Reality Roots

Join me on my journey back in time through episode recaps of classic daytime talk shows, the true roots of reality TV as we know it<hr /><p style="color: grey; font-size: 0.75em;"> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Boxing Day Bonus! 2025

Happy Holidays Everyone :) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12-26
21:48

Sally Jessy Raphael: He Got Me Pregnant Then Dumped Me

Sally speaks with some (very) young men and women who have made some ill-considered choices regarding parenthood, many of whom would have been excellent on MTV's 16 & Pregnant. Special Guest Appearances including Jim Halpert, my own hair goals from 1995, and Hollywood's missing Chris! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12-24
01:44:41

Jerry Springer: Battle Of The Angry Lovers!

Jerry talks (?) to some very angry people with some very messy romantic lives. Steve earns his full paycheck and someone throws a shoe!Special Guest Appearances including: Young Brett Michaels, Peter Ghallagher's eyebrows, Kurt Cobain's shirt, and Temu Chris Rock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12-10
01:15:23

Maury: Weird Phobias! (Part One)

Join me this week as I wade through some of the wildest "Phobia" episodes of Maury. Flowers? Cotton? BIRDS! Because when you really think about it, anything can be a fear - if you're (not) brave enough! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11-26
01:21:40

Jenny Jones: He Won't Let Me Quit My Sexy Job

Reality Roots: AS FEATURED on Acast and Amazon Music's Indie Podcast Amplifier http://www.amazon.ca/indieamplifier2025 (Thank you @ acast @amazonmusiccan #CanadianIndyPods )Gossip Girl/Prosecutor Barbie Jenny Jones interrogates women and the men that are forcing them into sex work. The general audience tone is "feminist warrior" and the general feeling on stage is "defensive". SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES including Phyllis Vance, the grown-up leader of the Babysitter's club, Miss Rachel, and a green pleather jacket that you really need to see to believe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11-12
01:19:53

Montel Williams: Return of Sylvia Browne

Spooky Sylvia Browne amazes Montel's audience with answers from BEYOND THE GRAVE!!!! ooooOOOOOoooooOOOOOSpecial Guest Appearances including almost-Chelsea Houska, and Auntie Acid! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10-29
01:14:24

Sally Jessy Raphael: I'm Fed Up With My Teen!

This week Sally helps some parents out by asking the age old question... what's so fun about breaking rules anyway? Special Guest Appearances including future Paul Rudd, multiverse Amber Portwood, knock-off Taylor Swift, and sadly accurate Kathy Najimy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10-15
01:24:16

Ricki Lake: Ricki, Make Me Over to Win Back My Ex

Makeover makeover, makeover makeover, makeover makeover, MAKEOVER! *clap*clap*clap*Special Guests Appearances including ACTUAL FACTUAL N*SYNC!!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10-01
01:14:45

Jerry Springer: Holiday Hell with my Feuding Family

Join me this week as I review The First Annual Jerry Springer Holiday Hell episode! Coming at you all the way from 1994. The vests are all here and the bangs are FLOOFEDSpecial Guest Appearances including Paula Dean, Backstreet Boys (Millenium album edition), Matthew Lillard and Crybrows! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

09-17
01:18:44

Ricki Lake: I've Got A Score To Settle With You!

Ricki tries to help some guests settle poorly-defined scores, despite all the guests' best efforts to be helped.Special guest appearances including: One of the Chris's, Steve Jobs, OJ Simpson, & Michelle Obama! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

09-03
01:40:10

Sally Jessy Raphael: My Daughter's Boy Crazy!

This week, Sally does her best Jenny Jones impression, by pushing so hard I'm forced to defend the indefensible. All the 90s hits are here, and they each brought their own individual vest for the occasion.Special guests including Skeet Ulrich, Halle Berry, J-ROC and EXTRA SPECIAL MUSICAL APPEARANCES by Dolly Parton and Katy Perry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

08-20
01:42:18

Jenny Jones: You're Busted, I Know You're A Dog!

Jenny Jones talks to some sisters, mainly sisters who come from the same mister, who may or may not all be sleeping with the same man. The man in question has as much game as Steve Urkell, so that makes sense.Special Guest Appearances including: Bo from Superstore, Karla Homolka, and a full college cohort that was apparently kidnapped from their local kegger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

08-06
01:50:56

Out of Office Alert

TLDR: Due to recent events (including but not limited to life, summer, and the pursuit of happiness), I am forced to take a one week leave of absence. I apologize for any inconvenience. Can't wait to talk to you all again next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

07-30
03:45

Jerry Springer: Stripper Updates

Updates from Strippers who have previously appeared on the Jerry Springer Show. The true epitome of "Hot Mess" in every sense of the word. Except, you know, temperature-wise.Special Guest Appearances including Vinny of Jersey Shore/Staten Island, Anne Hathaway/Winona Ryder and a quick peek at THE Al Borland, of Tool Time Fame! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

07-16
01:27:40

Phil Donahue: Men Who Are Great Lovers

Phil Donahue interviews some guests who are in exceptionally healthy relationships, at least as far as 1988 goes. People from home call in to bring their main-character energy questions to the esteemed panel of happy couples. One caller has a Bert & Ernie situation that completely breaks Phil Donahue's mind.Special Guest Appearances including Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Peter Gallagher's eyebrows, and Kyle McLochlan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

07-02
01:38:45

Ricki Lake: I'm Gay, But Today I Want to Try Going the Other Way!

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!!! In honor of Pride this year, I found an episode of Ricki Lake I can only describe as "Extremely Gay in the Best Way"No extra special guest shout-outs this month, but if you're reading this, please know that Roger's date fell apart when they went roller skating because the moment Roger stepped onto the roller rink and the DJ played Ray of Light by Madonna.... there was absolutely no denying he's a Queen (and always will be) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

06-18
01:32:10

Sally Jessy Raphael: Mom, Choose Your Boyfriend or Me

This week, Sally and I review some family dynamics that are not good. Can mother and current-boyfriend ever get the kids on board with their relationship? What is step-dad Pete saying? Who's the gold-digger? Find the answers to all these questions AND MORE in this week's recap!Special guest appearances including: Bea Arthur, the Babadook, and Chappell Roan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

06-04
01:51:14

Jenny Jones: Brothers Who Slept with the Same Woman Get Paternity Tests

Jenny Jones re-creates your 6th grade classroom sex education experience by asking guests for a million juicy details that no one within 5 miles is mature enough to discuss. We also look at some baby photos as part of an at-home DIY paternity test for no discernible reason.Special Guests including Audrina Patridge, Colbie Smulders, and Snoop Dogg! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

05-21
01:34:14

Jerry Springer: I'm A 14 Year Old Prostitute!

Join me this week as I do my best to pick apart a hot mess of a Jerry Springer episode. They're about to jump the shark and they're starting by blurring the lines of reality for us. Special Guest Appearances including the head mean girl from Romi and Michelle's highschool reunion, RFK Jr and Pepé Le Pew in human form (barely) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

05-07
01:18:03

Ricki Lake: Stop Sleeping with Your Ex!

Ricki Lake talks to some ex-couples who can't keep their hands to themselves and one couple that is probably definitely about to break up.Special Guests including Steven Seagal, Kirsten Dunst, and the late great Brittany Murphy RIP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

04-23
01:27:28

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