Mention It All - A Much-Needed Charleston Vibe Check Ft. Olivia Flowers

Episode Date: October 4, 2023

A few weeks into this season of Southern Charm, Olivia Flowers stops by the studio to chat with Dylan about how it’s going. They discuss the increased pressure of coming back for a second, and how her position in the group has shifted. Olivia also talks about what it’s like to film with an ex, and how she navigated a potential new relationship with Rod this season. Finally, she unpacks that bizarre sit-down with Taylor, and where this season is headed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Betches Media presents Ha ha laugh funny Mention It All A Bravo by Betches podcast We don't say that but now we said it With me, Dylan Hafer Heyford Hey everyone

Welcome back to the Mention at All podcast I'm Dylan Hafer And today I'm excited to be joined In the studio By a Southern Charm favorite It is Olivia Flowers Hey Olivia Hi thanks for having me

How's it going Your second season We're a few weeks in what are the vibes like these days? Oh, God, the vibes. I was just talking to someone. It's a night and day difference from season one. Like season one, I got to come in new and kind of explore new friendships and relationships.

This season was trickier because I had established those relationships and I was a little more nervous to argue with people, you know? Like, there's just like more to lose. And so. It's funny that you say that because I do feel like last season, you were new, but you came in a little bit hot. It's so much easier to come in hot when you don't know anyone. I feel like it was like a few weeks into the season and people were kind of like, this Olivia

girl, like she's kind of getting in there. She's kind of getting her feet wet. I like made my mark and I was like, okay, I'm done. I'm done. I get to be cool for him now on. I don't get to fight. But yeah, so that was the main difference is having to navigate those arguments with people you're actually close with this time around.

What was your kind of experience of doing that first season before you had been, you know, really exposed to, you know, the fans and the experience of everything that comes along with it versus season two. Like, what was it like kind of having the first taste of it? The first taste of it? You mean just like being new? Yeah, like coming into the group. Obviously, Southern Charm is a whole thing that's been happening for all these years. Like, what was that kind of entryway? It's, well, I felt like I was in a really good place because I came in like close friends with Catherine, family friends with Leva. I met everyone a couple of times. So I just kind of felt, and that's the big, misconception. People think I was brought on because I was like Austin's love interest or like,

or, you know, because I was talking to him. Like, let me be clear. I didn't want that to happen. So I was wanting to come in and have those friendships be like what brought me in. And then the relationship kind of happened organically. So that I had to clear that up because I can't stand seeing that. I'm like, what? I didn't want that to happen in fact. Well, I think people, the whole Charleston circle is something that is maybe hard to, hard to quite wrap your mind around if you're not, you know, within it. So it's like there is so much back and forth of who, who's talking to who and who's dated and who's, you know, maybe hooked up once or twice. And so it is kind of like, you want to set the boundary that it's like, I was here because I was friends with someone.

I was here because, yes. Like that, that was the first of foremost. But I mean, the difference, it was kind of funny because like the first go around afterwards. Whereas I was just kind of known as like the blonde girl hanging out with Austin. So I was really excited to have a name in season two. Yeah. It is funny. I feel like in Southern Charm, we have had like over the years there have been some people who have come on to the show and really establish themselves and grown within the group. And then sometimes it's just the blonde girl who's hanging out with Austin.

And then we never really becomes important. So I, yeah, I feel like like I said, you really came in hot last season and you. established yourself pretty quickly. Did you leave that season feeling good about everything that happened for the most part? Or did you kind of have, how did you reset after your first season? I feel like, I mean, everyone says your first season is a cakewalk. It's, you know, like it's, so I walked away from it thinking I was excited about the new friendships I had made. And I didn't really have a hand in a lot of the drama. So I was, I felt pretty good about it. I wasn't nearly as nervous to watch it back.

This season, I've got lots of wine present. I watched the first episode of my parents, and I was just sinking in the couch. I was like, I think I make out with someone. I think I'm chewing with my mouth open, like, all the things. We got to see your parents a lot last season. Obviously, this year they've left for Texas, I think. I ran them off with the camera. How do they feel about this whole roller coaster that you're on?

My mom, I mean, she's such a mama bear, so she's very, very opinionated. but what's funny, when the cameras are around, she's just like the sweetest, like, you know, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything. But then when they leave, she's like, if that bitch gets anywhere near you, I'm going to push her to the full. And I'm like, Mom, where is this excitement on the camera?

But no, she's, um, she has been incredibly helpful and she just kind of keeps me back on solid ground and reminds me like what's important and who's important and when it's ready to let something go. And, um, she's enjoying watching it. She watches the episode of when I watch it. How did you find out that Catherine wasn't coming back this season? And what was your reaction to that news?

She actually told me. I mean, I was bummed. She's an OG. You know, I think I was bummed the same reason everyone else was. She's great TV and just, it's always nice having that kind of like big cis energy when you enter one of these things. I definitely knew the show was going to change, like shift dynamics. It's been her, you know, she'd been a huge part of it. But yeah, she told me she wasn't going to be.

And it was kind of back and forth. It was like I heard a lot of like rumors and I heard she would be back. So when she told me, I knew it was up. Yeah. And obviously, so she left this season, Naomi left this season. It does feel like especially on the the women side of the group, things kind of shifted a little bit this year. Madison is back in the picture more full time.

You're there. Taylor's there. Vanita, Leva. Like, how do you feel about the group of women this season and sort of how you've been able to form those relationships. I mean, this season really shifted the dynamic. Like I got closer with people that I wasn't expecting to, and it definitely kind of showed you who's there for you.

And I reevaluated friendships, obviously, and welcomed a lot of new ones. But it was more like girl-oriented, like girls-supporting, a lot less girls fighting with each other. It almost kind of felt like girls versus guys at some points. But, you know, they stepped up a lot and I felt like I had new friendships coming out of this one. Mm-hmm. But, I mean, it's hard, because with that, everyone has an opinion on things. You know, you have, I know how to go to Madison when I want the quick comebacks and I want to, like, how to, you know, snap someone's head off.

Vanita, she'll come in with support. I don't know. It was just all different. It was fun. It was unexpected, but I had fun getting to know them. Talk about the relationship with Madison because obviously you guys both have history with Austin. And as we've seen in this group, sometimes when you have a mutual X, it's like, we can't get along. And sometimes it's like, oh, we're going to bond over this.

What was your kind of mindset having Madison around this year kind of with Austin in the past a little bit for you romantically at least? I mean, she and I really didn't. like we went to lunch and we it's not necessarily compared notes but she's really funny and it was just kind of like we couldn't not laugh at some of the things and I think anyone would agree you rather have Madison on your good side than bad side yeah yes so I um I was definitely looking forward to you know moving forward with her and that way you can't help but yeah you're bonded on your experience with someone so I think like once I completely got over that and was moving forward I was able to loosen up and have fun with her about it.

And yeah, you can't help it compare notes. That's the fun of it. Your summer starts now with Memorial Day deals at the Home Depot. It's time to fire up summer cookouts with the next grill for burner gas grill on special buy for only $199. And entertain all season with the Hampton Bay West Grove seven-piece outdoor dining set for only $499. This Memorial Day get low prices guaranteed at the Home Depot. Lost supplies last. Priced invalid May 14th through May 27th.

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Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack. It does seem like you've moved on from your relationship situation a little more than maybe Taylor had with Shep by the time cameras picked up for this season. What was that kind of experience just having that energy around the group? Like we saw in that first episode at Madison's wedding party. Yeah, I didn't know what that was either. I was like, is it a delayed reception? It's just like y'all weren't invited so you're here now.

I'm glad the confusion was in the room as well. But having that kind of unresolved tension between two people who were in a relationship for such a long time, what was that like feeling that within the group? I mean, it was nerve-wracking because, and, you know, chef's nervous. He just maintains nervous energy. He's like, howls Taylor's temperature today. Like, so, you know, you're kind of, I don't. know like I would have conversations with it before and everything was even fine you know we'd talk before

going to the party like let's not be the ones causing a scene let's be polite let's get in let's get out and so when we got in there I just felt like we totally aborted mission like I mean I'm just standing back like sipping on my drink because I was like I don't know we went off script here so when she had that moment I mean it was clear that she was having feelings about Shep around Shep and was you know Craig was just in the line of fire, but it's, it's uncomfortable because I didn't expect that. I didn't know she was, she was going to have those emotions there. And those are her emotions. She's got a right to them.

