Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz
Episode: Natalie Maguire on Vanderpump Rules Drama, Lisa Vanderpump & "Passenger"
Release Date: March 4, 2026
Guest: Natalie Maguire (Vanderpump Rules cast member, musician)
Host: Tom Schwartz
Episode Overview
In this fun and candid episode, Tom Schwartz welcomes Natalie Maguire, breakout star of Vanderpump Rules' latest season and new recording artist, to celebrate her debut single "Passenger." The two discuss music, the parallels between cast members and real-life friendships, the behind-the-scenes of reality TV, social media fame, Lisa Vanderpump’s mentorship, and Natalie's colorful journey through theater, bartending, and reality TV. They also touch on restaurant life, relationship dramas, and the perks (and perils) of sudden recognition.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Power (and Magic) of Music
- Tom on music’s universality: "Music carries history in a way that written language just can't. It's a universal language. I love music." (02:38)
- Tom expresses deep respect for people with the “audacity” to make art, quoting Andy Warhol: “Don’t think about making art. Just get it done.”
Notable Quote
“To me, it's probably the closest thing we have to time travel. You hear a certain song and it takes you back to that moment, maybe your first heartbreak...”
— Tom Schwartz, (02:13)
2. Celebrating Natalie: New Beginnings & “Passenger”
2.1 Vanderpump Rules, Fame & That Full Circle Feeling
- Natalie shares her gratitude for being part of a show she used to watch:
"It's so weird to be there with you guys because I watched you guys..." — Natalie, (06:26)
- Tom likens the new season/cast to a “parallel universe” VPR:
"I feel like I'm watching Vanderpump Rules in a parallel universe." — Tom, (06:16)
2.2 “Passenger” Release Party at TomTom
- Natalie describes the vibe and message:
"You a stranger can't say nothing… I'm trying hard to break some habits… need a little time, trying to play nice but you look so good to me..." (08:30, lyrics excerpt)
- Song inspired by a rebound period; embodies early 2000s R&B/pop, with clear nods to Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey.
- On blending “good girl/bad girl" energy:
"Are you a good girl? Are you a bad girl? Well, maybe I'm both. Maybe I can be a sweet girl that has some edge." — Natalie, (12:36)
Timestamps:
- [07:45] – Song name revealed, "Passenger"
- [08:26] – Natalie sings/reads lyrics
- [09:13] – Inspiration and relatable themes (confidence, nerves)
- [09:37] – Tom on the “early 2000s Mariah Carey” vibe
- [10:25] – Champagne toast to Natalie and more music talk
3. Music Chat: Influences, Albums, and VPR Anthems
- Natalie’s current favorite: Madison Beer’s “Locket,” Julia Wolf’s “In My Room” (rock, Evanescence vibe).
- Talks about relationship with social media and being open with fans (from DMs to quirky requests).
- Shares her approach to tattoos and regrets:
“I have a little tattoo of a Vespa that I got in Italy, and I'm just like, that was not necessary.” — Natalie, (15:46)
- On VPR’s theme song (“Raise Your Glass”):
“I've always associated it to the show... you have to love it.” — Natalie, (16:32)
- Tom: “I didn't like it when I first heard it, and now it's one of my favorite songs ever.” (16:22)
“OG VPR Music” Drinking Game
- Natalie quickly and confidently names Sheena’s “Good as Gold,” Topman’s track, and Lala’s single after hearing clips.
“This is good as gold. Sheena Marie. Come on.” — Natalie, (18:38)
[18:14–20:22] – Fun, light segment on VPR musical history trivia
4. Adjusting to Fame & Parasocial Relationships
- Natalie on being recognized ("Sephora, matcha shop, everywhere"):
“It's amazing. I love connecting with everybody. It's so funny... It's crazy.” — Natalie, (21:03)
- Discusses "fringe benefits" like free clothes, spray tans, and “gifting suites.”
- On manifesting a Coachella invite:
“I just want to get invited to Coachella. Then I'll feel like I made it.” (23:05)
5. Origins: Bartending, Theater, and LA Hustle
- Theater kid background (West Side Story, Les Mis, Cabaret, Billy Elliot).
- Bartending as a "survival job," not just “trying to get on reality.”
- On background work in Hollywood:
“The magic is, you get on a set at 5, 6 in the morning...and then you eat some shitty food and then you made $150 and then you feel like it was the best day of your life.” — Natalie, (33:07)
6. Vanderpump Drama & Cast Dynamics
6.1 Addressing the “Incest Storyline”
- Natalie and Tom debrief online discourse about a “back rub with a cousin” scene.
“I like to think of it as like, a gym locker room... And the boys are just being boys, and it's like, give me a little shoulder rub, you know…” — Natalie, (36:27)
- On her bond with the boys:
“They're the best hype men... Who doesn't want to hang around that vibe?” (37:12)
6.2 Authentic Relationships & Restaurant Psychology
- The “proximity effect”:
“In psychology, there’s a thing called the proximity effect. You’re always around each other.” — Tom, (41:33)
- Natalie: “It's incestuous. We want to talk incestuous. It's just working in a restaurant.” (41:40)
- On cast “hookups” — organic, not manufactured for TV.
6.3 Friendship Drama on the Show
- Both Natalie and her friend Demi were involved with Paolo; details about reconciling and moving past any drama.
- Paulo’s return to Sir after a difficult period is celebrated.
7. Lisa Vanderpump: The LA Mom
- Lisa’s approval as “royalty” among the cast:
“Her approval hits different.” — Tom, (46:22)
- Natalie reveals Lisa feels like her surrogate mom.
“I don't have a relationship with my mom, so I literally feel like Lisa is my mom.” — Natalie, (45:44)
- The two joke about Lisa’s fashion choices (“bring back the Housewives dresses!”), while pledging undying LVP loyalty.
- Natalie’s feelings on Lisa’s support:
"When she said, I think, you know, Natalie comes off like this girl, it’s like, all over the place. But really, she could do anything if she puts her mind to it. I can die happy." — Natalie, (46:03)
8. Restaurants, LA Life, and Local Culture
8.1 Favorite Dishes and Drinks
- Sir's legendary goat cheese balls (“I love the goat cheese balls at Sir”), the pomegranate salad, Greenfield (cucumber margarita), Green Goddess (martini), apricot spritz, skirt steak, mez platter, spicy hummus.
- On bar culture, late nights, and LA venues old and new (Sir, TomTom, Drake’s, Bayou, the Abbey, Silver Lake).
8.2 Uber Car Sickness
- Natalie recounts multiple instances of throwing up in the back of a Tesla Uber, noting she’s “never drunkenly thrown up in an Uber.”
- Tom: “If you stay in there long enough in the back of your Uber, you’re gonna throw up.” (53:19)
9. Fame, The Cast, and Future Plans
- Manifesting what’s next (“Coachella 2027!”), talking about cross-cast friendships, loyalty to Bravo and LVP.
- Discussion of reunion specials, Crappies Awards, Next Gen Bravo spinoffs.
- Tom and Natalie close out the episode in true celebratory, slightly tipsy style.
Highlighted Quotes & Notable Moments
Music & Taking Risks
“Maybe this is your sign. Or at least a gentle little reminder from me, Schwartzy, to take the risk.” — Tom, (02:55)
About Fame
“I'm never like, I'm famous. I'm on TV. I'm just like, I'm here and it's happening, and that's a beautiful thing.” — Natalie, (28:42)
Heartfelt on Lisa V
“I don't have a relationship with my mom, so I literally feel like Lisa is my mom.” — Natalie, (45:44)
Restaurant Realness
“It's incestuous. We want to talk incestuous. It's just working in a restaurant.” — Natalie, (41:40)
Natalie on Being Authentic
“I want to feel empowered and I don't want to... hide for a man. I just want to say what's on my mind and just go with the flow.” — Natalie, (12:56)
Important Timestamps
- 00:00–02:38: Tom’s monologue about music’s role in life
- 04:43–07:00: Reflections on joining VPR as a fan
- 07:45–08:59: Debut “Passenger” discussion and lyrics
- 09:37–10:25: Song influences, cheers!
- 14:52–15:38: Social media and fan interactions
- 18:14–20:22: VPR musical trivia/drinking game
- 21:03–23:09: Becoming recognizable and perks
- 29:08–32:44: Theater kid and background actor stories
- 36:09–38:09: Incest storyline discussion
- 41:04–41:40: Restaurant industry “proximity effect” and romance
- 45:28–46:03: Relationship with Lisa V
- 53:00–53:25: Uber car sickness confessions
- 54:03–56:12: Favorite LA/sir food & drink
- 58:11–58:34: Natalie’s music (where to find “Passenger” and more songs coming)
Closing
The episode closes with Tom and Natalie vowing to continue celebrating, manifesting bigger milestones, and embracing both their roots and their future both in reality TV and beyond. Schwartzy encourages listeners to chase their dreams, Natalie teases more music releases, and both share a supportive, warm banter that encapsulates the ethos of Detox Retox: “We don’t feel bad about feeling good.”
“You're just getting started.” — Tom Schwartz, (59:12)
For more, stream Natalie’s single "Passenger" on Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you find music.