The Viall Files Episode E888 Summary: Denise Richards Returns, Traitors w/ Chrishell, Love Is Blind w/ Alex, RHOBH, & Justin/Blake Update

Release Date: February 20, 2025

In episode E888 of "The Viall Files," host Nick Viall, alongside Natalie Joy, Garcelle Beauvais, Sutton Stracke, and Dorit Kemsley, delves into a myriad of engaging topics spanning reality TV, celebrity news, and personal insights into relationships and parenting. This episode is particularly packed, featuring notable guest appearances and in-depth discussions on popular reality shows.

1. Denise Richards Returns & Her New Bravo Show

Guest Appearance: Denise Richards joins the panel to discuss her latest venture, "Denise and the Wild Things", a new show on Bravo. Fresh off her stint on "Special Forces," Denise shares her excitement and challenges in transitioning to her own reality series.

Key Discussions:

• Show Details: Denise explains the show's premise, highlighting that it offers an unfiltered glimpse into her family life. (Nick Viall, [09:06])

  "We have pretty much no filter, which is not a surprise with myself and my family. It's just slice of life."

• Filming Dynamics: She touches upon the unique experience of filming with her older daughters, contrasting it with her previous appearances on "Housewives" where her children were too young to participate.

• Balancing Family & Fame: Denise reflects on parenthood, sharing heartfelt moments about her daughter River turning one and the emotional journey of watching her grow more independent. (Nick Viall, [10:09])

  "Every day that goes by, River will need us less and less."

• Challenges on Special Forces: Denise opens up about her time on "Special Forces," detailing the intense physical challenges and the emotional toll it took, including a memorable stunt where she jumped from a moving boat to a helicopter. (Chrishell Stause, [17:01])

  "I was like, I'm gonna let go."

2. Chrishell Stause’s Journey: From Special Forces to Her New Show

Guest Spotlight: Chrishell Stause, known for her roles in reality TV and acting, provides an intimate look into her experiences on "Special Forces" and her upcoming family-oriented Bravo show.

Key Discussions:

• Special Forces Experience: Chrishell recounts the rigorous demands of "Special Forces," emphasizing the lack of training and the real dangers involved. (Chrishell Stause, [17:01])

  "What happens is, like, you're standing on the shoreline... and you're like, go do that."

• Launching Her Own Show: She introduces her new Bravo show, "Traders", which focuses on her family's dynamics and challenges. Discussing the production process, Chrishell highlights the importance of involving her daughters and maintaining authenticity. (Chrishell Stause, [12:07])

  "It's more like light-hearted family. More funny than a lot of love."

• Navigating Parenthood: The conversation shifts to parenting strategies, such as regular staycations to nurture romance and ensure quality time for her relationship. (Chrishell Stause, [21:44])

  "It's so important for especially young parents, too, to not forget to have romance and have your time to always reconnect."

• Dealing with Tragedy: Chrishell shares her experience with Malibu fires, discussing the emotional impact and the importance of community support during crises. (Chrishell Stause, [27:23])

  "We were out for about two weeks. But it's all good. We're all safe."

3. Justin and Blake Update: Legal Battles and Public Scrutiny

Discussion Topic: The hosts engage in a heated discussion about the ongoing legal issues between Justin and Blake, particularly focusing on allegations of Justin's misconduct towards women, as updated by Blake Lively.

Key Points:

• New Allegations: Nick Viall outlines the latest updates, mentioning that additional women have come forward with complaints against Justin, preparing for potential testimonies in court. (Nick Viall, [06:34])

  "Justin Baldoni people will pick it apart and all the online trolls... looking forward to the day this finally goes to court."

• Public Smear Campaign: The conversation touches on Justin's challenges with public perception and online smear campaigns, highlighting the inevitability of legal proceedings and their impact on his reputation. (Nick Viall, [07:45])

  "The online smear campaign of Justin Baldoni has been effective... when they go to a trial."

• Courtroom Predictions: The hosts express confidence that the court proceedings will favor the accusers, anticipating Justin's public downfall as more evidence surfaces. (Nick Viall, [07:45])

  "There's going to be a lot of people who really embarrass themselves... when they go to a trial."

4. Love Is Blind Episodes 4-6: Insights with Alex

Guest Interview: Alex, a participant from "Love Is Blind," joins the show to discuss his relationship with Madison and the reasons behind their breakup after episodes four through six.

Key Discussions:

• Relationship Dynamics: Alex elaborates on the communication challenges he faced with Madison, citing differing communication styles as a primary cause for their split. (Alex, [57:56])

  "The main concern that was showed was the lack of communication... we weren't on the same page."

• Editing and Perception: He reflects on how selective editing portrayed their relationship, often not showcasing the deeper, more sincere conversations they had. (Alex, [56:15])

  "They didn't show 99% of what we talk about in the pods... it was all very serious conversations."

• Handling Negativity: Alex discusses his discomfort with Madison's handling of ex-partner Mason, perceiving some of her actions as manipulative and reinforcing red flags about the relationship. (Alex, [59:08])

  "There was a little more negativity being said about Mason... that's why I kept pushing back."

• Personal Growth: Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional maturity, Alex shares his decision to end the relationship for his mental well-being, rather than staying for media exposure. (Nick Viall, [59:02])

  "I am really proud of how I handled everything. I wouldn't change my actions or decisions at all."

Notable Quotes:

• Alex on ending the relationship:

  "I wanted to be true to myself and not force anything and be that guy that just goes along with it just to be on TV." ([57:34])

• Chrishell on understanding parenting:

  "Someone said, 'you grow with your kids.' And it's so true. You grow with them." ([11:46])

5. RHOBH and Other Reality TV Highlights

Discussion Segment: The panel briefly touches upon updates and highlights from other reality TV shows, including "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" (RHOBH).

Key Points:

• Casting Crossovers: Chrishell Stause hints at possible housewife cameos in her new show, indicating a mix of familiar faces from Bravo’s reality TV lineup. (Chrishell Stause, [14:29])

  "It looks like some housewife cameos... mostly Bev Hills."

• Friendships and Rivalries: The hosts discuss the intricate dynamics among cast members, addressing conflicts and alliances that make reality TV both compelling and contentious. (Garcelle Beauvais, Sutton Stracke, and others during various timestamps)

6. Interpersonal Dynamics and Parenting Anecdotes

Casual Conversations: Beyond structured topics, the episode features light-hearted banter and personal stories about parenting, household routines, and navigating friendships within the reality TV sphere.

Highlights:

• Sleep Routines: Nick and Chrishell share their strategies for ensuring restful nights with their children, discussing the challenges of balancing parental duties with personal time. (Nick Viall, [38:16])

  "We walked in, I put on one of Natalie's robes... then I cuddle and put her back to sleep."

• Pet Stories: The panel fondly talks about their pets, adding a relatable and warm touch to the episode. (Chrishell Stause, [40:52])

  "Jeff is up next to me... sometimes I'm sandwiched between Natalie's body heat and Jeff's."

• Future Plans: Discussions about potential relocations to the South reflect personal aspirations for a slower-paced life and closer community ties. (Dorit Kemsley, [45:18])

  "We want to raise her in a different... slower life, a bigger community, closer to family."

7. Closing Thoughts and Teasers for Upcoming Content

Farewells and Future Plans: As the episode wraps up, the hosts express excitement for Denise Richards’ new show premiere on March 4th and hint at upcoming discussions on other shows like "Love Is Blind." They also encourage listeners to tune in for more insightful conversations and updates.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Nick Viall on parenting emotions:

  "I started crying, you know, because she has that bond. But I was just pointing out that we can't look away for five seconds." ([10:22])

• Chrishell on maintaining authenticity:

  "I wanted to be honest and get out what I could from the show." ([19:46])

• Alex on emotional maturity:

  "I was not about to force it or continue it longer than it needed to." ([59:02])

Conclusion: Episode E888 of "The Viall Files" offers a rich tapestry of conversations that blend celebrity insights, personal anecdotes, and engaging discussions on popular reality TV shows. From Denise Richards' exciting new venture to Chrishell Stause’s candid recounting of her reality TV experiences and Alex’s reflections on his relationship in "Love Is Blind," the episode provides listeners with both entertainment and meaningful takeaways on relationships and personal growth.