Podcast Summary: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge Episode: The Two Seat: ALEX BASKIN
Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Two Ts In A Pod, hosted by Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge, the discussion centers around Denise Richards' latest ventures in the true crime genre, her experiences producing reality TV shows, and updates on upcoming projects within the Real Housewives universe. The episode delves deep into Denise's new podcast series, "Once Upon a Con", exploring her journey from being a victim of fraud to becoming a crusader against con artists.

Denise Richards' New True Crime Series: "Once Upon a Con"

Denise Richards introduces her groundbreaking true crime podcast, "Once Upon a Con," which premiered on February 12, 2025, on the iHeartRadio app. The series chronicles her personal experience with David Blum, a notorious con artist, and her transformation from being defrauded to spearheading a campaign against his fraudulent activities.

Denise Richards [03:38]: "This is our moment to take control of our health and reproductive journeys."

The Story Behind the Story

Denise recounts how she became aware of David Blum's extensive history of fraud, including his deceptive activities since the 1980s, where he defrauded high-profile individuals like the Rockefellers. The catalyst for the podcast was Denise's discovery that Caroline D'Amore, a television personality and founder of an organic Italian food company, had also been conned by Blum.

Denise Richards [04:30]: "What a real charmer."

Denise emphasizes the significance of giving a face to the story by featuring Caroline, who not only fell victim to Blum but also took active steps to expose his schemes. This personal touch adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it both gripping and empowering for listeners.

Denise Richards [05:54]: "These are not infrequent stories. There are cons out there. A lot of victims don't come forward because there's a shame associated with it."

Production Insights and Impact

Denise discusses the production process, highlighting the exclusive interviews with Blum's victims, including those from his fraudulent endeavors in Manhattan during the 80s and 90s. The podcast aims to unearth Blum's tactics and shed light on his long trail of deceit.

Denise Richards [08:33]: "He's been featured in, I think, a bunch of one-offs and anthologies, so I don't know that there's a full series about him."

Denise underscores the importance of combating the stigma associated with being scammed, encouraging victims to come forward and share their stories without shame.

Denise Richards [07:27]: "I think if we can bring any awareness to this, I think that's great."

Legal Proceedings and Future Aspirations

David Blum is currently incarcerated, awaiting the resolution of his case, which Denise hopes will serve as a deterrent for other would-be con artists.

Denise Richards [09:34]: "He is. And we're waiting for resolution of the case. And the DA takes this really seriously, which is great."

Denise envisions the podcast not only as a recounting of past events but also as a catalyst for empowering others to fight back against fraud.

Denise Richards [10:02]: "If you live in hope, you die in shit."

Producing Reality TV: Insights from Denise Richards

Beyond her true crime endeavors, Denise shares her experiences in producing reality TV shows, particularly within the Real Housewives franchise.

Challenges and Evolution of Reality TV

Denise reflects on the demanding nature of producing shows like "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills", "Vanderpump Rules", and "The Valley." She acknowledges the increasing difficulty with each successive season, citing the challenges of keeping content fresh and engaging.

Denise Richards [17:02]: "Yes, and it's. And I think the challenging thing is, like, when it's not exhausting, sometimes that means that there's nothing happening and it's boring."

Upcoming Projects: "Denise Richards and Her Wild Things"

Denise introduces her new show, "Denise Richards and Her Wild Things," set to air on March 4th. The show promises a blend of comedy and drama, focusing on Denise's life post-divorce and her relationships with her daughters.

Denise Richards [27:10]: "It's really fun. I like the fact that it's a blend of comedy and drama and so it's not one of those over the top reality sitcoms."

She highlights the show's authenticity, featuring cameos from notable personalities like Paris Hilton, Garcelle Beauvais, and Charlie's ex-wife, adding star power and relatability.

Denise Richards [29:12]: "There are appearances from everyone from Hathi Hilton to Garcelle and Sutton to Camille Grammer to Charlie..."

Updates on "Vanderpump Rules" and "The Valley"

Denise provides teasers for upcoming seasons of "Vanderpump Rules" and "The Valley," hinting at fresh storylines and new cast dynamics. She assures listeners that while maintaining the essence of the original shows, these new series will offer a unique take without being mere reboots.

Denise Richards [30:26]: "All things are possible. I, you know, there's nothing to announce, obviously."

Reflections on Longevity in Reality TV

Discussing the longevity of the Real Housewives franchise, Denise muses on its potential to continue for decades, likening it humorously to the legendary "Golden Girls" as the show ages.

Denise Richards [22:13]: "Yeah. Then you have to rename it the Golden Girls."

Conclusion

This episode of Two Ts In A Pod offers an in-depth look into Denise Richards' multifaceted career, from her resilience in overcoming personal fraud to her strategic role in shaping influential reality TV narratives. Denise's candid discussions provide valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of producing compelling true crime content and sustaining long-running television projects. Her commitment to empowering victims and creating authentic entertainment resonates throughout the episode, leaving listeners inspired and informed.

Notable Quotes

• Denise Richards [05:54]: "These are not infrequent stories. There are cons out there..."
• Denise Richards [07:27]: "I think if we can bring any awareness to this, I think that's great."
• Denise Richards [10:02]: "If you live in hope, you die in shit."
• Denise Richards [17:02]: "Yes, and it's. And I think the challenging thing is..."
• Denise Richards [22:13]: "Yeah. Then you have to rename it the Golden Girls."
• Denise Richards [27:10]: "It's really fun. I like the fact that it's a blend of comedy and drama..."
• Denise Richards [30:26]: "All things are possible. I, you know, there's nothing to announce, obviously."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing valuable information for listeners and those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of reality TV production and true crime storytelling.