Nick Reiner Cut Off a Friend After Asking Dad to Join His Podcast

The Tension Between Nick Reiner and His Father, Rob

More details have emerged about the strained relationship between Nick Reiner and his late father, Rob Reiner. According to a podcaster and former friend, David Manheim, the 32-year-old cut ties with him after he asked Rob to appear on his "Dopey" podcast. This request was made in an effort to keep the show alive following the death of David's previous co-host, Chris O’Connor, who passed away from a fentanyl overdose in 2018.

A Failed Attempt to Keep the Show Alive

In a Tuesday, December 16 interview, David revealed that Nick was not happy with the request, leading to a complete breakdown in communication. Over the next few years, David sent approximately 150 texts to his former friend but never received a response. “I wish I hadn’t asked him to have Rob Reiner come on the show, or at least not when I did, because it pushed him away,” David recalled.

During a previous appearance on the “Dopey” podcast, Nick had ironically offered to call his dad in the middle of the episode, but David declined the suggestion.

Nick Reiner Allegedly Murdered His Parents

Nick is currently in police custody following the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele. The celebrities were found inside their Brentwood, California, home with stab wounds on their throats on Sunday, December 14.

David shared his memories of Nick from 10 years ago, when he first appeared on his podcast. “He was young and smart and handsome and new in recovery, and I was very excited to have him on our show because I was such a fan of Rob Reiner,” David said. “I could relate to his stories.”

Nick Reiner’s History of Substance Abuse

The podcast host also revealed that Nick’s struggles with substance abuse were evident during that time. “I don’t remember that he was particularly interested in 12-step work,” David said of the 32-year-old, who has been to rehab 18 times. “I know he had been to treatment. I know he was involved in writing. I know he loved to play pick-up basketball in New York City. I think he was interested in spirituality.”

David added, “He demonstrated a young love of life, to be honest with you, and hopefulness. He wanted to be a part of what me and Chris were doing. He wanted to have fun in recovery, and he wanted to be a successful entertainment writer.”

Nick Reiner Worked on a Movie With His Dad, Rob

Nick previously co-wrote Being Charlie, a film that his dad directed. “In the little picture, when he was actually making things — when he wrote Being Charlie, or he had an idea — I think he was just another person with an idea,” David explained. “[But] I think big-picture, when you’re up against Rob Reiner and Carl Reiner, and you’re a struggling drug addict, the pressure is immense because how accomplished is anybody at age 24?”