Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera

4.3 (1.3K)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
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It was supposed to be a reality show with a twist. In a sun-drenched villa in Ibiza, six hot guys compete for a cash prize and for the love of the beautiful and mysterious Miriam. It’s meant to be her big break: the moment she becomes the superstar she was born to be. But this is the era of “cruel reality TV” and the show producers have a different goal: they want to surprise the men with the fact that Miriam is trans. A new six-episode investigative series from Wondery, the makers of The Shrink Next Door and The Apology Line, and from Novel, HARSH REALITY is the story about love, lies, reality TV and a woman before her time: Miriam Rivera. Written by Agnes Borinsky and hosted by Trace Lysette. Binge all episodes of Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-story-of-miriam-rivera/ now.

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4.5 (18065)

HISTORY

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Trace Lysette

Host
Nomi Ruiz

Guest
Shon Faye

Guest
Andy Dehnart

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4.3

out of 5

1,323 Ratings

Loved it BUT…

09/04/2023

stinkydogbreath

Well produced, well told, narrator was really clear and easy to listen to, never boring and for the most part seemed to try to be fair to everyone involved. Where it goes wrong for me was when the sex work and substance abuse were completely glossed over as contributors to Miriam’s suicide. As was her head injury. In fact they spent more time on the possibility of murder (although the family and coroner agree miriam killed herself). I think when honoring someone’s life by telling their story it’s necessary to talk about the ugly stuff too. Miriam was “thrown from a four story balcony” but that story was never told!! Sex work is dangerous, so very risky, and not just to one’s physical safety. Sex work takes a mental toll, as does addiction. When I think of all aspects of this story, from the show itself- to the omissions in telling Miriam’s story, I can’t help but think of the old saying “oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive”.
Excellent but…

12/09/2024

MmmorgannRene

Tom and Gavin are absolute trash. No apologies. No taking responsibility for their actions. They hardly acknowledge her personhood. In the bin with the both of you.
Good

05/04/2024

Beukeboo23

Interesting to listen to, except the trigger warning in the last episode basically gives the ending away, if you don’t already know how it ends. Frustrating after listening for so long to have the ending spoiled.
Beautifully written and produced show

02/04/2024

Needham1533

I heard about this podcast from the book “We See Each Other” by Tre’vell Anderson. Once I’d finished reading I immediately looked this show up and binged it. Miriam’s story was discussed with so much love and care, while also addressing what her story as a trans woman on a dating competition show signified for trans representation in media at the time. Highly recommend.

It was supposed to be a reality show with a twist. In a sun-drenched villa in Ibiza, six hot guys compete for a cash prize and for the love of the beautiful and mysterious Miriam. It’s meant to be her big break: the moment she becomes the superstar she was born to be. But this is the era of “cruel reality TV” and the show producers have a different goal: they want to surprise the men with the fact that Miriam is trans. A new six-episode investigative series from Wondery, the makers of The Shrink Next Door and The Apology Line, and from Novel, HARSH REALITY is the story about love, lies, reality TV and a woman before her time: Miriam Rivera. Written by Agnes Borinsky and hosted by Trace Lysette. Binge all episodes of Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-story-of-miriam-rivera/ now.