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    First Date Stories

    This podcast is for every single, divorced, and widowed woman in her late 30s and beyond who is in the dating scene or considering a comeback. Hear women like you talk all about their first dates and how they’re navigating the changed dating world. Become a wiser, in-the-know dater, as women share their experiences and the lessons they've learned with host Jodi Klein and you. Visit firstdatestories.com to check out tips on self-care and dating in midlife.
    enFirst Date Stories56 Episodes

    Episodes (56)

    Janine and Kevin

    Janine and Kevin

    Do you wonder whether you’ll ever meet a man who is the right partner for the woman you’ve become? Janine did. She'd left her quarter-of-a-century marriage. When the pandemic began eight years later, she had a successful career and the wisdom that comes from decades of self-development. On our Season 4 finale, Janine shares how she approached dating as an adventure, came close to giving up on her search, and took a series of remarkable risks that led her to the love she was seeking.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures is now available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the Mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free!

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.
    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com
    First Date Stories on Facebook
    First Date Stories on Instagram
    First Date Stories on Pinterest 

    Sandy and the Liverpool Dude

    Sandy and the Liverpool Dude

    How do you handle things when a date you’re excited to go on leads to the ultimate dating disappointment? Sandy knows the answer. She and the Liverpool Dude had matched on Bumble. They talked for hours on the phone and texted multiple times. There was a palpable connection. She said “yes” to a first date. Listen to discover what happened next.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    To learn more about Sandy Weiner and her dating and relationship coaching for women over 40, visit LastFirstDateRadio.com

     Listen to the Last First Date Radio Podcast

    Join the “Your Last First Date” Facebook Group

    Get a copy of Sandy’s book, Becoming a Woman of Value: How to Thrive in Life and Love here.

    Visit TheWomenofValue.com

    Join the Woman of Value Club

    First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures is now available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the Mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free!

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.
    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com
    First Date Stories on Facebook
    First Date Stories on Instagram
    First Date Stories on Pinterest 

    Carolyn and Her Fifty First Dates

    Carolyn and Her Fifty First Dates

    It’s not unusual to date the same kind of person again and again, but Carolyn didn’t want to do that. Following a breakup, she decided to date a wide variety of types of men so that she could identify the qualities she wanted in a long-term partner. She named her adventure the “Fifty First Dates Project.” Find out what happened, what she learned during her two and a half year dating odyssey, and whether it led her to her Mr. Yes.

    Carolyn Lee Arnold's new book "Fifty First Dates After Fifty: A Memoir" can be purchased on Amazon or at your local bookstore. You can learn more about Carolyn on her website and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.  

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures is now available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the Mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free!

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.
    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com
    First Date Stories on Facebook
    First Date Stories on Instagram
    First Date Stories on Pinterest 

    Special Episode: The SuperLOVED System with Macy Matarazzo

    Special Episode: The SuperLOVED System with Macy Matarazzo

    Do you want to silence your inner critics? Would you like to date in a way that helps you hone in on the right loving partner for you and filter out the wrong ones? In this Special Episode, Love and Relationship Expert Macy Matarazzo discusses her Five Star System and her No Rules Dating Approach. She’s created these dating techniques to help people develop healthy relationships and be super loved.

    Learn more about the SuperLoved System and sign up for a free consultation with Macy Matarazzo. 

    Take the Love Vibe Quiz and find out what's blocking you from love.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures is now available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the Mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free!

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.

    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com

    First Date Stories on Facebook

    First Date Stories on Instagram

    First Date Stories on Pinterest 

     

    Cindy and Bob

    Cindy and Bob

    Bob had the background and accomplishments that Cindy thought she wanted in her next partner. He was well educated. He owned a ranch. He was financially successful. He also had a lot of drama going on in his life. Cindy, who was on the podcast in Season 2, has come back to delve into her first date with Bob and all that transpired afterwards. 

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures is now available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the Mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free!

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.
    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com
    First Date Stories on Facebook
    First Date Stories on Instagram
    First Date Stories on Pinterest 

    Special Episode: Marriage Minded Dating with Marcia Naomi Berger

    Special Episode: Marriage Minded Dating with Marcia Naomi Berger

    In this Special Episode, Relationship and Marriage Expert Marcia Naomi Berger talks all about dating with marriage in mind. You will hear her advice on dealing with wounds from previous relationships, learn about repetition compulsion (and how to avoid it), and discover marriage minded dating techniques for you to use.

