Episode Summary: SWWP #5 - Dating, Kanye/Drake, & Clay/AD Reunion (Feat. Clay Gravesande)
Host: Julian Delgado
Guest: Clay Gravesande
Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction and Guest Welcome

In the fifth episode of Something Wrong With The Podcast, host Julian Delgado welcomes back his close friend Clay Gravesande, marking Clay's first appearance on camera. The episode sets a casual and candid tone as Julian introduces Clay, mentioning his appearance on Love Is Blind Season 6.

Julian [00:00]: "Welcome back to episode five of Something Wrong with the Podcast. It's Julian, and we'll get to my guest in a second. [...] I'd like to welcome back one of my closest friends in this shit, Clay from Love is Blind season six."

Clay [00:34]: "Yes."

Navigating New York and Business Challenges

Julian and Clay engage in light-hearted banter about navigating Julian's New York studio, joking about the absence of an elevator and the physical demands it places on Clay.

Clay [00:56]: "How you close deals when it comes to women because you have to go up literally seven stairs... How the hell is she walking up these damn stairs?"

They discuss Clay's temporary relocation to Philadelphia for his sister's birthday and the recent success of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Clay [01:40]: "My Eagles just won the super bowl, so [...] I'm heading to Philadelphia [...] I'm always in New York, man, so you can always see me when I'm out here."

Dating Dynamics and the Escort Industry

The conversation shifts to the complexities of modern dating, with a particular focus on the escort industry. Clay shares insights into the financial and emotional aspects of hiring escorts, emphasizing the high costs associated with popular and attractive women.

Clay [05:29]: "The going rate for women that have, I would say, some type of clout is two bands an hour."

Julian reflects on his experiences in Amsterdam's red-light district, drawing parallels between buying prime products and seeking high-quality relationships through financial investments.

Julian [08:37]: "I'm going to buy the prime product... I'm going to hook up with the person that's way out of my league because I can pay for it."

Personal Relationships and Marriage Insights

Julian and Clay delve into the nuances of relationships and marriage, discussing the societal pressures men face to be married and the internal struggles associated with long-term commitments.

Clay [20:02]: "He was trying to make his wife happy, [...] marriage does not sound like fun for the man."

Julian [20:00]: "Women make it sound good... Men are more conditioned to act on emotions rather than process them."

They explore how financial stability and personal growth impact the desire and ability to maintain fulfilling relationships.

Julian [27:27]: "The American system... No one's paid enough to live, no one's paid enough to raise a family."

Impact of Fame and Reality TV on Personal Lives

The episode addresses the repercussions of reality TV fame, particularly through Clay's experiences on Love Is Blind. They discuss how public perception and personal relationships are affected post-show, including interactions with former partners and the challenges of maintaining authentic connections.

Clay [57:00]: "I saw AD recently... It was a complete waste of time anyway."

Julian highlights the difficulties of separating on-camera personas from real-life relationships, emphasizing the authenticity struggle faced by reality TV participants.

Julian [60:07]: "What the fuck, man? She gives everyone hugs. I kind of panic."

Discussion on Drake and Kanye

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Drake and Kanye feud. Julian and Clay analyze Drake's collaborative approach with PartyNextDoor and Kanye West's controversial actions, reflecting on their impact on the music industry and public perception.

Julian [37:33]: "I'm very much excited for the album. I love, obviously love Drake, love pnd."

Clay [38:04]: "Kanye is probably being successful in the selling perspective, but not public perception."

They commend Drake's strategic collaboration to alleviate the pressure of solo releases, while critiquing Kanye's inconsiderate methods of expressing dissent.

Julian [42:11]: "Cut through all the Nazi propaganda and all that stuff... you ruined it."

Listener Voicemails: Navigating Ghosting and Personal Struggles

The latter half of the episode features listener voicemails addressing issues like ghosting in relationships and personal health struggles. Julian and Clay offer empathetic advice, emphasizing self-love, setting small goals, and fostering genuine relationships.

Voicemail 1: A 25-year-old struggling with ghosting and relationship discouragement

Julian [73:05]: "Everyone has been ghosted. I've been ghosted. [...] People need to take account for some people, being intimate is not as important or not as meaningful as it is for other people."

Clay [74:22]: "Fall in love with yourself... maybe there's a situation where the men that you're attracting is based off the energy that you're perceiving."

Voicemail 2: Someone recovering from seizures and seeking advice on starting a rough year

Julian [81:09]: "If you're someone that you want to talk to during this journey, keep calling in... Set small, little goals to make yourself better."

Clay [85:02]: "Have small goals... read books. Put yourself in an imaginary mindset where you are manifesting exactly who you want to be."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Julian and Clay reflect on their personal growth and the importance of maintaining authentic relationships despite public scrutiny and personal challenges. They encourage listeners to prioritize genuine connections and personal well-being over superficial interactions.

Julian [94:04]: "This is awesome that like this moment's happening and for us to connect with the old show and to keep a real relationship, an authentic relationship."

Clay [93:11]: "I'll just say have small goals... redefine who you are... you own your destiny."

Key Takeaways

• Modern Dating Complexities: The high costs and emotional implications of hiring escorts reflect broader challenges in contemporary dating.
• Authenticity in Relationships: Maintaining genuine connections is difficult amidst fame and public perception, especially for reality TV participants.
• Navigating Ghosting: Emphasizes the importance of self-love, setting achievable goals, and fostering meaningful relationships to overcome the negative impacts of ghosting.
• Celebrity Feuds: Analysis of Drake and Kanye's public disagreements highlights the influence of strategic collaborations and personal controversies on their careers.
• Personal Growth: Encourages continuous self-improvement and adapting to changing personal and professional landscapes.

Notable Quotes

• About Dating and Escorts:

  Clay [05:29]: "The going rate for women that have, I would say, some type of clout is two bands an hour."

• On Relationships and Marriage:

  Julian [20:00]: "Women make it sound good... Men are more conditioned to act on emotions rather than process them."

• Regarding Drake and Kanye:

  Julian [38:01]: "I think this is smart by Drake because it takes... it's a fun venture for us."

• Listener Advice:

  Clay [85:02]: "Have small goals... you are the captain of your life. You own your destiny."

This episode provides a blend of personal anecdotes, insightful discussions on modern dating and relationships, and commentary on the entertainment industry, all delivered with Julian's characteristic humor and candidness alongside Clay's relatable experiences.