From Nashua to Netflix: Hayley Talks Surviving Paradise

Audio Transcript

SPEAKERS – Hayley Smith-Rose, Becca Howard

Hayley  00:01 Welcome. Hello, everyone it’s Haley. Hi babes. How’s it going? It’s going great. And now that I see this beautiful brand new Fever Dream Diaries backdrop that we have

Becca  00:17 We’re going to give a shout out to Tyler, who created this background for us knowing our aesthetic, and I can disappear and come back.

Hayley  00:28 You don’t know what’s going on in the background, anything could be happening right now in my home.

Becca  00:33 So, Hayley, we have a lot to talk about. Since we last spoke with our viewers and our listeners. It’s been too long. It’s been way too long. It’s been about six months since we finished season one of fever dream diaries. And since then, something big has been happening. Um, do you want to share with the world if they didn’t know what you have been up to?

Hayley  00:57 If the world has no idea, I’m happy to share. So I was recently on a Netflix reality show called Surviving Paradise. And I just gotta say, I mean, this filmed even before we started this podcast, so the fact that I’ve kept this secret, as well as I have for this long, I deserve some type of award, I do feel.

Becca  01:20 Especially since you were voted the biggest gossip in high school. This girl has kept a secret for a year and a half. Let it be known, Netflix. Even going back to the reunion, you had already filmed the show. That’s true.

Hayley  01:35 Yeah, like this secret has been kept longer than anything. So I’m so glad that we can finally have an open discussion about it, Becca. There’s no place I’d rather be.

Becca  01:43 I’m really proud of you, Hayley, You did amazing. I’ve binge watched the show. And it was so good. Like, the way that you come off is truly who you are. Golden Retriever vibes, if you will. The memes that will come from this show are going to live on for decades and hopefully centuries to come. I feel like you stand out is one of the really funny and positive energies during a very challenging situation. So I wanted you to just maybe tie that in on maybe a little bit about the show. And then we’ll talk about how you got there.

Hayley  02:24 Yeah absolutely. So for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, go add it to your queue on Netflix, do they still do that? I think so.

Becca  02:31 Your queue and also it’s on the top of your Netflix shows to watch. If you’re even on Netflix, you’ve probably seen Hayley’s face on your for you page.

Hayley  02:42 I’m sorry, but anywho. The best way I can describe the show is if Survivor and Big Brother had a baby, and it has a little more chaos and weirdness. And that’s Surviving Paradise. So you know, we’re fighting, to not have to sleep in this wilderness area. We want to get in this villa to win all this money. And all the little tricks in terms that come in between that.

Becca  03:09 I love it. I think that was a perfect description just to really entice our listeners to go watch the entire show. Love it. Hayley’s in every episode, and she’s a star. That’s all you need to know. I maybe do no more than most people. But I would love to hear about your decision to even apply.

Hayley  03:29 I mean, I say I kept the secret for a year and a half, but not from Becca. So it’s finally time to spill the tea to everyone. Becca, I have always loved reality TV. I think we both have. I never really imagined myself on it until I saw The Circle on Netflix. Did you watch that?

Becca  03:49 Oh yes, I love The Circle. I especially loved it during the pandemic, it just felt like the perfect show for what we were all going through 100%

Hayley  03:58 I think that’s when I maybe started it. And I loved it thought I’d be going on it. So I applied to be on The Circle. And at that time, they just weren’t casting for a new season yet. But the production company reached back out and was like, we do have this other show. It’s a new show can’t really tell you anything about it. But do you want to apply to this one? And I did. I was like, why not? What do I have to lose? I honestly didn’t think I would ever make it on it. I had no idea what the show was even about. But flash forward three years later, and it’s now out.

Becca  04:34 That’s just the bold kind of lady that you’ve always been, you’re just gonna go for it doesn’t matter. If money is at the end. You’re ready. You’re gonna hustle to go there.

Hayley  04:44 That’s so true. And I’m very also competitive. So it almost didn’t even matter what type of competition show as long as it was something I could win.

Becca  04:54 Maybe we can talk about like how much money was on the line and then how you had to get to the place that you did to get the money.

Hayley  05:03 Initially, when we started, it was $100,000 cash prize by the end that got upgraded to a potential quarter of a million dollars that the winner could have won. But it really was based on alliances and who you got along with and who you did things for throughout the game. That’s kind of what boosted you throughout.

Becca  05:27 And I feel like that’s a really perfect show for you. Well, you’re just a very friendly person, as we’ve both discussed the $250,000 on the line, I feel like that is a life changing sum of money.

Hayley  05:43 Oh my gosh, I would have taken $500. But yeah, a quarter million dollars is absolutely life changing.

Becca  05:54 It was crazy. It was a fight for it. It was and I mean, everyone needs to go watch the show to see what happens and see how Haley fights to the talk. That’s all I’ll say. But what was your strategy going into a show that you didn’t really know much about? What were you mentally preparing for?

Hayley  06:16 It was kind of hard to have a strategy because we didn’t know what was happening. I was trying to prepare before going on for like any type of physical challenges. I didn’t end up really doing any physical challenges on the show. But I wanted to make sure I could at least hold my own because you’re not an athlete. Okay, I do my best. But I figured of all things. That’s where I would need help. Because in terms of making alliances, like you mentioned to I’m friendly enough, like I knew I could make friends at least

Becca  06:46 And you did I actually feel really special that I’ve been able to meet some of the cast. Yeah, um, I can say I’m friends with some Netflix celebrities.

Hayley You’re a celebrity in your own right, Becca, a Spotify celebrity. You are Spotify celebrity. A Leda Lanes celebrity.

Becca Yeah, I am. We need to talk more about Leda lanes in season two, for sure.

Hayley It’s coming. Don’t worry, you guys.

Becca Stay tuned to our loyal listeners. There will be more talk about Nashua. Hayley, were you able to like shout out Nashua on the show? I feel like I didn’t hear anything about that.

Hayley No, they didn’t have us really talk about where we live or have lived at all. I think some people mentioned it briefly. But you really I could be anything. If you watch me on this show. Like I don’t think I talk about my career. Where I live none of that.

Becca I think your like story and your career is so interesting. Like you’re on the only Hip Hop station in Maine. You get to host incredible musicians and dance on stage to thousands of people. And I think that’s really cool. I feel like that would have been awesome to hear. But also maybe that would have been like, too much for everyone’s story to be shared. So they wanted to just jump right in.

Hayley  08:12 Totally. I totally get it. I mean, we filmed for three weeks and it had to be condensed into what like maybe eight hours of TV so of course like a lots gonna get caught. And that’s fair enough.

Becca  08:22 You know, who really shines is themselves as well. who I’ve met in person is Copan. Copan Joe. We love Copan. Yes, yes. I was lucky enough to meet him last year at your birthday in Boston. That was such a good night when I remember him telling me he was such an emo fan. And I was so excited because he knew all the bands that we used to love and still do in our hearts. He’s a I remember he’s a big Breaking Benjamin fan.

Hayley  08:55 We love Copan! You wouldn’t know that from the show either. He was able to talk about his music and trust look at us just like here’s what you need to know about Copan

Becca  09:06 We will defend him at all costs. He’s such a genuine man. He literally at one point gives you an amazing opportunity in the show. I don’t want to give everything away but you can talk about that himself. Yeah, yeah. What was the hardest part about basically being stuck in a very difficult situation if you want to talk about how that all ended up?

Hayley  09:32 You know being at camp that’s the part that people kind of act like was a drag I shouldn’t say act like people, you know, get affected by things in different ways. But for me camp wasn’t that bad except for at night. It was so freezing. I mean, I smelled disgusting. I had like bugs all over me with that.

Becca  09:53 You would never know. I thought you look great the entire time. Those outfits were snatched.

Hayley  10:01 Thank you. But yeah I would say like of all things, the hardest hardest part was sleeping at night. It was so cold, and they barely gave us any clothes to wear. It was so thin. And there were nights where I’m like, I don’t know, Hayley.

Becca  10:15 What was that feeling of like realizing that first night that you were in, like, a Greek island in the middle of nowhere?

Hayley  10:29 Let’s say initially, I was just glad that I wasn’t being trafficked. Because the whole situation is quite, you know, questionable. You agree to go to this remote place. You they take away your phone, you’re getting driven around by people who only speak Greek, so they can’t talk to you at all. And it does kind of feel like a situation where you’re like, I don’t know what I would do if this was happening. So for me the first night, I’m like, I’m glad this show was real. And I just was so excited to have fun and try to figure out what it was. So night one was kind of fun and exciting for me.

Becca You’re a special breed for saying that. I don’t know if I would feel that way. But I love you so much. Um, I watched and I was feeling so bad for your baby back and your spine. On that hammock? Was that every night?

Hayley  11:26 Yes. So that’s the thing like once you committed to a sleeping spot like that was it you couldn’t change it. So in true Hayley fashion I kind of just let everyone pick their sleeping spot and I chose what was last and it ended up being the hammock. Some people thought I was really lucky to have the hammock, which is so sweet. Because they don’t know what my scoliosis looks like.

Becca  11:52 Oh my gosh, your back is probably like a straight up like, curve. Like, I need you to go the doctor.

Hayley Yeah, my neck, my back is all I can say. The whole eyesight thing was another thing at camp that wasn’t a deal. I mean, you know, poor Copan had issues with that as well. So I know he can relate like, we didn’t have anything to wash our hands with. So we were just putting our dirty little fingers in our eyeballs. And that just can’t be good for us.

Becca Could you bring a pair of glasses?

Hayley Yeah, yeah, as you can see, Copan wears his glasses for a lot of it too. They’re so cute. My glasses aren’t up to snuff with my current prescription. I could have worn my glasses, but I wouldn’t have been able to see as well. And I was really nervous that I would have to be able to see.

Becca So I didn’t even realize that from the show.

Hayley It was just gross.

Becca But I I felt for you in that moment when you were really not believing anyone was gonna bring you all toothbrushes.

Hayley  13:04 Funny, that’s so unlike me, I’m so optimistic. But I think like, at that point, it had been six nights sleeping. Serious. So at that point, I was just like, No, why would anyone bring us toothbrushes like, you know, why is anyone going to jeopardize their time at the villa to give us too. I was salty and sad. But if you watch the show, you’ll know that I I’m proven wrong. Happily.

Becca It’s funny, because that was probably your last night in the camp was the next day when I think the next day. Yeah, the next day was and how did that feel? Being able to go up to the hill? I want to hear that first moment.

Hayley Honestly, by the time I went to the villa, I felt like it had to be nice soon. Like, so many of us had been at camp for so long that just inevitably, in my time had to be coming soon. So I was really excited when they went fishing especially I mean, I have faith in Cisco, but I knew Shea was a seasoned fisherman. So I was really that whole day just like come through please, please. This has to be my time to shine. And then when they came back with three, there were three of us girls down there. I just knowing those guys had a little feeling that that’s how it was gonna turn out.

Becca And didn’t you mention there was something about like sisters syncing up with their periods at the camp.

Hayley  14:40 Let’s talk about periods. Real talk. This is real. sorry. No, actually, I’m not sorry to any of the men listening. Know about the shit we have to deal with. So my first night at camp, I literally started my period. I can’t even imagine Imagine that feeling of like realizing that was going to be the rest of your experience and I see a lot of comments about was the bathrooms really like that bad first of all bath room singular outhouse, an actual hole that you were expected to use? Yeah, it was disgusting. There were ants in every crevice.

Becca Oh, gross.

Hayley Yeah, no, I will say they did provide tampons. But not to be a diva. They were cardboard applicators.

Becca Are you serious? No. Bullshit.

Hayley I’m sitting in the woods and you can’t give me like a Tampax Pearl? For the love of god.

Becca The least they can do is give you a plastic applicator.

Hayley They have condoms down at camp but they can’t get me a plastic applicator? I’m just saying.

Becca What are they trying to imply by having condoms?

Hayley I think that they were like if people are gonna have sex, we want it to be safe. And we also want them to have sex.

Becca Was there any sex down at camp? I feel like I can ask you that honestly.

Hayley No, no, not to my knowledge. Nobody had sex on the show.

Becca Thanks for setting the record straight here. I’ve been curious since I watched. there’s a lot of attractive people.

Hayley So yeah, I mean, who knows what happened after, god speed. I support them but to my knowledge nothing on the show.

Becca They like snuck back to the camp just to be romantic.

Hayley I guess if that’s where you first bonded I support it for you

Becca like that’s a that’s some trauma bonding right there. We talk about trauma bonding in our first season of Fever Dream Diaries. How we were both lost souls and trauma bonded in high school.

Hayley Yes.

Becca You trauma bonded with these crazy, hot people.

Hayley That’s how the best friendships are made. They are hot. And they’re all crazy. And I love it.

Becca Yes. We love it. As viewers. I was like, okay, hey, you get to like hang out in this very remote location with just like Adonises and Giseles. I’m like, what is happening?

Hayley Like, I had myself a time.

Becca Incredible. And your entrance? We didn’t talk about your entrance? It was an entrance we all wanted to see. Can you talk about that moment?

Hayley  17:31 I was the last person to enter the villa. And basically, because of that they are all waiting outside in these vehicles, the vehicles we came in. But we had these blindfold goggles on because they didn’t want us to see each other like driving by to the location of what inevitably was the villa. So as the last person to enter, I also have those blindfold goggles on for maybe two hours. Um, it’s kind of hard to say since I had no concept of time. But when I tell you my bladder was the throbbing, like had to pee so bad, was definitely convinced at this point I was maybe being trafficked and was coming true. And it was kind of like what’s going on? But then finally, when my moment came, I got to use a porta potty. Thank Jesus. And then I take these goggles off, and of course my makeup looks. See like my lashes are everywhere because I’ve just had these sweaty things on my face and it kind of like cut into my face. Um, so God bless the people in production who helped me try to get my shit together before entering. Truly. Yeah, we made it work. But was also funny about that is when I came in, I didn’t realize and maybe this is just me because I’m a dunce. But I didn’t realize what I was walking into. They literally are like, Okay, you’re gonna just walk through this door right now grab a glass of Prosecco and just go down the stairs. In my head that didn’t register as like you’re about to meet your classmates. You’re on camera like this is now happening. We’re officially doing this. So when I did, I was like, I don’t know if you noticed it, but I go like the wrong way at first. I did. Kind of like you girls discombobulated because I walk in and I didn’t expect to see the 11 sexiest people in the world standing there and like, all these cameras, and I’m walking down the stairs in my cheetah print.

Becca Oh, that was such a good moment.

Hayley  19:39 We’re doing this, you know, so it was exciting. But yeah, I didn’t really think through what I was about to do.

Becca  19:47 That is crazy. I feel like you were probably in like a bit of a fever dream, as you say, just like going into that because Weren’t you in like an isolation. I remember us talking and you were like, very alone

Hayley  20:01 Yeah, so before the show filmed, we had to isolate, quarantine, if you will, because of COVID. This was still during a really, you know, thick COVID time, if you will. So I think 10 days, we had to isolate, um, I just hung out in this hotel room, I had a very sweet chaperone who would take me on a couple of walks throughout the day. So I could actually move my body and see the outside world for a minute. But, you know, I liked that quarantine time, because when else am I just gonna have 10 days where I absolutely don’t have to do anything at all, and someone just brings food to me, and I can just sit and watch Netflix all day. Like, I kind of missed that time.

Becca  20:45 I remember like I was luckily able to talk to you, I felt hashtag blessed that we were able to communicate because I was like, where’s my friend?

Hayley  20:52 I know. Yeah, so they took our phones when we got there. But we could have they gave us a phone to use. I didn’t really have a lot on it. But I could contact a few people on WhatsApp. And yeah, of course Becca was one of my contacts. Obviously. We had some great chats.

Becca  21:09 I was, I think in the southwest like traveling. So anytime I got service, I would like call you and be like, did you get on the show yet? And if you answered I knew you were still in a room alone.

Hayley  21:23 I think another important thing to bring up is like I got sent to Greece and there was no guarantee I was going to be on the show. Like they were still auditioning us in Greece. So during this 10 day quarantine period, I still didn’t know if I was going to be on the show. I think it was just the day before filming, where they called me and they’re like you’re in the starting lineup. It starts tomorrow. Like they really keep their cards close to their chests.

Becca  21:50 Yeah. And how do you feel that you were in the starting lineup versus being held for longer like someone like Eva or Kelso or game?

Hayley  21:58 I was really grateful to be in the starting lineup. I loved the newbies, obviously. But I think there’s an obvious disadvantage to coming in late to any game, especially in the lion space game. Right.

Becca  22:10 A really good point. Yeah, you were definitely able to, you know, bond in the jungle. Yes, for sure. Yeah. Versus I did feel for Eva and kelsa when they come in, and then they’re sent down to Cam. Yeah. How did you all feel in that moment when you’re partying? And then two newbies walk in? Was that really jarring?

Hayley  22:33 it was shocking to me. Because what I want the world to understand, is at no point did we have any idea what was going on, like, no new people were coming in. We didn’t know until the crate scene that we were going to be eliminated. Like we really didn’t know. So when two new people came in, I was shocked. But I was excited because I knew like there was a disadvantage in that position anyway. So what am I going to benefit? Or how am I going to benefit by not being welcoming to these people? Like if anything, they’re going to add numbers to me if I work it that way. But I also actually genuinely like those two, so it works.

Becca I haven’t met Kelso love his crazy accent. It felt I know, hot. I don’t know that. And I said I said hi. Um, I will. And Eva is really cool. I feel like you guys bonded like it shows on the show.

Hayley Eva’s so cool. She’s so smart. And I think naturally I just bond with women that I like that that I can connect to on a spiritual level if you will. Love Eva, she’s good people. And she knows how to survive in the outdoors. So if I was ever to do that, again, I’d want her on my side.

Becca Oh, and another person that really melted my heart and the way that he stood up for you was Shea

Hayley Oh, sweet Shea butter. Yeah, we love Shea. Shea is definitely a fan favorite. He’s always going to be a favorite in my heart. And I think anything that I wish was shown more in the show was the friendship I really built with Shay and Copan as well, I mean with many people, but the three of us had a really tight alliance that I don’t think was really shown very much on the show, but hence why that whole crate scene went down the way it did

Becca  24:40 Okay, that makes sense because he was so selfless and he clearly had already like, formed a really strong friendship with you in that moment. Um, I cried at that scene. At home, I remember hearing about it when you got home just like the Basic like, this is why this guy is amazing shape. Awesome. However, I did not realize until I watched that moment how powerful it was. So I love you for how you spoke and how you treated him since you guys are still like, really good friends.

Hayley  25:17 I’ve still seen people, almost everyone from the show since filming. So, you know, we’ve planned a lot of trips and done little things together, which is really nice that we can all do that.

Becca  25:30 Do you feel like you were in a throuple in any way with Shay and Taylor, because it was so funny watching y’all cuddle?

Hayley  25:37 I think it’s safe to say we were in a throuple? Yeah. Yeah, no, if only right? No, it was not a throuple situation. But I will say I was friends. And we, you know, if I had to share a room with any couple I’m glad it could be Shayler.

Becca  25:56 And from what you’ve explained, it sounds like it was like a really cute friend. Love Story. I don’t know. I, I loved watching it.

Hayley  26:09 It was very, that can be said among most of the cast. Like it was very cool. Yeah. Like, I think strategically casting casted people who were like that who have like, genuine hearts. Maybe not that, you know, I’m not going to speak for everyone. But I think they definitely tried to make it difficult for us to backstab each other. They wanted to pick people who they knew would be on the fence about doing that, if you will. So I think they just tried to pick people with good hearts, and it kind of worked out. Oh, and that’s rare for reality TV. Yeah, throw in a lot of games. I know. I’m not to say there weren’t cutthroat moments in surviving paradise. Like, of course there were there ever has to be. But yeah, I think they really tried to pick people who wouldn’t want to hurt each other.

Becca  27:00 My mom is a big fan of surviving paradise. And Hayley obviously, she watched the whole show the first night it came out. And I remember the next morning I was with her. And she was like, the thing I love most about the show are the true like human moments when you see people like, you know, being selfless and giving to others and maybe not for like Alliance forming. But right. One thing I’m thinking about was when Taylor and Shea brought the vegetables down, that really like touched me, because I did not expect them to do that. And it was a cool moment.

Hayley  27:36 I just feel like so early in the game. They had to bring those veggies back. And I love them for it. I love them that they you know, for doing that. But also imagine if they didn’t, they would have had a target on themselves so early in the game. And I think they made the right move by doing that for sure.

Becca  27:53 Yeah, and I think another selfless moment that was not captured, but I have been told about from you is maybe there was like a boat situation where you might have been in danger, like literal danger. And I have known about this since you got home. And I was wondering if you maybe want to share a little bit more since it wasn’t shown.

Hayley  28:14 I think it’s time to tell my truth. And thank you for giving me a platform to do that on Becca. Um, yeah. So on the scene or in the scene where we are on a boat it is when Gabe enters. You know, Gabe has been there maybe 15 minutes we just met barely know this guy, right? Everyone decides they want to go for a little swim. See, when else are we going to be in the sea. I say let’s go you guys. I’m always down for the Get down. But I’m also not a great swimmer, um, which will come later on the story. So what I don’t realize about the sea, and I also blame games freakin boat doing five circles around us, you know, currents were being made waves were happening. And I’m in the water. And next thing I know, I’m really in the water. I think it was getting further and further from this catamaran, whatever you call it. And it’s getting to the point where I’m trying to swim closer in a bitch camp. So I start screaming for Copan. I don’t know why it’s Copan. I’m like Copan is my only Savior. I think I should also add during this distress moment, all cameras are pointed at me. And there is a safety person but they’re like coming to my safety. They’re just lingering in the back. So immediately I know okay, they want to film this and I have to figure this out for myself because of course let me also add I think if I was in a real situation where I was going to pass on the obviously would have saved me Netflix is not trying to have a liability of my death. But hoping says no I can’t I don’t know. how to swim. We sell Oklahoma we can’t blame the guy he’s never been near the ocean. So sweet Aaron from Texas and Gabe from South Dakota decide they’re jumping in save me which is so sweet. And they finally get to me, you know because I’m decently far from this boat at this point they get to me and Aaron on never forget looks me dead in the eye and he’s just like, Hayley. I don’t know, that hope I can help like I’m having a hard time to love him for trying game looks me in the eyes next and says, grab onto my leg. I know this man. But of course I’m gonna do it. So I wrapped both my my arms and also my legs because he’s a tall man. I fit on his entire leg and he backstroke my ass all the way back to the catamaran. They can swim like save up the man, but he can swim. He was a little mermaid and you were Eric drowning in the sea. Yeah. What was so funny too, is after he saved me. He was like, Hayley, like, please don’t jump in again.

Becca  31:18 He doesn’t know you. He doesn’t know you have any survival skills. Like you’re like, I’m not going to do that again. But thank you. Bless him.

Hayley  31:25 I understand why he had to put it out there. But I was like gave you my promise

Becca  31:33 There’s a moment when you’re entering the villa in the next scene that I realized, because you mentioned him being a swimmer. Yeah. And I don’t think anyone else would pick up on why you meant that unless we discussed this moment.

Hayley So yeah, we get back to the villa. And I’m like gave there’s two pools, you must be excited or something like that.

Becca And yeah, that you’re like, probably, like very overwhelmed. You just survived or drowning. And that’s like, the first thing you think of is like, let me go jump in a pool.

Hayley  32:04 I really survived paradise. But I will say I was in those pools quite a bit like, I can do a still pool. I’m fine. It’s the currents that really took me for a ride.

Becca  32:16 What about that pool they had you like floating on? that was so cool. I mean, until they had you all, like, sit at those tables and eliminate each other. But wasn’t that the same scene you’re talking about? When we debated at the restaurant, there was like a really cool scene and you’re wearing like a black dress with the your sunglasses, and you’re on the floating pool.

Hayley  32:38 So that scene was actually at a restaurant? that was some restaurant, which was funny, because after a certain amount of time, I don’t know if the production studio only like rented this place for a certain allotted amount of time. But patrons started coming into the restaurant as we’re filming. And we’re just like, staring and had their phones out on us.

Becca And what’s happening is the scene that you’re doing the table? like yeah, that’s a really intense scene to have like random patrons.

Hayley They started coming in. Yeah, like around after that. And I’m like, gotta go somewhere else, you guys.

Becca  33:28 But it was a really nice restaurant. I mean, it did look really nice. I thought that was part of the villa. And I was like, wow, I’ve always wanted to be on a standing floating pool like, yeah, she’s really done everything.

Hayley I’ve done it all you guys, there’s nothing left for me.

Becca Well, on that topic, if there’s anything that you could have done differently, watching the show back,is there any moments that you would like to redo?

Hayley  33:49 So like, it’s hard to say like, what would I do? I think if that was to happen again, and I had no memory of what happened, I probably would do it exactly the same. So no, I mean, of course, there’s things that led to my demise. You know, I could have gotten to know certain people more. But what was tough is like there’s, you’re not at the same place as these people when you’re at camp versus the villa. So it’s tough to get to know everyone on a deep level if you’re not in the same places. At the same time, if you watch the show, you know who I’m talking about, but, you know, I feel like me and that person just weren’t together enough to really form a relationship enough for them to not, you know, choose me in that scenario. But anything to do different, maybe, maybe be a little more cutthroat. I don’t know. My style, though, like even saying that out loud. Like, I’m not really a cutthroat person, so I can’t. Wow, that would have been cool to see a version of me be like that. It wouldn’t have been authentic to myself. So yeah, what are you gonna do?

Becca  34:59 I think that’s a very Hayley answer. that’s in a good way, honestly, like you shone through as yourself and you’re not going to be villainized. Because that’s just not who you are

Hayley  35:13 exactly like, of course, I could have acted like that. But I think I would have been upset watching the show back in not seeing who I felt like I was on the inside, if that makes sense.

Becca  35:25 Did you feel like any of the cast members didn’t get a fair edit with how they came off on the show? Is there anyone who you can think of?

Hayley  35:32 hard to say I think like they would have to save for their individual self, you know, I don’t want to put anyone in that box saying they got a good or bad edit. I think that’s such an individual feeling. I will say, of course, like with that being said, you have to remember, no matter what you’re watching it’s an edit, you know that three weeks condensed into, you know, eight hours. So I guess if anything, just keep that in mind that whatever you are watching in any reality show that isn’t edited. And that’s just not who that person necessarily is at their core, there’s so much more.

Becca  36:08

Yeah, I feel like that’s really true. And how has like your experience on the show and meeting your classmates and bonding with them? Like, how has that changed your perception of reality TV and how they edit the experience that we see?

Hayley  36:22 Well I will say, I, of course, knew it was going to be edited. So like, that was always in the back of my mind, that’s to be expected. So you know, of course, I didn’t want to be edited to be anything. I’m not to. I’m not. And I don’t think that I was, so I’m happy with that. And that makes me happy to watch other reality shows to think like, oh, maybe that is really their character since mine was really, as it was portrayed and surviving paradise. But I think a few things have changed in terms of my perception. I mean, I love reality TV. But going into this, I remember saying to Zach, before I left for Greece, I promise I’m not going to be that bitch who comes back and says they just love all their classmates and their besties and whatnot. But I didn’t happen though it happened, like, what I couldn’t fathom until I experienced it is how much you do bond with these people, just because you have such a unique experience that you have bonded together and you go through different trauma things and you really get to know each other in three weeks, because you’re essentially just stuck with each other. So I do love everyone. And you know, I was mad at myself for feeling that way. But, you know, it happens to the best of them. And I also think that when I watch reality TV now, I’m a little nicer about my judgments on people. You know, I would just talk shit on people just because that’s what you do. And now I’m like, all people are doing that to me. You know, people are yelling out there.

Becca  37:56 The internet is mean. And I feel like myself and a lot of your friends have been really like, like, talking shit to bullies on social media. like Instagram comments. Like, I don’t respond, but I know like other people do and I’ll just like, like, everything all like comment positive stuff I love. We got to put more positive energy out there.

Hayley  38:25 that’s exactly it. I think before being on this show, you know, I would watch I would never an internet troll. Let me be abundantly clear about that. I would never put my thoughts on the internet that way, because that’s not my style. But you know, just like saying things out loud. I think you just get to be more understanding because you’re like, oh, man, someone’s saying mean stuff about me on their couch. Dammit.

Becca  38:48 Yeah, but I think there’s a lot more like good vibes going out there towards you. And I hope you’re feeling them. Have you gotten a lot of positive feedback from your listeners on the radio?

Hayley  39:01 Most people are really excited and nice to me about it. You know, I’ve gotten a lot of really nice messages people think that I’m quite relatable and things like that, which Thank you.

Becca You’re our Queen of the North.

Hayley Someone has to be no. So yeah, I would say honestly, 95% of the feedback I get is positive. And then the mean ones like I don’t interact, I don’t care like you don’t. You don’t know me, you know, the edit and how the you know, the show wanted it to look and there’s a million different ways they could have edited it. It’s just how the cookie crumbles.

Becca  39:37 That’s a good answer. And I feel like the people that are like saying negative things on the internet are probably not feeling very good about themselves. And I know that’s like something moms say when their kids are getting bullied, but it’s definitely true. You wouldn’t be wasting your time talking shit about people you don’t know.

Hayley  40:02 I think that’s true like in just a general situation too. Like, yeah, if you’re going online and talking shit to people, there’s something going on there because that’s not something a normal person does. I shouldn’t say normal, happy person does. Happy, Healthy. Yeah, humble. Yeah, none of us are normal.

Becca  40:21 Let that be clear. We’re weird as fuck. But we just try to like, keep that to ourselves and not like spread negativity.

Hayley  40:29 Yeah. The negativity in the world. We don’t need to be any part of that.

Becca  40:33 No, no, no. And speaking of positivity, I loved your dance scenes. Like anytime you’re in the zone. You’re breaking it down. Tell me about those moments. Like was that your favorite part of the villa?

Hayley  40:48 Oh, yes. That was my favorite part everywhere. They didn’t show me throw ass camp but believe it was thrown. I love dance scenes, especially because you know, I’m a big Love Island fan. And they would always have the dance scenes on that show. And I’d always watch them be like, Oh, I hope you know one day I get to be in a scene like and I love the dancing. I’m a dancer. I like to shake it and I got a few moments in. I don’t know if you even noticed when after my demise. I throw a little ass before I leave so

Becca oh my goodness. I’m proud of you girl. I never like know you even that even happened. You just moved on from that moment.

Hayley you can see if you go back back. You’re gonna have to go back. You can see it for a second.

Becca Is this like on the boat?

Hayley No. Oh, sorry. Not that demise. My like actual demise.

Becca  41:48 She’s still here, folks. She came back. She rose from the dead. She has made up and she might have been demolished on the show. But she is back. Better than ever. It’s fine. Um, what was your favorite off camera moment? Like, is there something that you remember that they just didn’t show? I mean, the boat probably wasn’t your favorite?

Hayley  42:08 No, I was bummed. They didn’t put that in because I felt like I needed to see it to believe it wasn’t a fever dream, that specific moment. But for me, in terms of things that I wish they shown what I’m gonna say something I know they wouldn’t show and that is how much we would just like sing together and dance and just like sing full songs. And obviously they can’t show that due to, you know, copyright reasons. But specifically, it can’t just like me, Aaron and Justin all the time would finish lines of songs and we’re singing with each other and that was a big way to kind of pass the time as well. So I understand why they can’t show that but that was something behind the scenes that really bonded us

Becca I would say our listeners need to go and watch that Tik Tok you have Aaron and it’s like a Gavin DeGraw song which I’m like, we love Gavin DeGraw

Hayley I hope Gavin DeGraw watches this video and understands that we love love him.

Becca  43:11 I’ve always loved him saying yes, that was a great moment though. Because like he literally heard once one word and he knew the song.

Hayley  43:19 Yeah, because that’s just what we did. Like we we have songs now that are our songs. You remember my birthday? So last year for my birthday, Aaron, Linda, Copan Yeah, that’s who came and then we were in Boston where Justin lives. So that was the crew who was in Boston, but we were in our Airbnb getting ready to go out one night and we just kept singing and you know, having a time and we got yelled at by the tenant below.

Becca I was so mad

Hayley I was just like, Okay, I honestly didn’t give a shit because it wasn’t that late. It was a Saturday. And I’m like, I think 6pm it was like 6pm I rarely see these people. I’m like, I’m so sorry. But we’re doing this.

Becca  44:08 My boyfriend had to perform kissed by a rose by seal in front of the group. It was a great moment. We bonded.

Hayley  44:18 I wish we had footage of that to like, splice here but it’s just up here.

Becca  44:22 We’re gonna have to redo it. So that was a fun night. I did meet Aaron. He’s very beautiful in person – shout out. He’s really nice too.

Hayley Yeah, he comes off on top on the show pretty much as he is in person.

Becca He comes off a little intense in camp. I feel like he really got into that experience.

Hayley 44:52 Yes, yes. He’s like a little Iron Man. You know, he likes those intense physical activities. So I think he enjoyed you know, hiking up to the freakin water pump which Have you ever showed me something I wish they showed more? The height to that water pump like more times than not proud to admit? How far away was the water? It was you walking up a hill to get to water? Yes, it was thorny I show and he never showed any of that. So it looks Haley’s not putting in any physical labor. But let him know I had cuts. I was depleted of energy. Just going to get the water for everybody chicks and grow so heavy that was bringing it back in those big guys like metal jugs that we had.

Becca  45:36 That’s like messed up that they didn’t share that because I feel like that would have helped you to like, understand what challenges y’all were dealing with. I knew it was hard from your stories, but not everyone knew that

Hayley  45:48 I felt for the camera people who had to come with us for that, because that was intense because they’re hiking with us. But with these giant cameras, so that’s pretty crazy. I got to give it up to those people behind the scenes. People never really think of that I feel there for everything like the hike. You saw Taylor and Shea like there’s multiple cameramen doing that same hike. But with I couldn’t even tell you how many pounds those cameras must be. So there was one time a camera man fell down the hill and it was kind of sad and scared. He’s okay, he’s good water. Like did you have water? Um, yes, but that wasn’t why he fell. Um, that’s only why I think he fell it was just slippery. The dirt, um, I think fell from underneath him and it was just kind of slippery in certain parts. So he slept back.

Becca Is he doing okay?

Hayley I think I’m sure I remember ever men, God loved them. But hopefully they’re all doing great and thriving and doing some more amazing shows.

Becca  46:57 I hope they’re doing well. I feel like that would be such a cool job, but also really crazy like to have.

Hayley Yes. And on top of that the people who set this up, it’s crazy, like so set up, obviously, everything but the water pump. Like someone had to be the one to create all those things. And I just think that’s pretty amazing. That’s a job I never really thought of, but of course it has to exist. I guess.

Becca There are so many jobs that I’ve learned about from your experience on the show just like the people that were your keepers, the people that traveled with you, it’s like crazy how many people are behind the scenes of the show?

Hayley  47:35 Oh my god, hundreds, hundreds.

Becca  47:37 And basically just their job is to keep you all contained.

Hayley  47:43 Keep us contained. Make sure things are going to plan make sure we’re not doing anything reckless getting hurt. Yeah, it’s it’s a big responsibility.

Becca  47:53 And, um, you know, we got a little bit of a taste of like the ending of the show, we’ll have to have our listeners watch to see what happens. Can you tell us a little bit about the final night after the, you know, finale will say what was that like to finally be able to like go back to some normal?

Hayley  48:14 Ooh, so the night after filming, because we got one day together after filming before we had to go back home. So that night, I mean, it was crazy, because we all could finally be together and not be filmed. So people let loose, we got drunk, and we closed down this bar in Greece, there was hardly anyone there when we got there. So we just like filled up this place and definitely stuck out like sore thumbs. The people who were there were just filming us all night because they’re like, who are crazy Americans. I think it was just very obvious. You know, we were up to something, you know, filming something, maybe. So that was so fun. And it was fun to get loose with everyone and dance to real music. Because during the dance scenes in the show, they’re not playing like actual music. It’s kind of like royalty free probably music. You know, I think one of the biggest things I missed being on the show was music. It’s just like a big part of my life. So to be able to get out there and like dance to actual songs with people and it sounds like such a baseline activity to do with your friends, but it was really cool. Did they let you drink during the show? We drink but we never not ever enough to get drunk. Like I think they Max us out it too. And some people you know, obviously are more lightweights than others. So you know, there were a I’m speaking about myself. Me too. I would be like toasted after two. If I hadn’t been drinking like yeah, that’s a lot. The night I first came to the villa, you know, obviously my stomach was not right. I had been eating rice and beans. For a week at that point, so I got a little tipsy that night, you know, and I also hadn’t had alcohol. It probably had been maybe a month at that point, you know, between other things. So, so that was fun to get a little tipsy. So maybe got a bit of a buzz during our drinker dare or drinker truth.

Becca  50:20 I don’t know, whatever. What was seen with Aaron. And you’re all around that, like little couch outside? Yes. Okay. Yeah, that was a good moment. I was clapping at the TV when you said what you said. I mean, we don’t have to go into everything. But you definitely spoke the truth that all the listener or the all the viewers of the show were thinking

Hayley  50:48 that was like a good moment for me, is I think up to that point, no one really knew what I was thinking. And no one really knew if I had any idea what was going on, because I was trying to like, keep it close to my chest. So that was also a moment where it’s like, okay, Hayley is a little bit checked into, like, what’s

Becca  51:04 it showing that you’ve really like worked on your gossip skills over your life, so that you know what’s going on and you get the tea, but you don’t have to spill it? That’s the thing. Like I’m observant. I know. I think I’m, I’m smarter than people think, you know, sometimes, women it’s nothing personal. I mean, it’s still care. I’m not gonna change my personality for people to think I’m a different way. So it is what it is. But yeah, I think up to that point, it was, it was a bit of a mystery. But yeah, I wasn’t going to spill to game. Um, I’m competitive over a gossip. So I at least know when to shut my mouth. Yeah, I was really proud of you for just getting the truth there. It was so funny, because everyone just completely agreed. And it felt like the one thing that no one wanted to say. So that was a good moment. There was a moment for sure. And so when you were heading back to the United States after this, like month long hiatus, what was what were you most excited about? Like, I’m, I kind of have an idea. But what tell us about that time?

Hayley  52:16 To my man, thank you to my man. Obviously Zach like I hadn’t seen Zach in six weeks. We couldn’t speak during the filming. I missed him so much. So it was Zach and my cat

Becca  52:35 Remember like Zach and I were like trying to figure out like, what the show was like, while we’re gone, and he’s a really good detective owe him a shout out.

Hayley  52:46 He’s an absolute Sleuth. So during the show, just a little backstory, we don’t have phones anymore. They take them during filming. But we do have people called the welfare team who will check in with our loved ones just to be like, hey, they’re alive. They’re like they’re doing okay. So shout out to Patti. He was my guy. And he was actually he was texting Zach. And I believe someone else was texting my mom, those were the two people who they had contact with. And Zach got a photo of me to ensure that I was still alive. And the two of you were zooming into the background and finding little pieces of evidence trying to put things together, which I thought was hilarious. And we were right. We figured some stuff out. Like that was a good moment.

Becca  53:37 He had that photo zoomed in. He’s like, look at what I found. Like I saw him at a concert while you were gone, and I could just tell like the 10 minutes we chatted like he was so sad. Like he missed you so much like Yeah, but he was do like you guys are like 10 years and like so much love there was already your little baby like, yeah, that was that was for him.

Hayley  54:07 Yeah, yeah, that was hard. Like, obviously, we’ve never gone that long without speak. I don’t know that we’ve gone a day in 10 years without speaking our mind, you know that much time so. So that was tough. But outside of that, I mean, I was living my best life in Greece, it was nice to not have to go to work. So how was that transition back to the radio station and not being able to talk about where you were weird. I’m not gonna lie like the first few months coming back and like just having to be back on call my regular life because I feel like I live a regular life. But you know, just back into my routine. Like, I was DJing weddings again and back at the radio station. And yeah, it was. It’s tough. It’s still tough now, like, I don’t want to work.

Becca  54:50 Well, like you’ve gotten some really cool gigs lately. I got to see you shake your booty on stage at an epic emo night in Maine. That was so fun. Yes, lots of exciting events and different ventures to come as well. So we’ll keep our listeners up to date on all those exciting activities. Oh, for sure. And like one good thing that came out of you coming back from Greece that summer was us, you know, starting this podcast so quickly. Yeah, we have been planning this for almost as long as you’ve been home, which is kind of crazy

Hayley  55:33 This interview was planned before the podcast was planned. We’re like, only how can we actually do this interview and make it make sense? So we did a whole season of a podcast?

Becca  55:45 Um, that’s it? No, but for real, I’ve been planning this interview or oh, this. It’s been awesome. Just to see everything come to fruition. I mean, there were a few moments in the past year and a half where we were like, is the show ever coming out? Yeah. Yeah.

Hayley  56:02 So that’s another thing. I don’t know if people know, because I didn’t. It takes a long freakin time for this shit to get edited and put out it was basically a year and a half. Um, so that in between Limbo time was tough. Just like having to keep this big secret to myself, was kind of tough to be honest.

Becca  56:25 Oh, for sure. I mean, we were like, interviewing our friends without being able to tell them so maybe they’ll watch this. And finally, this is our apology. Sorry for never telling you about Hayley’s show.

Hayley  56:37 In the back of Becca’s car. We’re just like, alright, Jenni Smith.

Becca  56:39 So Jenni better watch the show. And I hope she’s doing well. She’s married now.

Hayley  56:47 I’m not gonna throw her frickin name out. but you if you listen to that reunion, you know we love our girl, Jenni Cardin Smith. So whenever her new name is shout out to everyone who appeared because that is the last thing our listeners got to enjoy. Like I’m just realizing that now we haven’t put out any other content like this. So yeah. Oh, you know, Ali’s been waiting for this show to come out. Y’all literally

Becca  57:22 I mean, it’s been a busy year, I got a new job. Shout out got a promotion. In three months. Got a promotion. I’ll just brag about that too. And I also got a puppy.

Hayley  57:34 You got like multiple puppies since we last. Lovey.

Becca  57:39 Luna was a little baby when we were doing the show. And now she’s a full grown two year old and she Theo. Leo is well wait so he won’t let and

Hayley  57:52 Becca tell them their relation because I think that’s so cute.

Becca  57:56 So this is a great story. We decided Tyler and I that we wanted a second puppy Luna deserves a baby sibling and she’s so happy. It’s been like two weeks, that Haley’s met this little baby. And she can attest that they are in love. Yes. But the greatest part is they’re actually related by blood. And we didn’t know that when we put the deposit down. We just thought that they were from the same breeder. Like, it could have been a bunch of different qualities that they have on this farm. But then we found out that it’s actually Lunas brother’s son. So it’s really special. And they have both like the best personality corgis are just known for being like, so sweet. And they’re just so loving, and they run around and it’s exhausting, but it’s the best.

Hayley  58:45 Yeah, you have some really great life updates back up between the promotion and the new puppy. We’re just winning out here.

Becca  58:54 We’re winning. Yeah. I feel like this has been a really transformative year for both of us.

Hayley  59:02 Even if we didn’t win our freshman year, President and Secretary elections, we’re gonna win at this thing called life and there’s nothing all these haters can do about it. Okay. We’re the Secretary and the President in our lives. So what does that say? Exactly? That period might drop areas all you need. Um, so in your future? Have you thought about whether you would go on another reality show, Haley? Oh, I would love to. I mean, I would still love to be on the circle. That was kind of the original thing I wanted to be on. But there’s so many other shows I would do. I’m so competitive. I don’t know if that’s something that’s evident about me or not, but you put me in like a game situation. I really thrive I feel so I would love to do another show fingers crossed for the circle. But if that doesn’t work out, hopefully something else down the line. If anyone has any recommendations, please slide into my DMs to all the producers Who’s out there listening? Please get back to Haley. All of the casting agents, like whoever’s out there listening. I know you’re there.

Becca  1:00:07 I mean, this is a random one, but I was asked to be on, like go to a casting for Married at First Sight. Oh my gosh, when was that? It was 2017. So I hadn’t met Tyler while we weren’t dating and I was in Europe. So that was my reason for not going to the casting. So you might have I like I was reached out to by one of the producers saying like, You’re what we’re looking for, for our Boston crew. And so I watched that season, and I saw who I would have been, like, Married at First Sight to and I don’t think it would have worked out. Oh,

Hayley  1:00:45 well, then I’m glad he wasn’t meant to be. It wasn’t meant to be.

Becca  1:00:49 So that’s my, like, my only experience with even thinking about being on a show, but I feel like survive in paradise. The fact that you could have, you know, you still could win money in another show setting. I think that is the type of show I would want to be honest. Like the money is the motive.

Hayley  1:01:04 Oh, yeah, of course. I mean, I could never do a dating show for obvious reasons. But also the prize is a man?

Becca  1:01:13 if you’re on The Bachelor, then you have to just like win a man? they do get to be on Dancing with the Stars potentially. That’s the only benefit.

Hayley  1:01:20 You know, if we’re manifesting that’s what I want to be on.

Becca  1:01:26 Can you host, Hayley? then you would be with Alfonso like, please like that needs to be a thing.

Hayley You don’t like Julianne Hough?

Becca I do. I’m thinking, Tyra because we’re watching season 31 I’m gonna be honest.

Hayley I could do a whole episode about Tyra Banks. God love her. Um, but I’d like to on Dancing with the Stars to dance. I think I need to do some other things to get to that star level. But that’s what I’m working toward that and the Masked Singer. Let’s manifest that and we’re also going to manifest us going to those tapings because we’re both obsessed with dance shows and we just want to go be in the audience.

Hayley  1:02:06 So one of these days it’s happening knee and back are gonna make an LA trip and just hit up all the shows they will let us into

Becca  1:02:13 I actually think there’s this is a funny note to end on that. Our first like season of our show we talked about we were going to go to a Vegas Music Festival. Yeah, and of all dates in the whole world of all the dates that could have come it was the date of your launch was the date before this festival this year?

Hayley  1:02:34 Yeah, we were supposed to go to When We Were Young in Vegas, but it’s just like how of all days that kind of I just couldn’t see myself going to a music festival as the show is coming out. It was a really intense moment for me

Becca  1:02:51 I think we would have been like binging the show while we were on our way there and I had to work it didn’t make sense. So we did just secure tickets to 2024

Hayley  1:03:05 And I gotta say not to hate on last year’s when we were young festival lineup this year is way more our speed. Like Fall Out Boy. All American Rejects, a day to remember – who I just love. Like there’s so many groups.

Becca  1:03:21 So I think Copan should come to this.

Hayley I gotta tell Copan it’s on his birthday. I’m not even kidding.

Becca Okay, Copan when you listen, if we don’t remember to tell you before, we’re gonna secure a ticket. And maybe you’ll be on the circle by then.

Hayley  1:03:39 How fun would it be? We’re manifesting it

Becca  1:03:48 I think this has been such a fun, like, just dive into your experience.

Hayley  1:03:55 Thank you, Becca.

Becca I learned some things that I didn’t even know about.

Hayley Good. Yeah, I mean, overall, great experience. I’m glad I get to continue this beautiful experience with you. And with that being said, Can I announce what part two of this episode will be? Yes, I would love for you to so ladies and gentlemen. It doesn’t just end here even though in this is enough. I know it is. But we have another very special treat coming for you next week. It is an interview with some cast mates. Let’s not even say who yet though. Becca, there’s going pro or we have four cast mates joining us for a joint interview. And I think you’re really going to like what you hear and their perspectives and stories are going to be amazing as well.

Becca  1:04:48 I can’t wait to meet them face to face. Yeah, I feel like I know them from the show.

Hayley  1:04:55 I know, it’s gonna be really full circle for me to see you and them in her act is like when worlds collide in a really beautiful way. Yes.

Becca  1:05:04 I mean, we’re kind of a force to be reckoned with.

Hayley  1:05:11 get ready get excited. And following that, of course, me and Becca have been in discussions about a season two of Fever Dream Diaries as well. So here’s just a little sprinkle to get y’all by. There is another season coming. And we’re very excited to dive into that as well.

Becca  1:05:29 So follow us on Spotify, if you’re not already. And that way you’ll get notifications when we have season two episodes ready. And we also have a newsletter that comes out monthly with some behind the scenes about what we’re up to. So you can subscribe to that for free on our website, which is also to be updated quickly. So we’ll have some new exciting things for people soon. Love that.

Hayley  1:05:54 Yeah, get excited, y’all. 2024 is gonna be a big year for Becca and I were speaking it into existence.

Becca  1:06:01 18 years of friendship next year, just saying. that makes me disgusted.

Hayley That’s okay. Yeah, it’s fine. We’re better than ever. We’re the secretaries and presidents of our own lives. So what can I say? Nothing. That’s it. I don’t need a president. I am my own president

Hayley  1:06:28 through elections next year. I’m my president.

Becca And also thank you for being a feminist on the show. Like you shouted that out. I loved it.

Hayley Well, it was when they were sending all the girls back. I’m like, Oh, I don’t like that. I’m just getting sent back because I’m a girl but I also need a shower.

Becca sick with period blood.

Hayley Well my period was basically over. I’d been like a week so it was in the tail.

Becca You just got that like, final part. Okay, we’re gonna Yeah.

Hayley And then on the final part of our periods. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for tuning in. And we’ll see you next week for part two. Get excited.

KEYWORDS

Hayley, talk, moment, filming, night, people, watch, happening, scene, camp, love, villa, feel, good, season, funny, year, game, shout, thought, netflix, becca, surviving paradise