Bachelor Happy Hour - EXCLUSIVE: Meet Brad & Trenten: Harrowing Stories and Their Experience on ‘The Bachelorette’ | Happy Hour

Episode Date: March 31, 2026

Today on “Happy Hour,” Charity and Kathy sit down with Brad and Trenten to dive into their personal stories, their thoughts on Taylor, and so much more. Brad shares his perspective on dating, gives a glimpse into life as a “coastal cowboy,” and addresses online chatter surrounding a traumatic car accident he experienced 12 years ago. Trenten opens up about the accident that led to his amputation, how it reshaped his life, and his journey to becoming a Paralympian with his sights set on a medal at the 2028 Games. Tune in now to get to know these incredible men, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode featuring more of the men of “The Bachelorette.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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from taylor's cast without further ado let's get right into it all right guys we have another gentleman from taylor's season with us brad a 29 year old cowboy i like that welcome brad to about the happy hour. How are you? I'm doing good. How are you guys? Hey, Brad, a cowboy from Newport Beach, not from Texas. I like it. Kathy, yeah, we're mixing some stuff up. And I've got some questions back for you because I think you dated one of my friends in the past. Yeah, I wanted to talk about that. Kathy? Kathy? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I heard you dated.

I'm sorry, going off script. Who did I possibly date? I heard you had a little fling with Jonathan back in the past. So we might have to talk about that a little bit. No, no, no, you're mixing me up with April. Good try. No, I was like, hold on for a second. You're all right. That was April. That was April. I wish it was you, though. I wish it was you. I mean, I wouldn't have said I was opposed to it, but, you know, time marches on. Hello.

Hello. Oh, my God. Okay. Well, we're just going to hop right into it. I do feel like the most appropriate thing to start off with is just addressing how are you feeling. I know it's been really a heavy week for everyone, but especially you all with the news and just handling everything. So how are you holding up? Yeah. Yeah. No, it has been crazy.

You know, I think a lot of things have come out that are challenging, obviously. You know, I think that I just want, you know, I want the best for their family, right? Yeah. And so whatever that means to them, like, I could. I can care less about the TV show not airing right now. I just want whatever's best for them to be for them. Obviously, there's lots of feelings and stuff that go on that are involved with, you know, I think just how things panned out with all that and with Taylor. But all that aside, you know, I just hope that they can find some peace. And that's, that's all I'm for right now.

Yeah. I just want to say the generosity of, you know, we've interviewed a few of you guys so far now. And the generosity of spirit, I hope everyone hears that. You guys are remarkable. And I include you in that, Brad. So thank you for your generous spirit. I appreciate that, Kathy. Yeah, all these guys have been, are solid guys. And I think at the end of day, like, nobody's here, you know, worried about their, their TV time or something like that getting spoiled.

Like, we just want, we just want their family to find some peace. And if that's not on the air, then that's not on the air, right? So, and that's what's best for them. Yeah. Yeah. Speaking of guys, obviously we hear you account to just, I think, a lot of the friendships and just the overall dynamic of the guys in the cast and in the house and y'all's time spent together was really, really good. So without teasing too much or sharing too much, how was, you know, really just developing those friendships and the experience overall for all of you all? Yeah, I'm going to have to hold back here because it's tough because we had so good, we had such good camarader.

and like we did make some really great friendships. Like a lot of guys, we have a lot in common, right? A lot of the guys have, you know, really strong faith. They've got, you know, really, I think really good head on their shoulders. Like, you know, a lot of the guys are all pretty athletic. We're all pretty into the same stuff. But then also just have really good hearts, right? I mean, every single guy that I interacted with on that show were really, in my opinion,

were there maybe not all for the exact same reasons, were all good reasons, right? And I think that, you know, given the circumstances and everything, we all were going out on the limb, we all were, you know, trying something a little crazy here. And we all went in it, like full, you know, full steam ahead. We gave it all. And to see the guys do that, like, was awesome. And I think we all, like, bonded a lot over it, too. So, yeah, it's a great cast. The guys are amazing. Right. I love. I feel like I've told all the other guys that we've talked to so far that that really, is one of the best things that can come from like an experience like this. Obviously, there's only

one person up for grabs and, you know, not all of you guys can get her. So at least coming out with, you know, lifelong friendships I think is really important and really a blessing and sometimes a rarity in all of this. So I'm happy that you guys really had a good experience with each other. So yeah, I love that. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Let's talk about how you got on the show. Let's get into that. Yeah. That's important. Yeah, kind of crazy. You know, I was never like planning on doing a show like this, honestly. Like, it was never on my radar. Like, never really thought I would find myself doing this. I've never really watched. I don't really watch TV. Like I kind of do, I'm just too busy too, I guess. And like, don't really find myself doing it. Um, but I,

yeah, I spent, you know, about a year, about a year just intentionally single, like literally like, wouldn't respond to DMs, like wouldn't go on dates, like literally was not even open to dating. Just wanted to work on a few things for myself. You know, I've been in a few relationships in the past. Obviously not married yet. So like I wanted to fix a few things with myself because when I date, I'm dating to marry, right? Like that's the only reason why I'm dating the first place. So I wanted to work on some stuff in my own and get better a few things and then go back into dating. So I was actually planning on going back into dating after my birthday, which is October 12th. and that's right around when we started filming.

And so I kind of came into this, I guess, opportunity or I don't even know what the right thing is to call it. But I came into this right before that. And so I was like, okay, it's kind of aligns perfectly with my timing of like when I want to start dating again. You know, I don't know anything about secret lives and Mormon wives or who Taylor was at the time. I knew nothing at all.

But I was like, you know what? Like I've heard at that point, I had heard a lot of good stuff. And I was like, let's, let's give this a shot, right? I mean, that's what this whole period of my life was about was taking time intentionally away from it. So then I could dive back into it and really, you know, give things a shot. And so this was a part of that. And so it kind of aligned perfectly with my life at the time.

So I have a question. You are a cowboy and a content creator. You have a horse gus. And I'm definitely afraid of horses. Just thought I'd put that out. there. Oh, we've got to fix that. Oh, no, no, listen, I was on Bachelor in Paradise last summer and I got on a horse and did it. I can finally say I've checked off that box. I never have to get on a horse again. But I want to know, what does a day in your life look like? Like, tell me what you do.

Yeah, there's a lot of range to it. You know, it really depends on what's going on at the ranch. You know, sometimes that means, you know, we're doing jobs at different ranches around California. So sometimes we got to travel to a ranch. And it could be. you know, five hours away, right? And we've got to be there as the sun's rising. So that means, what are you doing, though, when you get to the ranch? What do you do? Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, typically I'm bringing Gus. Gus is my horse and he's an essential part of doing a lot of jobs that we do at these ranches. And so we're waking up at, you know, sometimes two, three a.m., loading Gus up, traveling to the ranch, and then gathering cows, most of it's cow work. Sometimes we're just

fixing fences and doing a lot of labor. There's a lot of stuff that goes in the ranching that people don't see on like Yellowstone and that kind of stuff that isn't super sexy and whatnot. But occasionally we do do the you know the sexy jobs to get to go right out and you know, find out. Take your shirt off and bail hay? I, you know, I actually don't, I don't do that one. I do take my shirt off a lot because I do live at the beach. So I am shirtless like 90% of time. But you'll learn the hard way that bailing hay is not fun shirtless because you get all kinds of, all kinds of hives and stuff. It's not fun. Seriously, do I look like someone who bails hay shirt on, shirt off? It's never happening.

Either way, you're not bail on the hay. And that's okay. Exactly. That's why I'm here. I'm here to bail your hay for you. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it, Brad. Yeah, absolutely. So on the flip side, you also, obviously, you're a content creator. And so you came into this experience kind of already with like a built-in following, I would say. So were your follower's surprise to see once you announce that you're going to be a part of this season? Like how is the reaction with that? Yeah, that's a juicy one. The, my follower, yeah, no, it's definitely a juicy one because, I mean, rightfully

so. And I think I have, you know, engaged with a few followers on, on like their opinions on this and whatnot. It's definitely a split decision. Half of them were excited. Half of them were very, you know, upset about it. And I understand. I understand why.

And now I think I've learned a lot from it. I'm excited to be going forward from that experience now too. And either way, I'm excited for them to see how dating in my life, you know, pans out from here on out. So yeah, definitely a mixed bag, though. Juicy subject for sure. So with what you said, I guess about kind of like new not being in this world with like reality TV, did you know that Taylor was going to be the bachelorette beforehand or was that one of those things that you kind of find out once you were already casted and it was like well so can't go now yeah

yeah so I was definitely in the mix like working through the whole process before I found out it was Taylor once I did find out it was Taylor I really had no I had no knowledge of anything about her I'd never heard her name before honestly so I didn't know anything about about Taylor I had talked to a lot of people that knew Taylor and you know heard a lot of good things, right? Heard a lot of things about, you know, she is changing. She's learned a lot from her mistakes. She's really great at owning her mistakes and she's grown a lot from them. And so I was really, really, really, when I was going into it, I was really, really looking forward to leaning into the beautiful side of that, right?

Because we all make mistakes. I've made mistakes. Everybody does. Everybody can grow from those. So definitely looking forward to that when I was going into it. But overall, you know, in the beginning, like that's what it was about, is about, you know, hearing about somebody who was turning a corner looking for redemption. And, you know, I'm always going to fly that flag, right? Because I've made plenty of mistakes in my life. I think, you know, life's all about turning corners and making yourself better, right? So, so yeah.

Yeah, fair, all fair. So there's been a lot of online chatter, Brad, about a car accident that you were involved in and we wanted you to have a chance to talk about it. Yeah. Yeah, I appreciate that, Kathy. So yeah, there has been. And, you know, it's, it's tough for me because, you know, this was an accident that I was in 12 years ago. So I was 17 years old. So very, you know, very long time ago. But definitely impactful. And definitely a big, big piece of my life. So, you know, I wish that, you know, publications wouldn't be grabbing on to something that's so old and from my childhood.

Can you, for some people who don't know, though, can you just explain Blue Three who might not have known what happened? Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. So yeah, so the accident, like I said, was 12 years ago back I was 17. I was with a friend of mine, childhood friend of mine who was 18. And we were driving back from Florida coming to North Carolina.

And we were, I think it was like the middle of the day. And I had, you know, I had knotted off kind of like you do, maybe back when you were in class. And you kind of like do one of those numbers. And when I came back up, we were right beside the interstate and the grass, you know, started slowing down the car, realizing what was going on. And we ended up striking a Jersey barrier a little further down the road. You know, came to a stop. And, you know, my first thought in my head was, oh my gosh, this is, you know, we were just in a car accident, right? but not thinking like anything was really serious until you know I reached overcheck on on my

passenger Madison and realized that he was you know knocked out and unconscious I was like okay this is a bit more serious and while I'm doing that I'm feeling something hot on my arm and I realized that the whole backseat of the car is on fire and so I was like okay this has got a lot more a lot more real and so I immediately went to you know getting us out of the situation right So trying to find a way out of the car, the best way ended up being through his window. So went out his window, came back in, unbuckled Madison, pulled him out, and a barstander came up that had seen, you know, everything going on. Help me carry him, you know, a couple hundred yards away from the car. And then, you know, EMS came.

We tried tending to him, stabilizing the best that I knew how. And still at that point, I didn't realize, you know, exactly how serious the situation was other than, you know, my best friends. unconscious. I'm just trying to make sure that he's he's okay. And they end up taking him to a hospital. And I, you know, went with him to that hospital and kind of started the whole process of recovery, which, which was obviously a long road. You know, he ended up being paralyzed and waist down and, you know, him going through that and now, now he's, he's in the political world and everything. And I'm not into politics. You know, I don't necessarily share his views and whatnot. My views are on my page and that's about that, but I'm not into politics and whatnot.

But I did see him go through a lot when we were kids. You know, I mean, he was 18 years old and he started that journey. And so I went through a lot with him, you know, adapting to a new life and recovery and going through surgeries and whatnot. And definitely learned a lot about life, you know. And I think anybody that would go through something like that with a friend just wants the best for them. It doesn't matter. Yeah, it doesn't matter what kind of politics you're into, right? Yeah.

You just want the best for something like that. What's the biggest lesson you learned? You said it changes how you look at life. What's, yeah, absolutely. I mean, I'd say the biggest thing, the biggest thing is that, you know, life is, is very precious and very valuable, right? It can change in a moment. I know that.

Right. And in a moment, you know, you can, you can have, you know, one thing going one way and be a complete 180, right? So just not taking anything for granted. It's, it's pretty crazy how quickly things can change and not with really any rhyme or reason. They just happen. So I think just looking at it with a lot of gratitude is probably the biggest thing that's changed. And then also just valuing relationships and friendships and seeing how much those can help you get through difficult things and in your faith. I think if it wasn't from my faith, I don't know where I would be after that.

It was very challenging times and just dark places to be in. So yeah, definitely gave me a new perspective on life. and God and His love for us and a lot of things like that. Wow. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for sharing. Yeah. Those are great lessons to learn.

It's just a tough way to learn them. And sometimes the hardest things we face in life are the things that build us the most. Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. Completely agree. IHart Radio is throwing it back. 20s, the decade to the days of huge hits and

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Okay, well, I'm like, I hate to transition this way. I'm like, after that. But on a lighter note, Brad, we're going to play a little game, if that's okay. Yeah, let's do it. It's called hot seat. And so basically it's just rapid fire prompts. And it's just to help us get to know you a little bit better and just to see a little bit of your personality. So we're just going to hop right into it, okay?

Let's do it. Perfect. Okay. We heard that you love Adele, and so do I. So please tell us some more about that. What's so funny is I think when I said that, I like, I mean, I do. Like she's a great artist, right? But like, I don't listen to her all the time.

I think she just came on the radio on the way to that interview. And I was like, damn, that was a good song. So, like, it was just top of mind. And so now, like, I've been like staged as this like Adele, a super Adele fan. Like, I mean, hey, I'm here for her. Like, she's got a great voice. But like, I probably, I don't really listen to it all. time. That's fair. And I feel like her song. Yeah, I love her song. Yeah. Hey, great song. Great song.

Great song. She's very talented woman. She's awesome. Yeah. All right. Here's the next one. You're also, we heard, working towards getting your private pilot's license. Truly, what can't you do? Oh, wow. I know. I'm like, hello. Yeah. What inspired you to pursue flying? Yeah. And where are we going? Where are you taking charity in me? Yeah, I know. I don't know. I'm glad you included me. I thought it was just you, Kathy. Right. Right. Yeah. So actually, long, long story short, I grew up a lot with, without my dad, you know, just kind of in and out with my life. And, you know, I've learned later in life that he's really an incredible guy. And I've always wanted to spend more time with him. And that's one thing that he loves to do is fly. So I started working towards, yeah, I started working towards you my pilot's license because I figured the only way I could make up time. with him might be, you know, in the in the pilot seat with him. So I figured that's something we could do together. So that's why I started pursuing it. I love that. That's great. It's really sweet.

How close do you to get in your license? Uh, you know, what's funny is I got really, really close like years ago and then I kind of put on pause and now I'm starting to pick it back up. So I've like, I'm knocking some rust off. So I'd say like, I'm only, you know, a few hours away from really like kind of soloing and then, you know, finishing it off, but I, I'm still knocking the rust off. So we're, we're a few, we're a few maybe months away from finishing this thing. I'm like, Rachel's going to kill me, but our co-host, who's not with us today, she also is a pilot. So, yeah, I don't know if you knew that, but a little fun fact.

Yeah, she's a little pilot herself. So I'm like, you guys have that in comment. Yeah, there we go. There we go. I'm just sending that up. There we go. Just a little alley-hoop, a little way up. Just a little.

Yeah, just a little one. Okay, our last one. We need the full story behind the time you walked through an airport with a 10-foot piece of toilet. That's crazy. 10 feet. I mean, this could happen to anyone. Don't feel bad, Brad. No, hey.

No, okay, it can. But like, the fact that I'm 10 feet. Because I'm like, I would tell you. If I saw it, I would be like, oh, no, no, no, come back. Like, I am a good person. Yeah, that's crazy is. So please give us the backstory. Chicago O'Hare Airport, there are no good people in that airport because nobody did that

for me. They just, they let me live it. So I got, yeah, I got off the plane. And like, I was like, I love, I love that I have this story now because whenever somebody's embarrassed, I can just tell them the story. And instantly they're not embarrassed because this is way worse. I get out of the airplane, like, I'm in all my, all my, like, football gears. Like, I was like feeling cool.

was like, because I put football back in college. And I'm walking to the airport and like, people are like looking at me. And like I had a long like a 30 minute walk to the next turn. That is crazy. Yeah, yeah. And people are looking at me and stuff. I'm like, oh, okay, like this is, you know, I don't know. Like maybe they think like, I don't know where I play football is cool or something or something

stupid, you know, in my own head. Yeah. They don't care at all. It's like not. Right. And so I get to my gate finally. Like I see like a little flash of like white behind me. I was like, wait, what is that?

I whip around. and lo and behold, it is, yeah, the toy paper that got caught in my waistband and was just flying around like a kite behind me. Oh, my God. This whole 30-minute walk, it was so bad. But, you know, it made me a better person. Oh, let me go. Listen, if that's a lesson that made you a better person, Brad, you've got a halo over your head. I am screaming.

Yeah, yeah. We love a lesson. Yeah, it was crazy. But yeah, so Chicago-O-Hare Airport, y'all need better, I don't know, just come up and tell me next time. That's all I got to say. Yeah, that's the message for whoever. And if anyone's listening to this podcast that saw that and didn't tell Brad, shame on you, sorry. You're on the list.

Shame, shame, shame on you. Okay. Oh, my God. Thank you so much, Brad, for honestly coming on Bachelor of the Happy Hour. We are just so excited to, like, get to know all of you guys a lot more. And we've all been on the edge of our seats, just having the opportunity to talk to you. So before we wrap up, all of our audience and viewers and listeners, they are just dying to hear from you. So is there anything you want to share with our audience, Bachelor Nation at this moment, anything?

Shoot. Yeah. Leave us with something. I don't know. Yeah, I mean, I wish we had more time so we could really dive in this stuff. but, you know, for now, I just hope that, I don't know, I hope there's more to come. That's all I can leave it with. I hope there's more to come for sure.

We love that. And where can our listeners find you at on socials? Yeah, I think it's just Brad. If you're just having Brad Ledford, you'll probably find me. There's not a lot of people that look as weird as I do. So you'll pick me out. Yeah, just look for like the cowboy that is weirdly on a beach. and like that doesn't make sense so yeah that that that's me um but yeah i'm on instagram and

ticot and all that stuff um but yeah for sure well this is not our last conversation we hope to have you back on bachelor happy hour very very soon thank you so much for joining us all right so up next we have another amazing guy from this season with a very very inspiring story 35 year old pro athlete from California. Everybody welcome Triton to Bachelor Happy Hour. Welcome, Triton. Hi. Thank you to having me.

Okay, we're going to just hop right into everything. How are you feeling? I know it's been a heavy week. Actually, I've been feeling pretty good. I got a lot of great things going on in my life. Obviously, the show is pause right now. So, yeah, that's a bummer. But it's one of those things is out of my control.

And so I think, you know, as an athlete, you learn. to focus on what's in your control. And there's a lot of positive things going on in my life right now. And I got big goals. And so I'm just trying to one day at a time, stay focused on that and let everything else, you know, happen how it's supposed to. Yeah. Beautiful outlook, truly.

Yeah. It's a great outlook. Only can do so much. So, yeah. I want to know, Trenton. How did you get on the show? That's a great question. For the longest time, my teammates were antagonizing me.

trying to get on the basteret and really the longest time yeah for years i just told him no i would never go on a dating show and then uh one of the producers or someone reached out and the towards the end of 2024 and i had a girlfriend at the time and so i said no and it was just kind of like in the back on mind i was just like maybe a seed was planted or something but then fast forward into 2025 some friends kept bugging me about it and my teammates were talking to me about it. And then I just like, I talked to one of my best friends and he was like, dude, you're an idiot if you don't go. I just think you got to go. I just think America will love you.

And I think you just have so much fun. And so I just reached back out to my manager. I was like, hey, if you think it's a good idea, then sure, like, let's go for it. And so she took it over. And I honestly didn't even think about it after that. And I just went back to competing and training. And then next thing I know, I come back from World Champs. And it was like I had a week to get all the like testing stuff done.

And then I was boom, in the hotel room doing my last casting. Wow. You had a week. Oh, my goodness. That's a quick turnaround. Wow. So it was a lot of fun though. Yeah.

Oh, my goodness. Okay. So how obviously without giving too much away, but this is probably everything beforehand, how were you feeling like once you finally, got like you knew you were going on the show like were you scared were you like anticipating i mean i'm sure there's so many emotions that come with it but like what was like probably at the forefront for you i was confident going in no doubt and well you know you i think every guy probably super confident going in there because you're getting like the the cream of the crop and so yeah

everybody there uh it was really cool but the first night i tell you what like even though i was super confident going in. All of a sudden, heart just starts racing as you're like getting in the limo. Yes. And then you start seeing everybody else's props. And I was like, I didn't even do this. I was like, gosh, I feel like I didn't prepare well. But I was like, it doesn't matter. Just put on a smile. Yeah. Make Taylor like laugh and make your smile and and then get a chance to talk to her. But it felt like I blacked out the the first night for sure. Like you definitely do. Yeah. I remember getting out of the limo, Trent on Golden Bad Sword, and everyone, same thing, had props and wigs and walkers and guys. And I was like, I was so pleased I didn't trip.

Like, I got walked up and didn't trip. That was my big entrance. That's a win. Yeah, it was a win. Okay. You got to celebrate those. You got to. Celebrate your pride with the station that's as bold, vibrant and diverse as you are.

I heart pride, Canada. From dance anthems to pop icons and hit. It's from 2S-LGBQ plus Canadian artists. It's the soundtrack that keeps life loud and proud. Just ask your smart speaker to play IHart Pride Canada. Stream us on your phone or listen now at iHeartRadio.ca. Come together, celebrate love. Pride.

Pride. Let's go. With IHart Pride Canada. You know, Roaldahl. The writer who thought up Willie Wonka, Matilda, and the BFG. But did you know he was also a spy? Was this before he wrote his stories? It must have been.

Our new podcast series, The Secret World of Roll Doll, is a wild journey through the hidden chapters of his extraordinary, controversial life. His job was literally to seduce the wives of powerful Americans. What? And he was really good at it. You probably won't believe it either. Okay, I don't think that's true. I'm telling you, I was a spy.

Did you know Doll got cozy with the Roosevelt's? Played poker with Harry Truman and had a long affair with a congresswoman. And then he took his talents to Hollywood, where he worked alongside Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchm. before writing a hit James Bond film. How did this secret agent wind up as the most successful children's author ever? And what darkness from his covert past seeped into the stories we read as kids. The true story is stranger than anything he ever wrote.

Listen to the secret world of Roll Dahl on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. In 2023, former bachelor star Clayton Eckerd found himself at the center of a paternity scandal. The family court hearings that followed revealed glaring inconsistencies in her story. This began a years-long court battle to prove the truth. You doctored this particular test twice in so much, correct? I doctored the test ones. It took an army of internet detectives to crack the case.

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Laura, Scottsdale Police. As the season continues, Laura Owens finally faces consequences. Ladies and gentlemen, breaking news at Americopa County as Laura Owens has been indicted on fraud charges. This isn't over until justice is served in Arizona. Listen to Love Trapped podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Why hasn't a woman formally participated in a Formula One race weekend in over a decade? Think about how many skills they have to develop at such a young age? What can we learn from all of the new F1 romance novels suddenly popping up every year?

He still smelled of podium champagne and expensive friction. And how did a 2023 event called Wagageddon change the paddock forever? That day is just seared into my memory. I'm culture writer and F1 expert Lily Herman, and these are just a few of the questions I'm tackling on No Grip, a Formula One culture podcast that dives into the under-explored pockets of the sport. In each episode, a different guest and I will go deeper into the wacky mishap, scandals, and sagas, both on the track and far away from it, that have made F1 a delightful, decadent dumpster fire for more than 75 years. Listen to No Grip on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A silver 40 caliber. handgun was recovered at the scene. From I-Heart podcasts and Best Case Studios, this is Rorschach, murder at City Hall. How could this have happened in City Hall? Somebody tell me that. July 2003,

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if you're comfortable sharing Trenton, obviously I haven't met you before today. You've talking about competing in world championships. Can you tell us if you're comfortable about your accident and you know, how that experience shaped your journey into athletics? Totally. So when I was 14 years old, I was on the back of a little dirt bike with my best friend Scott and we're crossing the street. And before we crossed, we looked both ways. We didn't see any cars coming. And as we started crossing, We came to the center median where there was bushes that were five feet tall and trees that came down. And right as we started passing it, all of a sudden, boom, I see in the corner of my eye the flash of a white BMW bumper. I looked at the side of the road and I thought I had the craziest dream.

And so then I'm laying face down in the dirt and I look over to my left and I see my friend Scott just screaming his face is all bloody. I look over to the right and I see a 16 year old girl crying talking to cops. And I realized that wasn't a dream. This just happened. So I remember like my first. foot felt numb and I looked down at it and my shoe was gone but my sock was just swollen. And so I was like, okay, this must be what a broken bone feels like. It was my first broken bone.

So fast forward. I'm in the hospital and they're trying to save it for about a month. And then the doctor comes in one day and he says, hey, train, I'm going to perform a test on your foot. And I want you to tell me if you feel anything. I'm just going to take this pencil and drag it in the bottom of it. So he does that. And I said, no, I didn't feel anything. And so he looks at my mom and he says, hey, Denise, kind of talk you outside real quick.

And so now I'm in the hospital room by myself and I see my mom. mom just start breaking down crying. And that's when I realized that they weren't going to be able to save my foot. They're going to have to amputate it. My whole world, as you can imagine, 14 years old, spring break, freshman year high school. Wow. World just upside down. My dreams of being a professional athlete, I thought were taken away from me.

And so I'm crying. And I remember my friend's mom, she came in and she just laid her hand on me. She just started praying over me. And all of a sudden, when she was praying over me, I just remember feeling this crazy, overwhelming peace just come over me and like tears just stopped and then i heard this still small whisper from god saying i got great plans for you and that was it and i was like i got nothing right now and uh if you say so god i believe you and that that was it so the doctor came back in he's like what do you want to do i said let's go ahead and amputate it and so we did and then i got my first prosthetic

and i started walking it took me three months for the swan to go down and and then i got back in the school and and even though i knew that i was at a disadvantage with my new disdainting I still had a really competitive spirit and I still wanted to play sports. And so I just got back into sports and I realized there was still so much that I could do. And then it kind of this competitive nature didn't die down once I lost my leg. If anything, it kind of created this workforce mentality in me because I knew that I was at a disadvantage versus all my competitors and all my teammates. And so I just told myself, if you really want to be competitive and you want to make these teams,

then you have to train harder than everybody else. And so I just became a man on a mission to be the best athlete I could be. And I didn't even know about Paralympics in high school. And it wasn't until like my second year of community college at Soutabat Community College in Orange County that I was invited to a running clinic with kids with ampetees and stuff. And this coach, yeah. Just to be clear, I don't know. Did you have your leg if you said your foot and then you said your leg? Yeah, no.

So it's just my foot. Sometimes we just call a leg, but yeah. So like about like eight inches below my knee, chop off. And here I'll just take off my prosthetic real quick to show you. Like my leg goes down to here. I see. Okay. Okay.

And so I'm just missing my foot. And the reason why I chopped it off here is so that I could have equipment like this that fits under my leg. Got it. Wow. Good for you. That's a really an amazing story. And yeah.

Yeah. Just what a gift. Wow. What is that, I guess, for you, like being a part of Bachelor Nation and obviously now, like, on a dating show, like, what does that representation mean for you? Like, I feel like, I mean, you're not the first member. I don't think of Bachelor Nation, but like, maybe you are. I might be a first ADT. Is my facts correct?

Yeah. What does that representation mean for you? Because I think that's, like, huge. Yeah. You know, when I didn't think about it when my manager had applied for. me for the show and stuff. And I didn't think about it when my friends were talking to me about it. But once it became real, then it kind of dawned on me that I have a really cool opportunity

to show people that it's okay to look different and be different and still have game or just, you know, be you know, and people are going to be attracted to you. And there's been a lot of people that have reached out to me even before the show that was asking, they were asking me like, how do they still date now losing their legs? And like our girl's still interested in them. And for me personally, right when I lost my foot, I had a bunch of insecurities. And the doctor came in and he was like, asked me how I'm doing.

And I asked him if I can still run, if I can still ride dirt bikes and I can still play soccer and stuff. And he's like, I don't know training. And that hurt because I'm 14 and all I knew was sports. Yeah. So a couple weeks went by and this Marine came in and he brought this really good looking young lady with him too. And he introduced himself. He's like, hey, my name's David. And I also have a prosthetic leg and like, how are you doing Trenton?

And I was like, I'm all right, man. And so then I just started talking to him. And I said, you know, I got some questions. And I said, can you still run? He said, yeah, I can. He's like, I reenlisted with the Marines and I run every morning on the beach with him. I was like, okay. And I was like, what about motorcycles?

Because he was in a motorcycle accident too. He was like, I still ride motorcycle, so can you. And I was like, okay. And I was like, well, what about girls, man? Like, what about it? Let's get down to the real. Yeah, for real. And he's like, dude, this is my girlfriend right here.

And I was like, no way. And so I saw at a young age, it only took one man to make a huge difference in my life. And so for me, I just remember, like right before the show started and getting out of the limo, like, man, you got a really cool opportunity to indirectly help a lot. You are inspiring. Let me just tell you. You are inspired. Wow. Wow.

So I know you have your site set on the 2028 Paralympics in L.A. Two questions. What are you competing in? What events and how are you training for them? I'll be competing in Long Jump for sure. That's my best event. And that's the one that I love the most. And I may get back into sprinting.

We have to train as a sprint anyway. So I always tell my coach, like, man, And if I'm rolling and we're running fast, let's start racing. But yeah, long jump will be my event. And right now I literally, I just moved out to Manhattan, Kansas, at all places from Orange County, California, you know. So it changed, but I decided to pick up and move my life over here and train with a really, really great coach and a really good pro group.

And we train five days a week. And on Tuesdays and three days are longest days. and those days are like three training sessions in one day. And the others are typically two days. Dedication. Good. How long are the training sessions? If you don't mind, I'm just, I'm curious.

Yeah. So weight room is about like one and a half hours. And then track is about like two hours. And then back in the wait room for another hour on the longer days. And then it's, that's just the workouts. And then it's recovery on top of that. Yeah. That's a lot.

Wow. So how's your dog wringo like in Manhattan? and I'm assuming he went with you. How's Ringo, like in Manhattan, Kansas? He's my ride or die. He comes with me everywhere. I tell you what, he's been so itchy since I got here. And I think it's like there was the drive through Colorado.

We both got pretty dry out there. And then, yeah, he's been pretty itchy. But other than that, like, we've been good. Oh, my God. Okay. I love this. I'm so fascinated by you. And I just love that we're getting to meet you guys because there's just so much to

unfold about you guys. It's literally like, Exactly. And it's an open book at this point. Yeah. Before we let you go, we're going to play a quick game of hot seat with some rapid fire prompts to help us just to get to know you a little bit better. So we're going to get right into it. Sounds good. Let's do it. On a latter note, you have mentioned maraschino cherries are your least favorite food.

So random, but what's the story behind that? I just don't like them. Like, anytime when I was a kid, we got Shirley temples or anything, like the cherries to me taste like cherry cough syrup. or whatever, like medicine. And I do not like that at all. So anything cherry flavor, this is organic cherries. Like, they just taste so much different. Do you eat the fruit? I was going to make them a cherry pie.

No, no cherry pie for me. Do you like the fruit? Like, just the, like the actual, right? Like, those are different ones. Those are like kind of mushy and like. Way different. Okay, yeah, I agree. I agree.

Okay. That's fair. All right. Here's the next one. You're an elite athlete. Who's the most famous athlete you have in your contact list? Oh, well, my best friend's wife, Tara Woodhaw. Oh, period.

So she won't go to a long jump. Oh, my God. Amazing. My new training partner out here in Kansas. Wow. I love them. Oh, my God. Real quickly, how did that connection start with him? Well, Hunter and I met racing each other in 2014 at the Paralympic Nationals.

And when I saw him, he was asking a bunch of questions. he was in high school and I was in college and I remember seeing him I'm like dude you're going to be the next guy like you are it and we just stayed friends and once he got into college we continue to stay in contact and as he got older I just realized like we both are on the same mindset as far as work ethic and track and then business minded as well and and we just kind of hit it off and every time we made teens we're roommates and then um if hunter and tar asked me to officiate their wedding and so I had the honor to officiate that and stop yeah it's it's been super cool and they were the ones that talked to me in to come in here i spent the three weeks doing a training

camp with them and second day tar said i want you to be my training partner and i was like way amazing i love it yeah that's beautiful i love that i love that oh my god stories these connections are amazing always really really thankful that's why when you ask me like how am i doing i'm like man i'm doing really good like i'm doing really good like yeah great place right now. That's good. And I'm happy for, yeah, happy for you. Okay.

Before we leave, is there anything that you want to tell Bachelor Nation? Is there, where can we find you at on socials? Anything. I'm on at all. I'm on Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. I primarily post on IG and TikTok the most for sure. Okay. And then, I mean, for me, I think the biggest message is,

If you have any type of insecurities or difference about you in the way you look or something, I just think it's important to understand and look in the mirror and see that that's actually a beauty that makes you different. And the right people will find you. No, I really am. But it's true, though. Like we don't have some type of insecurity, something we hide in the closet. But, you know, that's what makes us special. And it makes us relatable to people.

And I think that can actually become a strength of yours. if you embrace it, you know, because everybody comes from different backgrounds. Everybody sounds different. Everybody has different experiences, but I really believe that that's what makes you special to be able to relate and help other people. And so just I want to encourage people to keep going if you're going through a hard time because there's someone out there that needs to hear your story. Oh, more than ever, truly.

Thank you for that, Triton. I'm like, honestly, I'm like, with the tear in my eye, I have to wrap. No, you're good. You're good. Oh, thank you. That was a beautiful message. And we had so much fun chatting with you today. Obviously, not enough time, but listen.

Yeah, we need more. This is just the beginning. This is just the beginning. This is like an Osco sample. You got a taste of it. Now we're on the point. Listen, we got the entree coming. Don't you worry.

This is the Marasino cherry on top. To all of our listeners, make sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcast. And make sure you're following us on back to the happy hour because we have so much more of the cast to interview. you coming up next. See you guys soon. Bye. You know Roll Doll. He thought up Willie Wonka and the BFG. But did you know he was a spy?

In the new podcast, The Secret World of Roll Doll, I'll tell you that story, and much, much more. What? You probably won't believe it either. Was this before he wrote his stories? It must have been. Okay, I don't think that's true. I'm telling you, because I was a spy. Listen to The Secret World of Roll Doll on the IHeart Radio Apple.

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Five, City Hall building. How could this have happened in City Hall? Somebody tell me that. A shocking public murder. This is one of the most dramatic events that really ever happened in New York City politics. I scream, get down, get down.

Those are shots. A tragedy that's now forgotten. End a mystery that may or may not have been political. That may have been about sex. Listen to Roershack, murder at City Hall on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Lori Siegel, and on my new podcast,

Mostly Human, I'll take you to some wild corners of the tech world. I'm about to go on a date with an AI companion at a real world cafe right here in New York City. There's no playbook for what to do when an AI model hallucinates a story about you. Mostly Human is your playbook for how tech can work for you.

Anyone can now be an entrepreneur, Anyone can build an app. And it's very empowering. Listen to mostly human on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. If you're trying to keep up with everything happening on and off the court, we've got you covered on the podcast, Plagrant and Funny. You want to start with the first special for the Big Ten Coach of the year?

Oh, whatever. Would you like to? Yeah, she doesn't know. So you're a Spartan, is that what I'm getting? Exactly. So whether your bracket is busted or you just want the real talk on what's happening during the tournament, open your free IHeart Radio app, search Plagrant and Funny with Carrie champion and Jamel Hill and listen now.

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. On the Adventures of Curiosity Cove podcasts, what if the right fit isn't what everyone expects? In the case of the right fit, Ella explores movement, confidence, and belonging, and learns that not all strength looks the same. This Women's History Month story introduces kids to women who change sports by trusting themselves and moving differently. Listen to Adventures of Curiosity Code every Monday from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.