Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe - ‘Sparkle’ Megan Walerius | From Pods to Parenthood: Love Is Blind, Breakups & Baby Brooks!

Episode Date: November 6, 2025

#891. What REALLY happened between Sparkle Megan and Jordan on Love Is Blind? Was the proposal a mistake? Why did she walk away right before the altar? And how did she go from reality TV to r...eal-life motherhood?This week, Kaitlyn sits down with “Sparkle” Megan Walerius from Love Is Blind Season 9 to talk through the whirlwind engagement, the shocking breakup, the reunion showdown, and the truth about what really went on when the cameras weren’t rolling.Plus, Megan opens up about life now: her new relationship with Paul, welcoming baby Brooks, and how becoming a mom changed everything.So grab a glass of wine and join us for the behind-the-scenes tea, breakup confessions, and honest reflections you never saw coming.If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below! PLUS, FOLLOW OUR PODCAST INSTAGRAM HERE!Thank you to our Sponsors! Check out these deals!Booking.com: Head over to booking.com and start your listing today! Get Seen. Get Booked on Booking.com!Macy’s: From November 2nd to the 27th check out Macy’s parade of deals  for a new must-have deal every single day at Macys.com or in the app.Pura: For a limited time, get a free set when you subscribe to 2 scents monthly for a year at Pura.com.Better Help: OTV listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/VINE.Bombas: Head over to Bombas.com/vine and use code vine for 20% off your first purchase.Wayfair: Don’t miss out on early Black Friday deals. Head to Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair’s Black Friday deals for up to 70% off until December 7th.Nutrafol: Find out why Nutrafol is the best-selling hair growth supplement brand at Nutrafol.com, promo code VINE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Starting point is 00:00:00 This episode of Off The Vine is brought to you by Booking.com. Since 2010, they have helped over one billion vacation rental guests find places to say. That's billion with a B. Head on over to booking.com and get started on your listing today. Get seen. Get booked on booking.com. Macy's from November 2nd to the 27th. Check out Macy's parade of deals for a new must-have deal every single day at macy's.com or in the app. Pura, for a limited time, get a free set when you subscribe to two cents monthly for a year at Pura
Starting point is 00:00:30 dot com. BetterHelp. OTV listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com slash vine. Bambas, head over to bambas.com slash vine and use code vine for 20% off your first purchase. Wayfair, don't miss out on early Black Friday deals. Head to Wayfair.com now to shop Wayfair's Black Friday deals for up to 70% off until December 7th. And Nutraful. Find out why Nutraful is the best-selling hair growth supplement brand at Nutraful.com, spelled N-U-T-R-A-F-O-L.com. promo code Vine. You're listening to Off the Vine with Caitlin Bristow. Hey, Vinoes, real quick, if you are listening right now, which obviously you are or you
Starting point is 00:01:14 wouldn't be hearing this, can you hit the subscribe or follow button on whatever platform you're on? Please, that one simple thing helps more than you even realize it allows me to keep growing on this podcast and making these episodes the best they can possibly be obviously for you. That's the only favorite I'm going to ever ask, okay? It truly means the world to me. Thank you. Now, let's get into it.
Starting point is 00:01:34 Hey, everybody. I'm Caitlin Bristow. Welcome to Off the Vine. Today we have Sparkle Meg in the house. Do you hate that? Yes. I knew it. I was like, I'm going to say it.
Starting point is 00:01:42 I think this name is stuck with me forever. Yeah, I think you got to lean into the Sparkle Meg and because I feel like that's how people know her from love is blind, obviously. We talk about her whole journey, her relationship with Jordan, when she knew it was over. And what phase of life she's in now. And obviously we know from the reunion that she has a little baby and a new man. So we dive into everything with, what do you want to be called? I think just Megan.
Starting point is 00:02:07 Megan? Well, some people like Megs. Yeah, my friends call me Megs. Megs. What about Maggie Moon? No. Oh, just kidding. Okay.
Starting point is 00:02:14 Do not call her that. It's Megan. How are you doing? Are you okay? We're hanging in there. Yeah. Yeah. Okay.
Starting point is 00:02:20 It's so interesting because we were just talking before we jump on about just like how mean people can be and social media. And like, it's so interesting because. People still didn't say, I'm like, guys, we're almost in 2026. We know how reality TV works. Right. We know there's editing. We know there's three million sides to the story, not just the one you see.
Starting point is 00:02:38 How are we not learning this yet and being like, wow, I probably shouldn't bully somebody I don't know. No. Well, and they just get so invested in the outcome that it's like, God, if it doesn't go your way. It's like people are invested in in relationships so hard in love. And I think they want to see things fail, but then they get mad. because they're tuning in for love, but then they're like, they're just angry and looking for an outlet in any way. In reality TV seems to be just where people seem to get bullied the most.
Starting point is 00:03:07 Yeah. And at the end of the day, like, I made the best decision for me. Right. You know, Jordan's in a good spot. I'm in a good spot. We're all good. Yeah. What's wrong with you guys?
Starting point is 00:03:16 Yeah. Who's not good? I'll tell you. It's you at home being a meanie online. Totally. Isn't that interesting, though, that you guys are totally fine and happy with, like, you definitely made the right choices for yourselves. and they're still upset about it.
Starting point is 00:03:29 Yeah. But then it makes you question and you're like, shit, did I do something wrong? Like, don't do that. I do that all the time. Don't take it from somebody that is guilty of that. Don't do it. Because you can, I mean.
Starting point is 00:03:41 Oh, you can get on a rabbit hole. Yeah. Everybody does the what if rabbit hole. And like the did I or did not? The hardest part is when people say, well, you signed up for it. You have no idea what you're signing up for. Even if you've seen it,
Starting point is 00:03:54 you've listened to every podcast. You've watched every episode. You've followed like people from past seasons. but, like, I don't look at their comments. I have no idea. Exactly. But that's what you have to remember. Nobody really is listening to those comments except for you.
Starting point is 00:04:05 Yeah, true. That's what I always tell myself. I'm like, I get so mad and I'm like, nobody even. I mean, honestly, like, most of them are kind of entertaining, though. Oh, 100%. There's very few that I'm like, ooh. Yeah. Like, some of them just like, oh, that's funny.
Starting point is 00:04:19 Like, let me put that in my playbook. Yeah. You'll laugh. I mean, it'll be soon. If you're already laughing now at some of them, this shit passes so fast. and they'll be on to the next season or whatever other show that they're watching. I feel like it's been, you know, a week since I was getting the brunt of it. The reunion and that's, that's so hard.
Starting point is 00:04:38 Can anyone call you anything but Sparkle Megan? Did you know that name was going to stick with you like even more than it ever did? No. No. So literally like there was another Megan on the show, which is why I led with that. Got it. Of course, she didn't get shown at all. Got it.
Starting point is 00:04:52 So you just look like you're introducing yourself as Sparkle Megan the whole time without giving context. Okay. So, yeah, I mean, I do have a friend group in Denver. There are two Megan's. And so they do, they call me Sparkle. Yeah. But yeah. So instead of like going into the pods like, hey, I'm Megan W.
Starting point is 00:05:07 Yeah. I just figured that was a little more memorable. I didn't think it was going to be. Did you watch it back? What, the whole thing? Yeah. Oh, yeah. Okay.
Starting point is 00:05:16 So like, because I was laughing because they kept showing you saying Sparkle Megan, Sparkle, Sparkle Megan. And I was like, that's so funny because. But it's also like, I said that once. Right. each person. Yeah. It's not like you were just like overdoing the bit where you just kept saying it. It was just so funny because I'm like, I just love how TV works sometimes and I hate it at the same time.
Starting point is 00:05:35 But it's just so funny because I'm like, oh, I was telling my friends, oh, Sparkle Meg's coming on the pod. Who, by the way, have you ever seen my best friend Kat who looks like you? No, you said that. You'll have to show me. It freaks us out. Like she, she's like, I've never thought somebody looks like me. She goes, but every time she saw you on TV, she'd be like, that looks like me. You guys have the same nose and eyes and eyebrows.
Starting point is 00:05:55 I don't say a lot of things. Which my nose is very polarizing too. Like people are like, oh my God. Your nose? She looks like Michael Jackson. I'm like, yeah, beat it. Yeah, beat it. Oh my gosh.
Starting point is 00:06:06 Your nose. Actually, yeah, I believe it. People attacked my nose, my teeth. Yeah. It's, yeah. I just am like, I was going to shake people like Casey was here as you saw. And I just want to like shake her to be like, stay off social media. But who am I because I do the same shit?
Starting point is 00:06:21 True. Yeah. So I can't. I can't, uh, what is that called? following the kettle black? Yeah. I still don't get it. Following the kettle,
Starting point is 00:06:29 because the kettle is black. So why. Oh, so. I don't know. Well, my kettle's pink, so it's confusing. But I guess that's, oh, that's what it is. Yeah. It's like the obvious.
Starting point is 00:06:39 Yeah. Stating the obvious. I don't know. You're the smart one here. I feel like you're so smart. I was like looking at because you have, you've had multiple careers. You're an entrepreneur.
Starting point is 00:06:49 But what was your relationship mindset back in the days when you were just doing the grind? Because I find this. a little bit relatable where I haven't been in my feminine era in a hot minute. I've been in my masculine era to protect myself. For sure. And I'm like, do you do that too? Or did you just enjoy the grind and the hustle? Like what was it? Yeah. I mean, I think when I was like really in it, like, I don't know. I almost like can relate to Jordan a lot. Like I came home during the week. I like was kind of a hermit. And then, yeah, I mean, I was pretty protective of like my space and who I let in and
Starting point is 00:07:24 yeah. What caused that though? Because for me, something happened to me where I go, I'm putting all walls up. I'm protecting my piece. I'm scared. And I became this like, I don't know, like more like rough around the edges. Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. I mean, I think I've had like a lot of divorce in my family. Like my parents got divorced. My sister, you know, a couple times divorced. And so it kind of like tainted me a little bit. And like, I feel like both my mom and And my sister, they always, like, they were serial monogamous. You know, my parents, yeah, divorced when I was in, like, 20. And my mom's had a boyfriend, like, ever since.
Starting point is 00:07:58 Yeah. And then same thing with my sister. Like, she's had a boyfriend since she was 12. Really? Yeah. The same one? No. Oh, okay.
Starting point is 00:08:06 I see what you're saying. No. But just, like, you know, back to back. And then I'm, I think I'm kind of the opposite. Just like, it's really hard for me to let people in, usually. Yeah. I wonder if that's a protective mechanism without even knowing it or now maybe you, you, you you're like, no, I'm fully aware.
Starting point is 00:08:20 But I do the same thing. And I'm just, I always think about, I'm really getting into generational trauma and breaking cycles. Yeah. And I think sometimes I go too hard the other way because I'm like, I'm different and I'm going to do it different. Right. And I want to like break the cycle.
Starting point is 00:08:36 And I think it takes being a bit of like having walls up to do that. And for, but it's, my girlfriend was like, I think it's okay. Yeah. Have you heard of Hoffman? Oh, I've been. Oh, you've been? Yeah. Same.
Starting point is 00:08:49 You have? That's how I got introduced to my current partner, yeah. So his best friend and I... Oh, this is everything. Yeah, his best friend and I were on the same week. And that was November of 23. And then, and then, pass forward to July of 24,
Starting point is 00:09:04 he messaged, because you end up, like, following people on Instagram, whatever, um, on your week. So he messaged me when I moved back to Denver and he was like, hey, you know, looks like you're back in Denver. Can't remember if you're married or single, but if you're single, like, I'd love to introduce you to my best friend.
Starting point is 00:09:19 And I was like, I mean, this was like, you know, four months after the show, three, three and a half months. So I was like, oh, cosmic. Very single. That's so crazy that you've done it. Okay. So my audience, I love you guys, but they make fun of me because I, the amount of times I'll be like, you're to Hoffman, Hoffman, Hoffman, Hoffman, I have the inner child. Yeah. I am, I see you, I love you.
Starting point is 00:09:43 Yes. I'm, oh my gosh. That changed my life. Yeah. So do you, okay. So everybody that listens probably knows this, but if people don't, they're like, no, we know, Caitlin. You're talking about it every week. But it's like very much a six day, like inner child intensive therapy, 16 hours a day for six days.
Starting point is 00:10:05 Sometimes you can't, oh, I still have nightmares about it. Blisters. Blisters. Oh, blister. I brought baseball gloves. It's very intense. It's very rewarding. It's at times very strange.
Starting point is 00:10:18 And you're like, what am I? doing here and then fun and then you're in the fetal position crying and it's such a roller coaster but you come out of it so enlightened what a perfect time for you to do that yeah so you did it you had filmed love is blind no so this this was the november prior to love is wine so this was 2023 you said yeah november 23 then we started filming february of 24 so February through like early april and then okay so what did you learn about yourself Oh man. I mean, I think like you said, like just all the walls I had built up and like, you know, the whole thing is dissecting your patterns from mom and dad. And, you know, I think my whole
Starting point is 00:11:00 childhood and life, I always like thought I had some like daddy, you know, it was more like my dad. I think that way like he would always make comments about my body and like things like that. And so I think I was, I thought I was holding more resentment towards him. But then I think through the process, I realized like maybe it's a lot of my mom too. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I do that too where I thought it was all this parent and then it was actually some of this. And then you, it's so hard. Yeah. But then I think like, you know, when they tell you like when you visualize your parents as little children, it's like, oh my God.
Starting point is 00:11:30 It just like puts so much in perspective. Well, the brain is so powerful. And you talk like everyone talks about something shifting like when you do therapy, when you do visualizations, when you do all the stuff. That kind of intensive therapy, it shifts very quickly. And yeah, I was the same way. As soon as I like close my eyes and picture them as kids, I would just start sobbing. because I was like, oh my God, because this was put on them. And I knew so much about my parents while going in there.
Starting point is 00:11:56 So it helped me because when you had to write down what you think happened to them. And I was just like, I love them so much. They were just doing their best. I think that was so rewarding for me because I think a lot of people hold blame to their parents and I did too. And it was such a forgiving process too. Yeah. Well, and I think like you always hear that term like, oh, they were just doing their best. But I would, you know, before Hoffman, I was like, yeah, bullshit.
Starting point is 00:12:18 same yeah yeah and then you dive deep oh they really were doing their best yeah doing the best with what they had and what they knew especially when you get into the age that they were when they had you yeah and like now having your own like it's just it changes everything I'm so glad you did that so do you think that really like opened your heart and let down your walls to go into the process yeah and did that process put them right the fuck back up damn I mean yes and no like I think, I don't know, I almost think like the love is blind thing was an extension of Hoffman because it, you know, that was the first time I really got to put that in practice, especially like in relationship. So yeah, I think it was just, you know, certainly when things ended
Starting point is 00:13:03 with Jordan, like, I think I still even was better equipped than for my, you know, the next relationship, this current relationship. It's so true. It helped me in so many ways that even if something were to go terribly wrong, I would feel like you said, more equipped and like sure of who I am. Yeah. To go into the next phase of life. Well, and I think it like, you know, I was able to better, like, I knew what I wanted and what I needed in a relationship. And like, if I came across somebody that like they didn't meet my needs, it was easier for me to be like, okay, like, thank you next. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for what you've given me. Thank you. Not for me, but thank you. Yeah. Yeah. that's fair. I feel like you said in a confessional that one of the reasons you may have been single for a while because men are also intimidated by your level of success. Now, I can see this because I think men are so attracted to it at first. Yeah. And then their insecurities come out and they are programmed and wired to think that they need to be this certain person. And so then the emasculation comes out and then they get intimidated, but then it comes out as insecurity. And then it's like probably beating.
