Cheryl’s Time to Be a Princess!

Summary

Bachelor Happy Hour – “Cheryl’s Time to Be a Princess!”

Date: September 26, 2025
Hosts: Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt
Guest: Cheryl V. (Golden Bachelor contestant, first one-on-one date recipient)

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Overview

This episode dives into Cheryl V.’s unique and heartwarming journey on the newest season of The Golden Bachelor. Joe and Serena, newlywed hosts familiar to Bachelor Nation, invite Cheryl to candidly discuss her experience joining the show later in life, the famous motorcycle entrance, making friends in the mansion, and getting swept away on a princess-worthy one-on-one date. Cheryl also opens up about her background, her family, her past with motorcycle racing, and the emotional highs and lows of competing for love on national TV.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Cheryl's Nerves and The Motorcycle Entrance

• Cheryl admits she was more nervous approaching Mel (the Golden Bachelor lead) than riding in on a motorcycle.
  Quote:

  “I was not nervous on the motorcycle…But…once I got off the motorcycle. Yes. The handsome man, charming, handsome, masculine. Yes. I was very nervous.” – Cheryl (03:28)

• Mel is absolutely her type—masculine, charming, funny, and sweet.
  Quote:

  “He’s beautiful. He’s a beautiful man. What can I say?” – Cheryl (04:00)

Cheryl’s Hometown and Upbringing

• Cheryl grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver and the mountains, describing an outdoorsy, nature-filled childhood.
• The unique setting gave her “nature” and “freedom” she treasures.

How Cheryl Landed on The Golden Bachelor

• Cheryl’s niece secretly nominated her after a family dinner, submitting photos and applying on her behalf.
  Quote:

  “Twenty minutes later…she says, Auntie, I just nominated you for the Golden Bachelor. I said, oh my gosh.” – Cheryl (06:18)

• She received a callback two or three days later, much to her and her 93-year-old mother’s surprise (06:53).

Cheryl is a Longtime Bachelor Fan

• She’s watched every season since the beginning—Trista’s season stands out as a favorite.

Cheryl’s Background & Family

• Cheryl worked full-time for the US Treasury and is now retired. She’s currently a caretaker for her elderly mother (08:50).
• Close-knit family: “They’re my best friends and we all take care of each other.” (08:38)

Cheryl’s Motocross Racing Life

• Cheryl started racing motocross at 32, inspired by her niece.
  Quote:

  “Most people say, I started that when I was 6…I started at 32, guys!” – Cheryl (10:53)

• Earned over 50 trophies, still rides, and prefers glamping (over camping) due to Colorado's many bears (11:53).
• Motocross helped her handle stress and build focus.
  Quote:

  “It just helped me focus on me. And it felt so good. We’re like a family when we raced…” – Cheryl (11:11)

First Night in the Bachelor Mansion

• Entered the mansion in motocross boots, quickly swapped for heels, and felt “in awe” of the beauty and warmth among the women.
  Quote:

  “I felt the warmth of the mansion…these are my sisters. They’re gonna travel through that journey with me.” – Cheryl (13:55)

Making Connections & The Competition

• Cheryl bonded easily with many women, calling them all “powerhouses.”
• Her first conversation with Mel brought butterflies; his NFL background reminded her of her first husband, another large, sweet man.
• Regarding not getting the First Impression Rose: She was happy for the winner (“Joy,” aka Jerry) and understood Mel’s need to meet everyone (20:36).
• She acknowledged the “odd” dynamic of befriending women while competing for the same man:
  Quote:

  “It is different. You know, it’s like, I wish you could just have, you know, 23 wives.” – Cheryl (21:22)

The One-on-One Date: Cheryl’s Princess Moment

• Cheryl was thrilled to receive the first one-on-one date, describing gratitude and disbelief (22:28).
• She experienced a “movie makeover montage,” trying on dresses and jewelry with fellow contestants as her “hype squad.” Quote:

  “I just felt like I was a princess. I was in a storybook, and this couldn’t be happening to me. So grateful.” – Cheryl (24:43)

Emotional Vulnerability and Opening Up to Mel

• Cheryl shared a deeply personal and traumatic story about her past on the date but chose not to elaborate on air, instead highlighting growth and forgiveness (25:17).
• She praised Mel as an excellent listener, making her feel comfortable and heard:
  Quote:

  “He really felt my emotions…And I felt comforted. I was comfortable.” – Cheryl (25:46)

Navigating Group Dynamics and Pool Party Drama

• After the one-on-one, it was tough returning to a group setting; Cheryl compared the women vying for Mel’s attention at the pool party to “sharks” (27:37).
• She didn’t mind Mel kissing other women at this stage (“we all like to kiss,” 33:34) and wished she’d “snuck more kisses.”

Facing Elimination Round

• Attending the rose ceremony was hard; she was sad to see new friends go, expressing genuine surprise at who was eliminated (34:46).

Cheryl’s Dating Life Before the Show

• Cheryl described her life as a caretaker with little time to date seriously.
• Her son is supportive and excited to see her on TV (36:25).

Looking Ahead

• Cheryl is open to relocating for love if things work with Mel, including potentially moving to LA, though family responsibilities are significant (36:55).
• She’s a bit nervous but mostly excited to see how the rest of the season unfolds:
  Quote:

  “It’s a wild ride.” – Cheryl (38:09)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• 03:28 Cheryl, on her nerves: “I was not nervous on the motorcycle. But…once I got off the motorcycle. Yes. The handsome man, charming, handsome, masculine. Yes. I was very nervous.”
• 04:00 On Mel: “He’s beautiful. He’s a beautiful man. What can I say?”
• 06:18 On her niece nominating her: “I just nominated you for the Golden Bachelor. I said, oh my gosh.”
• 08:38 On family: “They’re my best friends and we all take care of each other.”
• 10:53 On racing: “Most people say, I started that when I was 6…I started at 32, guys!”
• 13:55 On her first night: “I felt the warmth of the mansion…these are my sisters. They’re gonna travel through that journey with me.”
• 21:22 On befriending the competition: “It’s odd. It is different. You know, it’s like, I wish you could just have, you know, 23 wives.”
• 24:43 On her one-on-one: “I just felt like I was a princess. I was in a storybook, and this couldn’t be happening to me. So grateful.”
• 25:46 On opening up: “He really felt my emotions…And I felt comforted. I was comfortable.”
• 27:37 On the pool party: “The girls were moving in like sharks. I’ll be honest with you.”
• 38:09 Teasing the rest of the season: “Wait and see. It’s a wild ride.”

---

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 03:05 – Cheryl’s nerves and motorcycle entrance
• 04:24 – Cheryl’s Colorado roots and nature-filled life
• 05:57 – How Cheryl was (secretly) nominated for the show
• 07:28 – Favorite Bachelor seasons and family excitement
• 08:54 – Career, retirement, and being a caretaker
• 09:40 – Cheryl’s motocross racing history
• 13:55 – First night in the mansion and meeting the women
• 19:26 – Bonding with contestants and first talks with Mel
• 22:28 – Getting the first one-on-one date
• 23:31 – Makeover montage: dresses and feeling like a princess
• 24:54 – Sharing personal trauma and discussing vulnerability
• 27:37 – Pool party recap: group dynamics and Mel’s attention
• 34:46 – Rose ceremony reflections
• 35:49 – Cheryl’s pre-show dating life and family support
• 36:55 – Willingness to move for love and anticipation for the season
• 38:09 – Cheryl’s teaser for the rest of the season

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Final Thoughts

Cheryl radiates gratitude, adventure, and warmth, bringing a genuine, down-to-earth perspective to Bachelor Nation. Her journey is marked by resilience, humor, and an openness to new experiences—even in her 60s. The episode highlights not only the romantic aspect of her time on The Golden Bachelor but also the power of friendship, family, and self-discovery that reality TV—at its best—can provide.

Cheryl’s sign off:

“I want to say thank you, Joe and Serena, everybody here. Bachelor Nation. I love you all. Thank you for watching. We’ll see how this works out.” (38:18)

---

Tune in weekly for more behind-the-scenes interviews and recaps from Bachelor Happy Hour!

Transcript

[Lauren DeRosa]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Joe]

This episode of Bach youh Happy Hour is brought to you by Malibu 501 shouldn't just mean the end of work. It should mean the beginning of fun. With a Malibu cocktail, it's like a mini vacation without ever getting on a plane because you deserve to unplug, disconnect, and live in the moment. I personally love hanging out with friends after work. Going to hang out in someone's backyard, having some drinks, telling stories. It's my favorite best way to unwind. Clock off with Malibu because life's too short not to do whatever tastes good. Sip easy. Enjoy Malibu responsibly. Copyright 2025 imported by Pernod Ricard USA, New York, NY stop settling for weak sound.

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[Dr. Leslie]

Do you want to hear the secrets of psychopaths, murderers, sex offenders? In this episode, I offer tips from them. I'm Dr. Leslie, forensic psychologist. This is a podcast where I cut through the noise with real talk.

[Cheryl V.]

When you were described to me as a forensic psychologist, I was like, snooze. We ended up talking for hours and I was like, this girl is my best friend.

[Dr. Leslie]

Let's talk about safety and strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones. Listen to intentionally disturbing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cheryl V.]

I'm Bridgette Armstrong, host of the new.

[Lauren DeRosa]

Podcast the Curse of America's Next Top Model.

[Cheryl V.]

I've been investigating the real story behind that iconic show. I ended up having anorexia issues, bulimia.

[Brown Ambition Host]

Issues, by talking to the models, the producers, and the people who profited from it all.

[Cheryl V.]

We basically sold souls and they got rich. If you were so rooting for her and saw her drowning, why don't you help her? Listen to the Curse of America's Next.

[Lauren DeRosa]

Top model on the iHeartRadio app, Apple.

[Cheryl V.]

Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Lauren DeRosa]

Hi, I'm Jenica Lopez, and in the new season of the Over Comfort podcast, I'm even more honest, more vulnerable, and more real than ever. Am I ready to enter this new part of my life? Like, am I ready to Be in a relationship. Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my time? Join me for convers about healing and growth, all from one of my favorite spaces, the kitchen. Listen to the new season of the Overcomer podcast on the I heart radio.

[Cheryl V.]

App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Joe]

Hey, everyone. Welcome back to Bachelor Happy Hour. I'm Joe.

[Serena]

And I'm Serena.

[Joe]

And we are here today with Cheryl V. You got the first date on the brand new season of the Golden Bachelor. Welcome to the podcast. How are you?

[Cheryl V.]

Thank you. I'm doing good. A little, you know, nervous here, but this adventure has been amazing and I'm here. I'm happy to see everybody.

[Joe]

Let's talk about. Let's talk about your nerves for a second. Do you think you're more nervous right now or when you stepped out of the limo? Oh, you didn't step out of a limo. You rode out on a motorcycle. What were you more nervous for?

[Cheryl V.]

I was not nervous on the motorcycle.

[Joe]

Were you nervous?

[Cheryl V.]

I'll be honest with you, Joe.

[Joe]

Were you nervous when you approached Mel?

[Cheryl V.]

Yes. The handsome man, charming, handsome, masculine. Yes. I was very nervous once I got off the motorcycle.

[Joe]

Is he is. Would you consider Mel to be your type? If you have a type?

[Cheryl V.]

Oh, he's definitely my type. Yeah.

[Serena]

Oh, yeah.

[Cheryl V.]

Oh, yeah, he's my type.

[Serena]

How would you describe your type?

[Cheryl V.]

My type of man? I love a masculine man. I do love a very exciting man. Sweet, charming, funny, like a funny man. And so, yeah, I mean, he's. He's beautiful. He's a beautiful man. What can I say? So, yeah, I was very nervous.

[Joe]

Okay, so let's go back to the beginning. So you, you live in Colorado?

[Cheryl V.]

I do. I grew up in Lakewood, Colorado. So I love the mountains and I've been here most all of my. Most all of my life.

[Joe]

So how far is Lakewood from Denver?

[Cheryl V.]

So Lakewood's going to be about 24 miles west of Denver.

[Joe]

Okay.

[Cheryl V.]

Up by the mountains, up by Red Rocks, it's called Green Mountain. They call the Green Mountain. It's a little mountain that you'll see before you see those big mountains. And that's where I grew up, right up on top of Green Mountain.

[Serena]

Well, you get elevation sickness when people go there for the first time. Like, is it that high up?

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah, if you're in the mountains, you will. Most people do just a little bit, but where I grew up isn't really that high. It might be 56,000. I don't know what the we're at 5280 in Denver. So. Yeah. And it was wonderful growing up on. Great going. You know, growing up on Green Mountain was amazing. It was nature, you know, of course, we used to play outside.

[Joe]

Yeah, I kind of like that would be. I would love to experience that. Like, I. I would say something that I lack in my life is nature.

[Serena]

Yeah. We live in New York, so a little less nature.

[Cheryl V.]

Oh, my goodness. Yeah. New York is beautiful. It really is. I've been there.

[Joe]

But. But no mountains.

[Cheryl V.]

No mountains.

[Joe]

Okay, so let's talk. Let's talk about how did you get on the show?

[Cheryl V.]

That's a great question. Would I ever nominate myself for the show? It's my favorite show, but no. So my niece came out from Texas with my little sister. It's her daughter. And she's sitting, you know, we go out for a little Greek dinner and had a martini, came back, and she's smiling at me. I'm like, angelina, what are you looking at? Why are you smiling so big? She goes, never mind, never mind, Auntie, just send me four pictures. Okay, I'm gonna send you four pictures. I don't know what you're doing. Twenty minutes later, she's on her phone. She says, auntie. And I said, yes. And she goes, I just nominated you for the Golden Bachelor. I said, oh, my gosh. Is that what you had the pictures for? She goes, yes, and you're gonna make it. I go, oh, my gosh. So it wasn't very long after that.

[Joe]

Yeah. I was gonna say, well, how long till you got the call after that nomination?

[Cheryl V.]

I'm gonna tell you, it was two to three days.

[Joe]

Oh, really?

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah, it was. I'm like, oh, my gosh. I'm sitting with my mother. She's 93. And I'm like, mom, somebody's calling on my mother. So it was. It was the most exciting time, really. I didn't know what to expect. This is my favorite show. The Golden Bachelor, the Bachelor, you know, with Trista. She lives in Vail. Oh, my gosh.

[Serena]

So exciting.

[Joe]

Do you have a favorite. Do you have a favorite season? Have you seen all of them?

[Cheryl V.]

I have seen all of them, but I know, you know, Trista's was amazing because, of course, that was the first one. Of course. Joan and Chalk. Yeah. That was amazing. And I. Chalk was my favorite, too. I do want to tell you. And Joan is amazing woman, so I think the two of them make a beautiful couple, actually. So.

[Serena]

So once you get the call that you're going to be going on the Golden Bachelor, how are you feeling? What are your friends and family saying to you?

[Cheryl V.]

They, they're going screaming. They're just screaming. And they're like, we knew it. I'm like, how did you know it? Because I didn't know it. They're like, well, Cheryl, you know, you're pretty exquisite. And, you know, yeah, you, you just be you. And, you know, I'm always. I have a lot of energy. So they're just, they were so excited. My mother, she's still trying to grasp it. She goes, what's his name, honey? Male. Mother, who is he? So it's cute, but I have a loving family. I have a very close family. And they're all my, you know, they're my best friends and we all take care of each other, and so I'm very blessed with that.

[Joe]

What, what do you do for a living?

[Cheryl V.]

So I work full time for the US treasury and I'm retired now. It wasn't easy, but I was happy to help people. And I'm also a caretaker of my mother. That's 93. And it hasn't been easy and, you know, hadn't had much time to date. And I always imagine having a lot of friends, especially beautiful women and, you know, Mal. And so it's exciting to say the least. So, yeah, I still, I'm trying to absorb it. Yeah.

[Joe]

So you, you roll up on a motorcycle and let's talk a little bit about your racing background.

[Serena]

Yeah, you said like, you have, okay, 40, 50 something trophies from motorcycle racing. Tell us.

[Cheryl V.]

Oh, yeah. Oh, my goodness. So I have another niece that race motocross as a pro, but she got in it as a novice and we used to ride in the mountains, her and I, on these bicentennial bikes in the mountains. These are full metal bikes. We take the headlight off, the tail light off, and we ride. And one day these guys go, man, you guys are fast. You know, you're fast through those mountains. We're trying to keep up with you. And we took our helmets off. They're like, you're girls. Oh, my God. So it went to our heads. So she bought a race bike, of course, the motocross race bike. And if you don't know motocross, those are those real loud bikes that they race. You know, you see them all the time on the videos. It's a dangerous sport, I'm not gonna lie. Yeah, yeah, it, it was healthy for me. She's like, auntie, I'm racing and you gotta race. I'm coming in first in the races. I know you can come in second.

[Serena]

Wait, is this something that you started, like, not that long ago?

[Cheryl V.]

I was 32.

[Serena]

32?

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah.

[Serena]

Okay.

[Cheryl V.]

I started at 32.

[Serena]

You weren't a teenager? You didn't, like, grow up?

[Cheryl V.]

No, I wasn't a teenager. Most people say I started that when I was 6. I did that, but I quit when I was 14. I started at 32 guys. But it really helped me with just everything in life that comes together. Stress, of course. It just helped me focus on. On just me. And it felt so good. We're like a family when we raced, you know, all the people that race our family. So I started racing. And, yeah, after nine and a half years, I didn't have 51 trophies. Of course, I don't have them all now, but I've given a lot away. My grandkids have some. So it was really fun. I loved it. And I still ride. I ride in the mountains and I love riding.

[Joe]

What kind of bike do you have?

[Cheryl V.]

So right now I have what's called a Kawasaki 100 Joe. And what that is is a smaller bike that I used to race, a125 Yamaha, very tall bike, but I was able to jump, so I like jumping.

[Joe]

Now. Would you say. Would you say that is now your hobby or what do you do? Like, what is your release or your hobby to. Just something for you, you know?

[Cheryl V.]

Of course it is my hobby. Yeah. That's what I love to do. You know, people say what. What makes you do that? I mean, how do you even think about doing that? But it's second nature. And I love the mountains. I love to glamp, not camp. Too many bears in those mountains. Right now. There's like 3,000 bears in Colorado that met people. Yeah. So you definitely want to glamp.

[Serena]

And, you know, that's so impressive to me. Like, I'm scared to get on a city bike with Joe and bike through, like, the streets of New York.

[Joe]

Well, the streets of New York on a city bike are actually really hectic.

[Serena]

Yeah. Different type of scary. But I don't. I don't know if I have the courage. I've done, like, ATVing through trails, and that's the closest I've ever gotten.

[Joe]

Yeah, well, we. We actually. We took a. It was a couple years ago, but we. Oh, yeah, we did this deal with Porsche, and we did, like, this Porsche excursion through British Columbia. But the guy leading. Leading the pack was a race car, was like an old French race car driver. And we were driving so fast, and we almost died.

[Serena]

We almost got Hit by a truck. He was, like, swerving in and out, like, going into the other lane, trying to cut around cars that, like, weren't going fast enough for him. And I was like, I'm with. I support you, but, like, I'm not getting behind the wheel. Like, we're not gonna make it out of British Columbia if I get behind the wheel.

[Joe]

I still have moments where I wake up and I'm like. Like, a couple times a year, I'm like, oh, man, I forgot. Almost died.

[Serena]

I am sure neither of us are huge adrenaline drunkies, but I find your story to be very impressive. But back to your time on the show. Tell us about night one. Your first impression of the mansion, the women. Mel.

[Cheryl V.]

Night one was amazing. I love night one. It was great. When I went. I came in on my motocross bike. Of course, that was not my motocross bike, but it was a motocross bike, and it worked, and it was a great, great size. Okay. So I walk in, and I open the door. We're in the mansion. They take the motocross boots off me and put the heels on, and I'm going into a living room with the most beautiful women I've ever seen in my life. They look like porcelain dolls, and they're all smiling and they're welcoming me. And I felt the warmth of the mansion. Really felt connected right away because we all have that similar personality, you know? And they're hugging me, and it felt so good because these are my sisters. They're gonna travel through that journey with me, and I really felt good about it. I can't lie. It was amazing. Yeah.

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[Dr. Leslie]

Do you want to hear the secrets of serial killers, psychopaths, pedophiles, robbers?

[Joe]

They are sitting there waiting for the vulnerable thing. They're waiting for the unprotected.

[Dr. Leslie]

I'm Dr. Leslie, forensic psychologist. I advocate for safety and awareness of predators while wearing pink.

[Cheryl V.]

When you were described to me as a forensic psychologist, I was like, snooze. We ended up talking for hours, and I was like, this girl is my best friend.

[Dr. Leslie]

This is a podcast where I cut through the noise with sarcasm, satire and hard truths.

[Joe]

I'm not going to fake it and.

[Dr. Leslie]

Force it, but would you force an orgasm? Because that's like a different layer the car accident you didn't want to see but couldn't turn away from. In this episode I discussed personal safety and self defense tools, instincts and strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones in everyday life and high risk situations. Listen to Intentionally disturbing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lauren DeRosa]

Culture Eats Strategy for breakfast.

[Valisha Butterfield]

I would love for you to share your breakdown on pivoting.

[Lauren DeRosa]

We feel sometimes like we're leaving a part of us behind when we enter a new space, but we're just building.

[Valisha Butterfield]

On A recent episode of Culture Raises Us, I was joined by Valisha Butterfield, media founder, political strategist and tech powerhouse for a powerful conversation on storytelling impact and the intersections of culture and leadership.

[Lauren DeRosa]

I am a free black woman who worked really hard to be able to say that.

[Valisha Butterfield]

I'd love for you to break down why it was so important for you to do.

[Lauren DeRosa]

See, you can't win at something you didn't create.

[Valisha Butterfield]

From the Obama White House to Google to the Grammys, Malicious Journey is a masterclass in shifting culture and using your voice to spark change.

[Lauren DeRosa]

A very fake capital driven environment and society will have a lot of people tell half truths.

[Valisha Butterfield]

I'm telling you, I'm on the energy committee. Like if the energy is not right, we're not doing it. Whatever that it is. Listen to Culture Raises us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cheryl V.]

Let's get to it. Time to do it.

[Lauren DeRosa]

I'm the homegirl that knows a little bit about everything and everybody knows you.

[Cheryl V.]

Don'T lie about that, right?

[Valisha Butterfield]

Lauren came in hot.

[Lauren DeRosa]

From standout speeches to the shows and stars making all of the history. My podcast the latest with Lauren the Rosa has your full Emmys breakdown. We outside. We outside. We outside. The wins, the surprises, the cultural impact and what it really means for us.

[Cheryl V.]

Let's get to it. Time to do it.

[Lauren DeRosa]

I'm the homegirl that knows a little bit about everything and everybody. Listen to the Latest with Lauren DeRosa from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app. You can get it at Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcast.

[Cheryl V.]

Damie Gente It's Ana Ortiz and I'm Mark and Delicato.

[Ana Ortiz]

You might know us as Hilda and.

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Justin from Ugly Betty.

[Ana Ortiz]

We played mother and son on the.

[Lauren DeRosa]

Show, but in real life, we're best friends.

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And I'm all grown up now.

[Ana Ortiz]

Welcome to our new podcast, Be My Bestie.

[Cheryl V.]

Yay.

[Ana Ortiz]

Can you believe it has been almost 20 years? That's not even possible. Well, you're the only one that looks that much different. I look exactly the same. We're rewatching the series from start to finish and getting into all the fashions, the drama, and the behind the scenes moments that you've never heard before.

[Cheryl V.]

You're gonna hear from guests like America.

[Joe]

Ferreira, Vanessa Williams, Michael Urie, Becky Newton.

[Cheryl V.]

Tony Plana, and so many more icons.

[Ana Ortiz]

Each and every one Lisette in likes.

[Lauren DeRosa]

Someone like, comes running up to me and it's Salma Hayek.

[Cheryl V.]

And she's like, you are my Ugly Betty.

[Lauren DeRosa]

And I was like, what is she even talking about?

[Ana Ortiz]

Listen to VIVA Betty starting October 2nd as part of the My Cultura podcast network, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple.

[Cheryl V.]

Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Joe]

Anyone in particular, in particular that you hit it off with that you're like, oh, this, this person. We're going to be friends for a long time.

[Cheryl V.]

Oh, man, I wish I could say one name. There were just so many. There's so many.

[Serena]

What was your first conversation with Bell like and did you feel an instant connection?

[Cheryl V.]

I felt nervous, but, you know, looking at him was amazing. He's just a big, big guy. NFL. Right. So, you know, my. My first husband was part of the NFL but with a free agent, so he never really was on a team. He reminded me a lot of that and, you know, I was in love. And he's a big guy and big hands, so it made me a little nervous. But after talking to him, he's so sweet and he's such a great listener and he just kind of put me at ease and we kind of hit it off really well. It's like, you know, he said one thing, I said the other, and yeah, I think it. It went great. I was thinking.

[Serena]

Yes, we actually thought that you might get the first impression, Rose. Were you surprised when you didn't.

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah, No, I didn't know. I wasn't surprised because Jerry. Yeah, Jerry got the first impression. Rose. I call her Joy because she's such a joy to talk to. I was very grateful that she got it because we were talking about a sensitive subject and. And she was so happy. And so, you know, we're all there for Mal. So I realize he's going to be, you know, looking at other girls and wanting to get to know everybody.

[Joe]

Yeah. How are you? How are you taking that in? Or are you at this point, you know, night one. Are you even. Are you even thinking about the fact that, like, you are about to make friends with women who are going for the same man that you're. You're going for?

[Cheryl V.]

It's odd. It is different. You know, it's like, I wish you could just have, you know, 23 wives.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah. So do you.

[Joe]

That's a show.

[Serena]

That's a different show. That could be another.

[Cheryl V.]

That's another show. Okay. So basically I knew that these girls are all powerhouses, right? They are. And they're beautiful. Beautiful. And so they were teaching me a lot, you know, and I knew that they all had a fair chance as well as me. And so I kind of like, you know, if I see that, of course I'm. We're seeing a lot of different one on ones and, you know, little chit chats here and there. Yeah, it was a little nerving because I thought, you know, I want him to be my guy, so.

[Serena]

Well, you didn't get the first impression, Rose, but you do make it through night one and we see that you get the very first one on one date of the season. How did you feel getting that date?

[Cheryl V.]

That was amazing. I had to look at that card twice and read the letters because I'm like, that is me. That's me. So. So I was really excited that he felt maybe the chemistry I was feeling. And I was like, yes, this is wonderful. I was just like, the girls were kind of disappeared now. And so I was so excited. I didn't know exactly what it was going to be all about. I just knew that I got this first date and I was going to see Mel and I never would imagine how.

[Joe]

And how did in from your point of view, how did the date go?

[Cheryl V.]

The date went amazing. I saw him, you know, walking out. I had somebody help me with the girls, help me with a few things.

[Serena]

Yeah, we see you do all the shopping with the dresses and the jewelry and you have all your try on. It was giving very like 90s makeover movie moment.

[Cheryl V.]

Oh, my gosh. It was incredible. And I didn't realize these were all gifts for me. And even the girls that I chose were gifts to me. Those are the girls that came to mind, and they are amazing girls.

[Serena]

Yeah, they were your hype squad for sure.

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah, they were. I was so grateful. You know, when. When I was young, I had an older sister, of course. Right. So she always wanted to dress me and she's like, come to my house, Cher, because you're you. You look good in this outfit. And she dressed me when we went out, you know, in discos, and she'd go, yeah, you look good in this. And she knew how to dress me. I just kind of liked that. So here I am with these beautiful gowns. Right. Coming from Italy and New York, I was overwhelmed. I did get emotional.

[Serena]

Yeah, we saw you get emotional.

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah. And I needed my sister, Rachel. I needed my sister.

[Serena]

So the question was that happy emotion, was that sad emotion?

[Cheryl V.]

No, as happy as can be. So when I'm really happy, sometimes I'll just get really emotional. Right. And I get that way. Some people do. I'm one of those girls.

[Serena]

Yeah. Was it just overwhelming? And, you know, you're thinking of your sister and all these beautiful dresses. What was the emotion that you were feeling?

[Cheryl V.]

I just felt like I was a princess. I was in a storybook, and this couldn't be happening to me. So grateful.

[Joe]

So we see on your one on one date, we see you open up to Mel about your past and pretty. A pretty traumatic story you told about, you know, the. The birth of your child and your husband leaving. We don't have to talk about it if you're not comfortable or do you want to elaborate a little bit on that or, you know, feel free.

[Cheryl V.]

It was such a emotional thing. I'd rather not elaborate on it. Yeah. So. But, you know, all in all, it ended up to be a beautiful story with my son, so. Son and his dad. And thank God. Right. And forgiveness is, you know, it's the highlight of that story.

[Serena]

How did it feel opening up to Mel about something so personal? And how do you feel like he received. Responded and received your story?

[Cheryl V.]

You know, he's such a good listener. He. I felt. He really felt my emotions, and he listened very well. And I felt comforted. I was com. You know, I felt comfortable. And I felt like he was, you know, a good listener again. And I felt pretty secure telling him the story, you know, even though I was emotional. So all in all, I'm glad I did. And again, that night was amazing. It was beautiful.

[Joe]

So you're a fan of the show. You know, the way the show at least works to an extent. You're not brand new to it. After your date with Mel, like, where do you think you're sitting in the. In the leaderboard for a lack of. Lack of better term?

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah. Yeah, Good question. I feel like after that date, I might have had a shoe in, you know, I felt Good. I felt, yes. This is amazing. I got the first one on one. Woo. That's a big gold star.

[Joe]

And then where do you hope that it goes from here?

[Cheryl V.]

So after that date that night, I felt like if I wasn't sitting next to Mel, that he still felt that chemistry with me. And because I know I felt it with him and I wanted to get to know more about him. So I was hoping to get, you know, more time with him.

[Serena]

Going into. Later in this week's episodes, we see that Mel comes by for a pool party with all of the girls. How do you feel like the pool party went? I would imagine after having this undivided one on one date that was amazing. There was fireworks. Was it hard to see him interact with the other girls and kind of go back to sharing that his time?

[Cheryl V.]

It was. All the girls came out beautiful swimsuits, you know, bikinis, one piece. But yeah, it was hard because we all jumped in and, you know, it was whether you jumped in the pool or not, you got to hold on to him. And I was able to approach him a little bit, but the girls were moving in like sharks. I'll be honest with you. You know, kind of turned him around and laid a nice big one on him. It wasn't me.

[Serena]

Yeah, no, we saw Nicole.

[Joe]

Yeah.

[Dr. Leslie]

Do you want to hear the secrets of serial killers, psychopaths, pedophiles, robbers.

[Joe]

They are sitting there waiting for the vulnerable thing. They're waiting for the unprotected.

[Dr. Leslie]

I'm Dr. Leslie, forensic psychologist. I advocate for safety and awareness of predators while wearing pink.

[Cheryl V.]

When you were described to me as a forensic psychologist, I was like, snooze. We ended up talking for hours and I was like, this girl is my best friend.

[Dr. Leslie]

This is a podcast where I cut through the noise with sarcasm, satire and hard truths.

[Joe]

I'm not going to fake it and.

[Dr. Leslie]

Force it, but would you force an orgasm? Because that's like a different layer. The car accident you didn't want to see but couldn't turn away from. In this episode I discuss personal safety and self defense. Tools, instincts and strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones in everyday life and high risk situations. Listen to Intentionally disturbing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lauren DeRosa]

Culture Eats strategy for breakfast.

[Valisha Butterfield]

I would love for you to share your breakdown on pivoting.

[Lauren DeRosa]

We feel sometimes like we're leaving a part of us behind when we enter a new space.

[Valisha Butterfield]

But we're just building on a recent episode of Culture Raises Us. I was joined By Valish Butterfield, Media founder, political strategist and tech powerhouse for a powerful conversation on storytelling impact and the intersections of culture and leadership.

[Lauren DeRosa]

I am a free black woman who worked really hard to be able to say that.

[Valisha Butterfield]

I'd love for you to break down why it was so important for you to do seed.

[Lauren DeRosa]

You can't win at something you didn't create.

[Valisha Butterfield]

From the Obama White House to Google to the Grammys, Malicious Journey is a masterclass and shifting culture and using your.

[Lauren DeRosa]

Voice to spark change, a very fake capital driven environment and society will have a lot of people tell half truths.

[Valisha Butterfield]

I'm telling you, I'm on the energy committee. Like if the energy is not right, we're not doing it. Whatever that it is. Listen to Culture raises us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cheryl V.]

It's Ana Ortiz and I'm Mark and Delicato.

[Ana Ortiz]

You might know us as Hilda and.

[LG X Boom Advertiser]

Justin from Ugly Betty.

[Ana Ortiz]

We played mother and son the show.

[Lauren DeRosa]

But in real life we're best friends.

[LG X Boom Advertiser]

And I'm all grown up now.

[Ana Ortiz]

Welcome to our new podcast, Viva Bathy. Can you believe it has been almost 20 years? I that's not even possible. You're the only one that looks that much different. I look exactly the same. We're rewatching the series from start to finish and getting into all the fashions, the drama and the behind the scenes moments that you've never heard before.

[Cheryl V.]

You're going to hear from guests like.

[Joe]

A America Ferreira, Vanessa Williams, Michael Urie.

[Cheryl V.]

Becky Newton, Tony Plana, and so many more icons.

[Ana Ortiz]

Each and every one.

[Lauren DeRosa]

All of a sudden like someone like comes running up to me and it's.

[Cheryl V.]

Salma Hayek and she's like, you are my Ugly Betty.

[Lauren DeRosa]

And I was like, what is she even talking about?

[Ana Ortiz]

Listen to VIVA Betty starting October 2nd as part of the My Cultura Podcast Network, available on the iHeartRadio @ app.

[Cheryl V.]

Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Brown Ambition Host]

Hey sis, what if I could promise you you never had to listen to a condescending finance bro tell you how to manage your money again? Welcome to Brown Ambition. This is the hard part. When you pay down those credit cards. If you haven't gotten to the bottom of why you were racking up credit or turning to credit cards, you may just recreate the same problem. A year from now when you do feel like you are bleeding from these high interest rates, I would start shopping for a debt consolidation loan, starting with your local credit union, shopping around online looking for Some online lenders because they tend to have fewer fees and be more affordable. Listen, I am not here to judge. It is so expensive in these streets. I 100% can see how in just a few months, you can have this much credit card debt. And it weighs on you.

[Dr. Leslie]

It's really easy to just, like, stick.

[Brown Ambition Host]

Your head in the sand. It's nice and dark in the sand. Even if it's scary, it's not going to go away just because you're avoiding it. And in fact, it may get even. For more judgment, free money advice, listen to Brown ambition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cheryl V.]

In early 1988, federal agents raced to track down the gang they suspect of importing millions of dollars worth of heroin into New York from Asia.

[Joe]

We had 30 agents ready to go with shotguns and rifles, and you name it.

[Cheryl V.]

But what they find is not what they expected.

[Joe]

Basically, your stay at home moms were.

[Cheryl V.]

Picking up these large amounts of heroin. They go, is this your daughter? I said, yes. They go, oh, you may not see her for, like, 25 years. Caught between a federal investigation and the violent gang who recruited them, the women must decide who they're willing to protect and who they dare to betray.

[Joe]

Once I saw the gun, I tried to take his hand, and I saw.

[Cheryl V.]

The flash of light. Listen to the Chinatown sting on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

[Joe]

How do you feel about that? Do you have an issue with that? Like, I know some, some women on the episode voiced their opinion and did have a problem with it, but is that something that bothers you?

[Cheryl V.]

No, that's not bothering me at this point. Yeah, no, it's not bothering me. I think all of us girls like to kiss. So good for Nicole. I wish I would have snuck more kisses.

[Joe]

Yeah, actually, I, I, I agree with you. I do. I think it's kind of like, you know, it's, it's, it's fair game. You know, you're all kind of competing and, you know, why hold back?

[Serena]

Totally. But I could also understand why. I was a little uncomfortable for people, too. Yeah. How did your conversation with Mel go at the pool party? Did you get a chance to talk to him?

[Cheryl V.]

You know, I don't believe I did. I'm trying to think if I had. I mean, there's a lot of girls, right? 23 and some. I don't recall that I talked to him. I saw him get in the pool, get out of the pool. He jumped in the pool, you know, just like, wow. I was amazed. He's beautiful, you know, beautiful body, takes good care of himself. I know that.

[Serena]

And yeah, we see at the rose ceremony four ladies get sent home. How did it feel seeing some of your friends sent home and were you surprised by any of it?

[Cheryl V.]

I was very surprised. Those girls were beautiful and I would have imagined quite all of them would have made it further. That was sad, you know, because you're bonding with the girls that first night and of course, the next day I think I did get my one on one and so I was kind of, you know, on my own. So, yeah, it was sad. I don't like to see anybody going. He. He really did. I don't know what he was thinking, to tell you the truth.

[Joe]

But yeah, I mean, he's. But at the end of the day, you know, he's got to send people home. So.

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah, he made some decisions, right? Yeah, he made decisions for himself and, you know, that, that took a lot for him. I'm sure it was hard for him. Yeah.

[Joe]

I'm gonna pivot away from the show from a sec. Just a little more background. Before you went on the show, what was dating life like for you? Were you dating at all?

[Cheryl V.]

Not too much. Yeah, you know, when you date, it's they, you know, the guys want to get to know you. And I'm working full time. I'm a caretaker for my mother. She basically, you know, it's hard and when she say your caretaker, I think these people are going to ghost, so. But it's a good thing because I really didn't have time, time for a relationship. I did meet a couple really amazing guys, but like I say, it just wasn't my time. Yeah.

[Serena]

What does your son think about all of this?

[Cheryl V.]

He is loving it. He is so supported. Supported. That's amazing. And he's right there with me and gives me a lot of just confidence and just a lot of help with it because, you know, it's a lot for me.

[Joe]

When you, when you went on or even during the show, did you at all consider that UML live in different cities and what that would look like?

[Cheryl V.]

Yeah, I did. I. I got to thinking about that and I said, wow, if, you know, I would be willing to move to la, of course I have other family members. Of course for my mother and, you know, I was open to whatever situation transpired.

[Joe]

Got it.

[Serena]

And going into the season airing and you know, we've only seen the first two episodes. What are you most excited about?

[Cheryl V.]

So I'm nervous, you know, because it was emotional for me, a lot of it. But I am so excited to see. See how that just played out. Is that fairy tale that opening the book, the first page. Yeah. And seeing myself. I'm very excited. You know, I can't wait to see it on the big screen and watch what he says and. And there's so many things I'm curious about, you know, and watching the other girls on their dates and what he says to them, and. Yeah, I'm excited about it.

[Joe]

If you. If you could tease the rest of the season for us without spoiling it, how would you describe it?

[Cheryl V.]

Wait and see. It's a wild ride.

[Serena]

Oh, I love it. All right, well, thank you so much, Cheryl, for coming on the podcast today. Is there anything else you want to say before we let you go?

[Cheryl V.]

I want to say thank you, Joe and Serena, everybody here. Bachelor Nation. I love you all. Thank you for watching. We'll see how this works out. We will see you guys.

[Joe]

Thank you, Cheryl. And to all our listeners, make sure you download and subscribe to the podcast.

[Serena]

We have recaps and interviews for you every single week. Thanks for listening. Bye.

[Lauren DeRosa]

This is an I heart podcast.