Scheana Shay is sharing her unfiltered opinion about Rachel “Raquel” Leviss calling it quits on her podcast.
“I’m surprised it took this long,” the “Vanderpump Rules” star, 39, tells Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” while promoting her partnership with Smirnoff.
Leviss — who was once close with former castmate Shay — announced last week that she was ending “Rachel Goes Rogue” less than a year after launching it because she wanted to move onto a “more balanced and healthier life.”
“I’ve made the decision to take both feet out of the ‘Vanderpump Rules’ universe and focus on myself, focus on my life, my healing,” the retired pageant queen, 30, shared with her listeners.
“I have decided to walk away from continuing the podcast because I would like to move on from having one foot in the door of ‘Vanderpump Rules’ and one foot out.”
Leviss’ first episode dropped on Jan. 8, with early iterations largely focused on unpacking her earth-shattering affair with Tom Sandoval, which fans dubbed Scandoval.
Shay fell out with Leviss over an assortment of issues related to the infidelity scandal — primarily rooted in how it hurt the “Good as Gold” singer’s longtime pal and Sandoval’s now-ex Ariana Madix — but she was quick to acknowledge that “Rachel Goes Rogue” wasn’t a complete failure.
“Here’s the thing: I believe everyone should have a voice and be able to get their side of the story out and that was her way of doing it, so good for her,” she tells “Virtual Reali-Tea.”
“I did not see longevity in this podcast when it started, and I was actually surprised that it went on for 60-something episodes. So good for her for being able to do it for that long,” Shay elaborates.
“It’s not easy. People think, ‘Oh, I’m gonna start a podcast,’ and it actually takes a lot of work.”
The Bravolebrity has hosted her own podcast, “Scheananigans,” for more than six years, consistently booking in-demand guests and breaking news in exclusive interviews with top unscripted talent.
“And still, my heart races before every interview. I get nervous even [recording my solo episodes]. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m getting out of breath.’ It’s not easy,” she says.
“For anyone who thinks, ‘I’m just gonna start a podcast,’ there’s a lot of work that goes into it if you want to make it successful and actually pay the bills with it.”
When Shay is not podcasting, the self-proclaimed “sports girlie” loves kicking back by watching an NFL on the couch or IRL.
The football season enthusiast is teaming up with Smirnoff for its Ultimate Game Day Matchups campaign, kicking off this week.
With viral matchmaking software Matchbox, she and the beverage brand are bringing football fans together at live events — with trivia and cocktails included — starting at the Vikings vs. Rams showdown in Los Angeles on Thursday.
“They’re bringing unique game-day experiences, uniting football fans. You got good drinks, you got football, you’re going to make some new friends for sure,” she enthuses.
“I’m very happy to be a partner with them and to be part of this experience. It’s just a really cool way to bring football fans together.”
