BEHIND THE VELVET ROPE

Latest Episodes:

TIFFANY MOON (on RHOD Current Season & Upcoming Reunion!) Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

Tiffany Moon steps Behind The Rope. That's Doctor Tiffany Moon from The Real Housewives of Dallas who stops by to chat about all from her freshman year. Tiffany opens up about the difficulties of filming a reality show, raising two children and being a full time physician while filming a reality show. We chat about some of the seasons biggest dramas thus far as they related to Tiffany - the epic Austin vacation, being thrown in the pool and hazed to drink Tequila by Kary Brittingham, Kameron Westcott and her aversion to chicken feet, Brandi Redmond and her aversion to crickets, to name a few. Speaking of Brandi Redmond, Tiffany opens up about Brandi's “racially insensitive” viral video heard ‘round the world’, what it was like to confront Brandi on camera, and the status of their relationship today. We also discuss and dissect Brandi's recent statement of potential departure and hypothesize whether she is really leaving the franchise. We also chat about Tiffany’s own recent statement that she may only be “a one season wonder” and chat about our other fav RHODs D’Andra Simmons and Stephanie Hollman. With the reunion looming, Tiffany explains who she is most anxious to see, what issues she feels will be resolved, and those which she thinks are beyond repair. On a more serious note, we discuss the importance of Asian American representation on shows like RHOD and analyze how Tiffany has changed both on and off camera throughout the season as a result of being a part of the friendship group. Finally, we could NOT let Doctor Moon go without a deep dive into her infamous closet with Tiffany answering all of our burning questions regarding this already iconic Housewives’ masterpiece. Thanks for stopping by Dr. Moon.

@tiffanymoonmd

@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

Gregory Zarian Returns (on RHONJ, Kathy Wakile, The "Biz", & 86 Melrose Avenue!) Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

Gregory Zarian steps back Behind The Rope. We have to stop meeting like this. With his “Behind The Velvet Rope” coffee mug in hand - sorry Melissa Rivers, yours is on the way - let us not forget Gregory has been in many, and we mean many, of our favorite TV shows - Nip/Tuck, The OC (Queen Mischa), 90210, Revenge, Westworld, Criminal Minds, Bones and Castle. Let us also not forget his role as “fan fav” Julius on General Hospital. Gregory and David chat about “the business” - the highs and lows, the biggest misconceptions of what it means to be an actor, how he prepares for a role, how not to take everything personally, and the most difficult aspects of the business. On that note, Gregory opens up about the constant rejection any and all actors and actresses face, whether that ever gets easier and the advice he would give someone just starting out. We also chat about the, for better or worse, presence of social media in the entertainment business today and the role it plays. This brings up larger discussions such as why people pursue the craft of acting, bullying both IRL and on social media, cancel culture and just what is going on in this ever changing world on a daily basis. Wow. Who knew we were so serious. Speaking of bullying, Gregory chats about his role on the brilliant Venice: The Series, which dealt with issues of bullying, a role he is most proud of. On a lighter note, Gregory chats about his brand new movie, 86 Melrose Avenue, about a diverse group of people at a gallery opening taken hostage forcing them to confront their cultural differences, pasts and potential looming mortality as time ticks away. Of course, all roads lead back to Housewives. For anyone who remembers our past two chats with Gregory, if not, hey, go listen, Gregory calls Kathy Wakile “Mom”. He even has a T-shirt to prove it. We discuss our mutual family/friend Kathy, her daughter Victoria’s recent wedding, and all the goings on this season of RHONJ- team Jackie or Tre? As always, Gregory, love having you. Stop by anytime!

@gregoryzarian

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

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

This episode is brought to you by https://www.storyworth.com/velvet ($10 off First Purchase)

This Episode is brought to you by Apostrophe https://www.apostrophe.com/pod/VELVET/ ($15 off First Visit)

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

MELISSA RIVERS (on Joan, Joining RHOBH, The Oscars & Mrs. Maisel)!!! Apr 22, 2021

Show notes

Melissa Rivers steps back Behind The Rope!! Yup, she is baacck!! We could not think of anyone better to help us break down all the red carpets of this past awards season than the one and only Fashion Icon herself, Melissa Rivers. Melissa does know a thing or two about fashion having hosted and executive produced that little blockbuster of a hit show, “Fashion Police” for many years. Melissa opens up about what Fashion Police would look like in 2021 and would she really ever consider going back. We chat with Melissa about the red carpet fashion, or lack thereof, seen in the past few weeks and chat about her predictions for the upcoming Oscars, which will be held live (no Zooms allowed!). We discuss the best and worst dressed of this awards season, who we have our eye on, and what and who it would take to “fix” the current red carpet situation. The last time we chatted with Melissa Rivers, The Rope had a viral moment regarding Joan Rivers and what her thoughts on wearing a mask would be - Google It. To that extent, we followed up the only way we know how, by discussing what would Joan Rivers think and say about having one's entire glam team come over, spend hours and hours making you up, slipping on a way overpriced height of fashion dress, shoes and jewels to travel to your living room to sit in front of a computer and accept an Award. Or your kitchen? Or bedroom? Speaking of Joan Rivers, she was always honest about her feelings for Ellen. We ask Melissa about Ellen and the public scrutiny she has received over the past year for being a rumored “mean girl”. We chat about Cancel Culture, are comedians “exempt” by the very definition of the job, and how would Joan hold up in our current climate. Of course, we had to ask Melissa the obvious question, would she ever consider joining RHOBH? We chat about who she knows on the cast, what type of Housewife she would be, what type of Real Housewives Mom Joan Rivers would be, and finally what she thinks of our fav diamond holders’ fashion choices. With Housewives and TV on the mind, we chat with Melissa about her ex Fashion Police co-host Nene Leakes’ current “Boycott Bravo” petition and can one ever come back from going against a network, what family she thinks is prime to be the next royal family of E once the Kardashians step aside, and when will she start receiving royalties for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which is so very obviously based on the life of the most Iconic Female Comedian to ever live, past, present, future til the end of all time, Miss Joan Rivers.

@melissariversofficial

@melissariversgrouptext

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

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

This episode is brought to you by https://www.storyworth.com/velvet ($10 off First Purchase)

This Episode is brought to you by Apostrophe https://www.apostrophe.com/pod/VELVET/ ($15 off First Visit)

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

Michael Fishman (Tells All on Roseanne, The Conners and playing D.J.) - Part II Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

Having discussed how Michael broke into the business at age six with his Rosanne audition and what it was like working on one of televisions all time greatest shows for a nine year run, we pick up right where we left off last time. Michael looks back sharing his opinions why he think Roseanne was not only such a critical and ratings darling for its entire run but will forever go down in history as one of the shows that changed the face of TV as we know it. Michael opens up about his “lean years” after the show ended, how he didn’t hear from family members Rosanne Barr, Laurie Metcalf, John Goodman, Sara Gilbert, and Lecy Goranson as often as he expected, how he got a fast education once he returned to public high school and various odd jobs both in and outside the entertainment business and how playing the part of D.J. Conner for nine years led to a “typecasting” that proved not always an easy feat to secure new roles. Then one day John Goodman appeared on Sara Gilbert’s “The Talk” and everything changed. Within two months, the entire original fast had signed on the dotted line and “Roseanne, The Reboot” was official. Having premiered to insanely stellar numbers, all was great with the world and the family was back together. Not so fast. One viral tweet from Roseanne, would change all that! Just like that, The Reboot was cancelled, the public reacted, Michael issued a statement, Roseanne responded, and…. We discuss the psychology and mental state of what it was like for Michael to get hired for Roseanne, lose his job as D.J. Conner in an instant after Roseanne’s tweets, make an official public statement denouncing the tweets (and including his own views on diversity and inclusion), hearing from Roseanne (publicly) in response to his statements hint: she was not happy, and the “fall out” (however temporary or permanent) of a very close friendship with Roseanne, a woman who was like a second mom and saw him grow up. Confused, Dazed, Shocked and many more adjectives - we emotionally go through the full trajectory of emotions, as well as the exact timeline associated with those emotions. Emotions which then included a job offer to “reprise his role”, immediately, in The Conners. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride to present day, present season of The Conners and Michael is here to share it all as we conclude our Two Part chat with the actor behind the iconic role of D.J. Conner.

@reelmfishman

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

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

This episode is brought to you by https://www.storyworth.com/velvet ($10 off First Purchase)

This Episode is brought to you by Apostrophe https://www.apostrophe.com/pod/VELVET/ ($15 off First Visit)

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

Alaska (on Drag Race, Joan Rivers, Margaret Cho, & New Comedy Special) Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

Alaska steps Behind The Rope. Yes, Alaska Thunderf**k in all her glory. We start with a brief chat with Alaska about how and why she started doing drag, her fashion inspirations for Alaska’s unique style and makeup and the origins of her infamous name. Alaska opens up about being rejected from Drag Race seasons one through four before finally being given a coveted spot by Ru in season five. Alaska discussed what she feels was different with her drag by season five in order to be chosen as one of Ru’s gals, the reality of the show versus what we all see on TV each week and her runner up status - damn you Jinkx Monsoon. All worked out with Alaska’s runner up status because she returned a few years later for All Stars 2 and this time she won. We delve into the public criticism Alaska received after her win and time on All Stars, the effects of social media on anyone in the public eye and how she moved on from there. One of the ways she moved on was comedy and that comedy included her All Stars Reunion leg toss based on the original iconic leg toss by our very own RHONY’s Queen Aviva Dresher. Of course, we need all the details about the decision to recreate this brilliantly classic moment! Speaking of Bravo, Alaska discusses her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with former Rope guests Peppermint and Trinity, Andy Cohen and the other “guests” that night. Now Alaska has first ever comedy special she is here to chat about called “The Alaska Thudnerf**k Extra Special Comedy Special”. Alaska discussed her comedic inspirations - Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller and Margaret Cho (who is also part of the special), her decision to put this out in a social climate different than when it was originally committed to, the good and bad of cancel culture, what a comedic legend like Joan Rivers would say if she were alive today about cancel culture, and just what is up next for this Comedy Queen, no pun intended, herself. One thing we know for sure, she is busy with her “day job” hosting the hilarious “Race Chaser” podcast with Willam.

