The Curious Life

So Bad It's Good with Ryan Bailey

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Episode notes

This episode is a little bit different to our usual style, here at The Curious Life, and that’s because we all need a little brain break from time to time. For some people it’s long walks on the beach or a hot bath – in my case? It’s reality television.

In this episode, I had the thrill of chatting with American pop culture expert and podcaster, Ryan Bailey. If like me, you’ve been glued to the hourly updates from Scandoval HQ or are a fan of the Real Housewives in any capacity, then this will be a real treat for you too.

If you’re new to reality TV or are sceptical about it in any way, there are some themes unpacked here that may just change your mind. Reality TV isn’t the fluffy escape that it used to be. It’s become dark and raw and the storylines, like what is playing out in the current Vanderpump Rules season, have taken us from couch potatoes to armchair experts, dissecting and diagnosing and united in our outrage and disbelief.

Ryan and I had so much fun in this episode, sharing our thoughts and theories on the themes of latest Bravo TV shows, as well as discussing the impact of reality tv consumption on mental health, the profound effect on viewers and why we so often feel so connected to the people we love to watch (and hate watch) on TV.

For more of Ryan, you can catch his brilliant in-depth pop culture podcast at @sobaditsgoodwithryanbailey.

You can find me at @thecuriouslifepodcast and @thedaysthatfollow and please don’t forget to leave a rating or review for this ep on Apple Podcasts – it would mean the world.

This episode was masterfully edited by the wonderful Julie Reynolds of @audiolemonade. Find her on socials or at www.audiolemonade.com for all your podcasting needs.