Comedian & 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!
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. JoAnna’s insta HMT Insta Sources: Real Housewives of New York, Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dammit Janet: Why Don’t We Like Janet?
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 HMT Insta Jolenta on Threads SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Secret Lives of Mormon Husbands with Honeydew Me
Jolenta is joined by Cass Anderson and Emma Norman 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. Honeydew Me insta HMT Insta SOURCES: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Hulu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mentor Hubbard: Analyzing Lindsay Hubbard
This week Jolenta does a deep dive on Lindsay Hubbard and The Mentor Archetype. The star of Summer House and In the City gives off strong mentor vibes. The Mentor loves to give advice and tell people what to do with their lives - but why? Let’s dive into Lindsay’s psyche and TV history to find out what makes this mentor tick! HMT on Insta Jolenta on Threads SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock TLC Shows - HBOmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Special Announcement
Jolenta has some news, not unlike many cast members of In The City... Hit up the poll on the HMT Insta Stay tuned for the next regular ep dropping shortly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We Love New York with Jazmine Henley-Brown
Jolenta is joined by TV critic and podcaster, Jazmine Henley-Brown (The Queue, Reality with the King) to talk about a classic reality TV moment - when Flavor Flav rejects New York for a second time on Flavor of Love season two. The two go over Tiffany (New York) Pollard’s huge impact on the landscape of reality TV and why she’s so great to watch. They also discuss how Flav himself was a celebrity reality TV pioneer. Plus they reminisce about all the amazing soundbytes that came from the show… did you know you have 30 minutes? Jazmine’s insta HMT Insta Jolenta on Threads Sources: Flavor of Love - Hulu Thanks to Bellesa for sponsoring the show! EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! Just click the link! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/hotmessterpiecetheatre-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bummer House - The Aftermath
In the final installment of our Bummer House Recap Series, Jolenta dives into all aspects of the surprise Aftermath episode. Is Amanda getting a victim Edit? Can we trust Meija? Why is West cheating on everyone and using semantics to avoid accountability? All of these questions, and more, are discussed. Jolenta on Threads HMT Insta Sources Bravo shows - Peacock Lindsay Threads - Threads Thanks to Bellesa for sponsoring the show! EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! Just click the link! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/hotmessterpiecetheatre-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bummer House - Reunion Part 3
It’s time to sit down with Jolenta and discuss Part 3 of the Summer House Reunion. There’s much to analyze: Is West a sociopath or just a pathy? How do you show up to a reunion not having watched the season back - isn’t that part of your job? Should Lindsay have Andy’s job? All of these questions will be pondered and more. HMT Insta Jolenta on Threads SOURCES Bravo shows, Peacock Girl Scouts Troop 6000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bummer House - Reunion Part 2
Jolenta dives into the Summer House Reunion, Part 2. It’s time to recap and overanalyze the behavior of our favorite reality characters during the most upheaval their show has ever seen. Does Amanda actually like going out? Just not with Kyle? Why do Amanda and West keep harping on the fact that they were “friends first?” Is Ciara really trying to get under Amanda’s skin? What receipts did Kyle get from West’s ex? All of this is discussed and more! Jolenta on Threads HMT Insta SOURCES Bravo shows, Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bummer House - Reunion Part 1
Jolenta dives into the Summer House Reunion Part 1. No stone is left unturned, everything is analyzed. What was with West and Amanda’s demeanor? Why does Amanda’s relationship with West look so similar to her relationship with Kyle? How amazing was it when Ciara exposed West’s secret girl friend? Why on earth would you look at your leaked nudes on TV? All questions will be addressed. Strap in. HMT Insta Jolenta on Threads Sources Bravo shows, Peacock 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988lifeline.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bummer House - Summer House Season 10 Finale Recap
This week Jolenta recaps the highly anticipated Summer House season 10 finale! Join her for in depth analysis of West's flaws, Ciara's perfection, and Amanda's tendency to other people have her difficult conversations for her. It's a wild ride - and she touches on the In The City premiere too! Hot Mess-terpiece Insta Jolenta on Threads Sources: Bravo shows, Peacock Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bummer House - A Summer House S10 E15 Recap
Jolenta pauses our regularly scheduled programming to do a special recap of this week’s Summer House episode. All hot topics are addressed: breaking bravo news, the conclusion of the Carl/Kyle fight, how handsy West is with Amanda, whether or not West is actually into being close to Ciara again… the list goes on and on. Plus, she is joined by a very special guest for some of the discussion. HMT Insta Jolenta on Threads Sources: Summer House, Peacock What What Happens Live, Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind with Katie Compa
Jolenta is joined by comedian Katie Compa (new special, Incurable Optimist out now!) to talk about a revealing reality TV moment from Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind. The two dissect the scene where Michelle Visage bravely removes her makeup on camera and asks the group to join her. What starts as a silly exercise ends in a conversation about self-worth, body dysmorphia and bravery - plus Larissa from 90 Day Fiancé is there! Katie's Insta HMT Insta SOURCES Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind, Fandango At Home Aubrey O'Day opens up about disturbing Sean "Diddy" Combs allegations, and her hopes of "speaking for the underdogs," CBS News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lovergirl: The Ciara Miller Story
This week Jolenta does a deep dive on Summer House’s Ciara Miller, and The Lover archetype. The Lover is that magical loving person that all the other characters are drawn to. She loves hard and is incredibly loyal. But treat her badly and the whole world will be mad at you for hurting such a kind soul. Just look at the mess West Wilson has gotten himself into after working so hard to win back Ciara’s affection. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Dinner Party From Hell with Margaret Ables
Today we finally tackle The Dinner Party From Hell from season one of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Jolenta is joined by the wonderful Margaret Ables (What Fresh Hell) to talk about this classic housewives moment. Margaret helps put Camille’s fame level into context and gives insider insights on the LA dinner party scene. And the two talk about what happens when a cast member thinks they’re smarter than the audience. What Fresh Hell insta Hot Mess-terpiece insta SOURCES RHOBH, Peacock Blaming Faye? by Jeffrey Toobin, The Newyorker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Miss Patricia the Magi
Southern Charm isn’t just the name of a reality show, it’s a skillset. A skillset that Patricia Altschul thinks she’s the master of. That’s why she’s the perfect example of the Magi archetype. This week Jolenta profiles this complicated archetype and examines how it shows up in reality TV. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Miami’s Gondola Ride From Hell with Megan Gailey
Jolenta is joined by comedian Megan Gailey (Sports Bitches) to talk about The Real Housewives of Miami’s infamous Mexico City gondola ride. The two dissect the laundry list issues that collide on a boat trip to a haunted island full of dolls. Said issues include: helping animals, freshly signed divorce papers, serious illness, classism, death, and most importantly - lost lip gloss. Megan’s Insta HMT Insta Sources: The Real Housewives of Miami - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kyle Richards: Forever Best Friend & Mid-West Thoughts
Jolenta spills all her thoughts and burning questions about the shocking Summer House news dropped by Amanda and West - we ride for Ciara at dawn! And we venture into Friend Archetypes and take a look at why Kyle Richards has trouble keeping the center diamond and is usually stuck in the best friend role. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Trip to the Apology Dune with Tera Wages
It’s time to talk about Kyle Cooke’s behavior on this season of Summer House. Why is he lashing out at everyone - especially his wife? Why is he so dedicated to being a DJ? Lucky for us, Tera Wages, an expert in communication, is here to help us understand the complicated dynamics at play. Tera 's Insta HMT Insta SOURCES: Summer House, Peacock.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jersey’s Little Gladiator: Joe Gorga
This week Jolenta is looking into The Protector archetype and his evil twin, The Gladiator. These archetypes help us understand why some TV characters are so aggro and obsessed with fighting everyone. Turns out they’re trying to protect their loved ones… or just satisfy their bloodlust. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES The Greek Myths, Robert Graves Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - Hulu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
