Mention It All - Does RHOBH Need A Cast Shakeup? Ft. Lea Palmieri

Episode Date: July 20, 2022

Dylan is joined by Spotify host and trusted Bravoholic Lea Palmieri for a much-needed debrief on the state of Bravo. They start with some thoughts on the current season of Southern Charm, and why shows like it and Vanderpump Rules are so hard to quit. Later, they chat about why RHOBH has become joyless, and whether casting changes—including the addition of Cynthia Bailey—could be the answer. Finally, they have hot takes about the reported shakeup coming to RHOC. 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 Dylan Hafer We'll go check me boo

Hey everyone Welcome back to the Mention at All podcast I am Dylan Hafer And today I am excited To be joined by A good colleague of mine On this journey

We call being Bravo viewers I don't even know How to describe it But please welcome She is a host at Spotify, Leah Palmieri. Hi, Dylan.

It's so good to see you. How are you? It's good to see you too. I'm glad to finally get you on the podcast and catch up a little bit and talk about Bravo. I like the way that you put it. It is quite a journey of watching Bravo every single step of the way. That is a really polite way to put it too, I would say. But you're a sweetheart, so I would expect nothing less.

Yeah, I mean, it's a journey. it's not always a fun journey. You know, sometimes there are rough patches. Yeah, which is what makes the fun ones that much more rewarding, I think. That's true. And like, I mean, I first met you, I think, back in 2019, I think. And it's always, it's always a bright spot to get to see people at events and things and catch up and see what goes down in person. Oh, truly.

You are, and I've told you this, but you are one of my. absolute favorite. Like, anytime I show up somewhere and you're there, I'm like, this is going to be a great time. So, know that. Yeah. Amazing. Well, I know that you are a big fan of Southern Charm, and we are now a few weeks into this new season. And so I'm really excited to get your thoughts on how it's going this season so far. You know, I was just thinking that. And it's one of those shows where I feel like we get, like, we get into it. And I'm like, it's still very early in the season. And then it ends up being episode like 10 or 11. I'm like, is it still early in the season? I guess not. But I feel like I'm very much settling in. I am loving the, the confessionals, they're doing something interesting this

season. I don't know if you've noticed, but it feels like they're letting them breathe a little bit more, like they're sort of able to make more faces and give a little more shade. And so that is sort of my favorite part of this season so far, because it feels like it hasn't all the way gelled together just yet, but I'm here for the journey. Okay. I haven't noticed that. I'll have to watch, when I go back and watch this week, I'll have to like pay attention to that. I always enjoy on Bravo shows or I guess any show when they sort of like make interesting choices with how they edit things together and sort of the style of the show because I think different franchises and different types of shows, it's like you want them to really feel like they have their own identity. And I know

we've seen on certain Housewives shows like when they rebooted Miami on Peacock. It just felt like it felt fresh and like there was this kind of like luxurious sheen that they had you know figured out and I like when we see them kind of playing around with things and you know just making these shows feel new. What I don't understand this season that feels new is like a lot of car time like a lot of time in the car like a lot of conversations in the car a lot of phone conversations like I just feel like those scenes are lasting a long time too and I'm like where's everybody driving? Like the town is actually not that big. Where are we going? I was shocked. I think it was like episode two. There was a really long scene of Caleb in the car talking to his mom.

And like I really like Caleb. He seems like a great guy from what we've met of him. His mom seems lovely. Obviously she has a relationship with Catherine as well. But it's like we don't really know these people. No. Yeah, no. No. Even Madison. I mean, even having Madison, like, doing phone calls and, like, handling business and catching up on chats from the car. Like, I'm, like, put her in, put her with people. Like, we see what happens when you put her with people. So why are we just, like, having her in a car? Madison is an interesting situation this season because she's technically a friend of. She's not in the full cast photo.

She, I don't know exactly what went into that decision. but it certainly seems like from a group standpoint, she's no less important than she has been the last season or two. So it feels a little arbitrary that it's like, okay, we're promoting Venita. We're bringing in Olivia is apparently full-time cast, which I didn't realize that to like last week. And it's like, oh, like Madison is still, to me, one of the most interesting dynamics on the show.

