The Viall Files

E1039 - Leanne Morgan, Southern Charm Premiere w Charley Manley, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives & RHOC Reunion

November 25, 2025

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  • The hosts are celebrating Thanksgiving week and preview a packed episode featuring comedian Leanne Morgan, a discussion of the *Southern Charm* premiere with Charley Manley, and analysis of *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* and the *RHOC* Reunion Part 3. 
  • A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the second part of the Jesse Draper and Jordan interview, where Nick Viall hopes Jordan takes accountability for past emotional and verbal aggression towards Jesse. 
  • The hosts share personal holiday traditions, including favorite Christmas movies like *Home Alone* and *The Grinch*, and discuss the ongoing drama surrounding Craig Conover and Paige DeSorbo's breakup from *Southern Charm*. 
  • The discussion surrounding Craig and Paige's breakup suggests that the drama surrounding their split, including friend involvement on both sides, is expected to fuel the new season of *Southern Charm*. 
  • New *Southern Charm* cast member Charley Manley bonded with Craig over recent breakups and views him as a nice guy, while acknowledging the online speculation about his character. 
  • The hosts and Charley Manley expressed a desire to move past rehashing the Craig/Paige drama early in the *Southern Charm* season, anticipating more focus on Craig navigating single life. 
  • Comedian Leanne Morgan discussed the challenges and dynamics of having her daughter serve as her makeup artist while on tour, balancing professional demands with her daughter's desire for a normal life, marriage, and babies. 
  • Leanne Morgan received mentorship from Jerry Seinfeld, who recognized her unique point of view and storytelling ability as the star of her Netflix special, *Leanne Morgan: You're Not That Special*. 
  • Leanne Morgan shared humorous anecdotes about her family's Southern Thanksgiving traditions, Nick Viall's initial reluctance to eat traditional sides, and her recent experience visiting the unique performance venue, the Claremont Lounge, for material. 

Segments

Holiday Drink Nostalgia
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(00:00:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The Peppermint Mocha evokes strong nostalgic memories of family traditions in Savannah after Thanksgiving.
  • Summary: The Peppermint Mocha is tied to a specific family tradition of walking the riverside market in Savannah after Thanksgiving. This hot drink enjoyed in the cold weather creates a highly nostalgic feeling associated with family time. Starbucks holiday drinks like the Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulee Latte are highlighted as seasonal favorites.
Mint Mobile Holiday Deal
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(00:01:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Mint Mobile is offering its best deal of the year: all plans are 50% off, allowing customers to get unlimited premium wireless for $15 a month.
  • Summary: Mint Mobile’s best deal involves getting three, six, or twelve months of unlimited premium wireless service for $15 per month. This deal includes high-speed data and unlimited talk/text on the nation’s largest 5G network. Listeners can switch their current phone and number over without contracts by visiting mintmobile.com/viall.
Episode Preview and Guest Introductions
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(00:02:46)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode features comedian Leanne Morgan and Southern Charm newcomer Charley Manley, alongside a deep dive into Jesse Draper’s difficult marriage experiences.
  • Summary: The hosts welcome listeners to the Reality Recap Edition, noting the jam-packed schedule for Thanksgiving week. They express excitement for the interview with Leanne Morgan, whom they have wanted on the show for years. The recap will also cover the Southern Charm premiere and the conclusion of the Jesse Draper/Jordan Going Deeper series.
Jesse and Jordan Interview Setup
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(00:04:56)
  • Key Takeaway: Nick Viall’s goal for the Jordan interview was to see if Jordan owns his past actions, such as verbal aggression, rather than weaponizing Jesse’s emotional affair.
  • Summary: Part two of the Jesse Draper interview begins with Nick and Jordan, followed by all four discussing the possibility of reconciliation. Jesse detailed heartbreaking accounts of Jordan’s controlling behavior and anger, sometimes around their children. Nick sought to determine if Jordan’s therapy led to genuine accountability or if he would use it as an excuse while focusing on Jesse’s infidelity.
Holiday Plans and Family
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(00:09:09)
  • Key Takeaway: Natalie’s family is renting a lake house in Georgia for a memorial gathering for her recently deceased grandparents.
  • Summary: Natalie’s family is celebrating Thanksgiving in a rented lake house in Georgia to hold a memorial for her grandparents. She is excited to see her daughter, River, interact with cousins her age for the first time, as River was too young last year. Meanwhile, Sarah is spending her first Thanksgiving as a fiancé, planning to start new traditions by cooking at home, including her fiancé’s famous crab cakes.
Holiday Movie Traditions
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(00:14:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Watching specific movies during the holidays, such as Home Alone or The Grinch, enhances their enjoyment and acts as a ‘family lubricant.’
  • Summary: Saving certain movies exclusively for the holidays makes them significantly better, serving as a tradition starter. Home Alone and The Grinch are cited as favorites, with the Caramel Brulee Latte specifically evoking scenes from Serendipity set in New York at Christmas. A Christmas Story is noted as a film that improves with age and shared viewing.
Jen Shaw Early Release News
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(00:02:037)
  • Key Takeaway: Jen Shaw is scheduled for early release from prison on December 10th, attributed to good behavior and making financial payments toward her $6.5 million restitution.
  • Summary: Jen Shaw’s release date is earlier than expected, likely involving a transition to home confinement or a halfway house. Her sentence reduction was credited by the Bureau of Prisons for good behavior and participation in prison programs. Monica has reacted to the news on social media, stirring the pot regarding who Bravo fans prefer to see return.
Whitney Wayrett Support Post-DWTS
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(00:02:335)
  • Key Takeaway: Julianne Hough defended Whitney Wayrett after her elimination from Dancing with the Stars, stating that ambition is a superpower, not a crime.
  • Summary: Julianne Hough provided a scathing quote defending Whitney, asserting that people villainize those who trigger them and that ambition should be celebrated. Whitney is described as an ’effort person’ who puts dedication into everything she does, which some find off-putting. There is speculation Whitney might pursue Broadway, though she acknowledged needing singing lessons first.
Wayfair Black Friday Deals
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(00:02:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Wayfair is hosting an early Black Friday sale offering up to 70% off across all home goods categories until December 7th.
  • Summary: Wayfair offers everything needed for holiday hosting, from decor to kitchen essentials, with fast and easy shipping. Shoppers can earn 5% back on every item through their new loyalty program, which also includes free shipping and members-only sales. The Black Friday deals provide significant savings on items for every room in the house.
Nature’s Sunshine Chlorophyll Detox
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(00:02:706)
  • Key Takeaway: Nature’s Sunshine offers convenient, on-the-go chlorophyll stick packs for a gentle daily detox to support gut health and energy.
  • Summary: Chlorophyll stick packs provide a simple way to incorporate a daily detox, helping the body feel light and balanced without harsh cleanses. The product supports gut health, aids digestion, and offers antioxidant support to fight free radicals. Listeners can receive 20% off their first order plus free shipping using code VIALL at naturesunshine.com.
Branch Basics Safe Cleaning
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(00:02:823)
  • Key Takeaway: Branch Basics provides non-toxic cleaning concentrates, which the host trusts for use on surfaces her baby interacts with, like high chairs.
  • Summary: Branch Basics aims to eliminate hidden dangers in household cleaning products, ensuring a safe home environment for families. The Multi-Surface Cleaning Concentrate is highlighted as a trusted product for daily use, especially around children. Listeners receive 15% off and free shipping on the premium starter pack with code VIALL.
Bombas Cozy Holiday Gear
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(00:02:944)
  • Key Takeaway: Bombas offers comfortable socks, slippers, and tees perfect for holiday gifting, with a focus on cozy relaxation.
  • Summary: Bombas socks are promoted as the best option for all occasions, including cozy socks and dress socks for holiday parties. They have expanded their offerings to include new styles of slippers and slides designed for comfort. Use code VIALL at bombas.com/viall for 20% off a first purchase.
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Drama
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(00:03:059)
  • Key Takeaway: Taylor and Dakota’s relationship appears to be over following Dakota’s alleged sexting and communication with Taylor’s mother’s friend.
  • Summary: The recent episodes focused on the toxicity between Taylor and Dakota, culminating in the revelation that Dakota communicated inappropriately with a family friend. Taylor’s realization that the relationship is definitively over, especially due to the involvement of her family, signals the end. Dakota’s refusal to film further suggests he is guilty of the accusations.
Southern Charm Premiere Recap
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(00:04:34)
  • Key Takeaway: The Southern Charm premiere featured the men fighting, Austin revealing his long-distance relationship ended, and Sally and Venita bonding over JT.
  • Summary: The opening scene showed the male cast members yelling at each other during dinner, which the hosts felt was an unnecessary build-up to the conflict. Austin confirmed his relationship with Pookie Schmookie ended, describing her as essentially a ‘fuck buddy’ due to the distance. Sally and Venita quickly became besties, but their friendship is already threatened by Craig Conover’s involvement.
Craig and Paige Friend Fallout
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(00:50:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Friends of both Craig and Paige publicly attacked the other party following their breakup, with Paige’s friends accusing Craig of playing the victim.
  • Summary: Friends of both Craig and Paige engaged in public commentary about the breakup, with Paige’s friends claiming Craig sought attention and played the victim. Craig countered by stating he was genuinely heartbroken and lost sleep for weeks. The hosts suggested a crossover event between Southern Charm and Summer House to explore the fallout further.
Craig’s Single Status Appeal
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(00:51:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Craig being single is predicted to increase Southern Charm’s performance due to high viewer investment in his dating life.
  • Summary: The hosts believe the show will perform better with Craig single, noting his significant popularity at BravoCon where he drew massive crowds. They observed that women were stampeding to get photos with him, making him the main attraction over other cast members. Craig’s new status as a single homeowner is expected to generate substantial storyline fodder.
Molly’s Hobbies and Hoarding
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(00:51:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Molly’s participation in an adult symphony orchestra is viewed as a charming passion, contrasting with the hosts’ critique of her moving all belongings to a new, smaller space.
  • Summary: The hosts expressed affection for Molly but criticized her for not decluttering before moving into a smaller residence. They debated the appropriateness of adults joining clubs typically reserved for high school, referencing Bill Belichick’s girlfriend’s cheerleading team. Molly’s involvement in a symphony orchestra was distinguished from cheerleading as a professional musical pursuit.
Corey and Molly’s Date
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(00:53:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Corey’s cheesy behavior and immediate rejection of Molly’s band concert commitment signaled to the hosts that he was not the right match for her.
  • Summary: Corey’s comments were described as nauseating and cheesy, particularly his suggestion that Molly could ’touch my snake’ instead of visiting his place. Molly cried after missing a band concert, which the hosts felt was an ultimate turn-off for Corey, who seemed to realize she was genuinely nerdy. The hosts praised Molly for being authentically herself.
Introducing Charley Manley
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(00:53:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Charley Manley joined Southern Charm through existing cast member Sally and is a Charleston art gallery owner who is not naturally confrontational.
  • Summary: Charley Manley, who has lived in Charleston for six years, became close with Sally and was introduced to the rest of the group through her. She owns an art gallery in Charleston and admitted that being non-confrontational made filming difficult, though it helped her come out of her shell. She views her friendship with Sally as sisterly, despite recent fights.
Charley’s View on Craig’s Breakup
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(01:01:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Charley understood Craig’s desire not to publicly defend his ex-partner after their breakup, relating to his need to move on completely post-split.
  • Summary: Charley bonded with Craig over both having recently ended long-term relationships, which helped her understand his perspective on the breakup drama. She stated that once she is broken up with someone, she wants no further involvement with them. She wanted to form her own opinion of Craig despite the online narrative surrounding him and Paige.
Intimidating Cast Member and Season Tease
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(01:03:20)
  • Key Takeaway: Charley finds one unnamed female cast member intimidating due to knowing her the least, and teases the new season will feature typical Charleston dating chaos among the single cast.
  • Summary: Charley identified an unnamed female cast member as the most intimidating because she is the least familiar with her, noting that this cast member is currently focused on family and moving. She teased that the season will reflect the reality of Charleston, where the entire cast is largely single and everyone is dating each other. She also noted the season will involve navigating friendships.
Craig’s Single Homeowner Era
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(01:04:53)
  • Key Takeaway: Craig’s new status as a single homeowner with financial stability is predicted to make him highly successful in his ‘fuckboy era.’
  • Summary: With Craig now single and owning a nice house with a backyard, the hosts believe he will ‘clean up’ in his dating life. They contrasted the appeal of a single man with a nice home versus a single man in a dirty apartment without sheets. They concluded that Craig knows what he wants, even if it takes him time to reach it.
Opinions on Shep Rose
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(01:05:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Charley views Shep Rose as an older brother figure she loves, but specifically prefers him before 2 a.m.
  • Summary: Charley expressed affection for Shep but framed it as an older brother relationship. The hosts joked about needing a ‘homemaker makeover’ episode for Shep, referencing his known messy decor, like baseball caps in the living room. They noted Shep has moved to a new house but speculated the decor remains the same.
RHOC Reunion Part 3 Recap
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(01:07:43)
  • Key Takeaway: The RHOC Reunion Part 3 focused heavily on the confusing social media drama between Tamra and Gretchen, with Andy Cohen appearing frustrated by the meta nature of the conflict.
  • Summary: The hosts struggled to take a side in the Tamra/Gretchen social media feud, noting Gretchen followed 4,500 accounts, making it plausible she missed reading certain posts. Heather delivered a monologue urging everyone to stop playing ‘Survivor’ because the situation had become too meta for Housewives. Tamara swore on her children’s lives she didn’t leak storylines, but the hosts found her defense weak.
Heather’s Stance on Tamra’s Accusations
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(01:12:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Heather strongly rejected Tamra’s attempt to bring up the Gretchen social media issue again, recognizing it as a performative tactic to create drama rather than genuine concern.
  • Summary: Heather recognized Tamra’s pattern of trying to instigate conflict by dropping information for others to bring up later, leading her to walk away during an unreleased scene at Tamara’s house. The hosts questioned the timing of Tamra bringing up the two-year-old Gretchen issue only when Gretchen rejoined the cast. They felt the accusations were serious, but the motivation behind bringing them up was purely tit-for-tat.
Vicki Gunvalson’s Return
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(01:21:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Vicki Gunvalson is returning to The Real Housewives of Orange County, a move the hosts are excited about as she is an original cast member who was previously put on pause by the network.
  • Summary: The hosts are eager for Vicki Gunvalson’s return, believing she will not tolerate the current level of meta-drama. Vicki was demoted from full-time to friend in 2019 and left in 2020 as the network sought to ‘freshen up’ the show. Her complicated relationship with the network stemmed from filming content she later regretted.
Leanne Morgan Interview Begins
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(01:23:24)
  • Key Takeaway: Comedian Leanne Morgan, whose Netflix special premiered in April 2023, is experiencing a career surge while balancing her new fame with her established role as a grandmother.
  • Summary: Leanne Morgan’s Netflix special propelled her career, though she still maintains a grounded life, including doing laundry and caring for her grandchildren. She noted that while her audience was traditionally female, her television series has attracted more male viewers. She expressed the unique, magical love experienced when becoming a grandmother.
Grandparenting and Family Dynamics
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(01:24:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan finds the love for a grandchild to be a different, magical experience than the love for one’s own children, and she enjoys spoiling her grandchildren.
  • Summary: Leanne stated that her son, who gave her her first grandchild, is currently her favorite child, though her daughters are also very attentive. She admitted she would happily stay in her grandchild’s crib indefinitely, much to the potential annoyance of the baby’s father. She buys toys and large plastic dinosaurs from China for her grandchildren to play with.
Leanne’s Husband and Sentimental Gifts
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(01:30:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne’s husband, Chuck, is highly sentimental, upgrading her wedding ring for her 50th birthday by redesigning her original band into a new piece she can wear daily.
  • Summary: Chuck Morgan is described as frugal, having kept them on a tight budget for years, but he is a good gift-giver who values sentimentality. He upgraded her wedding ring for her 50th birthday, designing the new setting to incorporate the original band. Chuck saves all cards, preferring handwritten letters over pre-written messages.
Southern Upbringing and Diet
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(01:39:20)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan grew up near the Kentucky-Tennessee border in a town reliant on dark fire tobacco farming, and she was a vegetarian from sixth grade until college due to her family owning a meat processing plant.
  • Summary: Leanne’s family owned a farm and meat processing plant, leading her to reject meat from sixth grade until she attended the University of Tennessee cafeteria. She proudly noted that her Southern accent is authentic, contrasting with her sister who ate steak, Oreos, and Red Hots as a snack. She used to eat cold pinto beans as a snack after playing sports in high school.
Childhood Habits and Fame Fears
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(01:41:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan admitted that without social media, she might have pursued fame in Hollywood at 20 and potentially succumbed to drug use due to the pressure.
  • Summary: Leanne Morgan recalled eating cold pinto beans as a snack after intense sports activity in her youth. She reflected that the pressure of trying to make it in Hollywood at age 20, combined with the lack of social media accountability, could have led her down a path of substance abuse.
Thanksgiving Food Traditions
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(01:43:04)
  • Key Takeaway: In Southern tradition, Leanne Morgan’s family calls the bread-based side dish ‘dressing,’ not ‘stuffing,’ and always includes ham alongside turkey.
  • Summary: Leanne Morgan’s family Thanksgiving menu consistently features turkey, ham, and green bean casserole topped with French fried onions. Nick Viall’s contribution of meatballs to a family gathering resulted in him only eating his own dish because the traditional family members favored their own recipes.
Family Dynamics and Career Support
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(01:45:49)
  • Key Takeaway: Nick Viall comes from a large, English/Swedish family of 11 siblings who are supportive but not overly involved in the specifics of his media career.
  • Summary: Nick Viall is the second oldest of 11 children, whose family is generally English and Swedish. While they appreciate his success and he supports them financially, they do not typically ask for insider details about his career.
Mother-Daughter Work Conflict
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(01:46:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan and her daughter, who works as her makeup artist, experience conflict because the mother must adopt a ‘boss’ persona while the daughter seeks maternal comfort on the road.
  • Summary: Leanne Morgan’s daughter is working toward her union status in LA while touring with her mother, but Leanne worries the demanding schedule prevents her from having a normal life. Despite the conflict, Leanne relies heavily on her daughter’s common sense and support beyond just makeup and hair.
Daughter’s Witty Contributions
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(01:51:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan’s daughter, Tess, is highly witty, with one of her offhand comments to actor Tim Daly being incorporated directly into the script of Leanne’s series.
  • Summary: Tess, Leanne’s daughter, is described as witty and has been encouraged to pursue a makeup line, though she lacks the desire to be a stand-up comedian. Tess’s sharp comment to Tim Daly about him being a cult leader if he wore a bonnet was so funny it was written into the show’s script.
Comedian Mentorship and Material Sourcing
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(01:54:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Jerry Seinfeld mentored Leanne Morgan, advising her to trust her unique point of view and assert her voice when reviewing scripts for her show.
  • Summary: Jerry Seinfeld offered mentorship to Leanne Morgan, emphasizing that she is the star around whom the show was built and should push back on material that doesn’t sound authentic to her Tennessee voice. Leanne finds new material from observing normal life, such as attending her daughters’ competitive cheerleading events, which feature revealing crop tops and intense dancing.
Claremont Lounge Experience
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(01:59:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The Claremont Lounge is described as a niche venue featuring performance art, including older women smashing beer cans with body parts, which provided Leanne Morgan with material for her second Netflix special.
  • Summary: Leanne Morgan visited the Claremont Lounge with her film crew, noting it was unlike typical Hollywood strip clubs, leaning more toward performance art. She observed a diverse crowd, including gay men and bachelorette parties, and concluded that the experience was voyeuristic and provided excellent, albeit unusual, material.
Post-Show Reflection and TV Habits
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(02:02:25)
  • Key Takeaway: Leanne Morgan’s second Netflix special is performing well, and she admits to having raised her children watching The Real Housewives franchise, despite her husband’s disapproval.
  • Summary: Leanne Morgan’s second special is maintaining a top-ten spot on Netflix, which she attributes to its staying power and family-friendly nature. She expressed a desire to catch up on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City after admitting her past viewing habits frustrated her husband, Chuck Morgan.