In Part 2 of our conversation with former Bachelor producer Julie LaPlaca, we go where the Bachelor franchise rarely lets us go: behind the emotional curtain.

Julie opens up about falling in love with a cast member, what that experience taught her about herself, the psychology of producing relationships, and the healing journey that followed.

We talk about what happens when the person creating everyone else’s love story suddenly finds herself living one, how she navigated the fallout, and why she ultimately made the incredibly difficult decision to walk away from a dream career.

We ask the questions we know Bachelor Nation has wanted answered—and Julie doesn’t hold back.

From the highest levels of Bachelor production to heartbreak, self-discovery, healing, and starting over, this is the story of what happens when you stop producing everyone else’s love story and finally start writing your own.

Her book, The Love Producer, is out now. ❤️‍🩹

Julie LaPlaca spent years behind the scenes of Bachelor Nation—starting at the bottom and eventually becoming the lead producer responsible for shaping the story we watched unfold on screen.

In Part 1, Julie pulls back the curtain on what it actually means to be a Bachelor producer, the psychology behind producing love stories, how producers work with the lead and contestants, and what audiences never see when the cameras stop rolling.

She takes us through her journey from getting her start on The Bachelor to becoming one of the show’s main producers—and answers the questions we’ve ALL wondered about what really happens behind the scenes.

And then… things get personal.

Julie recently released her book, The Love Producer, and in this two-part conversation, she opens up about falling for one of the cast members while working on the show, the complicated reality of mixing your personal life with a job built around producing romance, and the moment she realized her own love story was changing everything.

This is the Bachelor conversation you’ve been waiting for. 💘

The Love Producer is out now.

We talk about something so many women struggle with: the difference between moving on and healing.

We answer more of your questions, talk about why some women stay in marriages far longer than they should because they believe “sacrificial marriage” means sacrificing themselves, and discuss what it looks like to finally choose yourself, rebuild your identity, and move forward without carrying the past into your future.

We also want to address the people telling us to “move on.”

We have.

Moving on doesn’t mean pretending something didn’t happen. It doesn’t mean you can’t talk about what you survived. And healing doesn’t happen on someone else’s timeline.

Sometimes telling your story is part of letting it go.

But after this episode, we’re ready to let this chapter stay where it belongs — in the past. We’ve answered the questions, shared our experiences, and said what we needed to say.

Now we’re looking forward to what’s next… and to our next guests, conversations, and chapters. 🤍

A note on accuracy & context: This episode discusses real people and real events. We have made reasonable efforts to distinguish firsthand experiences, documented information, statements attributed to others, and information that could not be independently verified. Any information that we could not independently verify is not intended to be presented as established fact. We do not intend this content to constitute an accusation of criminal conduct or a definitive statement regarding any person’s employment, professional status, character, or conduct beyond what we can substantiate.

The opinions and experiences expressed are those of the speakers. This content is intended for discussion, commentary, and informational purposes only and is not legal, medical, mental-health, or professional advice.

Please do not harass, threaten, contact, or interfere with anyone discussed in this episode or with their family, workplace, or personal accounts.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information. SAMHSA Find Help⁠

For mental health crisis or emotional distress, call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support. 988 Lifeline⁠

This description is for general informational and risk-management purposes and is not a substitute for review by a licensed attorney familiar with the specific facts and jurisdiction.

You asked the questions. We answered them.

In Part 2 of our divorce series, we’re answering the questions you sent in during our Q&A and going deeper into the parts of the story we didn’t have time to cover in Part 1.

We talk about addiction, marriage, betrayal, boundaries, motherhood, healing, the things people don’t see behind closed doors, and what it actually looks like to rebuild your life after a decade-long relationship comes to an end.

We know people will have opinions. That’s okay. This conversation is about sharing our experience, answering the questions we were asked, and hopefully helping someone else recognize that they are not alone.

A note on accuracy & context: This episode discusses real people and real events. We have made every effort to distinguish between our firsthand experiences, documented information, statements made by others, and information we could not independently verify. Where information could not be independently confirmed, we do not intend to present it as established fact. In particular, any discussion regarding another individual’s employment or professional title is not intended to assert that information as fact where we were unable to independently verify it.

The views and experiences shared in this episode are those of the speakers and are provided for discussion and informational purposes only. Nothing in this episode is intended to constitute a finding of fact, professional advice, or an accusation of criminal conduct. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult an appropriate professional regarding their individual circumstances.

This content is not intended to harass, threaten, defame, or encourage harassment of any person. Please do not contact, threaten, or interfere with the private lives, employment, family, or personal accounts of anyone discussed.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use:

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information. SAMHSA Find Help⁠

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7. 988 Lifeline⁠

This description is for general informational and risk-management purposes and is not a substitute for review by a licensed attorney familiar with the specific facts and jurisdiction.

Welcome to the beginning of Kayla's official comeback era.

This is the episode so many of you have been waiting for.

We actually filmed this back in November 2025, before so much of our lives continued to unfold. Because of that, there will be an updated Part 2 where I'll share everything that's happened since and answer many of the questions you've been asking.

In Part 1, I'm sharing the story behind my decision to leave a marriage of nearly 10 years. We talk openly about infidelity, addiction, drug use, the reality of being a stay-at-home mom while your husband pursues his dreams, feeling like a married single mom, and the countless highs and lows that ultimately led me to choose a different future for myself and my children.

This episode isn't about blaming or tearing anyone down. It's about telling my story honestly, sharing what I experienced, and hopefully helping someone else feel less alone.

Throughout our marriage, one thing never changed: we both wanted the best for our children. As parents, we make choices we hope will give them the healthiest, happiest future possible. For me, that meant choosing healing, growth, and becoming the best version of myself. It also meant believing that our children deserve to see relationships built on love, respect, honesty, and peace.

If you're walking through heartbreak, divorce, addiction, betrayal, or wondering whether you're strong enough to start over, I hope this reminds you that you're not alone. There is life on the other side, and there is hope.

Thank you for trusting me with my story. ❤️

After a brief hiatus, we're back with a real and unfiltered life update. From podcast production mishaps and technical hiccups to personal growth and big life questions, we're sharing what's been happening behind the scenes.

Kayla opens up about finding unexpected peace in this season, what she's learning while the kids are away, and why taking her first nap in seven years felt more significant than it sounds. Caroline shares what's on her heart as she looks toward her next chapter, embracing uncertainty, protecting her peace, and taking risks that feel aligned with her future.

We also dive into what happens when God places a calling on your life, the courage it takes to follow it, and why growth often looks different than we imagined.

In this episode:

• Our unexpected podcast hiatus

• The reality of recording and running a podcast

• Why Caroline definitely does not have pink eye

• Boundaries, dating, and protecting your peace

• Kayla's season of rest, healing, and reflection

• Taking risks when the future feels uncertain

• Following God's calling even when the path isn't clear

This week on The Comeback Era, we sit down with Dr. Hilary Fritsch for one of the most eye-opening conversations we’ve had yet.

From chronic mouth breathing and poor sleep to behavioral disorders, anxiety, ADHD-like symptoms, fatigue, and developmental issues in children, Dr. Hilary explains how something as simple — and overlooked — as airway health could be impacting millions of people without them even realizing it.

As an airway-focused and bioidentical dentist, Dr. Hilary shares how the medical and dental world is finally beginning to recognize the major difference between mouth breathing and nose breathing, with even the American Dental Associationacknowledging its impact on long-term health.

We dive into how airway issues are diagnosed in both children and adults, why science is changing its understanding of treatment at every age, and how correcting these issues can completely transform someone’s quality of life.

This episode is fascinating, empowering, and honestly something every parent — and every adult — should hear. You may discover symptoms you never knew were connected to your airway.

Visit www.Toothpillow.com, click “Get Started,” and use code LOCHTE to receive a FREE video consultation with a trained airway dentist — a $50 value — plus $200 off the cost of treatment.

There is an epidemic of mouth breathing affecting children today, leading to underdeveloped jaws, restricted airways, poor sleep, and long-term health complications that can impact generations to come.

The best part? You can begin the entire process virtually from the comfort of your home. Why not take the first step toward better sleep, better breathing, and a healthier life?

This episode takes a look back at Rio 2016—a moment that made global headlines and changed the trajectory of multiple lives.

While much of the world focused on what happened to Ryan, this conversation offers a different lens: what it was like to stand beside someone in the middle of that storm.

Kayla shares her experience as a supportive partner during one of the most public and scrutinized moments in his life—navigating the pressure, the criticism, and the weight of public opinion that extended far beyond him.

This isn’t about rewriting the story.

It’s about adding perspective to it.

A decade later, with more clarity and growth, Kayla reflects on the emotional impact of that time, the lessons learned, and what it means to support someone when the world is watching.

If you’ve ever stood by someone through their lowest moments—or been judged for it—this episode will resonate.

🎙️ This is The Comeback Era.

Real stories. Real perspective. Real growth

This week on The Comeback Era, we’re having a little fun with a good old-fashioned rapid-fire question sesh. In a rapid-fire exchange, we ask each other the questions we didn’t prepare for—and answer them in real time. The result? Just quick questions, honest answers, and a few hot takes no one asked for (but you’re getting anyway).

It’s light, it’s funny, and it might get a little too real in the best way, as always!

Every season serves a purpose—even the painful ones. In this episode, we open up about heartbreak, divorce, motherhood, and the quiet battles we’ve faced while living life publicly. We explore the emotional weight of loving deeply, the lessons hidden in our mistakes, and the growth that comes from true self-reflection.

We talk about what it means to forgive, to grieve, and to finally let go of who we thought someone could be. From understanding masculine energy to recognizing when actions don’t align with words, we’re redefining love and relationships on our terms.

Through it all, our friendship has been a safe space—a reminder that God places people in your life exactly when you need them. This is our healing, our truth, and our comeback.