Are ‘Cougars’ in Again? | Golden Hour

Summary

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Bachelor Happy Hour: “Are ‘Cougars’ in Again? | Golden Hour”

Date: July 23, 2026
Hosts: Kathy & Susan (with mentions of Charity Lawson and Rachel Recchia)

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Episode Overview

This lively episode of "Golden Hour," a special edition of Bachelor Happy Hour, dives into the shifting perceptions of age gap relationships—particularly when women date younger men (“cougars”). Kathy and Susan mix Bachelor Nation updates, candid listener advice, and playful banter exploring romantic double standards, generational dating, pop culture, and navigating relationships at any age. The episode features memorable quotes, spirited debate, and relatable personal stories in the hosts’ signature unscripted style.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catching Up: Elevator Panic & Summer Stories

• [03:23-05:16] Kathy recounts getting stuck in a W Hotel elevator and being rescued by “Mr. Adonis” Eric. Susan jokes about always carrying snacks for emergencies:

  “What if I have to pee? I gotta pee on the floor.” (Susan, 04:45)

• Fourth of July highlights include Kathy grilling, a fire scare handled by her firefighter son, and Susan’s backyard flooding during storms.

2. Bachelor Nation News:

Katie Thurston’s Cancer Battle

• [06:19-07:57] Sympathy and admiration for Katie Thurston (former Bachelorette) who uses her breast cancer diagnosis to advocate for early detection:

  “She’s a public personality because of Bachelor. She’s fighting her own battle and yet she is saying how grateful she is to be helping to save others’ lives.” (Kathy, 06:51)

Michael Alio’s Addiction Recovery

• [07:57-10:31] Discussion of Michael’s struggle with painkiller addiction after losing his wife and being a single father:

  “He sent his son to a relative’s house, locked himself in a room for a week and went through the... DTs.” (Kathy, 09:32)
  “Having the pain come back made him feel alive. In a twisted way, that made total sense to me.” (Kathy, 09:57)

• Announcement: Michael will be a future podcast guest.

3. Main Topic: “Are Cougars In Again?”—Age Gap Relationships

• [10:46-16:01]
• Discussion on how society views older men dating younger women vs. older women dating younger men.
• The hosts poke at stereotypes, media depictions, and their own experiences.

Stereotypes and Double Standards

• [11:04-12:39]

  “When we talk about age gap relationships, it’s usually... an older man dating a much younger woman. Do you agree?” (Kathy, 11:05)
  “Nobody has a problem with it... But when a woman dates 10, 15 years younger, I mean, they used to call them Cougars.” (Susan, 11:16)

• On men’s and women’s preferences:

  “If you ask a man what’s his age range?... They never say what the oldest woman they will date.” (Kathy, 12:12)
  “Women will put a number around it... 5 years older or younger.” (Kathy, 12:42)

Real-Life Examples & Pop Culture

• [14:25-15:02]
  • Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas (10 year difference), Alec Baldwin & Hilaria (26 years), French President Macron & Brigitte (24 years).

  “Guess who’s older? She is—by 10 years!” (Kathy, 14:37)

Can These Relationships Last?

• [15:02-16:01]

  “I do think large age gaps can work. I truly do... if you go too young, you don’t share the same values or the same... likes, because it was a different era.” (Kathy, 15:14; Susan, 15:39)

• Both agree: age gap relationships can be positive, especially later in life.

4. Modern Double Standards & The “Cougar” Label

• [21:09-22:47]

  “Give me 10, 12, 15 years ago, it was taboo. Today, I don’t think it matters as much. This world has changed so much.” (Susan, 21:32)

• Reality: Double standards are fading, but still exist. Women over 60 more open to dating younger men now than in the past.

• On “sugar daddy” situations:

  “When the girl’s 27 and he’s 77, that’s when...” (Susan, 23:20)
  “Bill Belichick... my age, dating a 24-year-old... I’d raise an eyebrow too.” (Kathy/Susan, 23:29)

5. Listener Hotline: Relationship Advice

• [24:22-29:39]

  • “Anonymous” struggles with a boyfriend who refuses to alter annual vacation plans, using his greater income as a justification.

    “Two years too long living with him.” (Kathy, 26:01) “You were heard, honey.” (Susan, 26:09) “Kick him to the curb.” (Kathy, 28:30)

  • Discussion about money dynamics in relationships and standing your ground.

• [34:45-37:51]

  • 21-year-old Haley asks if she should give a third chance to an ex she didn't connect with (due to mismatched values).

    “When a man shows you who he is, believe him the first time.” (Kathy, 36:08) “Maybe, Haley, you need to look... why would you go back with a guy where you don't share values?” (Kathy, 36:59) “Block his number. Block him on social.” (Kathy, 37:51)

• [38:13-39:57]

  • One listener shares a dramatic “Bachelor in Paradise” style breakup story: serial relationships, sudden switches, exes becoming friends.

    “Isn’t that so typical, though?” (Susan, 39:24)
    “It sounds like an episode of Bachelor in Paradise gone awry.” (Kathy, 39:28)

6. Pop Culture Slang: “Standing on Business” & “That’s My Roman Empire”

• [40:13-44:16]

  • Standing on business: To follow through on your word; compared to keeping your promises as a parent or on reality TV.

    “If I say I’m doing it, I’m doing it.” (Susan, 40:44) “Standing on business means I followed through.” (Kathy, 41:29)

  • That’s my Roman Empire: The thing you obsess about. For the hosts? Food, walking, or (jokingly) Kathy’s “horrible hair”.

    “Food would be my Roman Empire.” (Susan, 43:09)
    “I’d like to have a date with a nice guy... I don’t think about it constantly, but I think about it.” (Kathy, 43:35)

• Social media trend: Men often claim to think about the Roman Empire all the time, women have their own equivalents (Diana, Titanic, etc).

  “Men think about one thing and one thing only—sex. No, themselves.” (Cathy & Susan, 44:28-44:35)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Elevator anecdote: “I started sweating. I thought, I’m gonna die in an elevator. And then the thing shot up like a jet...” (Kathy, 04:05)
• Cancer advocacy: “She’s a public personality because of Bachelor... she is saying how grateful she is to be helping to save others’ lives.” (Kathy, 06:51)
• Dating younger men: “I don’t like dating men my age, not because I have a problem with their age. I have a problem with their mobility.” (Kathy, 13:39)
• On relationship power dynamics: “He said that he pays for the vacation and I should not have a say in changing the weeks. I felt money shamed.” (Anonymous listener email, 24:36)
• On repeated relationship mistakes: “When a man shows you who he is, believe him the first time.” (Kathy, 36:08)
• On the “Roman Empire” meme:

  “Food would be my Roman Empire.” (Susan, 43:09)
  “Men think about one thing and one thing only—sex. No, themselves.” (Cathy & Susan, 44:28-44:35)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro and elevator story: 03:23 – 05:16
• Bachelor Nation news (Katie & Michael): 06:19 – 10:31
• Main topic: Age gap relationships / “cougar” chat: 10:46 – 16:01, resumes at 21:09 – 24:22
• Listener questions and advice: 24:22 – 29:39, 34:45 – 39:57
• Pop culture slang (“standing on business”, “my Roman Empire”): 40:13 – 44:16

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Takeaways

• Age gap dynamics are evolving: Society is more accepting of women dating younger men, though double standards persist. Celebrity couples and personal stories challenge outdated judgments.
• Communication and self-worth in relationships: The hosts emphasize the importance of being heard, not letting money determine decision-making power, and being honest with oneself about compatibility.
• Bachelor Nation alums as advocates: Using their platform for positive change—whether supporting cancer awareness or modeling later-in-life love—remains a focal point.
• Humor keeps it real: Even sensitive topics like loneliness, loss, or dating difficulties are tackled with a warmth and wit that makes the show as comforting as it is insightful.

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For more, catch "Bachelor Happy Hour – Golden Hour" wherever you listen to podcasts, follow @BachelorHappyHour, and watch for listener advice segments to get your own questions answered!

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

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[C]

Welcome back to Golden Hour.

[B]

I'm Kathy, and Susan's here as well. How are you, girl?

[C]

Okay. I am great. I am. I am loving World cup, all things World Cup. I've never watched so much TV in my life. But I just have to say real quickly, have you ever been caught in an elevator?

[B]

Yes. I panic.

[C]

I got caught in one last night. I was pounding on the door, trying to get out. I was at Cindy's place in downtown Austin in the W Hotel. W Hotel. If you're listening, get your damn elevators fixed. It was the worst thing, Susan. I started panicking, and then all of a sudden I couldn't get out.

