Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe - Maria Georgas | A Maria Tell All

Episode Date: May 14, 2024

#736. Prepare for a journey behind the scenes of reality TV as Maria Georgas, a standout from the last season of The Bachelor, pulls back the curtain on the truth behind the glamour. In this tell-all episode, Maria shares the rollercoaster ride of her Bachelor experience, from last-minute additions to unexpected twists and turns. Listen in as Maria navigates the complexities of reality TV, addressing misconceptions, controversies, and the harsh criticisms she's faced along the way, including setting the record straight on rumors from the Call Her Daddy episode. But the revelations don't stop there! Maria takes us beyond the roses to share personal anecdotes, including surprising encounters with celebrities like Harry Styles. From the highs to the lows, she reflects on relationships, fame, and what the future holds… Tune in for an eye-opening exploration of love, drama, and the real stories behind reality TV's most-watched franchise. If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below! PLUS, FOLLOW OUR PODCAST INSTAGRAM HERE! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (12:45) - Maria discusses the challenges she faced getting onto The Bachelor and addresses misconceptions about “seeking assistance” from others. (19:48) - Maria reveals her support for the new bachelorette, Jenn Tran. (29:34) - Maria shares an unexpected story about her encounter with Harry Styles. (41:51) - We clarify rumors about her past friendship with Nick Viall. (49:50) - Post-Bachelor endeavors coming soon…. Thank you to our Sponsors! Check out these deals! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Okay, let's talk about the original enemies to lovers story. Before all of our reality TV couples, before the rom-coms, we binge, there was Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy in pride and prejudice. And Audible has just dropped a brand new original that will have you completely hooked, I am. It's not just any audiobook. This is a full cast performance. So Marisa Abella, you might know her from industry, brings Elizabeth Bennett to life.

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So whether it's your first time experiencing Pride and Prejudice or you've read it a million times, you're going to fall absolutely in love all over again. So go listen to Pride and Prejudice now at audible.ca slash Jane Austen. Off the Vine. Hey, everybody. Welcome to Off the Vine. I'm your host, Caitlin Bristow. How do you say your last name, Maria? Georges. Oh, it's just that simple. Yeah.

Okay. Well, we have Maria, the iconic Canadian queen from this season of The Bachelor. We talked about everything. Yeah, we did. I don't even know how to tease it. We talk about, we settle up some rumors. People that think they can talk shit about you and they can't because you have a voice. We talk about your recent podcast that you did on Caller Daddy and clear it up some. And boy bands. A lot of boy bands. We cleared up some rumors. And we talk about just like what's next for you. And I loved today. That was so fun. Did you have fun? So much fun. Okay. Right. You're the shit, Caitlin. And you're doing great things. And you are the shit and we are the shit and I love you. I'm hyped for this one. One, because I see myself in you quite a bit. And not just because you're Canadian, just I feel like you're unapologetic. I feel like you want to live this authentic life. But with that always comes some backlash because people don't understand when people are just free to be whoever they are and say what they're feeling and say what they want to say, be who they are. I feel like it's very. intimidating to people. Yeah. And it can create some backlash or some controversy or online chatter, if you will. But we'll get into all that. I wanted to start off by just backtracking a little bit because obviously we all know you from the season of The Bachelor. What were you doing before? You were in a... So I worked for my family's company. Oh, okay, okay. Yeah. We own like a Springle company. I always say that and they're like, oh. What company? Sprinkle. Sprinkle? Like, like, you know,

like the little like toppings and stuff like sprinkles like yeah yeah yeah because it's so funny everyone always says like sprinklers i'm like no sprinkles you know cute yeah what a cute job i know it's the family business you know we've been in candy for a long time and um yeah i was just wait what's the business plug it out oh no i mean i've been everyone knows now but like um i don't always have like everyone but kately but no honestly yeah no it's just like a sprinkle company you know my dad owned a chocolate a factory prior to this with his dad. And like, it's just, he's always stayed in the candy business. Yeah. And now it's kind of like what he did with his dad. He's doing with us. That's adorable. And I was just like his assistant, you know. Cuted out. Yeah. Spinkle company.

I know right. You said before we started that you were a little nervous. So nervous. What makes you nervous? Is it, well, you tell me I was going to answer for you. No, no, no. I mean, if you ever want to answer for me, do it, please. But no, I just think that like, you know, sometimes like when I'm comfortable and already, I just know I'm comfortable with you. And like you said, like, I, when I watched, like, The Bachelor and I've always been a huge fan. I love the franchise. Like, you were always someone I looked up to. And not only because you're Canadian, but because the way that you are also unapologetically yourself. And if I was ever going to go on, I was like, I want to be a Caitlin, you know? Oh, bless. No, like literally, you know, you do it the way you want to do it.

And that got you far. And, you know, I just remembered whatever. So just being nervous because I'm so comfortable with you already, where I'm like, what am I going to say today? That's the beauty of you. Why do you think I'm lubing you up with Spade and Sparrow's wine? Oh, honey. Do you like the rosé? Beautiful. Isn't it nice? I love it. Well, that's what I was going to tell you. So we both have a mutual friend. Who? Peter Gurgis. Oh, Peter. Bro, I met you. So he did a whole, like, thing for your wine of party. You were there? I was there. You were at my wine event? Yes, I was. And I was in, like, you know how he did like a little private, like, section for you and I was sitting there and he brought you to the table and I was like hi how are you

we took a shot together I'm like oh I feel like you won't remember but it's okay I actually do remember okay that was me and I was like and it was right before I went on the show what it was did you tell me you were going on the show or you didn't know yet I didn't know yet I didn't know yet we had a shot of tequila he did have a shot tequila mm-hmm wait how funny I know shout out to peter gorgeous I've loved him so much I was 19 and I'm 38 yeah so that is a long ass relationship he's the best like he's just such a good person and like yeah i told him about wanting to go on the bachelor and he brought you up you know and uh and that's why when i remember always telling him and then he brought you to the table and i was like hi how are you oh my god it's just funny that you weren't working there you were just

there no i'm seating funny i do remember that there's like three other girls with you there was yeah oh my god here we are again just drinking now you've been on that and cheers to your success honestly like you're doing amazing and but yeah i want you to know that like you stood out to, I'm sure, a lot of women, but me including. And I, you always were in the back of my head going on this season because I was like, if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it in my way. But also, I like the women that have done it in the past who have been themselves and, like, weren't afraid to, like, just be different. Push the limits. Yeah. Push the limits. Like, just have fun. And that's who you were. And I was like, I mean, I'm going to do the same. Well, and you want

people to watch. Like, you want your friends and family to watch and go, that is so her. Yes. But that I sat them down and I was like, I will not go on this show without allowing you guys to see the Maria you know. Yeah. I can't. I couldn't do it. Yeah. Yeah. But it's that the jig is up real quick.

You start to see through those people. Were there people on the show? I can't believe I'm saying this, but I didn't really watch this season. Yeah. Which is crazy. It's like, it's blown up. Yeah. It's like, okay, the show is back.

Like I still want to go back and watch because. of just how good this season was. Well, because you interviewed Joey, too, and, like, you know he's great. And, like, can I say that, like, there is a lot of stupid drama this season? Sure. But stupid drama is what everyone loves. If people think that the drama is going to stop on any season, they are ridiculous and delusional. Let's get, let's use that word a few times.

It's giving delusional. Yeah. Because that's what people tune in for. They tune in for love, of course. They tune in for all the different personalities. And this show is so well done. that I always say there's a reason it's been on for 30 plus years. Like this is one of the longest running reality TV shows and it's because the format works.

And part of that format is drama and we are here for it. Do you think that it was portrayed truthfully the drama that was going on? Yeah. I think I and I've said this before that it has been such an honest edit because I've, you know, I've heard girls and like especially even after the show, you know, some girls were saying, you know, oh, they did. didn't show enough and they're insinuating. There was more that the audience wasn't seeing. And in my head, I'm like, oh, no, no, no, this was a perfect edit. You guys just thought it would look better on your end. And that's the thing. Everyone always wants to run to, it's a bad edit or if it's this or it's that. And I'm a straight shooter. So I would say it. But no, I have

to say, like, it was an honest edit. You know, we were all involved. We were all there. And I'm just happy that, because where I was kind of like, where it was tricky for me, I didn't know how other people would perceive me. I knew how I felt in the house and like how I felt with the other women and like why I felt so like I feel like I'm being wrongly perceived here. But the edit was honest and people saw my truth and were like, no, I stand with Maria right now. Yeah. Yeah. Do you feel ever misunderstood by The Bachelor Nation, I guess? Like, is there something that we don't see where you're like, this is actually who I am and I'm like misrepresented here? Honestly, the opposite. That's so awesome. Yeah, that was what the best part of this all

was, we were like, maybe I wasn't fully backed up in the house. Maybe I didn't feel protected in the house because I didn't really have anyone come to my defense. Although, I made it very clear to the girls that loved me in the house that I didn't want anyone to come to my defense. But when it was airing, the audience was like coming to my defense to the point where like, they saw me for exactly who I was and loved me. And it was so honest where I was like, wow, okay, they're seeing me for who I am and they're appreciating it. But also just seeing that like, you know, all this shit's happening and they don't understand it and they don't get it and like they kind of made me realize okay maybe I really wasn't in the wrong because if this entire audience now watching the show

back and still riding for me it just it made me feel really good because maybe I was like thank you this is the moment I've been waiting for validation it was just it was like this is it isn't it nice to feel supported for being who you are yes and like shocking because again you go into a house where you're feeling like no one ever no one really wants to really get to know you or like people so against you for no reason and you're like questioning yourself yeah so then coming out of this and then hearing what other people have to say i've gotten the most amazing supportive messages where like i'm almost like feeling undeserving of it but imposter syndrome yeah literally and like it just makes me yeah that's why anyone who ever comes up to me like i take the time to like talk to them

and like love them off too because i am in all of them and i appreciate it with all my heart and it's been amazing and so for that i love it i love because i feel feel like the show has evolved so much with just how we look at women. Yeah. And I feel like that's a really positive thing to see for me because I got so much hate back in that day like nine years ago for- Really? Oh, Lord. Because you were so different, especially for Bachelor, and that's why I loved you so much because you weren't the typical, you didn't fit the molds in ways. It was a big old slut. But it was amazing. And you made things spicy. You turned shit around for women like me who would move like you walk so I can run bitch but I no but seriously I I loved you

I I I don't know I I was like yes I get like this is a woman that's going to make you want to go on the show because I you know I don't resonate with a lot of the cookie cutter you know whatever and it's funny too because I do think there's something about what's in the water in Canada because you know a lot of like southern girls like they did have that pressure of being perfect growing up And they did have this, like, expectation on them and pageant girls. And I just feel like in Canada, we were like, be who you are. And everybody, like, if you're a virgin, yeah, if you're a little slut, yeah, like, you just have sex. Women supporting women, whatever that they want to do.

Yeah, like, that's your choice, bitch. Yeah. I love it. Do you have brothers or, like, are you? No, I have a sister who feels like a brother. She's got, like, I think we both have dude energy, like, like alpha-ish energy. And I always had like guy friends. I had girlfriends all the time.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love guy energy. This is really flattering. And I'm only using this as not only a humble brag, but a transition. You said that people like me made you want to go on the show. Yeah. Let's talk about you wanting to go on the show. Yes.

And people thinking how that's, you know, quote unquote, the wrong reasons. I truly wanted to go on the show to build a brand. I was like, what a cool opportunity. Like, if I find love, cool. Like, that's going to be even better. And I think it is possible on that show. And as we know, it really is. But I went on because I thought of it as an opportunity.

I was kind of stuck in my life. I didn't know where I was going next. And people shit on that for some reason. And I don't think it's a bad thing. I think it's how you use it. Like once you get there, if you're like, you know, like I'm open or like, but I heard there's some girls that were like, oh, if I'm the bachelorette, blah, blah, blah. Like there's, you know, a fine line of being open and wanting it to be an experience or

blatantly going on to like Joey over and use them. to get ahead. You know, I was like, I was like, I want to build a brand and I'm open to fall in in love. Right. What was your? Well, I respect your honesty. And honestly, so I actually mentioned this on another podcast where, like, I had said, like, open and honest, I wanted to be on the show. I've always wanted to be on the show. I was like, I can see my, like, right? I'm like, and so people were actually, like, responding, like, very well to that. They were like, wow, I respect the honesty. Like, you know, a lot of girls will be like, oh, you know, like, I got asked to like, whatever. But for me, I'm like, no, no. I was like, get me on the show. What do I have to do?

Whatever. And it's funny because buddy over there was like... Whose dick did you suck? No, yeah. No, no, no, no. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. But no, buddy over there was like, oh yeah, she kept asking me to go on the show. And there's a reason why I didn't get on as soon as I probably wanted to. If it was as easy as just asking him to get me on, I probably would have been on sooner. He, there was no help in that. So I don't know why he would even say that or mention that, but... Okay.

Wait, to clarify, Buddy is Nick, and he tried to make it seem like you were asking him to get on the show? Yeah, like, buddy, no. Like, I, if anything, I did this all on my own. So, yeah, thanks for that, for trying to throw that out, like, it was a dig. I already talked about how I liked and wanted to be on the show. Thank you very much. I knew that.

Yeah, like, get over it. Anyways, um... Oh, we'll get there. Yeah, and so I was going through a point in my life where I was so open to wanting something and I was like okay I want to go on this reality TV show because I thought I love the show it's always something I wanted to do but also I was so open to it where I was like I'm like the most ready which is kind of nice that I didn't get on any other time because I don't think I've ever been more ready timing is everything and I had a psychic literally she had told me about how

this was going to happen and actually happened the way she told me I got to go see her again yeah you do no she was like it was crazy I believe to psychic so much once and she literally predicted that I was going to win dancing with the stars. She didn't even know I was on TV. We got talked about that, by the way. That was fantastic. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. It's big accomplishment for me. But she didn't even know that I was on TV. Like, she had no idea. I found her on a street corner and like, she had no idea. I love those ones kind of thing. Yeah. It's so three years later, I was like saving my own bathwater and sleeping with it under my bed because she told me to. And I was like, stop. But you know what? Nothing bad happened. I would do that. Yeah,

would do anything. I would do anything. Okay. So she told you that it was going to play up the way it did. There was another time that I was. There was another time that I was trying to get on the show and it wasn't working out. And I remember going to see her. And she was just like, listen, it's not going to happen right now because something bigger is happening. You don't see it yet. But she basically told me the timeline. And I just didn't want to believe it because I was like, no, but I want to go now. But then anyways, I get on Joey. Actually, funny enough, so I had contacts with a producer from prior, whatever. Yeah. Like when I was going to be on the show in the past. And as soon as I found I was Joey, I'm like, please put me in

the running. I was such a last-minute addition. Literally, I was in LA, August 27th for my birthday. And as soon as I found out, it was Joey, I texted her. I'm like, please put me in the running. I don't know what you got to do. Just get me in there. And interview after interview. And then I got on and then three days prior, they're like, okay, pack you're coming L.A. And I was like, three days to pack everything. Like, I had no idea what I was getting myself in. Yeah. Three days? Yeah. Yeah. Oh, I couldn't have done that. I like prepped for so long. And, oh, that's crazy. You lucky girl.

I couldn't. Yeah, no, I didn't. I didn't get to. Well, I mean, you did just find all your outfits for fire. Oh, thank you. But, yeah, people like took that the wrong way when you said you had planned your outfits. You knew you were going on to be. I was just like, yeah.

Was I manifesting my chance to be on the show? Absolutely. And I'm proud of that because I love the show. Yeah. And I'm not afraid to say it because every girl that's on the show, trust me when I tell you guys, they knew of the show when they act like they don't. They know. They knew what they were doing.

I'm just being honest about it. I wanted to be on the show, and so I did it. Thank you. Yeah. You know what? Hold for applause. Hold for applause. I think it's fair to say that.

It is fair. And it's not that. Oh, no. Does that make you a bad person? Like, let's look at other things that are going on in the world. You wanted to go on The Bachelor and you got on it. You love the show. Yeah.

And I know women that are who have been on the season who were going with ulterior motives. And like I name them. Name them. Name them. I think it's, I think, I think, I think, I think, listen, all I'm saying is I hope they got what they wanted out of this. Because who am I to, to get in the way of anyone's like, you know, if they want to do something for a reason, go do it. Yeah. Go do it. Yeah. I support you, sis. Like, go. The new bachelorette. Is her name Jen? Jen. Jen. She wanted to be the bachelorette. Oh, so can I clarify something, actually? So I said on a podcast that, that her and I had spoken and she, and I said she like really was ready for this. Yeah. And now I'm talking after the show. Her and I got really,

really close by the end of the show. Her and I were talking all the time, face-timing all the time. And we would just talk about like how ready we were for like relationships. Yeah. And like the future and like what that holds. And, you know, she would talk to me about how she put her all into this. And what I can honestly say about Jen is that during the season, she was so in it. Like to the point where I was almost like she is dropping all the walls. It was so uncomfortable sometimes for me where I was like, oh, I don't know, I don't know. She was giving it her all and I applauded her in that. And I loved her for them. That's who she is. You know, she really wanted to see a future with Joey and she gave it her all. And I admire her with that. And so when we would talk after the show, obviously,

we were both single and Bachelorette came up and stuff like that. So obviously we would talk about relationships and what we want, what we see for our future. And she was so ready to get engaged and to, you know, get to that point in her life where that's what I was trying to say when I said she was so ready because we would always have heart to hearts. So to sit here and say that, like, I think it's admiring that now we have a bachelorette who is so ready to be in that position, wanting that for her future and is literally like so ready, like to give her all to someone else. Like, I was, I respect that. And I love that about her. And I wasn't trying to say she was in the house talking about Bachelor. That's not what I was saying. Got it. I'm just saying

we were two best friends at the time, FaceTiming about what we wanted in her life. And she was so ready. And I respect her for it. At the time, not anymore. No, she is on her bachelor's going to find the man and I cannot wait to meet him. And he better be good to her. Oh, okay, but you're still friends. Oh, absolutely. Oh, I thought you were saying like we used to be. No, no, no, no, no. I love Jen. Oh, amazing. And that's a thing. It's like, you know, coming out of it and, like, having my experience with Bachelorette, I just wanted to not speak on it. I took my time off. Like, I wasn't posting, wasn't whatever. Because I just was there to support Jen and to, like, put her, she was like, you know, she got announced. I wanted to just show my support. I don't care about my story at that point. It's done. It's not me. It's Jen. And I just wanted everyone to know how ready she was for it. And it wasn't. And, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, again Nick bringing it up in such a negative way to be like oh it's like she was saying she gave her opportunity to Jen no it's Jen's opportunity it was given to her and it's it's it's he also knows as do I that there is usually about four or five people that they will think

about or that's actually not a secret and people know that yeah and because they have to take that seriously and they have to like they don't just want to be like oh that's the person like we're gonna They're smart. They know what they're doing. Right. You've got to, like, keep people, you know, who would be best. And so, yeah, it's not like you're like, well, it's not me. So you're welcome here on a silver platter, the Bachelorette role.

You're like, you know what, I'm not ready. Okay, she's going for it. She's ready. So I literally, could we talk about Rob Mills? Yeah. Okay, so. I mean, if they say we can. Can we?

Because I love him. He's my favorite human. He's on the planet. He's literally the coolest man. on earth and like I love and respect that man so much and I even said to him I was like I was like Jen is going to be perfect for this position not only is she ready but like you know like for representation she she is the perfect well-rounded bachelorette yeah and I don't know how that didn't come across with what I've how I've been supporting her and what I've been saying

and so for anyone to twist my words and to make it something that it's not I'm like uh-uh I have been a Jen Stan since the day I met her and how we supported each other in that house. We would, you know, before we would go on dates, we would write each other notes to, like, you know, encourage us to like, you know, kill it that day. And, you know, it's very isolating in that house sometimes, you know, it's so it's nice to have that person you can go to and, you know, obviously you don't want to know too much about what's going on with each other's connection. But at the same time, we always support each other.

So what I'm going to do now and moving forward is always to show my support to her. And I cannot wait to watch her season. And that doesn't, listen, I can share my story and what happened with me, but also show and share my support with her. It can be, it can happen, you know, at the same time. But I don't want anyone twisting my words or thinking that I was saying anything that. And let me set the record straight. I am in full support, Jen. She's deserving of this.

And that's that. Team Jen. It would wear a shirt right now that says Team Jen if I could. But I didn't make it yet. Well, I should have made it for this. But that's, yeah, I mean, people will always take what you say and hear what they want to hear. Oh, and that's the point. That's what pisses me off the most.

It's like, if you're not going to watch something in its entirety, I don't want to hear what you have to say about it. It's just fascinating what people will take and make into their own story when they don't know the full story. You know, like you're filming, and I've said this on my podcast before, you're filming 17 to 20 hours sometimes a day. You're doing it seven days a week. and it's you probably made it to what nine weeks somewhere around there and people see one or two hours every Monday of what they would like to see

because you need to you can't you have to make everybody their own character and show what you can we are one dimensional on television we are not in real life yes and same thing with your Instagram even though you have the complete creative control over it people are like oh she tells me everything you tell me too much or she's crying or she's this

or she's annoying or that I'm like you I have 24 hours in a day you probably see 10 minutes of my day and that's a lot like that if I share 10 minutes of a day that's a lot yeah but it's they never know and they're always going to take things that you say and spin it into whatever they want to believe I mean and I get it and even if it's for their own attention or their own downloads or whatever works for them whatever works for them to make their like story better in their eyes but I always try and with my podcast do the right thing yeah sometimes media will pick up something and it'll be a headline that I'm like oh that sucks because like I hope you read the article because that was a good headline but that's not actually how it happened but my whole

like heart wants to give people a voice share their side of the story and and also have it be fun and funny and lighthearted but also deep or whatever it is that you're feeling yeah and I mean I know you've talked about this so many times now but with the whole bachelorette offer and I'm sure you talked about it on caller daddy but I'm going to ask again you turned it down and I I actually respect that because you say timing is everything. If you weren't going to be wholeheartedly in it and somebody else was more ready for that opportunity and situation, you think they're more deserving. So I respect it.

Do you regret your decision at all? No. Okay. Not even for a second. I think I actually had like a realization that I did the exact thing that I should have done. Yeah. And I'm very happy because it wasn't my time and I was really putting my mental health like first. And I, you know, and I respect my decision. So no, I, I, I, I, I, I don't regret it at all.

I love that because I, how old are you? 29. Okay. First of all, I love that you're 29. That's one of my favorite ages. Really? Yes. Tell me why. Because it's such a pivotal moment. Okay. That's what I'm thinking. It's a pivotal age. 27 is actually really pivotal age too. Yeah. But so is 29. 27 is a magical year. Yeah. 27. Are you 27? Yes. You lucky bitch. 27 is magical and pivotal. And then 29. It's like, I don't know what it is. Something shifts in your brain where you're like ready to enter your 30s and you feel the most secure about yourself. Yeah. It's it's a really good place to be. I was 30 when I was the bachelorette. Yeah. And I always say if I would have been any younger, like it wouldn't have worked out for me. That wasn't

the timing for me. But I will say if they asked me at the time, mental health or bachelorette, I would have said Bachelorette, I would have not chosen my mental health because I would have been like, I'll deal with that later. Yeah. I'll deal with her later. Because you were saying, like, you had a goal here. Like, you know, you were open to whatever. But also, you're going to start your brand and you did it and you killed it.

Thank you. Well, I would have never thought that they would pick me as the Bachelorette. Oh, really? Oh, you were a shoe in for me. I was like, oh, no, no, I won Caitlin. Oh, you know. And then the way that had happened for you, though, like with the whole, like, guys having to choose between two beautiful women, like, shit.

you had it like in a way like no one else can say that they did it like you yeah that is the craziest way of to start the season because you i'm sure didn't even know what was gonna happen i mean i was probably the most confident i'd been in my whole life at that point because i'm not even that confident now like i don't know what happened i went backwards yeah that's how it works though when i was younger i'm like i'm like i was so confident i'm like who was that big were you delusional oh i was probably a little delusional but yeah no i look back sometimes i'm like damn like i where is that girl but when i came out of it and I was engaged. When we broke up, I was like, I'll never date a bachelor guy again. That's, yeah. I did. And now I'm like, I'll never date a bachelor guy again. And then I go, but

they're hot. And they know what you went through. They know what you went through. They have, they're always, they remind me, like, I was in an athlete era and now I'm like, reality TV era. Oh, I was a puck slut over here. Really? Were you a pug bunny? Yes, I was a puck bunny. I lived for it. I would look up their freaking schedules and like I see this is why I love you because you're so honest like oh it's embarrassing but who cares no it's not embarrassing oh it's very embarrassing looking up their schedule that's a whole other level of like that's like you with boy vans back in the day but you oh god let's talk about the boy van oh you know what actually this is actually something new because you know what you know I've seen the questions and stuff like that I have always that's actually

funny good transition I didn't think I was talking about this today you know what it is. You know what it is. I, so I used to love going downtown, getting a hotels and going in concerts. Yeah. And then when you're downtown, you meet people who know people who know people. And then you're just like, all of a sudden, you're in, I don't have to party with these people. Yeah. And you meet them and you become friends with them. But what I've always said, and I've always been this girl, I'm always like, never sleep with these people. Yeah. You want to hang out with them, become friends with them, and be the girl that they can never get. Yes. And so I've always maintained.

that. And so when I heard stories of like, this one girl on TikTok, I'll never forget. And I wrote to her, I'm like, listen, you can keep the story up. It's kind of entertaining. I don't know what the you pulled out of your ass, but so untrue. She was like, her dad's in a band and her dad knew, like, people who got her. Anyways, anyways, there's a lot of stories of how I know certain bandmates or why I've been in connection with one direction in this person, this person. But the reality of it... Oh, yeah, they're jealous. I am jealous. No, the reality of it is that when you meet people, you know, they know people who know people, and then you just need to be the girl that never gets touched by these people so that they allow you to be around. And so I've been around

them, yes, yes. Have I hung out with certain bandmates? Sure. Which one's Harry? Oh, I love Harry. I've met Harry before. I actually have a really funny story with Harry. What? Okay, first of all, you're telling it, but let me say, I listen to you and I go, damn, I wish I had your brain back in my 20s. I was like, sleep with all of them. No, see, that was like, I've, I've always been such a, they used to call me Mother Mary in high school. Oh, that was definitely not minding. It's okay, it's okay. It's okay. Mother Mary.

But that's the thing. That's why, like, people are like, how are you the way that you are? Like, I even said on the show that I was an introvert and people rip me apart. Like, your clothes aren't introverted. So what are you talking about? And I'm like, listen, when I dress up and I go out and I meet people, whatever, like, I'm very flirtatious. but like it's because, I don't know, maybe I just, I don't know. That's just, that could be who you are. It's a huge one.

Yeah, but yeah, I know, I know. As you should. As you should be. Harry, tell me your Harry story. Oh, the Harry story. Oh, shit. This is actually, this is actually a really funny story. So, so my dad and I, we had, he had a meeting in New York City for work.

And so I went with him because I was like, oh, we're going to go to New York. I'm coming to New York. I love New York. And he booked a hotel and my friends, okay, this is actually funny. So my girlfriends at the time were all in New York, and they were like, oh, you know, One Directions here, like, whatever, stay at this hotel. And so now I'm traveling for work with my dad, and I go to my dad, okay, dad, we're going to stay at Blank Hotel. It was like this very bougie-ass hotel. He's like, okay, like, whatever, just book the hotel, we'll go.

So I'm with my dad now. Yeah. And I'm not thinking anything. The girls were just like, hey, stay here because it's good area, da-da, and like maybe one direction might be staying there too. So I didn't want to tell my dad that. I was like, okay, dad, we're going to just stay at this hotel. No questions asked. And so we did.

Anyways, anyways, la-la-la. I wasn't thinking anything of it. I wasn't even trying to be a part of like any of that. But I was in the hotel and I went out with my dad. We had a meeting. And then I got back and I had to use the bathroom so, I was going to piss my pants. So I'm walking to the elevators and there was two separate elevators. One's for like a certain amount of floors and the other one for another amount of floors.

And there was a bunch of fan girls on one side. I was like, uh-oh. This screams, there must be boy band men around. So then I get to the elevator. The elevator doors open. I hear a gasp from like the girls on the side. I turn over. It's Harry and his bodyguard walking.

They steal my elevator. He walks into the elevator and then the security guard goes like this. Like sorry, like no one can come in. I'm staying at this hotel. I am a paying customer. This is my hotel. I have the piss. I'm going to piss my pants.

Hello, let's go. So I'm about to pee my pants. So then the security guard goes like this. So I walk up and I go like this to Harry and his security guard. I'm like, that was my fucking elevator. And I go like this. And then Harry starts laughing, whatever. So then the door's closed.

He goes up. Then I'm waiting for the elevator. As whatever, I'm waiting. The elevator doors open. It's his security guard. He comes back to me. He goes, I just want to tell you, like, Harry thought that was the funniest thing. And he wants to meet you.

No. Yeah. Oh, God. I never told the story ever in my life. But you know what? girls maybe if there's anyone that was there that day that saw me give the finger to Harry please stand up oh yeah because that was iconic because who the fuck was going to do that I was just like wait I'm obsessed my pants screw you I don't care who you are I have to go pee and my room's

up there but anyways he comes down he's like yeah Harry wants to meet you blah blah blah and yeah and I went to go meet him that night very polite we had a good laugh about everything and um oh my god and that was that but again that was that yeah right no I literally was telling him, I'm like, I'm here with my dad, you know, and respectfully. And he was very respectful. It was very sweet. It was just like a nice, like, I don't even think you know the story. I have not told this story, to be honest to, like, anyone.

But I thought it was the, like, the funniest thing because of the way I gave him the finger. It just was like, it was like a reflex. That would be on my tombstone. It was like a reflex. Yeah. It just came right out. I was like. Well, when a girl's got a pee.

When a girl's got a pee, I don't give a shit if. I don't care who you are. Who's, I don't know, name a good celebrity. I don't care. Maybe Evan Peters. I wouldn't give you the finger. Okay, who is that? Oh, he's so hot.

Okay, do you, first of all, do you think Harry still knows, do you think he saw you now on TV and was like, I don't know. That bitch gave you the finger and then I made out with her. I'm sure if I ever saw, made out. I don't know about that. I don't know about any of that. It was a respectful meeting greet. We just said hello.

A respectful meet and greet. In his hotel room. It was very nice that he got his security guard to like come get me and like, it was like, okay, but I really need to pee. But it was really nice to meet him. Honestly, respectful. Nothing like that. Okay.

Um, but Evan Peters is, um, you've ever watched American Horse Story? No. Girl. I will, though. Yeah, he's so hot. He's just a hot guy that like... Have you ever slid into his DMs? He doesn't have it.

Social media. Oh, even hotter. That's what I said. Damn. That's why I'm so into him. Yeah. No social media. But back to like Bachelor guys and stuff like that.

Oh, that's, I was like, this is a good circle back. So would you date somebody in the Bachelor franchise? And if you did, who's your top celebrity crush? And if you say Tyler Cameron, I'm going to throw a chop you. Okay. That's everybody's. I'm like, come on. What?

No. Oh, so I met Tyler at stagecoach. Yeah. Actually, I met a bunch of celebrities at stagecoach who knew who I was and I almost shit my pants. I know. It's the craziest thing ever. Yeah, I met Tyler camera. I went up to him like, Tyler, he's like, Maria.

I'm like, you know, everyone wants us together. But absolutely not. No, I think he's amazing man. I think he's so career-oriented and like he's strong and has nice abs, whatever. Yeah, and he's so sweet. And he's the sweetest person ever. But no. I like nothing nothing going on with that would I date anyone I don't I don't think so because what I've realized now with how people take things to like next level I take a photo with someone nicely and then all of a sudden it's like are you dating them yeah what's going on with that and I'm like how many DMs I got people being like Maria is all cozy with Jason oh my god no absolutely not and I told Jason I was like Jason by the way I'm going on Caitlin's podcast what did he like no he's very he's like good for you like go for it like he if he ever said anything bad about he never

I would be like, absolutely no. I don't know. I don't like what people say if they, if I, God forbid, I take a photo. I'm like, oh, no, if only you, no. Oh, trust me. It's so annoying. My girlfriend, Katie Maloney, we take photos and people like, are you gay now? Oh, Lord. I'm like, what? Oh, I'm a bisexual queen now. Oh, same. Because, oh, no, okay, there you go. No, I, I, you know, I mentioned on the podcast that I had made out with my ex-boyfriend's, they called her mistress. She's a friend of mine, and I don't call her that. But it was a joking way to just. say like it was the girl that my ex cheated with. I just made out with her. But anyways, they're like, now everyone in my DMs are like, oh, you bisexual queen. I'm like, you know what,

whatever, whatever you want to say. Hey, you know what? I never know how to, and I don't want to label myself. I always say I'm attracted to energy. Okay, there you go. Yeah. And I'm like, I'm a, I like people queen. Yes. Yeah. As you should. What's the rock bottom moment in your life that you can think of where you're like, holy shit, that was the biggest growth period of my life. I had gone to like a really, really, really, like, traumatic, like, car accident where I almost, like, lost my life, like, bad. I had talked about one on the show where I, I, my mom got into one when I was, like,

one. But this happened a couple years ago, 2018. And, like, I went through, like, a depressive episode to the point where, like, I didn't want to see, like, anyone. And it got to the point where I was pushing everyone away. And no one really knows this. I don't like to talk about it because it's, like, it's such a weird place. to be in because you go back. When you talk about it, you kind of like go back to that moment.

You're like, I'm not that person. I'm stronger than that. But like it brought me to a very, very dark place. And I think that was in ways my rock bottom because the mindset that I was in was something that I never experienced before. That's scary. And it's scary because it's something that I felt alone. I wanted to be alone and I made myself be alone. And like dealing with that, it was just so hard. But like, were you like badly injured? That's the thing. Like if you, you had looked at the car in the scene, like, people thought I was dead. But I walked out, like, all is good. Like, it was, it was bad. Like, I went to, you know, I had a little, like, minor, a black eye. Yeah. Um, you know, I had to go do therapy for a bit, like physical

therapy. Yeah. Um, my whatever, all, whatever, but like the way I saw it was like, no, I walked out alive. So I have nothing really to complain about. But then it's like, it's not complain. It's how you feel. I know. That's how you dealt. That's a traumatic event. Yeah. Going through a car accident like that and seeing or having a near-death experience or seeing that, that's a traumatic thing to go through. Yeah. I knocked out for a couple minutes because I got hit twice. And so when I had passed out and then I woke up, I didn't even look into the mirror because I was scared to see how I looked. And it was funny. The story was like I was out for coffee with my dad. And then he had made the right. I had made the left. And I had just gone into the accident. So I had to like call my dad to tell him to come back. But again, I don't even know how I look like. So I just see glass. everywhere. My back door is up the street. My glass everywhere, glasses in my hair, all these things. And I remember just being like, I don't even know if my face is like in one piece right now. I feel pain. But I think I'm okay. So I remember just like, anyways, it was a very traumatic event.

But it's like that moment was nothing. It was like the aftermath of like those thoughts, those negative thoughts. So like put you in such a dark place. But it made me, you know, like really appreciate life after that like just like be more appreciative like every day that I have on earth and like that was kind of like another thing I said in the house like with the girls when like I was like I don't want to tolerate these little stupid like stupid fights like I don't even want to entertain this like there are bigger things in life that can happen like there are people dying like to me this is such a joke so you know having gone through some things that have been traumatic in my life it just builds character and like I don't know it makes me stronger I guess but it does no that's like that's like my biggest

life is getting into car accident. Yeah, me too. Terrifying. I don't want to do. This is a weird way to switch into the next topic, but we need to clear up some stuff. I mean, please, please. You mentioned dropping some tea lately about knowing Nick, obviously, before the show. How did this all happen?

How did you meet him? Actually, funny. My friends and I, like, we were, again, fans of the show. And we liked Nick. We thought Nick was great, like, at the time, whatever. And so through social media, like, we started talking. And it started like, you know, we would talk all the time, like literally all the time. And we were just like building a friendship. And I did that too with him. Yeah. Oh yeah. I know. I know. That's why you came on your season. But yeah. Okay. No, that was it. And had you ever met in person? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Oh, okay. Oh, yeah. I know. Yeah. People were wondering if that was, if it was whatever. No, of course we have. Oh. So it was like a little like fun like a meet. You met him. You talked to him. You hung out with him. And then what happened from there? No. I mean. I ended up, he went, he had told me when he was going to be a bachelor and I congratulated him and

he went to go do that. Okay. And then I got a boyfriend at the time and yeah, we were just like always found our way kind of like back to communicating, but it was again, very always friendly. Did Nick play any sort of role in your journey to becoming a contestant on the bachelor? Absolutely not. No. And absolutely not. He did not. So then how do you feel with his wife now calling you delusional. Yeah, you know, teach their own, like, if that's what you think that, okay, so I had said on the podcast, a little conspiracy theory that I had, I was saying it in such a joking matter that I thought, call her daddy.

Yes. Okay. I thought it came across as me being like, all I said was in the moment. Can you imagine now, Kailen, a guy you were talking to who was part of this world telling you, if you go on the show, you might be a villain. and this is why. And you're not understanding that because when you hear villain, you think, well, villain, people hate villains.

Why would I be a villain? Right. I didn't know if a bachelor villain is different than like a villain villain villain. Apparently it's different. Anyways. So you hear a guy tell you that. And then after getting off the show, the girl that was villainizing you the entire season for no reason. Now, if you were giving her a reason to villainize you, fine.

But literally for no reason. And then you see them in a picture together after the show. all I said in a laughing matter joking ha ha he he ho ho I literally didn't even mention it to anyone like it's not like I went around telling people like or I didn't even message Sidney to be like Sydney um were you friends with this person like no I just said it on color dark like I just wanted her and I was shooting the shit with her and I was like oh this is what I thought in the moment yeah seeing that photo I was like holy tits like uh the guy that said this and now the girl that did this are in a picture together what the hell is that but I was that but I

wasn't being serious. Right. So Nick decided to run with that and think that it was a serious thing that I actually felt and thought that he had this pull. First of all, no one's going to make me a villain. Right. The only person that's going to make me a villain is me and I'm not. And that's why I wasn't. But it was just something that kind of crossed my mind. Maybe you like, maybe in ways I thought maybe you might have sent the girl to come after me. I don't know. But it was a joke. I'm just so curious. It was a joke. If he, if he, if you and him, did something go? South where he did you guys lose respect for each other along the way? Like if it was all fine, why does he seem to want to talk shit about you? That's a good question. I sat on the caller

daddy sofa and I said I congratulate him that there's no animosity between us, that I'm happy to see him grow. I said all the nicest things because, you know, we haven't spoken in a while, but I just thought that out of mutual respect because we didn't end badly that, you know, we kind of just went our separate ways and we respect to each other at that point. I thought him seeing me on the show, he would be like, oh my God, my girl Maria, good for her, go off. But then when he kind of like was breezing right past me on, like, you know, doing his recaps and like, okay, it's fine. You know, he didn't say anything bad about me until. He didn't say anything about you until. Yeah, yeah, that's true. But also he did, he did, and people were coming to me being like,

how are you going to let him say this shit about you? When I opened up about a car accident that I got with my mom when I was one year old one years old where I was actually announced dead at the scene and oh yeah it's traumatic as and Nick was like what was Maria's story even what what even was it but even when he did that I stayed silent I was like okay maybe he was just you know asking questions yeah maybe he was just curious yeah I was like you know what I stayed I stayed silent I didn't put my two cents and I was like it's okay it's okay whatever I would rather a guy from my past breeze right past me then talk shit about me the entire time. So I was kind of like, okay, you know what, Nick, go off, do your thing. I don't care. I mean, whatever. Right. Yeah, it kind of like, it shocked me to hear

his response to what I kind of did on Caller Daddy. I thought he would kind of laugh that off, but also appreciate that I was being very supportive and giving kind words. I didn't know the timeline of the wedding. Sorry for how that worked out. I didn't know when shit was going to air. I don't have your wedding on my fucking calendar. Sorry, but I really don't. But I thought I was being as pleasant as I could. Yeah, it's not like you didn't do anything wrong. Like, oh my God, you spoke, you protected me on my wedding day? Yeah, no, but literally.

And like, I was just at the end of the day, like putting rumors to rest. Because if one of us, if one of us didn't unlike the other's Instagram photos, if one of us didn't have anything to hide, I mean, the one of us that has nothing to hide is sitting in this room with you. And I'm sorry to say it, but, you know, I was thinking of code. quoting Crenge of Lamar right now. I told him that. Because I was just going to say, listen, like a wise man once said,

like, don't tell lies about me and I won't tell truths about you. How do you respond to the criticism in general, whether it be on his podcast on the internet? Like, how do you respond to criticism? You know, I've had a, you know, I've had the most amazing support since leaving the show and like, you know, and whatever. But obviously there are the ones that, you know, come out. you a little bit, whether it's my looks, whether it's the way I dress, whether it's like how

plain Jane I am. To some people, they're upset that I don't wear earrings. I was considering wearing earrings today. I was not wearing earrings. I was like, maybe I should, she was like, are you going to wear a necklace or any ear? I'm like, nah. The criticism of like how I act and who I am. Like, this is how, this is what I say. There are the people that get me. And when the people that get me, I respect, like you, there are so many podcasts. I don't Do you know, Dave Neal? Yeah, of course. I love that man.

He's a king. Anyways, oh, oh, the mom and dad podcast. Oh, yeah, they're amazing. Oh, when I tell you they got me to a t of who I am as a person and they recap the season and they recap me to the point where I'm like, okay, if people like you guys get me, the people that don't and they want to criticize me, please do. Yeah. Because you know what?

At the end of the day, I can, sometimes when they write me things or like they're mad about something, I learn from him. I'm like, okay, maybe I'll change that or maybe I'll do that. Yeah, a little constructive criticism. Yeah. Yeah. You know, I respect it. Just don't get lost in it.

Yeah, yeah. No, no, no. I've been called ugly. I've been called this, her teeth or this, that. Oh, I don't care. I'm like, when you get to a point in life where you've accepted yourself for exactly who you are, knowing that you're not going to be the best looking, you're not going to be the prettiest, you're not going to be the coolest.

And just accepting that, there's power in that. There is. Because when people are going to come. at you, you're like, okay, it's okay. You are... Because you know they're here and you're where you are and it's, you know, it's, we all know the, what's the girl's name who does the, they're in the bleachers. Taylor Swift? Yes. Renée Brown. Like, oh, go, just go listen to Bernay Brown and you'll be healed. And last but not least, what is next? Like, I feel like you're like, people, this is not the last you'll see of me. Like, what is next? Um, well, I'll say this. Like, you know, I have opportunity

But you've got a lot of opportunities. I, the way I see is like this. Like, unless I know 100% things are set in stone, I don't like to talk about it because I'm like, oh, I don't know if it's going to happen, whatever, but there are things that are happening to the universe on your own. Yeah. Okay. Yeah.

And I think, you know, I actually wanted to ask you how it was dancing at the stars. Oh, God, I'll tell you at dinner. That's a whole, it'll take it an hour. Rob Mills time, yeah. Oh, yeah, that's what you should do. No. That's something I would be interested in doing. Okay.

I guess it could be like, what's next to you? Like, what would you want? I would want, I have no people. Okay. Can you sign me up? That would be a great next move for you. It's not because I'm like, listen, I danced in the past. I'm not good.

I don't claim that I'm good. But it would be, like, that's the coolest thing that you ever did. And not only did she just do it, she fucking won. Like, it's like there's levels to this shit. I think it'd just be fun and exciting. I think it's something that like I love it and you'd crush it. Oh, thank you. And also, is there anything else that you want to clear up before it or do we hit everything? I think I pretty much hit everything. I just want, you know, I would never, what's the saying, bite the hand that feeds me? You would never do that. Is that? Yeah, I would never. Like, again, anything that I ever tried to do or whatever is because, and me even trying to become like or continue with this franchise, it was because I love the people that backed me up for it. And I Also because of the producers that were behind me and supported me, like, I just want people to know. I love this show.

Yeah. And I will never. And I want people to understand. I'm not unhappy with how things went. Everything happens for a reason. And this just won't be. And this won't be the last. And it's giving delusional.

And I am delusional. And you know what? We love you for that. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that. And I will continue to be delusional. I'm Caitlin Bristow.

I'll see you next Tuesday. You're next Tuesday.