Media Orchard has a love-hate relationship with reality TV. We know that shows like “The Bachelor” are intellectual junk-food with no redeeming social value. And yet, we watch them anyway — accepting the fact that they will give our brain a tummy-ache afterwards.

Did we just mix metaphors there?

Kindle Martin is a lovely former “Bachelor” contestant who cheers for the Dallas Mavericks. We asked her about her experiences. Here’s the interview, edited for space:

Media Orchard: When did you become a Mavs dancer, and when did you apply to be on “The Bachelor”?

Kindle: I tried out for the Mavs in July 2004. This is my second season dancing with them. I “applied” for “The Bachelor” in December of last year — although there wasn’t much “applying” that went on. I happened to run into the right person at the right time. I did go to LA for one interview.

MO: What motivated you to try out?

Kindle: I was out one night with a girlfriend of mine having a glass of wine and catching up. We met a girl who happened to be casting for the show … My first response was “Hell No!” … I had never tried the whole reality thing before. I was definitely a bit skeptical of it.

MO: What was it like?

Kindle: Filming the show was so much fun with all the girls, but when it got time to deal with the real situation, it just wasn’t that great. I was shocked to find out exactly how little reality is involved in “reality TV.” That was probably the most disheartening thing … the fact that we couldn’t just be ourselves.

Everyone had a “part” they were supposed to play. We were each picked to play a certain role. I do dance professionally and I do go out with my friends and I do have cocktails on occasion and even dance in the bars sometimes … but there is a time and a place for it and I didn’t feel that national television was it. They just expected me to be the stereotypical “professional cheerleader” which is something I am definitely not. I just wish I could have been myself.

I had such a great time with all the girls … The “slumber parties” we had were out of control. The girls, with the exception of one, were worth every minute of it. I made some great lifelong friends. We are actually trying to plan a trip right now. I can’t wait to see them.

MO: You got pretty far on the show but didn’t win. Were you disappointed in the outcome?

Kindle: Not disappointed in the outcome at all. Charlie (O’Connell) is a cool guy, but just not my type. Not that I have this idea of the “perfect” guy or anything, but I knew from Day 1 it wasn’t him …

MO: Whatever happened with Charlie and the winning contestant?

Kindle: I actually saw Charlie and Sarah at Primos one night over the summer … random! They were out celebrating her birthday. At that time, they were obviously still together and she was getting ready to move to LA. I have heard different things since then…

MO: A lot of reality show contestants use their experience to launch a career in Hollywood. Do you plan to do that?

Kindle: Haven’t really thought about it. I just wanted to finish up with school first … I graduated last Saturday! I have thought about the whole “agent” thing. There are so many “agents” out there that don’t have your best interest in mind. I feel like, in life overall, what’s meant to be will be.

MO: How long do you want to be a Mavs dancer? What do you want to do next?

Kindle: I love my job!… I am so fortunate and appreciative of the entire Mavericks organization. Mark Cuban runs a great business, doesn’t he? I will certainly finish out this year. Depending on my career path, I will hopefully continue on … I am working with some wonderful people in starting an inner-city dance program for Dallas kids. It is set to start January 6, so that is where my heart is right now.

MO: Would you recommend reality shows to others? Would you do one again?

Kindle: I think everyone should do it once. I would never do it again … well … never say never, right? I would never do a “I pick” or “I vote” show again … but when it comes to competition … I’m in! I think the competition-based shows would be a little more real.