But it does make things a little nerve-wracking to get together on, on those dinners. Yeah. And obviously you have your own relationship with Shep. I saw in last week's episode, the scene where he brought like still warm, freshly caught pheasant to your house. With feathers on it still. I was like, wait, what? Like, why are we watching this Ziploc?

bag full of, of like fresh meat. But you guys, obviously you have that relationship where you can enjoy each other's company and it seems a really like easy platonic way. Yeah, for sure. Like what was, how do you balance those two sides of things? Because obviously we see you kind of struggling with it in real time. Yeah. I don't know.

Shep's just, he's super easy to get along with. Like what you see is what you get with him, you know? And he's my neighbor. So I was always really good to check in with Taylor on how she was feeling with he and I being friends and like, you know, making sure, like, we'd go play tennis and like I just like wanted to always be on the same page with that and communicate like the friendship and stuff.

So I don't know, I think because we kept open communication about it, I felt okay. And they never really put me in the middle. Chef's not like that. He's never like, okay, well, go find out this and tell her this. and so that makes it easier. But, I mean, it didn't work out as well as I thought it did, us being friends with each other's sexes.

If anything, I feel like Shep doesn't realize that it's an issue until after everybody else is already. So he's like, what did I do? But he'll own that, you know? He'll be like, I'm an idiot, you know? And that, like, yeah, he said it. He was just saying that. He was like, this season was a learning experience because, like, new to the relationship. new to the breakup and trying to navigate the waters.

And he's honest about that. It's so funny. Yeah. I think also because Taylor hasn't ever really been in this group without that relationship until this year. And so it feels like we're watching her kind of try and find her legs a little bit, just kind of as a person. Yeah.

And then obviously the conversation that you guys had at the end of last week's episode, it was a little, felt like a little bit of a, a tricky conversation to navigate. Yeah. I mean, that was, that was kind of the thing that bonded us was that, like, okay, you know, we're still around these guys that we were with. And that's just tricky in general. So that was something that we got close on is leaning on each other with how to do that.

Like, we're going to be around at these weird tea parties and pheasant dinners and all these things. Like, how are we going to? So that was tricky going off of that, like just being around the exes. and, you know, I don't know how any, I've never around an X after we break up, you know, so I understood her struggle with it, with being around Shep and whatnot. But yeah, that conversation, I, I'm like a very, like a, when it comes to fight or flight, like, I just want to get out of a situation and just like let everything marinate.

Things weren't making sense to me as the information was coming in. I had so many questions, but at that time, I just didn't. asking anymore was going to get me anywhere. Right. So I just, I really was just thinking like I get me out of this coffee shop where I can have a reaction that, you know, like it was just, it was just very uncomfortable, uncomfortable conversation, uncomfortable setting. And yeah, I just wanted to get out and let things process because I wasn't understanding anything she was saying at that time. It's hard when you're, when you're having a conversation with someone like that and they've clearly laid out what they feel like is the full explanation.

And they're like, okay, so that's what happened. Right. Right. And then you're like, I still have, I'm not quite there yet. Yes. But like in that moment, it feels maybe like not productive to keep kind of. Keep going. Right.

Like what more is there to say? Maybe you just need to take some space. And that's all in that moment, that's all I really like it was for me. Just take space like process. I wasn't trying to storm out. I wasn't trying to make anything more difficult. It's just you just laid a lot on me. A lot of things that don't make any sense.

And that's, that was really my intention. It was just like leaving, was doing that. And then, you know, having the conversation, sorry,

the episode is coming out. Can I talk about that one? Because it'll be. This is going to come out tomorrow. So it won't have aired yet. Okay. So if there's anything like details, maybe you might not want to talk about.

I don't. Like just like the conversation we had in the coffee shop and then the conversation she has with Austin afterwards. Okay. Like I'm watching that back for the first time with everyone else. And those are two very different conversations. Yeah. I think, I mean, anytime, you know, these seasons, how you film them and everybody's off doing their own scenes and interviews and confessions and all of that, it's like it really must be hitting you like months later kind of like the full timeline of things. and everything that's happening.

I mean, that is the hardest part is replaying it back. I remember Paige told me because I was just like numb this season. I wasn't having a lot of reactions to things as you'll watch back. And she told me she was like, wait until you watch somebody talk about you or do something completely different than what they're doing like to your face. Then it'll change how you react in these things. And she's right, like watching conversations behind my. backward that were not at all aligned with the ones that were having to my face. Like, that's

infuriating. I wanted to talk about, I want to talk about you and Rod a little bit. And I think that's an interesting thing. We saw the conversation with Rod and Austin about you, which I have to imagine is a strange thing to watch because maybe in your mind, you're like, oh, yeah, they probably talked about it. But then to have to like watch it on camera, what was that like for you? it's yeah it's so true it's like some some walls you don't want to be the fly on right

um I mean Rod rod is he's such a good communicator and it was kind of funny just watching him be straightforward and like just seeing Austin

Austin kind of the shock not such a good communicator perhaps no so like I mean it was just funny seeing the two dynamics It's like Rod's going to say how it is straightforward.

And then seeing Austin kind of react and seeing his face. I mean, yeah, it was comical to watch. But it was also very telling. Like Rod's coming in being a guy like, hey, I just want to let you know. I'm taking her out. This is what it is. And then Austin's like first reaction to be to tell him I was out kissing another guy downtown. Like, yeah, man, go ahead.

But you should know I saw her out downtown making out with someone. And I didn't write until he was like, well, she's single. Right. But I was just like, this is just so perfectly on point for the two. Yeah, it's like, oh, sure. Yeah. I was like, cool. Free country.

And I loved Rod for that. I loved him being like, all right? Well, she is single. Did you have any hesitations this season with kind of having another possible potential relationship situation happening on camera after what happened last season with Austin? Yeah, definitely. I mean, same with like the first go-round. I was even hesitant with Austin, but then I was hesitant just because I didn't want it to seem like that's, I'm like stepping on here.

Like the bachelor, love is blind. Like I'm not coming on here to look for any kind of a husband or anything. So that was like where my hesitation was. As far as who it was with, Rod, no, because he is, like I said, just such a good dude and gentlemen. And I didn't think there'd be like any games. but just the extra layer of the show makes things complicated no matter who you're like with. Right. And I mean, anytime, you know, every, you know that the cameras are there.

You're agreeing for it to be on camera. For sure. That's going to be something that has to be talked about. Yeah. And so much of my conversations were around Austin, you know, I'm like coming on, coming in hot about how things ended with us and like frustrated. So like one, see, I'm talking about him and then the next I'm over here making out with ride. So I was like, oh, this isn't just a good look.

I mean, I feel like that kind of comes with the territory of Southern Charm a little bit. It's like everybody's had their, if you've been on this show more than one season, there's going to be some messy little moments. Yeah, that's true. Girl, winter is so last season. And now Springs got you looking at pictures of tank tops with hungry eyes. Your algorithm is feeding you cutoffs. Your thirsty for the sun on your shoulders. That perfect hang on the patio sun dress. Those sandals you can wear all day and all night. And you've had enough of shopping from your couch. Done hoping it looks anything like the picture when you tear up on that envelope. It's time for a little in-person

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with a different show perspective a little bit? For sure. I got a lot closer with Paige this season, this go-around. You know, as you see, her and Craig are trying to establish themselves more in Charleston, just like their lifestyle and whatnot. And so I hung out with them a couple of times. And she's just, you know, it's very straightforward. And it was nice to talk to someone who's still involved in the group,

but not to the extent of Leva, Madison, Vanita, you know, like everyone's pulled into it. have any kind of like emotional ties to the situation. So I enjoy talking to her and getting her feedback and, you know, she's a New Yorker. So she tells you how it is. And that's not a thing in Charleston. We say everything with a fake smile. And then, um, but yeah.

So I, I appreciated having her. And she really was, um, just a good friend throughout this whole thing. Mm-hmm. Yeah. It's nice. It's nice to have people kind of who are involved with the situations, but not necessarily like. They don't have a dog in the fight. Exactly.

Yeah. Yeah. I want to ask you about Patricia. What is your, I always think it's so interesting. Like no other show I feel like has somebody like Patricia. I agree. What is your, what's your relationship like with her and what do you think she kind of brings to the show that is so unique? I think, well, I look at her as like Oz, like the great Oz, like sitting up and looking down at all the fuckery happening. and just giving her opinions. And I think she makes great, she gives great commentary on it all. And she certainly is one to say how it is. I think she's supposed to like represent the, the Charleston way. I don't know.

