In episode 18 of "Saying Yes Again," Dr. Lisa and Tony record their first uncut, unscripted conversation about dating and relationships in midlife. They discuss the challenges of a small dating pool for women, ways people meet potential partners, and the importance of honesty about intentions. Sharing their own journey from divorce to love, they emphasize the importance of healing, growth, and staying open to second chances.

The episode also encouraging listeners to embrace new opportunities for connection and reminding everyone that it's never too late to say yes again.

Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Episode Format (00:00:01)
Hosts introduce themselves, the podcast, and announce this will be an uncut, raw episode.

Episode Milestone and Uncut Decision (00:00:42)
Celebrating the 18th episode and discussing the decision to record an uncut, spontaneous session.

Topics Overview (00:02:35)
Preview of main topics: dating pool for women, reasons people avoid relationships in midlife, and why most don't remarry.

The Midlife Dating Pool (00:03:28)
Discussion about the challenges women face in the midlife dating pool and why it feels small and difficult.

Ways People Meet Partners (00:04:29)
Exploring traditional and modern ways people meet: friends, events, weddings, professional functions, clubs, and online dating.

Online Dating Experiences (00:07:14)
Personal stories about online dating, including how the hosts met and advice for not giving up on dating apps.

Commitment and Biological Clocks (00:08:22)
How age, life stage, and biological factors influence relationship decisions for men and women in midlife.

Commitment Hesitancy in Midlife (00:09:34)
Why some men in midlife are hesitant to commit, and how personal experiences and age impact their choices.

Honesty and Transparency in Dating (00:10:54)
Importance of being upfront about intentions in relationships to avoid leading others on.

Personal Growth and Readiness (00:13:29)
How healing and personal growth after divorce affect openness to new relationships and marriage.

Why Most Don't Remarry (00:14:10)
Exploring reasons people avoid a second marriage, including fear of repeating past pain and emotional bruises.

Life Partner vs. Marriage (00:16:20)
Discussion about preferring a life partner over marriage and how openness can evolve.

Advice for Men: Earning Commitment (00:17:58)
Advice for men to be consistent and show quality to move from "life partner" to "I do."

Personal Transformation and Hope (00:18:36)
How personal transformation after divorce led to a happier, more fulfilling relationship.

Are People Really Looking for Love in Midlife? (00:21:40)
Hosts discuss whether people in midlife are truly seeking love and the importance of openness and healing.

Encouragement to Try Online Dating (00:22:00)
Tony shares how encouragement from a friend led him to try online dating, resulting in meeting Lisa.

In this episode of "Saying Yes Again," Dr. Lisa and Tony, a midlife couple who found love after divorce, share five practical tips for dating on a budget during tough economic times. They discuss enjoying nature, cooking together at home, attending free or low-cost events, hosting game nights, and planning dream dates for the future. The episode is filled with personal stories, humor, and creative ideas for affordable, meaningful connections.

The hosts also announce an upcoming speed dating event for mature singles in Conyers, Georgia. Go to www.sayingyesagain.com for more information.

Introduction & Economic Downturn Context (00:00:00)
Discussing dating challenges during economic downturns and the need for affordable, creative date ideas.

Podcast Welcome & Hosts Introduction (00:00:36)
Introduction to the podcast, hosts Lisa and Tony, and the theme of second chances in love.

Episode Overview & Upcoming Event Teaser (00:01:32)
Overview of the episode's focus on budget-friendly dating and mention of an upcoming speed dating event.

Tip 1: Enjoying Nature Together (00:02:27)
Exploring affordable outdoor dates like walks, picnics, and hikes to connect and bond.

Tip 2: Cooking Together at Home (00:04:39)
Cooking as a couple, trying new recipes, and using meal kits for fun, intimate, and budget-friendly date nights.

Tip 3: Free Events & Local Outings (00:07:07)
Attending free or low-cost events, museums, parks, and exploring local spots for unique date experiences.

Tip 4: Game Night (00:11:00)
Hosting game nights with cards, board games, or trivia for fun is an inexpensive way to have quality time.

Tip 5: Planning Dream Future Dates (00:13:05)
Creating vision boards and discussing future plans or dream vacations to foster connection and shared goals.

Recap & Community Engagement (00:15:16)
Encouraging listeners to share their own budget-friendly date ideas and participate in the community.

Restaurant Recommendation & Beltline Outing (00:15:38)
Recommending "Two Urban Licks" restaurant and discussing enjoyable outings along the Beltline.

Closing Thoughts & Speed Dating Event Details (00:16:15)
Emphasizing that love doesn't have to be expensive and providing details about the upcoming speed dating event.

Farewell & Social Media Plugs (00:19:06)
Thanking listeners, encouraging subscriptions, sharing, and inviting them to follow on social media and attend the event.

In this episode of "Saying Yes Again," Dr. Lisa and her partner Tony discuss the unique challenges professional women face in dating and relationships. They debunk myths about financial expectations, emphasizing the importance of emotional support, authenticity, and understanding each other's need for space. The conversation highlights how career-driven women can balance independence with vulnerability, set healthy boundaries, and avoid treating relationships like business transactions. The episode concludes with advice for dating with purpose and an invitation to their upcoming speed dating event for singles over 40.

Introduction: The Softer Side of Professional Women (00:00:00) Dr. Lisa introduces the duality of professional women—strong at work, but also craving love and connection.

Challenging Financial Stereotypes in Relationships (00:02:26) Discussion on financial independence, emotional support, and the misconception that men's main role is financial.

The Need for Space and Decompression (00:04:22): Exploring the importance of personal space, decompression, and understanding each other's need for downtime.

Professional Habits Impacting Dating (00:05:42) How career-driven habits like organization and timeliness affect dating dynamics and relationships.

Balancing Professionalism and Emotional Availability (00:09:00) Challenges of being emotionally available, letting go of professional guard, and showing vulnerability in dating.

Advice for Professional Women in Dating (00:10:36) Tips for dating with purpose, knowing values, and being observant in early relationship stages.

Don't Overwork Love (00:11:52) Encouragement to approach love with openness, not as a project or job, and to separate work from romance.

Authenticity and Vulnerability (00:13:09) The importance of being authentic, vulnerable, and leaving the CEO persona at work.

Setting Boundaries and Protecting Energy (00:14:26) Advice on setting boundaries, protecting time and energy, and not dating from a place of exhaustion.

Embracing Both Sides: Femininity and Strength (00:16:44) Encouragement for women to show both their strong and soft sides, and for men to offer emotional security.

Upcoming Speed Dating Event Announcement (00:18:00) Details about their first speed dating event for singles over 40, including how to register and what to expect.

Closing and Social Media Reminders (00:20:48) Thanking listeners, encouraging sharing, and reminders to follow and subscribe for future episodes.