Season 11 of Southern Charm was an eventful one for Austen Kroll. He split with his girlfriend, Audrey Pratt, while also feuding with his frenemy, Craig Conover. And as soon as Austen became a single man, his co-star, Salley Carson, let him know that she was interested. While the duo kissed during a cast trip to Mexico, Austen later admitted that they were just close friends.
Reality Tea chatted with Austen about his new collab with Fireball Whiskey to save the dad bod. The campaign also featured Salley. Plus, he revealed his favorite season of Southern Charm and what he was looking forward to in Season 12.
What Austen is hoping for in Southern Charm Season 12
Season 11 of Southern Charm was bumpy for Austen. “You know, Season 11, whether people know it or not, you know, going through a breakup and stuff is not fun, especially kind of doing it during filming,” Austen explained. “Of course, I spared her the embarrassment of doing that on camera, because that’s an inhumane act.”
He added, “I guess that I was looking forward to kind of hanging out with friends and having some fun this summer without difficult decisions kind of hanging over my head.”
As for what concerned Austen about the upcoming season? “Well, look, you never know anyone’s agenda coming into a season. Like, you never know who has an ax to grind, you know, until, like, that first dinner,” the reality vet stated. “And then you’re like, ‘Hey everyone!’ and then someone’s like, ‘No!’ and you’re like, ‘What did I do?’”
Austen continued, “I knew that a conversation, you know, with Salley was imminent, considering the way that things were left at the reunion. And having to watch it back was tough. So, I guess, just making sure that Salley and I were in a good place as soon as possible, which you’ll see when the season airs later this year.”
Which Southern Charm season was Austen’s favorite?
Austen became part of the Southern Charm cast during Season 4. “Look, Season 4 was definitely an interesting one because I was just new to this whole thing. And if you think about the cast from Season 4 to now? Oh my gosh!” he stated. “We had just a totally, I mean almost, totally different cast. And I was, you know, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed coming into it. And it was fun because I certainly didn’t have any drama.”
He continued, “I don’t think that was my favorite season, though. I think that Season 10 might have been my favorite, because obviously, the Madison [LeCroy] years weren’t very fun for me. Or for anyone, really. But Season 10 was fun because I feel like I was just able to have fun with friends, and to be there for people.”
And speaking of Madison, Austen’s ex-girlfriend, their friendship came full circle in Southern Charm Season 11. “Oh, man. I mean, I say this kind of all the time, that Madison and I were like maybe just always made to yap and be friends like this, you know? But, unfortunately, as is life, we probably had to go through everything that we went through to get to this point in time,” Austen stated.
Then, Austen pointed out how much Madison has “evolved.” He added, “She went from, like, people were afraid of her, for what she might say or do, which hasn’t really changed. But, you know, she’s changed into that mama bear role.”
The Trop Hop Beer founder called Madison “a voice of reason for a lot of the girls on the show.” He stated, “I go to her for advice because we used to date and she knows me well.”
Austen and Fireball have united to save dad bods
Austen joined forces with Fireball Whiskey to save endangered dad bods. And, naturally, dad bod enthusiast Salley joined in on the fun. In a hilarious PSA, Austen appealed to fans to help save dad bods.
“I’m Austen Kroll, certified dad bod, here to tell you dad bods are becoming endangered, and Fireball Whiskey’s here to answer the call with the new dad bod fanny pack,” he stated in the video clip. “I’m Salley Carson, and I love dad bods,” Salley added. “It lets me know that my man can have a little fun.”
As expected, Austen had a blast with this collab. “Look, I think it is such a fun and cheeky way … to poke fun at myself, but also it’s not poking fun because dad bods are in and cool. As seen by Salley last season. She was thirsting for my dad bod,” Austen shared.
“And so, I think it’s such a fun collaboration to do with Fireball to introduce this fanny pack, to save the dad bod, and it’s just in time for Father’s Day,” he explained. “It’s just a fun fanny pack that has like a Fireball bladder in it, and you can bring it to parties and share it with your friends.”
The fanny pack, which is worn around the waist and features a spout, has a pouch filled with about 35 shots of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey. The fanny pack drops on May 22 and sells for $24.99 to those aged 21 and up. Another drop is scheduled just ahead of Father’s Day on June 10.
“You know, it doesn’t look anything like my stomach, ’cause it’s super hairy, but it is funny. And if you can’t poke fun and laugh at yourself, then what are we doing here? What are we doing here?”
What is the status of Austen and Salley’s relationship?
Meanwhile, Southern Charm fans have wondered where Salley and Austen stand today. “It’s funny, you know, ’cause everyone left us off, Salley and I were at the reunion. And maybe there were some, you know, remarks made on my side that I wish that I could take back, etc,” Austen admitted.
“And so we had so much fun doing the promo together, and Salley and I have always been close. I guess that what I can say is that you’ll just see that friendship … you’ll see that dynamic further in Season 12.” He added that he and Salley “certainly talk about things.”
In the meantime, Austen enjoys being a devoted cat dad to his feline duo, Piper and Martini. Austen, who never had pets of his own as an adult, called the cats “the current loves of my life.” He explained, “It’s the biggest gratification, like dogs always will give it to you. Cats are sophisticated creatures, so you have to kind of earn it, you know?”
Check out more about Austen and Salley’s fun new Fireball collab at FireballDadBod.com.
This interview was edited for conciseness and clarity.
Southern Charm is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SOUTHERN CHARM SEASON 12? WHAT DID YOU THINK OF AUSTEN AND SALLEY’S FIREBALL PSA FOR DAD BODS?
