A Gallop Away from Hometowns | Golden Hour

Summary

Bachelor Happy Hour: "A Gallop Away from Hometowns" | Golden Hour

Hosts: Susan & Kathy
Date: October 20, 2025
Podcast: Bachelor Happy Hour by iHeartPodcasts and Warner Bros.

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Overview

This episode of Bachelor Happy Hour's "Golden Hour" dives deep into the most recent episode of The Golden Bachelor. Susan and Kathy—both vibrant former contestants—unpack the emotions, drama, and growth experienced by the cast as they prepare for the pivotal hometown dates. The episode centers around Cindy's emotional one-on-one, the group's novelty spiritual experience, and questions of authenticity among the women, especially with "Nicole" at the center of controversy. Listeners are treated to a lively blend of personal insights, franchise comparisons, and candid commentary on what it means to look for love at a more mature age.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cindy’s Emotional One-on-One Date

• Anticipation and Relief: Susan shares her excitement as Cindy finally gets a coveted one-on-one date. “[Cindy] was one of the few that didn't have one yet...I know we're getting close to hometown, so she's...having the last date.” (09:03)
• Tears and Authenticity: Both hosts praise Cindy for opening up about her past divorce and vulnerability.
  • Quote: “I was proud of Cindy for doing that because so many people at our age don’t want to talk… I love the fact that Cindy, clearly, she’s a passionate woman.” – Kathy (04:35)
• Comparisons to Youthful Love: The conversation highlights how different finding love is for “Goldens.”
  • Quote: “We have life experience. We have years.” – Susan (07:46)
• Horseback (Mis)Adventures: They lovingly roast the show's modest date budget (“I was looking for yachts and helicopters, but [there] were two horses…” – Susan, 08:21), and empathize with Mel and Cindy conquering fears on horseback.

2. Growth and Emotional Depth of the Golden Generation

• Lessons from Life Experience: The hosts reflect on how open, honest conversations about the past set apart this generation's search for love.
  • Quote: “Can you imagine talking on national television about your husband that cheated on you… I think that's what makes Golden Bachelor and us as Goldens so different.” – Kathy (07:18)
• Group Date: Spiritual Clearing:
  • Kathy admits to being skeptical of the stones, meditation, and “letting go” exercises.
    • “I'm a deep person. I'm not into rock, stones or twigs or, you know, I'm like, what?” – Kathy (11:09)
  • Susan advocates for open-mindedness, explaining the symbolism and purpose of the ritual.
• Themes of Worthiness and Vulnerability:
  • The women discuss participants letting go of “hopelessness” (Debbie), “friction” (Mel), and holding onto the affirmation, “I am worthy” (Peg).

3. Nicole’s Motivations and Disagreements About Authenticity

• A Tense One-on-One: The hosts dissect Nicole’s lack of focus and her seemingly unprepared answers about her future.

  • “She was very unfocused, unclear when he said, where do you see yourself in five years? ...It didn't seem that she'd given any thought to his question." – Kathy (20:59)

• “Wrong Reasons” Discourse:

  • Kathy does not outright accuse Nicole, but sees her as immature and possibly angling for social media fame:
    • “That's something a 24 year old would say. You know, she's really thinking about how to get her Instagram numbers up.” (22:00)
  • The hosts reference Nicole's on-camera “give me a kiss for the camera” as evidence of seeking attention.
  • Susan laments: “It rubbed me wrong too. Kiss me because you want to kiss me.” (23:03)

• Comment on Women Supporting Women:

  • Kathy is upset by Nicole’s past disparaging comments about other women’s looks, and dissects her social media apology:
    • “Okay, you're sorry. Yes, we are trailblazers... But we are also beautiful, talented, accomplished women." – Kathy (24:26)
  • Susan agrees, adding, "Don’t say that… You know what? Mel’s season started with an apology because he opened his mouth and inserted his foot.” (24:24)

4. Focus on Genuine Connections and Criticism of “Playing for the Camera”

• Desire for Authenticity: The hosts stress that the show should be about genuinely “finding love,” not hustling for fame or drama.
  • Quote: "It is insulting that people need to... Remember that this is not about getting somewhere in life. It's about finding a connection." – Kathy (27:32)
• Contrasts Drawn to Their Own Season: The hosts repeatedly compare alumni intentions (“We didn’t know about Instagram… I couldn’t spell influencer.” – Kathy, 27:11) and emphasize that most of them came for love and adventure, not self-promotion.

5. Debbie, Carol, and the Strength to Walk Away

• Debbie’s Genuine Feelings: Discussion about how Debbie and others are falling for Mel, and why those moments matter. (28:23)
• Carol’s Self-Elimination: Both praise Carol for her self-respect and for listening to her intuition.
  • Quote: “You can walk away with your head high saying, I'm not feeling supported by you… What a great message for goldens… for anyone, really.” – Kathy (29:20)
  • Susan adds, “Aren’t you proud as a woman that she could say, I can't continue this journey with you? I loved it.” (30:24)

6. Mel’s Approach and Emotional Availability

• Reserved but Authentic: Both Susan and Kathy puzzle over Mel’s stiffness and apparent awkwardness with intimacy.
  • “I've never met Mel… but Mel comes across as stiff... He seems awkward with women.” – Kathy (41:22)
  • They wonder if it’s a product of his sports/law background or just unfamiliarity with vulnerability.
• Notable Romantic Gestures: Susan swoons over Mel gifting Cindy a star—“the stars are aligning for us”—calling it “so romantic.” (31:46)

7. Hometown Dates and Rose Ceremony Predictions

• Speculation and Surprise: Susan is surprised that Cheryl is sent home, while Kathy anticipated it.
  • “For me, it was between Cheryl and Debbie.” – Kathy (38:45)
  • The hosts discuss the advantage for women getting later 1-on-1s before hometowns.
• Critique of Exit Lines: Susan and Kathy are both put off by Nicole’s parting words: “If it doesn't work out with the one you pick, call me.” (37:30)
  • Kathy wishes for more grace: “I wanted her to say I'm sorry it wasn’t… I wanted her to leave gracefully. ...Give people grace. So that's bothering me.” (43:13)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the difference in dating at this age:

  • “We have life experience. We have years.” – Susan, (07:46)
  • “Young and puppy love. And you want the babies and the house with the fence and you're not looking for the same things.” – Susan, (06:13)

• On authenticity and motives:

  • “Once you're disingenuous, once you tell those little lies and stories… Mel was really easy to read in that, like… she's not here for the right reasons.” – Kathy, (25:29)
  • “It is insulting that people need to... Remember that this is not about getting somewhere in life… It's about finding a connection.” – Kathy, (27:32)

• On women supporting women:

  • “When she popped off that we aren't as good looking… Okay, you're sorry. Yes, we are trailblazers. But we are also beautiful, talented, accomplished women.” – Kathy, (24:26)
  • “But you know what? Mel's season started with an apology because he opened his mouth and inserted his foot. …Well, now she's claiming that she did the same thing.” – Susan, (24:24)

• On self-elimination and strength:

  • “You can walk away with your head high saying, I’m not feeling supported by you… What a great message for goldens… for anyone, really.” – Kathy (29:20)
  • “Aren’t you proud as a woman that she could say, ‘I can't continue this journey with you?’ I loved it.” – Susan (30:24)

• On Mel’s emotional style:

  • “He seems awkward with women.” – Kathy (41:22)
  • “He doesn’t…he’s not used to maybe sharing emotion.” – Susan (41:46)

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment / Highlight | |:---------:|-----------------------------| | 03:29 | Susan and Kathy kick off; immediate reactions to Cindy's one-on-one date. | | 04:35 | Discussion on vulnerability, life experience and being open about divorce. | | 07:46 | Golden difference: “We have life experience. We have years.” | | 11:09 | Group date: skepticism and humor about ‘stones and meditation.’ | | 13:55 | Letting go of hopelessness/friction; how burdens accumulate with age. | | 20:59 | Nicole's unclear answers on the one-on-one; hosts question her motives. | | 24:26 | Nicole’s comment about other women’s looks, and scrutinizing her apology. | | 27:32 | Criticism of coming on the show for the ‘wrong reasons’ (attention/social growth). | | 29:20 | Carol’s self-elimination: lessons in self-respect and modeling healthy boundaries. | | 31:46 | Sweetness of Mel’s star gift to Cindy. | | 38:00 | Rose ceremony reactions. | | 41:22 | Reflections on Mel's reserved approach; hosts analyze his comfort with intimacy. | | 43:13 | Strong desire for women to exit with grace and dignity. | | 44:12 | Support shown by the women when Carol leaves. | | 44:31 | Looking forward to Hometowns, especially Austin, Texas. |

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Summary

Bachelor Happy Hour’s “A Gallop Away from Hometowns” provides listeners with a heartfelt and often humorous take on what sets the Golden Bachelor apart from “regular” Bachelor seasons—namely, hard-won wisdom, raw honesty, and the celebration of mature love. Through insightful recaps and candid conversation, Susan and Kathy unpack the joys, heartbreaks, and sometimes cringe-worthy drama of dating later in life, ultimately championing authenticity, grace, and the enduring power of friendship and supportive womanhood. As the show heads into Hometowns, the hosts are hopeful for true love to bloom and for the contestants to keep it... well, golden.

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Transcript

[Susan]

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[Kathy]

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[Susan]

Welcome back to Bachelor Happy Hours Golden Hour. Thanks so much for joining us again. We are always so excited to be back, huh, Kathy?

