Bachelor Happy Hour
Episode: Ashley Rosenbaum and Brand-New Tea About Bentley!
Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: Rachel Recchia & Joan (filling in for Charity Lawson)
Guest: Ashley Rosenbaum (formerly Hebert)
Overview
This episode welcomes “OG” Bachelorette, Ashley Rosenbaum, for her first-ever appearance on Bachelor Happy Hour. Rachel and guest co-host Joan dive into Ashley’s journey, her recent reunion with other Bachelorettes, her perspective on the new lead Taylor Frankie Paul, reflections on her infamous season (including dealing with villain Bentley), life since the show, and heartfelt advice about co-parenting, confidence, and embracing imperfection. The conversation is candid, warm, and full of nostalgia, insights, and new tea.
Major Discussion Points & Insights
1. Reunion Recap and the Magic of Bachelor Sisterhood
Timestamps: 03:24–08:53
- Ashley shares her joy at being invited to the Bachelorette reunion and reconnecting with alumni:
“I was really excited, honestly...you get a glimpse of what you think they're like, and then when you meet them in person, there’s just so much more to each person than what you see...It felt to me...like we were going to go on vacation—a girls trip.” (Ashley, 05:01)
- Rachel and Joan fangirl, calling Ashley “an icon” and a favorite of host Charity.
- Catching up with older and newer Bachelorettes, Ashley notes sharing bonds over shared unique experiences:
- Special mentions for Trista ("our matriarch"), Diana, Ali Fedotowsky, and Emily Maynard—praising Emily as "the funniest Bachelorette...she will stand up for herself." (08:53)
2. Taylor Frankie Paul: First Impressions, Predictions, and Changing the Mold
Timestamps: 09:31–14:06, 23:00–23:40, 39:08–43:37
- Ashley admits she entered the reunion with little background on Taylor, valuing “fresh impressions” over scandal deep-dives.
- She predicts Taylor, as a mom who's been through scandal, will make “a more mature decision” as Bachelorette:
“I think she's going to make a more mature decision. I think she's going to base her choice on qualities that are important and something you only learn as you go through things in life.” (Ashley, 11:16)
- The group discusses how Taylor’s background might change the dynamic:
“I think it's good to have someone flawed so then you can feel...comfortable. When you know someone's flaws, I feel like you're immediately closer to them.” (Ashley, 42:06)
- On stylistic shifts in the franchise (casting a non-Bachelor alum), Ashley says:
"I'm surprised that they did bring her in...but sometimes you gotta shake things up...I think everybody deserves a second chance...Hers was just maybe televised." (Ashley, 41:03)
3. Ashley’s Season: Memorable Moments and Villain Drama
Timestamps: 07:00–09:12, 23:40–29:49
- The hosts recall Ashley’s “turbulent” season, “the hottest kissing in the rain scene in Bachelor history,” and world travel: “Hong Kong, Thailand, Fiji...we had good travel and made the crazy.” (Ashley, 07:48)
- Joan highlights continual drama and the “soap opera” nature of the season.
- On infamous villain Bentley, Ashley reveals brand-new tea:
- Bentley texted her when the show aired to say, “Some of the stuff I did say, but some of the stuff that they're airing that I said about you, I had said about my ex wife. So he's like, not everything is as it seems.” (Ashley, 24:25)
- Both co-hosts and Ashley question why production enabled Bentley’s manipulation and the infamous “roast date,” which hit at her insecurities:
“When people roast you, like, you can take it until they hit on something you're sensitive about...I didn’t understand why they wanted me, so I went in with that insecurity...they hit that soft spot for me. That’s what happened.” (Ashley, 25:24)
4. Authenticity, Growth, and Navigating Fame
Timestamps: 29:49–33:19, 39:08–42:59
- Ashley credits the show for transforming her self-image and ambitions:
“I came from a small town...sometimes you feel like you're forgotten...It really helps guide you in your path, in your life...being on the Bachelorette was part of that for me.” (Ashley, 29:58, 32:01)
- Joan and Ashley bond over feeling “invisible” at different stages in life and the importance of rejecting that feeling by seizing opportunities.
5. Advice for Bachelorettes & Navigating the Process
Timestamps: 14:10–16:52
- Ashley’s practical advice: keep a journal for your final pick.
“Once I knew I wanted to leave with J.P., I wrote him a little journal every day...if you're really transparent and open and honest while you're going through that process and you write it down, I think it just makes things so much easier.” (Ashley, 15:25)
- On decision-making: “Do you go based on your gut? Do you go based on your brain?...that needs to be different for every person.” (Ashley, 15:10)
6. Life After the Show: Family, Career, and Co-Parenting
Timestamps: 44:16–51:47
- Ashley updates on her two kids:
- “Ford’s 11...so charismatic...My daughter Essie is...kind of more easy going, follows the rules, emotionally very intelligent.” (Ashley, 44:29)
- Life in Miami makes her “incognito”—rarely recognized at kids’ sports.
- On her dental practice:
- “I’m a pediatric dentist...I have my own pediatric dental office. It's booming, it's growing. We're four and a half years old.” (Ashley, 47:32)
- She enjoys travel, dance, and friends, but her life “revolves around the kids.”
- Candid, compassionate advice for co-parenting after divorce:
“When you're making decisions, all you have to do is remember this one thing. Always do what's best for the kids...Is this the best for the kids? No, it's not. That's absolutely not the best...So you don't do it.” (Ashley, 49:21)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Ashley’s perspective on reality TV friendships:
“There’s so much more to each person than what you see...it was almost like this escape from reality.” (05:01)
- On changing attraction with age:
“I do not like guys that cannot put a screw in a wall...you got to know how to build some shit.” (Ashley, 12:18)
- On self-acceptance post-show:
“If I can put more stuff up on the wall than you, we’re not a right fit.” (Ashley, 12:37)
- On Bentley’s infamous apology:
“He texted me...something along the lines, like, ‘Hey, I'm sorry. Some of this stuff I did say, but some...I had said about my ex-wife. Not everything is as it seems’...” (Ashley, 24:25)
- Reflecting on the franchise’s new direction:
“I’m surprised...but sometimes you gotta shake things up...everyone makes mistakes, we learn as we go...everybody deserves a second chance.” (Ashley, 41:03)
- On co-parenting:
“All you have to do is remember this one thing: always do what's best for the kids.” (Ashley, 49:21)
- On not feeling invisible:
“No one should accept feeling invisible or not important.” (Joan, 32:01)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [03:24] – Reunion Recap & Ashley’s Reaction to Being Invited
- [05:56] – Iconic Travel & Kissing Moments
- [08:08] – Who Ashley Was Excited to Catch Up With
- [09:31] – First Impressions of Taylor Frankie Paul
- [13:03] – Ashley’s Changed Preferences in Men
- [15:25] – Bachelorette Advice: Journaling for Your Pick
- [23:40] – Bentley Villain Drama and Production’s Role
- [25:24] – Roast Date & Impact on Ashley’s Insecurities
- [29:49] – How Being Bachelorette Changed Ashley’s Confidence
- [39:08] – If Ashley Returned: New Perspective
- [41:03] – Ashley on the “New Era” of Bachelorette & Embracing Flaws
- [44:16] – Life Updates: Children, Dentistry Work, Miami Life
- [49:21] – Co-Parenting Philosophy & Practical Advice
Takeaways
- Ashley Rosenbaum’s episode is a blend of Bachelor nostalgia, frank reflections, new behind-the-scenes tea, and empowering advice—especially for women and parents.
- The conversation celebrates the value of authenticity, vulnerability, and lifting one another up (on and off reality TV).
- Ashley offers hope, wisdom, and humor for anyone dealing with insecurities, motherhood, divorce, or simply navigating new chapters.
For longtime Bachelor Nation fans and newcomers alike, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, laughter, and life lessons—making it a can’t-miss listen.