RHOBH’s Bozoma Saint John on wedding planning, Jimmy Fallon friendship & more w/ Virtual Reali-Tea

RHOBH’s Bozoma Saint John on wedding planning, Jimmy Fallon friendship & more w/ Virtual Reali-Tea

The moment I said that I want to have a baby, Dar was already planning a baby shower and I was like, “Girl, I’ve never I haven’t even like extracted one egg. I don’t even know what you’re talking about virtual reality. Bose St. John, I’m so excited to chat with you. I feel like it’s been way too long since you’ve been on our television screens. Luckily, another season of Housewives is coming and a a a whole ass show called On Brand with Jimmy Fallon is coming. But you’re busier than ever. Today you are uh we’re talking about your partnership with Violife and I’m interested to know how do you pick and choose what brands to partner with given your experience as a marketing guru? You must be pretty picky. Oh yeah. I mean look I think there’s a big difference between like what I have done for work in the professional space and what I do in my personal life. You know, I’ve long said that I run by intuition only. You know, whether that means like the uh decisions I’ve made in my career or in my personal life, you know, I’m not one of those people that goes around asking people their opinions on my life. You know, I’m I’m doing I’m living my life the way I want to live my life. And so even in deciding who to partner with um from a campaign standpoint has been that you know I don’t want to be in business with anyone that I’m not aligned to um because to me it’s like it’s not it’s not worth my time or nor my energy you know all of us are busy all of us have various things to do and I want to enjoy the experiences that I have you know meaning it’s like I don’t want to be in partnership with anybody that I don’t enjoy. And what are you loving so much about this partnership? Yeah. Well, I think the ethos of it, you know, so there’s one thing about like, okay, a product that serves you and does what it’s supposed to do, right? Which for sure it’s like look, it’s we’ve got all the stats about the dairy creamer and the cream cheese and like how to substitute in your life, you know, to make you better. Um, however, I think deeper than that, the brand ethos and how they approaching this campaign aligns even more with me, right? Which is that like look, I don’t want to settle for anything in my life. You know, I’m not settling like not one bit of it. I am always moving quickly. I am moving intentionally. You know, it’s like I’m picking and choosing the things that I want to incorporate into my life to make my life better. And so the idea that violife is also sort of like breaking you know rules and breaking your own rules that has everything to do with my life you know I’m like look I I have never subscribed to anybody’s rules not not in the corporate life not on housewives not with fallon not here you know and so I think the combination of like are these products uh you know things that I can use in my daily life and does the brand ethos also align with my beliefs. And once those two things were right, it’s like, yes, here I am. Let’s work together. Here she is, the rule breaker. Have you evolved into being a rule breaker or were you were you just born that way? Oh god, I think I was really born this way, but I have become more intentional in the rules that I break, you know, as I have grown older and wiser. you were saying that uh you’re not afraid to to break some rules on housewives and I feel like you started your housewives journey I don’t know your first season just felt a lot different than many first seasons for other new housewives what rules what rules do you oh why do I say that yeah yeah yeah I would love it seemed like a lot it seems like a lot of new housewives they come in really timid and they come in with preconceived notions about certain people and how to play the game and I like that you came in with I don’t know it almost it felt like um a sort of a clean slate approach and even though the the quote unquote queen of Beverly Hills who many feel is Kyle Richards was feuding with Dar you buddied up with Dar and you created you developed a very strong friendship with Dar and I just feel like many girls in your situation as a new diamond holder would have been afraid to do that but other than buddying up with Darede do you feel like there are Are there rules uh during your first season of Housewives that you broke? You kind of like went against the grain. Yeah. Well, you know, it’s funny. Speaking of Kyle, so when we were at reunion, um Andy had asked me like, you know, Bose, what you know, what did you think of your first season or your experiences? And I I was like, “Oh, I loved it. It was so exciting. I I really enjoyed myself.” And Kyle was like, “What?” She was like, “Says no one ever.” Right. And it was a hilarious moment because I was laughing. She was like, “Everybody was laughing.” And I was like, “No, but I’m being serious.” You know, like I I actually really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the experience of getting to know the women. I enjoyed the experience of even, you know, opening my doors so that you could see my home life, you know, versus what I have shared publicly in the past, which has all been about, you know, my corporate work and a little bit about my motherhood. Um, a lot about my grief and my widowhood, right? But people hadn’t seen me as a friend, you know, hadn’t seen me um in depth as a mother. Um hadn’t seen me as a love interest, you know, in my romantic relationships. And so that for me was all new territory. And so I think to your point, it’s like look, I’ve lived a big life. I’ve lived, you know, an expansive life before I landed on, you know, Beverly Hills Housewives. And because of that, I do have a pretty strong opinion um not just about my own life, but about how I interact with people. And I would say that, you know, going in, one of the biggest things for me was like I didn’t want anyone who knows me in my real life to look at me on screen and be confused about who they were seeing, you know? So, it was a testament to me when, you know, friends I’ve known 30 years, 20 years, 15 years would be like, “Oh, yeah, we heard both say that before.” You know, it’s like, “Yep, she said it to me last week. she said it to me 20 years ago. You know, it’s like those those that type of feedback um probably meant the most to me because it’s like what you see is what you get. Yeah. You know, and so it doesn’t really matter to me who the queen is. Oh, okay. I mean, it just might be you. It just might be you. I’m wearing a crown, too, baby. You know, never forget. Exactly. Exactly. And how would you say you and Kyle are today? Hey, cuz you know you guys got alongish last season, but it kind of always felt like there was a slight disconnect. Do you feel like you were able to get to know her better this time around? Yeah. You know what? I said the same last year, right? Which is that like look, I think in every friendship, there’s a little bit of risk and vulnerability, you know, which is just like if you want to make a friend, you’ve got to be open about what is going on in your life, you know? It’s like otherwise you’re acquaintances, you know, which by the way is totally fine as well. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you want to be closer to someone, then there’s a level of vulnerability. And I think last year, you know, Kyle was clearly going through a lot. Um, she still is. However, she didn’t know me. And I don’t I don’t blame her for, you know, holding um her private life private from me, maybe from other people, too. But, you know, we’re talking about like our relationship. And so, I don’t really fault her. I just felt like like hey look I can’t be the friend to you that I am to DICH right or to anybody else for that matter without some modicum of vulnerability and openness and so um like most relationships you know we evolved and so I feel I feel much better about where we are and where our relationship is this year than I did last for Oh that’s so you feel like she is being more vulnerable and open with you now. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I do. I I think that’s also her own evolution, you know, in that um I mean all of us it’s like look when you’re going through a certain situation in the beginning it feels very different from when you’re in the middle and then from when you’re at the end you know I mean I I don’t know about your you know romantic situations but I know for me it’s like when you are going through it the way that you feel on month one is very different from the way you feel on month six versus the way you feel on month 18 Right. Yeah. Very, very true. Speaking of romantic situations, Bose, belated congrats to you and Cle. You’re engaged now. And the engagement looked so epic and so beautiful and so special and I’m glad to know that there were cameras there so we will see it play out on the show hopefully. How are you feeling? I mean, are you just so elated that you guys you got here? You also your daughter was involved so you have her blessing. It just it’s it just such good vibes. Yes. Yes. Well, you know, so here’s the funny thing is that when I started filming last season, I think Key and I had been dating for like maybe six months or something, you know, and so we were relatively I mean pretty early in in dating and now we’re together almost two years, you know. Um, and so I think what happens is that sometimes you forget span of time, you know, where it’s just like, look, the things that you see on screen and the way that our relationship develops, I mean, we’re we’re sort of all going through it at the same time, you know, which is a very different thing for me. Um, but I’m so happy with the evolution of our relationship. But I I kind of knew from the start, of course, that like this was uh a different relationship than others that I’ve had. you know, in that one, he was so willing to be like a true partner, you know, in in all of my endeavors, including um exposing our relationship on housewives, right? Because like I could have easily been like, you know what, that’s a part of my life I don’t want to talk about, you know, it’s just I’m going to, you know, pretend it doesn’t exist, you know? Um but that’s also not how I approach life. And so anyone who’s in my life has to come along and has to believe it for themselves, you know, that they want to be involved in the things I’m involved in. And so I knew from the start that, you know, Key was a keeper. Uh, and I’m glad that, you know, he did all the right things. He got not just Leel’s blessing, but my father’s blessing and my mother’s blessing before he asked me. And and that’s the way I like it. And are you so excited to get right into wedding planning? Like what’s the vibe? Oh, hell yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Look, I’m I’m a mature woman, okay? And and I I know what I want, so there’s no need to wait, you know? It’s like, look, but my I have a whole book written about the urgent life. I’m like, I’m urgent about everything. So, yeah, we’re moving forward. Do you have a vision of when or where or how or what it’s going to look like? Yeah, I think generally speaking, you know, I’m pretty proud of my biculturalness and um I don’t know if you know, but Keely became a citizen of Ghana earlier this year. Um and so he’s now a dual citizen as well. So it kind of makes sense to me that we would celebrate on both in both countries. Oh, that would be so cool. Now, because you’ve made some friends in this new housewife space, would any of them potentially be bridesmaids or involved in the wedding, a maid of honor? Like does Dar have a role? Like what’s going on there? I know, right? Exactly. Well, let me tell you, Dar, the moment I said that I want to have a baby, Dar was already planning a baby shower. And I was like, girl, I have never I haven’t even like extracted one egg. I don’t even know what you’re talking about, you know? So, I’m sure in Dar’s mind, she is not a bridesmaid. She’s probably officiating the wedding. Um, Erica probably already has her outfits planned. You know what I’m saying? Like, I think I think I think the women have already decided for themselves how they want to play a role in my wedding. I’m obsessed. And if they tell you what role they want to play, are you down to just give it to them or do they got to work for it? Uh, you know what? It’s always a work, isn’t it? Like, we always got to work for it. We got we got to we got to work on this together. You know what I’m saying? But I’m Look, I they are so excited for me. You know, they’re happy for me. Of course, they love Keely. And so, you know, for me, it’s like this is all joy. Um, these are truly like my girlfriends, you know, and um, I think in this particular time in my life, they have been the ones who’ve been around, you know, while all of this is developing, you know, like I said, like we started I started the show and Key and I were relatively new. And so they have been there when I was, you know, talking about like, ooh, the the struggle between like, oh my gosh, he hasn’t said I love you, but we’re talking about all these serious things. What do I do? You know, to the moment where he said, I love you. that I called to read and I’m like, “Girl, oh my god, he said it. You know, what do I say in return?” She’s like, “Tell my man you love him.” And I’m like, “Oh yeah, okay. I’ll be right back.” You know, um to of course the the proposal and their complete joy and excitement in it. Um and so I I’m really I’m really blessed honestly with the show with with the women that I’ve be able to create relationships with. So it seems like you may be open to filming the wedding for the show. We’ll see. you know, I’m like, it’s a lot. You know what I mean? Cuz like being um on the show means that, you know, I’ve got to focus on my girls. Um but, you know, in this case, it’s like, hey, look, I’ve got this is this is serious business. You know, I got weddings to plan. And so, I don’t know if I want my whole bridezillness on on screen. We’ll see. Yeah. Well, uh speaking of serious business, you’re co-hosting a show with Jimmy Fallon. I mean, this is this is so incredible. How did this come to be? I mean, it makes so much sense. It’s very onbrand for you, but how did it come to be? And and why did I’m sure it was an immediate yes, right? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Well, you know what’s so wild? I don’t know if you know that. Well, you probably don’t know this. Let me tell you, which is that um Jimmy had had uh had um sold the show or or you know um had the show green lit by NBC about a year before he and I actually spoke. and he um had been trying to fill the co-host spot um all of that time, you know, and so he had met with people who had the marketing chops but maybe not the ability to be, you know, have a personality on TV. He met people who had the personality on TV but perhaps not the marketing chops to legitimize the show. And so when he saw me on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was actually the moment he was just like, “Wait, hold on. Who’s that?” You know? Um, and so the first time we got on the on a Zoom together and I I swear to you on everything if he was on this call, he would tell you himself. Three minutes in, we were both like, “Oh, yeah. Okay, so we’re doing this, right? Like this is this is what we’re doing together.” Because it makes total sense. Like for me, it’s like a complete dream come true. Like how how would I have ever imagined that, you know, 25 years in the corporate space, you know, marketing at the biggest brands in the world would have would land me here, you know, where I could combine both like what I’m doing on TV uh with Housewives, which is reality, you know, and like I’m um reacting to to situations like sort of on the fly that it would prepare me for this role, you know, as Jimmy’s co-host where I am doing marketing on TV, but I’m also responding in real time and having to, you know, have dialogue with people and be honest and true with my feelings. and my criticism and my opinions, you know, and so it’s a it’s a real miracle. I’m I’m like so blessed to have the opportunity to do it. And what was it about that first call with Jimmy where you were like, “Oh, yeah. The chemistry is there.” Like I mean, tell tell me about that instant connection that you realized that you had right from the jump. Yeah. Well, how do I even put it? I mean, I think I actually said it on Housewives like in in the first episode I was in when I was just like, you know, when I know I know. You know, I I when I meet somebody, pretty instinctively I know whether or not like they’re a go or not, you know, and I am blessed to be in a position where I don’t have to work with anybody I don’t like, you know, and look, there have been some people who, you know, are high-profile who want to do things and I’m like, “No, I don’t think so.” But when I met Fallon, I was like, “Oh, no. This guy is like the real deal. He’s he’s a genius at what he does. We know that.” Um, but I think his heart is the bigger of the muscles that I love, you know, in that he truly cares. He truly is excited. He’s passionate about ideas. He cared about every single one of the contestants. And not just that, he cared about the crew. he he cared about me, you know, and uh for me it’s like that’s a that’s a real special gift, you know, someone who is so talented, who’s been so successful for so long, you know, to still have that humanity about them. Um I think is actually going to be the special the special sauce on the show. Oh, I cannot wait to see it. And I’m really interested to see you interact with the contestants because you are such a nice person and a kind person and a generous person, but you always keep it real. And so I’m worried Bose about some of these critiques you may have for these contestants. Are we going to see I mean are we going to see a a tougher batter side of Bose on this show? You might. Look, I’m like, you know, I’m a different beast in the boardroom, you know, than I am with my girlfriends. And so I I definitely I would say of Jimmy and I, I’m probably the one who had um the most pointed critique. Okay, I’ll put it that way. Is it kind of like good cop, bad cop energy? Yes. Oh, for sure. It was absolutely mom and dad, you know what I mean? And good cop, bad cop, for sure. You know, and the funny thing is like I I think people will be surprised at how like we’re truly like the duo that you didn’t know you needed. You know what I mean? Because he’s just like big puppy dog energy. He’s so full of love and excitement and he loves every idea, you know? And I’m just like, wait, hold on. Okay, let’s let’s get a couple things clear. First of all, we got to hit the brief, okay? This has nothing to do with anything we’re talking about. No. Yeah. So to help people stay on the straight and narrow uh became my job. Exactly. And do you feel like there has been a friendship like a true friendship that has developed between you and Jimmy outside of the show? Do you guys talk a lot now? For sure. For sure. Yeah, we talk. We talk all the time. I mean, our text messages are always flying, you know, and that happened from the beginning. I mean, when I went on the Tonight Show and um for the first time and he, you know, we had such a great time together. We had a great segment. Um, and we’re done filming and I’m, you know, sort of backstage trying to get my stuff together to leave. And he was like, “Hey, you want to go to dinner?” And I was like, “Yeah, actually I do.” You know, and when he was like, “Well, where should we go?” I was like, “I’m going to take you to an African restaurant, you know.” And he was like, “Okay, I’ve never been, but all right.” And when we got there, God, we were there probably three hours, you know, three and a half hours of just eating and talking. And I almost killed him by having him try pepper soup. He was like gagging the whole time. Oh, and by the way, let me tell you this. Let me tell you this funny thing. So, um, when, uh, when I got engaged, of course, I, you know, told Jimmy immediately, and he he was like so thrilled. He’s so excited cuz Key came on set while we were filming. And so, you know, they they also met and have a relationship. Um, and so I’m like, you know, sitting in my house like, you know, here maybe I would say maybe three days after I told him and I get a a package. It’s like a hot box type, right? And it has an envelope on top of it. I open it up. It’s from Jimmy. And he’s like, “Congratulations, Bose and Keely, you know, wishing you lifetime of happiness.” And then in the parenthesis, it’s like, “Keep it spicy.” And so I was like, “Oh, okay.” You know, like, you know, Jimmy’s a married man. Like he knows what it takes to keep a relationship going, you know? So I smiled and laughed and then I opened up the hot box. Tell me why Jimmy had sent me four bowls of pepper soup. Oh, he was trying to get you back. Oh my god. That is his hilar. When I tell you I was crying like real tears and I c I facetimed him and I was just like you are a fool. Okay, you are a full ass and I love everything about it. So it was just it was just wonderful. Oh my god, that is amazing. I love how this this new NBC Universal Bravo life has you’ve flourished in your friendships from Dar to Jimmy I mean to have Dar Kemsley and Jimmy Fallon as your new besties that is that’s amazing that like I that’s goals I wish that was me very aspirational but wait speaking of Dar as someone who’s written a book someone who has experience as an author she has a book coming out that I personally cannot wait to read h you guys chatted about it have you given her any advice Yes. Oh. Oh, yes. We’ve talked about it immensely. And you know, the the actually the beautiful thing is there’s quite a few housewives who’ve written books, you know what I mean? So, she has the ability to ask a lot of people their opinions. Um, and I I’m so thrilled, you know, I just think a memoir is a wonderful avenue because you get to tell your story, you know, in your on your own terms, in your own words, and you get to be honest and vulnerable without interruption. You know what I mean? Um, and we all know that Dar has a lot to say. So, I was like, “Girl, okay, get a good editor.” You know what I mean? That that’s what you need. You need somebody to over here make sure that, you know, the stories are straight. And she’s got that. So, I think it’s going to be fantastic. I’m so so excited for her. I I think it’s a beautiful turn. And, you know, she needs to be able to create um her own endeavors outside of her marriage. Oh, totally. And like I feel like the experience of writing a memoir is probably very cathartic, very dealing, very therapeutic of course. I mean you you obviously know that very well. Do you feel like Darita is in a better place today to maybe experience love again outside? Because I remember at the reunion she was like I am dating. How how’s how’s the love life going for Darede? Are you helping her at all? No. Well, a little bit but not really. I mean but that but that’s also because I’m in everybody’s business. You know what I mean? I’m like, if Kyle would let me set her up, I would do it, you know. I wanted to set up Erica. Now she got a man, you know. It’s like, so I’m, you know, I want everybody to be in love the way I’m in love, you know? So, I I’m excited for her. But, you know, we’ll see. I think this is a difficult time. You know, she’s got a lot on her plate. She’s got to figure out what next steps are, you know, in in her marriage to PK and or in her divorce from PK. So, I just think that right now she’s probably just got to focus on that. Yeah. Another single girl in the group, a new addition, a new diamond holder, Rachel Zo. I cannot even imagine the linkup of Bose and Rachel Zo, two absolute bosses. What has it been like getting to know her? Or did you already have a relationship with her? Yes, already knew Rachel. Um, so that was helpful. But I for sure have gotten to know her better um, you know, having shared this experience. And I love Rachel. Rachel is amazing. I mean, the thing about Rachel is that she’s exactly who she says she is. You know what I mean? Like Rachel is a boss, but she’s also a fashionista. She’s got serious opinions about everything. You know, she’s not afraid to share it. Uh, and she knows herself, you know? That’s the I think that’s the real key is in knowing herself. She’s really unafraid to say everything. You know what I mean? Right. Um, so I think she’s been a fantastic addition to the group and um, really has lent a lot of perspective because, you know, she’s going through her own challenges and so she’s been able to lend perspective in ways that, you know, I I don’t have. And so I think that’s just a blessing to be in a group of women who all have sort of their own separate ideas and relationships and experiences and be able to bring that together, right? I mean, everyone on Beverly Hills is a total fashionista, but I am wondering what is the energy like between Rachel and Dar? They’re both fashionistas, each in their own unique ways. I’m I’m hoping that they are getting along. Yes. I mean, look, you’re going to have to watch and find out. But at the same time, I’m glad I’m glad for Rachel’s energy, you know. Um, and I think at this moment where, you know, Dar has so much on her mind. And I mean, look, you got a girl’s got to look good even when she’s going through dark times. You know what I’m saying? Um, but I think that Rachel has certainly helped in many ways. Um, everybody on the cast, but you know, for me, I think that like look, their their fashion is is also so different. Yes. You know, if you’re a real fashionista, you can see the two of them and know that they don’t they don’t actually subscribe to the same type of fashion at all. Yeah. Totally. Totally. And I’m sure that Rachel has probably also entered this experience kind of like you did where she already knew herself so well. She does she didn’t need to prove herself. She’s already been on reality television like she knows the ropes. So, did she experience any hazing in any kind of way? Cuz I know I know that’s typically a thing for new housewives is they get they get hazed a little bit, but I feel like people would be too scared to haze Rachel. Oh my gosh. Well, I mean I don’t know. I mean, I don’t feel like I was hazed, you know? No one’s going to haze you either because you came in with a different energy. Exactly. You know, but I think you bring up a good point, which is that Rachel knows herself, you know, and she’s a mature woman who is accomplished and she’s very secure in who she is. And so, she certainly has opinions and she expressed them very well. And so, you know, sometimes that comes with a little push back, but Rachel’s a consmate professional. And so, I was glad to see her really get into uh everybody’s lives immediately. So, that was that’s really great. I think that’s maybe the challenge with um you know like you were saying in the beginning like you know when you first enter this experience it’s like hey look maybe you don’t want to come out the gate with opinions because you know you sort of want to sit back and see how things are going and you know just really get the lay of the land and while you do that I don’t know that there’s a better way to also insert yourself than actually be your whole self you know and so that’s what Rachel has done. Yeah. Oh good that’s so good to hear. I can’t wait for the next season of Beverly Hills Bose. Thank you so much for taking even just a little bit of time to chat with me. You’re you’re so so busy. So, it’s truly such an honor. I I love to see everything you’re doing. I love to see you thriving. I’m so glad that you’re part of this reality TV universe. I hope you stay here forever. Oh, thank you so much. I appreciate it. I’m having a good time.

Bozoma “Boz” Saint John chatted with “Virtual Reali-Tea” co-host Evan Real while promoting her partnership with Violife. During our interview with the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, she gave some fun updates on how wedding planning is going with fiancé Keely Watson — and even teased the role her bestie Dorit Kemsley might play in the big day. Boz also shared the latest on her friendship with Kyle Richards after a rocky start last season. Plus, the marketing maven dished on her dynamic with good pal and “On Brand” co-host Jimmy Fallon. Check out the full unedited interview!

Read more at https://pagesix.com/video/rhobh-star-bozoma-saint-john-talks-wedding-planning-jimmy-fallon-friendship-and-more-with-virtual-reali-tea/

#bozomasaintjohn #virtualrealitea #rhobh #wedding

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