[Kathy]

Oh, we are so excited. And today we're diving into the most recent episode of the Golden Bachelor. Okay, Susan, we. What did you think about this past episode?

[Susan]

Ooh, this was a good one. This was a real good one. So the date card comes. I was on pins and needles hoping that Cindy got the one on one. And sure enough, how about how emotional she was?

[Kathy]

Okay, first of all, I'm going back to the making out on the beach in the water. The passion there. So when they called her name for the one on one, I was like, oh, this is going to be an amazing date. I, you know me, I gotta make the joke first. I started shaking when I saw the horses. I was like, oh, my God, thank God it's not me.

[Susan]

Well, did you notice how elaborate they made that date sound?

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

And then I see two horses coming up. This is not like a beauty queen date. I remember back from our show when Faith had the helicopter and then the yacht, and I'm thinking, oh, they're gonna outdo that. And there was two horses.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

I'm just telling you, I had PTSD when I saw those horses show.

[Susan]

Did you think Mel was real comfortable?

[Kathy]

No. In fact, Mel, I feel your pain. Trust me. But here's the thing that I thought again, from a golden perspective. I mean, we can talk about the date and all that, but the preamble, when Cindy says on the date, people come out of. Some people come out of divorces bitter. And she wants Mel to know all about her. I was proud of Cindy for doing that because so many people at our age don't want to talk. They want to move on. And I love the fact that Cindy, clearly, she's a passionate woman.

[Susan]

Right.

[Kathy]

But the fact that she wants him to know everything about her, it's a.

[Susan]

Perfect way to start and get it over with. And you never have to speak about it again. But let him know where you came from. Right.

[Kathy]

And I also, I have to give hats off to Mel because, you know, Mel was Saying how relaxed he feels with her. And he said it's a powerful. I think the quote was something. It's a powerful thing to feel relaxed with someone. And again, I keep thinking, at our age, we're not the youngins, you know, we're not like, yes, we want adventure and we want love and we want all of that, but it's different. We want to know where people came from, what made, you know, how.

[Susan]

What makes you tick.

[Kathy]

Exactly. And so I loved that. The energy they talk about, the energy, you know, that they bring to relationships. And it's. I keep thinking it's so different than what young wants.

[Susan]

Young and puppy love. And you want the babies and the house with the fence and you're not looking for the same things.

[Kathy]

And. Yes. And I just, you know, Mel talks about conquering fears.

[Susan]

That's getting into the group thing. Right. When they went to the yoga and the.

[Kathy]

No, no, no. This is when she's. They're talking about going out and you know, he hasn't ridden horses.

[Susan]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Kathy]

And he's saying, by the way, Cindy, way to go on those cowboy boots. As another girl from Texas.

[Susan]

Wait, how about how they matched?

[Kathy]

I know, I was so adorable. I know. But, Susan, here's something. What do you think about the fact that he's talking about this guy was an NFL player, He knocks people off their feet. He's a sports attorney now. He's a public figure now. And he's talking about on national TV about conquering fears. My hats. What did you think about that?

[Susan]

Impressive. He was being in the moment. He was living that moment and being true to himself. Hats off to you, Mel. Yeah, hats off to every one of them that got into that down deep feeling and let it come out.

[Kathy]

I just, I hope people realize at our age, when the youngins are talking, it's. They haven't had the life experiences yet. So when Cindy's talking, can you imagine talking on national television about your husband that cheated on you and your divorce and those really deep feelings? And I think that's what makes golden bachelor and us as goldens so different.

[Susan]

Yes. Because we have life experience. We have years.

[Kathy]

We have lots of years. But let me just say.

[Susan]

Thanks for reminding me.

[Kathy]

Thanks for reminding us. And can I also say, faith if you're listening? I love you. I'm better on the horses, but I mean, watching him ride and he's going, whoa, whoa. I was sitting, I'm watching the tv, sweating, going, oh, Mel, God, please don't fall off, because I know how I was feeling. And they kept saying to me, kathy, sit up straight. I'm like, sit up straight. I am holding on for dear life. I'm not thinking about how it looks good on the camera. And I wondered. So bless you, Mel.

[Susan]

But as they took that trail to get up to, the view was spectacular. That was kind of sweet when it first came up. Like I said, I was looking for yachts and helicopters, but places were all different.

[Kathy]

One other thing, I want to talk about the group date with you too, but one other thing. So he's had one on ones with Cindy and Peg and now Cheryl and now Cindy, right? I think that's right.

[Susan]

Cindy was one of the few that didn't have one yet. And she.

[Kathy]

I know we're getting close to hometown, so she's. I think she's having the last date if I'm right.

[Susan]

Before hometown. Exactly.

[Kathy]

So here's the thing about how she.

[Susan]

Cried when she heard it.

[Kathy]

I know it was so sweet. But here's the thing. I wonder if I could not help but when I was watching Peg's Hometown, I think I said in another podcast.

