We fell in love with Mario Cantone as Anthony Marentino on “Sex and the City”. Mario returns to chat with me about the current season of “And Just Like That”, takes me back to what really inspired him to be in showbiz, his “amazing” baking skills and tries to explain to me why I have not yet received my loaf of banana bread. The only way “Group Text” happens is with YOUR support and support from mm amazing sponsors! Try VIIA! Head to Viiahemp.com and use the code GROUPTEXT This...
Jun 27, 2025•47 min
Jodie Sweetin stole our hearts in the 1990s as precocious middle-child Stephanie Tanner on “Full House” as well as in the 2015 Netflix reboot. Jodie joins me to talk about a very different kind of project: her new movie “Dateless to Dangerous: My Son’s Secret Life” (Saturday, June 21st at 8/7c on Lifetime) about a mother’s struggle to help her angry teenage son who turns isolated and hostile after being rejected by young women at his high school. Jodie talks about the intense experience making t...
Jun 20, 2025•44 min
The 1990s were the formative decade for Generation X coming of age. Christine Taylor (The Brady Bunch Movie) and David Lascher (Blossom) are the hosts of the hilariously nostalgic podcast “Hey Dude – The 90s Called” and we had a blast going down memory lane to a time when grunge and preppy fashions ruled the malls. We talk about the mistakes we made back in the day; our favorite pop-culture guilty pleasures, and how the 90s was the last decade of communally consumed entertainment. The only way “...
Jun 13, 2025•48 min
My mother had a long friendship with Paul Reubens, and so by proximity I did too. For me, “Pee-wee as Himself” (now streaming on MAX), directed by Matt Wolf, was at the top of my list to stream when it aired. The two-part show looks at Reubens’ life and career as alter ego Pee-wee Herman, whose irreverent comedy took the world by storm in the 1980s. Matt joins me to talk about what it was like meeting a hero; the great level of control that Paul Reubens brought to all of his work – including thi...
Jun 06, 2025•45 min
Back by popular demand, "Behind the Velvet Rope" host, David Yontef joins me in the hot seat, as he spills the tea on the very latest in pop culture, which includes the never ending Diddy Drama, a saga that has daytime soap written all over it to lovebirds Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet and what we can expect from them next. Plus, what’s really going with Kyle Richards and Morgan Wade to the real reason behind Garcelle Beauvai's exit from the Real Housewives franchise. Grab your popcorn! You...
May 30, 2025•50 min
When news that the bodies of four female sex workers had been found on Long Island’s Gilgo Beach, it captured the attention of not only the nation but the world. Director Liz Garbus examines this gripping true crime case in “Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer” (now streaming on Netflix) and shines a light not only on the families struggling to serve justice for their lost loved ones, but also the rampant corruption within the Suffolk County Police Department and DA’s office. Liz talks to ...
May 23, 2025•48 min
Alana Thompson, better known to the world as Honey Boo Boo, broke through on “Toddlers and Tiaras” at the age of six, which led to her family life being chronicled on the hit Reality TV series, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” In a new biopic called “I Was Honey Boo Boo” (premiering on Lifetime on May 17th at 8/7c), Alana herself narrates a fascinating recreation played by actors, and details the cycle of pain brought on by her Mama June’s extreme penchant for men, money, drugs and fame; the lack of ...
May 16, 2025•43 min
Director Alexandra Dean’s engaging new four-part docuseries, “The Judd Family: Truth Be Told” airs May 10th and 11th on Lifetime, and it’s a must watch! Alexandra, Ashley and Wynonna Judd tell the Judd’s family’s story truthfully and respectfully - exploring the generational trauma that plagued Naomi Judd, her grandparents, parents and daughters; the extreme neglect that Ashley Judd endured growing up, and how The Judds never brought their personal feud on stage with them when performing to mill...
May 09, 2025•46 min
In “The Carters: Hurts to Love You,” a new docuseries now streaming on Paramount Plus, director Soleil Moon Frye (TV’s Punky Brewster) spotlights the rollercoaster ride of fame and fortune that pop stars Aaron Carter and Nick Carter, and the entire Carter family, embarked on throughout the 1990s. Through little sister Angel Carter Conrad’s eyes, and a treasure trove of archival and home-video footage, we see a family torn apart by mental illness, addiction, death, and neglect set against throngs...
May 02, 2025•42 min
When Casey Wilson was asked if she’d like to join Zach Cherry, Dame Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood back in the tent for another season of “The Great American Baking Show” (all episodes are now streaming on the Roku Channel), her answer was a resounding, “Duh!” Though she does not cook nor bake, Casey explains what her Signature Bake would be; the intricate application process for the show’s contestants; the allure of winning the coveted Bake Off cake plate, and where all those delicious leftovers...
Apr 25, 2025•44 min
In the whip-smart and stylish new Apple TV comedy about the movie biz, “The Studio” (new episode stream Wednesdays), Dewayne Perkins plays Tyler, a young publicist trying to make it big in the film industry. He also stars alongside Keke Palmer and SZA in “One of Them Days” (now streaming on Netflix) and joins me to talk about what it was like trying his hand at both improv comedy and standup; how his hit film, “The Blackening,” came to be, and why being on “The Studio” is one of the best jobs he...
Apr 18, 2025•38 min
Actress/director Carrie Preston has played attorney Elsbeth Tascioni for the past 16 years – first on “The Good Wife,” then on “The Good Fight,” and currently on her own spinoff, “Elsbeth” (seasons 1 & 2 now streaming on Paramount+). Carrie talks to me about how her character’s eponymous show came to be; how moving Elsbeth from Chicago to New York keeps things fresh for Carrie; how she met her husband, Michael Emerson, and how a female lead as the main character is no longer the exception to...
Apr 11, 2025•44 min
In this deeply personal episode, Loren Ridinger opens up about her journey of love, loss, and resilience following the sudden passing of her husband, business mogul J.R. Ridinger. She shares intimate reflections from her new book, Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up, offering inspiration for anyone navigating grief and rebuilding their life. Loren’s honesty, strength, and wisdom shine through as she discusses finding purpose after profound loss. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with love, ho...
Apr 04, 2025•58 min
Though we may remember French Stewart as the lovable, hilarious, and “squinty” alien Harry Solomon on the hit sitcom “3rd Rock from the Sun,” or the smarmy Chef Rudy on “Mom,” comedy is not the only thing he can do. French joins me to talk about his new movie, “Bob Trevino Likes It” (in theaters now) in which he plays a truly horrible father to a daughter who just wants his love. He shares how hard it was being a good dad in real life and playing a horrific one on screen and what it was like bei...
Mar 28, 2025•37 min
In this episode, I’m just days away from tying the knot with Steve, and the emotions are running high. I open up about how we met, why this relationship works for us, and why I’m saying 'I do' after swearing I’d never get married again. I also share the chaos of wedding prep—from almost canceling due to the fire to feeling discombobulated while packing. Join me as I navigate the excitement, terror, and overwhelming joy of this life-changing weekend. The only way “Group Text” happens is with YOUR...
Mar 21, 2025•26 min
Bill Engvall was at the grind of standup for 40 years when he decided to put the mic back in the stand for the last time…that is until now. Bill talks to me about what influenced his decision to stop touring, and then to start back again; how jokes about his real life are better than being “edgy”; the enormity of being part of the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour,” and how being a grandfather is the best revenge on his well-adjusted children. The only way “Group Text” happens is with YOUR support and su...
Feb 28, 2025•51 min
Wendi McLendon-Covey is back on Group Text to talk about her return to network TV in the new comedy, “St. Denis Medical” (new episodes air Tuesday nights on NBC and streaming on Peacock). Wendi discusses going from one hit series, “The Goldbergs,” to another; how her new show provides her a rare work-life balance; getting those difficult medical terms correct on-screen, and how the “mockumentary” style of comedy she pioneered doing “Reno 911” has changed over the two decades since that show bega...
Feb 21, 2025•42 min
On March 2nd, producer Michael Jackman will sit in the audience of the Academy Awards ceremony as his movie, “Conclave,” (now streaming on Peacock) vies for Oscar gold. Michael talks to me about his first time being invited to the awards; shooting on location in Rome with an A-list cast; finding out that the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are not public domain, and, of course, what he’s wearing to the Dolby Theatre on Oscar night. The only way “Group Text” happens is with YOUR sup...
Feb 14, 2025•46 min
When you think of joy, fabulousness and incredible hair, Jonathan Van Ness certainly comes to mind. With nine seasons of “Queer Eye” (now streaming on Netflix) under his belt, Jonathan is hitting the road with his costars for “The Fab Five Live” Tour (for tickets, visit fabfivelive.com). Jonathan talkswith me about his “Queer Eye” origin story, his early daysbecoming famous, being innately curious, and the safe space doing hair provides him. The only way “Group Text” happens is with YOUR support...
Feb 07, 2025•48 min
In this emotional episode, I share the heartbreaking story of losing my home and community to the Palisades Fire. I talk about the items I saved, the memories I lost, and how I’m navigating grief, anger, and resilience. This is a raw and honest conversation about finding light in the darkest of times. If you'd like to help please see the following links: LA Fire Dept Foundation- https://supportlafd.org/our-work/ https://lafd.org/fire-stations/station-69: Melissa and Steve’s home fire station Pas...
Jan 31, 2025•26 min
Movie star, “Cool Kid” and now-grandfather-of-two Stephen Baldwin stops by in-person to talk with me about his hilarious new podcast, “One Bad Movie with Stephen Baldwin” (available on Apple Podcasts & other platforms) along with his latest reality competition show, “Special Forces – World’s Toughest Test” (now streaming on FOX). This self-proclaimed nutcase runs the gamut discussing his favorite bad movies (his own included), how using laughter allows him to deal with really tough times, th...
Jan 15, 2025•34 min
When Marcia Clark heard about the little-known story of the 1953 murder of an elderly woman, the “Trial of the Century” that ensued, and the resulting conviction and execution of one of its participants, Barbara Graham, she knew it was far too interesting to ignore. The former lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial joins me to talk about the painstaking process of researching such an old case, how she thinks the crime was actually committed, and tackling a true-crime book for the first...
Jan 03, 2025•51 min
Alaska Thunderf*ck, who sashayed her way to stardom as runner-up of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season Five, and was the winner of “Drag Race All Stars” Season Two, has written and stars in “Drag: The Musical,” now playing at New World Stages in NYC (tickets available at dragthemusical.com). Alaska joins me to talk about channeling her inner Joan Crawford for the lead role, being inspired by her amazing castmates, and how Broadway icon Liza Minnelli got involved as a producer. The only way “Group Text”...
Dec 27, 2024•37 min
Whether it was her time as a top litigator, or her experience as a temporary judge in Los Angeles, Judge Rachel Juarez brings her unique brand of justice to “Hot Bench” (check hotbench.tv for listings), the #1 syndicated court show in original production. We break down a full docket of current legal topics: from P. Diddy to the Menendez Brothers to the brutal killing of United Healthcare’s CEO, and much more. The only way “Group Text” happens is with YOUR support and support from mm amazing spon...
Dec 20, 2024•38 min
Jennifer Love Hewitt has been a part of hit TV shows like “Party of Five,” “The Client List,” and “The Ghost Whisperer,” as well as blockbuster films such as “Can’t Hardly Wait,” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” just to name a few. With her new Christmas rom-com, “The Holiday Junkie” (premiering Dec. 14, 8/7c on Lifetime), she adds writer and feature director to her credits. She is also the author of a touching new memoir, “Inheriting Magic” (available December 10). Jennifer talks about he...
Dec 13, 2024•44 min
Before she was cast on the early-2000s hit series, “One Tree Hill,” actress Bethany Joy Lenz was already in the clutches of a religious group she calls the “Big House Family.” In her new memoir, “Dinner for Vampires,” Bethany describes the calculated isolation a man named “Les” put her through in order to manipulate her and pilfer over $2 million of money she’d earned. Bethany discusses with me how her family dynamics forced her to become independent at a young age, how her aversion to the “smal...
Dec 06, 2024•46 min
This week on MRGT x BTVR, Melissa and David Yontef tackle Teddi Mellencamp’s divorce, sharing their own horse-world experiences and asking if she’s obligated to address it on her podcast. Then, they dissect Bethenny Frankel’s backhanded praise for RHONY OGs and Luann’s fiery reaction. Plus, they review the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills return, where Kyle and Dorit’s friendship hangs by a thread. Finally, they discuss Diddy’s mounting legal troubles, Cher’s shocking memoir revelations, and the...
Nov 27, 2024•35 min
The only thing more terrifying than being in the crosshairs of an assassin might be finding out someone you know has targeted you and that your doom is imminent. In his gripping new podcast “Kill List” (from Wondery and Novel – new episodes every week) investigative reporter Carl Miller uncovers a twisted trail to the Dark Web and a list of names and personal information of people seemingly marked for death. Carl breaks down working with a hacker and other journalists to expose the contractors, ...
Nov 22, 2024•42 min
Jaleel White is so much more than the lovable nerd Steve Urkel he portrayed in the ‘90s hit sitcom "Family Matters." In his new memoir, “Growing Up Urkel” (on sale Nov. 19), Jaleel opens up about everything from his mom dressing him in too-short, hand-me-down jeans and his dad’s geeky eyeglasses for his “Family Matters” audition to the challenges of transitioning from a child star to a successful adult actor, producer, and most importantly, dad. We dive into all that and more in a fun, moving co...
Nov 15, 2024•45 min
In her new indie movie, “Another Happy Day” (now available on Prime Video), actress and comedian Lauren Lapkus plays Joanna – a new mom faced with postpartum depression and a whole lot of life changes. Lauren explains how the experience of having kids brought her emotions front and center for the role; how the movie strikes a delicate balance between being heavy and funny; how being the class clown led to her working with the film’s director, and finally answers the question: “How many podcasts ...
Nov 08, 2024•40 min
