
This week on What’s The Reality, AD sits down with Perfect Match and Bachelor Nation icon Rachel Recchia and trust us, she is NOT holding back. Rachel dishes on swapping roses for Netflix drama, the infamous kissing challenge, and the truth about her and Clayton. Grab your popcorn because this one’s spilling over with tea.
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A
What's the reality? What's the reality? What's up? What's up? It's your girl, Ad. And welcome to another episode of what's the Reality, y'?
B
All.
A
I am here with my Perfect Match castmate, Rachel.
B
I'm so happy to be here. I'm so excited. Hi. We were just talking about how you birthed me into Perfect Match and the Netflix cinematic universe.
A
You know what? Technically, you're my first daughter.
B
No, literally, she hand picked me. I don't know if you guys watched. And here we are. And thank God for Ad if anything would not be here.
A
I can't wait to, like, dive into Perfect Match everything. Perfect Match. But first, before we do all that, catch me up. How's it going? From the Bachelor 1 to this Netflix madness and everything in between.
B
You guys do not mess around. Like, that party. I've never experienced anything like that in my life.
A
Which party?
B
The Netflix party.
A
Oh, yeah.
B
The Netflix reality universe is wild. Being a part of it is crazy.
A
Yeah.
B
But I feel like things have been, like, kind of slow, at least since we wrapped filming. Since we wrapped. Like, I feel like normally when the show was airing, I'm getting, you know, death threats every day, and now I just get them every other day.
A
Every other week.
B
Yeah. Yeah. So it's been a little bit better.
A
Episodes drop. Yeah.
B
Oh, my God.
A
Okay, so which one was your favorite experience on reality tv and why?
B
Oh, my God. I feel like they're all so different. I loved Perfect Match. I had so much fun. If the men weren't, like, torturing me, I think I would say probably Perfect Match, but probably Bachelorette. Just because it's Bachelorette. It's Bachelorette. I, like, had to.
A
I know.
B
Me and Gabby had a great time again. The men were horrible.
A
Yeah. Per age.
B
They just ruined everything.
A
Everything. Like, genuinely everything I was saying to you. And I feel like I, I. I still feel so bad because I was saying that, like, when we went into the boardroom, I had not watched your season. I didn't know who he was. I knew nothing about you too, but I was just like, oh, my gosh. Like. And I'm like, freddie, so wholesome. He needs to be with a wholesome lady. And then I'm just like, Bachelorette. Like, she gives Queen. She gives, like, energy of just like.
B
I was crying.
A
No, literally, I was like, no, we need to get her in the house, and we need to get her on a date with Freddie. And you know what? People don't.
B
I don't know.
A
I feel like in Maybe, like, the first or second season of Perfect Match, they put, like. Like, they would have, like, people's bios come up. Yeah, they didn't do that, but we saw it. We saw.
B
I didn't know that.
A
Yeah, I didn't know that either, but I saw it was like, said Bachelor Nation, and I was like, this could get messy.
B
This could get you guys great picks. Like, because even, like, looking back and, like, Alex and Louie, like, of course, Sandy. Like, yeah, that. She was always gonna pick Sandy. But, like, that was such a good match.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, when I was watching it, I was even like, was he gonna while to get there?
A
You know, because Ali likes to play.
B
That was the funniest boardroom I've ever seen. It has to go down in history somehow.
A
You don't take anything from our relationship. Know that that's how we talk on a daily basis.
B
I was.
A
It's always some shit. We're always going back and forth.
B
Like, now I'm sad we missed the other boardroom you guys were in.
A
I know.
B
I would have loved to watch that one.
A
I know that one was because we.
B
Sent Rhett or Rhett and Scott.
A
Both. My bad. Both.
B
My bed.
A
Okay, let's rewind. So how did you get approached to be on Perfect Match? And what made you say. Yeah?
B
So I watched last season, and my team called me, and they were like, would you do Perfect Match? I'm like, you have the wrong person. Like, I'm from the Bachelor. This isn't real.
A
Yeah.
B
I was so excited because this is, like, literally the Avengers of dating. Like, everyone's, like, favorite people coming together is first time they've ever done this in a dating form. Like, hell, yeah, I want to be there.
A
What did you.
B
Only when I read of them, though, when I got there.
A
That's actually so funny, because you were like, at. And I'm like, who is this?
B
I didn't recognize anyone. Especially because no one season was out. Really?
A
I didn't recognize anyone at all. And then I remember we walked in, Sandy and I walked in, and we were about to walk in, and she's like, oh, my God. Like, I watched your show, blah, blah, blah. And I said, listen, I don't know who you are and what you did, but you must have did some crazy shit to walk in this house and.
B
Walking in with me, she carried the ultimatum on her back. She really did. I was so excited to see you, though, because obviously I watched your season, and I'm like, been waiting for the day that they. I. You should have been on last season. But, like, you know, I'm wearing Ollie, obviously, but I'm like, it's about time she's on this show.
A
Yeah.
B
We need the redemption.
A
I said no for so long. Oh, you did say no several times.
B
Yeah. Cause several times. It's like, last season, I would have assumed that you would be on.
A
No. I think when they were filming last season, I was still in the midst of healing from that.
B
That. That we will not name.
A
We will not even. Let's move forward. So who were you hoping to see when you came in the house? Like, who besides me was on your perfect match wish list?
B
I didn't have one. Like, all the shows weren't out yet, and Netflix is so overwhelming and big that I was like, there is no way I could pick out. I was googling Netflix reality stars. I'm like, who could be here? But seeing Freddie, I was like, okay, I'm gonna like it here. Yeah, Pac, I'm done. This is it. Like, this is a beautiful man. I was like, that was such a good match and a great first date. Like, I would have probably said Freddie if I had seen the show before.
A
I didn't. I didn't know anyone. Like, they would be like, I don't know. I didn't know what to expect because I didn't really watch any of the shows. Like, none of them really.
B
Have you watched any that have, like, come out from our castmates?
A
I watched Sandy's Ultimatum, obviously.
B
Yeah.
A
I've still never seen Too Hot.
B
You gotta watch Temptation Island.
A
I've never watched Temptation Island.
B
Oh, that was the messiest show I've ever seen in my entire life, actually.
A
That's Alex. I did watch Olivia.
B
Like, that was pornography. I was like, is this legal?
A
You know, if I would have known on Perfect Match what I know now about Alex and Olivia, I would have fought harder.
B
You? I love her now, genuinely, but I.
A
Would have fallen better. Like, harder.
B
Bombshells. They were born to be bombshells.
A
Yeah.
B
Oh, my God. So hot. But, like, yeah, watching that, I was like, wow. Yeah, that was. I loved.
A
Was that out before? That wasn't out.
B
I think it was one of the first ones that came out post filming.
A
Yeah.
B
I didn't see Cody on it, though. Like, I was like, how did Cody get here?
A
I feel bad for him.
B
I know Cody loves him.
A
He's just trying to find his perfect match.
B
Cody, what happened to you?
A
Okay, so Ollie and I set you up on your first date with Freddie. Talk to us about the date. Do you think there could have been potential if he hadn't been so locked in with Madison.
B
I think so. And it's so funny because we're on episode, what, nine now, and I still every single day get comments and dms like Freddy, Freddie, and Rachel. And I'm like, I had a great date with him, But I remember being on the date, he was. I think. I don't remember if I directly asked him, but I'm like, oh, are you open? And he was like, no. And I was just like, immediately, no. Okay, like, where do we go from now, but. Or like, from here? But we had so much in common, actually. I was very surprised, and he's so sweet, and he got me through, you know, everything that happened with Clayton. But once we got in the house, like, we didn't have another conversation. Yeah. Because once I talked to Clayton, Freddie was the only person I knew to, like, comfort me. And so I'm like, that probably wasn't the best move for me to go to him and be like, should I go back to my house? What are you doing? But no, Freddie's the best.
A
I really is. I know. Okay, so we do have to talk Clayton a little bit.
B
Of course, it wouldn't be what's the.
A
Reality if we didn't get the reality. When you first learned he was in the house, what was going through your head?
B
So Freddie told me on the date, I was really happy. I was prepared. But going in, there wasn't even a thought in my mind that it would have went the way it went and.
A
That he would be sitting right at the door.
B
And they never sat at that door. Never. When they knew that. Again, I didn't even know that fire pit was there. Like, that was crazy. As the first person I see, of course. But I thought we would just have a conversation and he would do him and I would do me and the night would move on. But no, didn't go like that. And it was, like, longer than people saw. Like, no, I know. He was going on even more than I could imagine.
A
The man is long winded if he is one thing.
B
He can tell us how to talk.
A
Yeah, he can talk. Did you initially think or hope that there might be a chance that you two would reconnect?
B
No. Like, genuinely, I was like, we have had a really tumultuous history.
A
Yeah.
B
I don't think he's ever been very happy with me. We kind of got to a place where we were friends about a year before, but relationship. There was no way in my mind.
A
So there was like, you guys weren't communicating pre Perfect Match.
B
No.
A
So when you thought, okay, they're randomly reaching out to a bachelorette. I want. Did you have anything in your brain that was like, I wonder if they reached out to Clayton?
B
So I didn't. Because I don't know if you know, but Clayton went through a very crazy public paternity scandal, which. He's innocent. He is innocent. Is so crazy. He is innocent. Did he go on trial for a paternity test? He did. Literally on trial. Like, this man.
A
Clearly, I did not know that.
B
Yeah. So I thought, out of everyone in the Bachelor world, that I just couldn't see Netflix going and being like, you know what? You know what you need right now?
A
Tv.
B
Like, I just never thought he would be there.
A
I'm sorry.
B
There's so many. And the way. I'm not even kidding. Like, this woman wore, like, a fake pregnancy belly.
A
Shut up.
B
It's insane. It actually is.
A
To the courtroom. That's actually so funny.
B
Yeah.
A
Okay, so I didn't know that.
B
So you want to know the best part of it, though?
A
Please.
B
And I'm sure he'll tell you, but they didn't even have sex, and it still went to court for a paternity case. Yeah. So this man has been. Been through it. So the last thing.
A
Yeah.
B
I feel like he would do is go back, especially after how bad the public treated him on his season.
A
Yeah.
B
Way she's stronger than me.
A
Oh, my gosh. So, you know, it's like, they didn't show. Clayton and I had. We had a bunch of conversations. We had a shit ton of conversations.
B
He wanted to talk to you.
A
Yeah. And he was just so committed to redemption. I think that's, like, the word of what he wanted the most. Like, he just was like, I want to come and show this side of me and who I am. And I feel like I showed a version of me that was fit fake on this and this and this. And he was like, but when I come here, I want to show my real self. And, like, he was so committed to that being his character. And then now I'm watching back, and I'm like, so that is just.
B
So it was you.
A
That is just you.
B
I agree. I think he definitely came on to, like, prove to the world.
A
Yeah.
B
That, you know, I don't know whether it's like he's a different person, but literally, what happened on Perfect Match is exactly what happened on the Bachelor. It just happened sooner.
A
Sooner.
B
Yeah. With the hours not even. We didn't even spend that. You know, we don't even spend that. We got separated all day that day, so I saw him that night.
A
So why do you think he asked you to match him? Like, what do you think his intentions were? Do you think they were genuine?
B
I don't know. So, like, I feel like there's a lot of speculation online, and everyone's like, well, he was just trying to get her into the house. Like, first of all, you didn't let me speak to us. How do you know I wouldn't have a connection with anyone else? Like, he didn't know my connection with Freddie. You immediately asked to match me. So I feel like what he wanted was, like, maybe this, like, redemption arc with me. But I also just don't think he was thinking. I think he just, like, said, why'd you say yes? I think people have to understand that, like, I had questions for years and years. Like, we never really fully get closure on the Bachelor. And, you know, you always have, like, these, like, oh, what if he came back and said everything I wanted to hear? Even if you don't really still feel that way for the person. And he did. Like, he's gonna sit in front of me and be like, I. If you were a little bit older at the time, if you're everything I ever wanted to hear, and I'm gonna walk out and have more questions. Like, I have to see this through. Even though I was hesitant, I think that was, like, very obvious. I didn't go in like, yeah, let's have a baby right now. Like, literally, I was hesitant, but I just, like, didn't wanna walk away with a regret. But now you know I have it.
