Brandon’s ‘Friend’ Dishes on Jessi Draper, Plus: Ronn on Love and the Loss of His Mom | Happy Hour

Summary

Bachelor Happy Hour

Episode: Brandon’s ‘Friend’ Dishes on Jessi Draper, Plus: Ron on Love and the Loss of His Mom
Air Date: April 9, 2026
Hosts: Charity Lawson & Rachel Recchia

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Episode Overview

This episode of Bachelor Happy Hour delivers an intimate, authentic look at two standout cast members from Taylor’s “Bachelorette” season: Brandon, a single dad and former D1 athlete with a big heart (and a friend maybe texting Jessi Draper); and Ron, whose journey is marked by devastating recent loss and heartfelt reflection. The hosts dig into life behind the scenes, personal histories, and what really matters in love and life. Both segments are rich with candid stories, self-awareness, humor, and moments that will tug at your heartstrings.

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Brandon’s Story: Single Dad Energy and That “Friend” with Jessi Draper

Introduction and Emotional State

• Brandon enters the show as a 28-year-old loan officer from Spearfish, South Dakota.
• He describes his current state as surreal, referencing the whirlwind of emotions after filming and waiting for the season to air.

  “I’m just trying to control what I can control, which is, you know, be a present dad…just hope for the best.” (00:49, Brandon)

Fatherhood & Connection with the Lead

• Brandon shares about his two kids (Daisy, 4, and Levi, 3), openly discussing the challenges and anxieties of single-parenting and 50/50 custody. (01:37–02:12)
• He felt a genuine connection with Taylor because both are single parents:

  “You have to go through it to truly understand…getting kids ready for school, the chaos, the tantrums.” (02:30, Brandon)

Single Dads & Cast Camaraderie

• Quickly bonded with Christopher, another single dad—despite their kids’ different ages, they shared the struggle of being away from children during filming. (03:34–04:11)

Dating History & Motivation for the Show

• Three years post-divorce, Brandon explains how small town dating pushed him to embrace the opportunity for something real and outside his usual circle. (04:31–05:12)
• Recruited through a random DM—he thought it might be a scam until it turned real.

  “Wild, wild life’s the trip…30 days from that DM, I was flying out to the mansion.” (05:30)

First Night & Approach to Competition

• Brandon’s strategy was simple: be authentic and focused on Taylor. He admits to having a competitive edge, possibly ruffling some feathers with his directness.

  “I go after it. And some of the guys were rubbed wrong by that.” (07:50, Brandon)
  Notably, he picked Taylor up for a night one group photo, causing a stir in the house. (08:47)

First Connection with Taylor

• Their initial conversation centered on shared sacrifices as single parents and their similar upbringings, as well as a mutual love for cookie dough. (09:05–09:41)
• Discussed faith and athletic backgrounds, bringing up his football history as a confidence booster. (09:51–10:28)

Life in South Dakota

• Small-town routines, balancing work as a loan officer and parenthood, and keeping to himself on weekends without his kids. (11:43)

The Jessi Draper “Friend” Teaser

• Hosts tease Brandon about a TikTok where he “asks for a friend” about newly single Jessi Draper.

  “My friend thinks she’s a good looking woman...they’ve been texting the last couple of days.” (12:37–13:01, Brandon)

  • Cue group excitement and friendly pressure for more details.
  • He hints his “friend” and Jessi have hit it off—“She surprised my friend…she’s good at conversation.” (13:19)

Tattoos, Impulsivity, and Creative Side

• Brandon did nearly all his tattoos himself in his early 20s (“young and dumb”), aside from those on his right hand and back.

  “I got a tattoo gun on Amazon for like 40 bucks...did smiley faces on my thigh.” (14:01–14:33)

• Admits to being impulsive (“Oh, very.” at 14:43), artistic, and even tattooed family members.
• Grew up watching The Bachelor with his mom—she hosted watch parties for him.

Physical Transformation and Health Journey

• Lost significant weight (from 260lbs in high school to 215lbs in college), crediting hard work and discipline—a trait valued in relationships too. (24:55–25:57)

Rapid Fire “Hot Seat”

• Favorite Poet: Walt Whitman; loves romantic poetry and The Notebook.

  “People think I’m lying, but I swear I watch it every day.” (27:00, Brandon)

• Accidental Texts: Sent “I love you too” to his ex-wife instead of his mom. (27:42)
• Not Good At: Golf—prefers contact/competitive sports. (28:51)
• Ideal Partner: Nurturing, mature, athletic, works hard, supportive, with a sense of humor. Open to “blonde, brunette, or redhead that works hard.” (23:13–24:08)
• Socials: Instagram: @BrandonPerce_1, TikTok: @BrandonPerceFitness (29:42)

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Ron’s Story: Love, Loss, and Living Authentically

Introduction & Current Emotional State

• Ron, 28, account executive from San Francisco, opens up about the emotional roller coaster around the show’s fate.

  “I didn’t sign up for it myself, my mom was the one who signed me up…like a side quest that happened last year.” (31:01, Ron)

Work and the Cast Dynamic

• Shares how “goes around the room” introductions on night one made his job feel mundane compared to cowboys, country singers, or athletes, despite being proud of his software sales career. (33:42–34:52)
• Immediate camaraderie among the men, special respect for dads in the group.

  “At one point we called out all the dads in the room…just started giving them a round of applause.” (35:06)

Relationship History & Approach to Love

• Serial monogamist: three long-term relationships, including one that lasted almost a decade.
• Did minimal research on Taylor pre-show, saw her as a whole person despite having a “challenging past.”

  “If you only judged me for the one or two mistakes that I made, no matter how big they are, you’re missing out on the rest of me.” (37:20)

Background & Readiness for Family

• Oldest child of immigrant parents; raised to “replace” them if needed, which prepared him for serious parental responsibility from a young age. (37:20–40:39)

Non-Negotiables In a Partner

• Ron keeps a detailed list of qualities: self-awareness, kindness, self-love, sense of humor, resilience, and grit.

  “How can you integrate with my life if you don’t know who you are?” (40:51) “We have to be laughing…if I can’t be laughing with you when we’re 50 and 60 years old, that’s probably not my forever person.” (41:11) “Resilience…your partner will guide you through the death of your parents, loss, accidents.” (42:33)

The Loss of His Mother

• Deeply moving segment as Ron explains being nominated by his mother and then losing her unexpectedly following a medical procedure in the Philippines.

  “If there’s anything in my life I can talk about like, confidently with my chest…how amazing my mom is and how much I love her.” (49:51, Ron) “The pain that I feel is because I suffered a great loss…and I would pay this every single time.” (50:31)

• Shares the chaos of traveling to the Philippines, legal complications, and the family’s struggle for answers and justice.
• Requests for Bachelor Nation: help keep his mother’s story visible so it isn’t lost in bureaucracy.

  “My mom deserves more…The only story I’ve been told is: ‘We made an oopsie, here’s her bill.’” (56:40)

Impact and Takeaways

• Bares the privilege and pain of loving someone deeply:

  “It is a privilege to care this much about someone that I’m willing to go through this really hard thing and handle it well.” (57:50)

  • He urges listeners to “call your parents and say ‘I love you’” (60:05).

Quick-Fire “Hot Seat” with Ron

• Filipino Dishes: Kare-kare (“oxtail peanut butter stew”), sisig, arroz caldo (61:29)
• Celebrity Doppelganger: “Asian Robert Pattinson” (“You got to hang on with me, but that’s the one I get most often.” 62:44)
• In-N-Out Order: Double-double animal style, root beer, extra well-done fries, sometimes protein style (64:09)
• Origami Skill: Best at folding an “orchid” or a complex water balloon (66:30)
• A Message for Bachelor Nation:

  “Get to know your parents as people, beyond just as parents. You’ll regret it if you don’t.” (67:24)

• Socials: Instagram @RonTPerez (68:49)

Memorable Quotes

• Ron on loss:

  “How lucky am I to have something worth losing?” (50:31)

• Ron’s reminder:

  “Just tell your parents I love you is the thing. Like, call them after this call.” (60:04)

• Rachel reflecting:

  “Just beautiful hearing you talk about her and your relationship.” (56:28)

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Notable Moments & Emotional Highlights

• Brandon’s playful banter about the “friend” texting Jessi Draper gets the hosts laughing and speculating about a new Bachelor Nation romance. (12:37–13:27)
• Brandon’s impulsive tattoo stories (14:01–14:33)
• Ron’s vulnerability discussing grief and honoring his mother, a strikingly raw and authentic conversation—prompting tears and deep reflection from both hosts. (49:51–61:03)
• Ron’s philosophy on love:

  “Forever is a really long time…you need somebody that can withstand that.” (42:33)

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Episode Flow & Structure

• First half: Brandon—life before and after “The Bachelorette,” single dad struggles, fun stories, potential new romance.
• Second half: Ron—his unplanned path to the show, self-awareness, the power of resilience and honest love, a memorable tribute to his late mother, and how Bachelor Nation can help.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Brandon’s Introduction & Family: 00:22–03:23
• Talking Taylor & the Show: 04:31–07:59
• Meeting the Guys: 07:49–09:05
• Athletics, Small Town Life & Tattoos: 09:41–16:49
• Jessi Draper “Friend” Segment: 12:27–13:27
• Health/Transformation: 24:53–25:57
• Rapid Fire with Brandon: 26:03–28:56
• Ron’s Introduction & Reflections on the Show: 30:34–36:25
• Relationship Philosophies: 36:41–44:52
• Losing His Mom—Full Story: 49:26–57:50
• Ron’s “Hot Seat” & Takeaways: 61:03–68:59

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a heartfelt roller coaster, moving from playful franchise gossip and life as a single dad, to the profound reality of loss and what it means to love well. Brandon brings energy, fun behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and vulnerability, while Ron’s honesty and emotional wisdom are both raw and inspiring. The conversations spark reflection on what it means to show up for family, love, and yourself—reminding us why Bachelor Happy Hour continues to resonate with listeners.

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Listen if you want:

• Behind-the-scenes cast stories and off-camera camaraderie
• Reflections on parenthood, dating, and starting over
• Intimate moments of grief, resilience, and the power of love
• Laughter, banter, and a dash of bachelor franchise romance rumors

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Memorable Message:

“Get to know your parents as the people they are, besides just being your mom or dad. You’ll regret it when they’re gone if you don’t.” — Ron (67:24)

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Follow the Guests:

• Brandon: Instagram - @BrandonPerce_1 | TikTok - @BrandonPerceFitness
• Ron: Instagram - @RonTPerez

(Summary excludes ads, podcast intro/outro, and non-content exchanges.)

Transcript

[Charity]

This is an I heart podcast.

[Rachel]

Guaranteed human.

[Charity]

Welcome back to Bachelor Happy Hour. I'm Charity and I'm joined with Rachel. We are recording this on April 3rd and we are back with some more

incredible guys from Taylor's cast and we

cannot wait to share them with you guys.

So let's not keep you guys waiting any longer.

Today's guest on Bachelor Happy hour is 28 year old loan officer from Speaker, Spearfish, South Dakota.

Everybody welcome Brandon.

[Brandon]

Hello, hello, hello, hello. Thanks for having me.

[Rachel]

Brandon, we are so excited to have you. We've been starting off all these episodes, checking in and seeing how you're feeling. We know this has been just so unprecedented. There's a lot of emotions. Where are you at right now?

[Brandon]

Yeah, you know, it's pretty crazy. The whole experience was surreal to begin with. So now going through the whole waiting period, the hype of it, launching to now be in this stage where it's like just waiting to see what happens, what comes of it. You know, it's a pretty weird spot to be in. Like you said, unpressed, unprecedented, precedented. So, yeah, it's a crazy spot. I'm just trying to control what I can control, which is, you know, be a present dad, you know, I got two kids, work and just hope for the best. You know, also give support for Taylor in any way that I can too. Know, I couldn't imagine what she's going through right now. We're human, we all make mistakes. But yeah, I just, I reached out to her, I gave her my support, you know, I couldn't imagine what she's going through, so just controlling what I can control and support in any way that I can.

[Charity]

You mentioned being a dad. Can you tell us a little bit about your kids, if that's okay?

[Brandon]

Yeah, of course. Yeah. No, I got a four year old daughter named Daisy and a three year old son named Levi. Yeah, yeah, so I get them, I get them right after this call, so.

[Charity]

Oh, beautiful. The weekend with them.

[Brandon]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Rachel]

That's so exciting.

[Brandon]

Yeah, no, it's, it's, it's a blast. You know, it's hard being a single dad. 50, 50 custody and whatnot, you know, because when they're with their mom, I always have like a weird anxiety, like, are they having more fun with her than me? Which I shouldn't feel that way, but it's just. Yeah, it's not ideal, but, you know, it's life, so I'm making the most of it. Yeah.

[Rachel]

Going into your season, Taylor is obviously a mother. What was that like? Being able to connect with her. Because I think a lot of times guys will say, oh, I know what you're going through, but you actually know.

[Brandon]

Yeah, no, I think it's a huge advantage for me having kids, you know, the fact that Taylor had kids of her own, just because, like you said, it's. It's an experience that you can't prepare for. You know, you have to go through it to truly understand what a day in the life is like. Getting kids ready for school or daycare, you know, packing lunches, the chaos, you know, the tantrums. So I. I truly felt like I have a huge advantage going into it because of that reason, you know, and that's what I looking for in a partner too. You know, it's hard to really relate, especially for people my age. You know, 28. I'll be 29 in like four days.

[Charity]

But happy early birthday. Thank you.

[Brandon]

Yeah, thank you. Thank you. Getting old. Getting old. But, you know, it's hard to relate with people my age that don't have kids. And, you know, when you're looking for a partner, you know, it's an awkward setting. I feel like bringing them and introducing them to kids when they're not used to it. They don't know what it's like. So.

[Charity]

Yeah, yeah.

So were you able to connect with

a lot of the other single dads on the cast? Because I know you, this cast kind of has. It's a variety, a little bit of a mix.

[Brandon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, one of the guys that I connected with right off the bat was Christopher. So I know he's got a daughter, 13 year old.

[Charity]

So.

[Brandon]

So a lot of the stuff I was going through emotionally on the show, being away from my children, you know, it was nice to kind of bounce it off of him, connect with him in that regard, but it was a little different too. You know, 13 is a much different age than a 4 year old and a 3 year old. And at the time, that was the longest I'd been away from him. I think the longest before the show was like five days that I'd been away from him. So being gone that long, FaceTiming once a week to him was. It definitely took its toll as time progressed, for sure.

[Charity]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rachel]

I think, like going in as a single parent, this is obviously you really showing up because you want to find someone and you're. You're ready for that. So what was it like in your previous relationships? Whatever you're comfortable talking with. We know you were married. What are you looking for now? Compared to in the past?

[Brandon]

Yeah. You know, it's been about three years since my divorce, going on three years. And I haven't dated anybody seriously since. You know, I've had flings here and there, but I live in small town South Dakota, so the options are very, very limited on, you know, what's out there, you know, so that's why this opportunity was so huge too, because I felt like this is a good opportunity to get out there, meet someone that's not from this small town, that can relate to me on certain levels, like having children. And in truthfully, we have a very similar upbringing. Taylor and I just family dynamic, it seemed like. So when you don't go looking for it, it usually comes to you when you least expect it. So. Yeah.

[Charity]

Okay, well, take us back before. Because I will follow up to that.

[Rachel]

Yes, I will as well.

[Charity]

We'll go back to your journey, starting on the Bachelorette. How did you get here? Did you apply? Did someone nominate you? Fall in your lap? Like, how did it happen?

[Brandon]

Yeah, wild, wild life's the trip. So I just. I was at my ex wife's house playing with the kids one day, and I got a DM from a recruiter for the show, and it was like, hey, I think you'd be a good fit. Do you have time to get on a call? I show it to my ex wife. I'm like, is this a scam? Like, what is this? And so I messaged back, didn't think much of it. And then that led to another call, to another call to all the tests. And 30 days from that DM, you know, I was flying out to the. To the mansion for the show. So it was just super quick and out of the blue. So I was like, this is a wild, wild experience, and I'm just gonna make the most of it. Have fun with it. Yeah.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh. 30 days is very short. That is crazy. Did you go in knowing Taylor was gonna be the Bachelorette when you got casted, did they already say she was cast as the lead?

[Brandon]

Yep. So she. She let me know that it was Taylor, and I had never seen Mormon wives prior, and I still haven't. I still haven't watched the show, but I did some research on Taylor and, you know, I saw the stuff. You know, I saw that. The allegations and whatnot. You know, it's life. I didn't. Wasn't going into it thinking that I didn't want to watch the show either, because I know people have their. Their perception of her and whatnot. So I just went into it to genuinely get to know her, ask her questions as if it is a first date, and I don't know much about her. And I think that also worked to an advantage.

[Rachel]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

Yeah.

[Charity]

So how was it meeting the guys for the first time? What was that dynamic? Like? Were you, like, fearful that, oh, my God, I'm, like, about to be with all these men and they may not like me? Like, did any of those things cross your mind?

[Brandon]

You know, I didn't think about any of that products. It was so quick, you know, like I said. So I just really. I wasn't thinking about how that might play out. But, you know, night one, me and the guys, I remember just getting in the limo and meeting a handful of them for the first time. And, you know, we're laughing, having a good time, thinking, this is crazy cool. Next thing I know, the door opens up and I'm the first one out. So I was like, oh. And then I remember what I was gonna say. So it was just. I mean, I blacked out that. I don't remember anything from the adrenaline. Like, it was just so crazy. But then, yeah, I was just patiently waiting for the guys to come in one at a time and meet them, and they were all super cool. You know, there was some headbutting. You know, I'm a competitor, so. And when I want something, I. I go after it. And so I did that on the show. You know, I was just me. And some of the guys were rubbed wrong by that.

[Ron]

Where.

[Brandon]

Oh, yeah, yeah. So, okay, maybe came off as too aggressive. I don't know. But that's for them to handle. That's not my problem.

[Rachel]

Well, I'll be interested to see. Yeah. Because everyone has been saying that the camaraderie was, like, you were. They were more interested, I guess, in talking to the guys than pursuing the lead. But it sounds like you came in not really wanting to make friends, knowing what you want. You're a father, so obviously you have a lot at stake being there.

[Brandon]

Yeah, yeah. No, I was. I was not there to mess around, play games. I mean, don't get me wrong, all the guys, we definitely have good camaraderie, and we all ended up getting along and, you know, squashing that. But there was a few. There was a few guys were like. My first impression just came off as like, I'm there for Taylor. You know, I'm not there to mess around. But, you know, night when we took the group photo and we had to take a silly photo, and so I was next to Her. So I was like, can I pick you up for this photo? So I picked her up night one, you know, and so that's.

[Rachel]

That'll do it.

[Ron]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

That sparked the momentum of like the. Who's this guy? So. Yeah.

[Rachel]

Well, what was it like connecting night one with Taylor? I know you said that you. You have a strong faith. She has a strong faith. What were you guys able to connect on night one?

[Brandon]

Yeah, night one. I made it clear, you know, how much I appreciate her sacrifice, being there as a single mom, being away from her kids. So I think right off the bat, you know, connecting on the. The parenthood aspect, and then, you know, we really eventually got more into our upbringing, you know, like her. Her structure with her parents, and it was actually crazily. Yeah. Similar to mine and two, with her siblings as well. So we really connected on a personal level with that too. We also connected our love for cookie dough. You know, I'm a huge cookie dough fan, so. Yeah, I could. I could eat cookie dough all day. And so we just connect on little things like that, too.

[Charity]

And Taylor also played. I believe she played basketball growing up. You also were a D1 football player. Tell us a little bit about that.

[Brandon]

Yeah, yeah. So I didn't have any scholarships out of high school. Ended up playing junior college football and then being a two time All American for junior college and then earning Division 1 scholarships. So I committed to Bowling Green State in Ohio, got to play against teams like Notre Dame, Kansas State.

[Charity]

Wow.

[Brandon]

Which was super cool experience, you know, which also gave me a little chip on my shoulder too. You know, being on the show with the other guys, it was just like, you know, I've done a lot of cool stuff in my life. I feel like, you know, I also was married, divorced, started a business, sold that business after the divorce. But just the things in my life that led me to that point, I felt like, gave me a little bit of an advantage.

[Rachel]

Yeah, I went to college in Ohio. I went to ou, I think.

[Brandon]

Oh, you. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we are.

[Rachel]

Yes. What was that like bringing that competition into the house? It sounds like you're. You're a competitor.

[Brandon]

Yeah.

[Charity]

A lot of other athletes there too.

[Ron]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Brandon]

No, I think, you know, I love it. I love a lot of the athletes are the guys that I connected with too. There's a certain camaraderie with athletes, you know, especially at that caliber. I think. Night one, it was. We were playing basketball outside and I dunked, you know, on somebody. And so that was another thing too, like Brandon's Trying a little too hard over here. He's dunking on people, so. Yeah. So I don't know. Yeah, it was a good time.

[Rachel]

Dunking, Picking up the lead. It sounds like you went in with like 3 target straight on the back, but I love it. I love that you were there for her. And. Yeah, energy. We're bringing it.

[Brandon]

And I didn't have any. I didn't have any tequila in me yet at that point either. So even though I was.

[Charity]

That was.

[Brandon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. At the next level, that was the case.

[Charity]

Okay, so you currently live in South Dakota. What is that like? What is dating like? What's your day to day like? Tell us about work.

[Brandon]

Yeah, day to day. I mean, like I said, small town, so there's not a whole lot to do, but really right now it's just wake up, get the kids ready for daycare, head to the office. You know, I'm a loan officer, so it's making calls with realtors, the borrowers, working out for lunch or whatever, and then picking them up after work, going home and just getting. Getting settled in for the night. That's really it. The weekends that I don't have my kids, you know, I just. I just stay inside. I'm not a big. There's not a lot to do out here, so. Yeah, I try to stay inside right now and just keep to myself and chill. Yeah, Pretty boring.

[Rachel]

Speaking of keeping to ourselves, I think mean charity, we have a question.

[Charity]

Yeah, we do.

[Rachel]

And we saw online that you were asking for a friend about Jesse Draper. Do you want to comment on that video?

[Brandon]

Yeah, my friend, he's a. He's a good guy. Great guy, by the way. You know, my friend thinks she's. She's a good looking woman. She's beautiful woman and newly single. So all I can say to that, I think it's been confirmed by my friend that they've been texting the last couple of days, so.

[Charity]

Oh, come on, break.

[Rachel]

You heard it here first on Bachelor Happy hour. That make a news?

[Charity]

Praise the Lord.

[Brandon]

We'll see what. We'll see what happens with that. I don't know. I don't know.

[Rachel]

Oh, my goodness, my mind. Yeah, I. I'm like, where do we go from here? I just want all the questions. Should we go to the tattoo text?

[Brandon]

From what I hear? Yeah, yeah. No, she's. She's. She surprised my friend with. Yeah, she's good at conversation, so we'll see.

[Charity]

Amazing.

Okay.

[Rachel]

I love to hear it. I love, love.

[Charity]

This is great. This is great. Never too much we do on Bachelor Happy Hour.

[Rachel]

We find connections and love, and we love talking about it. It's perfect.

[Brandon]

Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Okay.

[Charity]

I'm like, where do we go from this?

[Rachel]

I know, because we have to ask about the tattoos. It's not a good segue. But we need to talk about the fact that you have done all your tattoos besides your right hand and your back.

[Brandon]

Yep, Yep. Besides the right hand back. Yeah.

[Charity]

Tell us how.

[Brandon]

Yeah. So young and dumb. You know, I was like 20, 22, I think, and got a tattoo gun on Amazon for like 40 bucks and then just started doing smiley faces on my thigh first to test it out and then got the. The transfer paper or whatever. So I just found random images online. Like they have no meaning other than my kids initials, the heart and the dolphin for my mom because she loves dolphins have no meaning other than that. So just images offline. And, you know, I was bartending at the time. I think I had like four hours before my shift, and so I knocked out the sleeve right before that.

[Ron]

Wow.

[Brandon]

Yeah. No, they're not. They're not perfect, but I'll take them for 40 bucks.

[Rachel]

My gosh. Do you consider yourself an impulsive person?

[Brandon]

Oh, very.

[Rachel]

Okay.

[Charity]

Very. Okay.

[Rachel]

Because that is insane. I don't think I could handle the pain on myself.

[Charity]

I would need someone through it, and he's like, crazy.

[Brandon]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

Impressive. Are you artistic besides that?

[Brandon]

Yeah, I think so. Like, I drew a lot, you know, when I was growing up, and I actually did want to be a tattoo artist. Like, that was like my. My dream when I was, I don't know, maybe in middle school. So, like, I was this close to getting a tattoo at that time, and I was like, 13 behind my mom's back, which thank God I didn't, because those tattoos would have been very bad.

[Rachel]

Oh, my God.

[Brandon]

Yeah. So I was fresh out of college. I was like, 22, and like, screw it. Now I can do tattoos. Let me just buy a tattoo gun and try it out.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Charity]

Do you ever, like, go into that?

[Ron]

Like, would I?

[Charity]

Yeah.

[Brandon]

No, No. I don't want to mess anybody up. Yeah, I did tattoo my mom and I tattooed my brother, actually, with that tattoo gun. So they're like, do a tattoo on us. So that's it. I'll jack up my mom and my. My brother, but nobody else.

[Rachel]

Oh, my goodness. So talk to us a little bit about your family life. Did you grow up in South Dakota?

[Brandon]

No. So I was born in Chicago. My parents were never married. Yeah. So grew up in Wisconsin, and then yeah. Lived there most of my life and then went to college and now just in South Dakota.

[Rachel]

Do you have any siblings?

[Brandon]

I have a half sister named Jessica on my dad's side. I haven't seen her since I was probably 11. And then my mom's side, I have a half brother who I talk to every now and then. He's like, 22.

[Rachel]

Okay.

[Charity]

How did. How did they feel about you going on the show and doing all of this?

[Brandon]

Yeah, no, they were supportive. They. They were super excited. I grew up watching the Bachelorette with and the Bachelor with my mom as a kid. You know, that was like, our thing Monday night before bed, watching the Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars and whatever else. Secret. What is it not secret? Desperate Housewives.

[Charity]

Desperate Housewives, Yeah.

[Brandon]

I love that show. That was like, childhood core memories right there. So, yeah, I grew up watching it, and they were freaking out, and, you know, it was just surreal again being in that mansion where I used to watch it as a kid, you know, growing up. So.

[Rachel]

Yeah. Oh, my goodness. Was your mom so excited when you told her you got cast?

[Charity]

I feel like moms who watch the show.

[Rachel]

Yes, my mom was freaking out.

[Brandon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, she was freaking out. I mean, she told all of her friends she had a whole watch party set up for the show with all of her friends back in Milwaukee. So she's. She's keeping along with all the drama

[Charity]

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[Charity]

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[Rachel]

well obviously I have so many questions about the friend, but what is it? What are the main qualities that you find attractive and that you want in your future wife that maybe this friend might have? Or in general?

[Brandon]

Hmm, that's a tough one because I naturally I say blondes but like I always end up with brunettes if I'm going physical first, right? Like mm, okay, yeah just to go physical first. But obviously you know, beautiful woman is ideal and then someone who's nurturing, you know, good with children, they have some life experience to them too. You know, someone that's been through the struggle and kind of understands, you know, you know, how to handle adversity. Basically have some maturity to them. Definitely need someone mature because dating pool is. Is slim nowadays with maturity, and I think that's a big one. Just maturity, nurturing. You know, I'm more than willing to be the provider, but I also think it's attractive when someone is a go getter themselves. You know, they have a goal, they have a dream, and they go pursue that. You know, it's an attractive trait. So I would say blonde or brunette or redhead that works hard.

[Rachel]

Any haircut. And you know what I've heard Jesse does hair.

[Charity]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

So I feel like any color, like it truly. I mean, she could go blonde. Hasn't she been blonde? What?

[Brandon]

You know, I have to ask my friend. I don't know.

[Rachel]

Yeah, you'll have to ask your friend to report back straight to me.

[Charity]

Yes.

[Brandon]

Okay.

[Charity]

Yeah, we will review this in a couple.

[Brandon]

Salt Lake's not too far from South Dakota. Just saying.

[Charity]

Okay, get those mouths in. Okay, we are gonna have to, like. We're gonna reel it in. Reel it in before we pivot to our game.

[Brandon]

She's gonna block my number after.

[Charity]

No, no, no. Okay. We saw in your socials that you

had a transformation physically.

So tell us about that and your health journey.

[Brandon]

Yeah, no, I was a little thick boy. I was like £260 in high school. And, you know, again, I had that dream to play Division 1 football. And I just became obsessed with diet, nutrition, exercise, and really just went full head of steam into training two, sometimes three times a day and just working my butt off. So I think it was my playing weight when I got to D1 was like 215 pounds versus the 260. I was, you know, in high school. So, yeah, just a lot of hard work, discipline, you know, things that carry over into a relationship as well. Like, you need those things in a relationship, so otherwise it fails. And that's why I also think, going back to your other question, with an ideal partner, I think someone with athletic history is also attractive. You know, it's. They've been through that, too. They know. They know what it takes to be successful at an elite level. When you take care of yourself physically, it usually correlates mentally and emotionally. So.

[Charity]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

Yes. Yeah, absolutely. Okay.

[Charity]

I think it's time we play a game.

I think so. All right, so we are going to play hot seat, which is basically just like rapid fire prompts. Show us your personality. Have fun with it. Don't take it Too serious.

[Ron]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

All right.

[Charity]

So the first one is, we heard that you're a poetry guy. Do you have a favorite poem?

[Brandon]

I have a favorite poet. His name is Walt Whitman. Walt Whitman.

[Charity]

Okay.

[Brandon]

He's actually the one that I was reading a lot of before I went on the show. Yeah. So Walt Whitman, I would say, is a good poet. That I like anything romantic, honestly. Something on a deep romance level. Before I went on the show too, I was obsessed with the B. With the Notebook. So the Notebook, too, is a good movie. A lot of hate on that movie, but I, I, I like it.

[Charity]

Was that one of your fun facts? Is that your favorite movie is a n bit?

[Rachel]

Yeah, Yeah, I think I remember that.

[Ron]

Yeah.

[Charity]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rachel]

Okay.

[Brandon]

People think I'm lying, but I swear I watch it every day.

[Rachel]

That's my dad's favorite movie. Like, actually, so I believe it.

[Brandon]

The chemistry is unreal.

[Charity]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

Truly. My dad says he loves that movie because he loves the ending.

[Charity]

Yeah, no, the ending is.

[Rachel]

He's like, it's so.

[Brandon]

It's, you know, I actually. Yeah, it is sweet. I fast forwarded through all the parts where they're old. I actually didn't care that part. I only like the part.

[Charity]

I know. That is like the sweetest part. It's all sweet.

[Rachel]

But yeah, he's like, I don't like that. Okay, you have said that you have the tendency to send text messages to the wrong people. What is the worst text you have accidentally sent?

[Brandon]

It happens more often than not nowadays. Just because my phone is always blowing up, it seems like. And I lose track of who I'm texting. One that comes to mind is I thought I was texting my mom back saying, I love you too, and it actually went to my ex wife. So that's, that's one okay to say. Yeah, not for you.

[Rachel]

You know, unsend.

[Brandon]

Unsend. Yeah. Yeah. So that one is definitely one that sticks out. The rest are just. I texted a client one time something personal. I can't remember what it was, but that was another one too.

[Charity]

So that's actually my personal nightmare. Like. Yes, cannot remember.

[Rachel]

Have you ever sent a screenshot of a message to the person?

[Brandon]

No, never done that.

[Rachel]

Sounds like you've done never done that. I did that when I was in a group project and I sent the screenshot to the group project and then talk about them. So I did that once too. But you know, we've all been there.

[Brandon]

Yeah.

[Charity]

Okay, last one. Is there a sport you are not good at? But play it anyway.

[Brandon]

I played a Lot of sports growing up. So I would say the only one,

[Charity]

he's like, I'm good at them all.

[Brandon]

Yeah, No, I would say every single one. I would. If someone asked me, is there anything bad, I would say no. But golf, truthfully, anything that's technical. You know, there's a lot of technique involved with golf. And yeah, I just, I can't do it. I don't have the patience for it. The driving range, I can. I can do or mini golf, but that's actually hard for me. Too many golf. I'm more of like a. A physical type guy, you know, like wrestling, football. I could do basketball too, but golf for sure is one that I would struggle with.

[Rachel]

Okay, Brandon, this has been so great. I had so much fun. At least I hope you did too. Before we go, is there anything you want to leave Bachelor nation with and where can we find you on socials?

[Brandon]

Bachelor Nation. I just want to say thank you guys for the support. Hopefully, fingers crossed we get to see this season. You know, I think it'd be good to see Asia Taylor that the public maybe has never seen before. You know, there's. There's more to her than what's going around and I saw that firsthand, so hopefully people get to see that with me. Socials, I think my Instagram is Brandon Purse P E r c e_1 on Instagram and tick tock, I think, is Brandon purse fitness. So, okay, those are my socials. Vaccination. Yeah. Fingers crossed this show airs. I'm hoping it does because it was a good one. It was a great time and I think it's important for people to see more to Taylor and more to the guys as well.

[Charity]

Perfect. Thank you so much. We had so much fun and like we said, hopefully it won't be the last.

[Rachel]

Today's guest is 28 year old accounting executive from San Francisco, Ron. Welcome to Bachelor happy hour.

[Ron]

Yeah, I'm so happy to be here.

[Charity]

We're happy to have you. And like we said, we have kind of just been checking in with all the guys and we know it's been just, you know, the past few weeks have been crazy. And feel free to share, you know, how you have been feeling with the news around the show.

[Ron]

Yeah, it's. It's obviously been a lot this month. This has been a project that everyone's working guys, the production team, the fans have been waiting on for like six or something months. So I definitely feel for everybody, especially like, Taylor, like, this is like a tough situation to be in and yeah, I just feel for, for everybody that's kind of involved in it, it's like it's a really crappy situation to, to be in my personal feelings on it. I think it's, it's. I think my situation is a little bit different because like, I know people have said like, oh, this is like they're wrong, but people have said things like, oh, these guys are being crybabies. They're just like, they're, they're, they're just here for the clout. All of that. I, from the guys that I met, I think for the most part these guys are all very, very genuine. And I'm sure that's like, that's like a part of it, of the show is, is the visibility that you get, you get with it. I think I for sure not in that category because two things. One, I didn't sign up for it myself, so my mom was the one that signed me up. I had no idea she was doing this. It was like a very last minute, last minute thing. So this is, I didn't quit my job for this like a side quest that happened last year. So that's number one. And then two, because I didn't. Or number two, like, I don't have any kind of entrepreneurial social media background. I started using Instagram like two years ago. So the post that you see there is the post that I have. I don't have aspirations to be a personal trainer or like an influencer. What you see there, that was private for forever. So what you see there is for my friends. And that's, that's. But people have been ripping it apart. Like, what is this? What does this be like? It's not, it's not, it's kind of funny because like, they don't know who I am, but it's literally right. My, my posts, but that's my background. So it's, it's very hard to make the claim that I, I went on the show for, for, for Cloud or like social media or anything like that, but I definitely feel for the rest of the guys because I know it affects them a little bit differently.

[Rachel]

So, yeah, I think even just talking about the show in general, I always say when I got done filming I didn't think it was real and I couldn't comprehend that that had just happened to me. So for that and that experience to happen for you, like for all of you, and then for it not to come to light, it is definitely disappointing. But your cast sounds so incredible. You guys are just all outstanding. So we Want to talk a little bit about you. Obviously you told us that this kind of just fell into your lap, but walk us through what you do for work and kind of a little bit about you.

[Ron]

The work piece is funny. I remember coming in and meeting all the guys and like, obviously, like, first thing is like, oh, where are you from? Like, what do you do for a living? And we were going round by round, like across the room. And I was like, I feel pretty good about my job. I'm like, proud of what I do. I like what I do. Then you hear. You hear them go one by one. It's like, oh, I'm a professional baseball player. Like, okay, maybe that's a one off. That's one guy. Second guy. I'm a cowboy and I work in a ranch. It's number two. I'm a country singer. I'm like, I'm like, what's happening? And we get to me, I'm like, I'm an account. I'm an account executive. I felt so small. I love my job, but like, there's a lot of acronyms in my job and it's very hard to explain, but I'm in software sales. I am an S. There's a lot of acronyms, but I'm SMB, AE at a B2C CRM company.

[Charity]

Oh, wow.

[Ron]

If you know what I'm talking. If you know what I'm talking about, you need to go outside and touch the grass.

[Rachel]

Like, oh my gosh, it's.

[Ron]

It's nobody. Like, nobody knows. Sometimes we don't even know what we're doing. But there's a lot of stuff. I like it though. But yeah, the job part is definitely, definitely interesting.

[Charity]

Oh, my goodness. Okay, so tell us how night one was for you. Like coming in, meeting all the guys, obviously, you guys obviously took some time to share job descriptions. So what was that dynamic like for you?

[Ron]

I think from what I've heard from the other guys, reactions to and like, their feelings towards. I think we were all in the same, in the same boat. None of us had done this before. And yes, some of the guys have had, like social media exposure and all of that, but none of us have, like, done something like this before. Maybe like one other person, but we all had the same fears. Like, are like, are we going to get along with all these guys or is it going to be some tension? It's inevitable that there's going to be some tension. We're scared of what Taylor was going to think of us and then all of that kind of Disappeared. The second we met. We met each other. Like at some point everybody was just coming in and just like dapping each other. I'm like, yo, like, you did like you're a dad. Like there was one point where we called out all the dads in the room and it was like, which one, which one of you guys is a dad? And this guy's a dad, this guy's a dad, this guy's. And we just started giving them a round of applause. Like, good on, good on you. You all sound like, you all sound like good guys. And I think also to like kudos to the, to the casting team. I think you guys like, you guys chose these guys for a reason. Either these guys were either already good dads or have the capacity to be good dads. So there's no chance you're not going to get like a, a good group of like really good, really good, genuine guys. So overall, like, I, I can't speak more on, on the guys characters.

[Rachel]

You guys have such an incredible cast. We've gotten the opportunity to speak with everyone and just upstanding men. But of course this is a show about love. So going into this, what was your prior relationship history? Like? We know you had a pretty serious relationship before.

[Ron]

Very serious. So I've had three girlfriends my whole life. First one is in eighth grade that lasted three months. And then the second one was from sophomore year of high school till three years ago, nine years and then a 10 month one. So serial monogamist. Like I kind of know relationships really well.

[Charity]

Wow. So what was it? I guess what were some things that you were looking for going into the Bachelor experience and specifically like with Taylor. Did you know anything about Taylor coming into filming this show? Did you look her up?

[Ron]

No. So I like, like most of the guys, I don't watch reality, reality TV too much. So I didn't know too much about her. I did do a quick Google search, but it was all like within the day. I got interview. I get the text message from, from production or from the casting team, did the interview and then a couple like a week later it was like, hey, you're going, this is the person. Like here you go. Just a quick Google search. Like very basic stuff. But I did know about, I didn't know about the kids. I know that she's famous and I know about her challenges in the past. And it's not like I'm not going to act like surprised, like, oh, I did simple Google search. You can find that. And I, I saw that and I was Like, I have a list of things I look for, I look for in a partner, like, previous problems. I'm never going to not pursue somebody or, or not like, get to know somebody based on like one or two things from the past. Like, I don't know this person. This could have been a million things if you only judged me for like, with the one or two mistakes that I made, no matter how big they are, you're, you're missing out on the rest of me. So my idea with anybody, including her, is like, I don't want to miss out on, on getting to know this person because of these like one, one or two things. So I'd rather, I'd rather just find out for myself and see, see what happens. So I was very open to, to somebody, somebody like that. And also the kids. I think that it's funny that the kids was like the biggest, the biggest things, like, are you ready to take on. Take on kids? There's a very specific skill set for that. One of the things I told, I told the producers in the interview process is like, I'm an immigrant child of, I'm the oldest of an immigrant family. There's certain. For any older, even older siblings would understand this kind of, this kind of pressure. My parents raised me to replace them if anything were to happen to them. So I've been ready to, to be my younger. I have a younger brother, he's only two and a half years younger than me, but I've been ready to step into my parents, like, role since I was like eight. It's a lot of pressure. It's a lot of pressure. But yeah, I'm lucky to have those skills at a relatively like, young, young age and, and know, know that I'm confident in that part. So the kids part isn't, isn't what matters like that. That would also be something that doesn't sway me away from somebody. It's like, all right, if this person is amazing, but they have kids, like, I'm not going to miss out on that, on that person either. Like, I don't want to miss my, my philosophy with like, with, with dating is like when I'm like 60 years old or whatever and I look back at my life to see the people that I've encountered. I never want to look back and, and, and have somebody tell me like, oh, you actually ran into the person that you were supposed to be with, but because they had anxiety issues, you missed out on them. So I try to decrease, I try to decrease as many of the things as Possible that I can be compatible. I'm compatible with a lot of people. And so I will never miss out on my side. Now I get. Which is great. Like I get to choose who I want to be with. And it's not going to be kids, it's not going to be distance, it's not going to be that that stops me from finding my person so very open to it.

[Rachel]

What are some of those qualities that if you had to design your perfect partner that you would really want in a way?

[Ron]

Love that question. I get that a lot. I have a list.

[Rachel]

Perfect. We'd love to hear it.

[Charity]

I'm like, read.

[Rachel]

I love a man who has a list. Yeah, he's like, everyone, here it is.

[Ron]

This is good screenshot. It I'll send like I'll text it to you guys right now. But there's a lot on this list because I get asked this question a lot. I also am a big fan of journaling and getting these ideas down because otherwise these are just ideas. Like it kind of gets lost in your, in your head. Now that I have him listed out, they become more concrete of what I'm, what I'm looking for and the non negotiables. It's I think charity. You mentioned this on the, on the podcast of like the stuff that I was looking for, which is like self awareness, which is like big, big for me. And when I read this list out to people, it's like, it's like, oh, that's like bare minimum stuff. Not everybody has. Like, they sound like, they sound like very basic. These sound like very basic things. But yeah, it is like super hard to, to just have them like right out the gates. Like you either have to have a like perfect childhood and not experience any trauma or have gone. Have been going through therapy. Like I did the, I did the, the latter. Just going through a lot of, a lot of therapy. So some of the things I look for, self awareness. Number one, like, you better know yourself. Like, how can you integrate with my life if you don't know who you are? Number two, kindness. Number three, self love. Takes care of themselves really well. Number four, sense of humor. That one's really, really important. We have to be laughing like if we're going to be. I marry you today. I think in terms of decades, if I can't be laughing with you when we're 50 and 60 years old, that's probably not my like forever, forever person. And then the last piece is resilience and grit. Like, like forever is a really long time. I don't think people can grasp how long forever is.

[Charity]

Correct.

[Ron]

Like, I mean, you know, you did, you did it. You're like, let's do this, let's do this forever. You know, but people can't because most, at this age, most folks have their longest relationship is maybe two to three years. It's like a college, college romance or whatever. And then they're like, screw it, we're here, let's get married. And they don't know what the rest of their lives look like. My last relationship was 10 years. Like, yeah, like a decade. Like I know what stuff worked in a 10 year relationship and what stuff would have carried us till we died. And I know what stuff didn't work. And so like resilience. Resilience is one of those, like, we're gonna face so many things in our, in our lives, like the passing of parents. We're one of them. You're like the partner that you choose is going to be the person that guides you to the death of your parents. Like deep stuff like loss of children, like family members, accidents. Like you need somebody that can withstand that. And so that's like something I'd look for like very, like very deeply. And that's the, that's the non negotiables.

[Rachel]

Yeah, that's the beautiful list.

[Charity]

In life, breakdowns over breakups are inevitable. You know, it's the same with appliances and home systems. Breakdowns are going to happen and those breakdowns can be costly. However, you can help protect your budget with an American Home Shield home warranty. AHS offers plans that covers parts of kitchen and laundry appliances, H vac, plumbing and electrical systems that will inevitably break down. And when they do, AHS will fix the covered item and if they can't repair it, they'll replace it. Even your oldest appliances and systems are eligible. That's huge because something like your AC that's just limping along could cost thousands to repair or replace without a home warranty. Plus, with select American Home Shield plans, you get the added benefit of video chatting with live repair experts to help with home hassles over the phone. So leave the drama for relationships and get help protecting appliances and home systems with American Home Shield. And right now you can get 20% off. Just visit ahs.combachelor happy hour to sign up c ahs.com contracts for coverage details including limit amounts, fees, limitations and exclusions. We love getting messages from you guys about where you're tuning in from. And it seems like so many of you work in healthcare. Nurses, doctors, and literal healers who somehow find the time to keep up with

bachelor nations so iconic for that.

That's why we were so excited when we learned about Figs. Their scrubs are lightweight and breathable with four way stretch made from moisture wicking fabric with antimicrobial tech to keep you feeling fresh all day long. They also fit really well with modern tailoring and tons of styles and colors to choose from. And it's not just scrubs. They've teamed up with New Balance on supportive sneakers and even created outerwear for when the AC is on full blast, plus cozy and stylish loungewear for when you're off the clock. So if you're in healthcare or know someone who is, get 15% off your first [e-mail] when you use code FIGSRX at checkout. That's wherefigs.com code figsrx I just received

[Sponsor Voice 1]

my order from Dietz and Watson. I am so excited. I got chicken sausages and flavored cheddar cheeses. You know I'm from New England and I know a genuine New York State cheddar with when I see it. They are infused with real ingredients, iconic flavors and a smooth creamy finish. I think my favorite one was the Champagne cheddar. It just is delicious. And the chicken sausage. They never have antibiotics, no nitrates are added, they're gluten free and they have bold, authentic recipes. Dietz and Watson has been handcrafting premium meats and artisan cheeses for over 85 years. They're family owned and operated and they've never cut corners. Ever. They're transparent about what goes into their food and what doesn't and they know good taste doesn't need a long list of ingredients. Dietz and Watson is simply made. It's as simple as that. Visit dietzandwatson.com the right way to learn more about the Dietz difference.

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[Charity]

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You obviously came into this entire journey very, it seems like prepared and just again very self aware of what it is that you were looking for.

So yeah, I want to just give

you the space to obviously share everything that's on your heart. We know that you did this show for your mom and she was the one who nominated you for this. So we are so sorry to hear your mom's recent passing but can you just kind of walk us through, you know, how you got here and you know the inspiration behind. Yeah.

Everything.

[Ron]

Yeah, yeah. There's, there's so much like whatever you're comfortable with. I know one of the quite. It's funny like one of the questions was what is like, one of your biggest fears. And it's public speaking. And it's because I get nervous. And I learned from a communications class that the only reason you're nervous is because you don't know what you're. You're talking about. You're not confident what you're talking about. So if there's anything in my life that I can talk about, like, confidently with my chest to, like, thousands of people, how amazing my mom is and how much I love her, like, if there's anything, it's okay.

[Charity]

I'm going to cry.

[Ron]

Yeah, it's. It's tough. It's. It's a tough situation, but, like, it's beautiful in a way. Like, I. I see loss like this as. As a privilege. It's. It. There's a Winnie the Pooh quote that I really like that deals with something like grief. I think it goes something along the lines of, how lucky am I to have something worth losing? Like, I'm. The pain that I feel is because I suffered a great loss. And, like, I will take this part in tandem with all the love that I've gotten from my mom. So she's someone very special to me. It's made me the man that I am today. It's the reason why you guys casted me. I know love inside and out because I've received it for damn near 30 years of my life unconditionally from her, boatloads of it. And I have now I can give it to myself, can give it to a partner, can give it to friends. Like, I have a ginormous heart because of her. So everything that I am, I'm the best parts of. Of my mom. And so losing her is. Is very painful, but it's like a part of life. And if this is. I said this in, in a post. I had, but this is the cost of. Of loving my mom. Like, I. I would pay this every single time. Like, without a doubt, I would pay this every single time. And I wish I could. Just, like, I'm very emotionally mature and I know how I've suffered loss before. I know how to handle this. I can't even do that right now. Like, I. I haven't had the time to. To do it because it happened, for one, it happened. It happened in the Philippines, and there's an open case with it, so I can't disclose, like, too. Too many details, but the lawyers are involved, there's an open investigation. Like, losing a parent is already hard enough. Now you have to deal with a legal case. Like, the Last time I talked to my mom was literally talking about the show. It's the. We had just been announced and I was texting her. She. I was like, I'm so nervous that I have screenshots of it. But I was like, I'm so nervous, but thank you so much. Like, I love you, mom, for signing me up for this. And her last. Her message to me back was like, I'm so nervous too, and I love you and I. And I'm really excited for this. And then facetimer a couple times, trying to plan the premiere. I'm like, I'm like, are you going to be here on the 22nd? We're booking out a place in San Francisco. My co workers want to know. Like, there's a lot of fans at my job of the show. Like, it's going to be. All my friends are super excited. I was like, in my, in my invite, my mom is like the star of the show. I was like, don't act a fool. My mom, My mom is coming. Like, my mom is going to be here. So she's, she's the, she's the start. Like, you can't love me as a person if you don't also, like, love my mom. Like, my mom's is the reason why I'm like this. And so I tell her to, like, we're trying to plant stuff and she tells me she's going to the Philippines. I'm like, okay, for what? She's like, I'm getting, I'm getting cosmetic surgery done. Like, okay. I don't, I don't know much about cosmetic surgery. I know about fillers and Botox. I'm like, all right, it's probably going to be something. Whatever. I FaceTime her post surgery. Like, what I saw, I was like, oh my God, this is more serious. And thought she said she lost a lot of blood. All this stuff. Like, I won't get into the details. And then next thing I know, next thing I know, I get a call. I get a call at 3am from my uncle and my stepdad crying their eyes out, wailing. And they didn't have to tell me what happened. I didn't have to know. I knew what happened. I turned off the phone after five seconds. Pride my eyes out for like, for like an hour and then went straight for the Philippines and been dealing, collect. I'm. I'm collecting evidence now or, or, or for a case. So everything's been put on, on pause and like the main takeaway that I want everyone to, to kind of take away from this is like, I'm like, I still think it's like a. It's like a privilege that I'm willing to go to two things. Like, one, like, how privileged am I to be, like, the person designated to handle something like this? Like, my family, my friends, they're just like. One of my. One of my close friends said something that. That gave me a lot of confidence. He was like, this is an insane thing to. To go through, but if anybody can handle it, like, it's you. And I love that I'm. I'm the one that's designated to deal with this. So that's. That's a privilege. And then number two, it's a. Again, it's a privilege to care this much about somebody that I'm willing to go through this really hard thing and be able to handle it, handle it well. So I don't want people to. To feel, like, super bad. Like, yes, this is a really crappy situation. But I'm, in a way, like, I'm. I'm lucky and I feel privileged to be able to do this for my mom. So we're high hopes, like, we're going to get through this. But that's. That's. Yeah, that's kind of my piece on my mom.

[Rachel]

Yeah.

[Charity]

Thank you. Thank you for sharing all of that. I can't imagine, but the way it's heavy.

[Ron]

It's very heavy. Yeah.

[Charity]

Just the way you talk about your mom is, like, making me tear up,

[Ron]

as sad as it is. It's why you watch movies you don't watch. You don't watch movies to. To feel good the whole time. You have to experience the last part to have it resonate. And that's why I'm very genuine about the way I. I speak. And I'm a very genuine person because that's what people connect to. Like, I'm sure you guys thought about your parents as well, which is, like. Is like a good thing. So.

[Rachel]

Yeah, I. I mean, of course. Just want to offer my deepest condolences charity Bachelor nation as well. And I bet. Well, I know your mother is so proud of you for taking this journey. I know this is something that you guys shared together, and it is so beautiful hearing you just talk about her and your relationship. So thank you again. Yeah. For sharing with us.

[Ron]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[Charity]

Do you mind me asking, is there

any, like, awareness you want to bring to this, or is that something that you are hopeful to do in the, like, future as you're obviously going through?

[Ron]

Yes, that's like, probably the one thing I'll ask. I'll ask for is just visibility on this is like. Because how this would typically happen is that once the media stops covering it, especially if. If they've been affected in some way to not cover this, the case just gets lost in bureaucracy. Bureaucracy. You get lost in paperwork, and my mom gets forgotten. And I'm not letting that, letting that happen. My mom deserves more. More than that. Basically, the. The only story that I've been. I've been told is she went here for a surgery. We made an oopsie. Here's the rest of her bill. Like, I. I got the rest of her. Her bill for the. For the surgery after she died, which is insane. Yeah, it's. It's. It's insane. So just visibility and keeping an eye out. Honestly, this might be on the news, so it might not even be hard to. To follow up with it. But, yeah, just like I'll keep talking about. I'm about my mom as much as. As much as I can, so it's not going to be hard, but follow along with that, no matter in what shape or shape that takes. But, yeah, that's all I could ask for.

[Charity]

Yeah. We are here for you. Please let us know if there's anything or any other ways that we can help you and support you in this.

[Ron]

Truly, this. This was more than I could ask for. Just giving me a platform to talk about me, my. My story and. And my mom and for you guys to be so willing to. To listen to something so heavy. I really appreciate you guys and giving me the platform to talk about this, so thank you.

[Rachel]

Yes. No, absolutely. And I hope you know that Bachelor Nation, everyone is here for you. We truly are a family. I know we say that all the time, but you are a part of the family, so whatever else you need before we transition.

[Charity]

I do. I think, you know, obviously, I'm curious. Why did your mom sign. Sign you up for this show?

[Ron]

Loves the show. I've been watching her watch the show since she was. Since I was, like, 12. There's. There's like. I'm not exaggerating this. There are two things, three things in my life that my mom needed to see that I knew she wanted to see. One and two is meet my wife and meet my grandkids and meet my kids. Meet my grandkids. The third is to see me on the show or see me in some kind of dating show. That is literally the third. I'm not exaggerating this. My mom loves this show, and she was Starting to worry about my dating life a little bit. So she decided to take actions into her own hands. She was like, I want to meet my grandkids. Like, you're not. I don't know. I don't know if she didn't think I was doing well, but she was like, let me help you out. But, yeah, my mom. My mom is a really big, big fan of the show. I'm actually thinking of getting a rose tattoo because. Symbolizes love, and she's like, this is, like, one of the coolest things I've ever. I've ever done, and my journey in this is attached to her. So if you guys know any fine line artists, let me know.

[Charity]

Okay.

[Ron]

It'll be my first tattoo.

[Rachel]

I love that. Well, I'm glad, if anything, that just being on the show will give you the platform and the visibility that you need to get justice for her, hopefully. So we are thinking about. I'm like, I just. I cannot believe that this could be something that you could be going through. And. Yeah. Just any way we could help, just please let us know.

[Ron]

Yeah.

[Charity]

Yeah.

[Ron]

Just tell your parents I love you is the thing. Like, call them after this. This call.

[Charity]

Oh, I will. I'm trying not to cry right now.

[Ron]

I know, truly, you take it for granted until. Until it's there. But tell them you love them. Tell them thank you for raising you because you guys seem. You guys seem great, and I'm sure they don't hear that enough.

[Charity]

Oh, thank you. Okay. It doesn't feel right to play a game at all.

[Rachel]

No.

[Charity]

Oh, my God. I can't do.

[Ron]

No, we'll do. I think. I think it'll be. It'll be real, realer as. As you're asking these questions while you're crying. Yeah, no, if you have a makeup team, makeup looks great, and I think I ruined it, so.

[Rachel]

No, no, absolutely anything.

[Charity]

If anything, I'm like, it just is bringing, you know, the feels, which is good. You know, feeling vulnerable and sharing something that's so vulnerable. Like, I think, like you said, it's just something that we all need to, like, just be reminded of. And I appreciate just even this time, this day, you giving us that, so thank you.

[Ron]

As deep as I am, I'm also so unserious and, like, love when you ask me these questions. It's not going to seem like I just talked about the heaviest, heaviest things. Like, I will answer these questions.

[Charity]

Okay.

[Ron]

Very, very fully.

[Charity]

We love that we get to see two sides to you. So very fun.

[Ron]

Yeah.

[Charity]

Okay. It's called hot Seat. So it's basically just rapid fire prompt. So again, just showcasing your personality. Answer. What's top of mind? Make it fun.

[Ron]

Yes.

[Charity]

Okay, so the first one is, what are some of your favorite Filipino dishes?

[Ron]

Layup. Fantastic. Which is my number one, which is an oxtail peanut butter stew. One of the main ingredients is literally Jif Jeff, the peanut butter. It sounds insane. You have. You have to try it. It's like a very underrated, very low key Filipino, like, food. Number two is sisig, which is kind of like street food. It's common when you're drinking. You call it polutan, which is. Which is Filipino food that you eat with drinking. There's a word for it called pulut. I love eating that. And then number three, arro scaldo, which I. I make for my friends all the time. It's like this porridge. I thought this interview was going to be personal. I was going to make it for you guys.

[Rachel]

I wish it was.

[Charity]

I know.

[Brandon]

Next time.

[Rachel]

We always say that. Like, it needs to be in person.

[Ron]

Like, the next time that happens, I will. I will make it for you guys and it's going to change your lives, so.

[Charity]

Oh, my God. Okay. Can't wait.

[Rachel]

Need to try it. Okay. Who is your celebrity doppelganger?

[Ron]

Okay, I get this one. Like, you got to hold on. You got to hang on with me for a minute. But this is the one I get the most often. Like, the most often, but Robert Pattinson.

[Charity]

People tell me I look like kind of see it.

[Ron]

People tell me I look like an Asian. Asian. Robert Pattinson. I've been getting that since. Since Twilight. Like, they got to add the Asian in there, obviously.

[Rachel]

I love me some Twilight. Robert Pattinson.

[Ron]

Yeah, yeah. So I remember when girls would tell me that in middle school and I was like, so you think I'm cute is what you're saying?

[Rachel]

Edward Cullen.

[Ron]

I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah. So I like that. That's the one I get the most often.

[Rachel]

The thing about this show, if it airs, they will tell you who you look like. I didn't know who I looked like until I went on the show. So. Yeah, maybe we'll find another one. Meryl Streep is my number one.

[Ron]

Okay.

[Rachel]

Meryl Streep. Sarah Jessica Parker. I see. Yeah, I see it. Yes, yes. But they will tell you. So we'll keep in mind Robert and then see if any of them getting.

[Ron]

I don't know. I'm kind of going like, cartoon. I'm thinking like Elsa. From. From

[Rachel]

Elsa.

[Ron]

Yeah, Yeah.

[Rachel]

I need the braid.

[Charity]

Yeah. Well, you do have long hair, Rachel. Okay, we'll have to do a side by side.

[Rachel]

Yeah,

[Charity]

yeah, yeah. Okay, so the next one is. We know you love in and out. What is your go to order?

[Ron]

My go to order at in n out is a double double animal style root beer. And for the fries, extra well done animal style as well. And then when I'm cutting, I'll do protein style. I'll hate it a little bit, but it gets better than the nothing. Yeah. And then I have tried, like, the 4x4.

[Charity]

Oh, my God.

[Ron]

I just felt. I just felt off. They just. It tasted the same. I don't know why I thought it was going to taste different. Like, oh, there's four patties on there. Maybe it's gonna be fear. No, I just felt awful about myself afterwards. But stick to two. Stick to two patties.

[Charity]

Love identical orders. Except I just don't get animal style in my fries. But I do love a double, double animal style. It's just crazy.

[Ron]

You haven't. You haven't done that?

[Charity]

No, I haven't had animal style fries. I just don't. I like my fries like you said, well done. Just plain. Like, I just need them.

[Ron]

You have to get them extra well done because the animal style will make them soggy.

[Rachel]

I was gonna say I have unpopular opinions about in and out. I don't love their fries. I don't know what I do. Do you love?

[Charity]

I do.

[Rachel]

You do. Okay, well, I'll be alone, in my opinion. In my wrong opinion.

[Ron]

Well, what's, what's, what's your go to then? If I hear any, like, fast food,

[Rachel]

like, I honestly don't eat in and out that much. But I do love, love the little animal style. Like on one, and then I'm like, I'm good on the front.

[Ron]

No, like, where's. Where do you go get fried? This is more important to me than, like, horoscopes

[Rachel]

is McDonald's. It's so fair.

[Ron]

My list.

[Rachel]

Okay.

[Charity]

Cancer. Rachel.

[Rachel]

Bye.

[Charity]

Bye.

[Ron]

Going on my list.

[Charity]

McDonald's fries are good, but I wouldn't, you know, it's like in and out. If they're. Yeah, they're fresh out of in and out. I'm like, it's just. I don't know. There's something different about them, but they're amazing. Okay.

[Ron]

I feel like your last meal, your last meal is kind of suspicious, too. I don't even want to expose you like that.

[Charity]

I'm screaming.

[Ron]

I feel like it's gonna be like Wendy's or Something.

[Charity]

Oh, no. Probably no.

[Rachel]

Okay, I'm leaving the conversation.

[Charity]

Rachel's, like, ducking. She's, like, slowly getting out of frame.

[Rachel]

I'm like, I wish I never shared this opinion.

[Charity]

Let's do our last one. Okay. What is the coolest thing you can make with the origami?

[Ron]

The orchids. Like that. That one was hard. A water balloon, which sounds impossible, but you can make.

[Charity]

Yeah.

[Ron]

I'm like, what?

[Charity]

How is that possible?

[Ron]

I don't remember. It's, like, very old. I haven't done origami in a really long time. But the orchid is probably, like, the hardest. The hardest one that I can do, and it's the prettiest. That's why I learned how to do it.

[Charity]

Orchid. Amazing.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh. Yes. Truly, this interview. I mean, I think there's so much going on. We've done a lot of these interviews, and it all seems, you know, when you put the bigger things into perspective, what actually matters. So this. Thank you again has been just so eye opening, and anything we could do to help you. But before we go, is there anything that you want to leave Bachelor Nation with or anything that they can do to help you?

[Charity]

Yes.

[Ron]

Yeah. Just keep up with. With me and. And this case. It's like, there's no other objective in my life beside. Besides this. No work thing. Nothing. Everything is on pause until this gets done. This is the most important thing to me. I think it's, like, a beautiful story to follow anyways, so I think people will naturally gravitate towards it, but literally just, like, have some awareness around that. Like, love your parents. Like, there's a song that. There's a song I listen to that I think changes changed my mind about how I view my parents. It's. It's called Monsters. I don't know if you guys know that song Monsters by James Blunt. And I listen to the M. Tongi version, the guy from American Idol. One of the lines in there is, you're not my son. Or, I'm not your son. You're not my father. We're just two grown men saying goodbye. Like, get to know your. Get to know your parents. Get to know your parents. You'll regret it when they're in their deathbed and you don't know. You don't know them besides your mom. Like, I. My mom was great. She was amazing. But I got to know Christina, like, as. As a person, and I think everybody deserves to get to know their parents as, like, the people that they are, besides the. The whole parent thing. So, yeah.

[Charity]

Beautiful.

[Rachel]

That's beautiful.

[Charity]

Where can we find you on socials?

[Ron]

I have one. I have a LinkedIn and an Instagram so probably Instagram at Ron T. Perez. It's the only one. Only one that I have.

[Charity]

Okay. We will all go do our our mission and follow you and keep up with you and support you.

[Ron]

Thank you guys so much along this journey.

[Charity]

Of course.

[Ron]

Thank you guys so much. Sorry for making you cry in the

[Charity]

middle of never never apologize. I'm like, as much as I'm like, I hate crying. I love it because it's just so freeing at the same time. So thank you for making me feel the things today. And again, sharing.

[Ron]

Just kidding. I was lying. I didn't feel bad. I'm so glad I don't feel bad. I'm so glad you guys are thinking about your parents right now and all that stuff.

[Charity]

No, I'm literally going to call them. They're going to be like, what?

[Rachel]

But yes, thank you again. Thank you for being here. This was such a beautiful conversation and hopefully we don't so much. We get to see you and the show comes out and everything is amazing moving forward and we get to have you on Happy hour. Again,

[Charity]

thank you all for joining us for today's episode. We are so grateful for you all

and always to have just a safe space in the community for us to

share important stories to our listeners. Thank you.

Make sure you are rating, reviewing and

subscribing wherever you're listening to podcasts and

keeping up with us on Bachelor Happy Hour and Bachelor Bachelor Nation. We will see you guys very, very soon.

[Sponsor Voice 1]

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[Charity]

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[Rachel]

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