Show summary Hide summary
Kyle Cooke revealed that a shared pastime once sparked repeated arguments between him and Amanda Batula, and that she eventually put a stop to their joint viewing of Summer House. The Loverboy founder made the disclosure on Carl Radke’s More Life podcast in a conversation recorded before the pair announced their split. His remarks shed light on a small but telling boundary inside a high-profile relationship.
How a reality show turned into a relationship trigger
Cooke described years of watching Summer House side by side with Batula. What started as a nightly ritual often became a replay of the couple’s own disagreements. According to him, scenes on screen would mirror tensions at home and reopen arguments they thought were settled.
Jets lock up young star with massive 4-year contract
James Burrows dead at 85: Will & Grace director and Cheers co-creator
- Shared viewing created immediate opportunities to relitigate past fights.
- Episodes that highlighted conflict tended to make emotions flare.
- Over time, the habit shifted from bonding to strain.
Insights from the More Life podcast conversation
The interview with Carl Radke was recorded on Jan. 3 and aired before Cooke and Batula publicly announced they were separating. Cooke explained he still watches the show on his own now. He said he likes seeing moments he didn’t experience firsthand — even when cast members discuss him unfavorably.
Cooke told Radke that viewing alone gives him a different perspective. He also acknowledged the difficulty couples face when rewatching moments that involve one another.
Why Amanda stopped their joint viewing
Cooke said Batula decided to halt their shared viewing around the time Summer House aired Seasons 6 and 7. She told him she preferred not to watch with him after they had gone through emotionally challenging stretches.
- Season 6 and Season 7 roughly align with 2022 and 2023 airings.
- Batula felt watching together was counterproductive during tense periods.
- Her boundary aimed to reduce repeated conflict.
Her choice reflected a desire to avoid reliving arguments triggered by on-screen drama.
Relationship timeline and the public split
The couple began dating in 2016, became engaged two years later and were married in September 2021. Weeks after Cooke’s podcast appearance, the two announced they would separate. Their public statement asked for space and understanding as they navigate the next phase.
- 2016 — relationship began.
- 2018 — engagement.
- September 2021 — marriage.
- Early January — Cooke’s podcast was recorded.
- Two weeks after the interview — the couple shared news of their split.
Cooke on pressure, priorities and a “new chapter”
During the episode, Cooke spoke about focusing on what brings him happiness. He referred to the past year as particularly demanding, citing layered responsibilities and competing pressures on his personal and professional life.
He said this moment is a chance to re-evaluate priorities and focus on the things that matter most. Radke weighed in from his own experience, noting how awkward it can be to watch a relationship play out on screen when parties are still together.
Why watching reality TV can complicate relationships
- Reality shows amplify emotions and invite judgment.
- Rewatching footage encourages second-guessing and debate.
- Viewers close to the action may feel exposed or misrepresented.
Public response and requests for privacy
After they announced the separation, the former couple asked fans for kindness as they adjust. They emphasized a wish to focus on healing and personal growth while requesting respect for their privacy during this period.
Radke offered sympathy on his podcast once he noted the interview took place before the split became public. He expressed support for both parties as they move forward.
