1 00:00:00,760 --> 00:00:03,800 Speaker 1: This is the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast 2 00:00:03,840 --> 00:00:04,680 Speaker 1: with iHeartRadio. 3 00:00:06,720 --> 00:00:10,119 Speaker 2: Welcome to the Almost Famous Podcast. Recently, we've gotten the 4 00:00:10,119 --> 00:00:14,320 Speaker 2: interview Peg and Mel from this latest season of The 5 00:00:14,400 --> 00:00:18,919 Speaker 2: Golden Bachelor. They are a happy couple operating in this world, 6 00:00:19,040 --> 00:00:21,680 Speaker 2: traveling and having fun. You can watch them on their 7 00:00:21,720 --> 00:00:25,720 Speaker 2: social media's as they promote and share what they've been 8 00:00:25,840 --> 00:00:28,440 Speaker 2: up to. These have been big interviews because they haven't 9 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:31,639 Speaker 2: done a ton of interviews, and so we got to 10 00:00:31,680 --> 00:00:34,440 Speaker 2: get that. We had the opportunity to interview both of 11 00:00:34,479 --> 00:00:37,040 Speaker 2: them separately. There's a lot to break down, a lot 12 00:00:37,080 --> 00:00:42,200 Speaker 2: to discuss because this season was one that was maybe 13 00:00:42,240 --> 00:00:47,040 Speaker 2: not controversial, but polarizing in the fact that it was 14 00:00:47,120 --> 00:00:51,320 Speaker 2: unlike anything we've seen. They had asked us Ashley to 15 00:00:51,400 --> 00:00:56,880 Speaker 2: come on, they reached out and as Mel shared, Hey, 16 00:00:56,960 --> 00:00:59,520 Speaker 2: it feels like it's not a Bachelor season unless you 17 00:00:59,520 --> 00:01:01,960 Speaker 2: do the Almost Famous podcast. And for that Mel I 18 00:01:02,280 --> 00:01:06,440 Speaker 2: fully agree. So let's talk about it, Ashley. Let's start 19 00:01:06,520 --> 00:01:09,840 Speaker 2: with the Peg interviews. So much came out of that. Yeah, 20 00:01:09,880 --> 00:01:12,399 Speaker 2: so many things that I've been tossing over since we 21 00:01:12,560 --> 00:01:19,120 Speaker 2: talked with her. Obviously, her relationship with Mel is it 22 00:01:19,200 --> 00:01:21,400 Speaker 2: fits especially interviewing the both of them, I think I'm 23 00:01:21,440 --> 00:01:23,360 Speaker 2: going to start with saying it makes sense on how 24 00:01:23,400 --> 00:01:24,360 Speaker 2: they are together. 25 00:01:24,800 --> 00:01:29,000 Speaker 3: Absolutely, now that we've interviewed PEG specifically, I understand why 26 00:01:29,040 --> 00:01:32,640 Speaker 3: the two of them are together. They definitely are like 27 00:01:33,240 --> 00:01:40,080 Speaker 3: no sugarcoating people. They are very blunt, They're super straightforward. 28 00:01:39,640 --> 00:01:41,720 Speaker 2: To the point. I think I would describe them both 29 00:01:41,720 --> 00:01:43,480 Speaker 2: as being very much to the point. 30 00:01:43,800 --> 00:01:48,720 Speaker 3: Yes, And they definitely had the same relationship goals, and 31 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:50,720 Speaker 3: I think that was a good match. I think their 32 00:01:50,760 --> 00:01:55,840 Speaker 3: personalities match. Neither of them are warm and fuzzies, and 33 00:01:56,640 --> 00:01:58,960 Speaker 3: I mean it makes sense and I'm glad that they 34 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:02,680 Speaker 3: found each other. I don't if you want to talk 35 00:02:02,720 --> 00:02:05,520 Speaker 3: directly about what came out of the PEG interview, the 36 00:02:06,640 --> 00:02:08,959 Speaker 3: moment that was I don't even want to say controversial, 37 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:10,680 Speaker 3: but I think there still was like a little bit 38 00:02:10,680 --> 00:02:14,919 Speaker 3: of a misunderstanding. Is that you were saying. I was saying, 39 00:02:16,919 --> 00:02:20,880 Speaker 3: you know, you guys went on a show where it's 40 00:02:21,000 --> 00:02:26,480 Speaker 3: usually very ultra romantic with the ending supposedly ending with 41 00:02:26,600 --> 00:02:29,880 Speaker 3: the happily ever after, we're of a fairy tale situation 42 00:02:30,040 --> 00:02:33,440 Speaker 3: and less of a Okay, we're going to date and 43 00:02:33,480 --> 00:02:36,919 Speaker 3: we're going to see how this works out, and we 44 00:02:36,960 --> 00:02:40,640 Speaker 3: are totally fine you and I like, actually, I personally 45 00:02:40,639 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 3: have thought, especially with the Golden franchise. I think with 46 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:45,840 Speaker 3: Jones season and I think with Gary season. I was like, 47 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:48,960 Speaker 3: especially Gary and Teresa running into the marriage, I was like, 48 00:02:49,120 --> 00:02:51,280 Speaker 3: I don't understand why these people are running into marriage. 