Hi, I'm Megan Sagura and I'm Eric J. Matt and this is the Daily Dish, Robbo's official podcast. So Eric, I heard some exciting news. I'm sure you did too.
What? The Real Housewives of the Atomic Reunion has filmed and it was in person. And T'Challa was there. T'Challa was there.
One of our co-workers was watching the live stream of it and was just, you know, slacking me every little detail that happened and it just sounds like it's going to be amazing. I'm so glad it was in person. I feel like it's definitely going to go down in housewives history because obviously there's been a lot of people who come to Reunion with tension or they're in the middle of a, you know, situation and they haven't spoken to each other or whatever. But to this magnitude and especially for me being a part of the after show and talking to Monique and Candice multiple times over the course of this season, for me in particular and I think for everybody, just seeing the two of them in the same space again is going to be epic on its own.
And I just, I don't know how they're going to walk away from this reunion. I don't know how they can walk away okay or how they, like what happens next, you know? I know. I cannot wait to watch it.
I need it. Also, last weekend Megan was one year since BravoCon, which so many people were celebrating and posting a ton of pictures from their experience there. James Huddish, they posted a picture of us when they met us after our live show and just like shout out to everyone who made that experience so incredible for us because it was our first live show. We had such a great audience.
The whole weekend was just so incredible and I can't believe it's been a year. I know. And you know, at BravoTV.com we've done a lot of retrospective pieces about it. So we have a lot of new details about the mingling that went on behind the scenes, a lot of interviews with Bravo Labs who were there.
So you need to check out the link in the description for all of that. I know. I think the best part of BravoCon for a lot of people is not only meeting their favorite Bravo Lebanese but knowing what those Bravo Lebanese did, like backstage or who met who and who hadn't met other people before. I know Kate Chastain went to drinks with Captain Lee, his wife Marianne and Shep, like what an odd group of people to be out together.
Gigi from Shaw's was talking about how somebody like stole her cookies backstage in the green room, which I don't know if that's a euphemism, but so just thinking of those Bravo Lebanese interactions that happened and wouldn't happen under any other circumstances, that's the stuff that I think is really, really fun. Yeah. I just can't wait for a next BravoCon. I know.
2021. Looking at you. So today we need to talk about Real Housewives of Potomac, Real Housewives of Orange County, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. We got a lot going on.
Plus we have interviews with Real Housewives of Orange County's Emily Simpson and Megan got to interview her second crush from Southern Charm Austin Crow. All right, what do we do first? Salt Lake City. I just love that everyone has been loving it as much as we have.
Yeah. It's just great to see everybody rally behind a new franchise in this way. It reminds me of how everybody got so excited and behind Leah when she joined Real Housewives of New York City. It feels like the same way but not only do we have one new housewife to celebrate, but we have a whole slew of them.
Yeah. Okay. So we're at Jen's party still. The drama with Mary is continuing, but then there's new drama happening between Whitney and Lisa.
Well, interestingly enough, it was also Lisa's birthday around that time and it was Mary's birthday party. It almost reminded me of a sort of Beverly Hills Sur crossover. You know where I was like, are we about to get a spin-off featuring these drunken bartenders? Because that would be great.
I think they were having one for them. One for them. Oh my gosh. I just want to let you know that they got a little drunk.
Yeah. It was kind of a mess. Yes, absolutely. I mean, I love Whitney and this whole episode really drew me into her as I'm sure it did for a lot of viewers and maybe even you.
But yeah, I mean, I thought it was interesting that Lisa reacted in the way that she did. I appreciate it. But I think Whitney was just trying to be like, look, FYI, this is what happened and I just want to let you know. So it doesn't happen to someone else again who might do something worse than what I'm doing.
And that's bringing it up to you at this party. Yeah, I feel like she was not trying to take a dig at Lisa's business. But then I think Lisa spurred her on to take a dig because in her interview, she's like, I drink Casamigos. Thank you.
Right. Right. I think that Lisa is also married to a very, very smart man because when she was going off about what happened with Whitney, he said, so do you want listening or any feedback or just listening? Do you want listening or any feedback?
No, I just want to talk. Oh my God. Yes. I love that moment.
And when I watched the episode a second time, I actually caught that. I don't think I caught it really the first time because I was just laughing at the editing in that scene. But it's such a perfect question. And I think it's something that you can apply to your own relationship or even in the workplace.
Do you know what I mean? Absolutely. Look, not just when anyone, you know, like there are certain times where someone is genuinely like, I need, I need help figuring out the situation. What do you think?
Yeah. But 99% of the time, they just want to vent. Right. Right.
And Danny and I were talking about it. And I said to him, you know, my natural reaction when he is talking and going off about something, my natural reaction is to give feedback. Like, I'm going to tell you what I think, you know, or whatever. But I need to apply that same mentality of like, are you just trying to vent to me right now?
Or do you want me to jump in here? Because I think that would save a lot of those minor arguments that happened throughout the day. Yeah, I think it's especially hard because I get sort of protective. So if it's a story where like someone did something to me, I'm like, okay, well, who are we fucking off?
You know, and instead of like, I just need to listen to you. Right. Depends on the circumstances. Yeah.
Well, I want to talk a little bit more about Whitney, because this episode had a lot with her. And, you know, she showed this real vulnerability in the conversation she had with Heather, which I think we're starting to see more of that sort of family cousin connection between the two of them. She feels very comfortable going to Heather and talking about these rumors, you know, and then we have all this stuff with her dad. So she's just like laying it on us in this episode.
And it really draws me to her. I mean, she's so beautiful. Number one, but number two, like she is really opening up in a way that we want our housewives to do. Number three knows her way around a stripper pole.
That's true. And how's that back tattoo that we got to flash up? I'm into that. Okay, so I had no idea that there was still like this swinger community in Utah, like because I mean, you do sort of hear about Mormon LDS and you think about plural marriages.
Yeah, polygamy, 100%. But I didn't know that there were sort of residual effects from that. So interestingly enough, I interviewed Jen Shaw in that episode will come out in a few weeks and she mentions these like swinger clubs. Like I asked her, I was like, you got to tell me like, what's the deal with this?
And she mentions that there are these clubs and places in Salt Lake City and it is known where it's you go and it's a swinger situation and there's signifiers, you know, things that you do to be like, I'm ready to swing now or whatever. So it's there, it exists. But the question is, you know, is Whitney a swinger? Is this just a rumor?
I don't know. Well, if she is, I hope she is very upfront about it because obviously we saw Meredith and her husband be upfront about their issues. Yeah, also another just like straight up like, let's get right into it. They sat down to dinner and he's like, so Meredith, how many people know we're separated?
I was like, well, now that you said it on camera, everybody. Who have you told that we are separated? Clap, clap, clap to Bravo for doing it that way. I thought it was really interesting that like the first episode, they seem like this great couple, he's sending her beautiful flowers in the second episode.
It's like, oh, but wait, we're separated. Yeah, I mean, so far, you know, I do like Meredith, but after this particular scene, I feel like I like Seth even more like it seems like he's not here for games or any BS. He's going right into it. Like, who knows we're separated.
Here's how I'm feeling. How are you feeling? Why are you hiding your phone from me? Like, what's going on?
It seems like he is very willing to put in the work to repair their relationship. And you know, this is a date. It seems to be this is a part of their processes. They are separated, but they are dating each other again and trying to work through their issues.
But I just like how he's like no BS at all right from the start. Yeah, I thought it was interesting because I mean, now when I hear that a couple is separated, it's to me, just the step before you get divorced, but they seem to actually be in a trial separation, trying to see what they want to do with in like the way she talks and it seems like she's really in it. You know, she wants to stay married, but won't give him her phone. Right.
Well, that just goes to show that there is more likely than not something she is trying to hide, right? I do understand wanting to have some level of privacy. I feel like you do deserve that in every relationship to some degree. But the way she handled it seemed a little sketchy and seemed like, there's something you don't want him to see in there.
Yeah, I don't like that at all. I mean, I don't like the possessive nature and relationships where you need to be going through each other's phones. But at the same time, if it's important to someone, well, if there's a reason why it's important to them. But number two, like, what are you hiding?
I don't know. I think we're gonna find out. Okay, so then we see all the ladies go skiing, which shout out to Jen Shaw for being like, I'm taking the bunny hill, because that would literally be me. You know that I do not ski.
I do not like skiing. But you don't live so close to a ski resort. Don't you think it's shocking that they live there and don't ski? Yes, I do, because if I were in that situation, even though I'm currently in my life opposed to skiing, I think if I lived in Salt Lake City and that close to a mountain, I'd probably enlist in some lessons so that I could just take it on.
You're like morally opposed to skiing? Not morally opposed. No, I just personally, like, I've only gone once. I was so terrible.
My body hurt. It was freezing. Like what Mary was saying about like, you're in too many layers if you get a wedgie, like you're living with that wedgie for the next couple of hours. Like, it's so true.
Just the whole experience for me was just not an enjoyable one. But I think if I had started as a kid, you know, growing up doing it, you have no fear as a child, but me learning how to ski when I'm like 29 or however old I was, like, I'm just like, Oh God, this is like the sunny bone. Oh, that Kennedy, like, this is going to be, you know what I mean? Oh, man.
It's just like, it's in the back of my mind. You just face your mortality. The older you get, you know? Yeah, I guess I've never thought about it that way because I have done it as I was a kid.
So I guess I've never considered that it could be scary to someone. Terrified. Do you ski and snowboard or just one or the other? Yes, ski.
But I would love to snowboard. I just didn't grow up doing it. So I don't think I'd be good at it. I think you'd look so badass on a snowboard.
Okay, I'll do that. And I'm impressed because being from Texas, I feel like that could be one of those things where you're like, No, I've never seen it, you know? I know. Thank God, parents, we went to Colorado every year.
Oh, but now we want to go there. It looks great. Okay. So I thought it was hilarious that they showed up way past their dinner reservation time and basically the restaurant was closed down because I want to know how many times that's happened with housewives.
It has to happen a lot. Like when you all have your glam squads coming in and all that. Right. Right.
Yeah. I mean, I do feel bad for the staff when that happens because from my days working in retail and seeing those customers who come in at 855 and you close at nine and you're like, really? Now I have to stay here until you buy your vacuum or whatever it is that you need to get. Like that is just, I feel so bad in those situations.
It's just the worst because you know that you're stuck at work now, but we need it. Are we talking about that and be on again? Oh, yeah. It's just always comes up.
I mean, Coles too. Remember, I worked at Coles. Yes. Yes.
Yes. I worked at Black Friday at Coles once. I remember and that was just a nightmare. But yeah, it's just like, I always think of the staff in those situations.
But I think this dinner was a really successful one in terms of the ladies being able to confront each other about the various issues that are so far going on between them. Yeah. I mean, a little bit of a bad for Lisa because she had no idea that being like, yeah, I think if you have an issue, she confronted like had no idea that two people would be like, you're the issue, you know? Right.
Well, when it comes down to Whitney's issue with Lisa, I am siding more with Whitney in this situation because I think Lisa brought up these swinger rumors to her off camera intentionally almost as like a, hey, I've heard this just FYI. Like, if you continue saying things on camera, you know, I have this in my back pocket, you know, like almost like having this ammunition and I don't know, it just feels like Whitney is a little bit more genuine and sincere. Maybe then Lisa is especially how we saw Lisa kind of just, you know, ignore Heather at the party and just the way Lisa has so far presented herself, I do get, you know, a little bit of a not a villain vibe from her because I do like her a lot already. But you know what I'm saying?
Like that she's one of those housewives. She's a Lisa, you know, so just remember that. Can you imagine if I called you and was like, look, I heard something crazy about you. And if you don't watch it, I'm going to bring it up on the podcast.
Right? Exactly. Like, I would be like, oh my God. And then we'd have to have dinner where I confront you.
It's like, sometimes we forget how ludicrous these real housewives are. You know what I mean? Like, there's so much drama always there. I know.
But it did force Whitney to bring these rumors to the forefront because that's what you have to do as a housewife before somebody else can get to, you know, your truth or whatever it may be, the rumors about you. You got to be the one to bring it up because then you are more in control of the narrative. Well, look, I need to ask you, because you work in social media, you're sort of a social media expert, are two thumb ups, a universal texting sign for you. Thumbs up.
There we go. Thumbs up. You. I would say yes.
And I'll clarify that, you know how now on iPhones or even within DMs on Instagram, you can react to individual messages, right? You can like heart things, you can exclamation point, you can do the thumbs up thumbs down those sort of reaction emojis. Yeah. Those are totally acceptable because that is like, okay, I heard what you said here.
I'm like reacting to what you said here. And then you have your response back, right? But if you're responding back right away with a just a thumbs up, it's like when you text with a period instead of an exclamation point to be like, oh my God, are they mad? You know, that was definitely without using the middle finger emoji.
That thumbs up was a was a and Heather admitted it too in her in her interview. Okay. But is the thumbs up reaction to something of you or actually going in and putting the emoji in response? I think actually going in and putting the emoji in response.
And I'm also just still very confused about this Heather Lisa thing because if Lisa's texting her, why is Lisa saying she doesn't know her? So I kind of understand why Heather would do the thumbs up, AKA you, but if they don't know each other, why is Lisa texting her? And then doubling down on like, oh yeah, well, you were the girl who was flashing people at BYU and Heather's like, I would have been booted out of the school. I don't understand.
I just thought that double thumbs up was weird because who puts two thumbs up? Roger Ebert and remember those? Remember those movies? It's the school in Ebert, remember?
Oh, Eric, that's genuinely one of the funniest things you've ever said. So yeah, I don't know. I mean, it definitely was a f*** you, but also I think Heather probably could have reacted in a different way and tried to use that opportunity for Lisa to reach out to move forward with her in a different way. But at least she got to bring it up to her at this dinner.
And like you said, it was, you know, a little bit of everybody against Lisa in this moment, but you know, she kind of backed herself into that corner. Also, I brought up last week that I have a connection to Jen Shaw and I don't know if I've ever actually mentioned what it was on the podcast because I did have a few listeners reach out. And I know I've told you and like Emily, our producer and Brit, like everybody off Mike knows my connection to her, but I want to just clarify for the listeners that Jen's second assistant Crystal is one of my nearest and dearest friends. We were roommates in New York when I first moved here for about three years and we are a week apart in birth.
Like we are super close. I've had lunch with her and dinner with her a whole bunch of times since she's been back from Salt Lake City. So she is my connection to Jen and you'll hear a little bit more about it in the interview. I have a Jen coming up in a few weeks, but just so everybody knows as the season goes on, there might be more for me to be like, oh, Crystal.
Okay, let's see what else is going on because I know she does film with Jen throughout the course of the season. So funny how your worlds have collided once again. And the real fun fact about it is that, you know, when I first started working with you, Megan, I was working on oxygen and Crystal was one of the first people to really bring me into the Bravo world. Like, she would always be watching Watch What Happens Live every single night.
She watched Real Housewives of Atlanta. She got me into that early on. So it's just crazy to think that we've come full circle and now she's actually on a Bravo show. Yes.
We heard the universe works in mysterious ways. Sure does. I got the chance to interview Southern Charms Austin Crowell. I asked him all about his on and off relationship with Madison, his simmering feud with Patricia.
And what he thinks about Craig's meddling in his relationship. Austin, thank you so much for coming back, even though it is now virtual under the podcast. I know it's kind of sad, y'all, because this was like, this is one of those things where it's like a perk of doing this, right? So, you know, you film, it's like super stressful.
It's this, that, then you're like, okay, but I get to go to New York to do all this fun press and watch what happens and do this. And now it's all virtual. I know, like I just am ready for us to get back to the studio and be able to do these interviews in person. But at least we have the phone and these virtual recording sessions.
Oh my gosh, it's probably so annoying for y'all for sure. Season seven, what a ride. My first question is, Jess, if you knew the series of events that would happen over the course of the season, would you still have signed up? Oh boy, you know what?
I think yes, because I think that with the people that are on the show still and the people that joined the show, you know, there's a level of like, all right, well, like we are determined and we know that the show is good and can work, you know, without, you know, any one person that someone might miss. So, everyone was like ready to rock and roll. You know, things that just kind of happen, you have to just roll with and like, I look back on lots of things in my life. And I'm like, you know what, like that had to happen for me to be here.
So, I think that it all happens for a reason as cliche and dumb as that sounds. Yeah, I always wonder, I mean, from your perspective, because you're going through it in terms of relationship ups and down with Madison, but fans clearly have such a reaction last season and love watching you two. Because whether you're fighting or you're loving like you two, there's something about you that's very entertaining to watch. Are you able to sit back and watch back episodes and see that value in it?
Yeah, that's interesting that you say that, you know, because there's definitely, you know, two sides to everything, you know, I'm sure that there are people out there that are like, oh my gosh, Austin and Madison again. And trust me, when I tell you that Madison and I sometimes feel that way, but we are just like attracted to each other and like we try to, you know, repel each other. And you know, the longest that we go without talking, it's like, you know, 48 hours, it's just crazy. And so there is some like crazy love there.
And I guess to answer your question, it's like tough for me to go back and kind of watch things between Madison. Like, I've watched things, you know, like like this past episode where it was like my beer party and she was helping me and, you know, being supportive in this and that. And like, I love to see that. And I hope that people like to see that too, because that's like a genuine, you know, love and like affection.
And like, I look at her and I'm like, you are the best. Or I hope that other people think that too. Totally. You know, Craig was my first southern charm interview this season.
And when I was asking him about you and Madison, he said, well, I don't think the season that Austin and Madison are ever really together. And I was like, what? Because you guys seem very together. Oh yeah, Craig is wrong.
You know, Craig has it in his head that he knows what he's talking about at all times and not times out of 10. He was just so, so wrong. And he knows that Madison and I were together and we made a very, you know, concerted effort. And we were like, look, we are together.
You know, there is no more like, well, maybe there's no wishy washy like, no one's gonna give it to us. You know, and last year it was Shep and this year it's Craig. Like Craig can't keep his nose out of it. And it's so funny.
You know, clearly y'all asked him a question. So Craig is answering that question. But I never asked Craig for like advice. And Craig just kind of loves to give me his unsolicited advice.
And to me, it's completely unfair and unwarranted. And you know, it's like, look, if you want to be like, you know, like unhappy and like, you know, cry about Naomi every day of your life and don't want to do that. Like, leave me in Madison alone. And he just can't.
Well, we know we're gonna see Craig get into a relationship of his own. Do you get just as involved in his relationship? Well, let's say that I've already been involved in Craig's relationship. So I don't even have to try to be involved.
What does that mean? Are you saying you hooked up with her? It means that I know Craig's a girlfriend. My God, you guys are crazy.
I mean, I love it. I love the incestuous nature. It's just as much of a shock to me as it is to you. Wow.
Okay. Where did you have any ill feelings then that he started dating her? I mean, at first, at first it was kind of like, I mean, you know, we're not even there yet. So talk about it.
And like, I hate talking about it. But you know what, Craig doesn't. He interjects himself into mind as much as possible. And I really don't want to interject myself in his because I do not care.
But at first, yeah, I was like, what are you doing, Craig? You know, this is a girl that lives in New York, like thought was knocking across, but you know, gonna cross paths. And then she comes down here. And what do you do?
You know, you latch onto her like, like Craig Conover does, you know, if you find someone and he's like, you cannot leave my side for the next foreseeable future. And that's what he does. And I was like, dude, you know, now you're making this so difficult. Now I have to tell Madison.
Now this just like creates such a rift. And like, you know, like, Hey, and so, you know, at first it was just like exasperated. And it wasn't like about her. You know, it wasn't that I didn't like her.
It was like, Craig, wake up. You know, like, what are you doing? Yeah, wow. I mean, she's talking about frustration.
I was like, Craig, what are you doing? Okay. You know, and so he's able to like, you know, talk about me and Madison and things that, you know, we were never dating. I'm not sure if they've been dating at all during their entire tenure.
Okay, I'm gonna investigate further, but I appreciate this information. Okay. Well, so just to clear the air with Shep, have you dated Taylor before? No.
Okay. Okay. Just have to check now. Let's have dated Taylor.
Do you think she is the one to change Shep for the better? Well, I don't think that there is any changing Shep, you know, and I think that that's kind of where her value lies, because I feel like every single year, you know, and maybe with you and, you know, other outlets and, you know, publications or people are like, do you think that Shep will ever settle down? And my answer was always been no, because Shep is setting his ways and Shep wants to do what Shep wants to do when Shep wants to do it, you know? And from my experience, clearly, I am not the forefront of, you know, relationship, giving advice.
But I've been in one and I've certainly been in a hell of a lot more than Shep as and I understand that relationship is about compromise, you know, some nights, it's like, hey, you can't do what you want to do because you have to go and do this with her because she is your girlfriend and you got to do what she wants to do it. You know, that's really not what Shep does and she kind of lets him be him, which is important and interesting to see, you know, and I don't know if it's because she's younger, you know, if it's because the fact that she's younger means that she doesn't have a lot of baggage, but you know, she kind of like loves him for all of his like, you know, shortcomings, like, you know, his dumbass, you know, goofy hair or, you know, the fact that like, you know, we've been so wrecked like as I was out, like, you know, she loves that. She's like, oh, that's so cute. And I'm like, what, you know, that is important, you know, and like, it's kind of, it's really cute in a way.
So, you know, she has somehow, you know, figured out the equation to deal with Shep and that makes me happy, you know, like, so let's see. The meddling in your relationship is interesting because I feel like there's a new source this season and it's Patricia, did you, were you aware? Because I mean, of course, you're gonna watch the episodes, you saw what she said about, you know, Austin's not Budweiser, she deserves Budweiser. Did you know Patricia felt that way before the season aired?
I mean, I guess that I always had kind of an inkling. So it's like, you know, am I surprised? No. But I'm just like, shocked that anybody and that goes to Patricia or anybody could ever possibly have something to say about me trying to start a new business and trying to better myself.
I can't stand the fact that someone would for one second be like, Austin used to have a job. Well, guess what? When you all met me in season four, I was peddling beer for a beer company making like 45 k a year and guess what? I was happy as a clam.
I didn't care. But I'm now trying to make something of myself. I'm like, this is where I got my degree and in college, you know, I'm like a major in small business, a minor in entrepreneurism. And I want to make some of this up.
And so with the pushing of family and friends, especially family, my mom is like, you have to go for it. You have to go for it. I'm trying to now make some money and make something to myself. And every inch of this company that has progressed is me and 1000% me, not like someone that I'm like, Hey, can you go and do this for me?
Can you go to that? I mean, everything that has happened is from me. So to not have like to have the support seemingly of all of the cast that that came to my party and then to see that that that's what Patricia has to say about me is like, absolutely, like it's not it's not shocking because it's not like, you know, her like whole, you know, moniker, it's all about the money, honey. And it's like, do you want Madison to be on her fourth marriage like you or like you want her to find happiness with somebody?
How is the business doing? I mean, Corona definitely put opinion things. I mean, things are running well. And I was like, Oh my gosh, finally, I'm to this point where now I'm making beer and I'm kegging it and it's coming to Charleston and these businesses are buying it.
And then I always was like, I'm going to make cans. And coronavirus kind of forced my hand on that because bars and restaurants were closed. So I couldn't, I couldn't sell in, you know, bars and restaurants. And that's where everything was happening.
So fortunately, grocery stores and bottle shops and liquor stores are redeemed, essential businesses. And so I was like, I need to push my product into cans ASAP so that people can, you know, go and buy it. So when it drops in Charleston, my initial order for Charleston was like 500 cases. And we were projecting it to be here for like four to six weeks.
It was gone in two freaking weeks. And my distributor was calling me like, Whoa, we need to like, you know, triple up on this, you know, and that's what it's about. Like, that's how I make money, you know, volume, you know, the more volume that I make, obviously, you know, the better that I do. So now the rest of the state is kind of like, you know, taking notice.
So now this might not mean anything to you. But you know, Greenville and Spartanburg and Columbia are other major areas of South Carolina. And now they want to pick it up. And then that's just how you do it.
And you have to like go there and then I can go to North Carolina and then maybe down to Georgia and then maybe up again, you know, Virginia, like that's just what happens, you know, you have to kind of like, methodically move. And since I can't ship my beer out of state, that is a major problem, right? So if you know, Linda from Iowa, you know, once it was funny, because I just read that in this morning, and I can't send it to her. And that is obviously like, you know, that pains me because people that watch the show are like, Oh my God, I want to hear it.
I want it there. And unfortunately, I can't, I can't ship it, you know, so I just have to move in kind of this like organic way. And what I can say is that it is moving in a fantastic direction and I'm very excited for the future holds. That's amazing.
I think that speaks a lot to you too, because there was this major hiccup and you could have closed up or you could have, you know, but you're rolling with the punches and I think that's great. I mean, yeah, there was a major hiccup. Yeah. You know, and then if you think about it, it's like my my product has a expiration date to it, you know what I mean?
And then like, you know, Craig's pillows don't. And so if, you know, shops are closed up and all these bars and restaurants have my kegs, well, after three months, you know, they're calling me like, all right, well, this is expired. And then I have to buy it back out of my pocket and that's a problem. Do you feel though, support from the rest of your cast mates?
Because I mean, it was nice to see them all support you at the Charleston Food and Wine Festival. Yeah, I mean, I definitely feel support from, you know, most everybody and people are like, you know, even, you know, Whitney showed up and, you know, Whitney is dry and sarcastic. And, you know, his like first instinct, of course, is like, you know, to take a sip and then to spit it out, right? And then, and then he laughs and I'm like, oh, Whitney, you know, but everyone showed up and people did not have to show up, you know, because there were some people that didn't, and that just feels, you know, really good.
And, you know, with Craig often, and I always hear Craig, you know, talking it up and telling people, you know, where they can find it and miss that and the other. So it definitely feels good to have support. Yeah, from your friends. And would you say friends that John Pringle falls in that category?
Yeah, look, I mean, we're like, we're really early into the season. Yeah. And obviously, you see the way that that it's going and I don't know the things that are filmed when I'm not there and what, you know, Madison says and what Pringle says when I'm not there. And, you know, they seem with Craiginess and that.
And I would just say that that John Pringle has no bearing or effect on Madison and my relationship in one single iota. Really? So there is no, like, there is, yeah, no way shape or form does John Pringle have any sort of effect on Madison. Yeah.
Like, obviously, you know, the new guy thinks that Madison is hot. Okay, cool. So does everyone else, like, you know, got it, you know, I'm not going to play this role of like, hey, you can't talk to her. Like, that's just not what I'm going to do.
So, you know, if they meet up for like a play date, because they have kids, like, I mean, you know, what does that mean? It doesn't really mean much to me, because I know what Madison and I are and what we've been through. And so Pringle, Pringle, I had to, you know, I don't want to give it away because obviously we're so early on the season. But yeah, I definitely have some words with Pringle at one point.
Well, I'm very upset because I know we hear about it, but we don't see it, like it gets together. I think it your place. Yeah. Then he, you know, really comes on to Madison, it sounds like words then.
And I am so mad production wasn't there to capture it. Yeah, you know, it was kind of one of those things where it's like, you know, cameras go down and you know, we keep on drinking and keep on doing this and people start showing up and, you know, a bunch of us are hearing and he's sitting next to her and, you know, me and I think that I'm like, you know, talking across the table to like, chefing Catherine or something. And I hear Pringle say something like, and by the way, at this point, he has met her twice and talked to, you know, and talked to her or like, you know, known her for like a week and a half. And he's like, oh, you know, I'm really like, you know, fighting like through my emotions for like my feelings for you and like my friendship with Austin.
And like, I heard that. And like, I turned and stopped on a dime. And I was like, are you out of your mind? Like, you don't even know her.
You're drunk, idiot. Like, get out of my house. And like, we had like, a yelling match. And then, you know, we like, you know, hugged it out.
And, you know, Madison, will, will be the first to tell you. I'm sure that she has a lot of things. Like, I, like, I am not this like, you know, overprotective, you know, crazy person. But like, you know, I've been known to flip switch on someone that's like, you know, doing something that's, you know, inappropriate to her.
And she knows that she wasn't surprised at all. She actually loves it. But I was like, are you kidding me, Bringle? And I was like, you're trying to be friends with all of us.
But like, like, the one way taken out of here is like, to go for like another guy's girlfriend, are you nuts? Yeah, that is so crazy. I mean, and that's Bringle. Do you think he would have acted that way regardless?
Or do you think sort of the the comments Patricia made sort of egged him on? Yeah, I'm sure that, you know, Patricia probably gave him some sort of validation, you know, and then he was like, well, I mean, you know, Patricia was telling me to, you know, to go for it, you know, and once again, it's very disappointing. I mean, Patricia knows everything from Madison. And I'm sure that like, most, you know, girlfriends, you know, what do you do to other girlfriends?
It's like you kind of, you know, complain about what's happening. So I'm sure Patricia hears a lot of the bad and, you know, not much of the good. And it's just, you know, like I said, it's a surprising no, but very disappointing. Yeah, you know, the cast was noticeably different this season.
Did it feel different for you at all once filming started? Or does it just sort of feel like normal right away? Look, I didn't notice any bit of difference. And that is not to like, you know, knock the people that left.
It really isn't. It's not to be like, oh, you know, they weren't valuable. You know, who cares? It's not what I'm saying at all.
I'm just saying that when I was filming, I didn't notice, you know, anything because it was just kind of like, all right, you know, let's like, you know, move forward and let's, you know, keep it moving and I'm filming this and I'm doing this and I'm focusing on, you know, making my beer look good, focusing on my relationship with Madison and the people that I can talk to about it or not talk like so I didn't notice. And I know that before the break hit that Craig and I were like very excited about what we had filmed. And we were like, we think this is going to be awesome. People are really, really going to like it.
And that was kind of our mentality about the whole thing. So I guess my last question would be, you know, you and Madison have had this on and off again relationship. So you know her, you, you've had experience with her as an ex girlfriend. Who is a better ex?
Her or Chelsea? Oh boy. I mean, that that's impossible to quantify, right? Because Chelsea was a different kind of girl, you know, Chelsea did not like the minutia that me and Madison, you know, do.
So right, Chelsea got off work, you know, she's like, my first phone call is not, you know, to you and I don't want you to like expect me, you know, to call you, right? Whereas, you know, with Madison, it's like, I could go to the gas station and, you know, call her and be like, all right. So this pump, you know, just didn't work. So, you know, I need to pump for and then my credit card decline, you know, and like she answers.
And then, you know, we talk about it and Chelsea like was not into that, right? So zero animosity towards, you know, Chelsea, because she was just so easy to, you know, deal with and they're, she's not that kind of person where I would ever have any sort like of animosity towards her other than, of course, you know, watching the show and kind of hearing some things that she would say about me. But then again, you know, that's, that's, you know, it's all good. Chelsea is definitely easier to deal with, you know, because Chelsea wouldn't go out of her way to try to make me feel bad or uncomfortable in any sort of way.
And I cannot say the same thing for Madison. Yikes. Well, that just means she loves you, you know, the opposite of- Which one? Madison.
I want to thank you so much. This was really great. Yeah, I mean, I hope so. I really like that you guys are enjoying the season.
Oh, so much. I've, I think there's a lot to come and a reunion taking place, which is good news. Oh, thank God. We need it.
Like a special little thing at the end of that too. So like, there's some things, you know, and I think that, uh, I just hope that people respond to it and give it a chance. Absolutely. Thank you so much.
Yeah. Thank you. Oh, see? Yes.
It's one thing that I wanted to start with. I was shocked when Bronwyn said that she thought Shannon was serving alcohol at her party as a f***y to Bronwyn. Walking into Shannon's party, there's a lot to kill there. Are you, are you, are you tequila?
Are you, are you tequila? Drinker? Yeah. A good friend would have called you and given you a heads up.
I honestly think her doing that with a big F you Bronwyn. Oh, you know what? You're gonna call me a liar? Well, look what I'm gonna do for you.
Try to stay sober now. Yeah. I think Shannon is not that kind of person. She wouldn't do that on purpose.
This is new for everyone, including Bronwyn, like this is a new experience for her, but also everybody else. I don't think Shannon is that malicious. It's also like, regardless of what you Bronwyn are going through, these are still people who aren't going through, like they're still real housewives at the end of the day and real housewives have alcohol at their parties. And, you know, everyone does.
That's just being a good hostess, you know. Right. Right. Well, and for Bronwyn, whatever circumstances she can control, like her val renewal, for example, and not having tequila offered there because it is a trigger for her, totally fine.
Those are your circumstances. You have control over that. But your expectation going forward, I believe, as a recovering alcoholic, needs to be that other people aren't going to have to adapt and work around you because it's, it's your struggle that you have to, you know, take on and learn how to cope with, right? I mean, it just doesn't seem like it's Shannon's responsibility.
I think if Shannon did think of it in advance, maybe she would have been like, oh yeah, maybe I won't have that at the party. But it's not really her obligation to do that. Right. It also, I think, was just revealing to me about where Bronwyn's mindset is.
I mean, she seems a little paranoid. And I think that maybe that's just part of going through this. Yeah, definitely. I think it's part of the detox.
I think it wears on you physically, which then wears on you mentally. And I think there's just so much stress involved in this recovery process for Bronwyn that she is going to overreact to certain things or, you know, maybe get more upset than she normally would. I also want to point out Emily's opinion of Matt, which we'll hear more about it in her interview. But let me just tell you, she has not liked Matt for quite some time.
I think Emily is privated to the details of everything that went down between Gina and Matt that night that ended up an illegal case. But also, you know, she has told the girls, you know, we've heard her say it that Gina's doing everything without any sort of financial support from Matt. Right. And I think as a best friend, how can you not then hate that person?
Yeah. You are seeing what their actions that told that they're taken on someone. Yeah. And the thing that Emily brings up in our interview is that she was one of the only people who knew about Matt's affair this season prior to it coming out.
Right. So I mean, Emily has had more reason for a longer period of time to dislike Matt, but she does expand on it a little bit in the interview. But it totally makes sense when you think of all of those circumstances and everything that Emily has known for how long that she would just be like, I'm just not into this guy, you know? Yeah, for sure.
I want to ask you about Shannon's stockpiling at this point of the coronavirus experience. You know what I did today? What happened? The stockpiled.
What does that mean? For coronavirus, like, I was so tired, wanted to go and take a nap, but we had to go like clean out trader Joe. I have four freezer And then I'm going to be electricity goes out. I've got to get a candy.
I've got to get a candy. I've got lots of candy. Shannon really reminds me of that type of person that has a secret bomb shelter. I am actually surprised that she hasn't had a secret on your ground bunker this whole time.
You know, it's one of those things where I think about how my mom was one of those people who stockpiled for Y2K. Oh, obviously that never came to fruition. And it's just interesting how the coronavirus did. You know, like, I would have laughed at my mom had this not really, have we not been locked down right now and be in the midst of a pandemic?
I would have been like, oh, you were so crazy to have done that. You're like, you're overreacting. Which is kind of the reaction to Shannon right now. It's just that one of those things did actually happen.
It wasn't the conspiracy theory, you know. Well, right. And I think somebody calls it out. I don't remember if it's Elizabeth or who it is, but somebody's like, well, this, you're the problem, Shannon, for stock.
Is it, you know, brings it up? Yeah. You're the problem for stockpiling because now everybody else can't get toilet paper. Like, stop it, you know.
What did your mom stockpile for Y2K? It was like a lot of canned food. It was like tomato soup after tomato soup. Yeah.
And I mean, she's just one of those people who like has always for anything will always take those extra precaution. So I mean, she was prepared for Corona. Yeah. Well, I think the lesson we've all learned in 2020 is that you can never be too prepared, but please consider other people and what they may need to also stock up on for supplies as well.
Just, you know, think about that. Yeah. The other thing that I thought was interesting about Shannon and Kelly and their little TIFF in this episode was Kelly freaking out over Shannon allegedly getting involved in the, you know, food and beverage industry and how Kelly was upset about this supposed water that Shannon was working on. But to be fair, Shannon was in the food and beverage business before Kelly because she was doing those like home meals on, you know, QVC or whatever it was.
So it wouldn't be so out of the realm of possibility for Shannon to also be like, oh, I'm going to do some kind of like drink component to what I was doing before. But like Kelly, come down first of all, and that's not even what it is, you know? It's a teacher. It's a teacher.
Like a health supplement. Oh, water. No. Exactly.
So it's just like Kelly's out here telling everybody that Shannon's doing this water and it's not even true. Okay. What did you think about the bus ride to the Valrenewal and how Shannon and Kelly were sort of not outraged, but they had a reaction to the fact that there wouldn't be tequila at the Valrenewal. You know, if tequila is really going to be the thing that makes you happy to sit through somebody's Valrenewal, then you know what?
You better stop and pick some up because it's fine. You know, I understand it. But also, was it a bit of an overreaction? Like, are there many other types of spirits or alcoholic beverages available?
First of all, she could have had a dry reception and that would have been her anyways, but she, it's just the fact, I don't know, they just are some picky ladies. They're like charter guests, you know what I mean? Right, right. That is so true.
Like they're like demanding the tequila and the tequila didn't show up in the provisions and freaking out. Right. Oh my gosh. I know.
I mean tequila is really the party liquor, right? Though, like you do if yeah, like you're going to want that like vodka can go either way for some people. Nobody wants to be drinking like a dark liquor at this kind of thing and these women are probably not going to have a beer, but maybe just do some white wine for the Valrenewal. You know, you don't need to get like two tints for something like this.
Speaking of two tints, one of the ladies does next week. Oh, really? Okay, I have a watch next week. Another thing that I thought was really funny and this was one of Gina's interview moments is when she's referring to Elizabeth and she says she can't talk about the divorce, but only talks about the divorce.
And it's so true because it's all we hear from Elizabeth, right? She talks about her ex and all these things and then it happened. But then she's like, oh, but I can't give any more details. And it's like, we talked about it a few weeks ago, we want the details, give us the details.
Yeah, it's, it's just, it's weird to come on a show when that is clearly still such a part of your life, like in an unhealthy way. You know what I mean? Like she's a little obsessed and not be able to talk about it. Yeah, because if cameras weren't around, she'd probably talk about it, you know, right?
That is true. It's probably that element makes things even more complicated, but I'm hoping now that in, you know, present day, her divorce is finalized, overdone. I think she mentioned a lot to have his life, she'd get another gag order from her ex because of the continued conversations she's having around it. But I do hope we get a lot more one day.
Also, I just have to say that at these kind of events that renewals, you don't need to let the kids speak. Like maybe just don't make your guests suffer through the awkwardness that that can bring about. Do you vow to always love mom, even when she when bezels all of your money and runs away in the pot she attack helicopter at 12 a.m. If I can find her, yes.
And mom do vow to always love dad even when he gets really famous one day and bounces off with a 12-year-old American model. Especially kids of this age. I don't know the exact age that Bronwyn's son is, but it's just this age where you're not really, your humor isn't refined enough to make jokes and it just is awkward for everyone. Yeah, I mean, if you're going to put a kid on the mic, let it be like the, you know, four-year-old who's going to say something cute.
Yeah, it's because they can just say anything and it's funny. It's cute. Exactly. Or let Rowan do it because she's very well-spoken and composed and like would probably do a better job, but just like opening the floor to all seven of the kids and being like, anyone feel free to say something.
It's like, no, no, no, no. Let's just like wrap it up. Let's get to the bar, you know. Have you ever been to a vow renewal?
I have actually been to a vow renewal and it was very different from Bronwyn's. It was some friends of mine from LA and we went to Vegas and they did a, which now this theme is probably a bit problematic and wouldn't really fly today, but it was, you know, like trashy, like white trash themed vow renewal. And like we did the whole thing. We went to like this restaurant, I think it's called like Big Dicks or something and like the staff is really mean to you and they like, yes, that's a big dick.
I was close. I'm always like so close on those things. That's a different thing. And you know, it was really fun.
Like we had a great time, we all dressed up and whatever, but when we got to like, you know, the little white chapel, the real traditional place where these things happened, there were a lot of people there who were legitimately getting married. Well, just were there to get married and you had this group of all of us like stumbling in wigs and you know, ridiculous outfits kind of drunk and you know, our friends did their vow renewal, whatever, but it definitely, you know, looking back on it now, I'm like, it was fun at the time, but I'm not sure if that would necessarily fly in 2020. Have you been to one? No, but this episode made me think I don't ever want to go to one.
Yeah, it's just, I don't know, they feel superfluous, perhaps, you know. Yeah, plus, I just feel like when people get married for the first time, generally there's a no kids rule, whereas I feel like at a vow renewal, you're really leaning into the kids part of it. Yeah, the free for all. And I just want to be able to, you know, get crazy on piece.
Be away from children. Yeah. So I spoke with Emily Simpson about her multiple survivor references this season, her friendship with Gina, how things have improved between her and Shane and her obsession with true crime. Here's that interview.
All right, guys, we are here with Emily Simpson from Real Housewives of Orange County. Hi, Emily. Hi, how are you doing? I'm good.
How are you? I am great. How's the new hip? Oh, my God, it's amazing.
It's like, I feel like a new person. So I know it's, it's, it sounds funny, like I'm only 44 and I had to replace an entire hip, but I tell you it's like I have a new life. So I'm excited. Okay, good.
Yeah, that's great to hear. The other thing I wanted to ask is, are you a big survivor fan because you have made a couple immunity idol references this season. So tell me about that. You know, I actually don't really watch it.
I've watched it in the past, but Shane watches it. So I, it's always kind of on, you know, like in the background, like he watches it with his 14-year-old daughter, they're always getting to survivors so I can hear it. So I think that's, that's why it's just kind of in the back of my mind because there's other people in my home that watch it. So, right.
Well, I'm telling you, if you started, you would get hooked very quickly. So just know that. I bet I would. Are there any other reality shows that you watch or are there other shows on Bravo that you watch?
You know, I don't really watch anything as far as like, how swines, I really don't even watch our own. Like, I lived it. I don't need to watch it. I get the episode.
I'm like, yeah, I'll just, I'll just wait and see what people say. I have heard though that you are a big true crime fan and that Oxygen actually has a show coming out called The Real Murders of Orange County and you've seen the first episode, right? Yeah, I actually watched the first two episodes and I, I am a huge true crime fan. I've probably seen every date line ever made.
I've seen every forensic file ever ever made. You know, when I go through Netflix, I'm just looking for true crime stories. I just saw that other one that was new on Netflix. Yeah.
What was it? Like the American murder or whatever about the case in Colorado? Yes. Oh my god.
Yes. And so, yeah. So the real murders of Orange County was so exciting. I was like, wow, right?
Like literally in my backyard because the second episode, so it literally takes place five minutes away for me. So it's just, I'm obsessed. So now I get to be obsessed with people that actually live next to me. So.
Right. Well, does like Shane ever like look at you funny when you watch all these true crime shows? Because I think that's the joke, right? But these wives are like plotting, you know?
Oh, yeah. His, he, you could just make a show out of Shane's commentary because he's like, oh, I know how I'm going to die because you know, you learn so much. You're like, well, I'm not going to take my cell phone with me because that's the downfall for everyone, right? And don't buy your murder kit at Walmart because that stuff's on camera.
So, you know, I, I learn a lot. Yeah. So I could probably, I could probably play on the perfect murder. So good to know.
Okay. I'm going to keep that in the back of my pocket in case I need you one day. Okay. Well, let's talk about actual Orange County.
I want to ask first about you and Gina and how you guys got your friendship back on track this season. You know, I think it was really easy for Gina and, and I to get our friendship back on track because it really is a true friendship. So I feel like the foundation was always there. Just last season, it obviously, you know, was chipped away at and you know, we had just a bad year as far as a friendship.