    You can find out more about Marcia Naomi Berger and get in touch with her at www.marriagemeetings.com. Her new book, "Marriage Minded: And A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love" can be purchased on Amazon or at your local bookstore.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures is now available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the Mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free!

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.
    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com
    First Date Stories on Facebook
    First Date Stories on Instagram
    First Date Stories on Pinterest 

    Erin and Sara

    Erin and Sara

    The saying “timing is everything” definitely applies to dating. Comedian Erin Foley’s three year relationship had just ended when she and Sara went out on their first date. The evening went hilariously sideways. Hear what happened next and whether time was on their side.

    Enjoy more of Erin Foley's comedy and find out where she'll be performing next.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures is now available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the Mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free!

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.
    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com
    First Date Stories on Facebook
    First Date Stories on Instagram
    First Date Stories on Pinterest 

    Olivia and Robert

    Olivia and Robert

    Olivia returns to the podcast to talk about a dating app match that was made in the US and led to a first date in Europe. Olivia and Robert texted regularly for three weeks before they met. She was sensing strong chemistry and a connection with him as their conversation progressed. Was Olivia right? Discover what happened when they had their debut date in London.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures is now available from Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the Mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free!

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.
    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com
    First Date Stories on Facebook
    First Date Stories on Instagram
    First Date Stories on Pinterest 

    Special Episode: Mindful Dating with Dr. Marie Thouin

    Special Episode: Mindful Dating with Dr. Marie Thouin

    Is your approach to dating working as you’d like it to? Ready to try something new? In this special episode, Jodi and her guest, Mindful Dating Coach Dr. Marie Thouin, explore what it means to date mindfully. Don’t miss this conversation about how to effectively overcome rejection and incorporate enchantment, self-care, self-love and fun into your dating life.

    Read Dr. Marie Thouin’s article: Humanize Online Dating Through Mindful Swiping

    To schedule a 30-minute free exploratory consultation with Dr. Marie Thouin, visit her website LoveInsight-Dating.com


    Connect with Dr. Marie Thouin on Instagram and Facebook.

    Laurie James and Gary

    Laurie James and Gary

    After ending her marriage of 26 years, Laurie had lost faith that she’d meet someone who has the qualities she’s looking for in a loving partner. Then she met Gary. Did they come into each other's lives at the right time? Find out.

    Laurie's book "Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go" can be purchased on Amazon or at your local bookstore. You can learn more about Laurie at laurieejames.com and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    Pre-order First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures from Bookshop.org, Amazon, or your local bookstore and receive it as soon as it’s published on September 14. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free.

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.

    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com

    First Date Stories on Facebook

    First Date Stories on Instagram

    First Date Stories on Pinterest

    Leelah and Jack

    Leelah and Jack

    “Why am I not married yet?” is a question Leelah asked herself. She’d expected to be married long before she reached her late 40s. Leelah knew what she wanted and needed from a healthy loving relationship, but hadn’t found it with any of her ex-boyfriends. One night, not long after a breakup, she showed up at a potluck dinner with a rotisserie chicken. So did Jack. Was that a sign that they had something, in addition to a fondness for poultry, in common? Find out.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    Pre-order First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures from Bookshop.org, Amazon, or your local bookstore and receive it as soon as it’s published on September 14. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free.

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.

    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com

    First Date Stories on Facebook

    First Date Stories on Instagram

    First Date Stories on Pinterest

    Siobhan and Carl

    Siobhan and Carl

    Do you have a long-standing rule that you’ll never break? Siobhan’s was to only go on first dates in public places. When Carl asked her to his house for dinner for their debut date, the invite came after they’d talked almost nightly for over a month. She’d done her online sleuthing. She felt she knew a lot about him. She said “yes!” On our Season 4 premiere, we find out whether Siobhan was right to break her rule and all that took place after she did. 

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    Pre-order First Date Stories: Women’s Romantic and Ridiculous Midlife Adventures from Bookshop.org, Amazon, or your local bookstore and receive it as soon as it’s published on September 14. Learn more about the book here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, “The Weekender,” and get the mini Modern Day Dating Dictionary for free.

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.

    Connect with us at FirstDateStories.com

    First Date Stories on Facebook

    First Date Stories on Instagram

    First Date Stories on Pinterest

    Chloe and David

    Chloe and David

    After her 24-year marriage ended, Chloe was unsure of her identity and purpose. With her kids now adults, she found the courage to move across the country and start her life anew. In our Season 3 finale, Chloe shares how she reinvented herself in her early 50s. She met David soon after the pandemic began, learned about herself as she got to know him, and ultimately recognized that she’s a badass.

    Read the transcript for this episode here.

    You can connect with First Date Stories at FirstDateStories.com or catch up with us on Instagram and Twitter using @1st_DateStories, Facebook using @1stDates and Pinterest using @firstdatestories.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Weekender, and receive helpful dating tips, inspiration, and info about this podcast.

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.



    First Date Stories
    enFebruary 25, 2021

    Isabel and Zane

    Isabel and Zane

    It’s said that you need to know yourself before you can know who the right partner is for you. Isabel returns to the podcast to talk about how the unexpected happened when she embraced her vulnerabilities and focused on her own personal growth.

    Read the transcript for this episode here.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Weekender, and receive helpful dating tips, inspiration, and info about this podcast.

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it at https://firstdatestories.com/share.

    You can connect with First Date Stories at FirstDateStories.com or catch up with us on Instagram and Twitter using @1st_DateStories, Facebook using @1stDates and Pinterest using @firstdatestories.



    Special Episode: Can I Trust Him? with Gail Weiner

    Special Episode: Can I Trust Him? with Gail Weiner

    “Can I trust him?” is a question that most every woman asks herself after starting to date a new man. If the answer is “No,” the relationship is doomed to fail. That’s why it’s important that you look for “trust clues” early on. In this special episode, Jodi’s guest, relationship coach Gail Weiner, LMFT, identifies critical trust clues for you to detect in dating profiles, early communications and on first dates so you are better able to answer that question straight away.

    Read the transcript for this episode.

    Check out Gail Weiner’s article Why Does He Only Talk About Himself?

    Schedule a complimentary one-hour consult on the biggest romantic challenge that you’re facing right now with Gail Weiner, LMFT and founder of Datewise, at www.datewisenow.com.

    Sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Weekender, and receive helpful dating tips, inspiration, and info about this podcast.

    Got a story to share? Tell us about it.

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    enJanuary 28, 2021

    Lexi and Jerome

    Lexi and Jerome

    Can you sense true chemistry and connection from texts, calls, and virtual dates? Or does that really only happen in person? Lexi returns to talk about her date with Jerome. After lots of phone conversations, she had already imagined a future with him. And then they met. Was she right? Find out.

     

    Read the transcript for this episode here.

    You can connect with First Date Stories at FirstDateStories.com or catch up with us on Instagram and Twitter using @1st_DateStories, Facebook using @1stDates and Pinterest using @firstdatestories.



    First Date Stories
    enJanuary 14, 2021

    Juliana and Dan

    Juliana and Dan

    When there’s not a pandemic going on, New Year’s Eve is all about celebrating with others. Juliana had a New Year’s Eve date with a man who talked a good game, but did he follow through? Listen to find out how she handled what happened.

    Read the transcript for this episode here.

    You can connect with First Date Stories at FirstDateStories.com or catch up with us on Instagram and Twitter using @1st_DateStories, Facebook using @1stDates and Pinterest using @firstdatestories.



    First Date Stories
    enDecember 31, 2020

    Ruth and Mark

    Ruth and Mark

    Blind dates can be a great way to meet men. But when a friend set Ruth up with Mark, she made a lot of assumptions about him that turned out to be wrong.

    Read the transcript for this episode here.

    You can connect with First Date Stories at FirstDateStories.com or catch up with us on Instagram and Twitter using @1st_DateStories, Facebook using @1stDates and Pinterest using @firstdatestories.



    Jamie and Barb

    Jamie and Barb

    Dating has slowed down because of the coronavirus. People are spending weeks or months connecting remotely before saying “hello” face-to-face. Jamie, who’s in her late 50s and hadn’t dated in years, chose to start again as Covid-19 was spreading. Barb and she chatted regularly for six weeks before making plans to meet. Jamie reveals what it’s like to return to dating during the pandemic and the silver lining she discovered.

    Read the transcript for this episode here.

    You can connect with First Date Stories at FirstDateStories.com or catch with us on Instagram and Twitter using @1st_DateStories, Facebook using @1stDates, and Pinterest using @firstdatestories.