

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 a cast of sharp, funny guests 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!
All seasons By the Book & How to Be Fine are also in this feed. To hear back episodes, just scroll down!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
To Be Frankel, I Don’t Carole with Sara Galli
Jolenta is joined by Sarah Galli (Andy's Girls) to discuss the heartbreaking dissolution of the friendship between Bethenny Frankel and Carole Radziwill from the original Real Housewives of New York. Whose side were you on?
Sarah’s Instagram
Jolenta’s Instagram
Hot Mess-terpiece Theatre Instagram
SOURCES
Carole’s blog post: https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/season-10/blogs/carole-radziwill/carole-radziwill-to-bnice-or
A Timeline of Bethenny Frankel and Carole Radziwill's Complicated Friend Break-Up: https://www.eonline.com/news/955979/a-timeline-of-bethenny-frankel-and-carole-radziwill-s-complicated-friend-break-up-on-rhony-what-the-hell-happened
We Finally Have The Full Backstory Behind Bethenny & Carole's RHONY Feud: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/08/208691/bethenny-frankel-carole-radziwell-feud-real-housewives-reunion
Watch What Happens Live, Peacock
The Real Housewives of New York, Peacock
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Sep 11, 2025 • 41min
The Jenn Pedranti Problem
Jolenta tries to make sense of what we’re seeing play out with Jenn Pedranti this season on The Real Housewives of Orange County. This leads to a deep dive on The Father’s Daughter archetype and her evil alter ego, The Backstabber.
Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram
Jolenta’s Instagram
SOURCES
The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton
The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal
Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece, by Stephen Fry
Bravo shows, Peacock.com
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Sep 4, 2025 • 56min
Feelin’ Jovani or Feelin’ Petty? with Eric Williams
Jolenta is joined by Eric Williams (That’s a Gay Ass Podcast) to talk about one of his favorite scenes from the original Real Housewives of New York. Is life really a cabaret if your boyfriend doesn’t get a ticket to the show?
Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram
Eric’s Instagram
Jolenta’s Instagram
SOURCES
'Real Housewives' star Luann de Lesseps arrested in Palm Beach - https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/real-housewives-star-luann-de-lesseps-arrested-palm/story?id=51978385
Real Housewives of New York, Peacock
What Is Jovani, and Why Are the Real Housewives Obsessed With It? - https://www.thecut.com/2019/07/what-is-jovani-and-why-are-the-real-housewives-so-obsessed.html
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Aug 28, 2025 • 35min
Call Her Mother
Is she nurturing or over-controlling? When it comes to moms, it can be hard to tell. This week Jolenta looks at how mothers show up in The Real Housewives and Sister Wives.
Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram
Jolenta’s Instagram
SOURCES:
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton
The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, by Pierre Grimal
The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves
Mythos: A Retelling of the Myths of Ancient Greece, by Stephen Fry
PuppyGate: Every Question Answered About 'RHOBH' 's Season 9 Scandal - https://people.com/tv/rhobh-puppygate-everything-to-know-lisa-vanderpump-dorit-kemsley-teddi-mellencamp/
A Timeline Of Brandi & Lisa's 'RHOBH' Feud - https://www.bustle.com/articles/56946-what-happened-between-rhobh-lisa-vanderpump-brandi-glanville-a-timeline-of-their-feud-may-clear
Real Housewives, Peacock
The Valley: After Show, Peacock
Vanderpump Rules, Peacoc
Sister Wives, TLC
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Aug 21, 2025 • 59min
Love is Blind, Tension is High with Chelsea Devantez
Jolenta is joined by comedy writer Chelsea Devantez (Glamorous Trash) to discuss the beautifully layered confrontation between Jessica and Amber on season 1 of Love is Blind.
More Chelsea - @chelseadevantez
More Jolenta - @jolenta_g
SOURCES:
Love is Blind on Netflix
Love Is Blind Season 1 Couples: Where Are They Now? - https://people.com/love-is-blind-season-1-couples-where-are-they-now-11678724
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Aug 14, 2025 • 29min
The Matriarch of New Jersey and The Scorned Woman
Jolenta explores how The Matriarch and her dark alter ego, The Scorned Woman, stir the pot on The Real Housewives and in Greek mythology.
Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram
Jolenta’s Instagram
Sources:
Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined - by Stephen Fry
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes - by Edith Hamilton
45 Master Characters - by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
Teresa Giudice’s Most Iconic Moments: https://www.realitytea.com/2024/03/20/teresa-giudice-iconic-moments-real-housewives-of-new-jersey/
Real Housewives Of New Jersey’ Stars Sentenced To Prison For Conspiracy, Bankruptcy Fraud And Tax Offenses: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/real-housewives-new-jersey-stars-sentenced-prison-conspiracy-bankruptcy-fraud-and-tax
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Aug 7, 2025 • 54min
Tamra in the Cabinet with Chris DeRosa
Jolenta is joined by reality TV expert/producer Chris DeRosa (Fixing Famous People) to discuss an iconic scene from The Real Housewives of Orange County. Together they explore how Tamra meeting her future daughter-in-law teaches us about the damage men can do with their silence, the rise of conservative ideology in America, the history of DM sliding, and so much more.
More Chris DeRosa - @thechrisderosa
More Jolenta - @jolenta_g
SOURCES
Internet Archive Translation of Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty in the Woodhttps://archive.org/details/gri_33125012874901/page/n23/mode/2up
45 Master Characters, Revised Edition: Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters by Victoria Lynn Lynn Schmid
peacock.com - bravo shows
Everything That's Been Going on With Tamra Judge's Husband, Sons, and Daughters by Talia Ergas https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/tamra-judge-sons-daughters-husband
Inside 'RHOC ' Star Tamra Judge's Roller Coaster Relationship with Estranged Daughter Sidney Barney https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-orange-county-tamra-judge-sidney-barney-estrangement/
988 Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to - call the Crisis Lifeline at 988
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Aug 7, 2025 • 20min
Onward!
Kristen and Jolenta announce the beginning of a new era! This includes:
–Jolenta’s new show, Hot Mess-terpiece Theatre, available in this very feed!
–Kristen’s new show, Pillow Talk, available exclusively at https://www.hatch.co/pillow-talk !
–The continuation of Kristen’s show, Health Matters from Mayo Clinic, available everywhere you get your favorite shows!
–The continuation of Dean & Kristen Look Back - the official By The Book recap show, exclusively at Patreon.com/listentobythebook !
Be sure to keep up with Kristen and Jolenta’s ongoing adventures at facebook.com/groups/kristenandjolenta, kristenmeinzer.com, and jolentagreenberg.com. You can also follow us on Instagram @k10meinzer and @jolenta_g Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 31, 2025 • 37min
BTB Authors Tell All: Hillary Frank
While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean & Kristen Look Back, exclusively on Patreon! In each episode, Dean and Kristen revisit their time on By The Book, share behind-the-scenes secrets, and give updates on their lives. Patreon is also the home of our weekly advice column, our Patreon-only season of By The Book, nearly 200 minisodes, the written rules of every self-help book we’ve lived by, and more: patreon.com/listentobythebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 24, 2025 • 40min
BTB Authors Tell All: Dan Pashman
While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean & Kristen Look Back, exclusively on Patreon! In each episode, Dean and Kristen revisit their time on By The Book, share behind-the-scenes secrets, and give updates on their lives. Patreon is also the home of our weekly advice column, our Patreon-only season of By The Book, nearly 200 minisodes, the written rules of every self-help book we’ve lived by, and more: patreon.com/listentobythebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


