The Viall Files - E1203 - Kelly Killoren Bensimon Talks The Golden Life, RHOP Returns & Ben Affleck Is Tired

Episode Date: October 14, 2026

Welcome back to The Viall Files: Reality Recap!  We've heard your prayers about missing the OG RHONY, dear listeners, and we have answered them! Kelly Killoren Bensimon joins us to talk all about The Golden Life, what she's been up to since her time on Bravo ended, what the fans didn't understand about her, and more! Meanwhile, we get into the incredible premiere of RHOP, going to the movies alone, how cool frame TVs are, trial ballet classes, and Kelly Clarkson updates. You won't want to miss it!  "Just because I don't cry on tiktok doesn't mean I'm not in serious pain."   HEY! YOU! DO YOU NEED DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE?  Email [e-mail] and be a part of future Ask Nick episodes!   Want ad free episodes and incredible bonus content?  Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/  Subscribe to The ENVY Media Newsletter Today: https://www.viallfiles.com/newsletter  To Order Nick's Book and/or learn more about the show, go to: https://viallfiles.com   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: CashApp: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/lglqmjxb #CashAppPod WhatNot: Download Whatnot today and get $20 off your first purchase. Search Whatnot in the app store, sign up, and start finding the best deals on the products you love with $20 off your first purchase. The RealReal: Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to https://therealreal.com/files  Minky Couture: Our listeners can get 50% off full-priced items with our exclusive code, VIALL. Just visit https://minkycouture.com, enter code VIALL at checkout, and treat yourself—or someone you love—to a Minky Couture blanket. Puori: Use code VIALL at https://puori.com/viall to get 32% off your first order of Puori Grass-fed Whey Protein when you start a subscription. In addition, you get a free premium shaker worth $30 with your first subscription order. Hers: Ready for thicker, fuller hair? Start your free online visit today at https://forhers.com/viallfiles for personalized care—from hair to weight loss to menopause and more. Oats Overnight: Head to https://oatsovernight.com and get 25% off your first box and a free Shaker when you subscribe. To advertise on this podcast please email: [e-mail] or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles     Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:38 - River's First Ballet Class 5:08 - Jimmy Needs A Frame TV 13:59 - Kelly Clarkson Investigation  16:18 - Ben Affleck's Too Tired Confession 23:27 - RHOP Premiere First Impressions 34:11 - Kelly Joins 1:17:11 - Outro Episode Socials:  @viallfiles @nickviall @nataliejoy @kellybensimon @jsotos1 @justinkaphillips @the_mare_bare @baybaeee  

All right everybody. Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Vile Files reality recap edition. It's Hump Day. It's a Hump Day edition of Reality Recap. Do you guys still, is that a... Did you say Hump Day back in the day or am I aging myself? Now I look at me. I mean, we definitely said it back in the day, but... Because of the commercial with the camel. I haven't heard it in a long time. Is it? It's old. It's been a minute. It's definitely old for sure. Okay. I never was a fan of it either. Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike. Well, it's Wednesday. Anyways, we got a great episode lined up for you. We have Kelly Ben Simone on later this episode for a big chunk of this episode.

And we're super excited for you to hear that interview. Kelly, obviously you know her as one of the OG Housewives of Roney. And she will be featured on the upcoming show, The Golden Life with many of her other iconic housewives from Roney. And again, I'm really excited for you to hear this conversation. And I didn't know what to expect. I've said this in the past couple episodes, but after talking to Kelly, I'm super excited about this upcoming show.

I think for all the people who were sad that they didn't bring those women back for Roney, I think it sounds like they're going to very much get to do it with The Golden Life and excited for you guys to catch up with Kelly, hear about what you can expect with the Golden Life. And that is coming up. Justin and I actually have a chance to interview Kelly together.

I'm very excited for you guys to listen to that. Big news for us here. at the Viles household, River, is joining her first class of, she's taking ballet. Extracurricular activities. We started a ballet. We started a ballet. We started with the stars inbound. I didn't know.

Yeah, we're starting her dancing with the star's journey today. Let's go. I didn't know that this, and maybe this is a thing within all extracurricular activities for children, maybe not, but it's genius. If so, it's like a free trial class. So this first class is free, and it's basically like come try it out, see if your kid likes it or hates it. So she's going to love it. What happens? She's going to love it. Then you sign up for like, okay, we'll do this once a week for the next six weeks or package it or whatever it is. But like, genius. I thought I was going to have to buy a six week package and then my daughter hates it. And I'm like paying for this thing.

And she's crying to go and it's a whole thing. Clearly they probably, they probably had that experience with other parents. And, you know, we're like, we'll just let them come once for free. Just let them go. So is this what she's going to? Is this like, will other kids have been going to the class for a while? Is it just a trial for River? Or is it like today's a new day for everyone? I'm not sure.

That wasn't clear. I'm not sure. So we'll see. I'll report back tomorrow. But she is so excited. She keeps saying she's going to ballet school. And I'm like, yes, you are. Let's go.

That's so sick. She's going to ballet school. We've been watching Angelina Ballerina and reading the book, Angelina Ballerina. And so we're very. excited. She slept in her ballet shoes the other night. It's pretty rigorous, like, training, right? Like, as you get into the weeds. Now, Justin, former five-year ballet champion. Well, not champion. I did beginning ballet for five years, and I struggle. He's a black belt in ballet. But the thing is, you guys are so smart to start her young because, like, your body physically

can't do certain things if you don't, like, do, like, do, like, a splits, for example. Like, doing it when they're young is so smart because she'll be able to do it. Or, like, certain, like, foot movements or like flexibility things. Don't they like like have to learn to stand on like the knuckles of their toes so that like points properly? Kind of yeah, to do to do point. But we'll see how long this lasts. Justin, do you have any like videos of you doing ballet?

No, because I was bad at it. But it was. You burnt that. It was a good like if you want a good exercise ballet. Were you really bad? I find that hard to believe. I wasn't that bad. But I was not like there's no way for someone because I did it later in life.

Like, I couldn't progress. There's no way to do that in ballet versus, like, if we're, we're to start it now, like, you can literally, like, she can be a prima ballerina, you know. My favorite thing about Justin is that if he's, if he says he's bad at something, you know he probably is because he will admit when he's good at something. No, facts. Justin's really good at skincare routines and he's been putting me on game. Thank you.

Has he? I will say Rivers, River's feet, if she commits to the bit, ballet will shape the foot. Wait, Justin. change the shape of your life. Why haven't you shared any of your skincare routines with me? Oh. You don't inquire.

I gave you eye cream at BravoCon. But that's because we were, they gave us the, the cream. That was my own personal eye cream. Oh. Yo, you ain't given me any eye cream?

What the fuck? I'll have to bring it. I need to know how to use it, man. Like, he needs the right, he needs a list. For all I knew, for all I know is this like a lubricant. Ew.

Don't squeeze me out, Justin. Give me the top of that hierarchy. Oh my God. Jimmy is officially moving to L.A. this week. Welcome to L.A. It's about time. Show time. I'm going Hollywood on everybody.

Are you excited? Are you nervous? Do you like I, you know, I used to live in Chicago. I was there every day. And now like, well, you're from there. You know, I'm from Wisconsin. So like once I left that city, like I probably have been back to Chicago maybe three times in 10 years.

And it kind of makes me sad because it's a great city. Yeah, I'll be back up for the bunch. I'm not looking forward to how spread. out LA is. That's like the only thing that's giving me like some pause, but are you bringing all the furniture? Are you starting over? Starting fresh. Clean slate, been in my Pinterest bag, really excited about the lighting arrangement I'm going to decorate an outfit my crib with so that we have a good ambiance. People come over. Are you doing it yourself? Are you getting a woman's touch either from a friend or? Big help. Lots of help. Lots of input. Lots of help. Because I think that that's

definitely a mistake I made in my single man era. It was I, you know, I feel like I've always felt like I had taste. I always liked fashion. You know, like yourself, I, you know, I wasn't just like a gearhead. But I'm also like, the difference between my opinion and a woman's touch was so evident anytime walked into my house. There's like little things. Little things you don't think about, you know?

When now I moved in, I was like, wow, this does, this, this is better. I needed this. Like, without me, Nick picked out dining room chairs with wheels, you know? And just like, oh. Unnecessary. Super fun to roll around. Yeah. Right now I'm torn between. I really like these like projector TV screens that like you can like you don't see a TV but like when you want to watch TV just like projected on the wall.

No, no, no, no, no, no. I got you covered. No? Yeah, yeah. Wait. Before he does that, let me tell you why no projector. You're going to always have, if you don't have it on, you're going to have this big massive blank space wall that's going to like kind of look weird. if you don't have the projector on, right?

You're going to be like, oh, that wall needs some art or that wall needs something. Instead, Frame TV, Samsung. I should be the spokesperson. I've seen those. I should be the spokesperson for Frame TV. I don't, I have too many.

But, like, think of it. I've always loved a great TV. I mean, you know, that's the, like, that's probably the most macho, masculine thing about me is like, I like to go. Need a good screen. I like going to Best Buy and, like, checking out the tech. The Geeks Squad.

That's the Geeksla. That's really masculine. Very masculine. Yeah, what? I love going to Best Buy. Hey, we like gadgets. Wait, is that not? Yeah.

I don't think so. It's giving a little. I mean, again, I'm not, I don't hunt fish. I don't do car. Like, I don't do anything really. You're not going into a Home Depot, but you're going into a Best Buy and he's going down the screen's aisle. I know, I need to feel like a man.

I just going to best by. Oh, no way, hold on. Guys, hold on, hold on. I got to, I'll be right back in two seconds. I got to show you guys. Is it a frame TV? He's bringing one in. I don't know. I didn't realize this was show and hell.

He just got so excited. Yeah, I don't know what's happening. Is it a gadget? It's probably a gadget. It's got to be a gadget. My guess is it's a something tech. Natalie bought these for me. What an act of love.

For the auditorial listeners here. So I can talk to my friends. Nick is wearing a headset with a microphone. Oh my gosh. I can see. That's a great gift. And I've been regretting it ever since. No, this may be one of the best gifts my wife gave me because it's such an act of love.

It was an extension from your birthday. She heard me talk about how my friends wanted me to get one, but I would like, I refused to get one because I knew how Nelly might feel about it. And because she loves me. And because she loves me so much, she got me, she gave me permission to nerd out. So now I have to figure out how to turn it on. Now back to the Best Buy screens. Oh, yeah. So frame TV.

Yeah. Because like, think about it. When you're not watching TV, there's this big black eyesore on your center wall. And if for a lot of people out there who like are big on the veng shui, the energy of the room, they don't, you shouldn't have a TV in your bedroom. You shouldn't have a TV in your living area because the vibes are off because there's a big black screen that you don't really kind of notice. But the frame TV, you can just have works of art on your TV 24-7. Oh, Monet. It looks like you can't, honestly,

most of the time you can't tell if it's a painting. It's incredible. You get to customize it? Yes, you can pick whichever one you want. And you get a literal frame. And you get hundreds and thousands, so many of them. Like, you get like a frame frame,

like a frame, like a frame, like a frame, and you put a beautiful work of art. You got to. I'm thinking about my friend's apartment in New York City. She had one. And it was, and there's also like a setting where it can like blend in with the wall too.

I was just about to say at nighttime, it like dims. so it's not like this bright TV. It's like dim, like a piece of art would be lit at night. It's incredible. Yeah, you need it. Everyone should have a frame TV. And the picture quality and watch TVs.

And they're not, they're not sponsoring you or anything? No. They should be. No, they should be. This isn't an ad, okay. There's not an ad. Sold. Here's my question about frame TVs and TVs in general.

Why is it acceptable to watch TV alone? But for some reason, it's not as socially acceptable, according to Nick, to see movies alone. But I didn't say it was socially acceptable. I just said most of my life, I didn't have the confidence in myself to go to a movie by myself. And the one time I did it was like... God, that sounds amazing. It was the beginning of a breakup. And I was like feeling very like pathetic and alone in this relationship and to really lean into my sadness as like an act of defiance.

I went to a movie by myself. What movie did you see? Yeah, what movie? I don't even remember. You don't? No. He was crying the whole time. Yeah, I was, yeah.

Because it wasn't really about the movie. It was about my broken heart. Your sorrow. A big movie theater goer, Dolo, like, I went and saw Batman by myself. I went and saw F1 by myself. Dune, saw that by myself. Are you getting, like, the popcorn, the drink, the candy you're going all out? I'm sneaking getting a Chipotle burrito or Jamba Juice.

Yeah. Depending on how I'm feeling. Not really, you don't sneak things into movies. Not a Chipotle burrito. That is next fucking up. Sometimes you're hungry. I agree now because Chipotle's been on trash lately and they got to fix shit over there. No disrespect for anybody sponsored by Chipotle, my bad.

But they've been stingy with the portion sizes lately. Really? I've been outstanding. Did you see that the- Other than it is increasing the bathroom breaks. No, the CEO spoke about that. And he was like, you can always ask for more. Like, he was like, we, he basically was like, we're-

To be honest, I kind of appreciate that because I'm the option. You want a... When I go to Chipotle, I'm always, like, asking for less. I want my burrito to look like at least a normal burrito. I don't need a ball. I want... I want a torpedo. I want my money's worth.

Exactly. For how much Chipotle costs now, I want two meals. Exactly. That's what I'm saying. Two meals. The Batman was like a damnere three-hour movie. You had lunch and dinner. That's crazy.

That's me. I'm going to see... You can see everything alone this weekend. And I'm literally, it's like three hours. And I'm like, okay. I'm going to have to like plan what my meal. I'm going to have to meal prep. Yeah.

Wait, does it come out Friday or Saturday? It technically comes out on Thursday. Thursday night, like midnight? Yeah. I'm going to see it too. Yeah. I feel like you do a big meal before and then you get a little snack there. But then you have to go to the bathroom during the movie.

So then it's like you really got a... You know what a great movie theater snack is? Annalie introduced it to me, RIP, her dad. Oh my God. Okay. It was your dad's idea. Yeah, it was. And he's no longer with it.

So, RIP. It was crazy. That was nuts. It's a celebration of life because we're about to celebrate a great idea. No, for sure. Maybe, like, rest in peace or dad. That's crazy. Okay, anyways.

I'm glad you're laughing. He did. He did introduce us to this. This is, like, the snack that we would get every time he took us to the movies. And it's popcorn with milk duds, and you put the milk duds in the popcorn. And it kind of melts them a little bit, and you get some chocolate, Popcorn. Awesome.

So good. So good. Kind of like the Garrett's popcorn of Chicago, but just like DIY. Some chocolate flavor. What is Garrett? I kind of dig that. You know, Garrets? It's a Chicago staple.

It's popcorn. Natalie's been to Chicago for like an afternoon. Yeah. Yeah, you got to get some tavern pizza, Portillo's hot dog, Italian beef, and carrots popcorn. Tavern pizza definitely better than Deep Dutch Pizza. So much better. Yeah. So much better.

I send this in the group chat, but Natalie, I have new and exciting news for you. What? Tonight, the world is going to see the Kelly Clarkson video. It's been... Oh, yeah. It's been... Pablo Torre. No way.

Pablo Torre finds out. Yeah, Pablo Torre finds out. Pablo Tori is an investigative journalist, mostly in the sports genre. He's highly polarizing, but very good at his job. He's uncovered some, like, he just basically, like, the clippers. he basically caught a billionaire like trying to cheat the system with the Salarcat in the NBA

Jimmy knows all about it he was like he made a joke he tweeted about it like the other day he's like fine I'll investigate this case and then he released a screenshot of it and he's like tonight it'll be on his episode last night so by when on Thursday's episode

like for anyone for anyone listening right now it is out it is available you can go check it out we will discuss it on Thursday's episode but this makes me believe that maybe I mean, he got, the only way to get this is from the store, right?

It's good to know. Journalism still exists. No, he's actually like, he's so tough at his job. Like, yeah, he's polarizing. Like, he definitely ruined the Clippers, like, next five years of their franchise. Well, maybe they shouldn't have been doing all that. He caught a billionaire literally, like, cheating. Cheating the system, actually, like.

That's crazy. Shout out Pablo. Man. What are we think is going to be in it? I don't know. I think Kelly Clarkson will be vindicated. I'm worried for Kelly. I saw a tweet.

I'm worried for Kelly too, no and Pablo. I saw a tweet that was like, me and my mom didn't go to the mall to buy extra phones to vote for Kelly on American Idol for some stupid store in Brooklyn to try to take her down. It was like T and Kelly all the way. Literally. She got a real army behind her. She is America's princess.

Yeah. I would. I would die to have that type of dedicated fan base. That army, that cult following. Where people go and buy phones? No, well, just to, like, have your back. Oh. You know.

I think it's just, like, Kelly Clarkson is someone that, like, is always putting out good vibes into the world. So for her to, like, come for a store, I just, I believe her. I believe her, too. Jimmy, how old are you? 28. Have you ever in your life yet in the, in young age? had the opportunity to have sex and thought, I'm too tired.

Definitely, definitely have before. Okay. I wouldn't say it's like a common occurrence, but like I've... But it started. It's already, it's like your first gray hair. No, honestly, like, I don't drink a lot of alcohol. I'm more, I like to smoke weed. And sometimes I have been too fried to, you know, execute the mission.

Well, the real thing that I bring it up because Ben Affleck and his wisdom and his age is, you know, just not giving, I don't know when he stopped giving a fuck, but I don't think he's given a fuck in a while in the best possible way. But he did an interview where he talked about how he's just basically, most of the time, just too tired to have sex, especially if you want to be good at it. And truer words have never been spoken about men.

Listen, I feel fortunate that my wife is as sexy and as desirable as she is. But like, yeah, as you get older and life happens, there's always this like, you know, honestly, it's just like, that's a, that's a lot of work. Like the other day, I was in the shower and he...

I don't like this story. Go ahead. I want to hear it so bad now. I was in the shower and he was, I don't know, he was like going to change Iris's diaper or something and he walked past the bathroom. Holding two babies. Where he could see me and didn't even look at me, right? So I was like, what the fuck?

Like, okay. So he comes back, doesn't look at. me. I'm like, I'm in the shower. And he goes back. I'm like, you haven't, you walked past me twice and you didn't even glance. Like, what is going on here? And he's like, what? I didn't know. I looked, but I'm holding the baby. And I, and I, I just had to go and change his diaper. And I was like, how dare you, first of all? Like, the disrespect. The double standard in this story is crazy. That's fucking joke. Just didn't even glance. No, it's, no, to me, it's funny how, like how irked you are by that like

that's jokes. Oh no that shit matter. And then, but then if he would have been like, oh like I'll come in I'm like that's no. I'm already no like I'm not getting my hair wet. It's not hair wash day. So I you can't come in because I actually I'm already done. I'm getting out, you know? But I did

want you to look. Yeah, you wanted the quick acknowledgement. Yeah. But no, it's it's going to happen to you man. I'm being honest. Like I can I can definitely say I've been too tired to want to do the whole hosting thing. But like if we're just like

we're already cozy with each other like Well what I appreciate what Ben? What I appreciate. Wait, wait, wait, wait, what is hosting? Yeah, yeah, what do you mean? Like come over. Now like, you know, there's a song and dance. There's a rhythm.

There's a lot of effort. And then even afterwards it's like, you can't just kick her out. So like being a gentleman. Stay over. You want some juice. Yeah. Some juice.

You want to watch a movie. Being a human being. But Ben was like, the last part. especially if you want to be good at it, which I appreciate that because that, you know, I'm guessing the difference between Ben in his older years is the awareness that it's not just all about him. Because I'm guessing, you know, I think a lot of young men when they're like, you know, getting down and dirty aren't even thinking about like, you know, there's like that common

like, so did you? Did you finish when they're done? You know, was that good for you? You know, I had a great time. How was it for you? They're like, I mean, you were breathing heavy on I don't know. I guess it was fine. Wait, have you, wait. Have you ever had a girl like, just keep going? No, no, please, go. She'll take, like,

she'll take, like, the end of her came too quick, and she'll take it as a compliment. And, like, there's no way. Like, she's trying to spin it, like, in a positive life, but, like, she's probably a little disappointed. No, no, no, we definitely do love it sometimes, for sure. Yeah, really? Okay.

A hundred percent. I feel like they just said to make me feel better, but like. No, if it takes too long, then it's like, oh my God, I'm disgusting. I'm the ugliest thing you've ever seen. Okay, so there's like a fine line. There's definitely a very tight window. Very tight.

Straight people are crazy. What, Mary? What about? Nothing. What about straight people? No, I just said straight people are crazy. How long are lesbians having sex? As long as you want.

What's an average time? Yeah, what? Eight minutes. There have been times. Eight minutes? Right? Do you feel like around eight to ten minutes? For lesbians?

No. For just for normal sex. Oh, normal sex. Probably, yeah. Not counting, I mean, yeah, four play intimacy, holding hands if you want to do it, but the actual act of sex. I don't think it should be longer than 10 minutes.

It depends what round we're on. Round one. I feel like three to four songs. I'm not talking about a first night hookup where you're just like, I want to just keep this going for as long as possible. You're fighting it like, no, no, no, I'm not ready. Well, I think the intent,

well, I think when two girls are having sex with each other, the intention is to actually make each other come. Yeah, but y'all, I could go for hours, I feel like. It's going for, yeah. So that's the longest night of your lives. But like you should be with someone you have, if you're on the same page and someone you have a relationship with an intimacy with,

that should be possible. And there are definitely situations where Natalie's like, it's just not how going to happen today. It's just like it's fine, you know? But like either way, it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. Are we on the same page? Yeah. The worst is when you can't go a third or a second round and she's like,

I kind of want to go again. How long is your first round, Jimmy? It depends how long has been. It depends how excited I am. It depends if, like, I haven't seen you in a while. Just give me a time. Give me a time. Like three to four songs.

That's 10 minutes. Yeah. 10 minutes-ish, yeah. Depending on the song. Depending on the ballad. So we're all on the same page. Yeah. Besides Mary.

When you start to break a sweat, that's how you know you've been going on too long. When you get a little perspiration, it's like, all right, all right. Nobody needs to be sweating. I don't know. You're just having a good time. You're just trying to have a good time. And however long that lasts is however long that last. Obviously, everyone listening right now knows what happens with Dancing with the Stars

because we record this a day in advance. So hopefully Tyler's still around. And hopefully I made $380. Hopefully I made $300. It was 319. 319? For me. But we obviously will talk about whatever happened on last night's episode of Dancing

with the Stars. And we'll also get into Roney. I can't like that whole, how do you pronounce her name, Maxwell? Islane. Delane. The fact that Carol is in the Epstein files? Well, basically what happened is, according to Carol, she was socially friends,

like, just in the New York, like, kind of like socialite scene. She had mutual friends with Gislane Maxwell. Did not know Jeffrey Epstein, according to her. And, like, they just, like, would talk and we're, like, kind of friend. She always thought Gislane was, like, a social climber. Now I'm thinking about who I was rubbing shoulders with at New York Fashion Week. Caroline Stanberry was also mentioned. Oh, yeah.

And wasn't the guy from Staliener. Southern Charm, Whitney. Yeah, yeah. Is it in that? Oh, Whitney. Yeah. Anyways, what a, what a, doesn't mean you were on the island,

but what a terrible thing to be on. Anyways, we'll get into all things Ronnie tomorrow, as well as Dance with the Stars and a lot more. We also had the premiere of Protomac, which I'm excited for you to jump into, Jimmy. Jimmy, did you watch? I did, and I... It's great, right?

Immediate thoughts. I don't know if I like them better than Roney yet, but they have potential to be my favorite. favorite real housewife saga. It's an excellent franchise. I want to know why What's Her Face was in jail. She's the Grand Dame. First of all, have some respect.

Sorry, it's going to take me a minute to learn everyone's names. Karen Huger, the Grand Dame. She had one too, one too many DUIs. Yeah. I thought it was going to be like some cool shit. Damn it. If a housewife is in trouble with the law,

it's usually one of two things. It's usually taxes or drinking and driving. Yeah. Almost exclusively. I was happy to see Wendy. I was worried maybe she wasn't going to come back this season or maybe like take a step back. I mean.

She got a new car. She got a new car. Psalm 21. And what is that Bible verse? Can we look that up? She got my dream car. She got a G-wagon. $170,000 car.

I love G-wagons. It's a Psalm of David. The king shall have joy in your strength, oh Lord. And in your salvation, how greatly you leave. shall he rejoice. You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Oh, okay. For you meet him with the blessings of goodness. You set a crown of pure gold upon his head. He asked life from you and you gave it to him. Length of days forever and ever. His glory is great in your salvation. It feels like a little bit of a random. I thought it was going to be something like not guilty.

Wait, Wendy's car? She also went to jail? Well, not yet. Wendy has been allegedly accused of insurance fraud. Insurance, credit card, insurance. Like, yeah. Yeah. She likes, they like, allegedly there was like a robbery that may or may not have been real, stole a bunch of stuff that she may or may not still have. And a lot of,

a lot of credit cards and a lot of different names, those types of things. Yeah. This is cool, at least,ish, kind of. Like, I could see a movie around that. Yeah, yeah, it's definitely better than D. you I for sure. Wendy's funny though. Yeah, no, it's like, well, it's, it's such a, what's, it's such a juxtaposition because, again, like, as a housewife, we, you know, she's this very charming, lovely person, professor. Doctor. Doctor. Dr. Wendy. And then here she has caught up in this

alleged criminal activity. But regardless, the fact that she is, A, just still on housewives making content talking about these allegations, just seems like legally not smart. And then, And now you're spending $170,000 on... Well, maybe the... Maybe the logic is, I didn't need to steal because I have money. I have so much money. Maybe.

Sounds like more money laundering shit. You got a G-wagon? It's... Yeah, it's on... We also opened this premiere up with a bang because now Tia's husband is on dating apps. Yeah. He admitted to it.

And he was like, yeah. It's crazy. Honestly, like... Like, he probably was like, she probably has proof. So I'm not going to lie. I mean, at least, yeah, at least he owned it. But that's great. How do you come back from that?

What was going to say? I was looking for friends? I'm trying to combat the male loneliness epidemic. I'm trying to find male friendships on here. He's like, I thought I was on Bumble friends. I was on dating bubble. That would have been hilarious. He was like, no, my favorite part of the episode was when they were talking about

this. And they're like, well, Ashley, you're on dating app. She's like, I mean, I mean, I know, I know about him. I'm not like I thought It was like Maybe you're not Don't know

Dating apps are so Obviously prevalent now It's like how people are meet But like People are meeting But when I was your age gym It was like You didn't want anyone to know

Yeah I mean I've never I've still never been on one I kind of am proud of that fact Yeah you see that with a sense of Yeah I don't even I don't need a dating out Actually I did download Ria

And then I was on like a waiting list And I was like fuck this shit I deleted it Well you should DM Ashley from Atomic. You, I mean, I feel like, I don't know if she's still dating that Josh guy. Is she the one with the curly head dude that came to the box suite? Yeah. They're kind of on and off again, so I don't know.

Yeah, I used in Pittsburgh a lot. She's a lovely person. Can you DM her for the plot and just see like where it goes? Hey, just started watching Big Fans. I'm not a home record though, but I don't think they're together. What if you say just started watching Big Fan? Wink. That's smooth. That's smooth. I don't go allow, you might have some game left in you. No, no, I'm doing. A little bit.

Are you doing it right now? No, no, no. This is the company iPad. Oh, okay. Right. I mean, I don't know before I say anything that'll give me in trouble. Who is the guy? It's like her situation ship.

It's just like her friends with benefits. Last season she broke up with him out of Dave and Busters and it was like a whole thing. On the show. On the show. Like brought him to the show on a date. Do we like him? What are our thoughts about him? We are kind of benign.

It's kind of like whatever. Whatever Ashley thinks we think. Okay. Wendy thinks Ashley as impish behavior, which was maybe my favorite. Impish is hilarious. It was my favorite line from the episode. What does impish mean? Sounds bad.

Impish? Like think of like an imp. Yeah, like. She's tiny and mischievous. Like little bro, like you're beneath me. I love how Giselle was like, he looks like he works here. He came in in a suit. He's like, what are you?

Why are you wearing a suit to a basketball game? Who is more wrong? Stacey or Ashley? I'm going to go team Ash. I feel like Stacey had mischievous intentions. Wait, jog my memory. Wait, with what? Okay, so Stacey was the one.

So basically Stacey and Wendy are friends. And Tia and Wendy are friends. And then Wendy. And Stacy and Tia don't like each other. They're not friends. So basically Wendy took Stacey and Tia to like lunch. And Stacey was like, hey, listen, like I'm really sad. And I hate to have to tell you this.

but I've been getting messages that your husband is on dating sites, and the other girls are talking about it, and I just didn't want you to get accosted by it. Lo and behold, later in the episode, Ashley and Giselle accost her about it. I feel like, listen, I just think people talk. That's how I felt. I don't think Giselle and Ashley hearing about this,

and when stuff like this happens, usually friends are like, do we tell her, how do we tell her, should we tell her, I don't know, like maybe they haven't really. I don't want to like, you know, it's like normal friend behavior to like talk about this stuff. And yeah, you can get into semantics of like, I guess we should have, you know, there's like, it's a difficult question to answer. Stacey isn't friends with Tia. And I feel like she found this out and used it to her benefit thinking she could like get

in the good graces of Tia. You know what I'm saying? It just feels like, I don't feel like her intentions were as pure as she led them out to be. You think Giselle had good intentions with it? I don't think she had. By like bringing it up. Because I feel like what Stacey was doing was just like. I think she was a pro.

I think she's a housewife. Yeah, but I also feel like what Stacey was kind of doing was just like, hey, I'm going to tell you this in a place that's safe and doesn't have other women around her. Like the other women around her. Well, I mean, they're going to talk about it on camera regardless. And it was kind of like, let's have you find this out like with your friend, with Wendy. And then when Giselle and Ashley bring it up as if you're doing something wrong, which you're not doing anything wrong, your husband's the one on the streets.

Like, you know. And they bring it up around the new housewife, Courtney, and like around a bunch of strangers she doesn't know. And now they're forced to like get loud and have this conversation around a bunch of strangers. Meanwhile, Karen's fallen asleep. That was crazy. It must be so hard to be a new housewife because like there was a scene where you could

tell like she was like trying to look for her spot to like interject. Yeah. But like these, all these women are just big. dynamic personalities, season pros. And you could see her struggle to like, you know, and Courtney might be a huge personality,

but like when you get a group together, like it's hard to kind of find your rhythm and you could kind of see that. I have a question about, I guess, the cast and totality and specifically Robin. Because I knew her from traitors. Yeah. So was she like the biggest deal of them?

She was, she was off. Is she back? Is she officially back? She was in her? She's back as a friend. Okay. I recognized her. Yeah.

She's funny. Robin and Giselle were kind of like a kind of like duo for a really long time of Potomac. Then Robin was off and now she's back as a friend of. But Robin causes a lot of shit with Giselle because they have their podcast unreasonably shady. But yeah, she was, Robin was on for eight seasons and then is back as she took eight, nine, ten. And then she took two seasons off. She's back as a friend of this season. Who's the one married?

Is it to Ray? The guy that pulled up in the car and saw she was home and then dipped? Somebody's husband came home and saw she was home or saw that their cameras being filmed and he dipped. And she called her and was like, she called him and was like, you're not going to say hi or anything. I kind of respect it for the camera, you know. He's like, fuck this. I don't want to be on TV. Dude, I was like, yo, that was baller.

Oh, that's Karen. That was Karen's husband. Karen and Ray, it seems to be having, like. Marital. problems, right? I want to meet Ray. Ray seems like a dawn. Well, he's married to the Grand Dame.

It's an exciting season. I'm excited. I'm excited, Potomac's back. I think we're really going to get into it. I think you're going to really like this franchise, Jim. Yeah, I mean, this is my first go-run with Real Housewives, I mean, all of them.

And I would say Salt Lake City and New York are my favorites right now. But this is a great first impression. Yeah. No, I'm really excited about this season. like we said, we also have Roney, and we're going to get into all of that in tomorrow's episode. But coming up next, we have Kelly Ben Simone from The Golden Life. You know her as one of the OG women's from Roney, and now she will be starring in the Golden Life. It was a great conversation.

We're excited for you guys to hear it, and we are now very excited about the Golden Life. And up next, you get to hear all about it. Kelly, Ben Simone. Kelly, welcome to the show. Thank you. How are you next? So good. We're so honored to have you. We were talking just a little bit before we start, but they felt like there were, you know people who know Natalie. Natalie's friend got in a car accident,

so that's why she had to pop out, and she's sorry she couldn't be with you. So sorry. But I guess there's some, there's some... Synergy. Connections. You know some people who know Natalie. My oldest daughter is good friends with the coffee daughter, so I thought maybe you guys knew. knew her. My daughter's like, say hi. I'm like, okay.

It's so weird how like everybody knows everyone. Yeah, it's a small world. And you're a twin, you were saying. I'm a twin. I am. So you have a brother or sister? I have a twin brother. Okay.

Overall, do you like being a twin? Oh my God. I mean, I have the best twin on the planet. He's like the coolest guy ever. I mean, everyone loves my twin. I think more than me, which is weird. What is one, like, one, can I ask you for some of twin advice? I have a twin daughters. They're like, two months old. Oh my God. Are they identical or? They're fraternal, two girls. Okay. Yeah.

What advice do you have, like from parents, like, what's something that you like wish your parents did differently as it relates to you two being twins and like, you know, the amount of like leaning into the twinness or leaning into the individuality of like raising them? Like, what advice would you give to me? You know, my parents were really good. I'm from Rockford, Illinois, and being a twin was like such an anomaly. And my parents were really good at raising us at, because he's a boy and I'm a girl. And they were really good at raising us as individuals, what they think is really important. But we were always, we were also always the twins. So it was like the twins on their birthday, the twins do this, the twins do that. I think that just, you know, making sure that each child, and this is just in general, just that each child gets,

that's the attention that they, you know, need and deserve is really important. Yeah. Well, we've enjoyed it so far, so. I love it. Thanks to the advice. The twin. The twin. Well, back to you.

You're back. You're coming back on our screens. We're very excited about it. So fun. Tell us about it. Like why, you know, well, I know why we're excited, but. I mean, you know, I haven't worked with this group of ladies in a long time. The last time I saw them, we were in St. Bart's, which I love.

And I'm having so much fun. And now we are back together for the golden life. And we start in Palm Beach where, you know, we make, you know, the movie magic. I mean, it's just unbelievable. It's so much fun. Have you been living in Florida? So I spent a lot of time in Florida with my dad was a lawyer. And I told you I'm from Illinois.

And a lot of Midwesterners go to Palm Beach. And so I used to go with my dad all the time and my mom. and hang out with their clients and, you know, patent leather shoes and, you know, the drill. Different weather than New York. Different weather than New York. You always hear about, like, Florida lore and, like, how, like, the lifestyles are very unique. And there's a lot of, a lot of privilege and a lot of things we love to watch on TV. Yes.

Is that something we can look forward to, like, you women leaning into the culture that is, like, Florida and the whole Florida culture in that scene? I mean, I think that Palm Beach, like, is totally separate than actual real Florida culture. It's, like, its own, you know, special area. And, I mean, there's just so much that goes on, whether it's the charity events, the lunches, the dinners. I mean, Nick, I have never consumed so much rosé in my entire life. I'm like, I cannot drink anymore. So what's the best rosé, or the rosé you avoid? I mean, there's so many great rosés.

Like, I love a Marival. I love a whispering angel. I actually love whispering angels like baby sister called The Beach. It's like 1499. It's so good. I just literally consumed so much. I was like I just, but it was so,

it was like you're drinking rosé and you're in these gorgeous, colorful dresses and it's sunny every day. And I got to ride horses and hang out with all my friends that are from New York and from the Midwest, which was really fun because I grew up there in the Midwest. And so like everyone is down there. And I just was having the best time. And then obviously spending time with the ladies was so,

it was so good for me personally. You know, I really, I really saw a lot of personal growth on the show, which was really, really exciting for me. I was going to say, is that growth in comparison to Ultimate Girls Trip? Because you were on one of my favorite parts of that season. And I know that season was also a little rocky. Yeah. But I'm glad that you're back in Golden Life.

It's a different atmosphere, right? It is a different atmosphere. You know, it's Sonia, Ramona, Luan, Durinda, and me, and we just are connecting in a different way. And, you know, it's hard because, you know, I started off with them in, you know, 2009. And, you know, I don't think people really know the real me. You know, 2008 was a very, very difficult financial year for many people. I just gotten divorced. There was a massive crash. You know, I lost like, you know, half of my net worth. And I had two daughters who I was providing for.

And it was a very, very stressful time in my life. And, I mean, anyone that has gone through financial crisis, they know that, you know, things are not all rosé. And so now to see me, you know, in my golden life era, you know, it's just like, I'm just open to learning so much more. And I had a health scare last year. and that would make me even more open to finding out who I was and what I wanted out of life. I mean, I know I have a good moral compass. I have great values.

I have beautiful children. But like, what about me? You just got my brain twirling, Kelly. There's so, I feel like there's so many layers there. Well, can I ask you more? Like, just, when you, that's financial crisis, when you lost half your net worth. not to dive too deep into it, but clearly there's a spectrum of privilege and wealth and how much

we have and don't have. And obviously there's a sense of privilege. But everyone can relate to loss, right, and the loss of like no matter where you are. And so like, I don't know what your financial situation was at the time you lost half, but that must have been a very scary moment. And it's sometimes something people don't overcome. I'm curious, like, how did you kind of like get through that? Because like, that must have been very scary. And not every, like, quite honestly, makes it through that type of loss. You know, I think your point about the emotional scar sometimes is worse than actually just rebuilding financially because you're, you, when you lose money, it's so easy to fall into

that scarcity mentality. And when you have two girls to raise, you know, I was divorced and I was responsible for them emotionally and financially. So there was just so much pressure. And, you know, I went on television and it was, I thought that it was just going to be, I was just going to have the world see me for who I was. Well, I came to scapegoat, you know, no harm, no foul. But that was also even more difficult. So I came from financial difficulty and then it was my daughters were exposed to, you know, a lot of things that happened after being on housewives.

And it was really, really hard on them. They were babies. They were 8 and 10. Yeah. And, you know, I was still rebuilding with all of, you know, my brands and wrote two novels and wrote a couple of other books, which was great for me. And then my mother fell ill. And she passed away within four months. And I had to get my real estate license to sell some of our properties. So, you know, my life, the way people, what people think that I'm going through is not what I'm actually going through. just because I don't cry on TikTok

does not mean that I'm not in serious pain and fear. I was really, I mean, there were, you know, 10 years where I had a lot of fear. You know, I have a great, great, great family, and my father was like, get your MBA, get your license in real estate, and let's go. And so I did.

I always love the way that you carried yourself online with your daughters and, like, little dances and the trends. I think it's inspirational. Oh, my God, you guys are making me feel I mean, I think that, I think, again, like, you know, it's so easy to look at someone and say, you know, they were a model. They must have everything. And there's, you know, there is, there's a real person in here. And I've been through a lot of, you know, things that cost a lot of fear. And I just pushed forward because I had no choice, Nick. You know, I had to break up with a boyfriend that I was really serious about after, you know, season four on Real Housewives. because I just was like, I cannot bring this man into, you know, the aftermath. It's just not fair to him.

So, you know, like I did so many things looking back that, you know, most people would never do. And that I still had to, like, smile and be like, everything's great. Yeah. Even though, like, I'm, like, tear it up inside. Do you find, I mean, I think now that I'm, you know, I'm getting older and I think about, like, things I remember. And so when you think about, when you tell these stories or you think about, you think about, you know, these things you've overcome and your resiliency. Do you look, like,

how do you reflect on those things? Like, do you feel like a sense of pride and purpose and, like, I fucking did that shit? Or is it, or is it like, does it, is it still trauma? You know, there, I mean, the trauma always follows you. You know, it always follows you. And someone, when someone says something, like when Sonya Morgan talks about, you know, financial repercussions, I'm like, you know, my immediate reaction is, let's find a lot. solution. What can we do? What can we do? Let's fix it. So that always follows you. I do try to like lean into possibility. That's just who I am. I mean, you know, in the Midwest, we're not like, we're not there to complain. We're there to like just make life happen for our families. And

I just was raised in a different way. I'm not from New York. So I think people don't understand that. They're like, well, why, how come you have like such a light personality? I'm like, because I'm working really, really hard to provide from my girls. And then I'm late when I'm done with all my work. I'm just like, let's have a good time. So I try to push the trauma away. I'm like, you trauma, get away from me. The Kelly that we're going to see on Golden Life,

are we going to see you open up about, you know, and have you kind of share your story about, you know, what you've been up to and some of these resilient things you've done? I mean, we do. We talk about all the things that I've been through. And, you know, it's different because I am in such a velocity era in my life. I'm 58 years old. I've been through a lot. I've had a lot of beautiful accomplishments, which I'm very proud of. My girls are healthy, well educated. And it's just time for me to shine. And I'm really ready for that. And I can't, it's weird. Like the other day, someone's like, how old do you feel? I'm like, 24. You, I mean. And you are? Oh, I feel very young.

You have such a, you have a vibrant spirit about you. Thank you. Thank you. How old are your daughters now? And you look great. My, oh, thank you. My youngest is 25 and my oldest is 28. So now it's like your time to like live the second life.

Yeah. And they're just like this morning, they're on FaceTime. They're like, Mom, we love your outfit. You look so great. You know, what are you doing? Where are you going? Like, go have fun. I mean, they're just so supportive, too, which is amazing.

I mean, I just feel very, very blessed. Do you have any niche parenting advice for me or like daughters? I mean, honestly, Nick, like, it's just, like, first of all, like, remember we were talking about, like, the individual, like, really focus on that. Like, I had no idea that my youngest daughter could play piano by ear. I was just like, oh, let's try this, try that. Just so expose them to as many things as possible. Sports, music, just really see what they're good at when they're good at. it, just encourage them. You don't have to push them, but just encourage them. They are already,

they, once they get the bug, they're going to go for it. I love that. And just allow them to be themselves because you never know in this world. Like, I've lived so many lives. I'm like, I'm either, I'm like, oh my God, I'm like a cat. Or sometimes I'm like, what? Actually, I'm like a roach. Like, you're never going to get rid of me. Roaches are good sometimes. So just really support the things that they love because it may not be, the path that they're going to take, but they can also bring that with them.

And that's going to be like their security and let's say they become a lawyer and they love music. I mean, those are just things that are going to help them be like a well-rounded human. And I think that's the most important thing. Outside of the life that you're living now,

which I imagine. Was that good advice? No, I guess. No, that was, I was like, no, that's really great advice. Thank you for that advice. No, okay. That is so good.

Outside of the season of life that you're in right now, what is maybe one or two of your favorite seasons you've lived when you reflect back on the lives that you've lived? I think shooting the cover of Playboy at 40, that was such a monumental moment for me because I realized that any, you know, weight, age, like it was all relative that, like, you know, I was beautiful at 40.

And I, you know, my mother, when she was 40, she was getting facelifts and she was very, very beautiful woman. But, you know, she was doing all these things. And I just was like, this is who I am. This is what I look like, you know, with a couple of hair extensions. I was like, this is me. And I was really, it was a really big moment for me. And it made me feel very empowered because I was coming into that very disempowered. I felt very, again, I was fueled by fear.

and then that one day I was like, oh, this is what a beautiful woman looks like for myself. That's awesome. Obviously Playboys had an interesting life cycle from where it was to where it is now. Like how do you feel about being a part of that, you know, like where it's gone and, you know, any thoughts on Playboy in general? I mean, I just think there's so many beautiful celebrities that have been on the cover. And it's also just fascinating reads. and, you know, I always, I always, as a writer, I mean, I've written many, many books.

And as a writer, I always wanted to have a feature in Playboy. And then they're writing about me. I was like, wait a minute. What? No, I mean, it's up there with one of the more iconic labels and names in media. It's just so cool. Well, when, I remember when like the models of my generation were on the cover and people were like, that's going to ruin your career.

and some people are like, oh, you're not going to be able to do X or you're not going to be able to do Y because you're on the cover of Playboy. And it just opened up my entire world. And people just saw me in a different way, which was just so, I was really exciting. Yeah.

That's interesting. Any other ones? I didn't like do the center full, by the way. Just for. I wasn't going to dive deep in, you know, and that whole thing. I was going to keep it classy. So.

Give it classy. I was like, did you just do the centerfold? I was like, no. That's great. You're obviously part of a great group of women. Any of the women that you were most excited to be working with again? Were there any nerves with any of the women? I just thought, you know, after Ultimate,

and I appreciate that you saw that. I loved it, yeah. He's a huge Ultimate Girlship fan. Ultimate Girl's a Super fan. Ultimate Girl'ship was so great. And after being on that trip and then being together, there's, you know, all of the four other women, I just like for different reasons. Like, I love the, I love when you can tell Dorenda anything and she'll just give you solid advice. I love, you know, I just love how, I was really looking forward to seeing Dorenda.

That's one of the people I was really looking forward to seeing. That's awesome. Anything you can tease about like a scene that you're really excited to. for everyone to see. I mean, there's just so much, Nick. Honestly, like, I swear to God, it's like, it's like the Kelly personal growth show. It's like, what is Kelly learning today? Are you still doing luxury real estate?

Yes. Yeah. So I, I'm licensed in three states. So I work in New York, Florida, and California. And it was fun on Ultimate because I sold the $17 million property. And it's just interesting because, I was like, they're like, what are you doing over there? I'm like, Mama's got to make some money.

And they're like, uh-huh, we work too. I'm like, okay, whatever, this is not a competition. And I just sold this mothership, this Wallace Cunningham, in Encinitas, California, which is one of the coolest places on earth. Am I allowed to ask what the commission on that is? It was a good commission. You go tell me to fight myself. No, no, no, it's a nice commission.

But, you know, I just, I love working in real estate, not for, you know, people are like, oh, it's just a thing that people like to do now. I mean, you know, I was the editor of all accessories. I started Gotham magazine. And I've just worked in luxury all my life and kind of narrated luxury, like what luxury lifestyle actually looks like. And so now to work in real estate and be able to like show people this is their home, this is the car they buy, these are the clothes they wear, this is how they do their hair,

this is how they wear their makeup. It's just been a really very, very interesting new part of my life. I love it. I just love it. What title that you've had many titles, housewife, writer? Mama bear. Mama bear. What titles have, are you most flattered by or mean most to you? Definitely Mama Bear, editor and philanthropist.

Okay. Those are my big. That's really. Or does housewife fall in? You know, housewife is just a part of who I am. It's, you know, it's like, I think that's, I mean, that's definitely a part, but you ask, my top three are my girls. Oh, that makes sense. My work as an editor, my ability to synthesize information and then obviously being able to help other people help themselves.

It's like, you can't, you just can't take that away. And all the things that you're doing, do you have time? Because like, you know, Roney, OG Roney has a like, has, like, do you have time? Like, I got a lot going on. So, yeah, your answer could be like, I got, no time. for this. But like with all the lore that like Roney has in general. And then, you know, there's this, they had the reboot. They're doing it again. A lot of optimism for this season. Yes. But like do you in your friend groups or with the OG women, is there like a group chat

where you guys are like kind of talking about like how they just can't cut it like we, you know, like is there, even if it's friendly fire, are you guys critiquing how the show has evolved over the years? We don't really do that. I mean, I retired in 2011. So I retired so long ago and then came back a couple of times for Luan. But we don't really talk much about them. I'm just, you know, I'm excited for their success. And, you know, at the end of the day, like, whether people were, you know, let go, whether they put on pause, whether they were fired, whether they retired like me, like I'm just proud of all these women who put themselves out there. I mean, it is not for the faint heart.

And there's a lot of people that are learning so much living vicariously through these women who are going through a lot. It's been really, I mean, it's incredible. So I'm very proud of everyone that goes on reality TV. Yeah. Like it's not easy. And I think it's so cool to have, like you said, have been on years ago. obviously you've kept up,

we've kept up with you more accurately through you going on, you know, shows like Ultimate Girls trip. But it is really cool like you're talking about. Just like, you know, when you look at life and how you've changed or how you've grown to be able to kind of show that and for us to watch it back is really cool and nostalgic. And yeah, so I'm looking forward to it.

I think what's interesting, like after, you know, when you were on, on the, on Bachelor, I was working with us weekly and we watched the show every week and talked about you. And one of the things that, like, resonated was like you were very honest and very open and very real. And that's who I have always been. I think that now the viewers who are watching, whether they're in their, you know, teens, whether in their 20s, 30s, 40s, people are like, oh my God, you're so real. Like you are actually saying what's really going on.

I'm like, oh, no, no, I've been there. I've been here. Just finally people are like, wait a minute. They want that, yeah. And so I've just gotten a lot of new founded success from these, you know, the new generations kind of seeing me for who I always have been. I mean, I've evolved. I've had a lot of personal growth, but I'm still that very raw and real human. I'm not performative at all.

I'm not performative. I love that. I'm like, if you don't like it, like, whatever. No, like, that's not the, that's not what you're supposed to say. I'm like, whatever. You've been in the public eye for a long time and how us's fans digest pop culture and the discourse, you know, like, you know, the internet was different back in the day.

Podcasting exists. From your perspective, how is it change? Is it better? Is it worse? Are you in the comments? Like, and how, you know, are, have you had to adjust to the intensity that is like fandom in 2026? You know, when we first were on the show,

it was just Facebook. And so, you know, social media has evolved so much, good, bad or ugly. I think one of the things that's been really great for me is that with the fans, the trolls, friends, whatever you want to call them, I prefer to call them friends because I think fans is very weird.

But people who are interested, both negative and positive, I'm always like, critique me. Tell me what you don't like because then I can lean into that. I can monetize it, but I can also tweak myself,

maybe learn from what they're saying. I mean, you are in a, you know, you're in a bubble and you're, you know, under a microscope and people are going to say things like brush your hair. I'm like, I kind of like my hair screwed up. I'm a model.

Like, I hate brushing my hair. I've been brushing, I've had people brush my hair since I'm 15 years old. Like, I don't, wanted to brush my hair. Yeah, that looks great. But I, but my point is like, you know, I've been able to monetize on that and also use the criticism to my advantage. And I always encourage people to like, tell me what you don't like. Don't tell me what you like. Tell me what you don't like.

Let's, let's work. That's work there first. That's a great answer. If there was ever a world where Roney wanted to bring you or some of the girls back, would you be open to it or you kind of like, golden life is the perfect spot? I mean, I really, I really, really love where I am. I love the ladies. I mean, I can't wait for you to see the friendships. They're just very real and very raw. A lot of the girls from Roney, they're like, why didn't I get to film with you? I mean, a lot of the girls, not just from this season, but from the paths, are like, we want to hang out with you because they see me at all these events. And, you know, we do a lot of appearances together. And they're just like, you're so easy going

and fun. Like, why can't we have fun with you? I'm like, you can't. Like, But right now I'm celebrating, you know, my friends that we've been friends for a long time. But, I mean, I'm just the kind of person, too. I have a very, like, a very wide friend group. And there's a lot of different ages. And, you know, I'm just easygoing. So a lot of people just can get along with me. And for some reason, Nick, and I don't know why.

People just, when they meet me, they just tell me everything. And I'm like, oh, whoa. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to know that. Are you a good secret keeper? I'm a very good secret keeper, but I just feel like they just want to just talk to me about whatever is going on in their lives. And that's why, you know, it's, I mean, I'm very flattered. Well, I mean, you're an impressive person.

I imagine, like, people are drawn to want to, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, you want to impress people, you know? And clearly there's a warmness there. I think I'm a good listener. You know, most, I think, I think, I think, think one of the things that a lot of the women do that's like very funny is that they're constantly like sending me their like every scene that I'm in. They're like, I do this, I do this. I'm like, wow, that's so great. I'm excited for you. I, but I don't do that. And I think that because I'm

like, oh, how are you? And then they start talking. And I think that people, I see me in a different way because I'm not trying to compete for the conversation. I'm just listening to what they're saying. And I do a lot of listening. This might be a dumb question. Maybe it's been asked an answer already. But does this show have the Andy Cohen stamp of approval? Is it in any way competing with Roney? Like how is it being viewed amongst? So it was interesting.

I was at Hedrick Martin in New York. And I saw Andy. And, you know, he's just like, Kelly. I'm just so proud of you. And I'm so excited for you. And I was like, I really appreciate that so much. And he's always been very, very, very supportive of me and, you know, everything that I've gone through.

And he's been really, you know, he was really, really supportive. And I was shocked. I'm not going to lie. I thought he'd be like, oh, bye. But he wasn't. He was like, I'm really happy for you guys. We love that. That's awesome.

That being said, is there any part of you or the other ladies that when the show drops are like in the most friendliest way hoping for maybe the fans to be like, see, this was the Roney we've always wanted or something. to that effect where like will that feel like a feathering your cap or no i definitely think that the fans are going to go nuts they're going to be like oh my god they're they're they're back and they're just who we they we love you know we are who we are and they loved us back then and they're going to love us now i mean telling you these fights are like when they when we fight they are ferocious but then they're also beautiful

and sexy and fun and spirited. And I mean, it's just, it's the gift that keeps on giving. It's like Christmas. I'm excited. You and Bethany Frankel hang much these days? I mean, we were co-stars on a show, so it's not like we, like, you know, hung out in the same circles. Sure. But, you know, I always wish her, you know, well and I want her to have, you know, all the success.

A lot of great piecey answer. There you go. Are we leaving anything out, Justin? I'm just excited. I mean, hearing you say that there's also fights, because in my head, and I think golden life is more positive, but I'm glad you guys also sprinkle in a little bit of the banter. I mean, it's important. I think especially when you're at this age, there's a lot at stake. And I think that's one of the things that really differentiates the golden life from housewives

is that because we've known each other so long and because like I'm the outsider kind of like coming back in, there's just so much at stake. And, you know, I'm here for friendships. Like I said at the top, like, you know, I've raised my beautiful children and I've had many interesting careers, which I'm still formulating and trying to make better. But my most important thing that I'm focused on right now are my personal friendships. Like that's where that's, if you want to talk about longevity, you talk about friendships. It's not about, you know, your pep It's about that those human connections with real people and where you can, you know, be yourself and you can fail and you can succeed and your friends are there for it.

I love that. You know, yeah, to Justin's point, like, it's like, I don't know if fans knew what to expect when we saw this, but like the way you talk about it. I didn't know what to expect. You guys, it sounds like we're all going to, yeah, I'm way more excited after having talked to you about it. I'm telling you, Nick, it's so good. It's just so good.

And I'm, you know, I'm like, I'm a writer. So I'm always like, oh, we could have done this. We could have done that. But no, I just was, like, in it. And I am, like, every single scene that I walk into, like, I am 100% ready to go. And, you know, like, I always am. Like, just ready, hear for it. Is there someone that should have been a part of Golden Life that wasn't a part of it?

I think there's a lot. What you're going to see on the show is that, there's a lot of new faces, which is really fun to see. And how they navigate is interesting. Okay. But there's, you know, the good news about the golden life is that we are ready to include all new women who are doing interesting things and just to celebrate this era of our lives. Will your love life in any capacity be featured? It's going to ask.

On this show. Well, you know, my love life has been a very interesting topic of conversation. I called off my wedding four days before I was going to get married. It was just about a pre-up, and I, you know, it's like I just, you know, I'm the daughter of a lawyer, and I, my father just passed, and I had to organize some of my finances, and I asked my then-fiance to sign a pre-up. and he just didn't want to and, you know, it was a blessing because it's not that he's a bad person he's just not my lobster, Nick, he's just not.

No regrets, no regrets. No, and I mean, I obviously loved, I loved his mother. I thought his mother was so beautiful. Like both of my parents had died and she was such a beautiful human and, you know, I obviously feel badly because I loved her,

but it was, you know, it's like you say, like in your book, don't text your ex happy birthday. Like you have to draw the line. You have to draw the line. And I did do that. And then I got this podcast with IHeart Radio called I Do Part 2, which is so super successful.

When we talk about finding love and love lost and all the tools in your tool belt about how to like navigate that next chapter and it's been really, really also super helpful to me. And I think that's why the Golden Life being on the show was actually easier for me because I've been doing the work. I've been, you know, I've been, you know, raising my kids, doing all these things.

And now I'm doing all the personal work. And so when my prince charming comes, he's got to come in hot. He's coming in hot. So will it possibly be a part of the season? I mean, I go on some days. Okay, great. And I talk about, you know, my guys and my fun. And, you know, right before.

I went on the show, I broke up with a guy again. This is like, I broke up with a guy break before I went on the show because I was like, I'm not going to bring him in. If we're not going to go to that next level, then I can't bring him, you know, with me on my journey. And, I mean, come on, that's hard. I break up with one because of Bravo and what was going to happen. And then I break up another one because I'm like,

this guy isn't going to be able to, like, go the mile. Come on. You deserve love. I know. Are you currently in a relationship, can you say? I'm not currently in a relationship. But who knows? Maybe after this I'll be on like, as a bachelor's out. There you go. Would you be the next golden bachelor's

if they ever figure their shit out? I think I'm a little young. You are. Because I'm only 58. So, but I would, 100%. I'd be great at that. Can you imagine? Who would be fantastic? I also, I think, 50, it's a great age for that. It is.