Starting point is 00:14:14 you down. Yeah. Is that how you've experienced it? 100%. Well, I can't tell you how many times, like, I mean, after having my success, like the men I would date, they'd be like, oh, yeah, I think it's really cool. It's sexy, whatever. And I'm like, are you sure? Like, yeah. And then, you know, sure, shit, six, nine months, you know, year into the relationship. Yeah. Yeah, that's when the true colors come out. Yeah. Yeah. But I think to your point, like, I think a lot of it is kind of the masculine feminine energy and like I have a hard time I think I've gotten better about leaning into my feminine but yeah I have a hard time I have a hard time too yeah and I think it's because I mean it could be a similar or different for you but for me it's like it's very much that I've
Starting point is 00:14:56 been hurt yeah and divorced parents and seeing certain relationships and then getting cheated on and then it's like why would I trust anybody and why wouldn't I just rely on myself right so like the hyper independence kicks in, the masculine energy kicks in. And it's so hard for me to turn it off. I don't want to ask for help. I don't want to be like, I just don't want to be like, I'll do it myself. I'm, I'm really trying to soften because I think it's beautiful to be both. I just don't have that balance. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Well, and that's where like, so Paul, my current partner, he's been really awesome. And he has to remind me sometimes like, hey, I got this. Yeah. Or, and I'm like, okay.
Starting point is 00:15:41 Oh, that's nice. Sometimes you just hear that. Well, and like, sometimes I don't even know if I'm doing it. Like, if I, we have a dinner reservation and I go to check in first and he's like, no, like, let me. Yeah. And he's very good about like courting me and just like super. Oh, that's nice.
Starting point is 00:15:58 Manners, like chivalry to the max. That's really, which I love. Which that will help you soften into your feminine energy. Yeah. I want to do a whole podcast with somebody that like is an expert in that kind of stuff. because I find it fascinating. Totally. Maybe you can just chime in for that one.
Starting point is 00:16:15 But yeah, I do think that's such a, it can affect dating life for sure. Yeah. So it's nice that you found somebody that can help soften. Well, and like, thank God for his patience because I think some guys would be like, you know, oh, she's too much in her masculine. I'm out. Totally. And they probably don't even recognize that that's what it is, but they just get intimidated.
Starting point is 00:16:35 Men get easily intimidated by women, which I think is another thing that they should all into but it's like i find they always want to date their mom but then they're mad they're dating their mom yeah and it's like well that's not my fault yeah yeah interesting okay you guys hear me out thanksgiving is not just about the turkey and the pie i know that's crazy but it's also about the macy's parade of deals yes a whole parade of deals and honestly i live for a sale and every day from now until thanksgiving there is going to be a brand new daily deal that drops now i grew up watching the Thanksgiving Day parade, even though it wasn't our Thanksgiving in Canada, we still watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
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Starting point is 00:18:16 You know what I'm saying? And a ton of holiday savings. This parade of deals is really where it's at. Check it every day at macy's.com. Okay, are you ready for a home that smells like you? Do you know that? Like when you go into somebody's house and you're like, oh, that's just your smell. So meet Pura, the premium smart home fragrance diffuser, easily controlled from an app.
Starting point is 00:18:34 You schedule, swap, adjust scent, intensity, anytime, anywhere. this week only subscribe to two premium fragrances per month for 12 months and we're going to send you a Pura plus starter set free. So that's a $70 value. Supplies are limited. So head over to pura.com now and grab your free set before the offer ends. I have these all over my house. I'm obsessed. So what was your mind's at entering the show? You were like obviously very open. You had figured out a lot. Did you go in thinking I'm going to find the one or did you go in thinking who the hell knows what's about to happen? I think a little bit of both. Yeah. Yeah. You know, I think I was like very hopeful that I would find the one there. But also I didn't want to like set my
Starting point is 00:19:19 expectations too high and be disappointed if that didn't happen. Right. Yeah, because you're going to force it. Yeah. And I think, you know, just having fun with it and being myself. And do you feel like, because I know a lot of people feel like, oh, I didn't get a fair edit or I didn't know this or It didn't seem like me like Casey sat here and said, oh, it did not look good. Like, it was not, I don't feel like it's me. I know. Do you feel like your edit was fair to who you are? I'd say for the most part, yeah.
Starting point is 00:19:45 Nice. I was actually like, yeah, pleasantly surprised. You know, I think there definitely was some editing work. Like, I think I thought I was being very conscious about not talking about money. Oh, and then they. So literally like everything. I mean, yes, there were like certain things that I. Because it's character building.
Starting point is 00:20:05 Right. You're the successful one. You literally like there's a, like Casey said, there's a whole day about finances. There's a whole day. So they really is. Yeah. And like, I was like, they maybe just told her that to, her over it. Okay.
Starting point is 00:20:15 So there really was. Yeah. You have like talking points. See and that, again, that's character development because they wanted her to be the one that talks about sex. They want you to be the one to talk about money. They, it could be anyone. Well, and like quite honestly, like, you know, if you are, when you are building a life with
Starting point is 00:20:30 somebody, you talk about finances. Of course. like you also talk about sex you also talk about so it makes sense finances and sex are like the two biggest issues right with couples right here yes and so yeah I think that was like the one frustrating thing is like I was like oh she's so focused on money and blah blah and it's like I'm really not like you were like it was just day two I was trying to follow the script yeah that's crazy yeah because I feel like it's important to me to talk about finances with somebody especially at this point in my life, especially if you're looking to like, everybody, like, think about the bachelor.
Starting point is 00:21:05 Everybody just romanticizes the whole thing. And then when you get into the fantasy suites, it's like, let's talk about obviously sex, yeah, money. If we're going to get engaged at the end of this, these are very important topics to, to think about. And so on your show, that just makes sense. You're going to get engaged at the end of it. Why wouldn't you talk about finances, especially when you're like, is there a pre-up? Are you going to be taking what I have? Like, talk about it too yeah you worked hard for that for sure yeah that matters so yeah i think that was the only thing that i was like yeah and i'm getting you know called out like oh you're so materialistic and whatever and it's like i'm really not yeah you're like that's especially like post hoffman like i feel
Starting point is 00:21:47 like i could do without all the things right i really don't give up yeah it's so hard because you will be if you go on tv especially reality tv you will be pigeonholed for sure that is just a fact you are a pigeonholed and it is part of who you are but your pigeonhold as the successful one who talks about money right who i know i keep saying Casey but who else like Madison she was the one where they were like so focused on this problem she had of possibly going blind right and and then I think nothing like is she even going to go blind I have no idea oh uh well I just feel like that everyone needs a certain right pillar yeah and character to be yeah you were that so yeah Jordan was the funny single dad yes that's and that's how reality TV works we've always got I was the sexual one on my season and I was like
Starting point is 00:22:35 that's so funny. Like I'm, yeah, I'm confident in like my sexuality, but I'm not like the sexual one. But that's who I was. I was the Canadian sexual crazy lady. I love it. But I love it too. I was like, well, that is kind of me. So, but it's so interesting because again, people will listen to this podcast and watch it and still want to pigeonhole you. Oh, yeah. So. I mean, at this point, like, it's, I can't get out. Like, yeah. And no matter what I say, people are still going to be like, oh, that's all she talks about or that's, that's her whole personality and what's your take what's your take on leaning into it and fully like making fun of yourself or using your platform to have a voice for yourself to stand up for yourself and like
Starting point is 00:23:15 say what who you actually are I don't know if I figured that out yet yeah well something to think you can do both yeah also your perspective must change now that you're a mom on how you show up on social media yeah because I would probably be coming guns blazing swing and trying to clap back and you're like I'm so tempted to you but But then it's like, why? Yeah. Like, they don't deserve my energy. Okay, Taylor Swift.
Starting point is 00:23:39 I know. I still am trying to learn that. How did you get cast in the first place? I applied. You did? Yeah. Okay. And so you'd watch other seasons.
Starting point is 00:23:48 You're like, I could do, I could find somebody this way. Yeah. I mean, I'd watch like a couple seasons, but I think I'm not a huge reality TV person. This was the only one that I've really ever watched. Yeah. So it's kind of appealing. I mean, terrifying. Of course.
Starting point is 00:24:01 How much time are you really spending in those pods? A lot of time, right? Yeah. Oh, yeah. I mean, some days you're in there from like early morning till, you know, well past midnight. Oof. Yeah. Did you ever want to go home? No. Oh. Yeah. I feel like I would have been like, I'm out of here. I mean, there was like certain nights because you, you have the option to go on like night dates and you can choose to, you know, go sleep instead. And so I think there was like one night that I did that because like you're just exhausted. I can't imagine how draining that whole process is. But then even that, you're like, you almost feel like you're getting behind because it's like, man, if I go home, sleep a little bit, then these other girls are going to be possibly dating the same person. And they might get a leg up because that's, you know, four hours of additional conversation.
Starting point is 00:24:43 Which four hours is probably like four weeks of dating. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's so, I don't think I could do it. Well, I say that, but I probably, I come from reality. It was fun. No. I mean, when you're in it, like. Yeah. What was the most fun? No phone. No, you know, all distractions are removed. Like, and I think you're just almost running on adrenaline at that point. True. That's true. But yeah, I mean, it was fun and I think you learn a lot about yourself and what was the highest high and the lowest low. I mean, the lowest low like out of the whole process was coming off of it. Yeah. Because I think, you know, one, I was super hopeful that it was going to work for me and that I was, you know, going to walk out of their married.
Starting point is 00:25:21 And when that didn't happen and then you go from, you know, having being around your fiance, being around producers, cameramen, all the things. And it's, you're constantly busy filming, doing going on dates. then it's like it ends and you're by yourself and you're in a waiting holding period so you can't talk about it yeah yeah that was hard and you know i think it was pretty apparent jordanized relationship was like very real yeah and so even though i was the one to end it like i still really struggled yeah of course yeah you felt you've mentioned in the pod set it felt like a very intense emotional environment i'm sure it was like parts were fun and parts were heavy but like what was, what was something that you remember being in there where your nervous system was just
Starting point is 00:26:06 wrecked and you're like, I can't believe this is my life right now. Probably some of my conversations with Mike. Ah. I don't even remember Mike. He was your first connection. Yeah. Did it feel? Oh, because you said it felt familiar or something or like, yeah.
Starting point is 00:26:20 So was it bringing up old feelings of like, oh, am I in the pattern again? Yeah. Kind of like that. I don't want to use the word boy, but. Yeah. Yeah. Like that energy. And I'm like, ooh, like something feels off about.
Starting point is 00:26:32 this but also a little exciting. Right. And there were some conversations we had. Like I think one of um, he was kind of questioning my ability to like run a business and work and also be a mom. And I was like, well, can't girl have both? Yeah. You're like, hi, I'm a woman who do it all. Right. I don't know if this is news to you, but we're much better at multitasking than men. Yeah. Yeah. So how are you going to keep up with me? That's what I would say. What happened in the pods that we didn't see that? You're like, Oh, I wish they showed that. I mean, a lot of things. Like, there was, like, we played games a lot, which was fun.
Starting point is 00:27:05 We listened to music. I got copyright. They can't show that part. Oh, yeah. Yeah. There were a few, like, the guys, they did have creative liberties to, like, oh, they wanted to put flowers all over your pod. They could do that.
Starting point is 00:27:16 Or, like, I think Blake kind of with Anna, he did that whole, like, decorative camping thing. So, like, they could do that. And I got both Mike and Jordan one day decorated my pod with, like, all the flowers, all the candles. And I don't think either of those really got challenged. Oh, but that, like, I do always like when they put, like, when they, like, you have a sushi date or something and you get to, do you get to pick your food and drinks and everything? Yeah. Because they want it, you know, they want it to resemble real life as much as possible. Right. Real life dating. So they're like, all right, like choose a meal. And, you know, sometimes it was breakfast. Sometimes it was dinner. Money. Did you drink wine? Did you, did you drink? I not, not a ton in the pods. Yeah, because that was scary. Because I feel like it would be so easy to just like, you know. know, oh, loosen things up or get a little looking.
Starting point is 00:28:03 No. And again, like I was going in this like very intentionally. And so the first, I don't think I even drank anything the first five days. And then at that point, I was like, Mama needs a. Yeah, get hit me with tequila in the veins. For real. But even then I was cautious. I think there was, you know, some of the date, like the night dates, um, I got a little bit tipsy, but I, some of the girls were like pounding shots. Oh God. No way. Could you. Imagine blacking out on television? I can because I did it once. And it was terrible. I mean, I was, Baja was pretty close. Ooh. Yeah. That's so funny. What is something that like shocked you about the production of the show that you didn't expect?
Starting point is 00:28:47 I don't know. I mean, I was, I was a little worried, like just how awkward it was going to be having cameras around. Right. But they actually have camera men in there, don't they? Some of them, yeah. Yeah. But yeah. I mean, it was. I think it was, like, easy to get used to it after a while, but I was worried because, like, you know, I've had friends on a reality TV show and, like, when you know what camera's on you. My, like, biggest problem with TV cameras is I can't not look at them. Yeah. And I remember I was at the Golden Bachelor wedding. And I literally see Jesse Palmer standing right in front of me in a camera. And I was mid-meat ball eating.
Starting point is 00:29:27 and I just, like, looked at the camera and was like, okay. I just ate the meatball. And I think they even prepped us. They're like, don't look at the cameras. And I was like, ah, like you'd think I would know what I'm doing. They say, like, just ignore them, but it's like, oh, I panic every time.
Starting point is 00:29:41 And then people are like, you were, you were trying to find the camera. You were so attention seeking. It wasn't about you. And I was like, I was mortified that I was putting a meatball in my mouth looking down the barrel. I was like, oh, shit, here we go. And it was live. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:29:54 So I was like, they can't edit that out. Oh, so funny. Oh, God. Anyways, uh, okay, so you had that connection with Mike, but you ended it. Mm-hmm. And then your connection with Jordan entered and you called it unexpected. Yeah. What drew you to Jordan like initially?
Starting point is 00:30:08 What was like the initial draw to him? So, well, kind of backing up, Jordan and I, the first, so you date everybody on the first day. So there was 16 guys, 16 girls. Yeah. And that first day, we ranked each other 12. Because I think out of 16, we both ranked each other 12. Oh. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:30:25 And then, oh, that ain't good. I know. Oh, okay. So I was like, oh. Because I think he came in hot with like, hey, I'm a dad. I've had a vasectomy. And I was like, ooh, like, you know, I want my kids or my own kids. So I think just the way he did it, like I appreciate the honesty, but I was like, oh.
Starting point is 00:30:42 Yeah. And then he hated the Sparkle Meg thing, which most of the guys did. But. Because they probably imagine you like just like a glitter bomb walking in. Just like. But also like, it was kind of a test because like, I mean, I, everybody's like. like you're not even sparklet of this call you dole megan oh it's kind of a that's kind of a funny chirp but it is like it is ironic because like I'm not like my personality is not like yeah
Starting point is 00:31:09 bubbly and whatever so I don't know it was kind of a test to like weed out like if these guys can't take a joke or like see through that that is like literally just a stupid nickname right then you're not for me right wait who is like number one through 11 if he was 12th Oh, I don't even remember. Who was your number one? I think Blake was my number one for a while. Really? And then he left me.
Starting point is 00:31:33 Then he left me. Is it weird then to, because obviously I think about Bachelor World and you make such great friends, but also there's some awkwardness. Do you get along with all the girls or is there some weirdness because of who you initially? No, I mean, we were all pretty respectful of one another. And so we kept up until like later in the pod process. Yeah. Everybody was pretty hush, hush about who they were dating.
Starting point is 00:31:56 dating. But as time goes on, inevitably, like, people are dating the same person. And then you kind of, even though you're not, they're not saying their name, like I heard Casey one day say something about Luca. And I was like, okay. So you're dating Jordan too. Oh, that's crazy. Yeah. What is your take? Because I think you're friends with Casey. Are you not? Yeah. So I know she got absolutely just torn apart. And then the reunion happens and we find out that she was dating Joe. She told me on the podcast and obviously Madison was not happy about it, right? Yeah. What is your take on all that? I think it's silly. Like we were all, everybody was dating everybody. Like naturally, I think if it doesn't work out with somebody, there's going to be curiosity with somebody else. Makes actually
Starting point is 00:32:45 a lot of sense. Yeah. Because, you know, you have these really, especially like, again, once you get further into the pod days, you know, you're having these deep conversations and like some people even had two connections all the way up until the very end. And so, like, I think, of course, if you don't work out with somebody, it's like, whether it's curiosity, closure, whatever, I think totally natural. And, like, I think the shitty thing is that that was happening with everybody else, too. Oh, so they just got called out. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:33:14 Well, did you hook up with someone else? No. Oh. No. No. Is it known who other people were doing this with or it's just? I don't think so. But, like, yeah, I just feel like it's, yeah.
Starting point is 00:33:25 people are it makes so much sense i mean the bachelor world i always call it so incest because yeah you everybody's dating everybody and you date other people and you like it's just it just happens yeah well and i think like so when filming initially wrapped i was still living in l.A so i went back to LA i didn't go to like the pool party the pod any of the pod squad get-togethers but i think that's where like right after filming was done they were all hanging out a lot yeah um so it got pretty you're busy making babies sticky not then Oh, yes. I'm like, we'll get to the timeline. We'll get to the timeline. I said this the other day when I was at cats for dinner. I'm like the shorter days are coming. It's getting darker earlier. And honestly, that can feel just heavy at times. I feel like this time of you always feels heavy. It's kind of the perfect reminder to check in, you know, not just with your friends or family, but with yourself too. So think about someone you haven't connected with in a while. Maybe it's calling your sweet grandma. I wish I could call mine. Sending a little note to make someone's day or grabbing lunch with a friend that you haven't seen in months. It might feel like a small thing, but those comments remind us that we're not alone. And sometimes taking the first step, whether it's
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Starting point is 00:37:28 invisible to millions of travelers searching the platform. Don't miss out on consistent bookings and global reach. Head over to booking.com and start your listing today. Get seen, get booked on booking.com. it's a huge moment to say yes, you know, before even meeting in person. Obviously, everybody's going to have some hesitations, but take us back to that moment, what was running through your head. I mean, I was excited. Like, I think there were definitely some scaries there, but, you know, you get to know this person so well. And it's just, it's fun. You're hopeful. I think the reveal, the reveal was the scarier part. The engagement was like, hell yes. This is my person. I'm doing
Starting point is 00:38:14 this. But then how many days in between? Um, I can't remember. it was like pretty quick you might have had like one day um but yeah so i think the reveal day like that's when i was really freaking out yeah because jordan i mean jordan and i were very good about like not talking about appearance yeah yeah yeah yeah so you had no idea no i think the the one thing the one question i did ask was his tattoos oh right the tattoos yeah yeah um he had like sleeves yeah and but then he would just like casually he would throw out like oh yeah like I'm 5.7. I have twig arms. I'm a skinny skater boy. And like I wouldn't say any like I wouldn't react to those. But I was like, okay. Like, yeah, I was just trying to throw me off. So I went into
Starting point is 00:38:58 Reveal Day like, oh my gosh. Like he's a total gremlin. Yeah. Like. Oh, and you still loved yeah. That's sweet. But yeah. So I was like very pleasantly surprised when I was like, you know, six three. Yeah. Cute. Yeah. Great hair. Yeah. Tats. That's, does that bug you that he lied to you? A little bit, but I think that's... That's not a good foundation to start on. He lying to each other? No, I think he was just trying to honor, like, the nature of the experiment and, like, throw in little nuggets. Did you have an idea?
Starting point is 00:39:28 He was joking? Or did you really... Yeah. I mean, he jokes about... Everything? Everything. Okay. How long are you waiting there before those doors open and you see them?
Starting point is 00:39:35 It's a little while. Like 10 minutes an hour? No, no, not 10 minutes. Longer? No, just like, it was a few minutes. Oh, I thought it was... I thought you were going to be like, it was like, it was like four. 45 minutes of me standing there.
Starting point is 00:39:47 Oh, okay, okay, okay, okay. Yeah. So you finally meet Jordan in person. What was your honest reaction in your head when you saw him? Obviously, shock because you didn't expect him to look that way. But did everything add up otherwise, like the chemistry? Yeah. Well, and I was a little nervous because I had seen previous seasons where like people are like,
Starting point is 00:40:05 oh, your voice doesn't match up with, you know, this person that's standing in front of me. But like immediately with him, it was like, oh, no. Like this makes sense. Yeah. That's you. And then I felt the same way. Yeah. And I think it was.
Starting point is 00:40:16 cool because I've also you know we've seen super awkward encounters yeah um and I'm not one like I cannot hide my feelings and so I was like right oh shit I couldn't neither but no and I think it was nice that he had pictures of Luca to show me and like we had things to do and like talk about other than just like okay I thought it was really cool that when you guys you know you go do these vacations and then you go meet families I really respected that one you guys didn't put him on TV Luca, but to you, that his ex was so chill about everything and, like, open to that. Yeah, I think she was, she was hesitant. Okay, maybe I shouldn't say chill.
Starting point is 00:40:55 But hesitant is so acceptable. 100%. And then to, you know, to meet you. And from what you said, she seemed lovely. Yeah. Yeah. That's nice. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:41:06 Well, and I think that's where, you know, it's funny. I feel like a lot of people are like, oh, my God, I can't believe you begged to meet Luca. And it's like, well, one, we are about to get married. Like, and Jordan and I talked about this at length. Like he wanted me to meet Luca. I wanted to meet Luca. Like we wanted the three of us to see what life would be like together.
Starting point is 00:41:25 So we all, you know, we're very transparent going into this on what to expect. I was very adamant about meeting Luca's mom prior to meeting Luca. And that kept getting pushed just because like our schedules weren't meeting up or like she would kind of like one day it was like, oh yeah, like let's do it. And then the next like, hmm, my. I don't know. And so that I think that's where like my frustration was coming in like, hey, you know, we're two weeks into Denver now. And I still have yet to meet your son. Right. And at that point, it was like less than two weeks before we were supposed to get married.
Starting point is 00:42:01 Yeah, I would be very young too. I would be on my hands and knees like, please, beloved God, let me meet yourself. We're about to get married. Yeah. So. People just didn't get that. I guess not. I don't understand the world. you look you believe in signs right yeah uh so when i went to hoffman that was like something i walked away with was just like blinking lights were my sign and i like so clearly asked for them and it was crazy how much they slapped me in the face like blinking lights whenever i needed it it was wild yeah like above my head in the hotel room after uh like just everywhere i needed it and i would ask for it i would see it and i was like this is wild because i just feel like i was so spiritually aligned at that point And going into that, you know, you'd just gone through that process and all the things that I know come with it.
Starting point is 00:42:47 And Jordan, his son, Luca, obviously had type 1 diabetes, the same condition that your father had. Yeah. As if you don't see that as a sign. Yeah. Even if it's a sign of you're on the right path. Right. Well, and I think like looking back, I think I might have put a little more weight on that than what it was worth. But, you know, I fully believe in signs.
Starting point is 00:43:07 And to your point, like I think even though it didn't end up, you know, Jordan and I, yeah. else to do that. Right. Like I think that was a part of my whole journey and has led me where I am today. Right. Yeah, because obviously you are where you're supposed to be now and that was the path that took you there. But I'm sure that like took you both to a different deeper level by having that sort of connection and being able to talk about it. Yeah. Well, and I think too, like, you know, my dad, I was almost like, I don't want to say his parent, but like he took care of himself for the most part. but, like, there were a lot of times where I'm like, hey, dad, like, you need some sugar. Like, check your blood sugar. And, yeah, like, I took care of my dad.
Starting point is 00:43:45 And understanding that and knowing how that works. Right. And so I think, like, that was what was cool for me, like, you know, stepping into this child's life. Yeah. And having that knowledge because somebody who's not familiar with, you know, type 1 diabetes, like. Yeah, I wouldn't know. Yeah. I've never had to deal with that. Right.
Starting point is 00:44:04 Right. And then obviously things changed for the. the two of you. At what point did you start to realize the relationship was not a right fit? Yeah. So Jordan and I had, it was like, I think, 10 days before we were supposed to get married. We had our first day off without cameras, without work, whatever, and it was just the two of us. And he and I, so we went to, like, go get our nails done. We went out to lunch. We went to top golf. And I saw a totally different side of him, like, just quiet, super quiet. And I think some of that you know we talked about on the show how like even when he comes home from work it's like
Starting point is 00:44:42 pulling teeth to get conversation out of him but like i remember seeing that yeah that first day like that whole day we had together i was like oh man like this is the time i would think that you would have like we would want to have fun and like do say all the funny things and whatever that we you know they're getting to know you's beyond now do you think that's who he was or do you think he was having second thought. No, I think I think it was who he was, but I also think like he was very exhausted and like, and he said that. Like he was like, listen, I'm tired. But and even that was like starting to annoy me because I was like, I'm tired too. Right. And granted, like he was working a lot more than I was. So I should have given him a little more grace. But you're probably paranoid at this
Starting point is 00:45:28 point a little too. Like there's paranoia kicking in that you're marrying this person. Well, yeah. And it's like, you know, I'm tired too, but I'm giving it my all. Yeah. And, like, I'm continuing to show up and, like, have fun with you and ask you questions and do all the things. And, like, I didn't feel like I was getting that in return. So that was kind of a pivotal moment for both of you. Yeah. And he kept saying, like, this is not me. This is not me.
Starting point is 00:45:50 I'm so tired. I'm exhausted. And I'm like, okay, I'm about to marry you in 10 days. And, like, you're telling me one thing, but you're showing me another. And, like, do I marry you on the leap of faith, like, that you are a little more lively? Right. right we have we have more in common or i don't know like it was very confusing again which is so interesting that people probably had so many opinions about that if it's you're trying to find
Starting point is 00:46:17 your husband he's trying to find his wife right why are you not allowed to have thoughts and questions and concerns you know yeah yeah as i'm sure he did too yeah do you find the internet um picking sides oh yeah yeah i mean i think a lot of people are team jordan a lot of people are on my side like i think they see both sides. Yeah. You know, it's interesting. Do you see both sides? For sure.
Starting point is 00:46:38 Oh, that's nice. Yeah. But I think, like, I think if you took this whole money thing that is annoying me now out of the equation, this would be a completely different story. And I think people would be more apt to see both sides and, like, see where I was coming from, you know, like, yeah, you are about to marry this person. And, like, these are real differences. and like yeah we're not just swiping right i mean yeah i know it was there was a little it was a little more
Starting point is 00:47:07 high stakes with luca involved but jordan equally chose to be a part of this experiment knowing that that you know that could happen yeah exactly and it wasn't like i intentionally dragged it out like we literally gave it our all till the last possible minute yeah and you know we talked about many times like if we're both not 110% let's not do this because it's not fair to either of us. It's not fair to our families. And so that's where I think like maybe in my edit I got a little jipped because I think it just looks like I ripped the rug out under from Jordan and like that was not the case. So what do you wish people knew? I mean, I think that that's not the case. You're like I just said. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I think obviously Jordan I, you know, he would have
Starting point is 00:47:52 he said he would have gone to the altar and said yes. So, you know, ultimately it was my decision. but oh he would have said yes yeah but yeah i i think we had so many conversations about it and there was a mutual understanding and respect and i think it's like that's what's frustrating that you're like if we can respect each other why can't you guys respect us what the producers say do they like do you keep in touch with them not really i mean a little bit but not yeah i mean they were honestly like very supportive and i bet yeah kind of like therapists that's i always think of the good ones are like they're this actually even the bad ones are but that's i mean they're all just doing their job but they really are good at it yeah yeah and i you know this was an unprecedented
Starting point is 00:48:35 situation like having luca right as a part of this and so they were very accommodating with however we wanted to handle it yeah i feel like your breakup out of most breakup stunned people the most yeah like i feel like people really saw you guys working it out yeah and we like i said like we tried until the last possible, like that, the day we broke up was the day before we were supposed to get married. Yeah. Wow. And, but, and I think the crummy thing, too, like, that wasn't shown. Like, we had conversations off camera that whole week, like, hashing through the pros and cons of, like, going through with this or not going through with it or, you know. That must be so hard to choose to break up. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:49:16 Knowing that in maybe a different circumstance, it could have worked. Yeah. So then afterwards, you're all in the same city. I know you went back to LA. Did you ever come back to Denver? Yeah. And have you run into him? Not Jordan or, yeah. No, so we didn't see each other for like a solid year. Whoa. Yeah. And then you saw each other for the reunion. Yeah. How was that? I know you're in such a different place. Yeah. Yeah. No, it was fine. And he, you know, he looks good. He looks healthy and happy. Yeah. Um, yeah. That's good. I like healthy relationship endings. But I mean, people and you were talking about having, you know,
Starting point is 00:49:58 doubts about being a stepmom. I think the internet is probably saying all these things about like lifestyle differences, your readiness to be a mom. Obviously your mindset has shifted. Yeah. But walk us through that whole topic. Yeah. Well, I think like in the moment, you know, you're questioning everything.
Starting point is 00:50:14 And, you know, I think it's easy to try and find like, grasp at straws and try and find like why didn't this work and you know I think just our commonalities in general and like I'm kind of sick of using the word lifestyles yeah but you know that was the biggest piece but I think it's easy to be like I don't know like am I mom material I know it's easy to question a lot of things yeah I mean I know in that moment it was just a little you're just questioning everything and rightfully so I think it makes sense to have I know paranoia sounds wrong but I would have paranoid thoughts of like what if what if this is a very life altering decision right like things should be 110 percent to step in as a stepmother
Starting point is 00:50:59 for sure for sure like that's yeah and I like I've I think I put a little too much pressure on myself like I've always said when I finally get married I don't want to get divorced like because I have had so much divorce in my family and friends and whatever and you know I being impeccable with your word yeah well and I was having like those thoughts like okay well maybe I go through with this and Jordan and I can always get divorce. But I'm like, what am I saying? Like I shouldn't be going into my wedding thinking like, well, I can always get divorced. Right, right. Because it's real. I mean, I couldn't believe what I found out that it actually, you are signing real papers, you are really married. What disappointed me was that you guys get cheap
Starting point is 00:51:39 rings. Yeah. We were looking, this was not shown. So we were looking at different rings. I mean, our ring was beautiful, but. Sure, but it ain't. It ain't. It ain't. ain't real. That's crazy to me that they, I thought, but the fact that you guys get to keep them, where did you do with that ring? It's still just in my safe. Oh, yeah. Yeah, because I'm like, the whole like, give back the ring or do this or, I'm like, guys, it's not what you think it is. It's not like a bachelor ring that literally that costs like $90,000 and you have to, but you have to give it back. If you don't make it past two years, you give it back. Oh, shit. Yeah. So I still have mine. Okay, you guys, the holidays are just around the corner and I am so ready to start getting my space
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Starting point is 00:55:04 Yeah. Yeah, like, if you saw each other, it's fine. Yeah. That's nice. Are you, like, in any way friendly? Like, do you talk, or did he congratulate you when? Yeah, so we, prior to the show, Aaron, we kind of were checking in with one another.
Starting point is 00:55:17 I thought that was like big of him. Totally. Kind of to do like a wellness check. Yeah, that's nice. And it was funny. Like he actually, because I think we've both seen how reunions in the past go and when people like are on the same page or like whatever. So he had reached out this summer and wanted to get like lunch or whatever.
Starting point is 00:55:36 And like at that point I was still, I was still like nine months pregnant, but also trying to keep that under wraps. So I was just like him, yeah, I'm really busy. oh my gosh maybe in a couple like maybe closer to the reunion so nobody knew you were pregnant some people said they heard rumblings but yeah i i like kept it very quiet yeah oh my gosh yeah and so i mean my plan was always to tell jordan because i did not like he and i were big on like not blindsiding each other but it was it became like a timing thing because i'm like i don't want to i don't want to share that too soon right but then i also like i'm not going to spring it on him at the reunion, but it's like, I don't know. And then he did hear, I think there started
Starting point is 00:56:16 to be rumblings, like the first day episodes were airing. Yeah. Some douchebags led to his DMs and like, like, it was totally, not totally false, but they were like, oh, Megan is hiding a secret baby with Mike. Oh, God. I know. I'm like, well, half of that's, I mean, I have a baby, but not like. Oh my gosh, who's spreading those kind of rumors? It's so weird. Also, it's so, like, Imagine your job being, like, paparazzi and, like, spoiling somebody's magical moment of when they want to share their news with the world. Yeah. Did that bug you when paparazzi was? Oh, yeah.
Starting point is 00:56:50 Yeah. Well, I'm like, it was one. Scary, too. Like, you feel violated. Yeah. It was like those reality blogger gals that first, I don't know how they heard about it. I mean, they must have had, like, reality Ashley and some Ricky gal. They have, like, a fairly new podcast, but they must have, like, eyes and ears that.
Starting point is 00:57:10 attended the reunion or somehow it got back to them. So they announced on their podcast like somebody has a baby but they didn't say who. And then the next day this paparazzi shit comes out and they say who it was. And then of course she hops on. She's like, well, I wasn't going to say it and spoil her news. But now that it's out. I'm like, oh, I don't like that. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:57:31 Yeah, that's such like a, that's such a blissful, magical time for the parents to be keeping something so sacred and it should be your. timeline to tell that. Oh, I'm sorry that happened. Well, yeah. And then there's accusations like, oh, she called the paparazzi on herself. I'm like, piss off people. People always think that.
Starting point is 00:57:48 That happened on Big Brother, this guy Vinnie, who I don't think wanted any attention after the show. They're like, he called paparazzi on himself. I'm like, he for sure didn't because. And why would I want to ruin my moment at the, like, yeah, yeah. That's so silly. I mean, there are people out there that would do that, but I believe you. Okay.
Starting point is 00:58:08 Wait, when you all come back together for the reunion, there's obviously things that happen. Is there anything that you wish you would have been prepared for that you weren't on the reunion? I don't know. I mean, I think I kept it a little too, not PC, but like, I just wish I would have chimed in on some other people's happening. Like, what, do it now? What are the things you wanted to turn it on? I don't know. I mean, like, I mean, Casey even, like the audience was literally like a booing.
Starting point is 00:58:35 That's so sad. And I'm like, come on people. Like that should be that should be stated by the production and Vanessa and Nick like do not boo anybody yeah and so an awful feeling like that I don't know I didn't want to interject myself in people's business but it's like I mean I can't remember what are other things that happen that I don't know I feel like a lot of the other couples still it was like he said she said and whatever and like I think Jordan and I have carried ourselves you know very maturely throughout the whole thing and like really respect one another. And yeah, I think I saw felt, didn't feel like I needed to change that. Yeah, that's fair. That's fair. Who's the guy that you said was your number one? Blake. What do you feel about Blake? He's like such a nice guy. He is? Yeah. Oh good. He, so he like showed up at the end of the reunion. Yeah. I mean, he's like your typical like finance bro. Yeah, yeah. That's so funny. From your vantage point, did you feel that there was
Starting point is 00:59:34 anyone that you were like, they should have made it or they should have broke up a lot sooner? Like, what was your take on the couples who, because I can't believe nobody said, nobody got married. Yeah. Do you think there's anyone that you're like, oh, you guys should have tried harder? I don't know. I feel like it was just a lot of mismatches, to be honest. Do you think that's on casting? Or do you think it's just the way the cookie comes? No, yeah, I think it's the way. I mean, because that's, that's the beauty of this experiment, right? Is that like, they, they bring 16 guys and 16 girls together but like who knows how it's going to like there's so many possibilities out of that you know what is that 16 times 16 yeah I mean I think it was just
Starting point is 01:00:12 to your point like the way the cookie crumbled just wasn't it yeah I mean that's it's too bad because you like I just love the ones that now are having babies like obviously you are having babies but you know the yeah I'm so happy for you would you ever do another reality show I don't know probably not dating obviously. No, not dating. Yeah. Um, I don't know. Hard to say. Yeah. Not for a while. That's what were people's, uh, reaction when you said you had a baby? Um, because I don't know how edited it was on the reunion. Yeah. Or was that everybody's true reaction? No. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I think it was like, because obviously there were those rumblings. Yeah.
Starting point is 01:00:53 The week before. So I feel like everybody kind of already knew, which was, that's true. It was annoying. But my producer, she was there and like, I don't think she had. any idea and she was so she was on camera like and she was the one like crying oh oh yeah sweetness i love that i just yeah i feel like it's so exciting now that you fast forward you go through all of this you have like a healthy-ish type breakup it's sad it doesn't work out but you meet paul from freaking hoffman connection i'm obsessed with that fact so you you said that it moved pretty fast with him was it one of those moments where you're like this is my person Yeah. And how hard is that to now be in a public eye with a new partner having to relive that while being a new mom? And like that must be hard on the relationship. Yeah. Honestly, like we've handled it with great. I will say he's handled it with grace. Good. I mean, he's been nothing but supportive. And like I was a little worried because like that is hard. Yeah. I would find that very hard. Yeah. It's hard to rewatch that. But you know, this was a year and a half ago. Like I feel like I'm a totally.
Starting point is 01:02:00 a different person. And, you know, I think it's cool for him to, like, even learn more about me and Yeah. Yeah. Even to see how far you've come. Yeah. Yeah. No, he's been awesome. That's great. Yeah. What's your favorite thing about him? He really gets me out of my shit, like the emotional intelligence and like being vulnerable. Like he, so he definitely took or like was able to run with more of the Hoffman stuff than I was. Or he really leans into it and does like the daily. Wow, good for him. I know. I'm like. I goose that real quick. Yeah. I need to do a lot more. I would like to go back and do. Yeah. We should do Q2. Oh, I would love to. Yeah. Okay. Paul did it and he said it was awesome. Really? Yeah. I've always wanted to go back and do Q2. But yeah. So he's really good about that where sometimes like I fall off on my practices. So like he's very good about like, okay, like I'm feeling this or it's okay to feel this. And like let's talk about our feelings. And I'm like, I know. It's so funny. I like crave that out of somebody. And then when I have it, I'm like, well, I don't want to talk about it now.
Starting point is 01:03:03 I don't want to be vulnerable now. That's so crazy that you two can bond over that. Yeah. And have that. Like I used to say, I remember a guy in my group, he was like, um, is it bad to put it like in your dating profile? Like, we'll only date if you've been to Hoffman because I'm like, I get that. Like, I would love to have somebody who went to Hoffman or has done just a lot of work on
Starting point is 01:03:25 themselves. I think that's why like we did move so quickly because we both were like, holy shit. like you've done the work. I've done the work. Let's go. Yeah. That's awesome. And we did. Well, obviously, congratulations. Thank you. Brooks, the cutest name ever. How old does he know? Three months. Three months. Oh, he's just new new. So you were here to just, do you need to pump? After this, yeah. Oh my gosh. Do you need water? I haven't had a sick of this. I'm good. You go. Okay, okay, okay. I'm like, Brad, three months. That's been interesting. Like, this is my first time really traveling. I mean,
Starting point is 01:04:00 We went to the reunion. Yeah. Did you bring the baby? Yeah. Are you guys talking about marriage? Obviously, probably. Yeah. Oh, that's exciting.
Starting point is 01:04:07 Before that, you shared that your labor did not go as planned. Oh, my Lord. You wanted natural, which I would too, but that you can't plan that. You had to have an emergency C-section. Yeah. Scary? Yeah. Yeah.
Starting point is 01:04:19 I mean, not horribly scary. Like, so I went to 41 weeks. Whoa. I know. It was brutal. Yeah, that's a lot. And did go into labor naturally. And so I was, yeah, I was laboring for like 20 hours at home.
Starting point is 01:04:34 And so they don't want you to go to the birthing center until you hit like, I think it's like 3-1-1. So your contractions are three minutes apart, lasting a minute for over an hour. It might have been even two hours. Right. So I was like, I didn't hit that point until 15 hours into labor. Whoa. Yeah. And he was posterior.
Starting point is 01:04:55 So his back was. Oh, honey. Yeah. So he wasn't in that. trying to get out of the world. He wasn't in the ideal position. So we were at the birth center. My water finally broke and there was maconium in it, which is like poop.
Starting point is 01:05:08 Oh, yeah. Yeah, I've heard of this happening. Yeah, that means that they're in distress. And because they ingest that. Yeah. And so we had to do take an ambulance to the hospital, which was like that in of itself was traumatic. Yeah.
Starting point is 01:05:21 It was way more painful than I ever thought. Yeah. And I like have a pretty high pain tolerance. Yeah. Holy shit. It got pretty crazy. Yeah. So, wow.
Starting point is 01:05:32 Then you had to go to an emergency C-section. Yeah. So we got to the hospital, got an epidural, and then we kind of, they waited three hours and kind of stabilized the both of us, like put a little more fluid up there. Yeah. We're continuing to monitor his heartbeat. But it was like, okay, he doesn't like that position. Get in all fours. He doesn't like that position.
Starting point is 01:05:49 Like, roll on this side. And then finally, like. How are you been doing that while you're just numb? Help. I can like, yeah. I had some mobility. My gosh. But yeah, it was finally, they were like, all right.
Starting point is 01:06:02 Like, you know, it wasn't like super dangerous, but they were like, we need to get them out. And at that point, I'm like, do it out. Go. Yeah. Like, go down my throne. I'm here safely. Yeah.
Starting point is 01:06:13 Oh my gosh. That's so scary. So you guys, Kate, that's what I wanted to get to next. You're talking about marriage. Yeah. So you meet. It's the one. You're fast and furious.
Starting point is 01:06:23 Got a baby. I love a non-traditional route. I do. I would do the same thing. Not that it's my business, but I do have to do my job and ask, like, what, do you know when you're going to get married? I don't know. Yeah. Oh. I mean, we talk about it. Are you guys engaged? No. Okay. Okay. So you just talk about it. Yeah. Um, yeah, we've talked about it. And I think it's for sure coming. Yeah. Oh, I can't wait. Oh, that's so exciting. Dev, you like, like, looked at rings. Yeah. Aw, sweetness. What do you want? I always want to know, because I'm like, I want one one day. I mean, I'm definitely, I'm like a gold girlie. Oh, yeah.
Starting point is 01:06:56 So definitely gold. But I think just like the simple, solitaire, emerald. They're like the rectangular ones. Just like a really like classic. Yes, I love that. Pretty. Yeah. Oh my gosh, amazing.
Starting point is 01:07:07 And for fans who have watched your journey, what do you want people to know about this next chapter of your life? Like, what are you looking forward to? What do you want to do? Because I feel like you're an authentic person and I feel like you want to move forward with like, you know, what's actually right for you and aligned with you. Yeah. But what do you think is next?
Starting point is 01:07:24 I don't know. I mean, I've stepped away from. I was at the time of the show, I was creating my own business or starting my own business, and I've stepped away from that just to kind of be in my mommy era. So I don't know. I mean, it's been a lot just navigating motherhood now and then all of this. So I feel like I haven't had time to like come up for air even. What are you doing to take care of your mental health right now?
Starting point is 01:07:49 I mean, lots of baby snuggles. Yeah, I would do the same. Honestly, and like I'm very intentional when I'm with my son. Yeah. not to be on my phone. Yeah, I think that's like one of the biggest things is just. Yeah, it's quality time with family and I've got amazing friends and support systems. I love that.
Starting point is 01:08:08 Yeah, that's important. Okay, the last little parts I have to talk about in a show like love is blind, do you believe that looks do not matter? I'd like to. Yeah. I mean, but I think it's clear. Like we've seen, I mean, Casey and Patrick and, you know, who countless other past people. Right. I think they do. Well, the thing is, it's all what your vision is. So, like,
Starting point is 01:08:33 some people would be attracted to somebody that I might not be. Like, people have, I find somebody better looking when I know their personality. Like, it's all kind of relative to who you are and what you want. But I always think that because I'm like, I think looks matter, but that doesn't mean they need to look like this. No, yeah. To be attractive. Yeah. And it's funny. Like, I feel like, I mean, do you have like a typical type? I used to think I did. I used to like have a thing for blondes.
Starting point is 01:09:03 Oh. Blonde hair, blue eyes. I used to be like, that's it. But now I'm like, I kind of love a dad bod. Yeah. Maybe like a bit of a receding airline. Like somebody who's just a good human, I find hot. Yeah.
Starting point is 01:09:17 Good style. Yeah. Funny, kind, wants to change the world. Yeah. Yeah. Agreed. What is your usual thing? type. I mean, I used to. Like, I think in like high school, I went for tall, dark and handsome,
Starting point is 01:09:29 but I think now it's like same thing. Yeah, I've had blonde blue eyes. I've had tall, dark and handsome. Yeah. And I'm like, that's great. Right. But there's so much more to it. Right. And I think Hoffman too. Like that was, again, you go for more of like who they are. Yeah. And that makes them attractive. Yeah. I totally think that. If you were giving advice to someone watching the show, thinking about applying to love is blind or thinking about love in going into it in 2026. What would you say? Oh, buckle up. Yeah.
Starting point is 01:09:58 I mean, that's half joking. I think that's pretty fair. Yeah. I mean, I think be yourself and be authentic because it's, you know, again, like I'm really proud of both Jordan and I in our journey. And like, I think we both showed up very authentically and genuinely. Yeah, I think that came across. Yeah.
Starting point is 01:10:16 Because I think if you don't, it's very easy. to see. Yes. And two, that's when, you know, that's when they can spin the shit out of your story, you know. That's so true. You give them all the opportunity of the world because they're going to see who you really are. Yeah. The producers and the editors. And so that's where I think Jordan and I, but I think he would say the same thing. Like, I feel like we, you know, I feel like I got a pretty good edit. Yeah, because you were being authentic. Yeah, because that was me. And you can't change that. And I wasn't bullshitting. I wasn't doing anything. Like that's, that's who I was. That's who I am. Do you think there are people on there that weren't being authentic?
Starting point is 01:10:51 I'm sure. Yeah. No comment. I'm like not breaking eye contact. I'm like, say it. Say who. I want to know. Yeah.
Starting point is 01:11:00 Anyone else that you were like, I should have given them more of a chance or I should have cut them earlier. Maybe cut Mike earlier. Yeah. Yeah. Fair enough. Fair enough. But no, I think like some of the people that fell out of my rankings, it was just like,
Starting point is 01:11:14 oh, oh, well, sad to see them go. Yeah. Don't let the door hit you on the way on. Yeah. Fair enough. Okay, this is finally, I always make my guests do a confession on the podcast of something embarrassing. Like,
Starting point is 01:11:27 it could be from the third grade. It could be from yesterday. It could be from childbirth. It could be something that you're like, I can't believe I'm going to tell you this. It's embarrassing. What comes to mind? You thought of some.
Starting point is 01:11:37 Yeah, speaking of childbirth, again, this is props to Paul, but like him having to like help me change diapers. Oh, yeah. Oh, blessings on. Paul. We love Paul. That is important, though. It's important, but like, we all wear diapers after. Yeah, a woman that's like, I can do it all. Yeah, that'll soften you up.
Starting point is 01:11:58 Like, here, honey, change my diaper. Aw, I mean, what else you're going to do? Yeah. Yeah, because C-section, you can't, like, hold. It was, yeah. You're in a lot of pain. Yeah, and you can't really, like, bend down, like, even, like, pick up your legs. Right. Oh, God.
Starting point is 01:12:13 Yeah. Yeah, I've heard, I mean, look, all of my friends and my sister. I have told me all of, I've been there for some of their birth stories. Like it's, it is, women are incredible. Yeah. I mean, true heroes. Yeah. It's pretty, pretty special.
Starting point is 01:12:27 Yeah, never thought I'd be wearing diapers. Yep. Doesn't every pregnant woman who has a baby wear after wear diapers? Do not cut that as a clip. I will, I will kill you. Hey, I, the editing's out of my hands. Just kidding. I'm just kidding.
Starting point is 01:12:44 Thank you for taking us along the ride with you through this whole thing. And I am really excited to see you lean into your feminine mom era. Yeah. And that doesn't mean you're not a boss at the same time. Exactly. You still are. Women can do it all. You can have both.
Starting point is 01:12:58 You can have more than two. You can be a boss while being a mom, while being confused, while being lost, while figuring out your life while wearing diapers. Ain't that the truth? Amen. I love it. Bye, everybody. This October, fear is free on Pluto TV, with horror movie collections from paranormal activity, The Ring.
Starting point is 01:13:25 You will die in seven days. Scream. And from dusk till dawn. This is my kind of place. And don't miss the man-made nightmares in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or the world ending chaos in 28 days later. There's something in the blood. All the scares. All for free. Pluto TV.
Starting point is 01:13:45 Stream now. Pay never. I'm Justin Sylvester and I'm Blakely Thornton. Join us for yestergays, the podcast where we break down the most pivotal pop culture moments in history and give them the queer love that they deserve. The things that got us riled up during dial-up. Those makeouts that should have been breakouts. And the drops that were cemented in pop. I'm talking Benefer.
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