Sipping Martinis with Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher

Summary

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.

---

Transcript

[Tom Schwartz]

Foreign.

[Daisy Kelana]

For your weekly redox with Tom Schwartz.

[Tom Schwartz]

Guys, what is up? We have a lovely episode for you today. I'm taking you guys with me to an iconic spot in LA institution, the Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank with one of your favorite Bravo labs, the lovely Daisy Kelana. You might know her from Bravo's Below deck sailing yacht or you're gonna see her on the new season of Below Deck Down Under. Yes, check out the trailer. It looks so good. I believe it airs February 2nd. But yes, if you don't know, she's Iris, cheap stewardess and she is absolutely lovely. We had a great conversation and I caught her after a long ass day. Press photos. But you'll find out that she loves doing it. She has such a great outlook on this whole world that we found ourselves in and she's super stoked to be on new cast. The new season Below Deck down under looks so freaking good. And if you guys don't know what the Smokehouse is, oh my God. It's like it just feels steeped in old Hollywood history and lore, you know? Like, it's so cool. It's a place you want to elbow up with a dirty martini. Maybe they're famous for their cheesy garlic bread. Oh my God, it's so good. Listen, like stars like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Robert Redford, James Dean all used to be regulars. It just feels cool in there. Okay? You walk in, you half expect to hear Humphrey Bogart at the bar saying something like this.

[Ben]

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, it feels old Hollywood and it's delicious. It's one of my favorite spots in la. So I'm happy you guys are coming along. And yeah, I'm gonna keep this one short. Let's get into it. The lovely Daisy Kelana at the iconic Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank. We're gonna sip some martinis and dish what it's like to go from one franchise to another, which is a great privilege and a great honor. Something we're both partaking in at the moment. Alright, guys, without further ado, let's pick things up at the Smokehouse Restauran.

[Ben]

Daisy, we're live. Do you want to say where we are and what we're doing?

[Daisy Kelana]

We are in the Smokehouse in Burbank having a conversation, drinking a dirty martini.

[Ben]

For people who have never been here before, this place has a lot of history. How would you describe it?

[Daisy Kelana]

This is a vibe. Well, first of all, it's very busy for Tuesday evening.

[Ben]

I came here because I thought it'd be a quiet little Hollywood haunt. And it's like. It is a.

[Daisy Kelana]

It's buzzing.

[Ben]

It's a Stuntman association reunion tonight. So it is Buz right now.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, it's a stuntman.

[Ben]

Oh, yes.

[Daisy Kelana]

I think.

[Ben]

I think. I don't know if they have a separate union, but it's a stuntman, and.

[Daisy Kelana]

They'Re definitely all over 60. Yes, yes.

[Ben]

So, like. Yeah, let's go. It's got the red leather boots, it's got the low lighting. It's got the big dog.

[Daisy Kelana]

This is a vibe. This is the kind of place that I definitely come back to.

[Ben]

And it's like, do you guys feel the Hollywood lore here?

[Daisy Kelana]

Like, I have.

[Ben]

I have to expect Doris Day to walk in, like, Humphrey Bogarts.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, that's exactly it.

[Ben]

And everyone to have, like, trans transatlantic acc.

[Daisy Kelana]

Well, I've got that.

[Ben]

Yeah, yeah.

[Daisy Kelana]

Irish. Not quite.

[Ben]

You're Irish, right?

[Daisy Kelana]

Yes.

[Tom Schwartz]

Okay.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, yeah. That was super.

[Ben]

Irish last name, right?

[Daisy Kelana]

It's pretty Irish.

[Ben]

Yeah, it's pretty Yeri.

[Daisy Kelana]

Where's Schwartz from?

[Ben]

Schwartz is my.

[Daisy Kelana]

It's like German.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah, it is.

[Daisy Kelana]

Okay.

[Ben]

It's German. My mom is Swedish. My dad's German.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, good.

[Ben]

Well, if you go far enough back.

[Daisy Kelana]

Good jeans.

[Ben]

Yeah, yeah. The Schwartz is strong within me. How's your day, Ben? You're on the press tour, the Beast, as we say.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yes. So the show's coming out next week and very exciting.

[Ben]

Yes.

[Daisy Kelana]

So this morning I was doing a podcast, and then we had a photo shoot, and tomorrow we have a full press day, and I love it. Yeah. We were just talking about how much I love doing press. It's a really fun part of the whole experience.

[Ben]

As do I, because I always. Did you have ambitions about being a performer as a young woman? Like, did you want to be an actress?

[Daisy Kelana]

No.

[Ben]

Oh, you didn't?

[Daisy Kelana]

Apart from, like, the classic, like, you know, doing, like, Britney Spears and Spice Girls in front of your parents, it was never really on my radar. I don't know if that was because I came from Ireland and it was just. Yeah. Like, you know, I always did the talent show and all that stuff, but no. And I was always told I'd make great reality tv.

[Ben]

And you do. You have such a good. You're such a great, natural screen presence, even if you don't have the performer gene, per se, as they say in Hollywood. You got it.

[Daisy Kelana]

Okay. I love that. Thank you. I've got something. They're keeping me around.

[Ben]

Yes, yes. By the way, I just watched the new trailer today. It's so good. How you feeling about it?

[Daisy Kelana]

I am really excited. I went into this season feeling really good. You know, you have some bad seasons, some good seasons.

[Ben]

Oh, I know.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, exactly. You mostly been through. For me, you've been through it well. Yeah, I think, you know, reality TV is, isn't easy and I, yeah, I've experienced the bad and I think the, the season I enjoyed the least was my last. So coming into this, this was a really fun season. I felt really good. I think for TV wise, it's going to be amazing and I know people are super stoked for it. So. Yeah, it's one of the good seasons.

[Ben]

I think we're kind of, we're kind of both transitioning from one, one show, one franchise to another. Were you nervous going into it?

[Daisy Kelana]

Y nervous? I think, you know, I'd done sailing for four seasons. You know, you'd be in, you were on VPR for. I didn't know what was it? 10, 11. 11. Wow.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yeah.

[Daisy Kelana]

I mean you would have been really nervous. I think I, that would have been scary.

[Ben]

I felt like even though everyone on the new show are my friends and I have established relationships with them, I felt like I was going to a new school.

[Daisy Kelana]

Well, I guess like you kind of said, you described it as like feeling lucky and I think that's what I felt as well. Like, I think you feel kind of complacent maybe like you deserve to be there, especially after 11 years. So I think when that shuts down and that's kind of taken away and you get given an another opportunity. Yeah. Like kind of going to a new school, even though they're your friends, you still feel like, oh, I've got to work at this.

[Ben]

Like totally. You just said that. You articulated that perfectly. I never took it for granted, but at some point I think it became such a part of my life. I forgot that I was on a TV show.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah.

[Ben]

I never wasn't grateful, but it just became so rote, if you will or no.

[Daisy Kelana]

Absolutely. Yeah.

[Ben]

That I, I, I stopped thinking about it and I think that's a good thing. As someone who's on a television show.

[Daisy Kelana]

You don't want to be too self.

[Ben]

Aware while you're filming especially.

[Daisy Kelana]

I agree and I think that's exactly it. It's, it's, you're not losing that graciousness and that, yeah. That you don't take it for granted, but I think there's yeah. Complacentness there and you forget you have to work like it's a job.

[Ben]

It's a job.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah. So when you find out how quickly you can lose it or maybe how much you enjoy it, and I think that's what happened to me. I was like, I actually love my job. I love being part of Bravo. I love being part of NBC. And then 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.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yes.

[Ben]

And you do.

[Daisy Kelana]

I hope so.

[Ben]

Do you ever cringe when people call you a Bravo Liberty?

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, all the time. I'm like, that's is. No, no, no, no.

[Ben]

It's an honor and a privilege to be called the Bravo Liberty. But it is a little cringe sometimes.

[Daisy Kelana]

Well, I just think. I mean, I'm super proud to be part of Bravo, but just like, the celebrity kind of part, I'm like. I like to describe it as being well known.

[Ben]

Yes.

[Daisy Kelana]

People know my name. That's it. Okay.

[Ben]

I do the same thing. People refer to me as a celebrity. I'm like. Not to be like, Mr. Humble, but, like, am I a celebrity? Not really.

[Daisy Kelana]

No.

[Ben]

People on TV who are pouring our hearts out. Yeah. Which I do have a lot of for, because I've seen you do that, and you're so good at it. You're easy to watch.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, I love that.

[Ben]

You're really easy to watch.

[Daisy Kelana]

Thanks.

[Ben]

I wanted to extend that compliment to you because people say that to me.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, no, I think. No, it's such a nice compliment. I think. You know, I think there's definitely elements of, like, people. I've always been Marmite, so some people hate me, some people love me.

[Ben]

Okay. I had it.

[Daisy Kelana]

So I get that reference, and I'm okay with that. But, yeah, that's a nice thing to hear. I still have impostor syndrome, and I'm still like, why am I here? And I'm like, somebody likes me still. Five years later, somebody said, put Daisy back on our TV screen. So I'm doing something right.

[Ben]

Okay, that's cool.

[Tom Schwartz]

This episode of Detox Re Talks is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are things people say about the drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home, and more. Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help you when you need it. So your dollar goes a long way. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, potential savings may vary. Not available in all states or situations.

[Ben]

So I feel like all of my listeners, they know who you are, they probably know what you do. But for people who don't can explain what a chief Stew does. Just 101 for sure.

[Daisy Kelana]

So we kind of run the interior of a super yacht. The super yacht for the rich, the famous, the billionaires of the world. And my job is to manage mainly the interior. But I've kind of learned through doing the show, I manage everyone. And that goes from doing like breakfast, lunch, dinner, and turning their cabins around. Being mom of the boat.

[Ben]

I was just gonna say it. You're your mom.

[Daisy Kelana]

I'm Mom.

[Ben]

Your mom now.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, I am mom. And I like to say I'm milf. Like, I'm the hot mom. Sometimes people are like, on the show and they're like, yeah, I wouldn't hook up with Daisy because she's like, mom. And I'm like, you meant hot mom. I'm hot mom. But yeah, I'm mom of the boat.

[Ben]

Okay. Yeah, okay. Yeah, you're in the MILF of the boat. By the way, I didn't know this because I know. I obviously know who you are. I didn't know that you come from, like, sailing royalty.

[Daisy Kelana]

That would.

[Ben]

Your grandpa said he represented Ireland in the Olympics.

[Daisy Kelana]

He did.

[Ben]

That's so fucking cool.

[Daisy Kelana]

I did. Well, the first, actually, my first season, I'd never even mentioned this in my casting or anything like this. And we were in confessionals as we talked about. And I just mentioned it, I think, in one of my last weeks of us filming our first season. And my producer was like, sorry, what? Your father referenced that. They were like, why haven't you said this before? And I was like, well, it's my grandfather, not me.

[Ben]

It's in your blood.

[Daisy Kelana]

It's in my blood now. I've always grown up by the water. It's just a huge part of our life, sailing, being by the sea. From my granddad to my aunties and uncles, my dad. Yeah. So being able to do TV on the sea. Yeah, it's a dream come true.

[Ben]

It's nature and it's nurture. Because your authenticity, like something I never had. Your confidence, your competence shines bright. What you do. Like, I, I've opened a couple bars. I, I, you know, I've had to. I was never the operating partner, but I've had to hire fire people. Actually, I never had to fire people. But, like, when you're Doing it. It's hard not to sometimes become, like, a de facto therapist. Right. Because you want to be there for him, but also, you have to establish boundaries with your employees and stuff like that. It's a delicate balance between being a passionate human being and also being mom.

[Daisy Kelana]

It's. I think it's something that the audience loves to criticize us. And what makes it so interesting, and I think Low deck. Very interesting. And probably, you know, Vanderpump Rules when it was airing is that people love to say, like, this is what I would have done. This is what I would have done. But being in that position and being, you know, so vulnerable to being scrutinized, I don't know. Like, I'm. You know, I'm still learning and trying to find that balance of being mom and being sympathetic and being strict and being hardcore. Like, it's difficult. And every season I'm changing and evolving, and, yeah, sometimes I get it right, and sometimes I don't.

[Ben]

Do you feel. Do you get guilt pangs after, like, reprimanding someone?

[Daisy Kelana]

Not really, because I think by the time I've reprimanded them, they really pissed me off. Like, you know, I think you're gonna see in our season coming forward, I think you're gonna see Ben being probably a lot less patient than I would. And so I think when I've lost my cool, you've. You've gone too far. Like, you deserve to be gone. Okay.

[Ben]

Okay. You had it coming.

[Daisy Kelana]

I. Yeah, I back myself at that point.

[Ben]

You had it coming.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah.

[Ben]

By the way, I like to. I like, during the teaser trailer for season four, we start talking about. Well, they talked about romance or boatmans. Yeah, I just. I didn't know about. I like the term boatmans, but you're like, I like a dickhead. Did you say that?

[Daisy Kelana]

I swear I said that. I love a. You know, treated me and keep them keen. I have not grown out of it, even though I'm almost 40. If you are mean to me and treat me like I will probably fancy.

[Ben]

You, well, then you would have loved us men on Vanderpump Rules. No, I can't say that. I shouldn't have said that.

[Daisy Kelana]

Reality tv, man. I love them. I can't get enough of them.

[Ben]

Also, I heard we don't have to. We're not gonna go to the dates. But, like, did you say you were mixing your dating app era?

[Daisy Kelana]

I was at an old. Yeah, no, that is relatively new. That is relatively new. I think so much of my life was on boats, so it was natural for me to date men on boats. And that was definitely a lot of my history in my past.

[Ben]

Like the.

[Tom Schwartz]

I think it's the.

[Ben]

Called the proximity clause. That's why people who work together end up dating and having affairs and stuff.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, for sure. And that was. That's probably where I feel most comfortable in. So the last kind of year or so, I've been like going into the dating apps. Yeah.

[Ben]

Scary.

[Daisy Kelana]

It is scary.

[Ben]

I had, I had hinge for three days after I got divorced. I hated every one of those days. I. I felt so cold blooded. Just missing dismissing someone's whole existence by a picture and a short little blurb about them. I felt, I don't know, cold blooded or something.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, it's definitely not natural or. Some people love it and I wish I was that person. But, you know, I do even now when I go on dates, like, I'll ask them like, oh, where did you meet your ex girlfriend? Or where do you meet people? And they're like on hinge. And I think a lot of those people don't have the opportunity to meet people in real life. And that's what I'm finding myself in at the moment. So I'm like, well, where else am I going to meet people? So I'm kind of leaning into it, but it's scary.

[Ben]

I like that you're leading into it. I like the positivity. Also, I have so many friends that are successfully in love because of dating.

[Daisy Kelana]

For sure. Yeah.

[Ben]

Just for me. I didn't love it.

[Daisy Kelana]

I don't love it.

[Ben]

I'm gonna have a martini, I'll bump into someone and then we'll end up being married. Literally bumps into my current girlfriend at the bar and, you know, we've been happy ever since. It's been really nice.

[Daisy Kelana]

I love that. I know. Well, maybe that will happen to me. Usually when someone bumps into me, I'm like, watch where you're going. Rude.

[Ben]

Wait, back to being mom on the boat. Okay. What's harder managing like, like unruly bougie, over the top guests or just managing the staff's like, ego and emotions?

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, that's actually a really good question. I think. I think initially it was especially on the show. I'm gonna keep it to the show was handling the guests. I think I was really worried about how I was gonna come across with work. And I've definitely become stricter and like more focused and honed in the. As the years have gone on. But now I really appreciate the crazy guests because they make great TV they do.

[Ben]

Maybe not so much in the moment. Right. But like afterwards.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, I just kind of appreciate, you know, I'm like, I'm like gone into producer mode. So I'm like, this guy's an asshole. It's totally fine. It's gonna make a great episode. And I guess then as the years have gone on, it's become more difficult to manage the crew. I think maybe I felt more confident in the earlier years and now that I'm able to watch myself back, now that I'm so like, like widely criticized. Yeah, it's tough. Like you don't always get it right. And these are interesting people and it's an interesting concept. And yeah, I'm, I'm. It's delicate, like as you said. And yeah, yeah, it's hard.

[Ben]

But like people in real life, it's so lovely meeting people.

[Daisy Kelana]

Right.

[Ben]

It's so warm and friendly and there's so much love. But how do you deal with like negative feedback online? Are you okay with it? Do you have sick skin?

[Daisy Kelana]

But I'm totally okay with it.

[Ben]

You seem like the type of could.

[Daisy Kelana]

Not be f. No, at times I've been bothered. I think mainly when it comes into my romantic situations because I think that feels personal and you're like going through a breakup. Like I already feel like you're not worthy and then when the world is telling you not worthy, that they're the times when I felt most vulnerable and struggled the most. Other than that, it, you know, it is just the, the pros outweighing the cons. And I'm like, I. I'm sat here in LA drinking a martini with you, like, sorry, come and hate on me.

[Ben]

Like, life could be worse. Life could be worse.

[Daisy Kelana]

Fine with this.

[Ben]

I'm fine with this too, by the way. Oh, do you watch any other Bravo shows?

[Daisy Kelana]

I do. I watch Beverly Hills, Salt Lake City. I'm gonna watch the Valley. I'd heard they did amazing first season. I'm excited to watch the second season.

[Ben]

The second season aired which was a little heavy, but.

[Daisy Kelana]

Okay. So you're the third season.

[Ben]

Yeah, the second season was. We don't have to get into it, but okay. If you go back and watch it, it's very, it's really good. But it's heavy. Divorce, custody battles.

[Daisy Kelana]

Well, you know, that comes. You gotta, you gotta have these heavy seasons to have the light hearted seasons. You know, you gotta go through those transitions and. But I am gonna. It is on my watch list. I've hear amazing. And what else do I watch? I think that's kind of it at the moment.

[Ben]

Salt Lake City, by the way, I've been. I've loved it ever since it's. It came to fruition. I'm really. Wait, do we get to see the Housewives trip on your.

[Daisy Kelana]

You got to see us.

[Ben]

Oh, my. I'm excited to see it from your guys's point of view.

[Daisy Kelana]

It's a great first episode. I watched. Oh, it's the first episode. We go in hot. Yeah. No, they. They. You know, there's a few things there. I found out that the Housewives are joining. Obviously, I got their press burn sheet at the time. Everyone's like, are you freaking out? I was like, not really. Like, I'm always freaking out about, you know, the first guest. Little did we know that they were gonna have such a stellar season. And obviously, we're watching them fighting. They're halfway through their season. We have no idea what it's about. It's super funny. Like, I was dying laughing watching the episode. And I mean, yeah, everyone's gonna love it.

[Ben]

It was so good. And I got to. I know Heather, and I know Whitney from the Housewives of Salt Lake City. I had the great pleasure of meeting Mary.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah.

[Tom Schwartz]

At Bravo.

[Daisy Kelana]

She's amazing.

[Tom Schwartz]

And it was awesome.

[Ben]

It was awesome.

[Daisy Kelana]

I'm telling you. Those women are amazing. I'd met Heather and Whitney before. I'd never met the other ladies. I was nervous about Mary coming on, which I've publicly said, because she is ruthless on that show. Oh, my God.

[Ben]

Truly has a way with words.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah. She's silent, and then when she speaks, you're like, oh, fuck, you're in trouble. But she. It was one of the nicest. Angie K. Bronwyn, I vibed with Bronwyn was a little more. I felt reserved on the show. And looking back now, we know she was going through some stuff with her, her husband and some of the girls. And. But Adam Bravocon, we completely vibed. I have so much time for every single one of those women. Honestly, they were all so lovely.

[Ben]

It was such a good season.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah. Okay.

[Ben]

Can I ask you kind of a stock question? Well, by the way, I saw this clip, and it was of Heather Gay, and she was asked about Captain Jason, and one of the producers was like, if you were stranded on a desert island and we're Jason, what would you need? And she's like, condoms and bikini. I thought that was so funny. Love you saw that.

[Daisy Kelana]

But I. Heather is an absolute vibe. I. You know, I even did some confessionals with her that didn't get aired. And we had such a laugh. I think it's brilliant. Look, Captain Jason's a bit of a sex icon. Like, we're gonna. We're gonna leave. He's a sexy man.

[Ben]

I like when he walks up. Like, at BravoCon, women swoon and men.

[Daisy Kelana]

Did you guys all, like, Were you all, like, in your ear and then you're like, who's this old guy who's.

[Ben]

Come in and parting the way the waves of fans. I'm like, wow.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, for sure.

[Ben]

You guys are pretty tight, right?

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah. Jason's so great. Like, we. You know, we actually did my podcast this morning with him, and we talked about. Yeah, we had him on, and he was so good, and we talked about how, like, he's been really honest about it. He was really nervous when he found out I was coming on. He was like, I don't think Daisy's right for this show. I don't think Daisy's right for Down Under. And then I obviously came on and was boss honest.

[Ben]

I like the confidence.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yes, absolutely.

[Tom Schwartz]

Season.

[Ben]

I'm always like, I sucked, but I love myself. I love myself, but at the end of every season, I'm, like, a little neurotic, and I'm like, man, I wish I would have done more.

[Daisy Kelana]

For sure. It's easy to get in your head. And, you know, there's parts of this season that I'm embarrassed about or I cringe at, but overall, you know, I was even talking to one of my. The girls who's on the show this season, and I was like, you've got to own it. If you own it, you're gonna enjoy the season. But if you're unsure of yourself, and I think that's kind of the beauty of being, like, in your 40s or in your 30s. I am so sure of myself that I'm like, yeah, that's embarrassing. But I own it.

[Ben]

I totally. I'm so with you because, like, I. I do have insecurities, and sometimes I'm neurotic, but also, I have such a strong sense of self now that it's hard to shake me. Yeah, it's hard to.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, yeah, that's it. That we are who we are. Like, that there is no going back. I can't change my personality.

[Ben]

Like, that could be terrifying for certain listeners who are going through some crisis right now. There's no going back.

[Daisy Kelana]

Well, I mean, maybe for other people, but I am a person who's very set in my ways. I'm very stubborn, and my person personality is very ingrained in Me, it has been from very young age. And that's just. I think, yeah, maybe other people are still finding themselves, but I am. This is me. I.

[Ben]

I'm stuck at this point. But like I'm still. I'm so curious and open a few things. I feel like I take criticism really well. Yeah, I take criticism really.

[Daisy Kelana]

No, I'm definitely open minded and I take criticism and. But I think as well, I am very secure in myself and in my insecurities. I. I'm okay with that. I'm like, yeah, like maybe I talk too much or maybe I'm too light or maybe I'm too stubborn and I'm like that, that's okay. I'm okay to not be perfect.

[Ben]

This feels like a therapy session. I like it.

[Daisy Kelana]

Look, this is, this is what I'm about.

[Ben]

Martinis and therapy at the Smokehouse in Burbank. Something about this feels iconic.

[Tom Schwartz]

I know.

[Ben]

Wait, I don't want to take up too much more of your time, but like, can you watch, like when you watch, do you watch yourself back?

[Daisy Kelana]

I do. So I love watching the episodes back. Yeah, I love it. Love it.

[Ben]

Even yourself. I love this.

[Daisy Kelana]

I. What I love about watching it back is because not only there, there are 10 other people or like nine other people that stories are being told. So there's so much that I don't get to see. I also, the way it's edited, I prefer do it watching that than watching like a podcast back or an interview. But the way this is edited, you know, the editors have spent 10 months putting this together. This was not done overnight. This was thought out. There's a team of people doing it. The juxtapositions, the humor. This is below deck especially is the kind of show you can re watch and miss jokes.

[Ben]

It has great repeat value.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh my God, a repeat value. That is it. And it's there. There's so much intellect humor that people, if you're not watching it, you're gonna miss it. Like we. I watched the first episode last night and there was a part that Mike is like our. One of our deckhands and he's like walking up with the tray of food and he's like, like repeating the food and he's like, panko, wahoo, panko, wahoo. And he comes in and he goes, wahoo, panko. It's so funny. And it's these moments I honestly almost fell off the bed. And so I find it very, very funny. And watching me is a little bit cringe, but yeah, I get it.

[Ben]

I'm at the point too, where I can, I can handle myself for the sake of how great the editors did.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, that's it.

[Ben]

You know what I mean? I'm like, all right, swear. Don't be a neurotic little bitch. Yeah, just suck it up and enjoy the show.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, no. There was a lot of moments last night where I was like, I need liposuction in my chin. I was like, that underwear needs to go in the bin. I was like, wow, that angle. You know? But the rest of it, I mean, what the editors do is they made me. They make me way funnier than I am.

[Ben]

They are maestros. They're so good at what they do. And shout out to all the editors, yeah, everyone behind the scenes. Are you guys tight with your.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, they're like some of my. Yeah, my favorite thing to come out of this whole experience. You know, the cast are amazing and I'm really close with them, but for me, the production, the editors, they are the people that, like, I really formed a special bond with their talent and support. And yeah, I'm here first.

[Ben]

No, I all forged, like, deep, meaningful friendships with production. And that was one of the saddest things. When Vanderpump Rules ended, I was like, oh, my God, like, I'm not gonna get to see these people anymore. I cried.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, no, I, I would, I would fully believe that. We, you know, we've been through a lot with our production team and, and cast kind of come and go, especially on my show. Not so much yours, but it's very short lived with these production teams. You work with them all year round. Some of them I've worked with on multiple years. And that bond is you're really going through it and. Yeah, it's one of my favorite things that have come out of the show.

[Ben]

I love that you're. Are you a travel aficionado? You love traveling, right?

[Daisy Kelana]

I love traveling. Can't keep me anywhere.

[Ben]

I could do a whole session. I never said about that. But like, when it's just you, you're chilling, no social obligations, you're in bed relaxing. Like, what's. What's your comfort show? What's your comfort food? How do you just decompress? I guess is what I'm asking.

[Daisy Kelana]

I know. I was, I actually said this the other day. I was like, we talked about things we lie about and I was like, I say I go to the gym and hike all the time and read. I just watch TV in bed.

[Ben]

It's like I just fist pumped. There's no video, guys Because I. I do love all that other stuff.

[Daisy Kelana]

I love it as well. But, like. Like I was saying, like, it's so difficult when you're dating or you're doing press or interviews. They're like, what do you do in your spare time? And all I want to say is, well, I don't have much spare time. And when I do have it, I lie in bed and watch reality tv. But that's not acceptable. Like, I have to say, I go to the gym and I hike and.

[Ben]

We detox every retox.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, no, for sure.

[Ben]

The recurring theme here. But, like, all right, you're in bed. What's like your go to fast food meal, comfort meal. Maybe you're even a little of ashamed of what you've ordered.

[Daisy Kelana]

I actually, I'm gonna be that person who gets, like, Joe and the Juice. Or, like, that's healthy. Yeah, I know. I love Joe and the Juice. Love Joe and the Juice. I know everyone else is getting McDonald's or, like, fried chicken. I want, like, an acai bowl or Joe and I want something fruity. A smoothie. The. If I'm hungover, give me everything cold. I'm gonna sit in bed. I look. I love, like, BBC dramas. They are like crime thriller. That is my comfort there. Right there.

[Ben]

They're very relaxing.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, yeah.

[Ben]

I'm deep into Antiques Roadshow lately.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh.

[Ben]

I like falling asleep to it. And I've also just riveted when I. When I'm not tired enough and I can stay awake and actually watch it.

[Daisy Kelana]

That is a great show. I have not watched that in a while. That is a great show. You just want your comfort show.

[Ben]

Yes, exactly. Listen, you look fabulous. You seem so happy. You're vibrant, and I'm happy that you're happy. How's your mental health?

[Daisy Kelana]

I am in a really good place at the moment. I think I'm definitely somebody who's doing really well when I'm busy and when, obviously when things are going well. I'm really excited for this season. I, you know, I know Bravo is really excited about it. I think 51 minds. That makes me excited. And I'm here. I'm, you know, I'm going to Thailand, and then I'm going to New York. Things are popping.

[Ben]

Yeah, I love that. I just got back from Asia. I went to Hong Kong and I went to Chongqing.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, my God. I actually was just with people at the gay VNs.

[Ben]

See, is that.

[Daisy Kelana]

What.

[Ben]

Where's that?

[Daisy Kelana]

The. The gay porn awards in Vegas.

[Ben]

I was supposed to go, oh, my God.

[Daisy Kelana]

I would have been there.

[Ben]

Okay. I can't say. Well, I won't say his real name, but he's. He was with me on this trip.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yes. Yeah, yeah.

[Ben]

On his honeymoon.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, you. Yes. I met them.

[Ben]

I love them.

[Daisy Kelana]

I met them and they were so nice. They're friends with my co host. I met them. We did something for Yacht Mess and for my podcast, and he was talking about you and your beautiful girlfriend. I honestly, I can't remember. I spoke to them for like 10 minutes.

[Ben]

I was supposed to go to that.

[Daisy Kelana]

Oh, it was. Well, it. It. The gay VNs were amazing. I was. We had just a bit of a whirlwind being there. We missed our flight coming over here. Our friend, my friend's dog. It was all a bit chaotic and. But I'm sorry you weren't there.

[Ben]

I'm so sorry, too. And shout out to Johnny and Ricky.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, well, they were singing your praises on your gorgeous girlfriend's praises, so they're.

[Ben]

Fresh off marriage, honeymoon, everything. We had the best time ever. By the way, my mic sucks right now.

[Tom Schwartz]

Sorry, guys.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, for sure. No, we're excited. We told. Yeah. Tom and I spoke about this before Yacht Mess. It's Mark who was a guest on Sailing. He reached out to me and. Yeah, you kind of enter this industry of, like, figuring out what you like, what you don't like, and talking is something I figured out. I loved. This is. This gave me a really great space. And yeah, doing these really, like, Mark and I have built this really amazing friendship through it, which has been the best part. And it's about building projects for, like, you know, we talked about before when, you know, VPR got staffed and sailing got Putting paws. You got to build these projects and things that are important to you and figure out what you like. So it's really nice to have something that's my own and mainly to make people laugh. If I make people laugh, you know, I say that people like what you want to have in your tombstone. And I've always said, since I was like 15 years old, if I made you smile or made you laugh, I'm like, I'm. I'm so at peace.

[Ben]

I. I could not agree more. I'm so flattered. I don't. Like, the highest compliment to me is when someone says, you made me like, you're fine.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah, yeah, we have good energy. You are funny, but you're good energy as well.

[Ben]

Sorry. Yeah, that's so much nicer. Oh, my God, my mic sucked. Anyways, this has been so nice, and I Enjoyed our time together. Thank you so much. So hyped for the new season. Yacht mess. Follow it, listen to it, love it. Leave a review like and review. What else? What else?

[Daisy Kelana]

That's all. I'm just happy to be here. I got my martini. I got all my stuff here. Joke, joke. But no, thank you for having me on here. And I'm excited to watch your season. The Valley. And. And yeah, no, it's been. This is fun.

[Ben]

Thank you so much. And let's take it easy on ourselves this season.

[Daisy Kelana]

Yeah.

[Tom Schwartz]

Yes.

[Ben]

Let's take it easy on ourselves. Let's have a steak. Let's have. By the way, they're famous for their garlic bread here. I don't think we're gonna get there. None of us are hungry. Are we eating garlic bread now? Oh, maybe they're famous for the prime rib steak and garlic bread.

[Daisy Kelana]

Okay, I am gonna come back here. This is a vibe.

[Ben]

This is many, many, many deals have been closed, sealed and dealed here. Lives have been changed in this place. It's right across the street from Warner Brothers Studios. So lot of history. And I feel like in some small way, we added to it.

[Daisy Kelana]

I love that. I'm. This is where we're gonna. You and I are gonna go from reality TV to full stardom.

[Ben]

Oh, my God. I just realized I forgot to hit record.

[Daisy Kelana]

No, she not. They'd be way more upset.

[Ben]

Thank you, Daisy. Thank you so much.

[Daisy Kelana]

Of course. Thanks. Domestic.