Mormon Wives, Real Lives feat. Miranda Hope

- This is the Southern Tea with Lindsey Crissley.

“- I think it's so funny when you get Christmas cards”

and all of these people write their children's accomplishments on the back. - I don't love them a Southern girl and a boy mom who's trying to navigate life while staying true to her roots. - I am a functioning non-functioning human being right now.

- Join Lindsey each week as she swears to spill the tea, the whole tea, and nothing but the tea. - That is the tea. - Here's Lindsey. - Good morning, Miranda, how are you?

- I'm good, how are you? - I'm doing well. I got the screener for the new season of Secret Wives of Mormon Lives. - Pretty crazy.

- It's so crazy. I kind of feel like your character has evolved

from the like when you first went on to now.

- Oh, do you good? - I feel like you've evolved as a person, so I love it. - Yeah, it's so cool. Can you tell me what made you like inspired to kind of share your life online?

- Well, when it came to season one, obviously, I turned down the offer. I at the time was going through, well, not divorced yet, but my marriage was rocky. And you hear what reality TV is like,

there's definitely a stigma stereotype.

“And I think most of the time sharing your life online”

can be pretty detrimental in a lot of ways, but I feel like as time went on and after my divorce and I had done a lot of healing and growing, and I think I just got to a point where I felt like I was in a really good headspace

and I don't know, I just, I think when season two came around and they approached me, I just completely felt differently

about it 'cause when it was first season one,

I was like, I had my gut just as know. And then with season two, I just, I don't even really know exactly what it was, but I just felt differently about it and decided to give it a go and, you know,

I'm glad I did because ultimately I feel like, I hope to some capacity, I'm able to help other people, but it's also been a very healing experience for me. I mean, there's not a lot of things in life. You're not putting a lot of positions

where you're forced to be confrontational.

“I think that pushed me outside my comfort zone”

in a lot of ways and I think it's actually been a really good experience for me. It's kind of like exposure to your P.I. Guess? But yeah, it's actually been, it's been great. - Wait, so can you give me the tea?

How did they cast the first season?

Like, did you sign up? Or did they send you? - So were you familiar with the whole swinging scandal that broke out years ago that Taylor, that whole thing, Taylor came went on live?

- So that was initially, so that was mom taught the original mom talk, right? There was that. And then Taylor and I had our friendship fall out and then she went on live, talked about the swinging stuff.

So that was just, that went really viral. And then the other girls, some of them were kind of like in mom talk and then there were a few that didn't really have an association to mom talk but they did some rounds of interviews.

So that was Jesse and Jen, I think we're all in to me. And then they did interviews and the rest of us were just kind of like cast by association. - Okay, that makes sense. So wait, the whole swinging scandal,

who was involved in the swinging scandal? - So there was the initial group. There was a couple that was like more involved with Taylor and her ex-husband. So they were the ones that were like more so actually swinging.

I think there's also a misconception that people think like no one was trading and having sex like that wasn't ever a thing. It was more so like what you would assume high school, nonsense, immature adults, but we're kind of stunted.

I guess you could say, and then me and then my ex-husband, we were involved but it was more so like the kissing games and in season two it kind of goes into detail of like what we were involved in. But as far as like what mom talk is now,

it's really just me and Taylor. - Okay, that makes sense. So what got you all into the idea of wanting to, I mean, 'cause that's technically not swinging but yeah, it's like, that'll make sense.

- Yeah, playing with fire still for sure. I don't think it was like, there was no discussions. It was nothing, nothing like that. It was more or less just stirring.

doored astronauts. I think people don't really realize that Taylor and I and our ex-husband's like we had a very normal like not at all like sexual or controversial friendship at all, it was very normal for years leading up to this.

But yeah, that's kind of around the time where we started like drinking here and there and I think that just is when again, like we were very like sheltered Mormons growing up and so none of us had a lot of experience with much.

And so I think that kind of just peaked interest and I think it one thing just led to another when we would all get together and hang out or have these parties and that's where it went, I guess. - That's so crazy.

So is that what led ultimately led to your divorce or were there already other things? - So, I mean, obviously it wasn't great for our marriage but I also like, I don't think that you get to that point,

“I think you have to have a lot of other things going on”

in your relationship. - For sure. - In order to even be to find yourself in that situation, right? But I, there were a lot of other things that were going on in our marriage that led to us

then being in that situation at the swinging and then I think just, we got through a lot through that I think like we grew in a lot of ways

but then there were some things that it was just never

going to work and that's ultimately why we decided we'd be better as co-ference. - Yeah, so how many children do you all have? - Two. - And are your kids featured on the show and your ex-asmin?

- My kids are in a little bit but none of our kids are really in it much which is nice. I mean that's I think that we would all collectively be against our kids being in it much. But there's like little scenes or clips

where you'll see like bits and pieces of them but overall they're not really featured, I would say, like as part of the show as a whole. - So obviously where you guys are from, heavy Mormon community, what did they think when,

who, what is it, who Lou decided to do the reality show? - Oh yeah, it was like a big, yeah, not a lot of people were thrilled about it. I also think the name secret lives of Mormon wives, you know, I think that struck a nerve with a lot of members.

“And then you know, I think from what I remember”

- Which is vulnerable, first of all, yeah.

- Well, and it's especially something that is already like a Contraver, it's based on, you know, Swinging is again, which is already controversial as it is and then you hear the name and it felt, I think a lot of people felt like the term Mormon was just

being used to push views and so on and so I think that they felt a little slided by that. But I do feel like from what I remember seeing, obviously I wasn't in season one but I remember seeing a lot of people

that were more pleasantly surprised. I think by the outcome after watching it and like the relatability of it. So honestly, I don't feel like I hear a lot of the Contravercy now but also maybe that's

'cause I'm more removed from the church. So I maybe that's why but I feel like it's not nearly

as big of a deal as I feel like it was when it was first announced.

- So when you decided to sign on first season two where you still heavily involved in the church where you would already step away.

“- I already stepped on, which I think is another thing”

that definitely played a role in my decision making. And kind of dropped a lot of the people pleasing and the front that I had in those years with the whole swimming thing and having such a fear of disappointing people and whether that be family

or just church leaders and I think that I worked through a lot of that and then once I stepped away in the church, I just really stopped caring about it. - And what did that look like stepping away from the Mormon church?

- It was hard. - What was that process? - Yeah, it was hard. I mean, it was the thing that was really hard is that I was dealing with all of that.

That was something that I don't think a lot of people knew is that I was dealing with a faith crisis among my life following the part online and my marriage following the part and it was just a lot all at once.

And yeah, it's a high demand religion and so there's an especially new talk. There's a lot of gossip a lot of judgment and I think all of that was very heavy all at once. And so I think I was deconstructing a lot in my life

and I think that I for a long time was just really disappointed about disappointing. My family and all in all it was a very difficult stage but I'm very grateful that I pushed through and I'm at a good place with it with my family

I don't really align with their belief system anymore.

So yeah, I'm here now and we're all good but it was definitely rough. Faith crisis is definitely not for the week for sure. How do you feel like your content has evolved from casual posting

to just a full blown platform? - Yeah, I started. The posting casually probably back in 2020 and then that's when like Taylor and I started making videos

and they just kind of started taking off and you know, before I knew it, it was being monetized and I don't think I really realized like that you could make a full career out of it and then obviously even just from then to now

it's a big jump and a big difference too

“and I think yeah, I think it's always shocking to me”

that this is where I am now and this is my life but all in all I'm grateful that you know, posting silly little videos turned into what it is now.

- All right y'all, let's take a quick second

to talk about cleaning products because you use them every single day and sometimes multiple times a day I was just cleaning out my garage this weekend and I reached for multiple of my branch basics products.

You have cleaning products literally everywhere so on your counters where you prep your food and your laundry detergent like whatever you use to soak your clothes on your floors that may be your kids and pets are crawling on

and with spring cleaning season here, it is worth asking a simple question. Do you actually know what you are cleaning your home with because your home environment plays a much bigger role and how you feel the most people realize

a lot of conventional products look clean, smell clean, even say natural, but many still contain ingredients linked to hormone disruptions, skin irritation and respiratory issues and spring cleaning isn't just all about decluttering.

It is about upgrading what you allow into your home and want you know what's inside conventional cleaners. There really is no going back. I love that these products are made from plant and mineral-based ingredients.

Branch basics is human safe and fragrance-free making it perfect for families, especially those with baby's kids or pets. And here's the good news. Branch basics is available everywhere you shop.

At target.com Amazon and of course branchbasic.com

tossing the toxins has never been more convenient

and for anyone grabbing the premium starter kit, you can still get 15% off at branchbasic.com with my code SouthernT. Disuse code SouthernT for 15% off the premium starter kit at branchbasic.com.

After you purchase, they're going to ask you where you heard about them. Please make sure that you mentioned my show. So did it start on TikTok or-- - Uh-huh. - Okay, so it started on top.

- Yeah. - And so how did you meet Taylor? - We actually met through-- we went to a photo shoot. - Really? - Went to a photo shoot and that is where we met and then we clicked

and then we were like, oh, we should hang out with our husband's sometime and so we like hung out and they got along and when you're married and you have a good friend, I feel like it's really rare for like all four people to get along well and our husband's got along really well

and so we were like, this is great. This is awesome. It's hard to find like fun married couples that we all get along with. So then we just started hanging out consistently

and the rest is history. - Okay, because I'm just a nosy person,

“what does the productions get to look like for y'all?”

- Oh man, it's crazy. I mean, yeah, I mean, yeah, I mean, I think busting out two seasons a year is definitely keeps us on our toes, right? - Not the week.

- Went out for the week, it doesn't feel like we have, even when we have like breaks it's like we have so many other things during those breaks, right? With like brands and whatnot.

So, you know, we're very go-go-go. But I will say it makes it a lot easier when you do have like genuine friendships, right? I think that that would be a lot more miserable. I mean, it's just like going to the, you know,

a workplace and not liking your co-workers. Not to say clearly, there is some of that sometimes, but we've got some organic workplace. - Very dramatic workplace, but we get through it and we communicate through it.

And all in all, it makes for a fun work environment

“and you actually, most of the time, like your co-workers, right?”

So, do y'all have call sheets, like, is it set scenes? - Yes, and no, it's hard 'cause it's based on reality, right? So, it's like, it can like change at the drop of the pin or we won't really know what our day looks like

it feels like everything in life is like on call.

So, definitely makes it difficult sometimes to, like, schedule appointments and, you know, and then we all have kids and like working on top of that can be difficult.

“So, I think we've all been able to form, you know,”

a pretty good village and, you know, we're grateful for that, but it definitely, it can be draining at times, for sure, when you feel like it's, you know, there's a little bit of burnout when your go-go-go, but, I don't know, but I think all in all,

I think we're all, it's all been worth it. And again, when you have, like, people that you're, you enjoy being around, it makes it a lot easier. - So, do they have access to just be able to show up at your house like whenever they want to or they have to ask permission?

- Oh, sure, sure, they have to ask, yeah. - Yeah. - Now, they show up in my house on announced to be like, "I get off the horse." (laughs) - So, do you, is it true that all of you guys have nannies

and not housekeepers, but, like, house assistants?

- Yeah. - Uh-huh, yeah, so I think it's true. - I think all, well, I don't think Michaela has an assistant yet, but for them, like, they have stay-home husbands. So, like, I think there's not, not everyone,

but like, Macy does and Michaela does. And so, their husbands are obviously, like, really helpful and they help, you know, run their businesses and stuff, but I, even so, I know Macy has an assistant.

“I think pretty much all of us have an assistant and a nanny.”

And so, it's, again, like, creating that village, right? And we all look family and stuff as well, but, even so, like, it's, it's, like, not enough to, like, keep up with everything you have felt like. And, yeah, like, even just, you know,

as a mom, like, managing household stuff on top of everything, you can definitely, it can be taxing for sure. - It's just so crazy. Actually, it was on TikTok a couple of days ago

when I ran across TikTok. And I think it was just kind of, like, some random reporter. And it's like, there's drama with this secret wives of more and more wives husbands, because they're now, like, way out making them, is it true?

- Making them, like, financially? - And yes, financially. - Absolutely. - Absolutely not. - So, there is no truth to that.

- Absolutely not, no, not even close. But that is hilarious. Isn't that crazy? - Isn't that, though? They'll love to hear that.

- Yeah, right? So, most of you have, say, you don't have a husband. - No, no. - Do you plan on giving a husband? - Yeah, eventually, I would like to be remarried,

but I just, I don't know, I don't really date. I don't know how I'd find the time for it to be honest. I just think, like, this has been this last year. I just have been, it's been my kids and my career. I've been in my focus, and I just think that if I meet

somebody, I kind of feel like it would just end up falling in my lap. I don't really see the use in, like, going out and searching for it. I just, I'm, like, content enough alone. And I just, you know what I mean in the wild.

- Yeah, see, that's the plan. - That's the plan. - Yeah. - And if I dare, I'm, like, if it takes a while, I'm, whatever, I'm, like, I'm, like, content enough,

like, in my life that I'm, like, I'm in no rush. - How long ago was your divorce? Just over two years? - Oh, okay, so, yeah. - That's been two long.

- Yeah. - Yeah, okay, so, what did you guys think when Taylor got selected for the Bachelor at? - Crazy. It was crazy.

- Was that crazy? - Yeah, it was wild. We were all so excited for her, though. And obviously, you know, she's definitely, there was a lot of controversy kind of,

“I think people were like, well, this isn't,”

like, the standard, like, Bachelor at Pick. But I think that's kind of the fun of it, right? And, you know, we all know that she's gonna bring it. And, for sure. - It'll be different than their past seasons, I'm sure.

But yeah, it'll be Taylor's version, which is exciting. - I've seen all of the, like, little troll pages and stuff and it's like, Taylor, Frankie Paul,

first Bachelor at that has a pregnancy scare.

- Yeah. - Like, what, like, this is gonna get wild. I might watch it, honestly. - Yeah, no, it's, there's so much that I don't even know. Like, at that, this point still.

So I'm excited to watch it back and see how it all unfolds. - So, do you know, is Chris here's in the host on her season 'cause I did hear he was coming back, but then Jesse Palmer was still doing it? - Yeah, no, it's Jesse, um, for him to see.

- Yeah. - All too bad, he's married. (laughing) - What a shame. - What a shame. - What a shame.

- What do you feel like is the biggest misconception about you that even surprises you? - Ooh, I feel like I get those a lot less,

I think I still see a lot of assumptions of people being like,

there's no way we're ended in chase aren't still hooking up and I'm like, come on now, you guys. Do you realize that? - That was me.

“- Oh, that's not how that's what I'm saying.”

I'm like, that's actually one of my biggest flexes is that I haven't done that. - Right. - So maybe that's one of them, but I haven't seen a lot, like as of recently, like when the whole swinging thing was unfolding

and even with season two, they're more a lot more, but now I feel like the more people get to know me, the less they're making assumptions, which is nice. I'll take it. - So has your divorce played out on the show?

Are you already done with that by the time you went on?

- Yeah, I was already done with it,

but I did not want him to be a part of season two at all. Like it was very much available, relatable. - Right, I'm just like, I don't, and we were still figuring out our footing with co-parenting. So I'm just like, I don't, it was too risky.

It was, you know, I'm like this. And it also, we were in the process of separating our lives and I'm like this is like my thing. Like I don't want us to continue to be connected in that way and, you know, I just feel like emotionally,

like I was still trying to heal. He had a lot of healing to do. So I'm like, it's just way too fresh. And then, as time has gone on and we've been able to establish a good co-parenting relationship

I've been more and more receptive and open to the idea of him being a part of it, but I have been very clear that it's like under my conditions. - Okay, so you didn't want him part of season two? - No.

- He kind of stepped into the scene after that.

“Did you have to go to production and say,”

if you sign him on, I'm not doing it, like, was it a flex? - It was more like, it's not as much with like production, well, with season two is production. I was like, I'm not doing it if he's part of it.

- Yeah. - Which didn't give me put, they were like, very, like, that's part of why I was so upset when he showed up at the Halloween party in season two 'cause I was just like,

he's not so serious. - Yeah, yeah, but later, after that it was more or less like my conversations with him, just 'cause I'm like, I'm open to you being more part of this, however, don't embarrass me, don't embarrass our kids.

Those are as long as we're good there, then I'm like, you can be a part of it, but yeah, I definitely, he knows that there's a fine line and so far, for the most part, I feel like he's done a good job.

- So do they still come to you and say, like, hey, can he do this or it's kind of- - No, he just like, it's whatever now, but like I said, it's like less involving production now, it's more so just between like our communication as co-parents.

- But it's so relatable post of words if you've ever had any type of public platform and it's kind of like all unfolding, very relatable to wanna have something just like for your own. - Yeah, for sure, it's not a selfish act,

it's just like, this isn't me now and that's you.

“- Yes, exactly, and I think there's list divorce”

and when you've been married for a while, especially you have so much that is just like joint. And I think like fully being seen as your own person, it's financially and mentally emotionally, I think that it's really empowering

and I think that that's some, especially for a woman and I think that's something that I was, that was something that was very important to me that I'm like, like, I want it to be very like, clean cut ties to start out just so we can like rebuild

our foundation separately. And then it's time has gone on and we've kind of done that. I've been more open to the idea of us, like formulating a level of business relationship, I guess, on top of the co-parenting.

And so far it's gone, it's gone well for the most part.

I mean, definitely there's always gonna be hiccups,

but I feel like I've been grateful that it's gone as well as a house so far. - So is he still friends with the husband? - Like the, with like that talk? - Mm-hmm.

- Oh, that talk. - Oh, that talk. He was never really like friends initially with how I'm trying to think of what. So him and Jacob, kind of, he had never met Jason,

I don't think at first. So like some of them are, and like same like Jesse wasn't really a part of Mom talk. And so like Jordan, that was like more fresh than with like Dakota. So some of their friendships are definitely newer.

And because none of the, like that talk wasn't really, like a thing when Mom wasn't with him.

- Yeah. - I just tried to make it a thing. - No, they just keep trying to make that talk happen. - Yeah. - Like trying to make that happen, it's just not.

- Yes. - This episode is brought to you by IQ bar. Our exclusive snack, hydration, and coffee sponsor. IQ bar protein bars, IQ hydration mixes, and IQ Jo mushroom coffees are the delicious,

“low sugar, brain, and body fuel that you need to win your day.”

I love IQ bar products so much. Actually when I was cleaning out my garage this weekend, I just got a shipment and was so excited to see it calm because I was completely out.

I always order the ultimate sampler pack

because it is the greatest way to try all IQ bar products and flavors. You're gonna get nine IQ bars, eight IQ mix sticks, and four IQ Jo sticks. I use the IQ mix every single morning to start my day.

And I loved that all IQ bar products are clean, label certified, and entirely free from gluten, dairy, soy, GMOs, and artificial ingredients. All IQ bar products are packed with clean, delicious, ingredients that keep you physically and mentally fit,

like magnesium, lion's mane, and more. With over 20,000, five star reviews and counting, more people than ever are fueling their busy lifestyles with IQ bars, brain, and body boosting bars,

hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees,

their ultimate sampler pack includes all three. The IQ mix, which is what I start my mornings with, is a zero sugar drink mix that hydrates with electrolytes, improves mood, and boost clarity. And right now, IQ bar is offering our special podcast listeners

20% off all IQ bar products, including the ultimate sampler pack, plus free shipping. To get your 20% off, text T to 64,000, text T to 64,000, that's T to 64,000, message and data rates may apply C terms for details.

OK, so can we talk a little bit about warm talk and just like your real life influence? Why do you feel like so many parents resonate with your content specifically?

“I think that motherhood is a very vulnerable thing,”

and especially for my platform specifically. I think co-parenting is something that my DMs are flooded with women asking, how do you guys co-parent so well? Like, I feel so lost in this. And I don't know what to do.

And the hardest part is that it does take two, just like a relationship does in order for it to work seamlessly. And our co-parent relationship is definitely not seamless. We definitely still argue, and there's still bumps in the road all the time.

But we are so much healthier as co-parents and worked on as a team so much better, being divorced than we did when we were married. So I think that showcasing that on our platforms is something that can kind of get people hope, I guess,

more or less, that you can get there

because in our first six months of our divorce,

I was like, I thought this would go way better. Like, I thought we would be co-parenting so well. I really like believed that.

“And I think that was just part of the grace period”

of finding our footing and kind of getting over the hump of the really emotional state of it all. And for me, like, mourning the loss of my family unit and things like that and just giving it time at first. And it's definitely a trial and error thing.

And so I think as far as my platform specifically, I think co-parenting is like a huge relateability point, but I think mom talk is a whole, I think just motherhood in general, it can be motherhood can feel very lonely and isolating and it's easy to lose yourself in that.

And that's kind of why mom talk initially started as I think that Taylor and I would just get together and our friend Camille to she was a part of it. Like, the three of us started just making videos together. It's kind of a way to not necessarily escape motherhood,

but just to have a piece of ourselves back, I guess, in a sense, and to just kind of be ourselves with our mom friends and to have an outing that's, and our kids would kind of just play while we would make videos. And it was just something that was kind of started as like a hobby

and, you know, I guess a break from motherhood, and then, you know, it just transpired into what it is today. - I feel like it is so relatable when you say it takes to, right? Because you can wanna be the best co-parent ever, but if you don't have somebody meeting you

- No. - Like that's not co-parenting, that's pair of little parenting. - Yes, 100%. And some people unfortunately have to do that. And that's like my heart goes out to them

because I know that's so difficult and when you divorce someone that's just an narcissist

“and they're never gonna get it, I think that's what's hard”

is that you kind of have to come to terms with the fact

that they're never gonna get it.

And that you just, you do have to pair a little parent. You don't necessarily get to have that co-parent relationship and, you know, and that's something that I imagine is very difficult and so I do feel very lucky that, you know, Chase is really receptive and that he's been easy to work

with into co-parent with because yeah, not everybody gets that, which is really unfortunate, especially after already having a deal with a toxic relationship, you know. - For sure, I get so many messages

about the co-parenting stuff and it'll be like, and you probably do too, but it'll be just like pages of people telling their story and it's like, that's not co-parenting. - No, you need to pair a little parent.

- Yes, yep. And there's, yeah, it's just the more you try, I think the harder it is to deal with this situation, right,

because it's like some people just never gonna be in the cards

and that's what's, that's what's really hard is, you're not only mourning the loss of your, you know, your relationship and then your family, you're also mourning the loss of the co-parent relationship that you thought you could have or hoped you could have

and then just coming to terms with that and then just building that foundation of that parallel parenting relationship from that point forward, which is incredibly difficult. You know, I have friends myself who are in that situation

and it's super hard, but, you know,

“I think that over time they've come to terms with that”

and they're like, well, this is my reality and we make them both the most of it. - And that's absolutely, for sure. Okay, so Mom talked in the videos. How long does it take you guys to like,

choreograph and get in sync to do these videos? - I mean, we don't do a whole lot of dancing ones now, like we used to and that would take longer, but now it's more like voiceover stuff or like little things like that.

So now it's like, I mean, I feel like we've got it down pretty well to where most of the time we like, it's like a lot of one-take-wonders. Like where, especially 'cause we're now we're so busy that we don't really just do like plan to like get together

or we get together and make content and we have all the ideas, it's more so we're in the middle of something and we're like, hey, I'm gonna make this video and we've got five minutes to like, you know, pound it out.

So it's kind of like, you either get it first try you to own.

- You don't. - And so I think that's kind of, it's like mid-something all the time when we're making these videos. So it's a lot less of like the dancing videos

that we used to do and a lot of like quick stuff, but you know, that's kind of more of our reality, I guess, right? That's you know, us being like, let's take this moment and like do it if we can and that's kind of what it looks more like now or we'll remake some of like the old stuff

we've done. So we already know all of the, I mean, you've probably seen the like come to the back, like the one that's gonna be one that's the one that's the one.

“- That's what everyone sees, yeah, I don't like,”

we've had that one down to a science for years now. So that one's easy peasy. - That's so funny. - So how did Taylor going on the bachelor at change mom talk, if at all?

- I wouldn't say a changed mom talk at all. I think, you know, we've all had, there's been a lot of crazy changes going on in everybody's lives and I think it's been just really fun overall to support,

to support each and every one of the girls and just like we went to dancing with the stars for Whitney and Jen, you know, we've been showing up for Taylor with her being the bachelor, right? And we'll have, you know, we'll be at her premiere

and we've just been cheering her on and it hasn't really affected us much 'cause we're just rooting from back home, right? Like we were kind of out of the bubble for the most part but it's just been exciting to be a part of her journey at all

and to, yeah, watch it all unfold for her. It's been really exciting. - Wait, so Dakota is still filming, right? - Yes. - Well, it was still a long pause.

- I'm like, well, I don't, you, you, you, you, you, you. I, yes and no, I feel like, even I have question marks about that one. - Well, I'm like, you'll see more of that unfold for sure. - Right.

- But, I mean, they're, they're co-parents, you know, speaking of, so, help for sure, be in her life to some degree. - I saw some headline where it was like, he was spotted with some other girl and I was like, and then he's filming on secret lives

of Mormon wives, like, he's bold, like, that means bold. - Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. But Taylor's bolder. - So, sure, yeah, she makes sure he knows it all the time.

Okay, can we go back to the swinging for a second? How did that affect or impact your relationship? Obviously, stepping away from the church and then your parents still being involved in the church,

“like, how did that impact your life with your family?”

- Oh, it was hard for sure. I think that's kind of what forced me to be open with them about my faith crisis, 'cause at that point, I hadn't, I mean, they kind of knew, but they didn't really know.

So, it kind of forced those conversations a little bit, I would say, but I think all in all, like, I've been who's to say how long I would have waited and it pretended to be someone I'm not. And so, as crazy as it is,

because I would have never in a million years

back when I was in my most depressed state going through all of this, I remember thinking, like, there's not, there cannot possibly be a purpose for this. There's like no line at the end of the tunnel. And then looking back from where I am now,

I would never thought I would be grateful for it in a sense. I'm like as crazy and strange as that is. I am, I am grateful for it.

“And I think it's really pushed me past my limits,”

and it's like really developed me as a person. And I think I'm in my most authentic state that I've been. And it's because I've decided to let go of, you know, the, what people think and the perception of it all.

And I think that that's been, you know,

really healing for me and I've been able to grow through that a lot.

- So, when you joined the show, how did you present that to your family? - I, I just actually got on a like group family call with them and brought it up to them. And kind of, it wasn't, I hadn't like made the decision yet.

I was just bringing up the thought. And I think for them, it was actually less about the church stuff. And more about, they were not a huge fan of Taylor, just because of all of everything I'd gone through. And so they had a lot of concerns.

About me, like, subjecting to myself to that again. And so they just didn't want to see me in that state again. And they didn't want to see me go down that route again. And so, you know, in their minds are like, why would you choose to put your self-indition

where you are, you know, pretty much asking for this now. And I, you know, I heard them all out and the more I thought on it, I just like couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to do it. And so there was, there were a few that were like,

like, yeah, I could see, you know, the benefit but for the most part, like, they were very apprehensive. But now they're very much like, we're so glad you trusted your gut and like, you know, they're very proud of me. And so they've been, and they've been really supportive.

And so I really appreciate that. - Okay, give me your proudest and hardest moment filming. - Oh, man, um, you know, it's funny. I remember in the last season in the entertainment tonight, interview we were doing, when Demi had said

that she didn't regret the way that she handled the Halloween party and the whole chase situation. Because I had heard that she had said multiple times that she regretted the way that she handled that. So when she said that and she doubled down

and was like, no, I would handle the exact same way. And Taylor was sitting next to me and she could tell that I was like, very jarred. - Yeah.

- And I first, I wanted to say something

“but where we were also in a professional setting, right?”

So I was like, right now is probably not the time to say something. But we're not filming the show. We're in an interview. - Right. And I have Taylor right next to me and Taylor could tell

just like by my body language, how I was feeling. And so you can't really, I don't know if you can tell actually in the interview, if she said it enough, but she kind of leans over and she's like, say it. So, and so I, that's why I was like,

really like, you know, regret the way you handled that at all and had Taylor not said that I probably wouldn't have said anything. - Yeah. - And then, you know, later transfered to the argument

between Demi and I and I, I think that's just one of, really like a lot of experiences. You'll see, you'll see some of it in season, you'll see some of it in season four and then there's a lot more coming up as well after that.

- Wow. - Where you'll see me be confrontational and have to stand my ground and really like set those boundaries

outwardly, angry or malicious, however,

like, if I feel a certain way about something, I don't have an issue voicing it the way that I used to. And so, yeah, I would say that's probably one of them. Not that it was like some big, whole, huge thing.

“I think it was more or less just like the situation”

and the timing of it all, 'cause I realized this press and you, there was like multiple people in this press interview. - Yeah, it was all of us. It was all together and it was an entertainment tonight

and we were all sitting there answering questions and he had asked her, you know, if she regretted the way she handled it. And so I was just like, just taking back by her answer. And so yeah, I think it was just funny

that, you know, having Taylor there to just confirm, you know,

I think I should pay you out of my book, you know,

that's what you're saying will. - Like the personality to double down. - Yes, first, yeah. - Yeah, totally. The Southern Tea Podcast is brought to you by progressive insurance.

You chose to hit play on this podcast today, smart choice. Progressive loves to help people make smart choices.

“That's why they offer a tool called Auto Quote Explorer”

that allows you to compare your progressive car insurance quote with rates from other companies. So you save time on the research and can enjoy savings when you choose the best rate for you. Give it a try after this episode at progressive.com.

Progressive casually insurance company and affiliate, it's not available in all states or situations, prices vary based on how you buy. - So are you all already actively in a film cycle for next season?

- Yes. - Not the ones that's currently coming out. - Yes, a separate. - Yeah. - Wow.

- So how many episodes? - Yeah, that's crazy. So how many episodes for a season? - There's 10 per season. - Okay, and just maybe a nosey, do you film on all 10 episodes

“like are you guaranteed 10 episodes or it's not how that works?”

- Oh, not necessarily, but I don't think there's ever been an episode where for any of us, where we're not included in it at all. - So, yeah, I think we're all so far. I think we're all in every episode of every season.

- Just on the grid. - That's so crazy. So I do want to kind of get into conversations a little bit about growth and mental health. How do you think that you have grown emotionally

since the time of the swinging and then joining the show? - I think I'm completely different person, completely different person. - Yeah, I think, you know, there's so many levels to it between, you know, the friendship fallouts and, you know, relationship stuff and divorce

and the co-parenting and faith crisis and deconstructing that. And there's been just so many degrees of change. You know, more evolution, I think in these last two, three years of my life than ever before collectively in my life. And so I, you know, I think this is also the time

that I think I've been pushed to, you know, sink or swim positions and I think, you know, I chose to swim and I really, really grew as a person within that. And I'm, you know, proud of where I'm at and I'm so grateful for all of the hardships

that I've gone through because, you know, how do I not gone through all of them? I don't know that I would be where I'm at today. - Do you attribute that to therapy or like what got you there? - I mean, definitely, yeah, therapies for sure part of it,

a hundred percent. I also think just like life experiences. I mean, I think, again, when you're pushed to your breaking point and you're having to choose that fight or flight and, you know, you conquer things that you didn't think you could.

I think that's such a learning lesson and then when you can look back on a hindsight, it's so much easier to see the missteps and the growth. And I think that's, you know, the swinging situation as a whole.

If that were to happen now, I would have handled the situation completely differently. - Yeah, however, you know, I, it was a learning lesson. And now, you know, I know that, you know, I've taken accountability for that

and I know moving forward, I have a lot better grasp on handling difficult situations like that and, you know, being transparent and authentic about my missteps and also just like being okay with the fact that I'm not a perfect human

and letting I think that religious component go

that made me feel like I had to like always be performing

and always had to be perfect to a degree. I just don't have that anymore.

'cause yeah, regardless of whether you act perfect or not

we're not all perfect.

“And so I think that's part of the beauty of the show, right?”

Is that, that's what I was gonna say. - Yeah, the LED TV helps that come out, right? Because you just get to live somewhat authentically. Is there anything that is part of the show that you're like, no, like I'm not going there?

Like any boundaries that you're like, no, that's not for me. Or is it just a free-for-all? - I don't know, I guess it depends on like how deep they're wanting to go when it's certain. 'Cause, you know, I like, I don't know that my family

would ever be interested in being, you know, on and at all. But that's not real, that's just like their own preference. It's not really like anything, that's just their preference. But I, I think like, I am very weary, you know, kind of like I said earlier,

I've like too much of the co-parenting stuff.

Just like for my children's safety. And I'm like more than okay with people seeing, like me and Chase's co-parent dynamic. In fact, like that to me is encouraged. I would love for people to get more of an insight

on like how we co-parent and what works and why we work as co-parents. I think just like when it gets to the point where I think when outside things with filming like affect my co-parent relationship

and it makes us argue more, that's like where I draw a line because I'm like, I don't, if this is gonna affect the piece that like we've created in this dynamic, then I'm like, I don't, that's not okay with me. 'Cause obviously I'm like the whole reason we're divorced

is to have that piece, you know, and our children have it married. So now you have to find it now, yeah. - Yes, and now that I have it, I'm like, I like hold to it so tight.

And so that's something I'm very protective of or for sure for my kids. - For sure. Can you tell me how you feel publicly navigating some of this stuff when you see, I mean, we've all been exposed to certain stuff

like whether it be on TikTok and somebody has like a completely different narrative than what transpired. How do you navigate that? - Like, like the words you mean? - Yeah, because they make their own narrative, you know?

- Yeah, most of the time you don't, you just say, I think that like,

“you have to come to terms with not being understood”

with my everyone, not being liked by everyone. And like, when you choose to do this,

you also are understanding that things are always going

to be portrayed perfectly as is exactly how I happened down to, you know, every last detail, because we filmed so many hours. - Is it crazy? - Yeah, I mean, you know how much it gets cut, right?

So it's, there's obviously going to be missing context sometimes in situations, but it's like, that's something you kind of just, you know, and something you have to be okay with. And, you know, if it's something on a grand scale,

that's, you know, we all have platforms as well, and like, you've seen, you know, people have seen plenty of things unfold online. And so, you know, we always have, you know, what's our right to speak up if we want to

and say something, right? And there's a lot we can say, and a lot we can, you know, give context to, but, or context to, but there are things that we can't necessarily and I also think that like, sometimes it's not worth it.

And a lot of the time you end up looking worse if you tried to like debunk things too much. - Sure. - And so I think you're just most, more often than not, get safer to just be like, yeah, it is what it is.

Let them think what they will. - To your point about reality TV, people do not realize how long something is being filmed and then what it's cut to. So when I was on Chris Lino's best,

it's seven day, like, you might film for seven straight days. One day might be an interview, and it's cut to like, 30, something minute episode. And it's like, you filmed for like eight hour days for seven days, how did you get 30 minutes out of that?

- Exactly, exactly. There's so, and then you know, we'll go on trips and half of it will be missing. And so it's like, there's so much that doesn't make the cut. And I think, yeah, I think it's hard for people

“to remember that for sure when they've never experienced it.”

- But people also don't understand that there is a production team. There is a network that is behind that is specifically cutting certain stuff. So that it does cause extra controversy.

- Right, and I think that's something that I've actually really loved about Archo is the breaking of that fourth wall. And there's a lot of conversation. Yeah, I do too, I think there's a lot, 'cause it's kind of like the elephant in the room, right?

Like, I think people forget, but at the end of the day, they like know that they're there, right?

And even though you kind of get decentralized to the cameras,

“and that's what makes such real and raw television.”

But I think that, I think to have to clue viewers in on that a little bit, 'cause that's our real lives. That's, that is reality is that like we're, we are making this show and we are showcasing our real lives, but there's definitely strategy to it

and there's definitely a whole, like, crew of people that is making it, making it all possible. And there's, you know, whether it be onset or behind the scenes with the decision making or the editing, and there's a lot that goes into it,

and I think it's for sure easy for people to forget that. So I think having that fourth wall broken a little bit and having conversations surrounding it has actually been like really cool and I think refreshing to see for our viewers.

- Wait, so when did they break the fourth wall on your show? - I want to say it started in season two a little bit, but I feel like last season it was like a lot. 'Cause season two that was when we talked, they started talking more about contracts and stuff.

And then it's been progressively more ever since. But yeah, it's like, you know, not like a ton, but it's like enough to where people are reminded, oh yeah, this is a show. - Like their cameras here,

there's an executive producer there, you know, there are lots of people in a home that are making this happen. And I think that people don't understand that. They think, you know, you're just freaking key key in around

and you're living room and it's like a GoPro strap to your forehead. - Right, right, right. It's not like they're standing in the living room with you. - Yeah.

- And they don't understand also the conversations that are happening from like cast and producers.

“And I think that it's so important to be able to see that”

and I don't know why more reality shows do not do that. I want to work wall broken for Chris Lino's best so bad. Literally season three.

- All right, y'all, I want to take a quick second

to talk about Willis because this is such a great alternative. If you're wanting to take the edge off, relax without alcohol and wanting to avoid a hangover, Willis is a premium THC MPU social tonic crafted by the legendary Willi Nelson

and I am a huge Willi Nelson fan. It was inspired by Willis' way of living where peace flows freely and hangovers are a thing of the past. It is a low calorie, low sugar alcohol alternative

that actually works delivering a fast acting, euphoric social buzz without the regrets that come with alcohol. Willis, social tonics, come in five milligrams and 10 milligrams doses with best and class flavor

experience, so smooth and balanced. You barely realize that you're drinking a THC product. At all, you can enjoy the tonics as a shot, sift over ice or mixed into your favorite mocktail. Willis is not that feared edible

that you ate too much of and college. Each bottle of Willis is third party lab tested for accurate dosage, so that you can trust and customize your experience. One shot of Willis helps you relax,

unwind and de-stress. Willis sold out three times in the first six months with over 50,000 plus happy customers and they just restocked. Willis ships directly to your doorstep

in 40 plus states order now at drinkwillis.com and use code T for 20% off your first order, plus free shipping on orders over $95. And enjoy life in the high country.

“- Yeah, well, I think it also helps build more trust”

between production and cast.

And I think that in that 'cause there's always

you understand that they have a job to do. They have a show to make you understand that. However, if I feel like I'm consistently being slided, why would I want to be vulnerable about my life, right? And I feel like our production is a really good job

of making us all feel vulnerable, like whether while we're filming, but also behind the scenes in conversation with them. And we can be very like transparent about what we're comfortable, what we're not comfortable with,

and how we're feeling about certain things and they want to take our mental health sears seriously. And that's something that I've really appreciated because if you can have that relationship, it ultimately just makes for better television than the end.

- But I think that people need to see that 'cause it also holds production somewhat accountable, where they're kind of like feeding a scenario. And it's like, hey, can you talk about X, Y, and Z? Okay, well, I didn't just blast out of the kitchen

trying to talk about that, you asked to do that. You know, so that's where it's so important for the fourth wall to be broken, so that they know that there is a production team there that have become a part of your life.

- Yes, yes, yeah, it really is like, sometimes it feels like a fifth appendage.

It's just around all the time. And yeah, I think that like having that foundation of trust and transparency with them

“is important and I think it ends up making it better”

for all parties involved. - I wanna talk about the kids for just a brief second. How old are they? And do you and Chase ever do family events and outings jointly with your children?

- Yeah, all the time. My kids are, my kids are, I'm like, I'm like a coba just four and six. I'm like, how are they now?

In my mind, my kids are always like two and four.

- Yes, of course. - But yeah, four and six. And we actually just went to brunch yesterday with them, but we do like stuff with them all the time. Just as family and we'll like sometimes go to the park

and play with them and things like that. So it's nice to still, I love like living alone. Love, love, loving alone, but it is nice to still be able to do stuff together as a family, especially for the kids. - Do you feel like that it's caused a healthier environment

for your children or do you feel like it's caused confusion at all?

“- No, I also don't like, I think my kids are very clear”

that we're not married. Like they, I think they're all enough now where they definitely understand that. And I think I don't really feel like they have any confusion about it, really at all.

And it also helps to like, I don't really date. So like, there's not any kind of like, I don't bring men over, like they don't ever see me with, I had one boyfriend after my divorce and they knew him well, but like besides like him,

I don't, they've never seen me with a guy.

So I feel like maybe it would be confusing, like if I were to start dating someone. - Yeah. - I think or more or less I guess just like, it's probably strange for them to first see in the beginning.

But all in all, I think like us just like co-parenting is still doing stuff together to family, like I don't think it feels confusing to them at all. - That's so great.

Okay, I'm gonna wrap it for you for a second. - Okay, let's do it. - What excite you most about your next chapter? - Ooh, I have a lot of exciting things coming up, actually.

“I think I feel like I am tapping into like,”

some of my childhood dreams and like my like, my creative side more I guess. So people will see more of that coming up. So yeah, I guess like people will see more of my creativity, I would say, I guess would be

something I'm most excited about coming up. - Okay, are there any projects that you have not revealed that you are eager to pursue? - Yes. - Yeah, I've actually been getting into music.

So that's like a project that I'm-- - Absolutely. - Absolutely. - Why? - You have a voice, you can sing.

- I do. - Yes. I'm like, I guess it depends on who you're asked, but yeah, yeah, I've been no if you ask everybody else. - Right.

- I actually have a video of a pind of him and I singing on my to talk. - That's so funny. - Oh, no. - And check that out.

- Yeah. - Next question, what makes a brand partnership meaningful for you? - If I use it, for using in my like regular life, like consistently, then I like that's something that

I get really excited with, something that I use, like especially like daily. That's like-- - Wait, so when y'all, I mean, I'm still gonna wrap it fire,

but I have to go to know this when y'all first got on the show

and brand started coming out of the woodwork where you want it to look like every brand deal that came your way or did you kind of sit back and you're like, okay, I really wouldn't use that, so I'm not gonna promote it.

- The nice thing about already being an influencer, prior to going on the show is that like, going on the show allowed me to be picky. And so it would be one thing, if like, I was one of the girls that was just coming off of,

and not saying you've been at this, but if I was just coming off of like interviewing and then I was on the show and have a platform prior or anything like that, but I think I already had worked with a lot of brands that I loved and was excited about

and so I think going on the show, I'm just like, it opened up a lot of opportunities with brands that were like, you know, more of my favorites and again, like those like daily use products and so on. So yeah, it's nice 'cause I was able to be

a lot more picky about the ones that I used in like very intentional with what I wanted to promote. - Give me one daily use product. - KT, just put, I just put something about that this morning. - Oh really, I was like, I just had their dress there, like liquid,

Yeah, love, love their products, and that's a brand that I'm

like working with right now and again, another one that I use. - I'll stay like you.

“- Okay, how is your definition of success changed over time?”

- Oh man, I think a change is like, I feel like the more and more success you have, the like more and more your definition shifts, and the less and less it becomes about money. I think for me, I think what makes me feel the most

successful in my life right now is like the piece that I have. I think like overcoming all of like all of the shit that I've been through and having such a peaceful life right now. And like really being able to like have that independence is something that makes me feel really successful,

especially as a single mom, to be able to have, you know, maintain that independence and that piece for, not only myself, but for them as well. I feel like that's success to me. - I feel like that's so relatable

because it's something that you can't necessarily pay for, but you have to work for. - Yes, I have a great change. - We'll go about it right, 100%. - Okay, where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Are you still secret wives of Mormon lives or what are you doing? - Um, five years, I don't know, I like,

“I hope that I'm, you know, I've got my hand and other things.”

I wouldn't be opposed to being, you know, still on the show, but I feel like as far as it's such a taxing job, you know, like the thinking about doing it for that long or longer, like that's something that I've been even, like, thought about.

But I hope I then have like the option, I guess. - Right. - Of somebody to support it, but once you're in reality TV, it's kind of like a cold itself, right? - Yeah, totally.

- Up away, once you're in it, and once you're in it, and once you're in it, it's both, because then it's like, okay, I've already exposed all of this stuff, so why would I step away now? - Yep, 100%.

- Okay, so tell everybody where they can find you on socials and give us the details of the premiere of your new season. - Yeah, so you can find me on TikTok and Instagram, Miranda Hope, and watch our new season,

coming out on March 12th on Disney and Hulu. - I absolutely love it. Can't wait for everybody to be able to see it. I started watching the screener several days before I came on this interview, and I'm like, wow,

I thought I was crazy, but like they are. - Isn't it wild? - Yeah, I'm like, oh, wow, we are mentally on wealth. - I just said yesterday, like if you have ever been on reality TV, part of the casting for that,

is you have to have a mental illness. - Oh, for sure, 100%. Or at least like, one majority of the cat, like there has to be a solid, like 70%. - That's like a lot more than 10 times.

- And sometimes I'm like, sometimes I'm included in that, sometimes I'm not. Like depends on the day or the season, I guess. - Depends on what day you decide to be healthy and what day you decide to be treacherous.

- Yes, 100%. - Well, thank you so much for joining me. I hope you have a good rest of the day, and I can't wait for everybody to be able to watch

“the new season of secret lives of Mormon wives.”

- Okay, if you guys have not followed this other in-tea podcast on Instagram, you can follow us at this other in-tea podcast. If you have not subscribed to show, you can do that from any podcast app.

Wherever you get your podcasts, always first at podcast one,

but we hope you'll have a great week, and we'll talk to you again. (upbeat music) - Pluto TV has thousands of free movies in TV shows. - This is where?

- From line I'm down. - This is the mindset. - For you. - This is the mantra. - For you.

- This is the mindset. - Right now, right now. - With movies like Interstellar, Dream Girls and Gladiator. - Why are you not in the train?

- And TV shows like Survivor, SpongeBob SquarePants, the fairly odd parents and ghosts.

- Pluto TV is always free.

- Hello. - Pluto TV, stream now, pain ever. - Hi, I'm Stasi Shroeder. On my podcast, I share candid updates from my personal life, chat with some of my best friends

about what's going on in our lives, give commentary on the latest pop culture headlines, and sometimes deep dive into random topics I'm obsessed with, like, human design. It's a bit all over the place,

but that's how I like it. And you will, too. Listen to my podcast, Stasi, wherever you get your podcasts.