NearlyParents "Sophie and Jamie Set Up BLIND Dates!" (Bonus Episode)

Host: Jamie Laing & Sophie Habboo
Date: September 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively, laughter-filled bonus episode, Sophie and Jamie embark on a new experiment: becoming matchmakers for their listeners with the help of Audible. The duo set up three "blind" phone dates between listeners, then bring the daters on the podcast to spill how it really went—complete with audio clips from each speed date. Expect playful banter, honest dating confessions, and the irresistibly awkward magic of first encounters, all seasoned with the couple's signature warmth, wit, and total lack of filter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Launching NearlyParents Speed Dating (00:56–03:43)

• Sophie and Jamie’s Motivation:
  Jamie expresses longing for the dating scene, wanting to live "vicariously" through listeners searching for love.
  Sophie jokes about Jamie's well-known love of romance audiobooks (01:23–01:58).
• The Setup:
  Three listener pairs are matched for genuine, unscripted phone dates. The podcast features highlights from each to see if sparks fly.

“Basically, we’re like Cupid on crap.” – Jamie (03:04)

2. Dating Advice and Old Stories (03:43–05:00)

• Sophie's Dating Advice:
  "Don’t shag them on the first date. And don't eat spaghetti Bolognese because it stains your lips and it looks weird." (03:53)
• Jamie’s Nightmare Date Tale:
  Jamie shares a story about height mismatches and the perils of edamame beans (04:19–04:47).
• Icebreaker Tips:
  The hosts provided creative icebreakers for all daters—listeners are encouraged to steal them!

The Dates: Recaps, Clips & Reactions

1. Charlie & Joe (05:13–13:05)

Charlie: Londoner seeking a “surfer boy” type; loves pubs, hates dating app saturation. Joe: Blackpool-born, London-based physio; into travel, fitness, and good pints.

Highlights:

• Pub Name Icebreaker ("Fiddler’s Tail")
  The duo bond over their dream pub names, leading to comical misunderstandings:

  • Jamie: “He wanted to call his pub Fiddler's...I’m not mad about it, I’ll definitely pop into the Fiddler’s Tail.” (08:21)

• Dream Date Scenario:
  Joe describes an ideal sunny-day picnic by the canal, complete with bird song—perfectly matching Charlie’s vision.

  • Charlie: “This is like the perfect answer…” (09:43–09:57)

• Animal Metaphors:
  Charlie reveals her favorite animal: lobster. Sophie catches the “Friends” reference.

  • Sophie: “You want to find your lobster. They come in pairs.” (10:45–10:51)

• Romance Style:
  Exploring if Joe is a reserved Mr. Darcy or an explosive Gatsby in romance.

  • Joe: “I think I’d be more a bit of Mr. Darcy…but maybe a bit more subtle.” (11:14–11:40)

Outcome:

• Will Charlie Text Joe?
  • Charlie, after some hesitation: “I’m gonna text him.” (12:37)
    • Jamie and Sophie cheer her on.
• Message Brainstorm:
  • Sophie vetoes “Will you be my lobster?” as too full-on.

Memorable Quote:

“He might be my lobster.” – Charlie (12:27)

2. Tom & George (13:10–26:25)

Tom: Belfast-born actor and teacher with a colourful dating life and sparkling wit.
George: Festival marketeer, fitness-lover, shares Tom’s bookish interests and dry humor.

Highlights:

• Tom’s Dating Unfiltered:
  • Tom shares his “seven dates in seven days” marathon and getting over dating nerves post-uni. “I feel like gay boys, like, don’t date a lot...I’ve just been trying to like, throw myself [in].” (15:44–15:59)
• Ghosting in Modern Dating:
  • Tom discusses the rise of ghosting and people’s elaborate excuses:

    “Just say you don’t want to go on a date again. Like, it’s not deep...Your friend is not having an emergency today. You are fine.” (16:18–16:43)

• Blind Phone Date Banter:
  • The call is “giving 90s landline”—Tom’s nerves make him chatty, George remains calm.
  • Jamie: “I’m kind of getting a good vibe, but I don’t know what happens...” (20:49)
• Berlin Stories – The Berghain Incident:
  • Tom regales his fashion fail at the notorious club door, George reveals he got in (21:13–22:28).
• Quirky Talents:
  • Tom’s “boing noise” party trick becomes a date icebreaker.
  • George: “That was quite good, actually. I’m quite impressed.” (24:28)

Outcome:

• Would Tom See George Again?
  • Tom: “Oh, yeah, sure. Go on...Life is for living, guys!” (25:19–25:23)
  • Plans to message George: “Do you want to go to Berghain? …P.S. boing.” (25:29–26:05)

Memorable Quotes:

“It was giving PE gear. Do you know what I mean?” – Tom on his Berghain club attempt (22:04)
“P.S. boing!” – (Tom’s planned sign-off, 26:00)

3. Dapo & Ari (26:25–31:31)

Dapo: London podcast host, “perpetually single,” believes relationships should “add to your life.” Loves humor and music. Ari: North London jetsetter seeking adventure, has high standards, likes a man who can cook.

Highlights:

• Chemistry & Teasing:

  • Padel tennis (and Dapo’s single housemate) forms flirty territory:
    • Ari: “Is he single?”
    • Dapo: “He’s not, unfortunately. This is my date.” (28:49–28:51)
  • Jamie: “That's a bit weird.” / Sophie: “Slightly red flag vibes.” / Dapo: “A little bit.” (28:58–29:02)

• Culinary Skills:

  • Dapo offers pineapple crumble as his best dish, Ari is unconvinced but open.
  • Ari tempts with her tagliatelle and boursin pasta.
  • Dapo emphasizes “wine and tunes” as his strengths: “That’s literally where I excel. Good chat, wine and tunes.” (30:21–30:32)
  • Hosts (excitedly): “Are you in love with each other? She loves you too. I can sense it.” (30:43–30:49)

Outcome:

• Will Dapo Text Ari?
  • Dapo: “I think I would.” (31:07)
  • Plans to suggest dinner or a padel match.

Memorable Quotes:

“Would you like to try my crumble?” – Jamie, coaching Dapo on what to text (31:22)
“I can hear the wedding bells.” – Sophie (31:28)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “You’d, like, have sex with everyone.”
  Jamie, on dating app ‘completion’ (06:00)
• “Seven for seven. Let’s go.”
  Tom, on his week of daily dates (15:06)
• “You want to find your lobster.”
  Sophie, on love and Friends references (10:48)
• “Just say you don’t want to go on a date again. Like, it’s not deep.”
  Tom, on the absurdity of ghosting (16:41)
• “That's my day.”
  Dapo, warding off Ari’s interest in his housemate (28:51)

Timestamp Guide for Key Segments

• Intro & Concept (00:56–03:43)
• Hosts’ Dating Advice (03:43–05:00)
• Charlie & Joe Blind Date (05:13–13:05)
• Tom & George Blind Date (13:10–26:25)
• Dapo & Ari Blind Date (26:25–31:31)

Tone & Listener Experience

True to the NearlyParents brand, the episode is stuffed with affectionate ribbing, candid confessions, and heartwarming encouragement—making listeners feel as if they’re chatting with friends over coffee. Jamie and Sophie keep the vibe playful but empathetic, celebrating every small romantic win and awkward moment alike.

Summary Verdict

This experimental speed-dating episode is a rom-com come to life, with Sophie and Jamie’s energetic, irrepressibly nosy hosting style bringing out the best in their daters. Fans of the podcast—as well as anyone curious about the state of modern dating—will find themselves rooting for all three pairs and reveling in the honest, hilarious navigation of connection in the NearlyParents universe.