‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island’s’ Kelsey Swanson

Grab the crackahs. It’s time to unpack Season 1 of Bravo’s  “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”

Part 1 of what Bravo bills as a “two-part supersized reunion event” hits Sunday, June 21 at 9 p.m. 

Host and producer Andy Cohen will sit down with the cast —  Alicia Carmody, Kelsey Swanson, Rosie Woods DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi — to look back on the Ocean State’s wave-making first season. 

In “Reunion Part I,” Kelsey and Rosie “face off,” and “Rulla and Jo-Ellen’s feud continues,” per billing. “Reunion Part II” airs June 28 at 9 p.m. The significant others join. “No issue is left off the table,” per billing. 

This oughta be good.

Boston.com caught up with Jo-Ellen Tiberi last week. Ahead of the reunion, we also caught up with Kelsey Swanson — a URI alum and former Miss Rhode Island — at her Cranston home via video call to talk about everything from how they were cast to internet trolls to infamous scenes bound to come up for discussion on Sunday.

So what’s this ride been like for you?

Kelsey: Well, it’s been entertaining. A lot of ups, a few downs, but that comes with the territory of reality TV. As long as the good outweighs the bad, I’m good.

Have there been any weird or awkward moments to watch back?

Watching yourself in general is awkward. Obviously the most cringy scene was when Rosie kicked me out of her house. I’m mad at myself for walking in again. I could have avoided the whole “slam pig” thing if I did. [laughs]  But I think it’s entertaining. I’m making light of it, because I actually just don’t care. When you don’t fit the description— I’m so not it— I’m like call me a slam pig. Whatever you need to do it to make your day better at my expense. 

What did you think of the fight between Liz and Alicia —  with Jo-Ellen mediating — on the drive to Boston? 

I get both sides. Because I’m closest with Liz, I know what she needs in order to calm down—to retreat, and just have some alone time. If it was me in Jo-Ellen’s spot, I would’ve completely handled it in a different way. I think all Liz needed to hear was “Your take on this is valid, but so is Alicia’s.” You can’t discredit somebody’s feelings and lived experience as a child.

You and Liz are super close on the show. Did you know her before this? Did you know any of the women?

So Jo-Ellen, I’ve known for 15 years. I met my ex at the tanning salon where she used to work; she used to date my ex’s brother. Liz and I were never friendly – we used to walk by each other and give each other dirty looks, like, “Fix your face.” I’d be like, “That girl’s a b—.”

[laughs] OK.

But once we started hanging out, we hit it off instantly.

How were you cast? Did you apply? 

No, I was recommended by a few people, so they reached out to me. We didn’t know it was “Housewives” at the time. Just that it’s a reality show about a group of Italian families. I think the statistic is 95 percent of reality shows fail. But when they slapped “Housewives” onto it, that instantly gave it credibility. I was like, “OK, this is interesting.”

Overall has this been a fun experience?

Yeah, it’s a learning curve. There’s a method to the madness you have to figure out. But it’s been a great experience. As long as the good outweighs the bad, I’ll continue doing it. But you have to have thick skin. If you don’t, you shouldn’t be here. It will ruin you. Staying off the internet is how I handle it.

I love how Rhode Island the show is. We might be the only state with Quahog Week. You and Liz went quahogging on a recent episode. 

And it was a complete fail, and I think everyone will make fun of us for it. [laughs] If you’re a Rhode Islander who goes clamming, you actually know what to do, but we just look like complete idiots.

You were born and raised in Cranston. Any favorite restaurants in Rhode Island?

Well, my ex’s family has the Coast Guard House. It’s the best restaurant, for scenery, that you can get in the entire state. 

You said you love Boston, too. 

I love Zuma. I love going out in Boston. I like to go at least once a month. That kind of nightlife, we don’t have in Rhode Island. I’d love for Boston restaurant owners or chefs to come over to Rhode Island. We need a good weekend-party-vibe.

What was your reaction to getting renewed?

It’s definitely warranted. I’m excited for round two. Hopefully it’s just as good as season one.

Watch the reunion sneak-peak:

Interview has been edited and condensed.  Lauren Daley is a freelance culture writer. She can be reached at [email protected]. She tweets @laurendaley1, and Instagrams at @laurendaley1. Read more stories on Facebook here.

Lauren Daley is a longtime culture journalist. As a regular contributor to Boston.com, she interviews A-list musicians, actors, authors and other major artists.

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