On Display with Melissa Gorga - Sorority Sisters! (w/ Heather Dubrow)

Episode Date: November 21, 2024

This week Melissa sits down with one of the most recognizable names from the OC, Heather Dubrow, to talk about "gift-hacking" your spouse's cell phone this holiday, the bond that housewives form after surviving the wild world of reality tv, and how some of the drama from OC's latest season went way too far off camera.  This week's sponsors: GDefy Shoes - Ultimate Comfort and Relief: www.GDefy.com , promo code: Melissa ($20 off orders of $100 or more!) Jack Black - #1 Men's Body Care Brand: www.GetJackBlack.com/MELISSA (10% off your order) PlutoTV - Free Streaming TV: www.Pluto.TV Progressive - "Name-Your-Price" Tool: www.Progressive.com Prolon - Fasting with Food: www.ProlonLife.com/OnDisplay (15% off 5-Day Nutrition Plan)

If you're going to be one of those people that wants to throw, you do this and you do that and all this, then you better be able to take it too. What's up everyone? Welcome to another episode of On Display with Melissa Gorga. Where's all my Housewife fans at? Hello everyone, welcome to another episode of On Display with Melissa Gorga. Where's all my Housewife fans at? You're going to be super excited for today's episode. She is one of the most recognizable girls from the OC.

She's a loving mother, she's a devoted wife, and an absolute blast to party with when it comes to Bravo events. Ladies and gentlemen, I have the one and only Heather Dubrow tonight. Hi. Hi. How are you? I'm good. How are you? I'm good. I'm fully in holiday mood. I feel like it went from August to Christmas. Instantly. I am so guilty of that though every year. I'm known for Christmas. I love Christmas. I throw Christmas Eve. The

holidays for me, like my Christmas trees are out. They are out already. I know it's kind of ridiculous because we didn't- No, mine are up. Are they? Okay, see? We're on the same page. You know what it is, Heather? We only get like what? Two months really, like November and December to feel that vibe. So let's just, let's go for as long as we possibly can, right? I feel like it's like Target. The day after Halloween, Target has Christmas stuff. Why don't we?

Literally. I agree. I know. And I just, you know, it was terrible though, because I decorated for Halloween, but I also put out all pumpkins, like really cute pumpkins, by the way, like Mackenzie Child pumpkins and really cute pumpkins, by the way, like Mackenzie Child pumpkins and really cute stuff. But when I busted out the Christmas stuff, I don't want to see the pumpkins too.

So it's like I took, I put them away before Thanksgiving and I feel like it's weird. So they were literally just out for Halloween, but I'm like, I really should have left the pumpkins out too, probably, but it doesn't go with my other decor. No, I get that. So sometimes, so we're Jewish, but we celebrate everything. And we do a huge Hanukkah, but we also celebrate Christmas. And I just, I like celebrating. And one year I did, I decided to do the nightmare before Christmas theme, because I thought, sort of to your point, it would start at Halloween and take us all the way through Christmas. We have the pumpkins, the fall, the Christmas like for even longer and the kids hated it

because by the time we got to Christmas they didn't want to see the pumpkins anymore. Right. They were sick of it. They were like, we are done with this. Wait, I kind of like that you are Jewish but you guys still have Christmas. You get to have the best of both worlds. I mean, to be honest, people give a shit for it sometimes, like, you're Jewish, why do you celebrate?

But to me, it's like, you know, I like the holiday spirit and I will embrace any faith as if it has love and acceptance and family involved. I'm totally in. I love that. And it's not, you're right. I agree. It's not like going against your beliefs. You're just enjoying the time of the year, really.

Yeah. It's decor. It's Santa. It's all the things and it's having your family together. And we do a huge Hanukkah too, which I love. And it's funny because this year Hanukkah starts on Christmas day. Right. It's the same this year. It's on the same day, which is kind of crazy. So it's like the whole world will be celebrating at the same time.

Which is nice. I kind of like that. I do love that too. Are you done shopping? Are you one of those? No, no. That I am not good at. First of all, I just asked my kids for their lists because my sisters and all their aunts and everyone's like, what am I getting your children? And I'm like, I don't know. Like now that they're older, it's hard to figure it out. And I'm sure you can feel my pain here. The gifts are now expensive. They don't want a toy anymore. Exactly. Totally. The gifts are fewer and much more

expensive. Yes. And I even said to my daughter, I'm like, don't go giving me like this crazy, you're not getting like a million. They're so used to seeing like the pile up, right? Right. I'm like, you're asking for Louis Vuitton now. Like you need to like realize that the pile up is going to be half the size of when you had Play-Doh and Legos and all of these things. You know, it's like-

So this is what we did a couple of years ago. Well, first of all, like I screwed up years ago because, you know, when they were really little like all the presents came from Santa and I'm like, wow, this is bullshit. Like Santa gets credit for everything. All the credit. All the thing. So now everything is from us, except Santa always brings one special thing even now to this day.

There's a Santa bag and it's a family gift. One year Santa brought a pickleball set for everyone and paddles and there's always something from Santa. They try to say it's from me and I go, if you don't believe in magical things, magical things don't happen. So that's how we tell them. I can totally just see you saying that to your children. Like, it's just a little statement. I say it now. I say it now. But all right. So a few years ago then I decided four presents.

Four is perfectly enough. Four gifts. One could be like, there could be more than one thing in the box, but like there's four things to unwrap. And then what we also do is the six of us do a secret Santa because what you just said about like all the aunts and the cousins, we don't have a huge family like that. But one year, the six of us, like the kids were like, Oh, we want to buy each other presents. And there was so it was too much. It's crazy. Secret Santa is the way to go. That's what I do with all my cousins. Yeah. And do you want, can I help you with your Secret Santa?

Can I give you a little extra? Because all my fans on Instagram, everyone loves this. They know me for this every year. I do a Secret Santa with my first cousins and my sisters. And we always Instagram it. It has to go along with a rhyme. So when it's your turn, you go up and you write almost like a poem

or like it's kind of like a rap or a poem about who your secret Santa is. And you always like could be like a roast but also like a nice row, like a, you know, she's known to have her name in lights, she's known for the best blood, whatever it is. And it's the funniest thing if you write a little poem type rap about your secret Santa and then everyone has their chance.

That is so cute. I'm going to have to take a dive on yours. I'm telling you, it's the cutest thing. And all my followers look for it every year to see this. Somebody wins. So we have, my mother and our parents will actually judge the Secret Santa and someone wins who had the best one of the year, who did the best rhyme, right? So that's so cute. Yeah. So I'm sure you have like someone in that house that can watch and that's not part of the family that could kind of judge you guys and pick that.

That's so cute, I love that. Right, isn't that so funny? But anyway, it's just a fun little twist. Do you shop for your husband last? I feel like husbands are the last ones that we shop for. Terry doesn't like gifts. His thing is, the gift for me would be to not spend any money on me.

So, this is what I do for him. So like what he wants this year is he wants a refresh of his clothes, which are all black, as you know. So, but he, you know, he wears all David August clothes. They're all custom. So I just made an appointment with David and we're going to go in and do all the things. I bought him new jeans. I got him new, you know, workout clothes, but that's kind of boring.

So I'll always try to find something that he loves that is not expensive. Like he loves, like he used to wear, so he wears reading glasses. And one year, they weren't expensive, they were cheap, but these reading glasses came out that had lights on the side of them and you would turn them on and light.

I need to buy these for Joe. He can't see anymore. I don't know what happened. He turned 50 and he can't see. Usually it's 43. You're lucky he lasted. But he would turn on these. And so I bought him like 10 pairs of these reading glasses with the lights. And he was like, these are the best things ever. You know, you're at a restaurant, you can't see, you turn on the lights. Joe literally is like this at every restaurant, cell phone light. I know. He's squinting, telling me to read what's on the menu. You know you just gave me my gifts for Joe. Like he's getting five pairs of those. I'm so excited. I know. And I'll tell you the other thing. So when I was younger, you know, before

social media and whatnot, they used to have these, you know, infomercials on in the middle of the night. So if you're up in the middle of the night, you came home late from the bars, whatever young single you'd watch these infomercials, like whatever someone was selling me on an infomercial, I would buy a dehydrator of whatever, you know, whatever it was, I would buy it now,, TikTok shop and Instagram, they know me. They get me. They know I am the algorithm. I will buy it all.

So I'll talk about, like you and I are talking right now, my phone is sitting here. I guarantee you, I will go on my phone later and there'll be a million little gadgets for Terry. Wait a second. If these glasses show up on my algorithm, I'm gonna die. You're gonna die. Yes, I literally, first of algorithm, I'm going to die. You're going to die.

Yes. I literally, first of all, I'm getting them. You just gave me my gift, 1000% doing that. I love getting stuff like that. I fall for those little things too. You know what I just fell for? It looked like it was going to be so amazing. It sucks your pores, the blackheads. I'm like, my teenagers, my sons are always complaining. I'm like, this whole little thing popped up on Instagram, showed like you pushed a button it's going to just suck them right out. I'm like, oh, this is perfect.

Oh, please. Terrible. No, I'm like, you have to see me on my son. He's like, mom, it's her. It's not working. I have to say being married to a plastic surgeon and you know we've had a skincare line for a gazillion years and all that. Those at home devices in general, not all of them. I'm sure there are some that are okay. Don't come from you people, but

most of them suck. I'm just telling you now when it comes to your face, go to this, go to a person with a license, just go to an exhibition. Go you could find someone that's reasonable, just go have it done. Right 1000%. And listen, this is a little tip for the ladies. Here's a hack for the women walk by your man's phone, start saying things, and put it right into his algorithm. I think that might be a good idea. Right? Like, let's try it. We're gonna trick them right into buying it. I think that might be a good idea. Right? Like, let's try it. We're going to trick them right into buying it. I think that would be-

Oh, please. One of my, one of my, uh, uh, gal that used to work with us, she was desperate to get, she knew she was going to be getting engaged, but she was like very concerned about the ring. So she went into his computer and searched for the exact ring that she wanted over and over. And then it just kept popping up in ads for him. No, you see, this is genius. This is why women are genius. That's pretty amazing. That's really like putting it into your own hands there. Geez. Anyways, speaking of Terry, how is he? I know that he had a little... That health scare was about a year ago though,

right? It was a while ago. But you and I just spent, which I was so happy for my listeners that don't know, I finally got a chance to hang out with Heather and Terry. We've obviously know each other and probably been passing at BravoCon, but I feel like we've never really got to have a drink together or have like a night out together. So we were just at an event recently for Jen Geyser, which is, you know, a person over at Bravo, one of our big publicist ladies over at Bravo. She's awesome. And yeah, she's amazing. And that was for Nafcura. It was a beautiful, beautiful event. And me and Terry got to hang out a little bit. And well, Joe and Terry got to hang out a little bit and well Joe and Terry got to hang out a little bit. They have a love affair the two of them. It's very cute. He loves him. They love each other. And Joe was like, when are they coming to New York? Like I want to go to dinner.

They were they were in agreeance on all the restaurants they like to go to. And they were really cute together. Joe loves him so much. Yeah, Terry loves Joe too. And I love you. You guys are fabulous. You're such a great couple. I mean, our kids are like basically all the same age and it's so nice. It's nice when you can, you know, because I always say when people ask me about the show and other franchises, I'm like, I don't watch anyone else's franchise. And I would love to not watch mine, but I need to watch it because I have to see what everyone's saying.

But you know, I always think of us all as sorority sisters, you know, because we have this shared experience. So it's funny, even though you and I have not hung out very much, like when I see you in events and things, it's like, Oh my God, it's like long lost friend and I had such a ball hanging out with you. I did. Terry. Yeah, Terry's good. He so about a year and a half ago, he had like, they called it TIA, it's a mini stroke. And what's so crazy is,

do you remember when our babies were born? They have that little flap in the heart that they wait for it to close. And sometimes they don't close and they wait a day. And about 30% of people, they just never close and it's not a big deal. And you just live like that the rest of your life well Terry was one of those people but and they don't know exactly what happened

he could have been lifting weights he could have coughed and that little door sort of swung open and a Clot which was the size of a period at the end of Ascendants That's how tiny it was got through this opening and went up to his brain tiny it was, got through this opening and went up to his brain. This event in front of me and my son Nick at the IV on Robertson were sitting there and it was so crazy and it was an insane evening. The good news is it happened in front of me because if it had happened while he was in the bathroom, it was only like 20 seconds.

If it had happened when he was in the bathroom or while he was sleeping, we were going to be on a plane two days later. He would have had another event because we all throw clots all the time, especially on planes. And if that little door was open, it would have been disastrous. So thankfully I saw it. Thankfully after hours of convincing him, he finally went to the hospital. And because it was something he was born with, it was very easily fixed.

They like stuck a slinky, you know, up through the groin, it went to the heart, then bing, sealed can't ever happen again. Wow. Full disclosure, I've always been afraid of any diet that includes fasting because the thought of not eating for an extended period sounds pretty tough to me. So when I found out that Prolon by El Nutra is a fast with food, it made me rethink everything. This is a game changer. Prolon is a revolutionary plant-based nutrition program that nourishes the body while making cells believe that they're fasting. Researched and developed for decades at the University of Southern California Longevity Institute and backed by leading US medical centers, ProLon helps promote healthy blood sugar,

support cardiovascular health, and reduce abdominal fat. But get this, ProLon isn't a diet. It's a science. Science based on prize-winning discoveries in medicine. Guys, I've tried ProL's five day fast earlier this year and I was blown away by how healthy I felt while I was fasting. Usually you go through the exhaustion phase, the hangry phase, and all those other uncomfortable

little phases when fasting. But with Prolon, the food is delicious, it's convenient to prepare, which sometimes you don't even need to, and it's easy to implement right into your daily plans. Right now ProLon is offering on display with Melissa Gorgel listeners 15% off their five-day nutrition program. Go to ProlonLife.com slash on display. That's P-R-O-L-O-N life.com slash on display for the special offer.

That's prolawnlife.com slash on display. This podcast is sponsored by Jack Black. Jack Black offers a full timeline of men's products for every need from cleansing to moisturizing to beard care. So your guy has skincare that always makes him look good and feel good. Jack Black gift sets are ideal for any upcoming trips this holiday season. Simplify your man's packing list and grab him some of Jack Black's TSA friendly products to throw right in his travel bag. I'm telling you these gift sets are

perfect especially if you have a man like Joe who just wants whatever he needs all in one place. And this is especially great on vacation because I don't ever have to hear him rummaging through his bathroom bag asking me if I forgot to pack this or forgot to bag his lotion or forgot to pack his face wash husband, boyfriend, father, best friend, whoever take the guesswork out of gifting this season and give the guy in your

life products that they'll actually want to use. This holiday season, if you want simple, effective products that your significant others gonna love, you need Jack Black. Head to getjackblack.com slash Melissa and use code Melissa for 10% off your order. Once again, that's getjackblack.com backslash Melissa for 10% off and make sure you use my promo code Melissa so they know that I sent you. I mean, it's kind of crazy. I feel like men don't check up on themselves as much as women do, right? They don't want to go or they don't really like talk about their health as much as women do.

Didn't you publicly really share how that you like insisted that he get checked as well? Well, he, all right, so what's, what was really crazy about it is Terry, you know, I think probably because he's a doctor is on top of it. Like he's got a concierge cardiologist. So I know that he's super healthy. And then you're sitting in front of your husband and he's clearly having

a stroke in front of you. And I'm, yeah, yes. The all everything that just went through your brain in that one second is exactly and saying to my my son call 911 like the whole thing. It was just wow, it was so crazy. And, and crazy. And I was trying to process what was going on because I know he's healthy. And yeah, he was very belligerent afterwards and refused to go to the hospital and refuse. So it was like a couple of hours of really convincing him.

He was very stubborn. I'm fine, you know, getting down on the floor and doing pushups, like crazy. Like just proving like, I got this. Like just, yes. But I don't think they take it as seriously. I would have died of a heart attack, however you handled that. I freak in situations like that.

I under stress when someone's getting hurt or even if I see strangers in a fight, I freak. I just lose it. I don't know how to like stay calm. So I think I would have lost it. You know what, I get very calm in those situations, like eerily calm, you know, like, okay, we got to figure this out. Let's see, let's see what's going on. Okay. I didn't freak out until later when it was over. Then I actually, I scheduled my breakdown for like three weeks after, um, he got it fixed because we had the reunion that year. Like it was everything.

It was too much. So I just waited. Yeah. Cause when it finally hits you, you're probably like, wait, what just happened? And God forbid if that didn't go the way it did. Yeah, you got to process those things, but he's great. He's healthy, he's great. It's nice.

He's only working like three and a half days a week these days. I mean, he does other, I mean, he's in like operating and stuff three and a half days a week. He does other things. He's a medical legal expert for the state of California and he loves the law. So he does a lot of defense work.

And so he does that, but he's only going into the office three and a half days a week, so he's around more, which I love. That's awesome. Well, I'm so glad he's doing well, thank God. I mean, I just saw him, he looked fine to me, but yes. I'm glad he's doing well. How are the kids?

How are your kids? I feel like our kids are in the same mode that they're older, need us less, and does that stress you out? Like how are all your children doing? No, it's funny. People, we're excited to eventually be empty nesters, to be honest.

Maybe because we had our kids a little later. I don't know, but we're like, okay, we've done it. Time to go. No, I love watching them fly. I feel like we've done a pretty good job so far and they seem to be pretty solid kids. And I have enjoyed every stage of, I liked the babies, I loved it.

I liked the toddlers. I mean, I didn't love 15 months to three, that sort of sucks. But besides that, I mean, I didn't love 15 months to three that sort of sucks. But besides that, I mean, all the stages I thought were great, even the difficult, douchey like younger teenage, which my youngest one is still in. It's, it's not the best. But once you get through it, they're so cool. So the twins are turning 21 this weekend. Wow, I cannot believe you have 21 year old twins. That is so crazy. It's are they gonna drink?

Are they gonna, what are they gonna, what do they do for their 21st? I'm gonna have a 19 year old. So it's coming. It's coming. So, I mean, we had always talked about it, but what's funny is, so my daughter doesn't drink, just does it.

Like even on the, like if we're in Europe or something, you know, she she'll order a dirty Shirley, which is a Shirley Temple with alcohol in it. She'll take a sip and literally five minutes later, she'll be like, I'm sorry, can I just have a regular Shirley Temple? She's so funny. That's not her. She tries and she's just like, she's not feeling it. It's not her. And then my son really didn't have any alcohol until, not because honestly I was against it, I really wanted them to try things before they went to college because I didn't want them to go

to college and like implode on themselves like I had seen many kids do in our days. Which I'm going to say the same. I wanted them to do everything in front of us. And listen, they have parents who party, who entertain. They're not like going to go, I did not want my child to go to college and be like, oh, they're drinking. Oh my God. Like what's going to happen if I drink this? Like I wanted her to be fully aware of what she's going to feel like if she drinks something. And also teach them, you know, don't ever take an open container from someone. You got to watch your drink. You have to cover the top of your drink, like all those things about awareness and whatnot.

And yeah, I mean, look, we did, right? So I didn't want to also be like, do as I say and not as I do. Exactly. I mean, to be honest, they weren I say and not as I do. Exactly. I mean. But to be honest, they weren't really interested in high school. And then my daughter never was. When my son got to college, you know, he was in fraternity, they drank, whatever. I think he's very responsible.

He is in Italy this semester. I think I told you that, but he's in Italy this semester studying abroad. Amazing. That's what's better than that, right? Nothing. He's having the best time. He was in London last weekend, then he was in Barcelona the weekend before, he was in Budapest.

Wow. And he's having, I mean, what an incredible experience. And I really highly recommend this for your kids and for your listeners' kids. My son was someone who didn't wanna go to college, hates school, didn't wanna go abroad, and he has found his way. He went to a school that was right for him. He's studying things he's interested in.

And this abroad thing, it doesn't, it's not just, yeah, we're traveling and we're partying and all these things. Yes, there is that. But also they're learning how to manage themselves in other countries with other currencies and getting from point A to point B and getting a urail pass and hopping on a train. I mean, they are really good life skills and he is having a ball. So he's in Italy. My daughter

goes to school at Tufts in Boston. And so what we decided to do for the 21st is meet in New York. Which is the 21st is meet in New York. Which is the 21st. Okay, good. We'll see how perfect that is. You have Boston, you're right there. So that's perfect. Yeah, it's the best. You can have so much fun. I know. See, but that's the part that people could know to look forward to. If you have little

ones and you're stressed about them getting older to this age, I will say that it really is amazing to be able to sit around with them and meet them and have dinner with them and have conversation with them. They have opinions on important subjects. There is another stage of going through motherhood where you don't have to totally mourn not having these toddlers and babies and children because when they do become young adults, it's equally as amazing to see their growth and have these best friends almost. Right? That's how I feel about it.

I 100% agree with you. Like I said, I went to go visit Nikki in Florence a few weeks ago and it was just the two of us. I was there for, I don't know, three nights, three or four nights. And he was in school during the day. And then he'd meet me for lunch, and then he'd go back and then we'd hang out, walk around, see things, have dinner. Just hanging out, talking and listening to their opinions on things and their stories and meeting the friends. It's so great. It really is. Joe and I had a dinner with our two boys last night in the city and just the four of us went out to dinner and it's so interesting to talk to them. I'm like, I can't believe we're having these adult conversations. I mean, my little one's

still, he's 14, but he still was like, you know, he can hold a conversation. He's still talking to us. So it is, it's an, it's an awesome stage of life, either which way you look at it. So I always tell my listeners that like, don't be scared for when they get a little older because it's equally as amazing. Yeah, but you can be scared for the douchey stage. So your youngest is 14. Yes.

And mine is turning 14 next month. My daughter might still be in the douchey stage. So your youngest is 14. Yes. And mine is turning 14 next month. My daughter might still be in the douchey stage. So it started in eighth grade and I hear it's stopped. She's much better now. She's a sophomore in college, but I feel like the girls for me, it started in eighth grade. It was throughout high school and now she's getting better. She still rolls her eyes at me a little bit, but I hear by senior year in college, it'll be much better. Is this true? Well, it also depends because they say nature nurtured. That's kind of bullshit too, because it's nature. We can do our best. They basically come out the way they come out, and we can modify behavior, and we can lead by example. But some of them are just a little,

I got four, I know, some of them are just a little bit here than others. And it just is that way and that's okay. You know, she's a mini me, she's strong. When they're strong minded and like it is what it is, but it's gonna be her best traits as she gets older. We just, I know this. Yes, it will. But this do she phase, usually sometimes it'll start

as young as 11. Some of them do it a little later, like 13, but usually it's like 11 to 14-ish. And then at 15, they start coming back. My 18-year-old is, she's fully back now, I have to say. Oh, good. I mean, she'll still roll her eyes sometimes because we're her parents, so we're cringey. I understand that. Right.

But in general, I mean, she's so funny. So like I, you know, I love a logo. I make logos for everything. Like we buy a house, I have a logo. I name it, there's the logo. You know, I just love that sort of thing. So with Kat, my 18 year old, with the twins, I would do things and I would put their names on things. I would monogram things. I would whatever they were having a party. There was merch, there was things, whatever. So Kat. So I would do it for Katerina too. And I'll never forget she was turning, I don't know, maybe she was turning 15 at all. No, 17. And all she wanted was a coffee machine in her room. Like her own little coffee machine, like a little, um, Keurig, right? One cup thing. Maybe she was 15. I don't know. Sounds young, but something like

that. And so I go, okay, great. And she goes, and mom do not make branded cups and do not put a sign on the thing. And I was like, Oh, I wasn't getting it. Cat's coffee machine. I was like, Oh, I wasn't going to do that. And I'm already thinking, Oh, I had a logo for the coffee cup. You had everything ready to go. I had it all planned out. So yeah, she still thinks I'm cringy, but I'm really good at sort of taking a step back

and being like, okay, this is not about me. This is about her. This is what she likes. So there it is, but she's out of the douchey stage. She's really good. She's applying for college right now and I can't believe it and so she'll be gone next year and then ace is in eighth grade and He'll start high school next year. It's so crazy when you have to like Joey started this year high school and I was like It's my last one and you're stepping into high school

And I'm just like it, it took me a little bit when that happened because he's just the baby. And I'm like, no, no, no, you always are going to be the baby, like I don't want you to go to high school, but you know, it's fine. We have had to accept it around here that Joey is no longer a baby, but it hurts. It's not easy.

You know what, when Ace was little, I remember holding his hand and he must have been four or five. And so he's the youngest by, you know, I think Kat's four years older than him and the twins are seven years older. So I'm holding his hand and I thought, oh my gosh, this is the last little, I'm going to hold his hand as much as I can.

I'm going to really remember his hand in my hand because until these kids grow up and hopefully one will have a grand kid, hopefully someday, you know, but this was, I was very cognizant of the fact that I'm feeling his hand in my hand and I feel like I can still feel that. So I sort of, that was like something that I held on to. But on the other hand, I'm also really ready for him to drive Cuz that's the best part cuz it's the rides it's the ride Yes You know as I was just jumping on to this podcast with you Joey called me for a ride and I'm like, what do you mean? You have football practice after school and he was like no not today because and I'm like

Jeez, like I was just frazzled because the rides are a thing. Like they're, you know, all the moms know we are taxis. And I love that story about the hand. It makes me think that maybe a lot of moms think that way because I have a similar story that I was in Target, I'll never forget with Joey, and he was still in, you know, where he could sit in the little seat. And I remember saying, this is my favorite thing to do.

Like I love to just be me and Joey in like a store or Target and push him around and talk to him and get him like the snack from Starbucks. And I was like, Melissa, I just don't want to let it go. And I remember saying that to myself. So I feel like it's with all the last ones, this is what happens. We try to like hold on to every single second of every minute. So it's just motherhood for you. I know.

Let's discuss something we all care about, what's on your feet. And no, I'm not talking about those super cute but actually torture chamber shoes. I'm talking about Geedify shoes, the ones your feet have literally been begging for. By the end of the day, we're all feeling a little broken down, kind of like a reunion special which is why Geedify provides two free orthotics with every shoe and a built-in lateral stabilizer that realigns your body. Sick of feeling like your feet are taking more hits than a watch what happens live guest? G-Defy's patented VersoShock technology absorbs all that shock and stress so you don't have to.

Guys, I have a few pairs of G-Defy shoes and they're amazing. If you're on your feet all day, you'll be blown away at how much these shoes will help you out. Whether you're power walking to all day, you'll be blown away at how much these shoes will help you out. Whether you're power walking to brunch or making a dramatic exit, these shoes have your back and feet. Who knew comfort could be this chic and shady? So if you're still walking around in shoes that scream, I'm suffering honey, it's time for an upgrade.

Use code Melissa for $20 off orders of $100 or more at gdefy.com. That's code Melissa for $20 off orders of $100 or more at gdefy.com. Jumping over to another subject because I know everybody wants to talk about the latest season of OC and my God, the OC is back, honey. Like, wow, it is back. So listen, my first question for you is just on a scale from one to 10. One being you absolutely hated it. 10 being that you loved every second of it. How did you feel about this recent season of the OC?

Have you ever had a 10? I mean, I just, I want your honest opinion here. I'm gonna give it to you. I'm just curious, have you ever had a 10? I mean, I just, I want your honest opinion here. I'm gonna give it to you. I'm just curious. Have you ever had a 10 season where you said I loved every minute of it? Definitely not. I don't think that exists.

Definitely not. I have a season that if I had to pick what's your favorite season, Melissa, I have my number, season four. Favorite season, season four. Like I know that immediately, but I don't know. I don't think I ever had a 10 season, no. No, season four. I know that immediately, but I don't know. I don't think I ever had a 10 season, no. No, me either.

I don't even know if I have a favorite. I would say, as you know, living it and watching it are two very different things. I'm going to give it a five. Okay. Is that like a personal five or how you feel like it played out? Is this just how you felt like you felt watching it? It was very hard for me to... All right. After last season, season 17, everyone came after me, everyone. And when I ended the season, season know, it was season 17 was one of those seasons where it was a zero for me. It was the hardest thing I had ever done

amongst all of it. Like my twins were leaving, they left for college. So I was half my kids left in one fell swoop. We sold our house and we moved out in three weeks and all the girls were coming after me for all this different stuff It was a very very difficult thing to film but when you watched it you saw that and Everything they were saying about me. None of it was true And so one could say like but you won at the end of the season, but it was so hard to live that season. Anyway, by the end of the reunion, it was troubling. People were saying, how

could you come back? How can you be friends with these people? All these things. And I said, well, you know, I got to really figure that out. I have to figure out who my true friends are in this group. And I have to make a real effort to start fresh or else I can't, right? So that's how I came into this season. And the very first event I threw is the first thing we did, fine. Nothing really happened. I mean, it was a Shannon and Alexis thing, but nothing happened with me.

And then the next event we go to, they had hired this gal and she came on the show and she had like, they didn't show it, but she had this laundry list of things that she was angry at me about and I had met her twice. So it was like, it felt like the previous season all over again. And it was so like, I couldn't, usually I'm really calm and take things in stride and can have, you know, an articulate argument or conversation about it. And I couldn't, because I felt like such gaslighting and I was so upset about it. And I just, it just infuriated me. And that sort of set the tone for the rest of the season.

Did you feel like Katie was coming for you a little hard this season? She definitely did. Yes. Yes. I mean, it did seem like that from the outside looking in, it looked like she was coming. She was like, Heather was on her mind. Well, I mean, but it's very clear I was on her mind for months before we ever started filming and before she was ever hired. So, I think that's what's upsetting is that as you know, it's hard to open up your life and your family and show all the bruises and the pimples and the things.

And then to have people come in that just want to hurt you to make a splash or be relevant or whatever it is, that sucks. Heather, it happens to me nine out of 10. It's just they come in and they say, oh, they think they're a nice little cute happy couple and whatever it might be that they think they want to break or damage, and they come. I have so much experience with that. And especially for some reason, especially like the newbies, like especially new people entering, they think like, oh, we're going to come straight for Melissa and we're going to mess that

all up. And it never ends up working out for them usually because I'm very happy for anyone to say whatever they need to say and I'll correct them or tell them what it really is or tell them why, you know, they're assholes and what they're saying is not true. So it's just, I've, trust me, I've been in your shoes a thousand times and I get it. And it's weird how people who are not on the show kind of just before they even start filming, they have a target, you know, and they just go. Yeah. You and I seem to be in that same seat and it is very tough. It's very tough.

It is, it's rough. It'd be nice. And I said this to Katie too, when you wanna come into a friend group, the first step one is coming and make friends. You have to make a friend, right? And I'm saying this not just for Katie, but for all the franchises.

I never think it resonates well when a newbie comes in and they pick a fight or they jump in too fast or they, I feel like, listen, be part of the conversation, get to know everyone a little bit, have a scene with someone alone, go to lunch with someone alone, really get the feel before you just come in swinging because it's never gonna work in your favor.

It's never going to work. Yeah. Well, you know how it works. Authenticity sells and the truth always comes out. So I'll leave that one there. A thousand percent. A thousand percent. Is there anything you would have done if you had the chance differently this season or you would change? Yeah. I think especially that first moment with Katie when I was just, like, I can't help it. This is who I am.

Like someone's gaslighting me. I'm blindsided. I'm at this event. You know, it was just so infuriating. But I wish, I guess I wish I just had laughed at her and walked away. Yeah. There's so many times that I walk, like, you know, you see it and you're like, why didn't I just answer this way, not bring light to it and keep it moving?

Because that, because this is why we're good on the show, because we're, this is who we are. We're passionate. Passion, baby. And you care about our family and, and you can't come for my kids and you can't come for me and leave my husband alone. Like, yes. A thousand percent. Yes, I get it. Do you think, and I say this, obviously with our show it happened too, but do you think the show could be getting too dirty right off camera with the lawsuits, with the bots, with all of these things that really

truly ruin these franchises? Yes,. And there's two levels to that. First of all, the bots and the social media. You've been doing this a long time. I've been doing it. Wait, how old was Joey when you started the show? Two months old. Two months. We filmed his christening.

He was two months old at his christening. Ace, when we started filming, not when it aired, but when we started filming, he was nine months old. You and I did like the same thing. Can you imagine our brains with these babies? I can't. I can't. I was a very young mom at the time.

I had my, I had Antonio at 25, so I was like having Joey, it was 30. I was 30 and your brain doesn't- I was the opposite. I was the old mom at the time I had my, I had Antonio at 25. So I was like having Joey, it was 30. I was 30 and your brain doesn't. I was the opposite. I was the old mom at the club. I had A's at 42 and I had three other kids and I'm doing this crazy show. And it was like, I mean, I give you and me a lot of props. Same, thank you.

I'll take it. I'll take it. I'll take it. But also it's true. But there was also that was before Instagram or was it just starting? It just had started. Instagram, I remember when I got on the show, I had just like, it was a big Twitter thing. Actually, Twitter, you know what? Instagram might have, it was Twitter definitely, but Instagram might have come maybe the next year or two. Yeah, because we used to live tweet and all that. So yeah, so I think back then social media was a little more fun.

There were still trolls back then, but not like now. It's become such a cesspool of hate. And the truth is, it's really, they've quantified it as only about 3% of our audience is on social think about that. So you're looking at 3% of people that are weighing in on on you and the show and and all of that. I think it's become really dark and really dirty. I think some of the storylines on not just like on all the franchises, and I don't watch everything but obviously, I see what's in this, I see things and hear stories, read stories and whatnot.

Yeah, I think it's dark. I think that we're missing the inspirational aspirational component. And yeah, things happen in people's lives. People get divorced, things get messy. Sometimes people do get into legal trouble and whatnot. And that is a part of life. But I just wish they would show a bit more people that we could emulate.

A thousand percent. I couldn't agree more. But I do think it's heading to the Bravo Gods. I think they are seeing and listening, and I do think they altogether would like a lighter form of back to the aspirational ladies, which was how it started, right? Instead of the, oh, we're coming for you. You sign up for this show, watch out, because we're going to go inside and pull it outside. Like, you know, who in their right mind

wants to sign my, no one. Here, let's, especially the husbands, like that's the problem in Jersey. We have so many amazing, I mean, Bergen County, New Jersey is pretty amazing, right? So it's beautiful. There's the homes galore. We have Alpine.

We have all of these Saddle River, you name it, Franklin Lakes. But a lot of people are very, very afraid to sign on to Jersey just from what they've watched, right? And also because they're like, listen, why am I signing up for someone to tear my insides to take my intestines out of my body and hang them in the front yard. Like Orange County also, we have the same thing. People are like, why won't this friend of yours come on?

I'm like, because she won't and her husband won't. They asked me for all of my friends. My friends are like, nope, we're good. Just cheering you on from the sidelines. They have no desire. That's exactly what mine say as well. And I don't blame them. And I feel like if we could change the culture of it, I don't, I don't believe in digging up things

on people. Last week's reunion, a lot of stuff came out about Katie. I didn't dig anything up. It's all over us weekly and in touch. There's just articles everywhere. That's how that's, I saw them on Google alerts. They were everywhere. But people that want to dig up stuff on you and throw it at you and hurt you with it, what is the point of that? Yeah, that's where it gets rough. If you're going to be one of those people that wants to throw you do this and you do that and all this, then you better be able to take it too. Right. That's the thing. You have to be able to dish it and take it both

because it always ends up coming back. So. And I think that like half the people that watch our show wanna be us, meaning collectively all of us, and want to see the clothes and the trips and the things. Yes, and the houses. And the homes and all of it.

And then I think the other half are like, well, thank God I'm not that. Right, it's probably true. That's probably true. I mean, listen, me as a viewer, if I'm gonna watch another franchise, I'm nosy. I wanna see their homes. Like that's what I'm personally into.

Let me see what their closet looks like. Let me see their homes. And I enjoy listening to conversations, how people conversate like with their kids how they handle mothering issues. That's why I tune in to the show. I mean, of course, there's the drama and stuff. But I'm more nosy about everyone's home life. Like I prefer the in home scenes with the fam. That's why I'm like, Oh, I'll watch. You know, that's

what I totally agree. But that's how the show started. I always say it. It's like Mrs. Krave.itz, like the next door neighbor on bewitched. Cause she used to like peek out like the current like what's going on over there. Like that's what housewives is. And I agree with you. I want to see how you talk to your kids and I want to see like what you wore to the christening and I want to see what food, but I want to see what food you served and I want exactly.

That's interests me way more than the than than the fighting and the funny. We don't film that stuff anymore. I remember back in the day when I was first on the show, when we would throw parties, they would really take a dive into like sitting down and like when I would go over the menu and why I made they don't do that anymore. No, it was very much so like I had had to say, I threw, I remember, I would have to sit with the guy who created my Christmas party, the decorator, how much did it cost?

What are you thinking? Oh, they love the digits. I hate that. I know, I know. But Heather, we all wanna see all that moolah you spend. We love it. Yeah, I know. So it gives us inspiration.

We love it. It's amazing. Yeah, but here's the problem. So they'll say like in the last house, the one that we sold a year and a half ago, whatever, when we were first building it or when it was done, I was giving a tour and they said, like, how much was that sink? And it was like a $7,000 sink. It was very expensive. But also in the room, I couldn't find art for this particular powder room. And so I was at Target and I saw these two pieces of art. It was just white with these black, like paint swashes on it. And there were only two of them.

So I bought four of them and I turned them different ways so they just look different. And I hung them and they were, they were like 20 bucks. They were nothing. So I put them in this pattern because to me, like the way I design is very high low. It's a Zara dress with a Chanel belt. I like doing stuff like that. But the sink was very expensive. So all they show on the show is sink $7,000 and I get that's a fortune.

I understand that. But then, you know, then you're opening yourself up to the hate of, that's disgusting. Why aren't you giving it to charity? It's like, I give a lot to charity. Let's not start doing the books. Right. Right. I was there to see how many times Terry put up that paddle at the recent charity event

we were at just to back you up with that making us all look bad. Wonderful. Thank you. Thank you. They're very charitable people. On display with Melissa Gorga is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Let's face it, sometimes multitasking can be overwhelming. Like when your favorite podcast is playing and the person next to you is talking and your car fan is blasting all while you're trying to find the perfect parking spot. But then again, sometimes multitasking is easy,

like quoting with Progressive Insurance. They do the hard work of comparing rates so you can find a great rate that works for you, even if it's not with them. Give their easy to use comparison tool a try and you might just find getting the rate and coverage you deserve is super easy. All you need to do is visit Progressive's website to get a quote with all the

coverages you want, like comprehensive and collision coverage or personal injury protection. Then you'll see Progressive's direct rate and their tool will provide options from other companies all lined up ready to compare so it's simple to choose the rate and coverage that you like. Press play on comparing auto rates. Quote at progressive.com and join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates comparison rates not available in all states or situations. Prices vary based on how you buy. Let me ask you this, who is your favorite castmate to film with?

Well, the answer is it depends, right? Cause it depends actually what we're doing. But historically, Tamara and I have always been travel buddies. When I started the show, the kids were so young. I had never been on a girls trip before in my whole life. Same. That's we have like such similar stories. I hadn't either until I until I joined the show. But me too. So the baby's nine months old, maybe 1010 and a

half months by the time we took the trip. And I go we go to Costa Rica. And they were like, you know, if you want to bring the baby and like a nanny or your mom, I'm like, No, no, no, I'd worry too much. I think it's better, you know, if he's home and stays home and I just go do this thing. So we go on the trip and I've never had so much fun ever. Like even with the drama and all that, first of all, I didn't feel guilty because I had to leave the kids at home, right? And Terry was there. So I knew, like there was an adult in charge and the nanny and whatever. And we, I mean, you do the filming and we adventured and we did whitewater rafting and we were zip lining and all these crazy things. And

I hate water. And so that was so hard for me. And there was the drama, but like at night, after we were done filming dinner, let's just say, we would all just hang out and stay up late. And it was like a sleepover and it was so fun. And I just loved it. So Tamra and I always traveled together. And so this year, when we were in London, they picked names out of a hat for who we were rooming with

and Tamra and I got each other. and look, Tamra had issues with people. People were mad at me because I was with Tamra. We're in the same room. Whatever. We laughed so much. Oh my God. We laughed. I mean, one night after dinner, we had been over served a little bit and we both had extensions

like clip in extensions in. You just started ripping them out of you. We started taking them out, but then we put each other's on. And then Shannon had given us these British bucket hats. So we put the hair on. I had total blonde with a hat and she had total brunette with a hat. I think she posted a picture of it, but it was so funny and we FaceTimed our husbands and they both went, like they sat back because

they couldn't tell for a second. No, but see, what's better than just like some girl time? You need it. Sometimes you just need like that goofy tipsy girl time. Like nothing's better than that. And I agree that when we're done filming on these trips and like kind of the pressure's off and the cameras are out. We all run into each other's rooms. We sit on the beds and it's my favorite part of the night. Honestly, it

really is. And even the whole cast, I have to say, even with like all the drama, there was a couple of nights that we all went out together and it was fun. It is like you just, we did that in Italy. We actually snuck out our slide. I'll never forget. We were told do not leave after we're done. We were like, we're not going to leave, but we're like, we're in Milan. Like we're not it's 10pm. Like it's we went we all were like, meet us outside. We left. We went out for the night. I think one of our producers caught wind and like they ended up coming to where we were

because they were like, if there's content happening right now, like we are going to kill all of you, you know? And I was like, just come, we're just having fun in Milan with the models and the supermodels, like whatever. It was the best time. You know what, that's an important thing

for your listeners to know is that it's not that we're kept under lock and key because they're trying to be controlling. But let's say we had all gone out and there were no cameras around and like something significant happened. That's a problem. That's a huge problem. That's a problem because now we're talking about things that you didn't get to see. And trust me, you as viewers would be upset

that you didn't see it. So that's why, and this is hard for us also, is while we're doing our principal photography period of time, we're not allowed to hang out off camera for the same reason. And I totally understand that. But it's hard because they're your friends and like you wanna see someone,

you wanna meet for coffee and you can't. It's super frustrating, but it's hard because they're your friends and you wanna see someone, you wanna meet for coffee, and you can't. It's super frustrating, but it's also very understandable. And we actually do it for the viewers, right? We're doing it for you guys, because there will be a conversation that you wish you would have saw. So yeah, we're not, yeah, that's good to point out. We're not locked up, but they'd prefer

if we're there for a girls trip that we don't go have the girls trip without the cameras there, if that makes sense. So I'll tell you, I can't remember what season it was, maybe season nine or 10, but it was a long time ago. But I had thrown this Valentine's dinner, this couple's Valentine's dinner, and it was so fun. And I did these two little, I did, it was, it was like, it looked like the bachelor, honestly, it was like red roses and candles and things. And there were these trees at the end of the table that had questions. So it was a little like truth or dare. And like, one was shag, Mary kill. One was this, one was that. And so it was really fun and we did that during the night.

And then the cameras all went down and they were all packing up. And someone opened one of the questions and a fight broke out between two of the girls. That was so nasty. And no one picked up a camera or anything. And so it became a plot point that season that the audience never got to see. And from that point on, a producer always stayed with a phone just in case.

Wow. See that? So I feel like that's what they do because they know. I've seen certain PAs, right? They're always with us because even if they put that cell phone up and they put it up horizontally, it works, right? Oh, and sometimes it looks great.

Sometimes the iPhone footage is a really fun thing to add into the slicker footage because it gives it a little real. Yeah, I think it's cool. And again, I totally understand that. Okay, well, I feel like the viewers are gonna be so happy to hear all this little bit of like behind the scenes. I have one more question for you about the OC

because I can talk to you all day. I cannot believe I've been talking to you for almost an hour. I can ask you a million more questions, but I think I have one more good one for you. And I want to know who is because, you know, I feel like every franchise you would you know, who is the most different on camera than they are off camera? Like, do you find anyone to have? And it doesn't have to

be a negative. They're just different on camera and off. Who would you say is that person? I'll tell you who's exactly the same on and off camera. That might be a better thing to say. I'll take that. I would say that Gina is exactly the same on and off camera. I personally agree with that. I've had her on the podcast a couple of times.

I think she's very real. She's very authentic. She is. The thing about her is that I think sometimes I will think twice, like, oh, should I not say that? And that's terrible. You should never do stuff like that. You should just speak and whatever. But when you've been attacked for certain things, it makes you scared sometimes to say exactly what you're thinking. Gina doesn't operate like that. Gina will just say whatever is on her mind. Right. And I agree. I think that's, that's, I mean, for not knowing, I've never filmed with her, but that sounds about right. Which is good.

But again, but I do wanna say it like this. Like I do believe that everyone on our cast, it shows, almost everyone. Almost everyone on our cast shows up in a very authentic way. Which is why your show is so good. OC is killing it right now. They're doing amazing.

You guys are all doing amazing, sweeties. Honestly, you really are. But I also, but one more thing, I also wanna say that I feel like it's okay to not show everything. Just because we're on a reality show doesn't mean you have to show everything. You're allowed to do something private.

I have no issue with that. Right. Especially when you know someone has something that's very, like they do not want to speak to it and it is a private thing. I do believe you should respect it. If it comes out, well then, or if it's out there, then fine. Then you have to talk about it. But to be the person to bring out something that you know another lady on the cast says, this is really something I don't want to speak about, that I've never done. That I don't do. I don't do. No, and there used to be a code on the show. No careers, no kids. You just never, you don't touch those two things. You don't, you don't.

You don't mess with people's money outside of the show. That's right. You don't mess with people's income and you don't talk about people's kids. To me, that's, you don't touch that. Right. No, anything with children is to me. Nothing with the kids. Right. Right. And I think that's kind of universal, although not everybody follows directions, but it's pretty universal, I think, with all the housewives and all the franchise, that that's just like the shittiest thing to do when you, you know. Totally. It's the worst. Well, I'm so sad that I don't have time to see you this weekend because I'm literally

coming in for three days and it's all twins events coming from Friday to Monday. I know. So I won't intrude on your family time, but listen to me, my sorority sister, the next time you come in, I fully want to have a dinner with you guys. We're gonna go to one of the- Done and done. One of the restaurants, where are we going?

Il Milino downtown. No, we are not going to Il Milino, I told Joey. I know, that's where Terry and Joe wanna go. We wanna go to, where do we wanna go? Let's go to Corner Store do we want to go? Let's go to Corner Store. Okay, yes. You told me it was great.

Let's do this. Let's go to Corner Store. I absolutely loved having you on. You're so much fun. I love getting to know you better. And hopefully I will see you in New York soon. Thank you for having me. Of course.

Ciao. Bye. Of course, ciao! Bye! 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.

I love reality TV on Pluto TV. Same. And I love that it's free. It gives me the freedom to watch Bravo's Real Housewives' Vault Channel. I'm totally free to watch Bad Girls Club. I'm free for Jersey Shore. Love and hip hop, I'm free all day. Survivor, I'm free all night. With hundreds of free reality shows, you are totally free to watch what you love on Pluto TV.

Pluto TV. Stream now, pay never.