The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Alone Or On Your Own?

Episode Date: August 23, 2025

What does "Do you want a mint" mean??? Dating for the first time after nearly two decades of marriage? Our IRL expert is telling you what she's learned since getting back in the saddle a year ago.  From widowers to single dads, Kate is testing them all out in order to help you find your Part 2!Email us at: [e-mail] or call us at 844-4-I Do Pod (844-443-6763)Follow I Do, Part 2 on Instagram and TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. December 29th, 1975, LaGuardia Airport. The holiday rush, parents hauling luggage, kids gripping their new Christmas toys. Then, everything changed. There's been a bombing at the TWA terminal. Just a chaotic, chaotic scene. In its wake, a new kind of enemy emerged, terrorism. Listen to the new season of Law and Order Criminal Justice System

On the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, luckily, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend's been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want or gone.

Hold up. Isn't that against school policy? That seems inappropriate. Maybe find out how it ends by listening to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hello, it's Daniel Fischel. Writer Strong. And Will Ferdell from PodMeets World. We are back in Las Vegas and giving the people what they want, a full week of Y2K content. Tell me, Y. Well, for the Backstreet Boys residency. sphere, of course.

We joke and say this is our second marriage, but it takes a lot of communication. Plus, it's carrot top, baby. And finally, Ashley Simpson-Ross joins us to talk about her upcoming sold-out Vegas residency. Listen to PodMeets World on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, and I'm the host of the unpurposed podcast, and today I'm joined by one of the greatest athletes of all-time Novak Djokovic. He's one 14 grand slams in a glittering career. Novak, joke a bitch.

When you reach your 30, you start counting your days to your retirement. I'm 38 this year. How long can I push my own limits? Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Jumanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom.

If you're a crime junkie and you live, love crimes we're not the podcast for you but if you have unmedicated ADHD oh my god perfect and want to hear people with mental illness psychobabble yes yes then emergency intercom is the podcast for you open your free iHeart radio app search emergency intercom and listen now welcome back to i do part two it's your celebrity mentor kelly ben simone and you hear us on every episode we tell you listeners to call us and email us the podcast is for you i'm so excited today because that's exactly what we're doing she wrote to us she's a real life gal in her i do part two chapter and i can't wait to get to know all about her welcome kate to the pod hi

Kate. How are you? Fine. Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. I love this subject. So I actually, I can't wait to break all this down. There's so much. Oh, my God. Well, I'm so excited that you're open to this. So first of all, congratulations for being on the podcast. We have a lot to dive deep into. So first of all, how long have you been divorced? I have been divorced three years. and how long were you guys married we were married for 17 and a half years oh my gosh kate that is crazy so wait how are you feeling i feel amazing right now i feel lighter i it sounds cliche but i truly smell the roses now even this morning out my window they're the same roses that have been there for 16 years, and it's really just recently.

I'm just, I take the little things in now and just so much more grateful, whether, you know, it's the roses or being with friends. So, yeah, I'm feeling great. That's not to say there aren't many highs and lows of this. Oh, my goodness. Oh, my gosh. Wait, so do you have children? I do.

I have one 16-year-old, a boy. You have a 16-year-old. You look like you are 16. Oh, my God. So you have a 16-year-old. I'm 49. You do not look 49. You look gorgeous.

So you have a little boy, 16. So he's in the middle of his own maturation process. So walk me through, now that you're single after 17 years, walk me through, like, how you're dating with a younger son. I wouldn't be dating if he didn't give me the okay. So it was at the about two year mark and he had been out of town and I had gone on a lunch date on one day and a dinner date on the other. And when he asked me what I had done over the weekend, it happened organically. And I told him I had gone out on two days. And I told him I had gone out on two days. dates. And he said, as long as they aren't weird and make me happy that he doesn't mind, kind of a typical boy teenager, I don't know what it would be like with a daughter. I think maybe it would be harder. But my son knows about me dating. And he, yes, he's very supportive.

So a lot of our listeners ask about how to navigate dating with children. And I also have I had very young girls when I got separated and divorced for my ex-husband. We were married for over 10 years. And it was really difficult because on the one hand, I wanted, you know, I always wanted a family from my family. So I was like, oh my gosh, okay, how am I going to, what does this look like? What is this, you know, going to be like? And I just, I was so nervous to introduce them to anyone for a very, very long time.

and you know even when I would be introducing them it would be like in a big group of people so they didn't even know like who was who they're like oh yeah that's someone she works with they never really knew like what was what so I love that you guys are having this transparent conversation and I love that he's supporting you I mean that's so so sweet now having said that he has not he has not met anybody I've dated because I would want to be in love before I introduce him to anybody. So I haven't even come close of wanting to introduce him to anybody, even though I have met some wonderful people. I love that. And so just like, I mean, that's just a big statement, like to being in love. I mean, are you,

are you nervous about doing that at some point? I'm not nervous because it hasn't even come close to that. You're like, not even close. I've only been dating a year. And when I say that, I mean, it's not like I'm going on all these dates all the time. They're just obviously being a mom that doesn't happen. They're woven into your free time. Yes. And so I am not scared or does not make me nervous because I know the person I introduce him to.

it will be a long-term relationship. And I want to keep my dating separate from him. Right. I appreciate that. And it's, I mean, it's also difficult, too, because he's going, you know, he's in that maturation process and he's like, you know, hormonally, I'm sure, like, all over the place. And he's looking at girls.

And then he's like, wait, my mom is dating. I'm dating. I'm dating. This is weird. I'm like, wait. I'm processing that. I'm like, wait, this is weird. But I love how you're handling it.

So how have you been dating? Have you just been meeting people? Are you telling your friends, hey, I'm single? Like, what's, what have you been doing? So the first two dates I went on, I was set up through mutual friends. Okay. How is that? And I think it was so important for me to rip the band-aid.

It is very, it is not for the faint of heart. It is so difficult, even the getting ready process, something you do all the time. time that you think nothing of it and even when they're not cute um you it is just very nerve racking it is very nerve wracking the going going with a total stranger but you have to give yourself a bone i mean it has been two decades i mean you were dressing for your husband and now you're dressing for a day it's like totally kind of getting dressed um okay wait tell me like So what's your go-to outfit? Do you have like, do you have a go-to? Well, it depends. I live in the suburbs, and I do love to go into the city for dating.

And so it depends on the time of year and the location and what we're doing. It look great right now. So this is like, this is like a vibe. This is like a thing. This is, I have my child sporting up. event to go to this afternoon and it is going to be hat and I'm wearing the school colors. Okay. Well, you look great. Green looks really good on you. You know, I always be when people ask me like what colors to what to wear, I always say like something colorful because, you know, men really love red. They love color. I mean, you know, women are always like, I'm wearing black. Well, men don't necessarily, you know, one of my friends who owned a store, she was like, are you

dressing for men? Are you dressing for women? And I'm like, well, when you're on date, you're something for men. So men do tend to like more colorful things. Um, you look, you look great in color. So you should wear more color. That looks really good. Thank you. I'm just curious. Are you like a blazer girl or are you like, uh, shirt? Yes, uh, Cammy, Cammy, Blazer jeans. Um, I went on a date a couple weeks ago. Um, I love Stod and, in fact, this is Stod. And I had stod skirt with just a tank. I like to keep it simple, classic, true to my personality and what I like to wear. You can't beat for summer. I loved my white crisp blouse tied a little bit with white jeans and it was a super casual place. So some sneakers, honestly, to just make it

fun because it was, it was a meet and greet in the, like around four, four to six hours, so to speak. So I also don't want to look too dolled up. Right. But let's, let's talk about that because I mean, obviously you're really pretty. And so when you're doing these meat and greet, do you prefer, like, do you prefer dinner? Do you prefer, you know, having a cocktail? Like, what is it, what exactly is a meat and greet? Let me in on this. I need to know. This one I called a meet and greet because he lived, out of town and he was picking up his daughter from college. And so he was in town and he only had a two hour window, which fantastic because we did not do a face time before, which I do like a face time before to cut down on nerves. So it was, I mean, obviously I had his picture, but you

never know with the picture. So that's why I called it a meet and greet because it was, there was a hard stop, which was amazing because check the box. I got a date in. I met somebody new. And I was home in my jammies and all comfy and watching a show, you know, it wasn't late. Because I didn't go out with him again. It was a, my goal is to. Wait, wait, wait, before you tell me your goal, I just, I'm obsessed with this.

So because I love how you are. I love that you're like, okay, I'm dating. This is me dating. This is, I'm going to dress the part. I'm going to be 100% there for it with my meet and greet. And then I have a hard stop because I need to go home to my jammies and to my favorite show. He gave me the out of having the hard stop. Oh, he did what he say.

He was in town. Before we set up the date, he was in town to pick up his daughter from college. So he had to pick her up at a certain time at college. So we even got takeout for her. because she was going to be hungry. And I'm like, oh, she would like this. She would like that. He's like, it really was.

So I didn't have to have that anxiety of wanting to high tail it and get out of there. Because it was a lovely date. I have the mentality on. You're so sweet. I think people, I mean, they're great people. Am I like super attracted to them or am I feeling sparks? No. but I think to sit down to a nice meal and get to know somebody that I find interesting,

I enjoy the time. I just don't want to necessarily go again or, you know, continue, continue, you know, to explore it further, so to speak. So having said that, what do you think is changed with the dating scene? Because obviously it's been two decades since you've been on these dates and all of a sudden you're like doing these meet and greets and face times. So what do you think is changed? We are all checking boxes. Right. So when I was young, it is so boy meets girl, girl thinks boy is super hot and the boy is

into the girl and you've met because you've gone to the same college and your sorority, you know, does things with his fraternity or you've met during young adulting and you meet um you know you meet out you meet at work and it's based on like just chemical attraction connecting you're not on face time mentally going through your checkboxes because this part two two so to speak of which i am super excited for but at the same time if it doesn't happen i am I really am at peace for that because I don't know if it will. Also, that's good, though. You have to stay, I mean, I think that one of the most important parts of this I do era

is that you are staying calm and that you're celebrating yourself and all of these new possibilities and opportunities. I mean, you never know, like, I mean, I think that's one thing for me because I called off my wedding last year four days before I was supposed to get married. And so, you know, for me, I'm not. Thank you. But I mean, it still feels like that could feel like a divorce. Yeah, it just was like very, it just made me feel very, really, really, like, very insecure.

But I think one of the things that I've learned through this whole process is that I'm just more relaxed with who I am. And like, I want, I obviously want men to, you know, be attracted to me and all these things. But I also want to just feel good myself. I'm just very, I'm like very happy with that. okay what kind of guys do you like let's get into it come on kate give me the tea come on okay what kind of guys do you like so younger older brunette oh okay making of older i mentioned i'm 49 well i mean you're not old though you're 49 but i mean i don't like the whole older have you seen yourself in the mirror you're gorgeous like okay ages just a number i know

you're gorgeous you could date anyone the only people that i have have been out with are 58, 59, and there was one guy that on his profile said he was 54, to his credit, he looked dang good for 60. And when I asked him on his date, you know, I weave it in like, oh, when's your birthday? Oh, wow. And then I say, oh, I just turned 49. Like, how old are you? He absolutely wouldn't answer it. Well, it's called Google. Like, I just, I'm positive he was 60. So, okay, but hold on. So how do you care if he's not his? age, you, I mean, I don't, you know, I don't. I really don't. I really don't. I'm not saying that it couldn't work. Do you think these guys are like nervous about their age? I mean, do you think

the tables have turned are like, we like, are we now the ones that are like, oh my God, why are you lying about your age? Because women were like, men are like, they're lying about their age. It's like, um, and so are you. Yeah, this, it hasn't happened once. It's happened a couple times. and at least one guy he totally owned up. What app was it? One of the apps, I think if you, I don't know what it is. He said it was the app's fault. Okay, let's give him the benefit of the doubt.

It was the app's fault. But I think 10 years older than I am, I would prefer, like, I would prefer 52, 53, 54, 55, but I don't know. 60 for me at 49, I'm not saying never, but, you know, it's just interesting that it has all been that age group. And then I think a lot about, okay, well, as the years go on, does that mean then my dating pool is going to be like if I'm in my mid-50s, is it been going to be the mid-60s? And that's kind of overwhelming and scary to think about. Okay, but let's, so now that we've talked about the guys that are around your age,

what about the guys that are younger? Never tried it. You never know. Right. On the apps, some of the... How young? Some of the younger, so 40, 44, some of them, they haven't had kids yet, and they want kids. And that, for me, is...

Right. Yeah. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Oh, wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast. So we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend has been hanging out with his young professor a lot.

He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her. Now he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone. Now hold up, isn't that against school policy? That sounds totally inappropriate. Well, according to this person, this is her boyfriend's former professor and they're the same age. And it's even more likely that they're cheating. He insists there's nothing between them. I mean, do you believe him?

Well, he's certainly trying to get this person to believe him because he now wants them both to meet. So, do we find out if this person's boyfriend really cheated with his professor or not? To hear the explosive finale, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hello, it's Daniel Official. Writer Strong. And Will Ferdell from PodMeets World. And we're bringing you Viva Las Content. That's right.

We are back in Las Vegas, the city of sin, and giving the people what they want. A full week of Y2K content. Wait, we're back in Vegas? Tell me why? Well, for the Backstreet Boys' residency at Sphere, of course. We sat down with Kevin Richardson and A.J. McLean just minutes before they took the stage

and our very own Wilfredel basically became the newest member of the band. Boy band, please. Plus, the man who has the longest running comedy show on the strip joins us and gets his props. It's carrot top, baby. And finally, we all L-O-V-E-Hur. Ashley Simpson-Ross joins us to talk about her

upcoming sold-out Vegas residency. It's a full week of nostalgic interviews you don't want to miss. Listen to PodMeets World on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. December 29th, 1975, LaGuardia Airport. The holiday rush, parents hauling luggage, kids gripping their new Christmas toys. Then, at 6.33 p.m., everything changed. There's been a bombing at the TWA terminal. Apparently the explosion actually impelled metal glass.

The injured were being loaded into ambulances, just a chaotic, chaotic scene. In its wake, a new kind of enemy emerged, and it was here to stay. Terrorism. Law and order, criminal justice system is back. In season two, we're turning our focus to a threat that helps us. to a threat that hides in plain sight that's harder to predict and even harder to stop.

Listen to the new season of Law and Order Criminal Justice System on the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, and I'm the host of the on-purpose podcast, and today I'm joined by one of the greatest athletes of all time, Novak Djokovic.

The world's number one, male tennis player he's won 14 grand slams in a glittering career Novak Djokovic you've been through so many injuries loss he showed himself what has Novak jokovic done what goes through your mind when you lose I just want to be left alone what has it taken to become Novak joccovich it's a consistent practice it's prayer work mindfulness meditation conscious breathing it requires more responsibility from you on a daily basis to prepare yourself for the biggest battle. When you reach your 30, you start counting your days to your retirement. I'm 38 this year. How far can I go? How long can I push my own limits?

Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Have you ever wished for a change but weren't sure how to make it? Maybe you felt stuck in a job, a place, or even a relationship. I'm Emily Tish Sussman and on she pivots, I dive into the inspiring pivots of women who have taken big leaps in their lives and careers. I'm Gretchen Whitmer, Jody Sweeten, Monica Patton, Elaine Welterah. I'm Jessica Voss. And that's when I was like, I got to go. I don't know how, but that kicked off the pivot of how to make the transition.

Learn how to get comfortable pivoting because your life is going to be full of them. Every episode gets real about the why behind these changes and gives you the inspiration and maybe the push to make your next pivot. Listen to these women and more on She Pivot. it's now on the iHeartRadio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts okay what about then if that's the case well what what about guys that just don't want kids what about if they're like younger then what about in their late thirties there's a lot of women that date younger i don't if they haven't had kids you have a lot of energy too you're fun

you're like vivacious i am yes so you need to someone that has good energy, positive. But I am looking for somebody that's family-oriented. Of course, the normal characteristics that we want in all the humans that we surround ourselves with, kind, loving, consistent values, values me and lets me be myself. One of the people I dated, and he was fantastic. There just wasn't the physical connection for me. Um, I love how I was completely unfiltered. Um, I just, he let me be me and he made me feel like a million

bucks. I know, but that sounds amazing. I love that. I know. I like a million bucks. I know. You should feel like that. I know. But for the long term, it just, it, it, there, there wasn't the chemistry. So that's a great question. Even though he made me feel this way, there just wasn't the chemistry. Afterward, I can show you a picture from an event we went to. Oh my gosh. Yeah. So what about have you only been dating divorce men or single dads or what's been like your? So I actually have been out on two dates with two separate widows. Okay. Oh, wow. The rest have been. divorce single dads. And I do really connect with the single dads because I love kids. I love, well, particularly because it's the stage of life I'm in. I love hearing all about the teens,

all about the young, I call it the adulting stage, which is like the second four years, you know, post-college. These kids who are living in New York, like living their best life, I'm I'm all about that so I definitely connect with men on on that level what was it like to date a widower what was that like they were both lovely the first widower was only my second date whoa he was only my second date did you know that from the start that he was a widower or you found that out yes it was a setup And it just felt like he was a type of guy I definitely, you know, should like. Like just a good, a good family man, a good person. He actually lived about 25 minutes away.

So I had, I had background, which is nice versus when you're on the apps. And so it was a great, it was a great date at the end of the date. did I, oh, so on the way home, when they put mints in their mouth, because I was such a newbie on this, but I kind of thought, I'm like, oh, God, oh, God, why is he put a mint in mouth? And why is he offering me a mint? Because I, even though I enjoyed myself, I have no desire, you know, to kiss him. And so I just give kind of the halfway hug, you know, goodbye. And, and he asks if I would want to do something again. and because I'm being open-minded, you know, I say sure.

And then he reaches back out just to like ask a question and I answer the question. And then I went through the phase of, wait, why isn't he texted in a couple days? But what is going on? I wasn't that into him. So it was a little bit of a wake-up call, I have to say. Oh, my gosh. and and then he continued texting wait so hold on so he he didn't text you for a couple of days and then he started up again correct correct and um that means he asked a question and i'm a detailed person and i kind

of didn't know the whole i'm not calling it a game but there is when you're used to being with somebody for so long your text can be long and it's just one thing that I taught myself that in the beginning like keep it short keep it short and he asked me like what I was doing or something like that and I went pretty detailed and I never heard from him again to be honest now I did find out he had been seeing somebody before he took me out I think is the story okay so you were basically ghosted by a widower, but shouldn't he be like, I was. I 100% was. Annie has a dad ball. Hold on, but don't you think I should be like, oh, feel okay to be like, you know, their, their girlfriends should say to them, if you're going to go on a date, just be polite

and just say, thank you so much. Like, you know, I'm just dating right now. I'd love seeing you. I mean, I just think it's so, I think it's just, I don't know, it hurts my, like, hurts my feelings of someone, regardless, even in work or anything, if someone doesn't respond. I'm always like, thank you so much. Like, it was really nice seeing you, even if I'm interested or not interested in anything. I'm always, I always respond. And I feel like at our age, like, we're of the generation where we do like to do that. And but wow.

I can't agree with you more. I never ghost. And it is uncomfortable. And you do feel bad. But it's much better to just say, hey, I had a really good time. By the way, like, you never know who you're going to meet. from somebody. So if I don't necessarily, you know, when I'm dating, I'm like, I don't know who I'm going to meet. And that's part of it too. Just because you're going on a date doesn't mean you're

like locked in for life. Let's talk about quicker or slower in terms of the physical aspect. Do you think these guys are taking these, you know, popping the mint, going for the kiss and then pulling in tight and trying to, like, have a deeper connection. I'm very good with my boundaries, very good with my boundaries. Do I feel like they would probably, yes, would they want to take it further right off the bat? 110%. I just love you.

Can I interview you every day because you're amazing. And that's why after. a couple of dates, it's not necessarily that they're putting the pressure, the pressure, but I don't want them to continue taking me out if I'm just enjoying the company and I think they're a really great person. Because ultimately, you know, it should lead to a physical, you know connection and if i'm not going if i don't see myself going down that path then we shouldn't continue on the dates and another thing i learned is sometimes when i see if i can't picture myself ever staying the night in their space if i feel like i wouldn't it's happened well a couple

of times. If I can't see myself feeling comfortable staying the night, then I shouldn't continue dating. Well, you also have like a really nice aesthetic. I mean, your vibe is so great. And so I think that's probably part like you're clearly visual. But I think it's interesting because I have got, I mean, I've gone on dates and like some guys I'll kiss and some guys I won't. And like I one guy I'd be like, oh, yeah, we were, like, we went on a couple days after. He was like, oh, yeah, you know, first day, yeah, she wouldn't kiss me. And I'm like, why is this common knowledge? Why does I want to know this?

And it's just, it's just something that happens or doesn't happen. I don't think it's like a rule or there's any kind of like relationship, you know, code. But, like, there's some people that you want to and some people you just don't. Yes. I don't, but I'm not going to bring mints. I'm sorry. Right. I'm not going to have mints in my bag.

I'm sorry. It's the kids of that. It's happened. And like when they take out the gum, the gum or the mints and then offer you, I'm like, oh, gosh. First of all, mint makes me sneeze. So that would be awful. I'd be like, Hachoo. You're like, Kelly, you're sneezing.

What's going out over there? What are your friends? Are they setting you up or? So the last time I was set up, I kind of kicked off my dating with two setups. And ever since then, nobody, I haven't been set up. in a small community where really nobody is divorced. And that is not an overstatement. My best friends, my whole friend group, which I call my angel team, are all married. And being with them is my happy place. And I'm super lucky that I am still, you know, included even though I don't

have a significant other. One thing that I've liked about dating is it's made me not feel alone in by being divorced since there aren't divorced people in my community yeah i've learned there there are great people out there that are divorced there are there are let's talk there are first of all there are a lot of great people out there um just because you went through you know you had you you you had a marriage and you were are divorced doesn't mean that you're like you know there's a new opportunity for you and i love the way you're handling i really like i'm like you're very cool um i am not as cool as you not at all i'm like oh my god just looking at you i totally disagree i am so not cool i'm like oh person's trying to hurt my feelings um or they're like

oh my god that person just thinks i'm a show pony and they don't want to get to know me or whatever you know all these stupid insecurities that i have let's go through your dating profile that's the gorgeous girl says the gorgeous sorry i mean like hats off you know thank you i appreciate that you are too. Let's go into your dating profile because I need to hear. Okay, let's talk about the photos. You can just describe like, like your photos. So nothing professional, just that was on the way Christmas Eve. Do you want me to read my prompt or do you want to? Yes, I want to hear. Yeah. Or do you want to see? No, no, I can barely see, but just, is that your puppy or? Yeah. Oh, that's I'm a baker. And then the last one I did to show. Wait, you're a baker. I love, yes, I love to bake.

Oh, my God. And you're a baker? Oh, my God. That's, I'm like, I can make food for my children, but I don't make food for other people. It is my way of showing love to friends and family. Okay. Okay, first of all, I love that. What's the app? Which one is it? This one's Hinge, but I'm on, I'm on, um, Hinge and the League. Okay, perfect. I wish you could see my pictures. I would love to see that. Wait, will you read me? Yes. My, so I have been told. Give me your profile. I have been told on dates that I match my profile perfectly. I have been told that.

That's so good. So it says the prompt is my greatest strength. It says, I'm sweet, grounded, nurturing, fit, and fun, full of life, and excited for the next chapter. I love showing up for the people I care for, sharing laughter, and building meaningful connections. And then the second prompt is my simple pleasures. It's a little repetitive because I say spending time with the people I love, sharing connection, laughter, and memories, and even finding humor in life's challenges.

I'm drawn to beautiful surroundings and thoughtful details. And then I name a couple of my favorite places. And then the next picture is me at one of my favorite places. and that's the full body shot. Where is it? Where is your favorite place? Is it St. Barts? No, it's Kona on Hawaii.

Oh my God, Hawaii. Oh, my God. I love that. And it says, what if I told you that, and I respond with, my life feels full in all the best ways, but I can't wait to share experiences with someone special alongside my wonderful family and friends, which is, speaks to. I hope that I could meet somebody that I fit into their life and they fit into my life, which is circles back to when I was saying, you asked me what's different now between

dating so long ago. And when you're young, you're not thinking about, oh, can I fit into his life and will he fit into my life? I don't know about you. I never thought of that when I was in my in my 20s. No, I was just like, who is this person? And then another thing that I love to think about is when you're young, it is all about the wedding and the baby, the baby or baby or babies. And I never thought about what life is going to be like as an empty nester. And obviously, I never thought about I'm going to be.

building a relationship and it's not about making a family. And I just think that's very interesting to think about because the relationship isn't necessarily going to be around, you know, all the schedules and all the stuff that comes comes with kids. That is so interesting because when I was younger, I was a model and I married someone that was a lot older than I was and we didn't have a traditional wedding. I didn't even go on a honeymoon. There was no like, I just was pregnant one day.

There was no planning. There was no, like all those things that you're talking about, I just never experienced. And I think that's one reason why I'm opposite. it. Like, I am looking for a family for my family. I'm looking for the whole, that's what I'm, like, I'm always like, oh, this is going to be great because I want that family. I just, I've always wanted it. And I've just, you know, raised my kids on my own for so long and I've been single for so long for the right reasons, not for the wrong reasons. And so it's like, it's so different. We're so different. But okay, what are your, we're so different, but we're very similar in a lot of ways.

what are your deal breakers and your non-negotiables deal breakers and non-negotiables would be um if you're an alcoholic that's that's a that's a that's a deal breaker right that's a smoking is a is a deal breaker um i mean that's just something like on on the app that you can kind of filter filter through yeah i know myself and i know so many other women out there we do put a lot of lot of effort into how we look and how we present ourselves. And so if I were to show up on a date and, you know, he's not presenting well, it's, you know, it could be a deal breaker. I'm just saying if, you know. Right. You wanted to put him the same effort that you're putting forth. Yeah. It doesn't have to be the same. I mean, I might put in a little too much.

What about like religion, politics? I'm very open-minded on religion and politics. Those aren't deal-breakers for me. What if he has younger kids? Like younger, younger, like seven, six. Yes, I don't see it. I don't see it. But I would definitely be open-minded to a meeting greet.

With a hard stop. And then some fuzzy slippers And then a really great TV show My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly And now I'm seriously suspicious Oh wait a minute Sam Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit Well Dakota, it's back to school week

On the OK Storytime podcast So we'll find out soon This person writes My boyfriend has been hanging out With his young professor a lot He doesn't think it's a problem But I don't trust her Now he's insisting we get to know each other

But I just want her gone Now hold up, isn't that against school policy? That sounds totally inappropriate. Well, according to this person, this is her boyfriend's former professor and they're the same age. It's even more likely that they're cheating. He insists there's nothing between them. I mean, do you believe him? Well, he's certainly trying to get this person to believe him because he now wants them both to meet.

So, do we find out if this person's boyfriend really cheated with his professor or not? To hear the explosive finale, listen to the OK Storytime podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hello, it's Daniel Fischel. Writer Strong. And Will Ferdell from PodMeets World. And we're bringing you Viva Las Content. That's right. We are back in Las Vegas, the city of sin,

and giving the people what they want. A full week of Y2K content. Wait, we're back in Vegas? Tell me, Y. Well, for the Backstreet Boys residency at Sphere, of course. We sat down with Kevin Richardson and A.J. McLean just minutes before they took the stage and our very own Wilfredel basically became the newest member of the band. Boy band, please.

Plus, the man who has the longest running comedy show on the strip joins us and gets his props. It's carrot top, baby. And finally, we all L-O-V-E-Hur, Ashley Simpson-Ross, joins us to talk about her upcoming sold-out Vegas residency. It's a full week of nostalgic interviews you don't want to miss. Listen to PodMeets World on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. December 29th, 1975, LaGuardia Airport. The holiday rush, parents hauling luggage, kids gripping their new Christmas toys. Then, at 6.33 p.m., everything changed.

There's been a bombing at the TWA terminal. Apparently, the explosion actually impelled metal, glass. The injured were being loaded into ambulances, just a chaotic, chaotic scene. In its wake, a new kind of enemy emerged, and it was here to stay. Terrorism. Law and Order Criminal Justice System is back. In Season 2, we're turning our focus to a threat that hides in plain sight. That's harder to predict and even harder to stop.

Listen to the new season of Law and Order Criminal Justice System on the IHeart Radio app. Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, and I'm the host of the on-purpose podcast, and today I'm joined by one of the greatest athletes of all time, Novak Djokovic. The world's number one, mild tennis player. He's won 14 grand slams in a glittering career. Novak Djokovic! You've been through so many injuries, losses.

Oh, he's showed himself. What has Novak Djokovic done? What goes through your mind when you lose? I just want to be left alone. What has it taken to become Novak Djokovic? It's a consistent practice. It's prayer work, mindfulness, meditation, conscious breathing. It requires more responsibility from you on a daily basis

to prepare yourself for the biggest battle. When you reach your 30, you start counting your days to your retirement. I'm 38 this year. How far can I go? How long can I push my own limits? Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Have you ever wished for a change but weren't sure how to make it? Maybe you felt stuck in a job, a place, or even a relationship.

I'm Emily Tish Sussman, and on she pivots, I dive into the inspiring pivots of women who have taken big leaps in their lives and careers. I'm Gretchen Whitmer, Jody Sweeten. Monica Patton. Elaine Welter-A. I'm Jessica Voss. And that's when I was like, I got to go. I don't know how, but that kicked off. the pivot of how to make the transition.

Learn how to get comfortable pivoting because your life is going to be full of them. Every episode gets real about the why behind these changes and gives you the inspiration and maybe the push to make your next pivot. Listen to these women and more on She Pivots now on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to get married again? I think if I'm in a lot of, long term, if I'm in a long term relationship, I think it would bug me for years and years to have the title of girlfriend. So I do see myself as a wife again someday. I would love to have that role. I'm not afraid of it. Right. But again, it feels very far away. Um, I mean, quick question for you. So you mentioned you are looking to create a new family, correct? So I would say it doesn't feel like, it feels like a dream that I could find this, but my dream would be to find somebody that adds to my son's life as well.

Oh, 100%. But I mean like a person that's like, like, for lack of a better word, like a community builder. Like, I mean, I dated this one guy that was just like, it was only me. I'm like, no, no, no, no. I have two daughters. Like, it's not just me. It's all of us. And that just, I mean, I did quickly because I just was like, I can't do that.

But then again, I dated someone that was about my same age and he had a daughter. And he just was so disconnected from his daughter. I mean, his daughter had like, she was this beautiful little 19 year old and she had like mismatched socks. And I'm like, what is going on? Like, that kind of stuff does not work for me. So I couldn't, I couldn't connect with anybody like that. Any of the dates I've gone on, I've been so impressed with the type of dads they are. And some of them went on multiple dates.

Okay, what if they say bad things about their ex-wife? Does that bother you? Yes. Yes. Thank you. Yes. Yes. I hate that.

Yeah. It's like that to me is a deal breaker when you talk badly about your ex because what are you going to say about me? It's like a friend. Do you know what I mean? When they say something mean about something, you're like, what do you think of them? I just don't think you need. need to go there. Right. It didn't work out. You know, we uncoupled. I love the, I love the

Glantz Palo. We uncoupled. It's like very like, by the, I mean, I just, I just love that you make cookies. I have to share your cookies. So I'm like, all I'm thinking about is chocolate and chip cookies. I'm like, oh my God. So you've been dating for a year. What's the biggest thing you've learned about yourself? The best version of myself is my true genuine self. I am, I really am in my skin and I think I was self-conscious going into the dating world being a stay-at-home mom and I am proud of that. I own it. It's so much a part of who I am. Not to say that I won't have a part two once my son goes to college and I could discover new things and I don't know what that part two is because I'm still focused, you know, on the part where he, you know, he is still living at

home. It's really important to just like we were talking about before, like just about, you know, feeling good. And, you know, it doesn't matter how long it takes. And, you know, what you have to remember, you know, people, people talk about unraveling a relationship. They're not talking about the relationship. They're talking about, you know, emotionally, like talking about that person, the memories that you had with that person, kind of being able to put those in a, in a, you know, that was a really nice part of my life box and not like where you are now box. It's just, it's not easy. And, you know, when people were like, I just want to be great and fun and sexy, Well, it's like, you know, people, there's, it's like damage control.

Now it's like you've got to like, you know, do the things that you really, really love and focus on your son. And I mean, I'm excited for you. I'm really excited. You're going to be great. I'm like, one thing that my mom pointed out is dating, everybody that I have gone out with has boosted my confidence. So it has, it has been, it has been helpful.

I love that. So now for anyone listening right now who's scared to start dating again, like what advice would you give them? You kind of need practice and that it's okay to go out with that person that isn't going to be the man of your dreams. Just start getting comfortable with sharing a meal with somebody and having conversation and learning to talk about yourself and to ask questions without it being an interview. And that's one thing that I caught on real fast.

I don't like it when I'm being interviewed by the date. I have another question for you. I have all these questions for you. Bring it. You're like, Kate's like, bring it on, bring on. I know. You'd be great at like rapid fire. Um, have you ever asked a guy out in real life?

No, because I am traditional in my relationships and I do have in my head, you know, the if, if he wanted to, he would not, not that I've, because I'm, that would apply more. I feel like if I was out and about in the city and maybe I worked and, you know, there was somebody that I was eyeing and I wouldn't I wouldn't ask him out I would I would wait so no I've I've never asked I've never asked I've never asked anybody out so do you need a new dating challenge sure what do you have you never know you are on I do purge you know we we know we're open to all sorts of fun games. So my really good friend Luan, because I was on housewives, I don't know if you know that,

but I was on housewives. And my friend Luan, I had her on and I asked her what I should do. So she said, write a note on a piece, on a napkin and send it to a guy when you're at a bar because you never asked him, went out. So maybe you don't have to, you don't have to verbally ask, but maybe like, give all your number to somebody. No, that's never going to happen in this. And by the way, just in case you're wondering, that's what I said, I was like, I was like, no, no, no, no.

How about like, just something casual, like, drink, question mark? No. That's not, that's a word. That's even more anxiety-ridden. But you have to do something fun because actually, when I did it, I was with two of my really good friends. And I'm like, you know what, I'm just going to try this. I was like, I hit the end of the bar. I asked him for a drink.

He came over. He happened to be on Love Hotel with Luan, which was very awkward, but I thought it was very, very funny. And I was like, I was very proud of myself. I was like, huh, look at me. I'm asking people out. I think I'm feeling flush just thinking about it. First of all, I wouldn't even, it's, you have to, you have to know that they're single,

which would be, I mean, yeah, I'm not up for that challenge. What about giving someone a compliment? Like, I really like your shoes. Possibly. I'm just trying to think, I don't think I'm in environments much because the places that I frequent single people really aren't there. So here, so my only access to meeting people really is the apps. I mean, I've been on vacation and I always keep my eye open, but unfortunately, okay, I just thought of it, Kelly. Okay, great. What is it?

So we were, we were in Pebble Beach and there was dad. having dinner with his son and the son was darling and the dad looked cute and I looked for a ring and there wasn't a ring and if there was ever a circumstance to do what you're talking about that would be the only circumstance but I would have I would not have had the courage to do that because I also do not want to be hitting on some they could have a girlfriend so no not doing your challenges because I'm too stepping on somebody's toes. I feel like I have to walk with you at the supermarket

and I feel like we have to be like, so are you a white flower or? This is my weird friend, Kelly. I don't think I'm ever, I'm not going to ever, I don't hit on. I just. I like the compliments. I'm a big compliment person,

but not not in a disingenuous way, but I do look for things. to say nice things to people. I do. I always do that. So a compliment is kind of an icebreaker because guys don't really get compliments. They give compliments, but they don't really get them. So maybe like some kind of compliment. I agree with me. But I really think, by the way, one of my closest friends, he's like he lives in Miami and he was like, everybody goes to the supermarket on Sunday nights to meet people. I'm like, what? He's like, yeah. I'm like, which one? He's like, obviously whole foods i'm like oh okay so maybe change up the routine of your shopping hours maybe

me like tell your son be like up right back mommy has to go buy some chocolate chips at 7 p.m. He's like mom you've got a storage unit full of them up well I need more I do switch up my routine and remember I do live in the burbs we're we're not talking there's a ton of you know single people And I also, like I say, very respectful. I kind of have the mindset of everybody around me is married. That's why I would never feel comfortable hitting on somebody. Okay. Let's check the boxes.

Let's check the boxes. First of all, you're dating at profile fire. That's great. You're so beautiful and so real and authentic. So that's good. You are looking for the right things. you have the right intentions, you're like ready. You are ready today.

Agree. I do go with my gut. And my gut so far, knock on wood, hasn't served me wrong because I've met lovely, lovely people. But I'm afraid the apps are dead now. I don't know. So I might be going on a break. I don't know.

Helpful hint from Kelly, go to the supermarket. Thank you so much, really. Thank you for having me. And for inspiring our listeners, we really, really appreciate and they appreciate it. And I appreciate it. If I can do it, they can do it. It's not easy. But honestly, it gives me an extra kick in my step.

Even when I'm not crushing, it's fun to get that text. It's fun, the unknown. Could this be something? Okay, no, it wasn't. Well, you know, I have the other things I enjoy in life. So, Kate, I want you to keep up with us on the podcast about any new developments that have been happening in your dating life. The podcast is all about people like you and.

me not giving up on love so thanks so much for sharing your story with us are you like kate i need help when it comes to dating call us or email us all the info is in the show notes follow us on socials and make sure to rate and review the podcast i do part two an iHeart radio podcast where falling in love is the main objective December 29th, 1975, LaGuardia Airport. The holiday rush, parents hauling luggage, kids gripping their new Christmas toys. Then everything changed. There's been a bombing at the TWA terminal, just a chaotic, chaotic scene.

In its wake, a new kind of enemy emerged, terrorism. Listen to the new season of Law and Order Criminal Justice System. on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. My boyfriend's professor is way too friendly, and now I'm seriously suspicious. Wait a minute, Sam. Maybe her boyfriend's just looking for extra credit. Well, Dakota, luckily, it's back to school week on the OK Storytime podcast, so we'll find out soon. This person writes, my boyfriend's been hanging out with his young professor a lot. He doesn't think it's a problem, but I don't trust her.

Now he's insisting we get to know each other, but I just want her gone. Oh, hold up. Isn't that against school? policy, that seems inappropriate. Maybe find out how it ends by listening to the OK Storytime podcast and the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hello, it's Daniel Fischel.

Writer Strong. And Wilfredel from PodMeets World. We are back in Las Vegas and giving the people what they want, a full week of Y2K content. Tell me why. Well, for the Backstreet Boys residency, it's fear, of course. We joke and say

this is our second marriage, But it takes a lot of communication. Plus, it's carrot top, baby. And finally, Ashley Simpson Ross joins us to talk about her upcoming sold-out Vegas residency. Listen to PodMeets World on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, and I'm the host of the on-purpose podcast. And today I'm joined by one of the greatest athletes of all time, Novak Djokovic. He's won 14 grand slams in a glittering career.

Novak Djokovic! When you reach your 30, you start counting your days to your retirement. I'm 38 this year. How long can I push my own limits? Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hi, my name is Enya Yumanzoor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom.

If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeart Radio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now.

This is an IHeart podcast.