Bachelor Happy Hour - Like Father, Like Son with Nick and Joey Graziadei

Episode Date: May 9, 2024

Today on Happy Hour, our former Bachelor Joey is back with a very special guest: his father Nick! Nick is here to tell us all about the Bachelor experience from the eyes of a parent.We kick off today's episode getting Nick's POV on Joey's journey, from Charity to today. Then, we get the beautiful story of Joey and Nick's relationship; from coming out to his children, to raising Joey into the beloved man Bachelor Nation knows today. You won't want to miss this beautiful, one-of-a-kind episode. Be sure to follow so you never miss an episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, luckily, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend's been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone.

Now, hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That seems inappropriate. Maybe find out how it ends by listening to the OK Storytime podcast and the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor. 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.

But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh, my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. I just normally do straight stand-up, but this is a bit different.

What do you get when a true crime producer walks into a comedy club? Answer, a new podcast called Wisecrack, where a comedian finds himself at the center of a chilling true crime story. Does anyone know what show they've come to see? It's a story. It's about the scariest night of my life. This is Wisecrack. Available now.

Listen to Wisecrack on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, everyone. Welcome back to Bachelor Happy Hour. I'm Joe. And I'm Serena. And we are here with our most frequent guest, the best Bachelor of all time. Joey is here and he brought his father along with him. Nick, welcome to Bachelor Happy Hour.

Well, thank you for having me. this is so exciting because Joey is a happy hour regular he's been on this podcast maybe more than anyone else and Nick you're the first parent that we've ever had and we've actually talked about I'm a little nervous are you nervous yeah we never have to interview a parent parents are in the house but we've actually talked about how it would be so interesting to have a parent on because you guys have such a different experience than us as contestants I I mean, we know our parents have a lot to say about the show and the journey. So we're really excited to talk to you today.

I'm excited as well. Nick, where do you currently live? I live in Phoenix, Pennsylvania. Okay. And where are you from? I am from, I'm born and raised in Central New York and lived in Florida for 30-plus years. That's where Joey was born. and recently relocated to

I came to Philadelphia actually Phoenixville where the one you know my daughter Carly lives and since one I have you know Joey was in Hawaii Carly's in Philly and my other daughter's in Texas and I was in Florida so when Carly was married

I figured I'd be I figured she wasn't going anywhere so let me move close to at least one of my kids so that's why I'm here there you go and then hopefully the grandkids come soon no rush we're good though I can't say that, so get mad at me, but I'm good. I have a grand dog.

She has a girl, little harpers are my grandkids right now. There you go, a grand puppy. And what do you do for a living? I work for, actually work for a company where helping seniors kind of and their caregivers find the best solution for the families and placement for them. So I work for a company doing that right now. How did you get into that? Actually, ironically, I found, you know, I came from, it was I was working around my

When I moved from Florida, I was working actually with some doctors. And then this opportunity came across my desk, which I was more interested in, because instead of helping the hospitals and the doctors, I was able to help the families more. And I do have a mother who was in assisted living as well. So it kind of definitely held a place near and dirt at my heart. Okay. So now let's talk about, let's talk about Joey Boy over here. You know, this is weird because none of these questions really aren't directed to you, Joey.

You're just always fine just sitting here the whole time and listen to him. You're just going to be in trouble. okay so nick what was your initial reaction when joey came to you and told you that he was going on the bachelorette what are you crazy no i'm kidding um it was good actually you know knowing my son and ironically it was uh kind of happened when i was in hawaii with him which was pretty ironic i was visiting him in january when it started and just kind of that's when thing started and he figured he was kind of given a shot nothing to lose and i thought it was great i thought it was a cool opportunity, you know, thought it'd be great for him because I know it's hard

where he lived in Hawaii to meet, you know, meet women and really, you know, find someone there. So I think this was, I thought it was a good option for him and a good opportunity to kind of see what's out there. I actually totally forgot about that. He was there for that phone call. So like, obviously the DM was what I talked about. I got DM back in like, I think it was early January. But when he was there was when I first got a call from the casting, like starting the process. He was with me on the beach in Hawaii and that happened. Yeah. That's crazy. Had you ever watched the show or what was your knowledge of the show when Joey got that call? Watch, you know, beginning probably the first season maybe, you know, many, many moons ago.

It's the old man here. But yeah, did, you know, it was interesting, you know, a little bit not getting, I will say, no, the question follows, but not until I was in it, did I really understand it? But, you know, initially, you know, just kind of look at it is a reality TV show. Is this real? whatever and then seeing what transpired i was pretty amazed actually and actually was very impressed with how everything was handled joey when you two had that conversation when you got that call what did you think the odds were that you were actually going to get casted at that point i thought it was definitely unique that someone reached out to me but i also understood that there was hundreds and hundreds of people at that time that they were talking to so i

I put it out of a solid 50-50, but my dad was really supportive. He's, he's downgrading it. He was probably the easiest person to talk to about it that didn't make it seem like it was so far-fetched to do something like this. He's always been like my biggest, like, supportive with all these types of things. And it was, it was nice to have him there when I was trying to wrap my head around that 50-50 opportunity. What was your hope for Joey when he then got cast and went on charity season?

And honestly, I wanted him to, first I'd like, if I was shared with, I just wanted to be present, you know, enjoy the experience, you know, take away what he could from it, meet, you know, meet some new people, meet, obviously, meet a woman that might be the right person for him. So really just, it was more just, you know, excited for him for the experience because that was a great opportunity, just something new. Were, did you have any concerns or worries about what could potentially have? happen with him like heartbreak or anything like that. Humiliation. Yeah, no, you're right. Yeah, you're right. And we think about that, but honestly, because Joe and I have had, we do have a good relationship and he's open about everything with me.

And we do talk about everything. And, you know, he has amazed me, you know, before he went on the show, I was impressed with my son as far as how he really, you know, just because he's talked to me about other relationships and just how in tune with himself, how he's very self-aware and the kind of he is where he really does, you know, he's always wants to be better, but he's always in check with himself. So I kind of was, you know, not concerned about the heartbreak so much, but I knew that he'd handle it well and know how to navigate his feelings.

Got it. Okay. So he ends up getting his heartbroken. He ends up going, you know, basically making it to hometowns. So you get that call, A, like, what's your initial reaction? Are you shocked? And then how do you feel that you're going to now also be on television? Yeah, the second part, not so great.

But the first part was pretty cool. It was exciting. You know, it was kind of great that he made that far. And I'm so excited to me, you know, to meet charity. I was like, this would be very cool. I'm like, let's find out what this is all about. So that part, you know, obviously no one, I think we all, I'm sure you guys are good with it. But first of all, being on TV, I'm like, eh, not so much.

But again, do anything for my son. So I sucked it up. but it was good actually exciting and it was actually amazing just to see how everything developed to when the crew came no I know how that feels like that for like you know my first experience in front of the cameras on the show I was like an actual nervous wreck like it took me multiple shows took me years to get like somewhat comfortable so I can't imagine having to have like a real conversation with your son who's basically telling you like I'm in love with this girl and I'm probably going to get down on one knee and you're also internally a nervous wreck because you have seven cameras in your face. It's tough too because like I still remember that day back when I walked into that house and I realized that I just put my whole family into this experience and they didn't sign up for that. I did. So that whole like I remember the first conversation with each of them, the first five

minutes you spend like, are you good? Like is this okay? Are you comfortable because you feel for then that they didn't sign up to be in front of cameras and they just kind of got thrown into it just because you made it to the top floor of this entire experience. It is such a trip because you're isolated filming this show. You can't talk to each other. And then all of a sudden, it's like worlds collide and like your family has been plopped in that environment. I remember my hometown date just looking at them and them looking at me and everyone being like, this is weird. Like what have we all gotten ourselves into here? Joey, how did you think your dad would be?

Because, like, obviously you knew he was coming. You knew, you know, okay, hometowns is coming up. I've made it. You're imagining your family showing up. How do you think your dad would be? He was exactly what I expected. He's kind of, as a lot of people said that I'm a calming person for a lot of people, that's what my dad is a lot of times for me.

He just kind of gets me in a lot of ways and can kind of center me back and explain that he's proud of me and whatever happens, you're going to do great. And I think I knew there was going to be tough conversations going into that where I need to almost like, I don't want to say convinced, but you know what I mean where you have to like get them to believe that this could actually work and that I'm doing the best that I could. And he was probably the only person I walked in the conversation and didn't have any nerves about that. So I knew he was just going to be supportive and and really be there for me because he knew this was a crazy time. And then Nick, on the flip, how did you think Joey was going to be and was he what you expected? Ed. Yeah, you know, honestly, he came in like just big smiles, honestly. And that just

right there, you just got it. It's like, this is really, this is good. You know, I knew he was in a good place. So that was really, that was very positive. So very easy to like work with him and know that. You know, he's doing something that it's, it's gone well, let's say, you know, and it's, it was good. You know, he was, he was great too because he's helping all of us not be nervous. Like, listen, just, you see the cameras being there. All that stuff would happen. And we're like, yeah, okay, there's like eight of them on me. And it's like, you're looking around, but he, you know, him coming in and just, honestly, the crazy part is, yeah, I haven't seen him for a while and then just seeing him with charity walk in.

