The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Almost Famous In Depth: Jess Girod

Episode Date: March 16, 2023

We first met Jess Girod while trying to capture the heart of Zach Shallcross, but now Ben and Ashley are going IN DEPTH to find out more about one of our favorite contestants. Hear the story of how her mom thought she was being kidnapped when she went on the show.  And, Jess tells all about a private conversation she had with Zach just before everything ended between them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Eumanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble.

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Monica Patton. Elaine Welteroth. Learn how to get comfortable pivoting because your life is going to be full of them. Listen to these women and more on She Pivot's now on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Ben and Ashley I, almost famous in-depth. All right, we're back with an in-depth episode with one of, if not our favorite from this season, who, you know, was released before. She's the first, yeah, she's the first we personally know. That's true. Yeah, it's hard not to like somebody a lot.

you get to know them. We got Jess Gerard here with us. Just to kick us off, we've heard a rumor that you live in Florida. What part of Florida are you in? Yes. So I'm in Orlando, Florida. Ooh, nice. Do you go to Disney World and Universal on the Rag or not?

I am not a Disney girl. I actually really am not a fan of Disney. But why? Please tell us more. Probably political. My mom and sister are big Disney fans. And so when I was like probably in the middle school, maybe elementary school, I don't even know when they took me. It's like scarred.

Like my mom knows the story. They took me and it was like one of the parades. And they were like jumping up and down and screaming. And I was so embarrassed. I was like, oh my. And so from then on board, I was like, I won't go back. Like my mom and sister ruined it for me. I was like, I was like, you guys are jumping up and down at mascots, basically.

I was like, I can't do it. I really can't. Do you feel like this is a comment? feeling from a lot of people that live in Orlando? Honestly, a lot of people that live here, they really do. They have like annual passes. I'm a universal girl.

Like, I love Universal. I'll go there all the time. Like, it's roller coasters are fun. Like, it's, you know, it's active. You're doing stuff. But Disney, I'm just, it just feels off for me. I'm with you, Jazz. Universal over Disney when it comes to theme parks.

It's far more thrilling there. Maybe Disney for kids, but you can drink at Epcot. I know that. I've never drank at Epcot, but I hear it's epic. Yeah, it is. It is very fun. You know, Jess, I was just in Orlando a few weeks ago, playing in a golf tournament, which I talk about now all the time because that's all I ever want to do at Lake Nona.

Do you know where Lake Nona is? Yeah. Very nice. It's very nice. So, Jess, are you from Orlando? Yes, I'm from Orlando. Like, born, born and raised? Born and raised in Orlando.

Yep. And do you live at home still? So I was in West Palm for the past year. And then when I got on the show, my lease was up. So I was like, so I didn't re-sign it. So now I'm back. I've only been here for a few months. But just waiting, I was waiting for the show to end and move in with some girls. Story of our lives. Oh, yeah. I'm like, I'm not wasting money when I'm shooting a show. Yeah.

Ashley and I both have done the move back home with our parents during this stuff. It's great. It's the best. It's nice. It's comfortable, but it's also like I'm going crazy because when you live on your own and then you come back, you're like, now I'm back. But it's only temporary. So tell us about your family dynamic. Do you have any siblings?

What kind of household did you grow up in? Give us a picture of this. Yeah. So I have an older sister. She is six years older than me. she just turned 30 and my mom and my dad are divorced. They got divorced when I was going into high school. So I'm a lot closer to my mom.

I live with my mom. My sister moved out when I was like 11 or 12. So we definitely have a really good relationship, but very separate lives. When you're kind of that young and your sister's gone and dating and living with her boyfriend, you don't really see her that much. So, um, but I have a Puerto Rican family. Um, I'm 100% Puerto Rican. I don't look it and I can't speak Spanish, but my whole, my, my sister's first language is Spanish. Um, so growing up, she had a hard time learning English. So when I was born, my mom did the opposite and didn't speak as much Spanish in the house around me. So that I just grew up hearing more English. Um, but if you were to

meet my parents, like they have a strong accent, they look Spanish. They look at your, like, we get European a lot. Like, when we go to Europe, people think we're from there. My family's from there. So, yeah. So your family's close. You're closer with your mom. You're living with your mom currently.

You have grown up in the Orlando area. You went on to university, correct? I think I saw. Yeah. To Florida State. Is that correct? Okay. And then, I mean, you're not that far out of college at this point in your life.

So tell us about the little, like, gap between college and the show. What was happening? Why was the show, you know, perfect timing for you? Yes. So right after college, I moved to West Palm to go after my first job. I was actually doing recruiting, which is not what I intended on doing. But it was kind of fresh off COVID, getting. a job was really hard during my my graduation period um so i also went to south florida for my college

boyfriend at the time and um i really when i date someone um i don't date around i ever had dating out before i don't mean think i've even had like a like a one-time date i think every guy i've gone on a date with i actually becomes my boyfriend um that's a compliment to you they go holy moly i'm in Well, no, it's only been two times. So I'm very, like, intentional. And when I date and, like, if I fall for someone, like, I kind of just stick to it, which isn't always a good trait to have, honestly. So, which I've learned that now, but kind of moved towards South Florida for him.

And he didn't really want, like, I was like, you know, I want to be married by this age. And I want to do this and this. And, like, I'm going to live with my friends for this long. and then we'll live together, and he was very, very traditional and was like, that is, he was like, I'm not getting married until I'm like 30. And I was like, we're 23. Like, what? So we were very different people, but because I love so hard and, you know, I thought he's my person, I stayed longer than I should have. And when we ended up breaking up, I was a wreck. And I was just not well. And my friend signed me up for The Bachelor. And I actually got a call on his birthday.

no way yeah I swear like I'm not lying like on everything I was in my best friend I was in my best friend's room and I was like really upset because I was just like we weren't speaking and I was like it's just so weird to have a best friend and then you don't speak anymore and then I get a call and I actually declined it because I was like I don't know this area code and I got a text and I was like we just start screaming like we didn't speak for like five minutes you're just screaming and jumping up and down and I was like you know what this is a from God like even if I don't because at the point I was like there's no way I'm going on the show like they're not going to want me so I just remember being like this is just my sign that there's someone out there for me and I need to stop holding on to something that's not meant for me and then I came here so wow that's so cool that is wow so did you ever watch the show beforehand because a friend signed you up yeah no I have watched the show I've watched sprinkles here and there but the seasons that I've actually watched through from start to finish was Hannah B and Peters. Good seasons.

Yeah, those are really good seasons. Sorry, I didn't want to hear guys. It's okay. You're born in 1999. We are before your time. We know. It's okay. I'm hurt, but that's fine.

I'm sorry. Yeah, but yeah, those are the seasons I watched the most, but I watched sprinkled here and there. but um i just never really i know i know that on paper i am young and so there was no part of me that was like you guys like the bachelor would accept me so i just didn't think that and my friends obviously you know my biggest supporters and they were like just do it like why not and so my friend signed me up and the rest was history so you've um you've mentioned you know i don't think you're that young for this show. In fact, I don't think you're young to find love in general. I found my wife and met her when she was 24. Just had turned 24 actually. So now we're married and it's working out

pretty good. But you've mentioned a few times just about your faith. In fact, on a previous episode that you did with us, you mentioned that when you found out that charity was going to be the Bachelorette. You shared a devotional with her. That sounds like a big piece of your life, a big piece of what makes you you. Do you mind expanding on that a little bit? Yeah. So in high school, I was a youth group leader. That was pretty much all I did. I was very dedicated to my church. And, you know, I never drank in high school. I didn't go to really any parties and I kind of I think that's kind of why my personality is the way that it is today because of that experience.

So good or bad to whoever, whatever people's opinions are, but that was just my perspective. And, you know, my faith isn't perfect. It's rocky. And, you know, I question God all the time. But I am a woman of faith and I do believe everything happens for a reason. I believe it was God's plan for me to be here. And, you know, I do get a lot of comments about my age. And, you know, all I can say to that is, like, I don't think age means anything.

And I think it's how it's when you're ready. And, I mean, I am ready. I would never put myself in this position with the amount of, like, hate you can get from this experience, warranted or not. And so, you know, I'm kind of a sensitive person, and I wouldn't put myself in that position. But what I liked about The Bachelor was, you know, because I don't really date around, I'm terrified to. And you don't know a man's attentions. They won't be upfront with you about it, obviously. When are they?

And with The Bachelor, like, you know that man is ready. You know what he's looking for. You know what he wants. So I think with this experience, I was like, that's so refreshing to, meet someone that is ready for that because how often do you find a 26-year-old man that can confidently say he wants to get engaged in a month or two, you know? So it was definitely something that I was very intrigued and interested in. It's interesting you say this. I wonder if you can at all relate. I told Ashley this before, but before I was on the Bachelorette, I was working a job

out here in Denver. I wasn't dating. I didn't really have any friends. But I didn't know what to do about saying yes or no to going on the show. And so I just said a simple prayer. I said, God, if this is not meant to be close one door, let my friendships tell me not to, my family tell me not to, or my workplace tell me not to. And all three of them flew the door wide open. Like, did not stop me. They said, take a sabbatical. You can keep your insurance. Go ahead. have fun my family's like this is super exciting and cool for you and my friends are like it'll be funny to watch you um and so and then i find myself on the show did you pray or did you consider this or was just did this just seem right as soon as they asked oh yeah i struggled with with it so so

much i mean like it's it would depend on the day you'd ask me if i was going to do it or not i one day would be like yes one day i'd be like no um i think part of that was protecting myself of rejection if, you know, that if the franchise decided to go a different direction and not include me and I didn't want to get my hopes up. I think the other part was also, you know, is this God's plan for me? Like, this requires me possibly quitting my job. This requires me not resigning a lease and coming back home. This, you know, when I'm just starting my career. So it was a lot of things that I was having to really think about. And my family has never watched this show before my mom had no idea what what this was when i flew for my interview my

mom was like terrified i was going to like be kidnapped and she didn't think it was real um so i was very very solo and independent with figuring this out of course i had my friends and obviously your friends are going to they're living through you and they want you to do it but when you have your friends saying yes and your family saying this is really scary for me i had to turn to God a lot of times to just figure out okay like take out all the outside noise what is meant for me like what direction should I go because I'm risking so much but before the show I knew I had so much growing to do whether it was loving myself whether it was speaking up more or you know all the things I knew I had to do that I knew I had to you know put myself out there because it takes me

a while to do that and I was just like what's the worst that could happen um I'm going to leave stronger than I was before so yeah they kind of did kidnap you and in a way like you kind of just disappear for three months or two months or ever longer there I I was honestly I was like if I am kidnapped to like my mom is right like that's you show up and live in a house that you can't talk to anybody outside of it. Yeah, you're right. That's, like, kind of scary. You have to make sure you say,

mom, dad, I am with the producer. They have a nice hotel room ready for me. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Oh, wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon.

This person writes, boyfriend has been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now, he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone. Now, hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That sounds totally inappropriate. Well, according to this person, this is her boyfriend's former professor, and they're the same age.

And it's even more likely that they're cheating. He insists there's nothing between them. I mean, do you believe him? Well, he's certainly trying to get this person to believe him because he now wants them both to meet. So, do we find out if this person's boyfriend really cheated with his professor? or not. To hear the explosive finale, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency

Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. Hi, I'm Janica Lopez and in the new season of the Overcover podcast, I'm taking you on an exciting journey of self-reflection.

Am I ready to enter this new part of my life? Like, am I ready to be in a relationship? Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my time? I wanted to be successful on my own, not just because of who my mom is. Like, I felt like I needed to be better. or work twice as hard as she did. Join me for conversations about healing and growth. Life is freaking hard.

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Jess, you are also a believer in Taylor Swift. You mentioned it in your ABC bio, and you have that amazing moment when you were doing the witchcraft in Europe about, what did you say? You said things you really love, is that what it was? And you said Taylor Swift? So was Zach everything you'd want in a Taylor Swift song? Oh, you know, I think he's everything that I wanted him to be, but I don't think Taylor Swift approved for me.

Doesn't mean he's not Taylor Swift approved for whoever he could be with. But for me, I think I need more sparks flying. Okay. Oh, great pun. I was going to say, like, is he kissing in the rain and all of those dreams from true? Are you glad that you saved those moments for another guy? Yeah. I mean, the big question there then, the follow up to that would be, you know, when you heard Zach was going to be, when you were asked to be on the show, did you know Zach was going to be the Bachelor?

You know, when I was interviewing, I know that the talk was like, pretty, it was like between like four guys. I actually have a video or a photo of I went to my best friend's house. I didn't even get my flight yet. They announced, I don't know if it was Final Rose. I don't remember how they announced it was Zach. But at that point, I still didn't know. It wasn't confirmed. And there was this photo of me sitting on the ground looking at the TV, like waiting for

Jesse to like announce who it was. And it's so sweet because it's like, you know, before I even knew anything. And I'm glad my friend. everyone should have a friend that captures these like candid moments but so it's a sweet memory to have but I had no idea who it was gonna be I was definitely hoping it was Zach but it was never confirmed I feel like charity there was like talk here and there and um but with Zach like I think there was multiple people that they were talking about so I didn't know and then literally find out it's him and then a day or two later I get on a flight and I'm gone so it was very quick and also exciting because

I was like, I don't want to like sit here and like Google him and anything. I want to just go and meet him. Did you have a backup pick? Like it wasn't going to be Zach? Who else did you want it to be? Not necessarily. I don't really go for. I know this is cliche and I feel like everyone says this, but I don't really go.

I don't have like a type necessarily. It's more so just personality and how someone makes me feel and like I would need to be comfortable. So it was, I was hoping it was him because he had kind of a calming, sweet presence. And he is like physically someone that I would go after. But I was open to any other of the options for sure. Before we wrap up with you, I know that we talked about it during the Women Tell All episode that we had you on. But I think we should talk about it again. Just like, you know, your, your moment, which was you talking to Zach about the one-on-one and how you hadn't had one and how that made you upset and it made you feel like you couldn't

open up to him because you needed that extended period of time because like you told him you're like I get really nervous with guys that I like and I can relate to that so much like I need so much warm up time to really show my true self and I think on The Bachelor it was frustrating and just like in life it was always frustrating for me because it was like I get so clamped up when I would be around a guy that I liked but I was like a place. please, please let him give me enough chances and enough time for my real personality to come through. So was there anything besides what we saw on TV that you wanted to discuss about your relationship with Zach and just that night? I mean, of course, conversations were

shortened, but every conversation we had, like he was very, very reassuring. leading up to our breakup, we did have a private conversation where he did address his concerns about, like his hesitations about my nerves and me not being vulnerable. And that was when I was, it was still the same kind of misunderstanding that we had in our breakup, but it kind of like sparks that idea and going into of like, okay, like, I see where he's coming from, like, let me work on it. that Estonia, which date was very uncomfortable for me because I am Christian and I've never practiced witchcraft. And, you know, I kind of looked at it as like, this is a really cool

experience to learn about the Estonian culture and, you know, all that stuff. And when I was going into that conversation with Zach, I was going to open up about my faith. And I did. I talked about me being a Christian. And I think that's when he mentioned he was Catholic. And I was trying to get more into that and then it switched on over right to our conversation so you know it was tough because i felt like i was trying to be vulnerable and you know give him what he what we previously discussed and um so i thought that's kind of like the biggest part that like no one really got to see was it i was really really trying and that added to my confusion of like i'm confused why this is happening.

I would say talking about religion is definitely an intimate conversation. Yeah, I thought it was. Yeah, and you were confused because it felt like, what, there was a disconnect, like there wasn't an intrigue or interest back from his side? Not necessarily. I didn't go into that expecting, like, I didn't, you know, even though as a Christian you should be dating someone that is strong in their faith. honestly every man I've dated hasn't been but I wasn't going into that trying to get that out of him

I just wanted him to you know understand why that witchcraft date was a little bit weird for me and kind of get insight of like oh well this is why it was weird for me let me explain to you and I did have a conversation with the witch privately and we talked about my confidence and I was really excited to share that with him when the when the kindleight went out we got to discuss I was talking with the witch and she told me, you know, it might go out sometimes, but when you relit it, it's the start of a new chapter. And I was excited to share that with him, you know, after we had a private conversation that about, you know, our relationship. And I was excited to be like, well, now there's a new chapter that we can, we can start on. And so it was, it was definitely

tough because I was trying to get there. And then the disconnect that we had from that private conversation led into it so okay so this brings up a whole other thing it brings up a theme why does that get so freaked out when there's some sort of disconnect you're always going to disconnect with anybody even the most perfect person for you you're going to have an argument where you don't see eye to eye that doesn't mean you should just let the person go do you feel like this is a trend um i mean yeah as a no i mean i feel like you know the disconnects that he's had with other women i don't know if he necessarily sent them home right away because of it i think it added to it um i think kind of like what i was saying before was he could have been more sensitive

but he already knows that that's like if he knew i wasn't his person you know why continue on and maybe he just wanted to get right to the point. But I definitely, he could have been more sensitive for sure. But Jess, it's weird because then later on that night, you walk into your one-on-one conversation with him, and he says, I'm really confident about us. Then you have the meat of the sandwich. And then at the end, on the other side of the bread,

he goes, I'm not confident anymore. Goodbye. Yeah, it's a very strange situation. You know, I don't think in reality, I even caught on him saying that or else I probably would have been like you just said that honestly but I think it's funny because later that episode

he goes on that one one with Ariel and he said this time together is what like I got to know you more and like you're awesome and it's I remember watching that like yeah like that like me too and any other women too like that's what happens when you spend time with people you get to know them and you fall for them or you don't

and I think for me it was one of those things where it was like, I, like, I really thought me and Zach would click, so it's like, give me that time to show you more of me if that's what you want to see. But when it was happening, I was like, I'm not going to beg for you to understand my perspective. If you don't want to understand it, like, that's on you. Like, I'm not going to sit here and keep trying to make you understand. Well, I think at that moment, you inspired a lot of girls. Just by saying the line, like, I'm not going to beg for your, what did you say? I'm not going to beg for your what? I'm not going to beg for you, I think so I said.

Yeah. And you're just not going to beg for him to see what you're trying. Like, you're just not going to fight. Yeah. There's a difference between fighting for somebody and then like begging for someone. I was actually scared when I said that because I was like, does he want me to beg for him? Like, I don't even know. So I was like nervous, but it's what I don't know.

It's what I felt. Well, if he did want you to beg for him, he ain't worth it. So you did all right. You did okay. Thank you. Well, you know, for as limited amount of time as Zach took advantage of spending with you, we have been able to spend a lot of time with you. And it's been awesome to get to know you.

And I think the future is very bright for you. Again, I said earlier, I think we're going to see a lot of you on television. And it's going to be awesome to see your story play out. So as we sit here now, Women Tell All has aired. We don't know if you're going to be. going to be on TV again. Your time on The Bachelor franchise up until this point is done. Who knows what happens in the future? What is next for you? As you sit here today, what have you learned about yourself? What are you looking forward to in the future? What is next for Jessica?

Yes. So I am really focused on my career right now and moving. Which is what? I don't think we've mentioned it yet. What is your career? Yeah. So I do merchandising, e-commerce merchandising. So working for, you know, big corporate companies and kind of like, you know, buyers, it's like a pure fashion merchandising, basically. And then I also do marketing on the side for a small company. So kind of just in the direction of just the fashion industry. But I love Florida. I would love to raise a family here. But I feel like I want to continue to push myself out of my comfort zone and as of right now my goal is to move to california i've only been there for this show so i but i've always wanted to go and i've always wanted to live in like a cute little small beach town um i don't

only think l.a's my vibe but definitely somewhere that's just like yeah like a small beach town so that's my goal a few of us on the show want to move together um so right now just kind of figuring out how i can get myself there um but you know the world's my oyster so wherever i end up i'm sure i'll make of it. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Oh, wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon.

This person writes, my boyfriend has been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now, he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone. Now, hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That sounds totally inappropriate. Well, according to this person, this is her boyfriend's former professor, and they're the same age. And it's even more likely that they're cheating.

He insists there's nothing between them. I mean, do you believe him? Well, he's certainly trying to get this person to believe him because he now wants them both to meet. So, do we find out if this person's boyfriend really cheated with his professor or not? To hear the explosive finale, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Emanzor. And I'm Drew Phillip. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom.

If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now.

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From a very rural background myself My dad is a farmer And my mom is a cousin So like it's not What do you get when a true crime producer Walks into a comedy club I know it sounds like the start of a bad joke But that really was my reality nine years ago

I just normally do straight stand-up But this is a bit different On stage stood a comedian With a story that no one expected to hear Well 22nd of July 2015 A 23 year old man had killed his family. And then he came to my house.

So what do you get when a true crime producer walks into a comedy club? A new podcast called Wisecrack, where stand-up comedy and murder takes center stage. Available now. Listen to Wisecrack on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Should I do five random questions for fun?

I was hoping you did. Here's an interesting. I'm just, I'm interested in this question, mostly personally. Most people maybe wouldn't be. But your faith is so much of who you are. You've talked about it a lot. You've gone into detail. You mentioned it to Zach.

Coming off this show now has, has, what are the big questions around, around you and your relationship with God and what this was all about. Do you have any questions swirling around your head or do you feel pretty peace of mind about all this experience? Oh my gosh. I always have questions. You know, I think a question I've had before and after the show is like, do I need, like, should I stop going after men that aren't of faith?

and also like who am I to make that judgment if my faith is not at its best place as it used to be that's like one of my questions for myself that I struggle with and I think this franchise really really likes big personalities and I'm not going to cry so I don't want to cry. I don't know why I'm crying on a podcast. No, it happens a lot. I get it. We've all been there. I've cried many times here.

You're fine. This is a very cryable space. Wow. Anyway, so this franchise really likes really big personalities. And I never thought that not having that would be a fault. so it's been a lot of like although like you know looking back on the show I've loved myself in terms of with like men and stuff but like not begging and I'm proud myself for that but also there's another take of um like is there like a fault and should there be a fault of not being a big TV personality and does that make me not worthy enough so it's like it's it's been a lot you know just just being a girl, I'm going in my own head and stuff. But so that's a lot of conversations that I'm having of just like figuring out like what I bring to the table and like it being enough.

Well, you know, the worst thing anybody can do is tell you how you should feel or tell you what's wrong or right here. But I think if you did watch my season back when you were probably in middle school, you would see that you and I are. very similar and that you would see that you and I both were probably not made to be on TV. But here's a piece of advice I want to share with you. And I don't know if it's going to help or hurt. There's two things that have been said to me since my time on the show that have changed the way I see what's next. The first is from the former host of the show, Chris Harrison. We get off the show and we're sitting at a bar. I've shared this story many times. Long story short, we're having a glass of whiskey. And he goes, Ben, what is this all about for you? Like, what are you going to do with this?

the world is your oyster. You have just been the bachelor. What are you going to do with it? I was like, man, I don't know. I'm not made for this, right? Relevancy feels exhausting to me. And the spotlight is at times very anxiety driven for me. I don't know what this looks like. And he said, okay, here's my piece of advice. Use this thing that you just did to enhance the life you've already had, not change your life completely. The second piece of advice was for my best friend. Because I was asking the same questions that you were asking yourself right now. I was feeling very insecure about the fact that I was not the biggest personality and that some would say I was boring and that some would say that, you know, I wasn't made for this.

And I wasn't. He said, Ben, this whole thing has never meant to be about you. It's always meant to be about something bigger. I took the pressure off and it's changed everything I do. And so take it, leave it. I think you were made for it. And I think there's a reason that you're on this show. And I think the reason is for who you are and not for who you can become or what you're

going to change into, just for who you are. So to get to know who you are a little bit better, Ashley always ends this in the most fun way. Oh, my gosh. Yes, you are the sweetest. You're the sweetest and your personality, it's shown. It's shown here on these podcasts and in your moments on The Bachelor. So just want you to feel really good at yourself. It's not expecting to tear up.

But thank you. Jessica, I bet 85% of our in-depth, we either cry or the guest cries in. Like, I just want to, you know, that's like very common. I mean, they feel better. It does not make me feel weird. In fact, I go, finally, like, we're getting some real stuff here. We're not talking about dating. on TV like we're getting to know her yeah yeah it's very fulfilling when we're like not talking

about sex week yeah yeah okay all right fun fact time if you had to choose a celebrity lead to have led your season besides Zach what guy would you want it to be okay well I have one guy from Bachelor Nation, but I will take that to me crazy. No, that's the next question. That's who do you want to see in Paradise? Oh, I'll answer that one next. So the lead, I would say, oh, I don't know. She has no celebrity crushes, but she does have Bachelor nation crushes. I don't think I'll say the Bachelor one because he would never go. But I would say, maybe like, Harry Styles. Okay, good answer. Such an ease.

It's the same answer my wife would give. It's the same answer. Jeez, he's hot right now. There's a guy from the last, or no, Vikings Valhalla. I don't know his name, but he is so cute. I don't know his name, but he's like, I don't know. I think he's Scottish or something. But I'm like, he might be the most handsome man I ever met, but I didn't know his name.

Because that would have been different. I just finished that show. And I know exactly what you're talking about because I pointed him out to my wife. I was like, isn't that dude? handsome? Like is that dude? Oh yeah. I got you know who I'm talking about. So that guy. Yeah. Isn't that easy looking? Okay. Okay. I feel like you're saying that it's Tyler C that you would like to see in paradise and that you don't think would ever come. I mean, every girl would say that. Like, he's, he's a cutie, you know. Yeah. And he is unlikely to ever come. I don't know.

Maybe. Okay. Well, will you be up front with us if you do meet so-and-so in paradise? you would never go well I mean you really like your pick would never go you're saying never ever go oh I mean I am so excited to me any guy that goes to paradise she's so good okay okay okay a more answerable answerable question for you what is your favorite Taylor Swift album oh easy folklore oh folklore so you like more off beat one I like very like very like, you know, sweet, slower songs. But my friends think I'm in my reputation era. So that's, I might be, that might be my album right now. I mean, that moment that you had was pretty reputational. Yeah. I feel like Taylor Swift is very close to starting her own religion.

Like the way that Ashley talks about Taylor Swift music. Well, I know you also believe in Taylor Swift. Oh my gosh. The amount of girls that have DM me over me saying Taylor Swift, like, yeah. Girls have been like, I love you. because you love Taylor Swift, and I'm like, I'm glad that's the reason. Thank you. I'm always like, when people tell me that too, I'm like, but don't we all? Like, does that make me

unique? I feel like it makes me like less unique because she's my favorite artist. I feel pretty basic, but if I find someone that doesn't like Taylor Swift, I'm like something's wrong with you, but all right, to each their own. Okay. How about this question? How do you feel about mustard on pancakes? Would you eat them? No. I would never eat that. what is your favorite food um i love seafood so i think i'm still trying to figure out my favorite food because you know that trend where it's like what would you eat on your like death row like what would your death row meal be where you pick last food i don't know my answer to that is different every time but what's always consistent is sushi i love sushi

love sushi too prison sushi sounds really good Yeah, I probably would request, like, an ice cream Sunday or something. Okay, sounds good, sounds good. So then when you were going through your suitcase while you were at the mansion and while traveling, how did you pick which dresses to wear when? Oh, gosh. You know what? Honestly, I picked my worst every time because I didn't think he was like, I was believing

what he was telling me. So I was like, I'm fine. So that was like my biggest thing. When I came home, I was like, I didn't get to wear my favorite dresses because I literally, like, I was so thrown off. Oh, Jess. I'm more heartbroken for you now. I know. And it's funny because everyone tells you, wear your best first.

Yeah. I feel nothing. It's funny that you feel for her. I feel nothing. I'm like, that makes sense. She had a good strategy. It didn't play out. We're fine.

No, she did. She had a great strategy with the amount of reassuring he did with her. yeah you definitely go best first yeah i there's a funny story so the night that i went home a woman's intuition is everything the night that i went home i knew i was getting sent home i had like obviously i was still blindsided i know people were like how are you blindsided but then you knew you're going home we're women that's what happened so i was like something's gonna happen tonight and i actually wore cat's dress and i wanted to wear the dress that i was saving for a one-on-one and i was like no but i'm going to save that for the one-on-one i'm not going to wear that tonight

I was like I'll wear your dress tonight and I remembered like in my interview I was like I don't want to take this off like I was like I don't want to wear it and like we had to leave and they're like you have to keep it on let's go and I was like I don't want to wear it I was like I'm going to get dumped in this dress

and then I got dumped in the dress and I was like I should have worn my one-in-law dress like damn how did you get it back to her um you hand it off to a producer yeah yeah all right that seems easy Okay. My final question is a two-parter. Which of your bachelor castmates would you feel would best help you survive on an island? I'm not asking you who you'd get along with best, but who would best help you survive? Katie? Why is that? I just, well, I love her, so I would never get annoyed with her on an island alone. And she just, I just, she really just knows so much. She's so knowledgeable.

Her aerial, actually, I feel like they both are very, very knowledgeable. And I feel like, you know, they would know how to survive and they would know some tricks up their sleeves. I don't know. Okay. Who would flounder? Who do you definitely not want to be because you be the one pulling all the way? Kat. Okay.

Why that? I think Cat would agree with me too. I think she knows that she would not, I think she would be like freaking out and I would have to like, hit her with a coconut or something. All right, well, you are the cutest. Thank you for answering all your questions of being so vulnerable. Thank you. I appreciate it.

You spent a lot of time with us and we were thankful for it. Again, if you didn't catch Jessica breaking down the woman to all with us, that's in a previous episode. You can find that in our feed as well. This has been an in-depth episode. And we're very thankful that you did it. We wish you the best. you can always have a place to come back to here will be kind, I promise. Not that you'll ever

have a reason for us not to be. Definitely not. But these next few months for you are going to be incredible. We're excited to watch them. Until next time, I've been Ben. I've been Ashley and I've been Jess. Bye. Follow the Ben and Ashley I, almost famous podcast on IHeartRadio or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you.

But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen. now.

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

Listen to Wisecrack on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If a baby is giggling in the back seat, they're probably happy. If a baby is crying in the back seat, they're probably hungry. But if a baby is sleeping in the back seat, will you remember they're even there?

When you're distracted, stressed, or not usually the one who drives them, the chances of forgetting them in the back seat are much higher. It can happen to anyone. Parked cars get hot fast and can be deadly. So get in the habit of checking the back seat when you leave. A message from NHTSA and the Ad Council. Have you ever wished for a change but weren't sure how to make it?

Maybe you felt stuck in a job, a place, or even a relationship. I'm Emily Tish Sussman, and on She Pivots, I dive into the inspiring pivots of women who have taken big leaps in their lives and careers. I'm Gretchen Whitmer, Jody Sweetie. Monica Patton. Elaine Welteroff. Learn how to get comfortable pivoting because your life is going to be full of them. Listen to these women and more on She Pivots. Now on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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