Dating Detours is a podcast for grown-up daters who’ve been through breakups, therapy, and modern dating chaos. We dive into real stories of ghosting, red flags, healing, and dating fails — with guests who are learning to love better, one detour at a time.
Modern dating podcast, real relationships, healing after heartbreak.
🎙️ Produced by Go Local Productions
💬 Be a guest: golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest
📍 Recorded at Ring Spaces Studio in FXBG, VA
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🎙️ Want to Be a Guest on Dating Detours?
Got a story that deserves its own episode? Whether it’s a wild dating app encounter, a ghosting saga, or a red flag that should’ve been a billboard — we want to hear it.
We’re booking real people with real stories for upcoming recordings at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA (and virtual guests too!).
Come spill the tea, share the chaos, and help someone else feel a little less alone.
Rich lived the nightlife grind, worked nonstop, and built businesses from the ground up — but somewhere along the way, he realized something huge: Being successful means nothing if you don’t learn how to show up for the people you love. In this episode, Marcus and Rich dive into how he transformed from an always-on-the-go entrepreneur into a man who finally masters his time, protects his peace, and builds healthier relationships. Rich opens up about: 💼 Balancing entrepreneurship with being present🍼 How being a girl dad shifted his perspective on love and time📅 The calendar system that keeps him intentional with work, his daughter & his relationship❤️ How his new relationship thrives because he actually manages his time well🔥 Why setting expectations early makes everything smoother✨ The mindset upgrades that turned him into a better partner and father This isn’t a sad story — it’s a blueprint.A mature, real-life glow-up for anyone who’s ever struggled with balance, boundaries, and being present in a fast-moving world. Women will LOVE this one because it shows the kind of growth men rarely talk about out loud. Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
After leaving a 21-year marriage, Josie steps back into the dating world with zero hesitation, zero sugar-coating, and maximum Virgo honesty. In this episode, she and Marcus break down the modern dating chaos — from trauma-dumping to ghosting, from courting vs “hanging out,” to what happens when you finally choose yourself after decades of choosing everyone else. You’ll hear:• How she rebuilt her identity after 21 years committed• Why “courting” still matters in 2025• How Virgos really love (and why it scares people)• Signs a situationship is wasting your time• Why she refuses to date married or separated men• The difference between “I’m dating” and “I’m healing”• Marcus getting called out again for his Virgo chaos This episode is funny, real, emotional, and the perfect reality check for anybody who’s starting over — or thinking about it. Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
The first guest who actually made it out of the chaos — and into a healthy marriage. Ashley joins Marcus to share a rare thing on Dating Detours — a story that ends well.She’s our first guest who’s currently married and genuinely happy, but it took a lot of wreckage to get there. From her “starter husband” to healing deep family wounds, Ashley lays out the messy road between toxicity and true love. She opens up about learning what real partnership feels like, how therapy changed her patterns, and why self-awareness was the key to finding her soulmate. This one’s vulnerable, funny, and packed with truth bombs for anyone learning to love again after chaos. 🔥 What you’ll hear: Why your first marriage might’ve just been your training round Healing after narcissistic relationships and childhood trauma The secret to co-parenting without bitterness How healthy love actually feels The inner work that makes real love possible Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
Sometimes love feels like a rescue… until you realize you’re the one who needs saving. In this episode, Marcus sits down with Melissa, a 43-year-old from Fredericksburg who’s been married twice, survived heartbreak twice, and is finally learning to put herself first. From her first “Captain Save-A-Ho” marriage to a second round that looked perfect but turned controlling and toxic, Melissa opens up about the messy middle between fairy tales and freedom. This raw, unfiltered convo dives into: 💍 Marriage on fast-forward: when love moves too fast to last 🚩 Toxic patterns: why we repeat them and how to break free 💔 Losing yourself in love: and rebuilding piece by piece 👩👦 Parenting through the chaos: what kids see, learn, and carry 💪 Reclaiming peace: finding power after betrayal Real talk, real pain, and real growth — this one hits deep for anyone who’s ever said, “Never again.” Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
What happens when the “honeymoon phase” fades — and reality hits harder than you ever imagined? In this raw and unfiltered episode, Marcus sits down with Arlene, who shares her story of falling fast, loving hard, and watching her fairytale turn into a nightmare. From whirlwind romance and culture clashes to emotional abuse and rediscovering herself, this one’s a rollercoaster of red flags, resilience, and real talk. 💍 The love match that turned into heartbreak😳 The husband who vanished for 18 months💔 The moment she realized “forever” was over🔥 How she rebuilt her confidence and peace from the ashes If you’ve ever fallen for potential instead of reality — this one’s for you. Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
From “build an empire with me or stay in the streets” to “you can’t cuddle with your friends-with-benefits,” Marcus and Krystal keep it too real in this chaotic and hilarious episode of Dating Detours. They dive into why Thursday nights hit different, why “nice guys” lose to confidence, and how falling in love with yourself might be the best revenge on modern dating. Between stories of quick military marriages, toxic cuddle culture, and grown-folk reflections, this one’s equal parts therapy and stand-up comedy. 💬 Topics:• Castle or the streets — picking a lane in modern dating• Thirsty Thursday energy and why it’s undefeated• The “friends-with-benefits” fine print nobody reads• Dating as a single parent & rediscovering yourself• Why self-love isn’t cliché — it’s survival Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
What happens when you spend 20 years being a wife and mom — and suddenly realize it’s time to choose yourself? In this powerful episode, Marcus and Kitty sit down with Brie from the Burg, who opens up about starting over at 44, rediscovering her identity, and learning to love life alone after divorce. They dive into:💔 When the tears stop — and healing finally begins👩👧 Finding balance as a single mom of a teen💪 Rebuilding confidence after losing yourself in love🧘♀️ Why being alone isn’t the same as being lonely🎨 How side hustles and self-discovery rebuild self-worth If you’ve ever had to start over — this one will hit deep. Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
In this raw and real episode, James opens up about moving from toxic relationships into a healthy, affirming partnership with a trans man. From caregiving after surgery to wearing rings and talking about future last names, James shares how communication, honesty, and boundaries are shaping this new chapter. We dig into: Recognizing red flags early and breaking the cycle of self-sabotage Family support through the coming-out journey — from fear to full acceptance Caregiving, trust, and what it really means to “show up” in a relationship Lessons from past partners who love-bombed, cheated, and drained energy Big life goals: marriage, kids, and even launching a community coffee shop that blends travel, recovery, and creativity This isn’t just a dating story — it’s about healing from trauma, building resilience, and setting a roadmap for love and life. ✨ Listen now if you’ve ever wondered how to turn heartbreak into growth, or how to navigate a relationship with honesty after past chaos. Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
🚩 Red flags don’t just wave — sometimes they scream. Pierre Reynolds thought he found “the one.” Shared friends, chemistry, passion. But what started as comfort turned into control, narcissism, and the fight that summed up their entire marriage: he bought himself a pair of Nikes… and she lost it. In this unfiltered episode, Marcus and Kitty dig into Pierre’s rollercoaster:🔥 The “Nike fight” that became the symbol of his toxic marriage🔥 How narcissists slowly cut you off from your friends until you’re trapped🔥 Why so many marriages exploded during COVID lockdowns🔥 The brutal truth about thinking a wedding ring will “fix” red flags🔥 Masculinity, femininity, and how modern dating is rewriting the rules This one’s messy, hilarious, and painfully relatable. If you’ve ever ignored the obvious red flags (👋 guilty), you’re going to feel this episode in your soul. 💥 Listen now — because we’ve ALL stayed too long in a toxic relationship. Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
What kind of drunk are you — happy 🍻 or toxic 💀? After 5 years of swearing off relationships, Jeff is back in the dating game — and he’s terrified of messing it up. Along the way, he drops some hilariously honest truths about dating, drinking, and trying not to self-sabotage. In this episode, Marcus and Kitty dive in with Jeff on: Why he “retired” from dating after a brutal breakup The fine line between a happy drunk vs toxic drunk How therapy reshaped the way he handles relationships Dating app disasters — including getting used to change light bulbs 🤦♂️ Cuffing season, picky eating, and why board games > relationship games If you’ve ever dated the toxic drunk, been the toxic drunk, or just laughed at how wild small-town bar culture can get — this one’s for you. Listen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XAPodbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersiteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetoursWebsitehttps://www.datingdetours.comGot a dating story? Be a guest:https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guestEnjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA:https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/We create our clips with Opus:https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductionsStart your own podcast with our recommended gear:https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4
Got a story that deserves its own episode? Whether it’s a wild dating app encounter, a ghosting saga, or a red flag that should’ve been a billboard — we want to hear it.
We’re booking real people with real stories for upcoming recordings at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA (and virtual guests too!).
Come spill the tea, share the chaos, and help someone else feel a little less alone.