I’m joined by Bachelor Nation favorite Ben Higgins, and we’re talking about what life really looks like after reality TV — from stepping into fatherhood to finding a deeper sense of purpose.

Ben opens up about the emotions of celebrating his daughter’s first Christmas, the personal growth he’s experienced since his Bachelor days, and how his spiritual journey has evolved over the years. We also dive into the expanded edition of his book, Alone in Plain Sight, where he explores loneliness, vulnerability, and faith in a way that feels honest and relatable.

We talk about why he’s shifted toward service and philanthropy, how Generous Coffee has become part of that mission, and the work he’s passionate about when it comes to supporting people experiencing homelessness. Ben also shares what he’s building next — including upcoming faith-based programming with iHeartMedia — and gives his take on the current state of the Bachelor franchise.

This conversation is heartfelt, real, and grounding… and Ben’s message is simple: you’re not alone, and there’s always a way back to connection and purpose.

@higgins.ben

Alone in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You're Seen But Not Known

https://wholesale.generouscoffee.com/collections/all-coffee

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On this episode of After Reality, Reality Steve joins me to dig into the latest Bachelor Nation drama — starting with Taylor Frankie Paul’s headline-making turn as the new Bachelorette. We get into why her casting is shaking up the franchise, the early behind-the-scenes tea, and what this shift says about the future of the show.

We also tackle a few current Bachelor Nation headlines — yes, including a certain podcaster’s recent mom-shaming blunder (looking at you, Nick Viall). Consider this our friendly reminder that if you don’t have something supportive to say… maybe don’t say it on a podcast with millions of listeners.

Plus, I’m sharing my updated take on Mel Owens and Peg — because I’ve officially changed my tune, and I’m prepared to eat a little humble pie over it.

@Realitysteve

https://patreon.com/realitysteve

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On this episode of After Reality, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics as a recovering people-pleaser: the nervous system. I’m joined by somatic practitioner Kallie Klug (aka Kallie Somatics), host of the Your Own Medicine podcast, who breaks down what really happens in our bodies when we shift into fight, flight, freeze… and the response almost no one talks about: fawn.

If you’ve ever apologized to keep the peace, said “yes” when you meant absolutely not, or shut down in conflict just to survive the moment, you might actually be fawning — a biological survival strategy wired for protection, not politeness. Kallie explains how fawning differs from everyday people-pleasing, how these patterns get formed, and why “just speak up!” doesn’t stick when your body doesn’t feel safe.

We talk nervous system triggers, how trauma shapes behavior, and why so many of us feel tired, resentful, and burned out from being “good” all the time. Kallie also shares practical somatic tools for boundary-setting (especially during the holidays) and we get into her upcoming book, Tired of Being "Good": A nervous system map for reinhibiting your body after a lifetime of fawning.

IG: @kali.somatics

Your Own Medicine Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-own-medicine-podcast/id1584877807

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It’s that time of year again — the After Reality Holiday Gift Guide is here! Before we get swept up in the sparkle (and stress) of shopping, I’m starting with something that truly makes gift-giving easier: the five love languages. Once you know how your people feel most appreciated, choosing the right gift suddenly becomes… dare I say… fun?

In our house, we’re leaning more into experience gifts over “stuff.” Don’t get me wrong — I still love a gorgeous kitchen gadget, personalized accessories, and a chic, elevated loungewear set that can survive drop-offs and all-day errands. But the older my kids get, the more I’m realizing that tickets to the zoo or a year-round membership last way longer than the toy that’s played with twice and turns into clutter.

This year, I’m sharing my favorite picks across every category — from high-quality cookware to cozy little splurges for moms, dads, in-laws, teachers, and that impossible person who claims they “don’t need anything.”

I even phoned in backup from Papa Robertson. He came through with unexpectedly genius, budget-friendly ideas: magazine subscriptions, practical staples like flashlights (yes, flashlights), and timeless classics like books and digital photo frames. Leave it to Dad to keep it simple and smart.

This episode is all about thoughtful gifting without overdoing it — choosing items that bring joy, create memories, or simply make life easier. Whether it’s a Dyson vacuum you’ll use forever or a family outing they’ll never forget, let’s make this season meaningful instead of overwhelming.

PEUGEOT Salt & Pepper Mills CODE Courtney10

CUTS CLOTHING https://shop.cutsclothing.com/COURTNEY

LOOPY CASES COURTNEY10

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On this week’s episode of After Reality, I’m sitting down with Meghann Turner from Season 19 of Married at First Sight—my personal standout of the season. Meghann is funny, strong, real, and a fellow true-crime lover, so we hit it off right away. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss.

In our conversation, Meghann walks me through her MAFS journey—from filming and navigating a marriage on camera to the emotional highs and lows that came with it. She opens up about her relationship with Derrek Wiedeman, the frustration on how hard it was when serious conversations only seemed to happen once the cameras were rolling.

Meghann also bravely shares what happened after Decision Day, including the heartbreaking miscarriage she experienced and the sudden end of her marriage when Derrek moved on soon after. She talks honestly about confronting him at the reunion and the pain of that moment.