I know they went like, I know they went older. But that, it's a great age. The golden era is pretty broad. Especially to like women in their 50s, like everybody, since I was on the podcast, we started talking about women in their 50s and dating. And there's just been so much conversation about it. And there's so much, what I feel like is funny is that I have this theory, Nick. So I'm going to, I'm going to ask you about it.

Do you or do you not? eat a turkey sandwich on a Saturday and get it from a deli. Do I? Some, yeah. There you go. So it's my hot guy theory is that hot guys go to delis and they order to turkey sandwiches. And so basically what I did is I created this question. Okay.

So the women in their 50s, instead of saying how terrible men are, they're asking men, what kind of turkey do you like? Do you like avocado? Are you a mustard guy? So all of a sudden the narrative is changing because they have a, they have a conversation where a guy is like, I'll talk about my turkey sandwich all day long. Whereas women are like, men don't do this and men don't do that. I'm like, guys, like, why don't you just ask them the question? Like, why don't you just get to know?

You're just finding common ground. I love it. But guys, they go into my DM's Nick and they're like, I like a turkey sandwich. I'm like, oh my God. This is a hilarious. So my turkey sandwich theory. Well, yeah, I imagine if you're out there publicly giving like advice how to start a conversation, you're going to get, they're going to hit you up.

They do. They're like, I'm ready for it. What's your type? Let's see. So like five, like, you know, six foot dark, because I'm dark. I mean, I'm today I'm blonde, but normally I'm like dark hair, just kind of like athletic, really smart, funny, good person and someone that doesn't talk badly about their ex. That's like the line in the sand.

If you talk badly about your ex, I can't have a conversation. with you. Do you have professional preferences? They just have to be a professional. You know, I'm educated and I want to be with someone that like wants to learn and be curious and do fun stuff. I don't want to be with a guy that's like grow together. Yeah. And I don't want a fan. Like I, I mean, I know a lot of our of my friends, you know, date guys that are like love the housewives, but I don't want that. Oh, wow. Can I ask you that? I have this theory that, you know, how like sometimes, you know, you've heard the term like jersey chaser or something like that where a girl like, well, only like, you know, she's going for the jersey.

The athletes. Yeah. I've always had this theory that like in housewives, they're like, they're a housewife chasers and they're like men who are like, and like I feel like Orange County. It's like a thing at the gym with the bros of like can they land a housewife? And do you feel like that's like a thing? Do you have you seen that? I think what I, yes, I have seen it a lot. I've had guys be like, that's great. I love what you're doing. I'm like, oh, really? How much do you love that?

Tell me more about how much you love what I'm working on. Oh, that's great. I like guys that are like, I don't care, I don't want to be in the press, like you do you. I'm like, great. That's, like, those are the kind of guys I like. Yeah, you're not interesting, the guys who are wondering how much spotlight you can give.

If any guy that I ever dated wanted to be in a scene with me, I would say we are no longer dating. Yeah. That just doesn't work for me. This is my life. This is how I make money. Like, this is my, that's, you know, I don't want them to do that. I mean, I can talk about them and I can talk about their flaws on the show, but they're not coming in.

Nick's like, that's not fair. Life isn't fair, Nick. Life isn't fair. But best piece of dating advice. I'm a housewife. It's all about me. No, kidding. Best piece of dating advice you've had to implement yourself.

Not be concerned about myself, but be interested in. them. Okay. Like, I think a lot of women go in and start, like, just trauma bonding with men, and it's just not the vibe. Like, I don't want to trauma bond with a man. I want to, I want to learn from them. What do you mean by learn from them? I want to, you know, learn everything, like, what they're doing that's different than I am, how they are in business, like what they're, you know, whatever it is. Like, I want to learn from them. I don't want to be the one teaching or providing or that's, I don't want to do that. That makes sense.

You got a lot of like ultimatums. No, no. He's like you said one line and the other like 10. You got high standards. I mean, no, I get what you know, you're, you're making a lot of sense. You know, it's just like I, you know, I come from a good family and I just want that for, I want that for my relationship too. Well, yeah.

And I think, you know, it's like in relationships, you have to find your equal on, on whatever level. You have a lot going on. And to your point, if like someone with. Is this like, hey, you got a lot going on? Can you spare some of that for me? Because, you know, I'm pretty available. That would, that's just hard to make that work.

That would not work. And it doesn't work. And like, even, like, I've tried it. I've tried to, like, date men who were, like, you know, doing X, Y or Z. And then it's like, this is, I'm like, this is not the vibe. It's not working. They're always like, what are you doing? I'm like, just working.

Oh, really? It's like, mm-hmm. How about like when can I meet you? When can I pick, when can I like, Tomorrow tonight? Right. Like, what are you doing later? Let me, you know, like, okay, fine, you're working great.

I'll see you at nine. What age range are you dating? So I used to be like, you know, like late 40s to like 50, you know, 50s and 60s because I was like, okay, that's, but then now I'm like, you know, maybe I should go older. So I talked to my friend Sutton yesterday and I was like, Sutton, I'm up in the age. Like 702? Like the sudden? I was like, because we're really close.

And I was like, I'm just up and in my age. Like, it's 72. It's like, because there's a lot of guys out there who are super successful. They're taking the peptides, probably. You know, they're able to take them the peptides. They're in good shape. They're smart. They've, you know, led a great life.

And like, why can I date someone a little bit older too? I don't think the same age isn't really working for me. Yeah. Well, I think that's the beauty as you get older. You can, as long as you, you investing yourself and you keep yourself attractive to the masses, then you have the opportunity to decide for yourself and open up your, you know. I think there's like one common thing that I hear a lot is women saying, well, these guys,

they don't want to date, they're like Kelly. They don't want to date you because you're 58. They want to date a 28-year-old. Michael, that's my daughter, so that's awkward. And I said, that's actually not. the truth because they can date younger, men can date younger, and women can date younger too. But I don't want to date a 30-year-olds. I'm sorry. Like, it's just not, it's not. Like, they don't know anything but the love boat. They don't know anything about Fantasy Island.

You know, there has to be some kind of common ground, Nick. What's a show in an era of bringing back shows and remaking shows. Is there a show you would want to remake? Oh my God. Love vote? Are you kidding me? Love vote? Is that it?

Oh my God. Fantasy Island? Dead. Love. Green Acres? Oh my God. I kind of felt like I was a little about green acres when I was filming. I was like, where am I?

In Florida? That'll do it. I was like, wait a minute. Why am I in this pink dress and this? What's going on here? Yeah. I was like, what is happening? No, it's good.

When does it come out? Life is good. Nick, life is good. Life is good. There's just so much possibility. You know what I mean? When is it air? It airs October 20th.

Are you ready? I'm jacked now. I don't know what to expect, but you really... There you go. Yeah, me convinced. Kelly, it's been so much fun. Thank you for coming on. You're the best.

Congrats on the Kidlets. Thank you. When the show's out, complete, just come back and have some fun with us. You're fun to talk to. I got a lot to say. I'm excited. Yeah, well, you know, I'm sure we'll start watching. You'll, you know, you'll get in some mess, come back out and clean up the mess with us and we'll have some fun.

In season two? Yeah, in season two, let's go. Or in season one. Yeah, I mean, it's just so excited. I remember speaking to the producer and she's like, you're my first choice. And I was like, what? Period. I was like, I'm your first choice?

She's like, yeah, she's like, people need to know who you are. I was like, whoa. Let's get this party started. Let's do it. Kelly, you're the best. That was my happy dance. I'm happy with you. The show is The Golden Life.

It's airing October, you said 20th? 20th. On E. Yeah, let's go. Kelly, it's been fun having you on. You're an absolute delight. You're an icon. We're excited to see this season.

Thanks for coming on. Thank you, thank you. Take care. Bye. Bye. All right, well, that will do it for today's episode. Thank you to our guest, Kelly Ben-Simon. We appreciate her,

and we appreciate all of you guys for listening. We'll be back tomorrow to talk Dancing with the Stars, Roney, and a lot more. See you then. Bye-bye.