The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Baby’s First Fourth

Episode Date: June 30, 2025

Happy 4th of July! Ben and Ashley take us through their summer holiday plans, their favorite foods, and we have some early predictions for next season of The Golden Bachelor! Plus, we’re joined by a special surprise guest!Follow The Almost Famous Podcast on Instagram @almost_famouspodcast!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 every case that is a cold case that has dna right now in a backlog will be identified in our lifetime on the new podcast america's crime lab every case has a story to tell and the DNA holds the truth he never thought he was going to get caught and i just looked at my computer screen i was just like gotcha this technology's already solving so many cases listen to america's crime lab on

the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Everyone thinks they'd never join a cult. But it happens all the time to people just like you. And people just like us. I'm Lola Blanc. And I'm Megan Elizabeth. We're the host of Trust Me, a podcast about cults, manipulation, and the psychology of belief. Each week we talk to fellow survivors, former believers, and experts to understand why people get pulled in and how they get out.

Trust me. New episodes every Wednesday on Exactly Right. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 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 from Mark Lombardo, this was the choice he faced. He said, you are a number, a New York State number, and we own you. Listen to shock incarceration on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your

podcast. 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 IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is the Ben and Ashley I, Almost Famous Podcasts with IHeart Radio. Hey guys, welcome to the Almost Famous Podcast. We love you and we're taking a little break, a week break for the Fourth of July. And we say this, thinking that there will be no bachelor breaking news. But it seems like every week there is Bachelor breaking news. So maybe we'll see you for Fourth of July week.

But Dawson and I, wow, that's just nuts. This is how mom-brained I am. I just said Dawson and I are going to bring you this episode of the Almost Famous podcast. But really, Ben is here with Winnie. She looks adorable. Thank you. Jess just needed like a little mom day break. So we have Winnie here.

And it's going to be her fourth of July. Ben, do you guys have any plans? Are you afraid of how fireworks may go over with her? No. I'm not. I mean, she's going to have to get used to them because I grew up on a lake and fireworks are a big part of our life. This is a big holiday for me.

You know, Fourth of July in Indiana is like our Super Bowl every year, especially in the lake. And it feels like it's, I used to think that was a very uncommon feeling where for us, it was just like, no, we do a big, it's a big deal. It seems like a lot of people kind of use the Fourth of July as a time to gather as a family to cook out, to just hang out. It doesn't have the stresses of other holidays where you have to be performative and put on a big meal or get gifts for everybody.

It's just really a time to relax. So starting this weekend, I'm going to be driving back to Indiana with Wayland. You too? Just you too? Well, my dad is going to fly out and we're going to pick them up at the Denver airport and just start driving west.

Uh-oh. Yeah. Oh, that's why my mom. Mom needs breaks. And so we're going to drive back. It's going to be about 16 hours. And then Winnie and Jess are going to meet us in Indiana, fly back themselves. Just easiest than to expect a four-month-old to drive across the country.

Yeah. So you're doing it for Waylon. The drives for Waylon and so that you have an extra car? No, the drive's really for Waylon. I mean, I could rent a car. But he loves the lake so much. He just chills out. He relaxes.

and I want him there because I end up taking the week of the fourth off of all work. Generis kind of closes down. Obviously, we're taking the week off here. Yeah, it's like the Christmas of the summer. Yeah, 100% is. But it's more relaxing to me. Yeah. And so then I'll stick around for a little bit longer when Winnie and Jess come back to Denver.

Because then I'll work from there. like generous's roastery is there we'll do some events there we'll kind of hang out and so i'll start working again and then i'll come back it's when he's first time it's not her first time to the lake but it's our first summer at the lake uh she loves the water and so i have a feeling she's going to be splashing all around uh having a good time and and then my inlaws my brother-in-law his wife and their daughter are going to come meet us in indiana and hang out for just like two and a half days just to enjoy the lake as well it's a big deal for us we're going to have a lot of fun so yeah she's going to love the water the water is like the easiest distraction for babies at this

age because they can just sit in like two inches of it and splash for quite some time oh yeah you give yourself a little break with that fireworks are interesting um i don't remember how dawson was at this age and hayden was born right after the fourth of july so and hayden is probably going to and hate the fireworks. Dawson is now at the age where he's cautiously, he cautiously thinks they're cool, you know? Like when he's a little scared and has to be held tight, the sound is terrifying, but like when you see the payoff, which is the lights in the sky, he's like, oh man, I guess I, it's like, he's in flight or fight or fight or fight. He's like, what do I do? Do I sit here and enjoy or do I freak out? So I think this year he'll even like it more.

