Dating While Gray™ (Laura Stassi)

Parenting and dating are two words we may not be comfortable hearing in the same sentence, even if “little ones” are all grown up. Laura explores how gray daters are juggling personal needs and desires with parental obligations.

Laura has a special treat for listeners: an introduction to a podcast she thinks you'll really enjoy. It's called Embodied. In this episode, host Anita Rao examines her own anxiety about how intimacy changes as the body ages. | Support these shows at wunc.org/give.

After meeting a widower who seems anxious to jump from first date to happily ever after, Laura wonders how losing a partner to death impacts the search for new love. | Support this show at wunc.org/give. Share your stories and questions at datingwhilegray@wunc.org.

Who hasn’t done a little digging to find a flame from our younger years? But Laura discovers that it's taking the next step to reach out when things can get a little complicated. | Support this show with a donation at wunc.org/give. Share your gray dating stories and questions with Laura at datingwhilegray@wunc.org.

Laura’s a Scorpio, and she reads her horoscope every morning for fun. But is there more to astrology than sun signs, and can it help us make romantic connections? | Support this show with a donation to wunc.org/give. Share your gray dating stories and questions with Laura at datingwhilegray@wunc.org.

Sex. As we get older, it seems like there’s a lot more to think about, and talk about, before actually...doin’ it. And it can be nerve-wracking, especially if we haven’t had a new partner – or any partner – in a very long time. For advice on sexual intimacy and aging, we turn to two experts. | Share your gray dating stories and questions with Laura at datingwhilegray@wunc.org.

Remember the PSA that aired on TV for years, with the egg and the frying pan: This is your brain, this is drugs, this is your brain on drugs? It seems like love can be a lot like that, too, even when we’re older. But why? For answers, we turn to perhaps the premier expert on the brain and love: Helen Fisher. | Share your stories and questions at datingwhilegray@wunc.org.

Laura reflects on a favorite memory since last season: a post-vaccine, pre-variant moment in time when she picked up a new skill and a long-awaited opportunity to socialize. Welcome to Season 3 of Dating While Gray!

We're still contending with COVID-19 two years after the contagious virus entered our lives. In a world where vaccines and mask wearing are about the only tools we have to help make us safer, is getting out to find love worth taking some risks?

Since the first modern dating website was created in the mid-1990s, millions of people have spent a lot of time, energy and dollars dating online. So why is the jury still out on if technology actually leads to lasting love connections? | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at: silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.

When dating seems too complicated of a project to D-I-Y, love pros are eager to help. For a price. But are dating coaches and matchmakers worth the financial investment? | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at: www.silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.

With millions of people spending a chunk of time on social media sites daily, it seemed inevitable one of these platforms would elbow its way into the love business. How about using social media —officially and unofficially — to make love connections? | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at www.silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.

No matter which path we take to find love, the journey can be more difficult if we’re bringing too much baggage along with us. How do we leave the unnecessary heavy stuff behind for a fresh start at romance? | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at: www.silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.

Laura introduces listeners to Great Grief, a podcast about love and loss hosted by Grammy-nominated singer Nnenna Freelon who experienced a shift in every aspect of her life following the death of her husband Phil. | Learn more at www.greatgrief.com.

Laura doesn’t have trouble asking anyone about anything....for the podcast. But when it comes to her personal life, she needs help making conversation with new people without feeling awkward. How do you go from small talk to a real connection? | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at www.silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.

Sugar daddies. Cougars. Cradle robbers. When it comes to couples with age differences, there are so many silly labels. It's true that May-December romances make some people uncomfortable, but after we reach a certain age, how much should an age gap even matter? | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at www.silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.

An entire generation grew up with songs on the radio that basically were cautionary tales about being single. 1968 brought us “One is the Loneliest Number.” 1972 gave us “Alone Again (Naturally).” And "All By Myself” charted in 1975. No wonder some of us are fearful of being on our own! So is it still popular opinion that being uncoupled is to be avoided at all costs? | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at: silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.

Are you starting to fret that despite all of your efforts, you’ll never find The One? Here’s a little inspiration to relax and just let it be: three stories of not seeking love, but magically finding it. | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.

On the Season 3 finale, Laura turns the mic over to DWG listeners. They share details from their personal, yet highly relatable, gray dating journeys. And they ask Laura to tap experts to address their questions related to sex, grown kids, and money. (Guess which topic makes Laura really squirm!) | Thanks to our sponsor SilverSingles. More at: silversingles.com/datingwhilegray

Laura has a very special announcement for podcast listeners about what to expect over the summer. | Learn more at www.datingwhilegray.com.

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Gerry says the D Word: Divorce. Laura Stassi, host of Dating While Gray, and Slate Senior Supervising Producer Daisy Rosario recap the fourth episode of The Golden Bachelor.

Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on The Waves. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work.

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If romantic relationships are built on shared values, does that mean two people need to be aligned politically to have a deep connection and strong bond? In Part 1 of the Dating While Gray/APM broadcast special, Laura talks with older Americans navigating red-blue romance … some more successfully than others.

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Golden Bachelor Gerry is rapidly approaching hometown dates and needs to narrow the pool down to three. To get there, we have a passionate one-on-one date and a high-stakes group date. Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth and Dating While Gray host Laura Stassi give their thoughts.

Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on The Waves. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using toys, getting STI tested, embracing the use-it-or-lose it mantra … Laura shares excerpts of a candid Facebook Live event with Michael Castleman, a longtime sex journalist and author, most recently, of “Sizzling Sex for Life: Everything You Need to Know to Maximize Erotic Pleasure at Any Age.”

Words of romance wisdom from: Writer Sophy Burnham, who offers insights based on decades of personal experience; Leora Hoffman, an attorney-turned- matchmaker who built her business while finding a partner for herself; DWG listeners; and marriage and family therapist Katherine Woodward Thomas, author of “Calling In The One" and "Conscious Uncoupling." 

An unexpected life turn leaves mid-fifties Priya a single mother of a grade-schooler. Is it just a coincidence she’s struggling on the dating scene? Laura poses that question to researcher Lauren Harris. She reveals her study findings about dating desirability when young kids – and grandkids – are in the picture.

Host Laura Stassi talks with New Yorker Dennis, who doesn't want to give up the single life. Maybe he's waiting for the perfect woman to finally become available? Then there's Michele in Washington, D.C. Despite successfully connecting people in her large professional and social circles, she hasn't made a romantic connection for herself. Finally, life coach Amy Schoen says people who want to couple up need to be intentional in thought and actions.

Laura talks with Steven, who tries bonding with his partner's vicious dog even as their marriage hits the rocks; Jamie, who offers to share her home with an unlikely housemate; and Jenevieve, who throws practicality aside to summon the online dating spirits.

Laura talks with Sandy, who shares how communication set the stage for her second 'first time,' and Dr. Jen Gunter, author of The Vagina Bible, and a leading advocate for communicating about women's sexual health. Then she debunks myths about male sexual health with Dr. Arthur Burnett, a surgeon and scientist whose research led to the development of Viagra. Finally, Laura learns about communication, intimacy and adult toys with Kathryn Ellis, an occupational therapist and sexuality counselor.

Laura talks with Evamarie about the discovery that leads her to try online dating; Mark, whose search for love after devastating loss feels more urgent and also, elusive; and Girard, who gains romantic clarity after a health crisis.

Laura talks with Ken, who's reluctant to date after feeling financially burned in his marriage; accountant and financial planner Colette Kolanko, who says we can find creative and loving ways to talk about money with a future partner; and Bob and Marge, who merged their lives without blending bank accounts.

Laura talks with legendary women's college basketball coach Elaine Elliott, whose commitment to her partner endured long after the romance was over. Then, Norm and Jeanne share the story of how they built a solid partnership without mentioning the "C" word. Finally, Laura sits down with public radio icon Diane Rehm, who put her own modern spin on a traditional choice.

Laura talks with Maxine, who lived most of her life as a self-described "alpha male" until the day things just clicked. Then Laura sits down with The Naked Truth author Leslie Morgan Steiner. Leslie describes how she reclaimed her sexuality after her gray divorce, and teaches Laura how to open her eyes to the possibilities of making romantic connections. Laura also learns about making connections despite physical distancing from listeners like Robert, who gave virtual speed dating a go.

