It's a BIG day, Shandies! We've been wanting to pick the lovely Katie Thurston's brain since we first recapped her Bachelorette season 2.5 years ago, and at long last, that day is here. Plus, it's been awhile since we've had a Confessions episode and we're thrilled this former Bachelorette and current star of F-Boy Island could make the time to join us!

Katie's had a very busy and very public last 3 years, so today we talk the ins and outs of watching yourself back on TV, whether contestants behave differently IRL versus on TV, what she's learned about human nature after being on the receiving end of MILLIONS of opinions. What has been the key difference between dating "civilians" versus celebrities, has her notoriety helped or hurt her love life, and has her time on TV changed her personal relationships? And for our longtime Shandies, don't worry, Andy also brings up THOMAS! Multiple times. (See time stamps!)

Don't miss Katie on Season 3 of F-Boy Island, currently airing on Hulu and the CW!

Thanks to our sponsors!

- Go to https://www.athenaclub.com and use code DEARSHANDY for a free Gentle Body Scrub with your razor kit subscription!

- Go to https://www.shopbeam.com/SHANDY for up to 50% off!

More Katie:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatiethurston

- Comedy: https://beacons.ai/katiethurston

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Welcome To Katie Thurston!

2:47 - How Has She Navigated Honoring Her Needs While Accommodating Production?

4:49 - The Most Common Misconception About Being The Lead Of A Dating Show

7:06 - Backlash That Has Surprised Her

7:45 - Thomas

8:31 - Have People She Met On TV Been Totally Different IRL?

9:52 - Has She Ever Felt Her Choices Were Misrepresented?

12:51 - What Have The Last 3 Years Taught Her About Herself?

15:00 - What Has She Learned About Human Nature?

17:34 - Resilience

19::49 - Parasocial Relationships

21:45 - Is IRL Dating Easier Or Harder Now?

23:54 - Dating “Civilians” Vs Celebrities

27:03 - Is Dating On TV A Microcosm For Dating IRL?

28:20 - Thomas

29:21 - Would She Always Pick Someone On TV That She Would Have Picked IRL?

30:34 - How Has What She’s Looking For In A Partner Changed?

33:21 - How Notoriety Affects Personal Relationships 

38:30 - Does She Consider Herself A Private Person?

39:18 - In What Ways Is Her Personality Suited To This And In What Ways Is It Not?

43:35 - Would She Have Had The Courage To Pursue Comedy Without All This?

48:53 - One Regret & One Choice She’s Proud Of

51:30 - Blake Moynes

53:22 - Her Social Media Habits

54:26 - True Or False

55:17 - Thomas

56:20 - True Or False, Cont’d

59:02 - Shandy Debrief

1:04:02 - Thomas

If you have a relationship question, write us at: [email protected]

Subscribe and watch the episodes on YouTube! https://bit.ly/SubscribeDearShandy

More Dear Shandy

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dearshandy

Facebook - https://fb.me/dearshandy

More Sharleen

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharleenjoynt

Blog - http://www.alltheprettypandas.com

More Andy

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/machinelevine

Produced by Gabrielle Galon - https://www.instagram.com/gabsamillion

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dear-shandy/donations

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices