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Sophie Cunningham
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Podcast Advertiser
Hey, everyone.
Joe
Welcome back to Bet yout Happy Hour. I'm Joe.
Serena
And I'm Serena.
Joe
And we are here today with a little New Year's Eve episode. Just Serena and I chatting it up, talking about this year, next year, and all the things in between.
Serena
Yeah, let's do it. We're gonna get into 2025, a little bit about us and our year, and then we're gonna do a little bit about the podcast and our 2025 recap.
Joe
And review all the things in between. Okay, so let's get. Let's get personal. 2025 personal. I'm gonna. I'm gonna start. You want to go question for question here?
Serena
Nah, you just do it.
Podcast Advertiser
Okay. Okay.
Joe
You ready?
Serena
I'm ready. Let's do it.
Joe
All right, let's start with this year as a whole. When you think back on it, what word would you use to describe it?
Serena
Oh, my God. Probably transitional.
Joe
Transitional.
Serena
Yeah.
Joe
Okay.
Serena
I got my green card this year.
Joe
You did?
Serena
I've done a lot of transitioning.
Joe
You have?
Serena
From Toronto to here. It feels like despite the fact that I've lived in New York for four years, this felt like a big transition year on a personal level for me. And professionally, I made some changes this year.
Joe
Yeah.
Serena
That have also felt very transitional. So, yeah, I feel like it's a good word. I turned. How old did I turn this year? 28.
Joe
28.
Serena
People say when you turn 27, you develop like this sense of clarity, of like, what is serving you and what isn't serving you. And I definitely feel like I felt that when I turned 27, I felt like I went into 2025 because I have like a late October birthday. Being like, okay, I kind of have a vision for this year. And actually I Feel like I executed kind of like all the things that I went into this year wanting to do and some things, you know, surprises or some things got decided like later in the year. But I think overall everything worked out very well and will hopefully continue to work out very well.
Joe
Yeah, I didn't, Yeah, I didn't love this year personally. I thought it was. I actually found it to be quite stressful. Yeah, it's actually been more stressful, as I would say. Like it wasn't like the middle of the year was chill, like summer was chill. And it was more like since.
Podcast Advertiser
Like.
Joe
Fall has hit, which usually is like the opposite for us. But I have, yeah, I've been like very anxiety ridden and very stressed out. So I'm actually looking forward to midnight.
Serena
Yeah, I, I wouldn't disagree. I think this has been a big year for both of us for a lot of different reasons. But transition comes with a lot of stress and change comes with a lot of stress and decision making comes with a lot of stress and I think all good things. But I'm looking forward to a less transitional 2026 actually and kind of trying to sink into, I don't know, just like sinking into a place where we feel a little more. I actually just don't want to transition next year, I guess is what I'm saying. You know, like we did a lot this year, it feels like, and I am just hoping to reap the benefits of those decisions next year.
Joe
Yeah, that's fair. That's fair. Yeah. What's one moment from this year that really stands out to you?
Serena
I would say. Well, getting my green card was huge. I mean that was like a two and a half year journey.
Joe
Yeah.
Serena
And that was just like. Yeah, a huge, huge moment in my year that I was working towards for so long and our trip to Japan and South Korea, I mean, really unforgettable.
Joe
Yeah, that was a big one.
Serena
Yeah. And we've been talking about doing that since we got together. It's been like a dream trip of mine and I'm just so glad we did it this year.
Joe
Yeah, I agree, I agree with both of those. Just like even like the montreal of it all of going to get your green card then having. Getting denied at first because we didn't have the. Some of the right paperwork having to go back. My brother got married this year.
Podcast Advertiser
Yeah.
Serena
So that was an amazing.
Joe
There was that. So probably.
Podcast Advertiser
Yeah.
Serena
Your best man speech.
Joe
My best man speech. What surprised you most about this year, either personally or professionally?
Serena
Finally surprised me most.
Joe
It really surprised me how painful it would be to lose a toenail from the marathon two months later.
Serena
Yeah. Joe, a few weeks ago, had his big toe cut off. Sorry. His big toenail.
Joe
Oh. They had to stick a needle in there, numb it five times, slice it open. I watched the whole thing. I almost passed out. I was horrible.
Serena
Yeah.
Joe
Really has. Has made me really consider running marathons in the future. Like, it is.
Serena
I mean, it is so hard on your body. Not just your body. Like anyone that runs a marathon, the impact on your body is intense. I mean, there's no doubt about it.
Joe
It's one thing to deal with, like, you know, being sore and everything for, like, a week after and all that. Like, that's. But like, then when we linger on for, like, a couple months where, like, not. I have, like, a toenail that's half off. I gotta go get it removed. And then, like, the pain of that, I'm like, all right. Like, I. I love it. Like, pain, no game, whatever. But, like, no, no, I don't. I'm not. I'm not a professional athlete. I don't need to do it. So.
Serena
Yeah. So stay tuned for him running the marathon 2026. Because I just feel like. Feel like it's one of those things, like, you know how they say pregnant women give birth and it's, like, incredibly painful, but you get this rush of endorphins after you give birth that kind of makes you forget how painful it was. And because of that, women can do it again and again and again. Yeah, I feel like that happens with the marathon, too. Like, I feel like for three months after, you're like, that was so hard. My body took such a beating. And then all of a sudden, August rolls around and you're like, why wouldn't I do it again?
Joe
I sometimes think. Think about the act of having a baby of, like, the, like, delivering a child. Just, like, carry. Not even just delivering it. Carrying it for nine months has to a. Be so uncomfortable.
Serena
Yes.
Joe
It just has to be. Like, I would be. That would be, like, driving me insane. How uncomfortable that has to be. And then pushing it out of such a small.
Serena
Okay. Pushing it out of your body.
Joe
Pushing it out of your body. It is so, like, just that, like, if you actually sit back and just think about what's happening, it is so insane. It's, like, so wild. It is. It's. It's.
Serena
Yeah. Women are just out here making people.
Joe
Making people. It's crazy.
Serena
Yeah. We are really all just, you know, animals.
Joe
Okay, last question. That will jump to 2025. Podcast. Okay, what's something you're more intentional about in your relationships now than you were a year ago? Choose wisely.
Serena
Something that you're more intentional about in your relationship.
Joe
Yes.
Serena
I think for us, I was actually just thinking about this today is having a balance between work time together and personal time together. Yeah, we struggle with that. Which is fine because we both love working. We love working together, but we both work from home together in our apartment that we live in. So there's like no boundaries. Which most of the time is fine. But I think that's something that we are starting to become more intentional about and can get even better at next year.
Joe
Which is Serena's way of telling me to chill out. No.
Podcast Advertiser
Which is fair because I have an off switch.
Serena
He really doesn't.
Joe
And no, I don't. And it keeps me up at night.
Serena
Yeah, and it's not good for you either. I'll wake up in the middle of the night and he'll be like on his email at 2 in the morning.
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Public Investing Advertiser
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Serena
Okay, but wait, there's another question on here. I'm gonna ask. Ready?
Podcast Advertiser
All right.
Joe
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Serena
And you have to answer, too. What are you becoming more intentional about with your relationships?
Joe
With my relationships?
Serena
It doesn't even have to be with me.
Joe
Yeah, I. I think it's. I think it's more about. I feel like I do a good job of this, but I think it's just. Just spending, you know, quality time with, you know, friends, family, and just, like, enjoying, you know, relationships in person.
Serena
In person?
Joe
Yeah.
Serena
That's nice.
Joe
Yeah, I think it's just like.
Serena
I know.
Podcast Advertiser
I think I want to try to.
Joe
Be able to like something that I enjoyed this year that I didn't get to do too much of, but I do enjoy. Like, next year I'm gonna prioritize, like, being able to golf a little more with my friends.
Serena
I can't even believe you just said that. I feel like that's actually insane.
Joe
I feel like that is something that's quite important.
Serena
Yeah, I know, you know, you feel.
Joe
That way, but, yeah, I do think that's a good. A good, great thing.
Serena
Okay, wait, one more before. No. And I reject everything you just said, but one more question that will go on to podcast. Is there a habit or mindset you're leaving behind in this past year? Okay, so I, in the end of this year, have been really working on my relationship with my phone. I got a hatch alarm clock so that I don't sleep with my phone beside my bed. And Joe and I have been puzzling at nighttime so that we have something to do when we watch TV that's not scroll on Instagram. But I want to continue. I don't know if I'll be able to leave that in 2025, because I just don't think that's realistic. But I want to continue working on my relationship with phone and social media. I actually don't feel like I have an unhealthy relationship with social media in terms of, like, a comparison mindset. I just feel like I genuinely reach for it, like, as a. Like, a thoughtless habit that I don't need to, like. I'll get in an elevator and I'll try to open Instagram. What are you doing? You're going down seven floors? Like, that's insane. Yeah, so I want to work on that. And I Want to my other habit that I.
Joe
So this is like a. This is also like hybrid of a New Year's resolution type thing.
Serena
Yeah, this is a hybrid of a New Year's resolution. And my other one I think would be. I don't know. I want to work on like keeping a less cluttered environment. I do think we're actually pretty tidy but I just think I could. I let things pile up and then I do like a big tidy. Just trying to be more disciplined of being on top of it is a habit I want to leave in 2025.
Joe
I love that for you.
Serena
What about you?
Joe
I think that would be great. Be great for me as well. I will say that I need to like. The truth is I am very much a free spirit. More of. I'm more of, you know, just like hippie esque. Like I'm very chill person.
Serena
No, you're not. You are and you aren't. Like you are and you aren't.
Joe
No, I am. And sometimes I lose that side of me because I have. I have serious psychological issues with constantly worrying about.
Podcast Advertiser
Things going wrong.
Serena
Even intense level and anxiety.
Joe
I just can't Like I am instant. Like I go through pockets of every year. When I say pockets.
Podcast Advertiser
Months.
Joe
Just internally and outwardly panicking about things that just are A out of my control and B, like I do this every year and every year it's fine and I keep doing it. So I need to work on going back to who I truly am. Which you know is definitely more on the hippie chill.
Serena
I don't even know where you are not chill or free spirited. And I can be. But I wouldn't say you are at your core.
Joe
Yeah. And I want to. I need to spend a little more. I need to prioritize like more nature.
Serena
I love that. I would love to spend more time in nature.
Joe
I need, I need more time in nature to get back to my core of who.
Podcast Advertiser
Who.
Serena
Who you want to be.
Joe
I. Not who I want to be, who I really am.
Serena
I just don't know why you think you're a chill, free spirited person.
Joe
Like I am so chill.
Serena
I would say you're chill with me. And I like relationship in general. But as a person, you're pretty. You got some big feelings and that's okay. I love that about you.
Public Investing Advertiser
Yeah.
Joe
But it's, it's, it's. It's about how I express those feelings.
Serena
Yes, everyone has process those feelings.
Joe
Everyone has big feelings.
Serena
Yeah, but you have a lot of big feelings in one day that are very different from One another.
Podcast Advertiser
They fight with each other.
Joe
Okay, let's talk a little bit about 2025 podcast and. Okay, so now let's. We're going to Review Happy Hour 2025. All right, so when you look back on this year, what's a conversation or guest that really stood out to you?
Serena
Oh, my God. Are we doing our 2025 Bachelor Happy Hour wrapped? I love a wrapped.
Joe
Yeah. Okay, let's. Give me one.
Serena
Okay, wait, can I just tell you something? My number one Uber eats order on my Uber wrapped this year was Chipotle, and I really would love for them to send me a gold, but I was only in the top 10%, and I think if I get into the top, like, 3%, maybe they'll do it. Chipotle, if you're listening, how do you see your rapt. You go to Uber. It was there, and it's called your Uber.
Joe
I mean, I'm on you.
Serena
Do you see it?
Podcast Advertiser
No.
Serena
Oh, it might be gone now. You might have missed it.
Joe
I might have missed it.
Serena
But this is the Bachelor Happy hour 2025 wrapped, kind of.
Joe
Okay.
Serena
Which is so fun.
Joe
All right, so is there. When you look back on this year, is there a conversation or guest that really stood out? And now when we talk about this year, we have Grant, season of the Bachelor, and then no Bachelorette Yes. Bachelor in paradise, and Golden.
Serena
Yes.
Joe
And then obviously, like, the in betweens, people that we know that have come on, if any of those conversations stood out to you. So, um, yeah.
Podcast Advertiser
What would it.
Joe
What would it be?
Serena
I'm gonna have to go with our interview with Jeremy. We got to do that in person at the I Heart Studio in New York, which was really nice for us because we don't get to do a lot of interviews in person. And I mean, I hate to say it was fun for us because he was, like, really going through it, and there was a lot of opinions about his time on the show and the way he was acting. But I do love it when we get the opportunity to give someone who's kind of in the heat of, like, who's going through it, going through it, and, like, in the fire to sit down with them and give them the space to share their story and how they're handling it. Yeah, how they're handling it. What they're going through. I think it. He was, you know, he was open to being honest with us, and we were excited to give him that space. And we like Jeremy. And, yeah, I just thought that that felt good being like, oh, like, we're Gonna use this podcast to give this guy his moment. And that opportunity doesn't always present itself.
Joe
I completely agree. I agree. That's a good, that's a good call. And there is just something about interviewing people in person that it just makes it like we could have good conversations over Zoom. And we, we do, but it just makes it a more. I just feel like the guest is more comfortable.
Sophie Cunningham
I totally.
Joe
Because sometimes you can't always pick up on our energy over, you know, this little laptop screen. And yeah, I think people could come on and be very, like, cautious of just us.
Serena
Yeah.
Joe
And it just, it makes it harder for people to want to open up, which I, I totally understand. So it, there is that connection in person.
Serena
Yeah.
Joe
And yeah, it looks like Bailey and Jeremy are still really happy. So happy for them.
Podcast Advertiser
Okay, listen, if you're even thinking about a vacation, I've got four words for you. Virgin Voyages, Caribbean Cruises. Because these cruises, they are totally next level. Honestly, you should book one right now to top line it. Beautiful destinations, best food at sea, and luxury that will make you wonder why you ever tolerated buffets and screaming children. You heard that, right. It's kid free. And just thinking about that is relaxing. We're talking about amazing destinations like Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Virgin even has its own private beach club in Bimini. I mean, come on. Then there's the food. There are so many different options. All of them are quite literally multi award winning. And with over a thousand bucks of luxury inclusions, the value is ridiculous. Wi Fi, soda, 20 plus legit restaurants, group workouts and entertainment. No surprise charges, no nickel and diming. Just good times. They've got DJs, theme parties, live music. Something's always going on. And when you're ready to relax, your cabin is your sanctuary. Ocean views, private terrace, signature red hammock. Go check it out@virgin voyages.com or hit up your travel advisor. You deserve this. Big things are happening at your local cvs.
Joe
Extra big.
Podcast Advertiser
So hurry on over because extra big deals are here. These are deals so extra that they absolutely cannot be missed. And every two weeks, there's going to be more. So you've got to keep coming back so you can keep on saving on all the brands and products you and your family use every day. And speaking of saving, extra care is the way to save at cvs. So use your extra care card to unlock savings every time you shop. And if you're not a member yet, now is the time to join. And the best part, it's completely free. Just sign up online or in store, and you'll start saving instantly. And always be sure to check the CVS Health app for deals and savings. Visit your local CVS store or cvs.com extrabigdeals to shop this week's deals and stock up on your favorite products.
