BEHIND THE VELVET ROPE

Latest Episodes:

Aja (on Drag Race, Queer Culture/Artistry, New Music, Prince & Kandy Muse) May 28, 2021

Show notes

Aja steps Behind The Rope. Yes, we all know Aja from their appearance on Drag Race Season Nine and All Stars Season Three. There is much more to Aja than their appearance on our favorite Ru shows. Born and raised in Brooklyn, we knew we liked Aja for a reason, they got into drag at a young age by performing at the local New York City bars. That NYC training led to a coveted spot on both of the aforementioned Drag Race shows. Aja chats about what the experience was like being part of both blockbuster shows - the good, the bad, the other. Of course, we talk about Ru, the judges, and some of our fav guest judges during Aja’s tenure: Lady Gaga, Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, and Naya Rivera. Aja opens up about life after Drag Race which, yes, includes a career in music. Being completely committed to the craft, Aja announced a few years back that they are no longer a “Drag Queen” but instead are a “Queer Artist”. Speaking of drag queens, Aja dishes on their favs from this current season of Drag Race, discusses whether they think RuPaul and Drag Race have adequately incorporated trans women, trans men, non-binary and all other contestants who deserve representation into the show, including the new catch phrase used this season, and opens up about their beef, fall out, and current status of their relationship with current season contestant Kandy Muse. Remember we mentioned Aja music? Well, Aja has new music in the form of a stellar CD, “Crown” featuring the first single “21 Roads”. Aja chats about their musical inspirations (one includes Prince and we are so here for it!), some of the overall themes heard on the album such as fame, race, gender, class, their fav track, what artist they would love to work with, and just how important is it to incorporate non-binary visibly and cultural representation in their music.

@ajathekween

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frankie Grande (on Reality TV, RHOBH, Madonna, Broadway, & Living an Authentic Life!) May 27, 2021

Show notes

Frankie Grande steps back Behind The Rope. We have to stop meeting like this! Although it has only been a few weeks, we cannot keep up with Frankie and he is here to share many new projects. First things first, we chat with Frankie about the fact that NYC’s Broadway is coming back and will be open and alive this fall. We also talk about his time on Big Brother, would he ever go back, consider other Reality Competition shows such as Survivor and Amazing Race, what are his guilty pleasure reality shows of yesteryear and today. We also dish the dirt on fav reality shows, thoughts on Real Housewives and other pleasures rooted in Pop Culture history. A forever advocate of the LGBTQIA community, Frankie chats about what that means to him and how important it is to live an authentic life, both in front of, and off camera. We revisit Frankie’s love of Madonna, having met her and all, and deep dive into his favorite era of Madonna - the music, fashion, the Madonna of it all. Speaking of Frankie’s new projects, congrats are in order as he is the new host of the SpongeBob Podcast for Nickelodeon. Of course he is because who better to host a SpongeBob Podcast than shine bright like a Frankie, Frankie Grande. With Pride just around the corner, we chat with Frankie about his upcoming “Rainbowthon”, next Thursday June 3rd where he and a few friends (JoJo Siwa, Jewel, Alexandra Billings, and many, many more) host a virtual performance, celebration and all out party in support of Los Angeles’ LGBT Center. Like last year, perhaps a certain family member will be making a guest appearance. Ya never know. Thanks for stopping by again Frankie!! Always a pleasure.

** This Episode was recorded last week just prior to Singer Demi Lovato coming out as Nonbinary. Demi Lovato now goes by the pronouns They/Them.

Purchase Ticket’s to Frankie Grande’s Rainbowthon at http://www.rainbowthon.org/

Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathy Wakile (#RHONJ - Catching Up!) May 26, 2021

Show notes

The Real Housewives of New Jersey's Kathy Wakile steps Behind The Rope. Several months ago, before her daughter Victoria got married, Kathy sat down to chat about all that she has been up to since we last saw her on our TV screens. Born and raised in New Jersey, the fourth of five children, Kathy loved her first career as a Licensed Hairdresser helping make people beautiful one head at a time. One day, on her way to Florida, she met a man on a plane, who became her current husband, Rich Wakile. Family life is going well - so well, in fact, that she brought daughter Victoria with her. Oh hey there, Victoria. Did you know Victoria worked at Aydin Plastic Surgery for Bill Aydin. What a small RHONJ world it is. Speaking of RHONJ, Kathy thought she was in the mix to be cast on a new cooking / baking show during her casting process for RHONJ. Turns out, it was for Season Three of RHONJ and the rest is history. Kathy discusses what filming with her family, Melissa Gorga and Teresa Giudice was like plus the status of their relationships today. Plus, she shares her thoughts on and friendships with Caroline Manzo, Jacqueline Laurita, Jennifer Aydin, Dolores Catania, and last but not least, Margaret Josephs. Kathy and David discuss the “reality” of reality TV, the positives and negatives of being on a “Housewives” show, and how to transition back into the world when the party ends. Kathy seems to have done so quite well. P.S. Huge shout out to Pizza Love, Kathy's delicious, amazing Italian Palace in Wyckoff, NJ!!!

