This week on "Playing the Field" we have two special treats! The first is that we're catching up with Joan and Chock from "The Golden Bachelorette!" The second is that Gina Sirico is in town from Los Angeles and also joining us in the studio. It's a full house! Joan and Chock have been engaged for over a year now. They speak to the team about how their relationship has grown and changed. The couple shared their thoughts on finding an apartment in New York City and what their future holds. Plus, we talk about the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette" with Taylor Frankie Paul and our "Golden" couple's take on her in the lead. Joan shared that she wants her "Golden" contestants and friends from the first season of "The Golden Bachelor" and "The Golden Bachelorette" to find love! She's tried setting up several of them... unsuccessfully! Find out who! Lastly, they want the world to know they are happy and not broken up. Joan shares how that rumor started and what she plans to prevent that from happening again! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back with part two of our special podcast with comedian, podcaster, actor, author, and "Bachelor" super-fan Jared Freid.   Ryan, Jen, and Gina talk to Jared on "Playing the Field" about his life as a standup comedian, moving to Florida, and how he ended up a part of "The Bachelor" cruise.   Jared also talks about why having his parents in the audience at his shows brings a bunch of extra pressure. Plus, what he did on social media that made his dad upset!   We've got a new season of "The Bachelorette" looming next year with Taylor Frankie Paul from "The Secret Life of Mormon Wives" and of course MomTok. Jared shares his thoughts on why she's a good choice, yet what he is concerned about.   Then, Jen and Gina pit Jared and Ryan against each other to see which would make a better "Bachelor." Ladies, they're both single and ready to mingle. "Bachelor" producers, are you watching? We're putting these guys on a platter for you! There's a winner, but it's all in fun.   You can find more about Jared's podcasts "The JTrain Podcast" and "U Up?" on his Instagram page: @jaredfreid. Next up on "Playing the Field" Gina is in town and we plan to have a special in-person podcast with one of our favorite Bachelor Nation couples. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have a very special episode of “Playing the Field” this week. Our guest is comedian and podcaster Jared Freid!You may remember that Jared was on Mel’s season of the “Golden Bachelor” as he helped the women roast him. He also made a second appearance during “The Women Tell All.”Jared talked about how his love of Bachelor Nation began, how he ended up as a guest on the show, and how he got to be a part of the upcoming Bachelor Cruise!Ryan Field and Jen Matarese talk to him about what a group date on “The Bachelor” would look like if he were the lead.Also, Jared has a book coming out in June called “Walking Red Flag: Dating Advice from Your Favorite Guy Friend.”We’ll have part two of our conversation with Jared Freid next week on “Playing the Field” and Gina Sirico will also join us.Could Ryan or Jared make a good “Bachelor”? Jen and Gina decide!You can find more about Jared’s podcasts “The JTrain Podcast” and “U Up?” on his Instagram page: @jaredfreid  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on "Playing the Field" we've got a special guest and a "Golden Bachelor" fan favorite, Cindy Cullers. Cindy was in Mel's final two, but decided to end things when she felt he wasn't ready for a future with her. Ryan Field, Jen Matarese, and Gina Sirico talk to Cindy about her time on the show, what surprised her, what really happened between her and Mel, and what is next for her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The "Playing the Field" team caught up with Mel and Peg the day after the big "Golden Bachelor" finale.The pair chose love, not an engagement, with Mel giving Peg a promise ring of sorts and the coveted final golden rose.Out of 23 women, Peg was the one to steal Mel's heart. She said she wants a fireplace, not fireworks, when it comes to love, and she believes she's found that in Mel.The duo was also gifted a trip to Napa Valley in the finale. They say they plan to work that into their already busy travel schedule!Their overjoyed families were in the audience to share in their special moment.Find out all of the details on what is next for Peg and Mel in this episode of "Playing the Field." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The "Golden Bachelor's" Debbie Siebers appeared on "Playing the Field: A Bachelor Podcast" to talk about her time on the show and possible future in Bachelor Nation.  She spoke to Ryan Field, Jen Matarese, and Gina Sirico from her home in Denver, Colorado. Debbie was a fan favorite from the start. She's initially famous for her "Slim in 6" workout program, which she created for Beachbody.  Despite her fun and energetic personality, Mel found that he had deeper connections with his final two women, Cindy and Peg, and let Debbie go just before the Fantasy Suite dates.  Looking back, Debbie said she's enjoyed watching, except for one "cringey" moment that she shares with the podcast team. Up next is Mel’s big “Golden Bachelor” finale! We’ll have a new episode on that and an interview with the “Golden Bachelor” himself on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on "Playing the Field," Ryan Field, Jen Matarese, and Gina Sirico break down the  “Golden Bachelor” Mel’s Fantasy Suite dates in Antigua, and things are heating up...for at least one of his final two women.Mel’s caught between two very different connections: Peg, the high-energy “bad ass” who’s got him hanging on for dear life (literally, in a dune buggy), and Cindy, the romantic who’s ready for a proposal, but does Mel feel the same?We also preview next week’s big two-hour finale. It looks like Mel is picking out an engagement ring. Will he actually propose to someone? You won’t want to miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gerry Turner, the original "Golden Bachelor" has a new book out about his experiences on the show and his life. The book is called "Golden Years: What I've Learned from Love, Loss, and Reality TV." It had been quite a while since the podcast team at "Playing the Field" caught up with Gerry, so what better occasion than to talk about all of his revelations and his new engagement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Playing the Field, Ryan, Jen, and Gina talk all about the drama at "The Women Tell All" on the "Golden Bachelor."Gina Sirico was in attendance at the taping and was able to talk to some of our favorites like Cheryl, Debbie, and Nicolle.Nicolle definitely faced some backlash for her comments not only about the women on this season but the last as well. The criticism came from a golden Bachelor Nation favorite and the team felt it was well deserved. Some heavy hitters like Cheryl and Debbie are out of the running for Mel's heart, but could either make a good "Golden Bachelorette?" The team shares their thoughts.Plus, a look ahead at the big fantasy suite dates and finale episodes. What will Mel's family think of his final two, Peg and Cindy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mel Owens has not dropped the L-word yet on the "Golden Bachelor," and he's starting to run out of time. This week on "Playing the Field," Ryan, Jen, and Gina talk about Mel's hometown dates with Peg, Debbie, and Cindy.The women are starting to fall hard for Mel, but does he feel the same? The team talks about each of Mel's dates and his big decision on who to let go. We are down to our final two women!Plus, next week is "The Women Tell All." Gina was there and will bring us all-new interviews! What will happen in the end? Ryan, Jen, and Gina share their predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mel is making some big moves as he narrowed the field from six to three on the "Golden Bachelor." Ryan, Jen, and Gina talk about his decisions and how one woman self-eliminated just before hometown dates.Gina had the opportunity to speak to Peg and Debbie before their group date and they talked about what Mel could expect if they brought him home.Cindy got this week's coveted one-on-one date. She said she might not have been ready to bring home Mel without it, but now she's falling hard. It was especially sweet that the women got to talk to their family and friends before this week's rose ceremony.Next week, the team tackles Mel's hometown dates!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on "Playing the Field," Ryan, Jen, and Gina get to talk to Monica B. She's fresh off her time at Bachelor Mansion and she dishes about the "Golden Bachelor" ladies and of course Mel!Then, the team dives into this week's recap. Peg and Mel made a big connection on her one-on-one date. Could she be a frontrunner? The team shares their thoughts on the group date and if they think Nicolle is there for the "wrong reasons." Also, the team is buzzing over the mysterious black car that leaves the mansion next week. Will Mel chase after her? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mel's words come back to haunt him on 'Golden Bachelor' group dateMel's connections grow as field narrows to 9 women on 'Golden Bachelor'This week on "Playing the Field" Ryan Field, Jen Matarese, and Gina Sirico recap season 2, episode 3 of "The Golden Bachelor."Mel takes most of the women on a group date to "roast" him. Comedian and podcaster Jared Freid provides some much-needed humor and support to the ladies as they have to perform their set in front of a live studio audience. Later, Mel goes on a 1-on-1 date with Debbie. Did the team find their connection to have chemistry or will they predict that it fizzles out early?Next week, Mel takes the women to a theme park and on a photo shoot where the physicality of some of the poses starts to make a few of the women uncomfortable and jealous.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The long-awaited premiere of the "Golden Bachelor" is here and we finally get to meet Mel Owens. He said that he's only been in love once and he would "give anything" to feel that again. However, will the comments he made on a podcast a few months ago could stand between him and his ability to find love? He had said he was looking for someone 45-60 without an artificial hip or wig. He says he regrets it and he is sorry. Mel said that does not represent who he is. The women were definitely offended and not looking to waste their time, but seemed to be in a forgiving mood. They showed up! Mel has two sons and he loves them more than anything. Lucas and Andre are his pride and joy. Mel was born in Detroit in 1958 and his dad was a teacher and a coach. He said he started playing football at age 7 and he played for the University of Michigan, and then from there he was drafted by the LA Rams. His father passed away in 2020, and then his wife filed for divorce after finding someone new. He said it was unexpected. Mel said that since the divorce he hasn't dated, but his boys would like for him to find someone to be happy with. He's been single for five years and is lonely. Mel said he's ready to find love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on "Playing the Field" Jen Matarese and Gina Sirico talk about the happy couples in the "Bachelor" franchise from the past couple of months. Ryan Field is on vacation.The podcast team has had the pleasure of speaking with Alli Jo and Sam M. from "Bachelor in Paradise," Jess also from "Bachelor in Paradise," and Joan and Chock from the "Golden Bachelorette."Hopefully, we'll get to speak with Spencer sometime in the future about the big plans he and Jess are making as they prepare to move in together.Next week, we begin to watch Mel's journey as the "Golden Bachelor!" He has 23 wonderful women all waiting to see if they can fall in love with him. You can watch it all unfold starting Wednesday, September 24 at 8 p.m. on ABC. You can listen to "Playing the Field" immediately after wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on "Playing the Field" we talk about the big "Bachelorette" announcement! Not only are we not going to be watching the "Bachelor" after this "Golden" season, we'll be watching "The Bachelorette" with Taylor Frankie Paul. Ryan, Jen, and Gina talk about what an outside contestant does to shakeup the show. Many are excited to see the star of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" try to find love in the wake of her divorce from her first husband and breakup from the father of her third child. The mom of three says that her suitors will have to get along with her family, like children, and be willing to move to Utah.Next, Gina had the opportunity to talk to out "Golden Bachelor" Mel! He was at the LA Rams game this past weekend and shared all the details about the women on his season. He said that they are the real stars. His season premieres on Wednesday, September 24 on ABC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on "Playing the Field," Ryan, Jen, and Gina tackle the big "Bachelor in Paradise" finale. The show had a final" pick an envelope" curveball for two lucky couples at the end. The relationship challenge was a physical one with Alexe and Andrew coming out on top and securing a place at the end. The contestants had a surprise visit from some old friends, but it didn't stay friendly. The Parliament of Paradise was tasked with voting to choose a couple, or not, to split the final prize money, if they could pass one last test. Trash talk about Sean and Allycia sent Kat into a tailspin, but Dale kept her calm. Despite that, they were eliminated and Jess and Spencer went to the end. It didn't seem like Spencer was concerned at all about the money, he was focused on picking and engagement ring for Jess and professing his love. The final challenge was choosing love or money. Both couples chose love. Instead of walking away with just their relationships, Jesse gave them the chance to select one of three envelopes with various monetary amounts inside. Alexe and Andrew won $125,000 and Jess and Spencer picked $190,000! But, the icing on the cake was Jess accepting Spencer's proposal! Is it even "Paradise" without a proper proposal? Next week, we'll breakdown all the latest information on where the contestants and couples are now that the show has ended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have a special episode of "Playing the Field" this week, an all new interview with Gary Levingston! You may remember him from his time on the "Golden Bachelorette," but now he's back from his time in Costa Rica on "Bachelor in Paradise." Ryan, Jen, and Gina talk to Gary about his time on the show, his relationship with Leslie, and how things are going in his life now. He also gives new insights into the remaining relationships on the show and who he thinks should win the $500,000. Tune in next week when we'll recap the big finale episode of "Bachelor in Paradise." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on "Playing the Field" the team talks about the penultimate episode of "Bachelor in Paradise." It was action-packed with two relationship challenges. Ryan, Jen, and Gina talk about the glamping challenge and how the contestants were observed by relationship expert, Dr. Laura Berman the entire time without their knowledge. It turns out that, despite what America might think, she found Kat and Dale to be the best couple. That decision gave Dale the power to break a tie during the rose ceremony, sending Jonathon and Lea packing. He felt they could be strong competitors for the $500,000 prize money. Next, the couples had to take part in a dagger relationship challenge. The contestants had to stick a dagger in the back of the scarecrow that represented each of them if the statement read by Jesse Palmer rang true. In the end, Alexe and Andrew had the least amount of daggers and won the challenge. Next week, two more couples will be eliminated in a rose ceremony, and by the end of the episode, we'll see how the show concludes. Will anyone get engaged? Will a singular contestant or a couple walk away with the grand prize money? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Bachelor in Paradise's" Leslie Fhima gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the beach. Plus, Jason Tartick answers those "Bachelor" rumors and Ryan and Gina have thoughts on Sean's attempt at alliances. It's all on "Playing The Field: A Bachelor Podcast." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices