Tookes Takes

70: This week, I'm breaking down all the latest Bravo chaos, from Real Housewives of Atlanta to Summer House: The Aftermath and Part 1 of the Real Housewives of Rhode Island reunion. We get into why Angela Oakley continues to be the MVP of Atlanta, K. Michelle's latest plastic surgery plans, Kelly's financial struggles, and the ongoing drama between Angela and Shamea. Then we're talking Summer House, Amanda and West's controversial relationship, and why some friendships may be beyond repair. Finally, I dive into the Rhode Island reunion, including affair allegations, reunion bombshells, Rulla and Brian's messy drama, and the revelations that had everyone talking. Plus, I share a quick life update from my trip to Seattle and this week's Took's Takeaway on honoring the people who helped shape us. Topics Discussed: → Real Housewives of Atlanta: Angela Oakley, Shamea + Bailey Bowl Drama → K. Michelle's Plastic Surgery Journey + BBL Conversation → Kelly's Financial Struggles, Divorce + Lifestyle Choices → Summer House: Amanda, West + The Aftermath Fallout → Real Housewives of Rhode Island Reunion Part 1 Breakdown → Rulla, Brian, Affair Allegations + Reunion Bombshells → Kendra's Seattle Trip + Life Update → Tooke's Takeaway: Honoring Your Parents + Father's Day ReflectionsFurther Listening: →https://youtu.be/xAeLwsbq7lU?si=6HC2zN1uBSE2GcJo Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

68: We have got a packed episode today. I am recapping Real Housewives of Atlanta, Real Housewives of Rhode Island, and we are still not done talking about Summer House. On top of all of that I have a Kendra Catch Up for you including a very personal dating update and a story about a man who Venmo requested for his date for fifteen dollars after dinner. Yes, you read that right. Topics Discussed: → Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16 recap → Pinky's scripted project → K. Michelle and Drew Sidora feud escalates → Real Housewives of Rhode Island Brian cheating video → Summer House: Sierra Sponsored By: → JASPR | Go to http://jaspr.co/tookes and use the code TOOKES at checkout to get 20% off! On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:21 - Real Housewives of Atlanta → 00:05:31 - Real Housewives of Atlanta: Shamia’s Party → 00:08:22 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Big Foot → 00:10:19 - Real Housewives of Atlanta: K. Michelle vs. Drew → 00:14:51 - Real Housewives of Rhode Island → 00:20:55 - Real Housewives of Rhode Island: Brian + Rula → 00:23:05 - Summer House: Facebook Racism → 00:27:56 - Dating + Fetishization → 00:30:12 - The Singles Pitch Event → 00:33:34 - Tookes Takeaway: Raise Your Sons Right Further Listening: → BRAVO: K. Michelle vs Porsha Is Getting Weird Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

66: Sometimes you just need a birthday week, a little delusion, and a whole lot of fun. This week I’m talking all things birthday, dating, confidence, haters, healing, AND Housewives.., and why nothing in life is really that serious. We get into K. Michelle’s insecurities, Porsha’s lady pond era, Phaedra’s Reiki master flute energy, and my own journey from having my heart “ajar” to maybe slightly more open. Plus: why you should act your shoe size, not your age. Topics Discussed: → Why is K. Michelle so defensive? → Is Porsha dating women now? → How do you ignore online haters? → Why are Housewives feuding again? Sponsored By: → JASPR | Go to http://jaspr.co/tookes and use the code TOOKES at checkout to get 20% off! On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:22 - Real Housewives of Atlanta & K Michelle Drama → 00:03:37 - Open Relationships, Polyamory & Bravo Chaos → 00:07:42 - Shamea, Marriage & Having More Kids → 00:09:39 - Porsha’s Dating Life & “Lady Pond” Conversations → 00:11:22 - Phaedra Parks, Reiki & Sound Baths → 00:15:17 - Birthday Week Recap & New Hair Transformation → 00:17:35 - Solo Birthday Date & “My Body Is Tea” → 00:18:33 - Lavender Dates & Meeting New Men → 00:21:45 - Chump Mixer Recap → 00:23:16 - Molly Sims, Beauty Standards & Aging → 00:26:00 - Tookes Takeaway: “Let It Be Your Birthday Every Day” → 00:27:29 - Joey Zauzig Return & Final Thoughts Show links: → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlc-bravo-is-why-id-consider-a-lavender-marriage/id1786262403?i=1000766928774 Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

