This Is Dating

Magnificent Noise

Come for the cringe, stay for the connection. Follow four modern daters as they trade the swiping, the small talk, and the fumbled first kiss for a curated virtual date with a team of fairy godmothers behind the scenes. You might have eavesdropped on a first date before, but never like this. From the producers of Where Should We Begin, This is Dating, a series of recorded first dates. If you would like to get new episodes a week or so in advance in addition to ad-free listening subscribe to This Is Dating on Apple Podcasts. Visit the This Is Dating show page on Apple Podcasts for more info.

We will be back in the fall with a whole new series of recorded first dates. Thanks for being a part of this first season we can’t wait for you to hear who we will set up next.

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Our Editor's Take

This Is Dating is an intimate listen to where most great love stories begin–the first date. The podcast follows two strangers as they meet for the first time. A team of producers and experts observe and record this first date. Will the pair click and decide to meet a second time? Or will they clash and choose never to meet again?

The show's producers–Hiwote Getaneh, Jesse Baker, and Eleanor Kagan–listen in on each date. Expert behavioral scientist Logan Ury offers her insight into each dater's motives and history. This mix of science and commentary gives a new perspective on the first date. As the conversation unfolds between the couples, listeners get real-time analysis. It's addictive to hear the connection grow between the daters as the date progresses. Or, in some cases, to cringe and never listen to it start.

But participants aren't left to chat without input. Throughout the date, the team feeds the daters a series of prompts. These questions reveal more about each dater's relationship history and personality. Like any first date, the conversation can be awkward at first. But for some couples, it could be the start of something special.

Listeners don't only get to eavesdrop on the dates in the This Is Dating podcast. The producers also consult each dater's friends to get an honest opinion on what they're like. They interview each participant on their own before they meet their partner as well. Listeners get a well-rounded view of each dater, what they're looking for, and how dating has been for them in the past. In the end, each dater gives their opinion on how it went. Then they answer the all-important question–will they see each other again? Listeners may be enthralled by these real-life stories.

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