Last Date

Danny Goldstein

Conversations with real singles navigating modern dating culture and relationships — cutting through dating-app noise to build connection and compatibility.

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26 episodes
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English

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Tuesday · 1 hr 2 min
Why Is It So Hard to Leave a Situationship?
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with content creator Madi Marotta to talk about situationships and why it can be so difficult to walk away from them—even when you know the person you’re with isn’t giving you the relationship you want. Madi tells me about a guy she met while living in Nashville who became a recurring character in her life for the next year and a half. There was immediate chemistry, ghosting, reconnecting, exclusivity, a breakup—and eventually another attempt to see if there was still something between them. We unpack the difference between being attached to someone and being attached to the idea of them, why potential can make it especially difficult to let someone go, and what Madi is beginning to recognize about her own relationship patterns. We also discuss: - Why Madi would rather double-text than sit around wondering if a guy is interested - Getting ghosted without closure—and why that can make it harder to move on - “Menu Man” and the most elaborate at-home dates she's ever been on - Why we sometimes keep going back to a situationship even after someone has repeatedly shown us they don't want a relationship - Dating as a content creator and what happens when the person you're dating becomes part of your content - “Gnats”: The exes and former situationships who never quite disappear - Rose-colored glasses and getting attached to someone's potential Madi is refreshingly candid about something a lot of us experience in dating: knowing what you should do and actually doing it are two very different things. Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Madi:https://www.instagram.com/madimarotta https://www.tiktok.com/@madimarotta
September 15 · 48 min
Are Your Dating Dealbreakers Keeping You Single?
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Katie (aka DJ Kitty), who finds herself in a dating situation she never expected. Katie has always been intentional about dating and clear about one of her biggest non-negotiables: she wants to marry a Catholic man. Then she met someone she really liked. There's just one problem: he's Jewish. Normally, Katie says she would have learned that and immediately walked away. This time, she's doing something very different—continuing to date him while trying to become more comfortable with not knowing exactly how the story is going to end. Her experience raises a bigger question for anyone dating with a list of preferences and dealbreakers: How do you know which standards you should hold onto—and which ones might be preventing you from discovering a connection you never expected? We also discuss: - Why Katie believes you shouldn't go all-in on someone too early - Dating multiple people until someone has earned exclusivity - How to actually become more open-minded about your “type” - Dating as a DJ—and the kinds of men who approach her at shows - Why confidence can make an otherwise ordinary guy immediately stand out - The surprisingly elaborate second date Katie turned down - What Katie means when she says women want men to “lead” - How much texting is too much in the early stages of dating Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Katie: https://www.instagram.com/djkitty_8
September 9 · 57 min
When Someone Comes On Strong—Then Pulls Away
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Alexa to unpack a string of recent dating experiences that left her asking the same question: How do you know when someone's early interest is actually real? Alexa tells me about a man she met who seemed to be doing everything right. He was consistent, intentional, excited to see her, introduced her to his friends, and made some surprisingly big statements about where he saw things going. At first, his actions seemed to back up his words...until they didn't. We unpack what happened, the moments Alexa now sees differently in hindsight, and how difficult it can be to distinguish genuine intention from the excitement and intensity of a new connection. We also discuss: - A bizarre encounter with a man who wanted to cuddle before they'd even gone on a date - Why Alexa dates far more in Austin than she does in Chicago - Why dating apps can create a “grass is greener” mentality - And how a good conversation can create attraction for men who aren't classically handsome. How much should you trust what someone shows you at the beginning—and how long does it take to find out who they really are? Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4UxCPDRQmJuQXLXIM7srrI Follow Alexa: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithlex444 https://www.instagram.com/@lifewlex444 Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible
September 1 · 43 min
What Does “Effort” Actually Look Like in Dating?
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Grayson to talk about something women often say they want from men in dating: effort. But what does effort actually look like? Grayson shares what one guy did on a date that immediately stood out to her—and, on the other end of the spectrum, what happened when a guy she was genuinely excited about suddenly disappeared despite already having their next date planned. We also discuss: - Dating as a six-foot-tall woman - How to approach someone in public - Why women should approach men too - Asking for her Instagram vs. her number - Ghosting someone when you already have another date scheduled - Why women think about safety differently when meeting someone new Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Grayson on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grayson.smith12 Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible
August 25 · 53 min
Who Should Make the First Move?
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Cailan after meeting her on a trail in Austin, where I asked her one question: What do you wish was different about modern dating? Her answer: She wishes people would approach each other more in real life. So we decided to continue the conversation. We talk about why so many men are afraid to approach women, whether women really only want attractive guys approaching them, and what actually separates a confident approach from a creepy one. Cailan shares approaches that have worked on her and explains why personality and charisma can matter far more than men realize. We also discuss: How to approach a woman without being creepy What actually creates chemistry on a first date Vulnerability vs. trauma dumping How the “Three Day Rule” is outdated What "long-term, open to short" actually communicates on a dating profile This conversation is a practical look at what women actually want from men in modern dating—and why making dating better might require all of us to stop overthinking it and start being a little more willing to make the first move. Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible
August 18 · 36 min
Dating at 42 When You Still Want Kids
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Mandee, who at 42 is navigating dating after divorce while still hoping to start a family. Mandee was married for more than six years. Early in that relationship, she and her husband both said they wanted three children—but after they married, those conversations never turned into plans. Eventually, Mandee realized that if having a family was still important to her, she needed to give herself the opportunity to find someone who genuinely wanted the same thing. Now she's dating again with a much clearer understanding of what she wants—and discovering that clarity can make dating both easier and harder. We discuss:- What it's like dating at 42 when you still want children - Why she's dating younger men for the first time - The non-negotiables that dramatically narrow her dating pool - Opening herself up to dating outside her race after previously dating only Asian men - Why she's become surprisingly attracted to the "nerdy guys" she once overlooked - Ghosting, dating apps, singles events, and sliding into someone's DMs This conversation is about starting over with more self-awareness, expanding what you're open to while becoming more selective about what actually matters, and staying optimistic when the life you want requires you to keep putting yourself out there. Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible
August 11 · 47 min
Dating With Intention in the Age of Endless Options
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Adrianna, an entrepreneur who dates both men and women, to talk about dating intentionally in a culture of endless options, love bombing, dating-app fatigue, and people who don't always seem to know what they're looking for. We get into what Adrianna has learned from years on dating apps, including why she thinks your profile should be designed to filter people out, not simply maximize your number of matches. She explains why prompts should either start conversations or help identify incompatibilities, and why people often build profiles around how they want to be perceived instead of the people they're actually trying to attract. We also discuss: - What love bombing actually looks like—and why Adriana now "love bombs the love bombers back" - How to build a better Hinge profile - Why your dating profile should eliminate the wrong people - Dating as a busy entrepreneur - Why more women she's dated have earned second dates than men - Why she prefers thoughtful dates over expensive ones - Why understanding someone's trauma doesn't mean excusing the way they treat you This conversation is about being more deliberate with dating: knowing the life you actually want, choosing people who fit into it, and realizing that attention, money, and grand gestures aren't substitutes for communication, thoughtfulness, and emotional availability. Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Adrianna: https://www.instagram.com/adrianna_kay_ https://www.tiktok.com/@adrianna_kay_
August 4 · 46 min
Situationships Are My Muse
In this episode of Last Date, comedian and content creator Simone shares the wild dating stories that inspired her comedy—and why she's sworn off serious relationships for now. We talk about being love-bombed, getting ghosted after a romantic trip to Italy, why toxic relationships can feel more exciting than healthy ones, and how heartbreak has become fuel for her social media content. We also discuss:- Why humor is one of the most attractive qualities in a partner - What defines a situationship - Whether casual sex ever stays casual - Love bombing and mixed signals - Why dating apps create the paradox of choice If you've ever wondered why modern dating feels chaotic—or found yourself in a situationship you couldn't explain—this conversation will make you laugh, cringe, and probably feel a little seen. Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Simone:https://www.instagram.com/sim1eats/https://www.tiktok.com/@sim1eats
July 28 · 55 min
Why Dating Apps Feel So Exhausting
Why do so many dating app conversations never turn into actual dates? In this episode of Last Date, Christian and I unpack one of the biggest frustrations in modern dating: why dating apps feel so exhausting—even when you're matching with people. We talk about why so many conversations become "pen pals," why both men and women feel burned out for completely different reasons, and the surprisingly simple things that make someone stand out on Hinge. We also discuss: - Why meeting through friends still beats dating apps - How long you should message before asking someone out- Whether you should confirm a first date - Why ghosting says more about the ghoster than the person being ghosted - How to approach someone in real life without being creepy - The best first dates (and why simple is usually better) - How to stop overthinking rejection and start dating with more confidence Whether you're swiping on Hinge, hoping someone approaches you in person, or just trying to understand modern dating a little better, this conversation is packed with practical advice from both the male and female perspectives. Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible
July 21 · 53 min
Is Modern Dating Too Serious?
Is modern dating actually the problem—or are our expectations? In this episode of Last Date, Jenni and I unpack what's making dating harder than it needs to be. We talk about whether confirming the first date is required, the psychology behind some daters needing to feel like is obsessed with them before even meeting in person, why so many people avoid conversations about exclusivity, and how simply checking in can prevent months of confusion. We also dive into: - When exclusivity conversations should happen - Why immediate chemistry over text doesn't matter nearly as much as people think - Why "high standards, low expectations" might be the healthiest dating philosophy - Why people should stop treating first dates like job interviews - The guy who forgot about Jenni inside a weed shop One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Jenni's reminder that dating doesn't have to feel so heavy. Instead of trying to decide whether someone is your future spouse within the first hour, simply enjoy meeting another human being and see what unfolds. If you've ever found yourself overthinking, stressing over exclusivity, or wondering why dating feels exhausting, this episode is for you. Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible
July 14 · 47 min
The Difference Between Loving Someone… and Loving What They Do For You
In this episode of Last Date, Cristy shares the story of meeting her ex-husband at 22 years old after climbing into a baby blue Lamborghini outside a nightclub—and how that relationship ultimately helped her discover her own self-worth. After moving to Austin, she entered another relationship that taught her an entirely different lesson: sometimes loving someone's potential isn't enough if they aren't willing to grow alongside you. We discuss:- The danger of falling in love with someone's potential - Why women often lose trust when a partner won't take action - Emotional vulnerability vs. emotional dependence - What women really mean when they say they want to feel safe - Why repair matters more than being right - The qualities that create lasting compatibility - The difference between wanting to be a parent and building a relationship capable of supporting a family One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Christy explains the moment she knew her relationship was over—when her partner answered the question, "Why do you love me?" It's a conversation about healing, growth, and what it actually means to build a relationship where both people feel seen for who they are. Follow this channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcastFollow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatibleFollow Cristy Cali: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cristy.cali
July 7 · 54 min
Why Men Don't Follow Through (And Why Dating Apps Make It Worse)
In this episode of Last Date, comedian Galina Ravina joins me to compare dating in Los Angeles vs. Austin, explain why dating apps create the illusion of endless options, and unpack why so many people struggle to follow through after a great first date. Galina recently moved from Los Angeles to Austin and shares how dramatically her dating experience changed almost overnight. We discuss the psychology behind dating apps, why people often chase perfection instead of compatibility, and how the paradox of choice is making modern dating worse. We also discuss: • Why some men stop following through after showing strong interest • Situationships and avoidant partners • Why meeting someone in real life still has huge advantages • How humor affects attraction • The surprising psychology behind manifestation and partner selection • Height preferences and what the research actually suggests If you've ever wondered why dating feels harder than it should—or why someone seemed interested only to disappear—this conversation dives into the psychology behind modern dating with plenty of humor along the way. Follow Last Date for more conversations about modern dating, relationships, and the people navigating them. Watch on Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast⁠⁠ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible/ Follow Galina at https://www.instagram.com/thumbgalina/ on Instagram and her podcast https://www.youtube.com/@galinarivina on Youtube.
June 23 · 1 hr 8 min
I Don't Want Kids. What It’s Like Living Outside the Script.
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Carrie to talk about one of the most polarizing topics in modern dating: choosing not to have children. Carrie has known for most of her life that she doesn't want kids, and unlike many people, she's spent years thinking deeply about that decision. We discuss the reactions she receives when she tells dates she doesn't want children, why dating can be more challenging when you choose not to have children, and the pressure many people feel to follow the traditional "life script" of marriage, kids, and settling down. We also explore: • Consciously deciding whether to have children rather than treating parenthood as the default • The social pressure women face around motherhood • Why some people react so strongly when someone chooses a different path • Dating while digital nomading • Why a fulfilling life can take many different forms Whether you want children, don't want children, or are still figuring it out, this conversation is ultimately about making intentional choices and building a life that feels right for you—not the one other people expect you to live. Follow for more conversations about modern dating, relationships, and the people navigating them. Watch on Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast⁠ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible
June 9 · 54 min
Why Great Guy Friends Can Be Terrible Boyfriends, Trauma Dumpers, and the Taxi Light Theory
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Vic, who reached out on Instagram with a question I couldn't stop thinking about: why do some men make incredible friends — and then fall completely apart the moment things turn romantic? We get into why men with options refuse to go all in, and why Vic's litmus test for whether a guy actually likes her is devastatingly simple. We discuss: - The friendship that turned romantic — and how quickly he became a different person entirely - Why men with options resist committing (and why that fear of missing out is costing them) - Good Time Charlies: why the most fun guy in the room may be the last one to settle down - What it means when a man dumps all his emotional trauma on you within the first hour of a date - Why not asking questions is a sign that a guy only wants one thing - The taxi light theory and the avocado theory Vic also shares the bar approach that actually works on her (hint: it involves a stain on a shirt). Follow on Spotify for future conversations. Watch on Youtube→ https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow me on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible
May 26 · 51 min
From People Pleasing to Setting Boundaries, Bad Dates with Good Men, and Going For What You Want
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Dana, a self-described recovering people pleaser who went from losing herself completely in relationships to building a life so full that it's hard to find a partner who is a value add. We get into how she went from boy crazy to briefly hating men — and why this mentality was holding her back, what she learned when she stopped morphing herself into whoever she thought a guy wanted her to be, and the moment she pushed a guy away mid-kiss and told him exactly why. We discuss: - Going on good dates with bad men vs bad dates with good men - How a fancy resort trip fooled her into thinking there was real chemistry - "I wasn't attracting the same type of man — I was accepting the same type of behavior" - Setting boundaries to explain how she wants to be treated - The thing many men are getting wrong on the first date. Dana also shares the line that stuck with me: "I used to fear abandonment from men. Now I fear abandonment from myself." Follow on Spotify for future conversations. Watch on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Dana: https://www.instagram.com/danafisher_atx
May 19 · 1 hr 12 min
Breaking Up, What Women Find Attractive, and the First Date Mistake That Gets You Blacklisted
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Keighley, who recently went through a breakup--with someone she still works with. We discuss:- The difference between how men and women process a breakup — and why women feel a bigger void - Why she won't sleep with someone until they're officially her boyfriend - How to make women feel safe - The slow burn: how she ended up falling for someone she never would have considered - The single biggest first date mistake men make - The friend group blacklist — and how your reputation follows you in a small community Keighley also shares what it's actually like when your ex is dancing with someone else two feet away from you, why she once reverse-catfished herself on Hinge, and what a man reveals about himself when he says "my mom never hugged me" within the first two minutes of a date. This conversation is honest, funny, and one of the more unfiltered takes on modern dating we've had on the show. Follow the show for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights:https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Keighley Voorheis: https://www.instagram.com/ogreatcalamity
May 12 · 58 min
The Approach Gap, What Actually Creates Compatibility, and Why Men Are Avoiding Intentional Dating
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Jenn Mann, founder of Meet at the Mirror — an intentional Christian singles community in Austin, Texas. Jenn has a front-row seat to what separates people who find their person from people who don't. We discuss: The approach gap: women want to be approached but men aren't approaching Why "just say hi" is better than any pickup line The real reason men avoid intentional dating spaces (it's not the money) What actually makes two people compatible — and why your list is probably too long How to figure out your non-negotiables by asking how you want to feel in a relationship Why the three-day texting rule doesn't work anymore Jenn also shares how redoing her values exercise a month ago ended a long stretch of being "invisible to men" — and how the dates that followed were some of the best she's been on. Follow the show for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights:https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Jenn Mann and Meet at the Mirror:https://www.instagram.com/itsjennmannhttps://www.instagram.com/meet.at.the.mirror
May 5 · 45 min
Dating as a Single Mom: What Men Assume, What She Actually Needs, and Why She's Not in a Rush
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Jen, a single mom of two who got married at 20 and barely dated before that — meaning when she started dating again in her early 30s, she was essentially starting from scratch. We get into what it actually looks like to date when your life already feels full, why motherhood gave her more confidence than any dating experience could have, and what men consistently get wrong about single moms. We discuss: Why having kids made her a more confident, grounded dater — and how she uses her parenting voice on herself The "houseplant energy" shift that happens when your kids become teenagers Why she's in no rush to find someone — and how that actually makes dating easier What she really needs from a partner (hint: it's not a stepdad) The assumptions men make about dating single moms — and how they're usually wrong Why the lock screen on her phone has become an instant compatibility test Jen also shares the story of how she accidentally became someone's worst date ever — while closing on the house she still lives in today. This conversation is warm, self-aware, and a good reminder that dating a single mom isn't the complication most men assume it is. It might actually be the opposite. Follow the channel for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights:https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Jen: https://www.instagram.com/pio.wellness
April 28 · 57 min
Age Gaps, Men Who Don't Follow Through, and Why Your Dog Is Your Best Wingman
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Kelsea, a 36-year-old who has dated across three cities — Milwaukee, Denver, and Austin — and across three decades of men. We discuss: Why Denver was Kelsea's worst dating city The approach from men that consistently works — and why it takes all the pressure off The five men who asked for her number recently and not one followed up for a date What dating men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s actually looks like — and which decade surprised her most The drop-off she noticed after turning 35 on dating apps Height filters, age gatekeepers, and why dating in your community bypasses all of it Kelsea also shares one of her best first dates (that includes a great tip for testing compatibility), one of her worst (that ended in an apology), and the story behind the nickname "Sour Patch Kelsea." This conversation is honest, self-aware, and a good reminder that the best dating filter might not be an app — it might just be showing up, staying open-minded...and bringing your dog. Follow the show for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights:https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Kelsea on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kelseamulhern
April 21 · 57 min
Why Good Dancers Do Better in Dating
In this episode of Last Date, I sit down with Eric Moreno, a two-step instructor in Austin, Texas, to talk about what dancing can teach us about attraction, confidence, and relationships. Eric shares what he’s learned from years of dating within a close-knit dance community — including how to be honest about your intentions from the start, how to navigate breakups when you share the same social circle, and why maturity matters when dating in community. We also discuss: • Why being a good dancer is so attractive • How attunement and presence make people feel safe • The connection between dancing, confidence, and intimacy• How healthy couples handle jealousy • Eric’s “secret” to dating attractive women over the years • The concept of courage before confidence • Why so many men avoid learning skills they aren’t instantly good at • The importance of teachability: being willing to learn and willing to change • Why authenticity matters — but so does becoming your best self Eric also shares the story of a woman walking off the dance floor while he was learning to dance — and how that rejection became a great lesson. This conversation is about attraction, growth, and why learning to move through discomfort may be one of the most underrated dating skills there is. Follow this podcast for future conversations about modern dating and relationships. Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lastdatepodcast Follow Danny on Instagram for clips and insights: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lastdatepodcast https://www.instagram.com/cruxcompatible Follow Eric: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nativetexantwostep

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