Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: Sipping Martinis with Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher

Date: January 29, 2026
Guest: Daisy Kelliher (Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Below Deck Down Under)

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Tom Schwartz welcomes Daisy Kelliher, Chief Stew from Bravo’s Below Deck Sailing Yacht—and the upcoming Below Deck Down Under—at the legendary Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank. Over dirty martinis, they dive into the realities and quirks of reality TV, navigating transitions between franchises, Daisy’s life at sea, reality fame, dating in the spotlight, and the joys and pressures of building a public persona. With playful banter and candid reflections, the episode explores the balance of vulnerability and resilience required to thrive on (and off) camera.

Setting the Scene: Old Hollywood Vibes

[03:10-04:37]

• The conversation kicks off at the bustling Smokehouse in Burbank—a haven of Hollywood lore.
• Daisy: “This is a vibe. Well, first of all, it’s very busy for Tuesday evening.” [03:26]
• Tom: Paints the atmosphere with references to legendary patrons and classic LA nostalgia.
• Both revel in the restaurant’s storied past and its “red leather booths, low lighting, and the ghosts of old stars.”

Daisy’s Media Press Tour & Background

[04:47-06:36]

• Daisy details her whirlwind press tour for the new Below Deck Down Under season.
• Surprising revelation: Daisy never aspired to perform for TV or act—reality TV found her:
  • Daisy: “Apart from, like, doing Britney Spears and Spice Girls in front of your parents... it was never really on my radar.” [05:15]
• Tom gives Daisy credit for her natural screen presence.

Transitioning Between Bravo Shows: Gratitude & Nerves

[06:36-08:37]

• Both Tom and Daisy are switching Bravo franchises (Tom from Vanderpump Rules, Daisy from Sailing Yacht to Down Under).
• They compare it to “starting at a new school” and reflect on what it’s like to leave a long-standing show.
• Daisy: “When it was so close to me losing it, I was like, oh, I’ve got to work. I’ve got to be entertaining. I gotta be like Daisy, I gotta bring it. I gotta bring my A game.” [08:16]
• The concept of not taking the opportunity for granted, and remembering “it’s a job,” was a recurring theme.

The Bravo-lebrity Paradox & Imposter Syndrome

[08:40-09:59]

• They riff on the weirdness (and cringe) of being called “Bravolebrities.”
• Daisy: “I like to describe it as being well known. People know my name. That’s it.” [09:02]
• Daisy candidly discusses impostor syndrome and gratitude that people still want her on TV:
  • “Somebody likes me still. Five years later, somebody said put Daisy back on our TV screen. So I’m doing something right.” [09:59]

What Does a Chief Stew Really Do?

[10:41-12:33]

• For Bravo outsiders, Daisy gives a “101” on being Chief Stew:
  • Manages the superyacht’s interior—coordinating meals, turning down guest cabins, and managing crew emotions.
  • Daisy: “I’m mom. I like to say I’m milf. Like, I’m the hot mom.” [11:15]
• Little-known fact: Daisy comes from a family of sailing “royalty”—her grandfather represented Ireland in the Olympics.

Management, Leadership, and Reality TV Critique

[12:33-14:29]

• Daisy touches on the difficult balance of leadership—being “mom” and “therapist” to the crew while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Daisy: “I’m still learning and trying to find that balance... every season I’m changing and evolving, and, yeah, sometimes I get it right, and sometimes I don’t.” [13:15]
• She doesn’t often feel guilt about reprimanding someone—“by the time I’ve reprimanded them, they really pissed me off.” [14:02]

Romance, Dating, & Boatmances

[14:29-16:56]

• Discussion turns to dating and the infamous “boatmance” dynamic:
  • Daisy: (on her type) “I love a… you know, treat them mean, keep them keen. I have not grown out of it, even though I’m almost 40.” [14:45]
• Daisy’s recent foray into dating apps is discussed—she finds it awkward, but acknowledges it’s become necessary with such a unique lifestyle.
• Tom admits: “I had Hinge for three days after I got divorced. I hated every one of those days.” [15:47]

Crew vs. Guests: The Harder Job

[17:05-18:28]

• Daisy weighs whether managing eccentric guests or staff ego is harder:
  • Early on, guests were more daunting, but now she sees their value for great TV.
  • Daisy: “Now I really appreciate the crazy guests because they make great TV... as the years have gone on, it’s become more difficult to manage the crew.” [17:20, 17:52]
• The delicate, vulnerable position of being a leader under public scrutiny is explored.

Handling Online Hate and Public Scrutiny

[18:28-19:23]

• Daisy has mostly “thick skin” but admits romantic criticism cuts deepest:
  • Daisy: “When the world is telling you you’re not worthy... those are the times when I felt most vulnerable.” [18:44]
• Still, the perks outweigh the cons: “I’m sat here in LA drinking a martini with you—sorry, come and hate on me!” [19:19]

Reality TV Fandom: Favorite Bravo Shows & Housewives Collab

[19:24-22:49]

• Daisy watches (and enjoys) Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Salt Lake City, and is excited for The Valley.
• The Salt Lake City Housewives cameo on Below Deck is discussed with much anticipation:
  • Daisy: "It’s a great first episode. I watched... They—You know, there’s a few things there. I found out the Housewives are joining... It’s super funny." [20:21]
  • On Mary Cosby: “[She’s] silent, and then when she speaks, you’re like, oh, fuck, you’re in trouble.” [21:32]
• Positive vibes about cross-cast friendships and behind-the-scenes fun.

Owning Your Narrative & Personal Growth

[23:37-25:14]

• Daisy describes how the Captain doubted whether she’d fit Down Under, but their dynamic worked.
• Both discuss “owning your story” as key to surviving reality TV:
  • Daisy: “If you own it, you’re gonna enjoy the season... I am so sure of myself that I’m like, yeah, that’s embarrassing. But I own it.” [23:51-24:29]
• The power in being “secure in your insecurities”—embracing imperfections as strengths.

Watching Yourself on TV: Pride, Cringes & Editing

[25:56-28:05]

• Daisy loves watching the final edited shows—especially the humor and storylines she didn’t witness firsthand:
  • Daisy: “There’s so much intellect humor... if you’re not watching it, you’re gonna miss it... I find it very, very funny.” [26:46]
  • Tom and Daisy agree: editors are unsung heroes (“maestros”).
• Both have formed close friendships with their shows’ production and editing teams, considering these relationships “the best part.”

Comfort Zones: Self-Care, TV, and Food

[29:08-30:54]

• Daisy reveals she relaxes by watching TV in bed (rather than the stereotypical “wellness” routines given in interviews).
  • Daisy: “When I do have [spare time], I lie in bed and watch reality TV. But that’s not acceptable—I have to say I go to the gym and hike.” [29:43]
• Her guilty pleasure food? Not fast food—she prefers Joe & The Juice or acai bowls, especially when hungover.
• Comfort TV: crime thrillers and BBC dramas; Tom is “deep into Antiques Roadshow.”

Navigating Busyness, Mental Health & Joy

[31:11-31:48]

• Daisy is in a happy, busy place (travel, press, personal life):
  • Daisy: “I am in a really good place at the moment... I’m really excited for this season.” [31:23]
  • Plans: More travel ahead—Thailand, New York, new adventures.

Friendship, Projects, and Making People Laugh

[33:07-34:52]

• Daisy cherishes the creative relationships born from side projects like her podcast “Yacht Mess.”
  • Daisy: “If I made you smile or made you laugh, I’m... so at peace.” [34:11]
• Tom echoes the sentiment—spreading fun and warmth is the best reward.

Memorable Quotes

• Daisy [On her leadership style]: “I’m still learning... every season I’m changing and evolving, and, yeah, sometimes I get it right, and sometimes I don’t.” [13:15]
• On Reality TV Fame:
  • Daisy: “People know my name. That’s it.” [09:02]
  • Tom: “I forgot that I was on a TV show.” [07:33]
• On Online Hate:
  • Daisy: “When...the world is telling you you’re not worthy... those are the times when I felt most vulnerable.” [18:44]
• On Embracing Self-Acceptance:
  • Daisy: “Maybe I talk too much or maybe I’m too stubborn... that’s okay. I’m okay to not be perfect.” [25:14]
• On Joy:
  • Daisy: “If I made you smile or made you laugh, I’m... so at peace.” [34:11]
• On comfort routines:
  • Daisy: “When I do have [spare time], I lie in bed and watch reality TV.” [29:43]

Final Vibes & Sign-Off

[34:52-35:58]

• The duo celebrates their shared energy, Daisy’s happiness, and the fun of finding harmony between work, pleasure, and life’s “retreats and retoxes.”
• Plans for steak and garlic bread at the Smokehouse linger—alongside dreams of future stardom.

For Listeners

This episode is a lively, insightful look inside the mind and life of a Bravo favorite. Candid, warm, and full of wit—whether you follow Below Deck or just enjoy good conversation, Daisy and Tom embody the “Detox/Retox” spirit: real, human, and ever-ready to laugh at themselves as they forge ahead into new adventures.