The Viall Files

E1071 - Traitors and Free Bert w/ Arden Myrin, RHOSLC Reunion Part 3, RHOP, and Snowstorms

January 29, 2026

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  • Nick Viall and Natalie Joy discussed their recent experience dealing with a snowstorm, including power outages and grocery shortages, contrasting their preparedness levels. 
  • The hosts and guests discussed the recent developments in the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni case, focusing on leaked deposition testimony from Blake's driver alleging disturbing comments made by Baldoni. 
  • Arden Myrin shared insights into playing LeeAnne Kreischer in the Netflix show *Free Bert*, emphasizing her choice to channel the character's supportive nature rather than mimic an impression, and discussed Bert Kreischer's genuine, large-hearted personality. 
  • Arden Myrin expressed a strong desire to be cast in a future season of *The White Lotus*, feeling she embodies the type of character creator Mike White looks for. 
  • Arden Myrin and the hosts discussed the dating landscape for women, noting that younger men are often less threatened by a woman's career success or age compared to older men. 

Segments

Snowstorm Antics and Prep
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(00:05:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Meat was the most surprising item depleted from grocery shelves during the recent snowstorm.
  • Summary: During the snowstorm, bread, milk, and eggs were expected shortages, but meat was completely gone at one store. Nick Viall’s confidence in weathering the storm, based on his Wisconsin background, was challenged by the power outage lasting several days. The hosts shared anecdotes about past severe weather events, including childhood memories of hurricanes and tornadoes.
Viall Files Plus Promotion
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(00:11:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Viall Files Plus subscribers receive ad-free episodes, update specials, and Reality Recap Deep Dives.
  • Summary: The ad-free subscription tier, Viall Files Plus, offers bonus content including updates from Ask Nick callers and deep dives into shows like The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Listeners can subscribe via ViallFiles.com to access this extra content.
Arden Myrin Introduction
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(00:12:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Arden Myrin joins to discuss her role playing Bert Kreischer’s wife in the new Netflix show Free Bert.
  • Summary: Arden Myrin, a reality TV enthusiast, returns to The Viall Files to promote her new project. She plays LeeAnne Kreischer, Bert Kreischer’s actual wife, in the Netflix series Free Bert. Myrin is noted for being well-versed in reality television, including hosting her own Bachelor Recap podcast.
Sydney Sweeney Hollywood Sign Stunt
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(00:12:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Sydney Sweeney may face misdemeanor charges for decorating the Hollywood sign with her new lingerie line.
  • Summary: The stunt, which involved climbing the Hollywood sign to display bras, is being treated as a PR move, possibly incurring a standard fine around $1,000. The hosts debated whether the publicity generated was worth the potential legal trouble, suggesting a mug shot would have generated more impact.
Justin Baldoni Deposition Leaks
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(00:17:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Blake Lively’s driver alleged Justin Baldoni boasted about forcing himself on women during a car ride.
  • Summary: The driver, Kevin Alexander, recounted a disturbing conversation where Baldoni allegedly discussed forcing himself on women who said no. This testimony is part of the ongoing case involving allegations made by Blake Lively against her It Ends With Us director and executive producer. The driver felt compelled to warn Lively about Baldoni’s behavior immediately after the ride.
RHOSLC Reunion Part 3 Analysis
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(00:24:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Meredith Marks was criticized for using production as a scapegoat and failing to defend Browan when Lisa Barlow attacked her marriage.
  • Summary: Browan was seen as having decisively won the confrontation against Meredith Marks during the reunion. Meredith’s defense, blaming production for how events unfolded, was viewed as an amateur move by the other cast members. The segment also analyzed Browan’s separation from Todd, suggesting her newfound independence from the show fueled the split.
Whitney Rose’s Reaction to Separation
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(00:36:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Whitney Rose’s reaction to Browan’s separation triggered a realization that she might be the ‘Todd’ in her own relationship with Justin.
  • Summary: Whitney compared herself to Todd, realizing she might be the one not stepping up in her relationship dynamics. Hearing Browan’s story acted as a mirror, highlighting her own perceived role as the ‘dramatic’ one while Justin is seen as the ‘perfect husband.’ This realization occurred while she was already admitting to being in a bad place generally.
Lisa Barlow’s Vulnerability and Husband
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(00:37:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Lisa Barlow felt deeply violated when her husband, John, discussed their relationship issues on camera without her consent.
  • Summary: The hosts sided with Lisa, arguing that discussing marital issues on camera without mutual agreement violates trust, regardless of reality TV rules. They noted that Lisa’s reaction seemed genuinely vulnerable, contrasting with her usual persona, and that John deliberately chose to call out his wife publicly.
Arden Myrin on Free Bert Filming
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(00:51:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Arden Myrin intentionally avoided impersonating LeeAnne Kreischer, focusing instead on channeling the supportive dynamic she observed in their marriage.
  • Summary: Myrin secured the role by consistently showing support for Bert Kreischer’s character during auditions, rather than adopting a thick Southern accent impression. She made sure to connect with LeeAnne, who is an executive producer, to ensure her portrayal was respectful of their relationship dynamic. Myrin described Bert as a happy, shirtless, drunk circus ringmaster with a huge heart.
Bert Kreischer’s On-Set Behavior
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(00:55:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Bert Kreischer is described as a happy, shirtless, large man who loves attention and orders excessive amounts of food for the set.
  • Summary: Bert Kreischer is characterized as a large, shirtless man who is always drinking and happily engages with fans in public. Filming in the summer in Atlanta meant his shirt was rarely on. The set environment was wild due to his behavior alongside the presence of children.
Arden’s White Lotus Aspirations
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(00:57:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Arden Myrin believes she screams ‘White Lotus character’ and auditioned for a part in the series, expressing willingness to play any role.
  • Summary: Arden Myrin was told she screams ‘White Lotus character’ and she confirmed auditioning for Parker Posey’s role, though she believes the part was written specifically for Posey. She is eager to play any type of character in a Mike White project, including a ‘pilled-out woman’ or a resort employee. She feels her unique qualities are what ultimately secured her leading role in Free Bert.
Dating Age Gaps and Experience
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(00:58:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Arden Myrin found younger men less threatened by her success and age than older men, though karaoke revealed generational differences.
  • Summary: After getting divorced, Arden Myrin dated younger men who were not threatened by her career or home ownership, unlike some older men. She noted that the main difference surfaced during karaoke, where their musical references were from much earlier in their lives. She is now dating a ‘respectable adult man’ but found the younger dating pool surprisingly accommodating.
Ageism in Dating
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(01:00:09)
  • Key Takeaway: A 38-year-old man deemed 32-year-old Arden Myrin ’too old’ for his 38-year-old friends, highlighting perceived age barriers set by men.
  • Summary: Arden Myrin recounted an experience where a 38-year-old man dismissed her as too old for his 38-year-old friends, while a much younger man immediately approached her outside the club. She observed that older men sometimes have issues with her age, whereas younger men do not care about the difference. She concluded that younger men are cooler because they are not yet cynical about life’s failures.
The Value of Aging
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(01:03:46)
  • Key Takeaway: Arden Myrin asserts that the last ten years have been the best decade of her life because she is more comfortable, balanced, and knows how to set boundaries.
  • Summary: Arden Myrin stated that the last ten years have been the best of her life, feeling more comfortable and happier now than in her 20s. She believes she has gained balance and learned how to set boundaries effectively. She feels hotter now, despite potentially looking ‘uglier’ in pictures, because self-acceptance stems from within.
Promoting ‘Age of Attraction’
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(01:08:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Arden Myrin and the hosts promoted the upcoming Netflix show Age of Attraction, which features 40 singles spanning ages 22 to 60.
  • Summary: The show Age of Attraction is hosted by Arden Myrin and features 20 men and 20 women ranging from 22 to 60 years old. The format is described as inspiring, allowing for both similar-age and large age-gap connections to form organically. The hosts expressed high confidence that the show will be a big hit.
The Traitors Season 2 Discussion
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(01:10:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Rob is praised as a fun and smart player on The Traitors, and Michael Rapaport’s eating style is a source of anxiety for one host.
  • Summary: Arden Myrin enjoys Rob’s performance as a Faithful, noting he is smart and playing a great game, especially when validating Eric’s suspicions about the laugh. One host fears looking like Michael Rapaport while eating on dates due to their own fast-eating habits developed from childhood. The three current Traitors are noted for getting along well, taking cues from the previous season.
Reality TV Fashion Critique
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(01:15:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Colton’s pearl ties and Peter Pan collar on The Traitors are criticized as being overly styled, resembling ‘Hot Topic Harry Styles’ rather than authentic fashion.
  • Summary: Candace is complimented for her ‘heightened Elle Woods’ looks, and Laura is admired for her leather outfits. Colton’s aqua blue sea captain look with a pearl tie was disliked, feeling like a derivative imitation of Harry Styles’ style. The hosts agreed that men’s fashion risks can easily look performative if not originating from their authentic self.
RHOP Rapid Recap
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(01:22:06)
  • Key Takeaway: The RHOP Colorado trip featured drama over trip ownership, accusations of lying regarding wedding attendance, and a potential hookup between Stacy and Chris Samuels.
  • Summary: The trip planning caused arguments between Gizelle and Ashley, with the group ultimately going fly fishing despite initial resistance. Wendy confronted Candiace, calling her a liar about attending a wedding solely because others were going. A sly look from Chris Samuels suggested he may have hooked up with Stacy, who deflected by mentioning Jazzy was recording her.