The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Bachelor Countdown Day 1: Brad Womack

Episode Date: January 20, 2025

Ashley finally reveals the real reason she wanted to find love on "The Bachelor" and it's two words: Brad Womack! He talks about his cringy "Ellen Show" interview, the newest love in his life and how he really feels about his first season pick, Emily Maynard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Brought to you by Novartis, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports Network. This is the Ben and Ashley I, almost famous podcast, Bachelor Countdown. This is the very first episode, as you heard at the beginning, of a really exciting time for us. As we lead up to grand season of The Bachelor,

we're going to be speaking with each past Bachelor. I don't know if we're speaking with me. I don't know of every single one, but a lot of them, yeah. Leading up to this amazing season that is upon us. And today we do have our first episode. And it's with a Bachelor who I've heard so much about, who I've heard from everybody that worked on the show that they loved him so much. And I mean this. And I'll go into details here in a second. Brad Womack. Brad Womack. Oh, my God, it's so cool to meet you. You are the first Bachelor I ever watched your second season. So in some way, if it weren't for you, maybe I wouldn't have the life that I have because I was

just so obsessed with your season that it got me on the train. You are too kind. I've got to say, and I've had to say, I've been wanting to meet both of you. I think you guys are Bachelor Nation royalty. I mean that. And so thank you so much for having me. You know what? I'm King of the Nerds at times, it feels like. And you get that Brad, because you're king of the nerds. Brad, we have so much to talk to you about, but I do want to start and I said this. When I was on The Bachelor, it was very important to me, mostly because I'm insecure and an only child that I made a lot of friends with the crew.

Because you're around the crew so much. And every crew member that I would get familiar with and getting to conversation with, I'd always ask, like, what if some of your favorite? favorite seasons or who are some of your favorite leads? And everybody from Chris Harrison to wardrobe to camera and audio who'd been there for a long time always mentioned your name. And so there was something that you did right, not in a manipulative way and not even because it was being aired on television, but there was a thing that you did during your time on filming that made people say, I appreciate, I respect, and I like that guy. Thank you, man. First of all,

that means a lot, of course. But, you know, as you said, we were around those guys 24-7, you know. They very, very, very quickly became family, especially Chris, of course. But anyway, it was a genuine relationship with those guys. And so that means a lot to hear it coming from you. I want to say this, too. I've heard nothing but good things about you, too. And I promise I'm not trying to turn it around on it.

But, in fact, both of you guys. But anyway, yeah, no, I appreciate the acknowledgement, man. And I think the world of that entire crew still do to this day. Is that why you became The Bachelor twice because the crew loved you so much? Because America had mixed feelings. Oh, I know. Actually, I think I became The Bachelor twice because of mental illness issues. No, I'm kidding.

I'm kidding. But, you know, no, America did have mixed feelings about it. I was very quickly reminded of that when I was announced the second time. And what a whirlwind, though, you know. One thing I'll say, I do believe in the premise of the show. And so to be asked back a second time, heck yeah, I dove head first in. I felt very, very fortunate and wanted to give it a shot. And it kind of worked, kind of didn't, depending on who's asking.

So anyway, I had a great time. Well, it's funny because back in the day, they came to me. I don't know if it was a legitimate offer. I don't want to say that. But they came to me during somebody's season. right before it started and said, would you ever want to come back on? Yeah. And I thought of you.

And I was like, I don't know if it goes better for me. Like, I believe in the show and I would be excited about the opportunity. And there's a side of me that wants to say yes because it is such a gift to be in this, like, isolated environment to try to find love. Yeah, man. But it can also, like, I'm not ready for the repercussions of what this could look like when everybody says, I'm sick of this guy because they're going to get sick of it. So I want to dig into that a little bit with you.

What did, did you feel support at any point? Or was it the second time around kind of just this chaos and tornado of negativity? You know, that's a, that's such a good question. I'll tell you from cast and crew, well, I say cast, from production and crew, I felt immense support. I mean, I'm embraced with open arms. But I got to tell you, man, the first time you. You know, obviously you guys have done it too, but when you do the publicity tour and everything before the season begins, I will never forget this. I went on Ellen and I just bombed.

