Kody Brown and Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia faced an unexpected ending to their collaboration on Special Forces.
The episode airing on Thursday, October 9, featured recruits paired in teams for a new challenge, with Brown, 56, and LaPaglia, 26, tasked with transporting a civilian in a mock war zone.
During a break from the “mission,” the duo took the chance to learn about each other, with Brown asking LaPaglia about her profession: “What’s your gig?”
LaPaglia shared she is a podcaster. “Oh, is that it?” Brown chuckled before adding, “That’s your qualification?”
For viewers unfamiliar with LaPaglia, she co-hosts the popular podcast “BFFs” alongside Josh Richards and she previously helmed “PlanBri Uncut” before it concluded. LaPaglia boasts over one million Instagram followers, while Brown has 185,000.
In another part of the episode, LaPaglia revealed that her public breakup with musician Zach Bryan motivated her to join Special Forces. While she admitted to not being fond of violence, she was determined to excel on the show.
“I’m participating in the course because I went through a really challenging year. My last relationship was very public,” she shared during a confessional. “It ended badly, and I say this to figure out who I am and learn more about myself.”
Brianna Chickenfry, Zach Bryan John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Bryan, 29, confirmed in October 2024 that he and LaPaglia had split after more than a year together. Following the breakup, LaPaglia alleged she had been “emotionally abused” by the singer, who has not responded to her accusations.
During Thursday’s episode, LaPaglia delved further into her turbulent past relationship.
“In recent years, I felt I couldn’t be myself,” she disclosed. “I used to be very resilient. I don’t want anyone to have power over me.”
When asked about her ex by Brown, she stated, “My ex is a well-known musician. He treated me terribly. He became famous on TikTok and thinks he’s untouchable.”
Reflecting on the relationship, LaPaglia admitted to overlooking red flags.
“I met my former boyfriend through Instagram DMs,” she explained. “It escalated quickly, and I should have recognized many warning signs, but I was blind to them.”
LaPaglia continued to persevere on Special Forces despite actor Jussie Smollett exiting the competition for health reasons after developing a cough. The remaining participants also included athlete Nick Young, who shared how the loss of his older brother during childhood deeply impacted his family.
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.
