The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Almost Famous In Depth: Justin Glaze

Episode Date: December 27, 2022

Ashley sits down with Justin Glaze from Katie Thurston’s season to hear the real story of what happened during his time on The Bachelorette.  Hear secret stories from Paradise, his stance on a major feud in Bachelor Nation, and find out which former Bachelorette he has his eye on!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.

Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your... free iHeartRadio app search emergency intercom and listen now let's start with a quick puzzle the answer is ken jennings appearance on the puzzler with a jacobs the question is what is the most entertaining listening experience in podcast land jeopardy truthers believe in i guess they would be kenspiracy theorists that's right to give you the answers and you still blew it the puzzler listen on the eye Art, Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I always had to be so good, no one could ignore me. Carve my path with data and drive. But some people only see who I am on paper. The paper ceiling. The limitations from degree screens to stereotypes that are holding back over 70 million stars. Workers skilled through alternative routes rather than a bachelor's degree. It's time for skills to speak for themselves.

Find resources for breaking through barriers at tetherpaperceiling.org. Brought to you by Opportunity at Work and the Ad Council. This is Ben and Ashley I, Almost Famous in Depth. Hey, everyone. Welcome to the Almost Famous Podcast. Unfortunately, Ben isn't here today, but I am joined by two wonderful men that Andrew Spencer and Justin Glaze. And we are going to do something fun today. It's Andrew and I.

He's going to be my host. And we are going to interview one of his best friends, Justin Glaze, for a mini in-depth podcast. And Andrew, I know that you want to like kind of maybe do this for a living. You want to do some entertainment reporting and some hosting and stuff. So this is your chance to like really show your chops. Let's do it. Show us something. All right.

Well, you know what? I am going to take the first question. It's always hard to start these in-depth. we can either do go one of two routes justin we can really start with the beginning of your bachelor journey or we can start with the beginning of your life well which one would you prefer let's go chronological let's start with my life okay great so so tell us like were you born in baltimore which is where we know you from born and raised in baltimore haven't ventured too far from the nest um i'm looking at actually getting out of baltimore love baltimore great city that will always be home um i need to i need to

change, you know, and I've been going back and forth between New York and L.A. So I think we might pull the trigger on dabbling in L.A. for a couple of months at the beginning of the year to kind of test the waters. And then from there, if I love it, I might, you know, stay for a year. But eventually in my life, I will live in L.A. in New York at some point. Okay. That's great. But do you find yourself wanting to settle down in Baltimore? Were your family around? You know, I could see, yeah, I mean, family's a huge part of my life. My friends are there as well. So, you know, I always say, you know, I want to venture out and kind get the experience of some of these bigger cities, but I could always see myself coming back.

But I'm also the type of person where, you know, if I meet somebody and they're strongly rooted and need to be in wherever they, you know, grew up, I'm open to go on wherever. I don't know if I'd pull in Akron, Ohio type of thing. Like Daniel. Like a Danielle in my, you know what I mean? That's love, love. You know, I'm down to go wherever. Obviously staying on the East Coast close to friends of family would be ideal, but kind of a free bird,

you know. Nice. Okay. So I know that you, you know, you want to move to L.A. or New York, but you're not really, like to jump into like the influencer life. I'm sure you're going to like want a little of that, you know, get the doors open a little bit more easily given the positions that you guys are in. But like you are in finance.

Yeah, no, I, um, most people think I'm just like a full-time artist. I thought you're a full-time artist. This is what I asked me at dinner the other night because I saw that really cool mural that you did at Raven Stadium. And I thought like, oh, this guy like definitely does this at for a living. Yeah. No, it's crazy. So that started, um, I, I do.

work in finance full time. But the whole art thing, you know, I've been drawing and painting since I was like four or five years old. And my mom was an elementary school teacher. And she's like the most caring, like attentive mom ever. And so she was like, you know, everyone's like, my baby's so good. She was like, no, like this kid. She was like, he's like five years old. Like, why is he drawing like this? So she took some of my art into her art teacher at her school. And she was like, am I crazy or is like, my son kind of like good? And she was like, no, like for five he's really good. So they got me into all these like advanced programs, I guess that exists for five-year-olds. And I was in like all these art competitions, stuff like that and just stuck

with it, you know, through high school and college and beyond. And it's always just kind of been like a really nice outlet for me. You know, I just throw some music on and go at it. And then it turned into something that, you know, could be lucrative for me. So I kind of, you know, I do a lot of commission stuff, like the Ravens in Coca-Cola. But yeah, it's just like a hobby and passion of mine. But finance is, you know, the nine to five. as they said. And your parents are still together. They've been together for over 30 years. Yeah. So how did that play as like kind of a model for you going into the bachelor journey and just dating in general? Yeah. I mean, I think they, they've been very influential in a number of ways. You know, they are very, I always like I'm very different than a lot of my family in the sense that, you know, I'm more of the risk taker, like the calculated risk take.

And they're more private people. You know, it's crazy, you know, fast-forwarding to The Bachelor when they didn't come. People were like, oh, my God, they're so unsupportive. Like, there's that. And it's like, it was in the middle of COVID. They both work. You know, they had to quarantine for eight days.

They don't want to be on TV. And it's like people couldn't conceptualize that that's a possibility, right? They just don't want to be on TV. But they're, so they were very skeptical about, you know, the whole process. But then being together and being able to see them kind of stick through everything for over 30 years, you know, just. gave me like a very realistic example of what a relationship can be and you know my standards have been risen because of that and so when I go into these shows I take it very serious and

you know I to a fault I'm somewhat too much of a realist at times where I'm like you know what I mean like I know it's a show but like I'm also like these are my expectations so I take it super serious but this is a super long-witted answer by the way but but it's been a really good model for me to see what it takes to have you know success and longevity in a relationship because marriage isn't easy and there are going to be really tough times. And, you know, Paradise isn't really like a microcosm of what a real relationship is because that's when it's easy, right? But a real relationship gets tough.

And so I guess I know what it, like, I feel like I know what it takes. And that's what I look for. Like, you know, how do you handle adversity? That's one of the first questions I asked Genevieve, you know, how do you handle adversity? Because it's very important to me. I've been in relationships where that wasn't great. And I know that there's going to be adversity in relationships. and I just look for somebody that can, you know, stick through it and, yeah.

Sorry, that was like a, it's good. It's good. As a man, how has the Bachelor, Bachelorette changed you in a way? It's changed me in a lot of ways. I always say one of the biggest ways. I used to be somebody who probably cared a bit too much what people thought. And, you know, I would always try to appease people and kind of conform to what I thought they wanted from me. And going on the show, you know, when you put yourself out there, you kind of got to just like let go, right? You can only control what you control and people are going to formulate opinions and have things to say, you know, whether they love you or they dislike you. It's you can't control it. You can't make everybody happy.

And it's kind of allowed me to just take a step back and just like, you know, it's all good. You know, like, I know who I am. The people closest to me know who I am, and that's what matters most. And it's allowed me to just kind of, like, be myself fully, you know, and just let go. I want to focus a little bit more when it comes to the show on Paradise, since it's way more recent than Katie's season. But just to talk a little bit about Katie season, what was funny is, like, I don't know if I've ever seen a runner up in a position that you were in. Because, like, there was, you probably included, we're watching you. And there's a lot of people being like, this guy is in the position to propose right now.

He could be meeting with Neil Lane. And it was a lot of that was because you're top four. And I don't even think we saw a ton of you being that you were a top fourer. Correct. But we, in addition to that, saw you basically there by default. Correct. So like, how were you feeling in this situation? Yeah, I don't know if they showed this part or not, but I had just come off of my hometown.

my New Mexico hometown and you know they called me and Blake your hometown where your parents weren't there which now we understand why meet the friends I'm like okay

we're doing that too soon yeah okay I'm rattled no so they called me it's literally like a day or two after my hometown

and they're like all we're going to have you and Blake do a man chat and this one had no clue Michael I had left no clue Greg had left And, you know, I'm a very aware guy. I'm like, ah, those are their front runners, right?

Like, you know, in my head, I'm thinking Andrew was top four, but you were top five? You were five? Yeah, I sent it back in. Wow. In a way, I was four. Why is that? I don't even know if I'm like contractually. Yeah.

Like, it's, in a way he was four, I'm just, it's my head going to speculate that perhaps like Michael and him left at similar times. okay well we won't get on their bad side all right go ahead go ahead so anyway they call me in for like a man chat you know what I thought was going to be a man chat I thought Michael and Greg were still there

so they sit us down maybe Greg left before who knows okay yeah and so Caitlin Bristow comes in and she's like so I want to let you know that Michael A is no longer here and I'm like Greg's about to win and then she's like but there's more

and she goes Greg has also left and I'm sure the camera pan to my face at that point I am stuck and wait can you for the camera for our Instagram audience see the face that you must have made

to Caitlin I think it was probably more extreme than that you see the sweat starting to drip down my face and I'm just like stuck and so she goes so Blake how do you feel about this and Blake's like oh you know

this is where I expected to be you know this is where I want to be I had my eyes set on being here this whole time blah blah blah blah blah I was like and she's like so Justin how do you feel and I swear all I said was I'm stressed

I'm stressed Were you tempted to that moment be like well if they're gone then I am also gone Guys can I see myself at it Blake You got it. Like,

you got it. It's all you, buddy. No, I was in immediate panic mode. Yeah, panic mode. Yeah,

it was just down to over there. Okay, yeah. So then when you went on that date with her, like how awkward was that? It was super, well, I didn't even get it.

I got dumped before the date. You got done before the fantasy suite. Correct. But you did go on a little portion of the day, right? I got dressed and like interviewed for it and everything. And, That was during my hometown, but the poem, yeah. Pedal by pedal, layer by layer, I sure do.

So anyway, you know, Katie and I had this thing where, you know, how they hold, you know, you're going on a date. You know, she's got her squad with her, you know, cast has their squad. And you're like, go through all this stuff before you can kind of, like, run up and do the hooju stuff, the hug jump stuff, right? And so we would, the whoju, so we would always like, the hug jump. Oh, the hug jump. I thought that was a, they called that a. Um, what's the, uh, uh, a koala, the koala jump. Oh, I hear it was a koala jump.

You know what? I just thought it was a jump hug. I don't, a jump hug in which you guys have now made the, who juju. Who, that's what I heard. I don't know, okay, well, koala jump, whatever. I like koala jump, yeah. Because it is like a little bear wrap, like, yeah. Anyway, so we would always do this thing where, you know, we could see each other from a distance and, like,

we're getting the, we're waiting for the green light. And we would always kind of just, like, look at each other and, like, cut up and just be goofy, right? And so we're lining up, right? And I'm getting ready to go on. what I thought was my fantasy sweet date, like day portion, and I'm, like cutting up, messing around like we usually do, and she wasn't reciprocating. I was like, did you see me?

I'm like, eh, I'm like, you know what I mean? And she's like, not, she's just standing there. I'm like, this is weird. So I got a really like bad gut feeling. So my producer's right there and he's like, all right, go get her. And I was like, hey, man, like, should I like run over there? Walks, I'm like, I know this is going to, I'm going to look goofy. I'm like, if I run over here and I get, I'm like, I had a bad feeling.

So I was like, I was like, Hey, should I run over there? And the producer just turned his back and didn't say anything. I'm like, oh, God.

So I got like a little jog going. I'm like, and she wasn't coming towards me. It's like, I'm like, let me slow it down. And I get there. And she's like, oh, like, hey,

I'm like, hey, how are you? Like, you know, you look good, whatever. She's like, can we talk? Right to the hot. Dagger. Yeah.

But you felt a little relief? Well. You know, it was probably, everything happens for a reason. And it was, you know, it was probably good timing because, you know, I was at the point where I was like, okay, if we're going to take this next step, like, for me, it was no longer a, I'm trying to prove myself to Katie. Like, this is a two-way thing at this point, and you kind of got to prove yourself to me, you know, and I have some tough questions, some real-life questions that I need to ask and

vet this out to see if this is going to be right for me. You know what I mean? and I was very vocal about, you know, that was going to be my approach for the next couple of days or whatever until proposals. And so, you know, it all happened the way it was supposed to. But it still was kind of like,

even kind of expecting to not, you know, be the one, it's still hurt because, like, I did invest so much into her in that experience that it's just like, damn, like it still hurts, you know, when you go through all that. And especially, yeah, like, it's still hurt. Yeah. Just because, like, I'm the type of person, like, I don't give a lot of myself to just anybody or everybody, right? I'm very selective. And when I'm in it and I, like, I care, like, these guys know, like, I, like, I care, you know? And I really did put my best foot forward. So, yeah, it's not easy, but it was just like, I probably, probably for the best, yeah. 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

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or wherever you get your podcasts. then you're in that sticky spot being where you land where it's like, does he become a bachelor contender or does he go to paradise and he's like the guy in paradise? So how did that unfold for you? Yeah. I mean, I don't know if I'm like literally. You can. They're pretty chill about this.

So literally the next day, I couldn't leave New Mexico because they had to wait for Blake to finish filming because I couldn't go back home and spoil. that, you know, filming was wrapped up. So they literally put me in, you know, the Airbnb that Caitlin was staying at and kind of, I just hung out with a producer for like five days. Pretty typical of people who leave, like, second, third.

Yeah. So, you know, fully stocked fridge. Oh, it was, the place was dope, though. Pool, hot tub. Like, it was sick, yeah. And literally, the producer sits me down. The next day, he's like, how about paradise? I'm like, brother.

Like I'm still processing everything Like I literally like this sounds so corny But so I made a painting for two paintings for Katie And so you know They got the guys running my bags back and forth You know from the house to You know where I'm staying at now And like she returned the paintings

And she had wrote like a little note on the back of it And I remember like what she wrote just like hit me And I was like I'm gonna excuse myself And like I was up there like crying in the Airbnb And I'm just like dude I don't want to hear about Paradise right now You know what I mean? And he's literally like, we're sitting there, and he's putting on Paradise on the TV, like, trying to convince me to go.

I'm like, listen to me, I'm like, I just don't think this environment's for me. It's, like, a little bit more scandalous from what I've seen than what I think I'd be good for. Like, I don't think my personality suits paradise. Like, I'm just not, you know, I don't think I'm it. And he's just like, no, we need people like you. Like, I think you'd be great for it. Like, you know, you'd be the man. You know what I mean?

He's like, we have these plans for you. And, you know, when Mike Johnson was in contention for The Bachelor, we had him come in as, like, a later arrival and to kind of set him up for Bachelor. and we could do that for you and I'm just like I don't know like this is a lot for me um and I was just it was too much too soon um not only was it going to be weird because paradise was filming before our season aired which is a little different than usual right so I was like I don't feel like going here and re-explaining myself to everybody like different than usual I take that back usually the bachelorette has had two episodes if we're talking like old protocol usually the Bachelorette has had two episodes air by the time the cast leaves for Paradise.

Okay. But then in your cases, it didn't start until Bachelorette. You guys, you had weeks until their season would start airing. So you really didn't get like the life yet. No, right. So I was like, I don't have enough energy in me to just kind of reintroduce or explain myself to these people who don't know who I am. I was like, this whole process just took everything out of me.

Like I just, I don't want to go there and be like a shell of myself and just be that guy pounding in the corner you know um so they i mean they they called me every day for a week trying to get me to go and i was just like can't do it um but then but then you went and then you went with your friends from katy season i'm assuming that so many of you were maybe in contention for bachelor that they held you back or you guys just weren't interested so i'm going to let andrew take the mic and you guys can tell us exactly how this unfolded with you guys have the, all of you, Michael A, Michael A, you, um, and Andrew all not in paradise that year. Yeah. So we assumed that one of you would become bachelor. And then

there was Greg, which everybody, like, even though Greg left with like 50% of people liking him and 50% of people not liking him, he still felt like the runner, like the, um, the front runner. Yeah. Okay. So here, take the mic. Um, a lot of that, did happen i think i think we all kind of had talks um i think it was it started out first with michael a i think he was for sure guy um but i think i don't think he was ready to put his son really in that spotlight um that the bachelor has like bachelor and parents is different like you know um like there's a lot more time that you would be away being on the bachelor being the bachelor um so and you have to get him involved so i don't know that kind of fell through then it went down to

myself and then I talked and we had a couple chats and I signed still delivered I was I was like oh I think this might happen and then they talked to Greg and then Greg's in talks and I think they really wanted Greg to be the guy I just think that there's some things that just didn't line up right and you know just getting kind of a crowd feedback from it and like he said it was 50-50 so and I think Greg was still just working on himself at the same time I actually actually coming off of this like really just eventful season that he had um i think he just was like all right well i don't know i'm not even sure if i'm like really ready for that as well so i think that that just kind of fell through and then um i mean i was there i was like all right well what's going on and

then they're like oh we're going to we're going to take someone else i was like oh totally fine well actually they asked me to be on the shell season before they asked me to be the bachelor um but i was like i'm not doing another bachelor i'm like i'm not being blake moines here Sorry, I take digs at all my friends. I'm like, I'm not going to be Blake up in here. And I was like, there's no way I'm going on another season of The Bachelorette. And they're like, okay. And then like a couple of days later, I was like, I don't know why we didn't ask,

but would you like be interested in the bachelor? I was like, I mean, I'd be interested. But like, how like seriously we're talking. I're just like, you know, dangling me in front of my face. So that's kind of what I thought was, I thought it was me. I thought it was going to be me. I'm not going to lie to you. I thought I was locked in and it didn't happen.

It was totally fine. I even, like, took off from my job. Like, I was, like, starting work back in the school. I was in there. And then, like, I don't know. I don't want to just, like, up and leave you guys. So then I was just, like, I was pretty much a free agent just doing nothing for, like, a while after I didn't get it. And then, like, you know, I knew Paradise was coming around.

So I was like, well, I'm just going to gear up the Paradise. See if that'll work for me. You know, and I was just, like, clean nose making sure I was just like, you know, all of us. We just want to make sure that we were just doing everything right. we know how this world can easily turn on you and like uh just kind of like turn you into this oh he this or ticot and something comes out like oh this guy was with her her and he's this kind of guy so we're like no that's not going to happen our group you know we're going to stick together we're going to enjoy our time together um and if we're going to do paradise we're going to do it right

and we're not going to slide in a bunch of girls dms and you know talk to them like that we wanted to actually do i i i kind of like you know messed up with that obviously i i sent uh Teddy a New Year's message. I was there with him. I just was like, I was like, I'm going to manifest this. And I sent her a new year's like, hey, I know our paths were crossed at some point. And then that was pretty much it. And we shared like a nice couple things.

So then that's what really sparked the whole like, you know, Teddy Andrew thing going into paradise was off of that little conversation. Well, that's sweet. I like the fact that you did it on New Year's. There's something like romantic about that. I was romantic. It's so bad. I think like I'm living a rom-com sometimes.

It's probably my problem. No, it was my problem. But then look, everything turned out. Yeah, so just keep that mentality. It's not a toxic trip. Okay, well, now we have to beg the question. Why was Clayton chosen over one of you? And then, and then it's a follow-up question.

Then why was Zach chosen over one of you? Copy-paste. See, first of all, Rodney, Rodney should have been the guy, 1,000%. I'm sorry, like, Rodney was your guy. Or Mike Johnson, I think those two would have been great. But, you know, they pick in Clayton. I mean, I don't know them too much. It was a wild card for me because I didn't really see it, like on their season, on Michelle's.

They could have picked, like I said, Rodney again. So Rodney got screwed up twice. But I don't know. I mean, that's just kind of how they operate. I mean, everyone, you know, has, they, they have that job for a reason, you know, they feel like this is what's going to make the best. Yeah, and it's nothing, I mean, I don't know Clayton or Zach, they both seem like really great, nice guys, you know, so it's nothing.

And it sucks because, like, it's, it's nothing against them, right? But it's, it's just frustrating, you know, even taking a step back, just, you know, I guess as a contestant slash viewer now, us knowing, like, our personalities and, like, everything that goes on while you're actually filming. and then showing what they decide to air, it's like people want to see, like, the fun stuff, you know? Yeah. And it just feels like sometimes it's like literally like a copy paste, copy paste.

And it's like, split the script. Like, throw it all the way and start, like, you know, you're not giving people what they want to see, you know? People are tired of the same old, same way every season, like switch it up, you know? And it just felt like we kind of were in that influx where it's like, we need something to rejuvenate the franchise, right? And I think somebody like Rodney, like, it would have been a fresh new, you know, take. you know and I think he would have done a great job so you know it's even frustrating that not only

as a friend of his but as like a viewer now to be like damn yeah and it's actually really funny I was talking to someone yesterday like someone that was coming in they were like I think she was complimenting yeah she was like you guys you know you guys are just like really hot whatever and I was like I was like oh well it's the personality she's like yeah that's the thing it's like personality hot is so much better yeah I think that's what the bachelor needs it's They need a personality hot guy because, you know, a lot of the personalities from the former bachelors have not been very, very good. It's kind of dry. Yeah.

So I think in a way, like, that's what we're kind of missing is like some like a little bit of interest, you know. You know, we've all seen the six pack abs and the scruff. I think that's like, you know, it's kind of overdone. I think you want to make somebody laugh. Yeah. I just want to be goofy with somebody. Someone that's going to buy in and actually like cry because they really want to like, find this girl and want to create this connection where you're best friends but also like your

lovers at the same time that's the story i want to see yeah you know i feel like we don't see best friends out of the you know the girl and the guy it's just more so just like off of attraction and that's why they never work you know what i mean like we don't get to see like the personality side of these two you know growing together and being able to laugh together because i bet you guys laugh a lot together but yeah but like that's the thing it's like you know I think those are the things they're going to get you through all the hard times is that it's not going to be the sexual you know appeal right most of the time so I think that's what they're lacking and all these other shows have a lot of personality like you look at too hot to handle or they're just doing

reckless stuff but it's personality that's who they are like in the bachelor it's like Everyone's the same person. Okay, so who are you going to be this guy or this guy? You're going to be the, you know, I have abs and I look like this or are you going to be the shy guy? You know what I mean? It's like one of the, or you're the wholesome guy.

You know, I'm not just like a nice person. Like my personality, personality was not fully shown to the point where you would see, you know, me just being funny or, you know, even me just being serious. You know, a lot of the times I get like this super sappy kind of, you know, like, oh, he's just a, you know, he's a nice guy. this, this and that. Honestly, you know, like I said, I'm taking jabs at all my, like, it's not like I'm just a cookie cutter guy, you know, I think that goes for a lot of us. I'm just the face this guy. Yeah, we just get thrown into a box, you know, and this is who we are. So I think it's too hot to handle

and what's the other show? Love Island, they get this, you get to see who you actually don't like. And it's, it's crazy. Like people, I mean, I remember coming off of, coming off a Bachelorette, you know, literally it was just my faces. And then people saw all this hanging out. They're like, oh my God, like these guys have so much personality like shame on the producer for not showing I'm like this is what people want to see like you know like I'm saying with Greg and Greg oh he's sad with Greg and then like no great yeah yeah like this is like Greg is a goof you guys are expressing a lot of frustration that us who have been part of the franchise for a while feel all the time because there is so much funny content that is not shown and we see it

in the credits you know in the end but it's like oh no that wasn't even it that wasn't even it That wasn't even the funny stuff. It wasn't even the good stuff. But I will say, speaking of Greg, there was a credit part of one of the episodes you guys were on where you talked with the accent. The blue cheese. And it was absolutely hysterical. And I wanted to see more. I was like, that is a guy that like, yeah, like I can see how she likes him so much.

Exactly. Yeah. Oh, we could talk about this for so, so long. But let's let's get back to paradise. because it's just so frustrating that Zach's the Bachelor I sure he's a nice guy but what?

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 ADHD I 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 Overcomfit 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. 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.

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The Super Secret Bestie Club podcast season four is here. And we're locked in. That means more juicy chisement. Terrible love advice. Evil spells to cast on your ex. No, no, no, no. We're not doing that this season. Oh.

Well, this season, we're leveling up. Each episode will feature a special Bestie, and you're not going to want to miss it. Get in here! Today we have a very special guest with us. Our new super secret best see is The Deva of the People. The Deva of the People. I'm just like text your ex. My theory is that if you need to figure out that the stove is hot,

go and touch it. Go and figure it out for yourself. Okay. That's us. My name is Curley. And I'm Maya. In each episode, we'll talk about love, friendship, heartbreak, men, and, of course, our favorite secrets.

Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club as a part of the Marco Tura podcast network available on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. What would you do if one bad decision forced you to choose between a maximum security prison or the most brutal boot camp designed to be hell on earth? Unfortunately for Mark Lombardo, this was the choice he faced. He said, you are a number, a New York state number, and we own you. Shock incarceration, also known as boot camps, are short-term, highly regimented correctional programs that mimic military basic training. These programs aim to provide a shock of prison life, emphasizing strict discipline, physical training, hard labor, and rehabilitation programs. Mark had one chance to complete this program and had no idea of the hell awaiting him the next six months. The first night was so overwhelming.

and you don't know who's next to you. And we didn't know what to expect in the morning. Nobody tells you anything. Listen to shock incarceration on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I really think it's strange that Rodney didn't get Bachelor after that whole scene. Like the producers knew that that whole scene, that whole break. up scene was going to happen and then they went and picked Zach because it was very strange

who knows who's pulling the strings when we're speaking like we know the produce we know who our producers are I don't think that they are very in charge of the selection yeah I mean I think like cast producers think about a lot of things that we don't really take in account you know what I mean they're looking at so much other stuff that I probably don't even know analytically that we're not even like taking into account so I I give them the benefit of the doubt because they have been doing this for a long time you know they work in the business so it's so easy for us to be like oh yeah this guy should be this this guy this so I can't really tell off the jump you know what I mean so I don't know what they were looking at I just know just on a person basis

of knowing people Rodney is just an exceptional human being like and I think that would have been just great to watch because he's just such a good dude. Yeah, but I don't want to take it away from you guys too because you would have been really, really super good. Especially you could talk, you're like, I want a wholesome girl and I want my fairy tale rom-com. Like, that is a leading man right there. We should have given you your rom-com on ABC.

Okay, but Paradise. So you decide to go, Justin. Why did you decide to go a year removed? Yeah, so they started calling me again this year. and I was actually seeing somebody. So I was like, I think it's going to be a no again for me, guys. How serious was it? Probably like six months in.

That's pretty decent. Yeah. So, wait. Maybe five months in. Look, you're being honest, unlike Aaron. Uh, yeah. Aaron was on the podcast and tried to explain his way out of it. And we're like...

Were you just sitting there like... I was like, yeah, I was like, okay. And then it makes sense of this for me. And it makes sense for this. And he kept talking. He kept talking. Yeah. He means well.

He definitely... Do you know, you believe the girls, obviously, in Genevieve in the situation? I plead the fifth. I don't know. I'm such a big Aaron fan. He's so fun to hang out with. Yeah. He's a good.

good dude. He's a, he's a good dude. Yeah. I mean, I don't know. You don't know. I mean, you got to ask the girls, you know, not Genevieve, but the actual guy might have been with. We may have, we may have had some sources. Oh, really? But anyway, I didn't get into that with him and we're just teasing it right now. Okay, but Justin, yeah, so you're dating a girl.

Yeah, and it's crazy actually. So, I mean, this may, again, I'm going to give you more than what you're asking for. But yeah, so I was seeing somebody's cell. I was like, guys, I don't think so. And at the time, you know, this person was not part of bachelor's nation or anything. And it's kind of crazy how it all unfolded because we were doing like the Bachelor Live stuff, right? And they were starting to tease up. Like before they even asked me like, oh, they're shipping like Justin and so-and-so in Paradise. Like, like, and all these accounts are starting to put stuff out there. And this person that I was seeing was seeing it.

And it was, like, getting really, like, are you going? I was like, I told him, like, I have no interest in going right now. Like, I want to see where you and I go, you know. And she was getting kind of concerned, like a self-conscious, like, or insecure about, you know, whatever. And I'm like, hey, like, I'm not making these memes. I'm like, I'm, you know, like, I'm in this, whatever. And, you know, we ended up breaking things off. And I was like, you know what?

You know, if they call me again, I'm going to tell them, like, I'll go. And so, like, they kept calling it. they're persistent. So they kept calling. And I was like, there are people out there dying for that persistence from them. Yeah, I know. And then you're resistant of it. And I literally, and I remember talking to like the head guys. And I'm like, I still don't, I'm nervous. I was like, you guys know me and I don't know that I'd be good for this. And they're like, no, we need personalities like yours to balance out of other personalities. They're going to be really good for you. And I'm just, you know, sitting there looking through like who the potential,

women were that were going to be there and you know I think it really like if this guy wasn't going or any of my friends weren't going like I'd have been out you know um I knew I would have like you know if I didn't find love like at least I can like kind of hang out and have some you know yeah some good times whatever um so that was a factor as well and we I remember we called me like you know what should we just say screwing and do it you know like I'm at a point where I'm single now and why not um so yeah I did it cool. And who did you want to see there? Well. Besides your guys.

Yeah. No, I had a very short list. And it's so frustrating because when they called me, they were like, all right, what is it going to take to get you in paradise? And I was, they're like, who do you want to see? And I was like, well, she ain't going to be there. And they were like, who? I was like, I was like, you get Tasha on that beach. I'll be there tomorrow.

They were like, all right, we'll see what we can do. But obviously that was not. Have you slid into Tisha's DMs? Have you met her in real life? Oh yeah I mean she was co-host with us Oh yeah Yeah we've talked before Did you try to test the waters there?

Um No Yeah I haven't I haven't I haven't Nah When she was your host She was still in a relationship

Correct yeah No I think she's great Cool Let's try to set it up Yeah Look her brother up Okay Okay so she wasn't

That gonna come But so who else was on your list Yeah Yeah, so I had a very short list in no particular order. I was like, Genevieve, Sally, Eliza. All three show up. Yeah. That was my very short list.

And, you know, I, again, I had no strategy going into Paradise. So I remember I was on a podcast and they were asking me like, oh, are you looking forward to seeing? And I was like, I want to keep it close to the vest. Like, you know, because people were like almost claiming, you know, it's like, I don't want to put any pressure on the situation. I've never met, you know, two out of the three. never met Genevieve or Eliza, so I'm like, purely speculation. But I was like, again,

honest guy, I was like, I met Sally, you know, like, I know she's cool. So she was there. You made out in, in a stagecoach, right? And that was it. Right. So I was like, I've met this person so I can vouch for her and like personality. Be like, yeah, we, I think we would connect, right? And people took that since that was the only name that I said is like, oh my God, they're, they're planning. I'm like, no, I have others that I just don't want to throw out there. Yeah. Because I'm such an in person guy. I was like, I want to see their personalities, you know, in person, not just from TV and social media, so I don't want to shout their names out.

And so when I got down there, obviously, you know, Genevieve first and then, you know, Sally was there for like 25 minutes. Do you think that they were trying so hard to get her down there? Really, it almost seemed like against her will at a certain point because they thought that it could stir things up with the situations you were in. Oh, for sure. For sure.

I mean, I remember I came back from my date with Victoria and I go to the bar to get a drink from Wells and they have somebody come up like, hey, Justin, did you hear about Sally's suitcase? I'm like, what are you guys talking about? And they're like trying to get a reaction at me. I'm like, I'm like, what? You know, and they did the whole suitcase saga thing. I'm like, okay, I know

I know what's going on, right? And so they definitely, you know, I think wanted her to come down to kind of mix things up. But at the same time, you know, I want to believe that they were trying to help, you know, like help me out as well. But I was just like, at a point where I was like, I don't want this drunk. Like, you know, I'm good. And I literally, like, I was ready

to go home. And, you know, they were like, we want to keep you. And I'm like, the only way I'm staying. When you got eliminated? Yeah. When you got eliminated, how were you eliminated? Because Genevieve picked Aaron and Victoria picked Johnny. Right.

So there was like two days before the rose ceremony. And I was like, I'm ready to pack it up because there's nobody else here. So basically, so Genevieve went with Aaron. Victoria went with Johnny. Sally came down, left 10 minutes later. And so we had two days until the rose ceremony. So do you think that they wanted Sally to give you the rose? Yeah.

Probably. And so then when that didn't come to, in fruition. They were like, shoot. Like, that was, like, we're going to lose Justin. We really wanted, they really wanted you still there. And so I was like, guys, there's nobody here that I'm going to talk to because I'm just, I'm not going to fish around for a rose. I got, you know, like, I'm good with going home. And they're like, no, we want you. We want you here. And I was like, guys, the only way

I'm staying is I think Eliza's at Vedanta at the hotel. I was like, if you bring her down, I'll stay. And they're like, all right, like, we'll make it happen. Like, she's expressed interest as well. Like, just be patient with us. I'm waiting around. Next day, you know, Rose is everybody comes around. Danielle comes down from Michael. I'm I'm like, all right, Eliza's coming down. You know, she's going to be here soon, right? Now, did you know, but didn't you know that Rodney was so into her, too? I didn't because he was with, this was before Switch week, switch week.

So I literally, like I said, I was in the pool with Rodney and I was like, man, remember the boom stick coming over the time? So it was the three of us in the pool and I'm like, I'm like, hey man, like, I hope they bring Eliza before me. I'm literally talking to Rodney about it. Oh, really? He didn't say anything. He was like, he was like, oh yeah, we met.

Like, I think you guys would hit it off. I was talking to Serene. I was like, hey, Serene, do you think me and Eliza would get along? She was like, oh, yeah, for sure. She was like, yeah, she's like so put together, like so sweet, whatever. I'm like, okay. I'm in my ITM's like, oh, well, lies to come. Like, I was very vocal about it, you know?

And that's what's fresh. Because you would, like, they made it seem like I just plop back into screw up around his day. You know, I was like, I talked to him about her, you know? And I said that that's the only reason why. That's the only way I'll stay. And so I get sent home. And, you know, before I get in the band, they're like, hey, stick around Mexico for a little bit.

We know who you want. Find yourself a hotel. Yeah. They're like, stick around. You know, we're going to bring her back for you. We're going to bring you back on for her. She wants you as well. Just, you know. Yeah.

I'm like, all right. Believe me, I was in a similar situation. I got eliminated. And then I basically, I went up there to the top to the vans. And then they're like, you can go ask people if they're okay with you staying. So I went and ask the cast. Really? Hey, can I stay?

I'll be better behaved. No way. Yeah. So sometimes, like, just how it kind of goes and so like that's that's kind of how it went for you too you're like uh hey let's come back down yeah yeah so that's that's how it went down so that's how it went down 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. What would you do if one bad decision forced you to choose between a maximum security prison

or the most brutal boot camp designed to be hell on earth? Unfortunately for Mark Lombardo, this was the choice he faced. He said, you are a number, a New York State number, and we own you. Shock incarceration, also known as boot camps, are short-term, highly regimented correctional programs that mimic military basic training. These programs aim to provide a shock of prison life, emphasizing strict discipline, physical training, hard labor, and rehabilitation programs. Mark had one chance to complete this program and had no idea of the hell awaiting. him the next six months. The first night was so overwhelming, and you don't know who's next to you.

And we didn't know what to expect in the morning. Nobody tells you anything. Listen to shock incarceration on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. My name is Ed. Everyone say, hello, Ed. Hello, Ed. I'm from a very rural background myself. My dad is a farmer, and my mom is a cousin, so, like, it's not, like...

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A new podcast called Wisecrack, where stand-up comedy and murder takes center stage. Available now. Listen to Wisecrack on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A foot washed up a shoe with some bones in it. They had no idea who it was. Most everything was burned up pretty good from the fire

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He never thought he was going to get caught. And I just looked at my computer screen. I was just like, ah, got you. On America's Crime Lab, we'll learn about victims and survivors. And you'll meet the team behind the scenes at Othrum, the Houston Lab that takes on the most hopeless cases to finally solve the unsolvable. Listen to America's Crime Lab on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Then you come in and, you know, Eliza is, has the thing with Rodney. He is like in love, calling her future wife.

all this. Andrew how awkward did you feel that like your two best guys were there like trying to fight over the same girl? It was so it was so stressful because they're both great guys and you know when Justin came down it was it's only the only difference was if it would have started at the same time then it's like oh well let's you know let's see how it plays out but I had got to see Rodney and Eliza like a week before for a week and I mean like they were like attached to the hip and I'm seeing just smiles like he's talking about all these things and Justin comes down and I'm like oh he's coming for her you know what I mean and then I'm like okay well let's see how it goes you mean my best man win I'm gonna try and stay neutral as possible you know I'm just like I'm not

gonna jump into this one and I think they put a sound bite in me saying like but I was talking about Eliza was like Eliza sees Justin he's like this shut up tiny new toy like we've been here on a week when you're that was messed up when you're we're on the beach during the same thing for a week like you want you want to look for something different or like get a little bit of different aspect i feel like that's off the job not saying he was anything wrong i'm saying that she was seeing as him coming down like oh wow there's another boy here that i'm interested in you know what i mean i want to go and you know and i was like oh wow i think you have a guy right now who's like literally throwing the kitchen sink at you you know

I mean that's kind of how I looked at it and you know I I was like you know very supportive of them and I you know I think I looked after him a little bit more when it comes to like knowing how the off screen was going to happen because we were talking about it the whole time we're like yeah you know we know Rodney's very loved in this franchise yeah I knew it's probably bad for me and like when you went home I was like oh that was low-key best scenario for for just the backlash happening you know I think it would have been very uncomfortable for Justin and I would have hated that for him just because everyone on the beach you know obviously we saw how they reacted to when Rodney left imagine that imagine him leaving and Justin

staying like that's like one thing like now I get I lose a friend and then now I get my friend who's getting bashed by people like I would hate that how was it Justin to see just the whole cast seemed to rally around Rodney as being the right pick. Like, how hurtful was that, especially when you watch it back and a lot of your friends seem to be on his team? Yeah, I mean, it sucked. Even coming back on the beach, like, I felt like the new guy. I felt like super ostracized and it was very uncomfortable.

I mean, I remember coming in that night to get Eliza to take her on the date. Like, you could hear a pin drop. It was so uncomfortable and, yeah, it sucked. Like I felt, I felt really guilty for being the person to come in and do that. And I was really torn between, I was really torn between going back to, like I said at the top of the podcast, like, what would appease people, right? And that would be like to remove myself and be like, you got it. Like, I don't want to ruffle any feathers, right? But then I'm also like, that hasn't been working for me.

So why don't I try to do what I want, for one? and pursue who I want, right? And I knew, like, we talked, like, I knew I was going to get backlash. I knew it. Like, everyone loves Rodney, right? And I was like, you know what? Like, let me try something different

and just go for what I want, you know, laser focused. And that's what was so refreshing because I was willing to do all that, knowing the repercussions. And, yeah, you know, it didn't pan out, but I tried. Sort of panned out when Eliza did realize that she made a mistake. and she felt more for you and you know as a girl like we like can pick up things a lot of its body language on the show I thought that she was more into you and I thought that she was being peer pressured into Ronnie going into the going into the road ceremony I was like oh

she's going to pick me like I was like I don't know her and Ronnie's connection but I was like I feel like I feel she's going to pick oh yeah I think yeah 1,000% guilt tripped yes so then she you know kind of can't hide this anymore and she goes to Baltimore and she goes to Baltimore And I hear that the whole Baltimore visit went a lot different than it went, that it seemed to go on TV. Yeah, it did. Paint the picture for us. So she comes to Baltimore and we talked for hours, like, I was feeling bad for the producer, because like they were just in my house. Like we were, it was no lie, like three to four hours we were talking.

And everything that aired, obviously I said, came out of my mouth, right? But that was like the first half of the conversation. I was like, hey, listen, I really appreciate this grand gesture of you flying to Baltimore. You know, like, that speaks volumes. I know this was just, I hadn't unpacked my bags. I know this was just a couple days ago. And I was like, I just want, and I tried to get her to understand where I was coming from. I was like, you know, I don't want to feel pressured into giving you a yes right now just because there's cameras at my house and like, you know, I don't want to feel pressured.

I was like, I know how tense of an environment that was in the beach a couple days ago. and I empathize with you for having to make that tough choice because we were both really good guys, me and Rodney. I was like, but at the end of the day, you have to respect that, like, you made your choice, you know, and it would have made me feel a lot better because, like I just told you, I pursued her despite knowing the backlash. I mean, you know, I knew I was going to be backlash, but I still pursued her because it was worth it to me.

And she said, you know, I, she's like, she succumbed to the peer pressure of everyone in the house wanted her to pick Rodney. And I was like, I get it. It would have meant more to me if you were able to block that out as well and go with what you wanted because it's something we've both been we're talked about we've both been trying to work on doing that I was like but I'm not going to hold it against you I'm just saying like it's it's it's tough for me because you know the previous relationship that I was in before paradise you know this but we would get into you know little arguments and she would always like we're broken

up we're done and I've grown I still have a lot of growing to do but like I like I've grown and you know the old me we're like okay cool we're done but I was like let's talk about it like let's communicate like how are you feeling like this isn't what you want and we would always be the one to like make it work right this happened four times you know next time you threaten this like i'm not gonna i'm not gonna try anymore and so i had gotten used to it being so easy for somebody to just be like i'm done grass is greener like i'm out and they want to come back right and i was like you chose somebody else and like this is like i got to i got to break that cycle of letting people step out and then

want to come back and know that justin's going to be there like i can't keep doing that to myself and i tried to get her to understand that like that's why i was being so like hard-nosed like i can't give you a yes right now but there's a lot of potential with us so like let's Let's see if we can make it work outside of this show. You know, like, let's take it day by day. Let's take it slow. And she was like, well, how do I know that if I don't have a clear yes? I go back to L.A., like, I don't know if I can be in this gray area.

And a producer stepped in was like, Eliza, like, I think you've had some time to, you know, think about what you wanted. And we kind of just popped up on his doorstep. I think it's fair for him to take a little bit time and like, I want to take it slow, like whatever. And I literally, I was like, hey, guys, I know this isn't what you want for TV. Like, I'm sure you guys are like, oh, my God. I was like, but I don't care.

like this like I think it was actually pretty juicy for TV that use yeah probably I don't know but yeah but yeah but you know anyway so so we finally got so point where she's like okay like cool and so we wrapped up you know they had her literally like get up and film her walking down the street you know like all right hug guys let her out like you know and we're uh we're cutting up having a good time um they're like all right well if you kids like we're rooting for you kids like you know if you if you want justin like we can let her stay tonight and you know no camera no mics you guys can kind of just you know hang out whatever and I'm like really this feels illegal but all right I'm like I'm down so you know we hung out for a couple hours at night

and it was really really good like it felt supernatural and I was like okay this is this is this is good for me because I need to see what it's like off camp like you know what I mean like what is this going to be like when there's no cameras mics whatever and it was really easy really comfortable and it felt just like it did in paradise and so I left you know when I dropped her off I left with the impression that, you know, we were going to make this thing work. She went back to L.A. I was in Baltimore and, you know, I don't know if you want to hear like the rest of it. We are short on time, but we got to hear the rest of it.

I mean, like, I'm glad you're here because he's like, he's seen it all. He's rubbing his hands together, guys. He's seen it all. Dice rolls. You know, the next couple days and weeks, you know, we text. I'd pick up the phone and call her all the time. Like, I'm calling these guys. I was like, I'm trying, I'm trying, I'm trying.

And Greg had called me and said that he had some events in L.A. that he wanted to go to, like, some baseball events. And I was like, I don't really want to go. But I was like, I had been talking to Eliza about going to see her. And so I was like, I'm going to talk to her first. And I was like, just a heads up, I'm not going to be with you a lot if, you know, because I'm going to be with her, but I'll go out with you. So I called her, plan to go out there, long story short, you know, every day I was out there.

I was trying to meet up, trying to hang out and never saw her. No. You never saw her? Never. Why? What was the excuse? I don't know. First couple of days. I mean, I was like, hey, I'm here, you know. I got, we went out to dinner the second day, me and Greg. And this has never happened to me before, but I got like a really bad like vertigo. Like I was really, really sick. I was like my equilibrium was off. Like I was throwing up. Like, I was not like, I had, like, you know, it was the craziest thing that's ever happened to me. Yeah. I literally called me. They were very in panic. They're like, does not feel

feeling well. He's like, he's like, he's like can't breathe and whatever. I was, I was like, I was, I was bad. Like I literally, like, I was like crying and sweating. I thought it was like a pain attack. I don't know what. It's never happened. I was like, run the shower, put it in high, let the steam get in the long time. Great, no, Greg, Greg had to literally. You guys are like seriously brothers. It's really sweet. You don't understand it. Like, I'm not even in the town. I'm in Chicago. Yeah. Greg. Greg's like carrying me out of. Greg. This is what you do. This is what you do. Seriously, Greg's like carting me out of there.

You guys should have like your own reality spin off. I love that. So anyway, so I'm texting her. I'm like, I'm like telling her what's going on with me. I don't hear from her until 6 p.m. the next day. Not a, hey, like, how are you feeling? Like, are you okay? Like what it was, she was like, L.O.

I swear. L.O. Oh, no, not that. So I'm talking to these guys. I'm like, hey. There's another guy. Yeah, there's got to be another guy. I'm like, I'm like guys. I'm like, guys. I'm like, guys.

I'm like, I'm like, I'm crazy. And so I literally sent her text. I'm like, I'm like, so all the pride, just be the big, I'm like,

hey, I was like, I don't want to be dramatic, but I'm just going to let you know how I'm feeling. Like, I came out here to see you. You know, I feel like you've been kind of laxidical

about seeing me. Like, I'm in your backyard. Like, if you're not feeling it anymore, just like let me know. But I really love to see you. Like, what's going on? And she sent me a voice note that was like, oh, no,

I think it's just like a miscommunication. Like, blah, blah, blah, blah. I'm like, I'm like, no, I'm like, we literally, I'm like, I'm, yeah, why? I kept it. So I literally was like, I was like, Eliza, I called you two days ago. I was like, I can't wait to see you. We made plans of what we were going to do. Like, what do you mean?

I was like, but I'm like, do you want to hang out or not? And she was like, yeah, how about tomorrow? I'm like, well, that's my last day here, but okay. So tomorrow comes around, long story short. When the time came where I was going to meet up with her, she's like, I think I'm going to go to bed. No. Why wouldn't you just be honest? you gave her the out, you know?

You opened the door to her being like, I'm sorry, I don't know if I feel it. And like, he's seen all of this. He was crushed. I think he, he, like, called me when he's at the airport.

Like, we talked for like three hours on the phone. Yeah. And I was like, and that's, I've never seen this, dude. And that's what's so frustrating about how everything has been portrayed and everyone's like,

oh, he was just stringing her along. She chose riding the alarm. Like, he never wanted her. I'm like, no, I really did. And like, these guys, and like, I've told you, Like when I'm in it, I'm in it.

And it's not too often, but I was in it and I was really trying. And it was just like, damn, it was a gut punch. I was like, yeah. Well, I know that our producers are like, okay, Ashley, you have to wrap. But listen, I need to ask these two questions or they will linger for me and for the audience. How was it to see her at the reunion show? I mean, it was the first time I had seen her since she was in Baltimore. We literally didn't speak.

After she was like, I'm going to bed, never exchanged another text, never spoke, nothing. I was like, that's, I'm good. So seeing her there, I mean, it validated every, like, fear that I had that she would flip-flop, right?

To hear her, like, she came to Baltimore because, you know, she told, she said that, you know, it should have been me all along and she made the wrong choice, right? But then at the reunion, she was like, it was Rodney all along. And I'm like, well,

this is why I was a little fearful of just giving you a yes on the spot because, you know, I was afraid this would happen. And like, Ronnie is a great guy. So I'm like, maybe it was him all. I don't know. I felt like it was me, you know, in that moment. But it was just, it was hard. It was confusing, you know, because I was being told one thing in Baltimore and then hearing

another thing, you know, on stage. And it was just like, this is why I was fearful. Did you talk after, like an after party? No. Just ignored each other. Yeah. Okay. And finally, how did you keep your relationship, your friendship with Rodney this entire time?

Oh, we were good the whole time. Even on the beach, he and I were like, hey, we know the situation. We know what's going to be mature men about this. Like, I respect you. You respect me. I mean, we were literally like crying, laughing, you know? Every day. You know, there's never been any animosity between me.

Like, we've been, like, through all of this, we've been good. It was very cordial. It was very professional. honestly very proud of both of them how they like handled like even like the tough conversations that they did have yeah like even like rodney was like i'm telling you right now i'm gonna fight toothed nail for this girl i was like damn that's how you feel about that just and justin's like yeah i respect that dude i'm gonna do the same thing you know best man like like you know for her like as long as she's happening we're both happen we're both

we're impressed we really both are like hey like whatever we can we're both gonna like fight for this and we know that um we have mutual respect for each other but it's like at the of the day, we want to make this as stress-free for Eliza as possible, you know, because we knew it was tough for her. And I, like I said, I felt guilt for putting, you know, added pressure on her and stress and riding, you know, it's just like, it's tough because, like, you're torn between wanting to be a good friend, but going for what you want as well. And it's just like, it sucks. Like, you know, everybody can't be happy. And I don't know, it all unfolded the way it was supposed to. But it was just like, it was such a different.

situation to try to navigate. What a fantastic display of gentlemen. Yeah, no, I mean, he's a fan. I can't say enough good things about Rodney. He's incredible. Had it been anybody else in that beach, aside from like, these guys, I'd have been like, whatever.

Right, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, let me show you something. But I was like, damn. So it sucked at. It was him. It really did. Fantastic in-depth podcast. Wow.

this was amazing. Thank you for being my host. Yeah, yeah. I have a man of very few words, but, you know, you did a really good job, man. Thanks for having. Appreciate that. You helped the story along for sure.

Yeah, I knew a lot of insights. So I was like, we should do this again sometime, guys. Yeah, yeah. Maybe you're over a call. Maybe over an espresso martini or maybe over an espresso martini or maybe over Andrews in depth, which will come soon. Yes. Okay.

All right. We love you guys so much. That was an amazing in depth. Thank you, Justin, for bearing your soul. Until next time, I've been Ashley I've been Justin I've been Andrew See ya

Follow the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcasts on IHeartRadio Or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts Hi my name is Enya Emanzor 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. Let's start with a quick puzzle. The answer is Ken Jennings' appearance on The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs. The question is, what is the most entertaining listening experience in podcast land.

Jeopardy Truthers, believe in... I guess they would be conspiracy theorists. That's right. They gave you the answers and you still blew it. The puzzler.

Listen on the I-Heart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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. Annika 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 IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. When your car is making a strange noise, no matter what it is, you can't just pretend it's not happening.

That's an interesting sound. It's like your mental health. If you're struggling and feeling overwhelmed, it's important to do something about it. It can be as simple as talking to someone or just taking a deep, calming breath to ground yourself. Because once you start to address the problem, you can go so much further. The Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Ad Council have resources available for you at loveyourmind today.org. This is an iHeart podcast.