Original Real Housewife of Atlanta and entrepreneur Kim Zolciak is back with her family for a fifth season of Don't Be Tardy, inviting the public into their lives once more.

Kim Zolciak

Kim Zolciak

With the world on her shoulders and after successfully coming through major heart surgery and a stroke, this season is going to be the most exciting yet.

We got the opportunity to catch up with Kim to find out a little bit more about the new season, her relationship with Kroy, how she's doing after her health scares and more!

You're back this week for your fifth season of Don't Be Tardy - how does it feel reflecting on all the seasons you've done so far and how far you've come?

I feel like my life has been a whirlwind. Right before the premiere I felt so emotional. We are now on season 5 and all I keep thinking is, 'Who would have thought I'd have my own show?' I feel super blessed to have 10 years of my life to watch back in the future, which is really exciting.

This season you really have a new lease of life following your stroke and heart surgery - what did you go through with all of that? How big of a challenge was it to conquer?

The stroke was really scary. I just remember wanting to know why I had the stroke and then, a few days later, I found out I had the hole in my heart. I was angry that I had to give up Dancing with the Stars, and I felt as if my body had let me down. I always knew that there was something wrong as I wouldn't be able to keep up in spin classes with my friends, and now I know why. Reflecting back on it, I'm feeling very lucky to be on this earth. I've had five great kids with no complications, so I'm just happy to be here.

Can you tell us a little bit about the relationship dynamics and situations we'll see between you and Kroy this season?

Well work-wise, Kroy is now a free agent. He wanted to see what is out there and what is new, but at the same time it made me question whether or not I want to pack up and always move, so you really get to see this season how we figure it all out. I mean, my daughter Brielle will be starting high school, and high school is difficult enough without being moved about. Kroy and I are very lucky to have an incredible marriage and connection.

We'll see you go on a trip to Kroy's hometown in Montana this season - what did you think of country life? Is it for you?

Nope, definitely not. I felt weird. I grew up in a very fast-paced world and Montana is very interesting. I've never seen a place like it. There are no cars on the highway, it's totally different to what I knew. I now get why Kroy is so calm all the time, there's no real sense of urgency there. It's just a beautiful place. Just really old school. I learned that my husband can do everything as well, from building a house to fixing a toilet. You can also tell that the boys are real boys there. They go snowmobiling and just really stressed me out!

What will we see of the kids this season? How are they all doing?

The kids are amazing and are just chaos. It's a lot to have four kids in 30 months. Now they are getting older, it gets harder. I know that people always say it gets easier, but it doesn't. They have different needs. They want different things for dinner and a couple of weeks ago, all four of them had high fevers and it's just chaotic. This season, our life is a bit up in the air.

Five seasons into the show and obviously with your Real Housewives history, do the cameras just come as second nature to you now?

I just don't see them anymore. I remember being so anxious when we were filming the first season of Real Housewives of Atlanta. I didn't know what to say and I was really anxious. But I have an amazing film crew who are part of my family. When I say something funny, you can hear them laughing, and I love that you can sometimes see that on the shows.

Are there any moments documented on reality TV you wish you could erase?

Not one. But I always say that. Each one has molded me into the person I am today. I understand who I am, I'm not an actress. If I didn't have those moments where I cringed looking back, I wouldn't be who I am today. Although it is always my mouth that does get me in a little trouble.

Do you think we could ever see you return as a full time Real Housewife?

I don't think I could do full time. I mean, you can never really say never. I loved the show, but I just don't have the time really.

Finally, what's next for you in the coming weeks and months?

I've been working on my new Heart and Soul Kashmere collection. I've got 11 new products coming out and I'm really excited. I just want to encourage women to take care of themselves and be happy. Other than that, now that the kids are all in school, I'm a taxi all day. We're also just seeing what happens with Kroy in NFL and seeing where that goes.

Don't Be Tardy Season 5, Thursdays only on hayu, reality on demand.


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