Brandi Passante became a star thanks to her memorable performances memory wars, the popular A&E show where people bid on the contents of abandoned storage closets.
Passante seemingly became the show’s breakout star. The list called her “our favorite treasure hunter.” Many viewers probably felt the same way as the brave Passante, who was born on May 16, 1980, in Harris County, Texas.
So what has she been up to since she left? memory wars? We dug deep and discovered that Passante is a dedicated activist and loving mother who has weathered a significant health crisis.
Passante and then-boyfriend Jarrod Schulz had their own spinoff show
Passante and Schulz deserve their own spin-off, Brandi & Jarrod: Married to the job, who was more focused on her relationship than her work life. your time memory wars obviously piqued people’s curiosity about their off-camera time. It aired in 2014 for an eight-episode season.
passers-by contributed to the podcast That’s what’s happening now with Hammer ab 2021. In a recent episode titled Dogs Are Bigger Than Humans, she and fellow co-hosts Hammer and Adam discussed the joys of owning a dog.
Hammer’s beloved 14-year-old rescue Maltese Gracie had just passed away. He mourned their loss and encouraged viewers, as did Adam and Passante, to adopt a dog from the shelter and give it a loving home.
In another episode of the podcast, Passante spoke about how she and Schulz got started memory wars. “It was just an odd coincidence,” she said. “We had a mortgage company, and that was around 2007. You know how that went,” Passante added, referring to the major collapse in the economy at the time.
“Jarrod’s aunt worked for public storage. She said, ‘Have you ever been to these auctions?’ He just started walking and got hooked and bringing all this stuff home,” Passante said. The couple opened a thrift store to sell the plethora of items they amassed.
This quest led to offers to be in front of the camera, including one from A&E. Passers-by and Schulz had low expectations of their TV appearance, she recalled. “We didn’t think it was going anywhere,” she said. The show became an unconventional, real hit. The rest is auction history.
Passante said she doesn’t really have a favorite find she unearthed at auction. “I’m a bird-in-hand guy,” she admitted. “I am happy about any kind of money. Anything I can get rid of quickly, that’s what I want. That’s the whole point.”
She revealed that she and Schulz split in 2019
Passante announced her split from Schulz in the premiere of memory wars Season 13 in 2021. “I’m not dating Jarrod anymore,” she explained.
Passerby admitted that seeing her ex at auctions was “not pleasant” (pro Pop Culture). Nonetheless, she continued with her signature sassy brand of twisting and acting that viewers loved.
She has sole custody of their two children, daughter Payton and son Camren. As she indicated, Danny Jordan continued to moderate Father’s diariesShe cares deeply about being a mother who is present in her life.
Passante still regrets the fact that she had to miss many of her precious milestones. When memory wars started, the kids were small and she understandably had her hands full filming.
“I missed a lot when they were little, when we started the show,” mused Passante. “It killed me. It was brutal.”
She continued, “I missed a Mother’s Day runway show they do in elementary school. I missed a few things.”
Both youngsters had serious health problems early on, which further taxed Passante’s stamina. She said Payton was born deaf with a cleft palate and had a speech delay. Camren had a mass on the kidney. Passante was there for her every step of the way back to health.
Passante is an advocate for victims of domestic violence
Pasante posted a picture on Instagram showing a tattoo on a woman’s hand [presumably Passante’s] Consisting of the word “Free” in flowing script along with a graceful little bird in flight.
The caption read, in part, “For me [this tattoo] means that somehow by the grace of God I managed to get out of a very difficult situation that is killing so many people. I will be eternally grateful for life and freedom, not afraid that I may live now. I’m also thankful for the empathy and grace I’m able to give to others through what I’ve been through! Love you all and thank you for all the support!”
There was also a hashtag for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and one that read “free as a bird.”
Passante’s fans may have been confused as to exactly what she meant by that and how it relates to her own life.
Im May 2021, TMZ reported that they were told by law enforcement sources that Schulz allegedly had an emotional confrontation with Passante on April 30, 2021, at an Orange County bar where she was in the company of some friends.
She reportedly asked Schulz to make herself scarce. TMZ claims he didn’t, and he “allegedly pushed Brandi twice … while yelling at her and her group.”
Accordingly, the police were called in TMZ, although Schulz was already gone. He reportedly denied pushing them when speaking to them shortly after the alleged incident.
He was charged with “1 count of misdemeanor domestic violence.” What happened after that is unclear.
Passante supports Women’s Own Worth, an organization that helps survivors of domestic violence. She once described the services they provide to women affected by domestic violence: scholarships, lawyers, housing, therapy and even clothing suitable for job interviews.
Passante hosted the organization’s marquee, WOWapalooza, in 2019. The gala, held at the Governor’s Mansion in Arkansas, raised over $100,000. She declined to accept a cut in proceeds, after The salt courier.
Passers-by noted that silhouettes depicting slain victims of domestic violence in Arkansas were on display throughout the residence that evening. “It was kind of stunning,” she said.
Being there “was such an amazing experience,” Passante remarked. “I would like to continue to help them in any way I can.”
She is battling an autoimmune disease
Unfortunately, an internet troll’s cruel comments about Passer’s raspy voice led to her revealing on an Instagram story that she had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease (pro outsider).
Voice problems are just one symptom of Hashimoto’s causing the immune system to attack the thyroid. Other manifestations can include fatigue, weight gain, and a sluggish heart rate. It can be treated with medication.
Passante seems to be handling her autoimmune disease with her usual feisty determination. It didn’t seem to slow her down one bit.
Brandi Passante has faced a number of challenges in her life. She bravely faced each of them. The harder it got for her, the more convulsive she seems to have become. This brave, compassionate lady has our admiration and attention as she continues to share her no-frills steadfastness with loyal fans everywhere.
