About this episode
This is the true story of seven strangers picked to live in a house, work together, and have their lives taped. Find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real…. The Real World. We sat down with Eric Nies a few months prior to MTV’s decision to bring the entire cast of the original real world back together to live in the same loft almost thirty years later. Mr. Eric Nies was part of the granddaddy of all of reality TV, the original Real World, New York, Season One. THE show that changed, introduced, formed and revolutionized Reality TV. Welcome Eric. We start at the beginning by asking the question, just how did Eric get cast on the first ever Real World in NYC and what was casting like back when. With no prior reality show to look to, we discuss how he knew what to do when the cameras started rolling - he didn’t. With no predecessor to look to, we discuss how this makes the Real World, New York, Season One possibly the most authentic reality TV show ever. Eric discusses his hesitations to do certain things not knowing how the final product would turn out and the influence of producers and editing back then. He discusses how he was able to get used to cameras around 24/7 and what he thought of the finished product once aired. Eric discusses what MTV was like back in the day when it was the Chanel that played music all day and how he thought the Real World would maybe be a little show that a few people watched. On that note, we talk about how life suddenly changed once the show aired and became a multigernational blockbuster of supreme magnitude. We discuss his house mates Julie, Norman, Heather, Kevin, Becky and Andre and who he keeps in touch with today. He explains how once the Real World ended he was offered the gig as host of Club MTV, which led to MTV’s The Grind (also featuring a pre RHOBH Camille Grammer), which led to The Grind Workout Videos, which led to a long career as both a Competitor and Host of the classic MTV juggernaut The Challenge. He had movie offers, modeling offers and who could forget that Bruce Weber photoshoot book he was in with his brother (Google It). Being the hot commodity in town, no one said no. Money, fame, booze, drugs, women, anything at his fingertips that he wanted, Eric seemingly had it all. Until he didn't. With an addictive personality, Eric finally hit rock bottom and had his “aha" moment when he realized he needed to transform his life. He started working with Grandmasters and Shaman’s and currently runs a successful practice as a life, health, wellness, nutrition guide, spiritual guide and addiction rehabilitation facilitator for those in need. That is a long cry from the streets of New York and the height of fame. Eric and David discuss the aftermath of being in the spotlight, how fame is possibly the most addictive drug of all, the highs and lows of the entertainment business and how to navigate it successfully and come out the other side. A truly spectacular sit down you do not want to miss with The Real World New York’s Eric Nies. @nies.eric @behindvelvetrope @davidyontef Bonus Episodes Available On Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope Brought to you by Better HELP https://www.betterhelp.com/velvetrope (10% Off First Month - Use Code "velvet rope") Merch Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices