The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Infamous: Luke Parker

Episode Date: June 18, 2025

Ben and Ashley are braving the thorns to explore some of the Bachelor Nation icons that gave new meaning to the word “villain”. But in this deep dive, they explore...was Luke Parker the vi...llain of Hannah Brown's season, or was he simply misunderstood? You be the judge! Luke gets real about how he handled the social media hate and backlash from fans, while looking back on how his actions led to one of the hardest challenges he’s ever faced. Plus, was there more to the conversation he had with Hannah about the Fantasy Suite??? Follow The Almost Famous Podcast on Instagram!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Starting point is 00:02:40 Sometimes Roses are Red Flags. Hey, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Infamous. Sometimes Roses are red flags. It's Ben and Ashley, and we are here with you to dive a little deeper into some of the characters that you either loved or loathe during the series. And today, we are going back to Hannah Brown's season of The Bachelorette. This cast member, was he misunderstood?
Starting point is 00:03:07 Has he changed? Well, today we will find out. Please welcome Luke Parker to the show, who we just did a little chat with before we started recording. And Luke, you are not just married, which we had seen headlines about, but you are a father. Congratulations. Damn, thank you. Yeah, it's been
Starting point is 00:03:25 all those fathers mothers out there, you guys know, it's been quite the ride. Yes, we understand. Yeah, so I have a nine-month-old and currently my wife is 22 weeks pregnant. So we have, we just found out. Wait, wait, wait. Yeah. The math ain't math in there. You have a nine-month-old.
Starting point is 00:03:50 Yes. So we're two months away. from, I just learned this term, I don't know if you guys know it, but two months away from Irish twins. So if you have two children, whether it's a border girl, that are within a year apart, then it's considered Irish twins. But they're going to be 14 months apart. Okay, wait. He's nine months and she's currently pregnant. So she got pregnant. Okay, yeah. Okay. So the math goes technically math. I'm so sorry. I'm not a mathematician, obviously. Neither am I. But she got pregnant within two months of having your son?
Starting point is 00:04:24 No, it's not, it wasn't that close, but it was within a few, yes. That's wild. Oh, she's 22 weeks. Okay, again, I need a pen and paper. As interesting as it is for Ashley to try to figure this out. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:04:38 I am fully embarrassed right now. No, you're good. I'm not a math genius either. She's roughly six months. Okay, so sorry. I wasn't even think she's six months now. And so they're going to be three, that she got pregnant at three or four months.
Starting point is 00:04:52 Okay, she was four months post-partum. Okay, okay, all right. That's not actually the most outrageous thing. Was this planned? Like, was this wanted to be this way? Okay. Ben, does anybody plan that? I don't think anybody plans within four months of giving her.
Starting point is 00:05:07 I mean, when we had our daughter, Jessica, I was laying in the hospital room, and Jessica goes, let's do it again. And I said, that's insane. I just saw what your body just did. No way. In the hospital room. Yeah. Yeah, she was like, this is the best.
Starting point is 00:05:21 I would do it a thousand times. And I'm like, your wife is a champ. You're crazy. I saw this, and I don't know how you would even think about this right now. Luke, so you have a family. Is Cooksville where you're from? No. So grew up northeast Florida, like Jacksonville area.
Starting point is 00:05:39 And then after college, bounced around and played college baseball. And then after college, I moved to North Georgia to be closer to family. family, and that's where my older brother lived. He and I were super tight. And then I was there for, I want to say, like, three years. And then I went on the show. And that's why on the show, I say I'm from Gainesville, Georgia, because that's where I lived at the time. But it wasn't where I was originally from. And then for the last five years, I've been in Cookville, Tennessee. And what brought me there was really CrossFit. I don't know if you guys are familiar with CrossFit much, but they're like, quote-unquote Michael Jordan and CrossFit is
Starting point is 00:06:22 Rich Froning is a 10-time games champion, a gold medalist, and he owns CrossFit Mayhem, which is like the most famous CrossFit gym in the world. And his poor values on his business are Faith Family Fitness Service. And I got to be part of a few nonprofit events he was a part of and he invited me to come be a part of the Mayhem family. And then he pretty much turned me into a professional CrossFit athlete and that's what I've been doing for like the last five years of my life and actually currently in a transitional season in my life so going in a different direction than competing in CrossFit and that's as of like a week and a half ago. Why is that? Just feel like God's calling me to the next chapter my life and it's been a huge blessing being
Starting point is 00:07:08 a part of the Mayhem family and I'll always be a part of the Mayhem family and the connections I've built here in cookville i just you know i got two sons now and uh got to got to start um taking care of my family and focusing on some other things so what's the difference between a cult and crossfit oh that's such a good question uh man i could talk so much on that but i'll keep it light I'd say CrossFit's focus is obviously just to build a strong community and be fit for life, right? So that's that's really why we do all the crazy fitness we do. But yeah, it does definitely seem like a cult. So you became controversial on Hannah's season, not because you weren't there for the wrong reasons.
Starting point is 00:08:02 Everybody thought that you were there for the right reasons, right? and now you have found your wife how did you to meet that's a phenomenal question um so let me back up so i just kind of the story i just told of me going from north Georgia to cookville tennessee and going to pursue competitive crossfit i got invited um from rich himself at a non-profit event and that same nonprofit event the following year um essentially it was like an oCR race which just stands for obstacle course racing. And all of the proceeds to sign up for this race,
Starting point is 00:08:40 it was pretty cool. It was like a four mile around through like the woods in Alabama. And there's like different obstacle or CrossFit movement stations throughout the race. Anyway, all the proceeds went to the nonprofit, which is Mayhem Mission. And I was just helping serve at the event. And so was my future wife at the time. We had no idea who each other were. Her name is Jennifer.
Starting point is 00:09:02 And yeah, we were like helping each other build a sign. And then just after helping serve the event, we got to know each other. And it was actually really interesting because my buddy, Rich Fronin, was getting a lot of pictures because he's like this, you know, most well-known dude in the CrossFit space. And I'm like a nobody in CrossFit. But then I had like a group of young girls line up to take pictures with me. And my wife's like, okay, is he like a famous Crossfitter? What's going on here?
Starting point is 00:09:30 And then she found out I was on reality TV and I took her to lunch. and she was she had one day eyebrow up like all right who's this guy you know because you know there's quite the stereotype for people that go on rally TV so she was very concerned with who she was going up to lunch with but now after it's actually pretty cool I'll try to keep this brief but after being at mayhem and representing them as an athlete she worked for mayhem and we were friends for like a year and a half to two years before ever like really considering dating each other and I thought that really helped us learn who each other were and then you know we were kind of like hey you know you got the qualities of my future spouse so want to go on the date and then
Starting point is 00:10:16 things ramped up quickly and now here we are with a son and another on the way it's uh it's so interesting you talk about the stereotype from people who go on reality shows which I think is very true. And it's probably fair in a lot of ways. But your time on the show, if I remember it correctly, it felt like you were kind of going within that line of like, hey, this is how a reality show works. And there was like a moment kind of towards the end
Starting point is 00:10:50 where things got more serious that you kind of started to speak up and you tried to go against the grain of really what the show was. So when you signed up for the show and you said yes for the show, did you go into it with any kind of like intentional ways that you were going to progress through it? Or were you just doing it, trying to be yourself throughout it and getting kind of mixed up in the whole madness that is the Bachelorette? Yeah, it's a phenomenal question. So unlike most people, I don't know your guy's story,
Starting point is 00:11:27 but unlike most people who sign themselves up or the show and whether they get a reality TV coach or not and get studied up on what they're going to go up against. Time out. There's reality television coaches. I know. I was like, excuse me? I didn't know that was a thing.
Starting point is 00:11:43 If there are, no. Dang, 50% of dudes on my season admitted to that. What do you mean they had a coach or they had like a gal pal back at home that had watched the show a lot? I had like friends that were like, hey, this is what happens on this show. But I never... Okay, maybe that was a bit of much.
Starting point is 00:12:00 So to your point, I don't know the details. It could have been a friend that was on Survivor or whatever, you know, given, you know, tips and tricks. But anyway, to answer your question, I definitely, just full transparency here, you know, at that season of my life, I was trying to figure out what to do. I was working for my brother and just got done playing college baseball. and I was just like a typical baseball player who found his identity in baseball and was working through that and trying to find out what to do with his life and just typical jock who's like
Starting point is 00:12:35 all right what do I do now and then my sister-in-law was a fan of the show from years back I just got out of a pretty tough breakup graduating college and she's like oh I'm going to sign Luke up I had no idea I thought it was a prank call I got a call in the truck like from L.A. and they asked me to proceed the application process. And I was like, are something prank calling me here? Anyway, long sort of short,
Starting point is 00:13:00 I saw because Colton's season was airing and I'm like continuing down the application process and starting to realize that they keep asking me for the next step and the next step like, okay, this actually might happen. And I was just totally naive personality-wise. I noticed that Hannah Brown got selected
Starting point is 00:13:18 and then she made a few comments on Colton season. Like she was striving to be, a wife of noble character or excuse me a p31 woman which is uh proverse 31 talking about the wife of noble character which is like the perfect blueprint to literally the the perfect attributes of the perfect wife and i'm thinking oh man she wants to be a p31 woman like this would be the only thing that brings me on a reality tv show where you share a girlfriend with multiple dudes and try to narrow down the one which seems crazy yeah and i just went into it honestly thinking that it was just again totally naive thinking oh this has got to be you know god ordained this has got to be why
Starting point is 00:14:06 this crazy series of events and has happened in my life and all these dots are connecting and this has got to be why i'm going to go on the show so that is kind of why you see me fit the mold, if you will, in and on that season of like having this odd confidence in thinking I'll make it to the end and then also just a whirlwind of other, you know, variables, if you will, not to mention, kind of shot myself in the foot a few times, but we won't have to get until I'll be like what aired and what didn't air and all that stuff. But I don't know.
Starting point is 00:14:48 Did you guys watch the full season, both of you, actually and Beth? Yes, we did. It has been a while. You know, and looking back. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:14:59 You were always somebody that the guys weren't the biggest fan of. And then you're most known, of course, for what it comes down to fantasy suites. Yeah. So if, Knowing about fantasy suites going into the show and what you were thinking of, Hannah, what did you expect was going to happen? Can I just say this before I answer that question?
Starting point is 00:15:24 And then I'd actually like you to re-answer it. I just want to be transparent here for a second because it's been a minute. I mean, I get to share a little bit of my story and what I learned from the show pretty frequently because there's a list of things I got to learn. and how I deal with them in a positive way now in my life. But I won't lie, like just thinking about all the things I went through on a deep level and trying to talk about certain details, I won't lie. It's pretty hard for me. This is definitely one of the hardest things I've ever gone through in my entire life.
Starting point is 00:16:03 And you guys got to see the light that was portrayed on me and through that process. And again, I'm so thankful for it. It's helped me grow. In that season of my life, it helped me grow so much as a man. It helped me grow so much and truly realizing what I wanted in a future wife. And it truly helped me grow a lot in my relationship with God. So, and grow closer to my family because they were, I was dragging them through the mud with me through the entire experience. But I say all to say, I really want to do my best to be real on this podcast and try to provide your audience with value.
Starting point is 00:16:41 and I have to bring up the fact that, you know, I still am under contract for the rest of my life with, you know, Warner Brothers and whatnot. As we are. Right. We understand how to teeter the line. I don't know if I know how to teeter that line. Yeah, I know better.
Starting point is 00:16:57 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 okay 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.
Starting point is 00:17:24 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.
Starting point is 00:17:53 Hola, it's Honey German, 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 celebrities. You didn't have to audition? No, I didn't audition. I haven't auditioned in, like, over 25 years. Oh, wow. That's some real G-talk right there.
Starting point is 00:18:13 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.
Starting point is 00:18:34 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 cold, you know, it takes a toll on you. Listen to the new season of Grasas Has Come Again as part of My Cultura Podcast Network on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
Starting point is 00:18:59 My name is Ed. Everyone say hello, Ed. Hello, Ed. I'm from a very rural background myself. My dad is a farmer, and my mom is a cousin. So, like, it's not like... What do you get when a true... crime producer walks into a comedy club. I know it sounds like the start of a bad joke, but that really was my reality nine years ago.
Starting point is 00:19:18 I just normally do straight stand-up, but this is a bit different. On stage stood a comedian with a story that no one expected to hear. The 22nd of July 2015, a 23-year-old man had killed his family. And then he came to my house. So what do you get when a true crime producer walks into a comedy club? A new podcast called Wisecrack, where stand-up comedy and murder takes center stage. Available now. Listen to Wisecrack on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Starting point is 00:20:00 What would you do if one bad decision forced you to choose between a maximum security prison or the most brutal boot camp designed to be hell on earth? Unfortunately for Mark Lombardo, this was the choice he faced. He said, you are a number, a New York State number, and we own you. Shock incarceration, also known as boot camps, are short-term, highly regimented correctional programs that mimic military basic training. These programs aim to provide a shock of prison life, emphasizing strict discipline, physical training, hard labor, and rehabilitation programs. Mark had one chance to complete this program
Starting point is 00:20:40 and had no idea of the hell awaiting him the next six months. The first night was so overwhelming and you don't know who's next to you. And we didn't know what to expect in the morning. Nobody tells you anything. Listen to shock incarceration on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, I'm Jenna Lopez,
Starting point is 00:21:01 and in the new season of the Overcomber Podcast, I'm taking you on an exciting journey of self-reflection. Am I ready to enter this new part of my life? Like, am I ready to be in a relationship? Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my time? I wanted to be successful on my own, not just because of who my mom is. Like, I felt like I needed to be better or work twice as hard as she did. Join me for conversations about healing and growth.
Starting point is 00:21:28 Life is freaking hard. And growth doesn't happen in comfort. It happens in motion, even when you're hurting. All from one of my favorite spaces, the kids. kitchen. Honestly, these are going to come out so freaking amazing. Be a part of my new chapter and listen to the new season of the Overcumper podcast as part of the MyCultura podcast network on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. I think maybe let's rephrase Ashley's question a little bit here. Because I think her
Starting point is 00:22:04 question did bring out two scenarios, right? It did feel like, why, watching it the guys were not like it did feel like you were isolated on your own island that they were not a fan of you maybe is the most like direct way to say it um and it felt like the the fantasy sweets were a moment where it was like this this whole season we were kind of watching and wondering hey who is this guy and like what is he about to do it feels like the guys see something that maybe we don't see yet in him and then it kind of all explodes right towards the end which is always the worst time to explode because then the show ends like two weeks later and you're still getting talked about and like you haven't had a chance for
Starting point is 00:22:49 explanation I think the show good bad and different it doesn't give the moment for explanation even if that explanation is one that the fans still won't enjoy or like or get behind at least you know now years removed looking back as you said you've grown you can explain so i think the way i would now with what you said want to rephrase that would be uh we know what you did we know what you said we know how you went through it we know how the people viewed you what have you learned like during that time that we didn't see with your family and your friends and like what what were you feeling because my notes here said like you you got defensive publicly, I think.
Starting point is 00:23:34 Absolutely. And I think that just feels like you're doubling down. So the audience doubles down. But if we can pull off all that now, years removed, you're married with a kid and another kid on the way and life's looking good. What was going on in your head? What were you feeling?
Starting point is 00:23:52 Walk us through that season. Yeah. Maybe we didn't get to experience. Yeah, absolutely. And I'd love to dive in too. I got a lot, I feel like I need to say. before I dive into like what I learned and I know that this will help provide every listener on here some value just how they can approach their life all areas of life as far as perspective
Starting point is 00:24:17 goes but yeah first let me just lay a quick foundation I know I talked about you know going on the show I was naive didn't really know I was getting into kind of like the whole you know I'm an ex-athlet super competitor and which makes sense for the rugby scene on the show. And again, naive, but thinking, oh, this has got to be, this has got to be why I'm going on the show because I'm going to be the guy.
Starting point is 00:24:43 So naive, extreme competitor on levels that some people can't comprehend, but also a man that wants to be delicate and wants to be gentle and share his faith like a man a man of God right that wants to share his faith and share why he does the things he does and well let me add into this yes because i think you said something i want to add to this and i absolutely it's very rude but i guess uh i do want to add to thought and also somebody that went into
Starting point is 00:25:20 it feeling a bit like god ordained this experience like that this was that you were on a almost divine path towards your wife by entering into the show, which I think is also a huge element when you're explaining your emotions. Yeah, 100%. So to say the least, I was served up a big old serving of humble pie. And I think that is part of my story, you know, is I go on there thinking, this has got to be it. And having it done my way in my mind, like I had a vision of how the whole season was going to
Starting point is 00:25:58 play out, how the filming was going to play out, and it didn't play out anywhere remotely close to my vision. So I, the whole time tried always bringing it back to my path that I had a vision for, essentially leaning on my own understanding, right? And not just trying to let go and focus on, hey, what does God actually have in store for this path of my life? And it was it was just the whole thing was a crucible you know it was a pruning process if you will i was like trial by fire i guess is a better way to put it and it really tested me and who i was you know if you're putting a crucible and a lot of pressures applied and you're squeezed who you truly are is what comes out and i realized i had a lot of things that i was dealing with
Starting point is 00:26:49 in my life and i can't wait to talk about some of those things that were revealed to me that i grew through and again I'll get there but as far as you know you asking like take us through the season like what were you thinking what were you feeling the emotions man that is a deep loaded question but I'll try to keep it short and concise here essentially I was in like all right the mindset of I'm going to go into this um without any expectations but also kind of the back of my head like oh this has got to be why is because I'm going to end up with you know Hannah Brown and then I started really getting selfish with no no this is how it's going to be and then the competitor in me came out I mean let's be let's be real I mean I knew this
Starting point is 00:27:33 going in you know it's not a typical dating scenario when you're sharing your girlfriend with 30 other dudes to start you know and then it starts narrowing down it's almost like a gladiator setting where it's like last man standing you got to compete to show that you're the one which is an absolute recipe for disaster if you're truly competing, right? Like, you should just be authentic and be yourself. And I think that's what really got in the way of, like I said earlier, there's many times where I shot myself in the foot, whether it was, you know, the rugby scene, things that came out of my mouth, you know, lying to some of the contestants. And we'll get there and I'll answer why some of those things happened. But that's essentially what was going on in
Starting point is 00:28:18 my mind and it was just an absolute domino effect to disaster but again for sure isolated um a lot of the guys had singled me out at that point and they're really questioning like Hannah why you keeping this guy around I kept hanging around until the end and then there's obviously a lot of questions you guys could ask me about the ending of everything but I'll just say this it was definitely very emotional for me because I also had expectations of of, you know, who Hannah was and who I wanted Hannah to be versus, you know, what she wanted and who she was. So that, you know, also has a little bit to do with how the ending, you know,
Starting point is 00:29:00 panned out. Tell me if I'm wrong, but to remove most of it to simplify it down to a point, you came onto the show with an arrogance and an expectation. Totally. That I'm assuming where it will get to on where that has spit you out, but you walked into it believing that this was, you know, I mean, I had a similar prayer, which was God closed one door if this meant for me, and every door slammed open, and I think I see the, a lot of the reasoning for that doesn't mean it was easy
Starting point is 00:29:40 and that I didn't learn along the way, but I think there is this expectation where, hey, this is so weird that I'm going to say yes to this dating show so against anything else that's been brought up to me in life this has to be for a purpose of some kind but I think the difference would have been there you were walking and knowing who the bachelor was going to be and believing that this was something that was meant to be a part of your story so there was a little arrogance or a lot of arrogance I won't you can clarify there was a little to start and then it became a lot. Okay. Fair. And now you can continue because I think that's a great platform to kind of push off on and why the season played out the way it did. Can I, I have one,
Starting point is 00:30:27 I have one question that. Yeah. If you, if you did feel like this was God calling you to find your wife and your wife being Hannah, did, what did you think he was calling the other 29 guys for? And again, in that moment, because that was again, me. dealing with arrogance and being naive, I believe he called me to be them to be steps under my feet to get there. Now, that's not what I would think now. But again, the arrogant guy that was, oh, this is why I'm here. That's what I thought. Okay. Well, that leads perfectly into now, and that is why it banned out the way it did. Man, yeah. So anyway, so I just want to dive into this one concept. I'm going to kind of change the conversation for a minute and dive into this
Starting point is 00:31:18 because there's a list of things I learned and we can get into others. But I think this is probably the best message I could give to bring some listeners value here because, man, I was humbled. And I think this really helped me and has continued to help me a lot in my life. So I want to talk about an insecurity that I didn't know I had that the show like exposed how big this and security was my life. It didn't take me. Let me back up. It took me coming off the show for several weeks after episodes were airing.
Starting point is 00:31:56 And I don't know exactly how many, but let's say it was just a couple months after the episodes start airing. And I'm sitting down with my brother and a mentor in my mind, who happened to be my brother's father-in-law. And we're sitting down in his office. and they're like, all right, Luke, let's sit down and talk about this. They're like, hey, we can understand why you did, you know, the whole rugby stuff, you know, this thing over here, we can understand the baloney scene, whatever.
Starting point is 00:32:28 But like, this one moment, you're standing in front of this other guy named Luke, Luke S. Tell us what happened, because you literally lied to that guy straight to his face. and I'm sitting there and it took me a long time of like I'm trying to deflect and give excuses and I'm like well this and that and the producers behind the scenes over here you know manipulated me and this
Starting point is 00:32:53 all these different things and then my brother stopped me he goes look dude you need to start taking ownership because you're just deflecting and it took me several minutes of silence of just really trying to reflect and I told him I go well I'll be honest you know the words that came out of my mouth and my actions did not line up with truly who
Starting point is 00:33:16 I am and what I believe in and I was worried about what everyone in the room was thinking to me and my brother looked at me as I brother I'm proud of you like you're taking ownership finally and my mentor at the time his name is bucky he goes now we're making some progress and he goes let's talk about it because that is fear of man so I want to talk about this insecurity and it's essentially what most people know as being self-conscious right so this idea that you're so worried about what other people are thinking of you that literally the way you walk the way you talk and your actions don't even line up with who you are and what you believe in does that make sense so I started thinking replaying it I'm like I got eight cameras on me in the room I got
Starting point is 00:34:03 all these guys lined up Lucas is talking to me about conversations you know he's having with Hannah, I'm having with Hannah, that I literally just lied to his face because I'm worried about all what everyone else is thinking except for saying truly what I believe, almost like this like people pleaser type personality came out, right? And it was all because I had fear of man and I was too self-conscious. And I started talking to my mentor, my brother a lot on it. And I think it's truly an amazing perspective if no matter what we're talking about in life, whether it's business, family, relationships, anything, like really pay attention to the times and the moments where what you're saying, what you're doing isn't lining up with who
Starting point is 00:34:56 you are and what you believe in. And I think a lot of the time, whether it's like silly things. like I started thinking I was really doing a debrief on my entire life like for example like me sitting in algebra class and not raising my hand and asking the professor hey will you answer this question for me because I was too worried about other people thinking I wasn't intelligent in the room and I would literally wait until after class to talk to a friend who's really good at college algebra and ask him for tutoring lessons because I was too scared to literally raise my hand and ask professor a simple question that I'm sure other people probably had a similar question in the room, but yet we start thinking, oh, you know, so-and-so might be thinking this of me or this of me. And I just wanted to share a quick scenario that I think is pretty cool, a quick little like mini mindset tool. And it's how you describe fear. So if you line up, F-E-A-R, fear is false evidence appearing real. And this is a little phrase, if you will, or perspective mindset tool, if you will, that another mentor gave me as well. And I love this scenario. It's kind of crazy. It's just bear with me for a second.
Starting point is 00:36:10 So picture all of us right now, the three of us, standing on the top of a skyscrafer. There's a really tall building. And there's kind of like a little thing that we can walk out on that's pretty scary, right? If you lose your balance are going to fall. If I go out on this high plank, if you will, on this skyscraper, now if fear is fake, right, it's false evidence appearing real. If I walk out on this skyscraper, I'm for sure going to be freaking out, right? If I lose balance, I'm literally going to fall off and I'm not going to make it. Now, danger is real, but fear is fake. It's false evidence appearing real. So if I have great balance, right?
Starting point is 00:36:56 I can perfectly fine walk out on this high plank and turn around and walk back. But when I start walking up out on it, I look down and that false evidence starts appearing like it's going to become a reality. And it scares me. Now, the danger is real, but the fear is fake. If I go just stay calm and walk out, perfect balance and walk back, I'd be totally fine. And similarly, when you walk into a room, sometimes you might be self-conscious of, oh, you know, my ears might look big or I don't know if I look good in the,
Starting point is 00:37:25 this outfit or my shoes don't match my shorts, like we start sometimes a lot in life, start giving people these notions, like, oh, they got to be thinking this and me. And a lot of times they're not thinking at all about you. At the end of the day, like, people are going to listen to what you say and they're going to pay attention to what you do. They're not worried about, you know, your appearance. And having the thought, this is another little nugget that my brother shared with me and it's just like this. Like, what should matter most of me is what God thinks to me and not everyone else. then I serve an audience of one as my focus,
Starting point is 00:37:58 then that will allow me to go into any scenario if I can just keep that my focus and bringing exactly who I am, what I believe in, to the table, being perfectly authentic, which obviously I'm a human, I'm not going to be perfect. But if I can focus on those things
Starting point is 00:38:13 and be free of worrying too much about what other people think of me, then truly I can step into any scenario and what comes out of my mouth and my actions will line up with who I am when I believe in. 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.
Starting point is 00:38:37 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.
Starting point is 00:39:00 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. A foot washed up a shoe with some bones in it. They had no idea who it was.
Starting point is 00:39:25 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.
Starting point is 00:39:57 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 Authrum, 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 HoneyGerman.
Starting point is 00:40:21 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 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.
Starting point is 00:40:39 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.
Starting point is 00:41:07 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 coat, 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. Hey, sis, 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.
Starting point is 00:41:37 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
Starting point is 00:42:17 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 Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Your entire identity has been fabricated. Your beloved brother goes missing without a trace. You discover the depths of your mother's illness, the way it has echoed and reverberated throughout your life, impacting your very legacy. Hi, I'm Danny Shapiro. And these are just a few of the profound and powerful stories I'll be mining on our 12th season. of Family Secrets.
Starting point is 00:42:52 With over 37 million downloads, we continue to be moved and inspired by our guests and their courageously told stories. I can't wait to share 10 powerful new episodes with you, stories of tangled up identities, concealed truths,
Starting point is 00:43:10 and the way in which family secrets almost always need to be told. I hope you'll join me and my extraordinary guests for this new season of Family Secrets. Listen to Family Secrets, Season 12 on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I think there's two things there that when you're walked in front of a million people
Starting point is 00:43:37 who don't share the same faith tradition as you probably look at it and can use to weaponize and honestly fairly. I think we both would have to say fairly because they see this man who's speaking out granted goodness gracious like not going to say like you know you're the worst scum of the earth for doing it but it's it's it's it's it came to the audience's mind was your man is speaking out and then you lie but then at the same time you're still holding others to a moral standard that you don't seem to be as you said with your actions showing yourself and I think it it does confuse the audience and I also think there is this element too where, you know, pleasing God is the focus, but there's also this beautiful
Starting point is 00:44:29 opportunity to try to get along with the Jew and the Gentile wherever they're at in life and to try to relate with everyone and to speak with them in a language that helps people get along. And I think that's where a lot of this gets confusing is it felt like it was this like almost dogmatic like this is how things are going to go mentality um and then we have this scenario with luke s i didn't remember his last initial but luke s that people are like wait this guy over simple term is a hypocrite in this moment not in general but in this moment and he seems he seems to show no regard for another really beautiful you know principle of let's try to get along with people. Let's try not to be the one that's always bucking the
Starting point is 00:45:23 fringes here and pushing people aside. And so I think that's where fans, because we're here today to say, yeah, man, I don't think there's anybody. Maybe there is. Some troll out there's like, that dude sucks. Say the same thing for me and Ashley as well. So you're not alone in that camp that people think we suck. I think most people are like just confused at this like almost aggressive take you took on this is how things are going to go. This is what's right and wrong. And if you're not following the lead, move aside. So I find the most interesting element of all this because we've admitted you've learned a lot.
Starting point is 00:46:09 It's amazing. It's beautiful. Like people can learn from that. This show humbled you. And I think that's the most interesting element that I want to go back to. is Luke. Your faith is important to you because you've had an interaction with the divine that's changed your life forever.
Starting point is 00:46:27 Nobody's going to doubt that. But the show was a really hard season for you, but also the tough seasons allow us amazing growth. And so through this kind of getting slapped in the face with humble pie, what was going, like what, like when did you get humbled? I mean, was it the Bucky moment where he said, take ownership, buddy, now we're doing something.
Starting point is 00:46:54 Was it the hate that came and feeling like you couldn't do anything right? Like, walk us through this season from arrogance to humility to then growth from the show. Yeah, absolutely. I have three moments that stick out to my head and I'll try to be quick about them.
Starting point is 00:47:16 One moment was when I was in, in Greece trying to think hold on what week is that that's that's the very end of the season so I mean I got I got some humble pie early on in the show like in the middle I guess in the of the show as far as that goes like slowly starts realizing how things were going to go in the season I didn't know I was going to be completely villainized villainized yes thank you but yeah somewhere so so Greece was Fantasy Suites Week. And I remember sitting, and man, it was beautiful.
Starting point is 00:47:53 We're on the island of Crete in the middle of the Mediterranean. And, like, I have, like, perfect place to feel, like, light and joy. And I'm feeling the opposite. And I have my own, like, master suite. I got my own private pool and balcony. I remember sitting there alone in my room waiting on a handler to come hang out with me. And it was a down day. We start filming the next day.
Starting point is 00:48:19 And I remember sitting there, no cell phone. Because you know, you land in L.A. And they take your phone. You don't see it again until the end of the season. Depending on who you are, you might have a privilege here and there. But, like, maybe one phone call because of hometowns or something. And I'm sitting there, and it hit me. I have no one to ask questions.
Starting point is 00:48:43 And that was another thing I learned was about community. Like, man, if you're going. through something in your life like tell a brother or a sister about it you know reach out to some friends and try to have some wise guidance and wise counsel in your life so we didn't have that right we get our phones taken so I remember that being one moment of feeling like honestly just lonely and I started feeling like I have all these questions I want to ask a lot of people in my life who are very wise about how to handle relationships and how to analyze situations and I'm I need help I feel isolated at this point.
Starting point is 00:49:20 I'm so far in this thing. I don't really know what to do. So that was one moment. I just felt really alone. And then just like a community. And then there was a moment when I was, I really don't remember what episode just got released, but it was like two or three weeks in of, so about two or three episodes in of me being vilized. and I remember being home
Starting point is 00:49:49 talking to my brother about because we're just talking about business like hey what do you want to do for a living now you're going to have eventually this following you know what do you want to use your utilize your platform for is it you know a fitness business is it this you know let's utilize this platform
Starting point is 00:50:05 but yet that's part of our conversations and then the other part of our conversations is I'm like dude I want to run from the world I want to delete my Instagram I'm getting all this hate I'm villainized now I literally have like DMs in my inbox
Starting point is 00:50:20 like dude you are a piece of crap like go kill yourself like and that's a pretty mild one you know like some really harsh DMs of all the things under the sun you could think of and it hit me in that moment
Starting point is 00:50:35 I was like why like why God would you put me through this I thought it was for this girl at that moment also I knew why it wasn't for her but I was still wrestling like how could any good come from this and I was wrestling there's no other way to put it I was wrestling with God and I was still just in I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel if you will I couldn't see the good
Starting point is 00:51:06 that was going to come from it I couldn't see all these open doors in the future of my life that were going to be opened I didn't see all these things he was going to use me for in the future my life to grow me as a man like I said I didn't see my future wife at that time I didn't see the beautiful wife I was going to marry and the beautiful son I was going to have in the future and all these business opportunities and ways that I could use my platform in a positive way to really help people because that's essentially what I believe I'm probably doing on the surface inspire people to be the best version of themselves and inspire people to get to know God their creator and that's what I've been on a war path to you know live in my purpose and do
Starting point is 00:51:43 and I'm doing my best to pursue that, and I didn't see any of that. I was just felt like I hit rock bottom. I'm getting all these DMs of, you know, go kill yourself, you're worthless, like you should just, you know, do this, do that, you're a piece of this, piece of that. And I was, I was, again, even with family and having the people in my life that were in my inner circle that I could rely on and, you know, get wise counsel from. I was getting all that, and I was still just broken. because I didn't understand why I had gone through all those things.
Starting point is 00:52:17 And it took me a bit of time. But then I started realizing as I'm, you know, when I say I was broken, like, man, I was just crying into my pillow, wondering why, and thinking, how's it going to look next week? I had no idea I was going to look like that. I can't imagine next week. Like the lead up, the Monday night primetime television for ABC as a Bachelorette was like so daunting. Every lead-up to every episode, I was like, I just want to turn off the world like a light switch.
Starting point is 00:52:50 And again, I can laugh about it now, but it was the hardest thing I by far have ever gone through in my entire life. And way worse than the CrossFit games. And I finally grasped this thing, I guess, this perspective, and it was that hurt people, hurt people. And that's what burdened me. As far as, like, we want to talk about, you know, I forget the phrases or the language that are thrown around a lot besides just hate, if you will. Like, let's talk about social media because everyone feels like they have a voice to be heard on social media, especially the trolls that will DM you, all sorts of craziness.
Starting point is 00:53:34 And I truly was burdened for those people because I received so many direct messages of just hate. and I realized that people that have true deep issues in their life that are truly hurt themselves have no problem with hurting others. It's the only thing they know how to do to cope with it. And that was a big thing I learned was hurt people, hurt people. And I started to not listen. Just for clarity, are you throwing yourself into the hurt category or others? Others.
Starting point is 00:54:02 Okay. So, yeah, yeah. So as I was hurt and broken and then started to recover, I started realizing because, man, I really wanted to delete my social media because it was rough. Like, I didn't want to listen to the noise, you know? And then I finally started, I mean, I wouldn't, if I saw a DMs, I'd let my, my brother read those. I wouldn't read all those because there's a lot of hate.
Starting point is 00:54:26 But I guess what I'm saying is when I fully started grasping and understanding like, okay, just like you guys, right, God has a plan for your life. And I started realizing, okay, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And I started developing this, you know, confidence and encouragement again in, you know, his plan. And then finally started seeing some fruit slowly, you know, happened from it. But again, from a psychological standpoint, what I'm saying is people that have issues in their life and that are hurt, whatever it is they're going through, they will, they have no problem hurting other people. Like I'm talking about trolls that are, you know, going to throw shade and tell you to go kill yourself because they're hiding behind a screen on Instagram. that's what I'm referring to and that helped me have a better understanding of I guess a better
Starting point is 00:55:16 it helped me receive those messages better because really I just it didn't hurt my feelings these messages it really started making me hurt for those individuals because I want to see those broken hearts be mended you know and that didn't happen overnight I mean talking about this moment where I was broken myself and then I would say it took several months after the show this is the third moment so you asked again i'm trying to stick to the question here of like take me through you know these times when you were going to these things your emotions and what you're feeling i'd say it took me several months post the last final episode because that was a whole other thing in itself of i kind of got over it and then the men tell
Starting point is 00:56:01 all that was that was rough and it took me several months after that to kind of um honestly recover and being in a healthy place mentally um several months um i would i was definitely a healthy place mentally like directly after but like i'm human like going through whether it's like like we just talked about, whether it's hate on Instagram or if I was posting something of me and my family, like trying to tell a story of me spending time with my family on my Instagram. I'll just get hundreds of comments of hate about the show. And I'm like, guys, can I just like live my life over here? You know? So that, I mean, like, you guys know how it is. You know, like monster cover from that. Like I said, you guys know how it is. You'll post something
Starting point is 00:56:56 probably of your family. And then if you guys are trending, you know, on Twitter or something, or maybe The Bachelor posts something about you. You know, you'll get flooded comments on the thing you post. There's nothing to do with the show that is about a particular scene on the show. And it's like, really? Come on. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly. And now I'm seriously suspicious.
Starting point is 00:57:21 Well, 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.
Starting point is 00:57:39 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. 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,
Starting point is 00:57:58 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. What would you do if one bad decision forced you to choose between a maximum security prison or the most brutal boot camp designed to be hell on earth? Unfortunately for Mark Lombardo, this was the choice he faced. He said, you are a number, a New York State number, and we own you. Shock incarceration, also known as boot camp.
Starting point is 00:58:28 are short-term, highly regimented correctional programs that mimic military basic training. These programs aim to provide a shock of prison life, emphasizing strict discipline, physical training, hard labor, and rehabilitation programs. Mark had one chance to complete this program and had no idea of the hell awaiting him the next six months. The first night was so overwhelming, and you don't know who's next to you. And we didn't know what to expect in the morning. Nobody tells you anything. Listen to shock incarceration on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Starting point is 00:59:07 The Super Secret Bestie Club podcast season four is here. And we're locked in. That means more juicy cheesement. Terrible love advice. Evil spells to cast on your ex. No, no, no, no. We're not doing that this season. Oh.
Starting point is 00:59:21 Well, this season, we're leveling up. Each episode will feature a special Bestie, and you're not going to want to miss it. Get in here! Today we have a very special guest with us. Our new super secret bestie is The Deva of the People. The Deva of the People. I'm just like Text Your Ex. My theory is that if you need to figure out that the stove is hot, go and touch it.
Starting point is 00:59:42 Go and figure it out for yourself. Okay. That's us. That's us. My name is Curley. And I'm Maya. In each episode, we'll talk about love, friendship, heartbrates, men, and of course, our favorite secrets. Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club
Starting point is 01:00:00 As a part of the Marco Tura Podcast Network Available on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Your entire identity has been fabricated. Your beloved brother goes missing without a trace. You discover the depths of your mother's illness the way it has echoed and reverberated throughout your life impacting your very legacy.
Starting point is 01:00:23 Hi, I'm Danny Shapiro. And these are just a few of the profound, and powerful stories, I'll be mining on our 12th season of Family Secrets. With over 37 million downloads, we continue to be moved and inspired by our guests and their courageously told stories. I can't wait to share 10 powerful new episodes with you, stories of tangled up identities, concealed truths, and the way in which family secrets almost always need to be told. I hope you'll join me and my extraordinary guests, for this new season of Family Secrets.
Starting point is 01:01:00 Listen to Family Secrets, Season 12, on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. My name is Ed. Everyone say, hello, Ed. Hello, Ed. I'm from a very rural background myself. My dad is a farmer,
Starting point is 01:01:14 and my mom is a cousin. So, like, it's not, like... What do you get when a true crime producer walks into a comedy club? I know it sounds like the start of a bad joke, but that really was my reality nine years ago. I just normally do straight stuff. stand up, but this is a bit different.
Starting point is 01:01:30 On stage stood a comedian with a story that no one expected to hear. Well, 22nd of July 2015, a 23-year-old man had killed his family. And then he came to my house. So what do you get when a true crime producer walks into a comedy club? A new podcast called Wisecrack, where stand-up comedy and murder take center stage available now listen to wisecrack on the iHeart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts i do want to talk about a certain scene on the show because it was the scene that you're most notorious for it right it was the scene where you and hannah there's a lot
Starting point is 01:02:22 so okay well for me well i guess there is the rose the podium move, we could get there. But I was thinking about when you guys had that conversation where you said that if you'd sup with anybody, Hannah, I wouldn't be interested in continuing this. Now, given everything that you've learned, how would you navigate that conversation now? To be completely honest, I thought I handled and navigated that conversation perfectly, but 90% of what came out of my mouth did not err, and I can't share it because I'm under contract but i will say this it did not pan out the way it showed that's all i'm going to say um i'll say this just to be clean of the contract situation because you got sued right like right
Starting point is 01:03:12 after the show that was like public information right well this was this was my issue with the whole contract situation is i moved addresses and they were sending me notices because, like I told you guys, it took me several months to get in, like, a healthy place with how I viewed this whole situation. So I went on, I went on a terror and got on, like, dozens of podcast platforms and broke contract of sharing everything that happened behind the scenes, everything that was said to me. I'd be curious to go to try to find some of the else.
Starting point is 01:03:53 they're still on loan. Anyway, and I didn't know that I would get sued. I think it was $20,000 or $25,000 per breach of contract, was there, like, rule of thumb. And I didn't even know I was getting notices in the mail, and I had a bunch in my old address. And then finally, you know, months into going on all these podcasts and spill all the tea, I noticed that I was sued a lot of money. Wait, right. They didn't email you, call you, because we've gotten calls before being like, Ashley,
Starting point is 01:04:23 Ben, can you be a little bit more careful? I'm trying to think. I got a couple emails saying, like, but it wasn't, it was, they're vague emails. They weren't like, hey, you're breaching contract, stop it. Like, it was just emails of contacting them, like, hey, we'd like to speak to you. And I'm like, I'm not talking to you. That's not happening.
Starting point is 01:04:45 That was my point was the reason you're so nervous about the contract is because it has been a thing for you. Well, yeah, I had to get a very expensive lawyer to help me not pay them a penny when I was supposed to pay them a lot of money. And yeah, so that was like a year drawn out process with a lawyer. I get why you're nervous then. So back to Ashley's question with it, which is that conversation and how it went, you would have done it differently. I understand why the contract is such a focus point when it comes to these conversations specifically about moments of the show. Yeah. But to answer it, we'll let you continue.
Starting point is 01:05:33 Absolutely. So, and look, like, I just want to be clear about this, because it's hard for me sometimes to get in certain details and talk about Hannah, because I don't talk to Hannah currently. I don't I remember the first few years after the show I was really hoping that she and I could reconnect I reached out to her via DM email any platform you could think of I've tried reaching out to her multiple times and look I'm not throwing shade or hating on her for not replying if I were her I probably wouldn't reply either I don't even know if she saw any of them you know she had so many messages beyond my crazy amount of messages in my inbox so I'll say this I want what's absolute best for her, you know?
Starting point is 01:06:22 I don't anymore. I mean, but I remember vividly after the show just pouring my heart out for her in prayer, praying for her future and her family and her heart. So you can imagine, you know, my heart was very invested in that show. That's why I said a lot of the things I said on the show. So I'm to be kind of crazy, you know. Like, how can you tell someone you love them or feel so, anyway, not to get in those details
Starting point is 01:06:57 either, but be so invested in someone at such a short period of time. And I was very, again, naive about a lot. But to answer your questions, basically, sorry for, you know, being a little dodgy. But I'll say this. I, it was this simple. I held Hannah not to a standard of my own, which I did, but more so how I handled that situation was I was trying to hold her to a standard that she said she wanted. I mean, you're talking about my hometown date.
Starting point is 01:07:33 Like she literally came and talked to my youth ministry, which I was helping lead like the college and young adults at my church at the time. And that was my hometown date. She literally came to spend like a meal and spend time with, about 50 people at my church, young, like, kids in the youth ministry, and she shared her testimony and share her story of how she came to know God and shared all these things that she wasn't going to do in the fantasy suites because she was going to further conversation in the relationship. And she shared this path that I for sure was going to hold her to that standard of,
Starting point is 01:08:09 oh, this is what you want. Good. This is what I want. Let's get on this path. And look, not to say, anything about her in any judgmental way. Like, again, I'd pray for her in her future. And I've heard that, because I don't really keep up with her, but I've heard she's doing great now. And that makes me happy. I don't know all that she's involved with. But that was why it panned out the way it did,
Starting point is 01:08:35 is I was just trying to follow what she was saying. And that's, again, I'm trying to be as clear and concise as possible. I think you're making sense. I think you're making sense in the you felt like you were communicating to her things that you believed either correctly or incorrectly that she wanted. Exactly. And we saw 10% of what you say is a longer conversation where you communicate with her. And I do, I mean, I think, you know, it did. It came off as dogmatic.
Starting point is 01:09:19 It came off as aggressive as, and I guess one of the beautiful parts about the infamous segment is we will never know because that whole footage will never be shown of what that conversation looked like and the sensitivity you took walking into it, the wisdom that you took walking into it to communicate to her, not just what you think she wants. wanted but what you wanted um which i think is such a vital piece of this show is and and really of so many scenarios we've all learned from is making sure that you're communicating what you want and not putting your own um opinions on somebody else um because maybe uh you know the assumptions that you made uh were things that she took offensively now I find your story unique because you've spoken here throughout this hour about what you wanted to use your platform for. And as we close, we started this whole show with a conversation now
Starting point is 01:10:31 about your wife, your son, kid on the way. Also, years removed from the show. And I'm still trying to get, be honest. I don't know how else to say it. I'm still trying to get out of you what you've learned. Like, it feels like there's still this like defensiveness when it comes to this season. And maybe that's rightfully so because we haven't seen it at all. Like, we don't see it all.
Starting point is 01:10:59 But maybe the way to get to it is now you're a husband. The show is behind you. New chapters begin. New careers are starting. this season of life with the show and the humility that it brought you to and the confusion that it brought you towards and the lessons that you learned it spit you out now today to be what man to your wife to your son to the kid on the way to your friends how did it change you maybe is the best way to ask it yeah absolutely
Starting point is 01:11:40 we talked about the fear man conversation the whole being self-conscious right to the point where what comes out of your mouth and what your actions don't line up with who you are and what you believe in so let's just i'll put a quick little summary statement over that as far as what i learned right is be authentic right be who you are no matter the circumstance okay and then i'd say you know i did touch on a little bit of the community aspect right like make sure you have some people in your corner that will fight for you and be real and tell you not just what you want to hear but what you need to hear which isn't possible on the show because your cell phone gets stripped from you and you have
Starting point is 01:12:21 zero communication in the outside world so right always making sure you have people in your corner that will push you to be your best and hold you accountable to a standard that you want to hold and then another one it would be as far as what I learned is hey look like no matter what you've done in your life that does not define you what's most important is what you go through is how you're going to handle it. And a lot of people say, hey, what you go through, you can either go through it and take a seat or you can grow through it and learn from it and make the most out of it. And that's essentially what I've done my best to do from my experience on the show
Starting point is 01:13:02 is not just go through it, but grow through it. And, you know, I've learned that authenticity is the way. be real and don't worry about what other people are thinking stay true to who you are and what you believe in i'd say that's definitely what's most important and and so just just add in there because i do think it's a nugget that's really essential and actually i've talked about before but you're saying um i think people can hear this uh and if they don't come from a similar faith background they're jump they could jump through conclusions but this fear of ma'am and being an authentic is only done well in life when you have the openness to be held accountable
Starting point is 01:13:50 by others as well. So running your race straightforward, being authentic and burning down every bridge and every human that comes in your path, even though that is authentic, it's not healthy. It's not what God has called you to. It's not at any level of a way that, you would expect somebody to be a witness or to help and not hurt this world. And so you can only be authentic. And correct me here. I'm making a statement to try to clarify what you're saying. You can only be authentic if you're also willing to be held accountable by a trusted group that will stand up and say, check yourself.
Starting point is 01:14:40 Yeah, that's good. I would agree with that. Okay. All right, Luke, well, we just wanted to, we want to say thank you. And we also want to get your last thoughts on Hannah Brown. She's about to get married. You said that you didn't really keep up with her. Right.
Starting point is 01:14:56 But she is getting married this month to her fiancée. That's awesome. Let's go. Yeah, so we just kind of wanted to see if you had anything to sit at her. Yeah, I would, I mean, I would say this, you know. I hope she has an incredible marriage. I pray that God blesses it in the name of Jesus and I hope her and her husband
Starting point is 01:15:15 have an incredible marriage together and I hope Lord willing they have beautiful children What's her husband's name Ashley? Adam Adam He's a stud He's a stud
Starting point is 01:15:27 Luke's good Luke Thank you for joining us today Thank you for sharing this I know it's not easy with the The contractual The fear of contract We understand.
Starting point is 01:15:41 It's very frustrating to tell your story when you can't, you know, say every line that was sad. But I think you successfully did it. I don't see any red flags here that they're going to say, uh-oh. The fear of contract is something. Yeah, hopefully no notice is in the mail to be wearisome of. Luke, thanks for joining us today. Hey, best of luck in the next chapter for you. I know you said that you're going to be transitioning from what you've been doing to what is coming.
Starting point is 01:16:07 And then also your second child is on the way. So, goodness gracious, congratulations on one and now two, a beautiful wife and this family that you have. And I know new chapters are always exciting, but also scary. So we wish you the best. Thank you. Appreciate that. Bye, Luke. Thank you.
Starting point is 01:16:29 See you. Well, that was Luke Parker. And until next time, I've been actually. And I'm been Ben. We'll talk to you soon. Follow the Ben and Ashley I, Almost Famous Podcasts on IHartRadio or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Hi, my name is Enya Humanzor.
Starting point is 01:16:49 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.
Starting point is 01:17:12 Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. In sitcoms, when someone has a problem, they just blurt it out and move on. Well, I lost my job and my parakeet is missing. How is your day? But the real world is different. Managing life's challenges can be overwhelming. So, what do we do?
Starting point is 01:17:33 We get support. The Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Ad Council have mental health resources available for you at Love Your Yourmind today.org. That's love your mind today.org. See how much further you can go when you take care of your mental health. Have you ever wished for a change but weren't sure how to make it? Maybe you felt stuck in a job, a place, or even a relationship. I'm Emily Tish Sussman and on she pivots. I dive into the inspiring pivots of women who have taken big leaps in their lives and careers. I'm Gretchen Whitmer, Jody Sweetie. Monica Patton. Elaine Welteroth. Learn how to get comfortable pivoting because your life is going to be full of them. Listen to these women and more on She Pivotts, now on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Culture eats strategy for breakfast, right?
Starting point is 01:18:20 On a recent episode of Culture Raises Us, I was joined by Belisha Butterfield, media founder, political strategist, and tech powerhouse for a powerful conversation on storytelling, impact, and the intersections of culture and leadership. I am a free black woman. From the Obama White House to Google to the Grammy. Valicia's Journey is a masterclass in shifting culture and using your voice to spark change. Listen to Culture raises us on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The U.S. Open is here and on my podcast, Good Game with Sarah Spain. I'm breaking down the players, the predictions, the pressure, and of course, the honey deuses, the signature cocktail of the U.S. Open.
Starting point is 01:18:58 The U.S. Open has gotten to be a very wonderfully experiential sporting event. To hear this and more, listen to Good Game with Sarah Spain. an IHeart women's sports production in partnership with deep blue sports and entertainment on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Brought to you by Novartis, founding partner of IHeart women's sports network.
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