Latest news with #TaylorFrankiePaul
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Has a Big Difference From Other Reality TV
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is filled with a lot of the same elements that make other reality shows popular, except for one major difference. For the most part, the women on the show don't drink alcohol. "I think that's what makes the show even crazier," Taylor Frankie Paul told Newsweek. "We're kind of crazy, but we're sober, so it makes it that much crazier if you think about it." Reality television shows often put groups of people, whether it's friends or strangers, together to party and hang out while drinking to fuel emotions and some drama. And, for decades, it's been a winning formula for high ratings for reality television shows, although it's come with its own set of problems in the form of lawsuits alleging the shows push alcohol on cast members and put them in harmful situations. Paul has had her own problems with alcohol and was ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation after she was arrested for domestic violence in 2023. While Paul wouldn't necessarily categorize the cast as a "good example" for people given their own craziness, she said she is the perfect example of someone who thought they needed alcohol to have fun and learned it's actually not necessary. "I just felt like socially for me, it was like, I don't think it'll be that fun without it," Paul, who's been sober for several years, said. "It's a mind shift. Get out of the mindset that you need that. And it's been really good for me to have a group of girls that don't need it and we still have so much fun." Alcohol has been a staple of American life for decades and is an estimated $600 billion industry in the United States alone. But, Generation Z is charting a new path where alcohol consumption may be lower than their older counterparts. A Gallup survey from 2023 showed the share of people under the age of 35 who ever drink dropped 10 points to 62 percent from 72 percent in 2001 to 2003. It's given rise to the "sober curious" lifestyle trend, and the low or no-alcohol beverage industry is expected to grow by 25 percent between 2022 and 2026, according to IWSR, a drinks market analysis firm. Given how central alcohol is to so many reality shows, Paul said Secret Lives of Mormon Wives offers an alternative for viewers and bucks the narrative that you need alcohol to have fun. The cast has parties at their houses, and they even traveled to Las Vegas for a girls' weekend. While the cast admitted it might not seem like the most natural place for a group of Mormon women to visit, they spent time at clubs and casinos. They even acknowledged that just because they don't drink, it doesn't mean they don't love to dance, just like any other 20- or 30-something woman. "I think it's awesome to showcase that you can go out and have fun without alcohol involved," Paul said. Secret Lives of Mormon Wives broke records for Hulu and has left fans absolutely clamoring for new episodes. Along with sobriety, the show tackles a host of issues, including infertility, religion, divorce and co-parenting, and the changing role of women in traditional cultures. That openness is why Paul thinks the show has become so popular. Given the different paths the women take and the parts of their lives that they share, there's likely at least one thing that everyone who watches the show can relate to or sympathize with. "The Housewives, obviously, are a little older or there's Teen Mom where they're young, but we're kind of smack in the middle where we're young moms, either single, divorced or married, in the church or not. It's just everything," Paul said. "I think it just resonates with a huge crowd." Related Articles 'Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives': Taylor Frankie Paul On What To Expect NextIs There a Season 2, Part 2 of 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'? What We Know 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Has a Big Difference From Other Reality TV
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is filled with a lot of the same elements that make other reality shows popular, except for one major difference. For the most part, the women on the show don't drink alcohol. "I think that's what makes the show even crazier," Taylor Frankie Paul told Newsweek. "We're kind of crazy, but we're sober, so it makes it that much crazier if you think about it." Reality television shows often put groups of people, whether it's friends or strangers, together to party and hang out while drinking to fuel emotions and some drama. And, for decades, it's been a winning formula for high ratings for reality television shows, although it's come with its own set of problems in the form of lawsuits alleging the shows push alcohol on cast members and put them in harmful situations. Paul has had her own problems with alcohol and was ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation after she was arrested for domestic violence in 2023. While Paul wouldn't necessarily categorize the cast as a "good example" for people given their own craziness, she said she is the perfect example of someone who thought they needed alcohol to have fun and learned it's actually not necessary. "I just felt like socially for me, it was like, I don't think it'll be that fun without it," Paul, who's been sober for several years, said. "It's a mind shift. Get out of the mindset that you need that. And it's been really good for me to have a group of girls that don't need it and we still have so much fun." Alcohol has been a staple of American life for decades and is an estimated $600 billion industry in the United States alone. But, Generation Z is charting a new path where alcohol consumption may be lower than their older counterparts. A Gallup survey from 2023 showed the share of people under the age of 35 who ever drink dropped 10 points to 62 percent from 72 percent in 2001 to 2003. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Disney+/Canva It's given rise to the "sober curious" lifestyle trend, and the low or no-alcohol beverage industry is expected to grow by 25 percent between 2022 and 2026, according to IWSR, a drinks market analysis firm. Given how central alcohol is to so many reality shows, Paul said Secret Lives of Mormon Wives offers an alternative for viewers and bucks the narrative that you need alcohol to have fun. The cast has parties at their houses, and they even traveled to Las Vegas for a girls' weekend. While the cast admitted it might not seem like the most natural place for a group of Mormon women to visit, they spent time at clubs and casinos. They even acknowledged that just because they don't drink, it doesn't mean they don't love to dance, just like any other 20- or 30-something woman. "I think it's awesome to showcase that you can go out and have fun without alcohol involved," Paul said. Secret Lives of Mormon Wives broke records for Hulu and has left fans absolutely clamoring for new episodes. Along with sobriety, the show tackles a host of issues, including infertility, religion, divorce and co-parenting, and the changing role of women in traditional cultures. That openness is why Paul thinks the show has become so popular. Given the different paths the women take and the parts of their lives that they share, there's likely at least one thing that everyone who watches the show can relate to or sympathize with. "The Housewives, obviously, are a little older or there's Teen Mom where they're young, but we're kind of smack in the middle where we're young moms, either single, divorced or married, in the church or not. It's just everything," Paul said. "I think it just resonates with a huge crowd."
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Want to be the next member of #MomTok? Here's 10 MUST-HAVE buys for fans of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returned for its second season on May 15, and if, like me, you couldn't peel your eyes away from the drama, we've got everything you need to get your #MomTok fix before season two, part two, returns. The show, which centers around Taylor Frankie Paul and her 'soft swinging' scandal, follows nine Mormon influencers and their journeys with friendship, motherhood and MomTok - TikTok content that the group records together that initially shot them to internet fame before they landed the show. Whether you love or hate (or love to hate) reality TV, you can't argue that the Hulu series, which is available to watch on Disney+ in the UK, makes for great entertainment. And with the season two premiere hitting five million views in just five days of streaming, it's undeniably popular. From Sodastreams so you can get your 'dirty soda' fix at home (petition for the UK to get its own Swig location, please), to Taylor's exact lip combo, we've gathered all of the SLOMW-inspired buys you'll want to buy, ASAP. Now, if we could just get the theme tune out of our heads. SodaStream Terra Bundle Kit The #SLOMW girls are obsessed with 'dirty sodas', and since its release date, fans have been taking to TikTok to recreate or create their own versions of the girl's favourite drinks. Since, unfortunately, we don't have Swig in the UK, we're using a SodaStream to get our 'dirty soda' fix at home. The luxe machine allows users to create an endless variety of carbonated drinks at the push of the button, and customers have noted it's a great way to save on the expense of buying fizzy drinks at the supermarket. What's your favourite combination? £149.99 Shop Stanley Rose Quartz Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler Of course, you'll need somewhere to store your soda, and the #MomTok girls are rarely spotted without their trusty Stanley cups in tow. We love this baby pink option, with a convenient carry handle and straw for on the go sipping. Not only does it look super cute, but it also boasts vacuum insulation which keeps drinks cold for up to nine hours. £32 Shop Brushworks Pink Cloud Headband MomTok member Whitney Leavitt was widely regarded as the 'villain' of #SLOMW season one, and shocked viewers when she returned for season two groveling to become part of the group again. Whether you're a fan of Whitney or not, many TikTok users have dubbed her as the best dressed on the show, and she's rarely without a headband in tow! This bubble-shaped design would definitely get the Whitney stamp of approval, and customers have noted it's great for keeping hair out of your face when doing skincare or makeup. £8.99 Shop Will MomTok Survive This Graphic Sticker After the shocking revelation in the season two, part one finale, we've all been left wondering one question: will MomTok survive this? Made from a durable, water-resistant material, this graphic sticker is great for adding a SLOMW spin on your laptop, water bottle or notebook, and is the perfect gift for a friend who's equally obsessed with the show. £1.64 Shop Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner in Nude As if we couldn't love #MomTok queen Taylor Frankie Paul anymore, she took to TikTok to share her much-requested, signature lip look - and it's under £18 (and available in the UK, thankfully). Taylor shared that she uses Revlon's ColorStay Lip Liner in shade Nude to overline her lips - and the long-wear formula lasts for hours without smudging or bleeding. We're obsessed! £5.59 Shop Milani Keep It Full Lip Plumper in Soft Rose The next step in Taylor's lip routine is to slather on Milani's Keep It Full Lip Plumper in Soft Rose. The muted, pink-nude gloss applies like butter, and boasts a slight cooling sensation that provides a plumping effect to the list - you'll want to make sure it's always in your handbag. £13 Shop Free People Sprint To The Finish Pants Though we can't peel our eyes away from the on-screen drama, the fashion on SLOMW keeps us interested, too. The MomTok girls effortlessly stay looking comfortable and cute, often clad in athleisure get ups and coordinating sets. Taylor recently took to Instagram and shared a video in these Free People tracksuit bottoms, which, of course, prompted a flurry of comments asking where she got them. We've tracked them down for you, and the bottoms will not only pair great with an oversized tee or other items of workout wear, but also boast cosy fleece-lined interior to keep you snug when the weather cools down. £98 Shop Told You So by Mayci Neeley SLOMW star Mayci Neeley is set to release her own book in October, and it's now available to pre-order on Amazon - and we can't wait to read it. Described as a 'dark and funny memoir', the book will detail what growing up Mormon is really like, as well as her experience becoming an early mother and losing her son's father in a tragic accident. As well as providing readers with the inside happenings of the MomTok group, the book will also offer an insightful glimpse into Mayci's journey with love and loss. £21.46 Shop Amazon Basics Extendable Tripod On the latest season, MomTok member Mikayla Matthews revealed that she makes her husbands entire yearly salary off one brand deal alone. Tempted to start your own MomTok, yet? If so, you'll want to invest in this tripod from Amazon, which doubles as a selfie stick, with universal smartphone compatibility and a wireless remote. 100 per cent beginner friendly, it's a must have for those looking to form MomTok 2.0. £14 Shop
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Top 5 binge-worthy TV shows to enjoy this winter
The POP24 reality show has broken the record for the most-watched Afrikaans show on Showmax since its relaunch. Image: Supplied There are many viewing options, from reality TV to drama series and telenovelas, and the biggest issue for many is deciding what to watch. If your plans include binge-watching; here are shows that will keep you glued to your screens. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Back for a second season, Utah's finest Mormon, MomTok ladies, are back with even more drama. The new season has a surprising new cast member and more scandal than ever before. The series stars Taylor Frankie Paul, Demi Engemann, Jen Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, Whitney Leavitt, and new addition Miranda McWhorter. The series is available on Disney+ and all 10 episodes are available for streaming. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad The drama on 'The Mommy Club Van die Hoofstad' is jaw-dropping and even has non-Afrikaans speakers hooked and reading subtitles. The POP24 reality show has broken the record for the most-watched Afrikaans show on Showmax since its relaunch The cast features Ansu Viljoen, Crystal Van Der Burgh, Louise Volschenk, Tessa Tullues, and Johandri Johnson, a 33-year-old full-time mother, devoted wife, and multi-title Bikini Fitness champion. The reality show is currently streaming on Showmax, with new episodes on Fridays. Tulsa King S2 After 25 years in prison, New York mafia capo Dwight "The General" Manfredi is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Suspecting his Mob family's intentions, Dwight decides to build his criminal enterprise in this unfamiliar territory. Sylvester Stallone, known for his role as Rocky Balboa, takes on his first TV lead role as Manfredi, earning a Critics Choice Super Awards nomination for Best Actor in an Action Series. Created by Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone), Tulsa King has garnered critical acclaim. Season 1 received an Emmy nomination for stunt coordination and a Critics Choice Super Awards nomination for Best Action Series. Paramount+ has already renewed "Tulsa King" for a third season. Joining the cast this season is Frank Grillo as Kansas City Mob boss Bill Bevilaqua. The season also features Critics Choice nominee Neal McDonough, Emmy winner Dana Delany, Emmy nominee Annabella Sciorra and Sylvester Stallone's daughter, Scarlet Rose Stallone. The drama series is currently streaming on Showmax with all episodes available. Our Husband Africa Magic's drama series 'Our Husband' will have you hooked trying to figure out the twists behind Azuka Nnamani's life. Starring Nigerian actors Munachi Abii, Okey Uzoeshi, and Gloria Anozie Young, 'Our Husband' tells the story of a wife uncovering her husband's infidelity most shockingly, sparking a chain of events that pushes her into an unexpected alliance with his mistress. The drama series is currently streaming on Showmax with weekly episodes. The Chocolate Factory "The Chocolate Empire," a Kenyan crime drama from Insignia Productions (creators of "Single Kiasi" and "Kash Money"), delves into Nairobi's high society. The series features Jimmy Gathu as JB Mauzo, a recently released powerful businessman. While attempting to rebuild his life and family, JB secretly runs a high-end escort service from his exclusive cigar club. The ensemble cast also includes Sanaipei Tande and Kalasha winner Mumbi Maina. As the drama unfolds, it leaves viewers wanting more and becoming invested in the lives of the characters on the series. 'The Chocolate Factory' is currently streaming on Showmax. IOL Entertainment
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What is a ‘soft swap'? How ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' sheds light on a surprising relationship trend
They're not going all the way — but they're definitely not staying in their lane, either. Enter the world of 'soft swapping,' the eyebrow-raising relationship trend turning heads on TikTok and turning up on Hulu's steamy series 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.' At the center of the sultry storm is Taylor Frankie Paul — once the queen of the squeaky-clean 'MomTok' influencer crew — who flipped the script in 2022 when she revealed her Utah clique was engaging in 'soft swinging,' a.k.a. soft swapping. That's when couples dabble in sexual activities with others — like kissing, groping and even some oral action — but draw the line at full-blown intercourse. 'I feel free, to be honest,' Paul confessed during a TikTok livestream. 'All my dirty secrets are out and I have nothing to hide anymore. We partied, we were intimate with other people.' Sounds spicy — but it wasn't exactly a recipe for eternal bliss. According to Paul, the lack of clear rules led to a relationship free-fall, resulting in her divorce from then-husband Tate Paul and fallout with some of her fellow Mormon mom besties. 'It was a secret that we had been keeping from family and other friends,' she added — including her parents. So what is soft swinging, really? Relationship expert Nicole Moore broke it down, telling Popsugar, 'Soft swinging often involves kissing, touching, and other forms of intimacy, and it's a way for couples to explore their boundaries and interests in nonmonogamy without 'going all the way.'' Think of it as swinging-lite — enough to push boundaries, but not quite break them. Still, as 'Secret Lives' viewers — and cast members — have noted, things can get murky. 'I just love how it's like, 'OK, we can do everything but sex so it's fine,' but it's like, no, you're sucking someone's d–k,' co-star Jessi Ngatikaura famously deadpans in season one. Soft swapping may be new to Hulu, but it's old news to Gen Z. A 2023 Ashley Madison survey found that 59% of Gen Zers want an open or polyamorous relationship, and 65% think those setups lead to fuller romantic lives — while nearly half say a single partner just doesn't cut it in bed. 'In the past, people couldn't wrap their head around polyamory not being tied to infidelity,' New York-based social worker and life coach Francesca Maximé told The Post. 'Social media really normalizes having the kind of relationship you find fulfilling, however it's constructed.' Gen Z's always-online ethos and endless access to new people (and porn) has helped them embrace non-monogamy — or at least talk about it openly. 'There is certainly a new perspective in terms of how we look at relationships and what it means to be in a committed one,' psychologist Dr. Michele Leno also told The Post. 'Open relationships are nothing new, although our willingness to openly talk about them is a fairly recent trend.' Still, these anything-goes arrangements can mask deeper emotional struggles. 'I feel both extremes have the same underlying concern, and that it is a fear of vulnerability,' sociologist Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus revealed to The Post.
