This is the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous podcast with iHeartRadio.

This is the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous podcast with iHeartRadio.

Oh my goodness, this is a big episode of the Almost Famous podcast. This is always one of my favorite times for the Almost Famous podcasts because we get it, get to interview people and love and today we have Zach and Katie.

Oh my goodness, this is a big episode of the Almost Famous podcast. This is always one of my favorite times for the Almost Famous podcasts because we get it, get to interview people and love and today we have Zach and Katie.

Welcome to Almost Famous.

Welcome to Almost Famous.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

We just confirmed that this is your first time on Almost Famous since you two have been together.

We just confirmed that this is your first time on Almost Famous since you two have been together.

Yeah, well, yeah, it's my first time.

Yeah, well, yeah, it's my first time.

Super exciting.

Super exciting.

And you came on and interviewed with Ashley before I believe the season even started, or somewhere in the middle of it.

And you came on and interviewed with Ashley before I believe the season even started, or somewhere in the middle of it.

It was actually right before the season started. Yeah, And it's a pretty good interview, but a little little harsh, little rough, and it actually was oh yeah, oh.

It was actually right before the season started. Yeah, And it's a pretty good interview, but a little little harsh, little rough, and it actually was oh yeah, oh.

Yeah, oh yeah.

Yeah, oh yeah.

Right.

Right.

You know, we have a theory here on Almost Famous, because I've sat in your seat before Ashley has at some level as well, is we want to clear the air. So we want to ask the questions that Mike seem harsh for you to respond to, not to trick you, but to allow you to respond, and hopefully when vulnerability is offered, people fall in love with that. Right, People respond really well to honesty. It's really hard to dislike somebody when you get to know somebody exactly. So that's what we're gonna do today. I'm very excited to have the two of you catch us up on your relationship since the show.

You know, we have a theory here on Almost Famous, because I've sat in your seat before Ashley has at some level as well, is we want to clear the air. So we want to ask the questions that Mike seem harsh for you to respond to, not to trick you, but to allow you to respond, and hopefully when vulnerability is offered, people fall in love with that. Right, People respond really well to honesty. It's really hard to dislike somebody when you get to know somebody exactly. So that's what we're gonna do today. I'm very excited to have the two of you catch us up on your relationship since the show.

Yeah. So right after the show, we flew right to New York and we did like the three day crazy press circuit of just going everywhere and anywhere, and I think one day we had, you know, nineteen different interviews in podcasts.

Yeah. So right after the show, we flew right to New York and we did like the three day crazy press circuit of just going everywhere and anywhere, and I think one day we had, you know, nineteen different interviews in podcasts.

In one day up for like twenty six hours.

In one day up for like twenty six hours.

We did sleep twenty six hours no sleep.

We did sleep twenty six hours no sleep.

Almost miss Gma.

Almost miss Gma.

Almost to Miss Gma. Were getting a right tell us why well, our flight, like the traffic to get to Lax, the flight was delayed multiple times. We're just enjoying our time together on a plane, finally just being in public. And then we land and there's crazy traffic, there's car trap, and Katie's putting on makeup and there.

Almost to Miss Gma. Were getting a right tell us why well, our flight, like the traffic to get to Lax, the flight was delayed multiple times. We're just enjoying our time together on a plane, finally just being in public. And then we land and there's crazy traffic, there's car trap, and Katie's putting on makeup and there.

I didn't do yeah, like fifteen minutes before They're like, yeah, you need to have your hair and makeup done, and like, I've been on a flight, yeah for like six seven.

I didn't do yeah, like fifteen minutes before They're like, yeah, you need to have your hair and makeup done, and like, I've been on a flight, yeah for like six seven.

Hours, are you kiddie mean?

Hours, are you kiddie mean?

Like so, yeah, Gma, I did my my makeup in the car and hair.

Like so, yeah, Gma, I did my my makeup in the car and hair.

I'm walking out of the car to go into GMA with my pants half down, point it up. Yeah, I mean it was it was wild, but it kind of like woke you up and it was like, all right, there you go, because it was the morning after the live finale, so we were kind of just in the surreal state. But then after that, pretty quick after Katie moved immediately back to Austin to start work. I took about a week to kind of gather my things from California, and then I caravaned out to California and now we're both living in Austin.

I'm walking out of the car to go into GMA with my pants half down, point it up. Yeah, I mean it was it was wild, but it kind of like woke you up and it was like, all right, there you go, because it was the morning after the live finale, so we were kind of just in the surreal state. But then after that, pretty quick after Katie moved immediately back to Austin to start work. I took about a week to kind of gather my things from California, and then I caravaned out to California and now we're both living in Austin.

Caravan to Texas. You left California to go to Texas, right.

Caravan to Texas. You left California to go to Texas, right.

Yeah, because I was previously living in Texas. But I back.

Yeah, because I was previously living in Texas. But I back.

Okay, because did you move out to California for a while for the show?

Okay, because did you move out to California for a while for the show?

For it just didn't make sense. But I had lived in Austin for four years before Bachelor Bachelorette, and then when those opportunities came, I was like, yeah, I can't have a spot at both places right now. And then meet Katie and then it's like all right, I'm going back back to Austin.

For it just didn't make sense. But I had lived in Austin for four years before Bachelor Bachelorette, and then when those opportunities came, I was like, yeah, I can't have a spot at both places right now. And then meet Katie and then it's like all right, I'm going back back to Austin.

Well, the Bachelor world is weird because you go from zero to one hundred very quickly. But and Zach, this is mostly for you. You know, you're on the Bachelorette, you get announced as the bachelor, but there's really never a moment of like where you feel it because it feels Yes, it's weird to be in a mansion, Yes, it's weird to be on TV. Yes it's weird to be dating a bunch of people. But there's nothing else outside of that. You're in your own little bubble, so the attension isn't really there. There's never once in my life I felt like more of a celebrity than that flight or the drive away from the final rows to the airport. Did they escort you guys through the airport quickly to get to your flight?

Well, the Bachelor world is weird because you go from zero to one hundred very quickly. But and Zach, this is mostly for you. You know, you're on the Bachelorette, you get announced as the bachelor, but there's really never a moment of like where you feel it because it feels Yes, it's weird to be in a mansion, Yes, it's weird to be on TV. Yes it's weird to be dating a bunch of people. But there's nothing else outside of that. You're in your own little bubble, so the attension isn't really there. There's never once in my life I felt like more of a celebrity than that flight or the drive away from the final rows to the airport. Did they escort you guys through the airport quickly to get to your flight?

Like did they push you through?

Like did they push you through?

Not really? No?

Not really? No?

Okay, well then you just mentioned this.

Okay, well then you just mentioned this.

Then you get in a car and you drive up to GMA, your biggest television appearance yet, and you walk out and like you're on the stage at GMA, like twelve hours after the final rows. It's a very weird time, Like that is the weirdest time for in the whole process. For me, is that like twelve hours in between la New York television interviews.

Then you get in a car and you drive up to GMA, your biggest television appearance yet, and you walk out and like you're on the stage at GMA, like twelve hours after the final rows. It's a very weird time, Like that is the weirdest time for in the whole process. For me, is that like twelve hours in between la New York television interviews.

It was super fun though very exhilarating experience.

It was super fun though very exhilarating experience.

Yeah, like seeing like actual New York Papa Razzi for example, Like that.

Yeah, like seeing like actual New York Papa Razzi for example, Like that.

Was a great Yeah, that was like the first time I think it felt like.

Was a great Yeah, that was like the first time I think it felt like.

Oh, this is a huge like people are taking pictures of me. Yeah, they're going to sell these, like my picture is worth money. It's very odd. And then twenty four hours later it all ends. They're like, yeah, no, it it ends like next Yeah. I remember the final interview on that day, like there's a producer with us from The Bachelor that traveled out with us that kind of like coordinated everything, and then at the end of the day they left and it's pretty much over at that point, like there's really no contact you ever really have again unless there's like a special appearance that you have years later, but it just cuts off.

Oh, this is a huge like people are taking pictures of me. Yeah, they're going to sell these, like my picture is worth money. It's very odd. And then twenty four hours later it all ends. They're like, yeah, no, it it ends like next Yeah. I remember the final interview on that day, like there's a producer with us from The Bachelor that traveled out with us that kind of like coordinated everything, and then at the end of the day they left and it's pretty much over at that point, like there's really no contact you ever really have again unless there's like a special appearance that you have years later, but it just cuts off.

Was that a weird time for the two of you.

Was that a weird time for the two of you.

I don't think so.

I don't think so.

I think we actually quite enjoyed it.

I think we actually quite enjoyed it.

In a sense. It was refreshing, Yeah, because like you know, this the process from when you're done filming the show to when the show is airing, and then throughout the end, like you're constantly doing stuff like you're doing interviews, you're doing podcast to promote the show, You're doing events. So like I was constantly with producers well after the filming, so I became very close with them, and you know, I regard a lot as great friends. But we just kind of looked at it as now we get to focus on ourselves and know more of like kind of being. I don't want to say baby sap, but you kind of are in a sense. Yeah, when you're in that.

In a sense. It was refreshing, Yeah, because like you know, this the process from when you're done filming the show to when the show is airing, and then throughout the end, like you're constantly doing stuff like you're doing interviews, you're doing podcast to promote the show, You're doing events. So like I was constantly with producers well after the filming, so I became very close with them, and you know, I regard a lot as great friends. But we just kind of looked at it as now we get to focus on ourselves and know more of like kind of being. I don't want to say baby sap, but you kind of are in a sense. Yeah, when you're in that.

It is it is refreshing. I personally had a lot of I didn't have like mental trauma. I just it took me a while to get back into the world. Did you two feel that Like it felt weird, Like life didn't feel right for me for a while.

It is it is refreshing. I personally had a lot of I didn't have like mental trauma. I just it took me a while to get back into the world. Did you two feel that Like it felt weird, Like life didn't feel right for me for a while.

It is such a weird feeling.

It is such a weird feeling.

I had to go back home to Canada because I was like, I need to be around family and friends because it was such a weird world. Being on the Bachelor. It is unlike anything else. Nobody knows what it's like unless you've lived it. It is unlike anything else.

I had to go back home to Canada because I was like, I need to be around family and friends because it was such a weird world. Being on the Bachelor. It is unlike anything else. Nobody knows what it's like unless you've lived it. It is unlike anything else.

And I feel like like I was home for like a short period of time, like during the holidays, like after the filming just kind of recuperating, I guess, or recouping after the craziness of it, Like I lived through it with The Bachelorette and needed that time. But i'd even say now, like as normal as it does feel like, it's still a weird adjustment that we're getting used to. Like she's already back at work. I'm going back for but that's like it's been so long of not doing my normal job and wanting to get back into that. But like also it's been a year of being in front of a camera, So yeah, strange stuff.

And I feel like like I was home for like a short period of time, like during the holidays, like after the filming just kind of recuperating, I guess, or recouping after the craziness of it, Like I lived through it with The Bachelorette and needed that time. But i'd even say now, like as normal as it does feel like, it's still a weird adjustment that we're getting used to. Like she's already back at work. I'm going back for but that's like it's been so long of not doing my normal job and wanting to get back into that. But like also it's been a year of being in front of a camera, So yeah, strange stuff.

It takes a while.

It takes a while.

I was talking to a few friends earlier and I went back to my job. I took a month off after the film, I went back for two years and then kind of moved on from that. But even that adjustment is a weird life adjustment that the listeners here don't always understand is you're not used to this. This is not something you've been prepped for. You don't really have a skill set to be on TV or to date publicly, and so you get thrown into it. Life switches up very fast, and it takes a while to adapt back to just functioning. And that's where I want to go into now. You guys are still together, happily, you're sitting by each other. You're certainly are you're certainly to get Yeah there, How has your relationship changed now since that last interview in New York City to today?

I was talking to a few friends earlier and I went back to my job. I took a month off after the film, I went back for two years and then kind of moved on from that. But even that adjustment is a weird life adjustment that the listeners here don't always understand is you're not used to this. This is not something you've been prepped for. You don't really have a skill set to be on TV or to date publicly, and so you get thrown into it. Life switches up very fast, and it takes a while to adapt back to just functioning. And that's where I want to go into now. You guys are still together, happily, you're sitting by each other. You're certainly are you're certainly to get Yeah there, How has your relationship changed now since that last interview in New York City to today?

Uh, just walk us through. What does life look like?

Uh, just walk us through. What does life look like?

Yeah?

Yeah?

Uh, you know it was like such a like you know, high intensity time for us in New York and the show, and then we got to focus on ourselves with going back to Austin. Sure, we had to you know, do some long distance in between when the show was filming, but like, truly, I think and I think you'd agree that our relationship got stronger and stronger where you know, it could be really easy for it to like cause a lot of issues and we've seen it in the past, but you know, we've got great communication and there's this trust.

Uh, you know it was like such a like you know, high intensity time for us in New York and the show, and then we got to focus on ourselves with going back to Austin. Sure, we had to you know, do some long distance in between when the show was filming, but like, truly, I think and I think you'd agree that our relationship got stronger and stronger where you know, it could be really easy for it to like cause a lot of issues and we've seen it in the past, but you know, we've got great communication and there's this trust.

And let me pause you there though, because that's a lot of couples at this point in time are like we. They sit down with us a few months later and they're like breaking and you can see it in them. You're stronger than ever. You're saying your communication was out. How did you make it through? Like, give us some details on how you helped each other through that time.

And let me pause you there though, because that's a lot of couples at this point in time are like we. They sit down with us a few months later and they're like breaking and you can see it in them. You're stronger than ever. You're saying your communication was out. How did you make it through? Like, give us some details on how you helped each other through that time.

Yeah, I mean, like as Katie knows, like I'm someone, I mean, I just kind of tell it how it is, and I wear my heart on my sleep all the time, for better for worse.

Yeah, I mean, like as Katie knows, like I'm someone, I mean, I just kind of tell it how it is, and I wear my heart on my sleep all the time, for better for worse.

Yep.

Yep.

But I think in general, like there is really no hiding or guessing what I'm feeling or what's going on. And Katie does a really good job at that. So that's hard to do, you know, via text and FaceTime, and that obviously presents challenges for like the period of after.

But I think in general, like there is really no hiding or guessing what I'm feeling or what's going on. And Katie does a really good job at that. So that's hard to do, you know, via text and FaceTime, and that obviously presents challenges for like the period of after.

You know, and we're with each other like a lot.

You know, and we're with each other like a lot.

Too, and now we're with each other a lot.

Too, and now we're with each other a lot.

It's like twenty four to seven.

It's like twenty four to seven.

Yeah, so yeah, so we're like basically like a like a fully married couple. We just haven't officially moved in yet.

Yeah, so yeah, so we're like basically like a like a fully married couple. We just haven't officially moved in yet.

But yeah, you haven't officially moved in. You're not living together.

But yeah, you haven't officially moved in. You're not living together.

You're not living together yet. I'm waiting for my least to.

You're not living together yet. I'm waiting for my least to.

Come up and say with Zach and then we're going to move in together in July. Yeah, so that's going to be different for us. But we basically, you know, like I've spent maybe since he's been back in Austin maybe three nights in my house.

Come up and say with Zach and then we're going to move in together in July. Yeah, so that's going to be different for us. But we basically, you know, like I've spent maybe since he's been back in Austin maybe three nights in my house.

Like yeah, so pretty much she's got.

Like yeah, so pretty much she's got.

But yeah, we've just been like so strong and just getting to know each other more. We learn each other's quirks and everything, and I'm like more in love with him like every single day, like truly, And I know it sounds corny to say that, but like I learned something new about him every day and he's an amazing man.

But yeah, we've just been like so strong and just getting to know each other more. We learn each other's quirks and everything, and I'm like more in love with him like every single day, like truly, And I know it sounds corny to say that, but like I learned something new about him every day and he's an amazing man.

I'm gonna ask you the worst question ever.

I'm gonna ask you the worst question ever.

I've never asked anybody this question because I've never felt confident enough to do it. Do the two of you see any way that you don't get married.

I've never asked anybody this question because I've never felt confident enough to do it. Do the two of you see any way that you don't get married.

We've talked about like where we want to get married. I've already like started looking at Ben you but also like at AFR. We said twenty twenty five. And I think that's just realistic, and I think that's smart. I don't think we need to put pedal to the metal, like we have our whole lives together, like why rush into things? Yeah, but yeah, and we just want to make sure it's right, like just like then you wise and the time.

We've talked about like where we want to get married. I've already like started looking at Ben you but also like at AFR. We said twenty twenty five. And I think that's just realistic, and I think that's smart. I don't think we need to put pedal to the metal, like we have our whole lives together, like why rush into things? Yeah, but yeah, and we just want to make sure it's right, like just like then you wise and the time.

But like to your question, like it's funny, we were actually just talking about this. We were at the pool earlier and we're just talking about like our relationship and I told her. You know, going into that whole process of the Bachelor, I wanted to make sure that I was one hundred percent certain that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with a certain person, a specific person. And if I wasn't sure, then I don't think I would propose. I actually I know I wouldn't have. And when I told Katie there was not a single doubt in my mind. I was like, I'm going to marry that woman. I can't imagine not. And I still feel that way and even stronger now because I get to know her more. Yea, and we still I'll learn a lot about each other, sure, like every other couple or this and that, but it's like the love is there, yeah, which I just like didn't think was fully possible like this point or through a TV show really, but it kind of just feels like a blessing or just really lucky. Yeah.

But like to your question, like it's funny, we were actually just talking about this. We were at the pool earlier and we're just talking about like our relationship and I told her. You know, going into that whole process of the Bachelor, I wanted to make sure that I was one hundred percent certain that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with a certain person, a specific person. And if I wasn't sure, then I don't think I would propose. I actually I know I wouldn't have. And when I told Katie there was not a single doubt in my mind. I was like, I'm going to marry that woman. I can't imagine not. And I still feel that way and even stronger now because I get to know her more. Yea, and we still I'll learn a lot about each other, sure, like every other couple or this and that, but it's like the love is there, yeah, which I just like didn't think was fully possible like this point or through a TV show really, but it kind of just feels like a blessing or just really lucky. Yeah.

How does that? I mean, go into that a little bit.

How does that? I mean, go into that a little bit.

You guys been on a television show and not the easiest ways, right, not the most conventional way, with a lot of weird, tough things happening from the start to the finish that you guys had to navigate. And now you sit here today saying hey, Katie, saying I love you more than I ever have, and you're saying I was confident that I wanted to marry you.

You guys been on a television show and not the easiest ways, right, not the most conventional way, with a lot of weird, tough things happening from the start to the finish that you guys had to navigate. And now you sit here today saying hey, Katie, saying I love you more than I ever have, and you're saying I was confident that I wanted to marry you.

Does that just ever feel weird? Like that you met your person?

Does that just ever feel weird? Like that you met your person?

Oh, we were saying this earlier.

Oh, we were saying this earlier.

So many times we look at each other and like that was was so messed up, like so strange, but like we're so grateful for it.

So many times we look at each other and like that was was so messed up, like so strange, but like we're so grateful for it.

It is, it is, It is so weird.

It is, it is, It is so weird.

We just we met each other and we both live in Austin, Like we.

We just we met each other and we both live in Austin, Like we.

Just met to save us a lot of trauma and stuff. But like write the story and it put us through tests that I think like overaw help the strength of it.

Just met to save us a lot of trauma and stuff. But like write the story and it put us through tests that I think like overaw help the strength of it.

So okay, So one day, if you guys choose to as a couple have kids, would you definitely having kids, We're definitely having kills. Would you let your kids watch that season back?

So okay, So one day, if you guys choose to as a couple have kids, would you definitely having kids, We're definitely having kills. Would you let your kids watch that season back?

Oh that's a good question.

Oh that's a good question.

Parts.

Parts.

I think Katie is going to say the whole thing, let him get to know dad, Wow, talk about I.

I think Katie is going to say the whole thing, let him get to know dad, Wow, talk about I.

Think maybe at a certain age I would. I would let them all of it.

Think maybe at a certain age I would. I would let them all of it.

Zach, you guys talked us out for a second.

Zach, you guys talked us out for a second.

This is good.

This is good.

I don't know that's a good they would have to be a certain age for sure.

I don't know that's a good they would have to be a certain age for sure.

I mean, they're gonna get it, like whenever they find I think.

I mean, they're gonna get it, like whenever they find I think.

I think, yes, there's some very hard moments in that, but also like that is our love story. That's how we found each other. How like literally our first conversation or first kiss, everything, our first moments were on television. And I think that's so cool that we have the opportunity to watch that back. And yeah, I would be okay with it, but they would just have to be a certain age and maybe we'll get the editors just a different version.

I think, yes, there's some very hard moments in that, but also like that is our love story. That's how we found each other. How like literally our first conversation or first kiss, everything, our first moments were on television. And I think that's so cool that we have the opportunity to watch that back. And yeah, I would be okay with it, but they would just have to be a certain age and maybe we'll get the editors just a different version.

But yeah, I don't know what about you, babe, what do you think about that?

But yeah, I don't know what about you, babe, what do you think about that?

I think regardless like whether we want them to watch it or not, they're going to. They're going to find out, they're going to want to see. So I would just make sure that it's like it's an open conversation if they want to ask me any questions or ask you any questions if they have that questions. And I hope they're a little bit older, more mature when they ask him, because they're gonna not they're not gonna understand what yeah the hell they just saw, but they'll get it.

I think regardless like whether we want them to watch it or not, they're going to. They're going to find out, they're going to want to see. So I would just make sure that it's like it's an open conversation if they want to ask me any questions or ask you any questions if they have that questions. And I hope they're a little bit older, more mature when they ask him, because they're gonna not they're not gonna understand what yeah the hell they just saw, but they'll get it.

Yeah, Well it is uh and Katie, this is for you. It is such a unique process and there's really no right way. I've always said there's no right way to do it as the lead of the show, for the Bachelor or the Bachelor, there's nobody that comes out of it unscathed without making a decision that they might look back on and be like, I wish I would have done that differently. But obviously with your season, there are unique storylines that took place that you guys had to like confront stuff on television that maybe you would have rather not confronted. The question I have for you because I don't think TV does it justice. Why didn't you give up on this relationship? Why didn't you walk away? Why did you choose to stay?

Yeah, Well it is uh and Katie, this is for you. It is such a unique process and there's really no right way. I've always said there's no right way to do it as the lead of the show, for the Bachelor or the Bachelor, there's nobody that comes out of it unscathed without making a decision that they might look back on and be like, I wish I would have done that differently. But obviously with your season, there are unique storylines that took place that you guys had to like confront stuff on television that maybe you would have rather not confronted. The question I have for you because I don't think TV does it justice. Why didn't you give up on this relationship? Why didn't you walk away? Why did you choose to stay?

Yeh with sech good question because the moments that I had with him, the time that I did to get.

Yeh with sech good question because the moments that I had with him, the time that I did to get.

To know him, I genuinely I knew your heart.

To know him, I genuinely I knew your heart.

I knew that you were such a good man, and I'm a very I felt like in that moment I was and I am a very understanding person, and I couldn't imagine.

I knew that you were such a good man, and I'm a very I felt like in that moment I was and I am a very understanding person, and I couldn't imagine.

What you went through.

What you went through.

But I loved you, and I knew you were a good man, and I knew that we could get through it. And yeah, and.

But I loved you, and I knew you were a good man, and I knew that we could get through it. And yeah, and.

You knew who he was exactly.

You knew who he was exactly.

It's a great man.

It's a great man.

So then for you, Zach, you're in the conversation with Katie, Yeah, were you freaking out? I mean, in that moment when you're for the first time really all season, the two of you have an issue where she could have easily and everybody would have said, hey, we get it, like she didn't want to be a part of whatever this was going to end up being. You're telling her knowing that this is also the person that you want to spend your life with. And for a while, I think, I mean maybe television just over dramatize it, but for a while, I think the viewers watching going she's gone, like she's at she's gonna she's gonna leave. She didn't, obviously, But in that moment, for you, what's going through your mind? Were you holding on for dear life? Were you freaking out internally? Like walk us through what's going on inside of you?

So then for you, Zach, you're in the conversation with Katie, Yeah, were you freaking out? I mean, in that moment when you're for the first time really all season, the two of you have an issue where she could have easily and everybody would have said, hey, we get it, like she didn't want to be a part of whatever this was going to end up being. You're telling her knowing that this is also the person that you want to spend your life with. And for a while, I think, I mean maybe television just over dramatize it, but for a while, I think the viewers watching going she's gone, like she's at she's gonna she's gonna leave. She didn't, obviously, But in that moment, for you, what's going through your mind? Were you holding on for dear life? Were you freaking out internally? Like walk us through what's going on inside of you?

Yeah? I mean it was like the scariest moment I went through. Actually, it was the scariest moment I went through. And my heart was pounding through my chest. I could hardly speak, but and we've talked about. This is what was most important, Like I guess looking at it and myself at that moment was being as honest as I could be because I do take engagement seriously and I felt like I couldn't commit to someone holding something back or not telling the whole truth because like, yeah, that's like the design of the show, that the show is what it is. But also I don't look at it that way. I look at it. It's like, oh no, if I can find my wife through this, i am, and I'm going to treat this as normal as possible in unnormal or unique circumstances. So it was the scariest moment. It was pouring on us.

Yeah? I mean it was like the scariest moment I went through. Actually, it was the scariest moment I went through. And my heart was pounding through my chest. I could hardly speak, but and we've talked about. This is what was most important, Like I guess looking at it and myself at that moment was being as honest as I could be because I do take engagement seriously and I felt like I couldn't commit to someone holding something back or not telling the whole truth because like, yeah, that's like the design of the show, that the show is what it is. But also I don't look at it that way. I look at it. It's like, oh no, if I can find my wife through this, i am, and I'm going to treat this as normal as possible in unnormal or unique circumstances. So it was the scariest moment. It was pouring on us.

Yeah, it was.

Yeah, it was.

It was it looked and I mean it was one flip flops on it's raining.

It was it looked and I mean it was one flip flops on it's raining.

I'm like, this is the worst spot to have this conversation, and it's just like, oh it was. It was just really bad.

I'm like, this is the worst spot to have this conversation, and it's just like, oh it was. It was just really bad.

I mean, it was like the worst day.

I mean, it was like the worst day.

It was very awkward.

It was very awkward.

It was hard.

It was hard.

It was so awkward.

It was so awkward.

But you made it through.

But you made it through.

We certainly did, and Zach, there obviously was repercussions from that conversation, right, there's other people involved looking back on that moment, now, clarity understanding. Let's just assume that the two of you would be sitting on the couch still with or without that conversation.

We certainly did, and Zach, there obviously was repercussions from that conversation, right, there's other people involved looking back on that moment, now, clarity understanding. Let's just assume that the two of you would be sitting on the couch still with or without that conversation.

Would you have done anything differently?

Would you have done anything differently?

Well, I mean it's like there's I look back and and change a lot of things. I mean, it's you're put under this intense lens constantly, and you're you're forced to make these decisions. And you know, with that whole week of me like creating those boundaries or creating that no sex week type thing, like I would take that back because like what that did was took away everyone else's decision. Katie knows where my heart was at making that decision, because I was just trying to, you know, make it as les messy as possible and totally and I would I would like I would have changed that, and that would have avoided a lot of actually all of that issue, to be honest, and I'm I'm looking at myself the way you guys are looking at me, like duh.

Well, I mean it's like there's I look back and and change a lot of things. I mean, it's you're put under this intense lens constantly, and you're you're forced to make these decisions. And you know, with that whole week of me like creating those boundaries or creating that no sex week type thing, like I would take that back because like what that did was took away everyone else's decision. Katie knows where my heart was at making that decision, because I was just trying to, you know, make it as les messy as possible and totally and I would I would like I would have changed that, and that would have avoided a lot of actually all of that issue, to be honest, and I'm I'm looking at myself the way you guys are looking at me, like duh.

And I will say, Zach, Katie, credit to you, because it is a weird thing. Again, there's no right way to always do this. There are things we can look back on say I wish I would have done differently, But kudos to you for being understanding and getting to know him and his intentions and letting him have that space and also hopefully behind the scenes, explaining yourself so that she does understand it. It doesn't always happen, and I will tell you, in the years that I've seen this, these are the things that break couples afterwards. Like if you can make it through this, and I think we said this after the show, you can make it through probably anything, you know, like, this was a really hard This was probably, in my mind, one of the most real difficult conversations and situations, not only for the two of you, but also for Gabby that I've ever seen on the show. But you guys stuck through it together, and I just think that's you. There's something unique in that that that makes me think this isn't ever Like I'm not going to see a headline in two months it says that you guys are splitting.

And I will say, Zach, Katie, credit to you, because it is a weird thing. Again, there's no right way to always do this. There are things we can look back on say I wish I would have done differently, But kudos to you for being understanding and getting to know him and his intentions and letting him have that space and also hopefully behind the scenes, explaining yourself so that she does understand it. It doesn't always happen, and I will tell you, in the years that I've seen this, these are the things that break couples afterwards. Like if you can make it through this, and I think we said this after the show, you can make it through probably anything, you know, like, this was a really hard This was probably, in my mind, one of the most real difficult conversations and situations, not only for the two of you, but also for Gabby that I've ever seen on the show. But you guys stuck through it together, and I just think that's you. There's something unique in that that that makes me think this isn't ever Like I'm not going to see a headline in two months it says that you guys are splitting.

Oh heck nobol not.

Oh heck nobol not.

All right?

All right?

Well, that was sweet, Okay, moving on to lighter things then, because I really wanted to understand how you guys got through this, and also I wanted to see now Zach for you with that decision and making the no sex week to see if you could see how much that also affected the other people involved, the women involved, and how that boundary probably if you go back, like you said, it wouldn't have been set. It just now with good intentions. It was like really backfired in an amazing way.

Well, that was sweet, Okay, moving on to lighter things then, because I really wanted to understand how you guys got through this, and also I wanted to see now Zach for you with that decision and making the no sex week to see if you could see how much that also affected the other people involved, the women involved, and how that boundary probably if you go back, like you said, it wouldn't have been set. It just now with good intentions. It was like really backfired in an amazing way.

In an amazing way.

In an amazing way.

It was wild television. It was wild television. But now to the good parts.

It was wild television. It was wild television. But now to the good parts.

As you guys look back on your journey together through the show and maybe even after the show, what are some moments that stick out to you as monumental, as really exciting, as good good memories that are taken from this experience.

As you guys look back on your journey together through the show and maybe even after the show, what are some moments that stick out to you as monumental, as really exciting, as good good memories that are taken from this experience.

Like from the actual show, yeah, or after the show.

Like from the actual show, yeah, or after the show.

Yeah, both, just in life.

Yeah, both, just in life.

Now, as you sit here today and you look at your relationship, what stands out to you.

Now, as you sit here today and you look at your relationship, what stands out to you.

That's an interesting question. I don't even know if I'm going to answer this properly because I don't think there's no right answer here.

That's an interesting question. I don't even know if I'm going to answer this properly because I don't think there's no right answer here.

I don't know.

I don't know.

Zach and I are just like very adventurous together. We have so many great moments together, whether it's laid in bed and we're just like laughing and we can't breathe, or you know, we've gone zip lining we've gone to Brewize together.

Zach and I are just like very adventurous together. We have so many great moments together, whether it's laid in bed and we're just like laughing and we can't breathe, or you know, we've gone zip lining we've gone to Brewize together.

We've done so much and I don't, I don't everything. Every moment with you is great.

We've done so much and I don't, I don't everything. Every moment with you is great.

We've made so many memories since filming, and even while we've been filming that they didn't show like we always talk about this, but you know, there was like it was my twenty eighth birthday, the day after the morning of our fantasy sweet Night. I think I said that right, and he brought in like a chocolate cake and then we smeared it all over each other's faces and like, in that moment, it was just so fun, so lighthearted, so Goofy and I always talk about that, but I love Goofy fun moments.

We've made so many memories since filming, and even while we've been filming that they didn't show like we always talk about this, but you know, there was like it was my twenty eighth birthday, the day after the morning of our fantasy sweet Night. I think I said that right, and he brought in like a chocolate cake and then we smeared it all over each other's faces and like, in that moment, it was just so fun, so lighthearted, so Goofy and I always talk about that, but I love Goofy fun moments.

So I think the answers a question for me.

So I think the answers a question for me.

It does.

It does.

Yeah, yeah, And even like the little things of when we were in our happy couple houses where you really are limited to where it's just like takeout and like going incognito on walks, that's like that was even a blast, and like those little things all add up of like and just constantly reaffirm like all right, yeah, this is this is my person with out of doubt and then chocolate Kick was a lot of fun y.

Yeah, yeah, And even like the little things of when we were in our happy couple houses where you really are limited to where it's just like takeout and like going incognito on walks, that's like that was even a blast, and like those little things all add up of like and just constantly reaffirm like all right, yeah, this is this is my person with out of doubt and then chocolate Kick was a lot of fun y.

So Katie, you're back in Austin. The show has moved on.

So Katie, you're back in Austin. The show has moved on.

As we talked about the beginning, it's a very weird break when all of a sudden they're all right, we're.

As we talked about the beginning, it's a very weird break when all of a sudden they're all right, we're.

Done with you.

Done with you.

You guys do your thing. Yeah, here's the next person, and the focus shifts. Have you stayed in close relationship with any of the other women from the show.

You guys do your thing. Yeah, here's the next person, and the focus shifts. Have you stayed in close relationship with any of the other women from the show.

Oh yeah, absolutely, I'm really I would say I'm closest with Mercedes, like literally from night one. That woman has a heart of gold, and she's so funny, so sweet.

Oh yeah, absolutely, I'm really I would say I'm closest with Mercedes, like literally from night one. That woman has a heart of gold, and she's so funny, so sweet.

She's so sweet, she's awesome, awesome.

She's so sweet, she's awesome, awesome.

And Jess as well as Gabby and Ariel. We actually just got back from Miami not too long ago, so I would say, and Dabia Daby is.

And Jess as well as Gabby and Ariel. We actually just got back from Miami not too long ago, so I would say, and Dabia Daby is.

Amazing as well.

Amazing as well.

Those are like the women that I've probably stayed in contact the most with. But some of the other women, like Charity I've talked to a little bit broke Glenn. They all want to come to like Austin.

Those are like the women that I've probably stayed in contact the most with. But some of the other women, like Charity I've talked to a little bit broke Glenn. They all want to come to like Austin.

So yeah, so you have.

So yeah, so you have.

I mean it has any of it been difficult to keep these relationships?

I mean it has any of it been difficult to keep these relationships?

No?

No?

No, no, you've all been supportive of each other.

No, no, you've all been supportive of each other.

Is it very supportive? We've I mean it was we all leaned on each other during that experience, and we built such great relationships, great friendships, and I was hopeful that they would continue after the show, like while we were filming, and they did, and it's great. We still we still confide in each other, we still support each other, and it's truly just I love, I love my friendships with each and every one of them.

Is it very supportive? We've I mean it was we all leaned on each other during that experience, and we built such great relationships, great friendships, and I was hopeful that they would continue after the show, like while we were filming, and they did, and it's great. We still we still confide in each other, we still support each other, and it's truly just I love, I love my friendships with each and every one of them.

Do they ever slip up and talk about Zach in front of you and make it right?

Do they ever slip up and talk about Zach in front of you and make it right?

Sometimes we'll talk about Zach, But I mean it doesn't like the girls are really they're they're good about it, like they don't. They're very cautious of like, oh hope that didn't hurt your feelings, and even then, like again, I'm an understanding person, like yeah, I'm just kinda laughed off, like yeah really yeah, I.

Sometimes we'll talk about Zach, But I mean it doesn't like the girls are really they're they're good about it, like they don't. They're very cautious of like, oh hope that didn't hurt your feelings, and even then, like again, I'm an understanding person, like yeah, I'm just kinda laughed off, like yeah really yeah, I.

Mean I even like doctor to anyone minus Mercedes, yeah, a couple, but other than that, Like I just but I feel like it gets.

Mean I even like doctor to anyone minus Mercedes, yeah, a couple, but other than that, Like I just but I feel like it gets.

Not so weird.

Not so weird.

Would you be anxious, Zach if if all the girls came to Austin and they were staying together and you are out like you're you're at the house and you just happened to go out and see them, would you be nervous?

Would you be anxious, Zach if if all the girls came to Austin and they were staying together and you are out like you're you're at the house and you just happened to go out and see them, would you be nervous?

For that interaction.

For that interaction.

We literally are talking about this.

We literally are talking about this.

We were saying that, like there might be plans that some of the girls July, and yeah, how much are they going to roast me? But I mean it'd be great to see everyone that.

We were saying that, like there might be plans that some of the girls July, and yeah, how much are they going to roast me? But I mean it'd be great to see everyone that.

Yeah, yeah, I would have been nervous. Oh yeah, that's fair.

Yeah, yeah, I would have been nervous. Oh yeah, that's fair.

Yeah, come on, they.

Yeah, come on, they.

All tagged team up on Zach.

All tagged team up on Zach.

Now, there's no reason why they just can't go at you.

Now, there's no reason why they just can't go at you.

Nothing to hold back on.

Nothing to hold back on.

I'd sit back and watch Ladies due thing.

I'd sit back and watch Ladies due thing.

Uh so you're not living together yet. July seems to be the time that you're going to move in together. You mentioned Katie you're back to work now, Zach, you're thinking about going back to work, Remind me what is what is the job that you will be entering back into tech sales.

Uh so you're not living together yet. July seems to be the time that you're going to move in together. You mentioned Katie you're back to work now, Zach, you're thinking about going back to work, Remind me what is what is the job that you will be entering back into tech sales.

I mean that's what I was doing for the past four years. I really like it. Right now, I'm kind of in that job hunting phase right now, interviewing because I don't want to go back to the same old company anymore, but just kind of getting back into that normal sea and routine because it's kind of weird and you don't Yeah, it is, we have that. It is.

I mean that's what I was doing for the past four years. I really like it. Right now, I'm kind of in that job hunting phase right now, interviewing because I don't want to go back to the same old company anymore, but just kind of getting back into that normal sea and routine because it's kind of weird and you don't Yeah, it is, we have that. It is.

I was in tech sales buddy.

I was in tech sales buddy.

I went back for two years in Denver, Colorado at a small back office processing financial services software. Okay, all right, familiar with Yeah, it was uh, it was something two years of it and then uh and then I'm on. But it was good to get back into normalcy and I hope, but it took me a while. It took me a couple of months to feel like one I could sit and focus, in two I could do it and do a decent job at my job. But I did do it, and I do believe it is a good step as you figure out whatever's next. And speaking of whatever's next, you guys did mention that you're looking still at twenty twenty five for wedding. Yep, yep, okay, And that's just because it feels right. It's not because you you're trying to figure it out and make sure that you're right for each other.

I went back for two years in Denver, Colorado at a small back office processing financial services software. Okay, all right, familiar with Yeah, it was uh, it was something two years of it and then uh and then I'm on. But it was good to get back into normalcy and I hope, but it took me a while. It took me a couple of months to feel like one I could sit and focus, in two I could do it and do a decent job at my job. But I did do it, and I do believe it is a good step as you figure out whatever's next. And speaking of whatever's next, you guys did mention that you're looking still at twenty twenty five for wedding. Yep, yep, okay, And that's just because it feels right. It's not because you you're trying to figure it out and make sure that you're right for each other.

It just feels like, oh, we're right for each other.

It just feels like, oh, we're right for each other.

Okay, it could be twenty twenty four, it could be twenty fo. Yeah, it's like we kind of picked like a very date.

Okay, it could be twenty twenty four, it could be twenty fo. Yeah, it's like we kind of picked like a very date.

Because it's like to also work like I have. I've worked eleven weeks since September.

Because it's like to also work like I have. I've worked eleven weeks since September.

Like, oh, Jesus, you've got some time.

Like, oh, Jesus, you've got some time.

I have to hustle.

I have to hustle.

Like wedding, I heard it takes it takes a long time.

Like wedding, I heard it takes it takes a long time.

Like Yeah, and in your full time job, as what Katie, I'm a nurse.

Like Yeah, and in your full time job, as what Katie, I'm a nurse.

You're a nurse.

You're a nurse.

Okay, so yeah, you got to get back into it. You got to the hours, take off the hours. Yeah, that makes sense exactly. Final question for the two of you. Thanks for being honest, thanks for being open during this whole interview. It's been great and I really appreciate you guys sitting down with us and just catching catching us up on your life. So as we look forward to the future, and each of you, if you can answer this individually, what are you most looking forward to as a couple and as a person that our listeners and the fans of the two of you can pay attention to.

Okay, so yeah, you got to get back into it. You got to the hours, take off the hours. Yeah, that makes sense exactly. Final question for the two of you. Thanks for being honest, thanks for being open during this whole interview. It's been great and I really appreciate you guys sitting down with us and just catching catching us up on your life. So as we look forward to the future, and each of you, if you can answer this individually, what are you most looking forward to as a couple and as a person that our listeners and the fans of the two of you can pay attention to.

Okay, there you go.

Okay, there you go.

You want to go first, I think, and I don't think this is necessarily going to be something that you are thinking that we're saying, but I don't know. For me, the the thing I'm looking forward to the most is getting a house and having kids.

You want to go first, I think, and I don't think this is necessarily going to be something that you are thinking that we're saying, but I don't know. For me, the the thing I'm looking forward to the most is getting a house and having kids.

Really, the starting a family was Yeah, Yeah, that's.

Really, the starting a family was Yeah, Yeah, that's.

What I'm looking forward to.

What I'm looking forward to.

That's incredible. Yeah, well, I'm going to be shocked.

That's incredible. Yeah, well, I'm going to be shocked.

Our listeners are going to be shocked right now if we don't see the two of you walking on the aisle in well at some point. We wish you the best here. Thanks for coming out, thanks for joining us. Just tons of success in your relationship and your personal lives thrown on you from this whole family here at the Almost Famous Podcast.

Our listeners are going to be shocked right now if we don't see the two of you walking on the aisle in well at some point. We wish you the best here. Thanks for coming out, thanks for joining us. Just tons of success in your relationship and your personal lives thrown on you from this whole family here at the Almost Famous Podcast.

Zach and Katie, thank you.

Zach and Katie, thank you.

Thank youks Man, appreciate it and one.

Thank youks Man, appreciate it and one.

Of the most exclusive, intimate, honest interviews since their time on the show. Zach and Katie joined us on The Almost Famous Podcast and we're very appreciated for it. Hey send him some love. Wish them the best we do here at the Almost Famous Podcast. But until next time, I've been Ben.

Of the most exclusive, intimate, honest interviews since their time on the show. Zach and Katie joined us on The Almost Famous Podcast and we're very appreciated for it. Hey send him some love. Wish them the best we do here at the Almost Famous Podcast. But until next time, I've been Ben.

Follow the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast on iHeartRadio or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Follow the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast on iHeartRadio or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.