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!
Series Episodes
Summer’s Fool: The Kyle Cooke Story
This week Jolenta does a deep dive on The Fool archetype and his evil alter-ego, The Derelict. Fools show up a lot in reality TV, from Lisa Barlow to Craig Conover. And of course she’s gonna profile the crown-prince of foolishness: Summer House’s Kyle Cooke. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES Greek Mythology, Robert Garland 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
40 mins
19 February Finished
America’s Sweethearts Deserve a Raise with Mara Wilson
Jolenta is joined by writer/actor Mara Wilson, who shares her insights on America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the season two contract negotiations. You don’t want to miss her hot takes on having your image monetized and chronic people pleasing. Mara’s Instagram Hot Mess-terpiece Instagram SOURCES : America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Netflix Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hour 10 mins
12 February Finished
Shep Rose: The Southern Charmer
It’s time to talk about two archetypes that can’t keep it in their pants and tend to use women - The Ladies Man and his evil alter-ego, The Seducer. Jolenta investigates how these messy f-boys show up in reality TV, paying special attention to Shep Rose from Southern Charm. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES 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 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days - HBO Max Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
41 mins
5 February Finished
Karen's Potomac Presser with Jenny Donheiser
Jolenta is joined by Jenny Donheiser (How Were U Brainwashed?) to explore the origin story of the “press conference luncheon” - a somewhat common Real Housewives occourence. They delve into the anals of history and discuss the significance of Karen Huger holding a press conference in a steak house private room back in season three of The Real Housewives of Potomac. Jenny's Insta Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES The Real Housewives, Peacock.com ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ star Karen Huger’s husband and his company owe millions in back taxes, Washington Post Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hour 18 mins
29 January Finished
Kody Brown: The Sister Wives Dictator
Jolenta goes to town on The King archetype and his evil alter ego, The Dictator. Guess who she thinks fits the profile? One mister Kody Brown, from Sister Wives. If you want to overanalyze Kody’s character and investigate his dictator ways, this is the episode for you. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES 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 Sister Wives - Hulu & HBO Max Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
37 mins
22 January Finished
