Why Oh Why
118 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 6 years ago - ★★★★ - 979 ratingsNamed a best new podcast of 2016 by The New York Times, NPR, Huffington Post and iTunes. Andrea Silenzi speaks with friends, experts, and guys in bars about where love, dating and sex meets technology. The show tells the stories about relationships often blurring the lines between memoir, documentary, and fiction.
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Episodes
Meet a new podcast: Bad With Money with Gaby Dunn
June 20, 2018 20:18 - 52 minutesFriends, it’s been a while. I stopped by the Panoply studios to chat with our old Why Oh Why producer, Lindsey. Somehow, she's been able to fill the hole left by Why Oh Why by working on another show called Bad With Money with Gaby Dunn, and I think you'll love it. To get you started, here's an episode called Health is Wealth. Be sure to listen to the end to find out why it was harder for Lindsey to make an episode of Why Oh Why about her birth control than it was to write about what’s going...
Meet a new podcast: By The Book
February 08, 2018 16:49 - 41 minutesOh, hey there! I'm back again to introduce you to another great show from my friends at Panoply: By The Book. Their latest episode is all about The Five Love Languages, and I think you'll really get a kick out of how the hosts, Kristen and Jolenta bend their lives to the rules of self help books. By The Book is half reality show, half self-help podcast, and one wild social experiment. It’s hosted by comedian Jolenta Greenberg and her skeptical friend, Kristen Meinzer. In each episode, they l...
Meet a new podcast: When Meghan Met Harry
January 10, 2018 00:00 - 25 minutesHey guys. Remember me? You know, Andrea Silenzi? It hasn't been that long. I popped back in the studio for a little update, and because Why Oh Why's producer, Lindsey, had some news to tell me. And no, this is not a new episode of Why Oh Why. It's an episode of a new podcast, cohosted by Kristen Meinzer and James Barr, called When Meghan Met Harry: A Royal Weddingcast. It's all about the most important wedding in all our lives: the wedding of Meghan Markle to Prince Harry. In each episode of...
#59: Loose Ends
December 26, 2017 13:24 - 40 minutesWe have news. Starting in 2018, we're taking a break from making Why Oh Why. While we can't predict the future, let's call it a break not a breakup. For this special episode, we'll hear from a wide range of past guests including David #1, Randy, Bumble Mike, and Mona Chalabi. Then, does your host have a secret boyfriend? In a Twitter survey, 35% of our listeners thought this was a possibility. Plus, two great Panoply shows we think you'll adore. Subscribe to By the Book and Family Ghosts wher...
Loose Ends
December 26, 2017 13:24 - 39 minutesWe have news. Starting in 2018, we're taking a break from making Why Oh Why. While we can't predict the future, let's call it a break not a breakup. For this special episode, we'll hear from a wide range of past guests including David #1, Randy, Bumble Mike, and Mona Chalabi. Then, does your host have a secret boyfriend? In a Twitter survey, 35% of our listeners thought this was a possibility. Plus, two great Panoply shows we think you'll adore. Subscribe to By the Book and Family Ghosts wher...
#58: Just Another Sad Love Song
December 17, 2017 18:20 - 53 minutesThis summer, Schuyler shared a playlist of songs that have helped her cope with depression and anxiety. It moved a lot of people in her life to reach out, including Tom. For all the feels, check out the playlists discussed in this week's episode: 1. Eardrummings Vol. 19 by Schuyler. "Here's a playlist of songs that sort of put words/music to how I feel during my lowest lows. These sounds help me swim my way through that almost-drowning sensation and find my way back to a place that feels saf...
Just Another Sad Love Song
December 17, 2017 18:20 - 52 minutesThis summer, Schuyler shared a playlist of songs that have helped her cope with depression and anxiety. It moved a lot of people in her life to reach out, including Tom. For all the feels, check out the playlists discussed in this week's episode: 1. Eardrummings Vol. 19 by Schuyler. "Here's a playlist of songs that sort of put words/music to how I feel during my lowest lows. These sounds help me swim my way through that almost-drowning sensation and find my way back to a place that feels safe...
