A Very Vanderpump Reunion: Lisa, SUR, & the Back Alley Breakdown with Venus Binkley

Summary

Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: A Very Vanderpump Reunion: Lisa, SUR, & the Back Alley Breakdown with Venus Binkley
Date: December 16, 2025
Podcast: PodcastOne

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Episode Overview

In this special, nostalgia-soaked episode, Tom Schwartz celebrates the new season of Vanderpump Rules and the series’ next generation. He hosts two iconic conversations: a heartfelt catch-up with Lisa Vanderpump at her famed dog rescue, and a candid, energetic back-alley hangout with Venus Binkley, breakout star of season 12. The trio dig into what makes the new cast tick, reminisce on the “OG” era, and muse about friendship, fame, and following dreams in LA.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Reflections on Vanderpump Rules: The Old and the New

• Tom expresses enthusiasm for the new cast, even as online feedback is polarized.
• The transition from OG cast (2013) to the fresh faces of season 12 is explored—both the nostalgia and excitement for change.
• Tom reassures long-time fans: it's not about recreating the magic, but about celebrating a new "alchemy" and dynamic.

“I was feeling the alchemy from the cast. Okay, are you guys with me? Am I tripping?” — Tom Schwartz (03:15)

• The impact of the internet/social media’s evolution since the original season is a recurring theme.

“We weren't in a constant feedback loop with, you know, the comments. 50, 100 creators across all platforms weighing in on every decision.” — Tom Schwartz (04:23)

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2. Lisa Vanderpump on the New Era

[08:04–21:28]

• Catching up at Vanderpump Dogs, Lisa and Tom reflect on their special mentor-mentee bond.
• Lisa discusses the challenge and joy of shepherding a new cast and launching ventures (“Wolf Scottsdale,” her Vegas projects).
• They talk openly about the difficulty of the restaurant business in California—rising costs, lawsuits, and the shifting climate.

“Nearly everybody I know in the restaurant business has gone out of it... I would never open in California again.” — Lisa Vanderpump (19:16)

• Lisa emphasizes the authenticity of the new cast: many have worked together for years, the friendships are real, and the show is invested in their actual work at SUR.
• Both Tom and Lisa acknowledge the inevitable comparisons between the original and the new series, but Lisa insists the magic comes from embracing change:

“You can't recreate... it was magic in a bottle. But you can keep going by doing something different.” — Lisa Vanderpump (11:20)

• Lisa addresses relationships with former cast members (Kristen, Sheena) and shares her honest (but diplomatic) stance.

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3. The Back Alley Breakdown with Venus Binkley

[21:29–42:38]

• The alley at SUR, infamous for its pivotal showdowns, is the perfect setting for Venus and Tom’s “passing the torch” moment.
• Venus describes the surreal feeling of overnight fame, their philosophy of manifestation, and “acting as if” to achieve dreams.

“I manifested all of this... everything in my life has transpired to get me to this exact moment in time.” — Venus Binkley (23:23)

• Tom lauds Venus’s confidence and energy, drawing parallels—and contrasts—with his own self-doubt as a young cast member.
• Venus candidly addresses fan skepticism about the “new guys” and the misconception that the cast is staged or inauthentic.

“There's no way you can act while working in a restaurant... We have customers from off the streets and all night. This isn't like a Hollywood studio.” — Venus Binkley (28:01)

• The duo discuss the deep-rooted friendships within the current cast, giving the new season an organic authenticity.

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4. Real Talk: Fame, Dreams, and Purpose

• Both Tom and Venus share deeply personal journeys: Tom’s late-blooming confidence, Venus’s escape from a small town, and the drive to pursue bigger ambitions beyond reality TV.
• Venus jokes about serving goat cheese balls while highlighting real hustle.

“Trust me, I don't want to work. I was born to not work. And here I am serving goat cheese balls every week of my life.” — Venus Binkley (29:10)

• Ambitions blossom: Venus teases a forthcoming book, a future talk show, and even shares a taste of their rap aspirations:

“Riding with the top down so these bitches can see me. If you want to copy me, just know that shit ain't easy.” [Venus’s freestyle] (34:06)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Nostalgia and Growth:

• “It kind of feels like it happened everywhere all at once. Yeah, man. I mean, hopefully not the best days of my life, like the song says, but they were pretty effing awesome.” — Tom Schwartz (01:34)

On Social Media and Self-Awareness:

• “These days, man, we're just like… we're so hyper aware of everything all at once. Even if you're not chronically online, surely our nervous systems are not evolved to process all the grief in the world every day.” — Tom Schwartz (05:26)

Lisa’s Take on Change:

• “It's not a comparison to the old show. This is different people. The only thing in common is the premise of the show—that's, you know, of working in a restaurant. And we lost that years ago.” — Lisa Vanderpump (17:35)

Passing the Torch:

• “There's just no way we could ever fill the shoes that you guys have given us. There's just no way. But I think it's time for a new era of new iconic quotes. Just experiences that people have just never seen before.” — Venus Binkley (24:17)

On Manifestation & Self-Belief:

• “I always worry about a life of oh, Wells... I worry about a life of what ifs instead of oh, wells.” — Tom Schwartz (36:36)

• “I do not regret anything in my life. And I always proceed forward with resilience, knowing that I will always be fine and I will always, always be where I'm meant to be.” — Venus Binkley (36:41)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:23–06:42 — Tom’s intro; nostalgia, social media, and embracing the new season
• 08:04–21:28 — In-depth discussion with Lisa Vanderpump at Vanderpump Dogs
  • 10:12: The classic “where you take your wife/mistress” joke returns
  • 11:20: Lisa on not recreating the OG cast dynamic
  • 19:16: Lisa on why doing business in California is so tough now
• 21:28–42:38 — Back alley hangout at SUR with Venus Binkley
  • 23:13: Venus on manifestation
  • 27:27: Venus addresses authenticity and LA hustle
  • 34:06: Venus drops a quick rap
  • 38:35: Venus on growing relationship with Lisa Vanderpump
• 42:38–End — Closing thoughts, shout-outs to fellow dreamers/hustlers, brief sponsor mention, and Tom's sign-off.

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Tone and Energy

Warm, fun, and ever-so-slightly chaotic. Tom’s earnest, self-deprecating humor sets the tone—celebratory but sincere, rooting for underdogs and new beginnings. Lisa is direct, witty, motherly, with her classic British dry charm. Venus is electric: confident, candid, and energetically “manifesting” their future on and off screen. The energy is both reflective and forward-looking—past meets present, legacy meets ambition, and there’s a sense of joy in the show's ongoing evolution.

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Summary Takeaways

• Schwartz and his guests advocate giving the new Vanderpump Rules cast a chance, emphasizing the reality of their friendships and LA dreams.
• Lisa affirms that authenticity (not imitation) is the heart of both the original and the new cast.
• Venus is a star on the rise—boldly open about their ambition, past, and future plans—embodying the hustler spirit that built the show.
• Nostalgia, hustle, and a touch of LA chaos combine for a heartfelt, hope-filled reunion.

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Must-Listen Segments

• Lisa’s business truths and California woes — [19:01–20:53]
• Venus’s philosophy on dreams, “oh, wells,” and no regrets — [36:28–36:53]
• Venus’s quick rap — [34:06]
• Passing of the torch and embracing the new chapter — [24:13–24:34]

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For fans old and new, this episode is a blend of warm memories, hard-hitting truths, and the irrepressible spirit of those still chasing dreams—inside the restaurant and beyond.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

It's now time for your weekly retox with Tom Schwartz.

[C]

Guys, what is up this episode? We're gonna go meet up with Lisa Vanderbump, the queen herself, and Venus, new cast member, season 12, Vanderbilt rules. And I'm gonna make a case for the new show and the new cast. I like it. I'm digging in. By the way, if you're listening to this, it's probably Tuesday. That means it's the third episode tonight. And oh, by the way, did you like the segue into the new season? Did you guys watch the first episode.

[B]

Of Blankets where you take your wife and the stairs where you take your mistress?

[C]

Goosebumps.

[D]

And don't you forget it.

[C]

Iconic. I regret ever loving you. Oh, my.

[B]

It's funny. I did used to say, sirs, where you take your mistress, but now it's.

[C]

Probably way easier go to find her. Oh, my God, that's good stuff. I got goosebumps. Are you guys digging it? I don't know. It's polarizing. I see a lot of mixed reception online. By the way, if you're listening to this. Thank you. Are you watching? That is my question today. I'm kind of digging the new season. I'm rooting for the new cast. You know, they're out here in LA chasing dreams, grinding it out. And, you know, I'm not bitter about the. Our show ending. We had 11 wonderful, insane seasons together. I was so lucky to be a part of. Feels like the happiest blur. It kind of feels like it happened everywhere all at once. Yeah, man. I mean, hopefully not the best days of my life, like the song says, but they were pretty effing awesome. So, yeah, I went to sir for a viewing party episode two last week, and they all actually work there. They have solid friendships and, like, great chemistry. I was feeling the alchemy from the cast. Okay, are you guys with me? Am I tripping? Am I like Joey eating Rachel's meat pie and saying I like it? I don't know, man.

[D]

It's just.

[C]

I think it's fun to see people early on in their career chasing dreams, man. When our vanderpump rule started, it was 2000, 2013. It feels like yesterday, but also like ancient times. Remember how we started as a spin off from the Housewives of Beverly Hills? I know you guys remember Sheena. Brandy, Come on. Oh, you're the girl that had sex with my husband. Yeah, right.

[D]

Personal problem.

[C]

Well, Brandy, I kind of used to date her husband. Yeah. God, that takes me back. 2013 Bitcoin was like less than 17 a coin. Nvidia stock was like 31 cents. We weren't chronically online. Vine was just gaining some momentum. Remember Vine? I heard it's coming back, by the way. Instagram. We weren't all over that. It wasn't like a muscle reflex when you wake up hopping on and scrolling. People weren't chronically online in LA was still really fun. And nightlife was thriving. All the bars and restaurants. Like LA was amazing. Preco. Remember this, you guys? Tom was dating Kristen. Jax was dating Stassi. I think I just moved out of Tom's apartment. Me and Katie got our own place. Yeah, we were dating. Sheena and Shay were only a few years away from getting married. Man, there was an innocence during that time. As wild as it was and chaotic and even sometimes toxic. There was like a purity. You guys. I mean, fuck, I. I thought a ring on a string was a good idea. I thought it was gonna be a hit. I still stand by it. Don't tell Katie. Poor timing though. Someone else's wedding. Come on now. But it was just. Yeah, man, it was different times. And we weren't like hyper aware of how we were perceived. We weren't in a constant feedback loop with, you know, the comments. Fucking 50, 100 creators across all platforms weighing in on every decision. I mean, we work on it towards the end. Just for the record, by the way, I like all the creators in the Bravo verse. I think they enhance the shows. They're really funny. I think it's an honor to get roasted by them. You know, a light little roast from Mr. Danny Pellegrino or get a portrait from drunk drawn. But yeah, man, I don't know. I've been. I've been deep in the comments and read it even. I saw a lot of people saying over self produced, too aware of the cameras. Teemu version cheap. I. I kind of disagree. I. No, I disagree, period. I'm digging it. And yeah, after my interview with Venus, I chilled out with the gang for a little bit at the Watch party. Had some goat cheese balls, caught up with Guillermo, and they just seemed like a genuine group of friends going through a similar adventure. So I had some empathy, some sympathy, some love for them. They were super chill and accommodating and welcoming and I liked their energy. These days, man, we're just like. We're so hyper aware of everything all at once. Even if you're not chronically online, surely our nervous systems are not evolved to process all the grief in the world every day. Like disasters Wars, Epstein files. Floods, earthquakes, recessions. This debt. I don't even know, man. It's a little much. So that's why I think, like, a show like this is for me. It's perfect. It takes me back. It's imbued with a lot of nostalgia. I think you guys should give it a chance, man. I sat down with Venus in the back alley just to riff a little bit as he prepares to take over the world. We kept it light, don't worry. Bravo, pr. Don't want to ruffle any feathers, but I looked at some comments about him. I don't think he's chasing clout. I think he's chasing dreams. I think he's in the pursuit of happiness. He's speaking his vision for himself into existence. He's speaking positive and. And manifesting it involves aligning your thoughts, your words, your beliefs with your desires, recognizing that your thoughts create reality. Right. There's all kinds of studies on this stuff now. And acting as if what you want is already yours. Right? Are you guys with me? Speak what you seek until you see what you've said. Okay, don't listen to me. Listen to Dr. Bing on TikTok. I love that guy. You guys know him.

[D]

Science shows that you have to act like you already are the person you want to be before your brain believes it. And I'll explain the neuroscience behind why.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. So there's neuroscience to back this up. And I think Venus is way ahead of this. You know what I'm saying? I don't think he's cocky at all. I think he's confident. He believes in himself. If it wasn't happening for here, you know, if it wasn't happening for him here on the new vpr, it'd be somewhere else, another medium. But, yeah, I wish I had more Venus energy. When I started the show, I was like a lost puppy, full of doubt. I don't even know if my frontal lobe had developed. I'm just getting confidence in my early 40s. I don't know if that's sad or uplifting, but by the way, I told LVP I'm a late bloomer. And she's like, well, you haven't bloomed yet, darling. So I'm hoping I'm a late bloomer, but yeah, man. Let's go meet up with Lisa, check in Vanderbump dogs, see how she's feeling about the new season, and then we're to go meet up with Venus in the back alley at Sir, I think he's a star in the making. And he has the best hair in the world. All right, I'm going to shut up. Let's go meet up with everyone and talk about the new season of Vanderpump Rules.

[D]

Lisa Vanderpump, my mentor, my queen. Where are we go. How are you?

[B]

I used to be on Fantasy.

[C]

You still are.

[A]

Used to be.

[B]

Okay, good. All right, I'll go with that.

[D]

It's so good to see you.

[B]

Yeah, it's good to see you, too.

[D]

We're at vanderpump dogs on 3rd street in West Hollywood. I just fell in love with two adoptees. Yes, Patches in Moana.

[B]

You did. And there was also a client that came in here that just had a dog that ate her underway. She was kind of cute, too, right?

[D]

She was. She was adorable.

[B]

That was the funniest thing.

[D]

The dog's name was Thomas, and he ate her G string.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And it cost her $10,000.

[B]

I know. You know what? You got to keep your G strings hidden, ladies. Yeah. That was actually a serious situation because the dog had to have surgery.

[D]

And then I recommended edible underwear. And then Lisa said, don't feed the fetish.

[B]

Yes, I know. And then I said, well, at least my dogs will never eat my underwear because it's too big.

[D]

And then I laughed a little too hard.

[B]

I said, no, it's not. Anyway, how are we?

[D]

I'm so good. I'm excited for the gala. Can we remind people why it's important to donate to Vanderpump Dogs? How many dogs have you saved now? Over 2,000.

[C]

3,000.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Oh, my God.

[B]

And including you.

[D]

I was going to say, I am always giving testimonies. I'm one of your success stories. And I want to say.

[C]

Well, first, I want to ask you, on a scale from 1 to 10.

[D]

How much do you miss me?

[B]

I miss you a lot because you were always my favorite. Well, you know that.

[D]

Well. Wow, that's.

[B]

Well, I'm blushing. No, we had a good time. And I've always loved your attitude. Well, actually, not always. That's lying. I've been there some. You know, like, through a lot with you. Really?

[D]

I mean, you really have.

[B]

Even your wedding.

[C]

Yeah. You were at my wedding?

[B]

Yeah. That was a lot.

[D]

I miss you.

[B]

I know. Well, you don't have to. I'm right here.

[D]

Who do you miss the least? You don't have to answer.

[B]

I've got a list.

[D]

I don't want to.

[B]

You know what I always get accused of? Oh, you didn't reach out to me. I'm like, guys, Please reach out to me if you ever feel that way. And I'm always available to talk to you. But I still love each and every one of them. Some of them get it wrong a lot of the time, but. Yeah.

[C]

Well, what did they used to say?

[D]

They used to say, Villa Blanca is where you take your wife, sir. Used to be where you take your mistress. Now it's where you meet your mistress.

[B]

Oh. We were looking for something else and something naughty to kick off the new season, so we thought. Okay, let's go with that.

[D]

Wait, before we talk about. I just watched the new episode. I thought it was so good. But before we talk about that. You're opening wolf Scottsdale the 16th.

[B]

I am. I just got back last night. Can you imagine? This is. How ridiculous our scheduling is. We. We launched the new television show. I'm opening a restaurant in Arizona, so out of state. And we have our dog foundation gala all within 12 days. The Vanderpump family is overwhelmed, for sure.

[D]

I have no idea how you do it.

[B]

I don't know how I do it either, sometimes.

[D]

Who are we taking to Wolf Scottsdale? So we have mistresses, wives. Is everyone invited to wolf?

[B]

Everybody? A bit of everybody. Let's go. Bring your cowboy.

[D]

Okay. So I just watched, literally, the new episode this morning, and comparison is inevitable. The OG Cast, it was lightning in a bottle, but this is kind of.

[C]

Like it's a whole new storm.

[D]

You're not trying to recreate.

[B]

You can't recreate, because, as you say, it was magic in a bottle, really. But I think that you can still kind of keep going, but doing something different, as long as you're not kind of stuck in what you used to have, because then we're just become a. A kind of lesser copy. And I don't think that's what I think. We could hear that scratching. It sounds like somebody's humping or doing something.

[D]

I said, hello, there's three puppies in the. No, there's three in there right now.

[B]

Oh, right.

[D]

They're adorable.

[B]

That's the banging that's happening.

[C]

So, like, I think.

[D]

I feel like it's been a bit polarized, the reception. I see a lot of love and a lot of. Not hate, but just like, this is the TEMU version, blah, blah, blah. But I watched it.

[C]

I think I was. We just talked about it earlier. I saw alchemy.

[D]

I saw chemistry.

[C]

I feel like they had.

[B]

Well, they had existing relationships, and that's always the important thing, I think, on reality television that you don't try and force Anything. We had quite a few of them that have worked together for years that were interesting characters and you jump right into that. And of course, we add a couple of people as we go along. But let's be honest, on Vanderpump Rules, it was an existing group. And then you joined the cast. Gina came from Villa Blanca. Jax kind of joined pretty late to the game. I mean, even though he's in the first episode, he hadn't worked there, so to speak. He just occasionally worked as a bartender. But, you know, you put everybody together and shit happens, and that's what happens here.

[C]

Or as you put it, flagrant.

[D]

There's still loads of flagrant. You like that, but you feel good. Yes.

[C]

You feel good about the new season?

[B]

Yeah, I loved it. But, you know, most importantly, I think for me to feel good about it is I like each and every one of them. And they've all got stories that have got a lot of depth. They've kind of got, yeah, Great personal stories as well. So as you get to know them, I think you'll fall in love.

[C]

I'm invested.

[B]

But, like, that's very kind of you, because not all of your friends, shall we say, have been quite supportive.

[D]

Well, listen, I'm supportive, but I'm not.

[C]

Gonna lie, I was a little jealous.

[D]

I felt like on some level you were cheating on me.

[B]

Well, you know, I've been married 43 years, so I might have been cheating a very long time.

[D]

You know what?

[C]

It felt like I was.

[D]

I felt like watching Vanderpump Rules in a parallel universe. And I mean that in a loving, endearing way.

[C]

For me, sir and West Hollywood are.

[D]

As big a character as the cast themselves. Right?

[B]

Sure.

[D]

I love Sir Tom Tom, like, just.

[C]

Like people chasing dreams here in la, I love that shit.

[B]

And we were very honest about that. You look at the cousins about them coming there and they're saying they wanted every opportunity, but. But, you know, life has evolved since you guys started as well, and life's very different now. If you think what that generation has been through, through Covid, through the kind of birth of social media. Remember when you started, there was no.

[C]

Social media, so we didn't have a constant feedback loop. We were like barely self aware. We weren't thinking.

[B]

Twitter had only just started.

[C]

Yes. We weren't thinking about how our poor decisions might have a negative impact on our branding, our brand deals or stuff like that. People are so hyper aware of everything.

[B]

These guys aren't okay. Sometimes I wish they were a little more hyper aware. It's Just like, do you realize what you just did? But no, they're all kind of fresh and they're kind of got a great zest for life. And it's authentic because as I say, you know, you've had Demi, that's been there for years, Natalie too, Marcus Venus. All great characters.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

And just checking in on Paolo. Is Paolo doing okay? Paolo was in an accident.

[B]

Paolo was in a terrible accident for you guys.

[C]

Don't know.

[D]

He's been og one of the. One of the longest running bar managers.

[B]

And we talk about him in the series because obviously that was shot prior to his terrible accident. He's doing much better now. I'm glad to hear. I've had constant updates on him, but for a while, he was in a coma and he was somebody that was very important in Demi's life. She went out with him and Natalie, which is one of the complications in their relationship.

[D]

Yeah, I loved, I loved the video footage, the security footage of her meltdown in.

[B]

I hated that. I love the way you love it. But if it was your business, like, if it was happening in, you know, TomTom, you'd be like, what the fuck is going on there?

[D]

Well, what's usually good for the show is not good for a bar restaurant.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. All these people, they're absolutely perfect. Delivering the crispy chicken to the table. It's my idea of heaven. But everybody will flip the chicken channel.

[C]

So, yeah, I'm gonna.

[D]

I'm gonna come to sir and I'm gonna eat dinner with you soon. I miss you. What's your favorite dinner at sir as of now?

[B]

Oh, gosh, it rotate. You know, I have a different menu in every restaurant. Depends what I'm feeling. But the menus are basically created by us. So I should like everything on there. Except I don't really eat meat, as you know.

[C]

Oh.

[D]

I wait really?

[B]

Well, I eat chicken, but I don't really.

[C]

Well, I miss you and.

[D]

Okay, I have to ask.

[B]

Go ahead, ask.

[C]

Have you kissed and made up with Kristen? Sheena.

[B]

You know, it's hard when people talk shit about you. Kristen, I've never had a great relationship with. I'm being honest about that. You know, she was always very complicated. But I have on any occasion that I've been asked about Kristen wished her well. She's a new mother, which is, you know, and she's growing up, she's thriving. Yeah. So that's really good to see that there's progress and she's in a happier place than she was and she's got a Lovely, baby. So that's fantastic. Yeah, she knows. She still continues to. So I don't even. I don't feed the beast well.

[D]

I know, I know.

[C]

At the end of the day, they love you just like I do.

[B]

Oh, I don't think their love for me is similar to the love that you have for me.

[C]

Maybe there's an asterisk next to their love, but I know you're busy as heck, so I just wanted to say.

[D]

Hi and I love you and I'm grateful for you and I'm excited to.

[C]

See you at the gala on Thursday.

[B]

Absolutely. The whole thing is very exciting, but, boy, it's been a complicated few months for sure, but everything's going well. And I think hard work can normally solve a lot of problems, you know?

[C]

Yes. And you are on fire. You got so many shows, so many restaurants that are open. Vegas is thriving. Wait for the naysayers.

[D]

Before we go, any last words for.

[C]

The naysayers who aren't going to give.

[D]

The new show a chance? I just want.

[B]

Oh, of course they should. They should. It's not a comparison to the old show. This is different people. The only thing in common is the premise of the show that's, you know, of working in a restaurant. And we lost that years ago. We weren't filming the restaurant probably for the last eight years of those seasons. So. No, this is a scene. This is a show about behind the scenes of a restaurant and the complications in young people's lives. And it's very different to the first season, but.

[C]

Yeah, well, I'm enjoying it and I'm excited to watch it grow.

[D]

I'm excited.

[B]

It says a lot about you, Schwartze, the fact that you can be supportive. And you've always said to me, you know, I'm so grateful for everything you've given me. Well, I'm grateful to have had you on the show.

[C]

Thank you.

[D]

People are gonna say I'm a kiss ass and a brown nose, but it comes from a genuine place.

[C]

It comes from my heart and my soul.

[B]

I do believe our relationship is very special and it always has been, for sure. And I think you have this kind of lovability, humility. You just get it wrong a lot of the times. But there was something about you that you always got away with it. I don't know.

[C]

One step forward, six steps back.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I was sorry. I was very invested, you know, sorry to see the demise of your marriage. But I'm sure you guys knew what was best for you and, you know, almost not was now, really, isn't it?

[C]

Yeah. We're in a good place and. Yeah.

[D]

But before we go, I want to.

[C]

Thank you because you were so supportive during the downfall of our bar as it closed down. And I just wanted to say thank you for that.

[D]

You always checked in on me and.

[C]

You were a great mentor and you.

[D]

Were kind of like my de facto.

[C]

Therapist at times too.

[D]

So thank you for being.

[B]

Oh, of course. But you know what, Schwartz? It wasn't your fault. You got some things wrong. It's very, very hard to do business in California now. And I think the. All the laws and the litigious nature of California has made it now an impossible, I think, you know, I mean, without going too deeply into it, the rising, you know, of all these incredible expenses, insurance, the minimum wage. I said don't raise the minimum wage for tipped employees. They don't care. It's more about, you know, everybody else. But nearly everybody I know in the restaurant business has gone out of it.

[D]

Has left LA at least.

[B]

Yeah. It's impossible. And next door to us, across the road from us, over 100 restaurants closed in LA in the last year. And for us, we would never open in California again. On a serious note, you know.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

And we talk about that in the first episode of Van and Pump Rules. How difficult it's been. Survival of the fittest.

[D]

I saw that.

[B]

I'm opening in Arizona. I've just obviously opened many in Nevada. They've just got a different attitude, different laws, and it feels really good. It feels like the old days, you in England, you know, where we had 38 restaurants. You know what I found out recently? I found out that 35,000 lawsuits had been filed against for ADA issues and they were by five law firms.

[C]

Well, there's people who do it professionally.

[B]

Five law firms had 35,000 lawsuits. So they just have people looking for settlements and I think restaurateurs just got.

[C]

It's a grueling business now that I've seen behind the curtains. It's not for the faint of heart. Let's just say it's a dog eat dog world.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Since we're at Vanderpump Dogs.

[B]

Exactly. And I've been fighting against that. Eating dogs as well.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

Okay.

[C]

Adopt, don't shop anything else we say before we go.

[B]

Just love whatever dog you have or you ever come across. Just give them all the love they deserve. I don't judge people if they bought a dog or they've fallen in love with a certain breed. Just be the best dog owner you could Possibly be. And love them till they take their last breath.

[C]

Love your dogs like Lisa Vanderpump loves Tom Schwartz.

[B]

A little bit more than that.

[C]

A little bit more.

[D]

All right, Lisa, I love you.

[C]

I know you got to go.

[D]

I miss you.

[B]

All right, darling.

[D]

Bye. Okay, Venus, where are we? What are we doing?

[A]

Schwartz, I'm taking over the planet.

[D]

Tell me what you just. Can you tell the audience what you just told me, what they said unanimously on Watch what happens live. You got voted.

[C]

What?

[A]

Oh, I was voted number one guy in the group by a landslide. All the other boys is, like, 2%, maybe up to 15, and then I'm at, like, 60%.

[D]

Wow. I think it's. Well, obviously, you have a beautiful aura, and your energy is fabulous. You have a great, like, peacemaker diplomacy energy. But I think it might be just the hair.

[A]

I can agree to that. Definitely. That'd be number one male or female in the group, then.

[D]

Wait, should we. By the way, we're in the back alley at Sir. An iconic location, I think an officially. Unofficially a historic site in West Hollywood. I've had some of my best moments and my worst moments.

[A]

Moments.

[D]

Mostly my worst moments back here. But I want to say it's a pleasure and it's strange to sit back here with you because, I don't know, I've just had so much of my life in this very moment.

[A]

I was just thinking, yeah, this.

[D]

It's steeped in VPR lore. Should we pour one out?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

To the Bravo gods.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

All right. Cheers.

[A]

Cheers.

[D]

We're taking a shot. Okay.

[A]

Oh, much needed.

[D]

Oh, yeah. That's nice. Okay. Coming Fresh off a mini press tour. How are you taking it all in? Is this weird? Is this, like an auto body experience, or do you feel like you were destined for this?

[A]

I will say it's really weird. I definitely know that we live in a matrix, and I'm tapped in it right now, but I definitely feel like I was born for this.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

It'S trippy, but it all feels aligned. Like everything in my life has transpired to get me to this exact moment in time.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

And it's unfolding exactly how I feel, like it was always meant to be.

[D]

That's a beautiful thing you've been manifesting.

[A]

Yes, I manifested all of this.

[D]

Okay. That is a beautiful thing. I love it. You're oozing confidence. Can I just say, your aura right now is unbelievable.

[A]

Thank you.

[D]

I'm looking south, and I'm obsessed. Obsessed with Venus's hair, by the way. Looking south, and you are shining Bright from within. And I just want to show you a little love because I see a lot of scrutiny. Not hate, but of like when the. When the first episode aired I was like, you guys, let's not let comparison.

[C]

Be the thief of joy 100.

[D]

They're not trying to recreate the old G cast. Vanderpump Rules 2.0. This is a whole different chapter. No, it's a new book.

[A]

Exactly.

[D]

It's a new book.

[B]

Book.

[D]

And you're riding the wave.

[A]

I am. And it's not easy. Cuz there's no way we could ever fill the shoes that you guys have given us. There's just no way. But I think it's time for a new era of new iconic quotes. Just experiences that people have just never seen before.

[D]

And I. I don't know. I. I watched it and I loved it objectively. I really enjoyed it. I felt the true friendships. I felt the history, the connection. And I'm invested from episode one. We're doing a viewing party tonight. Yes.

[A]

Yes. We're doing a viewing party from 6 to 10.

[D]

6 to 10. And.

[C]

Yeah, man. I just wanted to toast to new beginnings. Venus.

[D]

New beginnings.

[A]

All right. By the way, beginnings.

[D]

We were at the bar earlier and I've never went. In all my years, I've never went to Sur. In order to pump Tini. My life. Yes. I've drinking a Pumptini. I've never ordered a Pumptini.

[A]

I'm honored.

[D]

Here we go, guys. My first pumptini I've ever ordered in my life. My God. Listen, I hope, like us, these are the best days of your life.

