Below Deck Med‘s Joe Bradley is back and he’s already defending Captain Sandy Yawn from rude shade.
After returning during season 10, Joe spoke exclusively to Us Weekly about getting to work with Nathan Gallagher again — including what surprises Bravo viewers can expect in later episodes — and teased what he learned from his past love triangle with Bri Muller and Elena Dubaich:
What was it like getting the call from Captain Sandy?
I didn’t really think about if I’m going to go on a new season again. I’m just doing me. I just wanted to be better every single day. So now I work on yachts and that’s my job. Then I got a call from Captain Sandy saying, “Joe, I actually need you.” So I was like, “OK, what bridge do I need to be in to work for you? Because if you actually need me, I’m going to be there for you.” It just felt it was kind of overwhelming. The fact that Captain Sandy might actually want me for a job on deck again felt nice.
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Was there anything you wanted to do differently from last season?
Last season — bear in mind it was only my second boat ever in my career — I was promoted to lead deck. That was without the experience for a leader role, but now I am ready for a boson position.
I’m learning every single day, every day, every month and every year. I’m getting bigger and better. So on the professional side, I’m going to absolutely smash it. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not perfect. So I am going to make a few mistakes — such is life — but that’s where I am growing on a professional basis.
So can we look forward to seeing you as bosun next season on Below Deck Med?
I’m a bosun now, but I wish.
When it came to your previous friendship with Nathan, did you have to approach things differently on deck with him as your superior?
He’s the boss, so I am going to respect his position. I don’t want to step on any toes or anything like that because I want to be there. I want to be there for a dear friend and respect a professional position regardless of who it is. So was I nervous? Not one single bit. I just want to be there for someone. That’s my take on it.
What was it like seeing him as bosun?
It was good. Seeing somebody grow is always a blessing. This is his first bosun role, and obviously, you got to do some tweaks — don’t we all? But to be there and to have his back was nice.
You were lead deckhand last year, but this time Max [Salvador] was set up for that position. What can you tease about where that lands? How do you guys work together?
I’ve got to say that we’re a very strong team. Nathan is the bosun and there could be a potential lead deckhand in the mix. Who’s it going to be? Me or Max? You’ll find out.
We do still have one open spot on the deck team. How will that fill out?
What I can tease is that the position gets filled and it’s filled very well. They do a very good job. I will put it that way.
What did you think about the deckhands that did leave? Tessa [Budd] did say “f*** her” to Captain Sandy when she was giving her advice. What did you think about that?
I find it utterly unprofessional and uncalled for. You got fired, but there’s no need for that. Decisions are being made by multiple people for the working boats. Now if you’ve got fired, take it on the chin and don’t be saying all that stuff. It’s completely unprofessional. I don’t know these guys. I came on and replaced them. Christian [Trimino] — from what I saw — we’ve got no time on any boat to be aggressive. He was saying that he wants to hit Max and there’s just no need for a physical environment — or any aggressive environment.
You did say you were trying not to jump into any romance — and then immediately you met two girls who caught your eye. How long until you explore that? Do you explore that?
Just purely based off last season, I’m sure you can catch the drift.
What did you learn from your love triangle last season? Did you learn anything?
Absolutely nothing.
Are you still in contact with either Bri or Elena?
They understand my message. My message is I’m single and if you want to have a bit of fun and give me the same energy that it just gets a bit chaotic. But I’m your friend at the end of the day, so I’ve still got contact with Elena and I am still in contact with Bri.
We’re friends and we’re young and we’re in a closed environment. It’s going to happen. But I’ve got contact with everyone and I’ve got no malicious intentions.
Would you say you handle things better this season than last season in terms of romance?
To answer that question without a smile on my face, it was just chaos.
What was the best part of having Nathan as your boss? Was there anything that he could improve on?
Having Nathan as my boss was nice to see because you can see a person grow. But don’t get me wrong, you do see a very different side of Nathan this season. If you’re a bit more organized, things will work out better.
Based on the trailer, we know Gael [Cameron] comes back. What does that look like?
At this point in time — like when I just came back — Nathan really did have strong feelings toward Gael. I just find it’s a blessing that they rekindled that relationship because it’s pure love that they’ve got. We could only wish as a species to find that level of love. It’s just a blessing and the fact that they’ve got a baby, what a gift. I could not be more happy.
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What was it like seeing him as a dad?
I haven’t met his baby yet, but from what I’ve seen on social media, he looked absolutely stunning. Don’t get me wrong, I did try to send a few messages to Nathan, but he’s busy. He’s a dad and he could be on a boat somewhere — I’m not too sure. We’re just not really socially inclined [and] we don’t really speak, but [from] what I’ve seen, what a gorgeous little baby that is.
How was it having Sandy as your boss again?
She’s such a good leader and such a strong person that I really do look up to this woman professionally — and in terms of just being a good human being.
Are there any misconceptions that you think people have about the season?
I’ve got a few comments — and let me just say, the trailer doesn’t show anything. The trailer is a tease of what actually happens this season. This season is a bombshell, and it’s chaotic. It’s unforgettable. It is honestly an insane season and the trailer doesn’t do it justice.
What can you tease about what is to come?
What I can give you is it’s just chaos and drama. It is just not focused on one group. We all got it — everyone on this boat. No one was let off easy. This season, it’s like last year didn’t even happen.