49 00:02:51,280 --> 00:02:54,000 Speaker 3: This doesn't make any sense. They don't want to have kids, 50 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:56,440 Speaker 3: they're not trying to create a life together. They're just 51 00:02:56,560 --> 00:03:01,480 Speaker 3: en trying to like enjoy their twilight whatever years, golden years, 52 00:03:01,520 --> 00:03:09,240 Speaker 3: certain years, golden years with somebody as a companion. And 53 00:03:09,320 --> 00:03:13,519 Speaker 3: it was just it was interesting how I felt like 54 00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:18,400 Speaker 3: defensive peg got because you were not at all belittling 55 00:03:18,600 --> 00:03:22,240 Speaker 3: the relationship that they have, Like their relationship seems great 56 00:03:22,280 --> 00:03:25,200 Speaker 3: and very compatible, and you're so happy that they found 57 00:03:25,360 --> 00:03:28,120 Speaker 3: a compatible relationship through the process. But I think what 58 00:03:28,240 --> 00:03:30,120 Speaker 3: you were trying to say was that, like neither of 59 00:03:30,160 --> 00:03:34,519 Speaker 3: them went in with like romantic aspirations to have this 60 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:37,840 Speaker 3: fairy tale happily ever after. They're both being very pragmatic 61 00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:41,120 Speaker 3: and logical about it, and we totally respect that, but 62 00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:43,280 Speaker 3: we just thought it was an interesting choice that both 63 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:46,520 Speaker 3: of them would go that path to find it. 64 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:51,280 Speaker 2: Well. One hundred percent goodness. I don't I think all season. 65 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:54,520 Speaker 2: I think, I mean, we couldn't be watching this show 66 00:03:54,600 --> 00:03:58,520 Speaker 2: unless we wanted it to work out at some level. However, 67 00:03:58,560 --> 00:04:00,600 Speaker 2: it works out, and I think I think we've said 68 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:03,400 Speaker 2: for years that sometimes the show just needs to end 69 00:04:03,520 --> 00:04:06,520 Speaker 2: and two people going, Hey, let's date, let's figure this out. 70 00:04:06,960 --> 00:04:10,000 Speaker 2: I'm so glad I met you here, but this isn't 71 00:04:10,240 --> 00:04:14,640 Speaker 2: a catalyst for me to get married. And I understand 72 00:04:14,680 --> 00:04:16,440 Speaker 2: that I've been a part of it. You know, it 73 00:04:16,480 --> 00:04:19,200 Speaker 2: doesn't work out all the time, and so there was 74 00:04:19,240 --> 00:04:23,120 Speaker 2: no blitting belittling of their relationship. I think the relationship 75 00:04:23,200 --> 00:04:28,240 Speaker 2: makes sense. It fits. I think Ashley, and if we 76 00:04:28,320 --> 00:04:30,280 Speaker 2: ever bring PEG back on, I would say this to her. 77 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:34,960 Speaker 2: After thinking through that interview, I got tired of I'm 78 00:04:34,960 --> 00:04:38,360 Speaker 2: not going to say offended by, because I'm not easily 79 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:41,039 Speaker 2: offended by any means. People can say what they want. 80 00:04:41,120 --> 00:04:43,840 Speaker 2: I just got tired of the idea. It felt like 81 00:04:43,880 --> 00:04:46,920 Speaker 2: I was being told I don't have the wisdom. 82 00:04:47,360 --> 00:04:50,960 Speaker 3: Yeah, and we saw that in Instagram comments from her 83 00:04:51,040 --> 00:04:53,120 Speaker 3: as well, that you and I both don't have a 84 00:04:53,160 --> 00:04:56,320 Speaker 3: wisdom to really determine the life that we're living currently 85 00:04:56,640 --> 00:04:59,039 Speaker 3: is a good relationship. 86 00:04:58,520 --> 00:05:01,880 Speaker 2: And that's where I get I will get protective because 87 00:05:02,560 --> 00:05:06,320 Speaker 2: I married Jessica, I love Jessica, I have a baby, 88 00:05:06,800 --> 00:05:10,720 Speaker 2: and that is a forever commitment. Now factors come in, 89 00:05:10,800 --> 00:05:13,520 Speaker 2: like she said, the loss of a spouse, I would 90 00:05:13,560 --> 00:05:17,200 Speaker 2: still define that as a forever relationship. You were till 91 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:21,240 Speaker 2: death do us part. And divorce I don't even want 92 00:05:21,279 --> 00:05:23,680 Speaker 2: to speak into it because it is not a word 93 00:05:23,720 --> 00:05:25,480 Speaker 2: we use in our house. It is not an idea. 94 00:05:25,520 --> 00:05:27,279 Speaker 2: In my mind, it was not what I was thinking 95 00:05:27,279 --> 00:05:30,719 Speaker 2: when I got up and committed to my wife. Does 96 00:05:30,839 --> 00:05:34,640 Speaker 2: divorce happen one hundred percent? It does, and everybody's situations differently. 97 00:05:35,400 --> 00:05:40,039 Speaker 2: But I think I was tired of the whole conversation 98 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:42,200 Speaker 2: being like, you just don't get it yet, and I'm like, well, no, 99 00:05:42,440 --> 00:05:44,640 Speaker 2: I'm not your age. I've not been through what you've 100 00:05:44,680 --> 00:05:48,240 Speaker 2: been through, and I would admit to that. But when 101 00:05:48,240 --> 00:05:51,680 Speaker 2: it comes to the sacredness of my vows, my love 102 00:05:51,720 --> 00:05:56,719 Speaker 2: for my wife, my desire to be a good dad, 103 00:05:57,400 --> 00:05:58,919 Speaker 2: I'm not saying she was telling me I wasn't going 104 00:05:58,960 --> 00:06:00,719 Speaker 2: to have any of those things. I didn't say that, 105 00:06:01,080 --> 00:06:03,279 Speaker 2: but it did feel like it was insinuating you just 106 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:04,920 Speaker 2: don't get it yet. And what I want to say 107 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:08,040 Speaker 2: back to her is maybe I do, and maybe the 108 00:06:08,080 --> 00:06:12,000 Speaker 2: wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age. Maybe I do have 109 00:06:12,080 --> 00:06:14,120 Speaker 2: the wisdom. Maybe I'm a different person than you. We 110 00:06:14,160 --> 00:06:17,080 Speaker 2: all have our own life experiences, and I think that 111 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:20,720 Speaker 2: was where that conversation switched for me. Whereas it felt 112 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:25,560 Speaker 2: like at a time, I had to protect the household, 113 00:06:26,120 --> 00:06:28,599 Speaker 2: and when you put me in a place to protect 114 00:06:28,600 --> 00:06:32,280 Speaker 2: my household, I will get more defensive. I will get 115 00:06:32,320 --> 00:06:36,719 Speaker 2: more blunt and straightforward. I don't appreciate being told that 116 00:06:36,800 --> 00:06:39,120 Speaker 2: I don't have the wisdom to know what my relationship 117 00:06:39,160 --> 00:06:41,960 Speaker 2: will bring. I know the love that my wife and 118 00:06:42,000 --> 00:06:44,560 Speaker 2: I have with each other. I know the person she is, 119 00:06:44,839 --> 00:06:46,440 Speaker 2: I know the person I want to be to her, 120 00:06:46,760 --> 00:06:49,640 Speaker 2: and I know the commitments we've made. And so as 121 00:06:49,640 --> 00:06:51,880 Speaker 2: a result, I will live in that truth and I 122 00:06:51,920 --> 00:06:57,000 Speaker 2: will not I think it's actually unwise for anybody to 123 00:06:57,080 --> 00:07:00,560 Speaker 2: tell somebody you just don't get it yet, actually when 124 00:07:00,560 --> 00:07:04,760 Speaker 2: they're living in a season like I am. So that's 125 00:07:05,080 --> 00:07:07,640 Speaker 2: that's where I got to protective. That's where I'll get defensive, 126 00:07:07,680 --> 00:07:09,720 Speaker 2: and I'll stand by that. I think it's unfair. I 127 00:07:09,720 --> 00:07:12,280 Speaker 2: think it's wrong. I don't think it's healthy, and I 128 00:07:12,320 --> 00:07:17,000 Speaker 2: think at some level that's which needs to change. I 129 00:07:17,120 --> 00:07:20,080 Speaker 2: wasn't saying at all that I was belitterally in their relationship. 130 00:07:20,120 --> 00:07:23,240 Speaker 2: I wanted to know the like you said, what was 131 00:07:23,240 --> 00:07:25,240 Speaker 2: their mindset going into this, because I do think as 132 00:07:25,280 --> 00:07:27,680 Speaker 2: fans and viewers, we need and I brought it up 133 00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:30,360 Speaker 2: to PEG. I said, hey, maybe we need to change 134 00:07:30,400 --> 00:07:33,239 Speaker 2: the expectations for the Golden Show specifically. 135 00:07:32,680 --> 00:07:35,400 Speaker 3: Right, I think the Golden Show specifically. Yes, I think 136 00:07:35,400 --> 00:07:37,520 Speaker 3: getting engaged at the end of the Golden Show, especially 137 00:07:37,520 --> 00:07:40,880 Speaker 3: since it's being short and because I think that people 138 00:07:41,160 --> 00:07:43,360 Speaker 3: are in a different place of life, we don't have 139 00:07:43,400 --> 00:07:45,320 Speaker 3: to say, have the same expectation at the end of 140 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:45,679 Speaker 3: the show. 141 00:07:45,880 --> 00:07:47,600 Speaker 2: And that's fine with me. I'm good with that. Like 142 00:07:47,640 --> 00:07:50,520 Speaker 2: I just want to be I want us to know that, right, 143 00:07:50,600 --> 00:07:53,200 Speaker 2: the Bachelor and Bachelor have had a commitment with the 144 00:07:53,280 --> 00:07:55,480 Speaker 2: ring maker since the beginning. Do I think that's healthy? 145 00:07:55,600 --> 00:07:58,400 Speaker 2: Not at all. I've never once said everybody needs to 146 00:07:58,400 --> 00:08:02,200 Speaker 2: get engaged think of this, However, I do think people 147 00:08:02,240 --> 00:08:05,080 Speaker 2: shine up for the show. My hope is that at 148 00:08:05,160 --> 00:08:07,680 Speaker 2: least they're interested in marriage. 149 00:08:07,760 --> 00:08:07,960 Speaker 1: Now. 150 00:08:08,120 --> 00:08:11,680 Speaker 2: Maybe that changes with the Golden and If that's the case, great, 151 00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:12,920 Speaker 2: it's just a different show. 152 00:08:13,360 --> 00:08:17,280 Speaker 3: Yeah. Also, you and I just come from very different perspectives. 153 00:08:17,280 --> 00:08:20,720 Speaker 3: And I do think that the audience, even if they're 154 00:08:20,760 --> 00:08:26,000 Speaker 3: not expecting or needing marriage, I think they are craving romance. 155 00:08:26,520 --> 00:08:31,400 Speaker 3: And I think that Peg and in Mail both they 156 00:08:31,440 --> 00:08:35,679 Speaker 3: don't lead with romance. And you and I just wanted, 157 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:38,920 Speaker 3: you know, we were just speaking, yeah, like we're romantic, 158 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:42,480 Speaker 3: like that's and we also come from different perspectives whereas 159 00:08:42,520 --> 00:08:45,520 Speaker 3: like both of our parents are so very happily married 160 00:08:45,600 --> 00:08:50,320 Speaker 3: after forty plus years, and we believe and have seen 161 00:08:50,360 --> 00:08:53,840 Speaker 3: that it can be like this. So don't tell us like, oh, 162 00:08:53,960 --> 00:08:57,120 Speaker 3: just wait and see, wait and see, because oftentimes it 163 00:08:57,160 --> 00:08:59,719 Speaker 3: doesn't go that way, and. 164 00:08:59,679 --> 00:09:05,280 Speaker 2: Not every story is the same. Their story, God willing, 165 00:09:05,520 --> 00:09:07,600 Speaker 2: is going to look differently than mine. That doesn't mean 166 00:09:07,640 --> 00:09:10,600 Speaker 2: that their story is any less important or any less valuable. 167 00:09:10,600 --> 00:09:15,360 Speaker 2: They're learning from their own experiences. However, our stories may 168 00:09:15,400 --> 00:09:19,080 Speaker 2: look different, and I won't have the opportunity at sixty 169 00:09:19,160 --> 00:09:20,840 Speaker 2: years old to look back and be like, you know, 170 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:24,120 Speaker 2: where my wisdom comes from is that in a marriage 171 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:27,120 Speaker 2: like I have, here's the fruits of this. They're saying 172 00:09:27,160 --> 00:09:31,280 Speaker 2: their fruits look differently. That's great. I felt though during 173 00:09:31,280 --> 00:09:34,760 Speaker 2: that interview, like I was talking to somebody who was 174 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:37,280 Speaker 2: trying to teach me something that I don't want to learn. 175 00:09:37,800 --> 00:09:39,840 Speaker 2: I don't I don't want to open my mind up 176 00:09:39,880 --> 00:09:42,400 Speaker 2: to it. I don't really want to put I don't 177 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:46,200 Speaker 2: want to be told that my story is going to 178 00:09:46,200 --> 00:09:49,480 Speaker 2: look the same as yours. Now, outside of that piece 179 00:09:49,559 --> 00:09:53,920 Speaker 2: of the PEG interview, it does feel like Ashley Melon 180 00:09:54,000 --> 00:09:57,800 Speaker 2: Peg have this wonderful relationship. They're having fun together. They 181 00:09:57,880 --> 00:10:01,200 Speaker 2: mentioned multiple times how they're like life experiences had led 182 00:10:01,200 --> 00:10:04,880 Speaker 2: them to this point. And so if that, if, and 183 00:10:04,960 --> 00:10:07,760 Speaker 2: maybe I was wrong, and goodness, I do. I get defensive, 184 00:10:07,880 --> 00:10:11,720 Speaker 2: I get sensitive, I get you know, on the back 185 00:10:11,720 --> 00:10:13,760 Speaker 2: of my toes, especially when you start talking about my 186 00:10:13,880 --> 00:10:16,720 Speaker 2: family and the life that I've chosen and the life 187 00:10:16,720 --> 00:10:19,000 Speaker 2: that we're living and the life that we're enjoying. So 188 00:10:19,080 --> 00:10:21,040 Speaker 2: maybe I was wrong for that, and if so, I'm 189 00:10:21,080 --> 00:10:23,760 Speaker 2: sorry that I misread that situation. That's just what I 190 00:10:23,840 --> 00:10:28,280 Speaker 2: was feeling at the time. My feelings are not always correct. 191 00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:32,120 Speaker 2: But it feels like since then, the comments on social 192 00:10:32,160 --> 00:10:35,400 Speaker 2: media especially have pointed to know that was exactly what 193 00:10:35,480 --> 00:10:38,320 Speaker 2: was trying to be communicated to me and to you, 194 00:10:38,920 --> 00:10:41,360 Speaker 2: and as a result, I will protect that. I will 195 00:10:41,360 --> 00:10:45,280 Speaker 2: say that's wrong, it's not right, not wise of you 196 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:51,040 Speaker 2: to tell me. But that being a side, if I 197 00:10:51,120 --> 00:10:53,760 Speaker 2: knew both of them previously before the show, oh you 198 00:10:53,760 --> 00:10:56,960 Speaker 2: put them together, I would say, you guys are the 199 00:10:56,960 --> 00:10:57,640 Speaker 2: perfect match. 200 00:10:57,840 --> 00:11:11,040 Speaker 3: Absolutely Actually, you know what's so funny is you and 201 00:11:11,120 --> 00:11:15,599 Speaker 3: I come more from like the Cindy romantic, softer perspective, 202 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:19,480 Speaker 3: and with Cindy, I would I would love to have 203 00:11:19,559 --> 00:11:22,080 Speaker 3: Cindy back off the show to talk to her about 204 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:25,120 Speaker 3: these and maybe about these interviews just to be spicy, 205 00:11:25,480 --> 00:11:29,520 Speaker 3: but also as a divorce ay herself how she looks 206 00:11:29,800 --> 00:11:32,079 Speaker 3: at love, because I do think that her perspective is 207 00:11:32,120 --> 00:11:35,280 Speaker 3: a whole totally different one from us and from the 208 00:11:35,320 --> 00:11:37,800 Speaker 3: two of them, So that would be interesting. 209 00:11:37,920 --> 00:11:40,000 Speaker 2: It does make sense on why Cindy left, though, I 210 00:11:40,400 --> 00:11:42,800 Speaker 2: see that now more than ever she should have left 211 00:11:42,960 --> 00:11:44,560 Speaker 2: the show. She was not the one for. 212 00:11:44,640 --> 00:11:48,720 Speaker 3: Mel, absolutely not. I'm actually even more curious after doing 213 00:11:48,720 --> 00:11:51,920 Speaker 3: the interview with Mel, how she even got to herself 214 00:11:51,960 --> 00:11:55,400 Speaker 3: to the point emotionally to fall for him because they 215 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:57,000 Speaker 3: are so deeply incompatible. 216 00:11:58,080 --> 00:12:01,600 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's it seems like it had to be Peg 217 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:03,480 Speaker 2: since the beginning, and it makes sense that it was. 218 00:12:03,960 --> 00:12:07,280 Speaker 2: And let's be clear, the two of them together, it's 219 00:12:07,320 --> 00:12:10,760 Speaker 2: a success story to this point and hopefully forever from 220 00:12:10,800 --> 00:12:13,560 Speaker 2: the show. They are having a blast and they don't 221 00:12:13,600 --> 00:12:16,320 Speaker 2: need to prove anything to me or you or any viewer. 