Dating, Relationships, And Love (drl)

Minnesota natives Marisa and Jarrell had a chance meeting in a parking lot in Atlanta after Marisa noticed his license plates. Marisa wasted no time in letting Jarrell know that she was looking for something real. They are sharing their journey from parking lot pimpin' to putting a ring on it; meshing opposite personalities, learning to live in the grey area, and the growing pains of a new marriage.

Jodi dated men for most her life, eventually married one, and had children. After her marriage failed, she fell in love with Kendra, a woman, and they are now having a baby together. They are sharing their journey; how Jodi broke the news to her ex husband and children, why they feel in love, and the process of becoming pregnant.

Singer and broadway star, Frenchie Davis is sharing how she turned the end of a toxic relationship into a journey of self love and joy. Frenchie also talks about the dating multiple people and enjoying each person for what they have to offer and having the strength to let them go when it's time.

Southern bell Chiquita recaps her most memorable dating experiences in NYC and shares the lessons that brought her to where she is today including, understanding your own traumas and how they manifest, understanding that every interaction is not about you, being comfortable with being yourself, and maintaining your standards. She also discusses how reconnecting with the father she barely knew, and the siblings she never met, changed dating and why she refuses to take on victim energy. 

Sexologist Michelle Hope is sharing how she came to this work and answering listener questions about threesome boundaries, faked orgasms, and intimacy vs. sex. Michelle and Tennesha also debate about how soon is too soon to have sex with a new partner.   

Liz is free spirited woman who spent most of her 20's in a long-term relationship. After her 30th birthday, she realized she had grown out of that relationship and desired independence and freedom. She is sharing her journey and talking about sexual fluidity and avoiding labels. Tennesha and Liz also discuss the conditioning that society puts on women such as getting marriage and having children.

Tennesha and boyfriend Chris are discussing the season 3 premiere of Insecure: bad decisions, double standards, and open relationships.   Updates: DRL will now be featuring premium content exclusively on Patreon.  Regular weekly episodes will still appear on all platforms. 

Ebony dealt with several tragic events, including the passing of her mom, dad, and sister. She lived what many people only read about. Overcoming so much and growing up in the Bronx made her a tough woman, but also left her with insecurities when she began dating in a new circle. She's sharing how her and her husband came together despite their differences and how she learned to move past her insecurities.

Mark and Lesha had a chance meeting while he was DJ'ing at a club, their eyes locked and there was an instant connection. Both divorced, they got a second chance at love. Mark quickly moved to Miami to be with Lesha and they were married within months. They are sharing their incredible journey of love at first sight.

PJ's first love died tragically, unsure of how to mourn the loss, PJ sought refuge in new partners which led to a sex addiction. After ending up in an unfulfilling relationship, PJ got to know and love himself through celibacy. He is sharing his journey of self discovery and telling us why he's now ready for something real.  

Tennesha walks down memory lane with her college ex Anthony to talk about everything from how they met through a prank call to how Anthony is dealing with his recent breakup after a 4 year relationship and how he has learned the difference between being selfish and taking care of yourself in a relationship. Tennesha also tells Anthony why she will always love him.

Unlike most women, Akilah wanted to date a man with kids because she always knew she did not want children of her own. Paul already had two kids and knew he didn't want more. They are sharing their story and talking about the importance of setting expectations and making no assumptions. Tennesha also gives a "days without incident" update. 

Gio and Alysse are opposites in many ways. Gio is a transgender black man and Alysse is a cisgender white woman and a plus sized model. Working as advocates for GLBTQ rights brought them together and their love bloomed. We discuss everything from how Gio's family handled his transition to why Alysse has always had an open mind and how she achieved body positivety and turned it into a modeling career.  

After a year 7 year relationship ended in heartbreak, Greg moved across the country for a fresh start in L.A. where he worked through his feelings and learned how to play the dating game while having a monogamous mindset. He found love again, but was shocked to find out that his girlfriend had been unfaithful. Tennesha and Greg are talking about overcoming breakups and Greg is sharing what he learned through singleness and why he still has faith that the right one will come along. 

Efion is a new father and also newly cohabitating with his girlfriend. He is talking about his transition from bachelorhood to fatherhood and how having a daughter has changed him. Tennesha and Efion also talk about the importance of clearing space for the right one to come along.

Arielle spent her early 20's dating, exploring, and searching for herself in Europe. Along the way, she discovered her semi-serial monogamous nature while also experiencing a sexual revolution. We discuss how winding up in relationships can happen without having "the talk" and how that can lead to falling in love with one part of a person instead of their entire being. Arielle also shares her latest adventures since returning to the states.          

Tennesha helps strong silent type Chris navigate the do's and dont's of dating apps and the importance of being upfront about your needs even on a first date. Chris shares some details from the unfolding of an online match turning into real life dating.

Jenelle's independence has helped her achieve great professional success; but like many woman, she has to carefully navigate the line between independence and "I don't need a man." Tennesha helps her to find the balance and understand how men feel. Jenelle also shares some of her most memorable dates including a Trump supporter and the man with baby fever.

Mel and Jason are back for part 2 to continue the discussion on married life. Today they are sharing the things nobody tells you about having children, and how children can change your life and your marriage.

After a dozen years of marriage and four children, Mel and Jason deliver a very real point of view on being married with children. In part 1 of 2, we talk about everything from the frequency of sex and how men can feel rejected, to why you have to accept your partners "as-is" and agree to disagree. They also drop knowledge on what it takes to thrive in a marriage, and next week on part 2, how kids change the equation.