Tookes Takes

60: From yoga instructor training to messy 90 Day Fiancé drama, I break down red flags, pick-me behavior, and why choosing yourself is the real glow-up. Topics Discussed: → What are the biggest red flags on 90 Day Fiancé? → What does “pick-me girl” behavior actually mean? → How do you choose yourself in dating? → Are reality TV relationships real or fake? → How can women build confidence in relationships? On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Yoga Instructing → 00:04:01 - Learning French  → 00:06:19 - 90 Day Fiancé   → 00:10:32 - 90 Day Fiancé: Engagements  → 00:13:33 - Bieberchella → 00:14:57 - 90 Day Fiancé: Reynaldo Rey → 00:16:08 - 90 Day Fiancé: Research Countries  → 00:19:04 - 90 Day Fiancé: Trish + Rick  → 00:23:24 - 90 Day Fiancé:Tell All?  → 00:23:47 - BRAVO: Ladies Of London → 00:26:30 - ChatGPT Love Triangles  → 00:27:06 - Tookes Takeaway: Pick-Mes   Show links: → BRAVO’s Summer House: The Real Villain Isn’t Who You 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

59: I wasn’t even watching Summer House… and somehow it’s all I can think about. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the betrayal that has everyone talking, and why this situation goes way deeper than just a guy. Because let’s be real, this was never about him. This was about friendship, loyalty, and what it really means to be a girl’s girl. Topics Discussed: → What is the Summer House betrayal everyone is talking about? → Why is girl code important in friendships? → How do you handle a friend dating your ex? → What are red flags in female friendships? → Why do some relationship betrayals feel deeper than others? On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:02:01 - Summer House: GIRL CODE  → 00:06:42 - Scandoval Part 2  → 00:09:18 - White Privilege  → 00:16:40 - Summer House Recap → 00:21:49 - The Betrayal → 00:27:29 - Amanda + West  → 00:32:33 - Girl Code  → 00:34:43 - BRAVO Facebook Groups  → 00:38:09 - God, Girls, Gays  → 00:41:31 - Life Updates!  → 00:42:44 - Tookes Takeaway: Trust God Further Listening:  → TLC Is Sad, The Manosphere Might Be Worse! Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58: This week, I sat down with the iconic Pol’ for one of the most honest and emotional conversations yet. From immigrating to the U.S. as a child to becoming a celebrated fashion designer, Pol’ shares the real story behind his success, his struggles with identity, and the deep influence of his mother. We get into everything, his friendship with Anna Nicole Smith, the truth about relationships, why he doesn’t believe in dating, and the unexpected way he met his husband. Plus, his unique gift of coffee readings and how intuition has shaped his life. Topics Discussed: → Growing up between cultures → Finding identity and confidence → Building a career in fashion → Friendship, loyalty, and loss → Why dating is a waste of time → Meeting “the one” unexpectedly → Coffee readings and intuition On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:02:14 - Immigrating To America  → 00:03:23 - Middle Child Syndrome  → 00:04:11 - Learning English + Family → 00:06:17 - Pol’s Mom   → 00:08:35 - FIDM, USC, + Cal State  → 00:10:36 - Pursuing Fashion  → 00:14:54 - Fashionable Childhood  → 00:17:46 - Homophobia + Acting  → 00:20:07 - Favorite Designs  → 00:23:27 - Anna Nicole Smith  → 00:29:20 - Coming Out  → 00:35:18 - Marriage + Love  → 00:37:37 - Dating Advice + Meeting Patrik  → 00:50:33 - Coffee Ground Readings  Further Listening:  → Patrik Simpson: Love, Custody, + Anna Nicole Smith Check Out Pol’:  → Instagram → Shop  → Podcast  Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57: I’m exhausted, I’m working nonstop, and I’ve got a lot to say. In this episode, I’m talking about the reality of being a single woman trying to build a life, why dating feels like a nightmare right now, and my honest thoughts after watching Inside the Manosphere. Plus, you know I had to share my takes on 90 Day Fiancé, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Ladies of London. This one is real, messy, funny, and honest. If you’ve ever felt burnt out, over dating, or just done with the nonsense, this is for you. Topics Discussed: → Why is dating so hard right now → What is the manosphere → How to avoid settling in relationships → Signs of low standards in dating → How to stay confident while single On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:03:48 - Single In LA  → 00:04:45 - The Manosphere  → 00:08:43 - TLC: Unexpected  → 00:10:48 - Dating Men  → 00:14:11 - Louis Theroux → 00:16:59 - 90 Day Fiancé → 00:20:16 - 90 Day Fiancé: Turkey → 00:25:14 - 90 Day Fiancé: Missed Period → 00:28:21 - 90 Day Fiancé: Lesbian With A Wig → 00:30:01 - Ladies Of London → 00:33:12 - Jeff Lewis Live  → 00:37:55 - Tookes Takes: I WILL SUCCEED  Further Listening:  → BRAVO Is Back + My 90 Day Fiancé Hot Takes Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

56: I had the absolute best time chatting with Patrik Simpson about love, life, and everything in between. From meeting Paul and navigating long-distance romance, to fighting for custody of his daughter, to modeling, reality TV, and his unforgettable moments with Anna Nicole Smith….it’s all here. We also talk coffee readings, fan socials, and a peek at Ventura Shores. This one’s full of heart, humor, and insider stories you won’t want to miss. Topics Discussed: → How did Patrik meet Pol → Long-distance love tips → Custody battles and gay parenting → Modeling and runway experiences → Anna Nicole Smith memories On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:40 - Separating Patrik + Pol → 00:03:01 - The early days of Patrik   → 00:04:36 - Middle child syndrome  → 00:08:05 - Mama’s boy  → 00:10:57 - Republican dad  → 00:12:18 - College + modeling  → 00:13:55 - Travels + catholic school  → 00:16:01 - Girlfriends + wife  → 00:21:11 - Patrik’s daughter  → 00:24:21 - Patrik’s first husband → 00:27:38 - Runway walking  → 00:28:47 - Meeting Pol + custody battle  → 00:32:59 - Gay parenting + reality TV → 00:38:48 - Anna Nicole Smith  → 00:44:06 - WHAT’S NEXT? → 00:45:20 - LaKendra’s dating life → 00:47:51 - Chumps Show links: → POL EPISODE COMING SOON!  Check Out Patrik:  → Instagram  → Podcast → Grown & Out In Beverly Hills (Book) Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

55: I’m back with another solo episode + this one is the ultimate reality TV rundown for Bravo lovers and 90 Day Fiancé fans. From messy relationship drama to royal level gossip, I’m delivering all the tea from 90 Day Fiancé and the premiere of Ladies of London. I’m breaking down toxic couples, questionable decisions, long distance relationships, and the glamorous world of British aristocracy. Topics Discussed: → 90 Day Fiancé Relationship Drama→ Bravo Ladies of London Premiere→ Reality TV Dating Red Flags→ British Aristocracy on Bravo→ Reality TV Lies Getting Exposed On This Episode We Cover:  → 00:00:00 - Introduction  → 00:01:33 - 90 Day Fiancé  → 00:06:15 - 90 Day Fiancé: Jovon + Annalyn → 00:08:15 - 90 Day Fiancé: Left in the desert?? → 00:11:29 - 90 Day Fiancé: Laura + Beercan  → 00:12:23 - Ladies of London  → 00:20:49 - Dara madame rumors  → 00:23:55 - Tookes Takeaway: DONT LIE  Further Listening:  → Bravo Needs New Villains Immediately | Ronnie Karam Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram  → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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