Grandma Gail Offers Unfiltered Advice

Gail Rudnick doesn’t shy away from speaking her mind.

Shortly after our conversation began, this spirited 83-year-old leaned in, fixed her gaze on me, and delivered her trademark, unvarnished advice. “Let’s move somewhere we can afford!” she declared, responding to my grumbling about having to share my living space. “You have to live on your own income. You can’t just rely on your wishes!”

Exactly—well said.

It was refreshing, to say the least. I found myself seeking Grandma Gail’s opinions on everything, from personal style to living arrangements.

She’s a woman who’s ready to help. Can you organize my life, please?

Alongside her granddaughter Kimberly Murstein, who, at 29, brings a kinder touch to their dynamic, Rudnick will provide straightforward insights in a new weekly column for The Post. It’s called “Excuse My Advice.”

“The worst advice is saying that everything will be perfect,” Rudnick stated, emphasizing the complexities of life and love.

The duo doesn’t just hand out easy answers; they tackle issues from multiple angles, delivering real talk that’s informed by both wisdom and sincerity. They cover anything and everything—family disputes, financial woes, relationship advice—no topic seems off-limits.

Dynamic Duo at Work

For five years, Rudnick and Murstein have been engaging listeners on their entertaining podcast. Murstein conceived the idea during the pandemic while living with her grandmother, realizing that their generational clashes were relatable.

“When we started, my grandma thought people wouldn’t care about influencers or podcasts,” Murstein recalled. “I told her, ‘Trust me, influencers matter.'” Turns out, she was right.

They’ve become internet sensations, racking up over a million followers on TikTok and Instagram. Now, they are taking their advice column to the next level.

“I’ve never been busier,” said Rudnick. “Who would’ve thought I’d find such joy in this at my age? It’s incredible.”

Rudnick contrasts with her quieter granddaughter; she’s the outspoken pragmatist, sticking to traditional values, while Murstein, a Gen Z romantic, leans toward a more flexible worldview.

“You need to be practical,” Rudnick insisted. “Relationships hinge on money, intimacy, and family. The ideal romance you see in movies? It’s just unrealistic.” She views Murstein as an “idealist,” while her granddaughter firmly believes in the necessity of chemistry in relationships.

“I’m an optimist,” Murstein countered, “and I feel that chemistry is essential.” Rudnick’s response? It can get complicated.

Even with their differing viewpoints, their consensus in offering advice proves to be both sensible and meaningful for a broad audience.

Family Matters

Rudnick grew up in Westchester but moved to Manhattan after marrying in the mid-60s. For years, her family resided nearby, creating a tight-knit community. “When I opened my curtains, I could wave and know everyone else was awake,” she said.

Murstein reminisced about growing up not just with her mother and grandmother, but also her great-grandmother, who made a lasting impression. “I recall walking down the street with her,” she noted, “and those were special times.”

Although Rudnick now lives in Palm Beach, she hasn’t lost her flair for style. Recently, she donned chic outfits for a photoshoot for their new column, showcasing her Upper East Side elegance even from afar.

Taking It to the World

After graduating from Cornell University in 2020, Murstein worked in media until the pandemic led her back to her grandmother’s side. That’s where “Excuse My Grandma” took root.

Rudnick has always been a sounding board for Murstein, providing insights about dating and lifestyle while they navigated these shared experiences. “We figured we should start a podcast to keep these discussions going,” Murstein shared.

“Excuse My Grandma” launched in 2021 and quickly gained popularity, partly due to their vibrant social media interactions. “I’ve never looked back,” Murstein reflected. “I’m so glad to have my grandma on this journey.”

Rudnick has much relationship wisdom to offer, though Murstein is happily dating someone and contemplating moving in together soon. Rudnick, ever practical, reminds her that cohabitation brings its realities.

“You need to think about chores and finances,” she joked, but pointedly added that it’s crucial to assess compatibility early on in relationships, rather than delaying difficult decisions.

“Sharing space? Better think about marriage!” she quipped.

With 62 years of marriage under her belt, Rudnick believes family is the core of lasting partnerships.

Excused Advice in the New York Post

Prepare for weekly insights from Rudnick and Murstein in their “Excuse My Advice” segment, available every Tuesday in the New York Post. In their articles and videos, they will explore different viewpoints and ultimately guide readers towards meaningful conclusions.

To kick off their new column, they tackled some hypothetical relationship questions.

First up: What’s the best way to meet someone special?

“I still prefer fix-ups,” Rudnick admitted, citing the value of connections through family and friends. “I’m wary of dating apps.”

Murstein, however, expressed a modern view. “App dating is simply part of life now,” she acknowledged. “It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s just how things are.”

Rudnick agreed that there are indeed benefits when the online realm is navigated wisely.

Next, they discussed who should pay on dates. Rudnick argued that the higher earner should foot the bill, regardless of gender. Murstein challenged this notion, asking, “Why should the person with more money bear the brunt?”

Through their discussion, they concluded that communication is vital, and each couple should establish their own payment guidelines.

Rudnick couldn’t resist adding a playful jab toward her granddaughter: “If you win a billion dollars from lottery tickets, you owe me!”

Do you have romantic dilemmas, roommate issues, or financial troubles? Gail Rudnick and Kimberly Murstein are ready to help you sort it out, earnestly and with love. Visit nypost.com/ema to share your story.