Creative dates, rural adventures, and the art of making your own damn fun. There's nothing to do in a small town? Haylie Shipp is calling b******t. From pasture golf tournaments and outhouse races to dog-wash dates and stargazing in the back of a pickup, rural people have proven they're pretty darn good at making their own entertainment. So why do we keep falling back on the same old routines when it comes to dating? In this solo episode of Desolate Dating, Haylie makes the case for putting a little more creativity into our relationships AND our everyday lives. Drawing inspiration from Mel Robbins, relationship research on shared experiences, and dating advice from Carleigh Ferrante, she explores why trying something new can make life more exciting and potentially bring a little spark back into a romantic relationship. There's also a memorable story about a vacation with an ex that went spectacularly wrong. Turns out, traveling together can reveal quite a bit about a person's character. And for the ranchers, farmers, and other busy rural singles and couples who say they don't have time for dates? We're talking about making the most of the time you already have. Sometimes a thoughtfully packed supper in the tractor or a blanket under the stars is all it takes. But the biggest takeaway has nothing to do with your relationship status. You deserve an interesting life, whether or not there's someone sitting across the table from you. Resources Mentioned Mel Robbins: 5 Fun Ideas to Shake Up Your Life & Get Out of a Rut explores getting out of familiar routines, finding adventures close to home, and creating a Never Been There, Never Done That list. Relationship research: Try Something New Together: Research Shows Engaging in Self-Expanding Activities from the British Psychological Society explores how trying new experiences together can contribute to relationship satisfaction and help couples reconnect. Carleigh Ferrante: Follow @mostlydating on Instagram for dating and relationship advice, and listen to her Mostly Dating podcast. Her six date categories inspired the creative dating challenge in this episode. Your Desolate Dating Homework First, start your own Never Been There, Never Done That list. Think of places you've never visited, experiences you've never tried, and opportunities you've been overlooking right in your own backyard. Then, put something on the calendar within the next 30 days. Maybe it's a little road trip, an adventure, a social outing, a wellness activity, something educational, or a surprise date planned entirely by you. Take your partner, invite a friend, or go by yourself. Just do something different. Have a creative rural date idea or a dating disaster worth sharing? Send your story to Desolate Dating. We want to hear it! Thanks to Our Desolate Dating Sponsors! A huge thank you to the businesses and individuals who make Desolate Dating possible and support conversations about dating, relationships, and life in rural communities. Presenting Partners The Moss Lodge by Arneson Contracting – A unique getaway in Glasgow, Montana. Glasgow Dental Clinic – Dr. Jolynn Capdeville and her team in Glasgow, Montana. Call (406) 228-2656. Founding Sponsors Ooo Shiny Fabrics Cherry Creek Aesthetics Busted Knuckle Brewery End of the Road Vacation Rental Dr. Kristen Strom, Coach & Keynote Speaker J. Whittle Construction LLC – Nashua, Montana Cottonwood Inn & Suites Hotel, Dining, and Convention Center Thank you for supporting Desolate Dating and helping us bring rural dating stories to listeners everywhere! © 2026 Ranchy Media LLC. All rights reserved. Desolate Dating is created, owned, and hosted by Haylie Shipp and produced by Ranchy Media LLC. Desolate Dating explores topics including loneliness, relationships, and emotional well-being. While we hope these conversations help listeners feel seen and connected, this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, please consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, your healthcare provider, or a licensed mental health professional. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are in the United States or Canada. If you are outside the United States or Canada, please contact your country's local crisis services or emergency resources. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services. To sign up for the newsletter, give topic suggestions, or submit your own Desolate Dating story, head to www.tinyurl.com/DesolateDating.
