Kat on the Loose: "OPEN TO MARRY – THE VIRAL TREND BY SHUBHAM GOON"

Host: Kat Zammuto
Guest: Shubham Goon
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the viral story of Shubham Goon, an Indian entrepreneur who used LinkedIn’s networking platform in a surprising new way—by launching the “Open to Marry” badge and post, which caught global media attention. Host Kat Zammuto and Shubham engage in a frank, relatable conversation about the insane state of modern dating, the limitations of matchmaking and dating apps, the shifting purpose of professional platforms like LinkedIn, and the universal struggle to find real love amidst the noise and distraction of online life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Shubham’s Story: From Networking to “Open to Marry”

• Background:
  • Shubham is a successful entrepreneur running the branding/PR agency Hinglish.
  • Built a 50K+ following on LinkedIn for work, but struggled with dating apps and matrimony sites.
  • He found those platforms full of scams, “no human connect,” and felt “fed up after a point in time.” (03:00)
• The Viral Post:
  • Frustrated, he experimented by leveraging LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” badge to signal he’s “Open to Marry”:

    “If you can seek work, why can’t you seek a bride?” (06:03)

  • Surprisingly, many other professionals resonated—proving that “dating is a shit show” globally, not just in India or the U.S. (03:50)

The State of Online Dating

• Universal Frustration:
  • Both Kat and Shubham connect over how exhausting, superficial, and ultimately fruitless typical dating and matrimony apps can be:

    “It’s kind of like finding the diamond in the sand…so, so hard.” – Kat, (09:29)

• The Choice Paradox:
  • Shubham relates to what women feel, being overwhelmed by options and unsure how (or even whom) to respond to.

    “When you get a barrage of men or women writing at you, you really feel a little conscious…should I engage with this or not?” (10:36)

• Direct Human Connection is Missing:
  • Kat points out that most interactions don’t move past generic texting:

    “Hey, how are you? I’m good. How was your day? It is so blah, like it does not proceed.” (13:38)

  • Shubham wishes more people would escalate to phone or video calls, though he notes, “India is conservative like that.” (14:13)

The Challenges of Serious Search for a Life Partner

• Intentionality versus Busyness:
  • Both acknowledge the challenge of “making time” to date seriously as busy entrepreneurs:

    “Any relationship needs that time.” – Shubham, (12:41) “We make time for what is important to us.” – Kat, (12:48)

  • Shubham admits that, although he’s “open to marry,” the follow-through is hard, leading Kat to challenge whether he’s truly ready to prioritize finding “the one”:

    “If you say you’re too busy…and you don’t want to make time for them, are you really ready for it?” – Kat, (17:11)

• Going Viral—Impact & Complications:
  • Post sparked hundreds of DMs, including business offers, partnership proposals, and even one from an ex-girlfriend after seeing media coverage:

    “I’ve got business out of this post, but not bride.” – Shubham, (15:48)

  • Unsure how to filter, respond, and move things forward.
  • Kat coaches him: “If you really want to get married…just give a few girls out there that reached out to you a chance.” (24:36)

Technology, Scams & Due Diligence

• LinkedIn as a Relationship Platform:
  • LinkedIn’s professional context can provide a layer of authenticity often missing from dating apps.
• Pitfalls:
  • Both acknowledge dangers: scams, “fishy” messages, and people with unclear motives.

    “Is it some international scam I’m getting into?” – Shubham, (21:48)

  • Kat’s advice: Always vet people, ask for phone or video calls, and don’t let past bad experiences stop you from seeking love. (22:08)

LinkedIn Masterclass: Building Your Network

• Shubham delivers practical, actionable advice for listeners looking to use LinkedIn for more than just jobs:
  1. Don’t see LinkedIn as just for jobs: “It is a corporate social networking website…meant for people to connect.” – (25:31)
  2. Engage Actively: “Don’t post and ghost, engage with other people.”
  3. Consistency Is Key: Post daily or even multiple times a day.
  4. Join/Create Community: Shubham’s own Hinglish community (2000+ marketers) on WhatsApp.
  5. Optimize Your Profile: Have a strong headline, engaging cover, showcase testimonials, and star your top posts. (27:46)
  6. Growth Timeline: He reached 61,000 followers in under 2 years, posting daily (29:40).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On LinkedIn’s Changing Identity:

  “LinkedIn used to be corporate social platform, but now…People have started finding cofounders. People have started also goofing around. It is becoming more fun.” – Shubham, (04:53)

• On Why He’ll Never Share His Age:

  “No, no, no. Never ask a man his age.” – Shubham, (07:15)

• On Past Relationships:

  “One of my exes has come back, so that is also an interesting space to…” – Shubham, (16:13)

• Kat’s Core Message:

  “Don’t let one bad person make you give up on love, because there are a lot of nice people out there, you know, and your person is trying to find you as much as you’re trying to find them.” – Kat, (22:08)

• On Intent:

  “I am guilty of the fact that I lack intent because I prioritize work over everything…now I am giving it the time and the efforts it needs.” – Shubham, (23:41)

• Encouragement:

  “Never give up on love because the right person for you is out there trying to find you.” – Kat, (31:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:43] — Shubham’s frustration with dating/matrimony apps and birth of the “Open to Marry” idea.
• [06:03] — Explanation of “Open to Work” badge and adapting it for relationships.
• [07:35] — Kat’s story: exiting an abusive marriage; how the podcast was born.
• [09:18] — DMs flood in after the viral post.
• [10:36] — The paradox of choice—the emotional experience of being overwhelmed by responses.
• [13:05] — The necessity of making time to pursue relationships.
• [17:38] — Kat challenges Shubham’s readiness for a serious relationship.
• [21:23] — Kat’s takeaways: don’t give up, love is still worth it.
• [25:31 – 29:02] — Shubham’s mini LinkedIn masterclass: actionable, step-by-step tips to grow your presence.

Tone, Style & Atmosphere

• Candid, humorous, and empowering: Kat brings her trademark, unfiltered energy and warmth, while Shubham is open, witty, and self-deprecating.
• Global relatability: They make it clear that dating struggles transcend borders—and openness, vulnerability, and persistence are universally needed.
• Actionable empowerment: While acknowledging challenges, both deliver hope and practical strategies to improve one’s love life and business life.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a raw, timely, and often funny look at how technology, social norms, and the workplace collide in modern romance. Whether you’re “open to work” or “open to marry,” Kat and Shubham offer solidarity, sage advice, and a needed reminder:
Don’t give up on love—and don’t underestimate the power of putting yourself out there in new (and sometimes unconventional) spaces.