‘Bachelor Happy Hour’ x ‘Almost Famous’ Crossover

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Speaker 1: Welcome back Bachelor Happy Hour listeners. Becca and I are here today with our crossover episode with Ashley and Ben from Almost Famous. We are so excited to be doing this with you. We did part one on Almost Famous, but now this is part two on Bachelor Happy Hour and I think this is the first time we've had you both together on here, so welcome. Before we get into all of the fun questions, how are you both doing good? I just got a crop shot of Ashley and I've never the first time in five years, so that that's happened, I was like, I don't want to do Actually, are so pumped to be here. We're a should have been a team for five years and I love ash like we've done this together every week. I don't think we've ever I don't know if Ashley I've ever done a different podcast interview together. I don't think we've ever known. Yeah, that's so fun. I love the first time for all. Do you ever get on each other's nerves? Like, do you guys ever fight over that five years or not? Really? It's weird. Probably he probably has his well when he's like, Jesus, I don't this woman won't shut out. I'm trying to ask the question. She keeps asking questions. But besides that, I will say though, like and just taking it back to a couple of years ago and Ben and I were on tour together. The just the respect, like the level of respect and admiration that he had for you, Ashley, and the friendship that you guys had formed with something really special. Like I remember you would call him at certain times and I wouldn't hear what the conversation was, but it was like to ask for certain bits of advice. I think that's something so special, and that's why I love you both. I feel like you guys have kind of paved the way together, and that's why we're so happy to have you both here, because Michelle and I can always learn from other people, and she's as Ashley has still given me a crunch shot. Yeah, it is true, though, I mean we haven't really fought. I'm sure we get on each other's nerves, not like to a point where it's like, oh my gosh, I gotta get out of here. Um, it's like a brother's sister relationship. And I would say more than anything, and I'm just as we get started here. I'm proud of Ashley and I and I hope you two do the same thing where it's five years, Like that's a long time to work alongside anybody in this kind of space and still like enjoy doing it, get along doing it, um, getting better ed, still doing it together. But I'm just I'm proud of us for being able to do it. I guess to wine right now, cheers took. But anybody who knows Ben knows that, like, you couldn't be working with a more kind, understanding human. So I mean any issue that ever arises between a podcast or like in Bachelor Nation, he's the first person that you can just talk it out with. Yeah, but I don't even I don't know if I've ever met you in person. Correct, I've met you only like on podcasts or like zoom situations. But I remember coming back you were on when I was on Matt season of The Bachelor. I think you were on one of the group dates, is that correct? And it was like one of the first group dates, right. I came in the house late, Um, but all their girls went and when they came back, when they came back, they weren't like, oh, they weren't like, oh my god, Matt They're like, oh my god, Ben. Yeah, everybody was just so excited that Ben was on the date because he was so good beginning, he was so sweet. That happened. I think I told you this, but when it was already season, I think they were filming. It had to have been like the Women Tell All or one of the live specials that I wasn't at. And I remember both well I don't want to say the names, but two of my girlfriends who still friends, called me because you were saying at the same hotel as them, and you were going to the live special and so were they, and they both called me at separate times where like we just met Ben Higgins and I think he's single, he's so hot, like screw Ari, maybe we just go for Ben And I'm sitting there like so, I don't think I've ever told you this. This is very awkward. Right now, I will say from my own story, and now, I remember when you came to my hotel room after mentell all. If that sounds scandalous, but it was like a couple select guys and girls from our respective seasons can't in my hotel room and Ben and I were talking out in the balcony, and I was like, I can't believe that I'm talking to the Ben Higgins in my hood, Like you were such a celebrity, because it was so obvious you were the next Bachelor and one of the most deserving batchlors I've ever had. Okay, oh, how times have changed? Because I right before we started recording, I was outside in my yard picking up dog poop with a glove on because we're getting ready to travel. The next thing I would say is, yeah, no, that is true. Things things change. Maybe that was a bad example, but things do change, Michelle. Half that date didn't get aired because I had so much fun doing it that I was like yelling like go faster, faster, like because it was like a relay race, and so half the day didn't even air. So I'm glad I didn't. I left that date going. I think I just scared every single person on that day, because even the producers came into my room and were like, you got really intense out there. It's like, I don't know what got into me. I've had a lot of fun with it, you know. They everyone seemed to take it as like encouragement in a good mental spot. That makes me feel better. I love this. I feel like we could talk to you guys just about anything and shoot this shit. But we do want to get into just some fun topics because we've all gone through this crazy world. And when we ended actually your podcast, we ended up talking about the upcoming season of The Boucherette and obviously we all recap the show. What are both of your thoughts on having the two leads? And I also want to add on to that and from both of you because actually you've done several seasons and New were on Paradise and now you're happily married from somebody that you went on the show, and Benny were also a lead and now happily married. What is some advice that you would give to both the women, like now as their season is about to air, and then anything once it's kind of done and allow it in the open. What would you advise for them at that point too? And you go first, okay, here we go. First thing is how do I feel about two bachelorettes? I originally did not like the idea. I think for very similar reasons why everybody else didn't love the idea. You're sharing this moment with somebody else. And that's a hard place to put anybody into, especially when this thing is brand new. I also didn't know how I was going to play out. So my season of the Bachelorette, there were two bachelorettes at the beginning, and I think it was an experiment that didn't go well. And as a cast member, it didn't feel great either, because you just don't know these people, and like, how am I supposed to make a decision on Night one with two people that are very different that I know nothing about? And so I was concerned in summary about this season, because how are you supposed to date and explore and walk through life with somebody for this short period of time. Well, at the same time, there's somebody else on the other side, so if things go bad, you can just be like, oh sorry, Well I'm moving on. From what I hear from the two bachelorettes themselves, I'm more now excited and comfortable and like ready to watch how this plays out. They feel. It feels like however it was done, it was healthy error than what I expected. So that's kind of all I could say right now is I am intrigued or excited to watch and less cautious about this just feels like another season that is going to kind of backfire and be a really awkward conversation for us to have on these podcasts and try to navigate like how to do it? The next I would say is what advice do I have for them? I think it's two pieces. One, have a lot more fun with it than you even think you're willing to have, because this is a unique experience in life and it's gonna be stressful. It's gonna feel so serious, and it is serious at times. So when the moments where you're like you can feel like, hey, I'm enjoying this, soak it up, like look around you, breathe in, like breathe in the media and the New York tours and all of that stuff. Because it does go away, and it should go away, but while you're in it, like enjoy the opportunity you have and then move on would be my next piece of advice. Like, maybe not from the franchise. You know, I'm still a part of this franchise. It's been good to me. I have a unique story where it's been good to me overall, but move on. We've all been asked to be on a dating show for some of us. We have different star power, right, we can host things better, or we are creators, and like this will open up a whole new lane of opportunities. But the fame will fade. The celebrity does fade, it should fade. Nobody's meant to be famous. And then like enjoy that ride too of going back to whatever life looked like before a little bit and be okay with that and know what happens to everybody would be how I close this is know that every single person, no matter if they think they're not going to or not, they've been the lead of the show. They've got off the show and felt like a rock star. They have been a rock star. And then over time there's a new person and there's a new year, there's a new thing come and it goes away. And just know that you aren't alone in those moments where it feels like everything else fades. That would be my advice. I think that's the only thing I could say that would be helpful, would be just enjoy all of it. So I love the best advice that I've heard, just really embracing like the experiences as it comes, like build up, filming the show, airing, the show, you know, post show finale everything, and then like truly moving on because yeah, nobody's meant to be famous. Doesn't it sound like a quote? That's what I was saying. I think by that statement was meant to be That was really deep, I know, but it's so solid. It's kind of it's like the same way that we all age and grow and get older and get wrinkles and gray hair. It's like, when you're young, you never think that's going to happen to you, and you think you're gonna be this way, and then everyone goes through and inexperiences those fears, and it's we all go through it, we all get older. It's I love both of those bits. Actually, what about you? I feel like I can never like speak after Ben in those moments. And I will say that my story on the Bachelor has been so unique that I don't even know if I can give advice to especially like a lead, because Jared and I got so much time without the spotlight on us to build a friendship and we were able to just create such solid foundation because we were never in a committed relationship on TV ever, and left with them, So I mean, that's really that my probably best advice is maybe to leave and just take the time to get to know each other. I remember that you really are still dating, even if you do have a ring on your finger. And to reiterate what Ben said, it's all about soaking in those moments that are so surreal and they're still surreal to this day. And I still can't believe sometimes that like I am where I am, Like if I'm on the set of something seven years almost eight years after starving this whole thing, and it's like, this is so cool, I can't believe. I still can't believe it in every time I think it's going to be your last time, one day it will be and you won't even know. Well. So, actually that's actually a good segment into what I want to ask you, because, like you just said, your story with Jared is a little bit unconventional, and you guys met on Paradise. But take you back to that day, you know, going back down Okay, I have a two per questions, So going back down the day that you actually got engaged on the beaches of Paradise once again, A did you ever expect that you two would be going down there together? And leaving together and having that special unique bonding moment, like was that something you ever foresaw? And then when you actually proposed, did you have any idea that it was happening that day? Okay, so I am such a positive person and everybody you'll be like you totally manifested your being your husband. So when people say can you imagine? Can you imagine that? Like, yeah I could. I didn't I imagine that? And then we especially got together. I was like, I hope this happened to paradise because what a cool full circle moment. So even though we had like times where I definitely was like, I guess it's not him. I guess he's just not my person, those times were like far feween and they before you know it, I mean back to being like, yeah, we're gonna end up together one day. I just don't know how it is like so weird, like why just we boyfriend and girlfriend? But we don't. It's basically what we said. That's how we described our relationship. Um, so yeah, I'm not like shocked that it isn't It all unfolded that way? And that day I was like fifty fifty. I was getting my nails done thought he was going to propose or not. Yeah, yeah, okay, sorry, I thought you said fifty fifty, like if you were going to say yes or not. There was no way she wasn't saying yes, okay. I mean she wasn't like I'm playing hard to get you know. Okay. So I was like getting my nails done that week of and I was telling the nail tech I'm like, listen, this might be my engagement manicure, so I really need this to be good. My sister sat next to me and she was like, can you make sure it's this shape? Because I know nothing when it them to that stuff. Uh. So I just kept going back and forth and asking anyone who would have insight. I was like, Mom, Dad, has he asked you? And everybody had the straightest face. They're like, Ashley, You're insane, Like no. Jade and Tanner were so good because I had to get dinner with them the night before and Jared went to the bathroom and I interrogated them and they're like, listen, it's it's not happening now, but it will happen with the next six months. That's what happens when you say yes to this. Yeah, yeah, in the bathroom. I'm over here right now. But yeah, that's pretty much it. I was I kept on back before this happenings not happen happenings. It's uh, it's how I picture Ashley as she steps away to get her baby here. I've always pictured Ashley up until the day of her wedding having you know, she was the type of girl who had posters all over her room of every boy band known to man. Uh, she loved Jared so much. If you knew her back in the day, you knew that she loved Jared, and like made it very clear to everybody how much she loved Jared. Behind the scenes, she made it clear. I have a feeling that, like, I always had this idea that she went back to her room and like drew out a game plan on a piece of paper of how she was gonna get Jared um, how she was gonna get him to fall in love with her, and like manifested it and like prayed over that piece of paper for weeks until the day he finally did because at a piece of his hair. Yeah exactly. Yeah, something weird here going on. So we need ashe's manifestation powers. I think everyone needs like a little little we need to like bump shoulders with her, have it rubuff off on us a little bit, absolutely, because clearly I'm not doing it one day. One day. Yeah, you'll figure it out. That's awesome though I can't even know, Ashley. This has all been really amazing to kind of just see how this has all come about. Yeah, I do have a question, but the fact that like this is just gonna show how good you are at like just life manifesting. I mean, you're on a podcast right now talking about your engagement, how you manifested all this, and then you're like feeding the offspring that all this creative. But you wore stilettos down the beach for this engagement. How the babies on board? So how the heck did you do that. I wasn't even thinking like, oh, I'm gonna be walking through the stand. I thought we were giving out a date card. And if you've been a paradise, you're like, oh, I'll be in the rose ceremony, Palapa, I'll be in the beach area. I didn't think I was gonna be taking a walk down memory Lane literally on the beach. Yeah, And I think when you're not there for a few years, you kind of forget that, like it's bare feet or sandals, that's your only option. I still everybody that you planned in that you owned it. You know. Okay, there's that too, and you can actually walk in here and you look stunning, right in fifty shot of getting engaged. I mean I was gonna do it in heels. You're gonna look good, of course. So speaking of engagements, Ben, you, when we were on tour years ago, you had this grand, elaborate, lovely plan on how you wanted to originally propose to Jess when we were in New York City. Obviously COVID hindered that plan. So then when you actually did it back it was at Jess's parents place, correct. Yeah, when you propose, what did you do mentally, emotionally whatever to prepare you to propose to her in that way to kind of shift from what you were planning and in that moment on that social day, what was the most important thing or message that you really wanted to come through to her. Yeah, well that's a good sten. So you're right. I had a plan in New York City and we had a bunch of professional dancers on tour with us, and so they were getting all of their professional dance friends to do a massive what do you call when everybody joins in like randomly and dancing fla flash mob? Flash mob. Yeah, they're gonna do a random flash mob to her grandfather's favorite song I had just recently her. It was one of her closest family members who had just recently passed away right before I was proposing. And it was gonna beautiful. We're gonna do it in Central Park. Her parents were gonna be out there. My parents were gonna be out there. We had the Plaza Hotel lobby like dedicated to where we're going to celebrate. It was all I think. Some of the choreography was like already done, said ready to go. Yeah. And then COVID hit a week before that, and so her mom and I talked to each other and we said, well, I'm gonna propose. That's not gonna stop. So how can we make this special? So sunflowers are a favorite flower. We set up flowers in their backyard along a pond. And so to get to your final question, what was important to me? And I thought through this. So on the flight home and on the drive I was like, what, what is important about this moment? Because you say a lot And I was more nervous for that than I ever was from my wedding. Just a weird you have your best friend, the love of your life, and you're like looking at them, asking them a very direct question in a very formal way, and it's like, this feels odd, it feels different. I just simply wanted to tell her and commit to her. One that I was grateful that, like she came into my life. And two, I don't know why, I like this make me tear up, this is weird. I just wanted to tell it. Well, probably because last night we had like a good old wedding conversation where we're like, hey, Ben, you need to communicate with me better. You need to tell me what's going on in your life. And I'm like, I don't know how, and it was like a hard you know, just those things happen in relationships. I just want to tell her I was gonna like be there like forever, Like I wanted to make sure she knew that I was happy and excited to be there with her in life forever, that I want to be that man to her. I want to be that partner to her that she didn't have to worry about that anymore. Yeah, so that was that was it? Like just that I she didn't have to worry about h That's beautiful. And sometimes it's those most simple sentiments that we all need to hear, right Like, yes, you guys have probably talked about getting engaged at some point, and I'm sure it wasn't a complete shock to her, but it's still nice to hear just the simplicity of I am here, I'm committed to you, you know, like that's not going to waiver. That's that's so special. So now that you both are happily married, we are not what is what is one bit of advice that you could give to freshly married couples that are now kind of going through this next chapter of life together. And I also want to know the most interesting thing that you've learned from your partners since you've been married, Oh my goodness, and your faith. I want to know the favorite thing as well, like what what has just been the beautiful thing that you you know, having a healthy, biggest joy to realize? Yeah, yeah, I U. I would say to the to answer the first question, one of the biggest joys to being married has been just like looking at Jessica and knowing she's she's my teammate, that we have this together, that everything I do in life is with her. The hardest thing for me personally to switch over from is I was relatively single or living alone. For I mean, I was thirty two years old when I got married, so for about eight years you developed some really selfish habits. And I've had to eliminate some of those selfish habits, Like I have to communicate better with my wife. I can't just internalize everything and never explained to her that hey, I had a hard day at work, or hey, this relationship, my friendship in my life is really frustrating me. Like I can't just sit in the anymore. I have to talk to her about that, and that's hard for me. I'm not great at it, and I don't know how to do it and when it's appropriate, when it's not the most beautiful thing about Jessica this is easy because it's the first thing that comes to mind is if you've met Jessica Clark Higgins. I am a skeptic. At times, I am cynical. I assume things often Jessica believes the best in people right away. She encourages me to see that she loves people well, she likes people well. I don't know if I've ever heard her say like anything about anybody, Like she just enjoys each piece of somebody individually, and she she knows how she's learned or loves how to do that. And that's just it's good for me. It makes me a better man. But it's also really fun to live with somebody like that because there their love for people is so broad. I think it comes from her faith and her love and God, and I think her leaf that people matter. But I also just think it's because she's just special. So that's my favorite thing, is just living with somebody who loves people really well. Well, what's awesome about Jared and my relationship is I think that we went through so much stuff, harder stuff early on, and now it's really easy. You know, people go like marriage is hard. It's like, well, I have to say we've been blessed with thus far the three years we've been married that it hasn't been hard, and I'm sure that those years are going to come. I mean, it's just natural, but it's we work as a team so well. Even if it was like even before having kids, it's just like a balance of like I don't know, there's like all we were able to always find like a balance, even if it's like running the household, and now with him it's being a parent is not easy at all, but Jared and I have been really great in parenting together. It's just like we really share the responsibilities. And I'm so lucky to have a man who believes in sharing all responsibilities when it comes to that stuff, and he loves it. And that's one of like the sweetest things that I love about him is how much he loves taking care of people, whether that's me. He's like a big acts of service guy, like you know that he like takes pride in like surprising me with like clean bottles next to the baby food maker. And even before we had Dawson, he'd get annoyed and like my mom would take lowest out on box or like feed lowest during COVID we really out of my parents for a long time. He's like, that's my dog. I want to take care of my dog. I love taking care of her. And then that that's kind of that same way it is with Dawson now, and it's just really cute. And I just appreciate that he has like he just loves to provide and take