Brandi Passante was launched into stardom when she and her partner (and father of her children) Jarrod Schulz were cast on A&E’s hit reality series Storage Wars. Since first appearing on the show in 2010, Brandi has developed a huge following of fans with her sassy attitude, solid business sense, and her stunning good looks. Surprisingly, we still know very little about Brandi’s personal life — something she explains in a rare recent interview with MyLifetime.com.
“This may come as a surprise to some people,” Brandi says, “but I’m actually a very shy person. I even get anxiety when I have to go out to the store or to the gas station because I’m afraid of people approaching me. I was even shy as a child.”
Brandi is also asked about whether or not she feels “mom guilt” because she is a working mother. “I think I’m a better parent because I work,” Brandi says. “I used to be a stay-at-home mom and it was very difficult for me. I love my kids, but I felt alienated and depressed when I didn’t have a career, so I think I’m a better parent because I work. I’m happier because of it.”
So what’s the secret to balancing a career and being a mom? “If there’s a formula, I haven’t figured it out yet!” Brandi exclaims. She then explains that she and Jarrod don’t have a lot of family members close by so they had to rely on neighbors and Jarrod’s friends to help out in the early years. “Now we can afford to hire some help,” she reveals. “I work all the time, so I need someone to assist with the day-to-day stuff, but I do try to make time for the kids. In fact, we are going to Universal Studios in a few days. Oh – also, I rely heavily on caffeine to make it through the day!”
When asked about how she stays in shape, Brandi reveals that Jarrod (seen with Brandi above) is watching his cholesterol and as a result, both of them are eating a lot healthier. “I used to do Pilates all the time,” she says. “I’d wake up at 5 am, but then I’d be up late doing things around like house like laundry and then I’d be exhausted.” So now she mainly focuses on eating healthier and getting her exercise by staying busy all day.
“I try to keep my weight down, because the television makes you look heavier,” Brandi confesses. “A complete stranger told me last night that I looked bigger on television than I did in person, but I didn’t take it as a compliment!”
Be sure to hop on over to MyLifetime.com for the rest of Brandi’s interview in which she reveals how it is she is able to hold her own in such a male-dominated industry, and which social media site she is completely addicted to!
Brandi also gave another interview of sorts, in conjunction with the most recent Storage Wars season premiere on April 16, as she answered tons of fan questions on Twitter on topics including her and Jarrod’s marital status, Dave Hester’s departure, and that whole “stripper” rumor thing. Here’s a compilation of some of the best, including my two favorites first:
Favourite band?
I love Van Morrison
What’s your favorite tv show?
Breaking bad and Storage Wars of course
[Breaking Bad and Van Morrison?!? ***swoon*** Given Brandi’s love of Van Morrison and her love of working, I think I will include a little listening music for your enjoyment as you read over the rest of her Twitter Q&A!]
Do you have any pets?
Yes a rescue puppy named Johnnie Walker we adore him
Do you like to read? What kind of books?
Love to right now I’m reading Gregg Allman’s Autobiography
Who “really” wears the pants when it comes to decision making?
The kids
Strangest thing a fan has asked you to sign?
A gnome
Are you a millionaire??
Not hardly
How much do you tip your pizza guy?
$ 5
This might be a crazy question but did you used to be a stripper or is that a wild story xx
NO never
Are the boobies fake?
No jackass
Where is ur store located?
810 N. Tustin Orange Ca & 129 W. 5th St. Long Beach Ca [Click the links for more info on both locations!]
Has being on TV made business better or harder?
A little of both but better for sure
Are you that hot in real life? 🙂
Nope it’s an illusion
My 9 year old daughter wants to know if Jarrod is as funny in real life as he is on the show?
Yes he is
How many auctions a month do you attend?
Around 20
Favorite sports team?
I’m a baseball fan love the Rangers
Do you miss Dave?
Do you?
Do a lot of people notice you in public? [outside of the store of course!]
Yea it’s bizarre
How many children do u have and what r their ages?
2 they are 9 and 7
What’s the best part about being on storage wars?
Spending 24/7 with Jarrod….
What’s the funniest thing you’ve heard Barry say?
Funny hmm he tells the same jokes over and over
@Jarrodmschulz likes COORS LIGHT what do you like to drink?
Guinness
Number of tattoos?
4
Where are you from?
Houston Texas
Ever been to Barry’s house? What’s it like?
Yes! It’s amazing
Weirdest place a fan has recognized you?
The bathroom
Do you ever do any Jewish rituals or holidays with Jared?
We would if we were Jewish
Is Barry really that mad?
Insane
How many lockers do you buy in a week or month?
4 to 5 a week
Is Darrell the new Dave Hester? He seems like a jerk!
He has his moments but no…
How bad do you hate the word YUUUUP?
It gives me hives
What Does Jared do that pisses you off the most?
He is messy
What brand of toothpaste do you use?
Crest
Who is better at picking lockers, you or J?
We both have our locker picking talents
What is ur middle name and when is your birthday?
Leigh! May 16
Do you miss that yuuuuup character not being on the show?
Not really
Have you ever thought at one point that your storage business was going to end?
Many times its a scary job
What’s the craziest thing y’all ever found in a locker?
Old pictures of dead people
WHY ARE YOU SO PERFECT <3
That’s a nice thing to say but no one is perfect.
Where can I find out about auctions?
There are websites http://Americanauctioneers.com is 1 also newspaper listings
What’s your favorite color? 🙂 mines pink!
Purple but I never wear it
Is Barry a pothead?
Ask Barry
How do you put up with Jared’s wild bidding all the time?
Lots of booze!! Kidding
How did you meet Jarrod?
Through a mutual friend
are the stories about the bids being fixed and shows being scripted true?
No
How long have you been married to Jared?
Not married together for 14 years.
Does jarrod piss you off on a daily basis?
Not every day no
Beer or mixers?
Beer
You can keep up with Brandi on Twitter and by watching new episodes of Storage Wars on Tuesday nights at 9/8c on A&E!
