Guest Episode: Liz Gateley

Kristin and Stephen are joined by Laguna Beach’s creator and executive producer, Liz Gateley, for a conversation about the inspiration, production, and reception of “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.”
About Back To The Beach: A podcast hosted by Kristin Cavallari and Stephen Colletti that takes listeners back through their iconic 2004 television show “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.” Tune in as the former sweethearts rewatch episodes for the first time in 18 years and re-live their high school experience all over again revealing which fights were real, which hookups got complicated, and of course, what really happened in Cabo.
Have a burning question for Kristin and Stephen? Call the hotline to leave a voicemail: 1.844.LAGUNA.0
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[@natalierose1072]

Idk why but I have such a soft spot for Laguna Beach. Even as a 34 y/o woman I still enjoy rewatching it. I can't explain what a cool show it was to watch the first time around. These podcast episodes are so fascinating to listen to.

[@Stephanie-tk6kn]

Do you remember the away messages we would leave on AIM every Tuesday night like “brb watching Laguna

[@brennaanderson4591]

I so agree

[@brennaanderson4591]

And the hills forever too

[@DogGoneDayz]

Yes such a nostalgia, jut watching it or even these podcasts, warm little nostalgia feels

[@nicolasara08]

Same here! I guess we've watched it at their same age and kinda felt related to them in some way. Right now when i rewatch it, its not only because of nostalgia, but it also kinda relaxes me with the views of Laguna and the great music of the show. I do think that besides all the teenage drama, this show really does an awesome job at showing such an special town, with really good location picks and great filming. Also the soundtrack was beyond amazing.

[@theluckienurse]

I remember being so frustrated by the term “hooking up” on the show because I never knew if it meant kissing, messing around, or more lol but now as an adult, and hearing the explanation for that being done to protect the kids, it makes sense why there was so much grey area and I have respect for it.

[@JasmineIJ]

Same, I remember being in 8th grade and wondering what they meant by that lol

[@SammyCamilleKyle]

GIRL! YES! Same here Same here

[@keydenino8164]

I think that’s also just how it was said back then or at least where I live in NY .. I still use that term oh I “hooked up” with them which can just mean making out

[@kristyboule8768]

Now as a full blown adult, I’m 31, if I hear someone says hook up I assume sex lol but that’s just my view and assumption

[@theluckienurse]

@@kristyboule8768 It's interesting - I think it depends on the area you live in and the slang terms used.. When I was a teenager, we said "hooked up" to mean anything from making out and beyond, but stopping before sex. It didn't mean sex lol

[@Momosaymkay]

I wish they would post the original pilot. I think it would be so cool to see.

[@philiplogan1739]

Really surprised neither Stephen or Kristin asked about or addressed with Liz some of the issues / annoyances they've mentioned in previous episodes about how they were wrongly portrayed.

[@emilystruna4267]

Because they have clearly stated that overall the show felt authentic. But the parts that weren’t and portrayed them a certain way. They understand the show had an angle it needed to get an audience. They already mentioned many times. They looking back are happy they did it and they also understand now why things were portrayed the way it was to make the show work. So there is no reason for them to ask her. Or come at her for that. When they already know why.

[@smellslikefreespirit]

MTV could 100% do a Jersey Shore family vacation style reunion for Laguna Beach. The issue would be getting Lauren to do it, but this would be MTV’s biggest show next to Jersey Shore

[@sarahholleran6230]

Lauren is equivalent to the “Sammi sweetheart” of JS.

[@smellslikefreespirit]

@@sarahholleran6230 Good point lol. The show would still be successful without her, but would add so much more with her. She seems like the only one not willing to do reality tv anymore

[@sarahholleran6230]

@@smellslikefreespirit I know, I miss her! But she seems successful so good for her! 😊

[@mr.rogers3513]

Stephen looking at Kristin during this podcast and smiling often just melts my heart

[@l_p25]

What?? How do you know he is looking at Kristin? He can see them both and he is working doing and interview.

[@laraleigh6530]

I remember watching every single episode of Laguna Beach and always seeing, Liz Gately's name in the credits and always wondering what she was like and always wanting to meet her! She's just as wonderful and sweet as I always imagined her to be!

[@tonyajawwaad7933]

I hope you see this! Lacuna Beach was not just a show for teenagers. I am a 56 year old woman with 7 children. I only allowed my 15 oldest daughter in 2004 to watch this with me. It was honest on how HS kids lived their lives. So as the others became older, I knew what to talk to them about. And how the parents handled different situations. It helped me not be blind to situations my children would go through and how to navigate that space. Thank you! ❤

[@grasshopper832]

Liz just lying through her teeth. "Oh you guys were already a clique. Oh we didn't produce it that much, you guys were brilliant. That's why we didn't franchise it." Should have cut to previous episodes where Stephen and Kristin explain they weren't all a clique and didn't actually all hang out together and the producers did force it. Also they did franchise it ffs. Newport Harbor, Maui Fever, 8th and Ocean... All Liz Gateley.

[@thegoddessritual9018]

Yep. She knew exactly how to control the conversation - she’s a lawyer. She gaslit them the entire time, calling them magical and brilliant, making it uncomfortable for them to address their very real concerns. Classic grooming behaviour, which makes sense, she’s done this her entire career.

[@AppleBlossom990]

Also? She talks like thisss? And it's like so? Annoying?

[@louisecollins1938]

@@thegoddessritual9018 100%

[@lucyvanpelt2612]

Thank god I am not the only one thinking this!!! I had to turn it off. She takes a year to get a sentence out, and every time she mentioned “you guys and your portrayal were always our number one concern,” blah blah blah I just got more and more irritated. I stopped working to actually look at their faces to see if there was any “sure Jan” tells. Credit to these two for sitting through this.

[@dinahrosesteele]

Liz gave me the ick, 100%. No accountability taken on any counts. She didn't even take a breath to let them ask questions, because she wanted to control the narrative. Pretty gross. Would have been so much better if a producer had acknowleged some of the problematic tactics they used. Would have been so much more impactful if it looked like she had learned something, rather than pouring it on with compliments.

[@shreya-is3tl]

20 year later I’m still obsessed with the show and the 3 main “characters”! And I still root for kristen and Stephen 😛 this show really connected with a lot of people, I love it. ❤

[@headphonecafe]

Probably my fav episode so far, I loved hearing all the bts stories so this was a lot of fun!! Also I NEED to hear more about Lo making out with the rock star lol 😂

[@amirahgood8033]

I promise you, just when boredom hits while I'm working these excel spreadsheets this notification pops up like a ray of sunshine in my day. Ahhhh ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@moreadventure3627]

Same here!

[@lijanamatich7884]

This made me emotional towards the end. Liz addressing the goodbyes truly shows that parts of it were real regardless of the producing ect… these kids where real friends and had real relationships ❤❤

[@livinglifewithlaura2256]

Thank you for video podcasts! I know how difficult it is for you both!

[@undiscloseduser2004]

I wish Liz's Audio was more loud and clear; headphones needed to hear this one guys, especially Liz.

[@echenton]

Seriously - and she’s in a studio? It’s such terrible audio.

[@sinemmehmet3360]

Definitely, she’s in a studio as well and the audio is terrible

[@VlogBride]

When i listened to the podcast it sounded a lot better and I didn't notice any problem, but on here it's much more uneven so maybe they only adjusted it for the audio podcast. great episode regardless!

[@cristinab5274]

“Magical” timing of this panel - aligning with Netflix’s release of the series. Gotta say, love y’all personal growth and Kristin, rewatching now, you were on point for self respect as power woman. Okayyyy we all have things we may not be proud of when younger, but you gave solid advice to friends, and knew yourself and what you wanted. Just my take, but again, proud of all y’all success and growth

[@fancylivingKi]

I’m so excited for season 2 pods!

[@nicolasara08]

Right now when i rewatch this show (still have the original DVDs in Argentina!), its not only because of nostalgia, but it also kinda relaxes me with the views of Laguna and the great music of the show. I do think that besides all the teenage drama, this show really does an awesome job at showing such an special town, with really good location picks and great filming. Also the soundtrack was beyond amazing.

[@moreadventure3627]

Nothing will ever compare to Laguna Beach as a reality show. The other reality shows that came after it have been so different in a bad way.. except The Hills season 1-3. Then spencer ruined it

[@stephaniehamilton7029]

agreed

[@lucashenderson2775]

Kristin and Stephen have talked a lot about what was staged and reshot for the show, but despite all of that, it still felt more real than other reality shows to me. This show was part staged, part real where other shows have been mostly staged and a little bit real.

[@feliciagonzalez2983]

Kristin is so naturally beautiful! Come thru glowy skin❤

[@grasshopper832]

"Naturally"... as if she doesn't get unnatural anti-aging skin care treatments.

[@feliciagonzalez2983]

@@grasshopper832 even without the creams she probably is still prettier then you. Inside and out.

[@grasshopper832]

@@feliciagonzalez2983 Making rude comments and comparing women is what's wrong with the world. It's bad to pretend people using unnatural things is natural, and setting that unnattainable beauty standard for women. It's better to acknowledge a rich celebrity gets facials and lasers and other unnatural treatments, so women shouldn't compare themselves to it. Do better.

[@feliciagonzalez2983]

@@grasshopper832 it’s also rude to not mind your business and to not worry about yourself. Don’t comment on my comment then tell me how to behave. Do better by keeping to yourself. Go buy some anti aging and work on your attitude.

[@grasshopper832]

@@feliciagonzalez2983 I'd say stop simping for some rich celebrity that doesn't care about you, but you're going to keep doing it. I was making a comment about her appearance not being natural, and you take things way too personally. Calm down.

[@Sarahxxxxxxx]

Okay but how she said they changed the songs is seriously so sad re watching because the songs were such a pivotal part of both laguna beach and the hills. It makes rewatching not the same 😞

[@moreadventure3627]

Very true

[@youtubepapi]

They change the songs that were played on old shows once they become streamable because they don’t have the licensing to play the original songs. It’s sucks!

[@jennesis]

So glad I bought the original DvDs way back when ♥

[@swiftkarma4436]

Yes the sound track is one of the things that caught my attention . I have many of the songs on my playlist. The scenes do not have the same feel with the new songs.

[@DesireeSifuentes]

I remember the scene she mentioned here with the girls singing in the car to "Toxic" by Britney Spears and was sad I hadn't seen it because I also graduated in 2004 and it's super nostalgic to me, but makes sense they don't have the licensing

[@SaraLanvin]

I think I prefer the episode recaps over these guest appearances to be honest...

[@wanderers5641]

"Pretty Kristin, BEAUTIFUL Lauren...?" I know its innocent, but the way it was said irked me lol.

[@NBean90]

I know I cringed at that statement too! I’m sure she meant no harm though lol. They’re both beautiful. I can see how annoyed Kristin was back then - as they lined Lauren up to be this beautiful, picture perfect girl, when she really lacked a lot of characteristics that Kristin naturally had. Which is why Kristin was always chosen over Lauren.

[@jenniferkeys1085]

I know 😮cringing!! Sounded patronising

[@ivrcitttt.]

I thought I was the only one that caught that 😅

[@ldh6982]

Exactly. Ugh. I know it was innocent, but kind of not really because that's exactly how they marketed the show. And it was obvious back then just like it is now. Beautiful/good/perfect/nice/rich girl Lauren vs. Bad girl/not really apart of our Laguna Beach clique Kristin. For me, it turns up the dislike dial a bit more for a certain someone.

[@karinamichelle8332]

I CRINGEDDDDDDDD AND LOOKED SPECIFICALLY AT Stevens and Kristins face to see if it revealed some type of cringe as well 😂

[@ell4875]

The best podcast yet. Liz Gateley is SO talented! Kristin stop lying and tell everyone what happened between you and Lauren during the bathroom fight on prom night! How can you forget a fight? I still remember all my fights from the age of 5 years old! We need to hear more juice. I want to know whether you would've still fooled around on Stephen if Lauren wasn't in the picture?? Or was that just in your nature? Also confused because Lauren repeatedly says Stephen lied to her which makes me think he was in fact cheating so why is he denying this?

[@CatherineAKennedy]

I have had such an opinion about the producers - Liz seems so genuine in her advice about how much she cared for the welfare of the kids... unfortunately, I see through the love expressed and what is at the core of her motivation - her own success comes first ...Liz is the ultimate in disarming manipulator because what I see here, I really like & would believe if I hadn't seen so many cast members outline what they endured from production... there is no doubt in my mind, from what I've heard from cast members from the three shows, that Adam was and is a completely torturous monster? ...the shows were great to watch because they seemed real and what kids were going through, and what their parents had gone through. 'Back to the Beach' is great for Kristin and Stephen's peace, and for the other cast members who come here to have there say/correct negative misconceptions.

[@ariellesteinberg9863]

No disrespect but they filmed these kids doing drugs (and drinking). This wouldn’t fly in 2023. The infamous scene where Jen is doing coke in the limo, Kristin and stephen in the limo rolling / constant jaw clenching, all the lollipops they suck in season 1 and 2 (Mexican fiesta), obviously the drinking too. I’m surprised production got away with that type of stuff ! Regardless I live laguna and the hills and I feel bad for any gen z who wasn’t able to experience this back in the day!!

[@xpinkmartini]

Kristin not remember anything is so funny to me! Lol

[@crystalobaseki]

I think she doesnt' want to remember it. I think she is trying to move past it because she has evolved past that mean high school girl

[@robertandkristinhall5006]

Hell I am almost 35 only a year younger then her and sometimes I truly struggle to remember details from even 18-20 let alone high school. Even moments I consider very important to me start to get blurry. So I don't think she is lying about remembering at all. But I also agree with the fact we do block some things out lol Also want to add when you are young and partying a lot... Yeah it's easy to forget things lol

[@xpinkmartini]

@@robertandkristinhall5006 I don’t think she’s lying I never said she was I just thought it was funny that she doesn’t remember anything. Lol I’m 35 as well. I don’t remember a lot of things either but I do remember hs

[@robertandkristinhall5006]

@@xpinkmartini sorry I didn't mean to imply you thought she was lying! My apologies I misworded that

[@xpinkmartini]

@@robertandkristinhall5006 you’re good no worries!

[@colleenkelly1025]

I’m a little confused she is calling you magical people, expressing all this love for you but just ignoring the fact that she did Stephen soooo dirty by making him look like a two-timing dog throughout this when that wasn’t the truth at all… she said all the dynamics were true but you guys have been pointing out how much stuff was MTV produced & the use of wild lines…

[@breanned6881]

YES. No accountability whatsoever for the manipulation of teenagers, by adults. She knows, which is why she continues to call them magical and tell them how amazing they were (and how they protected them). It’s a form of gaslighting - no authenticity or honesty whatsoever.

[@mormor8112]

But Lauren did say alot that Stephen lied to her, and he admitted to leading her on, i think its more of a grey era thing that made to be dramatic on the screen, also Kristen said that they were aware of the pic that they were trying to portray and Stephen decided to play along

[@colleenkelly1025]

@@mormor8112 I totally missed the part where Stephen said he agreed to play along?! I feel like every other episode he is so shocked by how they edited it and how that wasn’t what was happening at all, and how he was actually so heartbroken from Kristen? Maybe I’m missing something?

[@mormor8112]

@@colleenkelly1025 well i think he went along with the drama but didn't expect it to make him look as a jurk cause the situation was more complicated than him playing them 2, Kristen says that she was mad he played along but it's easy to see they all were smart enough to keep them mtv contacts and collect favors

[@colleenkelly1025]

@@mormor8112 okay yeah, I was just a little confused at the tone of this video vs the tone of the other ones. It seems the others were all about pointing out the mtv vs irl and then with this one like they didn’t talk about that with her and she acted like they didn’t really fake anything.

[@KiKi-xh4pf]

Kristin needed to narrate the Entire time ☕💕✨

[@swiftkarma4436]

90210 Heathers Dawson's Creek is a perfect way to describe LB👏🏾👏🏾

[@Shannon_Moore]

Yay! Something to listen to today woopwoop🤗

[@meschahayes1003]

Is anyone else having poor audio from Liz?? She's much quieter than the hosts. I can barely hear her

[@9crimes87]

I'm guessing she was one of the more nicer producers given how they react to her. And the fact that they don't mention at all all their grievances with the show and the edits.

[@jolieluc]

I don't know about nicer but she was the creator/Executive Producer plus a huge name in Hollywood so they know not to bite the hand that feeds them lol. She does seem nice too, just don't think that's the motivating factor.

[@julissagu]

Can we see the pilot episode PLEASEEEE

[@tracyelis]

Yeah can we please hear about this fight at winter formal? Thanks.

[@milkturd]

I second this!!!!!!

[@Frwill126]

They won’t talk about it lol. You’d have to listen to other interviews from other cast mates to get the story. I feel like Alex M has interviews on KZbin talking about it

[@MrGaribay169]

I feel like Kristin knows and remembers but she is embarrassed or doesn’t wanted to be viewed a certain way

[@tracyelis]

@@Frwill126 I’ve heard other cast members briefly mention it but nobody ever goes into detail 😩😩😩

[@Frwill126]

@@tracyelis Yes, it seems like everyone is deciding to respect their privacy which is good because it’s their story to tells Maybe I read it then from someone. But if they were going to go into detail, they would have done it already.

[@loleahpo18]

please answer this!! i’ve always wondered if alex buying those dior heels in the beginning was IRL or MTV? obviously this is very important info for me to function with the rest of my life 😂

[@lmkk9118]

Why don't you just DM Alex and ask her?

[@ahorroyproyeccion6607]

She has said it was real that she was buying the shoes, but her card was declined and they let her walk with that empty bag. Im sorry my english not that good.

[@Gr8fldeadhead]

Y’all were wayyyy too nice to Liz. You let her gaslight you lol. You go on record saying many things that contradict your agreements with her in this conversation.

[@mrbdd3059]

Kristen looks so good when I watched back then at 16 . She was my celebrity crush

[@Shane-bz9qm]

Who here is still hoping they get back together?

[@steevenhyde3505]

Liz is very beautiful. Great podcast, great guests. Good job, guys.

[@tmzeena4497]

The sound quality is horrible too I have to have my volume all the way up

[@iloveyoumybae]

I love the show and y’all but somebody is lying here 🫤

[@Junosmom2828]

Liz is so gorgeous! Was not expecting that

[@orangepepper7098]

Kristin confuses me at times. She mention in early episodes of the podcast that she never cheated on Stephen but on Season 2 she admitted to Jessica how she used to cheat on Stephen when Jessica was going through things with Jason. I can’t wait until they review season 2. I like Kristin but she contradicts herself at times

[@NBean90]

Yes I Loveeeeeeee Kristin, but the only thing I didn’t like was how she bragged about cheating on Stephen in season 2. But I do think in the first episodes here they explained Kristin did, but Stephen gave her another try, which explains his jealousy and insecurity in their relationship.

[@ariellesteinberg9863]

@@NBean90 the new episode for season 2 just aired and they talk about the e cheating !

[@ropasidi5154]

Her audio is sooooo low!!!!

[@nhouse7962]

It is terrible...

[@Sandra-cl8ub]

It really bothers me how the entire time Liz is looking up.

[@lizthebroken]

Liz is complimenting them to avoid addressing the accusations of manipulation and falsehood portrayed on the show. We see you. Kristin and Stephen are too professional to say it to her face but they must be annoyed.

[@ariellesteinberg9863]

Look at Kristin’s face. She’s hardly smiling haha so I agree

[@ell4875]

Stephen is so frickin hot! Can't deny it! 🔥

[@hayleynagel42]

She needs to apologize to Stephen and Kristin. The show would have been just as good if not better if they had focused on the love story between Kristin and Stephen instead of trying to push Lauren in the middle further.

[@tshay7]

These gorgeous people

[@juancarlosquinterona]

cuando van a invitar a lauren o a jeison ,, a alguien maS CONOCIDO

[@hdf5530]

Manipulation at its best. Talking about the pains and lives of kids like they're piece of art. What a bad addition to what's been a beautiful reunion! 😢

[@jeffcurran3546]

Liz Gately was a genius.

[@pauljohn.zac23]

❤

[@saramarshall2957]

They definitely said the word sex in at least one of the scenes

[@rand8527]

Gross. Obviously this podcast as a whole targets the super fan audience that will consume anything LB regardless of the content’s credibility. And I get it. It’s a brand and they’re still trying to profit from it. I just disagree with the chosen format. Which is basically let’s create a new ruse and give the allusion that they’re providing a true behind the scenes look when in reality they’re giving mild insight while still being completely untruthful. But I’m not their target audience. I’d be interested in true insight as to how the show was done without the phony “we’ve never talked about this, we’re clearly posturing here” conversation. Of course there’s a lot that they would understandably never talk about publicly. So then just leave that out and then everything else just talk about it earnestly in an informative manner. But obviously either there’s too much they’re not willing to talk about for that to be possible or they think it won’t be as profitable. Obviously I’m not interested in this podcast as is but like I said I’m not the target audience.

[@armindaperez182]

So leave n not listen to it..Drama Queen!

[@soniagill5958]

Who is she

[@brennaanderson4591]

The producer of the show laguna beach

[@soniagill5958]

@@brennaanderson4591 oh so no one important

[@caoimhepeac1266]

29:21 Liz obviously LOVES LC🙄. can't stand her though, even in The Hills, she was never my fave LOL, not that it even matters haha.

[@emilystruna4267]

Yes she just keeps talking up Lauren the whole time. It’s obvious Lauren is the favorite as they made her main character in the hills. But I found it rude she kept talking up Lauren the whole time while being on the podcast with Kristen. Kristen was really good sport about it though. Liz: “pretty Kristen. BEAUTIFUL Lauren”

[@ldh6982]

I know he has a girlfriend and all that, but now it's quite noticeable how he pivots to something else whenever the relationship is brought up. Ugh

[@nunyabizwak8191]

Kristin is over the bs and as covering. Liz keeps reading her bullet points and buzzwords

[@nunyabizwak8191]

Over/Uncomfortable

[@CariMachet]

It was not a new genre > the American family on PBS invented it > about the loud family > no testimonials either