One of America’s most beloved daytime co-hosts, Jeannie Mai, is betting with house money. As the new co-host for TBS’ “Snoop Dogg Presents The Joker’s Wild,” Mai brings good fortune and friendly assists to Snoop and the contestants as “Lady Luck.” Executive produced by Snoop Dogg and Super Bowl champion and “Good Morning America” co-host Michael Strahan, contestants compete in this classic remake, answering streetwise questions and problem-solving to win huge cash prizes.
From credits as a style correspondent on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, Extra, E-News, and Grammy’s and Oscars red carpet host, to co-hosting “The Real” and “The Joker’s Wild,” Mai is blazing her own trail through Hollywood. We caught up with this mega girl boss to discuss working with the legendary Snoop D-O Double G, and what a day in the life of Jeannie Mai is like.
Now you’re doing “The Joker’s Wild” with Snoop. How is that for you?
It’s amazing! It’s a dream come true. I never would’ve imagined in a million years that a little ole Asian girl from the Bay Area would get a show with the Dog Father. That in itself unforgettable. I’ve made it. The show itself is so fun. You would never know until you watch that Snoop is a natural. He’s such a fun game show host. I just get to bring all that pizzaz around him as Lady Luck.
Do you remember what your first meeting with Snoop was like?
When I first met Snoop it was actually at his house. He is such a kind and generous person. He had rehearsals at the Dog Compound. We came there he gave me the biggest hug and welcome. From that, it just took off and we brought the magic to the show immediate;y. I literally felt like I knew him for years. He, his wife, and his family are just so sweet. They take you in and really make you feel at home.
How do you start your day?
I get up and just give thanks. I’m really thankful for where I am in my life. I have this notebook by the side of my bed and I always write down two things. Number one is what I’m looking forward to that I know is going to happen in the day. Like today, my friends are coming in from New York and Vietnam and they’re going to stay with me so I’m very thankful for that. Then, I always write something down that happened at the end of the day that surprised me. That’s always cool because if you really look for it, you’ll always notice something happen that you didn’t expect. Life gives you little surprises that we shouldn’t just let pass.
In terms of your eating and exercise regimen, where does that fit in your day?
I keep this tight and right! The first thing I do is sprints Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays because of my schedule at “The Real.” I wear this 10-pound weight vest and I do 10 sprints up the top of my hill and I just bang it out real quick. It’s a way to get your blood flowing and jolt your body. It’s a great way to start your day. Throughout the week, I live the 80/20 life. 80 percent, I eat a lot of vegetable-based foods. And then the 20 percent, I have the chicken wings. I love Rice Krispie Treats for some reason and puffy Cheetos are always around the house.
What kind of plans do you have for your friends who are coming to town?
Well, Momma Mai’s in the house and she’s going to make dinner so we’re going to have dinner all together. And tomorrow is the NAACP Luncheon so the [“Real”] girls and I will be out there. For anybody [reading] please vote for “The Real” as the Outstanding Talk Series. After that, I’m just going to spend the weekend having fun with my friends and hit a couple of clubs.
What’s your favorite dish your mom makes for you?
My favorite dish my mom makes me is her pho. My mom’s pho is amazing. She cooks it for two days and she puts a lot of bone in it so the bone marrow cooks out into the broth. All the vegetables get really soft in the broth and you can taste all the spices. It’s the best in the world.
Check out this clip from the show and be sure to catch The Joker’s Wild Tuesdays at 10 EST on TBS.
