Meet Carson Frae | Carson Frae – Host of The Real House Guest of North Hollywood

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carson Frae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carson Frae, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I think about risk-taking, I think about the times in my life when I’ve felt a tug towards something unknown—a choice that might not fit into a traditional definition of success or what others expect of me. Growing up doing theatre, the stage always felt like home. From a young age, I was performing in plays, telling stories, and dreaming of a life where art was central. Studying acting in college felt like a natural continuation of that dream. It was a path with risks of its own, but it was also familiar to me—a world I understood. Pivoting into my podcast, The Real House Guest of North Hollywood, felt like a completely different kind of risk. At first, it didn’t feel like “art.” I struggled with the idea that talking about Bravo TV, reality shows, and pop culture wasn’t “serious” enough, especially compared to the artistic goals I thought were worthy. But my producing partner—and life partner—Ezra gave me a perspective that changed everything. One day, he looked at me and said, “Why isn’t this art?”That question stayed with me. Why couldn’t it be art? Art is about connection, expression, and bringing joy or insight to others. Once I let go of my preconceived notions of what art had to look like, I felt free in a way I never had before. Starting the podcast and diving into TikToks and social media content was terrifying at first, and felt cringey to me. I had to trust that my passion and authenticity would resonate, even in a medium that felt unfamiliar.But the reward has been incredible. Through the podcast, I’ve found new ways to tell stories, connect with others, and celebrate what I love. The risk of stepping into the unknown taught me that art can take many forms, and sometimes, the scariest choices lead to the most fulfilling paths.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Even though I grew up immersed in the world of theater, with a deep love for performing, pop culture and reality TV have always held a special place in my heart. During the pandemic, my acting career was put on pause— as Andy Cohen might say about canceled Housewives shows, it was “on a break, but with potential for a comeback.” While stuck at home, I found myself feeling a pang of jealousy whenever I watched scripted shows. To cope, I leaned heavily into my love of Bravo and became truly obsessed.The challenge, though, was that my friends didn’t share the same passion for Bravo shows. I went looking for an online community, and I found one. In fact, I discovered a massive fanbase that even gathers annually for BravoCon! But as I explored this world, I noticed that much of the content being created about Bravo didn’t spark joy for me. Some commentary felt mean-spirited or overly critical, and that just wasn’t what I wanted. I didn’t aspire to be a Real Housewife, but I also didn’t want to engage in content that wished harm on the people whose lives we were dissecting. What I craved was a space where I could break down, analyze, and laugh about Bravo shows in a way that was funny, fun, and kind.I toyed with the idea of starting a podcast but kept thinking, “Aren’t there enough Bravo podcasts out there?” Fast forward to early 2024: my friends threw me a Bravo-themed birthday party. Despite not being Bravo fans themselves, they went all out—dressing up as my favorite Vanderpump Rules cast members, yelling iconic Housewives quotes, and even gifting me my very own “Shotski” like Andy Cohen’s on Watch What Happens Live. That celebration made me feel so loved and seen. Looking back, I realize that moment was the spark that manifested the podcast I have today. With ‘The Real House Guest of North Hollywood,’ I’ve built the community I longed for. My goal has always been to create content that I would want to watch or listen to—content that’s insightful, respectful, and above all, fun. It hasn’t always been easy to get here. Starting something new can be daunting, and I had moments of doubt about whether my voice would resonate. But the lessons I’ve learned along the way—to follow joy, to embrace authenticity, and to trust that my unique perspective has value—have been invaluable. Today, I’m not doing what I originally moved to Los Angeles to do, but I am doing something that makes me deeply happy. Through my podcast, I’ve found a way to connect with people, share my love for Bravo, and celebrate the intersection of pop culture and storytelling. My hope is that anyone who listens feels like they’re sitting down with a friend who loves Bravo just as much as they do, minus the judgment and negativity. That’s the kind of community I’ve always dreamed of, and I’m so proud to be creating it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure to give them an unforgettable experience that blends my love for pop culture and classic LA charm. First, I’d pick them up from the airport (hopefully Burbank!), and we’d head straight to West Hollywood. Our first stop would be my favorite Bravo-related spot: Something About Her. We’d enjoy some sunshine at Plummer Park, followed by a glass of wine and the famous Viola sandwich at Something About Her. Next, we’d make our way back to the Valley and visit the Iliad Bookstore in North Hollywood—a magical haven for book lovers. To wrap up the evening, we’d hit up The Good Nite for karaoke and grab some street tacos at this little spot on the corner of Lankershim and Burbank, an essential LA experience. A must-see would be the Academy Museum at LACMA. Every time I visit, it makes me feel like a little kid watching the Wizard of Oz for the first time as a kid. It’s a special spot that’s perfect for anyone who loves film and storytelling.Right after, we’d head to Lalibela in Little Ethiopia for an unforgettable meal. It’s a favorite of mine and my partner’s—an incredible culinary experience that offers something truly unique. Always asking for traditonal/sharedstyle plating for the full experience. Finally, if my guest insists on a beach day (and they always do since my family is from Indiana!), we’d head to El Matador Beach in Malibu. The hike down might be a little nerve-wracking, but the stunning beauty of the beach makes it totally worth it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The success of The Real House Guest of North Hollywood is not something I’ve achieved alone. My first shoutout goes to my partner, Ezra, who not only gave me the extra push to start the podcast but has also been integral to its production. He edits most episodes, pulls clips for social media, sets up lighting, and handles pretty much everything technical. Ezra is a talented local filmmaker in his own right, and we just love creating together.My roommate Brittany is also deeply involved in the production. She edits episodes, often co-hosts, and helps me brainstorm and refine ideas. Her creativity and support have been invaluable. My aunt deserves credit for designing our logo and graphics, which perfectly capture the fun and vibrant essence of the podcast.My friend Ellie, a brilliant performer, has co-hosted over six episodes and even taught herself how to operate the audio equipment—a huge help to the production process.My grandma co-hosts our monthly book club episodes, and my mom helps produce those as well. I also have a little voiceover from my dad for the “Breaking Bravo News” section of the show. Sharing this journey with my family has been a joy I never anticipated. House Guest isn’t just me; it’s my dream brought to life by a whole community of friends and family. Their contributions have made this project even more meaningful than I could have imagined, and I’m endlessly grateful for their support and collaboration.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealhouseguestofnoho/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherealhouseguestofNoho

Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/39dMgnALrRUP5oICNx5soh

Image Credits
Ezra Balcha