Bachelor Happy Hour: ‘The Women Tell All’ Post-Game | Golden Hour

Date: November 3, 2025
Hosts: Kathy & Susan (Bachelor Nation Golden Hour OGs)
Podcast: Bachelor Happy Hour by iHeartPodcasts & Warner Bros.

Overview

In this episode, Kathy and Susan provide an in-depth, behind-the-scenes post-game breakdown of the “Women Tell All” episode from the latest season of The Golden Bachelor. Listeners get first-hand impressions as both hosts attended the taping in person. The conversation covers audience dynamics, cast confrontations, moments of vulnerability, and the meaning and fallout of several memorable exchanges.

With signature warmth, humor, and Golden Bachelor wisdom, Kathy and Susan reflect on cast drama (centered on Nicole), emotional reckonings (Debbie’s candid moments), the power of self-awareness, and how the women—and the show—handled tough topics with class. They also compare this season’s “Women Tell All” to their own, and dish about the final two contenders headed for overnights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Girls’ Weekend in Austin & Life as Former Contestants

Timestamps: 03:06–05:47

• Recap of hosts’ girls’ weekend with Nancy, Joan, and Elena Doll Baby in Austin: Boat rides, iconic lunch at Ski Shores, and fans recognizing the group.
• Funny Story: Kathy describes a lighthearted encounter at the bar, suspecting a “swinger proposition”—"I said I was just propositioned by a swinger." (Kathy, 05:10)
• Camaraderie: The deep, ongoing bonds with fellow contestants and production staff are highlighted.

  “I don't think people appreciate how close you get, not just with the cast members, but the producers and everyone involved with the show.” (Kathy, 06:35)

“Women Tell All” – Audience Impressions and Nicole’s Confrontation

Timestamps: 06:06–12:30

• Hosts’ anticipation: Both expect Nicole to face serious scrutiny due to her on-show behavior and “influencer” ambitions.
• Susan on Nicole:

  “The main thing for me was Nicole heard and let people speak, but never took ownership.” (Susan, 08:57)

• On Accountability: Susan and Kathy dissect the difference between hearing criticism and genuinely apologizing or growing from it.

  “I said, no, no, no. That is just saying I hear you. There's no apology there. There's no understanding of doing something wrong.” (Kathy, 09:25)

• Nicole’s lack of self-awareness: Multiple women call this out as a deeper issue.
• Memorable moment: Lemon bar credit “theft” becomes a sticking point in Nicole’s narrative.

Debbie’s Emotional “Hot Seat” and Age/Marital Status

Timestamps: 18:22–22:30

• Debbie confronts Mel about her elimination: She candidly asks if her age (65) or never being married was the reason.

  “She wanted her moment with Mel and said, did you send me home because I was 65? No. Or because I've never been married? No, he said. I never thought about that…” (Kathy & Susan, 18:52-18:59)

• Self-worth and healing: Debbie’s past, including losing her boyfriend to suicide 10 years prior, factors into her sense of self and vulnerability on national TV.

  “But she's not letting go. She needs to let that go and put it behind her. And I hope that she doesn't give up because of this.” (Susan, 19:07)

• Kathy’s personal resonance: Her own life experience adds empathy to Debbie’s situation.
• Empowerment: The hosts want the show to dispel the idea that “never married” or “older” is a romantic “red flag.”

  “I don't want women going around thinking, I'm too old at 65 to find love. I've never been married. What man would want me?” (Kathy, 28:00)

Carol’s Perspective & Lighter Moments

Timestamps: 22:30–24:34

• Carol defends Nicole:

  “I guess it took real courage on the show for Carol to go, no, wait a minute…” (Kathy, 22:31)

• House dynamics: Early-show friendships and moments of fun called out, particularly surrounding Nicole.
• Blooper highlights: Susan does a Carol impression, and they recall the group’s infectious laughter during the blooper reel.

Cheryl in the Hot Seat & The Difficulty of “Why Not Me?”

Timestamps: 24:34–28:00

• Cheryl’s family surprises her on set: Emotional moment highlighting family support.
• Questions for Mel: Difficulty in expecting thoughtful answers from the lead as to why someone isn’t chosen.
• Hosts’ take:

  “I would never ask a man why he didn't pick me ever. It would never come out of my mouth.” (Kathy, 26:13)

• Message for listeners: Not getting picked is not necessarily about age or marital history—sometimes it’s just about connection.

The “Red Flag” Debate: Never Married and Older

Timestamps: 28:20–29:05

• Discussion on societal assumptions: Is it a concern to have never married or not had children? Both hosts stress it’s a case-by-case issue, not a universal red flag.
• Kathy shares personal experience: Relates to challenges of dating men who’ve never been married.

Humor & Sex Positivity: Mile High Club, Vibrator Saga, and Candidness

Timestamps: 29:05–32:26; 48:15–48:45

• Fun stories: Group laugh over Jerry and the Mile High Club; Peg’s confusion over a vibrator during a group date.

  “Remember Peg with the vibrator? She didn’t know what it was and goes, what is this?… No, I do not [believe she didn’t know].” (Susan & Kathy, 48:15)

• Hosts praise: The women’s frankness, openness, and sense of fun this season.

Comparing “Women Tell All” Seasons

Timestamps: 32:26–35:11

• Contrast with their own season:

  “The women from our show that were chosen by Gary tended to be quite long winded…and Gary…had a lot more to say than Mel did.” (Kathy, 30:33)

• Drama tone: Less overall drama this season, Nicole being the main exception.

Mel’s Final Three and Lead Dynamics

Timestamps: 35:51–46:45

• Hosts weigh in on Mel’s emotionally reserved style:

  “Mel did. He held his in.” (Susan, 32:20)

• Suspense for overnights (“Fantasy Suites”): Both excited and curious how Mel’s deeper connections—in particular with Peg and Cindy—will shake out.

  “They are so different. So now we're down to those two. And I think that's why I'm so excited to see how this goes, because they're so different.” (Kathy, 41:55)

• Themes in Mel’s toast: Adventure, fun, and connection.
• Uncertainty ahead: Can Mel really open up? Will he pick one, both, or neither?
• Bubble of the show: The hosts discuss how the “Bachelor bubble” affects emotional decisions, and how real life awaits post-show.

The Future: Debbie as Golden Bachelorette?

Timestamps: 46:45–47:55

• Hosts root for Debbie: Suggest she’d be a fantastic next Golden Bachelorette given her never-married status and compelling story.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I said, okay, hell just froze over. ...I was just propositioned by a swinger."
  – Kathy, on her Austin weekend (05:10)

• "Nicole heard and let people speak, but never took ownership."
  – Susan on Nicole at the Tell All (08:57)

• "I don't want women going around thinking, I'm too old at 65 to find love. I've never been married. What man would want me?"
  – Kathy on age/marital status (28:00)

• "He can't make up his mind. And so I think this is...this is going to be big. The overnights, the fantasy suites, you know, if...if they have. I don't know what he's going to do."
  – Susan, on Mel’s indecision (42:53)

• "I would love to see Debbie be a...bats Golden Bachelorette and find the man. Susan, wouldn't that be nice?"
  – Kathy (46:45)

• "Remember Peg with the vibrator? She didn’t know what it was. ...I do not [believe that]."
  – Susan & Kathy (48:15)

Episode Timeline

• [03:06–05:47] – Hosts bond over girls’ weekend anecdotes and fan interactions in Austin.
• [06:06–12:30] – Live impressions from “Women Tell All” taping; Nicole’s controversy.
• [18:22–22:30] – Debbie’s raw moment with Mel on age and never marrying; discussion of past trauma.
• [22:30–24:34] – Carol’s surprising defense of Nicole, group laughter at bloopers.
• [24:34–28:00] – Cheryl’s family surprise, “why not me?” questions.
• [28:20–29:05] – Red flag debate about dating experience and compromise.
• [29:05–32:26] – Light moments: Mile High Club anecdotes.
• [35:51–46:45] – Analysis of Mel’s style, final three, overnights and show “bubble.”
• [46:45–47:55] – The future: Could Debbie be the Golden Bachelorette?
• [48:15–48:45] – Peg/vibrator story and pillow fight flashbacks.

Overall Tone and Takeaways

Playful, candid, and packed with firsthand insight, Kathy and Susan offer an episode rich in warmth and wisdom. From their humorous, self-deprecating reflections on dating and aging, to their emotionally intelligent breakdown of “Women Tell All” drama, the episode is a treat for Bachelor fans seeking both fun and depth.

Key Takeaway: While drama and vulnerability remain central to the Women Tell All experience, this Golden Bachelor edition showcased growth, support, and a level of self-awareness and humor that both hosts hope will inspire women inside and outside Bachelor Nation.

Next week: All eyes (and hearts) on the Fantasy Suites—and Mel’s final choice.