A
The regret I didn't wanna leave with is in my purse.
B
Genuinely. Literally.
A
Okay, so your first compatibility challenge was the infamous kissing challenge.
B
And I was so happy. I went in late because I thought I missed that. I was like, oh, there's no way they're still doing that this far in.
A
Yeah. What was it like for you?
B
No, that was horrific. Like, I think people need to understand that, like, we were sober standing on a platform. Sober, disoriented in the heat.
A
Do you know how many times I almost fell off that platform? They had to come and be like, ad stop. Were you swaying, ad swayed, ad stop moving, like. And I literally screamed. I almost fell, like, three times off that thing.
B
That was crazy.
A
Okay, I have to ask you, everyone you kissed, did you know who they were?
B
I don't think I could tell who.
A
Because you were still pretty fresh. So it's kind of.
B
I knew who Freddie was.
A
Yeah.
B
And I think I knew who Ali was, but Daniel and Clayton. The only reason I knew is because I felt Clayton's shirt.
A
Yeah. They're very.
B
They're very similar. And Louis, like, I didn't know who that was. Yeah. Because he packed. I was like, that could be anyone.
A
Yeah.
B
That was. Yeah. That was crazy.
A
Yeah. I knew who everyone was.
B
You did?
A
Yeah.
B
I feel like I'd only been in the house so short of a time, though. I couldn't, like, figure out facial, like, beard or anything. But when you're going to go into, like, the Ollie or.
A
No, we're going to leave that.
B
Okay. Like, so you did. So you knew.
A
I just. I need confirmation that somebody else knew who the men were.
B
I was too new, I think.
A
Yeah. So when you found out that Clayton gave you a six.
B
Yeah.
A
Rated you a six.
B
No, I assumed everyone would rate me a six and below. That was the worst performance I've ever given in my life.
A
Yeah.
B
I.
A
You didn't know anyone.
B
I didn't know anyone. I've never done anything like this. And they wouldn't give me a shot of tequila.
A
They wouldn't give anybody anything.
B
That was a weird. I almost started drinking the mouthwash for a little bit of a bump.
A
That was so weird. That was so weird. The Bachelor was never the song that kept playing over and over and over. I thought I was losing my mind.
B
If you close your eyes and then you would just. Louie. And if you close your eyes and it was over and over, and then.
A
They would put another man in front of you, and you're just like.
B
And then all of a sudden, you just making up. Someone touch you, and you're like. And I'm like, how did I get myself in this position? Where did I go wrong in life? That I'm.
A
This is my karma. This is my karma.
B
I have karma for sure. I mean, Clayton Eckerd is my karma.
A
Oh, God.
B
And. And the kissing challenge, that was crazy. That was the worst challenge.
A
But then he won with Sandy.
B
Right. I wasn't like, when I. I was like. I wasn't surprised. I mean, Sandy's hot as. And he's kissed a million girls.
A
A billion, so.
B
And I know he's a good kisser. Like, I had the full season with him, but I didn't think anything of that date.
A
Yeah.
B
I thought they would just go and, like, strategize and then what? And to hear that he was like, sandy, I think we should match. I'm like. And also, you never told me that.
A
That was weird. I Didn't know that till I watched me either.
B
Didn't know he wanted to put himself on a date either. So many things are coming to light in that interview.
A
Yeah.
B
But I would just love to know what was going through Sandy's head at the time.
A
She's probably like, get me home.
B
She's like, louie, get me out of here. Literally, she's like, I was thinking about you the whole time. Like, I'm sure. Literally.
A
Okay, so obviously things with you and Clayton didn't end up working out. And it was pretty tough to watch Clayton hurt you once again. What was going on in your head at that moment?
B
He, first of all, is very upset with my reaction publicly. And I think he thinks it's coming from this place of like, oh my God, I'm in love with you. And you're like, it wasn't that. It was. I feel like I told you over and over and over again, I can't do this again. I can't have you hurt me again. And I think even if it's not hurting me, like emotion wise, like, you did that to embarrass me. You know what you're doing and you don't care because you don't care about me. And I think the fact that I trusted him and then it was like, I didn't know you guys that well and now I'm crying in the house and I was just humiliated. And I was just like, I don't even know what to do. And thank God for you guys like all coming in the room because you could have been like, she's insane, this girl from the back. No, you guys did. And I was so, like, happily, like surprised because I didn't know coming into Netflix, like the girls going to be.
A
One thing about Netflix, for the most part there were some girl girls.
B
We literally are. We are even watching us back. Like that's my favorite part. So many, like moments got cut. Our girl chats.
A
I know.
B
But you guys are the best. And you're the best. I love you.
A
I love you. So have you spoken to any of Clayton's other exes? Like Gabby or Susie? Shout out Susie.
B
By the way, I did talk to Susie. I told her. Cause we were at a party like immediately after. And I was like, I just want you to know. Cause she came up in conversation a lot, but they didn't air it. But I did tell her. And Gabby, I tried to not tell because I just, I was really embarrassed, like. And then she started like, obviously having that public feud with him, which I was so on her side for. And I'm like, I feel like I can't get involved in this. Like, it's such an awkward situation. Cause I'm always gonna have her back. And I just didn't want her to feel like, yeah, put in the middle because she was really involved with the end of that, too. So it was just, like, embarrassment, really. I didn't want her to find out, but she's gonna kill me.
A
Do you guys talk at all?
B
We do talk, but, like, she has, you know, been killing it.
A
Yeah.
B
Just got married, went on Traders. So I'm just, like, her biggest fan.
