Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre
Comedian & pop culture critic Jolenta Greenberg has a theory: reality TV isn’t ruining culture - it is culture. Join her and author Laura Mayer 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!
Fish Market Fiasco - RHOP, RHONY, RHOSLC, and RHOC Recaps
Jolenta and Laura recap all of the recent housewives episodes and discuss all the major topics like: Symmetrical houses, Tia’s mom’s visit, Erin’s parenting journey, Daisy being mentioned in the E files, Carole’s treacherous stairs, why some houses have bars on windows, what a Jupiter Year is, Britani’s candy hair, Mary’s flowers, and the current price of second hand Sky tops. Eat your sushi and settle in for a good listen.
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Who is Sofia - RHOP, RHONY and RHOSLC recaps
Jolenta and Laura recap almost all the real housewives episodes from last week - minus OC because of technical issues. All your favorite subjects will be covered like Karen’s sobriety, Wendy’s mother’s intentions, what Tia’s husband is dressed like, Erin’s connection to the gossip blogs, Hailey making stoners feel seen, the cost of an apology from Lisa, Mary’s boss dress code, and much more. Quit asking who Sofia is and take a listen.
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Capybara Bite Blues - RHOP, RHONY, RHOSLC, and RHOC Recaps
Jolenta and Laura tackle all of last week’s Real Housewives episodes. They discuss pressing issues like what does Ashley see in Josh? Is Wendy blaming happy Eddie for all their legal issues? How did Carole hear about Sai’s divorce before it hit the press but never hear about Epstein? Does Lisa actually think she sounds like Beyonce? And did Vicki eat anything while in Japan. Plus Laura tells us how much that private island coffee maker cost and Jolenta gives a short lecture on why capybaras are great.
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Don’t be Fleck-less - RHONY, RHOSLC, and RHOC Recaps
Jolenta and Laura recap and comment on the latest episodes of Real Housewives of New York, Salt Lake City, and Orange County (don’t worry Potomac starts next week for them). Many curiosities are discussed like the fact that our private island is used as a high level corporate retreat location, Carole’s love of a good sock, Vicki’s aversion to raw fish, Angie’s family bed, Britani’s LLC sleuthing, and Jolenta’s trip to the vibrator museum. Don’t be tardy to this party, babes - and don’t be fleck-less.
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You Can’t Resurrect a Corpse - RHONY, RHOSLC, and RHOC Recaps
Jolenta and Laura recap all your favorite Bravo shows from the past week. We tackle all your burning questions, such as: What does filming in Midwood mean for RHONY? How much do we think Daisy pays in rent? Does Quai think ‘diablo’ is just a sauce at Taco Bell and not also the Spanish word for devil? Why is watching a misunderstanding about saying ‘address it’ v ‘aggressive’ so satisfying? Is the human red carpet a member of a union? And does Vicki wish her appearances on TV were just livestreams of her answering insurance emails? Plus they touch on Still Fli...
Reality Archetype Roundup
This week Jolenta hits up some unique archetypes: The Psychic, Shadow, Lost Soul and The Double. And she explains their complicated relationships with other characters. Plus there is a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about what’s coming up next that you won’t want to miss.
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SOURCES
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock
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Shannon Storms - The Jester of the OC
This week Jolenta profiles the Jester archetype, focusing on Shannon Storms Beador from The Real Housewives of Orange County. Very important topics are covered like why Shannon loves falling down and can’t help but be the butt of the joke. Plus learn how the Jester is different from the Joker!
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Jolenta on Threads
SOURCES
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows, Peacock
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HMT REPRISE: The Secret Lives of Mormon Husbands with Honeydew Me
In honor of the new season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives starting, we're doing a rewind and giving you the chance to re-listen to this wonderful episode about one of our favorite Mormon husbands.
Jolenta is joined by Cass and Emma from the wonderful Honeydew Me Pod, to talk about one of their favorite scenes from season four of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - the scene where Conner reveals his passion for magic. You don’t wanna miss this great conversation about Mormon husbands, relationship dynamics, and playing the villain.
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...Jersey Breaks the Fourth Wall with Louis Peitzman
Jolenta is joined by Louis Peitzman, the prolific Housewives recapper and host of the podcast Supporting Actresses. Together they discuss an iconic Teresa Guidice moment from season 10 of Real Housewives of New Jersey - when she gets confronted about encouraging Danielle to pull Margaret’s ponytail. Many topics are explored, like fourth wall breaks and how some housewives are protected by production. Grab your sprinkle cookies and take a listen.
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Real Housewives of New Jersey, Peacock
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Zack Attack: The Nemesis Archetype
Zack Wickham from The Valley is a polarizing character, you love him or he drives you nuts. Either way, it’s because of his archetype that you feel some type of way about him. Jolenta explains the Nemesis Archetype this week and does a deep dive into why Zack can get so fixated on his enemies.
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Jolenta on Threads
SOURCES
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock
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Tinsley the Victorian Ghost Child with Laura Mayer
Jolenta is joined by author Laura Mayer (Tryhard) to talk about a moment from Real Housewives of New York City that flew under the radar - the time Tinsley did a multi-layered product placement and then got surprised by her boyfriend. There’s surprising depth in this commercial moment and even though it’s fleeting it gives us great insight into the complicated, childlike mind of Tinsley Mortimer.
Laura’s insta
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Sources:
Real Housewives of New York City, Peacock
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Amanda Batula’s Journey to Pessimism
Why did we all start hating Amanda? Obviously because she betrayed her best friend. But why did she do that? What led her to think that was okay? The answer will surprise you, it’s because she changed archetypes while on Summer House. So let’s talk about her journey from Father’s Daughter to The Pessimist.
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Jolenta on Threads
SOURCES
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock
Learn m...
Salt Lake Sprinter Surveillance
Jolenta is joined by journalist Jonquilyn Hill (Explain It to Me) to talk about that time Britani Bateman recorded the ladies fighting in a sprinter van on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. The two discuss the complicated history the ladies have with leaks to the press, Meredith’s impressive language use, and why Mary is somehow the heart of the show. You don’t wanna miss this one, baby gorgeous.
Jonquilyn on Threads
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The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City - Peacock
Sonja Morgan the Joker
When you think of old money you don’t think of ad-lib burlesque shows - unless you’re thinking of Sonja Morgan. She’s the epitome of the Joker Archetype. Join Jolenta for a walk down memory lane as she explores Sonja’s character and why it was hard to take her seriously.
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Jolenta on Threads
SOURCES
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock
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Just Be Cool with JoAnna Ross
Jolenta is joined by comedian JoAnna Ross (You Only Wear it Once) to discuss a very cool favorite scene: the “just be cool” scene from RHONY Legacy. Together, the two dive into the motivation behind the drama, and dissect why some of the women care so much about a stranger sleeping in their spare room. It’s a must listen if you’re cool…don’t be all like, uncool.
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Real Housewives of New York, Peacock
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Dammit Janet: Why Don’t We Like Janet?
Even though The Valley’s Janet is often right, she drives lots of us nuts - BUT WHY? This week Jolenta introduces us to the Investigator Archetype, part of the Rival family of characters. Find out how messy this archetype really is and why we usually can’t stand characters with Investigator traits
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Jolenta on Threads
SOURCES
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock
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The Secret Lives of Mormon Husbands with Honeydew Me
Jolenta is joined by Cass Anderson and Emma Norman from the wonderful Honeydew Me Pod, to talk about one of their favorite scenes from season four of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - the scene where Conner reveals his passion for magic. You don’t wanna miss this great conversation about Mormon husbands, relationship dynamics, and playing the villain.
Honeydew Me insta
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SOURCES:
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Hulu
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Mentor Hubbard: Analyzing Lindsay Hubbard
This week Jolenta does a deep dive on Lindsay Hubbard and The Mentor Archetype. The star of Summer House and In the City gives off strong mentor vibes. The Mentor loves to give advice and tell people what to do with their lives - but why? Let’s dive into Lindsay’s psyche and TV history to find out what makes this mentor tick!
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Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peac...A Special Announcement
Jolenta has some news, not unlike many cast members of In The City...
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We Love New York with Jazmine Henley-Brown
Jolenta is joined by TV critic and podcaster, Jazmine Henley-Brown (The Queue, Reality with the King) to talk about a classic reality TV moment - when Flavor Flav rejects New York for a second time on Flavor of Love season two. The two go over Tiffany (New York) Pollard’s huge impact on the landscape of reality TV and why she’s so great to watch. They also discuss how Flav himself was a celebrity reality TV pioneer. Plus they reminisce about all the amazing soundbytes that came from the show… did you know you have 30 minutes?
Jazmin...
Bummer House - The Aftermath
In the final installment of our Bummer House Recap Series, Jolenta dives into all aspects of the surprise Aftermath episode. Is Amanda getting a victim Edit? Can we trust Meija? Why is West cheating on everyone and using semantics to avoid accountability? All of these questions, and more, are discussed.
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Bravo shows - Peacock Lindsay Threads - ThreadsThanks to Bellesa for sponsoring the show! EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! Just click the li...
Bummer House - Reunion Part 3
It’s time to sit down with Jolenta and discuss Part 3 of the Summer House Reunion. There’s much to analyze: Is West a sociopath or just a pathy? How do you show up to a reunion not having watched the season back - isn’t that part of your job? Should Lindsay have Andy’s job? All of these questions will be pondered and more.
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Jolenta on Threads
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Bravo shows, Peacock Girl Scouts Troop 6000
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Bummer House - Reunion Part 2
Jolenta dives into the Summer House Reunion, Part 2. It’s time to recap and overanalyze the behavior of our favorite reality characters during the most upheaval their show has ever seen. Does Amanda actually like going out? Just not with Kyle? Why do Amanda and West keep harping on the fact that they were “friends first?” Is Ciara really trying to get under Amanda’s skin? What receipts did Kyle get from West’s ex? All of this is discussed and more!
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Bummer House - Reunion Part 1
Jolenta dives into the Summer House Reunion Part 1. No stone is left unturned, everything is analyzed. What was with West and Amanda’s demeanor? Why does Amanda’s relationship with West look so similar to her relationship with Kyle? How amazing was it when Ciara exposed West’s secret girl friend? Why on earth would you look at your leaked nudes on TV? All questions will be addressed. Strap in.
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Jolenta on Threads
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Bravo shows, Peacock 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988lifeline.org
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Bummer House - Summer House Season 10 Finale Recap
This week Jolenta recaps the highly anticipated Summer House season 10 finale! Join her for in depth analysis of West's flaws, Ciara's perfection, and Amanda's tendency to other people have her difficult conversations for her. It's a wild ride - and she touches on the In The City premiere too!
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Jolenta on Threads
Sources:
Bravo shows, Peacock Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
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Bummer House - A Summer House S10 E15 Recap
Jolenta pauses our regularly scheduled programming to do a special recap of this week’s Summer House episode. All hot topics are addressed: breaking bravo news, the conclusion of the Carl/Kyle fight, how handsy West is with Amanda, whether or not West is actually into being close to Ciara again… the list goes on and on. Plus, she is joined by a very special guest for some of the discussion.
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Jolenta on Threads
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Summer House, Peacock
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Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind with Katie Compa
Jolenta is joined by comedian Katie Compa (new special, Incurable Optimist out now!) to talk about a revealing reality TV moment from Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind. The two dissect the scene where Michelle Visage bravely removes her makeup on camera and asks the group to join her. What starts as a silly exercise ends in a conversation about self-worth, body dysmorphia and bravery - plus Larissa from 90 Day Fiancé is there!
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Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind, Fandango At Home Aubrey O'Day opens up a...Lovergirl: The Ciara Miller Story
This week Jolenta does a deep dive on Summer House’s Ciara Miller, and The Lover archetype. The Lover is that magical loving person that all the other characters are drawn to. She loves hard and is incredibly loyal. But treat her badly and the whole world will be mad at you for hurting such a kind soul. Just look at the mess West Wilson has gotten himself into after working so hard to win back Ciara’s affection.
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Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith...The Dinner Party From Hell with Margaret Ables
Today we finally tackle The Dinner Party From Hell from season one of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Jolenta is joined by the wonderful Margaret Ables (What Fresh Hell) to talk about this classic housewives moment. Margaret helps put Camille’s fame level into context and gives insider insights on the LA dinner party scene. And the two talk about what happens when a cast member thinks they’re smarter than the audience.
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RHOBH, Peacock Blaming Faye? by Jeffrey Toobin, The...Miss Patricia the Magi
Southern Charm isn’t just the name of a reality show, it’s a skillset. A skillset that Patricia Altschul thinks she’s the master of. That’s why she’s the perfect example of the Magi archetype. This week Jolenta profiles this complicated archetype and examines how it shows up in reality TV.
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SOURCES
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock
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Miami’s Gondola Ride From Hell with Megan Gailey
Jolenta is joined by comedian Megan Gailey (Sports Bitches) to talk about The Real Housewives of Miami’s infamous Mexico City gondola ride. The two dissect the laundry list issues that collide on a boat trip to a haunted island full of dolls. Said issues include: helping animals, freshly signed divorce papers, serious illness, classism, death, and most importantly - lost lip gloss.
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The Real Housewives of Miami - Peacock
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Kyle Richards: Forever Best Friend & Mid-West Thoughts
Jolenta spills all her thoughts and burning questions about the shocking Summer House news dropped by Amanda and West - we ride for Ciara at dawn! And we venture into Friend Archetypes and take a look at why Kyle Richards has trouble keeping the center diamond and is usually stuck in the best friend role.
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A Trip to the Apology Dune with Tera Wages
It’s time to talk about Kyle Cooke’s behavior on this season of Summer House. Why is he lashing out at everyone - especially his wife? Why is he so dedicated to being a DJ? Lucky for us, Tera Wages, an expert in communication, is here to help us understand the complicated dynamics at play.
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Summer House, Peacock.com
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Jersey’s Little Gladiator: Joe Gorga
This week Jolenta is looking into The Protector archetype and his evil twin, The Gladiator. These archetypes help us understand why some TV characters are so aggro and obsessed with fighting everyone. Turns out they’re trying to protect their loved ones… or just satisfy their bloodlust.
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SOURCES
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 The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - HuluDinner in Amster-Damn with Right Answers Mostly
Claire Donald and Tess Bellomo (Right Answers Mostly) join the show to do a deep dive on the explosive Amsterdam Dinner from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. They cover it all: the growing tension between Rinna and Kim, Kyle running away with her cape fluttering in wind, Eileen being underappreciated, and much more. Also, you won’t believe how many oft-quoted lines come from this scene, you beast!
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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Peacock The Traitors, Peacock Ted Danson Cl...Rinna: The Hustling Traitor
Why do we love Lisa Rinna so much? Why is she so good at selling clothes on QVC and betraying fellow Housewives on The Traitors? Jolenta thinks it’s because she’s a perfect example of The Businessman archetype and his evil alter-ego, The Traitor. Put your cloaks on bitches, we’re going into the turret to talk all about Rinna.
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Greek Mythology, Robert Garland Classical Mythology A-Z, Annette Giesecke The Greek Myths, Robert Graves Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Her...A Table Flips in Jersey with JoAnn Crohn
Jolenta is joined by Real Housewives of New Jersey connoisseur, JoAnn Crohn (No Guilt Mom) to discuss the infamous season one table flip scene. The two enjoy reminiscing about the early years of RHONJ and discuss why such an outrageous moment is so real and relatable.
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SOURCES:
Former ‘RHONJ’ producer Carlos King: Danielle Staub made show a hit, Page Six The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Peacock For Ultrareality, ‘Housewives’ Turns to Jersey Girls, The New York Times
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Summer’s Fool: The Kyle Cooke Story
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.
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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
America’s Sweethearts Deserve a Raise with Mara Wilson
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
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SOURCES :
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Netflix Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, Paramount+
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Shep Rose: The Southern Charmer
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.
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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
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