Tookes Takes

54: I am joined by the incredible Ben Mandelker, cohost of Watch What Crappens, and I am honestly so excited to have him here. We get into why Bravo continues to dominate reality TV culture, what makes great reality TV comedy actually work, and why pacing, production style, and casting all matter more than people think.  We also talk about why I still miss sitcoms that were built around jokes first, why modern TV sometimes leans too hard into drama, and why Bravo’s chaotic energy keeps fans coming back year after year. Ben shares his takes on Housewives culture, reality TV fandom, and what he thinks the future of the genre should look like. Topics Discussed: → Bravo reality TV pacing vs modern streaming pacing → What makes a great Real Housewives cast member → Why classic sitcom comedy still holds up → Reality TV production and editing choices → Watch What Crappens and Bravo pop culture commentary On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:02:58 - Watch What Crappens → 00:04:28 - TLC + E!  → 00:06:55 - Netflix shows on x2  → 00:08:11 - First reality tv show  → 00:11:48 - Ronnie Karam  → 00:13:40 - Podcast origin story  → 00:17:36 - First Housewives watch  → 00:21:26 - Ideal housewife  → 00:23:12 - Bethenny Frankel + Andy Cohen  → 00:25:45 - Reality TV residuals + sobriety  → 00:27:19 - Sitcoms + other TV  → 00:31:56 - Modern show writing   → 00:33:25 - Housewives editing  → 00:35:42 - The Real Housewares of Kitchen Island  → 00:39:15 - Good For The Show or Got To Go  → 00:42:37 - Rich vs broke TV  → 00:44:28 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills  → 00:48:36 - Glam squads  → 00:51:35 - Housewives sucks now  → 00:58:52 - Real Housewives of OC  → 01:00:29 - Heather Dubrow  → 01:04:49 - Morocco footage  Show links: → Bravo Needs New Villains Immediately | Ronnie Karam Check Out Ben:  → Instagram → Table Scraps → Watch What Crappens Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

53: I’m fresh off a beautiful Chump Big Bear adventure, and I’m sharing all the details of trying new things, stepping outside my comfort zone, and realizing sometimes life just wants you to say yes. From driving up cliffsides, buying $200 worth of chains I may or may not have needed, and sleeping like I was in a nostalgic sitcom bunk bed situation, this trip reminded me that growth can live inside both adventure and inconvenience.  Then we get into why I’m having a change of heart about TLC’s My Strange Addiction and why compassion matters even when something feels shocking… Topics Discussed: → Big Bear trip, mountain driving, rental car stress → Trying new experiences and conquering fears in adulthood → TLC My Strange Addiction emotional psychology + childhood comfort patterns → Dating, self worth, and focusing on personal growth while single → Living joyfully, self care, and choosing happiness in messy life seasons On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:50 - Chump Big Bear Trip → 00:07:33 - Snow Chains + Twin Beds  → 00:12:59 - Snow Bunnies  → 00:17:06 - TLC: My Strange Addiction  → 00:23:27 - TLC: Smelling Undies  → 00:26:39 - TLC: Eating Toenails  → 00:28:41 - Dating Update → 00:32:55 - Tookes Takeaway: Addicted To Me!  Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52: Comedian Zach Noe Towers joins me for a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about sobriety, stand up comedy, and building a career in Los Angeles without losing yourself. Zach opens up about celebrating 10 years sober, what his drinking and drug use looked like in his twenties, and the wake up call that changed everything. We talk about growing up gay in the Midwest, finding safety in musical theater, and how performing at The Muny shaped his confidence early on. He shares what it was like moving to LA in 2008, getting swept up in West Hollywood party culture, and feeling like he “went out at 22 and woke up at 30.” Topics Discussed: → Zach Noe Towers’ journey to 10 years of sobriety and personal growth → Growing up gay in the Midwest and finding community through musical theater → Experiences with Hollywood party culture and navigating early career challenges → Stand up comedy, acting, and writing his own films → Dating, dating apps, and finding connection in Los Angeles On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:03:17 - Ginder, Sniffies, + Blowies → 00:07:16  - Respect sex workers  → 00:10:03 - Middle child syndrome  → 00:11:55 - Coming out  → 00:14:49 - 10 years of sobriety  → 00:18:04 - College partying + drugs  → 00:23:25 - Indiana & Michael Jackson → 00:26:37 - Moving to LA + musical theatre  → 00:29:44 - Affording LA + acting → 00:32:07 - Dream jobs → 00:33:47 - Writing a movie → 00:40:18 - Jeff Lewis Live → 00:43:43 - Marriage + ideal relationships  → 00:46:27 - Family + podcasting  Show links: → Bravo Needs New Villains Immediately | Ronnie Karam Check Out Zach:  → Good Sod pod  → Instagram  → Tour  Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

