Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew - Mother & Daughter vs Husband & Wife: What Competing Together Really Does

Episode Date: April 9, 2026

In this episode, we sit down with Gia and Teresa Giudice to unpack their unforgettable journey on Special Forces. From the intense physical and mental challenges to the deep bond that carried them through, Teresa and Gia share what it was really like competing side by side and what it was like for Gia to ultimately take home the win with Shawn!! They open up about how the experience affected their relationship and the strength it takes to push past limits under pressure. Beyond the show, the conversation dives into the Giudice family- where everyone is now, what they’re up to, and how they’ve grown through the years in the public eye. We hope you love it!! Follow Gia here! https://www.instagram.com/_giagiudice/?hl=en Follow Teresa here! https://www.instagram.com/teresagiudice/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's up, everybody? Welcome back to a couple things. Interviews with Sean and Andrew. Today is another fun one. Very close friends of ours now, is what I would call them. Fast friends. We have Gia and Teresa Judice. That's right. We got to know these two on the show we did called Special Forces that we did last summer.

And, man, what a time it was. This conversation was really great, though. And I actually learned a little bit about the operating systems of these two. And of the Judice family. Yeah, yeah. And really enjoyed this. We have gotten to spend time with them in Morocco and in New York City and L.A. And it's been a fun time so far.

It's not even been a year. I know. Anyway, if you're interested in what Gia and Teresa are up to, then we'll link their information down below. But we enjoyed this conversation and we hope you do as well. Teresa, Gia, how the heck are we? We're good. We're awesome.

How are you guys doing? Doing great. Doing great. My special forces winner. Yeah, congratulations. Girls, let's go. I know. Congratulations, Sean.

And Andrew, you did amazing also. Yeah, I watched it last night. It was like so proud of you guys. Oh, man. Teresa, I have to say you have to teach me all of your like ways as a mom because your daughter is a beast. I know. She's not only kind, gorgeous, amazing, but she is so tough. and it was so fun to see

just like your whole journey through it and the fact that you finished I was so proud of you Yeah I mean I was proud of you Yeah I mean you guys are all amazing But I have to say when I left I didn't want to leave you know I really didn't want to leave And when I left you have to talk to the psychiatrist

They want to make sure you're okay And I was like I told her I said my daughter's winning And then yeah I like knew it When I left and I cried until she came home, I swear to God, I cried. I cried that whole night in the hotel. On the plane, the stewardess were asking me, are you okay? And I'm like, yeah.

I was like crying. I cried to, and even when I got home, I cried until she came home. And my husband's like, are you okay? He's like, he thought something was going on because he's like, you're different. And I'm like, I'm like, I miss Gia. And I, you know, I hate that I had, you know, that I left, you know, but. There was, you know, I got to say, you look, you look like you got blonde hair now. Yes.

I think I left. Yes. I know. How we like in the blonde life? She has a disorder. I've come to the conclusion. Don't say that. She literally will get in the car.

I'm changing my hair color. Okay. No problem. It's red. Then it's, then it's brunette. Then she'll go blonde. She's like going to. ruin her hair. It's, it's crazy. I'm like, mom, this is, this is an illness. This is crazy.

You can't keep doing this. Also, they have wigs. Let's just go for a wig. I mean, you're right. I should just do that. You should. I mean, I guess, that would be the smartest decision for your hair journey. I know, but, but I mean, who knows how to put a wig on? I really don't know how. Yeah, I don't. So, yeah, I mean, I just, I'm trying this. I was a blonde once before. When she was in her wild era, guys. In my wild ever. No, that's like when me and her dad split. Wild era. Okay. Is there any trauma going on right now?

No, no. Okay. Gosh, okay. I got to say, Teresa, one of the highlights of the show for me was that first day. We had just done, like, changing to our uniforms and we were sitting in the car for a little bit. And it was you me and Christy, I think, having a conversation. It was just so fun to get. to talk with you. I grew up in like Indiana and I feel like the personalities that you and Gia have don't really exist there in Indiana. And it was like I've never met anybody like you guys

and I loved every second they got to spend with you because like you're so honest. You're so funny. I feel like you have this natural sense of humor with you and obviously you've been through some stuff but there's always like this I think lighthearted perspective on it. So I don't know if that's just natural to you or if that's something that you've worked on but I like it. No, thank you. Thank you. No, it's just the way I am. I've always been this way.

Unfortunately, on housewives, they make me look like, you know, not that person, you know, because obviously, you know, I guess you're the top dog. Everyone comes after you. But it's okay. I know how to hold my own. See, that's where my daughter gets it from. So. Yeah.

So I'm always defending myself on my show. So people don't get to see that side of me. And everyone always tells me that I'm so funny. The Twosier's so funny. And I don't even try to be. Like, I'm just myself. And I hear that all the time. So thank you.

I think Fox, though, did a really good job, really orchestrate, like, really demonstrating all of our stories. And I thought they were very, you know, just caring and really showed us all in a really good light, which was really nice. Because sometimes on reality TV, like, you don't know what you're going to get. but I think they really like did each and every one of us like showed us really well and for who we really are. Yeah, no, that's true. I've said that over and over. I feel like it's, it was very realistic.

Like I don't feel like I rewatched any scene or any character and thought it was like misconstrued or portrayed in a different way. I felt like it was very accurate, which is great. I just feel like they've left out so much. Yeah. We need like the second episode or the second episode. or a second hour of every episode. I know.

They really need to be two hours. They have to be. And they send us all the BTS footage and you're like, dang, there's so much that they left out. But Gia was telling us about BravoCon and how crazy that is. I was learning about the ins and outs of reality TV. I'm not too familiar with it,

but I was learning about the different channels like USA and Bravo and E and then TLC, I think. But Bravo is like the top. You mentioned being the top dog. Is that like, are you the OG? Like, I'm still getting acquainted with the full wonder that is Teresa Judice. But is that kind of how you're known? Yes.

Yes, I'm definitely known as the OG. I started, I'm one of the only one left of the originals of Rehouse was in New Jersey. Yeah, I started 18 years ago. Filming, started filming 18 years ago. But we've had 14 seasons. And I have to say that they're pretty, they're pretty amazing. Even though being in the public eye, I know things happened to me because I was in the public eye. Like, you know, I got punished and I went away because of being in the public eye.

But I have to say, Bravo, I love that Bravo waited for me a year. They stopped filming until I got home. Wow. Yeah, so I guess that was, I guess that was pretty important to them, right? Yeah. Wow. Reality TV, like you said, has its consequences. It has its downside because you're opening yourselves up to criticism from the entire world.

How have you, because I've seen you guys work as a unit in the most vulnerable, like, space you can have with the DS screaming at us doing fear-induced things. But your guys' bond and your family knit is so tight. How have you protected that within the reality space? I think it was kind of how I was raised. I mean, we grew up as a very old school Italian family. So no matter what family was everything and family always sticks together. So throughout the entire process, even when we were going through our legal issues and when everything was happening, the big it, like you were, we were just taught like you only have each other. So no matter what went on, we always kind of were taught and shown to always stick together.

through my parents and my grandparents. And it was just like those old school Italian traditions that were very instilled in us and have stayed with us our entire life. Wow. Going into special forces, I'm curious. Individually, I know you guys talked, G and I have shared these stories where you talked about when Teresa, you always used to say when you go home, do you want to wait? Do you want Gia to wait or like you want Gia for me to wait for her for me to wait for her?

For me to wait for her. Right. But individually, what were your goals and how far did you want to make it? Um, I mean, I wanted to make it pretty far. I was like, like when I did it, when I signed up, I'm like, you know what? I could win this. I, Gia and I could definitely. I was thinking that in my head.

I'm like, we going well, getting, when actually doing the task. I was like, oh my God, I was dying. Like honestly, guys, but when we were walking, when we had to do the challenge to walk across the ladder. Yeah. I was like, there's no way. Like when my, when she chose to leave, I feel like everything happens for a reason. And when even though I felt like the rest of the challenges, some of them were really, really hard. But like the ladder, I was like, hmm, I don't know if she would have.

walked across the ladder the tunnels were insane and then also day six when we did the tight rope like all of that was like so scary and then just like the physical aspect of it too climbing up the mountain me brie and jesse were like dying and i know chenelle gave it her all but like if my mom was dying going up those stairs to the to the aircraft challenge if she did that mountain she i think she would have passed out probably Yeah, but you know, sometimes your adrenaline kicks in and like you don't know, you know. You would have been making crazy noises. I would.

I do make a lot of noises like when I'm doing. Yeah. I don't notice any noises. They didn't even. I remember you didn't. Oh my God. You guys, because you weren't in the back of the bus. But I, she's going up the stairs.

She's like, her noises are like moans. And it's like I can't. No, no, I swear. And I can't, I don't understand it. I can't get, I can't get past it. And we're going up the stairs and Billy's screaming at her. She's making all these noises. I'm like, this is so embarrassing.

They're definitely going to show this. I'm like, this is crazy. And, no, I have to say, though, if it wasn't for Billy pushing me, I wouldn't have finished. Like, that was like, that was like, like, you know, how you say, like the DS is push you. Like, he was, like, screaming. at me and then that's what got me to finish it because I was going to give up I took my backpack off I threw it on the floor you did yeah I did what and I did not oh he screamed at her you better pick that backpack up right now I picked it up and I finished yeah that's awesome but great job

I don't know I would say for me though I I didn't have like any expectations like I didn't go in there being like I'm going to win. But I kind of was just like, I'll take it day by day. But then as the days kept going on, I was like, okay, I made it past day one. I'll be good. We can go to day two. And then I just kept taking it day by day and just trying to push through. But then once we made it to like day seven, I was like, all right, you got to just push

through this. No, I feel like Teresa, correct me if I'm wrong. Was Gia always like the student in school where she would say, she would take a test and then walk out and be like, oh my gosh, I totally failed that. And then she would ace it. Because I feel like that's what she did with the whole show.

She like, the whole time she's like, there's no way I could do this. I can't do this. And then she's like crushing it. And like the communication versus execution is different. She's definitely strong. So I was that student.

She was. Yeah. And you aced it. See? Sometimes. Sometimes and occasional, you know, see, which I think.

I think I did that sometimes on the course. I would say sometimes I got to see with we all that. You did great. I mean, Teresa, are you into fitness much? Oh, yeah.

I did, I did a fitness competition and I got third place. Wait, what type of fitness? Like bikini. Like a bikini fitness. Yeah. Oh,

like a body building. Like if you look it up. Tereisa Judea's fitness competition. It'll pop up. You'll see my, it was like, I was jet. I was like really.

She was like shredded. It was insane. I was like, you need to eat a burger. So that was my first, like after me and her dad, you know. She did it when my dad was away. Because like you have to wear a thong on stage. And he, I always wanted to do. And he was just like, yeah, and I wear a thong on stage.

So I was like, oh, yes. So when he left, I'm doing it. So I did it. Wow. And I wanted to get first place. But, you know, the two girls that won before me, they've been doing it for 10 years. That was my first time doing it.

So I'm happy with number, see, third place, number three again. So I got third place. So I was happy with it. Will you do it again? Yeah, I would do it again because you know what you're getting like the best shape ever. And you clean and you eat really clean. And yeah, you know, it's a good way to be. Teresa, the episode where we do the milling, the boxing.

Yes. Where you bowed out, which was edited a little bit differently because you didn't bow out first. Like that was, that whole editing was, was backwards. Did you realize that? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. How they showed that they called my number first. Yes. But that's not actually.

Yeah, yeah. No, no, I know. I mean, again. And it's weird because, Sean, remember when I told you that when she said to Fox, that was the biggest mistake, you should have had my daughter fight first because then I would have jumped in and it was weird how they edited it opposite but that's not how it actually was because if it was like that then maybe things would have come differently are you guys a lot to talk about that yeah oh you are okay um yeah i mean regardless you know g and i were speaking you know we had a few days before coming to the actually you know to actually start doing the special forces so she

was just telling me like to let the anger go with her dad so as a mom. I'm always a mom first and my brain's always thinking and it's like, you know, how could I teach my, you know, or how can it be a good example for my daughter in like, and just in every thing I do. Like I'm always a mom first because I have, you know, four daughters that are looking up to me. So I want to be the best role model possible. So when she said that to me, as I wanted to fight. I did want it to fight. I was like, I'm going to fight. And then I even said, I said, when, you If Gia goes first and if, you know, I'm jumping in. Because I'm like, first of all, I'm going to kick that, kick whoever's ass is hitting my daughter. And I'm like, and second of all, it's going to make great TV. Even though I'm going to get punished, I'm like, it's going to make a TV. But then I just started thinking and I was just like, oh, that's why I don't know if anybody looked at me. I was like, I was like, my brain was like, you know, going and going.

I'm like, what should I do? What should I do? So then that's why I was like, you know, I wanted to show Gia. I'm going to let the past go. Like that whole fighting thing was like sort of like like post-traumatic stress. Like because I've been defending myself for the past 10 years. It's like a combination of things. Like, yeah, I have been defending myself on the Real House versus in New Jersey for the past 10 years.

So I, I, I, I, those two things were, you know, I was thinking about defending myself with the fighting. And I'm like, I just didn't. want to do that. I didn't want to show my daughter that. I know it was part of the challenge. And so, so that's why I was like, you know, I'm out of here and I know my daughter's going to kill it. Do you hold on to anger, Teresa? Yes, I do. Yes. And I hold grudges. And I hold grudges. Yes. You do something to her. She'll bring it up 10 years later. No, just, I mean, only one has to do with family. Like friends, I don't give a shit. Friends, it's like, see you. Like, you know. But family, I'm very old school. Like, you know, like, I don't know, Joe.

Alex, I ask Andrews since he's from Indiana and Sean. Did you ever watch the, did you ever watch the movie Godfather? I've seen clips, but never. Oh, my. Andrew? We're going to have to watch it tonight. Yes, you watch. There's three parts.

This is her motto. This is her mantra. This is what she stands by. Like, this is Teresa Judey's, the Godfather. I'm the godmother. There's one part in the movie, like, and never go against the family. Like, I'm very about that. Like, so that's the only part that I hold grudges.

Like, no, but, you know, obviously I just made up with my brother and my sister-in-law. Just because if I feel like with family, you shouldn't go against family, you know. And then with her dad, you know, obviously I blame it was his fault because of what happened to me. I got wrapped into the whole legal situation and I had to be away from my daughters for 11 and a half months so that was really hard for me because they were my life.

Like I did everything for them. So being away from them was like really hard. But what made me be able to be okay with it, and I had no choice that my parents were still here and my parents were with them every day. So that made me so happy and I was more, you know, my mind was more at peace. that my parents were going to be with them every day.

Gia, do you feel like you have the same operating system? As my mom? Yeah. No. Like with the, with the, with the, with the,

yeah, yeah, with that. I thought you meant holding grudges. I was like, no, that's not me. Yeah,

no, I agree. I mean, just with everything, um, my family is like very tight knit. And I'm so happy that now, obviously like my mom and her brother were able to reconcile.

I mean, growing up, I used to look at my uncle like he was the best person on this planet. And, you know, things got crazy when it came to the TV show and just things that happened in the past. But it took like, even going on special forces, I feel like the DS instilled so much into us about letting go of the past and really just making, like, embracing like what you're doing in the moment. because you can't guarantee tomorrow,

especially with those goodbye letters. So it was, I was really happy to see my mom do that. But then, you know, I also learned the never go against the family from my dad's side of the family because my dad has your typical,

traditional Italian family so big over 100 people in his family. And we are just one big happy family. Like no matter what, we could be screaming at each other one minute, but if we call them the next day, they'll be there in two seconds. So his family is really what taught me that true value. And I love them so much. And I'm, like, insanely close with them. So I would say my dad's side of the family, like, really instilled that within us. And my mom did too as well and my grandparents.

But she even says it, like, at the time when she was dating my dad and stuff, the one thing that she loved about him was how big his family was and how there was, it was like a beautiful thing. Yeah. Okay. I'm curious about this. And that they always had each other's back. Yeah. Yeah. No, Joe's family.

Takes the microphone. No, they really didn't. And I love that. Okay. So reality TV, you know, thrives on drama. And I feel like grudges are good for drama. You just got my wheels turning about like you mentioned don't go against the family, but it's issues that are with the family that you hold the most grudges towards.

