House of Maher - Episode: "SHE'S BACK: Ilona's Latest Sports Illustrated Shoot" Release Date: May 27, 2025
1. Introduction and Host Dynamics
The episode kicks off with a lively exchange among the sisters, Ilona Maher (referred to as Alona Mar in the transcript), Olivia Maher, and Adrianna “Dre Baby” Maher. The conversation highlights their unique personalities and playful interactions.
- Ilona Maher [00:26]: “I'm one of your hosts, Alona Mar… I was recently told I have a very nice rasp to my voice.”
- Olivia Maher [00:40]: “Your voice isn't too annoying. Your voice is pretty soothing, I would say.”
The hosts share anecdotes about their voices and singing habits, setting a warm and humorous tone for the episode.
2. Summer Traditions and Family Reunions
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around their cherished summer traditions and family reunions in Burlington, Vermont. They reminisce about past gatherings, summer BBQs, and the importance of family bonds.
- Adrianna Maher [03:07]: “Girls on the go. We're girls on the go. We got places to be now.”
- Ilona Maher [08:11]: “Team drinking a spritz. Hey, out on a deck. Maybe grills going.”
They detail their favorite summer meals, emphasizing their mom’s legendary white sauce and the communal grilling of chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. The sisters also share memories of activities like crabbing and playing tennis during these reunions.
- Ilona Maher [08:54]: “It's called white sauce… it's pretty much just a nicer version of ranch.”
- Olivia Maher [10:14]: “White sauce. We do chicken, we do potatoes on the grill. We'll do a vegetable on a grill.”
3. Body Positivity and Modeling Experiences
A central theme of the episode is body positivity, particularly in relation to Ilona’s recent Sports Illustrated (SI) shoot. The sisters delve into their personal experiences with body image, modeling, and the pressures of beauty standards.
- Ilona Maher [19:55]: “I love it… when I shoot with SI again, I'm gonna have to make a decision. Do I want to, you know, tan, or should I leave it as is?”
- Olivia Marr [21:50]: “I saw you shooting, and I was like, that's the most gorgeous body I've ever seen in my life.”
Ilona shares her journey of maintaining authenticity during her shoots, resisting the urge to alter her natural physique despite external pressures.
- Ilona Maher [26:19]: “I didn't choose that one. And I love it. I feel very confident, which has taken time for me.”
- Olivia Marr [22:49]: “What’s the process for what bikinis you are actually in on the shoot days?”
The sisters discuss the variety of body types featured in recent SI shoots, celebrating diversity and reinforcing the message that all body types are beautiful.
- Ilona Maher [40:53]: “We have so many different body types… we were just laughing together with Ellie.”
- Olivia Marr [43:37]: “I'm just going to pose, and that's what I look like. And I'm excited.”
4. Swimsuit Styles and Personal Preferences
The conversation transitions to different swimsuit styles, exploring the positives and negatives of various types such as bikinis, tankinis, and full suits. They share personal preferences and the impact these choices have on their confidence and comfort.
- Olivia Marr [29:00]: “I do not like high waisted on my body. I feel like I'm trying to hide something.”
- Adrianna Maher [28:35]: “I kind of just have swimsuits that you've gotten and then don't like and then I get so they don't fit my body well.”
Ilona emphasizes the importance of feeling good in what one wears, advocating for swimsuits that enhance rather than conceal.
- Ilona Maher [31:38]: “Feel good in your swimsuits. That's key. Because you don't want to be at the beach feeling self-conscious.”
5. Overcoming Challenges in Athletics
The sisters also touch upon the challenges faced by female athletes, particularly regarding access to proper sports bras and the impact of body-related issues on athletic performance.
- Olivia Marr [35:03]: “Not access to proper sports bras… my mom was like, yeah, I'll buy whatever bra you got to get you to help your sporting career.”
- Ilona Maher [37:52]: “She was just packing, and I was like, what do you mean you're wearing that for athletics?”
They discuss how appropriate athletic gear can empower female athletes to perform their best without undue discomfort or self-consciousness.
- Ilona Maher [38:51]: “I'm learning to love them. I think they're cute… but also… my small boobs have helped in my career, like being an athlete.”
6. Ilona’s Sports Illustrated Shoot
Delving deeper into Ilona’s SI shoot, the sisters provide an insider look into the preparation, challenges, and emotions associated with modeling at such a high-profile event.
- Ilona Maher [19:43]: “It's been my goal for a while to shoot for SI… It was really fun.”
- Olivia Marr [24:45]: “It's like an alter ego… she is like, America's ex-top model.”
Ilona discusses maintaining her authenticity during the shoot, her feelings about changing her body for photos, and the camaraderie she experienced with other models of diverse body types.
- Ilona Maher [41:10]: “I felt like I was serving… Once you learn how to pose your body and the angles that look right on you.”
- Olivia Marr [44:57]: “When we revealed the COVID to mom, she was like, oh, my gosh, Alona's showing quite a bit of skin.”
7. Light-Hearted Banter and Closing Game
To conclude the episode, the sisters engage in a playful game called "Perfect 10," where they imagine perfect friends or partners with unusual flaws. This segment showcases their humor and strengthens the listener's connection with their genuine personalities.
- Adrianna Maher [46:28]: “He's refusing to wear sunscreen… he’s committed to his vitamin D consumption.”
- Olivia Marr [50:43]: “She's itching to organize it. No, I'll do it. For real.”
They wrap up the episode by reinforcing their body positivity message and sharing final thoughts with their audience.
- Ilona Maher [51:01]: “Use that power for good… America runs on Dunkin.'”
Notable Quotes
- Ilona Maher [19:55]: “I feel very confident, which has taken time for me.”
- Olivia Marr [21:50]: “That's the most gorgeous body I've ever seen in my life.”
- Ilona Maher [31:38]: “Feel good in your swimsuits. That's key.”
- Olivia Marr [35:03]: “Not access to proper sports bras… my mom was like, yeah, I'll buy whatever bra you got.”
Conclusion
In this episode of House of Maher, the sisters blend personal anecdotes with broader discussions on body positivity, athleticism, and the pressures of modeling. Ilona’s insightful recount of her Sports Illustrated shoot serves as a focal point, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. Throughout the conversation, the hosts maintain a balance of heartfelt sincerity and light-hearted humor, making the episode both engaging and inspiring for listeners.
Stay tuned for more episodes every Tuesday on House of Maher, a Wave Original presented by Dunkin'.