Bravo Podcaster David Yontef Dishes on Upcoming How-To Book About Going From Fan To Friend of Reality Stars
Last year, self-made entrepreneur and former lawyer David Yontef started the only daily Bravo podcast, “Behind the Velvet Rope,” in which he interviews reality stars and tells the behind-the-scenes stories of hanging out with fan-favorite Housewives. In an exclusive interview with Showbiz Cheat Sheet, the podcaster dished on the upcoming how-to book that he claims will help anyone evolve from a fan to a friend of their favorite reality stars, as he did.
David Yontef got his start on ‘Millionaire Matchmaker’
Nearly 10 years ago, former lawyer and business owner David Yontef debuted on reality TV for Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker Season 4 after the producers found him through Facebook.
In an interview with Showbiz Cheat Sheet, the podcaster detailed his “varied background” before appearing on the show, including practicing corporate law and owning a staffing agency.
He also ran Human Resources for several companies such as retail businesswoman Martha Stewart’s. However, after his last company merged, the entrepreneur realized he wanted a “change in his life.”
Yontef already knew he loved reality shows as he enjoyed watching MTV’s The Hills and E!’s The Simple Life and fell into hanging out with reality stars, namely Bravo Housewives.
He then wanted to turn it into a business, which is how he came up with the idea for his popular podcast, Behind the Velvet Rope.
Why David Yontef started Bravo podcast Behind the Velvet Rope
In the interview with Showbiz Cheat Sheet, the podcaster realized he had hilarious stories of hanging out with Bravolebities behind the scenes and didn’t see anyone else covering the same material.
According to the podcaster, he wanted to give “an insiders look out” perspective with his podcast, in a non-obnoxious way, and describe how the reality stars behave when the cameras aren’t rolling.
Therefore, he kicked his podcast off with a funny anecdote about an unforgettable Florida dinner he shared with The Real Housewives of Orange County star Kelly Dodd, RHONY’s Ramona Singer, and Dolores Catania.
The “favorable response” Yontef received told him that people were interested in these stories, so he continued sharing more for future episodes.
Now, his daily podcast consists of interviews with Housewives and other reality stars.
As he’s become friends with more Bravolebities, Yontef admitted it’s harder for him to do his job but noted he “will always get to the bottom of things” as he considers himself a fan, regardless of his access, and asks questions that others want to know.
David Yontef on upcoming how-to book about going from fan to friend
After the podcaster has successfully gone from “super friend” to “friend of” his favorite reality stars, he decided to write a book to help anyone achieve the same feat.
In an interview with Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Yontef explained that it “won’t happen overnight” as one has to meet people and cultivate the relationship like any friendship.
Additionally, he pointed out that one might not like every reality star, even if they enjoy watching them on television. However, the podcaster stated that if anyone reads his book, follows it, and puts in the time; then they will also go from superfan to friend.
He also talked about how he started his business out of it for those interested in becoming an associate and gaining a platform. His book is set to be released by July 2021.
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