Bachelor Happy Hour – “Vodka Red Bulls on the Weekends with Aaron Clancy | Golden Hour”
Release Date: January 2, 2026
Hosts: Susan, Kathy
Guest: Aaron Clancy (from Katie Thurston’s Bachelorette season & Bachelor in Paradise)
Podcast: Bachelor Happy Hour by iHeartPodcasts and Warner Bros
Overview
In this Golden Hour episode of Bachelor Happy Hour, Susan and Kathy catch up with Bachelor Nation alum Aaron Clancy. With his signature wit and candidness, Aaron discusses post-show life, his approach to dating at 31, favorite Bachelor moments, thoughts on franchise shakeups (like the new Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul), life in San Diego, and plenty of hilarious banter on topics ranging from pickleball to Halloween costumes. The hosts, true to form, bring warmth, curiosity, and playful matchmaking to the conversation, making for an engaging and relatable episode.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Catching Up with Aaron (03:48–05:26)
- Aaron’s Condition: He opens by explaining he’s currently sick (“the run of the mill flu... it hit me like a truck and laid me out and I felt like a, you know, a little bitch.” – Aaron, 04:13)
- Hosts’ Banter: Susan and Kathy joke about Aaron’s Instagram smile and reminiscing about their own franchise days.
2. Relationship Status & Life After Bachelor (05:07–06:47)
- Breakup with Alice Gray: Susan asks if Aaron is still with Alice Gray. Aaron reveals they broke up some time ago, citing “irreconcilable differences” (05:25). He prefers not to go into detail.
- Dating Scene: Aaron, now 31, says he’s “laying low,” working on himself, and not actively broadcasting his single status (05:40–06:26).
- Sliding into DMs: Kathy inquires if women are messaging him. Aaron admits a few have ("posting a little more thirst traps..."), but he’s not heavily dating (06:26).
3. Modern Dating & Apps (06:53–07:23)
- Aaron’s Approach: No dating apps, not much through DMs, prefers meeting people through friends or naturally (“just stumble into someone… ‘Oh my God, the gym, beautiful.’” – Aaron, 07:05).
- Gym Antics: Aaron jokes about “staring at weights” rather than working out and “eating 2.5 pound weights” (07:23–07:29).
4. Bachelor Nation Crushes & Paradise Format (07:34–08:30)
- Would He Date Bachelor Nation? “Let my silence speak volumes...” (07:53). He dodges specifics on any franchise crushes.
- Paradise Format Preferences: Aaron compares the “old” and “new” formats:
- The original was hot, sweaty (“super sweaty the second I went on… got Botox... didn’t work, still sweating” – Aaron, 08:03).
- He prefers the “new” game-show style: “...out of nostalgia I like the old, but as a contestant… you can win money, right?” (09:19, 09:36).
5. Behind-the-Scenes Humor (08:30–11:13)
- Unseen Struggles: Recounts how difficult filming in hot, humid conditions was (“mosquitoes are attracted to me... got bit, my legs swelled up, gout in my leg…” – 08:30–08:46).
- Contestant Camaraderie: Kathy and Susan discuss their own Paradise experience, choosing fun over money, and Aaron declares admiration (“Kathy, that’s amazing. You’re a saint, and I like you even more now.” – 10:01).
6. Hot Topic: New Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul (11:35–12:27)
- Cautious Commentary: Aaron hasn’t met her but based on research says, “She seems like a firecracker… she’s a pistol, right?” (12:07)
- Entertainment Factor: Predicts her season will be “really entertaining” (12:27).
7. Social Media & Show Changes (18:52–19:28)
- Hosts Debate Changes: Kathy marvels at how Taylor has a phone and posts live updates—something former cast never did.
- Aaron’s View: “I think it’s more tasteful when the woman is (wild)… the Bachelorette will probably be a little more wild than Bachelor.” (19:28)
8. Aaron’s Type and Dating Outlook (17:44–18:16)
- Relationship “Type”: Likes banter, intelligence, but also nurturing qualities (“Roast me all you want… I’m an easy target.” – 17:52)
- Future Optimism: Hosts encourage him: “I feel like she’s around the corner for you…” (18:16)
9. Reflections on the Franchise’s Future (23:03–24:31)
- Next Bachelor Speculation: Aaron jokes about nominating himself (“Well, that was my first thought…” – 23:08). Hosts discuss the possibility of an outsider with a big social media presence as the new lead.
10. Light-hearted Banter & Personal Insights (30:49–42:08)
- Settling Down: Aaron affirms he’s “ready and single, ready for a salty Pringle.” (30:49)
- Social Habits: He enjoys bars, says a little “sauce” gets him dancing (31:59), but not a hermit.
- Physical Fitness: Transitioned from powerlifting to playing lots of pickleball (“I played pickleball 3-4 hours every day.” – 41:27).
- Cooking: Self-taught, loves trying new dishes from TikTok recipes, “I’m a fantastic cook… am I really good at everything? Yes.” (39:09)
- Personal Life:
- Family tattoo: Initials of his parents and siblings (“I just thought it was aesthetic…” – 35:45).
- Loves Halloween (“I’m a creepy guy. Halloween. No doubt.” – 36:40), with Fourth of July as a close second.
- Closest friend in the franchise: Logan (“Logan’s a stud. Logan’s the best.” – 30:23).
11. Career & Hometown (21:10–22:37, 38:00–38:27)
- Healthcare Recruitment: Focuses on recruiting travel nurses (“They watch the Bachelor a lot too” – 22:08).
- Living in San Diego: “It’s for college kids and retired people… you can relive the same day over and over and over.” (37:39–38:00)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I got Botox in my forehead so I wouldn’t sweat so much on camera. It didn’t work.” – Aaron Clancy (08:03)
- “Trying to spit game at girls with, like, hobbling around, like, with a swollen leg… They don’t show that.” – Aaron (10:01)
- “I like to consider myself smart… but I also like something that’s sweet and just there for me at the end of the day.” – Aaron (17:52)
- “She seems like a firecracker… a pistol. I think it’s gonna be really entertaining.” – Aaron, on Taylor Frankie Paul (12:07, 12:27)
- “I’m ready and single. Ready for a salty Pringle.” – Aaron (30:49)
- “You’re six whatever…”
“You said 6’4”
“Well, I didn’t want to cut off an inch because inches matter.” – Kathy & Susan (31:04) - “I used to power lift right after swimming and… when I was on Paradise, I was jacked.” – Aaron (40:26)
- “I feel like this is the best podcast they’ve ever recorded.” – Aaron (42:31)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 03:48: Aaron joins, talks about being sick and old seasons
- 05:07: Confirms breakup, single status, thoughts on dating
- 06:26: Social media and DMs
- 07:05: How Aaron meets people, gym jokes
- 08:03: Sweating on Paradise, Botox, unseen challenges
- 09:19: Preference for new Paradise format
- 12:07: Thoughts on Taylor Frankie Paul as Bachelorette
- 17:44: What Aaron looks for in a partner
- 19:28: Bachelorette social media shakeup, franchise evolution
- 23:08: Aaron considers being the next Bachelor
- 30:23: Close Bachelor Nation friends (Logan)
- 30:49: Relationship goals, “salty Pringle” moment
- 35:21: Meaning of family tattoo
- 36:40: Favorite holiday: Halloween
- 39:09: Cooking, learning from TikTok, confidence
- 41:27: Pickleball and fitness routine
- 42:31: “Best podcast I’ve ever recorded” affirmation
Tone and Vibe
Warm, playful, and full of friendly ribbing—especially between Aaron and the wisecracking hosts. The conversation is authentic and often veers into laughter, life advice, wellness tips, and impromptu therapy/matchmaking sessions.
Conclusion
A lively, genuine chat that goes beyond Bachelor drama into real talk about post-show life, the quirks of dating in your 30s, franchise evolution, and the importance of both self-improvement and not taking yourself too seriously. Aaron Clancy’s signature mix of humor and candidness pairs perfectly with Susan and Kathy’s seasoned wisdom, producing an episode that is entertaining, relatable, and a must-listen for Bachelor Nation fans.
For any new or longtime fans, this episode is a perfect check-in with Aaron Clancy and a fun, affectionate look behind the curtain of Bachelor Nation life.