← What's the Reality?
What's the Reality?
Nick Lachey Talks Life, Perfect Match, The Pods & More
00:32:31
Nick Lachey joins AD to talk all things Love Is Blind, The Ultimatum, and of course the new season of Perfect Match! Plus, Nick opens up about what he has learned about love and marriage along the way. He opens up about the three pillars of his relationship with Vanessa, why Love Is Blind resonates so deeply, and how the shows continue to challenge and inspire them as a couple. They get into funny BTS moments (The Kissing Challenge, anyone?), the emotional weight of reunion shows, and why Nick and Vanessa always lead with empathy. If you love the shows or just love love this one’s for you.
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- [00:01]
A
Hey. This feels so weird. Okay, you ready?
- [00:05]
B
I'm ready.
- [00:06]
A
Okay. Are we good? Okay.
- [00:09]
B
Hit me with the hard stuff. Come on. AD yeah. What's the reality? What's the reality? What's the reality? What's the reality?
- [00:23]
A
Wait, I need to put in a vote to change. Like, how much does that cost to me?
- [00:29]
B
Add a little more. What's the reality? What's the reality? Gotta get more. Get more grit to it.
- [00:36]
A
A little bit more soul. Hey, friends, and welcome back to what's the Reality? Today is a very, very special and exciting day because I'm sitting down with a true pop culture icon. The one and only Nick Lachey. From topping the charts with 98 degrees to starring in the OG reality show Newlyweds, to now hosting your favorite shows like Love is Blind, the Ultimatum, and Perfect Match. Y', all, Nick has truly done it all. So, as you know, the new season of Perfect Match is out, and Nick and I are here to get into all the juicy details. I cannot wait to talk about it. Welcome to what's the Reality?
- [01:24]
B
Hey, thanks for having me.
- [01:25]
A
Of course. How are you?
- [01:27]
B
I'm great.
- [01:28]
A
Speaking of what's the reality? The king of reality. Yeah. Don't think I forgot.
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B
Is that. Is that my title?
- [01:34]
A
It is. It is today.
- [01:36]
B
You know what? It's been good to me. I can't lie. Reality TV has been. Has been a wonderful gift in my life.
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A
So, yeah. You are on how many shows on Netflix?
- [01:45]
B
3. The host, obviously Love is Blind with Vanessa as well as Ultimatum with Vanessa and then Perfect Match.
- [01:52]
A
Perfect Match.
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B
Solo.
- [01:53]
A
I have so many questions for you that I don't even think I'm going to use this.
- [01:56]
B
Don't even use them. Throw them away.
- [01:57]
A
Okay, so first of all, how's Vanessa, my girl? Love her.
- [02:01]
B
She's great. It's. It's always fun this summer, you know, we get to spend more time with the kids and do family trips and more like kind of meaningful family time. So that's always fun.
- [02:10]
A
Hey, Vanessa.
- [02:11]
B
Love just celebrated 14 years, 20 together.
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A
So insane.
- [02:18]
B
Like fossils now.
- [02:19]
A
Okay, so what is the secret?
- [02:21]
B
I don't think there is a secret. I think that's like the. If it was, you know, it was that easy, I would. I know, bottle it and sell it, right? Be a gazillionaire. No, I think it's. We always say three things are kind of paramount, at least for us. I think everybody's different, so you got to take everyone's advice with a grain of salt, because what works for two people in one situation doesn't work for another couple, but communication, cliche, but it's very true. Trust, obviously, I think you have to have in any relationship and then respect. As long as you respect each other, I think you can get through pretty much anything. So those are the three kind of. The three kind of staples that we try to always lean on in life and in love and all that good stuff.
- [03:05]
A
Ali and I are working on those three.
- [03:07]
B
Oh, trust me, you never stop working.
- [03:09]
A
Oh, never stops. Okay. Yeah. Those are three things that we are battling right now. Do you have any advice? We are, you know, as. You know, as you know, this is your fault, by the way.
