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Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre

Jolenta Greenberg

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!

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  • 31 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 51 min
  • English

Episodes 31

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  • S2 · E66
    Tuesday · 1 hr 33 min

    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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E65
    October 20 · 1 hr 35 min

    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. HMT Insta Jolenta’s Insta Laura’s Insta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E64
    October 13 · 1 hr 27 min

    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. HMT INSTA Jolenta’s INSTA Laura’s INSTA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E63
    October 6 · 1 hr 35 min

    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 Flipping Out and RHUGT. HMT INSTA Jolenta’s INSTA Laura’s INSTA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E62
    September 29 · 20 min

    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. HMT Insta SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E61
    September 22 · 24 min

    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! HMT Insta 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 more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E60
    September 15 · 1 hr 13 min

    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. Honeydew Me insta HMT Insta Sources: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Hulu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E59
    September 8 · 54 min

    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. Louis’s insta HMT Insta Sources: Real Housewives of New Jersey, Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E58
    September 1 · 23 min

    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. HMT Insta 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 more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E57
    August 25 · 1 hr 14 min

    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 HMT insta Sources: Real Housewives of New York City, Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E56
    August 18 · 27 min

    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. HMT Insta 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 more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E55
    August 11 · 55 min

    Salt Lake Sprinter Surveillance with Jonquilyn Hill

    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 HMT Insta Sources: The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City - Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E54
    August 4 · 29 min

    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. HMT Insta 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 more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E52
    July 28 · 1 hr 22 min

    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. JoAnna’s insta HMT Insta Sources: Real Housewives of New York, Peacock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E51
    July 21 · 30 min

    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 HMT Insta 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 more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E50
    July 14 · 1 hr 13 min

    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 HMT Insta SOURCES: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Hulu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E49
    July 7 · 34 min

    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! HMT on Insta Jolenta on Threads SOURCES Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters, by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Bravo Shows - Peacock TLC Shows - HBOmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 2 · 4 min

    A Special Announcement

    Jolenta has some news, not unlike many cast members of In The City... Hit up the poll on the HMT Insta Stay tuned for the next regular ep dropping shortly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E48
    June 25 · 57 min

    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? Jazmine’s insta HMT Insta Jolenta on Threads Sources: Flavor of Love - Hulu Thanks to Bellesa for sponsoring the show! EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! Just click the link!⁠ https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/hotmessterpiecetheatre-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • S2 · E47
    June 18 · 40 min

    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. Jolenta on Threads HMT Insta Sources Bravo shows - Peacock Lindsay Threads - Threads Thanks to Bellesa for sponsoring the show! EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! Just click the link! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/hotmessterpiecetheatre-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Showing 1–20 of 31 episodes