I don't know. She is like scary energy. But, you know, we, I was shocked. Like she came to our oyster roast this season. which you'll see at my house. And I was not expecting this year. I just remember seeing her like enter the pool entrance.

And I was like, Mom, go get the crystal. It's like she'll show up when you least expect it. Yeah, 100%. I was like, hide the true least. But yeah, so she, I think she definitely gives a comedic relief in the sense that people just hang on everywhere she says, you know? Yeah. Well, I think this season is really exciting.

It definitely feels a little bit different, a little bit new. I'm curious, what do you feel like is the most exciting thing for you about this season coming into it not as a newbie anymore? Yeah. Not to sound repetitive, but just like getting to explore the new friendships. You know, I get closer with people I wasn't expecting to. We go on a really cool trip to Jamaica, which is a nice change.

I think our last trip was like a beach two hours away. But it's usually like somewhere in South Carolina. China and I like a Georgia. Exactly. They're like, we're going to. And then we're like, that's two exits that way. So that was fun. And we just had, I mean, people really like rallied and were there for me.

And I'm excited to kind of like just see that. I guess translate back on the big screen. I am more nervous since this go around. I got to say. Well, I think that probably also as you become accustomed to it, there are certain things that get more comfortable. but then also you know kind of where the potential landmines are of like this scene was really tough. I'm going to have to watch that. People are going to be talking about me here.

Like people on social media are going to have opinions about this. For sure. There are a lot of things to think about when the show is airing. I think for me the hardest is the like shoulda what it could is. Like I will walk away and just be in the shower having the conversation over back of my head of like, I could have said this. I could have called him this. but like I just will get, like I said, when I hear something and I'm like processing it, I just get quiet and I let it resonate and I don't snap back. And that's not always the best

thing in TV. It's like, have a reaction. Is anyone home? Well, you can do it at the reunion. Yeah, that's what that's for. Oh my God. I need to like just get a whole new script of like volume before that comes. I'm dreading. What was your, what was your first reunion experience like? Did you enjoy it at all or was it stressful? No, I went into it excited and then when things, when I watched Austin and Madison all of a sudden be besties right there on stage after I had just gotten like eight months earful of talking shit on Madison from Austin and then to all of a sudden see them like come together and then Madison saying horrible things to me and Austin just sitting there. I was in like I was in another universe. It was an outer body experience and I just was not prepared for it. I feel like sometimes the energy in that room is just like weird things happen.

You never know. That's exactly it's the energy. It's like there's no music. You get like a couple bathroom breaks. Right. Like we're watching it on TV all like cut together nice and quick. There's music cues. And you're just, you're out there on that stage.

We're just in it. And then like the more tired you get, the like the meaner you get. And then all of a sudden it'll be like, okay, we're going to take a break. And then you just got to sit there shoulder to shoulder with the person. You just called a bitch. You're like, are you hungry? It's such an unnatural process. But I don't know.

Like I said, I just feel like I have a little bit more emotions involved this go around. So that makes things like reunion, nerve-wracking. It'll be just even more fun this year. Oh, my gosh. I miss being one to watch it. I used to watch that stuff to like, you know, escape from reality. Now putting it on out. Like my mom will have it on the background.

I'm like, I'm turning it off. You're watching at home. You're like, yeah, get her. And now it's like, no, no, no, it'll be nice. Yeah, it'll be interesting. It'll be a long one. Yeah. Well, I'm excited to see where it ends.

We have a lot of season left to go. A lot of excited to hear your commentary on it all. I'll let you know. I'll let you know what I think. Thank you so much, Olivia, for being here. Thank you for having me. I enjoyed it. And thank you, everyone for listening.

Don't forget to rate, review, and follow the show wherever you listen. You can follow us on Instagram at Bravo by Betches. Watch Southern Charm Thursday nights on Bravo. And until next time, be cool. Don't be all like, uncool. Mention It All is produced by Dylan Hafer, Sean Kilby, Jorge Morales Pico, and Rebecca Sousa McCat.

Editing by Jorge Morales Pico, social media by Dylan Hafer, guest booking by Dylan Hafer and Allie Friedlander. Be sure to follow at Bravo by Betches on Instagram and Twitter. Yamava Resort and Casino at San Manuel is California's number one entertainment destination for today's superstars.

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