A
So Clayton's recently done some interviews where he hinted at why he thinks things didn't work out between the two of you. But he also said he won't share the full reasons publicly because he doesn't think you could handle hearing them.
B
Yeah.
A
What is he talking about?
B
So I called that man so many times yesterday, and I have an answer, and I'm gonna say it here because I can't. So I wake up in the morning and my inbox is flooded from my friends being like, he's alluding to the fact that he needs to come to us with some issue about you. And I'm like, what could it be? Like, do I smell like, Do I have bad breath? Am I mentally, Like, I could not figure out what he was talking about, and it scared me. And my friends were calling him all day. He wouldn't answer. And finally he calls me, and I was like, why are you making people speculate like this? This is more evil than just saying what it is.
A
Just saying what it is.
B
Because now people, like, think I'm doing weird stuff behind closed doors or whatever. So the reason why Clayton feels we are incompatible and that he was so sure.
A
Why do I feel like this is about to piss me off?
B
Oh, just wait. Is because I am not a gym girly. And he wants someone that lives a very active lifestyle and goes to the gym and hits the weights. And it's not me. It's never going to be me. I like to travel and to shop and sit at the bar and, you know, I go on a hot girl walk.
A
I don't know if it was. I love a hot girl walk. Wait, hold on. I have to interject.
B
Please, please.
A
So, okay, let me break this down.
B
Yes.
A
So you guys are in. Is this his ultimate reason why you guys would never work? Or is this what his intuition told him the day he told you this wasn't gonna work?
B
This is what he said on the interview was the main reason why our lifestyles will never align. And he wants to clarify, though, and I will give him this, it's not that he thinks I have, like, a bad body. It's just that my lifestyle of not liking to hike or go to the gym is not compatible with him. And if you want to date Clayton Eckard, you better be hitting the weights. So.
A
And why couldn't he just say that?
B
Because he thought if he said that, the public would take it as an attack on my body or, like, that I'm lazy or something. Well, look at you. Thank you. First of all, thank you. I'm like, I do work out.
A
You're stunning your body.
B
I just do not go to the Equinox. Equinox membership needed to date him. That is the reason.
A
That's so weird. I feel like he's just pulling shit out of a hat now because probably.
B
And I'm like, clayton, it would be so much nicer if you just said, I don't like her. I'm not attracted to her.
A
That's it.
B
I brought her in the house because I wanted her to go to next week. Should have said that. Oops. That's it then.
A
Let's stop making stuff up. Like, it's getting weird.
B
It's getting. It's getting weird much? I'm like. My friends are calling him, being like, is there something. Yeah, something concerning.
A
Imagine your ex running to your friends and being like, I couldn't do it because she never picked up a dumbbell. Y' all don't notice about your girl.
B
But she's never picked up a dumbbell.
A
She's never been to the gym. My friends would be like, boy, get off of my phone.
B
And if it was, like, a lifestyle thing where I was genuinely lazy or, like, not. I don't even know how to describe it. I'm like, clayton, I do exercise.
A
Yeah, but even if you don't, so what?
B
I know. And for me, it's just not something I need in a partner. I want that my partner to have their own hobbies, and I think I bring a lot to the table, and I have a full life, and he does, too. And if we're not going to the gym every day, that's fine. But for him, that is a requirement. And I don't think we talked about that on the Bachelor. So maybe I wouldn't have gotten as far if day one, I was like, oh, and by the way, hot girl walks in. Yoga only. No dumbbells.
A
That need. That needs a separate deep dive. That I'm not doing here.
B
No and no.
A
Because. What are we talking about right now? No. Do you feel like you and that man have closure? Do you feel like you and Clayton are finally done?
B
I do feel like we're finally done. It's just hard that. Because I feel like leaving Mexico. We were in, like, a cool place.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, we're good. And now it's like, I feel like you're being really cruel. So it's hard because I'm. He unfollowed me, too. And he called me back. He's like, I didn't mean to do that, blah, blah, blah. And I'm like, I don't care.
A
But it's like, I didn't mean to press the unfollow button.
B
He said the emotions were just very heated and that he's not happy with his edit.
A
So what about his edit? Is he not happy about the things that he said?
B
No, I think it's just the way it's being portrayed is he's, like, kind of a little bit, like, stumbling around and coming from being a lead, it's probably, like, really jarring to see that as the way they're portraying you of, like, trying, you know, he tried to match Lucy or Madison. So I'm sure it is hard to watch back. It's hard to watch, you know, all of it. Scott meet. For me, like, it's hard to watch back. But that's what happened.
A
Yeah, that's what happened. Speaking of Scott.
B
Yeah. Excited for the. I can't wait for this one.
A
So when Clayton sent you on a date, do we think he was genuinely trying to do something nice for you, or was it out of pity?
B
Oh, no, it was pity.
A
Yeah.
B
Clayton does not want to do nice things for me because if he cared about me in the slightest, he wouldn't be sending the Internet into a spiral over something that could be, like, deeply wrong with me. He doesn't care about me. Yeah, I don't care. Like, you just cannot care about someone if you're doing that.
A
Do you think you had a genuine connection with Scott?
B
I really liked Scott. Do you remember? Like, I actually did like Scott. Did we connect, like, on everything? No, I think it was definitely more of having, like, fun, for sure. But I remember looking back, I'm like, oh, I really did, actually.
A
Yeah, we were, like, pretty happy that you had someone that was, like, giving you the attention that you deserved. Yeah.
B
His interviews, those were. I was like, oh, okay. Well, didn't know any of this, but, I mean, I had a great time.
A
With Scott, were you shocked that he ended up matching with Juliet?
B
I think at the time, I was. But looking back, like, those two were a match made in heaven. They are so similar. Yeah, they're such a perfect match. Like, that makes so much sense. But at the time, I was like, I don't know. My head was definitely starting to get turned, but I did still really like him.
A
So, yeah, I would definitely watch a Scott and Juliet show. Like, if they had a spin off they. Of just their madness.
B
Wild, like, and they were together.
A
Loved it. They loved it. It was like the.
