Bachelor Happy Hour | “Gerri: Strong, Sassy, and Sexy” (Golden Hour)

Podcast: Bachelor Happy Hour
Hosts: Susan and Kathy (with guest Gerri Flowers)
Episode Date: September 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of “Bachelor Happy Hour” features a heartfelt and lively conversation with Gerri Flowers, a standout contestant from the current season of “The Golden Bachelor.” Hosts Susan and Kathy dive into Gerri’s personal journey—her resilience as a widow, mother, and entrepreneur, and her courageous leap back into dating on national TV. The focus is on embracing new chapters, female empowerment, and vulnerability at any age, punctuated by Gerri’s wit and warmth, with playful asides about Bachelor Nation and “Golden Hour” behind-the-scenes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Gerri Flowers: Her Story and Spirit

• Who is Gerri?
  • Mom of three, CEO of a home care agency, and now a Golden Bachelor contestant.
  • Self-described as a giver, listener, and someone “looking for love” who’s always given “150%” to others.
    Quote: “They would say… she’s a giver, she’s a listener. She’s amazing. I mean, wow.” (Jerry Flowers, 05:10)
• Transition to Dating Later in Life
  • Gerri’s husband died at age 47, leaving her to raise three young children.
  • She transparently shares how dating wasn’t a priority because “my investment was my children.”
    Quote: “Dating was not on my radar… these little people needed me.” (Jerry Flowers, 07:18)

2. Family, Loss, and Resilience

• Loss and Single Motherhood
  • Gerri opens up about the loss of not only her husband but also her son.
  • She shares her pragmatic mindset: “I never said, why me. Never said that. Because my philosophy was, why not me?” (07:18)
• Children’s Support
  • Her kids encouraged her to seize this new stage: “Mom, you have given us so much. It is your time.” (08:24)
  • Joyful anecdote about her son noticing she was laughing again when preparing for the show.

3. Making Time for Herself and Embracing a New Chapter

• Refocusing on Herself
  • For the first time in 18 years, Gerri decides to do something for herself, describing the feeling as both freeing and a little ‘selfish’ (in a good way).
    Quote: “Now I can be… selfish. And do something for Jerry… it’s really about me.” (Jerry Flowers, 11:37–11:40)
• Age as Empowerment
  • Gerri reveals she’s about to turn 65 and celebrates it: “I’m freaking proud of you.” (12:40)

4. Prepping for “The Golden Bachelor”

• Keeping It Secret
  • Told only a small circle (including her kids and hairdresser!).
  • Adjusted plans based on her grandson’s birthdate—committed to family first. (19:41)
• First Impressions & Nerves
  • Worried about her hat staying put and not her nerves.
    Memorable moment: “My only thing was that hat. That was the only thing that was making me nervous.” (21:42)
  • Genuine excitement meeting Mel (the Golden Bachelor): “I felt butterflies. Who feels butterflies at 64 years old?” (Jerry Flowers, 21:11)
  • Playful aside about her “body parts talking” to her when feeling chemistry. (21:17)

5. Inside the Mansion: Dynamics, Rooms, and Friendship

• About the Other Women
  • Gerri describes the women as “gorgeous” but stresses self-confidence: “We are all fearfully and beautifully made. So don’t compare yourself.” (21:52)
• Building Bonds
  • Her room was “the party room;” jokes about the smallest room being the most popular.
    Quote: “We were like the party room, to the point the handlers used to say, are you guys OK?” (39:03)
• Friendship & Support
  • Gerri brings a spiritual, supportive role—offering prayers for others (Jeremiah 29). (40:10)
  • Distinct absence of jealousy: made friends and kept peace even when other contestants (like Nicole) were more assertive romantically.

6. Competitiveness, Confidence & the Dating Process

• Healthy Competition
  • Acknowledges there’s “a little competitive” energy, but focuses on self-assurance: “If you’re confident in yourself, he’ll see me.” (46:09)
• Dating in Your 60s
  • Gerri claims it’s “easier” now—less falling for old lines, more directness.
    Quote: “You’re not falling for the lines…you can see through the…BS.” (23:43–23:49)
• Positive View on Reality Romance
  • She and the hosts affirm that the process, even on TV, can foster real connections—overcoming skeptics.
  • Endearing anecdote: “My husband walked down the…hospital going to see a sick patient. I saw him and was like, oh my God, I have got to marry that man.” (46:57)

7. Memorable Moments in the Mansion

• Cheerleading Group Date
  • Fun and chaos with a Paula Abdul group date, switching from athletic gear to cheer outfits.
    “We thought we’re gonna play flag football…We had no idea. So when she came out…it was like, Oh, my goodness.” (30:01)
  • Supportive atmosphere: experienced dancers helping others, camaraderie among women.
• Night One & Rose Ceremonies
  • Surprised by receiving the first impression rose: “Are you kidding me? I was floored. I couldn’t even say…Did he just call my name? Yeah. Really?” (24:09)
  • Confidence after symbolic moments (like Mel’s burgundy suit): “That was my husband’s school, Morehouse College…I got a rose.” (43:18)
• Coping with Eliminations
  • Emotional farewells; Gerri never speculated on who would leave, kept it “about enjoying the moment.” (44:53–45:18)

8. Reflections on the Golden Bachelor Experience

• Growth & Affirmation
  • For hosts Susan and Kathy, and now Gerri, the show brought renewed self-love, confidence, and purpose.
  • Gerri reiterates, “I hope they see that about me…they can do this. Take it one second at a time…and just go and have fun.” (44:20)
• Message for Women at Any Age
  • “We’re strong, sassy, and sexy. That’s us.” (51:51)
  • Joyful message: “It’s not over in your 60s. It’s just beginning, you know, and share that message, and people will love you.” (Susan, 51:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On resilience:
  “Why not me?” – Gerri Flowers on her response to life’s adversity. (07:18)
• On family support:
  “Mom, you have given us so much. It is your time.” – Gerri recalls her children’s encouragement. (08:24)
• On romantic chemistry:
  “Who feels butterflies at 64 years old?” – Gerri, when seeing Mel for the first time. (21:11)
• On confidence:
  “If you’re confident in yourself, he’ll see me.” – Gerri on competition in the mansion. (46:09)
• On the show’s value:
  “It’s not over in your 60s. It’s just beginning…” – Susan, affirming life after loss and new beginnings. (51:31)
• Signature phrase:
  “We’re strong, sassy, and sexy.” – Gerri, encapsulating the spirit of the Golden Hour cast. (51:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:24 – Gerri introduces herself and her background
• 07:18 – Discussing widowhood, loss of her son, and resilience
• 08:24 – Children encourage Gerri that it’s “her time”
• 11:37 – Admitting it’s finally about herself
• 12:40 – Owning her age with pride
• 19:41 – Preparing for the show; keeping it secret
• 21:11 – Butterflies meeting Mel / Playful chemistry declaration
• 24:09 – Her shock at receiving the first impression rose
• 29:55 – Paula Abdul cheerleading date: surprises and support
• 39:03 – Party room memories and new friendships
• 40:10 – Supporting fellow contestants with prayer
• 43:18 – Confidence after symbolic moment (“burgundy suit”/rose)
• 44:20 – Empowering message to women: “they can do this”
• 51:51 – Closing mantra: “We’re strong, sassy, and sexy.”

Episode Takeaways

• Gerri’s journey is a testament to resilience, female empowerment, and rediscovering romance at any age.
• The “Golden Bachelor” experience is as much about sisterhood and self-growth as it is about finding love.
• Listeners are left with the encouragement to own their story, be vulnerable, and embrace new adventures—no matter their life chapter.

Listen to Bachelor Happy Hour’s Golden Hour on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.