Today, Meghann is focused on therapy, healing, and stepping into new chapters—both personally and professionally. She’s rebuilding her life with a strong community of support around her, and even exploring online dating as she rediscovers what love and connection look like after MAFS. Her strength, honesty, and resilience shine through, and I’m so grateful she chose to share her story with us.

@meghannturner

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On this week’s episode of After Reality, I’m joined by Daniel, the mayor of Huntington Beach, and we’re diving headfirst into all things reality TV. Daniel shares his 15-week self-imposed fitness “boot camp” journey, and we talk about why actual human interaction at the grocery store beats self-checkout any day. It’s a little reality TV, a little Trader Joe’s, a little fitness — and a whole lot of fun. We break down the latest season of Married at First Sight — what went down, which couples made it, and all the relationship dynamics we can’t stop analyzing.

We also wander into a few of our other obsessions, including The Summer I Turned Pretty, some true crime recommendations, and even the unhinged hype around those limited-edition Trader Joe’s tote bags. We also get into our thoughts on season 3 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Taylor Frankie Paul as the next Bachelorette. Zig and zag with us.

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This week on After Reality, I’m diving into the Mel Owens finale of The Golden Bachelor and sharing all my unfiltered thoughts — plus a cameo from Papa Robertson, who I called mid-episode for his take (and trust me, he had opinions).

Between Bachelor commentary, I’m catching you up on real life behind the scenes: juggling back-to-back kids’ birthdays, navigating school volunteer hours, and organizing a full K-Pop–themed “Paloma Golden 4 Ever” birthday celebration.

I’m also chatting about what I’m currently watching, reading, and listening to, a few unexpected thoughts on driving safety, and even a moment under the Beaver Moon. It’s a little pop culture, a little mom life, and a whole lot of real talk — just how we like it.

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This week on After Reality, I’m giving you a real-life update — from the chaos of holiday prep to the very scary moment I found a razor blade in my child’s Halloween candy (yes, really). Between that and fighting off a bug, I decided it might be time for a little digital detox and holiday breather.

Of course, I couldn’t stay away from Bachelor Nation drama — I’m breaking down Gerry Turner’s tell-all (and the tea on his divorce from Theresa Nist), plus my honest take on the low-energy Golden Bachelor season featuring Mel Owens.

I’m also sharing a few TV recs to cozy up with and a quick family check-in — Humberto caught the Dodgers’ World Series win from Vegas, and let’s just say… he’s still celebrating.

Grab your mom hat and join me — because sometimes the reality off-screen is even wilder than what’s on TV. 💫

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This week on After Reality, I’m catching up on life after filming and getting back into the rhythm of everyday life post-reality TV. I’m sharing personal updates, including celebrating my five-year wedding anniversary with a much-needed parent getaway, and a heartwarming reunion with my friend and former Bachelor castmate, Casey Shteamer Patak.

Then, I dive into Kevin Federline’s new book, You Thought You Knew, which really surprised me. I found it heartfelt and honest — more of a love letter to his kids than a money grab — as he opens up about his life, his relationship with Britney Spears, and what fatherhood has meant to him.

And yes — I officially met my new AI co-host, Echo (I even found out what Echo was wearing… and might’ve said “I love you”). Stay tuned till the end for my thoughts on the latest Bachelor Nation headlines: Mel Owens hometowns, Gerry Turner’s tell-all, new engagements, and Rachel Kirkconnell on Extra Dirty.

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Today I’m joined by Stefanie Parker from the She’s All Bach podcast as I open up about my big return to television — and yes, it’s on HGTV! We chat all about filming The Bachelor Mansion Takeover (premiering this February), what inspired me to say yes to reality TV again, and how it felt stepping back into the spotlight after years away.

I also share the excitement, the nerves, and what it was like leaving my kids at home to take on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, we touch on a few Bachelor Nation updates — from Gerry Turner’s tell-all to a surprising contestant apology. No spoilers here.

@shesallbach

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This week on After Reality, I’m catching up after fall break and sharing a few family updates—then diving into some unexpected news that stirred up a few emotions. Let’s just say, Taylor Swift has been my soundtrack lately.

From there, I unpack the latest Bachelor drama, including Nicole’s bold “power villain” move on Mel Owen’s season, with a little help from the sharp minds at Game of Roses.

And to wrap things up, I celebrate the incomparable Diane Keaton with a touching Meryl Streep tribute and reflect on how Diane’s timeless spirit continues to inspire me.

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I’m back! After a whirlwind few weeks working on a new project, I’m catching up with you all and sharing some personal updates — from our family’s fall break adventures to celebrating my five-year wedding anniversary. I also touch on the latest pop culture buzz, including Taylor Swift’s new album and the Nicole Kidman divorce news.

Then, I dive into The Golden Bachelor and its lead, Mel Owens — breaking down what’s working, what’s not, and why the ratings might be struggling. I share clips and commentary from fellow podcasters like Reality Steve and Game of Roses, who’ve had plenty to say about Owens’s low energy this season.

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In this episode of After Reality, I’m diving into all the chaos and calm of the week — from family life to the latest reality TV drama. ABC just announced the new Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul, and I’m sharing my thoughts on her colorful past, including her Mormon background and her previous domestic violence arrest.

I’ll also play a clip from my good friend Dave Neal’s podcast, where he shares such a positive message about navigating the negativity on social media — something we could all use right now. Plus, I touch on Mel Owens’ recent apology and give you a peek into what’s been happening with my own family, including a few funny mom moments.

Sometimes, amidst the chaos, it’s the little things — like binging The Summer I Turned Pretty — that bring joy. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s unpack it all together.

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In this episode, Reality Steve and I dive deep into the latest buzz surrounding Bachelor Nation, and trust me, there’s a lot to unpack! We kick things off by breaking down the upcoming Bachelor Nation cruise — from its jaw-dropping price tag to the big names involved, like Tyler Cameron and Jesse Palmer. But with low ticket sales looming, could this be the beginning of the end for the cruise? We discuss the possible fallout and what it means for the franchise's future.

Next, we turn our attention to the highly anticipated search for the next Bachelor. Rumor has it that producers are looking for someone refreshing—not famous, not an influencer, and not an athlete. So, who could it be? We speculate on potential candidates and what this shift could mean for the show’s direction.

We also get into the Bachelor in Paradise finale, breaking down the final couples—Jess and Spencer, Kat and Dale, Alex and Andrew—and wondering how much after taxes those final two are walking away with after their lucrative Paradise deals. Spoiler: Uncle Sam is definitely taking a hefty chunk.

Then, we dig into the drama surrounding Nick Viall’s interview with Kat, which left her visibly upset. Before wrapping up, we touch on the latest Bachelor Nation headlines: Andrew Firestone’s mysterious and quickly deleted divorce announcement, JoJo Fletcher’s exciting pregnancy news, and DeAnna Pappas’ new podcast where she’ll be opening up about her dating life and journey to sobriety. If you’re a Bachelor fan, this episode is packed with insider info, speculation, and all the juicy details you won’t want to miss!

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On this episode of After Reality, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Christian Long and his mom, Wendy Long, the dynamic duo behind the Oh Honey podcast. I’ve quickly become a big fan of their intergenerational conversations—their charming banter and thoughtful advice always make me smile.

Christian shared how he convinced his (initially hesitant!) mom to co-host the show with him, and we dug into their family dynamics—like what it was like for Christian to grow up as the youngest of three boys, plus his recent jury duty experience. Wendy opened up about her past acting career, and we touched on everything from the challenges of reality TV and social media to the importance of family meals.

Since Christian is a devoted Bachelor viewer, we couldn’t resist filling Wendy in on the latest tea about Mel Owen’s upcoming season. And to wrap things up, we ended with a fun and heartfelt rapid-fire that had us all laughing and sharing from the heart.

@theohhoneypodcast

@poodollar72

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On this episode of After Reality, I sit down with the fabulous Susan Noles — The breakout star from The Golden Bachelor. We talk about her Kris Jenner surprise moment, her podcast Golden Hour with Kathy Swarts, and what it’s like finding love again in her golden years (including the difficulties of long-distance) We also talk about the beauty of tough love in parenting and friendship.

Susan also opens up about her past marriage, raising kids, self-love, plastic surgery, celebrity encounters — including her recent smooch with Bradley Cooper — and her pearls of wisdom for anyone still searching for companionship. We also dive into the future of The Bachelor franchise and her thoughts on room for improvement. Susan dishes on her latest Tv appearance on Hulu's Got to Get Out.

✨ Stay tuned until the end for a spicy and heartfelt rapid fire that you won’t want to miss 🍸

@thesusannoles

https://www.nuptialsbynoles.com/

Toxic Tata's The True Story

By: Brittany Noles

https://amzn.asia/d/fXmieJn

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On this episode of After Reality, I sit down with Molly Mesnick to dive into life after The Bachelor. We get real about the highs and lows of reality TV fame—navigating social media, the pressure to keep showing up in the spotlight, and the challenge of creating a “normal” life once the cameras stop rolling.

Beyond our shared reality TV history, Molly opens up about marriage, parenting, and her thriving career in real estate. She shares incredible parenting and relationship advice, plus her honest take on why The Golden Wedding left her feeling a little icky. We also look ahead to the future of the franchise—and you won’t want to miss the reveal of which hit reality show she and Jason just turned down.

It’s heartfelt, unfiltered, and a must-listen for any Bachelor fan.

@mollymesnick

https://mesnickgroup.com/

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In this episode, Daniel Trujillo and I dive into all the good stuff — pop culture, personal stories, and those little life observations you can’t unhear once someone points them out. We break down the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce phenomenon — her business genius, her songwriting magic, and their internet breaking podcast episode on New Heights.

Daniel gets real about his first job as a dishwasher (we’ve all been there… or at least eaten there), his martial arts journey in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and how he now teaches self-defense to kids and women — with a big focus on awareness.

Of course, we couldn’t resist dishing on our favorite TV obsessions: predictions for The Summer I Turned Pretty, some hot Bachelor in Paradise takes, and a mutual agreement that authenticity, personal growth, and genuine human connection never go out of style.

@dtrrujillo11

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