Tookes Takes

62: I finally watched The Real Housewives of Rhode Island and I have THOUGHTS… from the breakout stars to the mess already spiraling out of control. Then I get into the chaos of Summer House, the men who are absolutely not okay, and why I’m officially done lowering my standards. Plus, I ended up at a last-minute Beverly Hills event surrounded by Housewives, celeb sightings, and some wild behind-the-scenes moments I can’t unsee.

Topics Discussed:

→ First thoughts on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island

→ Favorite cast members and early standouts

→ Sugar baby dynamics and relationship hot takes

→ Marriage drama + cheating on RHORI

→ Beverly Hills event recap + celebrity sightings

→ Behind-the-scenes Bravo world observations

→ Summer House + disappointing men

→ Dating in 2026, standards, and self-worth

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:01:00 - Real Housewives of Rhode Island 

→ 00:04:18 - RHORI: Break Out Stars 

→ 00:07:52 - Sugar Baby + Sugar Daddy? 

→ 00:10:33 - NO BROKIES 

→ 00:14:02 - That’s Not Her Mansion 

→ 00:19:25 - Cheating Scandal 

→ 00:21:42 - Real Housewives of Atlanta 

→ 00:25:25 - Meeting The Housewives 

→ 00:31:55 - Summer House 

→ 00:35:45 - Tookes Takeaway: coulrophobia

Show links:

→ TLC: 90 Day Fiancé Couples Are Falling Apart

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

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61: I’ve been moving at 90 miles an hour, from buying my dream car to flying to New York for a last-minute hosting gig, and I’m sharing everything. 

Then we get into the 90 Day Fiancé season finale, because these couples are falling apart. Engagements ending, red flags everywhere, and a proposal that makes absolutely no sense.

Plus, I talk about hitting 10K, navigating online criticism, stepping into my “yes” season, and why being open to connection might change everything.

Topics Discussed:

→ 90 Day Fiancé Engagement Breakups Explained→ 90 Day Fiancé Tell-All Predictions And Drama→ Red Flags In 90 Day Fiancé Relationships→ Why 90 Day Fiancé Couples Split So Fast→ Most Shocking Moments 90 Day Fiancé Season

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Car Shopping Scams 

→ 00:08:08 - Yoga Studio + Jeff Lewis Live

→ 00:12:46 - Hitting 10kK

→ 00:16:20 - True Crime 

→ 00:22:14 - 90 Day Fiancé vs Bravo

→ 00:24:05 - 90 Day Fiancé: Broken Engagement 

→ 00:28:01 - 90 Day Fiancé: Feelings For His Ex? 

→ 00:30:59 - 90 Day Fiancé: Public Breakdown 

→ 00:34:29 - Tookes Takeaway: Just Be Open

Further Listening:

→ BRAVO + TLC Unpacked: Dating Red Flags + Marriage Woes

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

90 Day Fiancé recap, 90 Day Fiancé season finale, relationship red flags, reality TV recap podcast, car buying tips dealership negotiation, electric car Volkswagen ID4 review, trusting God testimony story, influencer growth 10k followers, entertainment industry hustle, hosting gigs New York, serial killer exhibit NYC, dating advice women, breakup engagement advice, toxic relationships signs, reality TV drama analysis, personal growth mindset, podcast storytelling lifestyle

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60: From yoga instructor training to messy 90 Day Fiancé drama, I break down red flags, pick-me behavior, and why choosing yourself is the real glow-up.

Topics Discussed:

→ What are the biggest red flags on 90 Day Fiancé?

→ What does “pick-me girl” behavior actually mean?

→ How do you choose yourself in dating?

→ Are reality TV relationships real or fake?

→ How can women build confidence in relationships?

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Yoga Instructing

→ 00:04:01 - Learning French 

→ 00:06:19 - 90 Day Fiancé  

→ 00:10:32 - 90 Day Fiancé: Engagements 

→ 00:13:33 - Bieberchella

→ 00:14:57 - 90 Day Fiancé: Reynaldo Rey

→ 00:16:08 - 90 Day Fiancé: Research Countries 

→ 00:19:04 - 90 Day Fiancé: Trish + Rick 

→ 00:23:24 - 90 Day Fiancé:Tell All? 

→ 00:23:47 - BRAVO: Ladies Of London

→ 00:26:30 - ChatGPT Love Triangles 

→ 00:27:06 - Tookes Takeaway: Pick-Mes  

Show links:

→ BRAVO’s Summer House: The Real Villain Isn’t Who You Think

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

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

59: I wasn’t even watching Summer House… and somehow it’s all I can think about.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the betrayal that has everyone talking, and why this situation goes way deeper than just a guy. Because let’s be real, this was never about him. This was about friendship, loyalty, and what it really means to be a girl’s girl.

Topics Discussed:

→ What is the Summer House betrayal everyone is talking about?

→ Why is girl code important in friendships?

→ How do you handle a friend dating your ex?

→ What are red flags in female friendships?

→ Why do some relationship betrayals feel deeper than others?

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:02:01 - Summer House: GIRL CODE 

→ 00:06:42 - Scandoval Part 2 

→ 00:09:18 - White Privilege 

→ 00:16:40 - Summer House Recap

→ 00:21:49 - The Betrayal

→ 00:27:29 - Amanda + West 

→ 00:32:33 - Girl Code 

→ 00:34:43 - BRAVO Facebook Groups 

→ 00:38:09 - God, Girls, Gays 

→ 00:41:31 - Life Updates! 

→ 00:42:44 - Tookes Takeaway: Trust God

Further Listening: 

→ TLC Is Sad, The Manosphere Might Be Worse!

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

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

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

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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

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