Mention It All - Who Needs Attention In Potomac? Ft. Mia Thornton

Episode Date: March 21, 2024

On the eve of this season’s Potomac finale, Mia Thornton stops by the studio to bring us up to speed on all the mess. She gets real about the personal journey she’s been on the last few years, and why she hasn’t shied away from sharing it all on camera. Later, she and Dylan talk through some of the larger issues the group is facing this year, and whether the reunion might bring much-needed resolution. Also, Mia breaks down the situation with Deborah at the GNA fashion show, and why things go left when people shoot their shot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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See Home Depot.com slash price match for details. Betches Media presents. Ha ha, laugh, funny. Mention It All, a Bravo by Betches podcast. We don't say that, but now we said it. With me, Dylan Hafer. We're going to check me, boo. Hey, everyone, welcome back to the Mention at All podcast.

I'm Dylan Hafer, and we are almost at the end of this season of Real Housewives of Potomac, and so we had to cap it off with something a little special. And today in the studio, we have Ms. Mia Thornton. Hello. Hey, Dylan. How are you? I'm good. I am.

Thanks for having me. I'm so happy to have you here. It's my first time getting to chat with you. Third season on the show, wrapping things up. You know, I'm in there. Like swimwear. How are we feeling after a few years of this whirlwind? You know, I don't even know if I remember what life was like without like this whirlwind.

You know, like Potomac is definitely coming by storm. And I am here and I just feel like it's just like a whole new part of life. You know, like I can't see life without the camera. cameras. We've seen you go through a lot in these few seasons on the show. Obviously, you know, everybody always has, has life happening in the midst of these shows. Yeah. How has your, how is your approach to doing the show changed as you've maybe gotten more used to it or as things have been changing in your life? I mean, I feel like ever since I hit, I've just been very transparent with whatever's going on. You know, fortunately, there's always something going on.

I'm like when and when I'm ever going to be able to just like coast my life is kind of wild yeah um and I wake up every morning and I take every day day day I'm grateful for all of the ups and downs and the hiccups and all the above but um yeah you know I'm grateful do you feel like has there ever been a moment now that you've you've done a few seasons you know you've obviously chosen to come back a couple times have there been barely have there been moments where you were like I don't know if this is, if I should keep putting myself out there like this. Absolutely. Are you kidding me?

Every season. I'm like, oh, God, okay. But, you know, I think, especially after my first season, I had that really hard. I was like, oh, my God, what did I sign up for? Like, what am I doing here? And, but, you know, it's, it's gotten easier. Yeah. It is what, you know, it's like, I've gotten to a point where I just know that, you know,

unfortunately sometimes we do things in life that we're not so proud of. The only difference between us and like the average person is that we have to relive what we did that we weren't so proud of and the whole world also knows what we did. But other than that, you know, it's good. I feel like the Potomac cast in particular, it's like this group of women that a lot of them have been around a long time. I imagine when you come in for your first season and it's like, okay, we've got the OGs. We've got, you know, Candace has been on the block. Like, that first season must

feel a little bit like you're, you're trying to grasp on to something. You're trying to find your place. And now I imagine you feel a little bit more settled in. Well, yeah. I mean, I'm like in there, you know, like feet are planted under the sand and they're kind of stuck with me. And yes, our first season coming in. I mean, it's like meeting a friend group for the first time. Like you don't know who these people are, like where they came from. And one of the things that I did not do is study like the previous seasons. I wanted to receive. I did watch some of the show because naturally I'm from D.C. So when they first aired, I was like, who are these ladies? And how come I don't know them, right? But, you know, I just feel like I have my own individual relationships

with them now, you know, outside of, you know, just what we're doing on TV. And I love all of our ladies, every last one of them, even the ones that are a little more shadier than others. I still love them. And we have a sisterhood. We really do. I feel like this season has been a little bit of a challenge with the group because there are certain people who really have these deep rifts with each other.

Obviously seeing Chiselle and Candace has been tough this season and, you know, Jazelle and Wendy. And, you know, there's, there's a few different dynamics that have made it hard for the group to kind of come together. Well, there was a common denominator there, wasn't there? Perhaps. But I feel like this season, you have done a good job of kind of being just a little bit above that fray and sort of being good with whoever and being kind of the person who can be just a part of the group. Like, I feel like that's important. We need that. Well, thank you.

I think the girls finally got with the program. and they realize that I'm actually, you know, pretty dope in real life, you know. So they're like, oh, we like Mia. Okay. Yeah. I actually will have your back. I'm also not a yes girl. So if there's something that I see or if I have a question, I'm going to share with you how I feel about it.

I'm not going to ever be nasty about it because that's not my character. It's not who I am. So, but I most definitely feel like when you're ever, you're in a friend group, you do have to be able to be transparent. You have to feel like you can just say what you want to say and no one's going to take it. I mean, we might not always like it, but we should be able to come back and say, okay, that came from a place of love, right? And that's what I wish for our group.

I wish for all of us to think that way. I think it would be a fun show. I think we can get back to having a lot of fun, which is what, you know, I think the people want to see. But unfortunately, you know, there are some people who just can't get past their own insecurities. Okay. I think you're giving me a look right now. I feel like there's a there's a name on your lips.

Is there? Well, it's a lot of lips. So what does it say? I think I think we can, I think we can intuit into it, into it what you're thinking. Are you blushing? I don't know. I don't know. I do think with, I think with your dynamic with the group, it's nice that it

feels like you are not afraid to speak your mind and you're not afraid to kind of like, like you said, throw some shade, have a little fun, kind of call people on, on their bullshit sometimes, but that at the same time, it's not always that serious. It's, none of it is that serious to me personally. I think that some of the things that were exposed to here could have like been, you know, nipped in a bud a while ago. And I do think that if we were to be mature adults and have some conversations that may not always want to be, you know, conversations aren't always comfortable, right? But I do feel like if we were to be able to sit down and say how we feel and receive it and

take some self-accountability, right? Okay. That's what I'm going to title this season, lack of self-accountability. I do feel like we're able, we will be able to be much further than where we are. Yeah. You know, like we are, I do firmly believe in moving together. that we're stronger together. And I think that if we were to get to the place where we all firmly believe that,

then, you know, we can move mountains. You know, we're the river girls. I think everyone in this cast has had their sort of personal trials and tribulations that we've experienced on the show. And I think you've been super open with everything that you've gone through watching. You kind of work through this period in your relationship. with Gordon this season has been, it's felt really authentic in a way that is, I mean, obviously it's not fun to go through those things on camera, but it has felt like there's been that level of

maybe accountability to use your word and, and watching those experiences. How was it for you kind of living this season? Because it's been, it's been a lot on a few different fronts. It's a lot. It's a whole lot, actually. And that's a loaded question too. So, but, you know, when I came to this platform, I promised myself that I was going to forever be transparent. And if I'm going through something, then I felt like I owe it to our fans and our viewers for us to be real. And I'm really going through a divorce, a separation. It has been something that we have been going through for quite some time now. And it is hard.

It's very hard because, you know, Gordon and I, we were married for 11 years, you know, and we dated for a few years prior to that. And we have gone, we've had an amazing life together and we've seen the things and we've done a lot. And we are also still very commingled with our businesses and very commingled when it comes to our children. And there's some other business opportunities that are on the forefront that we're going to have to still work together on, even though we're getting a divorce. and I know that doesn't really quite make sense, but hey, he's the best at it. So it's like, here we come. So even though it's hard,

I still feel like, hey, I'm not the only one going through a divorce, you know. You know, a lot of people in today's society, unfortunately, get to a point where they just know that the person that they're with is not the person who they want to spend the rest of their life with. But you can still, I do look forward to showing the world that we are really great friends and we do co-parent very, very well.

Yeah. And that's where we are right now. So good, so good, so good. Everything you want for summer is at Nordstrom rack stores now. And up to 60% off. Stock up and save on the brands you love like Vince, Sam Edelman, frame, and free people. Join the Nordy Club to unlock exclusive discounts, shop new arrivals first, and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free.

Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack. is so last season. And now Springs got you looking at pictures of tank tops with hungry eyes. Your algorithm is feeding you cutoffs. You're thirsty for the sun on your shoulders. That perfect hang on the patio sundress. Those sandals you can wear all day and all night.

And you've had enough of shopping from your couch. Done hoping it looks anything like the picture when you tear open that envelope. It's time for a little in-person spring treat. It's time for a trip to Ross. Work your magic. I like that you can, you can kind of acknowledge that it might, it might not make sense to everyone watching or there might be sort of like

parts of it that feel messy, but that's kind of just how life is. And I mean, even watching Ashley this season have to like answer some questions about timelines and the way that things are happening with her relationship too. It's like everybody has their situation that's happening with the, you know, there's different particulars.

There's different factors in the equation having kids. You know, it's complicated. extremely and unfortunately for Ashley her other half is as supportive so you know you guys aren't able to see a lot of what that looks like um and so I don't have that problem because Gordon is very much so loves the cameras and he wants to be on the cameras we haven't noticed like Gordon is comedy um I lived with him for 11 years I know um you guys are just he just getting started okay I'm like woo okay disclaimer he needs to come with a walking disclaimer like he needs to like and when he enters the room everybody needs to know okay Gordon has arrived

but that's what I love about him you know and that's why we've been able to have so much fun and but at the same time it's also what I hate about him sometimes I'm like ah you're like a loose canon like you'd have to like reel it back in sometimes kid yeah and I thought it was like watching this past week's episode when you guys had the the counseling session you talking about how just wanting to be sort of in control of all your options and sort of have have those conversations and look at what the different routes that you could go are. Like I think that's something that probably other people just watching the show that might be in a similar situation would say like, oh yeah, like that's a good point. Like I can I can know my options and also not be 100% sure what I'm going to do.

But it's not a bad thing to ask the questions. Oh my gosh. Knowledge is power. Yeah. Right? I don't have four degrees, but I am smart. Okay. I have a degree on hook down phonics and ebonics from the street.

Or not life, okay? I do have a degree. I know how to survive. You got the word on the streets degree. I need an honorary degree on how to survive. I got it. I'm trying to tell you. Let me tell you,

sometimes that street smarts will like, you know, outrule that book smart all day. I have seen it of my own two eyes. Hey, I think it's serving you well this season. I think, look, not everybody is necessarily thriving. And I think that you're,

I think it feels like you have like, settled in the show and in the group in a way where it's like, okay, we're getting like to a little bit of a deeper place with Mia this season. Yeah. And I'm glad that we have arrived. And the overwhelming amount of women and people who actually come up to me when they see us outside living our lives and just say thank you. It's just motivating to continue to be transparent because, you know, one of the things that we realize is that even though I'm going through what I'm going through or went through, You know, there's all these other people in this world that don't quite know how to heal from trauma, you know, or from things that, or not really know how to navigate life. You know, life is hard. Marriage is hard. Being a mom is hard, you know. And then, you know, put on being a reality TV star is hard, you know, and whatever we're doing, you know, our day to day.

And I just think that it's really important for it. And I'm happy that you guys are able to see that we are actual normal people. I think seeing the moment you had with Jacqueline a couple weeks ago on the show, I thought was really, it was an unexpected moment to me watching, but it really felt kind of full circle in a way. And like we were getting to the core of something that maybe didn't make sense the first time we were watching it. And then it was like, okay, there's something deeper here that goes back. before Real House of Potomac and this, you know, this like experience that we're in right now.

I think sometimes it can be like, okay, like, okay, it's messy. It's, you know, it's drama, whatever. But then there are those kind of layers that if you peel back, it's like, no, that's like the real core of like who you are as a person. Oh, thank you for that. And yeah, you know, and those moments are, I think, important for the world to see. And obviously, for every action, there's a reaction, right? And Jacqueline and I, she's my sister, you know, and sisters fight.

Good and bad, yeah. You know, I think sometimes sisters fight worse than friends do. You know, she's really my sister. And I love her to death. And I am so glad that we're back talking every single day. I've already talked to her twice today. And it's like, what, 10 o'clock in the morning? Or, I don't even know.

It's like 11. Yeah. And it's like, girl, get off my line. Like, don't you have to work or something? She has a job. But, you know, and she's so beautiful. and inside and out. And, you know, unfortunately, we went through a hard time in our sisterhood.

And it was all over the mainstream news. Yeah. We have learned from it. We have both grown from it. And we have made a pack that when we fight, we don't fight in front of the cameras ever again. Okay. We're going to save that for somebody else. But we do fight.

I think it's tricky because, like, when you go back to that, like, the trip that she came on last season, when we sort of were first getting to know her on the show. It's like she has, she's forming her own relationships with all the women in the cast. Yeah. But then obviously what you guys, what the two of you have together is like so, so much bigger and separate and had nothing to do with anything that was going on front of us. It didn't make any sense to anybody. Charisse is like, yeah. I like Jacqueline.

And it's like, that's not. No. We all love Jacqueline, you know. And I love that everybody loves Jacqueline. I mean, obviously, she's my best friend. And so I'm not best friends with like, you know, a loser or anything. Like, she's amazing. This is why she's my best friend, you know?

Like, she's my chosen family for a reason, guys. So I'm glad you like her that tells me I have a good, you know, taste of character. Right. It's like, we're going through something. If you didn't like her, it would be a problem for me, you know? Like, I can say what I want to say about her, but you can't say anything, you know? Try it. And you're right.

It was something that happened off camera that we unfortunately did not hash out before we got on that plane and the intention of hashing it out in first class that we didn't want anybody to talk about because there's no cameras. We wanted to get it out before we land it because we knew as soon as we land, those cameras are like, hello. And yeah, no, it didn't work out well. I don't know if that trip to Miami was anybody's shining moment. No, actually, Jacqueline and I fought in Mexico. Oh, in Mexico, yes. He did. No, I fought with the other one in Miami. Yes. Same season, though. I was going through a lot. lot, Dylan. Okay? Because Miami was like, the speaker was on the table, I think. So actually,

I do have something, you know, I actually did not, I had reached out to production ahead of my second season. Okay. And told them that I wasn't coming back. Okay. And I did that because I knew I was going through a lot. I was going through the family take over. Yes. Sabotage. I was going through Gordon and he was having some health problems. I was too. Yes. Still going through my health issues. And it was just a lot.

And I felt so thin. Without cameras, like, oh, my God, I can't bring cameras because I'm already so thin. And so I think that played a huge role. Because, you know, doing these shows and keeping up with these girls is like not walking apart. You know, it's a lot going on. We got a lot of personalities. There's a lot of characters in the one room. Yeah, it's a big cast.

It's a big. Oh, my gosh. It's a lot. of us. I can't keep up. I'm like, and who decided to put me in control of these girls? I don't know if I'm going to sit in first year. No. You know, so, but, but the thing about it is, is that I do feel like, um, I knew that I was thin, but I also don't give up, right? So when they call and said, no, we need you, please say. And I was like, okay. And, you know, and I thought about it. And, but I knew that I was then. So I'm not surprised that I was like, I don't even care. You weren't kind of at your like full strength to handle whatever was coming your way. I had nothing left in me. You know, so the littlest things can upset you.

And you know, there's some truth behind when you're unhappy, everything like shows itself. Yeah. And I was very, I was in a very, very unhappy state at that time. But, you know, not anymore. Next season before filming starts, we got to go to the spa. We got to get recharged. We got to be ready. Well, you know, I chose Jacqueline's advice and I just got some.

more dick. That works. Can I say that here? It's like going to the spa. And better. You know, five star at that. And, you know, and it really just worked for me. You know, I like it.

I like it here. I think Candace said something a couple weeks ago where she was like, does it always have to be a bad sex? Yes. The answer is yes. Good sleep is everything. That's why Ali's science back support is made with a blend of melatonin and L-theonine for both kiddos and grown-ups. So when your mind won't switch off, you've got something that can help. Erasing thoughts and restless nights won't stand a chance.

Find Ollie Sleep Solutions for the whole family at ollie.com. That's OLLLY.com. This episode is brought to you by Redfin. You're listening to a podcast, which means you're probably multitasking. Maybe even scrolling home listings on Redfin, saving homes without expecting to get them. But Redfin isn't just built for endless browsing. It's built to help you find and own a home With agents who close twice as many deals

When you find the one, you've got a real shot at getting it Get started at redfin.com. Own the dream This last week's episode, we got the return of Deborah. Oh dear. And we got a little audio moment at the end of To Be Continued. What was your take on Ashley inviting Deborah to that event? Obviously, Deborah had some work.

for Candice. They're kind of, give me your rundown of that situation as much as you can. Yeah, that was a lot. Yes. And I think full transparency, you know, to Deborah's defense,

I'm going to start with Deborah because she's clearly needing some attention. I think that a lot of times what we don't realize is that when these girls are introduced to this world, and they never get a chance to really, she doesn't get a confessional to be shady. She doesn't get a chance to, like, defend herself.

She doesn't come to the reunion, right? To say her blah, blah, blah, blah, right, ta, which is what we do at the reunions. You know, we said, it was funny. My daughter says, Mommy, where are you going? I go, I'm going to the sofa, the yellow girls, okay? And she's like, oh, okay, yeah, I remember that. You're six. Why do you remember that?

Who showed you? You know, so, but so I feel like Deborah, you know, she hit the scene. and she obviously hit in a not a favorable way at awe. Yeah. She does have a husband. She has kids and she's sitting at home doing nothing because she's a real house wife, right? And she didn't get a fair, she felt like she didn't get a fair chance. Yeah. Right.

Then she has to watch herself unfavorably on TV and she never had a chance to like say her peace. Right. And so when she gets the opportunity to, she clearly had some things to say or she wanted to say, but she had a poor job of communicating it and it was not the correct time and place. Right. Right. Right. Now, Candice, on the other hand, that mouth of hers,

needs to also understand that she's a queen, honey, and you're sitting on the throne. Don't allow these, you know, random people come up to you and let your crown tip, honey, okay? Like, because she tried it with me. Yeah. She came up to me. She's like, really, Mia, a four?

You only think I'm a four? And I'm like, you're a black queen, honey. We're all tens. She's like, I knew my, like. you, squashed. Right. No bottles were picked up. We don't even see it. No glasses were thrown.

She was just like, oh, I knew I liked you. I'm like, what? You really needed me to tell you that you're a 10, honey? Like, you, that's a whole other level that I, I'm not a therapist, okay? And then so because she didn't get a reaction for me. Yeah. She went over to Candace and where she knew she was going to get her attention. Yeah.

And Candace Gavisor. That is enlightening. I feel like I, I feel like I understand everything that you. just put out. And I feel like it is interesting to think about in terms of like, obviously we have our housewives and, you know, you guys get the full, you know, beginning, middle and end of everything. Yeah.

We have people like Cherise and Kiana and even Jacqueline. Yeah. It's like when they're around, it's like they're, you know, invited and, you know, we're kind of getting. And they're doing the most. Yes. But then for somebody like Deborah, it's like there isn't that kind of like. You know,

validation moment. Yeah. And so it's tough because if you feel like you deserve more than that, you're going to shoot your shot and it's not always going to go well. Well, they are going to shoot their shot. Yeah. Not you. I'm sorry.

I don't do. No, that we don't do. Right. You're holding the champagne flute. You don't have to shoot the shot. Okay. Period. Just so you know.

You're on the sofa yelling at the ladies. So how are we feeling about the reunion this season? Obviously, we still have a. finale to get through. But what's your like, like one to ten, how is Mia feeling about what happened at reunion? I mean, it's a long day. Yes. That's what I have to say about that day. It's a long day. I do feel like there were some conversations that needed to have been had. I'm not sure if there was resolution. Yeah. But who knows? Because, you know, even when we do have resolution, like the next hour, then we're back at it.

So, like, at this point, I don't know what's going on. Yeah. Yeah. I feel like I need it like a, like I need Cliff Notes. Yeah. I'm going to go back and read it. They'll go edit it together. Let me know what's going on.

I was like, can someone please tell me who I'm supposed to be mad at? Okay, thanks. Doesn't even sometimes watching the reunion. I'm like, I'm like, I know there was something between them too, but now I don't for, it's like a lot. And it's a lot. It's a lot of different dynamic. You know, we have a lot of personality. Yeah. Are you, okay, so I know talking to people about reunion, some people feel like that's like their day that they're ready for and they thrive and they get it all off your chest.

Are you like that or are you, is it stressful to you? Are you like dreading it? No, I love the reunion. Okay. I get to wear a really beautiful gown and sit on the sofa and I get to be pretty all day and someone like takes care of me and they bring my food. I'm like, yeah, I could do this every day. This is my kind of life. Okay. Yeah, I'm not. I actually enjoy the reunion. and I love wearing custom gowns. So, yeah. And I've had the same designer do all my gowns, all reunions. Oh, that's so nice. So it's really nice.

And I let her do whatever she wants to do. You don't have to, like, be stressed about working with somebody you've never met before. She sketches it, and she sends it. And I say, go for it. And she makes it. And I'm like, yay. You know? And I just, I love giving creatives an opportunity to be creative.

So even with, like, our hair team and our makeup team and we're family, it's actually like the Super Bowl. You know, it's a celebration. It's a celebration for me. There's no anxiety like whatsoever. So you didn't wear GNA to the reunion this year? No. Okay.

Is it even available? I don't know. Okay. We should go check it out. And it's hot, so I don't need a beanie. Fair. You're like under the lights. You know, yeah.

No. Well, Mia, this has been so lovely. Thank you for being here. Thank you for chatting. No, you're amazing, Dylan. Thank you for having me. Of course. Congrats on a third season.

Yes, here we go. What's next? Let's go. Can't wait. Thank you so much, everyone for listening. Don't forget to rate review and follow the show wherever you listen and watch Real House of Potomac. The finale coming up this Sunday. And until next time, be cool. Don't be all like uncool.

Mentioned It All is produced by Dylan Hafer, Sean Kilby, Jorge Morales Pico, and Rebecca Sousmaqat. Editing by Jorge Morales Pico. Social media by Dylan Hafer. Guest booking by Dylan Hafer and Ali Friedlander. Be sure to follow at Bravo by Betches on Instagram and Twitter. All. Pay off your home, travel for life, drive a Ferrari. In celebration of the world premiere of the Monopoly Big Board Buckslot machine by Aristocrat Gaming, Yamava Resort and Casino and San Manuel is giving one person a $1.6 million dream package. The biggest prize in Yamava's history. Club Serrano

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