High & Low

A rant about high-stakes games we're forced to play when dealing with American healthcare, reading two hyped romantasy books in two days, and a recap of Real Housewives of Orange County/The Shannon Show. Shannon gets a car fitted with a breathalyzer, Emily reflects on her anger with Jen, and a lackluster, off-off-off Broadway performance of The Traitors. Bonus: An exciting trip is in my future, and why I hate the movie "Passengers". All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, documents, videos, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

The second part of the dive into a lengthy court case that resulted from a dramatic breakup between Luis Ruelas and Vanessa Reiser in 2020, a relationship that has continued to produce legal issues well into 2024. Court documents detail allegations of missing engagement rings, mistreatment, money transfers, and outbursts at charity events involving Seth Meyers, Jake Gyllenhaal, and the foundation of beloved actor/Veteran's advocate Gary Sinise. Ex-husbands and ex-fiancée's are brought up, as well as allegations of Catfishing and ex's in cahoots. All opinions presented in this podcast are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via legal documents filed in court, articles, videos, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

A brief update on Tom Girardi being found guilty and what court cases are next. Then, a discussion of JDJ and Alexis announcing their engagement (perfectly timed just before the reunion taping) before a rapid recap of episodes 6 and 7 that cover rival girl's trips, several heart to hearts, an apple pie being violated, and a sit-down meeting for ex-BFF's, and current frenemies, Tamra and Shannon. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, documents, videos, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

An audio version of my 2021 Instagram dive where a cursory search to learn more about Teresa's new man, Luis Ruelas, led to a lengthy court case with his ex-fiancée, Vanessa Reiser. The winding tale and transcripts seemed to be the source for multiple news articles about his character. A thorough review of the case painted a picture of a dysfunctional relationship, one that both parties should be thrilled to be free of, yet their legal drama has continued into 2024. We start with a story about a bitter breakup, where it all began. Future parts will follow the journey that led it to became fodder and weaponry between cast members on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via public articles, legal documents, videos, and/or direct quotes and may be summarized or paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

The last part of the IEWU dive that focuses on theories about how this all could have been handled better, the importance of true intentions and purpose when dealing with sensitive subject matter, and what Justin Baldoni has been seen doing during this drama. It also outlines Blake's acting family, Ryan and Blake's philanthropic efforts, Ryan's investment in Mint Mobile, and interesting details from Blake's 2010 Interview Magazine Q&A with Ben Affleck. It Ends With Us partnered with www.nomore.org, an organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change.All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, documents, videos, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

Looking into Blake Lively's now defunct Preserve.us website, plantation wedding, mea culpa for plantation wedding, but finding so much more, including examples of Preserve's products, blogs, and top-tier marketing that helped launch it. A review of how Blake and Ryan met, a discussion on her hair care line, and more details about the "little bump" interview heard 'round the internet. It Ends With Us partnered with www.nomore.org, an organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change.All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, documents, videos, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

A random side quest to explain the layered drama surrounding the premier of the Colleen Hoover adaptation of "It Ends With Us" that has people wondering why the cast seems so divided and why the Director/Lead, Justin Baldoni, and Producer/Lead, Blake Lively, have such differing views on what the movie is about and how it's being marketed to viewers.Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDBOpinions shared are personal and not a reflection of any outside organization, person, or agenda. Content is pulled from news articles, video clips, and/or direct quotes, all of which may be paraphrased for brevity.

A rundown of two RHOC episodes that focus on Katie's desire to expose what she believes is a lie from Heather about setting up paparazzi pictures, with a text from L.A.'s Pap Czar as proof. Gina stresses over Katie talking about Heather because nothing says true friendship like fear of repercussions. Tamra and Emily can't resist getting all up in the mess as Tamra also manages to maintain solid footing atop a very high horse about her ex-amiga Shannon, piling on Alexis' relentless pursuit of camera time, justice for her two-bit boyfriend, and the $75k he allegedly gave to Shannon during their relationship. Gina and Emily maintain their critiques of Jen living well despite financial ruin and the Dubrow's shameless name dropping continues to serve as a solid replacement for ipecac, handy in an emergency but unwelcome in daily life. (Ep 5 begins at the 25m25s mark)BONUS: Tailoring "A Little Bit Alexis" from Schitt's Creek for the exit song. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDBAll opinions are personal and not a reflection of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is pulled from news articles, Bravo shows, legal documents, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased.

Describing the Montreal OSHEAGA festival experience, basking in the warm glow of talent that is Chappell Roan, before providing a summary of her rise to fame. Then, a quick synopsis of ten "romantasy" adventure novels, including common themes as well as how they differ. Bonus Content: Why I avoid flying on Boeing's 737 Max and the Girardi embezzlement trial that is now in progress. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDBAll opinions stated are my own and not a reflection of any other persons, companies, or agendas. Information shared is pulled from news articles, legal documents, and/or quotes and may be paraphrased.

Dolores' dream of healing the great divides by facilitating an airing of the grievances goes sideways as insults fly and rivalries intensify. The last supper's official co-host, Jen Fessler, exits stage left at the first sign of discord and Dolores is left to handle the group on her own. As old vendettas are rekindled and a new shocking discovery is revealed, the group confirms the level of dysfunction and side plotting that has taken over the show. We witness a bittersweet, mostly bitter, potential end to what has been a pillar franchise of the RH world. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

As the women prepare for their sit-down Festivus event, they meet up in small groups to discuss the meeting with Teresa's lawyer/friend, Margaret's alleged pre-reunion plotting session from last season where Dolores' Patterson side comes out, and Margaret alludes to having a bomb to drop about Jackie...Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

Promises of a healing retreat, rumors of a meeting to reveal treachery, and rival boyzz nights are the highlights of this episode. As Dolores continues her soon to be pointless search for a grand retreat, Joe Gorga and Luis have rival boyzz nights with very different agendas, but the main focus is a sit-down with Teresa's lawyer/friend who will share groundbreaking information about Marge's involvement with Luis' ongoing court case with his ex-fiancée. A meeting that may have been overhyped, just a bit. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDBAll opinions shared are my own and not a reflection of any outside company, organization, or persons. Information shared is sourced from news articles, legal documents, and/or quotes and may be paraphrased.

This episode picks up where the blowup at the coffee shop between Gina and Jen left off, the ladies all feel that Jen should have avoided financial difficulties while she remains glammed and confused as to what she could have done differently. A game of flag football brings the group together and gives them an opportunity to apologize and move on - except for Shannon and Alexis who have a battle over a boutique gym and trainer. Speaking of moving, Travis moves out of Gina's home as she sticks to her guns about protecting her financial stability and not wanting his divorce drama to become something they can't survive. Emily shares her challenges with her new fitness focused lifestyle, Shane shines in a confessional, Katie continues to build her beef with Heather as Sutton makes a cameo and advises against it - and Heather has to wear polyester. Bonus content: A review of the Ballerina Farm article from thetimes.com that has people discussing the pitfalls of idolizing trad wife life. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDBAll opinions are my own and not representative of any other company, person, or organization. Information shared is sourced from news articles, quotes, and/or legal documents, and may be paraphrased for brevity.

An update on the Chappell Roan concert quest, status report of being neck deep in fantasy adventure books, and a recap of the latest episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey. The episode focuses on several beefs being squashed, an ongoing court case that's taking a toll on Teresa, a glamourous stay-late-over event at Rachel's house, and leaves us asking ourselves, if a tree falls and Joe Gorga doesn't turn it into a prank, did it really happen? Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDBOpinions shared are personal and not representative of any outside organization, companies, persons, or agendas. Information shared may be paraphrased and is pulled from publicly available news articles, legal documents, and/or direct quotes. publications,

Episode two picks up as Alexis and Shannon have just finished their lawsuit/John D.B. Jansen focused spat. We see Shannon survive more tests and feats of emotional strength, including a face off with former bestie Tamra, before the party wraps - and all in sky high heels no less. Shannon and Heather meet and find a way forward despite Heather's friendship with Alexis. Tamra expresses her ongoing concern for Jen's finances and relationship to Eddie over a biker lunch. We learn more about Katie's background and Emily gets everyone ready for a flag football game. Gina's disappointment in Jen's eviction and what it means to her reputation, stews and spreads throughout the episode until the two finally meet, but instead of squashing their beef, it grows and consumes everyone in the small coffee shop. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

A rant about the new lawsuit against Ariana from her petty worm ex, and a specific statement from his lawyer that seems to paint at a legal excuse. Then, the Jersey ladies reconvene after the Tulum tussle to show support for Melissa's Envy fashion show and then Teresa's live podcast taping for a show that is now defunct. Marge and Dolo work through issues as the rest of the group ignore or exacerbate theirs, culminating in an unexpected sass bomb from Danielle that puts Jen Aydin in Dolo's crosshairs and makes for a tense 10-min break from the podcast taping. Wanna support this lil' pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDBOpinions shared are personal and not representative of any outside organization, persons, or agendas. Information may be paraphrased and is pulled from public news articles, legal documents, and or direct quotes.

The franchise that started it all returns for its 18th season with a bang as we see Shannon deal with the aftermath of her DUI and toxic relationship. As Shannon works to atone for her mistakes, Gina can't help but enjoy the irony after being chastised by Shannon for her own DUI years prior. Emily and Shane continue to provide comic relief as Jen deals with an eviction and we meet new housewife, Katie, a friend of Sutton's. Meanwhile, former housewife Alexis/Jesus Jugs, who is now dating Shannon's ex, gears up to have more moments in the sun. Fully embraced by Heather and Tamra, Alexis is emboldened to stick up for her new man and we see that this season will test Shannon unlike any other. Bonus Content: A nod to iconic comedian Minnie Pearl and a rant on giant trucks and tailgating. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

Heard something about a financial scandal involving the Feds and that Orange County Housewife Jen's fiancée, Ryan, but don't know the details? This is the pod for you. A look into the key players, what the Feds say they did, the charges they face, how Ryan was allegedly involved, and what's next. It's a tragic tale that involves a talented Los Angeles Dodgers player, casinos, high stakes gambling, bookmaking, and an ultimate betrayal of trust and abuse of power. Bonus content: a quick synopsis of The Battle of Chavez Ravine and a walk down memory lane to visit the cash cow house of cards that was Countrywide Financial Corporation, pre-housing bubble. Disclaimer: This podcast reflects personal opinions and is not associated with any external organization, persons, or companies. Information shared may be paraphrased for brevity and is sourced from news articles, legal documents, government agencies, press releases, and/or public statements and quotes. *If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. The National Council on Problem Gambling provides a range of resources, including answers to commonly asked questions, a gambling behavior self assessment, and information about treatment. Call the Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) to connect with local resources or send a text to 800GAM.*Wanna support the pod? Links below: BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

An impromptu movie review of the new Netflix rom-com A Family Affair starring Nicole Kidman, Zach Ephron, and Joey King that had me laughing, crying, and laughing again. After acknowledging the movie's writer, Carrie Solomon, for crafting top-tier jokes, heartwarming storylines, and relatable and likeable characters the overall plot is discussed. Other romcom movies are recommended throughout. *This isn't a play-by-play, you can listen to this and still enjoy the movie when you watch on your own. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB

New developments in the Karen Read case, according to her legal team, jury members have spoken out about coming to a unanimous decision of two of the three charges, causing her team to file an affidavit and motion to dismiss those charges. That motion and what jury members have allegedly said are detailed after discussing additional information pertaining to Brian Higgins, Jen McCabe, Jen's sister Nicole and Nicole's husband Brian Albert that wasn't included in the initial summary episode. This podcast reflects personal opinions and is not associated with any external organization, persons, or companies. Information shared may be paraphrased and is sourced from news articles, legal documents, publicly available research, and/or direct testimony, statements, and quotes. Wanna support the pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB