YRB Interview: Kendra Wilkinson

By Michael Andronico

Kendra Wilkinson is no stranger to the spotlight. The former Playboy model became a household name thanks to The Girls Next Door, a reality show focusing on Wilkinson, Holly Madison, and Bridget Marquardt’s relationship with Hugh Hefner. She later got her own show, simply titled Kendra, that showcased life after Playboy, where she settled down with NFL player Hank Baskett. Now a proud mother and successful author, The 27-year-old is in yet another new phase of her life, and the cameras are there to catch it all for her new show Kendra on Top. We spoke to Kendra about how Kendra on Top compares to her other shows, how motherhood has changed her life, and what the future has in store for her.

YRB: Your new show Kendra on Top is about to premiere. Are you excited?

Kendra: Oh, am I! This is a whole new feeling. Musicians have their songs come out for the first time and debut on the radio. This is how I get. I’m so excited, but nervous. Tomorrow night is the moment of truth. It’s the moment that we’ve all been waiting for. This is the moment we’ve worked so hard to create. We shot our show for 4 months, so it was like shooting a small movie.

YRB: How does Kendra on Top compare to previous shows?

Kendra: It’s different from any other reality show. We’re completely opening up the doors to the Baskett lifestyle. It’s pretty much a VIP pass to our life at home, to how we keep the family, and our sex lives, and our social life. Everybody can relate to it in one way or another.

YRB: You’re no stranger to reality TV. How has that spotlight affected your life?

Kendra: Being on reality TV for so long has definitely affected my life in every way shape and form. It really motivates me. It’s gotten me to work hard and make sure I’m healthy, I’m fit, and I look good. If it wasn’t for the show I probably would have lost myself by now (laughs).

YRB: You’ve been a mother for a few years now. How does it feel to be settled into that lifestyle?

Kendra: 2 and a half years after giving birth, I couldn’t be happier with my life. It goes to show that the mixture of all the great things we put into our child are now visible. It’s a recipe, its not an EZ Bake Oven. There’s a huge list of things you need to put together to raise a child.

YRB: How does your husband Hank Baskett cope with the reality TV lifestyle?

Kendra: Being on reality TV for Hank hasn’t been the easiest, but he’s done it really well. He’s a small town boy. Even though now he loves it, he’s all about the smaller things in life.

YRB: At this point in your career, what’s something you’re looking to try for the first time?

Kendra: I am thinking about doing a 3rd book and even writing my own show. I’m putting together an adult accessories kit. Something fun, and adult. It’s time to have fun. It’s time to not be so trapped in a box. It’s time to get out of that box and have some fun with life, that’s what I’m all about.

YRB: What else can your fans look forward to from you in the future?

Kendra: If Kendra on Top goes well, you’ll see a couple more seasons. I hope the show goes well, it’s a very amazing story. I hope that everyone tunes in and enjoys it!