Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"It is hard to describe. But it's literally like a combination of shock and anger and somehow disbelief that this is like truly what you're seeing." — Ariana Madix
"I think in the past, I would have been inclined to do that. But because I was had been in therapy and for years at that point, I knew and couples therapy with him, by the way, and the couples therapists literally sat across from both of us and said, this is a him problem. This isn't a you problem." — Ariana Madix
"I think that all of this stuff brings is that we all just kind of like join together because I just think that I love women and I think we are the fucking best and I just think that when we team up like we are unstoppable." — Ariana Madix
In this episode of Call Her Daddy, host Alex Cooper interviews Ariana Madix, star of Vanderpump Rules, about the highly publicized cheating scandal involving her former long-term boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, and her close friend, Raquel Leviss. Madix recounts the moment she discovered the affair by finding incriminating evidence on Sandoval's phone at a concert. She describes the intense emotional shock and disbelief that followed, detailing the immediate confrontation and the subsequent difficult car ride home with Sandoval, during which she also spoke to Raquel. Madix reflects on the nine-year relationship with Sandoval, touching on initial attractions, the "apocalypse buddies" dynamic they shared, and the struggles within their intimacy, particularly her insecurities stemming from past relationships and Sandoval's lack of specific verbal affirmation.
The conversation delves into the complexities of their relationship, including their decision to attend couples therapy, which Madix later understood to be part of Sandoval's plan to end the relationship. She discusses Sandoval's history of perceived absence and the rumor of an open relationship, which she believes originated from him. Madix also addresses prior suspicions of Sandoval's infidelity, including incidents in Miami and San Diego, and the painful revelation that Raquel had allegedly stayed at their home. She expresses her current feelings about Raquel as "lost" and "empty," and questions their compatibility, highlighting the duplicitousness she experienced. Madix also touches on her own personal growth through therapy and inner child work, which helped her recognize patterns rooted in her relationship with her father, and how this informed her perspective on Sandoval's behavior.
Looking forward, Madix expresses a desire for independence and success, including opening a sandwich shop with her friend Katie Maloney and becoming a solo homeowner. She emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in new relationships and encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being and set boundaries. Madix reflects on the reunion experience, describing it as "painful" and "numb," but ultimately feeling a sense of closure and gratitude for her friendships. She asserts that the betrayal has made it easier to move on from the relationship, and offers advice to those facing similar situations to prioritize no contact and surround themselves with supportive friends. Madix also shares insights into her current dating life, expressing enjoyment and a cautious optimism for future relationships.