Serena & Bri on Hometowns and Loving Their Michelle!

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Speaker 1: Welcome back. Happy our listeners, you know we are back now were refreshed. I hope everybody had a fun Thanksgiving, whether you spend time with family or with friends. I hope you were able to relax and not have too much of a food coma. But I'm excited to be back with Utasha because we have a big week. Hometowns is so serious, so yeah, we have to get into everything. I can't wait to recap this one with you, I know. But in addition to Hometowns, we also have two of Michelle's best friends off the episode today, which I'm so excited to pick their brains and just talk to them like your girls know you best, you know what I mean, and they get the situation. They can give us the realty. So we're gonna have Free and Serena on today's episode as well, So I don't know, it's gonna be a fun one. It's pretty good. We love our girl gangs here and can't wait to have them come on because, like you said, they know Michelle so well, like they knew her prior to her being the bad Selorette, so I kind of knew. I'm sure how she prepped, how she got mentally ready for this role. But before we get into that, let's dive into hometowns. Because, as I mentioned, it's a serious week. I would say, as you know, being a past bachelor, I like, this is really where it hits pun intended home where you are meeting families, Like at this point, like the fund's kind of over and now it's actually time to get down and dirty and serious to see like whose family you could actually see yourself living with and being involved with for essentially a lifetime. Yeah, it's a total reality check. Like it's like this has been fun. I've been making out with all y'all and this has been cute, like cool girl summer. But then it's like, wait, but I'm taking y'all home, and mom and dad are like the day and they want to know, you know, like how does their son stack up to the other guys, and you know, like and they all want to hear that their son is the one. They want to hear that he's the top contender. Absolutely, but that's not always the case. You know, it's hard to juggle for relationships. And then add on families, parents, siblings, sometimes friends. It's a lot. So let's get into it and we should just start from the beginning, because Brandon started off Hometowns solid. I thought it was the perfect date, perfect guy, perfect family to kick off the week of Hometowns with because they've always had such a good relationship right right, right, and his family just seems so solid. Like she felt like right at the top of this week that like this is working, she could see herself in with this family. Well, it definitely felt I think for me. I think I got a sense of her thinking it could be like home, absolutely her parents, that his parents were absolutely amazing. She quicked with his dad right off the bat, and like you were saying, we were talking earlier, you were saying, like I thought they were gonna be like best friends at the end of it all. But I just think there's something about Brandon you can just tell comes from a really good home and like parents that he's able to like actually talk about life with since a young age and has just it's really loving home. And I think if that's something you want in a partner, and Michelle felt that, which I think she even mentioned like he kind of came out of nowhere. And Okay, two things about this hometown. One is like and we've chatted about this before too. I know is like we kind of wrote Brandon awf a little bit, like I honestly, I'll be the the baby face, you know what I mean. I think he's the baby face. You kind of just don't think he's like or he's kind of quiet, yeah, quiet, very well spoken, but like such a smooth talker, which she said, like right away, she's like, oh, I wrote him off because he was so smooth. I like didn't think he was, you know, being totally real. She thought he was putting on the front, which I so appreciate the fact that she's kept him around and we've got to know him more and more, because that's not the case. Like, yes, he is a smooth talker, but he genuinely is invested in her and in the relationship. And it's fun to see this slow fire burned brighter. But they seem like they are, as you just mentioned a little bit of the best friends, Like they just have this solid friendship foundation that upon that they have this now emotional physical connection to which I think it makes for a lasting relationship. He surprised her. He surprised her in a very pleasant way. Well, he surprised her so much that she told him she's fallen in love with him, which I was shocked. I mean, that's not something we see too often, is she now. He didn't even say it first when they were sitting there. At the end, she was the one to vocalize it, and I was like, Michelle, say into this guy, Yeah, he's going far. Also, shout out to Brandon's brother who pushed his military stint back just to meet her, to see how his brother interacts with this potential fiance, and I thought that was incredible. So shout out to the other there. That was a big, bold move but hopefully it paid off. Um. Then we get into the next couple hometowns we had who was next? Rodney Rodney? Rodney was next? Rodney of course, really had to bring it full circle. Mister Granney Smith himself had to take Michelle apple picking, which is a very Minnesota fall activity. I loved that. I loved their playfulness together. But I as I'm watching this, I can tell she is more invested in the other relationships I think, yes, on every level, than with Rodney, which which I love Rodney, but you know, I kind of knew at that point. I was like, oh, especially especially when when she met the parents and the mom who I loved, give me more Rodney's mom, she kept yes, MVP. She's logical. She she obviously loves her son so much, but she was still trying to keep him grounded, like, look, there's three other guys here. You don't know how you stack up and so, which I think is a very you know, I'm not a mother, but a very parental thing to do. It's like, you want to see your child, I'm sure succeed and fly and be in love and be happy, but you also don't want them to get hurt. Right. Well, him and his mom obviously have like a really close connection. You can just tell that. And I just love the fact that she can be real with him but also trust him to make a decision. And I really do feel like Michelle likes Rodney because he feels and this is not in a bad way. And I