The Twot Seat: STACEY RUSCH (RHOP)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
Episode: The Twot Seat: STACEY RUSCH (RHOP)
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of Two Ts In A Pod, host Stacy welcomes Teddi Mellencamp to discuss her experiences on The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP). The conversation delves deep into Teddi's journey from her previous role at QVC to navigating the intricate dynamics of reality TV, her relationships with fellow cast members, and the challenges she faced during her first season.

Season Overview

Teddi reflects on her inaugural season, describing it as a transformative experience:

Teddi Mellencamp [03:38]: "This has been a wild ride... I feel like I've grown up a lot this season."

She emphasizes personal growth and the lessons learned about group dynamics and self-awareness within the competitive environment of RHOP.

Transition from QVC to RHOP

The shift from a structured, positive environment at QVC to the unpredictable nature of reality TV posed significant challenges for Teddi. She contrasts the two worlds, highlighting the emotional labor required in each:

Teddi Mellencamp [05:03]: "QVC is about spreading love and joy... Housewives are different, toxic in their own way."

While QVC focused on meticulous preparation and emotional connection with viewers, RHOP demanded authenticity without a script, leading to a more volatile and unfiltered experience.

Casting Process and Connections

Teddi shares insights into how she was cast for RHOP, underscoring the importance of her existing social network:

Teddi Mellencamp [06:21]: "Cast by a wonderful man... knew a lot socially, knew Wendy and others."

Her familiarity with cast members like Ashley, Giselle, and Wendy facilitated a smoother transition into the show, allowing her to build relationships prior to filming.

Relationship with Karen Huger

A significant portion of the episode revolves around Teddi's relationship with Karen Huger, a long-standing member of RHOP:

Teddi Mellencamp [10:53]: "We did not end in a good place... standing behind Karen now."

Despite their rocky end, Teddi expresses profound respect for Karen and hopes for her healing and strength beyond the show's context.

Reunion Experience

Discussing the season's reunion, Teddi recounts both the enjoyable and challenging moments:

Teddi Mellencamp [12:19]: "I couldn't even get up to sit next to him to look at the video because I was so snatched... we were all laughing that we all were glued to our seats because we couldn't move."

The reunion highlighted the competitive nature of the cast, with moments of levity amidst underlying tensions.

Tension with TJ

A central controversy addressed in this episode is the fallout with TJ, whom Teddi previously considered a best friend:

Teddi Mellencamp [19:28]: "I did not pay TJ to be my boyfriend in any way... He betrayed me..."

Teddi vehemently denies allegations that she compensated TJ for his role on the show, attributing his actions to personal grievances and feelings of misrepresentation by production.

Dealing with Negativity and Support

Teddi discusses her approach to handling public criticism and maintaining her mental well-being:

Teddi Mellencamp [33:49]: "I focus on good, not negativity... I have a pretty great life because I have not chosen to focus on things like that."

She prioritizes positive feedback and personal achievements over negative comments, emphasizing resilience and self-worth.

Mia's Incident

An incident involving Mia ghosting Teddi during a Miami trip is another focal point of their discussion:

Teddi Mellencamp [36:09]: "Mia ghosted me... couldn't receive what she was saying because it was so obvious that she blatantly ghosted me and didn't care about me."

Teddi expresses her disappointment and the emotional impact of Mia's actions, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining friendships within the high-pressure environment of RHOP.

Future Season Outlook

Looking ahead, Teddi is optimistic about returning for the next season, anticipating deeper relationships and further personal growth:

Teddi Mellencamp [39:50]: "I have not chosen to focus on things like that."

She believes that future seasons will allow her to showcase different facets of her personality and strengthen her standing within the cast.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Stacy commends Teddi's strength and authenticity, reinforcing her commitment to returning for future seasons:

Stacy: "You are beautiful, you are lovely, and like I said, I can't wait to see you next season."

Teddi reciprocates the appreciation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and engage with her audience.

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Notable Quotes

• Teddi Mellencamp [03:38]: "I feel like I've grown up a lot this season... that's the beginning."
• Stacy [04:16]: "If you're growing from it, that's a positive."
• Teddi Mellencamp [10:25]: "I have self-respect for God's sake... At some point, I have to speak up for myself."
• Teddi Mellencamp [19:28]: "He betrayed me... I did not pay TJ to be my boyfriend in any way."
• Teddi Mellencamp [33:49]: "I focus on good, not negativity... I have a pretty great life because I have not chosen to focus on things like that."

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Key Takeaways

• Personal Growth: Teddi credits her first season on RHOP with significant personal development, navigating complex social dynamics and self-awareness.

• Authenticity vs. Preparation: Transitioning from a prepared role at QVC to the unstructured environment of reality TV posed challenges but also opportunities for genuine expression.

• Navigating Relationships: Teddi's experiences with Karen and TJ illustrate the intricate and often strained relationships that can arise within competitive reality TV settings.

• Resilience: Emphasizing positivity and focusing on supportive messages helped Teddi manage public scrutiny and personal challenges effectively.

• Future Prospects: Optimism about future seasons suggests continued growth and deeper character exploration for Teddi within RHOP.

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This episode provides an in-depth look into Teddi Mellencamp's experiences on The Real Housewives of Potomac, highlighting her resilience, the complexities of reality TV dynamics, and her unwavering commitment to personal integrity and growth.

Transcript

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[Tamara Tuney]

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[Stacy]

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[Teddi Mellencamp]

Two teas in a Pod with Teddy Mellencamp and Tamara Jud.

[Stacy]

Hi Stacy. Hi first of all, thank you so much for joining me today. I know Teddi would have loved to be here to talk to you, and.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I'm thinking of her and praying for her.

[Stacy]

Thank you.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

And just really hoping for the best for her and her family. I'm following along just like everyone, so sending prayers to her as much as I can.

[Stacy]

Thank you. All the prayers are needed. Please, everybody.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Amen.

[Stacy]

Yes. So how. Let's just. Before we get into the TJ of it all, let's just talk about this season a little bit.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Sure.

[Stacy]

How are you feeling now that the season is over?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

You know, this has been a wild ride. Like, think about your first season as a housewife.

[Stacy]

For sure.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

You know, you're having a lot of fun. You're learning a lot, not only about the dynamics within the group of each individual woman, but you're also, you know, learning about yourself. I feel like I've grown up a lot one season. I know that's, like, quite dramatic, but. No, that's actually feel.

[Stacy]

But that's good because I always say there's two types of housewives. There's housewives that watch themselves and go, oh, damn. I don't really like that part of me, and I'm going to change it. And there's other ones that just don't even see it. So if you're growing from it, that's a positive.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I'm. I'm definitely growing from this experience.

[Stacy]

Now, you came from qvc. Prior is. I'm sure there's a huge difference between QVC and Housewives.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Oh, my goodness. It's so different. Like, QVC is, you know, the epitome of working at Disneyland. You know, like, we. And when I say we, I'll say that because I used to be a part of the host team. But it really is about, like, spreading love and joy and helping people with products that can improve their lives. And there's preparation, and you're studying, and you want to make sure that, you know, you're connecting to the viewers. It's a. It's emotional work. And I feel like with the Housewives, it's also emotional work, but in a completely different way.

[Stacy]

And the toxic way.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

You're totally unprepared. There's nothing to study there. It's impossible. You just have to be yourself and sort of ride the wave, you know?

[Stacy]

Yeah. Did you leave QVC to do Housewives, or were you already done with qvc?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

So when I decided to leave qvc, it was primarily because I was going through a divorce. No one knew I'm a very private person, says the person on reality tv. But I didn't tell anyone about my divorce. And so at the time, I knew that I wanted to come back to the D.C. area because my daughter needed that. It was a really big transition transition for us to be living in Philly, because when I was working for qvc, we had to live in Philadelphia. So I knew that my daughter needed to be home. I knew that my daughter needed to be surrounded by friends and family. So it was almost as if, you know, God made it so that it was perfect timing and gave me this opportunity to come home and start the show. So my daughter got to come home, I could finish things with my divorce and then start this incredible journey on this crazy show.