#57: Casual
December 08, 2017 07:03 - 42 minutesAfter you've developed an allergy to casual sex, is there a cure? We talk with comedy writer and performer Matteson Perry about keeping things casual. He's the author of "Available: A Memoir of Heartbreak, Hookups, Love and Brunch." Plus, Dr. Chris Donaghue explains the value of a strong sexual connection in the early stages of dating. He's the author of "Sex Outside the Lines" and co-host of LoveLine with Amber Rose. Our sponsors for this episode are ThirdLove, HelloFresh (code: WHY30), and...
Casual
December 08, 2017 07:03 - 42 minutesAfter you've developed an allergy to casual sex, is there a cure? We talk with comedy writer and performer Matteson Perry about keeping things casual. He's the author of "Available: A Memoir of Heartbreak, Hookups, Love and Brunch." Plus, Dr. Chris Donaghue explains the value of a strong sexual connection in the early stages of dating. He's the author of "Sex Outside the Lines" and co-host of LoveLine with Amber Rose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#56: Stage a Fight with Esther Perel
December 01, 2017 01:55 - 58 minutesEsther Perel has ideas for how to humor yourself on your first dates using a bit of role play. She's the host of the Audible original podcast "Where Should We Begin." You can hear Season 1 of the show on Apple Podcasts, and Season 2 is now available on Audible. She's also the author of "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity." Plus, our strangest Blind Skype Date yet, Our sponsors for this episode are Quip, Zola and BarkBox. Go to getquip.com/WHY, zola.com/why, and barkbox.com/WHY for sp...
Stage a Fight with Esther Perel
December 01, 2017 01:55 - 58 minutesEsther Perel has ideas for how to humor yourself on your first dates using a bit of role play. She's the host of the Audible original podcast "Where Should We Begin." You can hear Season 1 of the show on Apple Podcasts, and Season 2 is now available on Audible. She's also the author of "The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity." Plus, our strangest Blind Skype Date yet, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Find Your Single Ladies (Live in Chicago)
November 23, 2017 16:26 - 36 minutesLive from Chicago Theater Works, our show begins with the love story. Hear how a first date turned into a meaningful relationship for six single women. This story came to us after Lisette's brilliant Twitter thread went viral. Plus, we help an American Ninja Warrior find love the old fashioned way: with a game show. Find out how five single ladies from our Chicago audience fare when we ask them real questions from the 1960s TV show The Dating Game. Ethan Swanson is on Instagram @ethanswanson....
#55: Live in Chicago - Find Your Single Ladies
November 23, 2017 16:26 - 36 minutesLive from Chicago Theater Works, our show begins with the love story. Hear how a first date turned into a meaningful relationship for six single women. This story came to us after Lisette's brilliant Twitter thread went viral. Plus, we help an American Ninja Warrior find love the old fashioned way: with a game show. Find out how five single ladies from our Chicago audience fare when we ask them real questions from the 1960s TV show The Dating Game. Ethan Swanson is on Instagram @ethanswanson...
Live in Chicago - Find Your Single Ladies
November 23, 2017 16:26 - 36 minutesLive from Chicago Theater Works, our show begins with the love story. Hear how a first date turned into a meaningful relationship for six single women. This story came to us after Lisette's brilliant Twitter thread went viral. Plus, we help an American Ninja Warrior find love the old fashioned way: with a game show. Find out how five single ladies from our Chicago audience fare when we ask them real questions from the 1960s TV show The Dating Game. Ethan Swanson is on Instagram @ethanswanson....
Panoply Fall 2017 Trailer
November 20, 2017 17:00 - 3 minutesWe’re thrilled to present Panoply’s Fall 2017 lineup of shows. They include the satirical self-improvement show “Dexter Guff is Smarter Than You (And You Can Be Too),” the creepy paranormal series “Haunted,” “Family Ghosts,” in which people play detectives in their own family mysteries, “You Must Remember Manson,” which dives into the links between Charles Manson and Hollywood, the immersive fiction podcast “Tumanbay,” and “Battle Scars,” which features frank and sometimes funny conversations...
#54: End of the World Sex
November 17, 2017 05:44 - 45 minutesOn election night last November, the world shifted beneath our feet... but what was going on our bedrooms? Nona Willis Aronowitz is a features editor at Splinter and writes a newsletter called "Fucking Through the Apocalypse." She joins us to discuss sex, politics and woke misogynists in the Trump era. Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Did you know we have a newsletter? It's the best way to get photos and fun stuff you won't find anywhere else, plus our favorite new personal ads. It's also the only...
End of the World Sex
November 17, 2017 05:44 - 45 minutesOn election night last November, the world shifted beneath our feet... but what was going on our bedrooms? Nona Willis Aronowitz is a features editor at Splinter and writes a newsletter called "Fucking Through the Apocalypse." She joins us to discuss sex, politics and woke misogynists in the Trump era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#53: Dating While Brian
November 09, 2017 10:00 - 46 minutesBrian has Muscular Dystrophy and gets around in a wheelchair, but that doesn't mean he won't make out with your girlfriend when you're not looking. On today's show, Brian tells his friend Luke what it's like for him to date with a disability. This episode came to us as a suggestion from Luke Terrell. (You might remember him from our LA show? He was the guy who made out with a girl on stage.) Luke is a filmmaker focused on telling stories about young adults with disabilities, and his latest pr...
Dating While Brian
November 09, 2017 10:00 - 46 minutesBrian has Muscular Dystrophy and gets around in a wheelchair, but that doesn't mean he won't make out with your girlfriend when you're not looking. On today's show, Brian tells his friend Luke what it's like for him to date with a disability. This episode came to us as a suggestion from Luke Terrell. (You might remember him from our LA show? He was the guy who made out with a girl on stage.) Luke is a filmmaker focused on telling stories about young adults with disabilities, and his latest pr...
#52: Horrible Anonymous
October 27, 2017 01:09 - 40 minutesYou know that hit podcast where a comedian talks with an anonymous person for an hour, no holds barred? We love that show! That's why we wanted to try our own version. What could possibly go wrong... Wanna Be Set Up on a Blind Skype Date? We're matching up singles all across the world on painless, blind Skype dates. Just fill out this Google form to be considered or visit whyohwhy.date. Tickets for Our Chicago Show: Join us for a live taping at Chicago Theater Works on Thursday, November 2nd ...
#51: Ghosting Stories
October 20, 2017 02:13 - 43 minutesGhosting has been called the millennial way of breaking up, but that doesn't make the phenomenon any less haunting for its victims. Just in time for Halloween, we present a collection of ghosting stories from listeners across the country. Wanna Be Set Up on a Blind Skype Date? We're matching up singles all across the world on painless, blind Skype dates. Just fill out this Google form to be considered or visit whyohwhy.date. Tickets for Our Chicago Show: Join us for a live taping at Chicago T...
Ghosting Stories
October 20, 2017 02:13 - 43 minutesGhosting has been called the millennial way of breaking up, but that doesn't make the phenomenon any less haunting for its victims. Just in time for Halloween, we present a collection of ghosting stories from listeners across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#50: Stop Dating Older Guys
October 12, 2017 09:00 - 42 minutesThe age gap between men and women in heterosexual dating has become a fact of life in the 21st century. The Guardian’s Mona Chalabi suggests it’s time for that to change. Read her op-ed "I Want My 2.3 Bonus Years" in the New York Times. Wanna Be Set Up on a Blind Skype Date? We're matching up singles all across the world on painless, blind Skype dates. Just fill out this Google form to be considered or visit whyohwhy.date. Tickets for Our Next Chicago Show: Join us for a live taping at Chicag...
Stop Dating Older Guys
October 12, 2017 09:00 - 42 minutesThe age gap between men and women in heterosexual dating has become a fact of life in the 21st century. The Guardian’s Mona Chalabi suggests it’s time for that to change. Read her op-ed "I Want My 2.3 Bonus Years" in the New York Times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Birth Control by Stapler
October 05, 2017 09:00 - 37 minutesThe arm implant, known as Nexplanon, is a birth control option that's slightly more effective than the IUD, and less painful to insert. Why aren't we all using it? Why Oh Why's Lindsey Kratochwill investigates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#49: Birth Control by Stapler
October 05, 2017 09:00 - 37 minutesThe arm implant, known as Nexplanon, is a birth control option that's slightly more effective than the IUD, and less painful to insert. Why aren't we all using it? Why Oh Why's Lindsey Kratochwill investigates. Wanna Be Set Up on a Blind Skype Date? We're matching up singles all across the world on painless, blind Skype dates. Just fill out this Google form to be considered or visit whyohwhy.date. Live in Chicago Nov 2nd! Join us for a live taping at Chicago Theater Works on Thursday, Novemb...
The Perfect Storm
September 23, 2017 03:00 - 39 minutesWhile Hurricane Irma sped towards Miami, Emily decided to ask a guy from Bumble if he wanted to evacuate with her as a 3rd date. Her family has a home in the woods of North Carolina, and they'd be out of town that weekend. Here's what happened after he said yes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#48: The Perfect Storm
September 23, 2017 03:00 - 39 minutesWhile Hurricane Irma sped towards Miami, Emily decided to ask a guy from Bumble if he wanted to evacuate with her as a 3rd date. Her family has a home in the woods of North Carolina, and they'd be out of town that weekend. Here's what happened after he said yes. Wanna Be Set Up on a Blind Skype Date? We're matching up singles all across the world. Just fill out this Google form to be considered or visit whyohwhy.date. Live in Chicago Nov 2nd! Join us for a live taping at Chicago Theater Works...
Puppies or Ice Cream?
September 16, 2017 02:36 - 49 minutesHelen Zaltzman has a way with words, which is why we're putting her to work solving one of the trickiest parts of online dating—composing your opening messages. Some lines can break the ice, while others just throw more ice into the void. We'll suggest a few ideas that just might work for you. Helen is the host of the The Allusionist podcast, and we especially adore her episode about online dating profiles. Plus, Mandy Len Catron helps us become better matchmakers. She's the author of the boo...
#47: Puppies or Ice Cream?
September 16, 2017 02:36 - 49 minutesHelen Zaltzman has a way with words, which is why we're putting her to work solving one of the trickiest parts of online dating—composing your opening messages. Some lines can break the ice, while others just throw more ice into the void. We'll suggest a few ideas that just might work for you. Helen is the host of the The Allusionist podcast, and we especially adore her episode about online dating profiles. Plus, Mandy Len Catron helps us become better matchmakers. She's the author of the bo...
#46: Leagues Over the Sea
September 08, 2017 06:03 - 27 minutesThis week, with Bumble Mike in tow, we set sail on a singles mixer, organized by The League. Is finding a date while stuck on a boat easier than swiping through the apps? And more importantly, who's your favorite yacht rock artist? Our sponsors for this episode are ThirdLove and HelloFresh.(code: WHY30) Go to thirdlove,com/WHY or hellofresh.com and use the promo code for special offers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Leagues Over the Sea
September 08, 2017 06:03 - 27 minutesThis week, with Bumble Mike in tow, we set sail on a singles mixer, organized by The League. Is finding a date while stuck on a boat easier than swiping through the apps? And more importantly, who's your favorite yacht rock artist? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My Friend the Human Shield
August 29, 2017 04:54 - 30 minutesIn this episode, we talk to a human shield and a human billboard. First, Al Letson was just trying to cover a demonstration—an anti-hate rally in Berkeley. When he saw a group of balaclava-clad men descend on an apparent right-wing agitator, he jumped into the fray, using his body to defend the man from kicks and punches. Letson is the host of Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX. And for the Spiel, is “#whaboom” the worst of our culture today? Today's show comes from An...
#45: My Friend the Human Shield
August 29, 2017 04:54 - 30 minutesIn this episode, we talk to a human shield and a human billboard. First, Al Letson was just trying to cover a demonstration—an anti-hate rally in Berkeley. When he saw a group of balaclava-clad men descend on an apparent right-wing agitator, he jumped into the fray, using his body to defend the man from kicks and punches. Letson is the host of Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX. And for the Spiel, is “#whaboom” the worst of our culture today? Today's show comes from An...
#44: Going Out with Randy
August 21, 2017 03:00 - 27 minutesCan flirting with your problematic friend help you date better in the wild? Our regular guest, Randy, stops by to help your host cure a bad case of first date burnout. Our sponsors for this episode are ThirdLove and Winc. Go to thirdlove.com/WHY or trywinc.com/why for special offers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Man and a Woman Walk into a Bar
August 13, 2017 15:55 - 28 minutesToday on the show, we’re finally tackling THE QUESTION we're asked the most frequently as a podcast about dating: "Who should pay for the drink on a first date?" Join us for a Tour De Advice for straight daters, starting with Sarah Bennett, the co-author of F*ck Love, who suggest dating like a headhunter. Then we'll hear from a range of writers including James Michael Sama ("Here’s Why Men Should Still Pay For Dates"), Elizabeth King ("Why A Woman Should Definitely Pay On The First Date") and...
#43: A Man and a Woman Walk into a Bar
August 13, 2017 15:55 - 28 minutesToday on the show, we’re finally tackling THE QUESTION we're asked the most frequently as a podcast about dating: "Who should pay for the drink on a first date?" Join us for a Tour De Advice for straight daters, starting with Sarah Bennett, the co-author of F*ck Love, who suggest dating like a headhunter. Then we'll hear from a range of writers including James Michael Sama ("Here’s Why Men Should Still Pay For Dates"), Elizabeth King ("Why A Woman Should Definitely Pay On The First Date") and...
One Short Episode
July 29, 2017 15:00 - 21 minutesWhen determining your criteria for a date, how much should height matter? We'll talk to one woman who has always known exactly what she's looking for in a partner. Anna Goldfarb is a journalist and author of the book "Clearly I Didn't Think This Through." She has also written about her relationship for the New York Times. Our sponsors for this episode are Casper (code: WHY) and Squarespace (code: WHY). Go to casper.com/WHY or squarespace.com and use the promo code for special offers. Learn mo...
#42: One Short Episode
July 29, 2017 15:00 - 21 minutesWhen determining your criteria for a date, how much should height matter? We'll talk to one woman who has always known exactly what she's looking for in a partner. Anna Goldfarb is a journalist and author of the book "Clearly I Didn't Think This Through." She has also written about her relationship for the New York Times. Our sponsors for this episode are Casper (code: WHY) and Squarespace (code: WHY). Go to casper.com/WHY or squarespace.com and use the promo code for special offers. Learn m...
#41: Can You Fall in Love with Anyone?
July 23, 2017 16:15 - 38 minutesIf you can fall in love with anyone, how do you choose well? Mandy Len Catron offers an answer. She's the author of the book How to Fall in Love with Anyone. She also wrote the Modern Love essay "To Fall in Love with Anyone, Do This" for The New York Times, which was one of the top 5 stories the paper ran in 2015. You can try “The 36 Questions That Lead to Love” by downloading this free New York Times app to your phone, tablet or other device. Our sponsors for this episode are NatureBox and L...
Can You Fall in Love with Anyone?
July 23, 2017 16:15 - 38 minutesIf you can fall in love with anyone, how do you choose well? Mandy Len Catron offers an answer. She's the author of the book How to Fall in Love with Anyone. She also wrote the Modern Love essay "To Fall in Love with Anyone, Do This" for The New York Times, which was one of the top 5 stories the paper ran in 2015. You can try “The 36 Questions That Lead to Love” by downloading this free New York Times app to your phone, tablet or other device. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
Game of Groans
July 17, 2017 03:00 - 33 minutesMany fans of the HBO show Game of Thrones use photos of themselves sitting proudly atop an Iron Throne replica for their online dating profile pictures. But what's the symbolic meaning of the sword chair? We sent a correspondent to the heart of it: a Game of Thrones-themed pop-up bar in DC, and consulted an expert, Isaac Butler, to figure out how we should swipe on Thone-shots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#40: Game of Groans
July 17, 2017 03:00 - 33 minutesMany fans of the HBO show Game of Thrones use photos of themselves sitting proudly atop an Iron Throne replica for their online dating profile pictures. But what's the symbolic meaning of the sword chair? We sent a correspondent to the heart of it: a Game of Thrones-themed pop-up bar in DC, and consulted an expert, Isaac Butler, to figure out how we should swipe on Thone-shots. The first episode of the Slate Plus Game of Thrones TV Club podcast is available Monday afternoon, July 17th, 2017....
Live at Bonobos - Making Out in LA
July 13, 2017 22:09 - 42 minutesWhat's the biggest difference between dating in LA and dating in NYC? Our running theory: there's more making out, usually in or near cars. We'll offer advice for Angelenos with help from TV kissing expert, Erica Rose. Then, Hrishikesh Hirway (Song Exploder, West Wing Weekly) and Lindsey Mortensen (Larsen & Lund) tell us about their whirlwind bi-coastal courtship. You can listen to "Accidents" by The One AM Radio again on their website. To see photos from our live show, visit whyohwhyradio.c...
#39: Live at Bonobos - Making Out in LA
July 13, 2017 22:09 - 42 minutesWhat's the biggest difference between dating in LA and dating in NYC? Our running theory: there's more making out, usually in or near cars. We'll offer advice for Angelenos with help from TV kissing expert, Erica Rose. Then, Hrishikesh Hirway (Song Exploder, West Wing Weekly) and Lindsey Mortensen (Larsen & Lund) tell us about their whirlwind bi-coastal courtship. You can listen to "Accidents" by The One AM Radio again on their website. To see photos from our live show, visit whyohwhyradio....
#38: Dressing Room Confessionals
July 09, 2017 04:37 - 37 minutesThis summer, we went on the road to tape live shows at Bonobos Guideshops in NYC, Chicago, and LA. And in true Why Oh Why fashion, we asked our audience to tell us their deepest secrets in makeshift confessional booths set up inside the dressing rooms. Focus Group Casting: If you're a queer lady in the NYC or DC area who's single, we'd love to consider you for our next focus group episode. Send us a note with a bit about you and your dating life to [email protected]. Our sponsors for this...
Dressing Room Confessionals
July 09, 2017 04:37 - 37 minutesThis summer, we went on the road to tape live shows at Bonobos Guideshops in NYC, Chicago, and LA. And in true Why Oh Why fashion, we asked our audience to tell us their deepest secrets in makeshift confessional booths set up inside the dressing rooms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#37: Live at Bonobos - Branching Out in Chicago
June 30, 2017 16:34 - 32 minutesSometimes in order to find love, you have to figure out what you love to do. We begin by exploring our Chicago roots, and a story of how Andrea's mom answered the question, "What do you like to do for fun?" Then comedians and co-hosts of the Ajumma Podcast, Peter Kim (Second City, Seeso's Shrink) and Eunji Kim (Cards Against Humanity) help audience members re-vamp their Tinder profiles. To see photos from our live show, visit whyohwhyradio.com. Why Oh Why: Live At Bonobos! This summer we're t...
Live at Bonobos - Branching Out in Chicago
June 30, 2017 16:34 - 32 minutesSometimes in order to find love, you have to figure out what you love to do. We begin by exploring our Chicago roots, and a story of how Andrea's mom answered the question, "What do you like to do for fun?" Then comedians and co-hosts of the Ajumma Podcast, Peter Kim (Second City, Seeso's Shrink) and Eunji Kim (Cards Against Humanity) help audience members re-vamp their Tinder profiles. To see photos from our live show, visit whyohwhyradio.com. Why Oh Why: Live At Bonobos! This summer we're t...
#36: Like a Virgin
June 26, 2017 12:08 - 31 minutesAre millennials spending too much time behind their screens and not enough time in the back seats of cars? Recent studies show that the generational cohorts born in the 1980's and 1990's are starting their sex lives later than Gen X'ers did. Twice as late. We'll talk with a lovely member of the so-called "hook-up generation" next to a pool in Florida. What can her romantic resume tell us about the state of dating today? Why Oh Why: Live At Bonobos! Join our show as we take over Bonobos Guides...