Bachelor Happy Hour - First Impression Rose Recipient Abigail Talks Night One

Episode Date: January 5, 2021

Early fan favorite Abigail joins Rachel and Becca to talk about her experience on the show and receiving Matt James’ First Impression Rose. Abigail also discusses why she came on the show in the first place, and she breaks down that first kiss. 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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Happy New Year! I feel like we should have a 10 second countdown. Cheers! Cheers to you, Rachel. Cheers. Happy New Year. We hope everyone had a great holiday. Yes.

Virtually clinking our glasses together. And raise a glass, if you're listening to this now. Happy New Year's, you guys. We made it. We made it to 2021. I know it seems like we would never get here. We're here. And just because it's another day, year on the calendar,

we're still facing some of the things that we experienced in 2020. We know that. But if you're listening to this, it means you made it. And you're here. You're healthy. We hope you had a happy holiday. And you've heard me say before, odd years are my years. So I'm giving that to everybody, that energy to everybody else.

It is a new year. It is a new season in life and a new season of The Bachelor. You know what? We didn't even take a break. We're just straight in it to win it once again. But Rachel, before we even like get into everything, it's our one year anniversary of doing the podcast together. Oh, my gosh. So cheers to you in particular to my amazing co-host.

a good friend. I'm so glad that I spent this past year doing this. We've had ups and downs throughout this entire, do I call it a journey, I guess. Yes, that's what it is. But I'm so glad that we're in it, 2021, hopefully this year is better than 2020, even though I feel like 2020 was such a growth of a year. But yeah, yeah, I mean, and I want to start because Rachel and I, before we hopped on here, we had a quick conversation of how we want to approach the overall podcast and our conversation with each other and our guests week by week. And there's a lot that has transpired. And

first and foremost, and Rachel, please jump in here whenever you want. But to everybody listening, thank you for sticking with us throughout this past year and to still subscribing to Bachelor Happy Hour. We are so incredibly thankful. We obviously could not be here and do this without you. And as much

fun as we have together and as enjoyable as it is and it's such a good outlet. Like, just for me personally, to be here and to talk with all. It's hard at times because I think at the end of the day, it's hard to differentiate like that, you know, this is a job and we're watching a show to recap and give our opinions on a reality TV show. And a lot of times we're going to say things that you maybe don't agree with or that you don't, you know, see eye to eye with us on and that's okay. But as much as we

love all the support that we get, there's also a lot of hate and judgment. negativity out there. And I know it's Wayne on both of us, but we're, especially you too. And so I just want to address it and then hopefully move on and move forward from this. And so again, thank you guys for listening. But keep in mind, we're recapping a two-hour TV show weekly that has 30 plus contestants that has drama and we know a little bit behind the scenes of stuff that go down. And so overall, this should still be a fun, light, enjoyable podcast. for you all to listen to. And it is a podcast. So we do give our opinions. That's what it is. Yeah. I very well said, Becca. Very well said. I won't say much. And partly for me not saying

much is just the fear of saying anything. That's how I feel like things have gotten to that point. You know, Becca and I will be the first to say, we don't get everything right. And honestly, that's not the point of the podcast. We're not trying to. We're not trying to be right. We're just trying to, you know, we're fans. We watch the show. We watch it like you guys. we have opinions just like you do when you're sitting at home on the couch watching it with your girlfriends or however you watch the show. You have a strong opinions or maybe not so strong opinions about people that you watch. And that's what we're doing, but just recording it on a microphone, putting it out there in podcast form for you guys to listen to. And please feel free

to give your opinions on what we say. We like constructive criticism and we want to be better for you. But please understand that we're not always going to say what you want to hear. We're not always going to get it right the way that you want us to. But this should be a space where we can all talk about something we have in common, which is this show, this franchise. And we talk about the silliness of the show, the good, the bad, the ugly, our past experiences on the show. And what we think about the people who come and go on the show. But it's just gotten to a point where I, and I, and I know you feel this way, too. It's like I feel like I can't be myself.

I feel muted. I feel like, okay, I hear you. I hear what you're saying because it's not criticism that we're getting. It's nastiness. It's negativity. It's judgment. It's personal attacks where that's not what podcasting should be. We're just having a conversation about a show, a reality TV show.

So, you know, and I know I'm assertive when I think. talk and I'm passionate and I'm very direct, but that doesn't mean that what I'm saying is the truth. It doesn't mean what I'm saying is fact. It just means that this is what I think about it. Feel free to disagree. That's okay. Becca and I don't always agree. That's what makes this whole thing fun. So, you know, what, this is a historic season. And I know we are both super excited about it. And this is something we have talked about that we have wanted since We have been affiliated with this franchise, and that's diversity. And specifically, we have both talked about wanting to see the first Black Bachelor.

And here we are, season 25. It took 25 seasons, 18 years. What is the Bachelor Diversity campaign say? And like 40, however many contestants. And now we're finally here. And I and myself and Becca want to be in a place where we're excited to talk about a moment. that we have waited so long for. And so I'm hoping that you guys take this information,

you receive this information, and we can just get back to the basics of having fun. Right now, we feel a little bit muted. We feel like we have to walk on eggshells and what it is that we're going to say. And it shouldn't be that way. It really shouldn't, especially when we are in such a great time with the franchise and a historic time by having Matt James as our bachelor.

So with that being said, you know, did you have a New Year's resolution, Becca? Oh, I have a whole list, Rachel. Oh, I saw. I saw you put that on social. I think that's great. I wish I could take the time to do a list. I think that's beautiful. But you know what I realized about my resolutions is a lot of times they're so vague that they

don't, they're like, it's harder for me, I think, to follow them year by year. And so one of them now in 2020, oh my God, I don't even know what year it is. In 2021, is to be more precise and direct and adamant with what I'm envisioning with what I want to manifest. And so that's one of the main ones I would say. And what was you told me? Last year, babies, right? Well, babies, yes. But I realized I'm not great at having a New Year's resolution.

I wish I saw your list. I thought that was fantastic. And I wish I did something like that. So for me, I just did a word, a word or a mantra. And I stole this from Trista because her podcast, which you guys should check it out. It's absolutely amazing. It's called Better. And so my word is better.

I want to be better in all aspects of my life. And so I'm saying that too because I want us to be better with our Bachelor Happy Hour community. You know, there are ways that Becca and I can both be better. There are ways that this podcast can be better. And there are ways that you as an audience can be better. So let's all collectively just be better in 2021. and beyond. So with that saying,

I love that. Let's talk about this historic season and Matt James. Let's get right into it, break it down. We also have a very, very special guest coming on the show. You know how we do it during the season.

We bring you the best guests. We get them first. And so we have none other than Abigail, the first impression rose recipient coming onto our show. But before we talk to her, we're just going to dive a little bit into things that stood out to us in this episode. Becca, take it away.

