Dating after nearly 30 years of marriage is not for the weak.

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Dating Detours, Marcus sits down with Rebecca — a longtime friend’s mom, a military veteran and widow who went from a highly structured military marriage to the chaos of modern dating apps.

Rebecca shares how she met her late husband in the military, navigated the infamous military “chit” process to get married, and dealt with international security clearance issues simply for falling in love. After his unexpected passing, she opens up about jumping back into dating too quickly, rebounding without healing, and ending up in a toxic relationship fueled by grief and trauma dumping.

The conversation dives deep into:

• The controversial “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” Facebook groups

• The difference between safety, shaming, and petty callouts

• Why sexual compatibility is a non-negotiable deal-breaker

• Ethical non-monogamy, poly curiosity, and modern dating labels

• Predatory dating behavior targeting successful “empty nesters”

• Rebecca’s Five-Text Rule — and why she refuses to chase anyone

This episode isn’t dating advice wrapped in pretty packaging. It’s honest, uncomfortable, funny, and painfully relatable.

If you’ve ever loved deeply, lost suddenly, or opened a dating app and questioned everything — this episode is for you.

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XA Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersite YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetours Website https://www.datingdetours.com Got a dating story? Be a guest: https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA: https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/ We create our clips with Opus: https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductions Start your own podcast with our recommended gear: https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4

Rich lived the nightlife grind, worked nonstop, and built businesses from the ground up — but somewhere along the way, he realized something huge:

Being successful means nothing if you don’t learn how to show up for the people you love.

In this episode, Marcus and Rich dive into how he transformed from an always-on-the-go entrepreneur into a man who finally masters his time, protects his peace, and builds healthier relationships.

Rich opens up about:

💼 Balancing entrepreneurship with being present 🍼 How being a girl dad shifted his perspective on love and time 📅 The calendar system that keeps him intentional with work, his daughter & his relationship ❤️ How his new relationship thrives because he actually manages his time well 🔥 Why setting expectations early makes everything smoother ✨ The mindset upgrades that turned him into a better partner and father

This isn’t a sad story — it’s a blueprint. A mature, real-life glow-up for anyone who’s ever struggled with balance, boundaries, and being present in a fast-moving world.

Women will LOVE this one because it shows the kind of growth men rarely talk about out loud.

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XA Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersite YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetours Website https://www.datingdetours.com Got a dating story? Be a guest: https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA: https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/ We create our clips with Opus: https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductions Start your own podcast with our recommended gear: https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4

After leaving a 21-year marriage, Josie steps back into the dating world with zero hesitation, zero sugar-coating, and maximum Virgo honesty. In this episode, she and Marcus break down the modern dating chaos — from trauma-dumping to ghosting, from courting vs “hanging out,” to what happens when you finally choose yourself after decades of choosing everyone else.

You’ll hear: • How she rebuilt her identity after 21 years committed • Why “courting” still matters in 2025 • How Virgos really love (and why it scares people) • Signs a situationship is wasting your time • Why she refuses to date married or separated men • The difference between “I’m dating” and “I’m healing” • Marcus getting called out again for his Virgo chaos

This episode is funny, real, emotional, and the perfect reality check for anybody who’s starting over — or thinking about it.

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XA Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersite YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetours Website https://www.datingdetours.com Got a dating story? Be a guest: https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA: https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/ We create our clips with Opus: https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductions Start your own podcast with our recommended gear: https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4

The first guest who actually made it out of the chaos — and into a healthy marriage.

Ashley joins Marcus to share a rare thing on Dating Detours — a story that ends well. She’s our first guest who’s currently married and genuinely happy, but it took a lot of wreckage to get there. From her “starter husband” to healing deep family wounds, Ashley lays out the messy road between toxicity and true love.

She opens up about learning what real partnership feels like, how therapy changed her patterns, and why self-awareness was the key to finding her soulmate. This one’s vulnerable, funny, and packed with truth bombs for anyone learning to love again after chaos.

🔥 What you’ll hear:

• Why your first marriage might’ve just been your training round

• Healing after narcissistic relationships and childhood trauma

• The secret to co-parenting without bitterness

• How healthy love actually feels

• The inner work that makes real love possible

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XA Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersite YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetours Website https://www.datingdetours.com Got a dating story? Be a guest: https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA: https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/ We create our clips with Opus: https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductions Start your own podcast with our recommended gear: https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4

Sometimes love feels like a rescue… until you realize you’re the one who needs saving.

In this episode, Marcus sits down with Melissa, a 43-year-old from Fredericksburg who’s been married twice, survived heartbreak twice, and is finally learning to put herself first. From her first “Captain Save-A-Ho” marriage to a second round that looked perfect but turned controlling and toxic, Melissa opens up about the messy middle between fairy tales and freedom.

This raw, unfiltered convo dives into:

• 💍 Marriage on fast-forward: when love moves too fast to last

• 🚩 Toxic patterns: why we repeat them and how to break free

• 💔 Losing yourself in love: and rebuilding piece by piece

• 👩‍👦 Parenting through the chaos: what kids see, learn, and carry

• 💪 Reclaiming peace: finding power after betrayal

Real talk, real pain, and real growth — this one hits deep for anyone who’s ever said, “Never again.”

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XA Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersite YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetours Website https://www.datingdetours.com Got a dating story? Be a guest: https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA: https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/ We create our clips with Opus: https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductions Start your own podcast with our recommended gear: https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4

What happens when the “honeymoon phase” fades — and reality hits harder than you ever imagined?

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Marcus sits down with Arlene, who shares her story of falling fast, loving hard, and watching her fairytale turn into a nightmare.

From whirlwind romance and culture clashes to emotional abuse and rediscovering herself, this one’s a rollercoaster of red flags, resilience, and real talk.

💍 The love match that turned into heartbreak 😳 The husband who vanished for 18 months 💔 The moment she realized “forever” was over 🔥 How she rebuilt her confidence and peace from the ashes

If you’ve ever fallen for potential instead of reality — this one’s for you.

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XA Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersite YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetours Website https://www.datingdetours.com Got a dating story? Be a guest: https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA: https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/ We create our clips with Opus: https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductions Start your own podcast with our recommended gear: https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4

From “build an empire with me or stay in the streets” to “you can’t cuddle with your friends-with-benefits,” Marcus and Krystal keep it too real in this chaotic and hilarious episode of Dating Detours.

They dive into why Thursday nights hit different, why “nice guys” lose to confidence, and how falling in love with yourself might be the best revenge on modern dating. Between stories of quick military marriages, toxic cuddle culture, and grown-folk reflections, this one’s equal parts therapy and stand-up comedy.

💬 Topics: • Castle or the streets — picking a lane in modern dating • Thirsty Thursday energy and why it’s undefeated • The “friends-with-benefits” fine print nobody reads • Dating as a single parent & rediscovering yourself • Why self-love isn’t cliché — it’s survival

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XA Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersite YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetours Website https://www.datingdetours.com Got a dating story? Be a guest: https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA: https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/ We create our clips with Opus: https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductions Start your own podcast with our recommended gear: https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4

What happens when you spend 20 years being a wife and mom — and suddenly realize it’s time to choose yourself?

In this powerful episode, Marcus and Kitty sit down with Brie from the Burg, who opens up about starting over at 44, rediscovering her identity, and learning to love life alone after divorce.

They dive into: 💔 When the tears stop — and healing finally begins 👩‍👧 Finding balance as a single mom of a teen 💪 Rebuilding confidence after losing yourself in love 🧘‍♀️ Why being alone isn’t the same as being lonely 🎨 How side hustles and self-discovery rebuild self-worth

If you’ve ever had to start over — this one will hit deep.

Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72vQ6a8Re6PDX99Yf3vzIx?si=2s7k3XnhQ6a-Ub9nj-z-XA Podbean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-pqwpw-13ff319?from=usersite YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datingdetours Website https://www.datingdetours.com Got a dating story? Be a guest: https://golocalproductions.com/dating-detour-guest Enjoying the show? Leave a 5-star review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dating-detours/id1823554631 Recorded at Ring Spaces Podcast Studio in Fredericksburg, VA: https://ringspaces.com/podcast-space/ We create our clips with Opus: https://www.opus.pro/?via=golocalproductions Start your own podcast with our recommended gear: https://amzn.to/4kpeIN4