Its a simple question that comes with a complex answer: Is Richard Simmons okay?
Three years ago, the fitness guru abruptly cut off contact with all of his friends and family.
This is a pretty unique idea for a podcast.
Credit: Bobby Bank/WireImage
What inspired you to tell this story?
I went and it was incredible.
Hes telling stories and hes wearing weird outfits.
Dan Taberski
The music is incredible, and sometimes it was music he would write himself.
Sometimes he would read a poem.
And he did, and it was wonderful.
I wanted to make a documentary about that.
And thats how Richard and I got to know each other.
I realized he wasnt calling anybody, and to be honest, I just couldnt let it go.
I wanted to know he was okay so I started pursuing it.
The show will last only six episodes.
What can listeners expect to hear?
This story takes a lot of twists and turns.
This isnt a podcast about a celebrity and the fans who love him.
This is about Richard Simmons the man and all these people who he made intense personal relationships with.
Listeners have started to compare the show toSerial.
How does that feel?
The fact that people are comparing it toSerialis terrifying and super exciting.
It puts more pressure on the ending because I will say this, we dont have an ending yet.
The podcast now ranks at the top of the iTunes charts.
However, there have been skeptics who think Richard should just be left alone.
How do you respond to the criticism?
He did that for 40 years and most people didnt even know he was doing it.
Have you heard from him?
What I will say is that there has been some stirring.
People are taking notice.
If you could talk to Richard now, what would you say?
Heres the thing about Richard Simmons.
When you talk to Richard Simmons, you dont control the conversation.
Richard controls the conversation.
Hes a force of nature.
And if he werent that, I would be shocked.
Youve been working on this project for nearly 16 months.
During this time, what have you learned from the experience?
How do you envision this podcast ending?
Thats its purpose, to reach out to him.
This is our grand gesture.
Its complicated, but its a bit of a love letter.
Missing Richard Simmonsis on iTunes, Stitcher, and anywhere podcasts are available.
New episodes are released every Wednesday during the shows run.
