Mention It All - Different Definitions of Loyalty Ft. Taleen Marie

Episode Date: June 26, 2024

The New York heatwave is no match for Dubai, and new Housewife Taleen Marie visits the studio to turn the temperature up a notch. She and Dylan talk about her under-the-radar experience at last year��s BravoCon, and how she’s feeling now that her first season is airing. She reflects on her unique background, and how her idea of loyalty may differ from some of her castmates. She and Dylan chat through her attempts to navigate the Caroline v. Caroline drama, and her frustrations with Lesa and Ayan. Later, she shares her husband’s feelings about the show, and whether she sees a future on Bravo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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See Home Depot.com slash price match for details. 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. We're going to check me, boo.

Hey, everyone. Welcome back to the Mention It All podcast. I'm Dylan Hafer, and I am so glad to be joined today by a new housewife. Yes. She's making a splash on Real Housewives of Dubai, season two. Tallene Marie, hello. Hello. Thank you so much for having me.

How you doing? I'm doing great. I'm over the jet lag, which is great. Yes. It was a long flight over. over here, but I'm happy to be here. A few days in New York. It's hot here for us.

For you, you're... Stop. It is not hot. You're having to do denim today. I know, I know. I'm like wearing a winter coat. No, no, no. Dubai is hot.

Okay? This is nothing. I met you very, very briefly at BravoCon. Oh, really? Just on the red carpet. You were doing... Okay. You were doing the press line.

It was so interesting seeing you at BravoCon, knowing that nobody had seen the season yet. Nobody knew who the hell I was. Yeah, nobody. You were a little under the radar. Yes. Let's just say the Dubai cast is not the most under the radar group of girls. No, we're not.

No, we're not. What was that experience like for you, knowing that you had shot the season? You did the panel there. Some people watched the premiere, but that you hadn't really been launched into this crazy rocket ship yet. So the good news was that they did announce me like the day of BravoCon. I was like, thank God. Like security didn't stop me from coming in. But I kind of liked it because I felt like I got both.

sides of it, that I could kind of be a fan and, like, also just take it all in without being bombarded by people. But I still would get, you know, people recognizing me and stuff. Right. But I liked it. It was like chill. I feel like next BravoCon, it will be hopefully a little different. Yeah. But I liked that I got both sides of it. Yeah. And I think with Dubai, like, and I've talked to a couple of the other ladies so far this season. And it is interesting. You know, there was kind of a longer break between season one and season two. Yeah. We knew that, We knew that you were filming. We knew that there was going to be another season.

But there really was that kind of like mystery of like, what have they been up to? Where have they been? I know. And now we're, now it's, it's all happening. It was worth the way. So worth the way. This season is incredible if I do say so myself. Yeah.

It's such an interesting show. I think it's so different from anything else we have. Yeah. On Bravo or, you know, anything else that we have in the States, really. Yeah. Your cast is so unique. Yeah. And I know meeting you this season.

in, you're born in the U.S., you grew up in the U.S., but you have the strong Armenian background, and then you've lived in the UA for, what, like 10 years? I've been there now for 10 years, but I've born, born and raised in Virginia, I lived in Los Angeles for eight years with my music career, and then moved to Dubai for 10 years, yeah. So what do you think that's such a specific background and mix of kind of influences, how do you feel like that impacts how you view relationships, family conflict, all of this stuff that we see on the show.

Yeah, I mean, look, Armenian traditionally, you know, we hold family values, you know, as a priority. And I've, as westernized as I am because, you know, I was born and raised in the States, I do have that Middle Eastern background, right? So I think coming into Dubai, it was a smoother transition for me. But, you know, Dubai is full of expats, right? It's actually a very small population of actually.

actually like locals. Most of it is expats. Yeah. And what I love about our cast is it, we're such a melting pot, right, of different cultures and races. And so I think it really does a good job of like actually showing what Dubai's about. Right.

That it's like you have a cast with a lot of different, you know, backgrounds and vibes. But it's not just because, you know, some casting person was like, okay, we need to check all the boxes. It was like that's how. 100%.

That's how it would be with no camera. Right. Exactly. Yeah. Exactly. So coming into the show, you kind of came in with this friendship with Brooks. Yeah. But obviously it's a whole group of ladies.

