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MADONNA'S Blond Ambition / Truth or Dare / Girlie Show Dancer - Carlton Wilborn (PART I) Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Madonna’s Blond Ambition & Girlie Show Tour Dancer, Carlton Wilborn, steps Behind The Rope. One of the Iconic Seven chosen by Madonna herself to be part of the Record Breaking Blond Ambition Tour and subsequent Game Changer Film (the Real World and “Reality TV” did not exist!), Truth or Dare. After a brief foray into Carlton’s early career in dance, where he attended classes with Michelle Obama, we get right into how he was hired as one of Madonna’s Seven Blond Ambition Tour Dancers - the audition process, the answering machine message from M, the wild night out with Madonna, and the ultimate tour offer. In true Madonna fashion, she was the first, not only in the “reality” format but the first to show gay men with full actualized lives on screen. Carlton reflects about the 1980s and 1990s Madonna of yesteryear, what the country was like at the time with the initial onset of AIDS, and how he was able to perform night after night living with his own secret of being HIV positive. He also discussed what it was like to be on a tour that the Pope tried to ban, that was one of the highest grossing tours at that point to date, and which Rolling Stone lists as one of the 50 greatest of all time. Carlton details all the late night talks with Madonna, the after parties, and her advice. He talks about the constant parade of Celebrities backstage coming to pay respects and bow to Queen M. Carlton describes how he heard from Madonna years later when it was time to go back out on the road for The Girlie Show Tour. Carlton discusses the differences in himself, the production, the choreography, the music, and last, but certainly not least, in Madonna from The Blond Ambition Tour in 1990 to The Girlie Show Tour in 1993. Carlton discusses his relationship with Madonna after the end of that tour and how in 2016 Hollywood came a knocking, this time in the form of the phenomenal documentary Strike A Pose about the lives of the 7 male dancers who joined Queen M on her Blond Ambition Tour. Carlton opens up about his other accomplishments, acting, author, current life coach and what he would say to Madonna if she walked into the room today!

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EBONI K. WILLIAMS (Checking In With Her on #RHONY Freshman Season!) Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

Eboni K. Williams steps Behind The Rope. Welcome and welcome to The Real Housewives of New York City, Season 13. Eboni chats briefly about how she went from being a high powered attorney, news correspondent for CBS and Fox, author, and many other monikers, to an Apple holder this season on RHONY. Eboni chats about why she joined the franchise, her reservations in joining, who was the most / least welcoming, the ups and downs of her freshman season, and what it is like now that she is watching herself back on TV each week. We chat about co-stars Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and Leah McSweeney - first impressions and the status of those relationships today. Eboni chats about how life had changed now that RHONY is airing, the best advice she has received from the cast and other Bravolebrities, and what she would have done differently. Of course, we talk about being “the first Black New York City Housewife” - what that means to her, any “pressures” that come along with it and the sorority she has formed with fellow Housewives in a similar situation, Crystal Kung Minkoff, Garcelle Beauvais, and Tiffany Moon. We chat about being “hazed” from the cast, the celebrities that have reached out since joining, and some of the seasons highlights - “The Help”, Sonja Morgan’s Diverse Koi Fish, The Need for Glam, and a little altercation with our fav Cabaret Star. Of course, we also catch up with Eboni on Dating And The City - current relationship status, dating war stories, dating Apps - Raya we are looking at you, and her type. Finally, we chat with Eboni about what we can expect from her the rest of this RHONY season and what she would like people to take away from the woman that is Eboni K. Williams as we eagerly watch on each week!

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Fran Drescher's FranJam 2020 (to Support Cancer Schmancer) Jun 19, 2021

Show notes

Fran Drescher will be hosting FranJam 2021, a free online concert in support of the fight against cancer that streams worldwide simultaneously on CancerSchmancer.org, Facebook Live, and YouTube.com/TheNanny at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, June 20, 2021.

FranJam’s impressive talent lineup features Tina Arena, Jackson Browne, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Cynthia Erivo, Fiji Blue, David Foster, Katharine McPhee Foster, Debbie Gibson, Hoobastank, Cyndi Lauper, and Anthony Nunziata. The concert celebrates Fran’s 21 year anniversary of remaining cancer-free and all proceeds support her organization Cancer Schmancer.

Viewers can lend their support to the fight against cancer by texting FRAN to 44-321 or donating at cancerschmancer.org/donate. Cancer Schmancer is the only nonprofit that saves lives by helping people connect the dots between lifestyle and health to prevent or even reverse life- threatening and chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

FranJam 2021 is sponsored by The Skinny Line and Quantum Nutrition Labs. It is also made possible by the support of Lauran Bromley, Brett & Rebecca Kelly, Mary Ellen Moschetti, Rudiin Family Foundations, and Evan Sacks.

For more information, please visit https://www.CancerSchmancer.org

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Donna Mills (on Knot's Landing, Being a Hollywood Legend, RHOBH, Reality TV & More!) Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

Donna Mills steps Behind The Rope. One of the most recognized names in Nighttime Soaps, 80s Icon, Donna Mills. Donna is best known for her role as the scheming, manipulative vixen Abby Cunningham, or Abby Fairgate Cunningham Ewing Sumner to be exact, on Knots Landing, one of the longest running prime time soap operas in history. We are thrilled to have Donna here today to chat about her career, and life for that matter, in its entirety. We reminisce about all the glory that was, is, and will always be Abby Cunningham and Knot’s Landing including how Donna was cast, co-stars and real life best friends Joan Van Ark and Michelle Lee, the other recognizable faces that popped by the worlds most famous cul-de-sac such as Nicolette Sheridan and Alec Baldwin, and her decision to leave the show way before the world was done with Queen Abby. Moving on from Knots, Donna opens up about the evolution of women in Hollywood from the 1980s when shows like Knots were all the rage to present day, answering questions like how far have we come and how much farther do we have to go. We also chatted with Donna about some of our other favorite shows she has appeared on like Melrose Place, Nip/Tuck, and last, but not least, RuPaul’s Drag U (yes we think Mama Ru is a Knots fan!). Of course we had to chat with Donna about her thoughts on Reality TV and actresses like Lisa Rinna who have become Housewives throughout the years. Yes, Donna does know Rinna. Having posed for Playboy herself, Donna chats and shares stories from her illustrious frothy year career about the pressures of aging in Hollywood, the ever presence of plastic surgery amongst The Hollywood Elite, and the #MeToo Movement. Finally we chat with Donna about the current crop of television she has been binging, the current crop of “A List” actresses she puts her stamp of approval on and with reboots running rampant chat, hoping to will into existence, a Knot’s Landing Reboot. Ahh, a girl can dream, can’t she. Miss Mills, we are not worthy!

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*** Special shout out to our friend Actor, Model, #RHONJ Kathy Wakile’s “Son”, Mr. Does It All Gregory Zarian for making this sit down with Miss Donna Mills come to life!! Gregory Appeared on our show Dec 29th, 2020, Jan 15th 2021, & April 23rd, 2021.

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Juliet Angus (on Ladies of London, Dorit & PK, Paris & Nicole, & Bravo Days of Yesteryear!) Jun 17, 2021

Show notes

Juliet Angus steps Behind The Rope. One thing became very clear within the first few seconds of speaking to Juliet, SHE - KNOWS - EVERYONE! We do not mean she has met everyone. We mean know - we mean had dinner with - partied with - traveled with. Dorit and PK. Dorinda. Cary Dueber. Tinsley Mortimer. Paris Hilton. Nicole Richie. Tracy Tutor. We discuss it all, including “The Simple Life” remake she wanted to pursue with the one and only Caroline Stanbury. Speaking of Caroline Stanbury, let us just pay homage to the BEST Bravo show no longer on the air, “Ladies of London”. Juliet explains how Ladies of London was originally supposed to be a sociological experiment of Americans assimilating into British culture. A nice happy cultural show with no drama. We all know how that turned out. We talk about her Ladies of London co-stars Caroline Stanbury, Marissa Hermer, Caroline Fleming, Noelle Reno, Sophie Stanbury, Caprice Bourret, Adela King, and Juliet Montagu. We discuss who she knew before the show, which friendships were “tested” as a result of the show, and who she keeps in touch with today. We discuss her unapologetic friendship and loyalty to Caroline Stanbury and some of the most dramatic moments she remembers from being a cast member on the hit Bravo series. We discuss the evolution of the show and why it was such a huge cult classic in the states. We discuss the power of Bravo and what she thinks about a possible reunion. Finally, Juliet fills us in on her family life and her “Shop My Closet”. An episode not to be missed.

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Michelle Collins (on Friend Andy Cohen, Countess Lu, The View, Housewives, BritBrit & her Sirius Show)! Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

Michelle Collins steps Behind The Rope. Comedian, TV Host, Pop Culture Aficionado, BravoHolic, Michelle Collins. Michelle started her career working on the classic VH1 pop culture show, “Best Week Ever” as well as early appearances on various talk shows such as Chelsea Lately, The Tyra Banks Show and The View. It was those appearances on The View that led to a permanent co-host position. Michelle chats about her various View Co-Hosts Whoppi Goldberg, Candace Cameron Bure, and so on. We also address those constant alleged “toxic environment” rumors on set, the rumored “hazing” behind the scenes and her exit from The View. Ok let us recover from THAT! Life went on for Michelle after The View, and, um, in a big way. We chat about her coveted host position on “After Paradise”, the live after show for Bachelor in Paradise, and all things Bachelor Nation. Michelle discusses her current Sirius XM show, “The Michelle Collins Show”, podcast, “Midnight Snack”, and the best, worst and everything in between of the many celebrity guests she has had the honor of chatting with. Of course, all roads lead to Bravo and Michelle is a huge BravoHolic. We chat about her long standing friendship with Andy Cohen, her many Watch What Happens Live appearances, best / worst Housewives, Luann de Lesseps and her fountain of youth, Luann de Lesseps and her “Countess Cabaret” which Michelle was lucky to be a part of in many cities across the US, fav franchise and some of our fav Bravo shows of yesteryear - NYC Prep, Gallery Girls, Princesses: Long Island and Ladies of London. Finally, Michelle chats about her comedic inspirations - Joan Rivers we are looking at you, what talk show hosts she puts her stamp of approval on, and the current world of cancel culture which we all live in.

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Ambyr Childers (on "You", All My Children & Much More!) Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

Ambyr Childers steps Behind The Rope. Let us just start with the obvious. Ambyr was a cast member on one of the best TV shows to ever exist, “You”. Ambyr talks about her screen stealing performance as Candace Stone in “You”, her shocking return in Season Two (totally unexpected), what we can expect for Season Three (yes, they are filming) and answer the question, will Candace make a return once again? We discuss what working with Gossip Girl (Reboot, July 8 - whoo hoo!) alum Penn Badgley was like, the John Stamos Season Two Cameo role (shout out to the Iconic “Full House”), and how a move from Lifetime to Netflix turned “You” into a viral sensation. Ambyr discusses what it is like to be an actress in Hollywood these days, the “me too” movement and how she has an incredible knack for playing “crazy” and “psychotic” really well. Let us also not forget, she got her start on another classic TV show, “All My Children”. Yes, we deep dive into the world of daytime soaps, the “stigmas” attached to being an actress or actor in daytime TV, All My Children, all that she learned from her time in Pine Valley, how it was to live alone in New York City at only Seventeen years old, and La Lucci a.k.a. Icon Susan Lucci. We also discuss some of Ambyr’s other stand out roles such as her time on the hit TV show “Ray Donovan”, what working with Liev Schreiber was like, her current “Ambyr Childers Jewelry” Line, which actress Kate Bosworth was also involved in, and what is next for her as an actress and in life now that the world is opening up! All this plus more. Take a sip of that Pumptini, kick back and enjoy this non-stop chat with the one and only Ambyr Childers!

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SUTTON STRACKE - (An Interview on all things RHOBH) Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

Sutton Stracke steps Behind The Rope. With the drama already well underway this Season Eleven of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Sutton is here to reflect back on her freshman year and look forward as to what is to come this season of RHOBH. Let us start with the obvious. Congrats Sutton!!! Now a Diamond Holder, in other words a full time cast member for those of you not well versed in your Bravo lingo, Sutton is here to dish it all. First things first, Sutton chats about all she has been up to in between her RHOBH seasons - renting Kyle Richards’ house, running “The Sutton Concept” and continuing her love of fashion, of course. Sutton chats about her brilliantly unique “Sutton Concept”, her fashion choices and styles, Dolce and Gabbana Crowns, her “hate” of leather pants, and why Dorit Kemsley and Erika Jayne are always thought of RHOBH’s resident fashion icons. Yes, Chrissy Teigen and Karen Huger, we are talking to you following your recent WWHL appearance. Sutton answers all our many questions about cast mates past, Brandi Glanville, Teddi Mellencamp, and, as she says, Denise Fu*king Richards and what it is like to no longer be the new kid on the block. Crystal Kung Minkoff and Kathy Hilton, we are now talking to you. On a more serious level, we chat with Sutton about how she has changed as a person as a result of Housewives, the best things to have come out of the RHOBH experience, the biggest misconceptions about Sutton Stracke, and what are some things we would be surprised to find out about her. Finally, we end with the one question on everyone’s mind, “just how different does it feel to be a Diamond Holder?” Well deserved Sutton. Well deserved!!

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I Went to High School with Dorit Kemsley / I Filmed "The Housewife & The Hustler" Jun 12, 2021

Show notes

Our fearless leader David Yontef went to High School with The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Dorit Kemsley. Today, he finally breaks his silence to talk about what Miss Kemsley was like in High School. We have all seen the Year Book pictures circulating ‘round the web of the Dorit that existed before the 24/7 Louis Vuitton clad glamour puss we now see every week on our Bravo TV Screens. Pay special attention to the day David was “trapped at sea” with Miss Kemsley!

There is no one better to help David recount all the details, facts and looks of a High School Dorit Kemsley than former RHOBH “Friend Of”, $25,000 Sunglasses herself, Dana Wilkey. We welcome her Behind The Rope here today!

Dana is a vital part of the epic new special, “The Housewife & The Hustler”, which details the real-life legal drama of Mr. Tom Girardi and Miss Erika Jayne. Dana explains how she got involved with the upcoming special, what filming was like, what she heard Behind The Scenes, what she knows in real life about Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi, and how Bravo feels about the fact that a rival “Network” is diving deep into what they planned to lay out throughout the remainder of the RHOBH season.

Finally, we chat about the current RHOBH season, the rumors that by admitting she takes Zoloft on TV Erika waived the doctor-patient privilege, the additions of Kathy Hilton and Crystal Kung Minkoff, the return of Teddi Mellencamp, a Diamond Holding Sutton, and who is the MVP of the RHOBH season thus far.

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Bravo's NYC Prep / Gossip Girl (A Deep Dive with UES Native Sydney Sadick) Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

NYC Prep. One of the gone, but definitely not forgotten, classic Bravo TV shows. Born and raised on New York City’s Upper East Side, Sydney Sadick’s childhood “was” NYC Prep. She has lived the real life “Gossip Girl”. On that note, she stops by to help us break down the classic Bravo TV Show “NYC Prep” which aired for one season, nine episodes, in the summer of 2009. Being the same age as the cast of “NYC Prep”, Sydney remembers the buzz amongst the uptown private elite school system that a real life Gossip Girl was casting way back when. Sydney chats with us about which of the six "NYC Prep” cast members she grew up with and what she knows about each in real life. Next we discuss just how does a show chronicling the lives of six wealthy uptown teenagers get made when those teenagers are going out at night living their lives as if they are adults. We discuss the highs and lows of the show and the public's outcry once the show was aired. We also discuss the glaring lack of parental supervision shown in “NYC Prep” and Sydney breaks down just how accurate a portrayal of a wealthy uptown teenager’s life the show was. We discuss why the show did not make it and only lasted for one short lived season. Of course, we also pay homage to its West Coast sister, “The Hills” and its Scripted Cousin “Gossip Girl” discussing the similarities and differences and why both of those shows were huge mega hits as opposed to “NYC Prep”. Sydney tells us how both Chase Crawford and Ed Westwick used to hang out near her private, uniformed, all girls high school on the UES with questions about what really goes on inside the halls of one of New York City’s elite schools. Yes, we answer all questions regarding “where are they now” with many shocking updates you have to hear to believe! Finally, we discuss what Sydney’s own life was like growing up between NYC’s Upper East Side and The Hamptons with a Celeb Doctor for a Dad. If you are wondering where Sydney is now, she is a a National Broadcast Contributor who regularly appears on NBC’s Today, GMA, Good Day New York, E! and Inside Edition, to name a few. She is also a Lifestyle and Fashion Expert whose book “Aim High” is a must read to help style your life and achieve your goals. There is no one more equipped for a deep dive into Bravo’s “NYC Prep” and Gossip Girl than our very own Sydney Sadick.

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