Two Ts In A Pod: The Eds unEDited with Frank Catania

Podcast: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
Episode Date: August 5, 2025
Special Guest: Frank Catania (ex-husband of Dolores Catania, RHONJ)
Co-hosts: Eddie Judge & Edwin Arroyabe

Episode Overview

This lively episode of The Eds (the men's spinoff from Two Ts In A Pod) features Frank Catania, best known as Dolores Catania's ex-husband on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Frank opens up about his unique family dynamics, his journey as a prosecutor-turned-TV-personality, lessons from past mistakes, the deep respect between him and Dolores, and gives listeners an inside look at Jersey’s "Househusbands" camaraderie. The conversation is candid, humorous, and sometimes deeply personal, shedding light on co-parenting after divorce and finding happiness beyond reality TV drama.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Frank's Background and Upbringing

• Grew up in Patterson, NJ—initially an Italian-American enclave, now a diverse city with rich history and architecture.
• "I fit every guido stereotype… everything Jersey." (05:04)
• Started in law, following in his father's footsteps, though initially wanted to be a veterinarian (35:54).

2. Path to Law and Personal Redemption

• Practiced law for 23 years (criminal, divorce, real estate). Was the head prosecutor in Hackensack (08:39).
  • “I was more than fair. Because, guys, listen, there’s many times I…was on the opposite end of the law.” (12:38)
• Discussed his own arrest during law school for drugs, and how his experience gave him empathy as a prosecutor (13:19-14:15).
  • “If I didn’t get that chance, I would never be where I was today.” (14:15)

3. Philosophy on Second Chances and Change

• Frank explains how losing his mother in 2007 and being surrounded by positive people, especially Dolores and his new wife Brittany, changed his outlook (16:55–18:14).
• Notable quote about perspective:
  • “If [a kid with prosthetic legs] could smile and love life the way he is, who the fuck am I to complain about the things I complain about?” (17:13)

4. Unusual but Harmonious Relationship with Ex-Wife Dolores

• Described their transition from marriage to friendship and co-parents (19:18–21:24).
• "Dolores divorced me in order to keep our family together." (21:16)
• Both prioritized the kids above personal hurt:
  • "No separate birthdays, no separate holidays. I don’t think my kids, until they were like 18, even realized we were divorced." (21:24)
• Honest about his infidelity, and how their relationship evolved into deep, platonic love and mutual support (20:10–21:28).
• Frank is protective of Dolores like a sister; Brittany, his current wife, is fully supportive of this dynamic.

5. Co-Parenting and Blended Family Success

• Dolores and Frank both modeled hard work and discipline for their children, balancing financial support with high expectations (37:44–38:43).
• “Divorced children do not need to be affected by divorce.” (37:21)
• Daughter Gabby is a veterinarian and a “badass”—tough but compassionate (47:24–49:10).

6. Dealing with Divorce (and Lawyers)

• Divulges the divorce was “nasty” due to attorney interference, despite his efforts to be fair (22:34–24:18).
  • “Not my attorney...her attorney kept saying no, no, no.” (22:53)
• After court, Dolores agreed not to fight over money, and they’ve never looked at the settlement since:
  • “If I had it, she had it.” (24:18)

7. Positive Circle and Surrounding Yourself with Good People

• Frank highlights the importance of optimism and the “glass half full” attitude, crediting his happiness to surrounding himself with such people — especially his wife Brittany (18:14).

8. Frank’s Relationship with Brittany

• Newly married, ceremony performed by Dolores’s ex-boyfriend David (04:13).
• 25-year age difference (63:31) has never been a public issue; his children, especially his daughter, took time to adjust but now are close with Brittany (64:23–65:00).
• "We laugh all the time…I can’t remember the last time either one of us raised our voice." (69:02)

9. Housewives: From Social Media Flogging to Fan-Favorite

• Frank joined RHONJ as Dolores’ ex, dealt with harsh public reactions but became popular once he was himself (50:54–51:50).
  • “For the most part after that, it’s been 95 percent good.” (51:30)
  • “What you see is what you get.” (52:03)
• Shares what it's like to be recognized everywhere, and his love for Cameo:
  • “I’ve done over 5,000 cameos because I enjoy it.” (51:49)

10. Jersey ‘Househusbands’ & Comedy

• Jersey’s male cast members genuinely get along better than in other franchise cities—real friendship helps drive the fun on and off camera (53:28–54:54).
• Frank and Joe Gorga’s comedy show: accidental beginnings, playful ribbing, and the energy of sold-out Housewives crowds (55:21–58:36).
• On nicknames with Joe and Paulie:
  • Paulie is “Buzz Lightyear,” Joe calls Frank “Potato Head”—they bond over banter (41:40).

11. Handling Social Media and Reality TV Pressures

• Frank and the co-hosts discuss the downside of online “keyboard warriors,” bots, and negative rumors. Empathy and authenticity are their shields (60:54–62:13).
• On reality TV and relationships: careful about Brittany joining as a Housewife due to fear of drama ruining their unusually drama-free life (62:13–62:56).

12. Family, Hobbies, and Life Outlook

• Frank’s kids share his work ethic and drive; Gabby is a vet, his son works for a top investment firm (36:44–37:21).
• Shares stories about getting dental work done, needing to be put under anesthesia, and accidentally wetting himself (32:45–34:13)—self-deprecating humor and openness.
• Loves animals, rides motorcycles with friends from the show, enjoys football and traveling (69:02–77:14).

Notable & Memorable Quotes

• On second chances:
  • "If I didn’t get that chance, I would never be where I was today." — Frank Catania (14:15)
• On co-parenting:
  • "Dolores divorced me in order to keep our family together." — Frank (21:16)
• On perspective after loss:
  • “If [that kid] can smile…and love life, who the fuck am I to complain?” — Frank (17:13)
• On fighting for respect in relationships:
  • “Treat her with respect or I swear to God…I will fuck you up.” — Frank, to one of Dolores's boyfriends (46:30)
• On real love:
  • "I love Dolores probably as much as I love anyone else in my life...It’s more like she’s my younger sister." (26:06)
• On being authentic:
  • "I just started acting myself. And then it turned dramatically where everybody—oh, what a nice guy." (51:14)
• On social media:
  • “Why do people find it necessary [to leave negative comments]? And then it’s usually somebody with no pictures, like four followers…Keyboard warriors.” (61:04)
• On happiness:
  • “Every day is a gift, not a given right.” (74:12)
• On gratitude:
  • “God can call my number tomorrow. I’m not going to be one of those people—shoulda, coulda, woulda. I did it...and I live it, bro.” (65:17)

Memorable Moments & Highlights (Timestamps)

• Frank explains his unique coparenting and friendship with Dolores (19:18–26:07)
• Frank’s legal troubles and turnaround (13:19–14:15)
• The infamous “VHS tape” infidelity confrontation story (39:34–40:13)
• On being introduced at Joe Gorga’s comedy shows (56:33–57:47)
• Paulie as Buzz Lightyear and Frank as Potato Head (41:40–42:32)
• Discusses cameo and fan encounters (51:49–52:03)
• Hilarious dental story at Smile Texas (32:45–34:13)
• Open and honest about being 25 years older than Brittany (63:31–64:08)
• Frank’s tattoo: “Every day is a gift, not a given right.” (74:12)
• Frank’s take on social media drama and bots (62:13)
• Offer to attend Rams game together—showcases guests’ real friendship (71:04–71:26)

The Eds' Reflection (Host Discussion)

• Edwin relates the Frank-Dolores dynamic to his own divorce with Teddi—to amicable coparenting, putting kids first, and learning how to transition from partners to friends (79:02–85:51).
• Conversation on whether men and women can be friends post-divorce, how respect and emotional detachment are key, and the value of moving past resentment (82:48–85:51).

Key Takeaways

• Frank Catania’s story is one of growth, redemption, and self-awareness. He’s candid about his faults and mistakes, yet his journey is rooted in self-improvement and surrounding himself with positive, supportive people.
• His bond with Dolores and their blended family is rare and aspirational, proving that even after painful splits, genuine friendship and unity can benefit everyone—especially the children.
• Authenticity, humor, and empathy are Frank’s biggest strengths, earning him respect from co-hosts, fans, and even co-stars with whom he's had complicated histories.
• Reality TV may amplify rumors and drama, but Frank’s approach—honesty, compassion, and a refusal to let negativity change him—serves as a model for thriving in the spotlight without losing who you are.

Recommended Listening:
Tune into this episode for a master-class in co-parenting, forgiveness, and creating a happy, blended life after divorce, peppered with laughs and plenty of Jersey personality.