Bachelor Happy Hour – "Steamy Makeouts and Hot Dates"
Date: September 25, 2025
Hosts: Joe Amabile & Serena Pitt
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts & Warner Bros.
Episode Overview
Joe and Serena return for a fresh season of The Golden Bachelor, ready to deliver weekly recaps alongside exclusive cast interviews. This episode dives into Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor, introducing new lead Mel and first impressions of this season’s women, signature limo entrances, standout moments from dates, and their early predictions for love (and heartbreak!) in Bachelor Nation’s newest endeavor.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Setting the Stage: The New Golden Bachelor
- Returning After a Break: Joe and Serena share excitement about returning to recaps, noting the break during the recent Bachelor in Paradise season due to a packed cast deserving focused attention.
- Introducing Mel: The new "Golden Bachelor" is Mel—an ex-NFL player (Los Angeles Rams), now-attorney, and father of two adult sons; recently divorced after his wife found someone new and lost his father to COVID in 2020.
- Age & Casting Differences: This season noticeably trends younger than Gary’s, with Mel at 66 and many women in their 50s and early 60s.
“Honestly, Cindy and a lot of these women, if not like all these women, are giving more like hot aunts than they are golden grannies.” – Serena (09:18)
- Mel’s Controversial Podcast Comment: The show addresses upfront Mel’s prior comment about not wanting a woman with "artificial hips” and only being interested in women aged 40–60, including his apology.
"He said that he got a lot of heat...He was just like, I said it. I regret saying it...I can’t wait to meet all these women. I don’t care how old they are or if they do have artificial hips." – Joe (05:16)
2. First Impressions: Limo Entrances
Standouts:
- Cindy: Cinderella-themed blue dress entrance—immediate chemistry with Mel.
"She thinks she's going to marry Mel." – Joe (10:30)
- Carol: Aunt and manager of Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman; sports connection sparks with Mel.
- Diane: 71, hockey player and teacher; described as the "sweetest woman ever" (12:24).
- Debbie: Personal trainer, career woman, never married. Joe predicts her as a winner.
- Peg: Bomb squad technician, Serena’s personal favorite.
“That’s my girl. Like, I ride for Peg…She warms my heart.” – Serena (13:22)
- Andra: Twin of Sandra from Gary’s season; eliminated early.
Additional Notes:
- Hosts reflect on limo entrance trends and contestant “types,” highlighting confidence and youthful energy.
3. Deeper Dives: Key Contestant Stories
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Jerry: Soothing, calm voice ("should be on the Calm app"). Widowed, mother of three, received the first impression rose for her emotional backstory and nurturing energy.
"I think she told a story that really moved him...I think they got more vulnerable with each other." – Serena (22:03)
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Cheryl: Motorcycle entrance; gets first one-on-one and shares a harrowing story about her ex-husband abandoning her at childbirth and later kidnapping their child for a week.
“That was a Netflix true crime…Like, that is. That is.” – Joe (29:49)
4. Dates & Steamy Moments
Cheerleading Group Date (w/ Paula Abdul) – [36:07]
- Paula Abdul appears as a guest judge.
- Monica opens up about losing her husband during COVID.
- Cindy and Mel's makeout session is highlighted.
“It actually was like kind of a steamy makeout...She goes, ‘let's do it again.’” – Joe & Serena (36:57)
Pool Party and Jealousy – [37:18]
- Nicole kisses Mel in front of everyone, stirring playful drama.
“She was making a scene...they're dead smack in the middle of the backyard, like, making out hard.” – Serena (37:27)
- Discussion of Nicole’s boldness and its potential repercussions.
5. Bachelor Mansion Updates & Production Notes [23:22]
- Serena notes an updated, modern aesthetic in the mansion.
- The rose ceremony is held outside by the pool for the first time.
- Joe missed noticing these changes, leading to playful host banter.
6. Eliminations & Predictions [40:08]
- Four women sent home; no major shocks except perhaps Mylene.
- Joe and Serena discuss the psychology of eliminations, noting early frontrunners soon solidify.
Picks for Top 3 (+1):
- Joe: Nicole, Mylene (eliminated), Roxanne, + Peg
- Serena: Debbie, Carol, Jerry, + Cindy
7. Season "Super Tease" Analysis [41:59]
- Both hosts felt the season teaser gave little away, except suggesting a likely engagement.
- Joe predicts not just an engagement but a successful relationship and even marriage:
“I think this season is going to be a winner.” – Joe (43:20)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Mel’s Artificial Hip Comment:
“Bring on the hips.” – Serena (05:38)
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On the Confidence of Contestants:
"Her whole everything about her is just...she's very confident and that's working in her favor." – Joe on Carol (11:45)
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On Cindy’s Romantic Intensity:
“She thinks she’s going to marry Mel.” – Joe (10:30) “I feel so protective of her and I’m scared for her.” – Serena (10:14)
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On the Makeout:
“Let’s do it again.” – Cindy (36:57)
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On Nicole’s Boldness:
“Fudge you guys, like, I'm doing it. And you know what? I'm here for it because I find the golden seasons don’t have as much drama and like, I need it!” – Serena (28:04)
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On Possible "Golden" Babies:
“Wouldn’t it be crazy if there was a golden bachelor baby?” – Serena (43:25)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Mel's Controversial Comments & Apology: 05:07–06:10
- First Limo Entrances: 09:01–14:43
- Highlighting Contestants (Peg, Jerry, Cheryl): 13:16–21:18
- First Impression Rose Discussion (Jerry): 22:03–23:22
- Bachelor Mansion Updates: 23:22–24:14
- First One-On-One—Cheryl's Story: 27:34–30:26
- Cheerleading Date & Makeout: 36:07–37:05
- Pool Party & Nicole's Drama: 37:18–39:57
- Rose Ceremony & Eliminations: 39:57–41:57
- Season Predictions ("Super Tease"): 41:59–43:55
- Hosts’ Top 3 (+1) Picks: 44:06–45:13
Closing Thoughts
Joe and Serena delivered a light-hearted, insightful recap that balances personal predictions, empathy for the contestants, and a bit of Bachelor Nation drama. The new season promises different energy from last year’s, with a younger cast and bolder personalities. The hosts are invested in early favorites, eager for more vulnerability from Mel, and ready for potential surprise twists, including love stories, steamy dates, and "golden" engagements. Stay tuned for upcoming interviews and more recaps as this season unfolds!