Bachelor Happy Hour - Debbie: Fit, Flirty, and Fabulous! | Golden Hour

Episode Date: October 14, 2025

Today on “Golden Hour,” Kathy and Susan are sitting down with Debbie from this season of “The Golden Bachelor”! We kick things off by getting to know Debbie, starting with her exciting career in fitness — say hello to the OG behind “Beach Body”! Then, we get into this season, including how she got to the show and her POV on her very intimate one-on-one. We also hear her thoughts on the drama so far and how she feels about the other women. Tune in now to hear all this and so much more and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. The best dates happen when someone really gets your vibe, your niche references, your hot takes, even your reality TV obsessions. That's why it's so exciting to be partnering with Bumble. Dating feels easier on Bumble with prompts that show off your personality, shared interests that help you find common ground, and verification that gives you peace of mind that you're meeting someone real. So if you're ready to meet someone who really gets you in your energy, Bumble is the perfect place to start. waiting for download bumble and start your love story welcome back everybody to bachelor happy hour's golden hour thank you once again for joining us kathy are we excited to be back or what uh we are always excited to be back and especially today because we have a very special guest

please welcome from this season of the golden bachelor debby hi debby how are you Hi, you guys. It's so good to see you, ladies. You look fabulous. We love you. You look absolutely gorgeous. You do. And did I hear you say you're on like the 14th floor or something with a view that won't

quit in Denver? I live in Colorado and all the color. It's changing. So it's funny because when I go to sleep, it's all green. And then when I wake up, it's just all golden. And because I'm facing south, I can actually see Pikes Peak on a clear day. Oh, nice. I'm just looking out at all the glorious fall color.

I love it. Oh, gosh. Debbie, there is so much we want to talk about today. I am sure. I don't even know where to start. I mean, first of all, we didn't get to spend time with you because you were on your one-on-one day, although we caught a glimpse of you coming back. We were like, God, we want to talk to her. Well, hold on.

Before we get into that, Debbie, wait, I want to know about you. Like, tell me where you're from. What do you do? Give us a little history of you. Okay. Well, I am originally from Little Shoot, Wisconsin. Put my little town on the map. And I grew up in a giant family.

So I have seven siblings. I have a paternal twin sister, Donna. And we grew up in a tiny house with one bathroom. And I moved to L.A. when I was 21, and I was a secretary for like eight years. And then I kind of fumbled my way into fitness. And before I knew it, I was creating the first program for Beach Body in 1998. And you do know, I've spent a ton on Beach Body. I've had them all. Yes. Well, Tony Horton and I are the OGs. You know, we created the first program in 1998. And then I have the amazing operative. opportunity to create my own program, Slim and Six, that sold through my infomercials for 17 years. Wow.

And it's still available on their digital platform. So are you, I know you're still into fitness. Tell us about that. Yeah. Well, when I moved to Denver, I was 53. And Beachbody really didn't want to do the startup workout that I really wanted to do, like the beginning, beginning workout because I was getting older. And I had so many requests for, you know, Slim and Six is still too hard for many people. Right. So, you know, he couldn't really pull the trigger. So when I moved to Denver, I started my own company. I found the studio. I funded it all myself. I cast it. I directed it. I created 18 workouts. And I just did everything. And now I have my own digital platform. And it's called

body dynamics, spelled with an X instead of a C-S, and it really is for the 50-plus, but also for people who have limitations or beginners, and it has everything. So I'm really proud of it because there's balance, there's mobility drills, there's seated workout. You clearly are a woman about, you look at it and you talk to talk, so you're all about fitness, given that you've done all of this, how did you get on the Golden Bachelor? But wait, Kathy, you might have to order one of those for me for Christmas. That's right.

Susan struggles with working out. But seriously, how did you get on the Golden Bachelor? Well, you know what? I applied because when I saw the first season, I thought, my gosh, this is so sweet and endearing. I mean, my original thought when I saw this was happening was who's going to want to watch a bunch of old people making it out in the hot tub, right? But then, as I watched it, and Gary was so sweet and you women were so incredible. And I realized it's more about, you know, positivity and, you know, wisdom and women supporting women. And it was just a completely different vibe.

And listen, I've tried everything. I've been on the apps. I've worked with matchmaking agencies. I just, I mean, honestly, just always ended up in disappointment. frustration. And when I saw the ad for the second Golden Bachelor, I thought, you know what? I could do that because, A, I have been on camera before. I've taken a lot of risks. I've really put myself out there, not on this level, you know, but, you know, what can I tell you? I'm adventurous. I thought, why not? It's the big matchmaking platform on the planet. And I'm sure I'm going to meet.

some amazing women. I do have a personal question for you with your fabulous career. Do you think that's what kept you from being in a serious relationship because you were too focused on your dream at the time? Is that, do you mind if I ask? No, I don't mind because this was brought up so many times and I knew going in, I was going to be the only one never married, never having kids. And it really, you know, I had pause, really. I was nervous about that because I feel like there's a stigma. But really, my career took off at 40. And I really was ready to find someone at that point.

And I did have a relationship for five years. Unfortunately, he just couldn't step up to the plate. He had four children. And I really love that guy. but, you know, I ultimately had to walk away. And then before I knew it, I was 50. And, you know, the relationship I had ended tragically. And so I moved to Denver to start my life over again.

And I did a lot of healing work on myself. And then when I was ready to put myself out there, I just found that most men wanted a younger woman. Oh, wait a second. You've got to be kidding. I've never heard that before. Wait, wait, say that again. Men want younger women? Wow, what a shocker.

What did you think of Mel's comment before he apologized and you actually met him? Like, did that deter your thoughts or? Susan, that was really tough because, you know, I was already invested in coming on the show and went through all the things. And when that came out, it was very disheartedly. because the first one was just so endearing and positive and warm and fuzzy and he you know it was so unfortunate because the you know the first glimpse into his character is that yes yes my biggest trigger right oh you would be both baby you'll be bold but but here's the thing knowing what you knew or what he had said fast forward to night one getting out of the limo seeing him tell

me what's going through your mind. Tell me what it feels like when you meet him. Well, first of all, he was so much more handsome in person. And I knew that I was going to give this man the benefit of the doubt. I was going to form my own opinion. I know people say a lot of stupid things and they can be blown out of proportion. And as soon as we just took each other's hands and I looked into his eyes, you know, I thought, okay, I might be in trouble here. You got the butterfly feeling? I did because he's, you know, he checked so many boxes for me. And, you know, I've been alone for so long.

And it's just frustrating because every guy that I had remote interest in was either emotionally unavailable, not ready for whatever reason. Debbie, you know what? I just have to jump in and say, you and I must be dating the same guys. Because we think pretty similarly on most topics. So either you and are dating the same guys or they're all the same. How was it meeting all the women? Like when you're finally in the house,

did you gravitate towards anybody in particular that you felt more comfortable? Tell us. Yeah, when I walked into the mansion and I saw all these incredible women, it was overwhelming, right? And I mean, I gravitated right away to Roxanne and Cheryl. They are just so darn. They're so darn sweet. And, you know, just our great listeners.

And I could just feel their sincerity. And but honestly, I just thought all of the women were amazing. And, you know, I knew this was going to how it was going to be. I knew it. I thought if these women went through what I went through to get on this show, then they are dynamic, risk takers, adventurous spirits, accomplished. And, oh, boy, were they ever? Who were your best friends in the house?

Who, you know, when you met them? Your roommates? Who are your best bud? Yeah, I mean, I was, you know, I roomed with seven women at first and shared the bathroom. She had our room, Kathy. So a lot of those women, of course, you know, Cheryl was in my room. Roxanne was in my room. I loved Mylene and then Monica P.

We called her Barbie. Just the sweetest. But I have to say Terry and I bonded right away because she was the very first woman I met. We shared the limo. And so she was doing her puppet stuff in the limo and having us just cracking up. Alex with her sassy self. I mean, she was incredible. And then Lily, she was holding her lilies.

Yes. But okay, I'm going to be okay. I'm going to be okay. It sounds so similar to ours that all those feelings of excitement. apprehension. Then you walk out, you see this good looking guy. So, okay, we got to fast forward now. So sadly, you know, you were not around for our slumber party that we brought, wore, you know, pajamas for, and we saw you come in from your date, but we just didn't get you were coming as we were leaving. But you looked, you looked absolutely beautiful. But I want

to know, how is your connection with Mel, you know, going into the date? Because Debbie, this is where your path and my path diverges. I never had a one-on-one-one date. So tell me how does she cook? Thanks, Susan. Thank you. Just want to put anything else out there? But seriously, what it felt like going into the date and then about the date and then coming home, how did you feel with the connection? Well, going into the date, I was super excited and nervous, and I'm sure you saw the clip of me getting the one-on-one, and I was so ridiculous the way my emotion. Over. But honestly, you guys, it was a combination of the buildup of emotion, right? And then really the complete shock because I was convinced Roxanne was going to get that. And all of us actually were. So it was shock. It was almost, oh my goodness, I couldn't believe it. And then excitement and the emotion, what can I say? I'm a sensitive gal. I wear my heart. But I really only had a very little. very brief time

with him at the cheerleading competition and then at the pool party I did have a moment and I felt we really connected in that moment but did I think that was enough? I really didn't. So I was just so pleased

and then going into the date oh my gosh well he shows up and he's just gorgeous and I'm not I'm just more excited than nervous and I don't know where we're going. And I'm thinking, you know, Cheryl will have this fairy tale one-on-one, right? Yes, yes.

And, you know, we're driving and driving into deep North Hollywood. And we pull into this funky little strip mall. And, you know, my heart kind of drops. And I thought, where's the helicopter? You know, I think, what's happening? Where's the yacht? Where's the yacht? And then I see like this pizza sign and he says, we're going to go have pizza.

And I said, oh, I love pizza. And I'm thinking, what? I mean, I'm in a dress. But when we walked in there, you guys, I recognized Chef Ludo right away because I watched Top Chef and I thought, oh, my goodness. How fun. And we had a cooking lesson from Chef Ludo. You look very comfortable in your own skin and on that date. Like, you just felt the moment and went with it.

I loved your hand slipping on his ass. I mean, yeah, but here's the thing. I got to ask you, Debbie, I don't cook. Susan's right. I could give a flip. I don't care who this chef is. I'm sure he's great. I want to know what did you guys talk to?

Like, did you get any deep moments of this could be my guy? Like, what was the conversation like? Again, I never had this choice, you know, this option. I want to hear. Yeah, well, the date was fun and playful. And we did feel very natural. with each other. It was, I felt like that I knew this guy forever. And, um, when we finished, you know, our little cooking lesson, we got to go around the corner to this intimate,

romantic, exclusive little French bistro. And having our intimate conversation in front of all the cameras. Um, yeah, what, get to the details. I want to know what was the intimate conversation. The details were basically, I mean, what I found, it was difficult to, pull stuff out of him. Like he would kind of deflect and it would turn it back on me. And I was kind of trying to get more information when he did talk about his mom being a badass and got him into reading. And his dad, you know, how much he loved his father. And I, you know, I could feel that because his dad passed, you know, recently. And they just had a great relationship. And, you know, but mainly it felt like he wanted to know about me.

And he wanted to know about my past relationships, you know, why I've never been married and all those things. But yet I do feel like we had some moments that were great because we talked about travel. And he was quite impressed that I traveled for the very first time to Europe by myself when I was 30. And he's traveled extensively and he can make friends anywhere. And one of the friends he made on one of his.

trips when he was quite young he's still friends with and so we had a real fun conversation surrounding that and you know we had some kisses and you got the rose and i got the rose and he was so sweet when he gave me the rose and i loved hearing after the fact you know when i'm listening to the to the promo pieces and that you know i was as tight and and i felt that you know i felt that you know i felt like we each other's type, for sure. Can we summarize the date by coming home? You came home. I mean, you looked so happy.

I'm guessing it was everything you wanted and more. It was. Yeah. I'm so happy for you. I'm so glad that you've had that. Yeah. We were all pleased. We were all fans.

Trust me. All right. So getting into this week's episode. Oh, boy. Tell us, because Susan has a few things to say. How was the group date for you? Well, I will say this. The People Magazine shoot was over the top.

Like, honestly, we didn't know where we were going. But, you know, beforehand, we had our makeup and hair done. So we were grateful for that because God knows we were doing our own hair and makeup. Hold on. Hold on. You got your hair and makeup done? For that shoot, yes. We had to do our own. I had to do everybody's.

Anyway, carry on. Just a little add-in note there. But, you know, we had to pick from a rack of different themes for the beach shoot. And I actually grabbed the beach patrol because it was this red bathing suit, but it had a really nice long red sarong, which I wanted to cover my legs. And the girls are so cute because they know I've never worn a wedding dress. I've never even tried one on. So the girls are like, no, Debbie, you look to be a beach bride. And I said, oh, my gosh, how sweet.

So I wore the gorgeous silk. Oh, you look beautiful. And you looked beautiful, Debbie. I will say it was somewhat of a disaster on our season when we had the photo shoot. There were like three or four brides because apparently Gary didn't want to be monogamous. But it didn't go as well because women got upset because they had worn a bathing suit. But I will tell you the beach dress that you had on wedding gown, it was like a white slip.

You looked beautiful. And I said to Susan, it was beautiful because I could imagine you getting married on the beach in that dress. I have a question for you, Debbie. At this point in time, did you realize that you already have feelings after your date? Like, were you in it now? Okay. Yes, I was. And then wearing this beautiful.

beautiful dress. And I had a veil, too. But when I was doing the photo shoot with Mel, it blew off, right? But first of all, we get to the beach. And we don't know what's happening. We walk up, and the production is giant. And Mel standing there with this gorgeous woman, and he introduces her. And we all look at each other thinking, oh, my goodness, this is going to be so epic. And, you know, it was so cool because they had drone shots and yeah it was great you know but here I am trying to get ready really fast because I'm first up on the beach to have my one-on-one photo shoot with him and I'm walking up in the in the wedding dress and he looks incredible and he says oh my gosh I missed you and then he said let's just

do our vows right now I heard that yeah okay yeah I'm ready be careful what you wish for kept what you promised it was it was so much fun we just again we just are so natural and comfortable together and um and then of course watch everybody else is one-on-one well i saw your face yeah and i felt you i have a lot of empathy and yeah watching you watch the others it was hard didn't you say when you didn't you i can't remember there was something you said when cindy and mel were in the surf making out you said something i i can't remember you know well first of all you know the photographer picked who he thought had the best chemistry with mel and i thought for sure it was going to be me right but it was cindy and so we all had to go back up onto the deck and watch them rolling around in the

fan like they were replicating from here to eternity you know that movie yeah and i was going like this. No, boo. Well, you know what? I like a woman who knows what she wants or man. I mean, you know, who can say anything wrong with that. But I, okay, so we loved how you looked. You look gorgeous in the dress. Clearly you and Mel have a connection. There's no denying that. You can see it getting stronger each week. Now, let's get to one of the prettier parts of this episode, which would be how are you feeling about that old drama with Nicole at this point? As far as Nicole's Mama, I didn't have any problem with her at all.

I mean, I shared a bedroom and a bathroom with her. She did my makeup for my one-on-one date. Wow. And by the way, she is a fabulous makeup artist. And I found her funny. That'll come in handy for her influencing. I'm telling you, but she is funny. She is smart.

She's charming. She cooked for us. But, you know, women had an issue. with it. But honestly, I was, I even in my interview, I said, you know, you do you. I am not a flirt like that. I kind of wish I was. I mean, I have a hard time with flirting. I had to really put myself in, you know, out of my comfort zone. I always hung back. You know, I wasn't the first to pounce on him. So there was a part of me that was kind of almost envious that she so brave. And, you know, she was very unpolished attic about it. She would do it again. And

And I just, you know, honestly, I didn't care. I don't mind that part at all. I admire that she's up front and center. It was the part that she was there for becoming a great influencer and then talking to all the ladies about it and then saying the most negative comment about our show that we weren't very attractive. I didn't hear that.

Oh, yeah. I did not hear that. Yeah, said that we were not as good looking as your crowd. So now, looking at you, Debbie, I might have to agree with her. Yes, well. It's okay. It's okay. You know, we're all good.

It's women supporting women. And I love your attitude about Nicole. Because while we all love women supporting women, the other side is, you know, this is your shot, take your shot, shoot it, whatever that expression is. Everyone has different ways of relating to men and that's her way. And, you know, ultimately he's either going to decide he likes that or he's going to decide he doesn't. Exactly. Exactly. And that's what I thought. And, you know, the only thing I guess maybe I was a little bummed about is it took so much time from, you know, because he was in the pool for such a long time. And I even said, you know, shoot, it just took me two and a half hours to get ready. I ain't jumping in the pool. You know. We've got a party straight, Debbie.

Debbie, did you feel a bit more confident when you went into the rose ceremony? Yes. Because you have that connection. I've had the rose. But after, you know, after the group date, yes, I did. I definitely felt confident. I didn't know, you know, how far I would make it or anything like that because I just find all these women to be so spectacular. And, you know, everybody brings so much to the table.

You know, and it was just an interesting wild bride. It's so surreal, right? Yeah, yes, it is. The whole time I kept pinching myself thinking it was almost like an out-of-body experience, really. Yeah. Right? I know. It is.

I know. It was real. It was weird. And it just gives all so many women hope that, you know, life is full of possibilities. It is not over at 60. Yes. Not everybody's going to end up on a TV show, but... Right, but that's the biggest message, Susan.

Yes. You know, because I had given up. I really did. I had given up. I haven't been in a relationship in 15 years. Right. Well, and that's what, you know, people ask us when we came off the show. And Susan, I have said repeatedly, it's this is your last chapter.

Let's make it the best, the longest. You can find love. You can find happiness. You can find fitness. you can find whatever you want if you're willing to put in the work and find it. And that is the great message. I think the best

message of the Golden Bachelor. We all want to find love but not all this are going to on that show right. Right. Unless you're a polygamist and that's a whole other TV show. So wait Debbie, do you have any questions for us? We've been running our mouths. Do you have any questions

for us? I do. I wonder if you ladies have found love. yes you have yes oh that was just this year Kathy and I were on vacation in St. Martin and we went out that night for dinner I had an espresso martini couldn't sleep and I'm laying it we watched our face did our girl talk she goes up to bed and I'm playing games on my iPad wide awake and I said hmm I want to download Tinder first person no yeah

He lives in St. Martin. He's French. He speaks mostly French, but they spend a lot of time together. And my answer is very quickly, no. But you know what? It's the fact that we just keep at it and we keep looking and not giving up. It's the positive, positive. And keeping yourself out there and in a positive way, Kathy, exactly right? Any other questions? Yes, I wondered, because I know that we're all talking. about we're going to be friends forever and we want to see each other. And I'm wondering how many of you actually are still in touch and, you know, still see each other. As far as seeing each other, mostly us East Coast and Kathy in Texas, like it's from Teresa to myself and then Joan and Nancy live close together. And Kathy and I are always together. Right. I will say, I will say, we're friends with everybody

obviously the women that you on the show with longer obviously you have a tighter relationship with that with them but Nancy and Joan and Susan are coming to my house at the end of the month and we're going to leave some scars in Austin

we're going to change the city but we have other friends I mean I talk to Leslie but you're not you know you're you can't be as good friends with everybody but what a gift these friendships have been. I mean, you will see that as time goes on. It's such a gift. We aren't all going to get Gary. We're not all, thank God. We're not all going to get Mel, but we can have

each other. Kathy, remember the other question we used to ask on our podcast. If you had to pick three people to be on a deserted island with, who would they be, and why? Oh, interesting. Okay. I would pick, oh my God, that's so hard. I would pick, I would pick Roxanne. I just adore her and I love how spiritual she is. She's very deep like I am. She's just got a lot of layers. She's a really good listener. She's a great dancer. We would have a lot of fun for sure. Okay. And who else? Probably Amy because she's just made a ball of fire. Oh, my. Somebody to make you laugh.

Good. And she could figure out, you know, what to cook on this deserted island because she would cook for us all the time. Right. And then probably Terry because she'd have her puppet. And, you know, she's super clever. Yeah. Wow. I love it as the season.

are building now this is the third you know first it was ours and then joan and then mel and as our family gets bigger and bigger how things evolve and change like just on the show alone yeah right i know no it's i'm looking forward to us being friends all of us the two groups of women that's and you know what i'm telling you this is the one of the things i was most hopeful for that even if i don't find love I'm going to make amazing new friendships. I'm going to blow up my life. I'm going to expand my life because since moving to Denver, my life has gotten a little small. And I just realized, Debbie, you need to light a fire under your butt.

You need to shake things up again. And I knew that this would. And so, again, I'm going to come to Denver. We will come to Denver. We will. Cheryl lives here too. We told Robin we're going to go to the winer. Now we're going to go to Denver.

Yeah. And Cheryl take us on her motorcross dirt flights, too. Oh, God. Okay, on that happy note, before I break a leg, that we've got to wrap this up. But it was so much fun, Debbie,

actually chatting with you and not watch you go up the stairs and not being able to talk to you. So this has been grand. And we really love getting to know you. You are a lovely human being inside and out. Truly. Thank you so much. I've enjoyed every single second.

of it. I was so looking forward to it. And I'll make sure that I, you know, post and, you know, I want everybody to check it out. Yeah, we'll follow each other and we'll get together. We'll definitely get together. And thank you to all our listeners. I'm sure you love Debbie as much as we do. And make sure to follow Bachelor Happy Hour as we have new people, new episodes and new conversations coming out every week. And you don't want to miss it. And make sure to submit your questions to us, you can go to bachelornation.com slash golden hour or DM us on Instagram at Bachelor Happy Hour. And listen to Bachelor Happy Hour's Golden Hour on the IHeart Radio app or wherever you listen to your podcast. Until next time, take care.