[A]

Thank you.

[D]

And the worst days, if you want to have good ratings.

[A]

Well, it's definitely got some worst days, I'll tell you that.

[D]

Is there. Is there already, like one moment? I promise. Baskin. No spoilers. Is there one moment you're just dreading that's going to air this season?

[A]

I'm not dreading anything. I don't regret a single thing I did or said. Oh, I stood on business.

[D]

Wow. I wish I had your confidence from season one. It took me 11 seasons to have that level of confidence.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[D]

Literally took me 11 seasons. But overall, you're enjoying the ride so far.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

What's it like? I mean, I. I feel like you kind of were born fabulous. What's it like being recognized as a public figure now? Are you enjoying it?

[A]

Well, my aspiration was always to just be a public figure.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

I never was like, oh, I'm going to be this. I'm going to be that. It was just. No, I know I'm going to be a superstar. I just don't know when.

[D]

So it's not a matter of when. No, not if. But when.

[A]

But when.

[D]

But when.

[A]

Always.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

I was writing memoirs in the fourth grade. I just always knew my life was worth showing and telling to the world.

[D]

Well, this makes it extra special to get to share this moment with you. It's all happening so fast. Like I said earlier, it's like you guys, don't compare the new cast with the old cast. Okay. I see people trying to say that they're cloning some of the OGs, like they have their new Stasi, the new Jacks, the new Sandoval. But like, one thing about restaurants in la, anyone you go to is like a little microcosm of what it's like to be an aspiring artist in la. Right. Actor, a musician. So it's not like they're trying to clone the og, it's just any restaurant you go to, you're going to find a very interesting mix of people just aspiring to be artists.

[A]

Right, exactly.

[D]

Grinding it out. And there's a special camaraderie. You commiserate together, you grind it out together and it's a bonding experience. And I sense that with you guys. Yes, yes.

[A]

Can I make something clear real quick?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

What I have been seeing a lot online is, you know, people comparing us to the old cast and everything, which there just could never be. It's just a whole different bracket of people.

[D]

Just different time too. Do you know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah, exactly.

[D]

Like social media was barely on the scene, people weren't chronically online. Tik Tok didn't exist. You weren't in a constant feedback loop.

[A]

Exactly.

[D]

Hearing about your behavior on a weekly basis. You know what I mean?

[A]

Yep.

[D]

Essentially, we weren't as self aware as you guys are.

[A]

Okay, well, here's the thing as well, you know, people have a problem with it, but when you look back at the first season and the entire cast, everyone that works here is aspiring to be a model, an actress, a single singer, which is every restaurant in Los Angeles.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

And so for people to not think that people working here wouldn't be doing the exact same thing is just crazy to me.

[D]

Yes, exactly.

[A]

We're not recreating the show. This is just what LA is. This is what Hollywood is.

[D]

Venus. Thank you. Okay. I wanted to make that clear.

[A]

Thank you.

[D]

Okay. I wanted to make that very clear. But yeah, I think one of the things that made the OG show so successful he's the deep rooted history, the chemistry. We all were friends before the show started, and I sensed that with you guys. Yes, yes.

[A]

No, we. We've all been friends for a few years. Some people have been here eight years, three, four years. I've been here two and a half. And most of the cast has been here for a long time. This is not. People think that sir is some stage where they hire people and. And you act. There's no way you can act while working in a restaurant. Like, we have customers from off the streets and all night. This isn't like a Hollywood studio.

[D]

Exactly.

[C]

You.

[D]

Everyone actually works here.

[A]

Yes, yes, everyone does. Trust me. I don't want to work. I was born to not work. And here I am serving goat cheese balls every week of my life.

[D]

Wait, can I ask you on that note, what is your favorite dish at Sir?

[A]

Oh, my favorite dish. A mug. No, I'm kidding. I'm obsessed with the goat cheese balls, hands down.

[D]

I think we have Stassi Schroeder to thank for making those iconic. She put those on the map. So thank you, Stasi.

[A]

Thank you, Stasi for banner pump rules.

[D]

Seriously, though. Okay, favorite dish besides the goat cheese balls. And favorite drink.

[A]

Okay, favorite drink is going to have to be a jatana. It's a spicy strawberry martini. And then for food, the burger is phenomenal.

[D]

The burger's underrated.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

100% criminally underrated at sir. I love all the food here. Of course, I'm partial because for me, it's infused with nostalgia.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

And a lot of love.

[A]

Exactly.

[D]

And can I ask you, who are you closest with on the cast? I think I kind of know. You're tight with Natalie, you're tight with Marcus.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I'm pretty close with everyone on the cast, but I think you'll see in some upcoming episodes that my friendships are tested. Tested. And I decide to go with my gut and my moral compass on who I decide to defend.

[D]

Okay, it's episode two tonight. By the time this airs, it'll be next week.

[A]

Perfect.

[D]

Can you give us a little preview.

[A]

Of what we're talking about tonight? I'm really excited for the last 15 minutes of the episode because you're going to see how our group is so dynamic. You're gonna have Natalie and Kim crying and fighting over Marcus, and then the screen will pan to Audrey getting lap dances and ass in her face. And then it'll go back to Kim crying and then back to Jason shirtless grinding on Audrey. It's just comical. It's it shows our group we're fun, but then also extremely emotional.

[D]

Yes, it has heart. It's funny, but it has heart. Heart, too. And. And there's depth of character, and. And especially I like the way Lisa Vanderpump phrased it. A lot of flagrant, definitely. By the way.

[C]

I mean, back in the day, we.

[D]

Would drink here, but we were so sneaky. Marcus was so brazen. I. I never drank straight out, by the way. I'm the only person never have worked here. I don't know if you know that. I was just a friend of my. My. My. My girlfriend.

[A]

Well, you're lucky.

[D]

I just. I wasn't cut out for it. I mean, I. I sat down, I interviewed with Lisa, and she more or less said, darling, I don't think you're cut out for this. And then I worked one night at Pump. I don't know if you know the lore, Venus.

[A]

I. I know. I know the lore.

[D]

You do.

[A]

I know why you don't work here. Shorts.

