The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Winter Games Special!

Episode Date: February 11, 2018

Ben and Ashley are here with a special episode to get you ready for the first ever Bachelor Winter Games! Fellow contestants Claire Crawley, Eric Bigger, Lesley Murphy and Bibiana Juliana join in to give a preview of what happened in the snow! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the Ben and Ashley I almost famous podcast with IHartRadio. This is a special, special episode. Ashley, I can tell that you're really excited for this episode because Winter Games just meant a lot to you. I mean, it meant a lot for me too because we both got to do it together. But I think you saw Winter Games as a special opportunity going into it more than maybe anybody else. Am I right? I think it was my opportunity to change my storyline or like to get away from the caricature that was developed around me

and crying Ashley like crying. Yeah, it was like all I was crying dramatic starting, you know, being I don't want to, I wasn't catty, but you know what I mean? I always had drama with a girl. I don't want to ruin this for you but up until maybe a year ago not that you were dramatic with the girl. That is not an actually I've ever seen Thank you. Thank you, Ben.

I don't think it exists. Thanks. But up until a year ago, the crying, Ashley, is a very accurate, an accurate character of who you are. Yeah, oh, totally. And according to the Winter Games promos, it continues. Yeah, but Ben, isn't it interesting? Because I don't know if it's going to make air, but when you had me crying there at the picnic

table in the kitchen, you go, I've known you for two and a half years and I've never seen you cry in real life with me. What is it about this show that brings it out in you? I have no idea, but our guest that's on the line right now might have an idea because he's known you for a while. Well, Eric Bigger, welcome to the almost famous podcast. Thanks for having me, guys. How y'all doing?

We're good. How are you doing? Oh, man, I'm just about to walk into a class of like, probably like 60 to 50 people. I've got a fitness class going on out here in Colgate University, so I'm working. Oh, fun. That's right. me you're going to be out east again. Well, Eric, tell us about what Bachelor Winter Games meant to you and like what kind

of mindset you wanted to go into it, how you wanted to change the way you were viewed from the Bachelorette season going into this. I mean, a Bachelor Winter Games, it was just something new, something different. I kind of compared it to Bachelor in Paradise, which I'd never done before. So I didn't have no game plan because I never did that. But it was up in the cold. It's in Vermont. I knew a lot of the cats from America was going to be there.

We had an international people. So I was just open. I had an open mind. And just wanted to, if things was going to happen, organically, I just weren't going to fall in place with myself. It was great. My intentions were just to be open, have fun, have fun, people.

You just mentioned you were going into a workout class right now. You are, Mr. Fitness. Did that have, that play a role in your decision to do this show, that you're a competitive sports guy? Yeah, honestly, I don't know. Fun fact, I did hire a trainer. You did you? You hired a trainer.

Yeah, so I was training twice a week because, like I said, I didn't know what to expect. I thought, you know, it would be really crazy, you know, a lot of things going on. So I wanted my body, my mind, everything to be ready and prepared for whatever was coming for basketball. You know, my dad actually thought I was supposed to train, like, an Olympic athlete. Like, in August, my dad's like, why are you going to the gym every day? You know how athletically competitive you're going to have to be? I'm like, Dad, I think you're crazy. I think this show, well, I'll have to be, like, in shape

so I don't get out of breath walking up a hill, but I think I'll be okay if I'm out of breath going up two hills. Right, right. So I wanted to get a good thing. I didn't want to fail at any arcages, so I was just trying to be ready. So I had to turn. I mean, you know, I remember one day specifically in the house during winter games, I wake up in the morning,

I'm brushing my teeth. I look over and Eric is doing push-ups and his muscles are popping out of places that I've never seen anybody's muscles pop out of. And I ask him how he does it. And so Eric puts me through about a 200 push-up workout that morning. I was sore for the rest of the time

on winter games. Not kidding. I could not lift myself up out of bed. Hey, if it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. It's all about that breakthrough, but you did it and you got it done. So hopefully you're still strong from those 200 push-ups then.

Thank you for picking it on. You should see me now, Eric. I'm about to take off my shirt and show, actually, I'm rich. No shirt season. Ben Higgins said. No shirt season. Shirts off. Hey, Eric, so you may be good at push-ups, but are you good at skiing?

I'm really not good at skiing. I'll be honest. I'm not good at skiing. That is, I'm very bad. But I can own it. I accept it, and it's all right. I'm not good at skiing. Had you ever been?

on skis before the Bachelor Winter Games. I had not been. Never have I ever been on skis before the Bachelor Winter Games ever in my life. So this is a new, new new for me. Do you ever plan on getting back on them? I don't think I do. I mean either.

I don't think so. You can have that. Going into the Bachelor Winter Games, as basically any Bachelor spinoff show like Paradise, the producers ask you, which girls are you hoping to see there? Which girls were you hoping to see? Who was on your list?

Vanessa. Vanessa Romaldi. Okay. She's from Montreal. Not too far from Vermont. I'm like, it would be cool to have her on. Becca Dili. B.T.

Hey! I mean, those women piqued my interest. So I was like, why not? You know, if they were on, I can't wait to stay there, you know? So those were my two that I had in mind, for sure. You know, both those ladies live in L.A., and you can pursue them off camera as well. You're going to set it up, Ashley?

Okay. You got their numbers. Well, the cast for the Winter Games has been announced, and neither Becca or Vanessa were announced as the cast. So I'm sorry, Eric. Winter games must have not been as fun for you as she thought. It was fun. It just wasn't what I thought, and it was okay.

I still made great connections, great friendship. It was amazing. I had a great time. Good. Hey, I know you've got to go, but I got one last question. And you know where I'm crying in the promo saying, Lymoy's friend zoned. I'm so confused.

You said that I friend zoned you when we first met. Collaborate. Yeah, I think you did friend zoned me. Actually, I think, I don't know. I just felt the energy that I was like, oh, Eric Bigger's just a friend. I'm not really, I don't, we're not even, I don't see him at that level.

So that's what I felt. I could be wrong. But the energy I was getting was like, my friend you say you're just a friend hey you're just a friend hey we're just friends but it's all good we're great friends so I appreciate you Ashley that you're amazing you're phenomenal you get it done great energy you know what you're doing especially when a camera's on but yeah thank you but we're good thanks Eric hey Eric you are the man I we appreciate you I appreciate you a great guy I've enjoyed getting to know you thank you for coming on our

podcast once again and good look out there at Colgate So it'll make some other people sore. It's 13 degrees there right now. My man. Thank you, Ben. Thank you, Ashley. Thank you, our heart. You guys are amazing.

I'll talk you soon. Batchew on the game. Let's go. Bye. Bye. All right. Up next, we have one of America's favorite contestants. I was so excited to meet her.

I think we all love her. We all want the absolute best for her. Claire, are you out there? I sure am. Claire, I miss your voice. Oh, my God. I don't know if you missed this one. I have strep throat right now, so. You have what right now? Strep throat. Oh, no.

I know, I know, but it's awesome. I'm on the upswing. How are you guys doing? I miss the gate. We're great. Yeah? Yes. I have the flu actually also, Claire. You've been sick now for a while. I hope you get better. This is not good, but I have had the flu myself, as the listeners have been able to tell over the last week. I've been stuffy. Claire, we've got to get into winter games.

America is ecstatic. I mean, I'm not kidding. Once the cast was announced, I think Ashley and I can both attest that our Twitter is filled up with, oh my gosh, Claire is coming on winter games. I'm so excited to see her again. So from all of us, tell us what was your hope going into winter game? Okay, so that makes me feel good because I couldn't follow me. going, oh, we've seen her 12 times now.

You and I are tied. We're tied. We're totally right. I'm ready out, right? I think, I don't know, I was so excited going into this. I think the best thing for me going into this, which was different than all the other shows, was that I didn't have any expectations. I really, really just wanted to go have a glass and meet everybody, see everybody that I've seen before.

You asked me, hang out with you then, and just have a good time. And I think when there's no expectations, that's kind of when the best thing's happening, you know? Yeah. You know, get let down. I can not disagree. I think a lot of people think like, oh, I mean, I guess real hardcore fans will be like, oh, Ashley and Claire are on the same season together. I wonder if they'll have beef because we had, I guess we had a little bad blood between us

during Bachelor in Paradise season two because Jared asked you on a date after he and I had already gone on a date. And I made fun of you a bit. I made some insensitive comments that I absolutely regret and I was young and immature and stupid But we and I got really close this season You made me feel homie, you really did Like you just were a really great support system And a good person I could vent to

That's a really good to say, Ash, thank you so much It's so funny because it's like people see the shadows And they go, oh my God, you just hate this person And they see two minutes or two comments that I always laugh because it's like, yeah, I probably, I mean, I did say that comment, but it was like when I was tired and grumpy and stress and probably no sleep. So all that stuff, I think, within vaccination, we understand. On my, there's, like, there's no bad blood on any level. And I think that's why it was easy to fall back into, like, the friendship with me and you because it's so understandable about stuff, you know? I agree.

When you got in the car and I first saw you before we did the parade, I was. was like, oh, we're good. We're going to do this great. She's going to be one of my best friends in the house. I just knew that right off the bat. And then we'd, like, talk to the entire bus ride. And we're, yeah, I was really, really thankful you were there. Oh, you know what?

It's always, thank you to me, see, like, familiar faces. And it's here on people you know and love. You know, it's, I think, can come off one way on the show. But at the end of the day, it's like, nothing at love, you know? Yeah. Yeah. I mean, if all else fails, For the two of you, at least you fell in love with each other, which I'm just over here, just glowing with excitement about.

Claire, going into winter games, what was your best winter sport? Oh, my God. Okay, so basketball fell short, you guys. I'm thinking, I'm good at sports. I'm pretty athletic. I can do stuff. What I didn't really realize and put into play was that I'm good at summer sports. I'm good at, like, California sports.

I'm not good at snow, winter sports. So I would say none of the sports were my fortune, which is not good. You certainly weren't the worst at them either, though. You're middle of the pack. Middle of the pack. I have a little bit about athleticism going in my blood, but I think for me, too, that's what I wanted to be there was because I did not know or have ever done any of these sports. So for me, it was like, you get to do new things and try new things that I would have never tried or have not tried sport, you know?

You had never skied? Never in my life. Oh, that's embarrassing how much better you were than I was then. It was pure luck, let's be honest. It was pure luck. Once I hit the slope, it was like, I can't stop now or else I'm really going to eat at home. I was scared to us. You know, that's the thing.

And one of the coolest parts about this, Claire, is you and I didn't spend a lot of time together before the show. During this show, we got to live in the same house, in Vermont, all of us did. You know, Ashley, you, myself, and a bunch of others who are coming up here on this podcast. cast, in your opinion, okay, without giving any spoilers away, keeping it as high level as possible, I think we all walk her out of winter games saying, hey, this was a unique experience, if anything, what, if you were a fan of the Bachelor franchise, why would you be excited about Winter Games? Or why should they be excited about Winter Games? That's exactly the reason to be excited about it is because there's not, I can honestly say, there's not

like a show that Fackler's ever done this like this. I know that they're saying, I mean, I don't know, it's hard to describe. People are honestly asking all the time, what did you guys do? What's the concept of the show? And I'm like, I don't know if I still understand it. There's so much fun, crazy, weird turns that it takes. And it's like there's no formula to it. And that's the cool part about it is you don't know what is going to happen next.

You don't know what's predictable about it. And I think for me, sorry, I'd be a lot of winded about it. But I think the exciting thing for us on our side of it was we don't know, national people coming in. You didn't know, there's no, like, looking him up and Googling him. Come on, Ashley, I know you did your try to do your recon, but it's like, you can't, you know? There's no research you to do. So these are all new faces for us.

So the interactions are funny, I think. It is. I always say, I completely agree. I keep saying that it's like the focus is on love and humor and Bachelor self-awareness. I like that. I like that. Before we go, before we let you go, I want to talk about your two love interests on the show. you get involved with two foreigners.

You're kind of a love triangle. As briefly and without spoilers, can you describe your feelings on that? Oh my gosh. I don't even know where to start on that. Let's just say it was the most unexpected thing for me because I went into thinking I would just be like an extra on the set.

So for me, it was like, it's the last thing I never would have expected. there's two guys to be, or in a situation with two guys, so. You know what's really funny about you and these guys? I felt like your interest in them and their interest in you was kind of under wraps and, like, all happened behind closed doors. Funny to say that because there's a lot of the story that you guys are going to be like, wait a minute when you watch it.

Trust me, you're going to be like, I had no clue about that. And that's what I'm excited to watch about everybody else, too, is that we kind of had our things going on, but we don't know what really happened with everybody. And I talk to you guys all the time. I know. I feel the exact same way. People were like, oh, I didn't know that you guys were, like, hitting it off. And I'm like, oh, yeah, how did you not know that?

And Ben even told me, he was like, Ashley, I think you need to be more obvious about it in front of people. Isn't it crazy? I often asked a tonne about the boo-boom room, and I'm like, I don't even know who used it or if anybody used it. I don't think anyone used it. It was right there by the kitchen. It was very odd placement. I wanted. Yeah, I used it. Oh, you did? Is that by, did you go there by yourself?

Whoa, whoa. Actually, why is that your first response? Ashley, why was your first response was you go there by yourself? Because I feel like you would just like go in there and be like, oh, I'm nappy and then just fall asleep in there. Unbelievable. Unbelievable. Is that a true story, though? Is that a true story? Yes, I did sleep in the boo-boom room one. Correct on that. At night?

And it was by myself. So thank you, Ashley, for making me feel even worse about myself than I already do. Oh, my goodness. So, Ben, um, yes. Speaking of being by yourself in the room room, do you know about the conversation Ashtra and I had on the bus going to you guys? Oh, on the bus. No, no, he doesn't know.

Do you remember that? Yeah. I said, I said that. Say that for the future? You can tell. Oh, I was, Claire was like, Ben is really cute. And I was like, Ben thinks you're cute too. He actually, like, you're really his type physically.

That's a true story, Ben. Look, he's giggling like a little boy. Ah! I just said there was some hope to be had. Claire, you. When you say, oh, I saved the boom and a room for you follow, that is a true testament. So, you know, Ashley and Ashley, I did tell her that.

So don't feel that. about staying in the boo-goo-room alone. There are options for me. Well, Claire, you are the best. You are absolutely gorgeous. So thank you for sharing the mutual feelings. Claire, thanks for coming on the Almost Famous Podcast. We love you.

We always will. You are one of the best people we've ever met. Thank you. I love you guys. Thank you so much for everyone. Talk to you soon. See in a week or so. Bye.

Yes. Bye, guys. Ashley, why don't you tell me this kind of stuff? Did you want to know that stuff? I mean, you're supposed to be my friend. Like, even if I didn't want to know it, I feel like you should still tell me. Well, I feel like you, I thought, oh, because you didn't know that Claire thought you were cute. I mean, I just feel like if a guy came up to me in the house, no matter if I knew you're into him or not,

or if I thought maybe you'd be really into him. And he was like, that Ashley girl, dang, like, she'd be fine. I think I wouldn't tell you. Like, Ashley, just let you know, like, a girl, a guy in this house thinks really cute. Like, if for no other reason to pump you up a bit. Ben, we can't talk spoilers here. But every girl is interested in you in the house. Everybody was like, oh, I'm into Ben.

That wasn't the problem. And Claire's very flirty. So if she likes you, you'd know. You would know. Okay, so here's the deal. Everybody out there that's already watched Winter Games, it gets interesting, let's just say. let's just say it's from from my perspective winter games been a lot to me because i learned a lot

about myself so uh without actually ever trying to pump me up a bit or give me any kind of like behind the scenes advice about what the pillow talk was at night between the girls i was still just trying to get through it thinking that i was just on my way to the singleness but maybe that changes you never know to tune in the winter games to find out yourself actually something uh coming back from Word games, one of the best gifts that I was able to give the closest woman in my life, my mother, was $200 credit to Threat Up because I believe ThreatUp is for one of the best shopping channels out there. Ashley, can you tell us more? Yeah. So you know how finding a great deal gives you such a rush? It gives you a thrill. But digging through the racks at your local

clothing, distown store can be exhausting. So Threadup makes it easy to find the brands that you love at unbeatable prices. It's the secret style weapon over one million women used to refresh their closets. And you guys know that like you got to refresh your closet every now and then take out the old stuff, putting in some new stuff. The redup is perfect for that. It's the largest online thrift store in the world with over 35,000 brands at up to 90% off retail price. Think free people dresses for $10.000. J. Crew jeans. for $12 and a Kate Spade handbag you can find for $30. It is nuts. Forget sifting through racks thread up makes it super easy to personalize your shopping experience. Use the filters to save

your sizes, your favorite brands, and the price range to find exactly what you're looking for fast. Every item on this site goes through a 12 point quality inspection process ensuring the items are in like new condition. Many even brand new. with the tags still attached. Threadup offers free shipping on qualified orders in super easy returns. Right now, ThreadUp is offering Almost Famous listeners an extra 30% off their first order.

Go to Thread Up, that is, T-H-R-E-D-U-P-com, slash, almost-famous, that is, T-H-R-E-D-U-P-com, slash almost famous, for an extra 30% off today. That's right. Hey, one of our guests is one of the most fashionable women we've ever met.

Also, one of the most beautiful inside and out. I have a huge spot in my heart for this girl. Leslie Murphy, are you out there? I'm here. I'm here. Hello, some of my favorites from Team USA. Hey, Leslie. So tell people where they will remember you from.

You're a bit of a throwback. Oh, yeah. I'm a bit, I'm vintage, I guess you could say. But memorable. Like, I knew exactly who you were. I saw your face as soon as they said the name, Leslie Murphy. You were a favorite of mine from the past. Oh, thanks, Ash, that means so much.

I know. And it was a pleasure to be on Bachelor Winter Games with you fine people. So we would know you from Sean Lowe's season of the Bachelor. You were around for a long time. You actually really had strong feelings for Sean, if I remember right, correct? I did. I really did.

I liked him a lot. He was Southern. I'm Southern. We both were into football. I think that was actually my intro. I, like, hiked the football to him, which is a little embarrassing.

And then, and yeah, we had a lot in common, and I really liked the guy, but so did my best friend, Catherine, from the show. So that was a little awkward.

And then once I left, then they really hit it off. And they're married today with two kids, but, yeah, I have a, I really love. That's so funny. In my brain, I was like, who's Catherine? Who's Catherine?

Of Sean and Catherine. And you were a bridesmaid in their wedding, correct? Right. I know. Some people find that so weird, but honestly, it was, it was totally normal and fine for us. And what's also strange is that we held the world record for the longest on-screen kiss. I was actually just going to talk about that. Yeah.

Oh, God. I mean, talk about, talk about a weird. like the world's most awkward date ever. Well, will you be kissing? It was like, it was, yeah, so we toured the Guinness World Record Museum on the Hollywood Boulevard in L.A. And I had no idea that after this, we were going to break our own record, which was essentially the world's longest on-screen kiss.

And I think at the time, the longest on-screen kiss was back from the 50s, And it was like, I don't know, maybe two minutes. So we had to beat that. But what they didn't show is that our lips essentially couldn't separate during this whole ordeal. But we were trying to make it fun. And our lips didn't separate at one point. And so we had to start all the way over. And I think it lasted like some ungodly, like four minutes, what seemed like an eternity.

But I have, I now have a world record to prove for it. So what did Carly and Evan do? Why am I thinking of them with a pepper? I was going to say this was the precursor date to the hot pepper kiss, and that was the world's hottest kiss. Oh, that was the world's hottest kiss. That's right. That's right. I thought I had the world's hottest kiss once, but it wasn't documented.

Again, speaking of kisses, Leslie, are you kissing anyone on this season? Yeah, you'll do. Yeah, I look back on the season, and I think I kissed too much on camera. I'm like, what am I doing? So it should be really interesting for everybody involved. I thought you guys had the first kiss of the season. Did not know that there was actually a kiss on night one. Can we say it was with, I can't say who it was from.

But it was Team USA, Team USA had the first kiss. And then I think with you, Team USA had another kiss. Yep. But yeah, you started making out early on. Yep, sure, sure was. Hey, Leslie, I have a really cool story about that. So, yeah, so I actually had a front row seat at Leslie's first day. I was sitting beside Leslie, the person she was kissing, just kind of hanging out,

having a good old evening on the couch, and all of a sudden I look over. And I quickly realized that I was no longer welcome to the conversation on the talk because the conversation no longer existed. They were making out, and I was just sitting awkwardly close staring. Well, the weird thing about all this is then I don't think you were the only one there I mean there are a lot of people in the living room And so yeah We'll see how it plays out on screen

I'm a little nervous about You guys are playing a game When your first kiss came about were you not What was this game? It was a wild night I had gone to bed early I was emotional and exhausted I went to bed I missed all the festivities Tell us what the scene was like yeah

Can we talk about something real quick because I feel like you said you were emotionally exhausted. Yeah. And I never once saw you shed a tear. What? When we were filming Bachelor Winner Games. That was because I cried right before I went to bed and then you were really distracted.

That night too, and that was the only time I cried. Okay, okay. Because these prom, you know, I see these promos for Bachelor Winner Games and here you are shedding some tears. And I'm like, no, I never saw her shed a single tear. I did. I did. No, I did.

No, I definitely did. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was with Ben. I was like all up in his shoulder. Definition of crying on somebody's shoulder. Leslie, I'm really interested, though. Okay, so I know in the past you've never done Paradise. You've been, I don't know how to say this, a hot commodity in the Bachelor franchise for a while.

You know, obviously you're a catch. We all agree to that. I think Ashley would definitely agree to that. You've never done Paradise, but you chose to do winter games. And I'm very interested why. That's a great question, Ben. I'm glad you act because I don't think Paradise is ever on my radar because, to me, it just, it's just, you know, bringing on the beach all day, which is there's nothing wrong with that. But I loved the aspect of Bachelor Winter Games because it's a brand new show, and it brought people from all over the world together, all Bachelor franchises from Bachelor Australia, Bachelor New Zealand, Bachelor Sweden, Bachelor Germany.

And that really spoke to me because it's almost like it brought my two worlds together, traveling people from all over the world and my favorite reality TV show ever. So it was kind of a no-brainer. It was just like brand new show, people from all over the world, living in one house in Vermont together, what could possibly go wrong. We're working on Capitol Hill back when you were on Sean season, and now you're a travel blogger and you're super successful at it. Your pictures on Instagram are amazing. Where can people follow you and see all your adventures? Oh, thanks, Ash. Yeah, my Instagram is my name, Leslie Ann Murphy,

and my blog is called The Road Less Traveled, and it's Less with OneS. It's so funny. It's a takeoff Robert Frost's poem, and obviously my name is Leslie, so it's Lesley, so it's Lesley, but I've had some people email me and say there's a typo in the name of my blog, which I find hilarious.

But, yeah, she's a roadless, travel, That is funny. I feel like I could talk to you forever. I still have a couple more questions. You're just athletically inclined. You know, that's just like your thing. You can even look at you and you're like, oh, that girl's good at sports. She was like the hot soccer player in high school that all the guys.

Just like you were like Blake lively in traveling pants with your blonde hair just swinging back and forth as you kick a soccer ball. You're really making my day. No, you are. No, you are. What was your favorite competition we did? And, yeah, what was our competition? We're not, really quick.

We're usually not this nice to our guest. I think it's probably read on Twitter sometimes. Like, when she actually says this, she actually means it because sometimes, you know, we can really be brutal. So, Leslie, just take this to what it's worth. Ashley really loves you and thinks you're one hot mama. Oh, I thought that she was like the coolest. I was like, that girl's too cool.

I'm like never going to be able to this. I love you. She's smart and hot and like just. Oh. I think the same of you. Oh, thanks. Okay, anyway, let's go back to sports. Okay, fine.

My favorite competition of natural winter games, this is tough. But I feel like I've got to say the end where we did a couple's ice skating dance. A lot of days of practice went into that. I think we practiced for three days straight. And I just really loved my costume in the end. end. I think that really helped. It kind of made my childhood dream come true of being this fancy, Nancy Kerrigan, that popular ice skater, but I don't think in the end I did the best that I could do, but that's okay. Maybe I'll edit it in a way that makes me look super athletic and great

on figure skating. Ben, do you have any more questions for her? You know, I don't. I think, I guess my only question before we think about you here, Leslie, is, are you glad you did winter game. I had the time of my life on winter games. I'm so glad I did it. I have always loved the basketball franchise and so I'm happy to be back. I think we'll probably end up having you come on and talk a little more detail throughout the next couple weeks of it airing. So I think there's a few things we haven't talked about and I think a lot of people are going to be like, why didn't you talk about that? It's like let's just talk about when it's airing. We can, yeah. Leading up to your potential engagement.

Oh, okay. Leading up to the potential engagement. Yeah, we'll be excited about seeing how this plays out. Oh, yeah, we will. Okay. All right. Thanks for having me on, guys. Thanks for coming on. Bye.

Okay. Thanks. Ashley. Yeah. Do you think any of these couples that come out of winter games will get engaged? Like, maybe not on the show, but in the future. Too early to say. That's not fun.

Ashley, answer my question. No. Ben, I want your opinion. Yes. I do. You do? interesting let me elaborate so I think there are some couples that come out of winter games that are some of the realest couples I've ever seen come out of this franchise and I think

there's some actually actual chemistry going on I think there I think winter games allowed an environment where people can really start to work through issues as couples and also celebrate and have fun memories together I think the couples that walked out of winter games actually at somewhat new each other like I can't imagine if some winter games not allowing the environment for people to come out possibly finding love. So I do think you, maybe I shouldn't say engagement, but I will say there will be some very serious long lasting couples that I would not be surprised if they got engaged who met at winter games.

Okay, now I have a interesting question for you. Knowing the you went through the bachelor process, which is like literally six times as long as the Bachelor at Winter Games process, do you think that the couples that are together now from Winter Games know each other coming off the show better than you knew Lauren coming off your show?

I don't think so because I really thought I knew Lauren. I think I did know Lauren. I think my feelings for Lauren were very real. I mean, honestly, there was no moment after The Bachelor that I remember going, oh, crap, I don't know this girl.

Like, I really, really care. about her coming off the show during the show and moving forward. But I think maybe that I was an anomaly at some level. I think just like every Bachelor show, it's about love and it's about relationships, and I really do mean that and I believe that. I think Winter Games and Paradise and all these side shows now offer a really good environment for couples to me. And I'm interested here if our next guest feels the same way.

We have who we like to call no chill on the line right now. Bibiana, are you out there? I am. Welcome to almost famous podcast. Viviana, we're just talking about do you feel like winter game allowed the environment or produced the environment for people to truly fall in love? I think it did. I agree.

