Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?

It's the SEASON FINALE and there's no other way to go out than talking about what everyone apparently wants to know; when you are getting pregnant. (GASP - she's over 30 and single, whatever will she do?!)We're joined by Naturopathic Doctor and Birth Doula, Dr. Jessica Dupont, who maintains a general family practice with a focus on hormonal regulation, women's health (PMS, fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, etc.), fertility, and perinatal care. Dr. Jess gives us the real deal about 'geriatric pregnancy,' egg quality, and what your 30's mean when it comes to fertility and family planning. Don't think any of you men are off the hook! There are some key takeaways for you to lean into as you are also a major player in the process. 

If you're a listener of this podcast, college probably feels like ages ago. Now, just sit back and imagine what it would've been like having access to dating apps as they are used in the present day. Scary or exciting? To put in perspective what the 20-year old college student is experiencing while finding love on campus, Jasmin Johnson, host of The Adult Algorithm Podcast, is here to break it down. She talks about hook-up culture, the odds and ends of settling down and how women her age view coming into their 30's as potentially single. 

In a special, where are they now episode, we are revisiting Katie's story. You may recall that Katie (from episode 15: An Ethically, Non-Monogamous Marriage) had just broken off her engagement and was turning to the dating apps to explore new people. She happened to stumble upon a man that was in an open marriage and was unsure if she wanted to move forward. Now, she's back seven months later and is giving us an update about what happened in this scenario. Has she deleted the apps? Did she end up with the guy? Is she still looking? What does he have to say about all of this? That's right - he's sharing his side of the story, too.

From guys locking her out of their apartment, falling asleep during their date and questioning whether she had any life goals, Shannon is convinced that she is straight-up cursed in the dating department. Though these scenarios may scare most away to saying 'never again,' she embraces what each date has taught her and with that, has shifted her mindset to strictly date for quality. As a fitness coach and trainer, Shannon has learned that she is best suited to date someone with a similar lifestyle and hopes in doing so, that she won't be questioned about her ability to be successful all on her own. She is embracing her self-worth, dating like you mean it and finally walking away from bad dates (even if they make good stories). 

With a happy marriage, two kids and a booming career, Jenna Lyne was living the good life. It wasn't until her husband decided to make an impromptu trip across the country (unbenounced to her, to see another woman) that everything came crashing down. Instead of being revengeful, Jenna Lyne found strength in knowing she deserved much better and left. Now, she's better because of it and is back in the dating game. She leans into the struggles of dating as a single mom, dealing with her ex's baggage and how she exposed his cheating ways. You may want to delete Snapchat after hearing this one.

Celebrities are more often than not, glorified and glamourized in all aspects of their lives. When it comes to relationships, however, things get rather messy. Viral Tik-Tok and Instagram resident "tea spiller," GirlGanz is breaking down the most scandalous relationships over the past year. She gets into why things are never what they seem and how we often idolize these unions in hopes we can mirror them in our own lives. The gossip spills over into how she navigates aggressive male trolls, hiding from the Kardashians and her own journey in building her career while wanting to find love. 

Gretchen takes us back to her college years of freedom, questionable decisions and relationships that were opportunistic. Now, as a 'reformed party girl,' fiancé and mom, she reflects on her decision-making when it came to love and valuing those she was with. Gretchen also opens up about being a frequent cheater, her once carefree attitude about it, and the men she surrounded herself with that were serial liars; including one who made up a story about having cancer. Has this former wild child finally settled down? 

It's a battle that we've fought for most of our lives; bad body image. Not only does it hinder the way we see and feel about ourselves, that lack of confidence impacts dating and love life. Health coach, Sam Gwazdauskas, shares her own personal journey with self-love, body confidence and worthiness and how her business, The Sam Plan, works to help reframe that way of thinking. She also tackles being newly single, moving to a new city and embracing entering her 30th year of life.

Being toxic is a phrase that is thrown around in lot in both dating and relationships. Often, we are blind to our own toxic behaviors such as performing "background checks" on the people we're dating, checking in on the activity of our exes and even remaining with significant others that cheated on us. This week's guest, Alexis, is setting the record straight about these unhealthy dating habits, the accountability of these behaviors and how she may have missed toxic traits that kept her in a bad relationship for three years.

Professional matchmaker and dating coach, Jean-eva Dickie, is here to help provide some guidance in navigating dating apps, dating culture and putting out our best selves. With an array of services and activities, Jean-eva has experience working with singles and getting them into successful relationships. In this episode, she covers profile tips, setting a good age range, how to take the plunge and ultimately, being confident in yourself; because being currently single doesn't mean you will die alone (we hope!).

In lieu of saying just goodbye, women usually ask of one another to "text me when you get home." It's common practice and oftentimes not typical in dating life. Leah shares why this simple gesture is so important after her experience with a date that wasn't what it seemed. She also gets real about being a Hooters waitress and the precautions she takes to ensure her own safety.

Kia, host of So-Called Oreos Podcast, tackles being a self-proclaimed 'Oreo' in society and how it translates over to relationships. She touches on interracial dating, her experiences with international men and why she's taking a break from dating apps. Kia also shares her thoughts about this season's Bachelor and how Matt James handled the controversies surrounding racism with the finale winner. 

After forming a platonic friendship with a guy from an app, Lacey found herself in an expected situation as the 'other woman.' She breaks down the events of how things crumbled, her thoughts on accountability and how she sought to get revenge. She also talks about managing her highly successful Instagram account, @onceuponatimedating, and passes along more tales of woe, best advice and lessons learned. 

After 15 years with her ex and two kids later, Nicky is redefining who she is now as a single woman. From dating apps to ghosts of high school past, she is learning what she wants, what she doesn't and why the block button comes in handy after a date with a match and their cousin.

Living through a year of a global pandemic is hard enough. For singles, especially those who live alone, it's been even harder. With the lack of human connection coupled with self and social isolation, its been an emotional roller coaster. Kylie, who has been living alone throughout the pandemic, working a West Coast schedule while living on the East Coast, is sharing how this has affected her mental health. She also gets into the dating dilemma that comes with COVID and how she fights off social media and dating app trolls that question her sports IQ.

Ready to take his love life into his own hands, Rohan turned to dating apps to finally lose what he felt was holding him back, his virginity. Though the deed had been done, he still felt insecure about dating. Rohan gets real about men and their confidence issues, the power of love through DM's and long-distance connections that are worth putting in the work.

Single after nine years, Natasha was not only new to the dating scene, but life in LA. After putting herself out there, thanks to dating apps, she decided to document all of her experiences; the good, the bad and...the underwear model. In this episode, Natasha details her experience in writing a book ('A Series of Unfortunate Attempts') about dating life and lessons learned from all her attempts; even the unfortunate ones.

Since the COVID pandemic hit, date nights have looked a whole lot different. It's harder to meet people, stay in an engaging conversation and ultimately let them into your 'bubble.' To change things up, we decided to give virtual speed dating a whirl; while giving you the complete lowdown as to whether it's worth it or not. Was dating nine guys in eight-minute rounds heaven or hell? Can you feel sparks through the screen? Did some guys pick their noses because they forgot they were on a date (yes)? Hear the truth about the experience and what we learned about ourselves.

Feeling pressure to lose her virginity by the time she hit 30, Emily turned to Tinder to find a suitor. In order for her to be successful, she assembled the 'Twenty F**kteen' team full of friends who gave advice and.... their apartment. Not only does Emily share the complex nature of turning to dating apps for love...and sex... she also tackles what dating life is like for a plus-sized woman and how often she finds herself being self-protective in dating scenarios. Though no one may come close to her childhood love that is Jordan Knight from New Kids On The Block, Emily knows that living life now instead of waiting on someone else, is the best way to live.

When you're about to throw a punch, you may have a moment when you second guess yourself. Am I leaving myself open to get hit in return or will my punch land hard enough? The same can be said for relationships; we spend way too much time overthinking the right move. Julia, an avid boxer, knows all about giving a solid right hook to dates that don't give her that fire she gets when stepping into the ring. She hits on being bold in your dating approach, dismissing guys that think they know more than you and feeling empowered to stay single if that's what gives you life. Also, don't try to feed this Italian girl chicken parm if you don't know how to cook it!

Author Huda Al-Marashi of the book, 'First Comes Marriage: My Not-So-typical American Love Story' joins the podcast to talk about arranged marriages. She shares her experience as an Iraqi-American woman who was matched with her husband by family members. She also gives us insight into matchmaking culture, the myths around arranged marriages and the stunning similarities between finding love in western society and the east.

Kate the librarian. Kate the comedian. Kate the anti-online dater. Kate is just multidimensional and so is her dating past. She returns to the podcast for her first solo episode where she finally details some of the most salacious experiences she's ever had; including one of the most scandalous DM's we've heard so far. She talks nudity, being uncomfortably serenaded, weird sexual encounters and so much more. Will she finally give in to swiping as she enters a new decade in life? Tune in, but listen in private because this is definitely NSFW!

Ever have a date where the guy is inquiring about your biological clock? Beth has, and she's here to talk about that as well as virtual dating in the time of COVID. With about 10+ Facetime dates under her belt, she shares the highs and lows about video dating over the phone, the weird asks for private selfies and how three-hour conversations ultimately lead you nowhere. She also dives into how she's finally breaking free of societal expectations and pressure to settle down and finding pride in prioritizing her career in her 30's.

If you're looking for a sign (or a podcast episode) to own your power, this is it. Boudoir and empowerment photographer, Lindsay Hite, helps women to capture their unique and beautiful spirits through her Spark Sessions. She shares the importance of investing in yourself, stepping out of the box to get creative with it (it might even include a steamy shower photo op) and being confident whether you are single or not. When was the last time you invested in yourself? Here's how you can. Who knows ,you might be able to add some thirst trap photos to your dating profile after this one!

Finding love is hard enough. Now throw in gender identity and the barriers seem to be much more difficult. Unfortunately, most dating apps aren't the most inclusive to lesbian, queer, transgender and non-binary people looking for a match. Kullen, a trans man, understands this far too well. He shares what his experience has been like, whether or not he chooses to disclose and the weird questions he encounters from potential dates. Through the dating process, he wants just one thing; "to be treated like any other guy."

Cue the Derulo because Kristin is riding solo for this one! As requested, she recaps her COVID date out 'in the wild' which includes awkward silences, push-up bras and an age gap that becomes embarrassingly apparent. She also dives into what it takes to be a single woman looking for appreciation and how a little recognition goes a long way. Don't think she forgot it is a holiday week! In the second half of the episode, Kristin shares the worst holiday gifts she received from a significant other that were even too bad to regift to someone else (because they were illegal).

Mary has about a decade of experience under her belt on dating apps and like the rest of us, is exhausted! She touches on the pressures to settle down being a year away from 40, the undesirable things that happen on first dates and the weird encounter she had with a guy who admitted to being 'very close' with his mom. Mary also reminds us that it is okay to own your singlehood and that she is feeling more confident than ever by doing so.

Magazines always run the tagline 'celebrities are just like us.' I guess you could say they are when they start swiping on dating apps. Raya, the exclusive (and somewhat secret) dating app for the rich and famous, is difficult for the common person to get on and yet, it's highly sought after. With over 10,000 members and 100,000+ on the waiting list, your dreams of matching with the likes of Ben Affleck and Channing Tatum may be pretty far away. However, this week's guest, Jasmine, has been a member and had some lucky swipe rights with A-listers. She provides insight into the app, how to get on and tips on how to best position yourself for a date with a celeb.

Fact: Women lose friends at a faster rate than men from their mid twenties and on. By the time we hit our thirties, life begins to shift; careers start to take off, relationships get serious and babies are born. So where does that leave single and married besties? Ali joins the podcast to share some insight into this friendship evolution coupled with being a wife, mother and career woman and the choices you have to make to support your family as well as saying goodbye to friends. Kristin and Ali also dive into the greatest debate that still resonate with all women (even in their 30's), BSB vs NSYNC. Will their friendship survive? Find out!

Okay, ew, but also, pretty relatable. Dating and sex seemingly go hand-in-hand and it can certainly make or break the next steps in a relationship. It also be a wedge between two people that have been together for a long time as things become stale and comfortable. Liz, who is an integrative psychotherapy trainee and reproductive health specialist with interests in art and sexual therapy, is here to empower you to find your voice in sex. She reminds us that sex should be in the open and not shameful. You have the ability to own your sexual power and Liz is telling you to use it.

We see a lot floating around on social media about asking, believing and receiving. If you manifest love, will it come? Abby returns to the podcast with her witch hat on to dispel all the inaccuracies when it comes to manifestation, visualization and the Law of Attraction. Abby's practices come from her education and passion for wellness, spirituality, meditation and mindfulness which helps to guide what we should be doing for ourselves before we open it up to anyone else. The second half of the episode will feature short tarot readings with some previous podcast guests that are looking for love and life changes in 2021.

Stacy is a mom, two-time divorcee and beholder of some major truths. Getting tired of playing the dating game, she turned to Match to find love (and her new husband) that was so unassuming that she almost turned him away. She lets us know how her experiences have influenced how she approaches love and relationships and how we too, need to know what we want, stop expanding our boundaries and believe people when they show us who they truly are.

Get your mind out of the gutter! We are talking DIVORCE AND DATING on this one. Dan joins the podcast to tell his tales of being newly divorced and swiping at 33 years old. He shares that he's learned that any outstanding evidence of his previous relationship is a no-no, ghosting exists even when you're the good guy, and being open and honest about what you are going through will you get you far. He also taps Kristin for some advice about swiping and she presses him on his dating parameters (hello 25-year olds) and women who love sports.

What's more spooky? Your date not looking like his photos or you having to poop outside of your apartment because you're afraid the guy might hear you?! These listener-submitted 'scary' dating stories will put you in the Halloween mood. Highlights include drunken faceplants, check fraud, wedgies, dining and ditching and a whole lot of poop talk. Nothing like a nervous stomach on date night....oh the horror!

We've got a real-life Dawson and Joey on our hands! Together since they were fourteen, Russell and Kim have been through a lot; though it doesn't include climbing into each other's bedrooms by ladder. They chat about being married for eleven years and how they even get pestered with questions about what's next for them (can we hold the baby talk for a sec?). Since they've never really been in the dating game, Kristin gives them a '2020 Dating Slang' quiz to test their knowledge and then they round out the episode with what makes a great partner (including stepping in the boxing ring together).

Katie is out of a six-year relationship and engagement and is ready to find herself. Most recently, Tinder introduced her to a man in an open marriage that at first, she turned down but is now cautiously pursuing. She also talks about her sexual awakening and why happiness is much more important than your relationship status.

You swipe right. They look great. The conversations are amazing. It must be too good to be true. Well, maybe it is! Morgan joins the podcast to talk about her swipe right blunders which include exposing an engaged guy she dated who pretended to be single. She also touches upon being a single mom in the online dating world and how to go full "FBI" to investigate future partners.

There's nothing more self-deprecating than an episode about the host but here we are, with Kate putting Kristin in the hot seat. She talks about her dark relationship past and how she got herself back. She also gets into dating in Boston, weird first dates, the dreaded 'friend zone,' owning who you are and taking your shot - every damn time. You'll laugh, be concerned and probably have a lot more questions - what better way to start your Monday?

You know what's great? Having a wing woman. You know what else is great? Having a wing woman that is into totally different guys than you are. Work besties, Colby and Katie, share how they've navigated the online dating scene despite their differences. They also talk about the importance of having your "person" at work to get advice about how to handle bad dates. All three women conclude the podcast with their top "cowboys" that they would love to run away with. Are they your type? Find out.

Newlyweds Kara and Brianna join the podcast to reflect on their swipe-right love story. First came OKCupid, an engagement, then a wedding and now, a baby carriage is on its way! They touch upon their time on the apps and what they have learned from previous relationships as well as navigating the process of getting pregnant as a same-sex couple.

Wondering what makes a guy swipe right? Steve joins the podcast to talk about the commonalities among female profiles (i.e. the angel wings in Nashville), what his biggest turn-off is when communicating on the apps and what it takes to be all in.

We may strive for a confident and somewhat aggressive cowboy but boundaries are vital. College BFF's Abby and Allie join the podcast to talk about angry DM's and aggressive behavior from matches and the expectations both parties have when finally meeting in person. Kristin also shares a story about a gift that she never wanted from a much, much older man.

Do you get the cringe sweats at weddings when you hear "all the single ladies report to the dance floor?" SAME! Jess joins the podcast to talk about meeting Kristin at a wedding as fellow single ladies and the shame of catching the bouquet. She also shares tales from the inbox of her dating apps that contain some NSFW photos, foot fetishes and inquiries about being a mother. This is one of the most relatable episodes for anyone that has been on a dating app!

We talk a lot about how superficial dating apps can be. How tall someone is or what they look like. But, what if you had cancer and the person you were dating told you that they could no longer be with you because of it? It has nothing to do with your looks, personality or how great your profile is. This week's guest, Julie, opens our eyes to dating with a cancer diagnosis and how to never take life for granted, even when it comes to following your heart.

Kristin is joined by the "Wonder Twins," Jenna and Kate, who have been quarantining together since COVID hit. One has found love, the other, a condo! Before they depart as new-found roomies, they discuss old boyfriends (some that are dead, others that go to Trivia Night), Zoom dates and why Kate won't open a dating app ever again.

Kristin's younger and married sister, Jenn, joins the show to shed some light on the fact that societal pressures on women don't end once you tie the knot. They also dive into what their parents think about having a single daughter and how Julia Stiles sold us all an unrealistic bill of goods about relationships in high school.

Often we find ourselves asking 'are all men the same?' and when it comes to dating apps, this sentiment rings true. Guest Tafara is taking us behind the scenes of the app Grindr and shares some interesting similarities about how men conduct themselves when engaging online for potential dates. He also breaks down how to seek someone that has more than a pretty profile photo and the benefits of being chased rather than on the hunt.

In a nod to Jada Pinkett Smith's past "entanglement," guest Alessandra is sharing hers and why she gave a guy with a breathalyzer in his car a chance. Really, why do we give the wrong ones any additional chances? She also pitches her #NotAJohnWayne plea for those who feature photos of their ex in their dating profile and how she got over being ghosted.

Guys get credit all the time for going out with multiple women but what about us? Kristin's friend, 'Kitty Kat' joins the podcast to talk about dating 40 guys over the course of a year and how she managed to not ask them the same questions twice. She also touches on one of the most awkward second dates she's ever been on (teddy bears included), and how she finally saw some light at the end of the swiping tunnel.

Carrie Bradshaw once pondered; "Inside every confident, driven, single woman, is there a delicate, fragile princess just waiting to be saved?" Find out if we need a cowboy to step in and save us in the trailer for Where Have All The Cowboys Gone podcast.