We spoke to Richie D., the genius behind the popular Instagram account Kadooze. Kadooze is a Bravo-dedicated meme page where you can find The Flinstones, South Park, and Peanuts animation with voiceovers from shows like Real Housewives of New Jersey, of NewYork, and Vanderpump Rules. Keep reading to learn more about Richie D’s inspiration behind Kadooze and all of the Bravo celebrity encounters he’s had.
Hoboken Girl: How long have you lived in Hoboken?
Richie D: I have lived in Hoboken for 25 years and grew up in Jersey City.
HG: What’s your favorite part about living in Hoboken?
RD: I love the small-town feel. It feels like family. Let me tell ya something about my Hoboken family, we are thick as thieves and we protect each other ’til the end.
HG: How did your love for Bravo come to be?
RD: I have always been a reality show junkie since the early days of MTV’s Real World to The Simple Life and Jersey Shore. I’ve been a Bravo fan since the beginning. Dating shows like the “Bachelor” franchise will never emotionally fulfill, you know that.
HG: What is your favorite Bravo show and why?
RD: The early seasons of Vanderpump Rules are iconic. I could watch the first six seasons on a constant loop. That is how I picture retirement.
My current favorite non-Housewives show is “Summer House.” Last season worked well since they were all in quarantine. It felt like a throwback to the old Real World show format. I’m excited about the current season they are filming. Summer should be fun and self-purported comedians are not fun.
HG: Which Real Housewives show is your favorite and why?
RD: My favorite has always been Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) but this latest season was not their best. The show had been amazing for a long time, so I am going to give this season a pass. RHONY always had legendary cast trips, classic one-liners, and has been pure entertainment. It should have won six Emmys by now. That being said, “What are we doing here without Dorinda?”, the show is going through a transition and needs to change things up a bit for next season. The Real Housewives of Potomac is also a favorite. The cast has genuine feuds, beautiful ladies, and all the best shade.
HG: Where did you get the inspo for the name “kadooze”?
RD: Let’s face it. It is well known that Kadooze was inspired by Real housewife/business mogul Ramona Singer who famously mispronounced kudos as “Kadooze” way back in Season 2. Okaaaayyy?
Read More: Meet Evan Laurence: Singer + Songwriter from Jersey City
HG: Your page is so advanced, do you have a background in animation?
RD: I have no background in animation. It’s a lot of editing of classic cartoons and Housewives scenes. My biggest fear after dying and being stung by a bee is someone creating a cheater brand IG page and doing the same type of cartoon mashups but better.
HG: Where do you get the inspiration for your posts?
RD: Sometimes my inspiration comes directly from the show’s dialogue but mostly it is derived from Pinot Grigio.
HG: What is your favorite Bravo meme that you’ve created?
RD: My favorite is usually the latest meme I post, but the ones that I would say are my personal favorites are “Doooorinda”;“Life is not a cabaret”; “It’s about Tom”; “Meet the Giudices”; and “Your husband’s in the pool.”
HG: Tell us about some of your favorite moments with Bravo celebrities.
RD: I’ve met Countess LuAnn at a meet-and-greet after her cabaret show. She was cool and not like all uncool. I bumped into the Manzo brothers at Louise and Jerry’s a few years back. They were taking a break from the “ham game” to shoot some pool. Recently, I met Dorinda at her book signing and she made it nice and took a selfie with me. I’d love to meet Kyle Richards. I hear she’s very pernicious.
HG: Have any Bravolebrities responded or reposted your animations?
RD: A bunch of Bravolebs have reposted my cartoon mashups. Bethenny, Ramona, Sonja, Dorinda, Kyle Richards, and Lisa Rinna have reposted to name a few. Andy follows me on The Gram and has given a thumb’s up here and there.
HG: What was it like being a caller on WWHL and speaking to Bethenny?
RD: I wish I could have mentioned it all but [I] was limited to one question. It was a prerecorded show so the question was provided to me. It was soon after the cast trip to Cartagena, Colombia.
HG: What can people do to support your account or work? Do any other social media account for bravo that you love to follow?
RD: Like and follow. Tell your friends, your family, and your friend’s family to follow. Also, be kind to yourself and each other. Everyone should listen and follow the podcast “Watch What Crappens.” The hosts, Ben and Ronnie make Bravo and live better every day.
HG: What has been the highlight in your career/life so far?
RD: I once DM’d Andy and he responded “Bethenny and I spoke about how genius your account is today”. I don’t think it get’s better than that.
HG: What’s a typical day look like for you?
RD: I wake up in the morning thinking about so many things. I just wish things will get better. After my traditional breakfast of eggs à la Française, I then head out to my day job. After all, I like making my own money, I find it to be an aphrodisiac. Following a full day’s work, I head home, catch up on Bravo, light an abundance candle, and hope for the best.
Local Fun
HG: What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken?
RD: How could you do this to my question mark. There are so many good restaurants but if I had to pick, I’d say Elysian Café, Court Street, Margherita’s, Leo’s Grandevous, and Grimaldi’s are among my favorites. They have the best ingredients.
See More: A Hot Sauce Brand Born Out of a Life-Altering Diagnosis
HG: What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
RD: Shop Rite
HG: What do you love most about Hoboken?
RD: Hoboken has the best sunsets. Even better than Paramus. And now we said it.
HG: What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
RD: I like Pier A, Elysian Park, and my friend Matt’s yard.
HG: What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
RD: I like running along the river as far as I can toward Weehawken, unlike Kelly Bensimon who prefers to run in front of cabs on Fifth Avenue.
HG: Where do you go out with friends in the area?
RD: Turtle Time mostly happens at Louise and Jerry’s and I’ll occasionally whoop it up at The Ale House. I can speak from personal experience that Meaghan from The Ale House makes a killer Pumptini. It could be a little strong, so you need to be very judicious about your drinking.
HG: What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken?
RD: A karaoke lounge with private rooms where I can bring 50 of my closest friends to belt out the classics: “Chic C’Est La Vie,” “Tardy for the Party,” and “I Can’t wait to Grow up.”
