Bachelor Happy Hour | Golden Hour

Episode: Parisa’s Boyfriend and Life in Chicago

Release Date: February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of "Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour" (iHeartPodcasts & Warner Bros) features Parisa, a fan favorite from Season 10 of "Bachelor in Paradise." Hosted by Kathy and Susan (standing in for Charity Lawson and Rachel Recchia), the episode dives into Parisa's new relationship, her move to Chicago, dating insights, and balancing romance with personal growth. Listeners also get updates on her professional ventures and hear candid advice for singles and future Bachelor contestants.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Parisa’s Relationship Journey

• How They Met ([02:01–03:23])

  • Parisa recounts meeting her boyfriend in Miami by chance while both were traveling.
  • Coincidentally, she soon had a girls’ trip to Chicago—the same city her boyfriend is from, making their next meetup “so much easier.”
  • Quote: “It was really nice to be with my girls… and just set it up, like, ‘Oh, just meet us out for drinks after dinner.’” – Parisa [02:34]

• The Move to Chicago ([03:27–04:11])

  • She moved at the end of October and loves the city, though she admits Chicago’s wind makes winter much harsher than what she experienced growing up in Michigan.
  • Biggest adjustment: “You have to wrap your face when you walk. I’ve never wrapped my face before in the winter.” – Parisa [04:02]

• First Dates in Chicago ([04:33–05:43])

  • Their dynamic started with casual group hangouts, making things “no pressure… very natural.”
  • Their first official one-on-one was a romantic dinner at Tre Dita, a “restaurant with all windows overlooking the city, very romantic, dim lighting.”
  • Quote: “Immediately after [the group date], it was that same night we planned, like, when can we see each other again?” – Parisa [05:15]

• Meeting the Families ([05:43–06:20])

  • Parisa has met his family in Chicago and he’s met her dad (when helping with the move); further family introductions are planned for the future.

2. Relationship Dynamics and Compatibility

• Shared Interests & Emotional Depth ([06:24–08:26])

  • They enjoy deep conversations, often using prompts from Instagram to explore topics like “three things that surprised you about me.”
  • Although Parisa loves “critters” and the outdoors, her boyfriend didn’t expect to date someone with those interests but is eager to share and learn about what matters to her.
  • Quote: “He wants to learn more about [critters] and share that.” – Parisa [07:18]

• Taking it Slow, Considering the Future ([08:44–10:08])

  • While things are “very different” with her boyfriend and she feels a deep connection, Parisa is “superstitious” and reluctant to declare he’s “the one.”
  • “I never want to jinx anything… you never know. But I mean, this definitely, it is so different.” – Parisa [08:57]
  • They’ve discussed moving in together but are “not rushing anything.” Parisa signed a one-year lease, so decisions are postponed until the fall.

• Relationship “Best Practices” ([10:21–11:36])

  • They use shared Notes on their phone for joint resolutions and bucket-list goals, supporting and holding each other accountable in personal and professional growth.
  • Quote: “We keep each other, like, in the loop of these things… Your partner should be your number one supporter in your life.” – Parisa [11:13]

3. Life and Work in Chicago

• Boyfriend’s Profession ([11:36–12:05])

  • He owns a real estate company; he also helped Parisa find her new place.
  • Parisa lives in the West Loop area.

• Bachelor Nation Connections ([12:13–13:03], [15:06–15:46])

  • Her boyfriend has met her Bachelor Nation friends (on their group “first date”).
  • Coincidental brunch encounter: After their first date, they ran into her boyfriend and his mom at a café the next day.
  • Parisa remains close with fellow Bachelor alums, e.g., Alex (who visits Chicago often), Andrew, and Alicia. She’s looking forward to her first St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.

4. Reflections on Past Relationships and Bachelor Experience

• No Contact with Brian ([14:05–14:44])

  • Parisa confirms she has not stayed in touch with Brian from Paradise, reflecting that her intuition was right about issues in that relationship.
  • Quote: “You get those gut moments… you always know you should have listened to it.” – Parisa [14:17]

• “Too Much” Narrative ([18:59–19:55])

  • Parisa shares a memorable axiom from Kathy: “No, honey, I’m not too much. You’re just not enough.” She emphasizes not reinforcing negative narratives in relationships.

5. Professional Projects & Aspirations

• Mixing Career and Passion in a Book ([16:49–18:51])

  • Parisa is finishing a book that merges applied behavior analysis (her field as a behavior therapist) with dating advice, focusing on how women reinforce unhealthy relationship patterns and how to foster secure, healthy dynamics.
  • Quote: “The main point of the book is just going to teach readers how to stop reinforcing what you don’t want in a relationship and to start reinforcing secure and healthy behaviors instead.” – Parisa [18:21]

• Interest in Reality TV—With a Twist ([15:46–16:40])

  • She would consider returning to reality TV only if it were a show connected to her field, e.g., something like “Love on the Spectrum.”

6. Dating Advice and Bachelor Tips

• Advice for Single Women ([25:55–26:59])

  • Let go of expectations, focus on having fun and building friendship first, and avoid pressure: “At least let’s make a friendship out of this and just take out all the expectations.”

• Advice for New Bachelor Contestants ([27:07–27:53])

  • Be yourself and live in the moment—don’t try to script or plan conversations.
  • Quote: “Like, you know who you are, you know your values… let that muscle memory take over.” – Parisa [27:18]

• No Regrets on the Show ([29:36–30:07])

  • Parisa says she doesn't have regrets about her Bachelor experience, focusing on learning and growth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Deep Connection:
  “Just our time together, it just feels very, like, connected.” – Parisa [08:26]

• On Independence in Dating:
  “I’m not the type, I’m not going to wait for him to message me or to make a move. The ball was always going to be in my court…” – Parisa [24:25]

• Reminder for Self-Worth:
  “No, honey, I’m not too much. You’re just not enough.” – Kathy [19:32], repeated by Parisa

• On Love Languages:
  “We hit all of the love languages. But for me, it’s definitely quality time and physical touch.” – Parisa [21:28]
  “We both love surprises, so we’re always sneaking in surprises here and there.” – Parisa [21:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:01] – Parisa’s Miami meet-cute and the start of her relationship
• [03:27] – Moving to Chicago: challenges and first impressions
• [04:33] – First date dynamics, easing into romance
• [05:43] – Celebrating holidays and meeting the family
• [06:24] – Conversation games, deep connection, and shared interests
• [10:21] – Notes app, joint resolutions, and couple accountability
• [11:36] – Boyfriend’s real estate job; Parisa’s new neighborhood
• [14:05] – No-contact with Brian and listening to your gut
• [16:49] – Parisa’s upcoming book, applying behavioral science to dating
• [25:55] – Parisa’s advice for singles: let go of expectations
• [27:07] – Advice for Bachelor contestants: be authentic
• [29:36] – Living without regrets from the reality TV experience

Additional Highlights & Fun Anecdotes

• A brunch coincidence where Parisa’s boyfriend and his mom ran into Parisa and her girlfriends was described as “magical.” ([12:33])
• Kathy and Susan joke about meeting Parisa’s boyfriend’s family and finding a single relative for Kathy. ([30:41])
• Parisa shares her boyfriend planned a hiking trip in Whistler with “critters” to make her happy ([20:30])
• The hosts and Parisa discuss their love languages and the importance of “love as a verb”—acting with intention and affection ([23:05])

Tone & Atmosphere

• Warm, supportive, and filled with genuine personal anecdotes, the episode retains the friendly, candid conversation Bachelor Nation fans love.
• There’s a sense of relaxed camaraderie and humor, especially around dating mishaps, moving, and the unpredictability of love.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode gives both longtime fans and newcomers an insightful, heartwarming look at life after Bachelor Nation. Through Parisa’s story of romance, transition to a new city, and her application of behavioral science to relationships, listeners receive both practical and emotional guidance. The episode emphasizes growth, authenticity, and self-worth, all in a tone that blends fun, real talk, and affirmation.

For more Bachelor Nation behind-the-scenes and honest conversations, listen to "Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour" on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.