guess when people feel like they feel safe, it could be taken in a bad way. But no, I feel like he definitely is a solid guy that makes her laugh when she's down. However, you can definitely tell that she's a little bit more emotionally invested in everybody else. Well, and it's so sad, I know, but Wilson, big things will come for Rodney I have no doubt, which sin you know. And towards Joe the next day because we see him with his hometown in his hometown, which I know, which is actually weird today, and I was really hoping that, Okay, don't get wrong. The prom date was very precious. He really listened when she talked about you know, she's picked last, asked last a problem when she was in high school. But I was like, come on, Joe, this is your time to shine. You live in the state, You've grown up in this state, and Michelle has grown up in this state, Like really, wow, us with your Minnesota knowledge here, and this is his time this time. And he kind of he kind for me a little bit. You know. We get into Joe's family, which now I see where he gets his um strong, silent demeanor from, saying a family of I would say very few words, a few words, but you know, this is good for her to see kind of where he gets it from, how he grew up, what that family dynamic would be like, which I thought was very important. But I also kind of, I don't know, I feel like connect me if I'm wrong. Are a lot of are you called Minnesotians Minnesotians miss what Minnesotans? Okay, I can't say that. Whatever work on Minnows. Okay, you're Minnows. Okay your minds, Yeah, you're little Minnows. Um, y'all are kind of laid back. I feel like a lot more chill, all right, Am I wrong? No? I mean I would say, yeah, we're very shout out to all my Minnesotans. I love you all so much. We are much more relaxed, very slow paced Minnesota compared to the big cities. It's a lot more chill. Yea, just like a little bit more. Yeah, we're rush. We like we like to enjoy the little things in life. I'm picking that up. I'm picking that up. Um okay. And then we go on to last hometowns with mister Nate, which I can kind of see why they waited for this hometown for the last because there was a comment made that, you know, Nate might not be righty at the end of this, So of course it keeps us on our toes, and it keeps Michelle kind of playing this guessing game. But Nate's family and this conversation that dynamic he went and being like, you know, we don't really express love. We're not very touchy feely, we're kind of, you know, guarded, closed off. But he had a breakthrough moment with his family members and especially I think I believe it was his stepdad, I want to say, where they finally exchanged I love yous with each other, which which is huge, which huge, huge, bafflete to me because I grew up in a totally different dynamic. We're saying, we've said it every two seconds. But I thought it was very very sweet to see. I thought it was obviously something he I don't even think he needed until he got it right, but it was. It was a really great breakthrough moment, which I don't I want to see. It took away from him and Michelle that in that evening, but it kind of did, I feel like for Nate especially, it kind of overshadowed everything else. Yeah, I feel like his family needed Yeah, his family definitely needed that a little bit more than I think they even realize. And again I think that that's just kind of we've talked about this about what the show does. It really allowed, It really makes you be vulnerable and like upfront with the things that are in front of you. And I think for their family, especially Nate, when he's on this journey of trying to find a wife or his person that he wants to be with, it's kind of inevitable as a conversation. You sit down with your parents, You're like, Okay, so are you falling in love with this girl? Like it's kind of like you can't not What are you to do just sit there and be like the game was cool yesterday? Like No, it really puts into position to kind of challenge yourself and as a family if you're not used to doing that. It's a very emotional experience and who I think it was just so beautiful to be able to watch them have that breakthrough and have Michelle also be a part of it. It's just I don't know, I feel like that's like something that you can explain to someone, but to be there and feel it, and even for us to watch it, it was just something that was like very emotional be a part of. Yeah, it was a beautiful moment and I think it hit Nate. It struck Nate very hard. We have to get into our guests this week because two of our favorite girls will be joining us. You saw them on last night's episode. For a hot second, I wanted more of them, but that's why we have them on Bachelor Happy Hour right now. So please Tasha welcome Serena and Bree with me. Hello, guys, Hello, Welcome to Bachelor Happy Hour. You two, Serena, we haven't seen you since you and Joe joined us after Paradise has been newly engaged couple. And Bree, we haven't had you on yet. And you're somebody that I have been dying to talk to because I've heard nothing but incredible things from so many of our mutual friends. So I just want to check in with you both, Serena, if you want to start. How have you guys been sure? We've been good, so good. Um Yeah, life's been more like we've been able to go out in public since last time you talked, and it feels like we have just some more like structure normalcy to the relationship, which has been really nice. It's definitely made the long distance easier, not being confined to like hiding in his apartment every time I got So yeah, Joe's great. Life's great. It's super busy, um, which can be a little dreaming, but overall, it's just we're very lucky to be busy and it's been a lot of fun. Well. We love following you and Joe along on Instagram and keeping up with you too. It's been such such a blast for me just as a friend, but especially I know, I absolutely loved meeting Joe. I got to meet Joe for the first time the last time a Serena and himmore in New York, and it was I loved him. He like my favorite like guy from Bachelor Nation ever since meeting him on Clickbait, and he's just even better on person. So that was really exciting and it's been awesome to see And I've just been yeah, kind of traveling, moving around a lot. Like I New York is really cold, and I realized that I need sunshine to like stay sane and be nice to people. So I have been spending some time down in Texas and my family and also in California with my boyfriend. So it's been good. Fine ware in California. Yeah, in San Francisco, so he I saw in San Francisco and we actually met in San Francisco like pre Bachelor, So that's how we know each other, so I'm very familiar with it. And that's where I go back. Oh nice, I love that. I'm so happy to hear that. I'm so happy for you both, And trust me, I get it. Coming from somebody who grew up twenty eight years in Minnesota, I understand needing the sunshine and the warms be nice to people. So I love that you said that. All right, well you too. We obviously saw not enough of you on last night's episode, but we love Michelle. I know you two love Michelle. So how do you think she's doing so far as the bachelorette? And what are your thoughts on her season? Sorry, I'll let you get first, Okay, So I mean our thoughts are probably going to be very similar, but I think she's doing an amazing job. To put it simply, I mean, I think that she just handles things so maturely and calmly and with such like poise and grace and strength. Like she has been put in a couple like very uncomfortable, difficult positions with the men this season, and it's always interesting, I think to see how the lead handles it, because every lead I find has like their own style on handling the drama and the conflict. And I find and I mean some like the best way. Michelle goes into like teacher mode control the situation. I'm with respect and care and we're gonna like figure out what the problem is here. And she can, you know, snip out all the bs, and I just I love it. I hear what you're saying, but absolutely not basically what she does. I was just about to say, she's kind of in the perfect situation because she is a teacher and she can, like I feel like so many times whenever you're scorning people in these environments and situations, it feels like you're being like the bad top the principle that the mean teacher. But it's perfect because that is Michelle and that's who she is, and like a little bit of a sense like sometimes they're acting like children. So yeah, it works, like who are the boys and who are the men? Yeah, exactly, exactly, exactly exactly it. And I'm sure you know this. She has such a big, kind, caring, patient heart that not only has it been fun as a friend and as if you were to watch her, you know, keep these men in line and be able to sift out the bullshit and to hold herself well. But she also does it in such a respectful way where it's not condescending, it's not rude, it's not putting anyone else down. It's just so respectful and to the point which I think you two will really enjoy and mental well, I think you two will, I think everybody will really enjoy seeing how she handled herself on that stage in front of all of those men. Because there were times I was sitting Max Sage and I was I was clapping, I was screaming. I was like, that's so. It was to the point where I was like sitting there because I really want to be like speak on it, like I wanted to, but I just like kind of be like it was just I kind of was in a whole other level of like you heard the girl, get heard the girl. I feel like that came into mentell all being like I've seen the behind the scenes stuff now, like I know all of your true intentions. I know what people forget. It's like everything's on camera. She's good to see it. It's so funny that they forget that. Yeah, I can't wait to see her sitting there in front of all the men and being like I saw this, I know this, You're great. You sucked is way possible. You can definitely tell when she has something to say too, because she'll go like she's waiting for you to stop so she can tell you. That's been like the biggest one eighty from I think her season, the season that we got to experience with her into her season, like her stepping into her own season now is like before she was like very like just I felt like she just kind of was the receiver on all ends of everything that happened on the show. But now she truthfully has like found her voice and is using it in with such grace and in the best way possible, where I'm just like, she just owns this role so well. She just has this confidence about her, which I'm glad that you touched on Matt season obviously that's where you all met. I've missed that Michelle was brought in week four because I feel like they were robbed more time with her. But give us more background to your friendship, like where it really formed, how close you all have been since then, Like, just give us more to this. I can't talk to this friendship of yours. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I would say Michelle. The funniest thing was that Michelle and I were not actually as tight as we are while filming the season. I mean, Serena and I were like attached at the hit, it felt like throughout the entire season, especially having been like some of the earlier ones to receive one on ones and Michelle coming in afterwards, and I definitely feel like she was kind of like robbed coming in in the middle of the season, because as soon as you watch that episode back with her, I was like, oh wow, Like Michelle is like a real competitor in this And I never felt that way on the show because she was so quiet and reserved and kept herself all the time. But it really wasn't until we got back and Michelle called me, and that was the first time where she remembers this so clearly. But we were on the phone for like five hours, and she told me that we were crying at one point, just on the phone to each other, just like sobbing, like trying to put the pieces of the puzzle back together and like figuring it all out. That's where I think mine and Michelle's relationship like fully foreign. We're having been in those two positions at the end. Yeah, it's a different kind of bond being on this experience, you know what I mean. Yeah, Like, no one really gets it except for us girls, And I know we always say that, but it's just it's a totally different experience. And then when you come back home if you're like, you don't even know how to explain it. But the only thing that get it is us and friendships form that are just so strong after the fact. Yeah, having somebody to lean on who's gone through it is the most helpful thing I think to get through it. She was that person for me for sure. I really want to know what it was like. Okay, so they probably called you guys and we're like, we need you to come see Michelle. Surprise her check in on our girl, And did you guys freak out? I want to know that phone calls like, and then what it was