Kathy, Susan, and BIG Changes in 2026 | Golden Hour

Summary

Bachelor Happy Hour: “Kathy, Susan, and BIG Changes in 2026 | Golden Hour”

Podcast: Bachelor Happy Hour
Hosts: Kathy and Susan
Date: January 9, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This reflective and lighthearted episode kicks off 2026 with co-hosts Kathy and Susan discussing new beginnings, lessons from the past year, and their hopes for the future. The episode is structured around personal resolutions, travel dreams, stepping out of comfort zones, and a playful Bachelor Nation “Rose Awards” segment recapping notable franchise moments from 2025. Throughout, the two friends chat candidly about relationships, personal growth, memorable show highlights, and the fun of shuffling their music libraries for 2026 "vibes."

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Welcoming 2026 and Reflections on 2025

• Positive Vibes to Start the Year: Kathy and Susan agree that each new year is an opportunity, yet they don’t feel the urge to “bury the past.” Instead, both focus on gratitude and learning from each year’s experiences.
  • Kathy: “I never feel that way because I learned things. I’ve had a good year. Sure, we all have ups and downs, but it’s been a great year.” (02:03)
• Personal Loss and Meaning: Reflection includes recent family and pet losses and the bittersweetness of saying goodbye to 2025.
  • Susan: “Sad to see 25 go…deaths usually the first thing that come to mind. But other than that, I couldn’t think of anything negative at all.” (02:37)

New Year’s Resolutions: Relationships and Self-Growth

• Dating & Relationship Goals:
  • Kathy resolves to be more strategic in her dating life, aiming to put herself in more co-ed social situations.
    • “My resolution is, in dating, to sort of be more strategic...maybe join a co-ed golf league.” (05:38)
  • Susan spotlights the idea of “dating yourself:” focusing on self-care and embracing happiness from within.
    • “Dating yourself means enjoying who you are, spending time with yourself, and doing things that make you happy.” (06:19)
• Advice to Each Other:
  • Susan dares Kathy to go on at least “one new date per month.”
    • “I think they should put us on air and follow us around and each of us have a date per month.” (07:05)
  • Kathy encourages Susan to give up some control in her relationships to find new happiness.
    • “Stop doing so much for your relationships. Sit back and let…your person do for you.” (07:58)

Choosing a Word for 2026

• Kathy’s Word:
  • “Believe” — for faith in good things coming, opportunities ahead, and optimism.
    • “Believe that good things can happen. Believe that your person's out there...” (09:14)
• Susan on “Believe” and Her Own Mantra:
  • Shares she once considered “Believe” as a tattoo.
    • “If I ever were to get one, it would have been ‘Believe’ on the inside of my foot…” (09:54)
  • Focuses on being true to herself as a guiding principle.

Growth and Letting Go

• Both co-hosts express a desire to keep learning, meeting people, and embracing more of life’s richness in the coming year.

  • Susan: “I just never stop learning. I never stop meeting people. I never...I just. More of the same.” (11:01)
  • Kathy: “I want to continue to have good health. I want to continue to travel, I want to continue having time with friends and family.” (11:11)

• What to Leave Behind: They joke about wanting to leave behind a few pounds…and bad hair color, but ultimately focus on dropping negativity and drama.

  • Kathy: “If I’d like to leave behind negativity...negative thoughts or negative behaviors because I think that’s self-defeating.” (14:40)
  • Susan: “The only thing I'm excited to leave behind in 2025 would be drama.” (16:24)

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

• Kathy wants to appear more “available” and open to opportunities, even adjusting her demeanor as suggested by friends.
  • “I’ve had a few male friends of mine tell me that I don’t come across as somebody open and available...” (17:28)
• Susan relates her comfort zone breakthroughs to both small daily choices and significant solo travels.
• Both encourage listeners to do the same and rethink rigid resolutions.
  • Kathy: “Changing your mindset, saying, I’m going to try to think in different ways, as opposed to [unrealistic resolutions]…” (19:43)
  • Susan: “It’s hard to. That's difficult. It's not that easy to do it.” (20:00)

2026 Travel Plans

• Kathy’s upcoming travels: La Quinta (Palm Desert), back to the desert in March with Susan, birthday trips to England and Portugal.
• Susan plans for St. Martin, California, Paris (with her granddaughter), and the Outer Banks.
  • “I feed off of new food, new culture, new language, meeting new people. I just love it.” (22:34)

Personal Goals for 2026

• Susan: “Stay focused and stay happy.” (23:02)
  • Kathy counters with “find more happiness in your life” as a more reasonable resolution.
• Both agree on seeking happiness—through both intention and humor.

---

Bachelor Nation “Rose Awards” Segment (24:00 – 41:48)

A fun, rapid-fire awards section reviewing stand-out Bachelor franchise moments from 2025.

Best Engagement

• Unanimous pick: Spencer and Jess from Paradise.
  • Susan: “That was hands down the best.” (24:43)
  • Kathy: “It was palpable...even I wasn't there. Kath, Just watching it, I feel the same.” (25:00)

Most Shocking Breakup

• Kathy: Latia and Grant, for the surprise and real emotion.
  • “When I watched Latia and Grant, when I saw their breakup...I was sure he was going to ask her to marry him.” (26:45)
• Noted also: Matt James & Rachel; Dale & Cat.

Best One-Liner

• Favorites include “Kathy, zip it!” and Leia’s iconic “You’re welcome, Leia, you’re welcome.”
• Susan: “I still say ‘Kathy zip. It’ was one of the all time record best one-liners.” (27:55)

Hottest Tea of 2025

• Sean and Alicia alleging Cat snuck in an iPad to contact a boyfriend.
  • Kathy: “No one brings in phones. No one brings in iPads. I kind of want to know, like, are they spies?” (32:34)
• Mention of Taylor Frankie being allowed to post on social media while filming—a Bachelor Nation first.

Best Kiss

• Hosts joke that neither got any, and that "the one who got the kiss" wins. Paradise referenced for passionate youth.

Best Night One Limo Entrance

• Multiple favorites including Alex arriving with a llama (Linda), Leslie’s creative entrances, but highlight is Joey’s romantic plumeria flower (with Hawaii cultural flourish) given to Charity.
  • Kathy: “When he got out of the limo and he gave Charity a flower...it was beautiful. It was romantic and reminded me, in looking back, that is what the show is about.” (35:47)

Strongest New Friendship

• Both agree their own friendship deserves the rose, but stress that the Bachelor experience forges many authentic, lasting friendships among contestants.

Best Exit Speech

• The grand exit of Cindy, self-eliminating when in the final two with Mel, is praised for its honesty and aplomb.
  • Kathy: “I didn’t come here to explore options. I came for a life partner and I can’t wait for two years. I need a commitment.” (38:26)
  • Hosts highlight her courage and impact on the season.

Overall Most Memorable Moment

• Final Paradise vote, where couples had to choose love or money, with Alex/Andrew and Jess/Spencer walking out as real, happy couples.
  • Kathy: “What an amazing moment that you choose love over money. And you get both...” (41:48)

---

Memorable Quotes and Moments (with Timestamps)

• Kathy on positivity:
  • “You and I are positive people. But you know what? Last year was a great year. This year is going to be a great year.” (01:45)
• Susan’s New Year’s on the beach:
  • “Celebrating the New Year. There was fireworks on the beach. It was absolutely beautiful.” (03:51)
• Kathy on stepping out of comfort zones:
  • “I’m going to…change my demeanor a little bit and I guess wear more low cut blouses.” (17:28, joking)
• Susan on happiness:
  • “I just want to stay happy.” (23:31)
• On the value of hard days:
  • Kathy: “The hard days, the hard lessons, the tough things we go through...really make me appreciate and value those good days, those good people, those good times.” (15:53)
• On belief and hope:
  • Kathy: “Believe that good things can happen. Believe that your person’s out there.” (09:14)
  • Susan: “If I ever were to get [a tattoo], it would have been ‘Believe’ on the inside of my foot…” (09:54)

---

2026 Vibe Shuffle

• Each host shuffles their music library to set the year's vibe:
  • Kathy: “Olivia Dean – Man I Need”
  • Susan: “Surf Mesa – I Love You Baby”
  • Kathy: “If it were that easy, all you have to do was play a song ‘Man I need,’ and he would materialize...” (43:25)

---

Final Thoughts

• The episode is playful, sincere, and encouraging, drawing on both personal insight and Bachelor franchise lore. Kathy and Susan model optimism, gratitude, and a willingness to grow—all delivered with their trademark humor and affection for each other and the audience.
• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to pick a word for 2026, share their own comfort zone leaps, and tune into upcoming Bachelor Happy Hour episodes.

---

For fans and newcomers alike, this episode is a warm, wisdom-filled start to the new year—equal parts reflection, inspiration, and Bachelor franchise fun.

Transcript

[Podcast Advertiser]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Susan]

Guaranteed Human.

[Sponsor Voice]

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 starting January 14th. 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.

[Podcast Advertiser]

Did you know Tide has been upgraded to provide an even better clean in cold water. Tide is specifically designed to fight any stain you throw at it, even in cold butter. Yep. Chocolate ice cream. Sure thing. Barbecue sauce. Tide's got you covered. You don't need to use warm water. Additionally, Tide pods let you confidently fight tough stains with new coldzyme technology. Just remember, if it's gotta be clean, it's gotta be Tide.

[Kathy]

Welcome back to Bachelor Happy Hours Golden Hour, and hello to 2026. How are you doing today, Susan?

[Susan]

Excited. It's 2026. I can't wait to see what this year brings us.

[Kathy]

It is going to be a great year. I just know it is. I know it is.

[Susan]

But you know what? Don't we say that every year? Have you ever said it's. It's not going to be a good.

[Kathy]

Year because you and I are positive people. But you know what? Last year was a great year. This year is going to be a great year.

[Susan]

The last few years have been wonderful, actually. And we've had so many new people in our lives.

[Kathy]

I know, right?

[Susan]

How blessed are we?

[Kathy]

We've gotten to travel. We've gotten to meet people. I don't know, for me, it's just been. It's just been fun there. You know when they say. When people say they're. Yeah, for New Year's. But I just want to say, when people say they're ready to say, say goodbye to the last year, like bring on the new year and bury the last. I never feel that way because I learned things. I learned things every year. I've had a good year. Sure, we all have ups and downs, but it's been a great year. And I believe 2026 can be just as good. But tell me how you.

[Susan]

I reflect, like in the month of December, usually after the rush of all the good Things that happened during that year. And there's times I think about anything bad that happened. Death's usually the first thing that come to mind. But other than that, I couldn't think of anything negative at all. Like I was Sad to see 25 go.

[Kathy]

Yeah, I really was. So funny you said that. People have asked me on different. Different things I've been doing, you know, how. What do you want to leave behind in 2025? And not much. There's know. Really not a whole lot. Some, you know, some laundry that I didn't get done. Some irony maybe.