Oh my gosh, where to even begin? I mean, yeah, as you said, like this is probably one of the most anticipated seasons that we've been waiting for. And I think overall, after watching the premiere, one of the things that I really walked away with was, and I don't want this to sound bad, but I, like, I didn't have super, super high expectations, for Matt only because. I say that only because he's never done this before. That's fair. He had no clue really what he was walking into. And it's funny because, you know, I think he's talked to a handful of leads before he left for his season. And one thing that he asked, it's like, what do I expect? And I was like, look, like, it's going to be

a whirlwind. You're going to meet so many beautiful, incredible women. There's going to be drama. but like the parts that people don't see and don't think about are the most grueling parts where it's like you're miced up all the time you're constantly in interviews you're constantly being whisked away to do press or you know to deal with the drama or this and that like there's so much that you don't know and you're constantly talking about your same thoughts and feelings and emotions over and over and so that's one thing that I was like this is going to be really exciting but it's going to be so draining because you don't fully know what you're getting into and so and he didn't expect that and so i i just was like you know he could really get in front of the cameras and shell up and not be articulate and not give a lot of feeling and emotion and depth there and so after watching just him during this night one and talking with his mom and chris and all of the women i felt like i actually kind of like the fact that he's never done this before i found it a little bit more refreshing i love the fact that he was nervous and nervous. But I was very pleasantly surprised overall at what he provided to me as a viewer.

I think that that's well said. I was surprised at how nervous he was. I mean, I knew he was going to be nervous, but we saw it. You know, like they can see it because they're with them and maybe his hands were shaking or they were clammy or whatever, but you could see how nervous he was, which I thought was endearing and made me feel like he was taking it seriously. One thing I did note is they really want us to know how desirable Matt James is. I said, I mean, to take the time to say, this is the most applications we've ever had. And we've never seen a response like this. And we're like, okay, Bachelor franchise, we got it. You did a good job in picking Matt James. He's wanted. Clearly, he's an attractive man. He's tall. He's a former athlete. He works to New York.

He's got a hot best friend. You know what I mean? Like he's like, like, like, like, He's a, like, a catch. We got it. So I just thought that that was really funny that they were like, we've never seen a response like this. Okay, you guys, like, we got it. You don't have to justify why you pick Mac James. We understand why he's the bachelor.

He is a desirable man, which is whoever the lead is. Another thing I noted that how he was really nervous is that he had a lot of awkward laughs. Did you notice that? Oh, yeah. But I would have done with total same. same. I think I did on my season. I think we all have our nervous quirks or things that we say. And for him, it was like laughter. And I was like, okay, there was actually, there was one point where he was literally maniacally laughing in the room. I think it was, he was, when he got to his home and he walks in and he has like these three or four laughs. And I'm like, Matt, what's, who are you talking to? Casper, the friendly ghost? Like, what's happening here? Are you, are you laughing with a camera? Like, what is? Nothing's funny, Matt. But I thought, I was. I I was like, oh, he's a little nervous. I think, well, and, like, putting myself in his shoes, again, I remember the first time

I checked into any hotel that we were traveling to when I walk in, and every time I was blown away, I was like, I didn't feel like it was real, you know? It's like, and this is his first time ever doing this. And so I'm sure he's like, what do I do? Like, obviously, there's a camera and I'm miced up, but like, do I talk to myself? Do I laugh? Do I, like, embrace it all and jump on the bed? Like, he's, it's just like he's this little baby being born in.

to this crazy weird world. Absolutely. But as you said, endearing. It's fun because we're witnessing this new season through such a different lens, I would say. But yeah, I love that he took moments to kind of make it his own. And, you know, there's the moment where right before the women pull up where he's like, wait, Chris, like, I've never done this. Can we talk?

And usually each season with the lead, we see. past bachelors or bachelorets come in. I mean, I had you, Caitlin and Jojo with me to kind of guide me and give me pointers. He had no one besides Chris. Were you surprised by that? Were you surprised that they didn't have former leads, Mel leads, come in and chat with him, especially someone who's never been through this before? Yes.

Oh, no. I was very shocked by that. I found that very strange, to be honest, and maybe chalk it up to quarantine. And I don't know, but I thought that they had at least to have someone. I mean we obviously see him sit down with his mom but she's never done the show so she can't really give him pointers either so right the regulars like Ben Nick

they're always available they're always there where were they somebody's got to be somebody's pilot Pete can he has his pilot's license he can slide to him a colon like where was he in light of recent news yeah we're better not we don't need to pay he's got he's got

some things he's got to figure out but um so I'm glad that he did take that moment to just be like wait, Chris, buddy, give me a few minutes here. I need some time to sit. And then there was the moment, too, where, oh, it was his, when he, like, first walked in with all of the women there, and he, instead of giving the typical toast, he chose to do a prayer, which I thought was very special and very him, it seemed like, very on brand with who he is and true to who he is. And so I appreciate that, that he's taking moments like that to, you know, even though he's ever done this to still

stand out in that regard? I think it was the vibrator. I think he thought, oh, my God, is this a type of women that are coming on this show? Or they're showing me, they're telling me about their sexual escapades prior to coming on the show, then try to give me the vibrator, only to take it back because they're going to continue to need it until they get to the fantasy suite. He thought, my God, let's start this off with a prayer. Let's start.

He had the vibrator. He had the girl showing up in the lingerie. He's like, oh, Lord, I don't know what to do. He said, Lord bless this situation. Let me just go ahead and take it back. Some holy water on all the women. Yeah, yeah. And then when he opened his eyes, that dildo was staring him right in the face.

Shining bright. No, I actually thought the prayer was beautiful. But what I wish is it was a missed opportunity. It's in the middle of the prayer. I wish it would have just started vibrating on the table. Oh, my gosh. There were so many missed opportunities. He should have kept making references about, like, I'm a stand-up guy.

And, you know, unless I feel good vibrations, I'm not going to take that next step with you. I fall hard. Love hard. Yeah. Oh, gosh. They could have really played with that. It could have been fantastic. But, you know, maybe, maybe who knows?

Maybe it comes up later in the episode. Loopers at least I would hope one day, we'll see. Limel arrivals. I was a little bored by them. I know there's only so much you can do in Nimikolin, but I thought, I felt like Claire, got better limo arrivals. Yeah. Yeah. You know, I mean, this I think is

Was this the first season that no one showed up in a costume? Did somebody show up in a costume? There were the hooves. There was the hooves. That is true. I thought that was funny. I was like, girl, girl. She went home, right? I mean, how do you? I mean, and she was a pretty girl.

But it's like every time you look down, it's like a girl walks in a lingerie and it's like you and your hooves. hooves she would have been better with like something on her hands hooves like that's the most it's an ugly name it's an ugly costume it's incomplete she would have been better in full costume but just the fact that she was like dressed like you look at somebody up with her dress you know they were big and hairy when you look somebody up and down you're like okay I'm looking at you head to toe I'm working by way down and bam and it's a sight it's a sight you can't unsee that you can't unsee the hooves I love that

she went for it that would that would have totally bend me. I would have felt so much more comfortable in the hooves than a lingerie. They were house shoes. She was literally wearing house shoes. Who were your top three limo entrances? Or what were they? Oh, gosh. This is tough because as a whole, they sucked. Sorry. They just, they weren't, I wasn't over the top really. Well in the way. Um, what stood out to me. I guess the hooves were talking about it. The vibrators stood out. It broke the ice. Um, I, interviewed Matt on extra, and he said that.

He said he was so nervous that when she did that, he just let out this crazy laugh, and it just kind of like released so much nervous energy for him. And then he let her go. No, he didn't. He kept her. Oh, did he? I thought he said her home. He kept vibrations.

Wait, vibrations are the hooves? Hooves. I'm talking about, he let hooves go. He kept the dildo. Oh, you're talking with the vibrator. Yeah, like, he laughed so hard. It's just like released all this nervous energy. similar to what a dildo can do for you

crazy enough. And so I thought I thought like that that stood out to me. So hooves dildo and I liked the girl who came in the pickup truck because she bought a piece of home with her and they had that in common

and then to see them later in the back of the truck. He was drinking the sweet tea and the picnic. That was cute. Yeah. That was one of my favorites too because it was a piece of home I think it made him feel a little bit more comfortable and smart girl because she could utilize it later and have that beautiful picnic. And I also loved how she's like, it's a stick.

Don't do me like that. I appreciated that. I also really liked only because, again, this is something Becca would have done is when MJ came out of the car and was going to open up the back and bring out the pizza, that would have totally been me. I would have locked the keys in the car. I would have been locked out. I would have been like, well, damn it, I just ruined this entire entry.

So I thought that was kind of cute And that was the best part of her interest The cheesy pizza thing The best part was that she loved himself out But it was memorable, at least to me I enjoyed that I liked that part And then

Ooh, actually one thing And this wasn't even in a big moment But I think her name was Piper I liked what she said when she met him Her last name is James Wait, Minno Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah That's okay, Minnow, Meno's joining in all the time

Minow agrees But when Piper came out she's like, my dad wants me to keep my last name. He wants all of his daughters to keep his last name. And so that is something that stuck out to me. And I was like, it's what I've been saying all along girlfriend. And so I liked that moment too because I thought, you know, good

for her for admitting that to him. And so a woman after my own heart. I appreciated that. That was cute. I thought that was really cute. It's all like they have to change it anyway. So perfect. No, it's absolutely perfect. She was cute. What else stood out to you? I mean,

a funny moment to me was I loved that, and I don't remember what the dildo girl's name is, but that she interrupted the girl and tapped her on the shoulder with it. I thought that was funny. Now, I have to say this. We have to have a conversation around the dildo. I'm shocked ABC, a family station. This is still technically a family show. It doesn't get risque until fantasy suites, really, with a couple of other occasions where it.

you know, it's gone into the deep end. They started off the entire season with this dildo. And yes, there was a black box, but we all know what it does. And all the sexual innuendos are surrounded around this thing. It's setting a tone for his season. I'm telling you, this is why he had to dig deep on prayer. Matt, Matt has never done this before. And you want to pop off his season with a dildo?

The man's terrified. You know what I mean? Like fall on your knees. He said, Lord, blood of Jesus. You know what I mean? What do you think about this? Do you think people are going to be receptive to the fact that what are we saying? This is a historic season in the first seconds of the show are a sex toy.

Mm-hmm. I don't, well, here's the thing. Like, I don't know how long or strong. wrong, I should say. The dildo or the vibrator is carried on throughout the season. Yeah, and I don't know if they did that because I mean, he is a man that is very strong in

his faith and I I'm trying to think of the last bachelor that's kind of been like at that level in his faith. Like was it Ben Colton? Colton. He's very, talked about his religion a lot. Yeah. So I don't know

if it's just like a one and done to like really enticed the viewers night one and to hook you in or if it's going to be something throughout the entire season? I think it wasn't a dynamic episode. It really wasn't. And this is not taking away from Matt James. We all know

I'm like, we're big supporters here. But it was kind of a straightforward episode. Think of the dildo was removed. Okay. What are we talking about? The hooves? Yeah. There wouldn't have been the drama. We get the history of it. Yeah. There wouldn't have been the drama between

vibrator and who is it, Mari, I think. Yeah, Marry. We're not talking about Queen Victoria. Talk about anti-climactic. I mean, my gosh, her props had more personality than she did. I mean, the queen has arrived. That's all she said. That's all.

I can't even, I said I didn't want to talk about her, but I have to talk about that there was nothing to talk about. Yeah. I'm so disappointed. She better come correct in other episodes. I mean, she's like, I'm going to say this and then I'm to revert back because it's like she was made out to seem like I think a Corinne on Nick season with you there will never be another but she's not she's not a Corinne 2.0 like Corinne had these

one-liners and was witty but I think Victoria it just like you know it's like I'm the queen I'm the queen I have my crown I have my sceptor and that's that's about it like I'm the queen and you're the king and that was all and you're a princess when she said the queens arrived bitches. I said, oh, my, that's, that's your opening line. I knew we weren't going to get much from her. Yeah. She's more of a jester. I'm expecting more of her. I had big, I actually thought she was going to be more of a villain. She wasn't. The dildo was the villain. The dildo was the girl. The dildo had a starring role in the first episode. Might as well have been standing up there next to Matt James, giving the speech. That was the start. That's why I think they made it

such a big part of the show, because without it, there really wasn't much else to go. with. The next exciting thing is the trailer for the remainder of the season. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, that was really it. I mean, and we see a little bit of the drama between Kit and Queen, that's just Queen Victoria, if you will. But yeah, other than that, like, it was pretty straightforward. I mean, and we'll have Abigail on to go into the first impression rose and that first kiss

and all of the good stuff that's yet to come. I mean, other than that, like, should we just get into it and bring her on and try to get some tea out of Abigail? Absolutely. We've got the one and only first impression rose here waiting for us to talk to her. Let's bring her on. Well, Abigail, welcome. We're so excited to have you.

And this is our first interview podcast for Matt's season. And so I guess we're just going to start it strong with you. So welcome to Happy Hour. How are you? I'm good. No, thank you so much for letting me come on. on. This whole thing is super surreal, for real, just because I've, you know, have watched both of your guys in seasons. And so now it's just super surreal to be on the other side of it.

You get it a little bit more now, don't you? Abigail, where are you calling in from? Where are you based? So I'm in Beaverton right now. So I grew up in the Oregon area. And then, yeah, so we actually rented out like a little Airbnb for our premier party, just doing, just doing helping with my family and friends so keeping it small just to be safe good for you i mean there's nothing like premiere night right it's the whole world you've had this secret for months you've known about it we don't know how far you make it we'll get into all of that but now you get to share your experience with everyone and so it's so great that you've created this premiere party that you guys can watch the whole show together and and obviously it's a big night

night for you. So I think the question first will additionally we have to ask is were you a fan of the show before you came on? Yeah, no, I definitely have watched the show in the past. Like I said, obviously know how both of your guys' journeys have gone. And then if anything, I think it just kind of made me want to, you know, just kind of see could it work for me. But I think even watching the show and being on the side of the audience does not prepare. you for what's on the other side of the camera. I think I learned that really quickly. It was a really good experience. Definitely. I have no regrets. But I think it's just it challenges you in a lot of ways that I think nothing can prepare you for. Nobody can tell you how it's going to go.

So yeah, it was definitely a very wild experience for sure. Well, and especially night one, when you're fresh out of the limo, you, you know, you don't know what your connection with the lead is going to be. You have all of these lights and these cameras and, of course, 30 plus girls chattering away and already causing drama. What was your, I'm trying to put myself back into night one and I remember being so nervous, but overall, throughout the entire evening, like, what was your overall feeling? Like, how did you leave that next day feel, like, happy? elated, like I think you got the first kiss. How was that for you? I think that night I was definitely the most overwhelmed I have ever been just because there's just so much pressure on the first night.

I think of just doing the right things, saying the right things. I mean, you're potentially meeting your husband. And I think that's a lot of pressure just to take a step back and say, okay, are we compatible in any way? And then on top of that, you have, you know, the three plus women, they're all gorgeous and all have their own backgrounds and stories that they were trying to share with Matt as well. So it was very overwhelming. There was definitely a couple moments where I had to step away and go to the bathroom and just kind of breathe a little bit just because it is really overwhelming. But no, the next day I was definitely riding, you know, just on a high. I think I was just, I think my biggest thing is when I came into this, I really thought

I was just going to fall back kind of, you know, into the shadows and not really make an impression just because I'm not usually kind of the loudest person or I didn't really have a gimmick when I came in. And so I just really didn't think that Matt was going to remember me. And then just to have the night that I did, yeah, I was definitely riding on a cloud nine the next day for sure. Yeah, you were. And you are so right about the bathroom being your safe. It absolutely is. You could have found me in the bathroom a time or two, crying my eyes out. So, you know, one of the things that has been new with The Bachelor is that we get to meet the women weeks before we actually see them on our television screens, which I love this new thing that the Bachelor franchise is doing.

So we've heard about you just from reading your bio, and now we're getting the chance to meet you. And we learn probably more about you the first episode than we've heard. do about a lot of the other women. So I want to take this opportunity for you to just kind of tell us a little bit more about you, who you are, and how in the world you got on this crazy show. Sure. Is there like anywhere that you wanted me to start or just kind of how I ended up on the show? Well, like a little tidbit about like maybe who you are because like the show is about love. So maybe, you know, what led you to be here. You're stunning. You know, like you easily see the connection between you and Matt the first night, like, effortless. So I know you have no time,

no, God, I can't speak. I know you don't have a hard time at all, you know, attracting attention and having a lot of suitors, but how did you end up on this show? You know, give us a little bit about, like, into your love life. Sure. Well, it was pretty much non-existent before the show. I think, I think a lot of people can just kind of relate, you know, just being in my shoes, being in your 20s, you are on the, you know, the dating apps and you're trying to date around. But I think what I just really struggled with is it's so superficial. And, you know, just kind of doing the same thing. And I was just getting the same results. And I just wasn't happy with that. You know, I just really wanted to just kind of push myself and have conversations with a man I've never

had before, you know, whether that be about my background, about my hearing loss. There was just so many things that I just felt ready to finally talk about that I've never been able to talk about before in past relationships. And so that's kind of why I just kind of took that lead. I was like, you know, it's as crazy as it may seem, you know, The Bachelor, I think that's just so out of my comfort zone. But I think when Matt God announces The Bachelor, you know, obviously he's very handsome. You know, I was not concerned that, you know, was I going to be attracted to him? but I think there's just something about math that just comes across very genuine. You know, I've kind of heard him speak a few times and just kind of how compassionate he is.

I knew that he was going to be able to challenge me to have those conversations. And so, yeah, so I think that's why I was like, you know what, I'll just go. I'll be vulnerable and have millions of people watch me. And, you know, that's totally fine, casual. No. No, I, that's kind of how I ended up is, no, I just, you know, I was just thinking, if I do something so far out of my comfort zone and unlike anything I've done before, but maybe I'll get really good results out of it. I want to ask you, because you just mentioned, you know, obviously you're hearing impaired, and that is something that we saw fresh out of the limo with you, as you mentioned it to him. And then when you sit down later in the night, you talk about it and open up a little bit more about

that with him. Was that something going into that night and the conversation with him that you had planned or did you want to first see how your connection with Matt was, like if he was reciprocating those feelings or what made you finally feel comfortable to share that with him? Yeah, no, I knew going into that night that I wanted to talk about it just because just kind of going back on what my dating has been like. It's something that I normally don't really say on a first day. You know, it is a huge part of who I am, but, you know, just kind of being a hidden disability and you can't really see my cochlear implant when I wear my hair down. And it's kind of a scary thing just to bring up to somebody on a first date,

because you really don't know how they're going to take it. And I have been in kind of uncomfortable situations. You know, one time I went to Top Golf, and it's really loud there. And, you know, I was missing half the things that he was saying. and I still couldn't bring myself just to tell him like, hey, this is my situation. It's just something that I've been insecure about in the past. And when you're trying to be attracted to a guy, you know, airing out your insecurities is not always the first thing that you want to do.

But then kind of just going into this whole process, I was like, you know what, I'm just going to go all out. I'm just going to lay it out there. And, you know, and just see if, you know, how he takes it, you know, Is it something that he wants to learn more about? Is it something that he wants to kind of see, you know, what a relationship with a deaf person would be like? So, you know, that's why I did it the first night.

And I think that's why I was riding on such a high, too, just because it was something I had been so insecure about, and so to open up about it and not to not only have him acknowledge it, but to actually see it as a really attractive, you know, quality. it was just yeah it was just a really special moment for sure yeah it just kind of came the full circle for sure as a viewer we definitely I mean I personally thought it was a beautiful moment because I understand you know on a first date it's really hard to open up and get down and dirty and you know air all of these personal things out it's never easy let alone doing it in you know

in front of millions of viewers and so I want to commend you and just say like it was so and beautiful the way that you embrace it and just opened up. And I found it very inspiring. So thank you as a viewer. I appreciated that so much. Thank you. I really appreciate that. Yeah. And what's great is you did it and then you get the first impression rose. So it's like, I don't know if you end up with Matt or not, but if not, it's like, keep going. You know what I mean? Like it gives you the confidence to truly be yourself because it's, it just makes you your, like I said, you're already beautiful. But then you tell your story and what you've overcome and who you've overcome and who you are it just like adds so much more to the table and in the most beautiful way i do have to ask you

about this though so you you obviously you've watched you said you're a fan of the show so you've seen the show before now we've seen some things this season just in this first episode that we've never seen before so my question is you you you know that matt's the bachelor you know you've never seen him before on any other franchise so this you're really getting to know him for the first time. He's going through this whole experience with you, which I think is pretty cool for the first time. So he stands up in front of you. And instead of giving the typical speech, which he eventually does, he prays. Now, my question more is, how did you rationalize the junksaposition of the dildo being on the table and then focusing on his prayer at the same time? I don't think he could

even deciphered the difference there. It's a hot mess. Yeah, I know the dildo vibrator was the first thing that I saw when I walked in, you know, after meeting Matt, I was just like, what did I get myself into? And so when he comes in, you know, he starts off trying to give a speech and then obviously he makes eye contact with the vibrator and totally loses it. But I think it just kind of lightened up the mood, definitely. But yeah, so he did open up with.

a prayer. I thought it was, no, I honestly was just like such a beautiful moment because I think we were all there. I think we were getting ready to do a toast. And in a way, I think it was just, I don't want to use the word superficial, but I think a lot of times with toes is just like, okay, here's to the journey. And then he goes off and talks to the women. And you still don't really know that much about him at that point. And so you're kind of thinking, okay, who is not? Like, What is he bringing to the table? And so the fact that he opened up with a prayer, I think he was just so vulnerable when he did that. I'm so genuine.

I think it really just set the stage. And I think girls just wanted to be on their A game after that because we were like, wow, you know, he's such a catch. The fact that he could stand in front of 30 plus women and do that. No, I thought it was a super beautiful moment. I was not. I don't think any of us were expecting it. for him to do that. Okay. I got to get down into it because limo entrances aside, we got to ask this because you, of course, got the first impression rose, which is a very big deal in the history of the franchise.

But you also did get what I think is the first kiss from Mr. Matt James. So I have to ask, you have to dish. Is he a good kisser? I plead the fear What? He looks like he's a good kisser. He looks like he's a good kisser. You can tell. The camera's right in there.

Abigail, when you guys were having your conversation, there was a moment where I was like, oh, he's going to kiss her. He wants to kiss her so bad. And then he kind of pulled away. And I was like, he cannot leave this couch without kissing her. And then thank God he went in for it.

But you could tell on his face the way. he was looking at you. He just wanted to go in for that move. Yeah. Were you shocked at it? He's such a gentleman. No, he's such a gentleman for sure. If anything, I remember after the moment, I was like, did I read that situation totally wrong? Because I kind of remember we were leaning in. And sometimes you're like, well, do he mean to go for a hug? Or is he going for the kiss and the kiss? And I was like, oh, my God, did I totally just read that wrong? And did I, you know, initiate the kiss? So. No, you did not. read that one. He wanted it. It was a long kiss. It was a long kiss. And I mean, I was yelling at the

screen like, kiss her. It is the moment. Kiss her. Okay? It is taught. I'm going to kiss her. Now. With the first night, too, with like, first night's the best night. It's just, it's just so much fun as a viewer. Because you're, you're meeting, well, for the first time, the actual lead, you're meeting him. Then we're meeting these women. And then we're seeing how creative they get with these limo entrances, but for you, you're meeting Matt, but then you're also getting to meet these ladies. So who did you bond with the first night? Because I will say the ladies that I bonded with the first night are the ladies that I'm still close with to this day. Yeah, no, I think I honestly left out with how many amazing women ended up on this season because I don't think I could

have gone through this entire experience without them. But Maggie, Marilyn, and I was just were in my limo so they were the first women that I got to meet and um you know they were just so nice by the way you know if anything they really put me at ease I think it's just so nice when you just have such a warm energy around you before you go into something really crazy um but no I think that night um I think those were kind of the women I just gravitated towards two on the first night because they were just who I have met first um but no I think all the women throughout the night we just all had conversations because I mean at the end of the day

we all had a common ground you know we have never met each other before but just the fact that we are the only 30 women in the world going through this experience right now I think we just bonded over that right away and I mean it obviously was very overwhelming

at times but it was just so easy just to sit on the couch and just be like oh my God this moment's so crazy like how are you doing so now I think I think Matt just really locked out with this entire group. I've never met that many nice moments, especially when we're all competing for the same guy. I like to hear that. That's good. I feel like people so often watch

the show. And of course, you have the fan favorites, which I think you definitely are. You have the villains. But at the end of the day, for the most part, there are so many beautiful friendships that form from this show that I think most people overlook and don't think are actually real. I do want to ask you this though and this is something that we had asked all of the men from last season because obviously we're in the middle of a pandemic there's this quarantine

so this I'm assuming was probably one of your first moments when you you get out of the actual quarantine and don't have to be masked up you can finally be around and hug other people what was that like for you coming out of this

quarantine and into this so-called safe bubble with Matt and all the women? I mean, it was amazing. I think just the traveling to get where we were in the quarantine process, I think it really just made all of us just really appreciate just that human connection of, you know, hugging somebody, talking to somebody, reading their lips when they're talking. So I think it really just made us really appreciate all the efforts that went into this bubble

and making it safe for us to date in a way that we're used to. and especially for me because just wearing a mask in general it's very hard because I do rely on lip reading and so the fact that I could just talk to Matt the first time without a mask on and not have to

ask him what, you know, the very first time I'm meeting him because you know you just really want that you know moment to be as special as possible so no I think this whole experience was very nice to deal without mask and it was hard leaving the bubble

and coming back to everybody wearing masks and just trying to adjust to almost like our new normal in a way. But no, the bubble was really nice just to be able to date without the mask. Yeah. Well, you were doing more than just lip reading with math out of night. That's right.

Let's look to the talking. Well, Abigail, I mean, thank you for opening my eyes up to that because I never thought about how wearing a mask can affect a whole community. You know what I mean? and I like you really I'm literally sitting back like wow it didn't even cross so thank you so much for sharing that that's that's so true and I'm glad that you were able to like set that aside for you know how many weeks were you on eight nine ten able to set that able to set that aside did you feel because getting the first impression rose is a gift and a curse you know typically and that's your nation did you feel like you kind of had a dagger on your back after getting the first impression rose because people knew you were one to watch because you impressed math the first night? Yeah, no, I definitely get what you mean by. Is it a blessing or

is it a curse? I think if anything, it was more, I think it just impacted myself more than anyone else towards me, if that makes sense. I think all of us, we just kind of had the general consensus of we're just going to focus on our relationship with Matt and try not to compare it with the other women. But, you know, it was hard for me at times, you know, just when you come out that strong, you know, you kind of get in your head of, okay, can I keep up this momentum? Because, you know, he is going to be dating other women. Can I keep up that moment, you know, momentum with him? And so, yeah, no, it was hard, you know, but I try to hold on to that high as long as I could, and just remind myself, you know, we did click.

You know, we did have that chemistry, and there is a reason why I did make that first impression on him. So it made me really motivated at the same time just to keep going, no matter how hard it got. And so, yeah, no, it's definitely a blessing and a curse, but I wouldn't change it or anything. Yeah, you should appreciate it. Do you still have your rose from that night, or did you keep the roses? Um, they let us keep them, but they're real roses. They die and I don't know how to save them because one girl was like, well, you can hang it upside down, like if the water goes back down the stem or something. Um, but honestly, I just gave up. Yeah. I kept mine, when I was on The Bachelor, I kept mine in my diary and then I opened it up months later and they were all moldy. And I was like, well, this is very fitting for what all transpired later on. Yeah, it should be all romantic and like, whole. on to it because it's such a cute rose.

So while, so back to the rose, obviously you got the first one. So while you were off with Matt and that beautiful moment was happening, we see a lot of drama amongst different groups of girls. So would you say that that behavior foreshadows some of the storylines that will still be seen or do you, like in terms of the girls who had the drama between them? like does that transpire or what are your thoughts on that yeah no i mean there was definitely a lot of drama i think i experienced the most drama i've ever had in my life in that you know span of time um so i think you guys will definitely be seeing more of that um but but i think

but i think um at the end of the day um i think matt knows what he's looking for and you know hopefully he's able to kind of see past that um just because sometimes they are important conversations to have, but other times it is just noise that he just needs to tune out and just be focused on why he's there at the end of the day. Yeah, no, the job is definitely not going to end

after the first night. Two people I want to talk about based on what we've seen in the previews. Queen Victoria, what are your thoughts on her? Is she a queen? I'm more of a jester. Um, so my first impression of her, so I arrived before she did and I was sitting on the couches and she walks in and she goes, the queen has arrived. And of course, you know, when I hear

that, I'm just like, what is this girl doing? Like, what it, like, who does she think she is? Um, and so, you know, she's definitely a character for sure. Um, she definitely knows what she wants. Um, like I definitely commend that for her. Um, but yeah, no, she's definitely a queen. of the south court jester um and then the other one is who is the escort good question um i mean you'll definitely have to tune in and find out about that um i know that there was a lot of drama around that um i actually did not hear about a lot of it till later, I think in a weird way of being, you know, a perk of not being able to pick up everything in a group setting is, you know, I just don't always get myself involved in kind of

drama conversations. So in a weird way, it was kind of nice for me to not be included just so I could really focus on my relationship with Matt. But no, that's definitely a very interesting kind of turn of events that it took for sure, because I had never experienced anything like I. wait i have to ask this about a character that we saw quite a bit during the premiere and that is not mj with the curly blonde hair but the other mj the sparkly purple vibrator now is that something that we see continue throughout the season as we go or is it a one and done was it a hidden inquiry kind of night for the for the vibrator um so mj the purple sparkly one. She made a one night

appearance. We won't be seen any more of her. So one night stand? One night stand, yeah. She took the hand and she stayed back. Okay, good. Good. Who had your favorite limo entrance? Who had the favorite? Who was your favorite limo entrance? My favorite limo entrance.

I was in the limo with Alicia and her ballerina. for a teen when she came out and that was just beautiful to watch you know I've never seen ballet in person before and she just did so flawlessly so that was really cool to watch for sure

yeah Matt's not a fan of the ballet is he got well she went home she went home night one yeah I was shot that was a shocker to me I was like oh gosh I

and this is what's interesting too and I and maybe you can give some insight on this you're especially being a fan of the show so it's like not only are you an insider it's like you know the history of the show i was shocked at the number of women that did not get to talk to matt the first night normally the lead makes an effort at least as of late makes an extreme effort to talk to almost everybody and it seems like half the girls didn't talk to matt is that the case And why was that? I think it was a little under half,

but it still felt like a lot of women didn't get to talk to him that night. Because I think, you know, when you go into at the beginning of the night, you kind of just have the mindset of, okay, I'm not going to panic. I'm going to get my time with him. You know, how about I just get a drink, mingle a little bit, kind of calm the nerves. But then time just flies by so quickly on those kind of nights.

I mean, it's one hour, two hours, and then it's like, okay, bang, like the rose there, body's happening in the next 30 minutes. And so I think a lot of girls just kind of maybe lost side of time or just didn't make enough of a kind of urgency to talk to him. But yeah, I was really shot too at how many women didn't get to talk to him. And I mean, I totally feel for them because it is frustrating to go through this, you know, entire process and then just never be able to, you know, explore if you get to hit it off with him right away or not. Going back to the first impression,

Rose, in that moment, you know, you sit down, you have your conversation, you have this kiss, and then he gets up and leaves, leaves you sitting on the couch. Did you think he was coming back or in that moment where you like, oh, shoot, is that when you thought, did I read this wrong? Or did you think he was maybe coming back with the Rose?

I definitely thought I read the entire situation wrong. Um, just because, you know, when he started the night, he just seemed so genuine and so serious about this entire process. And, you know, we had our conversation. We had our moment. And when he got up, I was like, oh my gosh, I totally read that mom. Like, is he uncomfortable? Like, did he wish that didn't happen? Did he have to take a step back and just, you know, kind of remove himself in the situation? Um, so my heart kind of sank a little bit. Um, um, And so when he did come back with the rose, I was like, okay, I'm, okay, I kind of know where this is going now. But no, I was freaking out. I think part of it was I just never expected to be that person at the end of the night. So it wasn't something that I was trying to go after in a sense. You know, I was just wanting to make the most of the night. Just see if I can hit it off with, you know, The Bachelor.

And so, no, I definitely thought it was going to take. a different term, but I'm really glad that it didn't. Yeah. It's always the best when you're not expecting it. Always the ones who think it's going to happen for them, it never does. But when you're not expecting it, it just makes it that much more rich and sweet when it does. And then you start to think, tell me if this is what you thought, you're like, oh my gosh, this is real. And this could really happen. No, 100%. Because I think just the entire time that you're getting ready, you know, at home, like when you have packing and even, you know, traveling to where filming's going to be, I think you do kind of have that doubt in the back of your mind of can this work

for me, you know, because ultimately we all know what's at the end of this and we all want, you know, what comes at the end of this. And you see so many successful relationships come out at this. But at the same time, you know, it is a fast process. And you do wonder, you know, never meeting the person, you know, having somebody that's never been on the show before that we don't know that much about, can this work for me? And, you know, going through the night, I think that's part of the reason I just felt so overwhelmed was because I started getting attracted to him really quickly when I wasn't expecting it. And then when the first impression rose happened, it was like, holy cow, like he sees me, like he wants me here.

Absolutely. Yeah, I know that definitely hit the nail on the head. You know, it's just like, there's 100% you know, is real. Mm-hmm. I can't forget, Rachel, you got the first impression rose too. So I'm in the presence of two incredible women right here. Impressive women. And very impressive women. Okay, Abigail, so before we get into a game, we normally ask all of our guests on the show what your rose and your thorn of the experience was.

Now, since we only have seen one episode, we're going to ask you just for night one, what was your rose and what was your thorn? Uh-uh, don't let that stop you, Abigail. Just give it to us for the whole season. Just set yourself free. You know, I think the rose of the night was, I mean, obviously, Matt. You know, I think he just exceeded my expectations in every way. And I think he just made me really excited just to kind of kick off the process with him.

You know, that night, I was really excited about. him after that night. And then, you know, I think just the thought of it was seeing, you know, I think it was eight women go home just because, you know, you do talk to them that night. You do kind of form of relationship with them. And it's just a harsh reminder of there's only going to be one person at the end of this. And there's going to be more goodby's to come. And so, you know, you're riding this high of meeting this really incredible guy, but you've also kind of have that looming fear of, well, what if it's not? me at the end of this you know what if i really open up myself and it's not me um so it's a lot of

emotions that night i mean that's definitely what i remember yeah absolutely okay abigail the time has come okay so we've had so much fun getting to know a little bit more about you and your journey through the first night and getting the first impression rose and all of that but while we have you here we of course need to know about the rest of the girls from this season because they still remain a mystery to us and obviously you're privy to more information than we are at this point so in order to learn about the rest of the women this season we're going to play a little game called the rose goes dot dot dot okay so here's how it works we will ask you a list of superlative questions and you need to answer which one of the women from this season best fits that description.

Okay? So just have fun with it. It's just us girls. And the great thing is, here's the thing, Abigail, it's only been the first episode. So we don't even know who these women are. Exactly. Outside of you. We don't remember them.

Okay. All right. So I'll start off with the first one. The rose goes to, I probably should put the two in there. Okay. Who is the funniest in the house? Anya's in the house. Chelsea.

Great. Can't wait. Can't wait for it. Don't remember her. Can't wait. I need face cards in this moment, so I remember. Oh, I know who Chelsea is. What was Chelsea?

Chelsea is the short hair. Yes. She's the model. Oh, the model. Check us out. I knew Chelsea. Her dress. We have a small world.

You know. I don't know why I said, apparently. I actually have met Chelsea. She was model. for Randy Rom and Fashion Week. Randy Rom does a lot of the dresses for the bachelorette's and in the finale for the women on The Bachelor.

Was her dresser Randy Rom? Did you see me trying to get the information? Did you wear Randy Robb at Cal? Did you? I love that. Yes, her dress was phenomenal. Oh my gosh, incredible. All right, next up, the rose goes to

Who cries the most? Who cries the most? Probably give that to Sarah. Sarah. Sarah's the caretaker. Wow, I remember that, right? Sarah's in San Diego. She was the previous newscaster.

The reporter is the caretaker. Her package really stood out to me. Okay, she cries the most. All right. Okay. The rose goes to who had the worst limo entrance? who had the worst limo entrance um

oh that's hard I think I just love all of them um the worst limo entrance well at the time I didn't know if Serena seen meant to fall or not so I was like actually terrified that she actually tripped and fell but then she was like no it was planned

so at the time I thought that was the worst one because I was like oh my god that's so embarrassing but now she she totally about to that would have been me going up those stairs a thousand percent totally it would have all right the rose goes to who had the best wardrobe um who had the best wardrobe um who had the best wardrobe um i think three probably one of the best wardrobes there oh okay the rose goes to who did you find the most surprising who did i find the most surprising um i'll get that to victoria

the queen in a positive or a negative way I mean I guess you guys will make your own kind of conclusion on that but I think she surprised me in a good way okay okay all righty the rose goes to who throws the best shade it throws the best shade

like talk about other people or just kind of can dish it out and witty, quick on their feet, yeah. I probably get that to Katie. Okay. The rose goes to

who would you want to be stuck on a desert island with? I would choose my roommate, Maggie, to be stuck on island with. No, she's just so much fun. I thought you were going to say Matt James. Well, I mean, obviously, my first choice. I thought we were doing girls

a whole life. And you can say yourself for any of these too. Okay, next one. The Rose goes to who called it like it is or like it was, I should say. I would say

MJ. Okay. Yeah. Not the purple vibrator. No. No. No. No, MJ was,

she always spoke our minds. Okay. Okay. The rose goes to who was the messiest? My roommate, Maggie. Maggie's getting a lot of these. The rose goes to who ate the most?

Who ate the most? I probably give that to Rachel, just because I always hear her talk about because we would have like three meals and then like a late night meal. And it was just funny how she always raped. about the late night meals. So the late night meals are the best.

That's what we lived for. I don't remember. Oh, we loved those late meals. Chicken tenders, French fries, pizza, whatever you wanted. It was the best. Maybe it changed after, but I don't remember. I don't remember. We had so much downtime.

All we cared about was the food, I feel like. True. Who, oh, the rose goes to, who was the most outgoing? It was the most outgoing. I would probably get that to Serena P The Rose goes to Who got the most turned up?

Turned up I'll get that to Serena C Oh, okay The Rose goes to who was the loudest? Who is the loudest? Probably get that to MJ but in a good way

Okay The rose goes to Who was the voice of reason? Voice of reason Maggie Okay Maggie All right

Last one Maybe the best one Maybe an obvious answer The rose goes to Who loved the camera the most We loved the camera's most Um Vitoria

The Queen yeah yeah we figured hands down we got it night one yeah we figured that one oh Abigail you was so much fun to talk to you you are so sweet so nice we tried to get you to you know

dish out some tea but you were very loyal to the women that you spent these weeks with which is great which is great really great characteristic you're just as lovely as you were on camera watching you last night so thank you so much for taking the time to stop

It's been an absolute pleasure, Abigail. Yeah, thank you so much. Now, one last question before you go. How far do you go? Turing and find out. It's so weird to think that it's the premiere of The Bachelor. Like, it's so weird that she's doing her premiere party. And that we just had this.

Like, we just, I felt like we just did this a couple weeks ago with Claire and Tasia. We really did. We really did. It's weird because when we do a new season, season, I feel like we're starting over. It's like, not that it's our premiere night, but it's like, okay, here we go, first night, because we normally

get to talk to these guests. Yes. Which we will have Matt James on the podcast very soon. Just you wait, you guys, and it'll be a very interesting interview. What do you think? Abigail seems too nice for the season

because from what we're getting from the previews, it seems like she stayed out of a lot of the drama, and it seems like that was a great decision by her. Oh, totally. She, I mean, she was one of my favorites watching last night. Like, I will say that she comes across as just genuine and sweet and obviously a little nervous and like not made for TV, which I feel like I always love watching people like that because I feel like it's more genuine.

Like she, I think genuinely is there. I hate to say this, but for the right reasons as opposed to some other people. And so, yeah, I mean, she's a sweetheart. I am excited to see more of her. But again, like, I think this season, I mean, as we've heard, it's been the most tears, probably one of the most traumatic. And so I really hope that she can stay removed from that and really just focus on her love story with Matt because he, like, out of all the girls, I think he had one of the strongest connections with her. Yeah, it was very obvious. I really enjoyed their talk with one another because what was troublesome is that I saw a lot of,

the women talk about how infatuated they were with Matt and how great he looked, but there was depths of the conversation that he had with Abigail, so, you know, and I can see why, you know, from getting to talk to her. And it makes sense that as we saw the trailer for the rest of the season at the end of this, we didn't really see Abigail in it. And I don't think that's because she doesn't make it far. I think that's because she's drama free. So kudos to her. What were your thoughts on seeing the tease for the remainder of the season? Oh my god. Well, we obviously saw the tease at the end of T's season and they left out a lot of it because I think I was most shocked at them bringing people back like this new girl comes in. God knows when at what week and I had like

total flashbacks to Caitlin Bristow season when Nick came back. But also we see Heather Martin who was on Colton season. Let's talk about that. Like, let's talk about that. Let's talk about it. Let's get into it. Because I forgot about Heather. But you know what? I'm actually not surprised by this because.

Why? Because, I mean, I stay in touch with Hannah Brown. And she made a comment, like when I first moved out to California, because she obviously knows Matt and she's best friends with Heather. She made a comment. I believe she refers to Matt as one of her best friends, but go ahead. Yeah, but um, so she knows them both fairly well and she, she made it seem like their lives and their faith are so much on the same level. And she's

like, yeah, I could see it. It like makes sense to me. Like I was trying to set them up. So when I saw Heather, I was shocked, but I was like, hmm, makes sense. And I'm sure, you know, you know, I was probably talking to someone here and there to get her in. Um, but, but it's interesting because I felt like Heather on Colton season I mean she was obviously what was her storyline like she had never been kissed and she was a little bit more quiet and reserved and out of the drama and not really in the thick of things

like did it make for this great crazy dramatic TV but now we see her against the other women crying and obviously the women are rubbed the wrong way so it'll be I think a very very different experience from what she experienced a couple years ago on The Bachelor versus this season it made absolutely no sense for me that she popped up on the show out of the blue my first thought was wait don't we know her oh wait oh yeah that girl was on another season before oh my gosh where are her friends who was like obviously you had to bounce this idea off someone and what doesn't make sense to me is okay maybe she and matt james did have a connection off camera in the the real world. Obviously, it either didn't pop off or for whatever reason it didn't work. So you now

think it's a good idea to come on a television show to get to know him when you could have got, like, had the chance to get to know him in real life. It obviously didn't work. Your best friends with Hannah, Hannah's best friends with Matt, if she can't make it happen, why do you think that you're going to be able to go on it? It just, it, I, like, she was there for the wrong reasons. I'll just say it. I'll just say it what it is. It's like, why would you, it'd be different if Heather did not know Matt at all, right? This isn't Becca Tilly coming back to meet Ben, who's never met Ben before and knows that he's a good guy and wants the opportunity to get to pursue him on the same page as these other women.

This is a girl who had full access to Matt James, but yet you decide to come on a show to meet him when you've been through this experience before? Let me ask you this, because I've thought about this. She has had friends. So pretend you're going to lead again, and somebody comes in week three, week four, would you keep them or would you say, no, I have a great group of a lot of men left still that I want to get to know in respect for them. I'm not going to keep you around. What would you do?

It depends. If it was Heather, I'd send her home. Heather, you know me already in real life. We've met. We've hung out. We have a mutual best friend. I would send somebody home that I knew I mean I kind of had that on my season

the kid that I used babysit as a camp counselor came on the show I can't see I already knew you yeah not necessarily he didn't it's not the same he didn't have the chance to get to know me as an adult but still I just I couldn't separate the two yeah if it was somebody new like Tasha had four men come on

I guess she didn't really start it a season so that's different But I, it would depend. I would send Heather Hall. See, I, I get that too because on my, God, I feel like we're dragging up so many like old memories that I blacked out for a while. But my night one, there was a guy from Minneapolis that I knew and who I'd met like three or four times before you even starting. And so I sent him home night one. Because I was like, we had the opportunity for you to get to know me and for me to get to know you. And it obviously didn't work out those three or four times that we met.

So why are you doing it now? And so I, he went home night one. Like, if I were Hannah, I would have been like, Heather, girl, no. Heather's beautiful. You have an opportunity to meet all these other men and you had an opportunity to get to know Matt before. It's just, even if she didn't, let's just say she did, okay? She didn't get a chance to know Matt before. Going on a show on the show like this, when you do have a mutual best friend, I just, I was like, what is happening?

I hope he sends her home. Sorry. I hope he sends her home. have to wait a few weeks, I think, to find out. But yeah, I don't like it. I would have rather seen somebody else come back. I just, it's it, it's, I don't. What other parts of the, of this teaser stuck out to you?

Um, I, I, the drama I expect, Matt crying, I'm really interested to hear, you know, why, what was behind his tears, because it wasn't like a tear falling down. It was that ugly cry. Mm-hmm. And obviously, something. rocked him to the point where he couldn't control his emotions. So that more so stood out to me because I'm very

curious as to what was the reasoning behind those tears. Those tears don't come from one of the women. That's what I feel. Something happens or maybe he's telling a story or something. I don't know. I think and we

saw this in the permate, well obviously we're talking about the program, but we saw this last night where he keeps saying like I'm not one to open up and be vulnerable and like get to that point. And so honestly, I think this is maybe not the best setting to do that and to like really find those deep emotions that are lurking within you. But I mean, I can only hope that the overall experience was a good thing for him to kind of

finally get to that point, not to hit rock bottom, but to just really feel all of those emotions that he, you know, has supposedly bottled up and kept hidden for so long. So, yeah, I'm intrigued to see what else is in store. hopefully it doesn't feel like another super long season like last time but yeah it's crazy we started with what 30 girls we're already down to now 22 I think and it's only just to begun so I think with that we just got to keep you guys hanging next week we're so pumped because not only is it's a brand new season but we're able to share all of these fabulous women with you all and we have a big guest coming next week it's actually not one of these women, but it is Mr. Matt James himself. So we cannot wait to pick

his brain, sit him down and really get more in depth with who he is. And ask the right questions. Maybe get him to spill some tea with us, Fridge. And we will because this isn't your five to 10 minute interview that has to be cut and put together in a piece for the media. This is a podcast where we get to have conversation at great length. And we can ask him all the juicy details. So now that we're giving you notice that we're having him come on the podcast, that means you need to send in your questions and you need to let us know what you would like to hear about, you know, Matt James and what, maybe you have questions directed to him. Maybe you have questions about the women. Maybe you know something about

the women that you want to share with us. So if that is the case, you know where to find us on social, hit us up. On Instagram, it's at Bachelor Happy Hour. And for Facebook and Twitter, it's at batch happy hour. And as always, don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, the Wondry app or wherever you're listening to this right now. This is a season you don't want to miss. This is a historic season. This is something we've been waiting for for as long as the franchise has started. So we're 18 years at this point.

It is long overdue. So please, you know, tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell anybody who's willing to listen that they need to support Matt James in this season, watch it, and tune in here for all the juicy details after you watch the episodes. Bye, guys. 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, you'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, denial is easier, complex problem solving, takes effort. Listen to the psychology podcast on the Eye Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. It's important that we just reassure people that they're not alone, and there is help out there. The Good Stuff podcast, Season 2, takes a deep look into One Tribe Foundation, a non-profit fighting suicide in the veteran community. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, so join host Jacob and Ashley Schick as they

bring you to the front lines of One Tribe's mission. One Tribe, save my life twice. Welcome to Season 2 of The Good Stuff. Listen to the Good Stuff podcast on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Humanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you.

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