This week we recap the FINALE of Season 2 of The Valley. It's Jax's official last episode and he's STILL not sober. We are relieved but not suprrised to see Nia and Danny have made it out their reputation intact. We cry with Kristen as she navigates her fertility journey, but we are SO happy that it all worked out for her.

In the words of Scheana Shay, It's All Happening.

#thevalley

This week we talk about all the headlines that got our attention! We've got the cowboys of McBee Ranch on our mind as we heard the news - Jr is single! We talk about the idea that people feel entitled to know details about influencers lives, and of course, Scheana Shay's new article dropped this week and we have thoughts.

This week: Israel Bombs Iran, Trump and Elon have made up, Governor Newsom is crushing Trump and we smile, and Senator Padilla was tackled by the FBI for asking a question .

We talk about the No Kings protests that happened nationwide, with up to 15 million people protesting Trump and this administration’s policies. Plus, what we know about the two lawmakers in Minnesota who were shot in their homes by a man posing as a police officer. Also, Trump V Newsom continues to escalate as Newsom attacks Trump and we cheer because at least SOMEONE on the left is doing something.

We’ve got everything you missed this week, plus some pop culture headlines feat. Taylor Swift, Blake Lively, and more.

Thanks for tuning in! Please like, share, comment, subscribe!

NATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST SATURDAY - https://www.nokings.org

This week on The Valley, Jax is getting out of rehab, Danny’s still being labeled the problem — but honestly, we’ve decided it’s Janet who’s driving us over the edge. We unpack episode 9 and the growing chaos in the friend group.Plus, we get into the protests happening in LA, catch you up on this week’s biggest pop culture moments, and break down Jax’s wild podcast with his sister (spoiler: we have even more evidence he might be a full-blown psychopath).Tap in — it’s a messy one.

Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

NEXT NATIONWIDE PROTEST SATURDAY JUNE 14 - https://thirdact.org/act/no-kings-day-of-action/

This week, we chat about the political headlines that you won't want to miss!

• Immigration and ICE Protests Escalate in LA and we want Newsom to stand up for his immigrants!
• Happy Pride Month especially to our conservative white men! We see you out there "loving each other as much as straight men can".
• Elon and Donny are fighting on the internet because their fragile ego's can't handle the criticism
• The Rockland County Election recount... we chat about whether we think this has legs and more importantly, if it's even happening?

This week we mentioned:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/04/magazine/reality-tv-has-a-new-recipe-for-success-trauma.html
• https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/06/politics/kilmar-abrego-garcia
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xAs6gq29R7OVK3b1U9JqM?si=71F_FDQfTz2mJDH9jfEyyQ&context=spotify%3Acollection%3Apodcasts%3Aepisodes&nd=1&dlsi=43a2c464cc7b47c8
• https://app.enhancedvoting.com/results/public/rockland-county-ny/elections/GE2024Results/ballot-items/01000000-4482-4645-d471-08dcf2403024
• https://www.tiktok.com/@sandracoltonmedici/video/7513043181060001070?_r=1&_t=ZT-8x1HJIdYj0N

Follow us on socials!

Instagram: @confessionalsandcongressionalspod

Lauren's Tiktok: lauren___taylor8800

This week, we’re recapping The Valley episode 8 — and things are getting weird. Jax pops back in, and honestly? We’re officially freaked the eff out. The Janet drama is spiraling (again), and we have thoughts.

Plus, we’re breaking down the pop culture headlines that stopped us mid-scroll: there’s a ruling in the Justin Baldoni v. Blake Lively case, and are Mila and Ashton actually separated? Let’s get into it.

Thanks for listening — we love ya.

This week, Harvard’s not backing down in its fight against the Trump administration, Elon’s making headlines — and the “Big Beautiful Bill” may be hiding more than just budget cuts. We’re breaking down the Supreme Court’s move on tariffs, the truth behind DOGE’s so-called savings, and what Elon actually cut to get there.

Plus: Gaza ceasefire updates, Jake Tapper’s new book dominating CNN coverage, and the COVID vaccine funding rollback. From pop culture spin to political power grabs — we’re unpacking what’s real, what’s noise, and what it all means.

Thanks for listening! Please like, comment, follow, subscribe, ETC!

This week on the pod: In our pop culture catch-up, we unpack the latest from the Diddy civil trial and the unexpected name-drop of Britney Spears. Cass grieves the Swifties’ heartbreak over Taylor’s AMAs snub, and we dig into the Give Them Lala episode where Brittany finally shares more about that Ring camera footage we still haven’t seen.

We dive into The Valley episode 7, where our collective nightmare materializes—Jax is back, broadcasting from rehab with those all-too-familiar “I’ve changed” monologues. (We’ve heard this one before). Meanwhile, we’re genuinely thrilled to see Brittany standing firm, surrounded by love, support, and hopefully, a lawyer. #FreeBrittany

Thanks for listening, liking, sharing, and refusing to let narcissists rebrand as self-aware.

Follow & Subscribe for your weekly dose of reality TV recaps, pop culture commentary, and unfiltered feminist analysis.

CALL YOUR SENATORS AND ASK THEM TO OPPOSE THE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL. https://5calls.org/

This week we recap some pop culture headlines that have us worried for some of our favorite childhood stars. Justin Bieber’s weird Mother’s Day post, bizarre performance with SZA, a sketchy welcome-back to Chris Brown, and… is he broke? Meanwhile, Britney Spears is apologizing for lighting up on a plane with a incoherent rant on Instagram.

On the political front, we break down Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which just passed the House by one vote. It’s a brutal attack on Medicaid, SNAP, and working families—so yes, we’re mad. Also: student visa chaos, Education Department layoffs, FEMA aid denied, and more corruption than we can fit in one breath.

Call your senators. Keep resisting!

This week we recap The Valley Season 2, Episode 6. Another week without Jax is another week Lauren is happy, but the topic of discussion is about whether a new villian has emerged.

We also catch up on some pop culture news featuring MORE Justin Baldoni v Blake Lively.

Thanks for listening XOX

NEXT NATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST - NO KINGS, JUNE 14 (https://www.nokings.org)

The system isn’t broken, it’s working exactly as designed - for the 1%

This week, we get fired up about what it’ll take for the Democratic Party to actually be the party of the people again. From Bernie’s sidelined revolution to AOC’s rising influence, we unpack how the left can reclaim the working and middle class — and why America’s political branding desperately needs a glow-up. Plus: Is John McCain the last Republican with a moral compass? And why does today’s GOP feel like a morality-free wasteland?

Thanks for tuning in! Please like, share, follow, ETC! We love you! Keep resisting!

This week, we dive headfirst into The Valley Season 2, Episode 4 — where Jesse is entering his evil villain era, we want Jax off our screens, and the whole cast is ovulating at once (we really are adults...).

We also break down the latest in pop culture: Diddy turned down a plea deal (???!!!) and the trial kicks off with jury selection. His lawyers make an interesting, albeit unsuccessful, case for why that infamous hotel video shouldn't be used. Plus, the war between Baldoni and Lively continues as The Guardian claims this is a right-wing attack on women, we disagree (sort of).

Thanks for tuning in! Please share with a friend <3 We love you!

Listen - they can't make us like Janet, no matter how hard they try to change the narrative now. We get into what's getting under our skin about her, and why we are also on our last nerve with Britt. Jax is back from rehab this week and he's acting pretty calm for once, which has everyone suspicious. Thanks for listening, see you next week!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and New Set Design

02:58 Recap of the Valley Episode 14

05:52 True Crime Documentary Discussion

08:27 Influencer Tragedy and Public Obsession

11:37 Sheena's Memoir and Relationship with Lisa Vanderpump

14:36 House Hunting Drama

17:39 Janet's Controversial Behavior

20:32 Janet's Perspective and Public Perception

24:29 Navigating Friendships and Alliances

27:07 The Struggles of Parenthood and Fertility

30:08 Jax's Misunderstandings and Relationship Dynamics

34:07 Kristin's Fashion Line and Personal Growth

40:39 Jax's Emotional Turmoil and Childhood Reflections

44:14 Masculinity and Emotional Sensitivity

44:49 Divorce Proceedings and Exaggeration

45:58 Financial Struggles and Lifestyle Expectations

47:32 Body Image and Self-Esteem

49:22 The Impact of Objectification on Self-Perception

51:34 Navigating Insecurities and Societal Expectations

53:36 Tattoo Symbolism and Relationship Dynamics

55:33 Public Perception and Online Criticism

58:25 The Cycle of Toxic Communication

01:01:28 Final Confrontations and Mixed Signals

01:05:34 Toxic Cycles and Anticipation for Reunion

01:08:34 After Show Insights and Relationship Dynamics

01:11:17 Understanding Jax's Struggles and Parenthood Challenges

01:13:38 Looking Ahead: Future Episodes and New Shows

Happy Friday! We’re breaking down the week’s political circus, from the fallout of new tariffs to that viral ABC interview where Trump comes off as either clueless or an award-winning liar—jury’s still out. We’re also spilling the tea on D.C.’s newest elite hangout: a pay-to-play “club” that offers access to politicians... if your wallet’s fat enough.

Plus, Trump tries to gaslight us into thinking his first 100 “Big, Beautiful” days were a triumph (spoiler: no), Musk's DOGE might actually be costing taxpayers, and RFK Jr. claims he’s all about the kids—but what's the real plan? And yes, watching Elon Musk sulk brings us a little joy. Just a little. 😏

This week on the pod, we dive into The Valley Episode 3 — and let’s just say, with Jax in rehab, the drama feels... suspiciously manufactured. Are we bad people for kinda missing the chaos? 😬 We're unpacking Danny's maybe-accidental-maybe-just-scripted offense toward Jasmine and her girlfriend, and asking the big question: is this a real rift or just Bravo bait? Plus, the boys' group chat is giving major reminds us that shady men will always find someone just as shady to keep secrets with.

Friday we will have an episode all about what happened this week in politics. We really hope to see you then!

Leave a comment, we would love to hear from you!

Extra Extra!

• Cassie went to the VPR bar crawl that Jax talks about on his podcast and she has some qualms with the story he tells, including details about the thong heard around the world.
• We talk about our takeaways from all the extra interviews the valley cast have done (spoiler, jax is lying still)
• Some good news in politics to lead you through the weekend

Thanks for listening! We love ya.

Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

thehotline.org

- - -

This week we get into:

The Chris Murphy Instagram live that shook us to our core. We talk about how he outlines the transition from Democracy to Autocracy, how other leaders have done it and how Trump plans to do it.

PLUS, The Valley episode 2. We get into this week's drama with Brittany and Jax, how Jesse and Michelle hate each other, and

Leave a review or comment! <3

@4:20 - Kilmar update

@11:45 - North Carolina Supreme Court Race

@14:00 - Target boycotts and Tesla Protests

@23:00 - Chris Murphy Instagram Live, Shift from democracy to autocracy

@25:00 - Attacks on the universities and scientific communities

@44:00 - Defying court orders

@55:00 - Go after the lawyers

@57:00 - Discredit the press

@ 1:03 - Teacher in Florida fired for using student's preferred name

@1:10 - Pod Save America episode with Sarah McBride

@1:21 - Sister Wives is back!

@1:23 - The Valley drama

@1:31 - The Valley Episode 2 Recap

NATIONWIDE ANTI-TRUMP PROTEST APRIL 19. Find out more here!

In this episode, we dive into some hot current events: the ongoing unconstitutional immigration crackdowns, the alarming rollout of Project 2025 (remember when Trump swore he’d never heard of it? Yeah… he lied), and Blue Origin’s latest space flight—which has us seriously wondering: is feminism dead?

Then we head over to The Valley and break down episode 1, plus all the messy drama that went down between seasons. Jax is still as unhinged and emotionally abusive as ever (despite claiming he's changed), Brittany seems to be waking up, and we get into a heated debate: is Kristen or Janet the real villain here?

Links we mentioned:

https://democracyforward.org/the-peoples-guide-to-project-2025/

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIfTtWfNHQD/?igsh=MTQyZ2FqeWI5YW5ncA==

https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/blue-origin-criticism-emily-ratajkowski-olivia-wilde-and-more/

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/bukele-trump-court-order/682432/

We love you! Stay joyful and keep resisting.

This week on Confessionals & Congressionals, we’re unpacking Cierra Ortega’s controversial exit from Love Island USA—was it an overcorrection or just the internet doing too much? We dive into the racial and beauty standards at play and why reality TV still has a long way to go. Read the ABC News article for context. Plus, GQ just roasted the men of The Valley in a now-viral piece about “divorced guy energy” and we are living for it. Read the article.

We also listened to Jax’s new podcast so you don’t have to—he’s joined by his publicist Lori and still lacking all self-awareness. We talk about the infamous Justice 4 Jax account, which we thought was satire until this very moment. Here’s the Reddit thread for the chaos. Also: Janet clears her name on The Viall Files, and we tease a big announcement tied to The Challenge: Untold History.

Hit follow, leave a review, and remember—we’re critiquing edited tv characters, not real people. It's never ok to bully people online.

This week on Confessionals & Congressionals, we’re back with your favorite blend of pop culture chaos, reality TV drama, and a dash of political realness.

We’re diving deep into The Valley Season 2, Episode 13… and let’s just say, if Danny & Nia leave, we’re all rioting. We break down Kristen & Janet’s feud hitting a fever pitch, why Zach continues to be the #1 friend in the group, and Brittany’s, uh… questionable late-night choices. Plus, we’re side-eyeing Janet’s weaponized accusations and asking: who’s really keeping this group toxic?

But before we board the cruise from hell, we take a few moments to reflect on the devastating floods in Texas and the ongoing fight for economic justice and reproductive health care. Links to donate to flood relief, Planned Parenthood, and Vote Save America are below.

We also share this week’s pop culture & true crime recommendations, including The Challenge: Untold History, and a fascinating psychological breakdown of the Idaho murders suspect from Pop Psych.

Finally, we stand with Amaya Papaya. That’s all.

• VoteSaveAmerica.com

• Planned Parenthood

Welcome back to the pod! This week, we’re diving into the latest Valley episode—episode 12—and it’s packed with emotional tension, weird vibes, and a happy ending. Then we’re shifting gears to talk about what might be the most real drama on TV right now: the McBee Dynasty. We’ll also get into some chilling updates in the Idaho murders case, and we’ll end with an action item you can do today to push back against the "Big Beautiful Bill"—yes, it’s still on the table, and yes, its going to make life more expensive and more difficult for almost all americans.

TW: This episode contains discussion about SA and crimes against women.

The Valley recap starts at 52:45

This week we decided to keep things light. We catch up on Love Island, McBee Dynasty, and other pop culture news. The Challenge comes out in July, so we hope to recap that.

Please comment, follow, subscribe, etc! <3 

This week we recap The Valley S2E11 and catch up about Love Island (protect Amaya Papaya at all costs!!!). Lauren changes her mind about Jax being on TV, Cass is dying for a field day of our own, and we celebrate a huge win for NYC.

Thank you for listening! 

This week:

- We catch up on the Israel V Iran Conflict and the US's role

- Karen Read's non-guilty verdict is in!

- Scott Wolf and Kelley Wolf's messy divorce

- Love Island has us kicking our feet

AND MORE!

This week we referenced:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjv9Uwtc/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjv9HTFL/

We love ya! Thanks for listening!

This week we recap The Valley Episode 10, but not before a little pop culture catch up!

• The Valley Season 2, Episode 10 recap
• Talking about narcissistic personality disorder and the rigid defenses people like Jax have
• Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit updates
• Karen Read trial updates
• Emilie Kiser and the entitlement fans feel to influencer's personal life
• Scott Wolf's messy divorce

Thanks for listening! Please Like, Share, Follow, Subscribe, ETC! <3

Lauren and Cassie break down the viral Netflix documentary Unknown Number: the nonstop texts, the small-town rumor mill, the red-herrings, and the jaw-drop reveal. We get into why the case rattled parents (and teens), how schools + local police handled it, when the FBI got involved (IP traces, app subpoenas), and whether this was digital Munchausen by proxy or unprocessed trauma exploding online. We also talk about Khloe’s family’s response, what real support looks like for kids, and end with a lighter bet on where Taylor Swift might get married.

Spoiler alert: We discuss who did it.

Topics

• Editing misdirection vs. obvious clues

• Teen psychology, self-esteem, and why “just ignore it” isn’t realistic

• Phone dumps, spoofed numbers, tracing apps/ISPs

• Parents, power, and policing culture

• Enmeshment, trauma, and accountability

• Internet reactions & empathy for victims
  

If you or someone you love is struggling with harassment or self-harm thoughts, please reach out to local resources or text 988 (US) for support.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, follow Confessionals & Congressionals, rate us on Spotify, and share with a friend.

 We’ve got a jam-packed episode full of pop culture chaos and a little political rant.

This week on Confessionals & Congressionals, we recap The Challenge: Episode 5 -  from Jonna’s epic return to Ben’s field goal fiasco, we're recapping the drama, alliances, and betrayals. Who's rising in the rankings, and who needs to go? Let’s just say some people need to check their egos... and their aim.

Then it’s time to dive into Taylor Swift’s surprise engagement taking over the internet to Kelley Wolf's legal drama, we’re covering it all. 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 intro

09:47 Shoutouts

18:27 The Challenge Recap

01:17:29 Reflections on Contestants and Game Strategies

01:17:29 Pop Culture News: Kelley Wolf, Bravo News, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce!

Hit follow, leave a 5-star review, and join the convo!

This week’s episode is full of emotional chaos, shifting alliances, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes mess.

We’re recapping the latest episode of The Challenge and diving into the social game unraveling inside the house. We once again learn that the moment you call a show your own - it’s over. Johnny has gone from a human backpack to a dog on a leash and we’re here for the softer side of Gabe. 

Plus, we detour into pop culture madness: Bananas’ podcast drama, the latest with Jax Taylor, Kelley Wolf’s continued spiral, and some other chaotic TV faves: McBee Dynasty and Sister Wives.

📺 We cover:

00:00 The Challenge Recap: Emotional vulnerabilities, power shifts, and messy alliances

01:10 Bananas' Podcast Breakdown

01:21 Jax Taylor Update

01:31 Kelley Wolf Discussion

01:42 McBee Dynasty

01:52 Sister Wives is Back

💬 Sound off in the comments—are these cast members spiraling or just playing the game?

#TheChallenge41 #RealityTVRecap #PopCultureRoundup #BananasPodcast #McBeeDynasty #SisterWives #MTVChallenge

Please rate the podcast!

>>

The face off between Olivia and Johnny Bananas is beginning to fire up and we are HERE for it! We talk about this episode of The Challenge and gossip about what we have read on reddit about the behind-the-scenes (Yes, CHEF CT!). We also go over some of the Taylor Swift easter eggs we have seen since her big episode on New Heights.

>>

We hope you enjoy!

Swifties, this one's for you. We’re breaking down Taylor Swift’s now-legendary appearance on the New Heights podcast where she announcedThe Life of a Showgirland the fandom lost its collective mind. We’re talking all things Easter eggs, fan theories, love stories, and that elusive blend of PR strategy and genuine vulnerability that Taylor somehow nails every time. We also get into her journey reclaiming her masters, how her political stances have evolved (and why it matters), and the real power of the Swiftie community.

Is The Life of a Showgirl really all we're getting? Or it merely the soundtrack to our long awaited documentary? Tune in for our takes and a little speculation... because what’s a Taylor era without a little mystery?

Tell us: What's your working theory on the album rollout?

#TaylorSwift #NewHeightsPodcast #TheLifeOfAShowgirl #Swifties #PopCulturePodcast #TLOAS

Please leave us a review to support the show!

Today we cover The Valley Season 2 Three Part Reunion - it's a big one. One of the most toxic and dark shows on tv, we try to balance compassion with criticism in this one because boy do we have thoughts. It's hard to watch Jax feel embarassed and we are kind of sympathizing with him. We talk about our MVP and LVP of the season, our final thoughts about the Janet V. Danny drama, and Brittany's role in her and Jax's relationship (the codependent and the narcissist - a tale as old as time!). Thank you so much to our new listeners, our old listeners, and everyone in between. We love ya!

#thevalley #bravotv #bravopodcast #popculture #popculturepodcast

It’s only episode 2 of The Challenge Season 41 and the drama is already out of control! We’re talking jealousy, rivalry, and some next-level drunken stupidity.

This week’s hot question: Would Will be as bothered if it was a different guy with Dee?

Lauren has a surprising confession about Johnny Bananas, Cass is (once again) disappointed in Lauren’s naïveté, and the girls break down the early strategies forming in the house. From messy hookups to subtle power plays, we’re spilling all the tea you missed (or want to relive).

📺 We cover:

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — would you be bothered if you were Will?

#TheChallenge #TheChallengeS41 #TheChallenge41 #MTVTheChallenge #ChallengeRecap #JohnnyBananas #RealityTV #ChallengeFans #MTV

Welcome back! Please follow and comment <3

This week we talk about Scheana Shays' memoir which is essentially a catalog of all the men she's slept with with zero self-awareness, so basically exactly what' you'd expect! We also talk about Kelley Wolf's mental health decline (we are worried!!!), and we talk about a new influencer we love.

Johnny Bananas, CT, Aneesa, and a stacked roster of legendary vets return to face off against the new blood in the first challenge of the season, and the drama starts immediately. We’re breaking down every the alliances and power plays from the Season 41 premiere of The Challenge.

In this episode, we cover:
🔥 Who’s playing smart vs. who’s already messy
🏋️‍♂️ The intensity of the first challenge (and that twist!)
👀 Early frontrunners and who might be in trouble already

Watch The Challenge on MTV or stream it on Amazon Prime, then tune in for our full recap and takeaways.

🎧 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the pod—it helps us out and keeps the hot takes coming.

#TheChallenge41 #RealityTVRecap #JohnnyBananas #CTTamburello #MTVChallenge #PopCulturePodcast

This week we are getting into the jaw-dropping breakup between JaNa and Kenny from Love Island USA. It’s just the beginning but one thing is clear - this is gonna be messy. We also get into our thoughts about The Valley reunion part 1, the newest episode of McBee Dynasty, and Kelly Wolf’s continued erratic and delusional behavior.

Sorry for the late upload this week! We had a lot of personal stuff going on, but we are BACK with our recap of The Challenge episode 6.

CT flops HARD on the swinging ladder challenge, Turbo explodes over "manhood," and alliances continue to confuse even the most seasoned fans.

We unpack:

- Why CT’s performance has fans (and castmates) questioning his future on the show- Aneesa's delusion about her social standing (and why she’s not part of the vet core)

- Olivia’s strategic scramble pays off (even if we don’t quite understand it)But we also go off-script and get real:

- Lauren shares what it’s like parenting a Deaf/Blind child and attending a conference to find community

- Cassie opens up about mental health, hormonal waves post-surgery, and the emotional weight of internet cruelty

- Why kindness still matters - even in reality TV fandoms- This episode blends your favorite reality TV mess with real-life reflection, humor, and deep empathy.

Stick around to the end for a juicy sneak peek at the next elimination!

🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review—we want to hear YOUR hot takes!

#TheChallengePodcast #RealityTVRecap #CTTamburello #TurboChallenge #MTVChallenge #PopCultureCommentary #DeafBlindAwareness #NeurodiverseParenting #MentalHealthRealTalk #RealityTVHotTakes #ChallengeVetsVsNewThreats