So it's a little bit like, okay, why are we giving? her less screen time? Well, she does the most with her limited time. And so, like, not everybody can do that. She absolutely can do that. I also think, you know, she's probably friend of because the fiancé is, you know, wants no part of this. So it's sort of like, well, if you're not going to show everything, then like, we don't,

ultimately they don't need her there full time. She comes in. She does exactly, you know, understands the assignment, does what she needs to do. And we move along. But I did want to ask you, what do you think about Olivia so far? Olivia is, I am not sure how I'm, how I'm vibing with her. I think the first episode, like the whole thing that she was kind of introduced as like Austin's potential love interest and everybody's like, oh, y'all two could be a good match.

And the scenes with her mom really just like make my skin crawl a little bit. It feels very like we're like stuck in a different time period. But then when that episode at Naomi's party, when all of a sudden she kind of like jumps into the mix with the women as like Catherine's second in command, it was, it really caught me off guard. And I, the dynamic with her and Catherine is really, it feel it's like unsettling to me. That scene of them like in the car showing up late to Madison and Vanita's party last episode, I'm like, something wicked this way comes. I feel, I don't, when it's like Catherine and Olivia together, I'm like, this will not end well. You know, it's interesting that you say that too, because I also am like, hmm, okay, so we're establishing her as like Catherine's bestie. I didn't see that coming. I am keeping an incredibly

open mind about her. There's something about her that I feel like we should just give her a little bit more of a chance. Let's wait. Let's see where this goes. I have big hopes and dreams for her. I think there's a lot of potential there. I really do. I'm keeping my eye on her. Okay. Yeah, I mean, here's the thing. If you come on this show and you make the choice off the bat to be Catherine's bestie,

I don't know if that is a good choice, but it is certainly a strong choice. I think involving yourself with Austin is an even worse choice for anyone to make. Oh, yeah. It is, she's going to find, she could find herself pretty quickly with not very many friends, depending on how this pans out. Because I feel like Catherine, more so maybe this season than ever, really doesn't seem to be in the mood to kind of like play along with the full group. Like, both times we've seen her at events with most of the cast, she really has seemed pretty uninterested in like playing along with people that she doesn't really like, which I think

is one of the things that makes somebody a good cast member on a show. It's like you have to put up with them. Like, you can't just like, you can't be too cool to hang out with Naomi. That's not how this is going to work. Right. You know, yeah, Catherine, I, like, I just can't help but root for her every step of the way. I don't know why. I know we're on eight seasons of this.

I still just root for her. I just like want the best for her. I want her to be happy. I don't know if it will ever happen. but I just have a place for her in my heart and I just like I want her to be thriving. I don't know that we're going to see that this season though. Do you think? Thriving feels like a lofty goal.

Maybe I don't know. I mean, the whole thing with Caleb really was off putting because going into the season, I knew they had broken up, but I didn't, I assumed they were going to be like a couple for more of the season. So the fact that she broke up with him in episode three, I think it was really like, oh, like, did you go into filming kind of already planning that this wasn't going to work?

Like, I feel like sometimes with filming schedules, maybe this is something that gets thought about, that it's like, okay, so like, I mean, I'm sure this happens with so many shows that it's like, okay, things aren't going great. Cameras are going up in a month. Like, we'll, like, do one event as a couple and then have the big, like, argument. I mean, I guess I appreciate the timing, but. I also was surprised that it was that early in the season. Like I thought we were going to see more of the relationship.

But I mean, I guess if he is picking up and leaving for six days at a time, then like there's not much to see. But, you know, I don't know. Like, and then do we get to see her date more? Do we get to see him date? Like, I'm intrigued by that. But they did seem good for each other. So I am sad, too. Right.

And like you said what we're going to see of Caleb on his own. he's a full-time cast member on the show this season. So it seems like they're going to be following him whatever happens, even though we barely ever saw him when he was in a relationship with Catherine. I mean, the whole cast, like, it truly is like, I don't know what the criteria is for like making it on Southern Charm at this point. But clearly they're casting a wide net. And I don't know.

I'm enjoying it so far. It's not not working for me. Okay. All right. Interesting. That's good to know. Do you think, is it one of those shows that you would at some point just be like, no, I can't do this anymore and just drop it? I don't know.

