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?”

Timestamps:

00:00-2:11 - Reality Test returns after a two-month break

02:12-04:41 - Reality Check: Internalized racism and self-esteem

04:42-06:55 - Why the reunion’s sex questions felt exploitative

06:56-09:56 - Reality Check: Reality TV sexual content and adolescent risk-taking

09:57-20:51 - Check-Ins, CT & Phaedra, the psych segments and the disclaimer

20:52-22:06 - Ariana’s role as host and her Emmy nomination

22:07-23:59 - The top couples

24:00-26:43 - Why Sincere’s accountability may feel incomplete

26:44-30:27 - The racial and sexist implications of “can you handle her?”

30:28-31:27 - Brinity’s interracial relationship

31:28-32:11 - Zayda’s uncertain status

32:12-35:54 - Sincere’s family comments and the limits of apology

35:55-40:51 - TT and KC face racist abuse online

40:52-44:38 - TT, Aniya, and the meaning of “fragile”

44:39-46:36 - Kenzie and Dylan, sex shaming, and authenticity

46:37-49:49 - Kenzie and Melanie’s friendship conflict

49:50-52:09 - Bea speaks out about ableism

52:10-55:39 - Gabe, Bea, Jen, and the problem with sexualized editing

55:40-58:17 - Sol’s claims of objectification and exclusion

58:18-62:03 - Sol & Melanie: Trauma, homelessness, and the limits of rescue narratives

62:04-63:02 - Bryce and Zach’s friendship amid homophobic reactions

63:03-64:03 - Corbin and Parmida’s “nothing burger” reunion appearance

64:04-66:00 - “Big dog” is both funny and patronizing

66:01-68:49 - Jayden and Caleb: invasive questions and sexual double standards

68:50-73:14 - Why “why did you sleep with him again?” is victim-blaming

73:15-76:10 - KC’s misunderstanding of conflict among women of color

76:11-78:27 - Bryce needs to talk openly about race

78:28-79:19 - “Wear it at all, but wear it lightly”

79:20 - Closing thoughts and Call to Action

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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: realitycheckpodding@gmail.com

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! Realitycheckpodding@gmail.com.

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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: realitycheckpodding@gmail.com

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! Realitycheckpodding@gmail.com.

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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: realitycheckpodding@gmail.com

Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok)

Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta)

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