PODCAST · society
Flirtin After Forty
by Tracy Lopez
Flirtin After Forty is a podcast about dating, relationships, and starting over in midlife. Hosted by Tracy, the show explores the messy, funny, honest reality of love after 40 — from divorce and heartbreak to first dates, unexpected connections, and everything in between.Through candid conversations and real-life stories, Tracy talks with guests and shares her own experiences navigating modern dating, relationships, and the occasional chaos that comes with it. Episodes are short, honest, and usually under 30 minutes — perfect for anyone who knows that love doesn’t follow a timeline.
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65
Dating Then vs. Now: What Happened to Us
I had one of those days—running between nine projects, exhausted, getting hit with “what’s for dinner?” the second I sat down—and I almost lost it. But then I found something that completely flipped my mood… my very first dating profile. Like FULL novel-length, 20-prompts, oversharing-in-the-best-way dating profile. And honestly? She was confident. Hopeful. A little unhinged (in a fun way). And very, very me. In this episode, I read it out loud (yes, all of it), laugh at who I was, and realize something unexpected… I haven’t actually changed as much as I thought.
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64
When “Good” Doesn’t Feel Like Enough
I didn’t record last week… and honestly, that kind of says it all. In this episode, I’m sharing a very real update—yes, I’m dating J-Man again. But it’s not a fairytale reunion. It’s complicated, it’s uncertain, and I’m asking myself some hard questions. He’s showing up differently. We’re communicating better. In a lot of ways, this is what I said I wanted—something safe, stable, and supportive. So why do I still feel unsure? I talk about the confusion of not knowing what love is supposed to feel like, the fear of wasting time, and the tension between building something with someone… or choosing myself. Plus, I go down a rabbit hole on how dating has changed (especially for our kids), and wow—it’s a lot. This one is messy, honest, and very much a “figuring it out in real time” episode.
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63
My Kids Are Gross, My Smoke Detector Hates Me, So I Went to Vegas
I hit my limit this week—between disgusting teenage bedrooms, a middle-of-the-night smoke detector meltdown, and just… life piling on, I needed out. So I went to Vegas. Alone. And somewhere between early morning slot machines, winning $$$ playing Keno, and meeting the kindest strangers at a bar, something shifted. This episode is about losing your mind a little… and then finding yourself again. Why doing things alone is powerful, why small annoyances can push you over the edge, and why we need more people like Molly in this world. Also—yes, I recorded myself yelling at my kid. You’re welcome.
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62
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61
A Special Kind of Awesome
This week started with me feeling completely unmotivated… and ended with a big win I didn’t see coming. After weeks of waiting and assuming we didn’t get it, I got the call—and it was a yes. One of those moments where you realize the feeling you had all along? It was right. From there, I went down a rabbit hole on age-gap relationships (thanks, Netflix), and now I have questions. Like… how big is too big? Because the stats say one thing, but real life—and some of these couples—say another. I also share my own experience dating older, my thoughts on what actually works, and we take a quick detour into some truly horrifying dating profiles… because apparently people are out here saying anything. And to top it off, my kids remind me that age gaps hit very differently depending on where you are in life—because a sixth grader dating an eighth grader is, apparently, scandalous.
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60
Calendar Reminders, Divorce Rings & Murder Vans
This week a calendar reminder informed me it’s been 16 years since I got engaged—which is not exactly the kind of notification a divorced woman expects to wake up to. That moment sent me thinking about old engagement rings, what to do with them, and how funny it is that some things from the past just… linger. I also share a few co-parenting moments from middle school basketball season that reminded me exactly why my ex-husband and I are better off divorced, plus a conversation with my son about navigating uncomfortable situations with kindness. And because the dating world never disappoints, I end the episode with a couple of truly horrifying dating-profile discoveries—including what may or may not be a murder van.
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59
Lonely vs. Alone (And Why One Is Way Worse)
This week I’m feeling it — the moon, the exhaustion, the loneliness… all of it. In this episode I’m talking about the difference between being alone and feeling alone with someone, and why the second one might actually be worse. I miss J-Man, and not reaching out is harder than I’d like to admit. But I also know going back just because you’re lonely isn’t the answer. Then a simple text conversation with a potential date takes a sharp turn into what might officially be my first menopause rage spiral — complete with a political question, a canceled drink, and a few texts I maybe (definitely) overthought. It’s an honest, slightly unhinged reflection on loneliness, standards, and why midlife might be the exact moment when your tolerance for bullshit finally hits zero. Plus, Duolingo keeps teaching me how to say “my husband is lazy,” which feels… oddly specific for someone who is very much single.
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58
Nice vs. Kind
I really loved him. And I really wanted it to work. But wanting something isn’t the same as it being right. After a tough fight, a dark weekend, and a long therapy session, I had to listen to the quiet voice I kept trying to override — my gut. In this episode, I talk about ending it (yes, over text), the difference between “nice” and “kind,” and why sometimes choosing your own peace feels selfish… but isn’t. It’s messy. It’s sad. It’s adult. And it’s what dating after 40 actually looks like.
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57
Is He My Person… Or Am I Mine?
In just one week, everything shifted. Season two launched, J-Man listened to the podcast, and somehow we’re cautiously trying again. This episode is about growth you don’t always see day-to-day — how much you’ve actually evolved, healed, and changed over time. It’s about not losing yourself in relationships, learning to fill your own bucket first, and asking the big question: do we need “our person”… or do we need to be our own? Plus: a 14-year-old’s take on breakups, a Valentine’s Day flag with teenage faces on it, and a man comparing women to Mercedes. Because dating after 40 is nothing if not entertaining.
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56
Back To Me
Season two starts with me coming back to myself. In this episode, I talk openly about ending my relationship with J-Man — someone I deeply care about — and what it looks like to listen to your gut even when the decision hurts. This isn’t about blame or big drama; it’s about recognizing incompatibility, honoring your needs, and choosing not to ignore that quiet voice inside anymore. I’m sharing what this moment has taught me, how I’m navigating the sadness without spiraling, and why “back to me” feels like the right place to begin again.
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55
The Weight of Paying Attention
This week’s episode is a heavier one. I talk about why I stepped back last week and how hard it’s been to process what’s happening in our world — especially when it stops feeling political and starts feeling deeply human. From ICE activity near my kids’ school to conversations with friends who “aren’t really paying attention,” I share how exhausting it can be to care when others have the privilege not to. I also open up about a fight with J-Man that wasn’t really about work — it was about feeling unseen, overwhelmed, and stretched thin while carrying the mental and emotional load of everyday life. When resentment, guilt, and intuition collide, it forces some uncomfortable questions about compatibility, partnership, and listening to that quiet voice in your gut. This episode is raw, emotional, and honest — about burnout, empathy, relationships, and what it means to keep showing up when you’re tired of fighting the good fight.
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54
Life’s Not on Fire… But Everything Smells Like Smoke
This week I’m not in crisis — but everything feels a little… smoky. From cringey dating-text advice I refuse to use, to Etsy hate mail over a $9 card (free shipping included, relax), to tech failures, bank chaos, and the never-ending mental load, it’s been one of those weeks where nothing is on fire — but everything is irritating. I talk about why asking for help feels so uncomfortable for independent women, how past letdowns train us to just do it all ourselves, and why “start small” might be the only way out of that pattern (even if it’s just asking someone taller to reach the top shelf). There’s also dating commentary, space in relationships, being weirdly okay with alone time, and a reminder that growth sometimes looks like resting instead of fixing. Honest, funny, a little ranty — and very much what dating and life in your 40s actually look like.
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53
Good Relationships Are Harder Than Bad Ones (Apparently)
I found a good guy — and realized that wasn’t the ending, it was the beginning. In this episode, I’m sharing what happens when the honeymoon phase fades and real life steps in: a first big fight, a birthday that didn’t go as planned, and the uncomfortable work of navigating a healthy relationship after past toxicity. From a Costa Rica trip that brought both joy and clarity, to learning how much independence still matters to me, this is an honest look at dating in your mid-40s — the pressure to “make it work,” the flags (not red flags), and why unlearning survival patterns might be the hardest part of love. Messy, reflective, and very real — because healthy doesn’t mean easy.
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52
Receive: A Grown-Woman Word for the New Year
I felt called to record one last episode before the year ended — from my bed, late at night, with a lot on my heart. This episode is about choosing my word for 2026 and why “receive” feels both right and wildly uncomfortable. We talk about letting go of force, stopping the uphill push, and trusting that you don’t have to chase what’s already finding you. I share why receiving isn’t quitting — it’s allowing — plus how music holds memories of people, not just moments, and the playlist I made called Songs That Make Me Think of Others. This is a quiet reflection on growth, trust, and entering the new year open instead of braced. If you have a word for the year, I’d love to hear it.
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51
Love Actually, Family Chaos, and Showing Up Messy
The holidays are here, my emotions are loud, and I’m showing up exactly as I am — messy moments included. After shelving a previously recorded episode that didn’t feel right, I open up about blended-family dynamics, holiday exhaustion, hormones, and how an innocent Uno game turned into a full-blown feelings spiral. It’s a candid reflection on wanting to be seen, carrying the mental load, and why Love Actually perfectly captures the complicated, imperfect love that defines this season.
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50
No Drama Here—So I Borrowed Some From the Internet
I’m back after an unplanned two-week break filled with jello shots, favorite-food Thanksgiving, and a whole lot of rest. Things with J-Man are going so well it’s actually making me a little uncomfortable — apparently “safe and stable” is a new relationship skill I’m learning. And because the universe won’t let my life get too calm, the Colorado singles pages delivered absolute chaos: a man seeking a left-handed, light-eyed short Mexican unicorn, another claiming to make $300K a month, and a lineup of wildly inappropriate messages and bathroom-mirror crimes. It’s a mix of growth, gratitude, and the internet being... the internet.
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49
Cosmic Chaos and Men From Every Era
This week, the universe threw me into a full-on cosmic spin cycle. Between opening a life-changing navigation center for the City of Aurora and navigating the Northern Lights energy, every man from my romantic archives decided to resurface — the one-date wonder, the post-divorce almost-relationship, even an ex’s ex-wife. Oh, and J-Man showed up for me in the sweetest way. It was emotional, bizarre, meaningful, and honestly… kind of magical. Join me as I unpack the chaos, the connections, and what happens when the universe decides to remind you exactly where you’ve been — and how far you’ve come.
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48
I'm Not Stalking, I'm Researching
I’m not stalking, I’m just researching — that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. This week I went down a LinkedIn hole, found out the lieutenant got married, and had one of those “holy sh*t” moments that makes you question everything. But don’t worry, I balance the heavy stuff with some of the most cringe-worthy singles posts you’ve ever heard — from men offering “stay pretty” allowances to guys describing themselves as ointment for your scars. You can’t make this stuff up.
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47
The I-Might-Maybe-Love-You Moment
This week, I’m getting real about the moment I accidentally told one of J-Man’s friends I might love him — and then completely spiraled. I started questioning what “I love you” really means and why my instinct was to retreat the second I felt vulnerable. It’s a story about fear, honesty, and learning to stay open even when it feels uncomfortable. Plus: burr baskets, Venmo stalking, and why overthinking might just be my love language.
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46
Past My Flirting Hours
You know it’s a full weekend when I meet the friends, get called by the ex’s name, and still end up fielding a drunk text from my former situationship. I’m navigating the highs of new-relationship milestones and the lows of late-night nonsense — all while reminding myself that boundaries aren’t ultimatums and that 1 a.m. is officially past my flirting hours.
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45
Flirting Through The Generations
From Boomers’ love letters to Gen Z’s video dates, I’m exploring how each generation finds connection — and what still matters most. Featuring a nod to Diane Keaton, a healthy relationship check-in, and a Denver edition of Love Is Blind gossip.
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44
I Make The Rules Now
This week, I’m talking about that weird mix of joy and panic that hits when things start to feel too good to be true. From a dream breakup in Vegas to realizing I don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules for love or life, I’m learning what it means to build something healthy—my way. Oh, and just wait until you hear how my 13-year-old totally out-romanced me with a “boo basket.”
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43
No Apology
Sam’s late-night text proves some men never learn—if you can’t say sorry, don’t say anything. But this episode isn’t just about eye-roll moments. I also finish telling the hardest story I’ve carried: my time with the Lieutenant, the choices I made, and the assault that changed everything. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s part of why I value the kindness I have in my life now.
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42
Laughter, Love, and the Prettiest Hat Ever
This week, I’m gushing (yep, full on gushing) about my weekend getaway with J-Man. From bad coffee shop vibes in Aspen to laughter that made my face hurt, it was easy, authentic, and fun—and it ended with a big milestone. Spoiler alert: I officially have a boyfriend. Oh, and the world’s most expensive cowboy hat.
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41
Nachos, Red Flags, and Lessons in Love
This episode swings from light to heavy: I share how J-Man and I turned a not-so-great day into a fun night (hello, nachos and late-night talks) by learning how to ask the right questions. Then I dive back into the story I promised—my time with “the Lieutenant.” Think poly dating, awkward girlfriend/wife dinners, and the slow realization of how easy it is to shrink yourself in toxic relationships. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s exactly why I believe in sharing these stories—so none of us have to repeat them.
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40
The Hardest Story I’ve Shared Yet
This week I share two sides of my story: the joy of feeling truly seen in a new relationship, and the courage to finally speak about a painful chapter from my past. For the first time, I’m opening up about an abusive relationship that changed me—and how therapy, friendship, and green flags have helped me reclaim my power.
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39
Big Leaps, Bold Moves, and Bag of Dicks Guy
From launching a business straight from my Jamaica daydreams to introducing J-Man to the kids (yeah, I did that), I’m all about bold moves this week. Spoiler: things are going really freaking well. Oh, and if you think your dating life is messy, wait until you hear the rant from a guy who’s mad about septum piercings, tattoos, and independent women. Bless his heart.
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38
From Belly Flops to Mountain Tops
This week I’m spilling the tea on belly flop parties, surprise costumes, and what it feels like to finally date someone who plans the trip (and buys the Starbucks). Plus, I share why sticking your tongue out in dating pics is an automatic “nope” and laugh through the infamous “no-go” first-date list.
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37
The ‘Unattractive’ Episode
This week I’m juggling school drop-offs, fresh starts, and the wild idea that love really is about slowing down and actually knowing someone. Plus, I share a few laughable (and cringey) confessions from men about what they find ‘unattractive’—spoiler alert: it’s ridiculous. Grab your coffee, your backpack, and your sense of humor for this one.
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36
When Your Diary Talks Back
Fan mail made my week, a coworker crush popped up on Hinge, and my brunch date ended with a dog fight (literally). Add in a matchmaker pushing a “randoms only” guy, a dating app ego the size of Texas, and the awkward reality of dating someone who listens to this podcast… let’s just say, it’s been a week.
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35
Plot Twist… Again
This week, I’m giving an update on my latest date—because of course there’s a twist. Turns out, someone my date used to see also has history with my ex... and now she’s got opinions. Not only that—she’s apparently on a mission to find me. Cool, cool, cool. Also sharing a few funny and oddly insightful things I’ve seen from ChatGPT lately (shoutout to Alex, my most loyal digital companion). Dating after 40? It's never boring. Just a little chaotic, occasionally threatening, and almost always worth talking about.
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34
Two Degrees of Separation… From My Ex
You know dating is messy when your date casually mentions his ex—who turns out to be your ex-husband’s current love interest. I cannot make this stuff up. In this episode, I break down the wildest “small world” moment I’ve had on a date—and give you an update on how things are going with my last matchmaking setup.
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33
50 Years, 1 First Date, and a Side of Champagne
This week I’m raising a glass to my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary (yes, FIFTY!) and reflecting on what half a century of love looks like. Spoiler: it’s not all roses, but it is pretty inspiring. I’m also spilling the tea on my very first matchmaking date—did sparks fly? Did I Google him mid-dinner? Tune in for all the updates, awkward moments, and a little perspective on love at every age.
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32
I Outsourced My Love Life (What Could Go Wrong?)
What do you do when dating apps start to feel like digital doom scrolling? You hand your phone to your friend and let her take the wheel. In this episode, I talk about my friend’s attempt at becoming my personal matchmaker—swiping, messaging, and maybe even setting me up with someone who isn’t holding a fish.
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31
Fish Pics - Dating Sucks
In this episode, I’m fresh off vacation and even fresher off a few dating disappointments. From married men in miserable marriages to the eternal mystery of why men keep holding fish in their dating profiles—I'm talking about all of it. If you’ve ever swiped, sighed, and thought, “Is this really it?”—this one’s for you. Let’s vent, laugh, and maybe cry (just a little). Because dating after 40? It’s a wild, weird ride.
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30
Sex Club Diaries
Curious about what really goes down at a sex club (besides the obvious)? In this episode, I pull back the velvet curtain and give you a no-holds-barred overview of what to expect—without actually participating (yet ). From the vibe and the rules to the rooms you definitely don’t want to accidentally wander into too soon, I break it all down with curiosity, humor, and just a hint of wide-eyed awe. Whether you’ve considered going or are just nosy like the rest of us, this peek behind the scenes might surprise you.
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29
The Ex Files: Why We Still Show Up
We’re not married anymore, but we’re still a family. In this episode, I reflect on a scary moment, how it brought clarity, and what it means to co-parent with grace and grit. It’s not always easy, but damn—sometimes it’s beautiful.
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28
Sneaky Links & Body Counts
This week, I’m pulling back the covers—literally and figuratively—to talk about two loaded topics in today’s dating world: sneaky links and body count. (If you don’t know what those mean, don’t worry. I googled it so you don’t have to.) We’re diving into: What qualifies as a sneaky link (Is it just a late-night booty call with better branding?) Why the term “body count” needs to go back to action movies, not dating apps How women still get judged for having a past, while men get praised for having a roster And why you should never ask about someone’s number unless you’re ready to hear, “Mind your business.” This is a no-shame zone. We’re grown. We’ve lived. And if you’re still out here acting brand new about sexuality in 2025... well, I’ve got some stories for you.
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27
A Solo Mom’s Disney Diaries: Chaos, Magic, and maybe Love?
No prince, no magic meet-cutes — just me, two kids, and way too many churros. This week, I’m recapping our Disney trip: the highs (character hugs, kid smiles, and a few quiet moments of joy), the lows (meltdowns — theirs and maybe mine), and the real talk about what it’s like to solo parent through the chaos of the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Spoiler: I’m exhausted, my feet hurt, and I’ll be sleeping for the next 3–5 business days.
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26
It’s Not About Size, It’s About Showing Up
It’s time we talked about the things that really matter when it comes to dating — expectations, accountability, and yes, sometimes size. Let’s get honest about what we say we want, how we show up, and why it’s not just about what someone has, but what they do with it. From awkward conversations to setting standards, I’m breaking it down with a little humor, a little heart, and a lot of real talk.
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25
The Good, the Weird, and the Reset Button
Things started off great — good vibes, good convo, and maybe a spark. But then… yeah, it took a turn. I’m sharing a story about a date that looked promising and quickly flipped into what the actual hell. Plus, a little Sam update (because of course there’s more), and a look at what it really means to reset after a handful of dates that don’t go anywhere. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Should I keep trying or take a beat?” — this one’s for you.
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24
From Sleepovers to Silence
This week, I'm sharing the story of a man who went from cozy cuddles to total radio silence in 72 hours flat. One minute we’re having deep convos and sharing a bed—the next, I’m staring at my phone wondering if he joined the witness protection program. Spoiler: he didn’t. He just ghosted. So I did what any self-respecting woman with WiFi and self-worth would do: I blocked him. In this episode, we’re talking about why blocking isn’t petty, it’s powerful. Why silence after intimacy hits different. And why protecting your peace is always the right move. If you've ever questioned whether to block, mute, or just move on—this one’s for you.
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23
What Women Really Want: Beyond Tall, Funny & Employed
Today we're cutting through the clichés, sis. 'Tall, funny, and has a job' might sound cute on a dating profile—but let’s be real, that’s the bare minimum. What we’re really craving? Depth. Safety. A man who can sit with emotions without trying to fix, flee, or make a joke out of it. In this episode, I’m breaking down what women say they want… and what we actually mean when we say it. Because we’ve done the work—and we deserve someone who’s done theirs too. Let’s talk emotional availability, real confidence, and the kind of joy that isn’t just surface-level. Grab your wine or your coffee—this one’s a truth bomb kind of day.
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22
Smut Goblin Phase?
Ever gone through a phase where your give-a-damn is broken and your standards are... on sabbatical? Welcome to what I lovingly call the Smut Goblin Phase — a glorious, chaotic chapter where healing sometimes means making out with a stranger and reclaiming your body one bad decision at a time. No shame. No apologies. Just raw stories, real laughs, and the occasional reminder that your wild phase might just be your most honest one yet.
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21
Dry Humping On A Waterbed
Let’s take it back—to basement couches, slow jams, and that wild era where your biggest goal was not getting caught by someone’s mom. In this episode, I’m diving deep (but keeping it PG-13... mostly) into the golden age of making out, dry humping, and teenage tension on squishy, questionably-scented water beds. I’m also giving you an update on Sam , serving up some fresh funnies, and sharing why those awkward, giggly moments from back in the day still matter now—especially when you’re dating after 40. So grab your snacks, turn down the lights, and let’s talk about the chaos, chemistry, and couch cushions of yesteryear.
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20
It's A F*ck Yes Or A No
When it comes to love, life, and everything in between—half-hearted isn’t enough. In this episode, I’m diving into what it really means to be all in on someone, something, or even yourself. No more lukewarm maybes, breadcrumb situationships, or second-guessing your worth. This is about recognizing when it’s a full-body “yes”... and having the guts to walk away when it’s not. Because at the end of the day, you deserve someone who shows up like you’re the only option. And honestly? So does your dream, your peace, and your damn self.
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19
The One Who Started It All (And Might Not Even Know)
Dear Ryan Parker, Some people leave a mark you never fully shake. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of my very first kiss—sweet, and unforgettable—and the unexpected weight that memory still holds. I don’t know where he is now. I don’t know if he even remembers. But something about that moment, and the way it’s stayed with me all these years, makes me believe it meant something. Maybe even still does. This episode is part story, part love letter, part open call to the universe. Because sometimes, the past tugs at you not to haunt you—but to remind you that something might still be unfinished.
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18
Hope, With A Side Of Skepticism
After months (okay, years) of swiping, ghosting, and questionable choices in restaurants and men, something unexpected happened: a flicker of hope. In this episode, I’m talking about what it means to feel hopeful again after too many letdowns—and why that feeling can be just as scary as another bad date.
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17
Structural Damage & Other Dating Perks
Quick poll: Ever broken a bed? No? Don’t worry—you might start reconsidering after this episode. Let’s just say my latest “work experience” took an unexpected turn… Tune in for a story I probably shouldn’t be telling—but am doing it anyway.
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16
Out Of The Blue: When The Past Calls
The past few weeks, I’ve shared a personal and difficult story. And just when I thought I was closing that chapter, the universe threw me a curveball—an old flame (or friend?) reached out out of the blue after 17 years. Coincidence? Or does the universe really send us what we need, exactly when we need it? Let’s talk about it.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Flirtin After Forty is a podcast about dating, relationships, and starting over in midlife. Hosted by Tracy, the show explores the messy, funny, honest reality of love after 40 — from divorce and heartbreak to first dates, unexpected connections, and everything in between.Through candid conversations and real-life stories, Tracy talks with guests and shares her own experiences navigating modern dating, relationships, and the occasional chaos that comes with it. Episodes are short, honest, and usually under 30 minutes — perfect for anyone who knows that love doesn’t follow a timeline.
HOSTED BY
Tracy Lopez
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