Dating While Gray™

Sparks fly when Hunter and John meet at a Christmas party, though patience is needed for their love journey. An unexpected realization forces Susan and her spouse to make a relationship pivot. After happily never-married Nancy takes up tango dancing, she learns that romantic love has no limits of time, language, or distance.  

John and Jane click from the get-go after meeting on the dance floor, happily agreeing that being “just” friends is more than enough. When Lindsey’s seemingly perfect marriage shatters, she survives and thrives by starting a new tradition: breaking bread with her true companions. Suzanne promises Tom she’ll be by his side in sickness and in health. Their legal union unravels, but Suzanne’s commitment never wavers.

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 Ellin shares about uncloaking her former fiance. She wonders if he’s simply larger than life; turns out he’s a lying liar.

After two divorces, Gia’s on the fence about getting back out there. Daughter Lauryn aims to help by sharing ideas and resources, including this podcast! Then there’s gray dater Laura, whose partner seems less than enthusiastic about moving their relationship along. Are his grown kids the reason, or an excuse? Finally, DWG host Laura Stassi and her daughter compare notes on living together while exploring individual romantic pursuits. (How did that no-sleepovers pact turn out?)   

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.

Gray dater Karen shares a dilemma that’s all too common: She’s getting attention online, but not necessarily the kind she wants. Maybe it’s her online profile? For help, Laura taps photographer Ann Maas, and dating and relationship coach Amy Schoen. They critique Karen’s photos and write-up while offering advice for all of us on the love-seeking journey. Plus, listeners – and Laura! – weigh in on profiles that have won them over, or turned them off. 

On this episode, Laura talks with science journalist Florence Williams, author of “Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey.” Florence shares how the end of her long marriage sparked a health crisis and details her journey to healing – including turning to Mother Nature. We also hear from listeners who have rely on the great outdoors for help feeling better.

On this episode, Laura talks with entrepreneur Rob. He’s taken a kind of  statistician approach to recoupling and in the process has gathered some data dating points that may lead to a new business venture.

Then Laura chats with journalist Vicki Larson, who uncovers a surprising statistic or two in her latest book, Not Too Old For That: How Women Are Changing the Story of Aging.

Finally, Laura talks with Tim, who was startled to discover that his expectations changed once he’d settled into single life.

On this episode, Laura talks with Carson, whose change in relationship status sparked 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.  

Don't forget to like the show on Facebook and follow Laura @datingwhilegray on Twitter. We always want to hear from you! Send your stories and questions to [email protected] or leave us a message below.