And like I don't know what the situation with the brother is, but it seems like there was some reconciling that needed done there. So like it just do the grudges get in the way of that saying? of don't go against the family or does do they end up do grudges end up fracturing the family because i've been thinking about this like you're saying with friends it's not the same relationship with friends as is with family because you can just move on and and find a new friend because it's not blood you know but with family like i do think that it's different because you have decades and a lifetime to work through like this person will always be in your life so like it probably

needs to be worked through because they will be there whether you like them or not So I'm just trying to think, like, do grudges, how do you view grudges in light of that family saying? You know what I'm saying? Forgive me for interting, but I think she's saying if you go against, like if you come for their family, she'll hold a grudge against you. So even if I have a grudge against my brother

and you come from my brother that I have a grudge against? Yeah. No, like I mean like if you hurt me personally. Yeah. Like, that's, like, they hurt me personally. So that's what it was. like not my kids or anything like that. I mean,

but then my kids were sticking up for me. And then when they were sticking up for me, they were calling them disrespectful, which they're so not because, you know, I was by myself, Joe had left then. And so I'm just saying,

it was just like a very, I would say like a unique situation that. Yeah. Most, you know, kids aren't put into either. It was a situation where obviously my mom's on the show. I'm like her,

right-hand man and I kind of got put into that situation at a young age to just always kind of be like the mediator and just always kind of be that level head like middle ground and it was hard because it was like as much as you're trying to keep the peace there was also a lot of hurt going on I think on both sides So it, you know, it was kind of like this roller coaster that obviously was hard to get off of because obviously the public attention and the public opinion doesn't help anything. But now, you know, time has passed and we haven't been filming for a little bit because Jersey Housewives was on pause. So.

Because of how toxic it was. Yeah. Like Jersey Housewives went on pause. because it got so dark. So when you have that time to reflect and then special forces and, you know, now like my siblings and my cousins, like, we're starting to run into each other at like, you know, down the shore or at parties. Like, it comes to the point where it's like, why, like, how long can you really run from

this? Like, do you want this to be the forever? So I think where like the grudges kind of got put into places when she felt hurt. She always remembered that. So it was like when people hurt her that she loved and really cared about, she always will remember that. And that's something that she does. Yeah. And another thing.

It's hard to make her forget and move on. Because I wouldn't do that. Like I wouldn't hurt a family member. Like I wouldn't do that. So and, you know, you know how that there's a saying hurt people, hurt people? Like even though I was hurt, I would never hurt. you know, someone I love. Like I wouldn't, I wouldn't hurt, you know, someone in my family.

I wouldn't. And not even a stranger, tell you the truth. Like, I'm not that person. I'd rather just walk away. Yeah, but I think, you know, going into this now, it's very positive. Oh, it is. Yeah. And let's hope.

Like, this is a thing, though. It's baby steps and not sure if we're going to film together or not again, you know. And then so if we do, not sure if we are, you know, Bravo hasn't said anything, but if we do, after we film, I'm deaf, because there's a running joke that I don't watch my show, you know, so this time I'm going to definitely watch it, you know, and see, and like, let's hope, like, hopefully we'll both have each other's backs. That's all I want. And I love that.

That's, like, that's what I want. I want to show America what my family was really about, you know, like how I was raised. Like, you know, like my brother and I always had each other's backs. Yeah. Did you watch Special Forces? Yes. What did you think of your daughter fighting? I thought she was pretty amazing.

Yeah. I got my ass kicked by Christy. Oh, I mean, same. I got my face beat it. Wait, yeah, I was there when her nose started bleeding. I was, like, I was in the back. And I was like, oh, my God, I felt so bad for you. And then, and then, in.

Andrew gets hit in the nose. And I was just like, oh, my God, I felt bad for both. So much blood. I know. I will never forget that, Theresa. I came, they told me to go back to the doctor or whatever. And you were still back there. Yeah.

And you looked so panicked when I came in. And I was like, gee, is fine. She did so well. I know. I was like, oh, my God, you just got hit in the nose. I'm like, gee, it doesn't want to get hit in the nose. I'm like, I was looking. I was like, like, I was going to come running it.

And then I would have got in trouble. I was. Yeah, gee, I'm curious. We had this conversation a couple times this week, not with you, but it seems like you have a really solid sense of self. Like your self-identity feels very secure, which is, it might not be a given since you grew up in the public eye. and there's so many opinions telling you who you are. And since you, like, the family situation, I'm curious, what do you attribute that to?

Because it seems like you've made it out so strong, despite circumstances that might bring you down. Thank you. I mean, I definitely was lost, I think, for sometimes, at some points in my life. You know, when my family's legal issues were going on, I really wanted to become a lawyer. And I was really, you know, fascinated with the criminal justice system and to go to law school and become a lawyer and, you know, do something to maybe help my family's

case one day. And that love has not gone away, but I think that passion has a little bit as I got older. And by public opinion, like exactly what you were saying, the public always had this expectation of me because I said it when the legal stuff was going on. I've said I wanted to be a lawyer since I was in sixth grade. And, you know, that was my dream at the time. I really didn't think that all of these things would happen now and that I love my career. And so I went to college. My major was criminal justice. My minor was sociology. I did all the things. The internships got a job after college. Like I really was like doing everything I was supposed to be doing. But then I dealt with a lot of public opinion being like, well, you, what happened to being

lawyer? You weren't smart enough. You didn't hit the books. Like what happened to helping your family? Like it was just so much about that instead of like people just being happy for me for actually like succeeding and doing something really good right now. and like being passionate about it and being happy with it. So that was a little difficult.

And I honestly think as much, yes, I, you know, would I love to be a lawyer one day and can the door is not closed. Like I'm sure I would, I would be a kick-ass lawyer. But I think the drive of it also was because the public opinion, like the public was expecting it of me so much. and I felt like I would like let them down if I didn't do it. And I guess I kind of did because those were my comments for a while. I think now they let up because they're actually seeing, oh, wow, she has a career. But it was definitely hard for a little bit. And I was kind of just trying to find myself.

And then when I graduated college, I would say my influencing career and like being on social media really rose. And then everything like kind of started falling into place like next gen happened. Brandy all started picking up. Then I launched my podcast, special forces. Like then just so many things started happening where I'm like, I feel like people don't even understand like how busy like our schedules actually are. And I know my mom, you, Sean, Andrew, I know you guys totally get it. Like I got off the red eye on Monday from BravoCon and I haven't stopped since and, you know, even prior to that. But it's like I guess it's difficult because I'm really, I feel like within these past two years, I'm really like so happy with where I am. But I guess it's like discouraging when you don't get like that validation from people that like have watched me my whole life.

Jumping back in. I just want to add to that. Like I feel like it's important. And like, you have to be happy in what you do in life. And what she's doing now, she's happy. So you don't owe anybody an explanation. You know, you make yourself happy before you make it, you know. Yeah.

I think that's exactly like what Andrew's saying, though, is like, we see that. It's, it's so, it's so incredible truly how you both. Like, people get lost with so many opinions. Yeah. And I've never have. So that's why I don't want you to do that. Like I always want you to be confident who you are. I'm so happy.

But I'm saying it's beautiful. We witness it in watching you guys do so well with your shows and go to BravoCon and do special forces and have the DS screaming in your faces. And like you're so beautifully confident in who you are, both of you as a family, Gia as like a young woman. Teresa as her mom and like this icon. It's really cool that you guys have that ability because it's really cool. really hard for people to have that and I would say we're envious. It definitely took time though. I think my mom has always been super confident, which I commend her for that. But for me, it definitely took time. Like I was definitely like just like, like not like you would never know, but like internally like I was

definitely a little like insecure and like just like, you know, not fully confident in like everything. but like honestly after special forces i was like i'm on top of the world i could do anything i want and like that's when it kind of came full circle but then i also think special forces even though i did the show next gen and we like season the season was airing as we were filming special forces i was proud of special forces so like that was like the difference and you know filming season two right now of next gen i could just see the difference and i have i have i have have a really good feeling that I'm going to like this season a lot better because they just, they didn't show much of me season one. And the parts that they did show of me just really

weren't that authentic to who I was. And I kind of felt like in the most respect possible. I kind of felt like they were like just trying to show moments where I kind of acted like a mini Teresa when like she had her freakouts. So like I didn't respect that. I just kind of felt like it was like disrespectful to my character because I really, like I rare, I really rarely do that. So it's like when they, and they only showed little glimpse of me doing that, even though a lot of the viewers said how they did respect me and they saw me as a really good friend. And I guess, you know, sometimes it's nice to hear what the viewers say, but you also have to be happy with it like within yourself. And I wasn't that happy watching it.

So then after special forces, just kind of having that validation of like me achieving this, like, by myself, that felt really good knowing that I could like do it on my own. And then like that's when special forces was like kind of the kickstart to me like getting my own place. And like we're in my apartment right now. So it's like it's fun. Let's go. And just like kind of making those steps because I don't know. I was like I needed something. And I think Special Forces was that I'm not even getting.

Like, it really helped me. So I'm going to. I'm so excited to see where you go next, Gia. Sorry, go ahead, Teresa. Yeah, he's so excited to where you go next. Me too. I can't wait. I can't wait to see.

But I'm going to play off for what she just said. That was another reason how she just said that. Have you watched my show? No, they haven't watched. Neither one of you? No. All right. I, like, I flipped a table, season one.

And that's what me. She was like in, she's, she's crazy. No, I have this. Now she's calmer, a lot calmer. I have this Italian fiery temper. The reason why I flipped this table on this woman, Danielle, we were at dinner, we were having a dinner and she was going after my friend. And that's the thing too.

If you go after somebody I love, I have their back. I'm, you know, I'm very much like that. So she was going after my friend. I don't know. And I had enough with this girl. like this woman, like had enough of her. She kept insulting me throughout the show. Like if you watch the whole season, you'll see she was insulting me.

And I always count everything three times. And when I was like, like the third time, like that's it. I'm done. I'm done with you. You're going to. So that day, you know, I never thought I was going to do that. And after I did it, I freaking got so mad. Like I took my temper out on the table and I flipped the table.

And everyone after, I was like, oh, my God, I never did that before. I'm so sorry. I'm like, you know, because I usually don't, I'm not like, I mean, listen, yeah, if somebody pisses me off, I do lose my temper, but that's another reason why I don't want to do that anymore. And the milling fight kind of was making me think of that, too, like post-traumatic stress, like with fighting and I don't want that. And it's like everybody comes after me.

And same thing, another time, like we were at a table. Oh, in Nashville, guys in Nashville. We were at a bar and we were eating like fast food or whatever and drinks with the cast. We're filming. And a cast member calls me a liar. Now this cast member like was going after my husband. She doesn't like her. Yes.

Don't like her at all. You know, she was going after my husband like hardcore. And I just had enough for her too. And she called me a liar. Everything on the table. Andrew and Sean ended up on her. She had a white dress on. Everything ended up on her.

Yeah, that's how. Wait, did you flip another one? No, no, no, no.

She was like clear that. Oh, wow. I just pushed everything. She was right across for me. So I pushed, because that's the thing. She's like attacking here.

I found, I find, you know, my, you know, I fell in love and I found, you know, so happy.

And she was like trying to, you know, for a storyline, you know, trying to come after my husband. And that's why I was like, you know, if you,

if you, hurt anybody I love. It's not, it's not good. Yeah. I, uh, I want to, you know, like, I want to circle back. I try to be a little calmer, you know? So like, when they, when they tried to make me look like that, I was like, that's like, not who I am. And I think you guys know that. So I was like, I'm knowing. There, Andrew's asking a question. And you're asking a question. And I'm not like that anymore either. I'm going to show a different side of me. What do you attribute that to your change, Teresa? Special forces. Really?

Because Gio, it's just, I know she said let go of anger, but when I get angry, that's what happens. So it's like I gotta just stay calm and I got to just do more yoga and not let the, you know, if anybody tries to push my buttons, just ignore them. What did the DS say to you, Teresa in particular? I feel like they were good at picking out things and people. Well, which is weird, guys, because they didn't show her interrogation. Yeah, I know. Wait, I went in there like three times. Yeah, which is weird.

They pulled her in three times because, well, you can. Well, because they weren't understanding what I was saying and why I left. They're like, you're holding your daughter back. I'm like, no, I'm not. Trust me. I know my child. I'm not holding her back. And I'm like, don't, you know.

And so like, because they didn't watch my show. The psychiatrist got me to a tea. She watched the, you know, she has watched the show. And she's like, you know, and so she totally got me. So guys, I told you she still talks to the psychiatrist. Yeah. I love her because she totally understood me. Like, this is the thing.

Not too many people get me. And she got me right away. I was like, oh, my God, you're like a fresher breath air, you know? I was like, I love that. A breath of fresh air. Oh, sorry. That's what I mix up my words. I have my own language.

So you're three interrogations. What were they asking or trying to pull out of you? Well, I mean, that's what they were saying to me. I'm holding my daughter back. I'm like, no, I'm not. I'm like, trust me. I'm not holding her back. And like I knew in my head, like, she's so strong.

Like she's going to kill this. And that's all. I was like trying to explain to them like why, you know, why I was leaving, I think. And that was it. You know, but they were saying that I was holding her back. I'm like, no, I'm not. you know so I think they finally got it you know and that's when they yeah but did they ask about like your personal life no listen they they knew um they knew about my personal life i mean it's a public

record um but yeah it told my you know i hold a lot of anger and you know do i have a lot of anger because of what happened my situation and um so so i felt like you know i like you know i enjoyed doing special forces just because and then also you know what it gave me post traumatic stress a little bit you keep saying this word yeah because being away like special forces was worse than being away like the living conditions where we were at in morocco t-sd do you have i feel like you don't have no but i'm saying like it was like i was like it reminded me a jail like being in special forces like you're locked up with all these people. And it was just weird to me.

Yeah. And it was like rough conditions, right? I mean, special forces was, right? You were the very first one they put on toilet duty. Right. Oh, I was just about to. And at least in jail, you don't have to wash your own clothes. You don't have to wash your own dishes.

What else? No. Other people's poop. Well, that too. Yeah, but I didn't have to, thank God, I got the. first day, guys, because they said the first day, nobody poops, so I didn't have to, you know, I was just, I wasted. Except you remember when you roasted me?

Wait. Oh, what did I say? Oh, my gosh. I, okay. And it took a huge dump. I loved this, Teresa. You walked straight in and you're like, Andrew. The amount of poo that just came out of this guy, bless his heart.

Do you remember that? Oh, man. It killed me. I was like, I loved it. And I just dumped all the cleaning products. And the first day, I used up all the cleaning products. They're like, well, we gave you cleaning products yesterday. I used them up.

I had so many people ask me specifically about you, Teresa. So you had so many people ask about me. See? What were they asking? I had so many friends who watched the show. And you know what's interesting? It's like we had, you guys know how this goes. Like the cast, there were some unique characters.

But I had a lot of people ask about Teresa. And they were like, what is she like? And you know what's funny? It's like, I have not watched your show. I didn't know hardly anybody going into this. I didn't know their backgrounds. I didn't know headlines, controversies, nothing. Teresa, you are phenomenal.

I was like, she was literally like everyone's mom, best friend. She would cheer you on. She like, it felt similar. It makes sense. From what you're saying about your background and your family, it felt like family. It felt like I had someone cheering me on. And we are all in such vulnerable positions. but you are a joy.

And so even now when I go watch your show and you're like the villain, I'm like, she's amazing. Thank you. But I think what's so cool is like you guys don't, it's not like you overwhelm the room when you walk into. I think it was like really wonderful how it panned out because one thing you do do is speak your mind with confidence.

And it's like it's not offensive or obnoxious. It's like you just speak your mind. Like you saying they can go take a hike. Like everyone knows what Teresa is saying. And in this environment, I think it was really, it had the side effect of bonding everybody. which is really fun. But I'm curious.

What do you want your legacy to be? Okay. That's a very good question. Yeah, this is a very good question. Powerful, strong. That was a thing. I don't want to go out. Like, I want everybody to get to know the real Teresa and not the Teresa, you know,

that everyone comes after. And then, of course, I defend myself. That's what I do. I mean, and who wouldn't? Who wouldn't? Like, that's the thing. Who would not? And yeah, do I, like, do I go crazy on that person that is trying to hurt me?

Absolutely. You know, but I'm not that person. Like, you know, if you really get to know me, like you guys did, I know, we weren't together that long. But I'm very easy going. I'm a softy. Like, yeah, like, I love to have fun. And, you know, that's it.

There's no reason. And I would never start a fight first. Like, I never, like, there's no reason to, you know. Or I would just, like, have a conversation with the person if I didn't like, you know, if I didn't like something that they said or something. But they all, wait. What? Your legacy.

I know. Well, I mean, it's hard. Like, what do you say? Like I said, Pat, all right. So help me, help me. Like, okay. When I look at you and I think of your legacy, I think of, like, your brand and your empire and what you're going to build.

Like, I want you to come out with maybe another cookbook or construct your own cooking line with your own sauce. Oh, is that, is that what that means? I want you to, like, construct, like, what you picture your legacy to be. Like, I feel like, you know,

you're, like, cooking in that Italian culture is such a big part of your life that you want to expand on that and show people the true value and, like, true attributes. to yourself. Sure, which is powerful, strength, like driven hard work. Yeah, like I'm a mom. I have four amazing daughters

that you could see the result of how I raised them. That's my legacy. Like, I want to, you know, so, I mean, that's, like, the most important thing to me. Of course, listen, all the brands and whatever, that all comes. I mean, yeah, I don't know if you guys know, I have four cookbooks, two

memoirs. I'm a four times, you know, bestselling author. They're creating their own book right now. Awesome. Awesome. So, but I always put my children first. So it's all about my daughters first because I'm their role model. So my legacy is, I don't know. Yeah. I'm, you know, I still got a lot of time to go. So I don't like to say, you know, like even people say, where do you see yourself five years from now? I don't know where you see myself five years. And I'm never answering that question again because I answered that question a long time ago. And I never pictured myself. going away. Like, I was like, so I'll never answer where,

where do I see myself five years from now? So you know what? Andrew, not that I want this time to come. I'll freaking one. I'll take that question. I'll throw it in the trash. Yeah, no.

I'm sorry. I even ask. I mean, I was, I was like hyping you up that like you still have so much more. No, that's what I said. Exactly.

There's so much more to come. I know that like I'm going to God willing to do, you know, more TV shows. But that's, that's what I'm saying when it's all over. I think your legacy needs to be a great mom, powerful, and hardworking. Of course. And that's what I was saying.

Three words. I love that. Yeah. But then of course, all the success that comes with it. But it's also been like a, you know, a crazy ride. Yeah, it's been a crazy ride. Like it hasn't been all fun, like being on a TV show with my family. Well, that's why we need to still.

build our legacy. Right. And that's why I hope I get a chance to show a different side of me. You know, because that's, if it was up to me, guys, that would have never happened. Let's just put it that way. Okay. So you said that a couple of times. I'm curious, has all this, everything that's come with the TV side of things, has it all been worth it? That's hard to say. That's very hard to say. It's like yes and no, because if I wasn't in the public eye, you know, that's why you can't say it already happened. Andrew's like you can't talk about spilled milk. So you can't, it's like, yeah, it's like it already happened.

So it's like for me to talk about it, you know, what's that going to do? Well, but I'm saying there's other people who might be, you know, given opportunities to be in reality TV. I just would, and you have a unique insight. I would dot every T, I mean, dot every, cross every T, dot every I, before ever putting yourself. in a situation where you're going to be in the public. All right. This is my,

all right. This is my thing. Would you rather be rich or famous? Would you rather be rich or famous? Rich all day long. Yeah. Because being famous, obviously there's prices to pay.

You know, that's good, but then there's bad, like, you know, you get photographed, like I've gotten photographed, like the worst pictures,

like being in meekonos. It's like, and then I get pissed off. I'm like, my butt doesn't look like that, you know? So, so,

so, And I tell my husband, I'm like, take a video on my ass and put it on your story right now because that's what my butt really looks like, you know? So stuff like that. And it's like everybody's watching what you're doing. And it's like, you know, and then they'll write articles. And it's like, it's like there's no privacy. And it's hard.

Like even sometimes when I talk to my husband, I'm like, talk low. Because like people listen to our conversation. Like when I met with my brother, we met, you know, with the four of them. us. We met in a park because I didn't want to go to a restaurant. And then as soon as we went to a restaurant, everybody knew we went to a restaurant. So there's like no privacy. And that's the only thing that, like look, my second daughter, Gabriella, the one, she goes to University of Michigan. She's so smart. She's brilliant. She doesn't want to be in the public eye. You see? My third daughter, Melania, I think she'll be next. She likes being in the public eye. And my youngest, I don't know. I think

she might be like Gabriella. She's 16, so she's still young. So, you know, because it's hard being in the public. There's people that judge you. And that's the thing. I'm very strong and I could take it. I don't, other people, I don't know if they could take it because, you know, it is. I think you also have to have really thick skin to be in the public eye too.

Yeah. And I do have thick skin. Like, if my husband would have saw the show before he came on, he would have never came on. Like, he watched the show, but he didn't watch the show, like, actually how it really is, you know? So that's the thing. People really have to do their homework before going on reality TV because it's not all what it's cracked up to be. Gia, last question. Oh, no. You won special force. So did you. You said earlier in the podcast, you've done next gen, you've done these shows.

They're fun. You're proud of them, but it didn't compare to the pride you fell after special forces. What was it you took away from winning special forces? I would say like that sense of like independent, like that like sense of like being independent. And knowing that like my family and the people are at home were okay without me. I don't know.

It was like a weird like realization because. I was never in a rush to move out and I never really had a reason to because I was just always home and my family always relied on me to help out. Not in a bad way, but it was just, you know, the responsibility of being the oldest. So if my mom needed me to drive Adriana or this one or that one, like especially like just growing up and just everything that kind of went on with our family. Mom, can I please? She was amazing. Anytime I asked her to do something, she always did it. She never said no.

freaking amazing yeah i just had to add that like i'm giving you props thank you so much um but so yeah i don't i felt like i was always needed you know at home and there wasn't really a reason for me to leave so i after special forces i was kind of just like whoa like kind of like this whole independent thing. And I feel like a sense of accomplishment, like doing this. And I realize, you know, obviously like life is short and to really just do what you want and be happy and be confident within yourself. Because that's kind of like everything that they taught us, you know, like show up for yourself. Take day, take every day as it comes. Like don't, you know, you have to let let go and all this stuff. So when I actually like,

completed the course, I knew that I was ready to kind of move on. And then that's when I like started just like, I just felt like on top of the world. I was like, I feel so independent. And it gave me a really big confidence boost, I would say, like something that I really needed. And it was perfect. even right now like while filming next gen my producers even are looking at me like you're so different and i'm like i don't know how to explain it but it's it's just this sense of i don't know i mean maybe sean you can help me out like it's like i just felt like i don't know like i don't know if it was healed like i don't know what it was but it was like just a weird feeling that i think it was i don't know good as Sean how she felt

What do you think you took away from it? Sean, how'd you feel? I mean, I think I was going to say, I think we're in very different phases of life. And it makes me really proud to hear that. I remember going through that phase in my life where I needed the independence and I needed to learn that I was okay

to kind of go do something. I think for me, having had three kids and kind of gone through the past six or seven years of feeling like the only identity I had was being a mom. It allowed me to kind of gain back an independence and feeling like I could be a human too outside of that. My babies, similar to you, Teresa, are my life.

They are everything. But I forgot what it felt like to feel strong outside of being a mom. So I think I got to gain that back, which felt really nice. You succeeded. You were like, I mean, all of you were. such an inspiration but really like Andrew you were just so like gentle and kind and like just like you felt you made everyone feel so like supported and loved and like Sean you were just like you felt like the fierceness from you but like that that like that like great and determination though is what

motivated all of us and it was like you would always motivate me every single day even though I want Sometimes I'm like, Sean, I don't want to do it anymore. And I'm really trying. Yeah, no, Andrew, you were a sweetheart. All the men, I have to say, were such gentlemen and, like, you know, helped us women. It was, like, pretty amazing. Yeah, and I felt like I love being around powerful women. Like, I don't get intimidated.

Yeah. So, Sean, yeah, like being. You know, she was in the Olympics at 15 years old. Amazing. Yeah. Like, she's like, she reminds me to you because Gia used to dance too, not that she was in Olympics. Like, my mom, I mean, come on.

She is next level. I'm just saying, like, Sean, you know, it's like, I don't know if your kids are, I think they're too young though, but dance competitions, cheerleading competitions. Like, it was intense, like getting up at like five o'clock in the morning. They would practice four or five hours a night. And then she has to do her homework. So it was like, you know, it was like a lot. She's always been like a hard worker.

So, but same thing. Like, you know what you were just saying? And I'll just like touch on that too. Well, I was like a mom too. Like I'm saying growing up, you know, raising the kids till like, Gio was like I think seven or eight. And then that's when this housewife opportunity, you know, came around. And I didn't know what it was.

And I was like, what is this? And it took me a year to sign my contract. Yeah. Because everybody else signed the contract right away. I just didn't know what it was. And then finally I'm like, oh, you know what? I'm bored. Not bored.

Like I'm, you know, it's like doing the same thing. every day and it's like, oh, it's like, I, you know, I missed working. So I'm like, at least like I get to work a little bit. And, and I get to do fun things that go to lunch with my friends and go to, you know, like that. So that's what made me get into Housewives. I love that. This has been a blast. Thank you guys for both joining for this conversation. I feel like every time I talk to you both, I just want to smile and laugh and do both. And, Gia, your progression, both live and as it was displayed on the show, is one of my, favorite things to watch you come to realization of how powerful you are and I can't wait to

to see what you do with that I know it's going to be big things Teresa I also you know while I have this opportunity I would be remiss to to not apologize I'm in this place of responsibility to take care of your daughter and they put me in this dunking situation and I just want to say if you felt like I compromised that then I apologize I I took the responsibility of keeping them safe very seriously so I'm sorry. But anyway. Andrew?

You have to apologize for that. If anyone were to dunk me, it would be you. Also, Teresa, I didn't tell you this. We're at dinner the other night with Gia and we got a steak. And I felt like I was being coached vicariously through you because she like, she said, here, Andrew will cut the steak and she gave me the plate. And I was like, okay, I'll cut the steak. And I cut a couple pieces off for like Sean.

And then she was like, okay, Bree would like some steak. And I was like, okay, I got some etiquette to learn here. I got a long way to go. God forbid I say it. And then I am just annoyed. So I was like, yeah, gee, you're telling. Love it. I love it.

Oh, he's so sweet. Thank you. But it was, it was ridiculous, though, because of course, you saw it a lot in last lines episode when they were like, oh, are you and Andrew having an affair? No, because of Sean. Yeah. Like, I know, because she told me that there was, they were in interrogating her more about that.

But they didn't even show exactly. They're so much. And they all only show a little bit because that's all they could show is like 45 minutes of it. Because with commercial breaks, that's all they show. I know. It's crazy. But then like when during that interrogation you saw in the episode how Sean, they dunked me and Sean in the water.

And it was really the interrogator that was dunking us. Like Sean's hand was, I mean, Andrew's hand was maybe like lightly on our arm. Like he was so Even I couldn't hear really well What they told him to dunk you Yeah Oh okay

But even even though me and Sean Like we were not even human anymore We had no emotions But shells I have to say that two of you Look the same Like yeah no freaking emotions Like I was like

They're freaking beast They're like you guys are amazing Like so yeah so proud But they like made us Made him like dunk us And we were like, okay. Whatever. It doesn't even matter.

But of course, during press, like, they kept asking Sean about it. And it was, like, so silly because it was like, if you guys really know Andrew, he is the most sweetest guy in the apps in the world. And it was like, because he was dunking his wife. And it was like, oh, my God. If anything. Oh, my God, I love the press. Sean would love for Andrew to dunk her out of anyone in that interrogation room. Yeah.

And that's the thing. They just ask the question and you just answer and then move on. Yeah. So. Yeah. Well, you guys have fun at Friendsgiving and I hope to talk to you soon. Thank you guys so much. Take care, guys.

I love you guys. And thank you so much for the flowers. I love you. Of course.