Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre
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!
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
32 mins
14 May Finished
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
54 mins
7 May Finished
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
31 mins
30 April Finished
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
1 hour 3 mins
23 April Finished
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
27 mins
16 April Finished