like having her open the door because she was shocked to see you guys. She had no idea it was a surprise, So tell me. Oh my god. I when I was in Paradise, I was like, how is Michelle season going to go? How are the men? Is it ready? Like I had all these questions, like and then we got back and it was like a three week period I think before she left, so we have a little bit of time altogether to chat. And then once she left, like I just remember Brien, I being like, what is going on? How many men are left? Like trying to do the math and her head to figure out where she was at. I was like chexting producers, been like tell her say like talking like we stop crassing us, but remember please lose my numbers trina um. But no, it was so exciting, Like I remember texting brand She's like I got the calls to and we just had a million theories about what we were going to be walking into and mostly just because we know how difficult it can get, like going through it together the first the first time, like knowing you know what mind sat is she going to be in? Is she happy as she's struggling? Like I can only imagine how much she's been through at this point. So it was really exciting to see her and we just kind of went in with an open mind, wanting to know everything and just be whatever she needed us to be at that time, whether it was like a cheerleader or a sports system or a sounding board like we just went in being like we want to give her as much as we can in the limited time we're going to have with her. And yeah, I think we were just really grateful to be there and excited and felt really good walking away hearing like how she was doing when you finally were able to see her. Was there any advice that you really wanted to give her? I mean, obviously you were all on Matt season together, but Serena, you were on Paradise, so you kind of know this whole other added level of production and filming and just you know, finding love in a different, unique way through the show. So was there any advice you gave her? Was there any red flags when she was talking about the men that you had, Like was she very nervous excited like give us all of the good details? Yeah, for sure. I mean I think she seemed really good. I don't know if there was any red flags of anything. It was like a green flag that she was so confident in like her decision making, like she wasn't seeing there being like I don't know, I'm freaking out. Like obviously there's like the doubts and the uncertainty, like the nat trullness of all that. But it wasn't like, yeah, oh my gosh, I feel like I've made mistakes or I feel like this has happened, or I don't know, Like she was just very comfortable, Like would you agree, really she would just felt like comfortable where she was at where she was going. I could not agree more because I was so nervous going into it that she was going to be struggling. I don't know why we thought that, I guess because it's also so different being on the other side of things, which is where we enter we start. Also, I remember us by hometowns on the contestant side, we were struggling, struggle having our girl chats on the floor like it was at that point just chaotic and a mess. So being able to come in and just hearing her voice and like reading her body language and her against sounding as confident as she was, we were like, oh great, like we have too good just hear as a support system to just tell her that, you know, she keep keep going. Just saying our basis and feeling that comfort and having that vote of confidence. I think that's all that she really needed. And she was in a perfect situation. I felt that sounded like I want to know, Okay, you two be on this with me, because I actually had some girlfriends on my season come the same week you two came. After all the hometown dates were done before I went into the Rows ceremony, and I was able to talk through the four guys left kind of what their families were like. I'm sure Michelle got very into detail that we weren't able to see on the screen. So out of the four guys, whose team were you on? I know that you each were leaning towards somebody you have to spill the tea here. I thought that she was very like head over heels or Nate and Joe. I could see that. Yeah, I could see those two too, Joe. Okay, yeah, I'm trying to remember. I remember thinking like Rodney sounded like she spoke about Rodney really highly, but I wasn't sure if like the chemistry was there, and I know she was like, yeah, like he's an amazed, like we have such a great, a strong friendship. And then yeah, I remember thinking Joe, but I think for me it was it was Brandon and Nate. So to me, because I know she said like the first impression rose in the first kiss went to Nate, and she is like a very pragmatic but she's also like a very instinctual person, and I just felt like if that was like her first gut instinct, like that was going to be really powerful for her. Yeah. Yeah, and maybe it's just me. There's Joe is so hard to read and really get a sense of that, and I maybe she felt that at times too, But yeah, it's interesting because we can all see she's had overheels for day. She's very to Nate, there's no disagreeing about that. But then Brandon just has like this slow burn where I feel like they have all like all these different categories that you would need to make a relationship work. Add on top of the fact that, like his family was incredible, she became BF with his dad. Like it just h But I'm actually very glad that you two were there to kind of help her through talk through things. Because it's one thing to do what you know with the producers when you're on the show, but there's something different about being with girlfriends and just being able to like totally say any and everything, let your guard down, like she can rely on you. I think that was so important for her. Did you guys sneak her anything when you were there? Like, no, I have somebody anything? What little missus things? Did you guys? Do I need to know? We did sneak her a little a little note from some of the other girls from our season. I thought it was from like a guy or kind of like bummed. No, I understand kind of And we didn't like think of anything crazier though, I know, well, yeah, anything past we had like a little note from well, yeah, I don't know. I think our thing was more like we had the little gift from from Ryan from our season, who is also really close to Michelle, so she hadn't written a letter for her because um, but I think our thing was like we're gonna go and talk to her, and I just don't know if they're gonna like let us bring her anything or give her anything. Well, we also just tried to extend the time for as long as just selfishly wanted to stay there with her all day, as you should. You should wait, I have one more question about the guys. Okay, I'm sure Michelle told you that because Joe Bean from Minnesota that they had, you know, previously conversed through d MS or text whatever it was. Thoughts when she told you that he ghosted her? Are you freaking gos? I totally do you remember this? She remembered this so clearly. What did she What did she say? Though I can't remember. She was like she said, she was like talking about each of the guys. She gave us like a breakdown of each of the guys, and she was like, so Joe is from Minnesota, like I actually said into his DMS a couple of years ago, and we're like, that's great love that says like ghost still here like him in what the hell? Right? Except I was swooned by him whenever she said he looked like doctor Avery, because she also gave us three like that kid, and I was like, oh my god, like I want it like I want Well, then we obviously looked him up after she said that, and he totally looks like jaft Avery, like he was eyes. Yeah. Yeah, she didn't do a bad job. Okay, she has a really wonderful looking tall for Okay, she did a great job. You guys are such good friends. I would have been such an asshole if that was one of my best friends. I would have been like, what the fuck? Is he still doing here? It's only because you're the best about his ass, Like I'm just when it comes to my friends that I'm like so protective over I just turned into such like a mom of bear that I would have they probably would have never been able to air anything I would have said to a friend because it would have been just cursing the whole time. But she did. She did say he redeemed himself. Yeah, that's good. Yeah, I will say I will say slow, it's slow but sure for me. But jury's still out for this one. On Joe, I will say that, Wait, did you actually get the sense that she like may have been like starting to fall in love? Like did you actually get the feeling that she was like head over the heels like I'm I was working definitely, yeah, and love that whenever all of my worries just like flew out the window because I was like, I think I know who it's gonna be in the end of this, and I was just I think that's all that we wanted going in as like her two friends and sounding boards, is that we could feel confident that she would walk away happy and in love. Yeah, yeah, yeah, she definitely seemed like so glowy and calm, and I remember, I remember once I got the vibe that like this was gonna work for her, I was like, so, what engagement ranked you want? She probably asked to see yours to try it on. Wait, because she didn't know that you were engaged at this point, right or she did. I don't think I told her before she left. Um and it actually worked out really nicely because I hadn't told three either, so I told both of them in her reaction. It was really nice. It was really wonderful. Yeah, and she did a really freaking good job at hiding it though, especially because knowing Serena, I was like, oh, yeah, like you know, it's trying to watch she's not. Okay. It was very believable that I didn't get a change anyone. People are like, yeah, obviously, you just like I didn't. Should like think twice about it, you know it ask me too, I think when I facetimed you guys, he was like no, And then it was so nice. I was glad I did, because having that moment in person with them was just so much better, more meaningful. Yeah, okay, I want to ask you this too. Sorry, I'm totally going off scripture because I just have so many questions. Um. One thing I remember before Michelle started her season was that she was like, I'm not going to break down. I'm not going to cry, you know, like I'm not like overly emotional. And I was like, it's going to break you at some point. I gave it two weeks. But prior to her leaving, was there any conversation or anything that she was adamant like would or would not happen? Like, was she like I'll probably fall in love, but I won't getting engaged or I first engaged, anything like that that she actually said that. I remember her stressing a lot before leaving because I feel like we had so many conversations and it's always puts you in a tough position. I feel like stepping into that role whenever you know you weren't it didn't work out for you the first time. And so she was very much like a head steadfast in her decision of if this does not work out, how I intend for it too, Like I won't get engaged and that's something that everyone's going to have to accept. Yeah, but I remember her saying that before we left, and I think a lot of that came from the hurt from Matt season of like thinking because like it's such a heartbreaking feeling. I think everyone's been there at least once in the night where you think you found the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with and then realizing that you were wrong or like that the other person didn't feel the same way. So like that's a like intense pain that I can imagine was kind of affecting going into this season that like, Okay, well, I'm not going to put myself in the position to like think this is the one and I'm going to spend the rest of my life with them if like I'm not certain that like someone else is going to reciprocate that. So like it's really nice to see the reassurance that the men are giving her. I think that really helped her. And then I know, like going into Paris, I had a similar feeling of like, well, I don't know, we'll see if this works, We'll see if like I can't even fall in love in this process, And like she didn't know I was engaged at the time, but I did say to her, like, look, you might I get you feel this way, but like go in open because you just never know. Like we like, she's very logical, very pragmatic, but I was like, you know, lean into your feelings. It's not natural always, but it will help. And I really see her doing that. Yeah, is incredible. Yeah. Do you think because knowing how Matt season ended in the way that it did, where I mean she was so caught off guard, so hurt with the way he ended things, do you think that has helped her form and correct conversations with these men because I can imagine she doesn't want to hurt any one of these guys in the way that she was totally like, I think that Michelle, she's also very I think this is kind of comes from her days as a D one athlete, but she's just very like she has she's very goal oriented, Like at the end of everything that she starts, there is a goal, and she's going to do whatever it takes and make sure to like cross all her teas and all her eyes to get to that goal. And I think that that's exactly what we're saying. She took a lot of lessons and learnings away from the last time and is using all of that, Like all of those learnings into like bringing that into this experience this time around. It's like so incredibly clear to me. Yeah, yeah acous, they say, I feel like we can we we know Michelle's a teacher. She has all these amazing skills, like she can definitely see through all like the vs that the guys are giving. But also she's so logical and so level having becomes the drama and just like really analyzing what's going on and saying true to herself. Is there something about Michelle that we do not know that you know, people should know that you guys know as being her friend that like I don't know, maybe she's extremely emotional when she's like at home and thinks that really affect her or just something that like as viewers don't know about Michelle or like having gotten pervy to see that also adds to her. I think we're all the same in this way, like me if the rena, but like you don't really get to see Michelle's goofy side all the time, Like I think a couple of the guys bring that out in her from time to time. But Michelle is very like sassy, witty and also funny as fuck. So I feel like you kind of like you said, like you get that teacher side of her, the serious side, the pragmatic and the logical side. But other than that, I think there's just such like a funny, hilarious, like witty side to her that is not entirely it's it's hard to see because you know he means business right now. Yeah, Free, it's so funny you said that because I literally just said that to my mom last night, like that exact thing. My mom was like, I love watching Michelle. I was like, the only thing is I feel like she has such a playful side that it's just hard because you see her as the lead and like the main thing shown are like the intense emotions across the boards, like the really intense love stories, like the heartbreaks, the dramas, right, so there's not always time for those like playful, goofy moments. But yeah, she has a great sense of humor. We need like a spinoff show of like all of us. Yeah yeah, wow, that's like us just sitting in the living room. I swear there's like this Bachelor edit where and the bachelors get it too, because playing off of what you're saints for in it, there's so much like heartbreak, drama, the real deep, raw like hardcore emotions that they don't have time to show anyone's goofy playful side. I mean, like thank goodness for the bloopers at the end of those are only you know, two minutes, which sucks. So it's always good to have people who know the lead on and can really attest to like how goofy or silly they are, whatever it might be. I think, you know, each season we're all robbed of that as viewers. Luckily we know Michelle well enough to know that she she is like that, but hopefully we'll see some good stuff with the bloopers overall watching michelle journey up to this point, What have been some of your favorite moments, Your standout moments like give us give us each your top one or two arena you go first. I'm kind of than the spottery, um, but I'm kind of like comment or something like something that you're like, oh my god, it's so Michelle. Um, oh my gosh her she does this like no, like no squinch, yes, like yeah, I love seeing her do that because it's one of those like quirks and mannerisms. But I feel like you've almost like kind of cracked her, Like you've made her like feel very like happy inside. So that's like I actually laugh whenever I see her do that. Yeah, that's a good one. I feel like this is only coming to mind because it's like the most recent, Like I'm sure if I went back and like thought through each episode, there would be other ones. But I loved her poem, I'll say that. Actually I loved her mom I thought it was really beautiful. Um. And I really liked the moment with her and Brandon on the ice cream portion of their date. Um, it just where the ice cream like that's wild. Um. But I just the way she was talking. I could just tell like she was so like comfortable and in her elmet and like really in the moment like knowing her um and like just her sharing like that piece of Minnesota with Brandon. I was just like, this is a really cute moment. I just really see Michelle feeling like so just at home and told herself in that So that was really Oh. I have a question now that you guys have watched so many episodes, you guys have been seeing, like you know, even the moments that Michelle hasn't seen because she's seeing them until she's watching all of this back, right, Who are you dying to see in the hot seat at mental? Because I know I had some conversations that I was waiting to see happen in that hot seat, Um, and they definitely do happen. So oh one guy? Is that the moments Jamie Jane. I cannot wait to see some of the comments he made just like crawled under my skin, like I wish I was there so I could just go off on him. But m hmmm, I hear that for another time. Well you will, you will see more of him, all right. Well, I want to get into a little bit more of you too, because we love you, we miss you. Um, Serena, let's start with you. How I know you've touched space? A little bit about what you guys did for the holidays, um at the top of the episode. But how have you and Joe and how is the long distance dating going? Just fill us in about you too a little bit. Joe and I are good. We're really good. Um, everything's been Yeah, it's cheesy about just getting better every single day, more in love every single day. We are still figuring out, just like the details of our future together while also trying to like enjoy the present and live in the moment because you know, being in Canada and the US, there's a lot of decisions and a lot of logistics involved, so that can become tricky and complicated. But we're taking we're taking the steps, and yeah, we're just trying to spend as much timepy other as possible because like right now I'm here and he's in Chicago. Um, but like we're trying to integrate it to a point where like we're living life. Like I just feel like long distance like where you could probably relate to this where sometimes it feels like you're living individual lives and then you come together and you like spend time together, and then you go back to your individual lives. So I feel like we're just trying to get to a point where it feels like we're doing life together a majority of the time. But yeah, life's good and we're excited for the holidays. Got People's choice coming up for so say, yeah we are going actually so next week to La and Brie. How is life with you? I know you mentioned you have the boyfriend, so how is that long distance going? My boyfriend and I were doing really, really well. We are doing long distance, and truthfully, it is such a pain, but it works because we both have such busy schedules. You know, whenever I'm in New York and whenever he's in San Francisco. So the distance, I feel like, only makes the heart grow fonder. It doesn't ever work together. It's like rainbows and butterflies and it's all great. So it's like we get to see each other in doosis. I think we go about like every two weeks, and then the time that we do get to spend each other, it's just that much more special. That's good. And the families like each other. Our families haven't met, but he was just spending Thanksgiving with my family and it wasn't the first time, so I felt like this time, like it almost felt too comfortable, like I forgot that he was still around. Like he was like, you know, like I still have to like impress your family, right, that's a good problem. It's a good thing because I want you in my mind. I was like, okay, you know, like you're not at work, like you don't have to you know, like talk a certain way or actor start nailing as my family. You can like relax because this is the way I feel most comfortable and most at home, and like no one's listening or like to what I'm saying. So to me, it's just like I like I felt that he was finally like welcomed in, and it was such a good feeling. That's so nice. Want to impress your family, you know, like Oachie, it was such an overachiever. Oh my gosh, I always want to impress your family and still want to impress you. It's exactly exactly, Serena. That's actually a good question for you because I remember the last time we talked to you, you and Joe. You know, we're just freshly announced as an engaged couple, like you're you were still trying to navigate how your family would receive Joe. So how has that been with your parents and Joe? It's actually been really good. It was definitely just such a shock for them at first. I mean, I can't imagine, like I'm the oldest daughter too, so like I'm the first one to get engaged, like have this serious relationship. And I basically left and I came back three weeks later, a month or however long it was, and was like, hey, this is my fiance that we've never met, that's from Chicago. He does not live in our country. So it was like a really big shock and definitely like an adjustment for them to wrap their head around. And I think meeting him helped, But like the biggest turnaround was like we actually watched the engagement with them, and my mom like got balloons and like a cake and champagne and like a really special moment. So it was like we got to kind of share the engagement with them also in that moment um. And since then it's been so good, Like they've really gotten to know him. I've gotten to know his family, who are absolutely lovely. My dad and him like text, my mom and his mom follow each other on Instagram, so like it's been good good. I love that. It's so fun. So do either you have big plans for the holidays. I'll be meeting my boyfriend's parents for the first time. We decided to switch off, so he spent Thanksgiving with my family in Texas and I'm gonna go spend Christmas with his family in Maryland. Poor back. Let us know how that goes. It's making the families. I'm be so excited. I love hearing definitely do my best interactions. I'm sure you will. They will love you. Three Hometown's coming up, I literally coming up. I think I'm so nervous because he also, like I was just saying, he's an overchiever, but like, not only is he an overchiever, his entire family is an overchiever. So they're gonna be They're gonna have very high expectations. As what I've what I've gathered, well, I can't imagine them not loving you at all. I think you will be just fine, just fine. And if you need any tips trick, just go watch the episode again. For Michelle, she did a great job exactly. Um, okay, where are you two going to be watching the finale? Oh my gosh, I haven't even thought about that. I wish we could watch it with Michelle, I know, but soon enough, like after that, that's like the fun begins. You guys will be well, I at least I hope the fund begins. I mean, do you guys think that Michelle gets engaged. I think that she gets engaged. Yeah, I mean, I like all four men. I think she has four strong connections. So if she doesn't get engaged, I'll be really surprised, but she seems happy, so that's the most important thing. Yeah, if there is any advice that you could give for I'm assuming she picks one guy at the end of this. I'm not totally sure, but I mean, she could put the wool eyes and just be like I was taking y'all home, Okay, But if she does choose just one man, what is one bit of advice you would both give him. I think I think, um, like knowing Michelle and then also you know, watching her be so vulnerable this season, She's just talked a lot about being seen and I think just in any relationship, but like specific to Michelle, because she's expressed you know, her past and feeling like she was unseen. Just appreciating her, Like I think the small things are important in a relationship, and feeling appreciated in those moments and seen and value for like exactly who you are is such a big thing. And I think that Michelle has so much to offer, and she takes on so much and she gives so much, Like she is truly such a giver to the people in her life and what she's passionate about. So like taking those moments to appreciate her and take care of her when she's like giving out so much to others and like fill up her energy bank is important. That's a really good one who whatever whoever it is, and I hope they listen. I would say that Michelle also she takes on so much. Like I truthfully cannot wrap my head around how she's juggling being a bachelorette of like a huge TV show and also being a wonderful, a wonderful, amazing teacher full time. She's always busy and she's constantly having to prioritize her schedule, and so I think it's just knowing how to support her, and you know, not having someone who's like extremely needy and not saying that you know they can't like reach out to her. But like Michelle is just one of those people where you have to trust that she is doing what's best for her. And she's also like like valuing her alone time and the time that she does have because even like right now, I know she can't text step back every single time that we reach out to her. But it's just kind of like sitting back and knowing that she is making the best decision for herself and just being there support her whenever she comes to you and needs you. Yeah, yeah, those are both great. It's amazing. Actually, yes, we hope, we hope that lucky man is listening in in a taking note of all this place, and who knows her better than you two, and you know some of her family, So I think that's those are great, great bits of wisdom to impart on these men um before we let you two go. I always say this each every week. We love our games here in Bachelor half Hour, so we couldn't let you two go without indulging in a little game time here, Tasia. Do you want to explain it? Of course, we're going to play a little game called Girls Knights of Relatives. But we're gonna give you most likely to and you'll finish a sentence with either Michelle, Serena or Braid. Okay, you could obviously say yourself. So I really want to get to know y'all a little better. So it's gonna be rapid fire. We don't have too much time to think, So are you ready? Yay okay. Most likely to change their outfits three times before leaving Bree Bree Okay. Most likely most likely to suggest you stay in and drink wine. Michelle. Oh yeah, no, Michelle, but yeah, no, you're right, Michelle. I think I know the answer to this. Most likely to wear the highest heels Na, Probably because well, I would say Michelle, but Michelle's tall. I kind of counted her out. Okay, I guess, Okay, I like I hate heels. Yes, yes, I do wear the highest heels, ok Michelle. And Michelle has been forced to wear them every day, so she's probably not going to choose them anymore. I'm also like such a shoe girl, so that's probably well. And Joe's so tall, it's like, you know, I got a lot of growth space. Exactly utilize it. Okay. Who is most likely to make new friends at the bar Sorina. Maybe Me? Yeah, maybe me. I love that I'm a chatty drunk. That's a good thing. Most likely to start a dance party Me are you gonna say you? Or Michelle? Oh yeah, Michelle too, Michelle. Michelle likes a good dance party, like I like a stepping giggle kind of girl. I like, She's like, yeah, you got me? Like, yeah, I'm not even trying to buy that. Who is most likely to suggest ordering a bottle instead of a glass. Yes, but definitely Serena. Although that's why I go too. That's why I go too. Should we just get a bottle? I feel like I feel like Shorina and I bonded over that. In the most Susan and I would be like, we're not gonna drink tonight, and then like eight o'clock all around she'd be like, we just gash, where's the bottle? No, I get it, especially when you're filming, the days are so long, there's so much drama, so much cattiness that like by the end of the night, you're like, okay, I need a little like pick me up right now, something you like take the edge off, like our girls moment, like we got a glass of red and well with that glass of read. It was most likely to sing karaoke. Wow, not karaoke. People got it? We need to go I know that's true. We we all got to get together and do a little karaoke night with that bottle. Oh yeah, let's do it. Is most likely to post the first Instagram pick like if you guys are, if the three of you are, oh, you're drinking, you you're singing your karaoke, You're having a good time. Who's gonna put it on so media first? Not Michelle, so probably Brie. Yeah, I'm gonna agree to free Okay, that's good. Most likely to make toast no, oh go eat okay, I'm honestly starved. So but also who could make me tought? That's all I want? Who could make us the best brit Oh? I Michelle in terms of who makes He's gonna make the toast? Definitely Michelle. Okay, she makes. We're trying to like hide from making the toast. I'm paradise. Same thanks, um, I what was I just gonna say something? Well, I was gonna say Michelle's no pro making the toast, So I hope she's the goat girl. Who's most likely to go to bed first? Not me, not Bree Michelle. That's the same Michelle. Probably right strict schedule. Whenever we were on FaceTime, Michelle's like, I gotta be in bed by time, so I only it's always a school night, so like she has to go to bed like yeah, I mean between teaching a full fifth grade class and uh leading uh one of the most popular reality TV shows. I get it. She needs her sleep. It's a busy girl. You too. It has been such an absolute blast having you both on. I okay, when you come out to La Serena, let me know, maybe Bree you can make it. We'll have a girl's night. I'll have the bottles ready. It'll just be a fun night. But it was so good to meet you brief. Thank you both for joining us. Absolutely happy holidays, So happy for both of you. Have the best time this next few weeks. And oh my gosh, I guess we'll see you next year. Yeah, yeah, that's crazy to say. That's like my first time. I usually hate when people say that, but like, yeah, that's crazy. Well, Serena in enjoy all of the traveling with Joe and Bree, enjoy meeting the family for the first time. I know, thank you back so much. Have the beast holiday of course, to take care of you to I just love girl time. If we could do this, I mean we you and I obviously do this every week, but it just when there's more women, it just feels like it's like a slumber party. Key key, Thank you so much those girls for coming on the show today. It was so yes, a huge thank you to Serena and Bree. That was an absolute blast, and then even bigger thank you to our Bachelor Happy Hour listeners. Thank you for tuning in each and every week. And before I let y'all go, we are actually casting for both The Bachelor and The Bachelortte, so please make sure to head to Bachelor Nation dot com slash apply if you want to nominate yourself or somebody else, because the more the merrier. But also do not forget to hit us up on social at Bachelor Happy Hour on Instagram, at batch Nation on TikTok and Twitter, and then bachel Nation on Facebook. Please don't forget to subscribe to our podcast. You can do that on an Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the Wondering App, or wherever you are listening to us right now. Take care everyone, Bye,