The Dating Orange
- Episodes
- 61
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 10, 2026
About the podcast
Dating can be tough, and I’m here to help you navigate it... or at least make you feel less alone while you're at it. What started as a faceless TikTok page sharing my own dating nightmares has turned into a podcast with me, my pals, and some well known faces. Whether you're single, taken, or somewhere in between, you are all very welcome, huns. 💘🔥 Bonus episodes are coming very soon to HeadStuff+ so watch this space. Become a member and support The Dating Orange at https://headstuffpodcasts.com/. Got a story or want to chat? Contact me: 📧 [email protected] 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @thedatingorange ✨️New episodes every second Tuesday!✨️
Episodes 61
Swing State: The People
In the last episode we looked at the systems that keep the swing scene running. This time we go to the people inside it. What happens to your confidence when strangers desire you — or your partner? How do …
Show notes
In the last episode we looked at the systems that keep the swing scene running. This time we go to the people inside it.
What happens to your confidence when strangers desire you — or your partner? How do couples handle jealousy when it inevitably appears? What does it feel like to experience compersion for the first time? And where’s the line between treating swinging as a fun hobby you can pick up and put down, and treating it as something closer to a lifestyle?
We hear from people who found unexpected self-worth, couples who hit the jealousy wall and found different ways through it, the unusual friendships that form in rooms where half the people have it all on show, and what the scene can do (for better and for worse) to a long-term relationship.
This is the human side of Irish swinging.
To hear the next unreleased episode of the series now become a member of HeadStuff+ to access early episodes of Swing State, bonus episodes and ad free listening. Just go to https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/
Sources:
• Young et al. (2023) – ADHD and sexual interests/practices
• Walsh-Adams et al. (2026) – Autistic traits and consensual non-monogamy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Swing State: Full Play
Once you step through the door, what does the Irish swinging scene actually look like? Episode 2 walks you through the basics: the clear line between quiet socials in public bars and full play parties, how …
Show notes
Once you step through the door, what does the Irish swinging scene actually look like?
Episode 2 walks you through the basics: the clear line between quiet socials in public bars and full play parties, how people find events, and the unspoken ranking that decides who gets attention and who struggles. We look at verifications, filters, site supporters, the simple rules organisers stick to so things don’t go balls-up, and what a full weekend away in the Midlands really involves - cabins, communal breakfasts, playrooms and all.
Plus the public moments that spill into hotel bars, the different energies of different rooms, and why the better nights stay selective on purpose. This is the systems episode: how the scene tries to keep itself running, and keep people safe.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Swing State: Soft Entry
Have you ever thought about how people actually find their way into Ireland’s swinging scene? In the series opener of Swing State, we start at the door. My week-long experiment on Fab Swingers reveals a …
Show notes
Have you ever thought about how people actually find their way into Ireland’s swinging scene? In the series opener of Swing State, we start at the door.
My week-long experiment on Fab Swingers reveals a dramatic gender gap in attention. Origin stories from real-life swingers range from chance kitchen conversations and post-breakup curiosity to couples in long relationships deciding to explore together or trying to fix their marriage. Journalist Aoife Moore defines what swinging actually means in an Irish context, while people already inside share the gap between what they expected (alternative looks, pure porn, key parties) and what they found: ordinary people of all ages, strict-ish rules, and a lot more talking than outsiders in the 'vanilla world' assume.
First nights, first nerves, filters, free single women, and the quiet machinery that keeps the scene ticking over. Curiosity, apps, and a delivery of veg. This is how you get in.
To hear episode two of the series now become a member of HeadStuff+ to access early episodes of Swing State, bonus episodes and ad free listening. Just go to https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Swing State - Coming Soon!
Beyond the old myths of keys in a bowl and pampas grass lies a quiet but strong subculture operating right across Ireland. Swing State is a new five-part investigative podcast series that takes an unvarnished …
Show notes
Beyond the old myths of keys in a bowl and pampas grass lies a quiet but strong subculture operating right across Ireland.
Swing State is a new five-part investigative podcast series that takes an unvarnished look inside the country's swinging and alternative dating scene.