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

This episode is brought to you by https://www.storyworth.com/velvet ($10 off First Purchase)

This Episode is brought to you by Apostrophe https://www.apostrophe.com/pod/VELVET/ ($15 off First Visit)

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

Kary Brittingham (on RHOD Past, Present & Future!) Apr 19, 2021

Show notes

Kary Brittingham steps Behind The Rope. We waste no time in breaking down all the goings on this current Season Five of RHOD. Kary chats about her on again - off again “relationship" with newbie Tiffany Moon. Kary breaks down some of her biggest “dramas” with Tiffany so far this season and chats about why they just can’t seem to see eye to eye. Kary also addresses her current unexpected “issues” with Trunk Show Partner in Crime D’Andra Simmons. We discuss the word “bully” which has been thrown around a lot this current RHOD season and address whether that word is being appropriately used in regards to, not only to Kary, but the rest of the cast as well. We have a rapid fire round with Kary on such pressing topics as: nicest, closest with, most fake, who should be replaced, and many others as it relates to Tiffany, D’Andra, Kam, Stephanie and Brandi. Breaking the fourth wall, we address how RHOD, and every other Housewives’ franchise, plays out in large part on social media, as opposed to TV, and how one learns, Tiffany we are speaking to you, to deal with that. Speaking of off air, Kary shares her opinions on Brandi Redmond’s cryptic Instagram message that has viewers wondering, is she really leaving the series? Of course, with all the drama surrounding Kary and some of the other women this season, D’Andra and Tiffany, we needed to ask Kary if she wishes OG LeeAnne Locken were back, instead of one of those two, or in addition to help deflect the drama. Finally, Kary dishes on who she is and is not following on social media, the current status of all of her relationships with RHOD present and past, yes LeeAnne included, and just why don’t we see more of her husband, Eduardo, this season on RHOD.

@karybritt

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

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

This episode is brought to you by https://www.storyworth.com/velvet ($10 off First Purchase)

This Episode is brought to you by Apostrophe https://www.apostrophe.com/pod/VELVET/ ($15 off First Visit)

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 Real Housewives of Miami's Ana Quincoces (Catching Up)! Apr 17, 2021

Show notes

With all this talk about a Real Housewives of Miami Reboot, today we share our chat from a few months ago with RHOM's Ana Quincoces. Ana fills us in on all that she has been up to since we last saw her on our TV screens on the classic Bravo Show, The Real Housewives of Miami. Born and raised in Miami, of Cuban descent, Ana is here to tell it all. Ana and David bond over both being recovering lawyers and having moved on to other great careers. In Ana’s case, she has been running a legit business, Skinny Latina. Started in 2013, it is a marinate and sauces business, to help making cooking easier and to help make anything taste good. With a name like Skinny Latina, we have to ask, has she heard from Bethenny Frankel or her Skinny Girl team? The answer is not what you would expect. We also discuss her appearance on the "Food Network Star" and how her fellow contestants felt she got special treatment for being a former “Housewife”. Speaking of Housewives, Ana discusses how she originally got cast, why she said yes to the opportunity and how the producers really felt about her. Ana tells us all about her cast mates Lea Black, Adriana de Moura, Alexia Echevarria, Marysol Patton, Lisa Hochstein, Karent Sierra and last, but certainly not least, Joanna Krupa and where her relationship with reach stands today. She explains what being on Watch What Happens Live was like and how her life changed as a result of being on the show. One career high was co-hosting The View - we discuss Barbara Walters, was the environment really as "toxic" as everyone says and what happened when two of her guests were RHONJ's very own Melissa Gorga and Jacqueline Laurita.

Head on over to https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope to listen to the full episode out today!!

@anaqooks

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

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

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

Shuga Cain (RuPaul's Drag Race) - An Interview Apr 16, 2021

Show notes

Shuga Cain steps Behind The Rope. Shuga is here to discuss it all! Of course, all includes RuPaul’s Drag Race and Shuga’s Season Eleven contribution to the brilliant show. Shuga takes us down the road of her journey from quitting a six figure a year job, to performing nightly in the legendary New York City nightlife club scene to eventually applying and being chosen for Drag Race. Shuga opens up about the positives and negatives of Drag Race, the judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews as well as RuPaul herself. Shuga breaks down the best and hardest parts of Drag Race and lifts the curtain for a look into what filming the hit TV show is really like. We also chat about guest judges Miley Cyrus, Adam Rippon and last, but certainly not least, The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kandi Burruss. Finally Shuga discusses her music, her epic card reading, she is an Empath after all and chats with The Rope about when we might possibly see her walk down the aisle with her current fiancé who she has been so happily quarantining with. What is next for Miss Shuga Cain? Tune in to find out!

@missshugacain

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

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

Brought to you by Mint Mobilehttps://www.mintmobile.com/velvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope

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

Bethenny Ever After's "Coordinator of Chaos" - Julie Plake McMinn (Catching Up!) Apr 15, 2021

Show notes

With all of this nostalgia floating around the BravoVerse these days, we couldn't think of a better Bravolebrity to have join us than "Fan Favorite" Julie Plake McMinn. You know Julie Plake, The “Coordinator of Chaos" from the Iconic Bravo shows “Bethenny Getting Married” and “Bethenny Ever After.” Checking in from her home in Pittsburgh, PA, with husband and 3 kids in tow, Julie takes us back to the beginning. She moved to New York City basically overnight on a whim when she got a job offer to work at a series of famed New York City magazines. It was at one of those magazines, Hamptons Magazine, that she met Bethenny Frankel, who was hired to cook a brunch at Julie's boss' house. Julie was sent to be Bethenny’s Sous-chef for the day. In typical Bethenny fashion, Julie was thrown right into the job never having been asked by Bethenny of her qualifications or experience in the kitchen. They bonded. After that brunch, Julie said to Bethenny, (1) you are going to be famous and (2) when you are, call me and I will come work for you. News flash. Bethenny did become famous. Very famous. Another news flash. Julie did end up working for her, as seen on Bethenny’s two blockbuster Bravo shows. Julie takes us on her journey of working for Bethenny during the start, rise and sale of the Skinny Girl Empire. She bestows us with the wisdom she learned from Master B herself, what a typical work day looked like, what it was like to film a hit Bravo TV show, the decision to ultimately leave the B, and what that conversation looked like. Julie was also there for the beginning of Bethenny’s relationship with Jason Hoppy, which we dissect. We chat with Julie about recent developments in Bethenny’s life - a hit Podcast, brand new apprentice style show “Big Shot With Bethenny” and engagement - Paul Bernon we are looking at you, as well as in her own life - new business “The Learning Match” which helps connects parents to the educators they need and ongoing "JPM Branding and Consulting” where she shares the wisdom she learned from the best business man, woman, anything we know, Bethenny Frankel, with the rest of the world!!! Sign us up! Thank you Julie for stopping by and entertaining our many never ending questions on all things B!! An episode not to be missed.

@julieplakemcminn

@thesolidbrandsessions

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

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

Brought to you by Mint Mobilehttps://www.mintmobile.com/velvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope

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

Michael Fishman (Tells All on Roseanne, The Conners and playing D.J) - Part I Apr 14, 2021

Show notes

Roseanne’s / The Conners' Michael Fishman steps Behind The Rope. Little D.J. Conner all grown up. Let us start at the beginning. Cast at the young age of six, Michael began his acting career when Roseanne Barr herself fought for him to play D.J Conner despite any lack of formal training or experience. Michael discusses what it was like being the youngest on a set that included Roseanne, John Goodman, Sara Gilbert, Laurie Metcalf and Lecy Goranson. Michael recalls the best and worst times during Roseanne’s original nine year run from 1988-1997, one of the worst being the death threats the cast received after Roseanne “performed” The National Anthem that was heard around the world. The “best" is the “family” that Michael inherited plus lots of fun guest stars such as Leo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Sandra Bernhard, Sharon Stone, and Bruce Willis, to name a few. Nostalgia at its best, Michael describes what it was like to be on a TV show that became a worldwide global hit overnight and had stellar ratings throughout the years. He also discusses the concept of fame and when he first became aware that he was and how “strange” it was as a child to be asked for your autograph. On a more serious note, Michael opens up about the misconceptions of being on one of America’s top rated and critically acclaimed television shows for nine years - that you are making tons of money and will never have to work again, that you can easily find work in another role when the party ends and that everyone in the “family” will keep in touch when the lights fade. Tune in to Part I of this very special two part sit down with one of TV’s permanent fixtures on our screens throughout the years, Michael Fishman.

@reelmfishman

@behindvelvetrope

@davidyontef

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

Brought to you by Mint Mobilehttps://www.mintmobile.com/velvetrope

Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope

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