Synopsis
Is This Real Life? is a podcast that relates the quirkiest aspects of pop culture and reality TV to our own lives. Hosted by Mandy Slutsker.
Episodes
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Episode 112 - 'RHOP and Respectability Politics' with Stephanie from Mocha Minutes
11/10/2020 Duration: 01h46minStephanie from the podcast Mocha Minutes joins Mandy to chat the latest Bravo headlines and do a deep dive into the latest episode of #RHOP. They discuss the rumors Monique claims caused her anger with Candiace, the women’s reaction to Monique’s explanation, and how respectability politics play into it all. Plus, hear Stephanie’s thoughts on Summer House, including her dislike of Amanda and why Carl Radke is a “ho for the streets” :) Check out the Mocha Minutes Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mocha-minutes/id1290242435 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 111 - 'Fist Fights and Hot Mics' with Kirsten Moore
04/10/2020 Duration: 01h17minKirsten Moore of the Reality TV & Me podcast joins Mandy to chat the latest Bravo headlines, discuss the explosive episode of #RHOP, and say goodbye to #RHONY. Plus, some real talk about infertility struggles from Mandy. Check out the Reality TV & Me Podcast and all things Kirsten Moore: http://www.kirstenmoore.com.au/reality-tv-me/ Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 110 - 'Church gossip' with Taria Faison
27/09/2020 Duration: 02h14minTaria Faison of the podcast What Else Is Going On? Joins Mandy to talk all things Bravo. They dish on the latest headlines from Jax and Brittany’s pregnancy to Teddi’s firing to the unexpected trailer for season 7 of Southern Charm. As they delve into this week’s RHOP, Taria shares her experience attending Jamal Bryant’s church and how it was common knowledge he wanted to get Gizelle back. They of course dive into the Michael Darby drama, Monique’s insanely expensive podcast, and the upcoming altercation between Monique and Candiace. Plus, recaps of RHOBH secrets revealed and the RHONY part 3 reunion. Check out the 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
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Episode 109 - 'Truth vs Authenticity' with Chris Murphy
20/09/2020 Duration: 01h46minComedian and Housewives writer for Vulture, Chris Murphy, joins Mandy to chat all things Housewives - including his brief stint on this season of RHONY! They discuss the latest Bravo headlines - Stassi on Tamron Hall, Nene’s retirement from RHOA, and Teddi’s eating disorder business. They discuss the RHOBH final reunion and their differing views on Denise and Rinna, the RHONY reunion and Dorinda’s confusion between authenticity and truth, and the hilarious and complicated RHOP. Plus, Chris has found his calling to become a ‘diversity coach’ for white women on Bravo! Check out @christress on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christress/ Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 108 'Reunions, recaps, & racial awakening' with Sasha Morfaw (The Bravo Breakdown)
13/09/2020 Duration: 01h36minSasha Morfaw, the creator of the Bravo Breakdown on IGTV and Patreon joins Mandy to chat this week in Housewives. They discuss Bravo’s response to BLM and racial equality, Mandy’s adventures with her late mother’s online Mahjongg groups, and how Denise uses legal action in response to any conflict. Plus full breakdowns of #RHOP, #RHOBH, and #RHONY - including unseen footage. Check out @thebravobreakdown on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebravobreakdown/?hl=en Check out the Bravo Breakdown on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebravobreakdown Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 107 - 'Tantrums, T'challa, & not being team Denise' with Steve from @facesbybravo
06/09/2020 Duration: 01h38minSteve from the immensely popular IG account @facesbybravo joins Mandy to chat this week in Housewives. They discuss the #RHOC trailer (Steve was in it!), Lala’s pregnancy, and excitement about the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. They also break down this weeks #RHOP trip to Monique’s lake house, the crazy #RHOBH reunion, and the #RHONY finale. Enjoy! Check out @facesbybravo: https://www.instagram.com/facesbybravo/?hl=en Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 106 - 'Opining for Apologies' with Stephanie from Mocha Minutes
30/08/2020 Duration: 01h41minStephanie from the Mocha Minutes podcast joins Mandy to chat this week in Housewives. Stephanie shares lots of tea about Jamal Bryant from his days at a Maryland church, how Candiace is a fantastic villain incapable of accountability, and how Robyn is probably the coolest Housewife in real life. They also chat the #RHOBH finale and Dorinda’s exit from #RHONY. Plus, Stephanie sounds off on Leah’s wokeness and how her clothing line isn’t actually “streetwear.” . Check out Stephanie’s podcast Mocha Minutes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mocha-minutes/id1290242435 . Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 105 - 'Bravo's public shamings' with Annabelle DeSisto
24/08/2020 Duration: 01h31minAnnabelle DeSisto from the podcast Adderall and Compliments podcast joins Mandy to chat this week in Bravo. They dive deep into the mental health shaming happening on Below Deck Med, why it’s so dangerous, and Mandy shares some gossip she got from Kate Chastain. They also discuss this week’s Housewives franchises from Potomac to Beverly Hills to New York and question the sincerity of Monique and Candiace’s friendship explain why Kyle is responsible for bringing the Brandi/Denise story to RHOBH. Plus, Annabelle relives being traumatized by Ramona. . Check out Annabelle’s podcast Adderall and Compliments https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adderall-and-compliments/id1131997041 . Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 104 - 'Rumor Mills & Unwritten Rules' with Mani from Mixing with Mani
17/08/2020 Duration: 01h37minMani from the Mixing with Mani podcast joins Mandy to dive into this week’s Housewives shows. They chat about the Bravo special “Race in America: A Movement Not a Moment”, Candiace’s apology for past homophobic tweets, and Monique’s IG live spilling all sorts of tea. They recap this week’s Potomac including rumors about Monique, Ashley’s postpartum anxiety, and their excitement for Dr. Wendy; dish on the Denise drama and unwritten rules of Beverly Hills; and discuss Dorinda’s anger & delusion on New York. Check out Mani’s podcast Mixing with Mani: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mixing-with-mani/id1470175064 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 103 - 'A Potomac Premiere & more Denise Drama' with Ashley Hoover Baker
07/08/2020 Duration: 01h07minAshley Hoover Baker from the On This Day Entertainment podcast joins Mandy to chat about the day we’ve all been waiting for - the Real Housewives of Potomac Premiere!!! They discuss how Karen Huger is the Mariah Carey of Bravo, how Monique can potty train anything, their excitement for Dr. Wendy, and the upcoming “altercation.” They also dive into this week’s #RHOBH including the breakdown of Rinna & Denise’s friendship, why Ashley is #TeamDenise (but not Aaron), and what Mandy thinks is causing the rift between Denise and the rest of the cast. Check out Ashley’s podcast On This Day Entertainment: https://tasteofreality.com/on-this-day-entertainment/ Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 102 - 'Bravo Bravo F*cking Bravo' with Diana Espir, Chadwick Cline, My Dad & Future Stepmom!
03/08/2020 Duration: 01h47minWhat a week it’s been in Bravo! From the #RHOBH showdown in Italy over Denise and Brandi to the #RHONY trip to Mexico, we’re going to MENTION IT ALL. Diana Espir from the You Can’t Sit With Me podcast joins Mandy (4:22) to discuss the breaking of the 4th wall, if they believe the rumor between Brandi and Denise, and Diana’s thoughts on her hopes for #SummerHouse and #PumpRules. Then Chadwick Cline joins Mandy (39:35) to share his thoughts on this week’s Housewives, why he stans Sutton, how Sonja’s reselling items from Wish at a markup, and how Ramona’s a hypocrite for being upset with Leah. Plus, a chat with Mandy’s Dad Ilya and his soon-to-be wife Joyce (1:28:32) including how they met (1:38:46)! Check out Diana Espir’s podcast You Can’t Sit With Me: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-cant-sit-with-me/id1258020108 Follow Chadwick Cline on twitter: https://twitter.com/ohchadwick Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 101 - 'A Guide to the Reality Television Arts & Sciences' with Brian J. Moylan
26/07/2020 Duration: 01h19minKing of all Bravo recaps and professor of the reality television arts & sciences, Brian J. Moylan, joins Mandy to share a bit about his upcoming book on the Real Housewives and dish on this week’s episodes of #RHOBH and #RHONY. Brian and Mandy tackle all the big Bravo questions of the week: Why won’t the women forgive Camille? Was Brandi telling the truth about Denise - and does it matter? Why was Sonja speaking at Wharton? What effect will COVID-19 have on #RHONY? Is Ramona’s time on the show nearing an end? Check out Brian Moylan’s Real Housewives recaps on Vulture: https://www.vulture.com/author/brian-moylan/ Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 100 - 'Here's to whatever comes!' with Ryan Bailey & Erin Martin
19/07/2020 Duration: 02h17minIt’s an extra-long 100th episode of “Is This Real Life?”!!! Mandy gives a tribute to her grandfather, who died yesterday and makes a toast in his honor (“here’s to whatever comes”). To celebrate this milestone of an episode, Ryan Bailey joins to chat this week’s #RHONY (0:08). They discuss the craziness of the Berkshires, the ladies unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and why Ryan and Leah are a perfect match. Mandy is also joined by the lovely Erin Martin of the Pink Shade podcast (1:24). They delve into Mandy’s new interest in 90 Day Fiance (finally!) They also recap this week’s #RHOBH, which was a who’s who of former Beverly Hill’s Housewives. Erin shares why Mauricio is always stoned, Mandy does a 180 on PK, they talk through all the drama with Denise and Aaron and make predictions of what’s to come. Check out So Bad Its Good with Ryan Bailey: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-bad-its-good-with-ryan-bailey/id1482820355 Check out Pink Shade with Erin Martin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podc
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Episode 99 - 'Stanning Sutton & a New Side of Elyse' with Paul McClain and Essence
12/07/2020 Duration: 01h34minPaul McClain of @realrealityhomosexual and this podcast’s longest time listener Essence join Mandy to recap this week’s RHOBH and RHONY. Paul shares his appreciation of Sutton, why he lives for a Kim Richards cameo, and tries to make sense of Denise and Aaron’s bizarre behavior. Essence shares her frustrations about the lack of diversity on RHONY, her concerns with how Black women are portrayed on Bravo, and the dynamics of Ramona and Elyse’s friendship. Plus, full breakdowns of both episodes! Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 98 - 'Not Aspirational Bravo Headlines' with Hannah Brown
28/06/2020 Duration: 58minHannah Brown of the Not Aspirational Podcast joins Mandy to share her thoughts on the latest Bravo headlines. They discuss their love of Scheana, Stassi’s PR campaign, and Hannah’s encounters with various bravolebrities behaving poorly. Plus, Hannah shares her best Lala Kent impression. Check out Hannah’s podcast Not Aspirational https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-aspirational-with-hannah-brown/id1503399104v Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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BONUS EPISODE! 'Surrendering to the moment & deep dives on new Housewives' with Jamie Stein
21/06/2020 Duration: 01h04minThis bonus episode has it all! Housewives empath Jamie Stein joins Mandy to share advice on surviving 2020 AND gives an intuitive look into new Housewives Leah, Garcelle, Sutton, and last year’s newbie Denise Richards. From surrendering to the uncertainties around the pandemic to facing the ways we’ve been complicit to racial injustice, Jamie shares useful ways to frame the moment we’re in and tackle it head on. Plus, his readings on the new housewives are incredibly insightful! Check out Jamie Stein at https://www.hollywoodreadings.com Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 97 - 'The unraveling of Jax Taylor' with Kara Berry
17/06/2020 Duration: 01h02minKara Berry from the podcast ‘Everyone’s Business But Mine’ joins Mandy to chat all things this week in Bravo. After the #PumpRules firings last week, all eyes are on Jax Taylor, who continues to unravel - in real time and on the third reunion, which they recap. Check out Kara’s podcast Everyone’s Business but Mine at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyones-business-but-mine-with-kara-berry/id1484425171 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast
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Episode 96 - 'Bravo news overload' with Jess Rothschild
14/06/2020 Duration: 01h14minJess Rothschild from the podcast ‘Hot Takes and Deep Dives’ joins Mandy to recap all the breaking Bravo news from Stassi and Kristen’s firing to Stassi’s pregnancy and Brittany’s family pastor running for elected office in Kentucky. They chat about the future of Vanderpump Rules, give some hot takes on the reunion, and provide a full breakdown of this week’s #RHONY. Plus, Jess shares her favorite bravolebrity interviews! Check out Jess’s podcast Hot Takes and Deep Dives at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-takes-deep-dives/id1507502534 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast Please consider joining Mandy in supporting Campaign Zero, an organization working on policy solutions to address police violence in America. To donate visit joincampaignzero.org.
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Episode 95 - 'A reckoning' with Megan O'Donnell
07/06/2020 Duration: 01h13minMegan O’Donnell from the Bravo Happy Hour podcast joins Mandy to recap this week in Bravo. They discuss the history of problematic race issues on Vanderpump Rules, the crazy revelations at the reunion, the #RHOBH ladies frustration with Denise, and how all the #RHONY women have become unhinged. Check out Megan’s podcast Bravo Happy Hour at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bravo-happy-hour/id1317603155 Follow “Is This Real Life?” on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrl_podcast Please consider joining Mandy in supporting Campaign Zero, an organization working on policy solutions to address police violence in America. To donate visit joincampaignzero.org.
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Episode 94 - 'Threesomes and a drunken exorcism' with @ohnobravo's Chelsea
31/05/2020 Duration: 01h05minChelsea, who runs the hilarious @ohnobravo account, joins Mandy to break down this week in Bravo. They chat about their favorite Bravo conspiracy theories, including why Nene didn’t close her laptop on the #RHOA reunion and whether Kyle and Dorit went into this season of #RHOBH with an alliance. Plus, Chelsea and Mandy share their thoughts on #PumpRules secrets revealed and Leah’s drunken exorcism on #RHONY. Be sure to follow Chelsea at @ohnobravo on instagram!