Bachelor Happy Hour - Exclusive: Joe & Serena on Their Engagement and Future

Episode Date: October 6, 2021

“Bachelor in Paradise’s” Joe and Serena give their first interview as an engaged couple! They discuss their entire “Paradise” journey, and how throwing logic out the window and following their gut led them to happily ever after. They also talk about the challenges in building their relationship as Joe’s ex was nearby and what’s ahead for them. Then, Becca and Tia discuss all the news from this week’s episode, including two other engagements. Plus, they share some behind-the-scenes details that didn’t make it onto the show.  “Bachelor Happy Hour” has exclusive interviews every week. Watch “Bachelor in Paradise” on ABC and listen to “Bachelor Happy Hour” the next morning.  Don’t forget to rate and subscribe so you never miss an episode.  See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What's up, Bachelor, happy hour listeners? I cannot believe we have reached the end of paradise. It seems at times it was a long time coming, and at times it seems like it just absolutely flew by. But Tia, I am so glad that you have been here by my side to recap each and every week. I couldn't have done this without you. Oh, it definitely might it go,

way better. It's bittersweet. It has been so nice doing this with you. And I'm so excited for our guest today. I know. I can't wait. We have the happily engaged couple, Joe and Serena, the king and queen themselves hopping on very shortly. But until then, T and I have to go over. I mean, absolutely everything that went down in this finale because it was a long one. It was three hours. I cried a few times. I did too. It was emotional. It was good. It truly was and I'm not really that much of a crier but seeing these three couples who are not only

in love but who have become close friends and like family of ours it was really special because I mean you and I were there with them day in and day out for most of the time until that very last day and obviously like since then we've talked to them we've been able to hear

their side but until you're actually watching it back and witnessing what they say to each other and seeing the guys get down on one knee. I had chills so many times. I was tearing up. I was holding Minow on the couch, just squeezing her so tight.

It was so special to see it in person up close, but also to see those sweet moments that we wouldn't get to see otherwise. It was a bittersweet for me to leave single, of course, and with you and Thomas having your ending, but I'm honestly so, so happy for all the couples that left together. It's just so nice to see and so amazing to see this franchise work because I know it can.

Mm-hmm. It did. It did. I remember that last, and well, not even the last day, like you and I had already left Mexico and one of the producers, one of my friends, texted me and all she sent were the three diamond emojis and I was like, shut the front door, three engagements because, you know, You never know. Like, we all knew how strong all three of those last couples were, but you get down to that

day and you don't know. One of the couples could have had cold feet. So I was maybe expecting two couples to get engaged, not all three. So when I got that text, I think I was on the airplane because I had a super long delay coming back to the Midwest. I think I screamed. And the guy next to me on the plane was like, what the hell? I know Serena wasn't expecting it either.

I feel like Serena was like, I would actually be shocked if Joe... proposed so just seeing it all play out was so special and let's just get into those last moments because obviously we'll have joe and serena on to pick their brains and to kind of relive that last day but you and are friends with kendall and we had no idea that she was still there we had no idea she had been in mexico since she left and that she went down that last day i i had texted her when i got my phone back and i didn't hear from her for a couple days and i was like what the heck is she just, does she just need time away from the franchise? What's going on? And then she texted me a few days after that and was like, so I stayed till the end and I had a conversation with Joe. And I was

like, no way, what? And so she was probably sitting in her room for what, a week? Two weeks, maybe. Waiting to do that? Longer than a week. Yeah. Yeah. I really didn't know what she was going to say. I was like, she's either going to give her blessing or just be like, hey, I'm still into you, don't do this. And I had to watch, like, through my fingers, I was nervous. Yeah. I just knowing Kendall, though, I know how hard it is. And she's such a strong woman.

And she never wants to, I think, burden anyone else. And I think she is so respectful that she, as hard as it was for her to fully and completely let Joe and what they had in their past relationship go, I think in her heart of hard. She knew it was the right thing to do. And she just, you know, I know walking down that day, people thought like she was there to break up this engagement and break up Joe and Serena. And I don't think that was her intention. I really think she just went to give her full blessing and be like, yeah, here you go, my little bird now fly. Right. I know. I'm glad Joe didn't get too distracted either because I know that can rattle you a little bit to see someone you had something so long

and special with right before you're going to propose. Oh, Lord. I can't imagine. But... Joe handled it well. I also actually did love Serena's reaction when they were standing up there in those last moments. And Joe was like, yeah, actually, you know, my actually showed up. And Serena's like, what? Are you lying? Like, are you kidding? But it was sweet because her first reaction was to see if he was okay. Right. You know, not how she was feeling, but she was like, are you doing okay. How are you? And I thought that was really sweet. It just is a testament to who they are as a couple in their relationship and how much they care about each other. So, yeah, seeing all of those couples have those last conversations in the fantasy suites was something really special. I mean,

we saw two seconds of all of it. I'm sure they had so much more time to just talk and unwind and like really let loose of everything they had wanted to talk about. I mean, I remember the fantasy suites how important they were. Right. So it's a pivotal moment. But I mean, the entire episode was filled with so much. Like, we started again. The very beginning was kind of rough with Noah and Abigail.

We see that breakup take place. We see Abigail, you know, kind of break down. It's like, I mean, cats out of the bag now. They're happy.

They're back together. I love that it showed that at the end. I want to get into the epilogue too, but before that, let's just go through everything. Yeah, so we kick off still at prom. Abigail and Noah leave separate.

They left early. I remember waking up the next day and it just felt obviously each week the group gets smaller and smaller but it just felt really somber that morning obviously Dean and Kalin came in and said that paradise is done you have big decisions to you made but even before that conversation took place

like the beach felt weird right yeah well we went into a row ceremony too didn't we the next day oh yeah that was the day where it was like very quiet you know Noah was such a character Noah was always laughing and like the loud fun funny one out of the group and so to not have them there just felt really bizarre kind of yeah and the cocktail party was canceled too and wells comes in and is like okay this is the end of paradise you need to

have serious conversations and i'm like i just got a rose from this buffoon errand and you think we're going to have serious conversations and then paradise is going to be over like what is actually going on that is such that last week for you, T. It was so random. You went through the ringer. You were just up and down and all over the place, but you kept such a good sense of humor. I mean, like, even until the last day, the very last conversation you and Aaron had. I had yoga pants on. I was ready for my flight. I'm like, can someone book me a flight out of here? I'm ready to go. I'm not having a serious conversation. You were ready to break up with him. All of us girls were chatting. You're like,

okay, this is what I'm going to do. I'm going to end things. I'm going to tell me he's a nice guy and that I wish him the best but like we're just not for each other and then all of a sudden he like he runs in and pulls you a whole seven feet and I remember sitting there watching it and we can all of us girls he were like what the hell you're doing this right now it was the fastest conversation and watching Aaron and James leave together we were like this makes sense this the entire season that actually happened and they were happy for it to happen and we like no one was really shocked that that happened. Of course it's like funny and comedic and we're all like

what the hell just happened but I don't think any of us were like, oh, we can't believe that. No, it wasn't shocking. Not at all. Not at all. All you can do is laugh. Had you and Thomas split or what I was? No, we were one of the last breakups. I know they showed it first but him and I went last.

So Anna and James had already had their conversation. You and Aaron had already quickly exchanged seven words. yeah so you were gone um and i wasn't expecting thomas to come pull me when he did i thought i was going to have way more time because i was so up and down of like what the hell am i going to do right now how do i even approach this conversation um and so i was really kind of shocked when he pulled me um it was just such a weird day i feel like my headspace was so off um obviously we see

me end things with him. It was really tough. I know it showed that conversation seemed very brief. Like it didn't seem that long, but we actually talked for quite some time. Well, it's very serious at the end. It feels very real. And you have gone through this process multiple times before and you're like,

hey, if I'm not 100% sure, I'm not doing this. And I totally get it. And I think Joe made a comment too about you had two very public breakups. And it's just scary to think. about having to do that again. Yeah. And that's something that I was very up front the entire time with everyone of like, if I don't feel 100% confident in my relationship or whatever partner I have in this, like I'm fine with choosing myself at the end and leaving. And that's, it was like this weird. I was like one foot in one foot out. It's like I needed more of him. And in that very,

very last conversation was when I actually got that. And I felt like in that moment, it was too little too late. But the one thing, well, two things that stuck with me was he was like, I don't want you to have any what ifs. And of course, after him kind of opening up and breaking down and actually really saying how he felt about me and about like where he thought a relationship wasn't that he wanted to pursue something out of this, that's what I was like, oh, like he's actually really like serious and wants to do this. But I was already, like my mind had already been made up. And so that's why I ran after him because I was like, I don't want him to think. that this was just like a quick summer fling and that the feelings weren't there like right and when

he hugged me goodbye it was heavy and so i left when he was like have faith in me just like pick me choose me have faith in us and no man has ever fought like that before like usually when you get to the end of a breakup they're like okay go on your merry way like no guy has been like pick me you know like the scene in a gray's name we're like pick me choose me be with me that's how it felt and I was like, oh, okay, so I came back to the hotel. I actually, Tia and I had to sleep over that night because I was so sad. I got to the hotel and that's like when I really broke down after. Yeah, I just want to say, he's not the only one that was emotional.

You were very emotional. There was black stains on the bed. I was like, what is this? You're like, that's my mascara. I've been crying. The bed was soaked. I'm like, my little baby. Yeah, so.

Yeah, you see some tough breakups. I mean, the Anna McKenna one. Oh, mercy. It was like, God bless him for trying. I think all of us knew it wasn't going to work out, but you got to give the man props. I really thought she was going or he was going to convince her. He just kept going. I was like, he is going to convince this girl.

He convinced me. He convinced her to go in onto her date. He invited himself on to her date. He convinced her in that moment. And then, yeah, he, I mean, he's good with his words. He's such a sweetheart. I think ultimately with them, though, is she knew. She's like, look, I've known you for less than a week.

I live in Canada. You live in Florida. This isn't going to work. Right. So, yeah, they break up. Obviously, James and Anna ended things. I didn't really see that one coming. No, I thought James and Anna were going to try to continue something outside of it.

Yeah, or at least say, hey, let's see how this works outside of this. I don't think she expected that. So those were mainly it for the breakups. And then we see the three happy couples. It's just weird thinking that it's already done. I know. It's nuts. It's freaking nuts.

And just to think, too, it is such a short period of time, but it's so crazy and cool to see these couples get so close. And they all said, I love yous, all of them. I know Kenny, I wrote down, he said several times he was worried about his age gap with Laurie. And then Riley kept messing with Marissa. I love that. I was like, I want to slap him. I'm messing with her like that because he knows she stresses. the hell out. But Joe and Serena made me cry every time they were on screen.

Yeah. Every couple is so different, too. It's like they all have this really strong love and these great connections and relationships, but they're all vastly different. And to go into, I know, I want to talk quickly about the whole Kenny Murray age difference because I've seen a lot on social media and just out there about people just kind of bashing the age difference. And realistically, like, we're all adults. age difference too there's there's an age difference yeah between i mean a lot of the couples on the beach and like at the end of the day we're all adults like we all pick and choose who we want to be with when we want to be with them like my parents had an 11 wait a nine year or an 11 year they had a big age gap too close to a decade age gap and they had a beautiful relationship and yeah with all of those last three couples like they're all very mature even though serena's only 23 she is one of the most matured You would not know it. No, exactly.

She's so well-spoken. Mm-hmm. So, yeah, you know, age is just a number. It's just, it's, it's, it's, I don't think it needs to hinder any sort of relationship. But I am glad that Kenny brought it up because he did make a good point. He's like, I don't want her to feel like she's ever missing out on her single 20s and 30s. Right. Maris also very mature.

She's, and she. It's already unconventional anyways. Exactly. Like an age gap doesn't even mean anything when you get engaged after a few weeks after. This is the weirdest social experiment that anyone can ever go through. So, you know, a 10-year age difference is nothing compared to everything else we go through. And it works. And it works. Yes. And with that, we'll see firsthand just how much it works when we bring Joe and Serena on to Bachelor Happy Hour right now. Okay, you two welcome to Bachelor Happy Hour. Serena, we've had you on before. before. But Joe, this is your first time. Tia and I have been raving about you while we've been recapping because you guys obviously have been one of the fan favorites of this entire season, but we just love the two of you so damn much. So we're so excited to have you sit down.

To begin, welcome. Show off that ring, Serena. Yay. I can finally wear it. It is so big. You also just have like very tiny fingers to begin with. That is stunning. You guys look great. put it on. I was like, I have to make sure this doesn't slip off because it wasn't size and it was so big on my finger. And I was also like shaking. Did you pick the design or Joe, did you pick it out? I picked that. I didn't pick anything. I gave him no guidance or advice. So he did really good. We didn't really have pre-conversations about engagement rings because we just didn't think it was going to happen. Yeah, Serena was like, now I'd be shocked if we'd get engaged. Surprise. And I'm still shocked four months later. Yeah, because T and I were talking, we,

I think expected Kenny and Mari and Marie and Marissa and Riley to get engaged. You were always like the one on the fence show. We knew how strong you two were together and how much you cared about her. But I don't think we expected you to actually get down on one knee. When was that moment that last day where it clicked and you're like, yep, I'm doing it. I'm getting that ring and I'm proposing to this woman. Yeah. Well, I had said the whole time that I wouldn't leave unless I saw a real future.

with someone. So then when we get down to like the ending days and we separated after the fantasy suites, I was like, I truly think I'm going to spend the rest of my life with her. So that I was like, is it crazy to get engaged? Well, sure, it is. I mean, the idea of getting engaged in a few weeks and on national television is crazy, but the whole process isn't normal. And it's worked before and it's working again.

And it just felt right and it felt really romantic. So I did it. It was so romantic. That it's so authentic and real and it's just the best freaking thing ever. It makes my heart so warm. Oh, thank you. Well, that's, you know, it's what we're trying to do. Okay.

I want to get into the last night, the fantasy suites and the engagement. But first, I want to take it back to the very beginning because Joe, We knew you were going to go to Paradise. We obviously didn't quite know how it was going to go the second time around for you. And even when I came down a week later, you were like, I was ready to leave at first. It was really tough. So take us back through, walk us through your mindset when you first arrived on Paradise. Like what ultimately made you want to come back the second time around?

So yeah, I would say to go on Paradise, I thought, okay, well, I'm single. it worked before, why not? I've been here before. It's going to be fun. I forget what it's like to have to talk about your feelings and push yourself to have uncomfortable conversations and do all that. Like, I completely forgot what that was like. And to see that same exact environment where you knew you had fell in love before is just

the trippiest deja vu ever. Yes. Yeah, it really is. And I call it an ego. I was like, I know, I know everyone there. This is just going to be, this is going to be fun for me. I'm not going to fall in love. Like, it could happen, but it probably won't.

And then as soon as I got down there, it all came, you know, flooding back. And I'm like, oh, yeah, this does work. And this could work. And then my conversation with Serena, I remember, like, being so flustered and thinking, I can fall for this girl. And I know what it's like to fall for somebody on this show because it's not an easy road. It's not just, it's going to be smooth sailing.

So, yeah, I panicked. Day one, you thought that was Serena, first day? Day one, yeah. That's why I was so flustered if you see in the interviews of me, like I should have got my hair. Why didn't I cut my hair? All the nonsense was really because I knew it could potentially work with her

and I was trying to get out of there. And I did. And it did, we're going to look at that. Not only is the ring huge, but your smiles, you guys. You are both just glowing. Joe, I want to ask you this because I think you and I had a similar mindset where we went in. We're like, we're going to have fun. We're going to have, you know, hot girl, hot boy summer, enjoy it.

I don't think either one of us expected to fall like we did or have those strong emotions for somebody else, especially you right away. do you kind of compare okay I've always heard people say this like when they have a baby and they go into labor obviously it's probably the most painful experience they can ever go through but then once they have that baby

they're like oh it was the best thing I've ever done you kind of forget the pain and you just look at like the beauty of what it is is that kind of would you say your mindset going in of like you looked at the shiny positive sides and then once you were done they're like oh shit this really could hurt again

yeah 100% I actually did it we did it yesterday where I looked at an old Bachelor in Paradise photo, I said it was so easy being back there. But during it, it really wasn't. And that's definitely what I did. And I would also say, Becca, you and I are very similar in why I think the process does work for us

because it only really works when you completely let go and you just let go and you let it happen. And I did that right away, as you saw in the first episode, of me freaking out. Right. I think when you go in with no expectations, like, I think some people go in and they're like, I'm going to find my partner. I'm going to get engaged. I'm going to get that ring and all the things. And that's where sometimes it goes wrong because there's so much pressure. And so, yeah, when you kind of just let go and let it be and take it day by day, that's when you're very pleasantly surprised. Speaking of expectations, Serena, when you came in, what were

your expectations walking through the gates of paradise? Because obviously you made it very far on Matt's season. So you knew that it worked to a certain extent. But what did you hope would be the outcome for you when you first stepped to put on that beach? I mean, I think I definitely went in optimistic. I was for sure feeling ready to enter a serious relationship. So I had that going for me. But there's obviously that skepticism. I mean, I felt that the environment of paradise having that unlimited time getting to talk to all these people, like the structure of it was probably a little bit more up my alley than maybe the structure of The Bachelor was. And as much as it didn't work for me on The Bachelor, I did make it far enough that I was like,

this could work for me. But yeah, I kind of just went in with an open mind. Like, I was like, you know what? If I leave single and I don't find my person, that's okay. And if I find someone and I really fall for them, then amazing. That'll be great too. But you can't really predict how it was going to go until you get down there and you start meeting people and actually seeing if there's someone that you have that connection with,

because I really don't think you can force anything. Well, so we obviously know, just talking to Joe right now, that he was smitten with you. He was, I would say, caught off guard with how he felt right away in that connection. Did you feel that right away after talking with him too? Or did you need some more time, some more conversations to feel that spark with him? Choose your words. Shows a show smirking over there. I definitely felt it right away.

I mean, I would say it took us a couple days, like after our first one-on-one day is I think when we were both like, whoa, this could really be something. But after our first conversation, I was very smitten. Like, I think I said in multiple interviews, like, I've talked to so many people today. There's so many great guys here, but Joe's the one that gives me butterflies. I don't know what it is, but he gives me that like giddy, nervous, excited feeling that I want to have that, yeah, I hadn't had in a really long time until I talked to him. And it's so ironic because he was so flustered. and just freaking out during her first conversation, but I found it so endearing and just very genuine. But I used that. I used that to my benefit. I knew what I was doing. You're right. It was all the bastard to an extent, to an extent, to an extent.

Look, I would say you were just yourself. Yeah. Like you weren't pretending you were fine when you were freaking out. You were just like, I'm freaking out and I'm being awkward and that's who you are as a person. Yeah, that's who I am. Yeah. And I know how to, yeah. And you just own it.

It was some sort of strategy. Is that okay? I kind of want to, but just go. Listen, listen, Serena, I said to Zasolm night one. It was not. It was definitely not the socks of the sandals. I will say that right now.

It's a staple. I love it. First of all, the socks and the sandals. The first night, the first day, I cut my foot on a rock. Then my foot was rubbing up against the sandal and it was making it very uncomfortable. But then besides that,

okay, the one night, when we said we were falling in love with each other, and I wore the long socks and the sandals. That night, I took a really nice shower. I was really comfortable, and I just wanted to feel like I was back at home. And the side, my feet were finally dry. So the socks pulling them up with the sandals, and I just felt like tonight, I'm going to relax. It's going to be a nice night.

I had something really sweet plan for Serena, and I'm going to feel like I'm in my living room, opposed to on a beach. And how did that were here for you? It worked. It worked. It worked. Serena took the lead. It's fine.

You're right. I said I was falling in love while you were wearing socks and sandals. Apparently he was doing something right. Serena, when you saw him walk down with those socks, did you, was there any part of you that was like, hmm, maybe I shouldn't tell him I'm falling in love with him in this moment. I mean, no. Well, I didn't know I was going to say it. Like, there was no, and it was very in the moment.

But I mean, I wouldn't say the socks and sandals helped you. You know, that was funny, too. that was, I didn't know if she was going to say it either. I was truly surprised when she said it. Yeah, there was definitely like a couple beats of silence where he was just like, really? No way. I was like, yeah.

When he said it back and you were shocked too, you could tell that was a sincere real moment. And it was so special to watch. I've said that about 10 times already, but it was so special to watch. Yeah, it was definitely special for us to watch back because that was a huge moment for us and obviously super romantic with the setup and everything like that.

And I didn't know I was going to say it as much as I knew I was feeling it. So when it came out, it was like spur the moment. I was crazy nervous to tell him because I genuinely didn't know what he was going to say. But I kind of just came to terms with like, if he doesn't say it back, I took the wrist. I put myself out there and he knows how I feel. And it was just like it was just awesome. I hate using the word awesome. But that's just I was so.

Super. It was super, super awesome, amazing. But it was, it was really romantic. It was a big moment. Yeah, and it was very much a real life moment, it felt. Because, you know, when you're out of these shows, there is a lot that, you know, it's not that the show set up, but you like set up the moment or you go in there

knowing a little bit of what you're going to say. And like, it was just really like, whoa, This is shocking, but okay, yeah, I feel it too. What I love about you too and Serena, you, I think you had alluded to this in something you said last night after you got engaged of like you two are some of the most logical people on that beach. And I think with for me as a friend and as a viewer, you guys had this great balance of logic and being real versus like you also are not versus but like combined with this romance. I feel like even though you were both kind of unsure of where you were at feeling wise, you always still landed on the same page and still supported each other and you were always there.

Whether you knew it like right at the moment or not, you both had this safe place to land with each other, which Joe, I mean, when you say like it was just real, like, we felt that because like just the shock and the awe and the excitement that you both shared in those little moments, not only when you were saying you're falling in love with each other, but when you're actually in love with each other, which Serena, props to you, girl, for always beating him to the punch. I'm proud of you for that one. Thanks. I really just lost my filter a couple times this season, apparently. That's what happens when you fall in love. It's just like word vomit and you just like can't keep it, you know, pent up. I want to know, and this is something that T and I

touched on in the recap is there's not only with YouTube, but with other couples on the beach, there's been such a conversation around the age difference between some of the couples. is that something that has ever bothered you? It seems like from my standpoint, it hasn't, but I'm sure those are conversations you two have had, but was it something ever in the back of your mind we're like, oh, this is weird, or are you just like, it's good, it's okay?

I think that the age differences, we've had different perspectives on it. Like, it hasn't phased you at all, even from the beginning. No. I'm also very youthful. I think I am, yeah. So it doesn't really bother me at all.

Joe, you are youthful, but you're like this, you have this youth like in a grandpa's like crumagine body sometimes, I think. Yeah. I don't know how to take that. It's the access. In a grandpa's crumudgeon body? What the fuck is that supposed to mean? That's, there's no one.

It's a compliment. I have a, I have a body like an 18 year old. No, I would say, honestly, age really is just a. number and it is a maturity thing and the way Serena handled my acts coming to the beach in such a mature way and if I found it extremely attractive and I would say I am somewhat immature so I think it like matches up perfectly I was going to say I'm 12 yeah I mean I would say I've never dated someone 11 years older than me I never expected to I don't know in I side of Paradise. That's something I would have felt maybe comfortable doing. But Paradise really

kind of gives you the opportunity to put those details aside. And you're really just spending all this time together. Like age really does become just a number. On the way back from the hotel after we got shut down, I remember you thinking, I'm going to have to tell my parents. I'm with a man that's 12 years older than me. What am I going to tell my parents? I'm like, yeah, it's okay. Yeah, that was definitely part of one of many conversations I had with them. Which I do want to get into, because you you did make a comment last night after you were already engaged, where you were like, my parents are going to kill me. How, I will get into all of the details of the engagement,

but how has it been, Joe, I'm assuming you've met them now and have they embraced this relationship, or are they still kind of waiting to see how you guys handled the real world? You want me to go first? Yeah, go ahead. Okay. I have met them. They're lovely people.

They're also very logical, real world people. so I think it's I think it's hard to completely understand it when you've never gone through something like this so you know I'm just like you know we're here for you I get it like I don't expect them to open me with open arms like we love you you don't know me

so I think it's all it's gonna take time and I respect that and I just told them like I love your daughter you know there's really not much more to it than that but like you know that's all they could want Yeah. I think my parents definitely see that I'm happy. I'm in love. I know they're going to grow to love Joe also. But yeah, just like you said, they're very logical, practical people. And I think when they envision me getting engaged, they expected to be a bigger part of it, as you typically would be in, you know, the real world, I guess you could call it. But so yeah, it was a shock for sure when we told them. But they are so loving.

and so supportive. And yeah, it's just going to take a little time for them to get used to, I think. Well, and it's one thing being able to meet, you know, because you guys were in hiding for these past couple months. It's been a while since you've actually gotten engaged. And so it's one thing to be living kind of in this limbo world

where you can't go out in public. You can't even say his name in public. Your parents can't say his name. So I think now is when your relationship truly starts where the families can't. meet and you can walk down the street together and they can see you and how you treat each other in real life, which I think is really important, which is really special. I mean, coming from somebody who's gone through it now, like, this is the moment where it's like, it begins to feel

real. And it's like, this is the special time where you're like, okay, we can actually start our life now. Yeah. We are so excited. I'm so excited. What's the first thing? I just want to get out of hiding. I want to go to a restaurant. Like, this is the highlight the last couple months. That was a good part of the episode, too, when you were like, we just want to go eat together and go to the grocery store and do normal things. It's so weird how abnormal those things seem in that environment. But those are special day-to-day things you're going to have to do forever. Yeah, like, I just keep saying, like, we didn't do anything in a wrong order. We just did things in a different order. So it's like you take all these huge steps first. And now it's like we're backtracking a little bit. And it's like, okay, like, let's go out. on a date night. That's something we haven't been able to do. You get to actually order a bottle of wine in front of a random person that you've

never met before and you can actually say his name and be like, this is my fiancé. Is it weird for you to have bypassed the boyfriend and girlfriend phase and just go straight into fiance? That's not as weird

because I felt like that's not as weird. whatever reason. It is weird. I would say the only thing is I always expected to live with my fiancee before I had gotten engaged. So I think that would be the only thing, but we have spent, like you said, we spent so much time in quarantine that we know what it's like to live in an apartment together at this point. And I mean, I feel like as much as it sounds bizarre, you go through the boyfriend-girlfriend stage on the beach. And it's just, it's condensed into such a short amount of time, but it's like a really intense amount of time

where you almost feel like you do go through those steps and you just get to engagement significantly faster than you would not in paradise. But I mean, I do feel like we went through that stage. I do too. Yeah. I do. I agree with you, Becca, when you say like,

this is the time where it really starts to feel real. But this is all felt somewhat normal. like our relationship has felt like a normal normal is a strong word okay but then I don't have another word normal is the only one in my head right now

I want to go back because I have a question for Serena but Joe you had mentioned seeing Serena in the atmosphere and dealing with the situation of your ex on the beach and kind of navigating that was it attracted you more to her and how she handled that. Serena, watching Joe in his moments where, you know, he had confronted Brendan and Piper on their situation and Chris on his situation. What did you feel

seeing him take the lead in those moments? Yeah, I mean, I was there for the Chris and Atlanta situation. I was sick the night Brendan and Piper went home. So I did miss that. I did get to watch that back with the rest of the viewers for the first time. But I mean, I mean, Joe has a friendship with Jasena and he is a very close, strong friendship with Natasha. So I definitely admire him kind of taking charge and standing up for his friends. You know, two women got really hurt and he's not afraid to have those difficult conversations with people and be that kind of shoulder to lean on for those women that got hurt. So I'm friends with those people as well. And I think that, you know, Chris and Alana and Brendan Piper leaving the beach.

gave Gisena and Natasha the space to hopefully find love for themselves. You know, with those people, I like that. You know, that was, when I look back at that whole situation, Chris and Alana, I do wish we would have handled a little better.

I think we could have handled it not as intense, but it is what it is. In the Brendan Piper conversation, it was really just kind of like, okay, there are two stories here. So, like, let's confront that because it's ruining a lot of people's time now because so much energy was put towards what's going on with Brendan and Piper.

What's going on with Brendan and Piper? That was just like, okay, enough's enough. And yeah, Natasha is a real friend of mine. So to see her go through that was tough, even though at the time I didn't really see all of it, you know, because I was also focusing on us. I mean, you were focusing on a lot, not only having to be there for your friends, but focus on your relationship with Serena. Also, while dealing with navigating your ex on the beach and, you know, dealing with those types of conversations and how you and Serena interact in front of her,

which I can't even imagine. That would have been, I mean, you guys went through the ringer in that. And I applaud both of you for how you handled it. And her as well, you all handled. it so maturely in it's an uncomfortable strange situation but the way that the three of you all handled it I think is the best way anyone could have. It had the best outcome

I mean especially for you too but was it hard for you to keep moving your relationship forward at all knowing that Kendall was still there seeing everything and you know kind of being like

okay is she around to see? this like what was that mindset like trying to progress your relationship forward while knowing she was still there when kendall had first got there i i really meant what i said i wouldn't have went to paradise if i wasn't over her when she first got there just because everything's so heightened in paradise it just seemed so intense um we also didn't sleep as much so like that first moment i was like okay this is going to be a little difficult but truly the next morning when I had breakfast with Serena, I was like, this isn't going to phase me at all. Like, this is my relationship that that's really all I care about right now.

I'm not an evil person. So I want to, if, if Kimball was upset, I was willing to be there for her and hear her out. But it didn't phase my relationship growing with Serena at all. I mean, I don't think so. Yeah, I would agree. I mean, it was definitely uncomfortable at times. and there was an awareness of the situation and awareness of, you know, her feelings.

But at the same time, I would say it sped up the progression of our relationship because it was such an intense situation right out of the gate that we really have to communicate through. So not only did it test our relationship and our commitment to each other, but it tested like, you know, if we were going through a difficult time. As a team. Yeah. It was really, we really actually worked very well.

Like it was nice. Yeah. That's the best way to put it. Like, it really tested our strength as a team. And I think it, I know you said, like, the way I handle it made you more attracted to me and the way he handles it made me more attracted to him and just feel like I could trust him, feel more comfortable in the relationship. And, yeah, I just felt like we had the skills to handle that.

And that was going to translate into situations in the outside world. And that made me feel really confident in the relationship. Mm-hmm. Well, and it seemed like in those moments, when you two would have conversations about it. I can imagine it would be easy to just focus on how you're feeling internally and why either one of you were hurt for your own individual specific reasons, but you were always checking in on the other.

Like one of the first things, Serena, you said during the proposal when Joe told you that Kendall had walked down and surprised in that last day, your first reaction was, well, how are you doing? Like it wasn't you getting upset and being like, oh, no, should I be here?

Like, what was that conversation? and it was just Joe, how are you? And yeah, and he does the same for you, which I think is something, like you said, you are a team and you do have that support system in one another, which is something really incredible. Yeah, that's actually true. I kind of forgot I said that.

But, I mean, I think when it came down to it, I felt confident in our relationship and I didn't think anything was going to come between us at that time. And obviously, he was the one that had the relationship with Kendall. It wasn't me. so I kind of felt like my role in all of that. As much as I wanted to be honest with him

about how everything made me feel was to support him in any way I could. That last, her coming down at the end, I thought was, I just was like, okay, at this point, I don't really care what you have to say. And like the nicest way possible. Like, this is just not the time. Yeah, right.

Well, and I can imagine for something so big as an engagement, you have your mind made up. Like, that is set. And I would hope that nothing major would happen to sway that. So I think, you know, you guys were both very cordial. And I think she just had to say what she had to say. But at the end of the day, you were very still zoned in on what you were there to do in that moment.

And that was to ask Serena to spend the rest of your lives together. The night before, though, obviously you guys went into the fantasy suites. And Joe, you made a comment the next morning saying, waking up the day after the fantasy suites that you would probably be very in your head about what's to come and the engagement the next day. But with Serena, you actually said that you felt more at peace and calm. So what was, I guess, what was the catalyst for making you feel so calm and just safe with her? Yeah. And I also would say because of that feeling, that was a big reason why I did get down on one knee. Because ever since, since Serena and I,

I said we were falling in love with each other, there was like this calming piece, very confident feeling I had about her and our relationship. And I don't know exactly what it is, and I don't know if people are meant to be with each other or whatnot, but I think, not to sound corny or cliche, but I think it was just real love. And I was shocked that it did happen so fast. so yeah and that's why i felt that way and she beat you to the punt for the second time saying i love you that's my girl and then i won up to her ass so i made it was very cute in the episode you said it's my turn yeah i'm doing this first yeah she even said to me at the end

she goes did you just get engaged to me out of spite I didn't have any other option. It's a win-win either way. Yeah. It all worked out. Serena, I want to know from you because you said that you didn't expect him to get down on one knee and actually propose. So I'm assuming you went into that moment having Joe be like, I love you.

You know, let's take this outside of paradise and see how we are in the real life and can continue this relationship. would you have been fine with that? Like, is that what you, I'm assuming, expected to happen? Yeah. So, I mean, from the conversations we had had, my expectation was we were going to go down, be like, here's my final rose, here's my final rose,

we love each other, let's get out of here. And that was kind of what we had agreed upon leaving each other after fantasy suites of like, we're just such logical people. Gotcha. Yeah, shockers. It's all the way down. But I mean, I think, yeah, like the logical thing to do was like, this is crazy. This is so fast. Like, let's just, you know, do the step by step thing and we'll get engaged down the line. So he definitely called me off guard. But I mean, one of my best friends was like, it's actually so beautiful because you are so driven by logic in every part of your life. And you clearly wanted to say yes, this proposal. Because if you didn't want to get engaged to him, you wouldn't. have said yes, and I have absolutely no regrets to this day. I'm glad we're engaged.

I'm glad I said yes. So she's like, it's really beautiful to see that this decision to be with Joe and to be engaged with him was just so, like, emotionally driven. Like, I got so emotional. We got down on one knee. I was so excited to say yes. I was obviously in complete shock, but I mean, I knew he was the one. It wasn't like I hadn't already imagined, you know, one day as getting engaged.

we just, you know, he jumped the gun and a little sooner than I planned. But I also think every couple or everyone that goes on the show should, if they really love the person, should be okay, if there isn't an engagement, and it's just, hey, let's leave as a couple.

Because if Serena was like, either we get engaged or this is all for it, like, wow, that's, I don't know about, I don't know how I feel about that. What I'm done with this? It sounds a lot better in my head.

No, I get what you're saying. I think for, because, I mean, and you were a couple that really since the very first week hit it off and you were the strongest couple on that beach. I think it's different if you were in like a James and Anna situation where you had a date, you had this spark, this initial connection, but obviously you don't know each other for very long. So of course you're probably not going to leave together. But for somebody like you two who,

who had spent so much time together. And I don't think people realize how much time you truly spend together. I know everyone's like, oh, it's only been, you know, a couple weeks, but it's like, you were together day in and day out, dealing with things that you probably wouldn't in normal daily life and trying to navigate how you would navigate those things on a beach in very, very stressful hard situations. And so it just, you know, formed your, I would say it kind of sped up. Like put your relationship in a microwave in a way.

which obviously helped because it got you to where you are now. Oh, man, I was going to ask you something about that last day. Oh, Serena, this is what I wanted to say. You, I think, gave one of my favorite moment in an interview ever where watching you two exchange your I love you and your sentiments to one another, it got both me and Tia choked up at times and gave us the chills, but you gave an interview where you were talking and then you kind of stopped and started crying and you were like, I didn't think I would feel this way. I didn't think I would get here and the fact that like I'm allowing myself to feel all these

things for him. It was just a really beautiful moment. It was one of the most beautiful interviews and words that I've ever seen anyone on the show Express. And so, you know, I can imagine what it's like having you two be together sitting side by side watching all of this unfold, watching what you two are saying about each other behind the scenes. What has that been like? Because is you've obviously had conversations face to face, not only while you were on the beach, but also outside of that. But there's still so much that you don't know what was said about one another in your ITMs and in different interviews.

So what has that been like to be able to watch that now together? I mean, it's not normal by any means, but I would say it's like really romantic. I mean, Joe and I would say don't like profess our love for each other. single minute of every single day as much as you know we know that we love each other so watching it back and remembering that time in our relationship where we're falling in love and

seeing you know us behind the scenes talking about each other just kind of expressing our feelings like yeah it's it's weird in a good way it's a gift that's one of the gifts of the show yeah that's a good way to put it have either of you said anything

and this is probably more for Serena said anything that has pissed each other off? Um, I don't think so. Okay. We are going to play very soon, a newly engaged game, but I do want to know what's next for the two of you because, you know, Serena, you live in Canada, Joe, you live in Chicago, which doesn't make things easy.

So what's planned for the two of you, you know, short term and long term? Sure. So I would say, well, we have to figure out where we're going to live together right away. Not right away, but I have a lease that's up in April. And we had talked about it. So we are either going to possibly try New York together or split time between Chicago and Toronto. For the time being, that's what we're going to do is split time from Chicago and Toronto. But that's going to be our next big step. would be moving it together. Yeah, yeah. I mean, it's kind of just whatever makes sense for us in a couple months, both personally and professionally. So we both love New York. It's kind of a bit of like a neutral space

where we're both making sacrifice to be there. But Toronto, Chicago are both great cities too. So, you know, we don't have kids at the moment. So it's pretty easy and with our lifestyle, lifestyles to travel back and forth. So we're like maybe we get a place in Chicago, place in Toronto, and we do 50-50. I know our families would probably like that option.

but we got a little bit of time. What's nice is we're an hour away from every place we just mentioned, which makes it a lot nicer. Yeah, ideally, the East Coast is where I would like to stay. Okay. Oh, I love that. I have a feeling I already know how you both will answer this, but long-term or short-term engagement.

I mean... When do you want me to answer? I would say mid-range Yeah, that would be my answer too Mid-range on the longer side Yeah, like we're not rushing down the aisle But I mean, we definitely feel confident in the fact that we want to be together

Right Yeah, I mean, enjoy this moment Your lives are about to change There's just something now where Doing life as a couple You know, because you were on the show And Bachelor Nation as a whole It's just has such a big fan base

It's going to be a lot, it's going to be intense So just really soak it in and enjoy it. These are the good days. Yeah, it would be nice to just take a breath, date, live together, and then marriage will come down the line. All right.

So, it's not Bachelor Happy Hour without our games. You know we love to have our games. So it's going to be a series of questions and you just both have to answer who in the relationship it applies to. So to start, who initiated your first kiss?

Me. I did. No. Nope. No, I definitely. I baited you into it. I baited you into it. You did not, yeah, no.

I did beat you into it because I bated you into it by bringing you down there. Bring me down to the daybed? Yeah. That's just a mean I'm going to kiss you. No, you did. No, because I was laying there and I was like, who do you think is going to be the first couple to kiss tonight? Yeah. And I just wanted to be us.

And I was like, I do. Let's make out. Okay. She got you. She got you, Joe. I leaned it. I love this. I'll leave them.

This should be such a simple game. And the fact that. I hope every question is like this. Like, you guys are already the cute bickering couple. Okay, next one. Who is the better cook? I would have to say me. Yeah, I'd have to go me on that one.

I would go you on some dishes, but he overcooks chicken every time we make it because he's terrified of salmonella poisoning. So we've been eating dry chicken. But you are a good cook, and you watch a lot of food shows. You're very knowledgeable about foods. I'll give you that. Thank you. Compromise.

I'll take it. Who is more romantic? I'd have to go me on that one too yeah looks like this is all going to be me I definitely don't think that's the case you're two for three I love who's more stubborn Serena

yeah yeah interesting okay I'm surprised by that I'm too though we're both pretty stubborn too though we're both stubborn but good at compromise I know that's like a contradiction

but yeah but I would say that's that holds true I like that yes that's because he loves you who is more messy oh Joe No, are you? I am so neat. I am so neat. So type A. You are, you're clean. Like, your apartment always smells good and it's clean, but you leave stuff. Everywhere, there's an empty surface. Joe finds a way to fill it with a hoodie or a t-shirt. I think his closet is not, it's his whole apartment. It's his closet. I think it's a guy thing. I understand. No, I do it, do. But it's okay, because I'm organized so I can help you.

Sure. No, you are clean. You are. I give you that. Yeah. Who's the funny one? Oh, I mean, I don't think, I don't think that's really a question. We both think we're very funny. Yeah, it comes natural for me, but yeah, I would say me. I miss being with you too so much. Oh, my gosh, I want to just fly to Canada and hang out with you. Okay, between the two of you, who spends more money?

Joe. Absolutely. like way more money on clothes on beauty products on socks socks and sandals food i have i have that's probably my biggest downfall in life is i i'm a bad spender i thought like last time on paradise you had like Gucci shoes and all this Gucci shit and i didn't see any of that this time he's a full-blown brand horse no i i've taken it easy on the brands um but i definitely spend money on um enjoying myself, probably too much.

If you spending it on me, I'm not going to complain about it. Who's the planner between the two of you? We're both big planners, to be honest. I'm also, I do things sporadically, but I also plan. No, I would say we're both planners. We're definitely both planners. Honestly, we've had so much time sitting, doing nothing, that all we do is sit and plan, like, where do we want to go on our first trip,

then where do we want to go for our first dinner? I would say Joe's definitely more spontaneous than I am, though. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Who is more competitive?

I'm not really a competitive person. It's just you're lying to everyone right now. Serena's face. Yes, I think you're competitive. I disagree. And I'm not. You think I'm a competitive person? Not a bad thing.

This is a great example. I don't think it's a bad thing. I just think that, okay, maybe, yeah. I don't know. Who do you think is more competitive of me? I don't really find you to be a super competitive person either. I guess neither of us are crazy competitive. Say we're more chill, you know.

Who takes up more of the bed? I'd say we are proportions very well together on a bed. Yeah. You sleep in the middle? No one really, I hog the covers and he snores a little bit and moves around a lot. But we're like cuddle in the middle and then separate to each other's sides and then see you in the morning kind of people. I feel like I know the answer to this one, but who takes longer to get ready? I'd say we're both, we actually both get ready pretty quick.

Yeah. Probably Serena, because she's got to put makeup on if we want to go out. Yeah, like I have more hair to work with and more makeup, but Joe changes his outfit like six times. Well, we saw it before the podcast started. That's false. Who is more likely to cry on your wedding day? Oh, me. Hands down.

I'll be a mess. I mean, I was a mess the entire day leading up to the engagement. I didn't even know I was getting engaged. You're going to cry on our wedding day? No, I hope not. I hope so. He will. I think one to seven tears will be shed.

I'll tell you what, it wouldn't shock me at this point. Are you a crier? Do you cry? You know, every time I say I don't, I find myself crying somewhere. No, I don't think I'm a big crier. I would say I'm somewhat of an, I'm pretty in tune with my emotions. but I wouldn't say I'm a crier. Okay, last question.

Who is always right? Me. Okay. That was good. We have to be doing on a lot, so that makes it very simple, but we do both think we're always right. I get it. All right, you two. That is the end of the game.

This is the end of your Paradise Chapter, if you will. I can't wait to see where the rest of your life takes you both. Thanks so much for having us, guys. first interview that we've done this is really fun this has been a lot of fun thank you Joe can you plug us tell us where you can find us oh yeah so you could find me um

at Joe Mobley 1 on Instagram you could hear me host a lovely podcast at Clickbait you can find me on I I now have TikTok I have seven followers that is Joe Mobley okay Joe I love you shall

shut up underscore Mobley 1 you find me on Twitter at a with Joe and play your sauce like sauce Sundays at Joe.com which is delicious by the way

this is the content people need yeah Sundays with wait is it sundays with Joe.com Sundays with Joe. Sundays with Joe.

And Serena you can find me on Instagram at Serena underscore Pitt I believe TikTok and Twitter is the same

so all right and simple for you guys you too go enjoy your life go out go be merry go shout this

from the rooftops. Congratulations. And we love you both so, so much. Thank you. This has been, this has been a blast. Oh my gosh. That was such, they are just the funniest couple to me. I love them both so much. I'm glad that we were able to have them on today. Same. I'm so glad we have them. They're just the cutest, sweetest. It's very rare for things to make me emotional on this franchise anymore, but they do it. And you know what? Like, just having them on, We saw them firsthand for that month that we lived with them. Just such a great, inspiring, cute, respectful relationship. But just having them on now, you can just see such a change of how much more they know each other, how much more they love each other.

Just the banter back and forth is something so incredible to see. So, I mean, T.L. I've got to say is we better get invites to that wedding one day. No joke. I'm so ready for some bachelor weddings. Oh, yeah. It's been a while. So, you know, one of these three couples. Come on. Let's hop on it. We need a good party. Tia and I were at the last one together, drink a way too much tequila at the bar,

and we need this again. So, Tia, I have had such a blast having you on the podcast for these past few weeks. Please come back any time. Wait, this is kind of sad. It is kind of sad. I know. Well, I'm going to see you soon.

I'm going to be a national very soon, so I'll see you. This has been so fun. It's been such a blast. Just the fact that we were able to not only live through that, but then be able to recap it together. It's something I think that's never been done in a Bachelor podcast before. So I just feel really lucky, really grateful that you were by my side the entire time. I could not have done any of it without you.

I absolutely love you. Thank you so much for having me. I know I don't talk very much, but you're really great at what you do. No, you do, you do. I like to be your support. I'll be there any day for you. Well, you know what? Here, I'm going to give you some prep because this is your last Bachelor Happy Hour podcast.

It might be your last podcast ever. So, Tia, please do the honors of closing out the show today. Make sure to hit us up on social at Bachelor Happy Hour on Instagram, at Batch Nation on Twitter and Bachelor Nation on Facebook. And as always, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, the laundry app, or wherever you're listening right now. Thanks, everyone. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly and now I'm seriously suspicious.

Wait a minute, Sam. boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, luckily, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend's been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now, he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone. Hold up. Isn't that against school policy?

That seems inappropriate. Maybe find out how it ends by listening to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman. host of the psychology podcast. Here's a clip from an upcoming conversation about how to be a better you. When you think about emotion regulation, we're not going to choose an adaptive strategy, which is more effortful to use,

unless you think there's a good outcome. Avoidance is easier. Ignoring is easier. Denials easier. Complex problem solving. Takes effort. Listen to the psychology podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

I'm Jamel Hill, host of the Sports and Politics Podcasts. podcast Spolitics. And on the latest episode of Spolitics, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins me for a candid conversation about the state of the Democratic Party. What do Republicans say to you privately that they won't say publicly? Many of them are in fear of their political lives. We continue to say to them, you were elected to defend your constituents and there's life after Congress. Make sure to listen to this episode of Spolitics on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHeart podcast. Thank you.