The hosts delve into the concept of 'romantic hope' as a powerful form of resilience during challenging times. They discuss the emotional hurdles faced in modern dating, emphasizing the importance of connection and perseverance. Listeners are encouraged to embrace hope amidst global crises and the complexities of relationships. The episode highlights genuine connections over conventional success metrics and introduces a personal initiative to aid matchmaking, underscoring the spirit of love in tough times.

Season 3 Premiere: There's something beyond the idea of playing the field or going on a bunch of dates that "don't' go anywhere." What if you're just in the process of opening up again? What if these are 'open ' relationships? Join Lakshmi as she returns to her lifelong mission to improve dating culture and change the conversation around dating later in life.  Referenced in this episode:"Can Niche Dating Apps Save Us?" From Season 6 of Vox Media's Land of The Giants Lakshmi was named among the "Best Guests of 2023" on tech and culture podcast PIVOT with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-friends-of-pivot/id1073226719?i=1000639439067 Help keep the The Later Dater Today podcast ad-free.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/later_Lakshmi The Later Dater Today is a podcast all about dating Later In Life but mostly the 45-59 window. This overlooked and often misunderstood part of the dating timeline is both under-discussed and wildly undervalued. Host, Lakshmi Rengarajan has been trying to bring both innovation as well as an analog approach to how we date today for the past 15 years.  Episodes every Friday and follow us on Instagram for bite size servings of ideas from the podcast. Follow us there: https://www.instagram.com/the_later_dater_todayAnd be sure to visit us at the The Later Dater Today.com , sign up for our email list and please send us your questions!  

To listen to full episodes of Jennifer, Ranjani and Bryan check out episodes 14,51 and 54!  Lakshmi was named among the "Best Guests of 2023" on tech and culture podcast PIVOT with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-friends-of-pivot/id1073226719?i=1000639439067 Help keep the The Later Dater Today podcast ad-free.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/later_Lakshmi The Later Dater Today is a podcast all about dating Later In Life but mostly the 45-59 window. This overlooked and often misunderstood part of the dating timeline is both under-discussed and wildly undervalued. Host, Lakshmi Rengarajan has been trying to bring both innovation as well as an analog approach to how we date today for the past 15 years.  Episodes every Friday and follow us on Instagram for bite size servings of ideas from the podcast. Follow us there: https://www.instagram.com/the_later_dater_todayAnd be sure to visit us at the The Later Dater Today.com , sign up for our email list and please send us your questions!  

Lakshmi, named one of the 'Best Guests of 2023' on PIVOT, dives into the complex feelings of emotional unavailability and what it means for dating later in life. She shares insights on how to navigate the emotional struggles of seeking love while feeling disconnected. Listeners are encouraged to engage in self-reflection, understanding the difference between mere victories and genuine respect. Lakshmi offers a fresh perspective on fostering deeper connections by emphasizing emotional awareness, steering away from toxic patterns.

What if being single wasn't about NOT having a relationship or even looking for one, but feeling like your truest, best self is expressed when you are single? With more and more people actively choosing to be single, this is a great question and topic for Later Daters to ponder. Listen in as Lakshmi discusses another group that is overlooked; people for whom their Later Dater years are THE best years for them to be in relationship. This episode is a follow up to episode 50 where Paul, 49 asked about the pros and cons of staying single vs dating now as a Later Dater. Check out that episode here.  Lakshmi was named among the "Best Guests of 2023" on tech and culture podcast PIVOT with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-friends-of-pivot/id1073226719?i=1000639439067 Help keep the The Later Dater Today podcast ad-free.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/later_Lakshmi The Later Dater Today is a podcast all about dating Later In Life but mostly the 45-59 window. This overlooked and often misunderstood part of the dating timeline is both under-discussed and wildly undervalued. Host, Lakshmi Rengarajan has been trying to bring both innovation as well as an analog approach to how we date today for the past 15 years.  Episodes every Friday and follow us on Instagram for bite size servings of ideas from the podcast. Follow us there: https://www.instagram.com/the_later_dater_todayAnd be sure to visit us at the The Later Dater Today.com , sign up for our email list and please send us your questions!  

Lakshmi, a noted commentator on high school reunions and a favorite guest on tech podcasts, dives into the significance of these gatherings for later daters. She shares a heartfelt personal story from her own 30th reunion, highlighting the healing power of reconnection. The conversation emphasizes that reunions are not just about networking but revisiting cherished memories and authentic relationships. Lakshmi encourages listeners to embrace these moments as meaningful opportunities in their journey of life and love.

Glad to be divorced but sad about being single? YYes, you can be glad about something behind you and sad about something in front of you. Listen in as Lakshmi reacts and reflects on Ranjani's story of being at a dinner party as a newly divorced woman in a sea of couples. This episode explores the journey from divorcee to single and how each represents a different part in the dating journey.  Lakshmi was named among the "Best Guests of 2023" on tech and culture podcast PIVOT with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-friends-of-pivot/id1073226719?i=1000639439067 Help keep the The Later Dater Today podcast ad-free.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/later_Lakshmi The Later Dater Today is a podcast all about dating Later In Life but mostly the 45-59 window. This overlooked and often misunderstood part of the dating timeline is both under-discussed and wildly undervalued. Host, Lakshmi Rengarajan has been trying to bring both innovation as well as an analog approach to how we date today for the past 15 years.  Episodes every Friday and follow us on Instagram for bite size servings of ideas from the podcast. Follow us there: https://www.instagram.com/the_later_dater_todayAnd be sure to visit us at the The Later Dater Today.com , sign up for our email list and please send us your questions!  

In episode 50, the host tackles the question of staying single versus dating, emphasizing the value of gender-neutral discussions. The chapter explores the complexities of singlehood, dating, and relationships, highlighting the importance of embracing diverse experiences without societal pressures.

Episodes mentioned in this episode The Afterlife Set-Up (a true story of two 80 year olds who reconnected and fell in love during the pandemic. Lakshmi's LinkedIn post on Long Distance Relationships and Remote Work  Lakshmi was named among the "Best Guests of 2023" on tech and culture podcast PIVOT with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-friends-of-pivot/id1073226719?i=1000639439067 Help keep the The Later Dater Today podcast ad-free.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/later_Lakshmi The Later Dater Today is a podcast all about dating Later In Life but mostly the 45-59 window. This overlooked and often misunderstood part of the dating timeline is both under-discussed and wildly undervalued. Host, Lakshmi Rengarajan has been trying to bring both innovation as well as an analog approach to how we date today for the past 15 years.  Episodes every Friday and follow us on Instagram for bite size servings of ideas from the podcast. Follow us there: https://www.instagram.com/the_later_dater_todayAnd be sure to visit us at the The Later Dater Today.com , sign up for our email list and please send us your questions!  

Guest Lakshmi, named among the 'Best Guests of 2023' on tech and culture podcast PIVOT, discusses transitioning from romantic feelings to friendship in modern dating. Topics include changing relationship progression, later daters' considerations, navigating deep friendships post-marriage, and seeking support for personal growth.