Podcast Summary: "The One With Tim and Lisa Dekay" from For Love & Chocolate
Introduction
In the December 18, 2024 episode of For Love & Chocolate, hosts Tommy and Tara Gallop, known affectionately as Mr. and Mrs. Truffles, welcome their inaugural guests, Tim and Lisa Dekay. Produced by Tara Gallop, Tommy Gallop, and Adam Haagen, this episode celebrates enduring love intertwined with the sweet allure of Swiss chocolate, embodying the podcast's core themes.
Hosts' Background and Podcast Vision
Tommy and Tara begin by sharing their journey as proprietors of Beverly Hills Toy, a prestigious Swiss Chocolate company with a 43-year legacy in Beverly Hills. They emphasize the natural synergy between love and chocolate, highlighting how chocolates often serve as meaningful gifts that foster connections and create lasting memories.
Tommy Gallup ([01:00]): "We've learned that love and chocolate really seem to go hand in hand. They really do like peanut butter and jelly."
The hosts explain that their podcast aims to delve into the nuances of love by showcasing stories from couples who have sustained their relationships over decades. Their goal is to explore how love evolves, the challenges it faces, and the sweet moments that keep it thriving.
Addressing Relationship Concerns: The Mailbag Segment
Before introducing their guests, Tommy and Tara address listener questions, offering advice on various relationship dilemmas. A notable query comes from a 35-year-old man in finance who struggles with the financial expectations of dating, particularly regarding who should pay the bill.
Tommy Gallup ([05:16]): "You have to open the door for her. You have to compliment her. You have to be attentive. You've got to be making eye contact. You've got to be a good listener."
Tommy advocates for traditional dating roles, encouraging men to cover the bill on first dates as a gesture of respect and intention. Tara supports this viewpoint, emphasizing that such actions demonstrate a man's commitment and desire to take care of his partner.
Guest Introduction: Tim and Lisa Dekay
The spotlight shifts to the episode's guests, Tim and Lisa Dekay, whom Tommy has known for over 35 years. Tim, a successful actor recognized for roles in White Collar, Seinfeld, and other HBO shows, and Lisa, his lifelong partner, embody a relationship filled with mutual respect, love, and shared history.
Tommy Gallup ([12:10]): "Tim and Lisa Dekay, who I've known for now 30 plus years... they are pure love in that their romance is a story that needs to be told."
The Dekays' Love Story
Tim and Lisa recount their meeting during graduate school at Rutgers University in 1987. Initially scene partners in an acting class, their friendship gradually blossomed into a deep romantic connection. A defining moment occurred on Halloween when Tim spontaneously kissed Lisa in the bathroom, leading to an immediate and profound bond.
Lisa Takei ([20:12]): "I was in the bathroom putting on lipstick, and the door was open and he came in, shut the door, spun me around and kissed me. And I was shocked. He was shocked."
This unexpected kiss in the middle of their acting program marked the beginning of their enduring relationship, which has now spanned over three decades.
The Proposal: A Theatrical Gesture
Tim shares the heartfelt story of how he proposed to Lisa during a production at the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown. Incorporating elements from the play Casey at the Bat, Tim staged a surprise proposal on stage, blending his passion for acting with his love for Lisa.
Tim Decay ([25:27]): "I was able to... ask her up there. And she had come to visit me. We were there for a couple weeks... I had the stage manager leave the house lights kind of like halfway dim."
The proposal was a magical moment witnessed by the cast and crew, solidifying their commitment to one another.
Sustaining Long-Term Love
The conversation delves into the secrets behind Tim and Lisa's lasting marriage. Both attribute their enduring love to a blend of humor, teamwork, consistent small acts of kindness, and unwavering support for each other.
Lisa Takei ([31:08]): "We do lots of sweet little things for each other that they may seem silly and small, but... Every time one of us would travel for work, we would leave notes in each other's suitcases."
Tommy Gallup ([32:31]): "It's how I can be my authentic self 100% of the time with her. Right. Warts and all. She just... she knows. And she's still, after all of that, she still loves me."
Advice for Young Couples
When asked for advice, Tim and Lisa emphasize the importance of maintaining physical intimacy and continuous affection.
Tim Decay ([31:23]): "Don't ever stop making out. Lisa is the best kisser ever."
They also highlight the significance of being a supportive team, communicating openly, and expressing love through everyday actions to keep the relationship vibrant and resilient.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode concludes, Tommy and Tara express their heartfelt gratitude to Tim and Lisa for sharing their inspiring love story. They celebrate the couple's journey with gift bags featuring their signature champagne truffles and other chocolate delicacies, reinforcing the podcast's theme of celebrating love with sweet gestures.
Tommy Gallup ([36:16]): "Anyway, I'm really grateful that we're doing this. I'm really happy about it. I think this first show was so much fun."
The episode wraps up with reflections on the beauty of long-term love and the joy of sharing such meaningful stories with their audience.
Notable Quotes
- Tommy Gallup ([01:00]): "We've learned that love and chocolate really seem to go hand in hand. They really do like peanut butter and jelly."
- Tommy Gallup ([05:16]): "You have to open the door for her. You have to compliment her. You have to be attentive. You've got to be making eye contact. You've got to be a good listener."
- Tim Decay ([20:12]): "I was in the bathroom putting on lipstick, and the door was open and he came in, shut the door, spun me around and kissed me."
- Lisa Takei ([31:08]): "We do lots of sweet little things for each other that they may seem silly and small."
- Tommy Gallup ([32:31]): "It's how I can be my authentic self 100% of the time with her. Right. Warts and all."
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Small Gestures: Consistent, thoughtful actions strengthen bonds and maintain romance in long-term relationships.
- Authenticity and Communication: Being genuine and maintaining open lines of communication are crucial for enduring love.
- Balancing Passion and Support: Integrating personal passions with mutual support creates a harmonious and resilient partnership.
This episode of For Love & Chocolate beautifully illustrates how enduring love is nurtured through attention, authenticity, and sweet gestures, all while celebrating the deep connection between love and chocolate.