The Real Price of Reality Television with Nick Thompson

Reality television became a thing a little over a decade ago and since arriving on the scene, it has taken the airwaves, and society, by storm. You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who hasn’t spent time watching one, pulled in by the real-time train wreck or complex love triangles that have allowed this form of entertainment to slowly become woven into our fabric. But what happens when reality gets a little too real, and things go wrong?

“I’ve always been someone who has felt alone. From the moment my parents divorced when I was five years old, I felt responsibility for my sisters, and I resorted to handling things that bother me on my own.” – (4:48), Nick

My guest today is Nick Thompson, a man who knows all about the ups and downs of being a reality television star. He found and later lost love on the set of Love is Blind and also, found out about his own mental health and how to love himself more in the process. He’s a man who struggles with depression and one who has some very real and authentic thoughts on how the changes reality television needs to institute for the good of everyone involved, including the audiences.

“I got to the point where I said I can’t take anymore. I can’t take people calling me a cheater, a narcissist, and knowing everything about my life and having a judgment on it.” – (6:38), Nick

Makes no difference if you’re an ardent reality show watcher or just a person trying to make it to the next day, join us as Nick shares insights on his journey to mental wellness, the struggles he has faced, and exciting news on his latest endeavor! It’s an amazing conversation with an even more amazing guy.

“Can we at least get an independent therapist on each of these (reality show) sets that can say he so and so can’t film anymore because they’re having an episode?” – (25:43), Nick 

“I had to say something because I had to leave reality TV better than I found it.” – (40:01), Nick

In This Episode

(1:40) – Nick discusses the driving force behind UCAN.

(2:35) – Post-reality show life can introduce mental health challenges. 

(3:08) – The trauma of job and marriage loss and how it impacts a person.

(4:21) – Interview about observed abuses on “Love is Blind” reveals Nick isn’t okay. 

(5:55) – Public divorce and job loss took him to the bottom. 

(7:55) – Nick comments on his biggest takeaway from reality television. 

(8:39) – There are a lot of people hurting, but a lot of people don’t have the resources to address the pain. 

(8:56) – The male mental health stigma is discussed. 

(11:19) – Being in the mood to fight the fight. 

(13:00) – Nick and his mental state going into Love is Blind and how he hid depression for years. 

(13:44) – Managing depression takes a lot of time and effort. 

(14:12) – The challenge of COVID and depression. 

(15:20) – Spending time in nature gave Nick structure.

(17:20) – The pitfalls of reality television, especially the editing room. 

(20:57) – Unionization of reality stars is on the horizon. 

(23:06) – Netflix observations and the value of Love is Blind. 

(28:00) – Inside the pressures of reality television and the hidden dangers. 

(28:43) – Dating shows don’t lend themselves to being transparent. 

(30:00) – Nick discusses his first panic attack. 

(30:41) – Homebound following his layoff and divorce. 

(32:07) – Marriage and mental health and how to manage it within that construct.

(34:39) – Reality television pre-pairs couples according to Nick. 

(36:40) – People have no idea who the reality stars really are in real life. 

(38:23) – Nick discusses reconnecting after the divorce. 

(39:30) - Nick realizes that he has to say something about reality television. 

(40:35) – Danielle and Nick tell their story, their way on his podcast. 

(42:00) – The challenge of articulating depression. 

(43:12) – It’s really a form of WWE. 

(44:57) – Should reality television come with disclaimers?

(49:08) – The message of Eyes Wide Open. 

Our Guest

Nick’s most passionate about building human connections, mental health, and wellness, problem-solving, self-improvement, and giving back to the community. As a tech marketing executive, Nick builds personal connections with customers, teammates, and coworkers to empower people to act, learn, and grow. His podcast, “Conversations with Nick Thompson,” elevates societal issues such as free speech, free press, mental health, healthy lifestyles, and helping the less fortunate live better lives. Born and raised in Chicago, Nick was the oldest of three siblings with two sisters. Nick's favorite hobbies growing up were writing, filmmaking, journalism, and finding unique ways to connect with others through storytelling.  Nick has a degree in business and is currently working towards a master's degree. 

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

https://www.offthecuff.fm/ 

https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore 

https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/ 

https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/ 

https://www.tiktok.com/@1and1otc

Nick Thompson

https://www.engagewithnick.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

https://www.youtube.com/@EngageWithNick