Thirsty: the podcast: Recent Episodes
Laura Koo and Heather McG
This is a podcast about love, life, and a second chance. Though our marriages failed, we still believe in the power of a great love story. We share the best (and worst!) dating stories, the highs and lows, lessons learned, and nothing’s off limits - well, except for Laura’s refusal to date anyone who lives more than 30 minutes outside her radius. This is Thirsty: the podcast - because sometimes life leaves you wanting more.
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Nate the Great was a Dark Days date who met Laura right after a traumatizing encounter with David the Disaster. But, was Nate really all that great? With "Second Chance Summer", Laura is seeing Nate's impact through fresh eyes and the benefit of hindsight, and she's seeing things a little bit differently now. Today we're asking, why do we put certain connections up on a pedestal, and do they really deserve to be there? Nate may have been the right date, at the right time, but the breakup was just as timely. Laura found that sometimes a positive connection heals a piece of you that was a little bit broken, and it helps you see your way up and out.
This summer, Thirsty is revisiting the Dark Days of dating with a fresh take in a seasonal series called "Second Chance Summer". Harry was a date who decided Heather was "It", capitalized despite the fact that he barely knew her. Apparently when you're dating with a checklist, checking the boxes is all that matters, so much so that he pitched a trip to Hawaii on the second date. Listen to this oldie but a goodie, then stay tuned for a new discussion at the end of this episode, reflecting on why love never needed a checklist.
"Second Chance Summer" is a limited seasonal series where Heather and Laura are revisiting the most popular past Thirsty episodes with the benefit of hindsight. Each episode includes a fresh intro and a new conversation at the end, where they uncover new lessons and laugh at themselves (a lot). Today, they're looking back at "Lenny the Liar", which originally aired September 20, 2021. Lenny was Heather and Laura's one crossover (dating) episode, and neither could give him positive reviews. Turns out the best way to prove you're divorced is to actually be divorced. This look back into the past asks why we get addicted to the drama, why a popular Facebook group makes it difficult to hide your secrets, and an update on Laura's attempt to reach out to an important person in Lenny's life.
"Second Chance Summer" is a limited seasonal series where Heather and Laura are revisiting the most popular past Thirsty episodes with the benefit of hindsight. Each episode includes a fresh intro and a new conversation at the end, where they look back, uncover new lessons, and laugh at themselves (a lot). Today, they're looking back at "Self-absorbed Sam", which originally aired February 12, 2022. Sam was a relationship that Laura probably should have never agreed to in the first place, but Dark Days dating knows no standards. In this trip down memory lane, Laura reflects on home improvement, warm hugs, and asking for what you deserve.
Thirsty is celebrating the power of female friendship in this season 3 finale, alongside Tina and Amy, Oprah and Gayle, and the Spice Girls (of course!) Did you know the average female friendship lasts 16 years? That doesn't mean it's always smooth sailing though. Heather and Laura are talking about how to up your (platonic) relationship skills and create deep friendships that can go the distance. They're covering friendship's up's, down's, and everything inbetween, with a side of fun, tears, and brunch.
Worried you'll lose your Thirsty fix? Never fear, because Second Chance Summer is on the way, as Laura and Heather look back on their most popular early episodes with the benefit of hindsight and personal growth. Premieres in early June and runs throughout the summer.
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If you are divorced with kids, you will likely find yourself contemplating introducing your kids to a romantic partner. Today, Thirsty is covering it all, from how to make the decision to how to make it happen. When evolving your relationship to this level, there's so much to consider, and we all want to handle it well. Heather and Laura are sharing lessons from their personal experience, as well as talking about advice from the experts. If you're getting ready to take this important step, this episode will help you make sure you've covered all your bases.
In part 2 of this panel discussion about infertility, Thirsty is talking to Lindsay Flader and Jamie Martin about acceptance, giving up control, and why partners need support too. Lindsay's also sharing the moment she went public with her struggles, and why she was surprised by the results. They're also talking about how to deal when your personal life becomes visible at work (and why that might not be a bad thing) and how to access your inner strength.
Thirsty is taking a break from divorce and dating to talk about a subject that leaves one in eight couples wanting more: infertility. Today, Lindsay Flader and Jamie Martin are joining the pod to share where they've been, what they've learned, and how they're moving forward. They covering what infertility treatment requires, how they've managed their mental health, and (for allies) how to help support people you love who are dealing with infertility right now.
This week, Thirsty welcomes writer Emily Hughey to the group chat. Emily was in the midst of rebuilding her life post-divorce when she was "stealthed" by a man with whom she was in a new relationship. (Stealthing is when a sexual partner removes the condom without consent.) A few weeks later, despite having taken Plan B, she was shocked to find she was pregnant. She knew she had some choices to make about her future. In the months that followed, Emily was challenged with domestic abuse, an unplanned pregnancy, and a life that looked much different from what she'd expected.
Today Thirsty covers why healing often looks like a "hot mess", learning to trust your instincts, and how to stop settling for less than what you need. They're also talking about adjusting to changes in your social circle after divorce, reframing why women get into abusive relationships, and Emily shares the piece of her life that felt like a spiritual calling. If there's one thing we know, the road less travelled may feel uncertain and scary, but the life you deserve is on the other side.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Emily Hughey's essays
The Tragedy of Heterosexuality, by Jane Ward
The Lilac Tree
Solo travel. Maybe you've thought about it? Maybe the idea makes you nervous? Or, maybe you've tried solo travel and discovered you love it. With today's special guest Breaunna Lake, Thirsty is covering planes, trains, and automobiles (and how they can get you on the trip of a lifetime.) Breaunna took her divorce as an opportunity to rediscover who she was, and travel was a big part of that journey. Her first solo trip was a bit of a bust, but she took stock of what she'd learned and tried again, to great results. Heather also weighs in with her solo trip to Berlin last summer, and Thirsty is dishing all the tips to help encourage you to give it a try. Today's trio of Breaunna, Laura, and Heather are also talking about being patient with yourself, building your self-confidence, and learning to say yes to life. If they know one thing for sure, it's that nobody needs a partner to start living the life of their dreams right now.Breaunna Lake is a marketing pro, mom, and actress. When not working in entertainment, you can find her traveling to discover beautiful hiking trails (Zion is a favorite!) She also practices yoga and meditation, and you might find her searching for the best plant-based restaurant in whichever city she's in at the moment.
Presented by Custom Core Fit
There's a time and a place for dating willy nilly (like during the "dark days" of divorce!) but once you're ready to date in a healthy way, a dating strategy can help. Today special guest Maggie Degand is talking to us about how putting a little thought into your dating approach can lead to better outcomes. She's talking about building a dating profile that reveals your true self, the "three C's" that she lives by, what it means to date intentionally, and a special tool she calls "The Mantrix." Heather is sharing her new outlook on dating (and it's an approach she's never tried before.) Today's episode covers overdating, making decisions about your relationships, why making healthy decisions is a muscle you develop over time, and why your biggest dating obstacle may be your own ego.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The Four Man Plan
Thirsty is a pod where — most of the time — we talk about dating, relationships, and life after divorce. However, our tagline “because sometimes life leaves you wanting more” is bigger than just divorce. Divorce may be an opportunity to think differently about life, but there are many other life experiences that create that same potential to learn more about ourselves and others, challenging our preconceived notions. And, understanding each other’s biggest life experiences - whether it’s divorce or something else - is one way to do that. To that end, today, we’re taking a break from dating to talk to our guests Amanda Vaughn and Holly Cates about adoption from their perspective as adoptees.
It's the tech we love to hate: dating apps. While dating apps are necessary for anyone wanting to meet a new match, sometimes they create more roadblocks than they remove. Today, Thirsty is talking about why dating actually might not be a numbers game after all, and why the phrase "putting all your eggs in one basket" may be a misnomer. Heather and Laura are discussing about how to make better (and quicker) decisions about your love life, the "swipe right" mentality, and why looking for the "best one" means you may never find it. They're also covering why dating apps dehumanize us, appeal to our addictive sensibilities, and sometimes keep us from meaningful relationships. If there's one thing dating apps have taught us: instant connection is real, but a true love story plays the long game.
Rebuilding life as a divorced or single parent takes creativity, ingenuity, and grit. You're doing things you never thought you would have to do — and many times you might feel totally alone. The good news is that there are ways to make life run a little bit more smoothly, and Thirsty is here to talk about it all today. From buying a car to managing a home to moving your body (and more), there are many things you can do to get things under control, even if you don't have a local support system. Laura is talking about the recent car emergency that tried to send her into a tailspin, how Heather bought the house of her dreams, and methods they've used to manage finances after finalizing a divorce. Life may look and feel differently now, but overall, there are ways to make your second chapter your best chapter, even when you're doing life on your own.
Meet Too Touchy Travis, the date who was charming, fun, but didn't keep his hands to himself. Heather's experience on this date had her wondering how to navigate the physical factor when you're just getting to know someone for the first time. How should we handle the situation when ew feel uncomfortable on a date? Is the answer different if you're attracted to them? Is there a right or wrong answer when we're talking about small physical interactions? Today, Thirsty is covering it all, including the difference between "dark days" dating and dating while (mostly) healed, making intentional choices, and why we compromise ourselves when starved for affection. Heather and Laura are also talking about big age differences in dating, why newly separated folks sometimes make excuses for their behavior, and why yellow flags are the best kind of flags.
Today, Thirsty wants to know, do nice guys really finish last? And, what makes someone a "nice guy" or a "bad boy" in the first place? Heather and Laura are talking about the difference between truly nice men, and the ones who are just pretending. This episode proves that appearances aren't always what they seem, and sometimes what looks good on the surface hides deeper issues of entitlement, insecurity, and a disconnect from reality. They're also talking about "bad boys" that aren't so bad, why we choose the dates that we do, and why Laura's got a lisp that'll last her for a real long time.
For this year's Valentine's Day, Thirsty wants to know, is true love real? Heather and Laura dove deep on this topic, wondering what it takes to find real love, and, what makes love last? They're covering the three types of love, why attachment styles matter, and what they look for in a love match. Is love truly a verb, what does the science say, and more than anything, does everyone gets the opportunity to experience a great love story?
What do love, long distance, and corn have in common? In the words of The Corn Kid, we've never seen a more beautiful thing. Modern dating is hard enough without throwing hundreds of miles into the mix. Or, is it? Maybe with a dose of thoughtfulness, a side of clear communication, and two open hearts, love really can go the distance after all. Today, Thirsty is covering how to make long distance work, and why it may actually be easier than dating local for divorced parents. Heather and Laura are talking about how to keep your relationship from becoming a vacationship, long distance from a man's point of view, and what makes Laura go into hiding. They're also covering hair debacles, Laura's affection for Love after Lockup, and what happened when Heather ran into Shawn the Smokeshow last summer. While long distance relationships include their own set of challenges, sometimes the effort is well worth the reward.
IN THIS SHOW:
The Thirsty Shop
Love After Lockup
The Corn Kid
Today, Thirsty is unpacking fantasy bonds (and they're not what you think.) People can pretend to be in a great relationship, yet things aren't always what they seem. They post the cute Instagram pics, tell themselves all is well, meanwhile the spark, intimacy, and connection are long gone. Heather and Laura are covering why some choose to stay, when to leave, and why our closest relationships can be the most inauthentic. There's a big difference between boundaries and being controlling, many romantic relationships can resemble a parent/child dynamic, and sometimes the work to sustain a relationship can become too much. If there's one thing they know, learning to confront deep truths can be the way to unlock real love, but only if you're brave enough to make some changes. Real love is on the other side.
Getting over an ex can be tough. Whether the relationship ended after three months or three years, certain people leave a lasting mark on our hearts. Today, Heather and Laura are covering it all: why we tend to romanticize (or villainize) our exes, what gets us stuck, and why when someone walks away, it's a gift. They're also talking about when we give ourselves breadcrumbs, discerning whether your relationship was about attention or the person, and why Heather doesn't believe in closure. They believe you should say what you need to say after a breakup, being grateful that your heart's light still works, and what whirlwind romances can teach us. In life updates, we'll hear about the half marathon that wasn't, why RunDisney groups are a page-turner, and why we should never take dating advice from friends.
IN THIS SHOW:
Shop Thirsty
It's the phrase we see all day, every day on dating apps: "Only looking to date casually." We roll our eyes, sigh deeply in response, but what if casual dating is just... dating? And, what if it's actually possible date casually in a fun, healthy way? Thirsty is doing a deep dive on all things casual. We're talking about how men define it, why women do it, and how to stay true to yourself no matter what. Heather and Laura are also talking why Heather hates labels, how not everyone's looking to get married or cohabitate, and when casual is still emotionally meaningful. They're defining boundaries versus a need to control, why you should stop pretending to be someone you're not, and how if you're trying to avoid "catching feelings" — you might be in the wrong relationship. Dating requires being curious and open, and while casual dating may have a negative rep, it can be really great for two (or more!) people on the same page. Today, they're also covering how Heather scored a real hot date while auditioning for a national reality show, why Laura has been spending time on Brides.com, and wondering do you hang huge murals in your home (or are you normal?)
IN THIS SHOW
Shop Thirsty gear
Today is Thirsty's 50th episode, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by finally introducing the third member of Heather and Laura's group chat! Up until now, Kristen's been known as "the friend who isn't allowed on the podcast because she's in love with her lobster." We're hearing more about Kristen's love story with her high school sweetheart, and why sometimes the third time's the charm. She's the only person on earth who's never used a dating app — not even once — and we are here for it. We're talking about how to love someone for who they really are, whether we can live with a lover without losing the "spark", and why getting remarried isn't the answer for every divorcée. This OG group chat is also covering the power of female friendships, why candor and support is the bedrock of a bestie relationship, and how Laura refuses to buy the house next to Heather (even when bribed with a margarita machine.) We'll learn how "Squirrelgate" solidified Kristen's relationship with her lobster, and why true love is sometimes found in surprising places.SHOW NOTES:The Thirsty Shop
Laura has been known to "sleep-swipe" a time or two on dating apps. For the uninitiated, sleep-swiping is when Laura dozes off and her fingers do the swiping for her. This summer, she sleep-swiped right on Taking Chances Tyler, a man who was only visiting Chicago for a few days. He lived a full plane ride and several states away, so Laura was surprised when she discovered that their connection was more than text deep. A series of romantic weekends and big feelings followed, until one day, Tyler pulled the rug out without warning. However, after a little crying, a little no-contact, and a lot of heart-to-heart conversations, this love story wasn't over. Today we're talking about hope, connection, and when to give love a second chance.
Today, Heather and Laura are debriefing this past year, then talking about real strategies for self-growth in 2023 — with a sense of humor, as always. They're covering the rollercoaster that was 2022, including international adventures, reflections on connection, and why Laura is determined to carry assorted enormous furniture by herself. Thirsty is also sharing why New Year's resolutions fail where intention wins, exploring why we have so much trouble asking others for help, and proposing that accountability should make you feel supported rather than scolded. New revelations include the fact that while Laura is ready to share a big love update, she also paints like a monster and Heather isn't allowed in her office — ever. Lastly, they've got Thirsty's very first digital tool kit: "Thirsty for More", a 31-page strategic framework for putting words to what's going on in your heart and helping you find the momentum to move forward thoughtfully. Buckle up, 2023 is going to be the best year yet, for all of us.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Thirsty for More: a digital toolkit for self-growth
The Thirsty Shop
Attachment Theory is a field of study coined in the 1950s by psychoanalyst John Bowlby. This phrase describes how the behaviors we learn as a child make a big impact on our romantic relationships as adults. We call them “attachment styles,” and there are four: secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful-avoidant. Laura and Heather wonder whether your attachment style can change over time? Is your style a permanent label, or something you can shift? Are they doomed to be anxious attachers for life? Today, Thirsty is talking about how identifying your style can help you understand yourself better, the big lessons Laura learned from her very first boyfriend, and why “barfable moments” are A Thing. They’re also covering why you should bring your bananas to the group chat, how octopus arms help you hang on to your problems, and why anxious avoiders would rather take breadcrumbs than nothing at all.
Mentioned in this podcast:
The Thirsty shop
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find - and Keep - Love, by Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel SF Heller (book)
The Attached style quizzes
Holidays give us the opportunity to put work away and reconnect with our loved ones. However, this time can also bring a unique sense of melancholy and stress, whether you’re divorced, partnered, married or single. Today, Heather and Laura are talking about how to make each holiday the day that YOU want it to be, from Christmas to birthdays, Mother’s Day and beyond. They’re covering the year they ran away to a spa for Thanksgiving, why Heather quit holiday cooking for good, and why they take a mini-vacation every Father’s Day weekend. There was that time Heather spent Christmas with Netflix, $10 frozen pizza paired with $70 champagne, and it turned out to be the best Christmas ever. Learn why saying “no” to traditions that no longer serve you and saying “yes” to the things you actually want to do — no matter how unconventional — may be the way to creating memorable holidays that fill your cup with the real joy of the season.
Recent studies have indicated that people are de-prioritizing physical attraction in favor of more meaningful character traits. This makes Heather and Laura wonder whether Love is Blind is more than just a popular reality show. Turns out emotional maturity, relationship skills, and an ability to commit are winning the day. The data says daters who work on personal growth are more attractive, so what does that really mean? Today, Thirsty is covering what makes daters swipe right, the rules of attraction, great conversation starters, and why every man Heather dates looks the same. Heather and Laura are also talking about Hinge’s voice prompts, how to stop sounding defensive in dating profiles, and why we need to stop interrogating our matches. From decoding popular profile phrases like “fit and active” to the #1 thing we should all look for in a potential partner, they’re covering it all. Love might not be blind, but maybe it’s a little more than skin deep.
These days, the dating pool can feel like a tricky, scary minefield. It’s become common practice to Google, and even background check, any and all potential dates. If you’re savvy, you’ll also find many Facebook groups designed specifically for today’s modern dater, offering community, support, and advice. In addition, Heather and Laura are asking if there’s such a thing as too much information, how your gut instinct might be the best tool in your dating toolbox, and why we’re always going to be Team Woman. Finally, Thirsty is announcing the birth of their newest babies: the Shop and The Thirst Trap, a special series just for subscribers.
Thirsty is so excited to announce two big developments in our evolution as a podcast! We are launching both a subscriber series and a capsule collection of Thirsty merchandise. Firstly, subscribe to The Thirst Trap to get two bonus episodes per month, created exclusively for Apple Podcast subscribers. The subscribers-only Thirst Trap episodes will be more personal, more candid, more of what our community loves about Thirsty in the first place. Subscribers will also have access to a 10% discount on all our new shop merchandise. Check out the Shop on ThirstyThePodcast.com to see mugs, stickers, hats, sweatshirts, tops and tees. Listen for the full lowdown, subscribe, get yourself a real cute mug from the Shop, and we hope to see you over at The Thirst Trap. The first subscriber episode drops 11/28/22!
Emotional availability is a bit of a buzzphrase in today’s modern dating landscape, but what does it really mean? Vulnerability, bravery, and authenticity are the ingredients to creating a fulfilling and meaningful relationship with romantic partners, friends, family, and even yourself. Heather and Laura are talking about self compassion, learning from past mistakes, and creating a support system that really works. They’re covering why real relationships mean talking about the tough stuff, being yourself at all times, and why telling yourself the truth can sometimes be the most challenging task of all.
Relationships usually end, whether it’s been a few months, a few years, or a few decades. We’ve all been there. However, sometimes a breakup seems to come out of left field, and you just weren’t ready for it. Heather and Laura are talking about how to stop romanticizing (or villainizing) your ex, how to say the things you need to say, and how to move on. They’ll also help you decide whether to stay connected with your ex, why a rebound relationship might be your best bet, and why Dua Lipa has the best breakup advice we’ve heard yet. Finally, we’re teasing a real big Rowdy Ryan update (from S1:E8) when Heather is surprised to meet — a lot — of Rowdy Ryan’s former dates, uncovering truths she never would have expected.
Carson was a former flame who felt like The One, until he disappeared. One year later, who should appear in Heather’s Bumble queue? None other than Carson the Conundrum. Today we’re talking about the difference between The Who and The How in dating, men who think you have amnesia, and how when we’re struggling, maybe it’s time to talk about it. We all know it can be hard to find someone who really fits, but a whirlwind romance is never a bad thing, even if it ends earlier than expected.
On this week's Halloween special, Laura and Heather are tackling one of dating's spookiest challenges: quitting the toxic relationship cycle. If you find yourself in unhealthy relationships over and over, wondering how you got here (again!), this episode is for you. Thirsty’s doling out tough talk about how to start thinking critically about your relationships, stop confusing addiction for connection, and break your unhealthy patterns. Also in this episode: how to know if your relationship is troubled vs. toxic, flipping the script from victimhood to empowerment, and when to walk away. The curse of toxicity is tough to beat, but if you want to take charge of your love life, you need to start making different choices, and that starts today.
Women who date men unfortunately always have to have a safety plan alongside their getting ready checklist when they’re going on a date. This is a frustrating reality of living on our planet. However, Laura recently realized that even if you have a safety plan, even if you are your most nice and polite self, it only takes one wildcard date to knock you off kilter. This week, Thirsty is hitting pause on the jokes to talk about a deadly serious topic: safety on dates. They’re talking about helpful safety tools, how allies can support women better, why some men feel entitled to our bodies, and a reminder that assault, harassment, and stalking are never your fault. From location tracking to bathroom updates, community help and more—let’s say the quiet part out loud.
Psychology Today recently published an article titled “The rise of lonely, single men”, and a deluge of TikToks were published in response. Laura and Heather are talking about why men don’t match as often, why women’s relationship standards are going up, and whether a relationship is essential in this day and age. They’ll go through what the article got right, what felt like a miss, and how to get more positive outcomes from your dating life.
Trying to manage a career is tough, and if you’re a divorced or single parent, juggling all the pieces can get especially challenging. In this episode, Laura and Heather offer practical advice to make the hard days run more smoothly. They’re talking about how to set priorities, when to say “no”, confidence, authenticity everywhere, and why divorced and single parents are actually primed to succeed at work and at home.
On the surface, this is the story of how Laura found herself flying first class to Vegas for a second date. However, if we look a little deeper, we find that Preston was Laura’s reminder of why she’s dating in the first place. In this episode, we’re talking about how to develop real connections, why taking a chance is sometimes the right thing to do, and proof that Heather is the ultimate matchmaker.
We’ve all heard the phrase “he’s just not into you” or, “if he wanted to, he would.” Today, Heather and Laura are talking about why those phrases are not only out-of-date, but out-of-touch. Let’s talk about how to put your focus in the right place, empower yourself, and stop settling, because in the end, we’re into you (and you should be too.)
We’ve all heard this advice, but it’s so hard to follow: stop worrying about other people’s actions. Someone left you? Let them. Someone ghosted you? Let them. We daters waste so much time trying to get others to act a certain way, live up to our standards, jump through specific hoops, or color within the imaginary lines we draw for ourselves. Today we’re covering how to recover from a breakup, move on from a toxic situation, and choose the very best version of life for ourselves. It’s time we listen to the advice of the great Ariana Grande: “Thank u, next.”
In this season 3 premiere episode, Laura and Heather are sharing updates and a brand new podcast format. They've got fewer dating shenanigans and more life lessons (but don't worry, the laughs are here to stay.) So much has happened since Thirsty went on hiatus, including a whirlwind cross-country connection, a German solo adventure, and a dating harassment situation that galvanized a whole group of Chicago women, and beyond.
Thirsty wraps up season 2 by diving into a conversation about sex, dating, and the idea of the ever-elusive soulmate. No matter whether you are partnered, dating, or single, we all look for meaningful relationships that make our lives better. Laura and Heather download how real connections are the secret to unlocking… everything we ever wanted.
In dating, sometimes there just isn’t anything left to say. Ghosting is a common dating phenomenon, and even Laura can admit that she’s gone silent on a match from time to time. However, what if that match pops up six months later? A year later? When is it time to take the plunge, and when do you need to walk away? We’re talking about it all in this week’s episode.
While dating is usually a good time, sometimes it can feel like you’ve entered your very own Twilight Zone. Initially, Forgetful Fitz came across as thoughtful, kind, and empathetic. Heather had high hopes for this particular match, but — after a series of unfortunate events — she revoked her own license to date. Fitz reminded Heather that in online dating, things are not always as they seem, but sometimes having a little fun can lead to a lot of healing.
Lately, Laura’s been working on expanding her dating parameters beyond a 30-minute driving radius. However, she may have overshot her goal when she matched with a man who lives an entire plane ride away! While it soon became clear that a love story wasn’t in the cards, Text Buddy Ben was right on point as a true friend. In other news, we’re shaking down Bumble business tactics, pondering medicinal clip art, and wondering just how people caught catfish before Facetime.
Why does the relationship we have with our own bodies feel so complicated? After all, they stick with us our entire lives. How do we become our very own Hype Girls? Today, we’re talking about how we see ourselves, why getting strong smashes the scale, and when a little Botox goes a very long way (margaritas may have been involved.) Pull up a chair — it’s time to have a body talk.
In every way, Ian was a dream date: so sweet, so kind, and so thoughtful. So, how could he be utterly invisible? This is the story of the match everyone forgets Heather dated (including Heather.) Despite a kind heart, an award-winning first kiss, and the cutest canine in the land—this love affair wasn’t meant to be. Though he may not have left a lingering impression, Ian did teach Heather one big lesson: life doesn’t have to leave you jaded.
Once in awhile, we find ourselves won over by kind words, simple flattery, and more than a little banter. However, beneath all this well-meaning attention, is anything really… real? Laura found herself in just such a conundrum when she met Surface Level Liam. He was the match who arrived in a perfectly wrapped package, yet left Laura pondering who this man really was and, what he wanted from her. This week’s dating story dives deeper into one major human truth: attention is a hell of a drug.
This is the story of Left Turn Larry, the match who changed direction with dizzying speed, and Heather couldn’t keep up. The texts were spicy, the boundaries blurry, and nobody knew what twists and turns might lie ahead. Heather’s gonna need a map to untangle this mixmaster of a tale. Today we’re talking about speaking up, setting limits, and trying to navigate dating when the path ahead isn’t clear.
This episode closes out Thirsty’s 3-part conversation with Carmelita Tiu, host and producer of Know Them, Be Them, Raise Them, a podcast about how to raise and be strong women. We’re finishing up by covering the lessons we’ve learned the hard way, and how we can impart that knowledge to our children.
In part 2 of Thirsty’s conversation with Carmelita Tiu, podcast host and producer of Know Them, Be Them, Raise Them, we’re doing something radical: we’re calling divorce a “gift.” Yes, a gift. While divorce often represents a hard left turn, it also brings us the ability to explore and rediscover who we are, what we want, and how we can evolve. Whether we’re talking about disaster dating, pink hair dye, or the adventure of a lifetime, it’s all an opportunity to build a fantastic second chapter.
This week, Thirsty welcomes Carmelita Tiu, podcast host and producer of Know Them, Be Them, Raise Them: helping moms be and raise strong women. We’ve got a three-pack of episodes designed to supercharge your day, and first up? Mothers and daughters. How do we help our girls fly in a world designed to clip their wings? How do we support their cheetah girl spirit, but also make sure we are raising kind humans? And most importantly, when is Carmelita going to dye her hair electric blue? All this in Part 1 of our inspiring conversation.
These days, COVID-19 isn’t the only pandemic in town — people everywhere are suffering from critical mental health issues too. Heather shares her journey in confronting her own mental health challenges, and if there’s one thing she’s learned, it’s that the battle is well worth it.
You may think you know what you want from your dating life, but – as Laura recently discovered – turns out love doesn’t follow a checklist. This is a story about what’s possible when you abandon superficial requirements and follow your heart instead. PSA: Following your heart may require you to drive more than 30 minutes.
Everyone needs a dose of whirlwind romance once in awhile. And for Heather, Shawn the Smokeshow was just what the doctor ordered. With marathon dates, an open heart, and just a touch of wild - this match reminded Heather what it means to really want and be wanted by someone else. And, they had a whole lot of fun along the way. This week, we’re thirsty for open hearts, genuine connection, and what it means to put emotional skin in the game.
What do you get when you combine warm hugs, dogs of Instagram, and the worst vacation ever? Self-Absorbed Sam. Laura shares this story about a relationship that started off so strong, yet fell so far. So many times, we want things to be perfect, but at a certain point, we have to admit that a relationship needs more than fun dates and late nights out. In this Season 2 opener, Laura and Heather talk about empathy, connection, and knowing when to walk away.
When you’re hot off a divorce, you have a lot to learn about dating and relationships, as Laura soon found out. Felix was so nice, so sweet, but was also holding on to a few things he wasn’t ready to share. In this season 1 finale, Laura and Heather reflect on confronting your sh*t, choosing to be brave, and who “your person” really is.
One in awhile, the right person comes along at the right time. At rock bottom, Heather met someone that wasn’t at all what she expected, but turned out to be exactly what she needed. Despite a long distance, two very different lives, and inopportune timing - Ted became an example of what can happen when you throw out the checklists, and let the universe take control.
Once in awhile, you meet someone who reminds you who you are and what you really want out of your romantic relationships. And as Heather learned, some people are only in your life for a short time, yet they leave a lasting impact. Meet Paul the Peach, who only went out with Heather twice, yet changed Heather’s dating life for the better - in a very real way.
So you’ve downloaded a dating app. Now what? Laura and Heather share what they’ve learned, mistakes they’ve made, and best practices to not only match-but match well. And-you definitely won’t need a fish photo, partner in crime, or #grateful in your profile. IYKYK!
Have you ever met someone where there was a strong connection, but you just couldn’t get in sync? One day things seem great, but the next might be a rocky road. And, you never know where you stand. Rowdy Ryan was that person for Heather. In this relationship, hijinks, friendship, and chemistry were no match for what became known as “The Coconut Tree Incident.”
Have you ever met someone who made time stand still? Maybe you even swooned a bit? Meet Nate, the date who changed everything. You might think dating apps are the last place to find a meaningful connection, but apparently it can happen - Nate and Laura are the proof. See? it’s not all dumpster fire dating. The Real Thing is still out there.
In Thirsty’s first ever “crossover” episode, we meet Lenny, the liar with a really big secret. Heather and Laura both went out with him, but it turned out Lenny bore little resemblance to who he said he was - and it went beyond skin deep.
Divorce is the earthquake that changes everything, including our friendships. Rediscovering yourself during a new chapter isn’t only about a new definition of romantic love - the platonic pals shift in new and different ways too. This week, Laura and Heather talk about what they learned, what they lost, and the big surprise that rocked Laura’s world.
Re-entering the dating pool after a long term relationship can be overwhelming. Got kids? Well, that’s a whole new ballgame, and some of us handle it a little better than others. How do epi pens, alley makeouts, and a Nintendo Switch add up to first date swagger? Grant (the gamer with no game) is here to show us the way.
We’re all a little bit damaged, but sometimes you meet someone who wants to be in a relationship-any relationship-and it’s hard to know if they’re actually into you. It’s the job you didn’t know you were interviewing for (and weren’t sure you wanted.) One thing’s for certain: you won’t run across this particular job posting on LinkedIn.
What do you get when you mix epic red flags, hardcore baggage, and braids? Meet David the Disaster, the person who somehow managed to take Laura on the worst date of her life. We've all met a "David" or two in our dating journey. Who's yours?
Dating after divorce is a whole new chapter, and navigating love in the digital age just adds to the hilarity. In this premiere episode, Laura and Heather talk about the 6 types of men they meet on Tinder. Which one are you?