
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

Jan 5, 2024 • 29min
#32 Organic Connections Today and The Power of Tupperware
Explore the decline of everyday human moments and the impact of technology and the pandemic on human connections. Discuss the importance of organic interactions and acts of notice. Emphasize the value of engaging with others and cultivating organic connections in a convenience-driven culture.

Dec 29, 2023 • 22min
#31 Rethinking Wasted Time In Dating
Conversations about modern dating can often revolve around an intense desire to "not waste time". Let's dig into it. As we get older, we might feel like time is not on our side, but maybe it's on our side in a new way. If you have some time to think more about time, we recommend Episode 15: "Longer Doesn't Always Mean Stronger"
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!

Dec 23, 2023 • 27min
#30 The Heartbreak Plan For Later Daters
After many conversations with Later Daters, Lakshmi heard something to the effect of "I just can't get hurt or risk having my heartbroken as I date." We get it. So let's take a look at this common concern and talk about it before, instead of after, it happens.
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!

Dec 15, 2023 • 14min
#29 What Gen Z Understands About Dating, Why It Matters and Why They Love Gen X
Between the introduction of Tinder and the 2020 pandemic we have a decade of swiping behind us. Tinder made its mark because it brought an influx of singles (20 somethings) into a dating pool that nobody ever thought they'd find themselves in. Now that same demographic but a different generation is rejecting it. What can we learn about how to better accept what dating apps have to offer by taking a closer look at why Gen Z seems to be rejecting them? Lakshmi brings her thoughts to the headlines. More on the decline in dating app usage:https://www.newsweek.com/dating-apps-decline-tinder-bumble-match-1842834Learn more at www.thelaterdatertoday.comFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_later_dater_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!

Dec 11, 2023 • 15min
#28 What Do You Find Attractive...Today?
Explore how Later Daters rethink what they find attractive. Reevaluate attractiveness and consider emerging qualities. Look beyond superficial markers and focus on positive mindset, openness to change, and strong intergenerational relationships.

Nov 24, 2023 • 8min
#27 Beyond "The Gratitude" Question: A Thanksgiving Episode
Lakshmi, a tech and culture podcast guest, explores thought-provoking questions for Thanksgiving conversations. She suggests alternative questions to spark discussions, such as surprising songs enjoyed during the year and personal achievements or desires. Tips include identifying truth-tellers in your life, expressing gratitude for small things, and creating a comfortable environment for meaningful conversations.

Nov 10, 2023 • 8min
#26 The Role of Place And Space On A Date
Explore how the environment and location of a date can affect interactions and connections. Learn about the value of challenging situations on a date in revealing someone's true character and fostering deeper connections.

4 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 18min
#25 It's Easy To Meet But Harder To Connect: A Key Later Dater Insight
The host discusses the challenge of forming deep connections in the age of social media and dating apps. They explore the distinction between meeting and connecting, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections. The chapter highlights the energizing nature of connecting and provides an example of a question that facilitates connection. The significance of genuine connections in dating is emphasized, along with the limitations of online communication.

Oct 27, 2023 • 15min
#24 Meg Ryan's New Movie and Reconnecting With Someone From Your Past
Actors Meg Ryan and David Duchovny discuss reconnecting with people from the past and the value of instant trust. They explore the pitfalls and allure of reconnecting with someone from a different point in time, highlighting shared history and the beauty of non-romantic relationships.

4 snips
Oct 20, 2023 • 19min
#23 "I've Never Been Married And Feel Like It's A Mark Against Me": Listener Question from Susanna, 46
Exploring the stigma of never being married and the changing perceptions over time. Discussing the meaning of marriage and the importance of finding genuine connection. Exploring the stigma surrounding being unmarried and the impact of dating app culture on relationships.