The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - The Truth About Koof with Becca Kufrin

Episode Date: May 10, 2023

There are a LOT of updates in the world of Becca Kufrin and Ben is ready to hear the whole story! Becca is hanging out and sharing the latest on her relationship with Thomas Jacobs, their growing family, and what's happening with Bachelor Live on Stage!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, luckily, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend's 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.

Hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That seems inappropriate. Maybe find out how it ends by listening to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh, my God, perfect.

And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. 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. Tune in to All the Smoke Podcast, where Matt and Stacks sit down with former first lady, Michelle Obama. Folks find it hard to hate up close.

And when you get to know people, you're sitting in their kitchen tables, and they're talking like we're talking. You know, you hear our story, how we grew up, how Barack grew up, and you get a chance for people to unpack and get beyond race. All the Smoke featuring Michelle Obama. To hear this podcast and more, open your free IHeartRadio app. Search All the Smoke and listen now. This is the Ben and Ashley I, Almost Famous Podcast with IHartRadio.

It's time for a very special episode of the Almost Famous podcast. And I have somebody with me today who, yes, I've been a co-host with Ashley for six years. And I was nervous about this person being a co-host with me a few years ago. She stepped in and was an incredible friend, a partner, and now she's here on the Almost Famous podcast because Ashley is doing a very special project

that I know about that I can't talk about yet because it's not my place to, but we will be updating everybody listening very soon on what Ashley's up to. She might be out for a bit, but we'll fill in her spot with some incredible people. Becca Kufran, welcome to Almost Famous. Hello, it's so good to see you. It's great to be here. So thank you for asking me to co-host with you this week. Well, it's true. When I knew Ashley was going to be out, they said, who would you like to be your co-host? And I said, well, that's easy. It's easy. It's Becca. And you agreed. And it means a lot. So thank you. Of course. Well, we go way back. I was like, dang, if there's anyone I'm going to

co-host with, it's going to be bad, of course. Yeah, we had a good run. And it's kind of when I'm going to start. There's a lot of catching up with you. There's a lot of big announcements. A lot of crazy things happened. And I haven't asked you any questions before we started talking because I do want to learn a lot about what's happening. But a thing that meant a lot to me for a period of life and the thing that meant a lot to you is Bachelor Live on stage. And we had the first season, the first run. It was really incredible. It was a lot of fun. But unfortunately, we don't like a lot of good momentum. It ended because of COVID too early. And so we kind of had to go home. And then after that, I never joined back on. Life kind of changed course and other things

came in and it just never worked out for me. You stayed on and we're the featured host at that point. And I know you came on with Ashley a few months ago to talk about Bachelor I'm on stage. We recently heard it's not happening. And I don't have any details why, which is sad for me. I was really hoping to be a big success. What went on? That's a great question. So it was actually supposed to take place back in April. So the time has come and gone, if you will.

But I think it was just all dependent on ticket sales for this one. So when you and I did it a few years ago, we were traveling the entire country, right? We were in a new city every night. This one was going to be different. So it was only going to be at one place for a residency in Arizona. And that space where it was supposed to be was massive. It was all outdoors. And so I think from what I heard and again, like it was all very sudden, it was just

kind of up to the promotion and ticket sales and they weren't quite where they wanted it to be for this wide open space, which I mean, I kind of expected, especially like going back last year and being on the road since COVID, it just, it wasn't like the shows. that you and I did together where some of them were sold out and it was packed and the meet and greets were full every night. It was just a different time, a different space. And I think that still is kind of trickling into today. So it was a bummer when we heard it was canceled. I'm not going to lie, it was kind of a relief because we, so Thomas and I have a lot going on in our lives. I was going to be like 17, 18 weeks pregnant. And we were having to fly

back and forth between Italy for his best friend's wedding. And so it all kind of worked out where we could just relax for the month of April, if you will, and just travel at our leisure, which was nice. But it was a bummer. I mean, it's always fun when you have these cool opportunities. But I mean, I don't know. Who knows? It might come back. It might not. I'm like just as dark as you are right now about it. But they gave it a good go, I think. Yeah. It was a really fun event when we did it. And it was great to meet so many people. I really liked the concept of the show because, you know, the dating aspect. There's always wild and weird things happening, unexpected things happening.

Oh, yeah, every night. And, you know, I know times did change, right? COVID, you can't have people kiss on stage, I'm assuming, or at least you can give, you have to make them signs of documents not. It wasn't like when we did it pre-COVID. I'm just going to say that. Yeah, it can't be Sharon spit in an era full of COVID. Well, I do get that it was probably a.

some level a relief because you did make an announcement that I don't know was expected. As you said, you would have been like 17 weeks pregnant during this show. Was that the plans? No, it wasn't. Very unexpected, but we always could ask, like, were you trying? And all I can say is we weren't not trying. You know, it just kind of happened. And we, like, we joked about it before we found out, like, Thomas is like, yeah, it's going to happen right away.

And for me, I'm like, no, wait, it's not. It's not going to be that easy, but. Why do you have that confidence? That takes some confidence. I know, right? I was like, you don't know how good your swimmers are. Like, why are, you know, you what? But, but he, I mean, he's like, look, my mom, like, popped out four kids.

And he's like, we can do the same. And I was like, whoa, whoa, pump the brakes. Let's just do this one right now. we're not having four like let's just get through this but but yeah we're so excited i mean we found out in january and we just announced it about two weeks ago so it's been a big secret that we've been keeping for a while just with our close family and friends but it's good to finally share it with everyone and i feel like i don't have to like wear big baggy sweatshirts to hide everything these days which is nice you uh you've mean even like you've always been excited about

being a mom. And you've always been excited about the idea of raising a child. And so when you found out, like, do you just feel right now like you're in your groove? Are you nervous? Is Thomas nervous? Ben, I am so nervous. Thomas is over the moon ecstatic. He is just, he's like roses in his eyes. Like, this is going to be so exciting the best time. I'm very realistic where I'm like, oh my gosh, everything is about to change and we have we have so much to learn we have nothing ready here we you know i've just been on pinterest and talking to friends who've had babies but it's a lot and um as excited and grateful as we are like i'm still scared useless if i can say that on this podcast but i'm just in the mindset where i'm trying to take it day by day because really that's all i can

do and slowly trying to prepare everything. But it's, when I first found out, I was definitely the one crying because I was scared and he was crying because he was so excited. So we kind of balance each other out. I do. I feel like, you know, I didn't get to know Thomas at all before you're meeting him on the beach in paradise. And I've been able to be around him, I think, three times now since them he seems to me like a guy that's just like one full of a lot of joy and two uh i think unexpectedly like does just like lean into situations and get pumped up about him and doesn't like fret you know the unnecessary worrying the the you know gosh i'm not ready kind of thoughts like it just feels like yeah he would cry because of excitement and be super ready

Another piece of that is because what I've seen in him is he just loves you a lot, which is such a cool thing to see and witness, because I've been around for, you know, a couple seasons of your life. So it's really cool to see how much he loves you. So like, I would imagine, right, for you, it brings you a sense of peace that somebody's so excited to raise a child with you. And that's a part of why he's so excited. Yeah. Oh, a thousand percent. And listen, I could talk about Thomas and rave about him all day. I don't want to get too sappy and annoying. But he really is so incredible. And he's been incredible since we first got together in every different kind of phase that we've gotten to know each other and have been in this relationship. But to see him be, I mean, I have always known he was going to be a great father. He's the first guy really in my life. that I was like, I could see you being a father for my children and being like an equal partner. And I wouldn't have to stress and worry about you with a little newborn. He has been like the most supportive through all of this. Like whether I'm having a hard day going through the hormones and just all these feelings, he has been there no matter what to be like, what do you need? Like, do you need a solution? Do you need comfort right now? And so that's, I mean, I can't imagine

going through this without him. He has been so steadfast and so incredible, and it's really made this experience so far. I mean, we're only 21 weeks in, but he's made it, like, the most meaningful so far, which is so special. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious.

Oh, wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast. So, we'll find out soon. This person writes, My boyfriend has been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now, he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone.

Now, hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That sounds totally inappropriate. Well, according to this person, this is her boyfriend's former professor, and they're the same age. It's even more likely that they're cheating. He insists there's nothing between them. I mean, do you believe him? Well, he's certainly trying to get this person to believe him because he now wants them both to meet.

So, do we find out if this person's boyfriend really cheated with his professor or not? To hear the explosive finale, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect.

And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. The Super Secret Bestie Club podcast season four is here. And we're locked in. That means more juicy chisement.

Terrible love advice. Evil spells to cast on your ex. No, no, no, no. We're not doing that this season. Oh. Well, this season we're leveling up. Each episode will feature a special bestie, and you're not going to want to miss it. Get in here!

Today we have a very special guest with us. Our new super secret bestie is The Diva of the People. The Diva of the People. I'm just like text your ex. My theory is that if you need to figure out that the stove is hot, go and touch it. Go and figure it out for yourself. That's us. That's us.

My name is Curley. And I'm Maya. In each episode, we'll talk about love. friendship, heartbreaks, men, and of course, our favorite secrets. Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club as a part of the Marco Tura podcast network available on the IHartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. What would you do if one bad decision forced you to choose between a maximum security prison or the most brutal boot camp designed to be hell on earth?

Unfortunately for Mark Lombardo, this was the choice he faced. He said, you are a number, a New York State number, and we own you. Shock incarceration, also known as boot camps, are short-term, highly regimented correctional programs that mimic military basic training. These programs aim to provide a shock of prison life, emphasizing strict discipline, physical training, hard labor, and rehabilitation programs. Mark had one chance to complete this program and had no idea of the hell awaiting his. 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. So you obviously started out as a couple that met in paradise. we don't have to go through your you know the twists and turns of that but now you find yourself you know a couple years removed you're having a baby together when like does it still feel like you're a bachelor couple i've wondered that about people like is there still a level where it feels like a bachelor couple are you guys kind of in a new season where you feel removed from that and

you've now created your own things and that part of life is past or kind of how do you sit there and view your relationship. Yeah, it's, I mean, look, like we still, like, even the other week we were sitting down and we were like, how the heck did we meet on a TV show? So it really does feel like that phase has passed. I mean, yes, that's how we met, but that was short, such a short stint in, I feel like, where we've come that we just, and also we're so boring and normal that it's weird that that was the beginning of this but yeah we feel we feel like that that chapter's kind of closed and of course

like we'll always be grateful for the way that we met because had it not been for paradise and the weird circumstances we would have probably never met and had the time to even chat and start dating but it's you know everything has its season and I feel like we've kind of moved on from that and but it's still wild to think about honestly like how did we mean? meet on a beach in Mexico and break up there and then get back together and get engaged and now we're here having this baby. It's just a wild ride. It is a wild ride. It is. It's pretty incredible because, you know, with Ashley and I've talked about like, I've gotten to see her for, you know, over six years now. So I saw her single. I saw her single and wanting. I saw her meet somebody

at Bachelor Winter Games. I saw that end. I saw her finally get with Jared. I saw them get married and have a kid like it's a really weird place when we get to this age where you get to see somebody's kind of journey i got to see it with you right we were living on the tour bus like it was a very intimate experience for all of us we were up close and personal uh with each other's lives and like the goods and the bads and the hard days and the days that we didn't feel like you know moving forward it was it's crazy now to look at you and see you happy and to see where you get where you've ended up. Yeah. And that's the thing. It's like, I mean, just in general, with life, you never know what's going to happen where somebody's going to go. And I think, especially just like from

the show standpoint, things are so fleeting and can change so quickly. And it just goes to show, you know, you could go through the ringer while you're on the show where you could have the best time and you never know where you're going to be in two years, five years, 10 years. And I think Ashley and Jared are a great testament to like really all the life changes you could go through in a pretty short amount of time. Also, I have you to thank for really going on Paradise because you're the only person I called beforehand to chat about to be like, should I do this? I don't know. And you kind of talked to me through everything. So have I ever actually thanked you for that? I don't know. I don't know. Well, thank you. Well, I appreciate that. You know, I think I remember the conversation.

I remember exactly where I was sitting because I'd heard a rumor that you were considering it. And you had called saying, hey, I just need to, you know, from two leads, from somebody knows me, some somebody cares about me, what do you think? And we talked it through and I think the conclusion really was like, why not? Like, what's the worst that can happen? Like, you go on there, you make a fool yourself, everybody like criticize you and you leave and you say, okay, you know, it's worth a shot. Or maybe, maybe you just meet somebody because dating after being a lead is not, is not easy. Now, especially for somebody like you and me, you know, if people don't know it, we aren't like, hey, let's go to the,

bars. Let's go out. Let's be super social all the time. Let's start, you know, it's not, you know, so we sit in our homes and we read and we do, we play with our dogs. And so meeting somebody is not easy. And so going on these shows sometimes feels like the best next step. Yeah. Yeah. So I have you to think. And thank goodness you did. I mean, had I talked to anyone else, I probably would have been talked off the ledge and not have not have ended up there. So thank you. I mean, you have a, you have a hand in all of this and when I say all this I'm pointing to my belly right now in a very weird way don't take that weird people I know how we can twist things yeah yeah yeah and I'll celebrate that it's it's like I said it's just great to see you happy well we did have

some listeners that wrote in a couple questions for you um who will be the stricter parent me 1,000% me Thomas will be the cool dad and I'll be the one who I mean he's just so easy, breezy and lets things fly where I'm like, mm-mm, that is not okay, honey. So, but I will say it also is very hard for me at this point to even discipline the dogs. I can't imagine having to discipline my own child. So we'll see. But I think right now I'll be much more strict, probably for the little one. You have a lot of, like, you obviously do.

You have a lot of Midwest. Like, you have a lot of Midwest mom and you. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Next question was, do you have any names picked out? We do, yes. We had both boy and girl names picked out. Girl names to me are just, like, way easier.

We really went back and forth on boy names. We do have, I think, the one, but we're not sharing it until he's born. So you'll have to wait, what, four more months until the little dude comes. Well, that's awesome. Do you have a hard time not, like, referring to the baby publicly as the name? Yes. Oh, yes. And especially Thomas, I'm convinced he will accidentally let it slip on an Instagram story at some point.

So we've come up with a code name for it. I mean, you know, like when we're on the show, you have code names when you're in a relationship. It feels just like that. We have a little code name. So we're calling him Tony right now. Little Tony. So if you actually hear that, that's not going to be. his real name unless he comes out looking like a Tony who knows but but I'm hoping we don't let

it slip before September okay the what has been the best and worst part of pregnancy oh my gosh um okay well I'll start with the worst just to get it out of the way overall and I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way I am so grateful for being able to carry And it's such an amazing thing. But I don't love being pregnant. I think just overall, there's just, I also don't like being told, like, I can't do things. So to be, like, not being able to drink wine or eat cured meats and soft cheeses, I'm like, gosh, dang it. But, I mean, that's been the hardest part, I think, is just having to refrain from things that you're so used to consuming and doing in your daily life.

the best part so far I would say is starting to feel him kick it has been the most weird but incredible sensation I will just say women's bodies are so incredible it's just so inspiring and I've seen women go through this growing up of course like friends family members other people you know I mean this is like how life is made but it wasn't until I was finally pregnant I can appreciate just how my body is changing and like being able to bring life into this world is so beautiful. And so when I finally started to feel him kick two weeks ago, I was like, oh, this is real. This is really cool.

And now when I like, because at first you don't really know what it is. It feels like butterflies popping in your stomach. But now I can feel him all the time. And he is moving and grooving and kicking all the time. And it's so fun to feel, even though it's like uncomfortable sometimes. I'm like, oh, keep it up, little man. Isn't that weird? It's just so wild.

And Thomas is like, why can't I feel him? I can't feel him. I'm like, well, he's the size of a banana and his legs are the size of a penny right now. Or like his feet are the size of a penny. Of course you're not going to feel him. But yeah, it's, I mean, one day whenever you and Jess decide that this is for you and she starts to experience these things again if she wants, like it's, you'll be in awe. It's so amazing.

Yeah, I'm really nervous for that day. obviously something we want. But as you said, I have a hard time, like, leaving my dog now. And, you know, obviously, I have a hard time leaving Jess. I don't know what kind of human I'm going to become once there's another human that's in my life, that's small. And that I'm responsible. I, you might never see me again. Like, you might, I think I'm going to be a puddle. Hey, I get it. I get it. You will be such incredible parents, no doubt, but I understand the nerves. Like, trust me. I'm like, I'm going to be anxious for. the next every day of my life like not even 18 years of my life but forever from here

or no but yes it's i mean that that's parenting i get it now right like you get the parents worry um i feel it for a child that doesn't even exist yet um okay a couple more uh questions that were sent into us was now we're kind of switching gears to the wedding uh obviously um we did talk about this being unexpected you weren't not not trying, but you also have a wedding that you're planning for. Has this changed the plans? What is wedding planning like now with this event happening in your life? I knew you were going to ask this one. That is a great question. I would love to give you a firm answer and I can't. We, so basically, the little guy is coming the middle of September. We were supposed to have our ceremony

the very beginning of October. And I was like, there's no way we're going to want to travel. and have to coordinate this extravagant thing. Not that it was even going to be big. It was just going to be small with our family. But I was like, there's no way we're going to want to do that. So I think, and we don't have any firm dates or we haven't really talked about anything further. Then we're just going to push it back, I think, a year.

So we're going to wait until 2024 when we have the baby kind of settled and we're in a routine and know what the heck we're doing. Then we'll probably pick it back up. And but I will say that the part that we love the most about that and pushing it back a little bit is Thomas is like, I'm going to have a little best man to walk me down the aisle. And so I think that'll be, I mean, you know, you've been married. I've never been married. But you just know how special and intimate that is between you and your partner. And so to be able to share that with this child that we've created, I think is going to be, I mean, I'm going to be a mess. I will be a puddle of tears regardless. But that's the fun part that we're looking for. So hopefully. Hopefully by that point he's walking. Yeah, right? I mean, I think, I mean, that makes sense because, yes, one, you have the pictures of the three of you now. I mean, how cool is that?

And then two, you're able to enjoy it a little bit more. Like, if you want, you know, if you want to take some sips and if you want to dance around, like, you can really have a good time. Yeah, yeah. That's important, too, because it's a lot of fun when you can celebrate well on your wedding. Yeah, I want to do it the right way, you know, not that. Like, I mean, it's no surprise. I love champagne. And so, I mean, Thomas, Thomas is ready to go to the courthouse tomorrow and do it.

And I'm like, but I want to celebrate properly. And I want to, like, have champagne showers and just not have to stress about if I'll fit into a dress or not. And so I think, I think that's the way we'll do it. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly. And now I'm seriously suspicious. Oh, wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend has been hanging out with his young professor a lot.

He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now, he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone. Now, hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That sounds totally inappropriate. Well, according to this person, this is her boyfriend's former professor, and they're the same age. And it's even more likely that they're cheating. He insists there's nothing between them. I mean, do you believe him? Well, he's certainly trying to get this person to believe him because he now wants them both to meet.

So, do we find out if this person's boyfriend really cheated with his professor or not? To hear the explosive finale, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect.

And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. The Super Secret Festi 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, 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 Deepa of the People. The Deep of the People. I'm just like text your ex. My theory is that if you need to figure out that the stove is hot, go and touch it. Go and figure it out for yourself. Okay. That's us. That's us.

My name is Curley. And I'm Maya. In each episode, we'll talk about love, friendship, heart breaks, men, and, of course, our favorite secrets. Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club as a part of the Michael Tura podcast network available on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. What would you do if one bad decision forced you to choose between a maximum security prison or the most brutal boot camp designed to be hell on earth? Unfortunately for Mark Lombardo, this was the choice he faced. He said, you are a number, a New York State number, and we own you. Shock incarceration, also known as boot camps, are short-term, highly regimented correctional programs that mimic military basic training.

These programs aim to provide a shock of prison life, emphasizing strict discipline, physical training, hard labor, and rehabilitation programs. Mark had one chance to complete this program and had no idea of the hell awaiting him. the next six months. The first night was so overwhelming and you don't know who's next to you. And we didn't know what to expect in the morning. Nobody tells you anything. Listen to shock incarceration

on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. My perspective's changed. You know, when the show first aired and Thomas was the one that you were hanging out with, like obviously there was the assumption of who Thomas was based on his time on the first show and then as you get to know him you're like no this dude's great and then the best part is just

seeing how much he loves you and like all of these things that you're saying are hilarious but it's just showing how much he loves you and how excited he is to be with you and do this whole thing with you and for a friend and somebody who's gotten to see the couple like I said a couple seasons. It's just super exciting and encouraging. And there's a lot of peace. And it also, out of everything, might be one of the best testaments of the shows ever produced, right? Like, that this can't actually work. It can. And again, also, too, with editing, I mean, everything is for some sort of storyline, right? Like, it's no secret. It's a reality TV show. But, like, there's also parts that play into it. And so, yeah, for Thomas to have been like this

horrendous villain coming from the season he was on to this. I'm like, you can't, you can't put everything into what you're seeing in the show. Yeah, well, it's a great testament. Okay. You always are up to something. As we said, we mentioned Bachelor Live on stage at the beginning of this. You were a massive, massive part of that through the three seasons or two seasons and a third season that was announced that never worked out. But you were the steadfast leader. of that you have had your podcast happy hour for years now I know there's other things happening so we'll start with what's going on with happy hour I know I checked out you know the episodes there's been a little hiatus are you just taking a break what's going on yeah we're on we're a

little vacay right now we wrapped up Zach's season which feels like decades ago I swear and we've just been taking a break. There's so much internal change going on within the franchise, which I'm sure everyone's read about and seen in the headlines. And so we're just taking a little break. And I'm actually enjoying some time off to just kind of nest and just take in like this whole phase of my life. So it's been, it's actually been very nice.

So, yeah, I'm hoping we'll have more updates in the next couple weeks. Fingers crossed. You probably, that is interesting, you probably out of that anybody that I know would have at least, like, experienced the changes internally because you do work, you know, with Warner Brothers, who, you know, obviously is the parent to the Bachelor franchise. That's where the podcast, who produces the podcast. What is it like, explain to me? Because I've heard the rumors. I've read about the rumors. I still know a few producers who are still around who are talking about.

chaos is pretty much the only word I get and that they're like trying to figure it out. But from your perspective, what is happening behind the scenes? I mean, they filmed a season in the midst of this. So what's going on? Honestly, I am just as in the dark as you. I think people think because I do the podcast and because, you know, we'll do appearances and we've been on the show before we know everything. That is not the case. Like, especially when it comes to, like, higher levels within the franchise and the executives. I'm like, I have no idea what's going on. I don't even think people that are in it really know what's going on.

I'll hear, like, little sprinklings here and there, but much like you, like a lot of the producers and the team that you worked with when you were on the seasons, like, a lot of them are gone. And so it's, like, I really don't know much at all. And I don't know what's true or not. So we're kind of in the same boat, which is crazy. It's going to be because like Zach's season, I don't know if you and Michelle felt this way. But Ashton, I kind of felt, you know, it was kind of a throwback season in a lot of ways.

Like it felt like a season from six, seven, eight years ago. It wasn't as, you know, maybe drama filled as other seasons. The drama wasn't the focus at least. Love stories were the focus. We really enjoyed that. Maybe not everybody did. So I felt like they were getting closer to a path that maybe selfishly I wanted. I don't know if everybody else wanted it.

I'm intrigued now with the next season coming up on what that will feel like. If that will feel similar, if there will be changes. Yeah, I don't know. I mean, you said it best, and I kept saying this when his season was going, was airing. It felt like it was going back to the basics, back to before all of the drama really was so heightened. and that was like the beef of each episode, which, again, like you, I appreciate it. I felt like we got to know all the contestants a lot more on just a deeper, different level than what we've seen in the past, I don't know, what would you say, like five or six years.

And I would hope charity season is like that too, just given the fact that people have campaigned so hard in the past couple years for another lead of color. I would hope that her season can be tainted, not tainted with the drama, but like focus on the love too. And so I hope she has that. I mean, I, like, again, I've been kind of checked out lately. So I don't know anything. I don't know who her men are. I don't know any spoilers. But I really hope she could have a journey similar to Zach's where it's focusing on the love and the contestants get along for the most part.

And she doesn't have to deal with a lot of the BS that we've seen lately. Yeah, I hope so, too. She did post this last week that she's back and that she's recovering. Have you talked to her? I have not. No. And I definitely will reach out. And we have a little bachelor group chat that will check in with each other every now and again.

And so we'll definitely be adding her. But I should reach out just to see. But she's looking good. From the picks I've seen, I was like, damn, those men were lucky. It's the Bachelorette, like, posts. Like, all these people come on the show, they leave. and you're like, goodness gracious, you are glowing. Like, it's that glow, you know?

Yes. Good or bad. You come off that show and you're glowing. Yeah. Well, she's probably catching up on all the sleep now, too, that she's lacked for the past two months. She's like, I'm on a schedule, I'm catching up on sleep, I'm eating right. I'm probably able to work out again.

So good. I mean, I'm hoping she's enjoying this time before her season starts and it gets crazy. Yeah. And it's also probably the first time. And I mean, geez, for her, she was announced right. It was like three and a half months that there's not a camera within five feet of her as she like, you know, picks her nose or, you know, walks to the bathroom. Like she doesn't tell anybody. Hey, I'm going to one or two today. Yeah. Yeah. Just be like, it's a very nice season of life to just get away post-filming because you finally feel human again. Right. And you just have quiet. Like she's been going, going, going. Just like the quiet is one of the best parts. Yeah. Well, what else is excited?

happening that you're looking forward to or maybe it doesn't even have to be exciting it's exciting for you now that you are taking a little break from happy hour that bachelor I'm on stage even though the time has passed you know you were able to travel Italy and not have to rush back home so what is life looking like in the near future oh my gosh I am so excited for the next couple months because we have we have been going going going like crazy we've been traveling between Italy Nashville, L.A., like, we've just, I feel like we haven't been at our house, which we just moved into, like, a month or two ago. So I'm just excited to get our house done, finish that.

I'm still working on my sparkling wine, line, Bordone, so we still have a lot of in-person events planned for this summer, which is one of my favorite parts, is just getting out and being with people again. We launched in the middle of COVID, which is a very hard time to launch a new brand. So I'm looking forward to that. If anyone needs bubbles in their life, check out Bourdone, Sparkling Wine, a little plug there. And then I do have another, I can't say too much. There is another little project coming in the next couple months.

I'm thinking it's with one of my friends' brands that's based in Minnesota coming to California. So again, I can't say a lot, but stay tuned because that'll be very fun to. announce and a very fun thing for people in the California area, hopefully in 2023. I see that in your future. I'll speak some proxy over you. I feel like the future for Becca will be creating really great brands and being involved in the creation of really great brands.

And who knows? It could also be still, you know, doing a podcast. It could be doing another show. I don't know what that, but I think you're going to thrive at bringing really great products to people. um and i see you just enjoying it i don't know thanks ben i appreciate that yeah i hope that comes true hope it comes true i do too fingers crossed well really uh thank you so much for coming on the almost famous podcast do not go anywhere why you ask well because we have an incredible episode

that's out now breaking down all the headlines happening in bachelor nation yes becca is here for that uh there's some incredible headlines some big announcements on shows coming up that Bachelor Nation is a part of. So, hey, close this one out, open up the next one. We'll be back, breaking down headlines. Follow the Ben and Ashley I, almost famous podcasts on IHeartRadio or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly and now I'm seriously suspicious. Wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, luckily, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon.

This person writes, my boyfriend's 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. Hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That seems inappropriate. Maybe find out how it ends by listening to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, my name is Enya Umanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom.

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