Podcast Summary: Can I Walk With You?
Episode: "I came to NYC to find love but all I found was hookups..."
Host: Thoraya
Release Date: August 7, 2025

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Season One of Can I Walk With You?, host Thoraya takes to the bustling streets of New York City—celebrated as America’s most walkable metropolis—to engage in candid and spontaneous conversations with strangers. This episode, titled "I came to NYC to find love but all I found was hookups...", delves deep into the complexities of seeking meaningful relationships in a city synonymous with fast-paced living and hookup culture.

Guest Introduction: Marcia's Background

Thoraya begins her walk-and-talk interview with Marcia, a vibrant individual with a multifaceted identity. Marcia introduces herself as a Jamaican transgender woman and a fashion designer residing in Brooklyn.

"My name is Marcia. I'm Jamaican. I'm trans. I'm a fashion designer." [01:30]

Marcia explains her passion for fashion, emphasizing her personal style as an expression of self rather than adherence to trends or budgets.

"People just tend to like the way I dress. Like, I dress off my own expression. I just have my own style." [01:46]

The Search for Love in NYC

Marcia shares her initial motivation for moving to New York City: the pursuit of love. However, her experience contrasts sharply with her expectations.

"I came to New York to find love, but all I found was what New York has to offer. Hookups. That's it." [03:19]

She elaborates on how the city's fast-paced environment and abundant dating options have made it challenging to forge lasting relationships, leading to a prevalence of short-term connections over meaningful bonds.

Hookup Culture's Impact on Relationships

The conversation shifts to the pervasive hookup culture in NYC and its implications for those seeking genuine love.

"With this new day and age, all these dating apps, the Internet, it's so easy to meet people. It's so easy for everybody to get hookups. Like, nobody has time to get to know people." [04:33]

Marcia criticizes the superficial nature of modern dating, where convenience often trumps depth, making it difficult to establish long-term connections.

The Concept of Soulmates vs. Realistic Relationship Building

Thoraya and Marcia delve into the romantic notion of soulmates, questioning its validity in today's dating landscape.

"Our whole life we've been taught there's a soulmate out there for us, and we're gonna meet them." [07:11]

Marcia challenges this idea, suggesting that the expectation of finding a soulmate can be disillusioning. She points out that many relationships formed in high-pressure environments like work or school are based on prolonged interaction rather than chance encounters.

"We have to get to know people for a long period of time. People that went to school together took three, four years getting to know each other." [08:02]

Shifting Goals: From Seeking Love to Financial Stability

In a candid admission, Marcia reveals a shift in her priorities from seeking love to desiring financial security through relationships.

"I'm holding onto the hope that I find a rich man that sweep me off my feet. I don't want love anymore. I want money." [10:17]

She articulates a pragmatic approach to relationships, viewing financial stability as a consolation for the elusive search for love.

"If I can't find love, that's a good consolation prize, don't you think?" [10:17]

Navigating Life Without Defined Dreams

Marcia discusses her current life philosophy, emphasizing flexibility and resilience over rigid goal-setting.

"I'm just winging it because you can wake up to, like you can have one set path, life just makes a whole U turn on you and you have to just make another whole earlier in life." [12:41]

She advocates for taking life one day at a time, prioritizing happiness and mental well-being amidst unpredictability.

Final Advice and Closing Thoughts

Before concluding their walk, Marcia offers heartfelt advice to listeners, encouraging perseverance and gratitude.

"Don't give up on your dream. Life is still there to live. You could be down today and up tomorrow. So don't give up." [14:04]

She emphasizes the importance of appreciating what one has and recognizing that others may be facing greater challenges.

"No matter what situation you're in, there's still people out there who are doing worse than you. So always remember to give thanks once you have life. That's the greatest." [14:38]

Notable Quotes

• "I came to New York to find love, but all I found was what New York has to offer. Hookups. That's it." — Marcia [03:19]

• "Our whole life we've been taught there's a soulmate out there for us, and we're gonna meet them." — Thoraya [07:11]

• "I'm holding onto the hope that I find a rich man that sweep me off my feet. I don't want love anymore. I want money." — Marcia [10:17]

• "Don't give up on your dream. Life is still there to live. You could be down today and up tomorrow. So don't give up." — Marcia [14:04]

Conclusion

This episode of Can I Walk With You? offers a poignant exploration of the challenges of finding love in a city renowned for its vibrant yet often impersonal social scene. Through Marcia's honest reflections, listeners gain insight into the emotional landscape of modern relationships, the impact of hookup culture, and the evolving nature of personal aspirations. Thoraya's engaging interview style fosters a meaningful dialogue, making the episode a compelling listen for anyone navigating the complexities of love and life in New York City.