Let's face it, dating is difficult. There's mixed signals, awkward small talk, getting ghosted — especially during the era of online dating, where swiping through strangers seems like the only way to find your bae-to-be. From watching TV shows like Sex and the City [1] to Netflix's Dating Around [2], I've come to realise that being single is never easy and, unfortunately, never will be. If you've got a case of dating fatigue [3], try listening to these 10 podcasts about relationships and romance. Through interviews with professional matchmakers to weird sexual encounters and dating horror stories, these podcasts will help you navigate the modern love scene.
Girls Gotta Eat
Comedian Ashley Hesseltine and food blogger Rayna Greenberg explore modern relationships in their podcast, Girls Gotta Eat [5]. Every week, they discuss a different facet of the dating world by offering blunt advice about being friends with an ex to getting ghosted. They also analyse crazy stories from listener emails that will have you saying, "psycho or power move?"
Why Won't You Date Me?
You might know her from Netflix's show Nailed It! or from MTV's Girl Code, but comedian Nicole Byer goes on a quest to find out why she's single on the podcast Why Won't You Date Me? [6] Nicole invites her friends and even exes on the show to help her figure out why, at 32 years old, she's still single. It's relatable, honest, and above all hysterical.
U Up?
Ah, the classic 2 a.m. text. In their podcast, U Up? [7], Betches cofounder Jordana Abraham and comedian Jared Freid investigate stories and trends in the modern millennial world. I particularly like this podcast because Jared offers the "male" perspective to help interpret dating interactions. By reading emails from listeners, Jared and Jordana recap weird sexual encounters and question if certain behaviours are red flags or dealbreakers.
Modern Love
Based on the New York Times column, Modern Love [8] tells real-life stories of love, loss, and redemption read by actors like Busy Philipps, Kristen Bell [9], Sterling K. Brown, and more. After listening to the modern love narratives, we get to hear from the people behind the stories. This series puts love on display in all of its different forms.
Guys We F*cked
Through their podcast, Guys We F*cked [10], comedians Corinne Fisher and Krystyna Hutchinson attempt to change society's outlook on sex. Every Friday, they discuss sexual taboos featuring special guests who range from experts in the industry to guys they've slept with. By dishing out the details about their relationships, Corinne and Krystyna are working toward creating a sex-positive environment.
Where Should We Begin? With Esther Perel
Acclaimed couples therapist Esther Perel takes a deep-dive into real relationships. In her podcast Where Should We Begin? [11], Esther sits down and gets candid with couples about infidelity, intimacy and more. She opens up space for couples to have a conversation and gives us a space to listen.
Help! I Suck at Dating
He couldn't find love on The Bachelorette [12] and again on Bachelor in Paradise, so Dean Unglert called in backup from friends to help him become better at dating in the podcast Help! I Suck at Dating [13]. Former Bachelor contestant Vanessa Grimaldi and former Bachelor in Paradise contestant Jared Haibon assist Dean on his quest to unlock the secrets to what makes a successful relationship.
Committed
As a newlywed, journalist and host Jo Piazza wants to learn what it takes to sustain a successful marriage. In her podcast Committed [14], Jo sits down with couples from all over the world to understand what marriage means in the 21st century. Through situations of transition, traumatic injuries, and polyamorous relationships, Committed relays stories of couples who have endured the unimaginable but stuck together through it all.
We Met at Acme
Food blogger Lindsey Metselaar wants to talk about things we're not supposed to talk about — sex, relationships, and vulnerability. In her podcast, We Met at Acme [15], Lindsey delves into millennial dating and taboo subjects surrounding it, featuring a variety of guests from Acme employees to astrologists and celebrities.
First 51 Dates
After her therapist suggested she go on 100 dates, Kimmy Foskett decided to enlist her best friend, Liza Renzulli, to help with an experiment: go on 51 first dates. Through their podcast, First 51 Dates [16], the best friends recount the experience, from Liza planning the date to Kimmy going on it. They bring on special guests along the way to weigh in on the dating project.