I mean, I'm hesitant to say that with any Bravo show. I mean, like, first of all, it's like part of my job, but also I do enjoy it. And I think it's, Southern Charma is one of the later shows that I kind of came around to on Bravo. Like, I watched all of it for the first time in the first half of 2020. And so it was like I really, you know, there was a lot of, you know, baggage by the time I came on this journey. And so I kind of feel like, well, I chose this for myself. I don't know. This is the one for me.

I can't quit. Like this is the one I will watch. I will just always watch it, I think. Like this is the one. I just need to know what they're doing. Well, that's kind of, I feel the same way a little bit about Vanderpump rules that it's like during the most recent season. I feel like that was the most I had ever seen people being like, yeah, I'm not going to watch this year. Because it used to be, I mean, Vanderpump used to be one of the biggest ones of like, even people that weren't that into housewives or didn't watch that many Bravo shows were like, oh, yeah, but Vanderpump rules.

Like, that's, that's the good shit. And then like this season, it was kind of like, oh, like, you're not going to watch. You're six weeks behind. You're not watching either. I'm like, seeing who's going to come on the podcast. I'm like, well. The pickings have gotten frighteningly slim. But it is, I mean, Vanderpump rules, I sort of feel like, well, I'm not going to just, like, not know what's happening with Sheena.

Like, I have to know. That's true. And I'm glad you named her, too, because that is the one that I don't know if it's, if I feel a responsibility or an obligation or just a genuine curiosity. But yeah, that is the one I do need to know what you're doing with your life. Like, I need to know. Did you watch the most recent season of Vanderpump? It was the one. I watched most of it, but I'm also one of those people who sort of wavered a little bit towards the end.

But I was absolutely there for the reunion. And I thought it was a very good reunion. It was a good reunion. I think Vanderpump rules for the most part, they usually give good reunion. They do. I mean, there's always like, there's always some hijinks happening. Obviously, like the breakups that happened off the season this year. Luckily, we got to talk about like Lala and James and Raquel, but it's, I'm,

I mean, now that they're filming again, I'm kind of like, okay, so what do we got? We got James dating someone new. Katie and Tom getting a divorce, but they're clearly like getting along, which is no fun. It is, I mean, it's one of those shows where it's like I'm not, I can't pretend like I'm, you know, maybe not going to watch. But I am kind of like, what is the potential here for a watchable season? Yeah, give me something. Like, give me something to enjoy. something to snack on here.

You know, I'm interested in, certainly Katie and Tom, certainly Lala, because I feel like Lala is just going to let it all out. There's no holding back for her on this upcoming season, I feel like. So that will be sad, but interesting. So, yeah, it's like, I always feel like, if it doesn't come back, I'll probably be fine. But then when I hear that it is coming back, I am still excited. I mean, they just had their Schwartz and Sandy's Daily Mail TV party last night.

And, okay, the funny thing about this is they're like, oh, it's the grand opening, whatever, great. There's a step and repeat. I saw photos from the inside. It exists. But the Instagram page for Schwartz and Sandys is still just one post with the logo. It says opening summer 2022. And then the most concerning part is that you click on the link in bio and it's like Schwartz and Sandys. dot com and it's a go daddy like domain placeholder and it's like what where is the disconnect like obviously

we know that they are having this party to celebrate Schwartz and Sandy's like while they're filming that's like you know I know how like babies are made but it's like is this real is this going to exist like what where's the where's the infrastructure behind this filming storyline you would think that somebody would have the foresight to like get those things in order, but also at the same time, shame on me for thinking that that would ever be the case. Like, it's sort of, like, of course that this is how it is. Do you know what else has completely backfired for them is like, as you were talking about shorts and sandies, and I saw, you know, all the happenings at the party, you know, online on Instagram. In my mind, I just was like, huh, I didn't see any pictures of

sandwiches. And so in my mind, I know it's a bar, but I keep thinking about the sandwich place in dead and I'm like, I just want the sandwich place. I don't care about another bar. I want the sandwiches. Yeah. When is she's so, what is it? She's so the, what's the name? I can't even remember. I just want sandwiches. Yeah, like what's happening with like Katie and Ariana's like storybook rustic sandwich shop? Like it's not she's got to have it, but like that would also be a good name because like that's how I feel about sandwiches. So. she's got to have it. Wow, that would be something.

I mean, whatever. I'm sure we're going to get updates about it when we watch the season in six months. And they're going to be like stressing about the construction costs. And Lisa's going to be like, well, I told you it cost this much money. But I don't. And like the inflation on mozzarella. Yeah, like it's going to be a problem. We know.