care of his family, and I know that he gets up from his dad and that's just one of them. It's just one of the many things that I love to much about him. Play really like you can. It plays a role in like our day to day. Oh my gosh, Well, you both have such incredible supportive partners. I'm lucky to say that because I've met them both, but I don't even know the tip of the iceberg of how incredible they both are. But and I also love how you're saying this and Dawson's just looking up at you, like with his big beautiful eyes. I was looking at you, Becca because I'm like, I know that. Look are you looking at it? Because You're like, You'm to have this? And Thomas, I'm getting ready. I'm getting ready. You're like, but glowing this. This is not about me, This is about you too. And we always play games with any of our guests that we have on so this is super fun. It's basically rapid fire. Um. We thought we would test your machination knowledge since we've all been in this world for quite a bit, and this game is called who said it? So we're gonna give you and we'll go every other. So I'll read a sentence and Ben, you can answer who you think it is and vice versa. But basically, we're gonna give you an iconic quote. I'm either the Bachelor, bachelotte or from somebody in Paradise, and you try to have to you have to try to guess who said it. So let's go Ben. First quote, somebody said, I've never been this turned on in a high school before, Ben Higgins. That's what I thought, Yeah, I remember how I had high school. I thought these I would suck at this game because I wouldn't know any of these. But that was actually Jojoe Fletcher back in the day. Now, Actually, this person said, my motto is under promise and over deliver is bad. Ben, Nope, that one is from Dean. That's okay, okay, I'll take the next one real quick. Oh you got it? Okay, cool. If you want to be with a woman, you have to become a real man. Nick Vile. No, it's actually Hannah Ann. Oh wow wow Hannah, And that was real. That was a good one. I remember how amazing she was during that breakup scene, how all the right things were coming out of her mouth. Yeah. I was like, yes, girl, you were saying everything I wanted to say back in the day. Um okay, Ashley, who said this one My biggest fear is the idea that you could not be loved back or maybe possible possibly unlovable. Oh well, we all know that this is bad. I remember, jez Okay, got it. I do appreciate you wanting to look out for me, but at the same time, I can speak for myself. Mattie Pruett, No, that was our girl, Michell, Yeah, that's solid. I was like, I should have looked into Michelle's eyes when she said, because I know she was sitting there being like, mmmmm, who did you say? Who did you say? Was me? Honestly, I feel like I said that several times to people for myself. Um yeah, I don't even remember which situation got aired, but I did say that. Okay, I thought I knew what kind of man you were, what you just made me go through. I would never want my children having a father like you. Clare Crawley, Yeah, girl, Wow, Okay, here's this one. I love sports, but I don't play games. Come on, Michelle Young, Yeah no, no, any sports goes to me. Rachel Lindsay, Oh, Rachel, I'm terrible at this game. Okay, I've been a fool and I'm so sorry and I want to make it up to you for the rest of my life. Oh that's my husband. Yeah, yeah, yes, I was just waiting for let's do the damn thing to come up, and I was like, I know that one. I know We're got to make these easier sometime. Damn um YouTube. It has been so much fun to have you you both on. That was way too short. I just love catching up with you. I love just watching both of your lives unfold, and they truly all worked out. We've all been through weird shit in this franchise, through all the ups and downs, but you have both found incredible partners. It seems like you're just loving life, and so we are so happy that you join us on Happy Hour. Thank you so much, guys, This is really fun, and thank you Dawson for joining us too. Buddy and Dawson at even pretty so precious. We'll be hosting in no time. Oh, I know, what a fun top of the episode. I'm so glad that Ben and Ashley were able to join us on Happy Hour. Such a fun crossover and truly one that you know, like Bennett said, like something we didn't expect to happen between two podcasts. But it's great to see them, I think for us to Michelle, like we're very fresh working on Happy Hour together and they've been doing this for five years, so it's fun to see how they operate together. I mean, they know each other so well, and who knows, maybe we can get there one day together too. Oh we'll get there. We'll get there. No, They're just so uplifting and it's like that was just such a good, like feel good episode, right yeah, but really it has been. It has been a minute. Hello happy our listeners. I really have missed being on here with you, Becca, and I do appreciate you taking over, as there's been a lot going on and I really didn't need to step away for a minute too, just kind of focus on myself, So thank you. But I am back and I'm super excited to be back. Well, I'm excited to hear this voice again. I for one have missed it, and I know our listeners have missed hearing you too. It's and my heart goes out to you because I know what it's like to go through not only a breakup, but a very public one at that. And so we kept saying week after week, like, take the time, the space that you need. We hope that you felt supportive, supported and loved from Afar and I you did. I think what is probably the best thing anyone could do in your position is you said I need a reset, I need a change of scenery. And so you took off for a week and went on what looks like a beautiful vacation in Iceland. So let's start on a high note and talk about that fun little girls trip that you had. Yeah, well, you know, I really love traveling. It's something that I've always loved to do and I want to do more of. And it's been a really busy, you know, past few years with everything. But I'm also a very spontaneous person and my friends have come to learn that. And so as this was unfolding, like this had been just a lot of emotions for a decent amount of time. You know, I had two friends, Brooke and Tea, who really were with me nearly every day with my family just kind of trying to work through all this, and I just said, like I just I want to get out. I want to get out, I want to disconnect. Um. And so it was like a Thursday night when we bought tickets to Iceland and then we left on like Monday morning or like Monday midday. So it was a super quick turnaround. Um, but I it was. It was amazing. It was probably like the best thing that I could have done, um to just completely get some fresh air and you know, out in nature and like that that amazing reset and feeling like I'm honestly on a whole different planet because if have you ever been to Iceland? No, but I want to. It looks stunned, all right, absolutely sunny personal tour guide and hell yeah miss back. But um no, I love Thomas, but I don't want him. I want us. I want you. I got you. No, it won It's only like five and a half hours. It's like a flight from Minneapolis, so it's not really that far. But um, I sat down one day and like spent maybe like four or five hours just planning the whole trip, because like when I go on vacation, my I have like two modes. It's like vacation where I'm bopping around doing all bunch of activities, or were like I'm in a resort, all inclusive on the beach pool every day, right full on tourists or full on relaxation. Of course, like I hopped on Google, I did my research, um, and so we ended up flying in. We rented a car. We like drove three hours out and we just started working our way back in and so we did a tving like on black sand beaches. We got to see like these beautiful like waterfalls. Um, it was incredible. We got to go to the Blue Lagoon, we got to see these beautiful sunsets, and just like every corner that you turned there was some different type of scenery. It was just it was truly amazing. Um. You know when you're like sitting on your couch and then your TV kind of goes into sleep mode and you see all of those like beautiful places like postcard posts crossing your TV. Ye. So this is where I got the idea of Iceland because I really loved like the purple flowers that just like cover the fields and they're called I think lupines is the correct pronunciation. It's like the flower, right, and so I'm like, I want to go see the purple flowers. So like literally that that's like what I've been saying to my friends. I want to see the purple flowers. I want to see the purple flowers. I was going to ask you what your info was to pick Iceland. Have you ever read The Lupine Lady The Blow? Oh you should? What is it about. It's about this lady who plants lupines everywhere. Really, it was like one of my favorite children's books growing up. Oh you are the Lupine Lady. I can't say credit for that beauty. I'm planning all those things, but yeah, I'm like, I want to go see the purple flowers. So of course, like my friends are like, okay, we're buying last minute tickets to go see flowers, right, love, Like I'm saying that there's the end of the other scenery there and stuff. Um, but apparently so like these lou pins grow and there's only they're only blooming for like like two to three weeks, and we got there and hid it in its prime, so they were everywhere. So I was just I was so happy and it was just so amazing to be able to go on these hikes and hot springs and just be able to like set my phone down and really just live and travel and reflect and feel the emotions that I was going to feel. And you know, it was really nice to have my friends there to work through those tough emotions at times until so like embrace the special moments and the uplifting moments during a really difficult time as well. And so it was exactly what I needed. And I came back exhausted because you know, I don't think we slept too much at all, and there was like only like three hours of not even darkness, but like we're the sunset for maybe three hours because it's like the longest time of the year. So we'd be like hiking up a mountain, Um it'd be at two am and we didn't even realize it was two am, and then we'd get back down. I'm like, I'm tired, you're tired. What time it is? Time is it? And it's like two am, and it's like crap. I mean, like when the sun is like you know what even yea, the Sun's just it's just always light out. But I would highly, highly highly recommend it because it was just such a cool experience and being able to travel and pull over and take pictures. And luckily one of my friends, Tia, she's a really good photographer, so she had her camera and I saw some of your pictures. Girl, you looked she had her field day, Like she's like, this is my dream to like be in this environment. And I don't know, I feel like if you PLoP anybody out in a field of blue pine, purple flowers with like the dark, cloudy sky and a mountain and a waterfall behind him, like I'm sorry, like everyone's gonna lookoder. Yeah, but it was and her photography skills, but but it was. It was. It was a pretty cool experience and it could not have gone better. And obviously there were definitely bumps in the road as we went along, but it was just it was a trip where I'm gonna definitely remember that. Yeah. I think there's something so beautiful that like in your hardest moments you can still make the most and find beauty. Like there's something to be said for I mean, and I've said this about like when people have passed my life, like when I'm grieving a death, which is kind of the same as a relationship, like you're grieving the death of a future and this relationship that you thought he would always have to just have a change of pace and go somewhere for how little or as long as you want, where it's just focus solely on you and what you need to get on and heal from this, and to have something that doesn't remind you of the past and does it remind you of like kind of what you were going through back home. And so I'm really glad, I mean, thank goodness for your two friends too, that you guys could just pack up and say, how yeah, we're gonna do this, like I think it's working from home, yeah, right, But I think for me it was definitely more of so just when the breakup happened and coming out with a statement, there's just there's so many different like anxieties, right, Like I'm yes, the public is going to be part of it. Yes, people are going to know about it and all these different things, but like, holy crap, my heart was like I just lost my fiance, Like I thought I was going to have this life with this person, and then you know kind of had to just truly embrace and realize like I can only control what I'm can control, and for me, I didn't want to come back to a bunch of anxiety of like I ran away from things, and so I kept telling my friends It's like I really want to go somewhere, but like, emotionally, I need to get to a point where I have dealt with this head on. Doesn't mean that I'm perfectly fine, right, but like, I've dealt with this to the point where I know that I'm not running away from it because I hate you know when you are. I don't know if you've ever felt like this backup, but like when something happens, or you go through a breakup, or you're going through like a really anxious time and you're out grocery shopping or you're out hanging with friends or whatever, but like you are aware that you are out doing that just to distract you from what's going on. Right, Have you ever felt that way before? So often I dislike that feeling. That feeling is so uncomfortable to me, and so I'm like, I'm feeling these emotions intensely. It's going to come with waves. I'm going to make sure that I'm acknowledging, like one how I'm speaking to myself how all those thoughts are coming into my mind and then what I need to say or what I need to do to let them pass and to let them go, and really like truly realize that these things are going to like these thoughts, these feelings, these really strong emotions, this pain, it's okay, but it's going to come and go in waves. And I just think, honestly, what has and so amazing is that I've one really been vulnerable with my family and friends, probably more vulnerable than I've ever been about not taking that on myself and really vocally acknowledging when those waves are coming, and then we deal with them, like my friends and I we deal with them and my family and then acknowledging them once they pass, and my friends also letting those things pass. And so it's a perfect, perfect explanation out like life's a roller coaster. And definitely had people by my side who are sitting front seat with me the whole entire way. Yeah, you have such a great support system. And I've talked to you know, some of your girlfriends through this, and you and I have had some conversations too, and I know that this is kind of the first time that you've sat down and you've been more open about your experience in this past month, and you know, we'll have a conversation and I want you to only share where you feel comfortable with sharing. And we've all seen like the statements out there right like this is the first time where you finally have your side of things, your voice, and I hope that you want to use that if you feel comfortable getting into just you in general and how you've kind of changed throughout this past month. Like we've talked a little bit about what you are feeling the ups and the downs in this roller coaster, and you know, everyone handles grief and break up in a different way. But besides like feeling just I'm sure what is probably sadness at times and heartbreak at times, Like what else have you been feeling? Like what are prominent that you feel okay with sharing with our listeners. Yeah, this has been incredibly tricky, just because you know, kind of when I spoke with Bettan Ashley about they're like, well, did you see this coming? As you know anything like that, and it's like this, this is nothing that I necessarily plan for in my summer to be working through definitely came at a difficult time with trying to get through the end of the school year and you know, setting that down and also dealing with those emotions of having to step away from something that I am passionate about because it's a healthy thing to do right now. And I think the thing that has been the most difficult part is just acknowledging that everybody deals with breakups differently, but having my friends and family hurt along with me with how this all kind of has been handled, and it's not easy. And you know, I know that Nate and I have talked a lot about you know, we don't we both don't believe in burning bridges. I do not believe in that as well. I have definitely had to take some space from social media, from responding to text messages, from responding to just dms, just to disconnect, to protect my energy, to protect my peace and really make sure that I'm taking care of myself because this has been hard. This has been hard, This has been hurtful in many ways, and I want to make sure that I'm taking the correct steps to heal and to move forward and put that energy into focusing on myself and move forward. And redirect and by stepping away after the breakup socially, social media and everything like, that's how I'm going to do that. You know. I can't pop on socially and smile and pretend like I'm okay, And I also will tell you when I'm not, but definitely needing that time and appreciating that respect to have that time to take care of myself. And you are such a strong, self aware woman. That's very apparent with I'm sure anyone who comes in contact with you, who listens to you speak, and I would hope that through all of this, like you have always cared so much about others, and you have always poured your heart and soul and kindness into others, and just for me as a bystander and a friend to not fully see that always reciprocated, I think it is difficult just never forget. You have so much support in me, everyone behind you running this podcast, so much support in your friends and family. We all love you, and it's been hard enough that now I want to kind of take this and leave you on a I know it and build you up because you are so freaking incredible and you truly deserve the world and all of the happiness in yourself and in a future partner one day. So right now, and I know it's going to be very hard to probably answer this and even be able to comprehend like what's next for you? But really like, right now, what do you think is next for you? If you could share anything as a learning lesson from this entire experience, what would that be. Oh, it's so such like a unique position to be in because I feel like my entire life, like I knew what I was and I'll explain that in a second. I knew what I was or what I was going for right, Like I was training because I wanted to be play Division one basketball in college, right, and so you know, you get to that mile marker. And then as I was going through college, I wanted to be a teacher, wanted to work in education, and so then I did that. And then me still having that passion for education, but also being burnt out and realizing that this is going to be a very difficult task to step outside of the classroom, not necessarily outside of education, but outside the classroom. Um and you know, not really know exactly where I'm going, but also having so many different ideas and passions of where I could potentially go. Um, and then like the other day, the other day, my mom asked, has asked me, like now what and I'm like, shit, Mom, I have no life plans, like should what? Would do? No? Jokingly right? But um. But I even though like that anxiety will pass every once in a while that like that whole like what is that saying life is your oyster? And there's times there was like does the world is your oyster? There we go. So it's like there's times where I'm like, the world is your oyster? Like oh my god, and then I'm like, yeah, the world is my oyster. Yeah, you know what I mean. Like it kind of goes back and forth. But for me, it's just really putting steps in a direction to take care of myself, to focus on myself because I've never really truly done that before. Find my inner peace, find my happiness, and find what's next, like with what I'm passionate about. And the great thing is that, like I'm passionate about so many different things, from you know, fitness to giving back to working with kids to inspiring the youth, all these different things. There's so many things that I can do with those, I just need to figure out what and also could be all of them. And so it's terrifying. It's terrifying. Yeah, it's terrifying at times, but this is truly a situation where I'm now betting on myself and I do. I do believe in myself, and I have people who are very close to me who also believe in me, and that's truly all that I need. You know, if I if I believe it, I'm good. And Michelle Young will be back, yes if yeah, And I have no doubt you out of anyone who would say those words, I'm like, yes, she's she Like I worry about you just as a friend, because I never want anyone to like go through this, but you, out of anyone, will find the silver lining and be better than when you start it right And you kept saying on your season you want to change the world, And is that still the case? Yeah? And yeah, and like that is something that I've thought about that it doesn't matter if I'm who's in the picture, who's not in the picture. Those things of like those passions of what I believe I'm here to do are not changing. And so that's kind of where my energy and focus goes right now, and that's okay. I think that's a really good thing. It is a great thing, Michelle. I absolutely love you. I know that this entire conversation was not easy. It's hard, especially coming back to taking a few weeks off, but I'm so glad that you did, and I hope that this can still be a fun weekly thing where you can just kind of get out of you know, your life and what you're going through and just still have fun with it because we actually, we absolutely love having you here. So thank you for coming back, Michelle. We missed you. I love you too, and I'm so happy to have you Becca. And I'm also really excited to be able to like put so much energy just into the podcast because you know, teaching and podcasting and traveling and all these different things. It's been. It's been a lot, and so not saying that my life will slow down anything, because I usually figure out how to fill my time, but I'm so happy to have this every week. I'm so happy that we can jump on and have the listeners, you know, keeping up to date with where we are at, and then also turning that focus to Gabby and Rachel as we watch this new season coming up next week. It's wild and I mean you have been through this world, you know, and there's no better people. I think that Gabby and Rachel could look up to than you for this. Um, it's going to be an interesting season, but I'm glad that you are here with me doing this. It's it's gonna be one for the books. Um, So don't forget. As Michelle just said, their season starts next freaking week. How wild is that it's coming up? We got seven more days before it begins, so we gotta get our asses in gear. Michelle, absolutely, absolutely, absolutely, I'm passing that. God dang baton. Yes, we can have it anymore. Rachelle so glad to have you back. Thank you for joining us again and I'm never letting you leave me ever again. I will love to leave you. And also a huge thank you to Ben and Ashley. Was such a fun crossover episode. Don't forget to Well, first listen to Happy Hour, but then you can also listen to the almost famous podcasts, and just like ours, you can catch the podcast on the Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen, and you can listen to them ad free by subscribing to Wondering Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondering App. Thank you, Bachelor, Happy our listeners, and we will see you next week.