- [03:21]
B
Well, I take full credit. I tell everybody. I tell everybody. No, look, I think my brother, who I don't give much credit to in many things, but he said this to me once. He said, my best advice to you guys is don't take other people's advice, because, again, what works for, you know, one person, one couple, doesn't necessarily work for another. So it's one of those things that you gotta kind of like, in a weird kind of sick way, you've got to enjoy the. The struggle. It's part of the journey. It's part of the process. And. And when you come out on the other side of those struggles, you have this sense of accomplishment, you know, that you. You figured it out, but you got to kind of figure it out together.
- [03:56]
A
You know, go through it to get through it.
- [03:58]
B
You know, I will say that Vanessa and I being two Scorpios and both being very, like, we have the same exact birthday. We're very similar people in terms of our competitiveness.
- [04:09]
A
You know, I'm a Scorpio, so, you.
- [04:11]
B
Know, the will to win is strong.
- [04:13]
A
It is strong.
- [04:14]
B
And like, looking at marriage as being a failure, it's like we're just not going to. We're not going to go out like that. Like, it's like, yeah, this competitive thing, like, we're going to figure it out. Got to figure it out.
- [04:23]
A
Yeah. Scorpios, we have something. Something very special going on. So, Nick, you went from starring on one of the most iconic reality shows of all time, Newlyweds, to hosting some of the biggest shows in the genre. Did being in front of the camera as a cast member influence the way that you approach hosting these shows?
- [04:45]
B
I think so. You know, when I did reality tv, it was so, so different. It was very much like fly on the wall. Very little, you know, if any scriptedness, soft scriptedness, any of that stuff. But I do think that being on camera, as a participant in reality, gave me a certain empathy to what that experience is like. Right. So I try to approach being the host of reality shows in a way that I would want to be treated right. You know, because when you sign up for these, you don't necessarily know everything that you're gonna be doing. You don't understand the process. You don't understand what comes with the process. I think that's the hardest part is when people start to see themselves on TV and when you have to kind of answer for all those things and answer for those decisions and answer for those moments that can be really tough in the world we live in now with social media being so prevalent and everyone having an opinion. So, yeah, I try to be a support system as much as I can, as does Vanessa, because I think I understand what it's like and how intimidating it can be and how hard it can be. So the more I can be supportive, the more I can be encouraging. I try and do that because I get it.
- [05:58]
A
I can definitely attest to that. When the camera's cut, you and Vanessa are always like, hi, how are you? Like, checking in as real people. And I think that I wish that the world could see more of that. Like, Vanessa always runs up to me and she's like, A.D. how are you? Like, for real? And I'm just, like, bawling my eyes out. Like, she's someone I can actually hug and hold, and she. I can see the empathy in her eyes, and I can feel that you guys are like, real people. You're not just here watching the madness like, you. You guys really feel what we feel.
- [06:29]
B
Well, we're real people, and so are all of you. And so everyone we come in contact with are people, not characters on a TV show. I think that's what. What people get so lost in is, you know, these are real people with real experiences and real relationships and real stakes, and it's easy to sit at work and talk to your co workers about what A and B should have done or, you know, could have done. We try to always remind ourselves that, yeah, I mean, we're all real people. And at the end of the day, we all got to look in the mirror and, you know, and live the same. The same truth. So, yeah, we've always tried to be, as much as we can, a support for all of you. And it doesn't matter. The show, whether it's Love Is Blind, Ultimatum, Perfect match, There's always moments where it gets to be too much. I feel like too much. And we want to be able to be there for you guys as much as we can.
- [07:21]
A
Yeah, we really do appreciate. I appreciate it.
- [07:23]
B
Truly appreciate that.
- [07:25]
A
How did you first get involved in the Netflix reality hosting world, and what's the journey been like for you?
- [07:31]
B
It's a funny story. Back in maybe 2018, we were part of another show called For Love or Money, and we went to Netflix, and we're pitching that show. And I remember Derek and Brandon were there and said, nah, we don't. Don't really like this idea. But we've just picked up this other show that we think you guys might be perfect hosts for. Can you come back tomorrow and we'll pitch you on this show?
- [07:57]
A
That's cool.
- [07:58]
B
And it turned out to be Love is Blind.
- [07:59]
A
That's so cool.
- [08:01]
B
We enjoyed the concept. Enjoy the idea of the concept, and actually had our first meeting with Chris, head of kinetic, and got to know each other a little bit and decided, hey, let's. Let's. Let's go for this thing.
- [08:12]
A
That's so cool. How has it been watching Love is Blind evolve from season one to where it is today?
- [08:22]
B
I mean, in a weird way, it's like watching your kid grow up or something. We were so. I've told this story many times, but I remember being in Atlanta doing season one, and we were a lot more involved in season one. We were on set all day. We were interviewing everyone as they came out of their dates in the pods. We were visiting them in their apartments. We were very involved on a daily basis. And RIP were going back to the hotel and at the end of the day, having a drink with Vanessa in the bar and just talking about the show and what do the girls do today and what do the guys do today? And I told her, I said, if we're this into it, like, having worked on it all day and we still want to talk about it, I got to believe that the viewing public out there is gonna be way invested too. So to be honest, I don't think anyone. You never go into a first season of any show thinking this is gonna be a massive hit. No one could have possibly predicted or seen what Love is Blind was gonna be. And I think it was just the perfect show that people needed at the perfect time. A lot of people point to Covid and say, well, everyone was at home watching and had nothing else to do. And so that's why the show exploded. The show was doing great even before COVID You know, it just resonated with people because it had heart.
- [09:34]
A
Yeah.
- [09:34]
B
You know, like I mean, we see so much TV that's not necessarily filled with heart, and love is blind. It had heart. It still does. People coming to a very, you know, unorthodox situation to try and find what they haven't been able to find in the conventional dating world. And I think that's what resonated with people, you know, because at the end of the day, we all want to be loved.
- [09:54]
A
Right.
- [09:54]
B
We all want to love somebody, and we want to be loved for who we truly are. Um, that sentiment is real. I think that's what makes the show, you know, unique and special.
- [10:03]
A
Yeah. When you heard the concept, were you like, I'm sorry, what?
- [10:09]
B
Like, what? I. I didn't get it at first.
- [10:12]
A
Yeah.
- [10:13]
B
And. And Chris is so passionate about it. He just. He was, like, super intense. I'm like, oh, man, what is. I'm so. I don't know what this is yet, but I think I'm cool with it.
- [10:22]
A
Yeah.
- [10:23]
B
But, yeah, it. It takes a minute to kind of wrap your head around, because it is so. But again, that's what makes it so unique and what's made it so successful is that it is just like, wait a minute. These people are gonna commit to spend the rest of their lives together and never see each other. But then, when you really get down to it, that's what makes it. That's what makes it work, because it is about connection and connection in, like, the realest possible way and doing that without physicality coming into play. It's such a unique but powerful concept. That's why it's worked so well, I think.
- [10:54]
A
Yeah. Do you. I've always wondered, do you get to see in real time? Are you in the producers rooms and the editing room? Like, are you seeing in real time, like, what's going on on both sides of the wall or.
- [11:05]
B
In the first season, we were. We were in the control room.
- [11:07]
A
Yeah.
- [11:08]
B
And we were so invested in, Like, I remember being with. With Barnett, and I'm like. And I know. I know kind of what he's dealing with emotionally and where he's. Do I go this way or do I go that way? And I'm like, don't, don't. Don't tip your hand, Nick. Like, you know, we all have feelings. Like, no, you should go this way.
- [11:22]
A
Yeah, yeah, yeah. But you have to, like.
- [11:23]
B
But. So it was just, like, it was unique to be a part of it. So in depth, Season one and seeing how it all played out. But as. As it's evolved in the way that shows film now and, like, we used to go on the getaways with, with, with the cast and be a part of that. It's just evolved in a way that I think has been great for the show, but it makes us less on camera present. So we really, it's almost, it's almost amazing that we really, in getting ready for the reunion, get kind of the update on how the season progressed. Obviously, we check in and we're texting constantly with producers, you know, who got married, who's engaged, you know, how's it playing out? But we really don't see it until we actually prepare for, for the reunion.
- [12:04]
A
Yeah, that must be tough.
- [12:06]
B
It's tough because, you know, because we have, I mean, this every single year. I go into the, into the lounge the first day. You know, I look at all those faces out there and how eager but fearful and all the emotions that they're dealing with and, and as a human being, I want the best for everybody in that room. You know, I, and I even say that every year. I'm like, guys, I wish everyone in this room walked out of here in this experience with the love of their life. You know, but at the very least, learn something about yourself. Yeah, right. Invest yourself in it. So it is tough because you care about, you know, you care about everybody, you know, everybody there. And you want to see them do well. You want to see them come out of it in a good place. And so it's hard not to feel as involved as we were season one, but that's just the way it is.
- [12:49]
A
Yeah. So how is it co hosting two dating shows with your wife? And what's your favorite part about working together?
- [12:57]
B
Honestly, it's, it's weird therapy for us because. Especially less so. Love is blind. Love is blind reminds you of why you fall in love, right? Because you're seeing these love stories unfold. And I'm a sappy, emotional, sentimental guy, so, like, seeing people fall in love and, like, find true connection and, and, and, you know, and see it happen on tv, I, I, I still get off on it.
- [13:21]
A
We love.
- [13:21]
B
I'm proud to be a part of, you know, proud to be a part of something like that. Ultimatum is different in that you're dealing with couples who aren't necessarily in the best place, and so you still want the best for them, but sometimes the best for them means they split up. Right. I mean, sometimes you're in a situation that's not the one you're supposed to be in, and sometimes it takes a tough experience like ultimatum to, to open your eyes. To that.
- [13:44]
A
Yeah.
- [13:46]
B
So that's. It's. You know, look kind of like we started this interview. You know, Vanessa and I are always happy to try and give what insights have worked for us, but you also want to be careful not to preach to people like, this is what you need to do, because we don't know, you know, and we don't pretend to know. So it's tough sometimes in ultimatum to see it not work out for someone or to see some. A couple going through some real, like, some real pain. Like Nick and Sandy went through, like, real pain. It was hard. It was, like, hard to be a part of that. But in the end, it was what. What was best for them as a couple.
- [14:20]
A
Yeah. Yeah.
- [14:21]
B
And we all could kind of see that and. And. And. And see the way it. It kind of worked out. But, yeah, it's. It's. We always walk away from that thinking, okay, what do we learn today? You know? Yeah, like, we talk about trust, respect, and commitment, but are we in communication? But are we. Are we honoring that every day in our relationship? So it's kind of a cool, therapeutic way to remind yourself of what you need to do as a couple to be the best you can be.
- [14:48]
A
That's really powerful that you're, like, learning and in it and working and then going home and applying.
- [14:54]
B
I mean, look, I'm no expert on anything, but you never stop learning. I don't think. Not in relationships. And if you think you've learned everything you have to learn about your partner, you're in for a big surprise, because we're all changing as people, and. And the way, you know, way we relate to each other changes. So it's. I think it's a constant. It's a constant journey.
- [15:15]
A
So after hosting so many seasons of Love Is Blind, the Ultimatum, and the Perfect Match, is there any moment that truly shocked you or stuck with you more than the rest?
- [15:25]
B
Man, it's. I love Shane so much. That's, like, my guy.
- [15:32]
A
Yeah.
- [15:34]
B
But on season one, a perfect Match, when Chloe hooked up. Oh, gosh, who was that? But anyway, she ended up matching with someone different at the end of the night. And Shane's just sitting there dejected, but he's sitting underneath the infinity pool of the suite that she's just walked into this guy, and they jump into the pool, and the pool water flows over the edge and dumps all over an already dejected Shane. I was like, oh, my God, you can't write this stuff. You can't script this stuff. And I felt so, so badly for him in that moment. So that moment always sticks out. The first. I mean, the first season of Love is blind. Giannita running out of the wedding chapel in her wedding dress and running down the street with cameras following her. I'm like, what is happening right now? This is. This is just madness. But there's also been so many beautiful, beautiful moments. You know, I mean, seeing you and your happiness and how your life has changed so much in the two different shows we've done together. It's always. It's exciting to see real people finding real love, and we continue to get to be a part of that. And so, yeah, there's. There's a lot of great moments. And yes, the funny ones, the. The. The wild ones, those are always memorable. But I think the best ones are the. Are the success stories, you know?
- [16:57]
A
That's beautiful. You've been a part of a lot of my major life changes.
- [17:02]
B
Don't blame me. Don't blame me.
- [17:04]
A
No. After y' all see Perfect Match, you'll see why. Why we're speaking of Perfect Match.
- [17:10]
B
Yeah. Yeah.
- [17:11]
A
I have some questions.
- [17:12]
B
Yes, I bet you do.
- [17:15]
A
Okay.
- [17:15]
B
I have. So I may have some answers. Maybe not all the. I need another drink of water for this. I'm in the hot seat now.
- [17:21]
A
The first episodes just dropped last week. I'm very excited to talk about this with you. So how do you feel about bringing outside stars that are outside of the Netflix universe in this season to kind of spice things up?
- [17:35]
B
I like that twist. I mean, I think it's. I think it started as a great celebration of Netflix reality and celebrating all the. All the stars of Netflix reality, but I think as everything evolves and gets bigger, hopefully and continues to grow, I think that was kind of a natural place for this show to go. So I thought it added. You know, I thought it added something, bringing our two Bachelor Bachelorette stars into the mix. And I can see that, you know, being a format change that continues to work. You know, Perfect Match going forward.
- [18:03]
A
I thought that was so cool. Like, obviously, none of us saw that coming. And then, like, people from, like, Love island and Juliet from Siesta Keys. What a show. Talk about reality royalty. She's been doing that forever. And then Bachelor Nation is just such a crazy combination, which I obviously never saw coming, and I never saw a lot of things coming the whole season, and you just had a pocket full of twists and turns.
- [18:30]
B
It tends to be that. Yeah, it tends to be that. And I love how you guys. Your reaction to me even being. Even being around is like, oh, here we go. Here we go. What bomb is Nick about to drop?
- [18:42]
A
He is just, like, with the biggest smile. Come see. Sit down.
- [18:45]
B
We're sitting here by the pool and our bikinis having a shot of tequila, and here he comes, Nick coming to throw a monkey wrench in the whole thing.
- [18:52]
A
Literally. It really. It was rarely good news when you showed up.
- [18:56]
B
I hate being that guy.
- [18:57]
A
I know.
- [18:58]
B
Don't look at it as bad news. It's just interesting news.
- [19:00]
A
Just interesting news.
- [19:01]
B
Different news.
- [19:02]
A
Devastating news for some.
- [19:04]
B
You know what, those moments, it's interesting. When you look back, though, do you think that things would have turned out for you maybe the way they did if that moment hadn't happened? And should we divulge what the moment is you're talking about?
- [19:20]
A
Yes, of course we can. We can bring that up. There is a moment where Nick shows up with one of his lovely surprises that is not so lovely for me and Freddie, where we're told that we were kind of voted by Daniel and Lucy as the. The strongest couples, and they ultimately had to decide which one of us left the house. And it was Freddie and me, which came as a shocker. Very devastating shocker. But to your point, I don't think my life. I would be sitting here and doing the things and feeling the way and being engaged and pregnant had that not happened. Because one, it tested our relationship for sure. Like, and that's what the show is about, testing the relationship. And two, you know, I know, and the producers know I was never going to leave that man, and he was never going to leave me. And there was. There would be no way to test if we were really truly a perfect match. So although it was, like, devastating and it's hard to watch.
- [20:16]
B
Yeah.
- [20:16]
A
But it just. It made sense for why it needed to happen.
- [20:19]
B
Yeah. I think sometimes we don't. We don't recognize why the challenge is being presented to us. But then in. In hindsight, having the benefit of that 2020 hindsight vision, you can say, okay, you know what? I can actually see that. That that was a necessary step.
- [20:33]
A
Yeah.
- [20:33]
B
In the evolution of. Of my life or my, you know, relationship or whatever the case may be. So I'm glad you feel that way now. And you're not going to jump across the room and stab me to death.
- [20:43]
A
No, not today.
- [20:44]
B
Rage.
- [20:45]
A
No. Back then, if they let me loose.
- [20:47]
B
But no, it was. I mean, look, the show is. The format is based on, if you. If you're lucky enough to win the challenge and go into the boardroom with me, then you have an opportunity to upset the apple cart and try and, you know, and try and take out your strongest competition. Because at the end of the day, you know, it. It is all about trying to. To win that title of being the perfect match. Right. So that was a format twist, obviously, but it was a necessary one to kind of do what. What it did, which is upset the apple cart a little bit and. And create a little. Create a little perspective.
- [21:20]
A
Yeah, yeah, it was, it was helpful and hurtful in the moment. You don't understand it.
- [21:26]
B
And by the way.
- [21:27]
A
Yeah.
- [21:27]
B
You don't think I'm standing there delivering that news and watching your face and seeing how devastated you are and you'll think that cuts into me. I hate, I hate being the guy that's to, you know, deliver that news.
- [21:38]
A
No, I know.
- [21:39]
B
Oh, and Madison and Freddie, where. I mean, she was, she was devastated. So I, you know, in no way, shape or form do I get off on being that guy to come in and.
- [21:48]
A
Yeah.
- [21:48]
B
And give that speech. But that's. That's part of the. That's part of the gig.
- [21:52]
A
Yeah.
- [21:53]
B
Part of what I sign up for. And that's why at least now I too can look at you and see your happiness and be, you know, feel at least a little better about it.
- [22:01]
A
Yeah. We made it through.
- [22:03]
B
Yeah, you did. But you guys, what. What people don't. And they'll see when they see the entire season. But even through the first however many episodes we're in, I mean, your guys connection was so palpable.
- [22:13]
A
Yeah.
- [22:14]
B
And in terms of like, knowledge of each other and we would do a challenge and it's like, guys just. I mean, it was like almost stupid how much you knew about each other, how. How in tune you were with each other. So it was like, wow. Yeah, we gotta mix this up a little bit.
- [22:29]
A
Yeah.
- [22:30]
B
And Lucy and Daniel took, you know, took the opportunity to do that. Now.
- [22:33]
A
They did. Right. Do you have a favorite compatibility challenge as a host?
- [22:38]
B
Oh, man. I mean, I could say the one that's the most uncomfortable for me is the kissing challenge.
- [22:46]
A
Because.
- [22:47]
B
Because it is probably the most comfortable for you. Well, it's uncomfortable for me to have to be the one to present it because I can see on your face like, ah, here we. And you know, it's coming.
- [22:56]
A
Yeah.
- [22:56]
B
I mean, it's been a staple of. Of every season of the show. And I think it is telling. I think there's physical chemistry, especially on this show is a big part of the equation. It's obviously a very different show than like a love is blind, where physical chemistry comes later, but your chemistry is tested in that moment. And we saw. We saw some drama with that challenge this season. So it does kind of put things out there on the table, and you gotta. You know, you gotta confront, because it's really what it's about. Right? It's about trying to create why they're called challenges. Challenges not only in the moment, but challenges for each of these connections you guys have formed. All right, can you. Can you make it through this moment? Can you make it through the fact that barely. Your partner may have thought someone else was a better kisser? Oh, hold on now. You know, I mean, like, those things, it makes you. Forces you to deal with things in a different way because it's easy to get on, like, autopilot. Hey, we're hanging out in the house. We're having a good time. We're all partying. We're doing what we're doing. And I think it's the job of the format of the show to create those challenges and create those opportunities to really look at your connection in a different way.
- [24:04]
A
Imagine doing that not blindfolded. I wouldn't. There'd be cat fights, for sure.
- [24:09]
B
Well, the most awkward part to me is leading the men out in this elephant line of. Here we go. Everybody hold on to my waist. I'm gonna lead you out. And they're all like, we can't see. Where are we going? It's such a weird, awkward challenge, but I do think it has a lot of. I do think. Has a lot of meaning in terms of the. The arc of the show and what it. What it presents you guys with and the challenges again that it presents everybody with.
- [24:32]
A
No one went home happy after that. Oh, that was a mess.
- [24:35]
B
No, I mean, it's. At least we provided, I think, Listerine this time around. You know what I mean? We're learning every season, they make it a little bit more. A little bit more tolerable.
- [24:45]
A
Yeah. A little easier. We made it through.
- [24:47]
B
Yeah, barely. You did. You made it through.
- [24:50]
A
So was there anything about this season that stood out to you compared to other seasons?
- [24:55]
B
You guys just formed. You just formed connections so quickly out of the gate. Like, I mean, there was very little turnover at all from, like, the second mixer. It was like you guys were just locked in.
- [25:10]
A
It was the boys.
- [25:11]
B
I mean, just locked in. I just didn't see that coming.
- [25:14]
A
You know, they literally, like, stuck their teeth in us, and they were like, you guys are not allowed to do anything, but we're gonna act a fool.
- [25:20]
B
And we were like, okay, well, but you guys. I mean, it seemed like everyone was just like, really, really comfortable and really locked in. I don't think that's necessarily happened on. On other, you know, other seasons, but. But no, it was. I. I had a blast this season. You guys were awesome to work with. It was a great group. And everybody just seemingly got along really well. Yeah, there was definitely more drama, I think, maybe, you know, kind of weird, jealous drama on other seasons. But this season, I think, was really, really special in a different way. And that's the beauty of reality tv, right? Is you don't know how it's gonna play out.
- [25:59]
A
You can't predict.
- [26:00]
B
You could have five weddings, five I do's on Love is Blind, or you could have one. You could have. I mean, look at you and Ali as a result of this show, and look at what has come from that. Nobody can predict that stuff. Nobody can possibly know that this stuff's gonna happen. So that's the beauty of. To me, it's like, that's the beauty of being a part of reality TV is that it can go any which way, and you gotta be ready to roll with it. If it goes this way, hey, we're going right. If it goes this way, we're going left. That's just the. That's the fun of it. That's the. That's the juice of it.
- [26:32]
A
Yeah. I just. I really have to say, just as a person and a contestant on these shows and someone that has been. We've known each other for a few years, like, I really do appreciate your energy on set. And as much as I grunt and moan when you. It's from a place of love, I really do. Like, I think you. You neutralize the scene for a little bit and you bring us kind of back down to reality, which is I really appreciate. And then even on these. These reunions, I don't think you get as much love and support as you should from the people and the public where, like, you guys are some standup folks. And I really look up to you. And Ali and I, we both do look up to you and Vanessa as a couple and just as what you're doing in this industry. And we're really grateful for you guys.
- [27:14]
B
I appreciate that. You know, we talked about this, you know, before. It's like when you. When you do a reunion, there's no possible way you can make everyone happy in a reunion. Right. Some part of the public's gonna say, you should have gone in more.
- [27:25]
A
Right.
- [27:26]
B
We need more answers. You should have dug into them. And the minute you do that, the other half is saying you were too.
- [27:31]
A
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
- [27:31]
B
They're vulnerable. Don't go in like that. That's not fair to them, you know, don't make them cry. We're not. So you can't. You. You can't ever do, I think, a reunion and feel like you've satisfied everyone. It's just never going to happen. And I tell that to Vanessa all the time. I said, babe, we. You know, we're going to go in there, we're going to do the best job we can, and we're going to ask the questions that people need, you know, need to get answers to. But really what a reunion is for us is an opportunity for the cast to clean the slate. Right? It's an opportunity for the cast to ask the questions they need to ask. So if I am talking to a Nick at reunions and I. And I basically give him the opportunity to ask the question he needed to ask and he chooses not to do it, that's on him. You know, like, this is an opportunity for him to get his answers and for him to call out what he needs to get called out, and for him to walk away from that reunion and everyone on that stage to walk away from that reunion feeling like they got what they needed out of it.
- [28:26]
A
Right.
- [28:26]
B
And if. And if people choose not to do that for whatever reason, that's really. That's really on them. That's really their moment.
- [28:32]
A
I agree with.
- [28:33]
B
It's not about Vanessa and I. We're. We're the conduits. Yeah, we're the conduits, but it's about people there having gone through a really emotional experience, for better or worse, for those people getting the answers they need.
- [28:46]
A
I 100% agree to that. Like, 100%. And we're grateful for you.
- [28:50]
B
Oh, thank you.
- [28:51]
A
That's all I have to say about that part.
- [28:52]
B
Thank you.
- [28:53]
A
Besides all the work you've been doing on these Netflix shows, are there any other projects you're working on personally, professionally, that you're excited about?
- [29:02]
B
Yeah, I mean, we're always constantly trying to develop new ideas for TV projects. Obviously, we've had some great partners over the years at Kinetic and Netflix and continuing to try and develop and explore new opportunities with both of those parties. But also, music continues to be a huge part of my life. I'm still touring with 98 degrees, loving it. We have a new album just came out called Full Circle, and we're doing shows kind of throughout the year, and we'll continue to. So, yeah, music's kind of where it started for me way back in 1997, and continues to be kind of the foundation of what I do. Everything else has been incredible, and as I said, tv, reality, TV hosting has all been magical for me, but nothing beats the rush of being on stage with your. With your band, doing what you love to do, and. And feeling that energy from the crowd. That'll be. That'll be something I hopefully will continue to get to do, assuming we still have fans out there, of course, but something you. I hope I get to, you know, continue to do for the rest of my life. Because it's. It's amazing.
- [30:09]
A
That's awesome. I love when I go on Instagram and I see Vanessa's stories and she's there with the family and the kids, and you're just like, on stage and they're all just like.
- [30:16]
B
Well, they're old enough now, my kids, to actually think I'm kind of cool.
- [30:19]
A
Yeah.
- [30:20]
B
Like, wait, people. Thousands of people show up to hear you sing. Yes. What do you think's paying for your school? Yeah, they never. The only time they ever thought I was cool up till now was when I, you know, was on Masked Singer and I was a pig. You know, I covered my face with a pig mask and. Yeah, that was awesome. Other than that, they think I'm Think I'm over the hill. So it's fun to get them to see them get to come to the. To the shows now and enjoy it, you know?
- [30:43]
A
Yeah. That's why I'm trying to do everything now so I can prove to my daughter that I promise you, I was cool. Like, I was hot one day. I was really cool. People actually liked me. And she's like, mom, you're so emb. Embarrassing.
- [30:53]
B
Yeah, it's. It's just. I think it's part of the. Part of the gig. Yeah, but at the end of. That's what you want, man. That's what I really. I mean, you asked what else is new? I mean, obviously career is one thing, but. But fatherhood is the. Is the ultimate and that's what I. That's what I live for. So, I mean, at the end of the day, you just want to be dad. You know what I mean? I don't need to be cool. I just need to be dad.
- [31:11]
A
Yeah.
- [31:12]
B
You know, my son saw a picture of me coming out of the ocean. I had six pack. He's like, dad, who superimposed abs on you. I said, no, this is what. This is what dad used to look like before I had you guys. Time to go to the gym. Yeah, but that's what you want. That's what I. That's what I've always dreamed of is having a family and just being dad. That's, you know, even if it means having a dad bod.
- [31:32]
A
Yeah.
- [31:32]
B
Just being dad.
- [31:33]
A
I love that.
- [31:34]
B
That's the fun stuff.
- [31:34]
A
Yeah. That's where that's what it all comes down to, is family. And you do such a great job. And you and Vanessa are just such great examples for all of us. And again, I'm just really grateful that you took the time out to come and hang out with me and wouldn't have missed it, Nick, and all that you're doing in the reality space. Very, very grateful. So thank you for joining me on what's the reality?
- [31:55]
B
Always great to see you and congrats on all your success.
- [31:57]
A
Thank you.
- [31:58]
B
And continued success. And sure we'll see each other again.
- [32:01]
A
Of course. Reunion.
- [32:03]
B
Let's do it.
- [32:03]
A
Perfect match reunion.
- [32:04]
B
I love it. Let's make it happen.
- [32:06]
A
Let's make it happen.
- [32:06]
B
Let's do it.
- [32:07]
A
Okay, you guys, thank you so much for tuning in to another episode of what's the reality? Be sure to follow us on all social platforms at one what's the reality Pod. I will see you guys next Wednesday. And don't forget to watch Perfect Match. Love you. Bye.