Back in the day, it was “When do I call them back?” “What kind of flowers should I bring?”. Those questions have turned into “Which emoji do I send back?” “Should I swipe left or right?”, and so layers become added onto the already-complicated of being single in today’s world. “The Great Love Debate” explores the trials tribulations and triumphs of the dating scene nowadays, and dissects the “dating disconnect” that plagues each major U.S. city, one show at a time. We chatted with the show’s host and NYC native, Brian Howie, to put our finger on the pulse of today’s dating scene. He tells us that your love life might not be as tricky as you may think, all with the help of the show.
The show will return to New York City for the final time tonight at City Winery NYC. Special guests will include Erin Davis from Bravo’s Camp Getaway, Christina Weber from the new Andy Cohen Peacock show Ex-Rated, Anna Morgenstern from Summer House, and a few more surprises!
Brian Howie at The Great Love Debate show
DTM: Can you tell us a little about the history of “The Great Love Debate“, and how it came to fruition?
Brian Howie: In late 2013, I wrote a book called “How To Find Love in 60 Seconds”, which was a semi-satirical look at Hollywood dating, and what I thought the issues were. My manager suggested that rather than do a traditional bookstore promotional appearance, why not raise some of the questions that the book raised in a Town Hall-style, theater setting, and we decided to do a one-off in Santa Barbara, CA in Jan 2014, and that one-off has turned into more than 400 shows in over 120 cities and 11 countries.
DTM: How does the show work? What does it entail?
BH: Every show is different, but the common thread is that we are trying to get to the root of the dating disconnect in that particular city. So I am out in the crowd, trying to pull complaints, hopes, problems, pressures, anecdotes, dating disasters, etc, and by the end of the night hundreds of people have been heard from…and they discover that their love lives really aren’t that far away from being absolutely fine! We have an on-stage lineup of celebrities and local personalities who react to and comment on, the proceedings.
It is wild, it is feisty, it is hilarious, and most of all, it is honest.
DT: What makes “The Great Love Debate” different from other shows like it?
BH: Most “live dating shows” are fairly scripted, we totally wing it every night, which adds to the excitement, and makes every show a unique experience. Many people come over and over, they always learn something new, and always meet someone interesting!
DTM: One of the show’s taglines is “Get your head out of your apps.” We think that’s great. Does the show’s motive draw audiences away from dating apps? What is your personal stance on those apps?
BH: We can’t pretend apps don’t exist, or won’t exist, people just need to know how to use them, and why, and understand that they are a means to an end. I always get asked, “what’s the best dating site?” And my answer is simple. EARTH. This means there are opportunities and possibilities all around us every single day to find love, you just know how to recognize those opportunities, act on them, and most importantly, don’t reject them. The apps, when used correctly, can increase the opportunities to connect, what you do to build upon those opportunities is the key to using the apps.
DTM: Do you think dating will ever revert back to what it used to be before dating apps?
BH: The upside of the lockdowns was that people realized that technology isn’t a satisfying substitute, that people really want and need to connect in person. So apps will always be around, but people will use them more to get to the actual date. People probably complained that the telephone was ruining dating back, in the 1930s. They got used to it. 🙂
DTM: Have you seen or heard of any success stories that have come from “The Great Love Debate”?
BH: 48 couples (that we know of!) are now engaged or married after first meeting at one of our shows. The effect of getting a couple of hundred people in a room, making them think, hearing them laugh, adding a few drinks, brings down so many walls that literally hundreds of dates have come out of the experience, not to mention the positive changes in dating, habits.
DTM: You’ve had some pretty great special guests on the show before, like former Bachelorette contestant and former Bachelor, Nick Viall. What’s it like having those great special guests on the show?
BH: We have had dozens of reality stars, award-winning actors, top comedians, best-selling authors, and just about every Bachelor and Bachelorette winner on our stage at least once, and the thing about love is that it’s the one thing that everyone – regardless of fame or background – has experience with, heartbreak to share, hope to build on, and opinions worth listening to.
Special guests of The Great Love Debate include Nick Viall and other greats
DTM: What is unique about singles and show contestants in New York City?
BH: They aren’t afraid to speak their minds – especially the men. We do shows in Seattle or San Jose, and some of the men think, “If I have to speak, I am going to get laughed at tonight.” In NYC, the men think, “If I get to speak I’m going to get laid tonight.” Different energy!
DTM: What do you enjoy most about doing the show in NYC?
