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

57: I’m exhausted, I’m working nonstop, and I’ve got a lot to say. In this episode, I’m talking about the reality of being a single woman trying to build a life, why dating feels like a nightmare right now, and my honest thoughts after watching Inside the Manosphere.

Plus, you know I had to share my takes on 90 Day Fiancé, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and Ladies of London.

This one is real, messy, funny, and honest. If you’ve ever felt burnt out, over dating, or just done with the nonsense, this is for you.

Topics Discussed:

→ Why is dating so hard right now

→ What is the manosphere

→ How to avoid settling in relationships

→ Signs of low standards in dating

→ How to stay confident while single

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:03:48 - Single In LA 

→ 00:04:45 - The Manosphere 

→ 00:08:43 - TLC: Unexpected 

→ 00:10:48 - Dating Men 

→ 00:14:11 - Louis Theroux

→ 00:16:59 - 90 Day Fiancé

→ 00:20:16 - 90 Day Fiancé: Turkey

→ 00:25:14 - 90 Day Fiancé: Missed Period

→ 00:28:21 - 90 Day Fiancé: Lesbian With A Wig

→ 00:30:01 - Ladies Of London

→ 00:33:12 - Jeff Lewis Live 

→ 00:37:55 - Tookes Takes: I WILL SUCCEED 

Further Listening: 

→ BRAVO Is Back + My 90 Day Fiancé Hot Takes

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

55: I’m back with another solo episode + this one is the ultimate reality TV rundown for Bravo lovers and 90 Day Fiancé fans. From messy relationship drama to royal level gossip, I’m delivering all the tea from 90 Day Fiancé and the premiere of Ladies of London. I’m breaking down toxic couples, questionable decisions, long distance relationships, and the glamorous world of British aristocracy.

Topics Discussed:

→ 90 Day Fiancé Relationship Drama→ Bravo Ladies of London Premiere→ Reality TV Dating Red Flags→ British Aristocracy on Bravo→ Reality TV Lies Getting Exposed

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:01:33 - 90 Day Fiancé 

→ 00:06:15 - 90 Day Fiancé: Jovon + Annalyn

→ 00:08:15 - 90 Day Fiancé: Left in the desert??

→ 00:11:29 - 90 Day Fiancé: Laura + Beercan 

→ 00:12:23 - Ladies of London 

→ 00:20:49 - Dara madame rumors 

→ 00:23:55 - Tookes Takeaway: DONT LIE 

Further Listening: 

→ Bravo Needs New Villains Immediately | Ronnie Karam

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

53: I’m fresh off a beautiful Chump Big Bear adventure, and I’m sharing all the details of trying new things, stepping outside my comfort zone, and realizing sometimes life just wants you to say yes. From driving up cliffsides, buying $200 worth of chains I may or may not have needed, and sleeping like I was in a nostalgic sitcom bunk bed situation, this trip reminded me that growth can live inside both adventure and inconvenience. 

Then we get into why I’m having a change of heart about TLC’s My Strange Addiction and why compassion matters even when something feels shocking…

Topics Discussed:

→ Big Bear trip, mountain driving, rental car stress

→ Trying new experiences and conquering fears in adulthood

→ TLC My Strange Addiction emotional psychology + childhood comfort patterns

→ Dating, self worth, and focusing on personal growth while single

→ Living joyfully, self care, and choosing happiness in messy life seasons

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:00:50 - Chump Big Bear Trip

→ 00:07:33 - Snow Chains + Twin Beds 

→ 00:12:59 - Snow Bunnies 

→ 00:17:06 - TLC: My Strange Addiction 

→ 00:23:27 - TLC: Smelling Undies 

→ 00:26:39 - TLC: Eating Toenails 

→ 00:28:41 - Dating Update

→ 00:32:55 - Tookes Takeaway: Addicted To Me! 

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

51: On this episode, I sit down with Ronnie Karam from Watch What Crappens and we get all the way into all things Bravo, comedy, and the reality TV moments that live rent free in our heads. We talk about how he went from musical theater kid to podcast icon, the wild path through improv and blogging, and why the Housewives fandom is basically its own religion at this point.

Topics Discussed:

→ Real Housewives casting & franchise shakeups

→ Salt Lake City drama, Mary Cosby & Heather Gay

→ Watch What Crappens 

→ Bravo fandom culture & online fan accounts

→ Career, improv & comedy journey

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:03:32 - Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre

→ 00:05:34 - Moving to LA

→ 00:07:12 - Watch What Crappens

→ 00:10:17 - First reality show

→ 00:12:04 - Favorite season of Housewives

→ 00:12:45 - Childhood comedy

→ 00:14:38 - Mom vs Dad

→ 00:16:05 - Coming out & faith

→ 00:20:55 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

→ 00:23:41 - Mary Cosby & speaking in tongues

→ 00:25:44 - NeNe Leakes returns

→ 00:27:04 - Original Atlanta

→ 00:27:55 - Good For The Show Or Got To Go!

→ 00:33:12 - The Barlows, soaking, & more

→ 00:38:36 - Salt Lake City

→ 00:42:40 - Bethenny Frankel

→ 00:43:16 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

→ 00:45:44 - Orange County casting

Check Out Ronnie:

→ https://www.watchwhatcrappens.com/

→ Watch What Crappens Instagram

→ Ronnie Karam Instagram

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

49: This week, we’re fully buried in the TLC landfill, diving headfirst into the wildest moments from 90 Day Fiancé and My Strange Addiction. From bug-eating and makeup-munching to explicit skincare routines, controlling partners, and culture clashes that spiral fast, it’s equal parts hilarious, disturbing, and impossible to look away.

We break down messy storylines including being called “too fat,” learning to eat soup with your hands in Nigeria, jealous rappers, financial secrets, and relationships built on vibes instead of honesty. Along the way, I share updates on living Luke Dry, setting New Year’s revolutions, and why classic TV like Mama’s Family and Good Times is the comfort watch we all need right now.

Topics Discussed:

→ 90 Day Fiancé cultural clashes and control issues

→ My Strange Addiction habits that cross the line

→ TLC’s most unhinged reality moments

→ Dating, money, and power dynamics on reality TV

→ Why the TLC landfill is impossible to escape

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - TLC obsession and falling into the landfill

→ 00:01:13 - Jeff Lewis Live and Still Flipping Out filming

→ 00:05:51 - New Year’s revolutions

→ 00:07:21 - Classic TV comfort watching

→ 00:10:45 - My Strange Addiction: skincare gone wrong

→ 00:16:59 - 90 Day Fiancé: Daniel and LWW

→ 00:24:55 - 90 Day Fiancé: Trish and Rick

→ 00:30:02 - 90 Day Fiancé: Forrest and Sheena

→ 00:32:46 - What’s coming next

→ 00:34:10 - Tookes Takeaway: sobriety and alcohol

Show links:

→ This 90 Day Fiancé Episode Took Me Out

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices