Marcus & Mike: The Chef of Our Dreams & a World-Stopping Moment From Taylor's Season | Happy Hour

Summary

Bachelor Happy Hour | Marcus & Mike: The Chef of Our Dreams & a World-Stopping Moment From Taylor's Season

Date: May 1, 2026
Hosts: Charity Lawson & Rachel Recchia
Guests: Marcus (28, Creative Director, Elmont, NY), Mike T. (36, Brand Production Manager, NJ)

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Episode Overview

In this episode, hosts Charity and Rachel welcome Bachelor Nation favorites Marcus and Mike T., two standout guys from Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette. The episode dives into their casting stories, backgrounds, first nights at the mansion, bromances formed, and memorable behind-the-scenes tales. The hosts also tease some wild upcoming moments from the new season and get into fun personal details about both contestants (including Marcus’ kitchen prowess and Mike’s “reformed bad boy” label and Italian family roots). Light-hearted games and hot seat questions round out the episode.

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Marcus – Life Before and During ‘The Bachelorette’

Segment: [02:59–35:52]

Getting Cast: An Unexpected Journey

• Marcus describes being DM’ed by a casting producer:
  “I was just kind of like minding my business on Instagram really…then I saw the official, like, Bachelor email thing and I was just like, oh, I think this is real.” – Marcus [04:06]
• “Everything just kind of started moving fast after that, and here we are.” [04:55]

Family & Relationships

• Family was initially shocked but quickly excited for him:
  “They knew it was a great opportunity…it was an exciting experience for them and I was just happy and they were happy for me.” [07:05]
• Past relationships & lessons learned:
  “I just wasn’t there mentally…you have to go through the growth, through it. And I’m glad I got to kind of explore that and understand my capacity and what I can handle.” [07:57]
• What he seeks in a partner:
  “It really comes down to, like, stability, I think, for me…And teamwork, you know, I think teamwork was a real thing…” [08:47]
• Dreams of a big family (humorous exchange):
  “I want a big family. I ain’t gonna lie. I’m trying to have like four or five, six kids.” [09:43]
  Rachel: “You’re like the first man that I feel like has said five in this day and age!” – [10:03]

Night One & House Vibes

• Nerves heading into limo entrance, but received warmly by the men:
  “The experience the first night was crazy…I was met with a lot of love and that made me so happy.” [11:13]
• Bonds with the guys remain strong:
  “These are some real, like, upstanding people…that’s what I want to—I like to surround myself with.” [13:18]

Connection with Taylor

• Bonding over basketball and family values:
  “I found out she was a really big basketball fan...I like kids...So we got to talk about that and just family...” [14:02]
• Helping Taylor decompress in a high-pressure setting:
  “I think she needed a time to kind of just decompress from the world...” [14:39]

Career & Passions

• Creative director life:
  “It can go from video shoots...content planning for another brand, talking to models, trying to schedule out dates...” [15:04]
• Turning down an Australian pro basketball offer due to COVID (and a hilarious aside about being terrified of bugs and kangaroos in Australia):
  “It was just so much uncertainty and…I have this thing with Australia. Like, I just heard...the bugs is crazy, kangaroos…” [16:12]
• Found a home in New York’s creative scene:
  “Opportunities just start rolling in. And I was blessed and fortunate enough to have like, some crazy opportunities...” [17:53]

Hobbies & Talents

• Enjoys painting and visiting art galleries for inspiration:
  “Finding things that you just enjoy doing or just bring you peace…” [19:08]
• Cooking: Notably “Rasta Pasta” and breakfast ("top chef" in the mansion):
  “Rasta pasta is essentially...a Jamaican dish where you take, you know, regular pasta...jerk seasoning...and you mix all that up...It’s gonna be so smacking.” [25:05]
  “For rasta pasta, I’m top notch...But breakfast connoisseur—that’s my bread and butter.” [20:33]

Life & Family Stories

• Anecdote about being attacked by a bird on a run and again by a wasp (“Not my day!”) [30:08]
• Tragic story of a seagull stealing his beloved bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on the beach:
  “A freaking seagull...Took my sandwich...all my friends know I don’t play by my bacon, egg and cheese…” [33:53]

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Mike T. – Honest Reflections & ‘Iconic’ Teasers

Segment: [36:21–65:12]

Entering ‘The Bachelorette’ World

• Mike’s first impression of Taylor:
  “Taylor is someone people love and enjoy because she doesn’t hide her flaws...She showed up to the Mansion very excited for the opportunity…” [36:34]
• On forgiveness and second chances in life:
  “I try not to judge people for what they’ve done...She’s made her amends over time…” [36:34]
• Motivation to apply:
  “I always did think it was weird for people to sign up for a show without knowing who the lead is...I wanted to meet someone who at least I saw a photo of.” [39:07]

Dating Life: Pre-Show Experiences

• Lived a full Jersey dating life (“hot girl summers,” living with someone, dating a single mom):
  “You pick a scenario in which there was a thing, and I’ve probably done it...gives me life experience going into this process.” [40:24]
• Ready to settle down:
  “Labor Day weekend, I’m gonna cut ties to everything and just try and date intentionally. And what’s more intentional than going on The Bachelorette, right?” [41:33]
• Lessons & non-negotiables:
  “I enjoy my routine...family is a big important part about in my life...chemistry, the banter…it’s that je ne sais quoi…” [46:51]

Personal Growth: “Reformed Bad Boy”

• Reflects candidly on his past: “I was a misguided and troubled kid in his 20s...running amok...It took a lot of trial and error.” [48:25] “I think I relate so much to Taylor and her journey, because I know that growth isn’t linear…” [48:57]
• On being transparent:
  “If your worst situation in life was videotaped, maybe you, too, would have a bit of grace and understanding in this.” [49:26]

Family, Faith, and Values

• Raised with faith as “a foundation”:
  “I have a foundation in faith...I understand...the things that I’m doing are bigger than myself.” [50:45]
• On big Italian family expectations:
  “Thankfully, my brother did all the dirty work for me already...now I could kind of do whatever I need to do.” [51:45]

Show Night One & Group Dynamics

• Limo entrance nerves:
  “I get out there and I think I had marbles in my mouth. Like, I don’t remember what I really said.” [53:47] “It is the most nerve wracking thing in the universe…” [54:02]
• The guys’ dynamic:
  “Everyone was very open minded to people’s personalities...everyone was in the same spot...a little nervous.” [55:31]
• Competitive spirit and teasers:
  “A rose ceremony has this different feel to it. It is this competition, these nerves, like, people are...It’s a game seven!” [57:52]

Wild Season Teases: “Iconic” Moments

• Massive tease of an unforgettable rose ceremony:
  “There was a moment where my, like, jaw goes to the floor...This was a rose ceremony...there was a surprise guest, and it turned into chaos.” [59:27]
• Rachel: “Was this a group date ceremony?”
  Mike: “This was a rose ceremony, and it got...a lot longer than it should have because there was a surprise guest…” [59:27]
• One word to sum up the season:
  “Iconic.” [60:19]

Fun Hot Seat & Rapid-Fire Q&A

• Always keeps Aquaphor handy:
  “I got ones in my side drawers...they’re all over...I don’t think I ever reached the bottom of any!” [60:51]
• Favorite wedding dance song:
  “If Shout’s not on there, I’m gonna go home a little disappointed.” [61:52]
• Most awkward date?
  “I would like to pride myself on not really having a bad date story…I think I would have been scarred and would know if I had a really bad date story, but I think I’m okay.” [62:17]

Reflections & Message for Fans

• Mike appreciates the community and lessons learned: “There [are] so many men with amazing stories, and...seeing Taylor outside of her toxic cycle...she was radiating with positive energy...” [63:08] “It truly was just groundbreaking in a sense of how I perceive everything now.” [64:17]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Marcus on finding love:
  “You go through it to grow through it.” [08:47]
• Marcus, joking about his “beef” with Australia:
  “I have this thing with Australia...the bugs is crazy, kangaroos...they’re aggressive animals.” [16:12–17:17]
• Mike T. on the mansion:
  “My entrance had some bravado to it...I put my own spin on things, you know, love.” [56:15]
• Marcus on rasta pasta:
  “It just all comes down to the seasonings. The seasonings. Get right with it.” [19:56]
• Mike T. on the season’s jaw-dropping moment:
  “There was a moment where my, like, jaw goes to the floor…that has to be one of the most iconic rose ceremonies of all time, and I hope the world gets to see it.” [59:12–60:16]
• Marcus, on what he’d want Forbes recognition for:
  “Businessman. I hope that my fashion brand that I’m, you know, currently cultivating at this moment takes off...” [32:48]

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Where to Find the Cast

• Marcus: Instagram @markrich03, fashion line "Mark Rich" [35:52]
• Mike T.: Instagram & TikTok @miketoritto [64:51]

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Episode Highlights by Timestamp

• Marcus interview start: [02:59]
• Marcus on night one & house vibe: [11:09–13:18]
• Marcus on creative director path & hobbies: [15:04–19:08]
• Rasta pasta & bachelor mansion cooking stories: [19:42–27:46]
• Hot seat & bird stories: [29:04–34:50]
• Mike T. interview start: [36:21]
• Mike T. on season teasers (most “iconic” moment): [58:43–60:16]
• Mike T. hot seat & reflections: [60:46–64:37]

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Tone and Takeaways

Warm, candid, and energetic: Both Marcus and Mike bring humor and honesty, mixing fun banter with real personal growth, relationship insight, and Bachelor Nation excitement. The hosts foster a welcoming family vibe and tease a truly wild, can’t-miss season.

For listeners: This episode is packed with character backstory, relatable life moments, and enough teases to guarantee you’ll be glued to Taylor’s season premiere.

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End of summary. All ads, intro/outro, and non-content chatter are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Transcript

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[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

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[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

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[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

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[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Welcome back to Back to a happy hour. It's charity and I am joined with Rachel. We are recording this on April 6th and we are back today with some more incredible guys from Taylor's season. So let's not keep you guys waiting any further and let's meet the guys. Today's guest on Bachelor Happy Hour is 28 year old creative director from Elmont, New York. Everybody. Welcome, Marcus. Welcome, Marcus.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

What's up? How y' all feeling? How y' all feeling?

[Podcast Host - Charity]

We are good to have you guys. We're so excited. We wanted to ask. We've been starting off every episode, just checking in with everyone. It is such a crazy time right now. How are you and how are you feeling?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I'm feeling good. I mean, obviously, you know, with everything going on, it's kind of tough. You know, you get kind of excited for. For that release. But, you know, I'm kind of managing. I got a great support system and my family and friends, so I'm managing, working, just trying to stay busy and control my controllables.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah. Okay, so walk us through how you got to this journey to begin with. How did you get on the Bachelorette?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Oh, yeah, it was actually crazy. I was just kind of like minding my business like on Instagram, really, just kind of doing what I do. And somebody had just reached out to me on. On. On the dms and I was just like, okay, this sounds like they. They mentioned the Bachelor. But I was like. I didn't kind of believe it. I was a little like, skeptical. Skeptical at first. And then I kind of. I talked to a producer, they said it was a casting producer. And then I went through the whole process and then there was. They moved me on. Just kept on moving me on. And then I saw the official, like, Bachelor email thing and I was just like, oh, I think this is real. And then I just. I just. Everything just kind of started moving fast after that, and here we are.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

It's crazy. It does go so fast.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, you kind of just start doing the. The background checks, the testing, the. The. Everything is just kind of just going through the whole legal stuff and it's fun though. The whole process is, like, exciting and it's just like, just. This is fun. This is a whole fun, crazy experience. So I'm just. I'M just glad to be a part of it.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah. Did you watch, like, reality tv? Were you a big fan of the show? Like, have you ever seen it? Did you know how I, like, kind of, like, the gist of it?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Nah. You know, I've never watched a Bachelor. I've never watched a Bachelor. The Bachelor. Right. I've kind of just like, I was just trying something new. So, yeah, like, I. I kind of. I had just gotten a relationship at the time, too, so I was just like, yo, you know what? Like, why not try, you know, find. Find some. Find some love and. And really kind of figure out myself. And, you know, I saw the opportunity. I was like, this is. It sounds like something. And then, you know, when they announced who. Who the Bachelor was, I was excited. I was like, yo, this is dope. Like, this is. This is somebody I can. I can see a possible future with. But, yeah, just things, you know, things go.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah. Yes.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

What did you think about Taylor when they announced her? Did you research her at all?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Oh, yeah, I. I had to because, like, I didn't know. I didn't know who that was. Like, I was just like, yo, who. Who is this person? And I had to do my little research. You know, I saw that she had, you know, some. She had, like, a platform already. She was already on tv. So, like, I didn't know what to kind of expect, you know, I didn't know what type of, you know, where her headspace was at, where, you know, her mental was at. And I knew where I was at. Just, I just needed to see if it was going to mesh. And, you know, I was excited. Just excited just to kind of meet her and, you know, show off my personality to her, see if she can, you know, like, it.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

How was your, I guess, your support system or your family's, like, opinions of you coming on the show? Did they. Were they excited? Were they, like, skeptical? Were they just like, you know, what? If you like it, I love it? Like, what was the. What was the motto?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, first when I told him, there was, like, what, like, real. Like, I'm like, yeah, like, this is what I'm about to go do. And then I was just like, oh, this is crazy. And it was just super excited for me because they knew it was a great opportunity and it was. It's something fun. Like, I think it's something completely different from what my family is actually like. They do, like, everybody, right, works and, you know, has a regular job. I think this is. Something went left field. Like, I was just working a Regular job at the gym. And all of a sudden I'm like, hey, I'm about to go do this show. Try to find love. So it's. It was an exciting experience for them and. And I was just, you know, I was just happy and it was happy for me.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

You said that you had gotten out of a relationship a little bit before the show. What is your prior dating history? Like, what happened in that relationship, as much as you're comfortable sharing?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Uh, I mean, I just feel like at the time I just wasn't there mentally. Like, I just didn't have. I was going through a lot of things, you know, just in my personal life. And I just felt like I wasn't really connecting as I really wanted to. And I think at the time, you know, we just kind of just didn't see that. We didn't see eye to eye. And, you know, it hurts. You know, it's kind of like, that's relationship, that's life. But, you know, you kind of just have to go through the growth, through it. And I'm glad I got to kind of explore that and understand like, my capacity and what I can handle and where I can kind of like, check myself. So it helped me gain a better perspective on relationships and just even myself so happy I went through that.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah. So what were some of those things that. Leaving, I guess those previous relationships that you were like, this is what I know I need in my next relationship, or qualities that you were looking for?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

It really comes down to, like, stability, I think, for me. Like, I. I like to know, like, where we stand and, like, things not sway for me. You know, I'm a very understanding and open guy. Like, I just like to. I like to have fun. So fun looks a lot different for a lot of different people. And you just kind of have to figure what that, you know, that makes sense and how. How to kind of make sense and. And teamwork, you know, I think teamwork was a really thing that, you know, just wasn't meshing with with a lot of my other, you know, past exes. But, you know, you go through. To grow through it. I mean, you go. You go through it to grow through and then. And I have a better sense to like, kind of communicate that. So, you know, you gotta go. You just gotta go through it.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Yes, absolutely. We know obviously that Taylor is a mother. Did you want a family? Is that something you are looking for in the future?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yes, I want a big family. I ain't gonna lie. I'm trying to have like four or Five, six kids.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Oh, Sam, slow down. Gotta start now.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Stay active. I'm in the gym. So once they.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Oh, my God.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Popping up. Once they start popping up, I don't know who it is, but a whole basketball team.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

You're like the first man that I feel like have said five in this day and age. Yeah, I feel like most guys are like 2, 3.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

If I can run it up, I can run it up. So I gotta. For me, you know, I like. I like family. I think it was for me. I grew up, I had two brothers, one sister. So, like, I seen that. That dynamic and I think it's great for kids to kind of grow up together and. And kind of learn experiences. And I want that for my kids. I want my kids to have a support system because I know I won't always be there and I know they might not always want to talk to me. So as long as they have a brother or a sister that they can talk to, then I know that would be good in the future. So, yeah, I need a big family. Whoever ready, be ready.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Our family man. We got us a family man here. Okay, take us to night one. What was it like getting in the limo? The limo entrance. Please tease as much as you can because I heard you had. I know, something very, very specific.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Spoiler behind him for everyone watching Shadow

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

it just gotta let the people know. But like, the experience the first night was crazy. I ain't gonna lie. The first night when it comes out, the people will not be disappointed. It will be very entertaining. I. I had a great first night. I think, you know, just. I had a lot of nerves going into it because, I mean, yeah, I know why, but it was just a lot of nerves. I was just kind of like, I don't know what to kind of really expect. I know what I'm doing, but don't know what to expect. And also didn't know how the guys was going to react to it because you just don't know. And I. I was. I was met with a lot of love and that made me so happy. And I was like, thank God. Thank God. And everybody just kind of showed a lot of love to me. And I was. It was a great night. 1. I had met a lot of great guys, so. And got to meet Taylor. Taylor was amazing person. So it was a good night. One people would definitely be. They'll be entertained for sure.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

We keep hearing that Night one was just crazy energy in the house. What was it like walking into all the men?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

When I walked in, I was like, it was just like a wave of Dude. It was like a wave of guys. And, yeah, obviously, like, yeah, they saw me, and it was like, yo, like, this is crazy. Like, what's going on? Like, yo, I don't know, bro. What's so, like, how y' all feeling? Like, yo, like, it was just so cool. Like, I, I, I. That's why I was nervous. I'm like, it could have. It could have swayed either ways, but.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Right.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Everybody was so cool about it. Everybody was just so excited. It was just like, nah, this is crazy. So, yeah, like, that night one was so much energy. I think everybody was excited, and when they saw what happened, it was like, what the. How?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

No. Truly crazy.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I'm just like, yo, I don't know, but we made it happen.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Are you guys, like, all. From what I've heard, is that you guys are all still very close. Like, do you guys, like, I mean, granted, for bypassing rules, but, like, you guys still talk and are, like, very close to this day?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, I think a lot of the guys I made a lot of great connections with, like, these are. These are some real, like, upstanding people. Like, I see, like, they have, like, a lot of morals, a lot of character. Obviously, when you're on the show, it's a lot of drama, you know, that comes with it. But I think at the end of the day, like, these are a lot of, like, good. These are good people at heart, and I think I have a good sense of character, and I can kind of. I can sense that from a lot of these people, and that's what I want to. I like to surround myself with. And, you know, just the fact that Bachelor Nation even gave me the opportunity to even meet. Meet Taylor and be in this world, like, amazing 10 out of 10 experience.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

I love it. You mentioned that you and Taylor talked night one. What were you guys able to connect on throughout the season?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I felt like we got to connect on a bunch of different things. I found out she was a really big basketball fan. Didn't know that. And obviously, I grew up playing basketball my whole life. My. My pops played basketball. My brothers played basketball. Uncles, cousins. Like, everybody in my family has just played ball. So, like, that was, like, a great thing that I got to connect with her about. And I felt like, as me being the family man, I like. I like kids. Like, I do. I do enjoy being around kids. Like, I think they just. It's cool. And we got to talk about that and just family and. Yeah, I think we just got to connect and just have fun I think she kind of needed that. I think she needed a time to kind of just decompress from the world. And obviously, like, she's going through a lot personally, so the fact that, you know, she even got that experience and even just to talk to me, I think she got to, you know, relax and just have fun for a second.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Okay, so walk us through your day to day life. Like you're a creative director. So what does that consist of? Stuff. Tell us a little bit about what you do for work.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

And yeah, I mean, it can, it can go from video shoots, music video shoots. I'm either content planning for another brand, talking to models, trying to schedule out another, you know, just scheduling out dates for them to kind of, you know, come to the shoes. Script writing. You know, it's, it's, it's a, it's a whole bunch of different processes that, you know, sometimes it gets a little exhausting. So that's why, you know, I actually have and, you know, I surround myself around other creatives where I can kind of like just bounce ideas off of and kind of just see where their heads out and see if my ideas is too much. Sometimes I know I'll be doing too much. So they, they kind of be like, all right, this is cool. Or maybe it was dollars back on that one. But I think, yeah, just like the day to day, I think it's just, it's just doing that or I'm at the gym and playing video games or something like that. So I just mind my business and just stay creative and just have fun, man.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

You mentioned basketball. We heard that you had an opportunity to go pro. What took you down a different path? Walk us through all that.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

So actually, that's crazy. I even. I did. That was crazy. It's like, oh, yeah, I forgot about that. But after I got out of college, it was this team out in Australia. They had reached out to me to come play over there, but at the time, it was during COVID and it was just so much uncertainty and like, I just didn't want, I didn't want to be out there and get stuck. And I have this thing with Australia. Like, I just heard that, you know, with the bugs. The bugs. Oh, my gosh, the bugs is crazy kangaroos. And then, yo,

[Podcast Host - Charity]

they'll fight you.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah, they will fight aggressive.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

They are aggressive animals. And I didn't know that. So I know they'll look at me like, yo, we the same height.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Like, no dead ass bugs.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Let's bugs. I'm like,

[Podcast Host - Charity]

you having beef with Australia? Is crazy.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

It's really crazy.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I don't know Australia. Like, I. I know the great. There's great people out there, you know, I love Australia.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

So funny.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I just. I'm just scared. And I heard it's haunte over there too. I don't know.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

But not haunted, is it?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I see. I don't know that that's.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

What are some of the scary movies that I've watched. They said they take took place in Australia or something like that.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Oh, interesting.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Oh, we're learning a lot. I know. Hopefully we don't have any Australian people.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

No, honestly, hopefully.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

But Australia's good vibes, though. Good vibes, though. Yeah. You got good people, for sure.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

So you decided no because Australia and you wanted to be more creative.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

It was.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

But okay.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

It was just like. I was like, nah, I just can't do it. I just don't want to get stuck over there. And so then I kind of just like, all right, what else do I want to do? Because, like, in college, I was. I was taking a lot of creative classes. I took some acting classes, took some art classes, graphic design classes, and I wanted to kind of just use some of that creativity that I was just doing in class. So, yeah, I kind of just started networking people, like, in the creative industry in New York. And New York is a great city for creatives. Like, you're gonna meet one on every single corner. So the more you kind of just put yourself in different environments and just talk to different people and just putting yourself out there, opportunities just start rolling in. Rolling in. And I was blessed and fortunate enough to have like, some crazy opportunities to be a part of some crazy campaigns and. And yeah, you know, it just kind of just. I just saw that and I was just like, hey, I'm in the States and I'm doing some great stuff, so I'm gonna stay here. And I love basketball, but, you know, I'm gonna have to put that to the side.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Oh, my goodness. Are there any other hobbies that you dabble in? Like anything? You're also very talented at that you love doing.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I mean, I enjoy, like, I enjoy painting, but I wouldn't say I'm good.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Very creative.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, I wouldn't say I'm good at it, but I enjoy it. Like, I like, you know, just the whole process, you know, just trying to. Colors, finding the right painting that I really like. And that's why I like, I like trying to go to, like, art galleries and stuff. Like, yeah, I have a chance. And just trying to get inspiration. So I Just really try to stay around the creative field. Like, it's just. I don't know, it just helps me feel free in this world. Like, I think there's a lot of. There's a lot of noise, and I feel like this world is kind of finding things that. That you just enjoy doing or just. Just brings you peace.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

We also heard you like to cook.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Oh, yeah, for sure, Top Chef.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah, for sure. I was like, what's your. We heard you like a rasta pasta dish. Come on now, what's the secret? I'm like, how can I improve my roster? Pasta.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

That's the signature. It just all comes down to the seasonings. The seasonings. Get right with it. You know what I'm saying?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Like, you said the right thing.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I've been in here. This is. I'm not true to this.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Hello. Hello. Like, imagine having a rasta pasta dish with zero seasoning or lack of seasoning. Scary times, scary times.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Were you cooking in the mansion some rasta pasta?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I was. I was in there. I was in there whipping some stuff up. You know, some of the guys got to. Got to get some of my dishes. They was like, yo, this is. This is tough. Now.

[Dietz and Watson Advertiser]

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[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

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[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I'm a real breakfast connoisseur, if you ask me. Oh, for rasa pasta, I'm top notch. That's where I'm at. But breakfast connoisseurs, where. That's my bread and butter. No pun intended, but no, I'm a breakfast connoisseur for sure. Like, I love, you know, pancakes, you know, French toast. Get the Belgian waffles. We can do the. We can do the eggs. You can do the omelets. You know, we can. We can mix it. We can mix it up. But, yeah, I'll be in the kitchen for real.

[Dietz and Watson Advertiser]

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[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

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[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

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[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Mm.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah. But I'm not itching to go downtown and tell a receptionist I'm here to talk about my downtown.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

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[Dietz and Watson Advertiser]

Foreign.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

For our viewers who don't know what is rasta pasta?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

All right, so rasta pasta is essentially. So it's a Jamaican dish where you take, you know, regular. You know, take your regular pasta, panini, pasta. You want to get yourself some. Some chicken. You get your choice of protein. You do the chicken steak, you do shrimp, whatever. You want to get your jerk seasoning. Want to get your Alfredo, you know what I'm saying?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Come on now. Come on now.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

And if you gotta. And now we want to take the. Take your seasoning. So we got adobo, you know what I'm saying? Just to season the chicken. Come on. You know,

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I said, yup, he certified.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Come on. I get the adobo. You gotta get the Mrs.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Dash.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

You know what I'm saying? Spice it up. Get the saison. No way.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

No way, yo.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

So, yeah, like, you know, and then you mix all that up. You just cook that on the. Cook that on the grill. Chop it up, throw that in there. Start mixing up the ingredients. Oh, yeah, get your onions and peppers. My fault. Don't.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yes. I was like, come on. Got you.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Chop up the bell peppers. You know what I'm saying? Chop up the bell peppers. Throw that in there, too. Saute it. Make sure you throw that on the grill because you don't want no cold, cold bell peppers. But then do all that and you good. It's gonna be so smacking. Meal. So smacking.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Pretty straight.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Pretty shaking.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

No, you just.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I mean, as long as you got the seasoning lineup and your protein and the bell pepper, I mean, listen, it's pretty straightforward.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

It's gonna hit trust.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Yeah. Were you writing down seasonings for them to get on the grocery list? Because I don't remember. There Being seasonings in that house.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

There definitely was not. No, there was not adobe in the Bachelor.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

I think we had salt and pepper maybe. I don't even remember if we had that.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

And vegan butter. Vegan butter.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Oh, the vegan butter go crazy.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Let me not. Let me chill.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Listen, they gave us the list. I ain't gonna lie. That list look crazy.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

What was on there?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yo, the dudes was getting grass fed. This.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I knew it. I knew it. That's.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Spoiled brats. We had go macro bars on my season.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

But that's how it was for the girls, too. I was like, that's. I was like. That was like my. I never had like a. I don't want to say plant based diet, but like, I was not eating super, super healthy. Like, where my butter and like, you know, everything was super vegan. I was like, I have never heard any of this before. So I was like, okay.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

It was getting all the bougie stuff. I ain't gonna lie. Yeah, yeah, Obviously I saw it. I was like, hey, might as well just add my little one too.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I know for sure.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

But I was like, yo, this is crazy.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

So it made me feel less guilty. For sure.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

For sure, for sure. So I was like, let me just throw my stuff and. Yeah, we got it cracking in the kitchen for sure.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Period. I love that. Okay, we're gonna ask you a. Would you rather. So would you rather do a paint and sip date night, but you have to do a portrait of your day with your non dominant hand or make rasta pasta for your date, but you have to substitute a bunch of ingredients. So let's say maybe substitute some seasonings. Mercy.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I'm gonna take the paint and sip. I like good eats, so, you know,

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

you can't play around with that. Exactly.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

That. That pain gonna look crazy. But listen, that's. That's the creative. That's the.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

I love it.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Smart answer. Smart answer. It's hard to come back from a bad. Like a bad meal. Like, that's. And especially if you were the one cooking it. Yeah, I'm gonna be like, that's going to be ingrained in my memory.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

So if you go to a restaurant, you just blame it on the chef. Be like, I wouldn't do that.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

But if you serve that up, they're gonna be like, yo, bro, you cutting your wood off?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Exactly.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Should we jump into our other questions on the hot seat now that we're in question mode?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

We're on a roll.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Okay, Marcus, we're gonna play a game and it's called hot seat. And again, we are just gonna ask you a bunch of questions, fire them off, and you're gonna give us your best answer. So, going back to the food, we heard that pancakes are your favorite food. Is that true? And if so, give us your top pancake order in detail.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Oh, bet. Yes, that's true. For sure. That's true. So we're gonna. If we're gonna get the pancakes, we're gonna do it right. We're gonna add some cinnamon in there, right? We're gonna add some cinnamon in there. We're gonna add some chocolate chips. Keep it real smooth and calm. And that's going. Oh, add some vanilla extract. Gotta throw that in there too.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Okay.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Give it a whole swirl.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

I love that.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Vanilla extract is essential in pancakes. Okay, listen. We see eye to eye on food, so I love that. Okay. A little birdie told us you were once. Oh, my God. Attacked by a bird on a rock.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Did the bird tell you?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Do you really want to know that story?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Can you please walk us through what happened? I need, like, chronological, like, steps. Tell us order of events.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

So it was. It was in the morning, right? It's like, midday. Like, I was feeling good. So, you know, I wake up in the morning, usually around, like, 7, 7, 8. I put my running kicks on. I'm feeling great. I'm like, yeah, this is about to be a good day. It's like, 70 outside. So I'm out for a run. Everything's great. Then I'm. I'm noticing, like, this shadow, like, next to me, floating. But I'm like, please. I know there's birds just flying. I'm cool. But then I'm noticing. I'm looking down. I'm like, yo, why is the shadow getting bigger? Like. And I'm running. So I'm running. I'm like, what is this? And I look to my right, and then the bird just. Just jumps at me. I'm like, oh, not duck.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

No way.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

The neighbors is looking at me, and I'm like, dang, y' all not gonna help.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Like, y' all see, you know this.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I'm almost tumbling and stuff. I'm like, nah, this is crazy.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Like, did it keep, like, coming at you?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yes. So, like, picture. I'm running. There's a bird right here. And I'm looking. The bird looks at me and leaps at me. So if I don't duck, the bird is. I had a duck and do a whole tumble. I look crazy.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Somersaulting in the ground.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

No, literally, I look crazy.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I'M like, yo, this is nuts. This is insane. So, yeah, I didn't, I didn't run back that way. I ran the other way. That so finished my run.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

So just have a fear of birds now.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of them. And that's.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I don't blame you.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I'm adding to the list.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Hello.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

You know what's crazy? Didn't even add this part. Then I came back home. I'm like around the corner from my house, a freaking wasp just tries to attack me too. I'm like, oh, this is not my day. This is not.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

No, you got it. That's. You just gotta go in at that point. Just so you know what, it's not

[Podcast Host - Charity]

the wasp waiting for you after your attack.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

The bird, the bird didn't finish you.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

They're conspiring against you.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

How tall are you? How tall are you of Six, five.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

So like, imagine you see a six time man running, that he doing a somersault in the middle of it. You watering your grass. You like what's going on? Like, you know.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Precisely. Yeah. I'm so sorry.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

I'm so sorry.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Me too.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Oh, my goodness. Okay, moving on to something a little lighter. You said that your dream is to make it into Forbes. What do you hope to be recognized for?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Businessman. Businessman. I hope that my fashion brand that I'm, you know, currently cultivating at this moment takes off. I have a lot of new pieces that I'm working on, and I actually have some coming out for the summer. If y' all tell me outside of, just let me know. I could send y' all a little.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

We.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Absolutely.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I would love to rock.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Whatever.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Mark Rich. So Mark Rich. I got you. Yes, I got you. I can send that over to y'. All. But definitely hope for my brand, my fashion brand to kind of, you know, take off. I would love for that to, you know, end up in Forbes one day. And I'm chilling on the beach. I'm chilling on the beach. Hello, kids and my wife. Life is good.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

No birds in sight.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Actually, I'm gonna add, I'm gonna tell y' all another funny story about a bird.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Tell us.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

This is actually when I was on a beach. This happened when I was younger.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Did I just bring up a bad memory of. I'm sorry.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

It has to do with food. This is crazy. So we're gonna mix it all together. So I'm on the beach. If you from, if you're from New York. I was in, I was in Jones Beach. So, yeah.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Okay.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Y' all Know right now y' all know where I was at. So I'm at Jones beach, right? I forgot the. The exact area, but I'm chilling on the beach. And I was with my family, and I had gotten this sandwich. It was a bacon, egg, and cheese. Now, if you know me, all my friends know I don't play by my bacon, egg and cheese. I get that everywhere we go. I get it with some type of ketchup. It's a. It's a real thing. Like, I don't play around by my bacon, egg and cheese. So I was very excited about this sandwich because I was out there. I was in the water having fun. I was like, yo, I got this lunch. This is about to be good money, yo. I. I went and picked up the sandwich, and then somebody had called me over to help them out with something, and I was like, all right, cool. Help them out for like a quick sec. I turned around maybe like 30 seconds. This freaking seagull. And now I don't like seagulls no more. Took my sandwich and, oh, they. They quick and flew. And I ain't never seen that. I had nothing.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Old as hell.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Oh, no, I know. You was hot.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

New Yorkers do not play about the bacon.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I was tight. I was like, yo, this is. I was. I was actually kind of heated that day and I didn't have nothing to eat. I think we had to go figure out something, like, locally and.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Oh, you was hangry.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah. Another bird situation, so.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Well, I am sorry for bringing that up.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

No, no, you're good. You're good.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

But that story is hilarious. I'm sorry. Oh, my gosh. Well, this has been so fun. You are so funny. We loved having you on. Is there anything you want to leave bachelor nation with before we go?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Bachelor nation. I rock with y'. All. Can't wait to see y' all when it comes out. And thank you guys for having me. Charity and Rachel, y' all both been amazing and thank you for the interview.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Thank you. And before we go, where can we find you on socials because we got to keep up. And with the Mark Rick line. Hello.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Follow me on Mark Rich 03. So I was M A R C R I C H 03. Make sure you get that right. And yeah, we good for sure. Follow both.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Perfect. Oh, my God. Well, thank you so much. This was so much fun. You're so funny. So much fun. And hopefully we'll have you back on happy hour soon. Today's guest with us on bachelor Happy hour is 36 year old brand Production manager from New Jersey. Everybody, welcome Mike T. To the podcast. Hello.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Thanks for having me, guys. Appreciate it.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

We're so excited to have you. So we're starting off every podcast, and we've been asking everyone, how are you feeling? We know that this is a lot, and we just want to check in and see where you're at.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, no, thanks for asking. Yeah, like, look, it's confusing, right? Like, the pause and not knowing exactly what's going to happen. But just one thing is. Is truly, like, if there's children involved. And I just hope everyone's happy, truthfully, like, healthy and happy, because that's the main thing. But, you know, if I'm going to speak candidly, just, like, not for nothing, like, Taylor is someone people love and enjoy because she doesn't hide her flaws. And, you know, for what it's worth, like, she's made her amends over time, and she's proven over her social media and on her show that, you know, she's not perfect. And I think people, you know, have shown her forgiveness over the years, and. And what's happening now is it's frustrating, right? I. I know in my sense of, like, in life, I've received forgiveness over things that I've done in my past, and so I try not judge people for what they've done. And, you know, look, I just hope that the world gets to see who Taylor was on the show, because during filming, I saw someone who loves her children dearly, spoke so highly of them, and the way that I saw her versus what people see on her show, I think is a different person. She showed up to the Mansion very excited for the opportunity, and, yeah, people will say what her past was and maybe even not so recent past. If you watch the last season, like, oh, she wasn't ready. And I think someone can make a decision in one day. And I know my life says so because I've done things that I knew I needed to stop, and I had that. She showed up to the mansion and. And wholeheartedly put her best foot forward on this, and I think she really dove, you know, headfirst into the process. So, look, at the end of the day, like, regardless of anything, I hope there's reconciliation with the families, and the children are fine. But, you know, look, there's. There's a lot of. There's a good story here in this season and a lot of great men, and I hope the world gets to see that.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah. But for coming into the Bachelorette, did you know anything about Taylor? Did you watch Mormon wives. Were you privy to any of that reality TV aspect of her life?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

No. So, like, I knew, like, maybe the chat. GBT bullet points about her, not the chat. Yeah, I think that was, like, really it. So, yeah, like, when I heard that she was going to be the Bachelorette, like, you know, I saw a little bit of what. Who she was, and it seemed interesting enough to sign up. But, yeah, I was not an avid fan of Secret Lives. More and more eyes.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Okay, so walk us through how you got cast on the show. What was your journey to the first day? And did you go in knowing it was Taylor?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah. So when she announced on Call Her Daddy, which was mid September at work, and a girl comes up, and she's like, mike, this woman just announced to be the Bachelorette. You should sign up. And I always did think it was weird for people to sign up for a show without knowing who the lead is. Maybe that was just. You know, I felt like that was disingenuous. I didn't want to just.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Show.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Right. Like, I wanted to meet someone who at least I saw a photo of. Right. Like, I just. So, yeah, I. First off, I didn't have social media, so I was very nervous. Like, all right, if I email a casting producer or whatever, they're probably gonna be like, who is this guy?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

So random.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

No trace of you.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

So I. I attached a few photos to make sure they knew I was valid. But, yeah, I just. I. I got a call back pretty quickly, and that was late in the process. Right. We started filming, I think, like, mid late October. So it was like four weeks of, like, everything was moving fast, you know, all of the preliminary things. So, you know, it started kind of as, like, this would never happen. And then it turned into, you know, stepping out of a limo.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

It was.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

It was a pretty insane month.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Okay, so we know you're from Jersey. So I want to know a little bit about what was your dating life, your dating history before all of this?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, look, Jersey.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I know it's probably.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Look, Jersey has this lore that I think, like, people don't, like, really understand, or they're so enamored with it. Right. We see the Jersey shore on TV or we understand about, like, those summer months at the beach that everyone kind of goes crazy. I would say my dating life, you. You pick a scenario in which there was a thing, and I've probably done it, right. I've had my, you know, serious relationships, or I lived with someone. I've had my hot girl summers. I've done kind of all of it. And. And for what it's worth, I think it gave me a good bit of life experience going into this process. I was on the tail end of a hot girl summer, if you want to say that. And I was ready to. I was really ready to, you know, dive into, like, a relationship. And that was. It was funny because I said, like, again, New Jersey's weird. We have, like, these stages and like, Labor Day is, like the end of summer, right? So I was like, Labor Day weekend, I'm gonna cut ties to everything and just try and date intentionally. And what's more intentional than going on the Bachelorette, right?

[Podcast Host - Charity]

No, no, truly, it really, you cannot get more intentional than that. I love thinking about the Jersey Shore and having, like, a hot girl summer there. Let's go back to. You said you lived with someone. Was that your most serious relationship and what happened with all that?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, look, I think every relationship I've ever been in has kind of helped me figure out some boxes that I wanted checked or didn't need checked anymore. That one, yeah, that. That one wasn't my most recent, but certainly a meaningful one. You know, you learn about yourself when you live with someone. I think it's kind of like the pre engagement to the engagement. It's important to know, you know, if you're in each other's space all the time, how much you're getting on each other's nerves or if you're really, like, even better friends than you thought. Because I'm a guy who sometimes needs his space. And, you know, it was a learning experience. But, you know, I dated that woman. I dated someone with kids, which, you know, I brought to the show, like, a lot of good lessons, and it was a benefit to, you know, trying to relate to Taylor. So, yeah, I've done. I've run the gauntlet on all types of relationships, and I certainly was ready to settle down going into filming.

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[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

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[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Okay, so what were some of those characteristics that you were like, okay, I'm leaving this or leaving these previous relationships and I'm like, this is what I really am looking for. Or like some non negotiables when going into what would have been hopefully your next relationship?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, look, I mean, I'm like an independent person and I enjoy my routine and I kind of, you know, at 36, I kind of know who I am today. Right. I've grown a lot, you know, mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, the whole gamut. I felt like today and, and then when we started filming, of course, like I'm in, I'm the best version of myself. Right. So, you know, just some of those things are somebody who's family friendly. Right. Like, family is a big important part about in my life because, you know, Italian in New Jersey, of course, everybody is, you know, my family's all around, you know, somebody who is just down to earth, easy to get along with. I don't have like tons of like non negotiables. I just like, again, it's the chemistry, it's the banter. It's like really that je ne sais quoi, that's something you just don't really can put a finger on. And, and you could find that out very quickly when you meet someone. So, you know, I go into everything being very open minded to whomever it is, like giving them a shot. And you know, I think I just, I know when I'm my best version of myself, I have the discernment to see that person as who they are and how they actually relate in my life. When I'm running amok and going crazy or whatever, like, it's hard to really see how this person fits into your life. So I knew going into, you know, this season that I was as, like, ready as I am to really, you know, accept love.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

I do have to ask, because I did give you a little bit of a hard time when we were going through the cast bios.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

You know, you.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

You have to tell me what reformed bad boy means. We have to go through that and talk it out.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Sure, yeah.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

So, look, I was a. A misguided and troubled kid in his 20s. He loved to party, right? I very much, like, just didn't have focus, right? Like, so I really was running amok, and, you know, I was partying and drinking and. And all the things that go along with it, right? And. And finally I. You know, I think I. I was Peter Pan no longer, right? Like, I finally grew up, but it took a lot of. It took a lot of trial and error in that, truthfully.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

And.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

And again, that's where, like, I relate so much to Taylor and her journey, because I know that growth isn't linear. Like, you know, I may be doing things better and better each day, but there's missteps every single time, right? Like. Like, I'm gonna hurt people. I'm gonna hurt myself. There's never malicious intent, but I am always trying to be the best version of myself and be a better person. And with that, there's. Yeah, there's. There's pitfalls, right? Like, it's just. It is what it is. I think it's life. Like, you know, what. What's going on right now if I think everyone, you know, shouldn't throw stones, right? Like, I truly think if your worst situation in life was videotaped, you know, maybe you, too, would have a bit of grace and understanding in this. And, you know, I saw a woman who, for the last three years of her life, really put herself out there, too, and, like, showed the world. Like, she wasn't trying to be this polished Instagram person, right? She gives it. Like, she really puts it all out there, and I, like. I really, like, respected that because, you know, in my struggles in life and, you know, finding the better way out, you know, there were a lot of, you know, times where I was embarrassed about, you know, my situation or whatever, and Taylor just. She's all about just kind of being transparent. And, you know, for what it's worth, I think, you know, people who didn't know her maybe don't understand that, but her fans love that. And that's what I. When I saw that, I was like, all right, this is someone who I could relate to because, you know, I, too, have gone through things, and, you know, when you come out the other side, I think it really builds a lot of character.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah, we see, like, Taylor, obviously is very vocal about, like, her faith, and obviously she just posted about, like, she's been posting a lot about just her spiritual journey. Was that something that was important to you, or do you guys align in that. In that way? Similar. Similarly?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

You got. Yeah, look, I have a. I have a foundation in faith. I think there's a. There's, you know, it doesn't control every action of my life, and I don't. Yeah, entirely. But I, I. That is a foundation in which I do live my life. Right. Like, I was just raised this way, and I understand, like, I'm here and the things that I'm doing are, you know, bigger than myself. Right. So, yeah, it is nice to have someone, you know, in your corner who, you know, believes similarly to you do. But again, you know, we have free will, and. And I'm trying to always do the next right thing. And sometimes it's. It's hard in moments to, you know, take that pause and step back and, like, pray or do whatever you need to do. But, yeah, generally, like, to have somebody who has that same understanding is crucial.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

So. I'm Italian, and I have a big Italian family. Awesome. And I know that my parents always get on me, and they're like, when are you getting married? When are you having kids? Do you feel like you have that as well?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Thankfully, my brother did all the dirty work for me already.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

He.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

So you're an uncle?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah. Yeah. So he married a nice Italian woman. He has a boy and a girl, and, like, he just. He got the white picket fence. He did it all for me, which is great because, you know, now I could kind of do whatever I need to do.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Less pressure.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

But I still am the youngest in a big Italian family, so, of course there's always questions. You know, we just had a holiday. Right. Easter. And of course there's questions.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Right.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

And, like, when are you gonna settle down? And, you know, do you want kids? And all these things. But, you know, luckily, yeah, like, my brother and. And they're amazing, and my parents are so happy to be grandparents, so I think, you know, I think almost they probably need a break, too, because they do so much. You know, the kids are wild, so. So thankfully, yeah, I get. I get a little reprieve for now.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

How did they feel about you going on the. On the Bachelorette, like, when you told them.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

So look, my life is a little unorthodox to begin with, so I think whenever I call them with, like, a crazy idea or something that's going on my life, it doesn't necessarily shock them. But, yeah, they were excited for me. I think, you know, it's a fun opportunity. And like, more than that and more than, yeah, TV or whatever, because again, I had no social media before this. I. I kept a low profile. I didn't really care for that. It was just something, like, to. To do that's once in a lifetime. Something that, like, only so many people can. Can experience. And I'm sure you guys understand, like, what happens there is. It's hard to put into words, but it is something that moves forward with you for the rest of your life. Right? Like, hopefully this show gets to air so I can share that with people. But for now, I'm like this FBI agent holding on to secrets about, like, why I look at the world differently today. Right? Like, it's just, you know, something happens there that is this secret sauce, and it's beautiful.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

It is so crazy because it feels like when it's over, I was like, whoa. Was like that a dream and you guys are still in that limbo where you don't know. But walk us through night one. What was it like getting out of the limo and seeing her and seeing the Mansion?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Oh, my God. Yeah, so it was funny. Like, leading up to it, I'm like, like, you know, I'm this guy from Jersey. Like, I know how to talk to a woman. Like, I can, you know, no big deal. And then, like, as the hours are getting closer to, you know, stepping out of the limo, I'm, like, starting to sweat a little more and I'm, like, fumbling over, like, what I wanted to say. And then look. Yeah, I get out there and I think I had marbles in my mouth. Like, I don't remember what I really said. And it's so funny because I was talking to some of the guys around the Mansion that night, and it's like, like, you know, how'd your conversation with Taylor go? And they're like, yeah, it went great. And in the back of my head, I'm like, I don't even remember what I said. So I hope it went great. You know, I don't know if everyone was just lying or what, but, yeah, it is the most nerve wracking thing in the. In the universe, I think, you know, moving forward. If I'm with a friend or a buddy and he's like, Scared to talk to someone out in public. I'll be like, let me tell you a story, all right? Because there's nothing more scary. And I know, look, it's tv. Maybe people who are listening, like, oh, it doesn't really matter. Like, it is so intense. You know, your first period of being in front of cameras and bright lights and this beautiful woman in Taylor, and she's just standing there and it's. Yeah, it's surreal. It's the most nerve wracking thing. I think my knees were, like, quivering. You know, I don't even know how I was, like, standing. But yeah, it was an awesome experience for sure. And I think it, it sets me up for the future to really not be scared about, like, things that, you know, perhaps I'd be nervous about.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

What was the dynamic like, amongst, like, the guys? Because I feel like I've heard kind of mix of like, oh, like, you know, you walked in and like the guys automatically, like, some of you guys hit it off very well, and there are some that maybe have run, like, rubbed something you guys wrong. So, like, what was that like for you?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

I'll. I'll try and, you know, not spoil anything, I guess. But, you know, my entrance had some bravado to it and I was nervous that perhaps people would, you know, think a certain way about me. Luckily, I think everyone was very open minded to people's personalities. They were less about like, oh, whatever this intro was, right. Like, is defining this person. So I think initially night one was. It felt like, okay, I think everyone was in the same spot.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Right.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

We were a little nervous and trying to figure out, you know, I won't spoil anything else. But yeah, maybe, you know, other things go on along the way. That rubs people the wrong way, you know.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Can you tease your entrance, Russ? You said it has bravado.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, I mean, yeah.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Did you see, like, what.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

If you watch the trailer carefully, you may be able to get a snippet of that. Let's just say that. So, you know, press pause, you know, and, and take a look at the trailer. But, yeah, I'm there. Look, it's a very formal occasion, night one, right? And I, I put my own spin. I put my own spin on things, you know, love.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Okay, we're gonna switch gears a little bit. We heard you're a big sports guy. So who is, like, what is your favorite sport? And what's your, like, what are your teams? I'm curious.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, so baseball was like, always my. My first love. Me and my dad, like, you know, he was always a coach, and so baseball's, like, my number one, and the Yankees are. You know, I'll watch. Everything makes sense. Look, I mean, as a New York fan, I don't want to say I'm a Jet fan, because that's a little embarrassing, but it's true.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

I was like, they're hor.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, it's very bad. But look, I. I root for all, like, the New York teams. You know, I'm. I just, like, hope and pray that, you know, we could win a, you know, World Series or whatever it is soon, because we're in a little bit of a drought. But, yeah, sports are a huge part of my life. I mean, I think that's. Maybe that's just most men around here, but, like, you know, I really enjoy, like, the competition, and just because I have an affinity towards it, because I played for so long that I was

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

gonna ask, did you play any sports?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, yeah. I played baseball my whole life growing up. So, you know, just because of that, I think I have, like, that soft spot for it. But, yeah, big Yankee fan, and hopefully this year goes well for us. We'll see.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Fingers crossed.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Okay, so you're an athlete. Did you bring that competitiveness into the house, or what is your relationship like with the guys?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah. Okay, so, look, I'm somebody who's going to tell you how I feel, right? And I think, you know, you could call it competitive because, you guys know, like, a rose ceremony has this different feel to it. It is this competition, these nerves, like, people are. You know, it's a game seven, right? Like, it is, like, do.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

And so, you know, tensions rise. And. And, look, I. I'm a competitive guy. I think, you know, if I'm feeling something, I'm gonna say it to somebody. And. Yeah, there were certain other things along the way throughout this process where we got competitive. And, you know, I. I would like to think I did pretty well in those moments, but hopefully the world will see it, you know?

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Hopefully.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah, I know. Wait. Okay. I've been asking some of the guys if you guys could sum up or, like, tease the season in one word. How would you describe it?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

I don't want to sound like Jesse Palmer, but it was, like, the most

[Podcast Host - Charity]

insane, the most dramatic.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

And look, I'm not. I'm not a reality TV junkie by any stretch, so I don't necessarily have things to compare it to, but there was one moment where I'm standing there and I said in my head, I was like, this is the most insane thing that's Going on. Like, I was. I'm not even trying to be. Oh, let's get a snippet. Like, it was.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Like, I want to tell the world about it. I. I'm just sitting here. Like, I can't, right? But, like, there was a moment where I. My, like, jaw goes to the floor. You know what I mean?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Was this a group day ceremony? Like, what was it?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

This. This was a rose ceremony, and it got. Let's just say it went a lot longer than it should have because there was a. A surprise guest, and it turned into. It turned into chaos.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

A surprise. Guess somebody that was originally on the cast or not originally on the cast.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

I mean, how much do you want me to tease here?

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

I don't want it all.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

I'm like.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Until they get.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

They tell me, no, if that gets the.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

If that gets the season out. But no, it was. It was insane. I'll just. Yeah, that was. I was just standing, like, looking around as if I was like, is this really going on? It just felt like. And now, like, when it all sunk in after the fact, I was like, that has to be one of the most iconic rose ceremonies of all time, and I hope the world gets to see it. Yeah.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

So your one word to describe the season would be what?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Iconic.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Iconic. I love that.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

That's a good one.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Okay, we'll switch gears a little, if you're okay with it. We're gonna play a game, and it's called hot seat, and you are in the hot seat. So we're gonna be asking you some questions, and we're just gonna rapid fire some answers. So I'll go first. And I'm actually very interested about this. How long does it take you to go through a tub of aquaphor? So you're a huge aquaphor guy.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, I am a huge aquaphor guy. I do like to stay moisturized. I don't know what that says about me.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

We love that.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Look, I got a. I got. I got ones in my side drawers. I probably have some in here. I mean, they're. They're all over, so I don't think I'm ever. I don't think I ever reached the bottom of any. Because they're just always at hand, so it would probably take months, but, yeah, always.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Is that. That's. I'm assuming that's an essential for you. Like, you don't go anywhere without aquaphor.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, I keep that thing on me for sure.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Keep that thing on me. It's crazy.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Aquaphor. Do you Hear this, right?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

The next one is you say you love a wedding dance floor. Top three songs to dance to at a wedding.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Oh, wow. See, like, this is like, you know, some people get contentious about, like, a Bruno Mars at a wedding. They're like, that's like a hot card. Yes or no, Right? Like, I think, you know, you got to do shout. I'm doing the. The bacon on the ground. Like, analog, you know, like, you have to do shout. If you don't have shout on the playlist.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

That's a good one.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yeah, that is a good.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, that's iconic, right? And then you just throw in some. Some of the usuals. But, like, if shout's not on there, I'm gonna go home a little disappointed.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Oh, man. Okay, noted.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

That is a good one. Okay, what is the most awkward date you've been on?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Oh, wow. I've been on a lot of dates, as you guys clearly know by now.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Yes, our reformed bad boy.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Yes. Yes.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

I. I would like to pride myself on not really having, like, a bad date story, because, look, at the end

[Podcast Host - Charity]

of the day, that's impressive.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

I'm a yada.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

That is really impressive.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah. Like, I could find common ground, I think. Look, you know, in the first little bit, if you're, like, like, into this or not. But eventually, like, you know, I have some respect, and I can just, you know, chat and so hopefully, I don't think. I think I would have been scarred and would know if I had a really bad date story, but I think I'm okay. Yeah.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Okay.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

You said zero strikes for him.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

He said I'm perfect. I don't know what you guys.

[Marcus - Bachelor Contestant]

Perfect?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

Okay, before we wrap, we want to know if there's anything you want to share with Bachelor Nation. Just maybe words of wisdom, just anything about, like, what you guys have been going through and, you know, words of encouragement to lean on. Anything you want to share?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Sure. Yeah. Yeah, I appreciate that. I think. Look, and. And you guys interviewed Casey, like, last week, and. And he shared. Shares the same sentiments that I do. Like, there is just so many men with amazing stories and. And above that, like, seeing Taylor outside of, you know, her toxic cycle with this jokester, and. And at the mansion, like, look, she. She was radiating with positive energy and excitement, so I want the world to see her in that light. And then I also. Yeah, there's just so many great bonds made by the men and lifelong friendships that I hope, you know, the world gets to see. I. I appreciate Bachelor Nation. I know a lot of them have. Have stuck with us. And I kind of feel like the. A weird step kid right now. I'm like, wanna, like, join the party. But hopefully I get to right. You know, because I think, like, people would really appreciate this cast. It was exciting. It was fun. So, you know, I'm just gonna keep my fingers crossed I could control what I could control and that's just sharing my truth about, you know, this journey and how it's kind of shaped the way in which I'm going to look at the world moving forward, which is, you know, like a lot more positively glass half full. Like, I'm really. It truly was just, just groundbreaking in a sense of like, how I perceive everything now. So hopefully the world gets to see it. But yeah, I appreciate Bachelor Nation and, you know, everyone we've, you know, I've dealt with over the last few weeks, like, there's, there's enthusiasm. So hopefully we could get to the finish line.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Hopefully. And me and Charity want to officially welcome you if you feel like you are the stepchild. You guys are not. We are all a big family. And where can Bachelor nation find you on your new new socials?

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Yeah, yeah. Like, look, it's, it's not too exciting over there. I'm, you know, I'm trying my best, but it's Mike Torito that's T u r I t t o and that's on Instagram and tick tock.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Love it. Everyone go follow him and welcome to Bachelor Nation and thank you for being on Bachelor happy hour. We loved chatting and fingers crossed for your season.

[Mike T. - Bachelor Contestant]

Appreciate you guys. Thank you so much.

[Podcast Host - Charity]

Okay, guys, that is all for us today. Make sure you guys are rating, subscribing and reviewing wherever you listen to podcasts and following Bachelor Happy hour and Bachelor Nation. Bye, everyone.

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[Podcast Host - Rachel]

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[Pharmacy or Medical Advertiser]

Are you looking for support in your weight management journey? Zepbound Tirzepatide May be able to help Zepbound is a prescription medicine used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity or some adults with overweight who also have weight related medical problems to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Zepbound is Approved as a 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 or 15mg injection. Zepbound contains Tirzepatide and should not be used with other Tirzepatide containing products or any GLP1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Zepbound is safe and effective for use in children. Don't share needles or pens or reuse needles. Don't take of allergic to it or if you or someone in your family had medullary thyroid cancer or if you've had multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck. Stop Zepbound and call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or a serious allergic reaction. Severe side effects may include inflamed pancreas or gallbladder problems. Tell your doctor if you experience vision changes before scheduled procedures with anesthesia. If you're nursing pregnant, plan to be or taking birth control pills. Taking Zephone with a sulfonylurea or insulin may cause low blood sugar. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration and worsen kidney problems. Talk to your doctor, call 1-800-545-5979 or visit zepbound.lily.com Can I come clean about something?

[Podcast Host - Rachel]

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

[Pharmacy or Medical Advertiser]

wash loads sold at cvs. It matters that we're not just in your community, but that we're part of it. It matters that we're here for you when you need us, day or night, and we want everyone to feel welcomed and rewarded. It matters that CVS is here to fill your prescriptions and here to fill your craving for a tasty and, yeah, healthy snack. At cvs, we're we're proud to serve your community because we believe where you get your medicine matters. So Visit [e-mail] or just come by our store. We can't wait to meet you. Store hours vary by location. This is an Iheart podcast. Guaranteed human.