Laura talks with Rev. Joani Peacock, who made a personal discovery around the time her marriage ended. She's confident in herself — but that doesn't mean it's easier to date. Then Laura sits down with Giselle, who found acceptance only after letting go of a long-held secret. Finally, while we're all social distancing, Laura checks in with Ann, who's found a creative way to be her true self and keep the spark alive in a long-distance romance.

Laura talks with writer Sophy Burnham, who offers romance insights based on her decades of personal experience. Then Laura gets relationship advice from Leora Hoffman, an attorney-turned- matchmaker who built her business while finding a partner for herself. Listeners phone in with their own advice about love before Laura speaks with marriage and family therapist Katherine Woodward Thomas. Her books "Calling In The One" and "Conscious Uncoupling" help people make romantic connections, or lovingly end them.

Laura Stassi is back for a second season of conversations about romance and relationships after age 50! This time around, the podcast takes on how dating is affected by personal finances, adult kids and of course, finding companionship during the COVID crisis.

Host Laura Stassi attends her 40th high school reunion, where her former classmates open up about their own love lives and dating strategies. Then, she revisits a man she went on a date with to get schooled on online dating as well as the “three-date” rule. Finally, she gleans inspiration from a couple who met at the apartment building where they both live.

Laura is admittedly freaked out by dating apps. But she's also curious how other gray daters are connecting during the COVID pandemic. Does being high risk for the virus have to put a limit on love?

Since her divorce, Laura's happily lived alone with Jade, her Australian Shepherd mix. But she wonders what it might have been like to go through the pandemic sharing space with a housemate.

Laura's the first to admit: She'd rather talk with potential romantic partners about any topic other than money. But is she just delaying the inevitable by pushing off conversations about personal finances?

Research shows daters 50 and older are more likely than younger ones to say it’s very important that online dating profiles include race and political affiliation. Laura wonders if being too specific about race, religion or politics leads to overlooking some solid romantic options.

A dating site profile question leads Laura to explore cannabis use among older daters. Dosages, smoking vs. ingesting, medical and bedroom benefits … listeners weigh in with their cautionary tales, tips, and true stories.

Looking for a soul salve? Here it is: Four stories of romance seeking and finding, shared by show listeners. They include Anthony, who won’t let heartbreak interfere with progress; and Peter, who describes his “good enough” union in the most positive of ways.

Laura chats with Julie Krafchick and Yue Xu, co-hosts of the Dateable podcast and authors of “How To Be Dateable: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Person and Falling in Love”; and It’s Just Lunch and 33,000 Dates founder Andrea McGinty, author of “2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50.”

Are you starting to fret that despite all of your efforts, you’ll never find The One? Here’s a little inspiration to relax and just let it be: three stories of not seeking love, but magically finding it. 

Laura talks with legendary women's college basketball coach Elaine Elliott, whose commitment to her partner endures long after the romance is over. Then, Norm and Jeanne share the story of how they’ve built a solid partnership without mentioning the "C" word. Finally, Laura sits down with public radio icon Diane Rehm, who puts her own modern spin on a traditional choice. (From April 2020)

The Golden Bachelorette premiere is approaching! Laura wonders if this time, the reality show will be more, you know, real. She also shares excerpts from “Beyond ‘Reality’ TV: Inside the Lives of Older Singles,” a Dating While Gray/American Public Media radio broadcast special.

Shannon’s back on the dating market, this time with the diagnosis of a gradually disabling disease. Patrice’s plans with her long-time partner are upended by a sudden health crisis. How do medical issues impact the love connections we find, and the ones we seek?

Laura shares comments and questions from listeners responding to previous DWG episodes.

When couples mix business and pleasure, can both their romantic and work partnerships survive and thrive? Laura talks with “accidental CEO” Allison, and home-building entrepreneur Karen. This episode sponsored by Edgespace. 

In the first episode of our new microcast, Speed Dating While Gray, a matchmaker makes a provocative, off-topic comment about Laura’s gray hair.

Is artificial intelligence in your dating toolkit? After avoiding the topic, Laura explores. She talks with Igor Khalatian, tech entrepreneur and founder of Iris Dating, and gray dater Emmay, who’s using ChatGPT to help her craft flirtatious messages with potential matches.

Sydney helps mom Jennifer navigate the dating apps. Widower Herb offers daughter Jen tips for a successful long-term relationship, even as bad timing keeps him apart from his longtime love. Both stories prove that the ties that bind us need not be restrictive. They can provide just the right amount of support, at just the right time.

It’s the dating situation no one dares think about … until it happens to them. Laura discusses ambiguous loss and next steps with Mike, whose wife has been diagnosed with a terminal brain disease, and marriage and family therapist Linda Hershman.

Bill turns to heavy metal music as he figures out a peaceful way forward after a second divorce and a health crisis. Anne is tired of feeling devastated by her split and wants to tap into some anger. Laura’s happy to lend Anne a hand -- and a baseball bat – as they visit a rage room. 

On this final episode of our Golden Bachelor recap episode of The Waves, Gerry’s makes his decision but maybe loses the audience along the way. 

Podcast production by Brandon Nix and Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on The Waves. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura gets insights from Ryan Frederick, author of “Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide for Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life.” 

Longtime dating coach Damona Hoffman offers practical and optimistic insights from her book, “F the Fairy Tale: Rewrite the Dating Myths and Live Your Own Love Story.” Plus, listeners share their true stories about the search for love.

Laura’s a Scorpio, and she reads her horoscope every morning for fun. But is there more to astrology than sun signs, and can it help us make romantic connections? Laura talks with Koku, who looks to the zodiac as a “quiet consultant” in her life. Then astrologer Leslie McGuirk says sun signs and daily horoscopes can be entertaining, but there’s a lot more to it than that. After, Laura meets with a self-taught chart reader to learn what might be in the stars for her romantic future. Mr. G, Mr. T or Mr. W – whose planets are best aligned with Laura’s?

Crystal and Dave clicked! First online, and then in real life. Are they moving too fast? Have the red flags been flying all along? Laura talks with each of them about their relationship journey.

Shared mission, different game plan: Laura chats with Caitlin Pierce, creator of the reality dating show Hang Up from Radiotopia/PRX. 

Who hasn’t done a little digging to find a flame from our younger years? But, as Laura discovers, taking the next steps to reach out is when things can get complicated.

A dating site profile question leads Laura to explore cannabis use among older daters. Dosages, smoking vs. ingesting, medical and bedroom benefits … listeners weigh in with their cautionary tales, tips, and true stories.

Laura talks with Shawn Leamon, a financial expert who usually explores money from an uncoupling point of view. Shawn offers tips and advice to Laura's other guests: Ginny, who's been so financially burned that she literally can't afford to be vulnerable; Sue, who's finding trouble meeting someone whom she considers her financial equal; and Barry, who blames his debt-free but modest lifestyle for his lackluster love life.

Medicare is more complicated, and expensive, than many people realize. Also, it’s not too early to start thinking about this benefit. An Arm and a Leg host Dan Weissmann gets the scoop from Sarah Jane Tribble, who’s been covering the story for KFF Health News and the Washington Post.

Listener Stacy is mulling over a marriage proposal. History and tradition suggest that’s the ultimate romantic commitment expression. But at our age, does it make financial sense? For help answering that question, Laura calls on two experts: a financial planner, and a prenup attorney.

Ahead of the international get-high holiday of 4/20, Laura chats with cannabis researcher Dr. Peter Grinspoon. He also has thoughts about dating. Plus, the Golden Bachelor couple announced they’re getting divorced. Did you see it coming? Listeners – and Laura – have thoughts. 

Is there ever a right time to end a romantic relationship – especially when there’s a lot of history involved? Chris and other listeners share their struggles, plus Laura chats with marriage and family therapist Linda Hershman about discernment counseling.

Jerry’s in his early seventies when friends introduce him to 65-year-old, never-married Ann. They share with Laura the twists and turns of their romantic relationship.

An online encounter has Laura wondering: When it comes to older heterosexual dating, are women trying to school men? Weighing in are widower Steve, a feminist who bristles at traditional advice; and Kevin, who’s still feeling the sting of the gray divorce his wife initiated. 

With five committed relationships in 20 years, the apps are panning out for listener Jean. Plus, two former Dating While Gray guests randomly connect online and make a dinner date. Laura tags along and then uncovers what happened afterward. Was it a love hit … or a miss?

Shannon’s  back on the dating market, this time with the diagnosis of a gradually disabling disease. Patrice’s plans with her long-time partner are upended by a sudden health crisis. How do medical issues impact the love connections we find, and the ones we seek?

An online encounter has Laura wondering: When it comes to older heterosexual dating, are women trying to school men? Weighing in are widower Steve, a feminist who bristles at traditional advice; and Kevin, who’s still feeling the sting of the gray divorce his wife initiated. 

Laura chats with Stephanie, who’s living around the globe on a budget after divorce and retirement.

With five committed relationships in 20 years, the apps are panning out for listener Jean. Plus, two former Dating While Gray guests randomly connect online and make a dinner date. Laura tags along and then uncovers what happened afterward. Was it a love hit … or a miss?

What happens when a journalist covering the older-dating beat tries to get real about a TV show? Listeners weigh in with their opinions – about The Golden Bachelor and also, everything Laura said about it for Slate’s recap podcast.

Dating While Gray is back! Over 10 new episodes, Laura shares more true stories and expert advice on love and romance at age 50 and beyond ... plus, ponders if “The Golden Bachelor” is a good idea or a reality TV hot mess. Coming soon to your podcast feed – stay tuned a new episode every Thursday!

On this week’s episode of The Waves recapping The Golden Bachelor, we find Gerry in his feelings…again.Slate Senior Supervising Producer Daisy Rosario and Dating While Grey Host Laura Stassi give their thoughts on the third episode of Gerry’s journey to finding love and all the tears that go along with it.Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the feeds for The Waves and Dating While Grey wherever you listen to podcasts.Please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on The Waves.

Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After counting up the romantic encounters she’s had this year, Laura asks older singles for their numbers. Tea spillers include Vinnie and Rachel; Kevin, who discovers three times is not the charm; and Allison, who widens her Zip code parameters.

Laura shares “A Beloved Nursing Home,” which kicks off Season 2 of tTo See Each Other. Show host George Goehl travels to Lincoln County, Wisconsin, to get to know a colorful group of people who are fighting for the future of the last remaining public nursing home in the community.

Laura checks in with guests from previous seasons including LuAnn, who needs help with her boyfriend’s lack of awareness in the bedroom; Tim, who’s unsure what he wants in a new relationship; and Margo, a long-haul truck driver who’s ready to come off the road and find love again. 

Coach Amy Schoen returns for do’s, don’ts, and dishing with host Laura Stassi and Paulina, who can’t figure out if dating is different because she’s older, or because she’s dating Americans. What is a date, anyway? Then there’s Glyn, who offers cautionary tales about manners, and menu choices. Finally, we hear from Paula, who recounts that time she fielded a highly personal question.

With true stories and expert insights, host Laura Stassi continues her journalistic mission to uncover and share what it takes to make and keep new love connections in the later years of life.

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Gerry visits the hometowns of the last 3 women standing on The Golden Bachelor. 

Unlike hometown dates in the past, Gerry isn’t meeting the parents. Instead, he’s getting to know the women’s kids and their grandkids. But it doesn’t make the hometown dates any less cringe. Slate Senior Producer Cheyna Roth and Dating While Gray host Laura Stassi recap the episode.

Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Vic Whitley-Berry with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on The Waves. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After counting up the romantic encounters she’s had this year, Laura asks older singles for their numbers. Tea spillers include Vinnie and Rachel; Kevin, who discovers three times is not the charm; and Allison, who widens her Zip code parameters.

Pilot episode! Laura attends her 40th high school reunion, where her former classmates open up about their own love lives and dating strategies. Then, she revisits a man she went on a date with to get schooled on online dating and the “three-date” rule. Finally, Laura gleans inspiration from a couple who met at the apartment building where they both liv

A growing number of older couples are not sharing space 24/7. It’s called living apart together, or LAT. Anthropologist Helen Fisher reveals her LAT arrangement with husband John. Then Laura chats with Vicki Larson, author of the forthcoming “LATitude: How to Make a Live Apart Together Relationship Work.” Finally,  an LAT arrangement involving a duplex sparks a courtroom battle.

Remember the PSA that aired on TV for years, with the egg and the frying pan: This is your brain, this is drugs, this is your brain on drugs? It seems like love can be a lot like that, too, even when we’re older. Why? For answers, we turn to perhaps the premier expert on the brain and love: Helen Fisher.

Can we keep the love faith while circumventing the deceivers? Security analyst Kim Key offers advice and tips on avoiding online romance scams, based on her research and reporting for PCMag. Then, Laura hears about conducting background checks on potential dating partners from listeners including Paula, who says it’s her new M.O. after her experience with a suspiciously eager love interest. Finally, journalist and “Duped” author Abby Ellen shares about uncloaking her former fiancé. She wonders if he’s simply larger than life; turns out he’s a lying liar.

In Anita's lifetime, the divorce rate for Americans over 55 has doubled. People are living longer, divorce stigma has decreased and women are more financially independent. But leaving a decades-long marriage … is a big life upheaval. Anita gets personal accounts from two gray divorcees about what it was like to rebuild their identities, finances and freedom post-divorce. They discuss money management, surfing and why women initiate divorce most often in heterosexual partnerships.

Meet the guests:

- Laura Stassi is a writer, editor and the host of the podcast "Dating While Gray."

- Dr. Stephanie Han is a literature scholar, award-winning author and educator.

Special thanks to Nanette Murphy and Linda Lingo for sharing their thoughts for this episode!

Read the transcript 

Maybe we’re doing it, maybe we’re not. Maybe we want to, maybe we don’t. We might be thinking about it … intimacy coach Anna Marti offers insights for all of us, plus Cate and other listeners share their concerns.

When couples mix business and pleasure, can both their romantic and work partnerships survive and thrive? Laura talks with “accidental CEO” Allison, and home-building entrepreneur Karen. This episode sponsored by Edgespace. 

Since the first modern dating website was created in the mid-’90s, millions of people have spent a lot of time, energy and dollars. So why is the jury still out on whether technology actually leads to lasting love connections?

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Gerry’s down to two women and two potential fantasy suites. How sweet do things actually get?

Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry and Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.

Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on The Waves. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to finding love or making a commitment, is there ever an expiration date? Laura talks with Julie, who’s been on the dating market for almost a quarter-century. Then she checks in with Clyde and Trish, who’ve chosen the slow road despite instant chemistry.

Laura talks with psychotherapist Ken Page about older romance and bridging political differences in kinder and gentler ways. Plus, listeners weigh in on labels like feminist and woke. Bonus content: We hear from Jeanne Safer, author of “I Love You, But I Hate Your Politics.”  

Dating sites and apps can be a huge time suck and overwhelmingly, users report feeling burned out. Should we trust our gut and make quick swiping decisions? Or does being more thoughtful about the process lead to love success? Laura talks strategies and outcomes with relationship coaches and online soldiers.

Laura talks with Carson, whose change in relationship status sparks a cross-country move. Then, Laura hears from unlucky-in-love Albert, who wonders if it makes sense to re-establish himself somewhere other than his longtime hometown to find what he’s looking for, relationship-wise. For advice, Laura taps Bill Chopik, associate psychology professor and director of Michigan State University's Close Relationships Lab. 

Finally, Laura meets up with Margo, who lives in the big rig she drives cross-country for her career. Margo loves her life behind the wheel but is starting to think that for her personal life as well as dog Xander’s well-being, it might be time to come off the road.  

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, Dating While Gray continues its year-round mission of offering insights and advice on love, sex, and relationships for people of a certain age. On this episode, Laura checks in with two gray daters who previously shared their compelling true stories. Has Betty’s whirlwind, pandemic-born romance stood the test of time? Evelyn and her partner are enjoying living side by side in a duplex But did the courts give it the official Live Apart Together kiss of approval? 

Laura chats with novelist Susan Coll about the inspiration behind her novels featuring protagonists in dysfunctional relationships. Plus, a poet captures the ups and downs of her love life, and a retired biotechnology writer turns to penning “elder erotica.”