64: I just came back from Colorado and somehow ended up deep in Bravo drama, TLC’s crumbling relationships, and a fondue experience I’m still recovering from. Between Summer House, BRAVO/TLC, and my own existential spiral, this episode is basically me unpacking everything I watched, felt, and questioned this week. Topics Discussed: → Denver vs Colorado Springs → Garden of the Gods reaction → Van Gogh Immersive Experience → Humane Society gala → Summer House reunion → Jenn Fessler and Wes Wilson rumors → BRAVO reunion On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:03:16 - The Legendary Embassy Suites Omelet Story → 00:06:16 - Taking the Bustang to Colorado Springs & Meeting Bandit → 00:08:08 - Fondue Night Disaster: “The Fondue Was a Fond-Don’t” → 00:11:11 - Visiting Garden of the Gods & Falling in Love with Colorado → 00:14:46 - Humane Society Gala, Dating Talk & “Gala vs Gay Organization” → 00:17:37 - Summer House Drama: Wes Wilson, Jen Fessler & Reunion Tea → 00:21:30 - Vincent Van Gogh, Creativity & Tookes’ Inspirational Takeaway Show links: → TLC + BRAVO Is Why I’d Consider a Lavender Marriage Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

62: I finally watched The Real Housewives of Rhode Island and I have THOUGHTS… from the breakout stars to the mess already spiraling out of control. Then I get into the chaos of Summer House, the men who are absolutely not okay, and why I’m officially done lowering my standards. Plus, I ended up at a last-minute Beverly Hills event surrounded by Housewives, celeb sightings, and some wild behind-the-scenes moments I can’t unsee. Topics Discussed: → First thoughts on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island → Favorite cast members and early standouts → Sugar baby dynamics and relationship hot takes → Marriage drama + cheating on RHORI → Beverly Hills event recap + celebrity sightings → Behind-the-scenes Bravo world observations → Summer House + disappointing men → Dating in 2026, standards, and self-worth On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:00 - Real Housewives of Rhode Island → 00:04:18 - RHORI: Break Out Stars → 00:07:52 - Sugar Baby + Sugar Daddy? → 00:10:33 - NO BROKIES → 00:14:02 - That’s Not Her Mansion → 00:19:25 - Cheating Scandal → 00:21:42 - Real Housewives of Atlanta → 00:25:25 - Meeting The Housewives → 00:31:55 - Summer House → 00:35:45 - Tookes Takeaway: coulrophobia Show links: → TLC: 90 Day Fiancé Couples Are Falling Apart Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

60: From yoga instructor training to messy 90 Day Fiancé drama, I break down red flags, pick-me behavior, and why choosing yourself is the real glow-up. Topics Discussed: → What are the biggest red flags on 90 Day Fiancé? → What does “pick-me girl” behavior actually mean? → How do you choose yourself in dating? → Are reality TV relationships real or fake? → How can women build confidence in relationships? On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Yoga Instructing → 00:04:01 - Learning French → 00:06:19 - 90 Day Fiancé → 00:10:32 - 90 Day Fiancé: Engagements → 00:13:33 - Bieberchella → 00:14:57 - 90 Day Fiancé: Reynaldo Rey → 00:16:08 - 90 Day Fiancé: Research Countries → 00:19:04 - 90 Day Fiancé: Trish + Rick → 00:23:24 - 90 Day Fiancé:Tell All? → 00:23:47 - BRAVO: Ladies Of London → 00:26:30 - ChatGPT Love Triangles → 00:27:06 - Tookes Takeaway: Pick-Mes Show links: → BRAVO’s Summer House: The Real Villain Isn’t Who You Think Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58: This week, I sat down with the iconic Pol’ for one of the most honest and emotional conversations yet. From immigrating to the U.S. as a child to becoming a celebrated fashion designer, Pol’ shares the real story behind his success, his struggles with identity, and the deep influence of his mother. We get into everything, his friendship with Anna Nicole Smith, the truth about relationships, why he doesn’t believe in dating, and the unexpected way he met his husband. Plus, his unique gift of coffee readings and how intuition has shaped his life. Topics Discussed: → Growing up between cultures → Finding identity and confidence → Building a career in fashion → Friendship, loyalty, and loss → Why dating is a waste of time → Meeting “the one” unexpectedly → Coffee readings and intuition On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:02:14 - Immigrating To America → 00:03:23 - Middle Child Syndrome → 00:04:11 - Learning English + Family → 00:06:17 - Pol’s Mom → 00:08:35 - FIDM, USC, + Cal State → 00:10:36 - Pursuing Fashion → 00:14:54 - Fashionable Childhood → 00:17:46 - Homophobia + Acting → 00:20:07 - Favorite Designs → 00:23:27 - Anna Nicole Smith → 00:29:20 - Coming Out → 00:35:18 - Marriage + Love → 00:37:37 - Dating Advice + Meeting Patrik → 00:50:33 - Coffee Ground Readings Further Listening: → Patrik Simpson: Love, Custody, + Anna Nicole Smith Check Out Pol’: → Instagram → Shop → Podcast Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

56: I had the absolute best time chatting with Patrik Simpson about love, life, and everything in between. From meeting Paul and navigating long-distance romance, to fighting for custody of his daughter, to modeling, reality TV, and his unforgettable moments with Anna Nicole Smith….it’s all here. We also talk coffee readings, fan socials, and a peek at Ventura Shores. This one’s full of heart, humor, and insider stories you won’t want to miss. Topics Discussed: → How did Patrik meet Pol → Long-distance love tips → Custody battles and gay parenting → Modeling and runway experiences → Anna Nicole Smith memories On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:40 - Separating Patrik + Pol → 00:03:01 - The early days of Patrik → 00:04:36 - Middle child syndrome → 00:08:05 - Mama’s boy → 00:10:57 - Republican dad → 00:12:18 - College + modeling → 00:13:55 - Travels + catholic school → 00:16:01 - Girlfriends + wife → 00:21:11 - Patrik’s daughter → 00:24:21 - Patrik’s first husband → 00:27:38 - Runway walking → 00:28:47 - Meeting Pol + custody battle → 00:32:59 - Gay parenting + reality TV → 00:38:48 - Anna Nicole Smith → 00:44:06 - WHAT’S NEXT? → 00:45:20 - LaKendra’s dating life → 00:47:51 - Chumps Show links: → POL EPISODE COMING SOON! Check Out Patrik: → Instagram → Podcast → Grown & Out In Beverly Hills (Book) Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54: I am joined by the incredible Ben Mandelker, cohost of Watch What Crappens, and I am honestly so excited to have him here. We get into why Bravo continues to dominate reality TV culture, what makes great reality TV comedy actually work, and why pacing, production style, and casting all matter more than people think. We also talk about why I still miss sitcoms that were built around jokes first, why modern TV sometimes leans too hard into drama, and why Bravo’s chaotic energy keeps fans coming back year after year. Ben shares his takes on Housewives culture, reality TV fandom, and what he thinks the future of the genre should look like. Topics Discussed: → Bravo reality TV pacing vs modern streaming pacing → What makes a great Real Housewives cast member → Why classic sitcom comedy still holds up → Reality TV production and editing choices → Watch What Crappens and Bravo pop culture commentary On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:02:58 - Watch What Crappens → 00:04:28 - TLC + E! → 00:06:55 - Netflix shows on x2 → 00:08:11 - First reality tv show → 00:11:48 - Ronnie Karam → 00:13:40 - Podcast origin story → 00:17:36 - First Housewives watch → 00:21:26 - Ideal housewife → 00:23:12 - Bethenny Frankel + Andy Cohen → 00:25:45 - Reality TV residuals + sobriety → 00:27:19 - Sitcoms + other TV → 00:31:56 - Modern show writing → 00:33:25 - Housewives editing → 00:35:42 - The Real Housewares of Kitchen Island → 00:39:15 - Good For The Show or Got To Go → 00:42:37 - Rich vs broke TV → 00:44:28 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills → 00:48:36 - Glam squads → 00:51:35 - Housewives sucks now → 00:58:52 - Real Housewives of OC → 01:00:29 - Heather Dubrow → 01:04:49 - Morocco footage Show links: → Bravo Needs New Villains Immediately | Ronnie Karam Check Out Ben: → Instagram → Table Scraps → Watch What Crappens Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52: Comedian Zach Noe Towers joins me for a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about sobriety, stand up comedy, and building a career in Los Angeles without losing yourself. Zach opens up about celebrating 10 years sober, what his drinking and drug use looked like in his twenties, and the wake up call that changed everything. We talk about growing up gay in the Midwest, finding safety in musical theater, and how performing at The Muny shaped his confidence early on. He shares what it was like moving to LA in 2008, getting swept up in West Hollywood party culture, and feeling like he “went out at 22 and woke up at 30.” Topics Discussed: → Zach Noe Towers’ journey to 10 years of sobriety and personal growth → Growing up gay in the Midwest and finding community through musical theater → Experiences with Hollywood party culture and navigating early career challenges → Stand up comedy, acting, and writing his own films → Dating, dating apps, and finding connection in Los Angeles On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:03:17 - Ginder, Sniffies, + Blowies → 00:07:16 - Respect sex workers → 00:10:03 - Middle child syndrome → 00:11:55 - Coming out → 00:14:49 - 10 years of sobriety → 00:18:04 - College partying + drugs → 00:23:25 - Indiana & Michael Jackson → 00:26:37 - Moving to LA + musical theatre → 00:29:44 - Affording LA + acting → 00:32:07 - Dream jobs → 00:33:47 - Writing a movie → 00:40:18 - Jeff Lewis Live → 00:43:43 - Marriage + ideal relationships → 00:46:27 - Family + podcasting Show links: → Bravo Needs New Villains Immediately | Ronnie Karam Check Out Zach: → Good Sod pod → Instagram → Tour Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50: This week I caught up on everything from Real Housewives of Potomac to 90 Day Fiancé. We get into Ashley Darby and why morals matter more than mess, why Angel deserves grace, how production stays setting these ladies up, and why some Housewives behavior is just unforgivable. I also break down the latest 90 Day nonsense, lying lesbians, broke and controlling men, wig crimes, and why some people truly need to log off reality TV forever. Topics Discussed: → Real Housewives of Potomac drama + morals on Bravo → 90 Day Fiancé chaos and red flags → My Strange Addiction, absolutely not → NeNe Leakes returning to Bravo → Love thy neighbor On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:02:04 - RHOP: Prison morals → 00:07:43 - RHOP: Monique Samuels → 00:12:08 - Tookes in Denver → 00:16:06 - My Strange Addiction: Vag perfume → 00:19:03 - 90 Day Fiance: Sheena → 00:22:12 - Lying Lesbian With A Wig → 00:25:01 - Beer can & Laura → 00:28:35 - NeNe Leakes IS BACK? → 00:30:01 - Tookes Takeaway: Love Thy Neighbor Further Listening: → 90 Day Fiancé + My Strange Addiction Have Lost The Plot Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48: I sat down ready to watch 90 Day Fiancé as a little palate cleanser and somehow ended up deep in the TLC landfill - raw meat at the nail salon, and a whole lot of men who absolutely refuse to get a job. I watched 90 Day Fiancé couples who are lying, projecting, gaslighting, and embarrassing themselves across multiple continents, from unemployed big backs to emotional affairs that are somehow always the woman’s fault. We also take a quick detour through the Housewives drama: jealousy, happy marriages, and why being hateful never works out in the end. Topics Discussed: → 90 Day Fiancé season recap and couples drama → My Strange Addiction season 7 reactions → Reality TV relationship red flags and gaslighting → Housewives of Potomac jealousy and marriage issues On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - My Strange Addiction → 00:04:54 - Addicted to smelling her dad’s… → 00:05:28 - Dry January & 90 Day Fiance → 00:12:16 - I’m rooting for Emma! → 00:19:28 - He wants to ***** her? → 00:25:01 - Lesbian with a wig → 00:28:28 - Beer can & Laura → 00:29:31 - Real Housewives Crossover! → 00:31:08 - Tookes Takeaway: DONT BE JEALOUS → 00:35:51 - Old faithful & the rubber sheet Show links: → Reality TV Breakdown: 90 Day Fiancé, RHOBH & Chumpmas Live Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46: In this episode, I break down all the latest reality TV moments, from 90 Day Fiancé’s unexpected twists to the newest Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Potomac & Beverly Hills. I also share my experience at my first Chumpmas live show, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and what it’s like working with the chumps. Topics Discussed: → Chumpmas and Jeff Lewis Live: show highlights and behind the scenes → New RHOBH cast members and first impressions→ Bose Boma St. John’s reputation vs. public persona→ Friendship dynamics: Gar, Sutton, and loyalty issues→ Dorit’s divorce, child support, and parenting struggles On This Episode We Cover: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:01:01 - 90 Day Fiance → 00:09:18 - Cultural differences → 00:13:55 - Older men & children → 00:15:41 - Young broken guys → 00:19:10 - RHOBH Roundup: Who’s Really a Girl’s Girl? → 00:29:49 - RHOSLC: Greek Week → 00:35:41 - Chumpmas night two drama → 00:45:53 - Tookes Takeaway: Hold On To Your Family Check Out LaKendra: → LaKendra's Instagram → Tookes Takes Instagram → X → LaKendra’s TikTok → YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices