The Viall Files - E1140 - Going Deeper with Kelli Potter

Episode Date: June 10, 2026

Welcome back to The Viall Files: Going Deeper edition!  The Real Housewives of Atlanta is giving this season, and we're LOVING it! Kelli Potter joins us to talk about her journey from building Nana's Chicken & Waffles, rebuilding post divorce, and navigating her life in front of the cameras. All while raising four daughters. Whether you're here for the tea or for an inspiring conversation about reinvention, family, and ambition… Kelli's story is one you'll want to hear. "This new space in my life is starting." Want ad free episodes and incredible bonus content? Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/ HEY! YOU! DO YOU NEED DATING AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE? Email [e-mail] and be a part of future Ask Nick episodes! Subscribe to The ENVY Media Newsletter Today: https://www.viallfiles.com/newsletter To Order Nick's Book and/or learn more about the show, go to: https://viallfiles.com THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Vivrelle: Go to www.vivrelle.com and apply for a membership today using referral code VIALL for your first month of membership FREE. Tonal: Right now, Tonal is offering our listeners $200 off your Tonal purchase with promo code VIALL  at https://tonal.com Minky Couture: Visit https://minkycouture.com and use code VIALL at checkout for 50% off all full priced blankets. The Absorption Company: Start taking supplements your body can actually absorb. Go to https://absorbmore.com and enter VIALL at check out for up to 35% off your first order. To advertise on this podcast please email: [e-mail] or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles   Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @nnataliejjoy @whoiskelli @justinkaphillips @the_mare_bare

Welcome to the show. Thank you. We are so excited to have you. I'm so excited to be here. Where do we start? We were actually before we just started talking, we were talking about. I mean, did not know you were a twin mom. Yes, I'm a twin mom.

I mean, I've been a twin mom for 10 years now. 10? They're like they're 10 years old. She's going to turn 10? Yeah, she's going to turn 10. And they're going to do it at the same time. That's crazy. And then they're going to want different birthday parties.

Oh. Yeah. It was so funny. Natalie was telling me the story last. week you went to the grocery store? I don't know what story you're going to tell, so I don't know. The guy who said he'd never met. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

It was always this funny because, like, ever since we found out now, I was pregnant with twins, the amount of, like, twin parents we've met, right? And it just seems like, you know, it's one of those things, you know, when you break up with someone, and then you're like, I've only seen their goddamn car everywhere. Everything reminds you of them, but you're kind of, like, looking for it. But I don't know if it's, like, the universe, but, like, Nally went to the grocery store and you tell the story. I went to the grocery store and the sweet man bagging the groceries.

Yeah. Like, you know, wow, how far long are you look like you're close? And I'm like, yeah, I am, you know. And he said, is this your first? And I said, no, it's my second and third. And he was like, I've never met anyone with twins. Never in my life. Have I met a twin or anyone with twins?

Yeah. And I thought that was, it just made me thinking. It felt so fascinating because you know how in life, like, we're just kind of like, we have that tunnel vision. Yes. You know, we're just kind of like, and until something gets brought into our world. because like I've certainly have met twins. Yes.

But like ever since we found out now I was pregnant with twins, I can't tell you how many, like we went on vacation and we ran like the, and the lovely lady who was like concierge kind of like. And she, you know, it was early in the pregnancy and it came up. She's like, I'm a mother of twins. And then we met a couple on the beach and they were like, we have twins. And it's like, it's so weird. Did you feel that too?

Yes. And let me, it's so empowering. Like, first of all, you are absolutely gorgeous. Like, you are like blowing. And I'm seriously. And just to think like as a woman, like you just being able to carry two children at a time. So funny story, I would have never thought I would be pregnant with twins. You know, like I would have twins.

Yeah. So the last person in my family that was pregnant with twins was my grandmother who's Nana, who I named the restaurant after. We were going to ask her. Oh my gosh. And she lost her twins when she was, you know. So I mean, Nana's 80. 88 now.

But, you know, just think about back in the day, they clearly didn't have all of the resources that they, you know, that we have now. And when I found out, so she told me that I was pregnant with twins. So I had found out I was pregnant and she said, when you go to the doctor, I want her to check for twins because you're having twins. And I was like, Nana, you are tripping. I'm like, you are taking a nap. No way, Nana, okay, you know. and I get to the doctor and I said, hey, you know, my grandmother said that I was pregnant with twins. Can you just look and just make sure it's one baby?

So the nurse looks and she says, well, tell your grandmother she's wrong because you're only pregnant with one. So the next, literally the very next day, I go back. And this time I went back without my husband because he had to like go out of town or something. And he was like, you sure you don't want me to stay? And I was like, no, it's not my first rodeo. I can do this. You know, I'll call you and tell you, you know, when we're having a baby. So I'm doing the ultrasound because at this point, you know, we're trying to figure out how far along I was because it wasn't planned, clearly.

And the ultrasound tech is like taking forever. And I was like, is everything okay? Right. You're really quiet. Like, why was it taking so long, you know? And she's like, I'm sorry. I'm going to have to go and get the doctor. Girl, the doctor came and she said, because you know I was Farrell at the time.

And she's like, Mrs. Farrell, I have some news to tell you. And I said, well, what is it? And she's like, you're pregnant with twins. And I'm like, what do you mean I'm pregnant with twins? You just told me yesterday. She was just one baby. And she's like, well, that's the other part. And I said, well, what is it?

She said, you're pregnant with something called monochromatic twins. And it's short for Momo twins. So I'm like, so what does that mean? Because I was just here yesterday and you said that I was only pregnant with one. And she said, so Mo Mo Twins are in the same sack. So when she looked yesterday, you know, the day before, she only looked for the sack. She didn't look for anything else. So she, you know, so I'm pregnant with Momo Twins.

It's the most high risk pregnancy that you can have. So what people don't know is Mo Mo Mo Twins are twins right before. before you become conjoined. So I had a really high risk, and it was like one out of 200,000 pregnancies, you get Momo twins, and typically one twin doesn't make it. So I had to live in the hospital for about three months. So I lived in a hospital.

I was on bed rest for 23 hours a day. I only had one wheelchair ride a day for one hour, and I would have my husband take me downstairs and get McDonald's, and I love a fish fillet till this day. Fish filet and Big Macs were my thing. And I had one wheelchair ride a day, and I'll never forget the doctor wrote on the board in my hospital room, stay pregnant as long as possible. That was your role.

That night before I went in labor, because you had a planned labor because I knew I had to have a C-section. You couldn't go the full term. It's too high risk. And that whole night, I mean, I was like, miserable. And the next day, the doctor came in and did his rounds. And he said, Ms. Farrell, you're having twins today. And I was like, what? And I remember crying and I was like, oh, I hate.

Your birthday is Friday of 13th? So they were born on Friday the 13th. And then the other thing I thought about was, I didn't. Oh, no. It was the most craziest thing. Because at that time, like, I had people that would come into the hospital and like, do my nails, do my toes, do my hair. Like, get my, because I live there. Like I literally had to be, you know,

contrapped to make sure that my babies would live and make it. And, yeah, I had them Friday the 13th and I'll never forget it. And they were my miracle babies. They're my marriage. They're so special. So to say twins and have, you know, identical twin girls and just be a twin mom is so special. So just enjoy every single moment because they go so fast. They go so fast.

But it is the fun. I mean, it's fun. It's like... How many did you have before you had your twins? Two. Okay. So we have one. And I felt like this pregnancy, it's what you were just asking me if I had a registry.

I'm like, I or a baby shower. I had no idea. It feels so foreign. It feels like this is my first pregnancy. Like I have no idea what I'm doing. Is that normal? Yes. Okay.

Once you have them and you welcome them into this world, you'll, it's like a light. It's like, it's something that's so empowering. and so inspirational. Like, it's, it's a beautiful thing. It's, I mean, it's, you're strong. Like, you are amazing to carry two babies, give birth, give life, breastfeed. I mean, all of the things, you're going to, you're going to figure it out. Something like clicks.

The only thing I would probably suggest is I'm sure the, my kids have been mixed up several times at this point. Well, they say. Is there a possibility that one's name is the other? No, seriously. I'm not entirely sure. I have all the craziest, like, twin stories. We, like, made a mistake and took one baby to the hospital thinking it was the other baby, and we got there. You're like, this one's sick.

They're like, no, she's not. Y'all, I'm telling you. And, you know, so we, so they were in NICU for a very long time. So one twin came home before the other twin. That was probably one of the hardest things. Yeah. Once we got them both home, we had to do bracelets because, I mean, they were literally identical. Like, I mean, I.

identical. And baby, once those bracelets came off, I, you, a few times, we, some, they're not the right people. But they're fine. They're fine. They're doing great. They're doing great. Do they still look identical today? To other people, to me, I mean, I know, you know, I mean, every now and then, they have their days and I'm like, who is that again? Do they mess with you? They don't, but they mess with their teachers. And they just got to this point. I'm like, you can't be doing this. because I won't take them out of the same class. I'm like, it's no way I'm putting you in separate classes. I mean, I have to get double.

I already get double everything, but then I got to go to two different things. I'm like, you're going to make my life as easy as I can until I can. But they have fun with it, you know? Other people get them mixed up, but their personalities are so different. Really? Yeah.

And then they got to the age now where they don't want to dress their like. They're like, oh, you will cry when I have. I didn't realize how emotional. know, I would be when I'm like, what do you mean? You don't want to wear the same thing? And it's like, no, mom, like I have one twin who loves, one of Chastity loves skirts and Chelsea love sweatpants. Like, they just, they are complete opposite. So I just, I have to also realize that I have to let them be their own individual selves. So, and they're learning that, you know, they, but the twin life is very, very, very, very, how was it, we were talking about this morning because like we have

River or two and a half year old and obviously like she's our first yes the quality time that we both get to have with her is always special yes now that river's getting older like it's i'm bonding with her more yeah and i was honestly thinking about this last night where it's just like not that i'm worried i obviously will love them the same but like there's this how do i love both of them at the same time and bomb with them in a way that i was able to do with with just my daughter yeah how did you figure that out or did that was like, was that something that you process or it just takes care of itself? Because it almost feels like, yeah, there was all these special moments and it was just river. I've seen so many videos of like when they're both crying, how do you choose?

How do you choose which one? How do you choose which one? Well, you want the crying to stop. So at this point, it doesn't matter. Who has the runniest tears in this point? But one thing I can say is, first, I think it comes natural because I had. two when I was pregnant with my twins. And Chance, you know, and I was in a hospital. So it was really, really, really hard to like do that. What I've enjoyed now with my girls is that even with

the twins, like we have separate dates. Like we have separate moments now. So like we love getting cheeseburgers. And Chastie was like, I don't want to go. I'm just going to let you and Chelsea go. And then sometimes, you know, so it'll be me and Chelsea. And then Chassie's like, let's go get ice cream. Chelsea wants to stay home. I'll take, you know, so we have our separate times. I mean, it's pretty hard, you know, but they actually enjoy it and they enjoy like having that one-on-one. You see them kind of gravitate for that independence. Absolutely. They want that independence. They want their separate times, right? Because the twins, they're known as twins. And they say to me, or they'll correct someone. They'll say, please don't call us twins. Call us, you know, call me by my name.

because, you know, and the family, they're like twins, come here. Twin, twin, twin. We're already doing twins. Yeah, it's like twin. And now they're getting older than like, no, please don't call me twin. I'm Chelsea or I'm Chastity. And they speak, you know, and they say it in the way where it's like, well, that's what they said. You're going to call them by their name.

So they are learning how to, you know, individualize and identify as, you know, separate now. How old was Chloe in chance when you were pregnant? in the hospital when you were made to be state stay in the hospital? Chloe was probably, Chance was like three. So she was close to her river's age. So she was like three at that time. And it was really, I remember Chance like, can you please like shut them up? Like Chance is like, these babies are crying.

They won't stop crying, Mommy. I think I have a video of Chan saying like, mommy, the babies just won't stop crying. And, you know, I must say that I'm forever. grateful to my grandmother, Nana, who literally once, you know, once she found out that I was pregnant with twins, she was living in Maryland at the time. And once I told her about this pregnancy and this high risk, because my parents were also in Maryland, Nana sold her house and moved to Georgia to help me. And that's how, that's what many people don't know. That's how I named the restaurant after her is because she literally, you know, she wasn't working. She was retired.

and my grandfather had, you know, been passed away for some time. And she said, I'm going to help you raise these babies. So technically, I'm just a surrogate at this point. You know, we always say Nana's like their real mother. What was her intuition that made her know that you were going to have twins? I mean, let her tell it. She's, you know, she knows everything. And she did.

She knew that. That's so like, you know, I'm not the most spiritual person, but you hear stories like that. It was very spiritual. Yeah. Throughout that whole period, I'm sure, was very overwhelming. How did you push through that and find strength and find like make yourself not be in that rut? Be like, no, I'm actually doing what's best for my babies right now. That was hard.

Yeah. I mean, it was really hard being away from the girls. You know, it was like during, I remember it was like Halloween time and I couldn't take them trick-or-treating. I'm a really big holiday person as well. So, you know, trick-or-treating and like first days of. school. It was really, really hard, but I knew that also, you know, my goal was to try and deliver very healthy babies as much as I could. And on top of that, you know, not only were they Momo twins, monochromatic twins, but like I spoke about on the show last season, my twins also

had OI. They had osteogenes and perfecta, which was brittle bones disease, which I raised money for last season. And so that was really, really hard. So it wasn't just even delivering them and getting them here safely. It was also being able to handle any challenge that they might have faced because at that point they said it was a 50% chance. And we didn't know until one of the babies were had a broken bone, like from the nurse feeding her. And I mean, that was, the part from me that that was the hardest. That was one of the

hardest, hardest challenges. Is that something they still deal with today or is that something that they've gotten through? Yeah, so they out grow it basically. It never leaves them, but then they get so strong now that it no longer affects them.

So what I realized about them is they had a, they have like a stage one where it's like, you know, they only deal with it up to like one or two years old. And then after that, I mean, they flip, dip, dive. Yeah. I mean, they are so healthy and thriving and doing absolutely amazing. So, you know, I would just recommend and encourage to just give that time. Give yourself grace to, because I, it's a lot. Give yourself grace and take time for yourself, you know, really honestly, like after having

the babies take time for yourself and step aside even if it's for an hour a day you know what I mean just sit in your space and just get your get everything back together you know for you so you can show up as mom his life is everything else yeah I feel like I could pick your brain about this all day all day all day long well being a dad I've really got into blankets you know you love to cuddle with your kids and it's always great to cuddle with something soft and I have discovered one of the softest blankets ever discovered by mankind the minky couture minky couture has built a reputation for making the best blanket ever and boy do they ever it's right here if you're watching this soft cuddly thing I'm not ashamed to uh acknowledge that I just like to get cozy in a soft

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did. But I do want to know how you got onto the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Were you a fan of the show, what was going on during that period of your life? I wasn't a fan of the show. So I hadn't watched the show in years. Like, I'm not, if anyone knows me, I'm not a huge TV person. I don't watch television. I barely know where the remote is in my house, especially in my room. I did watch the show like back in the day. I mean, I think everybody did, right? One of those first seasons when it first came out, but I hadn't watched this show in years. However, I was approached three times. about the show. The first time I was actually married

to my ex-husband at the time and, you know, he basically said, absolutely not. And the second time, I was just newly going through my divorce. And I knew that I was not in the right space

to navigate being on reality TV. And the third time, I mean, shit is two years later still going through a divorce. Might as well. Might as well document and share my journey. And so yeah, I mean, it just, you know, it all worked out. And prior to that, you were just having a successful career being a restaurant.

Is it restaurateur? Restaurant tour. Restaurant tour? Yes. Was that always a passion of yours? I've been in the restaurant business for 10 years. And a lot of people don't know. I just talked about this on another show.

I did a TV prior to being on reality TV. So I did a ton of cooking shows. Oh. I was on one of Oprah's first cooking series, food fantasies. I had done about three shows on Food Network. You know, I've done cooking things on like Hallmark and Good Morning America, X's Hollywood. So I was in my own right already doing amazing things pertaining to food,

not just showing my other life, you know, the other part of my life. And it is something that I've always enjoyed, although you would have never told me I would be a restaurateur. My degree was in fashion merchandising and in design. It had nothing to do with food. And I did this little thing for the first time in my life where I did a vision board. And on the vision board, I put everything that I wanted. And we had, you know, a restaurant on there and cars and vacations and houses and all the things that I just, you know, wanted to manifest in my life. And that year, we opened up Nana's chicken and waffles the day after Christmas, the twins were won, and I was a nutcase. And I'm like, what am I doing opening up a restaurant the day after Christmas?

And we have been working on it so long. I was like, well, we're just going to turn an open light, the open sign on and see if people come in. And from there, literally, that was crazy. And from there, that's how Nana's manifested. So do you like to cook? I enjoy cooking. Yes. What's your favorite thing that cook?

I like to cook. I like to cook a little bit of everything. I'm not like a one thing, girl. What I can say is, like, I like to cook stuff that's fast. I don't want to be in the kitchen all day. Now, Sundays, I will. Like, I have to be in the mood. And my family knows that.

But I'll cook, like, a big Sunday dinner from my family. My dad is probably so bad. My dad recently had just got out in the hospital. He had to have open heart surgery. And he requested that I cook some oxtails. And I was cool. I was like, Dad, I'm not going to be responsible for this. But sure, I'll go to some oxal.

He's the guy. Every time I go to the grocery store, you know, you get like a steak and they have like some kind of like oxtails or like a full octopus. I'm always like. I am the person that's getting the oxtails, all of the oxtails. Wow. So I cooked a beautiful dinner and oxtails and rice. What does the ox tail taste like? Amazing.

You got to try my oxtails, you know, would do it with the gravy and onions. and beans and bell pepper. Who taught you how to cook? My mother and my grandmother. Really? Yeah, my mother and my grandmother. Are you kind of doing that with your girls too? Or are they there?

Yeah, so Chastie, the twins really enjoy cooking. The twins are like little old ladies. I probably shouldn't say the twins, but yeah. Chastey and Chelsea are like little old ladies. They love to cook, they knit, they crochet, they love horseback riding. They're like just the ultimate. like dynamic duo you said i think it was like your first season that coming on atlanta housewise felt like divine timing what was it about that that felt like it was you mentioning that was your third

time being asked but what was it about that that felt divine and it felt like this was the moment you were supposed to say yes to this opportunity it was empowering for me i just felt like i was in a space of my life where a chapter really a story had ended and this new space in my life is starting. And it's, what better way than to document that, right? And to like journal. For me, I feel like being on the show is like me just journaling everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But it was also that I wanted to be in a space where I would motivate and inspire the next man or woman after divorce not to give up, right? Because, yeah, you know, some people go through divorces and it's easy, you know, or they might, you know, they figure it out.

I didn't get that. I wasn't fortunate enough to get that opportunity to have it so easy. And I knew that it would be difficult, but for me it was just empowering and motivating to share what that looks like and to know that, hey, I'm going to fucking get through this, you know, like, I'm going to evolve. I'm going to make these restaurants work. I'm going to still be an amazing mom. I'm still going to be a great friend.

I'm still going to be a great daughter and sister. And, you know, I'm going to keep going. Just because that part of my life ended didn't mean that just everything else around me had to fail. And I just wanted to make sure that most importantly, I showed my daughters, you know, with that strength and resilience looked like. I mean, obviously divorce is so difficult and traumatizing for everyone involved. especially the couples, but like so many people with children who go through divorce. Yes. The co-parenting aspect obviously is, you know, is a difficult in every situation is different.

What have you, what was the most difficult part about figuring out how co-parenting worked for you to? And what was something that you learned or maybe advice for you that you have for anyone going through divorce? Kind of embarking on this early stages, worried about how am I going to feel? figure out how to take care of the thing I love the most, my children with someone that I'm not, like I'm at such odds with. Like, how did you navigate that? Well, one is I haven't navigated that. Okay.

We are not in a space where we co-parent just yet. I do know that having to co-parent with someone that you are trying to heal from can be very difficult. And I think that's the space that I am right now. You know, we still have some court issues. We still have some issues that are, we're trying to get resolved. And, you know, the main priority for me is always my girls. That has always been the most important place in my life is to make sure that my girls are not affected by our decision as, you know, as much as possible, right?

So whether that be just having a parent present and showing up for them or, you know, our lifestyle changing, people don't realize that. Like, my kids would know, I actually ask chance. I said, well, you know, do you see anything different, you know, besides dad not being with us? And she said, no, because it didn't. And that was the most important part for me, right? It was like, I want to make sure they still go on vacations. I want to still make sure they can do all their extracurricular activities. I want to make sure that they still feel supported, you know?

Like, people don't realize that part about it when you don't have another parent that is present because for whatever reasons. Do you feel really proud of yourself for being able to maintain that for them? Absolutely. Yes. I do. You know, like that was the one thing for me where it's like, I got to figure this out, you know? And I think as a mom, you know, just being a strong woman and saying, I'm not going to allow this to take me down. Who, if maybe more than one, it has been like your support system, you know, we are so, we talk about, we're so grateful to have each other.

Yes. When your, when a relationship is feeling good, it's, if nothing else, just, you know, the word partner means so much more. Yes. Because it's like when you're nervous or scared about what's going on, you turn to that person. obviously when you go to the divorce, that person that was that person is no longer. Do you have people in your life

that you have replaced that, not necessarily romantically, but have shown up for you in a way where you're feeling scared, you're worried, who are those people for you these days? My village. I mean, I have a village.

When I say, you know, my amazing mom, my grandmother, my dad, my sisters, I mean, my friends, you know, my team you know like my my public is my like all these people like really

showed up for me at the time where I truly did need them the most you know and I am forever grateful for that my village my family my friends they they all pitched in and they still do you know um and even you know my my guy now I mean he has

Jarvis Jarvis Jarvis. Yeah. Oh my God. You know his name? Jarvis has not missed one of chances to your competitions. Wow. I mean, he is like a cheer dad around here.

Like, I mean, he has really showed up in some of the most important phases of our lives. And I'm forever grateful. Did you expect that from him? Or was that just were you like total surprise? He's just filling shoes? that he didn't even need to fill? Totally surprised. I don't have it.

I would never want to hold that expectation from anyone. You know, is it appreciated? Absolutely. But, you know, he came in and it's just been a really great guy to me and the girls. And I really appreciate that. He has a different relationship with each of them. And I think it's super cool. We always say chances is fair.

favorite. He's going to be mad I said that. Did he go about like, did you have to have a conversation with you first or was, did he just kind of start like showing up in ways and kind of getting to know them or was it more like, hey, is it cool? He always ask. He is, he always ask. He's always like, I mean, he is so respectable like when it comes to like the girls and like,

even like stand over. Like it's like a whole thing. Like it's not, you know, it took a very long time before he would even like come over and do things. And but always. And sometimes the girls would ask him. And then he would say, is it okay? You know, he would always, he always gets my permission. Like, is it okay to come?

Is it okay? And he hasn't missed not one. Does it feel like almost like, because it must be so challenging for any person to come in to a relationship and they already have kids. But it must be like such a green flag for you just as like, who am I? dating because it like, not say forces him, but it gives, it sounds like it's given him an opportunity to show you just like how considerate he is. Because like, you know, he's always like checking in in ways that like sometimes you have to date someone for a period of time for they have an opportunity to know that they're really being considerate. Because it's always easy to show up early on and do

the things and whatever. Of course. Yeah. But has that been like in a way that's giving you the ability to trust who he is as a partner, how he's shown up for your children. Yes. I mean, that's super important. It's one thing to show up for me, but to show up for the extensions of me is huge, you know, and consistency. That was one of the things, too, because it's like, okay, well, you'll go to the first one. And he went and goes to the second one, you know, and no matter what, he always shows up. He's like, hey, cheer competition this weekend. I mean, he knows it more than I do. You know what I mean? And I mean, he's, he's, He's been pretty good to me

And I'll never forget We were actually On the trip in Dallas And Chance had something And I said You know I'm not gonna make it back in time And he was there He was early

He sent me all the videos And the pictures And all of the things And I was like Damn that's a good man Savannah It's a good man Savannah Can I ask Does he have kids as well or is

He does he has two older kids and their men, you know, their sons. So he's never had girls either. So like girls are pretty. They give him a run for his money. Oh, I'm sure they do. Was it his decision to be secretive or was that kind of y'all coming together, you being in the public space?

It was both of our decisions. I mean, you know, I'm dating. I'm trying to navigate the space. and still take my time and not give people so much input about that. I mean, I was also, you know, going through a very nasty chapter of my life. So I wanted to protect him from that as well, you know, for so many reasons. And, you know, this is my life, not his. But he's so supportive and people don't realize that, right?

So it's like, even though you might not see him on the camera. he's probably beside me, you know what I mean? He's been I mean we go a lot of places so it's not that he's a secret. I think he's just just trying to protect what you know I love and I want to make sure that it's the right thing and when it's the right time I mean he'll come you know you'll see him on camera a little bit. We're all very excited. One thing I honestly would love your advice on and I'm just curious. Like as a public figure, you know, we're in the public eye a little bit. Rivers too young to have any idea what that means.

But like, it's weird to think that at some point we're going to have to like explain the bizariness of our lives. Yeah. I don't know if you had this conversation before Housewives because, you know, you were certainly like very successful and known, but obviously being on TV and Housewives is a whole different element. How did you explain to your kids as you were. about to become a housewife, like what that was going to look like.

And like, what advice would you have for us at the right time when, you know, River gets to be a certain age of how to like normalize something in a way that's not normal, but not have it like change their perspective about who her parents are? So I didn't know that it was going to be as big as it was. I had no clue that it was going to be as big as it was. So, you know, I talked to them about being on the show. I'm like, we're going to be on TV and, you know. Just a little something.

They might, you know, people might know us every now and then. Because, I mean, people would know me, but not like know me like that. Not like going public's know me, right? And that first season, the twins were like, my teacher asked about you, mom. And I'm like, oh, God. Like, so I've had the conversations with them. The great thing about my kids is I'm just their mom. Yeah. They could care less about any of this. Chance will humble me so bad. She will humble me so bad. Like, nobody cares about you. You're not that famous. But then she just told me, yeah, mom, I want to go to Miami for my birthday. Nepple baby style. I was like, what the hell is that? What the hell is that?

Nepal baby style is like, I would be impressed. Has anybody seen this trend of nepole baby style? Okay, it's a thing. It's something like when your parent is a celebrity and it's like, you know, it's like you're a trust fund baby. It's like a big, I don't know. It's, she sent me some crazy name. She's 13. Yeah. It's so funny.

You're going to chucky cheese. How about that? You're going to have all, you know, unlimited pizza. I can just imagine you going to like a parent teacher conference. They're like, your kids are great, but can we talk about episode five? But can we talk about five, please? I mean, it's so funny. So, I mean, you know, the fans are, the fans are fans.

The kids don't watch the show. You know, they couldn't really film with me this season, but they still don't really watch the show. Chloe watches the show every now and then. And everybody just, you know, we don't take it so serious. I think the only time Chloe probably got upset. Oh, Chloe's like, Mom, these fans are so silly. They think you bought me 18 bags but didn't buy me a car. I was like, well, Chloe, you know, we don't have to explain everything to them.

You know, Chloe got a car before she even had a driver's license. She got her car and took her driving test in her brand new car. And it's like, you know, we don't have to explain everything to them. But, I mean, we just have fun with it. You know, the girls do. I appreciate people and fans for not like sometimes approaching me when I'm out with the girls or, you know, I look homeless half of the time that I am like running my errands.

But I'm, you know, I have fun with the fans. I speak. I try and take as many pictures. I'm at my restaurant all the time. So I'm really working. And people are very respectful of that. So I appreciate it. But it is a different life to navigate.

You know, I'm not just to say many more. I have to be a little bit more conscience of, you know, who I'm with and what I'm doing. places and just for safety reasons too, you know, just for the girls. I'll never forget. And that's what I realized. I was like, oh, damn, this is really happening.

The girls were, the nanny was getting the girls off the bus. And the person wrote past and said, you're the girls from Housewives of Atlanta. And the nanny was like, no more bus for them. I was like, oh, okay. And that was probably one of the only things, you know, but they, listen, they enjoy the perks. Nepo baby style. Nepo baby style. You opened up this season about not being able to film with the younger three.

Did they struggle with that and seeing Chloe film or were they totally understanding? No, they were not understanding. No, no, no. That was so hard just because I am a single mom. That is my life. Like not being able to share my life was the hardest thing because it's like it was like a piece of my, a huge piece of my life that was missing, you know? of course, you know, they enjoy watching Chloe and they actually went with me when I took Chloe to Spelman. People just didn't see that. We, me, my mom, Nana, the twins, chance. We all did, you know,

a whole generational celebration for her to be there. So all of us could experience it. But no, they were really hurt by that. And that was a really uncomfortable conversation that I had to have with them because they, you know, they enjoy. you know, those mommy and me moments with the camera, you know, they enjoyed cooking and, you know, just having fun like we normally do. We would do on an ongoing basis. So they were really disappointed about that. And I had to, you know, just I had to tell them the truth. And that's one thing that was a little uncomfortable for me, you know, but I had to. I didn't want them to find out from anywhere else. And that was a whole thing at that time. And so,

So, yeah, but, you know, they understood. And, but it was difficult for them. It really was. It was difficult. Because, like, last season, you know, we, I had a huge, like, watch party running out the movie theater and they invited their friends and their, you know, they invited people to, like, we're going to be on TV, you know, and they were super excited about that and even still, you know, but they, I love that my girls are understanding and they give

Mommy a lot of grace. And, you know, they always know as well that mommy is fighting really, really hard for them. And that's the part that was most important, you know? Yeah. And, yeah, I'll just leave it at that. You recently did go back to Potter. What was your reasoning for that? Oh, my God.

That's who I am. You know, that was the old chapter of my life. I didn't want to be the woman that needed to keep the last name. Yeah. I don't need that last name. How is that process? Paperwork sucks. A lot of paperwork.

Paperwork sucks. Yeah, but the judge had awarded me back my last name and my divorce, so it was okay. Crazy how it has to. Isn't that crazy? Yeah. Sure, you're going to have it. Yeah, please. Well, obviously, we are entering a period of saving as much money as possible because we've got twins coming.

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We have everything. What do you want? I feel like we're about to get into some other stuff. I feel like I need a little... Well, you know, they would tear me up. about yesterday, the other night's episode. I'm like, guys, I wasn't saucy because I just had a glass of wine. I was saucy because I had pain medication and wine.

Well, that was it. That'll do it. Yeah. I don't do it pretty quick. I mean, I was boom. Pretty quick. Yeah. The drama between Shimey and Angela.

Like, what is your perspective of it? Okay. I don't like it. What I don't like about that whole thing is the accusing of the, I think sometimes we, we just go a little too low and you know people have families and businesses and children you know who see these things and you know we already have enough real drama as it is you know so to create these narratives and allegations you know that I know are false um I just think it's hurtful you know what I mean and I just I remember talking about

talking to Angela last season and I hate that we didn't, you didn't really get to see the full, full conversation that her and I had. And we talked about, you know, the conversation of the allegations and rumors about, you know, her marriage and her husband and we had such a great conversation and, you know, I apologize to her and I clear, you know, she cleared some things up to me because I didn't just make those things up. It was things that were already said online. And she just cleared it. And I don't remember her saying she didn't get to clear it because Wendy Williams had went off air. Right, right, right. Right. So she didn't get to clear it. And her and I talked about that. And I remember, you know, honestly, like how much it bothered her. So I think

that I was more shock than anything to hear about the things that she had said, um, about Shameda and kind of like, you know how it feels to be on this end of things. Yeah, you know how it feels to be on this end of things. So why would you? You know how it feels to be on this end of thing. So why would you say that? Why do you think, and it seems like even more so this season, there's so many of these types of allegations with this cast. In a weird way, it's almost like in the best way, assuming they're not true,

it doesn't seem that you all let it get to you. But on some level, because I'm watching it, you have these allegations and you guys kind of just move through it. But sometimes, like, it does wear you down. And you have, like, people online speculating. And it only takes just a green. just a small little rumor to turn into something big and you have people just discussing it. Does it ever get to you or get to other women on the cast?

And is it ever like, is there ever like a, hey, why are we going like you said, like so low? And there's so many other great things. Yeah. And it never really feels like these rumors are ever resolved in a way. And it kind of just lingers over. And it feels like, I guess unnecessary. But like, yeah, why do you think that happens? I don't know why they used to just.

throughout these random accusations just to see if they stick. I mean, it is hurtful clearly. You know what I mean? And anything that I've said, I've pretty much backed up with a receipt. You know, so I don't just say crazy things just to try and say things. Now, you know, I can't speak for other people. But I don't like when we go that low. I don't like when we go to the depths of hell and then it's hard to come back up.

You know, I think it's very hard, too, to have people say those things about you. And then it's hard to come back from that. You know what I mean? Like, it's hard to, like, move forward in the friend group when you're saying things that are, like, so low down. You know what I mean? I don't know. I don't know why they continued to lie.

I just, I don't know what's happening. Was that, like, coming into this group of women, was that one of the bigger surprises? Was that a big surprise that if not, what has been the biggest surprise or something that you weren't prepared for? I would probably say that. Like, that was probably, I was like,

well, you're really just the only line like that. Like, just throwing shit out. You just be throwing shit to see if a stick on the wall. I mean, this is getting crazier by the day. I mean, speaking of throwing shit out, we had Porsche be like, pastor, kids, fly. I mean, like, what even is any of that? I wouldn't be able to tell you. I mean, I just know that I didn't want to be banned from church.

I wanted to be welcomed on Sundays and not have any issues, you know? Yeah, it's just like, it just, it's, who's believing this stuff, you know? I think that's the only reason why I just, sometimes at this point you just have to laugh at it because it's like, did you just make that up? Like, you're making that up as you go along. How are you in Portia today? I wish her well. Okay.

Yeah. Do you feel like she kind of came for you because of your friendship, was Shimea or do you think it was something else? Well, she said it in that scene. She said it when we were at Fager's Soundbath. She said, I got my lick back. I wanted to get you back. And she's been saying that all along.

I just don't know if it's been picked up as much. But, I mean, she basically hurt people want to hurt people. I mean, that's just what it was. She was still mad at me about last season and what I said. And that's the difference between her and I to some extent. It's like when I say things, I back it up and justify it. I'd ask you about, ask you a question that the whole world wanted to know. I asked you a question that I wanted to know.

I asked you a question that nine times out of 10, 10 times out of 10, somebody in this group was going to ask you that question. And maybe you were just bothered that it came from me, you know? And even in that scene, it wasn't that I wanted to ask her that question and be disrespectful. Shimea had told me ask her when you see her, you know, and that's what I did. When she came over there, she said, what are you guys talking about? I told her exactly what we were talking about. And, you know, I mean, that's just what it is. So in regards to that, I just wish that we would be a little bit more considerate

when it comes to certain things. And, you know, just, I mean, if you're going to say something, you have every right to say it, but just have some facts or some proof to it. So do you have any idea like what she's a loop? I mean, Fadra was like, yeah, I know. I've heard about this too. Yeah, you know, I don't know what she's talking about. I never slept with a pastor.

I never slept with anyone at VET. And that's just what that is. In regards to Fadra, what's hurtful about the whole Fadra of it all is that I had talked to Fadra several times and not once did she ask me or even. even allude to any of those things. So people don't realize I heard what Fadra said when you guys heard it.

I didn't hear it in the midst of everything that was going on because you think good and goddamn why I wouldn't have asked her when I bought $200 worth of food, wine and flowers over to her house to talk to her and apologize. I wouldn't have asked her about that. So I didn't know that that had happened until I'm watching

with everyone else. Is that something that you would like pick up the phone call Fadra and be like, hey, What the fuck? Or is this like wait for reunion? Yeah, absolutely. Because I mean, when you think about that and, you know, first of all, I've been, I love Fadra. Like I asked her to represent me, you know.

I hired her firm to represent me and everything that I had going on. I would have never done that if I would have known that she was not even pertaining to what was said. but the fact that you're even alluding to client attorney privileges in regards you know what I mean like I would have never done that I mean you know but it was hurtful because I've spoken so highly of Fadre and I still will you know what I mean I've I've supported Fadra I talk highly of her on and off camera and you know I came to support her

and her endeavors and things like that so I mean it was really hurtful for me and I'm just sadden that she didn't ask me well when they go low Kelly goes high Yeah, well, I'm going to, I don't know about high. Medium,ish. I'm going to take it down to hell. I'm going to take it down to hell. You know, one thing I really admire is like this, the willingness to talk about, like, sensitive topics.

And obviously talking about finances, that's something you've opened up about. We recently saw Pinky talking about her struggles as well. How did you grapple with that in terms of your willingness to open that up? Because, again, fans can be nosy and pry and, you know, you can. open up about your vulnerability and sometimes it feels like fans will take that vulnerability and then like use it against you use it against you or make accusations and yeah i would just love to know how you came to that the decision and is that something you're glad you did or do you have any regrets about some of the vulnerable things you've shared i don't regret anything that i share one two um i have

always been an open book so like i always say the good the bad the ugly or indifferent i think um it does disappoint me though when it comes to the fans because it's like you know I'm giving my real reality um I went through a very nasty divorce I went through a divorce for three years that's three years worth of attorneys bills that and fees that you had to pay and that is I don't know how much more expensive it can get you know what I mean I mean that would hurt even a multimillionaire a billionaire that would hurt you you know what I mean so I've been very open and honest and Again, remember, I went on this show to be that real raw motivation and inspiration. And I'm never going to allow the fans or anyone else to deter me from that.

I think I speak on my truth in regards to, you know, the financial hardships that you do go through. I am a single mother raising four daughters. I told you it's very important for me not to allow them to feel the effects of divorce. You know what I mean? and that was very important. I'm running a restaurant. This is the hardest time to open up any business, let alone a restaurant, okay? I was able to survive everything, even COVID.

But this was a really difficult time for me. It was a difficult time of year in that in hospitality. I think over 100 restaurants had closed in Georgia in 2025. You just heard about mine because I'm on TV, right? Being real and raw with people is what gives that next person not to give up. I love that me and Pinky could have the conversation about bankruptcy, right? You know how many people and your favorite celebrities have filed bankruptcy, including our president, including Abraham Lincoln, okay? Did Abraham Lincoln, right?

Yes, he did. I did not know that. The more you know. The president, he didn't do personal, but he did some of his businesses. I think, you know, people speak on bankruptcy, and I have not filed bankruptcy as of yet. Let's be very clear. I'm still figuring out. But I'm at a space where I just want to be raw, be real, and talk about financial literacy.

You know, that's something I have to share with my daughters, with clothes. with my family. It's very important. So I think for people to try and use that, like, oh, she's broke. Well, no, you file bankruptcy so you don't go broke. Right? You fell bankruptcy so you can kind of save the little bit that you have. And whether it's whatever chapter, you have some time to pay things back and for them not, you know, to help you with your finances.

So I think, you know, for people to use that and say, you know, even with my restaurant, even with that second location, people don't realize. that I didn't open that location for the show. That wasn't a show business, okay? That was a business that the lease was signed prior to me being, even signing my Bravo contract. That was something I had already worked on. That was something I had already actually poured money into. I mean, it was a shell.

That space had not even had a tenant since COVID. in it. Okay? So I had to redo everything in that space. Plumbing. Electricity. I mean, it was a lot. So for people to think that that's a easy, you know, an easy thing to do, it isn't. You know, it was very hurtful to hear some of the people say, oh, she's broke or she didn't, you know, she didn't have all the money or what. No, I actually spent a lot of money.

Yeah, it must be so challenging. Context matters, obviously, right? in this context of, you know, it's like they'll think of your divorce, separate that in their mind and separate your business struggles. But yeah, just like when you think about just the cost of divorce and just like the stress and then having and then like you just explained just like props to you like to be able to like do what you did while truly survive. I mean, you only survive. You only survive. Attorneys are $500 an hour by the way. That's crazy. And they know how to stay busy. And I mean, as soon as you pick up the phone, the time is ticking. Okay?

You're always like trying to go with your lawyer and they're like, you know, just keep this real short. I don't need to keep talking to you. Yeah. Can I like, just text or text? Or like, so how are you doing? What did you do this week? You're like, I don't want to have this conversation. It doesn't matter how I'm doing.

This is what we need to talk about. What are your thoughts on Britt Edy and are you guys still friends? I have no thoughts. Okay. Zero thoughts. All right. What are your thoughts on Drew? No thought.

She had some. name calling on Watch What Happens Live last night. I heard and I'm like, I had a nerve to call me misreportions. I'm like, girl, I just seen that BBL before and after. And I don't even know what a stuffed cornish hen is. Well, I have stuffed cornish hens in my cookbook. And they're, I mean, they're great. It's the first picture of my cookbook.

So I don't mind. It's like juicy, you know, like brown and juicy. So, I mean, I don't care. But I'm like the nerve of you, baby. you you wouldn't a batty over there before you, you know, and then you talk about, that's my second one. Oh,

your second. Which of the wives have you become really close with since becoming a housewife? Of course, Shemia. Kimberly. Pinky. And even Fadra, you know, Cynthia.

We love Cynthia. I love Cynthia. Maybe Cynthia would call in her chicken and waffles order and send her assistant, pick it up. She didn't play about her chicken and waffles. Yeah. Well, we know you have to get going and catch a flight soon. I do. Justin is also just a massive Atlanta fan. Do we have any rapid fire questions for our girl Kelly before we send her on her way? I don't think so. You got it all. Did I answer some things for you guys? I think you got it.

Oh my God. We can keep talking forever. I know we can talk all day. Thank you. It's really great to know you and it's been so fun to like have you on the show and you know Like, sophomore slump's a real thing in a lot of phases of life. Yeah. And obviously, this being your sophomore season, it's just you, you're not slumping at all. It's, it's been great to have you on. I appreciate that. Obviously, in this season of Atlanta, everyone's, like, singing its praises.

I think everyone's always as envious of how you guys in your comebacks. It's always like, I wish I was that. Yeah. Where do you think that comes from being able to be so good at? It's like, even when it's mean, it's fun and entertaining. Where do you think that comes from? I have no clue. At this point, I just say whatever comes.

in my mind. And I think that's been a problem. I just say how I feel. That's it. Well, Kelly, thanks for taking the time. We know you have to go. It's been a real, real pleasure having you on. Congratulations on all your success. And really, truly, it's, it's been great going to know you better. You're obviously an inspiration, even for us, embarking on being twins. I can't wait to lay, come back. Oh, absolutely, please. I just have so much respect for people who have been through a lot of adversity. and come out the other side stronger,

and life is full of peaks and valleys, and we were just talking last night, just like you go through different phases, and you're clear, are someone who just keeps on going and has a lot of success, and that's just really cool to see, and it's something that's fun to,

you know, I have so much respect for people who are able to keep powering through, and you're clearly evident of that. Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. Thank you. And congratulations to you both, and I can't wait to see the twin.

Oh, one more question. What can we expect at the reunion and what energy do you want to bring to that reunion? I'm just going to come into a reunion and just be myself. I can't be anyone else but Kelly with an eye. And, you know, I'm there for peace. I'm there for resolution. But I'm also there for truth,

and I'm going to hold you accountable. Accountability. Yeah. Thanks for listening, everybody. Yes, thank you.