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Charity
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Kathy
I just received my order from Deets and Watson. I am so excited. I got chicken sausages and flavored cheddar cheeses. I think my favorite one was the Champagne cheddar. 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 and ever Dietzon Watson is simply made. It's as simple as that. Visit dietzandwatson.com the right way to learn more about the Dietz difference.
Dr. Jake Goodman
Ever been at a pharmacy counter and your mind goes blank when the pharmacist asks any questions? That's why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, each episode features real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most, breaking down the questions you wish you'd asked, from which meds may not mix well to what vaccines you need before a big trip. They'll bust myths, decode trends, and share practical advice you can actually use. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Charity
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Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It's stock up savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for storewide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Lindor, Chips Ahoy, Gatorade, host, Ziploc and Zoa. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go, pickup or delivery restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.
Charity
Welcome back to Bachelor happy hour. It is March 26th and I'm joined with Kathy. We are back today with more incredible guys from Taylor's cast. Without further ado, let's get right into it. All right, guys, we have another gentleman from Taylor season with us. Brad, a 29 year old cowboy. I like that. Welcome Brad, to vouch the happy hour. How are you guys?
Brad Ledford
I'm doing good. How are you?
Trenton
Hey, Brad.
Kathy
A cowboy from Newport beach, not from Texas. I like it.
Brad Ledford
Kathy. Yeah. We're mixing some stuff up and I've got some questions back for you because I think you dated one of my friends in the past. Yeah, they talk about that, Kathy. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Kathy
I'm so going off script. Who did I possibly date?
Brad Ledford
I heard you had a little fling with Jonathan back in the past, so we might have to talk about that a little bit.
Kathy
No, no, no. You're mixing me up with April. Good try.
Charity
Ah, no, I was like, hold on for a second.
Brad Ledford
You were right. That was April.
Kathy
That was April.
Brad Ledford
I wish it was you, though. I wish it was you.
Kathy
I wouldn't have said I was opposed to it, but, you know, time marches on.
Charity
Hello?
Kathy
Hello?
Charity
Oh, my God. Okay, well, we're just gonna hop right into it. I do feel like the most appropriate thing to start off with is just addressing how are you feeling? I know it's been really a heavy week for everyone, but especially you all with the news and just handling everything. So how are you holding up?
Brad Ledford
Yeah, yeah, no, it has been crazy. You know, I think a lot of things have come out that are challenging. Obviously, you know, I. I Think that I just want, you know, I want the best for. For their family. Right.
Charity
Yeah.
Brad Ledford
And so whatever that means for them, like, I could. I could care less about the TV show not airing right now. I just want whatever's best for them to. To be for them. Obviously, there's lots of feelings and stuff that go. Go on or that are involved with, you know, I think just how things panned out with that and with Taylor. But all that aside, you know, I just hope that they can find some peace and that's. That's all I'm here for right now.
Charity
Yeah.
Kathy
I just want to say the generosity of, you know, you're. We've interviewed a few of you guys so far now, and the generosity of spirit. I hope everyone hears that. You guys are remarkable, and I include you in that, Brad, So thank you for your generous spirit.
Brad Ledford
I appreciate that. Kathy. Yeah, all these guys have been. Are solid guys. And I think at the end of the day, like, nobody's here, you know, worried about their. Their TV time or something like that getting spoiled. Like, we just want. We just want their family to find some peace. And if that's not on the air, then that's on the air. Right? So. And that's. That's what's best for them.
Kathy
Yeah.
Charity
Yeah.
Kathy
Wow.
Charity
Speaking of guys, obviously, we've hear you account to just, I think a lot of the friendships and just the overall dynamic of the guys in the. In the cast and in the house and Yalls time spent together was really, really good. So without teasing too much or sharing too much, how was, you know, really just developing those friendships and the experience overall for all of you all.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, I'm gonna have to hold back here because it's tough because we had. So we had. We had such good camaraderie and, like, we did make some really great friendships. Like a lot of guys, we have a lot in common. Right. A lot of. A lot of the guys have, you know, really strong faith. They've got, you know, really, I think, really good head on their shoulders. Like, you know, a lot of the guys are all pretty athletic. We're all pretty into the same stuff, but then also just have really good hearts. Right. I mean, every single guy that I interacted with on that show were really, in my opinion, were there maybe not all for the exact same reasons, but all good reasons.
Trenton
Right.
Brad Ledford
And. And I think that, you know, given the circumstances, we all were going out on a limb. We all were, you know, trying something a little crazy here, and we all went in it, like, full you know, full steam ahead. We gave it all. And to see. See the guys do that, like, was awesome. And I think we all, like, bonded a lot over it, too, so. Yeah, it's a great cast. The guys are amazing.
Charity
Right? I love. I feel like I've told all the other guys that we've talked to so far that that really is one of the. The best things that can come from, like, an experience like this. Obviously, there's only one person up for grabs, and, you know, not all of you guys can get her. So at least coming out with, you know, lifelong friendships I think is really important and really a blessing and sometimes a rarity in all of this. So I'm. I'm happy that you guys really had a good experience with each other, so.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, yeah, Yeah, I appreciate that, Charity. Yeah.
Charity
Okay, let's talk about how you got on the show. Let's get into that. Yeah, that's important.
Brad Ledford
Yeah. Kind of crazy. You know, I was never, like, planning on doing a show like this, honestly. Like, it was never on my radar. Like, never really thought I would find myself doing this. I've never really watched. I don't really watch tv. Like, I kind of do. I'm just too busy too, I guess, and, like, don't really find myself doing it. But I. Yeah, I spent, you know, about a year. About a year just intentionally single. Like, literally, like, wouldn't. Wouldn't respond to DMs, like, wouldn't go on dates. Like, literally was not even open to dating. Just wanted to work on a few things for myself. You know, I've been in a few relationships in the past. Obviously not married yet. So, like, I wanted to fix a few things with myself because when I date, I'm dating to marry, right? Like, that's the only reason why I'm dating in the first place. So I wanted to work on some stuff on my own and get better a few things and then go back into dating. So I was actually planning on going back into dating after my birthday, which is October 12th, and that's right around when we started filming. And so, like, I kind of came into this, I guess, opportunity or I don't even know what the right thing is to call it, but I came into this right before that. And so I was like, okay, it's kind of aligns perfectly with my timing of, like, when I want to start dating again. You know, I. I don't know anything about secret lives and Mormon wives or who Taylor was at the time. I knew nothing at all. But I was like, you know what? Like, I've heard at that point, I had heard a lot of good stuff, and I was like, let's. Let's give this a shot, right? I mean, that's what this whole period of my life was about, was taking time intentionally away from it so then I could dive back into it and really, you know, give. Give things a shot. And so this was. This was a part of that. And so it kind of aligned perfectly with my. With my life at the time.
Kathy
So I have a question. You are a cowboy and a content creator. You have a horse, Gus, and I'm definitely afraid of horses. Just thought I'd put that out there.
Brad Ledford
Oh, we gotta fix that.
Kathy
Oh, no, no, Listen. I was on Bachelor in Paradise last summer, and I got on a horse and did it. I can finally say I've checked off that box. I never have to get on a horse again. But I want to know, what does a day in your life look like? Tell me what you do.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, there's. There's a lot of range to it. You know, it really depends on what's going on at the ranch. You know, sometimes that means, you know, we're doing jobs at different ranches around California. So sometimes we gotta travel to a ranch, and it could be, you know, five hours away. Right. And we gotta be there as the sun's rising. So that means.
Kathy
What are you doing, though, when you get to the ranch? What do you do?
Brad Ledford
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So. So typically, I'm bringing Gus. Gus is my horse, and he's an essential part of doing a lot of jobs that we do these ranches. And so we're waking up at, you know, sometimes 2, 3am Loading Gus up, traveling to the ranch, and then gathering cows. Most of it's cow work. Sometimes we're just fixing fences and doing a lot of labor. There's a lot of stuff that goes into ranching that people don't see on, like, Yellowstone and that kind of stuff that isn't super sexy and whatnot.
Trenton
Right.
Brad Ledford
But occasionally we do do the, you know, the sexy jobs to get to go ride out and, you know, find time.
Kathy
Take your shirt off and bail hay.
Brad Ledford
You know, I actually don't. I don't do that one. I do take my shirt off a lot because I do live at the beach, so I am shirtless, like, 90% of the time. But you'll learn the hard way that bailing hay is not fun shirtless, because you get all kinds of. All kinds of hives and stuff. It's not fun.
Kathy
Seriously. Do I look like someone who bails hay? Shirt on, shirt off. It's never happening.
Brad Ledford
Either way, you're not bailing the hay and that's okay. Exactly. That's why I'm here. I'm here to bail your hay for you. I got you, Kathy.
Kathy
Thank you. I appreciate it, Brad.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, absolutely.
Charity
So on the flip side, you also obviously you're a content creator and so you came into this experience kind of already with like a built in following, I would say. So were your followers surprised to see once you announced that you're going to be a part of this season, like, how was the reaction with that?
Brad Ledford
Yeah, that's a juicy one. The. Yeah, no, it's definitely a juicy one because, I mean, rightfully so. And I think I have engaged with a few followers on their opinions on this and whatnot. It's definitely a split decision. Half of them were excited, half of them were very upset about it. And I understand why. And now I think I've learned a lot from it. I'm excited to be going forward from that experience now too. And either way, I'm excited for them to see how dating in my life, you know, pans out from here on out. So. Yeah. Yeah. Definitely a mixed bag, though. Juice. Juicy subject for sure.
Charity
So with, with what you said, I guess about kind of like new not being in this world with like reality tv, did you know that Taylor was going to be the Bachelorette beforehand? Or was that one of those things that you kind of find out once you were already casted and it was like, oh, now.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, yeah. So I was definitely in the mix, like working through the whole process. Before I found out it was Taylor, Once I did find out it was Taylor, I really had no, I had no knowledge of anything about her. I'd never heard her name before, honestly, so I didn't know anything about, about Taylor. I had talked to a lot of people that knew Taylor and, you know, heard a lot of good things. Right. Heard a lot of things about, you know, she is changing. She's learned a lot from her mistakes. She's really great at owning her mistakes and she's grown a lot from them. And so I was really, really, when I was going into it, I was really, really looking forward to leaning into the beautiful sides of that.
Kathy
Right.
Brad Ledford
Because we all make mistakes. I've made mistakes, sure. Everybody does, and everybody can grow from those. So definitely looking forward to that when I was going into it. But overall, in the beginning, that's what it was about, is about hearing about somebody who was turning a corner, looking for redemption. And I'm always going to fly that flag. Right. Because I've made plenty of mistakes in my life. I think life's all about turning corners and making yourself better. Right?
Trenton
So.
Brad Ledford
So yeah,
Kathy
yeah, Fair. All fair. So there's been a lot of online chatter, Brad, about a car accident that you were involved in, and we wanted you to have a chance to talk about it.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, yeah, I appreciate that, Kathy. So, yeah, there. There has been. And, you know, it's. It's tough for me because, you know, this was a. An accident that I was in 12 years ago. So 17 years old. So very, you know, very long time ago, but definitely impactful and definitely a big, big piece of my life. So, you know, I would. I wish that, you know, publications wouldn't be grabbing onto something that's so old.
Kathy
Can you. For some people who don't know, though, can you just explain briefly who might not have known what happened?
Brad Ledford
Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely. Yeah, yeah. So, yeah. So the accident, like I said, was 12 years ago, back when I was 17. I was with a friend of mine, childhood friend of mine, who was 18, and we were driving back from, From Florida, coming to North Carolina, and. And we were. I think it was like the middle of the day, and I, I had, you know, I had. I had nodded off, kind of like you do maybe back when you were in class, and you kind of, like, do one of those numbers. And when, when I came back up, we were right beside the interstate in the grass, you know, started slowing down the car, realizing what was going on, and we ended up striking a Jersey barrier a little further down the road. You know, came to a stop, and, you know, my first thought in my head was, oh, my gosh, this is. You know, we were just in a car accident, right? Like, but not thinking, like, anything was really serious, um, until, you know, I reached over to check on. On my. My passenger Madison and realized that he was, you know, knocked out and unconscious. I was like, okay, this is a bit more serious. And while I'm doing that, I'm feeling something hot on my arm. And I realized that the whole backseat of the car is on fire. And so I was like, okay, this has got a lot more. A lot more real. And so I immediately went to, you know, getting us out of the situation, right? So trying to find a way out of the car. Um, the best way ended up being through his window. So went out his window, came back in unbuckled. Madison pulled him out, and a bar stander came up that had seen, you know, everything going on, helped me carry him, you know, a couple hundred yards away from the car. And then, you know, EMS came and we tried tending to him, stabilizing the best that I knew how. And still at that point, like, didn't realize, you know, exactly how, how serious the situation was other than, you know, my, my best friend's unconscious. I'm just trying to make sure that he's, he's okay. And they end up taking to a hospital. And I, you know, went, went with him to that hospital and kind of started the whole process of recovery, which, which was obviously a long road. You know, he ended up being paralyzed from the waist down. And, you know, him going through that, you know, now, now he's, he's in the political world and everything. And I'm not into politics. You know, I don't necessarily share his views and whatnot. My views are on my page and, and that's about that. But I'm not into politics and whatnot. But I did see him go through a lot when we were kids. You know, I mean, he was 18 years old when we started that journey. And so I went through a lot with him, you know, adapting to a new life and recovery and going through surgeries and whatnot, and definitely learned a lot about life, you know, and I, I think anybody that would go through something like that with a friend just wants the best for them. Doesn't matter. Yeah. It doesn't matter what kind of politics you're into. Right.
Kathy
Yeah. What's the biggest lesson you said you. What's the biggest lesson you learned? You said it changes how you look at life. What's.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I'd say the biggest thing, the biggest thing is that, you know, life is, is very precious and very valuable. Right. It can change in a moment.
Kathy
I know that.
Brad Ledford
Right. And in a moment, you know, you can, you can have, you know, one thing going one way and be a complete 180. Right. So just not taking anything for granted. It's, it's. It's pretty crazy how quickly things can, can change and, and not with really any rhyme or reason. They just happen. Right. So I think just looking at it with a lot of gratitude is, is probably the biggest thing that's changed. And then also just valuing relationships and friendships and seeing how much those can help you get through difficult things and your faith, you know, I think, I think if it wasn't for my faith, I don't know where I would be after that. You know, it was very challenging times and just dark places to be in. So yeah, definitely gave me a new, new perspective on life and, you know, God and his love for us and a lot of things like that.
Kathy
Wow. Wow.
Charity
Thank you for sharing.
Kathy
Thank you for sharing. Those are great lessons to learn. It's just a tough way to learn them. And sometimes the hardest things we face in life are the things that build us the most.
Brad Ledford
Yep, absolutely, absolutely, completely agree.
Kathy
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Dr. Jake Goodman
Ever been at a pharmacy counter and the pharmacist asks, do you have any questions? And suddenly your mind goes blank? That's exactly why you need to listen to beyond the Script from CVS Pharmacy and I Heart media. Hosted by Dr. Jake Goodman, this podcast brings you real conversations with CVS pharmacists, the health experts you see most answering the questions you wish you'd asked, like which medications might not mix well, what vaccines you should consider before a big trip, and even those questions you are too embarrassed to say out loud. Each episode busts myths, decodes health trends, and gives you practical, trustworthy advice straight from the people behind the counter. No white coats, no lectures. Just real talk, real answers and maybe a few laughs. Listen to beyond the script on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
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Ryan Seacrest
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Charity
Okay, well, I'm like, I hate to transition this way. I'm like, after that. But on a lighter note, Brad, we're going to play a little game, if that's okay.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, let's do it.
Charity
It's called hot seat. And so basically it's just rapid fire prompts and it's just to help us get to know you a little bit better and just to see a little bit of your personality. So we're just gonna hop right into it.
Brad Ledford
Okay, let's do it.
Charity
Perfect. Okay. We heard that you love Adele and so do I. So please tell us some more about that.
Brad Ledford
What's so funny is I think when I said that I like. I mean, I do, like, she's a great artist.
Bowen Yang
Yeah.
Brad Ledford
But, like, I don't listen to her all the time. I think she just came on the radio on the way to that interview and I was like, damn, that was a good song. So, like, it was just top of mind. And so, like, now, like, I've been. I've been like, staged as this, like, Adele, super Adele fan. Like, I mean, hey, I'm here for it. Like, she's got a great voice, but, like, I probably. I don't really listen to it all
Charity
the time, so that's fair.
Kathy
And I feel like, yeah, I love her song. Go easy on me. I love that. Oh, yeah.
Brad Ledford
All great song. Great song. She's very talented woman. She's awesome.
Kathy
Yeah. All right, here's the next one. You're also, we heard, working towards getting your private pilot's license. Truly, what can't you do?
Charity
Oh, wow. I know. I'm like, hello.
Kathy
Yeah. What inspired you to pursue flying?
Brad Ledford
Yeah.
Kathy
Where are we going? Where are you taking charity in me?
Brad Ledford
Yeah, I know. Where? I don't know, maybe.
Charity
Oh, I'm glad you included me. I thought it was just you, Kathy.
Brad Ledford
Right, Right. Yeah. So actually, long. Long story short, I grew up a lot with. Without my dad, you know, just kind of in and out with my life. And, you know, I've learned later in life that he's really an incredible guy and I've always wanted to spend more time with him. And that's one thing that he loves to do is fly. So I. I started working towards. Yeah, I started working towards getting my pilot's license because I figured the only way I could make up time with him might be, you know, in the. In the pilot seat with him. So I figured that's something we could. We could do together. So that's why I started pursuing it.
Kathy
I love that. That's great. How close do you to getting your license?
Brad Ledford
You know what's funny is I got really, really close, like, years ago, and then I kind of put on pause, and now I'm starting to pick it back up, so I've like, I'm knocking some rust off. So I'd say, like, I'm only, you know, a few hours away from really, like, kind of soloing and then, you know, finishing it off. But I. I'm still knocking the rust off. So we're, we're, we're a few. We're a few maybe months away from finishing this thing.
Charity
I'm like, rachel's gonna kill me. But our co host, who's not with us today, she also is a pilot, so.
Kathy
Oh, yeah.
Charity
I don't know if you knew that, but a little fun fact. Yeah, she a little pilot herself, so. Yeah, I'm like, you guys have that in common.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, There we go. There we go.
Charity
I'm just setting that up. There we go.
Brad Ledford
Just a little alley oop a little later. Yeah, just a little one.
Charity
Okay, our last one. We need the full story behind the time you walked through an airport with a ten foot piece of toilet. That's crazy. Ten feet.
Kathy
I mean, this could happen to anyone. Don't feel bad, Brad. This. I.
Nature Sunshine Brand Voice
No.
Charity
Okay, it can, but like, the fact that story. Because I'm like, I would tell you if I saw it. I'd be like, oh, no, no, no, come back. Like, I am a good person. You know? Give us the backstory.
Brad Ledford
Chicago, o' Hare Airport. There are no good people in the airport because nobody did that for me.
Charity
They just so sad.
Brad Ledford
They let me live it.
Trenton
So I got.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, I got off the plane and like, I was like, I love, I love that I have this story now because whenever somebody's embarrassed, I can just tell them the story and instantly they're not embarrassed because this is way worse. I get off the airplane. Like, I'm in all my, all my, like, football gear. So I was like, feeling cool and stuff because I played football back in college and I'm walking to the airport and, like, people are like, looking at me and like, I had a long, like a 30 minute walk. The next turn.
Charity
That is crazy.
Brad Ledford
Yeah. Yeah. And people are looking at me and stuff. I'm like, oh, okay. Like, this is, you know, I don't know, like, maybe they think Like, I don't know where I play football is cool or something. Or something stupid, you know, in my own head. Yeah, they don't care at all. It's like, not, not. And so. And so I get to my gate. Finally, like, I see, like, a little flash of, like, white behind me. I was like, wait, what is that? I whip around and lo and behold, it is. Yeah. The toilet paper that got caught in my waistband and was just flying around like a kite behind me.
Charity
Oh, my God.
Brad Ledford
For this whole 30 minute walk, it was so bad. But, you know, it made me a better person. Oh, let me go.
Kathy
Listen, if that. If that's a lesson that made you a better person, Brad, you've got a halo over your head.
Charity
I am screaming, we love a lesson.
Kathy
Crazy.
Brad Ledford
Yeah, it was crazy, but yeah. So Chicago o' Hare Airport. Y' all need. Y' all need better? I don't know. Just come up and tell me next time. That's all I gotta say.
Charity
Yeah, that's the message for whoever. And if anyone's listening to this podcast that saw that and didn't tell Brad, shame on you. Sorry.
Kathy
Shame, shame, shame.
Charity
Shame on you. Okay. Oh, my God. Thank you so much, Brad, for honestly coming on back to the happy hour. We are just so excited to, like, get to know all of you guys a lot more. And we've all been on the edge of our seats just having the opportunity to talk to you. So before we wrap up, all of our audience and viewers and listeners, they are just dying to hear from you. So is there anything you want to share with our audience, Bachelor Nation, at this moment? Anything?
Trenton
Shoot.
Brad Ledford
Yeah.
Charity
Leave us with something.
Brad Ledford
I don't know. Yeah, I mean, I wish. I wish we had more time so we could really dive into stuff, but, you know, for now, I just hope that. I don't know, I hope there's more to come. That's all I can. Yeah, that's all I can leave it with is I hope there's more to come. For sure.
Charity
We love that. And where can our listeners find you? Out on socials?
Brad Ledford
Yeah, I think it's just Brad. If you just type in Brad Ledford, you'll probably find me. There's not a lot of people that look as weird as I do. So you'll pick me out? Yeah, just look for, like, the cowboy that is weirdly on a beach. And, like, that doesn't make sense. So, yeah, that'll. That, that's me. But, yeah, I'm on Instagram and TikTok and all that stuff.
Trenton
Perfect.
Brad Ledford
But yeah, for sure.
Charity
Well, this is not our last conversation. We hope to have you back on Bachelor Happy Hour very, very soon. Thank you so much for joining us. All right, so up next, we have another amazing guy from this season with a very, very inspiring story. 35 year old pro athlete from California, everybody. Welcome, Triton, to Bachelor Happy Hour. Welcome, Trenton.
Kathy
Hi.
Trenton
Thank you for having me.
Charity
Okay, we're gonna just hop right into everything. How are you feeling? I know it's been a heavy week.
Trenton
I actually, I've been feeling pretty good. I got a lot of great things going on in my life. Obviously, the show is paused right now, so. Yeah, that's a bummer. But it's one of those things. It's out of my control. And so I think, you know, as an athlete, you learn to focus on what's in your control and there's a lot of positive things going on in my life right now. And I got big goals, and so I'm just trying to one day at a time, stay focused on that and let everything else, you know, happen how it's supposed to.
Charity
Yeah, beautiful outlook, truly.
Kathy
Yeah, it's a great.
Charity
You only can do so much.
Kathy
So, yeah, I want to know, Trenton, how did you get on the show?
Trenton
That's a great question. For the longest time, my teammates were antagonizing me, trying to get on the. The Bachelorette and.
Charity
Really?
Trenton
The longest time? Yeah, for years I just told him, no, I would never go on a dating show. And then one of the producers or someone reached out in the. Towards the end of 2024, and I had a girlfriend at the time, and so I said no. And it was just kind of like in the back of my mind, I was just like, maybe a seed was planted or something. But then Fast forward into 2025. Some friends kept bugging me about it and my teammates were talking to me about it. And then I just, like, I talked to one of my best friends and he was like, dude, you're an idiot if you don't go. I just think you gotta go. I just think America will love you and I think you just have so much fun. And so I, I just, I reached back out to my manager. I was like, hey, if you think it's a good idea, then sure, like, let's, let's go for it. And so she took it over and I honestly didn't even think about it after that. And I just went back to competing and training. And then next thing I know, I come back from world Champs and it was like I had a Week to get all the, like, oh, wow, testing stuff done. And then I was, boom, in the hotel room doing my last casting.
Charity
Wow. You had a week. Oh, my goodness.
Trenton
That was like, nonsense. Yeah.
Charity
Wow.
Trenton
A lot of fun, though.
Charity
Yeah. Oh, my goodness. Okay, so how. Obviously without giving too much away, but this is probably everything beforehand. How were you feeling like once you finally got, like, you knew you were going on the show, like, were you scared? Were you, like, anticipating? I mean, I'm sure there's so many emotions that come with it, but, like, what was, like, probably at the forefront for you?
Trenton
I was confident going in, no doubt. And I think, well, you know, I think every guy probably super confident going in there because you're getting like the. The cream of the crop. And so, yeah, everybody there, it was really cool. But the first night, I tell you what, like, even though I was super confident going in, all of a sudden, heart just starts racing as you're, like, getting in the limo and then seeing everybody else's props. And I was like, I didn't crazy do this. I was like, gosh, I feel like I didn't prepare well, but I was like, all right, it doesn't matter. Just put on a smile. Yeah. Make Taylor, like, laugh and make her smile and. And then get a chance to talk to her. But it felt like I blacked out the first night for sure.
Charity
You definitely do. Yeah.
Kathy
I remember getting out of the limo, Trent on Golden Bachelor and everyone, same thing. Had props and wigs and walkers and got. And I was like, I was so pleased I didn't trip. Like, I got walked up and didn't trip. That was my big entrance.
Trenton
That's a win.
Kathy
Yeah, it was a win. Okay. I just.
Charity
You gotta celebrate those.
Kathy
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Ryan Seacrest
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Kathy
I don't know if you're comfortable sharing Trenton. Obviously I haven't met you before today. You've talking about competing in World Championships. Can you tell us if you're comfortable about your accident and you know how that experience shaped your your journey into athletics?
Trenton
Totally. So when I was 14 years old, I was on the back of a little dirt bike with my best friend Scott and we were crossing the street and before we crossed, we looked both ways. We didn't see any cars coming. And as we started crossing, we came to the center median where there was bushes that were 5ft tall and trees that came down. And right as we started passing it all sudden.
Brad Ledford
Boom.
Trenton
I see in the corner of my eye the flash of a white BMW bumper on the side of the road. And I thought I I had the craziest dream. And so then I'm laying face down in the dirt and I look over to my left and I see my friend Scott just screaming. His face is all bloody. I look over to the right and I see a 16 year old girl, crying, talking to cops. And I realized that wasn't a dream. This just happened. So I remember, like, my foot felt numb and I looked down at it and my shoe was gone, but my sock was just swollen. And so I was like, okay, this. This must be what a broken bone feels like. It was my first broken bone. So fast forward, I'm in the hospital and they're trying to save it for about a month. And then the doctor comes in one day and he says, hey, Trin, I'm going to perform a test on your foot and I want you to tell me if you feel anything. I'm just going to take this pencil and drag it on the bottom of it. So he does that. And I said, no, I didn't feel anything. And so he looks at my mom, he says, hey, Denise, can I talk to you outside real quick? And so now I'm in the hospital room by myself and I see my mom just start breaking down crying. And that's when I realized that they weren't going to be able to save my foot. They're going to have to amputate it. My whole world, as you can imagine, 14 years old, spring break, freshman year of high school.
Charity
Wow.
Trenton
World just upside down. My dreams, that of being a professional athlete, I thought were taken away from me. And so I'm crying and. And I remember my friend's mom, she came in and she just laid her hand on me. She just started praying over me. And all of a sudden when she was praying over me, I. I just remember feeling this crazy, overwhelming peace just come over me and like tears just stop. And then I heard this still small whisper from God saying, I got great plans for you. And that was it. And I was like, I got nothing right now. And if you say so, God, I believe you. And that was it. So the doctor came back in, he's like, what do you want to do? I said, let's go ahead and amputate it. And so we did. And then I got my first prosthetic and I started walking. It took me three months for the swelling to go down. And then I got back into school and even though I knew that I was at a disadvantage with my new disability, I still had a really competitive spirit and I still wanted to play sports. And so I just got back into sports and. And I realized there was still so much that I could do. And. And then it kind of this, this competitive nature didn't die down once I lost my leg. If anything, it kind of created this workhorse mentality in me because I knew that I was at a disadvantage versus all my competitors and all my teammates. And so I just told myself, trent, if you. If you really want to be competitive and you want to make these teams, then you have to train harder than everybody else. And so I just became a man on a mission to. To be the best athlete I could be. And I didn't even know about Paralympics in high school. And it wasn't until, like, my second year of community college at Saddleback Community College in Orange county that I was invited to a. A running clinic with kids, with amputees and stuff. And this.
Kathy
Yeah, I. I just to be clear, I don't know. Did you have your leg? If you said your foot and then you said your leg?
Trenton
Yeah.
Brad Ledford
No.
Trenton
So it's just my foot. Sometimes we just call a leg. But yeah, so, like, about, like, 8 inches below my knee chopped off. And here I'll. I'll just take off my prosthetic real quick to show you. Like, my leg goes down to. Down to here.
Kathy
I see.
Charity
Okay. Okay.
Trenton
Yeah. And so I'm just missing my foot. And the reason why they chopped it off here is so that I could have equipment like this that fits under my leg.
Kathy
Okay. Wow. Good for you. That's a really. An amazing story. And.
Charity
Yeah.
Kathy
Yeah. Just. What a gift. Wow.
Charity
What. What is that? I guess for you, like, being a part of Bachelor Nation and obviously now, like, on a dating show, like, what does that representation mean for you? Like, I feel like. I mean, you're not the first member. I don't think of Bachelor Nation, but, like, maybe. Maybe you are my facts correct. Yeah. What does that representation mean for you? Because I think that's, like, huge.
Trenton
Yeah. You know, when I didn't think about it, when my manager had applied for me for the show and stuff, and I didn't think about it when my friends were talking to me about it, but once it became real, then it kind of dawned on me that I have a really cool opportunity to show people that it's okay to look different and be different and still have game or just, you know, be. Be you, you know, and people are going to be attracted to you. And. And there's been a lot of people that have reached out to me, even before the show that was asking. They were asking me, like, how do they still date now, losing their legs and, like, are girls still interested in them? And for me, personally, right when I lost my foot, I had. I had a bunch of insecurities, and the doctor came in and he, he was like asking me how I'm doing. And I asked him if I can still run, if I can still ride dirt bikes and I can still play soccer and stuff. And he's like, I don't know, Trenton. And that hurt because I'm 14 and all I knew was sports.
Charity
Yeah.
Trenton
So a couple weeks went by and this Marine came in and he brought this really good looking young lady with him too. And he introduced himself, he's like, hey, my name's David and I also have a prosthetic leg. And like, how you doing, Trenton? And I was like, I'm all right, man. And so then I just started talking to him and I said, you know, I got some questions. And I said, can you still run? He said, yeah, I can. He's like, I re enlisted with the Marines and I run every morning on the beach with him. I was like, okay. I was like, what about motorcycles? Because he was in a motorcycle accent too. He was like, I still ride motorcycles, so can you? And I was like, okay. And I was like, well, what about girls, man? Like, yeah, for real? And he's like, dude, this is my girlfriend right here. And I was like, no way. And so I saw at a young age that only took one man to make a huge difference in my life. And so for me, I just remember, like right before the show started and getting out of the limo, like, man, you got a really cool opportunity to indirectly help a lot.
Kathy
You are inspiring. Let me just tell you. You are inspiring, Kathy. Wow. Wow. So I know you have your sight set on the 2028 Paralympics in LA. Two questions. What are you competing in? What events and how are you training for them?
Trenton
I'll be competing in long jump for sure. That's my best event and that's the one that I love the most. And I may get back into sprinting. We have to train as a sprinter anyway. So I always tell my coach, like, man, if, if I'm rolling and we're running fast, let's start racing. But yeah, long jump will be my event. And right now I literally, I just moved out to Manhattan, Kansas at all places from Orange County, California. You know, so big change, but I decided to pick up and, and move my life over here and, and train with the run. Really, really great coach and really good pro group. And we train five days a week and on Tuesdays and Thursdays are longest days. And those days are like three, three training sessions in one day. And the others are typically two days or two.
Kathy
Good.
Charity
How long are the training sessions? If you don't mind? I'm just. I'm curious.
Trenton
Yeah. So weight room's about, like, one and a half hours, and then track is about, like, two hours, and then back in the weight room for another hour on the longer days. And then it's. That's just the workouts, and then it's rec recovery on top of that.
Charity
Yeah. That's a lot.
Kathy
Wow. So how's your dog Ringo? Like, in Manhattan? I'm assuming he went with you. How's Ringo, like, in Manhattan, Kansas?
Trenton
He's my ride or die. He comes with me everywhere. I tell you what, he's been so itchy since I got here, and I think it's like, there was the drive through Colorado. We both got pretty dry out there, and then, yeah, he's been pretty itchy, but other than that, like, we've been good.
Kathy
I love it.
Charity
Oh, my God. Okay. I love this. I'm so fascinated by you. And I just love that we're getting to meet you guys because there's just so much to unfold about you guys. It's literally like. Exactly. And it's an open book at this point.
Kathy
Yeah.
Charity
Before we let you go, we are going to play a quick game of hot seat with some rapid fire prompts to help us just to get to know you a little bit better. So we're gonna get right into it. Sounds good.
Trenton
Let's do it.
Charity
On a lighter note, you have mentioned maraschino cherries are your least favorite food. So random. But what's the story behind that?
Trenton
I. I just don't like them. Like, anytime they got Shirley Temples or anything, like, the cherries, to me, tastes like cherry cough syrup or whatever. Like, and I do not like that at all. So anything cherry flavor, unless it's organic cherries, like, they just taste so much different.
Kathy
Cherry pie?
Trenton
No. No cherry pies for me.
Charity
Do you like the fruit? Like, just the. Like, the actual. Right. Like, those are different ones. Those are, like, kind of mushy and, like, way different. Okay. Yeah, I agree. I agree. Okay, that's fair.
Kathy
All right, here's the next one. You're an elite athlete. Who's the most famous athlete you have in your contact list?
Trenton
Oh, well, my best friend. My best friend's wife, Tara Woodhull. Jump. So.
Charity
Oh, my God. Amazing.
Trenton
My new training partner out here in Kansas.
Kathy
Wow.
Charity
I love them. Oh, my God.
Kathy
Real quickly, how did that connection start with him?
Trenton
Well, Hunter and I met racing each other in 2014 at the Paralympic Nationals, and when I saw him, he was asking me A bunch of questions. He was in high school and I was in college. And I remember seeing him, I'm like, dude, you're gonna be the next guy. Like, you are it. And we just stayed friends. And once he got into college, we continue to stay in contact. And as he got older, I just realized, like, we both are on the same mindset as far as work ethic and track and then business minded as well. And. And we just kind of hit it off and. And every time we made teams, we were roommates. And then Hunter Antara asked me to officiate their wedding, and so I had the honor to officiate that and.
Charity
Stop.
Brad Ledford
Wow.
Trenton
Yeah, it's. It's been super cool. And they were the ones that talked me into coming here. I spent three weeks doing a training camp with them. And second day, Tara said, I want you to be my training partner. And I was like, wait.
Kathy
I love it.
Trenton
Yeah.
Charity
That's beautiful. I love that. I love that.
Kathy
Such great stories. These connections are amazing.
Brad Ledford
Always really, really thankful.
Trenton
That's why when you ask me, like, how am I doing? I'm like, man, I'm doing really good. Like, yeah, a great place right now.
Charity
That's good. And I'm happy for. Yeah, happy for you. Okay, before we leave, is there anything that you want to tell Bachelor Nation? Is there. Where can we find you at on socials? Anything?
Trenton
Yeah, I'm on. I'm on at all. I'm on Instagram and tick tock, YouTube and Snapchat. I primarily post on IG and tick tock the most, for sure.
Charity
Okay.
Trenton
And then I. I mean, for me, I think the. The biggest message is if you have any type of insecurities or difference about you in the way you look or something, I. I just think it's. It's important to understand and look in the mirror and see that that's actually a beauty that makes you different. And the right people will find.
Kathy
Cry.
Charity
No, I really am.
Trenton
But it's true, though. Like, we all have some type of insecurity, something we hide in the closet. But, you know, that's what makes us special and it makes us relatable to people. And I think that can actually become a strength of yours if you embrace it, you know, because everybody comes from different backgrounds, everybody sounds different, everybody has different experiences. But I really believe that that's what makes you special, to be able to relate and help other people. And so just I want to encourage people to keep going. If you're going through a hard time because there's someone out there that needs to hear your story.
Charity
Oh, more than ever. Truly. Thank you for that, Trenton. I'm like, Honestly, I'm like, with the tear in my eye, I have to ra.
Brad Ledford
No, you're good.
Trenton
You're good.
Charity
Oh, thank you. That was a beautiful message and we had so much fun chatting with you today. Obviously not enough time, but listen, yeah, we need more. This is just, this is just the beginning.
Trenton
This is just like a Costco sampler. You got a taste of it now.
Charity
Listen, we got the entree coming. Don't you worry.
Kathy
This is the maraschino cherry on top
Charity
to all of our listeners. Make sure to rate, review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and and make sure you're following us on Bachelor Happy Hour because we have so much more of the cast to interview coming up next. See you guys soon. Bye.
Kathy
I just received my order from Dietz and Watson. I am so excited. I got chicken sausages and flavored cheddar cheeses. I think my favorite one was the champagne cheddar. 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. Dietz and Watson is simply made. It's as simple as that. Visit dietzandwatson.com the right way to learn more about the deets difference.
Charity
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Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway is stock up savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for storewide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Lindor, Chips Ahoy, Gatorade, Host, Ziploc and Zoa. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go, pick up or delivery restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.
Bowen Yang
This is Bowen Yang from Lost Culture Research with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. We all know the feeling when life gets really busy. Taking care of yourself can feel impossible. That's why Premier Protein shakes are my go to. They have 30 grams of protein, 160 calories, no added sugar, and they taste amazing. So they're a healthy choice you'll actually want to make. It's not just for fitness, it's for getting after life. Premier Protein empowers me to say yes to more. Find your favorite flavor@premierprotein.com that's P R E M I E R protein.com this
Charity
is Sophia Bush from Work in Progress
Kathy
with Sophia Bush Bring the good with
Brad Ledford
Avocados from Mexico Upgrade your meals, your get togethers, even your everyday life.
Charity
Give your moments a little glow up.
Brad Ledford
Be the one everyone's glad showed up.
Kathy
Because avocados from Mexico spark the joy with every bite. And by the way, they're good for you too.
Charity
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Kathy
Bring the good flavor.
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Kathy
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Brad Ledford
Always good.
Charity
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
Episode: EXCLUSIVE: Meet Brad & Trenten: Harrowing Stories and Their Experience on ‘The Bachelorette’
Hosts: Charity Lawson & Kathy (with Rachel Recchia mentioned)
Guests: Brad Ledford and Trenton
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Warner Bros.
This deeply engaging episode introduces listeners to Brad Ledford—a cowboy and content creator—and Trenton—a pro athlete and Paralympic hopeful—both contestants from Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette. Hosts Charity and Kathy guide intimate, vulnerable conversations about resilience, overcoming adversity, and the real experience behind the TV show. The episode’s heart lies in its honest, inspiring storytelling, as both men open up about life-altering events and what it truly means to support each other, both on- and off-camera.
[03:34–06:14]
“I just want whatever’s best for [Taylor’s] family...I could care less about the TV show not airing right now. I just hope that they can find some peace and that’s all I’m here for right now.” —Brad Ledford [05:14]
[06:15–08:12]
Brad reflects on the authenticity of friendships formed among the guys.
“We all went in it, like, full steam ahead. We gave it all. And to see the guys do that, like, was awesome. I think we all, like, bonded a lot over it too.” —Brad Ledford [07:16]
Charity notes the rarity and value of real camaraderie in such a competitive environment.
[08:12–10:00]
“When I date, I’m dating to marry, right? That’s the only reason why I’m dating in the first place.” —Brad Ledford [08:46]
[10:00–12:00]
“You'll learn the hard way that bailing hay is not fun shirtless, because you get all kinds of hives and stuff. It's not fun.” —Brad Ledford [11:28]
[12:00–12:59]
[12:59–14:17]
“I've made mistakes, sure. Everybody does...I think life’s all about turning corners and making yourself better.” —Brad Ledford [13:51]
[14:17–18:59]
“Life is very precious and very valuable. It can change in a moment... Just not taking anything for granted.” —Brad Ledford [17:59] “If it wasn’t for my faith, I don’t know where I would be after that.” [18:33]
[24:11–29:28]
On Adele:
“She’s a great artist… But I probably don’t really listen to it all the time.” —Brad Ledford [24:44]
On wanting to get his pilot’s license—to spend more time with his dad.
Humorous moment: Brad’s embarrassing airport story of walking with a 10-foot piece of toilet paper trailing behind him:
“Chicago O’Hare Airport, there are no good people in the airport because nobody did that for me.” —Brad Ledford [27:42] “...for this whole 30 minute walk, it was so bad. But, you know, it made me a better person.” [28:44]
Closing thoughts: Hopes for “more to come”; social handles shared [30:13].
[31:07–31:41]
[31:46–33:12]
[39:33–43:18]
At 14, Trenton lost his foot in a dirt bike accident. He shares a moving account—awakening in the dirt after the crash, facing amputation, and drawing inner strength from faith and community:
“I heard this still small whisper from God saying, I got great plans for you. And that was it. And I was like, I got nothing right now. And if you say so, God, I believe you.” —Trenton [41:15]
He describes the long journey back—three months to walk again, transitioning to competitive sports, and developing a tireless work ethic as an amputee.
[43:28–45:54]
“I have a really cool opportunity to show people that it’s okay to look different and be different and still have game...just be you, and people are going to be attracted to you.”—Trenton [43:53] “It only took one man to make a huge difference in my life.” (sharing the story of meeting an amputee Marine with a beautiful girlfriend) [44:56]
[45:54–47:16]
[48:03–50:11]
[50:43–51:35]
Trenton delivers a heartfelt encouragement:
“If you have any type of insecurities or difference about you in the way you look... it’s important to see that that’s actually a beauty that makes you different. The right people will find [you]... I really believe that’s what makes you special, to be able to relate and help other people. I want to encourage people to keep going. If you’re going through a hard time, there’s someone out there that needs to hear your story.” —Trenton [50:43 & 51:06]
Charity is openly moved by the message.
Kathy on Brad and the cast’s empathy:
“The generosity of spirit...you guys are remarkable, and I include you in that, Brad.” [05:40]
Brad joking about accidentally being known as “the Adele fan”:
“I think when I said that I like…I mean, I do, like, she’s a great artist…but, like, now, like, I’ve been, I’ve been, like, staged as this, like, Adele, super Adele fan.” [24:44]
Brad’s toilet paper story:
“For this whole 30 minute walk, it was so bad. But, you know, it made me a better person.” [28:44]
Charity, moved by Trenton's advice:
“More than ever. Truly. Thank you for that, Trenton. I’m like, honestly, I’m like, with a tear in my eye.” [51:35]
Rachel Recchia (in absentia) is a pilot—revealed as a moment of cast connection. [26:48]
Addressing the current situation & empathy
[03:34–06:14]
Building friendships among the cast
[06:15–08:12]
Brad’s car accident story
[14:17–18:59]
Trenton’s accident and amputation
[39:33–43:18]
Trenton on representation
[43:28–45:54]
Trenton’s advice for those feeling “different”
[50:43–51:35]