The Cheeky Chicken and the Loveliest Girl in Town

Summary

Podcast Summary: "For Love and Chocolate"

Episode Title: The Cheeky Chicken and the Loveliest Girl in Town
Hosts: Tommy and Tara Gallop
Release Date: October 8, 2024

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1. Celebrating Selfless Love: Molly and Greg's Story [00:12 - 02:28]

The episode opens with Tommy and Tara Gallop, affectionately known as Mr. and Mrs. Truffles, paying tribute to their friends Molly and Greg. Greg, a dedicated first responder, has been tirelessly working through a recent hurricane to save lives, families, and pets. Molly supports him by holding vigils and standing by his side amidst the chaos.

Notable Quotes:

• Tommy (00:28): "When you're with somebody who makes these sacrifices, that love just takes on such a new depth."
• Tara (02:00): "He really does seem like a guy who should wear a cape."

The hosts express deep admiration for Greg's heroism and Molly's unwavering support, highlighting the profound impact of selfless love in challenging times.

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2. Anniversary Wishes: Oliver and Marissa Celebrate Their First Year [02:33 - 03:38]

Mr. and Mrs. Truffles shift focus to another lovely couple, Oliver and Marissa, who are celebrating their first wedding anniversary. They reminisce about Oliver’s heartfelt description of Marissa at their wedding, where he envisioned her as a bride upon first seeing her.

Notable Quote:

• Tara (03:00): "He could just picture her dressed as a bride. I got all choked up when he said that. It's so sweet."

The hosts extend their warmest wishes to Oliver and Marissa, celebrating their enduring love and looking forward to many more joyful years together.

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3. Mailbag: Clarice Seeks Advice on Sharing Her Past [03:46 - 06:20]

The couple delves into their "Mailbag" segment, addressing letters from their listeners.

Letter from Clarice [03:55]: Clarice shares her dilemma about whether to disclose a troubled past to her new, religious partner, Beauregard. She's concerned that revealing her history as an unruly teenager might affect his perception of her.

Notable Advice:

• Tara (05:00): "She might need to share... it depends on what it is from her past."
• Tommy (06:02): "Love will find a way, Clarice."

They encourage Clarice to rely on her faith and patience, suggesting that ultimately, love and understanding will guide her decision.

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4. Mailbag: Gloria's Concerns About Her Mysterious Partner's Family [06:20 - 11:03]

Gloria writes seeking guidance about her boyfriend Jay’s intimidating family during a weekend trip to Santa Barbara. The intense security and the father's shark-like smile made her feel uneasy.

Notable Quotes:

• Tara (10:46): "If you want me to marry you, just ask me to marry you."
• Tommy (10:52): "Honey, that's harsh, but maybe fair."

The hosts humorously interpret the father's demeanor and advise Gloria to find a family that makes her feel comfortable, emphasizing that marrying someone also involves embracing their family.

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5. Introducing Jennifer and Bradley White [11:03 - 13:30]

The podcast introduces their special guests, Jennifer Bransford White and Bradley White, whom Tommy has known personally and professionally for nearly 30 years. Jennifer is a former actor and founder of "Count on Mothers," while Bradley is an actor, writer, and small business owner passionate about outdoor activities and family dinners.

Notable Introduction:

• Tommy (12:56): "We have another one to talk about today... Jennifer Bransford White and Bradley White."

They prepare the audience for an in-depth discussion about Jennifer and Bradley's enduring 22-year marriage.

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6. In-Depth Interview: The Love Story of Jennifer and Bradley White [13:30 - 40:48]

How They Met: Tommy narrates meeting Jennifer at the Naked Angels Theater in New York City, where he was part of an acting company. Despite mutual attractions over a decade, both remained single until fate intervened at a birthday party in the Hollywood Hills.

Notable Moments:

• Tommy (14:06): “We met on 17th street in New York City... I had to kind of play it cool.”
• Jennifer (14:58): "I remember seeing him dressed up as a chicken... backstage."

After years of occasional meetings, an email from Bradley praising Jennifer as "the loveliest girl in town" led to their first date at a documentary screening.

Engagement and Wedding: Tommy recounts an elaborate proposal plan that Jennifer intuitively anticipated, leading to a heartfelt and spontaneous proposal in Central Park.

Notable Quote:

• Jennifer (19:33): "I feel like I've been looking in your eyes forever."

Their wedding was a blend of personal touches, including a surprise performance of "Ave Maria" by a professional soprano. Despite unexpected honeymoon adventures, including near-death boating experiences, their bond remained unshaken.

Advice for Lasting Love: Jennifer emphasizes forgiveness, shared values, and mutual joy, while Tara advises seeking a partner who consistently makes one feel loved. Tommy adds the importance of patience and living in the moment.

Notable Quotes:

• Jennifer (36:09): "Spend some time, like, what's important to them."
• Tommy (37:55): "Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good."

Closing Thoughts: The hosts express admiration for Jennifer and Bradley’s story, highlighting the layers of love that have deepened over the years. They celebrate the couple's ability to navigate challenges together, reinforcing the podcast's theme of enduring love.

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7. Final Reflections and Conclusion [38:26 - 40:48]

Mr. and Mrs. Truffles conclude the episode by reflecting on the diverse expressions of love showcased through their guests. They underscore that love can strike suddenly or grow steadily over time, as illustrated by Jennifer and Bradley's relationship.

Notable Quote:

• Tommy (40:31): "Love. Worth waiting for."

They thank Jennifer and Bradley for sharing their heartfelt story and invite listeners to visit Beverly Hills Toy Chocolates of Switzerland, the podcast's sponsor, renowned for its exquisite Swiss chocolates.

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Key Takeaways:

• Selfless Love: Highlighted through Molly and Greg's dedication during crises.
• Enduring Relationships: Celebrated through Oliver and Marissa’s anniversary and Jennifer and Bradley White’s 22-year marriage.
• Advice on Relationships: Emphasizes forgiveness, shared values, mutual joy, authenticity, and patience.
• Real-Life Stories: Authentic and heartfelt narratives that resonate with listeners seeking relationship guidance.

This episode of "For Love and Chocolate" beautifully intertwines sweet romantic stories with practical relationship advice, making it a delightful listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of love and enduring partnerships.

Transcript

[Mr. Truffles]

From deep in the heart of Beverly Hills, you found For Love and chocolate with Mr. And Mrs. Trofus.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, welcome back to the podcast.

[Mr. Truffles]

Welcome back, everybody. You know, for Love and Chocolate, love is multifaceted, isn't it? You know, you can have the love of a parent, the love of a child, the love of a spouse, but when we look at love, right. And we look at relationships, so much of it isn't just about how we feel about that other person because of the way they feel towards us, but also how they operate in the world. And I know that you are kind of holding a heavy heart for your best friend in Florida, Molly, and her husband, Greg. Greg is a first responder, and I'm gonna get choked up just thinking about it, but he's been working tirelessly through this hurricane for others to save other people, families and pets. And Molly, you know, she stands and she holds a vigil, and she loves him so much.

[Mrs. Truffles]

He's out there saving lives. And there will be no date nights for them this week. You know, they're such a sweet, romantic couple. They're so sweet, and they live life to the fullest. They really enjoy each other so much. But, you know, this is the other side of their life.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah. And when you're with somebody who makes these sacrifices, that love just takes on such a new depth, you know, because it's not about him. He's literally putting his life on the line every day for others, and it's such a beautiful thing.

[Mrs. Truffles]

He really. He really does seem like a guy who should wear a cape.

[Mr. Truffles]

He's like a superhero, isn't he? And really, all first responders are.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah. Such a calling in their hearts.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

And service. And talk about really just loving people.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

You know what?

[Mrs. Truffles]

You have to love people to do that.

[Mr. Truffles]

Goodness. Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

It's beautiful.

[Mr. Truffles]

It's extraordinary.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, our prayers are with you guys, and we're so grateful for you, Greg, and for all you do.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

We love you guys.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah. Godspeed. Well, speaking of Beautiful, loving couples, Mrs. Truffles.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yes.

[Mr. Truffles]

We have another one to talk about today, don't we?

[Mrs. Truffles]

Oh, yes, we do.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah. Sweet, sweet son Oliver and his beautiful wife Marissa are celebrating their first anniversary today.

[Mrs. Truffles]

They are. They're celebrating their first anniversary today.

[Mr. Truffles]

Do you remember the first time he talked about her?

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, I remember at the wedding when he was talking about seeing her for the first time.

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh, yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

And, oh, my gosh, it was so sweet. You know, we always talk about that immediate magic that some people have when.

[Mr. Truffles]

They meet first sight.

[Mrs. Truffles]

And he said the first time he met her, when she was walking up, he could just picture her dressed as a bride. I know. I got all choked up when he said that. It's so sweet.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

They're such a beautiful couple.

[Mr. Truffles]

They really are. And we just want to wish them the happiest anniversary with many, many, many, many, many more to come.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah. Happy anniversary, guys. We love you. And there's also a really great couple coming on today that we've been looking forward to having.

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh, yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

And we got a lot to get to, Mr. Truffles.

[Mr. Truffles]

We do, Mrs. Truffles.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, I think you know what time it is.

[Mr. Truffles]

Is it that time?

[Mrs. Truffles]

I think so. Mail bag. Well, Mr. Truffles, what have we in the mail bag today?

[Mr. Truffles]

Well, let's take a look, Mrs. Truffles. Okay, here we go. Dear Mr. And Mrs. Truffles, I recently met the man of my dreams at a church function. His name is Beauregard, and he is as beautiful and as classic as his name is. We've been dating now for the last three months, and things seem to be moving quickly. He's very religious, as am I, but I've got something of a sordid past as I was an unruly teenager and doing everything that I could to defy my parents. 10 years have passed, and now I'm a completely different woman today. But I'm afraid that if my past were to come up, he would see me in a completely different light and maybe not want to continue on this journey. Should I just tell him everything and hope that God will show us the path, or is this not something that I need to share right now? Sincerely, Clarice.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, Mr. Truffles, what do you think of that?

[Mr. Truffles]

Wow, that's heavy, Mrs. Truffles.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, you know, I think that I'm really proud of her for getting her life on the right path. Yes.

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh, that's.

[Mrs. Truffles]

And making good choices for herself and a partner. And I don't think she needs to blow that all up by telling him a bunch of things he doesn't need to know. However, it depends on what it is from her past. We really don't know what it is.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah, this is very true. And, I mean, we know that we evolve as human beings, and especially it sounds like Maybe she was 16 and now she's 26.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, we don't know how old she was. She's not been very specific. It depends on what it was. If she was. Was just kind of a little promiscuous or experimenting with certain party substances, I think she can Just kind of leave the past in the past. But if she had a baby and gave it up for adoption or. Or was working in some adult industry.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

That sort of thing. She might need to share.

[Mr. Truffles]

I think so. And you know what? Love will find a way, Clarice. And I think this is something you're right to. To think that maybe God can help you find your path.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Since you're very religious, I would say spend some time praying.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

And I think you'll know the right thing to do.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah. Great advice, Mrs. Truffles.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Thank you, Mr. Truffles. I would pray for you, too.

[Mr. Truffles]

Thank you. Okay, Mrs. Truffles. Well, what else do we have in the mailbag today?

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, why don't we take a little look and see? Okay. Well, we have a letter here from someone named Gloria. Dear Mr. And Mrs. Truffles, I've really been enjoying your podcast, and I'm writing to you today in the hopes that you can help me. I've been dating a tall, dark, handsome fellow since last February. I'll call him Jay. He's a bit mysterious, but attentive and sweet to me. I've even begun to believe that we might be on the marriage path, especially when he invited me to spend this weekend with him at his family home in Santa Barbara.

[Mr. Truffles]

Okay.

[Mrs. Truffles]

However, upon arrival at their big compound, I immediately started feeling very anxious. There's just something about the atmosphere there with intense security. His mother seems distant and detached. Then when I met his father, he smiled at me, but it felt just like a big shark was smiling at me. He had cold, intense eyes, and I felt like he might actually try to eat me. I really do care for Jay, but I'm kind of afraid of his family. Not sure what I should do. What are your thoughts, Gloria?

[Mr. Truffles]

Gloria.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Oh, Gloria. G L O R I E G L O R I E Honey, I think that shark smile says it all.

[Bradley White]

Oh, the shark, babe has such teeth, dear and it shows them pearly white Just a jackknife has old McHeath, babe and he keeps it out of sight, you know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe Scarlet billows start to spread Fancy gloves, oh, wears old McKeith, babe so there's never, never a trace of red now on that sidewalk ooh, sunny morning lies a body just doozy life and someone sneaking round the corner could that someone be Mac the Knife? There's a tugbo down by the river don't you know where cement bags just droop it on down? Oh, that cement is just. It's just for the wait, dear. Five'll get you ten old Mackie is back in town now did you hear about Louis Miller? He disappeared, babe, after drawing out all his hard earned cash. And now McKeith spans just like a sailor. Could it be our boys done something rash Now Jenny Tyler Ho ho yeah Suki Tawdry who Miss Little and ya and old Lucy Brown oh, the light forms on the right, babe now that Mac is back in town I said Jenny Diver Whoa, Suki Tawdry look out to Ms. Little, Nya and oh, Lucy Brown yes, the life forms on the right, babe now that Mackie back in.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Time.

[Bradley White]

Look out, old Mackie is back.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, Gloria, let me just tell you, when you marry the man, you marry his whole family.

[Mr. Truffles]

It's true.

[Mrs. Truffles]

And if you want my honest thoughts on this, I say those boots are made for walking.

[Mr. Truffles]

Honey, that's harsh, but maybe fair.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think you could find a family that doesn't scare you to become part of. Yeah, yeah.

[Mr. Truffles]

Speaking of boots, I'm sure this next couple, I'm sure they own many boots, but more than that, they both have beautiful pearly whites. Wouldn't you say so, Mrs. Travels?

[Mrs. Truffles]

Oh, yeah. Although I don't get a shark vibe.

[Mr. Truffles]

No, not at all. Just a nice, a warm family. A more a warm cuddly vibe this.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yes, Gloria, find a family like the White family.

[Mr. Truffles]

That's right. This is our next couple. Jennifer Bransford White and Bradley White. Now, Jenny is a native New Yorker who loves living in Los Angeles. Before becoming a mom of three kids, her job of a lifetime, she was an actor for 15 years. You might remember her short stint as Carlyle on General Hospital. Now she's the founder of Count on Mothers, a data, insights and media company working on behalf of mothers to influence federal and industry policy. Bradley considers himself a dyed in the wool East Coaster, but has, he thinks, finally acclimated to Los Angeles with the help of his very patient wife. He is an actor, writer, small business owner and very proud father of three amazing children. He's crazy about skiing, hiking, horseback riding the Pittsburgh Steelers pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. But nothing makes him happier than a quality family dinner. And we'll be sitting with them when we come right back with more for love and chocolate. For over 40 years, Toysher has been a staple in the Beverly Hills community. Like so many other families in the community, our family has had a long standing love affair with Teuther Chocolates. Over the years, we formed traditions and memories around these extraordinary Swiss chocolates. And the enchanting wonderland of fantasy truffle boxes inside our store. Today, our family is proud to be carrying on the Teuther tradition in Beverly Hills.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, welcome back.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah, welcome back, everybody. So the couple that we talked about before the breakfast that we now have sitting in front of us, I just so excited to speak with today is Jennifer Bransford White and Bradley White, who I've known. I've known Bradley White for how long, babe?

[Mrs. Truffles]

I don't know, for like 30 years.

[Mr. Truffles]

Maybe not that long.

[Tommy]

Oh, I think so.

[Mr. Truffles]

Pretty close.

[Tommy]

Yeah.

[Mr. Truffles]

Bradley. Not only one of my dearest friends, but I got into business with Bradley that, you know, we'll probably talk about a little bit later, so.

[Mrs. Truffles]

No, we won't.

[Mr. Truffles]

This isn't about you anyway, guys. Welcome to the show.

[Tommy]

Thank you.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Thank you for having us.

[Tommy]

I'm just a huge fan, that's all I can say, of the show. I've been waiting impatiently to be asked. You know, I was getting ready to actually pick up the fun and demand to be put on the show. But I'm glad that Tom felt that anticipated it.

[Mr. Truffles]

I think it was that it was the case of Dom that you sent me.

[Tommy]

That's what it was.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah. Well, it's a long time coming, you know, because we've known each other for a long time. But, you know, it's just a perfect fit because the fact is, I don't really know about the moment that you two met.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, let's get into it then. How did you two first meet? Tell us.

[Tommy]

We met on 17th street in New York City at a theater called Naked Angels Theater, of course, where I was a member of this acting company and doing lots of plays there. We would do these evenings of one act plays. There were like these themed evenings. I think that one was human rights was the theme of that particular set of plays. Recall seeing her for the first time there. I hadn't met her before or seen her before. And I remember doing a double take when I saw her. And I remember like, oh, my God, in my inimitable fashion, I kind of pretended I didn't see her because I don't want to be found out. You know, I just have to kind of play it cool. That's the first time I saw her. I don't know when the first time she saw me was.

[Mr. Truffles]

Well, let's find out.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Well, it's just funny because I remember meeting Bradley for the first time. Well, I remember seeing him in that piece you were in. There's like 12 scenes.

[Tommy]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

And he had this with Patrick Breen. And they were literally dressed up as chickens. These huge chicken costumes.

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh, my God, that's funny.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

We're also all backstage. And you kind of had to understand Naked Angels. It was like the play, like.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah. It was the epicenter of the theater community in New York.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Well, they certainly thought so. Yes.

[Mr. Truffles]

Going back when you saw her and you're like, oh, she's something. Were you dressed as a chicken when you were thinking this?

[Tommy]

Yes, I was. So, okay, I saw Jenny there. We may have exchanged one or two words. And over the course of the next, say, 10 years after that time, I would run into Jenny at various parties, either there or mutual friends parties. And I would always see her and be like, oh, my God, she is so beautiful. But she always had a boyfriend. And I would always ask, what's going on with her? And people would say, oh, she's got a boyfriend. I was like, okay, fine. She just always had a boyfriend. I'm not kidding. It went on for 10 years. And this is in New York. Los Angeles. New York, Los angeles. Cut to 10 years later. And we were at a friend of ours birthday party.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Gosh.

[Tommy]

And we're going to her party tonight, as a matter of fact. That's right. We went to this party way up in the Hollywood Hills. And I was with my friend Tom McCarthy and the two of us went. And he was single and I was single, both at the same time. We were both going kind of excited to go to this party. It was going to be a big party. We went up at the top of the hill. It was a daytime party. And I remember walking in with him. Jenny was standing on the other side of the house. Tom immediately elbowed me and goes, okay, right there. What about her? Like that. And I said, no, no, no, forget it. She's always got a boyfriend.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Which is like. It's so funny because it took 10 years and it was. And it was only because I was going out with someone. I was going, I had a boyfriend. And he told me about an email he got from Bradley. And in the email it said that he said something really kind about me in the email, like, oh, my God, you're dating Jenny Bransford or whatever. And my person I was dating at the time was like, I don't want to tell you what he said and I don't want to tell you who it was. And I was like, wait, why? Who was it? What did he say? So I got the information as soon as he told me who it was. I was like, oh, Bradley White said that Bradley White said that.

[Tommy]

Wow.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Okay. Literally weeks later I ran into him at that birthday party. I was already kind of like, oh, there's Bradley White.

[Mrs. Truffles]

But like, can you tell us what he said about you in that email?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

He said, oh my God, you're dating Jenny Bransford, the loveliest girl in town.

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh, Bradley.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Yeah, truly.

[Mr. Truffles]

That's really so sweet. The loveliest girl in town.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Yeah.

[Tommy]

A little later in the party, we're mingling around and talking. I find myself just kind of near Jenny and I just start talking to her and I say, how you doing? And somehow it comes out in the conversation that she is currently sans boyfriend for the first time since I have ever seen.

[Mr. Truffles]

Did you have butterflies? I mean, were you.

[Tommy]

My God, let me just put a fine point on it. I kind of was like trying to play it really cool. Tom later kind of caught me like I was getting a drink in the kitchen. I was like, she doesn't have, she doesn't have a boyfriend. But back off. That's what I said. A little bit later in this party, I get in a conversation with her, we start talking about what we're up to and I think like, you know what, I'm going to invite her to this thing that I'm going to be doing. I ask her for her phone number. She gives me the phone number and she said, are you going to write it down? I said, no, no, no, I got it. I was, I got it right up here like this, pointing to my. And I'm thinking so hard like what? I got to remember this number. I said, you know, I'm going to run to the bathroom. And what I did was I ran outside to my car to try to find something. I couldn't find anything in the house to write down and I wrote down her number and I somehow got it right. That's the first time we actually connected and made a date.

[Mrs. Truffles]

You did make a date that day.

[Tommy]

We did make a date.

[Mrs. Truffles]

And what was the date for that.

[Tommy]

Encounter was the first date. When going to the documentary in west la it was.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

I also remember it was the beginning of email. That's how old it was really. The beginning of writing letters to each other.

[Mr. Truffles]

This was late 90s.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

You would write love letters to it through email. So he would write these letters, I wrote back. And I remember that like sitting at my desk and reading the letter and then writing back. It was definitely different from other boyfriends. Definitely a good writer. Definitely was a good writer.

[Tommy]

I think I got a few tricks.

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh my God.

[Mrs. Truffles]

So you guys went to See a documentary together. Do you remember what the documentary was?

[Tommy]

There was a father daughter thing. I just remember that about it. But I love going to theaters and seeing documentaries. And I remember we went. And then we went around the corner and we had some tea.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

So.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Do you remember when the first kiss was?

[Tommy]

Yes. The first time we kissed was in your apartment in Santa Monica. There was a night there where. And we had gone to dinner. We had sushi down in Venice. And we were just very attracted to each other and there was this, like, thickness in the air. I remember sitting across from Jenny in her apartment. Just remember sitting, like our knees touching, like, staring at each other and just talking, just leaning in. And it was definitely like the old Love American Style theme playing in the head, you know?

[Mr. Truffles]

Love, love, love, love. American Style was a popular TV show on ABC from 1969 to 1974, featuring a variety of stars performing racy comic sketches about love and relationships.

[Tommy]

And the fireworks were going off and, yeah, it was kind of off to the races.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Were you thinking about that the whole evening? Like, this time I'm going to kiss her. Like, how many dates had you been on already before the first kiss?

[Tommy]

I would say three.

[Mr. Truffles]

Wow.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

I was looking in your eyes and I was like, I feel like I've looked in these eyes forever. I feel like I've been looking in these eyes forever.

[Mr. Truffles]

I'm sorry, but game over. That's a mic drop moment, right? In case you were wondering, she's into you. Okay.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Wow.

[Mr. Truffles]

I mean, what a beautiful memory to have that moment. And that's such a. That's such a deep feeling, right, to say to someone, I feel like I've been looking into your eyes forever. That's like such a big moment, right, Tommy?

[Tommy]

You know, there was so much buildup with her about just the amount, like a decade of romantic tension.

[Mr. Truffles]

Unrequited love.

[Tommy]

Unrequited love. I just. There was something like, when I first saw her that I was like, oh, okay, wow. Or just over the years, maybe in that span of 10 years, I might have run into her five times in 10 years. But every time I knew, I was like, oh, my God, there's that Jenny Bransford, and she's got a boyfriend. And it just stuck with me.

[Mr. Truffles]

So in those 10 years, you were pining away, you certainly dated other women.

[Tommy]

Not one. I was a monk.

[Mr. Truffles]

No, Come on. Lots of. And yet in your.

[Bradley White]

Maybe in the back of your head.

[Mr. Truffles]

You'Re thinking, you know, if I should run in, run into Jenny and she's single, I would drop this one, like a hot potato.

[Tommy]

100%. It was just like how it came together was. Was kismet. That's the best thing I can say.

[Mrs. Truffles]

It sounds like it. It sounds like just there's, you know what? We hear this in so many of these stories, and I keep saying this, but it just seems to be, in these long time meant to be married couples, like from the very beginning, there just is this magic moment, whether you're completely conscious of it or not, that it's there. Like the way you felt when you looked in his eyes, you know, it's like maybe you didn't recognize him all those other times, but in that moment, all came rushing back to you, like it was just meant to be.

[Tommy]

That is exactly right.

[Mr. Truffles]

Wow.

[Tommy]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Yeah. I mean, it's interesting because it came out of my mouth, but it wasn't. It didn't come from a place of like, oh, I'm like, I'm. I really love this guy. It was like, I feel like I've been looking in your eyes forever. Like, that was just the feeling I was looking. I'm like, I feel like it's an eternity. Like I will be looking in your eyes. And that's really what it was. Because honestly, for a long time, I was pushing back from the relationship. It just wasn't that, like this slam dunk, obvious thing.

[Mr. Truffles]

But that's quite a thing to say because obviously it was just something innate in you. Right? You didn't plan to say it. It wasn't. There was no forethought. You just said it because you were feeling it. And yet, I'm sorry, but if a woman said that to me, it's not game on. It's like, wow, there's. There's certainly something here. I know I'm feeling something. I don't know what she's feeling, but it's something and I want to explore it, and I want to take it as fast or as slow as she wants to. But there's a there, there, you know, that's kind of.

[Mrs. Truffles]

That's amazing. So from that moment. So you said that how long was it until you realized that you were in love? Like, when did it occur to you that you're really in love with each other?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Gosh, there are so many different moments where you fall a little bit more deeply. I loved meeting his family, you know, that was one of those moments where I was like, oh, this is a wonderful family, you know, And I love his relationship with his mother. That was one moment I remember. And then I loved walking on the streets of New York City with him. I loved the way he put his hand on my waist, like those little moments. I love the way he was. When we had our first baby, I was. I had a natural childbirth and he was with me for eight hours. I was naturally, you know, going through labor. So it's not as easy of an answer. I've heard people say, oh, I knew I was in love with it. For me, it was really like there's something about him. And there were just a series of things over the past. What is it now, like, 20, almost 22 years. That somehow lets me just drop more deeply in love with him. It's very hard for me to even articulate it.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah, it wasn't like a Shakespearean moment of this is it. But. But over time, like, layers. It's just kind of grown.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah, that's what I was going to say. Layers. It just goes deeper and deeper.

[Tommy]

It's so much. It's definitely about layers as it goes on. It's all about layers. It's all the onion just peeling away.

[Mrs. Truffles]

The one. When did you know that she was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?

[Tommy]

I had decided we were probably together for, I guess, almost not even a year yet, eight or nine months, when I was already telling my mother that. I think this. I think I'm. This is the. I'm gonna. Moving forward with this one.

[Mrs. Truffles]

So tell me about the engagement. How long were you together before you popped the question? And how did that go?

[Tommy]

We were together for about a year and a half before I popped a question. So I decided to do it. I bought a ring. We were living together in an apartment in Chelsea, and we were down in this apartment building in the laundry room in the basement. I had made an elaborate plan, okay? I had set things up. I had gone the day before to Rockefeller center, taken my hockey skates up there, left them with the guy who worked there at the skating rink and said, keep these here for me because I'm coming to it because I can't skate on figures skates. I'm going to be here at 11:04 tomorrow morning. You're going to give me those skates, and we're going to rent a pair of size seven. Okay? And I had gotten tickets to an art exhibit in midtown, and I had made reservations at a really good sushi restaurant. I had this whole thing planned that was pretty elaborate, and I was going to do it in Central Park. Something happened where somehow she intuited the whole thing, like. And we were down. I remember we were in the laundry room and she just out of nowhere just said, you're not gonna. You're not gonna buy off the question tomorrow, are you?

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh, my God.

[Tommy]

And I was like.

[Mr. Truffles]

What?

[Mrs. Truffles]

So you knew it was coming?

[Tommy]

I was trying so hard to hide it, but she somehow figured it out. Honestly, my heart sank and I was like, what the f am I gonna do now? So of course I lied and said no. What are you talking about? Of course not. We're just having a special day.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Being on this show is so interesting for me because marriage has not come easy for me. Okay. I just want to tell you that this has been. I call it the last frontier marriage. It is the place where this is like the hugest discoveries, like the hardest trails, Uncharted territory, uncharted for each person. Not a roadmap, not a. I just. He was. It was so organized and I was like, I don't want to be organized, you know, like, I just wanted to be this. And I was so scared of like, it's going to be this and then this and then this and then this. I was like, don't do it, don't do it.

[Tommy]

Because I definitely overthought it and I definitely over planned it and. Because I over cared really is what it was. That's not a path that usually leads to the symmetry that you want in these things. And Jenny, like, she said she just wanted it to just be raw and simple, you know? And I wanted it to be something that you would make a movie about, basically. Do you know what I'm saying? And so I put all this planning and effort into it and I was like. I was like, holy. But I was like, you know, I'm still going through with it. I did not sleep at all that night. But we were going through with this plan like it was breakfast and the museum and the sushi and everything and the skating and then Central Park.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

And we did actually go through the whole thing.

[Tommy]

So we did most of it. It was kind of. There was this pall over the whole thing because I was like, I don't know if I should. Am I supposed to do it now or not? We're going to go through and do this, but. And I had the ring in my pocket, but I just really didn't know. And I was like, just go through. Do what you plan to do. We'd skip the ice skating. We did hit the museum. We did have the sushi. And we were walking Central park. And I was just like, this shouldn't Be this. It shouldn't be complicated. It shouldn't be. I didn't know what was going to happen. And all of a sudden she just said to me, look, if you're. If you're gonna ask me to marry you, just ask me to marry you. And I, I was like, really? She goes, yes. And I was like, okay. And I just like right there in Sutra park and I got down out of my knee and I. And that was it. And that's what happened. So ultimately it was hilarious. So it was like. It was in 24 hours, I went from so low to so high. It was insane. In that, in that one period, it sounds like, honestly. And that's been a theme for the entire relationship.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah, that's the thing on a park bench or at a baseball game, eating Cracker Jack. And you got a decoder ring, decoder ring in the box and looked over and said, marry me. That would have been okay too, right? The spontaneity of it all.

[Tommy]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

She wouldn't have said yes to a decoder. No self respecting woman would.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah, that's hilarious. She just said, just do it.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Yeah, well that does sound like.

[Mrs. Truffles]

That does actually sound like a movie, like a rom com of just. Yeah, well, okay, so now tell me. So you said yes? Yeah, you said yes. And from.

[Mr. Truffles]

That would have been really shitty if you just asked me and I said no.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Just get this out of the way. So from the moment you said yes, how long was it until the actual wedding? Did you guys have a long engagement or was it brief?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

I think it was a year.

[Tommy]

Yeah, it was about a year. Yeah, it was a whirlwind year. We were excited. We were definitely excited. And had big plans. That's right. And this was all happening on both coasts. Like we were going back and forth a lot.

[Mr. Truffles]

Where did you get married?

[Tommy]

We got married in New York City, but I was living mostly in LA at that time.

[Mrs. Truffles]

You were both working as actors at that time?

[Tommy]

We had a great wedding at a church on the Upper east side.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Did you invite Tommy?

[Tommy]

Who? This is before we became.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

I can't believe you didn't invite Tommy.

[Tommy]

This is before we became bosom buddies and Tommy was an LA guy and this was really a New York. Yeah, the wedding was great. And as a fan of your podcast, I did hear Bobby and Allison's episode and there was a little something that he did that I also did. And because they've been married longer than us, I can't say that he stole it from me. I did know that Jenny loved Ave Maria and I had gone before the wedding, weeks before, went to Lincoln center and found somebody to ask if they knew a singer that I could get to, like a soprano to come to this church and come perform at the wedding. And I found a woman who was a professional, an opera singer. Jenny knew nothing about this. I had her come in the middle of the ceremony in this gorgeous church on the Upper east side and just come out and sing Ave Maria. That was a big surprise.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Totally melted.

[Tommy]

It was a great wedding. And then we had a really fun party on the other side of town.

[Mr. Truffles]

How many came to the wedding?

[Tommy]

No, I don't know. What Was there like 150 people or something like that? 200?

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Tommy]

Remember, it was. It was a lot of people. It was great. We had so many friends there. It was dancing and music and just a really, really fun. And a beautiful big loft around the west side. And we went back to the hotel and had a great night there. And then the honeymoon was kind of a funny story. A week before we got married, I had gone to see my friend who I believe, you know, Steven Weber.

[Mr. Truffles]

Sure.

[Tommy]

In the Producers. He told me at that time wasn't really feeling great. He asked me he wasn't able to come to the wedding because, you know, he was in the show. But he said, where are you guys going on your honeymoon? I told him, we're going to Turks and Caicos. We're going to Parrot Key. And it was like a dream to go to this place. Parrot Key. We get married, we go back to the hotel, we get up early and we go to the airport. We get on the plane to go to Parrot Quay and there is Stephen Weber with his wife. He said, I got my understudy to come on. I've always wanted to go to Parrot Key. I'm coming with you.

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh, come on.

[Tommy]

And it was really funny because he and his wife and his newborn son were actually in the next villa over from our. So he was there for our honeymoon.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Wow. That's maybe a little too friendly.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

No, he didn't play.

[Tommy]

He was like, that's a great idea.

[Bradley White]

It's fun.

[Mr. Truffles]

And how long is the honeymoon?

[Tommy]

We were there for like a week, right?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Yeah, it was like a week.

[Tommy]

And this is another crazy thing. So we don't belong in boat. This is something we have learned. We have had three near death experiences boating. And we had one down there on this honeymoon. Oh, yeah, let's go rent a sailfish or a sunfish, whatever it was. And we're out there in the crystal Clear, beautiful waters. And I went to Annapolis sailing school. I know how to do this.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

And I grew up on the waters. I'm like, I know how to.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah, I know how to.

[Tommy]

I could sail. Somehow got caught in some kind of. I don't know what. But basically, we start to realize we're just getting further and further out to sea. And I'm starting to think we're gonna end up in Cuba. Oh. And we cannot get back. And then the waves start happening. And then I. Correct me if I'm wrong. Did, like, we almost capsized. Mast fell over and it was like just the two of us, complete panic mode.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

That was so scary.

[Tommy]

And that some nearby.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

It really was because we're out in the ocean.

[Tommy]

Yes.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

And like this, the Turks and Cakes.

[Tommy]

We had to be rescued by a nearby boater, Totus. And that was a relief. But that was our third and last time going out on a boat together. Because remember, we had that experience in Nantucket, too. With the boat. Yeah, that was. You know, ship is okay.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah. So you guys have been married for how long now?

[Tommy]

It'll be 22 years. October. Do you know the day?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

October 24th. No, October 23rd. No, wait. October 26th. 25th.

[Mrs. Truffles]

22 years on October.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

You know what?

[Mr. Truffles]

The fact is, you're not supposed really know the day of your marriage until the 25th year, so you got three more years to figure out.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Really?

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Is that true, Tommy?

[Mr. Truffles]

No, that's a. I love it.

[Mrs. Truffles]

He's just trying to make you feel normal.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

I mean, I just put a reminder.

[Mrs. Truffles]

In your iPhone, you'll be fine.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

I feel like I'm the poster child for the person who's going to give you inspiration if you think that you could never be married or you're never gonna be, like, the wife that people think you should. You know what I mean? Like, there just isn't any particular way you have to do it. I learned, like, really, there's this funny thing. Ringo. Like, I don't remember the Ringo Starr's wife's name. This is the old story. Did you hear this, Barbara? Okay.

[Mr. Truffles]

She's actually a customer of ours.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

No way.

[Mr. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Did you hear the story about what she said in this interview about how were they married for so long?

[Mr. Truffles]

Oh, I can't wait.

[Mrs. Truffles]

We were trying to get them in here, but we haven't successful so far.

[Mr. Truffles]

And then her sister.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Oh, my God, I hope she's married to Jo Walsh.

[Tommy]

Oh, my God. I didn't know that.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Rock and roll.

[Mr. Truffles]

What did she say?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

She said the reason we're still married is because we never got divorced. And I think that that is brilliant. I. That, to me, is so interesting because you just don't know quite what the next thing is gonna, you know. But if you stick with it and you kind of put the marriage before yourself a little bit, you can work through anything. You know, you talk. You wake up the next morning, and, like, there you are, like, doing it again. And then, like, you got a lot of those days put together, and all of a sudden you're like, wow, we have an amazing marriage.

[Tommy]

Well, Jenny's parents are married for how long now?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Again, I'm not good with numbers.

[Tommy]

Well, they're married for that to be 50 years.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Okay, wait. But I think 58 years.

[Tommy]

A long time.

[Mr. Truffles]

Wow.

[Tommy]

And my parents were married a few times each, so I had a different experience with marriage, and I was really determined to have it just be once. And that's part of why I waited, because I was like, I'm not going to do this twice. I got to do this once.

[Mrs. Truffles]

You waited for your dream girl.

[Tommy]

I did.

[Mrs. Truffles]

To finally get single.

[Tommy]

I did.

[Mrs. Truffles]

There was some piece of wisdom or advice that you could give to your children about how to find love that lasts. What would you say to them?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

How are they when times are hard? Are they forgiving? Do they listen? That's really. I feel like with that, really, anything is possible. The other thing is spend some time, like, what's important to them. I think when your values are sort of the same, you know, the things that are really important to you, you can also sort of work anything out. And then I would also say, do you have fun with them? Do you have joy? How do you. How do you feel when you're around them? And you'll know.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah. Yeah. That's good advice.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

What would you say, Tara?

[Mrs. Truffles]

Me?

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Give me my daughter's advice.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Just, you know what? I want my daughters to find someone who makes them feel loved all the time. You know, no matter what else is going on in our lives, he always makes me feel loved. And he's always. He's always present to what I'm feeling and going through. In any of those moments, there's never this division of, like, well, you're unhappy, but I'm having a good time. We're always kind of in it together.

[Mr. Truffles]

In sync.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yeah. I mean, I would tell my daughter she has to find somebody who really makes you feel loved all the time.

[Mr. Truffles]

And for me, and this is what I would share with my own kids, is that when you can be Your authentic self and at peace. And the person you're with is there authentication. Authentic self. You're not putting anything on them. You're not asking them to be something they're not. And there's real love and joy there. That's a really good start, 100%, because she just loves me for who I am.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

My thing really is, like, we're all going to make mistakes. We're just not going to be perfect. And if we. If we are going to show up for each other, you know, and like, just be able to listen and be like, okay, I hear you. We have a shot. Right? Like, that's my big thing after all these years. Is it?

[Tommy]

Yeah, that's. That would be. The advice is don't let perfect be the enemy of the good. You know, you. And be patient. Just be patient. The crisis that you're experiencing right now is gonna just be gone tomorrow.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

It's like grace. It's like giving. It's like grace.

[Tommy]

It's like, it's grace. Just be patient. Because, yeah, whatever huge fear you have or concern you have, it's going to change. It's going to go away. It's going to become something else. But just be in the moment and be patient.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, that's good advice as we so loved having you guys here and hearing your sweet stories.

[Mr. Truffles]

Know those stories.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Yes.

[Mr. Truffles]

And you know what? And it's true. You are multilayered. And I just, I appreciate how. How deep you went and how I didn't know that story about just how you saw her and met her and the things that you said to her and the things that you said to him. It's really inspiring and beautiful. So glad you shared it.

[Jennifer Bransford White]

Oh, this is such a special. This is an amazing show. Just to be able to talk about our marriage this way, because we do. It's really kind of nonstop going, going, going, and we rarely get to talk about it this way.

[Mr. Truffles]

And the fact that your kids will be able to have this little, like, love note from YouTube about how you met and fell in love. So, guys, thank you again so much for joining us. I feel like I know you now better than I ever have, and I love you even more for it. So anyway.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Oh, yes. Thank you so much for joining us. It's such, such a lovely time getting to hear your sweet story. Thank you.

[Mr. Truffles]

And we'll be right back with more for love and Chocolate. This podcast is being brought to you by Beverly Hills Toy Chocolates of Switzerland. Beverly Hills Toy SH at 371 North Camden Drive in Beverly Hills has been serving up truffles, pralines, dipped fruits, marzipans, and our world famous chocolate bars for over 40 years. So next time you're in Beverly Hills, why don't you come by and visit or shop [e-mail].

[Mrs. Truffles]

Well, Mr. Truffles, weren't they lovely?

[Mr. Truffles]

They were so lovely, Mrs. Truffles, you know, and just goes to show you, we talk about this all the time. Love comes in so many different shapes and sizes, and sometimes love just strikes you like a lightning bolt and bites you on the ass. And sometimes it just ruminates like a fine wine. And I feel like with Bradley and Jen, it was always percolating, you know, and it took some time to get there. But they got there, didn't they?

[Mrs. Truffles]

Oh, yes, they did. Love. Worth waiting for?

[Mr. Truffles]

It sure was. Well, anyway, thanks again so much, everyone for joining us this week. And guess what? We're gonna do it again next week. But until then, say goodbye, Mrs. Truffles.

[Mrs. Truffles]

Goodbye, Mrs. Truffles.

[Mr. Truffles]

This show is brought to you by Beverly Hills Toy Chocolates of Switzerland, home of the world's first and finest champagne truffles. Join us next week for more adventures in everlasting life.