On this episode of After Reality, I’m sitting down with fellow Bachelor alum Dean Bell—and we’re diving into what it’s really like going from receiving roses to swinging hammers.

We get into our experience filming at the Bachelor Mansion for this new HGTV renovation series, and let’s just say… it was no walk in the park. I’m talking long days, real physical labor, and learning how to work (and survive) alongside a house full of big personalities. It’s competitive, chaotic, and honestly, so much fun to relive. We also get into how different it is filming a home renovation show versus a dating show.

Dean also spills on winning the coveted “Golden Hammer” and the strategy behind it—including one very bold (and slightly mischievous) move involving a blue-painted ceiling that definitely got people talking.

Beyond the competition, we shift gears and talk about Dean’s personal life. He opens up about his decision to change his last name to Bell in honor of his late mother, his marriage, and what life looks like for him these days in Colorado. From his background in construction to his unexpected love for his cat Karl, it’s a side of Dean I think people are really going to connect with.

It’s a fun, honest conversation about growth, reinvention, and what life can look like after reality TV—because sometimes going from roses to hammers leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.

@deanie_babies

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In this episode of After Reality, I sit down with Cindy Cullers, the standout from The Golden Bachelor, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about her experience on the show—and what life really looks like after reality TV.

We dive into her casting story, the friendships she built along the way, and how she’s navigated the post-show chatter, including her portrayal and dynamics within the cast. Cindy shares how she’s choosing to move forward with grace, honesty, and a strong sense of self.

Of course, we go beyond reality TV. We get into all things wellness—from hair growth journeys to her fascinating background in biomedical engineering—and how those passions continue to shape her next chapter.

We also talk about dating after the show, what she’s looking for now, and whether she’d ever consider stepping back into the spotlight… possibly as the next Golden Bachelorette 👀

It’s a real, thoughtful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and finding your footing after reality TV—with plenty of insight, a little behind-the-scenes perspective, and a lot of heart. 💫

@cmcullers

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In this episode of After Reality, I’m sharing my initial thoughts on the shocking cancellation of The Bachelorette season starring Taylor Frankie Paul.

I break down what we know so far following the release of a disturbing video reported by TMZ, which includes allegations of domestic violence and details surrounding a toxic relationship with her ex-partner. From the network’s decision to scrap a fully filmed season to the bigger questions around casting and accountability, I’m giving my real-time, unfiltered reaction to how this all unfolded.

In the second half of the episode, I’m joined by Brad Smith, the first-ever lead of The Bachelor Canada, who brings a former lead’s perspective to the conversation. We dive into the financial and cultural fallout for the franchise, whether producers ignored major red flags in an effort to chase ratings, and what this means for the future of the show.

This episode explores what could be a major turning point for reality TV, as we question whether The Bachelor franchise can recover from a scandal of this magnitude—and where it goes from here.

@bradcsmith

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m back with a solo life update — and I’m officially returning to TV for the first time in 14 years with HGTV’s Bachelor Mansion Takeover. I’m sharing the real behind-the-scenes prep (mom guilt, body changes, and the very humbling moment I forgot my entire makeup bag), plus a quick reality TV roundup with Traitors finale spoilers. And because you know I love a true crime moment, I’m also talking about Clayton Echard’s new podcast Love Trapped and why it’s worth a listen.

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In this Mom Talk: Valentine’s Day Edition of After Reality, I’m reflecting on the many sides of this holiday — the sweet stuff, the pressure, and everything in between. I’m celebrating my seventh Valentine’s Day with my husband (the longest Valentine I’ve ever had), and sharing how I’m trying to create meaningful traditions for our three kids — inspired by how my mom always made Valentine’s Day feel so special when I was growing up.

I also take a minute to honor Catherine O’Hara and James Van Der Beek, and how their passing had me thinking about nostalgia, legacy, and the people who shape us. Along the way, I share a few personal stories — from affordable gifts to family memories — and invite you to zoom out and think about what love really means to you.

And yes — we keep it a little spicy too. I’m talking love languages, including physical touch, and how intimacy can look different in the thick of parenting… but still matters. Because sometimes love isn’t a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s the small, everyday things — and showing up for each other in the middle of real life.

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In this episode of After Reality, I’m joined by Psychic Shirley for a fun, prediction-filled preview of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette featuring Taylor Frankie Paul. Shirley pulls Tarot cards and shares her insights on Taylor’s journey — including what she’s truly looking for in a partner (think: safety, devotion, and real emotional security), plus reflections on her past relationships and the lingering dynamic with her ex, Dakota. We also zoom out into bigger-picture relationship advice, and how humor and joy can be a lifeline when life feels heavy. I wrap things up by sharing how you can book a private reading with Shirley using Courtney10.

https://www.shirleylipner.com/

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In today’s episode of After Reality, I’m joined by my dad (your favorite) Papa Robertson for a February check-in—and some simple, practical ways to feel better now and keep that momentum going into the rest of the year.

We talk about a few lifestyle goals that can make a big difference: choosing real, direct human communication, staying physically active, and tightening up finances by cutting those sneaky little daily expenses that add up fast. Papa also shares his go-to wellness advice—moderating alcohol, steering clear of overly processed foods, and taking a step back from the stress of the 24-hour news cycle.

We also get into minimalism and doing an “energy audit”: focusing on the people and habits that lift you up, and letting go of the toxic stuff that drains you. And to wrap it all up, we lean into personal growth—reading classic books, spending more time in nature, and finding joy in new hobbies (yes, including Papa and his ukulele era).

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In this episode of After Reality, I’m joined by Jaydi Samuels Kuba — a Hollywood matchmaker, dating coach, and former Family Guy writer — to talk all things modern dating and what it really takes to find a lasting relationship. Jaydi shares insights from her newly released book, Your Last First Date: Secrets From a Hollywood Matchmaker (out January 27), and breaks down why dating can feel extra complicated in high-pressure worlds like entertainment (and honestly… just in general these days).

We get into her matchmaking philosophy — focusing on quality, true compatibility, and ethical boundaries, rather than promising a certain number of “matches” like some high-cost agencies. Jaydi also opens up about her own love story, including the wild (and very unconventional) way she met her husband… who was originally a client, and yes, she eventually broke her own rules.

Plus, she gives practical, actionable advice you can actually use right now: how to navigate physical attraction, communicate boundaries without killing the vibe, and update your online dating profile so it reflects the real you (and attracts the right people).

@matchmadeinhollywood

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Your-Last-First-Date/Jaydi-Samuels-Kuba/9781668079645?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

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