The Viall Files

E1061 - Greta Titelman Recaps the Golden Globes, Traitors w/ Rob Cesternino, RHOBH and Valley Persian Style

January 13, 2026

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The hosts and guest Greta Titelman generally praised the recent Golden Globes ceremony, specifically highlighting Nikki Glaser's hosting performance. 
  • Greta Titelman admits to watching reality TV secondhand through friends, but is a dedicated film enthusiast who enjoyed Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Bikeriders" (referred to as "One Battle After Another"). 
  • The conversation touched on celebrity gossip, including the perceived drama between Ashley Tisdale, Hilary Duff, and Mandy Moore, and the relationship dynamics of Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. 
  • The discussion heavily features analysis of the early episodes of *The Traitors* Season 2, focusing on player strategies, the impact of Michael Rapaport's high-energy presence, and the early exit of Rob Cesternino. 
  • The conversation touches on the fascinating psychology of true crime and scammers, specifically referencing podcasts about scammers who successfully manifest the things they lie about, such as 'Unicorn Girl.' 
  • The hosts recap the latest episode of *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*, highlighting Dorit's perceived lack of concern regarding private jet etiquette and Erica Jane's heartwarming display of finding new love post-divorce. 
  • The established relationships among the core cast members of *The Valley: Persian Style* (like Reza, MJ, and Gigi) are appreciated as they immediately provide context for ongoing drama, such as the issue between Ganessa and Skye over a ring. 
  • Sky's stance on not wanting to move to the Valley, despite being part of *The Valley: Persian Style*, is viewed positively by the speaker. 
  • The episode concludes by promoting the next day's 'Going Deeper' episode featuring celebrity stylist Chris Appleton, highlighting his inspirational story and new book. 

Segments

Sponsor Reads and Intro
Copied to clipboard!
(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Helix Sleep is offering listeners 20% off sitewide for their New Year sale via a specific URL.
  • Summary: Helix Sleep mattresses are recommended for providing excellent sleep quality, even during illness. The company offers 20 unique mattresses catering to various sleeping preferences. Listeners can receive 20% off sitewide by visiting helixsleep.com/VIALL.
Odoo Business Software
Copied to clipboard!
(00:01:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Odoo is a suite of business management software described using analogies like fertilizer, a magic beanstalk, and building blocks.
  • Summary: Odoo provides customizable software solutions for various business needs, including manufacturing, accounting, and HR programs. It is promoted as a tool that promotes growth and remains magically affordable. More information is available at odoo.com.
Episode Preview and Viall Files Plus
Copied to clipboard!
(00:02:23)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode features Greta Titelman discussing the Golden Globes and Rob Cesternino covering early episodes of The Traitors.
  • Summary: Viall Files Plus subscribers receive ad-free episodes and deep dives into reality shows like The Traitors and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH). Listeners can subscribe via ViallFiles.com to access bonus content.
Natalie’s New Tattoo
Copied to clipboard!
(00:04:38)
  • Key Takeaway: Natalie Joy impulsively got her first tattoo, a small shrimp, which she feels represents something earnest and makes her feel cooler.
  • Summary: Natalie got her first tattoo on a whim after walking past a tattoo shop on the way to lunch. She chose a small shrimp design, inspired by her childhood memories of fishing with her brother. She reports feeling cooler and tougher since getting the ink.
Celebrity Friend Drama Gossip
Copied to clipboard!
(00:10:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Greta Titelman finds the rumored feud between Ashley Tisdale, Hilary Duff, and Mandy Moore entertaining because she feels spiritually connected to the ’90s/early 2000s friend group.
  • Summary: The discussion focused on a rumored conflict involving Hilary Duff’s husband posting a critical article about Ashley Tisdale. Greta suggested the drama might be manufactured to boost Hilary Duff’s new music era. She criticized straight men for inserting themselves into female friend group conflicts.
Golden Globes Review
Copied to clipboard!
(00:14:54)
  • Key Takeaway: The Golden Globes were considered one of the best recent award shows, largely due to Nikki Glaser’s successful hosting and the music choices.
  • Summary: Nikki Glaser’s hosting was highly praised for being funny and sharp, including a notable joke about Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating habits. The music played during award presentations felt nostalgic, like a middle school dance, which the hosts enjoyed. Stephen Graham’s win for A Short History of the World (referred to as Adolescence) was highlighted as a nice moment.
Rejected Golden Globes Categories Game
Copied to clipboard!
(00:32:12)
  • Key Takeaway: The ‘Best Wig’ category winner was the wigs used in The Hunting Wives, one of which was reportedly an emergency Amazon purchase.
  • Summary: The hosts played a game based on rumored rejected Golden Globes categories, including ‘Best Wig.’ The segment also touched on Slow Horses, which Greta’s older male relatives enjoy, and Andor, which Greta enjoyed for its action sequences.
Olympic Sports Preferences
Copied to clipboard!
(00:39:38)
  • Key Takeaway: Greta Titelman would compete in figure skating or downhill ski racing if she were an Olympian, while Nick Viall prefers summer sports like track and field.
  • Summary: Greta expressed excitement for the upcoming Winter Olympics, noting her family’s deep involvement in skiing, particularly slalom and giant slalom. Nick revealed he was a state champion in the 4x800 meter relay in Wisconsin. Greta also mentioned being fascinated by the Biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
True Crime Podcast Deep Dive
Copied to clipboard!
(00:50:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Scammers who successfully manifest the things they lie about are a fascinating true crime subgenre.
  • Summary: The speakers discuss true crime podcasts focusing on scammers, noting one episode about a man who successfully scammed people using fake wedding venues. They also analyze the documentary ‘Bad Influencer’ about Ruby Franke’s co-conspirator, finding the subject matter darker than typical true crime. The concept of ‘Unicorn Girl’ is introduced, detailing a woman who claimed to have CIA defense contracts and ended up recruiting former black ops personnel.
Golden Globes Movie Homework
Copied to clipboard!
(01:16:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Nick Viall has significant homework regarding nominated films like ‘Marty Supreme’ and ‘Hamnet’ following the Golden Globes.
  • Summary: Greta Titelman assigns Nick Viall homework to watch several nominated films he missed, including ‘Marty Supreme,’ ‘Hamnet,’ and ‘The Secret Agent.’ She specifically praises ‘Song of the South’ (likely a mishearing/misstatement for a film like ‘Songbird’ or another title, but based on context, it refers to a nominated film she liked) and notes that Wagner Mora was in ‘The Secret Agent.’ Greta also promotes her upcoming performance at the San Francisco Comedy Festival on January 23rd.
The Traitors Season 2 Analysis
Copied to clipboard!
(00:55:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Rob Cesternino was murdered in plain sight after noticing the unusual conga line, and Candace’s quick backtracking on a lie saved her from immediate suspicion.
  • Summary: Rob Cesternino discusses his early exit from The Traitors, noting he suspected foul play after an unusual conga line broke out, leading to his murder in plain sight. He felt he should not have mentioned his suspicion about the conga line to Candace, though it ultimately did not harm him. Rob was surprised to learn Rob R (Rob Mariano) was a traitor, as his quiet, ‘good-looking guy’ demeanor served as an excellent cover.
Michael Rapaport’s Role in The Traitors
Copied to clipboard!
(01:06:09)
  • Key Takeaway: Michael Rapaport is viewed as a massive distraction who benefits the actual traitors by monopolizing faithful attention.
  • Summary: The speakers agree that Michael Rapaport has ‘hijacked the show’ with his constant yelling and accusations, which Rob Cesternino initially believed proved he was a faithful. Rob argues that the actual traitors likely wanted to keep Michael around because his chaotic energy kept the faithful chasing their tails. Lisa Rinna is noted as flying under the radar despite having the makings of a great traitor, and her chess playing with Rob R seemed sketchy.
RHOBH Sedona Trip Recap
Copied to clipboard!
(01:24:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Dorit’s tardiness for a chartered private jet highlights the extreme inconsideration possible within the wealthy friend group.
  • Summary: The recap of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills focuses on the Sedona trip, where Kathy Hilton brought her own decorative pillows, and Rachel Zoe FedExed her luggage. Dorit’s tardiness of an hour and a half for a chartered jet is deemed highly inconsiderate due to the high cost per minute of private air travel. Erica Jane’s public display of affection with her new partner, Track, was viewed as heartwarming given her past struggles.
The Valley: Persian Style Premiere
Copied to clipboard!
(01:35:21)
  • Key Takeaway: The Valley: Persian Style feels more authentic and less forced than its counterpart, with Reza actively scrutinizing Gigi’s spending habits.
  • Summary: The first episode of The Valley: Persian Style is praised for feeling like a genuine group of friends with transparent dynamics. Reza is shown lecturing Gigi about her finances, including spending $4K monthly on weed, which he deems a precursor to divorce when discussing Skye and her husband’s sleeping arrangements. MJ felt abandoned by Reza and Gigi when she was hospitalized, leading to tension when she confronted them at a party.
Valley Persian Style Dynamics
Copied to clipboard!
(01:41:43)
  • Key Takeaway: The established history among the core cast of The Valley: Persian Style allows the show to immediately engage viewers with existing drama, such as the ring dispute between Ganessa and Skye.
  • Summary: The cast’s pre-existing relationships mean the show does not need to spend time filling in blanks about their connections. The conflict over the ring, where Skye refused to repair it because she only does fine jewelry, highlighted Ganessa’s tendency toward mean commentary. Skye’s refusal to move to the Valley while participating in the show is seen as a positive boundary.
Episode Wrap-up and Thanks
Copied to clipboard!
(01:43:27)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts confirmed they will continue covering The Valley: Persian Style throughout its season.
  • Summary: The hosts thanked guests Greta Titelman and Rob Cesternino for their contributions to the episode. They promoted the next day’s ‘Going Deeper’ episode featuring celebrity stylist Chris Appleton, noting his inspirational story and new book. Listeners were reminded to send relationship questions for Monday’s episodes.
Sponsor Read: California Closets
Copied to clipboard!
(01:44:31)
  • Key Takeaway: California Closets offers custom design consultations for home offices and guest rooms, including solutions like Murphy beds and integrated charging stations.
  • Summary: Chloe’s home office/guest room was customized with a spacious desk featuring built-in charging. Sleek wood cabinets conceal a queen-size Murphy bed for guests. Free design consultations are available by calling 800 CalClosets or visiting CaliforniaClosets.com.
Sponsor Read: Lenovo Pro
Copied to clipboard!
(01:45:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Lenovo Pro offers small business owners one-on-one advice, IT solutions, and customized hardware powered by Intel Core ultra-processors.
  • Summary: Every day is race day for small business owners, making Lenovo Pro solutions relevant. The service provides necessary IT support to keep businesses on track. Businesses can sign up for free at lenovo.com/slash pro.
Sponsor Read: AMDA College
Copied to clipboard!
(01:45:32)
  • Key Takeaway: AMDA College of the Performing Arts is hosting a talent competition for high school dancers, offering grand prize winners a full tuition scholarship and a performance in New York City.
  • Summary: High school dancers aged 16 and older are encouraged to audition for the competition. Grand prize winners secure a full tuition scholarship to AMDA. The winners will perform live in New York City at the Broadway and Bryant Park stage.