[B]

You were looking up to see if there was a trap door. And then you think, I'm alone. How am I getting up there?

[C]

No. And then I hit the help button, and it kept going, dialing and going. Please hold. Please hold. And like the fifth time, it said, I'm sorry, there is no one to answer your call. I started sweating. I thought, I'm gonna die in an elevator. And then the thing shot up like a jet. It just shot up. And I thought, oh, my God, now I'm gonna go through the roof of the building. It stops at floor 20. And Mr. Adonis, Eric is his name, walks out. And it walks into the elevator on the other side. It has, you know, two sides to get in and out of. He saw the panic in my eyes. He goes, I'll take you up. And he literally got in there. I literally Thought. I've never been caught in an elevator before. It was the scariest thing ever.

[B]

It's scary. And then I keep thinking, well, you know me. I have to have snacks. There's always snacks in my purse. What if I'm here for hours? What if I have to pee? I gotta pee on the floor. I mean, what goes through your mind when you're inside was terrible.

[C]

It was brutal. Anyway, I'm fine.

[B]

Today. I'm here. I'm just dealing with a lot of storms. My pool is at the very tippity top. I'm waiting for Dickie to come over and help me out and put the drain thing on. I don't even know how to do it. The pump, it's about to overflow. We had so much rain in the last two days. It's amazing.

[C]

But you know what World cup takes takes precedence over your.

[B]

Yes, yes, yes, yes. And fourth of July. How was your fourth?

[C]

It was great. I had my son. Susan, don't fall over to dead faint. Guess what I did on July 4th.

[B]

I already know you made food. Kathy, you called me about the Brussels sprouts.

[C]

Give it a little bit.

[B]

Did they come out good? That's all I need to know.

[C]

They were edible. For me, that's coming out good. I made homemade brownies and brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes. And then my son. Wait. And my son, who was a firefighter. I don't know if I told you this. The grill caught on fire like flames. And my daughter in law's looking at me and she's like. She said, kathy, usually that would panic you. I said, are you kidding me? He's a firefighter. He'll figure it out. Literally.

[B]

Grills do that, though. That's not your fault. I. You are excused.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

Not your fault.

[C]

Well, I did clean the grill yesterday, top to bottom. It's like. It's like all brand new again. All right, so what are we going. What are we doing?

[B]

So moving right along, let's get into Bachelor Nation news. Okay. We had a really big week. First and foremost, let's talk about Katie Thurston. I mean, she's opening up, talking about her cancer battle with what that girl has been through. Kathy.

[C]

Yeah, my heart goes out, I gotta say. Age 4, breast cancer. I mean, well, her newest interview that she did, she talks about turning pain into purpose.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

And, you know, here's my thought on this. I have not had cancer, but my very good friend, my neighbor, beat breast cancer. And I think that her helping other women to get early detection is a gift. It's, it's one of those. She's a public personality because of bachelor. She's fighting her own battle and yet she is saying how grateful she is to be helping to save others lives.

[B]

Yeah, that's what she said. I saved somebody's life because people have actually DMed her and, and said without you saying these things, I would have never checked. It's the same when we came. Not the same. We're not talking cancer. But when we came off the show, how many people, how many women in this world that we spoke to saying that life is not over, over 60, like you still have a lot more life to live. Sharing a message because we were given that platform is so important. And everyone I know is still praying for Katie and, and she's still going on with this battle and our hearts

[C]

are with her, our hearts with her. And let me tell you, the more advocates we have to fight this dreaded disease. My hat is off to you, Katie. Keep fighting the good fight. And really thank you for being a voice for all the people that don't have a voice. Okay, our next one is Michael Alio. He discusses overcoming addiction after his late wife's passing. He said I was lost. And he. So I have interviewed him on another podcast. He wrote a children's book. I did not know in the interview I did with him. I didn't know this till I read this article about him. He talks about being a caregiver 247 and that he had to be the strong person. And then his wife Laura dies and he's 33 years old. 33, he was 34. He's got this vast void and a two year old. And you know, I don't know what it's like, but I know you go from constantly caring like Joan. Same thing with her, Nancy. You go from constantly caring for your spouse, taking him to doctor's appointments to nothing. And so he got addicted to painkillers. And he said it was a well kept secret. You know what blows my mind, Susan? He sent his son to a relative's house, locked himself in a room for a week and went through the. Whatever you call DTs.

[B]

The detox.

[C]

Yeah, detox. By himself. He said he couldn't imagine that he would be a good father. Like that is a strong person.

[A]

Yes. Right.

[C]

So I mean, I can't even imagine, you know, the depression.

[B]

I mean, I could see it leading to other things and then realizing she's gone. I'm addicted to pills. I have a 2 year old. I have to raise. Right.

[C]

Yeah. The other thing he said that blew my mind was that he was completely. And I get this. Cause the first year after my husband died, I couldn't tell you what time it was. Literally, I lost a year of my life. And he says the same thing. The first year he was numb and he doesn't remember anything. And he said actually having the pain come back made him feel alive. And I thought, you know, in a twisted way, that made total sense to me. Yeah, it surely does. Anyway, you know, we're glad that he has overcome that and his 2 year old son is now 10 and we're

[B]

actually going to have him on a podcast.

[C]

So yeah, we're going to know a whole lot more. Okay, we're going to move on into talking about one of my favorite topics, Susan, Age gap relationships.

[B]

Here we go, people.

[C]

You ready? And so we're going to be talking about, you know, the right person, if, you know, they are the right person. And one of those things in determining is age. So, you know, an age gap relationship. You know, Susan, this, I've been very vocal about this.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

When we talk about age gap relationships, it's usually, correct me if I'm wrong. An older man dating a much younger woman. Do you agree?

[B]

And nobody has a problem with it. Nobody. I mean, unless it's like, excuse me, ridiculous. Like it could be his daughter some. But nobody says too much. But when a woman dates 10, 15 years younger, I mean, they used to call them Cougars. Wasn't Cougar 20 years? Wasn't that the cougar?

[C]

I don't know. I'm pretty sure it was 20.

[B]

I don't even know if they used the name cougars anymore. But everybody has something to say. Why is that?

[D]

Why?

[C]

Listen, I'd love to be a cougar. That's something I have to say.

[B]

I'm saying more power to her.

[C]

Really? Here is one of the things I think everyone has an opinion, right? And I think when it comes to men, if you ask a man what's his age range?

[B]

And I've seen that if he's what, 60, 65.

[C]

Yeah, yeah. I'm talking about our generation. If you say, hey, what's your age range, Susan, I will buy you a house at the beach if I'm wrong. The answer, oh, but I'll be standing there with you. The answer always is, oh, you know, I'll go to 50 years old if he's 65. You know, 50 is about as young as all day. They never say what the oldest woman

[B]

they will Date, they won't even say my age, right?

[C]

That's right. But when you ask a woman, this has been my experience, when you ask a woman, they'll say, oh, I'll date a guy five years younger or five years older. Like women will put a number around it, I think. Have you noticed that too or not?

[B]

No, no, I haven't.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

I really haven't. I think most people would say, yeah, I'll date younger, but never give an exact. And like you, if it were you, you'd say, well, how much younger?

[C]

Right.

[B]

And I used to think 10 years, but I think when you're in your 60s, or at least 65, I don't think it matters as much as like if you were younger, like when you're real young. Obviously we weren't allowed out with guys five years our senior.

[C]

Right.

[B]

But after 50, even then it doesn't become as important after 60 or 65, I don't think it matters, but I

[C]

don't think it matters. But I think I'm standing on this one. And your house at the beach depends on it. That men will date younger always if they agree. And women will look at the guy like, I don't like dating men my age, not because I have a problem with their age. I have a problem with their mobility. You know, I don't care if they have gray hair, I don't care if they're bald. I care that they can only walk from the couch to the refrigerator to get a beer and move back to the couch again. That's my problem. But I will.

[B]

I'm sorry, go ahead.

[C]

No, you go ahead.

[B]

I think it's funny because if it's somebody on tv like a star and they're dating a younger.

[D]

No.

[B]

Oh, everybody, that's cool. But if it's your next door neighbor, you're going to have a lot to say about it.

[C]

Okay? So not cool. You're right. And I, it's so funny you said that, because I did. You know me, Kathy loves to research Priyana Chopra. Chopra and Nick Jonas are married.

[B]

Uh huh.

[C]

Guess who's older?

[B]

She is.

[C]

By 10 years? Yes, by 10 years. And then how about Alec Baldwin and Hillary? Hillary, they're 26 years apart, happily married. And then my favorite French president, Macron with Brigitte, I think is how you pronounce her name. They're 24 years apart, although I thought they got separated, but maybe I'm wrong.

[B]

And how long have they been together? So what do you think? What's your thought on whether it lasts?

[C]

My thought is I have to be famous and then I can find a

[B]

younger guy or how much money there is involved.

[C]

Yeah, I mean I do think large age gaps can work. I truly do. But I think, I think at our age, do you want. I don't want to date a guy. I would love to date a guy in their 50s if he's retired, even though that would be a big age difference. But I don't want to date a guy who's working 9 to 5 because I want to be able to travel and do stuff. That's where the age comes in it for me.

[B]

Yes, yes. And also I've always said if you go too young, you don't share the same values or the same, you know, when you talk about your past, whether it's music, I think I've said that before, you don't have the same likes because it was a different error.

[C]

Yeah. Okay.

[B]

So however the younger is a good thing.

[C]

We agree younger can be good. Age gap relationships can work.

[A]

Charity. What's something you almost always say yes to?

[D]

Oh, that's easy. A girls trip. No hesitation.

[A]

Same. That's why Klarna stands out. Klarna gives you smarter tools to manage your money. So saying yes to what matters doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With flexible ways to pay cash back that builds automatically and everything in one place, life feels manageable.

[D]

Download the Klarna app today or visit klarna.com to learn more.

[A]

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[C]

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[D]

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[A]

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[D]

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[C]

Now I'm going to hit you with another one, Susan. Double standards. Why is it, tell me why, when an older man is with a younger woman, the guys give him a high five. You go, you know, you go guy, but it's different than an older woman. What is the, what's that double standard? I'm going to tell you, okay.

[B]

I don't think it's, it's as much today, in 2026. Give me 10, 12, 15 years ago it was taboo. You were like we said, the cougar. And everybody's going to chat about it. Today, I don't think it matters as much. I mean, this world has changed so much.

[C]

So I don't disagree with you, but I feel like the double standard is still out there. Maybe it's a little less I.

[B]

But it's a little less I do.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

I mean, maybe because me personally, I have dated younger and nobody had anything to say about it, or at least I didn't hear it.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But I know people that you know.

[C]

Well, I was a difference. Yeah, you're right. And I've had a couple of younger guys, significantly younger, reach out to you. Yeah, reach out to me. And, and you actually have encouraged me to date them and I've said, are you kidding? Even though I was interested. They have kids at home.

[B]

And that's like, that's, that's a whole nother. Yes. We can't be raising somebody else's kids in our 60s or 70s.

[C]

I agree. But I do think women over 60 to your point, Susan, are, are more interested now than they were 10, 15 years ago in dating younger men.

[B]

And I love the person that says, well, I would never do that. You don't know, darling, until either your spouse passes or say you get a divorce, until you're looking again, that's only then are you allowed to make that statement. Do you know what I'm saying? Because you're not out there. You're not trying to meet somebody and it's not that easy.

[C]

Okay, so do you think I agree with you? Do you think there is an age gap that you would raise your eyebrows and go, oh, come on, this is over the top?

[B]

I mean, yes, when you get the little sugar mama, the sugar daddy thing, when the girl's 27 and he's 77, that's when.

[C]

Oh, you mean like Bill Belichick, who is my age, who's dating a 24 year old?

[B]

Oh, yeah, that I'd raise an eyebrow too. But you know what, you know who,

[C]

who I am, Kathy, she's dating his granddaughter.

[B]

You do you.

[C]

I don't care if I'm being honest here. And you know, I owe them. How do you think that makes women like me feel? What chance do we, do I have,

[B]

Susan, for somebody to look your way? Because you're going after all the young ones also, though, when they're getting older and more tired and slowing down, the young girl's still in her prime and she might not want that. You know, you have to think long term. But maybe that's. They're not thinking.

[C]

They either are thinking long term or they're looking at the last checkbook number in the chat.

[B]

Quite possible, but moving right along, we'll be, look, I'll be happy if anybody comes, you know, it's both of us.

[C]

Amen, girl.

[B]

We're going to get into the golden hotline now. You know, each week, everybody, we do answer questions from our listeners and we try to give them our expert golden advice. Kathy, would you like to start with the first one?

[C]

All right, I'll go with the first one. This is from Anonymous. Hi, ladies. Please keep this anonymous. I've been living with my boyfriend for almost two years now. Together, almost four. He makes, I guess they've been together for four years, but living together for two years. Okay. He makes significantly more than I do. We are both in our 50s. Every summer he pays for a weekly beach rental for his kids and always invites my kids as well. I brought up recently how we may want to look at another week next summer as My best friend's son is getting married and it will be during the time he usually books a rental for his beach week. He likes doing the same week every year. He was appalled. Oh, God. I would ask to change his weeks. He said that he pays for the vacation and I should not have a say in changing the weeks. I felt money shamed. As if I can't speak up about our vacations because he pays for it. Am I being too sensitive? Should I sit back and not bring this up again? He actually said that I should go to the wedding by myself and to come to the vacation rental after the wedding. I'm hurt. I feel unheard. What would you do in this situation? Susan's mouth is wide open and while she's thinking, I'm going to say, derry, two years you've been with this man. Two years too long living with him.

[D]

Wait a minute.

[C]

Boot him to the curb for her

[B]

to say, I feel unheard. Scratch that off. Erase that. You were heard, babe.

[C]

Yeah, you were heard, honey.

[B]

What I want to know, is it one of her friends or their friends that's.

[C]

Does it matter?

[B]

Well, no, but I'm going. I'm trying here. This is me trying. Okay? This is me trying because my first thought. You don't want to know. Put my glasses on for this one cap. Because I cannot freaking believe that this dude. If it's not. I mean, if he. If they were friends together, all of them. Let's reread the. Go back to where.

[C]

Let me make this really simple.

[B]

Another. My best friend's son. It's her best friend, so he could give a shit less because it's her best friend. And you know what I'd say to that? No problem, honey. I'm going to rent a place a different week. Well, that's not. That's not cool at all.

[C]

She said he makes significantly more money. Here's my take on this. Obviously he earns a lot of money. He brings his kid for the same week. This is why I'm single. I would see red. I would be like a bull. It's running the. You know, running the Pamplon in Pamplon. I would just be going for the. It doesn't matter who the friend is. He rents it for his children to come and invites her children to come. He sounds like a guy who is rigid beyond belief and anonymous. What I would tell you is you, as Susan said, you were well heard. And you really got to look at. Are you willing to put up and shut up or do you want to make A big thing about it. I personally would not would make a big thing of it because I would

[B]

have the discussion again. Yeah, and if you don't win, I look so hot when I left that beach house for that wedding. And I might have to get a room because I'm not driving all the way back.

[C]

Yeah, but understand there this sounds to me like she said she was money shame. Susan.

[B]

I'm guessing he sounds like an Sorry.

[C]

Anonymous. The Oz has spoken. It is time to get back on the yellow brick road and move away from Emerald City.

[B]

I'm so sorry, Anonymous. But yeah, good luck, sweetie. And if you put up with that, you're going to put up with a lot more. I'm just saying.

[C]

What did I say when I said why you had your mouth hanging? I said here's the answer. Anonymous. Kick him to the curb. But here's what I'm guessing. Susan, before we move on real quickly, this is typical of many women. Many couples at different ages. 1 and it's usually the man. You know, the old. The old. It's sad glass ceiling for women. The man earns the money and she. I'm guessing, I'm reading between the lines. She's got to stick around because she can't make it on her own.

[B]

That I don't know about that.

[C]

I'm saying she can't make the vacation. That's what I'm saying. He earned significantly more so living together with him. They have a comfortable life.

[B]

Maybe the pants.

[C]

He wears the pants because he earns more money. You know what?

[B]

What about the babe? Seriously, that's my best friend, honey. Have a little confused. We could go the week before, the week after. Please, babe. You know what, Susan?

[C]

I don't care if it's the postman's cousin getting married. If you're invited to a wedding as a couple and he won't change the week a year out. Give me a break. You have to move on. I'm getting irate here.

[B]

I wish you luck, honey. Let us know how you made out.

[A]

Charity. What's something you almost always say yes to?

[D]

Oh, that's easy. A girls trip. No hesitation.

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[B]

All right, the next one is from Haley. Hi Susan and Kathy. My name is Haley and I am 21. I have a thing that I need some advice on. So there is this guy who in the past I have talked to and liked being around but I had to break it off twice. Nonetheless, I felt like we didn't have a connection, liked the same things, whatever. And he was also overly religious, which I am not bad mouthing that. I mean it's normally a Good thing. And now all of a sudden, he reached back out to me asking how am I doing? And wants to reconnect with me again. And I feel like I want to, but then again, I am afraid if something goes wrong again, I don't want to have to feel like I'm hurting him. I love your podcast so much. This is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[C]

Well, what do you think, Susan?

[B]

First, my first thought is, is she's sitting home alone and didn't meet anybody else. Is that why she's giving this another chance? Like, don't do it for the wrong reasons. But if you think he changed. I don't think that's the case because I'm learning and it took me 69 years to know they don't change.

[D]

Trust me.

[C]

And Haley, let me just add on to Susan's wisdom here by telling you that when a man. I don't care if you're 21, 41, 61 or 81 plus, when a man shows you who he is, believe him the first time. So you. I love you, Haley. I'm sure you're a beautiful 21 year old, but I would say you might be slightly delusional if you think that he is. You're gonna go back for the third time and it's gonna be the charm. It isn't. He is who he is. I think Susan's right that you guys don't share the same values, the religion bit, that you're not connecting with him. I think Susan's right. I think maybe, Haley, you need to look.

[B]

I love hearing that, by the way. Did you hear that? Say it again.

[C]

Susan, you're so right today. Right as rain. But I honestly think that you're right, Susan, that. Haley, I think you're probably lonely because why would you go back with a guy where you don't share values, you don't connect, he's overly religious, which, as you said, it's not a bad thing, but it doesn't match up with what you want. So I would say to you, something goes wrong again. Yeah, if something goes wrong again, it will go wrong again, Haley. So why don't you take your adorable 21 year old personality, get out and find some activities and move on. And you know what? Write him and say, I'm really sorry, whatever your name is, but I've moved on and I wish you only the best. And then block his number. Block him on social. Yes, you do.

[B]

I don't believe in all that, but, oh, I do.

[C]

Unless he's harassing because you know what happens, Susan? You get drunk one night and you go, well, maybe it's called drunk diet.

[B]

Kelly, thank you so much for enjoying our podcast number one and sharing that with us.

[C]

And thank you so much for allowing Susan to be right on one of these.

[B]

Okay, moving along. We're almost out of time in this.

[C]

I know, I know. I'm hurrying. I'll hurry. This is a story and not advice. Okay, People will totally know this is me, but whatever. One ex who broke up with me right before we were supposed to move to an island together during the pandemic. I still moved into the place we rented because I needed to quarantine, but then found my own much smaller apartment a couple blocks away, thinking he would just change his plans and not move there. But instead, he still moved there with his new girlfriend that he got immediately after we broke up, moved her into the place we had rented together. Then after dating her for about a year and seeing me daily on this small island, he planned to move with her to Europe. And a couple of days before their move, he broke up with her to date her now ex friend. And then she still went to Europe like I had gone to the island, and he went to Europe with this new girl. This man has a crazy pattern. And now me and the first girlfriend after me are friends, so all worked out great for us. And the stories she has shared with me about what he told her about me are crazy.

[B]

Oh, my God. Isn't that so typical, though?

[C]

You know what this sounds like to me, Susan?

[B]

It sounds.

[C]

It sounds like an episode of Bachelor in Paradise gone awry. Gone. Absolutely.

[B]

How about the two girls remaining friends? That. That's what happens. Because there was nothing wrong with the women. It's that man and the poor one that went to Europe with the ex ex girlfriend. Good luck, baby. Now you got to move from Europe.

[C]

Yeah. And you know what? You're going to be out the door next too. So good for you girls for being Fred. So thank you for sharing that story.

[B]

Absolutely. Thank you. And you know everybody. How to do this? Submit your burning questions to bachelor nation.com golden hour. And we're going to talk about them.

[C]

And we love hearing from you, so. Yeah, please do. Okay, Susan.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, boy.

[C]

We are back this week.

[B]

We.

[C]

We are the gals. The Mimi and Kiki of the world. Googling. It's the slang word of the week. We're going to talk about. Okay, the first one is. And really are people using. This would be my question. But the first one is called standing on business, which means following through on what you say? Well, hell, I've been standing on business since my kids were. You don't eat your dinner, you get no tv boy. I followed through with what I said.

[B]

What you see is what you get. If I say I'm doing it, I'm doing it.

[C]

Okay, but I have to give you. Can I just give you the best example as an adult?

[B]

Okay.

[C]

And then I want to hear yours. I stood on business when Keith and I were on Bachelor in Paradise last summer and money got introduced and do you remember? Yes, because I showed it on tv. Keith and I sat and talked and we were like, we are not taking money out of these kids hands. Now I kind of wish they did, by the way, because I see them traveling to the hell all over Europe and I'm like, what the hell was I thinking? But that's neither here nor there. I stood on business meaning I, I, I followed through. We said we weren't going to take the money out of those kids hands and we didn't. We stuck to.

[B]

Isn't it the same thing as keeping your word? You standing on business? I mean, let's keep.

[C]

It's pop culture, Susan. We can't. We have to change things that mean the same thing, but give it a new word.

[B]

Show me some kids that stand on business. I don't know if they got that yet.

[C]

Can you think of anybody in the reality world? I'm trying to think. I don't know.

[B]

No.

[A]

Hannah Brown when she moved the podium.

[C]

Huh?

[A]

Did you ever see that? Hannah Brown moving the podium?

[C]

No.

[B]

Moving the podium to adjust her.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Okay, we're gonna circle back on this later.

[B]

Okay? All right. Because I do want to know that.

[C]

I don't know. I mean, the best example I can think of reality TV is like Dalton and Charity getting engaged. Katie and Zach, they said. And Joey, they say they're getting married and they're. They say they're getting married and they're getting married. I mean, I don't know, I can't. That doesn't hold true for the Goldens,

[B]

but why don't you try this one? That's my Roman Empire.

[C]

Oh, God.

[B]

Something that you're constantly thinking about. Have you used that phrase before, Kathy?

[C]

I actually haven't. But you know what came to my mind when you read that Rome was not built in an A day. And, and you know, I always make

[B]

jokes about they have the cutest men in Rome

[C]

and that could be my Roman Empire. Yikes. I don't know.

[B]

Something I think about constantly Would be food. Food would be my Roman Empire

[C]

food. What would mine be?

[B]

Yours would be non food. You're walking but getting five miles in that. She thinks about it constantly. About her weight, about her size, about

[C]

her strength, about, let's not forget my horrible hair. Oh, I've never heard that. Have you ever heard it, Susan?

[B]

I really haven't. No.

[C]

No, that's my Roman Empire. I mean, all I can think of is think about constantly. Like, I'd like to have a date with a nice guy. I don't think about it constantly, but I think about it.

[B]

They're saying a few years ago they found out men think about Roman Empire all the time. So men have a one track mind is that I'm going to give you

[C]

a little lore on the Roman Empire.

[A]

So it was all over social media because girls would ask guys, like, what

[C]

they think about all the time. Most of the time a man will

[A]

respond with the Roman Empire. I don't know why they do that,

[C]

but I think a lot of women have responded back and things that they've thought about online were like Princess Diana.

[A]

They think about the Titanic.

[C]

They think about, you know, all of

[A]

those types of things are like their

[C]

big Roman Empire that they consistently think about from the past or in general.

[A]

But men have like a track record

[B]

of only thinking about the Roman Empire. Men think about one thing and one thing only.

[C]

Sex.

[B]

No, themselves. Women are softer, strong, but softer and more emotional. We lead with emotion. Men lead with. I don't need to get on air. With that being said, I think I want to tell everyone. Thank you so much for joining us today and I think this is going to be a wrap.

[C]

I would like to say that I need to go because I need to go build my Roman Empire. But in the meantime, make sure to rate, review and subscribe wherever you listen

[B]

to podcasts and you can follow golden hour on social media at Bachelor Happy hour and at Bachelor Nation.

[C]

Until our Roman Empire is built. We'll see.

[B]

I'll be thinking about the Titanic now. I'm going to want to watch it again.

[C]

Have a good week, everybody.

[B]

Bye Bye.

[C]

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[A]

What's something you almost always say yes to?

[D]

Oh, that's easy. A girls trip. No hesitation.

[A]

Same. That's why Klarna stands out. Klarna gives you smarter tools to manage your money, so saying yes to what matters doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With flexible ways to pay cash back that builds automatically and everything in one place, life feels manageable.

[D]

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[A]

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Summer is basically here, which means it's time to decide if you want to go blonde, maybe become a redhead or chop your hair short. But before you encounter a hair disaster, try it out in Facetune first and see what it looks like before committing to the change. It's a lifesaver. Facetune lets you try color, length or style on virtually any photo. It even works on reels and TikToks so you can see how you'd look as a blonde before you reach for the hair dye or hit that salon chair.

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[A]

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[B]

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