Kat on the Loose – Episode Summary
Guest: Maxime Barbier, CEO & Founder of Timeleft
Host: Kat Zammuto
Date: August 14, 2024
Overview
In this vibrant episode of Kat on the Loose, Kat Zammuto sits down with Maxime Barbier, CEO and founder of Timeleft—a global social experiment and app that brings total strangers together for Wednesday dinners in cities around the world. The episode explores how genuine human connection can thrive beyond the dating paradigm, addresses modern loneliness, and delves into how Timeleft is making it fun, affordable, and easy for people of all ages and backgrounds to meet new friends.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
What is Timeleft?
-
Timeleft Concept Explained:
- Timeleft organizes dinners for groups of strangers in cities worldwide every Wednesday.
- Participants sign up via the app, complete a personality questionnaire, and are matched by an algorithm.
- Restaurant location and tablemates are revealed only on the day of the dinner.
- Focus is on authentic socialization, not dating.
- Affordable participation fees and a wide range of inclusive, friendly environments.
"You don't know anything about the participants. You don't know anything about anything. You just know it's going to happen there. And you go in the restaurant on the time and five people are going to sit next to you to have an amazing time."
— Maxime Barbier (04:05)
Distinction from Dating Apps
-
No swiping, no public profiles, no pressure to date.
-
Emphasis on organic friendships, networking, and community.
-
Reduces the fatigue and superficiality of dating platforms.
“We wanted to actually be the opposite of dating app... we just wanted to create something simple.”
— Maxime Barbier (06:14)
The Process: Step-by-Step
- Download the Timeleft app (or visit the website) — it’s free to register.
- Fill out a playful 45-question personality quiz about preferences, habits, and conversation topics.
- Pay a nominal fee (currently $16 for a single dinner or $24 for a recurring membership).
- Choose a part of the city you prefer.
- Meal details and participant info are kept secret until the day of, to avoid pre-judgment and encourage openness.
- On Tuesdays: Basic info like dinner language and group zodiac signs are sent.
- On Wednesday morning (9am): Restaurant address is revealed.
"The less information you give to people, the more they are likely to attend, actually."
— Maxime Barbier (10:10)
Why Wednesdays?
- Wednesdays chosen for logistical reasons (restaurant availability) and social reasons (neither too soon nor too late in the week).
- Encourages regularity; “owning Wednesdays” gives people a reliable slot for socializing.
Addressing Apprehension & Social Anxiety
-
Both host and guest acknowledge attending a dinner of strangers can be intimidating.
-
Shared experiences reveal everyone is a little nervous at first—“everyone’s on the same boat.”
-
The environment quickly becomes welcoming and relaxed; the hardest step is just showing up.
"Everyone is stressed 100%, and it's a good stress... We just want to create simple human connection."
— Maxime Barbier (12:50)
Inclusivity & Demographics
-
Users range from their 20s to seniors; Maxime’s own 72-year-old father attends weekly.
-
Timeleft is not just for travelers or expats. In most countries, locals make up the majority of users.
-
There’s a broader presence of women, especially in older age brackets.
-
Bill splitting is kept simple; each pays for their own meal.
"It's for literally for everyone for sure."
— Maxime Barbier (15:49)
Combating Loneliness & Building Community
-
Many attend to fight loneliness or expand their social/business networks.
-
The group size, diversity, and conversational prompts lower barriers for meaningful connections.
"Talking to strangers is sometimes more easy than talking to friends... it's what make people live healthy and longer. It's proven now."
— Maxime Barbier (44:15)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On Overcoming Intimidation:
"Just go to the restaurant and if you don't feel like it, you can go home anyway. But just go and just see the table and you will see that we're gonna smile at you... you just have to show up."
— Maxime Barbier (27:54) -
On Diversity and Age Brackets:
"The algorithm tried to put... 7 years different maximum between the youngest and the oldest at the table."
— Maxime Barbier (24:12) -
On the Importance of Regular Social Connection:
"We believe in time left. You need 10 dinners to really know someone."
— Maxime Barbier (30:10) -
On Table Topics & Conversation:
"There is so many good questions we put in the app to help you to have deeper conversation without having to talk about risky stuff."
— Maxime Barbier (33:45) -
On Cultural Myths:
"People say, 'Oh, in Portugal, people are so closed...' and it was a success. France, they say, 'We don't talk to strangers...' and it was a huge success... US is our biggest market."
— Maxime Barbier (25:46) -
On the Origin of the Name ‘Timeleft’:
"The concept was Time Left: what do you want to do with the time you get left... I'm really aware of, like, we're gonna die one day and life is super short... I think everyone should realize that."
— Maxime Barbier (42:47)
Important Segments & Timestamps
- Welcome, Introduction, and Ad Skips: [00:59]
- What is Timeleft? [04:05]
- How Timeleft Works (Step-by-step): [07:25]
- Why Wednesday Night? [07:52]
- Handling Apprehension & Social Anxiety: [12:50–14:27]
- Who Uses Timeleft? Diversity & Inclusion: [15:09–16:53]
- Earthquake Interrupts! [16:59]
- Gender Balance & User Demographics: [21:51–24:48]
- Cultural Observations: [25:46]
- Encouraging First-Timers: [27:54]
- Post-Dinner Connections & Algorithm: [29:32–32:08]
- Guidelines on Conversation Topics: [33:06]
- Payment, Venue, and Safety: [35:13]
- After-Dinner Activities: [36:32]
- City Expansion & Restaurant Choices: [37:44]
- Why Only Dinners (Not Lunch or Drinks): [40:22]
- The Story Behind ‘Timeleft’: [42:29]
- Loneliness, Depression, and Social Health: [44:15]
- Global Audience, Expansion Plans: [45:06]
- How to Join Timeleft: [41:27]
Notable Takeaways for Listeners
- Timeleft is about genuine human connections without the pretense or pressure of dating.
- Participation is simple and affordable, and group matching is designed to foster comfort and compatibility.
- The initiative is thriving internationally, proving universal hunger for real-world connections.
- Attendees are encouraged to be open-minded and approach each dinner as an opportunity—not an obligation—to grow their social circles.
- Safety, inclusivity, and enjoyable conversation are baked into the Timeleft experience.
For more information or to sign up for a dinner, visit timeleft.com or download the Timeleft app. Next major events in New York and LA: first Wednesday of September.
Host’s final encouragement:
“Don’t be shy, don’t be embarrassed, because you are gonna be so glad you did it.”
– Kat Zammuto (45:46)