Bravo Breakdowns

Lauren and Michele are back to recap last Thursday's episode of Real Housewives of OC, the one where we learn Jenn finally has a guy to talk to, but he's like a criminal maybe.

• Shannon has the most confusing fight ever with Matt, Katie's husband
• Tamra pretends to be sober
• And finally, Jenn is engaged to marry her prince charming, who might

Lauren and Michele are back to recap last Thursday's episode of Real Housewives of OC, a wild ride through swingin' London.

• Shannon is so constipated she almost takes a double decker in a double decker bus;
• Tamra has gone to a place of 10 enemies, 12 storylines, and total Babadook eyes;
• And finally, ending with one of the all-time most funny Housewives "Happy Birthday" moments.

Then (interview starts at 30:01) Chris James Kahle, Dallas Tiktok star, man about town, fashion guru and Real Housewives expert stops by the pod!

He talks about housewife fashion, encounters with Lisa Hochstein and Jeff Lewis, a little dirt on Lea Black's new CBD influencer business, his fantasy Real Housewives of Dallas cast, opinions on Tamra, and much, much more!

Lauren and Michele to school and finishing up coverage of RHOC Season 8. The back half of the season gives us so many classic Vicki moments, and is also known as the season of the "Calm Before the Shannon STORMS Beador".

Michele and Lauren recap episode 14 of RHOC "High Tea and High Drama", and ladies, the TEA IS SPILLED! Especially as when an uninvited guest tries to crash the party.

Listen as we also debut a new format and new segments, like "Shannonagins" and "HERRREEE'SSSS JOHNNY".

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Everyone's talking about these Mormon mamas, so Bravo Breakdowns and Also Podcast are "jumping" on the Momtok train so you can "soak" up all the details! It's a soft swinging extravaganza!

We open with a quick riff about Yolanda Hadid's recent updates on her lemon trees and Lyme "doctor" and a quick, apologetic defense of Reddit.

Then, Lauren and Michele recap the 8 episode Hulu reality TV hit "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" -

(recap starts at 7:05)

for a quick analysis and refresher on the antics of the religious and villainous Whitney, the rebellious and always pregnant Taylor Frankie Paul and her wild-eyed boyfriend Dakota, and help you differentiate the rest of the identical Momtokers.

Then our brilliant and hilarious guest professors, Meredith and Alicia from Also Podcast, help us get to the bottom of the shows mysteries from their extensive deep dive research.

(Discussion starts at 53:14)

We'll try to get to the bottom of questions like:

-What will happen in Season 2? Who is coming back?

-What did Demi and her husband do that involved cunnilingus and fruity pebbles?!?!

-How many decades did it take to shoot this first season?

-And finally, why is Whitney?

Listen to Also Podcast on Apple and Spotify and follow them on IG and Tiktok at also_podcast for more deep dives on all things books, podcasts, food and reality TV!

Lauren and Michele are back with a new "lesson plan" format so Bravo newbies can follow easier (no child left behind!)

Then they give all the weekend tea of Shannon Beador and recap the new episode of RHOC Season 18 (Episode 12 - "The Elephant in the Room").

(Time stamp: 18:03 minutes)

-Which the podmates find to be sadly mostly filler/family stuff- but delight in recounting Heather Dubrow's fashion show and the ugly fallout, including Emily breaking the fourth wall to call Alexis a "friend" of.

Then it's time for today's lesson- Season 8 Part 1 of RHOC, episodes 1-11.

(Time stamp: 35:51)

They Discuss:

• Vicki's Relationship Struggles: Vicki navigated her tumultuous relationship with Brooks Ayers, facing scrutiny from her friends about his intentions.
• Tamra's New Chapter: Tamra was busy planning her wedding to Eddie Judge, showcasing her journey toward a more stable and happy life, despite her conflicts with other cast members.
• Heather's Home Life: Heather Dubrow focused on her family and career, trying to balance her acting aspirations with being a mother and wife.
• Lizzie's Introduction: Lizzie brought fresh dynamics to the group, as her personality and interactions stirred up both drama and camaraderie.
• Friendships and Feuds: The season highlighted various friendships and rivalries, particularly between Vicki and Tamra, and the ongoing tensions with other women.

Lauren and Michele are back to do a quick check-in on all the Mormons and smokers in Hollywood!

Then they discuss the new episodes of RHOC Season 18, Episodes 10 & 11 ("Catwalks & Catfights"/"Singled Out").

(Time stamp: 2:00)

Which the podmates find to be sadly mostly filler/family stuff- but delight in recounting Heather Dubrow's fashion show and the ugly fallout, including Emily breaking the fourth wall to call Alexis a "friend" of.

