Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera

Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera

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.

Episodes

November 22, 2021 3 mins

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 n...

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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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November 29, 2021 41 mins

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.

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December 6, 2021 41 mins

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.


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December 13, 2021 32 mins

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.


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December 20, 2021 46 mins

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 A...

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December 27, 2021 55 mins

Everyone receives some shocking news. As they pick up the pieces they are left to figure out what it all means. 


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December 27, 2021 36 mins

Executive Producer Morgan M. Page speaks with Miriam’s former bandmate Nomi Ruiz about her time as a Speed Angel, her relationship with the reality star, and the current media landscape surrounding trans people and trans femininity. Morgan also speaks with Shon Faye, author of The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice, and Producer Eleanor Biggs speaks with Andy Dehnart about the strange and sometimes dangerous world ...

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Selena Quintanilla was a force of nature. But when a loyal friend betrayed her, she met a fate she never deserved. Even the Rich is a podcast from Wondery that tells you the stories of the crazy lives of the greatest family dynasties to pop culture superstars. In their new season “Viva Selena!”, you’ll hear how she made a massive cultural impact, and became a legend the world will never forget.

This is just a preview of Eve...

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September 18, 2023 5 mins

Did one man’s friendship with a dolphin go way – way – too far? It’s 1987 and the British seaside town of Amble has seen much better days. So when a wild bottlenose dolphin nicknamed Freddie appears in the harbour, it feels like a miracle. Everyone wants to swim with him. But Freddie chooses one person above all others: Alan Cooper, a dedicated animal rights activist committed to freeing ...

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