I mean, I just bombed. And even the publicist at the time kind of was, gave me the puppy eyes like, oh, that didn't go so well. You know what I mean? And so I knew I knew I was in trouble a little bit. And so, and I had, of course, journalists reminded me all the time about how I was not a fan favorite because I didn't choose anybody. And so, you know, but it's just one of those things. so to answer your question, it was kind of a mixture of both. But like I said, when we first started this, I dove in head first. I was going to say, hey, look, man, I'm going to give

this thing my all. I have absolutely no regrets. And I ended up meeting Emily amongst the other women. And, you know, no regrets for that either, you know. And so I had a really good time. You mentioned your appearance on Ellen. Didn't she call you a jerk? I mean, that must have rattled you. That's how it led you to bomb. Yeah, well, I'll tell you this. So she called me a jerk the first season because I didn't pick anybody. And then thank God, she asked me back for a little bit of redemption. But it was the third time I was on Ellen to announce the second season.

And I don't know what it was, Ashley. I don't know. I'll admit, I remember just being a ball of nerves going into that particular show. And only because I was realizing, okay, I'm about to do this thing again, you know. And so it was really nerve-wrecked. And she didn't cut me any slack, of course, and the audience wasn't having it. I mean, it was a bad, it was a bad appearance. But, yeah, she did call me a jerk, but thank God she apologized.

Why did she apologize? I think, I'll tell you what, I think she got the other side of the story. You know, not picking anybody the first season, of course, I became publicating me number one right away. And that was not my intent. I wanted to stay true. And I've said this so many times. I really do believe in the premise of the show, and I just didn't want to sell out. And so I think she took her initial reaction and was thinking, who does this guy think he is?

And then I guess through, I don't know, some other channels, she got the true story, and she invited me on. I was able to tell my side of the story, and so it went a little bit better. So, yeah, I don't know, I got a little bit of redemption, but not much. So I never watched your first season. okay but I but you know of course I knew what happened because I watched your second season and all that and I just maybe because I didn't watch it but I always thought that perhaps it wasn't a jerky decision to not pick somebody that you weren't fully into I think that was a respectable decision I appreciate that I um you know and I've been able to say this very publicly I um I told the producers when we first started interviewing for the show to begin with that I might not be the the best guy because I just I really want to stay true to my heart and and I really do and and so um and I did and as amazing as the women were there just wasn't a love connection I think on all sides frankly and and I just didn't want to lead anybody on so I appreciate that and um I'm pretty proud

of the decision even though I got beat up a little bit actually a lot it's interesting to as when fans the show watch the show you know for and i think there is a big group that would agree with you and say yes that was a he was staying true to his heart he was doing what felt right that's honorable uh and that's something that we should be proud of there's also the group obviously that came after you for that and they come after every lead for decisions made i think being a part of the show uh as ashley and myself have been i hear this and i'm like what in what a courageous decision, honestly, because you don't go on this show hoping to spend three months of your life breaking up with people and shedding tears on national television and opening up your heart

to try to find love to then at the end just say, yeah, this didn't work. That would be a really hard decision to come to. I don't know even how you would get to that decision because it would take so much strength. But I hear this and I'm like, this is maybe, I'll say it, the most honest season that we've ever had then well well i appreciate that man very much and i'll say it i will very publicly admit i wanted something to work out from that show i wanted a relationship to work and and um ashley you and jared jesus man you guys love stories just so amazing i love it i love it oh thank you and i promise i'm not just saying that to get on your good side i really love it but and so but it's so nice

You know, when I went into that show, I genuinely wanted that. I remember talking to my twin brother whenever I was asked to do the show and saying, hey, man, I'm not dating anybody. This might be a really good way to find somebody, get out of my box. I'm sorry, out of my bubble. And so when it didn't work out, trust me, I was just as disappointed as anybody or everybody else. And so I was a little bit surprised about being expected to stay within parameters of the show, meaning being told, no, you have to pick somebody.

Yeah. And I'm not talking about by the producers. I'm talking about by just court of public opinion, right? Yeah. And it just, I just don't understand. I mean, where are, for me, at least, I was talking about real life. I mean, sure, it's, it's televised and it's filmed, but it was very real for me. And it just didn't work out, unfortunately.

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 Yumanzoor. 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 I-HeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now.