And you're like, oh, hey, this is real. So it was a little, you know, that was definitely, you know, that was interesting to say movies. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly and now I'm seriously suspicious. Well, wait a minute, Sam, maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast. So we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend has been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her.

Now, he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone. Now, hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That sounds totally inappropriate. Well, according to this person, this is her boyfriend's former professor and they're the same age. And it's even more likely that they're cheating. He insists there's nothing between them. I mean, do you believe him?

Well, he's certainly trying to get this person to believe him because he now wants them both to meet. So, do we find out if this person's boyfriend, really cheated with his professor or not. To hear the explosive finale, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. I never envisioned being with a woman. I'll just be honest. I'm Jamel Hill, host of the Sports and Politics Podcasts, Politics.

On this week's episode, I'm joined by Basketball Legend, Candice Parker, who stops by to discuss her candid new book, The Can Do Mindset, in which she shares why she waited two years into marriage to come out. Like, when I close my eyes at night, every night, I was like, I need to find my prince charming. Like, it was never a princess. Like, that never entered into my mind. But, you know, as I learned, sometimes life gives you things wrapped in a package that you didn't expect it. And that was just, you know, and honestly, it took me a long time to be okay with myself.

Make sure to listen to this week's episode of Spolitics on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast. or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Yumanzoor. 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. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect.

And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercoms the podcast. for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. When you when you guys left

and you left Joey how hopeful were you or where did you think his relationship was going to go with charity? Did you think he was going to end up with her? You know, I'd say yes actually. Really did. How they looked at each other, how they communicated

to us, both of them. You know, know, they were real emotions. It was very sincere, you know, and, you know, saying did I think, yes, more hopeful, I would say hopeful that he did, you know, end up with charity. You know, that part too. And I think we all walked away where really, you know, with, I think we went through what Joe was? It was like, what if she doesn't pick him? And we all had that reaction. We're like, wait, this may not happen, but we're hopeful, you know. Yeah. Well, spoiler alert, she didn't pick him. He got down.

Sad ending for our boy, Joey. How did it feel coming home and then hearing, you know, hey, it didn't work out, dad? Yeah, I guess what was the conversation between you to Joey? I mean, you obviously had to call him and let him know. Yeah. Yeah, I'll touch on that one. It was actually a really kind of perfect situation. I decided to take one of the craziest trips I took in my life, actually.

I went straight from Fiji all the way to Outer Banks. And the day that I got to the Outer Banks, we had a family wedding. So it was like a full 24 to 30 hour travel to get there. And the morning I got there, I got in the car with my dad and my two sisters. And we drove to my cousin's wedding, which probably is a terrible idea to show up to a wedding after getting dumped and getting engaged. And I didn't realize that until I was at the ceremony. Like, this was kind of stupid. But he was so supportive.

So are my sisters. They were just, again, I think highlighting how. amazing experience it was for me, how much they saw me grow through it. I couldn't have changed one thing about that because it just was that jump start of me getting back to feeling like me and getting back to where I needed to. And if I just went back to my place in Hawaii by myself, I don't think I would have been in the same place that I was. So they were just in my corner and it was a really great time to be able to spend with family for sure. Nice. Yeah, I feel like It's all you can really do is surround yourself with family.

Maybe not at a wedding, but, you know, if you have to be at a wedding, you have to be at a wedding. You can't change it. That was the timing and it was a chance to see a much of other family. I feel like that's like perfect. Like if if I'm heartbroken and I need to move on, I feel like being around people you love and then going to a wedding and celebrating love and having fun and drinking. Like I feel like. Obviously. It's the drinking.

No, it was perfect. It was. It was definitely not something you would think was a good idea. but then it was perfect at the end of the day. And Joey, he did that for his family. He really did too. And that's why I applauded for that because he's one of ten grandchildren. And this is the first time and got us how many years that all of them were able to be together.

And they were upset that Joy wasn't going to be there because we had no idea when he could make it. And he did two red eyes. I mean, Woody eye was just like, he poor guy got out and like, are you alive? I felt so bad. There's a picture of me and Carly at that wedding. And I'm not kidding. I think it looks like I'm having a stroke. on the left side of my face.

I have like a jack and coke in hand and like one side's awake and one side's asleep and it was not a pretty sight. I think I lasted until about like 10 o'clock of that wedding. I did not shut that wedding down at all. I can't even imagine.

I remember when I got home, it was just my dad at home. My mom and my sister were away and he'll say he's like, you looked crazy when you showed up at the house. Like you just looked like you'd been through something. You were like riddled with anxiety.

I was just like, you need a drink. you need to chill out like your your home it's fine yeah no it was it was definitely a different atmosphere but it worked out and it was perfect at the end of the day yeah nice when i i went um nick i i got sent home night one on the betcherette when i was first on it and i didn't i didn't sleep at all because you know you stay up all night so i'm up till late in the morning and then i get and it just get right on a flight home to chicago and that day was st patrick's day in chicago and the line around the bar was crazy and I walked up to the to the bouncer and I'm like she's like

the lines back there I'm like I was just on the bachelor I didn't get a rose first night she opened the rope and let me right in and I was using it immediately he gets home and he's using it day one yeah how could I take advantage of this well you got it's at home day one so you know yeah I had every right too thank you thank you um okay so charity season is over You go through recovery, surrounded by the support of your family. Then tell us about the call you get to become potentially the bachelor. And then what was that conversation like between the two of you? Yeah.

I mean, it was talked about pretty early on. I don't exactly know when. But my dad was definitely one of the people I talked to about it if he thought it was a good idea. I mean, you can speak on that dad, which I remember. But I know you and Carly were the first people that I really call about that. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, definitely, I think that too. And seeing what he went through, obviously,

knowing that he had the time to, you know, really go through the loss stuff, you know, he had experienced. And my attitude was like, this is, you know, you get to be in the driver's seat. I mean, this is kind of cool. You know, that's why I looked at it. I was like, this is good.

I mean, this is something where what I had not gone through, and I think that's where we're really were, we were in this for his bachelor season, was having gone through everything with charity in that season and seeing that this process really does work. and seeing that it is real. Help me understand, like, absolutely, like, you need to do this. This is something you've got to do for yourself.

Would, were there any signs you were looking for that would let you know that Joey was ready? Like when you say time, like, like, like some people could get over a situation like that in two weeks. And some people it might take a year. So knowing that you know your son, what was it? That you felt that he was ready? Yeah, you know, part of a smart guy went back, went to Hawaii, went back to the Y. It's like, do that. What a great place to get over something. I mean, really take time and really do that. And knowing, having the conversations we have to, Joey just, he is, and again,

what I praised him for is he's just so in touch with himself. So I know he expresses everything he's feeling. And then understanding that, you know, maturity for him, because he is very, I mean, emotionally mature. So it's like just seeing that. And knowing that he, what he experienced, kind of talked through, yeah, he had his heartbroken. And we talked. talk about that, you know, and do you think you're ready for something else? So that's something where, you know, I knew that he was ready to, you know, put himself out there again, you know, give 100% to basically find someone and definitely, you know, having that, having him really express that and understand it just how I know him made it easy for us to say, yeah,

this would be good for you. Were those some of the same reasons that it was so easy to support Joey going on the show the first time and then back on it the second time despite the heartbreak because I do feel like a lot of parents have major reservations about their kid going on the show and there does seem to be this kind of like unwavering support for him going on this journey would you say it's because he's kind of like so in tune with his emotions and himself and there's that trust there yeah honestly it really is and because he expresses it you know and that's a part that's so great you hear it you know what you and he is You see it.

You know, and I know they did this through cast, you know, when he was, when they were filming, it's like, he doesn't know how to hide his emotions. It's like his face, his face, there is no, don't play poker. Well, play poker with Joey if you want to win, I guess. Exactly. That's the best way. He's an easy target. Yeah, I think he knew. He knew when I got back, like it was going to take a little bit of time.

But I was calling him every week. And I think it just through time, he saw it. There was, Hawaii was helping, time was helping, understanding. And there was a good between that we had to be able to talk through it. Nick, what were your secrets because Joey, I think, was said to be maybe the most emotionally mature bachelor we've ever had. And as a parent, like, you had to have some influence on that. Like, what did you do? Because I don't even think I'm even there yet.

As an adult? As an adult, right? I know, right? Trust me, I think he's beyond me, my son, quite frankly. You know, honestly, it's more like it's coming from, you know, obviously, you know, a little bit of our history. I don't know if you do, but it's like being a divorce, being a kid into a divorce family. You know, it could be a bad experience. It could be something that really, you know, traumatizes somebody or it's something that ends up being something that really learned from.

And quite honestly, Joey's been in a world where he has, you know, been with it. We've been connected from, obviously, since he's been born, divorced a younger. I mean, I was divorced when he was only, gosh, he was like almost five, not even five yet. You know, so I was not living in the home, but I was always there. And then he moved to another area, like three years later. He moved up to Pennsylvania. That's when they ended up here. So we always kept in touch.

But that part, and I've learned this to him, I speak with my kids because I do this to this day. I always ask them, like, I feel, there's times I feel so bad, like, did I mess things up? I feel so bad that I put you through that. But honestly, the takeaway that I've gotten from them is my kids or who that, they are today, not in spite of the position we've put them in, but it's because of that. And having two different parents to bounce ideas off. And Joey's been lucky to have almost three because you know Big Joe, Joe Hini, his uncle, is almost like that other guy who's there.

And Joey's counsels, he always, it's funny because he's really grown into that person because of Joe too and being exposed to so much. And that's really what it is. It's everything he's been exposed to. That's made of who he is. It's not just one parent. It's not, you know, it's almost like three separate homes. It's a lot, so.

Yeah. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Oh, wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend has been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now, he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone.

Now, hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That sounds totally inappropriate. Well, according to this person, this is her boyfriend's former professor, and they're the same age. It's even more likely that they're cheating. He insists there's nothing between them. I mean, do you believe him? Well, he's certainly trying to get this person to believe him because he now wants them both to meet.

So, do we find out if this person's boyfriend really cheated with his professor or not? To hear the explosive finale, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. I'm Jamil Hill, host of the Sports and Politics Podcasts, Politics. And on the latest episode of politics, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins me for a candid conversation about the state of the Democratic Party. What do Republicans say to you privately that they won't say publicly? Many of them are in fear of their political lives. And that's been part of the challenge. But we continue to say to them, you were elected to defend your constituents, to stand up for your constituents.

And there's life after Congress. And you should be willing to actually want to be able to look back on your thoughts. time in the House of Representatives knowing that you can keep your head held high because you did the right thing. Donald Trump is gone in three and a half years. But their legacy or their failure to stand up to the extremism and the unprecedented assault on America as we know it will be with them forever. Make sure to listen to Spolitics on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Anya Yumanzoor. And I'm Drew Fet. 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. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. Can I ask you how difficult was it for you to come out having three children and being married? Can you touch on that at all? Do you feel comfortable? Yeah, that's fine. Absolutely.

No, not a problem at all. Yeah, it was difficult. Absolutely. And it was, you know, in top of that, this is what I've struggled with. But I think on top of that, too, is mother, you know, that's when my ex-wife was diagnosed with MS. So that was a lot, too. So on top of that, making that decision and then her getting sick was hard too because I'm like,

what am I doing here? This is not fair. But at the same time, I didn't want my kids to live in a home where the parents weren't. I mean, I love my ex-wife. I love Kathy still to this day, but it's just like that happiness wasn't going to be there. And it was unfair to them. And I wanted them to grow up in a home that they were happy. So, but it's still hard.

You know, it was hard. It definitely was. It wasn't easy, but it was, you know, to me it was like the goal was for them. I really didn't want them to live in that. I didn't want them to live in an environment where people weren't really truthful until, you know, living that. Yeah. Yeah. What was that conversation?

I mean, I know Joey was so young. Joey, you're the middle child, right? Yeah, middle child. So what were those conversations like with your kids when the divorce happened and then maybe when they were old enough to know a little bit more details about why I happened? Conversations were, they were, um, uh, Kathy was great about all this. Honestly, with them, she was great too. She was, you know, through this whole thing. You know, and she's had, she, it was more because being the mother,

I think when their kids are young, it's a lot easier for the mother. Talk a little bit. Carly, and we talked to Carly, and both of us did talk to part at the same time. She was also, she was older. She was seven, seven, eight years old. So that was different. Just kind of just said, Dad's not going to be here, that type of conversation. You know, Joey didn't, you know, more that Joey being younger kind of did,

there wasn't much there just later. on. And I will, you know, and that's where that conversation. My daughter cried this where the kids are. My daughter, Kathy has been, she's, my Joey's mom just was before getting a very good businesswoman, very, very bright, you know, awesome at her job and everything. And just really gave the kids great things and how to, you know, how to look at things differently. So we've learned a lot there. But as far as a conversation with them, honestly, it was more, it was pretty light in the beginning. And then Joey, I think, Joey, I think, if I think you were 10 when you kind of figured it out.

So I don't even know. I don't know when I actually fully figured out. I still try to think back how old I was. But yeah, I would say I don't remember that conversation either. I know we were really young. I think it was more mom that told us that we were going to see more on the weekends. And then the move happened. I knew they weren't together anymore, but I didn't necessarily understand why.

And those conversations obviously came later on in life. And when I did fully understand it, I think a lot more started to come together. I always said, I think it made me more of an understanding person. And to touch on what my dad was talking about, too, about how he obviously, you can tell doesn't give himself any credit for any emotional intelligence that I have. My whole family, especially on my dad's side, is extremely loving, extremely open. The one thing that they taught us really, really early on, especially through something difficult as divorce, is you never stop loving on your family. Like, they have always been open and loving. If you've met my aunts and all these other people on that side, like,

the affection they show is it's it's almost too much sometimes so it's just it's how they are and i think it was very obvious at a young age that it was really okay to express emotions i think that's what my dad's taught me the most throughout our lives wow i've been i've been really keeping my emotions bottled up deep down joe bottled in for a long time for a long time i really do i got i got to get invited to one of these weddings or something to the garage day house It's not an option. It's not an option. That's great.

Okay, so let's pivot back to, now let's go to Joey's hometowns as the Bachelor. And Nick, now let's just talk about you meeting Daisy and Kelsey. What are your initial thoughts on both of those women? Both, you know, both amazing women. You know, my, when I met both of them in the takeaway that day, it was like, no matter what, either woman is amazing. So that was like happy about Joey at your decision. You know, that was very, very easy to say that to my son and let him know this is in you. And whatever you decide is a great decision, honestly.

That must have been a relief that you liked them both. Yes, yes. That was definitely. That was definitely a relief. I mean, they're both in their own ways. They're both, you know, incredible women, honestly. I will say one thing. So this is my takeaway and this is something I did share.

And it kind of ties to charity season where Daisy was with one day when you first met Daisy sat with Joey. we talked again impressed as a family we're sitting there in the body language was just okay and had the conversation with her and then i kind of was i was let down a little bit because i was like okay hmm not what i saw with cherry what because when they sat down they were like i saw it i was like these people really care for each other well then in comes kelsey she lights up the room sits down with joey and they were like two kids on the couch sitting there like on top i'm like okay finally i'm like Thank God I saw this. That's really what my response. I really was. It was just like, it was like, oh, thank goodness. So, you know, that in hindsight, that's what I looked at and realized that. So when his decision was Kelsey, then, you know, obviously, she's amazing. So it was exciting and it was happy for him. Yeah. You don't want to be saying. I'd be like, can we bring back charity? The body language is not right. honestly it was like so you know just seeing it you're just like wow because i was like i realized this does

work and then you saw that change and i was like wait a minute i'm concerned but then it got so leaving that day where if you were going to put a bet on it were you pretty sure it was going to be kelsey just based on those interactions uh i think you know i think in my yes i'm the weight the weight was more towards however we part of us is like making sure joey's making a thoughtful decision right so we're all we're both all of us myself currently I think talking to Joey say listen just I know because we learned later on that Daisy was kind of expression she didn't at that time she didn't express enough to Joey so we're like well make sure he knows how you feel because I don't think he does and we kept

we were supporting that at the end so when I left I'm thinking like well I hope I didn't make him change his mind and I was like I think it will be Kelsey but did we make him rethink this so that was what I was a little concerned and then this would have been probably your third time in front of the cameras because I know they film like the packages for the batch and everything like that did you feel more comfortable this third and final time doing the hometowns

like okay I've kind of warmed up to this I know what to expect yeah I guess more comfortable it was so hot though that was the hardest part everybody was so hot and I really was not excited about how I looked on TV I looked like this frumpy old man so I wasn't very happy with hot film but it's all right

so I let that one go I was like Joe I look so bad but again it wasn't about me it was about you so it was all right But we were definitely more comfortable. It's almost like you don't, by that time you don't even see the cameras, definitely you're right. Yeah. You get used to it.

Joey, did you have any like subtle little hints that you would let your family kind of know like I'm choosing Kelsey? I think the one thing I was told by both my dad and my sisters, especially. My mom even caught up on it too, I think, was I would describe Kelsey in a different way. And I think if I'm being completely honest at that time, I didn't even know how much I was doing it. I knew I was leaning more towards Kelsey because I thought we were in a different spot at that time. But like I was as much as everyone was telling me, trying to stay open, trying to wait and see this full process through. But I just, I know as people have seen, I'm not very good at hiding my emotions from time to time.

So if I was feeling a certain type of way, I think my sisters, when they had a break upstairs, both looked at each other and said, Kelsey, at the same time. because they felt it from after how I talked about each of them. So I think there was a little subtle hints, but I will say I can tell us for all my family, especially my dad. Each of those women said that when they left that day, they felt supported by my family. And I know that can be very rare in that setting because they're kind of trying to get to the bottom of,

if this woman really here for him, are they someone that I can actually be a good person for my son? Both my parents, my dad especially and my sisters and my mom, They were just all so loving to the girls. And I think that's, I don't know, I was very proud to hear those conversations later on and know that they just like, they were who they were. And I was really proud to hear that. Yeah.

How did you know, love those girls? Yeah, they were both, they were both great. What were you hoping for or expecting from the conversation with your dad at that final, like, meet the family pocket? And then what were you hoping from his conversations with the, women. I was hoping again, because it's no different on the lead side. I needed my support. I haven't been able to talk to my dad for two months at that time. I wanted that support. I wanted him to feel and give me that reassurance that I'm doing the right thing.

So that's what I was looking for more than anything else was just the person that's always been there for me. And for the women, I was looking for him to get a feel on if there was something that I was missing. I don't think that's a wrong thing for anyone to want during this time is to feel if your family members see or hear something that you're not catching, as we both said, both the women were amazing. So there wasn't really anything I was expecting to hear, but that was what I was looking for from the conversation. Nick, for future hometown parents, what advice would you give them?

I would say, you know, trust your child. I mean, trust your child and their decision and let them know that it is their decision. And I would say really understand that. this process example here does work, but I think you've heard that, you know, people say it all the time. But I think they need to understand that they're engross, you know, you know, engrossed in this 24-7. They have no, this is what they live for, they basically, you've convinced like almost a year's worth of relationship into like that short two to three months, where 24-7 they're with that person. So they really have had an opportunity really get to know them.

And, you know, and I think just, you know, from parents' point of view, you know, you know your child, hopefully you do i mean you know your child well enough to know if it's true or not and i think the example too with even kelsey and her dad i mean she told her dad like she loved joey before she told joey it's like you know it's just like that's because he has a good relationship with his daughter and it's like if that relationship's there i mean you know your kid you know you know your child so definitely support them the best you can make them know that the decision is there's definitely though that's the biggest part i like that i think that's the best advice you get yeah that's great advice. Joey, I know that you did open up and talk about your parents' divorce and the reasons behind

it on charity season. I think a lot of people wondered why that wasn't a part of your story as The Bachelor. What would you say to answer those questions? Like, was it talked about? Was it something you were engaging with the women about? Did you pull back for privacy? What would, yeah, I don't know why I'm giving you a list of options. It's an open-ended question. I'll let you... It's not multiple choices. Sorry, I do that. I do that all the time too.

No, I do know for a fact that was talked about, especially to the women that went farther through the process, you touch more on family and your relationship. I would say that what I think a lot of leads deal with that is kind of almost a fault at sometimes, I kind of expected everyone already knew, right? Because you think everyone watched charity season, so I was like, oh, everyone already knows about my family dynamic,

and I can build off it, but I don't have to get that same, you know, story all over again because that was something I really thought through and wanted to make sure it was done correctly when I had that time on charity season. And, you know, looking back on it, I do wish it was maybe something that was a part of the hometown package that we touched on more because it is something that describes and explains who I am. And it's also a beautiful story I think that shows how loving our family is, that how we navigated something like that. But I really think at a fault, I just expected everyone knew and didn't realize that there's a whole

different audience that only tune into our season that didn't even watch charities. So there's probably a lot of people that are going to be. Typical lead. You know? It's crazy because there will be people that are probably tuning into this and for some reason never knew until today that my dad's gay. And that's something that I will never hide, never will be ashamed of, want the world to know because it makes him more of a special person. Doesn't change anything about him. I just think it was a fault of thinking that everyone knew because they tuned in charity season in my mind. Yeah, that's totally fair. And I think that it's a compliment

that the people that did watch you on Charity Season wanted to hear more about who you are and your story and why you're the way they are. Nick, you obviously didn't go on the show as a contestant. How did it feel, though, knowing that such a big part of your life was going to be shared

through your son? I get how did you feel? I mean, it was honestly knowing, again, how he talks about things and how he handles things. I mean, and I was fine. And it was, yeah, because he was concerned, Dad. And I, what I do appreciate the fact that the franchise too is great about really saying, I hope Dad, I just, you know, I hope your father's okay with this.

And really caring about that, that's awesome, you know, and to me, and honestly, it's like, to me, I know to some people it's a big thing, but it's like, being gay doesn't define who I am as a person. So it's like, it's fine. It's just, that's the preference or whatever, such a preference, however you want to look at it, but it's not, I'm who I am. It's like, I'm this person who doesn't matter. And people, and I think the good takeaway was that.

a lot of good came out of that and people appreciating that. So that's the plus to support, you know, to support the gay people out there. But again, to me, it's, I wasn't concerned at all. It's like, this is my boy. I know he would never talk ill of me. And I knew that he didn't have an issue with it. So it was easy. Nice.

Love that. Well, I think, yeah, I mean, overall, great story. I mean, you guys, Joey, I thought you handled yourself wonderful on the show. But I also think you're kind of a dick. So you know I'm wearing I know I know a little bit

you'll see it my dad's like oh we got stories for that let's bring that we'll have to have you guys back

for those but overall Nick overall watching your son um navigate this whole process

and go through everything what would you say you're most proud of him for I'm just I would say

and I kind of we talk a lot too is like every time I saw anything about him. I'm like, I would be, every time I saw him, I was like more proud every day. It's like just, and it's so crazy to say that. Yes, he's my son, but it's just like, I'm just like, I was impressed like, who is this kid? I'm like this guy. It's like, I was just impressed with how we really handled himself, how we navigate things, how he, you know, how he made the women know

that he was in it for the right reason, how he, how he let, what I'm very proud about how he made every woman understand like all their feelings were valid he understood them he let them express that he was there and of course we can't forget the tear wipe you know that's the joey thing so that was the best part there's joey so it's like but uh no honestly the way he navigated um that his his um his interaction with the other women i would say is what i'm most part of because he knew what it was like and he didn't want anybody to obviously they're going to get hurt but his care and his care for the women on the show in their emotions and, you know, in leaving them was, you know, is, I guess would be what I'm most proud. So I've always, and I've talked to my own parents about this,

but I'm curious, you know, you see your son as your child, your son, you see him in certain aspects of his life on a regular basis. Was it unusual to watch and see him in potentially a new light as this adult man watching his like intimate romantic relationships unfold. I mean like I've said to my parents like you would never have seen the moments between me and my now husband that you did had we not met on TV and you would never really know that like that's how I acted within the confines of a relationship. Was that ever surprising or uncomfortable for you? I think because I'm a guy and it's my son then no. I mean if it was if it was my daughter, yeah, different story. Absolutely. I mean, that's honestly, I think that was a big difference.

But him, you know, he was, he was Joey. It was good. It was actually happy for him, honestly. So it didn't be. But yeah, I'd say absolutely. If it was like your parents looking at you, I'd be like a totally different story. Like, I don't know if I could handle this to watch this. You know, it's like, please trust me.

I do charity different from then. I did Joey. My son was the lead and Joey. Like, it seemed different for her than Joey. So I get it. Yeah, that's fair. Joey, Nick, thank you guys so much. We really appreciate you coming on.

Nick, you are our first parent. We've had on this podcast. Well, actually, probably not first parent, but like first parent of a bachelor. First parent, I'm fantastic. Thank you guys so much. It was great. And to all our listeners, thank you guys. Make sure you stay tuned in.

We have exclusive interviews coming every week. And we love you guys. Yep. Don't forget to subscribe. And thanks for listening. Bye. Bye. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly.

And now I'm seriously suspicious. Wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra. Reddit. Well, Dakota, luckily, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend's been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now, he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone. Hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That seems inappropriate. Maybe find out how it ends by listening to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your

podcasts. Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor. 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. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you.

Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. The Super Secret Bestie Club podcast Season 4 is here. And we're locked in. That means more juicy chisement. Terrible love advice. Evil spells to cast on your ex. No, no, no, no.

We're not doing that this season. Oh. Well, this season, we're leveling up. Each episode will feature a special bestie, and you're not going to want to miss it. My name is Curley. And I'm Maya. Get in here.

Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHeart podcast. Thank you.