Katie Flood: Below Deck Secrets, Dubai Missiles & What Bravo Never Showed You
- Jun 9, 2026
- 1:49:24
- Full Episode
You might know Katie from the Bravo reality shows Below Deck Mediterranean, or Winter House, or maybe you don’t know her at all: and that’s totally fine, because that’s what these conversations are all about – getting to know people or getting to learn more about people you may have a pre-formed opinion on.
Katie is from Whangārei, went to boarding school in Auckland, then somehow ended up working on some of the most expensive superyachts in the world, serving the sort of people whose names most of us only see on the Forbes Rich list or on TMZ.
And some of the stories are wild.
We talk about what life is really like working for billionaires, the difference between real yachting and the Below Deck, the biggest tip she ever got, which was from Simon Cowell. And what Leonardo DiCaprio is actually like when he casually wanders onto a boat in the south of France.
We also talk about some darker, heavier stuff: anxiety, grief, burnout, being suddenly thrown into the Bravo universe, online hate, and what it’s like living in Dubai while missiles are being intercepted overhead.
Katie is funny, honest, self-aware, very Kiwi and very very sweary!
I loved this conversation because it went to places I absolutely did not expect in her trademark authentic unfiltered style.
This is Katie Flood.
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Brief Summary
Katie Flood discusses her yachting experiences, celebrity encounters, and personal challenges, including mental health and relationships.
Key points
- Katie Flood's Scary Day in Dubai. Katie recounts a terrifying day when explosions were heard during missile attacks in Dubai.
- Life Lessons from Boarding School. Katie shares how attending boarding school shaped her independence and outlook on life.
- The Journey to Yachting. After a confusing breakup, the narrator finds a new path in yachting, leading to unexpected adventures.
- Celebrity Encounters. The narrator shares stories of famous guests on yachts, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Simon Cowell.
- Money and Happiness. Exploring whether money can truly buy happiness, the speaker shares insights from their experiences.
- Golden Handcuffs of Yachting. The allure of yachting can be intoxicating, making it hard to leave the industry.
Episode highlights
- Katie Flood's Scary Day in DubaiKatie recounts a terrifying day when explosions were heard during missile attacks in Dubai.“February 28th is a day I think I’ll always remember.”2:19Jun 9, 2026
- Life Lessons from Boarding SchoolKatie shares how attending boarding school shaped her independence and outlook on life.“It was like I always say it’s the best thing my parents ever did for me.”14:24Jun 9, 2026
- The Journey to YachtingAfter a confusing breakup, the narrator finds a new path in yachting, leading to unexpected adventures.“Why don't you come do this for a year?”20:01Jun 9, 2026
- Celebrity EncountersThe narrator shares stories of famous guests on yachts, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Simon Cowell.“He rocks in like zero f***s given cargo shorts.”33:11Jun 9, 2026
- Money and HappinessExploring whether money can truly buy happiness, the speaker shares insights from their experiences.“I think money can help, but it can't buy happiness.”45:15Jun 9, 2026
- Golden Handcuffs of YachtingThe allure of yachting can be intoxicating, making it hard to leave the industry.“We call it the golden handcuffs.”50:16Jun 9, 2026
- Navigating Below DeckThe challenges of being a yacht crew member and reality TV star.“I took my job very seriously. This was my actual career.”1:02:26Jun 9, 2026
- Reality TV PressureFilming a reality show is overwhelming, with constant scrutiny and high expectations. 'It's very overwhelming.'“It's very overwhelming.”1:07:21Jun 9, 2026