And sparklers, he might be at sparkler age, which when I think about Fourth of July, In my childhood, it was always about the sparklers, right? Yes. And also bottle rockets, not at that age, but we used to have, like, fireworks in Indiana get dangerous. And so I've been more cautious as I've gotten older. And we used to light off fireworks every year, like do a pretty good show from my parents' house. But I think that's going to be on pause this year, mostly because there's going to be

a toddler and a baby, and nobody can, you know, move that fast. So it might be on pause It's really exciting The lake that my parents live on And that I grew up on They do like a parade Like a flotilla parade They have a good sandbar

Like it's going to be a week of Like swim trunks Shirtless laying outside Never going inside Cocktails early in the morning After I always get a run in Can I come and hang? I think I need to come.

I think you would benefit from it. There's like nothing that goes on in my mind during this time. And it's awesome. And so I'm hoping that this little one who has been a little fussy recently, that's why she's with me because she's teething is in good spirits. She has her outfits. In fact, I had lunch yesterday, Ashley, with Trista and Caitlin. Yeah, I saw that.

Did you guys meet in Denver? Yeah, we met in Denver. We had a great lunch. Trista got Winnie a swimsuit and sunglasses for the 4th of July, which are going to be looking so good. So, yeah, we're fired up. It's a really good time. And then it's nice to be back with the team at Generis, honestly, and be in person with them. It's, you know, because I live in Denver, I'm not always there.

So it's going to be great. We have a kids talent show we're putting on for the town. Oh, that's so cute. We have a little rapper that signed up. Oh, my God, yes. Yeah, let's go. That's awesome. How is Jess going to be flying with her?

Has she done it solo before? Yeah, many times. It's probably not the best thing we've done as parents, but I'll say it because it's true. When he has, this will be, once she flies to Indiana, it'll be her 12th flight. That's not weird for us. We've probably done the same. Hayden's probably been on a flight almost every month. Because we just want her with us.

Yeah. And it's pretty easy, honestly. Like, I'm going to drive back with so much of her stuff. Jess has flown solo with her a couple times now. And they just kick it. They kind of have a routine down. They get to the airport early. Winnie's really good on a plane.

And so, yeah, we'll be, she'll be fine. You're still in the sweet zone of planes. So, like, I think that planes are probably, pretty easy until they're about seven eight months when it stops to be like nap time you know when they have when they when they they fall asleep less easily you know because they're like i have my designated two hour sleep periods then you're like oh gosh um then it gets really hard for in my personal opinion between like that seven eight month range until well you know what until they can watch a couple shows.

Yeah. Okay, a couple shows. Dawson has his airplane iPad. He doesn't have the iPad at all, except for on an airplane. And once they get, he is at the easiest plane time. At three and a half now, he went to Las Vegas for my sister's wedding. So it was like five hours in the air. And he just watched a few movies.

And he was on his own. It was so nice. But then Hayden's over there, flare in his body. 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 very. 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. Hello, it's Daniel Fischel. Rider Strong. And Will Ferdell from PodMeets World.

And we're bringing you Viva! Last content. That's right. We are back in Las Vegas, the city of sin, and giving the people what they want. A full week of Y2K content. Wait, we're back in Vegas? Tell me why. Well, for the Backstreet Boys residency at Sphere, of course. We sat down with Kevin Richardson and A.J. McLean just minutes before they took the stage and our very own Wilfredel basically became the newest member of the band. Boy band, please. Plus, the man who has the longest running comedy show on the strip joins us and gets his props. It's Carrot Top, baby. And finally, we all L-O-V-E-Hur, Ashley Simpson-Ross joins us to talk about her upcoming sold-out Vegas residency.

It's a full week of nostalgic interviews you don't want to miss. Listen to PodMeets World on the I-Hart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your entire identity has been fabricated. Your beloved brother goes missing without a trace. You discover the depths of your mother's illness, the way it has echoed and reverberated throughout your life, impacting your very legacy. Hi, I'm Danny Shapiro. And these are just a few of the profound and powerful stories I'll be mining on our 12th season of Family Secrets. With over 37 million downloads, we continue to be moved and inspired by our guests and their courageously told stories. I can't wait to share 10 powerful new episodes with you,

stories of tangled up identities, concealed truths, and the way in which family secrets almost always need to be told. I hope you'll join me and my extraordinary guests for this new season of Family Secrets. Listen to Family Secrets Season 12 on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. My name is Ed. Everyone say hello, Ed.

Hello, Ed. From a very rural background myself, my dad is a farmer and my mom is a cousin, so like, it's not like... 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. On 22nd of July 2015, a 23-year-old man had killed his first. 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. The Super Secret Festi Club Podcasts Season 4 is. here. And we're locked in. That means more juicy cheesement. 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 bestie is the diva of the people. The diva of the people. I'm just like text X. 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, heart breaks, men, and of course, our favorite secrets. Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club as a part of the Michael Thura podcast network available on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. I will say, speaking to that, you know, my whole work in life is to try to love humans well.

And I will be honest, it's not always easy, especially coming off the show. People are pretty brutal, and social media makes you question a lot. I have been so thankful for the responses that people that sit next to you on a plane when you have a baby. give. They've been very kind. We have not had a bad running yet. A lot of, wow, she did so well or, wow, I barely heard her. Or, you know, there's just like really encouraging things because as a parent and as anybody that's had kids knows, there's nothing you can do once they start being uncomfortable to get them calm down. So people have been very kind. And I know it is annoying. And I know it's not fair especially when you're trying to take a nap on a flight it's just it's not fun for anybody but that's

what ear plugs are for so always have good ear plugs in your your bag because some of them are crappy that's right uh what are you up to on the fourth i think we're just going to be going to a friend's house uh i think they're going to have like some decent at-home fireworks and it's it should be just a family thing i'm sure i think their house is on the water so it'll be it'll be fun is newport known for its Fourth of July festivities? Not really. Okay. Yeah, no, no.

It's more of like the inland areas, which are like on water, but more of like bay water. And then like set them off in the Bay Area's. Well, Ashley, as we kind of close out here, obviously both of our fourths are going to be fun and hopefully relaxing. And we hope everybody listening has a relaxing restful, no matter what you're doing. If you're staying at home and maybe you aren't able to gather with. friends or family buy yourself a hot dog throw it on the grill like come on um enjoy it a little bit uh have a good time uh maybe you know go outside buy yourself a sparkler light it off i think it's going to bring some joy we we do have some things when we come

back from our break that are happening in bachelor nation uh paradise will be starting uh getting more excited for it ashley i have been with wells and i was in with joey and wells in portland main at the Drive for Kids golf tournament this week, talking to Wells more about Paradise. I still don't have any spoilers, and I mean that, mostly for my own safety during this show. But, you know, Wells is very honest, I think, with me and really the press on how he feels.

I think he has some excitement towards this season coming up, and I think that excitement usually means the show could be good. It doesn't mean it's going to be, but it could be good, that there was things happening that he seemed to find very interesting as he was on the beach. I have heard from one contestant there,

and the most interesting tip that I got was that there's not as much of a cast to choose from for, you know, potential mates because the extra cast went to the Goldens. Ashley, elaborate a little bit, on what you think that means and what that will play out like. I think there's going to be less couplings,

less serious couplings. But hopefully since Wells is leaning into the fact that, like, it's good, I think that that could mean that the couple or the, like, two couples that would get from it end up being strong. And I would be okay with that, right? Less couples, stronger couples. I think it's a great mix.

We just want to see a few come from it because we know it has been and can be successful. I do think, you know, the rumors of more of a competition show is going to bring an intriguing element to this whole experience. I do think that the Golden's being there will be fun and interesting. So Paradise will come back. In addition to that, is there anything else that you can foresee happening in Bachelor Nation? We're still waiting on a confirmation if the Bachelor is going to get picked up. We also, this week, Ashley, heard really the first interview with our new Golden Bachelor.

I believe from a headline I read and from a little story I read, he is in his mid-60s. He's looking for somebody between 45 and 60, so he's looking to go a little younger. Doesn't mean the show will accommodate that for him, but we will be starting to talk more and more about the Golden Show. Yeah, because we should be getting some spoilers about that soon. being that they start filming in July, yeah. And then like we said, we'll be watching to see if The Bachelor actually gets announced to come back. There are some big things along the way.

But again, from the almost famous podcast, we want to wish you the happiest of Fourth of July's and really the first week of what I consider summer, which is July, the time to thaw out, rest up, take a break, read a book if you have the opportunity to get off work for a few days. Try to enjoy this week as much as possible. We'll be thinking about you. We'll be gathering up all the stories and the information to share with you when we get back. But until next time, we've been Winona and Ben. Aw, I've been Ashley.

You did great, kid. She did great, yeah. Follow the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcasts on IHartRadio 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 Every case that is a cold case that has DNA Right now in a backlog We'll be identified in our lifetime On the new podcast, America's Crime Lab Every case has a story to tell And the DNA holds the truth

He never thought he was going to get caught And I just looked at my computer screen I was just like, ah, gotcha This technology's already solving so many cases. Listen to America's Crime Lab on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 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

Listen to Shock Incarceration on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Everyone thinks they'd never join a cult. But it happens all the time to people just like you. And people just like us. I'm Lola Blanc and I'm Megan Elizabeth. We're the hosts of Trust Me, a podcast about cults, manipulation, and the psychology of belief. Each week we talk to fellow survivors, former believers, and experts to understand why people get pulled in and how they get out.

Trust me, new episodes every Wednesday on exactly right. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. This is an I-Heart podcast.