Bachelor Happy Hour - EXCLUSIVE: Charity & Rachel's Former Producer Dishes on All Things 'The Bachelor' and More - Part 1 | Happy Hour

Episode Date: July 21, 2026

Today on "Happy Hour," we are sitting down with Charity and Rachel's former producer Desiree Duckett! For the first time in "Happy Hour" history, we're giving you an exclusive peak behind the "Bachelor" curtain. How do producers navigate the balance between the friendships they build and their role in creating the show? How far did Desiree think Charity and Rachel would make it on "The Bachelor?" We're finding out! We also get into the moment Charity found out she'd be "The Bachelorette," and how Desiree guided Charity throughout her journey. We also get into a world-halting moment Desiree experienced that rocked the cast while filming "The Golden Bachelorette." Tune in now and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss part 2 dropping tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Hey, guys. Welcome back to Bachelor Happy Hour. I'm Rachel. And I'm Charity. We just recorded such a good episode. We sat down with one of our former producers, Desiree. Des has been such a huge part of this show. She no longer works with the show, but when it comes to our experiences,

she is more than a producer to us. She is one of our dearest, dearest friends. And we are so excited to share this part of the show with you guys. So without further ado, let's get into it. Dez, welcome to Bachelor Happy Hour. Hi guys. Thanks for having me. Hello. Can you believe it? You're on the other side of the screen or whatever, the camera, however we want to look at it. We waited for years to interview you because this one right here has interviewed us, at least me through my entire journey in this franchise, which is insane to say.

But I'm so excited to just dive into everything because this is like, this is just not real. It's your chance, guys. It's your chance. Ask me whatever you. you want one chance oh we will this is your last opportunity to do we absolutely will i am so excited because we've both worked with you so closely during our journeys but this is so exciting also because we've never had a producer on bachelor happy hour and i could not think of anyone more perfect oh you guys are so nice i'm so honored to be the first this is crazy like truly i'm like you're I can't stop smiling. I'm like, I'm literally going to get my Botox redone.

But it's fine. Yeah, it's going to be fun. We're going to dive into all the nitty-gritty because there are so many layers. Obviously, like we said, you are not just our producer. You have become literally one of my bestest friends, Rachel's bestest friends. Like, it's crazy how our relationship has just flourished and thrive over the years. but we want to start from day one when I was not even thought of I was never even considered in this. How did you get into this franchise?

Okay, so a couple years ago, I actually started casting for Michelle's season of The Bachelorette. And then they moved me over from casting to be in the field. So my first season was Bachelor in Paradise 8, I think it was. was. So that's the one where it was like Joe and Serena, Mari and Kenny. And I thought I was working once I was like, oh, okay, sure. This will be fun. I like that show. I'll be done. And then it just never stopped. It's a machine, as you know, and it just went from there. What had you produced prior to Bachelor? And then what kind of made you keep coming back to the show? Excellent question. Okay.

Nice, obviously. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I had done all kinds of stuff. So I started in scripted and like feature films and movies and stuff. And then moved to reality TV and was doing casting for a while and then bouncing back and forth between casting and like in the field. So I've done like some like tattoo shows, some like house hunting shows, some kids shows, some like MTV shows. I don't know, a little bit, some other dating shows too, like a little bit of everything. She does it all.

She does it all. And would you say that The Bachelor was the most fun or the most crazy or all the above? I would say Bachelor was the most fun. I don't know if I can give it like the craziest. I did this one show. I did one show for MTV and it was like Snooky was the host. Yeah, exactly. Of course.

It was called how far is tattoo far? Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, that was the craziest. It was like people produce or like making or giving tattoos to their friends or like designing tattoos to their friends, but like not telling the friend what it was going to be. And it was always something. Right. Yeah, that was that.

That one was crazy. We should do that. No, that actually tracks. You shouldn't do that. I wouldn't remember that. I wouldn't. I wouldn't remember that. No.

Well, we should at least get a matching one. I wouldn't. You know, it's crazy to say, but I'm like, I would trust Des, but at the same time, I'm like, I wouldn't for her to pick out. You should trust Des. And then tell me after, yeah, I don't know if I feel confident. No, I would not. I'd have a little bit too much fun with that one. No, I know you would.

Exactly why. Exactly my point. Okay. So take us through, like, maybe a day in the life of a producer. So like maybe a, I don't want to say a boring season, but like a calmer season. And then like maybe a crazier season. Like how do the day's contrast? What does a typical day look like?

Walk us through that. Okay. A typical day is a trick question because they're literally, every day is complete. It depends on what we're doing. So we could be like somewhere in Croatia in the middle of ruins or we could be at the house by the pool, like hanging out. But, like, yeah. I was going to say, Des has been so many shots.

And my favorite one was the one of charity by the pool. And Desk is just sitting in the feature. No, that was actually like that season was just not real. Like, the most unserrously been together. I remember pausing and sending it to you guys. There is no day that is the same. But I think a lot of people have questions and thoughts about producers because they're wondering how our relationships work, which is so interesting.

So what is your first conversation with a contestant usually like? So I talk to the contestant, like it's pretty much right as soon as they find out they're going to be on the show. So before we even get there, like maybe a couple weeks before I start reaching out to them, I like to do my first conversation like on FaceTime because I want them to like see me, Because I know like people have this idea of what a Bachelor producer is like and looks like and all of that. And so like I like to get on FaceTime so they can look at me and be like, oh, that's it. Like we're faster. Yeah.

Like I'm not scary. Like I'm just like, you know, like you guys. So I, yeah. So I like to do that because I feel like it puts people like at ease. And then really that first conversation we're just getting to know them. Like I'm finding out a little bit about them. I'm telling them about my life in New York. and all of that stuff, just like, yeah, just a little, like, initial get to know you.

And then we continue talking. Like, I keep checking in on them all the way up until we both leave to go to L.A. and then get to meet them in person. Okay. So do you have, and I'm sure, like, maybe the viewers don't know this, but we get assigned a producer once we get casted and it's like officially, like, we're on the show. Do you guys as producers have any say or how do they, like, go about pairing?

based off of like similarities like oh the personalities might align best or they might live in the same area like what determines who gets paired with who so i don't really get to say in who i get paired up with but like the executives they usually do try to pair us up based on who they think we would be a good fit with like personality wise and like maybe even some background things you know based on what they know about us and what they're like starting to to learn about the contestants. So they do usually do a really good job. But it can be hit or miss, like, because we don't really know each other yet.

But I also do, because it is kind of like a fluid thing once everyone gets there and you gravitate towards who you gravitate towards. And some people just stick with mostly that one producer and some people bounce around to different producers. And I like to like always start out by saying, like, listen, you're not stuck with me. I will not be offended if you like want to get like a male's opinion and go ask another producer something like I am always here to help you. But like let's just do whatever helps you get to the end.

I have a question about that because when I think back to like the producer they put me with, I like I'm so confused about it. We ended up getting along like incredible and he was my producer for the lead side. But then me and you got so close. Yeah. How do you decide like who you're going to pair off? off with then when you're already like going in with contestants like does that make sense like you're going in with this set of contestants that know you but then how do you decide who you want to

produce then after i think for me at least it's pretty natural i think like both and she's like if you're cool yeah if you're cool so like rachel with the two of us i think we just genuinely liked each other and because we are hanging out all day we would naturally spend a lot of time together and then you also were really good friends with jill who was one person that i was paired up with from the beginning so it became the three of us a lot so like i just happened to be there for like a lot of your stuff and then it just kind of happened but like you always will find your people like that's happened to me a few times where i didn't start with someone but ended up getting really close with them and and still i'm close with them but um yeah it just it all kind of naturally

shakes out i think the way it's supposed to yeah definitely i thank god no i thank god but i'm just i'm laughing because i don't know if i knew that like obviously you told me about like oh you're not stuck with me but like i don't think there was even someone that i even considered like oh let me try and like pair up as my other producer like i was literally like attached to des his hip from day one and like it never i never did something. Sometimes they get it right and they got it. And they got that one right. They got it right.

They got it right. Because it would have been, as you know it, I'm a little firecracker. It would have been a different story. Yeah. And I'm a little firecracker. Like I like someone who's a little bit crazy. Yeah, just a tad bit. And just a tad.

And like, Rachel, I'm so sorry. Like, I feel like that's part of why we got along too. Like a lot of the people who I am really close with. with today are just, you know, like me. I don't know, similar. Yeah. Yeah. I have to ask because I feel like I know the answer to this.

Have you ever had a contestant that you didn't vibe with? Yes. Absolutely. I literally watched it happen. Oh, but absolutely. I'm so curious who you're. Oh, okay. I know who.

Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It has happened on my season.

On your season? Yes. Yes. Okay, okay. It's happened. It's happened. Copy that. Copy that. Copy that.

But like, listen, there's people I don't, like, maybe necessarily I wouldn't be, I wouldn't, like, seek this person out and we wouldn't be friends outside of this. But, like, I can get along with anyone. But I think sometimes there are people who maybe are better suited for. Literally anyone else. Anyone else. Anybody else. Just any, me, my, no.

Anybody else. Have you ever had that happened where like you weren't vibing and you were like kind of like go find a new producer? But they were just like, no, I want does. I don't think maybe. Yeah, maybe. Yeah. But I really do. I do think that like a lot of times in those in those cases like they end up gravitating towards the person who is like more like them or more because the producers are all so different by design.

and we're like different ages, different ethnicities, different life experiences. And like, so sometimes there is just someone, even if it's just like something major that a person has been through that maybe I haven't been through. And someone else, another producer understands that. Like, that might be the person that they want to go to. They feel most comfortable with because you want someone that like understands you. So sometimes that happens. Okay. So like when you guys get paired with us, is that the first time that y'all, I guess, see the cast?

Like, okay, this is the cast. These are the people that are going on the show. Like, you don't have any prior, like, knowledge or, like, understanding of, like, my persona, my personality beforehand, do you? No, I get, like, some basic things. But, like, no, I don't know everything until you tell me, which I like. Okay. So here we are in the hot seat.

So obviously, I was. paired with Des on the Bachelor and also Bachelorette. We'll get to that in a second. But with Bachelor, when we had our first FaceTime call, I'm laughing, I need to know, because obviously it was like, I was scared. Like, I just didn't know what was happening, but also equally excited. What was your first, like, impression of me? And, like, did you feel like, even on the call, you could read, like, oh, like, this girl's

going to do well on this show. Or did you have, like, concerns? Like, and be honest. I didn't have concerns, but I don't think I pegged you right. I think that, yeah, I think that I thought that you were. I'm so curious. Well, because it was your first, our first conversation. So I think I thought that you were a little like meek or like shy or like, yeah, I think

I thought that because probably on that first call you were until like you opened up and like, and got to know me. I didn't know that you had this big personality until we got like for, and I say that in a good way. Like, no, I know, I know. Yeah. But yeah, that is something that became clear, like the more we got to know each other. Yeah. Amazing.

I love that. I do love that. So I don't know. Again, I'm going to toe the line. But for those who don't know, we get to meet all the producers before night one. Can you peg people pretty early on once you meet them in person? Yes and no. Of course we get it wrong sometimes.

but like that's a natural thing to do when you're first meeting someone like just to yeah figure out like I mean and there's been people I've met in the room and I'm like oh bless her little heart like she's the home like she's so sweet but she will she's not going to be here and then they make it like you know that was me no that wasn't you yes they they told me they did not think I was going to go far and then I surprised everyone I didn't think you were going home You've heard the chaos. Now you can see it. Do we want to jump right in?

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The day we found out that you and the whole crew is at. Hit Factory. The mission was to get me to go to the gate, start freestyling, and see if I could get in the studio. I'm rapping, and then suddenly I hear a voice, hey, open the gate, let him in. The gate slowly went, come, come, come, come, come. They all, they're watching this, and they watch me walk into there, and that is a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. Listen, and laugh but not least with MC Jen on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. From daily news to dating fails, conspiracy theories to cooking with celebrities who can't actually cook, Amazon Music's got the most ad-free top podcasts ready to entertain, included with Prime. I remember meeting you.

I think that I thought you'd make it pretty far. I can't say that I knew you'd make it as far as you did, but I thought you were going to be around for sure. Yeah, I did. Really? I did. Oh my gosh. Just to make me feel so much better because one of our execs was like, Rachel, you were dark horse. Like, we did not think your ass was going to be going this far. And I said, yes, I am. I'm here. And I'm here to say. Yeah. Okay. So that's my next question is like, what makes a contestant stand out like for you guys? Like, again, what is memorable or like how can you determine like, yes. Like, we have a feeling that they're going to go far based off what we've seen at night one. Night one is so hard because it's just everyone running around and everyone's nervous and like you don't get that much time with the lead. But I think specifically on night one that what makes someone stand out is just like being themselves. I know that's such a like cliche like thing that everyone says.

But you can tell when someone is trying to like put up a front or like present this thing that is like not really them. And like everyone's in their head a little bit. But I like when someone, like, if you're nervous, you just say, oh, my God, I'm so nervous right now. Like, you can say that. Just like, be you. And then I also do like when someone's not afraid to, like, have a little bit of, like, fun. And, like, is it thinking too hard about, like, oh, is this going to be cheesy? Is this?

Because some of the things are a little cheesy by design. But, like, that's what makes. I think the lead usually, you know, wants to see that someone can just have fun and, like, lean into things and not take. done themselves too too seriously. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. I guess going off that, too, are you guys able to see who would make a good lead during a season?

Like, do you look at the contestants and think, okay, they would be a great lead? And what are the qualities about that person? Yeah, I guess usually we can see who might be able to do it and who maybe might not. You know what? I think anyone could do it. Like, you know, anyone could do it, but who would do it easier, right?

Because it. Correct. Don't laugh at me. And don't laugh at me. You guys know it's a lot of pressure. It's a lot of pressure. So like it takes a certain type of personality to be able to take that on. And then you're also dealing with like a lot of different people's like emotions and like

your and then you have your own emotions that you're trying to like figure out so like it you have to be able to take on a lot you also have to be very very comfortable in front of the camera, which takes a minute, but some people don't really get there. For some people, it's hard to ever just forget that the camera is there and just like be yourself and say what you're honestly feeling and not be thinking about like, what's the proper way to say this and are people going to think this and that? Like, you just kind of have to like let all of that go. So you can see who can do that and who can't. I feel like this is like a great segue because this is where I personally.

personally feel like and like with any producer naturally like vulnerability or being vulnerable someone will bring you close to them this is when i was like oh wait okay does is like really special she literally became my therapist which is crazy because i was like oh i just finished school for this like i should be the one that's like i should be coaching myself through this but like it's such a very specific environment and it's like obviously like we don't like as a contestant at least like bachelor it was also equally different and as challenging. But like you're walking into this show, this experience for the first time. You don't know anyone.

You're trying to navigate emotions. Like all of it like cameras. Like there is so many things that's changing. And so like you really do at the end of the day have your producer truly to lean on. And so when we start talking about, you know, the moments where love starts coming into play or like we start thinking that's love. It's like we have to go to our producers for that. And there's a lot of like, you know, emotions that come up. And for me specifically, obviously, like, I know, like, me and Des really resonated on, like, just our previous, like, relationships.

Like, for me, coming into, like, The Bachelor, I was coming off of, like, a not so great relationship. And that was kind of like the storyline for me that season. But how is it playing? I don't even want to say playing. You guys aren't even playing. It's, like, really real. For y'all, like, being our. our therapist or just like establishing that like connection with us and like really taking I guess

our relationship from like producer to contestant to like transitioning into like wow like okay you're my friend like this is someone I would call at like 3 a.m to like help me go through something and it has happens yeah yeah I mean well like you said we did have a lot of similarities and I was when I was starting the Bachelor coming off of a divorce a 10 year relationship and like lots of things

happen so I've been there I've had my heart broken and like I understand that and I think part of what makes a really good producer is being an open book so you both know

all about my life because I'll share I'm not going to ask you to share, like open up and share your thoughts and feelings with me if I'm not willing to do the same. So I think that creates a space for friendship really to grow and like for people to understand each other. And I have for better or worse been through a lot of therapy. So I'm not a therapist at all. But I do have experience, life experience. and like relationship experience of all different kinds.

So, yeah, and I know how important it is to like, especially when you guys are there, you don't have your phones, you don't have your families, like to be able to talk through those things, to understand the feelings. And like sometimes it's a little bit of tough love on my end because if you're going through something and you're upset, you don't, you might want to run. You don't want to talk about it. But like, I know you're not going to get to where you need to get to. by the end if you don't like talk it through like at least with me.

And if it's something that then you feel like you need to talk to the lead about or whatever, but you have to like understand those emotions and not keep them bottled in or like you're not going to, you're just not going to make it. Yeah. Yeah. Going along with that, I think people don't understand when we're in interview. that is basically us like doing a therapy session. I think there are so many emotions you don't realize until you're talking through it with your producer.

And on top of that, how do you separate your emotion? Because we are fully leaning on you. And like it almost feels like clinging to you guys emotionally. How do you like separate that? I don't separate. I don't know if that's good or bad. But I have cried in the interview chair. with both of you guys. I've cried outside of the interview chair with you guys because when you

start to care about someone, then you do kind of like take it on a little bit. And like I, I like to be, when I'm away for work, I like to be, because it's a lot for us to take on also a lot of emotions for us to take on. I like to be like so present and so there. I'm, and I don't know if this is good or bad either, but I'm not really even aware of what's going on in my outside life because I, I don't know that there's a way to do this job without being like fully, fully in it. So yeah, I don't know that I do the best job of separating it, but then I think that's what makes me a producer who really cares yeah no I agree um I think like out of in America I'm not playing favorites or maybe I am it's clearly obvious but I have like some other favorites there but like you're obviously number

one but I guess for us and like as contestants and like contestants who you like turn into friends that for me is like the most rewarding part of it would you say for you like what What is like the most, I guess, I don't know, beneficial. Is that the word? Like, most exciting part for you, like on the flip site once the camera stop rolling, once your job is done. Like, what is the most rewarding for you? Yeah. No, that's 100% it. Like, having people that are my real life friends now. And I'm not like doing a job. I don't have to hang out with you guys. But I like hanging out with you guys. I like being around you guys. I like. staying in touch and all of that. And that's something I didn't expect going into this job because it's never really happened to me to that degree on another job where like I have actual, actual friendships and like have seen these people through different like stages of their life and like really

difficult times, really happy times. And you guys have seen the same. Like you've seen me in some difficult moments of my life. And like you've seen me in some really happy moments. So yeah, it is, yeah. Like that's that was a pleasant surprise. Like how close I am with some of you guys, how close I am with the other producers. Like a lot of people that, that, you know, have worked on this show have become my best

friends as well. So like I didn't know it would be this much of a five, like I guess I thought it was doing one season. I'm like, paradise, that sounds fun. It's a quick, quick job. Get back to my life. And then I just kind of became like entrenched in it. Yeah. Yeah. I think also like we get so close and we really do become friends. What do you do in the moments when you know that like, for example, like my season like heartbreak is coming? Like you can see it. How how do you deal with that? Okay, Rachel, this is what I am saying about you. I never, I never. I never. felt like I could see you always know me and dad she's convinced no there was like this run I was

getting every single group date rose and I remember I was in the bathroom with dad's and she goes you're getting another group date rose and I'm like no I'm not she goes just watch and as that's my name you could see me look off to you on the side we're like it was a crazy time but I don't know as a producer sometimes you know those moments are coming how do you handle that so those moments I don't know are coming until right before they're coming.

Like until me. Like unless like when I was producing charity like if I was producing the lead then yes maybe I'd have a little bit more information. But like yeah no Rachel you thought every single day you were like this is it

this is the end of the road. It was so nice meeting you like on on the Bachelor on Paradise Rachel would write me notes. She would write me goodbye notes because she was like, I'm going home. You're like, Kylie. Oh, my God. To be fair, to be fair, Paradise, I don't know how I stayed in there that long. That we both know. Paradise was a little tricky.

Okay. Everybody was shocking to me. Someone was like giving me a rose. Like, whoa. Okay. But even on Bachelor, you were like, he's sending me home tonight. I'm like, I think you're really liked you? Like, what are you talking about? But she was, like, so convinced. And she's, so she asked me now, like, how do you, like, how did you, when you knew heartbreak was coming? No, I didn't. He liked you. What did you think when you found out about me crying on the stairs? Do you want to know what I thought? Yes. I, this is, this is so twisted. But I was, but I was, like, she's going to be the bachelor. Because it was just like such, like, I mean, because this sucks. But people want to, people root for someone who they feel like, I mean, was wrong.

Was wronged. And that they could relate to, I would be crying on the stairs. Like, if that was me, I would be passed out on the stairs. So it's like, and Rachel was so authentic in that moment. And like, I think probably she was like, oh, wow, like, I can't believe I did all of that. But everyone else watching it was like, yes. that's me like I feel seen like and I understand how she was feeling in that moment and it's like so sometimes those like and that's why I encourage people to like lean into what they're feeling in the

moment and not try to hide it because sometimes it's like the hardest most difficult times are the ones that in the end in whatever way it is like either teach you something or get you to the next like stage so unfortunately the staircase was a good moment for you no it's crazy because I think does you were the first producer, first person, I was like, oh my gosh, I'm falling in love. And I remember the interview,

I was looking at you and saying that, which is crazy that we have, like, these life experiences together. And I have a question about charity season. Oh, here we go. Was there a time where charity was keeping someone

that you knew was awful for her, but you couldn't say it? Yes. Yeah. And it's not that I couldn't say it. It's not, it's not even like I said it. I knew it.

I knew it myself. Yeah, I said it. But I also. So what I did also say is like, I don't know about this one, but I don't want you to get rid of anyone because I say it. I want it because I want it to be your decision and that you feel, I don't want you to have any regrets. But I'm like, let's keep our eyes open about this one. And then what needed to happen, happen.

But I will always say it. Yeah. Yeah. Hey, I'm Tori Webster and I host That Digital Take. If you've ever wondered how the internet really works, from influencer culture to digital marketing and pop culture, this is your inside look. Each week, I share what's actually working online, the behind the scenes of building a career as a creator, and real conversations with people shaping the industry. Think of it like your big sister guide to the digital world. Follow that digital take on IHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hi, it's Alec Baldwin this season on my podcast, here's the thing I'm speaking with more artists, policymakers, and performers like composer Mark Schaman. Once you've established that you have the talent, it's about the hang. It's the pleasure of hanging out with the people that you're with. You know, Rob and I was always a great hang. We would sit in kibbits for hours and then eventually get around to the music. That's what I mostly think of when I think of him, the time together laughing. Lawyer of Robbie Kaplan.

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You said to me, yo, you know, keep at it, because you let me rap for you. It was magical for all of us. We made it. We made it. Yeah, I'm like, we? You know, I'm like, I know these guys, but who are you? I'm MC Jen, and this is laugh but not least. I'll be chatting with guests from all walks of life about the power of humor when it comes to facing difficult times, like the co-founder of Rough Riders, Darren D. Dean.

Talking about as a kid, do you remember that we met even way before that? Let me think. Did you walk up to the gate? That was me, Dee. That was you? That was me. The day we found out that you and the whole crew was at Hit Factory, the mission was to get me to go to the gate, start freestyling and see if I could get in the studio. I'm rapping, and then suddenly I hear a voice, hey, open the gate, let him in.

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podcast. Is there anyone that, like, you really like that charity's at home? Because I know I was sending people home on my season that I shouldn't have. Yeah. I think, no, I think it was just the one person that she was keeping, that she wasn't yet ready to get rid of. And then I don't think that there's anyone. I really hate that. But that's okay.

That's, I mean. I don't have many regrets. literally the only one. You shouldn't regret that. Like that was part. Okay, I know you do, but I don't think that you should. I mean, because who among us hasn't been there before? And like, you don't want to have doubts. You want to see it right. I need to the end. And like make sure that you are sure. Like, and that's my problem. And as you know, like you quickly discovered that about me. Like, I don't think it's a problem. I don't think it's a problem. No, and that's how I'm like Des was like the per like this is what I'm saying the perfect producer because

I'm like granted if it was anyone else they probably would have like given me direct like command of like okay no let's send him home tonight you're like you're you're too indecisive but like does was like no like she really was like my mom like nope I'm not going to give you an answer but I'm going to let you see it through like okay yeah I never gave like I never said do this but I would give an opinion and like my job is to help you figure out how you feel and what you want to do and then do that and like facilitate and help you figure out how to do that but not to say what I think that you're supposed to do that's not my job right right okay I do have a question um and like I feel like we should all answer this but I'm answering this

only because it's related to does what was the sweetest off camera moment that you witnessed or might have been a part of okay So this my answer, my answer is about you, but some not dying. Not dying. Okay. I'm scared. I'm like, what is it? No, no, no. It just, okay. So there's, there's some, there's some moments where, um, where let's say we're going, we're on the way to a date and we get to be in the car to together. There was, it was your first, I think maybe because it was your first one-on-one, so it was, it was Aaronby. With, oh, Arby, okay. No, your first one-on-one of the season. Got it. Yeah. It was with Aaron B, and we were in the car and, like, you guys really didn't know each other well at all. And at that

point, you know, things were going great. And, and we were just like playing music, dancing, like having a good time and we put on Beyonce Cuffet because that's the song that we loved at that time and you guys were doing like I mean it's nothing it's like a very silly thing but you guys were like doing the little dance together and like I don't just like little things like that like getting to because we can't these are things we can't do on camera but like getting to see someone like all and I mean it wasn't that's kind of a silly answer because it was like nothing big but like I like those little moments of like oh look they're getting to know each other and this is like a real this is like a real life thing that you know

they went to on the outside i don't know why that comes to my mind but it comes to my no that's sweet i'm like it's the way that that isn't that weird i kind of forgot about that but like no it's sweet no rachel you know what i think for me i think why it really stuck was because i was obviously very invested in what was going to happen for you and wanted this to work and like you know are you going to find someone? Are you going to like these guys and like seeing it like start to happen? I was like, oh my God, we're doing this. Like we're going to do it. It's going to work. It might not be this guy, but this is going to work. You know what I mean? Yeah. No, 100%. Okay, that's a very, that's a sweet answer. It is. It's like very innocent. Very sweet. Yeah. I'm going to share a story about Des. But like, it's not really off camera. I think this was on camera,

but part of it was, there was like a portion of it that was not on camera. You already know what I'm going to say. I have no idea. When I became Bachelorette and I was, you were the first person that I essentially shared that experience or like the moment with, which was so crazy because I, I don't want to say, people always say like, oh, she knew, but I'm like, I had an idea like that I was in the running, but I never knew. Like I didn't know like it was going to be me and I certainly didn't know.

that day. And so obviously between you and then I'm going to throw in Katie, you guys really like threw me a curb ball there. I was not expecting that. And so I don't know, just sharing that moment with you was like it's like a core memory for me truly obviously because like not even just becoming Bachelorette, but because I was like, oh my God, like this is my producer that I like stepped into this entire experience with. And now I'm getting announced as Bachelorette. I pray to God she's with me on this whole journey. But like we were like just. crying together. We were just like, you know, having all of these moments of like, oh, like, you know, little girls, like us get to see me in this role, like talking to my parents.

My parents, my mom obviously was visibly stressed because it was 2 a.m. her time when I caught her. But like it was just such a sweet moment. And I would love for you to like share that with the listeners because I don't think a lot of people know that you were there with me. Yeah. Why wasn't that my moment? Why did that not come to my head? As soon as you said it, I was like, Oh, yeah, that. I remember watching this moment. Yeah. Yeah.

It was too good. Wait. And also, can I, can I just say, I remember Des waiting outside the room because we all knew that this was about to happen. And Des, who wasn't in the room when it happened, because, like, I don't know, that feels like too obvious. So you got to throw in the wild card. And the second, the second it happened, Des came barreling through the door.

And it was just like, Katie, get out of the way. Let these girls have this moment. Like, this is bigger than the TV show. This is like two people who are genuinely friends and connected and excited, excited about what's to come. And I'll never forget, calling Charity calling her mother with Des on the phone. And Charity's mom being like, and Des, you're going to be with her, right? I know. She was so worried.

She was like, please, I need this girl with her. But it was so sweet. Oh, no, don't. Don't. Yeah, yeah. That moment is, yeah. Yeah, I'm not even going to say up there. That is the number one moment for me when I think about it because I was just as a friend.

I guess as a friend, I was so happy for charity. But as a producer, I was so proud of her. and I'm gonna see I do see I see no I know I'm like you know I cried everything so nothing new um that moment was huge and I was so like proud to be a part of it because like you said little girls that look like us this doesn't happen a lot something like this And I, when I was little, can't remember a lot of things like this or people like this that I had to look up to. And you were becoming the, like, romantic lead of a show that, like, is beautiful and successful and, like, educated. And these men are, like, clamoring at the chance to marry.

and like for little girls to be able to see a black woman on the screen and be like that could be me like I could so I'm desirable because they don't often see women who look like them and for me to be a part of it and for me to be able to hold your hand through it and like yeah it was really special and to empower you to like be yourself and like um yeah that's that's yeah for sure my proud i don't want to look at you i don't know my proudest yeah my proudest thing that i have done on this on this show and i still i remain so yeah i remain so proud of you and all the things that you continue to do you know after this so i love you too and thank you for letting me continue to be a part of your journey.

Yes. And let's let's, we might as well make breaking news for those who don't know, Des is the flower girl in our own. So. Which is so fitting. It's iconic if you ask me. Like truly,

I'm like, she actually had a hand in all of this and like I would be like, what would I be without her being a part of my day in some capacity? And like she asked jokingly, but I was like, you know what? No, actually, I'm like, we're having a kid-free wedding. So this tracks. Like, yes, like her and we'll say Patrick, but Des, as a flower girl, it's just everything

that I've ever wanted. And it's going to bring like just a very special moment to our day. Lots of giggles. But yeah, lots of love and joy. So, yeah, I don't think a lot of people know that. But I truly, like, I'm so grateful, like, having Des with me. and like being able to go through that journey because it's like yeah I could have done it with anybody but it's like there was just so many layers and I think sometimes people forget that it's like

it's beyond just like the bachelorette like you know like it's beyond the show it's beyond just like a traditional experience like like like does says like I came into this um there's there hasn't been a lot of like leads of color women of color specifically black woman and like if we want to throw like you know, skin tone into it, like dark skin black women. Like, it just does not come by often. And so I was so excited, but also very scared to do this. And I was like, I can't do this alone. Like, I need someone who obviously knows me, but knows this world way more than I do. And when I knew Des was going to be with me, it just, yeah, it was waterworks. It was like the happiest day of my life. But obviously it worked out because we saw it from start to finish. And I'm just so,

grateful because, yeah, like, you are a big part of my happy ending. So love you. Thank you. I was going to ask, too, because you guys had obviously this beautiful moment in the beginning, but what was it like really being able to be there? Watch her go through it and then get engaged and have a successful engagement and a successful marriage. Like, you played a part in that. Yeah. I know. And that's always just like every, okay, every. Every, season when I go with someone like all the way to the end and get that close with someone, I cry at all of the proposals. I am sobbing.

Charity has a picture. I think I have it. I think you have it too, charity of me. Whaling. Whaling at your proposal. There's really, there really isn't anything like it. Because even with your friends, like outside of this, you're not a part of their relationship. You know the guy, you hang out with him, but you're not in the thick of every

positive thing, every negative thing, like everything that happens and like, you know, a shoulder to cry on and like giving advice or like, you know, here for like when, you know, someone maybe gets a little anxious about something. Like you're in it. You're in it with them. And then to see it all like at the end work out. is like, okay, that's why we did this. Like, that's why we both put ourselves in our emotions through all of this to get to this at the end. And I love John. And I consider him now one of my, like, closest friends too.

And like, yeah, it is, yeah, it's really, really, really rewarding. Yeah. Which is, like, the best part of all of this. It really is. It is. And I feel like this is a perfect time. to segue into something that I feel like is obviously the most touching and craziest thing, but we have been able to support you just as you have supported us and our journeys.

But if you are okay and comfortable with sharing with our viewers, there was an experience that happened while you were a producer on this show. And I want to give you the opportunity to just, share as much as you want about that. Yeah. But yeah, it was very, very hard. Very hard to say the least, to say the least. Yeah.

Yeah, definitely something I'm comfortable talking about. So when I was filming Jones season of the Golden Bachelorette, I had a brain aneurysm, which is a crazy sentence to say. It still sounds crazy coming out of my mind or out of my mouth. Um, yeah, randomly, you don't normally don't know that that's going to happen. Um, so essentially my brain exploded. Like, it's a, it's a brain bleed and it, um, it causes a stroke. Your body shuts down. Um, every year, your brain shuts down. Your, your body shuts down. your cognitive abilities.

Like everything shuts down. And I don't know another way to put it. You're dying, essentially. Yeah. And luckily, I had some friends with me that were able to, like, some other producers who were able to call 911 and get me into like emergency surgery and all of that. But yeah, it was spooky. It feels like when people say it's the worst pain of your life.

It really did. The only way to explain it is it felt like someone took a bat to the inside of my head. And you just like feel it like explode. And then, yeah, it's crazy. So I was in the ICU. We were still in L.A. at that time, luckily. So we were in the country. And I was in the ICU for a month.

and had a little brief little stint in a coma, which is also insane, had to relearn to like walk and talk and do all of those things. It was like a long recovery. But yeah, crazy thing that happened. But I had so much support from Bachelor Nation, from, you know, my friends and family, my support system. Charity, you were supportive through the entire thing. Rachel came to visit me in the hospital, like a lot of, yeah, I don't know who put together this video of like a bunch of people from Bachelor Nation, you know, wishing me well. And like, it was the most insane and unhinged

and hilarious video with just like different. I mean, Jesse Palmer was in the video. So I felt a lot of, a lot of love and a lot of support, but that was crazy. Yeah. Dez, it was one of the rare moments where it was like, again, it was bigger than the Bachelor. It was like break the bubble at this point. Like I remember letting that we let the cast know of Golden Bachelorette what was happening, which is something that, you know, it takes a lot to really break that fourth wall down and let people know.

But the cast was like, where is Dez? Okay, guys, that's all for part one with Des. Stay tuned for part two dropping tomorrow. Bye. Hey, everybody. I'm Tariqa Foster Brasby. What's up, y'all? I'm your girl, Cheryl Swoops.

When you tune in to a new episode of our podcast levels to this, you're definitely going to get some spicy WNBA analysis. But we're more than just hoops. And the real conversation is what we actually bring. It's been really, really cool seeing kind of these women just really step into their power off the court and understand that they aren't basketball, right? And they're not asking for permission. Listen to levels to this with Stro's Hoops and Tarika Foster Brasby on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Paul Verzi here, and I want to talk to you about Paul's best podcast.

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or wherever you get your podcasts. When Democrats are messing up, I say it. When Republicans are messing up, I say it. I'm Essie Cup. a journalist and political commentator, and on my podcast, Off the Cup, I help you make sense of the often nonsensical news. I do this on cable news, too, but on my podcast, I can really let loose and be my honest, unfiltered self. I just want to talk about something that happened this week because it's so bonkers, so stupid.

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This time I talked to scientists, biopunks, curmudgins, blues owners, super seniors, and Goa's top cryotherapy lab to try to understand this obsession with living forever and what it means for all of us. And I get into a bit of trouble along the way. I'd say probably start bone smashing. That doesn't work. To make it look more defined. They say it works.

I don't know. Listen to Skyline Drive, How to Live Forever on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.