High & Low

The season premier starts with a bang as OG Dorit awakens from her long slumber. With plenty to say about PK, and after shaking off her Fox Force minion garb for armor to fight self appointed clique lead Kyle, Dorit stand out as the true showman of the episode. Several iconic moments unfurl before our weary eyes - Dorit puffing on a cigarette in her luxury SUV en route to Kathy's, Kathy getting an infusion mid-glam while listening to Dorit's separation tale like a wise Beverly Hills oracle, and Garcelle's realization that everyone in the group is now divorced or separated. We meet the new housewife, Bozoma 'Boze', an exciting addition who may be our first corporate businesswoman cast member, who was surprised to witness Kathy pulling her extensions out mid-event. If this episode is any indication, it's going to be a good season and we're long overdue! All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a rant about Spotify's current policy to only allow for 12 hours of audio book listening per month, we check back in with the OC ladies as they continue their reunion. Should Katie be blamed for her daughter being a TikTok star who made a funny video about her mother's rivals? Can Emily understand that not everyone is a lawyer and, if they were, her career choice would be obsolete? Will Alexis recognize that she's been trained to be a mouthpiece for a scorned man? Does Heather understand that yelling at women whose children think she's mean does not help her case? We find answers to these questions and more in Part two of the Real Housewives of Orange County. WOMEN'S RIGHTS: Help pressure Biden to pass the Equal Rights Amendment that would give women protections in the Constitution before his term ends. Call the White House at (202) 456-1111 or text at (302) 404-0880 and simply say, "I’m calling to urge President Biden to make publication of the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution a priority before the end of his term." So easy. The 28th Amendment to the Constitution would make sure no one faces gender discrimination and would help protect women against gender-based violence, banning birth control, and unequal pay. Without an amendment giving women equal rights, those injustices are harder to protect against. Call and tell a friend!SHIRT: Go to https://merchymerch.printful.me/  for the shirt that serves as a reminder that seeing our government burn at the hands of mediocre men means we'll rebuild from its ashes. All proceeds are going to charity. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cast trip to celebrate Bronwyn's anniversary in Palm Springs is on its final leg as Bronwyn's husband, Todd (a.k.a. Tater Todd), is on his last nerve. Whitney and Lisa manage to settle their Alibaba beef but Lisa and Bronwyn don't come to a good place about their disconnect regarding Heather, and Meredith manages to start a new issue with Sean about her perception of a comment he made on a podcast...which have become the uncredited housewife in too many franchises. The group goes on a racecar outing, we learn intimate information at a group dinner that will pop-up in my mind a decade from now, Bronwyn is gifted a $4M diamond necklace, and we get more insight into her relationship dynamic with Tater Todd. Also - Lisa spirals when she has to ride home in coach, hence the title of the episode BONUS: I made a "Let it burn, it's how men learn" shirt that you can check out at https://merchymerch.printful.me/, all proceeds going to charity, and I'm focused on the movement to pressure Biden to pass the Equal Rights Amendment that would finally give women Constitutional protection before his term ends. Join me in calling the White House at (202) 456-1111 or text at (302) 404-0880 and simply say, "I’m calling to urge President Biden to make publication of the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution a priority before the end of his term." So easy. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The news that John Mellencamp's daughter, a self proclaimed "accountability coach", has been having an ongoing affair with her horse trainer (despite his wife Karli giving birth alone as he was off with the Tedster, then finding out, believing them that it was over, and then having to find out again with a newborn) led to an unexpected side-quest into researching the world of California equestrians. After a discussion on the awful details, and why I view affairs on a scale of varying factors, we delve into what the hell is happening on the RHONY reboot. With the latest episode detailing a third attempt at a rehearsed storyline in as many months, the cast seems to be floundering to fill air time with authenticity. BONUS: trademarking my mantra for our new political dumpster fire era, "Let it burn, that's how men learn" All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the ladies of Salt Lake City jet off to a lavish Palm Springs vacation, tensions remain high between newly sparring couples. Heather dishes to Meredith and Lisa about her confrontation with Bronwyn, and that conversation serves as a catalyst for issues later in the episode. From the push-fest between John and Justin at Angie's anniversary party, to lingering Alibaba accusations, to the simmering resentment brewing between Lisa and trip host Bronwyn, no amount of custom jewelry could distract the ladies from their ongoing battles. The episode ends on a To Be Continued after Todd and Bronwyn deliver an ultimatum to their guests because he has apparently never seen any Real Housewives show before. BONUS: Telling you about the MARTHA doc I'm currently watching on Netflix and how private equity has come full circle for the SLC husbands All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a Veteran's Day tirade, and an update on a self loathing elven incel, we get cozy on the couches for Reunion Part 1 for the Real Housewives of Orange County. This episode was packed with confrontations - Tamra's ongoing focus of Shannon's alcohol consumption, Jen's relationship and Ryan's level of involvement with the bookie gambling scandal (that I detailed in my podcast dive on Ippei Mizuhara), Emily's confidence that she figured out something nefarious about Ryan that the FEDS missed, and an attempted hit job on Katie that backfires on Heather and Emily. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As frenzied incel energy swirls around us, there's never been a better time to learn about the 4B movement, step up your personal safety strategies, and seek inspiration from women who stood up to the same kinds of threats, intimidation, and misogyny - and who ended up becoming historical figures for it. There's also never been a better time to find a good book or show to help soothe the nerves. I review the new series, "Rivals" (on Hulu and Disney +) with a summary of its 1980's English countryside plotline, including my opinions on the draw of its enemies to lovers story, and why it's winning so many people over. Bonus: an excerpt from my latest romantasy book "Steel Heart, Iron Claws" and why you may want to stock up on romantasy books and other goods that may soon be deemed illicit All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The masses made their choice for the next President and I have some thoughts on what that means, what got us here, and what the hell we do now. Whether you focus on misinformation campaigns from foreign governments that cultivated seeds of discontent a la Cambridge Analytica, or core values of racial bias and white supremacy that continue to linger, or the resistance of over 34% of our citizens to realize the power of their vote, there's no shortage of factors that contributed. As an homage to facts and figures, we review key metrics that served as a focus of hate and division in our ongoing culture war before addressing what we can try to do in the coming years to stay safe and sane. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, medical studies, University reports, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hold my hand on election day and listen as I ramble a summary of the latest Real Housewives of Orange County episode between rants. Axe throwing, isometric crunches, and stucco climbing, what doesn't this episode have? As Tamrat switches strategies, Jen's engagement means an engagement party complete with a "tacky 80's bridesmaid's dress" theme brought to us by the mind of Alexis. Drama ensues for every rivalry as Shannon bumps heads with an unexpected challenger - Katie's husband Matt. And no, we don't escape the finale without having to see Johnny Dbags. Bonus: a new IG-esque ending template makes me rage. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Relaying adventures of record-breaking, swing-state canvassing for Kamala Harris over the weekend before delving into the follow up of a "To Be Continued..." episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Angie's 25th Anniversary party continues to serve as the backdrop for Alibaba rumorszzz and aggression between the Barlow's and Roses. A major point of contention is when John Barlow repeatedly gets in between Justin and Lisa as he hears F bombs being directed at her - Whitney blames Lisa for causing her husband's awful reaction and I take a moment to reflect on the toxicity of that viewpoint. Bronwyn plans a couples trip and has to decide who to invite, which results in a conversation with Heather that quickly turns sour. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A discussion of the highlights of the third and fourth* books in the series by Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Wings and Ruin and A Court of Frost and Starlight - including a few spoilers! Also, a list of grievances with ACOTAR that have popped up during the dramatic and breathy audiobook. A rundown of updates per character as the series progresses, with an obvious effort to tee up new characters for their forthcoming storylines and spin-offs, yes please. Various theories and possible hidden meanings behind both major and nuanced plotlines are also reviewed. Bonus: the importance of speaking up for people and issues you care about, especially if the only reason you're silent is to avoid or appease bulliesAll opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final days of the London trip come to a chaotic conclusion as Shannon struggles to get feces out of her body - and friend group. The toxic entity that is the Tamrat/Tambat/Tamratputin has regrouped after being read to filth by Jen and recalculated to target Katie and bring up any possible spec of dirt it has on Shannon, regardless of collateral damage. Despite drama involving children, and getting emotional about being perceived as mean, Heather continues to support her new bestie. Jen and Gina shine in their respective moments of acknowledging manipulation, calling out bad behavior, and setting boundaries. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode centers around Angie's 25th Anniversary celebration where the cast takes the opportunity to be in a room with zero sound dampening as their backdrop for multiple confrontations. Bronwyn calls Heather to the mat about her meddling and hypocrisy, Mary and Lisa also air their grievances to Heather, and Britani gets a shock when Whitney's husband decides he wants to get into women's business and stir up mess. The event culminates with Whitney Drew's extensive investigation into Lisa Barlow, including a comprehensive presentation of receipts and evidence, just kidding, Whitney has nothing but the word of a random account so Lisa goes off and calls in her cyber cavalry. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An update on the journey into A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) before a recap of an episode that revealed family secrets and connections between Lisa and Bronwyn, showing a heartbreaking and endearing side of this season's new cast member. Meanwhile, Whitney continues to hunt for a conspirator that she believes is responsible for alerting the internet about her jewelry line, Prism, having an apparent copy on Alibaba. By the end of the episode, she's confident about finding the "truth"...all based on the word of a stranger who runs an online account. Finally, Britany wears us out with more camera time for her gum chewing Osmond offshoot, Lisa vows to stop caring about it, and Mary continues to bring comedic relief due to her irritation of it all. 33% of eligible Americans don't bother to vote, have you? Go to vote.org or vote.gov to find your polling location, request a ballot, or learn about local issues.All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tensions rise as the Real Housewives of Orange County tour London, work through conflicts, and absorb the revelation that Shannon found a text defining Alexis' role in the lawsuits from years ago. Tamra continues to talk crap about everyone, Heather has lingering hurt feelings post-mammogram outing, and Shannon finds another jaw dropping text - this time from Tamra. Jen shines in this episode, filling my heart with pride as we watch the sweet baby dove take fight and turn into a bird of prey, on the hunt for a little Tamrat. BONUS: current news on Jen's ex wanting to amend their divorce settlement after claiming she's made defamatory statements, and an OC history lesson about how Tamra's opinions on evictions, and spending habits that follow, have changedAll opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A double header to get us caught up! We see the OC ladies embark on a London adventure, complete with speed boats, stewing resentments, and a smoking gun receipt from 2018. Then we catch up with the SLC ladies, mid-Milwaukee fun, as they tour beer factories, go curling, and fight about random things in sprinter vans. Alibaba controversy, gossip, and drag shows, what else could you ask for? BONUS: the prestige of the Les Clef d'Or concierge All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Detailing more lawsuits filed against Sean Combs, a.k.a. Diddy, including former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, as well as his legal team's ongoing efforts to get bail granted as he currently awaits trial from a Brooklyn detention center. The indictment filed by the Southern District of New York is reviewed, with details of the exact charges and possible prison time for each. Media clips spanning the decades of Diddy describing his white parties are shared, alongside highlights of specific celebrities, now under scrutiny, who publicly aligned themselves with Diddy - as well as celebrities who openly criticized him. BONUS: Storytime, an unfortunate evening with jabronis who thought they were very important for their business ties to Ashton Kutcher TRIGGER WARNING: SA, DV, and disturbing content. Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 If you believe you are victim of a crime perpetrated by Sean Combs, please contact HSI via their mobile tip-line at 1-877-4-HSITIP, and reference this case.Credit to Entertainment Tonight, TMZ, and The Conan O'Brien Show for audio of Diddy describing his white parties over the years. All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company, person, or agenda. Information shared is cited via articles, legal documents, press releases, government websites, public videos, news reports, and/or direct quotes and statements and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie's dinner party wraps up with Emily lightly grilling Ryan, and despite us not being clear on his profession, plays dumb like it's his job. Gina shows off home improvements, ladies peruse outdoor furniture, Heather and Emily finally discuss the fashion show faux pas. Alexis and her coach get mic'd up for a confessional but the episode culminates with the message that, it's Shannon's 60th birthday and she'll send a curt text if she wants to.  BONUS: A rant on for-profit prisons, the 13th Amendment, and how incarceration has become a business All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company or agenda. Information shared is cited via public articles, legal documents, videos, social media feeds, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDBSources: https://apnews.com/article/prison-to-plate-inmate-labor-investigation-c6f0eb4747963283316e494eadf08c4ehttps://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2020/09/15/privatized-prisons-lead-inmates-longer-sentences-study-finds/ https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2021/02/biden-phases-out-private-prisons/All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company or agenda. Information shared is cited via public articles, legal documents, videos, social media feeds, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ladies go on a luxurious trip to Milwaukee. Whitney serves as their jovial host and arranges for a choice of gambling or scavenger hunting bobble heads before a VIP experience at a Bucks game. Throughout the adventures, simmering feelings of betrayal and mistrust linger between the Wendy's infused G-Wagon girlies - Bronwyn, Heather, and Lisa. Meredith has hot goss about Whitney's jewelry company apparently sourcing baubles from Alibaba, Angie feels burdened by knowledge about Britani's "best friend" with benefits, and everything comes to a head in a Bucks suite with lobster corn dogs. BONUS: Solving the mystery of what does Seth does in Ohio and being haunted by Mary's unconventional use for super tampons and heavily fragranced enclosure All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company or agenda. Information shared is cited via public articles, legal documents, videos, social media feeds, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An unexpected double header after realizing that the second book in Sarah J. Maas' series is a LOT more enjoyable than the first. No major spoilers shared but listen at your own discretion because overall themes and obvious outcomes will be discussed. Why Tamlin never got my heart rate out of the resting zone, how Rhys seems like the kind of guy who would laugh at all your inappropriate jokes, and whether either would hold your hair back if you got sick. Each book is ranked 1-5 based on three categories: Spice, Adventure, and Character Development. BONUS: a Cate Blanchett movie recommendation N'tl Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) - https://www.nvoad.org/hurricane-helene-response/World Kitchen - https://wck.org/ All opinions are personal and not representative of any outside company or agenda. Information shared is cited via public articles, legal documents, videos, social media feeds, and/or direct quotes and may be paraphrased for brevity. Wanna support this independent pod? Links below:BuyMeACoffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BBDBVenmo @TYBBDB Get ad-free listening with a Patreon membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.