Podcast Summary: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge

Episode: Two Jersey Js: A Life Worth Living
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Guest: Maria Menounos
Host: Jackie Goldschneider & Jen Fessler
Podcast Series: Two Ts In A Pod with Teddi Mellencamp and Tamra Judge
Host Network: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Two Ts In A Pod, hosts Jackie Goldschneider and Jen Fessler welcome special guest Maria Menounos—a multifaceted media personality known for her roles as a TV host, actress, and podcast host. The conversation delves deep into Maria's illustrious career, her personal health battles, and her journey towards redefining success and achieving work-life balance.

Maria Menounos' Career Journey

Maria Menounos shares an extensive overview of her diverse career, highlighting her early beginnings in beauty pageants and her transition into the television industry.

Key Points:

• Early Beginnings: Maria recounts her start in pageantry, winning the Miss Massachusetts Perfect Teen title at age 15 and competing nationally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (09:20)

• Transition to Television: Studying journalism and film in college, Maria worked on a movie with her now-husband, Kevin. This project served as a launching pad, leading to her big break at Channel One News. (10:26)

• Diverse Roles: Over the years, Maria has donned multiple hats—from being a TV host on Access Hollywood and Extra to acting in films and even wrestling in the WWE. (05:35)

Notable Quote:

"I love everything, which is why I've done so many different things. I've wrestled and so I love writing." (16:49)

Health Challenges and Recovery

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Maria opens up about her and her family's health struggles, emphasizing resilience and proactive health management.

Key Points:

• Family Health Battles: Maria discusses her father's Type 1 diabetes and her mother's battle with a malignant brain tumor diagnosed in September 2016. (21:24)

• Personal Diagnosis: Months after her mother's diagnosis, Maria discovered she had a benign brain tumor. This revelation came after experiencing severe symptoms like slurred speech and intense ear pain, leading her to insist on an MRI despite initial reassurances from doctors. (29:30)

• Advanced Scanning: Maria credits a full-body Pruvo scan for detecting a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor—a diagnosis that traditional doctors initially missed. This proactive approach was crucial in saving her life. (35:04)

Notable Quotes:

"I did have moments where like, the Mack truck rolled over my chest and I'm like, oh, my God, someone's going to saw my head open. But I watched my mom go in with a smile and I was like, okay, I'm good. I'm in great hands." (43:23)

"I know how to heal and I believe in my healing. And Saint Nectarios, our healing saint, has been so good to me." (35:54)

Redefining Success and Work-Life Balance

Maria candidly discusses her evolving perception of success, influenced by her health challenges and personal growth.

Key Points:

• Changing Priorities: Maria emphasizes shifting from external definitions of success—such as career achievements and financial gains—to internal fulfillment and family happiness. (52:03)

• Mindset Shift: She shares her journey of prioritizing health, family time, and personal happiness over traditional success metrics. This shift has led her to focus on activities that bring genuine joy, such as cooking with family and being present for her child. (54:17)

• Advocacy for Self-Care: Maria advocates for self-advocacy in healthcare and personal wellness, encouraging listeners to prioritize their health and well-being. (55:57)

Notable Quote:

"Life is about more than that. And the problem is we've been born and bred into like, achieve succeed, get good grades, get a huge job, and then maybe marriage and kids. Never health, but everything's always an aside to money and success." (54:17)

Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Maria shares her aspirations to create health retreats and develop courses aimed at helping women achieve foundational health and personal clarity.

Key Points:

• Health Retreats: Maria is working on organizing retreats focused on health and healing, leveraging her personal experiences and expertise to guide others on their wellness journeys. (56:25)

• Educational Courses: She plans to develop courses that help women determine their true desires and needs, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. (56:25)

• Holiday Movie: Maria discusses her involvement in holiday-themed movies, highlighting her latest project, Christmas at Plum Hill Manor, shot in London. The movie centers on a career-driven architect who discovers a fulfilling, community-oriented lifestyle during her stay at a family manor. (49:23)

Notable Quote:

"One of my dreams is to put health retreats together and take people on this, like, journey so that if you want to be healthier, you'll learn the foundational health things that you need to learn." (56:25)

Insights on Personal Growth and Healing

Maria delves into the practices that have aided her healing process, emphasizing the importance of meditation, reducing toxin exposure, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Key Points:

• Healing Practices: Maria incorporates meditation, red light therapy, sauna sessions, grounding, and fascia release exercises into her daily routine to manage her health conditions. (35:34)

• Mental Resilience: She highlights the significance of a resilient mindset, believing that hardships occur for personal growth and the ability to help others. (43:29)

• Support Systems: Maria acknowledges the role of her husband, Dr. Allison, and her faith in Saint Nectarios in her healing journey. (35:54)

Notable Quote:

"I think the great gift I think I've gotten from all of the health crises is that there's so much more to life." (54:17)

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Jackie and Jen express their admiration for Maria's strength and resilience, emphasizing the inspirational nature of her story. They encourage listeners to seek out Maria's work, including her holiday movies and her podcast, Heal Squad, for more insights and inspiration.

Notable Quote:

"You are my absolute new hero." (60:15)

Key Takeaways

• Proactive Health Management: Maria underscores the importance of taking control of one's health, advocating for advanced diagnostics and personal advocacy in medical settings.

• Redefining Success: The episode highlights the need to redefine success beyond traditional metrics, focusing instead on personal well-being and family.

• Resilience and Growth: Maria's journey serves as a testament to resilience, showcasing how personal hardships can lead to profound personal growth and the desire to help others.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “I love everything, which is why I've done so many different things. I've wrestled and so I love writing.” — Maria Menounos (16:49)

• “I did have moments where like, the Mack truck rolled over my chest and I'm like, oh, my God, someone's going to saw my head open. But I watched my mom go in with a smile and I was like, okay, I'm good. I'm in great hands.” — Maria Menounos (43:23)

• “Life is about more than that. And the problem is we've been born and bred into like, achieve succeed, get good grades, get a huge job, and then maybe marriage and kids. Never health, but everything's always an aside to money and success.” — Maria Menounos (54:17)

• “One of my dreams is to put health retreats together and take people on this, like, journey so that if you want to be healthier, you'll learn the foundational health things that you need to learn.” — Maria Menounos (56:25)

• “You are my absolute new hero.” — Jen Fessler (60:15)

This episode of Two Ts In A Pod offers listeners a profound look into Maria Menounos' life, balancing her public persona with her private struggles and triumphs. Her candid discussions on health, career, and personal growth provide valuable insights and inspiration for anyone navigating similar challenges.