First Dates & Soulmates: A Romance Podcast

Meg Casebolt & Nikki McKnight
  • 4.9 (7)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

First Dates & Soulmates is a romance podcast where craft meets culture, hosted by romance author Meg Casebolt and pop culture devotee Nikki McKnight. Expect trope frameworks, feminist film critiques, author interviews, and sometimes ridiculous readalongs.

  1. 5h ago

    [Re-release] Fake Dating Trope: The 8 Stages That Make Us Believe It's Real

    Strap in. We’re going deep. This week on First Dates & Soulmates, it’s a trope episode! And we’re dissecting every glorious and absurd nuance of fake dating. Nikki may think this trope is the Chardonnay of romance (she’ll drink it if you serve it), while Meg is out here creating full frameworks while waiting in line at Disneyland. In This Episode: * Why so many fake dating books fall apart if the initial premise isn’t strong * Why romantic vulnerability matters more than jellybeans * The difference between fake dating for good vs fake dating for damage control * The role of the designated extroverted friend and why we all need one * When fake dating turns into real cheerleading, and why that’s hot This episode developed the FAKING IT Framework — First Dates & Soulmates' analytical guide to fake dating romance, built around the eight structural elements every fake dating story needs. Meg loves a third-act breakup. Nikki wants to be your fake date and your designated hype woman. Leave a review, comment on Substack, tell us your favourite fake dating books, or ask Nikki to be your designated fake fiance so you can get that promotion! View the full show notes at: https://firstdatesandsoulmates.com/episode/fake-dating-trope Get our full list of our top 20 favorite fake dating romance books! Fake Dating Movies: * How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days * The Proposal * 10 Things I Hate About You * The Bachelor (Chris O’Donnell movie) * Purple Hearts * The Firm * Sleepless in Seattle * Bridgerton * Sex and the City * Just Go With It Follow the show on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/ Follow the show on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmates Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmates Order Meg’s debut novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite (affiliate link) Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

  2. 6d ago

    [Re-Release] Love At First Bite: Vampire Romance

    October starts with a bite as Nikki and Meg dive fang-first into the many flavours of vampire romance. From broody immortals to leather-pants predators, they trace the evolution of the undead in pop culture and argue over who deserves to be booped on the nose. What you’ll hear: Sparkly vampires that aged like milk (sorry, Edward)Why Alexander Skarsgård should never own pants that aren’t leatherThe four vampire archetypes: tragic baby, sexy predator, protective dad-vamp, and monster with a secret squishy centerNikki’s theory of “booping the tiger” as peak vampire romance energyMeg’s dream vampire power: orgasms on demand (yes, really) This episode developed the Vampire Archetype Framework — First Dates & Soulmates' guide to the four faces of the vampire romance hero and the cultural history of which type dominates in each era. We also used this episode to build our Vampire Romance Books & Series Recommendations. Nikki’s Vampire Book List: Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR WardArgeneau series by Lynsay SandsAnita Blake series by Laurell K HamiltonTwilight by Stephenie MeyerDark series by Christine FeehanA Discovery of Witches by Deborah HarknessLords of Discord series (and Lords of Chaos spinoff) by Jocelynn DrakeLark Taylor's Reckless Damned SeriesGrae Bryan's Vampire's Mate seriesFirst Blood by Eliot GraysonOne Bite with a Vampire by Louisa MastersThe Necromancer’s Dance by Sheena JolieBite me! You know I like it by Fae QuinCronin's Key by NR WalkerThe Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA by AJ SherwoodFated Mates series by AJ SherwoodBite Marks & Broken Hearts by TJ RoseImmortal Assassins series by Mia MonroeVampire Related Crimes Series by Alice Winters Books/Media Mentioned: Twilight series by Stephenie MeyerInterview with the Vampire by Anne Rice (book and film)Queen of the Damned (film)True Blood (HBO series) and Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine HarrisVampire Diaries (TV series)Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV series)Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (book and film)Immortals After Dark series by Kresley ColeCasual Felonies by Kelly FoxHot Blooded by Heather Guerre How You Can Support The Show Follow Us On Social: instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/ tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmates youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmates Email us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one! Got a Little Extra Money to Spend? Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAk Get Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z

  3. Sep 2

    [Re-release] Rockstar Romance with Jessica Topper

    This week Nikki and Meg sit down with author Jessica Topper to dive into the world of rock star romance. A librarian-turned-romance-writer, Jessica shares how her real-life concert experiences and love of music shape her stories — including her beloved Love & Steel series. They explore: * What makes musicians such compelling romantic leads * Why found family dynamics hit differently in fictional bands * The behind-the-stage drama of redemption arcs, messy characters, and their thoughts on bodyguard and manager relationships Don’t worry, there’s enough fictional eyeliner to last you a lifetime. (For more details about the recent changes in Rockstar Romance, check out our essay: From Fantasy to Trauma: How Rockstar Romance Learned to Tell the Truth About Fame) About Our Guest Jessica Topper has been in love with the beauty of the written word ever since she memorized Maurice Sendak's Chicken Soup with Rice at the age of three. After earning a B.A. in English Literature and her Master's Degree in Library Science, Jessica went on to work as a librarian in New York City before trading in the books for bookkeeping. For seventeen years, she worked in the production office of an international touring rock band. Jessica broke the rock romance mold with her 2013 debut novel LOUDER THAN LOVE. Her follow-up romantic comedy, DICTATORSHIP OF THE DRESS, was named one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2015. She lives in Western New York with her family - including two cats that love to walk across her keyboard. Follow Jess: Website: www.jessicatopper.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/JessicaTopperAuthor Instagram - www.instagram.com/jessicatopper/ Goodreads - www.goodreads.com/jessicatopper BookBub - www.bookbub.com/profile/jessica-topper Get our complete list of rockstar romance book recommendations Jessica’s Recs: Under Your Spell - Laura WoodCharm City Rocks - Matthew NormanJuliet, Naked - Nick HornbyHow to Kill a Rock Star - Tiffanie DeBartoloDon't Sleep with your Drummer - Jen Sincero Meg’s Recs: VIP series (Idol, Managed, Fall, Exposed) by Kristen CallihanStage Dive series (Lick, Play, Lead, Deep) by Kylie ScottDrive by Kate Stewart (but not the sequel, Reverse)The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez Nikki’s Recs: Atrous trilogy by NR Walker (Code Red, Code Blue, Code Word) -- and listen to our full episode about AtrousFallen Angels series by Ella Frank and Brook BlaineFix It Up by Mary CalmesReplay series by KM NeuholdFamous series by Eden FinleyGASP! by ZA MaxfieldCaffeine Daydreams series by Lark TaylorRhythm of Love series by Neve WilderJumping Jude (Made Marian book 3) by Lucy LennoxStarting From Series by Lane HayesThe Player by Lily Morton

  4. Aug 26

    [Re-Release] Love on Vacation: Summer Romance Trope Deep Dive

    Ever fall in love on vacation? Nikki hasn't — but she's got a cautionary tale about a family friend who did, and it did NOT end well. Meg's convinced the only version that actually works is the friends-to-lovers group trip. This week, Nikki and Meg unpack the logistics (and the impractical magic) of the "love on vacation" trope — from beach house hookups to European cruises to why a grand romantic gesture at the airport is a logistical nightmare and disrespectful to TSA lines. Listen in for: — Tropes like friends-to-lovers-on-holiday, destination wedding mix-ups, and stranded road trip partners — Nikki's campaign against cruise ships, always — A pitch for a merch line that will definitely get banned — The emotional difference between "honeymoon with your ex's sibling" and "strangers in Venice" — When Meg turned into a Scottish bar singer on a dare (it worked) — Why a grand gesture at the airport falls apart the second you think about the logistics Also covered: runaway grooms, coconuts and questionable toppings. Full show notes: https://firstdatesandsoulmates.com/episode/love-on-vacation/ Nikki, on why forced-proximity vacation romance works: "I think it can be a factor, but most good stories have some sort of ticking clock so that way you get some urgency and some stakes raised."Meg, on the real rule underneath every vacation romance: "It can start as something that happens by chance, but it has to end with a choice."Nikki, on why the honeymoon-gone-wrong trope works for her: "I think when it does become a little bit more hard won, you're like, no, they're already putting in the effort. This was not just because of proximity." Get our full list of beach read recommendations: http://firstdatesandsoulmates.com/beach-reads-romance-books Books & Media We Mention & Recommend * Only One Beach House by K.M. Neuhold * Waiting for You by Cora Rose * Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren * People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry * Every Summer After by Carley Fortune * Wild Seasons series by Christina Lauren * Up in Flames by Eden Finley & Saxon James * Beat Me Next Christmas by Lindy Bell * Love on Vacation by Keira Andrews * Cruising by Sean Ashcroft * Married to My Best Friend by Riley Hart * Three’s Company by NR Walker * Up in Flames by Eden Finley and Saxon James * Time Out by Vinni George * Cuckoo’s Call by Lily Morton * Thick as Thieves by Lucy Lennox * How to Say I Do by Tal Bauer * Gaycation in Paradise by Ariella Zoelle * Private Charter by NR Walker * KM Neuhold’s Palm Island series * Snow Way In Hell by Charlie Novak * Shore thing series by Jaclyn Osborn * California Crush series by Mia Monroe * Waiting for you by Cora Rose * The Holiday (2006) * Letters to Juliet (2010) * How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998) * Poseidon Adventure (1972) * Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) * The Philadelphia Story (1940) * Palm Springs (2020) * To Catch a Thief * Love Actually We're Shipping: — PS I Hate You by Lauren Connolly — Himbo Hitman by Saxon James

  5. Aug 19

    [Re-Release] Eden Finley Discusses Her Shared Hockey Romance Universe

    Nikki and Meg sit down with bestselling author Eden Finley to talk all things generational romance, character crossovers, and the chaos of collaborative writing. From her Fake Boyfriend series to Puckboy, Eden shares how she builds interconnected worlds where the HEAs don’t stop with one couple but they span generations. Listen in as they discuss: * Why gay hockey is such a reliable niche * Keeping track of a sprawling cast across multiple spin-offs and shared universes * Eden’s writing process (spoiler: chaos is embraced) * Tropes, tension, and the line between sweet and spicy Grab Eden’s latest release, The Office Bet at https://mybook.to/TheOfficeBet About Our Guest: Eden Finley didn't start writing until the age of 28. She always loved being creative and writing stories for English and Lit classes in high school but never thought she could make a career out of it. The reason she is where she is today is because of a list of 30 things she wanted to do before she was 30, one of them being 'write a book.' One turned into two and kept growing, and now she is an Amazon top 10 bestseller. https://linktr.ee/edenfinley https://edenfinley.com https://www.instagram.com/finley.eden/ Books & Media We Mention: * Fake Boyfriend series by Eden Finley * Puckboy series (co-written with Saxon James) * Franklin University (shared universe series) * Calling His Bluff by Charlie Cochet * Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood How You Can Support The Show Follow Us On Social: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmates YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmates Email us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com

  6. Aug 12

    [Re-Release] Heated Rivalry: We're Going To The Cottage

    Episodes 5 and 6 of Heated Rivalry deliver what can only be described as a masterclass in slow-burn payoff. This is the episode where a broken collarbone, a loopy hospital confession, and an invitation to a Canadian cottage somehow add up to two men who finally, finally sit down and use their words like adults — and it happens across what both hosts agreed feels less like two separate episodes than one continuous, hour-and-a-half emotional gut-punch. Meg and Nikki are once again joined by Andréa Jones — and this time, Nikki's read all the books, which means the "furious about the Long Game" energy you'll hear in this one is fully earned. In this episode: Why Episodes 5 and 6 fully deserve being some of the highest-rated TV episodes ever — and why Nikki "will not stand for the Skip slander"The injury → hospital → cottage pipeline, and what actually changes between Shane and Ilya once they're finally aloneThe loopy, post-surgery "I love you, man" moment — and why the real I-love-you, said in a different language entirely, might matter moreThe musicality of "I'm coming to the cottage" (Nikki wants it as a ringtone, and she's not kidding)What the show's small budget and single-location choices reveal about adapting a slow-burn faithfully instead of "fixing" itNikki's post-book-read fury at Montreal, the Long Game, and exactly how badly that organization treated its own dynastyBig-picture fandom energy: the Empty Netters podcast finale livestream, the Quinn app's audio erotica pivot, and what it means that hockey bros and romance readers are suddenly in the same comment section Don't miss any of our Heated Rivalry episodes: Check out our two other Heated Rivalry episodes: Episodes 1-2, “Rookies” & “Olympians”Episodes 3-4: "Hunter" & "Rose"Episodes 5-6. “I’ll Believe In Anything” and “The Cottage”:Our guide to what to read after you’ve binged the whole Gamechangers series Meg, on the weight of Ilya's confession before he's ready to act on it: "It's like, I'm, I love you and I'm not willing to tell you and I'm not willing to take action on it. And even if I could take action, I don't know what that action would be. There's a lightness to being able to say it out loud, but also a heaviness to it." Andréa, on the cottage episode's place in the whole series: "The cottage — literally the cottage — is the pinnacle to me of what this book series is." Meg, on why the adaptation earns its faithfulness: "Jacob Tierney really stayed both faithful and trusted the viewers to go with us — to say we're gonna spend an entire episode with literally four people, one location." Nikki, on "I'm coming to the cottage" as a text message: "The musicality of that entire thing was so well done. I want this like remix as a ringtone. I need it." Nikki, on finally reading the books: "F**k Montreal." (No further context provided. You'll have to listen.) Follow Us On Social: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmates YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmates Email us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com