[Stacy]

How did you get cast for Housewives?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

So I was cast by a wonderful man, but there was a casting agent that I've known for years. I've known him for about five or six years, and we've always kept in touch. And like I said, I don't know, it was divine timing. He called me and said, hey, you know, how are things going with you? Like, what are you doing? And I was like, oh, my gosh, this is happening. This is happening. And he was like, stop. You got to come on the show now.

[Stacy]

Did you know. Did you know any of the Housewives?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Yes, yes. You know, D.C. is really small, especially when you talk about the social circle that I'm in. So I had met a lot of the women just socially at parties. I had already met Ashley and Giselle and Wendy. Wendy and I served together on a board for a charitable organization. So I knew a lot of the ladies socially. I knew a casting agent. It was just. It was a very easy transition for me. I think a lot of people say that. A lot of people are like, wow, it just seems like you're such a great fit, I think, because it was the perfect combination of knowing a little bit about the ladies, but not, like, knowing everything, you know? So it was just perfect.

[Stacy]

So now, looking back, you had said that Karen reached out to you to meet you before you started filming. Do you think she did that to steer you in certain directions, or what was your thought on that?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Well, I think it's apparent now, having watched the finale episode, that that's something that she does with a lot of newbies. So I think she was just taking me out to welcome me into the group and to talk about things. As I've said, Karen and I have known each other for years. I wouldn't say that we Were best friends, and we were going out every Friday night for drinks. But we've known each other for years, so we decided to get together. She invited me, and she told me what to expect from the ladies in the group. Or maybe those were her expectations. But that's something that she does with all the new girls. So I don't think that that was. Looking back, I think I was one of many newbies to make it to the Tally Ho.

[Stacy]

You know, that wasn't the first newbie.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

To be at the Tally Ho having lunch.

[Stacy]

That's funny. She takes them all there. Now, I'm gonna tell you this. I see a spark in your eye every once in a while. Usually you're very sweet and very kind, but I'm like, oh, Stacy's gonna snap. I could. She has it in her. She has it in her. And you did a few times. Now, are. Do you think you are the same person on camera as you are off camera? Did you try to play it safe when you came in? There was rumors that you were boring and not. Not tough enough to be a housewife. And I'm like, uh, I see it in her.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Um, at heart, I am a very kind and loving and compassionate person. Um, I've said this many times. My life speaks for itself. I taught yoga for seven years. I've taught all over the world. I serve on many organizations to help animals, dogs, and people. I am who I am. Right?

[Stacy]

Yeah.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

However, I'm a human being. And you can only laugh it off and take the jabs and dive the jabs so much. And you have to, at some point, speak up for yourself. And so, you know, people are like, oh, my goodness, I thought that you were so prim and proper. I can't believe that you're raising your voice. I can only take so much. I'm a human being. And I also think this is my first season. You know, like, people don't know me in one season. You're getting to know me, and you're going to get to see different sides of me. This is just the beginning. So when I get upset, it's because you have pushed me there. I'm always here. But if you.

[Stacy]

No, I will absolutely agree. You're not the person that's going to go after somebody for some reason. If you get pushed, you're going to push right back. And I love you.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

At some point, I'm a human being. I have to take up for myself. I do have self respect, for God's sake. You can only take so much. Even as the nice girl.

[Stacy]

Yeah. How did you reach out to Karen after she went to court?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I didn't.

[Stacy]

Yeah, you're. You guys are not on good terms, I take it.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

You know, honestly, when you think about the entire season and all the things that happened with Karen, we did not end in a good place. But I have a tremendous amount of respect for Karen and who she is and the legacy that she has begun to build in our community beyond Housewives, in our community and with her family. There's a lot of things that I know about. So at this time, despite where we are, I just want the best for her. I sincerely want her to heal and get well, and I want her to come back stronger than ever, because that is what I would expect from the grandam. It doesn't matter where we ended at the season. As of today, I'm. I'm standing behind her to get back to the phenomenal woman I know her to be.

[Stacy]

So the grand Dom has said that she wants to ditch that title and just go by Karen and get once people to know who she is. Now, there's been talk that you guys will start filming pretty soon, and, of course, she will not be in this season. Do you think that it's going to affect the season at all?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I think that Karen has been a part of the Real Housewives of Potomac brand since its beginning, and that is commendable, and we love her for that. But I also feel like our brand is strong, and it is, as, you know, an ensemble cast, and I think we have some really wonderful stories that still need to be told and shared. So I think that while she heals and she gets back to herself. Karen Huger. I think that we can hold down the fort.

[Stacy]

Yep, I think you can.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I think so.

[Stacy]

Let's talk about the reunion. So this was your first reunion. You guys all looked beautiful. Thank you.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Did you like the white?

[Stacy]

I do. I did. Like. It was amazing.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Right? Who was your favorite?

[Stacy]

You, of course. No, you. I think you guys all look beautiful. There was a lot of boobs. There was a lot of boobs. I'm not gonna lie. A lot. Like, I just felt like I needed to push them down a little bit.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Like, it was like, bring them out. Bring them out.

[Stacy]

Yeah. Some of you all looked really uncomfortable, like, sitting on the beads and, you know, the tightening.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Something really funny. Mm. So do you remember when Andy wanted to show me the video?

[Stacy]

Oh, yes, I do.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

A tj.

[Stacy]

Yeah.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

And we were all. I was. We were laughing a little bit after. You know, you can always find laughter even in the worst moments. But I would say I couldn't even get up to sit next to him to look at the video because I was so snatched, you know, with the corset in the dress. So we were all laughing that we all like were glued to our seats because we couldn't move.

[Stacy]

Well, it looked like that. So you guys look beautiful. It looks really uncomfortable.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Even if I wanted to run off the stage, like it was impossible. Girl, I was like glued to that seat. So we were just laughing about that.

[Stacy]

Well, bless your hearts because I could never do that.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I've done like on my skin from the corset. I could show you that I still have marks. And that was months ago where it was made of wire flower. So it cut into my skin.

[Stacy]

Oh my gosh.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I bled for that reunion.

[Stacy]

Oh my. Yes you did. You're still bleeding, I think.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Oh yeah.

[Stacy]

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[Stacy]

Introducing the new daytime drama beyond the Gates.

[Tamara Tuney]

Welcome to Fairmont Crest Estates, a wealthy suburban community outside Washington, D.C. where you'll find the esteemed and glamorous Dupree family, the very definition of black royalty.

[Stacy]

The Duprees rule the neighborhood and social scene with poise and sophistication. That is, until a cheating husband and his trophy wife start stirring up trouble.

[Tamara Tuney]

Now their power and standing are threatened and their secrets may come to light. All the while, those on the outside are watching closely, waiting for their empire to crumble.

[Stacy]

Find out what happens beyond these majestic gates and behind closed doors where scandal, romance, betrayal, passion and revenge await.

[Tamara Tuney]

These pristine walls hide torrid affairs and guilty consciences, a web of juicy stories ready to be revealed.

[Stacy]

CBS Daytime is about to get soapier.

[Tamara Tuney]

Starring Tamara Tuney, Clifton Davis, Daphne Duplay.

[Stacy]

And Carla Mosley, the new daytime drama beyond the Gates on CBS weekdays at 2pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific and streaming on Paramount. Plus, let's talk about your best friend, T.J. sure, Andy did play you the tape showing T.J. accusing you of paying him to be love interest on the show. Is there any truth to this? Like how? Where did he come up with us? A lot of people are not believing you and thinking that it's absolutely true that you paid him. He is a working actor. Did he get confused Somehow thinking, like, you're going to bring me on and somehow you're going to pay me.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

You know, I'm. I'm okay with not everyone believing me. That's life. I'm never. I didn't come on this show to win people over or to have people on my side or to be the most popular. I understand that life happens, and everyone's going to have an opinion, especially on a platform like this. And I don't want to bash tj despite what he did and that he betrayed me in a way that greatly affected me in a way that I've never been affected in my life. I have not paid TJ to be my boyfriend in any way. And when I say boyfriend, I'll say love interest. I know that on the show we called him my best friend, and everyone laughed at that and made fun of it. Listen, I've prayed with this man. He brought me closer to God through his faith and through his profound faith. I guess I should say I prayed with him. He's met members of my family. We've spent quite a few intense moments together. And this is someone who I had a deep connection with. This is someone who I never saw, spoke ill of. I've only said the positive things and the positive blessings that he brought to my life. And I didn't do that because I was following a script. I didn't do that because I'm a liar or I'm a fraud. I spoke highly of him because that is who I thought he was. So when it was brought to my attention in front of the world that he said that, I paid him, knowing that he knew what that would imply about me. Right. Knowing that he said that, knowing that it would hurt me, knowing that I'm going to have to, you know, defend this and come on and explain.

[Stacy]

Why does he want to hurt you? That's what I understand. Why would he want to hurt you if he's your best friend?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I think that it was. I think it was really difficult for him to see his worst moments in the way that he treated me. I think it was really hard. He was very upset with production and the way that he was. He feels he was portrayed. I think a lot of things that were said about his behavior at Wendy's birthday party, there were just a lot of things that he did that were disrespectful. And I think a lot of people saw that and they wanted to defend me. And he read those comments. He saw it, too. And quite frankly, I think it was a lot for him. And I think that the only way to make that go away after we broke up was to say it wasn't real. I also think, you know, I hate to. I don't want to ever be the type of person that says, like, well, you didn't see this moment or production did this. Like, I accept that my job is to allow reality to play out, and you know this. Right. But what you didn't see there was a moment when I was with the girls on stage, and I said, you know, Andy said, TJ is not here. Why is he not here? I said, well, we broke up. He said, oh, so you broke up with T.J. you're divorced. I said, you know what? Yeah. And it feels good to stand on my own. It feels good to be here. Justice Stacy. I don't need anybody. I'm so confident. I feel so good. And I just think it's so ironic. When I chose to stand on my own, this happened. I just think I'm not the first or the last woman that this will happen to. I think for me, it's quite obvious how this is playing out.

[Stacy]

How long did you know him?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

About two years.

[Stacy]

Okay.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

About two years.

[Stacy]

Do you think it's possible that he used you to get on tv?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

A lot of people say that. A lot of people seem to think that I was wanting more of a relationship. And when I say wanting more of a relationship, I want to say that our plan together was to try to be in an intimate relationship after my divorce was finally finalized. That was our plan. And I think I was so excited about that. And I think he was so excited to be a part of RHOP and be on camera. Unfortunately.

[Stacy]

I think so, too.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

But you don't see things when you're in it. You know, it's, what can I do?

[Stacy]

No, I get that.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I don't know about you, but, like, for my first season, watching the show, after you filmed for months and they put it all together, it was hard for me. There were a lot of things that I forgot. There were a lot of moments that I had to relive. Like, you know, when I was at Wendy's birthday party and to see him act that way, you know, my mother called me and said, hey, is everything okay? Is this man? What is going on? That was hard for me.

[Stacy]

Spring is the season of love and new beginnings. My favorite season. Just saying. Whether you're looking for a spring fling, situationship, or something more serious, spring is the best time to find love and go on lunch dates, too. Like delivering food to your home with DoorDash or grabbing a bite at Panera. Steamy soup, refreshing salad, savory sandwiches Find your perfect pairing. It's easier than you think to find love on an app, or at least a lunch you love on the DoorDash app. Whatever you're looking for, DoorDash and Panera Bread are teaming up to help you find your perfect match. Panera's U Pick 2 offerings let you pair two items like a cup of soup, half a salad or a half a sandwich together from Panera's menu. With over 800 possible combinations, it's easy to find your one true lunch. You pick two deliver right to you with DoorDash. Get 20% off your Panera. You pick two order on DoorDash with the code TRUE LUNCH. March 3 through March 12 terms apply for full terms, go to the Panera store page on DoorDash.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It's stock up savings time now through March 25th. Spring in for store wide deals and earn four times a point. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible beverage items like Red Bull and sparkling ice, or breakfast favorites like Kellogg's Pop Tarts, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and Kellogg's Eggo Waffles, plus many more. Then clip the offer in our app Automatic Event Long saving. Stack up those rewards to save even more restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Stacy]

Introducing the new daytime drama beyond the Gates.

[Tamara Tuney]

Welcome to Fairmont Crest Estates, a wealthy suburban community outside Washington, D.C. where you'll find the esteemed and glamorous Dupree family, the very definition of black royalty.

[Stacy]

The Duprees rule the neighborhood and social scene with poise and sophistication. That is, until a cheating husband and his trophy wife wife starts stirring up trouble.

[Tamara Tuney]

Now their power and standing are threatened and their secrets may come to light. All the while, those on the outside are watching closely, waiting for their empire to crumble.

[Stacy]

Find out what happens beyond these majestic gates and behind closed doors, where scandal, romance, betrayal, passion and revenge await.

[Tamara Tuney]

These pristine walls hide torrid affairs and guilty consciences. A web of juicy stories ready to be revealed.

[Stacy]

CBS Daytime is about to get soapier.

[Tamara Tuney]

Starring Tamara Tuney, Clifton Davis, Daphne Duplay.

[Stacy]

And Carla Mosley, the new daytime drama beyond the Gates, on CBS weekdays at 2pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific and streaming on Paramount.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Plus, are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn [e-mail] credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report.

[Stacy]

Was your breakup bad? Were you guys. When you broke up, were you still talking? Was it. Did it get dirty? Like, was there any of that?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

No. And that's what's so surprising for me. No. We ended with. I thought that we ended things with a mutual respect for each other. I said that I needed time. He knew before a lot of other people knew when my divorce would be final. And I said, you know, I think you are fantastic, but I just need, like, a moment, you know, I was like, I gotta catch my breath. I moved from Philadelphia, quitting a job that I love to take care of my daughter. I started the show, I had to figure out how to find my feet with these women. The filming schedule, our relationship, a divorce from a man that I was married to for 16 years. I said to him, you know, I think you're fantastic, and I think there's a future, but I just need to breathe. Can you give me a moment? And then he said those things at the reunion. I was totally caught off guard.

[Stacy]

He gave you a moment, And I.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Do think he gave me a moment.

[Stacy]

He gave me a moment. And he also put suspicion out there that you were paying him. Now, let me just tell you this. I did see a lot of comments on Instagram saying that prior to him saying that, do you think that he read those and thought, ah, I'm going to bring this up. Another thing is, why did they call him? Do you think this was planned?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

We talked in depth about what people were saying about the show. I'm going to keep it completely real with you. I'm not. We. As soon as the show aired and people started making comments about him and their perception of the way that he treated me, he and I looked at comments and we were like, wow, oh, my gosh, this is awful. And he was furious about the way he thought production portrayed him. And I said, you know, I don't know what to say about this. I think that, like, these are things that happen. The camera and our mics caught them. And I think we have to try to work through this. I don't know that he could work through it. I think it was that hard for him. I really am being honest, I think it was really difficult for him. And I know people are probably like, why do you care about him? Why don't you talk about yourself? I'm just coming to you with truth and trying to give you an idea of my perspective of the way things played out. But we were very much aware of what people were saying. There was a hashtag Free Stacy, like, on Twitter, you know, so there were a lot of things that happened behind closed doors, and there were a lot of things that came to light on camera. And it was hard for me to relive those moments. It was really difficult.

[Stacy]

I'm sure it is. Especially your first year. You're like, whoa, this is, you know, total shock to the body. Are you worried that TJ will fabricate or attempt to show receipts? And if he does do something like that and you are set in your truth, what will you do?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I can't worry about what he will.

[Stacy]

Do you think he will?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I don't know. I don't. I don't. I honestly, I don't know. I haven't called him since the conversation that we had after the reunion where he was very remorseful and he wanted to publicly apologize. And there were a lot of people that wanted him to do that, and there were a lot of people who said, I would be crazy to allow him one more moment of camera time, quite frankly.

[Stacy]

Would you want him to publicly apologize to you, even if it's on his social media, to take some accountability?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

You know what I want for tj? I want TJ to have the life that he deserves. I am so grateful to have had this experience. My daughter is healthy and well. I am home in Virginia. My life is so full right now. My best friends were with me when I was filming. Watch what happens live. I don't. I don't wish ill for tj. I don't worry about what he's going to do. It's not my lie to disprove. I don't have to fix anything. I can stand in my truth and who I am. My life speaks for itself, and my life is blessed. God is good. I can't worry about other people. I think you live like that.

[Stacy]

A lot of people do. A lot of people worry about. Yes. And I will have to say it takes a really big, strong person to be like, say whatever you want about me. I don't care. Because I know my truth and I don't care what other people are saying about me. My husband is like that 100. He's like, I don't care. Is. That's their opinion. Nothing. I'm Getting that. I'm getting to that point where I'm like, I. You know what doesn't really bother me, what other people think, especially on this platform, because you could be giving away millions of dollars and doing charities, and people will still find something to pick on you.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I am okay with people believing tj. I am okay with people saying, oh, I'm not a fan of hers. Do you know what I choose to concentrate on? I concentrate on, you know, opening my phone this morning and reading messages like, stacy, you're a breath of fresh air. We stand by you, Stacy. Don't let this stop you. Please come back next season. I love so much fun. I focus on good. I don't focus on negativity. And how can I? My life isn't like that, and I have a pretty great life because I have not chosen to focus on things like that.

[Stacy]

Well, when you focus on.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Worried about him, I'm not worried about people who don't believe me. Even. Even people on the show, you know.

[Stacy]

I, I. Yeah, the girls didn't seem to believe you, and I will agree with that, because when you focus on negativity, negativity comes into your life, and that isn't anything any of us want. But the girls did not believe you. How did you leave? Like, are you. Who are you talking to? Who are you not talking to right now on the show?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I've spoken to everyone on the show, and I have had conversations about how to move forward. Some people have voiced their opinion to say, I don't believe you. Some people have voiced their opinions and said, it doesn't matter. Everyone feels differently, and I don't want to speak for them. I think that I'll allow them to speak for themselves. I won't do that. But I'll say this to you, as I've said to my friends on the show, if you choose not to believe me, that's okay. I'm okay with that. It's okay.

[Stacy]

That's a good place to be, Stacey. It really is. Let's switch from TJ Because I've had enough of this guy and tj. Do the right thing, buddy. Do the right thing. Let's talk about something that really, really pissed me off, and that was the Miami trip. You went to Miami to Mia's birthday party. You paid for a hotel, a babysitter. You paid for a flight, and Mia ghosted you guys crazy. Who does that?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I know. And this is the thing. You know, I am so forgiving. I am always nice, right? For me to say to Mia at The reunion. I can't receive this right now. Shows you how strongly I felt in that moment. I couldn't even receive what she was saying to me because it was so obvious that she blatantly ghosted me and didn't care about me.

[Stacy]

I love seeing something is a lot. I love seeing you all revved up. When you were talking to her about that, I'm like, yes, believe.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I was like, hot.

[Stacy]

You were hot. That's why I'm like, she's got it in her. Stop saying she's got it in her.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

But only when you do something that. I'm a human being. You can't treat me this way. Yeah, the nicest. Like Gandhi wouldn't be treated this way. For God's sake.

[Stacy]

No. And I. I'm like, oh, my God. If somebody did that to me, I would be like, you're done. I'm done with you. Non negotiable.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

What? I don't know if they. You know, that I've spoken to her.

[Stacy]

Mia.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Yes.

[Stacy]

What were your thoughts on Mia leaving the reunion? I know this was your first one, but what were the girls saying about it?

[Teddi Mellencamp]

You know, you're trying to be nice, Stacey.

[Stacy]

You're trying to be nice. I know you have some words in there that you want to get out.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

I feel like you're hip to my game, girl. You know what? I'm going to take a breath and think. I have.

[Stacy]

I can. I can read people very easy. Very easy.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

You can. I have to be careful with you.

[Stacy]

I'm like, she wants to say it, and she's trying to be nice about it.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Okay, I'm just gonna tell. Okay, let me just say this. After being on the receiving end of a beatdown from the ladies, I can understand why it was too much for her and she walked away. Honestly, I don't think it was right. I think that, you know, she should have stood there and defended herself like she did all season when we would bring things up to her about, you know, things she said sorry about her children. Horrible things that she said about Giselle's children. In those moments, Mia was like big, bad glamazon. She stood up, she said how she felt. But when we all sort of questioned her and her motives and her behavior, she ran away. Not right. But I understand. That's all I'm saying. It's tough in this group. It is really tough when you feel like everyone is coming down on you. So I get it. I called her after the reunion to make sure she was all right, and she was you know, how Mia, she's already moved on to the next thing.

[Stacy]

So Mia running out, she lied a lot. And I. She got caught in a lot of lies. However, the reason why she ran out was not because she was lying. It was because I think it was Giselle said. Called her a bad mom or something like that. Mom. Shame. I didn't like that at all. I would have probably got up and left, too. I don't know if I would have went home, but it was a lot. So, you know, I would have been pissed off, too.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

But that's my point. I understand it. I get it. Because I, you know, when they gang up on you. I said this at the reunion. I really. I've never been in a sorority. Have you been in a sorority?

[Stacy]

No. God, no. I was. Had a baby at 18. Oh. I. School of hard knocks.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Well, I've never been in a sorority, but. Or this is. Hey. The way that I have been treated on this show is what I would imagine hazing to be, where people just, you know, it's like, we're gonna make sure we, like, beat you down before we accept you. I'll never understand. Well, because I'm really looking for friendships.

[Stacy]

Yeah. The good thing is, is next season we. We get to see a different side of you, I'm sure, because you get to know the girls better and, you know, how.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Do you think I'll be back next season?

[Stacy]

Yeah, I do. And I just wanted. I have fun with it. Be yourself and keep a TJ away. And I just want to say thank you so much for taking the time to come on the podcast. You are beautiful, you are lovely, and like I said, I can't wait to see you next season.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Okay, thanks, honey. Thank you for inviting me. And it's happy to finally see your beautiful face in person.

[Stacy]

You as well. You as well. Thank you, Stacy.

[Teddi Mellencamp]

Thank you. Bye.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Teddi Mellencamp]

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[Tamara Tuney]

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[Stacy]

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[Tamara Tuney]

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[Stacy]

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[Tamara Tuney]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

Podcast is kicking off season two with an episode you won't want to miss. Join host Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, as he welcomes a very special Guest, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon. Hear about the challenges facing small businesses and some of the oh moments Jamie has overcome. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Chase mobile app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply JPMorgan Chase Bank NA member FDIC Copyright 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Company.