In this episode of Reality Testing Podcast, we’re unpacking the drama, relationships, and hidden traumas behind The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Join us as we explore the psychological depth of the cast and their chaotic yet compelling lives.

Episode Description:

✨ Kyle Richards: Navigating people-pleasing, family dysfunction, and the fallout from her surprising separation from Mauricio.

✨ Dorit Kemsley: A raw and relatable depiction of PTSD and its ripple effects on her life and relationships.

✨ Sutton Stracke: Examining the cringe-worthy dating moments, financial complexities, and unresolved grief from her father’s suicide.

✨ Garcelle Beauvais: Balancing grounded realism with the challenges of standing out in a chaotic cast.

✨ Erika Jayne: Wrestling with public scrutiny over legal scandals, opulent lifestyles, and the struggle to show empathy.

✨ Lisa Rinna: Reflecting on her dramatic legacy as one of the most polarizing figures on RHOBH.

We also revisit the contributions of former cast members Crystal Kung Minkoff and Lisa Vanderpump while diving into the recurring psychological themes of codependency, narcissistic family systems, and trauma.

Reality Check Segment: Who’s in need of a reality check this week? We analyze Erica’s legal woes and Sutton’s moments of self-awareness—or lack thereof.

Intake Forms: Our impressions of Denise Richards and Lisa Vanderpump—why their stories captivate and where they left us wanting more.

What We’re Dying to Discuss: We’re gearing up to explore the new Martha Stewart documentary soon, from her perfectionism to her unexpected partnership with Snoop Dogg. Stay tuned for more!

Follow the Hosts:

• Dr. Megan Johnson: Instagram & TikTok @DrMeganJohnson
• Dr. Quincee: Instagram & TikTok @DrQuincee

Rate, review, and follow the Reality Testing Podcast for more insights into your favorite reality TV moments. Let us know who you think deserves a reality check this week!

In this episode of Reality Testing Podcast, we kick off our Case Review series with none other than Lindsey Hubbard from Summer House! Whether you love her or love to hate her, Lindsey’s journey is a fascinating exploration of relationships, trauma, and emotional growth.

Resident couples therapist Lauryn Lucido joins us as we break down Lindsey’s rapid relationship cycles, emotional dysregulation, and how her "mother wound" continues to shape her life. We also dive into her friendships, struggles with control, and the impact of her impending motherhood on her personal growth.

Plus, we discuss:

• Her entire relationship timeline: Everett, Steven, Jason, Carl, and beyond
• Clinical insights into trauma dynamics, vulnerability avoidance, and relational triggers
• The deeper psychology behind her behavior and relationships

Tune in for expert analysis, empathetic discussion, and our usual Bravo-loving banter. It’s a must-listen for Summer House fans and reality TV enthusiasts!

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review – and let us know who you want us to deep-dive into next!

Follow Us:

• Dr. Megan Johnson: @DrMeganJohnson
• Dr. Quincee Gideon: @DrQuincee

Special Guest:

• Lauryn Lucido, Couples Therapist (California residents only)

Reality Testing Podcast: Where reality TV meets therapy.

In this episode, we’re diving into the latest Bravo universe drama, dissecting the juiciest moments, and sharing expert insights into what’s really going on behind the scenes. Whether you’re here for the tea or the psychology, we’ve got you covered.

What We’re Covering Today:

Mary Crosby: Addiction revelations with her son that left us shocked and heartbroken. A surprising character transformation that might just change how you see her. Her ties to cult-like behavior—and what that says about her.

Dorit Kemsley and Mauricio Umansky: Are they just friends, or is there something more? We’re breaking down the rumors. How late-night connections and ongoing drama could be fueling the fire.

Erica Jayne: Why she’s the comeback queen of the season. From fabulous sweaters to honest conversations, she’s winning us over.

Kyle Richards: Marriage struggles, BravoCon drama, and a deeper look at her emotional journey.

The Roni Cast: A tasteless pregnancy joke that hit a nerve...

Jenna Lyons and Scientology: What’s fact, what’s spin?

Love is Blind Cast: Why this season fell flat and what we’re hoping for next.

Psychologist Insights: As two psychologists, we bring a unique perspective to reality TV.

This week, we’re analyzing:

- Addiction and family dynamics.

- Emotional connections that blur boundaries.

- How reality TV shapes—and mirrors—real-life relationships.

Subscribe: Hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode filled with Bravo breakdowns and expert analysis.

Follow Us: Stay connected on Instagram @RealityTestingPod for behind-the-scenes updates and more juicy takes.

Special Shoutout: A big thanks to Lauryn Lucido, our guest for this episode, who shared incredible insights into relationships and dynamics. If you’re in California and need a couples therapist, she’s your go-to. You can reach her at lauryn@gideonpsych.com.

In this episode of the Reality Testing Podcast, we’re diving into TLC’s wildly popular and long-running reality series, Sister Wives. If you’ve missed the latest drama or need a refresher, here’s the scoop: The show follows Kody Brown, a member of the FLDS church in Utah, along with his four wives and a brood of kids. Over the years, we’ve seen them navigate polygamy, relocate multiple times, and deal with shifting family dynamics. Now, with all the wives having left Kody, it’s a whole new chapter.

Join us as we unpack the fascinating layers of this show through a psychological lens.

• A Quick Recap of the Brown Family’s Journey From Utah to Arizona, this family has been on the move, often due to their controversial polygamous lifestyle. We explore how their constant uprooting has impacted family dynamics.

• The Blended Family and Financial Chaos From the infamous "My Sisterwife’s Closet" business to selling their Vegas homes to move to Arizona, we discuss the financial missteps and questionable decision-making.

• Relationship Alliances and Drama Robyn and Meri vs. Janelle and Christine—alliances have shaped the family dynamics. We dive into how these rifts mirror the show’s evolving storylines.

• Religious Themes and the FLDS Church Quincee asks the big question: Is this a cult? We analyze the religious undertones of Sister Wives and how the FLDS church influences the family’s choices.

• Kody Brown’s Transformation Kody starts out quirky but becomes insufferable as the seasons progress. We discuss his narcissistic tendencies, his deep connection with Robyn, and how COVID became a turning point in his relationships with the other wives.

• Toxic Dynamics and LGBTQI+ Representation We explore the toxic relationship dynamics and the challenges faced by the family’s LGBTQI+ kids growing up in this unique environment.

If you’re a fan of Sister Wives, curious about the psychology of polygamy, or interested in the intersections of religion and toxic relationships, this episode is for you. We bring fresh insights into the dynamics of this unconventional family and their unraveling storylines.

Hit subscribe and leave a review to join us on our journey through the psychology of reality TV’s most fascinating shows! You can read more about it at our shownotes at realitytestingpod.com/episodes

Keywords: Sister Wives, TLC, reality TV, FLDS church, polygamy, psychology, religious themes, family dynamics

In this episode of Reality Testing Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into the drama-packed world of The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC). As the oldest Housewives franchise, RHOC has seen it all—from detached storylines to unforgettable moments that define reality TV history.

Join us as we unpack the latest season’s biggest storylines, exploring the psychology behind the cast’s behaviors and relationships:

• Tamra Judge: Is her recent “autism” diagnosis genuine, or another dramatic ploy? Megan doesn’t hold back.
• Jen Armstrong: Honest and tragic, but her relationship with Ryan raises major red flags. We explore themes of financial feminism and accountability.
• Shannon Beador: A redemptive yet messy season as Shannon faces struggles with alcohol and conflict. Is redemption really on the table?
• Heather Dubrow: Overproduced and out of touch. Can Heather ever connect with the cast on a real level?
• Emily Simpson: Grounded and relatable, Emily’s health journey adds depth to her storyline.
• Gina Kirschenheiter: Sobriety, resilience, and relationship intrigue. We’ve got thoughts on Gina’s evolving story.
• Katie Hamilton: Refreshing yet questioned by the cast. Is Katie misunderstood, or is there more to the story?

Episode Segments:

• Reality Testing: Who needs a reality check? Megan picks Tamra, while Quincee calls out Heather.
• The Intake: Megan revisits the unforgettable “Jesus Jugs” era, while Quincee can’t stop questioning Jen’s relationship with Ryan.
• Dying to Discuss: Megan tackles the Brooks and Vicki fake cancer scandal, while Quincee dissects Tamra’s “autism” diagnosis.

If you’re a fan of RHOC or curious about the psychology of reality TV, this episode is for you. Subscribe and leave a review to stay up to date with our deep dives into the world’s favorite reality shows!

Keywords: Real Housewives of Orange County, RHOC, reality TV, pop culture, psychology

In this episode of the Reality Testing Podcast, we’re diving into Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a series that reveals the often hidden struggles and intense drama in a tight-knit religious community. Join us as we explore the complex themes of religious trauma, repressed sexuality, and shifting power dynamics within patriarchal relationships.

From teenage pregnancies and controlling relationships to secret swinging and church denial, this show touches on issues that go far beyond reality TV. We’ll discuss Mikayla’s controversial teenage marriage, Demi and Bret’s unsettling age gap, and Mayci’s story of loss and early motherhood. Plus, we’ll look at the impact of religious beliefs on relationship dynamics, as breadwinning wives like Jenn challenge traditional gender roles. Through a psychological lens, we’ll explore how the characters navigate their identity, relationships, and personal traumas within a culture that emphasizes control and conformity.

Segments in This Episode:

• Reality Testing: Who needs a dose of reality on Secret Lives of Mormon Wives? Megan picks Zac, while Quincee highlights Dakota’s questionable choices.
• The Intake: Megan explores the theme of identity development within the show, while Quincee notes the youth of the cast and their journey of self-discovery.
• Dying to Discuss: Megan dives into the fascination with parasocial relationships with TikTok personalities, and Quincee discusses the exciting renewal of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives for a second season.

Whether you’re fascinated by the layers of religious trauma or just curious about the dynamics in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, this episode has insights for you. Hit subscribe and leave a review to keep up with our explorations into reality TV’s most captivating stories!

Keywords: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, reality TV, pop culture, psychology, religious trauma

In this Reality Testing Podcast episode, we're turning our psychologist’s lens on the intriguing cast of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Join us as we dissect the characters, their complex relationship dynamics, and the unique pressures of sharing intimate details while navigating life in a close-knit Mormon community on reality TV.

As two psychologists, we break down the behaviors, motivations, and portrayals of each housewife, examining how the high-stakes world of reality TV influences their personal choices, conflicts, and connections. From the psychological effects of the spotlight to the impact of cultural expectations, we explore what it really means to live life unfiltered.

If you’re captivated by reality TV, interested in pop culture, or simply curious about the psychology behind human behavior, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll gain insights that go beyond the screen, offering a deeper understanding of your favorite characters and the world of reality TV.

Hit subscribe and join us for an insightful journey into the minds of the Real Housewives! New episodes drop every Friday

Keywords: Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, reality TV, pop culture, psychology

In this episode of the Reality Testing Podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating relationship dynamics portrayed in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Join us, two seasoned psychologists, as we analyze the complex psychological aspects behind being on reality TV and exposing the most intimate details of your life, relationships, and decision-making.

Reality TV offers more than just entertainment—it reflects real human behaviors, emotions, and power dynamics. We'll uncover how the pressures of the spotlight shape personal choices and relationships, and what this reveals about human nature.

You can find shownotes for this episode at realitytestingpod.com/podcast

Follow along with us on Instagram and TikTok @drmeganjohnson and @drquincee

Keywords: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, reality TV, pop culture, psychology