9 episodes
Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera Wondery
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- Society & Culture
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4.2 • 1.3K Ratings
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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.
All episodes of are available now. You can binge the series ad-free on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.
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Something About Miriam
When a TV exec hears a pitch for a dating game show with a twist she’s sold. But from the very beginning Miriam must risk everything for the show to succeed.
For this story Wondery has partnered with Translash Media, the trans journalism and personal narrative project that is committed to telling Trans Stories to save Trans lives. Visit www.translash.org to learn more about Translash.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. -
Outlaw Superstar
Before she even arrived on the island Miriam had crossed borders, triumphed in the ball scene and made it as a Speed Angel but what if she wants more?
For this story Wondery has partnered with Translash Media, the trans journalism and personal narrative project that is committed to telling Trans Stories to save Trans lives. Visit www.translash.org to learn more about Translash.
Support us by supporting our sponsors!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. -
Champagne, Canapés and Clubbing
With 24 hours until the finale a psychiatrist is rushed to the villa. What he sees disturbs him, but is it too late to change course?
For this story Wondery has partnered with Translash Media, the trans journalism and personal narrative project that is committed to telling Trans Stories to save Trans lives. Visit www.translash.org to learn more about Translash.
Support us by supporting our sponsors!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. -
Sh*t Show
Miriam and the contestants film their final scene. She picks her man. It’s time for her big reveal.
For this story Wondery has partnered with Translash Media, the trans journalism and personal narrative project that is committed to telling Trans Stories to save Trans lives. Visit www.translash.org to learn more about Translash.
Support us by supporting our sponsors!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. -
Scene of a Crime?
Miriam has disappeared, the producers are in hiding and the contestants are out for revenge. Will the show ever see the light of day?
For this story Wondery has partnered with Translash Media, the trans journalism and personal narrative project that is committed to telling Trans Stories to save Trans lives.
Visit www.translash.org to learn more about Translash.
Archive provided by BBC Motion Gallery via Getty Images and ITV Archive.
Support us by supporting our sponsors!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. -
Speed Angel
Everyone receives some shocking news. As they pick up the pieces they are left to figure out what it all means.
Support us by supporting our sponsors!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Customer Reviews
Loved it BUT…
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”.
There’s enough pain to go around
Yes, Miriam was a participant in the show, but she was also exploited by the show creators. As were the men. I feel empathy for both. You don’t have to pick one or the other. Incredible & heartbreaking story, amazing host.
Intellectually dishonest - but interesting
This show is proof that blind acceptance of the trans life is damaging and intellectually dishonest. Miriam’s story is filled with all the ways she was a victim and unable to make better choices for herself - super frustrating. NO ONE points out that clearly she was psychologically unstable and needed profound help. This culture makes it sound like being trans is always a great lifestyle choice; but it can point to deep psychological issues. No one is willing to say this. But if you listen to the podcast, it’s clear Miriam was troubled from the onset. It’s gross how the reality show took advantage of her. But it’s equally gross how this podcast tries to make it sound like Miriam was a tragic hero; just a victim of the culture. We need to start being honest about the trans lifestyle - and help those who are suffering from mental illness.