Did you watch season one? Did you kind of know what the vibe was going to be? So I watched parts of season one. And I'm kind of glad I did that because coming into season two, I didn't want too many preconceived notions of like who people were and you just never know with the editing and stuff. You know, Caroline Brooks, she was my. good friend. So I would like kind of fast forward to like her parts, you know. Um, but yeah, I, I, I didn't watch the whole thing until way later. Once we wrapped up filming season two, then I watched season line. You're like, let me go back to the original text. Yeah, the archives,

the archives. Was it funny watching season one after you had gotten to know the women more? And you're like, it was. Yeah. It was. It was. But honestly, the women are, all of them are who, like, who they are. Like, everybody is genuinely what you see. is what you get. Yeah. I think that's something, I mean, I've,

I've watched way too much housewives in my life and I've... What's your favorite? Oh, it's so hard. I know. Recently, Miami is like hot, hot, hot.

Okay. I need to, you know, people are saying I look like Larsa. Do you see that? I mean, like different font, like same vibe maybe?

Yeah. She's beautiful. I'm happy about that, but I'm getting, I'm seeing Larsa, getting that and Mary Saul. Okay. I don't see Mary Saul so much.

I don't know. But I, I think that, so many of the people that I talk to, it's like you, the more you spend time with people and stuff, it's like everybody's real colors come out on the show. It's like if somebody is being fake, you kind of realize that. Yeah. And so I think going on a show where maybe you have watched it before or you've, you know, been around those people a little bit. It's like, you know what you're, you know what the real deal is going to be. Very true. And I think, you know, the audience is not

stupid. Like, I really believe that people can tell who's genuine and who's not. I really do. And when I watched season one, it was interesting. I thought I was going to hate Chanel Ion because it's like, she's just this overtop personality. Yeah. I adore her. And like, we, like, it couldn't be the opposite, you know? I think with Chanel, it's like, it kind of is like you have to peel back the layer a little bit because it's like the visual and the kind of, it's so, it is so over the top. But then when you talk to her and when you hear more about her life and her experiences, it's like it's not like the big poofy gown is like instead of a personality. It's like there's a human.

There's a human there, you know, for sure, for sure. And she does put on a show and she is so entertaining. But at the end of the day, like, she's actually like one of the most realist on our. on our cast. Going into this season, knowing that you were going to have this platform and this, you know, audience, what was, what did you kind of want to share of yourself, whether it's like the businesswoman side of things, the family, the culture? Like, what was your kind of goal going on? Yeah, I mean, I think obviously, when I moved to Dubai, I started my fitness career, specifically training women. And I did want to show that side of Dubai. But more importantly, you know, after I had my

children and as the season gets a little deeper, my story comes out. But I had very difficult pregnancies, really bad postpartum depression and anxiety and all that. And I feel like women don't really talk about it as much as they should. And a lot of women go through it. And it's such an isolating experience. If I could just connect with someone on that level, that was really important for me. I didn't want to just go on for, you know, the 15 minutes of fame. I truly want to. I truly want to to connect with people. And I think that is what's great about the show. We each have a story. And I think everyone around the world can connect with each of us in a different way. Yeah. I think that's something like about this specific type of show that it's like there is such an opportunity to share

different walks of life and different different experiences. And I love seeing on this week's episode, we got to see your like boot camp day for the first time. It is so interesting, particularly, you know, like being an American not having been to Dubai, it's like there is that cultural layer too of like women wanting to do things for themselves. Right. Not just because it's, you know, to impress a man or to check whatever, you know, box that it's like, no, I just want to be strong and independent. And that was my biggest message because when I first moved to Dubai, it was like there was a bit of,

you know, shame, right? Yeah. For if women wanted to like look good, it wasn't exactly what you're saying to be like sexier. or anything. It's like at the end of the day, they wanted to feel good, mentally, physically. And I think, I hope that comes across. And I've changed a lot of, a lot of people's way of thinking in that regard. And I'm happy about that. Yeah. I would imagine just like from what I, that that would come into play with like the postpartum and stuff like that too, like in that, you know, living there. Maybe that that's something that's even more challenging to talk about.

Absolutely. I mean, I've had women like DM me or come up to me and they're like, oh my God, like, thank you for sharing your story. Because I, they felt shame that they felt like that. You know, it's really not talked about, but so many women go through it. And it's okay to get help. It's okay. It's actually better to talk about it

because it is such a isolating experience. So again, I think not just Dubai, but any women, any mother around the world can relate. So good, so good. Everything you want for summer is at Nordstrom rack stores now and up to 60% off. Stock up and save on the brand, you love like Vince, Sam Edelman,

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V-Gate, yeah. We're having this conversation that does ultimately, in some way, relate to like your female anatomy. Yeah. Like was that something that you like how did you internally handle that? Maybe before it was even like a question of like am I mad at this Caroline or that Caroline or whatever?