Then it's time for today's lesson- Season 7 of RHOC, episodes 12-23.

(Time stamp: 17:55)

We pick up after Gretchen's Pussycat Dolls "performance" and focus on the Chief Beefs (new segment!) between Tamra and Vicki (over Tamra's friendship with Vicki), Alexis vs. everyone (because being fake is hurting her in "the community") and Vicki's brain vs. Vicki's vagina (because Brooks fills her love tank but is using her for cars and money and her family and friends hate him).

Plus the Costa Rica trip where Vicki goes full Carmela Soprano and the epic fight between the Dubrows and Sarah "the Cake Bow-eater" Winchester (yes, THAT Winchester!)

The Real Head of Bravo Programming who developed and greenlit the Real Housewives franchise stops by the Bravo Breakdowns podcast to give a guest lecture on reality TV!

The funny, insightful, Peabody winning and overall insanely accomplished Lauren Zalaznick (former Executive VP of NBCUniversal from 2001-2014) tells Lauren and Michele the origin story of how she and her team built Bravo into the network we know today.

But before that, Lauren and Michele are breaking down part 1 of Season 7 of Real Housewives of Orange County- that’s right, we’re in the Golden Years of OC.

It’s the horrifying introduction of Vicki’s boyfriend Brooks who has no money, no job, no teeth, no car, but has a lot of weird riddles about love! We finally meet the glamorous, rich snob Heather Dubrow and see her go head-to-head with wannabe snob Alexis Bellino! And Tamra has her best season ever by pairing up with Gretchen to make Vicki’s head explode. )

And for true scholars, please buy Lauren Zalaznick’s new book, “Letters from the Corporation of Brown University: Lives of Usefulness and Reputation 1764-2023” on Amazon (you can Google all the great reviews it’s getting, and leave one of your own reviews on Amazon if you purchase and enjoy it!)

For even more LZ updates, subscribe to her newsletter “The LZ Sunday Paper”, fun updates and important world news and articles of the week- for women, by a woman- and follow her on IG.

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Timestamps : Interview 45: 55

This week Lauren and Michele finish their recap of Season 6 of RHOC, aka the season before Brooks. DUN DUN DUNNNN. Listen as they gab all things love tank, divorce, and wine throwing. They all debut, or "re-debut" a segment, "required viewing", where they discuss their favorite episodes from the season.

They also had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Bravo savant, Josh in the Oval, you've probably already seen his tiktoks! Listen as they discuss all things housewives, and Josh even teaches Lauren & Michele how to learn to like Kyle Richards. An important lesson for us all.

Josh's Socials: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok & IG : @joshintheoval

Bravo Breakdowns Socials:

TikTok & IG : @bravo_breakdowns

Email : [email protected]

Time Stamps :

RHOC Season 18 ep. 9 Recap: 8:00

Season 6 Recap : 27:56

Josh in the Oval Interview: 48:04

This week Lauren and Michele deep dive into the very shallow end of the first half of Season 6 of RHOC, aka the one where Tamra is free from the shackles of Simon, finds a new love, and Vicki becomes jealous of Tamra's divorce. Also, Alexis tries to convince everyone Jim isn't a completely awful person, but like most things Alexis attempts, it doesn't really go over too well.

More importantly, we interviewed advocate, mom, wife, human extraordinaire, non-profit founder, and reality tv scholar, Morgan Matkovic. We discuss autism, life, and reality tv in this incredibly touching and funny interview.

You can check out Morgan's non-profit here : https://www.hervoicechs.com/about

Time Stamps :

RHOC Season 6 Recap: 1:45

Morgan Matkovic Interview: 33:29

Listen as Michele and Lauren discuss the latest episode of RHOC, the one where Jesus Jugs blames drinking red bull on possible menopause.

Michele and Lauren also recap the 2nd half of the iconic season 5 of RHOC, the one where everyone is still broke, Donn is the best, Slade won't go away, and Lynne Curtain gets evicted on national tv.

Listen as Michele and Lauren discuss the latest episode of RHOC, where Jesus Jugs openly threatens blackmail, and the girls go on two of the worst trips in Housewives history.

Michele and Lauren also recap the first half of the iconic season 5 of RHOC, the one where everyone goes broke, gets divorced, or has a vow renewal so sinister, that every housewife who ever renewed their vows after Vicki, has had their marriage end in divorce. Vicki Gunvalson will always be famous. Listen as we WHOOP IT UP!

Timestamps:

Season 18, ep. 6 recap : 2 :55

Season 5 recap: 32:38

One of the worst seasons in housewives history, but re-vamped and made funny by Lauren and Michele. Listen as we recap season 4 of RHOC, and talk all about the newest girl in the bunch of oranges, GRETCHEN!

