Some love stories start at the driving range or even in the aisles of Home Depot. In this episode, Natalie-Tasha and Libby sit down with Katelyn and Nicoletta to talk about chance connections, mismatched timelines, and what happens when things just don’t click. They share why therapy after only a few months can feel like a hot take, how expensive and exhausting dating has become, and why respect and faith matter more than perfect timing. The group also opens up about posting relationships online, keeping private moments sacred, and learning what makes love worth pursuing in today’s world. Join the conversation! If you're in the DFW area, fill out our form: https://realthingpodcast.com/ Panel: Natalie-Tasha Thompson | https://www.instagram.com/natalietasha  Libby England | https://www.instagram.com/libbyengland Katelyn Ansari |https://www.instagram.com/katelynnansari Nicoletta Bradley| https://www.instagram.com/nicolettabradley Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more honest conversations about love, dating, and everything in between. TimeStamps: 00:00—The Viral Moment: Dating in the Spotlight 02:46—Navigating Relationships: The Impact of Social Media 05:32—The Reality of Breakups: Handling Public Relationships 08:27—The Pressure of Social Media: Authenticity vs. Performance 11:28—Dating Dynamics: The Shift in Relationship Expectations 14:21—Finding Balance: Singleness and the Pursuit of Marriage 17:30—The Role of Community: Seeking Wisdom in Relationships 20:34—Therapy in Dating: Proactive Approaches to Relationships 23:31—The Journey of Self-Discovery: Understanding Relationship Needs 26:17—The Importance of Heart Posture in Relationships 29:22—The Future of Dating: Navigating New Norms and Expectations 38:44—Understanding Trajectory Over Potential 41:29—The Role of Social Media in Relationships 50:01—Navigating Social Media's Impact on Dating 01:02:25—The Debate: If He Wanted To, He Would 01:19:43—Faith and Relationships: The Core of Marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bestie-only Real Thing episode, Natalie-Tasha and Libby let their personalities shine. From funny “girl crush” moments and inside jokes, to choreographed sister dances and dreams of being neighbors, the laughter is nonstop. They also open up about wedding planning, plus-one rules, and why guest lists can be trickier than they seem. To top it off, the two react to some of Reddit’s wildest relationship stories — including an AI cheating scandal — and share their unfiltered takes on trust, boundaries, and what it really means to stay connected in love and friendship. Join the conversation! If you're in the DFW area, fill out our form: https://realthingpodcast.com/ Panel: Natalie-Tasha Thompson | https://www.instagram.com/natalietasha Libby | https://www.instagram.com/libbyengelland Reddit Stories: All Stories are Shortened for Time.  AI Chat: https://www.reddit.com/r/relationship_advice/comments/17tm450/fianc%C3%A9_28m_found_my_26f_explicit_ai_chats_and/ Notes:                                                                                       https://www.reddit.com/r/AskWomenOver30/ Cooking: https://www.reddit.com/r/AmITheAngel/comments/1m1i22s/aitah_for_not_wanting_to_cook_for_my_gf_anymore/ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more honest conversations about love, dating, and everything in between. TimeStamps ⏰:  00:00—Introduction and Personal Connections 02:47—Musical Interests and Dance 05:41—Wedding Planning and Relationships 08:47—Game Night and Social Dynamics 11:48—Meeting Partners and Relationship Expectations 14:49—Wedding Guest List and Plus Ones 17:31—AITBG  Stories and Relationship Advice 23:39—Emotional Cheating and AI Conversations 29:33—Food Preferences and Relationship Dynamics 35:40—Conclusion and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Hinge helping people find love—or just giving us pen pals and validation? In this episode of The Real Thing Podcast, Natalie-Tasha and Libby sit down with Christy, Griffin, and Alanna to swap honest stories about the messy middle ground between companionship and commitment. They open up about love bombing, why pet names on Hinge can feel like an instant ick, and how some goodbyes aren’t ghosting but the dreaded “you’ll make someone happy—it’s just not me.” From the pressure of first dates and “playing the dude” to recognizing red flags we often ignore, the panel dives into the drama, the humor we cling to, and the heartbreak that follows. The conversation also explores friendship-first relationships, why consistency often beats grand gestures, and how hard it can be to separate caring for someone from actually being in love with them. And as Hinge shifts from dating apps to social experiments, they ask the bigger question: are we searching for real connection or just a distraction? Join the conversation! If you're in the DFW area, fill out our form: https://realthingpodcast.com/ Panel: Natalie-Tasha Thompson | https://www.instagram.com/natalietasha Libby | https://www.instagram.com/libbyengelland Kristy | https://www.instagram.com/kristyyyy_4_ Griffin | https://www.instagram.com/griffinkibens Alana | https://www.instagram.com/alagwepi Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more honest conversations about love, dating, and everything in between. TimeStamps ⏰:  00:00—Introduction to Real Love and Relationships 01:50—Meet the Panel: Diverse Perspectives on Dating 06:30—Navigating the Single Life: Empowerment and Challenges 11:11—The Complexity of Modern Dating: Sparks and Connections 17:36—Understanding Relationship Dynamics: The Role of Energy 22:53—The Importance of Communication in Dating 29:30—Friendship vs. Romance: The Plight of Platonic Dating 35:42—Navigating Complex Relationships 38:48—The Transition to Living Together 43:56—Communication Breakdowns and Misunderstandings 50:58—The Impact of Jealousy and Insecurity 54:54—The Evolution of Dating Apps 01:01:25—Unlearning Past Relationship Patterns 01:07:53—Blind Dates: Expectations vs. Reality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Natalie-Tasha and Libby sit down with Torianna, Brandon, and Kaitlyn to explore what it’s really like to date in today’s world, from the struggles of single life to the challenges of building something that actually lasts. The conversation dives into why dating checklists rarely work, what happens when we try to “build a bae,” and how vulnerability changes everything. They share raw perspectives on identity, healing, and the quiet ways social media can make us second-guess our relationships. And when it comes to love, they ask the bigger question: are we searching for a partner, or still figuring out who we are inside? Join the conversation! If you're in the DFW area, fill out our form: https://realthingpodcast.com/ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is “talking” a real stage in dating, or just a way to avoid commitment? In this episode, Natalie-Tasha and Libby sit down with John-Carter, Garrett, and Kasey to unpack the biggest icks in dating, what makes romance deeper than intimacy, and how our parents’ marriages shape the way we see commitment today. They open up about trying to fit lives together that don’t work, losing yourself in relationships, and the pressure to have everything perfectly figured out before love. From friendship-first dating and unrealistic “perfect partner” checklists to whether marriage actually solves problems—or just exposes them—this is real talk on self-work, timing, and choosing a connection that lasts. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is finding love today about spark, timing, or trust? In this episode, Dan and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Erin, Brandon, and Christiana to talk about setting expectations on date one, why the first-date “spark” isn’t everything, and how attraction grows when connection does. They open up about therapy and self-work, the pressure of singleness and serial dating, chasing people who don’t want us, and what healthy boundaries with opposite-sex friends look like after marriage. From faith and covenant to the rise of “ethical non-monogamy,” this is real talk on commitment, loneliness, slow burns, and choosing love that lasts today. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is love about finding “the one” or creating it together? In this episode, Dan and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Michael, Anna, and Autumn to tackle the age gap debate, what makes a soulmate, and how long you should date before getting engaged. They open up about dating outside their type, navigating personality differences, and what planning a date says about you. From timelines to traditions, this is real talk on the rules we put on love and when to break them. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is dating supposed to feel this exhausting? In this episode, Dan and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Hayden and JD to talk about the pressure to perform, the highs and lows of being single, and why dating can feel more like a checklist than a connection. They open up about pulling back from apps, learning to spot shared values, and what happens when you’re always trying to be the “right” version of yourself. You’ll also hear real talk about missed chances, emotional connection, and why compatibility matters more than just chemistry. If dating has ever left you tired or confused, this one will feel like a deep breath. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know if you’re ready or just avoiding loneliness? In this episode, Dan and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Katie, Angela, and Jack. The crew talks about healing after breakups, letting go of baggage, and leaving people better than you found them. They unpack what it means to date with faith first, how to spot genuine spiritual alignment, and why maturity matters more than age. You’ll also hear real talk about mixed signals, dropping the hankie, and which dating standards actually matter for building a future. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Daniel and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Kathryn, Emily, and Eddie to talk about dating patterns, emotional effort, and why so many relationships just fizzle out. They open up about being "too picky," using spreadsheets to process past relationships, and what finally made someone feel different. The conversation also explores the tension between independence and intentionality, and why the pursuit of love feels more passive than ever. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Real Thing, Daniel and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Lexi, Braden, and Carlos for an honest conversation about dating dynamics, where friend groups complicate things, green flags get overlooked, and emotional maturity is more rare than it should be. They unpack the pressure to self-improve before committing, the tension between privacy and outside opinions, and the red flags we often excuse in the name of chemistry. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Real Thing, Daniel and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Presley, Deven, and Justin to talk about the chaos of dating in Dallas/Fort Worth. From dating app fatigue, friend zone frustrations, and why ghosting feels easier than honesty, they explore what’s holding people back, and what might finally push them forward. Plus: meet-cute tips for the Katy Trail and a theory on why big friend groups might be keeping you single. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Real Thing, Daniel and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Ashley, Sophia, and Nate for a candid conversation about love, parenting, and second chances. They unpack what it means to date after divorce, navigate emotional affairs, and balance leadership roles in relationships, especially when kids are involved. From sarcasm gone wrong and first dates in the potato aisle, to the pressure of dating apps, this episode captures the awkward, funny, and vulnerable moments that come with starting over. If you’ve ever questioned whether you're too picky, too wounded, or just too tired to try again, this one reminds you that healing and connection are still possible. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Real Thing, Daniel and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Josh, Haley, and Cami for an unfiltered conversation about breakups without closure, dating while raising kids, and the awkward reality of being “kind of” single. They talk about what it’s like to date with intention, why love languages actually matter, and how dating apps have turned romance into a game no one’s winning. This episode explores the tension between wanting something old-school and navigating the chaos of dating in the DFW area. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Real Thing, Daniel and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Joshua, Kathleen, and Nathan for a brutally honest conversation about dating in the wild, where attachment styles clash, emotional needs get lost in translation, and bare-minimum behavior is somehow still the norm. From breadcrumbing and ghosting to the awkward dance of “Do they actually like me?” they unpack the patterns that keep people stuck. It’s honest, funny, and uncomfortably relatable. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Real Thing, Executive Producer Daniel Van sits down with usual co-host Natalie-Tasha, who's on the other side of the mic this time with her boyfriend, Christian. They're joined by returning guests, Kyla and Riley—who may or may not have gone on a date after their episodes dropped! The group dives into awkward first dates, FaceTime breakups, balancing careers and personal life, and what actually makes someone “marriage material.” Natalie-Tasha and Christian open up about their on-again, off-again relationship and big questions around getting engaged. It's funny, messy, and painfully real. If you’ve ever wrestled with timing, growth, or figuring out what you really want, this one's for you. Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Real Thing, Brent, Natalie-Tasha, and Dan sit down with guests Colin, Lauren, and Zach to talk about everything from toxic breakups to grief, addiction, and spiritual experiences. They share stories of moving cities mid-argument, recovering from temporary physical disability, and grieving the loss of a sibling. Through it all, they search for meaning, healing, and connection. This episode is a reminder that even in the aftermath of pain and disruption, it’s still possible to choose love and begin again. Panel Icebreaker Questions (tell us your answers in the comments!):   ~What’s the dumbest reason you’ve said no to a second date? ~Describe your ideal type. ~What is your biggest ick?  Be on the show: ⁠⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Real Thing, Brent and Natalie-Tasha sit down with Madison and newlyweds Faith and Elisha McCall to talk about what builds a lasting marriage. From pre-marital doubts to married couple arguments and spiritual intimacy, they explore why healthy communication matters more than the Pinterest-perfect wedding. Whether you're dating, engaged, or deep into marriage, this one’s a reminder that love is less about the moment and more about the foundation. Join the conversation! If you're in the DFW area, fill out our form: https://realthingpodcast.com/ Panel: Brenton Evans | https://www.instagram.com/marriage Natalie-Tasha Thompson | https://www.instagram.com/natalietasha Elisha McCall | https://www.instagram.com/elishamccall111 Faith McCall | https://www.instagram.com/faithkmccall_ Madison Jones | https://www.instagram.com/madis0njones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No one enters a relationship empty-handed. We carry our past, our fears, and our hopes. In this episode of The Real Thing, Brent and Natalie-Tasha sit down with guests Mary Lynn, Natalie, and Kevin to talk about the aftermath of heartbreak, what real compatibility looks like, and why we keep falling for people who aren’t good for us. From gut-punch breakups to delayed grief, they unpack the patterns we repeat, the faith we hold onto, and the hope that—somehow—love might still be worth the risk. Be on the show: ⁠⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We did not see that coming… In this episode of The Real Thing Podcast, one of the girls hard launches her new relationship mid-convo, and the reactions are priceless. But that’s just the beginning. The crew dives deep into dating red flags, the sting of rejection, and why it’s so important to know your worth. From awkward first dates to navigating emotional boundaries, this episode is full of surprises, honest moments, and a whole lot of laughter. Be on the show: ⁠https://realthingpodcast.com⁠ Follow Us on IG: @realthingpodcast @marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices