Podcast Summary: Kennedy Saves the World

Episode: Reality Check with Teresa Giudice
Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Kennedy (FOX News Podcasts)
Guest: Teresa Giudice (Real Housewives of New Jersey star)

Episode Overview

This lively episode features Kennedy in conversation with Teresa Giudice, the iconic original from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, as she shares insights about her time on “Special Forces” with her daughter Gia, personal growth over the years, family relationships, and her continued journey in reality television and beyond. Expect signature wit, candid memories, and a deep dive into what makes Teresa tick, all filtered through Kennedy’s unfiltered curiosity and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. “Special Forces” Show Experience (00:44–04:10)

• Kennedy asks about Teresa and daughter Gia doing Fox’s “Special Forces.”
  • Teresa reveals she almost didn’t do it until Gia pushed her:
    “Talk her into it? Absolutely not. She had to talk me into it.” – Teresa [01:35]
  • Teresa describes asking “Special Forces” alums for advice, especially Denise who recommended swim lessons.
  • She confesses she only took one lesson before filming but feels much more comfortable now in deep water:
    “If I had to jump off of a yacht, I think I would be fine now.” – Teresa [03:26]

2. Housewives, Bravo Culture, and Table-Flipping Fame (04:47–07:02)

• Comparison between anxiety on “Special Forces” vs RHONJ reunion:
  “Special Forces is physical and mental, and Real Housewives is all mental.” – Teresa [05:33]
• Iconic Season 1 table flip moment:
  • Teresa expresses no regrets and notes its enduring appeal:
    “Everywhere I go, like, they incorporate at BravoCon. I did it on Dancing with the Stars. I did three football commercials. They all wanted the table flip.” – Teresa [06:01]
• Discussion about favorite and other Housewives franchises:
  • Teresa says she watches almost all: Miami, Dubai, Atlanta, Potomac, Salt Lake City [07:18].

3. Family Dynamics & Public Perception (11:41–14:23)

• On possible reconciliation with her brother and Melissa:
  “Never say never. ... It would have to be on both sides.” – Teresa [12:01]
• On the public’s investment in her family storyline:
  “I've been on TV 18 years. It's a long time.” – Teresa [12:43]
• Discusses how viewers only see a small slice of their real lives:
  “They think that they know you, but...it's not 100%.” – Teresa [14:13]

4. Personal Growth & Life Lessons (14:37–16:48)

• Teresa reflects on changing perspectives and continuing to learn:
  • “I thought at this age, we know it all, right? We don't know it all. ... We're still growing.” [14:37]
  • Kennedy agrees:
    “At 53, I look around and I go, I know almost nothing ... people surprise me every single day.” [15:23]
• Teresa underscores ongoing personal growth:
  • “I guess in life, you're never... until you die, you're going to always learn lessons.” – Teresa [16:16]

5. Parenting Insights & Co-parenting (17:08–18:01)

• On her daughters’ personalities and family values:
  “They're all ... very strong. They take after their mama.” – Teresa [17:08]
• On daughters’ relationship with their father, Joe Giudice, now in the Bahamas:
  “Yes, they do see their dad. ... And I hope one day he comes back to America.” – Teresa [17:54]
• Teresa regrets not getting legal help to make Joe a citizen and reflects on how their lives might have changed [18:01–18:48].

6. Moving On and Finding Love Again (19:06–20:01)

• On the end of her first marriage and meeting her current husband Luis:
  • “I never thought that I was going to fall in love with another guy. ... Louie's pretty amazing.” – Teresa [19:32]
  • “It's like, I never thought I'll meet my person at 40. I was 48.” – Teresa [19:50]

7. The RHONJ Future & Side Ventures (10:05–11:10, 20:10–20:50)

• Teresa talks about her multiple projects (books, podcasts, appearances), emphasizing gratitude and readiness for new opportunities.
• On her future with RHONJ:
  “If they want me back, I will go back. If they don't, I'm okay with that.” – Teresa [09:28]
• Shoutout to Andy Cohen and their ongoing friendship:
  “I love Andy Cohen. ... He's our daddy.” – Teresa [20:32]
• Talks about favorite Housewives from various franchises and her friendly rapport with many across cities [21:11–22:58].

8. Least Favorite Housewives & Energy Management (23:07–23:30)

• On ghosting:
  “At this point in my life...it takes more energy to hate someone than to be nice.” – Teresa [23:22]

9. On Politics: Trump & The Apprentice (23:45–24:34)

• Teresa speaks positively of having worked with Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice:
  • “He was a gentleman, so I have nothing bad to say about him.” [24:24]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Everywhere I go, they incorporate [the table flip]—BravoCon, Dancing with the Stars, football commercials…” – Teresa [06:01]
• “Special Forces is physical and mental, and Real Housewives is all mental.” – Teresa [05:33]
• “If I had to jump off of a yacht, I think I would be fine now.” – Teresa [03:26]
• “At this age, we don't know it all. There's still lessons to be learned and we're still growing.” – Teresa [14:37]
• “It takes more energy to hate someone than to be nice.” – Teresa [23:22]
• “He was a gentleman, so I have nothing bad to say about him.” (on Donald Trump) – Teresa [24:24]

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------|:--------------:| | Special Forces experience | 00:44–04:10 | | Housewives Reunion vs. Special Forces | 05:19–06:18 | | Table flip legacy | 06:18–07:02 | | Discussion of other franchises | 07:02–08:35 | | Reconciling with family | 11:41–12:35 | | Reality TV’s invasiveness | 13:43–14:23 | | Reflections on learning & growth | 14:37–16:48 | | Co-parenting with Joe Giudice | 17:08–18:48 | | New love with Luis | 19:06–20:01 | | Andy Cohen & Housewives friendships | 20:25–22:58 | | On energy, drama, and ghosting | 23:07–23:30 | | On Trump and The Apprentice | 23:45–24:34 |

Final Thought

In this candid, laughter-filled conversation, Teresa Giudice showcases her trademark blend of resilience, candor, and warmth. She reflects on fame, family, the realities of reality TV, and her steady evolution as a person, leaving listeners with reminders about continued growth, forgiveness, and gratitude. The episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in Bravo, reality television, or the ongoing journey toward personal freedom and authenticity.