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Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre

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Comedian & pop culture critic Jolenta Greenberg has a theory: reality TV isn’t ruining culture - it is culture. Join her and a cast of sharp, funny guests as they dig into the details behind the drama and unpack why we can’t get enough of those iconic scenes and unforgettable characters. This is the place for highbrow conversations about “lowbrow” TV All seasons By the Book & How to Be Fine are also in this feed. To hear back episodes, just scroll down!

Location:

United States

Description:

Comedian & pop culture critic Jolenta Greenberg has a theory: reality TV isn’t ruining culture - it is culture. Join her and a cast of sharp, funny guests as they dig into the details behind the drama and unpack why we can’t get enough of those iconic scenes and unforgettable characters. This is the place for highbrow conversations about “lowbrow” TV All seasons By the Book & How to Be Fine are also in this feed. To hear back episodes, just scroll down!

Language:

English


Episodes
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Summer’s Fool: The Kyle Cooke Story

2/19/2026
This week Jolenta does a deep dive on The Fool archetype and his evil alter-ego, The Derelict. Fools show up a lot in reality TV, from Lisa Barlow to Craig Conover. And of course she’s gonna profile the crown-prince of foolishness: Summer House’s Kyle Cooke. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES Greek Mythology, Robert Garland The Greek Myths, Robert Graves Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:40:17

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America’s Sweethearts Deserve a Raise with Mara Wilson

2/12/2026
Jolenta is joined by writer/actor Mara Wilson, who shares her insights on America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the season two contract negotiations. You don’t want to miss her hot takes on having your image monetized and chronic people pleasing. Mara’s Instagram Hot Mess-terpiece Instagram SOURCES : America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Netflix Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:10:15

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Shep Rose: The Southern Charmer

2/5/2026
It’s time to talk about two archetypes that can’t keep it in their pants and tend to use women - The Ladies Man and his evil alter-ego, The Seducer. Jolenta investigates how these messy f-boys show up in reality TV, paying special attention to Shep Rose from Southern Charm. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days - HBO Max Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:41:10

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Karen's Potomac Presser with Jenny Donheiser

1/29/2026
Jolenta is joined by Jenny Donheiser (How Were U Brainwashed?) to explore the origin story of the “press conference luncheon” - a somewhat common Real Housewives occourence. They delve into the anals of history and discuss the significance of Karen Huger holding a press conference in a steak house private room back in season three of The Real Housewives of Potomac. Jenny's Insta Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES The Real Housewives, Peacock.com ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ star Karen Huger’s husband and his company owe millions in back taxes, Washington Post Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:18:44

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Kody Brown: The Sister Wives Dictator

1/22/2026
Jolenta goes to town on The King archetype and his evil alter ego, The Dictator. Guess who she thinks fits the profile? One mister Kody Brown, from Sister Wives. If you want to overanalyze Kody’s character and investigate his dictator ways, this is the episode for you. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Sister Wives - Hulu & HBO Max Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:37:51

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Free the Situation with Mary Houlihan

1/15/2026
Jolenta is joined by Mary Houlihan (The Mary Houlihan Show) to discuss a subject near and dear to Mary’s heart, The Jersey Shore. From the cast’s early feral days to their adult journeys through sobriety and marriage, Mary helps us understand the characters in this great American drama. And the two do a deep dive on Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino’s redemption arc, aka his release from prison. Mary's Insta Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES The Jersey Shore and Jersey Shore: Family Vacation - Paramount+ Michael ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino, Marc Sorrentino Sentenced to Federal Prison on Tax Charges, US Department of Justice Archives ‘Jersey Shore’ premiered 10 years ago on MTV. Here’s why the global phenomenon could go on forever, nj.com Jersey Shore: An Oral History, Vulture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:48:35

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Craig Conover: Portrait of a Southern Artist

1/8/2026
This week Jolenta takes a look at the character of Craig Conover from Southern Charm and how he fits into the Artist Archetype. And you know she gets into that evil alter ego and how the archetype shows up in mythology and a bunch of other reality shows. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows and After Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:40:03

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New Year, New Hot Topics

1/1/2026
Ring in the new year the classic way - with hot takes on hot topics. For a New Year’s treat, Jolenta is serving takes hot enough to warm your heart on a cold winter’s day. All things reality are discussed, from Southern Charm to Sister Wives. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:28:37

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Book Report: Rich As F*ck by Amanda Frances (RHOBH)

12/25/2025
As a holiday gift to you, Jolenta returns to her podcasting roots with a deep dive on a self-help book. She read Rich As F*ck, so you don’t have to - the money manifesting manual by the newest Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, Amanda Frances. Does the book offer any genuinely useful advice? Does it give scam vibes the same way Amanda does on TV? Let’s find out! Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Peacock The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne Rich as F*ck, by Amanda Frances Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill The Power of Positive Thinking, by Vincent Peale Billionaire David Geffen criticized for tone-deaf self-isolation Post, The Guardian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:34:01

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Kathy Hilton: The Real Recluse of Beverly Hills

12/18/2025
Jolenta does a deep dive on The Recluse archetype and her evil twin, The Warlock. Turns out Kathy Hilton from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has a lot of reclusive tendencies, but watch yourself because you don’t want her warlock side to rear its ugly head. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES: Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece, by Stephen Fry Greek Mythology: Gods and Heroes Brought to Life, By Robert Garland The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows and After Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:37:22

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When the NYPD Raided the SLC with Bestie Approved

