Menage-A-Pod
85 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 94 ratingsWhat do unqualified advice givers do? Start a podcast. What do single people do? Give relationship advice. That's how this podcast was born. Menage-a-Pod is a hilarious new podcast about dating, sex, relationships and everything in between, hosted by Gena (IG@genagrish, former HuffPo Dating Columnist) and TJ (IG@chicagocaferacer, former serial dater & wannabe comedian). In it, we tackle topics like ass pics, divorce, breadcrumbing being the Pumpkin Spice Latte of dating and what it's like to date as a single parent all within the first few episodes. Let's be honest, dating sucks. We are here to let you know that you're not alone out there and help you laugh along the way (and through the tears). Hang in there. We've got you, boo.
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Episodes
"The No Good, Very Bad Date(s)" Listener Stories Part 3
August 19, 2019 18:38 - 48 minutes - 38.6 MBWe're back at you from the ivory tower this week with a fan favorite! Another round of listener submitted bad stories, as well as some funny dating stories in the news! Have tacos become cliche? Are lattes and anal the Netflix and Chill we never knew about it? Bill Cosby makes a surprise appearance and you're not going to want to miss that! Is dating and being on the apps making you miserable? You're not alone, so strap in for episode #35!!!
What’s Love Got To Do With It
August 05, 2019 06:14 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBA lot! Along with patience, forgiveness, communication, and a ton of fun adventures. On today’s episode, we talk to newlyweds DJ Doran (President of NEMA, Host of The DJ Doran Show (DJDoran.com) and President and Founder of Diversitas Media) and Joe Morales (Creator of the website Joe Eats World (podcast coming soon!) and chef extraordinaire) about what goes into having a 17 year relationship? Warning, the bourbon is freely flowing and you know what that means! Tangents! You’re welcome!
"Let’s Talk About Sex(ual dysfunction), Baby" with Dr Jennifer Rafacz
July 22, 2019 04:27 - 56 minutes - 44.9 MBIn today’s episode we chat with Dr Jennifer Rafacz, (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Sexual Health Certificate/Sex Therapy, American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) Certified Sex Therapist) about sexual dysfunction. What is it? What’s causes it? How do you talk to your partner about it? Is it “normal”? So. Many. Questions. And now thanks to Dr Rafacz, we’ve got all your answers to your burning (hopefully not when you pee) question...
"Tough Talk on Toxic Relationships" with Love McPherson
July 08, 2019 04:31 - 59 minutes - 47.4 MBThis week on Menage-A-Pod we tackle the topic of how to identify toxic traits and then get out of a toxic relationship. To help us on with this, we are joined by the funny and insightful relationship expert, Love McPherson(@love_mcpherson). When we saw the paragraph below on Love's website, we knew she was just the woman for the job! "In a world where failing and toxic relationships have become the societal norm, Relationship Expert and founder of Love Infinity, Love McPherson is the vo...
"The Chemistry Between Us" (The Science Behind Choosing Partners)
June 24, 2019 12:53 - 41 minutes - 33.4 MBOn today’s show we are talking about chemistry...and not the nerdy kind you learned in school (as Gena breathes a sigh of relief), but apparently the other kind of chemistry is just as complicated. Then there’s the minor issue of compatibility. It’s amazing any of us find love. In an effort to make that not sound like such a bummer, I did jazz hands while typing that. You’re welcome. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 3...
"Summer Hours" Minisode #1
June 17, 2019 12:41 - 19 minutes - 15.5 MBHey friends! For those of you that don’t follow the IG account, we wanted to make the quick announcement that we will be moving to a show schedule of every other week throughout the summer. With work travel, summer vacations, Gena’s nephew coming for a visit (you can’t record with a 5 yr old running around like a wild man), we needed a little leeway. But don’t fret! We will be sprinkling content throughout when we can, in addition to the regularly scheduled shows, so keep tuning in, sharing...
The No Good, Very Bad Date(s):: Listener’s Stories Part II
June 10, 2019 07:00 - 54 minutes - 43.8 MBBack at it again with our amazing listener’s submitting their no good, very bad dates, so us single folks don’t have to feel so alone in this world. It’s hard out for here for a playa, amiright?! In today’s episode, we hear stories about men who don’t understand what no means, women who are batshit crazy, dates at a fish store, and a woman who gets horny smelling pickles. Yes, you read that right. Enjoy! Today’s show is brought to you by Audible. Audible is offering our listeners a ...
"Duty vs Booty: Can You Have it All?" With actor, dancer, choreographer, aerialist and illustrator - Kelly Maryanski
June 03, 2019 04:41 - 59 minutes - 47.7 MBOn today’s episode we have aerialist, dancer, actor, singer, choreographer, musician, pin-up model and illustrator - Kelly Maryanski (IG@Lyskei and @kellypaintswithwater) to talk about what it’s like to date when you have zero time to do so and how to find some balance in life so you can not only stay sane, but can continue to date when you have little free time. We also talk about Kelly taking part in the Motoblot Festival Pinup model contest and find out that Gena isn't exactly a talented...
"Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Part II" With Bela Gandhi of Smart Dating Academy
May 27, 2019 04:56 - 1 hour - 59.4 MBBack in 2010, Gena had the pleasure of meeting and writing a HuffPo article about the incredibly lovely, warm, and bad ass dating coach, Bela Gandhi of Smart Dating Academy. She dives into red flags, dating multiple people at once, how long you're really supposed to wait before having sex, and all the mistakes people make in dating. 10 years ago, I dubbed her the Fairy Godmother of Dating and that still holds true today...but she's a much cooler and updated 2.0 version of the fairy godmother...
"Rose Colored Red Flags" Overcoming Infidelity with Dr. Jessica Norman
May 20, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBYou guys! Get excited because today's episode is A-MAZE-ING. We are talking with the incredibly intelligent, warm, and no nonsense, Dr Jessica Norman (LCPC, CCTP, SOTP, CIHMP. Founder, CEO & Clinical Director of Transformative Growth Counseling) about why people fall in love (Hint! You're high!), why they fall out of love, if the old adage "once a cheater, always a cheater" is a thing, attachment styles, infidelity, and how to move past it (or not). So. Many. Questions. We get in deep righ...
"Going The Distance" with Sean Ely & Corey Wagner of Number Six With Cheese
May 13, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBIn this week's episode, we sit down with comedians Sean Ely (IG@theseanwow) and Corey Wagner ([email protected]) of the hysterical web series "Number Six With Cheese" (IG@numbersixwithcheese) and discuss long distance relationships, how to navigate them, and how to keep things grown and sexy even with the distance. As daunting as it seems, the numbers actually tell a happy story (60% success rate!), so don't fret! At this point your LDR is probably healthier than any of the local ones we've ...
The No Good, Very Bad Date(s)
May 06, 2019 13:53 - 39 minutes - 32 MBJoin us this week, as we discuss Facebook's attempt at getting into the dating app world and we dive back into listener mail to regale you with tales of the baddest of the bad dates. Unemployed? Check! Catfished? Check! Side piece? Check. Magician?!? CHECK!!!! If you have a topic you want us to explore, or have any questions you want to ask – you can write to us at: [email protected] or TEXT us at (872) - 221 - 2083. Thank you for listening to us on Apple Podcasts, and anywh...
"Menage-A-Pod Mailbag" with Comedian Lael O'Shaughnessy
April 29, 2019 06:19 - 47 minutes - 37.8 MBOn today's show we have Lael O'Shaughnessy (IG@laeloshag, Chicago based comedian and writer, regular at the Laugh Factory, and producer of High Dive Comedy at the High Dive Bar) to help answer questions from our audience about dating rules. Are there any? If so, what are they? What works best and what doesn’t? Can a woman ask a man on a date? Is the 3 date rule still a thing? Is it ok to send nudes before a first date? Why do people keep asking us these questions like we actually know what ...
"Menage-a-Quint" All Star Episode
April 22, 2019 05:22 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBToday’s episode is a shit show of goodness! We are having a, “where are they now” special with past guests, Daniel, Jennie, and newcomer, John. We eat brunch (Gena cooked and didn’t kill anyone, so that feels like a win!), talk about when it’s ok to DTR, and we go over what not to say to your single friends. Go ahead and make your own mimosa and join in on the conversation!
"A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That (Dragons And Sh*t)" with Comedian Jenna Ray
April 15, 2019 04:33 - 1 hour - 52.7 MBOn today’s show we talk with the other awesome Jenna, comedian Jenna Ray (@_jennaray, cohost of Two Girls One Show on @GoHardComedy on IG). She talks about her insane dating experiences, threesomes, and getting into comedy, all while giving TJ a little bit of shit along the way, which made Gena proud to share a name with her. Also, either TJ is getting better, or Gena is becoming immune to his shit, because there wasn’t one garbage bell ding on today’s episode! You be the judge and report b...
"You Better Not Order The Calamari...unless...." with Comedian Zako Ryan
April 08, 2019 11:26 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBOn today's episode, we are talking with comedian Zako Ryan (@zakoryan, Laugh Factory Regular, Producer of Burnt, and co-host of the Unemployables podcast) about your burning questions that arise after a first date. Well, that was the intention at least, but what would a Menage-a-Pod episode be without a few tangents?! We also talk about what constitutes bad sex (jury's still out), five-play rules, and answer the age old questions of whether size really does matters. Spoiler alert! It so do...
"The PRSUIT of Happiness" with Case Kenny
April 01, 2019 05:00 - 45 minutes - 36.3 MBI know what you're thinking. Menage-a-Pod is doing an episode that is full of rainbows and kittens? That's so not on brand! BUT WAIT! Don't go anywhere, because this episode is a really good one and is a refreshing change from the norm. This week, we talked to self proclaimed "dudebroguy with perspective" Case Kenny (@case.kenny). Case is a writer, influencer, entrepreneur and founder of PRSUIT (@PRSUIT), a daily email full of perspective that inspires and is dedicated to helping you become...
"All Tied Up" with Dominatrix Sophia Chase
March 25, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 54.2 MBOn today's show, we have on the incredibly badass, sexy, yet unassuming, and all around cool chick, Sophia Chase (IG@lovelyladysophia). Sophia is a professional Dominatrix and owner of Chicago Dungeon Rentals. She is celebrating her Domaversary (10 years!) this year and we couldn't be more excited to have her on the show to talk to us about her decision to become a Pro-Domme, what got her into the BDSM lifestyle, how YOU can ease into it, her favorite sex toy, and she also gives us a lesson...
"You. Her. And Me." with Comedian Bobby Hill
March 18, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBThree’s a crowd? Not on this episode! On today’s show we talk to Bobby Hill (IG@mocha_jesus), a hysterical comedian that Gena met when she was on a date and turned out to be her unicorn dream guest! We talk to Bobby about being polyamorous, what that does for his dating life, dealing with jealousy, and takeaways that monaganous relationships can apply to their own relationships. You guys know how long we have been wanting to do this topic and Bobby didn’t disappoint! Check out more a...
"Exes and Oh...No Don’t You Do It" with Comedian Paul Farahvar
March 11, 2019 05:22 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MBIn today’s episode we are talking with Chicago comedian Paul Farahvar (IG@paulfarahvar, Laugh Factory Regular, and host of "Drink Date Laugh!" and "Everyone's A Lawyer" - both at the Laugh Factory and The "Singles Only" Podcast, in addition to being a musician and an attorney). We dive into if it is possible to be friends with an ex? The answer is no. Sorry. This episode is only 3 mins long. Kidding! We then explore things like dolphin sex, being friends with exes on social media (or not),...
"FWB: To Be, or Not To Be. That is The Question" with Comedian Vik Pandya
March 04, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBToday's episode is one of our favorites yet! Not only do we have the amazingly talented and very funny stand up comedian, Vik Pandya (Instagram @VPComedy) on the show, but we are stealing headlines straight from Gena's shitty real life experiences on today's episode. We are exploring the concept of friends with benefits, how that differs from your normal fuck buddy, and the 11 rules to being in a a FWB situation as sane as possible...without catching the feelings. That's a rookie move, ki...
"Thank You, Next " with Overheard in Chicago
February 25, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBHi friends! This week, we're joined by the beautiful and hysterical duo from Overheard in Chicago (IG: @overheard_in_chicago) as we discuss red flags and dealbreakers. Does he live in a carpeted studio apartment? Red Flag. Does he cut his tacos with a knife and fork? Red flag! Is he having you over to his girlfriend's house when she's out of town? Dealbreaker x 10. Also, how many yellow flags make up a red flag? Is there anything that can make up for a red flag (Big Dick Energy? Money?). ...
Know When to Hold 'Em. Know When to Fold Them
February 18, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 53.7 MBOn today's episode, Gena downloaded an app with a bell sound that she has found very helpful in trying to train TJ to be nicer to her. That's not the point of the episode, but it's worth mentioning at the top so you don't think you're hearing things. Our guest for this episode is Wesley Friedman, an old friend of Gena's, who has been through the dating wringer like the rest of us and has a lot to say about a lot of things...so we gave him a mic. Our topic was supposed to be how to know when ...
Peacock, Don't Cockblock- Valentine's Day Episode (sort of)
February 11, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 67.8 MBOn today's show, we talk to the very charming (not to mention easy on the eyes) Josh (@GQ50), who hosts the podcast, The Travel Guydes (@TheTravelGuydes) which focuses on making travel easy for every day people. This episode is slightly off the rails as we cover everything from Valentines Day, traveling with a significant other, how Gena hates Paris, men wearing leggings, and last but certainly not least, nipple equality. Also we decided after the taping of this episode, that Gena is not all...
Cry Me a River
February 04, 2019 17:57 - 1 hour - 73 MBIn a world where baby Brittney Spears would cheat on a young JT, we know that nothing is sacred anymore. In today’s episode we have Ariel Henderson on and we are talking about infidelity, relationship baggage, and why people stray. We also solve the mystery around what the hell microcheating is all about (Hint: it’s pretty much anything you do that isn’t physical cheating so get your shit together people!). So if you've ever cheated, or been cheated on, turn on JT's Cry Me A River in the bac...
Finding Love In A "Swipe Left" Universe
January 28, 2019 06:00 - 40 minutes - 32.8 MBEveryone is out here looking for love, and that is no different from how it’s always been. Meeting people online, something that was stigmatized just a decade ago, has become more common, as the path to dating has become streamlined with an array of apps (and hopefully love) at our fingertips. I’m not telling you something you don’t already know. Dating in 2019 is as difficult as it’s ever been but don’t fret loyal listeners, because we are here to help you navigate the landmines and our gue...
I Don't Chase D, I Only Chase Money
January 21, 2019 06:07 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBOn today's episode, we chat with Rebecca Roark, who society would call a cougar, but we here at Menage-a-Pod like to say she's in an age-gap relationship (13 years to be exact!). We explore what it's like to date younger, talk about how younger men love performing oral sex(bless you, my child), and dealing with the expectations and concerns of family and society, in general. So, sit back, readjust your age parameters on Bumble, grab your glass of wine and give it a listen. Cheers!
"Be Careful With Those! There's a Death Card In There!" with Author Beth Jacobellis
January 14, 2019 07:25 - 1 hour - 70.6 MBOn today's episode, we have Beth Jacobellis on the show. She's a writer, mother, business woman, and a tarot card reader! She really is a jack of all trades. We talk about whether or not soulmates exist, astrological signs and how they work in dating, seeing dead people, turning TJ into a believer...and if that's not enough, we both get an eerily spot on tarot card reading. SPOILER ALERT: Someone is apparently getting married. ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT: It's not Gena, but that's just because th...
Matchmaker, Matchmaker Make Me A....GoFundMe Page?
January 07, 2019 06:56 - 1 hour - 71.1 MBOn today's episode, we have the amazingly charming and funny Jennie Dwin, who wasn't finding love on the apps, so she took matters into her own hands and ingeniously decided to start a GoFundMe page so she could pay for a pricey matchmaker. We talk about dating as an independent woman in your 30's, why men are confused on the definition of "pushy," an entire hidden folder of dick pics and getting the term "gena'd" trending.
Best & Worst of 2018 - Holiday Spectacular
December 31, 2018 06:05 - 46 minutes - 37.5 MBIt's our farewell to 2018! Everyone and their mom has made a year end list and you know we had to get in on the fun. A fan club is starting and you might want to hide your grandmas if you don't want them to contribute to the our newest podcast creation. We talk ex's, dogs, and an entry at the top of TJ's list that would make Frank Sinantra proud.
When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold
December 24, 2018 08:04 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBHappy Christmas Eve, ladies and gents! In the spirit of the holidays, we are releasing the raunchiest Menage-A-Pod episode yet! What? You don't think of Christmas and automatically think of making the best out of shitty situations, eating ass, blow jobs, bathroom mishaps when you have a one night stand? Weird, because apparently we do. Listen to this one when you're over the family time and need a break...but be warned, this episode should definitely be listened to with ear buds in if y...
Sleepless in Chicago: Dating as a Single Parent
December 17, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBThanks for coming back, guys! On episode 4, we have Donna Walker (IG: @donnachicityfit), fitness competitor, Gena's trainer and all around good person. She talks about juggling her insanely busy schedule, while also tackling the dating scene head on as a single mom. Also discussed, TJ comes back from vacation well rested, missing Gena's face, and Gena's excited that we finally have a female guest and she's not outnumbered. Miles also makes a guest appearance while almost single handedly taki...
Just The Two Of Us
December 10, 2018 15:36 - 56 minutes - 45.5 MBWe got drunk at brunch and decided it was a good idea to tape a bonus episode, breaking all the podcast rules and just talking shit. TJ relives his stalking debacle and Gena tells her famous story that started her old Huffington Post column (HINT: It involves someone losing their teeth).
Hansel & Gretel Would Be So Proud: Breadcrumbing, Cuffing Season & Social Media
December 10, 2018 15:34 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBJoining us is guest Trey Causley (IG:@trey_cause). He is an entrepreneur, founder/CEO of DansLeGroove (IG:DansLeGroove), dating extraordinaire, and social media guru. We chat about why guys feel like it's ok to bone, never call you again, and then just watch all of your Instagram stories. Tis the season to lock down those winter significant others! It's cuffing season folks, stay woke! Gena receives the Ansel Adams of ass pics and within the same breathe gives a shout-out to Mama Grish!
Ready To Sign Them Papers
December 07, 2018 20:52 - 53 minutes - 43.1 MBIn Menage-a-pod's debut episode, we get into the nitty gritty of divorce, the aftermath, and what it's like to move on in this ridiculous world of online dating. The episode features Gena's bestie, Daniel Pineda, who has taken his divorce and recent breakup in stride and has seemed to turn into a real grownup over night (Bonus ladies, he's single!). Also discussed- vagina paintings, TJ's version of dating Game Theory, TV hanging quid-pro-quo, and a new bromance is formed...much to Gena's dis...