Is This Real Life? With Mandy Slutsker

In this iconic episode of “Is This Real Life?” Mandy and Jeff Epstein (host of the podcast “Manic with Jeff Epstein”) take a ride down memory lane and talk about nostalgic Housewives moments. First, Mandy gives a run down of this week in Bravo and then Jeff joins for a fun chat (19:30). They discuss how RHOBH was their gateway to the Real Housewives, ponder which Housewives best describe their personality, and what makes for a good Housewife. Jeff and Mandy dive into how Housewives social media world can be toxic and the pitfalls of stan culture. Plus, a heartfelt and honest conversation about recovery, sobriety, and self-discovery. Enjoy! Check out “Manic with Jeff Epstein”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/manic-with-jeff-epstein/id1470137682 Follow Mandy on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandyslutsker/

This week Mandy is joined by two incredible guests to break down this INSANE week in Bravo. First, attorney Emily D. Baker joins Mandy to explain the fraud scheme Jen Shah was indicted for and break down the charges (6:28). Then Jacques Peterson, host of the podcast “Unpopular with Jacques Peterson”, gives his unpopular Bravo opinions and shares his takes on this week’s episodes of RHOA, RHOD, RHONJ, and Summer House (49:34). Check out “Unpopular with Jacques Peterson”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unpopular-with-jacques-peterson/id1536243282 Follow Mandy on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandyslutsker/

Mandy is joined by pop culture writer Simrin Purahr from British Columbia to chat this week in Bravo! They discuss the RHONY trailer, Bethenny’s divorce/engagement, how Erika Jayne’s legal drama will play out on RHOBH, and of course this week’s RHOA and RHOD. Mandy shares her hot takes on RHONJ (Dolores is a goddess, Jackie continues to punch above her weight) and Summer House (Luke doesn’t deserve the wrath he’s getting). Check out Simrin on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simrin.p/ Follow Mandy on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandyslutsker/

Mandy is joined by Housewives superfan and social media maven Semajh Bludson (@semajwithanh). They discuss the latest episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Dallas, and New Jersey exploring important topics like Cynthia’s pandemmy weddy, the complex mother/daughter relationship between Mama Dee and D’Andra, and why Semajh continues to remain a devout Tre hugger. Plus, Mandy’s quest to make Housewives twitter & IG more fun. Check out Semaj on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semajwithanh/ Follow Mandy on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandyslutsker/

Mandy is joined by Kendrick Tucker, host of the podcast “Me, You, The Housewives, and Marvel too!” They chat all things Housewives and Bravo, discussing the latest episodes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of Dallas, and the Real Housewives of New Jersey. Plus, Mandy shares an update on her Married to Medicine journey and some thoughts on Summer House. Check out “Me, You, the Housewives, and Marvel too”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-you-the-housewives-marvel-too/id1525311067 Follow Mandy on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandyslutsker/

Mandy is joined by the hilarious Hannah Brown to chat this week in Bravo. Hannah shares the inspiration behind her incredible Housewives impressions as they dive into their thoughts around this week’s Real Housewives of New Jersey and the continuing explosive episodes of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Plus, Mandy’s thoughts on Dallas and Summer House! Follow Hannah Brown on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahabrown/ Follow Mandy on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandyslutsker/

This week Mandy is joined by two powerhouses of podcasting - Kate Casey and Taria Faison! First Taria joins Mandy to discuss which housewife found themselves in the middle of a DC scandal, plus her thoughts on the scandalous Bolo episode of RHOA and reaction to Jen Shah’s comments on race. Then Mandy talks to Kate about the many interesting career paths she’s taken, from being a White House intern to starting her own PR company and eventually booking all the best reality stars on her podcast. Kate shares her passion for storytelling, her thoughts on how Housewives have been consumed by “meme” culture, and reactions to current seasons of RHOSLC, RHOA, and RHONJ. Listen to Reality Life with Kate Casey: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reality-life-with-kate-casey/id1154758766 Check out What Else is Going on Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-else-is-going-on-with-taria-s-faison/id1523174914 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Mandy is joined by Gibson Johns, the host and producer of “We Should Talk.” They really mention it all this week, discussing the most pressing Housewives issues from Jersey to Salt Lake and Dallas to Atlanta. Gibson points out that each franchise has a different ‘seventh’ housewife - whether it be the city where the show is filmed, alcohol, or religion. They dive deep into the subtext beneath each major storyline and question if it’s ever ok to “go after” children and discuss which Housewives have “lost the plot”. Plus, some thoughts on Summer House and realizing Hannah as the villain. Listen to We Should Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-should-talk/id1534157035 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Mandy is joined by the amazing podcasters and content creators Kara and Aaron (@bravowhileblack) to chat this week in Housewives. Kara and Aaron talk about their podcast, how they became content creators, and reflect on the changes Bravo is making to amplify black voices. Then Mandy, Kara, and Aaron discuss the #RHOSLC reunion, including their love of Lisa Barlow, what Jen actually does for a living, and their hopes for season 2. Plus, a deep dive into the Dallas ladies reception to Tiffany on RHOD and...crickets in pizza. Listen to Bravo While Black: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bravo-while-black/id1522055902 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

This week Mandy is joined by two wonderful guests - empath and intuitive Jamie Stein and Stephen from the hilarious IG account @facesbybravo. Jamie shares his thoughts on Summer House and why he thinks Hannah is the true villain of the series. Then Mandy and Stephen have a conversation about Housewives friendships, including a revisit of Bethenny vs. Carole. Plus, Stephen shares his thoughts on the RHONJ premiere, RHOM returning, Married to Medicine, and more! Check out @facesbybravo on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facesbybravo/ 
Check out Jamie Stein on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiestein/ Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Paul McClain of @realrealityhomosexual joins Mandy to chat this week in Bravo, including what was - hands down - the best episode of RHOSLC this season! They discuss how Paul got to know the ladies of Salt Lake City, how things in Vegas got out of hand this week, and the real reason Jen Shah is so angry. Then they go down south to recap RHOD and RHOA. Check out @realrealityhomosexual on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realrealityhomosexual/ Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Mallory of @realhousepinsoc joins Mandy to chat about Bravo and give some hot takes, including why she finds this season of RHOC to be riveting. She tells Mandy about life in the OC, how she became an unlikely rabbit owner, and they discuss which animals remind them of their late moms. At 32:00 minutes in they begin to chat Bravo, going in depth about this season of RHOC, then discussing RHOSLC (1:16:18), RHOA (1:38:40), and RHOD (1:45:35), and a little Vanderpump talk at the end. Plus, a hilarious story about Mandy’s dad and their childhood pet rabbit. Check out Mallory’s Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RealHousePinsOC Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Tom Hamlett, host of the Dumpster Dive podcast, joins Mandy to chat this week in Bravo. They dive into all things Bravo this week, discussing RHOD and why they think Kameron’s going to have a rough season, recap an eventful RHOSLC, and enjoy the awkward engagement party for Cynthia on RHOA. Plus, Tom explain’s why Tiffany’s wine cellar is a big deal to have in a Dallas home. Check out the Dumpster Dive podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dumpster-dive-with-tom-hamlett/id1533780254 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Reality TV producer @NotQuiteReality joins Mandy to give an inside look into the production of reality television. They discuss the role producers and show runners play, how production has adapted to COVID, and some fun Housewives gossip. They also discuss the premiere of RHOD, Southern Charm, RHOSLC, RHOC, and RHOA. Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Evelyn Marley of the Twisted Plot podcast joins Mandy to recap this past year in Bravo. They rehash the RHOP reunion part 3 including Monique v. Candiace - and Evelyn’s explanation of the “reptilian brain” as to why they couldn’t move forward. They look back at the Housewives we lost in 2020, their favorite franchises, discuss the time Evelyn’s podcast was a headline story in US Weekly, and share what they’re most looking forward to in 2021. Plus, Mandy’s thoughts on this week’s RHOSLC, RHOA, RHOC - and some laughs about Hilaria Baldwin. Check out Evelyn’s podcast Twisted Plot: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twisted-plot-podcast/id1507779254 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Chelsea of @ohnobravo joins Mandy to break down this EPIC week in Bravo, starting first and foremost with the absolute clusterf*ck that is Tom and Erika Girardi’s legal situation. They give their thoughts on Justice Tricia Bigelow, the text messages, whether Erika’s divorce is a sham, and why the Girardis may end up behind bars. Chelsea and Mandy also chat the Summer House trailer and Chelsea’s IG live with Katie Maloney Schwartz. Plus, all their thoughts on the #RHOP reunion, #RHOA, and #RHOSLC. Check out @ohnobravo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ohnobravo/ Subscribe to @ohnobravo’s patreon: http://www.patreon.com/ohnobravo Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Danielle Dailey, the brilliant woman behind the @brandsbybravo IG account, joins Mandy to break down this historic week in Bravo. They discuss how Erika Jayne was a total jerk to her on social media and their shared love of Housewives merchandise. Then, they recap the Hanukkah miracle that was having #RHOA premiere the same night as #RHOP’s finale, and they break down each episode. Plus, Mandy’s thoughts on this week’s #RHOSLC, #RHOC, and #SouthernCharm. Follow @brandsbybravo on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandsbybravo/?hl=en Check out @brandsbybravo Housewives trivia on Danielle's Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/brandsbybravo?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=909410165 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Two-thirds of the Know That: A Real Housewives Podcast, Donny Hadfield-Smith and Quinten Lamar, join Mandy to chat this WILD week in Bravo. They discuss all the latest breaking Bravo news from Braunwyn coming out to a COVID outbreak in Beverly Hills to Erika being accused of embezzling funds from plane crash victims families. Then, Donny, Quinten and Mandy proceed to do full breakdowns of this week’s RHOP and RHOSLC. Lots of laughter - enjoy! Check out the Know That: A Real Housewives podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-that-a-real-housewives-podcast/id1530706730 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Marriage and Family Therapist Alyssa Mass joins Mandy the week of Thanksgiving to discuss Bravo shows from a sociocultural and relationship therapy perspective. They discuss her time working in West Hollywood where she shared an office space with Jax’s therapist, her thoughts on how therapy has been showcased on Bravo, and how the network has handled mental health situations. Plus, Mandy gives her thoughts on this week’s RHOSLC, RHOP, and RHOC. Learn more about Alyssa’s work: http://www.alyssamassmft.com Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast

Hannah Brown from the Not Aspirational Podcast joins Mandy to chat all things Bravo. They gab about this season of the Bachelorette, Amelia Grey and Scott Discik’s unhealthy relationship, and whether Lisa Rinna is or should be horrified by it. And, of course, Mandy and Hannah do a scene by scene breakdown of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and Real Housewives of Potomac. Enjoy! Listen to the Not Aspirational Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-aspirational-with-hannah-brown/id1503399104 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast