Double Duty

While Marianela “Lulu” Gonzalez and Marissa “Lala” Gonzalez initially sought out careers in television, once they tried their hands at radio, their paths changed course. After working for Univision Radio on X96.3 with The Luis Jimenez Show in 2008, the identical twins fell in love with the industry.

“I think it was the interaction with the people that we absolutely loved,” Lulu said. “When you’re inside that studio, you’re talking to millions of people in the tri-state, and you’re connecting with them in a way that you really…”

“Didn’t think you could,” Lala jumped in. Lulu and Lala currently host iHeartRadio’s 103.5 KTU, weekdays from 7 p.m. to midnight. Whether they’re giving advice to callers or capturing listeners’ attention through some relatable sibling bickering, the radio personalities emphasized the closeness they feel with their audience of 2.5 million people.

“It’s like we have an extended family,” Lala said. “Because when we’re having a bad day, sometimes listeners will call up, and anything that they’ll say will just put a smile on our faces, and that’s just enough for me.”

Forming connections with others extends beyond the tri-state area, though. Over the years, the twins have interviewed a wide range of celebrities, such as Justin Timberlake, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, Sofia Vergara, Neyo and the late Robin Williams. Outside of the studio, they have hosted and covered

Starting in Univision’s promotions department, the New York City-based sisters – who are originally from North Bergen – worked their way up in the radio business. Now, with more than 10 years in the field,

or so sterile? I got a walker and she several entertainment events, includ took a sad situation and made me feel ing Miami Music Week, the Billboard much more comfortable about it. She Music Awards and the Latin Grammys. was very sensitive about it. And despite their constantly busy schedules, Lulu and Lala have shown no signs of slowing down. Most recently, the twins made their way back into the television world, but this time as contestants on the 33rd season of CBS’s “The Amazing Race.”

“She made me feel better about myself and made me realize that I was making my life better and easier. She surprised me when I picked up the walker. She had this pink, paisley fabric covering on it. She made me feel good about it. I had a need and anything she could find to “We really haven’t traveled the world,” improve my life she did. Insurance Lulu said. “We’re always working, so wouldn’t pay for my catheter and we’re like, ‘This is a perfect opportu-Jodi researched what she could do to nity to maybe break away and see what help with that. She worked with me. the world has to offer and meet people It’s endless what she can give you.” along the way and experience different cultures.’”While individual stories like Occidentale’s are plentiful so are some of Although filming initially began in the bigger ones such as the Paramus February of 2020, after one week, the Police Department and the Seton pandemic halted production for nearly Hall University Physician’s Assistant 19 months, leaving contestants uncer-Program, which Cornell has been tain about their return to the show. working with for the better part of Thankfully, production resumed in a decade. September of 2021, with the teams only traveling to COVID-safe countries via Michelle McWeeney has been an chartered travel.assistant professor in SHU’s physician assistant program since 2012. Before competing on the show, Lulu She has worked closely with Adam and Lala ramped up their cardio train Shiffman over that time to keep the ing, took stick shift driving lessons, program, which has roughly 180 stumemorized countries’ flags and com dents, supplied. Shiffman makes sure pleted various puzzles on their phones. deliveries go directly to the school, But nothing would totally prepare where he proceeds to instruct stuthem for the international journey they dents in the care and usage of the would embark on. instruments.

From completing an arduous hike “He makes it so easy,” McWeeney across Mount Säntis in Lugano, Swit-said. “The ease of ordering with them zerland, to eating maggot-filled cheese is down to science. And, if there are in Zonza, France, and driving a manual any issues, he comes back and fixes car in London, Lulu and Lala faced a it or replaces the whatever needs to wide variety of challenges throughout be replaced. We teach students how their time on the show. But physical to draw blood and give injections and exhaustion, asthma, picky eating habits we need supplies, and he gets them on short notice.

and newly-developed stick shift driving skills weren’t the only major roadblocks standing in the way of the million-dollar grand prize – self-doubt was.

“I realized, especially watching back the episodes, how much I doubt myself,” Lala said. “So that was an eye-opener. I’m like, ‘Wow, here I am preaching to everyone on the radio, and I’m doubting myself. What a hypocrite!’”

Lulu echoed a similar sentiment, explaining that the pair would overcomplicate tasks during the race.

Additionally, while the sisters work, live and do just about everything together, competing on “The Amazing Race” helped them learn even more about their dynamic. Despite being radio hosts who rely on their ability to communicate with others daily, Lulu and Lala had a difficult time listening to each other in a competitive environment. However, despite the numerous obstacles along the way, Lulu said the race taught them how to control their anxiety and stay calm in high-stress situations. The sisters were ultimately able to complete eight of the 11 legs of the race. They finished the competition in fifth place, with Lala calling their time on the show “the best experience” of their lives.

Although it’s been five months since the airing of their last episode, Lulu and Lala aren’t done gracing the screens of their fans. Among their upcoming projects – some of which are still under wraps, the sisters will be launching a YouTube series this fall. They’ll also be renewing their radio contract, continuing to channel their passion for talking to the tri-state area.

“The world is full of negativity,” Lulu said. “So, if we’re able to put a smile on people’s faces – at least for 15 seconds – then I think that we’ve done our job.”