The One With Mike & Rita Szczotka

Summary

For Love & Chocolate

Episode: The One With Mike & Rita Szczotka

Hosts: Tommy & Tara Gallop
Guests: Mike & Rita Szczotka
Date: August 26, 2025

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Episode Overview

This heartwarming episode of "For Love & Chocolate" is a joyful celebration of enduring love, romantic serendipity, and delicious chocolate. Hosts Tommy and Tara Gallop, the charming "Mr. and Mrs. Truffles," take their popular relationship podcast on the road for their first-ever “mobile podcast,” recorded in Oregon inside the Airstream trailer of their dear friends, Mike and Rita Szczotka (pronounced “Shotka, rhymes with vodka”).

The episode blends playful, candid banter about football and marriage, a lively mailbag with listener relationship dilemmas, and, most memorably, an in-depth interview with Mike and Rita, whose “love at first sight” story and decades-long romance inspire both laughter and awe.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Football, Hobbies, and Relationship Dynamics (00:28–04:44)

• Tommy and Tara engage in lighthearted banter about football season and how hobbies interact within their marriage.
  • Tommy playfully claims he’s the football fanatic, not Tara.
  • They discuss the importance of “joining in each other’s joy” but also allowing space for individual interests.
  • Quote:
    “Isn’t that what love and relationships are about? Celebrating each other's passions and hobbies and finding a way in, but also, you know, being in the same space but maybe not engaging fully and doing your own thing.” —Tommy (02:46)

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2. The Mailbag: Listener Relationship Q&A (04:58–12:51)

A. The Twin Mix-Up Dilemma (05:02–08:14)

• Listener “Bobbo” writes in about accidentally pretending to be his twin on a date and now falling for the girl.
• Tara and Tommy stress the importance of honesty:
  • Quote:
    “They need to come clean with this girl first... and let her pick.” —Tara (06:39)
  • “Their relationship has already started on deceit... Lies and deceit.” —Tommy (06:50)
• Consensus: Truth must come out, and “may the best twin win.”

B. Crazy in Love or Red Flag? (08:17–12:51)

• Listener “Colette” wonders if a whirlwind, three-week romance with grand gestures is too much, too soon.

• Tommy is optimistic, while Tara urges following the heart:

  • Quote:
    “What do you got to lose, Colette?” —Tommy (09:42) “I think you can go ahead and just fall in love.” —Tara (09:55)

• The segment ends with a playful, romantic rendition of Cole Porter's "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love."

  • “Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it, let’s do it — let’s fall in love.” (10:34–12:45)

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3. Meet Mike & Rita Szczotka: A Love Story for the Ages (13:00–41:41)

A. How They Met—The Make a Wish Gala (15:35–23:27)

• Rita, single and board member of Make a Wish, is reluctantly introduced to Mike, who works behind the scenes at the event.
  • Rita: “I had been single at that point for about four years... had a board that was happening... they said, ‘Oh, Rita, there’s this guy...’” (15:37)
• Mike, taken aback by Rita's beauty, goes to freshen up after a day of setup and is determined to dance with her.
  • Memorable Quote:
    “I actually hit the floor. This woman is gorgeous. How am I going to... what am I going to do with this?” —Mike (18:57)
• They dance the entire night together; both feel an immediate connection.
  • “As soon as I saw her, I went, ‘Oh my God, this is an amazing woman.’ I don’t even know anything about her. I didn’t care.” —Mike (20:29)

B. Early Romance & First Dates (23:27–27:01)

• Mike broke up with his previous long-term girlfriend the day after meeting Rita.
• Their first “real” date is at a chic Italian restaurant, where Rita charms the waiter out of his embroidered denim shirt.
• Quick progression to romance: first kiss occurs that first gala night, and Mike is upfront with Rita about ending things with his former girlfriend.

C. The Engagement and Unique Wedding (28:00–33:46)

• Proposal happens in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by surprise (even as Rita’s painting her nails).
• They choose to hold their wedding reception at the very Make a Wish gala where they met.
  • They buy ten tables, making a large donation—a memorable detail as they later realize this act is tax deductible.
  • Fun Fact: Their wedding invitation: “Make a wish, and wishes really do come true.” (31:11)
• The wedding is intimate (70 close friends and family) but flows into a black-tie gala with 300 guests.
• Signature detail: Wedding cake is a multi-tiered tiramisu, topped by Gumby & Pokey figurines, their playful couple nickname.
  • “We kind of nicknamed each other Gumby and Pokey... I was already three glasses of champagne in, so I felt compelled to tell the story.” —Rita (33:10)

D. Dream Honeymoon (34:51–37:45)

• Rita, after a work bonus, books an ultra-luxurious Silver Seas cruise starting in Monte Carlo, ending in Venice.
  • Mike is blown away: “I wish we had video... you could have seen his face… He had never been on a cruise... to get on something that beautiful and majestic...” —Rita (35:59)
  • They travel in style, including James Bond-like boat rides in Venice.

