On August 7th, 2025, a new podcast from comedian and culture critic Jolenta Greenberg made its debut: Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre, featuring highbrow conversations about “lowbrow” reality TV. Who says Selling Sunset can’t be examined through an academic lens?

Listen to episode 1 – “Tamra in the Cabinet” with Chris DeRosa

Jolenta is joined by reality TV expert/producer Chris DeRosa (Fixing Famous People) to discuss an iconic scene from The Real Housewives of Orange County. Together they explore how Tamra meeting her future daughter-in-law teaches us about the damage men can do with their silence, the rise of conservative ideology in America, the history of DM sliding, and so much more.

In each episode, host Jolenta Greenberg, acting as reality TV dramaturg, reveals shocking truths: Vanderpump Rules is basically Romeo and Juliet, just with more tequila and less poetry. She’ll expose how classic tropes like star-crossed lovers, mistaken identity, and the ever-present femme fatale are secretly pulling the strings behind every dramatic fight and questionable hookup. Get ready to never look at a rosé-fueled meltdown the same way again.

Every other week, Jolenta and a notable guest (Eric Williams, Anna Roisman, Chelsea Devantez, and more) dissect an iconic reality TV moment, exploring its impact, storytelling, and what it reveals about the truly discerning palate. Drawing direct throughlines from Shakespeare and the Odyssey – Jolenta and her guests are here to remind you that the new hero’s journey is actually on Bravo. 

The idea for Hot Mess-terpiece Theatre grew out of Jolenta’s Amazon best-selling e-book, Modern Harpies: Why Loving the Real Housewives Means You’re Cultured AF, which outlines why shows like Real Housewives draw in so many people of all tastes and backgrounds. People just love a classic story in any form, especially if it has a wildly entertaining backdrop. 

Previously, Jolenta co-hosted the popular podcast By the Book, a reality-style investigation into the legitimacy of the self-help industry; and co-wrote the show’s companion book, How to Be Fine, published by HarperCollins.