Debating Dating

Rachel and Marc are back with the Debating Dating Christmas Special!  They catch up on what the other's been up to since the end of the first series, before delving into all things festive in the dating realm - from Christmas Markets to Christmas proposals - and, as ever, hear some audio submissions from the listeners.A video version of this episode is available here: https://youtu.be/yVl25swEDJkIf you've enjoyed the podcast and would like to show your gratitude in this season of goodwill, you can now buy us a coffee (and/or alcoholic beverage) here:  https://ko-fi.com/debatingdatingpodYou can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

It's the last episode of the series, but before they set off into the sunset (for the summer at least) Rachel and Marc take a look at holiday romances.  Marc finds out the meaning of "Hot Girl Summer", they discuss the risks involved in going away with a partner, and reminisce about their first lad's/girl's holidays.Rachel also recalls her romance during a dramatic high-school trip, Marc recounts his tale of summer lovin' while in Ayia Napa, and they take a listen to some audio submissions sent in - including one which details the dangers of falling for a Mediterranean waiter.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

This week Rachel reveals some exciting "personal news" before regular programming returns with a look at Meet Cutes (another term which Marc isn't a fan of).  They talk chat-up lines, houseparties, and why there's no shame in meeting your partner on an app. Marc and Rachel also try to recall how they first met, Marc reveals the time when Rachel's faux-pas left him in an extremely awkward position between two potential dates, and Rachel recounts the story of how her parents ended up together.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

Marc and Rachel are joined by comedian and What's the Script?  podcast host Stephen Buchanan to discuss Rom Coms.  Taking a look at When Harry Met Sally, (500) Days of Summer and He's Just Not That Into You, they discuss whether the messages in these films can be helpful or hurtful when applied to dating IRL.Marc makes his case for the major flaw he sees in When Harry Met Sally, Rachel recalls how she modelled herself on the titular Summer from (500) Days, and Stephen reveals the tactic he used to ensure he'd not end up alone in his old age.  They also discuss height, the problem with the concept of the friendzone, and whether there really is such a thing as "The Spark".You can follow Stephen on Twitter & Instagram @stephenbucomedy.  His podcast "What's the Script?"  is available here.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

This week Rachel guides a sceptical Marc through the concept of love languages.  Popularised online by people who write things like "Paesano Pizza is my love language", they take a look at the original five: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Physical Touch, Acts of Service & Gift-Giving.While hearing listener submissions on the subject, Rachel recalls a recent faux-pas with a wine menu, Marc offers an alternative take on the perception of men who don't know how to express their emotions, and both reveal their results after taking the Love Language test.  But the real test may lie in whether Rachel can convince Marc to believe that there's something to the whole concept at all... You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

This week Marc and Rachel are joined by Scottish Twitter funnyman Paul Dock (@PaulDock93) to talk red flags.  They discuss the difference between "fuckboys" and "softbois", question what it means when a partner hasn't introduced you to their friends (or featured you on their Insta grid) and chat about why bringing up your ex too much is a sure-fire warning sign.Marc explains his distaste for astrology which leads to the three checking whether their starsigns match up with their personalities, Rachel recalls going on a date with a guy who turned out to be a serial philanderer, and Paul tells the story of the time someone he'd never met claimed to be in a relationship with him.You can find Paul on Twitter and Instagram @PaulDock93.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

A bumper episode this week as Rachel and Marc talk one night stands... and unsurprisingly have a lot to say on the matter.  Swapping stories from some of their funniest flings, they recall the awkwardness of trying to bring someone back to their parents' place, chat about the pros and cons of casual sex, and discuss the differing attitudes society has towards men and women when it comes to promiscuity.Alongside several listener submissions, Marc shares an epiphany he had after a youthful liaison, Rachel reveals her method of keeping track of previous conquests, and the two debate whether someone you've slept with is owed a "duty of care" text... leading to a rather unexpected revelation.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

Marc & Rachel are joined by poet and spoken word artist Cat Hepburn (@CatHepburnWrite) to discuss a mishmash (or smorgasbord, depending on your preference) of dating-related topics, with listener submissions on dating people from different cultures, yet another ghosting story and an Agony Aunt/Uncle/Cousin question for the three to solve.   Rachel and Cat compare what it's like dating Scottish guys versus their international counterparts, Marc is bewildered at Rachel's habit of getting into arguments on Tinder, and Rachel reveals the book Marc read as a child that started him on his self-improvement journey.Cat's new book Dating & Other Hobbies is out on April 29th and available for pre-order now:https://cathepburnwrite.bigcartel.com/product/dating-other-hobbiesYou can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

This week Rachel and Marc are joined by comedian and podcaster Josh Jones to chat about the pros and cons of single life.  With listener submissions on third wheeling, dining alone and going to a wedding solo, they discuss when being “the single one” can be awkward and when it can be liberating.  In a wide-ranging chat with plenty of laughs, Rachel reveals the time she went to a wedding literally dressed as a lemon, Josh shares the story of the time he was proposed to, and Marc recalls being consigned to a hotel floor whilst hearing the couple in the room below doing everything he wasn’t.  Josh then asks the hosts perhaps the burning question of the entire podcast - are Rachel and Marc just commitmentphobes?You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

This week, Marc and Rachel tackle the topic of breakups.  They discuss their own experiences of relationships ending, recall embarrassing teenage conflicts and question whether there's really ever a good way to break things off.Between listener submissions covering ultimatums, tattoos of ex's names and tales of being unceremoniously dumped, Marc tests Rachel's general knowledge skills while Rachel reveals her 'signature scent'.   In addition, Marc reflects on lessons learned from his first experience of heartbreak, Rachel recounts how a breakup helped her rediscover the value of friendships, and both reveal the cringe-worthy songs they'll forever associate with past relationships. You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

Rachel, Marc and Rob return to chat about their Bad Dates and delve into the second half of this episode's listener submissions.  They discuss shite chat, stale sheets and the realities of sex parties.  The usual.   Rachel reveals the contents of her bedroom, Rob writes a self-help book ('Hot Old Cum' potentially being the working title) and Marc tells the tale of being sprayed with a water pistol midway through his comedy show.  You can subscribe to Rob’s YouTube channel here.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

This week Marc and Rachel are joined by comedian and podcaster Rob Mulholland to tackle the topic of terrible dates.  Not unexpectedly, there was a lot of ground to cover on this issue, so much in fact that it’s been split into two seperate parts.  Amongst many things addressed in this first instalment, Rachel, Marc & Rob reveal their own worst dating experiences, ponder the ethics of hooking up with someone you disagree with morally, and react to the first two of four audio submissions from listeners.   There’s plenty more to come on the subject in next week’s episode so be sure to subscribe to hear Part 2.You can subscribe to Rob’s YouTube channel here. You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

This week Rachel and Marc discuss losing your virginity.  They talk about the concept of virginity and the differing expectations men and women feel about it, reveal their own first sexual encounters. and comment on a few voice submissions from listeners who also share some embarrassing tales the first time they had sex - covering topics including car sex, condoms, and finding the right mood music to get down to. You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, where you can send in your own stories or questions for Rachel & Marc (or send an email to debatingdatingpod@gmail.com).   Video versions of this and all other episodes are also available on YouTube.  And if you're enjoying the podcast please remember to subscribe and give us a 5-star review!

Rachel and Marc discuss catfishing alongside TikTok sensation - and Rachel's former after-school acting class partner - Ashley Campbell (@ashcambo).  They chat spambots, how old a dating profile photo is allowed to be, and whether catfishing can be acceptable under certain circumstances.  Ashley reveals her secret photo trick to get more matches, Rachel recalls the mystery of her school's Bebo Catfisher, while Marc tells the story of the time he got catfished at the Ritz Carlton.  They also hear some voice notes from listeners on the subject, including what Marc and Rachel reckon is perhaps the best submission they've had to date.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, where you can send in your own stories or questions for Rachel & Marc (or send an email to debatingdatingpod@gmail.com).   Video versions of this and all other episodes are also available on YouTube.  And if you're enjoying the podcast please remember to subscribe and give us a 5-star review!

This week Marc and Rachel look at the concept of "Shooting Your Shot", the modern parlance for asking out the person you fancy, or working up the courage to tell that special someone how you really feel. They discuss the differing expectations on men and women when it comes to making the first move, the fine line between romance and creepiness, and as ever take a look at some listener submissions.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, where you can send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel (or send an email to debatingdatingpod@gmail.com).   A video version of this and all other episodes are available on YouTube.  And if you're enjoying the podcast please remember to subscribe and give us a 5-star review.

This week Rachel and Marc discuss dating during the pandemic.  Having avoiding the topic so far, with the one year anniversary of the first lockdown fast-approaching they felt it was time to dedicate an episode to how the pandemic has affected dating.Joined by writer Jade Birkin of JadedDating, they talk socially-distanced dates, the unexpected role sexting may play in keeping coronavirus cases down, and how the pandemic puts people in the awkward position of either forming extended households or facing an extended period of loneliness .   There's also a hopeful look to the future (which now looks even more promising since the recent government announcements... roll on 21st June) and what everyone’s looking forward to in their post-COVID dating lives.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and Jade @JadedDatingLifeOr if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

Marc and Rachel have a look at the concept of "The Ick", aka that feeling of being instantly turned off.  With various submissions from listeners explaining their biggest "ick" moments, Rachel and Marc discuss what gives them the ick and if they've ever done anything to give it to someone else.  They round off the episode with one particular submission from a listener who ends up giving the opposite impression of how his date went than he perhaps intended.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

Rachel and Marc discuss the topic of ghosting with comedian and friend of the show Gareth Mutch.  Gareth reveals the time he uncharacteristically became the perpetrator of a ghosting, Rachel explains the different flavours of ghosting (including 'soft ghosting' and being 'zombied'), while Marc reflects on how an encounter with a cash machine gave him a wider perspective on a girl who left him on read.  They also have a good laugh at four very entertaining listener submissions on the topic - including one from a guy who Rachel thinks may have also ghosted her...You can find and subscribe to Gareth's YouTube channel here. You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

More of a deep dive in this one as Marc and Rachel have a slightly more serious discussion on the topic of attraction.  They debate the familiar archetypes of "nice guys" and "bad boys" (and what their female equivalents might be) as well covering areas including love at first sight, "types" and self-esteem.  Marc brings up the psychological concept known as "The Propinquity Effect" that suggests proximity breeds intimacy... which Rachel thinks may explain why "workmances" are such a common occurrence.  There's also some listener submissions which leave the hosts cringing, Marc reveals his penchant for eyewear and Rachel recounts the time she fell in love with a scarf.You can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.Or if you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!

Rachel and Marc are joined by Shetland-based comedian and storyteller Marjolein Robertson for a discussion of first crushes, first kisses, and first forays into the world of romance.  Marjolein explains what the dating scene was like whilst growing up in Shetland and the different meanings "bagging aff" with someone can have.  Marc, Rachel and Marjolein share stories of how they broke their VL's, various embarrassing tales of teenage romance (and lack thereof), as well as listening to four cringe-inducing voice notes sent in from social media... before Marjolein gives an insight into what love looks like as an adult in the real world.   Marjolein is on Twitter @MarjoleinR and Twitch at twitch.tv/marjoleinrobertsonYou can follow @debatingdating on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.If you'd like to send in your own stories or questions for Marc & Rachel you can email debatingdatingpod@gmail.com.   And please remember to subscribe to the podcast and give us a 5-star review if you're enjoying it!