Telling Tinder Tales - dating and romance stories from around the world

Jesters Comedy Dublin

We've gathered comedians and folks from all over the world to tell us their tales of dating and romance. Listen for the successes and the shockers, the laughter and the tears, of connecting in the modern world. Hosted by Chris O'Neill and Thomasin Lockwood If you have a tale to tell, please get in touch: Performers & Public Or email us: tellingtindertales@gmail.com Telling Tinder Tales is also a live show. Come join us and tell your tale! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @TellingTinderTales

  1. One Year Anniversary Special | Wild Dating Tales & Unforgettable Guests  #41

    FEB 11

    One Year Anniversary Special | Wild Dating Tales & Unforgettable Guests #41

    In this special one-year anniversary episode of Telling Tinder Tales, hosts Chris O’Neill and Thomasin Lockwood look back on twelve months of some of the bizarre, hilarious, shocking, and unforgettable dating stories imaginable. From shirtless park dates ending in police chases, to dominatrix coffee meet-ups involving medieval-level contraptions, to dates bringing binders, spreadsheets, ferrets (yes, actual ferrets) and unsolicited medical research — this episode is a greatest-hits celebration of everything that can (and will) go wrong when people search for love. Chris and Thomason reflect on what it takes to keep a comedy dating podcast alive for a full year (spoiler: tolerant co-hosts, brave guests, and keeping your editor happy), while revisiting fan-favourite stories including: A disastrous Amsterdam date involving wine, drugs, and the policeA dominatrix date that escalated faster than anyone expectedDates with literal folders of expectations and diagnosesLive show chaos from Edinburgh and beyondWhy, no matter how awkward your last date felt, you are absolutely more normal than you thinkThe hosts also share behind-the-scenes memories from early recordings, technical mishaps, live shows, and the joy of hearing real people tell their real dating stories — no AI slop, no filters, just reality. If you’re new to Telling Tinder Tales, this episode is the perfect starting point. If you’ve been here since the beginning, it’s a heartfelt, hilarious reminder of why dating stories are endlessly entertaining — and occasionally terrifying. 🎭 Plus: updates on upcoming live comedy dating shows across the UK, including Leicester, Derby, and Edinburgh. 💌 Got a dating story to share? Details are in the show notes. 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @tellingtindertales ⭐ Like, follow, subscribe, and review — it genuinely helps!

    15 min
  2. From a Promising Chat to an Unhappy Accident #40

    FEB 4

    From a Promising Chat to an Unhappy Accident #40

    In this outrageously funny episode of Telling Tinder Tales, hosts Chris O’Neill and Thomasin Lockwood welcome Sydney, a blind, queer comedian, musician, and life coach calling in from Brighton, UK, to share one of the most chaotic dating stories the podcast has ever heard. What starts as a promising Tinder date—complete with intelligent conversation, politics, music, and connection — quickly descends into absolute madness when Sydney’s date secretly necks half a bottle of spirits, becomes completely catatonic, strips off, and has a big, little accident. Along the way, the trio dive into dating safety, first-date red flags, queer dating experiences, Plenty of Fish nostalgia, and the unspoken rules of Tinder etiquette—while managing to find the humour in truly traumatic situations. Sydney also shares insights into her life as a comedian, her Brighton comedy success, and why the internet seems to magnetically attract weirdos. If you love hilarious dating disaster stories, Tinder horror tales, bad first dates, and laugh-out-loud podcast conversations about modern romance, this episode is an absolute must-listen. GUEST: Sydney May @thesydney_may 🎙️ Topics include: Tinder dates gone wrong, online dating fails, queer dating stories, disastrous first dates, dating app safety, comedy storytelling, and real-life Tinder nightmares. 👉 Listen now, leave a review, and remember: always vet your dates—and maybe hide the gin.

    28 min
  3. JAN 27

    An Expert in the Field | Poly is not a Parrot | Why the Apps Purposefully Fail? #39

    In this episode of Telling Tinder Tales, Chris O’Neill and Thomasin Lockwood are joined by dating industry expert and dating coach Steve Dean for one of the most educational Tinder stories yet. What starts as a late-night Tinder message turns into an all-night wander through New York, a three-month romance, and then—without warning— a new guy that prompts a sudden move across the world to become an organic farmer. Naturally. Steve also lifts the lid on the modern dating world, sharing insights from his time using over 300 hundred dating apps, consulting for the dating industry, and navigating polyamorous relationships with honesty, calendars, and spreadsheets (yes, really). Join them as they chat late-night dates, dating app disasters, weird apps that should never have existed, and whether dating apps actually want you to find love. Funny, surprising, and unexpectedly wholesome, this episode is packed with laughs, dating wisdom, and proof that even the strangest Tinder tales can have a happy ending. If you love dating podcasts, real Tinder stories, or hearing experts unpack the dating industry, this episode is for you. Guest: Steve Dean, @Date Working 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, rate, and review the podcast — it really helps us grow. 📩 Got your own wild dating story? Email us at tellingtindertales@gmail.com 🎟️ Check out our live shows in Leicester, Glasgow, and more — and follow us on socials @tellingtindertales for dates and updates. Because no matter how bad the date… at least you’ll get a great story out of it.

    36 min
  4. An Aussie Liability | Vino Regretto | Go Do It #38

    JAN 20

    An Aussie Liability | Vino Regretto | Go Do It #38

    This week on Telling Tinder Tales, hosts Chris O’Neill and Thomasin Lockwood are joined by comedian and viral sketch star Ali Woods for one of the wildest dating stories we’ve ever heard. Ali calls in from Hackney (freshly moved in with his partner, no less) to share a jaw-dropping tale from his early 20s, back when dating apps, bad decisions, and cheap Sauvignon Blanc ruled his love life. From meeting at the Clapham Grand to a date spiralling out of control in central London, this episode covers everything from toxic first-date behaviour and unhinged flirting to the stranger, more absurd side of modern dating culture. Along the way, the gang dive into: Dating apps vs meeting in real lifeSliding into DMs and dating as a comedianPower dynamics, boundaries, and red flags on first datesWhy being single isn’t a “character flaw”How your dating life shapes comedy, creativity, and confidenceWhy some dates are better as stories than relationshipsIt’s hilarious, uncomfortable, chaotic, and surprisingly thoughtful — a classic Telling Tinder Tales episode that proves sometimes the worst dates make the best laughs. 🎤 Guest: Ali Woods (stand-up comedian, Instagram & TikTok creator) @aliwoodsgigs If you love dating podcasts, real Tinder stories, comedy podcasts, or hearing comedians unpack disastrous romantic encounters, this episode is for you. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, rate, and review the podcast — it really helps us grow. 📩 Got your own wild dating story? Email us at tellingtindertales@gmail.com 🎟️ Check out our live shows in Leicester, Glasgow, and more — and follow us on socials @tellingtindertales for dates and updates. Because no matter how bad the date… at least you’ll get a great story out of it. 📍Topics: Dating horror stories, Tinder dates, comedy & relationships, London dating, bad first dates 😂 Vibe: Funny, raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest Hosts/Producers: Chris O'Neill & Thomasin Lockwood Producer/Editor: Lucie Regan Edit Assistant: Leo Dunlop

    27 min
  5. Making Memories, Hoarding Hoodies, and A Sus Suggestion #37

    JAN 14

    Making Memories, Hoarding Hoodies, and A Sus Suggestion #37

    In this hilarious episode of Telling Tinder Tales, hosts Chris O’Neill and Thomasin Lockwood are joined by Lucy, a 27-year-old sports broadcasting professional from London, who shares one of the most awkward, wild, and unforgettable dating stories yet. What starts as a promising Hinge date in London quickly turns into a full-blown rom-com nightmare when Lucy is invited on a first date ice skating at Canary Wharf— in the middle of London’s business district. From being filmed on the ice “to make memories” less than an hour into the date, a rooftop bar, questionable suggestions, and walking away with a borrowed ice rink manager hoodie, this episode has everything that makes online dating so chaotic and funny. Along the way, the hosts dive into: Dating app disasters and first date red flagsDoing dates “for the plot”Celebrity crushes and unconventional attractionBoundary-setting on awkward datesWhy fun dates don’t always mean the right personAnd how Lucy somehow keeps collecting hoodies from men she never sees againPacked with sharp banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and relatable dating insights, this episode is perfect for fans of dating podcasts, comedy podcasts, bad Tinder stories, and anyone navigating modern dating. 🎧 If you love real dating stories, awkward first dates, and comedy that tells the truth about dating apps, this episode of Telling Tinder Tales is not to be missed. 📩 Got your own dating horror story? Email tellingtindertales@gmail.com 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok @tellingtindertales 🎟️ Live shows in Leicester (February) and Glasgow (March) Swipe left on bad dates—but swipe right on this episode. 💔➡️❤️

    26 min
  6. The Maid, The Foot Man, and an Analogue Girl #36

    JAN 7

    The Maid, The Foot Man, and an Analogue Girl #36

    In this outrageous new episode of Telling Tinder Tales, host Chris O’Neill is joined by guest co-host Alice Frick, stepping in for Thomasin, and things quickly spiral into one of the wildest dating stories the podcast has ever heard. Calling in from Liverpool, performer, poet, and cabaret artist Joan Cooper Snark (aka another Alice) shares a jaw-dropping tale of modern dating, group chats, unexpected fantasies, and how one perfectly ordinary Tinder date can snowball into something completely wild. From feminist group chats and consent conversations, strange requests, and nights that take turns no one could possibly predict, this episode is packed with tantalising twists and big laughs. Along the way, the gang chats about dating apps, sexual confidence, comedy, performance art, and the sheer chaos of trying to connect with people online. It’s a hilarious, candid, and very funny exploration of dating culture, boundaries, and the bizarre situations people find themselves in when swiping turns into real life. Expect: A truly unforgettable Tinder dating storySharp comedy and chaotic energyHonest conversations about consent and communicationPlenty of laughs and “you won’t believe this” momentsIf you love dating podcasts, comedy podcasts, or stories about Tinder dates gone completely wrong, this episode is not to be missed. Follow @tellingtindertales on Instagram and TikTok for clips, live dates, and more dating disasters, and if you’ve got a story of your own, check the show notes to get in touch. Swipe less! Laugh more! Hosts: Chris O'Neill and Alice Frick @alice.frick Guest: Joan Cooper Snark @joancoopersnark Producer/Editor: Lucie Regan Edit Assistant: Leo Dunlop

    18 min
  7. Don't Double Down | Who's the Old Man in the Hallway? | Catwoman Goes Catfishing #35

    12/30/2025

    Don't Double Down | Who's the Old Man in the Hallway? | Catwoman Goes Catfishing #35

    In this episode of Telling Tinder Tales, host Chris O’Neill is joined by guest co-host Alice Frick for another hilariously uncomfortable deep dive into modern dating gone wrong. When dating apps promise romance but deliver chaos, this podcast is here to laugh through the pain. This week’s caller, Paul from Kent, shares his first-ever experience of online dating after two marriages and a long break from the dating world. What starts as a spontaneous Tinder match quickly escalates into a two-hour drive, an overnight stay, and a date that goes from hopeful to unsettling in under 24 hours. From intense oversharing and performative public displays of affection to alarming assumptions about meeting his children, Paul’s story is a masterclass in dating app red flags. As the conversation unfolds, the episode explores bigger themes around online dating safety, first-date boundaries, and the realities of re-entering the dating scene later in life. Paul also offers practical insights into building a “normal” dating profile, navigating video calls, and why verifying profiles matters more than ever. The chat takes an eye-opening turn as Paul reveals an experiment that exposed the darker side of social media and dating apps, highlighting the challenges women face online and sparking a broader conversation about consent, anonymity, and accountability on the internet. 🎙️ Topics covered in this episode: Tinder dating horror storiesOnline dating after divorceFirst date red flagsDating app safety tipsAwkward Tinder datesThe reality of modern dating appsComedy stories about dating gone wrong🎟️ Plus, hear about upcoming live Telling Tinder Tales shows in Leicester and Glasgow. Follow Telling Tinder Tales on Instagram and TikTok for more dating disasters, behind-the-scenes clips, and live show updates. If you’ve got a story of your own, check the show notes to get involved.

    23 min

About

We've gathered comedians and folks from all over the world to tell us their tales of dating and romance. Listen for the successes and the shockers, the laughter and the tears, of connecting in the modern world. Hosted by Chris O'Neill and Thomasin Lockwood If you have a tale to tell, please get in touch: Performers & Public Or email us: tellingtindertales@gmail.com Telling Tinder Tales is also a live show. Come join us and tell your tale! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @TellingTinderTales