Category: Podcast

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This week Ana Rivas and I recap the course of her six-year relationship, which nearly fell victim to a last minute first date cancellation. We talk about every facet of their relationship, beginning with the unorthodox way Chris got her number at a holiday party, through their eventual engagement. Ana divulges the difficulties they navigated along the way, like fluctuating excitement during the first few dates, recovering from a break, and ending cohabitation without ending the relationship. She then gives detailed insight into the wedding planning process and overcoming the difficulties associated with booking a venue less than five months ahead of the date, before being rudely thwarted by Coronavirus.

To make things Instagram official : @interstatesandheartbreak

For dating commentary from my inner Carrie : interstatesandheartbreak.com

For any questions, business inquiries, or love letters : interstatesandheartbreak@gmail.com

For a glimpse into my life when I’m not talking about dating : lesliegnope

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This week’s interview takes place in the DreamWorks Animation offices with VP of Global Brand Partnerships & Marketing, David Bynder. We compare David’s Los Angeles dating exploits in the 90’s to my present day experience, and evaluate the merits of single’s dances vs. app swipes, written personal ads vs. DM slides, and dinner dates vs. cannabis cafes. He also reveals the dating routines he abandoned upon meeting his now wife, and the first date spot that led to a 20-year marriage. The generational discussion moves past X and Y to conclude with Gen Z, as we discuss his kids’ entrance into the dating world, and identify the red flags and dealbreakers that dads encounter on behalf of their children.

To make things Instagram official : @interstatesandheartbreak

For dating commentary from my inner Carrie : interstatesandheartbreak.com

For any questions, business inquiries, or love letters : interstatesandheartbreak@gmail.com

For a glimpse into my life when I’m not talking about dating : lesliegnope

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This week Ariel Cowell and I recount 7 years of dating history that spanned our time as roommates – ranging from a first date at Chuck E. Cheese, receiving nearly identical Christmas presents from separate men, and dates with (multiple) coworkers. We deep dive into all aspects of friendships as they relate to dating. At what point do you introduce the guy you’re dating to your friends? Is it beneficial to let friends know when you’re not a fan of their partner, and what do you do if you’re on the receiving end of that feedback? And how do you successfully navigate out of the friend zone and into a successful long-term relationship and cohabitation?

To make things Instagram official : @interstatesandheartbreak

For dating commentary from my inner Carrie : interstatesandheartbreak.com

For any questions, business inquiries, or love letters : interstatesandheartbreak@gmail.com

For a glimpse into my life when I’m not talking about dating : lesliegnope

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This week brings a discussion with former LA resident Stormy (no connection to Trump or the Kardashians). She shares her frank and unapologetic opinions about Los Angeles, the dating culture it creates, the men who contribute to that culture, and why she eventually returned to San Diego. Throughout the episode, we dive into the male mindset, like whether or not guys actually want you to make the first move, if they can truly appreciate a powerful woman, and whether they’re all capable of cheating. Finally, we debate the merits of bros in San Diego vs. Los Angeles, and play a game of Would You Rather to determine which city has the most cringeworthy dating stereotypes.

To make things Instagram official : @interstatesandheartbreak

For dating commentary from my inner Carrie : interstatesandheartbreak.com

For any questions, business inquiries, or love letters : interstatesandheartbreak@gmail.com

For a glimpse into my life when I’m not talking about dating : @lesliegnope

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This week I interview former work wife and current wingwoman, Victoria Caruso, for a deep dive into all aspects of single life. We compare notes on our dating strategies and debate the merits of our vastly different approaches, asking questions like whether two dates in one day is too intense, whether a guy needs to catch your attention in his first dating app photo to warrant a right swipe, and if simply smiling at a guy at the bar is enough effort. The conversation spans every bizarre, shady, and unwanted behavior we’ve encountered on the apps, and concludes with a game of red flag or dealbreaker inspired by actual Hinge profile content.

For visual proof that dating Victoria is, in fact, like living your best life, follow her on Instagram : @toricaruso

To make things Instagram official : @interstatesandheartbreak

For dating commentary from my inner Carrie : interstatesandheartbreak.com

For any questions, business inquiries, or love letters : interstatesandheartbreak@gmail.com

For a glimpse into my life when I’m not talking about dating : lesliegnope

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On part two of “Finding Your Stage 5 Clinger,” I interview Megan’s husband Will Rippetoe to get his perspective. Will takes us on his online dating journey, beginning with 100+ dates that included a tear-inducing first kiss and a second date ultimatum, and concluding with the OkCupid match that finally drove him to delete the apps. Will reveals how his inner Stage 5 Clinger was born out of an immediate desire to lock things down in pursuit of a lifelong relationship with Megan, and how clear and consistent communication were critical to helping them overcome the difficulties posed by distance. Along the way, Will shares his hot takes, like the reason he prioritizes new female friendships over new bromances, why nothing has changed since he’s gotten married, and how having a puppy is harder than having a baby. The episode wraps with a game of Red Flag or Dealbreaker – doggy style.

To see Will’s life post-transition HP to Amazon, and to find out why he’s known as Will da Beast, follow him on Instagram : @willrippetoe

To see the actual four-legged beast behind the man : @doodwheresmykona

To make things Instagram official : @interstatesandheartbreak

For dating commentary from my inner Carrie : interstatesandheartbreak.com

For any questions, business inquiries, or love letters : interstatesandheartbreak@gmail.com

For a glimpse into my life when I’m not talking about dating : lesliegnope

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On part one of “Finding Your Stage 5 Clinger,” we hear from life and career coach Megan Ladd for an empowering message about how trusting her gut and staying true to her standards helped her find the one. For anyone who’s experienced burnout or frustration over a seemingly aimless slew of online dates, Megan dives into grounding yourself in a vision that will give your dating life renewed purpose. Learn how the moniker “Stage 5 Clinger” helped her weed through the duds in order to find her husband Will, and close out the episode with a recap of their dream wedding (which I will probably never shut up about).

If you can’t get enough of Megan’s wisdom and are looking for affirmations designed to help you maximize success in all aspects of her life, find her on Instagram : @megladd

To inquire about coaching opportunities : megan-ladd.com

For a peek into some of the OKCupid profiles that didn’t quite make the cut 🙅🏻‍♀️ : @convoswithcupid

To make things Instagram official : @interstatesandheartbreak

For dating commentary from my inner Carrie : interstatesandheartbreak.com

For any questions, business inquiries, or love letters : interstatesandheartbreak@gmail.com

For a glimpse into my life when I’m not talking about dating : lesliegnope

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I talk to Martin Sohikish for a conversation that spans bottled Blue Moons to bottled baby formula. Martin provides the perspective of one-half of a high school sweetheart romance, and shares both the benefits and struggles of staying with someone as your interests (and alcohol tastes) evolve. As we dive into life as a dad, we uncover some lesser-known insights into early parenthood, like the lost luxury of procrastinating chores, nuances of formula, and when to actually say “no.” The episode concludes with me forcing Martin to live up to the paternal stereotype by delivering dad jokes – including one that borders on creepy.

To see live recordings of bands residing in and touring through San Diego : @realityhousewest

To make things Instagram official : @interstatesandheartbreak

For dating commentary from my inner Carrie : interstatesandheartbreak.com

For any questions, business inquiries, or love letters : interstatesandheartbreak@gmail.com

For a glimpse into my life when I’m not talking about dating : lesliegnope