Adrianne Curry Interview and Oscar’s Hits and Misses
85 min
•Mar 17, 20262 months agoSummary
Heather McDonald interviews Adrianne Curry, the first winner of America's Next Top Model, discussing her journey from a Hooters waitress in Joliet, Illinois to reality TV stardom. Curry reveals the dark side of the modeling competition, her subsequent reality TV career including The Surreal Life and marriage to Christopher Knight, and her eventual retirement from Hollywood to live off-grid in Montana.
Insights
- Reality TV competition shows often misrepresent prize values and career opportunities to contestants, creating false expectations that lead to financial hardship despite winning
- The entertainment industry weaponizes personal vulnerabilities (poverty, family crisis) to manipulate contestants into compliance and emotional content
- Sustained success in entertainment requires saying 'no' to opportunities and protecting personal boundaries, even when financially tempting
- Fame addiction operates similarly to gambling addiction (loss aversion), causing people to repeatedly accept exploitative deals hoping for validation
- Authenticity and refusing to perform for cameras provides more fulfillment than chasing celebrity status
Trends
Documentary revisionism of reality TV shows revealing exploitation and manipulation of contestantsCreator economy shift where individuals maintain control over their brand and income (Avon sales, social media) versus traditional talent managementGrowing skepticism among reality TV alumni about participating in retrospective documentaries without compensationOff-grid living and remote work as lifestyle choice among former entertainment industry professionalsIncreased awareness of narcissistic and exploitative behavior patterns in high-profile celebrity relationshipsReality TV contestants demanding compensation for documentary participation, challenging unpaid labor normsSocial media platforms enabling direct-to-audience engagement without traditional gatekeepersGenerational shift in attitudes toward Playboy and celebrity nudity as career move
Topics
America's Next Top Model exploitation and contestant mismanagementReality TV competition show economics and prize value deceptionThe Surreal Life casting and production dynamicsPlayboy celebrity pictorials and compensation trendsReality TV addiction and fame psychologyEntertainment industry nepotism and ladder-climbing cultureOff-grid living and remote Montana lifestyleAvon direct sales business modelDocumentary ethics and contestant compensationCelebrity relationship dynamics and narcissismOscars 2024 coverage and host monologue analysisWill Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith relationship speculationHollywood dark side and Epstein conspiracy theoriesPersonal brand management and social media strategyDrug use recovery and career trajectory
Companies
Starbucks
Advertised new protein cold foam product during episode sponsorship segment
IG (Investment platform)
Sponsored segment promoting reflexable stocks ISA and commission-free trading
America's Next Top Model
Primary subject of discussion; Curry won first season and discusses exploitation by producers
Revlon
Prize contract promised to ANTM winner turned out to be unpaid test shoots, not campaign work
Wilmina (talent agency)
Mismanaged Curry's modeling career, sent her to South Africa instead of Hong Kong where she had fanbase
Playboy
Curry did multiple celebrity pictorials; paid significantly less than historical rates for celebrities
Netflix
Released America's Next Top Model documentary that paid judges but not contestant participants
Marie Claire
Magazine spread was part of ANTM prize package; paid only couple hundred dollars
Avon
Current business focus for Curry; she is an Avon lady and sells products independently
The Surreal Life
Reality show where Curry appeared in season 4 with Christopher Knight and other celebrities
My Fair Brady
Spin-off reality show featuring Curry and Christopher Knight as married couple
People
Adrianne Curry
First winner of America's Next Top Model; guest discussing her career trajectory and reality TV experiences
Heather McDonald
Host of the podcast conducting interview with Adrianne Curry
Tyra Banks
Creator and host of ANTM; subject of criticism for mismanagement and exploitation of contestants
Ken Mock
Executive producer who advocated for Curry's selection; later tried to prevent her from appearing on Surreal Life
Christopher Knight
Curry's ex-husband from The Brady Bunch; met on Surreal Life and married for 5 years
Conan O'Brien
2024 Oscars host; Heather critiques his monologue joke about pedophiles and English actors
Michael B. Jordan
Won Oscar for Sinners; brought Oscar to In-N-Out Burger and ate food with award on table
Sean Penn
Won Oscar but was absent, reportedly in Ukraine doing humanitarian work
Timothy Chalamet
Did not win Oscar; some controversy around Michael B. Jordan's win and ballet performance during ceremony
Missy Copeland
Performed ballet during Oscars ceremony in connection with Michael B. Jordan's win
Teyana Taylor
Appeared in One Battle After Another; excitedly put director in headlock during Best Picture win
Will Smith
Subject of extensive discussion regarding his relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith and the Oscar slap incident
Jada Pinkett Smith
Discussed in context of her relationship with Will Smith and alleged infidelity
Chris Rock
Slapped by Will Smith at Oscars; subject of discussion about the incident
Ricky Gervais
Referenced for his Oscar hosting monologue calling out Hollywood hypocrisy regarding pedophiles
Nicole Kidman
Praised by Heather for her gold dress at Oscars ceremony
Heidi Klum
Criticized by Heather for her dress choice at Oscars
Vern Troyer
Surreal Life castmate with Curry; had alcohol problems and died from drinking-related causes
China Chow
Surreal Life castmate; Curry suspected she was using methamphetamine during filming
Marcus Schaikenberg
Male supermodel castmate on Surreal Life season 4
Quotes
"I was a professional idiot and it's been documented for a really long time."
Adrianne Curry•Opening remarks
"I thought I was going to be a factory worker, like my parents. My dad worked at Clorox Bleach, my mom worked at Kraft Nabisco making Triscuits."
Adrianne Curry•Early career discussion
"I probably netted like gross after Uncle Sam and commissions just slightly over $5,000 from what I won on that show."
Adrianne Curry•Prize money discussion
"I was surrounded by people who were not my friends. My face was a ladder rung for people trying to climb to the top."
Adrianne Curry•Reflection on Hollywood relationships
"I'm so over the machine. Everyone keeps getting into a cage with a scorpion and a rattlesnake going, why is it biting me? It's a scorpion and a rattlesnake. Stop getting in that cage."
Adrianne Curry•Documentary discussion
"Never betray a fashion gay. You have no idea what you're in for."
Adrianne Curry•Industry advice
Full Transcript
Isn't life grande and making it better just got easier with Starbucks' new protein cold foam. A little something something to take your favorite drinks up a notch with 15 grams of extra protein. Turn your usual iced caramel latte into a smooth iced caramel protein latte. Add a delicious swirl on top of your drink just like that. Protein never tasted so good with Starbucks' new protein cold foam. Subject to availability while stocks last. In a world of noise and uncertainty, IG is the investment platform that backs you. Take a reflexable stocks, ISA, which gives you the freedom to withdraw funds anytime and replace them in the same tax year, all without losing your £20,000 tax-free allowance. And if that's not enough, pay no commission on your stock shares and ETFs when you invest with IG. IG. Trade. Invest. Progress. Your capital's at risk, other fees may apply. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change. Number one tab, Lloyd Rita Life Podcast. Listen in, listen up. Hannah McDonald. Juicy Scoop. Hello and welcome to Juicy Scoop. Top of the morning to you. Yes, I'm Irish and I'm wearing green and it is St. Patrick's Day. Also in honor of that, I went swimming yesterday and let my Irish natural curls come about. So the hair is my natural hair. If you're wondering what does Heather's hair look like when she doesn't blow it out and put a curling iron to it, well, just go over to my YouTube and subscribe and watch me. Also, why don't you see me in real life? This weekend, I will be March, Friday, March 20 and 21, Friday and Saturday, two shows a night at Wise Guys in Salt Lake City. And you guys, what a great time to be in Salt Lake City. I am so excited to give you my real thoughts and my jokes and let's get into it about secret lives of Mormon wives and what is going on with those gals. Of course, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is always going to be fun to talk about when we're really like in the city. And so many other great things and funny stuff that we can get into. So come see me, go to heathermcdolland.net and get those tickets. Okay, before we get to our fabulous guest, which I'm so excited for you guys to hear, I had to cover the Oscars. I really didn't because no one really was talking much about it. I have to admit, I have not seen these movies not because I don't want to. I just didn't know any of them and I will watch them now. But I need to cover what's going on so you'd be aware of it. So Conan O'Brien was the host and I watched the monologue and they were like, there were funny bits and stuff that were in it, but they were all about the movies, which I hadn't seen. So I watched the monologue and I think there was one really kind of weird joke in there. And as a joke writer and as someone that's worked on these type of shows, I just thought it was strange. So in a show, the joke was, he comes out, he's like, and this is the first time since 2012 that we haven't had any English meaning like from England in the Oscar nominees. But that's because, wait, hold on. You know what? Who cares? I keep that in. It was so weird. Basically, he said, and then someone else responded. The reason I can't say it right because it was a clunky to begin with, well, at least we do arrest our pedophiles. And it was like, whoa. And I was just kind of like, so then in my weird brain, I think, why was this chosen and how did it come about? And I think whenever I think of the greatest Oscar host and monologue, I think of when Rukit Girve did it. And it was shortly after the Harvey Weinstein scandal. And with this English accent, he's like, you're all pedophiles, pedophiles, the way that English people say, you're all, that's just you. You're all pedophiles anyway. I don't care. I don't care. I'm never going to be doing this again. I don't care. He's your friend, not mine. And really calling out to the Hollywood audience that their hypocrites and pedophiles are among them, whatever. It was brilliant, juicy. So I feel like in trying to figure out what jokes to say, it was like, I want to make some mention of pedophiles and Epstein files. And I don't know. So how could we do it? And then someone had to like go do the weird joke math and figure that, oh, guess what? There's no English actors that are nominated this year. And they've been nominated every year since 2012. All right. That's not even that long ago. And will they at least say arrested Prince Andrew? Well, they didn't arrest Prince Andrew for pedophilia. Okay. They did not arrest him for that. They arrested him for like, a financial thing. And he's out. He's not even hanging out in prison. So it's like, I don't know. I thought it was weird. I thought it was clunky and weird. There was some other cute jokes that were in there that I was like, oh, okay. Not, it's such a hard job. So I'm not like criticizing. I just thought I would have just left it like either go hard and really go with it or just keep it light and cute. I don't still think you should do this or that. And then have it and then have you remember that weird clunky joke? Like I said, a lot of the bits would have to, you would have to get them if you watched the movie. And I didn't. So you're like, Heather, why even cover it? Because I thought you'd be mad if I didn't. Okay. Sean Penn won for one battle after another. And he was not there. And there was kind of like the guy presenting it that's like, I'll accept it for him. I don't know why he's not here. Maybe just didn't want to come. Well, he was actually in the Ukraine, you know, doing what he feels is necessary to be helping the people there. So that was very noble. Timothy Chalamet did not win Michael B. Jordan, then however, you know, that whole controversy of where he said about, well, I don't want us to turn into like Bel Air or Opera where nobody is interested in those anymore. So then the beautiful ballerina, Missy Copeland, while they were performing a song from the centers, which is the movie that Michael B. Jordan won for, she came out, you know, twirling on her toes. And which was like a fun thing. But I mean, some people are like, oh, is this was like an F you to Timothy? I think at this point, it's all good. Like people aren't, who cares, right? But I thought, why not have her in it? Why not remind people of how beautiful ballet is? And I think it's probably done. This whole little story probably gave a little burst into people being interested and wanting to go to Bel Air's and operas. But for me, I prefer ballet to opera, unless it's Julia from Real House of Miami singing it to her wife, Michael B. Jordan, who is just a gorgeous delight with a lot of talent and seems to be just everyone likes him. And his speech was wonderful and grateful and humble and about acting and saying like, thank you for for the incredible support. I'm like really excited to continue to do so well. The movie was Sinners. And then he went in and out. And I mean, what a great thing to do after obviously, and you're starving. So a lot of people caught the video. He brought the Oscar in, he ate the food, and I saw it this morning. And I was like, oh, how cute. That's so sweet. So then I just wrote in the comments, what people didn't know is that he was just there to hear them call out six, seven as an order and film it. My joke, that is fucking dumb, Heather. That's like corny. The six, seven joke is over six, seven. But all I remember is the last time I saw a lot of interior video of the actual people inside in and out was when people were filming that. And then they took the six, seven off the, um, they, they, nobody can order that anymore. Even though the joke is completely over with and we left it behind two months ago. What was interesting is that I, it popped up right before I recorded, oh, a hundred people liked your comment. Okay, good. A hundred people didn't think it was a super corny joke. So then I looked at it, there's nine comments of people that were like, that's a lie. Why are you saying that? What are you talking about? Why don't you just let the guy be happy? I'm like, oh my God. Anyway, very cute. And how exciting if you were there. And he brought the Oscar, put the Oscar on the table, actually ate it, ate the food, not the Oscar, adores. Okay. Teyana Taylor is gorgeous and funny and look stunning. And she was part of one battle after another. She was in that movie and they won for best picture. And it was really great. And she was, a lot of people caught that she would, she was so excited to jump up with the producers and the directors for that win that she, um, put the director in a headlock as they walked up to the, to the state. So very funny, very cute, very in the moment. But then of course there was some articles written after that was like, or some opinions, maybe they weren't full articles, that it's interesting that she jumped on him one right before she was saying that some security was touching her and she was getting very upset. And I'm like, this guy was her director. Okay. They're really good friends. And I followed up on this like being touched. And she said, someone asked about as she was leaving into the party. She's like, it's fine. Everything's fine. They were just doing a little much. I was used, shoved or something. There was a lot of people around. She's not pressing charges. She's not accusing anybody of anything. My point is there's no, there were no juicy stories to come out of the Oscars. Oh, people were very, very few political statements, which was nice, but also we were not talking about that either. And I just remember when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock and I had, we had stuff to talk about for so many weeks after that Oscar, like their relationship, who's the narcissist? What does this mean for the Oscars? What does this mean for his career? And whatever, that was four or five years ago now. And I don't know. I think it was like the last juicy Oscars we had. Everyone looked pretty beautiful. Nobody wore a weird thing. I do think Heidi Klum is probably the worst dressed and she's beautiful. The body's banging. I just think this dress looks cheesy. And I don't think it laid right on her body. I don't, I think she needed a like retailer. It just was a bad choice. And, but I do think Nicole Kidman looked stunning. And I think I love that this is gold dress. I liked the hair, a lot of fluffy hair in front of her face kind of and completely covered. Like she's got a great silhouette, but you know, long sleeves up to the neck, this gold dress, but it just looks great. Like I just thought that is the perfect dress to wear. So those are my two dress, my favorites. So that was, that was the Oscars, you guys. And I am so excited because I interviewed one of the Queens of Reality TV. And you're going to love it. So enjoy this interview now. Thank you. This episode of Juicy Scuba sponsored by Bull and Branch. I just think that sleep is the most important thing that you can do all day. Okay. And we all need it. And nothing ruins your day or your week when you just have a bad night's sleep. And it really is our me time. I mean, it's the best. And that's why I love Bull and Branch sheets because sleep is just not an option anymore. It has to be a great one. And what I love is that they are unmatched comfort. I absolutely love their waffle blanket. It is so light, but keeps me warm. Just keeps me sleeping throughout the night. It's so breathable. The sheets get softer every time you wash them. I absolutely love it. Upgrade your sleep during Bull and Branch's annual spring event. Take off 20% site-wide plus free shipping at bullandbranch.com slash Juicy Scoop with code Juicy Scoop. That's bullandbranch, B-O-L-L-A-N-D, branch.com slash Juicy Scoop, code Juicy Scoop to unlock 20% off. Exclusions apply, see site for details. This episode of Juicy Scoop is sponsored by Dose. You know what's easier than fixing a problem? Not having the problem in the first place. Your liver is one of those organs you don't really think about until you have to. Supporting it daily is one of the small things that can make a huge difference in how you feel overall. I have been taking Dose. I feel really good that I'm doing it because it's clinically backed liver health supplement. It's zero sugar, zero junk, zero calories, and it's got real results. With two double-blind placebo-controlled studies showing its positive impact on liver enzyme levels. Ready to give your liver the support it deserves? Head to dosedaily.co slash Juicy Scoop or enter Juicy Scoop to get 35% off your first subscription. Your body does so much for you. Let's do something for it. That's D-O-S-E-D-A-I-L-Y dot C-O slash Juicy Scoop for 35% off your first month subscription. Guys, you know I love quints because it has high quality, luxury, beautiful items for much, much less. I just got a beautiful dark green silk blouse that looks so similar to my much more expensive silk blouses that I've been wearing for years. The quality is amazing. The color is stunning. I love that I got it at Quints for such a great deal. Quints works directly with safe ethical factories and cuts out the middlemen. You're not paying for brand markup or fancy retail stores just quality clothing. Quints clothing is consistently rated four and a half to five stars by thousands of customers. Real people wearing these pieces every day and actually loving them like I do. Right now go to quints.com slash Juicy for free shipping and 365 day returns. That's a full year to wear it and love it and you will now available in Canada too. Don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to quints.com slash Juicy for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quints.com slash Juicy. Hello and welcome to Juicy Scoop. I am so excited to speak to my next guest. I know you guys would lose your mind. I have the one, the only Adrian Currie that has blessed us with her funniness. I loved you on all the reality shows that you did. You're such a personality. We know you as the first winner of America's Next Top Model and you have a great social media presence and I'm so excited that you decided to do the show. Thank you. I'm a professional idiot and it's been documented for a really long time. I was just like reminding myself just looking at all your credits of really your career. So let's just start from when you were introduced to us. How did you decide to go out for America's Next Top Model? Well, it's funny. I was working at Hooters and some guy came up to me talking about like a show and gave me a card and I'm like, yeah, right. And I just threw it in the garbage like nice try buddy. And then my mom was like, you know, I just saw a commercial for a supermodel show with Tyra Banks and I was like, oh no, he wasn't lying. Yeah. So I made a VHS tape of my parents fighting because they were getting a divorce and I was like, get me out of this town, get me away from these people. I'll do anything and they like chose it and the tape, like on the videotape, which most kids don't even know what that is, the VHS. I like scribbled tool, nine inch nails, Pink Floyd, like all this stupid stuff. Like on a piece of sticky. Yeah, on the sticky. On the VHS and they said they got it last minute and they were like, what the hell is this and popped it in and it was me. So what city were you living in? Joliet, Illinois, which is affectionately known as prison town from the Blues Brothers, Joliet, Jake, Elwood Blues. Yeah, we have a prison. That's the main part of the town is the prison. It's rough. Like anyone from Chi Town, they'll tell you to avoid Joliet, specifically the bars. We have a reputation. Being that you were Hooters waitress, would that be like a first stop for when someone picked up their prisoner when they got released? I would think that would be a real treat. No, but I always laugh because right next to us is Crest Hill that had a maximum security prison that actually they're the ones that put down John Wayne Gacy. Oh my God. I'm like, that's what we do, where I'm from. So you, so when this opportunity came and you did the tape, you were working at Hooters, how old were you? I was 20. So I worked at Hooters and a steakhouse. That's right. A steakhouse that is now defunct. So I was like double shifting, open the clothes, fading tables. Like I still have spider veins on my legs from how much I was on my feet. It was crazy. So when you just growing up in this town and you were and your parents, I guess, were, you know, fighting, but you lived in the house with them. Like what, what, what were your goals? Were you always told that you could be a model or that you were pretty or like, when did you realize that you were an exceptionally good looking person? Here's what's funny. All my guy friends growing up all said the same thing after I went on top model there, like, curry, we had no idea you were hot under there because I always wore baggy nine inch nails t-shirts and like I was with the same guy for like four years. So it wasn't like I was marketing around. But I mean, people would say you're really tall, but you're still kind of gangly. But my teens were rough. I used a lot of drugs very young, way younger than anyone should. So it was funny. What kind of drugs? I used to snort heroin so people wouldn't see the tracks on my arms and cocaine. And I did liquid G. I did more LSD than I cared to admit. Mushrooms. Yeah, like I was a man. Where did you even get introduced to a crowd that could provide such hardcore drugs for you? I always, I guess people thought I was more mature than my years. So I was hung out with older kids. And that's where it all was. And my town where I'm from is well known to be rough. So I also got into some wheeling and dealing, but nothing too terrible, just weed back then. But then I was popular with everyone. But by the time I went on top model, the only thing I was was a stoner. Like, I got myself off all of this shit because I had to work a full time job all day, all night. Like you can't sit there. And it wasn't easy. I'll say that maybe for like two, three years, I'd be like, oops, oops, oops. But stuff like LSD and stuff, it's non addictive. You just stop doing it. Well, the heroin would be though, right? That was that was the dangerous one. That was the one that you felt like shit if you didn't do it. But lucky for me, because it was hard to come up with money and it was hard to get it, I would always Jones and get off that like, oh, I need it before I could ever get it again. So it was like rinse and repeat used. And it's like euphoria. And then you feel like shit for a few weeks, you know, and then all over again. But I'm lucky I got it all out of the way before I started modeling. Because then once I got in the industry, it was all around me. And I had no interest at all. Yeah. So when growing up in this, you know, kind of rough town in the middle of America, you know, did you have aspirations for a bigger life when you'd watch TV or look at a fashion magazine? Or like, what was your aspirations as you were working those two jobs before that man gave you his card about the show? I thought I was going to be a factory worker, like my parents, my dad worked at Clorox Bleach, my mom worked at Kraft Nabisco, making triskets and stuff. So that's what I thought I was going to end up doing. When people brought modeling up to me, sure, it sounded like some like cool pipe dream. But I never thought truly that I would be able to get there. And even when I was on the show, I was like, there's no way they're going to let the stoner win. There's no way, especially back then, like, I'm sorry, but the J. and Silent Bob crowd like wasn't shined upon, you know, like I'm sitting there quoting J. and Silent Bob the whole time. And then it was me and the Christian girl as the final one, I'm like, done, I'm out. Like I 100% thought it was hers. Because I was like, there's no no network, no brand, no one's going to want to work with me. Because Tyra told me every day, you're so rough around the edges, and you're so ghetto. Okay, let's get into that. So you do this very clever, funny tape. And we know now, especially from the doc that came out that they were really looking for reality stars, in my opinion, that they could shape into a model and wanted these stories. I mean, there's been some really funny TikTok and trends that have come from watching the doc where people will go, I don't know if you've seen it, but they'll be like, yes, this is me telling America's Doc's Top Model that my grandmother died on a chicken bone. And then they're like, you know, or going down, my grandmother died going down the stairs. So now I'm doing my photo shoot, like as my head falls on the stairs, because we saw that in there. So, you know, they liked people with an interesting backstory. So that's so interesting that you didn't do, I would think, if someone said to me, we're looking to do, find people to make them a top model, you should do it, and then I had to do a tape. I would be getting all gussied up wearing a black dress and nylons and heels and having my mom show me tomorrow. Like, you were so smart, even if it wasn't intentional, but you were like, that was so clever just to show like your funny, dry sense of humor. Just myself. And what's funny is I went to the semifinals and my grandma and my mom took me to TJ Maxx and we didn't have very much money, but they pulled together because they're like, you cannot wear your clothes here. You can't do it. I was like, what? They're like, no nine-inch nails, no Pink Floyd, no spiked collars, no bandanas, you cannot go. So they bought me girl clothes and they were brand new tags, everything. And I went on the semifinals and I think Tyra wasn't interested in picking me and Ken Mock sat down to interview me. And he told me after the show that Tyra was like, I don't know, like she's boring. And he went up to her and he was like, she is reality TV gold. You have to choose her. He's like, trust me, because in the interview, he's like, are you comfortable like wearing this? I'm like, no. That's like I just put this shit on because my mom told me to. Ken was the executive producer that we see in the series. Yes. Behind the scenes. Yes. So when you get the word that you're going, how many girls is it to start? I think it was 10. Originally, they chose eight and then they added two others in the house while I was there. And I just figured, I'm probably going to go home for a second because you have to understand, I roll in here and no one is like me and I felt so out of place. Like I just did not belong there. Everyone was very feminine, very girly, very into fashion. I couldn't name a fashion designer to save my life. Like I shopped at Venture and TJ Maxx and like Salvation Army growing up. I was not buying like cool bags or any of that. So I just felt really overwhelmed because I thought like, what if they have challenges? Like what's Louis Vuitton? I don't effin no. You know, like I don't know what any of those things. Yeah, you were thought they were going to have a fashion challenge like your knowledge. That's so funny. What was your relationship with makeup? I mean, I was abysmal at it. I have never looked worse in my life than when I did my own makeup on that show because I normally didn't wear makeup. So I thought makeup was just putting like one shade of eyeshadow on and maybe some mascara. I looked awful until they put me in a professional makeup chair and had somebody do up my face and then I looked, I remember the first time they did up my face, I almost cried because I had no idea that I could ever look that way. Yeah, because you have such great eyes. I think it's like a make or art of stream, you know what I mean? To like, to make them up and play with them and you probably just didn't see them that way. I didn't know what I was doing. Like whatever I was doing was the polar opposite of what you should do to look good. I was committed to it for a really long time. I still kind of am. So I mean, how did you feel about having the mic pack on and cameras around you all the time? Did you think it was fun? Did you bond with anybody? How long was the whole process? I just asked you three questions. Okay. The mic pack back then was probably the size of this on your back. I mean, it was bad and it hurt and I was bruised all the time. It was weird because you followed around by a crew that doesn't talk to you. I immediately bonded with the first girl who got eliminated because she smoked cigarettes and I did. And I'm like, well, look at how that worked out for me. I lucked out because no one wanted a room with the lesbian, but it was just a room with two beds. And I'm like, I don't want to sleep with the rest of these bitches. And I was like, do you have a girlfriend? She's like, yes, honey. And I'm like, boom, I'm taking this room with only one other girl. I don't want to stay with the rest of them. But it was really weird because you're locked down for over, well, the longer you stay over two months, I had no cell phone or anything. So that didn't matter to me. But our phone calls had to be monitored, no news, no reading the newspaper, like you are sequestered from the entire world. And it's like psychological warfare, you get so immersed in this world. It's like, I don't even know how to describe it. It's almost like everyone's given a bump of cocaine and told at the end of this hallway is more. Amazing. So now, when you start coming down to the end, and you actually win it, what's the next thing? Like how far was there between you winning it and it airing and being like an instant hit? So I won it end of February. And the world didn't see me win it until sometime in July. And I couldn't tell anyone. And it's funny, because I was just talking to my little cousin who used to run my top model fan club. He's a huge top model fan. I mean, oh, gee, a gay boy who would have thought. But I was talking to him and he was like, what was so weird? He's like, it was airing. You came to my house during episode three and you hadn't watched the show and we were going to watch it. And he's like, you were so uncomfortable. And then you were like, well, I guess I'll see what this is. And I watched like a second. I was like, okay, I'll catch you guys later. And I left because I was scared to watch it because I hated the way I looked and the way I sounded. But then I also was scared that people around me would like, I don't know, effing read my mind like you won it. Didn't you? So I'm like, get it away. I don't want to look at it because they freaked you out so much like you're going to be sued for $25 million if you break the NDA or whatever. Yeah. So I mean, mom, it was the biggest secret I ever kept. My boyfriend of four years dumped me. And all I wanted to say is I just won the show you son of a bitch. And I couldn't do it. I had to just sit there and be like, why? Oh my God. I wouldn't have been, I would have, I would have, I would have risked being sued for the $25 million. There's no way I could have held that back if somebody dumped me and I was America's next top model. So during that time, because no one could know, you weren't obviously working as a model. Did you go back to your, so you went back to your hometown. Did you start picking up shifts at Hooters again? Or did you just chill out? I was no longer at Hooters and I was just working at the steakhouse at that point. And then I remember the one. Did people at the steakhouse like start to say, oh my gosh, we heard that you're going to be on this show. We're going to have to watch you dear or what? So then it got weird because it started getting popular. So I quit my job and I told them it was because it's getting too weird. Like there's kind of weird people coming in here now, bothering me just about the show. I'm just trying to make some paper. But really, I was getting prepared to leave and go to New York and like do Regis and Kelly. That's how old this is. And did you, did they pay you anything for the two months that you were there? I think we got a little per diem. But like I spent it on food, you know, so I was hungry. So I would. So essentially no, it's not like you guys each got $10,000 or whatever. No, no, but while I was on the show, it's funny, most of what Tyra told me and all of us, we were going to win. She did voiceovers later to change it, which I thought was very strange. It went from you're going to be a big Revlon cover girl, blah, blah, blah, to the opportunity to be one of us. Like that's, that's weird. That's, that wasn't sad. They made it seem like we're going to win the lottery that we would be instantly wealthy. And your girl over here, my mom was about to lose her house in the divorce. In fact, the day that I won top model, my parents divorce was finalized and my mom was ordered to sell the house and give him half, which would have left my grandma and my mom without a house. So I thought if I could just win this thing, I can save my family. And that became my obsession. So I felt like most of the girls like, I want a model, I really want this. And I was like, I want the money. Were you able to help them with that house situation? I probably netted like gross after Uncle Sam and commissions just slightly over $5,000 from what I want on that show. What was the prize? The prize was a spread in Marie Claire and Bo Quillian was awesome. The editor of Marie Claire, he gave me a spread in Spanish, Marie Claire, but those pay like a couple hundred bucks, right? So then the Revlon beauty contract turned out to be a job where I went to Revlon and I didn't know this. So I'm waiting to hear all about my new contract and stuff. And they're like, okay, come this Saturday and I'll sit in a board room. And I had that makeup artist literally be like, and this is our new color lilac and put it on my lips for like three executives. And I was like, okay, this is like before the big campaign. No, darling, what I want was to sit in a back room at Revlon and have people put blush on my cheeks to show big executives what the new colors were. And when I asked them about it, I got so humiliated. It felt like a humiliation ritual because she was like, we never planned on using any winner from the show for any campaign. And I was like, what? I cried my eyes out walking down the street. I don't remember if it was 10 or 15 grand, but after your agency and Uncle Sam takes some and I, you know, wasn't incorporated or anything. I'm just like a normal person. So like you get raked over the coals, I had nothing left. And I had moved to Manhattan, which is how much money and then they're doing test shoots. So I was negative in the whole and I actually bankrupted my mother, borrowing money from her after winning the show. It was bad, but luckily all my uncles came together and helped save her house. So yeah, I was locked in this contract with Wilmina that I was mismanaged. They can pretend that I wasn't, but I know I was. We were mega stars in Hong Kong and they sent Elise there, the third runner up and not me. Yet my cousin was the president of my fan club and all my fans were from Hong Kong. So I mean, major celebrities over there. So I'm like, are you going to send me? They're like, well, we already sent another girl. We're going to send you to South Africa. The show had never aired there. No one cared. I was like, what is going on? So once I got out of that contract is when your girl went full scorched earth with like surreal life and interviews where I was like, F-Tyre Banks and I got blacklisted from that show so hard that they showed every single winner every cycle except yours truly. Because I was mad. Yeah. I mean, I can understand. So how did it come about that the surreal life and all that stuff came? So you were able to do enough between America's desktop model and to get your name out there. Obviously, they knew you from the show and your big personality. So did an agent that approached you like, hey, there's this other reality show coming or like, what were the opportunities that did come? So someone I knew in New York that was not a jerk had heard that there was interest in me about the show for the surreal life. And I looked into it and I was like, oh, it's like a bunch of people from yesteryear. Like, what do they want from me? Because we filmed at the end of 2004. But I won top model July 2003. So it wasn't like I was that yesterday's news. Well, their idea was is I would make the other cast members feel uncomfortable because I was current and relevant. And I was like, that's mean. I don't want to do that. So then they tell me that Ken Mock had contacted them because he didn't want me to be on the show. And I literally was like, give me the effing pen. I'm signing this right now. And I just I signed it over. It's because you were vocal about the experience. And that was they thought the surreal life would make top model look trashy. And that's what they told the producers. So my plan was I'm going to go on this real life. I'm going to treat it like spring break. I'm going to hit the bar every single effing day, effum. And that's what I did. I mean, I'm not not proud of it. Most people's spring breaks aren't on national television, but mine was. And how many weeks were you there in that house filming the show? Three? Three weeks, I think. And remind us of your castmates. It was season three, right? Four. Four. Okay. Four. Marcus Schaikenberg, which I thought was funny that he's a he's a male supermodel. If you saw me, you'd recognize him from Kelvin Klein and stuff. My ex-husband, Christopher Knight. From the Brady brunch. We'll get into that in a minute. Vern Troyer, who was the little person from Austin Powers. Austin Powers, yeah. China, the wrestler. DeBrat, the rapper, and Jane Whelan from the Go-Go's and yours truly. Wow. Yeah, like what? It was such a fun show to watch. You know, sadly, some of your cast members are no longer with us. That was sad. But I mean, a classic one was when Vern, who clearly had an alcohol problem, but also I think drinking like a regular sized person and just being smaller probably didn't help the situation. But, you know, his drunken antics and he rolled off the bed or you had to put it back on the bed. He peed on the floor. Yeah. Oh. He went peed on the floor after being naked on a scooter. And he was completely blacked out. He had no memory of the night. So he had to wait until afterwards to see that. And I feel bad for him because he eventually died from drinking the death. And China, I'm pretty sure, was doing meth the whole time because she did not sleep. Really? Girl, when her boyfriend came there fighting with her, I had to steal her bag of goodies. And it had only been like what? Three years since I stopped doing goodies? Because I thought she was going to hurt herself. So I find her bag of goodies and I'm like, oh, like she's got lots of stuff in here. It was hard for me to have it, but I hid it because I didn't want her to, you know, to, you know, go the way of the dodo. Wow. And so that's where you met Christopher Knight, better known as Peter Brady for the Brady Bunch. He was what, 18 years older than you at the time? 25. 25 years age difference. Though he was a good looking guy, he looked younger. But that also was very fun for the audience to kind of watch this real life romance unfold in front of us. See, what's funny, what a lot of people didn't know is his mother was dying while we were on the show. And he didn't let, he wasn't going to talk about it on camera, but he told me. So I felt, you know, what would you feel when you're a woman? Someone's ma is dying. Like I felt very like protective of him because I'm like, shit, he's stuck in here. And his mom's going downhill. Like I believe she died like a week or two after filming. Yeah, it was really bad. So we connected because of that, which is funny because everyone sees what's on camera, but the like underlining thing is I was like trying to be supportive to him because his mom was really sick. And you know, this was just a show to put these, you know, eccentric characters together. But they're actually, you guys actually like fell in love and, but just like a dating show like The Bachelor, I can see why it happens because it's a reality show where you don't have your phones, you're not cooking, you're not cleaning, you're not working, you're not talking to your family. There's nothing else to do. Yeah. And you're just sort of in this isolated situation where it's like literally one of those things like I, you know, maybe if you were the last person on a deserted island, essentially, he's going to be burner. Yeah, no, right. And it was always so funny because everyone's like, oh, you just liked him because you wanted to rise your star. And I remember he looked at me and he's like, you, I never watched the Brady Bunch. I hated it growing up. It was not my show. Any reference people would say to him. And I mean, with genuine like, what does that mean? Like, I remember the first time someone said pork chops and applesauce to him. And I was like, what does this mean? And he dropped an apple. Well, he loved the fact that I didn't know that. And I would, it's so funny. I would always joke. Like I always thought I'd be with some rock and roll dude, not him. And you know, we didn't work out. I wasn't the first, I'm not the last. And that's okay, because I learned a lot of what I need in a relationship from that one. This episode is sponsored by Warby Parker. Spring is here. And I always love getting a new pair of fabulous glasses. I want to show you my Warby Parker glasses. How cute are these? So unique of a style. First of all, the shape is perfect for my face. I absolutely love them. When it comes to quality for the price, Warby Parker is by far the best. Warby Parker doesn't just offer incredible prescription glasses. They have everything you need for happier eyes. That includes contacts, online eye exams and sunglasses. They also have over 300 retail stores across the US. One was right down the street from me. And they were able to make my glasses fit my head perfectly. Warby Parker gives you quality and better looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the going price. Our Juicy Scoopers will get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at warbyparker.com slash Juicy Scoop. That's 15% off when you buy two pairs of glasses at warbyparker.com slash Juicy Scoop. After you purchase, they'll ask you where you heard about them. Please support Juicy Scoop and tell them how the McDonald's sent you. Everyone's got that one friend who's always wearing the cutest outfits and you're like, where did you get that? Can I just go shop in your closet? Well, that is what not. What not is the greatest shopping app. It is the number one live shopping app in the US where shopping happens in real time with real people, real conversations and incredible deals. You almost never pay full price. You shop name brands across, makeup, perfume, clothes, handbags, jewelry and more, all without the retail sticker shop. This is the best place to find great deals on products you love. And there are amazing sellers with great taste going live 24 seven. You can comment in real time and they will show you a close up of the clothes, explain the sizing and answer any question. I think it's such a fun way to get something fun and different and exciting and get those new looks that you love where you're like, would this work for me or not? Well, you can find out on what not like I did and really have a good time with it. You got to check it out. Download the what not app today and get free shipping on your first order. Just search what not, W-H-A-T-N-O-T, what not in the app store and start scoring amazing deals. You know, so I'm grateful. But then it did spark and have these spin-offs. You did so many shows after that as a couple. So how did they approach you and say, would you guys now do a show just the two of you? What was that called again? It was my fair Brady. My fair Brady. I mean, I remember I watched a lot of it. I thought it was very entertaining. I mean, you guys butted heads, but it was really is funny to watch, you know? I think after learning we were living with each other and that it wasn't for like a week, I think the producers were like, are you effing kidding me? And that's when they were like, hey, what do you think about this? And I mean, I was young. Like today, hell no, what I ever agreed to do. I mean, I won't touch a reality TV show with a 10 foot pull. I always say never, but I just, I'm so fried out. I'm so done. Now, was that a profitable situation for you guys to take on since it was just the two of you and it was your, the star of your own show? More so for him. And I was okay with that because I just wanted to make him happy. But I mean, in the grand scheme of things, people think a TV show is going to make you all this money. It sure does when you're the executive producer or the creator, but as the talent. And I was very young and very dumb. And I was just like, okay, whatever, I want everyone to be happy. And I always put myself alas, but I mean, it was okay money. But it's like low six figures. It wasn't like some, it wasn't like $400,000 or anything. And that's where were you guys living when you're filming that? Was it near the beach or something? First was Manhattan Beach and then it was Hermosa Beach. And that must have been kind of fun. You know what? The beach community is not my vibe, man. I'm more of like a mountain girl. And I felt like I walked into a Stepford Wives movie set. I did not feel like I belonged at all. I just felt like white trash in a sea of money. I've been at beach. That's so interesting. I did not feel good there. I was very self-conscious. And what was your wedding like? It was hot, huge. All my family was there. I'm glad it happened because I have so many precious photos of people who are no longer with me. But I've learned to not live my life regretting things because there's times I've been up late at night like, oh my god, my entire 20s is such a humiliation and anyone can watch it over and over on Hulu. Please, Lord, take me away from what I've done to myself. But then I'm like, I wouldn't be where I am today if I wasn't such an idiot back then. So I guess, you know. And the wedding was filmed, right? Yes. Yes, it was. And so then how many seasons did you do of that with him at much time? I think it was three. But by the third season, I felt like they were really pushing me to have a baby and I wanted to have a baby. But then there was this weird thing I was feeling like, do I really want to have a baby where it's on TV? And that's when we realized we clashed about a lot of our beliefs. I didn't want to raise a kid. Like, I didn't want an Epo baby. I wanted a kid that knew the value of a dollar that worked that doesn't get like a car when they're 16 just because they turned 16, like you got to earn it. We just weren't on the same page with that kind of stuff, which is really important. And how was he maintaining making money all these years from being a child star? No, F include. I know he worked in computers and stuff. Like, I honestly, all of our stuff was separate the entire time. And I never gave a shit about money. I just don't. I always tell my, I'm the world's cheapest wife. The wedding ring was free. The engagement ring was free through a diamond company I used to model for. And then when we divorced, I didn't even hire a lawyer. I'm take anything you want. I'm just taking my clothes, just be gone. That's it. Like, I don't care. So how long were you married total? Well, we were together for seven years and married for five, which I think in Hollywood's like 9,000 years. Yeah, that is significant. And during that time, I saw that you know, you know, we're doing a lot of modeling, and you got the maximum hot 100, you were number 25 or something. And then you also did Playboy really loved you. You did several shoots for Playboy. How was that? I'm really proud. I looked at Steven Weta, the celebrity photographer for Playboy, and he had an art show overseas in Sweden or something. And he had pictures up from my second spread. And someone was like, this pictorial is so film nor it's so beautiful. And he was like, half said that it was the best spread in all his 50 years. And I was like, well, that makes me feel good. I have some regrets. Like, I looking back, I am just as beautiful with clothes on. I'm like, really? Did I do that? But I think there was a underlying current where I just wanted to piss off tire banks and Ken Mock. And she hated Playboy. And I swear to God that that was ingrained in me is that just guns blazing middle fingers in the air every second I could was to spite them. I was very angry for a long time. I was mad. And why do you think you were so angry with them? Because I really believed them. I really believed that winning top model I would be able to save my mother. They told me I would be the next Giselle, the next Tyra, that all the work was already done that she would manage my career. She managed Eva's career with her manager, which was the third winner. Who never talks bad about her. And I wouldn't either because I'd be like, oh, you gave me what you said I was going to get. But they knew that I was poor. And they weaponized against it against me so badly. And I believe them so completely that I think the devastation I felt because I was young and immature just came out as just rage. And now I'm grateful for it because I feel like it's like character development. I always say we're like a diamond, a many faceted diamond, and each trial and tribulation just puts another shiny facet in it. So I'm like, I'm just over here shining. Most people have never been through stuff like that. Back then the fans would tell me you're just ungrateful. You're just this and that because people didn't understand that they voice over what they were telling us on the show. Tyra was like, well, you had to work for it. I'm like, no, you told me if I won this that I'd be instantly rich that I'd be a Revlon cover girl and work begets work. So if you have a Revlon campaign and that's in your portfolio, you're hitting the ground running. I didn't have that. And I used to get jealous of the other winners, even though they gave them shoddy cover girl ads in the back of an us weekly, it's still a cover girl ad. It's still something you could put in your portfolio. And I had to come to terms. I think I was at Sephora and I was looking at Ioana House the second winner and she's in a big advertisement. And I was so jealous and I was so upset. And then I was like, it's not her fault. I should be grateful and happy that the other winners are getting what they were told because why would I want anyone to feel this way? And I'm really glad I checked that so early because then I was like, just hate Tyra and Ken. That's amazing though. That's a really, yeah, it takes a while for all of us to get to that place of like, you know, this person's success is not going to take anything away from my situation or my life or my success. And like, where is that coming from? And that's so, yeah. And then also Playboy at that time was such a coup. And they really paid well to their celebrity people. I came in right when they stopped paying well. God, your life. I swear to God, it was so funny because I remember when my manager negotiated the first one and I'm like, this is low. And he's like, Playboy's not making what they used to all this other stuff. And I was like, I thought I'd be like walking what's a million? I don't know, 500,000? Like 400,000? Maybe even 300,000? No. When they would do like the celebrity, like I remember Corny Wilson was in it because she went through gastric bypass and it was like, she's doing it. And I remember my friend, Jillian Barbary, who was the newscaster in LA and she was very sexy. I really like her. She was always really nice to me. She was always so nice to, I mean, she is a very nice person, but she was always very generous and again, a most non jealous supportive of other women person. That's awesome. And they offered her, I remember from what she told me, like 400,000. Ooh, that's, I want to took that in two seconds. She regrets not taking it. Because also she's like, you know what there's that, you know, what is it? She is wasted on the youth or some, some expression wasted on the young. Yeah, youth is wasted on the young. But it's also like, you'll never be as young as today. You know, I do believe people get prettier over time and, you know, everything. But like, to think, oh my God, I could have had these, you know, fabulous photos of me done with the best photographers, the best makeup and the best lighting forever. But it was like taboo. It was still your naked and you're, you know, showing your body. And see, they got me. This is where they really got me. They're like, we will put you in the supermodel section. And for the first time in my life, I finally was listed with Cindy Crawford and and what's her name? Angela. She's the redhead. Really pretty. I know, I know exactly who you mean. I see her in my, in my head. Yeah. Yeah. And she was, because she was like the only redhead. Yeah. So that she was always popping and she was always like, dating someone exciting. Yes, total. Yes. So I remember going to play by West and like the wall of supermodels. And I was like, finally, there I am. I know it's not real, but I could say I was a supermodel for Playboy only. And I certainly didn't make $400,000. And did anybody in your life have any kind of issue with that spread? Yeah. I broke my grandmother's heart. And that's when I was younger and I would do things without thinking. And I was raised very Italian Catholic. My grandma's full-blooded collaborant. And she lived with me from birth, raising me, taking me to church. So she's old school. And she, her sister put stickers and stuff all over my body so that my grandma could look. And my grandma was like, I've never seen you so beautiful. But don't you understand, you're more beautiful with these stickers on you. And her eyes were like glistening. And I was like, sticking it to Tyra Banks and Ken Mock just brought tears to my grandma's eyes. And I don't feel very good. So it kind of sucked because I was like, I didn't get paid that much. And now grandma's crying. Oh, man. So I mean, I grew up very Irish Catholic. And definitely if I was, if the opportunity came to me at 20 something, it would have been hard for my parents to see that this is, I mean, we grew up in LA. So they understood the business a little bit more than your family would or whatever. And, you know, but it would have had to have been like, look, Jenny McCarthy got a TV show and she's funny. Like I would have had to like use that as an example if I was ever, obviously I was not, I wasn't a model. I wasn't, it wasn't happening. I went to the parties. I loved the parties. I got, I got invited to the parties and I, I got, you know, to the Halloween and all those good ones from like right around like 99, yeah, 99, 2000, 2000. That time. Oh my God. Great people watch the girls were painted naked but painted. And then I'd wear like my little lingerie outfit. And I was just so excited to eat the food. I was all about like the lamb chops and like the lollipop lamb chops and just, yeah, because I was like, and you see some stars and, you know, it was like good fun stories. But no, definitely like even as a kid and looking at the magazine, like my dad would have it. And he would say, oh, I do it for the articles or he was in advertising and he'd say, oh, our ads are in a whatever. The articles were actually spectacular. Yeah, they were good. And then, but I remember like looking and just reading the girls, yeah, you'd fill out that thing. And you see the girls like bubble personal writing of like my favorite thing to do where I want to live my wish or whatever. And it definitely seemed glamorous. Now it's just like all this, you know, from the girls next door to then, you know, I've interviewed Holly Madison many times and they've all written books. We all know that that life wasn't glamorous. There's been documentaries about it and everything. But definitely when we were growing up, it was, you know, it was glamorous. It was exciting. It wasn't scary or dirty or anything to be ashamed of, though many people's parents were not thrilled about it if you were one. Yeah, I mean, I would say that being one of 85 girls on one guy's arm would not be glamorous for me. Like I don't know a guy on earth that deserves more than me. So sorry, buddy. But the mansion for me, I just always thought it was like the unspoken rule, you don't go upstairs. That's it. See those stairs? Don't go up them. Yeah, I never went up. I know you didn't because if you did, it's party time. Excellent. Get some pajamas on. But I always liked Huff. He was really nice to me, very classy, never gross. Like once he joked to me, he's like, you know, I've only ever fallen in love with Burnett's. And I was like, no way, buddy. And he laughed. I was like, sorry. Hard pass. But yeah, I didn't see any darkness there because like I was only interested in watching people and making stories about every girl that came in. Like you'd see the fresh dough-eyed chicks that weren't anyone, but they were there to meet someone and climb the ladder. And she'd walk in and I'd hit my friend and be like, oh my god, my name is Tiffany. Where's Leonardo DiCaprio? Like I would just make stories. I'm like, she's from Nebraska. And she was at a bar last night. She met this dude. That's why she's here now. It was so fun to just people watch and that is how that's how I got invited. Like I went to some and this guy, yeah, just came up to me and was like, would you want to go to the Playboy Mansion and then got my number or I got his, I don't know. Yeah, he called me and I was like, oh, is this real? And it's like, then the first time was like an invite. And then after that, it was like, oh, you can just call this number when the parties come or I'd get the invite and then I'd call to confirm. And then if I wanted to bring a friend, I have to send the photo. That's right. They don't want no ugly bitches there. No. And like everybody and not every friend got approved. And then I'd have to just be like, oh, I just didn't hear back, you know, I would go through my friend's pictures and they'd be like, oh, send this. I'm like, nope, something else. And I just the perfect picture. I'm like, that's the one. That's the one I'm submitting. Like that's like, what were the years that you were there from being on the show and like socializing at these parties and stuff? I mean, 2006 to about 2012, 13. I just kind of started like losing interest because I didn't want to wear underwear to Midsummer Night's Dream. I didn't mind the fourth and July party because it was so chill. Yeah. The Halloween party. I went dressed as Alex Delarge from a Clockwork Orange with the big bulge and everything. And you know, everyone's like, I'm a sexy bunny. I'm a sexy butterfly. I looked horrible and Heff looked at me and he was a huge Stanley Kubrick fan. And he was like, and he was like, called me over and you could see all the chicks like, and I'm like, dude, I'm married. Like this. It's not what you think. He just like Stanley Kubrick back off. Who's an interesting boy? Who were you married to then during that time? My ex-husband. That was Fisher for nighttime. And would he come with you? Yeah, but he didn't like it because what fun is the Playboy mansion for a married guy with his wife there? I'm sure not much. Well, when I got married and then I now I'm married, so I called in to say, can I take my husband to the New Year's Eve party? And she just the woman goes, what? Absolutely not. It's a singles party. I'm like, no, he's really cool. And like, because I just was like, that was it. I stopped getting invited. Yeah, no, I was so mad that I didn't think that through. I should just because I could have just kept going with like a girlfriend for the hell of it, you know, they invited us both. But I think that's when they were courting me for my first spread. And then he eventually was like, take a girlfriend because, you know, well, also, I mean, he was a celebrity too. So like that wouldn't make sense. And I bet back then there was probably some fun like reality and stars and stuff to socialize with that it lead to any other type of jobs during that time. I am not an elbow rubber. I am the worst person that's ever existed in Hollywood. I will walk a red carpet and go into the back room and right out the back door into my car and go home. I'm so bad. I never really did that unless it was like nerd stuff. I don't know. I don't like the fake culture, the kissy kissy cheek. And then you hear him talk shit about you like three feet away from you. There was something so it was like a plastic veneer. And I just didn't like it. So I was bad at ladder climbing, I guess. So then once you got divorced and the Playboy years were over, then how did you end up with your husband now living in Montana? Like, what happened there? Essentially, I was pretty much done with Los Angeles. I was just done. And I met my husband who does voiceovers for like movie trailers like In a World this Friday. I met him and we dated a little bit and we moved to Arizona and we really liked it. We were in the mountains of Prescott. And then we were like, we want to get further away from people. Like, I just became anti big city, anti the hustle and bustle. I just wanted to find peace because I felt like I hadn't had any in so long. And then we we moved to Montana. We had never been here. I do love it. We love it. We both agreed we could never live anywhere near a city ever again. It has to be not rural. It has to be remote. We've discussed moving from here and finding somewhere that you have to snowmobile in half the year and stuff like we would really like we'd really like to go off-grid completely. I'd be very happy with that. So it's just the two of you? Yes. Yes. And three cats and a dog. And you just do your stuff. You work from home. You do things from home. Like, do you go how far as a grocery store? To go to Costco. It's about an hour and 45 minutes or Walmart. But I don't notice it anymore because, you know, I just hit the highway. Montana miles are measured in hours. Everyone's like, how many miles is that for me? I'm like, it's like an hour and a half, hour 45. If there's a blizzard, it can be longer because you're not going 70 down a highway. But it's so beautiful. It's not unpleasant to like look at the majestic Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park. So do you just go like once every two weeks and get everything you need? In the summer, in the winter, I tend to do, I try to do every four to six weeks because it's difficult. Like sometimes we've been snowed in this house for like two weeks because of the ice. It was so dangerous. We're like, uh-uh. So you got to be stocked up. And we have a generator, which is nice and good. And you don't get any kind of like cabin fever or anything like that. No, like we'll go snowshoeing and hiking. Like there's, I don't feel trapped here at all because the world is my oyster. Yeah. That's awesome. And so you guys have been out there for how long? Gosh, 18, 19. Almost eight years? Wow. Yeah. And so when did you find out that, you know, prior to the America's Next Top Model, with the rise of TikTok and everything, there was a lot of people, you know, going back to the old episodes and really realizing like how fucked up it was and stuff. So when I heard there was this doc coming out and that, you know, Tyra and her detective coat was going to be part of it, that look. So I was like, well, I think she's like, well, I'd rather do it with me rather than do it without me. And I just saw there's another one coming out that is not with any of them. And what was, when did you hear that, I'm sure they reached out to you? When did you hear that this was going to happen? So many top model docs are being made, so many. So I've said no to all of them and it feels great. I just, I have zero trust for producers. And I know a couple of the girls that just did the Netflix documentary and they all told me they were lied to and manipulated about what it was and that they feel over edited and that they don't feel their voices were heard. And I'm like, this is why I don't do anything. Because they didn't tell them the judges were going to be on there or Tyra was going to be on there. They told them that they would be doing all the publicity for the show, but it's just been the judges and none of the girls. And that the whole show was going to be all about the girls and their lives from when they were kids to like later. And it was all bullshit. And I'm like wanting to shake them. I'm like ladies, why do you keep believing these people? Don't believe them. Yeah. Well, that's why, and that's what I reached out to you because I was following you anyway. And I saw a video that you did and you're like, what the fuck, you know, that you didn't pay us when we were the contestants. Then you do this doc and you don't pay them again. Yeah. But they paid the judges. Right. But you, of course, you're paying the judges. I'm sure Jay, Manuel and Ms. Jay and all those people got paid and they didn't because maybe they didn't think to ask or maybe it wasn't offered or whatever. Or they were told this could lead to other opportunities for people could follow you, you're going to gain followers, you're going to get, you'd be able to model again, whatever it was that they did. And then to just again, not get anything out of it. I just love that you spelled it out because I was like, that's so fucking true. You and I both know how much Netflix made off that son of a bitch because everyone watched it. We're talking butt loads of money. And I'm like, see, this is why I'm just, I'm so over the machine. But I feel like everyone keeps getting into a cage with a scorpion and a rattlesnake going, why is it biting me? I'm like, well, it's a scorpion and a rattlesnake. Like stop getting in that cage. But I get it. You want to feel like your voice is going to be heard. I'm interested to see how the E thing's going to go just because I hear it's more about the girls than again, sorry, E, I don't trust producers. So I'll tentatively sit back. I didn't watch the Netflix thing because I didn't want to give them any money. But I might watch the E thing depending on what it was reported to me. We'll see. Well, I want to get your opinion on one thing. I'll just explain it in that. So J Manuel, who was, you know, who he is, the makeup artist for everybody, I guess, and he tells the story of how he had such a great time doing it, but he just decided, I think I've gone my course that I want out. And he writes her an email, Tyra, and then he waited like three days. She finally gets back to him. She wrote like, I'm disappointed. But then I guess they negotiated the final contract for the final year. And then when they got together and the lights went on, she treated him like her bestie again. And so that was kind of his thing. And some people have felt, oh my God, she tossed him away. I kind of felt, well, you did email and say you don't want to be part of the show anymore. I mean, I still think I'd be nice to my friend and I would have been like, I totally get it. Let's make the best of the last year. I don't know. But what is your feeling about that? Never work with your friends, dude. Real bad idea for one, because stuff like that happens. But it's funny to me because people were like, oh, she didn't apologize to you. I'm like, look at how she treats her friends. Why do you think she's going to apologize to any of us? Like, of course not. But I did kind of laugh because from what it seems like, because, you know, the cancel Karen mob wants to get Tyra Banks and the judges came in and deflected the blame off of all of what they did and just tossed it on the Tyra, which I'm like, well done, boys. Well done. That's hilarious. Good for you guys, because that's like, that takes skill to like, pretend that you weren't part of hurting people. Yeah, part of the whole thing. I mean, you, yeah, you were doing all the awful things to the models as well. And we're out for yourselves as well to like, do the fame. And but that's, but men are good at that. They're so good at it. I'm sorry. I always tell everyone, never betray a fashion gay. You have no idea what you're in for. You don't understand. I mean, you have to have a certain level of caddy to make it in that industry. You, you got a rail. We're talking like leopards and mountain lions and like, I would not burn one, but I guess she decided to burn one. Good luck. So when she had her talk show, did, what was that like? I mean, you weren't watching it, but was popping up like anything, any feelings towards that time? Leave these bitches kept agreeing to go on the show when the show already screwed them over, and then they'd go on Tyra. And you know what I liken it to? It's like loss aversion when you gamble and you're like, I'm up 800 bucks. Oh no, I'm down 1600. And then you keep betting and keep betting and you're hoping you're going to hit. I think that's what happens to people. It's either a loss aversion or there's that dopamine hit of getting on TV. Like because I can understand how that can be appealing to people, you know? It definitely is a dragon that you'll keep chasing, but I would hear stories about girls going on the show and like, oh my gosh, like, weren't they done dirty on the show and now they're going on her show? That's crazy to me. I mean, I think that's the most fascinating thing about reality TV in general is that, you know, before it existed, there was only one way to really get famous in the TV movie world, and that was to go through the steps, act, get on it, get a five and under, then get a regular spot, then be a star of friends, you know, like there was one trajectory really. And this was like, oh my god, you know, you can be really famous and have this fun and be on a TV show and lead to other things. And now it's such a regular thing. This has been around for like 25, 30 years. And I do think for certain reality stars, it is an addiction like anything else. The addiction, the fame is an addiction. And I see it with real housewives. Certain ones can be on their way and, you know, and other ones will, you know, I can't go back to my boring life now. When I retired in 2015, like I'm an Avon lady now. I love it. It's what I do. Yeah. And I get offers. And it's so funny because people are like, no one's offering you anything. I'm like, you don't think for these stupid ensemble shows that they don't want the OG top model with like a record of having popular TV shows, of course they do. And I get to say no. And they are not used to hearing that. They are used to hearing people like, yes, I'm going to go on celebrity big brother, I'm going to go on the traders or I'm going to, and I'm like, no, I'm good. And it feels so good. I love doing it because people thought I went crazy when I retired because they're like, what do you, what do you mean you're turning this down? I think the last thing I turned down, like right when it really hit in 2015 when I was done is they wanted me to go on ease famously single. But I just started dating my husband. And I remember telling, and they're like, just explain to them. It's just to show them like, first off, I've never done the fake reality TV shit ever. So I don't want to do that. I'm like, second, what if this guy's the one I feel like it's the one and everyone's laughing at me? Like, ha, ha, ha, yeah, right. And I'm like, F you guys, I'm not doing this. And then I told him about it. And he was like, Jesus, hell, I'm like, yeah, they want me to like fake date other guys. I'm like, no self respecting man is going to stay with you. Who's serious about you. When you're going on TV and pretending you're like some hussy. And he was like, yeah, I want to dump you in two seconds. Yeah, because why yeah, you'd be like, well, I guess she is who ever, you know, she's your typical reality star or whatever. So I said, I said that was the beginning I'm saying no. And then I was like, I just I can't sell my soul anymore. I'm just I'm so over it. And it's so empowering. Like I've had people reach out like, here's a show, it's sold, we need you to host, you could pay off your mortgage and they're always throwing shit like that at me. And I'm like, I'm good. Thank you. That's amazing. Yeah, I love your Instagram. And I love, you know, that you're able to still do that on your terms and show off your personality and show the products that you love that you're selling and you know, you are so naturally beautiful. No one can use me with what I'm doing right now. Like for what? Skin so soft. Is that what you're going to use me for? I have no connections anymore. I have no manager for you to talk to. I don't have a publicist friend. Literally all the coattail writers one by one, just all the dead weight started coming off me, the second I stopped and now I feel free. Really? You just like people just dubbed you, like you never heard from them again. Oh, slowly but surely they all started going the way of the dodo. And I was like, wow, man, I was surrounded by people who were not my friends. I have a few, but the majority of them were there because I think they felt excited that we'd walked down the street and TMZ would be there or something. You know what I mean? Yeah. Like it gave them a rush and you know, I became boring and then they just left and I'm like, okay. And then I, you know, you get some space and you see the hidden agendas. Well, this chick wanted to be a singer real bad. And then this person was always talking to my producer friend, but she has a project that she wrote about on her page that she's trying to sell. And then I just started seeing the matrix. I'm my face was a ladder run for people trying to climb to the top. That's all it was. And I'm not even that big, but you know the industry and that's how it is. Well, when you hear about like, you know, how now people have these conspiracy theories about Hollywood and connecting it to the really dark Epstein stuff and like, oh, people did sell their soul to the, or they sold their butthole to Diddy or whatever they want to say. You know, like it could like Kat Williams, like it could have been me, I could have been Will Smith or whatever he says, right? My God, you just killed me. I mean, what is your thought? What do you, what is your thought in that? I think you and I both know there's some real fucked up people in Hollywood. There's some dark shit that does go on there and to deny it is to deny the sky is blue. Right. But I think when you're an A-lister and the world is your oyster and you're rich beyond measure, the issue seems to be people who can do and say whatever they want, however they want to life becomes boring because you want for nothing like Bill Gates and the more bored you get because you have so much money, you could like buy a country, the more extreme you get with the things that interest you until you just keep heading down this horrible dark path. And I mean, we all know the seven degrees of Kevin Bacon, everyone's had sex with each other and that's just like, oh, you dated her, so did Tom and Daniel and everyone did that. And I recognize that right away, like when I left my ex-husband, I was like, I'm not dating anyone in this industry. And my manager got all these phone calls and I'm like, nope, nope, I don't want anyone involved with this shit. We're done. And I think that was a really good decision because I don't want to fly and soar high because look at the people who are doing that. Like Will and Jada Smith, those are two of the most fucked up people I've ever seen. The most. Like what is wrong with you? I always thought they were weird. I was like, oh, they have to match. And I'm always like that, you know, on the red carpet, but then like Oprah would just be like, you guys are the greatest couple ever. And she'd be like, and I have a bonus son. I have a bonus son. And then I'm like, and then you fucked the bonus son's best friend. And then she made Will sit down on her Facebook YouTube show with the red table with the mother and the daughter and have him basically be gaslit into being that it's his fault because, you know, he made throwing a big birthday for her about himself. I'll never forget. Yes, I will never forget this scene from the show. They put him down and like the daughter is there and she's there. And it was just like, she's like, and then, and then you knew it was my birthday coming. I didn't want a party. But you had to do it, didn't you Will? You had to do it. And he's like, yeah, I, I thought having a big party, you know, would be a fun nice thing. No, you did it for yourself, Will. And he's like, but I know I did it for myself. I was like, what? So when that, that I think happened, I saw that before the slap. So when the slap happened, and also the humiliation about that she had an entanglement with the son's friend, you know, that was hanging around. And why it was just an entanglement, like you just need to deal with that, that whole thing. And then I just recently saw the slap. Like again, someone posted it. It is so horrific. Like the Oscars are around the corner. It is so triggering, uncomfortable, awkward. The fact that Jerry's friend, the entire audience clinched their butthole. Like, clinch. Like, is this a joke? No, this is not a joke. Oh, fuck, this guy's really mad. And then Chris Rock being like, dude, what does she know? I was doing a live show. I was doing a live juicy scoop at the Braille Improv. I didn't realize what I booked it with Oscar night, but whatever. And that type of show is like kind of like a variety show. Like I'm doing, going in, doing characters, I had different people with me. And I go to like change something and they're like, Will Smith just slapped, you know, Chris Rock. And I go, that's an act. Like that can't be real. That can't be real. And some people were like getting phone alerts. Like it was the biggest news ever in the audience. And I'm like, okay, I guess we need to talk about this fucking slap. And then, and then I got one of my biggest videos was I had a guest on who was a friend of mine, Josh Wolfe. And we talked about it. And it was like, I was like, you know, a woman, a woman come in, narcissist too. Like, I mean, I think they're both weird. I think they're so weird. And I think there's so much weirdness about their fucking family. But what does she have on him? It's bad. She knows something so effing bad that he's willing to go through humiliation rituals, emasculation rituals. She's got the dirtiest dirt that's ever dirtied on that dude. I know it. I feel it. I know it. No self-respecting man's going to sit there and get emasculated the way he has. He's done something so rank and she knows. That's all I got to say. I read her book and I was just like, did you? How did that go for you? Because I just was fascinated by this whole weird thing. And I was like, what is real? What's not? Was it good? No. I mean, you know, it's about her life, but it was just all those things. You know, like Tupac was her best friend. And, you know, and then she didn't really, when she met him, she was like, I don't like this corny, like this corny kind of hip hop music. I like hardcore and, you know, and then he had to chase her. And it was a very self-serving thing. And then it was a very, you know, then she had her interview with like a Jay Shetty that like, you know, is a grift or two and she's talking her through life. And I just was like, but yeah, I think the fact that they're still kind of married or whatever they're doing. No, I think, I think they both swung different ways. I think they were swingers together. I think he has had boyfriends. I think that's just my personal opinion. I think she's had girlfriends totally. And, you know, and they, and they, for a minute, they were Scientologists. Like, they're weird. I think they were at Baby Loob Ditty parties, honestly. I think they were right there. And I grew up as a kid. French, Fresh Prince was my thing. I used to know all his dumbass lyrics to all his rap, like the Nightmare on My Street and stuff. Like, I loved this shit. So to watch like, my childhood hero, at least like Wesley Snipes was my other one, because I love Blade, at least he just ripped off Uncle Sam, which I'm like, yay, that's not so bad. Will Smith just face planted for me. And I'm like, all my childhood memories are destroyed. So thank you wherever you are, Wesley Snipes. I still love you, man. Thanks for not letting me down. Yeah. Oh my God, amazing. Well, I've thoroughly enjoyed talking to you so much. Same. Your, your life story is very, very inspiring. And you have a lot of such great wisdom, like your life lessons and your wisdom that you could give. So many things that you said, I was like, oh my God, that's so true. Like, that makes so much sense. So I just know everyone is going to love this interview. So thank you so much. And tell everybody where they can follow you. You can follow me at Adrienne Curry on X, Instagram, and Facebook. And I believe TikTok is Adrienne Curry Road. And yeah, I'm an Avon lady. So if you want some of that, yeah, my way. I love it. I love it. It was so nice talking to you. Thanks so much for taking the time. I appreciate it. Thank you.