Bachelor Happy Hour — "Alex Shares Her Side of the Story"

Episode Date: August 26, 2025
Hosts: Joe Amabile & Serena Pitt
Guest: Alexe
Podcast Description: Bachelor Happy Hour provides exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from Bachelor Nation, featuring cast interviews and uncensored stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Episode Theme Overview

This episode brings Alexe back to the show to share her perspective on key events from the most recent season of "Bachelor in Paradise," including her relationships, the much-discussed Bailey/Jeremy controversy, and how the surprising new competition/cash prize format impacted her journey and the group dynamic. The episode gives listeners an intimate look at Alexe’s motivations, challenges, and some personal backstory that shaped her experience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alexe’s Return: Motivation and Mindset for Paradise

[03:05]

• Joe welcomes Alexe, noting her as an obvious Paradise invitee.
• Alexe expresses excitement about joining Paradise, describing it as more suited to her personality than the Bachelor:
  "Even though it didn't come off that I'm a flirt, I love to flirt... I was very excited going into it." — Alexe [03:34]
• Alexe discusses how being portrayed as "awkward" on the show connects to her comfort around emotions, amplified by English being her second language:
  "Sometimes it would take me time to process certain things or jokes... I would make it a little awkward so it's funny, you know." — Alexe [04:59]

2. The Jonathan/Ricky Triangle and Early Decisions

[05:23]

• Alexe considered chemistry with both Jonathan and Ricky but chose Jonathan for perceived long-term potential.
• Emphasizes the need to make fast decisions on the show and wanting to change her approach for better longevity this time.

3. The Andrew Situation: Missed Dates & Unexpected Connections

[06:46]

• Alexe recounts being repeatedly chosen for chats by new arrivals, only for them to ask other women on dates.
  "I said as a joke, I said, okay, if I don't get this date, I'm sending myself home... I felt embarrassed. Like, is something wrong with me that they choose to talk to me and then...go to the other girl?" — Alexe [07:04]
• When Andrew chose Bailey instead of her, Alexe was disappointed more for the pattern than specifically because of Andrew; she encouraged Bailey to go on the date without resentment.
• Highlights the awkward conversation with Andrew upon his return; they spoke in code about prior hesitations that had kept them apart.
  "We had our reservations coming into it, even though you could clearly tell I was into him...when we cleared that up...we were like two peas in a pod." — Alexe [09:53]

4. Locking in with Andrew and The Competition Twist

[12:13]

• Despite Sean expressing interest and offering a date, Alexe turned it down, openly telling Sean she’d be picking Andrew for her rose regardless:
  "I think if you choose me, regardless, my rose is going to go to Andrew. So we were both very locked in after that." — Alexe [12:13]
• The announcement of the show's competition element and pairing up was a relief, aligning with Alexe and Andrew’s established team mindset.

5. The Bailey/Jeremy Controversy: Alexe's Perspective

[17:44]

• Joe and Serena probe Alexe’s role in the fallout over Jeremy’s phone call to Susie and why Alexe didn’t inform Bailey.
• Alexe reveals closer pre-Paradise friendship with Jeremy than with Bailey. She had encouraged Jeremy to be upfront:
  "Looking back, hindsight's always 20/20. I've apologized before all of this aired because I knew I should have told her and I've continued to apologize." — Alexe [18:11]
• She trusted Jeremy’s insistence that the phone call was minor and had been handled, not realizing the extent of what others knew.
• Acknowledges regret for not being more proactive in ensuring Bailey knew:
  "Looking back on it, knowing the extent, I think it makes it even more heightened...we should have each other's back. And that's something I regret for sure." — Alexe [23:42]

6. Impact on Relationships and Reflection

[26:00]

• Alexe expresses disappointment over lack of support from Jeremy amid the public fallout, casting doubt on their continued friendship. "I'm just gonna say I was a little disappointed that I never received a text... I'm trying to figure that out right now...is this someone that I would still want to have in my life?" — Alexe [26:00]

7. The Competition Element and Strategic Play

[31:17]

• Joe asks about strategy; Alexe says she focused on good karma by supporting strong couples and avoided alliances or gameplay:
  "My whole mantra was I want good karma. Let's put the couples I think are strong...to the final." — Alexe [31:38]
• She and Andrew prioritized enjoying each other’s company over strategizing:
  "We didn't want to talk about the game. Like, he's such a funny guy...Give me your best jokes, I don't care about who votes for who..." — Alexe [32:37]

8. Couples Therapy & Chemistry on Screen

[33:59]

• The introduction of couples therapy brought on-screen drama, with a therapist suggesting Alexe and Andrew lacked sexual chemistry—an assessment Alexe and castmates disagreed with:
  "None of us and none of the other couples agreed. We're like, what? We're like, can't stop touching each other." — Alexe [34:16]
• The critique sparked reflection and led Alexe to open up emotionally to Andrew, culminating in a mutual “falling in love” exchange.

9. Vulnerability, Family History & the “I Love You” Moment

[35:37]

• Alexe shares deeply personal background, including a difficult family history and its impact on her view of love:
  "I didn't see my dad for 18 years...I, you know, I was sexually exploited by someone close to my family...So I think I had a...tainted relationship with what love should look like." — Alexe [35:54]
• She describes the moment Andrew reassured her by being the first to say he was falling in love, making her feel safe and understood for the first time.
• Their playful, awkward dynamic is illustrated in how they communicate vulnerability and affection.

10. Finale Teaser

[39:32]

• Alexe teases a surprising, "gut-wrenching" finale episode, hinting at dramatic developments as the season wraps up with both a romantic and strategic/money element.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Am I that awkward? And they're like, no, not at all...when it comes to feelings and emotions, that's when I get a little uncomfortable." — Alexe [04:15]
• "If I don't get this date, I'm sending myself home...I'm too awkward..." — Alexe [07:04]
• "Once we had that conversation...we were like, okay, well, you're my person, obviously." — Alexe [09:57]
• "Looking back...I think I would have...asked more about the phone call and then also tell him if...you're not going to tell her, I'm going to tell her." — Alexe [23:42]
• "My whole mantra was I want good karma...We just wanted to laugh and...didn't want to talk about the game." — Alexe [31:38]
• "Not that he's a therapist to me, but...he listens to what I'm telling you...trying to make sense of who I am and why I do the things I do. And that's not something I've ever had." — Alexe [38:22]
• "The last episode is gonna be surprising...gut wrenching to experience." — Alexe [39:32]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:05] Alexe's feelings on joining Paradise, language barrier/awkwardness
• [05:23] Early decisions about Jonathan & Ricky
• [06:46] Andrew's date pattern & Alexe's reactions
• [09:53] Clearing the air with Andrew, establishing connection
• [12:13] Turning down Sean, confirming commitment to Andrew
• [17:44] The Bailey/Jeremy dynamic and casting controversy
• [23:42] What Alexe wishes she’d done differently about the phone call situation
• [26:00] Relationship fallout with Jeremy
• [31:38] Handling the money competition twist; Alexe's "good karma" strategy
• [34:16] The therapist’s "no chemistry" comment sparks deeper connection
• [35:54] Alexe’s family history and impact on vulnerability with Andrew
• [39:32] Finale tease: Expect the unexpected

Tone & Flow

The episode maintains a candid, self-effacing, humorous, and supportive tone—Alexe laughs at her own awkwardness, the hosts gently tease, and difficult topics are handled with sincerity and warmth. The group dynamics and vulnerabilities give listeners both the behind-the-scenes drama and the emotional reality beneath the surface.

Summary

This episode offers a rich, introspective window into Alexe’s experience on Paradise, especially her journey with self-confidence, romance, and the navigation of difficult interpersonal drama. Alexe’s openness about her insecurities, her loyalty to friends, and her evolving relationship with Andrew humanize the on-screen drama and offer a nuanced understanding of reality TV life off-camera. She leaves listeners with a tease for the finale: expect surprises—and plenty of emotion.