E. Secrets to Enduring Love (37:45–41:41)

• After 28 years, their recipe for lasting marriage:

  1. Shared Faith:
     • “Our faith in God is our grounding source... If it wasn’t for that… it would have been very easy to give up... Our marriage is beautiful. And work is after that.” —Rita (37:59)
  2. Mutual Respect, Playfulness, and Division of Labor (with a wink):
     • “She’s always right.” —Mike (38:31)
     • Tara jokes about “knowing your place,” with Rita the “queen bee.”
  3. Practical partnership:
     • “He is just remarkable [handyman]... everyone could use a little Mike and Rita in their lives.” —Rita (39:31)
  4. Continual Appreciation:
     • Tommy observes that Mike, decades later, “still gets that look” when he talks about Rita, visibly moved by love.
  • Memorable Closing Quote:
    “To relive the story together... is kind of special.” —Rita (41:31)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Joining Passions (02:46):
  “Celebrating each other's passions and hobbies and finding a way in, but also, you know, being in the same space but maybe not engaging fully and doing your own thing.” —Tommy

• On First Meeting (18:57):
  “I actually hit the floor. This woman is gorgeous. How am I going to... what am I going to do with this?” —Mike

• On Love at First Sight (20:29):
  “As soon as I saw her, I went, ‘Oh my God, this is an amazing woman.’ I don’t even know anything about her. I didn’t care." —Mike

• After First Date (22:58):
  “Gee, maybe this could be the one… mark my word, I’m gonna marry this guy.” —Rita

• On Faith & Marriage (37:59):
  “Our faith in God is our grounding source… Our marriage is beautiful. And work is after that.” —Rita

• Relationship Humor (38:31):
  “She’s always right.” —Mike

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:28–04:44 — Football and Relationship Dynamics
• 04:58–12:51 — Listener Q&A: Mailbag Segment
• 13:00–15:35 — Introduction to Mike & Rita and Mobile Podcasting
• 15:35–23:27 — Mike & Rita’s "How We Met" Story
• 23:27–27:01 — First Dates and Early Connection
• 28:00–33:46 — Engagement, Wedding, and Make a Wish Gala
• 34:51–37:45 — Dream Honeymoon
• 37:45–41:41 — Secrets to a Lasting Marriage
• 41:41–end — Reflections and Outro

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Episode Tone & Style

Warm, witty, and disarmingly candid. Tommy and Tara (Mr. and Mrs. Truffles) balance playful teasing, heartfelt wisdom, and a sincere celebration of romance and friendship. Mike and Rita radiate humor, authenticity, and deep affection, creating a feel-good, uplifting listen.

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Summary Takeaway

This episode delivers a sweet, memorable reminder that love can strike in a single dance — and, with faith, honesty, and a dash of playfulness, endure for decades. Whether you crave a fairy-tale romance, real marriage advice, or just a cozy dose of optimism (with a side of chocolate), Mike and Rita’s story — and Tommy and Tara’s infectious energy — will leave you smiling.

Transcript

[A]

From deep in the heart of Beverly Hills you found for love and chocolate with Mr. And Mrs. Truffles. Well, welcome back to the back, everybody. What a weekend.

[B]

Yes. And I don't know if anyone else noticed.

[A]

What's that?

[B]

Something special started this weekend.

[A]

Yeah, I noticed. Because you couldn't take your eyes away from the boob tube, sweetie.

[B]

There was something going on called football.

[A]

Yes. Yes. Both college and NFL football started up well. College last weekend and then for NFL this weekend. And I. I gotta say, when we first met 10 years ago, I had no idea what a rabid fan you were. And it's gotten. I don't want to say worse and worse because it's a passion of. You love it so much, but it's just. It's so encompasses. I can't even get your attention when you're just.

[B]

I think you're really cute to say all that, but I don't know if you noticed.

[A]

What's that?

[B]

But you were the one who was the rabid fan.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And couldn't take your attention off the tv.

[A]

Oh, that was me.

[B]

That was you?

[A]

Yes. I love my football.

[B]

I was sitting on the sideline with some pom poms.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

That was so sweet. You did. You did all the cheering.

[B]

Yes, I. I put some little feather plumes on the dog's tails so they could fan you.

[A]

Yeah. Because it's hot. It's a hot weekend.

[B]

Yeah. We were all just doing our best to be supportive of your. Your favorite, Very favorite hobby. Yes. Your biggest.

[A]

I do love me some football. I love it.

[B]

Well, I don't think you're alone. I think this is kind of a. A football culture that we live in.

[A]

It really is. And you know what? I. I mean, it was a few years ago, but when I took you to your first game, the big house in Ann Arbor.

[B]

You did?

[A]

It was kind of fun, wasn't it?

[B]

We had such a good time. That was lovely.

[A]

It's not just about the game. It's the pomp and circumstance around it. And, you know, it's reuniting with old friends, and it's kind of like.

[B]

It was also just kind of fun to see your old stomping ground.

[A]

It's like their cathedral. It's their church. A lot of these people.

[B]

I don't think it's anyone's cathedral or church. Let's not conflate those two things.

[A]

All right.

[B]

But it is. It is a very big deal for a lot of people.

[A]

Yeah. And.

[B]

And you're one of them. And I think that Some wives probably feel a little abandoned, but I choose to join in your joy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I like to make football food for you.

[A]

Yes, you do.

[B]

I like to watch your games and.

[C]

Root for your team.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And, you know, and there's things I like to do while you're, While you're doing that. I have my little hobbies that I can just kind of adjacent.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And work on my little hobbies.

[A]

And isn't that, Isn't that getting back to our wonderful little show, Love and Chocolate? Isn't that what love and relationships are about is kind of celebrating each other's passions and hobbies and finding a way in, but also, you know, being in the same space but maybe not engaging fully and doing your own thing.

[B]

There's nothing wrong with, you know, if you would rather go hang out with your girlfriends, do some shopping, I don't.

[A]

Think you'd want to be hanging with my girlfriend.

[B]

No, no. I mean, there's nothing wrong if some wives prefer to kind of go do their own thing while their men watch football. But, you know, we're the kind of couple that kind of likes to be in each other's orbit and enjoy each other's fun.

[A]

Yep. Yeah, it is fun. And I, I can't believe we only have 16 weeks left of football. Yeah.

[B]

You know, I think that you shouldn't. That's really like the glass half empty point of view. And I think that you should be joyful.

[A]

It's only 16 more weeks.

[B]

That's like getting up on Christmas morning and going, gosh, we only have the whole day and then Christmas is going to be over.

[A]

Isn't that what you say?

[B]

It's Christmas morning.

[A]

It's. And no, it's just, it's a lot of fun for me. And I love playing Monday morning quarterback with my son Oliver, who also is so into the football. And it's just, it's like it's water cooler talk without a water cooler.

[B]

And of course, your. Your favorite college coach is now a local coach here for Jimmy Harbaugh.

[A]

Isn't that fun?

[B]

That's kind of exciting.

[A]

Got to spend the afternoon with him a couple weeks ago. And really, I spent the day with his father Jack, who's been married to his wife Jackie for 65 years. And if we are lucky, they will be on the show later this season.

[B]

Yes. Everybody cross your fingers.

[A]

Cross your fingers for Jack and Jackie.

[B]

Yeah, write them an email.

[A]

They're so fun. They're so fun.

[B]

We're looking forward to that.

[A]

But you know what? We are really enjoying all of our.

[B]

Guests, so many amazing guests coming up this season. We're really excited.

[A]

We're really. We feel very, very fortunate.

[B]

Well, Mr. Truffles.

[A]

Yes, Mrs. Truffles, I think you know.

[B]

What time it is.

[A]

I think I do.

[D]

Mailbag.

[B]

Well, all right, Mr. Truffles, what's in our mailbag today?

[A]

Well, Mrs. Truffles, this is. This is something.

[B]

Okay, what have you got?

[A]

Dear Mr. And Mrs. Truffles, I'm a 27 year old guy with an identical twin. Even people who know us well can't always tell us apart. My brother has been very busy on the dating apps and recently made the mistake of double booking himself with two different girls on the same night. He asked me to do a big favor and take one of the girls out and he let me choose which one. I picked the girl I wanted, whom he had only ever met once for a quick coffee. We'll call her Mary. And we had an awesome time. This girl was actually amazing. When I took her home, I booked the next date and even went as far as a kiss. All the while she was calling me by my brother's name. Now my brother expects to go on the next date with her, but I really want to go myself. I want to beef with him over a date, but I can't stop thinking about her. Can you help me sort this out? Sincerely, Bobbo. It just keeps getting better and better, honestly.

[B]

Wait, what?

[A]

It's just, I. I wouldn't believe it if it hadn't been written to us personally. I mean, this is crazy.

[B]

So you know what? It's got to be kind of fun to be part of a set of identical twins. And it probably comes into handy sometimes when you, you know, you study for this math test, I'll study for the English test, and we'll just take each other's tests. Like, they probably been playing these games their whole life.

[A]

This is a little different, sweetheart.

[B]

Right, well, here's the thing. I think they need to come clean with this girl first before. Before. And let her pick.

[A]

Yeah, but I mean. So their relationship has already started on deceit.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Lies and deceit.

[B]

She may not want to see. She might be done.

[A]

Right, But I mean for him. So Bobbo is really into her. I don't even know what his Bobo.

[B]

Or whatever his name really is.

[A]

His brother's name is Stevo. I don't even know. Something with an O, clearly. But I mean, that's got. You got some big balls to say. Listen, I double booked. Can you take her out and pretend like you're me. It's like, no, I'll take her out and I'll be me. And may the best twin win. What do you think?

[B]

I think that they owe her an explanation. They have to be honest. And that the one who took her on the real date. Date?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, I don't think just because his brother had coffee with her that he has dibs.

[A]

He doesn't have dibs.

[B]

No. I think that if he's the one that took her out and they had a great time and they connected and they've already kissed, he just needs. His brother needs to just let him have this one.

[A]

Steve O.

[B]

But he needs to tell her the truth.

[A]

He needs to come clean.

[B]

Also, he needs to tell her his name.

[A]

I do love our listeners and their questions. Just so wackadoodle. It's fun. So, anyway, Bob O, Steve O, whoever you are, we wish you the best of luck. We think honesty is the best policy. And you know what? It would be nice if you could clear the air and, you know, start fresh. But best of luck to you. Okay, Mrs. Truffles, what else do we have in the mailbag today?

[B]

This is kind of sweet and kind of interesting. Listen to this.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Dear Mr. And Mrs. Truffles, I'm a girl in my mid-30s, and I have had a few serious boyfriends over the years that ended in heartbreak. Aw. I've recently met someone wonderful, but I'm afraid that he's moving too fast. It is. Is it a red flag? How can you tell the difference between crazy in love and just plain crazy? We only met three weeks ago, and last weekend, he threw a big surprise birthday party for me. He invited his mom and dad and all of his friends. It was a gorgeous party. He really is everything that I've ever wanted in a relationship, but I am afraid to take the leap. My heart says yes, but my head isn't so sure. What do Mr. And Mrs. Truffles have to say about this? Sincerely, Colette.

[D]

Colette.

[A]

I'm sorry, but I don't see anything wrong with this. This sounds.

[B]

You don't think it's a little strange that he threw a surprise birthday party for her two weeks into their relationship and invited his parents?

[A]

Well, I mean, I guess it's a little bit fast, but I mean, her words. She had a. It was a beautiful party.

[B]

She had a wonderful time, and he's everything she ever.

[A]

What do you got to lose, Colette?

[B]

You know what, Ms. Colette? I think Mr. Truffles is right. I think you should go ahead and take that leap.

[A]

Let's take a leap, Colette. In fact, you know what?

[B]

I think you can go ahead and just fall in love.

[A]

I think so too. Hit it, boys.

[D]

When the little blue bird who has never said a word Starts to sing Spring, spring. When the little blue bell at the bottom of the dell starts to ring Ding, ding. When the little blue clerk in the middle of his work Starts a tune.

[A]

To the moon up above.

[D]

It is nature, that's all Simply telling us to fall in love and that's why Birds do it, bees do it Even educated fleas do it let's do it, let's fall in love In Spain the best upper sets do it Lithuanians let's do it, let's do it, let's fall in.

[A]

Love.

[D]

The Dutch in old Amsterdam do it not to mention the fins Folks in Siam do it Think of Siamese twins Some Argentines without means to it People say in Boston even beans do it let's do it, let's fall in.

[B]

Love.

[D]

The chimpanzees in the zoo do it Some courageous kangaroos do it let's do it, let's fall in love I'm sure Giraffes on the slide do it Heavy hippopotami do it let's do it, let's fall in love Sloths who hang down from the twigs do it Though the effort is great Sweet guinea pigs do it Buy a couple and wait the world admits bears in pits do it Even Pekingese is in the Ritz do it, let's do it let's fall.

[A]

In love.

[B]

Oh, baby, that was sweet.

[A]

Oh, I just love me some Cole Porter.

[B]

Ah, let's do it, let's fall in.

[A]

Love Count me in.

[B]

Well, speaking of love, this next couple we have, Mike and Rita Schaka. Rhymes with vodka. We've talked about them many times. They are our dear friends that we bought our trailer Bubbles from last year and we just spent a week up in Oregon camping with them where we recorded our first mobile podcast. Rita was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and spent 25 years in the financial industry working with top tier brokerage houses and is a former beauty queen now living the Airstream dream up in the beautiful wilds of Idaho. Michael, a Texas native and her husband of 28 years, recently retired after founding and owning a successful tile and stone business in San Diego for many years.

[A]

Well, they are an incredibly romantic couple and a lot of fun and we'll be talking to them when we come back with more for love and chocolate. For over 40 years, toyshare 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 Toyshire chocolates. Over the years, we form traditions and memories around these extraordinaries with chocolates and the enchanting wonderland of fantasy truffle boxes inside our store. Today, our family is proud to be carrying on the toy shoe tradition in Beverly Hills. Well, welcome back, everybody. I have my bedroom voice on, baby. Do you know why?

[B]

I think it's because we're in somebody's bedroom.

[A]

I think we are. We are. I'm so excited because we've been talking about doing this mobile podcast for a long time, Right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

As luck would have it, we're actually sitting in someone's living room in their brand new Airstream. And not just anyone, two of our favorite people in the whole world.

[B]

Yes. Welcome to the show. Mike and Rita Shotka.

[A]

Welcome, guys.

[E]

How are you?

[C]

Thank you. Oh, we're so excited to be with you.

[E]

So glad it's been so long. We love being with you guys and it's just taking us a whole year to do this because you guys are so busy.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

And we're. And we finally decided to meet up here in Oregon and spend time in our Airstreams and here we are. I just. It's. It's amazing.

[B]

A year in the making.

[A]

A year in the making.

[B]

Yes. Yeah, we actually went out and bought this equipment before we left LA because we wanted to get your story today. We got their story a year ago and it just actually didn't record.

[A]

I forgot to push play.

[B]

It is the cutest story and I'm so excited to share with everyone, so. So why don't you guys go ahead and tell us, how did you two first meet?

[C]

Well, I'll take it away first.

[A]

Go, Rita.

[C]

I had been single at that point for about four years. I was on the board of the Make a Wish foundation in San Diego, California. There was a black tie event every year that of course, as a board member, you had to attend. And it was always a fun event because they had a great band, great food, great auction items. You know, there was a lot of fun in the air and excitement there, but I wasn't dating anybody that I thought was worthy of bringing. My standards were high. So at any rate, I was having my own little pity party with the board members. Had a board that was happening, board meeting prior to the event and they said, oh, Rita, come on, just get dressed up. Come by yourself.

[A]

It's mostly married couples.

[C]

Yes, of Course, you know, I'm sure there'll be someone there. You can dance. Because I love to dance, and they always have a great band. I'm sure there'll be somebody there. And then finally, one of the board members, who was a longtime friend of mine, said, oh, Rita, there's this guy that helps out every year behind the scenes. His name is Michael. He loves to dance, but he's always there by himself because he's there doing all the work beforehand and doesn't get relieved of his duties until kind of like the band starts. So I said, okay, I do not want to be set up. At that point, I had been set up multiple times. And I said, no more. No more. Absolutely no go. I'm not going. I won't show up. They said, okay, get. We'll just introduce him to you. I go, fine. That means I can drive there myself. I can go home, drive myself home. I can do all of those things. I have control. No pressure, no pressure. No pressure whatsoever. So I get fussied up, as I always did for these events, but really didn't put a lot of emphasis on I was going to meet somebody neat. Because it wasn't put together that way. It wasn't a blind date. It wasn't, you know, it wasn't a setup. It wasn't anything like that.

[A]

And then the event isn't one where you're gonna meet someone necessarily. Right?

[C]

Necessarily.

[B]

No.

[C]

Because it's mostly couples, as you said before. Yeah. And it's for the kids, so that's where the heart is. So at any rate, I went, did my board duties, said hi to everybody, welcomed everybody, and then dinner was called. We were sitting for dinner, and I had my own seat and, you know, my own table and people around me that I knew. There was not an empty seat by me, because that's the way it was. It was sold out. Every year at any rate, as the night goes on. Towards the end of dinner, then Karen Cruzan, who was a board member with me dear friend, brings over this gentleman to introduce me. And of course, dinner's not done yet. So he comes over and he's being introduced. And I said, oh, great, he's handsome. Okay. He's cute. Okay. Whatever. Okay. Looks like he could be a good dance partner. Didn't really think anything else of it at all. And then he said to me, you know, I'll come back when I finish my work. And when, after dinner, when the band starts, then we can dance. I said, great. The night went on, the night continued on. I didn't think really anything else about it. So now I'm going to throw it over to Michael. Because the next part of this really needs to be told by Michael.

[D]

Okay, Michael, what was the work that.

[A]

You were doing behind scenes, by the way?

[E]

Oh, it helped set up the whole thing. Whatever needed to be done. I actually had a room in the hotel just because I knew, because I was going to be there all day, I'll be there late into the evening. So I figured, I'm just going to get a room. It's a big. Was it the Hyatt? I forget what it was. Was big. One of the big hotels. They had a big ballroom and everything. Basically, I would set up the whole thing and help do whatever one of my jobs was while the auctioneer was working. My job was to keep tally of all the money that was coming in. Because what we would do is for a Make a wish to fund a child. It's like $5,000. So every time we would hit a $5,000 mark, I would tell the auctioneer, we just fund another wish. And that would get, you know, everybody going. And so that takes a long time to do. I mean, it's like it's after dinner and everybody's sitting down. They've had a lot of drinks, so they want to spend a lot of money. And so after, finally, that's over with. Then Karen came over to me and says, yeah, I want to introduce you to Rita. I don't even know if I knew her name. She takes me over to the table, she introduces me to Rita, and I actually hit the floor. I. This woman is gorgeous. How am I going to. What am I going to do with this? I mean, I've been sweating all day. I've got my tux on, and I'm going, oh, my God. I got. I got to do something about this. So I excuse myself, I ran back up my room, put as much clothing on that I could get on me, and then run back downstairs. I think, okay, this is where my gorgeous. I go, I got a table dancing. I gotta meet this girl. I go up to the table, she's gone. There's nobody there.

[B]

Oh, no.

[E]

I'm going, where did she go? I was so stuck in one place because she wasn't there that I stood long enough because she was dancing with somebody. She came back to the table, and I said, oh, do you want to dance? And we danced the rest of the night, the whole night, no one else. I wouldn't let anybody else dance with her.

[B]

So was there a moment when you. Like, when you first saw her or while you were dancing, where you just kind of, like, had an intuition that this might be the one.

[E]

Oh. When I first saw her, how you say, Love at first sight?

[B]

Yeah, 100%.

[E]

I never realized that that could actually happen. But as soon as I saw her, I went, oh, my God, this is an amazing woman. I don't even know anything about her. I didn't care. I just know that she was gorgeous and she was, like, put together so well, and she actually danced with me, so I figured, oh, there you go. I'm happy, you know?

[A]

And you. And you, obviously, you love to dance.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

And someone outside looking in would say, wow, he's. He's. He's a pretty good dancer. Guy's got the moves.

[E]

Yeah. So I've been dancing a long time because my. My brother was a really good dancer. In high school, he started dancing, and I would. I would kind of follow his lead and picked up on it. And I. I was. I was always a guy in high school where as soon as the band started, I would grab somebody, go out on the floor. You know, nobody would go out in the floor. Right. First I'd be. I'd be out there dancing.

[A]

So you're confident. So when you saw her, you thought, oh, my God, she's so beautiful.

[E]

Right.

[A]

And there's probably a part of you that thought, well, we're going to dance. That's when I'm at my best. So I actually got a shot. I. Maybe I got a shot here.

[E]

I was going to work on it, kind of a backstory of this. I was actually dating somebody at that time, but as soon as I. That was on a Saturday, on Sunday, I. I met up with the girl, and I said, hey, you know, I've met somebody. Sorry.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[E]

That's okay.

[A]

So you're a dancer. Yeah, everybody has their thing. For me, I like to do magic. I know it's not the sexiest, coolest thing, but I do magic. And when I met my wife, I thought, she's above my league. She's definitely heads and shoulders above it. As soon as she sees me do my magic, I think I've got her. And to this day, she refers to me sometimes as the tricky magician.

[B]

I think that's not how it went, sweetheart.

[A]

How'd it go, babe?

[B]

I think he waited quite some time before you sprung that on me. And I told you that it's a good thing you waited.

[A]

If I brought my magic out on our first date, that might not have a Second date.

[B]

I'm just saying the night might have not gone the way it did.

[A]

Okay. Sorry. Anyway, I digress. So you're dancing all night long. All night, having the best time. So obviously you are gobsmacked by her.

[E]

Oh, I'm. She's way out of my.

[A]

Can't even speak today. Thinking about it. What were you thinking watching this flapper?

[C]

I was thinking, wow, this was a really fun evening. I did not expect. And I remember driving home very late that night after the event, thinking, gee, maybe this could be the one.

[A]

Wow.

[C]

I wasn't sure, but I thought, gee, maybe that's so. And then the next morning, I called Karen Kruzen, who was on the board with me that did the introduction, that this was supposed to be my dance partner. And I said, karen, mark my word, I'm gonna marry this guy. What? And she says, gosh darn it. Cause I can't cuss. Gosh darn it. How much did you have to drink? I only told you to dance with him. And I said, that's all I did. That's all I did. But I said, mark my word.

[B]

So your first. After your first date, you both. I mean, after your first meeting. This isn't even a date yet. No first meeting. You both felt something really big was happening here. And so what was the next thing that happened? Did you call her up and ask her out after that evening, what was the next thing that happened?

[E]

Did I ask you out that night or did I. I think I called you.

[C]

No, you called me the next day.

[E]

I called her the next day. I think I called her. I said, I'd like to take you out, but, you know, I want you to choose the restaurant. So she chose a restaurant. It was a great Italian little restaurant in La Jolla. She talked the waiter out of giving him his shirt.

[C]

Oh, it was a fabulous denim embroidered shirt.

[B]

You talked the waiter out of his shirt?

[C]

Yes.

[E]

Yes. And to this day, I still have it.

[B]

And he gave it to you, the restaurant?

[C]

The restaurant's called Trattoria Acqua.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

It was a very. It's no longer there, unfortunately. In the COVID in La Jolla, a fabulous Italian restaurant. And their denim embroidered shirt said Trattoria Aqua on them. They were just so chic.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So chic. And I wanted it, and I did. I talked him out of it. I ended up going home with this shirt.

[B]

So the first night, you guys really just danced. You didn't really get to know each other beyond the fact that you knew you were both involved with this foundation which is lovely. And you both love to dance. So you really. The date was when you really first got to get to know each other. So how did that go?

[E]

I was like. I didn't want to go home. I wanted to stay with her the whole time. And we stayed up till really late that night. I think I got home really well early in the morning. And the reason why I did that, I had to tell her that I had to take my mom to church. Which was true.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

And I had to take my mom church.

[C]

I didn't believe it at the time.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[E]

But my. My father passed away, and I wish to bring mom to church. And I thought that would. Gave me some points. I don't know. Did it. I don't know if it did or not.

[C]

Not that night. I didn't really believe that that's what you were doing.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[C]

To be honest.

[A]

What did you think?

[C]

No. Later on, I did find out that that was very true. And it became one of those things that as a couple, before we were even engaged, that every Sunday we would pick his mom up, take her to church, and then take her for brunch.

[B]

That's amazing. Okay, so by the time the second date is over, had you both kind of tipped your hat to the other that you felt all in already or was there still a little bit of a dance to go because you didn't quite trust what he was saying?

[C]

Not 100%. But I also wasn't seeing anyone. I had had just some casual dates, but nothing serious. So I wasn't committed one on one to anyone.

[B]

When did you first let him know that you. Because you could tell that he was head over heels. Right. When did you let him know that you.

[C]

I was, you know, I was a little sly. I was kind of letting him drive the boat.

[B]

Yeah, well, that's what you're supposed to do.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

You gotta let the man drive.

[C]

I didn't really kind of lead on right away. Any. Any particular way. Like this is. This is slam dunk forever. I didn't do any of that. I just enjoyed the process. And I let him lead the book.

[A]

Because he's a gentleman.

[C]

He doesn't get to lead anymore.

[A]

So I'm. I'm curious about the first kiss. Oh, when did that happen?

[E]

Good.

[C]

No, you got it. Go, babe.

[E]

It was the first night we were dancing. Oh, yeah.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[E]

Yeah. On the dance floor.

[B]

He's a close.

[A]

I think it was that cologne that you poured all over your body.

[E]

I was not gonna let her get away in Fact, I made sure that every weekend I had a date with her. After that, I just called her. Every weekend we're going. Where are we going? And I just. I just want to make sure that no one else was getting in there.

[A]

You locked her down.

[C]

And he was also very honest to me. He did tell me about his girlfriend and that he had called her on Sunday, said that he had met somebody, and that he wanted to be truthful to her.

[A]

Wow. How long had you been with that woman?

[E]

I think about a year.

[A]

Oh.

[E]

She was my. She was my tennis instructor for a while.

[A]

Oh.

[E]

So I'd known her before I went out with her, and then. And then I started dating her. And then. Then I.

[C]

And wasn't her name Dofi? Doffy.

[A]

So you've been with Dofi for a year.

[E]

Right.

[A]

You meet Rita one night. The next day you call her and say, let's just pump the brakes here, because I've found someone, and I don't. I just want to be honest with you. I want to pursue that.

[E]

Right. So she wasn't real happy about that whole situation.

[A]

Why would DofI be happy about anything?

[E]

I don't know.

[B]

Well, but. But she had to at least appreciate your honesty that you didn't string her along while you were exploring something.

[A]

She was thinking about that at the moment, but, yes, that was. That was the right thing to do. And so the day after you danced with Rita, the night after, after you had your first kiss, you kind of knew. It's like, I can't possibly spend another woman with this minute with this other woman. I'm always going to be thinking about Rita. That's.

[E]

That's. Well, you see, you've seen her. Look how beautiful she is.

[A]

She's a beauty.

[E]

I wasn't. Well, let that happen for our.

[A]

For our listening audience. What they need to know, which they wouldn't know unless we told them, was that Rita was, in fact, Miss San Diego in the Miss Miss California pageant back in. Was it 1994?

[E]

No, we're not going to talk about that.

[A]

But she was 18. She was 18, and she was up against.

[C]

Hello, Ms. Orange County, 1977.

[A]

Ms. Orange county, who, by the way, happened to be Michelle Pfeiffer.

[C]

That's correct. Crazy, crazy, crazy.

[D]

Two beauties.

[A]

Duking it out, right? What was your talent?

[C]

That did not have talent.

[A]

Oh, it didn't?

[C]

No, no. We had to do essays, but we. It was no talent.

[B]

Anyway, from the time that you broke up with your girlfriend and you two started dating, how long until you proposed marriage?

[E]

It Was around Christmas time. So the event was in June, around December, we went to Albuquerque. And then from Albuquerque, we went to.

[C]

Santa Fe, New Mexico.

[E]

Santa Fe, New Mexico. Well, she had already picked out a ring, but she didn't know that I actually purchased it and had it on my body. So I planned this whole engagement thing under the pretense of us just going in and see what Santa Fe was like. I had the hotel set up a special morning. I also had the hotel set up a place for a spa. It was called 10,000 Waves. We got there on Friday night, and then Saturday morning I was going to give her the ring. As we're sitting in the room having coffee. Having coffee, she brings out her nail polish and starts doing her nails. And I'm going, I can't give her a ring. She's got nail polish on. She's got us all wet. But so finally I said, okay, you have to stop what you're doing. And then I got down on my knee, of course, and gave her the ring, which she had picked out.

[B]

Now, did you start doing your nails because you knew the ring was coming?

[C]

No, no, we were just leisurely. We're in our hotel robes, having coffee, just kind of enjoying. Santa Fe was gorgeous at this time of year with all the lanterns and just the. The Christmas effect.

[A]

You were being your fabulous self.

[C]

Yeah, we were just enjoying. So I thought, oh, God, yeah, they.

[E]

Look a little dull.

[C]

I'm gonna put a little top coat on.

[E]

And then I gave her the ring and I said, okay, now we're going out. And I took her to the spa, which was amazing.

[C]

Phenomenal.

[E]

We had this one room before we had our massages. Huge room. And it had a hot tub in it and a cold tub, and it.

[C]

Had view of the mountain.

[A]

That was your private room?

[C]

Yeah, it was a private.

[E]

It's a private room at the spa.

[A]

Wow.

[E]

And then they came and got us and we did a side by side massage and then a salt rub. And so then from there we went. Went out to dinner and she was. She was happy.

[A]

That was your. That was a day of the proposal?

[C]

Yeah, that was our engagement.

[A]

Pretty good.

[E]

So then that's when we decided that we would get married. But we would get married at the.

[B]

Event, at the Make a wish Foundation.

[E]

We decided that we would use that as a way for all of our friends to get together. Easy venue for us to use because that's how we met. So we thought, perfect, we should go back to where we met and have our reception there. Right. And so we cleared it with Make a Wish first. Can we do this? And they're more than happy for us to buy 10 tables. Of course. Right?

[A]

Is that what you did?

[E]

We bought 10 tables.

[C]

Oh, we did. And the invitation? Make a wish and wishes really do come true. Oh, that was our invitation.

[B]

Perfect.

[C]

It was 70 of our most closest family and friends. We asked them to come in black tie attire. No gifts for us, but they needed to purchase an auction item.

[B]

Fun.

[C]

And so we got married earlier in the afternoon at a beautiful rooftop terrace in a hotel and did our cake and champagne and all of these kinds of things beforehand. And then we got a double decker bus and took all our intoxicated guests down to the other hotel where the Make a Wish foundation gala was going to be held. And we fled the bus in a horse and buggy in our wedding attire and walked in, Make a Wish gave us the first dance, which was really, really sweet. And to this day, they call us up every year. Would you like to renew your vows and buy 10 more tables?

[A]

It was the most money they'd ever raised.

[C]

It was a great evening because it was sold out and it sold out fast.

[B]

Can you tell us a little bit about your roof wedding? How many bridesmaids did you have? What was the cake like?

[C]

It was. It was a beautiful, beautiful wedding. The flowers, like I said, it was a small, intimate gathering of 70. Just had one bridesmaid and my niece was a flower girl. And Michael's nephews were in it too. They were the ring bearers. Very family driven. We were fortunate enough to have this bakery in town that would do a full several tier tiramisu wedding cake. Like unheard of, every layer tiramisu. It's the first time I've ever seen a full wedding cake eaten. It was set up in this beautiful room right off the fountain rooftop where we got married. And there were these French doors that they opened up as we all walked in there to go cut the cake and toast champagne and everything. And I walk in to see my beautiful cake adorned with Gumby and Pokey at the top. Now, what the listeners don't know.

[B]

The little rubber guys.

[C]

Exactly. The cartoon, yes, it was my favorite cartoon growing up. And I had shared this with Michael. In fact, we kind of nicknamed each other Gumby and Pokey. Here was this Gumby and Pokey and of course all the guests are looking around like, this is such a gorgeous cake. What on earth are these rubber figurines doing up on top? Well, I was already three glasses of champagne in, so I felt Compelled to have to tell the story. So I told the story. And of course, poor Michael's mother Time was sucking lemons because she just didn't know where this was going to go. We still have Gumby and Pokey.

[B]

And please tell us the story because I'm very flexible.

[E]

Hello.

[C]

I was a cheerleader in high school and I could do splits and all those kinds of things. I am.

[E]

Why did they call me Pokey?

[C]

Well, that's obvious because that's all you could do at the time.

[B]

Gumby and Pokey.

[C]

Gumby and Pokey.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

So how many people were at the event? 70 of your friends. But are the 300 people?

[C]

Oh, yeah, there's about 300. Yeah.

[A]

So basically it was just a huge wedding reception. Slash.

[C]

It was very sweet. It was very.

[E]

It was. Which was amazing. Was. Is that April that next year that we realized that that was a tax write off?

[A]

Oh, no.

[C]

We wrote off our wedding.

[E]

We wrote off our wedding.

[C]

Wasn't that brilliant?

[E]

Because it was a donation.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Genius.

[E]

We didn't even think about it. And then the guy says, well, any donations? I went, oh, yeah, big donation.

[B]

That's fantastic. Oh, my God, that's. That's so smart. Everyone should do that.

[A]

This segment of For Love and Chocolate brought to you by TurboTax. TurboTax. Right off your next wedding.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[C]

Right?

[B]

So tell us about your honeymoon. Where did you guys go for your honeymoon?

[E]

Rita booked us a trip on. On Silver Seas.

[A]

Oh.

[C]

So I got a very sweet bonus that year at work.

[E]

Yeah. We started out in Monte Carlo. Two nights in Monte Carlo, got on the ship, went all around Italy.

[A]

Silver Seas, by the way, is a very bougie. Oh, very, very bougie cruise ship with maybe, maybe 200 passengers.

[E]

300 people.

[C]

300, 300.

[A]

And 400 staff.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, more staff than passengers. And it's a beautiful yacht and. Anyway, so. Sorry, go on.

[E]

I'd never been on a cruise ship.

[A]

Oh.

[E]

We got into Monte Carlo and they put us at the Hotel de Paris.

[C]

So we had gotten into Monte Carlo, checked into Hotel de Paris, which is like the hotel in Monte Carlo. I mean, it is so James Bond. In fact, they were holding a black tie event that night. And all of these Maseratis, everything were. There's a casino right across everything. And I'll never forget, we get taken into our suite and there were these little fences, French doors that opened up.

[A]

To the whole Mediterranean coast.

[C]

Mediterranean. It was the port. Down below was our Silver Seas yacht that we were going to be Getting on. And I looked to Michael and I said, honey, that's our boat. I wish we had video right now for this podcast, because if you could have seen his face, one, he had never been on a cruise. Two, to get on something that was that beautiful and majestic. It was a facial expression I will never forget.

[E]

And also what she didn't say was that when we got there, we were going out to dinner. So we walked down after we had checked in. We didn't know anything was going on. We walked down the stairs and goes out into the lobby. And the lobby is full of all these people with black ties and amazing things. And we walk out the front door and there's people that are like, pulling up on the Maseratis and everything like that. We found it was the Red Cross, this black tie event. Everybody who's anybody in Monte Carlo was there, and here we are. But it was great because the Hotel de Paris was like, amazing hotel. It's. It's the one that. That you always see when they ever do any kind of shots of Monte Carlo.

[C]

It was beautiful.

[E]

And then we ended up in Venice and spent three nights in Venice right on the Grand Canal. After we were there, the hotel was kind enough that they chartered us a little boat. We walked out of our hotel onto the Grand Canal. They whisked us across the great canal right up to the airport. And we got out of the airport. Rita was in heaven. She thought she was James Bond.

[C]

I thought I was in a James Bond flat.

[A]

I thought you were Ursula.

[C]

Oh, gosh. Absolutely.

[B]

Well, that just sounds like a dream wedding and a dream honeymoon. And you guys have been married now for almost 30 years.

[C]

28 years. 28 years.

[B]

And so tell us, what is your secret for keeping love alive and fresh? And, I mean, you two are so obviously crazy about each other, so how do you keep that going?

[C]

So I have to give credit where credit's due. And that is our faith. I would say that if it wasn't for that, with some of the ebbs and flows of things that happen in life, life happens, it would have been very easy to. To give up. And I'm sure every married couple can probably say that at one or two times in their life, if not more. Our faith in God is our grounding source. It's something that we both hold very sacred and important in our marriage. And that is first. And our marriage is beautiful. And work is after that.

[B]

That's lovely.

[E]

Well, and also add to that is that she's always right.

[C]

Oh, so good. That was right.

[A]

Well, Trained.

[E]

Right. Well, it's just, you know, you can either fight it or you can join, and so it's easier just to join. And most of the time, she is right, and I have to admit that. So I just. But she never admits that I'm right. I don't know what that means, but.

[C]

That'S because I can't admit that I'm wrong.

[A]

But that's important. It's important that. That you all know your place. Right. She's the queen bee and you're the little worker bee.

[E]

Right, Right.

[A]

And it works well.

[E]

And you know what's great is that she puts up with me. She puts all. All the stuff that I do. She's. She always calls me like, the bull in a china closet. I mean, I. I break things and I trip over my own feet and, you know, but she's always there for me when I need help. You know, she's always there making sure that I do the things that need to get done in the timely manner. And. And she takes care of me, which is great. I mean, I love that.

[B]

Oh, that's wonderful.

[C]

And he knows more about shit.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Can I say that?

[A]

Of course you can.

[B]

Absolutely.

[C]

He is just remarkable that way. And that's a. That's a handyman to have around.

[A]

Yeah. Well, a little. Little backstory is that, you know, we talked about the fact that we got our Airstream from this beautiful, loving couple, and that. That Mike has been an endless source of information. Whenever I needed to know anything, it's whether I needed to change views or whether I needed to. Whatever it was. Right. What I didn't know is that whenever I call, when they see my name come up, they say, oh, it's the neophyte. And here he is calling again. Apparently he has a hangnail, and he wants to know how to get rid of that. So it doesn't just end with Airstream information. They're a veritable plethora of information about everything.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Everyone could use a little mic and read it in their lives.

[A]

What's the capital of Peru? He's there. But no, that's. What. What is so beautiful about the two of you as a couple is that. And we've had an opportunity to spend an entire week with them, you know, as lovely as they sound, you know, when they're telling their story, they're even more lovely just to live with them for a week. And they're very patient, and they're very loving with each other.

[B]

And with us, we take a lot of patience.

[A]

We do Sweetheart. But. But I will also say in hearing Mike talk about the first time he saw her and how I believe his world changed in that moment, 28 years later, just seeing him talk about her, I see that same young man kind of a little bit of flutter at kind of counting his lucky stars that he ended up with his incredible, you know, love of his life, the soulmate.

[B]

It's so lovely to hear and it's so lovely to be around. And it has been so, so wonderful to spend this time with you guys. Thank you so much for, for joining us for the podcast, too. This is so special.

[C]

Well, thank you. Thank you for allowing us to relive.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Something that happened 28 years ago.

[A]

That's so.

[C]

You don't often get that chance. Other than once a year on your anniversary. We make a point to pull out our album and all of that and take a look, but to relive the story. Yeah, it's kind of special.

[A]

Well, it's special for us. I'm sure our listeners had a great time. We love you guys. And we will be right back with more for love and chocolate. This podcast is being brought to you by Beverly Hills Toyshare Chocolates of Switzerland. Beverly Hills Toyshare 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].

[B]

Well, Mr. Truffles, I would say that our first adventure in mobile podcasting went very well.

[A]

I would agree.

[B]

Yes, that was a real winner.

[A]

It really was.

[B]

Unlike your football teams. Too soon.

[A]

It's a little too soon. My Michigan Wolverines losing to Texas and then my Rams losing to the Lions. It was not a great 24 hours, sweetie.

[B]

Well, there's always next week, Mr. Truffles.

[A]

There is always next week. Speaking of next week, we'll be back next week with more for love and chocolate. Until then, say goodbye, Mrs. Truffles.

[B]

Goodbye, Mrs. Truffles.

[A]

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