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Read
Why do we care when celebrities cheat? Should we not? (Lauren Michele Jackson for The New Yorker)
An enlightening interview with new “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Bozoma Saint John, which touches on her controversial history as a media exec—something that has not been touched on on the show. (Mikey O’Connell for The Hollywood Reporter)
Nicole Kidman had fun on screen in 2024. (Allison Willmore for Vulture)
The Kardashians’ star is beginning to fade, but perhaps that’s on purpose? (Louis Staples for Rolling Stone)
Listen
Paige DeSorbo Announces Craig Conover Breakup on “Giggly Squad”
Leave it to Paige—a “Summer House” star who has done one of the best jobs of anyone on Bravo of branding herself outside of the network—to share the news of her split in a way that is both revealing enough for Bravo fans and inspiring enough to anyone else to make it a worthwhile listen for everyone. Listen to the beginning of this episode of my podcast from this week for my full thoughts on this.
Kristin Cavallari Spills Tea on “Dumb Blonde”
The former “Laguna Beach” star is in her IDGAF era and has been regularly spilling tea ever since she started her own podcast, which has proven to be a great medium for her. I recently saw a bunch of headlines drop on the same day about her talking about everyone from Scott Disick to Morgan Wallen, so I decided to give her appearance on this podcast that I’d never heard of—hosted by Bunnie Xo, someone who is apparently married to Jelly Roll—a listen, and she more than delivered the goods. Worth the listen for anyone who still considers themselves a fan of “Laguna Beach” or “The Hills.”
Alison Roman on “The Grill Room”
I really enjoyed this chat with millennial food icon Alison Roman, whose content creation and self-branding ever since her fall from grace a few years ago can serve as inspiration to anyone hoping to maintain a career in media in 2025. She’s unapologetic, honest and refreshing here.
Watch
“The Day of The Jackal” (Peacock)
I can’t say enough good things about this show, which has already been renewed for a second season. Both Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch are both fantastic as a professional assassin and the British intelligence officer trying to nab him, respectively. Impossible not to be entertained by this one.
“Avicii: I’m Tim” (Netflix)
A gut-wrenching and intimate portrait of a generation-defining artist we lost too soon. Avicii soundtracked my entire college experience, so this documentary was both a trip down memory lane and cautionary tale.
Self-Promotion
Assessing Bravo’s Newbie Class of 2024
Amy Phillips joined me to discuss the new additions to the Bravo-verse in 2024, from Bronwyn Newport on “RHOSLC” to West Wilson and Jesse Solomon on “Summer House.” I also shared my initial thoughts on Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover’s split.
Pitching New Bravo Show Ideas
Kate Casey and I took turns pitching one another ideas for new Bravo series — everything from a new “Real Housewives” franchise to a pageant show and beyond. This was a fun one!
Interview with TJ Dinch & Bradley Carter from “Southern Hospitality”
Ahead of last night’s season 3 premiere of the criminally underrated “Southern Hospitality,” cast members TJ Dinch and Bradley Carter came onto the show for a joint interview teasing this season’s explosive drama, which includes a cheating scandal.
Currently
Looking forward to a quiet and cold January weekend in the city capped off with the Golden Globes on Sunday night!