Podcast Summary: First Date with Lauren Compton — Natalie Cuomo’s Biggest Dating Ick
Host: Lauren Compton
Guest: Natalie Cuomo (Comedian and Content Creator)
Release Date: March 24, 2026
Podcast Network: YMH Studios
Episode Theme & Purpose
This episode dives into the chaos, quirks, and realities of dating as experienced by two hilarious standup comedians, Lauren Compton and Natalie Cuomo. The conversation is candid, raunchy, and surprisingly heartfelt, focusing on red flags, “icks,” dating after divorce, tattoos, love bombing, and what it’s like to date in today's world of apps and social awkwardness. Through stories of heartbreak, laughter, and personal mishaps, both women showcase what it means to seek connection (and maybe a second date) in a wild dating landscape.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Natalie Cuomo’s Tattoos, Career & Divorce
- Tattoos:
- Natalie has around 70-80 tattoos, starting from age 18 (01:22). Favorite is the butterfly on her hand, plus a notable red dragon. Tattoos are all over: chest, back, legs, hands (01:32, 01:48, 01:59).
- Comedy & Performing:
- She recently performed at Cap City in Austin and comments on the dynamic, changing nature of cities like Austin and New York (01:07–01:16, 04:37).
- Dating and Divorce:
- Recently divorced after a short (1.5-year) marriage to another comedian (05:33), together for four years in total (05:39).
- Divorce was mutual: “We just both agreed…we’re better as friends.” (06:12)
- On not rushing into dating: “You just doing me, focusing on myself. Just trying to, like, you know, do what I haven't been doing the last few years.” (09:19)
2. Dating Fans and Relationships
- Has only hooked up with one fan in her career—found it awkward since the fan knew so much about her and she knew nothing about him (04:46–05:14).
- Describes herself as a “serial monogamist” who becomes intensely focused on the person she's with (10:38–10:49).
3. Modern Dating: Icks, Red Flags & Cringes
- Biggest Dating Icks:
- People who aren’t fully committed: “That’s gross to me.” (12:40–12:54)
- Cheating is a non-negotiable, obvious ick (12:55).
- Men obsessing over their looks or spending too long in the mirror: “I don’t want you to care so much about what you look like.” (14:19–14:35)
- Funny “Ick” Tangent:
- Grossed out by men’s feet in New York and their general toe neglect—“It’s goblin feet.” (13:41, 14:04)
- Host’s personal ick: men in thong flip-flops—“I don’t want to see thong sandals on your feet, dude.” (13:12)
- Worst Professions to Date:
- Both comedians agree that dating comics can be cringey, “Never again. Off limits for sure.” (17:07–17:12)
- Host recounts dating an “investment banker” who “was just out there trying to create something out of nothing…slimy.” (17:16–18:03)
4. Wildest Fan Encounter
- Fan at a meet-and-greet edited his face onto Natalie’s engagement photo, brought a ring, and asked her to stage a fake engagement photo. She refused: “I can’t do this. Like, no, this is too much.” (18:27–19:17)
5. Dating Preferences & Patterns
- Natalie is more drawn to the “vibe” than a physical type; her partners are all very different (“If you lined up every guy I’ve dated, you’d be like, whoa, this makes no sense.” (15:49))
- Attraction to older men: “I like an older guy. It’s comforting.” (20:40–20:47)
- Openness to dating apps, but heavily vets matches and prefers in-person chemistry (“Show me a picture of you holding a spoon.” — 15:24)
6. Love Bombing & Turn-Ons
- Love Bombing:
- Natalie loves being love-bombed—“It gets me every time.” (21:51)
- Host is more skeptical—would rather have a slow build: “I’d rather wait a year and then you be romantic as hell…” (27:39)
- Mutual acknowledgment that love bombing is common in dating and can be fun but also fake and disappointing (23:05, 23:11).
- Turn-Ons:
- For Natalie: “Someone loving me.” (21:47)
- Fun exchange about tattoos and dating:
- Natalie’s gotten four partners’ names tattooed—and two returned the favor. She says it’s simply “fun” (30:53–31:32), but admits, “I guess I’m a creep.” (31:48)
7. Parenthood, Tattoos, and Generational Shenanigans
- Natalie muses about whether her hypothetical kids will rebel against her tattoos or want to be like her (“I wonder if I have kids if they’ll hate tattoos because I have them…or they’ll go the other way.” — 34:27–34:33).
- Host reflects on her own experience: didn't plan on being a mom, but “trapped a man” by getting pregnant, sharing several humorous, candid anecdotes about pregnancy surprises (36:22–39:50).
8. Unsolicited Pregnancy Comments
- Both discuss awkward or rude instances where people assumed they were pregnant due to body shape or dress—Natalie was asked (incorrectly) if she was expecting, host recounts being congratulated for a pregnancy three months postpartum (41:33–44:53).
- Host confesses: “Instead of telling her that I wasn’t pregnant because I didn’t want her to feel embarrassed...I was like, I’m four months pregnant.” (43:06)
9. Love Languages & Relationship Advice
- Host’s love language is gifts—especially diamonds, making it clear to her husband that tangible gifts are important (46:38–47:50).
- Natalie’s is words of affirmation, linking it to her fondness for love bombing (48:20–48:24).
- On romantic gestures when broke: non-diamond gifts, creativity, and effort (48:45–49:02).
- “Words of silence” (pouting) are touted as a way to get your partner to step up with affection or gifts (49:41–50:48).
10. Advice to Newly Single Natalie
- Host’s advice:
- “Take your alone time. Especially if you’re a serial monogamist.” (51:16)
- Enjoy the single period before rushing into another relationship—“when you do find the person that you want to be with forever, then you’re with them forever. And you don’t have that little…That part of you” (52:06–52:10).
- “Enjoy the you time while you have it.” (52:51)
- “Boys are fun…‘til they’re not. And then you just go to the next one.” (53:00–53:04)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Dating Fans:
- “I’ve slept with one fan, like five years ago. That’s it. They just know too much…and you don’t know anything about them. They know all this stuff about you.” — Natalie Cuomo (04:46–05:14)
-
On Divorce:
- “We just both agreed…we’re better as friends.” — Natalie (06:12)
- “I am, like, recently divorced.” — Natalie (05:24)
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On Love Bombing:
- “I love being love bombed. It’s my favorite. It gets me every time.” — Natalie Cuomo (21:51)
- “I’d rather wait a year and then you be romantic as hell…than be love-bombed right off the bat.” — Lauren Compton (27:39)
- “I want someone to be like, I will burn down my house for you.” — Natalie Cuomo (28:08)
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On Tattoos as Relationship Flags:
- “I have guys’ names tattooed…four. I’ve gotten them covered up, but I had. I’ve had four.” — Natalie Cuomo (30:53)
- “I’d be weirded out if a guy showed up with a tattoo of my name.” — Lauren Compton (31:45)
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On How to Train a Gift-Giving Partner:
- “Pout. Hardcore pouting works…Words of silence.” — Lauren Compton (49:41)
-
On Enjoying Single Life:
- “Take your alone time. Especially if you’re a serial monogamist.” — Lauren Compton (51:16)
- “If you’re in that single you moment, like, really soak that up.” — Lauren (52:22)
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On Awkward Pregnancy Moments:
- “She hates you.” — Lauren, after Natalie recounts someone putting their hand on her belly and asking if she was pregnant (41:41)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Intro / Guest Arrival: 00:30–01:20
- Tattoos Discussion: 01:20–03:15
- Comedy & Austin/NY Chat: 04:37–05:41
- Dating Fans Experience: 04:46–05:14
- Recent Divorce & Marriage History: 05:24–09:19
- Dating “Icks” & Red Flags: 12:36–14:35
- Funny Fan Encounters: 18:27–19:17
- Type and Pattern in Dating: 15:49–16:33
- Dating Age Preferences: 20:40–21:00
- On Love Bombing: 21:47–23:13, 27:39–28:41
- Tattoos and Relationships: 30:53–32:12
- Kids, Parenting & Tattoos: 34:27–36:44
- Unsolicited Pregnancy Comments: 41:33–44:53
- Love Languages: 46:38–48:24
- Train Your Partner (Diamonds): 49:41–50:48
- Advice for Newly Single Natalie: 51:07–52:51
Tone & Style
The episode is candid, irreverent, and full of comedic banter. Both Lauren and Natalie freely share personal, sometimes embarrassing stories, but always with warmth, humor, and a bit of self-mockery. The conversation is unfiltered but never mean-spirited, painting an authentic look at the messy reality of modern love, dating, and self-discovery.
For New Listeners
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves relationship real talk, sharp wit, and brutally honest tales about the crazy world of dating and personal growth. If you’ve ever wondered what comedians discuss over drinks or on a “first date,” this delivers in spades!