51: On this episode, I sit down with Ronnie Karam from Watch What Crappens and we get all the way into all things Bravo, comedy, and the reality TV moments that live rent free in our heads. We talk about how he went from musical theater kid to podcast icon, the wild path through improv and blogging, and why the Housewives fandom is basically its own religion at this point. Topics Discussed: → Real Housewives casting & franchise shakeups → Salt Lake City drama, Mary Cosby & Heather Gay → Watch What Crappens  → Bravo fandom culture & online fan accounts → Career, improv & comedy journey On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:03:32 - Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre → 00:05:34 - Moving to LA → 00:07:12 - Watch What Crappens → 00:10:17 - First reality show → 00:12:04 - Favorite season of Housewives → 00:12:45 - Childhood comedy → 00:14:38 - Mom vs Dad → 00:16:05 - Coming out & faith → 00:20:55 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City → 00:23:41 - Mary Cosby & speaking in tongues → 00:25:44 - NeNe Leakes returns → 00:27:04 - Original Atlanta → 00:27:55 - Good For The Show Or Got To Go! → 00:33:12 - The Barlows, soaking, & more → 00:38:36 - Salt Lake City → 00:42:40 - Bethenny Frankel → 00:43:16 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills → 00:45:44 - Orange County casting Check Out Ronnie: → https://www.watchwhatcrappens.com/ → Watch What Crappens Instagram → Ronnie Karam Instagram Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50: This week I caught up on everything from Real Housewives of Potomac to 90 Day Fiancé. We get into Ashley Darby and why morals matter more than mess, why Angel deserves grace, how production stays setting these ladies up, and why some Housewives behavior is just unforgivable. I also break down the latest 90 Day nonsense, lying lesbians, broke and controlling men, wig crimes, and why some people truly need to log off reality TV forever. Topics Discussed: → Real Housewives of Potomac drama + morals on Bravo → 90 Day Fiancé chaos and red flags → My Strange Addiction, absolutely not → NeNe Leakes returning to Bravo → Love thy neighbor On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:02:04 - RHOP: Prison morals  → 00:07:43 - RHOP: Monique Samuels  → 00:12:08 - Tookes in Denver  → 00:16:06 - My Strange Addiction: Vag perfume  → 00:19:03 - 90 Day Fiance: Sheena  → 00:22:12 - Lying Lesbian With A Wig  → 00:25:01 - Beer can & Laura  → 00:28:35 - NeNe Leakes IS BACK? → 00:30:01 - Tookes Takeaway: Love Thy Neighbor  Further Listening:  → 90 Day Fiancé + My Strange Addiction Have Lost The Plot Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49: This week, we’re fully buried in the TLC landfill, diving headfirst into the wildest moments from 90 Day Fiancé and My Strange Addiction. From bug-eating and makeup-munching to explicit skincare routines, controlling partners, and culture clashes that spiral fast, it’s equal parts hilarious, disturbing, and impossible to look away. We break down messy storylines including being called “too fat,” learning to eat soup with your hands in Nigeria, jealous rappers, financial secrets, and relationships built on vibes instead of honesty. Along the way, I share updates on living Luke Dry, setting New Year’s revolutions, and why classic TV like Mama’s Family and Good Times is the comfort watch we all need right now. Topics Discussed: → 90 Day Fiancé cultural clashes and control issues → My Strange Addiction habits that cross the line → TLC’s most unhinged reality moments → Dating, money, and power dynamics on reality TV → Why the TLC landfill is impossible to escape On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - TLC obsession and falling into the landfill → 00:01:13 - Jeff Lewis Live and Still Flipping Out filming → 00:05:51 - New Year’s revolutions → 00:07:21 - Classic TV comfort watching → 00:10:45 - My Strange Addiction: skincare gone wrong → 00:16:59 - 90 Day Fiancé: Daniel and LWW → 00:24:55 - 90 Day Fiancé: Trish and Rick → 00:30:02 - 90 Day Fiancé: Forrest and Sheena → 00:32:46 - What’s coming next → 00:34:10 - Tookes Takeaway: sobriety and alcohol Show links: → This 90 Day Fiancé Episode Took Me Out Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48: I sat down ready to watch 90 Day Fiancé as a little palate cleanser and somehow ended up deep in the TLC landfill - raw meat at the nail salon, and a whole lot of men who absolutely refuse to get a job.  I watched 90 Day Fiancé couples who are lying, projecting, gaslighting, and embarrassing themselves across multiple continents, from unemployed big backs to emotional affairs that are somehow always the woman’s fault. We also take a quick detour through the Housewives drama: jealousy, happy marriages, and why being hateful never works out in the end. Topics Discussed: → 90 Day Fiancé season recap and couples drama → My Strange Addiction season 7 reactions → Reality TV relationship red flags and gaslighting → Housewives of Potomac jealousy and marriage issues On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - My Strange Addiction  → 00:04:54 - Addicted to smelling her dad’s… → 00:05:28 - Dry January & 90 Day Fiance  → 00:12:16 - I’m rooting for Emma!  → 00:19:28 - He wants to ***** her?  → 00:25:01 - Lesbian with a wig  → 00:28:28 - Beer can & Laura  → 00:29:31 - Real Housewives Crossover! → 00:31:08 - Tookes Takeaway: DONT BE JEALOUS → 00:35:51 - Old faithful & the rubber sheet  Show links: → Reality TV Breakdown: 90 Day Fiancé, RHOBH & Chumpmas Live Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

47: Happy New Year, Kensday crew! Last year was all about survival, but this year? We’re leveling up. I’m sharing all the highs, the holiday chaos, and the solo Christmas vibes, plus my adventures in West Hollywood, some new fun fashion accessories, and why the gay community is truly taking care of us straight girls right now. Of course, we’re still watching reality shows: from 90 Day Fiancé to Real Housewives of Salt Lake City… Topics Discussed: → How did I spend Christmas and New Year solo? → What happened during my West Hollywood night out? → How is Forrest’s mom causing chaos for Sheena on 90 Day Fiancé? → What’s happening with Meredith and Bronwyn on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City? On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:11 - Christmas Vegas Trip  → 00:06:02 - The Pink Pony Club & Dating Life → 00:13:26 - Law & Order & The Diddy Doc  → 00:14:36 - RHOSLC: Mary Cosby Doc  → 00:16:25 - RHOSLC: Greece Trip & Addiction  → 00:18:24 - 90 Day Fiancé: Forrest’s Mom  → 00:23:01 - 90 Day Fiancé: Lesbian With A Wig & this week’s hair cam  → 00:25:55 - 90 Day Fiancé: Nip Tuck & Beer Can → 00:30:35 - 90 Day Fiancé: Emotionally Cheating  → 00:32:48 - Tookes Takeaway: Enjoy Your Single Life!  Further Listening:  → Reality TV Breakdown: 90 Day Fiancé, RHOBH & Chumpmas Live Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46: In this episode, I break down all the latest reality TV moments, from 90 Day Fiancé’s unexpected twists to the newest Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Potomac & Beverly Hills. I also share my experience at my first Chumpmas live show, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and what it’s like working with the chumps. Topics Discussed: → Chumpmas and Jeff Lewis Live: show highlights and behind the scenes → New RHOBH cast members and first impressions→ Bose Boma St. John’s reputation vs. public persona→ Friendship dynamics: Gar, Sutton, and loyalty issues→ Dorit’s divorce, child support, and parenting struggles On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:01 - 90 Day Fiance  → 00:09:18 - Cultural differences  → 00:13:55 - Older men & children  → 00:15:41 - Young broken guys  → 00:19:10 - RHOBH Roundup: Who’s Really a Girl’s Girl? → 00:29:49 - RHOSLC: Greek Week  → 00:35:41 - Chumpmas night two drama  → 00:45:53 - Tookes Takeaway: Hold On To Your Family Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45: Holiday season is here, and I’m sharing all the chaos, drama, and joy I’ve been living through. From reality TV feuds on Real Housewives of Potomac and Salt Lake to my own “whatever era” in dating, I’m talking Stacey, Brittany, Bronwyn, and all the holiday showdowns. I’m also reflecting on family, gratitude, and my love for yoga, bread, butter, and yes, even KitKats. Eat, drink, and be merry with me! Topics Discussed: → Real Housewives feuds: Stacey, Brittany & Bronwyn → Dating and personal growth in a “whatever era” → Family gratitude and strong family foundations → Holiday indulgences: bread, butter, and Kit Kats → Yoga journey and preparing for 2026 revolutions On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:03:10 - Chumpmas & life updates  → 00:04:55 - Who Cares about dating? → 00:10:39 - RHOSLC: Brittany & forgiveness → 00:16:02 - RHOSLC: Bronwyn’s self esteem  → 00:20:35 - RHOP: Stacey Roache  → 00:26:57 - RHOP: Stacey vs Keiarna  → 00:29:03 - Tookes Takeaway: Eat, Drink, Be Merry! Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

44: Ever wonder what it’s like to get a 50-cent SAG check, survive a Friends callback, or spend time kibbitzing with a reality TV star over roasted potatoes? Doug Budin shares what it was like almost getting cut from one of my all-time favorite shows, the behind-the-scenes chaos of meeting Jeff Lewis, and the surprising truths about Housewives drama that go way beyond what we see on TV. Topics Discussed: → SAG checks→ Behind-the-scenes of Friends→ Meeting Jeff Lewis and reality TV experiences→ Real Housewives drama and family dynamics→ Family stories that shaped Doug Budin On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:19 - Doug’s Mom & Cooking → 00:05:13 - Cooking & Baking  → 00:05:53 - Doug’s Dad & Law School  → 00:09:37 - Wanting to perform  → 00:13:09 - Sleep away camp & Swimming → 00:17:29 - 80’s Preppy  → 00:23:08 - High School Experience  → 00:28:55 - Club kids  → 00:29:43 - College & pursuing acting  → 00:33:10 - Live theatre & residuals → 00:38:01 - Meeting Jeff Lewis  → 00:41:30 - RHOC: Gretchen’s scandal   → 00:44:18 - Dream guests & Favorite Real Housives   → 00:50:07 - RHOP: Do We Like Stacy? → 00:56:28 - Tookes Takeaway: It's Never Too Late  Check Out Doug: → Instagram Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

