After Reality with Courtney Robertson

I’m joined by Bachelor Nation favorite Ben Higgins, and we’re talking about what life really looks like after reality TV — from stepping into fatherhood to finding a deeper sense of purpose.Ben opens up about the emotions of celebrating his daughter’s first Christmas, the personal growth he’s experienced since his Bachelor days, and how his spiritual journey has evolved over the years. We also dive into the expanded edition of his book, Alone in Plain Sight, where he explores loneliness, vulnerability, and faith in a way that feels honest and relatable.We talk about why he’s shifted toward service and philanthropy, how Generous Coffee has become part of that mission, and the work he’s passionate about when it comes to supporting people experiencing homelessness. Ben also shares what he’s building next — including upcoming faith-based programming with iHeartMedia — and gives his take on the current state of the Bachelor franchise.This conversation is heartfelt, real, and grounding… and Ben’s message is simple: you’re not alone, and there’s always a way back to connection and [email protected] in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You're Seen But Not Knownhttps://wholesale.generouscoffee.com/collections/all-coffee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of After Reality, Reality Steve joins me to dig into the latest Bachelor Nation drama — starting with Taylor Frankie Paul’s headline-making turn as the new Bachelorette. We get into why her casting is shaking up the franchise, the early behind-the-scenes tea, and what this shift says about the future of the show.We also tackle a few current Bachelor Nation headlines — yes, including a certain podcaster’s recent mom-shaming blunder (looking at you, Nick Viall). Consider this our friendly reminder that if you don’t have something supportive to say… maybe don’t say it on a podcast with millions of listeners.Plus, I’m sharing my updated take on Mel Owens and Peg — because I’ve officially changed my tune, and I’m prepared to eat a little humble pie over it.@Realitystevehttps://patreon.com/realitysteve Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of After Reality, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics as a recovering people-pleaser: the nervous system. I’m joined by somatic practitioner Kallie Klug (aka Kallie Somatics), host of the Your Own Medicine podcast, who breaks down what really happens in our bodies when we shift into fight, flight, freeze… and the response almost no one talks about: fawn.If you’ve ever apologized to keep the peace, said “yes” when you meant absolutely not, or shut down in conflict just to survive the moment, you might actually be fawning — a biological survival strategy wired for protection, not politeness. Kallie explains how fawning differs from everyday people-pleasing, how these patterns get formed, and why “just speak up!” doesn’t stick when your body doesn’t feel safe.We talk nervous system triggers, how trauma shapes behavior, and why so many of us feel tired, resentful, and burned out from being “good” all the time. Kallie also shares practical somatic tools for boundary-setting (especially during the holidays) and we get into her upcoming book, Tired of Being "Good": A nervous system map for reinhibiting your body after a lifetime of fawning.IG: @kali.somaticsYour Own Medicine Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-own-medicine-podcast/id1584877807 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s that time of year again — the After Reality Holiday Gift Guide is here! Before we get swept up in the sparkle (and stress) of shopping, I’m starting with something that truly makes gift-giving easier: the five love languages. Once you know how your people feel most appreciated, choosing the right gift suddenly becomes… dare I say… fun?In our house, we’re leaning more into experience gifts over “stuff.” Don’t get me wrong — I still love a gorgeous kitchen gadget, personalized accessories, and a chic, elevated loungewear set that can survive drop-offs and all-day errands. But the older my kids get, the more I’m realizing that tickets to the zoo or a year-round membership last way longer than the toy that’s played with twice and turns into clutter.This year, I’m sharing my favorite picks across every category — from high-quality cookware to cozy little splurges for moms, dads, in-laws, teachers, and that impossible person who claims they “don’t need anything.”I even phoned in backup from Papa Robertson. He came through with unexpectedly genius, budget-friendly ideas: magazine subscriptions, practical staples like flashlights (yes, flashlights), and timeless classics like books and digital photo frames. Leave it to Dad to keep it simple and smart.This episode is all about thoughtful gifting without overdoing it — choosing items that bring joy, create memories, or simply make life easier. Whether it’s a Dyson vacuum you’ll use forever or a family outing they’ll never forget, let’s make this season meaningful instead of overwhelming.PEUGEOT Salt & Pepper Mills CODE Courtney10CUTS CLOTHING https://shop.cutsclothing.com/COURTNEYLOOPY CASES COURTNEY10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of After Reality, I’m sitting down with Meghann Turner from Season 19 of Married at First Sight—my personal standout of the season. Meghann is funny, strong, real, and a fellow true-crime lover, so we hit it off right away. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss.In our conversation, Meghann walks me through her MAFS journey—from filming and navigating a marriage on camera to the emotional highs and lows that came with it. She opens up about her relationship with Derrek Wiedeman, the frustration on how hard it was when serious conversations only seemed to happen once the cameras were rolling.Meghann also bravely shares what happened after Decision Day, including the heartbreaking miscarriage she experienced and the sudden end of her marriage when Derrek moved on soon after. She talks honestly about confronting him at the reunion and the pain of that moment. Today, Meghann is focused on therapy, healing, and stepping into new chapters—both personally and professionally. She’s rebuilding her life with a strong community of support around her, and even exploring online dating as she rediscovers what love and connection look like after MAFS. Her strength, honesty, and resilience shine through, and I’m so grateful she chose to share her story with us.@meghannturner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.