Podcast Summary: "AN AMAZING LOVE STORY FROM BUMBLE"

Podcast: Kat on the Loose
Host: Kat Zammuto
Guests: DJ & James
Date: April 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In this inspiring and heartwarming episode, Kat Zammuto welcomes DJ and James, a couple who met on Bumble later in life and went on to not just find love, but create a business together. This raw, unfiltered conversation dives deep into breaking through heartbreak, entering the dating scene after trauma, and reframing thoughts about love, age, dating apps, and partnership. DJ and James open up about their journey from personal lows to finding a soulmate, building trust, developing mutual support, and launching a unique product for couples. Their story is proof that it's never too late for big love and even bigger adventure.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. From Heartbreak to Healing (01:14–04:22)

• DJ recounts experiencing a major heartbreak, ending a relationship with a partner struggling with addiction. She found comfort and resilience listening to Kat’s podcast, hearing about Kat’s own tumultuous past.
• Audience Impact Quote:

  “When Samantha, my publicist, showed me that email, I was like, oh my God. That's like the sweetest thing anybody could say to me. … If I can help one person, … I feel like I did my job.” – Kat (01:29)

2. Empowerment to Date Again at Any Age (04:22–09:21)

• DJ discusses her fears about dating at 47 in LA, comments on ageism, and credits Kat for reframing her mindset.
• Kat emphasizes, “Love is ageless” and urges listeners not to define themselves by societal standards about age and dating.
• Memorable Quote:

  “I personally think it's all baloney. I think aging is in our mind. If you decide you're old… That becomes your reality.” – Kat (04:43)

3. Online Dating Realities: Bumble, Mindset, and Modern Challenges (09:21–13:44)

• DJ relays her experience joining Bumble, appreciating its women-first model, but also facing disappointments with flakey or inauthentic matches.
• She highlights the importance of perseverance and maintaining hope.
• DJ and James both stress the value of believing love is possible, reinforcing a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.
• DJ is honest that her initial video date with James wasn’t mind-blowing—but the in-person meeting changed everything.

4. The First Date: Humor, Attraction, and Connection (13:44–19:20)

• The couple describes meeting in person after a successful video call—and their real connection sparking over drinks and laughter.
• Highlights include DJ being “blown away” when she saw James in person and their first (spicy, margarita-fueled) kiss, led by DJ.
• Notable Quote:

  “When I saw him walking towards me, I still remember just being blown away, like, wow, he's very handsome.” – DJ (15:49)

• James recalls his surprise at their height difference and comments humorously:

  “I’m a solid five on video.” – James (13:16)

5. Long-Distance Challenge and Building Trust (19:20–21:10)

• After their first date, James leaves town for three weeks. They maintain daily communication, strengthening their bond through consistent effort.
• DJ notes how his reliability and communication reassured her, tying it to the universal advice:

  “You'll know a man is really into you when he's consistent.” – DJ (20:09)

6. From Early Dating to Exclusivity and Moving In (21:10–32:16)

• The couple takes a bold leap early on by vacationing together after just a week or two—testing compatibility and lifestyle fit.
• They review critical moments, like DJ’s health scare (appendicitis) and James stepping up with care.
• They discuss their mutual view on exclusivity—reflecting DJ’s French background: “In France, you just date until you decide to not date… not with a bunch of people.” (25:29)
• They moved in together after about a year, now approaching two years living together.

7. Navigating LA Dating Culture (28:41–31:10)

• James candidly discusses the challenges of LA’s dating scene, encountering materialism and women seeking gifts even before a first date.

  “I actually said [in my Bumble profile], I’m looking for a non-materialistic person. … Let's meet at Rodeo Drive, I want to go shopping on our first date. I thought it was a joke.” – James (28:52)

• Both agree on valuing sincerity and simplicity in profiles and in-person meetings.

8. Hope for Others: Dating Apps Can Work (32:21–33:44)

• Kat and guests emphasize that, despite horror stories, dating apps can yield meaningful, life-changing connections—but persistence, authenticity, and hope are key.

  “The only way to find treasure is if you keep looking for it.” – Kat (33:27)

9. From Love to Collaboration: The Sleeping Dove Story (34:16–44:11)

• DJ and James describe how their relationship inspired the creation of The Sleeping Dove, a luxury comforter with “windows” for temperature customization.
• The product originated from DJ’s discomfort being too warm when cuddling; their combined skills (her design/product background, his law/engineering) enabled them to patent and develop the comforter together.
• The conversation covers the design and development process, their at-home prototyping, and how their relationship complements their professional partnership.
• Business Inspiration Quote:

  “When I started dating her, one thing I did not expect was … I would … be on my hands and knees… cutting up pieces of fabric.” – James (37:26)

• They highlight the product’s appeal for couples with different sleeping preferences, pet owners, people in menopause, and more—and its meaningful origin story.

10. Reflections on Love, Age, and Second Chances (44:54–end)

• DJ and Kat stress that it’s never too late to find love, and that maturity brings clarity in knowing what one wants in a partner.

  “It doesn't matter how old you are. Truly, you can find love.” – DJ (44:58) “I think now that we're more mature, we know better what we want.” – Kat (45:02)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On finding support through Kat’s podcast:
  “Your podcast became my support… I just loved all the stories you shared.” – DJ (04:22)
• On the power of mindset:
  “You determine like what kind of life you're gonna have, right? I mean, love is ageless, right?” – Kat (04:41)
• On consistency as relationship foundation:
  “If the person wants you… they're gonna communicate.” – Kat (19:38)
• On risk-taking and intuition:
  “You just try to enjoy the moment… At an age where, like, you know, I'm just gonna do it.” – DJ (23:07)
• On the difference in approach to exclusivity:
  “In France, you just date until you decide to not date… You’re exclusive. There’s no multi-dating.” – DJ (25:29)
• On the transition from dating to business partners:
  “We just love that it is natural… And easy to use. Anybody can use it.” – DJ (43:31)
• On never giving up on love:
  “Get inspired. Never give up on love.” – Kat (45:43)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening/Introduction – 00:00–01:14
• DJ’s Journey to the Podcast – 01:14–04:22
• Aging & Dating (Empowerment Message) – 04:22–09:21
• Online Dating Experiences – 09:21–13:44
• The First Date & Early Chemistry – 13:44–19:20
• Communication & Consistency After First Date – 19:20–21:10
• Relationship Progression: Trip, Exclusivity, Moving In – 21:10–32:16
• Dating in LA vs. Other Places – 28:41–31:10
• Online Dating Hope and Lessons – 32:21–33:44
• Founding The Sleeping Dove – 34:16–44:11
• Reflections and Closing Encouragement – 44:54–end

Tone & Style

Conversational, unfiltered, and supportive. Kat remains upbeat, open, and affirming, creating a safe space for real talk about relationships. DJ and James are honest, humble, and encouraging toward those who may be struggling to find love or recovering from heartbreak.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a testament to the possibility of second chances, the importance of resilience, and the beauty of building both love and a life together—no matter your age. The couple’s journey from heartbreak to partnership (personally and professionally) is not only romantic but also an empowering model for listeners seeking new beginnings.

Where to find DJ & James's product:
Website: sleepingdove.com
Instagram: @sleepingdovehome

Watch the video version:
YouTube: "Kat on the Loose Show"

Key Takeaway:
Never give up on love—at any age. Be open, persistent, and authentic. Sometimes, the best chapters begin after you thought your last page had ended.

Episode recommended for: Those questioning love later in life, navigating dating after heartbreak, seeking hope for online dating success, or inspired by love-fueled entrepreneurship.