December 21, 2025 • 27 mins
Ben gets one-on-one with Mercedes to recap her blind date.
Will there be a second date??
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
iHeart podcasts, bring you the ultimate Summer of love Tree.
This is famously available everybody, It's famously available. I'm your host,
Ben Higgins. It's the final conclusion to this date that
we've been tracking. At least we think it's the final conclusion.
We were there when they met on the pod for
the first time. We talked to him after the date,
(00:21):
and I've talked to my trusted spies of the evening.
Now it's time for me to connect with the star herself. Mercedes. Hello, Hello,
let's hear all about it.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Oh my gosh, we have so much to talk about.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
There's so much to talk about. Let's start from the beginning.
In all transparency, I have talked to Bryce, I have
talked to our spies. You are the final chapter to
this first date conclusion. Walk us from the beginning. I mean,
we've talked to you in the setup. But let's start
(00:59):
with when the two of you first met each other.
Walk me through that.
Speaker 2 (01:03):
Yeah, I mean obviously, so Deana was podcasting with him,
and then they're like, all right, Mercedes coming. It felt
like I was like on a game show. But I
walked in and like, initially like so cute. He's very
attractive and like right off the bat, you can tell
he's super personal and can talk to literally anyone, which
(01:27):
I love. And yeah, I mean like right off the bat,
I felt like super comfortable. I wasn't like super nervous.
I mean I was nervous, but like not like anything crazy.
So felt super comfortable in the beginning, and it started
super good.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Your outfits were matching. We've covered this on all well
now three interviews we've done. Was that exciting for you?
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Yeah, I mean we were both wearing silk looking good.
I mean it definitely wasn't like a, oh my gosh,
we're matching, like I don't know, I mean it was funny,
like yeah, but I know we were both wearing silk.
It's so funny, a.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Little unexpected, both wearing silk, black silk.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
To be exact, you were looking stunning, no questions asked.
You were looking absolutely gorgeous. He is a very handsome man.
But there I want to go back to the time
that we talked before the date, when I mentioned he
had been on reality television. You did take a step back.
(02:31):
You you acted like it wasn't a thing, but it
felt like from your reaction maybe it was was it?
Was it an actual thing for you?
Speaker 2 (02:44):
No? No, not really. I mean I like, like, like
I said when we were on the podcast, when I
first like initially think about it, I'm like, oh, like TV.
But I'm like, but I've been on TV, and I
also know so many great men that I've been on TV.
So it was like, I don't know. I think for
a second, I was like oh, but then I was like, no,
it doesn't actually matter. But then he told me he
(03:05):
was on he was on f Boy Island, and I
was like, oh, but he was like one of the
good ones, so it's fine.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Yeah. F Boy Island was actually created by and produced
by a former Bachelor ep along Gale.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Yeah, that's what he was saying. I didn't know Alon
is that his name.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Yeah, he's a great guy. You missed that on a
great chapter of the show. Yeah, we've mentioned also people
have brought out to us that he was a complete
gentleman to you from the beginning. He gave you his
coat when you're waiting for an uber because you were cold.
You got in this sprinter van together. Then kind of
after that, it was a long drive. From your perspective,
(03:49):
how did that drive go.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
It was good. I mean, like we conversation with him
was really really easy, and honestly, I wouldn't say deep
is the right word, but like I did. I don't know.
He like got me to open up in ways that
I don't usually open up, like right away, so I
was like kind of cool. But yeah, the conversation was
really really good. I wasn't expecting to be like side
(04:13):
by side for an hour. No, that's intimidating, yeah for sure,
but no, it was great. Like the conversation was good,
and he like kind of told me about his life,
his la and then obviously I talked about Nashville and
Iowa and our families, and he told me about some
stuff that he's been doing. So we definitely got to
(04:36):
like know each other in that ride.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
For sure, there was a depth, you said to the conversation.
I'm very curious what kind of things he got you
to open up about that you didn't expect to open
up about on a first date.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Yeah. So we were talking about like our moms and
how like moms are amazing, and then I was like, yeah,
my mom had me when she was sixteen, like she's
like the best thing ever. Whatever, and then we just
kind of like went down that path. And I don't
usually talk about my biological father to a lot of
people just because it's like a whole it's a whole story.
(05:10):
But I did with him, And so I don't know,
I thought, Yeah, I just like opened up. I don't know,
it's like very rare of me, especially on first date.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
So I mean, and I'm sure then, I mean, you
had friends around you, You're in a sprinter van. They
probably know more about you than than most Their first reaction,
especially to the two of you having these kind of conversations, well,
like what were they thinking, Well, I don't think.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
They heard like it was very much like us two
in the conversation when that was happening, Like I like,
they turned around. Gabby and Jess were in front of us,
and they turned around and had like some conversation with us.
But I would say most of the car ride it
was just like me and him talking.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
So they yeah, like they they weren't necessarily like listening
in creeping in Okay. And and Deanna had told me
that she sat behind you and she was kind of
watching the body language on the sprinter van ride. She
mentioned that the body language was really good that you
guys were, you know, sharing mutual friends. You were talking,
you were laughing, and then you arrived to the actual
(06:14):
event where there was a lot of your friends there.
We had taught, we have talked about this before. How
did you introduce him to people? Did you even need
to or was he that good socially that you just
kind of let him do his thing.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, he's definitely good, like on his own. But I
did introduce him to like Katie and Zach obviously, but
he met most everyone in the sprinter van, so that
was nice that like before we got to the event,
he kind of knew everyone. The only people in my
circle like Joe and Serena were there, but I wouldn't
say I'm like close to them, so I didn't like
(06:53):
go up to introduce him. Does that make sense, Yeah,
just because I'm not like super super close with them,
like I've maybe talked to him if you times, you know,
So like there's definitely people I didn't introduce him there
that like I knew I just wasn't close with. But
I think he did really good of like just enjoying
the concert and hanging out and like after the concert,
(07:13):
we'll probably get into that.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
But yeah, we're going to get into that. The if
we pause, then at this moment, you've put yourself back
in the place where you've entered, the venue, he's met,
the people you had, the car ride together. How are
you feeling about this first date?
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Good first date? Like in that moment, I was like, Okay,
this is going really good. But I will say Ben, like,
I don't think I was ever at a point where
I was like super excited about him, if that makes sense.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
That makes sense, And I think I think it definitely
is a thing on the first date. Right. He can
be attractive, he can be a gentleman, but if the
chemistry and the spark isn't there, it's noticeable. You can't
fake that. I'm curious. Can you help me understand why?
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Yeah? I mean I can't pinpoint it exactly, but I
do think like our lifestyles are a little different, and
just like in I don't want to like I don't know,
hold on, how do I say this? Okay, Basically, like
(08:27):
when we were talking in this for intervan, he had
said some things that and they weren't bad by any means,
Like I think this guy is great. I just know
the way that I live my life and the way
that he might be living his like doesn't really align.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
I mean, from what we know about you, and we've
done some deep dives on you personally, you are a homebody. Yeah.
That's been to your benefit and to your demise when
it comes to dating. Right, you get very comfortable at home.
You have some really deep loyal friendships. You From what
I understand about you, you aren't like a go outer, right,
(09:05):
Like that's not like a thing that you seek after anymore.
You're getting to the age where you know, you're more
likely to go to bed by nine thirty than you
are to stay up till two am. And is all
this right?
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Okay, yeah, and there's no judgment there. That's been my
life for thirty six years. But it I mean knowing
him and I just you know, chatted with him to
day at you know, two am. He's still working. You know,
music industry is different, like there is a pace to that.
(09:37):
Is that what you're kind of talking about?
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Yeah? Yeah, because he, like he told me. I asked him,
I'm like, do you like go out in la a lot?
And he kind of said that, like, you know, I
kind of have to for work. And he basically told
me that he does go out, which no hate, Like,
if you want to go out, go out, I just
like don't know if my lifestyle would align with that.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
You know, Yes, I understand, uh. And I think that's
a very fair you know, you know, critique or being
intuitive to those things. Because you are, you know, potentially
dating somebody. You don't want to be pushed into doing
things later at night than you like to.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Yeh.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
But I would like to push back on you a
little bit here, yes, and say, I mean I have
never been a late night person, but I did enjoy
going out a lot more as a single man than
I ever did once I met my wife. Once I
met my wife, all I wanted to do was find
reasons for us to be home.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
So I do think that slows things down quite a bit.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
M hmm. Well, and I feel like I've definitely been
like the girl that goes out, Like I've had my
time doing that. I just think in past relationships, like
you just said it, like when you find someoney, you
like want to be home, you want to do all that.
And then so I did that with my ex, and
then I like was the going out girl again. I
(11:01):
just feel like recently, especially like I've been really like
diving into my faith too, and I feel like that's
why I'm not out. And I will say, like even
after like we went to another bar, do you know
what I'm saying, Like it wasn't like, oh, it's ten
o'clock time to go home, Like it was like we
still went out and we all hung out and it
was great. But then like once we went home, he
went out after that, you know, and I'm like, oh,
(11:24):
could not be me. Sorry, I'm in a good bed.
It's what I am, you know.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
I do want to get your opinion on this. Kathy
Deanna and I did speak about this. I always had
a philosophy when it came to dating, no matter how
much fun I was having, that I was going to
go home like at the top of the evening, you know,
when things were at its best at least on the
first date. Maybe not after that like kind of a
(11:49):
ride or die, you know, second third date. I'm out
with you for as long as you want to be
out for. But yeah, I have I've always quote George Costanza,
when you leave the party like in the middle on top,
were you a little bit like frustrated that he decided
(12:10):
to stay.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
I think frustrated is the right word, because honestly, his
like him being there like wasn't affecting anyone. But I
did feel like because we were like on a date,
I didn't want to like hurt his feelings being like, hey,
like I'm like, I'm gonna hang out with my friends.
(12:33):
So he just like kind of came along like it
wasn't No, I wouldn't say frustrated. I don't think that's
the right word, but I did like after was very
much like when we went to the bar after the
jingle Bell, I was very much like, Okay, like dates
kind of over. Now we're just like hanging out. It's
like friends. Like I'm with my friends, I'm gonna give
them attention and like, you know, So, did.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
You feel obligated to kind of all so entertain him
or at this point was it just hey, you've met
my people, let's do our thing.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Yeah. I did feel like a little obligation, But I
think that's just me as a person too, because he
doesn't know anyone from Adam, and like, I don't want
anyone to ever feel like uncomfortable. So I did feel
an obligation, but like I said, he held his own
very well and he like like it was me, Jonathan,
(13:26):
who else was there? Just Gabby and Justin. It was
us six and the vibe was great. He got he
got along with everyone. He could keep up with conversation
like so I didn't feel too much like I had
to like be like okay, come on, which was nice.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
Before the day started, we did get an interview with
you where he did mention that it's end of the night.
If it went well, he'd be giving you or asking
or you know, agreeing to I don't know how you
want to say this and might not make somebody sound
like a creeper a kiss. We do know the night
did not end in a kiss, but it did end
in an exchange of numbers. That seems like a good sign.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Yeah, well he had my number four. He got my
number on the bus.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
Okay, so he got your number on the bus. So
he went in early and said, before anything else happens,
let me make sure I get the number.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
It's smart, it's good, it's good, it's a good play.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
But yeah, no, didn't end in a kiss. And then
he texted me and he was like, I really wanted
to kiss you, and then he invited me like out,
and I was like, that was when I was like,
I was honestly asleep when he sent it.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
It had to be pretty late jing bawl isn't like
an early night and then a bar hanging afterwards.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
It well, I think he texted me at like four am.
Oh my goodness, I say, like, yeah, he had.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
A late night, Mercedes. We gotta get honest here with you.
Though he told us he would like to get together again,
he said he don't come to Nashville to do that.
Would you say yes to a second date?
Speaker 2 (15:11):
I don't know. I feel it's not that it's like
a no, but I don't know. I don't know honestly,
Like I honestly, I haven't talked to him like at all,
like we have been texting or anything. It's not like
a one hundred percent no, But it's also not one
hundred percent yes, if that makes sense. I just think, like,
(15:36):
but again, the situation like it was a lot. It
was kind of like a not a regular first date.
But honestly, my gut is being like, there's no like
really chemistry there. If I'm being one hundred percent honest,
which I hate saying that because I don't want to
hurt his feelings and like it has nothing to do
with him. There's just like sometimes there's no chemistry.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
You know, you've mentioned us you would rather somebody be
straightforward then play along with the game, right, So being
straightforward is good here. That is something you want people
to treat you like, and so you know, I would
think you would want to do the same to them.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
I do want to ask, though, why not a second date?
I mean, the chemistry, the connection, all those things. But
it is a first date. And I'm always a proponent
of if the first date wasn't tragically bad, like consider
a second date just because first dates are awkward, They're weird,
people are nervous. Yeah, you know this especially was uncomfortable. Yeah,
(16:43):
and so why not a second date just given that context?
Speaker 2 (16:48):
Yeah, I don't know. I mean I feel like, which
maybe this is like wrong of me, but I just
feel like if I don't feel like excited and like
and not saying I wasn't excited to get to know him,
that's not the right word, but I just I didn't
leave the day being like, oh my gosh, I want
(17:08):
to see him again. You know, And I feel like
that says a lot, and I don't know if I
can like pinpoint one thing of like why exactly. But
maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I do like need to give
people more than just like one chance to like especially
because like you said, like the situation was like not weird.
Weird's not the right word, but like he was around
a bunch of people, we went to a concert like
(17:30):
on a podcast, you know, so like there are like
things that played into it.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
But yeah, I'm not I definitely don't want to push
you to have a second date. I just think I
want to get inside your brain a little bit on
your reasoning because on paper, if you write everything down,
you're like, yeah, that was a good date, Like it
was fine, it was a good first date. It went fine.
Are you talking to anybody else? Is that what kind
(17:55):
of plays into this?
Speaker 2 (17:56):
No, no one else, but I will say, which is
is bad. But like I did like kind of compare
it to my last day, my last first date, because
my last FIR date, first date, I was like, oh
my god, like so excited, you know, and I was
like I want to see him again, like I and
(18:17):
I just don't feel that this time but maybe, like,
like comparing is not great.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
Thing to do well. And I mean, if I'm honest,
just following along with your journey. It wasn't like Boston
man treated you great and at the end. But I
understand what you're saying. The first date, there is there
was a spark. Like my first date, I will say
there was a spark, there was a desire to talk again,
there was an excitement, and I've also had first dates
(18:42):
where there was a spark, there was the excitement, and
then maybe the next day I was like, not as much.
If we're to quantify the success of this date on
a scale of one to ten, keeping in mind that
(19:05):
this was a first date, what would be the number
you'd put on it, I.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
Would say a six six point five.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
That's actually better than I thought you were gonna say.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Oh really, yo, because like it went good, Like the
conversation was good. And that's why, like it's confusing, because
it really it was a good first date, and I
I enjoyed getting to know him, but for some reason,
I'm not like I need to see him again. You know.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
One of the best things about first dates or dating
in general is it helps you kind of figure out
what you're actually into and what you're not into I.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Know, And that's what's tough about because I'm doing this
podcas because like you know, I haven't dated a lot,
so like this is me like going into it and
like figuring out, like you just said, what I like,
what I don't like and all these things. So I
don't know. I'm glad I have you to like help
me figure it out though.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
Well, And part of this is like I have the receipts,
I have the memories of what has worked, what hasn't.
What you've said you wanted, but maybe you said you
wanted and you found out you didn't want, so give us.
I only want to uplift Bryce here. Yeah, because I
do think he took a big step. I do think
(20:18):
he was kind. It sounds like to you, what things
about Bryce stood out to you that you want to
find in somebody, Like what what qualities were attractive? And
then I am going to ask on the back end
of that, what things maybe were you weren't as in
favor of Yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
Good qualities. He didn't let me open a door. He
was like always helping my like holding my hand, like
when I was getting in and out of the sprinter
van so very much a gentleman, which I love. And
then he was very like I don't know, like he
made me feel like in a with all these people,
(21:04):
he made me feel like I was kind of the
only girl in the room. Like he like kept like
being like, oh my gosh, like you look so beautiful,
or just like complimenting me and just making me feel seen,
and like, especially in being in a room with so
many people, he made it like a thing to make
sure that I knew that he was interested in me,
(21:24):
which I really really really loved. Super easy to.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Talk to and anything that stood out to you outside
of obviously your different lifestyles that you didn't maybe or
maybe you weren't as attractive.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
To so he me personally. I feel like when I'm
dating someone like you also kind of have to like, what, Okay,
Remember when I told you were like who's gonna be
the hardest person to win over? Yeah, and I said
Jess mm hmm. He forgot just his name like three times,
and I'm like, oh, bro, So just like I think
(22:06):
that was like really unattractive because it was three times
and it happened to Gabby too once, I think. But
it's just like okay, like you are getting to know me,
but also like my friends are really important too, you know,
like you can't like just dismiss them. Yeah, but yeah,
when that happened, I was like, ooh, like that's kind
of nicky.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
It is, I would say. From my perspective though, and
he and I are different people, I would have just
been very nervous. And maybe he wasn't maybe he's smooth.
Like I just would have been very nervous for this date.
There was a lot of things that would have made
me anxious. Right, beautiful people, full on a bus, a
(22:45):
beautiful date that he's having. I could see myself being
overwhelmed and unable to really be myself, trying to like
adjust to whatever was happening.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
And I imagine a lot of men will feel that
way when they go on their first date with you.
I mean, I guess I say all this, Mercedes to say,
you will be intimidating in the best of ways person
to have a first date with. They're gonna walk into
the room and they're gonna be like, goodness, gracious, I
don't want to mess this up. Give me the best
shot I got. What do I have to do, what
do I have to say? Whatever? And that's just kind
(23:24):
of from the male thought process what happens during this
That's also why I think the thing that stood out
to me the most was he didn't bounce when things
were good.
Speaker 2 (23:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
I don't know what he was hoping the evening brought
and what the late night evening entailed, but that's also
one of my re always was one of my reasons
for leaving as soon as I knew the out was open,
Not because I wanted to leave, but because I knew
I had done what I need to do to at
least get my foot in the door for maybe that
second date.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Yeah, no, for sure, I don't. I feel like he
was really nice, So there's really nothing like bad or like.
But that's the only thing that I could think of
was the just thing.
Speaker 1 (24:07):
Obviously, I don't know if this goes to a second
date or not. That's your decision to make. You just
gotta let us know if it does, or I guess
either way, if we were to set you up again
here soon some qualities that you like, you really want
us to look for. I think it's been clear somebody
of a shared faith is very important to you. Yeah,
(24:28):
you've brought that up before. I think as you date seriously,
it's probably going to become more and more of a focus.
Anything else that you really want us to kind of
and this isn't talking about Bryce or not talking about Bryce.
We're talking in general, anything you really want people to
pay attention to.
Speaker 2 (24:45):
Yeah, someone I think being family oriented is really good.
I also think, like I want someone who's like which
I've said this before, but also has like a passion
outside of their like job. Like I feel like I
want someone who finds like it exciting to like go
volunteer or do things outside of like what they have
(25:07):
to do in life.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
You know, I do, I do, And I mean I
think that's one of the things that my wife and
I've talked about recently in our life. Is one of
the things that's made our marriage most successful is our
ability to talk about our passions at dinner outside of
just like the job that we have or each other.
We love each other, very passionate about each other. Yeah,
(25:28):
but it's really fun to hear about her desires for
X y Z and her to hear about my desires
for golf. And she does it, and it's fun, and
I think that's those are all great things. They are. Mercedes,
I want to just say, I'm appreciative of you for
(25:49):
going on this date and trusting us. Are you upset
by any means that you went on this first.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
Date now, not at all. I had a great time
and like he's seriously, like so such a good person,
super nice. Like I had a great time with him.
I just don't know right now if it's like I
want to go on a second date. But I don't know.
I don't know. I think I need like a few
more days to like kind of think about it, to
(26:15):
be honest.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
That's fair, that's fair. Just keep us updated. We'll follow
along with you. We don't go that far. Mercedes, keep
us updated, keep informing us on all of your dating life.
We appreciate you jumping on here and talking about it.
And we also appreciate you going to Iheart's jingle Ball,
which is always a fun time. You had a fun
time there at least.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Yeah, it was so much fun. We made a blast.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
That's great. Continue to listen to famously Available. There's a
lot out there right now about this first date with
Mercedes and Bryce. We have the spies, We have Bryce,
we have Mercedes. We have the pre date conversations, some
very helpful episodes to kind of get a glimpse into
what a first date is like for so many. I
also just think it's very resting. The follow along, we'll
(27:02):
see where the Bryce Mercedes friendship, relationship acquaintances go. We'll
keep you updated here on Famously Available, But until next time,
I've been Ben and we'll talk to you soon.
iHeart podcasts, bring you the ultimate Summer of love Tree.
This is famously available everybody, It's famously available. I'm your host,
Ben Higgins. It's the final conclusion to this date that
we've been tracking. At least we think it's the final conclusion.
We were there when they met on the pod for
the first time. We talked to him after the date,
(00:21):
and I've talked to my trusted spies of the evening.
Now it's time for me to connect with the star herself. Mercedes. Hello, Hello,
let's hear all about it.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Oh my gosh, we have so much to talk about.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
There's so much to talk about. Let's start from the beginning.
In all transparency, I have talked to Bryce, I have
talked to our spies. You are the final chapter to
this first date conclusion. Walk us from the beginning. I mean,
we've talked to you in the setup. But let's start
(00:59):
with when the two of you first met each other.
Walk me through that.
Speaker 2 (01:03):
Yeah, I mean obviously, so Deana was podcasting with him,
and then they're like, all right, Mercedes coming. It felt
like I was like on a game show. But I
walked in and like, initially like so cute. He's very
attractive and like right off the bat, you can tell
he's super personal and can talk to literally anyone, which
(01:27):
I love. And yeah, I mean like right off the bat,
I felt like super comfortable. I wasn't like super nervous.
I mean I was nervous, but like not like anything crazy.
So felt super comfortable in the beginning, and it started
super good.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Your outfits were matching. We've covered this on all well
now three interviews we've done. Was that exciting for you?
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Yeah, I mean we were both wearing silk looking good.
I mean it definitely wasn't like a, oh my gosh,
we're matching, like I don't know, I mean it was funny,
like yeah, but I know we were both wearing silk.
It's so funny, a.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Little unexpected, both wearing silk, black silk.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
To be exact, you were looking stunning, no questions asked.
You were looking absolutely gorgeous. He is a very handsome man.
But there I want to go back to the time
that we talked before the date, when I mentioned he
had been on reality television. You did take a step back.
(02:31):
You you acted like it wasn't a thing, but it
felt like from your reaction maybe it was was it?
Was it an actual thing for you?
Speaker 2 (02:44):
No? No, not really. I mean I like, like, like
I said when we were on the podcast, when I
first like initially think about it, I'm like, oh, like TV.
But I'm like, but I've been on TV, and I
also know so many great men that I've been on TV.
So it was like, I don't know. I think for
a second, I was like oh, but then I was like, no,
it doesn't actually matter. But then he told me he
(03:05):
was on he was on f Boy Island, and I
was like, oh, but he was like one of the
good ones, so it's fine.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Yeah. F Boy Island was actually created by and produced
by a former Bachelor ep along Gale.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Yeah, that's what he was saying. I didn't know Alon
is that his name.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Yeah, he's a great guy. You missed that on a
great chapter of the show. Yeah, we've mentioned also people
have brought out to us that he was a complete
gentleman to you from the beginning. He gave you his
coat when you're waiting for an uber because you were cold.
You got in this sprinter van together. Then kind of
after that, it was a long drive. From your perspective,
(03:49):
how did that drive go.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
It was good. I mean, like we conversation with him
was really really easy, and honestly, I wouldn't say deep
is the right word, but like I did. I don't know.
He like got me to open up in ways that
I don't usually open up, like right away, so I
was like kind of cool. But yeah, the conversation was
really really good. I wasn't expecting to be like side
(04:13):
by side for an hour. No, that's intimidating, yeah for sure,
but no, it was great. Like the conversation was good,
and he like kind of told me about his life,
his la and then obviously I talked about Nashville and
Iowa and our families, and he told me about some
stuff that he's been doing. So we definitely got to
(04:36):
like know each other in that ride.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
For sure, there was a depth, you said to the conversation.
I'm very curious what kind of things he got you
to open up about that you didn't expect to open
up about on a first date.
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Yeah. So we were talking about like our moms and
how like moms are amazing, and then I was like, yeah,
my mom had me when she was sixteen, like she's
like the best thing ever. Whatever, and then we just
kind of like went down that path. And I don't
usually talk about my biological father to a lot of
people just because it's like a whole it's a whole story.
(05:10):
But I did with him, And so I don't know,
I thought, Yeah, I just like opened up. I don't know,
it's like very rare of me, especially on first date.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
So I mean, and I'm sure then, I mean, you
had friends around you, You're in a sprinter van. They
probably know more about you than than most Their first reaction,
especially to the two of you having these kind of conversations, well,
like what were they thinking, Well, I don't think.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
They heard like it was very much like us two
in the conversation when that was happening, Like I like,
they turned around. Gabby and Jess were in front of us,
and they turned around and had like some conversation with us.
But I would say most of the car ride it
was just like me and him talking.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
So they yeah, like they they weren't necessarily like listening
in creeping in Okay. And and Deanna had told me
that she sat behind you and she was kind of
watching the body language on the sprinter van ride. She
mentioned that the body language was really good that you
guys were, you know, sharing mutual friends. You were talking,
you were laughing, and then you arrived to the actual
(06:14):
event where there was a lot of your friends there.
We had taught, we have talked about this before. How
did you introduce him to people? Did you even need
to or was he that good socially that you just
kind of let him do his thing.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, he's definitely good, like on his own. But I
did introduce him to like Katie and Zach obviously, but
he met most everyone in the sprinter van, so that
was nice that like before we got to the event,
he kind of knew everyone. The only people in my
circle like Joe and Serena were there, but I wouldn't
say I'm like close to them, so I didn't like
(06:53):
go up to introduce him. Does that make sense, Yeah,
just because I'm not like super super close with them,
like I've maybe talked to him if you times, you know,
So like there's definitely people I didn't introduce him there
that like I knew I just wasn't close with. But
I think he did really good of like just enjoying
the concert and hanging out and like after the concert,
(07:13):
we'll probably get into that.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
But yeah, we're going to get into that. The if
we pause, then at this moment, you've put yourself back
in the place where you've entered, the venue, he's met,
the people you had, the car ride together. How are
you feeling about this first date?
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Good first date? Like in that moment, I was like, Okay,
this is going really good. But I will say Ben, like,
I don't think I was ever at a point where
I was like super excited about him, if that makes sense.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
That makes sense, And I think I think it definitely
is a thing on the first date. Right. He can
be attractive, he can be a gentleman, but if the
chemistry and the spark isn't there, it's noticeable. You can't
fake that. I'm curious. Can you help me understand why?
Speaker 2 (08:06):
Yeah? I mean I can't pinpoint it exactly, but I
do think like our lifestyles are a little different, and
just like in I don't want to like I don't know,
hold on, how do I say this? Okay, Basically, like
(08:27):
when we were talking in this for intervan, he had
said some things that and they weren't bad by any means,
Like I think this guy is great. I just know
the way that I live my life and the way
that he might be living his like doesn't really align.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
I mean, from what we know about you, and we've
done some deep dives on you personally, you are a homebody. Yeah.
That's been to your benefit and to your demise when
it comes to dating. Right, you get very comfortable at home.
You have some really deep loyal friendships. You From what
I understand about you, you aren't like a go outer, right,
(09:05):
Like that's not like a thing that you seek after anymore.
You're getting to the age where you know, you're more
likely to go to bed by nine thirty than you
are to stay up till two am. And is all
this right?
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Yes?
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Okay, yeah, and there's no judgment there. That's been my
life for thirty six years. But it I mean knowing
him and I just you know, chatted with him to
day at you know, two am. He's still working. You know,
music industry is different, like there is a pace to that.
(09:37):
Is that what you're kind of talking about?
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Yeah? Yeah, because he, like he told me. I asked him,
I'm like, do you like go out in la a lot?
And he kind of said that, like, you know, I
kind of have to for work. And he basically told
me that he does go out, which no hate, Like,
if you want to go out, go out, I just
like don't know if my lifestyle would align with that.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
You know, Yes, I understand, uh. And I think that's
a very fair you know, you know, critique or being
intuitive to those things. Because you are, you know, potentially
dating somebody. You don't want to be pushed into doing
things later at night than you like to.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Yeh.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
But I would like to push back on you a
little bit here, yes, and say, I mean I have
never been a late night person, but I did enjoy
going out a lot more as a single man than
I ever did once I met my wife. Once I
met my wife, all I wanted to do was find
reasons for us to be home.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
So I do think that slows things down quite a bit.
Speaker 2 (10:40):
M hmm. Well, and I feel like I've definitely been
like the girl that goes out, Like I've had my
time doing that. I just think in past relationships, like
you just said it, like when you find someoney, you
like want to be home, you want to do all that.
And then so I did that with my ex, and
then I like was the going out girl again. I
(11:01):
just feel like recently, especially like I've been really like
diving into my faith too, and I feel like that's
why I'm not out. And I will say, like even
after like we went to another bar, do you know
what I'm saying, Like it wasn't like, oh, it's ten
o'clock time to go home, Like it was like we
still went out and we all hung out and it
was great. But then like once we went home, he
went out after that, you know, and I'm like, oh,
(11:24):
could not be me. Sorry, I'm in a good bed.
It's what I am, you know.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
I do want to get your opinion on this. Kathy
Deanna and I did speak about this. I always had
a philosophy when it came to dating, no matter how
much fun I was having, that I was going to
go home like at the top of the evening, you know,
when things were at its best at least on the
first date. Maybe not after that like kind of a
(11:49):
ride or die, you know, second third date. I'm out
with you for as long as you want to be
out for. But yeah, I have I've always quote George Costanza,
when you leave the party like in the middle on top,
were you a little bit like frustrated that he decided
(12:10):
to stay.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
I think frustrated is the right word, because honestly, his
like him being there like wasn't affecting anyone. But I
did feel like because we were like on a date,
I didn't want to like hurt his feelings being like, hey,
like I'm like, I'm gonna hang out with my friends.
(12:33):
So he just like kind of came along like it
wasn't No, I wouldn't say frustrated. I don't think that's
the right word, but I did like after was very
much like when we went to the bar after the
jingle Bell, I was very much like, Okay, like dates
kind of over. Now we're just like hanging out. It's
like friends. Like I'm with my friends, I'm gonna give
them attention and like, you know, So, did.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
You feel obligated to kind of all so entertain him
or at this point was it just hey, you've met
my people, let's do our thing.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Yeah. I did feel like a little obligation, But I
think that's just me as a person too, because he
doesn't know anyone from Adam, and like, I don't want
anyone to ever feel like uncomfortable. So I did feel
an obligation, but like I said, he held his own
very well and he like like it was me, Jonathan,
(13:26):
who else was there? Just Gabby and Justin. It was
us six and the vibe was great. He got he
got along with everyone. He could keep up with conversation
like so I didn't feel too much like I had
to like be like okay, come on, which was nice.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
Before the day started, we did get an interview with
you where he did mention that it's end of the night.
If it went well, he'd be giving you or asking
or you know, agreeing to I don't know how you
want to say this and might not make somebody sound
like a creeper a kiss. We do know the night
did not end in a kiss, but it did end
in an exchange of numbers. That seems like a good sign.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
Yeah, well he had my number four. He got my
number on the bus.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
Okay, so he got your number on the bus. So
he went in early and said, before anything else happens,
let me make sure I get the number.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
It's smart, it's good, it's good, it's a good play.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
But yeah, no, didn't end in a kiss. And then
he texted me and he was like, I really wanted
to kiss you, and then he invited me like out,
and I was like, that was when I was like,
I was honestly asleep when he sent it.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
It had to be pretty late jing bawl isn't like
an early night and then a bar hanging afterwards.
Speaker 2 (14:46):
It well, I think he texted me at like four am.
Oh my goodness, I say, like, yeah, he had.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
A late night, Mercedes. We gotta get honest here with you.
Though he told us he would like to get together again,
he said he don't come to Nashville to do that.
Would you say yes to a second date?
Speaker 2 (15:11):
I don't know. I feel it's not that it's like
a no, but I don't know. I don't know honestly,
Like I honestly, I haven't talked to him like at all,
like we have been texting or anything. It's not like
a one hundred percent no, But it's also not one
hundred percent yes, if that makes sense. I just think, like,
(15:36):
but again, the situation like it was a lot. It
was kind of like a not a regular first date.
But honestly, my gut is being like, there's no like
really chemistry there. If I'm being one hundred percent honest,
which I hate saying that because I don't want to
hurt his feelings and like it has nothing to do
with him. There's just like sometimes there's no chemistry.
Speaker 1 (15:57):
You know, you've mentioned us you would rather somebody be
straightforward then play along with the game, right, So being
straightforward is good here. That is something you want people
to treat you like, and so you know, I would
think you would want to do the same to them.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
I do want to ask, though, why not a second date?
I mean, the chemistry, the connection, all those things. But
it is a first date. And I'm always a proponent
of if the first date wasn't tragically bad, like consider
a second date just because first dates are awkward, They're weird,
people are nervous. Yeah, you know this especially was uncomfortable. Yeah,
(16:43):
and so why not a second date just given that context?
Speaker 2 (16:48):
Yeah, I don't know. I mean I feel like, which
maybe this is like wrong of me, but I just
feel like if I don't feel like excited and like
and not saying I wasn't excited to get to know him,
that's not the right word, but I just I didn't
leave the day being like, oh my gosh, I want
(17:08):
to see him again. You know, And I feel like
that says a lot, and I don't know if I
can like pinpoint one thing of like why exactly. But
maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I do like need to give
people more than just like one chance to like especially
because like you said, like the situation was like not weird.
Weird's not the right word, but like he was around
a bunch of people, we went to a concert like
(17:30):
on a podcast, you know, so like there are like
things that played into it.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
But yeah, I'm not I definitely don't want to push
you to have a second date. I just think I
want to get inside your brain a little bit on
your reasoning because on paper, if you write everything down,
you're like, yeah, that was a good date, Like it
was fine, it was a good first date. It went fine.
Are you talking to anybody else? Is that what kind
(17:55):
of plays into this?
Speaker 2 (17:56):
No, no one else, but I will say, which is
is bad. But like I did like kind of compare
it to my last day, my last first date, because
my last FIR date, first date, I was like, oh
my god, like so excited, you know, and I was
like I want to see him again, like I and
(18:17):
I just don't feel that this time but maybe, like,
like comparing is not great.
Speaker 1 (18:20):
Thing to do well. And I mean, if I'm honest,
just following along with your journey. It wasn't like Boston
man treated you great and at the end. But I
understand what you're saying. The first date, there is there
was a spark. Like my first date, I will say
there was a spark, there was a desire to talk again,
there was an excitement, and I've also had first dates
(18:42):
where there was a spark, there was the excitement, and
then maybe the next day I was like, not as much.
If we're to quantify the success of this date on
a scale of one to ten, keeping in mind that
(19:05):
this was a first date, what would be the number
you'd put on it, I.
Speaker 2 (19:09):
Would say a six six point five.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
That's actually better than I thought you were gonna say.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Oh really, yo, because like it went good, Like the
conversation was good. And that's why, like it's confusing, because
it really it was a good first date, and I
I enjoyed getting to know him, but for some reason,
I'm not like I need to see him again. You know.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
One of the best things about first dates or dating
in general is it helps you kind of figure out
what you're actually into and what you're not into I.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Know, And that's what's tough about because I'm doing this
podcas because like you know, I haven't dated a lot,
so like this is me like going into it and
like figuring out, like you just said, what I like,
what I don't like and all these things. So I
don't know. I'm glad I have you to like help
me figure it out though.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
Well, And part of this is like I have the receipts,
I have the memories of what has worked, what hasn't.
What you've said you wanted, but maybe you said you
wanted and you found out you didn't want, so give us.
I only want to uplift Bryce here. Yeah, because I
do think he took a big step. I do think
(20:18):
he was kind. It sounds like to you, what things
about Bryce stood out to you that you want to
find in somebody, Like what what qualities were attractive? And
then I am going to ask on the back end
of that, what things maybe were you weren't as in
favor of Yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
Good qualities. He didn't let me open a door. He
was like always helping my like holding my hand, like
when I was getting in and out of the sprinter
van so very much a gentleman, which I love. And
then he was very like I don't know, like he
made me feel like in a with all these people,
(21:04):
he made me feel like I was kind of the
only girl in the room. Like he like kept like
being like, oh my gosh, like you look so beautiful,
or just like complimenting me and just making me feel seen,
and like, especially in being in a room with so
many people, he made it like a thing to make
sure that I knew that he was interested in me,
(21:24):
which I really really really loved. Super easy to.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Talk to and anything that stood out to you outside
of obviously your different lifestyles that you didn't maybe or
maybe you weren't as attractive.
Speaker 2 (21:43):
To so he me personally. I feel like when I'm
dating someone like you also kind of have to like, what, Okay,
Remember when I told you were like who's gonna be
the hardest person to win over? Yeah, and I said
Jess mm hmm. He forgot just his name like three times,
and I'm like, oh, bro, So just like I think
(22:06):
that was like really unattractive because it was three times
and it happened to Gabby too once, I think. But
it's just like okay, like you are getting to know me,
but also like my friends are really important too, you know,
like you can't like just dismiss them. Yeah, but yeah,
when that happened, I was like, ooh, like that's kind
of nicky.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
It is, I would say. From my perspective though, and
he and I are different people, I would have just
been very nervous. And maybe he wasn't maybe he's smooth.
Like I just would have been very nervous for this date.
There was a lot of things that would have made
me anxious. Right, beautiful people, full on a bus, a
(22:45):
beautiful date that he's having. I could see myself being
overwhelmed and unable to really be myself, trying to like
adjust to whatever was happening.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
And I imagine a lot of men will feel that
way when they go on their first date with you.
I mean, I guess I say all this, Mercedes to say,
you will be intimidating in the best of ways person
to have a first date with. They're gonna walk into
the room and they're gonna be like, goodness, gracious, I
don't want to mess this up. Give me the best
shot I got. What do I have to do, what
do I have to say? Whatever? And that's just kind
(23:24):
of from the male thought process what happens during this
That's also why I think the thing that stood out
to me the most was he didn't bounce when things
were good.
Speaker 2 (23:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
I don't know what he was hoping the evening brought
and what the late night evening entailed, but that's also
one of my re always was one of my reasons
for leaving as soon as I knew the out was open,
Not because I wanted to leave, but because I knew
I had done what I need to do to at
least get my foot in the door for maybe that
second date.
Speaker 2 (23:54):
Yeah, no, for sure, I don't. I feel like he
was really nice, So there's really nothing like bad or like.
But that's the only thing that I could think of
was the just thing.
Speaker 1 (24:07):
Obviously, I don't know if this goes to a second
date or not. That's your decision to make. You just
gotta let us know if it does, or I guess
either way, if we were to set you up again
here soon some qualities that you like, you really want
us to look for. I think it's been clear somebody
of a shared faith is very important to you. Yeah,
(24:28):
you've brought that up before. I think as you date seriously,
it's probably going to become more and more of a focus.
Anything else that you really want us to kind of
and this isn't talking about Bryce or not talking about Bryce.
We're talking in general, anything you really want people to
pay attention to.
Speaker 2 (24:45):
Yeah, someone I think being family oriented is really good.
I also think, like I want someone who's like which
I've said this before, but also has like a passion
outside of their like job. Like I feel like I
want someone who finds like it exciting to like go
volunteer or do things outside of like what they have
(25:07):
to do in life.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
You know, I do, I do, And I mean I
think that's one of the things that my wife and
I've talked about recently in our life. Is one of
the things that's made our marriage most successful is our
ability to talk about our passions at dinner outside of
just like the job that we have or each other.
We love each other, very passionate about each other. Yeah,
(25:28):
but it's really fun to hear about her desires for
X y Z and her to hear about my desires
for golf. And she does it, and it's fun, and
I think that's those are all great things. They are. Mercedes,
I want to just say, I'm appreciative of you for
(25:49):
going on this date and trusting us. Are you upset
by any means that you went on this first.
Speaker 2 (25:54):
Date now, not at all. I had a great time
and like he's seriously, like so such a good person,
super nice. Like I had a great time with him.
I just don't know right now if it's like I
want to go on a second date. But I don't know.
I don't know. I think I need like a few
more days to like kind of think about it, to
(26:15):
be honest.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
That's fair, that's fair. Just keep us updated. We'll follow
along with you. We don't go that far. Mercedes, keep
us updated, keep informing us on all of your dating life.
We appreciate you jumping on here and talking about it.
And we also appreciate you going to Iheart's jingle Ball,
which is always a fun time. You had a fun
time there at least.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
Yeah, it was so much fun. We made a blast.
Speaker 1 (26:38):
That's great. Continue to listen to famously Available. There's a
lot out there right now about this first date with
Mercedes and Bryce. We have the spies, We have Bryce,
we have Mercedes. We have the pre date conversations, some
very helpful episodes to kind of get a glimpse into
what a first date is like for so many. I
also just think it's very resting. The follow along, we'll
(27:02):
see where the Bryce Mercedes friendship, relationship acquaintances go. We'll
keep you updated here on Famously Available, But until next time,
I've been Ben and we'll talk to you soon.
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The Bobby Bones Show
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.