222 00:12:16,720 --> 00:12:19,800 Speaker 2: They love each other, they like each other, they enjoy 223 00:12:19,840 --> 00:12:23,040 Speaker 2: each other. They're meant for each other. Switching gears a 224 00:12:23,040 --> 00:12:27,000 Speaker 2: little bit to Mel that was an interview that was 225 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:30,920 Speaker 2: going to be contentious, just because we were at a 226 00:12:30,920 --> 00:12:33,360 Speaker 2: loss most of the season with him on where does 227 00:12:33,400 --> 00:12:36,160 Speaker 2: he stand? What is his story? What is he looking for? 228 00:12:36,240 --> 00:12:38,560 Speaker 2: Does he actually want to be here? I think it 229 00:12:38,600 --> 00:12:40,959 Speaker 2: was a question we asked. I think some of those 230 00:12:41,000 --> 00:12:43,120 Speaker 2: questions were answered Ashley. For me, I do think he 231 00:12:43,160 --> 00:12:48,200 Speaker 2: wanted to be there. I do think Peg had his 232 00:12:48,240 --> 00:12:50,080 Speaker 2: eyes since the beginning, which made it very hard for 233 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:54,679 Speaker 2: a man who has the morals to commit to a process, 234 00:12:55,559 --> 00:12:58,120 Speaker 2: the morals, the values, to say, I'm going to stand 235 00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:01,040 Speaker 2: by what I signed up for. But yeah, but I 236 00:13:01,080 --> 00:13:03,360 Speaker 2: don't really want to be around anybody else except this 237 00:13:03,440 --> 00:13:06,559 Speaker 2: one person, and I have a show to make. I 238 00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:08,840 Speaker 2: can see where that would be hard for somebody. 239 00:13:09,640 --> 00:13:13,840 Speaker 3: MM hmm, there's that. And another thing that I interpreted 240 00:13:13,840 --> 00:13:17,199 Speaker 3: from our podcast with Mel is that I do think 241 00:13:17,240 --> 00:13:22,040 Speaker 3: that our producer, Heather, who is in casting, is correct. 242 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:24,840 Speaker 3: I think that there was an ABC executive who ended 243 00:13:24,920 --> 00:13:27,720 Speaker 3: up picking him because he is so vague about his 244 00:13:27,800 --> 00:13:29,040 Speaker 3: casting process. 245 00:13:29,760 --> 00:13:31,920 Speaker 2: Yeah, it definitely feels like there was an insight source, 246 00:13:31,920 --> 00:13:34,800 Speaker 2: which is not uncommon again in this show, that somebody 247 00:13:34,840 --> 00:13:37,440 Speaker 2: would reach out and say I have somebody for the show, 248 00:13:37,640 --> 00:13:40,920 Speaker 2: and that's how a person gets placed on it. Now, 249 00:13:41,000 --> 00:13:42,560 Speaker 2: it doesn't usually happen with the lead. 250 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:45,480 Speaker 3: Because the lead is usually picked from the previous season. 251 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:48,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, and also makes sense on why when you know 252 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:52,320 Speaker 2: that podcast got put out where Mel made the comments 253 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:55,560 Speaker 2: he made about wanting to date younger, why Mel wasn't 254 00:13:55,600 --> 00:13:56,400 Speaker 2: removed as a lead. 255 00:13:57,040 --> 00:14:00,480 Speaker 3: Yes, that's so true, because the executive was no, no 256 00:14:00,520 --> 00:14:02,880 Speaker 3: trust me, trust me or I really want my buddy 257 00:14:02,880 --> 00:14:03,240 Speaker 3: in here. 258 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:04,199 Speaker 1: Yeah. 259 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:06,680 Speaker 2: It might also be why I haven't heard from an 260 00:14:06,679 --> 00:14:12,240 Speaker 2: executive at ABC for a long time, because they're probably like, dang, 261 00:14:12,559 --> 00:14:14,960 Speaker 2: we picked him and Ben and Ben and Ashley have 262 00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:17,559 Speaker 2: just like been super confused all season by the choice, 263 00:14:18,040 --> 00:14:19,680 Speaker 2: which I don't know, are we alone in. 264 00:14:19,720 --> 00:14:22,320 Speaker 3: Them still confused by the choice after talking to him, 265 00:14:22,360 --> 00:14:24,640 Speaker 3: he just isn't what we normally expect from a lead, 266 00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:26,600 Speaker 3: and you can have a whole bunch of different kinds 267 00:14:26,600 --> 00:14:29,160 Speaker 3: of leads. But if I had to compare him to 268 00:14:29,400 --> 00:14:31,840 Speaker 3: a lead from the main show, I would say, he's 269 00:14:31,920 --> 00:14:36,400 Speaker 3: like mostly like want Pablo. He's just very he was 270 00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:44,280 Speaker 3: just very logic forward, not very romantic, and took a 271 00:14:44,280 --> 00:14:46,480 Speaker 3: lot of things at face value without loving he says, 272 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:48,840 Speaker 3: open heart. But I just a lot of the time 273 00:14:49,280 --> 00:14:53,440 Speaker 3: there's this a there's some lacking insensitivity, especially when he 274 00:14:53,560 --> 00:14:58,680 Speaker 3: said that when he was receiving boring questions from the women, 275 00:14:58,760 --> 00:15:02,480 Speaker 3: he'd give them boring on word answers. And I liked 276 00:15:02,480 --> 00:15:04,760 Speaker 3: what you said there. I didn't want to like get 277 00:15:04,800 --> 00:15:07,880 Speaker 3: in the middle of the conversation when he compared it 278 00:15:07,960 --> 00:15:11,840 Speaker 3: to me, Well, he did like to compare your seasons. 279 00:15:12,240 --> 00:15:15,800 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean that's interesting, right, I don't know, it. 280 00:15:15,800 --> 00:15:18,000 Speaker 3: Seems like you watched your season and. 281 00:15:18,280 --> 00:15:21,800 Speaker 2: Reparation for the interview. Well, that's great. I'm glad he did. 282 00:15:21,920 --> 00:15:25,680 Speaker 2: I think one I was that was ten years ago. 283 00:15:26,360 --> 00:15:29,480 Speaker 2: I was twenty six year old. I do, and I've 284 00:15:29,520 --> 00:15:31,560 Speaker 2: talked about this. One of the things that maybe I 285 00:15:31,560 --> 00:15:34,040 Speaker 2: think he and I came out it differently was and 286 00:15:34,120 --> 00:15:36,760 Speaker 2: I think I only did this because of my past 287 00:15:36,800 --> 00:15:40,600 Speaker 2: experience on the Bachelorette. Was one of my main goals 288 00:15:40,800 --> 00:15:42,920 Speaker 2: was to make sure the women were as comfortable as 289 00:15:42,960 --> 00:15:44,560 Speaker 2: possible in a weird environment. 290 00:15:45,040 --> 00:15:45,240 Speaker 3: Yeah. 291 00:15:45,360 --> 00:15:49,160 Speaker 2: So, knowing that you're walking into having cameras around you, 292 00:15:49,240 --> 00:15:51,960 Speaker 2: living in a mansion, having hosts you know on the 293 00:15:52,000 --> 00:15:54,600 Speaker 2: show that you've watched forever, knowing this is going to 294 00:15:54,640 --> 00:15:58,240 Speaker 2: be on national television at some point, there was at 295 00:15:58,360 --> 00:16:02,400 Speaker 2: least a deep desire for me to allow the women 296 00:16:02,560 --> 00:16:05,920 Speaker 2: to be comfortable, which meant sometimes when they asked questions 297 00:16:05,920 --> 00:16:09,160 Speaker 2: that were outrageous and odd, is to give them the 298 00:16:09,280 --> 00:16:12,720 Speaker 2: respect to respond in a way that I would want 299 00:16:12,720 --> 00:16:15,760 Speaker 2: to be responded to if I was nervous and asking 300 00:16:16,520 --> 00:16:19,240 Speaker 2: weird questions, or if I was tongue tied. And I 301 00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:23,680 Speaker 2: think I made it clear I disagree with him if 302 00:16:23,680 --> 00:16:27,520 Speaker 2: at any point I was one word answering people out 303 00:16:27,560 --> 00:16:30,760 Speaker 2: of disrespect or anger, I don't remember doing that. Maybe 304 00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:36,040 Speaker 2: I did, but she brought up the Jojo Brothers. No, 305 00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:38,360 Speaker 2: as he said, I was trying to listen to understand 306 00:16:38,400 --> 00:16:40,840 Speaker 2: they were protecting a loved one of theirs. I get 307 00:16:40,880 --> 00:16:42,680 Speaker 2: why they were doing it. Was I happy of how 308 00:16:42,680 --> 00:16:43,400 Speaker 2: it was playing out. 309 00:16:43,520 --> 00:16:47,680 Speaker 3: No, the context comparison wasn't accurate though, because you were 310 00:16:47,720 --> 00:16:51,720 Speaker 3: talking to her brothers, who in that moment, were being 311 00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:54,800 Speaker 3: more dominant than you. You were the outsider in that situation. 312 00:16:55,000 --> 00:16:56,640 Speaker 2: I was trying to humble myself to be like, hey, 313 00:16:56,680 --> 00:16:59,560 Speaker 2: I get it, this is weird. I don't not trying 314 00:16:59,640 --> 00:17:02,280 Speaker 2: to DeFi myself here. I don't think this situation makes 315 00:17:02,280 --> 00:17:04,600 Speaker 2: a lot of sense for anybody else. I don't really 316 00:17:04,600 --> 00:17:07,360 Speaker 2: even know how to defend the process we're going through, 317 00:17:07,440 --> 00:17:09,520 Speaker 2: nor do I know if I want to. But if 318 00:17:09,560 --> 00:17:12,520 Speaker 2: you have concerns, I want to try to speak to those, 319 00:17:12,680 --> 00:17:13,960 Speaker 2: especially when it comes to me. 320 00:17:14,840 --> 00:17:18,120 Speaker 3: But what we were referencing the way that he would 321 00:17:18,160 --> 00:17:20,400 Speaker 3: give one word answers to the women because he was set. 322 00:17:20,520 --> 00:17:23,679 Speaker 3: He told us that it was to the women that 323 00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:27,040 Speaker 3: he was giving one word answers to. And you're so right, 324 00:17:27,200 --> 00:17:32,840 Speaker 3: Like going on the Bachelor, the lead is like a 325 00:17:32,880 --> 00:17:35,920 Speaker 3: celebrity to you, so you're already nervous, and then it's 326 00:17:35,960 --> 00:17:38,959 Speaker 3: a romantic environment, and then that makes even more nervous, 327 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:41,679 Speaker 3: and then you have so many other women that you're 328 00:17:41,680 --> 00:17:44,120 Speaker 3: competing with. There's so many elements of nerve, and you 329 00:17:44,160 --> 00:17:46,040 Speaker 3: hold so much power. And then just like in a 330 00:17:46,080 --> 00:17:47,880 Speaker 3: regular relationship, if I were to go out a date 331 00:17:47,920 --> 00:17:51,400 Speaker 3: with somebody and that person was giving me one word answers, 332 00:17:51,480 --> 00:17:55,280 Speaker 3: I'd probably like by the time the waiter's trying to 333 00:17:55,320 --> 00:17:57,920 Speaker 3: take dinner orders, be like, all right, I find I 334 00:17:57,920 --> 00:17:59,919 Speaker 3: think we should just keep it to this drink. 335 00:18:00,560 --> 00:18:03,560 Speaker 2: I mean, and I've done that in my marriage. Like 336 00:18:03,680 --> 00:18:07,280 Speaker 2: there's been moments where like maybe I'm not myself or 337 00:18:07,320 --> 00:18:09,240 Speaker 2: I'm not feeling up to it, and Jess is trying 338 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:11,040 Speaker 2: to ask me questions and I'm giving her one word 339 00:18:11,080 --> 00:18:13,760 Speaker 2: answers back, and then all of a sudden, well, granted 340 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:15,840 Speaker 2: we're married, so she can be like, what are you doing? 341 00:18:16,160 --> 00:18:18,399 Speaker 2: Like where are you? Where is your head at right now? 342 00:18:18,440 --> 00:18:20,200 Speaker 2: Are you like upset with me? Are you mad at me? 343 00:18:20,240 --> 00:18:25,480 Speaker 2: Are you just what's going on? It's disrespectful. I don't 344 00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:28,560 Speaker 2: get I don't get away with that in my household, 345 00:18:28,600 --> 00:18:31,439 Speaker 2: nor do I think I could. As we're trying to 346 00:18:31,600 --> 00:18:36,560 Speaker 2: date somebody and it's all new to everyone involved, is 347 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:39,040 Speaker 2: I think there's just a level of hey, open up 348 00:18:39,080 --> 00:18:41,960 Speaker 2: a little bit. But I do think we're learning about 349 00:18:42,080 --> 00:18:44,439 Speaker 2: you know a lot of things we kind of assume 350 00:18:44,520 --> 00:18:48,200 Speaker 2: throughout the season. You know, he isn't defensive. I expected 351 00:18:48,240 --> 00:18:50,719 Speaker 2: it to be more defensive. I don't think when we 352 00:18:50,760 --> 00:18:53,800 Speaker 2: talked to mel it's like he's defending himself for trying 353 00:18:53,840 --> 00:18:55,840 Speaker 2: to protect himself. It's more of no, this is who 354 00:18:55,880 --> 00:18:58,840 Speaker 2: I am exactly. I'm going to do what I think 355 00:18:58,920 --> 00:19:01,000 Speaker 2: and no is right, and I'm not gonna do what 356 00:19:01,080 --> 00:19:03,800 Speaker 2: I know and think is wrong. And as I told him, 357 00:19:03,880 --> 00:19:08,760 Speaker 2: I respect that he didn't bring in the past. I 358 00:19:08,840 --> 00:19:12,240 Speaker 2: respect that he did hold some things close to his chest. 359 00:19:12,840 --> 00:19:15,320 Speaker 2: Do I wish there was a little more vulnerability? Do 360 00:19:15,400 --> 00:19:17,479 Speaker 2: I wish we had that moment still that I've been 361 00:19:17,480 --> 00:19:19,320 Speaker 2: speaking of where all of a sudden, Meil breaks down. 362 00:19:19,359 --> 00:19:22,840 Speaker 2: He's like, I am so head over heels for this person, 363 00:19:23,040 --> 00:19:26,040 Speaker 2: and this whole process has opened my eyes to what's 364 00:19:26,040 --> 00:19:28,880 Speaker 2: in front of me. I do. I just think that's 365 00:19:28,920 --> 00:19:31,120 Speaker 2: one part we missed this season, And no matter who 366 00:19:32,080 --> 00:19:34,960 Speaker 2: what personality type we have as a lead, I still 367 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:37,800 Speaker 2: think that's always this really cool moment because we know 368 00:19:37,920 --> 00:19:41,639 Speaker 2: that the show has enhanced their life and opened their 369 00:19:41,680 --> 00:19:45,600 Speaker 2: eyes to something new, which is honestly ninety nine percent 370 00:19:45,640 --> 00:19:49,159 Speaker 2: of the cast members good or bad experiences on the show. 371 00:19:49,359 --> 00:19:51,480 Speaker 2: It opened their eyes to something. And I still don't 372 00:19:51,480 --> 00:20:04,440 Speaker 2: know if we had that moment. I don't know if 373 00:20:04,680 --> 00:20:08,840 Speaker 2: this wasn't a getcha, gotcha interview. I actually don't even 374 00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:12,520 Speaker 2: think there was a moment. It was really coming into it. 375 00:20:12,600 --> 00:20:14,040 Speaker 2: I think for both of us, it was the hope 376 00:20:14,080 --> 00:20:19,320 Speaker 2: of can we uncover another layer, can we understand a 377 00:20:19,320 --> 00:20:21,439 Speaker 2: little better? And I do think we got that, Ashley, 378 00:20:21,600 --> 00:20:23,919 Speaker 2: I do. I think I think we got that. The 379 00:20:23,960 --> 00:20:29,119 Speaker 2: two of them are great together, they're happy together, they 380 00:20:29,640 --> 00:20:33,160 Speaker 2: love each other. And I think we saw these glimmers 381 00:20:33,160 --> 00:20:35,439 Speaker 2: in these these moments where the two of them said, no, 382 00:20:35,680 --> 00:20:39,280 Speaker 2: this is what we wanted out of this experience and 383 00:20:39,320 --> 00:20:41,919 Speaker 2: we got it. And how great is that? And and honestly, 384 00:20:42,119 --> 00:20:43,840 Speaker 2: that's enough for me. As we close the chapter on 385 00:20:43,880 --> 00:20:47,119 Speaker 2: the Golden Season, and this is a closing of that chapter, 386 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:51,760 Speaker 2: I just wanted to know what in the world we watched. 387 00:20:52,359 --> 00:20:55,639 Speaker 2: And I think what we watch is two people coming 388 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:59,040 Speaker 2: together in a not the way that we've typically seen. 389 00:20:59,480 --> 00:21:01,920 Speaker 3: That's what it is. It's just like they were two 390 00:21:02,040 --> 00:21:05,040 Speaker 3: personalities that we are not used to seeing on the show, 391 00:21:05,119 --> 00:21:07,360 Speaker 3: but they found each other through the show and they 392 00:21:07,359 --> 00:21:08,119 Speaker 3: did for that. 393 00:21:08,160 --> 00:21:12,960 Speaker 2: We're happy. We're happy. Any other takeaways from the interview 394 00:21:13,080 --> 00:21:17,240 Speaker 2: with the you know with mel and Peg they both 395 00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:18,280 Speaker 2: have three letter names. 396 00:21:18,680 --> 00:21:25,800 Speaker 3: I guess his hostility towards Cindy is interesting. He really 397 00:21:25,920 --> 00:21:28,439 Speaker 3: like the whole quick thing is still interesting to me. 398 00:21:29,800 --> 00:21:35,720 Speaker 3: He still sees that scene as different than I guess 399 00:21:36,040 --> 00:21:39,760 Speaker 3: was aired how I interpreted it. He really thinks that 400 00:21:39,840 --> 00:21:42,119 Speaker 3: Cindy was asking is it going to be me? Are 401 00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:44,359 Speaker 3: we going to get married? And I still think she 402 00:21:44,520 --> 00:21:47,520 Speaker 3: was just simply looking for validation of his feelings. I 403 00:21:47,680 --> 00:21:49,720 Speaker 3: wasn't there, so it can go either way. We have 404 00:21:49,720 --> 00:21:51,480 Speaker 3: two sides of the story there, and you'd have to 405 00:21:51,480 --> 00:21:52,560 Speaker 3: be there to really understand. 406 00:21:52,600 --> 00:21:55,400 Speaker 2: I suppose, I would say, and I think both sides 407 00:21:55,400 --> 00:21:57,760 Speaker 2: would make sense there because if somebody was giving me 408 00:21:57,840 --> 00:22:00,399 Speaker 2: one word answers and we were sitting on the beach 409 00:22:00,920 --> 00:22:03,760 Speaker 2: towards the end of the experience, I would be looking 410 00:22:03,760 --> 00:22:06,040 Speaker 2: for validation. Also, I don't think it's wrong to ask 411 00:22:06,080 --> 00:22:08,280 Speaker 2: for it is what do you even like me? 412 00:22:08,640 --> 00:22:08,720 Speaker 1: Like? 413 00:22:08,800 --> 00:22:12,359 Speaker 2: Are we even close to maybe making this thing? Makes sense? 414 00:22:12,359 --> 00:22:15,520 Speaker 2: And if not, like let me go home now. I 415 00:22:15,560 --> 00:22:17,119 Speaker 2: think that's a fair answer. And I also think for 416 00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:20,040 Speaker 2: mel it was fair to say, hey, she wasn't it 417 00:22:21,080 --> 00:22:24,000 Speaker 2: now did she quit or not? I think that's semantics. 418 00:22:24,040 --> 00:22:27,880 Speaker 2: I don't necessarily even get like, I think she went home, 419 00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:29,800 Speaker 2: which has happened to I think it happened on my 420 00:22:29,880 --> 00:22:32,560 Speaker 2: season Malta. I think I said a record for how 421 00:22:32,560 --> 00:22:34,240 Speaker 2: many women are like I don't want that guy, Let 422 00:22:34,240 --> 00:22:36,359 Speaker 2: me bounce. That's fine, stup. 423 00:22:37,280 --> 00:22:41,200 Speaker 3: Yeah. I didn't ask him directly if it was an ego, Bruce, 424 00:22:41,280 --> 00:22:45,000 Speaker 3: because I don't think that was going to be taken 425 00:22:45,080 --> 00:22:50,040 Speaker 3: well and I know he wouldn't have said yes, so 426 00:22:50,080 --> 00:22:52,600 Speaker 3: it could have been. Or he just does have an 427 00:22:52,640 --> 00:22:55,800 Speaker 3: athlete's mentality that he wants to stick with throughout live, 428 00:22:56,400 --> 00:22:57,880 Speaker 3: which that's true. 429 00:22:57,760 --> 00:22:57,840 Speaker 1: Ye. 430 00:22:58,320 --> 00:23:01,159 Speaker 2: Well, that's the closing of the chain after on the 431 00:23:01,200 --> 00:23:04,840 Speaker 2: Golden Bachelor season. Again, make sure you go back and 432 00:23:04,880 --> 00:23:07,440 Speaker 2: listen to those two interviews. I hope this shed some light. 433 00:23:08,240 --> 00:23:11,720 Speaker 2: Not saying Ashley myself are right or wrong. There really 434 00:23:11,840 --> 00:23:14,320 Speaker 2: wasn't many moments whether it even be a right or wrong, 435 00:23:14,480 --> 00:23:19,040 Speaker 2: It was just I think the thing that stood out 436 00:23:19,040 --> 00:23:21,240 Speaker 2: to me the most with the PEG interview was that 437 00:23:21,359 --> 00:23:23,480 Speaker 2: it felt like I was trying to be told something 438 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:26,920 Speaker 2: and I wasn't down for it, and I'm not down 439 00:23:26,920 --> 00:23:29,880 Speaker 2: for it still, But that's it. Everything else. It's great 440 00:23:29,880 --> 00:23:32,840 Speaker 2: to see those two together. I hope they live happily 441 00:23:32,920 --> 00:23:35,439 Speaker 2: ever after. Until next time, I've been Ben, I've. 442 00:23:35,320 --> 00:23:36,560 Speaker 3: Been Ashley Siah. 443 00:23:38,280 --> 00:23:41,240 Speaker 1: Follow the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous podcasts on 444 00:23:41,280 --> 00:23:45,240 Speaker 1: iHeartRadio or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts