Tookes Takes

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

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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

48: I sat down ready to watch 90 Day Fiancé as a little palate cleanser and somehow ended up deep in the TLC landfill - raw meat at the nail salon, and a whole lot of men who absolutely refuse to get a job. 

I watched 90 Day Fiancé couples who are lying, projecting, gaslighting, and embarrassing themselves across multiple continents, from unemployed big backs to emotional affairs that are somehow always the woman’s fault. We also take a quick detour through the Housewives drama: jealousy, happy marriages, and why being hateful never works out in the end.

Topics Discussed:

→ 90 Day Fiancé season recap and couples drama

→ My Strange Addiction season 7 reactions

→ Reality TV relationship red flags and gaslighting

→ Housewives of Potomac jealousy and marriage issues

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - My Strange Addiction 

→ 00:04:54 - Addicted to smelling her dad’s…

→ 00:05:28 - Dry January & 90 Day Fiance 

→ 00:12:16 - I’m rooting for Emma! 

→ 00:19:28 - He wants to ***** her? 

→ 00:25:01 - Lesbian with a wig 

→ 00:28:28 - Beer can & Laura 

→ 00:29:31 - Real Housewives Crossover!

→ 00:31:08 - Tookes Takeaway: DONT BE JEALOUS

→ 00:35:51 - Old faithful & the rubber sheet 

Show links:

→ Reality TV Breakdown: 90 Day Fiancé, RHOBH & Chumpmas Live

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

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

47: Happy New Year, Kensday crew! Last year was all about survival, but this year? We’re leveling up. I’m sharing all the highs, the holiday chaos, and the solo Christmas vibes, plus my adventures in West Hollywood, some new fun fashion accessories, and why the gay community is truly taking care of us straight girls right now. Of course, we’re still watching reality shows: from 90 Day Fiancé to Real Housewives of Salt Lake City…

Topics Discussed:

→ How did I spend Christmas and New Year solo?

→ What happened during my West Hollywood night out?

→ How is Forrest’s mom causing chaos for Sheena on 90 Day Fiancé?

→ What’s happening with Meredith and Bronwyn on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City?

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:01:11 - Christmas Vegas Trip 

→ 00:06:02 - The Pink Pony Club & Dating Life

→ 00:13:26 - Law & Order & The Diddy Doc 

→ 00:14:36 - RHOSLC: Mary Cosby Doc 

→ 00:16:25 - RHOSLC: Greece Trip & Addiction 

→ 00:18:24 - 90 Day Fiancé: Forrest’s Mom 

→ 00:23:01 - 90 Day Fiancé: Lesbian With A Wig & this week’s hair cam 

→ 00:25:55 - 90 Day Fiancé: Nip Tuck & Beer Can

→ 00:30:35 - 90 Day Fiancé: Emotionally Cheating 

→ 00:32:48 - Tookes Takeaway: Enjoy Your Single Life! 

Further Listening: 

→ Reality TV Breakdown: 90 Day Fiancé, RHOBH & Chumpmas Live

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

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

46: In this episode, I break down all the latest reality TV moments, from 90 Day Fiancé’s unexpected twists to the newest Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Potomac & Beverly Hills. I also share my experience at my first Chumpmas live show, the behind-the-scenes chaos, and what it’s like working with the chumps.

Topics Discussed:

→ Chumpmas and Jeff Lewis Live: show highlights and behind the scenes

→ New RHOBH cast members and first impressions→ Bose Boma St. John’s reputation vs. public persona→ Friendship dynamics: Gar, Sutton, and loyalty issues→ Dorit’s divorce, child support, and parenting struggles

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:01:01 - 90 Day Fiance 

→ 00:09:18 - Cultural differences 

→ 00:13:55 - Older men & children 

→ 00:15:41 - Young broken guys 

→ 00:19:10 - RHOBH Roundup: Who’s Really a Girl’s Girl?

→ 00:29:49 - RHOSLC: Greek Week 

→ 00:35:41 - Chumpmas night two drama 

→ 00:45:53 - Tookes Takeaway: Hold On To Your Family

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

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

45: Holiday season is here, and I’m sharing all the chaos, drama, and joy I’ve been living through. From reality TV feuds on Real Housewives of Potomac and Salt Lake to my own “whatever era” in dating, I’m talking Stacey, Brittany, Bronwyn, and all the holiday showdowns. I’m also reflecting on family, gratitude, and my love for yoga, bread, butter, and yes, even KitKats. Eat, drink, and be merry with me!

Topics Discussed:

→ Real Housewives feuds: Stacey, Brittany & Bronwyn

→ Dating and personal growth in a “whatever era”

→ Family gratitude and strong family foundations

→ Holiday indulgences: bread, butter, and Kit Kats

→ Yoga journey and preparing for 2026 revolutions

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:03:10 - Chumpmas & life updates 

→ 00:04:55 - Who Cares about dating?

→ 00:10:39 - RHOSLC: Brittany & forgiveness

→ 00:16:02 - RHOSLC: Bronwyn’s self esteem 

→ 00:20:35 - RHOP: Stacey Roache 

→ 00:26:57 - RHOP: Stacey vs Keiarna 

→ 00:29:03 - Tookes Takeaway: Eat, Drink, Be Merry!

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

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

44: Ever wonder what it’s like to get a 50-cent SAG check, survive a Friends callback, or spend time kibbitzing with a reality TV star over roasted potatoes? Doug Budin shares what it was like almost getting cut from one of my all-time favorite shows, the behind-the-scenes chaos of meeting Jeff Lewis, and the surprising truths about Housewives drama that go way beyond what we see on TV.

Topics Discussed:

→ SAG checks→ Behind-the-scenes of Friends→ Meeting Jeff Lewis and reality TV experiences→ Real Housewives drama and family dynamics→ Family stories that shaped Doug Budin

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:01:19 - Doug’s Mom & Cooking

→ 00:05:13 - Cooking & Baking 

→ 00:05:53 - Doug’s Dad & Law School 

→ 00:09:37 - Wanting to perform 

→ 00:13:09 - Sleep away camp & Swimming

→ 00:17:29 - 80’s Preppy 

→ 00:23:08 - High School Experience 

→ 00:28:55 - Club kids 

→ 00:29:43 - College & pursuing acting 

→ 00:33:10 - Live theatre & residuals

→ 00:38:01 - Meeting Jeff Lewis 

→ 00:41:30 - RHOC: Gretchen’s scandal  

→ 00:44:18 - Dream guests & Favorite Real Housives  

→ 00:50:07 - RHOP: Do We Like Stacy?

→ 00:56:28 - Tookes Takeaway: It's Never Too Late 

Check Out Doug:

→ 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

43: I had the best time sitting down with Jamie Rice, the creator of Murderish and Dirty Money Moves, and this conversation goes everywhere in the best way. We talk about her wild pivot from banking to true crime podcasting, how she became a mom at nineteen, what it is like being a grandma, and the Bravo obsession we immediately bonded over. 

We get into Housewives drama, messy cast trips, style crimes, image architects, why labels are not fashion, and which cities deserve a full recast. Jamie shares her MILF self care ritual, the products and habits she swears by.

Topics Discussed:

→ Bravo Housewives cast dynamics

→ True crime podcasting

→ Skincare routines, self-care, and MILF hacks

→ Polygraphs and reality show manipulation

On This Episode We Cover: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:00:28 - Jami’s Heist Story

→ 00:04:27 - Podcaster Advice

→ 00:07:11 - MILF Diaries & Housewives Quotes

→ 00:12:43 - Santa Clarita Housewives Drama

→ 00:15:51 - Meeting Her Husband

→ 00:20:23 - Bravocon Picks

→ 00:24:21 - Housewife Criminal Moments

→ 00:31:55 - Housewives Rushmore

→ 00:36:58 - Heather, Captain Jason & Water Fight

→ 00:38:48 - Tamra Judge: Medicated?

→ 00:40:29 - Phony Lie Detector Drama

→ 00:45:49 - RHOC Cast Picks

→ 00:50:34 - Heather Dubrow in Amsterdam

→ 00:52:55 - Gravity Bongs & 90s Weed

→ 00:55:06 - RHOBH Qualifications

→ 00:57:04 - MILF Self-Care Tips

Check Out Jami: 

→ Instagram

→ Murderish

→ Dirty Money Moves

→ YouTube

Check Out LaKendra:

→ LaKendra's Instagram 

→ Tookes Takes Instagram

→ X

→ LaKendra’s TikTok

→ YouTube

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