Ariana Madix has a “newfound appreciation” for Andy Cohen, and it is because of the “advice” the famous television host gave to the Vanderpump Rules star, before she moderated her own, “very intense” reunion for Love Island USA Season 6.

When asked if she has greater respect for Cohen, Madix, who hosted the DirecTV Gets Real event on Thursday night, told Variety, “Oh, always!”

“He gave me the best advice beforehand. He just said, ‘Don’t be afraid to go out there and to be you and put your own stamp on it.’ Obviously, he’s done so many reunions. He’s literally, like, the king of it! So it was really amazing to be able to get some advice from him before doing it.”

Madix, who also hosted the episodes ahead of last month’s reunion, compared hosting Love Island to just being one of its viewers.

“As host, there is leeway for you to feel how you feel and have a bit of your own opinion, but at the same time, you do have to be as impartial as you can,” she explained.

“It’s tough sometimes because you’re watching all these things happening, and you’re rooting for everyone to find love, and you’re rooting for everyone to be treated properly. But of course, life happens.”