Dating While Gray™

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

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.”

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.”

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.

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 

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

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.

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." 

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.

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?