Richard & Clayton Part 1: Overcoming Hearing Loss and Dating as a Nashville Musician | Happy Hour

Summary

Bachelor Happy Hour — "Richard & Clayton Part 1: Overcoming Hearing Loss and Dating as a Nashville Musician"

Hosts: Rachel Recchia and (likely) Charity Lawson
Guests: Richard Vanderwater (Photographer, Bachelorette contestant), Clayton McKinley (Singer/Songwriter, Bachelorette contestant)
Date Recorded: April 2, 2026
Release Date: April 21, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on in-depth conversations with two prominent contestants from Taylor’s upcoming Bachelorette season—Richard Vanderwater and Clayton McKinley. Through candid interviews, the hosts explore Richard's journey of overcoming hearing loss as well as Clayton's experiences dating as a Nashville musician. The episode is filled with personal stories, dating philosophies, behind-the-scenes insights, and relatable humor, all delivered in the show's signature warm and open tone.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Richard Vanderwater: Life Before and On the Show

Richard’s Path to The Bachelorette

• Journey to Casting:

  • Initially submitted by his sister-in-law five years ago; made it to the final round twice before being cut at the last minute (03:54–06:14).
  • Persisted through multiple rounds of disappointment:

    "They had said like, hey, you're good to go. Like, we're buying your flights... and then they called back and they're like, actually, we changed our mind." — Richard (05:36)

• Connection to the Franchise:

  • Not a big TV fan now but previously watched with friends (06:22).
  • Found it fun when friends discovered his participation after keeping it quiet.

• Not Knowing the Bachelorette:

  • Only learned who the Bachelorette was (Taylor) shortly before filming.
  • Chose to form his own opinion rather than rely on public perception (07:03–07:22).

Richard’s Approach to Dating and Life

• Dating History & What He’s Seeking:

  • Has had 4–5 long-term relationships since high school (08:09).
  • Looks for:
    • Emotional maturity and life experience.
    • Genuine care for others; faith is a major element.
    • Adventurous spirit and sense of humor—"banter is important." (09:02–10:09)
  • Interest in starting a family, open to dating someone (like Taylor) with children (10:17–11:14).
  • Has never dated someone with kids, but sees it as part of loving the whole person.

• Lifestyle & Hobbies:

  • An avid surfer, aspiring helicopter pilot, passionate photographer.
  • Photography began during a trip to Hawaii five years ago; loves creative partnerships (12:10–13:45).

The First Night Experience & House Dynamics

• Nerves and Camaraderie:

  • Describes the surreal nerves of “pulling up” to the mansion, and fear of not fitting in (14:05–15:43).
  • Praised the maturity and genuineness of the cast, noting the positive dynamics due to an older group.

• Forming Friendships:

  • Closest to Shane, Aaron (“everyone hit it off with Aaron”), Christopher (who made him feel seen), and Doug (fellow surfer) (20:15–21:05).
  • Touched by how friendships are critical in the journey:

    "The love story is the most beautiful, but the friendships are equally as important..." — Co-host (21:11)

Living with Hearing Loss

• The Accident:

  • At 14, a field day accident caused permanent hearing loss in one ear (21:40–24:17).
  • Doctors originally delivered a dire prognosis; went on to play football and break school records in his senior year.

• Daily Impact:

  • Being in noisy settings (mansion, events) creates ongoing challenges (26:09).
  • Sometimes misses jokes or details but is now comfortable asking people to repeat themselves, though social patience varies.

• Openness and Advocacy:

  • Has become more open, realizing the importance of representing others with hearing loss (25:56–27:16).
  • Shared the moment of needing to switch seats:

    "There’s an incident...I was...talking with...someone...and about halfway through the conversation, I was like...can we switch seats?...Being like, I can't hear...but it would be really helpful if we could just switch." — Richard (27:41–28:22)

• Impact on Others:

  • Hosts reflect on franchise alumni like Daisy Kent and Genevieve who also have hearing loss (29:19–29:46).

Memorable Moments & Rapid Fire (“Hot Seat”)

• Unique Food Preferences:
  • Dislikes cilantro, parsley, and anchovies due to enzyme/taste aversion (30:12–31:14).

    "It's like a whole study that's been done...for some people it tastes like a bar of soap..." — Richard (30:55)

• Fun Facts:
  • Became a long-distance runner recently (up to 13 miles at an 8-minute pace) despite hating it in high school (31:29–32:24).
• Shark Tooth Hunting:
  • Displays a large jar of shark teeth collected with his mom, a family tradition in Charleston; hints at gifting a special tooth to Taylor (33:13–34:54).

Closing Reflections and Encouragement

• Support for Listeners:
  • Shares an uplifting message:

    "Everyone struggles with things, so if you're struggling...just remember you're not alone and there's somebody else out there that's right there with you. All it takes is just one person to change your life." — Richard (35:46–36:21)

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2. Clayton McKinley: Music, Romance, and Reality TV

Getting Cast & Relating to Taylor

• Origin Story:

  • Lifelong fan, used to watch the show with his mom and exes (44:33–44:48).
  • Manifested going on the show, having even posted about it years before (45:02–45:11).
  • Introduced to Taylor via show producers; mutual friend tried setting them up previously (45:13–46:01).

• First Impressions and Authenticity:

  • Noted the stigma of being a “musician” contestant but aims to break stereotypes, inspired by artists with strong family values (e.g., Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson) (46:53–47:43).

Nashville Dating Scene & Personal Priorities

• Challenges of Nashville Dating:
  • Compares dating in Nashville to a “mini LA,” transient population, hard to find lasting connections (48:16–49:11).
  • Focused on professional goals but still desires to build a family; hopes to find "forever person" on the show.

The Bachelor Mansion and Songwriting

• First Night Reflections:
  • Enjoys observing group dynamics rather than being loud; emphasizes connection through presence, not showmanship (49:26–50:05).

    "I heard, like, a quote that the leader of a pack of lions sits in the back as opposed to leading in the front." — Clayton (49:46)

• Channeling Emotions Into Music:
  • Used songwriting to process the intense Bachelorette experience—brought a notebook and later a guitar to the house, found music therapeutic (50:29–51:16).

Tease for Next Episode

• Upcoming Topics:
  • Next episode (Part 2) will cover Clayton’s previous relationship with Lana Del Rey (51:31–51:49).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Richard Reflects on Setbacks:
  "They had said like, hey, you're good to go. Like, we're buying your flights, and...they called back and they're like, actually, we changed our mind." — (05:36)
• On Making His Own Judgment:
  "I'd rather make my own assessment than take someone else's word for it." — Richard (07:22)
• Rachel on Banter:
  "It's underrated." — Rachel (10:09)
• Richard’s Mindset:
  "I think the perspective that I'm having is just...take advantage of the things that I can and let everything else just kind of play out as it does..." — (04:35)
• Richard’s Encouragement:
  "All it takes is just one person to change your life." — (36:21)
• Clayton on Musicians’ Stereotypes:
  "Dating has actually been really hard for me as a musician because there are so many stigmas with that. I think it takes a very secure person to be with somebody who is on the road or is in the public eye, even on the small capacity that I am." — (46:53)
• On Family and Faith:
  "My biggest dream, outside of the music stuff is to be a father and a family man and a provider for my family." — Clayton (48:45)

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Timestamps for Notable Sections

• Richard’s Bachelorette Casting Journey:
  03:54–06:14

• Dating Experience & Relationship Mindset:
  08:09–10:09

• First Impression of Taylor / Not Knowing the Bachelorette:
  06:56–07:22

• Discussion of Hearing Loss:
  21:40–24:17 (accident), 26:09–28:22 (navigating social settings), 29:19–29:46 (mention of Daisy, Genevieve)

• Shark Tooth Collection Story:
  33:13–34:54

• Clayton on Being Cast and Meeting Taylor:
  44:33–46:01

• Music Industry Stereotypes and Approach to Dating:
  46:53–47:43

• Nashville vs. LA Dating Scene:
  48:16–49:11

• Songwriting as Therapy in the Mansion:
  50:29–51:16

• Teaser for Part 2 (Lana Del Rey):
  51:31–51:49

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Final Thoughts

This episode offers a heartfelt and nuanced glimpse into the personal histories and emotional landscapes of two Bachelor Nation contestants, both of whom defy common stereotypes. Their candid reflections—on hearing loss, dating challenges, creative passions, and personal growth—create an inspiring narrative arc of perseverance and hope, while the rapport among guests and hosts brings warmth and relatability to every segment.

Follow Richard Vanderwater for encouragement, photography, and "shark teeth journeys" on social media (@richardvanderwater).
Tune in next episode for more on Clayton's past and promised revelations.

Transcript

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[Rachel]

Hello everyone and welcome back to Bachelor Happy Hour. We are here today recording on April 2nd at 12:10 PT. And today we have a very exciting interview. We will be getting into some of the guys to talking all about them and let's get into it. Today's guest, we have a 35 year old photographer from Charleston, South Carolina. Welcome, Richard.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Hey, guys, how's it going? Thanks so much for having me. Good.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Welcome to Bachelor Happy Hour. How's it feel being on the podcast? Yeah, right?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, yeah, it's fun. Yeah.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Okay. We're going to dive into everything, but I, I, me and Rachel both want to know, like, how are you feeling? I know this past, it feels like what has been forever, but it's like years, you know.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah. Right.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Or two. How are you feeling with everything? And how are you navigating that? Staying grounded?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, it's been a sort of like a wave, you know, like it kind of comes in certain sets. And I think that at first it was definitely a bummer. Just like all of us, the cast and crew and everybody was just kind of like, whoa. And then you kind of let that fade out and then it kind of rolls back in. And so I think that, you know, everything is sort of like settling, if you will. And so I think the perspective that I'm having is just kind of, I let me take advantage of the things that I can and, and then let everything else just kind of play out as it does because it's out of a lot of people's control in some regard.

[Rachel]

Yeah, no, that's a great mindset. This is such a crazy time. What led you to this experience and to the Bachelorette?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, it's funny, I feel like it's kind of ironic is about five years ago my sister in law submitted my name and so I actually walked through that process and was probably a week out from filming five years ago. And then of course, it got cut. And then two years ago I got another email and I had like two interviews. And then they were like, yeah, yeah, this isn't the right season. And I was like, okay, that's fine.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I'm like, was that my season?

[Rachel]

I was gonna say like five years ago.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Two years ago was me that's crazy.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Oh, that would have been. Oh, that would have been awesome.

[Rachel]

This is crazy. So they just kept calling you and then saying it wasn't the right time. So did you get. You came to LA to film night one five years ago or.

[Richard Vanderwater]

No, no, no. I got cut, like, a few days right before. Before me out.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Richard Vanderwater]

It was like they. They had said like, hey, you're good to go. Like, we're buying your flights and everything. And then they called back and they're like, actually, we changed my mind. We're, like, pivoting. And I was like, oh, man. So anyways, here we are, like, five years later, and I got an email and I was like, I've been through this before. Sure, I'll do it again. It's probably going to end up the same way. And I had so much work that I was focused on during the whole interview process. And so every time I'd had had an interview, I just would push that off to the side and focus on what was in front of me. And before I knew it, I was on my way to la.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Were you a fan of the show?

[Rachel]

Are you a fan?

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Were you, like, a fan of the show? Do you watch, like, reality tv?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Like, I guess I don't watch reality tv, but I was a fan of the Bachelor And Bachelorette, like, 10 years ago, you know, like Ben Higgins, Jojo. Like, we have friends of mine, we'd all get together and watch that. So I think it was really fun for a lot of friends to then find out because, of course, I kept everything close to my chest.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah.

[Richard Vanderwater]

And then they were like, what?

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh. Wait. That's so exciting that you finally got the chance to come on. Did you know that Taylor was going to be the Bachelorette when they started calling you?

[Richard Vanderwater]

I didn't, no. I. I think I. They told me maybe a week prior.

[Rachel]

Okay.

[Richard Vanderwater]

But, yeah, before that, I didn't know who it was. And when they told me it was her, I. I'll be honest, I. I know a lot of other guys probably said this too, but I was like, I don't know who that is. And I kind of fell back because I was like, I should know who

[Rachel]

that is, that she's like, a celebrity. Yeah. Get to know her on your own. That's good.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, yeah. No, it was. I kind of. I appreciated that element of it because, you know, there's. There's a lot said about people in the limelight, and I think with her specifically, I was like, you know what, you can't trust everything that everybody says. And I just kind of want to go into this and find out for myself. And. And if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. And if it does, it does, but I'd rather make my own assessment than take someone else's word for it.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah. Were you. And did you have a lot of dating history before coming into this show or how was. If you're comfortable talking or sharing about, like, previous relationships and then kind of like what you were essentially looking for throughout this experience in terms of a partner?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, I definitely. I haven't dated a ton of people, but maybe four or five over the course of, you know, high school to now. And most of the time they're on the longer stretch. And so each time, as you know, you date somebody and you kind of learn, like, this works and this doesn't. This is how I need to change. This is the things that I'm looking for. And so I definitely, you know, being 35, well, technically I'm 36 now because my birthday has come and passed, so.

[Rachel]

Happy birthday.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Happy belated. But. But yeah, I definitely am more settled into what it is that I'm looking for and the specific qualities that I find valuable.

[Rachel]

What are some of those qualities that you're looking for?

[Richard Vanderwater]

I definitely want somebody that understands, has experience of life in the sense that things are thrown at them and they have learned how to handle them and they have, you know, an emotional grasp now that's given. Everybody gets thrown through the ringer and, you know, you learn as you. As you go and you get older. But also somebody that like, deeply cares about people and wants to give of themselves and I. That's important to me because that's kind of how I operate. And a lot, A lot of that has to do with my faith. So faith is also a large part of what it is that I'm looking for and someone that understands that element for their own part of life. And then somebody that's adventurous and fun and has, like, you know, charisma and is goofy because I think that it's no fun when somebody's just a flatline person and has no fun personality. So, yeah, definitely have to. Banter is. Banter is important.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

It is. I'm like. It's underrated.

[Rachel]

Absolutely.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

It sounds to me going into Taylor season that you're looking for something serious. Have you thought about what you want family wise? Do you want kids?

[Richard Vanderwater]

I do, yeah. And I. At this age, I think there's. There's Part of it that's like, all right, well, I'm already on the older side, so I'm gonna be having kids later. If I meet somebody and. And that's how we started, or if I find somebody like Taylor that already has kids, learning how to. I mean, that. That's never an easy thing to just jump into. But I think that when you have the mindset of being able to be willing and you're looking at the other person in a way of like, yeah, this. This comes with you, with having you, and you kind of. You take that on and you end up. Becomes a part of your life, and you end up loving them just as much, you know?

[Rachel]

Have you ever dated anyone with kids before?

[Richard Vanderwater]

I haven't.

[Rachel]

So. First.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah. First time.

[Rachel]

Oh, my goodness. Well, you sounds like you have so many hobbies as well. You're a surfer and you want to fly helicopters. And, like, what else can't you do? So tell us, Rachel.

[Richard Vanderwater]

You fly.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

You fly.

[Rachel]

I am a pilot, but not for helicopters.

[Richard Vanderwater]

I heard that. I heard.

[Rachel]

I. I don't know if I could do the helicopters. Those are a lot harder. Have you started, or is this just like a dream?

[Richard Vanderwater]

You know, right now it's a dream, but I. You know, dreams become reality, so that's absolutely. That's what I'm open for. Yeah, yeah. No helicopters. I just think they're. They're definitely way more dangerous.

[Rachel]

Yes.

[Richard Vanderwater]

But they just. I seem more fun because you can just kind of go where you want.

[Rachel]

The aerodynamics are insane. Absolutely.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

And you also do. You're a photographer, right?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, yeah, I am.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

So how did you get into that line of work?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, I would. Mine is very unconventional for probably most photographers. I. Yeah, my. My career has kind of been a up and down, and about five years ago, right when I was, like, doing the interviews was when I started photography because I had gone to Hawaii, borrowed a friend's, like, little point and shoot camera. Uh. Cause I think at that time I had like an iPhone5, whatever, you know, and just wanted something to document it and kind of had this little inkling that was like, why don't you just try this? And why I thought that I should do that in the middle of COVID I have no idea. But here we are.

[Rachel]

Perfect time, perfect time.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I was like, perfect timing, honestly. Yeah.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

How do you think the photography and that life would fit in with Taylor's? Is that something you're looking for? Someone creative?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, for sure. I think it's actually all of the women that I've dated Have been. Have creative minds. And so it's fun because I think that when you have two creative minds together, like the ideas just. Oh, yeah, they just explode. It's so fun. So I think that that element would be really fun and I think that the social media world in general is like, the world is your oyster in some capacity. But I think that with photography, it's like you can make it look really fun and you can make it look professional and, you know, there's different elements involved. So I think, as far as I know, she appreciates it.

[Rachel]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Okay, take us back to night one a little bit. Obviously you're going to have to tease some things, but what was like your fears coming into the whole experience and how well did you and the guys hit it off? I'm like, you and the guys among you and. But you the guys too, right?

[Richard Vanderwater]

I mean, you guys know, you guys get it. I. Yeah, it definitely was nerve wracking, the. The feelings that you have. It's like at one moment you're like, yeah, I'm chill, I'm good. This is like so fine. And then all of a sudden, you know, you're pulling up and you're like, what am I doing? What, what's going on here?

[Rachel]

It's the craziest moment when you first pull up. Like, no one can prepare you for it.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah. And it's hard to explain it, you know, unless you.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rachel]

I remember just like shaking.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, yeah. Literally, I, like, I pulled up and was so calm and then, you know, saw Taylor and my mind just flatlined and I was like, what just happened with all my thoughts? But then. Yeah, yeah, then. Then you recalibrate as quick as you can and ends up being fine. But yeah, then walking into the house, it's. It's like you're anticipating a different type of personality. Clashing, meshing. And I don't know what it's going to be like and who you're going to vibe with or if you're going to vibe with anybody or if you're just going to be alone. And I think that this cast is like, everyone was so genuine and mature, so to say. I think that's honestly because of the age bracket, that there's just a lot of guys that have lived life and understand things and so it was refreshing.

[Rachel]

Yeah.

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[Rachel]

So did you hit it off with the guys as well then? Do you have any really close friends from the house?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, I definitely. I hit it off pretty early with Shane and and then guys like Aaron. Aaron. I feel like everyone hit it off with Aaron because he's just such a kind guy. And then Christopher, there was, there was a moment on the first night that he, you know, he just made Me feel really seen by everybody. And that was like, he didn't have to do, but it was really sweet. And it was in that moment that I was like, wow. Yeah, this is a real one right here. And then kindred souls like Doug. Doug and I, surfers from the coastal cities and just. Yeah. Have a lot in common. So there's a few fun ones.

[Rachel]

Well, hopefully we get to see it. We keep saying we're like, fingers crossed.

[Richard Vanderwater]

I know, right? Aren't we all?

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I always love seeing the dynamics play out of just the friendships. I think it's like if obviously the love story is the most beautiful, but the friendships are equally as important, and it's always so interesting to see how they. How they form during the season, so.

[Rachel]

Absolutely. And hopefully we get to hear more of your story, but if we don't, and as much as you want to talk about, if you're comfortable, are you able to tell us anything about your story of your hearing loss?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, I appreciate it. It's definitely, obviously, a large part of my life and how it's affected me, but it was an accident that happened when I was 14 years old. And as you have field day in high school, it's like the fun day that everybody experiences. And for whatever reason, I think it was like a competition between the grades, the high school grades. They were handing out fake roses, which is ironic because that's.

[Rachel]

Wow.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah. And so one of my friends was kind of poking around my ear with it sort of tickle, and I flinched, and it just went all the way down inside. And so it was. It was really hard because immediately, like, I fell to the ground. And ironically enough, I just talked to my mom, like, a few weeks ago for the first time in 22 years about her experience with it, because it was so traumatic for her because she was there, she saw it happen, and. And so she shared, you know, details with it, about it with me that were, like, I just forgotten and moved past or shoved down. And it was tough because obviously my body kind of went into shock, and I couldn't hear anything, couldn't stand. You know, all my equilibrium was out of whack. And so she was the one that actually took me to the hospital and had an ER surgery right away. And then the doctors, after the surgery came out and looked at my parents and said, so he's not gonna hear in that ear ever again for the rest of his life. He's gonna have trouble walking for the rest of his life, and he'll never play any sports ever again.

[Rachel]

Oh, my Gosh.

[Richard Vanderwater]

So, as you can imagine, I think that just sent my parents into hysterical mode, and obviously that ended up not being the case. Thank you.

[Rachel]

Yeah. You're surfing now. That's amazing.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah. Well, and I think there was a sweet moment in high school. I. I ended up not playing sports the next three years. So freshman, sophomore, junior year, because it just kind of. It threw me off, just mentally and.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah.

[Richard Vanderwater]

And so then I went out my senior year, and I was like, I'm gonna. I'm gonna play football. And my parents were like, you're crazy. You haven't played sports in three years. What are you doing? Like, you're gonna sit the bench. And then I ended up starting at running back and breaking records for the school at the time. And it was a sweet moment, I think, for my parents, because I didn't think anything twice about it.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah.

[Richard Vanderwater]

For them, I think it was really sweet.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Richard Vanderwater]

But it's definitely led into difficulties in life up to this point of being in large settings or dinner tables and concerts or house parties or friend events. And it's. It's really tough because I can feel left out and not able to contribute to conversations. I wish that I had, like, a. You know, like, the little captions over people's heads all the time, but it's definitely shaped me more into who I am and given me more confidence in myself. And I think at the end of the day. End of the day, I. It's something that I'm now trying to just be more vocal about because I realized that there is a massive community of people that struggle with that and struggle with all of the things that come with hearing loss and insecurity. And for a long time, I didn't know that because I was the only person that I knew that couldn't hear out of one ear or both ears or whatever. So I kind of felt like on an island for a long time.

[Rachel]

Yeah. I want to ask, how is navigating in the mansion and in that setting where there's so much going on? Because I know that it can be really overwhelming and there's people talking in all different directions.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, it was. It was okay at times. Other times, when we're inside and sound is bouncing off walls, it could be really hard. And, you know, I would try, and if there was, like, a group of guys talking, I'd come up or I'd be in. In the conversation, but it's always just tough when there's so much noise trying to get into one side, and so having to Latch on to words and conversations. That's. That's the hardest part sometimes is not being able to piece together full sentences. So I might, like, get a gist of an idea, but I'll miss out on an inside joke or I'll miss out on a specific detail. And, you know, it's. I'm not as much afraid anymore, if you will, to just keep being like, what? What? What'd you say? But I think it is. It is tough when people don't understand that. That then you just keep asking, what? And then some people have patience for it, some people don't.

[Rachel]

Yeah.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I was gonna ask, if you don't mind me asking, was there ever a point where you just disclose that to, like, the guys in the cast or even Taylor herself about your hearing loss?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, I. I did. It was in certain situations. Okay. It's not something that I just start out with always.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yes. Yeah, yeah.

[Richard Vanderwater]

But, you know, there's an incident. I say an incident. Just a situation where I was on the couch talking with. I don't know who. I don't remember who it was, but I. They were sitting on my left side. And then I. About halfway through the conversation, I was like, I'm so sorry to do this. Can we switch seats?

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Sides.

[Richard Vanderwater]

And part of the fun of that sometimes is, like, seeing the look on people's faces. Like, that's weird. Why would you want to switch seats? But then being like, I can't hear. I was here. And I'm, like, piecing together your words, but. And I. You know, I've understood most of it, but it would be really helpful if we could just switch.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

I really appreciate you sharing this story with us. I mean, I'm sure it was a difficult time, but hopefully you had moments where you were able to calibrate and just get everything together. So thank you again for sharing.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Oh, yeah. Thanks for asking. It's fragile in some capacity, but it's also not something to shy away from because it makes me part of who I am. And it's also an opportunity to hopefully be of some sort of influence or light and, you know, having a voice for other people that might feel left out or feel those same things that I felt. So.

[Rachel]

Absolutely.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I think it's so important. And honestly, just even doing something like this and, like, being able to share your story, it's like you're representing so many people, like you said that go through similar situations. So thank you again for.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, well, it reminds me of people like Daisy Kent.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

And, yeah, I was going to Say Daisy.

[Rachel]

I was going to say, yeah. Genevieve, one of my best friends on my season, she lost her hearing in her right ear. And I remember on our season, she'd have to be like, oh, can you come over to this side? They never. She never talked about it. And I'm like, I wish you would have said more, and I think it could have helped people. So, like, very glad that you are able to do that.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah. Thanks. I appreciate you asking.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Okay. We could keep talking and we are. We're gonna play our hot seat game,

[Rachel]

I was gonna say.

[Richard Vanderwater]

All right. Yeah.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Is that good with you?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Well, let's bring it on. We'll see how I do.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah. It's basically just like rapid fire prompts, so it's just gonna, like, be able to show us a little more of your personality. So they're pretty.

[Rachel]

Just a couple.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah, yeah. No pressure.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Bring it on. Bring it on.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Okay.

[Rachel]

So, Richard, you have said that you have aversion to herb. Herbs. Herbs like cilantro and parsley. Do you have any other unique food preferences or dislikes that we should know about?

[Richard Vanderwater]

I don't. I don't love anchovies, which is.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Oh, I don't either.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Okay. Because I feel like most people that live, like, on the coast are like, yeah, they're like my favorite thing. And I'm like, you're weird. Like, why would you like that?

[Rachel]

That's 10 fish is having a moment right now.

[Richard Vanderwater]

It really is.

[Rachel]

It really is.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah.

[Rachel]

So just.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

That's so interesting.

[Rachel]

And then parsley.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

It was a bad moment with the food, and that's how it developed, you would think, but.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Oh, no, I, Like, I, I. Well, it's like a whole study that's been done that it. The enzymes, some people's enzymes break it down differently, so it tastes like I'm eating a bar of soap, and I'm like, that just. Oh, like, it just totally ruins whatever dish that it's in. And so, Yeah, I always ask for it without.

[Rachel]

Yeah, absolutely. Okay. So no anchovies, no cilantro, no parsley.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Okay, we're good. Moving on. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. What is one thing people might not know about you?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Mm. Yeah, that's a. That's a good one, I think. Well, I can't say, you know, I'm deaf in my left ear, because we already covered that.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rachel]

It's always hard when people put you on the spot. They're like, tell me a fun fact. Like, I don't know.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I know. I'm like.

[Richard Vanderwater]

I'm like, that is My fun fact,

[Rachel]

I went on the Bachelor.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, yeah, right, I know. Well, I feel like I've been posting more about this, like on my socials, so maybe not everybody, but I've never been a runner. Like, I was fast in high school, but that was it. I did not want to run. It was like, this is the worst. Why would anybody want to do this? And I have since become a runner, and so I'm now like 6, 9, 13 miles and like 8 minute pace. So I'm like, you know, tapping my shoulder, if you will, and you can

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

coach me for the New York City Marathon.

[Rachel]

I was gonna say, any plans for the marathon?

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Because I'm coaching now, by the way. I've always been. Been fast too. I wanted to run track in high school, but I was a cheerleader and I just like, I hate running, but there's something about it that I'm like, I want to get past this, like, mental hurdle of like, why do I associate, like, pain with running when I know it's like so therapeutic and it's healing for so many people? I'm like, I. I want to get there. I do.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah. It's so true though. It's like the mental block, I think that's the biggest thing. But then once you push faster, you're like, how. How far can I go now? It's.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

No, literally. And I'm like, I want to just experience that.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

So amazing for you.

[Rachel]

Yes. Hopefully we see you both running a marathon.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We'll sign up together.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah. I was like, you come to the New York City one.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, yeah.

[Rachel]

This is actually a fun fact. You need to tell us about your shark tooth hunting and everything that that entails. Because I've never found a shark tooth, but I always look.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Well, can I grab something in the background?

[Rachel]

Show us.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Of course.

[Rachel]

We love a prop.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yes.

[Rachel]

Wait, this is amazing because I was

[Richard Vanderwater]

not expecting this question.

[Rachel]

See, we're full of surprises.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Full of surprises. So this is a big jar full of teeth.

[Rachel]

Oh, my God. Wait.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Oh, that is so cool.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, it's just. I don't know.

[Rachel]

You found all of those.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I'm like, he's in the water.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah.

[Clayton McKinley]

Anything.

[Richard Vanderwater]

It's something that I grew up doing with my mom, specifically, which was really fun. And in Charleston specifically, there are certain islands. Like the east coast is made up of some barrier islands. And so these islands, for whatever reason, just have a bunch of shark seas that you can.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Interesting.

[Richard Vanderwater]

You know, you gotta have a boat, you gotta have some sort of access to get there. But you know, it's part of the fun because they're mixed in with a bunch of shells. So you're like, you really gotta look for it. But once you. Once you learn how to spot a shark teeth, it's just. It's repetition.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh. That's so cool. Do you have a favorite one?

[Richard Vanderwater]

I do. I actually. No spoilers, per se, but I. I don't have it.

[Rachel]

Bring it.

[Richard Vanderwater]

I don't have it anymore.

[Rachel]

You gave it to Taylor.

[Richard Vanderwater]

I didn't. You didn't hear me say that.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Wait, that's so.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh. Wait. This is the cutest thing I've ever heard. I wish someone brought me a shark stuff. I have plenty.

[Richard Vanderwater]

I'll bring you one. I'll bring you one.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Souvenirs from the wrong people.

[Rachel]

Yes. I'm like, I can't. I don't think I got any gifts. I can't remember. I got a magic show. It's. I got night one.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I'm sorry.

[Richard Vanderwater]

That's fun, right?

[Rachel]

That was my present. Oh, my gosh. Well, this has been amazing. Thank you so much, Richard, for sharing your journey and for being so open with us. We appreciate it so much.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, this has been so fun. Thanks for having me. And. And your questions are great. Y' all are great. Y' all are fun.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Thank you.

[Rachel]

Thank you.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Okay, before we wrap, is there anything that you want to share with our listeners, our audience, Bachelor nation? Anything?

[Richard Vanderwater]

Yeah, I think that, you know, my biggest thing is, like, I love encouraging people, and so, like, part of that's part of what my social is. Obviously, I have photography and I have funny stuff, but, like, I also love encouraging people. And so I think my biggest thing is, like, if you're. Everyone struggles with things, so if, like, you're struggling with something, you know, deep, it's like, just remember you're not alone and there's somebody else that's out there that's right there with you. And all it takes is just one person to change your life.

[Rachel]

I love that. That's so beautiful. Where can we find you on social medias for our listeners, it's just my

[Richard Vanderwater]

name, Richard Vanderwater, which is a mouthful, but, yeah, you can type it out. You'll find me.

[Rachel]

I love it, everyone.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Such a cool name.

[Rachel]

Yes. Give him a follow. You can see some of his shark t teeth journeys and more. Thank you so much for being here and crossing our fingers. We get to see some more of you in the future.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

This won't be the last. Yes. We'll have happy hour very, very soon.

[Rachel]

Yes.

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[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

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[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Today's guest with us on a Bachelor Happy hour is 28 year old singer slash songwriter from Nashville. Everybody. Welcome. Clayton hi.

[Clayton McKinley]

Hey guys. And listen Rachel, you Can call me any name you want. You don't have to call me by my first name.

[Rachel]

I was gonna say I have a bit of trauma, so going through the cast list immediately, I was like, I don't know. I didn't know how to feel.

[Clayton McKinley]

Trust me, I saw that first. The the reaction video to the cast reveal.

[Rachel]

Hopefully you have a redemption arc for all Claytons of the world.

[Clayton McKinley]

Charity, thank you for saying I was 28 years old. I'm a little bit older than that, so I'm just gonna write what you said. It's totally fine.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I'm sorry.

[Clayton McKinley]

Let the world think that.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Okay, then we'll go with it. He's 28. 29 next year.

[Rachel]

Oh, my goodness.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Wait. Oh, my God.

[Clayton McKinley]

I'm excited to talk to you guys. I've been looking forward to this. You guys are the sweetest. I've been watching your stuff since before I was on the show, so thank you guys for having me.

[Rachel]

Oh, my gosh. I'm so excited to have you here. Before we get into anything, we've been starting off these episodes just kind of asking and checking in with everyone and how are you feeling? It's just been such a crazy time.

[Clayton McKinley]

It's been. It's been a whirlwind. First and foremost, Rachel, I hope you're doing okay. I know you were dealing with some family stuff. I'm really starting to hear that. I know it's a lot to jump into something like this immediately, immediately after and shift that mindset. So thank you. Sincerely, thank you.

[Rachel]

I appreciate that.

[Clayton McKinley]

Of course. You're welcome. As you can imagine, it's just been a crazy whirlwind. I don't think I've ever had that many texts or phone calls in my entire life. You know, when the news first broke that it was going to be canceled or at least paused, I think there's a lot of emotions obviously all over the place. The video comes out and you have some confusion, a little bit of sadness too, just seeing what happened. We obviously knew what had happened, but I think once you see a visual of it, it makes it very real. And, you know, the best case scenario to go on a show like this is to find your forever person, right? To. To find that love that you've been dreaming about. And the worst case scenario is to make long lasting friends, to go on adventure of a lifetime and to be able to share your story and your journey with the world and for your friends and family to see your growth and to see the whole journey that you're on. So I'd be lying if I said there wasn't some frustration and a little bit of anger, too. But I think as a songwriter, I wear my emotions on my sleeve. Really heavy. So for me, I allow myself to just feel what I'm feeling and then shed it. Just get rid of it. And I'm at peace now. Everything's good. But I think it's really important and really healthy to allow yourself to go through those feelings and go, you know, as opposed to holding it in and it boiling over. It was important for me to allow myself to feel what I was feeling and then just get past it. So I'm still very optimistic that the world's going to see all of our stories. It's a pretty amazing season. I know I'm biased, but it's pretty incredible.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

That's what we've been hearing. So we obviously are, you know, hopeful and reading for all of you guys. But I'm curious, how did you even get on the show? How did you step into this world?

[Clayton McKinley]

You know, I've been a fan of the Bachelor and the Bachelorette for years. I watched it with my mom. I've had ex girlfriends who are big fans, and I always said, hey, I'll just watch one episode with you. Next thing I know, I'm binge watching.

[Rachel]

You're invested.

[Richard Vanderwater]

Always.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

How?

[Rachel]

You have a roster. You guys are like, playing. Yes. So brackets. The brackets. Oh, my goodness.

[Clayton McKinley]

Do you guys ever get those Facebook, like the, like, five years ago, you said this or you posted this.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Yeah, yeah.

[Clayton McKinley]

You know what I'm talking about. So yeah, popped up for me since I filmed that. Said, man, I'd love to go on the Bachelorette one day. Like, two or three of those have popped up.

[Rachel]

You manifested this?

[Clayton McKinley]

Totally manifested it. So I was lucky enough. You know, I've actually been reached out to by the producers a couple times over the years. And, you know, for one reason or another, things didn't work out. They called me one day and said, I have a girl that we think, you know, you would really hit it off with. So they told me it was Taylor and, you know, another reason. I felt like it was a safe option and something to jump into. I had a mutual friend with Taylor that a couple years ago actually tried to set us up.

[Rachel]

Wait, who is it? Do we know them? Is it one of the Mormon ones?

[Clayton McKinley]

My name is McKinley.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

We had met.

[Clayton McKinley]

I do music and she was in my music video years ago. And apparently she had done a couple things with mom talk at the very beginning, but she had Reached out to me a couple years ago and said, hey, I have this friend Taylor. I think you guys would hit it off. So it's pretty crazy. Such a small world.

[Rachel]

And wait, did you slide into her DMs?

[Dietz and Watson Sponsor]

I'm not.

[Clayton McKinley]

I think there's a misconception with musicians that were really good at that kind of stuff.

[Rachel]

You're not a DM slider.

[Clayton McKinley]

I'm not. I'm not good at it. So I just didn't hit her up. So to come full circle and to all of a sudden have an opportunity, I felt like maybe this was meant to be and to have the comfort of knowing my friend already thought that we'd be a good match. And I'm all about adventures, So I was like, let's do this thing. Nothing else has worked out in my past. So best case scenario, like I said, I find my forever person. Worst case scenario, I have amazing stories and friends for life.

[Rachel]

Absolutely. So we know that you're a singer, songwriter, musician. Typically, in the bachelor world, that can come with kind of a stigma. I know that they're not there for the right reasons. What do you have to say with all that?

[Clayton McKinley]

It's so funny. Dating has actually been really hard for me as a musician because there are so many stigmas with that. I think it takes a very secure person to be with somebody who is on the road or is in the public eye, even on the small capacity that I am. But. But I think being in country music, I look up to artists like Thomas Rhett and Russell Dickerson, who are such amazing family men who are proud of their wives, proud of their kids. And adoption has always been really heavy on my heart. And to see their stories and stuff, too. I relate to those artists so much, so I totally understand why there's those. There's stigmas there. But for me, you know, that's not who I am and what I'm about. So hopefully, you know, you guys will get to know me on the show when it comes out, and we can break not only the stigma of musicians, but stigma of Claytons here, too.

[Rachel]

Yes.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

No, truly, I'm like, you got to rewrite the story for.

[Rachel]

I know

[Clayton McKinley]

you guys were hard on me at first. Okay.

[Rachel]

We were.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

We were going through some things that day.

[Rachel]

We were hard on you, and it's

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

a little bit of grace.

[Clayton McKinley]

Yes.

[Rachel]

Your friends were riding for you in the comments. Like, Rachel, I love that you have all the support. Yes. So we are hopefully excited to see your journey. You talked a little bit about dating in Nashville. What Is that, like, our friends who live there say, it is so hard to date.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Really hard. Yeah.

[Clayton McKinley]

I'm coming from LA world, and I thought L. A dating was really rough. And then you get out. It's like a mini LA in a lot of ways, and you meet somebody out and about or, you know, in the real world, come to find out they're just here for the weekend or, you know, they're just here for a bachelorette party or things like that. So. Dating in Nashville has not been successful for me. I've also been pretty dialed in and focused on career stuff. My biggest dream, outside of the music stuff is to be a father and a family man and a provider for my family. And in order to do that, I need to get to a certain place financially, specifically with my music. So that's really where I've been dialed in. I've been going on dates here and there, but, you know, nobody that's really caught my attention yet. I'm hoping my luck changes here soon, but that's why I jumped at the chance to go on the show. Nothing else has worked for me. And why not go on an adventure and see if maybe she was my person?

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Amazing. Okay, so take us back to night one just a little bit. I'm curious to know what was your first impression of Taylor and of the guys, obviously. I'm sure it's very. It's a lot.

[Clayton McKinley]

I love people. I think I'm also a little bit of a mysterious guy, too. I like to sit and watch everybody, as opposed to being the loudest one in the room. I am. I think that's important. I. I heard, like, a quote that the leader of a pack of lions sits in the back as opposed to leading in the front.

[Rachel]

So you're a leader?

[Clayton McKinley]

I. I wouldn't say that, but I. You know, like, I'm not gonna be the loudest in the room. I'm very outgoing, and I love people, and I love, you know, making new friendships. But I think specifically in a situation like that, coming in and just kind of observing and watching everybody, for sure.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

So important.

[Clayton McKinley]

It was. It was a night for sure. A night we won't forget. I mean, Taylor looks gorgeous. She had this beautiful green dress on. It's my favorite color, if you can't tell. And she was just so sweet. I had nothing but good things to say about her.

[Rachel]

I love that being in the house is so crazy, and I feel like we're just experiencing so many emotions. Were you able to channel that into any songs while you were in the house.

[Clayton McKinley]

I'm not gonna lie. Like I said, I can be emotional in the aspect of I feel pretty heavy. I'm very emotionally aware. So you're away from your family, your friends. I was away from my dog. You know, I didn't have a guitar for a little bit there. So to be away from all the things that I kind of used to deal with some of my emotions being in a new place, it was a little tough for me. But I did, I brought a notebook. Eventually I got a guitar and was able to channel a lot of that into songs. And I mean, that's the beautiful thing about music is it's so therapeutic and that's why I got it again with is On Hard Days, on amazing days. Songs have gotten me through a lot. So to be able to write songs that hopefully people can relate to as well and feel something like that is the dream of a songwriter for sure.

[Rachel]

Yeah.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

I love. Well, I hope we can have this song.

[Rachel]

Yeah.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Oh, sorry, Rachel. I'm on that. I'm on the edge of my seat for this question.

[Rachel]

I'm perched on the edge also. You already know.

[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

Well guys, that's all for today's episode, but there is more with Clayton coming and you are not going to want to miss it because we are asking him about his former relationship with Lana Del Rey. Tune in tomorrow to hear all about it. See you guys soon.

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[Co-host (possibly Genevieve or Rachel's co-host)]

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