[Susan]

Color on your hair. Maybe that might have been the biggest.

[Kathy]

Okay, we'll get to that. We'll get for. For those of you who can't see me and thank God most of you can't. I. My daughter encouraged me to go to.

[Susan]

She looks like a black Irish. Black Irish with the light skin and the really dark hair. Not that it's not flattering. It is, Kathy.

[Kathy]

It is not flattering. I've been hiding out, so I want to know enough about my hair. I can't. I'm just miserable. Tell me that's. That's what I want to leave behind in 2026 already is my color of her hair. Okay, I want to know. What did you do for New Year's?

[Susan]

I was actually on the beach celebrating the New Year. There was fireworks on the beach. It was absolutely beautiful. It was different than. It was different than most of my New Year's.

[Kathy]

Yeah, it was. Okay, fine, because I think I told you Nancy came to visit and she very sadly, she and her family had to put their dog down Christmas Eve. And they were. That dog was, you know, just a very special part of their lives, as most pets are. But this dog, even more so for a variety of reasons. Anyway, she said, you know, could I come visit you? And I thought she was kidding, but no, she jumped on it, came to visit me. We had a great time. We were going to go downtown for New Year's Eve and see the fireworks. But ultimately we. We went out for dinner, early dinner. And then we just kind of hung around and we watched the ball drop it. I don't know how many countries we. And then we.

[Susan]

I like doing that. Don't you?

[Kathy]

It was fun.

[Susan]

I like being home and watching and you hear great music.

[Kathy]

We did. We opened a bottle of champagne. Sad to say, Susan, Nancy and I could not even polish off one bottle of champagne.

[Susan]

Well, midnight I couldn't either.

[Kathy]

But then we started talking to like 3 in the morning. So all in all, like you, it was a very different New Year's. Yeah, but. But a great New Year's.

[Susan]

I love it. All right, well, we are all both so excited to catch up with you all on everything New Year. So sit back, relax, and let's dive right in. And I'm going to start us off. Kathy.

[Kathy]

Okay.

[Susan]

All righty. What is a dating and relationship resolution you have for this year and why. Oh, God. Do you have a dating resolution for this year? You just want to do it?

[Kathy]

Well, there's that, I think if I can do. But you know, I'm trying to be strategic this year. So my resolution is, in dating is to sort of be more strategic. And by that I mean maybe try to go to more co ed events, co ed sporting events, maybe join a co ed golf league. Something where I put myself in situations that I have a better chance of meeting single people. So that's my resolution, to get out and do more events, more things like that. What about you?

[Susan]

Well, I see one that's interesting. Dating yourself. What do you think that means, Kathy?

[Kathy]

Well, for me, that's easy. Dating yourself means enjoying who you are, spending time with yourself and doing things that make you happy and not focus, too. Is that what you're up to?

[Susan]

I always do. That's what I do.

[Kathy]

So you telling me you have no New Year's resolution for your relationship? Because in your case, it's a relationship you're in. So it's got to be. It's got to be. How are you going to make it.

[Susan]

Changed a little bit? It's changed. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Do you have a word for 2026?

[Kathy]

Wait a minute, hold on.

[Susan]

I want to know if you.

[Kathy]

I want to know if you have a dating resolution for me.

[Susan]

For you?

[Kathy]

Yeah. What do you think I should do?

[Susan]

Date yourself. No. One date per month. One new date per month. You have to try. I think they should put us on air and follow us around and each of us have a date per month.

[Kathy]

Yeah, well, I like that you're not telling me how to get that one date a month. Which brings me back to my resolution to attend more events. I'm going to tell you one other thing that that goes with dating is sort of smiling when you're out in public being open to men who if. Well, I do too, but sort of being more I'm of my heart.

[Susan]

How much more? If I smile anymore, they're gonna think I'm crazy. Like, what's that woman laughing about over there? She's all by herself.

[Kathy]

Okay, well, do you Want to know? Do you want to know? I have a, I have a dating resolution for you.

[Susan]

Okay.

[Kathy]

At more relationship whatever for you. And that is, I'm not sure you can do it. But that's where New Year's are all about, Susan, trying new things. I would love to see you stop doing so much. Except for me. I stop doing so much for your relationships. Sit back and let particularly you know, your person do for you, Kathy. Yes.

[Susan]

Then I might not be happy and I like to stay happy.

[Kathy]

You're not happy because you like to be in control. So my red date, my relationship, give it up. Give up control.

[Susan]

That's going to be difficult. I am truly a type A personality. Although I, I have made little teeny itty bitty changes. Just today.

[Kathy]

Okay. Yeah. All right, I gonna share one.

[Susan]

Stay tuned.

[Kathy]

Oh, stay tuned. All right. Gosh, that sounds ominous. I can't hardly wait.

[Susan]

We'll talk to say next month when I return. I have a different place I'm staying.

[Kathy]

Really? Yes, I might. Does this mean I'm coming with you next month?

[Susan]

It may be, I don't know. But do you have a word for 26 now? Yes.

[Kathy]

Travel. No, my word for 20, 26 is believe. And I, you know, I'm a very optimistic person, but I, I really, the word believe came to me, somebody else said the word was going to be imagine. To me, believe and imagine all are both really synonymous. Believe that good things can happen. Believe that your person's out there. Believe that travel is going to be in my future, good health, in my future good relationships, seen my kids, my grandkids. I just believe it. I, I truly believe it. What about you?

[Susan]

So I gotta tell you something about the word that you just chose.

[Kathy]

Okay.

[Susan]

I don't have any tattoos. Yes. All of our listeners, I'm sure most people assume because of my bubbly, outgoing, big mouth personality that I'm tatted. And I'm not, I'm not. Sons are. But if I ever were to get one, it would have been believe on the inside of my foot where the curve is. And people say that's the most painful, so I will never get one. But that was the choice that I chose, the word believe. That's so funny you're saying that.

[Kathy]

Well, that's, that's my word. And, and I just gave you the reasons why. Now tell me, what's your word?

[Susan]

I don't know that I have one. I want to be true to myself.

[Kathy]

Okay.

[Susan]

To myself. That's more than a word. What's that word?

[Kathy]

Well, it could be self evaluation, self honesty, self, self, self preservation. They're hyphenated so we can count them as one word. All right, all right. What are you hoping what are you hoping to get out of this year? Susan.

[Susan]

More. Even more. I just never stop learning. I never stop meeting people. I never. I just. More of the same.

[Kathy]

Yeah, it's funny because that's when I was talking about my word being believed. And I, I believe that if you believe that good things will happen and you'll have more opportunities. So it's exactly the same for me. I want to continue to have good health. I want to continue to travel, I want to continue having time with friends and family and you know, exactly my grandparents.

[Susan]

Betty.

[Podcast Advertiser]

I find it so frustrating battling cognitive overload or brain fog such as struggling to stay focused, feeling distracted on back to back calls, or dealing with decision fatigue that's slowing down my day when we need to stay locked in. It's so tempting to reach for caffeinated products that make you jittery or come with an intense crash soon after. But Nature's Sunshine Brain Edge combines hand harvested Yerba mate with powerful nootropics to support focus, memory and cognitive performance without the crash. It is a clean, plant powered drink mix you can enjoy hot or cold so you have a short cut to help your focus, alertness and memory anytime. Brain Edge helps me feel more focused, clear headed and alert during mentally demanding parts of my day such as a podcast recording. It uses nootropic botanicals to help you stay concentrated and sharp. It promotes recall and mental stamina. And the wild harvested yerba mate provides natural caffeine. It is made by Nature Sunshine, a trusted brand with over 50 years of experience sourcing the most pure and potent ingredients from nature. Don't fight through feeling foggy and lethargic. Ignite your mental performance. With Brain Edge. Nature Sunshine is offering 20 off your first order plus free shipping. Go to naturesunshine.com and use code happy hour. That's happy [e-mail] you know that cycle.

[Sponsor Voice]

The spike, the crash, the craving, vapes, pouches. They keep you hooked and honestly, it's exhausting. Plus your inhaling chemicals are irritating your gums. Quitting isn't just about saying no to cravings, it's about building better habits. That's where Jones comes in. Jones is a science backed alternative. No smoke, no vapor, no hidden chemicals. Just a discreet mint that helps you ride out those 60 second cravings without stepping outside or disappearing from the moment and when the urge hits hard. Their free app connects you with over 10,000 people on the same path, plus fun tools like Quittl to keep you motivated. Digital support can boost quit rates by 40%, and when you add Jones Mints, it's even higher. Here's how to take the quick Jones quiz to find your ideal mint strength, pop a mint when cravings hit, and track your progress in the app. Simple, smart, Supportive. If you're ready to take a step toward quitting or even just a safer nicotine option, check out Quit with Jones. Visit quitwithjones.com happyhour to take the free quiz and use Code Happy hour to get $10 off your personalized quitting journey. That's quitwithjones.com happy hour taking back control starts now. Thanks to Quit with Jones for sponsoring this episode. Just a heads up, the mitts contain nicotine, which is an addictive chemical. Jones is FDA approved and available for those that are 18 and older.

[Susan]

Kathy, are you excited to leave anything behind in 25? Like what?

[Kathy]

No, I'm really not. Except, except this.

[Susan]

Maybe the six pounds or the this hair color.

[Kathy]

This hair color? No, I gained like three or four pounds over the holidays.

[Susan]

But yeah, it's cookie weight. It's all cookie weight for me.

[Kathy]

For me it's pecan pie, cheesecake, and eggnog bread because I made all three. But no, I, I, I mean, sure, if I'd like to leave behind negativity. Try that again. I would like to leave behind negative thoughts that came into my mind or negative behaviors because I think that's self defeating, right? That doesn't help me move forward positively. But we all have, we're not perfect. We all have those negative days, those sad days, those hard days. But you know, what if we leave behind. I don't know, tell me if you believe this. If we leave behind the hard days, if we don't have them in our life, then how do we really appreciate when the really good times come? You need, I think that gives us perspective.

[Susan]

Both the same. We both appreciate every day we open our eyes, the sun's out or whatever. You're awake, you're alive. Let's see what today brings.

[Kathy]

Right?

[Susan]

But that's a little difficult to say.

[Kathy]

I'm saying I appreciate not, not to sound maudlin because I don't have my husband and he died. It makes me more appreciative of every day. I never take life for granted. That's what I'm saying. The hard lessons in life for me. I'm not saying for everyone, for me, the hard days, the hard lessons, the tough things that we go through, that I've gone through really make me appreciate and value those good days, those good people, those good times.

[Susan]

So the only thing I'm excited to leave behind in 2025 would be drama.

[Kathy]

Well, you let me know where you bury that in what ocean you plan to bury that in. Because if you can move away from drama 100% as they, as they said, as they said in that fabulous movie. I want what she's having.

[Susan]

Yeah. Oh, Kathy, here's a good one. How do you think you can step out of your comfort zone this year?

[Kathy]

Two things for me, I've given this some thought. Two things for me. One is looking more available. Not like being. I'm silly and saying it, you know, send me your guys. But I think there is.

[Susan]

You have an uncle father.

[Kathy]

I mean, I, that, that will never stop. But I'm just saying looking more available, you know, just being more in situations, being more amenable, giving off that vibe that I'm.

[Susan]

Why do you think you weren't giving that vibe, though?

[Kathy]

Because I've had a few, I've had a few male friends of mine tell me that I don't come across as somebody open and available, even though I say it. So I'm just going to try to change my demeanor a little bit and I guess wear more low cut blouses.

[Susan]

Talk about comfort zone, I might as well.

[Kathy]

And then the other thing, the other thing is that I want to hear what you've got. I am going to, I do say yes to most experiences, but I'm. But even if they're uncomfortable, if, if I really feel like it's something that can help me move forward in 20, 20, 26, I'm going to say yes. Even if I'm not sure it's the right thing to do, I'm gonna say yes.

[Susan]

What about you usually say yes. I usually say yes, though.

[Kathy]

Well, but I'm saying, I'm not saying that if someone says, hey, Kathy, it's a great, you know, jump off the Empire State Building, you might meet Mr. Right at the bottom. No, that's a. Hell, no. I'm saying just so.

[Susan]

Okay.

[Kathy]

What about you?

[Susan]

I think I just. Today, by doing what I did is stepping out of my comfort zone.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

Yeah. In the same place.

[Kathy]

Well, except for you, you've traveled to different countries by yourself, so I think you're very capable of, of doing it. But I think, I think the truth is, anything that we think about that makes us uncomfortable in the moment. And we change that. Our behavior, you know, we pivot, we change our step from whatever it is that's making us uncomfortable, that it's literally stepping of your comfort zone. So, you know, we're. I'm. I'm hope. I hope people that are listening to this podcast do some of these things themselves.

[Susan]

Yeah.

[Kathy]

In the new year, you know, step out of your comfort zone.

[Susan]

Yeah. Let us know what your comfort zone was that you did that.

[Kathy]

Yeah, we. I'd love to hear what people's words are and how they're. I. As you know, Susan, I'm not big on resolutions. I'm really not. But I think that changing your mindset, saying, I'm going to try to think in different ways, as opposed to people who say I'm going to lose £30 or I'm, you know, the.

[Susan]

And set these gym every day.

[Kathy]

Yeah. Those to me are unrestic, unrealistic goals, at least for me. Well, I go to the gym, but, you know what I'm saying, Learn. Learn to cook. That is an unrealistic goal for me. But. But changing my mindset is something you can work.

[Susan]

It's hard to. That's difficult. It's not that easy to do it.

[Kathy]

It's.

[Susan]

It's. I think you have to catch yourself when you, when you're about to think certain way and you're going to go, no, no, I back it up. That's not going to be easy.

[Podcast Advertiser]

No.

[Kathy]

But it's a small change. If you can just change once in a while, change something that you're. That you might think of in a certain way and say, you know what? I'm in this moment. I'm going to make a different decision. I don't know. I think for me it's going to be easier. Listen, anything would be easier than cooking Christmas dinner. So, you know, I'm in.

[Susan]

I mean, okay. Travel plans. I know I have some. What are yours?

[Kathy]

This year so far, I'm actually going to. Believe it or not, I am going out to La Quinta, which is in. Near Palm Desert, Palm Springs, to visit a old friend. It's actually a guy I dated for 10 minutes, but we're very good friends. He's got all these fabulous things planned for us. Dinner, we're gonna go to the Purple Room, which is apparently where the Rap Pack started. Anyway, we've. He's got a whole bunch of dinners and stuff planned. We're gonna go to a golf tournament out there. So I'm looking forward to that. And Then you and I are traveling.

[Susan]

Back to the desert.

[Kathy]

Going back to the desert in early March for a few days to see some of your friends where we've been there before and they are lovely people.

[Susan]

And staying right on the golf course.

[Kathy]

Right on the golf course.

[Susan]

The mountain view when you wake up.

[Kathy]

My biggest plan so far this year, you know, for my birthday. Every year just. It started as a coincidence that I was out of the country for my birthday, but I was. I was in Ireland. I was in Costa Rica. I was. I can't remember the other country I was in. Oh, I was in England. And this year again now I've sort of focused around my. No, I'm going to. Back to England with my sister to see my niece for a week who lives. Just bought a home in London. And then we're all going to Portugal for 10 days and Portugal is on my.

[Susan]

On my list as well.

[Kathy]

Wait, were we in Greece for my birthday last year?

[Susan]

Last year?

[Kathy]

No, I was in Costa Rica. Costa Rica. So anyway, that's my. My thing. Those are my big trips. What about you so far?

[Susan]

Saint Martin and California.

[Podcast Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Susan]

Paris.

[Kathy]

Oh, that's right. With your granddaughter.

[Susan]

My granddaughter and the outer Banks and whatever comes up in between.

[Kathy]

Yeah. I mean, I have to say, not everybody loves traveling. My sister, who's born to England, she does not love to travel. You and I, I feed off it. I feed off of new food, new culture, new language, meeting new people. I just love it. I. I would. I love, love doing it and. All right.

[Susan]

Our goals for this year. I have a goal.

[Kathy]

Tell me.

[Susan]

For this year. I'm listening to stay focused and stay happy.

[Kathy]

Stay focused and stay happy. Okay. All right. Well, let me just say, as your very good friend, to stay happy year round, I think, is an unrealistic goal. I would say, can I change your goal to find. To find a little way. But I want to.

[Susan]

You may not do that.

[Kathy]

How about to find more happiness in your life?

[Susan]

I just want to stay happy.

[Kathy]

Okay, great.

[Susan]

I'm the dreamer. I'm the Pisces.

[Kathy]

I'm gonna get you some happy drugs. And you can be happy all the time without drugs. All right, we. Okay, we are gonna move into our 2025 Rose Awards. Okay. We're each gonna say who we think wins the rose for the best bachelor moments of 2025. Okay, I'm going to start us off. This is going to be fun. Are you ready?

[Susan]

Ok.

[Kathy]

But I have to preface this by saying because I was on paradise and because you and I were. Were on one Of Mel's episodes for Golden Bachelor. Those are where a lot of my. My moments were.

[Susan]

Yes.

[Kathy]

So it's. So I just have to say that. All right, of Bachelor Nation, 2025, who had the best engagement? Who do you think?

[Susan]

Ah, 2025. See, I'm thinking of. It's not 25.

[Kathy]

Okay. Well, for me, there's.

[Susan]

Let me tell you, the paradise when.

[Kathy]

They want money and.

[Susan]

Yes, that's exactly who I was going to say. That was hands down the best.

[Kathy]

It was. There were other engagements in 2025 that have gone by the wayside, you know, Grant and Juliana. But Spencer, because I was there and I.

[Susan]

It was palpable, even I wasn't there. Kath, Just watching it, I feel the same.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Susan]

They're worried for, like 2.2 seconds. At one point, when she goes, well, I don't know if I'm ready. And then. Then winning the money and the engagement, everything was just so perfect for them.

[Kathy]

Okay. And the other couple as well, and, you know, just. Just moved to Dallas. Yes. So I was talking to her yesterday. They're going to come down and visit me. I'm going to go visit them. They are a lovely couple.

[Susan]

Nice.

[Kathy]

All right, who.

[Susan]

Okay, who?

[Kathy]

You go.

[Susan]

Who had the most shocking breakup?

[Kathy]

Okay, who? Do you have an answer for that? Because I do.

[Susan]

Well, I was thinking again on paradise.

[Kathy]

No one broke up, but really, after they did. Oh, oh, oh, okay.

[Susan]

I don't know if that counts.

[Kathy]

Yeah, of course.

[Susan]

Have to be on the show. Dale and. And Cat. Thank you.

[Kathy]

They broke up. Yeah. For me, the most shocking. There's. There's, you know, there's a couple, Matt, James and Rachel. But. But the. Again, the one that. For me, because you and I have really studied these shows now, especially since doing this podcast, when I watched Latia and Grant, when I saw their breakup, you know, he said that he was in love. I was sure, like, I'm pretty good at this stuff, Right. I was sure that he was going to ask her to. To marry him. And when he didn't and he said that he was in love, she was pretty sure it was her. Right? So when they broke up, sure was I. So for me, when she just. Her facial expression, I still can see it. And, you know, I've talked with her since then. I mean, you know, it. It was real. And when she looked at him and said, you know, I'm sad, I'm confused, and I'm mad, and she said it so calmly. And I guess when I'm that angry, I'm very Calm to believe it or not. And I just thought I was angry with him. I just thought, you know. And of course we know what happened with Juliana as well. So I just felt so sorry for her, you know, I don't know, I don't know. Matt though, that is another one. He was the season 25 Bachelor and he picked Rachel after they were together for years. So, you know, I don't know. I don't know. It's crazy. Some of these relationships work out and some of them don't. And the ones we think are going to sometimes don't. Sometimes don't.

[Susan]

Who had the best one liner?

[Kathy]

Oh, for me, that, that is, I.

[Susan]

Still say Kathy zip. It was one of the all time record best one liners. But Leah, like we both know Leah when she you're welcome, Leia, you're welcome. I like to die. How perfect was that?

[Kathy]

So, well, again, being on paradise, my mouth dropped. I don't know if the camera saw it all because I was like, yes, because they had. Even what you saw, even what you saw with Jonathan, there was so much more that was going on there and, and, and the fact that she didn't want to give him the rose but she didn't know what else to do and she, she was so angry. And I said, leia, don't just be.

[Susan]

Cool, don't fight yourself.

[Kathy]

And so nobody knew until we were walking in and she said, oh, I've got a few choice words for him, literally. Leah, you're welcome.

[Podcast Advertiser]

I find it so frustrating battling cognitive overload or brain fog such as struggling to stay focused, feeling distracted on back to back calls, or dealing with decision fatigue that's slowing down my day when we need to stay locked in. It's so tempting to reach for caffeinated products that make you jittery or come with an intense crash soon after. But Nature's Sunshine Brain Edge combines hand harvested yerba mate with powerful nootropics to support focus, memory and cognitive performance without the crash. It is a clean plant powered drink mix you can enjoy hot or cold so you have a shortcut to help your focus, alertness and memory anytime. Brain Nudge helps me feel more focused, clear headed and alert during mentally demanding parts of my day such as a podcast recording. It uses nootropic botanicals to help you stay concentrated and sharp. It promotes recall and mental stamina. And the wild harvested yerba mate provides natural caffeine. It is made by Nature Sunshine, a trusted brand with over 50 years of experience sourcing the most pure and potent ingredients from nature. Don't fight through feeling foggy and lethargic. Ignite your mental performance with Brain Edge. Nature Sunshine is offering 20% off your first order plus free shipping. Go to naturesunshine.com and use code happy hour. That's happy [e-mail] Picture this.

[Sponsor Voice]

You're out with friends, laughing, living in the moment, and then cravings hit. Suddenly you're stepping outside, missing the fun, or reaching for something that keeps you stuck in the same cycle. Jones gets it. Quitting shouldn't mean disappearing or feeling punished. Jones offers a judgment free science backed alternative. No smoke, no vapor, no clouds. Just a discreet mint that helps you ride out cravings without breaking the vibe. And here's the cool part. Cravings only last about 60 seconds. Jones helps you through that minute with support that actually works. Their app connects you with thousands of others, tracks your progress, and even makes quitting feel like a team effort. Add in their NRT mints and quit rates jump to 50 to 60%. Starting is easy. Take the Jones Quiz to find your perfect mint strength. Pop one when cravings hit and let it dissolve slowly. Then watch your streaks grow. In the app, it's Quitting Made positive. If you're ready to take a step toward quitting or even just a safer nicotine option, check out Quit with Jones. Visit quitwithjones.com happyhour to take the free quiz and use Code Happy hour to get $10 off your personalized quitting journey. That's quitwithjones.com happy hour taking back control starts now. Thanks to Quit with Jones for sponsoring this episode. Just a heads up, the mints contain nicotine, which is an addictive chemical. Jones is FDA approved and available for those that are 18 and older.

[Kathy]

I'm going to ask you what was the hottest tea of 2025.

[Susan]

Now I'm going to forget his name. I again, I'm going to refer to Paradise. When the mayor there came in, Sean started. Sean came in and start telling tales.

[Kathy]

That's.

[Susan]

That was like whoa.

[Kathy]

So. Well, I'm not sure if it was tales or not, but you're thinking of so Alicia and Sean had started dating and there was a lot of talk about Cat coming on the show and having a boyfriend. No, having a boyfriend and bringing sneaking in an iPad. IPad, contacting her boyfriend and talking with Truly.

[Susan]

We don't.

[Kathy]

I don't. Well, I don't know. But they kept saying and I'd never heard this expression before. Sean and Alicia kept saying we have receipts and I'm like, what is this a shock? That. And, and for me, the. Because, you know, nobody brings in phones. No. Brings in iPads. I kind of want to know, like, are they spies? Like, if she did it, how did she do it? How, How. But to me, that she had done that. If she did do it, and that they somehow. And I still. I was there. And I still can't figure out how Sean spoke to. With the boyfriend. The. Or the. Whoever it was, the guy. The supposed guy. I feel like a legal analyst. The alleged. The alleged boyfriend. But he had said, yeah, she was texting me on, you know, from. From Costa Rica. So to me, in that, the only.

[Susan]

One that I know is our next one with Taylor. Frankie being able to post while filming the show. That's the first time ever in Bachelor history, I believe that that has happened.

[Kathy]

Well, the hot tea is going to be. I, I. First of all, we don't know yet because we're not even there yet. I think her season is going to be filled with so much tea, it's going to scald the skin. It's going to be really hot tea. And I, for one, I don't think before we move on with this, with our rose awards, because this show hasn't started yet. I think I'm most excited about her show that I've been on any show.

[Susan]

Me, too. All right, all right. Do you know who had the best kiss?

[Kathy]

I. I didn't get any. Susan. I never got one. So, you know, I frankly don't pay attention to other people's kisses. I don't care. I don't get one. I don't care who else got one.

[Susan]

Well, I can't say anything about Mel's show because there wasn't a lot of good kissing on that show. And let's go back once again to.

[Podcast Advertiser]

Paradise.

[Kathy]

No, I'm not. I'm done with that because there was no good kissing from the Goldens. Don't talk about that, please.

[Susan]

No, not the Golden.

[Kathy]

Oh. Who. Who's. I mean, they all.

[Susan]

There's a lot of kissing in Paradise.

[Kathy]

Yeah, they're all young. They all, you know, they're all.

[Susan]

Who was the best? Honestly?

[Kathy]

Wait a minute. Wait, wait.

[Susan]

Okay.

[Kathy]

Who had the best kiss? My answer for that one is the one who got the kiss. All right, what was the. No, no, you're jumping ahead here. I want to know what was the best night? One limo entrance.

[Susan]

And 25 in any season. Oh, Oh, I have a few. I love somebody pulling up on a Harley.

[Kathy]

Of course you do. I went through. I Have to say, I looked back because, you know, I'm over 60, over 70, my memory shot. I look back at several going way back. But you know what? At the end of the day, I. I loved Alex coming in on the llama. Linda the llama. You know, there were several. Leslie coming in on a. Although I didn't love creative.

[Susan]

Yes, yes.

[Kathy]

You know, there were several. There were several people coming in as sharks, a bunch of them. But. But I'm going to tell you, I'm a romantic at the end of the day. The one when I started looking back was Joey. And it's not. It wasn't what was the best to me. It was the most romantic or one of the most romantic. When he got out of the limo and he gave Charity a flower, a plumeria flower, it was so romantic to me because he explained he lived in Hawaii. Plumerias grow in Hawaii. But that wasn't what made it romantic. He said to charity, when you put the flower behind your right ear, it says you're available. When the flowers by your left ear, it says you are taken. And I thought to myself, and then he said something like, I hope that, you know, you'll leave here with the flower in your left ear, meaning he choose she. But I just thought, you know, it wasn't grandiose. It wasn't a Harley. It wasn't coming in in a station wagon. It was. It was beautiful. It was romantic and reminded me, in looking back, that is what the show is about, you know, finding love. And so for me, the old 2026, I'm going to become a romantic. That's another goal of mine.

[Susan]

All right, Kathy, who has had the best new friendship besides us? You know, I think we win that award.

[Kathy]

I think we do. I think we win that award. You know, what's hard is I, like Alex is really good friends with Latia. They're. They're all friends. The girls from the shows are all really good friends with each other. And. But we don't know that. We didn't see it from the season. But I think the answer for me is who has the best friendship besides us? Who? All of us who have been lucky enough to be on one of these shows have found great friendships that have developed over time and again. That's just another gift that the. That the Bachelor gives. Okay, one more. I want to ask who had the best exit speech?

[Susan]

There's a few I liked.

[Kathy]

Oh, I got this one. You go give me yours.

[Susan]

I mean, it has to be your girlfriend. She put it out there. And Cindy.

[Kathy]

Yeah, okay. We actually, we're gonna do one more after this because I just. But we'll do it quickly. Cindy. I again, I went back and listened to the whole thing. I found it on YouTube and I'm gonna just read. She said, I didn't come here to explore options. I came for a life partner and I can't wait for two years. I need a commitment. And then a couple other great lines. She said to behave. She said to Mel to behave as if my future husband will be proud of me. I want my guy to feel like he got struck by lightning and can't live without me. I, I listen to that. And then she said, you know, will you walk me out? I, I don't know. I again, I did a little research too. Some of these guys left. Cassie left from Colton season but not when it was down to the last two. Andy Dorfman left. Juan Paulo in the fantasy suites. Juan Pablo, but I don't know of anyone and I could be wrong. We can fact check if anyone our.

[Susan]

Cheerleader, one person left for Mel season. She also exited on her own.

[Kathy]

No, no, no, you're not hearing me to when it's down to the last two people that is effectively saying you got one left. Take her or leave her. That to me was a grand, amazing exit. Whether you agree with Cindy, what she did, whether Mel would have chosen or not, it was all by the by, it was I and a best exit speech, I think. And it took a lot of courage overall. Moment, oh, so easy for me. Go ahead, you have one go.

[Susan]

Oh, I'm asking you.

[Kathy]

Mine's so easy. And again, it's from, it's from paradise. When it got down, we all came back to vote. So Alex and Andrew won the final challenge. So we had to vote whether to let them, you know, have all the money or whatever or whether we should vote to let one or two the other couples. Long story short, we all came back as a jury and we voted for Alex and Andrew and Jess and Spencer. Then it came down to they could pick a card but they had to.

[Susan]

Choose to vote on each other.

[Kathy]

No, they had no, no, we all voted. But then it was not vote but was it love?

[Susan]

You think he's going to come for love or money? Like second guessing somebody because you're living in that. That bubble, right. And you think everything's perfect. That was a true test right there.

[Kathy]

And again to me, all bachelor, they chose love and they got the money. Yes. Jess and Spencer, they picked numbers or whatever. Pick cards and yeah, Spencer won the most. But that's immaterial to me, the fact that those two couples, who, by the way, are still happy. They're happy. And. And out lives with Andrew. I mean, they're still couples. And. And Justin Spencer, of course, are engaged to me. What an amazing moment that you choose love over money. And you get both and you get love it.

[Susan]

All right, now, before we go, Kathy, we're going to do one last thing to bring in 2026. Kathy and I will each put our entire music libraries on audio shuffle. Whatever song comes up is going to be our 2026 vibe. Kath, you could go first, and I'm gonna pull up my music.

[Kathy]

All right, here's my music.

[Susan]

You have to hit shuffle.

[Kathy]

I got it. I'm hitting play. Oh, God. Susan, are you ready?

[Susan]

What's it.

[Kathy]

Oh, Olivia Dean it. Man I need.

[Susan]

You want to know mine?

[Kathy]

Hey, there it is. That is 2026 right there for you.

[Susan]

Mine's Surf Mesa. I love you, baby.

[Kathy]

Oh, geez.

[Susan]

That was shuffle.

[Kathy]

Wait, I can't. How do you feel? Like Spotify just knows.

[Susan]

I'm not even Spotify.

[Kathy]

Oh. Let me just say I have, I don't know, in my library, I've probably got a man's world. It's a man's world. There you go. It's. I have probably 500 songs in my library. And the shuffle gods took it upon themselves to shuffle and bring up Man I need Boy, if. Susan, can we just talk for a second? If it were that easy, all you have to do was play a song Man I need, and he would materialize. Would that Be the best 2026 gift ever?

[Susan]

Unbelievable. Unbelievable. I love you.

[Kathy]

Okay. I don't know. All I can say is 2026. It was a fun show. Thank you for joining us. To all our listeners, we're wishing you a happy 2026. We absolutely. We are having a blast. We're so glad to be back and.

[Susan]

Pick your word for 2026 and make sure to follow Bachelor Happy Hours. We have new episodes coming out every single week, and you don't want to.

[Kathy]

Miss listen to Bachelor Happy Hours golden hour on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you listen to your podcast. Until next time. Have a great week.

[Susan]

Till next time.

[Podcast Advertiser]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Susan]

Guaranteed Human.