Like how did how was that for you just kind of having that be your first. Yeah. It was, uh, of course. I mean, it was definitely daunting like coming into that. And I, I felt almost like it was like a bit of a hazing period, you know, because I was the only newbie coming in. And, you know, the way it was presented to me from Brooks, like. I was really hurt and I wanted, you know, all the girls to give me a fair chance. And, you know, the fact that, you know, my V was a character of its own before I came in, I was just like, oh my God, how are we going to do damage control here? And look, I'm all about a good time and I love, I love a good cocktail, but that did not happen. It was literally like a trip and I think it was just, we've all been there, honey, okay? And I think, you. And I think, you.

you know, it was definitely embellished and it was kind of brought to me in a different way. But when I first heard it, I was hurt, you know. And I do think Brooks was coming from a good place because she was very loyal into telling me that. But I just think the whole thing escalated and it got way bigger than it should have. Yeah. Like, let's talk about Beyonce. Let's not talk about the V-gate. Okay.

Yeah. Well, I feel like, I mean, this can happen in real life too, but especially when you have the kind of the show happening around you that it's like, okay, one, something happens and then there's a text about it. And then there's two people are at lunch and it comes up and then all of a sudden it's, we're screaming at a dinner. Right, right. And then it's like the telephone game, right? It just keeps getting passed and then it kind of changes and then this person, but, you know, like it just, it's, I feel like at some point like it'll be me and I was on the stage with Beyonce and I was naked, streaking. Like, it'll end there somehow. It just escalated so quick. And once I also got to

know Stanberry, like she, she's very British and I love British banter. I love humor. At the end of the day, she is a sweetheart. She's become one of my closest friends. And I understood, you know, I got where she was coming from. I got, I understood the context. Yeah. I, one thing that I liked seeing in these last couple episodes is you kind of forging that connection with Stanbury. Because it's nice to see when you, when you come in with an existing friendship and, you know, Caroline Brooks and Caroline Sanbury are not in the best place on the show, at least right now, you being able to kind of move past that and do what makes sense for you personally versus just kind of like hanging back and taking orders from somebody. Yeah, I wanted to give everybody a fair chance.

You know, at the end of the day, we're an ensemble group of friends. And, you know, I didn't want any of the drama that they had with Brooks, you know, to just, I didn't want them to have preconceived notions of me. I moved past it very quickly. If that's me not being loyal, you know, so be it. But I, I make my own decisions and I got over it. I got over it pretty quickly. I was hurt in the beginning, but I moved on. Yeah. I think the idea of loyalty, it's like there are situations in life where it's really important. Right. And there's levels to it. Yes. Yeah. It's like if you're really going through something, right. Am I going to pick up the phone? Not like. Exactly. Am I talking to somebody that you don't like. Exactly. Exactly. Do you feel like in in this group, is there a lot of that kind of

idea of loyalty as being like a tip for tat? Like is that something that you were that you felt like you were kind of pushing against the season? A little bit. I think a lot of the girls kind of expect their person to be blindly loyal. I mean, I'm sorry, life just doesn't work that way. I trust me, I am a loyal person. But you know, you have to understand where the other. person's coming from. You have to have those conversations. You've got to keep the communication, you know, open. Things can be misunderstood.

I think it's important. I really do just to move past things, you know? Yeah. And you can still be loyal, but there's levels to it. Yeah. So when, so like when Caroline Brooks is on Twitter talking about how there's all this stuff that we're not seeing with her in Stanbury and if we knew we would understand why, why they're not getting along.

Like, is that? I know, I know what she's referring to. Okay. And she's referring to, we did film, um, on my balcony with Sarah Al-Madani. And it wasn't shown. But I, I cried. I was crying because Brooke said, you're a mother. She said that you fell into a guy's lap.

Like, again, she was, you know, instigating it, instigating it. And I got emotional because anytime you talk about my kids and, you know, being, you know, being a mom. I got emotional. But at the end of the day, I spoke to my husband about it. He's like, look, just the only one who really keeps bringing it up is Brooks. Yeah. You know, Stanberry, it stopped bringing it up.