The series combines real-life stories, event insider perspectives, and a week-long app experiment that yielded 387 messages in just seven days. Over five episodes, we examine how people first find their way in, what the nights and systems actually look like on the scene, what this does to relationships, where it starts to go wrong, and what remains when someone decides to walk away.
Grounded, candid, and non-judgmental, Swing State cuts through the noise to deliver an honest look at Swing culture in Ireland today.
Episode one is out Tuesday the 27th of October!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[Preview] Bonus: The Kink Scene in Ireland with Jenny
This week the orange is joined by Jenny for the first of a two-part bonus series. Jenny shares what life is really like living in rural Ireland in a poly household. Jenny opens up about sleeping arrangements …
Show notes
This week the orange is joined by Jenny for the first of a two-part bonus series. Jenny shares what life is really like living in rural Ireland in a poly household. Jenny opens up about sleeping arrangements, handling jealousy, and how clear communication keeps their relationship thriving.
To hear the full episode and unlock ad-free listening become a member at https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts. Thank you for supporting the pod! 🍊
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[Preview] Bonus: Living Poly in Rural Ireland with Jenny
This week the orange is joined by Jenny for the first of a two-part bonus series. Jenny shares what life is really like living in rural Ireland in a poly household. Jenny opens up about sleeping arrangements …
Show notes
This week the orange is joined by Jenny for the first of a two-part bonus series. Jenny shares what life is really like living in rural Ireland in a poly household. Jenny opens up about sleeping arrangements, handling jealousy, and how clear communication keeps their relationship thriving.
To hear the full episode and unlock ad-free listening become a member at https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts. Thank you for supporting the pod! 🍊
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Polyamory Actually Works
This week, the Orange co-hosted by friend of the show Justine Stafford sits down with creative director Hloni Coleman to explore alternative dating and break down how polyamory actually works. Hloni shares his …
Show notes
This week, the Orange co-hosted by friend of the show Justine Stafford sits down with creative director Hloni Coleman to explore alternative dating and break down how polyamory actually works.
Hloni shares his personal experiences with polyamorous relationships, setting boundaries, and managing jealousy. Plus, they react to real listener stories about alternative dating in Ireland and offer advice on navigating hierarchy in relationships.
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[Preview] Bonus: Wedding Planning Part 2 (With Roisin from Daters Gonna Date)
Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Roisin from Daters Gonna Date. This week we discuss the rest of the venues we both visited, vendors, music & entertainment options. To hear the full episode and …
Show notes
Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Roisin from Daters Gonna Date.
This week we discuss the rest of the venues we both visited, vendors, music & entertainment options.
To hear the full episode and unlock ad-free listening become a member at https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts. Thank you for supporting the pod! 🍊
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Finding The Perfect Wedding Venue (with Roisin from Daters Gonna Date)
This week, the Orange sits down with Roisin from the Daters Gonna Date podcast to break down the reality of wedding venue hunting across Ireland. From capacity caps and costs to barn setups, and mountain …
Show notes
This week, the Orange sits down with Roisin from the Daters Gonna Date podcast to break down the reality of wedding venue hunting across Ireland.
From capacity caps and costs to barn setups, and mountain estates, they share the pros and cons of the spots they toured and why some fell flat. A must listen for any bride to be, so tell your friends who are engaged!
If you're enjoying this chat part two will be out exclusively for bonus members next Tuesday. 🍊
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[Preview] Bonus: Closure, Delusion and Letting Go with Justine Stafford
Your friend was in a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship, but five years later they’re still talking about him, looking for contact with him and his family, and searching for closure. When does the …
Show notes
Your friend was in a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship, but five years later they’re still talking about him, looking for contact with him and his family, and searching for closure. When does the need for closure stop being healing and start becoming self-harm? And when do you have to accept that you can’t keep helping someone who isn’t ready to move on? I speak to Justine Stafford about a recent situation with a friend that ultimately led me to end the friendship
To hear the full episode and unlock ad-free listening become a member at https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TikTok Thirst Traps to Craigslist Catfishes with Ross
This week's guest is Ross (@unsub1989), content creator, activist, accidental political commentator, and self-described 'Paddystinian.' His online journey is a funny one. He started off posting tasteful thirst …
Show notes
This week's guest is Ross (@unsub1989), content creator, activist, accidental political commentator, and self-described 'Paddystinian.' His online journey is a funny one. He started off posting tasteful thirst traps on TikTok and somehow ended up talking about housing, healthcare, and government policy.
But today we are parking the politics, and we're getting into his dating life. Ross is bisexual, so he's seeing it from all angles. We talk about his disillusionment with hookup culture, how it's no easier dating men as a man, and some of the mad situations that he's found himself in over the years, including getting catfished on Craigslist and a date getting maximum financial value from him. Enjoy!
Find ross on TikTok @unsub1989
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[Preview] Bonus: Matchmaking Adrian & Caroline
This week we hear from the wonderful Adrian & Caroline after their first date. To hear the full episode and access ad-free listening go to https://headstuffpodcasts.com/membership/ to become a HeadStuff+ …
Show notes
This week we hear from the wonderful Adrian & Caroline after their first date. To hear the full episode and access ad-free listening go to https://headstuffpodcasts.com/membership/ to become a HeadStuff+ member.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Navigating Singles Events with Samantha Keating
Welcome back to The Dating Orange! 🍊 This week, the Orange chats with Samantha Keating, founder of Your Friend, My Friend, about running over 150 singles events across Ireland. Sam breaks down why meeting …
Show notes
Welcome back to The Dating Orange! 🍊
This week, the Orange chats with Samantha Keating, founder of Your Friend, My Friend, about running over 150 singles events across Ireland. Sam breaks down why meeting offline beats swiping on apps, why people need to give the spark time to grow, and the mystery of getting men to actually show up. This is a must listen for anyone done with dating apps.
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From Courtrooms To Comedy with Justine Halpin
Welcome back to The Dating Orange! Today's guest, Justine Halpin, solicitor working in domestic violence by day and a stand up comedian by night, giving her a unique perspective on dating. Despite working tough …
Show notes
Welcome back to The Dating Orange!
Today's guest, Justine Halpin, solicitor working in domestic violence by day and a stand up comedian by night, giving her a unique perspective on dating. Despite working tough cases daily, she’s held onto her sense of humor.
She shares her own relationship experiences, including a Dublin actor who was seeing other women, leading to a surprising friendship and chats through bad relationships, red flags, coercive control and Jennie's Law.
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[Preview] Bonus: Matchmaking Mairead & Conor
Tall? Check. Ginger? Snickers workwear? Check. The Orange may have found Mairead’s dream guy this week, but could he actually be the one? To hear the full episode and access ad-free listening go to …
Show notes
Tall? Check. Ginger? Snickers workwear? Check.
The Orange may have found Mairead’s dream guy this week, but could he actually be the one?
To hear the full episode and access ad-free listening go to https://headstuffpodcasts.com/membership/ to become a HeadStuff+ member.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nightmare Dates with Tracy from The Midlands
Welcome back to The Dating Orange! This week the Orange is joined by the wonderful Tracy from The Midlands. Tracy is a gas character who has lots of hilarious and shocking stories from years of trying to find a …
Show notes
Welcome back to The Dating Orange!
This week the Orange is joined by the wonderful Tracy from The Midlands. Tracy is a gas character who has lots of hilarious and shocking stories from years of trying to find a normal fella. If you've ever wondered where all the good and decent men have disappeared you'll enjoy this one.
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[Preview] Bonus: Matchmaking Triona & Richard
This week the orange is matching up Richard and Triona. Surely we don't have another case of ghosting on our hands this week!?.. 👻 To hear the full episode and access ad-free listening go to …
Show notes
This week the orange is matching up Richard and Triona. Surely we don't have another case of ghosting on our hands this week!?.. 👻 To hear the full episode and access ad-free listening go to https://headstuffpodcasts.com/membership/ to become a HeadStuff+ member.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Catfish: Who Is Behind Dr. Rudy Stein?
Welcome back to The Dating Orange! Three women got in touch with me separately over the space of a few months, all describing different experiences with the same man from a dating app… and it was only when they …
Show notes
Welcome back to The Dating Orange!
Three women got in touch with me separately over the space of a few months, all describing different experiences with the same man from a dating app… and it was only when they started comparing notes that they realised they hadn’t just dated the same person, they had all been speaking to the same fake identity. Tune in this week as we ask who is behind Dr. Rudy Stein.
And yet, when it came time to meet him in real life, something always came up, something always went wrong… and eventually, after a bit of digging, the entire identity started to fall apart.
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Josie in Dublin: Normal People vs. Real Irish Lads
Welcome back to The Dating Orange! This week the orange is joined by Josie, a TikToker from Chicago living in Dublin. Josie opens up about moving to Ireland with Normal People expectations, only to be met with …
Show notes
Welcome back to The Dating Orange!
This week the orange is joined by Josie, a TikToker from Chicago living in Dublin. Josie opens up about moving to Ireland with Normal People expectations, only to be met with low effort pub dates and TikTok backlash for being 'too forward' for the men of Ireland.
Keep up with Josie on TikTok @liketotallyjosie
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Manosphere & Male Loneliness with Aoife Moore
Welcome back to The Dating Orange! This week the orange is joined by journalist and author Aoife Moore to chat about the recent Louis Theroux Manosphere documentary and the male loneliness epidemic. Plus, the …
Show notes
Welcome back to The Dating Orange!
This week the orange is joined by journalist and author Aoife Moore to chat about the recent Louis Theroux Manosphere documentary and the male loneliness epidemic. Plus, the Orange has an interesting story to get Aoife's thoughts on... Enjoy 🍊
To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership
This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
[Preview] Bonus: Matchmaking Séan and Laura
Welcome to the very first exclusive matchmaking episode of The Dating Orange. This week, the Orange is matching up farmer Séan and teacher Lorna. They seem perfect on paper, but will sparks fly when they …
Show notes
Welcome to the very first exclusive matchmaking episode of The Dating Orange. This week, the Orange is matching up farmer Séan and teacher Lorna. They seem perfect on paper, but will sparks fly when they finally meet?
To hear the full episode and access ad-free listening go to https://headstuffpodcasts.com/membership/ to become a HeadStuff+ member for just €5 a month +VAT.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
JUSTINE…. I’M ENGAGED
Welcome back for a new season of The Dating Orange. This week The Orange opens up to good pal Justine Stafford about her recent engagement. This one is not to be missed! 🍊💍 To support the show and access …
Show notes
Welcome back for a new season of The Dating Orange.
This week The Orange opens up to good pal Justine Stafford about her recent engagement. This one is not to be missed! 🍊💍
To support the show and access ad-free listening become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership and keep an eye out for bonus episodes coming very soon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Dating Orange Is Back
The Dating Orange is back and this new season dives headfirst into the chaos of modern dating, featuring real-life stories from everyday people, from a man with his own “baby reindeer” experience to a woman …
Show notes
The Dating Orange is back and this new season dives headfirst into the chaos of modern dating, featuring real-life stories from everyday people, from a man with his own “baby reindeer” experience to a woman whose date faked his father’s death. Alongside comedians, journalists, therapists and content creators, the series explores everything from the manosphere and women’s safety to healing, heartbreak and the bizarre realities of finding love today.
First episode is out next Tuesday the 19th and new episodes are released every second Tuesday on HeadStuff Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!
To support the show and access ad-free listening become a member at headstuffpodcasts.com/membership and keep an eye out for bonus episodes coming very soon.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sign up for matchmaking!
Matchmaking is coming back for season 3 of The Dating Orange Podcast and it's bigger and better than ever, with HeadStuff Podcasts! Give it a go - you never know! Fill in the form here …
Show notes
Matchmaking is coming back for season 3 of The Dating Orange Podcast and it's bigger and better than ever, with HeadStuff Podcasts!
Give it a go - you never know!
Fill in the form here: http://headstuffpodcasts.com/orange
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dating-orange-podcast--5898530/support.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jennie's Law: Elma's Story
In this episode of my four-part Jennie’s Law series, Elma shares her story of leaving an abusive marriage after years of mental abuse. She talks about her ex-partner’s alcoholism, the safety order she obtained …
Show notes
In this episode of my four-part Jennie’s Law series, Elma shares her story of leaving an abusive marriage after years of mental abuse. She talks about her ex-partner’s alcoholism, the safety order she obtained, his breach and conviction, and why she believes it’s so important for anyone entering a relationship with him to know his history.
Elma is now in a happy and peaceful relationship and hopes her story inspires other women in similar situations to leave and know that there is happiness after abuse.
This is the final episode of Season 2.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dating-orange-podcast--5898530/support.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jennie's Law: Amanda's Story
Amanda shares her story of nearly nine years in an abusive relationship filled with violence, control, and addiction. Her ex had a history of violent convictions, struggled with gambling, drugs, and porn, and …
Show notes
Amanda shares her story of nearly nine years in an abusive relationship filled with violence, control, and addiction. Her ex had a history of violent convictions, struggled with gambling, drugs, and porn, and when he owed men money, they came to her door making threats. She stayed for years, fearing what would happen when she left, until she finally saw her chance to escape.
Amanda is confident that if a law like Jennie’s Law had been in place, those ten years of her life would have looked very different.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dating-orange-podcast--5898530/support.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jennie's Law: Sasha's Story
Sasha shares her story of surviving a brutal assault by her then-boyfriend, and fighting for justice. She talks about the challenges women face when speaking out, difficulties in the courtroom, and why a law …
Show notes
Sasha shares her story of surviving a brutal assault by her then-boyfriend, and fighting for justice. She talks about the challenges women face when speaking out, difficulties in the courtroom, and why a law like Jennie’s Law will make a real difference to women in the future.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dating-orange-podcast--5898530/support.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jennie's Law: Jennie's Story
This episode is all about Jennie’s Law, the proposed legislation aimed at protecting people from entering relationships with partners who have a history of domestic violence. Approved by cabinet and now before …
Show notes
This episode is all about Jennie’s Law, the proposed legislation aimed at protecting people from entering relationships with partners who have a history of domestic violence. Approved by cabinet and now before the Dáil, the law is a vital step toward making dating safer, and we hope it will soon be signed into law.
In this episode, Jason Poole, Jennifer Poole’s brother, shares her story and his fight for change. We discuss not only the law itself, but also the wider issues in tackling domestic violence and what still needs to be done. This is an important series for anyone dating, raising awareness and providing insight into the realities many people face.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dating-orange-podcast--5898530/support.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Catfish in the Cockpit
Dearbhaile matched with a man claiming to be an Aer Lingus pilot - he definitely was not a pilot but definitely was actually married with kids. For two weeks, he spoofed about his job, travels and life as a …
Show notes
Dearbhaile matched with a man claiming to be an Aer Lingus pilot - he definitely was not a pilot but definitely was actually married with kids. For two weeks, he spoofed about his job, travels and life as a pilot, until Dearbhaile found out the truth and put the fear of God into him over text. A year later, he popped up on MY Tinder, this time photoshopping his head onto a pilot’s body. We chat through the full story, how it all unfolded, and share some tips on spotting red flags and making sure someone is who they say they are before meeting up.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dating-orange-podcast--5898530/support.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Filthy John: Monica's Story - Part 2
In the final episode of The Dating Orange Podcast, Monica talks about the challenges she faced after her relationship with John ended. She shares her disappointment with the lack of support from the guards and …
Show notes
In the final episode of The Dating Orange Podcast, Monica talks about the challenges she faced after her relationship with John ended. She shares her disappointment with the lack of support from the guards and how she even faced a Tusla investigation for leaving her daughter alone for a few hours while she worked. We also hear reconstructions of some of the calls she recorded from John - showing clearly his threatening behaviour. This episode wraps up her story and the experiences of the women who came forward.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dating-orange-podcast--5898530/support.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
These are the latest 40 of 61 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
Similar podcasts
More Society & Culture podcasts
Is this your podcast?
Confirm it with an entry in your feed: you get a code here, add it as podcast:txt to the channel of your feed, and we check it. Your podcast is then shown as “verified” on SoundNode.