Stay ConnectedComedian & pop culture critic Jolenta Greenberg has a theory: reality TV isn’t ruining culture – it is culture. Join her and a cast of sharp, funny guests as they dig into the details behind the drama and unpack why we can’t get enough of those iconic scenes and unforgettable characters. This is the place for highbrow conversations about “lowbrow” TV
All seasons By the Book & How to Be Fine are also in this feed. To hear back episodes, just scroll down!
This week Jolenta profiles the Jester archetype, focusing on Shannon Storms Beador from The Real Housewives of Orange County. Very important topics are covered like why Shannon loves falling down and can’t help but be the butt of the joke. Plus learn how the Jester is different from the Joker!
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In honor of the new season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives starting, we're doing a rewind and giving you the chance to re-listen to this wonderful episode about one of our favorite Mormon husbands.
Jolenta is joined by Cass and Emma from the wonderful Honeydew Me Pod, to talk about one of their favorite scenes from season four of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - the scene where Conner reveals his passion for magic. You don’t wanna miss this great conversation about Mormon husbands, relationship dynamics, and playing the villain.
Sources:
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Hulu
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Jolenta is joined by Louis Peitzman, the prolific Housewives recapper and host of the podcast Supporting Actresses. Together they discuss an iconic Teresa Guidice moment from season 10 of Real Housewives of New Jersey - when she gets confronted about encouraging Danielle to pull Margaret’s ponytail. Many topics are explored, like fourth wall breaks and how some housewives are protected by production. Grab your sprinkle cookies and take a listen.
Sources:
Real Housewives of New Jersey, Peacock
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Zack Wickham from The Valley is a polarizing character, you love him or he drives you nuts. Either way, it’s because of his archetype that you feel some type of way about him. Jolenta explains the Nemesis Archetype this week and does a deep dive into why Zack can get so fixated on his enemies.
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Jolenta is joined by author Laura Mayer (Tryhard) to talk about a moment from Real Housewives of New York City that flew under the radar - the time Tinsley did a multi-layered product placement and then got surprised by her boyfriend. There’s surprising depth in this commercial moment and even though it’s fleeting it gives us great insight into the complicated, childlike mind of Tinsley Mortimer.
Sources:
Real Housewives of New York City, Peacock
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Why did we all start hating Amanda? Obviously because she betrayed her best friend. But why did she do that? What led her to think that was okay? The answer will surprise you, it’s because she changed archetypes while on Summer House. So let’s talk about her journey from Father’s Daughter to The Pessimist.
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Jolenta is joined by journalist Jonquilyn Hill (Explain It to Me) to talk about that time Britani Bateman recorded the ladies fighting in a sprinter van on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. The two discuss the complicated history the ladies have with leaks to the press, Meredith’s impressive language use, and why Mary is somehow the heart of the show. You don’t wanna miss this one, baby gorgeous.
Sources:
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City - Peacock
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When you think of old money you don’t think of ad-lib burlesque shows - unless you’re thinking of Sonja Morgan. She’s the epitome of the Joker Archetype. Join Jolenta for a walk down memory lane as she explores Sonja’s character and why it was hard to take her seriously.
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Jolenta is joined by comedian JoAnna Ross (You Only Wear it Once) to discuss a very cool favorite scene: the “just be cool” scene from RHONY Legacy. Together, the two dive into the motivation behind the drama, and dissect why some of the women care so much about a stranger sleeping in their spare room. It’s a must listen if you’re cool…don’t be all like, uncool.
Sources:
Real Housewives of New York, Peacock
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Even though The Valley’s Janet is often right, she drives lots of us nuts - BUT WHY? This week Jolenta introduces us to the Investigator Archetype, part of the Rival family of characters. Find out how messy this archetype really is and why we usually can’t stand characters with Investigator traits
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