This Time We Read the Instructions

Episode 10: Lessons Learnt

Unofficial Episode Title: In which we name drop everyone who has inspired us and promise to keep learning!
We have made it to the end of Series One and to six months together!  In this episode, we talk about the books, podcasts and influencers that have inspired us as we embarked on dating and starting a new relationship in middle life.  We'll be back in a few months with more updates and reflections as we continue to read the instructions...

Episode 9: Between the Sheets

Unofficial Episode Title: In which we have a very frank conversation about intimacy in middle age.
We chose to make our podcast anonymous so that we could talk about everything and this week we do just that!  From navigating early intimacy to dealing with the performance issues that come with age, we focus on how open communication and a sense of humour have helped us to stay connected even when things haven't quite gone to plan.

Episode 8: Taking Stock

Unofficial Episode Title: In which we answer some tricky questions and find out what each other is really thinking about our relationship.
We are committed to doing things differently this time and that means regularly checking in with each other about how we feel about our relationship and where it is going.  So this week we are using the Relationship Check In Tool from www.lovesecurely.com to do a recorded 4-month check in that you can listen in on!

Episode 7: The Reconnect

Unofficial Episode Title: "In which we enjoy each other's company after three weeks apart!"
We haven't seen each other for three weeks because Kate has been travelling.  How will it feel to reconnect after spending 25% of our total relationship apart?  Will we feel closer or disconnected?  Will the physical chemistry still be there after three weeks of WhatsApp?

Episode 6: A Hot Getaway

Unofficial Episode Title: "In which we discover how much we love hot tubs!"
This week we circle back to where it all began - when we recorded our first episode during a little mini break two months into our relationship.  It was a weekend of relaxation and fun and enjoying each other's company and a real turning point in our relationship.  Join us as we reminisce about this lovely getaway and also prepare to not see each other for the next three weeks!

Episode 5: Family Ties

Unofficial Episode Title: "In which things start to get real and we start to get the hang of this podcast malarkey."
Three months in, we are really getting to know different parts of each other's worlds.  Will has met Kate's son and joined the family for a birthday meal; Kate has joined Will and some friends for a volunteering project.  As things get more domestic, our connection only strengthens, as we prepare for an extended break when Kate goes abroad for a few weeks!

Episode 4: Left Luggage

Unofficial Episode Title: "In which we air our proverbial dirty laundry in public."
We take a beat to look back at our previous relationships, the mistakes we made in them and the lessons we learnt.  Will talks about being a 'recovering nice guy' and Kate shares her new found understanding of different attachment styles. 

Episode 3: Everyone's Got a List

Unofficial Episode Title: "In which we finally get some proper microphones and the conversation gets a little steamier."
When we discovered that we both had written 'dating criteria' lists, we knew that we were well matched and that both really were doing things differently this time round.  Join us as we recall our their fifth date and the interesting turns it took as we compared notes and had all the conversations we are told will scare the other person away.

Episode 2: What Happened Next?

Unofficial Episode Title: "In which our memories of our early dates don't always align."
Welcome back to another opportunity to share our relationship journey in real time.  We are determined to learn from past mistakes and apply the learning we have done about building healthy relationships.  Today we are reflecting on our fun and flirty second date in a bowling alley and how we navigated the next couple of dates and that all important 'exclusivity conversation'.  

Episode 1: First Date

Unofficial Episode Title: "In which we get all gooey about our first date and figure out if we really can make a podcast."
We met just two months ago.  Now we've decided to share our journey with you as our relationship unfolds.  We're keeping things anonymous so we can be completely honest and let you be a fly on the wall.  In episode one, we talk about dating apps, first dates and first impressions.