sydney]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

Everyone. Are y' all okay?

[Sydney]

I think we're better now.

[Podcast Host]

I think we're better.

[Sydney]

Okay.

[Podcast Host]

Induction offer you guys therapy?

[Sydney]

Yeah, they did. They did.

[Podcast Host]

I'll make sure they're doing their due diligence.

[Sydney]

Yeah, exactly.

[Podcast Host]

That was a sad season. Like, it didn't really end on a up. You know what I mean? Like, now seeing that everybody's okay, I feel better. But my goodness. What was the most shocking, Right. The most shocking thing that you would say happened at the reunion?

[Sydney]

Jack cried. Jack broke down. And just seeing him, like, really see what he had done and hurting Cheyenne, you know, you never want to hurt the person that you love. And in that conversation, like, seeing him really break down, I was like, wow. Like, he's really feeling this. Because a lot of guys won't own it. They're like, yeah, I did it. So what?

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

But he, like, sat in it and he was like, I'm dead wrong. And I was like, wow. Like, it really showed, like, the person that he is and who he's become. After the show. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Reality tv plus the public opinion really magnify.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Like, and it will spotlight.

[Sydney]

Right.

[Podcast Host]

It will push you. Like, either you're going to be stubborn and be like, it is what it is. I do what I did, or you're going to have to grow, change, and admit some stuff. And I feel like a lot of the men were like, I'm going to. I'm going to go right.

[Sydney]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host]

Because you go left and you're stuck on the island by yourself.

[Sydney]

Yeah. Literally.

[Podcast Host]

And not saying, like, all the women were perfect, even though we are men seem to have so much, I don't know, bottled up stress.

[Sydney]

Yeah, definitely.

[Podcast Host]

And they took it out on y'. All. They took it out on Yalls relationships, and now they're sitting on the couch.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Looking like sad puppies.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Who would you say you're still closest to from your season?

[Sydney]

Cheyenne. Yeah. Yeah, I would definitely say Cheyenne.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. She's.

[Sydney]

I've been staying with her.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

Yeah, that's my girl. Oh, does she live here?

[Podcast Host]

Okay, cool. Are you hanging out tonight, Xavier and no. What's the double date?

[Sydney]

Oh, we're not. That's hilarious.

[Podcast Host]

I tried.

[Sydney]

Yeah. But definitely really close with her. Of course, the other girls, too. But, you know, me and her had more of a similar experience to where we were talking to two other guys in the villa. So that really made a difference. Okay. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

So Mikey spoke about his journey in therapy since the show. What growth have you seen in him since the breakup?

[Sydney]

Since the breakup, I've really had. We didn't speak for four months. So, like, I've only talked to him at the reunion. But, I mean, from my lens, at the reunion, I did see growth in terms of him taking ownership and being like, you know what? That's exactly right. That's what happened. I take ownership for that. Which in the past, he would argue me down. Yeah. I mean, argue me down. So, like, that in itself, I'm like, wow, you can really sit in something and accept it. And that, to me, showed growth. And then just like, in general, Mikey has a very big personality, but knowing when to tone it down with when to speak and when not to. I really feel like, you know, during the reunion, Nick was asking him a lot of questions, which I think he handled that very well, because in the past, it wouldn't really go that way. He probably would have fired back at Nick and been like, well, what about you? What you got going? Like, you know, so there's just things that I personally know with dating him for a long period of time.

[Podcast Host]

Does I know you kind of said at the reunion that you don't see you guys getting back together now, looking back and you just watch the reunion and kind of how you're reflecting on him now.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Does that answer still say the same?

[Sydney]

You know, there's a lot of back and forth between me and Mikey, and I just. I don't think it is very apparent because we both have grown. We've both taken time apart, and I don't know. I don't know what could happen, honestly.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. How have you been taking care of yourself during all this? Because the show is out, you're healing from a breakup, essentially. Then you're listening to the public and everybody's opinion. How are you taking care of you?

[Sydney]

Yeah, I would just say, especially since the show has came out, I've been going, so I haven't had time to, like, sit in my thoughts and just think about it. So I haven't really taken time in. I'm just hopping from hotel to Airbnb, and it's like, I haven't been grounded since it dropped, so I really plan on, like, going back home, just sitting with myself, going on solo dates. Like, that's my favorite thing to do since I've been single. Like, I love going to a coffee shop, bringing my journal. Like, I don't want to be on my phone. I don't want to have social media on constantly because it's just gonna bug. It's gonna be in my head. Like, this person said this, this person said that, and it's like, I need a break from it.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Sydney]

So personally, I really just enjoy sitting with myself, journaling, taking everything in for what it is, and honestly, just sitting with my mom and talking to her about everything.

[Podcast Host]

Shout out mom.

[Sydney]

Yeah. Literally, shout out mom.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. Moms make it better.

[Sydney]

Moms make everything better. We got a little glass of prosecco. We sit there talking.

[Podcast Host]

Listen.

[Sydney]

I mean, it's a time.

[Podcast Host]

How does she feel about Mikey and

[Sydney]

all of this, Honestly? So that's actually a really good question. After, I'm gonna go back a little bit. After the show, me and Mikey left from my parents house together to go to Kona, so he had to come back to my parents house to get his car. So he rings the doorbell, my mom opens the door, and he breaks down crying. And my mom literally, like, catches him in her arms. And she was like, Sydney, like, this was like, I've never seen anything like it. She's like, I've never seen him act like this. I was like, what do you mean? She was like, he was just. Just so broken, like, so heartbroken. And my family had a great relationship with Mikey. Still do still love them, you know, even though we're not together, still love them. But with the whole show coming out and everything, she's really like, I have seen the growth after the fact. She was like, but I didn't see it there. So she's like, I know that he's in the right direction. Like, headed in the right direction.

[Podcast Host]

What does she think about your growth since the show?

[Sydney]

She was extremely proud of me. She was like, you carried yourself so well. You had class, you had grace, and you really represented everything that me and your dad have raised you to be.

[Podcast Host]

Do you have siblings?

[Sydney]

I have an older brother.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. What does he think?

[Sydney]

Oh, my gosh. He was so excited. He was telling everybody in the world.

[Podcast Host]

He's like, my sister's gonna be on.

[Sydney]

Oh, my gosh. He watched it. He Loved it.

[Podcast Host]

My brother is. They will not watch.

[Sydney]

Really? That's how my dad was. My dad was like, I am not watching this.

[Podcast Host]

I'm not watching that. My brother, his only advice when I left for Perfect Match, he was like, don't be that girl.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And I was like, say less. And I went. And I was that girl. But I got a husband and a baby out of that. He can't be too mad. That's so good that you have that support around you. So no sisters.

[Sydney]

Interesting. Yeah, it's just me and my brother.

[Podcast Host]

You and your brother. Okay. Should we switch the tone up a little bit? Yeah. And play a game?

[Sydney]

Yeah. Okay.

[Podcast Host]

This is going to be Temptation island season two superlatives. Okay. So we're going to play this game where I call out a superlative.

[Sydney]

Okay.

[Podcast Host]

And you have to pick one person from your cast who best fits it.

[Sydney]

Got it.

[Podcast Host]

Okay. Best dressed.

[Sydney]

Ooh.

[Podcast Host]

Best dressed.

[Sydney]

I would probably say Scarlet. I always love the dresses that she wore to the bonfire.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, yeah. So cute. So cute. Okay. Biggest flirt.

[Sydney]

Biggest flirt. Mikey. Easily. Easily. Mikey.

[Podcast Host]

Biggest red flag.

[Sydney]

Biggest red flag. Jack Walking. Red flag.

[Podcast Host]

Most genuine.

[Sydney]

Xavier.

[Podcast Host]

Interesting. Most likely to end up on another reality show.

[Sydney]

Smitty.

[Podcast Host]

Most shocking bonfire moment. Shy. Definitely most dramatic. Mikey. Oh, wait, this is for you to answer. Sorry.

[Sydney]

He said most dramatic. Oh, Mikey. For sure. All the tears. Jesus.

[Podcast Host]

Just drama.

[Sydney]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Best advice.

[Sydney]

Oh, I would. I would have to say myself, honestly.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, I heard you're eating down with the advice. Yeah. Mark. Mark let us know when he was here the other day. He was like, sydney really was that girl?

[Sydney]

Yeah. Oh, that's so sweet.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, that was quick.

[Sydney]

That was too quick.

[Podcast Host]

Give me more cards. No, that was so good. You're still lovely. I love watching your show. Like, when I tell you, me and my husband, we were sat there watching the evolution of Sydney on that show.

[Sydney]

I love that.

[Podcast Host]

It was so good. And I hope you take that part of your experience on and forward with the rest of your life, because when you shed that weight, it shows. The world saw it. We all saw it. And, you know, you might have went back for a little bit, three months. And if you go back, whatever, that's love, you know, like, no one has the answers. No one has the cheat code like you do.

[Sydney]

You do.

[Podcast Host]

It feels good. Love your life. Be the best version of you, but, like, also know your worth.

[Sydney]

Yeah, definitely.

[Podcast Host]

You are worth it.

[Sydney]

Thank you. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And I'm really grateful that you came here.

[Sydney]

I'm so happy you had me.

[Podcast Host]

What is next for you?

[Sydney]

Yeah. So I'm thinking of moving to LA. So it's looking like in like two months, like July 1st. Oh, yeah. So I'm really excited about that. Yeah. And my business in Charlotte. So I'll be managing that from afar. Pretty playground. Definitely tune in. But yeah, you know, just like moving out here, starting fresh, starting new, being with shy, making new friends, building a new community and really just pushing myself to be what everybody already knows I am, period.

[Podcast Host]

I love that. I am looking for an esthetician.

[Sydney]

If I got you girls.

[Podcast Host]

So if I give you a call. Yes, please help me out. Of course. But I really loved having you here. If there are any updates from tonight,

[Sydney]

I'll let you know.

[Podcast Host]

From this weekend, I won't put it on the show. Just DM me a little selfie. DM me a little selfie because I'm as much as I'm sitting here recording and filming with you, I'm a fan. So I want the tea as well.

[Sydney]

I got you. I got you.

[Podcast Host]

I don't tell nobody if you don't want me to. I'll keep between me. I'm gonna wrap it up. I'm gonna thank you one more time for coming and thank you guys for watching another episode of what's the Reality? Be sure to follow us on all social platforms at what's the Reality Pod and I will see you next Wednesday. Bye, guys.

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[Sydney]

rental stays with fast responses and clear

[Commercial Narrator]

instructions so you don't have to worry about surprises.

[Podcast Host]

I asked our host a question about the house last night and he got

[Sydney]

back to me super quick. See, that's a premier host move right there. I wish I had a premier group chat. I asked them where we should have dinner last night and they left me on read. I know you saw it. It says it.

[Commercial Narrator]

Classic group chat move.

[Sydney]

Don't walk into a surprise. Book a top rated vrbo.

[Commercial Narrator]

Stay with a premier host.

[Sydney]

If you know you vrbo

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