Episode Overview

In Episode E937 of The Viall Files titled "Going Deeper with Michelle Saniei: A Marriage Horror Story", host Nick Viall sits down with Michelle Saniei to unpack the tumultuous journey of her marriage, the challenges of being part of a reality TV show, and her path to personal healing and new beginnings. Released on May 21, 2025, this episode delves into the raw and unfiltered aspects of love, loss, and resilience.

Michelle's Entry into Reality TV

Michelle begins by recounting her unexpected entry into reality television. She explains how friendships intertwined with aspirations led her and her then-husband Jesse to participate in a show that would ultimately expose and exacerbate their marital issues.

Michelle [02:54]: "I really never thought it was going to happen. And then a couple years later, we get a call and they're like, hey, it seems like we're moving forward and we're gonna start in a month."

Michelle acknowledges her naivety, admitting she didn't anticipate the emotional and personal costs of reality TV involvement.

Diverging Personalities and Marital Struggles

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the contrasting personalities between Michelle and Jesse. While Michelle identifies herself as a reserved, business-oriented individual, Jesse’s aspirations leaned heavily towards reality TV and acting.

Michelle [05:06]: "I was just hardcore business, like, I'm all about real estate and working, and that's all I ever wanted to do."

This divergence in interests and personalities laid the groundwork for the subsequent strains in their marriage.

Lack of Communication and Boundaries

Michelle highlights a critical lapse in their relationship: the absence of foundational conversations about setting boundaries before entering the reality show.

Michelle [07:30]: "We didn't know. We didn't have these conversations. It just kind of happened fast."

This lack of prior discussion meant that as the show progressed, existing marital cracks were laid bare without a solid strategy to protect their relationship.

Financial Mismanagement and Substance Abuse

One of the most harrowing aspects Michelle shares is Jesse's reckless financial behavior and increasing substance abuse, which significantly deteriorated their marriage.

Michelle [09:16]: "He was spending all of our money. And I couldn't control that or control him."

Jesse's excessive spending, coupled with daily alcohol consumption and subsequent drug use, created an unstable and toxic environment for Michelle and their daughter Isabella.

Impact on Family and Daughter

The couple's issues profoundly affected their daughter, Isabella. Michelle describes how Jesse's changing behavior and lack of intimacy not only strained their relationship but also impacted Isabella's perception of normalcy within her family.

Michelle [22:30]: "She would say, like, 'mommy, you know, it's okay that your first marriage didn't work out, but you can have. You can get married again.'"

Michelle realized the long-term implications of exposing their daughter to such an unstable environment, reinforcing her decision to leave the marriage for the sake of their child.

Birth of Isabella and Additional Struggles

Michelle details the challenges surrounding Isabella’s birth during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jesse's lack of support and dismissive attitude during a critical moment underscored the depth of their marital issues.

Michelle [19:30]: "I just had Isabella, and he had about 15 minutes with her and had to go home. So I had to be at the hospital by myself."

This period marked a significant turning point, further solidifying Michelle’s resolve to end the marriage.

Divorce Proceedings and Emotional Turmoil

As the marriage dissolved, Michelle faced not only financial disputes but also emotional abuse. Jesse’s strategic narrative-building aimed to tarnish Michelle’s reputation while absolving himself of responsibility.

Michelle [35:06]: "So, he wrote a lot about me. I'm tired of being silenced."

The legal battles and continuous emotional manipulation took a heavy toll on Michelle, highlighting the complexities of divorcing a partner entrenched in reality TV's public scrutiny.

Path to Healing and New Beginnings

Despite the adversities, Michelle shares her journey towards healing. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, seeking legal counsel, and prioritizing her daughter's well-being. Her newfound relationship with Aaron represents a stark contrast to her past, offering stability and genuine support.

Michelle [51:27]: "He's a lot like me. He's really easygoing and he doesn't have to show off anything. I love that."

Michelle's relationship with Aaron has been instrumental in rebuilding her life, allowing her to foster a healthy environment for herself and Isabella.

Advice to Listeners

Towards the episode's conclusion, Michelle offers heartfelt advice to those navigating similar hardships. She underscores the importance of trusting one’s instincts, seeking professional help, and prioritizing the well-being of one’s children.

Michelle [57:52]: "Your gut is usually right about a lot of things. So it's like, if you really are done... I think it's better to do it when they're younger."

Her insights serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for listeners facing their own marital and personal challenges.

Closing Thoughts

Nick and the team express deep empathy for Michelle’s experiences, acknowledging her strength and resilience. The episode not only sheds light on the darker aspects of reality TV participation but also celebrates the indomitable spirit of those who overcome personal turmoil to find happiness and stability.

Notable Quotes

• Michelle [16:43]: "He uses 'it was a mistake' as an excuse for everything."
• Nick Viall [27:28]: "He seems like watching it. His whole sole purpose is to torture you. He seems like an emotional terrorist."
• Michelle [38:41]: "He's always trying to create this narrative, and I'm just like, stop saying things about me. I'm tired of being silenced."
• Michelle [55:35]: "I think so, yeah. Yeah."

This episode serves as a poignant exploration of the intersection between personal lives and public exposure, offering listeners a candid look into the complexities of marriage, reality TV, and the journey to self-discovery and empowerment.