Bachelor Happy Hour | Golden Hour

Episode Title: Peg’s a Firecracker!
Date: October 21, 2025
Hosts: Kath & Susan
Guest: Peg, contestant from "The Golden Bachelor" (Season 2)

Episode Overview

In this dynamic and laughter-filled episode, Kath and Susan sit down with Peg, a standout contestant from the second season of "The Golden Bachelor," for an energetic, honest, and heartfelt conversation. The hosts and Peg explore her journey on the show, her unique career as a firefighter and bomb tech, her approach to dating and authenticity, and memorable behind-the-scenes moments with the other women in the mansion. Throughout, Peg’s no-nonsense humor and bold personality are front-and-center, offering deep insight and plenty of quotable moments for fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Peg’s Background and Unique Career Path

[03:57]–[06:16]

• Las Vegas roots: Peg was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV.
• Firefighting trailblazer: Hired in 1992, she was only the fourth woman to join her fire department, facing a predominantly male and at times unwelcoming environment.
  • “They did not want women on the fire department at all.” – Peg [04:53]
  • Many women hired left within 6-12 months; Peg persevered for over 25 years.
• Career progression: Started on ladder and pumper trucks, fought fires, worked on ambulances, and eventually got “bored” and sought new challenges.
• Became a bomb tech: Promoted to arson division, attended the FBI Bomb Academy, and served as a bomb technician.
  • “I felt like I was the main character in a spy novel.” – Peg [06:11]
  • Peg described the job as “so much fun” and deeply rewarding.

2. Journey to ‘The Golden Bachelor’

[06:47]–[08:03]

• How she joined: Peg’s best friend Alana, a lifelong fan of the franchise, signed her up as soon as auditions opened.
  • Peg initially resisted: “There is no way I’m putting myself on national television.” – Peg [07:21]
  • She completed the application under her friend’s persistence.
• What pushed her over the edge: Her daughter’s encouragement:
  • “Mom, what else are you doing? ...I’m tired of you calling me ten times a day.” – Peg [07:48]
• **Peg was not actively dating before joining but was open to new experiences.

3. First Night at the Mansion

[08:12]–[09:32]

• Impressions: Peg was both excited and intimidated by the accomplished, gorgeous women in the house.
  • “Oh, shit. These are beautiful, gorgeous, accomplished women.” – Peg [08:52]
• Meeting Mel: Had only three minutes to talk to him, but made them count.
  • “I went in with the idea of, is he good for me?” – Peg [09:14]
  • Turned the tables and asked Mel what he was looking for, not just focusing on whether she fit his needs.

4. Peg’s Approach to Authenticity and Relationships

[09:13]–[12:16], [18:19]–[20:12]

• Asserted her needs and boundaries early, focusing on genuine connection.
• “If you are that guy on that podcast, I don’t want to date you.” – Peg [11:31]
• She values authenticity and doesn't want to "fall in love with anyone’s representative."
  • “When somebody falls in love with you, they're going to fall in love with your authentic self.” – Peg [20:02]
• Known for being high-energy and direct, sometimes to the point of “annoying the shit out of a lot of people.”
  • All three women (Peg, Kath, Susan) connected over being “too much, but not for the right person.”
  • “I am who I am. You love me, you hate me.” – Peg [19:46]
  • “No, no, I'm not too much. You're just not enough for me.” – Kath [23:23]

5. One-on-One Date and Personal Sharing

[11:14]–[12:16], [18:02]–[22:11]

• OC Fair date: Peg was candid with Mel, asking for clarity about his intentions after a controversial podcast appearance.
• Opening up about the past: She and Mel bonded over similar past hurts (infidelity in previous marriages).
  • “His wife stepped out on the marriage, and my ex-husband stepped out.” – Peg [20:24]
• Connection: There was a notable, “electrifying” moment between them.
  • “There was a moment that we both looked in each other’s eyes and it was electrifying. And I was like, oh shit, I'm in trouble.” – Peg [22:04]

6. Life in the Mansion & Dealing with Group Dynamics

[22:20]–[24:57], [30:13]–[33:37]

• Adapting to groups of women: Peg was used to the direct and “no-bullshit” environment of the firehouse and found the bachelorette house very different.
  • “I'm used to directness. I'm used to no bullshit… One of the girls told me I needed to have more feathers. And I'm like, no, I don’t.” – Peg [23:10–23:18]
• Drama avoidance: Peg napped through much of the “Nicole drama,” prioritizing rest and maintaining focus on Mel.
  • “I just don't pay attention to that stuff. I was there for Mel. I wasn’t there for women drama.” – Peg [24:50]
• On Nicole’s influencer intentions: Peg disapproved of participants not there for genuine reasons.
  • “Don’t come on a dating show and take somebody else's spot that’s truly there to find love.” – Peg [31:16]

7. Reflections on Dates and Upcoming Hometowns

[34:39]–[37:03]

• Group date fun: Peg emphasized fun and lighthearted connection; believes the hard work in life is over and now is the time for enjoyment.
  • “Our heavy lifting, it’s over with… now it’s time to really just enjoy each other and enjoy life.” – Peg [35:33]
• Looking forward: Peg teases her hometown date will feature the firehouse (and perhaps a joke about fire poles).

8. Personal Life and Bonds

[38:26]–[39:02]

• Peg’s go-to “desert island” friends from the show: Terri, Tracy, and Debbie—because of their diverse skills and personalities.
• Deep bonds with her castmates, described as “besties.”

9. Empowerment, Self-Care, and Age

[39:22]–[40:15]

• Conversation about facelifts and self-care, focusing on doing things for personal confidence, not for others.
  • “Do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better… but you don’t need it.” – Kath [39:46]
• Peg’s example encourages women her age that “life is not over” and to keep living fully.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Peg on authenticity in love:
  “When somebody falls in love with you, they’re going to fall in love with your authentic self… not the representative.” [20:02]
• Peg on women in her field:
  “They did not want women on the fire department at all. They just did not… but I stayed.” [04:53]
• Peg confronting Mel:
  “If you are that guy on that podcast, I don’t want to date you. I don’t want to waste my time and I don’t want to waste your time.” [11:31]
• On being genuine among “too much” personalities:
  “I am who I am. You love me, you hate me.” [19:46]
  “No, no, I'm not too much. You're just not enough for me.” – Kath [23:23]
• On reality show drama:
  “I got bored with it. I’m like, bye, I’m going to take another nap.” – Peg [32:49]
• On living fully at any age:
  “You are a perfect example… proving to them that life is not over. Get up and live again.” – Susan [39:55]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Time | |---------------------------------------------------------------|----------| | Peg introduced, early firefighting career | 03:57–06:16 | | Journey to The Golden Bachelor | 06:47–08:03 | | First impressions/night at the mansion | 08:12–09:32 | | Approach to love & authenticity | 09:13–12:16, 18:19–20:12 | | The OC Fair one-on-one date | 11:14–12:16, 18:02–22:11 | | Group dynamics and mansion drama | 22:20–24:57, 30:13–33:37 | | Bonding with Mel, thoughts on group dates, comedy moments | 34:39–37:03 | | “Desert island” picks and friendships | 38:26–39:02 | | Conversation about self-image and empowerment | 39:22–40:15 |

Final Thoughts

This episode was a whirlwind of laughs, genuine moments, and firecracker energy courtesy of Peg and the hosts. Peg’s story of resilience, honesty, and pursuit of real connection (on the show and in life) stands out as an inspiration for women of all ages. The chemistry among all three women fostered an environment of candor and comedy, leaving listeners rooting for Peg—and reminded that it's never too late to be authentic, speak your mind, and have a little fun.