In a candid episode of the “Mina AF” podcast on October 24, HGTV's Good Bones designer MJ Coyle revealed the surprising truth about life after the show. After eight seasons of flipping houses and building relationships, MJ admitted that he hasn’t stayed in touch with his former co-stars. It’s a story of personal growth, reflection, and the complexities of maintaining friendships forged under the spotlight.
Why MJ Coyle Walked Away From the Good Bones Family
During the heartfelt conversation with host Mina Starsiak Hawk, MJ Coyle opened up about the reasons behind his decision to distance himself from the Good Bones cast. “I haven’t talked to Cory [Miller] in a long time,” he confessed. “I haven’t spoken to Tad [Starsiak] either. I did have a brief chat with your mom, Karen, when things wrapped up, but honestly, I think everyone just needed some space.”
MJ went on to explain that while the show brought them all together, it also created an intense environment that wasn’t always easy to navigate. After years of working side by side, he believes that taking a break was essential for healing and moving forward.
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Mina Starsiak Hawk Weighs In: The Challenges of Family Dynamics
Mina Starsiak Hawk, who recently shared her own struggles with family relationships, chimed in on the topic. “It’s fascinating how our dynamic has evolved over the years,” she reflected. “MJ and I definitely had our ups and downs, but even through disagreements, we’ve managed to maintain a connection. We took a step back from each other for a while, but we still text and share memes. It’s a different kind of bond.”
She added, “When you look at the bigger picture, it’s disappointing to realize who sticks around when the cameras stop rolling. For some people, the only thing holding them together was the obligation of the show.”
For Mina, this realization has been both painful and eye-opening. “It’s kind of a bummer,” she admitted. “You start wondering, ‘Who’s still here when the dust settles?’ It’s not always the people you expect.”

A New Chapter: MJ and Mina’s Collaborative Future
Despite the rocky relationships with some of her former co-stars, Mina has found solace in her friendship with MJ. The two are currently working together on Mina’s lake house renovation project, which will be featured in a two-episode spinoff series set to air on HGTV next year. “I’m filming the lake house, and MJ is involved here and there,” Mina shared. “He helps us with demolition, and I’m always experimenting with new ideas. If any new opportunities arise, MJ will definitely be one of the first people I reach out to.”
Both MJ and Mina have experienced significant changes since stepping away from Good Bones. For them, saying goodbye to the show wasn’t just about ending a chapter—it was about finding clarity and purpose in their next steps. “The pace of the show was relentless,” Mina explained. “It was hard to pause and reassess. But after a lot of emotional and mental struggles, I managed to slow down and gain some perspective. Now, I feel ready to move forward in a way that’s sustainable and meaningful.”