LG Gram Advertiser
Did you know Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop, voted PCMag's Reader's Choice top laptop brand for 2025. Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere, and Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved.
Public Investing Advertiser
Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available@public.com Disclosures A new year.
Washington Post Advertiser
Is on the horizon and your 2026 savings start here. Right now you can access the Washington post for just $2 every four weeks. Head into the new year with six months of savings at the special intro rate. After that, it'll cost $12 every four weeks. Cancel anytime. You'll get unlimited access to trusted journalism that helps you understand the year ahead and the world around you. Now's the perfect time to subscribe because great habits and great savings start together. Go to washingtonpost.com iheart that's washingtonpost.com iheart and start your year informed with the Post.
Joe
What's something about hosting the podcast this year that people might not realize.
Serena
I mean, there's so much. I feel like we don't really dive into the behind the scenes of this podcast or how it works. I guess something people might not realize, and maybe they do, is like, we fully set up and take down a podcast studio in our living room every single time we record this. Like, we have a light on us right now. We have, like, full blown mic stands. We have systems attached to a work laptop. Like, we're doing our audio on GarageBand. Like, we do. There's, like a whole set in here right now to record this podcast that we literally set up and take down every recording.
Joe
It's also a very chaotic space right now, too, with, like, the Christmas tree and the lights and then Joe's laundry. Yeah, there's a lot going on.
Serena
There's a lot going on off camera in this space.
LG Gram Advertiser
Yeah.
Serena
But we do our best to make it look cute.
Joe
Yeah.
Serena
On zoom.
Joe
And then you obviously always want to prep for anyone that you're interviewing, Even though, like, we watch them on the show, you want to get a little, you know, background into them. But sometimes I like to do less because I like to learn as I go, like, on the spot, because I'm a very free spirited, curious, very curious person that when someone says something that I find intriguing, I want to know more.
Serena
Yeah.
Joe
Curious George.
Serena
Curious. Curious Joe over here.
Joe
I'm losing my mind. Is there something you've learned as a host about listening, asking questions, or just showing up for our conversations? I could go first on that.
Serena
Okay.
Joe
Yeah, I. I would say from doing this podcast and interviewing people, definitely. I've learned just. I don't think I was a really judgy person ever going into this, but, like, you know, always, always sitting here being aware that there are two sides to every story. And even if the person is wrong, you know, people make mistakes. And, like, I think it's just going into every conversation not being judgmental because it's easy to do. And you watch some and, like, what reality TV is great at is making you feel a certain way about a certain person. And it's like, these are people and they're going through it. And even if they're not aware of the mistake they made, like, you know, let's take it easy. So I. I think it's just, like, giving people as much grace as possible because none of us are perfect. And, like, yeah, sure, it's easy for us now because we were a successful story on the show and everything went really well. For us. And we are in control of this podcast, so we could kind of, you know, we have a little more control, but, like, it's, you know, being able to just, like, understand, like, hey, it's just not as easy for some people, and some people don't get as lucky as we did, and that's just to just be like, mindful of that.
Serena
Yeah. I feel like anyone that comes on this podcast, we never have any preconceived plan to paint them in a certain life or light or make them come off a certain way. Like, we really want to be a blank canvas for them to come on and tell their story their way so that people can see their point of view.
Joe
Yeah.
Serena
I think that my thing, from a more, like, logistical perspective is being prepared with questions and, like, the main things that we want to get to the bottom of and ask these people. Obviously, we want to be prepared and, like, know what the big topics are that we need to cover. But when they're answering a question, like, not being like, okay, we need to talk about this next. So, like, we're ask this next, like, really listening to what they're saying and letting their answer guide us into what our next question is.
Joe
Yeah.
Serena
So it doesn't just feel like question, answer, question, answer, of trying to make it feel. Feel fluid and like a conversation. And, you know, if they say something interesting in their answer, like, pulling that thread.
Joe
Yeah. And I think that that is one of the more challenging that's.
Serena
I still struggle with that sometimes.
Joe
And that's also the challenging part of zoom and. And over and not in person interviews, because.
Serena
Doesn't feel as intimate or personal.
Joe
It just makes it harder to get, like, it makes it harder for the conversation to flow more organically and be able to pull things when zoom is involved.
Public Investing Advertiser
Cool.
Joe
Let's go one more, and then we will wrap this thing. Has doing this podcast changed how you think about Bachelor Nation or the people who come out of it? I've kind of always had, for the most part, the same thoughts as far as, like, everyone's like. Like, I've. I don't even know if I've ever had a. A bad interaction with anybody off the show that I've. That. That's been on the show. Like, even if you watch somebody, you're like, that person's a dick. Like, I don't think I've ever had a bad.
Serena
Yeah, I would say I'm pretty much always pleasantly surprised by our guests.
Joe
Yeah.
Serena
And, like, I think that's a good thing for people watching to keep in mind is like, even if you think you can't stand this person, you'll probably meet them in person and be like, oh, never mind. Like they're great.
Joe
Definitely. Definitely great. Well, that wraps it. That is a 2025. Make sure you download and subscribe to Bachelor Happy Hour and everyone have a Happy New Year's Eve and good luck for 2026.
Serena
We hope you stay safe and you ring in the New Year however you wish to in the best way possible. Thanks for listening for the last year with us. Happy 2025. And here's to an amazing 2026. We'll have new and specific interviews for you guys every single week. Thanks for listening.
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Joe
Guaranteed human.
In this reflective New Year’s Eve episode, hosts Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt look back on 2025—sharing personal highlights, challenges, lessons learned, and their favorite Bachelor Happy Hour podcast moments of the year. With their signature banter and warmth, they tackle topics like major life transitions, work-life balance, behind-the-scenes realities of podcasting, and the transformative power of sharing contestants’ stories. Full of candid insights and memorable moments, this year-end wrap-up is equal parts personal reflection and love letter to Bachelor Nation.
Word of the Year
Standout Moments of 2025
Surprises of the Year
Joe’s marathon aftermath:
“It really surprised me how painful it would be to lose a toenail from the marathon two months later." (08:19 – Joe)
He details the ordeal of losing and removing his toenail, which makes him question running future marathons (08:36).
Serena’s marathon analogy:
“I feel like that happens with the marathon, too. ... For three months after, you're like, that was so hard. ... And then all of a sudden, August rolls around and you're like, why wouldn’t I do it again?” (09:32 – Serena)
Discussion on childbirth:
Joe marvels at what women go through to have children: “Women are just out here making people. It's crazy.” (10:55 – Joe & Serena)
Relationship Intentions & Growth
Habits and Mindsets to Leave Behind
Favorite Guest or Conversation
In-person interview with Jeremy (23:48):
Serena’s favorite was interviewing Jeremy during a “heated” period for him on the show, giving him the chance to share his side openly on the podcast.
Podcast studio “wrapped” joke:
Serena jokes about her “Uber Eats Wrapped,” transitioning to their own “Bachelor Happy Hour 2025 Wrapped” segment. She confesses playing for a Chipotle gold card for the high number of orders (22:31–23:12).
Behind-the-Scenes of the Podcast
Hosting Lessons Learned
Evolving Perspective on Bachelor Nation
The episode is relaxed, candid, supportive, and humorous—reflecting the couple’s chemistry. Both hosts bring authenticity to discussions of the challenges faced in both their relationship and their roles as Bachelor Nation commentators. At every turn, their message is about growth, empathy, and the value of honest, open conversation.
Whether you want insights on managing transitions, crave behind-the-scenes podcast details, or are just a diehard Bachelor Nation fan, Joe and Serena’s “2025 Wrapped” is full of laughs, lessons, and warmth. This year-in-review installment offers relatable reflections and an inside look at how the podcast keeps Bachelor Nation human and hopeful—one honest conversation at a time.