Perfect Moment Syndrome (And How I’m Breaking It)

The Deceit, The Deflection & The D*ck Pic: Summer House Reunion Part 1

All we wanted was RECEIPTS. PROOF. TIMELINE. And Amanda and West said, “no comment”, trying to piece together a timeline THEY don’t even believe. Luckily for us, we have the seasoned veterans led by Mother Hubbard… plus Mia asking the question keeping us all up at night: “Amanda… WHY?” I’m joined by my cousin Chi Chi as we do what we do best: dissect a situation we have absolutely nothing to do with. We get into: * Amanda and West thinking they’d get a slap on the wrist… until minute two * “Ear stuff” gate and West’s manipulation tactics, including trying to distract everyone with his leaked d*ck pic * Ben unknowingly walking straight into the lion’s den and us asking ourselves: “G’day mate… do you not like when women speak out of turn?” But also… why can’t men ever stand up for themselves when a woman upsets them? Either way, Bailey had her reunion moment. * Amanda “taking accountability” while deflecting for 45 straight minutes * Ciara’s Louvre-worthy clapbacks * The backstage buildup that had us THANKING Bravo for giving the people what they want * The Rome escape plan that “brings a level of avoidance that’s never been seen” - a Chi Chi original quote that deserves journalistic recognition * The diabolical text trail * Kyle and Ciara’s heartfelt moment * Mia and KJ bringing sincerity to Bravo * and all the moments that had us laughing, screaming, and crying at our TVs See you next week for Part 2. Sweet Jesus. Follow Chi Chi’s Substack, Seedy Studio [https://seedystudio.substack.com], where she delivers weekly observations that are sharp, stylish, occasionally ruthless, and somehow always correct. She’s going to tell you what she thinks whether you asked or not. DROP THE RECEIPTS WE NEED TO UNCOVER THIS TIMELINE. DETECTIVE CHI CHI & TAYLOR ARE ON THE CASE. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit taylordtakes.substack.com [https://taylordtakes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Perfect Moment Syndrome (And How I’m Breaking It)

Do you ever create SUCH a detailed fantasy in your head about a moment that you end up comparing the real thing to the movie version you already created? Because hi. Same. This week I talk about my self-diagnosed “Perfect Moment Syndrome” - aka turning weddings, weekend trips, date nights, and random Tuesdays into cinematic experiences in my brain and then spiraling when one tiny thing doesn’t go according to plan. We’re getting into perfectionism, expectations, burnout, relationships, my one year wedding anniversary, and why some of the BEST moments in life happen when you stop trying so hard to make them perfect. Consider this your reminder (and mine) to stop living in “what it should’ve been” and start living in what it actually is. ALSO. Summer House reunion night is HERE and Chi Chi is coming back tomorrow because obviously we have thoughts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit taylordtakes.substack.com [https://taylordtakes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Summer House Autopsy Report to In the City’s Rebirth: An Emergency Family Meeting

I’m bringing in the person I religiously call to dissect all things Bravo: my cousin Caileigh, formally known as “Chi Chi.” Just because we’re cut from the same cloth doesn’t mean our takes are always aligned. But one thing about us? We refuse to let a Bravo conversation die. Chi Chi and I aren’t counting sheep… we’ve got Denise Richards in our dreams yelling “BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO!!!” We break down the emotional fallout of Kyle and Amanda’s goodbye, Kyle’s tragic Sunday Scaries now that his marriage and show are both over, West’s masterclass in emotional manipulation, why we need Ciara to give CIARA a pep talk about her choices in men, and how Scheana Shay somehow made the Summer House season finale about her. We also make a passionate case for Lindsay and Carl becoming best friends again, discuss Andy Cohen’s obvious favorites, and throw out wildly specific predictions for Kyle and West’s inevitable reconciliation. And so much more. We could’ve kept going. It’s cousin chaos with zero media training, unmatched Bravo lore, and enough over-analysis to earn us honorary producer credits. Plus, Chi Chi brings the kind of insider NYC fashion intel that makes you want to rebuild your wardrobe, rearrange your apartment, and reevaluate every decision you’ve made aesthetically since 2016. Her Substack, Seedy Studio [https://seedystudio.substack.com], delivers weekly observations that are sharp, stylish, occasionally ruthless, and somehow always correct. She’s going to tell you what she thinks whether you asked or not. Share this with your friend that can’t shut up about Bravo. They’ll thank you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit taylordtakes.substack.com [https://taylordtakes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Energy Vampires Are Real

I worked graduation weekend, and it reminded me of a few things. * Somewhere in my late 20s I accidentally found another thing I genuinely enjoy outside of Taylor’d Takes: serving. It’s a grind, it’s exhausting, but so is literally every job? I love having a front-row seat to life’s biggest moments. And apparently getting called in as the “morale booster” is now part of my brand lol. * Graduation season sent me into a full college flashback spiral.I thought I was confident… I was actually just aggressively faking it until I made it. No regrets, but also… anyone else occasionally cringe at past-you? * Had a random table conversation about Spencer Pratt running for LA mayor, which somehow turned into a reminder that people love forming strong opinions with zero context. * Ryan and I got into “energy vampires” and the people who turn struggle into a competitive sport. * That I need to reset my expectations because perfection isn’t it. Maybe the win isn’t everything I didn’t get done… it’s that I was actually out there living. * My irrational fear of being kidnapped means I run through parking garages like I’m in a crime show just to get to my car. Questions of the week! Ryan: What’s your Chinese food order?Taylor: Are you running through the parking garage to get to your car late at night? Subscribe, follow, and send this to the friend who’s overwhelmed by everything they want to get done and needs the reminder that they’re actually doing better than they think. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit taylordtakes.substack.com [https://taylordtakes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

I Tried the Mall Massage Everyone Walks Past

We’ve all seen the mall massage setup. Some of you are brave. Some of you are curious. I’m both… So I did it. I got a massage in the middle of a mall and documented the whole thing because you deserve to know what actually happens. Is it relaxing? Is it chaos? Main character moment or public humiliation? I take you with me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit taylordtakes.substack.com [https://taylordtakes.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]