The Date My Podcast – Episode 10: The Finale
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: Jessica Walter
Dater: Kyle Christian Lampe
Guest: Tara
Introduction
In the highly anticipated finale of Season One of The Date My Podcast, host Jessica Walter reunites with Kyle Christian Lampe, the season's featured "Dater." This episode delves deep into Kyle's dating journey, his personal growth, and the dynamics that unfolded during the season. The finale also brings back Tara, a beloved listener and significant figure in Kyle's dating story, providing closure and fresh insights into their interactions over the past three months.
Reflecting on the Journey
Jessica Walter opens the episode by greeting Kyle and expressing bittersweet emotions about the season's conclusion.
"[00:02:04] Jessica: 'Hello and welcome back to the Date My podcast. This is season one, episode ten, the Finale and I'm your host Jessica Walter and we are here with our dater of season one, Kyle Christian Lampe.'"
Kyle Christian Lampe shares his feelings about the season's end, emphasizing the transformative experiences he's had.
"[02:25] Kyle: 'It is sad. I don't want it to end. I know, but how are you I'm doing good. Yeah. Yeah. Life is. Life is life in a good way. I'm doing a lot of fun stuff with myself.'"
Update on Kyle's Dating Status
Jessica inquires about Kyle's potential relationship developments since their last episode. Kyle provides an update about dating someone outside the show, highlighting his introspective journey.
"[04:00] Kyle: 'Although I. Yeah, I wanted to see where that went, where it was going to go. And it was awesome... I started to realize... I've never been alone in my entire life.'"
Kyle discusses his realization about the importance of self-exploration and spending time alone, a significant shift from his previously busy dating life.
"[06:37] Kyle: '... I wonder how many people do that in their lives where, like, maybe they kind of wake up one day with kids and a wife and everything's fine. They love their life, everything's good. But maybe they're like, huh? I didn't. Who am I?'"
The Jiu Jitsu Revelation
A memorable moment in the episode involves Kyle confronting his discomfort with silence and trying out Jiu Jitsu, symbolizing his attempt to embrace new experiences and self-discovery.
"[12:24] Kyle: 'I kind of do something every single day that I'm very comfortable with and that I'm very good at... It feels good to suck at something. It feels nice to, like, be a beginner and not know anything.'"
Jessica and Kyle discuss Kyle's first experience with Jiu Jitsu, highlighting the challenges and growth it brought him.
"[13:13] Kyle: '... he has not bitten Alan's dick.'
[13:16] Jessica: 'Do you think he would love these bagels?'"
Tara’s Return and Perspective
The episode introduces Tara, a fan favorite, who shares her side of the story regarding her date with Kyle. Tara provides critical insights into communication and expectations during the dating process.
"[16:05] Tara: 'I feel like what happened is, like, that's dating in real life, but this is not real life.'"
"[17:34] Tara: 'If you're not, I am ruined. I am getting like this princess treatment I've never received before.'"
Tara expresses her frustration with the lack of transparency and clear communication from Kyle, shedding light on misunderstandings that arose during their interactions.
Personal Developments: Tara’s Relationship and Bags
Tara shares exciting updates about her personal life, revealing that she's now in a loving relationship and has embarked on a new passion for baking bagels. Her relationship with her boyfriend adds a positive dimension to her narrative.
"[33:06] Tara: 'I was, and I am currently dating the man I was seeing the same time that this was going down.'"
"[38:35] Tara: 'I started doing, like, the sourdough starter thing... I've been, like, churning out bagels like crazy.'"
Tara discusses her aspirations to turn her bagel-making hobby into a business, inspired by memories of her late grandfather.
"[40:10] Tara: 'I have a friend who, like, feeds the unhoused community in MacArthur park, and it's my goal to be able to make enough in one day that I can, like, donate a batch to that.'"
Reflections and Lessons Learned
In the concluding segments, both Kyle and Tara reflect on their experiences, sharing profound lessons about self-awareness, communication, and the importance of honest relationships.
"[43:25] Tara: 'I just think that, like, there's no such thing as, like, a wrong decision. The whole thing of, like, rejection is redirection.'"
"[44:02] Kyle: 'Yeah, I guess. Yeah. Okay. I thought we were talking about stuff that, like, with, like, new stuff.'"
Kyle acknowledges the value of being open and less rigid in his approach to life and relationships, embracing spontaneity and personal growth.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, both Kyle and Tara share their hopes for the next year. Tara is eager to expand her bagel business and continue thriving in her relationship, while Kyle remains open to new possibilities, focusing on personal happiness.
"[45:28] Tara: 'Still with my boo. Fuck. Ton of bagels.'"
"[46:13] Kyle: 'Sure. You know, like, if that goes with kind of, like, my ethos, how I'm feeling now, like. Yeah, if. If it happens, cool. If it doesn't, cool.'"
Conclusion
Jessica wraps up the finale with heartfelt thanks to both Kyle and Tara, commending their openness and vulnerability throughout the season. She expresses gratitude to the listeners and hints at potential future updates and a possible second season.
"[47:05] Tara: 'Yeah, 100. Hang on. I need to show off my bag.'"
"[47:06] Jessica: 'Yeah, 100%. We need it all. Well, thank you, listeners. Thank you, audience, for tuning in... have an amazing day.'"
Notable Quotes
- Kyle Christian Lampe (07:16): "I've been spending a lot of time alone... I've never been alone in my entire life."
- Tara (16:05): "That's dating in real life, but this is not real life."
- Kyle Christian Lampe (04:00): "...maybe they kind of wake up one day with kids and a wife and everything's fine. They love their life, everything's good. But maybe they're like, huh? I didn't. Who am I?"
- Tara (43:26): "There's no such thing as, like, a wrong decision. The whole thing of, like, rejection is redirection."
Final Thoughts
Episode 10 serves as a comprehensive closure to Season One, encapsulating Kyle's journey of self-discovery, the complexities of modern dating, and the unforeseen challenges that arise from public dating representations. Tara's insights provide valuable lessons on communication and expectations, while her personal success story offers inspiration. As Jessica Walter signs off, listeners are left with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for what the future holds for both Kyle and Tara.
For more updates and to follow Tara’s bagel ventures, visit her Instagram @Tara_Bagels.