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

Hi Dina, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think it’s so important to be genuine and kind. In reality TV, fans can be harsh. They forget these are real, dynamic people behind the screen who we only see a very small, edited part of. I am completely honest about my opinions of how someone may be portrayed on the show, but judge the whole person based on my personal interactions with them. There is so much hate and cruelty in the world, it’s important to be kind and form your own opinions. I think that goes a long way in any relationship, business or personal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what really sets The LovePod apart is the genuine relationships I have with the cast and other reality TV personalities and podcasters. I am truly a fan of the shows I watch and podcasts I listen to, and I believe that really shines through when talking or writing about Love is Blind, The Circle, or putting together a charity event.

I also think that using my platform to advocate for pet rescues helps connect people who wouldn’t normally get together. The Love is Blind cast sometimes have challenging relationships with each other, but are happy to get together for a great cause. I am so passionate about animal rescue, and shelters are so overwhelming, it would be insane to not leverage the connections and audience I have to give back to the community.

It certainly is not easy trying to stand out in the podcasting space. There are probably millions of podcasts out there, and anyone with a laptop or phone can make a podcast. I’ve had personal struggles, and still continue to deal with a lot of medical issues, so it can be difficult to maintain any kind of consistency. I’ve learned that despite that, I can still have purpose and give back to the world in some small way. Even if that way includes something unique like a love of reality TV. It’s possible to turn your passion into purpose and while I still have a long way to go, I’m proud of how far I’ve come so far.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m going to get back to you on this one. I’ve asked Chris Fox for some recommendations! He is my go to for Houston recommendations.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not have gotten as far as I have today without some amazingly supportive friends in the industry. From my mom, who is happy to fill in and chat about reality TV any time and welcome the cast for Sunday dinner, to my friend Mike Tucci, an amazing nail sculptor who has always encouraged me, to the cast and production teams of Love is Blind and The Circle, especially the “villains”. My co-host, Vince Doa, who has been on board since we met in helping the podcast grow. Jordan Wright, an amazing producer who I miss terribly. And of course, I can’t forget Jonny Fairplay, Survivor and House of Villains star who brought me on to the Reality After Show network, and Ricky Valero, another amazing reality tv expert and podcaster from Love in Reality and Fansided. This is starting to sound like an Oscars speech, so I’ll end it there, but I am truly grateful for everyone!

Website: https://thelovepodpodcast.com

Instagram: @lovepodpodcast

Twitter: @lovepodpodcast

Facebook: /thelovepodpodcast

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

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2rihP8UYHCQASBMMWLz7wK
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lovepod-reality-tv-podcast/id1500783433

Image Credits
Pictured with dog: Josh Demas, Love is Blind Season 4 at Four Paws and Friends Mutt Strut at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.