Confessionals and Congressionals

This week on Confessionals and Congressionals, Lauren and Cassie unpack a heavy week in news and pop culture:⚡ Charlie Kirk assassination — we unpack the shocking news, how the internet responded in real time, and what the online reaction reveals about political polarization and the meme economy.🔥 Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout — TikTok star William White goes viral lip-syncing Barry Manilow, sparking obsessive fan groups (the infamous Grotto Girls), messy hookups with fans like DisneyMama, and a web of jealousy, blackmail, and emotional fallout.🔥 aka Charlie Sheen (Netflix) — Sheen’s candid new doc on his chaotic spiral, blackmail over his HIV diagnosis, outrageous drug-fueled stories (yes, the ice cube one), hidden sexuality, and his reflections on how the public’s hunger for his trainwreck prolonged his downfall.

This week on Confessionals and Congressionals, Lauren and Cassie dive into the chaos of The Challenge Season 41, Episode 7 — and yes, we finally get a hookup scene (bunk beds and all). From CT’s go-kart woes to Ashley’s meltdown over puzzle pieces, we break down every dramatic moment and shady edit. We get messy alliances, sketchy voting strategies, and a challenge with obvious foreshadowing! Plus, Cassie teases the upcoming recap of the Charlie Sheen doc and we’ve got a Kelley Wolf update to get into.🔥 Don't miss the post-show rant on the decline of MTV reality and what shows might fill the Challenge void.#TheChallenge41 #MTVChallenge #ChallengeRecap #RealityTVPodcast #MTVReality #RealityTV #ChallengeAllStars #RealityShowRecap #PopCulturePodcast #KelleyWolf

Sorry for the late upload this week! We had a lot of personal stuff going on, but we are BACK with our recap of The Challenge episode 6. CT flops HARD on the swinging ladder challenge, Turbo explodes over "manhood," and alliances continue to confuse even the most seasoned fans.We unpack:- Why CT’s performance has fans (and castmates) questioning his future on the show- Aneesa's delusion about her social standing (and why she’s not part of the vet core)- Olivia’s strategic scramble pays off (even if we don’t quite understand it)But we also go off-script and get real:- Lauren shares what it’s like parenting a Deaf/Blind child and attending a conference to find community- Cassie opens up about mental health, hormonal waves post-surgery, and the emotional weight of internet cruelty- Why kindness still matters - even in reality TV fandoms- This episode blends your favorite reality TV mess with real-life reflection, humor, and deep empathy. Stick around to the end for a juicy sneak peek at the next elimination!🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review—we want to hear YOUR hot takes!#TheChallengePodcast #RealityTVRecap #CTTamburello #TurboChallenge #MTVChallenge #PopCultureCommentary #DeafBlindAwareness #NeurodiverseParenting #MentalHealthRealTalk #RealityTVHotTakes #ChallengeVetsVsNewThreats

Lauren and Cassie break down the viral Netflix documentary Unknown Number: the nonstop texts, the small-town rumor mill, the red-herrings, and the jaw-drop reveal. We get into why the case rattled parents (and teens), how schools + local police handled it, when the FBI got involved (IP traces, app subpoenas), and whether this was digital Munchausen by proxy or unprocessed trauma exploding online. We also talk about Khloe’s family’s response, what real support looks like for kids, and end with a lighter bet on where Taylor Swift might get married.Spoiler alert: We discuss who did it.TopicsEditing misdirection vs. obvious cluesTeen psychology, self-esteem, and why “just ignore it” isn’t realisticPhone dumps, spoofed numbers, tracing apps/ISPsParents, power, and policing cultureEnmeshment, trauma, and accountabilityInternet reactions & empathy for victimsIf you or someone you love is struggling with harassment or self-harm thoughts, please reach out to local resources or text 988 (US) for support.👉 If you enjoyed this episode, follow Confessionals & Congressionals, rate us on Spotify, and share with a friend.

 We’ve got a jam-packed episode full of pop culture chaos and a little political rant.This week on Confessionals & Congressionals, we recap The Challenge: Episode 5 -  from Jonna’s epic return to Ben’s field goal fiasco, we're recapping the drama, alliances, and betrayals. Who's rising in the rankings, and who needs to go? Let’s just say some people need to check their egos... and their aim.Then it’s time to dive into Taylor Swift’s surprise engagement taking over the internet to Kelley Wolf's legal drama, we’re covering it all. TIMESTAMPS00:00 intro09:47 Shoutouts18:27 The Challenge Recap01:17:29 Reflections on Contestants and Game Strategies01:17:29 Pop Culture News: Kelley Wolf, Bravo News, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce!Hit follow, leave a 5-star review, and join the convo!

