Share
After Reality with Courtney Robertson
Gift Smarter, Not Harder: Top Holiday Gifts for Every Love Language + Papa Robertson’s Picks
•
It’s that time of year again — the After Reality Holiday Gift Guide is here! Before we get swept up in the sparkle (and stress) of shopping, I’m starting with something that truly makes gift-giving easier: the five love languages. Once you know how your people feel most appreciated, choosing the right gift suddenly becomes… dare I say… fun?
In our house, we’re leaning more into experience gifts over “stuff.” Don’t get me wrong — I still love a gorgeous kitchen gadget, personalized accessories, and a chic, elevated loungewear set that can survive drop-offs and all-day errands. But the older my kids get, the more I’m realizing that tickets to the zoo or a year-round membership last way longer than the toy that’s played with twice and turns into clutter.
This year, I’m sharing my favorite picks across every category — from high-quality cookware to cozy little splurges for moms, dads, in-laws, teachers, and that impossible person who claims they “don’t need anything.”
I even phoned in backup from Papa Robertson. He came through with unexpectedly genius, budget-friendly ideas: magazine subscriptions, practical staples like flashlights (yes, flashlights), and timeless classics like books and digital photo frames. Leave it to Dad to keep it simple and smart.
This episode is all about thoughtful gifting without overdoing it — choosing items that bring joy, create memories, or simply make life easier. Whether it’s a Dyson vacuum you’ll use forever or a family outing they’ll never forget, let’s make this season meaningful instead of overwhelming.
PEUGEOT Salt & Pepper Mills CODE Courtney10
CUTS CLOTHING https://shop.cutsclothing.com/COURTNEY
LOOPY CASES COURTNEY10
More episodes
View all episodes
Mitch the Maker on Building Big, HGTV Life & Bachelor Mansion Takeover
40:17|Today on After Reality, I’m sitting down with the incredibly talented builder and TV personality, Mitch Oaks—also known as Mitch the Maker!We recently filmed Bachelor Mansion Takeover together, and let me just say… this man does not mess around when it comes to bringing big ideas to life. From swinging hammers to creating jaw-dropping transformations, Mitch is the real deal—and he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite in the HGTV world.In this episode, we get into his backstory—how he got started, what it really takes to make it in the building world, and what it’s like filming for HGTV versus reality TV. We also talk about the pressure of seeing your work on screen, whether he actually watches himself back, and yes… we get into his relationship status. From craftsmanship to camera time, this episode is all about what happens when creativity meets reality TV—and trust me, you’re going to love getting to know Mitch beyond the tools.@mitch.the.makerAfter Reality: My Bachelor Mansion Takeover Exit, Redemption & Final Challenge — What You Didn’t See
21:32|In this episode of After Reality, I’m sharing my heart and my journey on Bachelor Mansion Takeover—the highs, the growing pains, and the moment it all came to an end. From navigating creative differences with my team during the fireplace renovation to finding my voice in a high-pressure environment, this experience truly pushed me in ways I didn’t expect.I was also showing up and competing while playing hurt most days, which made every challenge that much more personal. Getting a second chance through the redemption twist meant so much to me, especially hearing such kind words from guest judge Nate Berkus. It gave me the confidence to step into my first solo challenge—designing and building a terrace bar that felt like me. Even though that moment marked the end of my time on the show, it was something I’m incredibly proud of.At the core of it all was my “why”—wanting to win that prize money to build a pool for my kids. That dream carried me through every long day, every tough moment, and every small win along the way.I’m walking away with so much gratitude. I stayed true to myself, trusted my instincts, and built friendships I’ll cherish long after the cameras stopped rolling. This one means a lot 🤍Former Bachelor Producer Adam Mansfield on the Future of the Franchise & Casting Conversations
01:10:44|On this episode of After Reality, I’m joined by former Bachelor producer Adam Mansfield, who weighs in on the current state of the franchise, the pressure to evolve, and what today’s audiences are really looking for. We also get into the buzz around Taylor Frankie Paul potentially stepping in as the next Bachelorette—and what that kind of casting could mean for the future of the show.From there, we go behind the scenes of Adam’s time on The Bachelor, where he shares what it’s really like producing a 24/7 reality show, the emotional connections formed with contestants, and how he mastered the ultimate producer poker face. We also revisit the magic of “Happy Couple” weekends (yes, he was part of making those happen) and what it takes to pull off international filming and travel at that level.Now a dad and producing for the Food Network, Adam opens up about how his career has evolved and where life has taken him after stepping away from the franchise.If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening behind the curtain—and what’s next for The Bachelor—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.@themansfield@meatcutebbqDean Bell on HGTV, Winning the Golden Hammer & Life After Reality TV
33:27|On this episode of After Reality, I’m sitting down with fellow Bachelor alum Dean Bell—and we’re diving into what it’s really like going from receiving roses to swinging hammers.We get into our experience filming at the Bachelor Mansion for this new HGTV renovation series, and let’s just say… it was no walk in the park. I’m talking long days, real physical labor, and learning how to work (and survive) alongside a house full of big personalities. It’s competitive, chaotic, and honestly, so much fun to relive. We also get into how different it is filming a home renovation show versus a dating show.Dean also spills on winning the coveted “Golden Hammer” and the strategy behind it—including one very bold (and slightly mischievous) move involving a blue-painted ceiling that definitely got people talking.Beyond the competition, we shift gears and talk about Dean’s personal life. He opens up about his decision to change his last name to Bell in honor of his late mother, his marriage, and what life looks like for him these days in Colorado. From his background in construction to his unexpected love for his cat Karl, it’s a side of Dean I think people are really going to connect with.It’s a fun, honest conversation about growth, reinvention, and what life can look like after reality TV—because sometimes going from roses to hammers leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.@deanie_babiesCindy Cullers on The Golden Bachelor, Dating After Reality TV & Cindy for Golden Bachelorette 💫
32:20|In this episode of After Reality, I sit down with Cindy Cullers, the standout from The Golden Bachelor, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about her experience on the show—and what life really looks like after reality TV.We dive into her casting story, the friendships she built along the way, and how she’s navigated the post-show chatter, including her portrayal and dynamics within the cast. Cindy shares how she’s choosing to move forward with grace, honesty, and a strong sense of self.Of course, we go beyond reality TV. We get into all things wellness—from hair growth journeys to her fascinating background in biomedical engineering—and how those passions continue to shape her next chapter.We also talk about dating after the show, what she’s looking for now, and whether she’d ever consider stepping back into the spotlight… possibly as the next Golden Bachelorette 👀It’s a real, thoughtful conversation about reinvention, resilience, and finding your footing after reality TV—with plenty of insight, a little behind-the-scenes perspective, and a lot of heart. 💫@cmcullersThe Bachelorette Cancelled: Taylor Frankie Paul Scandal Explained | ft. Brad Smith
31:21|In this episode of After Reality, I’m sharing my initial thoughts on the shocking cancellation of The Bachelorette season starring Taylor Frankie Paul.I break down what we know so far following the release of a disturbing video reported by TMZ, which includes allegations of domestic violence and details surrounding a toxic relationship with her ex-partner. From the network’s decision to scrap a fully filmed season to the bigger questions around casting and accountability, I’m giving my real-time, unfiltered reaction to how this all unfolded.In the second half of the episode, I’m joined by Brad Smith, the first-ever lead of The Bachelor Canada, who brings a former lead’s perspective to the conversation. We dive into the financial and cultural fallout for the franchise, whether producers ignored major red flags in an effort to chase ratings, and what this means for the future of the show.This episode explores what could be a major turning point for reality TV, as we question whether The Bachelor franchise can recover from a scandal of this magnitude—and where it goes from here.@bradcsmithMom Card Activated: My Side of Bachelor Mansion Takeover — EP 3: "Off the Deep End"
15:16|Today's episode of After Reality: I'm breaking down Episode 3 of Bachelor Mansion Takeover — dishing on my design ideas being dismissed, the "mean girl" behavior I faced, and those guilt‑tripping "mom card" jabs.My Return to Reality TV: Inside Bachelor Mansion Takeover
17:30|I return to TV on HGTV’s Bachelor Mansion Takeover with a behind-the-scenes look at the renovation competition where 12 Bachelor alums compete for $100,000. I play a clip revealing who voted for me, reflect on early vulnerability in the game, and ask: am I an easy target because I have kids? Are opinions like assholes? What would you do with $100,000? Plus: surprises from filming, from craftsmanship to a supportive production.Bachelor Mansion Takeover Preview: Behind-the-Scenes Prep, Traitors Finale Spoilers + Clayton Echard’s Love Trapped
30:44|I’m back with a solo life update — and I’m officially returning to TV for the first time in 14 years with HGTV’s Bachelor Mansion Takeover. I’m sharing the real behind-the-scenes prep (mom guilt, body changes, and the very humbling moment I forgot my entire makeup bag), plus a quick reality TV roundup with Traitors finale spoilers. And because you know I love a true crime moment, I’m also talking about Clayton Echard’s new podcast Love Trapped and why it’s worth a listen.