Oh, they're going to have. What if the, what if the heat wave in Europe like fucks with their ingredients? I don't know how that works. Probably will. If they're getting any of their ingredients from Europe, I don't know about that. That's a several episode storyline right there for sure. Schwartz and Sandy's, maybe I'll go. If I'm in L.

See, like, I was in L.A. in April and I did the whole like Vanderpump crawl and it was like so devastatingly underwhelming. And so now I'm like, damn, next time I'm in L.A. Am I going to go someplace less convenient just to see Schwartz and Sandy's? like like I will I don't even pretend like I won't like I definitely will and I'm I only have myself to blame for that but like I will I will show up there and I will be like it's mediocre like everybody told me but I've seen it for myself exactly I mean it's it's a lifestyle yeah it's a life that's chosen us 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 brands you love like Vince, Sam Edelman, frame, and free people.

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It's time for a trip to Ross. Work your magic. Getting off the topic of Vanderpump rules because it's starting to become depressing. I know you're watching Beverly Hills this season. Oh, speaking of depressing. That's another one. How are we doing? Can I?

Speak freely. Can I go on? Like, can I continue with this? Yeah. And I, I've really never gotten to a point. I've never felt this frustrated before. And I'm truly like, I don't know. Because this is just not, where is the joy?

Like, I have no joy. Right? Yeah. It's been up and down for me. I still look forward to it. Like, it's one of those shows where I, always feel like there's going to be something to talk about. You know, last week's confrontation with Sutton and Diana, I thought was like a fascinating,

like psychological character study because Diana Jenkins is purely, she needs to be studied. Like, I don't know what's happening there. But I get what you mean that it's like, Beverly Hills used to have this kind of like, I don't even know how to, like this like opulence and like, yeah, it all felt kind of like a facade in like a, in like a sexy way. And now it's kind of like, like, what's going like where Rina's like complaining again, she's complaining on social media that Lois is passing wasn't given like enough screen time essentially, which I just don't. I mean, to me that that was strange. I was talking to our mutual friend Sarah Galley about this, that it's like, how much, how much are we supposed,

how much time are we supposed to spend on someone's mom dying on house lives? Like, it's been brought up numerous episodes. The whole Mexico trip, it felt like every time we sat down at the table, it was like, oh, Lois is here, the earrings, the birds, like, which is great. Lois was always a fun presence on the show. Absolutely, Rina should, you know, take whatever time and space she needs to process that, but it's like, you don't, like, if somebody's saying you're not, like, bringing that much to the show this season, the response isn't like, well, they only spent three episodes on my mom's death, so that's why I don't have a storyline. It's like, I don't know.

Rina is just, like, endlessly frustrating to me at this point. I defended her for a long time. I defended everyone minus Diana, obviously. but I defended everybody on this cast for a really long time. And I am dismayed by the amount of them, the number of them that are making that so much harder to do. I mean, I was, I know that, like, you're not supposed to publicly say this. I loved Erica.

Like, I really was, like, a huge Erica fan in so many ways. And I even defended her during, like, last season. And there was a part of me that, like, I don't know, probably after a beverage or two would still find some things to defend about her now. And, you know, I, I know that's a bold thing to say. But Rina is really, I want to defend her, but I can't. And so I think I'm also watching this kind of, not that they're the same, because they're very different. But I am also watching this to make sure that Sutton is okay.

Like I'm like, is our girl Sutton all right? Like, what is she doing? What's happening? I need to see where she's at. I mean, Garcel is obviously like untouchable, wonderful. And I never thought I would be frustrated by Kyle, but I am. You know, it's all just every single one of them has something depressing happening. Like, it's like, it's just a battle of who's more depressing at this point.

And still the winner is Diana because of just how she is. Going back to what you said about Erica, I do, I have. enjoyed the last few weeks that there have been some moments of lightness with her and Sutton. I think obviously they aren't going to be the best of friends. They don't need to be the best of friends. That would be strange. But it's fun that they can like, you know, have a few drinks and talk about how much dating apps suck.

