Exclusive: One-on-One with New Bachelorette Michelle Young

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Speaker 1: All right, welcome back Bachelor Happy Hour listeners. Tasha and I just had a little dance party before just kicked this off. The caffeine is kicking in these days, and you know what, it's a big week because we had a major finale just go down last night, and I cannot wait to get into some of the recap, but I more so can't wait to get into our guests today. And I'm so excited because I have my girl Tasha on today. Next week, she'll she'll be taking a break now. Yes, I'm still here filling in for Rachel, but she'll be back next week to reclaim her throne. So don't you less stress. I'm still I'm not ready to leave yet. I'm still having fun. I know this has been such a great time. It's fun to switch things up, and people don't always love change, but I feel like you needed every now and again, and that's what we've had bringing you on taking over Bachelor Happy Hour with me. That's what we saw go down last night during after the final rows. You know, obviously Chris Harrison in his typical fashion, but that's okay because we got something new and fresh, a different perspective, something that I think was needed. So let's just get into last night while we're here. Yeah, but we have the newly announced bachelorette, not Katie because she's currently in the bubble, but we have none other than my Minnesota girl Michelle coming on and we're so thrilled. I mean, I've just been anticipating this conversation. But before that, t Shaw, we saw something very different last night. So let's get into I don't even want to recap the episode. I just want to get into after the final Rows because that was like the big ticket item, the most historical impactful I think after the final Rows Batchel Nation has ever seen. So overall, did you have any highlights, any conversations that really stuck out to you? You know, I just actually say I really appreciated the way that Emanel just approached all the conversations, like he did kind of dive in to how uncomfortable things may be. But he also he didn't let Matt or Rachel off the hook, like he grilled kind of them both as well as Michelle asking straight up like are you still in love with him? And like he's right here is the last time you're going to see him? You have anything else to say, And I just thought he bought such a fresh perspective and I'm really happy he was the one that was chosen for Afar just putting that out there at first, I am I am too. I think like it's such a weird position to be in. You know, this is nothing like we've ever seen before. Chris Harrison has been doing this twenty years. But I think Emmanuel was the perfect host because it's not like he's infiltrated with Batchel Nation. He's right biased. He approached each never conversation very uniquely, I think, and you could really tell that he sat in those emotions of like when he was sitting with Michelle and like really feeling for her, having to like relive and stir up some of the emotions. But I mean the part where he first sat down with bat James and said, look like, a conversation between two women is completely different than a conversation with two athletes. But like, the conversation between two black men is something unique, and that is something that we have never ever ever seen on that stage before, the fact that two black men can sit down and talk about race and diversity and the issues of this franchise and yes, still the love story. I thought. The moment he said that, I was like, we are hooked. No really though it's a different perspective than we've ever gotten, and we ever we would never get really exactly like christ person couldn't have done that, and I can't say that, no he can't. And even if he tried to. This is the thing I know, as like the man he is and as the house he is, he would try to. But it's a totally different level of having someone actually understand what it's like to as Matt James continue to say, be a black man in America, and oh my god. As soon as he said that, I was like, no, this is gonna be freaking good because it's true. No one else could really. It was just and Chris, I mean he has been he is a professional. He's an incredible host, Like he knows how to get out emotion and have that dialogue. But this was just so much more real. It was raw, as he said at times, it was uncomfortable, but that's okay, that's what we need to be having these days. And like, overall, if people sat through that Afar and like didn't have a major takeaway or learn something like go back and watch it again and listen, because it's so much more than just a love story. Like yeah, like there was one. I mean, there wasn't just one. There was several parts, several points that Emmanuel had made that I was like, damn, this hits home, This hits hard, But like this is what we need to be hearing right now. Is He made a comment at one point when he was talking to Rachel. Yeah, I think everybody know you're gonna say it's so good. He got, he got well. He his quote wasn't I don't want to watch it. I tried to write it down word for word, but he says, prejudice is a willful commitment to ignorance and coming from somebody in the franchise who you know, news flash, I'm this white girl from Minnesota. I've i you know, have kind of lived through Rachel's shoes in the past. We saw that go down in my relationship on the show and after with social media. It hit hard because, like, you know, we've all not I shouldn't say we all, but like many of us, especially who watched the show, the demographic, you know, we've been that girl. We've been similar to Rachel. We have done things ignorantly and insensitively that we didn't even know. Like sometimes you don't know what you don't know. But when he said, you know, prejudice is a willful commitment to ignorance, but like, don't have it, be willful, like you know, try to do better, try to be better, try to educate yourself. And so that struck a chord because I'm sitting there, like, you know, I can feel for Rachel because I've lived through a very similar situation. But but he just articulates it in such a good way that like really hit me as if you were hard And I hope that that other people could take that away too. I think it was. Yeah, I could tell that Rachel was really struggling in her conversation with him, but she was also very open and honest, and I think she's really putting in the work. But your takeaway, you know, because as a black woman, you probably had different takeaways than me than what I did. Yeah. No, but I actually really appreciate you saying that because you can relate to Rachel in that way and the fact that you are aware now it's a totally different ball game, and now you know what I mean like it's it's something that needs to be seen, it's something that needs to be talked about for other people to be aware and to educate themselves. And I think that, I mean, You'll said it honest, it was perfect. He said what you did and what the party attended was more so regarding racial and sensitivities and racial ignorance. He doesn't he doesn't say like you're a racist, but the fact is the actions that you had were racially ignorant. And I think that that is so important for people to hear coming from a black man on TV, because it's not he's not sitting there being like I think people have this perception that everyone's just like you know, African American people or mix people, whatever it is, are just like automatically calling you a racist a second you do something wrong. That's not what we're saying. We're just saying you're being racially insensitive right now, you are being racially ignorant, Like let's just take a step back and like educate ourselves for a second. And I think that he just articulated it so well and put it in a way that I think is going to impact a lot more people than just for Kconnell and yeah, you know what I mean, it was just like Okay. It kind of makes you step back a second, because I feel like when people are quote unquote feeling attacked, they kind of turn off to being like, well, no I'm not, and they automatically get defensive and they don't hear what you're trying to say. And so I just I'm just so happy that Emmanuel was the one that did this afar because I feel like he I mean, he hit my heart in a different way, so I can only imagine him hitting a lot of other people. Yeah, I think, And I will say, like Emmanuel has become a friend, like we've had several conversations about this, m and yeah to play To add to your point, I think like the verbiage was like racial ignorance and racial insensitivity can play itself out in forms of racism, but that doesn't automatically make you that, which I think is important. And I think like in this day and age, it's so easy to cancel people, it's so easy to label people. Um, but if people can realize their ignorance and their insensitivity and like for me, realizing my white privilege and how that hinders where we're at like where we should be in this country, um, and to be able to check ourselves. I think that's the first step. That's the most you know, acknowledging and holding yourself accountable and moving forward in a positive way where you're not willfully committing to that ignorance. Um. It's the first step that I think we're seeing with Rachel now. M definitely. And another good point that he made was that because you know, and I've I've read DMS, I've seen what has been being circulated regarding Rachel and the Antebellum themed photos, and yeah, um, you know, like people are still having the argument of like, oh, well what she did wasn't bad. And I don't want to get all into that because I don't want to, you know, I don't want to take away from that conversation that was had last night. But he did make a great point that said his story can be remembered, but not all history was meant to be celebrated. Which keep that in mind. We're not saying erase this history, forget this history, but acknowledge it and remember it, but you don't have to like revel in it in a way. So I think that was another major takeaway moment too for me. So overall, I mean, it's not something that we're used to. And again, I know people don't like change, people aren't used to change. At times, it's hard, it's uncomfortable. But I think after everything we've seen in twenty twenty and at the beginning of twenty twenty one, there was no better person I think to come in and host that and to make Macuel wanted to make Michelle feel comfortable and just to have a real, raw, open dialogue with Rachel. So I also think, like with Rachel, I look, it's an uncomfortable situation to be in, you know what I mean, But at some point conversation was going to be had, and I'm glad that we were able to have it. But I do appreciate the fact that number one, she has apologized, but also that she was just sitting there and listening. She wasn't trying to defend herself, and I think it's so easy to, i don't know, just be scared and try to give yourself a little like help yourself out a little bit. But the fact that she just was trying to listen I appreciated, and I think I hope it was so hard for me to watch, like the conversation between her and Matt, or should I say the lack thereof. I hope that those feelings are the feelings that she uses to motivate her to do better, yes, because I know I know she felt how hurt Matt was, and I know that she It was just an awkward silence, and I think, I know that was really hard for Matt. But I feel like that's what he felt at the time, and that's what you have to You have to appreciate that, you know what I mean. Of course we wanted to hear more from him, but at the same time, like that's how he was feeling, and that was granted. And I really hope that Rachel took that. Yeah, yeah, he's hurt. They're both. I mean, a breakup in itself is never easy to break up on a public platform, and with the pressures of being the first black batcher, I can't even fathom the range of emotion. And I don't think it's going to be fixed overnight. It's not something that's gonna you know, Like like I said, he can't just turn off his feelings for her like a light switch. It's going to take time. So for everyone listening, please allow them as individuals to do what they have to do internally to move on from this, to heal their hearts and their heads. And allow Rachel the room, Like if she's very genuinely wanting to be better, to educate herself, to put herself in this new space of growth and acceptance, please allow her to do that too, because that's that's what we here in this country. You know, Like if she was to say, you know, I screwed up, but I'm not going to change, Like that's one thing. But I think she, Um, I hope she means it from from what she was saying yesterday, I could. I think she's she's really trying to put in that work. Um. But for Matt two, like he's gravy and they're going through this weird heartbreak and it's there's enough pressure just being on the show, So like, please give them room and space and time. You know, no one likes dams being blown up when you're going through something like this, I know from experience, So just allow them time time to heal. Another thing that really struck a chord with me is with when Matt said that just you know, with everything going on in the country and the social injustice and everything that it sucks that he felt like he had to take all of that on and be the voice for all of that. And I empathize with him for that because I never would want him to feel like he had to take that on and be the voice for the country, like for all a bachelor franchise, because I don't think that was ever like the intention. There's just so much the has happened in the last two years that I think we were all kind of a lot of people were looking for people to have like the right words to say and the voice of reason, and like, you know, I just empathize with him because I really hope that he's able to move on from life and not feel like he currently he constantly has to carry that burden because he has enough to worry about just being a black man. So, Matt, I also just want to say that you did such a spectacular job and if you haven't anything, you have us. Yeah, you're part of us, part of this crazy Boucher family, whether you like it or not. I can't get rid of us. A baby. Yeah, I know, Matt said several times, like he didn't sign up for what all transpired. You know. He signed up to find love, I think, and to do what we've all wanted to do when we became this, like as the lead. But but he signed up for that love like that we I'll do like you go in. I think anyone goes into this not naively but just being like I want to find my person, you know, And there was so much more to it, And I'm sure you felt it too, as as bachelorette in twenty twenty, you probably felt a certain amount of pressure in the same way he felt. So thank you both for I think handling it as you did. Everyone's journey is different, everyone handles situations and these types of conversations differently. So, but as long as we're having these conversations, we can't just watch this and be done. Like I want this to continue to be shown in the franchise to be I want like I want what we see in society to be reflected in the franchise more and I think this was a major step in doing that, with having Emmanuel on after the final Rows was a major step in doing that. If you want to continue to have these conversations in your circles, like I highly recommend checking out Emmanuel's book. It's called Uncomfortable Conversations with the Black Man. I just finished it about two weeks ago, and it's so eye opening. I think I turned over every page with a different takeaway. I was highlighting it like crazy. So a very good read, especially for me, like that I can now take certain conversations back in my white circles and continue it. Okay, Patitia, Before we bring on our guest, we have another major revelation. We have a couple. Actually, the first is that we don't only have one batchelorrette this year. We have two. So before we even get into Michelle's season, we have Katie, who is currently in the bubble ready to meet her men. But Katie's not the only one in the bubble. You and Caitlin Brassa, So you're both there. You are going to be her mentor, her advisor, her friend, her confidante, somebody who has been in her shoes, who has walked through this crazy journey that is the Bouchelorette. So how are you feeling knowing what you're about to get into? I mean, the fact that I'm in my third you know, season is insane, just because I wasn't Matt season I made the Boopers, so in case you didn't know that. But I have to say, like, I am so excited to be here for Katie. Um, I mean, one of the best parts about my journey was having all of you guys come and see me and nothing. No one can give you more sound advice than another bachelor at a previous Bachelor because no one really gets what you're going through. And the fact that I can be here for Katie and help her along the way is so fun. And I feel like I hope that I can really add to her experience and um, help her in times of need because I know I wish I had you guys a little bit more than I did at times when I was just like I need a girl, Yes, my girl. UM So if I can be her friend, her mentor her confident, whatever she needs at the time, I will definitely do it. I cannot believe I'm here. I cannot wait for her. She's gonna be amazing. Um. I just can't wait to get her like I want to get it my girl engage. I would just want to get her started. I'm so excited for her. The show needs more love we need another relationship like what you and Zach found on the show. Um, I'm I feel like she's in the best hands with you and Caitlin, Like I have no doubt that you will be there for her, that you will make her laugh when she needs to laugh, that you'll have different emotions than than what she probably could have if you two weren't there. So I'm so excited to not only watch her, but to see you and Caitlin on the big screen again, because you know we can't get because I love you, guys, so I can't get enough of you. Um. I will have to send you some of my bordone that you guys can pop and drink over your CoA, have some Amoses in the mornings. Um, but send her my love, give her all of my best regards, give her a huge hug for me, and just know that I will be thinking of you all when you're along this journey with her. UM. So I can't wait to see I can't wait to get all the tea like you know, I'm gonna be blowing up your crazy. I'm also so excited to be doing this with Caitlin. I feel like Caitlin and I have such different personalities and we've had such different seasons, and I think, you know, Katie is very lucky to have both of our different perspectives. But her and I have just been through a lot also through this entire like franchise and journey, so I feel like we have the experience in order to help her. Caitlyn and I gotta rock it. She has the best wing women. I will say with you too, It's going to be incredible. I cannot wait. I'm thrilled. Also, the fact is, like Caitlin and I both had very different seasons. I mean like she shared a season in the beginning with Brett, I shared my season with Claire, and now although Katie is her own bachelorette, but now Michelle's also the bachelorette. So it's just like this sisterhood. It's just weird parallels, that are all. It is very weird. But also at the same time, I feel like we are definitely the right girls for the jobs. So we've got you back. I'm so bommed, I'm so parmmed for this year. It's gonna be crazy like boom boo boom, season after season after season, but like, hey, we kind of took a break in twenty twenties, so I feel like we're just making up, making up for the last season. So this is gonna be great. So with that all being said, Bachelor Nation, I mean, we have to just get into this because I know you don't want to just listen to Tasha as much as I think we have the woman of the Hour coming on very shortly, So without further ado, I think it's time to bring her out. She took time out of her classroom to chat with us today and we can't wait to get to know her better. So everybody, please welcome your newest bachelorette. She is upgraded from missus James to America's Bachelorette. Please welcome to Shell. Okay, well, I'm just going to dive right in because we are so incredibly excited to have you and I'm I'm a very selfish person and to have a fellow Minnesotan on the line here. I've been waiting for this moment since the second you stepped out of the late arrival limo, if you will, So, how are you doing? I'm doing so well. It's been such a crazy season. I mean, watching it, it's just watching it back is something that you can't really prepare for, and so it's been interesting. It's been a wave of emotions. But I'm I'm doing well. I am a considered Well you look great. Yeah, it's amazing. You're so gone. And before we really dive in, we I want to first start by saying, like, we don't want to really dwell on the past. We'll ask you a few questions about Matt and that relationship obviously, but like this is a time to celebrate you because your world is about to change. It's about to blow up in the best way as possible. And so before all of that, like we want to check in because obviously this major news dropped, like you were announced as the official second bachelorette of this year, which is the world has never seen before. Like this is crazy, and it's because people love you so much. You are such a fan favorite. So now that this news is out in the open, like, how are you feeling in your head and your heart? You know, I'm kind of laughing because you're saying, are you ready for your world to blow up? And I'm like it already has blown up. I mean so weird going to out to eat with my family or going to the grocery store and people recognize you. That's just something that I'm not necessarily used to. And they recognize my family too, so they're kind of going through that with me. But it's been really supportive from everyone. And it's a lot of teachers that have reached out to me and just have spoken about how they're so happy that I was honest about the difficulties of this school year and that they feel inspired. And so it's really nice that the attention and the support that I'm getting is because they felt like guy inspired them in some way and even to like not even only adults, but I can only imagine how your students feel watching you. And let's be honest, Like I can say this because I'm from Minnesota, I lived there for twenty eight years, that not a ton happens in that state, you know, like we have some claim to fame, like we had Prayans, But like I feel like when I was on spatch Rode, it was like the coolest thing that had happened to Minnesota in a long time. And now I think that I could probably speak from experience. I know like that the people that live there are probably going to be so excited and embrace you. But how has it been for your students who maybe not they don't necessarily watch the show, but they know kind of you know, oh that my teacher's on the screen and she's going to become the batch roode. How are they receiving everything and like celebrating you. So I had the students that were on that hometown episode. Those were my students that I had the previous two years actually, and so I knew them really well, they knew me really well. And to leave for the film of The Bachelor, I had only been in the classroom that I'm in now with those students for two weeks, and so this is kind of a new group that I'm working with, and there's been a lot of adjustments because of the pandemic, and so we're kind of in a position where it's we're like on week two of getting to know each other, and nobody had mentioned anything for the first week or so, and then I had to leave to tape Afar, and when I came back, I was completely interrogated, and they had found out and they had all of the questions in the world and they were miss young. Why didn't you tell us and I'm just like, oh, can you imagine having this conversation with your students, well, you know exactly, And so I let them ask a few questions. And I had thought they found out earlier because someone said, miss Young, I know that you're famous, and I'm thinking, okay, here we go and they're like, yeah, you're on TV. And I'm like, all right, I got by so so much time without actually having people find out we're saying anything. And then they're like, yeah, we're basketball. So there are all these moments where I thought they knew, But according to last week, they all know. Now. Um, I'm not sure of if they know about the whole bachelorette thing quite yet. Um, they'll have time the basketball that someone's gonna find out. But I mean they think it's pretty cool. Um, their families or their parents watch, and I've spoken highly of me. So yeah, they're a little star struck at times. But you know, when I give them homeless back into shape. So if you get your A on your test and you can ask me a question like, yeah, one thing I do want to touch on throughout your entire season with Matt and even at Afar and the conversation that you had in the last episode with Matt's family was a lot of it was about trust, which I think any woman can late to wanting and meant to man can relate to wanting in a relationship. It was such a big thing for you and Matt, and obviously at the end of this you were very blindsided in the way that he ended things. You know, most people go into that last day either expecting to get engaged or get broken up with at that older quote unquote if you will say that, so, I'm sure you didn't expect him to call things off when he did. So what was it like when in terms of trust, what was it like when when he was sitting there talking with you about to leave and breaking things off? And then is it still something moving forward that you keep high on your list in relationships when you become the batchright moving forward? Yeah, it's gonna I mean when after people watch, it's very clear that I didn't excuse me, I didn't know it was coming. It was a thing where I'm a person that I read other people's body language, and you know, if I kind of felt like he was holding back a little bit, I would have two and I would have you know, kind of figured out what's wrong, what's going on. But that was something that you know, Matt and I even spoke about. He kind of put on a face that day. And as much as I understand that, it was also really difficult because, as you know, being on the show a few hours or minutes together, your relationship really is expedited. This is not a situation where you know, you spend all day, every day together and it's a slow moving relationship. It's like every hour, every minute counts. And so for me, it was so hard to continue to put myself in that vulnerable position and fall even throughout that, you know, repelling the chateau date, and continue to fall to then get to the evening portion. And these uneasy feelings were going on the entire time, and so I think that was the difficult part is I understood that things were going to change fast. I understand that I wanted the best for him, and the show was about him find his person, But it was more for me caught off guard as I asked how he was doing it, asked, you know, all of those questions during the day, and I kind of kept getting a positive response, and so that was the hardest part. For me is that I felt like I did the groundwork to you know, cover my bases, to make sure, okay, cool, I'm going to keep being vulnerable, and then it was you know, pulled away a little bit and also the nature of this show, and I get that, but that I honestly think I was sitting there trying not to throw up because my stomach was turning when I was happening, and so it was difficult. It really is. But I'm doing okay well. For women who have gone through something similar and have been you know, we've all been now broken up in very weird ways, very probable ways. It's never comfortable. It's never easy. You know, at the end of the day, I hope that you realize, like you came out on top, you're winning now and every I hate to say this because it's so cliche, but everything happens for a reason. And I think you, like you needed that moment and I'm kind of glad that he did it prior to actually that last day where you think you could potentially be getting engaged. But yeah, it's never easy, like and it's so hard to articulate those breakups because like when you're blindsided at least for me, like I'm shocked. I don't know how to put into words when I'm feeling. But you expressed yourself so well, and in the moment, I think women especially I mean me watching it, when you were like, well do I need to fight for you? Like what is this? I was like, yeas girl, you asked those questions because I felt like when I was being broken up with on the after the Bachelor season, I just like shut down completely and didn't have any words, like didn't you couldn't even fathom the questions at that point. And so I think in that moment during that breakup and then even at Afar, like you asked the right questions, like you worded everything so well where you left it all out on the table. I hope you got your closure. How are you feeling now after seeing him on that stage? Yeah? I after that up, it was really hard for me to get closure, and there was a conversation that I wanted to have because I was really struggling, and as I was coming back to Minnesota leaving Pennsylvania, it was really I felt like I was spinning in circles and I felt like I was trying to put the relationship down and I had, but emotionally I wasn't able to move forward. It was really difficult. And so because I wasn't able to get that closure from Matt at that time, I think that's what was making it hard for me. But I think the most valuable thing that I've actually learned from this process is that I now know that I can get the answers and closure within myself to give that. So even walking on that stage for Afar, I had the closure I needed. I had some questions, but I also wasn't putting the ability for me to get closure on Matt's responses, if that makes sense, and so so yeah, it was it was hard to sit down and have those conversations and honestly get back into that headspace of leaving and what that felt like and the questions that I had at that time because in the end I had already given myself closure. I love that you say that you are able to ask the questions in order to get the response you kind of need, like you were doing the ground where you could try to understand if, like you know, get the reassurance, because I feel like it's so important in this process and that's part of the reason why you can make this such a transforming journey if you will on yourself, because again you're shut off from the world, but you rely on yourself to make those questions and decisions. You don't have anybody else to really consult, being like okay, so should I call them or text? You don't have the opportunity to do that, So you like are sitting in the moment and you're trying to get as much clarity as you can, and when you don't get it, it's more like a feeling. You have to just be like no, like I know better, you know, and she always gonna go with this, Oh yeah. But the fact is, as hard as this journey was for you, I'm so I'm kind of happy you went through it. So that way, when you are the bachelorette, you kind of understand how these people are feeling, you know, in that moment of time. And again, as hard as it was for him to break up with you that day, as opposed to like making you go to the ultar like I've even been there in that situation, and as weird as it, it's hard to comprehend he was doing that because he cares for you, so it's like one day you will You're gonna see it very soon. But um, you'll be in that situation to where you can kind of I don't know, you'll you'll be feeling the same things. You'll kind of get it on a different level. So but the fact that you were able to I don't know. Yeah, and that's something back, Yeah, I look back and understand is that you know, I'm very a black and white person at times asking the questions and just just say yes or just saying that I don't need a reasoning. Thats do. I fight for that too? Okay, you know, but I wish, But I mean to go back to what you said also, Becca, it really has helped me think about what I would do for the men coming in on my season of how do I handle those situations? How you know, when someone is pouring their heart out to me and maybe I don't feel the same way, how can I respond in an honest and authentic way, you know, at times when I know that the relationship is no longer going to be there and I'm going to be putting down or I have to put it down. And so yeah, it's such a hard balance. I mean, yeah, I'd be curious to learn about any tips you have for that. I have a feeling that this is going to be the first of many conversations that you will have with all of us women. And welcome, I guess let me just say that to welcome to this Bachelorrette family. If you will, we will. You will soon be added to the group chat between all of us women. It's such a fun, uplifting, supportive group, like we're all behind you, supporting both you and Katie all of the way. So and anytime, I mean like we are all open books here, like come to us at any point. We will give you lots of advice. I don't know if you should. I mean, what's madness. You probably shouldn't take my advice, but stop it, stop it, Yes you should. But you have something that Matt James never had, Like he had never filmed anything before, like this was his first season going into it blind with you women, and so now you have the ability to know. Okay, I've been on the contestant side, I've been one of many women, so I kind of know how the men will be feeling in this situation or if this were to happen, or if somebody were to say this, or if they're upset over something like you can you can revert to where you just were in Matt season to know kind of how you would be feeling and how to navigate that, which I think gives you such a like up. You know, it'll help you empathize with them so much more than what Matt was ever able to do. Um, So you're in a really great position for that. But like, let's just get in to the men. Let's get into the future, because that is the exciting stuff, like big, you just lit up. Okay, I saw you show. Let me just say this one more time. You are the bachelorette. It still hasn't sunk it a thousand more times. And then maybe I'll wake up one morning and be like, Okay, you might not like I still to this day, three years I'll wake up and I'm like that, like, did that actually happen? I will feel like that for a while and I still got I got a man by my side. I'm like, but where did you come from? Oh yes, let's just look down at that ring, like, oh yeah, we went through all of that to get to this moment. I'm telling you right now, I don't think it takes a minute to think it. It's such a surreal experience. But I'm very happy to be passing my crown to one of my favorites along with another favorite. So I'm happy for you. We are so excited. Oh my gosh, Michelle. Yeah, but you are glowing and it's just incredible. And it's only just begun. It's only just begun. To buckle up. Okay, one thing before we get into the future and all the incredible things. What's something major or something that we didn't learn about you on your season that you feel like the world now that you are announced as Batcherette, needs to know about Michelle Young. It's such a strong question. I think that, I mean, this is a side that people maybe had glimpses of. But I am pretty goofy, Like I'm pretty, you know, don't get embarrassed easily. I'm constantly laughing at myself. I don't really take life too seriously, but I can have serious conversations, and so yeah, I think that America might see my goofy side come out a little bit more. And I mean they saw they saw glimpses of it in the bloopers. But yeah, yeah, I like to joke, ram I can't wait. I mean you you seem so well rounded, like intelligent, kind, patient, and we did see the goofy side you out of any of the women on Matt season, I think brought out that fun, playful, goofy side to him. I agree with that. I completely agree with that, and you picked it up like right away. It was never like it took a little bit of progression. It was just like boom boom boom. But wait, okay, so something that they haven't learned about you? But what about like for your relationship, like something that you're like truly looking for in a guy, and what kind of guys do you date? What's your type? What are you looking for? I think, you know, I think the biggest thing that I look for and someone is if they have that intrinsic motivation. I'm a very motivated person. I have a lot of goals. I want to make an impact, and that's super important for me to have that in my partner. And you can bring the best side out of each other when you're with the right person, and I love that. But also I think it's super important for whoever I'm with to come into that relationship with that intrinsic motivation, because that's something that I'm really attracted to somebody who is not just going to super cliche talk to talk, but also walk the walk. Also emotional intelligence. I mean, are you not that you have to perfectly be able to talk about your feelings, but to know what you're feeling and to be empathetic to the person that you're with, and to be open minded. I mean, have an argument with someone who's closed minded, and that's that's a really difficult situation. And so I think those are the two things that I'm really looking for challenged a little bit. I love that I can't wait to watch this season. I'm just gonna say, like I obviously have to watch it for the podcast, but I have no doubt that you are going to have some of the best conversations. You are going to push these men in ways that they've probably never been pushed before. And I mean in terms of emotional intelligence. You know, going on the show, like there are certain like everything is so sped up, and there are certain conversations and discussions that have to be had, like very very early on, and I think it's a good test to see who is able to kind of get themselves out of that comfort zone and who might be more guarded and able to open up. And I think you will do an incredible job at that with the men. I think that they'll be able to feel comfortable with you in the past. Have you ever dated like a certain type of guy? Like are you? Are you like? Is there anything on your list that you like? Are really besides the motivation in EI like looks wise like anything else or that you want or do not want that? What is a hard no for you? Oh? I'm like in the hem you know what I mean? Yeah, to see with eyes open? Yea, yeah, that was. You could add that to my list everyone listening up, all the casting producers add that to the very top. But I think one thing. I mean, I'm a very active person as far as lifestyles, and so I go to the gym, I lift weights, I stay active, I you know, play on club basketball or kickball or all these different things. And not that you have to be this chiseled athletic person, right, but I want you to be able to live fit lifestyle with me because I think that's, you know, something that can hold two people together and when life gets busy and you both are going to work or you have all these other things going on. Being able to go to the gym together and knock out a quick workout is something that I would love to have in my partner, and so I think that's something that I really look for. They got to keep up with you. You got to be able to keep up with me. You know, if you could keep up with the whole classrom of kids, that means you got like you got the energy to do it. They better stab. Oh yeah, that's a different type of energy. I'll say that. That's a more exhausted energy. I can only imagine. Well, okay, we just got to throw this out there. This is the perfect time to say, because like we want nothing but the best for our baby, Like we want the top of the line men, but a brother, a cousin, a best friend, just an incredible man in your life. Please submit them for our girl, Michelle. And if you don't know where to go, I mean we say it before and every during every episode, you have to just head to bachel Nation dot com slash apply and like, I'm not Katie when I say Michelle, like I'm ready to sift through some of these applications and find men for you because we need it's going to be hipped men who are motivated, who are driven, who are ambitious, who are kind, like all the things like, please apply for great men for our girl, Michelle. What kinds of things does a guy have to do to really impress you? Like, what's one thing if a man does it on a date or just like in general, you're like, oh, damn, he's a good one. I think when somebody listens to the small things, and so listen to the small things. And it's not just I mean, I'm not going to even go into the love languages, because I feel like everyone goes into the love languages, but I think it's super important that when you are talking, that that other person is genuinely listening to you and genuinely interacting in those conversations and is able to bring up those things that you said at a later time, because that's how you know that they were listening. And so that's something that I look for. And obviously that's going to be kind of hard for me too. That's gonna be a challenge because now I have this wide array of men and I have to listen and I'm going to do my best to remember everything that is said. But yeah, I have a lot of people helping you with that. Yeah, it's gonna be hard, but you'll be fine. You'll be fine. I seen there with a little notepad making notes, but I could you imagine that. But yeah, somebody can truly listen and understand and learn about you, and somebody who actually wants to continue to learn about you. And when I was on the season with Matt, I talked a lot about staying in love and I got a lot of that from my parents because I've watched how they treat each other, how they listened to each other when they're talking, and that goes such a long way. Well, okay, I want to get into your parents because I think all of America fell in love with them when we saw them at your hometown, like they were just the absolute cutest. I mean, can I just say hashtag couple goals like they were. They're like they just seemed like they had sot like this zess and this love for each other and for you. It was very apparent. It was and we've said this on the podcast, like it was one of our favorite hometowns, especially this season. I would say for sure. So, how are they feeling for you, Like what if they could manifest anything for you, what would they want for you? You know, in the episode where Matt got to meet my family and my mom asked us here to like dad, that was something that was very true. Is when I was dating, when I was looking for my person, and when I'm going to be looking for my person, it is somebody who really does treat me like my dad treats my mom because he's so respectful, he continues to go out of his way to do whatever he can for her. He's so supportive, gives her a voice in times and vice versa. And so I think that's what I'm so thankful for is that I had this amazing, healthy relationship that I could see grow continuously as I was growing up and still now and supporting each other. And that's something that I'm going to look for, and I know it's out there, might it might be hard to find, but that that's okay. I'm not willing to settles. It's so rare too. So congratulations to your parents and able to like show you exactly what a healthy, good relationship is. And I think it's so hard to I don't know, especially when you're in your own relationship, there's so much to navigate, and if you don't know how to do those like navigated properly and you have those tools, it makes it really hard. I mean it's doable still, but it just makes it really hard. And so you're honestly one step ahead kind of been a lot of people so which and also too, I mean you like you're coming in in such a special, unique way and much like like you're coming in your face like your parents are this beautiful interracial couple. Like have you been able to and maybe you had this prior to the show too, but also being on the show and like moving forward knowing that you're going to meet twenty five thirty men of all walks of life of you know, black, white, Asian, you'll see more so than you've ever been able to date, probably in Minnesota. Are you able to navigate those types of relationships with your parents and get advice in terms of like potentially being in an interracial couple with them. Yeah, I think my parents have a lot of insight on sometimes the challenges of being an interracial couple and growing up by me and I knew that there were some situations that my parents had experienced where they were traveling and they walked into a restaurant and were treated completely different because they were an interracial couple. And so we've talked about those things, We've talked about those challenges. I've seen how they've handled those challenges, and so that kind of gave me a perfect example of what to do, how to handle it having children that are biracial and potentially the challenges that that can bring with people's views unfortunately. And so yeah, I do think that I'm in a good place where I have had that example and I can. I mean, they're always going to support me, and they're always willing to give my advice, give me advice in an open way. So I'm yeah, I'll be leaning on them a little bit. Yeah, I'll definitely say. You're going to start dating people that you probably have never even imagined yourself dating. But I think that's the best part about this process, is like you are given opportunities that you might not have had before and just to lean in into every single one. You never know who will surprise you. And I feel like, I mean, that's what happened to me, and I feel like, I don't know, just be so open minded and don't take anything off the table, like feel it out, like this is your time to actually do it, because you might be coming out like engage, you know, and then you ain't got no time to do it again. Take a full advantage and definitely utilize your parents when they come. I am so excited for you to do this entire journey. I feel like it's it definitely comes out of nowhere. I know that, but I feel like you have such a good foundation and you're exactly what you know the franchise needs and an example for a lot of people. So I'm so happy you're you're coming up, Honey, you're coming up, coming up. I want to I want to leave some time because I feel like, so we've had a bad shread Bible in the past where we've passed it down to all of the bad charts. I think it was given to me actually on my season so three years ago from Caitlin, Jojo and Rachel. But do you have any advice or do you want to ask us any advice or tips before you go in? I mean, I know that you have some time. Like I said, we will continue to talk, but right now, just since it's also fresh, like anything that you want to ask us since we've been in your shoes, I honestly want to know what you feel like. The helpful the most helpful tip is going into this position or after you've finished, if you're looking back and you're like, oh, oh, I really wish I did this or I really wish I would have thought of that beforehand. So, now that you've been through the experience that you have, what is the biggest tip or yeah, that you would have for someone like me. Oh, one thing that I would say and I feel like you're going to do this, like so I feel like I don't even really need to like explain it that much is to stay open minded in the sense of, like you know, when you're dating, you have the luxury to like go on one day and be like, m they're not for me, I'm not into them here. You still have to keep a certain amount of guys around each week, as you know, and when I say stay open, like, you never know who's going to surprise you. So you could have one date or one group date with somebody or one conversation and be like, I don't know if they're for me, Like you know, it's not all there yet, but keep pushing through because some people will pleasantly surprise you and you will be so talked. Like I went through most of my entire season thinking it was going to be one person. I was like dead set, and then like towards the end, I started to open up and be more surprised by like the other men, where I was like, Okay, I'm glad I didn't write this person off week one or week two and they got to week five or six whenever. So just keep that in mind, like there's gonna be times where you're gonna be exhausted and you're gonna make a I'm over this person, like I wasn't feeling it this night. They might have had an off night. You might have had an off night. So just just be open to that, Like you never know when it's going to slop you in the face and you're like, oh, I actually really like this person one thing in hindsight, and I can say this now years later because I've done a lot of thinking about it, and you know, um, really going back through like how I handled my season versus then and now, ask the right questions in the right way. I went in thinking, you know, I wentn't thinking knew, and I know what like I know what I'm here for, I know what I want, I know what I need in a partner when I'm demanding under these men. And I thought I did an okay job at the time of like navigating certain conversations and asking certain questions, whether it was on camera or off. Looking back, now I didn't. And so now I would just like be so direct and intentional in what you're wanting to find out about these men, even if it's uncomfortable, even if it's going to be hard, even if it could lead to like the end of whatever relationship you're having with any of the men. Just be very intentional about what and how you're asking things. Good point, that's me. I mean I could I could go on and on, but like, like the main takeaways at this point, Dasha probably has completely different ones. No, that's not true. I kind of agree with you. But I feel like you know that now because you're you're you're more mature, like you've grown and you know what you want now. I feel like, Michelle, you have a really good head on your shoulders, and I feel like I don't know, I feel like I'm not worried about you asking the questions that you're gonna need answer it. But I feel okay, So going in, I will say, have I already told you have no expectations and don't just cling to what you're used to. I feel like that's what you would be most pleasantly surprised at. It is because like when you open yourself and you're just allowing the moment to just happen and not overthinking everything, it allows you to put your guard down. The guys actually see who you are. They automatically become more like calm and like able to open up to you, and it it just take it for as normal as you can make it. It's very abnormal. But at this point you kind of have a little bit of experience under your belt and just be confident in who you are, like you own it, like you know what you have to offer. So just go make them work a little. Just just be you like it's fine, don't think about it, and like I said, test out all the waters. But as far as like looking back, to be honest with you, obviously, I don't regret anything because I'm happily engaged, but I really truly think that I was myself, and even if I did mess up or I, you know, I could have asked a little bit more questions. I think that I have a good enough intuition and I think I have a good enough, you know, sense of self that I was able to navigate those waters. And so I think that's also really a big part of it again, being reassured that you know what you're doing and you're making the right decisions, because you can continuously think that you're not doing the right thing and then they're away. Another relationship that should have been you know what I mean, like second guess in yourself. You don't need to do all that. We always play a fun game with our guests, which we will get into, but I want to leave the floor open to you because your big moment will be coming up in a few short months. But before that, we obviously know that Katie is going to be the current Bachelor at a little bit before you, so before before she goes off into filming and all that, is there anything that you want to say to her, any words of encouragement, Like what sentiment would you leave for Katie at this point? I think it's a lot about what you too just spoke about is truly being yourself. I mean this process if you do throw yourself in. I mean there's that quote that everyone says, trust the process process, But really, when you put down social media in your phone and you kind of put down small talk, you can really dig deep and get to know one And I think the biggest thing is to not she doesn't need to be robotic. She can be her complete, genuine, authentic self, so that at the end of this, even when the cameras are done rolling, those two people, her and whoever you know, hopefully she ends up with truly know each other and it's not necessarily the situation where it's a surprise coming later. And obviously there are going to be bumps because it's a relationship in such a short period of time. But I think Katie will stick. I think Katie will stay true to herself, and I think she'll do a really good job with that. But like you, like you just posted, that's the biggest thing that someone in this position can do. Wait, I want to know, Michelle, who were you closest with at the resort? Yeah, I was, quote well Ryan, we were. We were roomies for a little bit, and then Serena pe and Bree. Okay, oh good group. Oh cool? And do you still stay in touch with most of the women or I guess those women? Oh yeah, we talk every day. Yeah, I love it. Maybe seems more your faces on your season too, So, um, I can't wait. Okay, game time because we know that you're all about the games. Okay, So Michelle being the new batcherette, we're gonna play a game called a Rose or goes. I'm gonna try to put on my best announcer voice. Okay, Rose or goes. We're gonna give you a few scenarios that could happen on your season, okay, and you have to tell if it's a rose or if they'll go. So I will kick it off. We're just gonna give you different scenarios. You tell us are they gonna stay? Are they gonna get that rose or go? It's very straightforward obviously, um. And some of these have happened on past seasons, so I don't know if you would handle them the same way. Some maybe are just like made up scenarios. But here we go. It's night one and a guy steps out of the lima wearing a costume, maybe a squirrel costume is it a rose or does he go oh gosh, I feel like I'd had to talk to the squirrel. But I'm gonna say Rose. Okay, maybe nobody, maybe not my final Rose. I don't know, but some kind of that's we're working with. Maybe you were the costume. I feel like they don't ever make it that far. Well, oh that's true. I mean, remember open minded, you don't know you're construe. I would talk to the squirrel. And I always say this people. People always knock the costumes, but night ones are always long, there always freezing, and so it's like if they can get a leg up and stay warm in that costume. I mean, I had a guy show up in a chicken party, but I was jealous by the end of the night because I was so cold. I was like, can I wear this? Yeah? Okay, rapid fire, Okay, you gotta go quickly to theives. Okay. Ready, You're at a cocktail party and a guy spray champagne in his face. Is he a rose? Or goes Rose? Rose? Rose? Alright, it's night one and a guy wants to be the life of the party and cannonballs into the pool. Rose or goes goes Yeah, a guy arrives late a few weeks into your journey rose or goes rose? Obviously a rose? Look at look at the gold we got out of the literally literally yeah. What if a guy rides up in a horse rose, A guy walks up the drive a with all for one Sarah eating you? Does he get a rose? Or does he go? He gets a rose? Okay? What about a guy? What about if a guy drives up in a hot tub car? Did I get in? Yeah? You better? Okay? What if a guy steps out of a little and speaks to you in another language? Rose or goes after I Google translate M can tell you what are you saying? If he just leaves your hanging, It's like, come on it? What else do that talking to do? Okay? What I wants to do? A wedding photo shoot with you? Goes? Speed up? Take Tasia and Zach they had to do this? Awkward? Why didn't shoot date and look and look at this ring on her finger? Show it off, Tasia? Well, I'm getting it resized, so I don't have it all right now? This is really awkward. Literally so up. I swear it should be coming tomorrow or whatever anyway, but I will say, look, that was the most uncomfortable situation. But literally the way that he handled it is what kind of made me second, Like like take him seem a different light, and I was like, oh wait, he's very attentive. This is amazing. As long as they're not like one up in you and like taking all the spotlight in this photo, it's okay, Like he clearly knew I was uncomfortable. It was like, maybe you shouldn't do you know, so it might be it might be helpful. Okay, what is something that a guy can do that definitely means he's getting the rose. Oh I'm trying to think about something different than I already said something different. Um, I don't motivated. Honestly, if someone's lazy, that's like the biggest turn off for me. Do you do you like overly confident men or does it kind of rudy out if it's like borderline cocky. I want them to have confidence, but I want them to be humble. I want them to be sure of themselves or of what they bring to the table, but I don't want them if they have to feel like they are showcasing it all the time, or you know, you get a huge group of men, if they're trying to one up each other well spoken, like a true minnisote. My mom's going to be listening to this and be like, I love that. Michelle Young when I when I when I left for my season, She's like, just stay humble, stay humble, make sure the guys are humble. So she's gonna love this conversation. How do you feel about like kissing? Night one? Like, if a guy came out and kiss fresh Lemo, how would that make you feel? Um? I like to take things slow, which I'm cracking up because I'm a bachelor. Good luck. I mean depending if he's a good kisser, if his eyes are closed right, if it's not hard to be I heard his do people, but his eyes open, then you know we might. Would you send him home? Night one? If you knew he was kissing me with his eyes open top it, you would not, Michelle? I would not, No, No, I would talk. He has PTSD? This girl's scarred? Are you okay? PTSD? But I would definitely a hard time to say that. What is something that if a guy did this, he would have to go right away? Um, if he drank too much and was super sloppy, honestly. Yeah, no one likes sloppy. No one likes sloppy. And this is why this is great because everyone listening in can know exactly what we are looking for and not looking for. And I say we like, I'm with you because like a composed man that's kind humble, that does make you laugh like children, It's sweet, but like also motivated, also kind of doesn't need to work out a lot, but is still fit. A family guy, family guy. Yeah huge. Yeah, So anybody, if that applies to you, go apply for Michelle season the Bachelorte. Now I feel like a cohost or a host commercial. Yeah, this is this is weird. Okay, yeah, so go apply. Oh my gosh, I'm so excited, Michelle. I feel like we could have you on like a pardon. We doesn't want to let you go, but I also realize you are a teacher. You have to get to class. You have thirty I'm sure thirty students that you have to you know, look over, so we can't hug all of your time. One last question before we let you hop off. Overall throughout the entire season, everything that you just lived through, what was your rose and what was your thorn? My rose was finding other really impactful women that are so close to me, know, I mean, Ryan, Serena Peebree. We have such a special bond that we just get what each other went through and being able to we say it every day because this season has been hard. The season season has been super heavy, but when we're on the FaceTime at the end, we always are like, I would do it again, or this was all worth it because I had that because I came out so yeah, I didn't come out with Matt, but I came out with three bomb best friends. That's yeah, our lifelong pro pretty funny. Honestly, it's the best. It's the bass and those girlfriends will get you through a lot of things. So I'm so happy you had such a good experience and you have another one coming up, and we were so happy to talk to you. Yeah, Michelle, it has been such a pleasure, so excited for everything to come for just for the world to see your own love story unfold, like it's going to be something so special. I cannot wait. So thank you for joining us today. Please stay in touch when I come back to Minnesota. You know I'm gonna make you hang out with me. We're gonna grab wine, we'll grab coffee, whatever it might be, we will catch up. Oh right, Tasia, I it. I have to say I have a girl crush on the show. I know she really is like the sweetest thing, but she's just so I don't know, it's not I don't want to say like down to earth, because obviously she is, but like it's just she's humble, she's quiet, she's kind of like reserved, like this is all very shocking to her, which I is that what it is. I'm just gonna keep saying that. She just I mean even even the second she stepped out of the limbo like that not her I mean her night one, but not at the top of the season, Like she just brought out this different, like wow factor. I think with that and like we saw it early on, like she was never one to like be guarded. She's always been very open, very vocal, like fun, playful, smart, like all the things wrapped up into one. She is going to make such an incredible bad setor I both heard Katy will like completely agree he can't wait to see what this year has in store. Like and after like the this last season, I mean, it felt like it just was being dragged on and on and on and yeah so much. I truly hope, and I say this every season, but I truly hope for her sake, like back to the basics, back to that love story, like she deserves somebody, like so incredible. Um, so I can't wait, you know, And hopefully she'll stay in touch with us and we can bounce ideas off with her and give her advice whenever she needs. I feel like she's not going to hesitate to be shy about reaching out to any of the Batcherets, which absolutely no I could already seeing. I already see her being part of the girl very quickly. So she did such a phenomenal job and she's gonna I can't wait to see her men, and like it hasn't even started yet. We've gotta get through Katie first, but one na um, it's gonna be great. But we also want to say, Matt, thank you for being such an amazing bachelor, Like personally, I thought you handled a lot of the situations with such grace and as well as you could. Um. But we're wishing you the very very very beast and however that journey may look like. And I think he'll figure it out. He's got to be good having shoulders. He you know, he went through a wild ride on his season. It's not something that I think he expected or anyone expected. That was very clear during you know, his chats during Afar. But he is smart. He I'm sure has learned a great deal about just being vulnerable and expressing more feeling and emotion and what he does and does not want in a relationship. So, Matt, your journey in this regard may have come to a close, but your journey in life, I think is just starting. So go off, take care, stay healthy. We wish you nothing but the best, and we hope that you find what you're looking for one day very soon. Also, I just want to say thank you guys so much, and you Becca for taking me in these past couple of weeks. It's been so much fun. But your girl Rachel has come and actually we'll be here next week for another episode as per usual. But thanks for having me. This was so much fun. Titia. It's always so great to have you. I love our girl chats. You just brings something different and unique and fresh to these conversations. And I mean you you are the Batchel right that literally just lived through this, so it's it was so good to have you on to speak with Michelle, you know, to let her know kind of what she's in store for because I'm a little bit removed. I don't remember everything. I'm getting old, I'm forgetting things in the page of money. So thank you for coming, and you guys, one more time, I'm going to say it again. Please, if you have any incredible men in your life that you think would be a great fit for Michelle, don't forget to sign them up for the show. If you want to do that, you can head to batchelornation dot com slash apply today. So everyone out there listening, thank you for listening through this entire season. I know it was a rollercoaster of everything, and I always thank you for hanging out with us each and every Tuesday. And a huge shout out to Michelle, thank you for stopping by. I know that your life is crazy busy and it's going to get even busier, so we're so excited for you and we hope to talk to you again very soon. And as always, you guys keep writing to us and letting us know your thoughts, open and concerns, questions, all the things, So if you don't know where to find us, if you're on Instagram, you can check out at badge or happy Hour and then it's at Badge Happy Hour on both Facebook and Twitter. And if you never want to miss out on an episode, please please please subscribe to our podcast. You can do that on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, The Wondering Apple, or wherever you're listening to us right now. Thanks guys,