In a tense and revealing episode of Fox’s Special Forces that aired on October 9, 2025, an awkward moment unfolded between reality TV veteran Kody Brown and social media star Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia. The two were paired for a grueling challenge, tasked with transporting a civilian through a simulated war zone. But it was a seemingly innocent conversation during a break that sparked a moment no one saw coming.
As the duo took a moment to catch their breath, Brown, 56, turned to LaPaglia, 26, and asked, “What’s your gig?” Her response? She’s a podcaster. Brown’s reaction was immediate—and cutting. “Oh, and that’s all?” he quipped, bursting into laughter. “That’s your qualification?” The moment left LaPaglia visibly taken aback, but there’s more to this exchange than meets the eye.
For those unfamiliar with LaPaglia, she’s no stranger to the spotlight. As the co-host of the popular podcast BFFs alongside Josh Richards and the former host of PlanBri Uncut, LaPaglia has built a massive online presence, boasting over a million Instagram followers. Brown, best known for Sister Wives and with a more modest 185,000 followers, seemed unaware of her influence—or perhaps underestimated it.
The episode took a deeper turn as LaPaglia opened up about her motivations for joining Special Forces. In a raw confessional, she revealed how a public and painful breakup with country singer Zach Bryan fueled her determination to compete. “I had a really tough year,” she admitted. “I was in a very public relationship that ended really badly. I don’t know exactly who I am, and this will teach me more about myself.”
LaPaglia didn’t hold back when discussing her past with Brown. “My ex is a super famous musician,” she shared. “He got famous on TikTok and thinks he is God. He was awful toward me.” Reflecting further, she described how the relationship, sparked through Instagram DMs, moved quickly but was riddled with red flags she ignored. “Over the past couple of years, I wasn’t allowed to be me,” she said. “I used to be very strong. I don’t want to give anyone power over me.”
In a gripping moment during the episode’s interrogation segment, LaPaglia bared her soul. “I gave up on myself last year mentally,” she confessed. “I was in a bad relationship, and it was public. I’d leave my house with a smile, but no one knew what was happening. I was in a dark hole.” She revealed a shocking detail: her ex allegedly offered her $12.9 million to “sign away” her voice in an attempt to silence her. “I didn’t take it,” she said defiantly. “I was that strong girl making videos about what not to do and who to stay away from. I don’t know what happened. It happened to me.”
Despite the emotional weight, LaPaglia pushed through the Special Forces challenges with resilience. Meanwhile, actor Jussie Smollett wasn’t as fortunate. A persistent cough led to a doctor’s order for his removal from the competition, making him the third recruit to exit for health reasons.
Another recruit, NBA star Nick Young, also shared a deeply personal story. The 40-year-old opened up about the devastating loss of his older brother during childhood, a tragedy that profoundly shaped his family and continues to drive him on the show.
LaPaglia’s journey on Special Forces is more than just a test of physical endurance—it’s a reclaiming of her strength and identity after a year of heartbreak and public scrutiny. As for Brown’s laughter? Perhaps it was a misstep from a reality TV veteran underestimating a new-generation powerhouse. One thing’s clear: Brianna LaPaglia is here to prove she’s more than “just a podcaster.”