Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour

Episode: EXCLUSIVE: CK & Monica: A NASCAR Connection
Date: December 23, 2025
Hosts: Kathy and Susan
Guests: CK & Monica Brewer

Overview

This warm, lighthearted episode of "Bachelor Happy Hour's Golden Hour" spotlights the blossoming romance between Bachelor Nation alums CK (from Jones's season and Bachelor in Paradise) and Monica Brewer (from Mel's season). Hosts Kathy and Susan dive into the duo's unique love story, from their first DM exchange to navigating long-distance, meeting each other's families, and contemplating a future together—all with the usual Bachelor humor and candor. The conversation is rooted in authenticity, offering listeners an inside look at how two beloved contestants found unexpected connection after the cameras stopped rolling.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. How CK and Kathy Became Friends

• [04:43] CK and Kathy recall meeting nearly a year ago at a Carmel golf tournament.
  • “I think my first words to you were zip it. And it sparked a lifelong friendship.” – CK [04:43]
• CK first noticed Kathy’s outfit, leading to a friendly bond.
  • Kathy jokes, “Any guy that pays a compliment to a woman about how she’s dressed must be a good guy.” [05:05]

2. Introducing Monica Brewer

• [06:09] Monica shares her background: 63 years old, Huntsville, Alabama, mother of four, grandmother of five, and Delta Air Lines flight attendant.
  • “I am Monica Brewer. I’m 63 years old. I live in Huntsville, Alabama. I am the mother of four children and five, as of November 25, five grandchildren.” – Monica [06:09]

3. CK & Monica’s First Contact: The DMs

• [06:51] Monica reveals CK "slid into her DMs" after her season aired.
  • “He slid into my DMs.” – Monica [06:51]
• CK clarifies, saying he, “kicked the door down and jumped in there. I’m CK and I’m here to whisk you off.” [09:23]
• Monica admits initial skepticism, didn't even know who he was at first [10:58].

4. Sparks Fly: Early Connection

• CK intended to wish Monica well but quickly confessed he didn’t want Mel to pick her on the show [07:12].
• Both share playful banter about CK’s persistence and Monica’s initial one-word reply: “Okay.” [09:49]
• Monica reciprocates after leaving the show, turning a friendly DM into hours-long phone calls [18:57].

Notable Quote

• CK: “I poured my heart out to her and gave her this heartfelt message. And you know what her response was? It was just, ‘okay.’ And I thought, well, wait a minute.” [09:49]

5. Why They’re Drawn to Each Other

• [11:45, 17:11, 18:57]
  • Monica is attracted to CK’s passion, kindness, and faith.
    • "Specifically, I love his passion. He's passionate about everything he does." – Monica [11:37]
  • CK values Monica’s beauty, faith, resilience, and the fact that they’re age-appropriate matches.
    • “She’s age appropriate, and she’s 63. I’m 63. We share the same fundamental faith...She’s had hardships...and still has this glow about her...that’s hella compelling.” – CK [17:11]

6. Gift Giving & Humor

• CK gives Monica a rose necklace with diamonds, poetic recompense for her not getting a rose on the show.
  • “I got this because he couldn’t stand to see me not get a rose.” – Monica [11:54]
• Monica shares she ‘acquired’ CK’s Gucci watch; both joke about Gucci purses as the next step—playfully encouraged by the hosts.
  • CK: "She has the Gucci glasses. Now she’s got my Gucci watch. The only thing missing is a Gucci purse, baby." [36:44]

7. Navigating Long-Distance Love

• [21:56-22:47] Their relationship is bi-coastal: Monica in Alabama, CK in California.
  • Monica: “It’s a long distance relationship.” [21:56]
  • CK wants to end the distance, aiming for Monica to relocate to California by Q1 of 2026.
    • "I want to be able to see her, I want to be able to spend unlimited time. So part of that is her moving to California at some point early in Q1, 2026." – CK [22:25]
• Monica, as a flight attendant, is open to changing her work base to L.A. but may commute if necessary [23:11].

8. Family Introductions & Holidays

• [20:12] Both have met each other's families, spending Thanksgiving together in California with CK's "entire crazy family."
  • “We spent Thanksgiving dinner with my entire crazy family, even the crazy ones.” – CK [20:17]
• Monica's mother and CK’s mother have both met their significant other.
  • "My mother loves her to pieces." – CK [20:50]

9. Bachelor Nation’s Reaction

• Friends from the franchise are overwhelmingly supportive [25:04].
  • Monica: “Everyone is super excited for us...everyone loves him.” [25:04]
• CK leans into support and advice from his Bachelor friends, sharing a heartfelt story about realizing his deep feelings for Monica, culminating in an emotional pep talk from Mark Anderson.
  • “Mark spent 30 minutes on the phone with me. Had me crying like a baby...ck, this is what we live for. You’re falling in love. Just fall. Just lean into it as a gun. Let it go.” – CK [32:24]

10. Future Plans

• Aside from moving to the same city, both are taking things step by step, with hosts joking about moving in and sharing rent [23:05-24:05].
• Despite the teasing, both stress enjoying the process and building a solid partnership.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sending the First DM:

  • Monica: “He slid into my DMs.” [06:51]
  • CK: “I kicked the door down and jumped in there.” [09:23]

• On Forming a Connection:

  • “We sometimes stayed up six to eight hours at night talking on the phone.” – Monica [18:57]

• On Matching Values:

  • CK: “We share the same fundamental faith and belief from a Christian standpoint. She’s raised her children, so she’s positioned to move forward with a partner." [17:11]

• On Bachelor Nation Friend Support:

  • “Just lean into it... you’re falling in love. Just fall.” – Mark Anderson recounted by CK [32:24]

• On Family & Holidays:

  • “We spent Thanksgiving dinner with my entire crazy family—even the crazy ones.” – CK [20:17]

• On Gift Giving:

  • “She has the Gucci glasses; now she’s got my Gucci watch. The only thing missing is a Gucci purse, baby.” – CK [36:44]

Important Timestamps

• [03:05] - Show intro and excitement about the episode
• [04:43] - CK and Kathy recount how their friendship started
• [06:09] - Monica introduces herself
• [06:51] - CK’s initial “slide” into Monica’s DMs
• [09:23] - CK dramatically “kicked the door down” into Monica’s inbox
• [11:37] - Monica describes what drew her to CK
• [17:11] - CK describes his affection for Monica
• [18:57] - Monica recalls late-night conversations that strengthened their bond
• [20:12] - Meeting families and spending Thanksgiving together
• [21:56] - Long-distance relationship challenges
• [22:47] - Plans for Monica to relocate to California
• [25:04] - Friends and Bachelor Nation’s reactions
• [32:24] - Support and encouragement from Bachelor Nation men
• [36:44] - CK jokes about Monica accumulating his Gucci accessories

Closing Sentiments

The episode ends with hosts and guests exchanging mutual admiration, laughter, and excitement for the future:

• “Your smile, Monica, is radiant. It has everything. And CK, you too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile like this… So I love this. It was great having you on the podcast. I hope 2026 brings you both just love, happiness and health.” – Kathy [37:43]
• “We’re golden, but we’re not dead. So keep doing [your thing].” – CK [35:01]

Episode Takeaway

CK and Monica’s relationship is a testament to surprising, genuine connection in midlife—infused with laughter, supportive friends, and determination to build something lasting. Their playful banter, thoughtful reflections, and joyful attitude—blended with “Bachelor Nation” camaraderie—underscore the importance of resilience, faith, and the magic of love found off-screen.

For full episodes, find Bachelor Happy Hour’s Golden Hour on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen!