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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