September 14, 2025 • 25 mins
Ben wants to play matchmaker, but before he can, he's got a lot of questions for Mercedes. From how important her faith is to how her most recent relationship ended poorly...Mercedes is laying it all out for Ben.
Who is the most handsome Bachelor of all time? Would she kiss on a first date? We're getting PERSONAL this episode!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
iHeart podcasts, bring you the ultimate Summer of love tree.
This is Famously Available. It's been and I'm back with
another episode of our new favorite show, Famously Available. Well,
I do a deeper dive and try to kind of
play matchmaker for some great, absolutely fantastic eligible single women.
(00:22):
But before we start sending them on dates, I gotta
get to know them so well. I want to know
what they're looking for today. I'm joined by how I
describe it, a cloud of joy. I don't know if
cloud actually works there, but a bundle of joy, A
bright light in our Bachelor World contestant from Zach Season
(00:42):
and Bachelor and Paradise contestant Mercedes Northup.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Thanks for being back with us.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Yes, I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
We're podcasting today from the Verbo Summerhouse in Lake Tahoe.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Mercedes's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Oh it's stunning here. This is my first time here.
I love it.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
It's incredible. It's an amazing place to vacation, to hang out.
Verbo offers last minute deals for private vacation rentals.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Did you know that? It's pretty exciting.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
On the Verbo app and website, you can get last
minute deals that are showing travelers nearly three hundred thousand
discount of properties. They can do this in book within
thirty days of check in some amazing places like Tahoe obviously,
Hilton Head, South Carolina, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, San Diego, Portavarda.
(01:32):
And I think today we're having this wonderful conversation about
future love that I believe we're going to find you, Mercedes,
in the most beautiful house, in the most beautiful setting
I've been in in a long time. Mercedes, Yes, play
little game today with you. Okay, ready, You're going to
answer these questions for yourself, not for your future.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Guy pal.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Obviously, we talked about you being on Zaz season. That's
how we know you were on Bachelor in Paradise. Yep,
you are still single. When we caught up last time,
kind of about dating. Dating was a little bit slow.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Yep, very still slow.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
It's kind of shocking to me.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
Yeah, it's I'll be honest, it's very confusing. So at
Generous Coffee, the company operate. We just not on purpose
or for whatever reason. We just hired a bunch of
like really great twenty five to thirty year old like women.
At the beginning, there were people I knew or friends
(02:36):
of friends or you know, daughters of friends of my families.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
And all of these women were single.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
And I've sat with him so many times in the
midst of these conversations about future love and wanting to
find a partner, and now, you know, seven years in,
some of them have found that. But it's shocking to
me always that people like you are single and that
like you don't have people knocking down your door.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
I don't get it. I really don't understand it.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
Yeah, yeah, I mean I don't know. I just feel
like the like dating today is just like awful, and
so I kind of I wouldn't say give up, Like
that's not the right word, because like I'm still very
open like if someone like I've gone on random dates,
but I feel like, I don't know, it's just like
my generation of dating is just like insane.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
What are you running into?
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Well, I live in Nashville, Yeah, and the dating scene
there is horrific, Like I feel like, Okay, the way
I explain it is Nashville obviously a ton of people
come and visit, like every single weekend there's a new
and like girls come and they're like their best you
know what I'm saying, like they have the new clothes
and the out and like people are going there and
(03:49):
like whatever. So the men that live there, I feel
like they have like just this constant flow of like
women coming in. So a lot of guys there are
not wanting to like settle down where they're like very
much just like having fun in there, like you know,
going out and doing all that stuff. So I feel
like because of that, it's really really hard to find
someone who's like genuinely looking to settle down in Nashville.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Does that make sense, Yeah, it does make sense. I
want to I just kind of want to talk to
you like a friend, Okay for a second. Yeah, Like
do you feel like the like it's kind of the
grass is greener? Like you're beautiful, you're sweet, you're kind,
you're joyful. Like if the right guy who's really wanting
to find like a companion and a person to share
(04:33):
life with.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Mm hm, who's serious about that would look at you?
Speaker 1 (04:37):
I think on any day be like goodness, I'm lucky,
like I I found it. Yeah, but I do think
you're you're touching something that so many people are feeling
there are living in these cities that are transient and
focused around the bachelor parties and the Bachelorette parties and
the scenes downtown. That it's not like guys are looking
at you and be like, yeah, I'm not interested. It's
just that they're they're not slowing down for a second
(04:59):
to think, Wait, I might have found the person I
could be with, because tomorrow night I'm having fun going
back out to some pool party and I'm going to
be with this new girl. Yeah, and I do think
I'm running into that as I talk to my friends
about dating. It's it's just just like inability to just
say life needs to slow down so I can commit
to something.
Speaker 3 (05:18):
Yeah, no, for sure. I definitely think that's like one
of our biggest like downfalls in my generation in dating
is like it's just like the fast life and especially
social media and dating apps. Like I think it literally
has which dating apps like they're amazing. I know, like
people have met people and whatever. But I feel like
because of that, it's just yeah, you just you just
are fast like all the time, like there's something new
(05:41):
to look forward to, and a lot of people don't
like slow down and be like okay, wait, like you're amazing,
Like I you know, like, let's like see this out.
It's hard.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
You kind of want to, like for me, and I've
been in that world. I mean I have, I've I've
come off the show and we you know, I had
the breakup and dated and it was fun and is it.
It was exciting. And I remember telling my wife this
right before we got married. So excited to marry my wife.
