Nikki and Brie Garcia (aka The Bella Twins)

Summary

Pod Meets World: Nikki and Brie Garcia (The Bella Twins)

Podcast: Pod Meets World (iHeartPodcasts)
Host: Danielle Fishel
Guests: Nikki & Brie Garcia (The Bella Twins)
Air Date: March 25, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this nostalgia-packed episode, Danielle Fishel is joined by wrestling legends Nikki and Brie Garcia—better known as the Bella Twins. The episode dives into their “awkward” teen years, family farm roots, twin dynamics, early athleticism, their journey as women in wrestling, motherhood, and the evolving landscape of WWE for women. Listeners are treated to hilarious and heartfelt anecdotes about growing up as twins, misadventures in fashion, high school crushes, lessons from the ring, and the challenges and joys of adult life.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meeting the Bella Twins & Reflecting on Success

[03:38 – 05:46]

• Danielle introduces Nikki & Brie by recounting their rise from 2008 WWE rookies to Hall of Fame legends and reality TV stars.
• Nikki: “I got goosebumps.” [05:42]
• Brie: “Our teenage selves wouldn’t believe it.” [06:08]
• Both express awe at how far they’ve come and the rapid passage of time.

2. Advice to Their Younger Selves

[06:14 – 06:52]

• Nikki: “I would definitely say, like, you’re gonna be okay... hang in there, because, like, really, really good [stuff] is coming.” [06:29]
• Brie: “The journey is going to be hard, but it’s going to be worth it.” [06:47]
• Both acknowledge that their teenage years were challenging, but they’d reassure their younger selves to persevere.

3. Childhood and Family Farming Life

[08:57 – 12:57]

• The sisters grew up in Scottsdale, AZ, but with deep farming roots: mom’s side were produce farmers; dad, a tree farmer.
• Daily childhood chores included bottle-feeding calves, shoveling manure, and early morning routines.
• Nikki: “Our biggest chore... mucking cow manure. That poop was probably the worst.” [12:03]
• Bree: “It was so cold... you’d be shivering, but yeah, our morning started early.” [11:15]

4. Twin Dynamics & Embarrassments

[13:18 – 17:00]

• Discussed “Brie Mode” (Brie’s wild side at parties): “She’d just get this look in her eye... Brie Mode has entered the building.” – Nikki [13:44]
• Early years included matching outfits, followed by a longing to establish separate identities:
  • Nikki: “I don’t want to be a twin anymore... I don’t want to dress alike anymore.” [15:28]
  • Brie humorously recalls always getting “the hand-me-downs” and being the less-favored twin.
• Favorite childhood fits: thrift store finds, “black pants, white stitching... real JNCO style” [17:28], and standout T-shirts from Buffalo Exchange.

5. Navigating School, Crushes, and Boy-Crazy Years

[31:40 – 36:35]

• Both twins were athletic (soccer), but self-proclaimed “boy crazy.”
• Brie: “I even remember a parent telling other parents, in sixth grade, those Garcia twins are boy crazy.” [32:08]
• Musings about 90s heartthrobs (Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jared Leto, Brad Pitt, Anthony Kiedis).
• Reflected on the innocence of their generation’s “boy crazy” years, without social media pressure.
  • Nikki: “We were just so authentically us, like, growing up, going through it... it was different.” [34:32]

6. The Unique Experience of Twin Adolescence

[27:33 – 31:39]

• Nikki: “When you’re a twin, you’re constantly compared...” [27:45]
• Danielle and the twins discuss both the drawbacks (constant comparison, people expecting clones) and the comfort of having your sister always by your side, especially during awkward milestones (puberty, first days of school/dances, relationship dramas).

7. On Video Games, Fashion, and Tween Fads

[07:11 – 19:33]

• Both dabbled in gaming as kids (Donkey Kong, Tony Hawk, Mortal Kombat).
• Style inspirations were pulled from thrift stores, band merch, and No Doubt-era Gwen Stefani looks.
• Brie: “We’d walk... to secondhand shops by us... legit bell bottoms.” [18:54]

8. Motherhood, Family & Parenting

[24:32 – 27:28]

• Brie almost had twins herself (“my first ultrasound, there’s two embryos... one was bigger, and two weeks later, it was gone.” [24:44])
• Danielle shares her experience grieving for an assumed future as a “boy and a girl mom.”
• Nikki: “Boy moms get a lot of credit.” [26:37]
• All swap hilarious stories about wild boy energy and morning routines.

9. Dating, Relationships & Navigating Public Life

[41:33 – 47:17]

• Bree (married to wrestler Bryan Danielson): stresses the positives of being partners in the same industry (“the busyness has made the relationship really healthy.” [42:08])
• Nikki (single): shares the downsides of public dating—“If you go on a date with someone... you’re making headlines... can I just experience people like everyone else?” [44:21]
• Humorous anecdote of a bar encounter with a man who quickly reveals his “divorcee” bias, prompting laughter and eyerolls.
  • Brie: “He’s like, I don’t want to raise their mistakes.” [46:07]
  • Danielle: “Thank you for ripping off the mask in the first conversation.” [46:24]

10. Returning to Wrestling & The State of Women in WWE

[47:31 – 54:17]

• Brie on coming back to WWE: “Once you’ve been in the business, you’ll always have this feeling of being there. Like, you just miss it.” [47:44]
• Motivated to inspire her kids and other women to challenge themselves at any age.
• Discussion of the women’s locker room today:
  • Brie: “Now they’re respected... what they do is being honored... before, it was hard being a woman.” [50:24]
  • Nikki: “It’s a really tight-knit sisterhood... makes me so proud that women support each other like that.” [54:17]

11. Listener Stories & The Power of Embarrassment and Boldness

[55:05 – 58:56]

• Listener Allison recounts accidentally messaging her crush, which led to a dance invitation.
• Brie’s embarrassing messenger handle—“Pink Diamond”—and how it was misunderstood by classmates.
• Nikki: “I’m glad you didn’t go with that as your wrestling name!” [57:23]
• The sisters and Danielle bond over sending texts to the wrong person and the value of being bold and direct.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nikki, on the twin experience:
  “When you’re a twin, you’re constantly compared ... almost thought we should be clones.” [27:45]
• Brie, on growing up on the farm:
  “Our type of farming, her and I, we had to do the chores...feeding horses, mucking pens.” [10:02]
• Danielle, on 90s crushes:
  “Boy, it was...it sure was fun, though. It was such a fun time.” [34:12]
• Nikki, on social media and youth:
  “We were just so authentically us...the youth [today] doesn’t get what we all had, and that makes me sad.” [34:32]
• On returning to wrestling:
  “I wanted [my kids] to see that...at any age you can go out and challenge yourself and do something.” – Brie [48:49]
• On women’s wrestling today:
  "Now they're respected...it's treated equally as a man. That's been the biggest thing." — Brie [50:24]
  “It’s a really tight-knit sisterhood that makes me so proud.” – Nikki [54:17]
• On relationship mishaps:
  “He’s like, I don’t want to raise their mistakes.” — Nikki, about a misguided bar flirtation [46:07]

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Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------- |----------------------| | Episode Introduction | 03:38 – 05:46 | | Advice to Younger Selves | 06:14 – 06:52 | | Childhood & Farm Life | 08:57 – 12:57 | | Twin Embarrassments & Fashion | 13:18 – 19:33 | | On Being Compared as Twins | 27:33 – 31:39 | | Boy Crazy Years | 31:40 – 36:35 | | Motherhood & Having Twins | 24:32 – 27:28 | | Relationships & Public Life | 41:33 – 47:17 | | Returning to WWE | 47:31 – 54:17 | | Evolution of Women’s Wrestling | 50:19 – 54:17 | | Listener Stories, Prom & Teen Mishaps | 55:05 – 58:56 |

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Final Thoughts

This episode offers a layered, funny, and touching look into Nikki and Brie’s lives from awkward farm chores to red carpet moments, twin confessions to championing women’s wrestling. Fans of the Bellas and "Pod Meets World" will enjoy candid stories of resilience, friendship, life's twists, and what it really means to “be a twin.” The Bella Twins emerge as relatable and inspiring as ever—wrestlers, moms, and forever sisters.

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Transcript

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[Danielle Fishel]

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[Nikki Bella]

Give me money for cigarettes.

[Brie Bella]

I'll never leave your filthy bed. I stay the night and one night.

[Danielle Fishel]

Welcome back to another episode of Teen Beat. I am Danielle Fishel, your host on this journey through interesting people's uncomfortable teenage years. I see it as a handshake of sorts. My puberty was televised to millions of households and now other famous people will return the favorite I see it like this. I gave you my childhood. It's time we hear yours. And this week we get two for the price of one. Since I am sitting down with an iconic duo that first burst onto the pro wrestling scene in 2008, becoming immediate superstars. But how could they not the WWE somehow found incredibly athletic, outlandishly stunning and charismatic identical twins. Not since Earthquake and Typhoon, the Natural Disasters has such star power and beauty graced the squared circle. The multiple time WWE champs not only found fame with moves like the Bella Buster and the Rack Attack, they made moves in Hollywood, starring in two hit reality shows, Total Divas and their own spinoff Total bellas. Then in 2021, they were inducted into the WWE hall of Fame, planning to slowly transition out of the ring to focus on motherhood and act as ambassadors for the company on shows like the Traitors and Beast Games. But do you ever really leave pro wrestling? No, because they are both back and better than ever. Competing every week on Netflix's WWE Raw and inspiring a brand new generation of fans to have as many dreams as possible. Yes, they are legends who have accolades and accomplishments beyond belief. But I think deep down, somewhere under the six packs, impressive glutes and defined lats are two awkward teens just trying to fit in. So with that in mind, welcome to Teen Beat. Two actual superheroes, Nikki and Brie Garcia, professionally known as the Bella Twins.

[Nikki Bella]

Oh, I love that. I got goosebumps.

[Brie Bella]

Poetic, isn't it?

[Danielle Fishel]

So nice to hear your accomplishments read back to you, like, isn't that such a great feeling to be like, wow, we did that.

[Nikki Bella]

Yes.

[Brie Bella]

I mean, big time. It's. It's wild.

[Nikki Bella]

I know. It always makes you, like, kind of just be like, one time has gone by so fast.

[Brie Bella]

Yes.

[Nikki Bella]

And exactly what you said, like, wow, we ran.

[Brie Bella]

Our teenage selves wouldn't believe it. No, they would go back and tell her, like, hey, exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Isn't that. I know. I actually asked that question. A lot of people, like, if you could go back in time and tell your young self something, what would you tell them? Let's start with that question. What would each of you go back and tell your young kid self?

[Nikki Bella]

Well, I think I would tell myself, especially, like, middle school years. I feel like that's always the hardest, that seventh, eighth grade. But I would definitely say, like, you're gonna be okay. Like, just, you know, the struggle was very real at that time. And I'd just be like, hang in there, because, like, really, really good.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah. I would tell myself, you know, the journey is going to be hard, but it's going to be worth it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. So smart. Well, thank you both so much for doing this. I wanted to first let you guys know, I actually spent the entire weekend with you, Nikki, at at least your digital representation, since my kids are glued to the WWE 2K26 video game, so.

[Brie Bella]

Oh, my God. I love it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh. We've been playing all weekend, and I know, Bri, you will be in addition to the game in a few months, which they are very excited about. I was wondering if either of you played video games as kids, so.

[Brie Bella]

Yes, we.

[Nikki Bella]

Our favorite was Donkey Kong.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah. So we. It was weird. We were, like, into it for a little bit and then got out of it.

[Brie Bella]

It was. There was a period of time where my parents were, like, remodeling a part of our house, so we had to share a room with my brother. We were all, like, in bunk beds, and so he would play Nintendo a lot. The room was really small, so that was when we were really into it. So we'd all play Donkey Kong. And then I started. I was in college, and I dated this pro snowboarder, and they were always playing Tony Hawk.

[Nikki Bella]

Yes.

[Brie Bella]

All those style games. So then I started to play again, but we were never, like, huge gamers. But, like, if it's at a party and, like, people are throwing down, I'm like, I'll do it. I'll play. I loved Tony Hawk. Tony Hawk was one of my faves.

[Danielle Fishel]

Couldn't agree more. It actually sounds like we have very similar video game habits. As kids, I was very into Nintendo. I played Duck Hunt, Super Mario Brothers.

[Nikki Bella]

Forgot about that one.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wasn't that so fun?

[Nikki Bella]

That was a fun one.

[Danielle Fishel]

I loved that. And then got out of it for a few years and then came back for Tony Hawk, which I could play when I was not working. I could literally play for eight hours. It was like, oh, I literally spent a work day just playing Tony Hawk. Also Tiger Woods, PGA Tour, that. The golf game was amazing. And then I got into Mortal Kombat too. And now we love Mortal Kombat. Yeah. And now it's all back with the WWE game. So we're. We're just. Yeah, it's very exciting.

[Nikki Bella]

Very cool.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, let's start in Scottsdale, Arizona, where you two are from. I know it's very close to an infamous college town, Mill Avenue. Lots of gated suburban homes. But you two grew up on a completely different side of town. I've somehow imagined Ali and A.J. disney movie Cowbells. Were you two real farmers?

[Nikki Bella]

So, I mean, we did come from a farming family. And so my mom's side, the family, they were all produce farmers. And then my dad was a tree farmer. So, yeah, we were surrounded by farming. And, you know, we. My sister, when we lived in Brawley, we really got into the fields because I guess that's just what you did. Yeah. And my dad would take us when we were in Scottsdale to his tree farm. It was out in Buckeye. We'd go with him a lot because it was kind of fun. We just run around. And he did. He wasn't nervous. Like he knew we could just make sure we got back in for lunch. But I feel like our biggest chore, the farming that we had to do, was feed the horses. We bottle fed our cows. Yeah, we'd muck. So our type of farming, her and I, we had to do the chores,

[Brie Bella]

so we didn't do the stuff well.

[Nikki Bella]

Right.

[Brie Bella]

I mean, it was fun. We'd ride to do that before school, like even like middle school. I just remember being like, this is so uncool. But it had to get done. And we did. We were big into riding horses for a while. It was funny because when we first moved to Scottsdale, we came from a small called Brawley, which is outside of like two and a half hours outside of San Diego. And here we are, city girls riding our horses in the alleys. And I just remember we were just.

[Nikki Bella]

So we called it a city, but it was Nothing like a city, right?

[Brie Bella]

I mean, Scottsdale felt like what people consider New York as a city. We were like, this is such a crazy city, but here we are riding our horses. Everywhere at our farm had a pig.

[Nikki Bella]

But it was fun to be raised and be surrounded by farmers. Like, we have always really appreciated that atmosphere, those style of people. So it's been great.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

So you'd have to do that sometimes before school. So would you just get up and then. Okay. Every day, and then roll out there. You're getting dirty and sweaty and. And then. And then go in and shower and get ready for school. So what time would your day start?

[Brie Bella]

I mean, I feel like 6am, right?

[Nikki Bella]

I mean. Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

I just remember, especially in the winter is how cold.

[Nikki Bella]

Well, and my parents would do it where each kid got a week.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah, you're right.

[Nikki Bella]

You have a brother. So it'd be like Nicole's week, Brianna's week, JJ's week.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah, we.

[Nikki Bella]

They kind of split up like that. But we'd also help each other out.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

But you know what's funny? I never mind the hot days. It was because sometimes the desert can get freezing cold when we have to up there. And it was so cold. And I would just be, like, shivering. But yeah, because we would walk to school, so we had to make sure we gave ourselves enough time to walk. So, yeah, our morning started early.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. And hectic. You've got a time. Time to do all your chores. Shower, get yourself ready, pretend you didn't do any of those chores because, like, you not cool.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

What do you think the most difficult chore was you had to do?

[Nikki Bella]

I mean, shoveling. I think mucking cow manure. That poop was probably the worst in the wheelbarrow.

[Brie Bella]

The horses poop, pig poop. I mean, we had even our pickins, the cows, but also when we cleaning that up and then with them in the. You're doing it early in the morning, and then you have the horses in the pen with you, and you're like, that one would be the hardest. Especially on the days that are cold and they're just steaming.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, gosh.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah. It's actually funny because now my husband will see how I clean our chicken coop. And, like, I just put on my garden gloves and I'm just grabbing poop and how I do it all. And he's always like, oh, my God, like, what? I'm like, I'm wearing gloves. I think I was so used to it growing up, like, surrounded by poop.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm like, you were really prepared for motherhood also, you know.

[Brie Bella]

Oh, I definitely was very, very much so.

[Danielle Fishel]

Now you both live in Napa Valley now. So again, you're surrounded by beautiful nature. Bri, you still live a little bit of a crunchier life, right? You were always a little different in your interests that way. I saw Nikki as a little more of an uptown girl nowadays. But I also have heard a little bit about brie mode at high school parties.

[Brie Bella]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Real Brimo.

[Nikki Bella]

Remode, AKA Keg kill. I definitely like to have fun, but I think was shocking about my fun. Like, I would just take it. I'd go zero to a thousand. Like, I would just all sudden be the one, like, let's go streaking that or something.

[Brie Bella]

She just get this look in her eye. And I was like, there's Brimo.

[Nikki Bella]

Brianna is gone.

[Brie Bella]

And Brimo has entered the building.

[Nikki Bella]

But no one complained about her, so. Exactly.

[Brie Bella]

She was a lot of fun. And then she was around for a good time. She still lot of fun.

[Danielle Fishel]

That is so cute. I mean, immediately when I read that, I was like, oh, that's. That's what today they call the full. Full send. Like, just. We're here. We're at a party. Yeah. Okay. I can.

[Brie Bella]

We can ramp this up totally. Oh, I knew there was this reel that went viral, and it. They. This group has a friend who's totally like a brimo. And so they're all just in their living room partying. But he's of course, at like 1,000, so he's like, like, amping up, and then he does a front flip. But, like, you know when you can land it and fly forward. Did you guys see this? And his head goes through the fish tank, and no.

[Danielle Fishel]

My gosh.

[Brie Bella]

This thing just shatters and everything. And then he saw it, but he's trying to, like, catch fish. But, like, I mean, it was unreal.

[Nikki Bella]

And I was like, I'm happy. I never. Oh, my gosh.

[Danielle Fishel]

I feel like that's really hard to do because I. I think fish tank glass is pretty thick.

[Brie Bella]

So that guy, I was kind of worried for him. I'm like, did he survive that?

[Nikki Bella]

Like, geez.

[Brie Bella]

Had to have a massive concussion.

[Nikki Bella]

So remode would have just taken off her top and smushed her boobies against the fish tank.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Would have avoided the. The head into. That's smarter. Way smarter.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah, smarter.

[Nikki Bella]

At least I'm safe.

[Danielle Fishel]

So being twins, I feel like you face a totally different set of possibilities for childhood embarrassment, and that is dressing alike. Did you dress alike as kids?

[Nikki Bella]

We did for a while. And then my mom said one day I went up to her and I was like.

[Brie Bella]

Like in second grade, right?

[Nikki Bella]

Was second or third grade or. Yeah, something like that. And I was like, I don't want to be a twin anymore. My mom's like, why? And I'm like, I don't want to dress alike anymore. And that's when she knew. She's like, okay, I gotta stop dressing them the same. So then we started dressed on our own. And that's when you really saw our personalities and, like, the outfits we were seeing.

[Brie Bella]

That was third grade, but this is the thing. But then when you know how. Then it was a really big deal if you were to fly on a plane. So we would fly to our grandparents every summer to Lake Tahoe, and we'd always get a new airplane outfit for that every summer. And for some reason, we were always in the same prince. But she got the dresses, and I was in pants and top. And I'm like, first of all, you got the better crib. And she always got to be in pinks and purples. As a newborn, I was in yellows and blues. Was like, how is this fair? She had. What do you call a bassinet. Her crib was gorgeous. Mine was just a plain wooden one that was like, no thought, you know,

[Nikki Bella]

it was a miracle baby. What can I say?

[Brie Bella]

Whatever.

[Nikki Bella]

Whatever.

[Danielle Fishel]

Did you ever ask your parents, like, hey, what? What's up with my crib?

[Brie Bella]

No, I actually should.

[Nikki Bella]

No, we did. I think she said they were just hand me downs. Oh, yeah. So, like, for her, she was like, you know, whatever.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

But you should have asked why was Brianna placed so gently and nicely in the beautiful.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah. Lovisor. And they're like, yeah, we lost you at one point. I'm like, what do you mean? You rolled under the bed as a newborn baby? I'm like, how did I get there?

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah. How did I roll underneath the bed? Who wasn't watching me?

[Danielle Fishel]

Someone was busy with Rihanna.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah, exactly. Like, kicked me under.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you remember some of your favorite fits growing up?

[Nikki Bella]

Actually, I do.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

So I don't know if I got this at Charlotte russe or Charlotte russe.

[Danielle Fishel]

I love Charlotte seal.

[Brie Bella]

Wet seal.

[Nikki Bella]

Oh, my gosh. And I remember it was like these black pants. Because, you know, especially middle school, like, we idolized no Doubt when stuff.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Her style. So there were these black pants, white stitching, little Jinko style, where it was like, yeah, real big. And then I had this little white kind of crop top, and it had these ladybugs on it.

[Brie Bella]

Oh, my God. I remember that.

[Nikki Bella]

And it was almost like the ladybugs were actually made out of, like, kind of this material, like that pleather. Shiny.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Nikki Bella]

I thought I looked so cute in it. I thought it was such a vibe. You remember? I loved it.

[Danielle Fishel]

It actually sounds like it would be perfect for today.

[Brie Bella]

No, honestly, I mean, 90s is so bad. Oh, it's crazy. Do you remember Buffalo Exchange?

[Nikki Bella]

Oh, that was our.

[Brie Bella]

Still exists. Yeah, yeah, still exists. Mill Avenue, right? Isn't Mill Avenue, I think one of them. So I will never forget when I found I heart Brad Pitt shirt from there. And I would wear that middle school, like, thought I was. So you know what else my nirvana teacher you got, you also found there?

[Nikki Bella]

It said, find your inner Britney. Oh, I love.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah, I have that one. I got, like, all the cool saints

[Nikki Bella]

from Buffalo Exchange had the best, like, used T shirts and Doc Martens.

[Brie Bella]

Snakeskin Doc Martens.

[Nikki Bella]

Oh, my maroon ones.

[Danielle Fishel]

Cute. You guys sound like you were very stylish.

[Brie Bella]

You're very stylish.

[Nikki Bella]

Thrift stores. We thrift. We'd always go thrift store, shop. We'd walk. There was a couple, like, secondhand shops by us. Her and I would go walk and

[Brie Bella]

just, like, we get legitimate bell bottoms. Like, yeah, I probably donated it.

[Nikki Bella]

And they would be me. So cheap.

[Brie Bella]

Loved them.

[Nikki Bella]

Because now sometimes you go thrift shopping and you're like, it's expensive. Back then it was like, five bucks or, like, great pair of pants. Yeah, Just different little things like that.

[Brie Bella]

Totally good fun. Like accessories we'd, like, mix in.

[Danielle Fishel]

I do think accessories at thrift stores are just the. The belts you can find. I mean, but like you said, now they're like, oh, this is a 100 belt. You're, like, thrifted. I know.

[Nikki Bella]

I'm like, totally. No. And they try to tell you it's Chanel. And I'm like, we'll see about that.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Just because it has a C on it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Not me.

[Brie Bella]

The Chanel.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know most people are surprised to learn what OCD really is because pop culture has spread the idea that it's just about being super neat and organized. But that's not accurate at all. My husband has ocd, and I can tell you it is so much more than that. Real OCD is a serious condition where you get unwanted, distressing thoughts, thoughts called intrusive thoughts. They're stuck on repeat in your mind, often focusing on people or things we care about, like relationships, identity, or character, making them hard to ignore. And then you feel driven to do certain behaviors called compulsions to try to make the anxiety stop. This obsession and undying desire to make it go away can completely derail you for decades. Jensen ruined his own life and the happiness of those around him purely because he couldn't make the repeated worry go away. But he'd eventually learn it doesn't have to be that way because OCD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Once you get the right kind of specialized therapy, OCD needs ERP therapy. That's exposure and response prevention, which is proven to be the most effective treatment. Regular talk therapy isn't recommended and can actually make OCD worse. NOCD is the world's leading OCD treatment provider and all of their licensed therapists specialize in ERP therapy with no CD is 100% virtual, covered by insurance for over 138 million Americans and includes support between sessions so you never have to face OCD alone. To learn more about starting OCD therapy with NOCD, go to nocd.com and book a free call with their team. That's no c d.com this is Sophia

[Sophia Bush]

Bush from Work in Progress with Sophia Bush Bring the good with Avocados from Mexico Upgrade your meals, your get togethers, even your everyday life. Give your moments a little glow up. Be the one everyone's glad showed up because avocados from Mexico spark the joy with every bite. And by the way, they're good for you too. So elevate your everyday. Bring the good flavor. So rich and craveable.

[Danielle Fishel]

Avocados from Mexico.

[Brie Bella]

Always good.

[Knix Advertiser]

You know what's wild? We can video chat from space, order groceries just by talking out loud and men have like 17 options for hair loss alone. But a bra that actually fits and feels good? Apparently too much to ask until now. Meet the Uplift bra from Nix. That's K N I X, a wireless bra that finally delivers real lift and all day comfort. The secret? Molded cups with a built in foam panel that gently enhances your natural shape so you get a subtle boost without wires, digging or that why am I still wearing this moment at 3pm? You asked for it. We delivered in a push up bra that doesn't dig, poke or pinch and with an extensive size range from 28A through 42E, you'll be sure to find your perfect fit with the uplift. Try the uplift [e-mail] and use code PERFECTFIT15 for 15% off your first order. That's KN I x.com, code PERFECTFIT15nix.com.

[CarMax/Public/Klarna Advertiser]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member finra NSIP Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures [e-mail] disclosures if you're looking

[Klarna Advertiser]

for more flexibility in how you pay for everyday purchases, meet Klarna. Klarna lets you decide whether to pay now, pay later, or spread payments over time. All managed right in the Klarna app. Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more. Terms Apply California Resident Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Law License NMLS Number 1353190 Klarna Balance Account required to be eligible for cashback points. Limitations, terms and conditions apply.

[Danielle Fishel]

You both were able to avoid the statistical possibilities of having twins yourself. Did. Did either of you imagine that you would end up with twins or did you want twins?

[Brie Bella]

I wanted twins, yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

She really wanted. You know what's crazy is with Birdie, my daughter, she was twins. My first ultrasound, there's two embryos. She was identical, just stopped. The second embryo stopped growing, which I kind of had a feeling because one was bigger than the other one. But my first ultra, my husband's filming and he was our doctor turns around, she goes, are you an identical twin? And I'm like, yeah. And she's like, like, oh my gosh, you're pregnant with identical twins. She's like, there's two embryos here. And I go, what? You just see my husband slowly put the camera down and. But she was like, one is bigger than the other. So two Weeks. It looks like the second embryo maybe stopped growing. And sure enough, I went back two weeks, it was gone. But. But, yeah, I mean, I. I look at my daughter at times, I'm like, wow, they're good. Yeah, love that.

[Brie Bella]

Because, I mean, even though I'm one and done anyways, but then I didn't know if I would be one and done, but I thought, oh, if you could get two in one pregnancy, how amazing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right? Right. Just have two kids, one experience, you know, Taco Tuesday.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Sophia Bush]

Two for two for.

[Danielle Fishel]

I. I always imagined that I would have a boy and a girl. My mom, my.

[Nikki Bella]

My.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm. My brother. I have a brother. And so my. My aunt has boys and girls. I was just like, everyone around me. My best friend has a boy and a girl. Just. Just thought that was going to be my future. And then when I found out my second was a boy, I had a real grieving process of like, oh. Because I knew I wanted two and no more. So then I had to really kind of grieve, like, oh. I didn't realize how much I was just assuming my future involved also having a daughter.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Now I can't imagine it any other way. And I love being a boy mom, and it's the greatest. But there's always that feeling at first when you're like, oh, the thing I thought I was going to have, I'm not going to have. And now there's a little bit of a grieving process.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah, I see that for sure. And especially because if people do not have boys, they don't understand the boy energy. Oh. Like, boy moms get a lot of credit.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

It is very confusing for. For parents of girls. They're like, oh, oh, oh.

[Nikki Bella]

Are they.

[Danielle Fishel]

Are they always like this? It's like, oh, yeah, this. This starts at 6:00am yes.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah. Wild.

[Nikki Bella]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wild.

[Nikki Bella]

I know.

[Danielle Fishel]

I remember walking into Adler's room, my first walking into Adler's room, and it barely being 6:00am and I, like, turned on his light and I have this, you know, little gentle good morning song. I've sang to him every single morning since he was born. And in the middle of my good morning song, he's like, I am Hulk.

[Nikki Bella]

Oh, my gosh.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right, Right. Okay. I need to switch this energy. We are. We are Hulk.

[Brie Bella]

Okay, that is amazing.

[Nikki Bella]

That exactly. Explain. That is everything. That it's a boy. That is how it goes. It is.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you remember the. Maybe the worst part about being twins in middle school or high school?

[Brie Bella]

I feel like, wow, she's so quick to answer.

[Nikki Bella]

I know she's like, I do.

[Brie Bella]

I know.

[Nikki Bella]

And you'll probably agree with me, but I feel like when you're a twin, you're constantly compared.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

So. Which I guess helped us growing up because we never mind being compared to anyone or anything because our whole lives has been that. But it like, people almost thought we should be clones. Like, they would literally compare us. They're like, so you guys are identical? And be like, yeah. They're like, no, you're not. Because your nose is a little like this. And yours are like this. Her chin. And we were like, oh, my God, take us apart. Yeah, but that would constantly be. Or anything we did, it was like instead of just giving a good job or like recognizing it, it was like a right away comparison to your twin.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

So that. And it happened a lot. I felt like in middle school and high school even actually now still does. But I'm always like, why? Just because we're twins. Like, we have to be identical and everything. And everything we do and all of it. It's just.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's a really smart way of thinking about it that people. It's really just showing their ignorance that they don't understand what the identical versus fraternal twin means. It's exactly. It's just about the egg, not about the people being clones. They're still individual people. They're just whether or not they were from one egg or that split or not. So, yeah, it is really just showing their ignorance. But that is. That's a good way of thinking about it, is that people think you're going to be a clone.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

What do you think, Nikki?

[Brie Bella]

That's a good one. I feel like. What?

[Nikki Bella]

Like there's something deep down.

[Brie Bella]

No, actually, no. I loved being a twin. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

What's the best part about being a twin in middle school and high school?

[Brie Bella]

I think having, like when you're going through all those crazy changes, you have someone to talk about it with or be really open and honest with. Because I feel like even at that time, you know, when girls were going through puberty, because that's such a big time for girls to go through it, sometimes you were embarrassed to tell your friends, like, I got my period and I'm only in sixth grade. So having her even. I mean, this is tmi. But even getting pubic hair so young because we're not even in middle school

[Nikki Bella]

yet,

[Brie Bella]

it's like, you know, I just remember you cover up around your friends. You get embarrassed about those things. But that was like such a plus. Having a girl, identical twin yeah. Oh, don't want to be a girl. Identical twin. If I'm a girl. But meaning. But that was like such a plus in that age. Going through some. You guys have so many open up.

[Nikki Bella]

We never experienced the first day of school alone.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Each other. Going to birthday parties. Like all those things that, like. Like at those awkward ages when you're growing up, it's really nerve wracking to. Yeah. Walk into those things. The confidence isn't like you don't really have it yet. So we had each other. So we walked in, like all confident. Right. We were just. Yeah. You know, I mean, we would even

[Brie Bella]

break up with each other's boyfriends. You know how you'd have those two week boyfriends in the middle?

[Danielle Fishel]

Of course. Yes.

[Brie Bella]

You barely talk to him. You just would see him from afar and be like, yeah, that's my boyfriend.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's my boyfriend. There he is.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah. But then why was it so hard to break up with them? It's like I barely talk to them. Why is this?

[Nikki Bella]

We don't want to hurt their feelings,

[Brie Bella]

so we would for each other.

[Danielle Fishel]

That is so cute. Like over the phone.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah. So she would like, call and then.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Brie Bella]

Break up for me, and then I do it for her. I felt. I still remember one guy's full name. I felt so bad about that I had to break up for. Because you told me to tell him. When he said why? I was like, oh, because you're too nice. I was like. And he's like, too nice. And I don't know, feeling. No. Yeah, you said too nice, so I had to talk. Too nice.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then he was like, oh, now that's the reason why all men are like, they don't want the nice guys.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah, exactly.

[Nikki Bella]

I think marrying a nice guy, I'll say.

[Brie Bella]

Good.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, We. We usually wise up.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

I have been very honest about my own case of boy crazy. Growing up, I literally only cared about school because it meant I could go to school and talk to boys and pass to boys and love boy. I just boy completely obsessed. Were you guys also boy crazy? I know you were very athletic. You played soccer, right?

[Brie Bella]

Yes. We're sock competitive soccer players. Start a competitive league in fifth grade. So, like, soccer was our life.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Brie Bella]

And I think that's why I like school because it was the one time I could be around boys and we were crazy. Boy crazy. I even remember a parent telling other parents in sixth grade, those Garcia twins are boy crazy. And I was like, oh, my gosh. And I think because we. We also Loved hanging out with boys because of being athletes, like, during recess, I had no fear, like, sweating and playing soccer against the boys and so arm wrestle them. And this was all like middle school, too, not just like elementary school and. But I loved the energy of boys. Like, things they talked about. They talked about sports, and I was a big basketball fan at the time. And then I loved soccer and so. And football. So they would talk about sports, which I love, loved. And then I liked my girly side to be with my girls, but I loved boys and I loved, like, the boys in the magazines and on tv. I'm like, we're so lucky that we got, like the grunge era boys, too. The pretty boys that, like, were, you know, doing all the shows with you.

[Nikki Bella]

Like Jonathan Taylor Thomas,

[Brie Bella]

the movie Casper. He was. Yes, I thought he was so. But then Leo at that time, then

[Nikki Bella]

we had Gavin Rossdale.

[Brie Bella]

But then we had Gavin Rossdale and Kurt Cobain and Jerry.

[Danielle Fishel]

Jared Leto.

[Brie Bella]

Jared Leto. And I even was so obsessed with, like, my faves, like Anthony Kiedis and Slack. They made the binder front, like, you know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Ethan Hawke actually made my binder.

[Brie Bella]

Brad Pitt, the Legends of the Fall.

[Danielle Fishel]

Legends of the Fall. Brad Pitt.

[Brie Bella]

Oh, yeah, that was on my wall. Like, I remember my dad called me boy crazy and tore that poster. Now, how dare you?

[Nikki Bella]

How dare you?

[Danielle Fishel]

With his long blonde hair.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah, I was like. But yeah, when I saw him in that, that. I think that's why Anthony Kita, too. Think when he had his really long hair.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Away music video. I remember when that came out, I want to say, saw it in fifth, fourth or fifth grade, and I was like, oh, my gosh, that's the most beautiful man in the world.

[Nikki Bella]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

Join the club. This sounds exactly like my. Sounds exactly like my youth. Boy, it was. It sure was fun, though. It was such a.

[Brie Bella]

Fun.

[Nikki Bella]

It was such a fun time. I actually am. I'm sad that the younger generations, and I know they hate that we all say this, but they did. They don't get the youth we got

[Brie Bella]

because it was a wholesome boy crazy. Do you know what I mean?

[Nikki Bella]

And none of us felt like we had to take pictures of ourselves or, you know, it was so weird. We were just so authentically us, like, growing up, going through it, it was different. And I think the youth gets what we all had. And that makes me sad.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. It makes me sad, too. I think so much of it, like you said, when you think about taking pictures, so much of it is the change from, you know, you talk about your binder. We used to rip out pictures of people from magazines anywhere we could find their pictures. We weren't inundated with their images exactly. So when we would open a magazine and see one, we would have to cut it out in order to ever be able to even see it again. It wasn't like we could just Google them and have them. And it didn't translate to talk about the innocence of it. It didn't translate to, then us being promiscuous as kids. It just meant we were, like, fangirling amongst ourselves, going through our hormonal energy with each other. But, oh, my God, they're so cute. And then being too nervous to hold a boy's hand at school.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Thinking like, the day I have a boyfriend, which then I feel like you would have one at 30 is like, this is what I want him to look like or be like. Or I may have a chance with him when I'm older. But yeah. Yeah, it's so true.

[Nikki Bella]

And put the pressure on either.

[Brie Bella]

Like, everyone was so innocent. Like, just. It was so pure. Like, even when I think of middle school parties and even when you do, like, dare to maybe peck someone, it was such a peck.

[Danielle Fishel]

Totally.

[Brie Bella]

And then you're like, yeah, yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

But this is what I feel is because people see what gets the most likes and people who dress sexier and all that. So then people start to really. They. They crave the likes, so they're gonna do whatever they can to get. So it's almost manipulated the youth's, like, mindset on what is popular and what people want. But it's not true at all.

[Brie Bella]

They're only baggy tees and pants, like, o chokers. You know, so much backpack.

[Nikki Bella]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Such a time. I know most people are surprised to learn what OCD really is because pop culture has spread the idea that it's just about being super neat and organized. But that's not accurate at all. My husband has ocd, and I can tell you it is so much more than that. Real OCD is a serious condition where you get unwanted, distressing thoughts called intrusive thoughts. They're stuck on repeat in your mind. Often focusing on people or things we care about, like relationships, identity, or character, making them hard to ignore. And then you feel driven to do certain behaviors called compulsions to try to make the anxiety stop. This obsession and undying desire to make it go away can completely derail you for decades. Jensen ruined his own life and the happiness of those around him purely because he couldn't make the repeated worry go away, but he'd eventually learn it doesn't have to be that way because OCD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Once you get the right kind of specialized therapy. OCD needs ERP therapy. That's exposure and response prevention, which is proven to be the most effective treatment. Regular talk therapy isn't recommended and can actually make OCD worse. NOCD is the world's leading OCD treatment provider and all of their licensed therapists specialize in ERP therapy with NOCD is 100% virtual, covered by insurance for over 138 million Americans and includes support between sessions so you never have to face OCD alone. To learn more about starting OCD therapy with no CD, go to nocd.com and book a free call with their team. That's N O C d dot com

[Sophia Bush]

this is Sophia Bush from Work in Progress with Sophia Bush Bring the Good with Avocados from Mexico Upgrade your meals, your get togethers, even your everyday life. Give your moments a little glow up. Be the one everyone's glad showed up because avocados from Mexico spark the joy with every bite. And by the way, they're good for you too. So elevate your everyday. Bring the good flavor. So rich and craveable.

[Danielle Fishel]

Avocados from Mexico.

[Brie Bella]

Always good.

[Knix Advertiser]

You know what's wild? We can video chat from space, order groceries just by talking out loud and men have like 17 options for hair loss alone. But a bra that actually actually fits and feels good? Apparently too much to ask until now. Meet the Uplift bra from Nyx. That's Knix, a wireless bra that finally delivers real lift and all day comfort. The secret? Molded cups with a built in foam panel that gently enhances your natural shape so you get a subtle boost without wires, digging or that. Why am I still wearing this moment at 3pm? You asked for it. We delivered in a push up bra that doesn't dig, poke or pinch and with an extensive size range from 28A through 42E, you'll be sure to find your perfect fit with the uplift. Try the uplift [e-mail] and use code perfectfit15 for 15% off your first order. That's knix.com code perfectfit15nyx.com support for the

[CarMax/Public/Klarna Advertiser]

show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI, it all starts with your prompt from renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures [e-mail] disclosures if you're looking

[Klarna Advertiser]

for more flexibility in how you pay for everyday purchases, meet Klarna. Klarna lets you decide whether to pay now, pay later, or spread payments over time. All managed right in the Klarna app. Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more. Terms Apply California Resident Link Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Law License, NMLS Number 1353190 Klarna Balance Account required to be eligible for cashback points. Limitations, terms and conditions apply.

[Danielle Fishel]

Bri, you are married to fellow wrestler Brian Danielson and Nikki, you are playing the field, possibly in a literal sense. If you follow gossip sites. How hard is it maintaining a relationship and being as busy as you do two are.

[Nikki Bella]

I mean it's hard. But my husband and I always like kind of joke we so We've been married 11 years.

[Danielle Fishel]

Congratulations.

[Nikki Bella]

Thank you. And he and I say we're like, it's work this long and we still get excited to see each other time because we've been busy. It's like we miss each other.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

And it's nice because we come from the same industry so we understand each other's busyness, what we're going through. If all of a sudden I get a call to go on the road, I mean I'm still waiting for that call. But when I get that call and I can go to him and be like, hey, I gotta leave in two days, he's like, all right, like good.

[Brie Bella]

He has it.

[Nikki Bella]

Like, it's nice. There's no fighting, whatever. So I feel like the busyness has actually made the relationship really healthy.

[Brie Bella]

No, totally.

[Nikki Bella]

But we're not like, yeah, yeah. And we also make time for each other too. Like, we do date nights. Actually more date days. He and I, we get tired at night, so we do lunch.

[Danielle Fishel]

I love a date day while the kids are at school or, you know, it's like, let's go spend the afternoon doing something. Because at night, by 8:30, I really just want to have my face washed

[Nikki Bella]

and you know, and just maybe an episode of a show.

[Brie Bella]

And then.

[Sophia Bush]

Yes.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

He and I both are like, that he needs his reading. But he and I are tanked. Like, after that, we're like, put the kids down. I'm like, yeah, exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's a full hour.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

I mean, bedtime routine is no joke. Joke.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

My mom, though, will make talk to Nicole and be like, wow, like, you're his bedtime routines. Like, really?

[Brie Bella]

It's a lot.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's intense.

[Brie Bella]

I know.

[Nikki Bella]

But the kids expect it, you know,

[Danielle Fishel]

and it is nice. It's nice to like, really spend that kind of. And when I think about it, I also like 30 minutes to wind down. And so the fact that we spend 30 minutes with each kid basically winding them down with reading or talking or it's like, you know, it is. It is a hard thing to just expect for a kid to be like, nope, that's it. Get in your room, close the door, lights off, fall now, fall asleep. After all the stimulation of the day,

[Nikki Bella]

I can't even imagine doing that.

[Brie Bella]

You know, it's such a special bonding time at that time. Like, they really just have their guard down. And you could you get to hear such magical things from them because since they're winding down, they're just talking. Stuck out that day to me.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah. Which sometimes could be things that. That were hurtful at school.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Or you know, like things that were, you know, really like, to them, shined.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

I love it. But what about you? Single lady?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

You know, it's hard because co parenting, traveling, I, you know, there's a lot of fun messaging that happens. Like, I feel like I talk more with people in that way. And then it's just kind of hard also to date in the industry because I feel like if you go on a date with someone else and you're making headlines like they're together and they're all these things, and you're like, what can I just experience people like everyone else does without it automatically people assuming we're together. So that's like, been hard. But it's weird because it's like, I'm Not. I'm not ready for anything serious at all.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Brie Bella]

I I that much. But I do, like, obviously it's always nice to have attention from a man, you know, like, get flowers or sweet text messages. So I don't have any of that right now, but yeah. So just look at, like last night we were. We're here in New York, and we went to dinner, and I was like, I want the booth in the bar. And re's like, really? And I go, girl. That's like, where all the guys.

