The Viall Files - E1005 – Going Deeper with Teresa Giudice

Episode Date: September 24, 2025

Welcome back to The Viall Files: Going Deeper edition.  She’s a woman of legends, and she’s here… Please join us in welcoming the ICON herself Teresa Giudice to the show! She goes deep into everything, from her childhood, to her relationship with Joe and Melissa, the future of RHONJ, shooting Special Forces with Gia and so much more! You’ll flip a table if you miss it…  “We have to let the past go, and move forward."   Listen to Humble Brag with Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff! Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humble-brag-with-crystal-and-cynthia/id1774286896 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humblebragpod   Listen To Disrespectfully now! Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disrespectfully/id1516710301 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCh8MqSsiGkfJcWhkan0D0w   Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/  To Order Nick’s Book Go To: http://www.viallfiles.com  Are you struggling with any sort of dating, relationship, or life dilemma? Do you want all the answers? Email [e-mail] with your question in the subject line to express interest in appearing on the show!  To advertise on this podcast please email: [e-mail] or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles     Thank You to Our Sponsors: Mint Mobile - Ready to say yes to saying no? Make the switch at https://mintmobile.com/viall  Coop - Upgrade your summer sleep. Visit https://coopsleepgoods.com/VIALL to get 20% off your first order.   Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @nnataliejjoy @teresagiudice  

If you're still overpaying for wireless, it's time to say yes to saying no at Mint Mobile. Their favorite word is no, no contracts, no monthly bills, no overages, no hidden fees, no BS. Ditched overpriced wireless in their jaw dropping monthly bills, unexpected overages and hidden fees plans. Start at $15 a month at Mint. Gone are the days where you had to be with some of the largest provider to get great service. Mint Mobile has amazing service wherever you go and the prices are even better. If you're ready to say yes to say no, make the switch at mintmobile.com slash V-I-A-L. That's mintmobile.com slash V-I-A-L.

Upfront payment of $45 required equivalent to $15 a month. Limited time new customer offer for first three months only. Speeds may slow above 35 gigabytes on unlimited plan. Taxes and fees extra. See MintMobile for details. Teresa, welcome to the Vial Files. Thank you. We're so honored to have you.

Thank you. I'm so honored to be here. You're so excited. Yeah, and I hope you have an amazing podcast. Well, thank you. Like anybody that I told that was coming on this, they're like, oh, he's really sweet. They said you're really sweet. Oh, because sometimes I get people that are scared.

Oh, really? I think I ask hard-hating questions. I mean, you're one tough cookie yourself, so I don't think anything would scare you. Yes, and I was just on the toughest task, so. Yeah. You were. I just posted a photo on my Instagram And I'm like, hashtag toughest task

Well, so much to talk with you about Obviously you want to get to know you The housewife icon that you are But do you want to start with special forces And like why you decided to do such a crazy ass experience? Yeah, I first got asked And I was just like, oh my God And I was like, all right, you know, let me see

Because first they asked me By myself, yeah And then I guess, I guess they were casting, you know, and then I was like, oh my God. And then I watched first season, second season, third season, put like little clips here and there. You didn't watch me win. You were on it? Yeah. No, you weren't.

Second season, he won. Really? Oh my God, for real? Yeah. Was he really on? He was. Oh, my God. I missed you.

I was behind the shadows. Okay. Wait, so you were in New Zealand? I was. Okay, so I watched that one. Okay, so I didn't see every single person. I just focus on Jojo. I just watch, no, I don't even know.

Like, I just watched it really quick, like, certain clips. And New Zealand was cold. So I'm glad I didn't go to a cold place because I like more and better. So when you heard it, it was the desert. So congratulations. Yeah, I liked the warm weather. And then I heard it was in Morocco. And I was like, oh, my God, Marrakesh.

I want to go there. Okay, yeah. Period. You get the vacation and boot camp. Yeah. So when did Gia come into the equation? A little bit right after that. like, well, how about, you know, mother-daughter duo?

And I was just like, oh, my God, I would love that. Okay. And then I told, Gia, but then I was still nervous a little bit because I don't know how to swim. You don't? So, no. At all? No, I took one swimming lesson before. If you don't watch Housewives?

I do. If you watch Housewives, you would know that I don't know how to swim. I have not seen, I've seen lots of Jersey recently. I can't say I've seen every episode. Well, 14 seasons. I forgot which season I got swimming lessons on the show. And some You know, this cute boy was trying to teach me how to swim

And I was like, ah And I was grabbing on Swiss chest I was like, you gotta watch that episode It was pretty funny Oh, season eight, see that? Season eight, so And I really didn't learn how to swim. But it didn't take.

It didn't take. You were just more focused on sexy hot. Yeah, it didn't take So I was like, oh my gosh, I was like really scared, guys I'm not kidding, I was so nervous and I was like, I have to take swim lessons because I can't let my daughter down. I can't drown. How much prep time did they give you? From when I signed the contract. I knew a few months before I was doing it. Okay. So you quickly knew. They knew you wanted. You learned how to swim. Yeah, but it was like when I said, yeah,

I think it was wintertime. So like, or like, so I had to wait until my pool opened in order to like start taking swimming lessons. And then I'm a member at Lifetime and I'm like, can I bring a swim instructor there, and they're like, no. And I was like, shit. I'm like, so I had to wait to my pool opened and then... Wait, Lifetime didn't have swim instructors? No. No, they didn't. I asked, trust me. So I waited to my pool opened and then I was just like, okay, but you know how life goes, you know, you keep putting it off, putting it off, putting it off, putting it off. Well, anyway, I finally'm like, shit, I got to do this. I'm going to leave. I left like in June. I think it was

June. So, of course, I did it in May and I only got it. Because they have like a swim test before you start right yeah one were you nervous about that no that was good because you know at that point i did it in a pool that was my second swimming lesson okay so yeah so that was that was it so i had two and um i felt confident that if i had a swim because i watched denise richard that she swam a lot but you know if you did the whole diving off into a helicopter that was bad ass of her yeah and the thing is if you don't you know if you don't you get tired swimming forward you could swim backwards. I know you wouldn't pass, but I was like, I don't care. At least if I, as long as I, the DSs might be pissed if you're backstroking. I know. I never knew how to backstroke until I took

these swim lessons. So I have to say my instructor was pretty good. Yeah. And so now are we like, now I feel more comfortable in the water. Do you feel like the next place we'll see you is like the Olympics for swimming or? I mean, I don't know about that. I mean, they did ask me to do that diving, that diving show. But I didn't do it because I said no, because I was scared. because I couldn't swim, so Kyle Richards did it instead of me. It was like a few years ago. I remember a diving show, but it was like, you know, high up. And I'm like, I'm like, thank you.

Like high its and swimming? Yeah, I'm like, well, first of all, what expectations do you have of yourself of like how far were you in it to win it? Yes, I was like, I got this. You're going to, okay. Yeah, I said to G and you and we are going to win this. And on the outside chance, did you guys have any conversations about the possibility of one of you was either got injured or just realized I'm, fucking done with this shit. Were you guys going to quit together or did you have conversations about like...

You know what? We didn't even talk about that. Like if, you know, yeah, we didn't even talk about that. G and I had heart to hearts, like being there. And then she was like, we just talked about a lot of things, which I feel like, you know, did affect me. And like, I, as a mom, like, you have to watch, like, you know, why I chose to do certain things. It was because of, you know, the heart.

heart to heart that G and I had. Do you feel like your cast of women on Housewives of New Jersey being as kind of cutthroat as it can be sometimes prepared you for the intensity that is special forces? I mean, no, not housewives. I just think my upbringing. Oh. It's just, yeah, I'm a very strong person. Just grew up with immigrant parents. The parents were off the boat on first generation.

My father was very strict. So was my mom. And, yeah, I mean, I was a tough cookie. And so, were they strict on you? Oh, my parents? Yeah. Oh, yeah. So I had a curfew until I got married.

I went from my parents' house to, you know, to my husband's house. Wow. Yeah. What was the curfew? Um, 2.30. Like, by the time I got married, I was 27. Okay. I was 27.

I mean, every year, like, you know, I got an hour. I think, exactly. I think when I was 18, I think it was maybe, I can't remember now, maybe 12. And then every, I would try to, you know, make it a little longer, like, as I got older. Yeah, so 27, it was 230. That's it. Like, I never could go to a club and then go to a diner after. Because then you get home, like, at four, three or four, then I never did that.

You're like, guys, I'm not able to eat the pancakes. No, I was never able to. So I used to go to this club in New York City called Limelight, and I only could stay for an hour. Because, you know, the club, it starts at 12. So at one point I had to be home like at two So like I got there at 12 Stayed one hour And then from the city to get back home

It's an hour So I'd only stay one hour to be back home Yeah And if you got home late What would happen? You'll show up at 1245 a.m. What happens? No I don't you wouldn't You don't want to get home leave with my dad

My dad was like no joke Like yeah I was terrified of my dad Like terrified I was that kind of kid that never Disrespected and I'd always listen Did you ever find, like, sometimes I was like a half-hour way. I'll be like, oh my God, there was so much traffic in the tunnel. There was construction or I would call my brother and tell him the cover for me. You know, because my brother always listened. So it's like, I'm the girl and I always like pushed the envelope a little bit more, but my brother always listened. Did you ever find that like soft spot in your dad or has he just always been like? I found the soft spot after I got married and then, you know, then he's like right now like that. And then. And after I had Gia, and that's when he became a softie.

As he got older, he was a softie. But, like, growing up, I guess it's the old school mentality. Like, you have to be strict with your kid. So they listen to you. And my father always used to show me the knife. He's like, like, he used to get a sharp knife, like a big knife. He'd be like, see the knife? You got to walk a straight line on this a knife.

If you walk a cook or you get cut. That's how it. He would be, like, tarry it out. I was like, terrified. Like, that's like, I'm also. Like, why are you holding a knife in telling me this? Did she just, like, talk? That was the kind of, that was my dad.

But you know what? He did a good job because I always listened to him. You know, I never tried drugs or anything like that. And I always wanted to be, I always wanted to make them proud. What is the thing that you learned from your parents the most that you wanted to pass down as a parent raising your children? Like respect, you know, listening to your parents and always doing the right thing and make your parents proud. So, and I feel like that's what my daughters, you know, they make me proud. Was Gia down for it from the get-go?

Oh, yes. Yeah, she's like, Ma, we got this. We're doing this. And I'm like, okay. I was like, I'm like, I just got to learn her to swim. And she, so while I was taking my swimming lesson, she was videoing the whole thing. So I wore sweatpants, a sweatshirt. Like, you know, because, you know, you have to wear all your gear, like when you're doing it.

So she's like, video and me, it's cracking up. Yeah. Do you have any of these videos? Yeah, where's the footage? She does. She's going to put it out there. Trust me. She'll put it out there right before Special Forces.

All right. Was it any part of Special Forces more or less intimidating than walking up to Taylor Swift at Coachella and introducing yourself and having that conversation with her? She wasn't introducing herself. She said, you know who I am. No, no, I said hi. No, I said, hi. Can I get a photo? with you? Because my husband's like, there's Taylor Swift. I'm like, and? Like, I'm not that

person to ask for a photo. Right. But then my husband was like, babe, it's Taylor Swift. And I was like, and then my Jennifer Aden loves her. And I was like, okay, I'll take a picture for Jennifer Aiden. And she was so, oh my gosh, she was freaking out. And then she's like, did you tell her? I love her? I'm like, no. No. And she got so mad. She got so mad. She said, you didn't tell her? I'm like, I'm sorry. And next time I... Like, babe, she doesn't know who you are. She knew who I was.

Yeah, Taylor Swift. I just wanted to know. Generated, absolutely adored. And then she told me all about Taylor Swift. So now I am a Swiftie. Because now I know all her songs about her life and everything. So I learned so much about her. And did you feel like you're a good sense of, of, you're a good judge of character.

Did you feel like her and Travis, now that they're engaged? Did you like the vibe that they were putting out that you got the way there? Yeah. Yeah. And then Justin Beaver and Haley Beaver right there, too. And I, like, think they're such a beautiful couple. Yeah, they really are. Do you get starstruck by anybody?

No. No. No, I just, I mean, not to just, not, you know, I just, I'm just not that person. Well, I do like, um, this new, these two new actors. Oh. On the movie, 365 days. Oh. Oh, I'm aware.

Yatine? Yeah. Yeah. Wait, the last one. The last one when, um, it's. Michael Marone and Nacho. Oh, I don't know. Simone.

Let's bring out a picture of Michael. I think the first one with when he's with her on the yacht and they're like having there's three of them. Yeah, there's three of them. Yes, there's three parts. Oh, my God. There's three parts. So maybe I'll get star-struck for him.

Yeah. And there's Simone. His name is Simone. He's on part three. Is he? His name is Nacho in the movie. he's got oh yeah that's him yeah he's with the blue eyes you would like to meet him yeah the two of them

look at them so maybe if I saw the two of them I would get starstruck yeah okay maybe we can arrange that okay oh my god that I'll be really nervous housewives are famous for having some very big A-list celebrities being huge fans of y'all what have you been surprised or caught off guard by finding out any big celebrities are huge fans of you or meeting them and anyone that i hear i mean i can't think of someone right now because i've been doing this for 18 years but yes i mean when i when i hear i'm flattered close your eyes think of one okay um i don't know i can't can you help me i don't know is there anybody that you know riana oh yes riana said that you know she wanted to be a mom just like me i was so flattered

she's like i would love to be a mom just like yeah i was so flattered yeah i love riana Love, love, love, love. Love her. And I even picked my first dance song for Dancing with the Stars. Like, I wanted to pick a song from Rihanna just because she did that. Do you remember? It was me and Pasha. So me and Pasha say Teresa, Teresa, Judas and Pasha's opening dance. And I wear a pink dress, if you should dress. Because I hear it sometimes. And I'm like, I listen to that a song a zillion times. Yeah. And like, you know. More flashbacks. Yeah. We found love in a hopeless place. Yes. Wait, let me hear it. Can we. I love in a hopeless way.

And then it goes, Yes, this is it. This is it. That's great. Which I think I wish I would have picked a different one from Rihanna. But that's when I... That one's fast. Yeah, and you know, I picked that too because at the time I just had gotten married

and I did meet my husband walking. I did. I was walking by and that's how I met him. And he was packing up his shorehouse and then my one girlfriend went up to him. So it's like we found... Yeah. So I kind of put the two together. Like if we found love in a hopeless place.

It works. It works. Like on the street. Literally. There have been, can we switch gears and talk about Housewives? Yes. There have been rumors that they've picked up filming Housewives of New Jersey without you. Can you shed any light on on what's going on with that franchise?

Obviously, the last season ended with quite the bang, with a lot of uncertainty about how things we're going to pick up. Obviously, Jersey is one of the more iconic franchises. And I think there's just a lot of hope. from fans that things will pick back up, what can you share about the future of Jersey and your involvement in it? Well, I wanted to, you know, on that note, like, does a professor take the test? Okay. Okay. Does the professor take the test? So, yeah. Okay. And then also, if they were filming, a fan would have put photos out there. You know, like when Beverly Hill starts

filming there's always there's always pictures out there not even like they we saw a derit with the crumpled up armes bags and everyone was you know yeah like anywhere you see them out because it's not like we just film in the house like we go out we go to restaurants or you know cash trips something you know whatever how did you feel about like how things ended last season with like what just feel felt like just almost like too many people couldn't film with each other. Is there anything you would have liked to see different from last season? I guess if things do get pick,

pick up and you're involved, how would you like things to change? We have to like kind of like let the past go. Okay. And move forward. Okay. That's, you know, because I don't think if you rehash anything,

I don't think you're going to get anywhere. Yeah. So. Do you think there's a world where that could include you and Melissa, both just letting things go? I mean, never say never. Okay. What would it take for you to make that possible?

What would it take for me? Yeah. Well, I don't, you know, I guess if it comes back, then we'll see. You know, we'll see what happens. Any of that can you do to help? Okay, yes. Help me, yeah. I would love to hear.

No, I don't know. I don't want to overstep. No, give me some insight. You know what? It's been a long time now. You know how they're saying time heals all wounds. You know, that does... happen in life. And like I said, like G and I had hearts to hearts and special forces and there's

things that she said to me and things that I promised her I would do. Are there, yeah, I mean, I guess when it comes to family, family is always complicated and, you know, it's, well, it's as complicated. But as your kids get older, I will say, like, you know, I have 10 brothers and sisters. Oh, wow. Oh, my God. Beautiful family. Yeah. And my parents like yours, very strict. I had great parents you know um very nationality mostly english i'm kind of a mutt Swedish oh okay very white would you grow up very catholic very catholic i'm catholic too yeah so we got that and and this is another thing too so you i love that you're catholic because i'm really i'm catholic too and just say if i if bravo doesn't want me back god's rejection is god's protection there you go yeah so i'm

very into that too so you know and that means i mean i don't think bro there's no way bravo's not going to want you back. How they want you back? Who knows? But I mean, there's your two, your treats of Judeo's. No, I know. But my whole thing is, like, I would be fine with it. Of course. Because God's rejection is God's protection. But my question to you is one thing I've really appreciated about my parents is that they, again, we're the center of our universe, amazing parents, strict, a lot of rules. But as us kids got older, my parents were very open, I guess, to having their kids teach them a little bit. As we went out into the world and kind of, you know, learn things on our own, there are things that we, you know, we've changed our parents' points of view on certain things. And it feels like you and G have a very strong relationship. She seems like a very strong-headed, very confident young woman. And there seems to be a lot of love and mutual respect between her. Has she opened up your eyes to like, you know, the relationships or conflicts you've had, whereas, maybe made you reconsider things about some of your relationships,

maybe even including your sister-in-law, Melissa. So she wants me to let go of anger. And that was one of the things she said to me. And so I promised her I would. Okay. And then you'll see what plays out on special forces. And so I have no problem doing that. And at this point in my life, I want to do that.

And that's the thing. Time does heal all wounds. So, you know, I am open to that. Okay. So where are you at with your brother, Joe? We haven't spoken. You have. Yeah, we haven't spoken.

And it's so crazy because my parents and Kathy's parents didn't speak for six years. You know, Kathy's my first cousin. Okay. Kathy that was on the show. So she, we didn't, you know, so they didn't speak for six years. And then they made up after six years. And like it was our prime years growing up, which was really. sad because I didn't grow up with cousins. When you don't talk for that long with siblings,

do you, like people say, there's two sides of every story. Right. Everyone has, you know, everyone feels right, you know. Exactly. And it would be fair to say with that much time, like, do you guys even remember what truly started the conflict? I mean, yeah, with me, it was the whole thing. I mean, I, you know, I came home from being away. I was a good sister. Let's just leave it at that. And felt a little underappreciated maybe? I never even said that. Like I'm just saying like now looking back and I'm like, wow, you know. So I came home from being away and of course I dropped everything.

You know, I wrote the letter to Melissa to Jackie. I wanted to make peace because I was like my parents went through enough and I was not going to make my parents suffer anymore because my parents, they broke their heart that that happened to me. And, you know, they knew it was not my fault. Obviously, it was my husband's fault. My husband said it was his fault. And I came home, I was like, you know, I'm just going to forget everything with my brother and just I want my parents to be happy because, you know, that was a lot of stress out my parents.

And so I came home and that was it. And I put a smile on my face. Everything was great. Yeah. And I was like, to Melissa, everything's, you know, and I let things go. So that was it. And then we started everything. And then, you know, my mother got sick in November.

And from when she got sick to when she passed away, it was three months. She got pneumonia. And me and my brother took, like, she didn't, we didn't let her sleep alone, not one night. So I slept there two nights. Then my brother would sleep there. I would sleep there two nights and my brother would sleep there. Because my father didn't want to sleep in the hospital. We would let him go home and rest so he could have a good night's sleep.

But my dad was there every single day with my mother at the rehab. because then my mom, it was so traumatic. She got pneumonia. Then they had to trache her. Oh, my God. Yeah, because she was, you know. She can't talk. Yeah, it was so bad.

Then by laying in the bed for three weeks, she couldn't walk. She had rheumatoid arthritis. Then she ended up going to a rehab, and they had a teacher how to walk again. So when that all happened, her bones were so weak. I never in a million years thought my mother, was going to pass away. Like, never, like, did I think she was going to pass away? And then she ended up getting, my dad got pneumonia at the rehab. He got taken to the hospital. The next day, my mother gets pneumonia. And she gets taken. So my mother said, take me to this other hospital.

So my father went to the hospital that he, like, my mother told me to send her to the other hospital. So I was with my mom, the St. Joe's in Paris. My brother was my dad, St. Joe's and Wayne. And then my mother, she ended up getting sepsis. And, yeah, and she passed away. And then I had to tell me and my brother, when we walked into the hospital room, he knew already. Because, like, we were never together because I was with my mom. He knew I was with my mom. And when we walked in, he knew that my mom passed, like, he just knew. It was like the, it was like the hardest thing I had to ever do in my life, tell my dad that his, the love of his life, that he was married to 47 years, passed away.

Do you remember the last conversation you had with her? We had, it was so great because they had all this medication and she was hallucinating. So I have to say the last three months, she made me piss in my pants laughing because she would say the funniest things in the hospital, like being in the rehab. And she would tell me she would see cockroaches. I'm like, what, Mom? And then I could just, she would just made me laugh. So the last memories I have of my mom is laughing because my mom. was funny and she would and the medicine made her hallucinate but and then I was just laugh at her

and then she would laugh back at me and it was just like so I'm glad that we ended up you know like you know I laughed a lot with her the last few months of her life that's beautiful and we were we just were there every single day so that happened okay so I went away you know with my parents everything was good oh so I went away okay I went away I come home three months later Joe leaves my ex-husband so he went away and then don't forget he never came back so so i come home you know we drop everything you know we go to my brother's house christmas eve that was on the show right this all happened on the show go to his house my parents were so happy right then three months later and joe leaves five months later my mother gets sick then my mother passes away

and then my dad moves in with me because he he didn't want to live alone and then that was it And then I guess whatever happened after that, which I don't even, I don't, I'm trying to think of me and my brother. Like, did he come? If we fought anymore after that. I can't remember now because it was, my father lived with me three years. And was Joe like coming to visit your dad at your house? I mean, he would, you know.

Yeah. I mean, you know, like my father would take turns. He would go to, you know, yeah, I think, I think those three years we did hang out. Yeah. So those three years, I think everything was fine because I can't remember now. I feel there was like something about your dad being upset that Joe. like wasn't coming around to visit? Well, I mean, my dad, like, he doesn't sugarcoat anything.

So if anything, he said it right to his face, like on, on camera. He would say it right to his face. Like, my dad, all he wanted was for us to spend time with him. That's all he wanted. And so, you know, I guess, you know, my brother did what he wanted to do. I mean, I was always with my dad. I took my dad, you know, vacation with me, everything. Like, anything I did, like, if I would go out, like, even on the show, he would be my date.

And he loved hanging out with me. I used to take him out with me. Like my friends loved him. He was like fun. But it's like when you're married with someone for so long, he was with my mom all the time that it was just the two of them. So he really didn't have friends to hang out with. So that's why I felt bad for him.

So that's why I was always hanging out with him. And he loved being with my daughters. So he like my youngest, he would take her to dance. Like it gave him, like my kids gave him purpose. Exactly. Like he cooked dinner. for us every day because he wanted to, because he had nothing else to do. So he would go to food shopping and go buy everything fresh, come home, make his home-cooked meals.

It was great because that was the thing. I had to work. I was a single mom. So he told me, he said, do you work? Don't worry about it. You know, I got Adriana, I'll take her. He was like, you know, he was like, Adriana's Uber driver, you know, like he was. Someday, Teresa, I want to make you my homemade mariner sauce.

Oh, yeah. Pretty good. And that's how I learned how to cook. You know, that's why I have four cookbooks. Three of them are bestsellers. Yeah, I learned how to cook from my mom. And my dad's a great cook. He was a great cook, too.

What would you say, like if Joe were listening to this episode or sitting next to you, what would his version? Wait, so let me finish. All right. So then after, I don't know, you would have to ask him. So then after that, so then my father, like, yeah, my father, then COVID, he passed away right before COVID. my dad, which he was probably like, you know, a piece. He was like, I'm not living through this. No way I'm wearing a mask, because you couldn't breathe as it was.

And you guys saw he couldn't breathe as it was. She's like, no way I'm wearing a mask. Peace out. I'm out. So I, my father passed away right before COVID. Yeah. And then I met Louis three months later. And I swear, guys, I'm not kidding.

The street I met Louis on was at the Jersey Shore. I looked up in the sky because somebody told me, they're like, ask your parents if you want something. And they'll help you. So I swear to God. I looked up in the sky. I'm not kidding. My story never changes. It's always the truth.

And anybody that passed away gets me. I asked my parents to send me a guy that they always wanted me to be with. Like my mom always wanted me to be with the guy that wore a suit and that spoke really sweet to me. You know, because Joe was so hard and the way he spoke. Like my father didn't even like the way he spoke because he cursed a lot when he spoke. Like a guy with, you know, manners and speak softly. And so that's so crazy, guys. And then I swear that street that I asked my parents, that's the street I met Louis on.

Oh, wow. And, yeah, I swear. And I know my parents would absolutely adore Louis. What's your favorite thing about your relationship with Louis? Just the way he treats me and how he treats me. He treats me like a queen, like just so sweet, talk so softly, so understanding, so kind, so generous. And the way he treats to my daughter is like they're his own. And that's hard because I have four.

Right. Because my ex used to say to me, you're never going to find someone that's going to want you with four kids. He used to say that to me. And I really thought I was never going to find a guy that's going to want me with four kids. That's awful. Because it's true. Because four kids is a lot. You know, and I was a single mom.

It's like, I had a lot on my shoulders. Like, Joe, since he left, has not helped me at all. Everything's on me. So it's a lot. And, like, you know, I'm like, why did I have to have, you know, a husband, like, that way? You know, because other, other, like, look, is something. She got, like, oh, my God, she, her settlement is, what, 300 and something K a month? I'm like, what, I'm like, why couldn't, you know, Joe give me that?

I get squat. And I had to pay all his back taxes that he never paid. No. Yeah, you got a bill. I got stuck paid everything. Like, I got stuck paying everything. I sold our house, had nothing from selling our house because he, you know, kept taking mortgages out of our house.

Right. So it's like, I got stuck with, like, the worst. Did you have to buy his airfare? Oh, no, they just shipped him there because he got deported. What's your relationship with him these days, your ex-husband? It's there. I keep it civil for the kids. I have to say Louis's a saint because Louis, if anything, he accepts him.

Yes. And he's, we went there twice to see him. and we went with the kids and they made them so happy. Like, we just went there two years ago for New Year's Eve with Jennifer Aiden and her family and the kids were so happy.

Like, my youngest, like, she cried to Gia. She didn't cry to me. She was like, I can't believe Mommy and Daddy you're in the same room. And each one of them took a picture with me and Joe and them. Like, they were happy, I guess, to see their mommy and daddy

that made them. Those moments are definitely special. I remember, like, my parents have been divorced since I was... one you know like i don't i don't i have zero memory of them together but they hated each other my entire you know like my entire life and so at our wedding when i got a photo of like the two of them together it was like that was so important to me you know to have like the photo of my parents the people who made me despite like whatever they'd gone through so i know that that was probably

really important to that end i mean like um nalia's parents i don't you know i don't know their whole back story, and I know a lot through Natalie, but, you know, certainly we're aware of some of your backstory with your ex-husband, and you have a lot of reasons to have a lot of resentment and frustration with your ex-husband, but you've obviously chosen a different path of more like grace and just somewhat understanding, for the sake of the kids, it seems like. That's why. But how, you know, there's a lot of parents out there who aren't able to do that, despite knowing that it might still be the best thing for the kids.

how have you been able to find that, I guess, strength to look the other way, knowing that, like, you know, your ex-husband has put you through a lot. Well, I tell, my, my daughters know everything. I'm very open with them. And I told them, you know, like, every card I get, they're, like, they're the best. They're, like, to the strongest mom I know, you're the best mom ever. Like, that's what they write in all my cards. And I just didn't want to make it harder for them. They've been through a lot.

Like, even, I hate that they had to go through what they had to go through, like, going to school hearing that what happened to me. And then their dad, it's like, I just wanted. make anything else easy for them. Like, that breaks my heart. Like, I didn't want them to go through any of this. Yeah. But unfortunately, it's not my doing. So I wanted to let them know exactly how it went down.

So I want them to make sure when they choose their partners, that they choose the right person. And that crosses every T, dots, every I, listen, to the best that you can. Right. I mean, I didn't know, like, Jodin filed taxes for 10 years. I mean, it was 10 years. Like, who does that? Like, who does that?

You know? And it's like, yeah, he didn't, like, so I didn't know that. And shame on me. I should have, like, asked and, like, maybe. But also you had four children that I'm sure you were very. Yeah, and I wasn't working at the time. I only started working when housewives came along. I mean, you don't go to, you don't send your husband at the grocery store and be like, did you pay for that?

Just, right. I know. Well, he filed his, show me your receipt. He filed his business. Just kind of assumed. Yeah, he filed his business taxes, but not his personal. Sure. And, you know, so it's like, yeah.

So I just tell my kids, like, make sure whoever you marry, like, they do the right thing because you don't want to end up, like, what happened to me, you know? Do you remember what that conversation was like that you had with your girls before you went away? Oh, yeah. I mean, well, I know, I told them I was going to work because they were young. Yeah, how old was Gia? She's 25 now. Oh, no, she was in eighth grade. I think Gia knew.

Okay. Yeah, because Gia was in eighth grade because it was her eighth grade graduation that I missed. Right. So her sister. That's why Gia had a girl, she's like the best because she was like my right hand. So she watched over her sisters. And yeah, because at the time, don't...

So you told the younger girls that you were going to work. Yeah, I was working. And then they came to visit me there. And I'm like, yeah, mommy's working. What was it like? It was camp. Very, nothing dangerous, very easy. I worked out all day.

I worked out every day. And I wrote my book, my first memory. I wrote my, I did yoga. I did yoga. I watched, I caught up on a lot of housewives. I watched myself on TV. I was like a little, a little bit here. Then I couldn't even watch it.

Were you the most popular person in prison? Yes, everyone was really nice to me. I mean, listen, there was a few girls that would give me a dirty look. And I was like, really, you don't want to do that. You know, I'm like, I'm really pissed that I'm here and you don't, like, don't even come near me. Like, don't even come near me. It will not be good.

Yeah. And like I really just kept to myself. Like I really, you know, and I think people have said that. And I still talk to, matter of fact, I had lunch with two of the girls that I was in there with. I still keep in touch with three of them. Nice. Yeah. And I mean, I was friendly with everyone.

Everyone was nice to me. And I hate to always talk about this. That just to say, because it's, I don't want it to define me. So that's just like part of your story of how you are so strong. I forgot about it. You got what? Just that. You forgot.

No, because it's like, I honestly did. Like, even when I did dancing with the stars, like the first thing that they should talk about was that. And it made me like so like not, I was just like, ugh. Not who I am. It's. And I didn't cause that. I mean, I took responsibility. Guys, like I took responsibility.

You did it. You know, but it was, you know, to me it's really important. Like, resiliency matters to me. As far as my character, you know, what can I handle? What can I handle? get through. You know, there's got to be a sense of pride that you have, not that you had to serve time or go to prison, but like how you showed up as a mother, the relationship you have with your daughters is so evident. Like, we had the pleasure of talking with Gia before. We got to

see, you know, you guys on special forces and the bond that you have. Like, that, that is, that relationship is something that parents have to earn with their kids. And I think it's evident that you've earned that respect with your daughters. And so I got to assume that despite, I understand that you want, wanted to define you, but there's got to be aspects of that experience that you're better for. And, you know, you've really, I really like him. I really like him. I finally, you know, when you're like, why did this happen to me? And you want an answer? I kind of finally got my answer because I kept asking God. Like, why did I have to go to that? Why did I have to go to that? And I get it. It's part of my journey. So you know what? When I hear the word prison, it does give, like,

I don't like the word prison, just because it's not a good word. Because when somebody hears prison, they're like, but even though, like, now, I think everybody in New Jersey went to prison, you know? Like, anybody you talk to is like, oh, you're in prison. Oh, yeah, so did it. I had to get tattoos to feel dangerous and have some street credit. Like, you got some serious street credit, you know. So anyway, oh, I finally got my answer.

I asked God, sometimes God takes out someone rapidly. out of your life, like in the craziest way. Like, Joe was just taken out of my life. Like, you know, he was, yeah, like, he just took, like, he got deported. Like, I, like, out of my life for, you know, for something better to come. And that was Louis. So now I feel like, and I tell my kids, like, I feel like I had to, that was part of my journey.

Like, I had to go through that in order to meet Louis. Right. And Louis, I'm telling you, like, he's just my guy. You know, and, like, there's something to be said about a second. married and I know you're in your first marriage and I mean I hope you're married forever but I'm saying it's like the second time you actually know what you want like yeah I mean it's my first time married but I am a little older and I've had other serious relationships that didn't work out so well I can't relate he's also been engaged several times no but he was my second and I kind of wanted to get at

I wanted to get out of the house I wanted to get out of the house I wanted to get out of the house I've had hundreds. So I really wanted to get out of the house. So that's why I didn't want to go from my parents' house to being married. I'm so glad, like, Gia's apartment shopping. I want her to live on her own. I want her to be able to do everything that I didn't get to do. So do you feel like your marriage with Joe, if he hadn't have been deported, would have ended?

I think so, yeah. I think so. Because, you know what, you change as you get older. And then so you, you know, maybe what you accepted when I was 27, I was, I wouldn't accept that when I was 37. Absolutely. So, like, yeah, you changed and like, and I mean, and I was very involved with my kids. Like, I was, you know, like, I was all about my kids. I did everything.

Joe didn't do anything. It was all about the kids. So I was like in just mom mode. You know, they were my life. And I have to say, Joe was a good husband, good dad. But like, I did everything. I really did. I was that kind of mom.

So this reminds me, and obviously you're being so gracious with us, but it reminds me of the recent interview you did where you were asked an insensitive question and you hung up on the interview. Where do you draw the line with people asking about your life? Now I'm fine. I mean, the reason why I hadn't hung, and I was totally fine. I wasn't getting flustered or whatever. I was like, I was being a dick about it. Well, that's why. And I was like at this point in my life. He asked it with judgment. Yeah. Thank you. And I was just like, I don't need to deal with this, you know? I mean, I should have. I should have. I should have. I should have. just said to him. This is what I should have said to him. Oh my God. Are you asking me that because you just got caught cheating on your wife? Is that why you're asking me that? You know, I should have flipped the script. Flips it on him where he would be like, wait. Yeah, I should have like, oh my God. Oh, you're saying that to me because you just got caught cheating. Like, I should have flipped the script. And I was going to do that. But I was just like, you know what? He's not even worth my time. And I just hung up. Because I was like, at this point in my life, like, if someone's trying to, if, can I curse? Yeah, fuck.

If someone's being a dick, like, I'm going to shoot you like a dick. No, sorry. I don't want to say, I don't even say it. If you're, someone's being an asshole. Yeah, I'm dick. Like, or are you saying this because you have a small beepie? I don't know. Like, something like that.

I don't know. Like, is he talking like that because he's, you know. Well, speaking of, I feel like New Jersey is, like, famous for having your kind of own language with your group. and you guys can say you motherfucker and swear at each other or our audience is like if everyone ever said to me but there seemed to be certain words that you guys could say to each other

that might not mean anything to us. Like what words? I don't even know. I have one. I think it's like season one or two. Scratch. What was Scratch? Oh, like go scratch.

Like it said go fuck yourself. Go scratch. Like I just made that was my thing. Like I wanted to be a little bit more polite. Yeah. But you guys would be like saying like fuck da-da-da-da. Like bleep, bleep, bleep. And then all of a sudden it'd be like,

go scratch, you go scratch. And it was like, what happened? Yeah. I just, that was my language, because I have my own language. So it's, instead of saying, again, I try not to curse, you know? Okay. Like, I try to, you know, because, yeah, I try to peevee. So, like, you know, because I'm, you know, my daughters are listening.

You know, if they watch the show, you know, so like that. Okay. But what's a pet peeve of yours? Like, what's a, something that just really pisses you off? Well, can, do you want me to finish to tell my story? Yeah. Yeah. All right.

So then my father's. with me, he passes away. I meet Louis three months later. I meet Louis, and I'm so happy, guys. Like, I'm so happy. Like, so happy. And then my brother, I introduced him to my brother. Because I'm like, you know,

I met this guy. You know, what does my brother do? Who introduced Louis on the show first? I didn't want to introduce Louis on the show that quick. I wanted, you know, to keep him, Louis did not want to be on TV. Louis is

he was like this is your thing you know what I mean like and I wanted to like listen like look what happens like a lot of housewives are single why because it's a toxic world you know it really it's hard to be in this world and a lot of people told me well your husband knew what he was getting himself into no he didn't guys he didn't know he watched the show I told him to watch the show and louis was like so taken back like what like he told me like on the show and and and And then, oh, and then got everybody against him, they all made up these lies. You know, the food is made up lies of Louis. Then, you know, Margaret's going after him.

And it's like all this stuff. And it's like, my poor husband, like, he did not sign up for this. And he didn't know what he was getting himself into. Because trust me, if he did, he wouldn't have been with me. And that's sad because me and him are great. We really are, knock on wood. we've had a lot of outside noise that, you know, are trying to, like, break us up, you know, and it's, you know, and that's what's sad. Well, if you are picky about your pillows or if you're sleeping hot and sweaty and it's impossible to get a good night's rest.

And if your solutions are blasting the AC high all summer and doing constant pillow flips, you've got to check out Coop Sleep Goods. It's the number one pillow that I'm recommending to everyone in my life. It is so amazing. The technology in this thing is incredible. of all, I love a flat pillow. I'm sorry, I do. Nick likes a really firm pillow. Weird. I don't understand it, but Coop can give you both. With Coop, they design adjustable sleep products to cater to everyone's unique size, shape, and sleep position so you can rest comfortably and wake up feeling your best every day. All you have to do is add or remove the fill from the pillow to create

the loft that supports your body's unique, natural neck and spinal alignment. Every pillow comes with an extra half-pound bag of 100% freshly manufactured, cross-cut memory foam and microfibrefill so you can take it out. You can add it in. Make it as firm. Make it as flat. Whatever you like. And it's cool. It stays cold. You can get a free pillow consultation with their sleep expert to optimize your sleep. You can get 100-night free trial. So if you don't like it, you can give it back. 86% of sleepers reported better sleep after switching their pillows to coop.com. And they have 100,000 plus five-star reviews and over a million happy sleepers. So if you want to sleep cool and sleep good, upgrade your summer sleep. Visit coop sleepgoods.com slash V-I-A-L to get 20% off your first order. That's C-O-O-O-P-Sleepgoods.com slash V-A-A-L. I, A-A-L. You're one of the O-Gs of this franchise. You know, another O-G that we talked to recently was Tamara. I guess to that end, there's like, you know, there's sometimes, there's new housewives every season.

And it feels like sometimes the O-Gs operate at kind of a different level than some people who come in new, right? And does it feel like sometimes the way you're describing your brother Joe's kind of experience on the show and how he's kind of moved through the show? does it feel like... Very strategic. Yeah, very performative, very strategic where it's like at one moment you're like,

wait, what the fuck are you... Right, and that's the thing. I think that's where I made my mistake because I was being my authentic real self. And a lot of times I kept my mouth shut a lot when my parents were around because I didn't want... I didn't want to cause my parents heartache.

Because the only thing my parents ever wanted, they have two kids. They always wanted their kids to always get along. Right. and that's all they ever wanted. And I wanted to give that to them. And I did.

And I'm old school. Like, same thing, I'm the older sister. So I'm like, let me try to keep the peace. And that's the thing, too. I'm old school. Like, you know, I'm so over the Godfather movie. Like, never go against the family. Because unfortunately, people do go against the family.

And, you know what? I guess you do have to forgive just to let things go sometimes. But I really stood by that for the longest time. Like, I feel like, like your 10 brothers and sisters, You guys all get along? Yeah. I mean, some are closer than others,

but like generally. And you guys all talk? Yeah. That's. Sometimes I've had some siblings mad at me or, but there's never been like a real disconnect. That's a beautiful thing. God bless.

No, that's awesome. And your parents, see, like your parents did a great job. Your parents said a great. And my parents did do a good job too because they always said that to me. But unfortunately,

fame got in the way of my brother and I. And not on my part. And the thing is not that I didn't want him on TV. If he would have asked, to me, him and Melissa, like, we want to be on TV with you. I would have like, okay, because anybody that wants to be on TV, I'm like, okay, good luck. They did it behind my back, so that's what was hurtful to me. And I'm so over that now, whatever, because now they've been on TV all these years. And the thing is, it's like, that's what happens when different blood

comes in. Things change in families. Yeah, I mean, I get what you're saying. If my siblings, you know. Started working at the vile file. Popped into my world. I mean, you own this, but I mean, Yeah, like, yeah, if I were... And it's like, why don't you just tell me? If the bachelor franchise was a different thing where I would like keep going back or something and... Yeah, and I'm so over that. It's funny.

I don't even care anymore. But the thing is, it's like, I want to break the chain of that. Like, I don't want my kid. Like, I don't want to show my kids this. Like, I don't want to show my kids, like, fighting. Like, that's not, you know, who I want to represent. I mean, I guess, like, couldn't you just, for the sake of harmony, just see it as, you know, like, you wouldn't have moved the way he did.

but whatever and I mean listen we made up after that we made and then even one with my wedding but it's okay like I'm it's okay it wasn't meant to be at my wedding all good listen to what I love for the kids to um you know to get along of course I do you know so but to me I would just want to do the right thing and you know and see you know if anything could be done we'll see what happens in the future like never say never and that's it but I want to break that chain like I don't want, I tell my kids, my four daughters and my two step sons, like, they treat their two stepson like they're their real brothers. I want them to always be close. You know, like, that's to me, I'm like, my parents said that to me. And unfortunately, like, when they passed away, they thought

everything was good. And I'm like, I want you guys to always, please, always stay together. Don't let, even whoever you marry, tell them, say, I have to get along with my sibling. Like, that's, that's really important to me. Like, I don't know. I think to me that's family's important. Like, you should stick together. And I, I know my daughter and my, my stepson's know that that's really important to me. Well, I hope you guys can mend fences. I mean, the thing is, like, never say never. At one point, I was saying, no, it's not happening. I'm done. But, you know, like, time does heal or wounds. I always say, do you want to be right or do you want to be happy, you know? And that usually is. And there's another saying.

I wrote it down. It's one of my mantras. It's a beautiful case, by the way. Thank you. Let go. Let go or be dragged. No. You ever hear that saying?

No, but I love it. It makes a lot of sense. Let go or be dragged. One of my favorites is like you can still love someone but cross the street when you see them walking. And it's like, I like that. You know, you can have love for that person maybe, you know, whatever happened. But like, we don't need to still be in that. Right.

And then in the thing is, like, you know what? Any other things? No. I can't understand. Peace is a new sexy. And my motto is peace. Like, I don't. And this is my thing, too.

When, you know, when siblings get married, not everyone's going to get along. But the thing is, listen, you just got to respect each other. And that's it. Like, try not to cross any boundaries. Like, you know, don't tell my husband to go, fuck himself. Like, what are you doing? Like, this is a guy that, you know. is really good to me.

It's good to my four daughters. This guy didn't sign up for this. Right. You know, and people that think he did, they don't even know him. Like, to know Louis is to love him. He's like, anybody that meets Louis loves him. When you're not being a housewife,

are you ever watching other housewives? I just did this past year and a half. What are you into? All of it. And I've been watching, like, with, you know, like, you know, everything. Do you have a favorite? Celtic City.

I like Salt Lake City I like Salt Lake City I like Dubai I like Atlanta I started watching New Atlanta What else

Miami? Miami because I have a lot of friends on Miami And I have friends in Dubai Just started to watch Orange County And then what else is there New York

You know Yeah Do you have any thoughts On the whole Katie drama? I did watch New York Like last season Like it was good Who Katie

On an Orange County Oh, okay. Yes. I didn't watch it completely. So film me in. Like I know they were trying to ice her out, which I think icing out. And I did talk about that on my podcast. Yeah, it is kind of interesting. You know, Katie is newer, right? So like, again, like it just, you know, there's always like two kind of sides of the coin, it seems like. And, you know, when we talked to Katie, I thought we had, it was a great conversation. Yeah, I saw her on your podcast. Really interesting perspective. But it does kind of come across the season where some of the more leg. can see women, the OG women, you know, seem to be, it comes across almost kind of like bowling a little bit where, you know, maybe Katie isn't doing it right, maybe she is gossiping a little bit, who knows, but they don't really seem to be interested at all in giving her much grace. Not that she isn't doing things wrong or maybe doing something that would frustrate me if I were saying Heather's shoes, who knows, but it just seems like they have a double standard

with how they treat each other versus how they treat Katie. I don't know if fully enough. Like was she putting stories out with bloggers? Yeah, she was like, you know, she seemed to be friends with bloggers. I mean, that happens on my show. Yeah.

Like they... Do you have opinion? Yeah. I don't like that. I don't like if, like, stories, like, stories about my husband, like that, you know, they were putting out.

I mean, obviously, I don't like that. I mean, like, my cast members were doing that. If a fan were to say, all the housewives do it. all the housewives talk to press or bloggers and put out their stories, what would you say to that? Not all. Okay. Some of them do and some don't.

Okay. And you fall into the don't category? Yeah, I mean, I was speaking to a blogger, but she lied. She basically lied and put, that's the thing to, like, now I will never speak to anybody because this person ruined it for, like, everyone. Because, you know, bloggers are fans. Basically, those are fans. And, yeah, I mean, and this one blogger, she was, oh, my God, horrible, like putting out lies.

And that's the thing, like, and then finally her lies, I think, died out. And it was, oh, my gosh, she was like, oh, it was the worst. Yeah, so that's, I'll never do that again. And she was, like, sending me Padri Pio, like, telling, like, trying to be sweet to me, asking me things about my parents. And I told Bravo, I would give them my whole laptop. everything, access to all my phones, everything, so they could see that I never sold any stories, I never did anything. Like I said that. Like, I would totally do that, you know, just to prove, I like, you know, I love to prove and people wrong. Yeah, no, I just, I do because this woman was

insane, like insane, like putting lies out. It was beyond, thank God, but like, I've never done anything that I wasn't supposed to do. How do you and Louie kind of block out the outside noise? I just feel bad because he was, this was like my world. And I didn't know that my world was going to hurt him the way it did. He was a private guy, didn't want any of this people like, oh, he did want. No, he did not. Like, I really feel bad. He did not want any of this.

He's never had anybody talk about him. I mean, you know, now it's like, you know, it's just really. Yeah, it's sad, you know, and it's like, you know, I even say to him, like, yeah, you shouldn't, so, you know, You made him like, you shouldn't be with me at times. I said that because I felt so bad, you know, it's like, imagine if his sister was mean like that to me. Yeah. His sister or people I worked with, that he worked with were mean to me. How would I feel?

Right. So it's like you always have to put yourself in the other person's shoe. And I always do that. And I always say sorry to him. And I feel really terrible. And that my family was like so nasty to him. And it's like my only sibling. Like, you know.

And so, and he, you know, he doesn't blame me for it, of course. But it's, it's so sad that, you know, when you're in the public eye, there are people that try to hurt you and try to tear you down, you know. But I think he, you know, has gotten stronger from being in a book. Like, nobody likes to hear anything negative, you know? Because then you, because then when you hear it out there, you have to, like, try to prove yourself right to people or you have to just, or they'll have, they'll ask you about it. And then you have to, you know. Which also never goes as viral or gets the response as the

allegation or the rumor did. You know, like you responding to it wouldn't get near as much because it probably would be you being like, yeah, that's not true. And that's not going to get as many hits as the person being like, oh, da da da da da da da da da this is what happened. Like here's the T and none of that was true. You know, so it's like, is it really worth me having to do this? Probably not. But like how do you and Louie kind of like put your heads together and be like, it's just us and our kids. We are. And that's what we do.

My kids, like, tell, you know, like my girls help him, you know, they're like just to, you know, ignore the noise, ignore it. But sometimes it's hard to ignore it. And but that's why. And the proof is in the pudding because if my girls didn't think Louie was amazing, I wouldn't be with him. So, like, you know, kids say it all. So, like, my kids absolutely adore him. And just, like, his sons adore me, which, you know, we're, we're, we're, we're, we're, we're grateful for that, like our family unit is pretty amazing. It's just the outside noise,

which sucks. You know? How did Gia enjoy or not enjoy filming NextGen NYC? She loved it. She did. Yeah. She, she, she, I thought she was the star, if not one of the stars. Yeah, she loved it. Um, do you think that's going to be a big hit? Do you see a lot of potential in that show? We're hoping for, for them to get picked up for season two. So we'll see more of you, if, it is? We'll see. I mean, you know, you know, we'll see. Did you enjoy filming with Meredith? Oh, yeah, she's awesome. Yeah, I love Meredith, love Brooks. I wish I got to film with candy. I love candy. I think she's, her birthday's May 17th, mine's May 18th, we're both tourists is. And I wanted to also film with Kim Solciac. Yeah. And I think she, I think she's a tourist too. Um, because Ariana and

Gia are close to. So, um, yeah, so I'm, listen, I'm happy for Gia. I remember taking Gia on so many auditions when she was younger and now look now she's all grown up now she could do it on her own so like now it's like all that all paid off what was it like for you the the the birthday song I never said I was oh yeah like did you guys that must have been kind of a cool moment that it was such an iconic it was cool but then I know it was cool for her but like again it was over a sad moment in time yeah like this what I mean it's like if you look back it's like I'm proud of certain moments on the real house was in New Jersey, but I wish the story of our life would have been how we were raised. The way we were raised was such, we were so strong

as a family. It was like the four of us, me, my parents, my brother and I were so close. We were like best friends. And listen, I get it. When you get married, and I want to be with his wife. Like, God bless you, be with your wife. I have a happy family. But like we have a beautiful family unit together too. We don't have to fight. You know, why do we have to fight? Why, because to make money, like, I don't, I didn't, I wouldn't have wanted to make money that way. Like, I would have wished we could have made money, um, being like the Kardashians. Look, they all get along. Maybe they have little petty fights, but not like the way it was with me.

Like, I go to my nephew's christening and then big fight breaks out. Like, who does that? So hypothetical here. No cameras. This isn't a show. One of your friends, let's say it's Jennifer. Uh, throws a Christmas party. And she's like, I'm inviting.

Joe and Melissa, and I'm inviting you in Louie, and you don't know whether Melissa or Joe are going to accept this invitation, but they know you're going to be there. Do you go with Louis? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, but Jennifer wouldn't invite them. It's a hypothetical. Yeah, but that would never happen. That would never happen. I throw a Christmas party and I invite you. I would go. Okay. I would go. I'm just like, Teresa, you know, I went to a charity event last year. That was my, like, Like, there was a charity event that I did on Celebrity Apprentice, Nefkir. And last year, Andy Cohn, you know, he was there because he gave the award to someone,

one of the executives that was on the, you know, charity on the board. And we were all there. Like, my brother was there. I was there. You know, we sat at different tables, but we were both there. Like, I have no problem. Like, we're going to BravoCon. They're putting me at a different hotel.

I didn't ask them to do that. Well, they know now. Yeah, they're putting that at a different hotel. But my whole thing is like, you know, I feel bad for Bravo to even do that. It's like, whatever. I don't even care, you know. And I think Gia is going to be at their hotel, which is fun. And I said to Gia, you know what?

If you see them, say hi to them. So if we have Melissa and Joe on this show, we would still be great friends. Yes. Yes, I don't care. Yeah, I don't care. I mean, I don't care. Listen, there were the ones there. She was, her and Margaret, were trying to ice me out last year.

season. And it's like every time I went into a scene, they were, they would remove themselves from the scene. It was like so funny. And it's like, look, that's what you get. That's why the show went on pause for a year and a half. You know, because it's like, it's an ensemble cast. Like, you can't just like refuse. Yeah. So it's like that's what they were trying to do. They were trying to ice me out. So I don't know if that's what they were doing Katie, which if they're trying to ice her out. So, because I haven't watched the whole thing. But you really can't do that. Like, see, no franchise, like any franchise that's doing amazing, they don't do that. Right.

Like Miami, they don't do that. Salt Lake City? They don't do that. Beverly Hills, they don't do that. So I'm just saying any time you do that, I think that's when shows get put out, pause. Because then they don't, the network doesn't know what to do. Yeah. You've had so many iconic one-liners and lines.

Are there any that, like, stick with you or you regret or you, like, still laugh at or Well, the only thing I regret is, like, you know, when they show that mean face when I'm flipping the table, and I'm like, anytime I flip a table anymore, I'm doing it with the smile on my face. You're serving. So because everywhere, I have to always flip the table and anywhere I go. Really? What's the last thing I was at? And they made me flip a table.

Do you get hired just to come and flip tables? Because that's a job. Well, I was just in Australia this summer. And I did bring back my wife's tour with drag queens. Nice. It was iconic. I saw parts of it. Oh my God, it was awesome.

I had so much fun. The drag queens were awesome. They inspired me. My first show compared to my last show, I was so much more animated, and I went out to the crowds. And I was like, they were like, what happened to Teresa? I'm like, well, you guys brought this out in me. It's your fault. Like, from my first show to my second show, I just kept getting better and better just because I watched them.

And they were so iconic. They're like, you're the, I got it. I'm like, no, you guys are. I'm like, they just know how to perform. And, like, they were amazing. And they told you to flip the table. And they're just so much fun. Anyway, I flipped the table.

Every show, I flipped the table. Really? And they loved it. Like, we did it Housewife theme. And, like, they pissed me off. They're like, Teresa, pay attention. I'm like, what? I am paying attention.

I got up and I flipped the table. Smiling. And that's how it ended. That was like the end of the scene. Yeah. That's perfect. So everyone loves. So now I flip a table with a smile.

Yeah. So that's the only thing. Like you go to BravoCon. I mean, you go to Bravo and there's a statue of me with all these beads that was made and with that mean face. Like, that's not me. I'm so not me. And that's the thing. Everyone, because I'm always defending myself because everyone comes for the goat. Right? Everyone comes for the top dog. So it's like I feel like I'm always on the defense and I don't want to be like that anymore. Like I, that's because it's not who I really am. What is the saying heavy is the crown? Happy as the crown? Oh, like my wedding crown that I wore? Yes. It was pretty heavy. Well, you know, what are they, what's the saying? So many things in the sub- I mean, but you don't have to play as a game.

Like, I know I gave you guys a lot. Like, ask me any questions like that you want me to clear up it. Or if you watch something and you didn't get it, you know, I would love to clarify it. Like, I mean, did you get any questions from the fans? Like that... Do we get questions? We don't do that usually... Oh, you don't...

Oh, you don't say I'm going to be on and, like, if you have any questions from Jay... We like to come over there. We like to think that we understand our audience's questions. So, like, do you... Is there any questions that you guys want to ask me? I mean, I do have a question about BravoCon. Like, in your ideal world, if there's a New Jersey panel,

is it split in two or is it one? I don't think they're going to put me with them. Okay. Because there's no... Like, we haven't seen each other. Mm-hmm. So I haven't seen my brother I got married three years ago

he didn't come to my wedding and we haven't talked like they made that whole big thing over my wedding remember like I mean I tried remember like I want you to be in my wedding bring your mother so then he comes to my wedding

I've been married three years guys Do you have a number? What? Do you have a cell phone number? Yeah Would you ever like text them randomly I love you and I miss you? Not right now

I mean not right now I did that years ago I did that I didn't say like, again, that would be more like the saying of like, you're crossing the street. You're not saying I want to hang out. I want to see you, but I love you. Well, I saw him out of, there's incidents. I've seen him, you know, and one of our friends passed away, and I saw him at a funeral.

And, you know, there's things that have happened. But, yeah, we have not seen each other. We have no encounter. So I haven't seen him. Yeah. I mean, I've been married three years, so I guess it's been. three years. Wow.

I mean, I seen him the last time we filmed and the last time he charged at Louis at Polly's house. That was the last time I saw my brother. Wow. So that was the last time I saw my brother. So however long. And that was before my wedding. Was that the Irish party?

No, Ireland. Yes. Yes. So that was three years ago, right? Guys, is that the last time? I was on air? Oh, well, that wasn't the last time. Wait.

So wait. I'm trying to think when's the last time. Because we have the season of like the funeral flowers. Oh, but I really didn't, yeah, and we, oh, yeah, so we, but we had no interaction that whole season. So really, I haven't interacted with him in three years, right, because I've been married three years. I'm trying, I don't even know. See, that's exactly, that's how long it's been. So, and the thing is, this is the thing.

When someone hurts you, like, I don't want to get them back. I just rather remove myself from them. Like, you know, like, you just don't have access to me anymore. Yes. Yeah. You know, like, I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to. I'm not going to say anything.

bad about you like I'm not going to you know have all my friends type things about you on the internet no I don't want any of that because I feel like I'm Catholic I don't what you put out there you get back I don't want that I don't want any of that I don't want none of that nonsense I just rather not deal with you not talk to you know you live your life I'll live mine that's it do you think some of your peers um higher bots or trolls for things like that absolutely absolutely Yes. Any from your cast? Oh, yes. Can you name anybody?

Allegedly. Allegedly. I mean, that hire bots towards me? Allegedly. I mean, like, come on. Really? It's the people I don't get along with. I mean, come on, yeah.

How did you forgive Jackie after the rumor in season 11? Okay. Now, I knew Jackie was talking because this is the thing. I didn't. My brother's the one that told me about the rumor. My brother told me. And the reason, and now looking back, I was set up. Get it? Because my brother told me. So he knew that I was going to say it out on the show. So Margaret told my brother. My brother told me. So I would bring it out on the show. Because we know, we're filming a TV show. I'm not close to Jackie. So like, not that I want to hurt Jackie because that's not what I was trying to do. My brother told me a rumor. So now we're filming a TV show. We're at her birthday party. It's so freaking boring. I mean, I'm just saying, like, the producers are, like, beyond.

Yeah. The producers are like, oh, my God. So I'm, like, trying to, like, I'm a producer in my head now that I've been doing this 18 years. But not a producer in a bad way. But, like, you know, listen, we're on a TV show. Yeah. So, like, so I just, I'm trying to be a girl's girl. Like, this rumor is really out there.

Like, my brother told me this rumor. Right. So it's like, so I told her. Her friends, like I told Margaret and Dolores, I'm like, guys, there's a rumor out there about Jackie's husband. Like, you guys are her friends. You should let her know that this rumor is out there. And that was it. I didn't ruin her birthday party, guys.

You know, so then the next day, that's when she found out about it. But I didn't ruin her birthday party. So then Jackie tried to get me back and did what she did. And so that's the reason why I forgive Jackie. because I said it was my bad. I shouldn't, I shouldn't have said anything. You know, I shouldn't have said anything about her husband. And I get it.

But she took it to your daughter, which. That's like crossing a whole new line. Exactly. Like, I didn't say any of that. Exactly. I didn't say any of that. So then that's why, because I never really, if you really guys watch the show really closely,

I never throw the first punch. Everyone always comes for me. And then I react. You just finish it. And then I finish it. But then I finish it in a way that I love. look like you know exactly because I freaking throw everything on the table on you which like that's why smiling yeah so I take it to a whole other level that's why I don't piss me off but um you know I got

to learn like be more zen like you piss me off be like oh you know okay I just walk away I got to be more like that like I'm working on myself you know I've been reflecting you know so um so then that's why I forgave her You understand? Because I threw the first punch by opening my mouth because I'm so stupid. Like, see, I'm just like my authentic self. Like, I'm real. Like, I don't know how to be strategic. So I got to be, I got to take a page out of their book and become more strategic. I really do. I really do. You know, because that's, so that's why I forgave her guys. Okay. That makes sense. So I'm being, you know, that's a million percent. Yeah. And then that's why I didn't forgive the other girls because

they were at the you know there's all my you know family should not ever be talking to anybody in Louis's past like why are you talking that should never even happen and Margaret we know

you know we know why she's doing it so so if Bravo came back with these same women from the last time that we filmed and offered you a contract would you be willing to film with them I'm the OG okay yes hello yes

you being accused of the planning stories about Melissa being a stripper. Oh, that, Kim, that never happened. Like, that was all Kim Dee and she said it.

She did, yeah. Oh, yeah, she admitted it. Like, guys, that was, that was, that never happened.

Like, Kim Dee did that all the way. And you know who also knows that I think Jacqueline Lareda. That's, and that's another thing. I think my brother

even knows it. I never did that. Like, I was shocked. Like, did you guys see me? I was shocked. I was like,

I wanted to know. Like, she really was a stripper and you didn't tell us. Like, what the, like, yeah. That would have been useful. No, because my brother, and that's the thing. I don't even still till today know if that's true.

I mean, I've heard that she, you know, that was true. I don't know. Like, I never knew that because my brother never told us that. And he would never tell us that because we're old school Italians and he would think that if he told us that we would hate her. I don't really care. He said, I'll find a different way to hate her. Yeah, I mean, that's the thing.

Like, exactly. Like, he never told us that. I don't know if that's true. If it's not true, whatever. I don't care. That's their life. But Kim put that out there, you know, and she admitted it. I had nothing to do with that.

Would you film with Kim Dia again ever? Like, she's always popping up everywhere. Yeah. I mean, if Bravo wants her to film. And then that's why Kim got mad at me. And went against me is because Melissa, and I think Melissa and someone else, oh, I think, I don't know if it was. Melissa and someone else told her that I got her.

kicked off the show. Ask, you know, if you ask him, that's, and I never did that. You'd think if I could get people kicked off the show, who would I get kicked off the show? Thank you. So they don't, Bravo does not listen to me. So I said that to Kim. When we started, I'm like, you make great TV. Why would I tell them that?

They wouldn't, first of all, if I told them to kick you off the show, they would keep you on the show more because bravo, yes. Well, they just know there's conflict. It's like, thanks for the heads up. Exactly. Exactly. So they don't, Bravo does not listen to me. Bravo does what they want, how they want it, when they want it,

and they do, you know, they don't listen to Teresa Judice. And I'm not going to tell them what to do, because if I tell them what to do, they're going to do the opposite. Whose husband do you dislike the most? Um, Fuda. Same. Yeah, because he's, yeah, he's such a liar. Was he the drug dealer?

Yes. Allegedly. Yeah, and, yeah, I mean, I mean, my, like, they put those lies out that my husband went to go, contact his ex-girlfriend for what reason like that was like the most asinine thing ever and then he brought an envelope to the reunion i got an envelope like oh you're scaring us like why don't you take it out what was in the envelope like what do you think you are some mafia guy like i got something in the envelope like it's so laughable not that i ever didn't believe you but like listening with you

and getting to know you and talking with you i've been in reality tv for a long time and just talking to you it's just like there's a way that you move where like again like you said like you don't call yourself a producer but you know how the sausage is made you've been around this so long and i think sometimes you are forced to work with people who don't know the game as well as you do and and start making moves like things that we're describing where like yeah it's just like you're kind of above some of the petty shit that goes down and i feel like sometimes you're always the target because of who you are and you are the goat and thank you and you know what that's the part that i don't like about reality tv is the lies that are put out there yeah and it's like when you know when people say

lies that's hurtful because like you know that that could hurt people and it's like you know why do you know yeah you know you know so that's the part that i don't like about reality tv i wish i was like on a scripted show maybe that's what's next for you yeah i would love to be on a scripted show. Yes. You know, because the thing is, then everybody knows

that that's fake. Yeah. You know, and I mean, and reality TV, like, that's the thing you can't, unfortunately, people do put lies out there,

and that's sad, you know? Have you ever, you haven't been on traitors yet? No. Have you been asked? Yes, but I couldn't do it

because then I was doing this. And you did House of Villains. And I did House of Villains. And I did Dancing with the Stars. Would you do traders? Yes. Okay, well,

after doing special forces, I think I didn't do anything. Yes. I could do anything. Teresa, one of my favorite things about the show is our opportunity to get to know people like you. And this has been so much fun for all of us. I can talk to you guys all day long. And is there anything else you want to clear up?

I don't. Did you think you got to know me really good? Yeah. I mean, like, you're everything I hoped and expected you would be. 100% team, Teresa. I will like watching it. Sometimes I talk fast or some people don't get my language. And like I hate when people say, she doesn't take accountability.

Yes, I do take accountability. You know, but it's like, unfortunately, you don't know everything, you know, because there's only an hour show and there's like a lot things that you don't know behind the scenes. And I, like I said, like I didn't speak a lot because I wanted to keep the peace for my parents, you know. I haven't, when it came to you and Melissa and Joe, I mean, I haven't, I've always been like not sure what side I was on, you know, if there was as a fan. Whatever. That people even have to take aside, you know. Nevertheless, but I'm definitely team treason. Thank you.

No, but no, but see what I mean, and that's what I, I don't want that anymore. Like I don't want people saying team trees. Like it's so. Like pitting you two against each other. Just text them and some, you love them. Yeah, my whole thing is, yeah, I mean, it's like I don't, that's not what I ever wanted. And that's the thing, time does heal all wounds sometimes, you know. So we'll see what the future holds.

We'll see. Well, thanks for coming. It's been so much fun. Anything you want to clear up before we let you go? No, I mean, yeah. Any outside noise that you hear that you're like. Yeah, just don't believe everything you guys read. Like, it's just like.

Well, if you ever need a voice or a platform, we are always here for you. Yeah, thank you. Like, it's sad. Like, you know, when people try to, you know, lies out there. Well, thanks for coming. Thank you. This was fun. Thanks for listening, guys.

And if you want to watch Trisa on Special Forces. It's a great show. First episode is out tomorrow on Fox. Thursday's on Fox. You get to watch Teresa, many other people, and Gia. And I think, hopefully. The cast was amazing. Let me just say the cast was amazing.

And what did you think of Jesse Smollett? Awesome. Suck right next to me. Really? Yeah, we all sub together, all 18 of us in the same room. Fascinating guy. Yeah. Our cast was amazing.

All the men were gentlemen helping. us like I'm just that we all like pushed each other like you know that was a great thing about that like going on your cast was there anybody that fought no because like again like it's not a competition you really everyone can win you know you are a unit right supporting each other and it's and that's what you're supposed to do in the army you're supposed to help each other like if someone's getting blown up god forbid like you're responsible for each other right because I saw somebody was fighting in the room or something in your Oh, Black China and Brian Austin Green.

Oh, yes, I thought that fighting. I'm like, oh, my God, did they make up? Brian was pushing a button for sure. Not really, but they both quit pretty quickly. Oh, God, okay, because I saw a little drama with them. But like our cast, it was an awesome cast, and I couldn't wait to see everybody back in, you know, like coming to L.A. to see everyone.

I was excited to see everyone. That's awesome. Well, check it out. Thanks for listening, guys. Bye-bye. Bye