Are We Healing or Enabling?! with Zack Wickham

Episode 178. In this episode, Kristen is joined by one of her favorite producers — Emmy Award–winning showrunner Lyndsey Burr — the powerhouse behind Queer Eye, former producer on Vanderpump Rules, and a longtime reality TV insider whose career spans from production assistant to talent supervisor to showrunner. Before the Emmys and showrunning credits, Lyndsey worked as a self-described “professional babysitter” on America's Next Top Model, where she started as a production assistant and rose to talent supervisor. Plus — yes — we get into the iconic “we were rooting for you” moment and her firsthand take from being there. Kristen and Lyndsey revisit their time on VPR and unpack the delicate balance between producing great television and protecting real human emotions. The conversation also dives into her work on Queer Eye — from the casting process and the most emotionally difficult episode to shoot this past season, to why the beloved series is coming to an end. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the cameras stop rolling… this episode is for you. Sponsors: For a limited time, our listeners get 15% off at Arey by using code KRISTEN at Arey.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 177. This week on Balancing Act, Kristen is joined by bestie, Zack Wickham, to talk all about their friendship — and what you don’t see on The Valley. They share how they met, their first impressions, the early VPR days, and how their bond grew behind the scenes. Zack opens up about moving to LA and finding his chosen family, while Kristen reveals her favorite things about him. They also talk skincare secrets, surprising fun facts, and clear up misconceptions about their friendship. Plus, listener questions and a rapid-fire round to wrap it all up. Sponsors: Arey: For a limited time, our listeners get 15% off at Arey by using code KRISTEN at Arey.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 176. In this episode, Kristen is joined by Lacy Nicole—mental health advocate, philanthropist, podcast host, and founder of the Shame to Sparkle Foundation. Lacy opens up about her story as a survivor of childhood trauma, including a kidnapping, and shares how those early experiences shaped her relationship with shame, emotional regulation, and self-worth—and how they ultimately led her to create a platform dedicated to helping women heal from trauma and PTSD. Kristen and Lacy dive into powerful conversations around: • Living with and healing from shame and trauma • How generational pain is passed down—and how to stop the cycle • Healing as a parent while re-parenting your inner child • ADHD, emotional regulation, and mental health awareness • The pros and cons of opening your life up to reality TV • Why Kristen chose to give Jesse another chance—and what growth really looks like This episode is raw, compassionate, and empowering—a reminder that even the heaviest shame can be alchemized into strength, connection, and sparkle. ✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 175. This week, Kristen and Luke ring in the new year with a heartfelt and emotional update as they share the sad news of losing their beloved pet, Jill. They open up about Jill’s emergency surgery, her cancer diagnosis, and the last-minute road trip to Colorado so she could spend her final days in her favorite place. They reflect on Jill’s last week, how they spent Christmas, and what that road trip meant to their family during such a tender time. They also talk about what they’re leaving behind in 2025, their New Year’s resolutions, and the small joys that are helping them move forward. The episode also includes lighter moments—when to finally take down Christmas decorations, excitement for "The Valley: Persian Style", and updates on life with baby Kaia, including sleep training wins (and struggles). Kristen shares gratitude for her mom friends and the support she’s received, while Luke reveals the baby products he truly can’t live without. A meaningful, honest start to the new year filled with love, loss, and gratitude. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 174. This week on the pod, Kristen is joined by none other than Lindsay Hubbard from Summer House! Lindsay gets real and raw about life after baby—from the major identity shift to her big "aha" moment. She opens up about co-parenting, body image struggles, and whether baby #2 could be in her future. Lindsay also spills the tea on if she is dating, breakups, and that explosive moment that took place before what was supposed to be her wedding day. Plus: - Where Lindsay stands with her ex(s) now - Her response to a very recent Summer House castmate’s interview - Could a friendship be on the table? Also, Kristen talks about where she and Luke are thinking about moving and potential locations for their wedding! Tune in for all the details and so much more! Sponsors: Nutrafol: For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code DOUTE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 173. This week, Kristen opens the episode with an emotional update on everything going on with Luke’s dog, Jill, and why she was rushed into emergency surgery. She’s then joined by Brittany Cartwright for a fun and festive conversation. The two dive into: • What it really takes to make a TikTok • Holiday season chaos and decoration styles • The big question: when do you tell your kids Santa isn’t real—and when did they figure it out? • Brittany’s Christmas traditions with Cruz • How to juggle holiday travel with family—do you switch off years or split the time? They wrap up with a candid Q&A, answering: • What was harder to film: Vanderpump Rules or The Valley? • What’s the most unhinged thought Brittany has ever had? • And a myth-busting moment: one thing people always assume about Kristen and Brittany’s relationship that’s totally wrong. Sponsors: Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off your first order when you go to MagneticMe.com   Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/DOUTE for 10% off your next purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⚠️ Trigger Warning: discussion of pregnancy loss Episode 172. This week, Kristen is joined by one of her ride-or-dies of 21 years, the fabulous Kelly Bores—visiting from Charleston, SC—for an episode packed with nostalgia, motherhood realness, questionable 2000’s fashion choices, and a dash of Golden Girls energy. Kristen and Kelly dive into Kaia’s very first Christmas, reflect on the magic (and exhaustion) of newborn life, and laugh their way through the evolution of… well, everything: - Their first tattoos (including the return of the tramp stamp??) - Boobs before and after baby - The “Raise Your Glass” VPR special—and a never-before-seen clip of Kristen she legit does not remember filming They get honest about: - How friendships shift after kids - How pregnancy and postpartum surprised them - How their relationship dynamics have changed since giving birth - Body image—especially why it’s important not to speak negatively about yourself around your kids - What Kristen actually moved to LA to pursue (and how old she was!) Plus: 🦃 Thanksgiving at Brittany’s 🍼 Must-haves for the newborn trenches ❓ A juicy Ask Me Anything This one’s cozy, candid, a little chaotic, and full of heart—like any great catch-up between best friends of two decades. Grab a coffee (or a mocktail) and join us! Sponsors: Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/DOUTE for 10% off your next purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 171. This week, Kristen and Luke are joined by Zack Wickham for a full BravoCon breakdown—complete with lost voices, wild encounters, and all the behind-the-scenes tea. The trio dives into their chaotic (and hilarious) Las Vegas experience, from long lines and unforgettable fans to the sweet moments that had Kristen emotional, especially navigating the weekend postpartum. Luke admits he may have had one too many, and also shares his surprising encounter with Denise Richards that made him realize… he’s famous! Meanwhile, Zack reveals who he ended up giving a lap dance to. They’re also sharing their favorite moments, heartwarming stories from fans they met, and the unexpected run-ins—including one with Kathy Hilton—that left Kristen completely speechless. Sponsors: Nutrafol: For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code DOUTE. Jones Road: For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Cool Gloss on their first purchase when they use code DOUTE at checkout. Just head to jonesroadbeauty.com and use code DOUTE at checkout. Rula: Visit Rula.com/DOUTE to get started. Wayfair: Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 170. It’s the day before BravoCon and Kristen and Luke are gearing up for the chaos with none other than Bravo expert, Ryan Bailey! How’s Luke really feeling about stepping into the Bravo lion’s den? What are everyone’s thoughts on the Vanderpump reboot? And how is Ryan prepping for a weekend full of sequins, spilled tea, and lots of Bravo fans? Ryan gives his bold predictions for The Valley Season 3 and spills on his favorite Bravolebrity interview ever. Plus—A deep dive into raising kids in the era of constant tech, and social media. And finally… the question on everyone’s mind: what is 6'7"??? Tune in for laughs, nostalgia, Bravo nerdery, and just a little chaos—the good kind. Sponsors Magnetic Me: New customers get 15% off your first order when you go to MagneticMe.com Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/DOUTE for 10% off your next purchase. Wayfair: Head to Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday deals for up to 70% off. Sale ends December 7th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 169. This week on the pod, Kristen and Luke sit down with Jesse Lally from The Valley! Jesse opens up about life as a proud girl dad, and what he really thinks of Kristen and Luke as first-time parents. Jesse takes us back to his modeling days in New York—crossing paths with Channing Tatum (and wait… was he roommates with Jax?). Also, did Jesse and Anna Nicole Smith ever date?! Jesse shares his journey as a wine sommelier and reveals the most he’s ever spent on a bottle of wine. BravoCon is coming up and they are all super excited! Tune in for a fun, nostalgic, and unfiltered conversation you won’t want to miss. Sponsors: Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/DOUTE for 10% off your next purchase. Nutrafol: Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code DOUTE. KiwiCo: Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code DOUTE. Nature’s Sunshine: Nature’s Sunshine is offering 20% off your first order plus free shipping at naturessunshine.com with code DOUTE at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices