The Ultimatum: Queer Love's Mal Wright on Casting, Trusting the Process & S2 Hot Takes

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Ultimatum: Queer Love's Mal Wright on Casting, Trusting the Process & S2 Hot Takes"

Podcast Information:

• Title: What's the Reality?
• Host/Author: And Love Media
• Release Date: July 2, 2025
• Description: Each week, host AD from Love is Blind invites guests to discuss love, relationships, pop culture, and reality TV. "What's the Reality?" bridges relationships and reality TV with authenticity, humor, and heart.

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Introduction

In this episode of What's the Reality?, host AD welcomes Mal Wright, a standout participant from Season One of Ultimatum: Queer Love. The conversation delves into Mal's experiences on the show, her professional journey post-show, and her insights into casting and representation in reality TV.

Mal Wright's Career and Recent Activities

[01:41] Mal Wright discusses her endeavors since appearing on television, highlighting her role at Autostraddle, a prominent queer publication. She shares her excitement about working in HR, specifically in casting and production for the upcoming season of Ultimatum: Queer Love.

“Working back in HR, working in casting, production has been fun. I got to help with casting. This new season, this new set of folks on this journey, we're gonna get all into that.”
– Mal Wright [02:05]

Outside her professional life, Mal remains active in the queer community, attending various parties and events.

Personal Relationship and Privacy

AD inquires about Mal's personal life, specifically her relationship with her partner, Yoli. Mal emphasizes the importance of privacy in her relationship, choosing to keep it low-key despite the public platform.

“I think if I've learned one thing, it's to protect, like, and be private about my love.”
– Mal Wright [03:23]

She elaborates on maintaining boundaries and ensuring the sanctity of her relationship remains intact amidst public scrutiny.

Reflections on Ultimatum: Queer Love and Its Influence on Relationships

Mal reflects on how her experience on Ultimatum: Queer Love has influenced her current relationship. She emphasizes intentionality in communication and decision-making, bringing lessons from the show into her personal life.

“I was much more intentional with, like, asking the questions that I want to know immediately... How does her family feel.”
– Mal Wright [04:25]

AD concurs, noting the accelerated pace at which critical relationship questions are addressed on reality shows compared to real-life relationships.

Experiences in Casting for Season Two

Transitioning from participant to casting advisor, Mal shares her experiences in shaping the new season. She highlights the challenges of increasing representation, particularly for Black and queer women, in reality TV.

“I do have a lot of feelings around how we're protected on the shows... narratives that have been part of our trope that get replayed on reality TV for people's entertainment.”
– Mal Wright [08:19]

Mal discusses the complexities of casting decisions and the additional considerations Black women must navigate when choosing to participate in such shows.

Thoughts on Representation of Black and Queer Women on Reality TV

A significant portion of the conversation centers on representation. Mal speaks candidly about the lack of Black and queer women on reality TV and the systemic challenges that contribute to this gap.

“What's happening here... Representation at what expense?”
– Mal Wright [10:55]

She underscores the risks involved for Black women on reality TV, including the potential for negative portrayals and the difficulty of rebuilding their public image post-show.

Insights on Season Two Couples and Dynamics

Mal provides hot takes on the couples featured in Season Two of Ultimatum: Queer Love. She shares her favorite dynamics, such as AJ and Brittany's relationship, and expresses empathy for Dana and Megan's struggles.

“I have a soft spot for everybody that did it... It's just so freaking hard.”
– Mal Wright [13:36]

She also touches on Mel's challenging behavior, reflecting on the emotional toll it takes on viewers and participants alike.

Predictions and Takeaways from the Season

Looking ahead, Mal offers predictions for the season's outcomes, hoping for positive resolutions but acknowledging the unpredictable nature of reality TV.

“I think if I know lesbians, like, I think I do, everybody's going to propose to everybody, and everybody's going to say yes.”
– Mal Wright [36:33]

She emphasizes the importance of communication and authenticity, drawing from her experiences on the show to advise both participants and viewers.

Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Mal shares her future endeavors, including working on a new podcast, hinting at more discussions and insights into love and reality TV.

“Working on a podcast. So maybe you can be on Amy... we're looking at July.”
– Mal Wright [40:34]

She expresses gratitude for her journey and the lessons learned, reinforcing her positive outlook despite the challenges faced.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with AD expressing anticipation for future discussions, particularly wishing to hear Mal's thoughts on the season reunion. Mal reciprocates the well-wishes, underscoring the mutual respect and camaraderie developed through their shared experiences in reality TV.

“Thank you for having me. Thank you so much... we're pulling up.”
– Mal Wright [41:55]

Listeners are encouraged to follow What's the Reality? on social platforms for more engaging conversations on love, relationships, and the ever-entertaining realm of reality TV.

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Notable Quotes:

• “I think if I've learned one thing, it's to protect, like, and be private about my love.” – Mal Wright [03:23]
• “Representation at what expense?” – Mal Wright [10:55]
• “Love is built over time. Like, y' all really gotta go through some things.” – Mal Wright [28:06]
• “I think ultimatums can be necessary. I'm not against them. I just maybe wouldn't do one publicly.” – Mal Wright [37:49]

Key Topics Discussed:

• Transition from reality TV participant to casting professional
• Importance of privacy in personal relationships
• Challenges of increasing Black and queer representation on reality TV
• Emotional dynamics and challenges faced by reality show couples
• Predictions and insights into the outcomes of reality TV relationships
• Future projects and ongoing contributions to queer media

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Mal Wright's conversation on What's the Reality?, offering listeners a rich overview of the discussions surrounding love, representation, and the intricate dance of reality television.

Transcript

[Mal Wright]

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[Unknown Speaker]

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[Mal Wright]

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[Unknown Speaker]

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[Mal Wright]

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[Unknown Host]

Hey, y' all, and welcome back to what's the Reality? But before we start, I just want to thank everybody for listening. And if you have not clicked yet that subscribe button, get on it right now. I really appreciate your support and I'm happy that you guys are here today. We have Mal Wright from the Ultimatum Queer Love season one joining me all the way from New York. We're going to catch up and of course, talk all about the new season of Ultimatum Queer Love. Hey, Mal.

[Mal Wright]

Hey.

[Unknown Host]

Welcome to what's the Reality.

[Mal Wright]

What's up?

[Unknown Host]

I haven't seen you since last summer.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah. At the Netflix. The house party.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

How are you? I'm chilling. I'm living.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

New York's cute. New York summer is undefeated. Anybody can. I'm not gonna say anybody can fight me on that because there's been a lot of summers that are great, but New York summer, Brooklyn summers are different.

[Unknown Host]

I haven't experienced the Brooklyn summer yet.

[Mal Wright]

Don't sleep. Come on. Come visit your cousin.

[Unknown Host]

Okay, so catch me up. What have you been up to since being on tv?

[Mal Wright]

A lot of things. Well, what's great is I work for Autostraddle, which is a queer publication.

[Unknown Host]

Okay.

[Mal Wright]

So that's been fun. Working back in hr, working in casting, production has been fun. I got to help with casting. This new season, this new set of folks on this journey, we're gonna get all into that. Outside of influencing, you know, doing my thing, going to all the queer parties, going to everybody's party.

[Unknown Host]

She said you can find me at the parties. I'm outside.

[Mal Wright]

I'm kind of inside also. Let me. While I'm here, let me just say that I am officially inside.

[Unknown Host]

We're inside.

[Mal Wright]

We're inside. We got a boo.

[Unknown Host]

That's what I was about to say. Does this have anything to do with your new boo?

[Mal Wright]

I think so.

[Unknown Host]

Okay.

[Mal Wright]

I'm like a cosplayer for outside. Like, I like to give that I be outside, but I leave the party early.

[Unknown Host]

Okay. Let's go back to Buki. How did y' all meet? How did y' all meet? When did we meet? What's tea on that okay, so we've.

[Mal Wright]

Been dating for probably a year and a half now. Almost. It'll be two years in August. So we met at an event that I was working. She came to find me. You know, unpopular opinion because the comments say otherwise, but she came to look for me. She can verify this.

[Unknown Host]

She came to find me is crazy.

[Mal Wright]

She came to find me with her buddies, and we just been kicking it ever since. It's been good. It's been sweet. I've been on a low about it, kind of.

[Unknown Host]

You have, you get, you give. Like, I feel like when you post her online, it's always some kind of, like, jokey joke. Like, I don't really know what's the tea like. You guys have, like, some. Some really fun Instagram posts, but, like, you do keep her pretty. Pretty, like, hidden away.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah. If I haven't learned one thing, I mean, I think, like, being public is great for those people that. That love doing that. I think if I've learned one thing, it's to protect, like, and be private about my love.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

So we had. We did a. No, let me not say that. Nevermind. Ooh, I'll share that with you offline.

[Unknown Host]

Oop. Ooh. No, I get it. Private and protected, but not hidden. Like, let the world know, but still protect your. The sanctity of your relationship. I get that. Is there anything that you learned from your season that you brought into this new relationship?

[Mal Wright]

Oh, yeah. I still took my time, but I was much more intentional with, like, asking the questions that I want to know immediately, you know, like, getting into what she thought about relationships, constructs and. And structures. And what does teamwork look like? You know, what is it? What are we doing? 50, 50? How do you. How do you fill in for your other partner? What does that look like? What does she want her household to look like? Does she want kids or not? How does her family feel? So we just got into those questions a lot quicker. How did. If she's. If she knows how to protect me as a black woman. Like, we got into those questions really, really, really fast.

[Unknown Host]

I think that's the beauty of these types of dating shows. It's like you have no choice but to ask those questions. Almost like day one, if not hour one, because everything is so expedited and then so magnify that if you're. If you wait three, like, for your instance, you had, what, trial marriage for three weeks? If you wait till the third week, you'll never. You'll never know. You literally have to ask those questions immediately. And Then you bring that into the real world, where people are waiting one or two years to ask the questions that we've asked in 20 minutes.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah, it's true. Even, like, fighting, you know, like, do we. Cause you're gonna get into fights. You're gonna get into arguments, and it was like, do we argue the same? Do we fight the same? And, like, what does resolve look like? And what does repair look like? That. I don't. I don't know. These shows kind of force you to get into that really, really quick.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's a good. It's a good habit, but it can be intimidating to people that aren't ready, that aren't there mentally.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Because it's hard to explain why. I'm talking about babies in marriage in the first hour of our very first date.

[Mal Wright]

Correct. Yeah, absolutely, that.

[Unknown Host]

Okay, so you entered your season with your partner Yoli, who issued you the ultimatum. Have you guys spoken since the reunion?

[Mal Wright]

A little bit, yeah. Not much. You know, I think you just. I think it's important to leave well enough alone, so. Not unless it has to do with. Well, my father passed, so I think we spoke. I spoke to her family then, but, no, we don't really. We don't really speak. Yeah, no need to.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, I feel that. Are you still good friends with your child marriage partner, Lexi?

[Mal Wright]

Yes, we still speak pretty often. As often as we can. She's super busy, too, but, yeah, we still speak. I still speak to her family.

[Unknown Host]

Did you watch Battle Camp?

[Mal Wright]

I did, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

How was that?

[Mal Wright]

That was. You know, it was tough. It was tough to watch, but I was like, come on. Come on, Lexi. You know, am I gonna see you.

[Unknown Host]

On any other shows potentially?

[Mal Wright]

But what you won't see me on is a love show. No, I'm not fighting for my relationship. I'm not doing that.

[Unknown Host]

No, no, no, no.

[Mal Wright]

I'm good on it. If I'm ever single again, which I hope that's. I hope we're done and, like, we're good. I will never go back on another dating show.

[Unknown Host]

Never, never, never. God forbid, I end up single. Never doing another dating show. I would rather do, like, Survivor reboot or, like, Fear Factor and eat, like, something crazy.

[Mal Wright]

100%.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. No more dating shows. I could see you on, like, Traders or, like, Some kind or, like. Like, the. What was it? The Mole or something. I could see you on one of those, like, strategy shows.

[Mal Wright]

That's what I want.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

That's what I want Next. A strategy show I could do. I don't Know that I could do, like, a naked and afraid. I'm good on that. I don't think I could be outside.

[Unknown Host]

No, no.

[Mal Wright]

In the wilderness, scared and naked. But absolutely. I could be eating something crazy, jumping off of something, you know, trying to win the people over. Yeah, I can put me on one of those.

[Unknown Host]

Are you friends with anybody else from your season?

[Mal Wright]

I haven't spoken to many people outside of, like, you know, the socials, the DMs. Not much.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

But still cool. I mean, we're still cordial, you know, we still say, what's up? And check in on each other.

[Unknown Host]

Does anybody live around you, like, in the New York area?

[Mal Wright]

No. Lexi was living here for a quick second.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah. But no.

[Unknown Host]

Okay, so you spoke a lot about being the only black cast member on your season. How do you feel about the current representation of black and queer women on reality TV in general?

[Mal Wright]

I do have a lot of feelings around how we're protected on the shows, you know, and that's hard because then we're. Then we go on these shows, and then whatever we go through, us having human moments are up for consumption to everybody else. Right. And that's really hard to watch, how everybody watching digests what they're seeing. And, like, narratives that have been part of our trope that get replayed on reality TV for people's entertainment. And that's really hard to watch. I think that's part of the reason why I got so interested in casting for the second season and also just having some of the experience working in HR previously and recruiting and things like that. But I think the hard part, specifically the challenge, specifically with the queer side of the show, is. And Ultimatum. The premise of that show in particular, first of all, you gotta have couples that want to do it.

[Unknown Host]

Right.

[Mal Wright]

Like, I know me and my friends might sit around and be like, what happened to the representation? I want to see more of us on these shows. And then my thought, now that I've worked in casting, is like, well, would you go on the show? And they're like, hell, no, I'm gonna do it.

[Unknown Host]

Right.

[Mal Wright]

And so I'm like, well, here's part of why you won't see it. A B. There's an entire cast of. There's an entire team of people that go into casting these people. Right. And then that team isn't. They don't make the final decision on who gets on the show. And then with Ultimatum, let's say there were. There were more black representation. Those people have to stay together.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

So. So maybe There was another couple that would have been on the show, but they broke.

[Unknown Host]

Right.

[Mal Wright]

The show came out.

[Unknown Host]

Right. Right.

[Mal Wright]

And I think, like, the other part that we don't think about is what happens to us. We don't get to rebound as quickly as everybody else going on these reality shows. That's just the reality of it. Like, we don't. We go on these. These reality shows, and let's say I have a human moment and I react because some crazy stuff is happening, and that's now on TV forever. My fall from grace is different than everybody else's. I don't get to just walk back into the world and just say, oh, I'm gonna walk back into my corporate show. And I did turn up on that show, but I was being disrespected.

[Unknown Host]

Right.

[Mal Wright]

Like, you know, so I think we often don't think about the risk that's at stake and why we don't see more black couples on the show or black people on the show. And Ultimatum is a hell of a show to just decide you want to be on.

[Unknown Host]

Everyone also sees the aftermath, for sure, and that plays a bigger role than seeing yourself on tv. It's like, okay, I'm seeing how everyone's being dragged. I'm seeing how everyone's being treated. Yes, I do want more representation. I'm not going to sign up for it, because look what's happening.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah, representation at what expense? There's a lot of variables to consider. I don't think any of it is with any malice or ill intent, but there's a lot to consider. And I think, unfortunately, and it's unfair, I think women of color, specifically black women, I can speak to, have to consider a lot more when just deciding to go on these shows.

[Unknown Host]

I agree with that 100%. Um, let's get into Ultimatum, Queer Love, season two, because I'm dying to know your thoughts on what your first impressions were of these couples. Okay. Okay, let's start with AJ and Brittany. First impression.

[Mal Wright]

Love them down. I really do. I think they were in some really interesting positions and thinking about a lot of things. Brittany, an angel, sweetheart, can do no wrong.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. She's so cute.

[Mal Wright]

Smart girl.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Doing everything that she needs to do, really. Just trying to, like, set up, I don't know, just set her life up a certain way. She comes from a Caribbean background. Both of them do. I get it. I understand it. I feel it. I get it. I think AJ's a super cutie, really charismatic, and I think that might get read wrong sometimes. I think that she's just a really charismatic girly.

[Unknown Host]

And she was running with that cast of season two. Everyone. Everyone was like, mine immediately. Mine, mine, mine, mine. Which I get. I get. She ate down. And, you know, I think.

[Mal Wright]

I think it was really smart for her. I didn't know how I felt at first watching. Right. And then I saw her at the. At the changeover or at the decision day.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Pick somebody completely off of what I thought she was gonna pick. And I said, okay, not our heads in the game.

[Unknown Host]

That's what I was thinking. I was like, wait. Cause who she picks is gonna tell me what she's here for?

[Mal Wright]

100%.

[Unknown Host]

And I was like, okay. I thought. We all thought. I thought she was gonna go for Marita. I thought she was, because I thought she was here for a good time, not a long time. And I thought that's what Marita was gonna give.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

But it looked like she was like, I actually wanna learn some things, so I think that's pretty dope as well. Okay.

[Mal Wright]

I appreciate she did that.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. Let's talk about Dana and Megan not throwing the hands up.

[Mal Wright]

You know, I have a soft spot for everybody that did it.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

So I don't know. Like, I just know how hard it is. It's just so freaking hard. And it sucks. And when you're in that position, I don't know, you just do. You're, like, in survival mode, kind of.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Damn, that's a tough one. I had to pause on them and get up and walk away.

[Unknown Host]

Ooh.

[Mal Wright]

I was extremely triggered watching them.

[Unknown Host]

Why?

[Mal Wright]

I think it was hard. Like, it was really hard. We didn't see any entry into their bedrooms. It was really hard to hear lovers connecting. And I have been through this same setup, same show. And I just had to get up. I had to pause. Get up. My girlfriend was like, are you good? I said, I need a moment. And I just need to set this now so you can keep watching without me. That's hard. That's just hard.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Mal Wright]

And I get it. And also, it's hard. I really. I don't know. I pray for them. I hope they're okay. I hope they make it. I think they will. I just hope they make it.

[Unknown Host]

I mean, come, like, past all the social media stuff. If they make it through all the social media stuff, they'll be all right. Because that's what's really going to eat them up.

[Mal Wright]

It's that. It's when you have to face all of that with everybody's voice that is hard.

[Unknown Host]

Okay, let's move on. Let's talk about Bridget and Kyle.

[Mal Wright]

I like them too. I really love Kyle's parents. They were so cute. I don't know. I wish we would have gotten more out of Kyle, you know, I just don't. I still don't know who I was watching. And I think being on TV is a really hard thing, you know? And Bridget has so much to say. Not like. She just has, like, really thoughtful things to come out and just say.

[Unknown Host]

Right, right, right.

[Mal Wright]

And so I don't know. I don't know how I feel yet. I like them as a couple. I think they're fine. I think they're gonna make it. I think they're great. I just wish we got more out of Kyle.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, I got.

[Mal Wright]

What I got out of Kyle was, like, fear. And it seemed like fear of being perceived or judged by people.

[Unknown Host]

But I feel that. Okay. Hailey in Pilar, I love.

[Mal Wright]

I'm a fan of Hailey. She's just so honest. She's so immediately honest. I'm not saying she's not without fault, but she's just so truly honest. And she's not. She didn't seem like, from what I saw, she let Pilar have her feelings. She's really clear about how she felt, where she was. If she had a misstep, she cleared it up. She wasn't trying to. It didn't seem like there was a lot of ego involved. So I'm a fan of hers. I think I feel a little bad for Pilar. I think she got kind of the bad end of the stick in some situations. Even the thing with her and. And Kyle, it was really. It was really hard to process what actually happened. You know, like, I guess they had a connected moment and then. But didn't happen on camera.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, that was hard to process on camera. Yeah, that was hard. I didn't know what was going on there.

[Mal Wright]

Right.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

And. Yeah. So I don't. I don't know. I kind of ended up feeling, like, bad for both of them, you know.

[Unknown Host]

Okay. Marita and Ashley, I don't really have.

[Mal Wright]

Much to say because I don't think we saw a lot of Ashley. Not too much, like, develop, you know, Marita and Brittany. I loved watching them. That was fun to watch.

[Unknown Host]

That was cute. That was cute.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

I didn't really get to watch Ashley. I don't think I got to see enough of her to have a real decision, you know, a real feeling about them.

[Unknown Host]

Did you cast any of these couples? I'm curious.

[Mal Wright]

I was a Yes. I was part of casting most of them.

[Unknown Host]

Ooh. Okay.

[Mal Wright]

And when we say. Let me clear it up. Let me clarify. When we say casting, I got to talk to them, see their whole, you know, situation. What. Why they're here, what's going on. But the final. And if I feel like, yeah, I think this would be good for them. And there's a team of people that do this.

[Unknown Host]

There's levels. There's levels.

[Mal Wright]

There's so many levels.

[Unknown Host]

And finally, Marie and Mel.

[Mal Wright]

Mel gonna trigger me every time. Mel go trigger me every time. And she's just a human.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Mel don't trigger me every time. All that lying, all that. Oh, my gosh, that's it. I mean, I think also probably, like, all of it was hard for everybody. I ended up feeling bad for Marie for the things that she didn't know was going on. And just. And was a writer, just was like, all right, well, I believe you.

[Unknown Host]

If you say, just don't make me look stupid.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah. And Mel was standing. I get. I can. I have empathy for people, like, lying, maybe when they're, like, just really scared. I think people lie out of fear.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

And just be like, I don't know. So they tell a lie. But standing 10 toes on it and dragging it sends me every time.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. Yeah, that'll do it. That'll do it. That's tough to watch the person that you love in so much pain, knowing that you caused the pain and not being able to help them because you're lying.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

That. I don't know.

[Mal Wright]

She kind of gives me, like, also, just like, if you call her out on it, she might know it and might still just be like, well, all right, whatever. Yeah, like, I guess you caught me. So.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Anyway. Ugh, that's tough.

[Unknown Host]

Okay, so let's talk about a little bit more about the casting. How did you even get involved? Did they reach out to you? Did you reach out? Were you just passionate about it? How did that happen?

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[Mal Wright]

No, I mean I being one of, well, being the only black person on cast in my season and wanting to get on a, like do a different type of show. I spoke to one of the old casting directors that, you know, I worked with previously and would just ask questions like how do you, how do you do this? How do you get into casting? And they're like, well, do, do you want to get casted or do you want to work in casting? And I said, well shit, let's talk about both.

[Unknown Host]

Right? Right.

[Mal Wright]

You know, and then it just, it turned into that and I just had the same, I had like transferable skills because I've already worked in, in some capacity. It's, it's pretty similar to like corporate and hiring or recruiting anybody else. So that was it. And they thought it'd be a good idea. And I, you know, I brought up how interesting and weird it was to be the only black person on cast. How does that happen? You know, and they just, it went that way. They took a chance and it went that way.

[Unknown Host]

So what was it like going from participant on the show to casting it?

[Mal Wright]

It felt really good to be able to ask some deeper questions like why, why people don't get on these shows. It was really interesting to see how they make decisions about cast, you know, and how like it is important that it mimics the world around you. So it, so it is relatable to the people that are watching. It was cool to be able to give insight to cast members before going on and being very honest because it's one thing to speak to your casting director, casting producer and say them telling you like how great it's going to be for your relationship. It's different when you have somebody that's done it, and it's like, I think it could help. I can't promise you it's going to be easy.

[Unknown Host]

Right.

[Mal Wright]

It's going to be very hard. And just be really honest about what they're stepping into.

[Unknown Host]

How do you feel like, looking back about the final cast? Is there any. Is there a couple that you kind of had in your mind that you're like, they better make it through? And then you watch the final cast, and you're like, well, what the hell is this for sure.

[Mal Wright]

AJ And Brit.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

I was like, y' all better? Yeah, better.

[Unknown Host]

You needed them in.

[Mal Wright]

Y' all better make it through.

[Unknown Host]

Is there any couple that made it through the final casting that made it onto the show that you're like, how'd y' all get here?

[Mal Wright]

I don't remember. I don't remember seeing Marita and Ashley. Blaine Featherson. But, I mean, that's part of it. People break up, and, I mean, they have, like. You know, there's, like, people on couples on standby to make it through, you know?

[Unknown Host]

Right, right, right.

[Mal Wright]

So, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Okay. So what are your thoughts on who paired up with who during the trial marriages? Do you feel like the matches made any sense?

[Mal Wright]

I think all the matches made as much sense as they could make. I mean, obviously, I thought Morita and Brittany being together, it was like, what. What is going on here? And how could nobody choose? Britney? What are we. What are we talking about? That part right now.

[Unknown Host]

That part. That part.

[Mal Wright]

You know what? Let's be for real. Um. But then they ended up being, like, one of my favorite couples they were to watch. Yeah. Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

What are your thoughts on meeting up or talking with your ex while in a new trial marriage?

