Podcast Summary: "You, Me & Mike"

Ep. 201: We’re Back! But Will "No Demo Reno" Be?
Host: Thirteen Media
Date: September 3, 2025
Hosts: Jenn & Mike Todryk

Episode Overview

This episode marks the return of Jenn and Mike Todryk to their podcast after a two-year break. The main theme is catching up with listeners, discussing where they’ve been, and answering the burning question: "Is No Demo Reno over?" The episode is filled with candid reflection, behind-the-scenes insights from Jenn’s HGTV experience, and a look at their family and business growth. The tone is warm, lighthearted, and self-deprecating, with moments of humor and authenticity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcast Return and Life Update

• Two-Year Hiatus
  • The podcast initially had 27 episodes in its first season and was unexpectedly paused due to Jenn's intense filming schedule for "No Demo Reno."
  • [03:09] Jenn: “We paused jumping straight into season two because I started filming...season three of No Demo Reno. And so I just couldn’t do both. It was exhausting.”
• New Setup
  • Now recording in a dedicated space with video for YouTube, a step up from previous recordings in their guest bedroom.
  • [04:36] Jenn: “We have set this up to be more structured and so it’s going to hold us accountable.”

2. Jenn’s HGTV Show "No Demo Reno": Is It Over?

• Addressing the Big Question
  • Mike fields the most common question from fans: Has "No Demo Reno" been cancelled?
  • [08:21] Jenn: “No, I did not get cancelled. The show...did not get cancelled. That is 100% the biggest DM I get.”
• Decision to Pause
  • HGTV requested a 4th season, but Jenn decided to pause rather than continue under a heavier production load.
  • [09:21] Jenn: “I always told myself I would give myself three seasons...and then we’ll kind of assess it from there.”
  • [10:13] Jenn: “I’m on a pause. I told you that. OK, I’m just pausing.”
• Creative Control and Burnout
  • Deep involvement as executive producer led to burnout; Jenn was hands-on with every aspect, from design to final edits.
  • [11:11] Jenn: “I’m either all in...or I don’t do it. That’s a characteristic of my trait in everything I do.”
• Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes
  • Fought for quirky, authentic moments to stay in edits (e.g., burps, toilet flower planters).
  • [13:18] Jenn: “They’re like, who is this tacky woman? [wanting burps kept in the show].”
• Final Call to Pause
  • Emotional and bittersweet; priority shifted to family and personal fulfillment over fame or TV “empire.”
  • [24:19] Jenn: “The main reason for not filming is I want to be home.”

3. Career Reflection & Family Priorities

• Why Step Back?
  • Jenn highlights the privilege of choice and the weight of balancing motherhood, multiple businesses, and TV production.
  • [25:50] Jenn: “The difference is I have a choice. And I have the privilege of having other jobs that can provide. So why am I holding onto this specific one?”
• Kids’ Perspective on Filming
  • Some children participated enthusiastically, others (like Viv) less so—never pushed to be TV kids.
• Future Possibilities
  • Open to returning to TV or shifting to platforms like YouTube for more creative freedom.
  • [28:04] Jenn: “I definitely do feel like if I’m gonna create like any kind of series, I would want to do it on YouTube...because then I could just retain total control.”

4. Changing Content Consumption

• Media Landscape
  • Discussion on how kids no longer watch traditional TV; YouTube is the new aspiration for the next generation.
  • [28:54] Mike: “How often do our children watch traditional television? Never.”
• Direct-to-Consumer vs. Network Models
  • On YouTube and social media, Jenn feels more control and authenticity, versus the structure and advertiser focus of TV networks.

5. The Business Side of TV and Social Media

• Negotiations & Control
  • Jenn fought for executive producer credit (waiting out six months for the title) to maintain creative voice.
  • [35:44] Jenn: “I had to hold out for like six months to film season two because I would not do it without executive producer credit.”
• Balance of Power
  • Acknowledges mutual benefits for networks working with established influencers, but stresses the stress and conflict that come with not having control.

6. Life After the Show: New Hobbies and Growth

• Embracing Hobbies
  • Jenn has become passionate about tennis, filling the gap left by TV work with new personal interests and joy.
  • [37:41] Jenn: “Like, well, I’m an athlete now.”
• Family Banter
  • Fun, competitive exchanges about tennis prowess show their playful dynamic.

7. Return of the “Jar of Random Questions” Segment

• The episode ends with the couple playfully debating useless skills and who would last longer on Survivor, reflecting their chemistry and penchant for spontaneous, lighthearted content.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Creative Over-Commitment:
  • Jenn: "I’m either all in...or I don’t do it. There’s no middle." [11:11]
• On Authenticity and Editing:
  • Jenn: “I fought to put [the burp] in, and they would not put it in…then, sure enough, season three, they kept a burp in.” [13:12]
• On Stepping Back from TV:
  • Jenn: “The main reason for not filming is I want to be home…they weren’t getting the best mom.” [24:19]
• On the Shift to YouTube:
  • Jenn: “I definitely do feel like if I’m gonna create like any kind of series, I would want to do it on YouTube…because then I could just retain total control.” [28:04]
• On Industry Shifts:
  • Mike: “How often do our children watch traditional television? Never.” [28:54]
  • Jenn: "If you don’t come already creating content full time on a platform that you built to a large scale, you don’t have my perspective..." [32:29]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 01:19: Reintroductions; podcast rundown
• 03:09 – 04:51: Why the podcast paused; new season’s structure
• 07:41 – 08:21: Directly addressing "Is No Demo Reno cancelled?"
• 09:21 – 13:12: Creative process, production responsibilities, and anecdotal behind-the-scenes editing battles
• 14:04 – 15:32: Balancing TV and social media; what drives her joy
• 24:19 – 26:25: Deep dive into stepping back for family and self-care
• 28:04 – 29:39: Changing landscape of content consumption/media
• 35:44 – 36:59: Fight for creative control, executive producer title
• 37:41 – 38:09: Personal growth and picking up tennis
• 43:29 – 50:00: Jar of Random Questions; playful family banter

Memorable, Lighthearted Moments

• [06:06] Mike boasts about picture frame molding skills:
  • “You can also see my general contractor work that I did here. I personally laid the picture frame molding here.”
• [13:12] Jenn on burp edit:
  • “I fought to put that in, and they would not put it in. And then, sure enough, lo and behold, season three, they kept a burp in.”
• [39:06] Discussion on being an "influencer":
  • Jenn: “The word influencer didn’t exist when I started…I’m a content creator.”
• [42:00] Jenn on quitting TV for tennis:
  • “This lady quit this to play tennis! Like, having the time of my life. I love it.”
• [47:11] Friendly debate – useless skills:
  • Jenn: “If you get one shot at this, I’m not going to waste it on something stupid.”

Conclusion: What’s Next

• The Todryks are back to regular podcasting with a renewed commitment to transparency, fun, and family-first values.
• Upcoming episodes will cover family, personal developments, and likely—more updates on their businesses, including Armor.
• Jenn sums it up: “I know this is a bumpy episode, our first one. But we're really excited...Probably next episode we'll do another little update of like the businesses and the family and not just show focused. Kind of past that.” [52:04]

Contact & Community:
Listeners are encouraged to send topic ideas and questions to youmeandmikepodcast@gmail.com for possible inclusion in future episodes, especially for the “Jar of Random Questions” segment.

This summary provides an engaging, comprehensive overview for new and returning listeners, capturing the humor, candor, and relatability that make Jenn and Mike’s show a fan favorite.