[D]

Here's the thing. I have a backbone. I'm actually a good server, a solid bartender. I. By the time I started at Pump, I was at a point in my life where I was like, I don't want to fly, do this anymore. I was doing, like, catering jobs, a lot of private bartending. That was my bread and butter. I made great money. I built up a nice clientele of private parties, and it was easy. Vodka sodas, shots of tequila, and that's about it. Schmoozing, informal attire. You don't have to clock in, you don't clock out, and it felt like you were part of the party. I loved that.

[A]

That sounds better.

[D]

It's so much better. Much better. I know the show just started, but. Yeah. Like we talked about earlier, I don't know. I don't. This is by no means saying that you're anything like me, but you felt like a bit of a peacemaker. Yes.

[A]

Yes, Definitely a peacemaker. And I'm really sweet, which I feel like you are.

[D]

Thank you.

[A]

And also, it's just like when everyone is insane around you, you just got a whole, like. I don't know. I feel like where we are similar is when there's chaos all around us. We just kind of close off and observe and just let it happen. Or if you're pushed too far, I'm gonna jump in and someone out. It just depends on the day, I guess, or how many drinks I've had. Okay.

[D]

You just summed it up perfectly. Okay. You're obviously aspirational. Can I ask you dreams outside of this world? Outside of sur land?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

Outside of real reality television.

[A]

Well, this is perfect. I have a million.

[D]

Yes. Let's go.

[A]

Obviously I want to build an empire off of my 27 inches of hair. I have written a book, so hopefully I'll be an author next year. Can't say the name yet, but I'm ready for that.

[D]

I gotta high five you.

[A]

I'm really excited. My end goal would probably be to be a talk show host. Also, I've been working on writing rap songs lately. Like, I like to rap and people would be shocked at the type of shit that I rap.

[D]

Not to put you on the spot.

[A]

Okay.

[D]

And I'm not going to make you improvise. You have anything in your notes? A snippet? You could give us a little.

[A]

I could say a couple of bars right now.

[D]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Okay. Let's go. Venus, you're going to drop some bars.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

West Hollywood back alley at Sir. Here we go.

[A]

It's going to be short and sweet. All right. Riding with the top down so these bitches can see me. If you want to copy me, just know that shit ain't easy.

[C]

Mmm.

[D]

Short, sweet, punctual.

[A]

Just all you need to know.

[D]

You left me wanting more.

[A]

Well, you're gonna have to stay tuned then.

[D]

Get ready. Get used to saying that because you have to say it during every interview at the beginning of every season. Well, you'll just have to tune in and find out.

[A]

You also might see me rap on.

[B]

The show.

[A]

A couple times.

[D]

Okay. I'm really excited for that. I didn't know you had musical ambitions.

[A]

I have a. I have a new ambition every week. Okay. One week I want to be a public speaker, and the next week I want to be a neuroscientist. I'm serious.

[D]

I love you. That's how I was. I never had like a North Star, like a true calling. I always wanted to be an actor, but I was felt destined to be a professional side quester.

[A]

Fluent, that is me.

[D]

Fluent in my ambitions. Yes, fluid. I meant fluent. And hopefully fluent, but fluid in my ambition. I like that. Venus, this is nice back here.

[A]

I know. I honestly, I just have to say I'm honored to be sitting back here with you in the sir alley. Because I've been out here hiding from my table smoking for two years now and all my dramas unfolded. But to be with a Vanderpump alum.

[D]

No, the pleasure is all mine. Wait, I forgot to ask you, Venus. How the fuck did you end up in West Hollywood at Sur in Los Angeles. What brought you here?

[A]

All right, so I grew up in a small farm town where all I had was stop signs and a post office my entire childhood. I was like, I have to get away from these cows that surround me and these barbed wire fences and I have to go be a star. I know I'm gonna be a star. I would make wishes up at the Star at the Stars all the time. And I just knew I was meant for this. And I grew up gay in an environment where everyone was just. Just like small minded, the worst people you can imagine. And I felt like to. To feel like I mattered. I needed to prove to myself that I could accomplish anything I wanted. So when I was a freshman in high school, I was like, all this. I'm like Hannah Montana. I'm about to leave the farm and go to LA and be a star. Which is exactly what I did. First opportunity I could. When Covid hit, I left. I moved here and I've been hustling ever since. And I've made all of my dreams come true. And now I'm coming up with new dreams.

[D]

Doesn't it feel good to have taken the leap of faith? You know what I mean? It's like I. I always worry about a life of oh, Wells.

[B]

Oh, no.

[D]

I worry about a life of what ifs instead of oh, Wells.

[A]

I'll never experience that.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

I do not regret anything in my life. And I always proceed forward with resilience, knowing that I will always be fine and I will always, always be where I'm meant to be.

[D]

Wow. I'm inspired right now. You might hear being a motivational speaker too, Venus.

[A]

Oh, I talk about that a little bit on the show.

[D]

You do?

[A]

I actually went to college to be a motivational speaker, but I dropped out and became a stripper. So I've been through a lot of.

[D]

You might be the most interesting man in the world.

[A]

Thank you. That's why I wrote a book at 27.

[D]

See, I just. I don't know, I think some people might see you and think, oh, he's a cloud chaser. I don't see. See that. I think you're just supremely confident and ambitious and driven, and that's it.

[A]

I would have been a star with or without Vanderpump Rules.

[D]

I wholeheartedly agree. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[C]

I mean that.

[A]

Thank you so much.

[D]

I really do. I see it.

[A]

Thank you.

[D]

And let's see, what else? What else can I ask you? Okay. I think I've asked You almost everything I want to ask you. We went through it fast. Now I just want to hang out.

[A]

Can I ask you a question?

[D]

Yeah. Ask me some questions.

[A]

All right. As a Vanderpump Rules fan, which I didn't start the show until I wasn't a grown adult. I'm sorry. Because I was a child.

[D]

But did you watch it all the way through? No. But you've watched enough to know the basic dynamics of the group.

[A]

Yeah, no, totally, totally. I. I can't. I. I usually only watch things that are, like, learning documentary stuff like that. But I do love have always. Since after high school, Beverly Hills Housewives and Vanderpump Rules. I started at SIR before Lisa. Let me make that clear. She was my queen. I was like, I was scared to work for her because I didn't want her to ever yell at me, and I would cry, as you saw in.

[D]

The first episode and as I've done many times. Listen, she's my business partner, and I love her. She's my friend, but I'm still fairly intimidated by her.

[A]

Oh, of course. I tremble when she makes eye contact with me.

[D]

How's your relationship with Lisa?

[A]

I actually. All right, look, Lisa, I've seen in a bunch of interviews and kind of in person, she got the vibe that I would be superficial because I'm confident and, like, I flip my hair non stop, which is just by habit, not to be sassy. And so she didn't really take me seriously in the beginning. She's just like, who's this guy? Like. Or maybe she was looking at me as, like, the gay token that is the stereotypical gay. And then she realized that I was on some main character. And I. I run my mouth and speak my mind more than 100% of the men on the cast and was like, wait, holy shit, who is this guy? He's got so many layers. And she said that I surprised her the most. And I feel so good to do that for Lisa Vanderpalm.

[D]

It's so validating to hear that from someone that's so successful. Yeah, she's absolutely crushing it. And I'm excited to see your trajectory, your growth, peel back those layers to get to hang out with you and get to watch you on tv.

[A]

And you're gonna see a hundred sides of me. You're gonna see every side of me that I possibly have. And I opened up about everything in my life. There is no holding back with me. I will tell anyone anything. No, nothing's off limits with me.

[D]

Okay, then you did your job there's nothing else you can do. You bared your soul.

[A]

Exactly.

[D]

You put yourself out there, and I commend you for that. Thank you, Venus. I commend you for that.

[A]

Thank you. And I didn't have to act like anything. I feel like when you are a star, you don't have to pretend.

[D]

Listen, I'm absorbing some of his confidence by proximity right now. Mine wavers. I love myself and I am confident, but it wavers. I wish I had as much chutzpah as you from a younger age.

[A]

Thank you.

[D]

It took me until like, my late 30s to develop that. Wait, what? How old are you?

[A]

I'm 27.

[D]

Oh, it's a beautiful age.

[A]

I have it tattooed on my neck now because it's the age all my dreams came true.

[D]

Oh, my God, Venus, that's a beautiful thing.

[A]

Thanks. And I have 27 inches of hair, so it's just perfect.

[D]

Wait, before, can I talk to you about your hair when you're in the confessionals doing the talking heads? Venus, your hair, your locks are luxurious. How much time goes into that? So, wait, do you have a team? Do you have a glam squad or do you do that?

[A]

I do have a glam squad.

[D]

Okay.

[A]

Okay. And you know, I have three different looks. And I will say the crimped is getting the most heat. Like, everyone is obsessed.

[C]

That's my favorite look.

[A]

Guess how long it took.

[D]

I would say an hour, hour and.

[A]

A half every time I'd show up.

[D]

But it's so worth it.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, 100%. I already made someone made fan art, and I already made it my background.

[D]

Oh, that's drunk drawn. He's an icon.

[A]

I'm obsessed.

[D]

That's how you know you've made it.

[A]

Yes.

[D]

If drunk draw and draws you, you know you've made it in the Bravo verse.

[A]

I'm proud, I'm happy.

[D]

I've met him a few times. He's a very talented artist. And I saw that on the way here, actually, and I wanted to. I mean, it's already your wallpaper and I love that.

[A]

No, immediately.

[D]

That's so cool. What else do we need to know about you? How you feeling right now?

[A]

I'm feeling spectacular, honestly. Sitting with you is my heart just grew a couple sizes.

[D]

I DM'd Venus, because I don't. I felt drawn to you for some reason. You have an aura. You're Meg. You have a magnetic quality. And I was like, yo, can we do an interview in the back alley?

[C]

Answer.

[A]

And you're like, yeah, yeah, no hesitation.

[D]

Now we're doing it. Usually I'm more structured in my interviews, but I really just wanted to shoot this and just. Just check in and see where your head's at right now.

[A]

Well, I lost my mind all year long. It's just now straightened back up. So you got me at the right time.

[D]

Well, cool. We're doing a viewing party tonight. Thank you for sitting down with me. This is fun as hell. Let's go have a few drinks and. Yeah, man.

[C]

Cheers.

[A]

Cheers. Thank you for having me, Schwartz.

[D]

Let's go, Venus. I'm excited to see everything.

[B]

Woo.

[A]

Yeah. All right, stay tuned you guys.

[D]

Tuesdays, 8pm 98 Central.

[A]

Whatever that means.

[D]

98 Central. Just like the OGs, but different.

[A]

Completely different.

[D]

All right, thank you, Venus. I appreciate it.

[C]

Guys. Thanks for listening. So you gotta watch Did I sued you? Come on now, give it a chance. Also before we go to everybody out there grinding it out, maybe gig workers, bar, restaurant, chasing dreams like our fellow sir versus. Listen, if you're moving, making that leap of faith, but you want to mitigate the upfront burden of the first and last month's rent plus security deposit. Check out rent now, pay later. It's a really handy service. I wish they had this Back in the day when vanderpump pools are just starting for us. I was like a full gig worker. Private parties, print jobs, the occasional commercial. Or maybe you just need to float a few months while you're getting your bearings between gigs. Like I remember early on when I was living with Tom and Jax, I would have really good months. My damn. I worked a lot this month. I made like, I don't know, I made like five grand. But like I wouldn't get those checks for like two months or longer sometimes and I would be struggling. So yeah. Anybody out there who's just going through it, Gig workers, check out rnpl.com can lighten your load for a little bit, right? Life is hard, man. Rent prices are insane. Life's expensive. It's always something shit happens. So yeah, check it out. RNPL credit.com. if you use a little light to your load, rent smart, stress less. All right, check it out. Rent now, pay later. By the way, I have a little stake in this company. That's only because I love it and I believe in it. I totally would have used this if they had it back in my day when I first moved to la. Anyways, loved you guys. Check out the new Vanderpump Rules Tuesdays on Bravo. I talked to the whole cast. They said it's just gonna keep getting better. Lisa too. But I love you guys. If you made it this far, I freaking love you. Yeah. You all right? I'm gonna shut up. Till next week, this has been another episode of Detox.

[B]

Retox retoxification complete.