Like that, that's the kind of thing where like that makes me happy to see. But then it's like the flip side of like her seeming like she's in this kind of like pit of depression and then like just gets like hammered and says whatever pops into her brain it's like yeah that is not so fun no and that's the thing is like we love when they're drunk but not in this way and so that is that takes away from the fun of it but my gosh wouldn't you love to see the two of them like going on dates like somebody put them on a double date too by the way like I I want to see the men that these two are going out with I want to see how they're being treated I want to see how they're reacting.

That would be great. And I feel like neither of them is going to do that. But that's, I would love that. Yeah, that feels like something that on a different franchise, like maybe on New York or Potomac or, you know,

we might see them kind of like bringing a man around or they might even have like a solo scene of getting dinner with some dude. Like we've seen lots of people on housewives in general sort of like dating, whether it's kind of like put on for the cameras or. something real, but it does feel like Erica and Sutton are not two people who would be like, oh, yeah, like, I'll film on a first date. Like, that sounds fun. It's like, no, there's no way. They would not be into that. And I mean, whatever, I get it. Like, as somebody who has never done reality TV and would be very reluctant to do reality TV, I understand not

wanting the cameras to come on a first day, but it's like, I would like to see it. Yes. Um, Wait, have you ever watched the show celebs go dating? No. It's a UK show. Oh, Dylan. Okay. It is one of my absolute favorites. There's three seasons of it on Hulu right now.

There's way more of that if you have like a VPN where you live there. But it is wonderful. It is so good. They, like it's a lot of people that are on shows like Made in Chelsea and Love Island. And they go on dates, but they have a team of people that are like coaches essentially that help them. It's so, it's wonderful and it's wholesome and it's hilarious. And it's, I don't really like to watch a ton of people go on dates, but this show I highly recommend.

It is, it's one of my favorites. So look into that. So let's go dating. It's giving me throwbacks to, I think, like, Danielle Stob went on a date, like, season one of Jersey. Like, that's what. No, she got stowed up. She got stowed up. I don't want to, I don't want to associate her name with the show whatsoever.

So we're clear about it. There's the show on Netflix dating around, which is not celebrities. It's just like normal people, but it's just like, like, fill, like people go on dates. It's nice. It's nice to see. And I wish more of our housewives would submit to going on dates on camera. And I wish they would have this team that would help them realize what they're doing on dates or what they could improve on and like being open to that. It's, I'm telling you like, I know it sounds crazy, but it really is so heartwarming.

And it's, it makes me like feel good and it makes me feel nice, even though, you know, you. know, it's a reality dating show. So like, none of this is actually lasting. Um, but it's, it's the way to, to do that. Maybe this has potential for like a peacock spin off or something. Like we can have, I don't, I'm, I can't do Patty Stanger anymore, really, but like somebody of that, of that mindset, you know, like going around and like helping out some of the housewives and like setting up some dates like that I would be into. That I would be totally into it's you've got to get the right people leading them like this is um paul brunson who i believe is also unmarried at first sight some variation of that show and he's really lovely and um this lady anna

williamson is they have like you know a cheeky sense of humor and that's really important and they seem to want to help these people like it's not for just the drama like it seems like we want you to find love and like here's how we can help you and instead of just being like we're going to you know yell at you and make you feel dumb like it's really inspiring But yes, they should have housewives do it for sure. Send Giselle Bryant to the UK right now. Take her off of Girls Trip 3 in Thailand and send her to the UK so she can get some dating advice.

Well, let her finish Girl's Trip 3. Then send her there immediately, yes. She can go there. Shiree Whitfield is top of the list. She's apparently dating this guy who is on the show Love and Marriage Huntsville, which is Carlos King's show on own, who's like a known, like, horrible cheater. And now Sherey is like purportedly dating this man. I'm like, get out of there.

What are you doing? Like you literally just came off a season where you got stood up by your like parole, like house arrest man. Like, Sherey, please. I don't even think we need like a licensed coach to help her. We need anyone to help her for sure.

Like, please, girl, please. Anyone with like an internet connection and like. Yes. Yes. Truly that's all it takes. Yeah.

Can tell Shere to get the hell out of there. Like, Don't go down that path. No. All new drinks are now at McDonald's, with refreshers like the strawberry watermelon refresher, and the mango pineapple refresher with popping boba, to crafted sodas like the Spriteberry blast,

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mixer. Just add a song to your chosen playlist and put your summer on track. Red Bull Summer All Day Play. Red Bull gives you wings. Visit redbull.com slash bright summer ahead to learn more. See you this summer. Wait, also going back to Beverly Hills too. You know the Cynthia rumors that are going around or her just being like, I would be open to that. Like, I'm not mad at that. I feel like I don't think that that is a real enough possibility that I've really put much consideration into whether I would actually want it. Cynthia, to me, I always, for the most part, enjoyed her presence on Atlanta. I think she was one of those housewives where because she was never the most explosive one or the messiest one in the

cast, she kind of gets left out of the discussion of like this sort of like history of Real Housewives of Atlanta, which I think is unfair because she was around for so long. She was, you know, her whole friendship with Nini was such a like seasons long storyline and, you know, whatever. But then it's like, I don't know if she's not necessarily a strong enough personality. that I'm like, oh yeah, if you got her on Beverly Hills, it would be iconic. Like, I think it could be entertaining. She could be fun to watch.

But, like, I don't have a strong, like, gut reaction to that. Because I'm like, yeah, she'd probably get along with everyone for the most part. I don't know. That's why they need her. Like, that's exactly why they need her. Because, you know, they need the Eileen of the world who's going to maintain. Just maintain. Just like, be there.

Be calm. Be reasonable. That's the energy I need her to bring. Like, I don't need her to bring extra drama because, like, clearly there's enough. So that's sort of why I'm intrigued by the possibility, although I also believe nobody's actually taking that serious. God, I miss Eileen Davidson. She was, I don't think she would have stayed.

There's any world where she would have stayed on the show for, like, a long, more than a few seasons, but we should be so lucky. I mean, what a woman. Truly. Truly. I do think that's one thing with casting. And with Beverly Hills especially, it's like they've, the cast is so large this season. And we're about to finally see Kathy Hilton this week.

It feels like they've added a lot of people, but it hasn't necessarily helped with the overall group dynamic. It just feels like they've like tacked on people to the existing group sort of. And it is somebody like a Cynthia could kind of be a good, like, leveler in terms of like, okay, like, y'all seem a little crazy, y'all seem a little weird. Let's just all like calm down and like go to dinner together. Yeah. You're right. They need like a referee.

Like they need somebody in the middle of the groups to be like, well, why aren't you talking to her and why are you treating her like that? Where I think Garcel is doing a little bit of that, but still is also sort of, you know, separated from the other groups that have formed. So, yeah, they need somebody like sort of a, like a, you know, the middle of the wheel, you know, you know what that's called? Like that thing where like all the other people are the spokes and then like there's somebody who sort of grounds them and like binds them all together.

What is the middle of the wheel? What do you, is there a word? Yeah, there's like a word for like the middle of the wheel. The hub, the hub. I'm like, I'm like, okay, so you have like the tire, you have the wheel, you have the spokes. And then I'm like, what part does the hub cap go on? The hub cap goes on the hub. I mean, I couldn't be more city folk.

I've nowhere near wheels ever. My dad definitely taught me how to change a tire when I was like 15. And it was one of those things where I was like standing in the corner of the garage like definitely on my phone. Yeah. Retained absolutely none of the information. Thankfully, I've not needed it in the time since then. And actually, that's not true. One time I got a flat tire on the side of the highway in middle of nowhere, Louisiana.

But did you have AAA? I did have AAA. It took them a long time to come because it was middle of nowhere, Louisiana. But, you know, we're onward and upward. That's my answer. Yeah. And these days, I am not driving much. So thankfully, has not had to change any tires.

But back to what we're saying, they need a hub. And I think with Garcell, I think she's in a position. where she, for the most part, is, gets along with everyone in the cast. Like, she has her little issues, but there's no, she doesn't have any, like, sworn enemy in the cast,

but it's like, I think her friendship with Sutton is all, is kind of like her number one. So when the other women, when it's like, Kyle, Rina, Derreet, Erica are like this tight-knit little group. It feels like Garcel kind of has to be in opposition to that

because there is such a strong, like, coalition. And I think, I mean, everybody talks about the Fox Force whatever being like annoying, but it is, it does make it hard to really be like in the middle because you're either in that group or you're not. Yeah. You're right. Garcel has navigated that the best anyone possibly could for sure.

Yeah. And I think Crystal sort of does that a little bit too. Like Crystal doesn't really have enemies in the cast. But she, like it's in her second season. I still like her. I don't have any issue with, you know, what she's brought to the show. But I think it is a hard group to really like get a foothold in because it doesn't feel like the like, Rina and Erica and Kyle and Dorea are really like looking for new members. Like they're pretty much set on their own.

And that's that's when it starts to be like, okay, is it, is it time for a cast shakeup? Which has been talked about for a long time. And I do wonder if we're sort of coming to that natural point where it's. It's like, yeah, this might be the time. It's been a while. I will say two things from that. One, I do think Crystal is actually having a very good second season. I think she learned the right lessons from her first season

and is applying them as well as she can. Two, what would you think if they did like Beverly Hills Legacy? Like they did the same sort of thing that they're going to do with New York? I've said before, I think New York is maybe the only franchise that Legacy really makes sense for, with the exception of maybe OC would work too. But I think with Beverly Hills, it's hard because there isn't, it's not like there are multiple kind of OGs still in the mix on Beverly Hills, really. Like you have Kyle, obviously, and then Rinna, I think at this point is sort of like spiritual, whatever. She's been on the show longer than anybody else except Kyle. But it's not

like New York where you have that like Ramona, Luann, Sonia vibe that feels very old school. Like, I think if you were to spin off Beverly Hills into like the Fox Force show and like everybody else, I'm like, I don't want to watch both of those. I want to watch them together. I just think the dynamics, the specifics need to be tweaked a little bit. I don't know. I mean, I would love to see some of the older Beverly Hills cast. like make appearances again, but it's not the same.

It's not like with Jill and Dorinda where it feels like they're really just like waiting to come back. Yeah. New York also still feels more tied together than Beverly Hills. Like those women seem like they actually can run into each other and do run into each other. Beverly Hills, it's like we can avoid each other if we wanted to. Right. And then, I mean, like one time I think Kyle and Lisa Vanderpom saw each other at Neiman-Marcus,

and we got like tabloid articles about it for a year. It's like, okay, that's not actually a story. Like if nothing, if they didn't talk or fight or whatever, it's like, so, okay. Yeah. And it's like, okay, so then who else would you bring into that show? Like, obviously they're still friends with Teddy. That's not something I'm dying to see. Um, I don't really think they, Yolanda lives in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania.

She's not coming back as she shouldn't. Like, she does not need that energy in her life. But it's like, it wouldn't really make sense for them to, bring back like Adrian or, you know, like Joyce Geroad. Like all of the people that have left the show have kind of left that sphere of orbit. Whereas like on New York, it's like Jill and Luann are still besties. Like Kelly, Kelly Ben Simone still talks to those people or sees those people at events.

Like in Beverly Hills, it's like, whoever's not on the show is kind of doesn't exist anymore. As you're talking, I'm like, the show is not Beverly Hills legacy. It's Beverly Hills rejects. And it's the people. that it is the joices of the world and it's like those people that come back. I mean, maybe it's more of a girls trip kind of thing, but like it's, could you imagine just putting like some of those people who have,

who have disappeared into the world back together? That would be fascinating. Well, that's one thing I've heard. I've seen people toss around like if they did more sort of themed girls trips, like they did this season with ex-wives, would they do like a one season wonders thing? And it's like, call up Carlton. call up Claudia Jordan. Like there definitely are people

that it would be fun to see again in some capacity. But it's like, I don't think that would be like casting them on housewives again. But I am very excited at the, I'm very excited at the thought of Alexis Bolino maybe coming back to Orange County because I just, I miss her.

I will say to each their own, you know, my, it's not really a party. but like if I was going to bring someone back, it would be Gretchen. Wow. That is a, that's a bold take. I respect it. I mean, I feel like Gretchen and Alexis are kind of in the same category of like there of that sort of classic O.C.

era and we haven't spent much time. We haven't heard from them too much in the time since they left the show. I mean, obviously Gretchen is prolific on Face Tune, but she's not really like in the public guy per se. And same with Alexis. Like, I mean, if you look for her, you can find her, but she's not like, she's not like a Jill Zarin where she's kind of always, you know, cropping up. Yeah.

Random places. But I think, yeah, I don't know. Gretchen to me has a little bit of a darkness that I just. That's what I feel about Alexis. So like that's, yeah. So, you know, again. You're thinking about like the baby strapped in the stroller in the pool. I'm just like, it.

It's all a mess. But at this point, I, you know, I truly do feel open to, well, let's try it because for so long we've seen, well, this isn't really working. So I'm open to ideas. I mean, knowing that both Noella and Dr. Jen are not coming back next season, it's like, well, like, would I rather have Tamara and Alexis or would I rather have two more random women that you're, that I'm probably only going to see for one season unless. something crazy happens.

It's like, I'd probably rather just like see Tamara. And I like Tamara. That's not like a, I'm not like shocked about wanting Tamara to come back. But it's like, yeah, like sometimes it's better to go with, you know, the, the crazy you know, versus the crazy that you haven't yet discovered. Yeah, exactly that. Yeah, I'm not. I feel sort of, yeah, don't, like, I don't want to say I don't have an opinion about Tamara coming back.

Because to me, it just also felt inevitable. So I guess I'm just not surprised by it. Like I'm like, yeah, okay. Yeah. Yeah, it's been funny on girls trip this season to see Derinda get so much heat for saying that she's on pause when I feel like Tamara really has almost been just as much, if not more on pause than Derinda. It's like I always, it always felt like there would be a time and a place for her to reappear.

And I think now is kind of a no-brainer. And we'll, you know, we'll see. I'm excited to see her back with Shannon. see how it goes with Heather. I don't. And I'm fine with Vicky not being not being in the miss. I agree. I agree. I'm right there with you on that one. Yeah, it's let's see. Let's see. Let's see. Let's get those oranges ready. Well, I'm glad we agree on that. It has been such a pleasure, Leah, to have you here today. And of course, you are welcome back anytime. I hope you come back. And tell the people what you have going on, what you want to talk about. Yes. Well, first of all,

thank you so much for having me, Dylan. Like, truly, I will hang out with you anywhere. Like, buy the dumpster behind sir. Anytime you and me, it will still be fun. I wish it's like walled off now. There was a security guard when I was there. Rude. I didn't even try because that would make me upset to see that I couldn't get there

because it feels like, of all the places in the world I should have access to, come on. That's the people's alleyway, you know? It is exactly that. Switching complete gears. So I am working and they're going to be like, what? But I am working on three podcasts at Spotify, which are just so fun. One of them is called Spotify Mic Check. And this is the one that I recommend to people that love to be the ones to say like,

oh, I know about this artist way before you and the ones that sort of like turn their friends on to other artists and stuff. So yeah, Spotify Mike Check is we chat with artists and they get to tell their story in their own words. And we learn a lot and it's very intimate and it's nice. And so that one I love. Spotify, Discover This. It takes a look at cultural trends going on. So we just did an episode about fiction podcasts off the success of Batman Unburied.

And yeah, it's a really, really interesting medium for storytelling. And that was really good. I got to visit Gotham, you know, in your ears. It will sound like I got to visit Gotham. And in your brains, it will feel like I got to visit Gotham. So that's fun. And then I also work on Spotify for the record, which showcases what we have going on at Spotify, different business initiatives and fun things going on at the company. So there's that.

And then also, you know, I'm keeping an eye on songs of the summer. What's your favorite this summer? Do you have one that jumps out to you? Oh, what's my favorite? I don't know. I haven't been, I feel like I haven't been like super into a lot of new music, but Sabrina Carpenter's new album that came out last week has been kind of on repeat for me. Yes, for sure. I've been in like a little bit of a black pink revisiting phase. So, you know, always. What an amazing place to be a black pink phase. I'm so on board with that.

I'm also loving Lizone. And of course, of course, legs and hips and body, the Candy Burris anthem. Obviously. Obviously. Yeah, so we're keeping an eye on that. And by the end of August or so, we'll have, you know, the official song of the summer. I personally am rooting for Harry, as we know. But there's a lot of great stuff out there.

And Kate Bush didn't see that one. coming too. So yeah. Yeah. So that's what's been going on in my world plus obviously Bravo. So amazing. Well, thank you, Leah for being here. Thank you everyone so much 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. And until next time, be cool. Don't be all like uncool. Mentioned at all is produced by Dylan Hafer, Sean Kilby, Jorge Morales Pico and Rebecca Sous McCat. Editing by Jorge Morales 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.

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