Episodes

  • LTN 31 - Flawed and Damaged

    LTN 31 - Flawed and Damaged
    May 7 2026
    Reigniting relationship spark with affection, novelty, and deeper conversations Relationships becoming transactional with kids, work, and routines Reflection on separation and divorce during a South Beach birthday trip Relief and optimism after leaving an unhappy marriage Story of meeting a future spouse in a dirty New Orleans bar Fantasy vs reality of dating again after divorce Disappointment with emotionally unavailable divorced daters Criticism of people complaining about the dating pool while contributing to it Differences between divorced and never-married people in their 30s Everyone in dating carrying flaws, trauma, and insecurities Men struggling with vulnerability and emotional availability Emotionally healthy commitment-oriented men marrying young Avoidant attachment styles and love bombing narcissists Attraction to exciting but emotionally unreliable partners Joke about finding widowers at funeral home happy hours Women competing for the same highly desirable men Nice men getting taken advantage of in relationships Discussion about lifelong singleness and avoiding relationships Humans needing connection but varying in emotional needs Non-romantic friendships and family fulfilling emotional needs Story of a mother happily staying single for decades Desire for companionship later in life despite independence Men entering new relationships quickly after divorce or loss Wanting companionship and caretaking more than sex in old age Young adults avoiding dating and blaming financial struggles Relationship recession and society becoming less social Digital life replacing real human connection People forming emotional relationships with AI systems Reference to couples therapist Esther Perel and AI dating cases Criticism of AI constantly validating and agreeing with users Debate over younger generations lacking social confidence Story about younger people disliking cold approaches at bars Modern dating shifting almost entirely to DMs and apps Debate over approaching strangers vs sliding into DMs Thrill and adrenaline of flirting and face-to-face attraction Confidence and humor mattering more than looks initially Joke about funny men struggling romantically Fear of modern dating after a hypothetical divorce Height as a major advantage in dating Reference to Richard Dawkins believing AI may be conscious Discussion about AI companions replacing emotional relationships Comparison between cloning pets and recreating emotional bonds Fear of emotionally perfect AI partners replacing humans Concern that frictionless happiness removes meaning from life Gen Z treating relationships more like emotional investments Younger daters being more aware of toxic dating behaviors Ghosting, breadcrumbing, and ghost-lighting explained Intermittent attention creating addictive emotional attachment Comparison between toxic relationships and addiction cycles Humans struggling with ancient instincts in a modern world Comparison between toxic partners and addictive junk food Praise for Krispy Kreme Dots during addiction discussion Mention of Super Size Me and unhealthy cravings Discussion about GLP-1 style solutions for emotional cravings Mention of using Zepbound to reduce compulsive eating Advice to slow down emotionally before attaching to someone Warning against repeatedly taking back disappearing partners Investing in emotionally stable people over exciting chaos Therapy focused on communication and growth instead of fixing people Most people never learning healthy relationship skills growing up Emotionally mature people communicating clearly about commitment Couples therapy helping healthy relationships avoid dead-end patterns Discussion about tone, defensiveness, and nervous system reactions Avoiding difficult conversations damaging relationships over time Shoe storage fights becoming emotional relationship symbols Story about shoe cabinets and ignored sunglass boxes Repeated household habits creating emotional exhaustion Difference between respectful requests and nagging Advice to frame conflict around emotional impact instead of blame Importance of understanding over winning arguments Healthy communication preventing resentment and circular fights Joke that shoe storage may be the biggest relationship issue Promotion for the podcast Insights from the Couch ### Social Media https://tomanddan.com https://x.com/tomanddanlive https://facebook.com/amediocretime https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive Where to Find the Show Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw Tom & Dan on Real Radio 104.1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s ...
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    52 mins
  • LTN 30 - Piles of Secrets

    LTN 30 - Piles of Secrets
    Apr 30 2026
    Love Thy Neighbor rebranding discussion and tone shift Dan jokes about appearance, gray sideburns, unshaven look Beard dye trends and contrast of gray vs dark facial hair Ska band and exaggerated character comparisons Listener email segment kicks off after backlog Husband obsessed with Instagram coastal minimalist aesthetic Comparing real life to influencer homes, bodies, vacations Pressure on wife to match size 0 influencer standards Resentment over not affording influencer lifestyle Husband asks wife to get in shape for photos Criticism framed as creative growth, dismissing feelings Emotional disconnect and absence from family life Wife feels she is competing with fantasy lifestyle Social media addiction impacting relationship expectations Coastal aesthetic explained as beach chic Hamptons vibe Hosts react to absurd social media pressure on spouse Therapist angle on unmet emotional needs behind fixation Body criticism and comparison harming relationship trust Example of body criticism contributing to divorce Attraction, communication, and sensitivity in long term relationships Advice to have honest conversation about emotional impact Suggestion to find compromise around shared interests Balance partner interests with respect and emotional safety Reframing messy life as authentic and positive Social media lifestyles described as staged and performative Influencer content compared to curated family content Obsession tied to unmet needs outside relationship Encourage expressing loneliness and competition feelings Competing attachment where hobbies replace partner connection Examples of identity consuming hobbies and social circles Risk of hobbies leading to emotional or physical affairs Debate on control vs trust in relationships Focus on where emotional energy is directed Importance of restoring emotional presence in relationship Social media addiction fueling dissatisfaction and comparison Algorithms shaping feeds and attraction patterns Cultural shift in expressing attraction publicly Decline of catcalling and public objectification norms Modern expectations around respectful comments Debate on giving compliments appropriately Suggestion wife consider leaving due to behavior Reminder emails reflect one sided perspective Advice to communicate without blame and clarify feelings Miscommunication driven by tone and body language People interpret words through personal experience Importance of clarifying meaning in conversations Warning against serious discussions over text Long distance relationship maintained through constant Zoom Emotional exhaustion from nonstop virtual interaction Relationship fading despite constant communication Question of sustainability without physical presence Need for plan to reunite in person Lack of touch and intimacy weakening bond Digital only relationships not sustainable long term Spouse hides 165000 in student loan debt Conflict over secrecy and financial transparency Trust breach seen as core issue Debate over shared vs individual debt Secrecy more damaging than financial burden Hidden decisions compared to secret luxury purchase Pattern of hiding actions to avoid conflict Therapy insight on secrecy from fear of disapproval Importance of honesty even if partner disagrees Balance independence with transparency in marriage Secrecy creating bigger relationship problems Different views on full transparency vs privacy Emotional intimacy requires openness Some prefer limited knowledge creating different dynamics Show format note chaotic start advice middle humor end People avoid conflict due to partner reactions Importance of maintaining identity in relationships Encourage asserting needs respectfully The Cost of Quiet book mention Wrap up of relationship advice segment ### Social Media https://tomanddan.com https://x.com/tomanddanlive https://facebook.com/amediocretime https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive Where to Find the Show Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw Tom & Dan on Real Radio 104.1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s Exclusive Content https://tomanddan.com/registration Merch https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/
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    47 mins
  • LTN 29 - The Kids Are Alright

    LTN 29 - The Kids Are Alright
    Apr 24 2026

    Social Media
    https://tomanddan.com
    https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive
    https://facebook.com/amediocretime
    https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive

    Where to Find the Show
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw

    Tom & Dan on Real Radio 104.1
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s

    Exclusive Content
    https://tomanddan.com/registration

    Merch
    https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/
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    47 mins
  • LTN 28 - Are They Into Me

    LTN 28 - Are They Into Me
    Apr 16 2026
    Show intro jokes about smooth opening and host banter Colette praised for wide range of talks and promo work Desire to do more public speaking but lacking demand Upcoming Rollins College talk on communication and conflict Online dating class with Wing Girl on sustaining attraction Focus on connection after early dating stages Zoom classes for global audience comfort Older men dating younger women discussion Ethics and realism of large age gaps Kate Hudson libido comments referenced Debate on biological attraction vs emotional connection Preference for partners closer in age Discomfort with dating very young adults Attraction seen as situational not always intentional Relationship dynamics vary by needs and personality Some prefer submissive partners, others reject it Attraction to confidence, intelligence, independence Questioning father-daughter dynamic relationships Acknowledging some age-gap relationships are healthy Transactional relationships can still include care Emphasis on consent and awareness in dynamics Self-improvement before dating others Be yourself means improve, not stay stagnant Importance of communication and social skills Difference between casual dating and meaningful connection Key traits: kindness, curiosity, attentiveness Thoughtfulness stands out in disconnected culture Attraction can grow from consistency over time Preference for steady behavior over love bombing Balance showing interest without overwhelming Emotional connection built through deeper conversations Listener question on knowing romantic interest Confusion between friendliness and flirting Physical touch as possible but unreliable signal Importance of emotional awareness and perception Cultural habits influence touch and behavior Signs of interest: leaning in, engagement, attention Difficulty reading signals accurately Friendships can evolve into relationships Friend zone debate not always permanent Rejection experiences and emotional impact Asking directly for clarity encouraged Clear communication reduces uncertainty Risk of changing dynamic when asking Better to clarify early to avoid deeper hurt Soft rejection phrasing suggested Attraction often immediate and subconscious Sometimes attraction grows, often it does not Courage needed to ask despite fear Rejection seen as useful information Clarity helps decision making in relationships Avoid situationships by defining intent early Vulnerability required for real connection Practice builds resilience to rejection Confidence grows through repeated rejection Humor and personality increase dating success Example of David Spade success style Nikki Glaser relationship dynamic discussed Non monogamy acknowledged but not preferred Open relationships carry emotional risks Jealousy and attachment complications noted Celebrity rumor: Mike Vrabel and Diana Russini Debate over interpreting public photos Physical closeness suggests blurred boundaries Environment adds suspicion to behavior New attraction visible through behavior Emotional involvement possible without cheating Gender bias in public backlash discussed Impact of cheating scandals on families Some couples stay together after scandals Controversy turned into career opportunities Monica Lewinsky reputation shift discussed Power imbalance in Clinton scandal noted Media bias against women highlighted Double standards in infidelity narratives Satirical take on defending male figures Promo for Fairvilla Megastore talk Topic: The Cost of Quiet and communication Importance of discussing sex and intimacy Taboo around intimacy harms relationships Encouragement to improve communication Closing jokes and outro banter
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    46 mins
  • LTN 27 - Knowing Your Roll

    LTN 27 - Knowing Your Roll
    Apr 10 2026
    46 mins
  • LTN 26 - Listener Emails

    LTN 26 - Listener Emails
    Apr 2 2026
    Hormone therapy benefits include energy, sleep, overall health, and balanced estrogen, testosterone, progesterone Promo offer 100 off evaluation through MyEternalVitality with podcast mention Ghosting in jobs and relationships as avoidance of hard conversations Ghosting framed as self protection and discomfort avoidance Short term ease of ghosting vs long term lack of growth Ghosting causes psychological harm without closure Simple respectful breakup communication is healthier Practice difficult conversations to build resilience The Cost of Quiet concept in relationships Complaining about partners as common bonding behavior Difference between joking complaints and disrespect Complaining erodes trust and respect over time Triangulating by venting to others instead of partner Avoiding direct communication prevents resolution Emotional release reinforces complaining habit Possible addiction to complaining from emotional feedback Seeking validation replaces solving problems Group venting creates bias and one sided narratives Occasional support vs habitual partner bashing Protect relationship by addressing issues directly Maintain a strong couple bubble instead of public criticism Speaking positively about partner builds respect Public complaints damage emotional safety Avoiding hard conversations is a core issue Social media encourages oversharing relationship issues Illusion of privacy leads to saying more than intended Venting online replaces real problem solving Lack of communication skills drives online venting Cultural stigma around emotions contributes to avoidance Internet offers easy emotional release without resolution Communication skills improve relationship outcomes How a conversation starts affects its outcome Negative online content gains traction by attacking groups Listener email about emotional neglect of men during miscarriage Men expected to be strong and overlook their own grief Feeling unseen and unsupported after shared loss Male emotions often minimized leading to suppression Lack of validation leads to isolation and silence Difficulty expressing vulnerability after being ignored Miscarriage impact on fathers often overlooked People miss emotional cues or respond poorly Negative emotions outweigh positive perception Importance of one trusted person or therapist Therapy as reliable emotional outlet Friends may care but lack emotional skills Emotional talks make people uncomfortable Not everyone is safe for vulnerability Be direct when asking for support Suppressed emotions lead to anxiety and depression Therapy helps organize thoughts before conversations Avoid using friends as emotional dumping grounds Professionals provide healthier processing outlet Process emotions before communicating effectively Organized communication improves understanding Shared hobbies discussed as bonding tool Couples with shared hobbies seen as appealing Shared hobbies not required for success Separate interests can still support happy relationships Consider shared interests when dating if important Social media exaggerates shared hobby importance Attraction to different interests is normal Showing interest in partner hobbies builds connection Asking questions shows care and support Effort matters more than genuine enthusiasm Small efforts create emotional bonding Participate occasionally without full commitment Avoid over involvement that harms partner enjoyment Communicate boundaries around hobbies Balance individual and shared activities One shared activity can help connection Do not force participation without interest Partial participation is reasonable Listening to partner interests shows care Supporting partner projects builds connection Effort framed as love not obligation Offer help without taking control Ask how to help instead of assuming Mansplaining identified as frustrating behavior Over explaining can undermine partner Light humor about daily annoyances and household habits Promotion of relationship book on communication Mention of relationship focused podcast as resource ### Social Media https://tomanddan.com https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive https://facebook.com/amediocretime https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive Where to Find the Show Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw Tom & Dan on Real Radio 104.1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s Exclusive Content https://tomanddan.com/registration Merch https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/
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    45 mins
  • LTN 25 - Reality TV Relationships

    LTN 25 - Reality TV Relationships
    Mar 26 2026

    Social Media
    https://tomanddan.com
    https://x.com/tomanddanlive
    https://facebook.com/amediocretime
    https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive

    Where to Find the Show
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw

    Tom & Dan on Real Radio 104.1
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990
    Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s

    Exclusive Content
    https://tomanddan.com/registration

    Merch
    https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/
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    43 mins
  • LTN 24 - Limited Bandwidth

    LTN 24 - Limited Bandwidth
    Mar 19 2026
    Sponsor promo for MyEternalVitality.com and Dr Powers offering $100 off hormone evaluation and blood testing Discussion of hormone replacement therapy improving energy, libido, sleep, and overall quality of life Mention of gut health testing and identifying foods that trigger inflammation Dan plans to begin a gut health regimen after recovering from hip surgery Introduction to the Love Thy Neighbor relationship show with Tom Vann, Dan Dennis, and Colette Fehr Conversation about manners and Dan's Southern upbringing expecting men to let women enter first Invitation for listeners to email relationship questions to hello@lovethyneighborshow.com Hosts promise listener submissions will remain anonymous Listener email about tension caused by a spouse frequently expressing negative daily commentary Husband describes himself as an optimistic personality who assumes everything is fine Wife framed as focusing more on frustrations and problems in everyday situations Husband feels drained and anxious hearing frequent negative comments Husband internalizes his wife's venting as problems he must solve Wife explains she wants to express feelings rather than have problems fixed Husband tracked a week of conversations and estimated 68 percent were negative Wife responds that keeping score of comments is unreasonable Listener couple has been together for 26 years Therapist explains both partners can have valid perspectives simultaneously Couples often argue about wording or evidence instead of emotional impact Explanation that negativity bias is natural in the human brain as a survival trait Advice to communicate about emotional bandwidth before venting Suggestion to ask if the other partner has space to listen first Importance of balancing one partner's need to vent with the other's mental energy Emphasis that neither partner is wrong but communication boundaries are needed Joke about rounding the negativity percentage to 69 percent for comedy Discussion of switching between problem solving mode and listening mode in conversations Turning off the urge to solve problems can reduce emotional exhaustion while listening Some people naturally internalize others' emotions more strongly than others Upbringing and family roles can influence a person's urge to fix problems Spouses sometimes look overwhelmed while waiting for venting to end Reminder that partners are not responsible for solving every emotional problem Some people process emotions externally and need to talk things out Both partners' emotional needs and limits matter in conversations Emotions can be contagious and repeated negativity can affect listeners Partners can set boundaries when they lack energy to listen Joke about hiring someone else to listen to venting like a therapist Spouses can unintentionally become each other's emotional dumping ground Listening deeply requires more emotional energy than talking Importance of balancing emotional sharing to avoid overwhelming a partner Example of business owners venting work stress to spouses Suggestion to share general stress instead of long detailed rants Partners may feel overwhelmed hearing repeated work complaints Strategy of postponing discussions until both partners have energy Empathic people may absorb others' stress strongly Mirror neuron responses can cause emotional absorption from others Therapists learn emotional boundaries to avoid carrying clients' problems home Advice to remind yourself another person's problems are not yours to carry Encouragement to communicate personal limits without guilt Setting boundaries may disappoint someone but is still healthy Failure to set boundaries can lead to codependency and resentment Difficult conversations often start when partners are tired or hungry Hangry moods can make emotional discussions worse Advice to avoid serious talks when tired, drunk, or texting Emotional conversations require tone and context that texting lacks Warning that waiting for the perfect moment can become avoidance Communication compared to ping pong where partners check timing and reschedule Relationship communication improves through repeated practice like building muscle Start practicing vulnerability with small issues first Focus on expressing personal feelings rather than attacking a partner Positive responses reinforce healthy communication habits New listener email asks what personal information should be disclosed when dating Discussion about timing and context for revealing sensitive personal information Sexually transmitted diseases must be disclosed before physical intimacy STD discussion on a first date may not be necessary unless sex is involved Serious legal issues like domestic violence should be disclosed early Major life factors like children or divorce should be shared early Honesty about personal issues builds trust and emotional safety in dating Strategy of revealing flaws early so partners can choose...
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    43 mins