Interview by Jana Letonja

Multi-media and rocker-chic personality Kelly Rizzo, best known as the host of ‘Eat Travel Rock’, joined the cast of the second season of FOX’s wildly popular series ‘Special Forces: Worlds Toughest Test’, which is currently airing. This November, Kelly will be launching her podcast ‘Comfort Food With Kelly Rizzo’.

photography BEN COPE

This fall, you joined the cast of FOX’s series ‘Special Forces: Worlds Toughest Test’. How was this experience for you? What have you learned from it about yourself?

This was the opportunity of a lifetime and even though it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, it was also the most rewarding. I truly learned what my limits were, but also how strong physically and mentally I am.

Fans best know you as the host of ‘Eat Travel Rock’, an award-winning on-demand entertainment series where you travel the world and go behind the scenes and off the cuff with master chefs, rockstars and other creative industry heavyweights. What inspired you to create this series?

I knew I wanted to share my love and passion for food, travel and music with the world, so I figured out a way to bring them all together into one web series. Every episode is very unique and it’s so rewarding to show my audience the cool way to travel while experiencing the best food and music in a particular destination. 

After all this time on air, what new, exciting things can the viewers expect from the upcoming episodes?

Coming very soon, I have an interview with my friend, the brilliant John Mayer, more experiences with Hard Rock Hotels and hopefully some more international travel very soon too.

You started your company ‘Eat Travel Rock’ in 2017 to explore exciting travels and give insight to others on top experiences and food across the world. Which travel experience and also food experience has left the most lasting impression on you?

My trips to Japan and Switzerland. Japan was a dream come true and a destination unlike any other I’ve ever been to. Switzerland is pristine and has the best hospitality of anywhere in the world. 

Where would you love to travel to next and why?

I would love to go back to Japan again and see even more of the country, including Kyoto and Osaka. But if I have to choose somewhere I’ve never been, I’d love to go to Australia. 

Before diving into the entertainment industry, you have worked as a realtor for more than 15 years, founding ‘Dream Town Realty’ with your mom. What excited you about this work and what prompted you to explore other ventures?

My mom and I actually founded a team at ‘Dream Town’ and before that, my family and I had our own real estate company for many years. After 15 years in the business, I got burned out on the industry and realized it wasn’t really for me anymore. I wanted to do something in a creative field and in the entertainment realm. 

You also dedicate your time to philantrophy. Why is working within this space so important to you?

My late husband, Bob Saget, dedicated the last 30 years of his life to the Scleroderma Research Foundation and to finding a cure for Scleroderma, the horrible disease that took the life of his sister. So now, I try to help the foundation as well. I’ll never be the champion for the cause that Bob was, but anything I can do to help, I feel helps to continue his legacy.  

You’ve gone through a very hard and traumatic loss recently. What kept you going and helped you heal?

Gratitude is what really got me through the loss. Plus having the support of Bob’s family and friends and my family and friends was everything. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support system around me. 

Being constantly working hard on your projects, how do you take time for yourself and make sure you are taking care of yourself?

Fortunately, since I work for myself, I’m always creating my own schedule, so I definitely make sure I get lots of ‘me’ time. I love to just chill out to ‘Sex And The City’, FaceTime with my family and friends or lay by my pool and listen to some music.  

Kelly, what are your plans for the future? What projects do you want to explore next?

I’m very excited to announce my new podcast ‘Comfort Food With Kelly Rizzo’, which is launching in November. Plus, I have a book that is part cookbook, part memoir in the works as well.