Hola, it's HoneyGerman. And my podcast, Grasias Come Again, is back. This season, we're going even deeper into the world of music and entertainment. With raw and honest conversations with some of your favorite Latin artists and You didn't have to audition? No, I didn't audition. I haven't auditioned in like over 25 years. Oh, wow.

That's a real G-talk right there. Oh, yeah. We've got some of the biggest actors, musicians, content creators, and culture shifters sharing their real stories of failure and success. You were destined to be a start. We talk all about what's viral and trending with a little bit of chisement, a lot of laughs,

and those amazing vibras you've come to expect. And of course, we'll explore deeper topics dealing with identity, struggles, and all the issues affecting our Latin community. You feel like you get a little whitewash because you have to do the code switching? I won't say whitewash because at the end of the day, you know, I'm me. But the whole pretending and code, you know, it takes a toll on you. Listen to the new season of Grasasas Come Again as part of My Cultura Podcast Network on the IHartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

Hey, Sess, what if I could promise you you never had to listen to a condescending finance bro. Tell you how to manage your money again. Welcome to Brown Ambition. This is the hard part when you pay down those credit cards. If you haven't gotten to the bottom of why you were racking up credit or turning to credit cards, you may just recreate the same problem a year from now. When you do feel like you are bleeding from these high interest rates, I would start shopping for a debt consolidation loan, starting with your local credit union, shopping around online, looking for some online lenders because they tend to have fewer fees and be more affordable. Listen, I am not here to judge. It is so expensive in these streets. I 100% can see how in just a few months

you can have this much credit card debt when it weighs on you. It's really easy to just like stick your head in the sand. It's nice and dark in the sand. Even if it's scary, it's not going to go away just because you're avoiding it. And in fact, it may get even worse. For more judgment-free money advice, listen to Brown Ambition on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Let's talk about Emily, because Emily is like, like, Emily is, wow, what a captivating figure and also extremely elusive in the Bachelor community. No podcast can get her on, not even Trista, like the ROG girl, can get her on. What is she, have you had any interactions since you broke up?

Like, what's she like? Why is she so elusive? She has six kids now. she's married like just tell us a little bit about emily i'll tell you everything i know at least um one i think um you you hit the nail on the head she's extremely captivating um she is pure to her core um just an exceptional human being and um you know you asked if we've had any interaction you know i'm a very very respectful guy when it comes to situations and if someone's in a relationship meaning um i remember when i had heard she got married and i reached out and said hey

I'm genuinely happy for you. And that's exactly what she had been wanting. She had been wanting marriage, a beautiful family, and she has all of that and then some, right? And so, but as far as being Emily, yeah, she is a little elusive. I don't think she needs much. And I mean that in such a complimentary way, you know, and where I think I'm kind of a sellout. I'll do anything, but I'm kidding, actually. No, it's not.

Yeah, we've done this for 10 years. man do you there go let's go i love it but no it's uh i say it with almost um utmost admiration actually that uh how she carries herself and what you see is what you get and and you know we did realize i'll admit this we realized really quickly we were two different people once we got back into the real world and um i think i'm a little rough around the edges and she is extremely refined again i'm saying that in a complimentary way and um when i look at her from the outside looking in and seeing what she's, the life that she's created and built, I couldn't be happier. And so, but yeah, I'll reach out to her one time and that's it. And it was a congratulator

and it was a sincere congratulations. Oh, well, you guys were like Barbie and Ken. Well, I'll tell you what, it's maybe for a brief, you know, what do they call it, the 50 seconds or something, but I really enjoyed my time with her. She has a pure soul. You know what I mean? And so I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her. And, you know, things don't work out, unfortunately. And here we are. The rough edges Ken would be able to play in the Barney movie. The Rough Edges Ken. He's a different version. He's like Austin, a bar owner. Ken. I love that. There you go. I'll take it. Well, Brad, you actually might be a little bit maybe more in Emily's shoes right now

because you just hard-launched a picture with a girlfriend and you really haven't posted about women or been public with women since being with Emily. What's going on there? I like that. You guys are well-informed. I guess you can't hide from that. You know what's so funny?

I spent forever kind of evading and shine away from Instagram and all social media. But I got to tell you, yes, I am a relationship. And she's worthy of, I didn't want to hide her. Does that make sense?

But there have been other women that you were willing to hide. Well, that sounded so, but see, you're calling me out. And I get it. I get it. I get it. And I guess that's what I signed up for. But no, this is the first time we're hitting it off. I don't know what else to say.

And we're having a lot of fun together. She's an inherently kind human being. And I don't know what else to say. I'm really happy. We're really happy together right now. And so I appreciate you acknowledging that. And I'll pass that along to her. So I'm so embarrassed.

I'm sure I'm beat red. I got to love it. I love how it is. You know, contrary to popular belief, I'm a really shy guy. And so I was proud to say, hey, I don't know what she sees in me, but I'm glad if she does see something, let's go. let's hard launch this thing. Yeah.

Can you explain a little bit to the listeners and to Ashley myself? Because you do say you called yourself a sellout. I would say you're 100% not. If you, you'd be everywhere all the time. Quite private. Yeah. Quite private is actually how I would describe you. You would have hit paradise. But you obviously at some point said,

I want to share this with the public for whatever reason. Walk us through a little bit of the details. to how it led up to the point where you said, let's let's let this thing go. Well, I'll tell you what, and I'll try to make this quick. I don't want to bore anybody. Like I said, so I just jumped on Instagram maybe four to five months ago, and I'll tell you the only reason I did is, guys, I'm over 50 years old, right? I can't believe it.

I tried to do the math on this. I was like, well, how old was he when he was the bachelor? Hey, pretty old. You were an old bachelor. I was an old bachelor. I was an old bachelor. If I remember right, was it 34 and 37, respectively. think so. And so, yeah, I was one of the older ones. In fact, I think Emily had a huge age gap.

Oh, I'm sure that played a role with you. She didn't want to be changing my depends at her later age. I don't know. But anyway, but the only reason I jumped on Instagram is this whole thing. And I won't bore you guys, but, you know, just kind of this fitness over 50 type thing. I won't even get into because it's boring. But with being online, And I didn't want my partner. I didn't want her to see that and then just to feel like, you know, I'm kind of hiding her or whatever. And that's why I said, hey, man, if this is what this is all about, if people want to peek

behind the curtain a little bit, then great. I mean, she's a huge part of my life. And that's exactly why I said, hey, let's just do this. But you're right. I have been private up to a certain point. Now, I don't know what I'm doing, guys. Maybe a midlife crisis. Who knows?

That's all right. That's okay. I appreciate it. It brings me to a question. I don't know how to phrase it for you necessarily, but you were 34 and 37 when you're the bachelor. Right. You're now 50 years old.

And you just recently launched a relationship. Right. You went on this show, as you said at the beginning, believing in the premise and wanting to find a partner. Sure. You haven't. Right. In 16 years.

right what has this been like for you personally these 16 years um of still looking obviously and still wanting sure that's a great question too man um you know i'm going to i'm going to give you the um cliche answer but it's not cliche i was very very very heavily involved in my career um and and and i have to give my business partners credit because they're happily married they have been for years they did it right and so i just couldn't find a way to do that to find that balance. I'm very happy to tell you, May of 2024, we sold our entire company. I've had a little downtime. And it brings perspective into life. And so what this woman has brought into my life, and I'm sure in your relationships too, it opens up this whole other

door of experience and, well, just experiencing life. And I'm here for it, man. And so you asked about the 16 years, sure, I could blame it on, oh, yeah, I was hard, you know, working away whatever, but maybe I had some things to work out. I don't know, you know, and, but I got to tell you right when I met this girl, you know, they say when you know, you know, and I know that's a heavy statement. I know that. So let me preface this, but it feels like I'm kind of living out my, when you know, you know, in a very blissful way. And so maybe it was just timing, Ben, I don't know, man. I've never subscribed to a specific timeline.

So I'm feeling good about this right now. Speaking of timeline, are kids an option or a want? No, you know, that's a good question. And we both have had. And, you know, people have their desires, but she didn't want children. I didn't want children. I love children. I love them.

And but personally, I've never wanted them. And neither does she? And so, and, you know, frankly, that's actually been kind of a deterrent in past relationship. Yeah, I could see that. That was something that you've always stood firm on. Well, yes, and but, like, let's let's bring up the obvious. Emily had a child. Yeah, six kids now, too.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And when I met her, she had Ricky of court, beautiful child. And I had the immense pleasure of spending time with Ricky and was thinking, okay, this might be my life. And I was loving it. I want to make that very clear. Yeah. But then, you know, as time goes on, I just did realize and maybe it was work or whatever that maybe I'm just not at a point that I want children of my own. And I have some nieces and nephews that I absolutely love. And I try to play the cool uncle role. And but that's it for me. And my partner now, she's on the same page. Thank God. And so we're going to go to us.

Well, I'm glad that you found somebody, yes, on the same page. Thank you. Now, was this something? thing like i feel like with emily she probably wanted a huge family always yeah so back when you guys were together did you think that you wanted kids um no i would no actually i was open to the fact of um let's say taking on a family with children and and meaning ricky of course yeah you're open to taking on a family like that but maybe not having your own absolutely yeah yeah and and you know raising a newborn and things like that and I mean that's a big decision obviously and you know Emily and I discussed it a little bit but let's face it guys I mean we weren't really together long

enough to have those fundamental conversations and you know and and I love our time together is just albeit brief right and so but yeah I'm sure that was discussed at one point but I do again I want to make this abundantly clear I saw Ricky as a treasure I want to make that abundantly clear. But yeah, but after Emily and everything, I started realizing, maybe my own children just aren't for me. My boyfriend's professor is way too

friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, it's back to school week on the OK story time 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 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, psycho babble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeart Radio app. Search Emergency Intercom, and listen now. 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 that not a whole lot was salvageable. These are the coldest of cold cases, but everything is about to change. Every case that is a cold case that has DNA. Right now in a backlog will be identified in our lifetime. A small lab in Texas is cracking the code on DNA. Using new scientific tools, they're finding clues in evidence so tiny, you might just miss it. He never thought he was going to get caught.

And I just looked at my computer screen. I was just like, ah, gotcha. 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. Hola, it's Honey German,

and my podcast, Grasas Come Again, is back. This season, we're going even deeper into the world of music and entertainment with raw and honest conversations with some of your favorite Latin artists and celebrities. You didn't have to audition? No, I didn't audition.

I haven't audition in, like, over 25 years. Oh, wow. That's a real G-talk right there. Oh, yeah. We've got some of the biggest actors, musicians, content creators, and culture shifters sharing their real stories, of failure and success.

You were destined to be a start. We talk all about what's viral and trending with a little bit of chisement, a lot of laughs, and those amazing vivas you've come to expect. And of course, we'll explore deeper topics dealing with identity, struggles, and all the issues affecting our Latin community. You feel like you get a little whitewash

because you have to do the code switching? I won't say whitewash because at the end of the day, you know, I'm me. But the whole pretending and code, you know, It takes a toll on you. Listen to the new season of Grasasas Come Again as part of My Cultura Podcast Network on the IHartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Okay, Brad, you mentioned, no, this is a little bit, this is a little deep. Let's go. That entry made me nervous.

It made me shake a little bit. Say me, Ben. Yeah, you guys have no control. This is like a marriage here. I'm just, I'll sit back and. You guys are freaking me out to ask the question. No, let's go. So on your Instagram, you know, you talk all about health and how it's affected your mental health, your physical strength.

You talk on a podcast that you posted to your Instagram about how you were diagnosed with bipolar disorder 20 years ago. That means it was actually kind of close to your first season of The Bachelor. Oh, yeah. Can you explain how that diagnosis affected your time as the Bachelor? both times. You also have mentioned that you don't currently take medication for it because when you did, you were a zombie. Sure. Yeah, you are very, very well informed. Now I'm learning anytime you put something out on Instagram, it's there forever. So I'm new to this game. So say, help me. Anyway, you make the research easy when you post on Instagram. I know, right? And so

I appreciate the question. So I don't know if you guys watched the beginning of the second season. But they actually filmed sessions with a psychiatrist. I can't make this up. And they thought it would be very beneficial to the audience to say, hey, I do remember that. Yeah. I mean, that was part of the show. Yeah. And that was, and I want to make this clear, that was actually my psychiatrist. It was a show. And so, you know, it's one of those things that I talk openly about only because it can. It can create some havoc and chaos in your personal life. I try to. I try to deal with it. I try to mitigate it. That's one of the reasons, fitness and other things, the little boxes I need to check are so important to me to mitigate that and just to feel

productive on a daily basis. But to answer your question, how did it affect me? In hindsight, it wreaked havoc, and especially after the ending of both seasons, you know, I do genuinely care what others think of me. And we just established after the first season, it wasn't too and that weighed heavy on me, you know, and caused some, a pretty big roller coaster ride, right? But I got through it, and I'm a huge advocate to discuss any in all things regarding mental health issues, of course, you know, and so, but now I've seen somewhat regulated. Life's good right now. Life's really good, and it's steady.

I like that. That is. It's funny, Brett, I have to. tell you before we jumped on with you. And I don't know if Ashley has any more questions to fall up here. I don't want to take up that path. Those are definitely the big ones I've covered. We were having a little production call and our producers were like, we got, what we're going to do on social media is we're going to post a picture of Brad's body. And I said, why are we posting a picture of Brad's body? And they're like, because he is in great shape.

Oh, that's cool. And then you got on here and you're popping through your Henley, and I was like, damn, like, the guy is. Look, I don't know. I think you guys are just witnessing. I think I said this, me living a midlife crisis very publicly. That's all that is, man. At least you're doing it looking good. No, I appreciate that, man.

And I think we're all doing just fine, man. You know, I love life. I like to take care of myself. I like to be happy. And obviously, you guys do too. But I appreciate the, I think the compliment. I appreciate that very much. I have a couple like just easy direct questions to you as we close up our time here.

You mentioned that you sold your business in 2024. What's next for you? Anything professionally or is this early retirement? No, it's definitely not early retirement. Not at all. I mean, I want to work desperately. And so, you know, my twin brother and another guy, but my twin brother was my business partner for all 24 years of our career.

And we're talking, we're having conversations now about jumping right back in, to something hospitality-based. I don't want to give up work. I feel alive when I'm working. And so I'm excited, but I've got to tell you, I have enjoyed some downtime just to reflect. I love life, man, you know, and, you know, you mentioned something.

I'm not going to, I promise, I'm not going to get cheesy. But we love cheese. Okay, okay, let's get cheesy then. Okay, great. You mentioned something about being, and I'm paraphrasing, but being lucky to be on the show. It's something about that. I do feel fortunate to be part of all of this, right?

And that's what I mean about loving life. And so these little experiences, and so I'm experiencing this little chapter of downtime, and I'm not in a big hurry to get back to work, but I do want to. Life is really good, man. So to answer your question about what's next, I'm really not in a hurry. I know I'm going to get back to work, but I'm really enjoying my daily life right now. And so, and it feels good to be able to say that, you know, so life's good. How did you deal with the season, like a year ago when everybody was putting memes out there for Brad and Chad?

Because isn't that the name of your twin brother? Look, you know, every time, I actually, sometimes with my mom, I'm like, really, Mom? You didn't want to do that to us, like Brad and Chad. And so, but I roll with it. It had to be a little bit of a joke, right? Oh, of course. I mean, of course, you know, and I trust me, I'm our biggest critic. And so I pile on my brother and I more than anybody, and we can take a good joke.

So, yeah, we'll be a living meme. We can take it. That's good. The brats and chats. And then I just, I want to know, does your girlfriend now, does she know you from the show? No. I mean, obviously she caught wind of it. Yeah.

But, you know, it's not like a walk around identifying with it or anything like that. I don't know if I've, oh, yeah, it's in my. tagline. Actually, on Instagram, I think a two-time bachelor failure or something, or bio, whatever it's called. Anyway, but no, we've talked about the show, of course. I mean, I think everybody's fascinated with the overall experience. But no, that was not a key factor in us meeting or anything like that. Thank God. You know, so, yeah, she was somewhat oblivious. She wasn't a fan girl. No, not at all. Maybe that's why she actually likes me. She was oblivious to my past. Who knows? Stop. I still think that you are one of the more iconic bachelors for sure.

Now, I've focused a lot on Emily, but I want to talk about Deanna Pappas, who you also dumped at the, you dumped her at the altar. And she was just on our IHeart family podcast called I Do Part 2, and she broke down about her divorce. She was married for a long, a long time, at least like six, seven years, right? And the divorce was not her choosing. Okay. And Chris Harrison told us that one day you guys may meet up. Yeah. Did you ever meet up? What's your relationship with Deanna? Any advice for her in this tough situation? Yeah, I'll tell you, and I want to say this, I love that woman, love her. We never met up in person. We did get in contact through Instagram, of course. I'm learning that's another great way to stay in touch with people.

And she is still, to this day, so gracious, kind. We communicate relatively often. And, you know, I know she was hurt by her divorce. That obviously hurts me because I do genuinely care about her. She's one of the ones, I mean, aside from Emily, I'll say it, that I feel so strongly connected to and always will. I feel connected to her family, believe it or not. I really liked her family. And so anyway, I will always carry that relationship very strongly and proudly in my heart.

And to know that she's still hurting kind of breaks my heart, to be honest. But I think she's a remarkable human being. And hopefully we stay in touch for the rest of my life. Yeah, she's a good person. Really good person. Ashley, did you watch that season? Was that the season you watched? No, no, no.

You were the next season. Yeah. I'm too old. I think that's Ashley's way of saying I'm way too old. Oh my God, no. But that season, I guess, would have been like my freshman year of college. And I think your season was my senior year, something like that. I just graduated, something like that.

I was hoping she was going to be like, I was in sixth grade. My parents wouldn't let me watch that season. Yeah, I know, right? Brad, again, as we close up here, are you still watching the show at all? I don't, man. I still try to kind of stay in touch. I'm telling you, man. I respect the hell out of that franchise and all things that are involved with it.

And so, but no, I really don't, and only because I don't watch much TV these days, you know. And so I did, I'm going to tell on myself, I very furiously Googled who the next bachelor was going to be in case you guys were going to ask me. He seems like a nice guy, you know, so I wish him all the luck. The only thing I would tell him is buckle up, you know. It's one of those things that Jesus, man, you think you haven't figured out, and you do not. And I'm sure you guys can attest to that, you know, and it comes at you quick, doesn't it? It's a fun ride. It's a fun ride.

The only, when I get to talk to The Bachelor, really the only advice I have is, this is going to be a roller coaster, but you will survive. If I can do it, you can do it too. You'll be right. Can I say something to you, Ben, real quick, your time as a Bachelor? And again, not trying to get on you guys a good. side. By far, I think you were the best one, period. And I said I told Christmas, I'm not kidding at all. Just a stand-up guy, solid guy, genuine. And I'm not trying to use all the buzzwords that we all use, you know, describing each other or whatever. But I've told Chris this, man, just job very

well done for setting the example. Yeah, I mean, I appreciate that. It means a lot. It does. So, so sweet to witness. I mean it. I mean it. So anyway. You know what? You say that and it means something to me because it is such a, as you've mentioned, an important season of life.

One. Two, I think maybe it was decently done because it could be related with because I think I think I went into it not having any idea what in the world I was doing there. And as a result, people. people watching, they're like, he was kind of the bachelor. A guy would be the bachelor. He was kind of confused. He kind of tried to figure out his way, got really emotional because this thing was overwhelming.

He's so innocent and pure. Yeah, right? Yeah, innocent and pure. We need innocent and pure in this world, man. I appreciate that, buddy. It means a lot. And it's fun to look back on. Did you watch his season in like our time on the show?

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. So you continued after you were a bachelor. A few seasons I did watch, and I'll tell you, the one season that I purposely, of course, didn't watch was Emily's season as Bachelorette. I think that would just be pouring my salt to my own wounds, you know? But, yeah, of course, I carried over a little bit, and I'm fans of you guys, you know. It's just uncertain other people that have been on the show. I like this, and so I've been anticipating this conversation, you know.

I'm kind of fanboying to you guys, and I appreciate you having me all. We appreciate you, Brad. Thank you so much for your time. Yeah, thanks for coming. Yeah, I mean, my pleasure. Truly my pleasure, guys. Thank you. A great start to our Bachelor row, as I'm going to call it.

Our series of Bachelor interviews leading up to Grant's premiere. Let's go. Good luck, Grant. I'll say that. Brad, you're the best. Appreciate you. And let's not, now that you have some time on your hands, let's not make it too many more months before you have you back.

on. I'm yours, buddy. Thank you so much, guys. It means a lot. Bye. All right, bye, guys. Follow the Ben and Ashley I, almost famous podcasts on IHartRadio, or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. 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 it. 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your 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.

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