[Susan]

Peg'S one on one date.

[Kathy]

I'm sorry. Thank you for correcting me. Peg's one on one. He was like watching her saying, I don't want to interrupt her fun. Remember he was talking about she's having such a blast and Peg is fun. If anyone doesn't see that girl is fun.

[Susan]

Right? This reminds me a lot of myself.

[Kathy]

Both of us, the three of us sing.

[Susan]

Although she knew every word.

[Kathy]

I know, right? Three musketeers. I mean, she's fun, but I didn't sense passion with Mel. But with Cindy, I felt a lot of deep passion on both sides, I.

[Susan]

Believe because that's who Cindy is. She's more serious and more. Not that Peg wants a serious any less than she does. She just goes about it differently. And that's her personality, right?

[Kathy]

And that's. I guess that's what I'm saying. As goldens. I don't know. I keep coming back to like the overriding things here. Peg and Cindy, well, they're all different. They're all so different. But those two one on ones to me stuck out like Cheryl's one on one being the princess. I mean, you can be a princess as a young and you can be a princess whenever. And that was a lovely date. But I really thought how different people react to different people. In other words, Mel was a different person around Peg than he was around Cindy.

[Susan]

Did you feel it? His hugs and his kisses Weren't as deep and emotional with Peg.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Yes.

[Susan]

As they were with Cindy. Yeah. We all know this.

[Kathy]

And I wonder, but here's the thing. I wonder, is it that we as goldens is that we've had. We bring that out. Like, what's your thought on that?

[Susan]

No, I think some young people even are more passionate. One's more fun and energetic and the other person. That's just life. That's just individuals, you know. Let's talk about that group. Oh, good.

[Kathy]

Can I just start with pretty deep? Okay, well, let me just say I'm a deep person. I'm not into rock, stones or twigs or, you know, I'm like, what? What?

[Susan]

Being in the moment.

[Kathy]

No, no, no. Really. So talk to me. I mean, all I could think of, I felt it.

[Susan]

I was trying to be in it.

[Kathy]

Yeah. I was like, what are they trying to clean?

[Susan]

Just give me a letting go of any kind of negativity. You know, how we speak of the universe and like attracts like. So anything negative or their fears that were in their body at that time. Because this is a crucial point in the show. Next thing is home time.

[Kathy]

I get it.

[Susan]

I'm not all that bad juju.

[Kathy]

Yes. I am saying for me, I agree. I mean, the way I do it is, you know, I have a drink, I go walk five miles.

[Susan]

You weren't on a group date and made to do it.

[Kathy]

That's why I know I just. To me, it doesn't feel comfortable as that's again, at our age, being forced. That might work for some people. For me, I was struggling with that whole thing.

[Susan]

Well, so if you were laying there with a couple stones. Here, here, here. What your mind couldn't focus on, you.

[Kathy]

Know, what, you know, where I mean, I'm, you know, I mean, I'm laugh a minute. But honestly, I would be like, I feel that rock. I wonder if that smooth edges get there. Why is it on my chest? Can we move it onto my arm? Get that. Can we get this off of me?

[Susan]

I thought I was bad Kathy, but I struggle with meditation until it was just the last. I realized that meditation doesn't have to be complete quiet, no thought. Because thoughts pop in all the time. And I always said I can't do it.

[Kathy]

Right, right.

[Susan]

You have to control that.

[Kathy]

Okay, well, control thought. Susan, Kathy would have got a bruise. Wait, Susan, Kathy, control. No, those words do not go together. Wait. But I did want to talk about Peg. Talking about. I don't know why. This show, to me is all about themes. I don't know I didn't feel this way on our show. Maybe it's or Jones. Well, or Jones, but this one, like Peg talked about, they said something you wanted to let go of. And Peg said she felt worthy. So I'm assuming she kept saying I'm worthy. Well, that's not something to get rid of, Debbie. Debbie talked about hopelessness. She wanted to get rid of that. Mel talked about friction. He wanted to get rid of friction. And again, I'm thinking age doesn't matter. And in fact, as we get older, sometimes we feel more friction, more hopelessness, more unworthiness because we've lived so many. We've lived so many aspects of our life.

[Susan]

But just a minute ago when you were struggling with if the rock was on my chest, and I'll be thinking, there you go, you just said the three things. What is it in you? At that moment? If it were you, that was your.

[Kathy]

Fear or your being single the rest of my life, can I marry one of those rocks?

[Susan]

That's what that moment was about. Letting go of that. Right.

[Kathy]

But I.

[Susan]

To do it on TV in front of all these people, you really had to be in that moment to be real about it. I agree.

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[Kathy]

I love the fact that. Forget even national TV, I want people to see that at any age you can feel unworthy or worthy. You can feel helpless or hopeless or.

[Susan]

I used to call myself a hopeless romantic. And you said you're hopeful.

[Kathy]

I'm a hopeful romantic, but I'm saying I love the fact that they could talk about those things. I wanted to ask Mel what the friction. Who knows, maybe. But the fact that we experience those same emotions.

[Susan]

Friction. He might not be able to say it's this. It might be several little things that torture him, but can we get to. And then as they talked, each one of them had moments alone with him and he asked some important questions. And then we get to my friend Nicole.

[Kathy]

Wait.

[Susan]

And what he asked.

[Kathy]

Hold on, wait. I need to get into a bomb shelter here. I need protection.

[Susan]

Oh, Nicole, darling, I'm gonna talk to you. No, no. She looks like a ball of fire. She does. She looks fun. However.

[Kathy]

Okay, so before we get to talking.

[Susan]

About Nicole, just their little one on one.

[Kathy]

That's what I want to talk about first. I. Mel, my hat is off to you because I think he picked up on her negative energy. I think he picked up on that. And by that negative energy. Yeah, I think she has a negative energy. She was very unfocused, unclear when he said, where do you see yourself in five years? And she was talking about you. Know her daddy running her money, which you know, her accountant. Her accountant. She still needs to work and she was gonna do. I'm thinking about a cookbook. Like, it didn't seem that she'd given any thought to his question. Well, no, no, no. The fact that she hasn't thought about her life and where you want to be planning. We as adults plan our futures.

[Susan]

When you're put on the spot and ask that question. I was always very uncomfortable when I didn't know my response right away. It is okay to pause. Let me give that some thought. Exactly. And you handle it so much better.

[Kathy]

Right.

[Susan]

But when he walked away from that, he didn't really find out much what he was looking for.

[Kathy]

Because here's my thing on Nicole and then I'm giving you the floor and I'm just gonna take Shelter. I feel like. I don't think we're gonna get into the whole thing about being there for the wrong reasons. We've talked about that. We'll get into that in a second. But I think, think her answers to Mel were indicative of the fact that she's not mature about her future. She's not in a place for ready for love. And that's too free spirited, whatever it is. It's like, what do you want to do? I'm thinking about maybe a cookbook. Like that's something a 24 year old would say. You know, she's really thinking about how to and get her Instagram numbers up and this gets into. And then you're on.

[Susan]

But how about when they were leaving, she said, give me a kiss for the camera. What is that about?

[Kathy]

I can tell you what it's about.

[Susan]

That rubbed me wrong.

[Kathy]

It rubbed me wrong too. But I. When Kiss me because you want to kiss me. Right. You know, but you know, one of the Bachelor famous taglines is being there for the right reasons.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Yes.

[Kathy]

Okay. I don't. I really rarely use that expression because I believe, as we've talked, you can be there to have adventure, you can be there to find love. What you shouldn't do is come there to grow your Instagram audience.

[Susan]

We didn't even know about that.

[Kathy]

Or get some brand deals.

[Susan]

But you know what, Kathy, as each.

[Kathy]

Show, she's there for the wrong reason.

[Susan]

Well, she admits it.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

Although. Well, I'm jumping ahead. What she said when she was leaving, that blew my mind too. I think she's just so over the top and wants to be seen and heard in whether it's a positive way, a negative way. It doesn't Matter. She just wanted to stand out to get attention, and that might be her insecurity. I don't know the woman yet.

[Kathy]

Right.

[Susan]

But I will.

[Kathy]

Well, we've met her. We met her at the drama party.

[Susan]

I don't know her.

[Kathy]

Here's what bothers me again. As a Goldfin, I want women to support women. And when she popped off that we aren't as good looking.

[Susan]

Whoa.

[Kathy]

And then took to Instagram and apologized.

[Susan]

Yes, I got that today.

[Kathy]

Actually, so did I. Yeah, she sent it to us individually as well. Here's the thing. Okay, you're sorry. Yes, we are trailblazers. We're everything you said in your Instagram post. But we are also beautiful, talented, accomplished women.

[Susan]

Just as good as they are. I mean, don't toss. Come on. Don't say that. And you know what? Mel's season started with an apology because he opened his mouth and inserted his foot. He was maybe joking or maybe, you know, just. But it still came out. Well, now she's claiming that she did the same thing.

[Kathy]

Right.

[Susan]

She didn't. Maybe. But Susan, what she said. You know exactly what.

[Kathy]

Oh, no. She knew what she was saying, and she did not. She did not say. She said, we're trailblazers. Nicole, where's the nice comment? Actually, you're all beautiful, accomplished women. I didn't hear that.

[Susan]

That's not in her. So I have a question.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

Did you hear when she took all the credit for the lemon bars? What was that about? Was she trying to be funny? Like, maybe I'm missing something?

[Kathy]

I. No, I think it's. I mean, what do I know?

[Susan]

They were all in that kitchen, madam. She was in the Jacuzzi, as a matter of fact.

[Kathy]

I think it's. I think when you're on a show like this and you're trying to get your time and your moment, I think it was strategic on her part for him to see her as Susie Homemaker, because, you know, a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I don't know, but I'm thinking, what a waste of time. Once you're disingenuous, once you tell those little lies and stories and. You know, I'm thinking about a cookbook in 10 years time. I mean, Mel's. Mel was really easy to read in that, like. Yeah, she's not here for the right reasons. So I'm sorry.

[Susan]

And remember, Robyn dropped that bomb.

[Kathy]

Yes. I wish she said she never said names. She should have.

[Susan]

No, she shouldn't have. She planted a seed. But I think that happens. In every show, don't you? There's always somebody that somebody else wants to go say, well, this one's arguing with this one, or something negative about somebody else. I would hate to ever be that person.

[Kathy]

I mean, I want to move on to talking about a couple of things. So I don't want to give. Honestly don't want to give her too much oxygen because I think. I think that.

[Susan]

Because that's what she wants.

[Kathy]

That's what she wants. And I think that this show is about finding love. You and I. How many times have we said this, Susan? When the first Golden Bachelor, when we came on the show, we came. And I can speak for all of us. We came for love, adventure. We left with great friendships. You know, that's what it was about. We didn't know the experience. We did not say, hey, can we get a brand deal? We didn't know we were clueless. I mean, I couldn't spell influencer.

[Susan]

That's why I'm saying to you, as each show happens, more and more people are learning. Like, they see us have a podcast. They see us out on the Instagram.

[Kathy]

But you know what, Susan? You and I still. We still you and I. And I think I speak for most of the women on our show. We believe in the process of finding love.

[Susan]

That's what the show is about.

[Kathy]

And so for me, it's insulting. It is insulting that people need to.

[Susan]

Remember that this is not about getting somewhere in life. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. It's about finding a connection.

[Kathy]

And you know what the other thing it's about?

[Susan]

It's like a miracle when it happens.

[Kathy]

Yeah, I love that. I wouldn't know.

[Susan]

Oh, God.

[Kathy]

Wait. Can I tell you the other thing it's about? In my book at our age, Women supporting women.

[Susan]

Did you hear that on her behalf? Other women have told me from the show, she did everybody's makeup. She was really fun to be around. Like, she has a good spirit. However, you don't bury her, trash something else to make yourself shine because you're making yourself look worse. And you're not our rose.

[Kathy]

Oh, no, wait. Before we get to that, I want to talk about Debbie. Who. She's strategic also, but she's fallen in love with him. I love Debbie wants to meet her family. And I'm seeing now, all of a sudden, I got this rush, and I'm getting it again. This, like, goosebumps because it's. Cheryl says it. You know, I have true feelings for you. I've. I'm falling in Love. They're all falling in love.

[Susan]

You know, that's the time. It's right before hometown. You gotta let it out. Both recommend that.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

I remember telling Ellen, tell him, tell him if you really feel this, tell him.

[Kathy]

I just feel like it's, it's, you know, those women genuinely are falling in love. And Nicole is busy planning a cookbook. I mean, bye, Nicole. Anyway, Carol, we have to talk about Carol, who's self eliminated.

[Susan]

I think she's uncomfortable with the whole dating thing as she said she had one boyfriend, one husband. She is not comfortable being forward. I remember sitting there with her in the towel. Huh. She did well. She did really well in the towel.

[Kathy]

So I agree with everything you're saying again as an adult woman and you and I are much more forward and out there. But I have to say I really feel it with her saying she's trying to her chakra, whatever those. Her stone on her chest, whatever was, you know, she didn't feel supported. The fear, all of those things. She said to Mel, I'm at a crossroads. I to me again, what a great message for goldens for anyone, really. You can walk away with your head high saying, I'm not feeling supported by you. I would love to have fallen in love with you, but I'm not.

[Susan]

I can't respond in a way that she felt like I could still be.

[Kathy]

But aren't you proud as a woman that she could say, I can't continue this journey with you? I loved it. I loved it.

[Susan]

Absolutely. Kathy, you remember on our show, I know you and me both and most of us said we didn't know if we were ready or you lost your husband. There was a few widow. And after the experience, you were open, your heart is open. You are ready to find love. You gained that from this show.

[Kathy]

Right.

[Susan]

You know what I'm saying? So there you go. When she was ready to leave, she said, she's ready now. She can do it now.

[Kathy]

Yes.

[Susan]

And it gave her that.

[Kathy]

It did. Oh, I think, I mean, again, we've met Carol, lovely woman, but I was so proud of her as a woman that on national tv. How so? Women stand up, be strong. Right.

[Susan]

And it walked me out. She said, I know it broke my heart, but it was so real.

[Kathy]

So real. A couple of things that I had notes about that I just got to throw in here because, you know, we're going to get to the rest of my.

[Susan]

We only think up all the time.

[Kathy]

We have time. We have time. Mel. I want a gift from Mel. Cindy got a Star. Was that the sweetest thing? A star? The stars are aligning for. She's crying. I mean, I love that. I thought that was so romantic. I just had to throw that in.

[Susan]

Thinking she's the one.

[Kathy]

I know. So do.

[Susan]

I mean, the connection that they have.

[Kathy]

I agree. And their date to me, to me was the most. Each one focused on the other as opposed to one being focused on the other. Okay, then the other thing you. We got screwed on our show. We didn't get to talk to our children. We didn't get to talk to our children. What's that about?

[Susan]

I had tears.

[Kathy]

I know.

[Susan]

That gets me every time.

[Kathy]

I know.

[Susan]

That's like when Joan season and the men all had. I mean, that was lovely. I was like, they didn't think of that yet.

[Kathy]

My daughter just had a baby.

[Susan]

We were the first.

[Kathy]

I know. I was just like, what?

[Susan]

Wait, you know.

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[Kathy]

It's Mario Lopez. Back to school is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming and kids may feel isolated, a vulnerability that human traffickers can exploit. Human trafficking doesn't always look like what you expect. Everyday moments can become opportunities for someone with bad intentions. Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach or neighbor. Check in, ask questions, Stay connected. Blue Campaign is a national Awareness initiative that provides resources to help recognize suspected instances of human trafficking. Learn the signs and how to [e-mail] blue campaign to bring back our friend from Florida. I feel like when she said to him when she left, I know I'm jumping ahead, but we'll get to the rose for many. But I just want to finish with her now so we can finish on a high note. If it doesn't work out with the one you picked, call me. Kathy, hold it. Zip it. Zip, zip, zip.

[Susan]

That's the final word. Well, you can say it. But wait.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

The list.

[Kathy]

Okay.

[Susan]

I know.

[Kathy]

Choose me for the golden bachelorette. Like I could not.

[Susan]

It's just there's a thing they call you're trying too hard. Less is more.

[Kathy]

Yes.

[Susan]

That's the thing. So now we're at the rose ceremony. Okay. Were you sweating? Were you thinking okay.

[Kathy]

When I watched the rose ceremony. So we have a lot of time to talk about this. What did you think?

[Susan]

First of all, they're lined up. Everybody looks gorgeous. I remember us in the gowns and Peg had on that fun short like. Okay. Stand out, girl.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

Honestly, I was surprised. Tell me that he let Cheryl go.

[Kathy]

Tell me why.

[Susan]

I don't know. I thought they had a connection. I was like, wow.

[Kathy]

Yeah. But Susan was in it. I knew Peg was in it. I knew Cindy was in it.

[Susan]

I did not know Peg was in it. I was in.

[Kathy]

He had so much fun with her.

[Susan]

He did have fun with her.

[Kathy]

And Debbie to me was a no brainer.

[Susan]

And Cindy.

[Kathy]

But they could only have three.

[Susan]

Right.

[Kathy]

So Cheryl, to me, it was for me, it was between Cheryl and Debbie.

[Susan]

For me, it was between Cheryl and Peg.

[Kathy]

Oh, really?

[Susan]

Yeah. Because I knew Debbie confessed how she felt about him and how she's found her man and. But when the thoughts that were going out loud through our friend from Florida's mouth, she said, I'm putting it out to the universe. I know he's picking me. And it didn't work, did it?

[Kathy]

And you know what? She may be a lovely.

[Susan]

Yeah. She's probably fun.

[Kathy]

I bet she's super fun. But I'm all about. At our age. You and I have talked about this, Susan. Yes. We had a blast on our show. Right. You and I have had tons of. We've had tons of opportunities. When we left, we were good with it. But what you and I really tried to do is represent Golden's well through humor, through telling our true life stories. That's not representing Golden's well, the women.

[Susan]

I was genuinely happy when they got that date, you know, and when Joan had to leave, we were there for her. It was about womanhood and friendships. Like we said, this one was a little different than ours. It absolutely was different.

[Kathy]

You've said it all along. The women were different from our season, from day one. Yes.

[Susan]

Was different. I couldn't put my finger on it.

[Kathy]

I think Mel said that, you know, it's getting close. He's got to make hard decisions. I felt like if there could have been four, Cheryl would have been in on that thing because I. I do too. But I guess. I guess for me it wasn't surprising because I feel for them all, you know, but when Cheryl, she had one of the earlier one on ones. I think so. I think so. But when you. When you're. When it. The time is. It's a time capsule. Right. And I think as time moves on, the people who have the later one on ones, I think are at an advantage.

[Susan]

I do too. And I think, although for our show, it was like Teresa had the first.

[Kathy]

And look how well that worked out.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

Well, so there's that. I don't know. I think that this. I don't know where it's gonna go. We don't know.

[Susan]

So my feeling overall is I don't believe that Mel is ready to. I think he's ready to have a relationship, maybe, but I don't see him falling so hard, or at least he's not showing that.

[Kathy]

Okay, so that's something you and I had talked about before we came out today. To me, I've never met Mel. I can't wait to meet him. But Mel comes across as stiff, and I under. And I'm. And I'm being serious here. I don't mean stiff from football injuries, which I'm sure he's had plenty. He's definitely stiff in the movement of his body, but he seems awkward with women.

[Susan]

He think. He doesn't. He's not used to maybe sharing emotion or he doesn't show.

[Kathy]

Well, it's not what football players do.

[Susan]

Right.

[Kathy]

It's not what lawyers do.

[Susan]

Keep it all.

[Kathy]

They keep it. They keep it tight to the chest.

[Susan]

He does that well.

[Kathy]

I feel like.

[Susan]

Can't read it.

[Kathy]

I can't read it. I mean, he's been single five years. Maybe. I don't know. Maybe he hasn't dated that much. I don't know. I don't feel. Except for Cindy, I have to say. I see him having fun with Peg. I see him gently connecting with Debbie. Just that sort of lovely, sweet. Yeah. So Sweet. And then I.

[Susan]

And then she looks at him, but.

[Kathy]

He looks at her that way too. So I don't know. I feel like. I don't know. I would be surprised. I mean, if there's not an engagement. Cause there usually is one.

[Susan]

I mean, that's. That's part of it, right? Yeah. I don't know. I mean, I'm sure there's been shows that they didn't.

[Kathy]

Right. So. All right, so now we're looking forward to next week to hometowns.

[Susan]

But wait now can we go once again with ff?

[Kathy]

Okay. I knew you. I just can't let it go.

[Susan]

Departing the gall to say no matter who you pick, I know it's not gonna work out. So you can call excuse me, young lady. Like why?

[Kathy]

Because maybe that's how she felt in the moment or maybe she was trying to make good tv, I don't know. But again, I sound like a broken record to me. I wanted her to say I'm sorry it wasn't. I wanted her to leave gracefully. Mel, I'm sorry it didn't work for us. But I wish you only love because that's what I wish for everyone. I haven't found that love. That's what I wish for, Mel. That's what I wish for. Gary. That's what I wish for you. That is what especially as a golden you've lived life give people grace. So that's bothering me but I can't wait for next week because hometowns and you know what? Austin, Texas. There we go.

[Susan]

We missed one little thing. Carol. We were talking about Carol and now she left. But do you remember Cheryl seeing her get into the black car and running Girls like the look on her face and they were all genuinely upset.

[Kathy]

Well, you know, good that you know what that's called, Susan? Yeah, not wasting supporting women felt badly that she left. Good for you, Cheryl. But I'm so excited because Austin's gonna be there. My girl. I've called it from the beginning. My hometown girl. I'm so glad she's. I cannot wait for next week.

[Susan]

This is gonna be fun. And with that said, Kathy, you know, we spent a lot of time today just going, going, going because it was such a great episode. But I think we are out of time.

[Kathy]

I hate parting is such sweet sorrow.

[Susan]

Susan, I want to thank everybody for tuning in. We depend on you. We love when you write in your comments and as a matter of fact, our next one, I'm going to share something that somebody wr me and it's really, really special.

[Kathy]

Well, thanks to all of our listeners. Be sure to follow Bachelor Happy Hour as we have new episodes coming out every week. You don't want to miss them. Listen to Bachelor Happy Hour's Golden Hour on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Till next time. Hey, what's up? It's Mario Lopez. Back to school is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming and kids may feel isolated, a vulnerability that human traffickers can exploit. Human trafficking doesn't always look like what you expect. Everyday moments can become opportunities for someone with bad intentions, whether you're a parent, teacher, coach or neighbor. Check in, ask questions, stay connected. Blue Campaign is a national awareness initiative that provides resources to help recognize suspected instances of human trafficking. Learn the signs and how to [e-mail] blue campaign. It's cybersecurity Awareness Month.

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[Kathy]

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[Kathy]

Take care of the little ones in.

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[Kathy]

Storm in a sewer. That was dumb. Do not follow my example.

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Listen to Crimeless Hillbilly Heist on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, it's Ed Helms, host of Snafu, my podcast about history's greatest screw ups. On our new season, we're bringing you a new snafu Every single episode.

32 likes nuclear weapons. You're like, wait, stop. What?

Yeah, it's gonna be a whole lot of history, a whole lot of funny and a whole lot of fabulous guests.

[Kathy]

Paul Scheer, Angela and Jenna.

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This is an iHeart podcast.