Reality of the Rose

This week I focus on two reality topics...Love Island & Bachelor. First I discuss all the Bachelor headlines that have dropped over the last week. Break ups, marriages, BIP cast, and more. Then I get into season 7 of Love Island and all the Huda of it...which is A LOT! Then I get into each couple and my thoughts on the show so far. All I can say is, I'm obsessed!!!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week friend of show, Miranda, joins me once again. This time she's giving us a very personal glimpse into her life. I often tell her she needs to write a book about her life and maybe this will put her on that trajectory. After a few minutes of comparing notes on Love Island season 7, Miranda shares the challenges she faced during her childhood, the bravery her mom showed that had a lasting impact, the struggles of moving a lot at a vulnerable age, how she met her husband, and the traumatic early loss of her mom. What she shares may very well resonate with you which is why she decided to share her story...because maybe it could help others. I hope that you will be inspired by her strength and resiliency.Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week I'm welcoming back Sadie Fischer to the podcast, but this time we are recapping season 2 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.  We cover all the girls, all the controversy and all the rivalries!  Are we Team Mikayla or Team Whitney, Team Demi or Team Taylor?  What do we think of the Jessi bomb dropped during the last two minutes of the season and how do we feel this season about Jen and Zac?  We cover these topics and so much more!!!  Hope you can join us!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode I recap last week's Summer House and The Valley.  What do I think of the Nia and Danny controversy?  What is the blatant hypocrisy in this whole debate?  Who is the couple I LOVE?  I also discuss the Summer House finale and wrap up my thoughts on Lexi and Jessi, Paige and Craig, Lindsay and Carl, and the future of Summer House.  But to start the podcast I dip a little into what I've been doing lately, my thoughts on social exhaustion, a future recap of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and my Memorial Day weekend.  Hope you can join me and enjoy!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode Becky is, once again, my guest. And once again, we talk and laugh and talk and laugh. But this week we are discussing some studies I found via good 'ole Instagram and how our lives relate to the findings. We have a lot of good laughs and you learn a lot about us...maybe too much! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

Today's episode is very special to me.  I have as a guest my Aunt Liz.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer last summer.  Since her diagnosis my mom has been unable to make the trip to see her.  So I offered to take my mom to see her sister, my aunt, who I have not seen for years.  The visit was amazing.  During the visit I asked Aunt Liz whether she would share her cancer journey with me on the podcast.  She graciously was more than willing to share her story.  I hope that you can laugh, cry, relate, or learn something from our conversation, but if nothing else, I believe you will learn to love and appreciate Aunt Liz as much as we do!  I hope you enjoy!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week I'm going solo as I discuss the new Golden Bachelor, Hannah Brown joining Bachelor in Paradise, and all the current Bravo shows including the brand new Love Hotel.  Who do I think would've made a good addition to Love Hotel?  What do I think of the Kenya controversy on Real Housewives of Atlanta, and who is my favorite addition to the show?  The Valley.  I can't say enough about the Valley.  And who's team am I on from Summer House, Team Jesse or Team Lexi.? I discuss it all and more!  I love for you to join me!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

I'm finally back and this week's episode Allie and Tyler join me again to talk about current headlines and a few life events.  We cover Tyler's 21st birthday, closed captioning, the NFL draft, Katy Perry going to space, our favorite chain casual dining restaurant, texting and a whole lot more.  We'd love it if you'd join us for this one!  I'm happy to be back!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This episode is a real time Bachelor finale recap. I am recapping as I am watching the show at each commercial break. Trying something new since I am trying to save a little time while we're vacationing in Sedona, AZ. What do I think of how all of this "waiting until the last minute" plays out? Did I expect Juliana to win? What is my response to Litia's reaction? What narrative did the producers just shove down our throats? I answer all these questions and lots more of course. I'd love it if you tuned in!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week I am recapping The Bachelor episodes, The Women Tell All and Fantasy Suites. The women try to tell all as we get reintroduced to all the conflict from the season with Carolina, Rose, Dina, and the rest of the girls. Do we get anything figured out? I'll tell you. Then we have the Fantasy Suites with Grant and first, Juliana, then Zoe and finally Litia. What do I think of the Fantasy Suite episode in general and how would I change it? How do I think the season will end? Tune in for all my thoughts, and then some!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

I am so excited about this week's episode!  This week you will learn “What it's like to” be an entrepreneur in the perfume industry.  Jodi Schwefel, a fellow Wisconsonite,  created, owns and operates Pure Love Essences.  If you've not tried any of her scents, I hope that after hearing her story, and taking my word for it, you will give them a try.  Jodi spent 20 years in the corporate world before deciding to take on the challenge of creating her own perfumes and starting her own business. It all started as a hobby and has developed into a fulfilling and lucrative passion project. She uses only clean ingredients, is cruelty free, vegan, made in the USA AND has vowed and carried through with also doing something good with her platform, not to mention her tantalizing fragrances!! She opens up about her entire Pure Love Essences journey.  How and why did she initially decide to create their own scent?  How did she build her business? How are her perfumes different from department store perfumes? What is a skin scent? How is she giving back?  Jodi's story is fascinating as well as inspiring and I love hearing these success stories from women who simply work hard and have the tenacity to follow their dreams.  I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did!Jodi's website: www.pureloveessences.comJodi's Instagram: @pureloveessencesIntro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode, I am discussing and recapping episodes 5 & 6 of Grant's season of The Bachelor. Episode 5 takes place in Scotland where Grant "grants" a one on one date to both Juliana and Litia. I also give my hot take on the most non-villain villain I've seen the show try to produce in a long time...Carolina. Then I move on to recapping the hometown dates episode. Juliana's mob dad, Litia's cute grandpa, Dina's huge non-existent family, and Zoe's strange choice of a NYC date. I get into it all and more, including even touching on Love is Blind and Traitor's. I'd love it if you'd join me!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

Today's “What's it like to…” episode is with Miranda Calmes.  Miranda is becoming a regular on the show so you are correct if you remember her from several prior episodes.  Today we are digging deeper into her career as a hair stylist, or as she is commonly known, a hair magician!  We talk how she got into this career, what she loves most, what her grossest experience has been, what the funniest experience has been, how she loves to experiment, how she values each client, what you never may have guessed is a crucial part of learning this career and tons more.  As usual, Miranda's vibe and energy is so positive and I love having her on.  I hope you enjoy this episode as well!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week I'm coming at you with a solo episode again so have the mic to talk recap the last two episodes (episodes 3 & 4) of The Bachelor.  I am Team Carolina (at least at this point) and I will tell you why!!  I talk about the group dates, the one on ones, the recycled bits of drama that The Bachelor franchise can't seem to let go, the clothes, the Rose vs. Carolina and the Rose vs. Juliana debates…I cover it all.  I also discuss what I think about the announcement that The Bachelorette has been put on pause for 2025.  I then end the podcast briefly discussing Love is Blind, season 8, and the first 6 episodes that have dropped so far.  I'd love it if you tuned in for it all!!Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

Today on my "What's it like to..." edition, I have with me, Sadie Fisher. Sadie is the morning news anchor for my local news, WAOW, in Wausau, WI. Sadie discusses with me how she got her start in broadcast journalism, how she prioritizes news stories, how she keeps up with all the latest headlines, what her typical day looks like, does she get free reign of what she wears each morning, and so much more. As a cherry on top, I find out she's a Bachelor, Bravo and reality TV fan, so we go there as well at the end of the episode. I would love it if you would join us!Intro music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock

Bachelor season is back and on this episode I welcome Julie back to recap the first two episode of Grant's season.  Who are our favorites, who are we not crazy about, who did our opinions change about from episode one to episode two, how do we think Grant is doing…we talk about all these things and so much more.  So if you're a Bachelor fan, like us, I hope you tune in to hear our take on things! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode we learn what it's like to be a civil engineer.  I welcome my long time friend, Kara Marfell, to the podcast to tell us about her career in civil engineering.  How did she choose this career path?  What's in like being a woman in this field?  What are the challenges and what are the rewards?  She has worked on some very exciting projects that are permanent and amazing additions to her St. Louis community and we get to hear about AND see them.  I hope you enjoy this episode because I certainly did! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week I have a solo episode where I talk about LOTS of TV and some Bachelor news.  First I give my thoughts on the Matt James and Rachel Kirkconnell breakup.  Next I briefly go over the women for Grant's season of The Bachelor.  Then I get into Selling the City (Netflix), Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu), Traitors (Peacock), and then ALL the Bravo shows. Do you have a reality TV addiction, too? Then I would love it if you'd tune it and join me!! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week's "What's it like to..." is another repeat guest, and my person, Becky! Becky has owned her own daycare for 22 years and I, myself, was lucky enough to have Ms. Becky take care of them everyday while I went to work! She tells us how she got her start, what a typical day for her is like, lots of funny stories and how she has learned a lot over the years. We also discuss a couple of her hobbies...showing cattle and raising chickens and ducks! She's a caregiver all around! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week I talk with friend of mine and friend of show...Steph! You might remember her from the drunk Punta Cana episode a year ago! Today we're not drunk, but have fun nonetheless. We discuss Steph's career as an owner of a real estate title insurance company, as well as her "side gigs" of beekeeping, raising sheep (and chickens), having a rental property and most importantly, her new gig, of grandma!! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week's episode is a fun little episode with Allie and Tyler. We talk about Christmas memories, a little about the drone controversy in New Jersey, and end the podcast with some Either/Or and Would you rather questions. Join us won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this episode I give a little life update that includes what I've been up to so far this fall/winter. I talk weddings, Bloomington, IL, Missouri, Green Bay Packers, Wicked, and lots of NYC. Then I discuss ALL the shows I am currently watching and my recommendations for you (that segues into me giving a shout out to Sam Barber to do my podcast...heehee). Join me won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

What does it take to be a professional model? Today we find out when I interview my friend Kelli, who was a professional model for 20 years! How did she get her start? Where may you have seen her face? How did she climb the modeling ladder? How did she handle the pressures of competition and body expectations? What type of modeling did she prefer? Kelli's reveals so much behind the scenes of her career and it is so fascinating! I loved this interview so much and think that you will feel the same, so join us won't you? Kelli's Instagram: @model2.mom Kelli's TikTok: @authentic_ascension Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

The last night of our beloved Joan as the Golden Bachelorette. She was a fantastic choice as our first and I wish her all the best. I recap the final moments and what led her to choose Chock. I hope that she has found the one, and even if it doesn't work out, I hope it gave her a new lease on life! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's What's it Like to..., I talk with Jessica Joles who is a nurse practitioner who now is also an injection specialist. Have you ever wondered about Botox or fillers but have been scared to try and would just like to learn more? Have you ever considered getting into the career path of being an injection specialist? On today's episode Jessica and I discuss pros, cons, costs, risks, rewards, the science, and pretty much anything else you may be wondering about this often taboo topic. Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week's short episode is a recap of the Men Tell All with a little tangent introduction about my appreciation and love of live theater.  So join me won't you?! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On today's “What's it like to” segment, we get a chance to see the world through the eyes of a pre-teen.  Allie joins me to interview Calli, a sixth grader from Crandon, WI, who has the ability to entertain all ages.  On this episode you'll learn how we know Calli, her take on math, science, school lunch and what she wishes they would teach in school.  We get to hear about dress up week at school, why she loves river rafting, why she hates river rafting, her career goals, her ability to crack Tim's shell, what charity she would give $1000 to and so much more.  We have so much fun with some very unexpected answers from Calli and she makes us laugh a lot! So join us won't you as we get to know Callie and find out “What's it like to be a 6th grader” Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week I recap the Golden Bachelorette and Joan's Fantasy Suite week.  I also have a little tea that was spilled by Joan on the Off the Vine podcast with Kaitlyn Bristowe that you might find interesting.  What do I think of Pascal and his exit?  What about Chock and Guy?  I give you all my opinions and take on this “conversational cabana”(as Joan refers to it as) episode and hope that you will join me. Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this episode I breakdown the hometowns that Joan has with her four remaining men…Guy, Pascal, Jordan and Chock.  There were laughs, tears, good outfits, adorable families and all the things.  Join me won't you as I recap hometowns

Welcome to my new segment, “What's it like to…”  My intention for this new sidebar of Bachelor recaps, is to dive into the lives of others, mainly women, and maybe learn something we didn't know before.  I plan to begin with interviewing women about their jobs and careers.  Maybe it will inspire you, maybe it will fascinate you, or maybe it'll just be fun to listen.  As I progress I may get into other topics such as unique life experiences, unique places to live, or anything else I can come up with.  But today I am starting with my daughter Allie.  We will learn “What's it like to…work in PR in NYC.”  She will explain how she got interested in PR, how she got her job at MBooth, what her job entails, how to move up the ladder, earning potential and much more.  And if we are talking about Allie's job, you know that we will be discussing Dawn Powerwash, the most important cleaning product in any kitchen (shameless plug).  So join me won't you as we learn what's it like to…

This week we recap episode 5 of Joan's Golden Bachelorette season.  This is the week before hometowns so three men go home to leave us with 4..  The men are cute as can be, as usual, but tune in to find out how I feel about the way Joan's connections are progressing.  Also, as I try to do a Pascal accent, I end up performing part of the recap in the only accent that I actually know.  I'm a dork but at least I know it!  Join me won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week I recap episodes 3 & 4 of Joan's Golden season.  I talk about all things Golden men…Charles's adorableness, Pascal's limitations, Charle's adorableness, Chock's “surprise”, Jonathan's striptease, kickball, and so much more.  This season continues to entertain and continues to leave me wanting more.  So join me won't you as we recap Golden Bachelorette! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

Today I recap Joan's Golden episode 2.  Jenn's season may have had the worst cast of guys ever but this Golden group is certainly making up for that!  Jack's hand puppets, Charles L's everything, Jonathan's dance moves, Gregg's snoring…I cover it all and much more.  This was such a fun episode to watch and I loved every minute of it.  Join me won't you as I break it all down! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

The Golden Bachelorette is here and it did not disappoint, which was such a relief after we were left with the disaster that was Jenn's finale. Joan and the men were a breath of fresh air and I cover it all in this recap.  I start the episode, though, talking a bit about the continuing saga of Devin and the ways he keeps digging himself into a huge hole, and I also talk a little about Joey and Jenn's first performances on Dancing with the Stars.  So, join me won't you?

Holy hell!  This was definitely the most dramatic ending to a Bachelor show that we've seen but in all the WRONG ways.  Jenn Tran, we see you and we stand with you!  This finale failed in every way except for Jenn and Jenn's family.  They were amazing and the scenes with them made the show.  The break up scenes with Marcus did not impress me, but more importantly, the way that Devin handled himself and mistreated Jenn, and then MOST importantly how the show itself treated its lead.  It was mean and destructive and I talk about ALLl the reasons why I feel this way on this week's episode, so join me won't you?

On this week's episode I recap both the Fantasy Suites episode as well as the Men Tell All.  Which fantasy suite date was my favorite?  What is my prediction for the finale?  How do I think Sam M handled his time in the hot seat at the Men Tell All?  What are my highs and lows concerning Jenn and her time as the lead?  I discuss these topics and so much more.  But I start the podcast by discussing the controversy between Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams that has developed over the last week.  So join me won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode I break down Jenn's hometown episode.  Even though each hometown visit had very similar components, there were a few noteworthy mentions that I caught and discuss.  There's also addition to the show that was very welcomed and I hope the producers keep it up.  I do a comparison of Love Island vs Bachelorette which contains a very distinct and valid difference between the two.  I then, for any of you Love Island watchers, do a quick recap of last night's Love Island reunion.  Join me won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

This week's episode of the Bachelorette was surprising, frustrating, cringy, and Wicked.  I have a lot to unpack about everything from Sam's departure, to Jenn's style choices, to the Wicked date that I wanted so much to love and many more opinions in between.  We also had a lot of Bachelor Nation cameos this episode.  What did I think of these?  Join me won't you and find out! Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode I recap Jenn's episode 5 of the Bachelorette.  Two one on ones, a big sheep group date, my fashion analysis of Jenn, a romcom rain kiss, a great set of sheep farmers and a big lack of drama.  I talk about all these things and more, so join me won't you?

This week I am recapping episodes 3 & 4 of Jenn's season of the Bachelorette.  The men of this season are making my head spin.  I discuss Sam M's complete 180 since episode 1 and  my thoughts on his building jump one on one date with Jenn.  I talk A LOT about Sam N's super weird behavior that had America cringing.  I also of course cover Devin, his one on one, and who he reminds me of (and it's not Pete Davidson).  There's a lot to talk about and I hope that you join me…won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this episode of Reality of the Rose I recap episodes 1 and 2 of Jenn's season of the Bachelorette.  Who were my night one faves and how did that change from episode 1 to 2?  What are my thoughts on Devin and what are my thoughts on Sam M?  How do I feel about Jenn as the Bachelorette so far and the season so far?  Find out all this and more, so join me won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

I'm so excited to have Emily on the podcast again except IN PERSON!!! It was even more fun to have her on the same couch with me as we discuss our final thoughts and conclusions on the seasons of Vanderpump Rules, The Valley, and Summer House. Then we get into the current seasons of RH of New Jersey and Dubai. And then we get into the nitty gritty of anyalyzing and picking apart the men of Jenn's season. Who has potential, who is cringy, who will we love, who will annoy us. We get way into the weeds with this analysis, so join us won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock'

Allie joins me again on this week's episode as we discuss the topics of self awareness, bad habits, confrontation, and situational personalities.  We also talk about how anxiety can affect each of these things, and talk about how we each view ourselves and each other when it comes to these traits.  I then finish off the episode by asking Allie an array of questions about how she views her life in NY now that she has lived there for two years.  I ask her about pros, cons, dating life, food experiences, opportunities and what she misses from the rural life.  Join us won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode I get a little personal.  I start by briefly discussing Jenn's men who just made their debut via ABC, and in a very creative way.  I also discuss a little Bravo…Real Housewives of NJ and Dubai, Summer House, VPR  and The Valley finales and reunions.  To end the episode, I address a topic that Brett, one of the men from Jenn's season, led me to…body image.  I discuss it from a societal point of view and how, especially women, continue to get conflicting messages every day.  But I also discuss my personal struggles with body image and how it continues to be something I contend with, despite being “old enough to know better”.  Join me for this discussion, won't you? Intro Music www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode it's just little old me…and who's afraid of little ole me (ode to TS, you're welcome Allie and Grace).  So, this week you get only my opinions on several specific topics.  I start with a few Bachelor related topics…Joan as the Golden Bachelorette, the Ryan and Trista Sutter saga (gotta listen to this one if you haven't heard about it), and Maria's appearances on Call Her Daddy and Off the Vine.  I then jump to some general pop culture/news related headlines.  I briefly address the alleged split between Ben and JLo and I end the podcast with a fairly extensive analysis on MY point of view of Harrison Butker's commencement speech to the graduates of Benadictine College in Kansas.  Join me won't you? Intro music, www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

My Wisconsin bestie, Jodi, returns to the podcast to chat! We check in on her life since she appeared as my first rose interview. We touch on the new Golden Bachelorette Joan, and her backstory of having to leave the Golden Bachelor due to her daughter's postpartum depression and in turn discuss Jodi's struggles with PPD. We get the details on her destination wedding and her new lake house investment. We briefly discuss our success rate on our predictions for the women on Joey's season, and then we end the podcast with Jodi answering some new and enlightening questions that allow us to get to know her even better! Join us won't you? Intro Music - www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode I welcome back Dawn Meyer, who was my second ever Rose Interview, to see what she is up to these days. She stepped back from Instagram for awhile and we talk about why, what brought her back, and how she is now changing with the ever evolving world of influencing on Instagram. She shares some of her tips, her struggles, her victories and how she is learning to be more patient with herself. I also ask her some fun "get to know you" questions that have nothing to do with Instagram during which I learned a fun fact about McDonald's that shocked me!! We have a lot of fun so join us won't you? Dawn's Instagram - @dawnedonmeblog Intro Music - www.bensound.com "Happy Rock"

On this week's episode Allie and her roommates, Maggie and Vanessa, join me from NY as we celebrate Allie's birthday with a plethora of random topics. I tell a few stories from Allie's childhood, we discuss Taylor Swift's new album, The Tortured Poet's Society, which leads us to thanK you aIMee and the Kim and Taylor feud. We touch base on a little Peaky Blinders and what qualities the girls would pick if they had to choose a sperm donor. Then we end with a few Rose questions that I ask each of the girls such as, what makes you envious, what celebrity would you want to be friends with, what is something you cannot wrap your head around and so much more! Join us won't you?

I am flip-flopping the episodes a little this week. This episode was supposed to be released two weeks ago, but due to some recording errors, which got fixed, I am releasing it now. In this episode I welcome Emily once again as we discuss the highly publicized Golden Divorce between Gerry and Theresa, Royal Family and recent headlines, streaming service preferences and how everything leads to Friends. Join us won't you?

This week's episode is packed full of Bravo show recaps and many, many side tangents. Some of the topics Emily and I chat about: Monica on The Viall Files, Zach on the Viall Files, Tom Schwartz on the Viall Files, music festivals, Sam Barber, Johnny Knoxville's autograph, Sex and the City, The Valley, disposable cameras, Emily's delivery room photo shoot, Vanderpump, Summer House and somehow even more! Join us won't you?

On this week's episode Emily joins me again. Not only do we discuss and recap last week's Bravo show line up, but we also get into the full totality of the Eclipse, what rural living is like in Idaho, how Emily's job hunt is going, and so much more. We also get a visit from Murphy and Ollie. Who is that? You'll have to tune in to find out!