To Date Or Not artwork

To Date Or Not

33 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 26 ratings

Dating is weird. Let's talk about it! From sex, trauma, dating stories, marriage, divorce, to everything in between, there are no bounds.

Hosted by Social Media Director and Spin Instructor, Mariya Spektor, To Date Or Not is a safe space for all things in the shit show we call 21st century dating.

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Episodes

33: Living Meat-Based feat. Nicole

March 29, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 64 MB

Curious about the Carnivore Diet? Let's talk about it. Meet Nicole; this tech queen and podcast host has been meat-based since April 2020. Due to her previous issues with chronic knee pain and unbeatable inflammation, she was in a bind to find something that would heal her body (and mind). Enter: the carnivore diet. In this podcast, we chatted all things surrounding the standard American diet, inflammation, chronic pain, mental health, PMS, libido, infertility, birth control, toxins, and so...

32: Situationships feat. Tinah

February 22, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MB

In a situationship? Let's talk about it. Meet Tinah; a 23-year-old savvy social marketer, podcast host, and the queen of situationships; they're basically an undefined romantic relationship. In this episode, we dive into pros and cons, toxicity, the "situationship breakup," and everything in between. Follow the @inyourtwentys and @tinah.ogalo on Instagram! Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram.

31: Chronic Pain & Egg Freezing feat. Nancy

February 08, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 79.7 MB

What's it like dating with chronic pain? Let's talk about it. Meet Nancy; she's 31 years old and a first-generation immigrant that loves to pole dance as well as train on Lyra, silks, and hammock. Plot twist? Nancy lives with suspected endometriosis and IBS, ultimately leading her to an egg-freezing journey in November. We dive into the diagnosis, pain reduction, talking to your partner about your chronic pain, stress, reproduction, and everything in between. Resources discussed: Fertility ...

30: This is Not Goodbye feat. Me, Myself, and I

November 30, 2021 13:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MB

Life is weird. Let's talk about it! When it comes down to it, this has been a hell of a year. From finding love to promotions and passion projects, 2021 did not disappoint. So while this isn't a forever goodbye, this is a soft pause on this beautiful project I've built. Episode 30 gives you a little more insight as to why! Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

29: Living With a Partner feat. Brad

November 16, 2021 13:00 - 2 hours - 127 MB

Living together? Let's talk about it. Surprise, surprise. It is my first time living with a significant other. Brad moved in three months ago, and to be honest, it has been nothing short of delightful. And while not every couple is fortunate to have the same experience, we go through the bad, the ugly, and what's been statistically proven as couples decide to make the big step. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

28: Dump His Toxic Ass feat. Hannah

October 19, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 80.7 MB

How to date after a long-term, toxic relationship? Let's talk about it. After a 9-year relationship that ultimately led to years of unhappiness, Hannah is determined to find life and love again. We dive into stories of toxicity, what life is like in the dating world in 2021, the impact of social media, where the hell to meet people these days, and so much more. Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of depression and suicide. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah,...

27: The Art of Communication feat. Nick

October 05, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MB

Communication in your relationship? Let's talk about it! When it comes to communicating with your partner, colleague and good friend, Nick, has been through the ups and downs. This New York native gives us his hot take on making your relationship thrive, his learnings, communication patterns, and so much more. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

26: Lesbian Dating feat. Lauren

September 21, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 79.1 MB

Lesbian dating? Let's talk about it. What's okay to ask a same-sex couple vs. a straight couple? What are the differences in same-sex dating in the UK vs. the US? When is the appropriate time to come out? Why does representation matter? From coming out stories and common questions to lesbian stereotypes, Lauren and I dive into all things lesbian dating. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

25: The Orgasm Gap feat. Jessica

August 24, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 81.1 MB

The orgasm gap? Let's talk about it. Studies have found that heterosexual women are the demographic having the least orgasms during sex. Jessica is back to discuss all things sex and the considerable difference between the number of orgasms men and women are having in heterosexual relationships. Buckle up; things are getting a little moist up in here. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram! Resources: What is The Orgasm Gap? [Forbes] Psych...

24: Polyamory feat. Curtis

August 10, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 78.4 MB

What is polyamory? Let's talk about it. Curtis is back to talk about all things polyamory. From his own personal experience of multiple partners to other subjective stories, we're breaking down the meaning, differences, psychology, dark side, positives, and so much more. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

23: A Series Of Unfortunate Events feat. Curtis

July 27, 2021 12:00 - 2 hours - 139 MB

Dating. Deception. Death. Let's talk about it. When it comes down to relationships, it's not all butterflies and rainbows. Good friend Curtis and I dive into multiple dark, twisted, and vulnerable stories of his past. And yes, funny sex stories included. Trigger warning: Episode discusses addiction, abuse, and suicide. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

22: Same-Sex Marriage, Adoption, and Sex Ed feat Noah

June 29, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MB

Same-Sex Marriage, Adoption, and Sex Ed within the gay community? Let's talk about it. Host of The Noah-it-All podcast and good friend Noah and I sit down to dive into all things within the gay community. We cover a range of topics surrounding the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, adoption as a same-sex couple, sex-ed within the gay community, and all things "naughty sex." Buckle up because we've got some fascinating stats you're not going to want to miss. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcas...

21: Prostitution feat. Anonymous

June 15, 2021 12:55 - 1 hour - 58.7 MB

Prostitution? Let's talk about it. There are many negative connotations when it comes to sex work and we're breaking them down. Good friend, Anonymous, and I dive into the definition of prostitution, the legality behind it, personal experience, and opinions/education on the matter. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

20: Arranged Marriage feat. Janx

June 01, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 66.6 MB

Arranged marriage? Let's talk about it. Meet Janki (Janx for short). Her parents were arranged, but Janx is fully Americanized. The two of us dive into her parents' story, her thoughts on arranged marriage, beauty standards in India, traditional Indian marriages, what's taboo, and so much more. And not to mention, this baby pod has finally hit 20 episodes! If you've got a killer story to share, DM ya girl. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Inst...

19: History of Dating Apps feat. Elissa

May 18, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 108 MB

The history of dating apps? Let's talk about it. When it comes to our apps, how much do we really know? Good friend Elissa and I dive into the origins of the dating apps we all know and love today. From dating scandals, lawsuits, and weird ideologies, we cover the works. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

18: OCD, Depression, Anxiety, and Couples Therapy feat. Lorena

May 04, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 64.8 MB

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let's talk about it. When it comes to your personal journey, it's important to be honest and open with yourself. Facing mental health may difficult, but it can also become a rewarding avenue to communicating with yourself and your partner. In this episode, Lorena and I dive in to navigating intrusive thoughts, loving yourself, overall mental health battles, couples therapy, and so much more. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDa...

17: Sexual Assault & Women's Rights feat. Jessica

April 20, 2021 12:00 - 2 hours - 120 MB

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Let's talk about it. This week, Jess and I dive into the stats behind sexual assault, experience with sexual violence, consent, untested rape kits, sexual discrimination in the workplace, and so much more. Everyone is affected by sexual violence and it's important to stay informed. If you're looking to further your own personal research, please see discussed resources below: -End the Backlog -Antonin Scalia & the ERA (photo) -Legally Speaking: Ant...

16: Dating Horror Stories feat. Courtney

April 06, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 80.7 MB

Dating horror stories? Let's talk about them. Whether you're dealing with first dates, hookups, or apps, Courtney has a horror story for it all. We're exposing some major "what the fu*k moments" in her dating life that I promise will have you shook. From getting fucked in the belly button, to being ghosted mid-date, we're giving you an exclusive, jaw-dropping lowdown. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

15: Talking Finances With Your Partner feat. Chelsie

March 23, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 94.1 MB

When is it appropriate to discuss finances in your relationship? Let's talk about it. There's a negative connotation around "money talk," but there doesn't need to be. Best friend Chelsie and I dive into how to talk about debt, expenses, financial priorities, values, and long-term financial goals with your partner. We also discuss how to be a better communicator and having the "exclusive" conversation. You won't want to sleep on this! Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and...

14: Getting Remarried With Kids & Generational Dating feat. Gina

March 09, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MB

Anyone else curious about generational dating? Let's talk about it! In this episode, Gina and I dive into what it's like to divorce and find love again while navigating a family. We also cover the differences in dating between the Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z timeline. If you've got a similar story, DM me. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

13: Mental Health & Updates

February 23, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

Mental health and pod updates. Let's talk about it. I'm getting raw and real about a few things I've been struggling with. While being vulnerable is not easy, it's absolutely worth it. Moving forward, I will also be taking the pod bi-weekly to give myself some breathing space and give all of you the opportunity to listen to each lengthy episode over a longer period of time. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNotPodcast on Instagram!

12: Dos and Don'ts of Dating Apps feat. Christina

February 16, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 92.2 MB

Dating apps are weird. Let's talk about them. In today's day and age, finding love is fairly difficult. But, it is possible. Good friend Christina and I dive into terrible dating app stories, app popularity by the numbers, app differences, dating in quarantine, non-negotiables, and the Dos and Don'ts of dating profiles (brought to you by numerous studies and the apps themselves). NOTE: This episode was recorded in January (before episode 10). Today, I'm sending a HUGE congratulations to Whi...

11: Dating Narcissists feat. Kaylee

February 09, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 90.1 MB

Dating a narcissist? Let's talk about it. Narcissist personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by: -an inflated sense of importance -a deep need for excessive attention and admiration -lack of empathy for others -often having troubled relationships However, it's not all black and white. Good friend, Kaylee and I dive in to what it really looks like to date someone on the spectrum of NPD, psychological breakdown, and how to spot these tendencies in your future rel...

10: Porn and Relationships feat. Brad

February 02, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 62.8 MB

Brad's back. But this time, it's official. You read that right, I have a boyfriend. Brad and I cover what's happened between us since episode 2 (spitting in my mouth included), We're Not Really Strangers the card game, our differing opinions on porn, thoughts on kissing the same sex in our relationship, and saying I Love You. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNot on Instagram!

09: The Reality Behind Abortion feat. Heather

January 26, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 78.6 MB

Being honest about abortion shouldn't be taboo. So, let's talk about it. Long-term friend, Heather and I dive into laser hair removal, expectations from men as we first enter the dating sphere, weird sex stories (yes, hot Cheetos included), and everything you need to know about abortion. As we navigate this vulnerable space, Heather shares her experience, the benefits of Planned Parenthood, navigating the topic with your partner, knowing your body, and being gentle with yourself in the proce...

08: Dating as a Muslim Woman in 2021 feat. Jehan

January 19, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 91.3 MB

Cultural dating? Let's talk about it. Meet Jehan, a Lebanese American woman raised Muslim straddling two dating worlds in the 21st century. The kicker? Jehan is 32 and has never had a boyfriend. In this episode, we cover everything from cultural dating, family expectations, dating horror stories, what it's like to date as a Muslim woman in 2021, breaking boundaries, finding yourself, finding help, and thoughts on dating apps.

07: Calling Off Your Toxic Engagement feat. Hannah

January 12, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 76.9 MB

Love is not linear. Let's change the narrative. Social media queen and good friend Hannah is no stranger to toxicity in relationships. In this episode, we break down the story of her ex-engagement, alcoholism, abuse, following your gut feeling, and finding healthy love again. "As women, we are taught at a very early age that getting married and having kids equates success. I consider myself a modern day woman and I was even buying into that notion. My entire relationship with this person lo...

06: Dating While Young & Gay feat. Noah

January 05, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 66.5 MB

There's a revolution for equality. Let's talk about it. After an eye opening documentary viewing of The Gender Code, Noah and I dive into femininity, masculinity, and what we're attracted to. We cover topics ranging from dating apps and pressures in the gay community, exclusion, love, identity, coming to terms with what we want in relationships, and what the fluidity scale truly means to us. All discussed resources are shown below. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #...

05: Keeping Your Long-Term Relationship Alive feat. Issy

December 29, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 75.8 MB

Relationships aren't easy. Let alone 12 year relationships. In Episode 5, dear friend, Marketing Maven, and Spin Instructor Issy and I sit down to talk about her journey with an open relationship, loving more than one person at once, honesty, trust, humility, and advice in cultivating a thriving long-term relationship. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNot on Instagram!

04: Dating and Addiction feat. Amanda

December 22, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 87 MB

Addiction is a disease. Addiction is a coping mechanism. Addiction is a lifelong process of ups and downs. In episode four, dear friend and talented Hair Dresser Amanda and I sat down to talk about our experiences with dating individuals who were recovered or active addicts. We get raw and real about manipulation, addictive tendencies, unconscious repetition of self-harm, patterns of "the chase", and so much more. Trigger Warning: cases of mental, emotional, and physical abuse as well as su...

03: How Childhood Trauma Affects Relationships feat. Dr. Sonali Wason

December 15, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 60 MB

Trauma bonding, we love it. In this week's episode Clinical & Sport Therapist Dr. Sonali Wason, PsyD and I dive into her therapy work, the value of therapy, self development, how & why our upbringing shapes how we love, and giving ourselves grace to heal (with a touch of clit jokes). Most of us don't realize our most impactful years happen during childhood— a time we are conditioned to react in certain subconscious manners. Your parents help shape how you behave as an adult. So, now (lol as ...

02: Losing Yourself in Marriage feat. Brad

December 08, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 95.6 MB

Girl meets boy online. Boy and girl go on a few dates. Boy going through divorce? Episode two means y'all get to dive into my dating life...first hand. And what better way than bringing in my current victim to talk about his current dating status. Brad dives into his long term relationship, marriage, losing himself through the process, and his current divorce. From the honeymoon phase, therapy, broken wine glasses, alcoholism, and broken communication, Brad and I get real (anal jokes include...

01: Dating, Kids, Social Media, and Divorce feat. Jen

December 01, 2020 13:00 - 2 hours - 122 MB

Episode ONE baybeeee! I disclose my current dating sphere, past relationships, thoughts on kids, the detriment of dating for the younger generation, and everything you need to know about divorce with good friend and Divorce Attorney, Jen. Random? Maybe. Worth the listen? Absolutely. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast, @Mariyeah, and #ToDateOrNot on Instagram! Random? Maybe. Worth the listen? Absolutely. Get weird with me at @ToDateOrNotPodcast and #ToDateOrNot on Instagram!