43: I had the best time sitting down with Jamie Rice, the creator of Murderish and Dirty Money Moves, and this conversation goes everywhere in the best way. We talk about her wild pivot from banking to true crime podcasting, how she became a mom at nineteen, what it is like being a grandma, and the Bravo obsession we immediately bonded over.  We get into Housewives drama, messy cast trips, style crimes, image architects, why labels are not fashion, and which cities deserve a full recast. Jamie shares her MILF self care ritual, the products and habits she swears by. Topics Discussed: → Bravo Housewives cast dynamics → True crime podcasting → Skincare routines, self-care, and MILF hacks → Polygraphs and reality show manipulation On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:28 - Jami’s Heist Story → 00:04:27 - Podcaster Advice → 00:07:11 - MILF Diaries & Housewives Quotes → 00:12:43 - Santa Clarita Housewives Drama → 00:15:51 - Meeting Her Husband → 00:20:23 - Bravocon Picks → 00:24:21 - Housewife Criminal Moments → 00:31:55 - Housewives Rushmore → 00:36:58 - Heather, Captain Jason & Water Fight → 00:38:48 - Tamra Judge: Medicated? → 00:40:29 - Phony Lie Detector Drama → 00:45:49 - RHOC Cast Picks → 00:50:34 - Heather Dubrow in Amsterdam → 00:52:55 - Gravity Bongs & 90s Weed → 00:55:06 - RHOBH Qualifications → 00:57:04 - MILF Self-Care Tips Check Out Jami:  → Instagram → Murderish → Dirty Money Moves → YouTube Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

42: I just got back from an OC watch party and y’all, I have thoughts. On this episode, I’m sharing what it was like meeting the ladies in person, plus a few surprises from the event. We’ll also cover some of the latest Bravo drama, from OC to Salt Lake City and Potomac, and I’m sharing a little behind-the-scenes perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.  Topics Discussed: → OC watch party experience with Tamra Judge and Katie Janella → Behind-the-scenes moments from the event → Real Housewives of OC, Salt Lake City, and Potomac → Confidence, networking, and impostor syndrome in the Bravo world On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:33 - Tookes Takeaway: Go To Bed!  → 00:02:23 - RHOC: It’s Getting To Dark  → 00:07:48 - Networking  → 00:11:35 - Meeting Tamra & My OC Wishes  → 00:15:24 - Jeff Lewis  → 00:19:48 - Emily’s Son → 00:23:22 - RHOSLC: Bronwyn’s Husband  → 00:25:09 - RHOP: Cheating & Bullying New Moms  → 00:29:42 - Imposter Syndrome  Show links: → So Bad It’s Good: Bravo Tea, Housewives Chaos & Bravocon Moments | Ryan Bailey  Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

41: I sit down with the one and only Ryan Bailey from So Bad It’s Good with Ryan Bailey for a laugh-out-loud, chaotic, and heartfelt conversation about all things Bravo, pop culture, and real life. We kick things off with Ryan’s engagement, swap hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from Jeff Lewis Live, and dive into the latest Real Housewives of Potomac drama…Dr. Wendy’s situation, Happy Eddie’s new weed brand, and whether Angel and Tia can survive the show’s intense hazing process. Topics Discussed: → The latest Real Housewives of Potomac drama & updates → Salt Lake City Housewives gossip & storylines → Behind-the-scenes stories from Jeff Lewis Live → Bravocon highlights & celebrity encounters → Reality TV parenting & cast controversies Timestamps:  → 00:00:00 - Welcome & Intro → 00:01:15 - Ryan’s Fiancée Reveal → 00:04:32 - Which Housewife Is Babysitting? → 00:08:49 - Bedwetting & Batman Stories → 00:12:21 - Prince, George Michael & Music Memories → 00:17:55 - Ultimate Girls Trip: Morocco → 00:22:27 - Reality TV History: Real World & Love Island → 00:26:02 - Girl Dads & Sports Chat → 00:29:17 - Stories About Ryan’s Mom → 00:31:05 - Meeting Jeff & Career Pivots → 00:33:57 - Advice for Young Actors → 00:37:03 - Scotch Tape & Childhood Bedwetting → 00:39:42 - RHOC: Who’s the Most Evil? → 00:42:48 - Life After Reality TV → 00:43:47 - Dr. Wendy & Court Documents → 00:45:37 - RHOP: New Girl Hazing → 00:46:24 - Surviving the Chumps → 00:47:35 - RHOSLC: Heather & Captain Jason Drama → 00:52:32 - Bravocon Highlights & Lowlights  → 00:54:55 - Which Chump Might Commit a Crime? Check Out Ryan: → Instagram  → So Bad It's Good Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok→ YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40: I just got back from Jamaica and yes, I’m still glowing. We're getting into the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and Potomac. From Bronwyn’s cherry-gate and Mr. Todd’s attitude, to Lisa Barlow’s cowboy-chic and my Halloween costume chaos, there’s plenty to unpack. Then, I’ll tell you all about MY trip, the piña coladas, and the people. Plus, I’m giving my takes on friendship, marriage, motherhood, and why no one needs to be with a grumpy man.  Topics Discussed: → Bronwyn’s cherry-gate and Housewives drama → My Jamaica trip and hurricane aftermath → Real Housewives of Salt Lake City recap → Potomac reunion reactions and Mr. Todd talk → Friendship, marriage, and Halloween  On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:57 - RHOSLC: Bronwyn Needs Help!   → 00:05:15 - Grumpy Gout  → 00:06:37 - Lisa Barlow & Halloween Season → 00:09:38 - Angie K & Mary C Frenemies? → 00:18:45 - RHOP: Preakness Girls Trip → 00:21:18 - Chinchecking & Hazing → 00:27:27 - Caribbean Trip → 00:35:35 - Tookes Takeaway: Travel! Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

