Latest / The Drama Drop / Walking the Plank: Behind the Scenes of Love Overboard, Relationship Fallout, & Love Island Insights

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Walking the Plank: Behind the Scenes of Love Overboard, Relationship Fallout, & Love Island Insights · The Drama Drop

• The Drama Drop: Hey everyone, welcome back to the drama drop. I'm so excited for today's episode because I got to sit down with James from the Hulu reality series Love Overboard. If you've watched the show, then you already know there was no shortage of drama, romance, and some pretty unforgettable moments. And if you haven't seen it, don't worry, you definitely don't need to have watched it to enjoy this conversation. We get into how James ended up on the show in the first place, what filming was actually like, some behind-the-scenes moments that viewers never got to see, and how life has changed since everything aired. James. Welcome to Drama Drop podcast. I'm so excited to have you on. I have so many questions. There's so many things I want to talk to you about. But first, I want to talk about how we got here. So, Drama Drop, we're ⁓ no stranger to posting. ⁓ memes about people on reality TV. You of course were no exception. I just need to know what were your thoughts whenever you started getting tagged in this all these love overboard memes, reels, whatever you want to call it. We also couldn't resist talking about the current season of Love Island USA. So you'll definitely hear some of his hot takes on everything happening in the villa right now. It was such a fun conversation and I think you guys are really going to James Barranca: Dude, honestly, seeing memes, I I I already knew like some memes were gonna pop up. I think seeing them after it was like something I didn't think that were gonna happen was like, ⁓ shoot, like that's kinda funny, but I'm like, ⁓ man, I'm I'm a meme. I'm like, damn, especially being there was a year ago we filmed, so I could just like in my head play like damn, are they gonna like get me a clip of me doing some funny stuff or like some crazy stuff? Like how are people gonna see it? So but after now seeing that like I love all the memes. The good, bad, like everything I think I'd laugh. The Drama Drop: enjoy getting to know James beyond what you saw on TV. Be sure to follow him on all socials at James Baranca to stay entertained. So without further ado, let's get into it. Enjoy the episode. James Barranca: preposted just 'cause I'm like it's just funny to me. The Drama Drop: Okay. Perfect, perfect. Yeah, that was gonna be my next thing was like hopefully you laughed. Cause, you know, there's some that I'm like, ooh, like some of them that are if they're too touchy, I'm like, ooh, let's maybe see if we can get a response and be like, are you cool with this? I mean, we'll always take something down if somebody's not, but James Barranca: No, yeah, of course. Mm-hmm. Yeah, of course. Obviously you have thick thick skin in this industry, so like I'm already expecting it, so it's like no hard feelings. My y'all that's kinda funny. Yeah. The Drama Drop: Yeah, there you go. You're a pro. You're a pro. Okay. Well, before we talk about reality TV, because obviously we definitely will, ⁓ I want to backtrack to, you know, who James was before reality TV. So you did modeling. You were a model. How and when did that start? James Barranca: ⁓ so I started modeling it was like off and on when I was nineteen. Yeah, it was like off and on, like nothing serious. I think I've always been like a side quester, so I was always doing random things. Like I did door to door like vacuum sales and like I was just like all over just taking any task or any like random side gig and just like you know what like why not type of thing and I got into modeling after college and I was like you know what like I'm obviously handsome and I have the looks so why not put it to use? And I was just like, let's see what it looks like and started going into it and it wasn't till last year I started doing runway and mostly international runway. So I was like traveling, I was doing shows in China, Ecuador, where was it? ⁓ New York. Like I was just traveling all over. So it was like this is crazy that my life's like this and it transits into I've always wanted to do reality T V. I didn't know what that looked like as far as like what show I'm gonna be on. I wanted to do two out to handle, but I don't even think they're they're on anymore. I think it was just like a I've always loved that show. The Drama Drop: Actually, I think they might be. Or I don't know if it's more so perfect match now, maybe. James Barranca: Yeah, I'm not too sure. I think that's what kinda like took over on it and I've always wanted to do it. I think Love Island's like the the holy mecca of everything, but Love Island never really had my interest because like the whole it's a little like weird and like making out with each other. I didn't like that. So I was just like, you know what? Like there has to be another show. And I loved Are You the One on MTV. That was like my go to reality show because like I loved MTV reality shows from like what was it, Room Raiders, I think, or all those different different reality shows. I was like The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. ⁓ yeah. ⁓ my gosh. OG MTV shows. Yeah. So good. Mm-hmm. James Barranca: I love that that reality world. So I was like, you know what? Like whatever show that looks like, I just wanna do it because I want that experience. And then obviously I started looking more into and I was always applying to shows, even though like you just find a flyer, you find like a casting director or anything like always applying, never got really deep into any show besides ⁓ Global Board. The Drama Drop: Thanks for listening to the drama drop. Subscribe wherever you get your podcast. Follow at the dot drama dot drop on all socials. And see you in the next episode because somebody has to talk about it. Love you guys. Yeah. Okay. Okay. So how did Love Overboard specifically come across your desk? Did do you get reached out to by a casting director or James Barranca: No, I actually didn't. I found it was like a flyer that said like hot singles on a yacht in the summer or something like that. And I was like, you know what? Like I'm already applying to a bunch of different shows, like why not? I don't know what show this is. Didn't say any network, it didn't say any ⁓ details, you just hot singles on a yacht. And I was like, you know what? Fine, like I might as well and see what happened rather than being like, ⁓ I should have What happens if I did or didn't? So I like, you what, I'm apply it, regardless if it looks fake, it looks crazy flyer, like I'm gonna do it. And I got the call and it's crazy because I'm almost didn't even make it to get like submission in because they asked me, ⁓ they were like, ⁓ are you ⁓ you get seasick? And I like, Yeah, I do, because I do get seasick. I'm like, Yeah, I get seasick. They're like, ⁓ this show's not good for you. I was like, Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. I don't get seasick. Actually I don't get seasick. I'm like, No, no, no, my bad. I was The Drama Drop: Right. You're like there's medicine for that. We we're good. Yeah. There's like patches. Exactly. Yeah. For sure. James Barranca: I was just thinking of that was one time. Yeah, I was like that was one time, like I'm good, I'm good. And then they they sent me the flyer and everything or like the information. But I like, Damn almost didn't make the show because like I was like being honest and I was like The Drama Drop: Right. Just answering something you just wouldn't think would really be like, why would they care that much? They're probably like, ⁓ that's actually perfect. We need this dude hurling over the boat. Like that would be awesome. Yeah. James Barranca: I was like, why would I even Yeah. Exactly. I'm like I didn't think anything of it 'cause I was telling the truth because like I do get seasick, I'm pretty sure like most people do. So I was like damn, like I almost didn't even make this show because I was being honest. The Drama Drop: ⁓ my god. So did you struggle a lot then being sick on the boat? James Barranca: You know what's crazy? ⁓ I obviously I'm living on the downside a lot majority of the show. And you kinda get used to it. But like in the downside, the bed like you rock like this with the waves, but it wasn't that bad. It was weird. Like I kinda like adapted to it and it was just smooth after that. I didn't have to take no medicine or not like that. But like once you're living on it, I think your body kinda like gets adjusted to it. The Drama Drop: ⁓ my god. Yeah. That's good. Right. No, that makes sense. That makes sense. Okay. That wait, I love that though. So you've kind of just been so just l anything that you could have probably gone on, you were all about it. You were like, why not? Let's just see, see what it is. Okay. James Barranca: Exactly. And I was always like myself. So I think like you could even ask like the network and everybody. They saw my self tape. They were like, This guy's like can't be real. But it was just like normal live streaming. Like I was talking to them like they were my friend. Like it was just normal me. Like my second interview when I met the whole team, like I met all the producers, everyone on the network. I was in Ecuador doing ⁓ fashion show. So like I'm on a Zoom and the like girls behind me walking around and I'm like, ⁓ Doug, this like normal. I'm like taking a Zoom call. The Drama Drop: Ha ha. Yeah. ⁓ my gosh. ⁓ my gosh, she said. James Barranca: And I was like, Yeah, this is just a normal life to me. There's like this saying because people are like, How would you describe yourself? I was like, I would say like I'm like a free range chicken because like I'm always just like flocking around, like I always come back home, I find my way home, but like you have to let me the healthy, like free range chicken always like the best. It's like top grade. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Mm. Right, yeah. Absolutely. ⁓ my gosh. Wait, I absolutely love that. Well, no, I mean it's great that you were yourself. Obviously, it got you on the show. Like that's perfect. How long did the audition process take? So you said that was the second interview. How many interviews did you have to do? James Barranca: Yeah. So I did two video interviews and then everything else was just like over the phone and just submitting like ⁓ information. So we were just it took like a month, honestly, and then it was just random calls. It was weird. Like you would just hear nothing and all of a sudden you'll get like an email and they're like, ⁓ can you send us this information or this content or anything that's such and we're like I was like, Maybe I'm gonna get it. Like I don't know the behind the scenes. So like in my head I'm like, damn, like am I on the show? ⁓ did I make it? And The Drama Drop: Okay. Yeah. Right. Right. Yeah. James Barranca: I'm sitting there like day to day life, like, damn, like I really want to get on the show now because I'm like I'm doing everything like they want me to do. So I'm like, I'm getting excited. And it wasn't too like, dude, it was crazy. Two days before they told me that like you're going to Malta. And I was like, nah, this is a joke. Yeah. I was like, this is a joke. Like they they they picked me. I'm like, ⁓ damn. I'm like The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. ⁓ my gosh. Ту дайс бифор. ⁓ my okay, so do they tell you what to pack? Like how do you prepare like if it's two days before I'm just me as a woman just trying to think like how would I even prepare? James Barranca: Mm-hmm. So it's crazy. That's the the issue with it. They give you all the information like you're going on the show before they even confirm you. So you're preparing. So you're preparing like, ⁓ you need this and you need like these type of clothes, you need date night, you need all this attire. I'm such a bad traveler, like I'm only a backpack type of guy. So I have like tank tops or like regular shorts. The Drama Drop: ⁓ my God. ⁓ okay. So you're kind of expected to be prepared. Okay. Yeah. ⁓ my god. James Barranca: They literally had to go to a Zara and get a like a whole new wardrobe 'cause like you can't wear any of