So, we finally got a look at the dating scene in the 612, and honestly, the Twin Cities did not disappoint in the drama department. If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Reddit lately, you’ve probably seen the name Joey Love Is Blind Minneapolis (otherwise known as Joey Leveille) popping up in every single thread. He was the guy with the thick accent, the physician associate career, and that "golden retriever energy" that everyone loved—until they didn’t.
Usually, the "nice guy" of the season gets a pass, but Joey’s journey from being the first one to propose to being labeled a "villain" by some fans is a wild ride. Let’s get into the weeds of what actually happened between him, Monica, and that unexpected post-show relationship with Sara.
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The Pod Connection: Monica and Joey’s Fast Start
From the jump, Joey and Monica Danús seemed like the "it" couple of the season. They bonded over the weirdest stuff—like their shared hatred of country music and a random obsession with The Sound of Music. It felt easy. While other people were crying in the pods or getting into messy love triangles, Joey was busy being charming.
He proposed in episode two. That’s fast, even for this show. When they finally met in person, the vibes were high. Monica called him her real-life Tarzan, and Joey seemed genuinely stoked. But as we’ve seen a million times before on this show, the "honeymoon phase" in the pods rarely survives the flight back to Minnesota.
The Reality Check in the Twin Cities
Once they landed back in Minneapolis, things got weirdly tense. You could see the shift. Joey started talking about his OCD, explaining how he does things in "numbered ways"—how many sips he takes or how many times he picks something up. It was a vulnerable moment, and Monica seemed supportive, but the cracks were forming elsewhere.
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The Sister Drama
If you thought the pods were hard, try meeting Monica’s sister. She didn't buy Joey’s "good guy" act for a second. She straight-up called him a "good actor" and said he just tells people what they want to hear. Honestly, seeing her flip him off at the reunion later on was one of those "did that just happen?" moments that makes reality TV worth watching.
The Altar Shock
By the time the wedding day rolled around, the "golden couple" was basically tarnished. Joey famously skateboarded down the aisle—which, looking back, was probably a sign he wasn't taking the "till death do us part" bit very seriously.
Monica said "I don't," which wasn't a huge shock. But then Joey jumped in to make sure everyone knew he was going to say no too. It felt petty. He admitted he wasn't "100% there," and they walked away as friends. Or so we thought.
What Most People Get Wrong About Joey Love Is Blind Minneapolis
There’s a lot of chatter online about whether Joey was "faking it" for the cameras. A few things have surfaced that make people question his "aw-shucks" Minnesotan persona:
- The Bachelor Connection: Turns out, Joey had auditioned for The Bachelor years ago. People started wondering if he was just a "clout chaser" trying to get on TV.
- The High School Narrative: On the show, he painted himself as a dorky kid. Local sources and former classmates have since pointed out he was actually the football captain and a homecoming king type.
- The Aftermath: Monica later revealed on podcasts that Joey basically led her on for months after the cameras stopped rolling. They were reportedly hanging out, looking at furniture, and acting like a couple until he suddenly decided they were "just friends."
The Sara Carton Plot Twist
The biggest shocker didn't even happen during the main episodes. During the reunion, fans noticed Joey was sitting pretty close to Sara Carton (who had been engaged to Ben Mezzenga).
At first, they denied everything. "We're just friends," they said. Then it was "we're exploring." Finally, in July 2025, they did the "hard launch" on Instagram. They are officially a couple now. It turns out they had a connection in the pods that we never even saw because the editors were too busy focusing on other drama.
Why the Sara Relationship Sparked Backlash
People were frustrated because it felt like they were sneaking around. Monica claimed she found out about them at the reunion and felt totally blindsided. It’s a messy situation. Sara and Joey seem happy now, frequently posting about their "newest life chapter," but it definitely left a sour taste in the mouths of Team Monica fans.
Expert Insight: Why Joey’s Edit Was So Polarizing
When you look at Joey Love Is Blind Minneapolis, you’re seeing the classic "avoidant" edit. He used humor and a "too-much" personality to deflect from deep emotional conversations. This is actually pretty common for people who grew up as the "rock" of their family, which Joey was after his sister passed away and his parents divorced.
He mentioned he went through exposure therapy for his OCD, which shows a level of self-awareness, but translating that into a healthy, committed marriage on a timeline of four weeks is a tall order for anyone.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re still reeling from the Season 8 finale, here’s how to stay updated and what to look for next:
- Check the Socials: Joey and Sara are active on Instagram. If you want to see if they actually last, that’s where the "real" show is happening now.
- Listen to the Podcasts: To get the full story of the breakup, listen to Monica’s interview on the Love To See It podcast. She gives details that the Netflix editors definitely left on the cutting room floor.
- Watch for "Perfect Match": There are already rumors that some of the Minneapolis cast might show up in future seasons of other Netflix reality shows. Given the drama, don't be surprised if Joey or Sara make an appearance.
Whether you think Joey was a genuine guy who just didn't find "the one" or a savvy reality vet who knew how to play the game, he’s definitely the most talked-about person from the Minneapolis season. It just goes to show that even in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the dating pool is still full of sharks.