The Bert Show – Vault: Interview – Ryan Seacrest

Release Date: October 30, 2025
Host: Pionaire Podcasting — Bert Show Cast
Guest: Ryan Seacrest

Episode Overview

This episode features a lively, candid interview with Ryan Seacrest as he returns to Atlanta for "American Idol" auditions. The hosts and Seacrest discuss his hectic schedule, his roots in Atlanta, behind-the-scenes insights about "American Idol," celebrity encounters, rumors, and the perks (and pitfalls) of fame. The episode maintains the Bert Show’s signature playful banter, with Seacrest matching the cast’s humor and energy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ryan Seacrest’s Crazy Schedule and Atlanta Return

• Red-Eye Travels:
  • Seacrest shares he just arrived in Atlanta on a red-eye flight and hasn't slept yet.

    "Dude, I'm tired." (02:40, Seacrest)

  • Despite exhaustion, he looks forward to his mom’s home cooking and seeing his parents in Dunwoody.

    "Place I have to go is home for my mother's cooking." (03:15, Seacrest)

• Hometown Ties:
  • Seacrest mentions his ties to Dunwoody High School and the tight itinerary that prevents him from hanging out much with friends.
  • Reminiscing about local Atlanta spots, humor about bringing American Idol judges to city staples like The Varsity restaurant.

    "I'm gonna try and get dad and Paula, maybe to swing through the varsity." (04:03, Seacrest)

2. American Idol Backstage — Judges, Auditions & Rising Standards

• Judge Banter:
  • Hosts note the close, playful relationship between Seacrest and Simon Cowell.

    "It never stops... We get a kick out of topping each other and playing with each other, joking around." (04:20-04:22, Seacrest)

• Talent Pool in Atlanta:
  • Seacrest observes more people auditioning and a higher bar for progressing to Hollywood.

    "...looking for that someone that sort of leaves the room and you still keep thinking about him like a great date, you know?" (04:42-04:57, Seacrest)

  • He emphasizes the elevated standards judges now expect from contestants.

3. Rumors, Dating, and Life in the Spotlight

• Addressing Paula Abdul Rumors:
  • Direct confrontation (with humor) about longstanding rumors of a romance with Paula Abdul.

    "No, no, no, no. No truth. No. No sexual escapades or lovemaking with Paula for me." (05:21, Seacrest)

  • Lighthearted mention of dinners and how rumors began from public dinners as coworkers.
• Celebrity Encounters:
  • Seacrest shares stories of being mistaken for dating various celebrities, including Lisa Ling and Angie Everhart (skydiving story).

    "She was on the show and she said, do you want to go out? ... Let's go skydiving. ... Next day I'm strapped to some guy's ass. Tandem. ... I couldn't keep up with her. She's too crazy." (06:31, Seacrest)

  • Reflects on the surreal nature of being recognized by other celebrities now.

    "It surprises me sometimes that the ones that you know, know who you are." (07:17, Seacrest)

4. The Perks and Realities of Fame

• Free Swag:
  • When asked about the coolest thing he's gotten for free, Seacrest lists shoes from Reebok and once having a complimentary Escalade.

    "Reebok, I get a lot of shoes from Reebok, which is nice. I actually was driving an Escalade for a little bit for free. ... Then they take it back." (08:12-08:24, Seacrest)

  • Amused reflection on how perks arrive only once you’re able to afford them.

    "But yeah, it's like once you can afford to actually buy something, you turn around and things are coming in for free." (08:26, Seacrest)

5. Changes at American Idol — After Brian Dunkleman

• Dunkleman’s Departure:
  • Hosts press Seacrest with a “gun to your head” question: Will he miss co-host Brian Dunkleman?

    "I don't think I'll miss him too much. ... He's a great comedian ... I appreciate you standing on a stage with me because God knows that's not fun." (08:51-09:25, Seacrest)

  • Seacrest reflects that Dunkleman realized the show wasn’t right for his bigger career goals and wishes him well.
  • Regarding hosting the show solo or with a new co-host, Seacrest is nonchalant and grateful to stay invol ved:

    "As long as I can do it again. I mean, why not be a part of that television show? It's so big, and I have nothing to do with how big it was, so why not come back and do it again?" (09:43-09:58, Seacrest)

6. Money, Pay Raises, and Keeping Perspective

• Salary Talk:
  • Playful banter about enormous paychecks follows, with Seacrest maintaining a humble, humorous attitude.

    "I haven't seen [the money] ... We don't get paid till weeks and weeks into it." (10:06-10:12, Seacrest)

  • Quips from co-hosts about rich people not counting their money, just rolling in it.

7. Final Moments

• Farewells and Real Life:
  • After exchanging thanks, Seacrest jokes about having to head to work despite the early hour and no sleep.

    "I have to go to work now." (10:29, Seacrest)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Place I have to go is home for my mother’s cooking.” — Ryan Seacrest (03:15)
• "It never stops. ... We get a kick out of topping each other and playing with each other, joking around." — Seacrest, on his dynamic with Simon Cowell (04:20-04:22)
• "We're looking for that someone that sort of leaves the room and you still keep thinking about him like a great date, you know?" — Seacrest on great Idol contestants (04:55)
• "No truth. No. No sexual escapades or lovemaking with Paula for me." — Seacrest (05:21)
• "She was on the show and she said, do you want to go out? ... Let's go skydiving. ... Next day I'm strapped to some guy's ass. ... I couldn't keep up with her. She's too crazy." — Seacrest on Angie Everhart (06:31)
• “It surprises me sometimes that the ones that you know, know who you are.” — Seacrest (07:17)
• "[Perks] ... It's like once you can afford to actually buy something, you turn around and things are coming in for free." — Seacrest (08:26)
• "I appreciate you standing on a stage with me because God knows that's not fun." — Seacrest about Brian Dunkleman (09:25)
• "As long as I can do it again. I mean, why not be a part of that television show? It's so big..." — Seacrest (09:53)

Key Timestamps

• 02:39: Seacrest joins, discusses hectic travel and Atlanta homecoming
• 03:15: Seacrest on his craving for his mother’s cooking
• 04:03: Joking about taking Idol judges to Atlanta hot spots
• 04:20–04:22: Banter and backstage fun with Simon Cowell
• 04:42–04:58: Reflections on Idol talent, higher standards
• 05:21: Addressing Paula Abdul dating rumors
• 06:31: Skydiving with Angie Everhart
• 07:17: Being recognized by fellow celebrities
• 08:12–08:26: Free stuff and perks of fame
• 08:51–09:25: Thoughts on Brian Dunkleman's departure
• 09:43–09:58: Hosting Idol solo and staying humble
• 10:06–10:12: Playful banter about Idol paychecks
• 10:29: Seacrest prepares to head off to work

Summary Takeaway

This episode serves up an authentic, funny, and revealing conversation with Ryan Seacrest. He generously shares the realities of his whirlwind schedule, showbiz perks, and genuine love for both his hometown and the team behind "American Idol". It also offers candid, good-natured responses to rumors and a healthy dose of relatable humility, making it a memorable feature for fans of Seacrest, "American Idol," and morning radio alike.