this stuff on there. I'm like this is what I wear normally in like my day to day life. Like I just brought my same clothes and just put ⁓ in my bag and was like, Let's go But obviously you need more attire. The Drama Drop: ⁓ my god. Right. Well Yeah, well and to be fair, I mean doing modeling and all that stuff, they're giving you the outfits. That is not anything that you have to think about. Yeah. James Barranca: Exactly. I show up a tank top. Like Yeah, I'm like I showed up has I would show up anywhere and they're like, You didn't bring anything else I I brought stuff that I like that I wear every day, but I mean obviously going on a show and it's crazy 'cause once we got there, you're still obviously you don't know anything. Like I don't know these people. I I never met these people. They just put me in a car and they put me in a hotel room and I'm supposed to be like, ⁓ like I I know everybody, but I was just super excited for it. I think a lot of it was just like The Drama Drop: ⁓ my Right. James Barranca: embrace every step no matter what that was and no phone, no contact to anybody. I think they didn't even give you a a hotel room key. So you couldn't leave and like go out. And like I'm doing like laps and like watching Caller Daddy because I obviously Alex Cooper is like and I never really watched it until then. So I'm like, I'm in this hotel room. I might as well start like watching it or like keeping up with it. And there was be like people coming in because I didn't know we're still casting when you get there. The Drama Drop: Yeah. ⁓ my gosh, that's nice. Okay. Okay. Wow. Yeah. James Barranca: So like that's a lot of people don't understand. You can fly across and think you made the show, but you're still getting casted. And like producers will come up to your door and like come talk to you and be like, ⁓ how are you doing? And like how's everything going? And you would just get a random call, like, Are you gonna do this today? So like they want to see how you're reacting and like acting in the environment and really casting you still and like me, I'm such like a goofy person. So I'm just like answering the door with like just like my underwrong. I'm like, ⁓ come on in, like The Drama Drop: ⁓ shoot. Yeah. James Barranca: You and I'm trying to like get them to stay longer because like I I miss human interaction. I'm like I'm used to talking to people all day and like there's no one in this hotel room but me. And I'm like, is there a camera watching me? 'Cause they probably think I'm crazy because like I'm like doing laps in here or like I'm talking to myself and the me. I'm like, bro, I'm going crazy in this hotel room. But like I'm excited because I'm like, I think that I'm about to go on the show, obviously. So I'm just like I'm about to go on the show and like I'm super ready. The Drama Drop: Right. Yeah. ⁓ my god. Yeah. ⁓ my gosh, that's crazy to think about. So they will fly, because obviously, so okay, I guess that's a question. Okay, I can't r I don't know if there was like a specific name for it. So like in my mind, it's the bombshells, you know, like the people that are coming onto the boat sporadically. So yeah, yes. Okay, thank you. they so were they just I wonder, do you know if they knew that that was their role or if it's like game time decision if we want to make you the original cast? James Barranca: ⁓ yeah, ours is shipwreckers. Shipwreckers, yeah. The Drama Drop: Or if we need to tap you in, like then you're going in and then s maybe some are w flew there and they didn't have any to do anything at all. James Barranca: Yeah. So basically a lot of ⁓ I'm pretty sure they knew. I think they so the day before we were like getting outfits and stuff like that going, but then the day before they were like, You're going on the boat tomorrow. And the other people were obviously they're like, ⁓ we're you're bringing you on. But it's crazy 'cause like behind the scenes thing, I wasn't supposed to come on as OG. They wanted me as a bombshell because or a shipwrecker because like obviously like I'm wild and like I can stir up the pie, like I'm funny. They're like this guy would be perfect going in later on in the show. The Drama Drop: My gosh. ⁓ my god. Right. Yeah. James Barranca: I didn't know that until after I was already on the show and I'm like, damn, like that probably would've changed my whole trajectory and like I probably wouldn't have had the same impact I did on the show. So it was just crazy that like we were literally like going like they're in a room talking about who's gonna be good or who this or who should go what what role they should play as far as coming in as a shipwrecker versus coming on the OG cast. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. And I mean, yes, you are absolutely wild. I the first coupling scene. Yeah. So for those that are listening that haven't watched the show yet, can you explain this whole scene that would kind of like set the tone of who James is and kind of I do I remember watching it and I was like, stop, did he s actually we had to go back because I was like, Did I hear that right? And I was like, No, he didn't. James Barranca: Yeah. Odyssey. It was crazy because I I didn't like I didn't think before speaking. I think I felt like all the emotions and it was like really we're all meeting each other for the first time and we just came from a hotel room. So we're all feeling the same emotions of being like cooped up and not having interaction and all of a sudden you're like cameras, girls, yeah. Here we are. And I'm like I ⁓ my gosh, like everything's coming fast, and I obviously was talking to the guys before and like we were like The Drama Drop: Right. Yeah. Right. All the things. Yeah. James Barranca: Dude, I'm horny too. So like we were bouncing back on each like forth each other. So I'm like, alright, like I'm a rally up the troops. We're all gonna get together and like do this for the cameras and like when it comes on, like we're gonna amp each other up. So when the cameras came on and I'm the only one like raising my hand saying horny and I'm like Aww, like this is what we're gonna do on this season. I already knew like once the cameras were on, I was like, people are gonna act different. So I was more under the fact like, damn, like we're we're not in this together and I had a feeling The Drama Drop: Yeah. They left you hanging. Yeah. ⁓ no. James Barranca: I was a one episode type of guy after that. And I'm like, you know what? I'm I it's already said, like I can't go back and say, hey, hold on, let's start again. It was more like you have to take that and run with it. And that's who you are. So you can't you can't really fight. Like that's it slipped out because like that's what I was thinking and feeling. So I was like, you what? I'ma say it. And obviously it looks crazy, but at the same time, we're on a dating show. I feel like that is I'm pretty sure everybody's self tape was pretty wild to get on this show. So when the sh cameras turn on, it's kinda like The Drama Drop: Right. You're being honest. ⁓ my gosh. Right. ⁓ Mm-hmm. Right. James Barranca: Are we gonna start faking roles or like are we gonna start playing? Like who's real here and who's not when the cameras are on? And like that's was like my first time was like, Hey, this might be a little like performative when it comes to the camera work. The Drama Drop: Yeah, because everyone, especially the girls, they were so shocked and disgusted with what you said. Like they were just so visibly. And I was like, But are you really that shocked though? Like obviously that like you can't act like you're surprised. He's just man enough to say what he's feeling. Yeah. James Barranca: I I definitely owned it up. I think a lot of it I feel like people had that perspective like, ⁓ it's the ick, but it's like in the end, the those guys, the ones that are honest and straightforward, like they like those ones. Like they like people who are themselves. So it was kind of one of those things like, Do you guys really hate it? Or is it just like, ⁓ like the hot guy said it, so maybe we like it. First impressions are everything when it comes to that. So I did understand that, but at the end I'm like The Drama Drop: Right. Exactly. Exactly. Right. You they had to act like they didn't like it because, you know, they had to play that up because mm-hmm. James Barranca: Are we being like and everyone's doing that off like after that. Everyone's all over each other. So I'm like, all right, just 'cause I said it and now you guys are acting on it. I like, all right, so that's what we guys are doing here. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah, exactly. ⁓ okay, so you made it very obvious that Lexi was she caught your eye. She was the one that you were just like, okay, yes, I'm going after her. And I just find it hilarious that she was, unless they didn't show everybody, but you know, she was the one that made such a visible reaction to your statement. ⁓ were you worried? Were you like, ⁓ no, I probably ruined my chance to couple up with her? James Barranca: Mm. The Drama Drop: Or for her to have an interest in me. James Barranca: It definitely hit me quick that I was probably lost my chance because I didn't know the concept of the show either. So that kind of played a role when we started splitting up and I was like they coupled up. I thought that was like it. Like they're coupled up and then we have to couple up downside, like whoever we're with. So I figured that's what happened. So I was like, okay, like I might as well put that one out of my head. Cause I didn't know I was gonna get a chance and because I was the first kind of like everything, the whole test thing, the plank the dates and everything that says so. The Drama Drop: ⁓ right. Mm-hmm. James Barranca: It was all new to me, so I didn't even know I was gonna get a date or I was gonna get the chance to entertain her. So I was kinda already like, I'm probably gonna leave after this if I get eliminated because like that's the only girl I wanted, she's already coupled up, so it was kind of a no brainer, like, damn, like I'm probably don't even wanna be here. So I didn't know the concept. So once I started figuring out, then I like, ⁓ I I got my chance and it made more sense. But I literally was like, This is probably my one day here and I got a one episode, I'm like it's it's fine, like I I'm cool. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Ugh. Right. ⁓ my god. I gotta be honest, yeah. I honestly thought I was like, okay, he's probably gonna be the first one. G you know, I mean, like I we're all as the audience learning the show as it's going on, but I was just like, ⁓ no. Like he just all those girls are like, great. And then you weren't coupled up with who you were interested in. I was like, Surely, like he's probably gonna be a goner. But thank God you weren't. James Barranca: Yeah. And of course and I Yeah. And I got like the highlight reel of like me humping the bed and like me doing wild stuff. I'm like, alright, like y'all creating this whole highlight reel of like he's really horny down there. So I was like, dude, this is crazy 'cause obviously did you don't know what's gonna be used. So like whatever you're doing and then you see it back like ⁓ my god like I was doing that. Like what I'm like, of course you're gonna use that little scene that that I didn't think that was gonna be used. The Drama Drop: Ha ha. Right, exactly. You're like, wait. You're like there's so man so many hours in a day and like that's the but well, you know, they gotta play up your character. Like you already set the tone. So now it's gotta it's gotta be you know. James Barranca: Force. Like yeah, we we have to keep feeding into everything. Like obviously like I was celibate for before that and like I was locked in the whole summer before that, so I was just like in the zone. So coming back onto like living on a yacht with beautiful women, I'm like like temptation and everybody living in the same the same yacht. I like, ⁓ my, this is gonna be trouble because like you're always with each other twenty four seven. The Drama Drop: Right. Yeah. Yeah. Right. Yeah. And like what else are you gonna do? Strand it in the middle of the o like, I mean, come on, it's a no brainer, you know, the math is mathing on that one. So it makes sense. okay, so I know you and Lexi are no longer together, but can you tell us where you stand? Like, are you guys friends? Is there bad blood? Is it just awkward? Is it just like where how do you guys define James Barranca: Course. Mm. Definitely, definitely. ⁓ The Drama Drop: What you are today. James Barranca: I we don't speak. Like I don't even don't even know. Like at all. At all. Like nothing. Yeah, like nothing. It obviously coming back into the real world and reality, it's a little different when it comes to not only the person you're dating, but you learn a lot about a person when you split. And obviously you see their real lives and who they really are in the real world and it's kinda like, damn. The Drama Drop: No, not at all. Wait, that's so sad. Right. Yeah. James Barranca: It hurts, but then it's like maybe this is why we're not together and it kinda reassures you like, okay, we're not together because that's not the person that I was dating out there. So it it played into role along with obviously a lot of things happening after coming home and everything was like really a lot of pressure on me because I was just like, Damn, like, is this the person that's for me? When I thought obviously in this whole situation and scenario, I'm like, This is my person. So it was it really hurt, but at the same time it kinda The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. James Barranca: Now looking back on it, I'm like, okay, like that's why that's not my person. Like everything she did and like the things that we went through, like, okay, that makes it why we're not together. ⁓ The Drama Drop: ⁓ gosh. Yeah. And I feel like that's probably really hard too, especially 'cause you're just like in this confined bubble of people, you know, and only you guys understand that experience that you James Barranca: Yeah and only you guys maybe exactly go The Drama Drop: went through. So it's like you have a different type of ⁓ bond than had you just met out in the And then coming back into reality. It's like, a second, like why like you're moving different. ⁓ James Barranca: through. So like you have a ⁓ type of ⁓ then you just met on the And then turn up into ⁓ it's like removing the thing Exactly. The Drama Drop: and it just is probably just very weird. But you know. And there's probably a lot of pressure too with people being like, ⁓ my gosh, I love you guys together. ⁓ no, you know, all eyes are on you. They're looking at every single James Barranca: Exactly. ⁓ The Drama Drop: thing. If you guys follow each other, liking post, things like that. And then you're just like, Great, well, we put the start of our relationship was ⁓ on a TV show. Now it's like, I feel like I have to even acknowledge James Barranca: ⁓ The Drama Drop: the breakup and every bad thing that happens or whatever. ⁓ yeah, that's gotta be really ⁓ James Barranca: Yeah. ⁓ And it's bad because obviously we filmed it a year ago. So you gotta remember like the show not even coming out where all that happening and then The Drama Drop: Right ⁓ yeah, yeah. James Barranca: Obviously find out a lot of things that came to light where it was like, damn, like we're not even together, but it's like you're doing wild stuff or and I'm not finding out until after like for example, like the Taylor Frankie Paul's baby daddy situation. And not finding out until after it was just kinda like, damn, like it is crazy the The Drama Drop: ⁓ gosh. Yeah. Yeah. ⁓ my gosh. Yeah. So you didn't even know, like she didn't even tell you like this was developing ⁓ because of James Barranca: No and ⁓ The Drama Drop: it's like adjacent from the Taylor Frankie Paul Dakota drama. You're like, wait a minute, I didn't even want to this and f I wasn't even looking for this. Just fell on your lap. Yeah. James Barranca: And it's like crazy because obviously I mean that day that she flew out there to film the show, we had like an argument. And then finding out that I'm like, ⁓ man, like of course I'm like this is And it's just like hurts more because it's like damn like I don't wanna like take that and bring it to light because it's not something I wanna be like, ⁓ this is why I'm like pile up this list of everything that didn't work 'cause like then it's like kind of playing the victim. It's more just like, Damn, I hope it comes to light because it's like The Drama Drop: no. No, that's so dirty. James Barranca: That is part of the thing and I don't wanna have to be like this would happen, that would happen. It's like Dam Especially in this one. The Drama Drop: Right. It just kind of validates why how things ended the way that you know and you James Barranca: Yeah, and it kinda made reassure me like, okay, that's not your person and like you shouldn't be with it for that reason. And people change and the that's what I learned about that what that show is like sometimes the people you're with and the people that you're spending day and day with aren't the same people in the real world. Like it's a different it's a different person. Yeah, basically. The Drama Drop: Yeah. ⁓ my gosh. Yeah, for sure. And like you said, it's like obviously it hurts, but it's weird. Like in some weird way, it almost makes it I I don't know if easier is the white right word, but just kind of like versus ⁓ we just drifted apart or just being distant distance, you know, like how it didn't work. Giving like actual reasons as to like, okay, I'm tallying all these up. Like you're not my person. feels like it just kind of helps a little bit, kind of like it hurts regardless at the end of the day. But versus like, ⁓ you're just on the other side of the world. Like we just you know. James Barranca: Living twenty-four seven with a person, you obviously hence why you only see an hour of an episode or whatever and you see like how could they be so close or how could be like we literally eat, sleep, like every single moment in the day is spent together. So like you're spending literally sunrise to sun like you were sleeping in the same bed, you're every day you're with somebody. So one day could be like four days in reality world. So it's like obviously I'm gonna like this person or not like this person quick. The Drama Drop: Right. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. James Barranca: ⁓ So like people like switch up on shows. The Drama Drop: Yeah. James Barranca: I think we people are really harsh on them because they're like, ⁓ why would you switch up? But it's like there's a lot of behind the scenes stuff that you don't see and you're like, okay, like she did this or like we didn't connect and this is why I wanted to explore my other collections. And I think people just judge on that one hour of like, ⁓ he switched up that quick, but we literally are every day with each other, so we're going through problems and everything and solving them together. So like you really learn about a person so quick in that world. The Drama Drop: For sure. Gosh, it's honestly it's so crazy. I can't even, I can't even imagine. but okay, so obviously we know Lexi was who you had your eyes on. We know how all of that played out. It's also you've made it very clear that you have the hots for Layla from Secret Lives of Morbid Wives. So have you tried to like shoot your shot? Have you slid in the DMs or is or have you just been like tagging her in things? Like what how's how's this happening? Or is anything James Barranca: We don't know about that to that. So you've got the button for the ⁓ so The Drama Drop: happening? James Barranca: actually I've hung out with Layla twice. I met her in New York Fashion Week ⁓ last year before my show came out. ⁓ And The Drama Drop: Okay. Okay. ⁓ James Barranca: forward, she I met her at the Hulu Get Real event and we hung out at the g the get real event. So I hung out her in person. So I feel like a lot of people would think they would like online shooting my shot, but I've actually hung out with her and like she's an amazing person. So like ⁓ The Drama Drop: Okay. Okay, okay. So you've James Barranca: Part of it was that too because I'm like, she's amazing, like her vibe, her energy, like she Layla's an amazing person. Yeah, yeah. Okay. So nothing more. The Drama Drop: Yeah, yeah. Okay. So nothing more than just friends, you'd say. James Barranca: I think a lot now I have a lot of crushes. Like I don't really date date serious right now because obviously we're in different, especially for like Lila, we're on different sides of the like like state. So she's in Utah, I'm in LA. So distance is so important to me personally. So a lot of things are more just like crushes or just like like she's so fine. Like it's more just like that. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Right. For sure. Yeah. Okay, who's who was the last person that you slid in the DMs to? James Barranca: last person. Damn on. I don't slide into DM a lot because I don't like the like I don't want to get exposed or anything like that. I will say I think pretty sure like the last person I got a response from, I would say it was Layla for as far as sliding in to The Drama Drop: Okay, that's fair. That's fair. Okay. Okay. ⁓ And Hallie Batchelder ha you were hanging with? Anything going between you two? James Barranca: she's amazing. I met her in Texas, ⁓ for South by Southwest. So I got to hang out with her and and meet her. She like, ⁓ I've seen I've seen your show and The Drama Drop: ⁓ my gosh. Yep. Okay. Yeah. James Barranca: That's when I met Alex Cooper too when I was in Southwest Southwest. But obviously I met ⁓ Holly and we were we went out and she's amazing. She's cool. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah, she's really funny. ⁓ James Barranca: Yeah, she's she's a character. The Drama Drop: just from yeah, I mean obviously I don't know her personally, but just her persona on li like she just seems James Barranca: Yeah, and I'm saying that one of the things I've got to make the show and ⁓ The Drama Drop: really cool and chill. I love that. James Barranca: Yeah, she's ⁓ she's literally like that in person. So I love people who match who they are on in online and in person, those like I always vibe and like connect with those people. The Drama Drop: for sure. And how is meeting Alex Cooper? Was it weird to meet her after the fact, knowing that you were on her show? ⁓ James Barranca: So that's what's so crazy about that. Like she obviously knew exactly who I was. She like, ⁓ my gosh, like I love you. Like you're gonna be a star, like you were so f good on the show. And I'm like I'm like thinking like I I was watching you like in the hotel, like I The Drama Drop: Right. ⁓ my gosh. Right. James Barranca: I know who you are, like there's no way like you really like are a fan of me and she was like nothing but good people, like good vibes, especially her husband too. Like they were so nice and like, ⁓ my gosh, like we watched it like you did crazy on the show, like you you you killed it and I was just like The Drama Drop: That's also fun. James Barranca: Starstruck 'cause I'm like, damn, like me? Like you guys like me on the show? I'm like what? I'm like, damn and I'm starting to think, I'm like, I haven't watched this, I'm like, what is what made the cut? And I'm like, ⁓ my god, what are they gonna see? The Drama Drop: You're like little me? ⁓ my gosh, wait. ⁓ my god. Okay, wait. So have you watched the show back yet at all? Or have you just been seeing clips? Like I feel like I understand why people say they don't watch their show back. Because something as simple as like this podcast that I do, like I can't really watch it back. So I can only imagine a show. So have you James Barranca: So I Mm-hmm. It is a little weird to watch back. I watched it back like nine times. I'm not gonna lie. Like I I yeah, I watched it so many times 'cause I feel like I pick up on new things or I like to like commentate and be like, ⁓ actually this happened in this scene or like this was what should have they should have used this one. So I think watching it back kinda like opened my eyes to that. And along with just seeing myself on TV is kinda like bittersweet and I've always wanted to be on T V. So now watching it and I'm like and then I go on TikTok and I see a clip or I see somebody talking about The Drama Drop: ⁓ wait, are you serious? Yeah. That's so funny. Yeah. Right. You're like, ⁓ my God, that's me. Yeah. James Barranca: people come up to me and like this is crazy to me 'cause like I'm I feel like I get more joy from it rather than the person watching it or whatever. So like I'm just seeing things, I'm like, this is amazing and just knowing people are watching it in general just kind of makes me happy. 'Cause it was a fun experience. It was crazy, wild, and I get to watch it back and relive it and it's kind of one of those experiences that you'll never forget. Yeah, for sure. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Right. Yeah. Yeah, for sure. It's funny. It's like most people put on friends like in the background, like that's their rerun show and you put James Barranca: Yeah. The Drama Drop: on laptop James Barranca: I'm watching them over, yeah, I'm like ⁓ The Drama Drop: for No, but that is really cool though too. Like, do you know if they're gonna do more seasons of it? Because it's kinda cool to be the blueprint of the show. You know, like the first season of any new show, I feel like always James Barranca: ⁓ The Drama Drop: just iconic because, like you said, you had no idea what to expect when you were going on there. You kind of were just learning as it was going on. James Barranca: I would hope they do more seasons. I think no, I know I wanna do the casting if they do another season. Like I wanna do the casting because like I just know what will work and what what looks good, especially being on that show and kinda I seen a lot of characters. The Drama Drop: that's kind of cool. Yeah. Right. James Barranca: So it's kind of like I didn't like that because obviously reality T V has that bad stigma. Like people just wanna be famous and like they're gonna like PR train themselves to be like, I can't do this, I can't and that's why reality kinda like downfall because people aren't doing crazy stuff no more because like how am I gonna look? When it's like you do crazy stuff in real life, like you just don't film it and it's like why when the camera's on you're like, I can't do that now. And I think a lot of it would have been different to watch and a lot more entertaining if everybody was as wild as like me and Bella. The Drama Drop: Ugh, yeah. Mm-hmm. ⁓ my god. Mm-hmm. ⁓ gosh, she's hilarious. James Barranca: And really was like themselves. So I feel like if everybody was like that it would be a crazier like entertainment factor when people are watching it, rather than just being like those two characters, those couple characters that people are like, ⁓ like if everybody was collectively on the same page it would have been like more crazy to watch 'cause you're like, I don't know what's gonna happen this episode. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Right. No, for sure. I feel like people, unfortunately, this day and age, they're just so hyper aware of what's gonna be put on the show because you know, they're always thinking of the after, like, ⁓ I can have another or a different type of career after this. So it's like just so hyper aware of how they James Barranca: Like I like to have to do things different type of thing that we do. So it's like so much. Exactly. The Drama Drop: could come across, which just ⁓ takes away the magic of James Barranca: It's not fun no more. Yeah. It makes reality T V kind of like bland and like we expect a group of to come in here and it's like that's why I like my like prime thing is like stop casting influencers. Like that is like the number one thing, stop casting influencers. Yeah, I think so. ⁓ The Drama Drop: reality TV. It's not yeah. Yeah. No. A hundred percent. Yeah. Okay. So we'll going off that, so post show, obviously, I'm sure it was probably just like a huge transition because you're just kind of in this bubble. So what was that like for you whenever it was like, All right, you're done, you dock the yacht, and it's like, All right, here are your bags, back to back to the real world. James Barranca: Mm-hmm. So we didn't get like two years like ⁓ we can be like it's like ⁓ so that's what was crazy, like especially Paul. So side note we once we ended filming, for me personally, I was there from we started the film day to the last day. So I only stay in Malta like one night. after the show ended and I had to fly out. So like we went to like the club and we went from the club to the airport back home. But we literally all were just like and like that flight back home from multi I think it's like I don't know how many hours. Mine was like seventeen, eighteen hours. And I'm go back home and I'm like it just feels weird. Like I I feel like I lost the whole like that it feels like that didn't just happen. So I'm like and it took me so long to really adapt and it was like What am I doing? Like what do I do now? And The Drama Drop: Yeah. James Barranca: ⁓ I I don't even like know where to begin. Like I wasn't in the gym anymore. Like I didn't go back to modeling. Like I was just sitting in the house, like, damn, like what do I do? And I felt like like a psychosis, but I felt like I was like really hypnotized to the fact that like that's was my life. And like coming back here wasn't real. And I was like, damn, and now I have like a girlfriend and someone I'm with and like I dev never see her. So it's like this is just all super weird to me because like I talk to somebody every day. The Drama Drop: Yeah. James Barranca: And I'm checking in with this person that I never see and I was just living with her for a whole month. So it's like, Wha w what do I do now? And even talking to people in like I'll go out or like go to the bar or something like that and talking to somebody, I'm just like people don't understand. Like they won't understand what just happened and they're like, ⁓ like, that's fun. Like you're about your life's about to change. Like, no, like I'm going through it in my head right now. Like, I feel like I I don't know what to do with myself. I'm I'm Like not eating right. I'm like really going through things and I can't really figure out why. Like every time I would talk to people and like talk to my my castmates, it was like two different things 'cause these people that are my hometown, they would just be like, ⁓ like your life's about to change and amazing, all this and then I would talk to the cast, like we would just trauma dump on each other. So it's like, Bro, I'm not doing well, I'm like I'm going through this, that, and the third, and like we would all trauma dump on each other. So it made things worse 'cause you're like, damn, like if you guys are going through the same issues, like I how are we like how are we supposed to move on with this stuff and we have to wait. We don't have a date for our show coming out, so we don't know when this is happening. And it was just so much on my mental because I'm like, damn, like I never experienced this and like I'm really like confused about life right now at this point. ⁓ The Drama Drop: ⁓ no, I feel like you hear that so much when people go on reality TV. I feel like it's definitely a recurring theme of yeah, we are just trauma bonded together ⁓ and ⁓ no one else will understand besides the people that I was on the with. even if it was somebody I didn't get along with on the show, they're the only other people that ⁓ know the same exact experience. And so we just have that connection ⁓ and ⁓ James Barranca: Yeah. ⁓ Yeah, experience and then you would have that channel. The Drama Drop: I don't know. It's just you just hear it so often. Okay. So the Unwell Network did they didn't provide any sort of resources or anything like post show. Cause I will say, I don't know if you watch Big Brother at all, which is okay, that's one of my favorite reality shows. I don't know if you know anything about it, but it's just like a bunch of James Barranca: Mm. No, I don't. Yeah, you say I don't know if you know anything about it, The Drama Drop: random people. They go and live in a house. It's ⁓ can be live streamed twenty James Barranca: okay, okay. And then just it's the application and then ⁓ you got to bring up on the stuff ⁓ The Drama Drop: four seven. And then it's just like some competitions and then ⁓ you know, people one by one, you know, get picked off and then there's the winner at the end. But ⁓ they talk about like the cast people like whenever they get eliminated, that they have a therapist, psychologist person right there, like right when they get off to kind of help go through, you know, ⁓ walk through all that and everything. James Barranca: of course. And you. The Drama Drop: Did Unwell Network have anything for that? James Barranca: it it wouldn't unwell was the network so Hulu and Disney. They ⁓ they had ⁓ but they did have like ⁓ professional on the boat living with us too. But when we got back it was more like, ⁓ we have this option if you want to take it. The Drama Drop: Okay, so Hulu. Okay. Okay. James Barranca: versus if you don't like you don't have to like but if you need it we have it ready for you like we'll take care of everything so it was more like if you really wanted to do it and I didn't obviously take it at first 'cause I felt like I was fine. Like I'm a like I've always been like I'm gonna figure it out. Like I can handle it type of person. But then the breakup happened and like our split and it was just like something that was like rock bottom where it's like damn like I'm at the lowest point in my life right now. Like how would I get out of this? And like I haven't reached out because I wanted to get like ideally in my head was like delay me from the whole show. Like I don't wanna be a part of it. Like I'd rather just like forget it and move on because like The Drama Drop: Yeah. James Barranca: ⁓ it hasn't came out yet and I'm feeling like the worst and like now I have to relive it and like me and this person have a bad fallout and like that such. I'm like damn I'm relive this and the whole world's gonna watch this and like how am I supposed to like comprehend this right now? And then I went into the help and I actually got two therapists. Like I was like if I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna do it like tenfold and I had ⁓ I had a a lady and a man as a therapist. So was like the best of both worlds as far as like two thinking processes. And I'm like, hey, if I'm gonna do this, like I'm going full in, like I'm gonna figure out because if I'm not in my best state of mind when it comes to coming out of the show, like I'm gonna like crumble. You're gonna see me all over T going crazy and like really spiraling and stuff like that. So I was like, I need to get mentally right before I watch this back because I really wanna enjoy it. And I really wanna like love this experience when it comes out with the whole world. So it's like how The Drama Drop: Yeah. James Barranca: Can I prepare myself? And I was like, you know what? To therapist, self growth, self word, like really lock in and really for not forget, but like understand how to like deal with all those issues of everything that's happening. ⁓ The Drama Drop: Yeah. No, I think it's really good that you talk about it because I mean it is talked about, but I don't really feel like nearly enough to the extent that you're describing, just because I feel like a lot of people just choose kind of to ignore it, maybe, or James Barranca: Mm-hmm. Push under the rug, yeah. Yeah, because I mean it's like, ⁓ like that's kind of TV or and then I thought you can't be more ⁓ and like seriously. The Drama Drop: yeah, push it under the rug, kind of just like, ⁓ like that just comes with being on TV or having an online presence. Like that's just what's be expected. But no, like that really shouldn't be normal. ⁓ ⁓ and then like you said, just you having such a unique experience and then everything is so delayed, which is so weird, cause which we'll obviously get into Love Island. I want to talk to you about that. ⁓ But ⁓ you know, just knowing that that's happening live and like the way that they're editing, which Big Brother is like that's ⁓ it's not like shown a year later. So it's just kind of crazy that most reality shows aren't done like that day and age. And so it's like James Barranca: Okay, I don't know. I think the one just to write the back. Yeah. The Drama Drop: You know, when you think you're probably like things are gonna be fine, like it'll probably be we and then something like, ⁓ great, the one person I was connected to and bonded with on the show, now we're breaking up or we're broken up and I just now I'm gonna have to relive this whole experience like that was kind of so far in my past. Now it's gonna be up James Barranca: Yeah. ⁓ Yeah. The Drama Drop: front and center. It's like James Barranca: And rewatched and it was kinda like, ⁓ we're we're cool, we're on good terms, but it's like no, like all that stuff that happened still happened. The Drama Drop: ⁓ Paint. ⁓ James Barranca: So was more just like why are we not entertaining, like, look, you messed up or like you this will really happen. It was more like no accountability. It was more just like show came out like let's keep it cool, but it's like no, I can't I can't downplay all the work I just put in on myself in order to get to this place. Like I can push under the rug, but it's like I would not do myself any justice by not owning up the things I had to go to before the show and then now after the show. So I feel like that's especially for me as my role on that show. I feel like a lot of people the wild crazy guy on the show is kinda like it made a lot of sense to like really relate to because like on the back end it's like I'm a normal person. Like I'm in tune with my emotions and I'm not just like, ⁓ like I just keep parting and keep pushing it through. Like no, like I still go through regular emotions and regular things like anybody else. So I feel like that's where my relatability comes from because like I still have the balance of like being fun and crazy, but I still like I'm in tune with myself and understand my emotions and like my actions when it comes to things. Okay. The Drama Drop: Sure. when you watch the show back, do you think that you got a fair edit? Would you say that they maybe like overdramatized you? Like when I or not even just you, but I guess like the rest of the cast, 'cause I mean, you know, living it, things that were going on. I mean, I know you said some people acted different once like the cameras like they knew that that was happening. But do you think in terms of you, like you got a fair edit? James Barranca: Yeah. I think I got really great at it. I think there's a lot of more things that they probably could added in where I like, ⁓ this is funny. I think I got a good clean c cut. I think there was a lot more things that they probably could have put in where it was like, ⁓ my gosh, like my mom's gonna see this type of thing. So I feel like I got really the good good edit when it comes to that. I think The Drama Drop: Yeah. Ha ha. Lucky. James Barranca: One person I really obviously always take in consideration is Bella. I think she is a star, like she's amazing. And I think ⁓ her edit was that's who she was. But I think a lot of it behind the scenes didn't get shown that obviously I mean, just 'cause you say you're a girls girl doesn't mean you're a girls girl. So I feel like Yeah. So I feel like a lot of people made her time worse on that show and kinda played it off. So I think I'm glad she got the The Drama Drop: ⁓ no, I love her. ⁓ right, exactly. Ugh. Yeah. James Barranca: the the edit and like people looked at her as a star because she had a bad time on that show and like she didn't get treated the best. So like that's why especially now watching Big I I feel like that's one regret I have is not only like focusing on her but kind of being more there for her because I felt like I got lost in trying to be there for everybody and kind of focus on my relationship. And I feel like everybody could have had a great time there. I think it was really clicky and kinda like mean girls that like played the role. The Drama Drop: ⁓ that makes me sad. Yeah. Ugh. Right. James Barranca: And it was just like why are we putting each other down? Like why we have to do this? And I think that's where it comes into like really issues because people get too close with each other on on d on a dating show. Like we're not here to make friends. Like we're here to make a connection and find love. Not and then when it gets too clicky and like relations friendships, it's like that's when like people's influences and people will rub off on each other and like and other people will have bad experiences because of the mean girls. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Right. It James Barranca: ⁓ Yeah, for sure. ⁓ The Drama Drop: Yeah, for sure, for sure. Would you say that you're the closest to her post show? James Barranca: ⁓ so yeah, I that's literally somebody I talk to ⁓ daily. I think. Me and her relate because we are like our are true to ourselves in the real world. So like we are like the same people from the show. So we didn't really like switch up or like change or only reach out when you're needed type of type of vibe, like as far as like cast members go. So I think me and her like are like this because we relate to each other and like we get and we're really we're authentic on the show, yeah. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Right. Yeah. Very authentic to yourselves. Yeah. James Barranca: ⁓ The Drama Drop: Yeah. No, I love her so much. Like it made me sad that, you know, I was glad though that if she was gonna leave, it was gonna be on her own terms that, you know, she made that decision ⁓ and then she looked amazing, know, for her departure and everything. But no, ⁓ me and my husband, we just found her to be so hilarious. And I like, She is such star quality. And like you can tell I feel like you can kind of tell. James Barranca: Mm-hmm. The Drama Drop: When people try to play up things, but I was like, no, like that first episode when you know she was down at the bottom of the boat. I was like, that she is truly like heartbroken. Like those that is cannot be an act. And I was like, Ugh, I James Barranca: raw like in the flesh and we're all learning things. And I think a lot of it it's crazy 'cause I always look back at it, but her like speech, ⁓ it actually was longer than that. The Drama Drop: love her. James Barranca: That's just crazy about it. They it got cut down, but she did come like I I loved it because she came at the people that really made her experience ⁓ really bad and kinda called them out. So it was more of a like, ⁓ like standing on business, like you're not a you're not a girl's girl and kind of really adding to calling people out in front of everyone. So I really felt like if they would have added that in, it would have been better to watch because it kinda her really standing on like why and The Drama Drop: ⁓ shoo. Yeah. James Barranca: solidifying why she's really going home. ⁓ The Drama Drop: ⁓ man, I wish they would. I hate when they when they do that. James Barranca: There's some parts where we're like, Damn, they should have added that or should have just left that in or like that shit would have been good. The Drama Drop: I wonder why. Like I will never understand. Like I need to know what goes on in the cutting room floor when they're like this juicy part, let's get rid of it. Like I don't James Barranca: Especially we have I'm pretty sure we have like the same amount of episodes as Love Island as far as like how much film we have that we could have used. Like I feel like we had thirty episodes. Like I feel like it would have been a longer season, but obviously production, post production, and budgets and everything like that, you have to trim it down and all the episodes were really quick. Like that first episode was like three days, four days. So it was like damn, like it didn't really get to like marinate and be like, What's gonna happen? But obviously that's for a different different person to answer. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. ⁓ okay, so I do want to transition to Love Island to talk about that James Barranca: conversation because The Drama Drop: and like get all your thoughts and stuff. ⁓ I will say disclaimer, I've been avoiding any like recaps or takes that you've been posting because I just I wanna hear it like first James Barranca: year The Drama Drop: here. James Barranca: every season question. Me too. Me too. Yeah, me too. ⁓ The Drama Drop: but okay, so I also need to mention that this is first year ever, my first season watching Love Island. Okay. ⁓ I ⁓ okay, okay. Well I was I was hoping that you were a veteran so I could ask you a lot James Barranca: No. The Drama Drop: of questions because ⁓ some of the stuff I'm so James Barranca: new it. The Drama Drop: confused by. ⁓ Cause it's ⁓ so different. James Barranca: I still haven't like I'm still like weird about like I don't even understand it, but I'm like, I guess. The Drama Drop: Okay. Okay. So we can just kind of be like newbies, James Barranca: Okay, you can just The Drama Drop: like fresh eyes in this together. ⁓ okay, so first and foremost, when you first saw all the girls, what was your first impression of them? Meaning like who if you were on that show, who would you have been like, ooh, I'm gonna try to couple up with her? James Barranca: ⁓ first so it's crazy the first day, like the first group of girls. ⁓ I didn't really have anybody like I like Melanie, she was she's gorgeous. I think Cada is like my number one. ⁓ when she came in I like, ⁓ yeah, like I would I would couple up with Cada. And I would like lock that one up and just stay with that one like no matter what because I Kata's gorgeous. I love like that model look and kind of like it's everything. Yeah. The Drama Drop: Yeah, she's very pretty. Yeah. She's so gorgeous. It's so fierce. Like she has such fierce features. It's insane. I'm like, James Barranca: Exactly. ⁓ The Drama Drop: gosh. Like ⁓ yeah, I can't stop staring at her. I'm like James Barranca: of That's like somebody I was like, I would match with her for sure. The Drama Drop: about her. James Barranca: ⁓ The Drama Drop: Okay, okay. And she's got like spicy energy, like she seems fun, but also like she's James Barranca: Seriously. I like that, yeah. You know, like yeah, what is like okay, okay? No, definitely. ⁓ yeah, no, actually sometimes it's funny to go from the ⁓ The Drama Drop: gonna call you out on your Like she's, ⁓ you know, like, yeah. I was like, okay, okay. ⁓ yeah, no, that absolutely makes and she's so gorgeous. It's funny because I was telling husband, I was like, I love Melanie, like she's so pretty, and you can just she's just so soft spoken. Like there's just something about her word, like even when she's mad, like just like her voice just seems so calm and like. James Barranca: Yes, that's true. ⁓ okay, so if a done The Drama Drop: Soothing and then you have Kata, like everything about her is just so fierce and just like sharp. And I just I James Barranca: ⁓ would be The Drama Drop: don't know. I love it. Like those two. They yeah, for sure. ⁓ okay. So if if one of them were on love overboard, would you would have tried to go for them over Lexi? ⁓ James Barranca: ⁓ Honestly, I've always thought about this because like I play that scenario in my head. I'm like, what if this person was on my show? I think if Kada was on Love Over, but I feel like I probably would have got a bad edit because like I probably would have left those girls up on the plane for longer than an hour. Like I feel like I would have been so in like I don't know who to pick, like just like David was. So I would have felt like that probably would have been me, but a little longer because like both are amazing people and I'm like, damn, like who do I choose? So I feel like Kada probably would have gave me a like, are you sure? Like she's her person, like she would have had me really second guess everything. The Drama Drop: Okay. Okay. There you go. That's fair. I I appreciate that. Yeah. ⁓ so because you love Kata, would you say that Kata and Zach are your favorite couple? James Barranca: So that we can say that it's a big couple. ⁓ no. I think Bryce and Trinity are like I'm already ready to end the show and like give it to them. Like I think they're ⁓ the ideal couple to win the show. Like if they don't win, I feel like I don't think they're gonna win because obviously from a TV side and like being on that on a show, you gotta know like what makes good TV. So I feel like The Drama Drop: Yeah. Absolutely. Right. James Barranca: they might not win for that but I do love them too. I think he's like I see myself in him because like the lover boy side of is kinda just like he just loves his girl and like wants her and like wants to take care of her. So I think they're an ideal couple and even the temptations there to kinda like, no, I still want this girl. Like the grass isn't greener, like I want mine I want mine. So I really like them. I think they should win. I don't know if they will, but I'm hoping they they The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. I know. James Barranca: do. ⁓ The Drama Drop: I know. Yeah, I feel like they're so cute because I feel like they were just not assuming. Like, I don't know, like I just wouldn't have picked them to be together. And then, you know, it was kind of just like I feel like a little bit of a slow burn. They seem like they James Barranca: Yeah. Yeah. But I tell you I'm not like and ⁓ every day I've been like a little bit more thing that right and covering here also and I could be wrong so correcting what I want, but I ⁓ remember what I said with the stuff and I don't really go on that. ⁓ The Drama Drop: have a really good friendship. ⁓ And but also obvious that there's love that's there. ⁓ And yeah, I mean, I think it's very telling that obviously like when they were separated, know, they both were still. ⁓ Just thinking about what each other was doing and also being respectful of their own relationship. And I could be wrong, so correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember Bryce saying anything disrespectful whenever they did their little cossum or, you know, whenever they were live streaming it, cause, you know, it was Corbin, Sincere Casey saying all these crazy things. Like, I mean, Bryce obviously was playing into it for sure, James Barranca: Yeah. I don't I don't think The Drama Drop: but like, what was he? He was like, coarse. James Barranca: think did, but I think because his character it kinda like is looked over. Like as far as Corbin, it like you expect comments like that for you to like reassure you that like he's a F boy. So like as Bryce is so nice and sweet, like he can say it but people are just like he don't know what he's saying type of thing. But like if a Corbin or a Casey they're like, he means that and like he's an F boy. So I feel like that's what kinda went over it. I mean I don't think he was just with the boys. I think it's harder and you don't know your livestream for one, so it's like you're just in the the thing of like I'm with the boys, like I'm just I'm chilling with the guys, I wanna look cool, I wanna be cool, we're all like, Yeah. So it was more like that. But I think the other guys are more just d like dogs. But I mean that's part of obviously being on a dating show, you're gonna have those type of characters that like really come out like this is like who I am. Yeah. ⁓ The Drama Drop: Yeah. If you were on the show, would you be sticking up for Corbin and Casey? James Barranca: No, I think they handle things so like bad. I think I I obviously see ⁓ like younger me in them because like you just act off of like just doing it off of whatever you think. You're not thinking about another person's emotions, another person how they're gonna feel. And I feel like in that scenario it's easier to be like, What's cool, what's my opinion? But it's like how you handle certain situations are very important because like for a Naya for an example, like you could have handled that so much different than like cater to her every day and then all of a sudden just drop her when she time to pick. So I feel like The Drama Drop: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. James Barranca: the guys handle it so like I'm pro girls on this show because they all are doing it, not full all of them for respectfully, but they're doing it with the intent of being like, okay, like I don't wanna look too bad or I don't want to like hurt somebody. But like the guys are more just like, I don't care, or lying and like getting caught up where it's like, dude, like it's hard to lie to two girls in a villa where they're they're gonna see each other eventually. So it's like, dude, you can't and it's more just like, ⁓ my gosh, like you guys are doing it all wrong. Like you can play the game and do it like The Drama Drop: Right. James Barranca: Not even like how it's supposed to be played, but you do it respectfully. Or you can do it the way they're doing it where they're just like, I don't care about your feelings. Like, I'm selfish, but it's like you can be selfish and be respectful at the same time. Yeah, I I think from ⁓ extra but like ⁓ like ⁓ The Drama Drop: Yeah. For sure, for sure. Yeah. Like I think when you know, they came back and Corbin was with Parmita and Kenzie which we'll get into Kenzie, but like I was so shocked because I no offense to her, but I was like, ⁓ she doesn't seem like the brightest bulb. I was so sure like that she was probably still gonna pick Corbin up until she stayed angry. Like obviously all those James Barranca: But she was telling someone so then I think ⁓ she's other girls The Drama Drop: girls were Angry when they first were watching ⁓ everything go down. But James Barranca: they're gonna The Drama Drop: then you very quickly saw Anaya and Melanie, like, miss my man. I miss my man. But James Barranca: was I don't think The Drama Drop: I was so impressed with Kenzie like, Are we stupid? ⁓ Like they're out there their lives. Like, don't let them play you. So I was so impressed when ⁓ Corbin came back he was, she was like, It's not even about you finding another connection. Like, that's literally not what this is. Like, ⁓ don't care. It's how. ⁓ You James Barranca: yes, The Drama Drop: said it and how James Barranca: thank you. Because I wonder yeah like you're ⁓ like but it's like no shadow. Mm-hmm. But you but then you know ⁓ The Drama Drop: which I was like, yes, okay, thank you. ⁓ Because I really, yeah, I feel like Corbin was probably just like, ⁓ like ⁓ she's just worried about relationship. But it was like, no, it was how you said it, what you d but then, you know, he's like in the heat of the moment, you know, with my friends. But it you don't want somebody that's gonna talk about you like that, like just ⁓ I know, it's it's James Barranca: like the disrespect is that I feel like they would have been fine with it. They would have just been like, you know what, like I explore, I'm exploring other connections. Like being honest, I feel like I've learned is like the best policy because like expressing and over communicating is always the best. 'Cause then you don't have that like switch up or like, ⁓ damn, like have to make irrational decisions and like you end up hurting this person because like they're putting their all into you and it ⁓ it was a lot. The show is just crazy to me in general because I feel like The Drama Drop: Right. James Barranca: I give them props because they go through way worse as far as like a reality T V show goes because they're watching their like girl like make out with everyone for challenges and to me in the real world I wouldn't like want to see that in general. So it's kind of one of those things where how am I supposed to build a connection with somebody that's like made out with the whole villa? And I don't really like that, hence why like I probably wouldn't do Love Island because of that reason because I feel like mentally it kinda would've messed me up because how am I supposed to build and really want this girl and like she's I'm The Drama Drop: ⁓ my god. No. A hundred percent. Okay, I was gonna ask. James Barranca: wanna make her special and like she's my everything, but like for a challenge we're all making out each other. I'm like I just don't feel like you're building a healthy relationship in that. But I mean that's part of the game that they signed up for. So I understand that. The Drama Drop: Yeah. No, no. I know. Yeah, it's where I get so confused because it's like mental warfare. And I think, you know, I watch a lot of love reality shows, game shows, whatever. This one, so with it being my first season, I was like, I am so confused because I'm like, hold on. Okay, they're upset that so and so like their person made out with somebody, but it wasn't in a challenge like the challenge, I guess it's fine. Everybody can do James Barranca: Yeah. The Drama Drop: literally whatever they want. And then I'm like, you're just okay. Like these challenges are insane, first of all. I don't know how their mouths are not raw because I'm like, there is so much saliva and James Barranca: Mm-hmm. ⁓ The Drama Drop: ⁓ making out going on. It's insane to me. But I'm like, okay, you just you're making out with this person, then this person, and then ⁓ dancing ⁓ and doing the splits on this And that's fine. But like afterwards if someone pulled you for a chat and then you kissed then that would be the end of like that is James Barranca: Mm-hmm. Of course. The Drama Drop: detriment. I just get so confused. I'm like, hold on ⁓ James Barranca: would just sit it would sit with me, like going to sleep next to my girl and I just know she made out with all these guys and her would just like I eat at me every day and I'm just like ⁓ The Drama Drop: Yeah, you're all in the same room together. James Barranca: And I'm The Drama Drop: I just James Barranca: ⁓ The Drama Drop: ⁓ no, it's it's very it's James Barranca: a different type beast that you turn into after that show, I will say, because once you get through that I feel like you can go through anything, I feel The Drama Drop: it's Yeah. James Barranca: Like watching your girl make out with several people over and over and then new people come in, you're just like, ⁓ Mm-hmm. The Drama Drop: My god, then you just like start all over again. ⁓ James Barranca: ⁓ I think that's why I'm glad my show didn't go that crazy when it comes to ⁓ challenges. I think our were like simple and like no crazy like make out with everybody and it was like I glad it didn't go too crazy like that because I would have had a different perspective on my my relationship and been like, ⁓ like she's kissing all these guys. Like I don't feel like it's mine anymore. ⁓ The Drama Drop: Yeah. For sure. Yeah. And like not even just like the physical of it too. It's they ask like personal questions, like, okay, pie, the person who you think is the James Barranca: Yeah. XYZ like the meta. But it's just like it's not The Drama Drop: XYZ, like or ⁓ the laziest James Barranca: more The Drama Drop: or James Barranca: typical small something like The Drama Drop: what like, don't know, anything. But it's just like it's not just like a normal challenge. It's like talking about physical, emotional things. it's just like, it's ⁓ so much. ⁓ so okay, wait, I was gonna ask. you think they're being too tough on Casey? And I ask this because people are thinking that like Anaya like he was he's kind of been trying to say he's wanted to explore, but Anaya's basically kind of like, ⁓ no. ⁓ So then when he's put in an opportunity where he can, then it's kind of like, why did you do that? I'm curious like what your whole thoughts are on Casey and Anaya. James Barranca: But he he's probably fine to say he's wanted to explain. But another thing is kind of like no. So then when he's putting that in the new basic form, then it's kind of like I'm curious about what you're looking at. I Casey, I feel like I don't fully agree with how he handles the things. I think obviously how he's playing it is the game is how you should. I think how he's handling the most important things as far as like communicating and talking to the girl and like really expressing those things is really where you're really messing up because that you can do you can play the game how it's supposed to be played and like explore all these connections but the really detrimental part is the fact that like you're hurting somebody in the f in the in the route of it and like doing the extras. And I think it also a lot of it stems from day one when like he didn't get picked up the door. So I feel like now going into Casa where you have all these girls throwing him on at him and it's like Anaya like that safe person that was like, ⁓ she didn't get picked by I forgot who, but then had to couple up with him. It was more like a safe thing because like she had to be coupled up. So I think part of it was like, damn, like I'm getting girls thrown at me and like I'm not happy in where I'm at right now. It's he's right for like choosing someone new, but it was how he handled it and really like was sitting up with Anaya every day and like continuing to do that. But then on the back end you wanna explore and it's like you can't choose to explore after you just like you're making bed and making this and setting up this whole emotional thing where it's like I'm here for you and then jump ships and like that's why she felt really like disrespected in her because when it came down like down to like choosing, he's like, Well I want new but you've always wanted a new person. You just got into deep and emotional but 'cause obviously women are emotional. So like when you're connecting emotionally that like that bond is really stronger than a physical connection. So you're obviously laying up and like building that up with her and then all of a sudden the switch, you can't just switch right then because I mean That's that's why it was like hurting. And that's why I didn't support that at all. The Drama Drop: Yeah. It doesn't make right. Yeah. Cause it just doesn't make any sense. Yeah. Cause I was I was seeing people talk about they were like, ⁓ my gosh, like people are being too hard on KC because he just basically was fearing exploring. And I was like, sure that might be, but in the same sense, like you said, he was reassuring and I like, no, like I'm into you. Like I love what we have, like I love this, like XYZ. so it's like you can't say one thing and then do another, you know, because it's like some of them, at least like Gall, whatever his name is, I don't know, that one new dude with the mustache. yeah, like he's at least telling Jen, yeah, like I like you, but I can't say that I won't try to explore, you know, Kenzie or whatever. So it's like at least, at least there's some of that. I don't know. It's just a wild, it's a wild concept. James Barranca: Mm-hmm. Yeah, with the mustache. Mm. Yeah. Of course. This is wild. I think if I know like if I was in the villa, I feel like a lot of these conversations are really bad because you're not bringing both parties into it. So I feel like if I was in a villa I would take this girl and this girl and like the guy and be like, look, he said this. Y'all can figure out what he told you and then figure that out, but I feel like a lot of it is just the girls and the guys that are not hearing what's said on the other side. So if The Drama Drop: ⁓ my god. Yeah. James Barranca: Sincere's talking to Melanie and then talking to a anor Amora or whatever, he's not having they don't know what they're saying. So I feel like that is the grayer and then like they're not coming and calling him out on his bullshit. So it's like that's part of the thing where it's like all this would be fixed if everybody w was like honest and open and like Yeah, and I'm like, bruh, everybody would be like, ⁓ okay, you're honest about it, like lying to people it's like, bro, like you're just fucking up the whole the whole villain, like everybody's emotional connection in that point. Yeah. The Drama Drop: I know. We all just get in a room, yeah. ⁓ Exactly. Yeah. Okay, well have you heard of movie night that they do in Love Island? Okay. Yes. James Barranca: ⁓ yeah, I know they they show like important combos or like certain things that happen that they don't know about. I like that concept because it's super like messy and you're gonna find out like all like the the what is it like skeletons in the closet and you can't lie when you're watching that screen. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yes. Yeah, no. So I'm so excited for that because I mean, I don't know how much you just like see what people talk about on it, but I guess they did cost a more like way earlier than what they normally do because James Barranca: Yeah, that's what I did here. I'm The Drama Drop: people were too coupled up, which James Barranca: still having to try like some people that use the ball to people and have level that the people or use the body. Yeah. ⁓ The Drama Drop: again, I'm still having an h issue or like just trying to like compute that because I'm like, I thought that was the goal. Cause I was hearing that people had negative thoughts about the season. And I was like, wait a second. Okay. I thought that was the goal. You're supposed to couple up. And it's like, no, you're supposed to expl and I'm like, ⁓ my God, if this was on any other show, if you were beep bopping around, everybody would be having like a huge issue with it. But that's I guess what they want here. ⁓ So yeah. Okay. So they James Barranca: It's The Drama Drop: did that early. James Barranca: it's The Drama Drop: And then James Barranca: crazy. The Drama Drop: so I'm guessing movie night is soon. ⁓ James Barranca: ⁓ I wanna that. l love that idea. I think a lot of it because you don't know what's going on or like what people are talking about in other other scenarios. So it's like one of those things where it's like you in your head, if you knew somebody was talking to somebody, you don't know what they're saying, you're always gonna think the worst and be like, What are they talking about? And what are they saying? And I feel like this is like a point where you can be like, ⁓ like the truth comes out and then you can really call someone else on on their bullshit and be like, Look, you're lying or The Drama Drop: Exactly. Yeah. James Barranca: You're being deceived for and like you're being in disingenuous. Mm-hmm. Yeah. ⁓ Yeah. ⁓ The Drama Drop: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Cause like w okay, well what were your thoughts with Melanie sticking with Sincere? James Barranca: I ⁓ that's one thing I didn't like because I feel like Sincere is like master manipulator. And I feel like that is like Melanie they have the perfect man in front of her, but always goes back to comfort. And I think that's what she chose. And regardless of what he's doing, ⁓ the the signs he shows that he's not. He's not there for like he's just playing the game and you still choose him. It's kinda one of those things where it's like, okay, like you're never gonna learn until I don't know what it's gonna take. So part of me is kinda just like you should have went with the new if you knew the perfect person was in front of you. I don't like that fact. I think obviously I mean, I support obviously choosing whoever you wanna choose based on your that's your emotion, like you're entitled. I just think that sometimes you got to believe what is shown and what people are saying and And really go with that because obviously they're telling you for a reason, especially if we're all cramped up and living here together. Like it's like it's just random no, it's like we all live together, so we obviously understand and but I think that that's one of those things where you're gonna have to learn and it some people learn the hard way, no matter what that looks like. Yeah, I'm gonna throw to see what happens with maybe that's actually the bike. The Drama Drop: Yeah. I'll be really curious to see what happens with movie night and like how she decides to move forward. Cause I just was so confused. I mean, you know, we've all been in a relationship before where it's like you kind of go back to that toxic person over and over. Maybe, James Barranca: I just like from this type of one case and what we need and then like three different honesty. The Drama Drop: you know, you have whatever. But I feel just like in this type of environment, and I know you said, you whenever you're in close corners, like things are amp amplified, like it's feels a lot longer than what it actually is. So to say like, ⁓ we've been together for like three weeks, like in the grand scheme of things, not a lot of time, but it's different in that atmosphere. But I'm just like, you're seeing all the signs. Like it's it was shown right in front of you, just like how he was behaving, the things that he was saying. And James Barranca: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Exactly. ⁓ The Drama Drop: then what really just got me is I was like, ⁓ my God, like you're sitting here and you're talking about this Corey dude being ⁓ so perfect, treating you how you want to be treated, whether ⁓ In my mind too, whether or not like you're like, ⁓ this actually is my person, wouldn't and maybe this is me thinking of like playing the game, but like he's at least a better person or makes you feel good, makes you feel wanted. At least just try with him a little bit longer versus just continuously getting played with somebody. Sure, like maybe you're really attracted to sincere, like you just really feel this deep emotional connection. But it's so clear that it's not reciprocated. And I mean, James Barranca: ⁓ yeah. Mm-hmm. Worse. The Drama Drop: Come on, he literally talked about how he cheats in relationships and you guys aren't even official. So like what do you think is gonna h like I just James Barranca: Sorry. The Drama Drop: and this is on TV too, so it's like ⁓ he's James Barranca: course. The Drama Drop: maneuvering like this on TV. What do you think it's he's gonna do ⁓ like when there's not cameras running? James Barranca: And basically you everything and you're not believing him because like, no, like he hasn't shown that. But it's like, come on. What is it gonna take? You wanna actually cheat on you? Like ⁓ The Drama Drop: Yeah, exactly. I know. I'm like, is that what it's gonna take? And then when he comes back, you know, most everybody was like pretty excited once they saw like their person didn't come back with somebody and she's just going at him and I'm like, ⁓ yeah, that makes sense. Like I'm picking you. James Barranca: That one yeah, you can only lie for so long. That's what I think was sincere and I think your lies always catch up because like you can't keep lying to to especially with the soul situation after soul's gone, it kinda like saved him. But now obviously with the new the Casa girl coming back is like Mm. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. For sure. Yeah, so you saw the previews for like okay, yeah, because he looked sick to his stomach when she Yeah, I was like, ⁓ my god, like this is gonna be James Barranca: Yeah, 'cause he knows. But that's why I'm like I especially with the I feel like the nice guys finish last is really showing in this season. Because it's like you got the perfect guy like Caleb and be like, You know what, I like the one that's like everybody he wants everyone like I don't understand it but I mean I a it's part of the game I guess. The Drama Drop: Yeah. I know. I know. I will never I will never understand it. I don't know, but yeah, this this show has just really put me like through it. I'm like, I just I'm like holy. James Barranca: Exactly. And the opinions, it's like I don't know what's in the show, but it causes everybody to have a different opinion and and that's why it's so talked about because people are like, No, I see it this way and I I see it this way. You're like, damn this show really has people in like shambles because of the concept of it or like how crazy it is. But that's why Love Island is big as it is. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. It's so yeah, it's so complex. Because even too, like with Anaya, like you have people being like, ⁓ she just really loves him, she whatever. And then it's like, no, it's not even anything about him. She just they both just clung to each other because they weren't picked. So yeah. James Barranca: Yeah, of course. And you don't know if you're going home. Like that is in that environment, you don't know how many days you're on the show. You don't know if you're gonna get eliminated quick. You don't know or especially if the producer is telling you to do something or like influencing you to do something, you're like, damn, like am I gonna get eliminated if I don't do it? So it was like there's a lot of pressures that people don't really see and like obviously make irrational decisions. And I think the prime one that I seen that I already knew was a producer kind of like influenced was the Bryce The Drama Drop: Yeah. Right. James Barranca: Talking to ⁓ what's her name? Kata again. When he was like, I'm gonna talk to your girl. I was like, he already knows obviously from the bed situation that she wasn't into it, but I feel like he probably got influenced and was like, maybe influenced at her, like because that episode ended like crazy because people are like, he just asked his best friend to go after his girl again. Like, like, come on, like I feel like that's why a lot of pressures in reality TV that people don't see because obviously people just think they did it just to do it, but it's like The Drama Drop: ⁓ Ya Yeah, that's a really good James Barranca: And that pressure you don't know if you're about to go home and like you don't want to go home off of something. So I think people act off of whatever the scare like the scare tactics they use to be like, ⁓ maybe you should try this or 'cause obviously they're telling you to do something for a reason and it looks better as far as like T V purposes. Yeah, that's a bad thing. Yeah. The Drama Drop: That's true. Yeah. Yeah, that's a really good point. Yeah, because and again, this one this show is just it's so interesting too because it's like it's happening as it's like we're going, you know, in real time. So it's like people like James Barranca: Yeah. Yeah, exactly. Mm-hmm. Exactly. The Drama Drop: they're able to see like what the fan feedback is. And so it's like, ooh, let's try to make sure that we can kind of finagle that to go that way or another. But ⁓ okay, so well before I get into ⁓ I have a little game that I want to play, but before I into that. Do you have any other like hot takes, unpopular opinions about Love Island so far that you wanna get off your chest? James Barranca: ⁓ a hot take that I have about it, ⁓ ⁓ I feel like the my hot take is like the Bryce and and Zach situation. I feel like they I get the boy like the bro code, the bro like man's. I get it. I think there gets to a certain point where you're treading really lightly on maybe maybe a little too sexual when it comes to like especially with the cake situation and like grinding on each other. I think there's a thin line that they're crossing where I don't really think they are really paying attention to it that like they're crossing that line, but I'm like the hot take I they might be into each other. Like I The Drama Drop: Yeah. They might be. They could be next the next recoupling. James Barranca: I'm convinced now I obviously I'm just like I I get maybe just living in like the comfort of like being with your bro in that scenario is like you find peace and you like more get to be yourself. But there's a thin line where it's like, all right, what are we doing here? Like you guys are going like all the way in where it's like The Drama Drop: Right. Right. Yeah. ⁓ James Barranca: ⁓ are you not noticing that you're what you're doing? Or it's like ⁓ do you need to watch it back because it's like okay, I don't think he needs to throw ass on you and ⁓ that's not like a bro. That's my bro, like The Drama Drop: Yeah, they're not beating the allegations. Like I'm like that yeah, no, I James Barranca: Yeah, I was like, that's not my bro, like I'm not doing that. I feel like that's like my biggest hot take when it comes to ⁓ because obviously that doesn't look the best for you guys 'cause it's like, okay, like what are we doing here? Like we're you're doing a lot, you're doing a lot. The Drama Drop: I know, I know. then they making jokes like in the competitions like, ⁓ sorry, Kata, I'm gonna I'm gonna your boy, like I'm jealous, like you're spending too much like whatever James Barranca: I mean the people can get to like when the competition is like ⁓ I mean this is bad like ⁓ down to seven. Yeah. The Drama Drop: was. like, James Barranca: ⁓ I guess funny. I forget that they're younger too, 'cause I think I don't think I think the oldest like twenty seven on the show. The Drama Drop: Actually, no, apparently Bryce, he's older because that was like a huge thing. I think he's either he's he's between twenty-seven and twenty-nine. James Barranca: I think he's almost between things on the same line. ⁓ shoot. Okay, so everyone ⁓ a lot of them are younger though, but yeah, okay, damn. The Drama Drop: Yeah, yeah, because that was I think one of the things Trinity like talked about. She was like, ⁓ like he's kind of older. And then he yeah, so because I think she's James Barranca: Mm. I don't know what it is then. The Drama Drop: 22, maybe. ⁓ James Barranca: mean, they're they're they're treading lightly on that, I'm like a bad The Drama Drop: But ⁓ yeah, yeah, I know. ⁓ all right. So are you ready to play Sheik James Barranca: do it. Okay. The Drama Drop: or Week? Okay, so yeah, it's just I'm gonna just rapid fire, just some topics, whatever, and then you'll say if it's Sheaker Week. You can elaborate if you want to, but you know. James Barranca: Yeah. The Drama Drop: Yeah, yeah. Nothing crazy, don't worry. All right. Kenzie's splits. Is it chic or weak? James Barranca: Ha ha ⁓ I think it's weak. I think it's getting like out of it's like more of a personality thing now where it's like, alright, like it's not everything requires a ⁓ split. Yeah, we we get it, we know how to do splits, so it's kind of like every single time like you're just making breakfast and then splits, you're like, all right, this is getting a lot. Like this is getting a lot. The Drama Drop: Yeah, like we got it. Yeah. Sorry. Exactly. Yeah. She must have found that out by the producers that people were like making memes and whatever. And now she's just like doing it con James Barranca: ⁓ And like keep going into it, yeah, they had to. Yeah, you got a fact. Mm ⁓ The Drama Drop: like, all right, yeah, we get it. You're you're flexible. ⁓ okay, going on reality TV to find love. Chic weak. ⁓ James Barranca: hmm. I would say chic because you never know. I think I love I love the idea like finding love in the most spontaneous, crazy environments. I feel like like especially I mean The Drama Drop: Yeah, that's fair. James Barranca: You can find love in the club. Like I feel like you can find love anywhere. I don't think you should limit yourself. So I think reality TV I think has a bad stigma. But hey, if you find love on it, then so be it. No matter if it didn't last, but in that moment you're obviously infatuated in love with somebody. So I like I support it. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, for sure. I agree. ⁓ producers getting involved to make better TV slash better storylines. James Barranca: I say she because I see it on both sides. Obviously being in it, you're like, ⁓ I'm not gonna do anything I I don't wanna do. But I did learn that you have free will, so I can say no, you can do you can not have to do those things. But I think as a viewer, a lot of scenarios need to be elevated or amplified or maybe modified a little bit because you gotta think that we're not just like that cute couples on this yacht, like living there. Like that's just not gonna sell. Like people aren't gonna just watch that, like people want like The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. James Barranca: ⁓ this drama they want ⁓ they switched up. They want things of that such. So that's their job is to produce. So they're just doing their job. So I feel like I support it because like without them you don't have anything entertainment, you don't have anything juicy. No one's gonna watch something that's just like lovey dovey and like perfect because nothing's perfect. And I think producers just make they make things that are realist, like the real things that are really happening, amplify because then you're like, damn, I have to do that now because like they just said it or whatever the case. The Drama Drop: For sure. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Absolutely. Yeah, like with For sure. Yeah. And Love Island is a great example. Like no matter how pissed off James Barranca: Prime example. The Drama Drop: we get it, like Casey James Barranca: Yeah. The Drama Drop: or Corbin, James Barranca: ⁓ You're The Drama Drop: however they're maneuvering, it's James Barranca: still watching it, The Drama Drop: a James Barranca: S TV. The Drama Drop: hundred percent and it's great. Like that's what I'm like, ⁓ James Barranca: ⁓ The Drama Drop: like what? Yeah. ⁓ okay, sliding into DMs. ⁓ James Barranca: I say weak now. I think especially nowadays, I feel like so many people do it. It's so common. I think a lot of the times you can end up just in that request box and never make it out of that request box. So I feel like saying something in person you leave more of a statement and like an impression on somebody. So I'm always for seeing me in person rather than just a DM because anybody can say anything in the DMs. But in person you really fill a person and see their confidence and like who they truly are and what conversation. So I feel like I'll take that over a DM any day. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. sleeping on day beds to prove loyalty in the villa. James Barranca: I think that's weak. I think it's a pick me. I really think it's pick me energy. I feel like you're doing it just to be like to show you they're gonna do it, but it's like why can't you just sleep the other way? Like The Drama Drop: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Just sleep. It doesn't mean you have to literally touch like or do like just go to sleep. James Barranca: Temptation's always there, but it's like if you act on it. So if you can't be on temptation and not act on it, then that means like what's The Drama Drop: Right. Yeah, honestly, that's a really good point. Yeah, I'd be more like, huh, really? You can't just James Barranca: You can't sleep in the Yeah. ⁓ When outside somebody The Drama Drop: go sleep. You can't do that. You can't handle that. ⁓ Yeah. ⁓ James Barranca: ⁓ Exactly. The Drama Drop: That's a really good James Barranca: ⁓ The Drama Drop: point. Yeah. All right. Last one. ⁓ Life after reality TV. ⁓ James Barranca: ⁓ it's super weak. Extra weak. I think ⁓ it's been glamorized. I think Love Island really changed the way reality T V works after because everyone thinks that you go on a show and you're about to be ki the next Kim K. You're about to be everyone's knocking on your door. I feel like that's the harsh realities that people don't understand until you do reality TV and then come off of it and you're like, ⁓ not everyone wants me. Like it's not there's a lot you have to work harder, but I appreciate it more because it's The Drama Drop: Yeah. Right. Yeah. ⁓ yeah. James Barranca: Doing reality TV you get to really experience something that a lot of people will kill for and The Drama Drop: Right. James Barranca: ⁓ will do a lot to get that opportunity. So it's more about what you do with the that matters. And I think it shows you that it really humbles you though, I will say, because after doing a show and you're like and all these brands aren't calling or all these opportunities aren't calling, you know, okay, like I gotta really lock in and focus on what I was doing before then and then grow it from there because obviously you have a platform but you have to be working it and doing it and and really entertaining those and being that character you are off the show because like obviously everyone thinks that you're about to have Nike and every all these brands calling you're about to be in commercial that's not the reality of it. Like because there's twenty two people on a show. It's not everyone's gonna get a be a star off the show. So it's more about what you do after and that's really important when it comes to that. The Drama Drop: Yeah. Right. Yeah. No. ⁓ I love that. I love that. Okay, so that was the last one. ⁓ so we're gonna wrap up. I know we have Love Island to watch later tonight. There's a new episode, so that's super important. But before I let you go, tell everybody where they can follow you. If there's anything that you wanna plug, the floor is yours. James Barranca: Perfect. So obviously James Barranca on all platforms, on everything, and I feel like you're gonna see a lot from me coming soon. A little different, a little a little venture off, but staying true to ⁓ who I am. Not only just the reality store, but the man of the jack of all trades, I will say. The Drama Drop: Ooh. ⁓ shoot. ⁓ my god. Ooh, okay. Well, you heard it here first. That's awesome. I'm super excited to see to see what you have coming up. So, well, thank you so much for coming on the drama drop, James. It was so much fun talking with you. Of course. James Barranca: Thank you. Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure.