The Gay Bit | Hookup Apps vs. Real Connection

In this week's episode of The Gay Bit, Zach gets into one of the most talked-about (and exhausting) topics in gay culture right now: dating apps and whether they're actually helping anyone find what they're looking for.

Zach runs through the full landscape — from the gay-specific apps like Grindr, Scruff, Jacked, Hornet, Growlr, Her, and Sniffies, to mainstream platforms like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and OkCupid — and shares his honest (and very funny) take on all of it. He reflects on why so many of his friends are struggling despite having more options than ever, and whether apps are to blame for the slow disappearance of real gay social culture.

He also gets personal — sharing how he met his husband Andrew in an AOL chat room in 1998, why 27+ years of monogamy is genuinely rare, and what he thinks it actually takes to build a lasting connection. And of course, the DC hungry story makes an appearance.

In this episode:

Want to share your own story? DM Zach on Instagram at @therealizachari — he's looking for guests to come on and talk about their dating, hookup, and connection experiences.

🎙️ Also subscribe to Listen Up Girl — your daily LGBTQ+ news podcast, 10 minutes or less, 6–7 days a week.

Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com 

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ

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