@kathywakile

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Big Shot With Bethenny's Nicole Rosé Stillings (on Bethenny Frankel & BTS of "Big Shot") May 25, 2021

Show notes

The Big Shot with Bethenny’s Nicole Rose Stillings steps Behind The Rope. Unarguably, THE breakout star of “Big Shot”, Nicole is here to dish it all now that the season has come to an end! A self proclaimed, as seen on TV with Ms. Frankel, DJ, Influencer, and Podcaster, Nicole can now add, “Reality TV Star” to her moniker. Nicole chats about how her dreams of DJ’ing have come true in a big way having worked with not only the the likes of Diana Ross and Noah Cyrus, but there was also that one time she DJ’d and appeared on Summer House during one of their epic finale parties. Yup, we discuss what filming an episode of Summer House was like and just what did Nicole observe from her DJ booth about some of our fav Bravolebs - Kyle, Carl, Lindsay and the rest of the gang. Nicole chats about leaving her career as a triple threat behind to pursue a position as VP, of Operations, billed as “second in command” to the one and only Bethenny Frankel. Nicole has already turned our heads, and that of the B herself, by wearing a crop top on day one, crying after being berated by Bethenny, and, well many other incidents which we discuss in full. In true Nicole fashion she - does - not - hold back when discussing what Bethenny was really like off camera behind the scenes, how “involved" producers of The Big Shot were in storyline, and her edit as the resident “loud mouth”. She also discusses some of her, now standout moments with the world as we watched back each week. She discusses whether Bethenny is bothered by her because she sees herself in her. Let us not forget Bethenny was once called the resident “loud mouth” by our good friend Martha Stewart. Finally, she chats about the epic involvement of Biggy and Smallz and just what she will take away from this experience with Ms. Frankel in the freshman season of her "Big Shot".

@nicolestillings

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TABATHA COFFEY (on Tabatha's Takeover, Shear Genius, Housewives, Being a Bravo Legend, & B*tch Reputation!!!) May 24, 2021

Show notes

In a very rare Podcast appearance, Tabatha Coffey steps Behind The Rope!!!! Checking in from her home directly across the river in good ole’ New Jersey, Tabatha is here to - discuss - it - all!! Tabatha starts at the beginning - finishing third and winning “Fan Fav” on the freshman season of Shear Genius. In part due to her signature tell it like it is / hold nothing back approach to hair and life, Tabatha then got her own show, Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, which became Tabatha’s Takeover in Season Four. We discuss what it was like to be a Bravolebrity at that time with colleagues such as Rachel Zoe, Jeff Lewis, Patti Stanger, Jackie Warner, Vicki Gunvalson and a singer you may have heard of by the name of Paula Abdul (“Hey Paula” fans rejoice!). Tabatha weighs in on how Bravo has changed over the years to become the network it is today - which also included her show a few years back, Relative Success with Tabatha, what Bravolebrities of past and present she calls friends, what Bravolebs and Hollywood A Listers have the best and worst hair and what she thinks of Celebs who ride or die by one signature hairstyle. Rinna, we are talking to you. Being from NJ, we discuss Tab’s neighbors Tre, Mel, Marge and the rest of the RHONJ, whether Tabatha would ever consider joining the franchise and whether, with all of Bravo’s efforts on diversity and inclusion, it is finally time for our first openly Lesbian or Trans Housewife (no, we are not counting RHOC’s Braunwyn). Of course, that means she would have to wear leopard which leads to a discussion on Tabatha’s signature all black ensemble. Tabatha gives us an update on her personal life, TV projects, hair, and answers just what is next. One next project is her upcoming B.I.T.C.H Camp, where Tabatha herself, plus her Camp Counselors, will help you put your life in order. If there is one person who can accomplish that goal, it is certainly one of the most outspoken, brutally honest Bravolebs in history, Miss Tabatha Coffey!!

@tabathacoffey

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

http://www.tabathacoffey.com (tickets for B.I.T.C.H Camp Available!)

Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim D. Shares Receipts (on RHONJ's Current Season's Biggest Dramas!) May 22, 2021

Show notes

RHONJ’s Kim D. She’s baaackk. Kim has a LOT of opinions on this current season of RHONJ and has asked to come back to share them. Who are we to say no? First things first, let’s chat about the elephant in the room, Teresa and Jackie. Kim has a lot of opinions on the matter and in true Rope fashion, her opinions are based on what she has “heard” / allegedly knows from being a local NJ gal. We discuss where we think that rumor really started, whether we believe it is true, what were Teresa’s true intentions in mentioning this rumor on TV, and what is the status of their relationship today. Next, we chat about some of this RHONJ season’s other dramas. What other dramas, you ask? We chat about newbie “Friend Of” Michelle Pais claiming that Joey Gorga owes her husband money. We dissect this claim, the nuances behind it, and of course, do we think there is any validity to it. Speaking of Michelle Pais, she is no longer representing Teresa Giudice in the sale of her home. We answer the question “who is” Michelle Pais and what caused the fall out of her friendship with Tre and subsequent rapid disappearance from our TV screens. Speaking of Joey Gorga, we discuss Melissa and Joe’s “rumored” marital problems, and, well, yea, Kim has something to say about that. Marital and dating problems? Ok, yes, that leads us to Luis Ruelas, Teresa’s new man. Kim knows someone who knows someone… Well, why don’t you just listen to her chat about Luis and Tre. Then there is Jennifer Aydin. Oh, Jennifer. While we admit, the girl is hella funny, never before has a reference to a swan been so funny, David holds back on his own personal real life feelings on Jennifer, that is for another place and time, but Kim chats about how Jennifer was at her past Posche shows despite the fact that Jennifer announced on Watch What Happens Live she has never met Kim D and not know what Posche is. Yes, Kim has receipts. Yea, we will post it. Kim chats about what she has heard regarding this epic RHONJ season and reminisces on the past. Speaking of the past, has anyone been watching Danielle Staub’s weekly IG Live viewing of RHONJ. Should Kim do the same? Grab those cocktails and get ready to gasp. This one is a tell all and who better than the woman who knows everyone who is anyone in the Garden State, Miss Kim D is here to do what she does best, hold nothing back!

Full Episode out NOW TODAY: https://www.patreon.com/posts/51104327

@kimdposche

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Married To Medicine's Kari Wells (on Current Season, Looking Back & What's Next) May 21, 2021

Show notes

Married to Medicine’s Kari Wells steps Behind The Rope. The “Queen of Class”, a titled bestowed upon her by the one and only Daddy Andy Cohen, Kari is here to help us break it all down regarding the current season of Married to Medicine. After a brief chat about how she originally got involved with the show way back in Season One, her up and down relationships with her co-stars over the years, and all the changes in M2M during the past eight years, we waist no time in delving deep into the current season. Kari chats about her current relationships and what we can expect to see the rest of this season from some of our favorite Doctors and Doctors’ Wives - Dr. Jackie, Dr. Simone, Toya, Quad, Dr. Heavenly, and Dr. Contessa. Of course, we nudge Kari to spill some tea about the remainder of the current M2M season, what we can expect, and what drama is a comin’ our way. We also chat about newbie Anila Sajja and what we can expect from this firecracker as the season progresses. On a more serious note, we chat about the absence of series creator and one of the former Executive Producers, Mariah Huq and did that effect the mood in this friend group this season. Kari chats about some of her fellow ATL women, those Peach Holders over at The Real Housewives of Atlanta - who she knows, who she would like to know, and just who stood her up for dinner a few months back. Finally, we chat about all that Kari has done in life - model, actress, author, business owner and, of course, last but certainly not least, Doctor's Wife. Tune in as we break it all down, Married to Medicine style.

@kariwells_

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RANDY SPELLING (on Tori, Family, 90210, Legacy, TV, & Life Coaching) May 20, 2021

Show notes

The One, The Only, Randy Spelling steps Behind The Rope. Yes THAT Randy Spelling. Before we get to his current “Randy Spelling Coaching” Business, let us start at the beginning. Spelling Manor. Randy is kind enough to entertain all of our questions about what it was like to grow up at Spelling Manor. Spelling Manor, the house with its own Wikipedia page. We discuss Mom Candy Spelling’s glamorous parties, the infamous gift wrapping room, the whose who of Hollywood who flowed through there, and how Randy felt when the Manor was sold in 2011. We discuss what it was like to grow up with Aaron Spelling as a Dad and what the legacy of such shows like “ Melrose Place”, “Charmed”, “Charlie’s Angels”, “Dynasty”, “The Love Boat” and “Heart to Heart” means to him. We also discuss what is was like to be a high school student at the same time that 90210 exploded. Well there was that one time Randy went to school to everyone chanting “Donna Martin Graduates”, the night after a certain episode aired. Speaking of 90210, we discuss it all and by all, we mean, Shannen, Jason, Brian, Ian, Gabrielle, Jenni and Tori. Speaking of Tori, we discuss her own career both on 90210 as well as the plethora of reality TV she has done, such as Tori & Dean and True Tori and what it is like for Randy to watch some of these shows. Randy also opens up about what it was like to be caught in the middle of certain family dramas and it what it was like to have those played out in the media. On a larger note, we discuss topics such as the importance and value society improperly places on having versus not having money, the addiction of fame, why the media is so obsessed with “The Spellings” and some of the biggest misconceptions about himself, Tori and the rest of the family. Fear not, all of this has helped Randy get to where he is today, a devoted Husband and Dad living in Oregon with a successful life coaching business. No really, you can book him as a life coach, and if this sit down is any indication, sign us up!!!

@randyspelling

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blow Out's Jonathan Antin - (on Andy Cohen, WWHL, Bravo Early Days, Tabatha Coffey, & Madonna)! May 19, 2021

Show notes

Did everyone watch Watch What Happens Live last week with all our friends from the past including Mr. Jonathan Antin. Well, Jonathan Antin steps back Behind The Rope. We pick up right where we left off during our last sit down. Jonathan explains how he got hired as one of the lead judges on Bravo’s Shear Genius after Blow Out had ended. We discuss host Camila Alves and prior host Jaclyn Smith. We also discuss one of Shear Genius' contestants, Tabatha Coffey. Jonathan gives us his opinion of Tabatha, discusses whether he thinks she should have won her season, lets us know if her tough as nails persona is an act or real, and finally answers the question of whether she deserved her own show. Speaking of Bravolebrites, we discuss Jackie Warner’s appearance on Blow Out, what went wrong and the status of their relationship today. We also discuss all the other celebrities who appeared on Blow Out such as loyal clients Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin (they had other reality shows in the mix with Jonathan also - we discuss), Kristen Bell, Kate Bosworth, and, last but not least, sister Robin Antin, founder of The Pussycat Dolls. Jonathan tells some fun stories about his other Celeb clients, Courtney Love, Ricky Martin, Brad Pitt, Steven Tyler, Leo DiCaprio, Gwyneth Paltrow and, way to bury the lead, Queen Madonna (Lourdes in Tow)! We discuss the pressures from Bravo for Jonathan to involve his family in the show and how Blow Out came to an end shortly after his lack of a desire to do so. Finally, Jonathan opens up about the early days of Bravo, the origins of WWHL, his relationship with Andy Cohen and what he thinks of how the network has evolved throughout the years. (If you haven’t heard our original chat with Jonathan, feel free to check it out. Airdate November 4, 2020).

@jonathanantin

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

Bonus Episodes Available at - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Nies (The Real World New York & Homecoming) May 18, 2021

Show notes

This is the true story of seven strangers picked to live in a house, work together, and have their lives taped. Find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real…. The Real World. We sat down with Eric Nies a few months prior to MTV’s decision to bring the entire cast of the original real world back together to live in the same loft almost thirty years later. Mr. Eric Nies was part of the granddaddy of all of reality TV, the original Real World, New York, Season One. THE show that changed, introduced, formed and revolutionized Reality TV. Welcome Eric. We start at the beginning by asking the question, just how did Eric get cast on the first ever Real World in NYC and what was casting like back when. With no prior reality show to look to, we discuss how he knew what to do when the cameras started rolling - he didn’t. With no predecessor to look to, we discuss how this makes the Real World, New York, Season One possibly the most authentic reality TV show ever. Eric discusses his hesitations to do certain things not knowing how the final product would turn out and the influence of producers and editing back then. He discusses how he was able to get used to cameras around 24/7 and what he thought of the finished product once aired. Eric discusses what MTV was like back in the day when it was the Chanel that played music all day and how he thought the Real World would maybe be a little show that a few people watched. On that note, we talk about how life suddenly changed once the show aired and became a multigernational blockbuster of supreme magnitude. We discuss his house mates Julie, Norman, Heather, Kevin, Becky and Andre and who he keeps in touch with today. He explains how once the Real World ended he was offered the gig as host of Club MTV, which led to MTV’s The Grind (also featuring a pre RHOBH Camille Grammer), which led to The Grind Workout Videos, which led to a long career as both a Competitor and Host of the classic MTV juggernaut The Challenge. He had movie offers, modeling offers and who could forget that Bruce Weber photoshoot book he was in with his brother (Google It). Being the hot commodity in town, no one said no. Money, fame, booze, drugs, women, anything at his fingertips that he wanted, Eric seemingly had it all. Until he didn't. With an addictive personality, Eric finally hit rock bottom and had his “aha" moment when he realized he needed to transform his life. He started working with Grandmasters and Shaman’s and currently runs a successful practice as a life, health, wellness, nutrition guide, spiritual guide and addiction rehabilitation facilitator for those in need. That is a long cry from the streets of New York and the height of fame. Eric and David discuss the aftermath of being in the spotlight, how fame is possibly the most addictive drug of all, the highs and lows of the entertainment business and how to navigate it successfully and come out the other side. A truly spectacular sit down you do not want to miss with The Real World New York’s Eric Nies.

@nies.eric

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

Bonus Episodes Available On Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope")

Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices