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Dr. Kay and Dr. Ray return after a break to psychologically examine the Love Island season 8 reunion. They discuss internalized racism, the sexualization of reality television, racial and sexist dynamics among the cast, ableism, friendship conflict, and what meaningful accountability should look like. They discuss where Ariana’s hosting fell short, with a particular focus on all of the sexualization and fetishization of the castmates. The episode closes with a call to learn from conflict without becoming consumed by it: “Wear it at all, but wear it lightly.”
REALITY TEST WITH US: What did you think of Ariana’s question at the reunion for Carl: “Are you handling all of that, Carl?”
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
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Reality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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Although there is some overlap with episode 139, this episode engages more deeply with Stassi's childhood history and its effects on her interpersonal relationships.
In this episode, Dr. Kay explores the layered complexities of the reality TV star Stassi Schroeder’s experiences, while focusing on relationship history, childhood events, therapy, and trauma. Dr. Kay also analyzes how media portrayals influence public perceptions, highlighting systemic issues within reality TV production, and discussing potential avenues for mental health support and societal change.
REALITY TEST WITH US: How do you think psychologists could more ethically interact with media and reality TV? EMAIL US about it! [email protected].
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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Given Stassi’s cancellation–well-founded on her racist treatment of co-worker Faith Stowers–should Stassi have gotten a new platform like House of Stassi? In this episode, Dr. Kay delves into the complex intersections among reality TV, mental health, and ethical practice. Dr. Kay examines the new show, House of Stassi, alongside broader issues like privilege, implicit bias, cancel culture, trauma, and the role of therapy in the world of reality television, offering an honest critique and practical insights for viewers and practitioners alike.
REALITY TEST WITH US: Did you think Hulu should have brought Stassi back to our televisions? If you watched, did you feel they gave enough attention to why Stassi was cancelled in the first place? EMAIL US about it! [email protected].
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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Doctor Kay and Doctor Ray bring their psychological segments to Fiji! They discuss the standard 6 segments applied to castmates & moments from the entire season 8–all but the finale! The abhorrent moments that showed a lack of consent by the women are exposed, the championing moment of gathering castmate consent on Aftersun is celebrated, and the specific examples of people-pleasing vs. image management are delineated. Plus, Dr.s Kay & Ray discuss some of the wins & losses of Aftersun in detail.
REALITY TEST WITH US: Did you like the Aftersun episodes this season? What were some of the winning & losing moments on Aftersun, from your opinion? EMAIL US about it! [email protected].
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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Doctor Kay and Doctor Ray return to awards! They each designated the 8 standard awards to moments and castmates from ALL of the reality television they had watched over the past couple of months. Together, they addressed The Valley, Perfect Match, Ladies of London New Reign, Southern Hospitality, Survivor, Love Island US, & Summer House!
REALITY TEST WITH US: Did you find Danny’s apology to Lala and/or Nia satisfactory? If so, how so? EMAIL US about it! [email protected].
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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Doctor Kay is joined again by Doctor Ray at long last! They get to discuss their personal theories about Scamanda timelines and relationships, before dipping into the topic areas for today’s episode. Dr.s Kay & Ray start with the ways in which Amanda’s & West’s purported timeline was challenged by their own admissions in the Bonus Episode. Then, the doctors challenge three themes that arose across the reunion and bonus episodes of Summer House Season 10. Specifically, they challenge the objectification and villainizing of black castmates on Summer House, KJ being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) while in the hospital, and the popular response going around the other podcasts of “if being married to Kyle was so bad, why did Amanda stay with him?”.
REALITY TEST WITH US: Do you agree with the other podcasters that Amanda should have left Kyle if she was so unhappy? Or do you agree with Dr.s Kay & Ray that relationships are more complicated than that? EMAIL US about it! [email protected].
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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The audio is Fixed! All sorts of issues have been resolved, including a BIG ol' missing chunk towards the end :)
Doctor Kay returns to her Scamanda timeline theory, now firmer as more details emerged from the Reunion episodes. Dr. Kay also tackles a couple themes that emerged from the reunion episodes, related to the betrayals and West’s attitudes towards women. However, there are many more themes that Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray will tackle together in their next episode for the middle of next week.
REALITY TEST WITH US: If Amanda said “act like you like me” at the end of a sentence, is there a beginning of a sentence that would change the meaning of it? EMAIL US about it! [email protected].
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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Doctor Kay is back to solo while Doctor Ray is away (for pleasure this time!) and is eager to share her theory for when West and Amanda first hooked up. If you’ve been following the Scamanda timeline, then you know it was established pretty early on that the purported start date of Spring 2026 was false…but how false are we talking? Check out Dr. Kay’s theory, as she unpacks episodes 13-15 of Summer House Season 10, mining only the bits & bobs relevant to Scamanda and tying in contemporary data points to help build her case.
For Reality Check, Dr. Kay unpacks the suggestions of having three lifetime loves, as antidotal to the shaming cultural narrative about divorce and stepfamilies.
REALITY TEST WITH US: When do YOU think Amanda and West first started hooking up? What’s your theory? Or why do you dis/agree with Dr. Kay’s theory? EMAIL US about it! [email protected].
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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Doctors Kay and Ray discuss part 1 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion, starting with the fissure between the two groups of women. They recap the opening argument about who cares more, followed by Rachel’s glowing edit, and ending with the shock and defense of Amanda Frances, as she gets hammered by the reel, given all of the juicy moments she gave producers over the season.
For Reality Check, Dr.s Kay & Ray both chose studies related to reducing sexism and stigma towards women, first in the wake of divorce and second in the wake of giving birth.
REALITY TEST WITH US: Do you think Amanda was trying to encourage women to be the breadwinner in their families by bragging about her own breadwinner status?
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-o
Reality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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Dr. Ray is away for a couple weeks, and after a break, Dr. Kay is back to drop a surprise mid-week pod! First, Dr. Kay updates us on Scamanda, with use of examples from the recent episodes of the currently-airing season of Summer House, given what we now know about West and Amanda’s relationship. She then used our classic Reality Test approach–the 6 psychologically-focused segments–to discuss other hot topics from Summer House, as well as hot topics from the current seasons of The Valley, Beyond the Villa, and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!
In the reality TV you watched this past week, what sociopolitical moments did you spot? How was therapy discussed? What did you expect to be a popular topic in the social media halls the next day, only to find no one was talking about it? Dr. Kay answered these questions & more, with discussion of such themes as sexual coercion and post-partum body image in marital/romantic relationships, the impacts of getting reality TV fame, and beauty culture expectations around make-up. She ends with a note or two, including an informal Reality Check, about cyberbullying.
REALITY TEST WITH US: What would you say to a friend who was having difficulty with their body image after having a baby?
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Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at (http://patreon.com/RealityTest) patreon.com/RealityTest (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content!
The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea!
O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality.
So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality.
Come with us, let’s Reality Test!
Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray
Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor!
Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest
Linkt.ree/@RealityTest
Instagram: @realitytestpodcast
Threads: @drkaypods
TikTok: @realitytestpod
YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod
Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)
Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)
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From the publisher's feed
Two Psych Doctors Spill the Tea on Mental Health Concepts & Presentations Shown in your Fave RealiTV Shows!
Ever find yourself wanting to debrief that reality tv episode…