The Real Housewives are Nuts!

Immersed in the culture since birth, she embraced the lifestyle as her own and became a "mob loyalist". Renee eventually married (then divorced) Junior. Together they have one son, AJ. When Renee was young her best friend was arrested and sentenced to many years behind bars. This was her first real introduction to prison, but unfortunately not her last. Thanks to a circle of friends living the street life, Renee has visited over 83 prisons and written hundreds of letters to comfort the many friends she had on "the inside." This correspondence gave her the idea to turn her love of the "the life" into a greeting card company called JAIL MAIL.

"'Mob Wives' is one of the most authentic and compelling series we've ever done at VH1," said Jeff Olde, EVP Original Programming and Production, VH1. "At its heart are four strong women who either grew up in 'the life,' or married into it. They are all now at a defining moment, picking up the pieces and carrying on as their husbands or fathers do time. Each woman is re-examining her life to determine what's best for her and her children."

The second season of "Mob Wives" picks up where the first left off -- with each cast member dealing with major personal life issues. The rift between Karen and Drita is far from over -- will they ever be able to 'bury the hatchet'? Renee goes under the knife for major plastic surgery that may have some unexpected consequences, while also contemplating her future with her ex-husband Junior. Drita is considering her options when it comes to leaving her husband Lee -- while Carla's relationship with her estranged husband Joe may take an unexpected twist. And, of course, everyone wants to know what's in Karen's soon-to-be-released book -- the one she moved back toNew York to write! Last season, "Mob Wives" gave viewers an unfiltered look into the closed-door society of Renee, Karen, Carla and Drita, four struggling "allegedly" associated women who have to pick up the pieces and carry on while their husbands or fathers do time for Mob-related activities. United by a bond which few understand, the women are all struggling with their identities and their futures as they raise their kids as single parents in the New York City area.

The "Mob Wives" are: Renee Graziano, Karen Gravano, Drita D’avanzo and Carla Facciolo. Season Two added Ramona Rizzo and Big Ang.

* A chat with Renee (originally published on Examiner.Com, June 2011)

LK: Tell me more about your musical taste! I read on Twitter that you’re a big Blondie fan. Can you give us a sample Renee playlist?
Renee Graziano: I love music - any type of music. From Motown to disco to hip hop to R&B and of course some rock n roll... Ooh can’t leave out GARTH BROOKS! Blondie play list.... Call me... Heart of Glass... Rapture.... The Tide is High
LK: Love the scenes of you in the kitchen cooking. It makes your scenes feel so real. What part does cooking play in your life as far as taking care of your family and friends and love. Would you consider doing a little cookbook with anecdotes or maybe some instructional cooking videos of you preparing your favorite comfort food?
LK: What are some of your most requested recipes?
RG: My Meatballs, my Sunday Sauce, and my Chicken Soup.
LK: How does AJ (her son) like being on the show? He’s a part of pop culture now!
RG: AJ does enjoy being on the show, but he's much more private then me OBVIOUSLY.
LK: Maybe you could design a Mob Wives Trivial Pursuit! How does it feel to be a cultural phenomenon?
RG: Cultural phenomenon!!! I like that, but yes I did know this was gonna blow up. Interesting topic, but even more interesting women.
LK: Who are your favorite “Classic TV Housewives”?
RG: Lucille Ball is my fav!! Then there was the character Momma played by Vickie Lawrence on The Carol Burnett Show and last but not least - Alice from The Honeymooners!! She spoke her mind but loved her man!!
LK: Who are you closest to in the Mob Wives group?
RG: I'm more of a lone wolf – I don’t travel in packs... I see enough girls when we are filming and have enough drama in my own life that I don’t need anyone else’s - lmao!!!
LK: What has been the most pleasant surprise about doing this show?
RH: All the wonderful fans and my loyal Twitter followers that I've been blessed with, let alone the positive feedback on my own personal self!!!
LK: What was your biggest fear about doing the show?
RG: I went into the project without any fear. JUST COURAGE.
LK: Pick a Bravo Housewife to join your cast; pick a Housewife to ban from your cast. Do you agree that they’re nuts?
RG: I don’t hop fences (‘lil mob lingo) I like my MOBWIVES just the way we are!!
Good answer Renee!!