I completely agree. Yeah. I do. Okay. So I just asked Ashley this question, and I know Ashley has a list of questions here that she's excited about asking you, and I'm going to let her get into this and take this away. But I want to ask you this thing.

question out of the couples and you might be in one of these relationships we're not going to we're not going to spoil this out of the couples that came out of winter games do you believe there's a possibility that one of these couples will end up engaged absolutely i agree i completely agree to gana actually i'm telling you i think there's some real love going on here very interesting i i now that we've talked about this i kind of feel like i have a better idea idea. Why, Ashley, do you think it's, do you think otherwise? No, I said it was too soon to tell, but then I threw it back at Ben and I said, like, these couples have now known each other as long as Ben did during his process with Lauren. But my whole, the whole debate is just the

Paradise Winter Games model versus the Bachelor, Bachelorette model, where you have eight weeks together on that show, but it's not constant time together like it is on the other shows. So I think the other shows, like the spin-off shows, prepare you better to know who you're getting engaged to. I agree. Because it's like real life. Like you're living together, living, living, and not just on romantic dates all the time. Right. Like you're seeing everyone in different elements. Like you're seeing, you're seeing each other when you wake up. You're seeing each other like through these events.

Yeah, you're seeing each other without makeup with ice on your face like me in the morning. Right, so you really get to know the person, yeah, like for who they are. You know, even if you're a little bit nervous the first few days, eventually you just become really comfortable and it's like this one big family. So you're getting to know each other at a very, I would like to think, like, what you tend to see after six months, you're seeing within three days. I probably agree. Yeah, I mean, I think this just, Bibiana, even watching these relationships kind of around us and maybe we're a part of these, we're not going to. say, I just really felt comfortable and not awkward about the relationships that are existing. Like, I remember the relationships outside of myself being, like, celebrating those while I was

in the house because I was like, this is a real thing. This is a cool thing. I'm watching my friend right next to me develop relationships that I can now celebrate. And I think those relationships were very real. And so I, this is my first time doing a show outside of the Bachelor and Bachelor. I'm a big fan. I think people should do that paradise. I think people should do winter games if they really are trying to find somebody why not this is a great example of people that can find love baby you have a date on the first episode um i know from some little birdies that it's chopped down a lot the whole scenario is chopped down a lot we talked a bit about it on when you were on our podcast on these this almost minutes podcast a couple weeks ago and how

you and I both had interest in the same guy. I don't know if they're going to show much of our interaction and how I was actually quite supportive of you going on this date. Of course. I don't know. If I'm getting in trouble. No, no. You're not going to get in trouble, Ash.

I love you. You're so worried. Like, hey, let's just throw it out. I'm so worried because of my past. I know. But as your co-host, I will tell you that I know, and Viviana back me up here if you can or if you agree you don't agree then please go for it it's a great podcast material um actually when it comes to women you aren't dramatic like you're not going to fight with

people so stop trying to protect yourself it's all good i just like that's just like my that's the criticism that i get the very most is that people don't think like i'm supportive of like other girls and there was just really one scenario one scenario in the past where it it was It was very hard for me to be okay with what was going on. We get it. We get it. And I'm telling you if there's one woman that would tell you how they feel, it's Bibiana.

And Viviana, did you feel support? Okay, let's just settle this now so I don't have to hear about it the rest of the season. Bibiana, did you feel supported by Ashley? Yes or no? Absolutely. Okay. Okay. Okay.

Okay. Ashley, you're supportive. He was so supportive. Okay. She really is. I don't know what I can. her can't say, but she basically, like, she's just like, yeah, go on the date. Absolutely. Like, she was just like, go for it. And then two days later, when we talked, I remember telling

her, like, why didn't you tell me not to? It's true. Ashley. Because I'm not going to do that. Ashley is incredibly supportive. One other things that she's supportive of, we got to take a break here, because one of Ashley's favorite things, I know this for a fact as well. And we're going to keep talking about this. We might not keep talking about how Ashley is supportive of other women. We know that's true. But we also know that. this is a high-quality product. That's the truth.

And here it is. I'm going to tell you about Wink. Here's what I've got to tell you about Wink. Think about this. If you had to pick out a wine that you're going to love, but it has to be a wine you've never had before. What would you do? Where would you begin?

I'm introducing you to Wink. That's W-I-N-C. Wink makes it easy to discover great wine. Wink's wine experts, select wines match to your taste. Personalize for you. Shift right to your door and starting at just, $13 a bottle. You take Wink's palette profile quiz. Questions like, hey, how do you take your coffee? And how do you like your blueberries? And then Wink takes it from here. You'll come home to a

box of delicious Wink wine selected just for you personally. It will be your favorite day of the month every time this box arrives. There's no membership fees. Skip any month. So replace it with a bottle you love. No questions at. Discover great wine today. Go to trywink.com Almost Famous. You'll get $20 off your first shipment. That's tri-wink.com, P-R-Y-W-I-N-C.com, backslash, almost famous, for $20 off. Triwink.com, backslash, almost famous today. I'm telling you, it's great.

Ashley supports it. I support it. Viviana, do you support it? I think I'm about to sign up. I was just talking to my girlfriends the other day, and I was like, why can there be, like, a wine delivery service? Because, you know, Monday comes around, and then you're running. low on wine and what happened. I am with you.

I'm with you. Hey, Ashley, I know you have more questions. My final question from Vian at this point is that are you still watching this season of The Bachelor? I am. I want to know what happens. Are you going to watch winter game? Are you going to watch winter game? Absolutely.

Who isn't? Who do you think she is, Ben? I don't watch any of my. No, I don't watch any of these. step I'm on. I refuse. I might watch Winter Games, but I haven't seen The Bachelor. What? What? The Bachelorette. Yeah, I haven't watched any of that.

No shot. You didn't watch your season of the Bachelor. No shot. We have gone on this podcast for almost nine months, and I'm just learning that you didn't watch your season of The Bachelor. If I released all this to you early, we would have a podcast to last, Ashley.

Funny enough, and I was actually watching, so I, my mistake was probably, I think one of my mistakes was not watching enough of The Bachelor before I actually jumped onto the season. So when you guys asked me, like, when my thoughts were on Arias, the Bachelor, I really didn't have a lot to say because I didn't really know. So I went back and I watched some of your season, Ben, it's kind of like as a refresher, and you were such a good bachelor.

Oh, my God. What does that mean? I don't even know what that means. I've always wondered what that means when people say that. Well, please. I feel like you just knew how to navigate your conversations and even just saying goodbye to the women. You had much more to say them.

It's almost like personal. I watch your women's talal, and you can just tell the women just wanted you to really be happy, and that shows a lot. It shows that you took the time to listen. You navigated conversations very well throughout the dates. I personally feel victimized that... That what?

That what? What do you feel like a victim of? That I didn't get such a good back. Hey, hey, hey, we all can feel that way. Here's, okay. Ben, wait, this is what everybody said about your women tell all. They were like, it seems like all the girls just didn't have any complaints about him. They're just happy that he was happy.

Yeah. You should watch it. You should watch it. I think that's changed. I mean, here's the truth. And not to make this about my season of Bachelor, but we've touched it. I got to know this question from the both of you now. And then we move on the Motor Games here more.

If the women were happy for me then, I don't know if there is happy for me now. I don't know why, but I feel like it's really hard for the bachelor or bachelorette to keep any type of friendship or close relationship or any type of relationship, period, like even admiration after the show. I mean, honestly, one of the hardest things for me coming off The Bachelor has been the fact that I don't know if you need these women that I really cared about, that I really think are great, that I really have a soft spot. my heart for it. I don't know if they still even like like me as a person and I don't know why. Is that how you feel about your bachelor? You're just different, Ben. I think you're referring to like your your girls are clicky so they're either going to be I think this is a post-breakup issue that you're dealing with. I don't know this is a post-show break

post-show issue. Okay, that makes sense. That makes sense. I get that maybe on it. What do you mean I'm different. He is. Yeah, you're just different. That doesn't make me feel good. Okay. No, in a good way. No, in a good way.

Like, you just, you have a different kind of presence. You have a different kind of energy. It's really hard to have to not love you. You know, even if things don't work out, you're not the guy that you're just, people are drawn to you and you have this great energy about, like, I can't explain it, but it's just, like, different in a really good way. And, you know, like watching. you're part of, like, what you went through on your...

I'm just like, this guy's just incredible. So it's... I can't see anybody not wishing you the best, even, like, you're in a moment, breaking up with them. Everybody seems to be really happy with you if your woman's tell off. Well, I mean, this is a truth, and I cannot wait to get into your story, because Vibiana, you are one of the most captivating people we've ever had in the Bachelor franchise. There's a moment at Winter Games, but you set me down, and I,

I have never had this having me. I told you this there, and I told you then. I don't even know how to respond to you because at the moment I was so taken back. Biviana sat me down at Winter Games, and she just spoke like what she said was truth into me. She sat me down and directly talked to me and said some of the most encouraging, some of the most raw, real things to me, like at my face just to say it. And Bibiana, at that moment there, I realized that there is a depth to you, that there is just a rawness and a genuine and authenticity to you that I've never been

around. And I think for all of us coming out of the winter games, all of us, when we talk, say the same thing, you know, you, I mean, you might say that, hey, you know, I look special. You, Bibiana, I can tell, are very, very special. And I think Ashley can attest to that because she loves you so much. Oh, Blan, Ben, I'm blushing. I'm glad that Bibiana sat you down and talked to you about that because I think like she really was able to articulate everything that everybody in that house is feeling

about you and you don't sometimes see about yourself, which we are just mind-boggled by. We're so mind-boggled. Well, in winter games, this is the cool part about watching this back is, you know, we see your storyline change, Ashley, where you and you're supportive of Bibiana and her pursuit of something that you may be into. and Viviana, you vice versa. And then for me, personally, it was a big moment of discovery for me. I had people around me like you, Ashley, and Bibiana speaking to me and walking me through

something that wasn't necessarily easy, or maybe it was just a little too raw and too real and not something I expected to feel or think. And that's what Winter Games was. Winter Games is going to be a lot of fun to watch because I believe at every turn and every moment, there was a genuineness and an authenticity and almost what I want to say, a joy to being in the house that I don't think you get a lot on these shows. Yeah, yeah, there was no hostility. That was what was interesting.

You know, we kind of laughed with the first day when Chris Harrison's like, this is a demonstration of worldwide unity and love. And I'm like, oh my gosh, cheesiest line of all Bachelor history. But it actually became the truth. speaking of love bibby one last question just to get some dirt out of you um when you walked into that house who were the guys that stood out as like you're like i'm going to go get my flirt on with them well i can't say that i act that way like i'm going to go get my flirt on but i'm i mean i remember um somebody asking me like oh who's somebody that stands up to right now

I was like, it's so soon, but if I had to pick one, it was Ben. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Other things that Ben didn't know. Well, only because, like, how are you supposed to, how are you supposed to know within just, like, a few hours, like, how you, like, who stands out? But one thing that Ben did during the parade, when all of us were, you know, it's the first time all of us are meeting, Ben just went around and just introduced himself to every single person. And we're, like, in this, we're all standing.

It was, like, awkward to get, to, like, make a way to say, had everyone, like, he found a way, and he introduced himself, and he just, that's, that to me is something that you can't really teach people to just to know how to connect and be attentive. So, I would say that Ben was the guy who stood out to be the most of her saying, yeah. Wow. Oh, Bibby. Bibby, you continue to just make me feel a lot better about myself than ever put before. You and Ashley have this way about you. Bibiana, we love you so much. We want to have you back on the podcast as Winter Games continues.

Can you agree to that? Can you come on? Absolutely. I love you guys. All right. Thanks, Bibb. See you soon. Of course.

All right. You talk to you very much. Well, that was Fab. And she's fit. And we're all fun. Is it Christmas, guys? Because Christmas came to my door a couple days ago. my Fab Fit Fund box showed up. FabFit Fun is a subscription box with full-size fashion beauty,

fitness, and lifestyle products. All the products are full-size, and you pay $49.99 each season, but each box has a value over $200 guaranteed. And you guys, as Fab Fit Fund gets even more, more popular, the value of these boxes go even higher. My last box that I just got delivered, was like over $325, which is nuts. And I always am finding something in this box that I know I'm going to reorder and use again for a long, long time. It's just like a little discovery,

and you just have to unwrap it, and then you find all these things, and you fall in love with them. It's great. This editor's box is valued at over $300, which is what I just said. And here are some of the things that it contains. Real her eye shadow palette,

wish nourishing do mask love that it's super hydrating way of will bath salts everybody loves bath salts you know like put something in the tub and it automatically becomes a more luxurious experience there's this makeup drop silicone applicator which who would have thought that like a silly it's not like a beauty blender sponge it's another way of like melting the makeup into your face and i'm obsessed with it it also um it's great because you don't waste makeup with it. You just, you use it all because it absorb into this sponge. Then there's also a really nice body buffer. It has the body gel infused in it. So you can get all this for only $49.99. So all this is just $49.99. But for you guys, the amazing almost famous

listeners, you're going to get it for even less. Go to fabfitfund.com and use our promo code Almost Famous and get $10 off the editor's box. So you're going to get this box for $39.99, and it's over, valued over $300. So that's FabfitFund.com. And don't forget our promo code, which is almost famous. Ashley, can I ask one favor of you? Yeah. I don't know if this is overstepping my bounds.

And if it is, just tell me, please. I have this new pet peeve when it comes to people in the Bachelor franchise. Can I tell you what it is? Yeah. They overuse the word obsessed. Obsessed. Oh. Okay.

Did I say obsessed? Did I just say obsessed? You did. You did just say obsessed. I want to challenge you now to see, okay, I just want to ask you in all, and anything that you do from here out, try not to use the word obsessed to see if you're part of this crew. Okay. So that is something that I've been noticing too.

I'm trying not to use the word amazing or awesome anymore. Or excited. No, that's it. Awesome or amazing. Everybody knows that's over. It's the words excited. I don't like to say, oh, I'm so excited. Because just between the Bachelor and the Kardashians, everything is so exciting.

It's like, I'm going to go eat a burger. Oh, my God. I'm so excited. You know what? We all have our issues. But actually, I'm just asking you as a friend. And I'm going to follow up with this in the weeks to follow is if you feel like obsessed as overuse as well, like, oh my gosh, I'm so obsessed with this new product.

No, you're not. You're not obsessed. And if you are, you have major issues. really passionate about it, really passionate. Yeah, that's good. That's good. Hey, okay, we briefed Winter Games. Winter Games is coming to you, and there's a rumor.

One of the executive producers on The Bachelor and Bachelorette secretly told me, and I mean this, and I know they meant this, because this was just between us, that winter game. But now it's between all 200,000 of you listeners. That's what you get for telling a podcast, guys, your secrets of a show. Um, that winter game is some of the best television the bachelor's ever produced, if not the best. I've heard that too.

I've heard it too and not from an executive producer. We all have different sources from people who have already seen the press release. I, I absolutely agree. It's going to be amazing. People have to watch it. It's going to be, I mean, it's going to be like you said, Ashley. Uh, what were the words that you just used? A demonstration of unity and love?

Yeah, something like that that is really shabby and weird and makes me so awkward inside. but it's probably it's probably true um but we got to think all of our guests are coming on the day because these these guests including the international guests are the ones that make this show so great it was very real very real very raw real relationships are formed uh ashley and i are both a part of it we cannot wait for our listeners out there to watch please email us email us any of your thoughts questions um you know reviews of winter games at Ben and Ashley I at iHeartMedia.com. We want to hear from you.

We have to hear from you. And then also go out and review our podcast on the IHeartMedia app once you download it. We want to hear if you like this podcast because we like doing it. We love it. And thank you to our guest, Eric Bigger, Leslie Murphy, Bibiana, Juliana, and Claire Crawley. Thank you guys so much for listening to this. The winter game starts Tuesday, February 13th. It's Galentine's Day.

That's the official Galentine's Day. So you guys, get some wink wine, play with your FabFit fun boxes, and watch the Bachelor Winter Games with a lot of wine and cozy sweatpants on with your gal pals. All right, we love you so, so much. Again, email us at Ben and Ashley at our Heart Media.com. I've been Ashley. That feels weird. I've been Ben.

And we switch things up today. Bye. Follow the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcasts on IHartRadio or subscribe We're killing it today, we are killing it.