Playing the Field: A Bachelor Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

'Golden Bachelorette's' Joan and Chock talk NYC, life, love & rumors! Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

This week on "Playing the Field" we have two special treats!

The first is that we're catching up with Joan and Chock from "The Golden Bachelorette!" The second is that Gina Sirico is in town from Los Angeles and also joining us in the studio.

It's a full house!

Joan and Chock have been engaged for over a year now. They speak to the team about how their relationship has grown and changed.

The couple shared their thoughts on finding an apartment in New York City and what their future holds.

Plus, we talk about the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette" with Taylor Frankie Paul and our "Golden" couple's take on her in the lead.

Joan shared that she wants her "Golden" contestants and friends from the first season of "The Golden Bachelor" and "The Golden Bachelorette" to find love! She's tried setting up several of them... unsuccessfully! Find out who!

Lastly, they want the world to know they are happy and not broken up. Joan shares how that rumor started and what she plans to prevent that from happening again!

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Could comedian Jared Freid go from 'Bachelor' superfan to your next 'Bachelor'? Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

We're back with part two of our special podcast with comedian, podcaster, actor, author, and "Bachelor" super-fan Jared Freid.

Ryan, Jen, and Gina talk to Jared on "Playing the Field" about his life as a standup comedian, moving to Florida, and how he ended up a part of "The Bachelor" cruise.

Jared also talks about why having his parents in the audience at his shows brings a bunch of extra pressure. Plus, what he did on social media that made his dad upset!

We've got a new season of "The Bachelorette" looming next year with Taylor Frankie Paul from "The Secret Life of Mormon Wives" and of course MomTok. Jared shares his thoughts on why she's a good choice, yet what he is concerned about.

Then, Jen and Gina pit Jared and Ryan against each other to see which would make a better "Bachelor." Ladies, they're both single and ready to mingle. "Bachelor" producers, are you watching? We're putting these guys on a platter for you! There's a winner, but it's all in fun.

You can find more about Jared's podcasts "The JTrain Podcast" and "U Up?" on his Instagram page: @jaredfreid.

Next up on "Playing the Field" Gina is in town and we plan to have a special in-person podcast with one of our favorite Bachelor Nation couples.

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Jared Freid: 'From my couch shirtless to being on The Bachelor' Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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What really happened between Cindy and Mel on the 'Golden Bachelor'? Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

This week on "Playing the Field" we've got a special guest and a "Golden Bachelor" fan favorite, Cindy Cullers.

Cindy was in Mel's final two, but decided to end things when she felt he wasn't ready for a future with her.

Ryan Field, Jen Matarese, and Gina Sirico talk to Cindy about her time on the show, what surprised her, what really happened between her and Mel, and what is next for her.

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FINALE RECAP: 'Golden Bachelor's' Mel and Peg talk about their slow burn to love Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

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

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Debbie Siebers shares 'cringey' moment from time on 'Golden Bachelor' Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

The "Golden Bachelor's" Debbie Siebers appeared on "Playing the Field: A Bachelor Podcast" to talk about her time on the show and possible future in Bachelor Nation.

She spoke to Ryan Field, Jen Matarese, and Gina Sirico from her home in Denver, Colorado. Debbie was a fan favorite from the start.

She's initially famous for her "Slim in 6" workout program, which she created for Beachbody.

Despite her fun and energetic personality, Mel found that he had deeper connections with his final two women, Cindy and Peg, and let Debbie go just before the Fantasy Suite dates.

Looking back, Debbie said she's enjoyed watching, except for one "cringey" moment that she shares with the podcast team. Up next is Mel’s big “Golden Bachelor” finale!

We’ll have a new episode on that and an interview with the “Golden Bachelor” himself on Thursday.

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Mel’s Fantasy Suite recap with Peg and Cindy Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

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

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Gerry Turner's tell-all book dives into his side of the 'Golden Bachelor' breakup Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

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

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The Women Tell All on 'Golden Bachelor,' and tell one woman off Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

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

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Mel visits his final 3 women's hometowns, picks his final 2 Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

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

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