Q&A

They’re Just Like Us!

A chat with Jodi from “TJ and Jodi’s House”

photography by Lisa Crates

TJ from the Ace & TJ show, and his wife Jodi. The two share tales from their home life together in a podcast.

If you’ve been in the area for a while, you’ve probably heard about Ace & TJ, who’ve produced a syndicated radio show for years and are now on a variety of streaming platforms, including iHeart Radio, along with being involved in multiple charities. Mooresville residents TJ and his wife Jodi also have their own podcast and YouTube show called “TJ and Jodi’s House.” We asked Jodi to share what it’s been like being in the spotlight, their favorite places in LKN, and a bit about what their home life looks like these days.

CURRENTS: You and TJ have a weekly podcast/YouTube show called “TJ and Jodi’s House.” What has the response been like to the show? What are some of the toughest aspects of being in the public eye along with your husband?

Jodi: The response to our show has been overwhelming. The listeners have been so kind to me. I still can’t get used to people recognizing me in public. He’s been in the public eye for 30 years. It has taken a while for me to get accustomed to being on that side of it. Even doing this interview has been a little intimidating for me. He and I have always had defined roles in our partnership. He’s the entertainer and I’ve always been the normal, everyday stay-at-home mom.

CURRENTS: Having recently built a house on the lake, what were some important elements you wanted included in the design and do you think you’ll retire here?

Jodi: We love the simplicity of the home we just built. Our daughter recently graduated from Belmont University in Nashville and our son is in his second year at Western Carolina University, so most of the time it is just the two of us. My two favorite things about the house are the double sliding glass doors leading out onto the screened porch; I love the peacefulness of sitting outside and the appliance pantry we added. All of our big appliances stay in that room, so they don’t take up counter space in the kitchen. It did take a little getting used to going into another room to use the microwave. We grew up in Louisiana, so my husband loves to cook, he even does a cooking show as part of the new network. It’s called “Fend For Yourselves” and it’s on AceTJ.TV. They film the cooking show in our kitchen, so he was particular about the stove we put in the house.

It has been a great blessing to have been able to raise our family here, but we are ardent beach lovers. Our dream is to retire to a quaint little town on the ocean, while maintaining a small home here for hurricane season.

CURRENTS: What are some of your favorite places to eat and shop in the Lake Norman area? and probably too many more to name. I love shopping at Airlie Square for home and gift items and Cozy Boutique for clothes, but my husband accuses me of living at Target, TJ Maxx and Home Goods.

CURRENTS: You and TJ became empty nesters in 2021. What has that experience been like, both good and bad?

Jodi: Our listeners wouldn’t believe this, but we actually enjoy spending time together. Our dinners are a lot more simple and quiet now. The freedom to pick up and go somewhere last minute without having to consider what the kids are doing has been nice as well. As far as the bad, I have always been in charge of how our home runs. I am very organized and routine driven and let’s just say TJ is not. He and Ace work from a studio in Mooresville now instead of Charlotte so he is usually home and in my way by 10:30 a.m.

CURRENTS: What are some of your favorite things to do with TJ, both in the LKN area and outside of it? Favorite places to travel?

Jodi: We love visiting beaches all over Florida, the North Carolina mountains, Wild Dunes and the entire Charleston area. Every sunny weekend during the spring and summer you can find us on Lake Norman with our friends and when it rains we search for any sports bar in the area that has shuffle board. We try to find as many festivals in the area that we can attend as well. We were just discussing the other day how great it is to live here where we are surrounded by nearby beaches, mountains, wineries, festivals and the best lake in North Carolina.