More importantly, we recap the bananas current season, episode 5. The one where Tamara mentions it all!

Lauren and Michele dive all the way back to Season 3 of OC aka the season where Tamara graced America with her undeniable presence and sharp comedic timing. We also recap episode 4 of the current season. Jen's up to her old tricks!!

Strep throat has ravaged Michele and producer Jason's household, so enjoy this re-release of one of our favorite episodes with two of our favorite guests- it's our Traitors UK Season 2 recap with hilarious, brilliant podcast stars Heather McKinney and Christie Wallace from Sinisterhood podcast.

We will return to our Real Housewives of Orange County coverage next Monday, barring future infectious diseases.

Listen to Heather and Christie on Sinisterhood, the comedy podcast for all things sinister with new episodes Wednesdays and Fridays. Follow them on Tiktok @sinisterhoodpodcastOn IG @sinisterhoodpodAnd visit ⁠sinisterhood.com⁠ for updates, tour dates and Patreon link.

After a quick Emmy nominations update, Lauren and Michele are back to give you all the delicious dysfunction from Season 2 of Real Housewives of Orange County.

These were the Golden Years of Bravo- Jo, Vicki, Jeana and new housewife Tammy each had a relationship completely falling apart before our very eyes- and they weren't afraid to mention it all.

Plus, bonus VPR updates that are actually juicy!

Lauren and Michele dive all the way back to Season 1 of OC where it all began! Listen as we discuss taglines, Slade Slimey, and the hollowed gates of Coto De Caza. As an extra special bonus, we recap the season 18 premiere episode!

Timestamps :

Season 18 Premiere Recap: 2:53

Season 1 Recap: 20:00

Extra special episode with an interview with the one and only Deux Moi, who gives us all the latest tea on all things pop culture (interview starts at 1:06)

We also count down our Top 5 Real Housewives Dinner Scenes of all time. Will the "Morally Corrupt Faye Resnick" make an appearance? Listen to find out.

Guess who's coming to dinner? It's a PROSTITUTION WHORE! Listen as we count down the most iconic and chaotic dinner scenes in Housewives History.

A very SINISTER crossover episode featuring Heather McKinney and Christie Wallace from the podcast Sinisterhood join us as we recap Season 2 of UK Traitors.

We discuss all the Evil and Treachery, Goblets of Death, Secret Sons, Bigfoot, and Serial Killers! Oh MY!

Listen to Sinisterhood Here - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3k2zyY36LXPj0vBjuO0d6S⁠

All Hell breaks loose in the Scottish Highlands as people forget the them of the show "Traitors" is about deceit and murder, and the tears and fears are flowing, honey!

Listen in as we break down all the very British breakdowns of the best season of Traitors yet, innit?

Relive what we call "the shitty version of Scandoval" as Lindsay and Carl do the most unexpected thing, and call off their engagement. Well, Carl calls it off, and Lindsay is BLINDSIDED!! So much so, she can't even muster out a single tear.

Guest host, Jessye Beasley joins in on the "Summer Should be Fun" vibes as we recap this historic season of Summer House.

Oh, what could have been of Season 11 of VPR if production knew anything about production. Unfortunately, the audience is left to try and pick of the pieces of a group still very much dealing with the aftermath of the World's great scandal, "Scandoval". Scheana doesn't get "Dancing With The Stars"! Ariana becomes God, and by that we mean, she gets "Dancing With The Stars" and battery commercials. The Toms are still gross, Lala is still mean, and we have a new unhinged gal who rises from the ashes of "Scandoval", the one we call "Jo".

Most importantly, the Countess Luann (Bonnie Crisp) herself stops by to give a post show interview from her show in Dallas. Chic C'est La Vie, indeed.

Listen in as we recap the best show on Bravo at the moment, "The Valley". Some of our favorites return on this VPR spin-off, and we learn that Jax, Brittany, and Kristen actually never grew up, and it's better than anything we could have imagined. We also praise all the Gods for the greatest villain on Bravo at the moment, Jesse. Slam your fists on a table, and ENJOY!

Lauren and Michelle recap Traitors Australia: Season Two, one of the most controversial Traitors seasons yet.

Then we sit down with Simone Williams, World of Wrestling former champion and season 2 contestant. Princess Aussie herself reveals all the behind-the-scenes tea on what the faithful really thought about Sam, the surprising truth behind her and Annabel's banishments, her favorite Bravo shows, and much, much more!

Listen as Michele and Lauren recap Season 1 of Australia Traitors, a.k.a "the season of tv that cured Lauren's depression". We talk about how in Australia, electricians are called "sparkies", and of course talk about all the murders, banishments, and weird psychosexual situations. Most importantly, we interview THE PAUL MCNEILL! He's the international man of mystery famously almost completely edited out of the season. So take a listen! Interview starts at 46:48. YEAH, BABY, YEAH!

Season 2 of the US Traitors saved Michele and Lauren's friendship! Michele is no longer in a hysterics due to the fact there were no "above the line" people, EVERYONE is a star this season! Relive all the banishments, murders, and talk of MJ's cargo pants in this super sized episode. With special guests John Berkow (Cam Goldapp) and Pilot Pete (Jason Baber) talking about white guy stuff!

Michele and Lauren almost break-up due to the intensity of the US Season 1 Traitors. They find God, and have a couple of special guests who help ease the pain. Including "Alan Cumming" (Mitchell Clemons" and Non-Union Traitor's producer " Reilly Ridley Roberts , the 2nd cousin of Brian Roberts, primary shareholder of Comcast, and NBC Universal. (Grant Redmond)

Relive the biggest scandal to ever rock our great nation, "Scandoval". Michele and Lauren relive a scandal so twisted, so vile, so entertaining, only a woman with 2 names (Raquel/Rachel) and a 40 year old man in a coverband (Tom Sandoval) could pull-off...ALMOST. We present, Scandoval, VPR's Season 10 Masterpiece, and only season to ever be nominated for Emmy. Enjoy!

Michele and Lauren have listened to the worst season in VPR history, so you don't have to! Please enjoy as we try and dissect all the interesting drama from season 9. Also known as, the season before Scandoval.

Michele and Lauren curated their favorite moments from the podcast, and even included from the podcast they did with the Unstable Topics girls. Enjoy the best of the best moments from Bravo Breakdowns!

The Season 8 VPR recap is here, and it's sad, because it's the last of the great seasons of VPR. We do this season justice by spilling all the behind the scenes tea, and even have a special guest Mr Jax Taylor stop by, and proves why he's the number one guy in the group.

Brittany finally tames the beast, and gets ENGAGED! Stassi finds her dream "Beau", and Lala goes FULL Lala on the Bambi Eyed Bitch, Raquel.

Scheana Shay is finally with the love of her life, ROB! Did you know they already named their daughter "Madison Marie Parks Valletta! Michele and Lauren breakdown the the lawsuits flying around Bravo, and alleged crimes of daddy Andy Cohen. We also do I live reading of the secret tape between Faith and Jax, oh yeah, Jax cheats on Britney this season. He may truly go RAWT IN HAIL. Last, but never least, our favorite "Good as Gold" and "Freak Bitch" gal, Scheana Shay, stops by for a chat.

It’s Katie’s effing wedding season! Michele and Lauren discuss the firestorm of legal drama and crime playing out at Bravo and release exclusive audio footage of Elizabeth Holmes and Jen Shah’s legendary prison convo. Season 6 discussion starts at 12:33- we talk Tequila Katie, Lala’s secret sugar daddy, the Bachelor party from hell, and Jax walking in on Kristen giving Brittany the “old LA handshake”. Eatin’ ain’t cheatin’- it’s the Vanderpump Rules.

Bravo scholars and comedians Lauren Davis and Michele Baber break-down all of VPR season 4 with Jax stealing sunglasses, and letting everyone know he's the number one guy in the group. We are also visited by special guest "Lala Kent" (Sallie Bowen) this episode.

Bravo scholars and comedians Lauren Davis and Michele Baber break-down all of VPR season 3 with all it's Kristen Doute scheming glory, and are visited by special guest DJ James Kennedy (Christian Hughes)

Bravo scholars and comedians Lauren Davis and Michele Baber break-down all of VPR season 2 in all its cheating and gray tooth glory.

Bravo scholars and comedians Lauren Davis and Michele Baber break-down all of VPR season 1 in all its devilish glory.

Bravo scholars and comedians Lauren Davis and Michele Baber break-down all of Summer House season 7 in all its cursed engagement glory.

Comics/Bravo Scholars Lauren Davis (FOX, Hulu) and Michele Baber (Kidd Kraddick) break-down all the absolutely bananas finale of RHOSLC.

Comics/Bravo Scholars Lauren Davis (FOX, Hulu) and Michele Baber (Kidd Kraddick) break-down all of "Summer House" season 6

Comics/Bravo Scholars Lauren Davis (FOX, Hulu) and Michele Baber (Kidd Kraddick) break-down all of "Summer House" season 3.

Comics Lauren and Davis and Michele Baber recap all of season 2 of Summer House.

Everything you need to know about Season 1 of Bravo's "Summer House". Including a recap of the season's finest episode, "Winter is Coming".

Brought to you by Bravo scholars and comedians, Lauren Davis (Fox, Hulu) and Michele Baber (Kid Kraddick).