B
And it was out in the open.
A
Toxicity was their sexual chemistry, like, how they, like, turned each other on.
B
They turned each other on by going into the kitchen and making people fight. Like, were you.
A
No.
B
You were at the boardroom this one night where we were playing a game and that they started that they were making crazy, and Lucy ended up crying, and.
A
Because it probably got off on it.
B
And they went to the room and had sex that night.
A
Allegedly.
B
Allegedly. This is also.
A
Allegedly. No, but they love it. They love it.
B
I think they're a good match. But, yeah, watching it back, I was like, oh, that was kind of mean, like, some of the things that were said. But I get why she also, yeah. Was unhappy with me, so I have to, like, understand that.
A
Yeah, you took her man. Well, you took your man. You took your man. That was her man.
B
That was your man. But she did have a point, though, when she was like, you could have done this on the outside.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, you can't argue. So I don't blame her for taking my man. Truly. I'm like. And that was your match. So good on you.
A
Okay. So you had quite the selection. I'm not gonna lie. You had a few after you.
B
Yeah.
A
You'd been talking to both Carrington and RHE at the mixer. Why did you ultimately decide to match.
B
Up with RHE I think it was, like, a really hard decision. Like, you know, I was like, I had no idea what I was going to do. I was just trying to take in what I knew about them, which was very little. And listen to also what everyone else was saying. Um, I feel like Carrington definitely had more of, like, the player vibe.
A
Yeah.
B
Which I know now is, like, not true, like, at all. Like, I do feel like he's so genuine, but, like, at the time, Ray just seemed like this sweetie and, like, bestie vibes. And I'm like, okay, there isn't too much longer in this. We're obviously not winning. Like, it's right now who do I want to spend time with? And I was attracted to both of them. And I just ultimately went with, like, what I thought would be, like, comfortable.
A
Yeah.
B
And I don't regret the decision, but I definitely think I could have also, like, matched with Carrington and been very happy.
A
I think that was the narrative. We were like, girl, we're on the last leg here. Just pick someone that's going to make you happy. We're tired of seeing you crying. We're tired of these guys playing in your face. Like, just pick someone is going to make you happy. Did you watch his season of Love Island? Did you know anything about him?
B
No, but I did try to go back and start watching games because Justine Carrington and Ray were on it. But, no, I just know he has, like, a similar, like, similar reputation to me where he's very emotional. So that's. I'm like, I see you.
A
Yeah. You guys bonded over that, over emotions. Let's talk singles day. Singles party.
B
My favorite day on my side.
A
Okay.
B
I was the only single one on singles day.
A
Yeah.
B
So I had a nice time.
A
You had a great time. You were sought after. You were like.
B
I also was, like, the only one available.
A
Yeah.
B
And I think I had to go in cautiously knowing that they knew that.
A
Yeah. So how is it watching it back?
B
I mean, I think the only thing that was, like, really interesting watching back was like, obviously watching Scott, because I didn't know any of the things he was saying about me, which is like, fine, we weren't, like, compatible, but.
A
But don't be mean.
B
It did feel a little mean. And I remember, like, our humor, too, because he's also British, not English, but he's like, you know, his humor's a little more rough.
A
Trust me, I know. And I remember how funny Ollie is on the show. He's hilarious. Oh, and Louis, they're just so funny.
B
They're just. They're the best. But even, like, Sandy sat down with, like, Juliet and she was like, yeah, he's a little rude to Rachel. I don't think she's into it.
A
I know. I saw that.
B
Yeah. So I get everything. But, like, I guess coming from my side, I didn't know any of that Ray stuff with you. And I remember watching it. I'm like, I feel horrible that, like, if I caused any sort of, like, discomfort or bringing him into the house in that way, because I. From my point of view, he was only pursuing me. Like, he never told me, I'm going to go really hard. Like, he was so into You. Which obviously, I'm into you.
A
When I went to, like, the men's single thing, singles thing, I was confused. I'm not going to lie. I thought everyone was broken up. Like, I looked at Ali and I said, what happened last night? Like, did everyone break up? Like, I truly, genuinely thought the men were actually single and nobody was together. That's why when I acted. Like, when I came back and I.
B
Said, rachel, girl, she looked at everyone, and I'll never forget, she was at the table, and she goes, that's not your man. That's not your man. That's not your man, Rachel. That's definitely not your man. And I go, okay, game over. Like, I don't even need to talk to Scott at this point. Like, what you saw was horrific. Like, a crime scene. No, I had to be a part of it.
A
And that was just. I don't know how many minutes is shown on Netflix of that party. And it went out. It was all day. I just remember leaving that party and being like, I want to go home. I cried so hard that night.
B
I missed you so much. Remember, we were all, like, messaging you in the hotel room, and I was like, what's happening? What's happening?
A
What's happening? I want to go home so bad. After that day, I was like, no, this is. I don't know what show this is, but this is some weird shit. And I wanted to leave them ripping.
B
You apart from Ollie, like, watching that, because obviously I was there, and we were all so sad. But watching you guys in the room. Yeah, I was like, this is not fun to watch.
A
No.
B
Like, watching them be ripped apart.
A
Yeah.
B
But, like, the only positive was it was, like, a day. And then you got to be with him. It was all day on the pool.
A
Two days, two and a half.
B
And then thank God you got to be at that pool party. And, like. Because what if we didn't have any eyes? Like, would we really know? I don't think they would have told us no if you weren't there. Of course they wouldn't have, but maybe they would have went harder if you weren't there. Like, that's the one question.
A
That's not a question. They all would have went way harder.
B
And thank God they would have had an orgy in the well.
A
No, I'm not going to say anything like, no, your secret's safe with me. No, the way.
B
The way you were talking to Louis, and Ali's behind you, and he's like, we're good. And I'm like, she's Going to run right back into her.
A
I literally was just peeping everything. I'm like, no, I need to. I need to. I need to see with my own.
B
Eyes how far they'll go.
A
Yeah. How far they'll go.
B
But you like the way once the thigh lick happened, you were like. Your demeanor wasn't even like, oh, yeah, go, kiss. Go, go. You were like, what? What's happening here?
A
What's happening?
B
Get me to the other pool party.
A
What's happening?
B
That was the crazy, like, the thigh lick. I think me and Lucy still talk about the thigh lick, which I would also lick Olivia's thighs. I will go on record. I will go on record. Daniel. I'm talking about Daniel.
A
That was. That was shocking. That was shocking. That was very shocking. Like, good for her. I'm glad she got that experience. But, like, the humiliation that he was saying that Lucy was giving him for.
B
Laughing, for giggling, and we know. It was like, More.
A
Yeah.
B
Like, those fights, there were, I think, days where, like, we were off camera, like, and it was just really hard to watch her. Yeah.
A
It was always something. It was never nothing.
B
And then at least Louis didn't lie to Sandy. And he sat there and said, I did this. I did this. I kiss Alex off camera. Here it is, like, Daniel literally waited to see if the boys, like, wouldn't tell on him, which is like, they all lied.
A
They all lied. They all lied and they all deceived. That was some shit. That was some shit. So anyway, coming back to the house and having to tell y', all, knowing.
B
That, like, and you look so good. Oh, my God, your outfit, even today, I'm like, that was the best outfit you wore all season. I loved it. Thank you. The purple.
A
Thank you.
B
Coming back, having to tell us. I don't know how everyone just, like, continued on that day. Like, I thought the crush out would have been definitely a little bigger. That was, like, a lot of information.
A
It was a lot of information. It was. I felt so bad, but I was like, obviously, I'm not going to. You had to tell that in.
B
That was crazy. And the fact that, like, everyone, like, just, like, at the end of the night was, like, chilled. I'm like, I feel like this should be a bigger deal. But again, we only had a couple days left. Like, what really is the point if you're not with this person? Like, going home is really the only other option. But, yeah, it was definitely. It is disappointing the more and more I watch Daniel's conversations with Lucy, because I knew they were bad, but it's just really sad to. And she's so sweet. Like, literally an angel.
A
And that's the singles party. And then we watch y' all playing.
B
Patty cake, and no one's kissing, eating guac. What did you think about, like, J.R. and just, you know, after, like, experiencing a full date with him, seeing him, like, do the same thing?
A
He is just a creature of habit, you know? Like, he was that person on Ultimatum. He was that person with me. He was that person with Justine. He was. Then again, that person with Sandy. Like, he's just a freak.
B
He's just a freak.
A
I don't know.
B
Interesting person.
A
I don't know him.
B
Coming back from that date with you. Do you remember us all, like, being like, is he serious right now? In front of Ali, too, Saying all the details of, like, your body that he observed, and then he did something similar to Justine.
A
Yeah.
B
He's like, oh, yeah, what's her favorite part of a body? Just so he could tell her that.
A
He loves her tits or something. Yeah. Enough of him. So seeing what has dropped so far, and we're, what, a year out, basically, do you have any regrets or is there anything that you would have done differently?
B
I don't think so. I. I mean, obviously, looking back, there's a lot of humiliation. I wish it, of course, would have went a little different, but I feel like, you know, we're here now, and.
A
Perfect match.
B
I met you, and I met the girls, and, like, I'm so grateful to be part of this.
A
All the girls keep saying we are each other's perfect match.
B
No, it genuinely, Like, I cannot. I don't think if we were as close, this would have been worth it. It would have just been like, yeah, what's the point? But I just love you guys so much.
A
You were, like, the perfect addition.
B
Oh, my.
A
The literal.
B
She always said this. You were so emotional.
A
You were. Because you never know, like, when someone is, like, a bombshell or someone that's coming, like, is supposed to test everyone like, you. Even if you wanted to, like, test things with guys that were already in relationships, we never got that vibe. Like, you kind. You were, like, so respectful, and I felt like you read the room. Whereas I feel like a lot of people in that situation would have been, like, reading the room. I'm here, and I'm gonna get mine. And I felt like, yes, you had a lot going on with Clayton being there, but you still were so respectful, and it showed. Like, above all, you're like, I'm a girl's girl. I'm gonna like, honor what y' all have going on, and I'm gonna do my own thing.
B
I remember I came in, like, beelined right to you, and I'm like, okay, tell me what's happening. And then, like, I will be like, you know, I'm just trying to fit in here, but I'm, like, so happy. Cause I know I'm, like, not part of the original cast, but you guys always make me feel like I am in our hearts. You are in the hearts.
A
You're one of the day one girls.
B
Just switch me and Clayton up. Me and then Juliet. Like, we should have been there together.
A
Y. Okay, so let's play a little game.
B
Ooh. Okay.
A
Okay. This is called fantasy suite or boardroom boot.
B
Okay. Okay, wait. It's like. Okay, okay.
A
So basically, I'm gonna present you with some iconic reality TV dating personalities and behaviors, and you have to decide whether you would invite someone like that to the fantasy suite or bachelorette style or kick them out of the house. Perfect match that.
B
I love a fantasy suite.
A
We know.
B
I've only had four.
A
That's it.
B
I know. I wish I had five.
A
Iconic.
B
Thank you.
A
Okay, so the guy who says, I'm not here to make friends. Fantasy suite. Are you taking them to the fantasy suite or boardroom boot?
B
I feel like I ended up. My ex fiance was very much like, I'm not here to make friends. And I didn't know it. So now I would. I would probably say boardroom boot, though.
A
Okay. The guy who packed their guitar and brought it on the show.
B
Boo Boo. We saw how they went with Hannah Brown. No, no. Wonderwall. Like, he's in the perfect match. Fill up, please. Can you imagine?
A
That just made me itch. Okay, the guy who gets the highest score on the kissing challenge.
B
Fantasy. Sweet. Ooh, Love that. We like a good kisser.
A
Ooh. Okay. The guy who says, you're not usually my type.
B
I feel like that happens to me.
A
Get him out of here. Gotta go.
B
I feel like that happened to me with Scott too.
A
Cause, like, you could keep that in your head. Don't tell me that.
B
I know. I'm like, just say that.
A
Talk to tell to the boys. Yeah. Okay. The guy who remembers your breakfast order after night one.
B
Fantasy suite.
A
Yeah.
B
Oh, my God. All the love island vibes.
A
Yeah. That's so cute.
B
I feel bad that the boys weren't, like, making us breakfast and saying why they wanted to recouple with us.
A
Freddie made breakfast that one time. He made us a full spread.
B
I wasn't there.
A
Was it his first time, I think we were, like, away. I think it was, like, an off day. And then we all came back, and he made, like, a spread of, like. And all the boys were like, yeah, we helped.
B
We're like, you did nothing. Freddie's an angel. He really is.
A
Okay. The guy who cries after he gets dumped. Week one, Fantasy suite. The guy who writes poems.
B
Fantasy suite.
A
You like a poem?
B
Yeah, I do. I like romance. You are a hopeless romantic.
A
I would have been, like, got a boot by.
B
Really?
A
Yeah.
B
You don't want a poem?
A
I get a little cringed out.
B
I feel that.
A
I mean, if he writes it and kind of slides it to me, I'm like, yeah, but if he sees me on tv, I'm gonna be, like, giving.
B
Performative. Yeah. What are we doing?
A
Okay. The guy who steals you away. Mid conversation.
B
Fantasy 3. I feel like it shows initiative.
A
Yeah. I like.
B
I'm also like. You like, I feel you for a chat.
A
Can I talk to you? Can I talk?
B
Steal your first.
A
Can I steal you for a sec? Sorry, I don't mind, but can. I hope you don't mind. Can I.
B
Can I just. I'll bring him back.
A
That's a lot.
B
Yeah, it's a lot.
A
I remember after my season of Love is Blind, all of my comments were like, ad for Bachelorette Ad.
B
No. If you were not about to marry the love of your life, I would be at the front stops of abc, and I would be like, if you do not make this woman the bachelorette, of course now, like, yeah, we're so happy. But I would have been camped out for you.
A
I don't think I could have done it.
B
Yes, you could have.
A
I would have been too savage.
B
I can do it.
A
I would be too savage, and everyone.
B
Would have loved it.
A
I would be irritated. Something about the Bachelor men irritate me.
B
Yeah, they can be a lot. It's. It's a different vibe. But your love is blind. It's the same thing. I feel like, yeah, but confessions.
A
See them.
B
You just get true.
A
You get your one weirdo. But, like, you have to be surrounded by how many?
B
30, 32.
A
No, you could do it. No, I'd be like, oh, in the time.
B
And it goes down to five minutes.
A
Like, when they get out the car, be like. And you can turn around. You could turn around.
B
You do feel like that, too. But you. You have to.
A
You can't. Right? And then they say something so corny, and you' like.
B
You're like, all right. You, like, start doing your signal for the producer to get you Out. Wrap it up. Next comment. Someone come and seal me now.
A
Yeah. The guy who constantly talks about his sister. That's so. Love is blind coded.
B
I feel like I wouldn't like that. Yeah. Like, yeah. Oh, that guy from last season. I feel like sometimes, like, it could be too much if you're talking about.
A
Your sister in that context. It was a lot.
B
Yeah.
A
Yeah. Okay. So boot.
B
Boot.
A
I think the guy who asked permission to kiss you.
B
Fantasy sweet. I love that you hate that.
A
I hate it.
B
The way we're so opposite. I'm like, oh, my God, that's so sweet.
A
That's like, Roman, now you can't.
B
You're like, well, now that you didn't take initiative and just do it.
A
No. Interesting.
B
I feel like you need, though, like, exactly what Ali is like. When he walked in the way, he was so confident, like, I'm gonna kiss you. That's my girl.
A
Energy.
B
Yeah. I can't see you doing or entertaining anything else.
A
I said. What did I say? I'm going for the alpha. And you did not the runt.
B
And now Netflix Original Baby on the way. I can't wait to be an aunt. I'm so excited.
A
Perfect Match Original Baby.
B
Perfect Match Original baby. Nick Lachey is the Godfather.
A
Did you see us talking about babies when the most recent episodes that dropped? He's like, something, something. We're gonna have baby. Something about our kids. And I was like, oh, we're gonna have babies. He's like, yeah.
B
Oh, I did see that.
A
Eight months and three. Three weeks.
B
And I was like, he knew what he wanted.
A
He wasn't counting.
B
I was like, wait a damn. You're like, wait, wait a damn. I was pregnant in that moment. That baby got conceived in that moment.
A
Literally.
B
I wish somebody was conceived in perfect secrets and then we could all go back and baptize. We tried.
A
We definitely tried.
B
They said, no, no.
A
Ollie and I tried.
B
Oh, everything happens.
A
Yeah. Timing was a little off. Yeah. Anyway, enough about my uterus.
B
I just wish we had her here already.
A
We can be, like, holding her. I know. Soon.
B
Soon.
A
She's on the way.
B
I can't wait. I'm gonna cry. Oh, my God.
A
I should have. Oh, my gosh. I have to send in a picture of Rachel. Got us the cutest onesie for our little girl. And it's like, literally, like, the tiniest little newborn onesie. And it says the has. It has the perfect Match logo on it, and it is the cutest thing. I think I cried when you gave it to me.
B
I was so excited to Give it to her. I'm like, I want to get something on Etsy. And I was just gonna do Netflix. I'm happy I did it.
A
Yeah.
B
And I was like, I don't know if she's gonna hate this and not want to remember or. I'm so excited to see her little Netflix outfit.
A
I know.
B
So sweet.
A
The hat. The hat. She's. She's. She's spoiled.
B
Oh, my gosh.
A
I can't wait.
B
Oh, my God. I'm gonna get her so much.
A
Please.
B
We're so excited.
A
Please. I can't wait.
B
And you deserve it all, truly. This is, like, makes it worth it.
A
Thank you.
B
The girls and your happiness. Truly. Yeah.
A
Girls. Girls having girls.
B
Girls.
A
Okay, I think we need to wrap up. How your full experience or how are you feeling now? Like, do you have any takeaways from your experience? And not just with Clayton. Just, like, all all or, like, all over. What would you say is your biggest takeaway?
B
I mean, I'm so happy again that I got to do this and that I got to meet you all. Like, I just feel so lucky that I got to be a part of the first time they did this. I'm definitely retired.
A
Retired from Netflix or a reality tv.
B
I. I think I gotta hang the boots up, really. But we wanna. You know, maybe we'll do something together.
A
What about, like, a competition show?
B
You know, can we get her on Traders, though? For real?
A
Like, let me. Let me drop this baby first.
B
And you and Ollie go.
A
That would be sick.
B
I'm here for it.
A
Yeah.
B
I don't know. Never say never, but this is definitely. I'm in retirement officially.
A
Yeah.
B
Just taking my announcement.
A
So much breaking news here.
B
I know. Everyone better tune in. The amount of tea, though. Girl crazy.
A
I didn't have enough cards for all the questions that I had. I just, you know. No, I'm grateful. I love you.
B
I love you so much.
A
And again, if I had to go back into that boardroom and bring somebody else into that house, I would choose you a zillion times over. Like, you're the sweetest baby angel I've ever met, and I'm just so obsessed with you. Obviously, Ollie loves you. Like, we all just are so grateful that you got to be in this experience with us. And, like, it is such a dope thing that Netflix was able to bring so many different people from so many different franchises, because what are the odds that we. We probably would have ran into each other and be like, hey, girl. Hey, girl. But, like, what are the odds that.
B
We would have ever.
A
Yeah.
B
It was, as Clayton would say, meant to be. It really was. My intuition told me that we were going to be friends for life.
A
Is it on your screensaver? Because if not, it doesn't count.
B
Confirmed. It still is a screensaver, too.
A
Oh, goodness.
B
Really is meant to be. Shout out to him. Does happen for a reason. Including this.
A
Yeah. And shout out to you.
B
Thank you.
A
Thank you for joining me.
B
Thank you.
A
This has been so fun.
B
I love you.
A
Obviously, we're going to have you back.
B
I can't wait to come back.
A
We're going to. Yeah, we're going to Kiki.
B
When everything's out in the open. So much to say about that.
A
So.
B
They'll come back.
A
I know.
B
Okay.
A
I love you.
B
I love you. Let's.
A
Let's go. Let's actually go have lunch.
B
Yeah.
A
Okay. You guys, say bye to Rachel. Say bye to the people.
B
Bye, guys.
A
Thank you guys for watching another episode of what's the Reality? You guys, be sure to follow us on all social platforms at whatstherealitypod, and we will see you next Wednesday.
B
Bye.
A
What's the reality? What's the reality?
Episode Summary: "Perfect Match and Bachelor Nation’s Rachel Recchia: Setting the Record Straight"
Podcast: What's the Reality?
Host: Ad
Guest: Rachel Recchia
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Episode Title: Perfect Match and Bachelor Nation’s Rachel Recchia: Setting the Record Straight
In this heartfelt and revealing episode of What's the Reality?, host Ad welcomes Rachel Recchia, a prominent figure from both Perfect Match and Bachelor Nation. The conversation delves deep into Rachel's journey through these interconnected reality TV landscapes, her personal experiences, and the intricate dynamics within the Perfect Match house.
Transition from The Bachelor to Perfect Match
Rachel shares her excitement and initial hesitation about joining Perfect Match, highlighting the uniqueness of the Netflix reality universe.
Interactions and First Impressions
The duo discusses Rachel's first moments in the Perfect Match house and her interactions with fellow cast members.
Reuniting with Clayton Eckerd
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Rachel's tumultuous relationship with Clayton Eckerd, a central figure embroiled in controversy.
Public Perception and Speculation
Rachel addresses online speculations about Clayton's motives and the impact on her personal life.
Compatibility Issues
Rachel discusses the stated reasons for incompatibility with Clayton, emphasizing lifestyle differences.
The Kissing Challenge
The infamous kissing challenge is dissected, revealing the physical and emotional toll it took on Rachel.
Interactions with Other Cast Members
Rachel reflects on her relationships with other participants, including Scott and Juliet.
Game Segment: Fantasy Suite or Boardroom Boot
Ad and Rachel engage in a playful segment, debating whether certain reality TV behaviors merit a spot in the Fantasy Suite or risk a Boardroom Boot.
Emotional Turmoil and Support Systems
Rachel opens up about the emotional challenges posed by her experiences and the importance of her support network.
Retirement from Reality TV
Rachel announces her decision to retire from reality television, seeking a more fulfilling and peaceful life.
Expecting a Baby
Rachel and Ad share joyous news about expecting a baby, adding a personal and uplifting note to the episode.
Lessons Learned
Rachel reflects on her experiences, emphasizing the value of authentic connections and the lessons learned from her time on reality TV.
Rachel on Joining Perfect Match:
"This is, like, literally the Avengers of dating." [05:03]
Rachel on the Kissing Challenge:
"No, that was horrific. Like, I think people need to understand that, like, we were sober standing on a platform. Sober, disoriented in the heat." [13:54]
Rachel on Closure with Clayton:
"I do feel like we're finally done. It's just hard..." [23:57]
Rachel on Retirement:
"I'm definitely retired. Maybe we'll do something together." [36:31]
Rachel on Expecting a Baby:
"I'm so excited to see her little Netflix outfit." [44:55]
This episode of What's the Reality? offers an intimate glimpse into Rachel Recchia's reality TV experiences, revealing the complexities of love, relationships, and personal growth within the high-stakes environment of reality television. From navigating public scandals to celebrating personal milestones, Rachel's candid reflections provide valuable insights for listeners seeking authenticity in their own journeys through love and life.
For those who haven’t listened to the episode, this summary captures the essence of Rachel’s experiences, her challenges, and her joyous moments, ensuring you stay connected with the latest in love culture and reality TV.