Bravo's Hot Mic: Denise Richards Talks New "Wild Things" Show, Charlie Sheen and More

Release Date: February 18, 2025

In this engaging episode of Bravo's Hot Mic, host Alex Baskin sits down with the multifaceted Denise Richards to delve into her journey with Bravo, her latest venture "Wild Things," and her personal life, including her relationship with ex-husband Charlie Sheen. The conversation offers an intimate look behind the scenes of Denise's participation in the Real Housewives franchise and the creation of her new show, providing fans with a comprehensive understanding of her experiences and insights.

1. Return to Bravo and Joining Real Housewives

Denise Richards' return to Bravo marks a significant milestone in her career. Initially hesitant due to mixed reactions from her team, Denise ultimately decided to follow her instincts, despite some advisors fearing it might be a career misstep.

• Denise Richards (00:16): “Half of my team was so supportive of me doing the show. The other half was like, this is going to be the biggest mistake in your career.”

Denise’s determination to stay relevant in the ever-evolving entertainment industry led her to join the Real Housewives, which she views as the unscripted counterpart to iconic scripted shows like Friends and Seinfeld.

• Denise Richards (03:10): “Housewives is a phenomenon of this time. It's the unscripted version of the soaps that my parents used to watch...”

Alex Baskin (01:24) reflects on Denise's strategic pivot to reality TV, highlighting her ability to stay pertinent in an industry that often sidelines long-term careers.

2. On-Set Experiences and Memorable Moments

Transitioning to reality TV brought a mix of excitement and nervousness for Denise. From navigating the unfamiliar dynamics of the Real Housewives cast to dealing with the practical challenges of filming, Denise shares candid anecdotes that showcase her authentic self.

• Denise Richards (05:25): “I was just thrown into something... It was daunting, exciting, and I definitely was just thrown into something.”

One particularly humorous incident involved Denise's expectation of craft services while filming in the Bahamas, leading to her raiding a mini-bar for snacks.

• Denise Richards (07:00): “There's no craft services here... I raided a fucking mini bar.”

Her straightforward approach to fashion on the show also set her apart. Denise opted to wear what she felt comfortable in, resisting the pressure to dress up excessively, which led to some memorable on-screen fashion mishaps.

• Denise Richards (08:05): “I wore your Guns N Roses shirt and jeans... I'm a jeans and T-shirt girl.”

A standout moment was Denise’s infamous "Bravo, bravo, bravo" incident, where her genuine reaction became a legendary snippet cherished by fans.

• Denise Richards (11:13): “Bravo, fucking Bravo... Because I even have a jacket now that was given to me, my Bravo with that on there.”

3. Navigating Personal Relationships and Family Dynamics

Denise opens up about her complex relationship with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, emphasizing their mutual commitment to maintaining a stable family environment for their children despite past turmoil.

• Denise Richards (27:09): “People have seen in the tabloids over the years, obviously, all the turmoil... we were able to capture us having that moment of sharing that.”

Their ability to maintain a friendship post-divorce is highlighted as a testament to their resilience and dedication to their children.

Alex Baskin (27:05) admires Denise’s nurturing nature, noting her ability to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments.

4. Launching "Denise Richards and Wild Things"

Denise’s new series, "Denise Richards and Wild Things," focuses on her family life, showcasing her children Sammy, Lola, and Eloise as they navigate their own paths in the spotlight. The show offers a blend of comedy and drama, capturing the unpredictable nature of family dynamics.

• Denise Richards (18:01): “They are complete opposites, but they do have a lot of similarities with each other, which they don't even realize.”

The series provides an unfiltered look into the lives of her children, highlighting their unique personalities and the challenges of growing up with famous parents.

• Alex Baskin (19:13): “They're half hour episodes. And it's a little bit of comedy, a little bit of drama because it's real life and so completely unpredictable.”

Denise emphasizes the authenticity of the show, stressing that nothing was scripted and the moments captured are genuine reflections of their lives.

5. Raising Children in the Public Eye

Balancing motherhood with a public persona presents its own set of challenges. Denise discusses the difficulties of shielding her children from media scrutiny while allowing them to express their individuality.

• Denise Richards (21:21): “It's crazy, you know, as much as I try to think that our life is normal, it really isn't.”

She shares heartfelt moments, such as staying with Sammy during a high fever, illustrating the ongoing need for support even as her children strive for independence.

• Denise Richards (21:31): “She still needs her mom, even though she wants her independence.”

The conversation touches on the constant negotiations parents face in the public eye, highlighting Denise’s awareness of her imperfections and her efforts to foster open communication with her children.

• Denise Richards (23:28): “I tell the girls that, like, I am obviously perfect parent, and I handled it the way I thought was best at the time. And maybe I should have shared all this.”

6. Interactions with Other Bravo Personalities and Friends

The podcast also delves into Denise’s interactions with other Bravo personalities and longstanding friends, adding richness to her narrative. Her relationships with figures like Lisa Rinna, Camille, Tori Spelling, and Patrick Muldoon provide depth to her experience on the network.

• Denise Richards (29:09): “I've known Patrick since we were kids growing up in Hollywood...”

These interactions are portrayed as genuine and supportive, with Denise appreciating the longstanding bonds she has maintained despite the ups and downs of their careers.

• Denise Richards (31:31): “Being able to hear what people that we all look up to, what they really say to each other and hang out... it’s so great.”

7. Embracing Authenticity and Social Media Influence

Denise discusses the importance of authenticity on reality TV, contrasting it with the more guarded personas often seen in scripted media. She acknowledges the role of social media in shaping audience expectations and desires for genuine connections with celebrities.

• Denise Richards (31:46): “With the viewers and audience and fans, they want to connect with everyone...”

Her openness about her interactions with the crew and fellow cast members reflects her commitment to transparency and relatability.

• Denise Richards (13:07): “I'll see them. Like, how are you? Well, the camera.”

8. Reflections and Future Outlook

As the conversation wraps up, Denise expresses her excitement for the future projects and her gratitude towards the Bravo team. She reflects on her journey with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what lies ahead.

• Denise Richards (34:03): “I'm so happy, though, that we did it together. Thank you so much.”

Alex Baskin echoes this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the show and its alignment with the Real Housewives' legacy.

• Alex Baskin (34:17): “Good to have you on Hot Mic.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Denise Richards (00:16): “Half of my team was so supportive of me doing the show. The other half was like, this is going to be the biggest mistake in your career.”

• Denise Richards (03:10): “Housewives is a phenomenon of this time. It's the unscripted version of the soaps that my parents used to watch...”

• Denise Richards (07:00): “There's no craft services here... I raided a fucking mini bar.”

• Denise Richards (08:05): “I wore your Guns N Roses shirt and jeans... I'm a jeans and T-shirt girl.”

• Denise Richards (11:13): “Bravo, fucking Bravo... Because I even have a jacket now that was given to me, my Bravo with that on there.”

• Denise Richards (27:09): “People have seen in the tabloids over the years, obviously, all the turmoil... we were able to capture us having that moment of sharing that.”

• Denise Richards (18:01): “They are complete opposites, but they do have a lot of similarities with each other, which they don't even realize.”

• Denise Richards (21:21): “It's crazy, you know, as much as I try to think that our life is normal, it really isn't.”

• Denise Richards (31:46): “With the viewers and audience and fans, they want to connect with everyone...”

• Denise Richards (34:03): “I'm so happy, though, that we did it together. Thank you so much.”

Conclusion

Denise Richards' conversation on Bravo's Hot Mic offers a deep dive into her professional and personal life, revealing the complexities of balancing fame with family and the courage it takes to embrace new ventures. Her candid reflections and humorous anecdotes not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into the realities of life in the public eye. As Denise embarks on her new show "Wild Things," listeners are left with a sense of anticipation and admiration for her unwavering authenticity and dedication to her craft.