NATHAN BLACKBURN TALKS REAL WORLD SEATTLE, THE SLAP, POTENTIAL HOMECOMING, MORE! EP #90

Nathaniel Blackburn stops by to discuss his very popular Real World Seattle season. We talk about him knowing and befriending CT, his and David Burns long history and them trying out for the show, the infamous slap incident between roommates Stephen & Irene, his bouts with addiction, Coral's spider bite on Gauntlet, if he was called for All Stars, and the current state of a Real World Seattle Homecoming, and much more! #MTV #THECHALLENGEMTV

[@melissabraun83]

So nice to see him again and to know he was so down and out but doing good now!! So proud of him for the 6 years sober, keep going your doing so amazing!! Thanks for the catch up and keep it up!! As bad as addiction has grabbed so many,took so many,it’s so nice to see someone come out on the other side ..sober!!!!❤️❤️🤞🤞💪😊❤️

[@JakeBor]

you're

[@popcornisbutteryful]

i watched seattle on youtube & i can definitely see where he’s coming from saying that his season was more real. i feel like the first 11 seasons were very real .. i felt like i could really connect wit the characters & although 12+ are good , you can tell the vegas season was the turn around for the real world. that was the season that really got shit crazy 😭😭

[@deesee3622]

Yeah Seattle to me was the last really good season. Crazy they were the second highest rated season

[@vargas1569]

@@deesee3622 Hawaii was the GOAT season

[@deesee3622]

@@vargas1569 thats when it dipped for me - I watched through 2006-07 but the only ones I would care to watch again are the 90s ones through 98

[@MrsReggieRegg]

I completely understand what Nathan is talking about when he speaks about the difference between Real World Seattle and Real World Las Vegas. The Vegas cast was the beginning of the casts doing the most like getting naked and hopping into the hot tub on the first day of shooting the show, but I loved the old school Real World and the new school Real World not so much of the new new school of Real World

[@DiscoLiz]

100%!!!

[@blerksnarfgut7332]

The Vegas season was garbage! It was just so trashy without much heart.

[@Scene68]

The Vegas season was the start of the Real World becoming more notorious for its hookups than actual stories.

[@murcia27ny]

Good point! I couldn’t pin point what the difference was.

[@christinabonaccorsi6998]

💯

[@mariah3259]

I like Nathan, seems like a sincere guy. Much respect to him sharing his struggles with the viewers. That has the potential to help ppl in similar situations who watch this.

[@arturocas90]

Seattle would be an interesting cast to revisit!!! Would love to see an interview with David, Janet and Lindsay!!! Of course with Irene too but I feel like chances are slim to none...

[@Mickielicious]

Thanks for doing this interview! I’m 43 so it’s nice to see some old school RW Alums!

[@MikeLewisPodcast]

My pleasure!

[@Mickielicious]

@@MikeLewisPodcast if you could get David Burns, that would be so cool! I hear he’s doing well. But I wished he would have done a few more challenges. Although, the last few he did you could tell he and Timmy cared but not really. 🤣

[@rmjmoviereviews6876]

Nathaniel came at the situation completely mature, and transparent. And he showed empathy toward both Irene and Steven.

[@mattvt00]

As a Virginia guy a few years younger, Nathan and David were pretty famous in dorm rooms up and down I-81. Happy he’s sober and doing well.

[@jdogjolly]

Just started rewatching Seattle. Such nostalgia from my childhood! I definitely feel like Hawaii and the original New Orleans were the last “real” Real World seasons.

[@michellelekas211]

Seattle made me really uncomfortable at the time.Irene was clearly ill and was scapegoated.

[@Strawberryfearsforever]

It was real all the way up to Vegas. That was the turning point. Season 10 Back to NY with Coral and Mike is one 9f my fav seasons.

[@dferman2001]

​@@Strawberryfearsforevermine too...n that was when 911 happened right?

[@Strawberryfearsforever]

@@dferman2001 I think 911 happened on Chicago.

[@brookabrat]

❤ I remember having a crush on him watching his season in my junior year of high school 👩‍🎓

[@jj1only]

DUUUUUUDDDEEE!!!!! I was a young pup when I watched his season of real world! OOOMMMGGGG he looks so much older than i thought he'd look! Still a legend in my mind though. God bless him, I'm so glad he's doing good

[@deesee3622]

Yeah the alcohol and drugs. So Glad he’s doing well

[@realitin5752]

She may have had a quieter presence in the house but I always liked Rebecca. I'd love to hear from her.

[@Justmyopinion81]

Nathan is awesome! Glad he's doing well.

[@bmfgames3993]

Currently watching and I remembered that Jonna and Derek knew each other prior to being casted! I’ve been enjoying all of the interviews keep it up! 🙏🏽

[@r.g.9610]

Seattle was always my favorite season. I'm glad to see Nathan doing so well. This was a great interview!

[@NicksElixir]

I was binging RW on Paramount+ and really bummed that there was no way to watch Seattle. Then the next day, I found a bootleg on KZbin 😂 I enjoyed Seattle, and the moody 90s pre-Y2K vibes. I hope they find a way to officially upload it so I can watch it in good quality.

[@deesee3622]

I hope Seattle will do a reunion along with the first seven seasons

[@Mickielicious]

We wore all the plaid

[@JoseYuri]

I was finding the right way to say it, and you worded it perfectly! 1998 was very "moody" sort of like the evil step child with younger siblings '99 & '00 ...I loved '98!

[@LTilli313]

Did the same! Been looking for it for years to buy and finally someone uploaded to yt. Seattle, Miami. Hawaii & Boston are my favorites.

[@vargas1569]

The Seattle season felt more like 1995-96. It didn’t feel like 1998. And it was gloomy/moody because it took place in that city, which was also a city that was a few years behind the times compared to NY/CHI/LA

[@freddiegrace3770]

I agree with Nathan 100% about the show changing after Hawaii and San Diego. It became more about hooking up with your roommates, parting all day, and just really a whole generational shift! The cast after those seasons just clearly were no long living any "real world"!

[@realitin5752]

I enjoyed this on multiple levels. Firstly, I knew nothing of the rampant drug use, both during production of TRW Seattle and subsequent Challenges, though I'm not surprised. Secondly, it's delightful and frankly validating to hear former cast members speak of the undeniable shift the series took with Vegas.

[@Jason-si8iu]

They say rw seattle had major drug issues

[@DiscoLiz]

Seattle was always my absolute favorite season. I'm so sad they couldn't come together for Homecoming. I really wish they could convince the the Seattle and Hawaii casts to come back. I would LOVE to see them. Nathan NAILED the shift in Real World with Las Vegas. 100% - that was the shift in the entire series.

[@MikeLewisPodcast]

Thanks for watching

[@michellelekas211]

I actually thought that there were several shifts: 1) from NY1 to LA (they had a chance to watch the 1st, which made the LA squad the worst camera grabbers and vile to each other); 2) SF. Pedro's death and Puck's behavior 3) Las Vegas, well you know! 4) Exes, Bad Blood, etc.: including outside people in the cast. Truly, IRT, after seeing the first shift you know what was coming....

[@vargas1569]

@@michellelekas211 Hawaii was the one that really jacked up the “entertainment” madness with Tech & Ruthie

[@michellelekas211]

@@vargas1569 Vegas?

[@lauralannister3399]

I remember watching the Real World seasons and I loved them. I was always Soo jealous because the houses were always amazing and the chance to be thrown into a new group of people. Good for his sobriety, stay strong 💜

[@michaelrytel2389]

This man has wisdom. I’m glad he’s going well. 👍💪🍀

[@TheeCoachg]

I like how he assessed the slap. Stephen was absolutely wrong and how MTV monetized her pain was awful HOWEVER that was relative to the reaction she wanted. Him slapping her validated her accusation which ultimately he eventually did come out but for a closeted,Black man at that time he wouldnt have been able to go home and let that play out on tv without having retaliated. Its a very good lesson on intersectionality and how Sexism and Racism intercept the different lens one can view a situation.

[@32000voisine]

So weird that it was that long ago. When someone is on TV you remember them in that moment. Crazy! I am going to be 51 in February so Nathaniel must be my age. What ever happened to his girlfriend Stephanie?

[@michaellane3017]

Nathan -- always a favorite of mine. So wonderful to see him doing so well :)

[@jasonhawksworth9711]

Best podcast so far!

[@sarahnoe1588]

I've been watching your interviews for weeks now and you have soooo many good ones it's hard to pick which to watch next. I'm quite old so I totally remember Nathan. No clue he had an addiction. Glad he's in recovery. ❤️❤️

[@MikeLewisPodcast]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@jcw195]

Glad Nate is doing well, my Buddy Timmy spoke highly of him after he had done a challenge with him back in the day!

[@michellelekas211]

I watch TRWS in real time and I had zero idea that Nathan has addiction issues. Here, Mike does not ask him about the fact that Irene was in love with him during the season. He was nice.

[@loveq.8216]

13 year old me was so invested in him and David's story. Seattle was my favorite season.

[@Swayz7777]

I love this podcast so much Mike! I found it by you commenting on Tiktok of all places! Would love to see Lindsay from Seattle on here. I related to her to so much when I was younger.

[@michellelekas211]

I have heard rumors that she is the hold-out for a reunion

[@JoseYuri]

I interpret, "dark" as real and gritty and unpolished...Seattle was my favorite season simply because '98 was a year to be alive!

[@johnrasile5426]

I’m happy for you Nathan! Best wishes to you always.

[@voltairehortizuela4112]

NATHAN!!!!!!! Homie Needs To Come Back On A Challenge

[@crujones2849]

Seattle was probably the most memorable season

[@samuelosler1994]

LA was pretty memorable too

[@32000voisine]

I don't watch The Real World anymore either. I think many people now-a days don't even have cable. We stream stuff so I have been binge watching the initial seasons. I just watched San Francisco. Love that season. Then Seattlw then Boaton because that is where I am from. Loved all those seasons best.

[@crujones2849]

You’re spot on about the change. The real world became a tv show vs a more documentary of people’s lives.

[@garycollins7750]

Nathan was on back when the show was more documentary and less reality as he points people weren’t trying to make a career out of it when he did the show. I think that made for more interesting cast members, when they’d do away for a while then come back they actually had something to talk about.

[@billyd8401]

He always seemed real cool. Drugs and alcohol take a toll. Can't believe it's been 23 years.

[@popcornisbutteryful]

omg i remember seeing the clip of CT & nate tryna get at stephen somewhere on youtube 😭😭 i was so confused

[@loveq.8216]

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I hate that some of the casts didn't agree to the homecoming. I'd love to see another season of Seattle. And I think the next one is NOLA?

[@MikeLewisPodcast]

Nola indeed

[@nik1128]

Love these interviews, I've been rewatching all the early 90s real worlds...immediately brings me back to my childhood.

[@MikeLewisPodcast]

Glad you enjoy them Nik!

[@dereks7745]

Cool to see Nathan on here. Been a minute since I seen him. Good stuff Mike.

[@MikeLewisPodcast]

🙏🏻

[@KT16352]

Nate was one of my favs!!

[@missdee4927]

They have to do a Seattle reunion. And him saying there is one holdout and it's not who you think it'd be means maybe Irene is not the one saying no! That's huge. That Irene/Stephen situation would be handled sooo differently today. The reaction would be crazy. I think Stephen's slap would absolutely start hashtags and he would have been immediately thrown out of the house. I also think Irene would have gotten a lot of backlash for outing him too. I found the editing leading up to Irene's departure really strange. It made Irene look bad out of nowhere. Get David Burns, Mike! I had such a crush on him! lol.

[@gilbertocastro5971]

Yea from what Nathan said could the hold outs be Janet and Lindsay? Since he said he has no idea what they are up to. He said the talk of Homecoming got him back in touch with Rebecca.

[@sirot5561]

I’m guessing Janet or Lindsey are the holdouts

[@maresaasma1753]

@@gilbertocastro5971 now that we have seen LA homecoming and that everyone is not necessary ….are they critical to the storytelling?

[@TheeCoachg]

@@gilbertocastro5971 I think its Lindsey for sure. As outgoing of a personality as she had,she’s NOWHERE to be found anywhere online. Also her friend died during the taping of the show and she’d have to refilm her reaction to it all over again. She probably had intense therapy to move past that .

[@michellelekas211]

The treatment Irene received after her Lyme Disease reveal was MUCH more intense then the slap, IMHO.

[@pimpharold1]

Ohh my gosh!! 😱 I just watched his season last month here on KZbin, I love it, please get David on your podcast, I had a crush on him when I was a kid, and he has different color eyes

[@12345678makedatmoney]

Great interview! Substance abuse is real it’s crazy he looks older than Mark L. but is younger ,but nonetheless I’m glad he is clean!

[@MikeLewisPodcast]

🙏🏻

[@cvill03]

Good interview Mike

[@princessfrancois8225]

Congratulations on your sobriety Nathan ❤

[@MrsReggieRegg]

That's funny to hear that Seattlelites didn't like they were filming there, cuz I'm from Tacoma Washington and was excited when I learned they were filming in Seattle

[@michaellane3017]

Mike! Love that you're a Seahawks fan! I live in Seattle, but am originally from SoCal. My team are the Niners!!! lol :)

[@michaellane3017]

Mike - may I ask, what area of the country are you in -- it would be cool if you were in the Northwest too but I would guess not due to your awesome accent 😃

[@NewEnglanderfrvr]

wow, what a blast from the past! He looks great and so happy for his sobriety.

[@jmg1962]

Irene was such a genius for outing Stephen for being a homosexual before he even knew he was a homosexual. Sad that receiving a face slap was the biggest thing that happened in her career. Your thoughts?

[@Jason-si8iu]

Not a genius, anybody could figure it out

[@alivargas4756]

Actually just a correction about two cast members knowing each other prior. Cancun season casted Derrick and Jonna worked at the same restaurant together.

[@YouTubeOGSinceO6-vv9jn]

I'm stoned watching this. My tablet is watching me

[@sereneadair4941]

I heard Janet on this season said no because of her work with Jay-Z prevents her from being on the show but sounds like there is a couple of others that opted out too.

[@mmurph]

Wasn't he on the very first official Challenge?

[@Tomekalove]

Yes he was

[@Tomekalove]

I believe it was him, Janet Neil (London), Beth (Los Angeles), Montana, Jason(Boston) And Road Rules had Anne, Kefla, Mark Long, Kalle, Roni, Noah Road Rules won

[@drewrayg]

I’m so happy to hear he’s doing good. I always thought he was a good guy. And, it’s sad to hear how hard his life got but glad he found his way out. Also, his grey hair works for him - he’s looking real handsome. Love seeing these episodes.

[@TheeCoachg]

I think Lindsay is probably the hold out. He friend died during the show and her reaction to that was a big part of the season,I imagine being on reality tv is hard enough but reliving your friend dying with the recorded reaction is probably tough. Im sure she’s had therapy to move past it.

[@roberthenry7922]

I think she’d be up for it. Stephen and Irene would be hold ups for me.

[@Strawberryfearsforever]

I saw Irene say it was Janet because she works for Jay Z now.

[@dferman2001]

I watched that entire season him n David were great!!

[@Melisblessed]

After season 11 (Chicago) I just checked out. It turned into trash. Everything before was awesome. I heard the RW experience was trauma so I get them not wanting to step back into the mess.

[@malcolmxpanther]

Las Vegas is a classic. Every single season after that tried to emulate Vegas.

[@travishunterbrown]

Thank you for bringing on Nathan!! I had the biggest crush on him when I was in middle school! 💚💚

[@trytobenice7234]

0:33 ☺️ 45:41 🏁 46:54 🎬

[@brookabrat]

coming from someone who is TRANS 👠 Irene was totally spot on about Stephen 🤦🏾‍♂️🏳️‍🌈 😂

[@100_mph]

Excellent stuff bro

[@MikeLewisPodcast]

🙏🏻

[@oceanequestrian11]

I LOVED TRW New York (original season) Seattle, NOLA, and Hawaii… the rest unfortunately I just couldn’t get into; not for a lack of trying tho 😕

[@32000voisine]

Wonder does Nathan still talk to David or any of the other cast mates today?

[@roberthenry7922]

I couldn’t see this cast come back for homecoming. Unfortunately I don’t think Irene would come back. Neither Stephen cause here he’s not doing well. Plus I feel Stephen would leave early.

[@AvecPoesie]

Curious what you've heard about Stephen?

[@MrsReggieRegg]

Irene was on her way out the house and off the show when she was slapped by Stephen even though she provoked him he should've stopped when he threw her stuffed animal into the water, but she hurt his feelings and pride to the core that he wanted her to hurt like he was hurting so he made a bitch decision and slapped her and it was at that moment that I knew Irene was right Stephen was gay

[@michellelekas211]

She was also vilified for her Lyme disease symptoms

[@sarahnoe1588]

Daaaaang. Mic drop on Coral. I actually always wondered if there really was a spider.

[@MusicNerdDavid]

currently watching the challenge season 2. love him and kalle and was heartbroken by their stories. wonder if he was spoken to her since.

[@bdiaz6081]

I was having dinner with my boss and a few coworkers on a business trip to NYC years ago and my bosses brother joined us & brought his new girlfriend. I kept telling her she looked so familiar. Then it dawned on me “OMG, you were on The Real World”. Her face went blank and she became very uncomfortable. My coworkers were all Gen-Xers and had a few drinks in them so they started asking her a bunch of Real World questions. She was on Seattle so they kept asking about the slap, etc. She was really uncomfortable. I regret my big mouth calling her out like that 😕. She was polite but definitely didn’t want to discuss it.

[@moquilla1]

She who?

[@khsimagesdotcom856]

He's only 45?? 😳

[@jangisslen292]

People age differently.

[@rideonemgxr]

This was great!

[@pistachiosandpopcorn7146]

wuuuhhh ooohhh...he just said Coral didn't get bit by a spider. lol. I love to hear Coral when she's responding to something someone said. I guess she's moved on from that kinda thing but...I can hear her in my mind lol. Coral has to be my fav real worlder.

[@ezelldaniels6064]

👏👏👏👏

[@Boss2164]

Jesus he old as hell looks 65

[@Vvvzzzvz]

White ppl don’t age well that’s why lack of melanin

[@michellelekas211]

Naw! He's lost weight and his hair is gray, but otherwise he looks fine. I'd have guess he was 57 or so, not 45.

[@pimpharold1]

Thank you Nathan!!! Coral had nothing to do on that final team and the only reason she always made it far was because of her big mouth and alliances, and she show her true colors on the gauntlet 3, nothing but a scare little girl

[@moiznicees]

Damn it's crazy watching him become an alcoholic on Seattle real world I'm 41 so I was intune so big up goodfella enjoyed watching yah

[@saramarshall2957]

Makes no sense they had people like Wes and Jordan in there and that girl Kailah but said no to Nathan. That is the reason why we are watching the show is to see the old school do it again. So stupid

[@kuryanthomas1438]

loved seeing this new side of nathan now. I actually remember those real world awards show, where nathan (being a close friend of irene's) and ct (just being his usual jerk self) started bullying steven and his boyfriend I guess since in nathans mind steven never apologized to irene for the slap.

[@missdee4927]

Yeah, you could tell CT was intoxicated. Nathan was too. But Stephen was being totally fake, so I didn't disagree with Nathan when I first saw that.

[@terrancemoore496]

BTW Russell Wilson has got traded.

[@DaphneO.]

Wow, drugs/alcohol really do rot your insides. He's a good looking man for his 60s 😳

[@TheeCoachg]

He’s 45 lol

[@DaphneO.]

@@TheeCoachg I know, my point is, the drugs/alcohol make a man in his forties look like he's in his sixties.

[@scottietoohottie5273]

I have been very intent in getting involved with the Stuff that thankfully has been kind of awesome for the amount I tried to add aging situation and if I say so myself looking for 40 I looking early 30s to later 20s. .. but at least he's not trying or hiding anything from the color of the hair and very transparent

[@geoffdb9638]

OMG! I did like his character. I watched that series; it was Seattle so it was more real than LA. SF was so politicized. Miami was a joke. London was nice. That MTV experiment earned its right but then lost it because the participants became bad actors. Guys arrived in shape; ladies looked beautiful, perfect. Their discussions became staged and contrived.

[@CoboProdz]

“Heighth”

[@seatownfunk2985]

Dang... He look like a grandpa, im 43 and look like in my mid20s still lol... I meet Stephen when they were at Neighbours club... I didn't like Stephen tho, bad attitude!

[@HH-gd6cj]

The drugs and alcohol were rough on Nathan. Aged horribly…sorry.

[@workoutmom2b1g]

Vegas was the last season I watched. It was the downfall.

[@32000voisine]

Christ Will Smith slapped another guy on TV and look at the backlash there! Stephen would have been crucified for sure. Interesting that Irene was correct and that he was infact gay and what's up with him jumping from religion to religion. During the casting special he was a Muslim turned Jew, now a minister. I just can't wrap my brain around converting to a different religion. I mean maybe to get married or something but even then. I am married to a Muslim but I was raised Catholic and there would be no way I would even entertain converting. It's like a whole different culture and thought process. I don't always understand it, but I respect it.

[@MrsReggieRegg]

OMG! He hasn't aged so well

[@lan8854]

i like the interview, but what the heck is wrong with his voice!? is he talking like that on purpose?

[@apartmentgroup9671]

Seems like he's had a rough time of it.

[@saramarshall2957]

He is sniffling a lot and bringing up a little too often that he gave up drugs and alcohol. I'm sorry but I don't believe he is sober. He is kind of giving himself away

[@dickdumpster1743]

He looks just like Hawkeye from mash