Inside Valerie Bertinelli's Love Life: What Does Her Boyfriend Mike Goodnough Do for a Living

Valerie Bertinelli has found love once again, and she’s not shy about sharing her happiness with the world.

In March 2024, the beloved former Food Network star and accomplished cookbook author introduced her new partner, Mike Goodnough. This revelation came over a year after she finalized her divorce from Tom Vitale in November 2022. Before Vitale, Bertinelli was married to rock legend Eddie Van Halen until their separation in 2007.

Although Bertinelli first hinted at her new relationship in March, she initially kept Goodnough’s identity a secret.

“I’ve fallen in love,” she told PEOPLE magazine in April 2024. “It’s overwhelming because I genuinely believed that chapter of my life was closed.”

Bertinelli chose to keep details of her romance private until April 2024 when she and Goodnough made their first public appearance together. Shortly thereafter, Goodnough took to his Substack platform to officially share their relationship with his online audience.

“I am Valerie Bertinelli’s partner… It feels surreal just typing that out,” he wrote on his Substack titled Hoarse Whisperings. “But our relationship is anything but surreal—it feels right… like a blessing.”

Curious about who Mike Goodnough is? Here’s an inside look at the man who has captured Valerie Bertinelli’s heart.

He is a Writer

Mike Goodnough, known by many as the Hoarse Whisperer, is a lifestyle writer who shares personal reflections and stories on his Substack platform Hoarse Whisperings. His writing often touches on themes like fatherhood and pivotal moments in life.

Goodnough initially gained popularity on X (formerly Twitter), where he now boasts over 400,000 followers. In September 2019, he shared insights into his career journey—starting out as a freelancer specializing in marketing and strategic communications for various advertising agencies before making significant changes following the birth of his son.

With fatherhood taking precedence over full-time work commitments, Goodnough shifted towards project-based roles that allowed him more time at home with his child.

Reflecting on this transition via X (formerly Twitter), he said: “The corporate grind lost its appeal around the time my son was born nearly twelve years ago. That’s when I decided to go solo.”

Today, much of Goodnough’s focus lies within his Substack community where subscribers can access exclusive content tailored for those who appreciate thoughtful storytelling.

He is a Father

In 2007—alongside welcoming their son into this world—Goodnough experienced both joy and heartbreak as he navigated through parenthood while also going through separation from his first wife when their child was just two years old.

Determined not only to be present but actively involved throughout every stage of parenting; whether it meant potty training or reading bedtime stories featuring Leo—the most laid-back lion ever imagined living anywhere near Long Island! Every moment spent nurturing these bonds became cherished memories etched deeply within him forevermore…

“I wanted my son always knowing someone cared enough about being there consistently rather than merely fulfilling traditional paternal roles,” shared Mike candidly across social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter).

They Met Online

Valerie Bertinelli wasn’t expecting romance post-divorce; however fate had other plans once Mike entered picture unexpectedly changing everything!

Speaking candidly during an interview conducted by PEOPLE Magazine back April ’24: “I thought I’d spend rest days surrounded solely by six cats & loyal dog embracing solitude fully,” admitted actress-turned-author reflecting upon initial thoughts prior meeting future beau via Instagram messaging couple years earlier…

What started off purely platonic soon evolved something far deeper between them both feeling inexplicable connection almost immediately despite geographical distance separating them coast-to-coast!

“Our conversations began innocently enough yet somehow felt familiar—as if reconnecting long-lost friend,” reminisced Valerie fondly recalling early exchanges leading up eventual phone call January ’24 marking turning point within budding relationship…

“We were cautious though… His voice captivated me completely—I remember thinking ‘This conversation could be dangerous’ because emotions ran high neither willing admit what truly happening beneath surface.”

They Live On Opposite Coasts

Despite living thousands miles apart—with Valerie based Los Angeles while Mike resides East Coast—their blossoming romance managed thrive thanks careful planning ensuring regular visits every three weeks without fail!

Recalling very first face-to-face encounter New York City March ’24: “Driving up meet him outside hotel seeing standing there waiting felt surreal moment finally arrived!” exclaimed excitedly recounting how leapt car rushing straight arms enveloped warm embrace instantly knowing belonged right there beside each other no matter what challenges lay ahead…

Since then couple established firm commitment maintaining frequent contact regardless busy schedules understanding importance finding joy wherever possible sharing experiences together whenever opportunity arises—even if means joining promotional tour supporting latest cookbook release Indulge chronicled lovingly detailed posts published exclusively subscribers following along journey closely!

He Dropped Hints About Their Relationship Online

While keeping specifics under wraps initially regarding identity background surrounding mysterious new man entering life publicly known figure such herself—it didn’t stop playful teasing hints dropped subtly across various platforms including popular blog site run personally titled appropriately enough Hoarse Whisperings…

When rumors began swirling speculating potential romantic involvement between two individuals described simply “East Coast writer” during interview conducted reputable publication such PEOPLE Magazine shortly thereafter cryptic photo appeared showing hard work laptop captioned humorously stating simply: “On East Coast writing.”

Further clues emerged gradually revealing more intimate details behind scenes including snapshots reading copies recently published cookbooks authored none other than own girlfriend herself alongside watching appearances made television shows hosted fellow celebrities alike—all leading inevitable conclusion fans eagerly awaiting confirmation truth finally revealed end day!

They Made Their Relationship Public In April 2024

Following much speculation surrounding nature connection between beloved actress turned culinary expert & enigmatic wordsmith hailing opposite side country—they decided make things official stepping spotlight together appearing guest spot aired nationally syndicated talk show hosted none other Drew Barrymore herself shortly followed heartfelt announcement posted directly onto personal blog site confirming suspicions held long time coming true after all…

Addressing swirling rumors head-on humorous fashion typical style readers come expect over years building dedicated fanbase worldwide wide-reaching influence spanning multiple mediums alike—from bestselling books topping charts prestigious lists everywhere imaginable down earth relatable anecdotes shared openly freely anyone willing listen attentively enough appreciate wisdom imparted generously without reservation whatsoever:

“Valerie freaking Bertinelli… dating… me!?!” quipped incredulously before acknowledging undeniable reality situation unfolding front eyes everyone paying close attention developments transpiring real-time basis leaving little doubt left minds doubters skeptics alike wondering aloud how lucky one person possibly get finding themselves midst whirlwind adventure filled endless possibilities stretching far beyond horizon visible today tomorrow next day beyond!