Explain It to Me Explain It to Me

How to date IRL

Sep 13, 2026 · 29m

Summary

Host Jonyllyn Hill explores why dating apps are failing and how a broader "romance slump" is affecting modern relationships. She discusses this trend with Vox writer Faith, who notes declining marriage rates and rising trust issues, and dating coach Lily Womble, who offers practical advice on "joy building" and in-person connection. The episode highlights the exhaustion of digital swiping and encourages listeners to pursue romantic agency through real-world socializing and setting boundaries.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Sponsor: Anthropic and Claude AI Intro: The decline of dating apps Field report: Red Flag Party singles event Sponsor: Mint Mobile Sponsor: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Introduction of guest Faith Hill Data on the romance slump and declining marriage rates Universal fatigue across straight and queer daters Impact of global chaos and economic insecurity on dating Why people still seek connection despite giving up Sponsor: Granola AI meeting notes Sponsor: Anthropic and Claude AI Listener stories and transition to expert advice Interview: Dating coach Lily Womble on societal pressure Three steps: Joy building, co-conspiratorship, and flirting Building rejection resilience and the flirting ladder Feminist dating rules and co-created relationships Why dating apps lead to settling and cognitive overload Dating for pleasure and agency rather than just marriage Outro: Call for etiquette stories and credits Sponsor: Starbucks and Blinds.com
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