[Nikki Bella]

I know she made us, like, even wait for one. The whole, like, was, like, empty. I'm like, all right.

[Brie Bella]

So we're like, having a drink, and then there's this really handsome guy. And so we're like, looking. I go, brie, do you see a ring? And she's like, I don't see a ring. I'm like, okay, good. So then he starts looking, and then, you know, you make the eye. And I was telling Brad go, oh, my God. I feel, like, embarrassed. I haven't.

[Nikki Bella]

I was like, blushing.

[Brie Bella]

I was blushing that. Because how hard, like, he would stare. And I haven't had that kind of, like, where it's just a complete stranger and you're locking eyes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Worth.

[Nikki Bella]

And I was like, oh, my gosh.

[Brie Bella]

I was like, blushing. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're like, everyone can tell.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

And I. And so we're talking, and then he's like, yeah, I don't know about these divorcees. Like, their kids aren't my problems. No.

[Nikki Bella]

He's like, I don't want to raise their mistakes. Steaks.

[Brie Bella]

Something like. And he.

[Nikki Bella]

So her and I were like, no idea.

[Brie Bella]

And I was like. And we kick each other on the table. And I was like, oh, cool.

[Klarna Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Nice to meet you. And then we said bye when we were walking out, and I could tell he was like, wait a minute. Like, yeah. Like there was a vibe. Yeah. I'm like, ew.

[Danielle Fishel]

So correct. Thank you for ripping off the mask in the first conversation so that you didn't have to go on even one date before you figured out the truth

[Brie Bella]

of who we were. Was right.

[Nikki Bella]

I couldn't be said it. I was like, you just met us, like, two minutes ago. Yeah. And I feel like you look at us, we probably. I think we look like mom. I think a lot younger must have. I don't know.

[Brie Bella]

But it was not think we were. He did not think I was ever married or had a kid, obviously.

[Nikki Bella]

But our faces when he said that,

[Brie Bella]

I'm like, I've never heard that from a Man, just straight out, like, I'm honestly, as.

[Danielle Fishel]

As repulsive as it is is. I'm so. It's so great. Please, sir, be authentically you to every woman you meet, because eventually you'll find someone who. Who doesn't. Has never and who doesn't know how offensive that is.

[Nikki Bella]

And we'll just.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you. But in the meantime, for the rest of us, please just keep being you, sir. Just unapologetically authentic.

[Brie Bella]

Honestly.

[Nikki Bella]

He's single.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. Oh, wow.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, Bri, you just recently shocked the WWE Universe by popping up at Royal Rumble. Now back on the roster full time. What went into making that decision?

[Nikki Bella]

Gosh, you know, it was crazy because Nikki, for being back the last year. Actually, it's been a little more than a year. When I saw her, I could see

[Brie Bella]

she was having fun.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah. And I really got the itch. And I'll be honest. Honest, I was trying to go back with her for a really long time, and I kept getting the ax like, no. And I think too, like, when you get told no, you're like, you want it more. But when you're a wrestler and you've been in the business, you'll always have this feeling of being there. Like, you just miss it. Like, pro wrestling is so fun. Or characters, like, just the sisterhood. Being in the ring with everyone, it's just.

[Brie Bella]

Just.

[Nikki Bella]

It's fun. And so I miss that part. And I loved my life, but there was this little part of me that was like, wow, I'm really comfortable. Like, I'm challenged myself. I'm 42. My kids think I'm a mom.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Like, literally, my son, one night, I'm putting him in bed and he's like, don't you want to do something? Like, cool. And I was like, what do you mean? He's like, well, Dodo's a wrestler. And I go, I used to be a wrestler. And he's like, no, you weren't.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Nikki Bella]

Like, he's like, you're just a mom. And I'm like, oh. Like, I wanted to be like, yeah, the hardest gig in the world raising you, kid.

[Danielle Fishel]

Correct.

[Nikki Bella]

So, like, I just, you know, I was like, you know, my kids, my daughter's seen me, but she was young, really young. So I was like, you know what? For my kids to see that. Yeah. Inspire my daughter and even my son, that at any age you can go out and challenge yourself and do something. And actually, all the women and the young girls who watch Nikki and I, I, that's. I kind of. I. I wanted them to know that, like, just because I'm in my 40s and it's like, game over. And so I really wanted that. And it's fun to be back. I mean, I went back and I'm like, hello. Yeah, back home, I'm like, hello. Hi, I'm here. I know. I literally thought after Saudi Arabia, I'd be on TV every week, but. But it's, you know, I think there's a lot of good coming. I feel like Nikki and I will be back at tv. We keep pushing to get back there, but I think we're going to be there sooner than later. And 2026 is going to be incredible for us in the ring.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

There has truly never been a better time, in my opinion, for women's wrestling. It is. I mean, I'm such a fan of so many. Rhea Ripley, Liv, Raquel Rodriguez, Charlotte, Bianca Belair Tiffy. What do you think is the biggest difference backstage between now compared to the Divas era?

[Nikki Bella]

I mean, I guess I'll let you start on this because you've been in that locker room.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

For the last year.

[Brie Bella]

It's, you know, there's definitely different energy there. And I think the first is it's different for women because now they're respected. So what they do is being honored, it's being respected. And I think that's the first thing. It was hard being a woman back then.

[Danielle Fishel]

Y.

[Brie Bella]

You weren't respected about being in a male dominated industry. You weren't respected for the effort you were putting in for what you were doing. And it was hard for a lot of us women in so many ways. So that was my first thing I noticed. Like, it's so great to be a woman now. Like, does it matter how good you are? Whatever it is, like, you're backstage and no matter what, you are respected and you're treated equally as a man. And I think that's been the biggest thing I've taken away. Also. These. All these women are so amazing and so sweet. Not only are they just. Just incredibly athletic in their own way, but they're just a great group of women. They truly support each other. They empower each other. They all want the best for each other. You know, obviously there's going to be times where, you know, you're dealing with TV time and there'll be tension, but everything I've experienced, I'm like, wow, this is like a breath of fresh air. Yeah. Just amazing.

[Nikki Bella]

But wait, the last two shows, I will say this. This. I feel like Nick Khan has done a great job at making the backstage better atmosphere. I really recognize that at, at the Royal Rumble and the Raw, right after I go, oh, this is way different. This is professional. It feels different. So I have to say he's done a lot of good in that backstage for just a professional, really comfortable, calm, safe atmosphere. And I love that.

[Brie Bella]

That, yeah, great.

[Danielle Fishel]

I love that. Now, you know, you talked about there you're still competing for TV time, of course, but because women are more respected and are getting more airtime, there's less of a reason to have that scarcity mindset. And now the women are able to be, to be the supportive. You know, it's like it, it fosters a better environment for everyone. When we're like, there's room for everyone. If you come here prepared, ready, athletic and capable, we're all going to get our time.

[Brie Bella]

Oh my gosh. I so agree. Because it was hard.

[Nikki Bella]

I mean, I, we were in that

[Brie Bella]

era fighting for time too. There was one story being told, right. And then you were getting paid per show. So you wanted to get on that show to get a payday. Yeah, and you're exactly right. Now we're so lucky. We could have three matches in one night on each show, maybe four. We get three stories going. I think WrestleMania, I feel like there's going to be a. Maybe not quite equal to the amount of men matches, but maybe I think we're going to get quite a few female matches each day, which honestly there should be because I've been kicking ass all year.

[Danielle Fishel]

They've been. Yes, they have.

[Brie Bella]

So. But yeah, I think you're exactly right. When there's more room for opportunity, we don't have to fight each other in that way.

[Nikki Bella]

You know, I saw this real and I really loved it. This woman, she was. I can't remember what island she was from and she was on there, but the moon had been out, but the sun was out and she was just like, look at this. Like the moon is patiently waiting for its time to shine. It's allowing the sun to shine. And it knows that when the sun goes down, that's its time. And the. Then the sun patiently waits. She goes into this beautiful thing. And I was like, it's so true. And you realize with the women now, they do that for each other. Everyone's time to shine. And they celebrate and support when it's not their time. And the. That's something different than I've ever experienced. But I was like, wow, this is a really tight knit sisterhood that makes me so proud like that women support Each other like that.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

So beautiful. Well, I will be seeing you two in Vegas for WrestleMania, which I'm very excited for. Did you miss competing in it while you were gone? It is such a big deal.

[Nikki Bella]

Oh, my gosh, yes. You know what's funny is, like, when you're in it, you're like, oh, I'm so nervous, and all the feelings. But then when you're away from it, you miss being nervous. You miss having the butterflies and preparing for something. No, you. So I. I'm so excited.

[Brie Bella]

That side of competition, it never leaves you. It's like the minute you start to break a sweat in anything you do in life, it's like that comes straight back. That adrenaline rush.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Fans, you go into story land, and it's like I've realized, like, it just never leaves us. Like, once it's in you, it's just always that there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, ladies, every week we listen to a voice memo sent in from a listener detailing their own awkward adventures of youth. And this week, we hear from Allison, who made a very embarrassing mistake. Hi, Danielle. When I was in high school, everybody was on a messengers and chat. And I accidentally chatted my crush. Do you think fill in the blank name here will accidentally me to the upcoming dance? And he thought that I did it on purpose to try to get an invite. And it really was just. I chatted the wrong person as I was also talking to my friends. Needless to say, very mortified. But we did end up going to the dance together. Oh, listen, it paid off. Being direct paid off, right?

[Nikki Bella]

He definitely did. And also, I mean, I could say you can. I remember messenger.

[Brie Bella]

Oh, yeah. Messenger you easily.

[Nikki Bella]

Was it BBM or she talking about, like, the instant messenger?

[Danielle Fishel]

She's talking about instant messenger. But I loved BBM too.

[Brie Bella]

I loved BBM.

[Nikki Bella]

I was Mexi 444.

[Brie Bella]

I was pink diamond for Marilyn Monroe, which everyone in school thought it was for something else, but I could see

[Nikki Bella]

how you can mess it up. But good for her. She kind of, in a weird way, manifests.

[Brie Bella]

Yeah.

[Nikki Bella]

Situation.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's exactly right. And I would. I would like to think that if you have something like that happen and you go, wow, had I just done that on purpose, it would have worked out the same way. I need to be taking more bold steps.

[Brie Bella]

Steps. Yes, for sure.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wait, what did people think pink diamond

[Brie Bella]

was for my vagina? And I. I had to. The seniors gave me the hardest time,

[Nikki Bella]

and we had no idea.

[Brie Bella]

No idea when everyone at school was talking about it. And I'm like. And I Literally just thought of Marilyn Monroe because I was obsessed with her. And I was like, pnk. And then diamond was spilled a cool way, and everyone's like. And then I remember a senior walking up and being like, I can't believe you named Jerry your messenger after your vagina.

[Nikki Bella]

Like, excuse me, I did to my sister, by the way. Never.

[Brie Bella]

And I never lived it down. I was known as Pink Diamond Forever.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Brie Bella]

I was so humiliated. I had so many embarrassing moments.

[Nikki Bella]

I feel like I. I think I'm

[Danielle Fishel]

glad you didn't go with that as your wrestling name.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Thank goodness. How did you not think of that?

[Danielle Fishel]

I go, well, who.

[Nikki Bella]

Nicks who?

[Brie Bella]

How do you guys think that's a nickname for that Latina? Just kidding.

[Danielle Fishel]

Did you both go to prom? Did you have.

[Brie Bella]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Dates to prom?

[Brie Bella]

We did, but I didn't. Oh, you're.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah, I didn't have a date, but

[Brie Bella]

I went with everyone. But did you go.

[Nikki Bella]

But you went junior year? Was that prom or homecoming? No, prom.

[Danielle Fishel]

There's junior prom and then senior promotion.

[Nikki Bella]

Right?

[Brie Bella]

Yeah. Our problem was juniors and seniors.

[Nikki Bella]

Yeah.

[Brie Bella]

Because I went. Yeah, I remember both years I went. I can't remember. You went junior year, but I can't remember who.

[Danielle Fishel]

Have you ever made that very common mistake with texts where you text the wrong person something you shouldn't?

[Brie Bella]

Yes.

[Nikki Bella]

Oh, I remember I was dating this guy, and I wanted. I did go off on him, but to my sister, I just was, like, over him. Him wrote this, like, detailed text about him, just. And I sent it to him, and I was like, no, no, no, no, no. Because, you know when you're thinking about that person.

[Brie Bella]

I did that, too.

[Nikki Bella]

And he goes, well, it's good to know how you feel about me. I'm like, and. But I guess it did in a way, being that bold, it opened up, and I'm like, well, it's because you hurt my feelings. Like, yeah, dating. And then I can't remember what he did for Angels.

[Brie Bella]

Just do that on purpose, I think, to, like, make. Take us, you know, through that and feel that and be like, this is how you need to be in life.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, exactly.

[Brie Bella]

Direct, right?

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, I've done that way too many times. It's always a mortifying experience. I know you need to go. It was so wonderful talking with you both. I can't. I'll see you at WrestleMania in Vegas next month. Thank you both for being here. I wish you nothing but the best. This was a real joy talking to you.

[Brie Bella]

Thank you, Danielle.

[Nikki Bella]

Thank you so much.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you.

[Brie Bella]

And wait to meet your boys.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes I'll break you them.

[Brie Bella]

Yes. Bye Bye.

[Danielle Fishel]

Teen Beat is an I heart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fishel, executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman, Executive in charge of production, Danielle Romo, producer and editor Tara Sudbaksh. The theme song is by Mark Hoppus. Yes, that Mark Hoppus. Follow us on Instagram teenbeatpod When you

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[Nikki Bella]

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[Nikki Bella]

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by Granger for the ones who get it done.

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[Danielle Fishel]

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[Brie Bella]

Always good.

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[Brie Bella]

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[Brie Bella]

Shop now at IKEA US Bedroomstorage. I tell myself it's not about comparing.

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But then I start wondering.

[Brie Bella]

What can they lift?

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Are they adding more weight to their barbell than I am?

[Nikki Bella]

And suddenly I'm not training.

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Then I realized my journey is not theirs.

[Brie Bella]

I've earned every step.

[Danielle Fishel]

So I smile.

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[Brie Bella]

To put more smiles out into the world.

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Colgate, your smile is your strength at cvs. It matters that we're not just in your community, but that we're part of it. It matters that we're here for you when you need us. Day or night night. And we want everyone to feel welcomed and rewarded. It matters that CVS is here to fill your prescriptions and here to fill your craving for a tasty and, yeah, healthy snack. At cvs, we're proud to serve your community because we believe where you get your medicine matters. So Visit [e-mail] or just come by our store. We can't wait to meet you. Store hours vary by location. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.