  7. Aug 5

    [Re-Release] Heartless by Elsie Silver: cowboy, nanny, grumpy-sunshine AND surprise pregnancy? Bring it on.

    For many of us, romance is an escape from our day to day lives where we can just focus on the witty repartee, brooding good looks, and all of the tingles in the groiny bits. This month, Nikki and Meg are sharing a book they somehow love yet it contains their most hated trope(s). Nowhere on Meg’s TBR list would we expect to see a grumpyXsunshine western single dad romance with a nanny AND A SURPRISE BABY. But surprise, it’s time for Meg’s pick, Heartless by Elsie Silver. In this episode we chat about: how a GRUMPY single dad turns out to be the most emotionally mature character of all timepanty-dropping meet cute moments in weirdly named coffeeshopsa nanny who is neither Julie Andrews as a nun nor “not like other girls”, but just awesome, reallyhot, hot, hot tub moments Read our full written Heartless book review Get the full show notes at https://www.firstdatesandsoulmates.com/episodes/elsie-silver-heartless From the book (read aloud by Nikki), on Cade's internal monologue: "I hate myself. I want to take it back and throw Willa over my shoulder and drag her home with me where she belongs. But I pushed her off on a perfectly nice guy because I've convinced myself that the f*****g nanny is out of bounds. It doesn't take a psychologist to know I'm the issue."From the book (read aloud by Nikki), Cade and Willa's fear/commitment exchange: "I'm scared. I'm scared you're too young, that you haven't lived enough, that you're too far out of my league. I'm scared I'm not enough, you're gonna walk away and I'll be stuck here in shambles again — but so will Luke this time." ... "I'm scared too, but not too scared to try again."Nikki, on Cade as a character: "Cade, like, him in the dictionary next to emotionally mature, super hot, sexy man — it's gonna be Cade."Meg, on why the central relationship works: "Cade needs Willa more than Willa needs the job." Books & Media We Mention: * The Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver (the rest of this series) * Fool Hearts (Plum Valley Cowboys Book 1) by Emmy Sanders * How to Say I Do by Tal Bauer * To the Moon & Back by NR Walker * The Nannies of New York series by K. Sterling * Descript software for transcription, podcast editing & Reel creation * Money Honeys Podcast with Freddie, Chantel, and Dev

  8. Aug 3

    We're Taking a Hiatus: Here's What's Coming This Fall

    Nikki's got a cool work opportunity that means she's stepping away from recording for a bit — so we're taking a short hiatus and re-releasing some of our favorite episodes in the meantime (all labeled, so you know what's a rerun). While we're off, I'll be writing Elijah's book, spending time with family, and doing some behind-the-scenes upgrades — including moving fully off Substack. If you followed us there, make sure you're subscribed on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don't miss anything. All our show notes, frameworks, and book recs now live at firstdatesandsoulmates.com. We're also close to a big YouTube milestone — if you've got a second, hit subscribe at Youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmates. It genuinely helps, even if you mostly listen elsewhere. Miss us already? Check out: 🎙️ Would Recommend — Nikki's podcast on customer experience 🎙️ Aggressively Human — Meg's podcast on keeping business human in the age of AI 👯 Nikki as a guest on Meg's podcast talking customer service in the age of AI See you in the fall. 💛

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

First Dates & Soulmates is a romance podcast where craft meets culture, hosted by romance author Meg Casebolt and pop culture devotee Nikki McKnight. Expect trope frameworks, feminist film critiques, author interviews, and sometimes ridiculous readalongs.

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