BH: The energy, the frustration, the stories, and the possibilities. The dating culture is really a microcosm of the city itself – sure it’s hard here sometimes…but it’s worth it!
DTM: Where is your favorite spot in NYC to perform or simply visit, particularly in the Downtown area?
BH: We have done shows here more than anywhere else, I am an NYC native and love to come back to the city. We have done theaters, comedy clubs, live music venues, but our experiences at City Winery have always been fantastic – spectacular venue, great crowds…and plenty of wine!
For more on entertainment from Downtown, click here.
Have you been searching for some new summer date ideas in New York City? Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are our picks for romantic summer dates in New York City.
Coney Island
Image by Guusje Weeber on Unsplash
For a fun-filled day with your significant other, visit Coney Island. Complete with rides, a beach, and shops, there are fun activities that all couples will enjoy. Also, while you’re here be sure to visit Nathan’s Hotdogs. Founded in 1916, the original Nathan’s Hotdogs is on Surf Avenue in Coney Island. These all-beef hotdogs have built a reputation, making them a famous staple of the Coney Island experience. A trip to Coney Island is the perfect date for a sunny summer day.
Classic Harbor Line Cruises
Manhattan Photo by Classic Harbor Line
How about a late-night cruise on the Hudson River? With Classic Harbor Line, you can go on relaxing cruises while enjoying the beautiful sights of the city including the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and Ellis Island. One of our favorite tours is the Jazz Cruise, a 1.5-hour cruise complete with live, talented jazz musicians. This cruise is aboard the Manhattan, a stunning 1920s style yacht. A night on the water with Classic Harbor Line is most definitely a night to remember.
Museum of Modern Art
Image by Alex Palmer on Unsplash
Otherwise known as the MoMA, this popular museum is the perfect summer date to escape the heat. Featuring modern and contemporary art, the MoMA is open from 10:30 am-5:30 pm Sunday-Friday and Saturday 10:30 am-7:00 pm. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $14 for full-time students with ID.
Rooftop Reds
Image by Rooftop Reds
Calling all wine-loving couples: Rooftop Reds is the perfect date for you! Located on 299 Sands Street, Building 275, Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is the world’s first rooftop vineyard. This vineyard makes around 20-25 cases of wine every year. This is a romantic rooftop date you won’t want to miss this summer.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Image by Yasir Eryilmaz on Unsplash
For a romantic escape into nature in the heart of Brooklyn, plan a date at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden! This 52-acre garden was founded in 1910. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden has over 14,000 taxa of plants. Admission is $18 each for adults and $12 for seniors 65 and up and for students with IDs.
Tokyo Record Bar
Image by Tokyo Record Bar
If you and your significant other are looking for a unique date in the city, you definitely should check out Tokyo Record Bar. Tokyo Record Bar describes itself as “an underground listening room dedicated to quality and obsession through music, food, and booze.” In order to enter this lounge, you need to walk through Air’s Champagne Parlor.
Tokyo Record Bar does two seatings a night, Monday through Saturday. Once seated, guests are given a song list and a drink menu. Tokyo Record Bar has a large variety of genres of music so everyone can find something they like. The song requests are handed to the DJ who then will then make the playlist for the night and sometimes add some more songs of their choice. Guests will also receive a seven-course tasting menu, complete with various traditional Japanese snacks and food. To experience a taste of Japan from New York City, Tokyo Record Bar is the perfect date.
Dreamland Roller Rink
Image by Dreamland Roller Rink
For a summer date that will send you back to the age of disco, visit Dreamland Roller Rink with your significant other! This themed roller skating rink encourages visitors to journey to the past by coming in retro costumes. MCs and DJs will narrate this spectacular night of disco. Dreamland Roller Rink also hosts themed parties, so that each visit is unique. Dreamland Roller Rink is a must-visit this summer for a unique and unforgettable date night.
Jetty Jumpers Jet Ski Tours
Image by Jetty Jumpers
If you and your significant other are looking for some adventurous summer date ideas, you should definitely check out Jetty Jumpers’ jet ski tours. These exciting tours are about three hours long. While jet skiing, you will see some of New York City’s most prominent landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower, and more. This is the perfect date for adventurous couples who want a day out on the water.
Color Factory
Image by the Color Factory
The Color Factory is the perfect date for couples looking for a unique experience and a lot of photo opportunities. The Color Factory is an art exhibit that revolves around the beauty and varying palettes of color. Each room is a different experience of color and encourages guests to embrace their imagination and creativity. The Color Factory is an experience unlike any other, the perfect date to escape into air conditioning. In addition, all summer you can visit Eataly Downtown and Color Factory’s collaboration.
Bryant Park Movie Nights
Image from the Bryant Park Corporation Website
Bryant Park movie nights are back this summer, the perfect romantic date under the stars. Admission to these movies, are free. The concession stands open at 5:00 pm and the movie starts at sundown. The movie schedule can be found on the Bryant Park website. If you and your significant other are movie buffs looking for a romantic movie night, be sure to check out Bryant Park movie nights this summer.
Even with a worldwide pandemic, love wins. With the best intentions sometimes life just gets in the way, our editors are here to help make your Valentine’s Day shopping a little bit easier from smooth silky chocolates to a little something for her, we have you covered, or in some cases, slightly covered.
Returning this season, MarieBelle offering the sweetest gift for that special chocolate lover in your life with their Izak Zenou Valentine’s Day Ganache Box, Truffle Box, and Chocolate Bars. The one-of-a-kind truly delicious, decadent, fluffy light collections are adorned with the artwork of renowned fashion illustrator Izak Zenou. Our CEO commented, ” decadent, delicious, and superb a must-have, a very special gift”
Acclaimed jewelry designer, Kristin Hanson’s artistic inspiration has no limit. Her impressive portfolio of work has garnered international distinction, with features in Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar China, and W Magazine among others. Sold at select Neiman Marcus stores and a number of independent jewelry retailers. We fell in love with this romantic necklace and earrings.
Active Cashmere, this lovely water repellent, machine washable, and durable, cashmere reinventing the way cashmere is worn. They offer a modern point of view on cashmere which embraces minimalism, comfort, and innovation. Their uniquely treated pure cashmere yarn provides functional features to their garments while maintaining the utmost quality.
A staple seamless standard weight relaxed fit cropped hoodie with a ribbed cuff and “v” detail and straight tubular bottom hem. Made from the finest pure cashmere Scottish yarn, treated with our unique formula making this garment water repellent and machine washable, providing more durability without sacrificing softness, breathability, or lasting quality.
This core unisex ribbed beanie made from the finest pure cashmere Scottish yarn and treated with a unique formula, making this garment water repellent and machine washable; providing more durability without sacrificing softness, breathability, or lasting quality.
WILL-V was built to support a lifestyle that is naturally influenced by sport and athletics. New York City – we place value on delivering a quality, comfortable, and purposeful product that will last.
Mujjo pride itself in creating products that don’t disappoint, they think their products are perfect for a special gift. So much so they created a 15% discount on all products from our site, Mujjo.com – coupon: #14 (valid through the 14th)
Touchscreen Gloves Mujjo
With Valentine’s Day Weekend just a few weeks away, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is the perfect backdrop for romantic celebrations for two, or for some indulgent self-care either alone or with a friend, while enjoying a city staycation at one of New York’s most iconic luxury hotels. Choose from an array of offerings that celebrates both romantic love and most importantly, self-love.
Just For Two
The Hotel’s Just For Two package is a romance package, designed to make the most of Valentine’s Day weekend or anytime throughout February 2021, with the ultimate city staycation. Celebrate with a bottle of champagne on arrival, enjoy breakfast for two through In-Room Dining and relax with a late check-out of 2:00 pm to make the most of an overnight getaway.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
This special package also includes a beautiful Rose Revival SOAK Service for two. Curated by Senior Spa & Wellness Director Tara Cruz, the in-room SOAK Service is an indulgent treat for in-house guests who wish to take full advantage of the deep soaking tubs featured in every room and suite within the Hotel. The Rose Revival for Two is a couple’s experience, designed to maximize time together with one’s nearest and dearest. Pure Himalayan salts naturally lift spirits while tuberose and lemongrass ignite the feeling of positivity and love. Seasonal citrus and floral notes are elegantly paired with sparkling rosé and decadent homemade treats to satisfy the most elevated palate.
The Just For Two package is available until February 28, 2021, with rates starting at USD $895 per night.
Reservations can be made online or by calling 646 880 1985.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
Rouge Flowers Pop-Up Shop
For guests wishing to elevate their experience and surprise their special someone with a beautiful bouquet, a pop-up shop by Rouge Flowers will be stationed in the hotel lobby, with a selection of stunning floral options available for purchase. The pop-up shop will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14, 2021, with bouquets available from USD $65-$85.
Individual “Ready for Real Love” Hypnosis Session with Resident Healer Nicole Hernandez
This Valentine’s Day, indulge in some self-care with an individual hypnosis session with Resident Healer Nicole Hernandez. Known as “The Traveling Hypnotist,” Nicole Hernandez guides guests through bespoke hypnotic journeys that help unpack and release anxiety, fear, and bad habits. Nicole’s clients experience a greater sense of inner wisdom, confidence, clarity and calmness, better relationships, and deeper sleep.
The “Ready for Real Love” special 60-minute session focuses on love — ranging from deepening self-worth, removing subconscious blocks to intimacy, or even indulging in a past-life regression to explore soulmates. After the session, Nicole will custom-blend a Soveral healing oilas a take-home gift.
This session is available to experience either in-person at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown or virtually if preferred. 60 minutes / USD $285
Bookings are essential. To book this special experience, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 646 880 1990 or spa.nydowntown@fourseasons.com
Couple’s and Individual Astrology Session with Resident Healer Rebecca Gordon
As the most romantic weekend on the yearly social calendar, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to schedule an astrological reading with Rebecca Gordon, renowned New York City astrologer and Resident Healer at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.
Rebecca Gordon has been practicing astrology since the age of 14 when she was trained and mentored by her mother. In addition to being a celebrated astrologer, Rebecca is an author, presenter, and founder of the 15-year running Astrology School where she offers a suite of classes and workshops. She is also the resident astrologer at Harper’s Bazaar and a regular guest on the Dr. Oz Show. It is Rebecca’s mission to align people with their own unique brand of stardust so they can step into their highest potential.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
Choose from two specific options during the month of February 2021 including –
Compatibility Astrology – Experience a couple’s session in compatibility astrology and discover the energetic signature between two people. Learn to better understand each other by seeing the cosmic blueprint of a loved one and the relationship dynamic. Both partners’ birth information will be required. 90 minutes / USD $500
Love & Partnering – Designed as an individual session, Rebecca will take an in-depth look at one’s natal love signature in the chart, relationship karmas, and then move into an overall love and relationship outlook for the year ahead. Rebecca will explore each guest’s unique passion signature, including a look at their love chart and the year ahead in love. 60 minutes / USD $380
Both astrological readings with Rebecca are available to experience either in-person at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown or virtually if preferred.
Bookings are essential. To book this special experience, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 646 880 1990 or spa.nydowntown@fourseasons.com.
Downtowners love their Eataly, this year Valentine’s Day will be a little different. Many of us will be celebrating with our loved ones at home. This does not mean that you cannot still enjoy Eataly’s delicious, fresh authentic ingredients. Here are some options to help make your Valentine’s Day 2021 even more special.
Let Eataly’s chefs do the cooking!
Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown
The most romantic holiday of the year is here, New York!
Whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner out or share the love at home with friends, family, or neighbors, create the perfect Italian Valentine’s Day from start to finish with high-quality ingredients, prix-fixe dinners for delivery, and more.
Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown
ORDER DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT
Share a heart-shaped Neapolitan pizza or a three-course prix-fixe menu with their finest antipasti, pasta, pizza, and desserts, create a romantic Italian evening with your special someone right from the comfort of your own home. Place your order for delivery or take-out on UberEats,Caviar, DoorDash, or Grubhub.
BRING HOME A MEAL MADE IN EATALY
Take the night off and let our chefs do the cooking. Eataly has put together a selection of housemade, ready-to-heat meals that make the perfect pairs (think, tagliatelle plus ragù alla bolognese, and more homemade Italian classics). Don’t forget to grab some heart-shaped pastries from Eataly’s pastry counter for dessert!
Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown
Delicious At-home And In-person Prixe-fixe MenusDinner For Two At Le District Le District is home to the Michelin Star L’Appart and the cozy Beaubourg Brasserie. If you’re ordering in, Le District’s Valentine’s Dinner for Two To-Go provides a four-course meal ready to be enjoyed in your own home.
If you’re looking to dine in, Le District has special lunch and dinner options available for open-air reservations on the outside patio.
The L’appart Valentine’s Lunch includes a romantic 4-course tasting menu for lunch at L’Appart, and Valentine’s Dinner At Beaubourg option consists of a decadent 3-course Prix Fixe. For Le District, Valentine’s Day 2021 is starting on Friday, Feb 12th, 2021, until Sunday, Feb 14th, 2021! They will also have special cakes, macarons, and chocolates at their Coffee District (entrance from the mall). Special Items will be available only during this weekend to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home or at Le District.
Valentine’s Day Dinner Brookfield Place
This year New York has pulled out all the stops, give a once in a life time Valentine’s Day gift you that special someone. What about dining on top of the world at One World Observatory.
Sunday, February 14, ASPIRE, at One World Observatory will transform ASPIRE, the private event space into the ultimate, socially distant dining experience.
Deemed “Love on Top,” an exclusive, festive feast in celebration of Valentine’s Day, guests will indulge in a preset, multi-course menu while providing access to the stunning views of the city.
Brunch will feature delectable offerings including oxtail quiche, North African eggs with short ribs, and poached pear and sugar waffles.
Tickets are limited and reservations are currently being accepted for the 10 am seating. Additional details can be found at www.oneworldobservatory.com.
What are you waiting for? A romantic dinner while overlooking all of New York’s magnificent skyline, waterways, and landscape. Love surely is in the air!
This is a special year, you’ve spent every day with her/him during the pandemic, this Valentine’s Day, give a gift that not only captivates all of their senses but also offers a magical relaxation experience, a body reset, with a deep unforgettable healing massage.
Meet Off-Broadway, Eau de Parfum + Refillable Lipstick Gift Box, $440.00 an optimistic new fragrance that pays homage to one of New York’s greatest traditions – just in time for Valentine’s Day. Bond’s Off-Broadway opens with a sparkling, attention-getting blend of grapefruit blossom and black currant. This edgy floral unisex scent — is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift for everyone you love. Pair with Bond No. 9’s Refillable Lipstick in Broadway, a cool cherry.
Great for any coffee drinkers, this gift box contains three unique coffees, Strawberry Verbena macarons from Le Petit Paris, a local French bakery based in Long Island City, and a hand-poured coffee-inspired candle to create a soothing atmosphere and add a sense of warmth to the special day.
Inspired by Coffee Project’s SCA (Speciality Coffee Association) sensory class offered their LIC training center, this package is a self-guided coffee sensory kit to help people explore the three major coffee-growing regions of Asia, Africa, and America from their homes. The kit includes a guidebook filled with fun sensory activities such as taste-testing flavored gummies and experiencing scented sensory vials, before culminating with a coffee tasting of one coffee from each region.
PASSPORT TO COFFEE REGIONS SENSORY KIT
This holiday, The Fladgate Partnership’s three exceptional 2018 Vintage Ports from Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca, and Croft Port house officially hit shelves. Just in time for Valentine’s Day romance at-home, wine lovers can purchase Taylor Fladgate Classic Vintage 2018, Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage 2018, and Croft Quinta da Roêda Vintage 2018.
Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca
Zazubean $22.00 is the better-for-you chocolate brand delivering healthy and delicious candy bars your way this Valentine’s Day! Zazubean chocolate is sustainably made using fair-trade certified ingredients and is 100% organic, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and kosher! Their limited editionVALENTINE’S DAY VARIETY PACK includes six chocolate bars, Bling, Vixen, Nakid, Flirt, Hottie, and Smooch.
A unique gift for your loved one, this Valentine’s Day – Glass Hour – debuted at #3 in the Classical Billboard charts, this beautiful new contemporary album by Gregory Harrington, features a World Premiere Recording of his arrangement “The Hours Suite”. Based on the movie score “The Hours”, for violin and orchestra by Philip Glass along with the Violin Concerto No. 2 “The American Four Seasons”. Both works recorded with the Janacek Philharmonic under the nuanced direction of conductor Mark Shapiro.
Booking.com‘s “Love Letter to New York” stays at Bryant Park’s Winter Village on February 13 and February 14 for $14.21. Guests will be treated to shopping vouchers for the Winter Village Shoppes, igloo reservations, dinner and drinks at Bryant Park Grill and Café, private midnight ice skating, and more. This is the perfect staycation for celebrating Valentine’s Day safely, as the lucky consumers who book the experience will be staying solo with all the proper COVID-19 protocols and measures observed.
These exclusive stays can be booked on Booking.com starting on February 12, 2021, at 2:00 PM.
Adelante makes shoes that are on par with the highest quality footwear in the market at a fraction of the price. Made-to-order models that deliver a personalized pair direct from Guatemala within 10 days. Connecting each customer with their shoemaker throughout the production process. Give him the best!
Our FUZZY SHOPPER is so EXTRA! Made of the softest luxe faux shearling and lined with a water-resistant liner. This fab and giant shopper is the perfect size for all your needs. With subtle ROAM woven double straps, you can carry it over your shoulder or in your hands. This is the perfect weekender, baby bag, gym bag, throw it all in the bag.
This viral activewear brand is worn by all your favorite Insta girls! STAX has won the hearts of Addison Rae, Lucy Hale, Jade Marie,Conaugh Kathleen, and Leah Halton, to name a few. Made to flatter every figure, STAX.’s chic performance sets are a must for any active gal (or trips to Target gals… no judgment). A sweet new look for V-Day!
For your romantic evening smooth out every inch of your curves with this exclusive bustier set featuring sheer lace triangle cups with a scalloped trim, adjustable spaghetti straps with satin bow accents, a cage back band with a hook and eye closure, a sheer lace cross over bodice, adjustable garter straps, an open back with a tie back closure. Time to heat up this winter.
This modern sneaker from JSlides stuns with a lush shearling mid strap, a contemporary and very cool twist on our classic laceless silhouette. Adjustable hook-and-loop genuine shearling strap. A sweet comfortable gift for her!
Cleansing and Renewing Body Wash, with its rich and creamy lather, infuses your skin. Supercharged with Retinol and Vitamin B3 Complex, this nourishing body wash revitalizes and quenches thirsty skin for long-lasting hydration. Plus, it rinses off clean never leaving your skin with an oily, coated feeling.
Info: This crème is infused with cinnamon oil, which has been used by our ancestors as a natural warming mechanism for centuries. Combining warming cinnamon oil, shea butter, and hemp extract, this crème is sure to help you melt away a draining day, workout, or year.
Pamper your face each night to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Since nightly products absorb into your skin for hours while you sleep, it’s vital to use natural products with ingredients. BOTA™ De-Stressing Nightly Face Cream mixes nature’s best elements to deeply moisturize the skin, reduce redness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2021 Downtown’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is all about Pampering
If anyone could be considered an online dating expert, it might be NYC Comedian David Piccolomini. His podcast, Tinder Tales, explores the often-bizarre world of online dating and has released more than 180 episodes over the last three and a half years. Each week, Piccolomini and a guest swap stories and examine dating habits, leading to strange revelations and good laughs.
He also understands why online dating can be so confusing. Many of his listeners found his podcast while googling for Tinder advice. “People get on tinder and they’re freaked out,” he says, “There are so many options and so many people. Either nobody’s swiping on them, or too many people are swiping on them. It’s a lot. And then they’re like, ‘Well, there’s gotta be a podcast about this.’ And there is!”
Online dating might seem like a recent phenomenon, but Piccolomini has been at it for more than 15 years. As a young teen in Wilmington, DE, he spent a lot of time in AOL chatrooms talking to women he’d never meet. “It was kind of like I was prepping myself for the world of dating at large, or for this world that we’re in now, and I didn’t even know it. I was just like, ‘Oh, hey, this is the one way I connect.’”
A decade later, he moved to Philadelphia to pursue stand-up comedy and picked up online dating again, this time actually landing dates. It became a hobby–one which he continued when he moved to NYC.
It didn’t take long for Piccolomini to realize that he had something that others wanted. “I saw friends’ profiles and was like, ‘Oh, you look like a serial killer. That’s why no one’s matching with you.” He started to give advice, helping his friends find dates and partners. The more advice he gave, the more stories he heard. The podcast seemed like a logical next step.
The first episodes of Tinder Tales were recorded in the living room of his Brooklyn apartment. His first guests were other comedians who, he says, often make the best guests because they’re natural storytellers and not afraid of being honest. It’s a big part of what he values in a good episode of Tinder Tales: great stories, vulnerability, and humor.
Photo courtesy of David Piccolomini.
“Part of what I like about doing tinder tales is the number of people I’ve talked to where they’re like, ‘Oh, I thought I was the only one who had this story,” or they listen to one of the episodes and are like, ‘I thought my story was crazy!” Some comedians will listen to each others’ episodes before they go out on a first date, just so that they’ll be prepared.
The stigma of online dating isn’t as bad as it was when Piccolomini started his podcast, but there are still a lot of misconceptions about it. “People look down on it sometimes, but I think it makes dating a more interesting experience. When I meet people through online dating, I know at the start that we have things in common. I don’t have to guess.”
Learning to find those people with similar interests is a common subject on Tinder Tales. The advice: find a way to work it into your profile. Piccolomini, a self-described “board game dork,” finds other fans with a dating profile which, among other things, asks a potential date to “settle the catan of my heart.”
After three and a half years of Tinder Tales, Piccolomini has become more thoughtful about dating. One of his biggest takeaways, he says, is that–for the most part–nobody does dating “wrong.” It’s just a matter of preference. What is ghosting? When should things get sexual? It changes from person to person. “What I’ve learned,” he says, “is that the more you communicate, the better your overall experience will be.” Whatever your expectations are, make sure you let the other person know.
That being said, he does have some general dating advice, no matter who you are or what you’re looking for in a date.
1. Ask Questions, preferably something personal–anything that makes it easier for them to respond. Stand out by actually saying something of interest, and whatever you do, don’t open the conversation with ‘Hey.”
2. Have Opinions, even if you disagree on those opinions. Chances are that any big differences were going to come up on date three anyways.
3. Listen. If you’re not listening, you’re not responding or engaging. That sounds like a very boring date for the other person.
For more advice, and for some of the wildest true dating stories you’ll ever hear, you’ll have to listen to his podcast, Tinder Tales, available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, tindertalespod.com, as well as most other podcasting apps.
If you’re looking for a good place to start listening, try one of these episodes:
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, RetailMeNot has done some research on Americans and what they have planned for Valentine’s Day?
How followers RetailMeNot answered three V-Day-themed questions…
What would impress Americans on a first date?
· 54% say having a great sense of humor
· 50% say the way a date spends his/her money
· 24% say planning something cheap but thoughtful or fun
· 19% say paying for the whole evening
· 10% say going somewhere expensive/high end
· 8% say getting a great deal or discount on a date
Many single Americans would spend Valentine’s Day celebrating with others. In fact:
· 30% would celebrate with friends
· 28% would celebrate with family
· 19% would go on a date with someone new
· 11% would host a party
But for some, they prefer to spend Valentine’s Day alone:
· 29% would spend the day pampering themselves
· 23% would treat themselves to a nice dinner
· 21% would watch romantic comedies
· 18% would buy themselves a gift
· 13% would drink wine alone
· 9% would browse a dating website or app
· 6% would email or text an ex
· 5% look up their ex on social media
With a global health kick in full force, many couples are on the search for a healthy and romantic way to celebrate Valentines Day with their loved one. Most people question this new idea, because Valentines Day is often associated with five star dining, chocolate covered strawberries, and endless wine. This year, there are several dance studios offering Valentines Day events. DOWNTOWN’S CEO/Publisher and avid dancer, Grace A. Capobianco, says “It’s an incredible sport and a great way to meet new friends and experience the time of your life,” so why wouldn’t you consider it this Valentines Day?
While men tend to resort to heart-shaped boxes of candy, jewelry and flowers, time spent with a significant other is what really matters. Lower Manhattan couples are finding healthy and romantic ways to spend date nights and special occasions. Research shows that the timeless art of ballroom dance strengthens a couple emotionally and physically, making their hearts as healthy as possible.
Dance means romance. Dance is not only the key to communicating love to your partner, it allows for quality time, acts of service, physical touch, and words of affirmation. This art calls for couples to work together, requires intimate physical content, and gives couples many opportunities to complement and appreciate their partner.
While embracing your partner, you can also lead a healthier life. Studies show that dancing continuously for 30 minutes has the same impact on weight loss as walking, swimming, or cycling. At the Lancisi Heart Institute in Ancona, Italy, medical researchers conducted a study that proved that people with heart failure who began to waltz regularly improved their heart, breathing, and quality of life more than those who resorted to cycling, walking, or running. Social dancing is the best medicine for a couple looking to strengthen their relationship and heart.
The Downtown area, as well as NYC as a whole, is home to the best of the best when it comes to dance studios! Some of our favorites are Dance Sport, owned by instructor Paul Pellicoro, Stepping Out, owned by George Qiao, Dance With Me, owned by Dancing With the Stars’Maksim Chmerkovskiy. So if you are looking for inspiration for this Valentines Day, give the gift of dance!
