The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Ben and Ashley I's Old Fashioned Almost Famous Holiday Extravaganza!

Episode Date: December 18, 2018

To close out 2018, Ben and Ashley welcome some surprise guests from Bachelor Nation to see what they’re up to for the holidays. We won’t tell you who stops by, but you might hear Bibiana talk about what’s going on with Peter Kraus, and you also might hear about what happened this weekend in Vegas when Blake and Jason hung out with Colton.  It’s the biggest holiday party ever on the Almost Famous Podcast! Brought to you by: CRATE AND BARREL - Start your Crate & Barrel Registry now at CrateAndBarrel.com LE TOTE - Enter promo code ALMOSTFAMOUS at checkout to get 20% off your first month QUIP - Go to GETQUIP.com/FAMOUS right now, you get your first refill pack for FREE with a quip electric toothbrush BOLL AND BRANCH - get $50 OFF YOUR FIRST SET OF SHEETS at BollandBranch.com, promo code ALMOSTFAMOUS FAB FIT FUN -  use the code "ALMOSTFAMOUS" so you can save $10 off your first box THRED UP - get an extra 30% off your first order at ThredUp.com/ALMOSTFAMOUS30 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've planned your wedding. Now let the real fun begin. Registering for all those gifts you'll love just as much as your partner, if not more. Cretton Barrel offers the perfect curation of product to choose from so you and your fiancé can pick out items that are perfect for entertaining, like stemless wine glasses, less chance of spilling, or cozying up for a movie night under our linen bedding. Start your Great Barrel Registry now at Crayton barrel.com slash gift registry. This is the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast with IHartRadio. Hey, I don't want to put him on the spot, but Ashley, one of my favorite things is when Mark

chimes into the podcast here. He always sits back in the back. He's quiet. He's patient. I feel like Mark needs to introduce us today because this is a big episode. Okay, sweet. All right, here we go. Welcome to Ben and Ashley's old-fashioned, almost famous holiday.

Stay spectacular. Yes. And now here they are, Ben Higgins and Ashley Icanetti. Mark, have you ever been on the radio as a host? I was a bunch of places, yeah. I bounced around. Whenever I listen to you on the podcast, I'm like, he has missed his calling. He has a perfect radio voice and brain.

In my time, and then I moved behind the scenes, and here we are today. It's amazing. That was everything I wanted and more for this holiday season. Ashley, Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Ben. It feels like the holiday. Okay, before we get this whole thing started, we explain how this episode's going to work.

When do you start listening to Christmas music? Ideally, the day after Thanksgiving. And will you listen to it every day up until Christmas? I used to like it more than I do now. I love my Instant Christmas album. I love the Hanson Christmas albums. I like that Britney song. course, Mariah, a little old Nicolshea and Jessica Simpson.

That's a good one. Oh, Clay Aiken's Christmas album. But Jared and I have been, we have different Christmas music tastes. I like really poppy current Christmas music. He likes the really traditional Bing Crosby stuff. Yeah, I'm more on Jared's side. Yeah. I really am.

I love Christmas music, but I'm real big. I'll put on Elvis Christmas, which I think is the best album ever, like Elvis Holiday. If I'm going for the classics, my mom used to play Neil Diamond's Christmas album on repeat. And apparently it was so well receptive that he literally made like four other Christmas albums after that. So here's our first request today. This episode is about bringing in the audience, bringing in the listener to a holiday extravaganza, as Mark talked about. when, for all the listeners out there, please email us at Ben and Ashley, iHeartMedia.com, when you start listening to Christmas music and what type of Christmas music you like listening to.

Here's one for you, Ashley. You know who I think secretly came out with one of the best Christmas albums ever? Who? And I'm not a fan of their typical music. Ooh, who? Justin Bieber. Oh, okay. All right.

It's really incredible. I mean, I just was listening to it. I don't know if you could hear it when you called, but I was here in my house jamming out to some holiday music. And Justin Bieber was my go-to. Ashley, here's how the show is going to work today. We're going to bring in anybody that wants to call us from Bachelor Nation. And so we're sending out this, we're relaying this message right now.

If you're out there listening and you're from Bachelor Nation, and you want to talk to Ashley and I and chair your holiday plans, your traditions, what makes your holidays tick, please call us. We'll take your call. and we're just going to let this be a surprise along the way. We'll see who we get. We have a caller. We got it first.

Hello. Hello. This is Ben. This is Ashley and Ben's Christmas hotline. Who is this? What's going on, guys? It's Jason. Jason.

Merry Christmas. And happy Hanukkah. Merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah. Happy holidays, guys. Now, you have one pet. Your mom, is your mom Jewish? Yes. My mother is Jewish?

and my father's Catholic. So that's how my dad was raised, and how were the holidays in your house? Do you have both? Oh, we double-tipped. We got gifts on Hanuko. We worked at a gift by Christmas morning. It was great. But, you know, one of the things we always do is in the morning of Christmas, we do all the

Christmas traditions, the gifts, the breakfast, et cetera. And then at night, we do kind of my mother is adamant about doing more of like the Jewish traditional celebration where that's when they'll go get some Chinese food and they go to a movie and play games. So we saw all sides of both of their religions growing up. Oh, that's awesome.

Jason, you just said some, I don't know if I know. Why Chinese food? Is that a thing? That's a Jewish thing, yeah. Really? It's just like a thing, yeah. I have a lot of Jewish friends that they joke around. They're like, all right, Chinese in a movie, we're doing it. So I don't know if that's just the group that I grew up with or

That's a tradition across the country, but yeah, it's fun. Jason, I got to ask, you've obviously had a huge year. This has been, I mean, if you look back on 2018, I think you would say, Jason, that your life has changed a little bit. The holidays are a time where your family all gets together, distance cousins, relatives, people you don't see that often. Do you think, I mean, how are they going to treat you? Is it going to be any different? you know I think everybody it has been and you guys have had the pleasure of going on the same journey and one much more elevated than I have but in so you understand this but I think everyone is just so intrigued right and they just want to know you know what was the process of the show like what's it like been after how have you reacted good bad and ugly so I think everyone is just like really inquisitive that you wake up on January first and you're going about your life and you're just, you know,

New Buffalo Banker, 500 followers on Instagram, didn't even know how to do a post, still really don't. And then you go to the show and, you know, you get this, you go through this period where I don't like to say like you're a celebrity because I don't think we are, but I think that you just become familiar, you're a familiar faith. And you walk down the street and going to work and people recognize you and you're in the airplane and people are. want to talk to you. So it's an interesting time and an interesting space, but I think people

are just really inquisitive of how it's been, good, bad, and outgoing. You know, you have been the probably number one person that people come up to me and see whether or not I can put you in touch with them. Everybody wants a setup with Jason. So all the girls out there are dying to know, are you kissing anyone under the mistletree this year? I love that Well, that's entirely so free to you Ashley I am

You know, this Christmas I don't have anyone Oh, he stopped Oh, he's totally perked up He like sat up in his chair So good Well, I'm just thinking, you know It's Christmas Day

I'll be with my family I'll be having Chinese food And on Christmas night I don't think there's going to any mistletoe at our celebration. So anyone to kiss except I'll give my mother a big wet one right on the cheek.

Maybe you're not kissing anyone on the mistow on Christmas. Maybe it's not serious enough for Christmas Day yet, but perhaps you are kissing somebody on the regular. No, I don't, not a good. Well, you know, I don't know what the heck you're referring to, Ashley, but

no, everything's good. I'm just living, but I will ask you that Ashley, you've got a great love story. And you got any recommendations for a guy going into 2019 looking for the one? Oh, I like how he turned this on you. That's what somebody does when they're put up against the corner and they feel awkward. All of a sudden, they'll turn the table and make you respond. Jason, great move.

You're a smart guy. I'm not asking that this, like, go analyze this. It's okay. You've literally given us plenty. You don't need to give us any. more, Jason, you've given us the dirt and you haven't even said anything. All I have to say in response to your question, all I have to say in response to your question is I didn't realize this before I was with Jared, but you definitely have to be

with the person, you have to be with a person who makes you feel like you're alone. That sounds like the weirdest thing ever. I mean, being with them should be so comfortable that you feel. like you're alone like you enjoy being with them as much as you enjoy being with yourself I've never heard anybody say that is that's a really that's good because some people say you like find your best friend but I think that's even like deeper than finding you know I mean that is that's just a hit at a deeper level that resonates that makes sense oh yeah that is yeah but it really does because when somebody tells me to find my best friend that almost seems overwhelming

Like, there is no best friend of mine that I want to spend every day with. Exactly. Exactly. Sounds terrible. Because I think of my best gal pals, and I'm like, no, I don't want to spend more than two days with you. Right. I get annoyed. Hey, Jason, favorite memory of 2018?

That is a really good question. Favorite memory of 2018? So other than coming on the almost famous podcast, which was a blast, actually, it's such a great time, I honestly think it was going back to, going back to Buffalo for the first time after the show. And, you know, obviously Buffalo is small city, small town, and I don't think I realized how much I talked about it until I watch myself back. and now I recognize every time I do talk about it, but a home is just like where my heart is, and that place beats so much to who I am and who my family is, and I didn't realize how appreciative people of Buffalo were

for just talking about it and being able to showcase it on a TV show like The Bachelor, and to see the way people at home reacted so positively to that was just like one of the most touching things. And it's something I never expected in my life to have. I never expected to go to my home, hometown and have crowds of people come up to me and thank me and say how proud they were of how I represented our home. So that was just like a really touching time and one on

I don't forget. You spent the weekend in Vegas with Chris Redone, Blake, and the man of the hour, Colton. What did Colton, did Colton, you know who Colton picks? That's all. That's I just cut to the chase. I have no idea. No idea. This smart guy. Jason, you're good at this stuff. No, I just think, you know, it was so good.

It was like, obviously, a unique position where Colton, Blake, and I were such close friends, friends before the show. And we went through this process and this anticipation of, you know, who will be the bachelor. And we kind of all run the same page that regardless of whatever decision they, you know, and move they make, we'll be happy for that person. and it was so good to see Colton and it does seem like even just being around him three months after this everything

he just seems happier he seems more relaxed seems more like just like composed and mature it's almost a different Colpin in the best way possible so that was like really refreshing to see and I didn't blast

them with questions or ask him what happened or not what happened but Colton just seems much more of a confident and comfortable composed Colton than I've ever seen, and it was refreshing to see that. My last question is the three of you are so popular. The ladies love you, and you have that perfect combination of looks and personality. Is it like Beatlemania when you're walking around Vegas together? Well, I don't have the height or look that Colton and Blake have.

I let them walk in front of me, and I could just hide behind them. I forgot how big Colton is a monster. That dude is like 6'4-245 pure animal. And I forgot how big he was. But it was, you know, Vegas was actually really quiet this week. I think just in general, this is like one of their quieter times. And I think it's the largest rodeo of the year was this past weekend, so it was relatively quiet. But, you know, I will say when you travel in packs just coming off the show,

and especially given Colton's notoriety. Yeah, it does spark some attention. But then the best was when, probably the most attention we got was when we went to the Bachelor slot machine and we were like looking at Ben and taking pictures to send them to Ben and buster chops a little bit

and everyone then saw we were there. It was funny. I walked up because, I mean, seeing a slot machine of yourself in Vegas is one of the weirdest things ever, but I walked up to that slot machine earlier this year and I was just kind of staring at it kind of in awe and the people playing it looked back

and it was one of the best moments ever because like you play this game and then you look back and you see the person in real life and they do people really enjoy that so it makes it fun for me so I like seeing those pictures thank you for sending me those I like when you think about me Jason it means some man actually Plague and I played

we put five bucks in we both lost and we go just another another loss to throw up in the back That's where we lost in Texas. Oh, man. I wish I could say I made a little money on that loss, but I don't. Hey, Jason, to sit you off. Colton has a big gear ahead of him. Obviously, you are always going to be a star in all of our hearts,

but it is Colton's time to shine. Your message for Colton starting January 7th. Go, and then we're going to say goodbye. Yes. So there's going to be peak. There's going to be valleys. There's going to be a lot of commentary for the good day. and ugly, and I think through it all, the only thing you could do is stay true to yourself,

your family, your friends, and whoever that loved one may be, and to not let all of the noise distract you from what you're looking to do in life. And I'm sure with Colford, that's build a family and a career and everything of that nature. So stay in your lane, stay focused, and I wish I'm the lucky one is, all of that. Jason, you're the man. Thanks for coming on the podcast, buddy. Thanks, Jason. Merry Christmas.

Happy Christmas. Happy holiday. You know, Ashley, one thing I've noticed with this group of guys that just got off Becca season. And I had this a lot with my group as well. There are some awesome dudes on my season, including your fiancé, Jared. But they really support each other. The one thing I was missing that I kind of look back on and I'm a little sad about or a little jealous of or envious of.

It was once I was The Bachelor, I don't remember many times being able to get together with friends that had done the show like the Jason and Blakes and Colts. just got together because I know that it feels pretty isolating and lonely right after you do that. It feels like Jason and Blake have really gone out of their way to surround Colton with love. That's a really cool thing. You don't see that too often within the franchise. Yeah, I know that they obviously are like, oh, I'm happy with anything, you know, he'll be a great bachelor, he'll be a great, better bachelor than me. And of course, there's like some white lying to that. But I think genuinely, they're really just great friends. And

they're really happy for Colton. Yeah, that's a big job. I bet Colton appreciates it. I cannot wait to get him on the podcast here coming up the next few weeks. I know last week we talked about getting Sean Booth on the podcast here. It's the holidays. We're going to spice things up, keep things cheery. Sean will be on very soon.

Won't be this, what he calls in, but he will be coming on soon. And Sean was one of those guys as well that kind of surrounded me with support. Ashley, one of your favorite sponsor of this podcast. is crate and barrel. And I know it touches very close to your heart because of what's coming up in your life and kind of the house that you and Jared are making together. Yeah, actually, ever since talking about crate and barrel

on this podcast, Jared and I have already received a couple of gifts from our registry, which has been super cool. We got this marble serving platter, which when we have friends over for the holidays, which we plan on. And if you're in the city, Ben, we'd love to have you over with Jaden Tanner. and we will put our cheese and crackers

and our little like deli meats on the marble thing and you'll see how pretty it is and how much it fits with our apartment now and honestly whatever aesthetic we plan on decorating our house in the future I love it because it is classic timeless and it's never it's just never going to go out of style

no matter what we decide to design our home to look like when we have friends over this holiday season we're going to be using our Cambridge serving platter as well. We're going to display Christmas cookies on there and fruit. It all looks so pretty on the serving platter. And crate and barrel, I have to tell you, has made entertaining at home just so effortless. The place has all the products you need to host for friends and family. If you're engaged, you can start your crate and barrel registry now at crate and barrel.com.

Again, if you are planning a wedding, there's no. place I can recommend more than registering at Creighton Barrel. So Crate and Barrel Registry, sign up now at Creightonbarrel.com. Perfect timing. Oh, my goodness. Who is this? All right. Hello? Hello? Oh, hi. Is this Blake? It is. Blake. We were just on the phone with your buddy, Jason, talking about your weekend in

Vegas. Quite the weekend. It was a fun weekend. I was like, off the day. Blake, one thing is, well, first off, happy holidays, Blake. You guys too. This is that Ben and Ashley second annual holiday extravaganza. We're having some of Bachelor Nation's favorite people calling to the podcast, if they so choose. Blake, thanks for calling in.

I don't get how you do it. I really don't. Ever since the show, you know, it has ended. I will not say you've been to. pursuit of fame. I don't think that at all. But you've been going hard the whole time. I don't know how you rest. You're my age. Like, you have energy for days. I know. It has been a lot. I'll be honest. I am definitely getting burned out. We were talking about me and Jason were talking about this weekend. And we were like, I don't really have anything now until mid-January. So I'm so

excited to just kind of hang out. But I mean, honestly, it's just these opportunities keep rising. I mean, you know, I'm just going to kind of concerts and things like that. Like, nothing crazy, but I do seem to be busy every single weekend lately. Hey, Blake, we just asked Jason if he's kissing anyone under the mistletoe, and he was quite coy. But I have to ask, are you kissing Brandy Cyrus on New Year's Eve? No, no, I will not be. Oh, did we just get more dirt? No.

Wait, where did that come from? Is that a thing? I don't know. No. I don't know. We've seen them hanging out quite a bit. There's rumors going around, of course, but no. We are not dating or anything like that.

We are just friends. Have you kissed? No. Never. All right. Then I'll drop it. Ashley's done her research, Blake. I had no clue about this.

You know, the one thing is, Ashley, Brandy now lives in Denver. Yeah. Blake lives in Denver. I live in Denver. We all are around each other a lot. Actually, I got to give Blake a shout out. Listen to this, Ash. You'll love this. So last week, we did, Humanei Hope United did a fundraiser, a trivia night at a local bar here in town, Island, Island Tappenberger.

Blake, Chase, and Brandy all showed up without, there was no promotion of it. We did not use them, but I just asked them as friends, hey, I'm doing a trivia night. Will you come? And they all came and joined my team for trivia night. So Blake, publicly, I'd like to say thank you, buddy, for giving up your evening and coming to hang out. Yeah, absolutely. That's a blast. Too bad. I saw that I couldn't really contribute too much. to the theme. We didn't, we didn't fare so well in the trivia night, but it was a fun night. You said you didn't know that they weren't very good at the theme of trivia? Oh, we were terrible. No, no, it was hard. It was all 90s trivia, and it was really hard. Oh, I would love to play. Jared and I would have killed you guys. You would have killed. There was movies and music. Listen to this, Ash. There's 18 teams.

Blake and I'd see my team? Place 18? Oh, darn it. Yeah, it was rough. It was rough. Blake, have you checked out Ben's new restaurant? I was just going to say, no, Ben. I think I'm either going tonight or tomorrow. I'm going to swing by for sure. I can't wait to check it out, though.

I saw it before it was completely done, and it looked amazing, so I'm excited. Yeah, so we opened up. What they're talking about is Ashkara and Denver opened up. Tonight is actually the first night, the public, can get reservations. Blake, I'm going to be in there. It's been awesome. It's been stressful. It's been a blast.

Ashley, one other thing, I just got to keep kind of promoting Blake because he really does not stop moving all the time. I'm right now producing a wedding festival called the Wedding. party. You can see it on my Instagram. There's 12 couples getting married at one time here in Denver. I'll be a part of that. I'm going to host to this event. And then it's one large reception and food and music festival. Blake came the other day and helped me film a promo video for it because we went through and picked the 12 couples that were going to get married and Blake said in on that meeting. So Blake, you just continue to be a good friend. Oh, that's so sweet. I can't wait for that to happen. I'm definitely going to be there too when

that party goes down. So that's going to be so much fun. That is so fun. Blake, what are some holiday traditions you do with your family? What are your holiday plans right now? You know what? Honestly, it's kind of crazy. We don't really have, you know, my parents are divorced. So we don't really do any crazy traditions as far as that.

We play a lot of games, play a lot of card games. Do you guys know what nerds by chance? Do you know the card game nerd? No. Oh, okay. So how a kid's hard to explain? It's kind of like solitaire. It's like group solitaire.

I'm sure there's some listeners who might know about it. I've met some people who know about it. But that's a big tradition of ours. We all get together, and we play a big game in Paris. I think I'm, like, three years running now. I'm the annual Nurtz champ and, like, in the family. So, be excited about that. I'm going to be defending my title this Christmas.

Well, congratulations on that. Thank you. What's on your Christmas left this year? Oh, gosh. You mean, as far as, like, yes? Yeah. Honestly, there's nothing I really want right now. I feel so grateful right now for my life and kind of,

where I've been, and the experience I've been on this last year, I told my family, I was like, you know what, guys, like, I don't want anything. I don't need anything. Like, I just want to enjoy it. I'm really excited to have some low-key, like, Ben just said, I'm a little, I've been a little out busy, so I'm going to have some low-key time with the family and just enjoy, enjoy some quality family time. I think that once you hit about 28, you're like, I really don't need anything. And like, honestly, please don't, like, give me random things that are going to sit around because I don't have space for that either. exactly I was like you know what give me a bottle of one or something like that

like something that I definitely will you know use and it won't be in my yeah house for the next year or so that's that's a good idea yeah um you know what I want my mom asked me yesterday she's like what do you and Jared want and I go mom this is 30 I want a bath fitter a what bath fitter you it's the perfect fit you've never heard bath fitter commercial no okay so I'm looking it up I always thought it was literally the grossest thing ever because they, like, put, like, a plastic tub over your tub. And it just fits your tub, but they don't knock out the old stuff.

So for me, and we're renting a place and we'll probably continue to be in this place, at least for the next year and a half or so, I'm like, I'm not going to put, like, a ton of money into redoing the bathroom and, like, you know, pay $5,000 for redoing the bathroom. But we hate our shower. And all I want to do is fix the bottom of the shower. and bath bitter. They fit shower bottoms, too.

So that's all I want. Oh, Ashley. What are you going to find those? Like, I don't know where you go to shop at those. It's online. Yeah. I looked it up yesterday. I was very excited to see they did showers.

Oh, Ashley, you're getting old. I like the transition here, though, is what are you and Jared want? That's a big deal. And Blake, I actually today got to give you a job title on this video. we created. And your job title is Pursuer of Love. Blake, looking back on 2018, you pursued love hard. You did fall in love. You've admitted that. But you are single now. What is your favorite just overall memory of 2018? Oh, wow. Gosh, you know, it's kind of crazy because I was looking kind of back over the last year. I had some time to do that. And I was like, it's been insane.

But I can't, a year from now where I'm now, you know, a year ago is just absolutely incredible. God, the favorite moment. You know, it might be that first night in the mansion just because it all kind of came, you know, because you're leading up to that, you still don't know if you're like an alternate or you're going through all these motions. It's all stressful, but then once you get out there

the first time, you know, I was on an ox. I wasn't in the limo, but walked up on that ox and I saw back then once I got done with that first conversation back in the mansion and meeting all the guys, that would be my best. That was probably the best day. of 2018, I would say. That's a very nostalgic night.

It was. It seems so surreal because, like, I knew the show and, like, being in the mansion and it's almost like a movie set on that first night, you know? So, that was quite the experience, for sure. You know, you mentioned being an alternate because I also

mentioned this on our podcast. I think it was with Chris and Crystal a couple weeks ago. There are, like, two or three alternates that sit in the hotel before, you know, for like three days before heading over to the mansion with the rest of the cast heads over to the mansion and they don't even know that they are backups and then what the news is broken when is the news broken to them that they are not

actually going forward with the season that is heartbreaking and i think we need to get some alternates on this podcast to talk about that feeling that goes through that yeah because i couldn't believe that because it says that like in the contract it says i'm like you could possibly be an alternate and i was like what the hell? I'm buying, you know, some clothes. I'm doing all this stuff. And I thought I'd go in there and they get sent home before I even get a chance. I was like, this would be awful. So I do remember reading something. I think it was Nick or Ari season about a girl who wasn't alternate. I remember reading something on Instagram about it. Oh, that's right. Okay. You got to definitely try and find her yet. So we only know about these alternates through the contract because it is in the contract. And it definitely freaks us out. You're like, wait, what if I am that one, two, or three person? But I wonder if they fly the map. I wonder if they do stay in that hotel the nights before. I bet you that they have them like on speed dial. I would say, do no way they fly them up, put them up, and then, yeah, I would think.

Yeah. No. There's no way either of you ever be alternates for anything in life. So I don't know where your mind is going. Both of your all-stars and everybody's heart. We just feel bad for those alternates. I actually was at an event yesterday for Capital One. And once again, my life consistent.

of people coming up to me going, I love your podcast. I absolutely adore Ashley. Actually, one of our biggest fans was randomly my waitress at the restaurant in Belmar. And she came up to me and said, please do me a favor and tell Ashley I Canetti

that I absolutely love her. And I promised her I would. So once again, my life consists of either taking pictures of Blake or just saying how great Ashley is to every single person that walks by. Ben, I got to give you a show for your story yesterday.

when you were ice skating, I laughed at that thing for like 15 minutes, whatever story that was. I was laughing so hard on the airport yesterday. It was awesome. I'm just not a good ice skater. Blake, I don't, you know, I feel, everybody always says, you get this because you're in shape and you're good looking and you're strong. So people always come up to us and they go, oh, you're an athlete, you'll, you'll be fine at this. And then when I do it, I'm never good, which must mean I'm not actually an athlete, but for some reason people still assume I am. I like to think I am. I'm good at some things not good at others ice skating is not it um ice skating is a different one for sure that's it's it's just difficult every time it hurts you're better than me last year during winter games that

remember how bad i was remember how long it took me to go around that rank three times oh you're so bad actually let's talk about this for a second before you say goodbye to blake do you have a second yep okay winter games one of the best things i've ever done in bachelor nation it was a blast it was fun it was revealing it was authentic it helped me kind of process through some stuff winter games was a really good time and the bachelor franchise i guess has chosen not to do it this year but like if they were to ask you to do winter games would you have said yes yeah actually i would have i definitely think i would have um i mean when didn't what did it film like february right no it filmed in early december oh early december wow i still think i would have been ready i do

Like, I definitely think that it would have been something I would persist in it. And I did, I played hockey for six years. So I know how to ice skate. I know I'm still bored. I know how to do all those things. So it would have been a blast for me. I think I really enjoyed it. I felt kind of bummed and then decided not to do it.

Well, who knows whether it was just because there wasn't an actual Olympics. Maybe it'll come back in. What would the year be? I don't know what year would be. Two years from now? Is that right? No, 2022? Oh, my God.

You're right. February 2020. too. God, we're for you. I don't think I'll be relevant then for sure.

I don't think to come on a win a game. Michael G. came on and he's an antique in the franchise.

Really? There we go. I'll keep hope out. Hey, Blake, before we send you off here, we're asking all of the people

that call in, what is their message for Colton starting his Bachelor legacy on January 7th? Blake, if you had a moment to just pour into Colton, what would that be?

And then we'll say, see you later to you. Yeah. So, I mean, yeah, I've had, I've been lucky enough. I've been, I've sat down with Colum a couple times. So I kind of know where he's at and everything. And I don't know any spoilers and he's being really close to us with it. But I do know, you know, I just, I'd like to tell him and I have told him. But he took his head up and that this is going to be probably the hardest three, four months of his life.

But all of it will be worth it at the end if you find that well, you know. So, um, hopefully, I, He keeps his head up through all of this and stays through himself even, I mean, during filming, obviously, but even, you know, watching us and seeing and reading all the comments on that fun stuff. So that's what I'd have to say to them. You're the man. Hey, you guys have been great friends to Colton along the way. Ash and I were just talking about it. You've been a great friend to me, Blake.

Blake, you're a good dude. Happy holidays. Celebrate well. And we look forward to talking to you once again in 2019. Wow. Awesome. Well, thank you guys. Thanks for having me.

Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. Bye. All right. Bye-bye. Ashley, I've never been an online shopper. I'm not good at it. I don't get it.

But I know after talking to you, you are an online shopper. Yeah, and I am because of Latote. I find it really hard normally to find the correct measurements or sizes when I do shop online when I'm not shopping with Laotot. There have been so many things where I've ordered them and it doesn't fit because I didn't get to try it on at the store. And then I forget to return it back in time to get my money back or in exchange. It's just so annoying. And then I'm like, oh, man, I'm just going to end up donating this. But there's a site called La Tote, and they take the stress out of getting dressed.

They find the right styles and the right size delivered to your door. And when you're done, you can just send it back. La Tote takes your measurements and ratings and learns not just about your size, but how you like your clothes to fit. Because some people like them being a little bit more 90s grudge, grudge. and then some people like it a little bit more like early 2000s type. And La Tote measures pieces by brand with their fit and seamstress teams to match to universal sizes and your specific sizing. Rent pieces that fit and then send them back when you're done

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20% off your first month. Again, that is latote.com and enter the code, almost famous. Ben, you have a great gift for people who like to be in bed a lot or just want a good night's sleep. Tell them all about it. I really, really love soft things. I'm a big fan of cool, soft items, especially touching those cool, soft items. And Bull and Branch fits that mold perfectly.

LA has actually been jaw-droppingly below 70 degrees lately. It's insane. You guys, you've got issues. And all we know, it's going to get cold or gloomy weather calls for a day spent in bed. Ashley, you know how to do that. And I cannot tell you how soft Bowling Branch is. Bull and Branch makes the softest, most comfortable, 100% organic cotton sheets you will ever sleep on. In fact, Ashley, listen to this.

I like to wake up about 630 every morning. It's kind of my routine. Wait a second. That's a whole other conversation. We're going to have to talk about it later. Go ahead. But this weekend, all of a sudden, it was cool. It was gloomy.

I don't live in L.A., but I live in Denver. And I was tired. I didn't wake up till 9.30 both days, Saturday and Sunday. And I really do blame it on the softness of my sheets. They only sell to you online at Bollumbranch.com. So their sheets cost less than half of the designer brands and are twice the quality. You won't believe how comfortable 100% organic content. sheets can feel until you try bull and branch you can try them for a whole month if they're not the

most comfortable you've ever slept on or any other way you want to test drive your sheets send them back for a full refund oh actually we just added this to our registry and everybody out there who's creating a registry highly recommend bowl and branch sheets um when people come and stay at our our place because we do have a guest room which is really nice um they're like it feels like we're staying in a hotel. These sheets are so, so nice. And that's right. And no risk. So listen to that. We said full refund. No risk. It means no reason not to try them. Plus, you'll get $50 off your first set of sheets at bull and branch.com promo code, almost famous, spelled B-O-L-L-L-N branch.com promo code, almost famous for $50 off your first set of sheets.

BullenBranch.com promo code almost famous today. We have another caller. Hello? Hello? Hello. Hey, what's up? Who is this? This is the pensive gentleman. Who's this?

Jordan? That's right. Yay! Happy holidays. Merry Christmas. Whatever you celebrate, you know? Happy Hanukkah. Jordan, would you be spending this holiday season in Florida with your family?

I sure will. Tell us about all your holiday traditions. Tell us about what? Tell us about all your holiday traditions. day traditions? The traditions are I make the ham. Typically, I try to wear a Santa hat all day. That way, you know, I stay very humble.

I cover up the hair. Make everyone feel like, you know, you know, I'm not any better than them. If I have people had a hair on my head, I make the ham, I set the table. We make a prayer, and then, you know, we obviously, we dig down and eat, and then we'll always open gifts super early in the morning. so that's the way that rolls so so then are you kissing anybody under the mistletoe this year you've had a big year Jordan you've been on this podcast

before we got to dig into a little bit of the drama that surrounded your 2018 but the main question we got to stick to right now is there anybody you're kissing I mean I think that there's there could be some romance this holiday for sure yeah oh my oh my goodness gracious

Do we know her? Do we know her at all? No. That's even better. That's another round of applause. Jordan, how did you meet this lady? Just along my travels. Okay, Jordan, time out here.

You've never been one to hold your words. I appreciate your, you know, that you're holding this tightly to your chest. That's great. But you're on a podcast. Nobody listens to this podcast. So let's just talk openly. How did you meet this girl? Uh, she was associated with a place that I was working with.

So we both ended up working for a similar, the same company. Is she a model? I can't say that. Yeah, I can't let the whole cat out of a bag. Is she a model in your eyes? I mean, of course. There you go. That's all we needed.

Okay. Jordan, before we move on from this wonderful topic, what really stood out to you? We know that you've probably gotten a ton of attention over the last year. 2018 has changed your dating perspective a lot. America fell in love with you on Bachelor in Paradise. So you obviously have gotten a lot of interest. What about this partner stood out to you? you know just the ability to stay so like i don't know down to earth and sensible and you know

knowing when it's the right time to say the right thing and it's just i mean i don't it just it just looks you know it just happens it's not really it's the whole recipe i think i don't think it's one thing that sticks out that it's uh it's just the whole deal you know so yeah not against it i mean that's what actually says about jared she says it's just a whole deal actually just made a comment, Jordan, that I want to know if you agree with. You need to find somebody in life that makes you feel like you're alone. Like find somebody that you can barely even recognize that they're there because life doesn't, I guess what you're saying, actually, it just feels like life always has. It just increased a lot with this partner by your side.

Yeah. It just feels easy. I just said that half an hour ago. No way. In different words, I just said that same exact, I mean, the same ideal. You need to know that that person, like you need to be able to work on you and live your life but but you're with them and they make you better and they do it without really having an influence there they just something about that person makes you want to be better within yourself yeah you know totally good for you man hey i agree with that uh well hey we're gonna have to say goodbye to you Ashley I know you want to send them off here yeah I do now that you've had this new lady just wanted to make sure that Jenna's not creeping in your text messages anymore I mean, there was a, I've been texted, but it's been like a month and a half now that I haven't heard anything, so, yeah. All right. It's just in the past, yeah. In the words of Taylor Swift, you're now clean.

There you go, new beginning. Maybe the weirdest story in Bachelor Nation in 2018 was the Jenna Jordan drama and some lawsuit getting thrown out there in it. We couldn't follow along, Jordan, but we're happy you're happy now. Thanks for being a fan of the podcast. Thanks for being a friend of the podcast. Jordan? Yeah, you guys are all.

Hey, happy holidays, guys. Hi. I hope you stay safe and hope you see your family. All righty. Oh, we're back to back here, Ash. You answer this one. Okay. Hello, this is Ben.

Hey, it's Wells. Hey, welcome to the Ashley Bend Holiday Hotline. Oh, my God. Oh, ho, ho. Is that the applause I hear? Wells, you're always loved. Everybody loves Wells. I've never met one person in my life that doesn't love Wells.

I love Wells. And you have a new project coming out that I think all of your fans will be really excited about hearing. For all of you out there who are lovers of reality television, the show that kind of started it all off, the Hills is coming back. And obviously, everyone's very excited for the Hills. to be back, myself included. And so today we announced that Stephanie Pratt, the sister of Spencer Pratt, and I are going to be doing a show

for the Hill called the Pratt Castle. We'll be talking about the show, bringing on people from the show, breaking it all down, and getting all the key from stuff about what the heck is going on, in Southern California, and I can't be more frequent pumped for this. When does the Hills start airing again?

It's coming up in the spring. I don't know if there's like an official date, but I know that the spring is when they've waited for it to be back. But I wish you would just start now. Like, they're filming it right now. So every time I sit down with Steph, she's got like some juicy bit of gossip from the show. And from what I understand,

And if you guys liked the Hills before, it's going to be bigger, better, and more ridiculous. All these people are the exact same, but like she said, they just live in bigger houses now. So Stephanie Pratt, the sister of Spencer, and Heidi will all be on the show. Will Lauren Conrad be on the show? I don't think LC is on, but don't worry, because they're replacing. those who aren't on the show with do you remember the show of the O.C.?

Yes. Oh, Misha Barton's going to be on, isn't she? Misha Freaking Barton is going to be on the show, which is this awesome and also weird because, like, the Hills was like a spin-off the reality version of the O.C. And now she's a part of the show. So... Life imitating art, imitating life or imitating life or whatever,

that's good, they say? No, it's so meta and so weird. So I'm sure there's going to be a lot of tears shed. I mean, I'm not sure if it's going to be on the same level of actually like Kennedy, but we can only hope that the drama between Steph and Spencer will continue on and all the other, like, just crazy what happens on the hills. It's so unique in my eyes that the show is having one of their contestants. actually on a podcast to talk about the behind the scenes.

I mean, you're going to be able to dig deep into the psyche of every single person on this show because you have a co-host who's been there. Okay, so what I think everyone loves about your guys' show is because you guys get to give, like, the behind-the-scenes key on the Baster, right? You can say, like, well, they cut it weird there or like, I didn't really mean it to be said right there, all that kind of, like, interesting gossip from behind the scenes. and I think we're going to get the exact same interesting gossip. And, like, also, there's going to be storylines where we're going to want more, you know,

and she'll be able to expound upon it. I'm just going to be there kind of driving the ship and also, like, just kind of pulling things out of stuff because, to be honest with you, she's very easy to, like, get to admit to things. So I'm pretty sure we're going to get in trouble with, like, non-disclosure agreements because she might reveal things that she's not supposed to. but I have a feeling that everyone's really going to like the show, and it's going to be a good companion piece for the Hill.

Awesome, man. Well, hey, Wells, thanks for coming into the holiday extravaganza, hosted by Ashley Icanetti and myself. We look forward to listening to your latest project everywhere. You can download an IHeartRadio podcast. Thanks a lot, Wells. Hey, can you guys do the applause thing real quick for me as I walk off? Yeah, yeah.

Oh, thanks. Thank you. Unbelievable. Love you guys. Oh, he's ridiculous. That guy's had a crazy 2018, hasn't he? Yes, I really did want to ask where he and Sarah will be having their New Year's Eve kiss, but we were breaking up so badly there.

I didn't want to start another conversation. I get it. Yeah, I mean, that's one of the best couples of 2018 in my eyes. I just, I, I really love them together. I love being around them, um, together. It's one of those couples that, you know, maybe the outside thinks they're just, you know, a celebrity couple and they're really not, like they love each other. Yeah, they really do.

Okay. So are we taking another caller? Wait, no, no, we're doing clip. What, I can't hear you. Hold on, we're going to do spots. Let me, let me take that from what you just said. They love each other. and but I know that their kisses will be brushed with quip.

Okay. Yeah, those two are so into each other. And I bet you that their New Year's Eve kiss is going to be so minty fresh because I know that they both use quip. Okay, I don't actually know that. But Wells has definitely heard of quip through our podcast before. So I hope he's taking our advice. It's that time of year for Christmas cards and Christmas parties. And it's all about getting your teeth clean and super white.

and when we're eating way too many sweets this time of year, we need to be brushing with our quip because it's going to alleviate those cavities and it's going to be a perfect gift for anyone, especially the traveler in your life. It's something that people really want this year. It has been so highly recommended by dental professionals. We use this toothbrush at least twice today.

It makes your travels around the holiday season clean and easy because they have a multi-use cover that mounts the mirror and then you slide it over your bristles so that you don't have to worry about the flush of your toilet getting your bristles all dirty it also doesn't require a chunky charger like so many other electric toothbrushes and what is so unbelievable with clip is that it runs for three months on one charge i know that other electric toothbrushes they basically charge for like maybe a week on one charge and then all of a sudden you're getting that blinking light that you need to charge it again not with quip everyone needs a good toothbrush everyone needs

brushes so if you're having a challenging time picking out a gift for somebody quip is probably the way to go you know they're going to use it so quip looks like a big ticket tech gift but it has a stocking stuffer price it starts at just $25 and if you go to get quip.com slash famous right now you're going to get your first refill pack for free with a quip electric toothbrush but you don't have to tell you're gifty that you've got such a good bargain on their gift, okay? Don't do that. So go to Get Quip

that is G-E-T-Q-U-I-P dot com slash famous and you're going to get your first refill pack for free with the purchase of an electric toothbrush by Quip. You know, we keep this podcast going. We're able to have the holiday extravaganza because of some of our consistent sponsors and partners.

There's really no better gift for the holidays season. I mean, I think every time we talk about this, Ashley, we say FAP-Fit Fun feels like you're getting Christmas

or you're having Christmas four times a year. Every time. I mean, it's absolutely awesome. So as we've talked this year, who else out here has tried Fat-Fit Fun?

I know Ashley and I have. If you don't already know about it, it's a seasonal box with full-size beauty, fitness, and lifestyle products. Their winter box is epic. Or as some people say,

dope. It has products like a knit throw from Mark and Graham, body cream from anthropology, dry shampoo from Orbe, but like this is the celebrity stylist go-to dry shampoo. I don't even know, see, honestly, I still don't know how dry shampoo works, but I'm assuming if celebrities use it. Do you use it? Yes. It absorbs the oil, so you don't have to wash your hair as much.

Yeah, see, I still don't get it. But you use it so other people should as well. Don't miss out because they sell out fast. And when we say fast, we mean like really fast within days. Yeah. Check out www. Favfitfunn.com and use the code almost famous. So you can save $10 off your first box, making it only $39.99.

Again, that's fadfitfun.com and use the code almost famous. You deserve it. Hey, somebody almost interrupted me. Ashley, who is it? I don't know. Hello? Hello. Is this Annalise? It is. Hi, Ashley.

Oh, hello, Annalise. How are you? Good. How are you? Good. You guys hear me? Yes. We just had a little applause. The audience. The audience. They've been just like really thrilled with today's podcast. Nice.

Hey, Ben. Hi, Annalise. Welcome to the Ben and Ashley second annual holiday extravaganza. Thank you. Thank you. You know, people are going to look back and they're going to be like, did they do this last year? They're like, this is a lot. They're like, I can go back in their archives. Totally. Okay, so, Annalise, we're talking about Christmas traditions and all that stuff on the podcast today.

What are your holiday traditions with your family? So we always do Christmas Eve on my stepbrothers and it's just like one big extended family get together. this year I'm going to be making a couple pit stops other friends holiday parties on my way because so many people have like kids and stuff now so it's like you got to go and drop off the presents and you know have a piece of cake or something and then we go to Tahoe and we get skiing so yeah

that's what it's been last couple years and it is good is Tahoe where you spend a lot of your time I know that our producer Amy has randomly ran into you at a couple of the shops in Tahoe Yep, it's true. Yeah, I've been going up to the house since I was like seven years old. So I grew up going to the mountains and going skiing and hiking and backpacking and all that good stuff. So, yeah, I do spend, it's only, it's a four-hour drive from San Francisco. So it's not too bad.

So it's sort of like a good little getaway spot. You know, it's always great to have family tricians. Ashley, I got to tell you something really quick. My mom calls me the other day. She says, I have to apologize. I said about what? Mom, you've been a great mom. I love you dearly.

We still talk all the time. We're all tight. Everything's good. And she goes, I just had an interview. One of a local little reporter did talk to my parents and they said, okay, you guys are such a tight-knit family. You obviously have a ton of memories together, which we do. And they said, what are some of your family holiday traditions? Okay.

And my mom broke down because we don't have any. And I mean that. We literally have zero. We couldn't even think of a holiday tradition. The only thing we could think of is when I was younger, we used to go to midnight church service and do the candlelighting, which I love and listen to Oh, Holy Night. But my family, out of all the good things that they've done,

my parents epically failed on traditions. You know what, Ben, I am right there with you, which is kind of why I'm going to Rhode Island for Christmas, and I didn't fight for having Christmas at my place because for Thanksgiving, we usually have the extended family come over. That's our tradition. Like, we've never had a Thanksgiving just the four immediate family. We always share that with other people.

But for Christmas, it's less of tradition, I would say, and more of just a cycle of the day. We wake up, we open, you know, we get our coffee, we open gifts. We, like, play with our gifts, you know, like set them up, put batteries in them, watch whatever we got, look through books, we got, you know, all that stuff. And then we usually go to a movie and then we go out to dinner. So if that's tradition, then that's tradition. But it's not like we have like these little nuanced things that we definitely do. We would also go to Christmas Eve service. We do the whole candle lighting thing.

I always love Christmas Eve service. But yeah, that's... Yeah, I feel like I'm in the same boat as you guys then. Because Christmas Day, like actual Christmas Day, we don't do anything. We just like maybe exchange a couple gifts. But then that's kind of it. Like we don't have like huge tradition. It's usually just like, if we can see family and eat delicious, when we're good.

Yeah. That's the tradition. Same. You guys are making my mom feel a lot better right now. I can't believe your mom called and apologize for that. I know. Yeah, she did that. That was tough on her.

I could tell she was nervous, too. It was one of those phone calls that I thought, like, something bad was going to be said. And all she said was, I'm sorry. And I was like, mom, for what? Not having tradition. Mom, come on. We're good. Everything's good.

A lot of love around here. An Elise. We know we can't keep you forever. You've got a busy life going on. You look back on 2018. This has been a good year in a lot of ways and also a hard year in a lot of ways. What is your favorite, though, memory of 2018? Oh, man.

I think probably like officially moving into my house, maybe. That was like a really big milestone for me. I bought it in 2017 and it ended up being like a total gut job. And so I wasn't able. I was just, like, doing a remodel for, you know, the first, like, year of owning it practically. So, like, I looked back at last year, and it was, like, gut it. So now I'm living in it, and that's really awesome. That's probably, like, one of my biggest accomplishments and kind of, like, the thing that I'm most excited about.

But, yeah, it was, as you guys know, it was a roller coaster every year for me for sure. So I feel like there's a, even though there is some of my highest highs, like, definitely some of my lowest lows as well, you know? Yeah. I have to say, as a single person, I literally hated New Year's Eve. I will, Jared, will be my first New Year's Eve kiss of all time at the age of 30 on this year's Eve. I'm really glad I got to save that for him. And, Annalise, are you spending New Year's with anyone?

No. Definitely not. Definitely single, but I'm feeling like I'm ready to start dating. Yeah, last year was, I think, actually. my first like ever new year's kiss like at new year's you know like when the when it was midnight um but uh yeah i feel like i'm sort of in the same boat i've like never really had a new year's kiss kiss um that like really meant something i guess too you know sometimes it's just like okay we got no one else to kids um but uh but yeah no nothing no one to kiss this year all right well

we got to follow that question up with uh would you do paradise again um i don't know I think it would be something, I don't know. Honestly, it's a ways away still for who knows what could happen in the time from now and then. But if I'm not dating somebody, then I think I would be open to it. Would you do Paradise without a lawn, though? It's going to be so much less fun. I know. It's going to be so different.

I feel like I just don't know what the Bachelor franchise is even going to look like without him. Yeah. It feels weird. It is a weird time. I don't know how this is going to be. We're all going to miss a lawn. And Elise, you better go on Paradise. because if not, we're going to miss you.

Hey, thank you for being a friend of the almost famous podcast in 2018. Annalise, we wish you the best this holiday season. Happy holidays from Ashley I. Kennedy and myself. Thank you guys. Happy holidays and happy new year. And hopefully we'll see you guys in the new year. Bye.

Bye. Ben, thank you for being a friend. And then cue in my head, the Golden Girls theme song. Oh, that's amazing. Which I even haven't watched that show in years. All right, we got another caller. Man, they're just, they're flooded in. Hello?

Hi, it's Bibby. Baby, hello. Just the person we wanted to hear from. Uh-oh. Baby, we want to talk about Christmas traditions, but we really want to talk about what's going on with you and Peter Krauss. Nothing is going on with Peter Krause and I. Oh, come on.

Absolutely nothing. Was there something before? Like, was there something a couple weeks ago? I wouldn't say it was something serious. Okay. How does this kind of stuff get out? I mean, there's, okay. You don't have to go into details.

I know there was probably something. You either made out or you, like, hung out one night. Whatever that was. That's up to you, Bibi. But how do people find out so quickly that that kind of stuff happens? I mean, well, like, I'm just going to clarify and I don't know if he'll be happy with it. But, like, him and I actually connected right after I got back in Paradise. So that kind of like

That's when it kind of like started off But then we just stayed friends And then he was visiting Miami And I was like Well why don't we go to a heat game And one of my good friends Hooked me up with six seats Turns out the Hassan Whiteside

Decides to walk out in the fourth quarter And they catch this clip And we happen to be sitting like right by the locker room So this clip is like playing on Bleachery and Cori ASEPN And I guess Badger fans caught a glimpse of it And then it just exploded it to something that you know yeah one thing led to another but yeah so you were there with four other friends no no no it was just him and I sick oh I thought you said six seats oh sick seats oh sick

seats yeah um baby thank you for clarifying I know it's been something we've discussed in the podcast before we've got to this is what the podcast is about thanks for clarifying that I know though that you are a hot commodity these days and and I mean this with all due respect to you. Bibby, you're looking good. Babe. You're a babe. Like a babe.

Your body is incredible. Your face is always fantastic. Well, I've been, well, thank you. I've been working really hard. I think it's just, you know, when you think about the whole, my whole, since September last year through, you know, the summer, it's been, even if I had time off from, like, filming your mind and your, like, body, everything's, like, set on the show. So I didn't.

really have time to just like disconnect and just be by myself. And once I took a couple months after Colton's announcement in New York with Good Morning America, I was like, you know, if I don't take this time now to just like reset, I'm not, I really wanted to start off the year healthy and doing good in my own skin. So hard work pays off guys. And thank you, thank you. Well, it sure does. It is all over your Instagram, proving that. You have a big family. Lots of girls in your family. What is Christmas like? So this year, my older sister is actually leading with her husband's family on this big cruise and they're going to Europe and they're spending the year in Paris.

So our family's kind of broken up. But I'm staying put because my sister's here with my nephew and my niece and it'll just be like a small, it's more of an intimate family gathering this year. We'll take it easy. so there's let's just clarify then before we get into detailed holiday plans you're there's no kissing or celebrating with a significant other for you this holiday season um possibly maybe oh buddy do you want to tell us anything about this well i mean this is like i don't want to jinx it but this guy is kind of like too good to be true so um kind of just like everything i would want in a person and Like, I believe in, like, projecting the kind of person that you want and asking a certain way just to be able to attract that kind of person that you need in your life. And I think I may have found that guy, but I want to tread lightly just because, you know, you can get all caught up in a few weeks. But, yeah, hopefully for the new year will be funning together. Okay, so, Bibby, this is a guy that we don't know.

Nobody knows him. No, and it's not Peter Crowe. Oh, Bibby. Oh, Bibby. You're going to make me cry. I know. I'm so happy for you. Oh, my really hope this is the one.

on okay um bibby tell me do you feel like the holidays are the time for love i mean we've talked to a few people who've called in now from bachelor nation and first off thank you for everybody that has and those are the people that have called in are either on the pursuit of love have found love and they haven't read openly admitted that they're not going to be spending the holidays with a significant other what is going on there must be something in the water no i mean that was me so few years. I don't think it's bad. It's anything you just find a bunch of single friends and you go out and party a lot

more than the typical person. But I don't think it's a bad thing. You think it's bad to not have like a significant other? No, no. I'm not complaining. I have one this year and it's just like a lit, like I'm really excited about it. But for the most part, like I think that there's so much going on with your family

sometimes that it's kind of good when you don't have someone. I think, I do think that this time of year does make you really nostalgic. And it may be, maybe you're not with somebody, but sometimes it makes you think of somebody that you maybe could have been with or you have been in the past. So if you're single, I assume that there's usually that going on in your brain. Yeah. I mean, I guess last year, well, oh, no, last year I had just returned from Winter Games.

Yeah. And I, I was not thinking about a relationship. No, you weren't. Okay. Well, let's leave you with this fun question before we ask about your advice to your pal Colton. What is your favorite holiday food that you like to break the diet with? Oh, gosh, there's so many good, like, it's just too good. I'm a sweet person. So right now, I'm, like, heavy into looking at dessert recipes. Like, the other day, I know it's, like, it's apple pie, but, like, I baked an apple pie. And then my mom,

made another pie yesterday. I'm like really into pies right now. So sweets for sure. Pies are so underrated. What's your favorite pie, Ben? Strawberry rhubarb, no question. Ben Mainz as a kid. Chocolate cream pie right here.

It's always nice. Hey, Bibby, one of the most famous scenes of 2018 in all of a Bachelor Nation, including The Bachelor at the Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise is when you told Colton to step it up and be a man. We're asking you again, Bibby.

he's about to be the bachelor starting january 7th on a bc if you had some advice for colton today what would it be uh continue to go with your guts and i sent his song good morning american made and air but um don't be afraid to ask for their credit score your credit score yes him and i it's so funny we were talking sorry there's like an airplane flying above me right now but him and i were talking and like i don't think i think people overlook like they're so like wrapped up into a feeling in love and like you don't think of the world outside of bachelor like what you know like how do they manage your finances like what are their long-term goals so him and i had like a little joke for like or he's like one when can i ask for their credit score and i'm like uh

that is definitely a question on my list even before you're official i had a girlfriend asked her now husband on their second day what his credit score was i think it's completely fair you do not want to get with somebody and you try to book a flight and all of a sudden you see that the credit card just gets him pushed back. Bibby, you're wise and smart as always. We absolutely love you on this podcast. You're one of our favorite people ever. You've brought us some of the most popular hits that almost famous podcast has ever had.

Bibby, never stop being you. We wish you the best this holiday season. And, you know, fingers crossed, we just hope this guy brings you a lot of joy somehow, some way. So, Bibby, with that, thanks for calling into the Ben and Ashley. first or second holiday extravaganza happy holidays so rooting for you okay bye bye guys all right all right all right we're getting some good scoop here with these questions it's just like so easy so it's like so are you kissing anyone in the mistletoe or what about your new year's kiss it's just like so natural but we're getting scoop I just am glad that we're

getting some people in relationship from bachelor nation I feel like I kind of thought about this the other day, Ashley, I feel like so much of our kind of generation of Bachelor Nation just has stayed single. I don't know many of them who have gotten in relationships outside of the show. So this is big. I feel like there's love or something happening. So we need you to find someone. We need Nick to find someone. We need Dean to find someone. Who else would we consider to be a single person from our crew? It's a good question. Like, who's the girls? Okay. Peter. Okay. Peter.

okay i don't know peter i mean i don't know him that's that's why i was just like he's not part of my crew yeah who knows um actually speaking of being single or not being single you have an obsession with jared now i think it's fair to say you love that man yes i do yeah you love that man a lot you also have an obsession with one of our most consistent 2018 sponsors thread up let me tell you about thread up um this is a true story happened over the weekend And Jared and I filmed a small film. He has a friend from Rhode Island who's been living out here in L.A. for like five years.

He's a director. And sometimes he does these small films. So Jared and I were the only two characters in this film, and I'm sure you guys will be able to see it. Probably around like February or March. It was a really fun, a long day. I give actors credit now. It's like, well, do it again.

Do it again. Do it again. You're like, okay, I thought I got it right. Anyway, for the small film, I need to wear a dress that kind of could, a timeless dress, honestly, that could seem like it was normal in the 50s or today. And his director friend was looking through my closet and he was like, this is the best. And it was a dress that I got from Thread Up. And when I got to the set, everybody was complimenting it.

And I was like, yeah, well, guess what? It's a consignment store find. So if you haven't checked out ThreadUp yet, well, you probably should. Thread Up is the world's largest online consignment store, their store, whatever you want to call it, with up to 90% off estimated retail prices. That's 90% off what they would have been at the actual store. Insane. Yeah, they have a huge selection of our 35,000 brands like Madewell, Banana Republic, BCBG,

Steve Madden, Kate Spade, Lou Lemon, Coach, and more. So if you love to shop like I do, you need to check out these deals on ThreadUp. Plus, if you sign up now, you'll get an extra 30% off your first order at threadup.com. Almost Famous 30. Okay, there's no A in Threadup. That is T-H-R-E-D-U-P dot com slash almost-famous-30. That's Threatup.com

slash almost famous 30 for an extra 30% off today. Yep, we got another caller. Right on time. Amazing. Hello, who's out there? Hey, this is David Rabbit. How's going, guys?

Oh, my goodness. It's chicken. He's returned. He just can't stay away. I mean, literally, in 2018, David the Chicken went from my worst enemy to my favorite person within just a few months. Oh, what a beautiful transformation. I can do that. I'm glad I could do that.

How are you guys? Good, good, good. David, have you, do you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah? I celebrate Hanukkah. Okay, so give us some Hanukkah traditions. Hanukkah traditions. So I don't really look close to my family. Right now I'm about an hour late.

So we face them, light the candles every night. Awesome tradition. You know, I do that usually with my mom's stepdad and my uncle. And we call FaceTime so we can be together and obviously presents. That's so sweet that you do that over FaceTime every night. Yeah. When you can't be close to family, you have to be close to them somehow. So we do that, and it's a great tradition, and then obviously presents.

Can't celebrate Hanukkah without getting presents, right? What was on your Hanukkah list this year? School, tuition. Getting school paid. Oh, that's smart, practical. Did it happen? We had a good holiday. It was fun to do with everyone.

And I'm looking forward to the holidays. 2018 has been a big year. for you, David. You've gone from just a regular guy pursuing a dream to one of Bachelor Nation's most memorable 2018 characters. David, looking back on 2018, what is your favorite memory? For me, I would say, you know, going through some of the changes that I've gone through,

moving from Colorado to Florida, to, you know, going entering grad school, And just following the thing, put the path. You know, I exited the financial services career that I was doing for, and I was pursuing an NBA now while I'm feeling the whole bastard thing. I think that was, you know, an awesome experience. I'm kind of just taking all the change in stride, and, you're kind of starting in doing. I have a nice little life down here, smarter now.

And, you know, more than anything, I think that, you know, 2018 is a challenging year for all the country, the entire country of the whole, you know, with all shootings and social issues. So I'll be a better year and you know, I'm also about a future and the country's future as well.

You're breaking up a bit, but we do want to ask you one more question before we leave because we've been getting some good scoop out of people. What are your New Year's Eve plans and will you have a lady to kiss at midnight? I do not. And if we were to get a kiss at the end of New Year's or during New Year's, I hopefully will find a lady to kiss.

And I will be in Miami. So all you Miami folks out there, let me know. I'll be around. You know how we used to do like we wanted you to be the Bachelor for Almost Famous, like the Almost Famous, like the Almost Famous Bachelor? Somebody at my other I don't get at podcast meetup, was like inquiring about being a part of your almost famous season. Oh, boy.

I'm down. Let's make it happen, guys. Of course you are, David. Yeah. Just all the work comes back on us and you just get to reap the benefits. Come on, David. I'm just living the dream and living by occasionally through you guys. That's all.

I love that guy. He's the best. David, sincerely from the bottom of our hearts, Thank you for giving us endless entertainment this year. Thank you for making fun of yourself, describing yourself. I knew that was coming on the podcast and just being you. You've never ceased to be the nicest. David, the chicken man.

Happy holidays. And thanks for coming on the podcast. You guys. Happy holidays. Everyone. Happy holidays. You guys. Thank you.

Thank you. Since this is a holiday theme podcast, We wanted to give you guys some stocking stuffer ideas just in case you still haven't thought about those little nuances of Christmas Day yet. We highly recommend an Aegean apparel robe, so soft, it feels like a cloud. One of my favorite beauty tools from the past week, I recently discovered this. It's flesh pot, eye and cheek gloss. It creates like a really high-end model-esque look to your eye. It's just like a gloss, and it looks like something you would see in the pages of Vogue in Paris.

Fleshy lips lipstick. It's really good. It's going to, like, make your lips look plump and full and hydrated. Mm-hmm. Uh-huh. Tender flesh, tender flesh blush. This gives you a great little rosy tone to your cheeks. It's going to be great for the holidays.

This is the time of year where you want to go less from, like, that bronzy, glowy look and more of, like, I just got my face a little bit wind blown, but in a cute little way. And I'm telling you, this tender flush blush really works for that. So guys, if you're still looking for shocking stuffers for the woman in your life,

definitely head over to alto.com for those really, really cool makeup products. Listeners out there, Ashley and I really do appreciate you. We say that every podcast, but we mean it. This has been a blast.

And it's crazy to think that 2018 is quickly coming to an end. It's crazy to think that we were starting a whole new bachelor season. In fact, I still mean this when I say that one of the best compliments that you can give me professionally is when you come up to me and you say, I'm a listener to the podcast this weekend in Denver. I had that happen often. And it means a ton. And I know I'm saying this on behalf of Ashley and I thank you for listening. Thank you for joining along. Thank you for living vicariously with us and through us. And we have also appreciated every email and phone call we have ever gotten.

Ashley, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I am so happy for you. And I hope that you know that 2018 has been a year that I've got to watch a friend of mine go from the person on this podcast that was kind of easy to make fun of and easy to joke around with and easy to dream about the future with to somebody that's now a partner to somebody that I love dearly. I would never be able to have as much fun as I do with this podcast to be as motivated as I am to do this podcast. or to enjoy this whole experience with anybody but you, I hope that you and Jared have the best holidays, and it really does warm my heart, Ashley. It is a crazy idea, and I cannot wait to talk more about this with you,

that 2019 will be rung in with your very first New Year's kiss. I hope it is one to remember. I hope it is one that starts the future to a lasting long relationship with Jared, but also just thanks for dealing with me for another year. we are closing a chapter to this podcast that I never thought we would get to but one more year down. Ben.

Really thanks to you. Did you write that? No, I didn't write that. Well, all I could say is that you have these wonderful speeches and then I'm like, Ben, I love you too and you're so fantastic. When I think of Christmassy people, though, I think about you,

mainly because you see so much of like the truth in Christmas, like you really think about what it's all about. and I just think about how you're going to be such a good dad and you're going to be like with your kids opening presents under the tree and I hope you find that lady this year. I think you might. I think you really might. And I think like you're nodding and smiling like it may actually happen.

And I'm pretty excited about that too. I think it might, Ash. I really do. I believe that 2019 will be a year that I meet somebody that I will be spending life with. And that brings up a good point. you know we this podcast is inclusive all different beliefs all different backgrounds all different personalities and people and whatever your orientation is at any level we just love you we love you a ton but no matter what i think we can all agree that no matter what your background

and what your religious affiliation is is the holidays are a time to celebrate your beliefs and celebrate where your faith lies and celebrate that hope and grace and love are given because I tell you this, Ashley, this world doesn't make sense without it. So as we celebrate this holidays, just know that grace is offered to everybody around you as well as an individual. Look at the neighbor. Look at the people you run into and just give them a hug. Tell them you love them. Tell them you support them.

Because that's what the holidays are about is letting people know that they're loved. Because I tell you one thing, I have friends, Ash, that the holidays are really hard on them. It brings back really sensitive memories and intimate times with friends and families that are maybe no longer here. And so just be sensitive to this holiday season. We forget those people. We move on with life and we celebrate and we forget the fact that people are hurting still. Yeah. And so if every listener of the Almost Famous Podcasts, and we have many now, a lot of them,

there's a whole nation of listeners, if every listener of the Almost Famous Podcast showed an enormous amount of love, respect, hope, and grace this holiday season, the world will be a better place. Ashley, I love you. Hey, Ben. Thank you to our guests. Yes. I think you should stick around a little bit longer, record another whole podcast by yourself.

We're going to call it Christmas Eve with Ben Higgins. And you can do like a whole church service for us. I'd like that. I'd light a candle and I'd listen to it. Oh, Ash. Wouldn't that be fun? Have hot chocolate. We get about 100 listeners.

About a tenth of a percent. Hey, thank you so much, crate and barrel. Start your crate and barrel registry now at crate and barrel.com. Latot, enter promo code, almost famous at checkout to get 20% off your first month. Quip, go to quip.com, backslash, almost famous. Right, get quip.com. Sorry. Quip, go to getquip.com backslash famous.

Right now, get your first refill pack for free with a quip electric toothbrush, Bull and Branch. Get $50 off your first set of sheets at bull and branch.com. promo code, almost famous. bad fit fun use the code almost famous so you can save ten dollars off your first box and finally thread up get an extra 30% off your first order at threadup dot com slash almost famous 30 today with that the holiday extravaganza has came to an end i've been been that's sad but also it's been lovely i've been ashley

happy holidays everybody Follow the Ben and Ashley I, almost famous podcasts on IHartRadio or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.