The Rise of a Reality TV Voice

Amber Desiree Smith, known professionally as AD, has transformed her reality television experience into a thriving podcasting career with "What's the Reality?" The show, which launched in February 2025, has established itself as a go-to destination for discussions about love, relationships, and the behind-the-scenes world of reality television ^[1]. Operating under the YouTube handle @whatstherealitypod, AD has successfully leveraged her appearance on Netflix's "Love Is Blind" Season 6 to build a multimedia platform that resonates with reality TV enthusiasts ^[2].

From Professional Athlete to Reality Star

Before entering the world of reality television, AD built an impressive career in professional sports entertainment. She served as a New England Patriots cheerleader from 2011 to 2015, culminating in her role as captain and Pro Bowl cheerleader during the team's Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks ^[3]. Following her Patriots tenure, she transitioned to the Charlotte Hornets as an NBA dancer from 2017 to 2020, showcasing her versatility in professional entertainment ^[4]. The 33-year-old real estate broker from Boston originally moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to her mother while pursuing her career in real estate ^[3]. Her athletic background and business acumen would later prove valuable assets in her media career, providing her with the discipline and communication skills necessary for content creation.

Breakthrough on Love Is Blind

AD's journey to influencer status began with her participation in "Love Is Blind" Season 6, which premiered on Netflix in February 2024 ^[5]. During the show, she formed connections with multiple contestants before ultimately getting engaged to Clay Gravesande ^[6]. The relationship, however, ended dramatically at the altar when Clay declined to marry her, creating one of the season's most memorable moments ^[7]. Her authentic and vulnerable portrayal on the show resonated with viewers, establishing her as a fan favorite despite the heartbreaking outcome of her televised relationship ^[8]. This popularity would become the foundation for her subsequent media ventures and content creation career.

Launching What's the Reality?

In February 2025, AD announced the launch of her SiriusXM podcast "What's the Reality?" through an exclusive reveal with PEOPLE magazine ^[1]. The show premiered on February 26, 2025, positioning itself as a weekly exploration of love culture, relationships, and reality television commentary ^[9]. AD describes the podcast concept as feeling like being added to a group chat with friends, creating an intimate and accessible format for discussions about contemporary dating and entertainment ^[1]. The podcast features a diverse range of guests, including former cast members from popular reality shows such as "Love Is Blind," "The Traitors," "Love Island," and "The Ultimatum" ^[9]. This strategic guest selection allows AD to tap into existing fan communities while providing insider perspectives on the reality television industry.

Content Strategy and Guest Lineup

"What's the Reality?" has featured notable guests that demonstrate AD's growing influence in the reality TV space. Recent episodes have included conversations with Marshall Glaze from "Love Is Blind" and Sandy Gallagher from "The Ultimatum," focusing on life after reality television and mental health challenges ^[10]. The show has also welcomed television personality Kamie Crawford, expanding beyond reality TV to include broader entertainment industry discussions ^[10]. Other guests have included couples from "Temptation Island," "Love Is Blind" alumni like Lydia Arleen, and even celebrity guests such as Raven-Symoné and Miranda Maday ^[11]. This diverse guest roster reflects AD's ability to attract high-profile personalities and maintain relevance across different entertainment genres.

Platform Performance and Audience Engagement

According to analytics platform Rephonic, "What's the Reality?" has published 18 episodes as of June 2025, maintaining a weekly publishing schedule since its launch ^[12]. The podcast has achieved notable success on Apple Podcasts, ranking #99 in the United States Society & Culture/Relationships category and reaching as high as #41 in Canada's equivalent category ^[12]. The show maintains strong listener engagement, with reviews praising AD's interviewing style and her ability to ask meaningful questions ^[12]. The podcast's Apple Podcasts rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars with 214 reviews demonstrates consistent audience satisfaction ^[10].

Personal Life and Recent Developments

AD's personal life has continued to generate media attention, particularly her relationship with Ollie Sutherland from "Love Is Blind UK" ^[13]. The couple met while filming Netflix's "Perfect Match" Season 3 and announced their engagement in March 2025 ^[14]. In May 2025, they revealed they are expecting their first child together, marking a significant milestone in AD's personal journey ^[14]. This personal development has provided additional content for her podcast and social media presence, allowing her to share authentic experiences about love and relationships with her audience while maintaining her role as a relationship commentator and reality TV analyst.

What's the Reality?

What's the Reality?

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