Reality Test

About Reality Test

Two Psych Doctors Spill the Tea on Mental Health Concepts & Presentations Shown in your Fave RealiTV Shows! Ever find yourself wanting to debrief that reality tv episode with your therapist? Or maybe you've wanted to ask them questions about something you've learned from the reality tv interactions, castmates, or news cycle? Come debrief with two licensed psychologists as they explore what we can all learn about ourselves, our relationships, and our society from our fave reality television shows on Netflix, Peacock, Bachelor Nation, Bravo, and beyond! Dr.s Kay & Ray inspire discussion about psychological and sociopolitical aspects of reality TV, offering rough draft thoughts and ideas for us to continue thinking about, while highlighting the power dynamics, sociohistorical context, and intersecting forms of oppression and privilege that are present. After all, reality television ultimately provides an engaging format for learning about our behavior, mental health, and sociopolitical systems—let’s learn together! Why REALITY TEST? We ALL reality test when testing a given thought, emotion, or interaction against "objective" (or shared) reality--did I see that right? Was that really sexist? Dr.s Kay & Ray spill all the tea on how the producer antics and castmate claims about mental health stack up against "objective" reality off-screen and the field of clinical psychology that they have learned about as practicing psychotherapists and research psychologists. What are you talking ABOUT? Reality Test has a general focus on relationships, social privilege, and mental health. Dr.s Kay & Ray also acknowledge their sociopolitical identities and lenses through which they view reality television, as feminist, bi+, white allies. So, if you've been itching to discuss how that episode was brimming with misogyny, heterosexism, &/or white privilege (from a white, ever-dedicated-to-developing-their-antiracism, perspective), or to critically assess how the producers portrayed a given scenario or interaction, while celebrating the hope & empowerment that can be found, you've come to the right place! DISCLAIMER: In the context of this podcast, Dr.s Kay & Ray are not acting as therapists, neither for you nor for the reality castmates they discuss. They are, instead, bringing in their whole human selves, supplemented by mental health and psychology knowledge. They cannot ethically diagnose castmates or speak with certainty about their dynamics without conducting formal psychological assessments. Thus, their opinions will be merely (easily erroneous) opinions, informed by their biased perspectives, and while they may discuss diagnoses, they will avoid assigning them to castmates.

Publisher

Dr. Kay and Dr. Ray

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

23 Mar 2024

Latest episode

21 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

188 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Love Island Reunion: Simultaneous Sexualizing & Sex Shaming | Season 8 ::} 141

   Dr. Kay and Dr. Ray return after a break to psychologically examine the Love Island season 8 reunion. They discuss internalized racism, the sexualization of reality television, racial and sexist dynamics among the cast, ableism, friendship conflict, and what meaningful accountability should look like. They discuss where Ariana’s hosting fell short, with a particular focus on all of the sexualization and fetishization of the castmates. The episode closes with a call to learn from conflict without becoming consumed by it: “Wear it at all, but wear it lightly.” REALITY TEST WITH US: What did you think of Ariana’s question at the reunion for Carl: “Are you handling all of that, Carl?” Timestamps: 00:00-2:11 - Reality Test returns after a two-month break 02:12-04:41 - Reality Check: Internalized racism and self-esteem 04:42-06:55 - Why the reunion’s sex questions felt exploitative 06:56-09:56 - Reality Check: Reality TV sexual content and adolescent risk-taking 09:57-20:51 - Check-Ins, CT & Phaedra, the psych segments and the disclaimer 20:52-22:06 - Ariana’s role as host and her Emmy nomination 22:07-23:59 - The top couples 24:00-26:43 - Why Sincere’s accountability may feel incomplete 26:44-30:27 - The racial and sexist implications of “can you handle her?” 30:28-31:27 - Brinity’s interracial relationship 31:28-32:11 - Zayda’s uncertain status 32:12-35:54 - Sincere’s family comments and the limits of apology 35:55-40:51 - TT and KC face racist abuse online 40:52-44:38 - TT, Aniya, and the meaning of “fragile” 44:39-46:36 - Kenzie and Dylan, sex shaming, and authenticity 46:37-49:49 - Kenzie and Melanie’s friendship conflict 49:50-52:09 - Bea speaks out about ableism 52:10-55:39 - Gabe, Bea, Jen, and the problem with sexualized editing 55:40-58:17 - Sol’s claims of objectification and exclusion 58:18-62:03 - Sol & Melanie: Trauma, homelessness, and the limits of rescue narratives 62:04-63:02 - Bryce and Zach’s friendship amid homophobic reactions 63:03-64:03 - Corbin and Parmida’s “nothing burger” reunion appearance 64:04-66:00 - “Big dog” is both funny and patronizing 66:01-68:49 - Jayden and Caleb: invasive questions and sexual double standards 68:50-73:14 - Why “why did you sleep with him again?” is victim-blaming 73:15-76:10 - KC’s misunderstanding of conflict among women of color 76:11-78:27 - Bryce needs to talk openly about race 78:28-79:19 - “Wear it at all, but wear it lightly” 79:20 - Closing thoughts and Call to Action o-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=O Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/RealityTest)  ⁠patreon.com/RealityTest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content! O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-o Reality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality. So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality. Come with us, let’s Reality Test! Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor! Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest Linkt.ree/@RealityTest Instagram: @realitytestpodcast Threads: @drkaypods TikTok: @realitytestpod YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod Email: realitycheckpodding@gmail.com Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok) Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta) O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-o

2. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Childhood influences on Interpersonal Relationships, Media Portrayals, and Posttraumatic Growth | House of Stassi ::} 140

   Although there is some overlap with episode 139, this episode engages more deeply with Stassi's childhood history and its effects on her interpersonal relationships. In this episode, Dr. Kay explores the layered complexities of the reality TV star Stassi Schroeder’s experiences, while focusing on relationship history, childhood events, therapy, and trauma. Dr. Kay also analyzes how media portrayals influence public perceptions, highlighting systemic issues within reality TV production, and discussing potential avenues for mental health support and societal change. REALITY TEST WITH US: How do you think psychologists could more ethically interact with media and reality TV? EMAIL US about it! Realitycheckpodding@gmail.com. o-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=O Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/RealityTest)  ⁠patreon.com/RealityTest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content! The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea! O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality. So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality. Come with us, let’s Reality Test! Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor! Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest Linkt.ree/@RealityTest Instagram: @realitytestpodcast Threads: @drkaypods TikTok: @realitytestpod YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod Email: realitycheckpodding@gmail.com Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok) Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta) O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-o

3. 

   5 Aug 2026

   Exploring Cancellation, Trauma, and Ethics in Reality TV | House of Stassi ::} 139

   Given Stassi’s cancellation–well-founded on her racist treatment of co-worker Faith Stowers–should Stassi have gotten a new platform like House of Stassi? In this episode, Dr. Kay delves into the complex intersections among reality TV, mental health, and ethical practice. Dr. Kay examines the new show, House of Stassi, alongside broader issues like privilege, implicit bias, cancel culture, trauma, and the role of therapy in the world of reality television, offering an honest critique and practical insights for viewers and practitioners alike. REALITY TEST WITH US: Did you think Hulu should have brought Stassi back to our televisions? If you watched, did you feel they gave enough attention to why Stassi was cancelled in the first place? EMAIL US about it! Realitycheckpodding@gmail.com. o-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=O Listeners! Come visit the Patreon for free at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://patreon.com/RealityTest)  ⁠patreon.com/RealityTest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (or search on Patreon with “@RealityTest”) & check out some of the benefits of a free membership (early access to the audio episodes!) & the paid tier! For only a MEASLY $5/month, you get the bonus features, including Mental Health Check-Up episodes, the VIDEO episodes, the full audio episode archive, and bonus & behind-the-scenes video content! The first 10 paying members will get shoutouts on the pod & 5 randomly selected members will get a free year of membership after joining! What are you waiting for? Come watch our video episodes, & join us in learning a little something about psych & mental health from our examinations of your favorite reality TV shows, castmates, and tea! O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-oReality testing is when we check an emotion or thought we’re having against objective reality. So, here in Reality Test, we’re going to be testing the thoughts, emotions, interactions, and producer antics of reality television against what we know, as licensed psychologists, about objective reality. Come with us, let’s Reality Test! Hosts: Dr. Kay & Dr. Ray Thank you to our sound extraordinaire, Connor! Patreon: patreon.com/RealityTest Linkt.ree/@RealityTest Instagram: @realitytestpodcast Threads: @drkaypods TikTok: @realitytestpod YouTube Channel: @realitytestpod Facebook Page: Reality Test Pod Email: realitycheckpodding@gmail.com Dr. Kay: @drkaypods (Insta) & @dr.realitv (TikTok) Dr. Ray: @drraypods (Insta) O=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-o

Who has been a guest on Reality Test

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jenn Tran
• Matt
• Sam
• Ariana Madix
• Sam Mean

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

5,088,499

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 75 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

89

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

60

Contact Reality Test

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Reality Test