On Display with Melissa Gorga - Don't Fess with the Best (w/ Jenn Fessler)

Episode Date: November 14, 2024

Melissa welcomes with one of the fresh faces from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Jenn Fessler , to talk all about her experience since joining the show, her two podcasts (Two Jersey Js, & Just Jenn), her friendship with Jakie and Margaret, women supporting women, and Housewife Hot Takes on Page Six!This Week's Sponsors:GDefy Shoes - Ultimate Comfort and Relief : www.GDefy.com , promo code: Melissa ($20 off orders of $100 or more!)PlutoTV - Free Streaming TV: www.Pluto.TVProgressive - "Name-Your-Price" Tool: Progressive.com 

What's up everyone? Welcome to another episode of On Display with your girl, Melissa Gorga. I'm so, so, so excited about today's episode. I have somebody really fun today, but before I tell you who it is, I wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate you guys all so much. And I know it's shopping season and it's time to get out there. So I'm giving all of my listeners, only you guys, a special 15% off at envy by mg.com. So use Claude on display and it's only for you guys. So don't tell anyone. Love you guys and happy shopping. Okay, so I'm excited for my girl if she's a first timer on display. She is the spunky newest housewife of New Jersey. I have the always funny

and always gorgeous Jen Fessler with me today. Hi, missy G. Hi, I am so excited. Well, wait, before we start, there's already something I'm annoyed with me today. Hi, Missy G. Hi, I am so excited. Well, wait, before we start, there's already something I'm annoyed with you about. What? You just offered only your listeners 15%. I don't get it. Do your guests not get that?

I mean, I will give that to you also. And you get the friends and family all the time. You don't need a special day. That's for my mal listeners, because they're my peeps. Your mal listeners. That's for my mal listeners. What's up? You look beautiful. I heard we're my people. That's for my mal listeners. What's up?

You look beautiful. I heard we're both going to movie premieres tonight. Yes, I am going to a movie called October Hate. And it's about October 7th, what happened in Israel and antisemitism all over the country. So yeah, Michael Rapoport will be there. You know, he's my, I just love that man. And Deborah Messing, it'll be good I just love that man and Deborah Messing.

It'll be good. I love him too. He's amazing. He's a solid. I, I met him the first year I was on the housewives. You know, he's always been a huge Jersey fan. Like he can read us like no other, like the back of his hand and it's crazy. I mean, he's always just been so supportive.

So awesome. He's the best. Yeah. I see how he's supporting. Yeah, he's the best. He's the best. Yeah, he's a total super fan. Yeah, he's the best. He's awesome. So you're gonna have fun tonight. I am going to see, I think it's called Red One. It's like a Santa movie with the rock, Dwayne Johnson.

Lucy Liu. How fun is that? Yeah, I love a good Christmas movie. I saw you online at Garden State Plaza, right under, that's Santa Claus right there at the top is like my absolute favorite. And you were like speaking to the masses. Oh my god, did you see this Jen Fessler? What was that? You would die if you were me. So I bring my kids with me by the way to that because they you know, it's a family thing. I kind of

knew what I was doing. But I didn't because I don't know, have you ever gone to that before at doing, but I didn't because I don't know, have you ever gone to that before at the mall? No, I didn't even know that existed. Me neither. So I'm thinking, okay, I'm hosting like, you know, they're going to light up their Santa, they're going to light up some Christmas lights. I got this like no big deal, you know, whatever it is.

And I get there and I see that the parking lots are barricaded off everywhere. The guy's like, yeah, we had about 10,000 replies, like yeses, and I'm like, what? Wait, what? Wait, a light show, a full stage, a microphone, and I am literally conducting the whole entire two hours of the show. I was like, my kids and Joe just looked at me.

I was like, oh, and they were like, yeah. I was like, so who's gonna be on stage with me? They're like, just you. Like you will be- For two hours. Two hours. You guys didn't see this online. I went on and I was actually like,

it would have been nice to have gotten an invite to this because all you see is like little tiny Melissa Gorga and then just like the masses. The masses. It was insane. I think over like 8,000 people showed up. It was fun. I love that. You know what? It was very excited. You know who I got to meet also?

David Archuleta. Do you remember him? He's an American Idol or something or The Gorgons is one of those. He won American Idol and he had like a great song. You would know it if I started to sing it. He's got like a crush. Did you see, you probably know him already. I saw Constantine when we just went to that benefit, the kidney benefit, the Jen Geyser for, you know, the honor Jen Geyser, who's one of our execs.

But I got to meet Constantine. I've been a big fan of his. I know, he's awesome too. You know, I've met him before because he lives very close to me. So I think his kids are going to go to the same high school as my kids. So he's around. He's definitely around. I've seen him around town. Very nice guy.

Isn't it crazy? We're surrounded by American idols here in Bergen County, New Jersey. But yeah, that was definitely a thing for me to like be on that stage. And I was proud of myself honestly when I was done because I was like, woof, like I did that. Like, holy shit. I maybe it was better that you had you didn't know how big it was going to be. Although you don't get stage fright anymore. This is all like old news for you.

No, but I think my kids almost felt it for me. My two boys looked at me. They're like, you're going to stand there and just talk. And I was like, where's the teleprompter? Because there's a whole script. And it was on a TV with a PowerPoint. But shout out to GardenScape Plaza. What did you have to introduce?

Just like, here's the tree, here's Rudolph, here's lights. It's like a whole thing. I'm explaining everything, explaining how this thing came about, introducing the next guest, introducing the next dance show, introducing the mayor of Paramus. Like the whole thing. It was fun. It was really nice. I had no idea. And I recommend anyone and their families next year to head out to that at the Garden State Mall. It was amazing. First of all, that mall is massive in itself. It's like the biggest mall. It's insane. It's weird to like, I go there. I mean, it feels like home because I've been going there for so many years. And yeah, it is like this huge mall, but I could work that mall in two seconds. Any of those doors, they know exactly where I am.

Me too. And I'll tell you where to park. Where's the closest store for the parking lot. And you know, one of my opening things, I kind of ad libbed this that night, which, and then we'll wrap this up. But I was like, it's kind of crazy for me that I'm standing here hosting this today when I literally pushed my children around this mall since I'm 25 years old. And like, you know, it was pretty crazy. It was great. It was actually a really good night.

So it was good. It looked good. Anyway, Fessy, you used to first time on my podcast. I know, I'm breaking my, what is it popping my cherry? It's kind of- Yeah, we're popping your cherry. And I feel like my fans have been asking for you, my listeners. Oh, stop that. They have. They're, oh yes. Oh yeah. My listeners are very serious about who they want on. They

tell me who they want on. They tell me what they want me to talk about. They have an opinion and I love it. So I listen to them. And you know us, we always have to listen to the Bravo gods and we not necessarily allowed all the time to have the Jersey girls on the podcast. Right. Um, no, I've been trying to get on here for quite some time. So yeah, I am thrilled. I had a, I've been begging Melissa listeners for years. She finally let me on Oh stop guys stop. We weren't allowed we weren't allowed we're on a pause in case anyone hasn't heard Geez, it's so crazy today. I mean I get the question Every time I do anything now like I'm like I know nothing and by the way

I don't think that Bravo's gonna tell us anything first, because guess what? The reason we're on a pause is because everyone has such big mouths. Exactly. So, I don't, like, you'll probably know before I do, listener or Bravo fan. I don't think they're telling me Jack. I don't think they're gonna tell us till the day we're actually, there's a camera in front of us, if there's ever a camera in front of us.

If there's ever a camera. Yes. You know, but now that we're on a pause, we're kind of allowed to do what we want. So in drops messy, fessy everyone. So listen, I know that it's been a minute and you've you've had the chance to explain how you feel, but my listeners haven't heard it. Give me just your feelings of obviously you used to watch the show right before you came on.

Right. Mostly you and I have been friends for 14 years. You don't know it, but I know lots of stuff about you. You and I, I've been thinking about you. I've been thinking about Tonia, the kids, you know, it's like you, like all the other fans. Yeah. It's crazy. Yeah. You've been in my life a long time. Yeah. And then what is it, you've been in my life a long time. Yeah, and then what is it like when you just step foot onto a set with cameras and a mic and you're like, wait, wait, wait, wait, I'm now part of this show. It's so surreal.

It's so utterly surreal. I mean, you started it, it was still brand new, really, like what they've been on. Oh, yeah, see, yeah. So, but to watch, it's not like I just watched Jersey, I watched them all. So, and to watch, it's not like I just watched Jersey, I watched them all. So, and you kind of think, I mean, at least I did as a viewer, like what I would say,

what I would do in this like situation, or you know, like you have your favorites and the ones that you love to hate and like you picture yourself, at least I did, sort of in it. But in a million years, I didn't think that that was actually to happen. I didn't, you know, I, a lot of people

say, Oh, you know, they wanted me, they wanted me, but because you get the call, because you're on Facebook at the time, it was Facebook, and you're friends with people in Bergen County. And so I think a lot of times the casting directors will go around, you know, kind of like do their due diligence in Facebook, and then message someone, would you ever be interested in this? So I had been messaged, nobody ever asked me to be on it. So, and kind of was like, oh my God, that'd be so fun. And then no effing way. So I thought about it just like a drop. And then Margaret, when Margaret and I became friends, like unbeknownst to me, she gave my name

to this adorable girl, Jessica, who's a casting director. And she didn't even tell me. And I got like this phone call. Oh, I didn't know that. And then gave your name to someone. Yeah. I mean, we become friends. Yeah.

Margaret and I became friends because of my business. So she was like kind of mentoring me. I knew her through someone else and she was so fabulous with me. And we just became friendly and the four of us started going out to dinner, blah, blah, blah. And then I get this phone call. And all of a sudden I got another phone call. And then that turned into a zoom call, which turned into a, you know, all the execs coming over. Like it's a process. It's pretty long process. What is happening? Yes. What is my life right now? What is happening? It's still like that. I am still like freaked out.

Being with you here on On Display, like I've been listening to On Display for a long time. So it's freaky. I know, I mean, I'm going on Jeff Lewis this week. And I'm, let me tell you, Jeff Lewis's show is so much fun. And a lot of people listen to that. A lot.

I couldn't believe- Don't get me all freaked out. No, it's great. I mean, listen, he does, Jeff Lewis tends to ask the uncomfortable questions. Like, I know what could be uncomfortable for you and I won't make you that uncomfortable today. I appreciate that.

But Jeff doesn't give a shit girlfriend. He is gonna put you right in the hot seat. I know, I know. Believe me that. Still, but all that shit is still so surreal to me. I get like, like even like people will come up to me wherever. I don't know, I was in a restaurant the other day and this person was like so apologetic. I'm so sorry to bother you.

But I'm like, you don't get it. Like I am so flattered that you just left your dinner table to come say hello to me. Like I'm in that phase where I cannot believe that this stranger wants to say hello to my 56 year old ass. You know, it's crazy. But you're funny Jen, you're a little star. You busted out like a little star. Yeah, yeah.

What did you feel after you came on and you really did, you know, that first season you came on, you got a lot of love. I mean, first of all, you told the world that you banged Tony soprano. Yeah, that was good. That was and the world loved that you kind of were just all of it. Not everybody loved it. People were very offended that I would have spoken about it, which, oh, that's right.

That was the weirdest thing only because like he wasn't married. Like he was single of a certain age. I was single. People do have sex. Like that happens. And my husband, that's like one of the things that Jeff Fessler is like so proud of, right? Like he married somebody who banged Tony Sucrano. So like I thought it was gonna be all fun and whatever.

And meanwhile, people were like, how could you speak that way of him? He's not here to defend himself. I'm like, defend himself from what? From sleeping with me? Like that's so sad. Yeah, I think it's just a crazy, you know, he was a major New Jersey, like, you know, so that was huge. And I think besides for that, we won't just give it just the Tony soprano aspect. You were funny. You were a breath of fresh air that we needed so desperately.

Oh my god. I mean, it was and we always always, we talked about this, Melissa, but like season 13 was fun. It was hard for you. It's always hard for you. You always have stuff. Always. It hasn't been fun in a while. Yeah. But I would think that 13 was more fun than 14. For sure. Yes. Yeah. Well, not the end. So, yeah.

Yeah. So, but for me, right, I got to like, sort of like, I floated on in, I floated on out. I was, I got to like, be funny. I got to bond with everyone. It was right, I got to like, sort of like, I floated on in, I floated on out. I got to like, be funny, I got to bond with everyone. It was just, I had this whole thing going with Rachel that was like so much fun and it was just like easy. You know, it's always something. I mean, of course there's always some anxiety attached to it, more for you at that point than me, but it really was.

It was like, I just had fun. And yeah, season 14 was not quite like that. Were you kind of bombed that like, and the truth is, you kind of entered and not just you, Rachel and Danielle as well, entered into the era of our show. I mean, obviously, we've been a very successful show for many, many years, right over a decade. Yeah. And you kind of got, you guys entered in a time where it was just not great timing as far as what was going on, obviously,

with the divide of the show and the family and all of that. Was that a little bit bumming to you because you're like, what the hell? Like, I just got here and no one can even be in the same room. I don't, I didn't really, I guess I don't really think of it like that. Like for me still, I'm still in that, oh my God, I cannot believe that I just filmed two seasons

of The Housewives of New Jersey. It's all still really novel for me. So I'm not more- You were like, I don't give a shit. I mean, I don't listen. I didn't want it to end. I didn't second season would be like, the season of doom and gloom and is it even gonna come back?

That wasn't, I wasn't thrilled about that. But no, I'm not like, it would have been nice if it had the momentum that it's had for 14 years, but it is what it is. And I'm certainly like, I know you are hopeful that it is gonna come back in some form. I'm sure it's gonna come back in some form. I'm sure it's going to come back in some form. Yeah, I mean, listen, I have no idea.

You know, none of us really know the answers and I hate to even try to predict because then everyone's like, well, you said this was going to happen and this didn't. And so the truth is, let's just say the truth. We don't freaking know. They're not telling us because, you know, people like to tell everyone else everything about our show. Well, that's exactly why they wouldn't tell us at this point. Nobody can be trusted.

So it is what it is. Exactly. But I am excited for what's to come, to be honest, with, you know, with whatever it might be. I'm excited to move forward. Let's discuss something we all care about. What's on your feet? And no, I'm not talking about those super cute,

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So if you're still walking around in those shoes that scream, I'm suffering, honey, it's time for an upgrade. Use Melissa for $20 off orders of $100 or more at gdify.com. That's Melissa for $20 off of orders $100 or more at gdefy.com. So was it challenging for you? I kind of I feel like I know this answer, but I actually don't. I'm gonna let you answer it. But like, so you're tight with Margaret, right? You were tight with Margaret. Margaret gives your number to a producer, whatever it is.

And then you are, do you become real friendly with Jackie through the show or was that prior to? No, I was not friendly with Jackie before the show. So I had met Jackie. We, I had gone to this charity event, this charity called Dress for Success and Margaret invited me to it and I brought, I have a shoe company, shop F major, but anyway, so I brought shoes with me. It's for women that are, had been incarcerated, women that are coming out of, you know, all

different kinds of very difficult situations and how to get them ready for job interviews. And this is fabulous charity. Anyway, so I was there with a bunch of shoes that I donated and I met Jackie for the first time there. And she actually spoke at that event. And I thought she was amazing. She really was.

She's an amazing public speaker. But that's the first time I met her. The second time I met her was after I had gotten cast and Margaret and I were at Bloomingdale's and I guess we put up some picture and Jackie saw it. So she knew that we were there and she texts Margaret and all of a sudden like we met up where there was all coincidental.

And, but she was like in that place where she, you know, she had just gotten demoted. And I think she felt very territorial. So we laugh about it now, cause she was like not that thrilled to meet me at that point. She was just like, oh, it's you. Are you gonna take my job?

Right now you're gonna take my best friend and whatever. So, but we were, I mean, obviously like that, we became, and we became friends. And it, I mean, listen, they're shit. I have really out of it and neither one of them really pressure me at this point. Like don't be friends with her. Don't be friends with her.

So it doesn't, especially now that the show isn't filming, it doesn't really affect me. Right. I mean, was there ever a part on season 14 that you said to yourself, like, I think I can fix them or you knew that it was not going to happen. At the softball game, I remember talking to both of them. First of all, I was shocked that it lasted. Right? You were too, I think, like, I couldn't believe that this wasn't going to be just a blip. Me too. I have to say I originally thought, all right, these two are going to have a little fight because I could tell things were, I could tell Jackie was starting to get annoyed. And I can also tell that Margaret was starting to get annoyed.

So I was like, they need to just have it out, have a moment and like keep it moving. Right. But I think it got longer when, when she started to drag like her hanging out with Teresa and being weird about that. Like all of that weirdness is what brought it to like, okay, this is not two friends fighting. This seems like something different now. Well, I, and they've said this so I can say this, but like even before cameras went up,

they were not in a great place. Right. 1000%. They were right. So, and I think before we actually literally started filming though, they had, I remember they had this dinner and everything was fine and they had resolved everything and everything was cool going in. And then obviously it fell apart. Right. And then here we are today. Yeah. And here we are today.

So now you have a podcast. You just Jen, do you still do so you have the podcast with Jackie as well and you have both podcasts now. How does that go? Okay. So we have two Jersey Jays. When Jackie first announced that she was going to do a little spin off. So just Jackie, everybody was like, you know, everybody, whatever the people that listen, we're like, Oh, what happened? You know, Jen and Jackie had a blowout self included. Yes, everybody did. You're not alone. But it was nothing that dramatic. You know, Jackie had stuff that she wanted to talk about that she is more in tune to. I think she wanted to focus on a lot to do with eating disorders. And so I guess, so I heart said, Okay, do six on your own. But it's, I have to say, like, we have a great thing going like we get on our podcast, we have very easy conversation, it flows, we have fun. But I only have done one so far. It's a very different thing to do it alone. And right? And it's like, well, so I had this first one. I had West Wilson come. Yeah. So I was just gonna ask you who you chose for your first guest. You and West

have like a great report. How did you meet him? Where is this love coming from? Talk to me about this. And I also want to hear it. It is a lot different when you're on your own, right? And you are in charge and you have to be like, you know, you have to move the show along. It's not easy. It isn't. I mean, listen, I think it's hard both ways. Like when you have a co-host, your timing, you have to make sure your timing is right. You're not talking over each other. Right? You're allowing each other to, you know, have a moment. Right, exactly. Um, it was actually not hard with West. It was different. But I met West at a watch party, Los Angeles. Oh, yeah. Bravo. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yeah. A Bravo watch party. So they brought in, they in they brought in me They brought in Lisa Milan and they brought in West to surprise this

Like it was it was a bar and there are all these fans there to surprise the fans. I didn't know West I didn't even really watch the show I'd watch a couple episodes So we're I don't know we're in the back of this bar and first, you know, Lisa walks in and she's Lisa Milan So like you just can't help but like drool, right? Oh yeah, she was just on my show. She was on display a couple weeks ago. I was like, she was decked out. Like I had my hair in a ponytail with like, I think a sweatshirt on and she was like looking like she was about to go to like Grammys and I was like, Jesus,

look at me. I mean, she, listen, she is not even human. I don't know what she you just stare at her like what's happening. You're beautiful and couldn't have been any sweeter. So whatever, we're all hanging out. And then West walks in and he walks in with like his posse. And I said to him on my podcast, I'm like, it was like a golden retriever puppy. Just like bounded in.

OK, like he's like all, you know, like his hair is in his face and he's kind of sweaty and he's just so and he's like so sweet and he's like, hi. And there's just like this and he's like, I'm gonna eat him right. Yes. Well, I mean, Jeff Vester was next best. though. Jeff is just too cool for school. Like I have watched you with him and the things that you'll tell stories about your past. I'm always amused by Jeff Fessler and his coolness. He's so cool. Listen, we have been through it.

And neither one of us, we're not going anywhere. We got no interest. I've been there, done that. I'm good. And he's 29 years old. So there's that. But he that night was on fire. Actually, he was saying in my podcast

that Lisa Milan said that he was hitting on her. He's like, I wasn't hitting on her. I was hitting on you. Oh my God. I thought it was like so funny. I mean, you know, I was probably hitting on Lisa Milan. Who wouldn't? But anyway, so we started shooting the shit.

We were both drunk and I don't know what happened. We're just laughing. He was so adorable. Like, he got this sweet energy about him. And then whatever we stayed in touch, he, you know, whatever, love you, love you. Oh my God, that was so funny. I asked him to come on, obviously, but he, it's so funny. It was so much fun interviewing him

because he is such an interesting, I wanna say kid, but okay. I don't wanna be like patronizing, but like he's like a kid to me, he's 29. But he's that guy that like, he was born with the sun just shining on his head. Like this kid was born to, his mom is an OBGYN and his dad is a cowboy, okay?

They're both- You know, I could see that actually. Yeah. I mean, what is that? And they're both gorgeous and fabulous. And he has this great brother and his whole life- Where does he live? Where does he live?

He did live in, shit, I want to say something like somewhere in the Midwest. Don't ask me, I don't remember. In the Midwest. Yeah, but he, so he like grew up and he was like, a football player and then got like played for like a D1 college. Oh nice.

And at the D1 college, we're talking about how he wasn't a frat boy, but at his particular college, the really cool guys were the athletes. So like all the girls wanted to be around the athletes, not the frat boys. And then he graduates and he gets this super cool job in, I don't know, some sports thing. I didn't even know whatever that is. And he gets, he starts spending too much on his corporate credit card.

So he gets fired, but they give him six months severance. So mainly he's like, I'm like, you would think that they would have just fired you with nothing. And while he's got the severance, he's out at a bar and he meets Lindsay Hubbard. Like it just all, everything comes so easy. And that's literally just how he lands on summer house. Like, yes. And he's just like, do do do do. He's like walking around every day and like just good shit just keeps coming his way. It must've been like, you know, Gandhi and another life or something, but yeah, and he's like that. He's just so, he's like, we're talking about his love life,

you know, and like there was the whole thing that happened with the beautiful Sierra and all of that, but like. Right, yes, he dated her for a minute. Yeah, and they broke up, whatever, but he's like, I don't wanna hurt anybody's feelings. Like he just, he's so, he's like, you know, he doesn't mean it, he's just West. He's just's just doing the best. Yeah. And for anyone who doesn't know who we're talking about, he's one of the newest cast members on summer house, right? He's pretty new West.

Yeah. Like two years. Yes. Bravo summer house, which is such a fun show. I actually love that show. Yes. I mean, were you always just speaking of Wes and how easy it was for him to kind of join? I feel like it was kind of the same for you. Were you always like the funny girl like in your family with you? I know you have a sister like this. Are you always like, yes, made everybody laugh? Yeah. Yeah. I well, a lot of laughing at me. So like getting like the nickname messy, fessy, like that's what always made people around me laugh because I'm I've just always been a hot mess. Like, I'll vouch for that. Oh my god, like, I'm the girl that like, went to the high school reunion

and I'm like walking in and I'm so excited. And there's like a big, like, there's like a pond, not a pond, it's like an indoor thing. And I like immediately slept and fall into that, like, I'm always just the mess. So funny in the sense that like, yes, people laughing, I guess with me, but also like just at me. But yeah, I mean, that's been, and that's, I think like why I wanted to be on the show. Like you're like, you know,

and I talked to my shrink about it ad nauseum because the show's hard. You know, you realize it's scary. Like what am I getting myself into? I mean, nobody knows that more than you and scary, right? It becomes, you're opening up your life. But I think I just always wanted to be like on stage and I love making people laugh.

And I mean, I used to want to be an actress. I was a terrible actress, so whatever. But I like, that was like what my big thing was. Like I hope I can get on and like be myself and it'll make people laugh and it'll be funny and it'll be you know what I mean like comic well it works Jen Fessler it worked for one season and listen I enjoyed you too you and I have fun together because I loved you know me like I love a cocktail too I know I love anybody who cocktails with me I always said no one is a more fun

said no one is a more fun Melissa Gorga. No, you are the most fun. You're the most fun. You know why? You're just happy. I am. I have had, I have had in my past, not anymore, but where I could like turn the corner. Thank God I don't do that anymore and get nasty because there's nothing drunk. There's nothing worse than a nasty drunk. No, there's not. I think that I'm just when I drink, I instantly get happy. Like I get fun and bubbling. Like I'm like a 12 year old. Like I'm, I'm, I'm do you ever do anything? I feel like I've, I've never seen you like, you don't wake up in the morning with like, holy shit, what did I do? I mean, I've definitely had moments where like, I'm out to dinner with some couples. And maybe I like what did I say like I might across the line or like because I'm very opinionated so when I'm drunk I feel like I say it more and so even if it's like good friends of ours and I'm we're talking about marriage and I like tell her well now or like I correct her a little too much or whatever it is I do feel that when I wake up okay but that's nothing like I'm talking even in the years of watching the show you see

that when I wake up, I'm like, okay, but that's nothing like I'm talking even in the years of watching the show, you see in housewives, so many women that they get wasted. Oh, yeah. And yeah. And then they wake up the next morning like, no, I don't have I don't think you've ever done that. No, I'm pretty controllable. Like I got what I'm doing. I'm just I get fun. I get excited. I don't really get nasty. I just call you out on everything. But in like a funny way, you know? Yes, I agree. There was one point I think the producers would prefer me not to drink. I can remember our producer, Lauren,

sometimes like a couple of seasons ago being like, don't give Melissa wine or a Cosmo because she's just, she's not gonna have the conversation with any type of care in the world. Right, she'll be all fun and games. She won't actually get down into it. Right. Yes. She would be like, literally there's someone's going to say something to her and she'd be like, it's fine. Who gives a shit about you anyway? But yeah, no, I'm definitely a, I'm definitely a fun. And that's why when you came in, I was like, yes, like, because,

you know, I love Margaret, we have so much fun together. And she doesn't really need to cocktail. She hangs all night. Of course, you know, it's more fun when someone's actually drunk next to you. So there isn't who does drink. I mean, Dolores is not a huge drinker at all. If you're lucky, you'll get her to have one drink. Rachel was never a drinker. Rachel's not a big drinker. I saw Danielle ever drunk, right? She maybe I don't Danielle drinks yes because I've been doing like I did a couple appearances with her I've seen her that girl will have a drink I feel like you her and I would are probably drink the most.

I because I um she reached out to me recently and I saw her recently like just a few days ago. Oh did you where'd you see her? I saw her at, actually after I had recorded with West, Jeff had some gala that he wanted me to go to with him in the city. And I'm like, but I'm in jeans. He didn't give a shit, whatever. And Danielle was there, just coincidentally, like somebody who was involved in it.

It was one of her high school friends. So I haven't seen her since we wrapped. Oh, wow. But what had happened before I saw her is that she has sent out a text to me and she said, because I'm doing this thing with page six now, you know about it. We're going to talk all about that too today. So it's this segment on page six. But anyway, Danielle had sent me that I wanted to go on page six. You're really, really good at it. So if you guys watched, I mean, Danielle and I never had a big blowout, but we weren't close. Last season, I was more aligned with Jen than Danielle.

So we never really had a chance to really bond. But I just thought that that was, and the way we left it was okay, it wasn't great. And I don't know, I just really appreciated that. I actually said to her when I saw her, that just meant a lot to me. First of all, not just that she said congratulations, but that she actually like took the time to watch.

And then, you know, it's like we're all these opportunities. There aren't endless opportunities. And I think that, you know, everybody gets jealous. Everybody has that, right, in them. But it's sort of like how you control it, what you do with it, and can you still be happy for other people and a thousand percent

Yeah, and I mean so that's what I do. You know, I'm I'm not particularly a jealous person But certainly I get jealous like everybody else it's just human but like to be able to say, okay Also, I'm a little jealous but also I'm so happy for this person and I just thought it was so nice of her and classy and So I saw her, I'm like, listen, I'm thinking that if I have to do it again, I'm gonna do it not quite the same way. I just felt like I never really gave us a chance. So I don't know.

You didn't click with her from the beginning. You didn't. We didn't the beginning. You didn't. We didn't. No, we didn't. You guys didn't and you would both say it basically. I feel like it wasn't just you. You guys would both say like, eh, like not my cup of tea.

And it was funny because I actually loved both of you. And I remember telling each one of you, I think you guys would really like each other. You're both really funny, but in like a different way and like you're a good time. Like, and so I'm glad that now, and I do think it was really nice that she reached out to you about page six.

And that is something that I- She's done it either. Yeah. Right. She's done it before with stuff. And I do, it means a lot to me. Yeah, she's done it with me as well, actually. Like when she sees me do big things, she will text me and say, wow, you're killing it.

You're doing awesome. Like I'm proud of you. Like, which I, you know, as woman to woman, you know what this world is. You appreciate someone that can everyone's listen, envy is everywhere. It's okay to have envy, right? But how do you control it? Like you said, and how do you react when someone got has something great? You compliment them and you and you appreciate it with them. So that does say a lot, I think, about a person. So hopefully there's another round for you guys to reconnect. Who knows?

Yeah. But yeah, I mean, again, we never had really big beef, but we just never, yeah, really clicked. We just never bonded. On Display with Melissa Gorga is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Hey guys, whether you love true crime, comedies, celebrity interviews, news, or even motivational speakers, you call the shots on what's in your podcast queue, right? And guess what?

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over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates price and coverage match limited by state law. Hi, I'm Stacey Schroeder. On my podcast, I share candid updates from my personal life, chat with some of my best friends about what's going on in our lives, give commentary on the latest pop culture headlines, and sometimes deep dive into random topics I'm obsessed with like human design. It's a bit all over the place, but that's how I like it.

And you will too. Listen to my podcast, Stassi, wherever you get your podcasts. How's your relationship right now with Rachel? Fine. I mean, I haven't, I don't, I reached out, I've reached out a couple of times, of course, just to see how she's doing during the pregnancy Right and lions it was it's not but we've had some fun together. We went to

Not we went to what is it called the big MTV the VMAs Oh the VMAs yes the VMAs Yes, and so we were sitting next to each other and Dolores was there We had a lot of laughs and John the the three of us, Jeff wasn't there, took a car home and had a lot of laughs there and I'm always rooting for them. You know, we're fine. It's not, I can't sit here and tell you that it, you know, what it was season 13.

It's not, but that's okay. You know, things change. Listen, relationships are like, you know, they have their ups and downs They have their points their highs and lows and you never know But it's you know, at least you guys are in this space where if you see each other you get along you have a good time It's not like an issue. So that's good. Yeah, when I saw them out, we actually at Nellie's you love that place I love an Ellie's pie the best. I know me too, right? So it's funny

So I'm there with a few friends of mine. So my friends leave before I do and I get this text and it says, don't go through the main dining hall, or dining area, whatever, because the food is there because they don't know that Rachel and I are now fine. Like in their mind, they remember that we were fighting. Oh, my god. So they were trying to make you guys avoid each other. So they're like, so they had seen, they had seen them and I guess they said hello to Rachel and Rachel's like, oh my gosh, you're the only person I know that, and they're like,

oh yeah, Jen. I guess they just left and they text me and I'm like, no, I want to go see them. Like we're fine, we're all good. So I got to see them, I got to see the babies. You know, I'm obsessed with those two girls. Oh, they're so cute. The cutest, the cutest. Yes.

Oh my God. All right. So that's cute. That's good. Things are fine. Things are good. Can we talk about, you know, I want to let the people know, what are you doing with page six and like, how did this happen?

Talk to me about that a little bit. Thank you for asking Miss Melissa. So page six, um, you know, I, so this is going back to the first season and I had gotten to know Evan and Dani from page six because we were all in France at the same time in, and I always think I say that wrong. It's like one of those words that you know, you get nervous about so you can't remember

which way to say it, is it cons, the con film festival? Anyway, coincidentally, I was there with Jeff on vacation and they were there doing, like working. And I guess we saw, maybe I saw they were there, they saw I was there on Instagram. We ended up hooking up, they ended up interviewing me, and it was my first interview with them, maybe. Maybe, I'm not, I don't remember exactly,

but anyway, the rest of the day we spent together. Like we did this little interview and then we like like got on a boat and we went to this party and just fell madly in love So I've been with them. I just I have a thing for those two men that you know, you watch them It's so interesting because they're so Brilliant at what they do, but they're the nicest two guys like they're never gonna be They don't throw shade. You know what? I mean, it's not the nicest two guys. Like they're never gonna be, they don't just throw shade. You know what I mean? It's not the kind of interview

that you step into really nervously. Like they're not there to get you, right? So it's a podcast. So it's a podcast. So it's a segment. So if you- Isn't it called Virtual Reality? Yes, no, well, Virtual Reality.

So on this it's called Housewife Hot Takes. Okay, it's called house wave, housewife hot takes. Okay. And which is ironic, of course, and I'm a friend of a housewife, but whatever. So when it was proposed, it was like, okay, we're going to come on, you're going to come on and we're just going to talk pop culture. You know, they think I'm funny and I think they're funny. And we have this great rapport. So like, if you go on to page six, every week, there's a new segment. And the best part, we do not talk housewives. So it's like, we're just talking about pop culture, what's going on at the moment,

what's going on with Taylor and Travis. It's really, really fun. And they make it so easy. And it's great. It's like, I feel like it's my niche. I don't know who knows what's gonna happen in the future. But I am somebody who can sit around and shoot the shit. And like, especially with them and laugh about stuff. And, you know, we move there, and it's really, really fun. So I don't know, we'll see what happens. So that's been going on. Yeah.

And then I got to... I love that it's about pop culture and not like, so you don't have to stress. You can just see yourself and talk about things that are fun. Yes, yes. Because I don't, you know what? I didn't want to go on there and I didn't want to talk about any Housewives really. I mean, the little things come up here and there,

but I just didn't want to get into like, you know, bad mouthing Housewives from any other franchise. There are plenty of people out there to do that, right? That makes BravoCon suck. Yes, it does. And I mean, like that's the thing is that you see these people, but there are so many podcasts obviously about Bravo,

not just Housewives. And so I'm gonna say that hasn't already been said anyway. Right? Like, I don't know. So I'm just glad to be able to have this, right? It's really fun. Like, I always say this, I think people, I don't know. So I'm just glad to be able to have this, right? It's really fun. Like I always say this, I think people probably get sick of it. I don't know. But like, I am 56 years old, like, page 53. In a million years, what I have thought that at 56 years old, I'm gonna be like, hanging out at page six with Danny and Evan. And even like

having the podcast with Jacqui and then having my own. This is not stuff that was on my trajectory. I love this for you. It's cool. I do think about it. And it's very like enlightening to a lot of ladies that are in their 50s too. And like you feel like, oh, well, you know, that ship probably sailed, but it doesn't. It hasn't. You know, and I will always say, and this is not, this is not, but like, personally, when I watch Housewives, I just think that sometimes

the older ones, again, not throwing shade, they're beautiful, fabulous, Housewives, they're just interesting, right? There's just more, they just have more. They don't give a shit, that's why. They're ready to say it all, they're not worried about their little kids who are in fifth grade that are going to be embarrassed. Their kids are in college or in high school.

They are just like, and you can even vouch for this, and I can. I know I'm somewhere in the middle. I'm not the youngest, and I'm not the oldest. I'm the in-betweener. I can vouch and say that like, even I every year, I don't forget, I started this as a 31 year old girl also. I cannot even imagine that. Yes, with three little babies, Joey was two months old.

So wait, and that was Rachel was 31 too. I don't know if she was 31. Okay. You guys were like the youngest ever or something. Yeah. So I, at the time when I joined, I was the youngest housewife to ever join Housewives, you know, and it was really crazy because I had, you know, and I will say from that time to now, oh my God, how you changed your mentality. I'm like, I don't give a shit. Yeah. If you like what I'm saying anymore or not, like this is it. It is what it is where I Jen Fessler, the first two years I was on Housewives, I would go under the bed, literally as it was airing, I was like, make it

stop. I mean, and let's not forget, it was crazy times for Joe and I during that we were in the family war. And we were I would go under the bed and I'm like, I can't even drive the kids to school, or like go to the pickup and I'm like, I can't even drive the kids to school or like go to the pickup line. I'm so embarrassed. Like I just- Listen, I had a teeny tiny little speck of that

in this past season, right? I did get, I didn't get all love and it definitely is very daunting. It took me a minute. And I guess like maybe like everything else in this world, maybe you do get used to it. But I can't imagine having to make sense of that as like a young person. Like, when I was 31 years old, I was an insecure mess. I was like, all that mattered is what everybody else thought of me. You know, I mean, you have to have very thick

skin. I did not have that at 31. I mean, I look at and and I look at Rachel and Danielle and like, it's a lot. And I mean, these are, these are strong women, right? Now, I mean, it's funny just having gone through a little bit of it. But it definitely got easier. Like as the season went on, people said nasty things, I started to like, I really didn't give a shit. Like, you know, certain things stung more than others. But like, if they would talk about, I got a lot of shit. I look like a man. I got a lot of, oh, I look like Caitlyn Jenner. Like that bothered me at the beginning. And then I was like, that's the least thing to bother me. Like, I don't really, I don't give a shit. And it was more like she's a bad friend or, you know, that's when they hurts more when they're going on who your character and like, who you are as a person and like It does sting because you're just like what and you want to tell Susie Q from yes, Idaho like, you know That's not the case and I'm an amazing person. But then after a while you lose that like need to win Yes, and you're just like, you know what?

Who like whatever? Yes, you know, yeah. Yeah. Yeah like you know what, watch or don't, like whatever. It's freeing and I get what you're saying by the older ones definitely put it out on the line more and they're a little bit more like whatever with it all. I mean not always but that's just like my observation probably because I am older and I probably relate more to a certain age, you know what I mean? And I find a certain age more interesting because it's my life, it's what I'm living right now so it all makes you know what I mean? And I find a certain age more interesting because it's it's my life. It's what I'm living right now. So it all makes, you know, it's a little bit. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And I actually thought we made it work with having all ages because we had all ages. We had young, middle, old, we had everything and it worked. Right? Yeah, it definitely worked. That's what's so sad, right? Is that the three of us, so Danielle, Rachel, and I came in,

I mean, it was season 13, you guys had been together, even, you know, even though not everybody had been there as long as you, but you at this point were like a really cohesive group. And taking these three people, these three women, I don't know how these casting directors and producers found, like thought that that would work. But you're taking like a 31- old Danielle was probably what 35? 56 none of us knew I mean I had known Dolores and Margaret had been friends with both of them, but I didn't you know you and I had met but nothing and it just worked It's right and what a shame that it did and now here we are So it did but it didn't right? I mean, but it didn't it did but it did a little Worked until it didn't yes right? It did but it didn't. It did but it did a little wah wah wah. It worked until it didn't, yes.

Well, I have faith that there'll be plenty more bright days again. Let's just say it that way because I did have fun. I have fun with you. I know. I know. I know. And Melissa, like, it's so funny getting to know, like, through this, but like, yes, of course, like, we would film together, but then getting to actually be friends, to go to your house for Christmas, to meet that family of yours,

you know, I die for them. Are you coming back? That was going to be my final question. I just love to tell you this. So my final question is, are you going to come back? I'd love to invite you back to my house for Christmas Eve this year. Now you can just absolutely, Jen, the Festlers accept. Check mark. Yeah you guys I can't even tell you I mean you see some of it on tv how wonderful this family is. When I say wonderful they're wonderful together but they are the most warm and welcoming group of people. Your mother, your sisters, Nick, your cut they're every person there, your friends, like, I don't know.

It's the most amazing thing. It's easy. Everybody's just happy and fun and loving and warm. And that's not always easy to pull off my Melissa. It's not always easy to pull off. I feel like that, especially people that are not- A lot of people say that. They just say that I have a really good group around me.

And I'll take a little credit for it. I can't take credit fully for my family. They are just amazing people and they're very warm and helpful. But I do pick my friends and I pick them very wisely and I'm very good at weaning out the people that I just don't see work. And I will say it was so funny. I was with Tara, Nick's sister, my cousin, who you know very well. And she said something to me yesterday. She's like, I've always kind of looked up to you because she is my younger cousin.

Yeah. And tried to figure out how you've conducted you and your friends in your friend groups and choosing friends. Like whatever you've done, you've always done that right. And you've meshed. And I just think I- Very big compliment. Thank you. Thank you. And I love having you think I- Very big compliment. Thank you, thank you. And I really loved having you. You were so much fun.

You got tipsy. I'm so happy. Oh my God, I was so happy. I, yeah, I feel like that also- You caused a little family drama too. Yes, we're not talking about- We won't talk about it, but it was fun, it was all fun.

But like I said that also, I feel like I'm very lucky in that I have a group of friends forever. I mean, whatever, I have different groups, friends from high school, friends from college and friends from upper Saddle River where I live. I feel so lucky to have specifically women in my life, right? Like you have. But the thing is now, and I don't know if you feel like this because of the show, whatever,

I have so little patience. I don't want anyone around. That's what's so interesting about the show right when you're doing it. There are women in the room that you know Don't like you that you don't like that is part of it, right? Yeah, but so when I'm not on camera, I can't bear it Like I don't want to be around anyone that I don't really like my patience patience has worn very, very thin. And when you're filming with people, of course, it's a different thing, right? Right.

But I don't know, I like to be in- Comfortable situation. Everyone loves everyone, yes, yeah. You know, I'm done with like the awkward, like I don't do the fake it till I make it anymore, especially if anyone's gonna be at my house on Christmas Eve or whatever it is. It needs to be like and not just Christmas Eve honestly on all types of having friends over whatever dinners. Don't you just at this stage of life. I'm gonna laugh. Yes I want to enjoy every

second or else I'm not gonna do the fake like I need to do it just to do it or we need to go to dinner just to go to dinner like I I need to enjoy you you need to bring something to me you need to make me laugh we need to have great conversation right or else I don't see the reason anymore I'm with this sister believe me but like that's the thing about the show though is like it's the conflict but then it's the resolution so it's kind of nice because like people that you think I can hate her guts and never speak to her again you find yourself reconciling with right which is I don't, and then there's another chapter that happens. But if I'm not being filmed, I don't want to reconcile.

If it didn't work out, it didn't work out. I'm out. Right. Right. No, it's a fact. But anyway, Jen Fessler, thank you so much for coming on Displaced today. Thank you for having me. Are you going to come on Just Jen?

I would love to. Can I be a guest on Just Jen? Yes, please. You only have six people to choose. Am I going to be Just Jen? I would love to. Can I be a guest on? You only have six people to choose. Am I? I know. I know. Well, here's the truth of it though. Yes, you can come on when it gets when I get more episodes, if I get more episodes. Okay. Yes, we're a little bit booked and I'm trying to avoid for these six housewives just because I don't blame you. Yes. So trying to bring on. I actually was like, maybe we'll bring on now, because I'm also friendly with Carl from Summer House. Oh, he's great. Yeah. I'm like,

and then everybody's like, what are you going to bring on all the men from Summer House? Like, like something's off there. Yeah, you just vibe with men. I have to tell you guys, don't let her fool you. I think because I am, I don't want to sound like obnoxious, but I'm funny. And I also make fun of people and sometimes that's what kind of, yeah. So it's like more of what's more than that. It's more of that really, because God knows like, if you watch the show, you know,

I've been through it with my husband. We are good. I am not interested. Oh, you guys are awesome. No, no, no. No, he loves it. He gets a kick out of that. You're just like fun Jen and he loves it.

Yeah. So I'm here for all of it. Tell my listeners where that when they can listen and where they can listen to just Jen. So, uh, well, days it's every two weeks. So if you go on to two Jersey Jays, um, which falls under the two T's in a pot umbrella, but whatever, anywhere you get podcasts, if you put in two Jersey J's, it'll come up and you'll see just Jackie and you'll see just Jen. So I've done the one with West. I'm about to record one next week, but I'm gonna keep my guest a little bit under wraps.

Yes. And then page six, if you are so inclined, if you go onto page6.com, it's right under this like a section for reality. So like Danny and Evan have guests on all the time, I'm sure you've been on. And so they talk about stuff, they have guests on, they have housewives and Bravo liberties

and who they talk to about, you know, everything. But I've got the segment that airs every Friday in that section of page six. All right, well, we're gonna get a lot of Jen Fessler coming up. So I'm very excited about that. Jen, keep telling Melissa. Thank you.

She also has those shop F major shoes, guys. So if you want cute pair of shoes, you got really, I didn't ask her to do any of that. That's cool. I'm supporting a woman. I love you. I appreciate that. Thank you. Of course.

Major.com. I'll see you Christmas Eve and I'll have a Cosmo ready for you. Woohoo. Bye, Melissa. Love you. Ciao. Love you, baby. Bye. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

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Patrick is me. Oh, Forrest Gump, come on. Criminal Minds, solving crime after bedtime. Whatever you love to watch, Pluto TV makes it easy with thousands of free movies and shows. Pluto TV. Stream now. Pay never. Hi, I'm Stacey Schroeder. On my podcast, I share candid updates from my personal life, chat with some of my best friends about what's going on in our lives, give commentary on the latest pop culture

headlines, and sometimes deep dive into random topics I'm obsessed with, like human design. It's a bit all over the place, but that's how I like it. And you will too. Listen to my podcast Dossie wherever you get your podcasts.