39: On this episode, I’m flipping the channel from Bravo to Netflix to talk all things Love Is Blind. Y’all, after watching this season, I’m even more convinced that BYOB (be your own boyfriend) is the way to go. From messy engagements and runaway grooms to questionable drinking habits and “Megan Fox” moments, I’ve got thoughts on every single couple. I’m breaking down who’s real, who’s fake, and who needs to give that ring back, honey. Of course, we’ll still make a pit stop in Salt Lake City to check in on the Real Housewives…  Topics Discussed: → Love Is Blind Couples  → The Real Meaning Of Byob  → When To Say I Love You → Cultural Compatibility In Relationships → Crying On Reality TV On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:00:51 - Love Is Blind  → 00:06:41 - Watching At 2x Speed  → 00:07:46 - Ali & Anton  → 00:10:02 - Madison & Joe  → 00:17:09 - Kalybriah & Edmond  → 00:18:55 - Annie & Nick  → 00:21:47 - Patrick & Kasie  → 00:26:16 - Megan & Jordan  → 00:28:12 - RHOSLC: Britani Bateman  → 00:32:35 - Tarot Readings  → 00:40:43 - Tookes Takeaway: Who Cares What People Think Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

38: This week, I’m covering the shocking allegations against Real Housewives of Potomac stars Wendy and Eddie Osefo. Like a lot of you, I was stunned when the news broke. I’ve always seen them as Bravo’s picture of Black excellence, so I’m unpacking how something like this could happen and what it means for their image, their family, and the show. I’ll also get into this week’s episode of RHOP…from Stacey standing up to Gizelle and Ashley, to Angel and Tia bringing new energy to the cast. Plus, I’m talking about how we celebrate successful women on Bravo, why people love to call them “pretentious,” and how to play the Housewives game without losing yourself (or ending up in court). Topics Discussed: → Wendy + Eddie Osefo insurance fraud allegations explained → Stacey vs Gizelle and Ashley feud breakdown → Why Bravo fans label successful women “pretentious” → How Housewives stars lose money + fame to bad decisions On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Why watch housewives → 00:03:33 - Insurance fraud  → 00:06:52 - Wendy Osefo fraud scandal → 00:10:38 - "Pretentious" & microaggressions  → 00:17:04 - RHOP: Second Bloom Ball  → 00:19:53 - Stacey, TJ Jones, & the gardening business  → 00:25:58 - New housewives & The White House  → 00:32:08 - Miss Cookie  → 00:34:32 - RHOM Reunion Part 2  → 00:42:46 - Tookes Takeaway: Be Who You Are  Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

37: This week I'm going in on Potomac. I'm celebrating Dr. Wendy and Eddie as true Black excellence, welcoming newbies Angel and Tia, and side-eyeing Giselle and Ashley for stirring the pot. Over in Salt Lake City, I break down Lisa Barlow’s “dismissed, dismissed, dismissed” receipts, Bronwyn’s messy mom, and Whitney’s business heartbreak. Then in Miami, I get into Alexia leaving Todd, Julia’s drama, and the shocking hookup bombshell with Adriana. On top of all that, I’m opening up about my own tough week, leaning on faith, and reminding myself the real meaning of BYOB.  Topics Discussed: → Real Housewives of Potomac season premiere drama → Lisa Barlow lawsuits on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City → Miami Housewives reunion hookup bombshell → Giselle Bryant and Ashley Darby stirring controversy → Dr. Wendy Osefo and Eddie showcase Black excellence On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:02:28 - Karen Huger’s DUI  → 00:06:08 - Fashion on RHOP → 00:08:28 - RHOP: Last season summary  → 00:13:04 - Who’s missing from RHOP  → 00:15:13 - The Black Hollywood Luncheon  → 00:19:02 - Keiarna & the new girls  → 00:26:40 - RHOSLC: Lawsuit Lisa → 00:30:30 - Bad weeks & having faith  → 00:34:09 - RHOM: Reunion highlights  → 00:37:51 - Adriana & Julia bombshell  → 00:39:42 - Tookes Takeaway: BYOB  Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

36: This week I’m talking housewives, dating, and my weekend adventures. I share my solo date experience, Taco Bell indulgences, and setting boundaries with men. On Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, I break down Heather, Bronwyn, Mary, Whitney, and Lisa Barlow’s drama…plus the hilarious Barlow vs Bronwyn showdown. Over on Real Housewives of Miami, I weigh in on Adriana calling Kiki “ratchet” and why charity events always go sideways. Topics Discussed: → Real Housewives of Salt Lake City drama: Heather, Bronwyn, Mary, Whitney, Lisa Barlow → Real Housewives of Miami finale: Adriana, Marisol, and the charity event chaos → Thoughts on addiction, parenting, and Robert Jr.’s journey → Solo dating adventures and setting boundaries with men On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:22 - RHOSLC: Gout & Sucking D → 00:07:36 - Housewife Motherhood & Family Struggles → 00:11:37 - Jeff Lewis Live & Miss Beverly D’Angelo → 00:15:37 - Ex-Mormon Drama & Whitney Rose Update → 00:19:31 - RV Fails & Lisa Barlow Lawsuits → 00:25:17 - Bronwyn & Heather Lunch Showdown → 00:27:18 - Mormon Mansion Party Highlights → 00:30:42 - RHOM: Ice Skating Funeral Moment → 00:35:35 - Jami Rice & Girls’ Night Out → 00:37:43 - Boring Dates & Solo Adventures → 00:43:06 - Tookes Takeaway: James Baldwin Quote Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

35: This week on Tookes Takes I’m breaking down the Real Housewives of Miami…from Kiki’s shady birthday cake to Alexia and Marisol being my “barracudas.” I share thoughts on Lisa and Jody’s relationship, Adriana’s art career, and Julia & Martina’s new additions. Plus, I get real about family, acceptance, and a surprising exchange I had at a Bravo-adjacent mixer.  Topics Discussed: → Kiki’s cake & RHOM drama → Lisa & Jody’s relationship → Adriana’s art career & independence → Family, acceptance & LGBTQ+ lessons → My Bravo-adjacent mixer exchange On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:00:45 - Message to the FCC → 00:05:42 - OnlyFans & Larsa’s house → 00:09:02 - Shady birthday cake → 00:13:32 - Larsa’s house & RHOA throwback → 00:16:28 - Julia & Martina’s adoption → 00:18:50 - The original aunties → 00:24:36 - Stephanie, Marisol & the plane → 00:28:33 - My Chump Mixer & Jimmy Kimmel → 00:34:07 - Tookes Takeaway: Harmful beliefs Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices