Jenn Tran Talks Dancing With the Stars Tea, Her Favorite Beauty Products and More!

Summary

Gloss Angeles Podcast Episode Summary: "Jenn Tran Talks Dancing With the Stars Tea, Her Favorite Beauty Products and More!"

Release Date: November 21, 2024
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Guest: Jen Tran

---

1. Warm Welcome and Personal Connections (00:41 - 02:13)

The episode kicks off with Jen Tran’s enthusiastic introduction to the hosts, Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan. Jen expresses her gratitude for being invited, highlighting the strong support system from fans and friends. She shares:

“I'm at a place in my life where I'm just so grateful. ... I think more people should be supporting other people's happiness.”
— Jen Tran [01:43]

Jen emphasizes the importance of positivity on social media and appreciates her platform for fostering supportive interactions.

2. Beauty Routine and Favorite Products (03:04 - 04:57)

Jen delves into her current beauty regimen, showcasing her favorite products and makeup routines. She highlights several brands and items she swears by:

• Tinted Bronzer from the AAPI Summit:

  “The tinted bronzer ... it's so pigmented. I tried it for the first time today. Loved it.”
  — Jen Tran [03:04]

• Glow Recipe Niacinamide Dewy Drops:

  “Been using it forever.”
  — Jen Tran [03:19]

• Charlotte Tilbury Honey Hollywood Lip Liner:

  “It's a great fall color.”
  — Jen Tran [03:47]

• Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads:

  “It's so good for my acne, everything.”
  — Jen Tran [04:03]

• Lashify Extensions:

  “They have been a life changer.”
  — Jen Tran [04:34]

Jen also mentions her reliance on Rare Beauty blush and her go-to perfume, Good Girl by Carolina Herrera, further detailing how each product fits into her daily beauty regimen.

3. The Dancing with the Stars Experience (04:54 - 15:03)

Jen provides an in-depth look into her journey on Dancing with the Stars, sharing both the highs and lows:

• Emotional Rollercoaster:

  “I was crying more on Dancing with the Stars than the Bachelorette.”
  — Jen Tran [07:14]

• Favorite Moments and Performances:

  “Every week on Dancing with the Stars was a high for me ... It was such a positive experience.”
  — Jen Tran [07:14]

• Behind the Scenes Insights:
  Jen reflects on the show's production, the rigorous rehearsals, and the community she formed with fellow dancers and judges.

• Judging and Scoring Controversies:
  Jen discusses inconsistencies in scoring this season, specifically highlighting Chandler and Brandon's contemporary dance performance:

  “Chandler and Brandon's contemporary on Dedication Week ... definitely deserved a higher score.”
  — Jen Tran [13:56]

• Viral Moments:
  She praises Jenna and Joey’s Tarzan dance, noting its viral success and the creativity behind it:

  “That's what the show is all about ... those special moments that go viral.”
  — Jen Tran [14:53]

4. Insights from The Bachelorette (15:03 - 22:30)

Transitioning to her time on The Bachelorette, Jen shares her experiences and behind-the-scenes realities:

• Wardrobe and Styling:

  “Everything was very much curated for me ... to just make me comfortable and be my best self.”
  — Jen Tran [16:25]

• Challenging Schedule:
  Jen details the hectic packing requirements and the demanding schedule, often managing multiple outfits for unpredictable climates:

  “I'm in on the Bachelorette for about two months ... just at it from, like, 6:00am Glam makeup.”
  — Jen Tran [18:04]

• Favorite Dates:
  Highlights from Hawaii, including a helicopter ride and swimming with manta rays, stand out as some of her best experiences:

  “Hawaii was so beautiful ... that was really, really beautiful.”
  — Jen Tran [20:11]

• Emotional Challenges:
  Jen candidly discusses the emotional toll of the show, including watching herself on camera and maintaining privacy post-show:

  “I don't want my whole life to be a TV show anymore ... I'm ready to just have that part of my life be private again.”
  — Jen Tran [27:45]

5. Friendships and Personal Growth (22:30 - 24:46)

Jen speaks about the deep friendships formed during her shows, particularly her bond with Sasha, her dance partner on Dancing with the Stars:

• Sasha’s Influence:

  “He's taught me that I'm a lot stronger than I am ... he's definitely made me stronger throughout the process.”
  — Jen Tran [24:20]

• Shared Experiences:
  Jen and Sasha bonded quickly, supporting each other through the chaotic transitions from reality shows to the dance floor.

6. Advice for Listeners (27:48 - 30:36)

Jen offers motivational advice to listeners contemplating significant life changes:

“Think about why you're scared ... just embrace the change and go for it. If you don't take the chance now, then you'll regret it.”
— Jen Tran [28:18]

She underscores the importance of overcoming fear of change to avoid future regrets, sharing her own fears and how she overcame them by trusting the process and the universe.

7. Dating Insights and Red Flags (30:36 - 32:46)

Jen shares her views on dating, outlining what she believes are essential behaviors to avoid:

• Five Things to Never Do on a Date:

  1. Don’t talk about exes.

  “Unless I ask. But then that's more of a second, third date.”
  — Jen Tran [31:38]

  2. Don’t chew with your mouth open while eating.
  3. Definitely pay for the bill.

  “I want to know that you want to be here and that you want to impress me.”
  — Jen Tran [31:38]

  4. Dress nicely; avoid sweatpants.
  5. Don’t have bad breath; use mints.
  6. Don’t attempt to kiss without consent.

  “Especially on the first date, you should ask if the time is right.”
  — Jen Tran [31:38]

Jen emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries and reading social cues, particularly for men in dating scenarios.

8. Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors (32:46 - 33:08)

As the conversation wraps up, Jen shares her contact information and encourages listeners to follow her on social media:

“Jen Tran on Instagram and TikTok.”
— Jen Tran [33:05]

She expresses excitement for future opportunities and remains optimistic about her journey ahead, bolstered by the support from the hosts and her fans.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Jen Tran on Embracing Change:

  “I never want to have any regrets. And I can say right now, after the year that I've had, I don't have any regrets.”
  — Jen Tran [28:18]

• Jen Tran on Friendship with Sasha:

  “We're so close now. I think we've been through so much the beginning of the journey was already so crazy.”
  — Jen Tran [24:00]

• Jen Tran on Judging in Dancing with the Stars:

  “Sometimes a little bit inflated, sometimes a bit deflated. And a lot of people on social media also agree with me.”
  — Jen Tran [13:50]

---

Conclusion

In this episode of Gloss Angeles, Jen Tran provides an intimate glimpse into her multifaceted life, balancing her roles on The Bachelorette and Dancing with the Stars with her passion for beauty and personal growth. Her candid reflections on the challenges and triumphs of reality TV, coupled with her insightful advice on embracing change and navigating the dating world, offer listeners both inspiration and practical wisdom. The hosts, Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan, facilitate a warm and engaging conversation, celebrating Jen's achievements and setting the stage for her bright future ahead.

Transcript

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[Jen Tran]

Glam Los Angeles.

[Kirby]

Hi, Kirby.

[Sarah]

Hi, Sarah.

[Jen Tran]

Welcome to Los Angeles. Okay.

[Kirby]

I feel like I I stalk you because I'm like, oh, anytime we have an opportunity, I'm like gentran. I like. We were at the API beauty summit together, and then I chased your manager, and I was like, can she come on Gloss Angeles? Because Kirby's also a fan. Kirby's friend. You work with one of my best friends.

[Sarah]

Marina was the publicist that Jen worked with while she was doing the Bachelorette.

[Jen Tran]

And she me on dark, dark days.

[Sarah]

And she loves you. She loves you.

[Kirby]

No, you really are just like this breath of fresh air. I feel like for both franchises, both like the Bachelorette and then also Dancing with the Stars, like, everyone is always rooting for you, so that's why we.

[Jen Tran]

Had to have you on. Well, thank you so much for having me. Honestly means so much. Yeah. It's so crazy that so many people are rooting for me and my happiness, and it honestly just feels really good. And I'm at a place in my life where I'm just so grateful. You don't really get to see that every day. And also on social media, there's not always so much positivity. So I'm so grateful for my platform, so grateful for my fans and for people to just be supporting me and my happiness. I think there should be more of that. I think more people should be supporting other people's happiness.

[Sarah]

I think that's why. Obviously, the Wicked movie is gonna be huge, for obvious reasons, but I also think it's because of Cindy, Cynthia, and Ariana. They love each other so much, and they both wanted these roles forever. And so you see them living their dream, and they both love each other so much, and you're just like, more of this. Like, I want more of this. I want to see more of this in the world. I think that's why people gravitate towards you, because they see you as a genuinely good person, and they want the best for you. And so we're just. I can't wait to see what you're gonna do now. I mean, the world is your oyster.

[Jen Tran]

Oh, I don't know. See, now the pressure's on, because now everybody's like, okay, what are you doing next? I'm like, I don't know.

[Sarah]

You're like, I need a break.

[Jen Tran]

Just asleep for five years. Is that okay? Yes.

[Kirby]

Which is fine. You literally just, like, you just got off of Dancing with the Stars. You need a minute, and you can take a minute, but we have to ask you what is on your beautiful face?

[Jen Tran]

Okay, so I'm actually trying out some new products that I got from the Aapi Summit, which I love. The tinted bronzer. It's like a sunsetty palette, so there's, like, highlighter and blush and bronzer in it. And it's so pigmented. I tried it for the first time today. Loved it.

[Kirby]

Live tinted.

[Jen Tran]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Jen Tran]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Jen Tran]

So nice. And then I'm wearing my glow recipe. Niacinamide Dewy drops. Go to. Been using it forever. What else am I wearing? My rare beauty blush. It's my favorite. Oh, I recently am trying out this. It's by. What's it by Charlotte Tilbury Honey Hollywood lip liner. I feel like it's a great fall color. Usually I'm a makeup forever. Oops, sorry.

[Sleep Number Ad]

Wherever.

[Jen Tran]

Walnut girl.

[Kirby]

Oh, yes.

[Jen Tran]

But I feel like this color is great for the fall time. What else am I wearing? For skincare, I'm always using the Dr. Dennis Gross, like, the. What are they called?

[Kirby]

The pill pads?

[Sarah]

The Alpha Beta peel pads.

[Jen Tran]

Alpha Beta peel pads. Chef's kiss. My favorite.

[Sarah]

And by the way, we're not sponsored by Dr. Dennis Gross. Literally, so many guests have recently been like, love Dr. Dennis Gross. We love. We love him dearly. He's been on the podcast, but we're not sponsored. There's nothing else, like, people just love him.

[Kirby]

Nothing else like those peel pads, either.

[Jen Tran]

It's so good for my acne, everything. And then my Carolina. Her perfume. Good girl. My favorite. My go to.

[Sarah]

Oh, good girl. That's so sweet. Wait, are your lashes extensions, or are they. Do you use faux lashes?

[Jen Tran]

So they are from Lashify. I've been using them forever, and they're basically like. I keep them on for, like, about a week, a week and a half. Ish. And it's just. They're individual little clusters, and I put them on, and then I sleep with them, I shower with them, I work out in Them. They have been a life changer.

[Kirby]

You have to do, like, a video on, like, how.

[Jen Tran]

That's.

[Kirby]

Did you do that also with Dancing with the Stars?

[Jen Tran]

I did no Dancing with the Stars. I would go for more, like, dramatic looks. So I take them off for the Tuesdays, and then they would do their own looks for me. For the Bachelorette, I used Lashify. I went skydiving in these. I went. I went diving with the manta rays in these. Like, they. I went surfing in these. Crazy.

[Kirby]

You need to be their brand ambassador.

[Sarah]

I'm, like, spokesperson.

[Jen Tran]

I've tried. They hate me.

[Sleep Number Ad]

No, we.

[Kirby]

We know people there, so we will be sending them a message.

[Sarah]

They'd be crazy not to sit for something. That was the best endorsement I've ever heard. Skydiving. Manatees.

[Jen Tran]

You're ghosting me.

[Kirby]

I don't know why.

[Sarah]

Come on, Lashify. Pull it together.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

So, Jen, how has your life changed, for better or worse, over the past year? I have to imagine. I mean, there. We saw lows, but I have to imagine there's been some extreme highs. But in your opinion, what have been the standout highs and lows for you?

[Jen Tran]

Oh, my gosh. Obviously, overall, the year has been so positive. Like, I feel so incredibly grateful that I was gifted with this incredible new life, essentially. I mean, a year ago, I was in PA school making my little PA school TikTok, just, like, working in medicine and working with patients. And now I feel like I have this platform to inspire and to, like, have so many people support me and support other people. So I feel so grateful to have this. And, I mean, a low. Definitely a Bachelorette finale. Another low. Getting eliminated two weeks ago was really, really sad for me on Dancing with the Stars because I feel like I found a new passion in dancing. It's something that I always wanted to do. But I would say every week on Dancing with the Stars was a high for me, for sure. Like, going to rehearsals every day. So much fun trying all the cute outfits. So much fun performing every week, even though I was, like, feeling so much pressure and having so much stage fright was still, like, such a high for me. So I would say overall, the best high was Dancing with the Stars for sure. And also the Bachelorette. I got to travel for sure. I got to go to New Zealand and Australia. And I would say overall, it's been a healing and just a really big life lesson for me. I've been learning so many new things about myself, specifically in the dating world and just discovering myself even more. So it's Been a really transformative year.

[Kirby]

You said that you cried more on Dancing with the Stars than the Bachelorette.

[Sarah]

I know.

[Jen Tran]

I don't know why. I don't know what it is. I think with Dancing with the Stars, I was so. I just. I really put everything into it, like, my whole heart into it, because I loved it so much, and I loved learning how to dance, and I loved every second of every day. Getting to go to rehearsals with Sasha and getting to try on the outfits and do dress rehearsal and then perform every week. It was just. It was such a highlight of my life that every moment, like, I was either crying happy tears or I was either crying, like, pressure tears, because every week is a live performance, and you get one minute to essentially prove that you've worked so hard for the whole week. Hours and hours and hours. And so there were times where I just, like, cracked under the pressure, for sure, like, off camera. But overall, like, it was such a positive experience.

[Kirby]

Who are you rooting for to win?

[Jen Tran]

Honestly, everybody. Like, I love everybody so much, and, like, I don't know. For me, it was never really about the winning, which is, like, bad. But I never wanted that mirror ball. Okay. I wanted to just stay there till the end to dance for as much as I could. I just wanted to soak in every second. It didn't matter about the winning. It was more like I wanted to just dance and to have the experience. But honestly, everybody, I mean, Chandler's one of my best friends on the show, and she's such a beautiful dancer, and so I'm definitely really rooting for her. And I know how much she wants it, too.

[Sarah]

Totally. I was actually gonna ask who you were closest with. You would say Chandler.

[Jen Tran]

Yeah. She's just such a sweet soul. And it was so interesting learning how she got to Disney and how she got into acting and dancing. You know, she used to dance, but, like, differently. Not ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing is so different. And also, like, her and Brandon are just such genuinely good people. And, I mean, everybody on the cast is so, so amazing. But I really connected with Brandon and Chandler. Like, they're so down to earth. Like, the second you talk to them, you would never think that they're even in this world of Dancing with the Stars and acting and all this stuff. Like, they're so grounded, which I loved.

[Sarah]

I love them, too. I love Brandon. Yeah, he's awesome.

[Jen Tran]

Hilarious.

[Sarah]

So funny. He's so funny and obviously so talented. I feel like Dancing with the Stars is having a renaissance these past two.

[Kirby]

Years, and they have their 500th episode is happening today. Yeah.

[Jen Tran]

Oh, yeah.

[Sarah]

It's so funny because I've been to a few tapings of Dancing with the Stars. It's amazing. It is an amazing production. Everything looks so easy on tv, but when you see what's going on behind the scenes, just like, wow, so many people come together to make this thing happen. I feel like that's why I would be sad to leave the show too, because I like being around a big community of people working towards a common goal.

[Jen Tran]

Yes. But me too.

[Sarah]

It's funny on TikTok, seeing, like, I remember when it was announced that you were going to be on the show, and I was like, oh, this is interesting. And then all of the actual, you know, the professionals have a huge presence on TikTok now, and that was not the case, like, two years ago. It was.

[Jen Tran]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

They're like celebrities in their own right.

[Sarah]

People care about what they have to say, and I love it. It's like the new generation of Dancing with the Stars. It's really cool, in my opinion.

[Jen Tran]

It's so amazing. Honestly, I was thinking the same thing. I was like, honestly, they're celebrities too, so it's like celebrities dancing with celebrities. But no, I think it's so interesting because I feel like everyone says that rally kind of got the TikTok social media presence from last year. This year specifically, everybody's been on their TikTok game 100%.

[Sarah]

And I love seeing the conversation around voting and the dances and the judges. I feel like Carrie Ann has been getting it on TikTok. Like, people are like, girl. I mean, some people make good points where it's like, why does she judge the women this way but not the men?

[Kirby]

I was going to ask who your favorite judge is if you had to pick.

[Jen Tran]

If I had to pick, I would say Derek for sure, because he also came into one of our rehearsals and we had a session, and so I really got to know him through that session. And I think that I also grew up watching the show too. So I always saw him and was like, oh, he's such an amazing dancer. So it was really cool to be able to talk to him and get to have that relationship with him on the show. How are.

[Sarah]

How are Alfonso and Julianne?

[Jen Tran]

They're the best. Oh, my God. First of all, Alfonso, he. He had to see every single breakdown that I ever had. Poor guy. So sorry. But he was like a big brother to me because he would come to every dress rehearsal from like 6am and stay there throughout the whole thing, even though like, he didn't really need to really be there. He was just there to, like, support and to watch the whole process come alive. And, like, I really respected that because to be in the position that he's in and, like, you can tell how much he loves the show. And, yeah, he really helped me with every single mental breakdown I had.

[Sarah]

That would be me. I would just be there even when I'm not needed. I'm like, let me be here, please.

[Jen Tran]

I'm like, also, just be there. Just show up.

[Sarah]

Wait, so the finale is coming up, right? Is it the week of Thanksgiving?

[Kirby]

I think so.

[Jen Tran]

Yes, it is so.

[Sarah]

And there will be. There will be a. If I remember correctly, Like, a group dance. So will you go back on. You'll be back on the dance floor?

[Jen Tran]

I'll be there for the group dance. Yes. Yes. I'm excited. I kind of. I wish I had my own dance too, but I'll take any dance. I'll take a group dance. It's fine.

[Sarah]

Producers, come on now.

[Jen Tran]

Let's figure this out.

[Kirby]

Exactly.

[Jen Tran]

I'm like, just give me 20 seconds all by myself. You don't have to pay me.

[Sarah]

This is kind of a spicy question, but is there a dance from any couple that you think was not rated appropriately by the judges?

[Kirby]

Oh, of yours or of anyone's?

[Sarah]

Of anyone's.

[Kirby]

Of anyone. Okay.

[Jen Tran]

So many. I do. Okay. I do feel like the scores and the judging was a little interesting this season from not even just for me, but for also other people. I think it was interesting. And I have no dance background, so who am I to come at her and say, oh, it's messed up. I don't know anything. But from my untrained eye, I was a little like, those are some interesting scores. Sometimes a little bit inflated, sometimes a bit deflated. And I would say a lot of people on social media also agree with me. And there's, like, a very big, like, I think everyone's talking about the scoring this season, so it's very interesting.

[Sarah]

Is there any particular dance that you thought was deflated when it should have been inflated?

[Jen Tran]

Deflated? Yeah. I mean, Chandler and Brandon's contemporary on Dedication Week. Like, I. That one just specifically sticks out to me because I, like, am so close to Chandler. And I remember after that dance, she was so distraught, and I was like, that was the most amazing dance ever. And compared to all the other dances and stuff and whatnot, like, I just felt like she definitely deserved a higher score for that one. Yeah.

[Sarah]

Also, I just need your point of view on Joey and Jenna's dance for Disney week when they did Tarzan iconic.

[Jen Tran]

Oh, my God.

[Sarah]

Jenna on the floor going backwards. I was like, insane, girl. I would take good money to learn that.

[Jen Tran]

I don't remember.

[Sarah]

I can't remember. I think.

[Kirby]

I think it was.

[Sarah]

But that dance went super viral on TikTok.

[Jen Tran]

There's so many viral dances the season. That one, oh, my God, she's a genius. She's so smart, so cool.

[Sarah]

And Joey was so. I think that's why I enjoyed it, because he was, like, giving it just as much as Tarzan.

[Jen Tran]

I was like, yes.

[Sarah]

So great.

[Jen Tran]

No, I love moments like that, though. Like, that's what the show is all about. It's like those special moments that go viral and that you're going to be talking about, like, honestly, for a long time. So that's why I love the show so much.

[Kirby]

So let's go back and talk a little bit about the Bachelorette. Obviously, Kirby and I were talking because there's so much, like, behind the scenes of this show that we don't know, especially in terms of, like, well, let's talk about beauty. Did ABC or did the producers, anyone give you sort of like a makeover or, like, did they tell you, like, this is how we want you to look or, like, suggestions?

[Jen Tran]

No, honestly, I kind of wish they did.

[Sarah]

It's like Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.

[Kirby]

Yeah, like, that's what.

[Sarah]

That's what we were thinking.

[Jen Tran]

I'm like, I'm the Bachelorette. You're going to give me a makeover. No, it was just little old Jen. I'm like, come on, help me go.

[Sarah]

They're like, you're so beautiful. You don't need that. Yeah.

[Jen Tran]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Oh, tough life. Tough life.

[Jen Tran]

I mean, the clothes, though, for sure was like a makeover. Like, I don't own any of those clothes. And, like, suddenly I had all the Bachelorette's wardrobe, right? So that was really, really fun. But even the wardrobe, like, I got to, like, kind of pick out the pieces that I really liked and tell Carrie, the stylist, I love him. It's actually his birthday today. I got to tell him, like, what certain styles I usually go for. Things look good on my body so that he could kind of pick out those pieces for me. So everything was very much curated for me. Not to, like, change me in any way, but to just make me comfortable and be my best self as much as I could be. So, yeah, no, no makeover. Just. Just me.

[Kirby]

Did you do your own glam or did you have.

[Jen Tran]

No, I also had a makeup stylist. And her name is Gina. She's also the best. I love her. And she would do my makeup every day, like, twice a day for the morning time for the day portion, and then the night portion as well, which thank. Because I was way too tired to be doing that.

[Sarah]

And that's different because as a contestant, you're not provided glam, and we see girls doing their own makeup and stuff. Like, in certain shots. Is there anything that the show tells you in terms of, like, when you're a contestant, this is how your glam should look, or do they really just let you express yourself?

[Jen Tran]

No, I think they're. I'm pretty sure they were just like, do whatever you want kind of thing. I think, like, you could go on camera with no makeup if you wanted to as a contestant. Like, I think I've done that, like, during the day when you're lounging around the pool, like, you kind of forget because you think you're in your own home, but you're still doing interviews and all that stuff. So you're being filmed and you're on camera. But for the rose ceremonies, everyone would definitely go all out on glam, but you could do your own thing. What was tough about being a contestant was the packing list. They, like, you had to pack for fall, winter, spring, summer. Like, you didn't know where you were going. So I remember just being like, this is going to be really tough to, like, fit like, you. Like, I only brought, like, two, three suitcases with me. And also, you're also gauging how long you're gonna be on the show for. So I bought, like, only, like, a certain amount of dresses because I was like, I'll probably only make it to a certain weekend. Funny enough, the week that I went home was, like, my last dress, so I kind of predicted my ending on that show.

[Kirby]

Oh, my gosh. And how long. How long was a Bachelorette?

[Jen Tran]

Like, the Bachelorette was about two months. Ish.

[Kirby]

Okay. And then how long were you on the Bachelor?

[Jen Tran]

I was on the Bachelor for about over a month.

[Kirby]

Okay. Gosh, that's so crazy that, like, you have to pack your own suitcase and you have no idea where you're going and then also do your own glam.

[Jen Tran]

Yeah. Very crazy.

[Kirby]

That's challenging.

[Sarah]

So what would fans be surprised to know about your Bachelorette experience?

[Jen Tran]

Oh, gosh.

[Sarah]

If there's anything you haven't already told.

[Jen Tran]

That I was running around all the time and maybe running on, like, five hours of sleep a night. Like, the schedule on the Bachelorette was very Crazy. And I think that that's why now I can do anything, because Dancing with Stars, four hours a day, rehearsal, sometimes more if you needed it, whatever. But people would be like, oh, you're so busy, busy. And I'm like, no, I have, like, all these hours that I'm not really doing anything. So. Yeah, I mean, on Bachelorette, like, you were at it from, like, 6:00am Glam makeup. I'm, like, falling asleep in the chair. Gina's doing my makeup. And then you go on a date. Then you. You barely have time for lunch. Like, I'd be eating lunch in the makeup chair, getting ready to turn over for the dinner time date, and then. And the travel time and everything. Like, you were just at it. And then sometimes the night portions would go to, like, 2, 3am you go to bed, you could do it all over again. So the schedule is so hectic.

[Sarah]

I've always been curious about this when it comes to the show. Like, when the Bachelorette. Bachelorette. And the contestants are flying somewhere, Are you guys on the same flight? Okay. Because I was like, are you in first class?

[Jen Tran]

And they're all in a couple of. No, I also thought that too. Funny enough props to the travel team because they have to time it out so that I would travel a day earlier than the boys, and the boys would travel the day after. Or maybe I would have a morning flight and they would have the afternoon flight, but we would never be in the airport at the same time, like, ever. Wow.

[Kirby]

Wow. That's hard. Okay, do you have a favorite date that you went on?

[Jen Tran]

Ooh, do I have a favorite date.

[Sarah]

That hasn't been tarnished?

[Jen Tran]

I know.

[Kirby]

Oh, gosh.

[Jen Tran]

They've all been. No, I'm just kidding. No, I'm not like that. I think definitely the ones in Hawaii. Hawaii was so beautiful. We got to go to a waterfall and a helicopter. I think that was really, really beautiful. That was one of my favorites. And then swimming with the manta rays at night was really fun as well. So the Hawaii dates, I think, were top tier for me.

[Kirby]

This is controversial, and you don't have to answer it, but is there anyone? We were like, oh, I would have given him a second date or a second chance.

[Jen Tran]

No, no.

[Kirby]

Onwards and upwards.

[Sarah]

No, I was gonna thing like watching it back. I mean, having to watch your life back is.

[Jen Tran]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Kind of a cruel punishment in a way.

[Kirby]

Especially in that case where you're, like, watching yourself on a date.

[Jen Tran]

Yeah. And making out with the guy.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Jen Tran]

And then making out with another guy after that. And then Your lipstick's all smeared. And then I'm like, how did that guy still want to kiss me after seeing that? So is no. Oh, my gosh. I would never wish that upon anyone to watch themselves date 25 men on TV. It takes a very strong person to do that. And I really had to close my eyes on some of the scenes, and I just moved on. I said, I don't care if anybody sees that. I'm not watching it.

[Sarah]

I was wondering if there were any dates or any contestants that you were like, you know what? I should have given him a longer arc in my life. In my life.

[Jen Tran]

No. I don't know.

[Kirby]

You judged everyone, like, correct correctly in your mind, you think or like, no, because sorry. Except for sorry.

[Jen Tran]

No, don't be sorry. See, I used to think I had a really good intuition. I used to think I read people really well. That's out the drain. Gotta recalibrate. But no, I'm just like. I like to just move on and forget.

[Kirby]

Love that.

[Sarah]

Speaking of moving on, I have a question for you.

[Jen Tran]

Tell me, is there anything you wanna.

[Sarah]

Share with us regarding your dating life right now?

[Jen Tran]

My dating life? I'm trying to think if there's anything I should share. Um, I don't think so.

[Kirby]

No.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

You're just having fun.

[Jen Tran]

I'm just having fun.

[Sarah]

Having a good time, maybe going to premieres with people and hanging out with people and doing tiktoks with people?

[Jen Tran]

Uh, yeah. Don't people do that with everybody? Yeah.

[Sarah]

Yeah, sometimes. Sometimes, no. But I actually am curious about Sasha.

[Jen Tran]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Obviously, as your dance partner, you get super, super close.

[Jen Tran]

Oh, my God.

[Sarah]

Is this. Do you think this is a lifelong friendship for you too?

[Jen Tran]

Absolutely. Absolutely. Unless something crazy happens. But definitely. I mean, I honestly already feel like we're like a married couple because we know each other so well and we bicker like crazy that I'm like, I hate you, but I also love you all at the same time because we're just. We're so close now. I think we've been through. So, like, the beginning of the journey was already so crazy because we were both called in last minute before our flight, right? So, like, I got called. I got told in my dressing room right after the Bachelorette that I was going on Dancing with the Stars. I had to literally go on a flight within 45 minutes without a toothbrush, without hairspray, without my favorite perfume. Like, it was crazy. And then Sasha also was in bed and got a call that night and then had to get on the flight within 45 minutes. So it was. We both met at a very chaotic time and then was thrown into this dancing world. And obviously in rehearsals, like, you're together 24 7. Like, we were rehearsing a lot. So I feel like I know him very, very well, and he knows me very, very well.

[Kirby]

That's really sweet. I, like, find so much joy watching your guys friendship and content on social.

[Jen Tran]

We genuinely just enjoy being around each other. So it's been really nice to have such a good friend come out of everything.

[Sarah]

What has he taught you about yourself?

[Jen Tran]

Hmm. Wow. Good question. What has Sasha taught me about myself?

[Kirby]

That you're a really good dancer. Yes, naturally.

[Jen Tran]

Yes, he does tell me that I'm a good dancer all the time, although I don't believe him. But honestly, he's taught me that I'm a lot stronger than I am. He really pushes me in these rehearsals and, like, not to a way that's. I'm, like, distraught, but to a way where, like, I didn't know my limits could be pushed. And, yeah, he's definitely made me stronger throughout the process, for sure.

[Kirby]

Okay, so if you had. I think I know the answer, but if you could do the bachelorette or dancing with stars again, which one would you do?

[Jen Tran]

Sorry. Bachelorette, dancing with stars. 100%. I take. I'd go back in a heartbeat. I loved it. Honestly, like, I don't know how that's gonna top it. Like, dancing with stars was the best experience I've had.

[Kirby]

Is there any other, like, show that you want to do?

[Jen Tran]

I don't know, like, that I know of, like, nothing that will be as.

[Kirby]

Amazing as you can try out for Dallas cowboys cheerleaders.

[Sarah]

They're doing a season two. They are.

[Jen Tran]

They're doing a season two. Scary. Honestly, I don't think I could take it. I've seen a couple. I've. I've. I don't watch the show, but I've seen snippets of the show on tick tock and all this stuff, and, like, I don't know, it kind of scares me. I don't know if I could do it.

[Kirby]

Kirby hurt her knee trying to learn the dance.

[Sarah]

I learned thunderstruck. I literally injured my knee.

[Jen Tran]

Did you? Yeah, I did. Watch. Did you post it?

[Sarah]

No, no, I did. I did. I did. And I think they nailed it until I literally injured my knee, and now I have to go to physical therapy because.

[Jen Tran]

What did you do?

[Sarah]

There's a part where you. There's a part where you have to go down on your knees. Okay. And you're like, doing it. And there's a part where when you're on your knees, you have to lay down and then come back up, and to get lower, you have to extend your knees more. And I just went, like, fully for it, and I heard two pops tops with my left knee. And I had to get an mri and I had to get an X ray, and they were like, nothing's broken. No ligaments torn. But, yeah, you need physical therapy. And to this day, my knee still hurts. So if you try Thunderstruck at home. Anybody, please just.

[Jen Tran]

I'm scared. That's a good idea. I'm gonna go try it now.

[Sarah]

Get an erase.

[Jen Tran]

I'm Sasha there.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Oh, my God. Yes.

[Sarah]

He will nail it. Y'all should campaign to do that dance.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

For the finale.

[Kirby]

Oh, my God. The group dance.

[Jen Tran]

That's gonna be our. Our routine for the group dance.

[Sarah]

Okay, so I know that we were kind of, you know, joking about you and Sasha and dating, but how will the Bachelorette affect you moving forward in your dating life? Like, what are some of the learnings now?

[Jen Tran]

So much. I mean, I think when you. When you're experiencing it, you learn a few things, and then when I'm watching it back, I'm also learning so much. So for me, I feel like there was just so much growth. You grow so much when you're in one relationship. But I had 25 different ones, so I feel like now I'm a lot wiser, or so I'd hope. And I would say I'm definitely gonna be a lot more private about my dating life, just because it's a lot. People take little snippets of certain things that happen on tv, and then they're like, oh, this is that, and they psychoanalyze it. And a lot of the times when I was watching the Bachelorette back, I would tune all of that feedback. But now it's like, I don't want my whole life to be a TV show anymore. I think it was just a certain part of time, and now I'm, like, ready to just have that part of my life. Just be private again.

[Sarah]

Noted. Noted.

[Kirby]

Okay. I would love to ask you, because you obviously, like, you have pivoted so much in your life, especially in the last year, and I feel like that's really scary for a lot of people, especially a lot of young women, essentially giving up your career to try this and do this. What advice do you have to some of our listeners who maybe there's an opportunity that they're scared to take or they feel stuck in their life. What advice do you have for them?

[Jen Tran]

I would say think about why you're scared, and if the reason is that you're scared things are gonna change, then do it. Because for me, change is so scary. And it was scary for me to. I put my career on hold. Like, I'm definitely gonna go back to physician assistant school. And it was hard for me to make that decision to be the bachelorette or to even go on the Bachelor, because I didn't know if physician assistant school would still be there. But once I figured out that it was still gonna be there, I was still scared. Cause I was like, this is gonna be so different. But I was like, okay, everything's gonna be set in stone, though. Like, I'm still gonna go back to school, so I should just do it even though I'm scared. And then dancing with a scar stars. I was also scared to go on that. Although I'd always wanted to learn to dance, I was like, is this the right time? Is this, like, what I need right now? But at the end of the day, I was like, okay, I'm still gonna go to school, so I'm just. Just gonna jump and do it. And then when I got off of Dancing with the Stars, I was also scared because I was like, what am I gonna do with my life now? And so I'm kind of just embracing the change. I'm embracing the anxiety of it all. I think we're all very, very scared of change because we don't know what's gonna happen in the future. But I would say to just. To just embrace it and to just go for it, because if you don't take the chance now, then you'll regret it. And for me, I never want to have any regrets. And I can say right now, after the year that I've had, I don't have any regrets. So. Yeah, I love that.

[Sarah]

One of my favorite sayings is, leap in the net will appear, so.

[Jen Tran]

Oh, I love that. Yeah, absolutely.

[Kirby]

That's a good one.

[Jen Tran]

Absolutely. I really just have so much trust in the universe, which is, like, kind of scary at the same time. But I really do think the universe kind of has not has a plan for you, but will always take care of you, and that no matter what, your destiny is also kind of in your own hands. So just take things as they come, and if you want it, just go for it.

[Kirby]

You have a very bright future, especially as, like, the. We said this unofficial or official AAPI Asian American woman ambassador. You're like, the face for our community. So very excited to see what you. What you do. And we're here to support you always.

[Jen Tran]

Thank you. Because you're so sweet.

[Sarah]

Okay, Jen, what are five things you should never do on a date?

[Jen Tran]

Oh, like me personally or the guys.

[Kirby]

I think the guys. Yeah.

[Jen Tran]

Or you know.

[Kirby]

Yeah. Someone that you're like. What are some red flags?

[Jen Tran]

Okay. Okay. It's been a while since I've been on date, but let's. I would say don't talk about your exes. Hate that. Hate, hate, hate that. Unless I ask. But then that's more of like a second, third date. Like, let me hear about your dating history. But first date, don't want to hear about it. Don't chew with your mouth open if we're eating. Definitely pay for the bill. Don't not pay for the bill. I'm old fashioned. Like, I think that that is huge for me. I want to know that you want to be here and that you want to impress me. Dress nicely. Fashion is important. If you show up in sweatpants, then you don't care. Don't have bad breath. Make sure you have some mints on you. Don't just try to kiss me without asking. On the first date. Especially a first date, I feel like you should ask if the time is right. But also don't ask if, like, you feel like I don't want to kiss you.

[Sarah]

I feel like reading the room is a lot. Worst art.

[Jen Tran]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Or like reading other people's social cues. You can tell if a girl wants to kiss you.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

And there's often times you can tell when a girl does not want to kiss you.

[Jen Tran]

Yes.

[Sarah]

But I feel like the men have lost it.

[Jen Tran]

They've lost it. Please read the room. Pull it together, please. Please.

[Kirby]

Are you on the app on the apps?

[Jen Tran]

No, I don't think I can. It's too weird. My whole life is out there.

[Sarah]

No, I was gonna say also, I feel like you're in a unique position where if you were on an app and somebody saw you, you don't know what their intentions are.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Jen Tran]

You know. Yeah, exactly. I think I've been exposed too much. So I think I'm gonna take a hot second before I'm gonna download an app again. But hopefully, like, I feel like now that I'm in LA and I am going to all these events and stuff. Like, I think it's really nice for networking.

[Kirby]

Yes. And focusing on you.

[Jen Tran]

Yes. I think, like, meeting people in person is like, where it's at.

[Sarah]

I agree. FaceTime. I need to be able to feel the vibes. You might think somebody's not very cute on in a picture and then you meet them in person and they're the Rizzma. The Rizz.

[Kirby]

The Rizzo.

[Jen Tran]

The Riz is there. I'm a sucker for the Riz.

[Sarah]

Same.

[Kirby]

Who is it?

[Sarah]

If you're funny.

[Jen Tran]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Game over.

[Jen Tran]

Oh, don't care. Yes. If you can make me laugh, my hands are down. Yeah. No, I'm just kidding, Mom. I'm so sorry. She taught me better than that. I love it.

[Sarah]

I love it. No, she did.

[Jen Tran]

She.

[Sarah]

She raised an amazing woman. We are so thrilled for you. Thank you for coming on Los Angeles. Jen, you're the best. Thank you.

[Kirby]

Okay, where can our listeners find you and follow you?

[Jen Tran]

Jen Tran on Instagram and TikTok. And that's all I have for now. Woohoo. Yay. Hey, marketers, are you ready to discover the latest trends in podcast advertising? The Podcast Pulse report by Acast is out now, packed with fresh audience insights into why podcasts are a must have marketing strategy. Learn how podcast audiences are more engaged than ever, why hosts are trusted voices for brands, and how niche shows are delivering massive impact. Download the report today at podcastpulse2024acast.com.