
The Later Dater Today
Between the ages of 45-59? (Give or take a few years) and dating or thinking about it? You're in the right place.
There's never been a better time to date later in life. Let us show you the advantages of dating later in life AND the places you might overlook or trip.
Lakshmi Rengarajan, host and guide of the The Later Dater podcast has spent almost 15 years trying to improve and shed an illuminating light on the culture of modern dating. She's designed one-of-a-kind events that challenged the idea of the dating profile, she worked at the world's largest dating conglomerate (Match), she studied the art of the set-up and co-hosted Season 7 of Vox Media's award-winning podcast Land of The Giants: Dating Games.
And now she's turned her attention to folks dating "later in life". Her work to change, improve and challenge modern dating culture and its tropes have been featured in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, Oprah Daily and The Guardian and she's been a guest on the Pivot Podcast with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway among others.
Later Daters are folks who came of age before the smartphone but also have the smarts to leverage and use technology. Modern dating culture has changed quite a bit since the introduction of dating apps but your dual existence might be just to thing that helps you navigate it today.
You're not late, you're right on time. More at www.TheLaterDaterToday.com
Latest episodes

Mar 8, 2024 • 19min
#41 The Unlisted Approach
It's understandable that we make lists to keep us organized and focused on what we want. But where does that kind of approach actually help and where is it actually inefficient? References in this episodeEpisode 39: Finding Connection In Contrast
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!

Mar 2, 2024 • 18min
#40 "Will I Ever Feel That Way Again?": Listener Question from Gabe, 57
After 20 years of marriage, Gabe, 57 is a year into his dating journey and he's wondering if he'll ever feel "that way" again. Let's get clear on all the kinds of experiences, moments and feelings that you have to look forward to as a Later Dater. Breaking these down and getting clear can change how you date. Mentioned in this episode: "I haven't dated since 1999"
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!

Feb 24, 2024 • 22min
#39 Finding Connection in Contrast and Differences
Share this with anyone who thinks that they "must" date someone who has the same relationship history as them (divorced, kids, didn't marry, widowed) etc. The best part about Later Daters today is the diversity of choices that were made by people. Listen in as Lakshmi walks you through how you think about connecting even if you lived very different lives. Mentioned in this episode - a whole new way to think about baggage as a Later Dater. Check out the episode Baggage or Luggage: How To Think About Your Past
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!

Feb 16, 2024 • 16min
#38 Ask For Focus Instead of a Relationship
Be sure to follow on Instagram as we begin bringing concepts from the podcast to life. https://www.instagram.com/the_later_dater_todayIn this episode we'll walk you through a plan for how to ask for focus - which might actually make more sense in today's world where our attention can be splintered across devices, screens, thoughts and yes, people.
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!

Feb 14, 2024 • 33min
Valentine's Bonus: The Afterlife Set-Up
A much longer format and style than the Later Dater Today podcast, we bring you the true story of two 80 somethings who reconnected and fell in love during the pandemic after 40 years apart. This is more "Golden" than "Later" but a true and hopeful story has no age. Enjoy! To read more about the precursor podcast to The Later Dater Today, read Vanity Fair's review of Paired By The People.
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!

Feb 9, 2024 • 13min
#37 The Root of Finding the Right Person
It's been a big week and it will be a big week. Why might it be more important to think of reasons to root for someone rather than trying to figure out if they're right for you? It's time to mention the relationship of the year without having them be the central spectacle. There is honestly something to be learned from the unfolding of their relationship. Mentioned in the episode: Lakshmi's interview with Scott Galloway on the Prof G podcast. Where she talks modern dating and reasons why we might think about height differently among other topics in modern dating. For more question ideas to uncover why to root for someone or what they're striving towards check out Ep 36: Signs of Success vs. Signs of Striving.
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!

Feb 2, 2024 • 16min
#36 Signs of Success vs Signs of Striving
Listen to Lakshmi, named among the 'Best Guests of 2023' on tech and culture podcast PIVOT, as she discusses the difference between success and striving in relationships. She offers insights on recognizing signs of striving in potential partners and shares alternative questions for deeper connections. Learn how to assess ambition and goals in dating and the workplace.

Jan 26, 2024 • 23min
#35 Artificial Intelligence And The Later Dater
An important overview of what to expect as AI continues to unfold itself into modern dating culture. The Later Dater Today is about more than how to date today - it's also about understanding what's happening in dating and where it's headed so that you can navigate it all. To hear more in depth coverage of AI and the Future of Dating check out the work of me and Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz is Episode 6 of Land of The Giants: Dating Games
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!

Jan 20, 2024 • 17min
#34 The Issue With Dating "Goals"
Listen in on a new way to think about the dating goals that matter today for a Later Dater. It was way less to do with how much you date but rather how you interact with the world - keeping your interaction and connection muscles strong. A few episodes are referenced to revisit and actually apply the lesson outlined in the episode in addition to simply listening.#3: Everyone Is A Museum And Most Of Us Stay In The Lobby#20 The Shape Of Your Heart Vs. Your Relationship History #19 The Death Of The Crush And Why Your Past Crushes Matter Today
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!

Jan 12, 2024 • 18min
#33 Go Ahead and Age Yourself
Let's discuss one dimension of "age" culture around the idea of what it means to "age yourself". Lakshmi dives into these common expressions that can feel more like we should hide our rage rather than use it as a point of connection; especially between Later Daters. And you'll hear a practical way to rewire whatever you think about your age as she offers new ways to talk about your past in way that is grounded in the present. And wait until you hear about the concept of a "Vintage Story".
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!