[Mal Wright]

I think if we're talking about, like, following the rules, like, you probably shouldn't do it. Right. Like, I think. I think meeting up and talking with your ex, your ex, or your original partner will only confuse you. It'll only, like, muddy the integrity of what you're doing. Because that happened to me. Right? Like, with my trial and her talking to her ex two days, three days in, and sharing something that she had done that really changed the trajectory of our. Of what our relationship could have been. Maybe. But also, I'm a top of my. I'm gonna talk to my boo. Like, what are we talking about? I. I must have. I ran into Yoli a couple times, like, in the gym, and I 100% pulled her aside and was like, what is going on? Yeah, talk to me.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Like, and, you know, this and that and, like. And I need some reassurance.

[Unknown Host]

You know, I can't even lie. I would sneak out every night to go find my man. I would be like, I'm not. I would be an absolute mess. Especially if I issued the ultimatum. I would be calling. I would be so. I would be annoying. There's no way in hell. And I'd be trying to interrupt things. I'd be like, it's midnight. I don't know what y' all doing, but hello. I'll be trying to cockblock. I would be trying to ruin things. I don't. I couldn't handle it.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah, what's up? What are we doing?

[Unknown Host]

Come meet me. I'm a mess. Come talk to me. No, I would be a mess.

[Mal Wright]

I wouldn't right now. I'm going home. What are you talking about? AD There was one time where we were doing the dates, right? I'm telling all the teen now, because now I can tell it.

[Unknown Host]

Yes.

[Mal Wright]

We were on the dates, and we're in our own hotel rooms, right? And we're like, I can't believe I'm telling you this. And we're like. We're like, she had her dog there. And obviously, I've been with this dog for three years now. Or year. Yeah, three years now. So the dog. We know each other. And I remember they were like, oh, well, let's let Mao spend time with the dog. And so when it was time for me to take the dog outside, I told the dog, go home. And the dog walked me right back the Ellie. And I said, we need to talk.

[Unknown Host]

Like.

[Mal Wright]

Like, what's up? Here's what I'm thinking.

[Unknown Host]

The dog brought me here. The dog brought me here.

[Mal Wright]

Has nothing to do with me. The dog took me to you.

[Unknown Host]

That would be me every day. I'd be like, go home.

[Mal Wright]

I'm trying to talk to my girl.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. No, I would ruin the whole. The whole integrity of the show would be ruined. Everybody would be like, AD Robbed us of our. Of our experience. I sure did get my man. I'm not doing this.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah, let's go home.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, let's go home. Okay. So things got really messy with Dana and Mal, Megan and Haley. What's your thoughts on all of that?

[Mal Wright]

That was hard. That was hard because at first I thought I said, oh, Dana is outside, like, sending it.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

And then. What's Dana's partner's name? Megan.

[Unknown Host]

Meg was also outside.

[Mal Wright]

Was also. Then let me counter that Let me raise you two. I'm outside. Also.

[Unknown Host]

Also outside. Right, right.

[Mal Wright]

And then it's just hard because then Dana was like, but I was just like, outside. And then Meg was like, but I fell for this person. And I'm like, what are we doing? If we're gonna be outside, let's just be outside. And then wrap it up and reel.

[Unknown Host]

It in and be honest about our outside activities. Let's all be about what's going on here. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think it got way more messy than they. Than anybody could have anticipated, because not only were they outside, but they were outside and catching feelings. If you're gonna be outside and having fun, that's one thing. Because then we could come back home and talk. But if you didn't come back home and tell me you're in love with somebody, now we have a problem.

[Mal Wright]

We have a problem.

[Unknown Host]

Now we have.

[Mal Wright]

You're not in love in three weeks. I don't care what anybody says.

[Unknown Host]

I thought lesbians fall in love in two weeks.

[Mal Wright]

That's what they say, A.D. but that's not for real. That's your chemicals in your brain. We need, like, a rule book of engagement. You know what I mean? Like, I know you're gonna think you're in love, and I'm not saying your feelings aren't valid. But what I am saying is this is what your brain does. It's a chemical process.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Love is built over time. Like, y' all really gotta go through some things.

[Unknown Host]

Yep.

[Mal Wright]

You know, figure out life together. Ride the wave up, let it peak for a second.

[Unknown Host]

So three weeks is not enough time to get a matching tattoo.

[Mal Wright]

Oh, I don't know. I mean, I'd probably get a matching little tattoo with somebody in, like, one day if I think you're dope. Not a loved one, Sammy. Just in case my girlfriend Not a loved one tunes in. Yeah, just a little friend one.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, that was. That was quite messy. That was hard to watch as well. Cause I just. I don't know. I keep putting myself. Like, I like to just put myself in these people's situations when I'm watching the shows, and I'm like, if my partner came back and was like, I love my child marriage partner, I would throw up, slide down the wall, maybe jump out the window. I don't think I could handle that at all.

[Mal Wright]

I went through that, and my body was there, but my spirit had to leave for a second because I said, okay, yeah, this is taking a turn. You know what really blew me, though? That playlist.

[Unknown Host]

The Playlist.

[Mal Wright]

What that did to my nerve. Cause why are you sharing. Why do you have a private playlist with anybody but me?

[Unknown Host]

Like, okay, the song lists that were being. That were up. And then you went and made a separate playlist with our songs on that list. On that playlist. And then his most recent played a sex playlist. No, that again. I'm not strong enough. I'm not strong enough. I would have leaped across that table. I'm not strong enough.

[Mal Wright]

Why are our songs there? Why is our song over there on that list?

[Unknown Host]

Our song on a recently played sex playlist? And imagine you're just sitting there in your room minding your business, and you go to turn it on.

[Mal Wright]

You know what, though? Lesbians do stuff like this. You know, I feel like, not really surprised about it. I remember my Netflix sign in. I had a. You know, we all share Netflix accounts. And I went to sign into my Netflix one time with somebody new that I was dating, and my ex put on the. On one of the little. What is it, like, avatars, she put your favorite ex.

[Unknown Host]

Oh, man.

[Mal Wright]

I said, oh, why would you do that?

[Unknown Host]

Wait, but that's a great idea.

[Mal Wright]

So messy.

[Unknown Host]

That's a great idea.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Did you have to explain that?

[Mal Wright]

Of course. I mean, it was just so humiliating. It was just weird. Humiliating. Funny.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

But also just like, I'm so sorry.

[Unknown Host]

Okay.

[Mal Wright]

And it. But it was. It was to be expected from that ex. I mean, it was.

[Unknown Host]

Was she your favorite ex?

[Mal Wright]

No.

[Unknown Host]

Oh, sorry.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Okay. So you had strong boundaries around anything physical while you were on your show. How do you think getting physical with your trial marriage partner can hurt or help you in this experience with McValue?

[Unknown Speaker]

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[Mal Wright]

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[Unknown Host]

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[Mal Wright]

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[Unknown Host]

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[Mal Wright]

I think hurting and helping are probably one in the same. In this particular experience, I didn't want to confuse either one of us.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Because sex just changes the game 100%.

[Unknown Host]

It blurs the lines.

[Mal Wright]

And I just.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

I didn't want to do that. And I. And I wouldn't do that in the real world. In the real world either, you know, So I couldn't do that. But I think doing it, it's gonna hurt who you did it. Who. Whoever your original partner is. It's gonna hurt them, but it's also gonna help speed up the process to. Y' all do whatever you need to do. So, like, it sucks, but also, maybe it has to happen so you can move on.

[Unknown Host]

Right.

[Mal Wright]

I'm good with it. My life now, I'm. I'm actually really. I hate the things that I went through. I'm so grateful for the process, though. I'm so grateful for it.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

In what ways makes you grateful about it?

[Mal Wright]

I think I would have. I think I would have stayed longer and just drug out what was inevitably going to happen anyway and probably just hurt each other more. Clip does say this a lot of time. Ooh.

[Unknown Host]

Okay, let's get back to season two. What has been your favorite moments from this season so far?

[Mal Wright]

I'm actually. It's kind of cool to see. I don't know if that's the right word. I don't know if it's cool or not, because I'm watching it from an entertainment consumer's perspective. Right. But they all really, like, gave into the process.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. This is one show you have to lean into. I've learned that watching all the seasons and all the variations of it, you have to lean into this process.

[Mal Wright]

They really did.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

They really leaned in. And I love. You know, I really. I really appreciate. Lesbians talk so much. We just talk so much about everything. You talk it out, Lord, ad nauseam. We talk so much. But I really like it. I like watching how we talk. I like taking tips from them. And I mean, they're all examples in some way and have inspired me too, in some ways. I really loved watching how Kyle and Bridget were, like, processing through something because I'm gonna raise my voice if I can't get my point across. And they just talk calm the whole time about really hard things. So I love that. I loved seeing. I don't think. I didn't think them making out with somebody was a big deal, but it was interesting to see, like, that is actually a big deal to somebody, you know, so just having different examples of how people exist in the world. I loved learning about and knowing about Meg being Middle Eastern and, like, how that went into play and how she shows up in the world. I saw that and just felt for her in my own ways. And we just had a lot of, like, you know, juicy things going on. Different dynamics at play. So many different variables and dynamics at play.

[Unknown Host]

I think one of my favorite moments was watching Britney kind of come around from being so devastated, kind of feeling not picked, just watching her partner be, like, picked by so many, and then her having to the realization that she's just one, losing her person and then two, now she's matched with someone by default. But then I think one of the most powerful moments was watching her come out of that and, like, watching her be like, okay, I'm gonna lean into this. This is not ideal. This is not what I wanted. But I'm here with Marita. I know what she wants. And I loved how she kept saying, like, what was it? Like, I'm gonna turn on my daddy or, like, show her my daddy swag or whatever the hell she was saying, and, like, really stepped into, like, okay, what can I learn from this? Instead of being sad and bitter and, like, ruining the whole experience, she made the best out of it. And how Marita, like, stepped up and was there for her and encouraged her. I thought that was probably one of my favorite parts.

[Mal Wright]

I do. To your point, I love that that was shown, because I think a lot of times media tries to create or show this narrative of this black girl being bitter and mad and angry, and she wasn't that at all. She just missed either. On your show, like, I like showing. I like that we got to see that soft, you know, softness.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, yeah. Vulnerability. Yeah, I love it. Yeah. Yeah, that was pretty dope. Okay, do you have any predictions for how the season will end? Who will stay together and who will break up?

[Mal Wright]

If I know lesbians, like, I think I do, everybody's going to propose to everybody, and everybody's going to say yes. If I think.

[Unknown Host]

Fair enough. Fair enough.

[Mal Wright]

I think if I. I don't know what's going to happen. I really just put, like, a prayer of protection over all of them because I. I just don't know what happens when you have to face everybody else. The public. That's a different. That is a whole different beast.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

So I think they. I think they all might end up together. Hopefully they can stay together. Through that.

[Unknown Host]

Okay. Positivity. I love it.

[Mal Wright]

I don't know. Marie. Marie. Gonna have to talk to Mel, though. We don't have to work on Mel. I don't want to do too much on Mel. You know what I mean? Because I'm not too much on Mel. But, yeah, gosh, I just. I don't know. I. I feel for. I. I really do feel for Marie, too. I just hope. I hope they make it through.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. Yeah. So we're just putting well wishes on everyone at this point.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah. I mean, I have well wishes on the people from my cast that I didn't love the most, but I still wish them well.

[Unknown Host]

That part. That part. What. What would you say was your biggest takeaway from the ultimatum? Queer love.

[Mal Wright]

I think ultimatums can be necessary. I'm not against them. I just maybe wouldn't do one publicly. Maybe you don't publicly give anybody an ultimatum. Maybe don't do that.

[Unknown Host]

Why?

[Mal Wright]

I just don't know if. Those humans are fragile, man. They make really weird decisions under pressure and humility.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

And if you don't know them well enough, sometimes those decisions can really backfire on you in a very ugly way.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. I feel like if you've reached the point of ultimatum, I think you kind of have your answer.

[Mal Wright]

You think so?

[Unknown Host]

I think so. For me. For me, I feel like conversations should be had for sure as far as where are we going, what are we doing, and are we aligned? But I think once you've reached the point of kind of. And this is just my opinion, but kind of like cornering somebody into being like this or this, you automatically put that person into fight or flight. And I never want somebody to make a decision of how they want to move forward with their life with me based out of fight or flight. Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

That's a good one.

[Unknown Host]

It just seems like a lot of pressure.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah, I. That's a good one. I also think, like me personally, I think you do know a lot sooner than you don't. That sounds so cliche, but.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. No, I agree. You know?

[Mal Wright]

Yeah. You kind of know about a person a lot sooner than you have.

[Unknown Host]

A very strong idea. A very strong idea. Sooner rather than later.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah, I think so.

[Unknown Host]

What about. Can I ask about you and Sami? Do you know? What do you know? Yeah. Oh. Oh, yeah. What do you know?

[Mal Wright]

I don't know. Maybe I know.

[Unknown Host]

You what?

[Mal Wright]

Maybe I know. I don't know. Maybe she knows.

[Unknown Host]

Okay, so there are talks.

[Mal Wright]

Maybe there aren't talks. I don't know. Okay, well, I'm not Sure. I don't know.

[Unknown Host]

You do know, because you just said. You just said, you know, maybe.

[Mal Wright]

Maybe I just know a lot sooner than I knew. Later.

[Unknown Host]

Okay, well, I'm gonna be on the lookout. I'm gonna be. I'm gonna be watching because I. I'm feeling. I'm feeling something here.

[Mal Wright]

Doing a thing.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

That's my boo. That's my boo. She's a good one.

[Unknown Host]

I know.

[Mal Wright]

She's a good one. And she's my friend.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah. I love her and she likes me. You know, she loves me down, but she actually likes me. I think you gotta be with somebody that actually likes you.

[Unknown Host]

That part. Anything new or exciting that you're currently working on or per. Like in your personal life or professionally?

[Mal Wright]

Yeah, working on a podcast. So maybe you can be on Amy.

[Unknown Host]

Not maybe.

[Mal Wright]

When are we airing? Definitely on.

[Unknown Host]

Definitely. Because I got some things to talk about.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah, that's what I want. Yup.

[Unknown Host]

Okay. Podcast, do you have a date for airing?

[Mal Wright]

We don't have a date for airing, but we're looking at July.

[Unknown Host]

Okay. Yeah. Yeah, that's great news. That'll give me a reason to come to New York.

[Mal Wright]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Hey, okay, podcast.

[Mal Wright]

And I'll be in la. I'll pop up on you in la.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. You know, I live here now.

[Mal Wright]

What? Yeah, well, obviously.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Mal Wright]

Yay. And Ali, can I tell you, I was screaming. I love Ali down. Aw, me too. Big time. Was rooting for Em. So this.

[Unknown Host]

Listen, talk about when you know, you know, when you know, you know, somebody that knew sooner rather than later. Anyway, with that being said, it was such a pleasure to have you here with me on what's the Reality? And I really appreciate you taking the time all the way from New York to come join me and talk about this new season of the Ultimatum Queer Love Season 2. This has been such a pleasure.

[Mal Wright]

Thank you for having me. Thank you so much. You know, you, my sis, whatever you say. You asked me to pull up, I'm pulling up.

[Unknown Host]

I'mma ask you to pull up once the reunion is. Is out, because I want to hear. Yeah, I want to hear your. Your. Your thoughts on that as well.

[Mal Wright]

We got to talk about that.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But thank you again and thank you guys for tuning into 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. What's the Reality? What's the Reality?