12/11/2025
Jolenta is joined by Travis Rhoden from Bestie Approved for a crossover episode! In honor of Jen Shah being released from prison, the two recap the infamous sprinter van raid from season 2 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Travis used to be a finance bro, so he has some interesting takes on money laundering. And many iconic moments are covered: Mary calling Whitney “little girl,” the beginning of Meredith branding herself as a lady who loves baths, and Whitney Rose thinking Homeland Security is a pranking her. Bestie Approved Hot Mess-Terpiece Insta SOURCES: Real Housewives of Salt Lake City - Peacock Jennie Nguyen removed from 'Real Housewives' cast for offensive posts, NBC News Reality Show Cast Member Jennifer Shah Sentenced To 78 Months In Prison For Running Nationwide Telemarketing Fraud Scheme, United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York ‘Real Housewives' Star Charged in Massive Fraud, Money Laundering Scheme, NBC New York Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:17:11

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RHONY Leg-acy with Gibson Johns

12/4/2025
Jolenta is joined by the wonderful Gibson Johns (Gabbing with Gib) to talk about Aviva Drescher’s infamous leg toss from The Real Housewives of New York. They get into the backstory, dish on ghost writing rumors, and wax poetic about obviously self produced moments. Gibson’s Insta Hot Mess-Terpiece Insta SOURCES RHONY Legacy - Peacock Luann de Lesseps Doubles Down: Carole Radziwill Used a Ghostwriter for Her Memoir - Radio Andy , SiriusXM Aviva Drescher: I Threw My Leg on RHONY to “Earn My Keep” - US Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:10:22

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Hot Mess-terpiece Hot Topics

11/27/2025
For a Thanksgiving Day treat, Jolenta is doing a roundup of some of the latest reality TV hot topics and giving her hot takes. She covers everything from Kandi Burruss’s divorce to Kody Brown’s multiple divorces. Please note: Topics other than divorce will be discussed, such as The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, The Real Housewives of Orange County, and more. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES: Bravo Shows - Peacock The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - Hulu Sister Wives - TLC @StaceyRuschQVC Tiktok account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:39:35

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Dorinda Medley Meddles with Mysticism

11/20/2025
The Mystic is a fun woo-woo archetype, but do not piss her off or else you’ll meet her evil side: the Betrayer. How do each of these beauties show up in reality TV? Jolenta thinks Dorinda Medley from the Real Housewives of New York is the perfect example of the Mystic/Betrayer dichotomy. Hot Mess-terpiece Insta SOURCES: Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece, by Stephen Fry Greek Mythology: Gods and Heroes Brought to Life, by Robert Garland The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:40:43

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Vanderpump Rules Slaps with Mary Payne Gilbert

11/13/2025
The wonderful Mary Payne Gilbert (Pink Shade) joins Jolenta to do a deep dive on the infamous Vanderpump Rules “slap” scene between Stassi Schroeder and Kristin Douse. And the two discuss why we’re so drawn to reality TV that showcases anti-aspirational living. Mary Payne’s Insta Hot Mess-terpiece Theatre Insta Sources: Vanderpump Rules - Peacock Hera episode of Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:00:17

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Will Heather Gay Save Us?

11/6/2025
She’s intense, she’s driven, and she might be here to save us all… or burn it all down. This week Jolenta draws parallels between the Savior/Destroyer archetype and Heather Gay’s journey on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram Jolenta’s Instagram *This episode mentions the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ youth - if you or anyone you know is struggling text ‘START’ to 678-678 to reach The Trevor Project SOURCES The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:37:41

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Love is Blinded by Celeb Lookalikes with Anna Roisman

10/30/2025
Comedian Anna Roisman (Big Wigs) joins the show to talk about her favorite moments from Love is Blind season six: when Chelsea told Jimmy she gets told she looks like Megan Fox & when Jimmy realizes that may not be true. Anna and Jolenta breakdown the scenes and discuss why you shouldn’t try to break the unspoken rules of a reality show. Anna's Insta - where all her great impressions are Hot Mess-terpiece Insta Jolenta's Insta Sources Love is Blind, Netflix Love Is Blind season 6's Chelsea responds to criticism over Megan Fox comparison, Entertainment Weekly Megan Fox Breaks Silence on Love Is Blind Star Chelsea's Comparison to Her and Ensuing Drama, E! News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:02:33

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The Maiden of Salt Lake: Bronwyn Newport

10/23/2025
Jolenta looks into the Maiden and Troubled Teen archetypes. And she does a deep dive on a Real Housewife that seems to embody this angsty ingénue: Bronwyn from the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Insta Jolenta’s Insta SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton Greek Mythology: Gods and Heroes Brought to Live, By Robert Garland The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows & Aftershows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:42:48

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Don’t Say it’s About Tom with Nicole Spiezio

10/16/2025
Jolenta is joined by Nicole Spiezio (How Were U Brainwashed?) to discuss a pivotal RHONY Legacy scene - the scene where Bethenny tells Luann her fiancé cheated on her "at the Regency, in front of everybody.” Nicole’s Podcast Housewife Sonata w/ Nicole Spiezio Hot Mess-terpiece Theatre Insta SOURCES - Real Housewives of New York City, Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:54:19

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Survivor's Parvati Shallow: Fatally A-Muse-ing

10/9/2025
Let’s do a deep dive on the Muse archetype, and her flirty evil twin the Femme Fatale. Parvati Shallow is the perfect example of both - and Jolenta has compiled some of Parv’s most seductive and cut-throat moments for your listening pleasure. Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram Jolenta’s Instagram SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton Greek Mythology: Gods and Heroes Brought to Life, By Robert Garland The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Survivor - Paramount+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:41:39