But I was like, it's going to be really weird
for me. I've always been known as a bachelor. Yeah,
(06:10):
it's going to be really weird to like identity shift.
And so now that I'm on the other side of
that years later, you almost just want to shake people
and be like it's so much better on the other side,
Like this sounds fun, it sounds exciting. You're gonna hit
thirty five, it's going to be exhausting. Yeah, you don't
want to leave your house, Like, it's so much better
(06:31):
to have your partner there with you to build this
life together. And I wish I would have done it
ten years ago with her. I mean, we're just so
new to it, back to the game because we do
have some things to get to know you and kind
of still try to figure out what this is going
to look like, and who we're going to set you
up with.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
We've already mentioned your.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Name, your age yep, twenty seven, twenty seven years old.
If you could describe your physical appearance for somebody listening, okay,
could you describe it for us? Yes?
Speaker 2 (07:08):
I feel so creepy.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Okay, I don't have dark hair, brown eyes, five to seven.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Yeah, yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
I feel like I've never.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Been asked what's your shoe size?
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Size nine? I got skis for feet, some big feet
on that beautiful feet.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
I just want to be clear.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
If you look back now, obviously we know you from
the show, and we're soon going to know you from
a new show, this show. What's the best thing that
happened to you from being on the show. We've already
talked about in the past. Your friendships. Hm, So I'm
actually gonna take that out of play here. Okay, you
can't mention the other girls.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Okay. The best thing that came out of it honestly
putting myself like outside of my comfort zone. I feel
like I'm kind of I mean, I always say I'm shy,
and then people are like, what, Like, You're literally not shy,
But I feel like I am kind of shy and
going on the Bachelor and like doing these podcasts and
all this stuff, Like it really pushes me outside of
my comfort zone. So I think that's like the best
(08:27):
thing that's come out of it, outside of the friendships.
But like it really has pushed me. And honestly, like
my relationship, like I've really had to like lean on
God a lot too, so I feel like my relationship
there has grown. So I don't know, just like growing
as a person. I feel like the whole Bachelor everything,
like it really pushed me to get outside and learn
more about myself and just be better and learn things.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
I'm really interested in this. So going before you went
on the show, could you describe yourself then?
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Yeah, I was. I mean I was always like in
like the in the mix of people, right, Like I
was never like a homebody, Like I love being a
home but like I was always like going on and
doing stuff. But I was always just like kind of
like in my shell. Like I had my few people
that I was like comfortable with and I would be
like completely me, but then like talking a random people,
(09:20):
I'd be like, oh my gosh, like hi, like and
I would just get so in my head, and then
I'd be like, oh my gosh, I didn't say enough
or like all this stuff, and like now I don't
really have that, And I feel like it's because I've
talked to so many people that I've never met before
and I had to like have a conversation with them
and like hold a conversation. So yeah, I feel like
I was just a little more quiet before the show.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
I can relate with this.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
I don't know if you're like me, but there was
many of nights that even last night was a night
and it's been a while for me. When I'm in
social situations, I'll go to bed and lights would turn off.
I'll be laying on my pillow and I'll run back
through every conversation I had in that day and if
I made somebody feel, if I said something that came
(10:05):
off wrong and maybe didn't have a chance to clarify it,
or if I said something that was hurtful, or if
I embarrassed myself.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
And I used to do that.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
Before the show specific especially every night.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
Of my life.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Yeah, and it would it would wreck me to where
I became anti social because I was so much living
in my own head.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Can you relate with.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
That, yes, very much.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah, and the show kind of does push you. I
think it's because you kind of like dive in head first,
ye to a world where you're dealing with so many
people that you just kind of have to say, like
I don't know really what I'm going to say, but
whatever I say, I'm sure, well we can clear it
up at some point. Yeah, And it does.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
But it makes it really hard to date.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
Because you're trying to be intentional, you're trying to be intimate,
you're trying to be vulnerable during these dates. You don't
know how much you say or or how little to say.
And so I for a large period of my life
I personally stop dating. Not because I wasn't interested in
like the idea of it, yeah, but because I was
so insecure or I had lacked so much confidence in
(11:15):
myself too doing Yeah, do you.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Relate kinda Yeah, I feel like I always so. I
was actually talking to my best friend the other day
and I was like, because we were just talking because
we're both single and we're twenty seven whatever, and I
was like, I feel like I have like one more heartbreak,
Like I like, I don't know why I feel that way,
but like, I feel like I have one more heartbreak
to Like I was like, I feel like I still
(11:38):
have like things to learn about myself in relationships and stuff.
She's like, that's so crazy, and I was like, no,
but I really do because I think, yeah, I not.
I wouldn't say it insecurity, but I do think there's
things I need to grow in to, like fully like
be in a relationship where it's like this is like endgame,
you know, Like I think, you know, and I do
therapy and all that stuff, but yeah, I don't know.
(12:02):
I feel like, yeah, definitely, I feel like the whole
taking a break in dating, there's definitely a reason behind it.
I just haven't like truly figured it out yet.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
We're gonna get you back in the dating. I'm assuming
you've had a serious relationship before in the past. When
I say serious relationship, I'm sure there's somebody that comes
to mind. Yeah, can you describe that relationship to whatever
depth you want?
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Yeah, it was a COVID relationship, So I feel like
those are like a little weird in the beginning because
you know, you were stuck in I was stuck in
a house with him, right, And I always think I'm like,
if it wasn't COVID, would we have dated because we
would have been going out and meeting new people and
doing all these things. But because it was COVID, it
(12:45):
was like, okay, like we're locked in. I like you, you
like me, Like, let's just write this whole COVID thing out.
And I did love him. We dated for a year
and a half and then yeah, we broke up when
was it, like February, And it was not a great
breakup and there's still like a lot of I don't
have hate towards him, but he, like, I don't know,
(13:07):
just not a great breakup. And so I feel like
that kind of turned me off from dating too, because
I was like, literally that breakup it felt like I
was like dying like that heartbreak, Like I was literally
like heartbroken. I wasn't eating, like I couldn't sleep. It
was like a whole thing. And I was like, I
never want to feel that again, Like I literally never
want to feel that again. So that could maybe be
(13:28):
a reason why I stopped dating too.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Have breakups always been really hard for you?
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Yeah? Yeah, I feel like I get like attached to
and like because breakups you're like losing someone you know,
like especially like being with them day in day out,
like sharing everything with them, you know, like your life
is meshed together, and then yeah, you just one day
there it's just not that anymore, which is like really
hard for me to like, yeah, grasp kinda. So I
(13:57):
feel like, yeah, I take a breakup's pretty hard.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Yeah, I mean I really disliked that.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
No, they're literally the worst. I'm like, I wouldn't never
wish this upon anyone.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
No, But they teach you a lot too, they do,
And I think one of the most beautiful things looking
back at all of this experience is the things you
learn from these serious relationships, and especially when they end,
you get some clarity on the other side.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
So with the serious relationships that you've had, the breakups
that you've had, the people.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
That you've been on to meet.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
The final question about you personally, if you give me
three requirements for your significant other based on what you've
learned so far at this point in your life, what
are you looking for?
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Definitely someone who's family oriented. It's like my biggest thing
because I'm like, I mean, I have a four ye
old brother and a twelve year old brother, Like I
need someone who can like be around family and enjoy
family time. I think that's my biggest thing. And I
grew up with a family that you know, we had
Sunday lunch every Sunday together after church, so definitely family oriented.
(14:59):
I would say religious is definitely a big one for me,
or open to it or like, you know, my third
one hmmm, I don't know. Probably someone who just is
just like genuine, Like I just want someone who like, like,
(15:19):
I love volunteering, and I want someone that's like, yeah, like,
it's a Sunday afternoon, let's go under. I do this
thing called under the Bridge on Sundays, and it's like
the best thing ever. It's like with homeless people, but
like someone who like would want to do that like
with me. So I feel like just someone who's genuine and.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
Yeah, Okay, this isn't a part of our plan. But
I do think you get to know a lot about
somebody by their passions, know what you spend your time doing,
Explain more of why you chose under the Bridge as
your volunteer shoot.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
So I got involved with it at my church. I
go to cross Point in Nashville, and basically under the
Bridge Ministry we go. Oh, it's like under the bridge
and like the homeless people used to live there but
they can't anymore. So that's like where we meet. But
we go and we always do music, we worship together,
and these people are literally like the best people ever,
(16:15):
And like, I don't know, I fell in love with
it because these people are like obviously don't have a lot, right,
but they're so happy and they're just so grateful that
like we put this on and we worship and there's
like always like a pastor that comes in and does
a sermon. Then we feed them food and then if
it's cold, we'll give them blankets or socks or like
(16:38):
whatever they need. So yeah, I just feel like being
around those people is really like it makes my heart
so happy because seeing how happy they are and how
little they have, like it's like very eye opening, right
because I think sometimes especially like in this life, you
can kind of get caught not caught up in things,
but just like care about that doesn't matter, right, And
(17:01):
it's like you take a step back and you're like,
oh my gosh, what matters is like having a roof
over your head, like loving people, having a good relationship
with God and like I don't know, it's just I love, love,
love love under the Bridge. It's really like changed my
heart And Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
It also is very antithetical to the fast pace that
we're talking about the beginning of this of the Nashville
scene or any of these cities scenes with the dating, Yeah,
and the kind of the flash and the pan nights
out like moments like this on a Sunday. I'm sure
under the Bridge it slows life down to where perspective
is like reintroduced to what life is really like for
(17:39):
so many people. Yeah, and allows.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
You an appreciation. And here's the cool part.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
You get to be where your feet are, Like you're
not thinking about a thousand other things. Yeah, you're not
looking around being like you know, how how do I
gain followers from this?
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Ye?
Speaker 1 (17:55):
You're just in that moment. And I think that's such
an like that is those moments are beautiful because you're
doing it for somebody else. But I also think we
just can't skip over that here, because it's why you
have the perspective of I want to find somebody, I
want to be intentional, I want to commit to somebody,
because you've taken time out of your life to do
(18:15):
that yeah. I think it's taught you more than probably
you even know, or that any of us could even
point to. We're gonna rapid fire kind of some like
really tough dating questions. I'm scared I might get creepy again.
(18:38):
I don't know, but I'm going to kind of fire
him at you spend as much time on them as
you want. They're just to get to know you better,
to get to know what you're looking for a little
bit more. Are you willing to be the primary breadwinner?
Speaker 3 (18:54):
Oh god, I feel like be honest, be honest.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Yeah, I mean you can't go dating in line, that's brutal.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
No, I don't want to be the bread winner.
Speaker 2 (19:08):
Do you want to be a stay at home mom?
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Yes, Okay, it's like my dream. Like.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
I like how Trista categorizes that. I think it's a
beautiful because I've seen my wife do this. She calls
she calls herself the household manager. Yes, which I think
is such like a It's a perfect description for a
stay at home mom. You're not just like a stay
at home mom, No, you're yeah, you're like managing a household.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
Yes, No, being a stay at home mom is like
it's a lot of work. Yeah, I'm like, yeah, he's
my only job.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Would you date someone that your family does not like?
Speaker 3 (19:41):
No? Ah, it depends, it depends, it depends, like, but probably.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
Not no, because I feel what would be that, Like,
give me a scenario here.
Speaker 3 (19:52):
I mean, if it's like over something stupid, like if
it's like, oh, I don't like the way he dresses
or like, I'd be like okay, like doesn't matter. But
if it was like genuinely like no, he treats like
I don't like the way he treats you, then I
feel like I would take that and be like okay,
like let me take a look at this. But if
it was like over something dumb, I wouldn't be like
it's fine, that's fair.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Family can be tough. Yes, yeah, my daughter will never date.
I'm not gonna like anybody describe the like the physical,
like when you think about your perfect person to date,
like they're walking into the beach in Tahoe, okay, shirtless, shirtless?
Speaker 3 (20:31):
What I like tall, I like dark hair, I like
dark features. And then I smile. Yeah, I feel like
the smiles like the biggest thing. I look at good teeth.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
They can they can wrap you up. If they just
give you that little grin, right, I get it, and
I get it. If you meet someone and they want
to date other people until you, guys, make it official.
So if you're on your first date and they're like, hey,
we're going to define the relationship. You and I are
just like getting to know each other here. But you know,
(21:09):
if you see me tomorrow night out in Nashville with
somebody else, don't be mad?
Speaker 2 (21:14):
Are you cool with that?
Speaker 3 (21:15):
No? No, I would literally would. I would crash out
like no, you're going to respect me? Thank you?
Speaker 2 (21:25):
Just to make things less awkward here.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
I cannot be included in the next two questions, Okay,
can't even think about it.
Speaker 2 (21:31):
Okay. The question is of all the bachelors.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
Since the beginning, who is the most handsome in your opinion?
Speaker 3 (21:38):
Oh? Geez, the most handsome? I don't know. Why do
I want to say Jesse? I think Jesse is so cute.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
How can you not think Jesse and his.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
Personality is so great? Okay, I'm going with Jesse.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
He's like six.
Speaker 1 (21:57):
Four pounds, solid, jawlne NFL foot ball player, your perfect male.
I watch him on TV at times and like goodness.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
And in person, I'm like, I'm like, how are you like?
He literally looks like perfect. I'm like, yeah, it's crazy.
Speaker 2 (22:14):
I'm with you.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
Okay, Okay, So now you can't have Jesse or myself.
Of all the Bachelor's, who do you think was the
greatest guy? Like, if we're taking physical appearance out of it,
matching what you're looking for in a personality, who would
be the greatest guy?
Speaker 3 (22:32):
Oh? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
I mean they all haven't sucked that bad.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
No, No, I'm trying to like think of people the
great like personality. Yeah, I honestly didn't. You've really watched
The Bachelor before? Though.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
We do have Bob Guinea with us right now at
the Verbo hilarious.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
Yeah, I love him.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
I think Bob would love a shout out.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Okay, yeah, all right, we're going with Bob.
Speaker 1 (22:57):
I mean, Bob has Bob has of the best personalities anybody.
Speaker 2 (23:01):
I've ever met.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
He's so funny, he's so funny, He's very sweet. Yeah,
he's a very very very handsome man is himself.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
Yeah, Okay, Bob.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
A couple more questions here. How do you feel about
being set up?
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Honestly, I'm down to try anything at this point. So
I feel like I'm okay with being set up.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
And do you believe you can be in love with
two people at one time?
Speaker 3 (23:28):
Oh? No, no?
Speaker 2 (23:32):
Okay?
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Uh would you kiss on the first date?
Speaker 3 (23:37):
Mmmm? Yeah kiss only?
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Kiss only?
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Yeah, I would do that. I think that's fine.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Yeah, I'm no judgment.
Speaker 3 (23:46):
I think it's good.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
Kiss. Okay.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
Final question for you, Okay, what is your goal? From
famously Available?
Speaker 3 (24:01):
My goal is to learn more about myself obviously in dating,
because I feel like I've like definitely pushed it off
to the side and I'm definitely ready to get into
the dating scene again. So I feel like, yeah, learning
more about myself in that way and then hopefully meeting someone.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
Never know, I meant what I said, like, no matter
where this spits us out, somebody's gonna be very lucky
they are.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
I don't know when.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
I hope you don't have another heartbreak in front of you,
but if you do, well, you get through it. I
had a really bad heartbreak right before I.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
Found my wife.
Speaker 1 (24:39):
Really yeah, I dated somebody kind of in between for
a period of time. They just weren't the right person,
and it hurt really bad. I think it hurt us
both really bad. And then my wife came in like
a month later to my life and I learned so much,
and like at the time, I felt like nothing was
ever gonna work. And then as I started dating my wife,
(25:00):
I was like, I know why, you know all this happened,
but somebody's gonna be very lucky. I can't wait to
just see where this goes and to hear about your
experiences and then also to follow your story going forward.
I think years from now we're going to be sitting
here being like, how cool is this?
Speaker 2 (25:18):
You found it?
Speaker 1 (25:18):
So, if any guys are out there listening, or any
girls with brothers, cousins, friends, family members, Mercedes is a catch.
Speaker 2 (25:27):
We're lucky to have her. Thanks for coming on, Thank you.
Speaker 3 (25:29):
I had fun.
iHeart podcasts, bring you the ultimate Summer of love tree.
This is Famously Available. It's been and I'm back with
another episode of our new favorite show, Famously Available. Well,
I do a deeper dive and try to kind of
play matchmaker for some great, absolutely fantastic eligible single women.
(00:22):
But before we start sending them on dates, I gotta
get to know them so well. I want to know
what they're looking for today. I'm joined by how I
describe it, a cloud of joy. I don't know if
cloud actually works there, but a bundle of joy, A
bright light in our Bachelor World contestant from Zach Season
(00:42):
and Bachelor and Paradise contestant Mercedes Northup.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Thanks for being back with us.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Yes, I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (00:50):
We're podcasting today from the Verbo Summerhouse in Lake Tahoe.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Mercedes's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Oh it's stunning here. This is my first time here.
I love it.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
It's incredible. It's an amazing place to vacation, to hang out.
Verbo offers last minute deals for private vacation rentals.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Did you know that? It's pretty exciting.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
On the Verbo app and website, you can get last
minute deals that are showing travelers nearly three hundred thousand
discount of properties. They can do this in book within
thirty days of check in some amazing places like Tahoe obviously,
Hilton Head, South Carolina, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, San Diego, Portavarda.
(01:32):
And I think today we're having this wonderful conversation about
future love that I believe we're going to find you, Mercedes,
in the most beautiful house, in the most beautiful setting
I've been in in a long time. Mercedes, Yes, play
little game today with you. Okay, ready, You're going to
answer these questions for yourself, not for your future.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Guy pal.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Obviously, we talked about you being on Zaz season. That's
how we know you were on Bachelor in Paradise. Yep,
you are still single. When we caught up last time,
kind of about dating. Dating was a little bit slow.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Yep, very still slow.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
It's kind of shocking to me.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
Yeah, it's I'll be honest, it's very confusing. So at
Generous Coffee, the company operate. We just not on purpose
or for whatever reason. We just hired a bunch of
like really great twenty five to thirty year old like women.
At the beginning, there were people I knew or friends
(02:36):
of friends or you know, daughters of friends of my families.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
And all of these women were single.
Speaker 1 (02:43):
And I've sat with him so many times in the
midst of these conversations about future love and wanting to
find a partner, and now, you know, seven years in,
some of them have found that. But it's shocking to
me always that people like you are single and that
like you don't have people knocking down your door.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
I don't get it. I really don't understand it.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
Yeah, yeah, I mean I don't know. I just feel
like the like dating today is just like awful, and
so I kind of I wouldn't say give up, Like
that's not the right word, because like I'm still very
open like if someone like I've gone on random dates,
but I feel like, I don't know, it's just like
my generation of dating is just like insane.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
What are you running into?
Speaker 3 (03:28):
Well, I live in Nashville, Yeah, and the dating scene
there is horrific, Like I feel like, Okay, the way
I explain it is Nashville obviously a ton of people
come and visit, like every single weekend there's a new
and like girls come and they're like their best you
know what I'm saying, like they have the new clothes
and the out and like people are going there and
(03:49):
like whatever. So the men that live there, I feel
like they have like just this constant flow of like
women coming in. So a lot of guys there are
not wanting to like settle down where they're like very
much just like having fun in there, like you know,
going out and doing all that stuff. So I feel
like because of that, it's really really hard to find
someone who's like genuinely looking to settle down in Nashville.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Does that make sense, Yeah, it does make sense. I
want to I just kind of want to talk to
you like a friend, Okay for a second. Yeah, Like
do you feel like the like it's kind of the
grass is greener? Like you're beautiful, you're sweet, you're kind,
you're joyful. Like if the right guy who's really wanting
to find like a companion and a person to share
(04:33):
life with.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Mm hm, who's serious about that would look at you?
Speaker 1 (04:37):
I think on any day be like goodness, I'm lucky,
like I I found it. Yeah, but I do think
you're you're touching something that so many people are feeling
there are living in these cities that are transient and
focused around the bachelor parties and the Bachelorette parties and
the scenes downtown. That it's not like guys are looking
at you and be like, yeah, I'm not interested. It's
just that they're they're not slowing down for a second
(04:59):
to think, Wait, I might have found the person I
could be with, because tomorrow night I'm having fun going
back out to some pool party and I'm going to
be with this new girl. Yeah, and I do think
I'm running into that as I talk to my friends
about dating. It's it's just just like inability to just
say life needs to slow down so I can commit
to something.
Speaker 3 (05:18):
Yeah, no, for sure. I definitely think that's like one
of our biggest like downfalls in my generation in dating
is like it's just like the fast life and especially
social media and dating apps. Like I think it literally
has which dating apps like they're amazing. I know, like
people have met people and whatever. But I feel like
because of that, it's just yeah, you just you just
are fast like all the time, like there's something new
(05:41):
to look forward to, and a lot of people don't
like slow down and be like okay, wait, like you're amazing,
Like I you know, like, let's like see this out.
It's hard.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
You kind of want to, like for me, and I've
been in that world. I mean I have, I've I've
come off the show and we you know, I had
the breakup and dated and it was fun and is it.
It was exciting. And I remember telling my wife this
right before we got married. So excited to marry my wife.
But I was like, it's going to be really weird
for me. I've always been known as a bachelor. Yeah,
(06:10):
it's going to be really weird to like identity shift.
And so now that I'm on the other side of
that years later, you almost just want to shake people
and be like it's so much better on the other side,
Like this sounds fun, it sounds exciting. You're gonna hit
thirty five, it's going to be exhausting. Yeah, you don't
want to leave your house, Like, it's so much better
(06:31):
to have your partner there with you to build this
life together. And I wish I would have done it
ten years ago with her. I mean, we're just so
new to it, back to the game because we do
have some things to get to know you and kind
of still try to figure out what this is going
to look like, and who we're going to set you
up with.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
We've already mentioned your.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Name, your age yep, twenty seven, twenty seven years old.
If you could describe your physical appearance for somebody listening, okay,
could you describe it for us? Yes?
Speaker 2 (07:08):
I feel so creepy.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Okay, I don't have dark hair, brown eyes, five to seven.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Yeah, yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
I feel like I've never.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Been asked what's your shoe size?
Speaker 3 (07:26):
Size nine? I got skis for feet, some big feet
on that beautiful feet.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
I just want to be clear.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
If you look back now, obviously we know you from
the show, and we're soon going to know you from
a new show, this show. What's the best thing that
happened to you from being on the show. We've already
talked about in the past. Your friendships. Hm, So I'm
actually gonna take that out of play here. Okay, you
can't mention the other girls.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
Okay. The best thing that came out of it honestly
putting myself like outside of my comfort zone. I feel
like I'm kind of I mean, I always say I'm shy,
and then people are like, what, Like, You're literally not shy,
But I feel like I am kind of shy and
going on the Bachelor and like doing these podcasts and
all this stuff, Like it really pushes me outside of
my comfort zone. So I think that's like the best
(08:27):
thing that's come out of it, outside of the friendships.
But like it really has pushed me. And honestly, like
my relationship, like I've really had to like lean on
God a lot too, so I feel like my relationship
there has grown. So I don't know, just like growing
as a person. I feel like the whole Bachelor everything,
like it really pushed me to get outside and learn
more about myself and just be better and learn things.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
I'm really interested in this. So going before you went
on the show, could you describe yourself then?
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Yeah, I was. I mean I was always like in
like the in the mix of people, right, Like I
was never like a homebody, Like I love being a
home but like I was always like going on and
doing stuff. But I was always just like kind of
like in my shell. Like I had my few people
that I was like comfortable with and I would be
like completely me, but then like talking a random people,
(09:20):
I'd be like, oh my gosh, like hi, like and
I would just get so in my head, and then
I'd be like, oh my gosh, I didn't say enough
or like all this stuff, and like now I don't
really have that, And I feel like it's because I've
talked to so many people that I've never met before
and I had to like have a conversation with them
and like hold a conversation. So yeah, I feel like
I was just a little more quiet before the show.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
I can relate with this.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
I don't know if you're like me, but there was
many of nights that even last night was a night
and it's been a while for me. When I'm in
social situations, I'll go to bed and lights would turn off.
I'll be laying on my pillow and I'll run back
through every conversation I had in that day and if
I made somebody feel, if I said something that came
(10:05):
off wrong and maybe didn't have a chance to clarify it,
or if I said something that was hurtful, or if
I embarrassed myself.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
And I used to do that.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
Before the show specific especially every night.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
Of my life.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
Yeah, and it would it would wreck me to where
I became anti social because I was so much living
in my own head.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Can you relate with.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
That, yes, very much.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah, and the show kind of does push you. I
think it's because you kind of like dive in head first,
ye to a world where you're dealing with so many
people that you just kind of have to say, like
I don't know really what I'm going to say, but
whatever I say, I'm sure, well we can clear it
up at some point. Yeah, And it does.
Speaker 2 (10:48):
But it makes it really hard to date.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
Because you're trying to be intentional, you're trying to be intimate,
you're trying to be vulnerable during these dates. You don't
know how much you say or or how little to say.
And so I for a large period of my life
I personally stop dating. Not because I wasn't interested in
like the idea of it, yeah, but because I was
so insecure or I had lacked so much confidence in
(11:15):
myself too doing Yeah, do you.
Speaker 3 (11:17):
Relate kinda Yeah, I feel like I always so. I
was actually talking to my best friend the other day
and I was like, because we were just talking because
we're both single and we're twenty seven whatever, and I
was like, I feel like I have like one more heartbreak,
Like I like, I don't know why I feel that way,
but like, I feel like I have one more heartbreak
to Like I was like, I feel like I still
(11:38):
have like things to learn about myself in relationships and stuff.
She's like, that's so crazy, and I was like, no,
but I really do because I think, yeah, I not.
I wouldn't say it insecurity, but I do think there's
things I need to grow in to, like fully like
be in a relationship where it's like this is like endgame,
you know, Like I think, you know, and I do
therapy and all that stuff, but yeah, I don't know.
(12:02):
I feel like, yeah, definitely, I feel like the whole
taking a break in dating, there's definitely a reason behind it.
I just haven't like truly figured it out yet.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
We're gonna get you back in the dating. I'm assuming
you've had a serious relationship before in the past. When
I say serious relationship, I'm sure there's somebody that comes
to mind. Yeah, can you describe that relationship to whatever
depth you want?
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Yeah, it was a COVID relationship, So I feel like
those are like a little weird in the beginning because
you know, you were stuck in I was stuck in
a house with him, right, And I always think I'm like,
if it wasn't COVID, would we have dated because we
would have been going out and meeting new people and
doing all these things. But because it was COVID, it
(12:45):
was like, okay, like we're locked in. I like you, you
like me, Like, let's just write this whole COVID thing out.
And I did love him. We dated for a year
and a half and then yeah, we broke up when
was it, like February, And it was not a great
breakup and there's still like a lot of I don't
have hate towards him, but he, like, I don't know,
(13:07):
just not a great breakup. And so I feel like
that kind of turned me off from dating too, because
I was like, literally that breakup it felt like I
was like dying like that heartbreak, Like I was literally
like heartbroken. I wasn't eating, like I couldn't sleep. It
was like a whole thing. And I was like, I
never want to feel that again, Like I literally never
want to feel that again. So that could maybe be
(13:28):
a reason why I stopped dating too.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Have breakups always been really hard for you?
Speaker 3 (13:35):
Yeah? Yeah, I feel like I get like attached to
and like because breakups you're like losing someone you know,
like especially like being with them day in day out,
like sharing everything with them, you know, like your life
is meshed together, and then yeah, you just one day
there it's just not that anymore, which is like really
hard for me to like, yeah, grasp kinda. So I
(13:57):
feel like, yeah, I take a breakup's pretty hard.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Yeah, I mean I really disliked that.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
No, they're literally the worst. I'm like, I wouldn't never
wish this upon anyone.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
No, But they teach you a lot too, they do,
And I think one of the most beautiful things looking
back at all of this experience is the things you
learn from these serious relationships, and especially when they end,
you get some clarity on the other side.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:19):
So with the serious relationships that you've had, the breakups
that you've had, the people.
Speaker 2 (14:22):
That you've been on to meet.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
The final question about you personally, if you give me
three requirements for your significant other based on what you've
learned so far at this point in your life, what
are you looking for?
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Definitely someone who's family oriented. It's like my biggest thing
because I'm like, I mean, I have a four ye
old brother and a twelve year old brother, Like I
need someone who can like be around family and enjoy
family time. I think that's my biggest thing. And I
grew up with a family that you know, we had
Sunday lunch every Sunday together after church, so definitely family oriented.
(14:59):
I would say religious is definitely a big one for me,
or open to it or like, you know, my third
one hmmm, I don't know. Probably someone who just is
just like genuine, Like I just want someone who like, like,
(15:19):
I love volunteering, and I want someone that's like, yeah, like,
it's a Sunday afternoon, let's go under. I do this
thing called under the Bridge on Sundays, and it's like
the best thing ever. It's like with homeless people, but
like someone who like would want to do that like
with me. So I feel like just someone who's genuine and.
Speaker 1 (15:35):
Yeah, Okay, this isn't a part of our plan. But
I do think you get to know a lot about
somebody by their passions, know what you spend your time doing,
Explain more of why you chose under the Bridge as
your volunteer shoot.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
So I got involved with it at my church. I
go to cross Point in Nashville, and basically under the
Bridge Ministry we go. Oh, it's like under the bridge
and like the homeless people used to live there but
they can't anymore. So that's like where we meet. But
we go and we always do music, we worship together,
and these people are literally like the best people ever,
(16:15):
And like, I don't know, I fell in love with
it because these people are like obviously don't have a lot, right,
but they're so happy and they're just so grateful that
like we put this on and we worship and there's
like always like a pastor that comes in and does
a sermon. Then we feed them food and then if
it's cold, we'll give them blankets or socks or like
(16:38):
whatever they need. So yeah, I just feel like being
around those people is really like it makes my heart
so happy because seeing how happy they are and how
little they have, like it's like very eye opening, right
because I think sometimes especially like in this life, you
can kind of get caught not caught up in things,
but just like care about that doesn't matter, right, And
(17:01):
it's like you take a step back and you're like,
oh my gosh, what matters is like having a roof
over your head, like loving people, having a good relationship
with God and like I don't know, it's just I love, love,
love love under the Bridge. It's really like changed my
heart And Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
It also is very antithetical to the fast pace that
we're talking about the beginning of this of the Nashville
scene or any of these cities scenes with the dating, Yeah,
and the kind of the flash and the pan nights
out like moments like this on a Sunday. I'm sure
under the Bridge it slows life down to where perspective
is like reintroduced to what life is really like for
(17:39):
so many people. Yeah, and allows.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
You an appreciation. And here's the cool part.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
You get to be where your feet are, Like you're
not thinking about a thousand other things. Yeah, you're not
looking around being like you know, how how do I
gain followers from this?
Speaker 2 (17:55):
Ye?
Speaker 1 (17:55):
You're just in that moment. And I think that's such
an like that is those moments are beautiful because you're
doing it for somebody else. But I also think we
just can't skip over that here, because it's why you
have the perspective of I want to find somebody, I
want to be intentional, I want to commit to somebody,
because you've taken time out of your life to do
(18:15):
that yeah. I think it's taught you more than probably
you even know, or that any of us could even
point to. We're gonna rapid fire kind of some like
really tough dating questions. I'm scared I might get creepy again.
(18:38):
I don't know, but I'm going to kind of fire
him at you spend as much time on them as
you want. They're just to get to know you better,
to get to know what you're looking for a little
bit more. Are you willing to be the primary breadwinner?
Speaker 3 (18:54):
Oh god, I feel like be honest, be honest.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Yeah, I mean you can't go dating in line, that's brutal.
Speaker 3 (19:06):
No, I don't want to be the bread winner.
Speaker 2 (19:08):
Do you want to be a stay at home mom?
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Yes, Okay, it's like my dream. Like.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
I like how Trista categorizes that. I think it's a
beautiful because I've seen my wife do this. She calls
she calls herself the household manager. Yes, which I think
is such like a It's a perfect description for a
stay at home mom. You're not just like a stay
at home mom, No, you're yeah, you're like managing a household.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
Yes, No, being a stay at home mom is like
it's a lot of work. Yeah, I'm like, yeah, he's
my only job.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Would you date someone that your family does not like?
Speaker 3 (19:41):
No? Ah, it depends, it depends, it depends, like, but probably.
Speaker 1 (19:48):
Not no, because I feel what would be that, Like,
give me a scenario here.
Speaker 3 (19:52):
I mean, if it's like over something stupid, like if
it's like, oh, I don't like the way he dresses
or like, I'd be like okay, like doesn't matter. But
if it was like genuinely like no, he treats like
I don't like the way he treats you, then I
feel like I would take that and be like okay,
like let me take a look at this. But if
it was like over something dumb, I wouldn't be like
it's fine, that's fair.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Family can be tough. Yes, yeah, my daughter will never date.
I'm not gonna like anybody describe the like the physical,
like when you think about your perfect person to date,
like they're walking into the beach in Tahoe, okay, shirtless, shirtless?
Speaker 3 (20:31):
What I like tall, I like dark hair, I like
dark features. And then I smile. Yeah, I feel like
the smiles like the biggest thing. I look at good teeth.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
They can they can wrap you up. If they just
give you that little grin, right, I get it, and
I get it. If you meet someone and they want
to date other people until you, guys, make it official.
So if you're on your first date and they're like, hey,
we're going to define the relationship. You and I are
just like getting to know each other here. But you know,
(21:09):
if you see me tomorrow night out in Nashville with
somebody else, don't be mad?
Speaker 2 (21:14):
Are you cool with that?
Speaker 3 (21:15):
No? No, I would literally would. I would crash out
like no, you're going to respect me? Thank you?
Speaker 2 (21:25):
Just to make things less awkward here.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
I cannot be included in the next two questions, Okay,
can't even think about it.
Speaker 2 (21:31):
Okay. The question is of all the bachelors.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
Since the beginning, who is the most handsome in your opinion?
Speaker 3 (21:38):
Oh? Geez, the most handsome? I don't know. Why do
I want to say Jesse? I think Jesse is so cute.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
How can you not think Jesse and his.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
Personality is so great? Okay, I'm going with Jesse.
Speaker 2 (21:56):
He's like six.
Speaker 1 (21:57):
Four pounds, solid, jawlne NFL foot ball player, your perfect male.
I watch him on TV at times and like goodness.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
And in person, I'm like, I'm like, how are you like?
He literally looks like perfect. I'm like, yeah, it's crazy.
Speaker 2 (22:14):
I'm with you.
Speaker 1 (22:15):
Okay, Okay, So now you can't have Jesse or myself.
Of all the Bachelor's, who do you think was the
greatest guy? Like, if we're taking physical appearance out of it,
matching what you're looking for in a personality, who would
be the greatest guy?
Speaker 3 (22:32):
Oh? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
I mean they all haven't sucked that bad.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
No, No, I'm trying to like think of people the
great like personality. Yeah, I honestly didn't. You've really watched
The Bachelor before? Though.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
We do have Bob Guinea with us right now at
the Verbo hilarious.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
Yeah, I love him.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
I think Bob would love a shout out.
Speaker 3 (22:56):
Okay, yeah, all right, we're going with Bob.
Speaker 1 (22:57):
I mean, Bob has Bob has of the best personalities anybody.
Speaker 2 (23:01):
I've ever met.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
He's so funny, he's so funny, He's very sweet. Yeah,
he's a very very very handsome man is himself.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
Yeah, Okay, Bob.
Speaker 1 (23:10):
A couple more questions here. How do you feel about
being set up?
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Honestly, I'm down to try anything at this point. So
I feel like I'm okay with being set up.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
And do you believe you can be in love with
two people at one time?
Speaker 3 (23:28):
Oh? No, no?
Speaker 2 (23:32):
Okay?
Speaker 1 (23:34):
Uh would you kiss on the first date?
Speaker 3 (23:37):
Mmmm? Yeah kiss only?
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Kiss only?
Speaker 3 (23:41):
Yeah, I would do that. I think that's fine.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Yeah, I'm no judgment.
Speaker 3 (23:46):
I think it's good.
Speaker 2 (23:48):
Kiss. Okay.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
Final question for you, Okay, what is your goal? From
famously Available?
Speaker 3 (24:01):
My goal is to learn more about myself obviously in dating,
because I feel like I've like definitely pushed it off
to the side and I'm definitely ready to get into
the dating scene again. So I feel like, yeah, learning
more about myself in that way and then hopefully meeting someone.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
Never know, I meant what I said, like, no matter
where this spits us out, somebody's gonna be very lucky
they are.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
I don't know when.
Speaker 1 (24:30):
I hope you don't have another heartbreak in front of you,
but if you do, well, you get through it. I
had a really bad heartbreak right before I.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
Found my wife.
Speaker 1 (24:39):
Really yeah, I dated somebody kind of in between for
a period of time. They just weren't the right person,
and it hurt really bad. I think it hurt us
both really bad. And then my wife came in like
a month later to my life and I learned so much,
and like at the time, I felt like nothing was
ever gonna work. And then as I started dating my wife,
(25:00):
I was like, I know why, you know all this happened,
but somebody's gonna be very lucky. I can't wait to
just see where this goes and to hear about your
experiences and then also to follow your story going forward.
I think years from now we're going to be sitting
here being like, how cool is this?
Speaker 2 (25:18):
You found it?
Speaker 1 (25:18):
So, if any guys are out there listening, or any
girls with brothers, cousins, friends, family members, Mercedes is a catch.
Speaker 2 (25:27):
We're lucky to have her. Thanks for coming on, Thank you.
Speaker 3 (25:29):
I had fun.
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