Braeden agrees, saying, “You better be prepared.” Rikaart notes Braeden is “such an advocate” for the soap opera genre and asks if he’s had people “looking down upon” the work they do.

“So it’s a stupid prejudice, based on absolute ignorance,” Braeden adds. Speaking to PEOPLE before Soapy ’s launch, Budig, 52, said she’s experienced the same stigma Braedan has.