Right. And once I realized that, like, she was giving the story legs and a V, like, I was, like, no, this is, there's got to be more to this. Yeah. So at a certain point, it's like, if I want to move on, that means I want to move on. Yeah, exactly. And she's also saying on Twitter that Stanberry has messages saying that she didn't want me to be on the show. And that could be true too. She didn't know me.

Once we got to know each other, we became good friends. I'm not going to hold it against her. Right. So I'm ready. She can bring receipts. She can do all that. It's sad because I miss her as a friend. I really do.

She was one of my first friends in Dubai. And I would hate for a show to get in the way of that. friendship and maybe one day we'll get past it. But yeah, I mean, it's, it's, it's, it's tough. Yeah. You mentioned kind of how Rafi your husband handled like that specific situation. How was he during filming? I mean, it's, it's nice to see him on the show, but what was that, what was his kind of relationship like with you doing this thing that involves the whole family? It's a great question. I mean, initially, he was totally against it. You know, his family has been there for 20 years. they have a very good reputation there.

They work with the government and construction. And so, and you know, these shows are, you know, built on scandal and drama. And, you know, everybody kind of is like, wait, what is this going to be? Right, right. And, you know, we're not in Jersey. We're in Dubai. Like, you can get in trouble for a lot of things. And more importantly, you know, we were hesitant about putting our kids on.

And it wasn't an overnight decision, you know. And Brooks keeps saying, I begged. or to be on the show. No, I actually was very, very hesitant because of everything I just said. But after day two of filming, my husband's like, where's my lighting? Where's my makeup? Like, this guy is like Sergio 2.0. Like, he loves it now. He's made for it. So we really had a fun time, you know, doing it. And again, you know, we'll see what happens. I hope we don't get kicked out of the country. But hey, you never know. Rafi and Sergio, I feel like you would not think have much in common.

Oh, you wouldn't, but they adore each other and they could fight in each other. And no, they have a really, really great friendship. Yeah. It was interesting on this week's episode. We'll talk about the like Sergio and Caroline stuff. Yeah. We saw seeing a little tip bit of this guy's night scene. I know.

I think that's a new thing for Dubai. It is. It is. And the guys actually have such a great dynamic. They golf together. So I do think, you know, our show. wants to show that more. I mean, all of them are good looking.

Like, really, and they genuinely get along way more than the girls. Yeah, that tends to be how it goes. Yeah, way more. They're like, oh, my God. What are they yelling at him about? Yeah, exactly. Why did we marry these crazy bitches? Or betches.

Yeah, I think they're showing that more and more. And you'll see in the season, there's more of more of that dynamic. Totally. I feel like the more kind of different things you can tap into with the group, it gives just kind of more texture and layers dimension to the show like obviously it's like we don't want it to all be about the husbands but it's like if we can spend a little time there

spend a little time here it's nice it's nice when people's parents are in town like I totally seeing that with Lisa and I think I think Caroline's mom is going to be there too but it's yeah it's nice to just have kind of like a more fleshed out world around you guys and it gives it context it gets it gets you to know the person better as well right yeah they're not just a housewife like real housewife

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And you had to decide how to handle it. Yes. And very tactfully, you took Caroline aside at Ayan's dinner. Was that a no-brainer to you or were you kind of, what do I do with this? I have this hot potato. Well, look, you know, if I was Caroline and, you know, someone were to tell me that, first of all, I would want somebody to come to me and tell me that. And yes, I know we had just kind of started our friendship,

but Sergio was confiding into Rafi a lot. And I just, I felt like respectfully she needed to have a conversation with Sergio. I adore them together. I know they have a strong marriage. But I think I wanted her to nip it in the bud with him. So it didn't maybe escalate. And I didn't want to do it at the table because, you know, if you do it at the table, it's like everyone has an opinion.

It then just becomes a bigger thing. I didn't want it to be a big thing. So I just took her aside and Lisa Milan didn't like that. Chanel didn't like, like the girls didn't like that, right? Well, they feel like you probably took an opportunity away from them to have a moment. Exactly. But it wasn't that. It really wasn't.

I was really just because I would want the same for me. I was really just trying to be respectful. Well, I think what you just mentioned before about when there was a moment, about your kids and it made you get emotional. I think knowing that that was related to her kids, it makes sense that you would kind of like... Privately. Yes.

To handle that the same way. Exactly. And that, I mean, their situation, it is unique. It is something that not everybody can relate to. But at the same time, it's, it's delicate. And these relationships really do matter a lot. And so it's not like, oh, like, somebody called you a bitch. It's like, no, the idea of like respect in the household and that type of stuff.

It's really complicated. And, you know, it was also a very stressful time. You know, they were living at Michaels. Yes. They, you know, were building a home. Like, it was, you know, it was very testing, right? They had just gotten married. He's coming into a marriage with teenagers.

I can't imagine that being easy. Yeah. I mean, that's like a sitcom premise. Telling you. It really is. But I kid you not, like, when I, you know, when we were in Bali, like, he, the messages that he would send to Caroline. It was like off camera.

He adores her. And like you really do see the love there. Yeah. And I think it's like it's interesting watching the two of them because they have such different communication styles and like completely love languages. Oh my God. He's like me khorazone and she's just like British. Where's my tea, darling?

But at the same time it's like you know that there is something under the surface there that works because it's like you wouldn't be in this. It's true. It's true. Marriage house, whatever. if it did it. Yeah. Yeah. And I respect her for that. I really do. And it's like everybody, everybody has their own situation. 100%. So you mentioned Lisa and Ayan not being thrilled with how you handled that. I have a feeling this is not the last we're going to see of

maybe you guys not. You have a right feeling. You've definitely watched these franchises before. So what is it like for you? We still have a good chunk of the season left ago. And seeing these relationships unfold. What is it like for you kind of watching it and are you like sort of giving yourself a grade of like, okay, how did I handle that? What would I do? Yeah, I mean, look, like we all have to relive it. Right. And even though we filmed so long ago, the drama is still very real to us. And I, I kind of like that for the fans because you're going to see it unfold, especially at the reunion. It's not like we've talked things out. Like it's very real and it's still there. Yeah. In terms of grading myself, you know, it was, A plus.

I know, I know. There's some moments where I'm like, okay, but I was very authentic. I was very true to who I was because I was like, if people like me, that's great. That was for me. But if people don't like me, I just want it to be like I, I didn't want to be someone else. You know what I mean? You're the one who has to like go to bed at night and be like, I handled this situation, how I handled it. Exactly.

I have to live with that, right? And look, I'm sure there's going to be things that I see that are cringe and I don't like. And, you know, we're, you know, I'm sure alcohol was involved. No more cartwheels, though, I'll tell you that much, I think. But I feel good about it. I was myself. I really was. I will just say, I was at most of your BravoCon panel.

And you can tell there is, you could cut that tension with the knife. Like there's not everybody has made up after the season, that's for sure. That's for sure. And I really hope we can all get on the same page. I really do because we are a group of friends and, you know, there's ebbs and flows and friendships, of course, and, you know, divides. But at the end of the day, like, you know, Lisa and Ion, like that was a really genuine friendship, you know. And I, you can feel the love. So I hope they can move past it. And I really hope even Brooks and I can move past it. Who knows? Yeah. Life is long. There's, you never know. There's always another day. So you said it was very hesitant to do to sign on to do this season. Now that it's out there in the world, how are we feeling? Do we, are we still good with that decision? Ask me in two months.

And so, and then I'll join Witness Protection Program. Check it on Labor Day. Yeah, exactly. Then I'll get back to you. No. No, I mean, look, I hope we get a season three because I really, I do think it's a great franchise. Just Dubai in and of itself is its own character. Yeah.

And, you know, if I get the opportunity again, I would love to. Okay. Yeah. It definitely feels like we have not, we've not reached the bottom of the well with with this group. So got some more to dig. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.

Talene, thank you so much for joining me. Thank you so much for having me. This was fun. This was fun. Yeah. I feel like it's always like, oh, this was fun. But it's like, no, this genuinely was fun. I like you.

Good people. Yeah, good people. We just fist bumped if you're, if you're listening to us. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. We fist fun. Thank you, everyone for listening. Don't forget to rate, review and follow the show and watch Real Houseways of Dubai, Tuesday nights on Bravo, and also on Peacock.

And until next time, be cool. Don't be all like, uncool. Mentioned It All is produced by Dylan Hafer, Sean Kilby, Jorge Morales Pico, and Rebecca Sousmacat. Editing by Horace Pico, Social Media by Dylan Hafer, guest booking by Dylan Hafer and Ali 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. Jonas Brothers returned to the Yamava Theater stage on April 30th, the powerful vocals of Demi Lovato on May 17th, and the signature Southern Country Rock of Eric Church on July 19th.

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