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

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.

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)

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.

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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.