Why Rachel Lindsay Is Leaving The Bachelor Happy Hour Podcast

Rachel Lindsay is one of the most famous members of Bachelor Nation. She first joined the franchise in 2017 when she competed on Nick Viall's season (via ABC). Later that same year, Lindsay made history as the first-ever Black lead on the series when she became the bachelorette (via People). Since starring as the leading lady, the attorney has continued to work closely with the franchise and started hosting the "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast, which takes listeners behind the scenes of the franchise and often features former contestants. She has also been vocal about the franchise's diversity problems, and has called out the host, leads, and contestants when their behavior hasn't been appropriate. 

Lindsay initially hosted the series with former bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky, and then partnered with the Season 14 bachelorette Becca Kufrin when Fedotowsky left (via Us Weekly). However, when Lindsay announced she wouldn't be renewing her contract with the "Bachelor" franchise in February 2021, it became clear she would be leaving the podcast soon herself (via Variety). On April 27, 2021, Lindsay officially announced she planned to make her final appearance on the podcast the following week (via People).

On her second-to-last episode of "Bachelor Happy Hour," Rachel Lindsay explained why she was leaving the podcast (via People). She shared that the franchise's impact on her mental health was a big reason for why she was resigning from her position — she was also embarrassed with her affiliation to the reality series. Lindsay revealed that she'd been "struggling" and no longer wished to put herself in a harmful environment. "It's been really, really hard for me lately and a lot of the things that we talk about on this podcast are also about taking care of yourself and finding your peace and protecting that peace and protecting your mental health," she said, pointing to the reasoning behind her decision. 

The podcast host also added that she felt like the timing was meant to be. "It's just time. It's just time for me to move on, and I will be supporting you from a distance," she said. On May 4, 2021, during Lindsay's final episode entitled "An Emotional Farewell to Rachel Lindsay" she said, "We know I have this love-hate relationship, but I am thankful for the opportunity to do this podcast, and it has been so great and so much fun." She concluded her farewell address by telling the listeners that she has been very grateful for their support. "I want you to know how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate you," she said.