Podcast Summary: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge

Episode: Twots Takes BravoCon 2025 (Alex Baskin)

Date: November 15, 2025
Guest: Alex Baskin (Bravo producer)
Special Guest Co-Host: Alexis Bellino
Location: BravoCon, Las Vegas

Overview:

This episode is a live recording from BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas, featuring a special guest interview with producer Alex Baskin, known for his work across the Bravo Real Housewives franchise. Co-hosted by Alexis Bellino, former Real Housewives of Orange County star, the conversation offers behind-the-scenes insights into producing hit reality TV, the chaos of BravoCon, and the dynamics between cast, crew, and production. Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge anchor the banter with their signature candidness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Chaos and Energy of BravoCon

• Alexis welcomes Alex Baskin, jokingly comparing his presence to meeting the "President of the United States."
• Alex describes BravoCon as “chaos”—but also a rewarding experience:

  "It takes an army to make [these shows]… you really get a sense of how much they mean to the audience when you’re in a setting like this." (04:52)

• The event is a whirlwind of running into staff, fans, and cast members—a circus that Alex is both proud of and happy to step away from for the interview.

2. Navigating Relationships with Bravo Celebrities

• Alexis teases Alex about potential conflicts with Bravo stars at the convention, pressing him for dish:

  Alex Baskin: "I only have conflict with the people who aren’t here… But no, I’d just say I’m fine with everyone here." (05:39)

• He maintains diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of being “diplomatic” in his role (06:06).

3. Authenticity and Drama: The Lie Detector Test Storyline

• The episode explores the notorious lie detector test used on a recent season:

  Alex: "It was authentic in the sense that it was a real company and they gave the test. Obviously, it’s not admissible in court… It was Emily’s idea to do the lie detector test in the first place." (06:43)

• Alexis shares her own TV experience with lie detectors, highlighting that only a few companies will do this on camera and the pressure it puts on participants.

4. Fairness, Entertainment, and the Human Side of Reality TV

• Both acknowledge the show’s purpose:

  Alexis: "We are not performing brain surgery, people. We are here to entertain America and to make people laugh and to give a little bit of fun and lighten up life a little bit." (08:54)

• Alex expresses sympathy for cast member Katie who was under group scrutiny and faced the lie detector, reminding listeners it's “not a court of law” (08:32).

5. The Future of Cast & Upcoming Reunion

• Alexis pushes Alex on whether Katie will return:

  Alex (on Katie’s future): "The real answer is we’re figuring out what we’re doing...We just did casting, so we’re taking a look at that and we’re having all the conversations that we need to have as we figure out what to do in what is a really big season. It’s season 20." (09:27)

• The reunion episodes are still airing, with the promise that the next installment will be “really explosive.”

6. Inside the Life of a Bravo Producer

• Alexis probes about the stress and volume of communication Alex gets from Housewives—especially in the thick of a season:

  Alex: "It’s a lot in a given day…Sometimes I get calls that...wanna take hours and I just don’t have the time… I have to keep a schedule." (10:31)

• Alexis praises Alex's punctuality and schedule management, noting he’s the most punctual person she’s ever worked with (10:53).

7. The Busy Life Mindset

• They relate over thriving in high-pressure, fast-paced environments:

  Alex: "There isn't any downtime, so it's ongoing. But that's the life I chose to lead." (17:46)
  "Whenever I have a moment of quiet and I have time to get all of the work done that I've been waiting to do, I almost panic." (18:15)

• Both agree that being overwhelmed with activity is oddly energizing, and those used to chaos are often the most productive.

8. Personal Life & Work-Life Balance

• Alexis asks about Alex’s personal life. He’s single, with a packed social and professional calendar:

  "I have plenty of friends... Otherwise single, but honestly, never lonely and never wanting for anything to do. My life requires a... there’s a social component to the job." (19:09)

• He admits to being “overstimulated” by the end of the day and likely has undiagnosed ADD/ADHD.

9. Breaking News and Upcoming Bravo Projects

• Alex reveals two major announcements fresh from BravoCon:
  • A spinoff of The Valley: “The Valley, Persian style” featuring original Shahs of Sunset stars with a new group (21:00)
  • A new Jeff Lewis series: “Still Flipping Out” (working title) (21:16)
• He’s missing the Beverly Hills panel to do the interview—an admission that delights Alexis.

10. The Relentless BravoCon Schedule

• Alex describes his jam-packed day: panels, work sessions, drinks, dinner, and ending at Andy Cohen’s show, all to repeat again the next day (21:31).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alex Baskin on his job:

  “Every show has to be the most important. And so it’s a lot of juggling.” (17:46)

• Alexis Bellino, about Housewives and producers:

  "Could never be in your shoes. Could never deal with this many women all the time. Like, hello." (10:02)

• On lie detectors in reality TV:

  “The only people that can pass all of the questions are sociopaths.” — Alexis (08:16)

• Self-awareness about reality television’s purpose:

  “We are not performing brain surgery, people. We are here to entertain America…” — Alexis (08:54)

• On multitasking:

  “27 things at once.” — Alex (20:08)

• On being busy:

  “You are the epitome of knocking out 25 hours in a 24-hour day.” — Alexis (18:26)

Key Timestamps

• 03:38 – Live at BravoCon introduction, Alexis Bellino as guest co-host
• 04:52 – Alex Baskin on BravoCon “chaos” and show pride
• 05:39 – On possible conflicts with Bravo talent
• 06:43 – Authenticity and fun of the lie detector test storyline
• 08:54 – Discussion of reality TV’s purpose
• 09:27 – On casting, Katie’s future, and anticipation for a big reunion episode
• 10:31 – Managing cast communications and schedule demands
• 17:46 – The constant busyness and thrill of being a Bravo producer
• 19:09 – Alex’s personal life and the toll of overstimulation
• 21:00 – Announcing new Bravo series: The Valley Persian style and Still Flipping Out
• 21:31 – Alex’s relentless BravoCon schedule

Tone & Takeaways

The tone is friendly, witty, sometimes self-deprecating, with a strong sense of camaraderie between Alexis and Alex. Teddi and Tamra’s presence reminds listeners this is a show by Housewives for Housewives fans—playful but still probing for real answers. Alex Baskin is both open and diplomatic, providing real insight into producing large-scale reality TV events while sidestepping gossip and drama with grace.

This episode is a treat for Bravo aficionados wanting a glimpse into the real workings of their favorite shows and the people who keep the drama on (and sometimes off) camera.