Dating Detours

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

Marcus & Kitty sit down with guest Brendan Hill who describes himself as “single but active” and shares the highs and lows of his dating life.
💬 In this episode:
“Dating with intent” — but what’s the real intent?
Cuffing season explained (summer, fall, winter, all the seasons).
A turbulent summer date that went downhill fast.
Ghosting, miscommunication, and ignoring red flags.
Why sometimes… we’re all walking red flags.
 
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

This one’s WILD. Our guest Kristen dives all the way in on the messy reality of modern dating:
Why married men seem to be obsessed with her
The cycle of going back to exes (and why it never works)
The toxic fuck buddy trap — “I love you” during sex but not after
“Demon dick” & “demon pussy” stories that keep people coming back for more
Fake hobbies, fake sports fans, fake interests just to keep someone
Why communication, self-focus, and not putting all your eggs in one basket might be the only real dating advice that matters
This is raw, hilarious, and painfully relatable. If you’ve ever recycled an ex, dealt with toxic attachment, or questioned if men and women can really just be friends…this one hits home.
👉 Don’t miss Kristen’s closing advice for anyone re-entering the dating scene after divorce or a long relationship — it’s the kind of truth you’ll wish someone told you sooner.
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 Episode 7, host Marcus and guest cohost Justice sit down with Christine, a 44-year-old from Texas, to talk raw and unfiltered about dating after divorce, wild rebound phases, and the journey toward self-love.
Christine opens up about two back-to-back marriages, diving straight into relationships without time to heal—and the chaos that followed. From one-night stands and dating apps to therapy, attachment styles, and finally... peace, she shares the messy, hilarious, and healing parts of rebuilding her identity.
🎧 This episode hits if you’ve ever:
Jumped from relationship to relationship to avoid loneliness
Struggled with anxious or avoidant attachment
Said “I’m done with dating apps” (again)
Used sex, validation, or distractions to numb heartbreak
Wondered how to date with intention after years of doing it wrong
Plus: navigating hookup culture in your 40s, cougar stories, sex toys, narcissists, and why doing the inner work matters before you fall in love again.
Real talk. Zero filters. Tons of laughs.
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 ghosting to sugar baby dreams — this one’s juicy.
In Episode 6 of Dating Detours, Marcus and co-host Kitty sit down with Fredericksburg guest Lury for one of the wildest, realest conversations yet.
They talk:
Being a gay dad and navigating co-parenting
Dating while over 40 (and very single)
Getting used for sex… and sent roses the next day 💐
Pay pigs, toxic love, stalker exes, and why healing hurts
It’s hilarious, raw, and surprisingly deep. You’re gonna laugh, maybe cry, and absolutely feel seen.
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 abusive exes to petty breakups, this one gets deep AND hilarious.Lisa joins Marcus and Kitty to share how she escaped an 11-year toxic marriage and found real love — thanks to a suspiciously simple Tinder profile. We talk healing after abuse, co-parenting wins, dating while traumatized, and the real reason that guy disappeared after week three (hint: he was probably married 😒). Oh, and we absolutely go off on people who steal pillows, ketchup, and Christmas lights in a breakup. You don’t wanna miss 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

Somewhere between raising kids, waving red flags, and cracking open White Claws… we realized: you can’t save everyone — and you shouldn’t even try.
In this episode of Dating Detours, Marcus, Kitty, and guest Chandra Gore dive into:💔 When marriages wreck your credit and your peace🐈 Retiring your “save-a-hero” cape once and for all🧘‍♀️ Poly tribes, passenger princesses & emotional support humans👶 How kids (and dogs) will humble your dating life real quick🚩 Why “I’m not looking for anything serious” is NOT a challenge😂 And why White Claws don’t count as drinking (…maybe)
It’s honest, hilarious, a little messy — and way too relatable.
🎧 Listen now and ask yourself:What’s the most toxic thing you kept trying to fix?
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 episode of Dating Detours, hosts Marcus and Kitty engage in a candid conversation with guest Heidi Durst about the complexities of modern dating.
They explore the challenges faced by individuals navigating the dating scene post-divorce, the overwhelming nature of dating apps, and the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships.
The discussion also dives into the impact of infidelity, the dynamics of different dating apps, the financial realities of dating, and the unique struggles of single parents.
Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, they unpack blind dates, first impressions, polyamory, evolving gender roles, and how therapy & self-awareness are crucial for navigating modern relationships.
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