This week’s episode is full of emotional chaos, shifting alliances, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes mess.We’re recapping the latest episode of The Challenge and diving into the social game unraveling inside the house. We once again learn that the moment you call a show your own - it’s over. Johnny has gone from a human backpack to a dog on a leash and we’re here for the softer side of Gabe. Plus, we detour into pop culture madness: Bananas’ podcast drama, the latest with Jax Taylor, Kelley Wolf’s continued spiral, and some other chaotic TV faves: McBee Dynasty and Sister Wives.📺 We cover: 00:00 The Challenge Recap: Emotional vulnerabilities, power shifts, and messy alliances 01:10 Bananas' Podcast Breakdown 01:21 Jax Taylor Update 01:31 Kelley Wolf Discussion 01:42 McBee Dynasty 01:52 Sister Wives is Back💬 Sound off in the comments—are these cast members spiraling or just playing the game?#TheChallenge41 #RealityTVRecap #PopCultureRoundup #BananasPodcast #McBeeDynasty #SisterWives #MTVChallenge

Please rate the podcast!>>The face off between Olivia and Johnny Bananas is beginning to fire up and we are HERE for it! We talk about this episode of The Challenge and gossip about what we have read on reddit about the behind-the-scenes (Yes, CHEF CT!). We also go over some of the Taylor Swift easter eggs we have seen since her big episode on New Heights.>>We hope you enjoy!

Swifties, this one's for you. We’re breaking down Taylor Swift’s now-legendary appearance on the New Heights podcast where she announcedThe Life of a Showgirland the fandom lost its collective mind. We’re talking all things Easter eggs, fan theories, love stories, and that elusive blend of PR strategy and genuine vulnerability that Taylor somehow nails every time. We also get into her journey reclaiming her masters, how her political stances have evolved (and why it matters), and the real power of the Swiftie community.Is The Life of a Showgirl really all we're getting? Or it merely the soundtrack to our long awaited documentary? Tune in for our takes and a little speculation... because what’s a Taylor era without a little mystery?Tell us: What's your working theory on the album rollout?#TaylorSwift #NewHeightsPodcast #TheLifeOfAShowgirl #Swifties #PopCulturePodcast #TLOAS

Please leave us a review to support the show! Today we cover The Valley Season 2 Three Part Reunion - it's a big one. One of the most toxic and dark shows on tv, we try to balance compassion with criticism in this one because boy do we have thoughts. It's hard to watch Jax feel embarassed and we are kind of sympathizing with him. We talk about our MVP and LVP of the season, our final thoughts about the Janet V. Danny drama, and Brittany's role in her and Jax's relationship (the codependent and the narcissist - a tale as old as time!). Thank you so much to our new listeners, our old listeners, and everyone in between. We love ya!#thevalley #bravotv #bravopodcast #popculture #popculturepodcast

It’s only episode 2 of The Challenge Season 41 and the drama is already out of control! We’re talking jealousy, rivalry, and some next-level drunken stupidity.This week’s hot question: Would Will be as bothered if it was a different guy with Dee?Lauren has a surprising confession about Johnny Bananas, Cass is (once again) disappointed in Lauren’s naïveté, and the girls break down the early strategies forming in the house. From messy hookups to subtle power plays, we’re spilling all the tea you missed (or want to relive).📺 We cover:00:00 Intro - Back to school, mom guilt10:37 The Challenge: Episode Two Recap10:44 The Challenge Episode 2 Recap48:17 Player MVPs: Insights and Opinions55:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Predictions💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — would you be bothered if you were Will?#TheChallenge #TheChallengeS41 #TheChallenge41 #MTVTheChallenge #ChallengeRecap #JohnnyBananas #RealityTV #ChallengeFans #MTV

Welcome back! Please follow and comment <3 This week we talk about Scheana Shays' memoir which is essentially a catalog of all the men she's slept with with zero self-awareness, so basically exactly what' you'd expect! We also talk about Kelley Wolf's mental health decline (we are worried!!!), and we talk about a new influencer we love.

Johnny Bananas, CT, Aneesa, and a stacked roster of legendary vets return to face off against the new blood in the first challenge of the season, and the drama starts immediately. We’re breaking down every the alliances and power plays from the Season 41 premiere of The Challenge.In this episode, we cover:🔥 Who’s playing smart vs. who’s already messy🏋️‍♂️ The intensity of the first challenge (and that twist!)👀 Early frontrunners and who might be in trouble alreadyWatch The Challenge on MTV or stream it on Amazon Prime, then tune in for our full recap and takeaways.🎧 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the pod—it helps us out and keeps the hot takes coming.#TheChallenge41 #RealityTVRecap #JohnnyBananas #CTTamburello #MTVChallenge #PopCulturePodcast

This week we are getting into the jaw-dropping breakup between JaNa and Kenny from Love Island USA. It’s just the beginning but one thing is clear - this is gonna be messy. We also get into our thoughts about The Valley reunion part 1, the newest episode of McBee Dynasty, and Kelly Wolf’s continued erratic and delusional behavior.

This week we recap the FINALE of Season 2 of The Valley. It's Jax's official last episode and he's STILL not sober. We are relieved but not suprrised to see Nia and Danny have made it out their reputation intact. We cry with Kristen as she navigates her fertility journey, but we are SO happy that it all worked out for her. In the words of Scheana Shay, It's All Happening.#thevalley

This week we talk about all the headlines that got our attention! We've got the cowboys of McBee Ranch on our mind as we heard the news - Jr is single! We talk about the idea that people feel entitled to know details about influencers lives, and of course, Scheana Shay's new article dropped this week and we have thoughts.

Listen - they can't make us like Janet, no matter how hard they try to change the narrative now. We get into what's getting under our skin about her, and why we are also on our last nerve with Britt. Jax is back from rehab this week and he's acting pretty calm for once, which has everyone suspicious. Thanks for listening, see you next week!Chapters00:00 Introduction and New Set Design02:58 Recap of the Valley Episode 1405:52 True Crime Documentary Discussion08:27 Influencer Tragedy and Public Obsession11:37 Sheena's Memoir and Relationship with Lisa Vanderpump14:36 House Hunting Drama17:39 Janet's Controversial Behavior20:32 Janet's Perspective and Public Perception24:29 Navigating Friendships and Alliances27:07 The Struggles of Parenthood and Fertility30:08 Jax's Misunderstandings and Relationship Dynamics34:07 Kristin's Fashion Line and Personal Growth40:39 Jax's Emotional Turmoil and Childhood Reflections44:14 Masculinity and Emotional Sensitivity44:49 Divorce Proceedings and Exaggeration45:58 Financial Struggles and Lifestyle Expectations47:32 Body Image and Self-Esteem49:22 The Impact of Objectification on Self-Perception51:34 Navigating Insecurities and Societal Expectations53:36 Tattoo Symbolism and Relationship Dynamics55:33 Public Perception and Online Criticism58:25 The Cycle of Toxic Communication01:01:28 Final Confrontations and Mixed Signals01:05:34 Toxic Cycles and Anticipation for Reunion01:08:34 After Show Insights and Relationship Dynamics01:11:17 Understanding Jax's Struggles and Parenthood Challenges01:13:38 Looking Ahead: Future Episodes and New Shows

This week on Confessionals & Congressionals, we’re unpacking Cierra Ortega’s controversial exit from Love Island USA—was it an overcorrection or just the internet doing too much? We dive into the racial and beauty standards at play and why reality TV still has a long way to go. Read the ABC News article for context. Plus, GQ just roasted the men of The Valley in a now-viral piece about “divorced guy energy” and we are living for it. Read the article.We also listened to Jax’s new podcast so you don’t have to—he’s joined by his publicist Lori and still lacking all self-awareness. We talk about the infamous Justice 4 Jax account, which we thought was satire until this very moment. Here’s the Reddit thread for the chaos. Also: Janet clears her name on The Viall Files, and we tease a big announcement tied to The Challenge: Untold History. Hit follow, leave a review, and remember—we’re critiquing edited tv characters, not real people. It's never ok to bully people online.

This week on Confessionals & Congressionals, we’re back with your favorite blend of pop culture chaos, reality TV drama, and a dash of political realness.We’re diving deep into The Valley Season 2, Episode 13… and let’s just say, if Danny & Nia leave, we’re all rioting. We break down Kristen & Janet’s feud hitting a fever pitch, why Zach continues to be the #1 friend in the group, and Brittany’s, uh… questionable late-night choices. Plus, we’re side-eyeing Janet’s weaponized accusations and asking: who’s really keeping this group toxic?But before we board the cruise from hell, we take a few moments to reflect on the devastating floods in Texas and the ongoing fight for economic justice and reproductive health care. Links to donate to flood relief, Planned Parenthood, and Vote Save America are below.We also share this week’s pop culture & true crime recommendations, including The Challenge: Untold History, and a fascinating psychological breakdown of the Idaho murders suspect from Pop Psych.Finally, we stand with Amaya Papaya. That’s all.Texas Flood Relief Donation ResourcesAttend a protest - https://indivisible.org/VoteSaveAmerica.comPlanned ParenthoodThe Challenge: Untold History (Paramount+)Pop Psych’s YouTube breakdown of Bryan Kohberger

Welcome back to the pod! This week, we’re diving into the latest Valley episode—episode 12—and it’s packed with emotional tension, weird vibes, and a happy ending. Then we’re shifting gears to talk about what might be the most real drama on TV right now: the McBee Dynasty. We’ll also get into some chilling updates in the Idaho murders case, and we’ll end with an action item you can do today to push back against the "Big Beautiful Bill"—yes, it’s still on the table, and yes, its going to make life more expensive and more difficult for almost all americans.TW: This episode contains discussion about SA and crimes against women.The Valley recap starts at 52:45

This week we decided to keep things light. We catch up on Love Island, McBee Dynasty, and other pop culture news. The Challenge comes out in July, so we hope to recap that.