Ally Lewber is pressing pause on the “sad” Taylor Swift songs and looking toward her future. The Vanderpump Rules alum, who called it quits with James Kennedy in January after his domestic violence arrest, has been busy recording her new podcast StarStruck, which has given her a platform to “share the message” of her real true love: astrology.

“I’m not a talker so I never thought [of] podcasting — I’m Mercury in the 12th house,” Lewber told DECIDER. “Like, I want to go to my bedroom and lock the door. But if it’s astrology then I can talk all day.”

The Ohio native also opened up about her breakup with Kennedy — and her shocking confession that Lisa Vanderpump allegedly called her months after his arrest (which did not result in any charges) to convince her to get back together with him. Lewber said she “understood” where Vanderpump was coming from since they both had “so much love” for the DJ and knew he was a “good person deep down,” though she still felt that Vanderpump’s words of advice were “just a little tone deaf” given what she had been through.

Luckily, Lewber has had her girls to lean on. When she was feeling uncertain about her decision to call things off after her phone call with the restaurateur, Vanderpump Rules veteran Scheana Shay told her that she was being “manipulated” and assured her she had done the right thing. Lewber also saw herself in Summer House star Paige DeSorbo, who, right around the same time, broke up with Southern Charm star Craig Conover after realizing they wanted different things out of their relationship.

“We were DMing like, ‘We’re breakup twins,'” Lewber said. “She’s 30-something, I’m 29, and just watching her career and how she’s done everything — just for women everywhere, myself included — it’s so inspiring. Like yes, girl. Career!”

Having since unfollowed Kennedy, Lewber is ready to put herself first, focusing on her podcast, her friends, and her upcoming travels. And with Swift’s “Guilty as Sin” on replay, Lewber said she’s finally gotten “back into a place of imagining the flirtiness and fun again.”

When Lewber stopped by DECIDER’s studio last week, she also dished on Tom Sandoval‘s “iconic” stint on The Traitors, whether Janet Caperna is truly a villain on The Valley, and what she knows about the Vanderpump Rules reboot. Check out the full interview below.

DECIDER: You launched this podcast, StarStruck, a few months ago, which is so much fun. What made you want to get into the podcasting world? 

ALLY LEWBER: Honestly, I feel like it was just an extension of my love for astrology. I’ve been doing readings for almost three years now with clients and that’s so fun and I love doing that. That means the world to me. But I do feel like this is a way to reach a larger audience and just share the message of astrology more. I love it. I’m so grateful. And I think podcasting was always something that I considered if it was astrology-based, like, something that could be really fun and to, like, do birth chart readings with people. It’s just a good time. 

I love that it’s something you’re passionate about. It’s something you really love doing and how many people can say that they do that?

Totally. I’m not a talker so I never thought [of] podcasting – I’m Mercury in the 12th house. Like, I want to go to my bedroom and lock the door. But if it’s astrology then I can talk all day.

Some of your Vanderpump Rules pals also have podcasts – Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, to name a few. Did you get any advice for them before entering that space?

The team that’s behind StarStruck, it’s called PAVE, and I’m really grateful for them because they come from a background – they used to work at Spotify. It’s just an amazing team. They do the editing and they do all the hard stuff. And I just have to show up and talk about astrology. And so I feel like my team is so helpful where it’s like I feel really good. Also, it was supposed to launch in the fall. But it just kept getting delayed. So I’m just so excited that it’s finally out and that I can talk about it. But Scheena, I will say if anyone, Scheena’s been really helpful and she’s always helpful with everything. I can call her if I ever have any questions. 

You’ve had celebrities like Dylan Mulvaney, Jen Tran, and Hacks star Jake Shane on your podcast. Who would be your dream guest?

God, I have so many. I have a dream list. OK, this is really niche and weird, but Dick Van Dyke because I love Mary Poppins and he’s older. Like, I think he’s, like, 98 or something. But he goes to grocery stores in Malibu and I hear he dances down the hallways. Like, his energy is just so cute. And I feel like he’d be into it. So that’s a random one, but I’m gonna put that out there. And then also Ariana Grande because we have a similar big three and I love her. So, dreaming big. 

Taylor Swift!

Yeah, that is the main ultimate. Like yeah, I feel like that goes without saying .. Her [birth chart] is interesting because there’s not a for sure birth time for her. I’ve seen different options. It’s so nice actually being able to do this. For example, Gabby Bernstein, if you’ve heard of her, I love her and I’ve read all of her books. I would always try to be like, “What’s her birth time?” And it is not out there. But now that I have this show, I get all the intel and I love it. 

I want to talk a little bit about Vanderpump Rules. You came into the show at a pretty crazy time. What was your reaction to hearing it would be getting an entirely new cast in Season 12? And do you know anything about the new cast? 

I feel like it was the end. I mean, everyone’s relationships were really not great. And I feel like production, the cast, no one really knew where to go. So it wasn’t completely shocking. I don’t know anyone from the new cast except maybe Demi, who I’ve met a few times and I do love her. She’s super sweet. I know she works there. I don’t have any confirmation but I would imagine that she’s going to be on it and I think she is. But I haven’t talked to her or anything. But she’s sweet. She’s the only one I know. 

Katie said on Schwartz’s podcast that it felt “cheap” because they were continuing with Vanderpump Rules instead of making a separate show. Do you agree?

I feel like it’s almost like, yeah, let’s give, for everyone, right? For the original cast, like, let’s just tie a little bow on it and be like, “There that is.” And then for the new cast, let’s give them the proper introduction instead of trying to carry on the story. But I’m sure production has a plan somehow and they’ll interweave it or something. It’ll be interesting. I am going to watch out of curiosity.

How about the OG cast? Are you still close with any of them?

It’s one of those things and obviously I was only involved for a few years, but I feel like we could see each other out and it’s like no time has passed and it is like seeing an old friend or family. So I’m good with everyone. I talk the most to Scheena, I’m really close with Courtney, her sister, and I’m over at their house all the time. Courtney and I are going to Italy together at the end of May. I am mostly close with Scheena but everyone is so busy too. And Ariana as well. We text sometimes, we’re always in each other’s DMs and things like that. So, it’s just like good vibes and I feel like I can just tell there’s that support for everyone and they’re like little directions that everyone’s gone in.

As we all know, you and James broke up a few months ago. How are you doing? Have you been in contact with him at all since you moved out? 

I moved out in December. I got an Airbnb with my mom for a month and it was probably early January where it was like, “OK, this really is a breakup.” We’ve been in a little bit of contact. But at this point now, I haven’t talked to him in a while and it’s just easier that way. Every time I’ve tried to give an inch, it’s like we take a little bit more. And it’s just hard. Like, it’s not helpful for either of us. You know what I mean? So I think right now it’s best to just be like no contact and take the space. And I know he’s got his DJing back, which is good. I’m busy. I’m so grateful for StarStruck because all my energy and time is going into that. So yeah, I wish him the best. But I think it’s also best to not speak, which is hard. But it’s easier now. But if we were talking like a month ago, you know, [it was] difficult. Like, do you block? Do you not block? Like, what do you do? Like, that whole game.

Well, it’s so hard to move on from someone when you see them on social media all the time. I imagine it’s even harder when you’re in the public eye.

Yeah! I unfollowed him because I don’t need to see him. Like, I’m happy you’re doing great, but we don’t have to be reminded of each other. We have to act like each other’s dead for a bit, which is sad. 

That’s the best way to put it. It’s really the only way to move on.

It’s true. Which is why breakups are so hard, because it does feel like a death. You’re like, “Wait, but I did every single thing with that person. Our lives were literally intertwined.” It’s really hard. But where I’m at now, it’s so much better. Being on the other side of it, I’m like, “Yay!” 

I’m so happy for you and you seem so happy. It’s also great that you’re staying busy with your podcast. James, who?

No, literally. James, who? I’m just so grateful. I love being in New York. My show has been so fun. I have trips coming up. I have a bachelorette trip next weekend in Italy. So I’m just living life … If you’re going through a breakup, start a podcast and travel. 

Last year we sat here and I asked you about a scene that you and James filmed where you seemed a little hesitant to talk about the future. How do you look back on that conversation now? Do you have a different outlook on it?

I still kind of feel this way, but it’s like I don’t think that I was ready – not maturity-wise, but the podcast and vacationing and friends, that’s still where my mind is and like more career-focused than marriage and kids. That’s not what my body, soul wants right now still. But looking back, I almost do think intuitively it almost felt like, “Are we meant to be?” And sometimes I would try to convince myself, like, “Yeah, we are.” But then I think deep down I probably knew, like, “I don’t think so.” But it’s hard because I also, like, don’t really want marriage or kids anyway, so I don’t know. But it did feel a little uncomfortable to think about doing that stuff, which should be kind of a sign.

I feel like when you know something is right you’re probably more excited about the future.

Yeah! OK, because like Craig and Paige – kind of a similar thing of like … the timeline matters, too. If your partner is really wanting something, like, James would always talk about it and I was very hesitant and withdrawn. I do feel like it’s more about being on the same page. You both should really want it or at least be open to growing. But I feel like I was always kind of stuck in that department where he knows that he wants kids and marriage and all those things 

You should call Paige! It’s good to know that someone is going through something similar, and hers is also so public.

I know. We were DMing like, “We’re breakup twins.” And she’s 30-something, I’m 29, and just watching her career and how she’s done everything – just for women everywhere, myself included – it’s so inspiring. Like yes, girl. Career! My Capricorn is showing.

I was shocked to hear Lisa Vanderpump kind of tried to convince you to stay with James after that last fight. Have you heard from her since you made that revelation? What did you think of her finally saying she can’t support James?

I haven’t talked to her since. I think when she did call, I understood because I love James. We all have – or at least not everybody – but I had so much love for James, she has so much love for James. We all know that he’s a good person deep down. He just has a lot of demons. So, I understood where she was coming from – a place of like, “He needs you.” But, like, that was just a little tone deaf. And also just a little like – I just literally bought a new apartment, like, I’m not gonna go back. But I kind of understood where she was at, at the same time. It wasn’t really what I needed to hear because I was already at that point in my life, I’m like, “What do I do?” My therapist kept saying, “Ally, you have to love yourself right now more than you love him.” And I feel like that was really good advice because when we’re in relationships, we usually tend to like – or at least I do in relationships – want to nurture. And he’s very nurturing in different ways. You want to take care of them. I felt so bad for him and like I wanted him to be OK. So it was a really weird mind thing of having to be like, “What do I need?” And now I’m glad I chose myself. But then I didn’t know that the sun would come out.

Scheana just posted a clip from her podcast this morning talking about that and how you called her right after.

She’s known Lisa forever, right? They have such a history. And after the call, I was sad and confused. And I was like, “She’s right, like, damn, did I make a mistake?” So I had to call a friend and just tell someone that knew her. And she’s like, “No, you were just manipulated. No, that’s actually not OK at all.” And I was like, “Right, OK.” But just getting that confirmation. 

But you’re totally right. Sometimes you just need someone who knows everyone in the situation to tell you you’re doing the right thing.

Yeah. I’m not mad at Lisa. But like, you know what I mean? I get where she was coming from because I’ve wanted to take care of James too and make sure he’s okay. So I get it. But also that call had nothing to do with me and everything to do with James. 

Kristen Doute has said she’s proud of you for putting yourself first and getting out while you can. Is there a world in which you two become friends? Have you spoken at all?

We haven’t spoken. I think she did DM me a nice supportive message. I mean, I’d never say never. I also, like, I don’t have any personal issues with her. I think in terms of like, where James stands in regards to that, it’s one of those things where I’m just like, “You didn’t know our relationship, I didn’t know yours.” But if we don’t talk about James, I’m sure it would be great, I don’t know. But yeah, I just feel like having respect for people’s own experiences … like, they were together so long ago and it just feels a little irrelevant. But I appreciate the love.

Well, listen, if her and Ariana can become friends maybe you can too. 

Exactly, right. Like, we could become friends. Never say never. I mean, she’s around. I’m really good friends with Janet [Caperna]. I don’t know where they stand. But I’m around them a lot, so we’ll see each other and it’s always like, “Hi.” And now that James wouldn’t be with me, we probably would actually talk and get along.

Have you been watching The Valley? What do you think of it? 

It’s so good. I’m like, “Guys, this is crazy.” I’m not caught up right now, but I’ve seen a few. Yeah, I am really good friends with Janet. It’s a good show, but it kind of stresses me out. But I’m happy to be where I am at, like, watching it and not having to get the anxiety of being in it. I can watch it and be like, “Scheena, how are you feeling about that one?” It’s still fun, but I’m not involved, which is kind of nice.

Janet has kind of been painted as this villain. Since you’re friends, is there anything you want to clear up about her?

I don’t think she’s the villain. I don’t know, maybe it’s because she’s from Ohio. We have this Midwest bond. But I think Janet is the sweetest. And so is Jason. They’re just really sweet. I don’t get the hate at all. I feel like this is what James taught me – and Scheena, too – is like you can never really worry what the fans think because it’s such a roller coaster. Like, one season they’ll hate you, one season, they’ll love you. And so I’m hoping for her that she’s just able to not take it in. Because I feel like soon people will see the real her. Like, she’s very funny and just like down to earth. And a little sassy, but like we love it. 

I know you are killing it in the podcast world but is there any chance we will see you on reality TV again? If so, what shows would you want to do?

Ooh, honestly, I’m so invested in StarStruck right now and my readings. But, I mean, never say never. Yeah, never say never. But also, I can’t really imagine doing it right now. 

Would you ever do a dating show? Like Love Island?

That would be so fun for the vibes and the aesthetic. Oh, if Ariana would be there, I’d do it. I’d have a friend. I’d be like, “Ariana, this is so scary.” That show is so intimate, though. I feel like I’m too shy. I barely opened up with James and people were like, “Ally, do you hate James? Like, you looked like you hate him.” So I feel I wouldn’t do that great, but never say never. That could be fun. I have a lot of friends in The Bachelor world, too, that are very similar to me and it’s like, “How did you guys do that?” And they’re like, “No, I don’t know.” It’s kind of like you just get in this mindset and you just do it, but never say never.

Maybe you’ll be the next Bachelorette!

Oh my gosh, it’s so scary. My Libra Moon would be like, “I’ll marry all of you. You’re all my soulmates, yay.”

That’s how you’d vet them out, too! Just ask them for their birthdays.

Wait, yeah. It would be such a quick show … That reminds me, Traitors would be fun one day. I love Traitors, but just in an aspect where I would love to get people’s charts because you would kind of know like, “OK, who can I really trust? Or who do I have genuine rapport with versus they’re keeping something from me?”

What did you think of Tom Sandoval on Traitors?

Iconic. I was, like, in a weird way, happy that he kind of had a little comeback moment. I mean – I think this about James, too – those people are just made for reality TV, right? They’re just so entertaining and funny to watch, so I was happy that he kind of got to get back and it was just so funny. Like, I can’t. I was dying. He was funny. And that’s literally how he is. 

Last year you released your single “Girl’s Girl.” Do you have any updates on the music front?

I feel like I just do music more therapeutically. I’ve been writing a little just for fun. It’s like journaling, you know? Would I like to do music again one day? Yes. I just love it. But that’s not really like my focus right now. 

Your love of Taylor Swift is legendary. What Taylor songs do you find yourself going back to recently?

“Guilty as Sin” right now. That has been on repeat. Because it’s about imagining a love affair that’s not real and there’s nothing there. I do feel like I’m starting to get back into a place of imagining the flirtiness and fun again and so that song has been just putting me in my feels but in a good way. Not the sad Taylor. We’re like over that and we’re into the like …

The “I’m ready to move on” Taylor.

Yeah, exactly. And maybe it’s spring, I don’t know. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

You can listen to new episodes of Lewber’s StarStruck podcast every Wednesday.