Vault: Interview - Ryan Seacrest

Summary

The Bert Show – Vault: Interview – Ryan Seacrest

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

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

Transcript

[Jeff Bridges]

Morning Zoe. Got donuts.

[Dana]

Jeff Bridges why are you still living above our garage?

[Jeff Bridges]

Well I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T mobile commercial like you teach me.

[Dana]

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[Jeff Bridges]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Interviewer]

Nice.

[Dana]

J free.

[Co-host]

You heard them.

[Jeff Bridges]

T Mobile is the best place to.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible traded in any condition.

[Jeff Bridges]

So what are we having for lunch?

[Dana]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Announcer]

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[Jeff Bridges]

Hey, the Birch Show.

[Interviewer]

Nobody could have predicted how big American Idol was going to be. I mean, during the whole duration of the show, the thing was a ratings winner. And even after the show was over, when they had auditions here in Atlanta, people were going nuts, lining up to try out for American Idol. Well, we were a little anxious about it, too, so we thought we'd just give Ryan Seacrest a call. He was here in Atlanta, so we might as well call him, find out what he thought so far of the American Idol tryouts.

[Ryan Seacrest]

What's up, dude?

[Interviewer]

How you doing?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Dude, I'm tired.

[Interviewer]

Oh, are you sleeping?

[Ryan Seacrest]

I just got in on the red eye.

[Interviewer]

Oh, did you really? Your flight just got here.

[Ryan Seacrest]

What's that?

[Interviewer]

Your flight just got in.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I just got in? Yeah, like an hour ago.

[Co-host]

Have you even been asleep yet?

[Ryan Seacrest]

No, that's all right.

[Co-host]

Are you trying to go to sleep?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Not anymore.

[Interviewer]

Sorry.

[Co-host]

Dude, I'm so sorry.

[Interviewer]

I was going to say welcome to Atlanta, but you already know your way around the city.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Dude, I can't wait. My mom and my dad are in Dunwoody. I can't wait to see them.

[Interviewer]

What? What do you have planned for the couple of days that you're here? Like, you must have a craving for Atlanta. Even out in la. Like, when you get back, where's the place you gotta go?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Place I have to go is home for my mother's cooking.

[Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah. So I'll see them probably tomorrow because we've got a long day of auditions today.

[Co-host]

Where is home? What part of Atlanta are you from? Is it Dunwoody?

[Jeff Bridges]

Yeah.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I went to Dunwoody High School.

[Interviewer]

Grew up there. So will all your friends, like, be calling, hey, dude, we gotta go out tonight?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah, they may want to go out and just grab a beer or something, but, you know, we're on this pretty tight schedule where we've got auditions into the night, and then with the flying around, I think yesterday morning I was in New York when I got up, and I flew out to LA to do my radio show in the afternoon and then took the red eye here, so schedule's pretty crazy.

[Interviewer]

I bet.

[Co-host]

So, Ryan, what are the chances that we see you out tonight with, like, Paula and Simon and. And rain?

[Interviewer]

Cheetah, baby.

[Jeff Bridges]

Cheetah.

[Co-host]

We're coming, like, up on the top deck of Lulu's, all sharing the same fishbowl.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'm gonna try and get dad And Paula, maybe to swing through the varsity.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, you gotta introduce her to the varsity. Bring Simon over to the varsity, man.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Wouldn't that be. Actually, that's a very good idea.

[Co-host]

This dude is extraordinary.

[Ryan Seacrest]

That would be a very funny idea.

[Interviewer]

You and Simon get along really well, don't you? You can tell that. You guys give each other a lot of crap.

[Ryan Seacrest]

It never stops.

[Interviewer]

But it's playful.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah, it never stops. I mean, we do it. We leave each other messages. We try and outdo each other in all facets of our real lives, but, yeah, it never stops. We get a kick out of topping each other and playing with each other, joking around.

[Interviewer]

What have you thought about the talent trying out this time around compared to last?

[Ryan Seacrest]

I think we see it well, Obviously a lot of people. A lot more people have showed up. I think we've seen a lot of very good singers, people who obviously have good voices, but 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?

[Interviewer]

Right.

[Ryan Seacrest]

And I think they've also raised the bar when it comes to who they're going to put through to Hollywood. I think they've certainly raised the bar when it comes to that, you know, finding that talent and putting them through to the next level.

[Co-host]

Now, Ryan, I was planning on using any opening I could find to ask the following question, and you just gave it to me. Speaking of great dates, there are some rumors about you and Paula Abdul is the start of American Idol 1.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hang on, hang on. Paula, they want to talk to you. Damn it. Same thing. It was like a log laying in bed. No, no, no, no. No truth. No. No sexual escapades or lovemaking with Paula for me. We, you know, we met on the show and then we went out a couple times just as co workers to dinner. And I guess that's where that got started.

[Interviewer]

Okay, okay, then finish this sentence. The last celebrity that I had a date with was God.

[Ryan Seacrest]

As if it'd be easy.

[Interviewer]

You went out with God?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah. That'll start another rumor, won't it?

[Announcer]

Right.

[Ryan Seacrest]

The last celebrity I went on a date with.

[Co-host]

Cause you're a big Los Angeles DJ now.

[Interviewer]

You get the rumors.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'm trying to think of who. I don't know if it was a date. I went to a burlesque show in New York with Lisa Ling from the View, but we weren't on a date date, you know?

[Interviewer]

All right.

[Ryan Seacrest]

And then I went skydiving with Angie Everhart.

[Interviewer]

Oh, that didn't sound.

[Ryan Seacrest]

And that's the last time I saw her.

[Co-host]

How does that happen? Does her publicist call your publicist?

[Jeff Bridges]

No.

[Ryan Seacrest]

She was on the show and she said, do you want to go out? And I said, yeah. And then she said, well, let's go skydiving. You've done that or you would do that? I'm like, totally. Because that's what you say, right? When Angie Everton model says, do you want to do anything? And then of course I'm scared to death and the next day I'm strapped to some guy's ass. Tandem. So that was the last time we hung out because I couldn't keep up with her. She's too crazy.

[Interviewer]

This must, I mean this has.

[Co-host]

Now tell us the truth. Did you break up with Angie Everhart just so you could say, yeah, I dumped Angie Everhart pretty much, yeah. Nicely done.

[Interviewer]

Now before you were like a cool DJ in LA and all, but I mean this show has opened up a lot more doors as far as hanging out with celebrities go. Does it surprise you sometimes with who the celebrities you're hanging out with now.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Is just surprises me sometimes that the ones that you know, know who you are. Yeah, yeah, that's kind of, I mean it's kind of cool because you know, we all have, we're all fans of people on TV and artists and you know, in the movies. And so when you go to something and you run into somebody and they, and you introduce yourself, oh my God, it's so nice to meet you. My name is Ryan. They're like, yeah, I know, I saw the show. And then of course usually that's followed by yeah, I know, and an insult. But that's kind of cool, you know.

[Co-host]

As a big TV celebrity now, what's the coolest thing you've ever gotten for free?

[Ryan Seacrest]

First of all, this call has been great for my ego. What's been so popular when I got up this morning or when I landed this morning, what's the greatest thing I got for free?

[Co-host]

Right. Cause you know like you started out as a radio DJ and is there any bigger thrill than, you know, free stuff? Yeah. When you're a baby radio DJ and you go to the sandwich shop for.

[Ryan Seacrest]

The folks and they're sending over like the chicken basket.

[Co-host]

Exactly.

[Interviewer]

Uh huh.

[Guest Speaker]

Yeah.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Well, Reebok, I get a lot of shoes from Reebok, which is nice. I actually was driving an Escalade for a little bit for free.

[Interviewer]

Nice.

[Ryan Seacrest]

That's kind of cool.

[Interviewer]

Really nice.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Then they take it back.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, that sucks.

[Ryan Seacrest]

But yeah, it's like once you can afford to Actually buy something, you turn around and things are coming in for free.

[Interviewer]

That's awesome.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I'd hate me right now.

[Interviewer]

Okay, before we let you go and go get your sleep before auditions today, there's a gun to your head, and all you can do is say yes or no. Okay. Will you miss Brian Dungelman?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Gun to my head.

[Interviewer]

Gun to your head. Yes. I will miss him. No, I will not.

[Guest Speaker]

No.

[Interviewer]

Okay.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I mean, I think if there's a gun to my head, I don't think I'll miss him too much. But I wish the dude well. He's a great comedian. I mean, I know that he didn't get a chance to do that stuff on our show. And he's got a darker sense of humor. When he can do that, he's really strong. And so he's gonna. He's going to pursue it. And I wish him the best. I think. I think this show, he realized it wasn't the right thing for him when he took a step back and started thinking about what he wanted to do in the long run in the scheme of things for his goals. So, Duncleman, I wish you the best. I appreciate you standing on a stage with me because God knows that's not fun.

[Interviewer]

Oh, did you. You were carrying the thing anyway. You're going to be fine. No. Who knows you're bringing somebody else in to hang with you? Or are you going to do this by yourself now?

[Ryan Seacrest]

What are you doing for the next quarter?

[Interviewer]

Nothing but time. You should see our ratings.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I've heard. I think at this point I'm doing it by myself.

[Jeff Bridges]

All right, cool.

[Interviewer]

Cool. You happy about that?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah. I mean, actually, honestly, I don't care. I show up, they put somebody with me. Great. They have Duncan back. Fine. They have to do it alone. I don't care. 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?

[Dana]

How great does it feel to be getting that huge pay raise?

[Interviewer]

Yeah, dude. Nice.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I guess that's. That's. Yeah, that's good.

[Dana]

What are you getting like a million dollars now for?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Oh, I don't know how much it is. I haven't seen it. I haven't seen. You know, we don't get paid till weeks and weeks into it.

[Co-host]

The people in the seven figure range, Lindsay, don't count their money. They just take it and put it in their investment portfolio.

[Interviewer]

They just roll around naked in it.

[Ryan Seacrest]

No, keep giving. Give us some advice here.

[Interviewer]

Hey, Ryan. Welcome back to Atlanta, man.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, thanks for having me. What time is it?

[Interviewer]

It's, you know, around 7:38, you know. Oh, good.

[Ryan Seacrest]

I have to go to work now.

[Interviewer]

All right, dude.

[Ryan Seacrest]

All right guys, thanks.

[Interviewer]

Take care. Bye.

[Jeff Bridges]

The bird Show. Morning, Zoe. Got donuts.

[Dana]

Jeff Bridges, why are you still living above our garage?

[Jeff Bridges]

Well, I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T mobile commercial like you. Teach me. So Dana.

[Dana]

Oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at T Mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Jeff Bridges]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Interviewer]

Nice.

[Dana]

Jeffrey, you heard them.

[Jeff Bridges]

T mobile is the best place to.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible traded in any condition.

[Jeff Bridges]

So what are we having for launch?

[Dana]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Announcer]

The 24 month bill credit is on experience beyond for well qualified customers. First tax and 35 device connection charge credit sending balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Finance Agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs $1099.99 A new line minimum $100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required. Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Ookliffe Speed Test Intelligence data 1H 2025 Visit t mobile.com hello listeners.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Meet Lisa. Hey there.

[Announcer]

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[Guest Speaker]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Guest Speaker]

Before I knew it, people all over were hearing about my shop.

[Announcer]

Now that's a smart way to grow your business.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey Lisa, what's trending right now? Shopping sustainably. And my sales, of course.

[Announcer]

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