Juliana Part 1 — Her New Man and New Chapter? | Golden Hour

Summary

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Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour

Episode: Juliana Part 1 — Her New Man and New Chapter?
Air Date: July 9, 2026
Hosts: Susan & Kathy
Guest: Juliana Pascaressa

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Overview

This episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour, “Golden Hour,” welcomes Bachelor Nation alum Juliana Pascaressa for a warm, personal chat about her life post-show. Juliana shares insights on her new relationship, career shifts, lessons from The Bachelor, and her evolving sense of self. The conversation is candid, supportive, and full of laughs, with Juliana opening up about moving to New York, launching a family-inspired clothing label, and managing her privacy after reality TV. It’s an episode rich with heartfelt reflections and practical advice for anyone navigating public life, new relationships, or big personal changes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Warm Welcome & Small Town Connections

• Susan & Kathy are recording together in Philadelphia, sharing their thrill at having Juliana on the show.
  • Kathy reveals a personal connection through Juliana’s uncle, highlighting the interconnectedness of their hometown, Newton, MA.
    • [03:27] Kathy: "She is one of our most wonderful Bachelor Nation alums and from my hometown, Newton, Massachusetts, Juliana Pascaressa!"

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Juliana’s Life Update: Love and Location

• New York Move:
  • Juliana reveals she has recently moved to New York with her new partner, Michael, signifying a big life shift.
    • [04:54] Juliana: “Life has been really great to me. A lot of newness, a lot of exciting stuff, some big changes.… I’m a New Yorker now.”
• How She Met Michael:
  • They met at a Hamptons event last summer; Michael organized the event, and they quickly hit it off.
    • [05:40] “I met Michael last summer at an event...he put on the whole event, and we met and we stayed in touch. He stuck around. He didn’t let me go, which made me really happy.”
• Relationship Status and Boundaries:
  • The hosts press for engagement or marriage news. Juliana is open but draws firm boundaries, saying she’s still figuring out what she’s comfortable sharing with the public.
    • [07:37] Juliana: “There’s a lot of really fun and exciting things coming up this year that I will, you know, keep everybody in the loop on.”

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Career Shift: Launching Nice Girls Label

• Entrepreneurial Focus:
  • Juliana left her 9-to-5 and now focuses on her clothing brand, Nice Girls Label, launched with her sister as a tribute to their grandmother.
    • [08:56] “It’s called Nice Girls Label…My sister and I started it in honor of my grandmother. Her phrase was, it’s nice to be nice.”
  • The brand features comfortable loungewear and had a recent launch at the St. Mary of Carmen’s Italian Festa in Newton.
    • [09:33] It’s available online at nicegirlslabel.com.

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Reflections on The Bachelor Experience

• Relationships with Fellow Cast:
  • She’s closest to Ali Jo, reflecting on mutual support during and after the show.
    • [15:10] “Ali Jo is my number one girl.”
• Growth and Lessons:
  • Juliana shares gratitude for the personal growth she experienced, emphasizing self-reliance and confidence gained from being in a unique, pressured environment.
    • [16:11] “I led with compassion to the best that I could, and I tried to give absolutely everybody grace, including myself… I feel stronger. I feel more confident in myself.”
  • She credits the experience with enabling her to take bold steps, like moving to New York.
    • [17:10] "It kind of helped…even being able to consider and actually moving to New York."

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Maintaining Privacy in the Public Eye

• Deliberate Public-Private Balance:
  • Juliana is candid about her preference for privacy, highlighting the challenges of sharing personal developments post-Bachelor.
    • [18:46] “I do really want, you know, marriage and a kids and a family, and I’m still navigating how much I’m comfortable sharing.”
  • She affirms not feeling obliged to overshare just because of her time on TV.
    • [19:55] “Just because I…was sharing a part of my life…doesn’t mean that I have to carry that responsibility on after the fact.”

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Handling Rumors and Misconceptions

• Rumors Addressed:
  • Juliana clarifies common misconceptions, including rumors of being a “mean girl” or wanting to “win” The Bachelor at all costs.
    • [31:41] “There were rumors that I was like a mean girl…I have a point where I’m just like, listen, like, let’s just say it like it is.”
    • [32:37] “They were like, saying that I was so, you know, giggly…that, you know, I just wanted to win. And I’m somebody that easily falls in love…if you ask my friends and family, it’s the complete opposite.”
• On Comparison & Insecurity in Bachelor Mansion:
  • She describes the pressures of being in the public gaze and the competitive environment among contestants.
    • [33:47] “You put 20 beautiful girls up against each other in one room, it’s like, there’s got to be some inner dialogue… it’s a tough environment.”

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Lessons in Kindness and Communication

• Grace and Compassion:
  • Juliana’s guiding principle is holding onto composure and kindness, even under stress or provocation.
    • [22:43] “Grace and compassion and composure will take you farther than anything else in this world… I held my head high the best that I could, and just tried to really lead with love and make my family proud.”
• Kindness Does Not Equal Weakness:
  • She unpacks what it means to be “nice,” balancing compassion with assertiveness.
    • [30:29] “You can be a strong person and say things how it is, but sometimes it is in the delivery…You can be strong… but I’m also not gonna stoop low just to meet how you’re making me feel.”

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Love Story Details: Michael & Juliana

• How They Met:
  • At an “influencer weekend,” Juliana felt instantly comfortable with Michael, sticking by his side during the event.
    • [36:16] “I was like, glued to his hip basically the whole weekend.”
• Connection:
  • Michael told friends he would marry her that very weekend.
    • [37:32] “He actually told people that weekend…‘I’m gonna marry this girl. This girl’s my wife.’”
• What She Loves About Him:
  • His caring, intentional nature and the way he resembles her father in being supportive and comforting.
    • [39:44] “He’s very caring…he’s aware and he’s always got my back… Mike is just like [my dad]."
• New Family Ties:
  • Michael has a four-year-old son, anchoring them in New York but Juliana remains close to her family in Boston.

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Dating in the Modern World

• Views on Dating Apps & Meeting People:
  • Juliana discusses the confusing landscape of dating apps and how intentions are now less clear. She values genuine connection over quick matches.
    • [34:49] “Nowadays it’s like, where are people meeting when they’re…trying to date?...I had a conniption when I went back on the dating apps after Bachelor…”
    • [35:45] “[Short term] means dinner, drinks, dinner, and hopefully sex.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He stuck around. He didn’t let me go, which made me really happy.” — Juliana, on Michael [05:40]
• “It’s called Nice Girls Label…Her phrase was, it’s nice to be nice.” — Juliana [08:57]
• “I think challenging is the word, but I feel stronger. I feel more confident in myself, and, you know, I’m thankful for the opportunity.” — Juliana [16:11]
• “Just because I…was sharing a part of my life…doesn’t mean that I have to carry that responsibility on after the fact.” — Juliana [19:55]
• “Grace and compassion and composure will take you farther than anything else in this world.” — Juliana [22:43]
• “You can be strong and you can say you’re not gonna, you know, you’re not gonna talk to me like that. I’m not gonna take disrespect, but I’m also not gonna stoop low just to meet how you’re making me feel.” — Juliana [30:29]
• “[Michael] is just like my dad. Anything good happened in my life, I’m calling my dad. Anything bad happened, I’m calling my dad…Mike is just like him.” — Juliana [40:19]
• “My mom has always…said to me, she’s like, when you meet your person, it’s all gonna just happen so fast.” — Juliana [38:39]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:27 — Introduction of Juliana & hometown connections
• 04:54 — Juliana’s life update: New York move, new partner
• 05:40 — How Juliana met Michael
• 07:37 — Relationship status and privacy boundaries
• 08:56 — Launching Nice Girls Label
• 15:10 — Friendships post-Bachelor
• 16:11 — Insights and growth from show experience
• 18:46 — Navigating public/private balance after reality TV
• 22:43 — Lessons in grace, compassion, and composure
• 31:41 — Addressing “mean girl” and “wanting to win” rumors
• 34:49 — On dating apps and meeting people authentically
• 36:16 — The story of meeting Michael
• 39:44 — What draws Juliana to Michael
• 40:19 — The role and influence of her father
• 41:32 — Permanent move to New York and family considerations

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Tone and Takeaways

This episode is heartfelt, authentic, and filled with warmth. Juliana opens up about change, personal boundaries, and the lessons learned from public and private life transitions. She inspires listeners to pursue what feels right for them—whether that's moving to a new city, starting a business, or guarding their privacy—while rooting all decisions in kindness and self-respect.

Juliana’s resilient outlook, wise perspective on relationships, and commitment to staying grounded set a positive example for Bachelor Nation and anyone facing a new chapter.

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Transcript

[Susan]

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[Susan]

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[Kalpen (Referred to as Kalpen in transcript)]

Hey everyone, it's Kalpen. I'M inviting you to join the best sounding book club you've ever heard with my podcast, Hearsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. Every episode, I nerd out with amazing guests and dive into the best new audiobooks available on Audible. It's the book club for your ears. Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart audiobook club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Susan]

Welcome back to Golden Hour. I'm Susan and guess who's with me.

[Kathy]

Kathy. But here's what's special. Guess where we are.

[Susan]

Yes. We're at my house right outside of Philadelphia.

[Kathy]

She's in the next room recording. It's usually I'm in Texas and she's in Philly, but this week, we are both in Philadelphia. But today, someone who isn't with us, who we wish were with us, is.

[Susan]

I know. Can you imagine the three of us on the sofa right now? That would be.

[Kathy]

It'd be crazy. Okay. You can hear her laugh. She is one of our most wonderful Bachelor Nation alums and from my hometown, Newton, Massachusetts, Juliana Pascaressa. Are you impressed, Juliana? I can say your last name.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

I'm super impressed.

[Kalpen (Referred to as Kalpen in transcript)]

You?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Absolutely.

[Susan]

I was just that. I was exactly. That. I was just going to say. Took the words out of my mouth. I'm impressed. You said it perfectly.

[Kathy]

Okay, so, Juliana before. Welcome, Juliana before. The reason I know your name, Juliana, is we have to go over this. Your uncle Paul, right? Is your uncle?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yep.

[Kathy]

Went to school, Newton High School with my sister Debbie and all. I grew up. I'm younger than my sister Debbie was. She passed away. But all I ever heard was Paul Pascarosa this and Paul Pascarosa that. So next time you're talking to your uncle, I'd like to know. My sister was the cheerleader at New nya. I want to know what all the Paul this and Paul that was about. Will you see if you could find out for me, please?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Absolutely.

[CVS and Facetune Sponsor Voice]

Absolutely.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

I would say, small world, but I. You know, my dad has eight siblings, so I feel like everybody know somebody from. Yeah, he's one of eight.

[Susan]

So before we start quizzing you to death, tell us, how have you been? Where have you been? What have you been up to? Okay.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

All the things. Yeah, no, I mean, I've been. It's been good. Life has been really great to me. A lot of newness, a lot of exciting stuff, some big changes. But I'm a New Yorker now. We go back to Boston a lot to visit my family. Mike knows, you know, just how close and important my family is to me. So he's been awesome. Making the treks back a lot. We actually just got back to New York this morning.

[Susan]

Wait, can I interrupt? You said Mike.

[Kathy]

Yeah, you gotta back up, Juliana.

[Susan]

Yes.

[Kathy]

But some of Bachelor Nation has. You were in two public relationships since coming to Bachelor World. We know how the first one ended.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yes.

[Kathy]

Catch us up on the rest.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah, yeah. So, you know, I mean, I have to thank Bachelor Nation for this second one a little bit, because I wouldn't have met him if I wasn't in this kind of realm for a minute there. And I met Michael last summer at an event that I was invited to, and he was actually. He put on the whole event, and we met and we stayed in touch. And, you know, I was a little hesitant at first just because of, you know, everything I think I'd been through and the public, you know, world that I was kind of trying to figure out and navigate. And then, you know, he. He. He. He stuck around. You know, he didn't let me go, which made me really happy. And, you know, we've just been together ever since, kind of.

[Kathy]

Wait, is Michael from New York?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Michael's from New York. Yeah.

[Susan]

And why was he at this event? Was he working the event or.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

So he's an executive producer or director of Experiential for, you know, different brands.

[Susan]

Okay.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

And so there was an event in the Hamptons that he, you know, put on start to finish, and the management team that I was working with at the time had invited me to come stay in the house for the weekend. And so he was just there making sure everything was running smoothly. And that's where we met.

[Susan]

I love it.

[Kathy]

Wow. So, okay, so we'll back up a little bit, but there's been. So are you living now in New York and just going back and forth?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yes. So I moved full time to New York, actually, last month with him.

[Susan]

Yeah.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah.

[Susan]

Well, come on. You gotta spill.

[Kathy]

Hold on, Julie. I'm gonna hold up your left hand. Is anything on it?

[Susan]

Are we married? Are we engaged?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

So, you know, I think that I'm, like, still learning to, like, what I'm comfortable sharing. But, you know, there's a lot of really fun and exciting things coming up this year that I will, you know, keep everybody in the loop on.

[Susan]

Okay. Between the lines here.

[Kathy]

You look so happy. That is for. That is for sure.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

Wow.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

I appreciate that, too. I think, you know, that's been something that my family and my friends have been saying to me a lot lately, just that I look so happy. And, you know, I feel. I feel so happy, so.

[Kathy]

Well, you did share. To be fair, we're not digging too deep because you did share on a story that you were engagement ring shopping, which is why I thought maybe you'd like to hold up your left hand. But. But I'm guessing. I'm guessing her hands are glued in her lap right now.

[Susan]

Leave her alone. The answer is mind your business for now.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Just for now.

[Kathy]

Wow. Okay. So.

[Susan]

So are you working in New York?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Like, yeah. So, I mean, right now I'm focused on me and my sister's clothing brand, Nice Girls label. You know, I recently left my 9 to 5, so that's been kind of a big change for me too. But I feel, you know, really good about where things are going with that, and I'm still feeling.

[Susan]

What's the label?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

It's called Nice Girls label.

[Susan]

Nice Girls label. Let's get that out there.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah. My sister and I started it in honor of my grandmother. Her phrase was, it's nice to be n nice. And when she passed, we were like, how can we, you know, continue spreading that? And my sister and I, like, live in loungewear. So we were like, let's do, you know, some basic crew necks and joggers. They're amazing quality, very comfortable. And you need our address? Yes, please send it. I'll send it to you guys.

[Susan]

We gotta try this now.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah, I would love it.

[Kathy]

So are you online shop? Is it an online.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yep, it's. It's nicegirlslabel.com and yeah, we actually just did a new. A new launch a few days ago for the St. Mary of Carmen's Italian Festa. That happens down the lake in Newton.

[Kathy]

Oh, down the lake. You gotta explain to everybody what that means.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

See?

[Kathy]

Okay, well, it's like Philly cheesesteak down lake. Go ahead. What is it?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah, it's. It's known anthem Newton. And it is, you know, the Italian part of Newton. It's actually where I had my hometown. It's, you know, where I spend a lot of my time. A lot of my favorite restaurants are there. My hair salon, La Boutique, is down there. It's just a. It's an amazing community of people. It's It. And the festa is. I want to say it's like 90, 90, 92, 95th festa this year. It's July 14th to the 16th, so.

[Kathy]

Wow.

[Susan]

Yeah.

Can I just tell you, though, I was just at the big pool park there in Boston. We went to the Italian section for dinner. Yeah, I felt so at home.

[Kathy]

Were you in the North?

[Susan]

I fell in love.

[Kathy]

South end, north end. Where were you?

[Susan]

North end, north end.

[Kathy]

Want to see? I want to see if she knew.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

And next time you're there, if you haven't already, you have to go to Brico. It's our absolute favorite restaurant. And their espresso martinis are popped here

[Susan]

because she's definitely. Kathy has to come next time. My girlfriend said, didn't work out this

[Kathy]

time, but yeah, so I was so Juliana, I. The reason I wasn't in Boston with Susan and these other ladies that I know is because I was in New Jersey judging the Miss New Jersey pageant for Miss America pageant, which happens in September, which was a lot of fun, but it was so fun. Yeah, it was a plastic.

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[Susan]

Summer is basically here, which means it's time to decide if you want to go blonde, maybe become a redhead or chop your hair short. But before you encounter a hair disaster, try it out in Facetune first and see what it looks like before committing to the change. It's a lifesaver.

[CVS and Facetune Sponsor Voice]

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[Juliana Pascaressa]

Loving wide leg jeans.

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[Juliana Pascaressa]

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[Juliana Pascaressa]

Feeling Boho comfy sandals.

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[Juliana Pascaressa]

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[Kathy]

I want to know though, just going back to your bachelor experience because you're really good friends with Ali Jo, right? Yeah. Who else are you really good friends with from your time?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

I talk to Ali Jo the most. You know, we kind of are on the same path with, you know, our relationships moving in with each other. So it's really fun. And I was frequently going to Florida because I have some family down there and she's from, you know, or she moved down to Fort Lauderdale so we were always seeing each Other, it was easy to hang out, but, you know, mostly her. I mean, I stay in touch with a lot of the girls. I saw Alex at Coachella. I ran into Daisy, and I'd say, you know, here and there. I talked to Parisa, too, but Ali Jo is my number one girl that

[Susan]

she says we love her.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

So looking back. So looking back, just whenever you want to share, I mean, you. You are a beautiful, beautiful woman who clearly is on a very upward trending project trajectory, which we're thrilled to. But can you just kind of, now that you're stepped away from it, your bachelor experience, what would your overall comment be about it?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

You know, I think truly, I feel like I did the best that I could, that the world is so new and it's so tough to navigate a really unique situation. I think I led with compassion to the best that I could, and I tried to give absolutely everybody grace, including myself. And I think challenging is the word, but I feel stronger. I feel more confident in myself, and, you know, I'm thankful for the opportunity,

[Susan]

and that experience helped that. Am I right? I mean, Kathy and I felt the same way coming off the show. It was like, wow, I'm good people.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Susan]

You know, I'm doing okay. Even if I didn't find love it or for your sake, it didn't work out. But what it told you about yourself, and then to find the. The next person or the right person, you were ready. Like, it does. We have to be thankful for Bachelor, really, 100%.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

And, you know, everything does happen for a reason. Right. And I wouldn't be here today if I didn't have that experience. But I also think it kind of helped, like, on my pathway to even being able to consider and actually moving to New York, because I'm so close and, like, so tied at the hip with my family, and I rely a lot, and I always had on, like, their opinions and, like, you know, if there was a situation where I needed guidance, like, you know, I leaned on them so much. And so in that, like, filming process, I had to truly rely on myself. And even afterwards, it's like they didn't know what I'd been through. Right. And so I'm navigating emotions that they can't necessarily relate to. So, yeah, exactly. To your point, I feel definitely confident in myself, and I'm like, okay, I can do. So proud of you.

[Susan]

You grew up right in front of us.

[Kathy]

So, Juliana, you would you say it doesn't seem like you're as much in the public eye now, having been engaged to a lead, it sounds like you're more involved with your let. Your clothing line, Ed your. And Mike, how does it. Does it feel differently? Because your answer about your experience in Bachelor seems to be different than. I mean, I was never a lead. You know, it's not too late, but I've never been a lead. But I. Susan and I have talked to a lot of leads and people who've been engaged and they're. And they're. They always seem to embrace it wholeheartedly and want to do the public deal, and you don't seem that way. Can you talk about that a little bit?

[Susan]

Yeah.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

You know, I think going back to the way beginning, like my sister signed me up for wasn't necessarily something that I was seeking out and I didn't know. You know, you never know what can come from it. Right. So I went in. You know, I'm like, I'll say yes to kind of anything that resonates to me, but there's definitely a line that I draw between what I want in my future and what, you know, I have to sacrifice to get there. And, you know, some people do it all. I just think I've always been a bit more of a private person, and I do really want, you know, marriage and a kids and a family, and I'm still navigating how much I'm comfortable sharing. And I found somebody that's not really in the public eye, so it's not like that's a usual, regular part of our routine. But, you know, he's a. He's a team player. When I wanted to make a silly video and kind of like share behind the scenes of our life, but, you know, I think right now it is. I'm focused on my. My real life, and I'm super supportive of anybody that chooses and can, you know, do both. I find it super challenging.

[Kathy]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

But, yeah, you know, I do what resonates, I think, with me, and I. I always have. So I'm not. Just because I, you know, was sharing a part of my life and a lot of my life with millions of people that watched and supported it doesn't mean that I have to carry that responsibility on after the fact is kind of how I thought of it.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

And you're being true to yourself. That's the most important thing, right, Kathy?

[Kathy]

It is. It is. I wanted. It is a lesson that we all learn some sooner than others. So I think, you know, Gioanna, that I was on Bachelor in Paradise last summer and Ali Jo left I. And I've talked a few times. I love her and. And for those of people who don't know, she and Sam missed each other by a day. And I know that she was very frustrated about what happened. Is she over that? Do you guys talk about that at all? What happened?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Oh, yeah. I mean, we. We've talked about it since the second she got her phone back in her hands. I think it was something that to her was so devastating and it was so sad, as a friend, to have her here. She put her life on hold. She was so excited. It's another opportunity. And it felt short lived for her and almost like a false sense of hope with how everything went down. So it's a roller coaster of emotions, and everything happens so fast in this world behind the scenes, and decisions have to be made. So, you know, it's hard to not take it personally, I'm sure from her shoes, but she's so happy now, and her and Sam, you know, found their way.

[Kathy]

She looks so Susan, I just gotta say, you and I. So here we are a year later. Allie's with Sam. This beautiful woman is. Juliana's with Mike. It's like, I would put up with being tossed off a show. I'd be fine with being tossed off a boat. Pick whatever you want if I had the right guy. Right.

[Susan]

Everything happens for a reason, or people come into your life for a reason, sometimes a season. But it's all about a learning experience.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yep. Yep. Absolutely.

[Kathy]

So what is the biggest lesson you learned? Two questions. Juliana. I want to know what. And again, whatever you're comfortable sharing.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

What is the biggest lesson you learned in this whole bachelor experience? And then what is the biggest rumor that seems to perpetuate itself in this bachelor nation land that is completely false? Like, just give us a little bit

[Susan]

of now's your chance to nip it in the butt.

[Kathy]

Yeah. This is your chance to tell all.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

You know, I think one of the biggest lessons that truly my dad has always shown me, but it was an opportunity for me, is, you know, grace and. And compassion and composure will take you farther than anything else in this world. There were times, especially towards the end of it airing, you know, towards the end getting closer to afr that I was so infuriated that I could have easily acted out of anger and tried to tear other people down based off of emotions. But, you know, I can look back now and be happy that I didn't have to take anybody down because of, you know, how I was feeling. And I had my health. I held my Head high the best that I could, and just tried to really lead with love and make my family proud because that's how I was raised. And I think that I feel better about that. I think when you're mean to people, it might feel good in the moment, but afterward it doesn't sit well.

[Susan]

No. Yeah.

[Kathy]

Okay. You don't have to answer this, but I'll be honest. And I'm lost.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

Who are you going to tear up and why?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

You know, I just.

[Susan]

We watched it, Cat.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Well, I think truly it's, you know, it. A lot of it came from my relationship with Grant. You know, the, I don't want to say, like, lack of, you know, honesty and, and authenticity, but I think that that's what I was feeling in a lot of that. It did feel a lot of a, like a one sided relationship. And that's such a tough thing to navigate, you know, alone. And, and, and then I think, you know, some of it comes from some of the other girls and the things that they were saying or alluding to in podcasts and even at the, the, the finale. You know, I mean, listen, I'm not in anybody else's shoes, and I do try to imagine what it's like to be in their shoes, but there are things that I just personally would have done differently because I know how it would have made me feel. And I don't think tearing anybody down, I don't think it does anybody good.

[Kathy]

You're smart.

[Susan]

Your father, if he's listening.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

You did a good job.

[Kathy]

Yeah, yeah, you really did.

[Susan]

You're a lovely young woman. You really are. And you have a great, good head over your shoulders. I like the way you think. For me, being kind is everything, even when it hurts.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Totally.

[Susan]

You're just be kind. You're the better person.

[Dietz and Watson Sponsor Voice]

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[Susan]

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[Kalpen (Referred to as Kalpen in transcript)]

Awkward time to ask this, but hey, did you download the trail map?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah, no, I don't need to.

[Susan]

I don't understand.

[Kalpen (Referred to as Kalpen in transcript)]

You're trusting your signal out here?

[Susan]

I'm trusting T Mobile. They have the best network.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

And if we end up in bumtots nowhere, well, we've got T Satellite for backup.

[Kathy]

Whoa.

[Kalpen (Referred to as Kalpen in transcript)]

I don't trust my carrier that much.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

We'll just use your phone as a flashlight.

[Kalpen (Referred to as Kalpen in transcript)]

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[Susan]

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[Kathy]

Well, let me just say who's who. You know, we grew up in the same town, Juliana, but I come from the school of Speak the truth and sometimes it does hurt. So I don't know. You know, can we find some middle ground here or am I just, you know, like Swan?

[Dietz and Watson Sponsor Voice]

I don't know. Maybe.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Wait, what do you mean? Say like, say it how it is, Susan.

[Kathy]

I'm accused sometimes of of Susan. And I get it. It's my delivery that. But sometimes I'll say what the truth is and Susan will say to me, well yes Kathy, it's true, but you don't need to say it. And I'm like why?

[Susan]

It just hurt somebody's feelings or something, you know.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

You know, I will say one thing is I think that, you know, my sister and I actually go back and forth on this a lot is because, you know, where the nice girls label, that's what we're trying to promote. Kindness is key, you know, but there is, it doesn't mean that you can get pushed around, you know, that you, you can be a strong person and say things how it is, but sometimes it is in the delivery. But I think you're responsible for the intentions and the way that you say and act. Other people, you don't have, you know, control over how other people are going to perceive it or take it. I think a lot of it comes with the intention. And, you know, you can be strong and you can say you're not gonna, you know, you're not gonna talk to me like that. I'm not gonna take disrespect, but I'm also not gonna stoop low just to meet how you're making me feel.

[Susan]

You know, I, I, I don't wanna be complete. How old are you?

[Kathy]

Wait, how old are you, Juliana?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

30.

[Kathy]

Great. I just got schooled by a 30 year old. Wonderful. Thanks, Juliana.

[Susan]

Cause she wouldn't hear it from me. She heard it. But coming from you, it means something.

[Kathy]

All right. Well, okay. So what's one of the biggest rumors? I just wanted the other part of that. What's one of the biggest rumors?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

I don't really know. I mean, I'm not sure that there was, there were, there were rumors that I was like a mean girl. You know, I think that that is because feelings were hurt and there were things that I did say. To your point, Kathy, like, you know, I'm not going to just let somebody run their mouth over and over and over again. I will. I have a point where I'm just like, listen, like, let's just say it like it is, you know, and, But I think, you know, that was really it. I think I got called maybe a mean girl. I think that there were rumors or things that people would say such as, like, you know, I'm girlfriend material, I'm not wife material, or I'm infatuated. And I'm kind of like, you know, trying to make, you know, I would fall in love with anybody. And the reality is, you know, I didn't date, like, anybody before, for so long before going on.

[Kathy]

I'm sorry. Somebody said you would run up by me again.

[Susan]

You would date or marry material.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

They were like, saying that I was so, you know, giggly and so happy and right off, like, right from the beginning, like, so, you know, head over heels is what, you know, they were seeing on the screen that, you know, I just wanted to win. You know, I would have done whatever it takes to, like, win. And I'm so easily. I'm somebody that easily falls in love. And, you know, if you ask my friends and family, it's the complete opposite, because I wouldn't give anybody the time of day, you know, for so many years before going on this show. It helped me. It helped open me back up to, like, the possibility of love. And it was so fun, and everything was so, you know, exciting and whatever. And I am a giddy person.

[Susan]

You feel a little chemistry. You're acting on it. Like, that was a perfect moment to do it. To hell with all those people with different opinions.

[Kathy]

Also, Juliana, I mean, come on. You all Bachelor Nation ladies on the shows are. You're all beautiful and talented and have gorgeous hair, and you're. What guy wouldn't. I know. I'm being serious. Like, you're all so beautiful. And I imagine with that comes a little bit, why her, not me?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Totally. Totally.

[Susan]

I'm sure.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

You know, girls, I think just even now, today with social media especially, everything is, like, a little bit of comparison. And, you know, they see somebody living a life. Why can't I live like that? Why don't I look like that? And, you know, it's tough as it is, but then you put, you know, 20 beautiful girls up against each other in one room, it's like, there's got to be some inner dialogue. Like, oh, no. Like, she's got this and I don't, or she can do this and I can't. Like, it's a tough environment.

[Kathy]

It is. So Susan and I have done a couple of podcasts about dating. I have a question for you, actually, about dating apps. Do you think. Think that people your age. Obviously, you're taken, but do you think it's easier or more difficult to find a really good relationship on a dating app?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Oh, my gosh. I mean, I don't know. I. I think it helps if, like. Because nowadays it's like, where are people meeting when they're, you know, trying to date?

[Kathy]

I can tell you, Juliana, in my age, they're in. It's called a rest home.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

But that's. I think, because chivalry is. You know, it's like a man would, like, come up to you, or you could even go up to a guy and be like, you know, how's it going? You spark Up a conversation now it's like if you're out at a bar, you know, you're drinking with your friends, the, you know, intention is unclear because a lot of people want different things right now. I had a conniption when I went back on the dating apps after Bachelor for, like, a short stint because I hadn't really been on them ever before. And one of the options on, I think it was Hinge was like, what are you looking for? And it was like the options were like, long term, short term. And I was like, what? Wait, what? Why would you. I was. I was like, what a short term even mean? You know, I mean.

[Susan]

Or haven't decided yet.

[Kathy]

It means Juliana. It means dinner, drinks, dinner, and hopefully sex.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

That's what short term, though, like, you know, it's just. I mean, at least they're being straightforward. But why are you swiping on an app to. To get that, you know, at least put in the work and go out and, you know, try and go up to a girl at a bar or something, you know, I don't know exactly,

[Susan]

but I want to know more about meeting Mike. Tell me the dynamic.

[Kathy]

So you at this place.

[Susan]

I'm sorry to go backwards, but I'm so curious.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah, it was the first ever, like, I don't know if you want to call it, like, an influencer weekend. Right. And I was with all these different people I had never met. I remember begging the management team, like, please let me bring a friend, because, like, I don't know, like, I'm going to be so awkward in this, you know, and everything was so new, and he. And I. I was, like, glued to his hip basically the whole weekend.

[Susan]

Because you met him as soon as walking in, like.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah, because I was one of the first.

[Susan]

You're like, help me. I feel weir. Weird.

[Kathy]

Yes.

[Susan]

Yeah.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

And he was, you know, I mean, I think there was initial attraction, for sure. He's very handsome, and he's also just very kind. And he was paying attention to me, you know, he was making sure I had everything I needed, making sure I was comfortable. And, you know, just throughout the weekend, it was like, rather than kind of hanging out with all the other people that were there, which, you know, they were all amazing, awesome people. I. I just think I was a little bit more like. I like to be behind the scenes a bit. And, you know, so they were all inside partying at one point, and him and I were, like, out in the back deck, kind of just like, catching up, getting or catching up, I guess, getting to know Each other. And did anybody notice?

[Susan]

Like, did anybody say anything to you?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Well, it's actually obvious. Yeah, Like, a few people did. And he actually told people that weekend. Some of the people that he had met before that were there, he was like, oh, I'm. I'm gonna marry this girl. This girl's my wife.

[Susan]

Oh, my God.

[Kathy]

I said the same thing when I met my husband at a fraternity party, and I did.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

So awesome.

[Kathy]

18 months later, I was married. So this is a good sign. I'm liking this.

[Susan]

Yeah.

Can I share something, please? My medium slight psychic told me, she keeps telling me not once, not twice, a few times, that I was going to meet some kind of a producer that had a thing in his ear on something, not just a TV show or somewhere. I'm at. Sounds like. Sounds like she got my story.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

It's so awesome.

[Kathy]

Yeah. She didn't just get your story. She got the guy, Susan.

[Susan]

That's what I mean. Well, my mom never give up.

[Kathy]

How old is he?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

He's 36.

[Kathy]

36.

[Susan]

Perfect.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

Wow.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

And my mom has always, always, forever said to me, she's like, when you meet your person, it's all gonna just happen so fast. Like, I know it. You know, he's not from Boston. I don't even know if he's from Massachusetts. She's always said that to me. So, like, when I got the call for the Bachelor, I was like, this is perfect. I was like. My mom was like, this is. This is my person, you know? And I went in, like, all ready to go, go. And then I came back and I was like, nope, it didn't work. And she's like, don't give up hope. Because, like, my mom is so intuitive, and she knows me, of course, like the back of her hand, but she's like, no, no, no, that wasn't your person. Like, you'll know when it's your person. And I did. You know, I think I just knew right away when I met my.

[Susan]

And how long has it been?

[Kathy]

A year?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Pretty. Almost a year. Yeah.

[Kathy]

What is the best thing? What, obviously then is, I'm sure, devastatingly good looks. What is. What is. You know, when you meet someone, like, there's chemistry, and that's usually because they're good looking. What is the personality trait that just so draws you to him? The character trait?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

I gotta tell you, it. I'll say one thing, and then I gotta say another thing that's a little weird. But I think the first thing is he's very. He's very caring, you know? He is, he's aware and he's always like, got my back. But he's very, just like intentional with what he does and always wants to make sure I feel like loved and looked after. And so I think that's like number one. You know, I noticed that right away. But the other thing I want to say that's like a little weird is, you know, he reminds me a lot of my dad.

[Kathy]

And that's not weird. It's not.

[Susan]

Okay.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Okay. He's just like, my dad has always made me feel like, oh my God, I am never gonna princess somebody that. Yeah. I was like, I don't even know. He's just like, anything good happened in my life, I'm calling my dad. Anything bad happened, I'm calling my dad. Like, you know, I moved out of my parents house, but I was still going home every day at like 6:30 to walk my dog with my dad. Like, I was like, I. He's my best friend and I love that. Yeah. And, and Mike is just, just like him. So my dad's still number one. But Mike is a.

[Kathy]

Have your parents met him? I'm assuming? Yeah, yeah, they all get along.

[Susan]

It's a year cap.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

Is he Italian?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yes, he is. He is.

[Susan]

Michael. Yeah.

[Kathy]

I'm sorry, I know Jewish people named Michael. I know.

[Susan]

Okay.

[Kathy]

The Italians do not own St. Michael. Please. That's that. It must be hard though, in some ways to move to a new community. Susan and I have been talking about this. You know, do we, when we were both fully retired, like, do I move to North Carolina? Do I move back to the East Coast? Like, how do you feel about making your home in New York? And is it a permanent move to

[Dietz and Watson Sponsor Voice]

be in New York?

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Yeah, it was something I never thought I would do. You know, I just, I am just so close with my family. The thought of moving away has never even crossed my mind. So, you know, this is a permanent move. Mike does have a really beautiful four year old son, so. So we're kind of tied down in New York, but like I said, we've been making so many trips back to Boston and it's, it's close, you know.

[Susan]

Okay, everyone, that's all for part one with Juliana. Stay tuned for part two coming out soon. Bye.

[Juliana Pascaressa]

Bye.

[Dietz and Watson Sponsor Voice]

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[Susan]

Quick pause for reef because your feet deserve better. You know them for sandals, but the Woman's Neptune is that effortless sneaker you didn't know you were missing. For me, I'm always on the go. Whether I'm running around the city, catching the subway, running through airports, trying to catch my next flight, or just trying to get through a long day comfortably, these Reef Neptune shoes have genuinely become my everyday go to. They're lightweight, super comfortable and extremely versatile, making it easy to style with literally anything. I love that I can slip them on, head out the door and know that my feet are taken care of all day. If you're looking for a shoe that keeps up with real life, these are it. Check out the Women's Neptune on reef.com and treat yourself to 15% off your first purchase. Summer is basically here, which means it's time to decide if you want to go blonde, maybe become a redhead or chop your hair short. But before you encounter a hair disaster, try it out on Facetune first and see what it looks like before committing to the change. It's a lifesaver. Facetune lets you try color, length or style on virtually any photo. It even works on reels and TikToks so you can see how you'd look as a blonde before you reach for the hair dye or hit that salon chair.

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[Susan]

Can I come clean about something? I am definitely not someone who likes doing laundry. Yeah, I don't think there is anyone who does. Whether you put your stinky gym clothes in with your delicates, forgot a load of clothes in the washer for a few days, or haven't washed your favorite jeans in far too long, you're not alone. Luckily, Arm and Hammer Deep Clean is here to help. Arm and Hammer Deep Clean is the powerful shortcut that forgives your own shortcuts. It's made for real life stinking stains. Because it's just laundry, you shouldn't stress over it. And now you don't have to. From the number one liquid detergent brand that tackles more loads than any other. Come clean with Arm and Hammer Deep Clean Number one claim based on total wash loads sold. This is an Iheart podcast. Guaranteed human.