Podcast
The Dating Detectives
Hosted by Dear Media · EN
Join professional Private Investigator Mackenzie Fultz and Comedian Hanna Anderson each week as they delve deep into the stories of the liars, cheaters, and con-men who have left a trail of broken hearts and shattered trust in the dating world. We'll uncover the lies, scams and manipulations of these con artists, as we shine a light on the red flags to look out for in the wild west of the dating apps.
160episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Man Behind the Mask
3d ago01:44:57Summary readyThis week on The Dating Detectives, Sarah—a therapist and longtime listener of the show—shares the story of a relationship that seemed perfect from the outside. After nearly a decade together, a shocking message forces her to question everything she thought she knew about her partner, sending her down a rabbit hole of secrets, deception, and unsettling discoveries. As Sarah unpacks the red flags she missed, the beliefs that kept her invested, and the hard lessons she learned about trust, identity, and self-worth, she offers a thoughtful and insightful perspective on what happens when the person you love turns out to be someone you never truly knew.Are you in the Chicago, Tampa, or Orlando area and want to come see us live?! Get your tickets at the links below:7/16 in Chicago: https://tickets.thedentheatre.com/event/dating-detectives-llpj8q?utm_source=performer&utm_medium=performerlink&utm_campaign=datingdetectives8/5 in Orlando: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/48863575/the-dating-detectives-live-orlando-funny-bone-comedy-club-orlando8/6 in Tampa: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/35010834/the-dating-detectives-live-tampa-funny-bone-comedy-club-tampaClick here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkGet control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code DATING at MonarchMoney.com in your browser (not app) for half off your first year!This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by TheRealReal. Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to therealreal.com/datingdetectives. ***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Summary"If I End Up Dead, My Husband Did It": Part 2
1w ago01:29:49Summary readyThis week on the Dating Detectives, a newlywed woman begins to suspect that her husband’s behavior is hiding something far darker than infidelity. What starts as mounting lies, manipulation, and emotional abuse quickly escalates into a terrifying story of control, violence, and survival. In part two of this deeply emotional conversation, she shares the shocking unraveling of her marriage, the moment everything finally came to light, and how she ultimately found the strength to escape. Are you in the Chicago, Tampa, or Orlando area and want to come see us live?! Get your tickets at the links below:7/16 in Chicago: https://tickets.thedentheatre.com/event/dating-detectives-llpj8q?utm_source=performer&utm_medium=performerlink&utm_campaign=datingdetectives8/5 in Orlando: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/48863575/the-dating-detectives-live-orlando-funny-bone-comedy-club-orlando8/6 in Tampa: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/35010834/the-dating-detectives-live-tampa-funny-bone-comedy-club-tampaClick here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkGet control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code DATING at MonarchMoney.com in your browser (not app) for half off your first year!This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by TheRealReal. Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to therealreal.com/datingdetectives. This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by DeleteMe. Get 20% off your plan at joindeleteme.com/datingdetectives with code TDD.This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Shopify. Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/datingdetectivesThis episode is sponsored by Wayfair. Shop Way Day from April 25–27 for up to 80% off with free shipping at wayfair.com.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Summary"If I End Up Dead, My Husband Did It": Part 1
2w ago01:28:15Summary readyThis week on the podcast, our guest Hannah shares the terrifying story of how a whirlwind romance that felt like a fairytale quickly unraveled into something far darker. After meeting a man on Hinge who seemed perfect in every way, the two fell fast, married within months, and began building what Hannah believed was her dream life. But when subtle behavioral changes and suspicious late nights started piling up, Hannah’s intuition led her into full detective mode — uncovering a shocking double life involving lies, manipulation, and escalating abuse. In this emotional and deeply intense first part of a two-part story, Hannah walks through the moment she realized the man she trusted was not who he claimed to be, and how quickly love can turn dangerous behind closed doors.Are you in the Chicago, Tampa, or Orlando area and want to come see us live?! Get your tickets at the links below:7/16 in Chicago: https://tickets.thedentheatre.com/event/dating-detectives-llpj8q?utm_source=performer&utm_medium=performerlink&utm_campaign=datingdetectives8/5 in Orlando: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/48863575/the-dating-detectives-live-orlando-funny-bone-comedy-club-orlando8/6 in Tampa: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/35010834/the-dating-detectives-live-tampa-funny-bone-comedy-club-tampaClick here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkGet control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code DATING at MonarchMoney.com in your browser (not app) for half off your first year!This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Jones Road Beauty. For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Cool Gloss on their first purchase when they use code DATINGDETECTIVES at checkout. Head to jonesroadbeauty.com to get yours today!This episode is sponsored by SKIMS. Shop the SKIMS Everyday Cotton collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order be sure to let them know we sent you by filling out the survey!This episode is sponsored by Miracle Made. Get silver-infused, bacteria-fighting, temperature-regulating sheets and towels at TryMiracle.com/TDD and use code TDD to save over 40% and claim a FREE 3-piece towel set.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryThe Cult Was Just the Beginning: Part 2
Apr 1301:12:36Summary readyIn this gripping continuation of Abby’s story, what begins as a fresh start quickly unravels into something far more complicated and unsettling. As her new marriage takes shape, subtle shifts in behavior raise questions about trust, control, and the reality behind closed doors. With her past still casting a long shadow, Abby finds herself navigating a relationship that feels increasingly unfamiliar, forcing her to confront difficult truths about love, independence, and the patterns we don’t always realize we’re repeating. Click here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkThis episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Jones Road Beauty. For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Cool Gloss on their first purchase when they use code DATINGDETECTIVES at checkout. Head to jonesroadbeauty.com to get yours today!This episode is sponsored by SKIMS. Shop the SKIMS Everyday Cotton collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order be sure to let them know we sent you by filling out the survey!This episode is sponsored by Miracle Made. Get silver-infused, bacteria-fighting, temperature-regulating sheets and towels at TryMiracle.com/TDD and use code TDD to save over 40% and claim a FREE 3-piece towel set.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryThe Cult Was Just the Beginning: Part 1
Apr 601:21:30Summary readyIn this deeply unsettling two-part story, Abby shares how growing up in the rigid, high-control world of IBLP shaped her understanding of love, obedience, and self-worth, and ultimately set the stage for a relationship she didn’t have the tools to question. From a childhood defined by isolation, fear, and forced compliance, to a young adulthood marked by loneliness, manipulation, and a desperate search for safety, Abby’s story reveals how early indoctrination can blur the line between devotion and control. As she begins to break free from her upbringing she meets a man who seems to offer everything she’s been missing. But as their whirlwind relationship accelerates into engagement and marriage, subtle red flags begin to surface, leaving listeners to wonder: is this finally love, or just another version of the control she’s always known? This is Part 1 of Abby’s story—and trust us, it only gets more complicated from here. Click here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkThis episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by OSEA. Get 10% off your first order site-wide with code DATINGDETECTIVES at oseamalibu.com.This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/TDD.This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Green Chef. Get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months at greenchef.com/50datingdetectives with code 50datingdetectives.This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by DeleteMe. Get 20% off your plan at joindeleteme.com/datingdetectives with code TDD.This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Coyuchi. Get 15% off your first order at coyuchi.com/datingdetectives.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryThe Perfect Husband
Mar 3001:24:01Summary readyThis week on The Dating Detectives, the hosts sit down with Sydnee, a resilient mother whose seemingly safe, stable relationship with a “gentle giant” slowly unravels into a chilling double life filled with deception, manipulation, and emotional abuse. What begins as a story of healing and unexpected love takes a dark turn as Sydnee uncovers years of secret behavior, gaslighting, and control—but by then, she’s already given up her independence to become a stay-at-home mom, leaving her financially and socially trapped in a life she can’t escape. As she fights to protect her children and rebuild her autonomy from the ground up, Sydnee shares a powerful story of survival that exposes how abuse doesn’t always look the way we expect—and how quickly trust, love, and dependence can become a cage if you’re not careful.Click here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkGet control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code DATING at MonarchMoney.com in your browser (not app) for half off your first year!This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Ava. Rebuild your credit fast with no interest, no credit check, with AVA. Download the AVA app and use promo code DATING. Rebuild your credit fast with no interest, no credit check, with AVA. Download the AVA app and use promo code DATING.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryThe Con Man Down Under
Mar 2301:35:29Summary readyThis week on The Dating Detectives, we hear Tracy Hall’s jaw-dropping story of dating one of Australia's most notorious con men. What begins as a seemingly healthy, slow-burn romance with a supportive, emotionally intelligent partner turns into a shocking unraveling of identity, trust, and financial security when Tracy discovers the man she loved never existed at all. As she pieces together an 18-month relationship built on meticulous lies, Tracy shares how even the smartest, most capable people can be targeted, manipulated, and ultimately betrayed—and how she fought to rebuild her life in the aftermath. This episode is a powerful reminder that scams don’t look like scams when you’re inside them. Stick around for the Dogfish Debrief for more insights, and if you want to go deeper, check out Tracy’s book The Last Victim, and the hit Australian podcast that dives deep into all of Hamish's crimes, Who the Hell is Hamish? Click here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkTake control of your data today. Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan by visiting joindeleteme.com/datingdetectives and using the promo code TDD at checkout. This episode is sponsored by Shopify. Sign up today for your one dollar per month trial at shopify.com/datingdetectives***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryMackenzie Undercover: The Curious Case of the Perfect Alibi
Mar 1600:55:34Summary readyOn this week’s Dating Detectives, Mackenzie and Hanna are joined by Talia Koren, host of the podcast Dating Intentionally, for a Mackenzie Undercover story that turns into a conversation about intuition, insecurity, red flags, and what it really means to date with purpose. As Mackenzie investigates a man’s growing suspicion that his much younger girlfriend is hiding something, the episode unfolds into an insightful look at trust, cheating, and the difference between anxiety and real intuition. Talia brings practical, no-nonsense dating advice to balance out the chaos, making this episode equal parts wild undercover case and genuinely helpful dating conversation. Want more of Talia? Listen to her podcast by searching Dating Intentionally on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Talia on Instagram at @dating.intentionallyClick here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkTake control of your data today. Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan by visiting joindeleteme.com/datingdetectives and using the promo code TDD at checkout. This episode is sponsored by Wayfair. Refresh your home for less. Shop back-to-routine deals by visiting Wayfair.com.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryThe Time Traveling Dogfish: Part 2
Mar 901:18:08Summary readyWhen a whirlwind romance starts moving fast, it can be hard to tell the difference between genuine connection and something that’s just a little too good to be true. In this episode, Claire shares the second part of her story about a relationship that seemed exciting, promising, and full of big plans until small details started to feel… off. As the Dating Detectives dig into the strange moments, unanswered questions, and gut instincts Claire couldn’t shake, a much bigger picture begins to emerge. What starts as a confusing dating story quickly spirals into something far stranger, raising unsettling questions about identity, truth, and how far someone might go to keep a carefully constructed narrative alive.Click here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkThis episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Jones Road Beauty. For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Cool Gloss on their first purchase when they use code DATINGDETECTIVES at checkout. Head to jonesroadbeauty.com to get yours today!This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by Ava. Rebuild your credit fast with no interest, no credit check, with AVA. Download the AVA app and use promo code DATING. Rebuild your credit fast with no interest, no credit check, with AVA. Download the AVA app and use promo code DATING.Get control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code DATING at MonarchMoney.com in your browser (not app) for half off your first year!This episode is sponsored by Miracle Made. Get silver-infused, bacteria-fighting, temperature-regulating sheets and towels at TryMiracle.com/TDD and use code TDD to save over 40% and claim a FREE 3-piece towel set.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SummaryThe Time Traveling Dogfish: Part 1
Mar 201:20:02Summary readyThis week on The Dating Detectives, Hanna and Mackenzie are joined by Claire, a single mom in Canada, who walks us through an intense, whirlwind connection with “Ryan,” a charming Hinge match who presents as a high-powered real estate executive and quickly positions himself as her protector—showing up with grand gestures, inserting himself into moments of stress, and escalating intimacy at lightning speed. But as the weeks unfold, the relationship becomes a nonstop crisis carousel: mysterious medical emergencies, shadowy enemies, workplace drama, a “secret” elopement plan with endless missing documents, and increasingly unbelievable danger—until a chilling Halloween-eve message from Ryan’s father detonates everything. It’s a jaw-dropping Part One that will have you screaming at your headphones… and counting down for the reveal in Part Two.Click here to join our Patreon! For only $5 a month you will get 2 extra episodes a month, monthly virtual live events, and access to our community page. And now for $9 a month you can get all of that, plus ad free episodes!If you've been dogfished and want to share your story on the show, email investigate@thedatingdetectivespodcast.com or contact us through our website using this linkTake control of your data today. Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan by visiting joindeleteme.com/datingdetectives and using the promo code TDD at checkout. This episode is sponsored by Daily Look. For 50% off your order, head to DailyLook.com and use code DATINGDETECTIVES.This episode of The Dating Detectives is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/tdd today to get 10% off your first monthMake this spring your most delicious yet with Green Chef. Head to greenchef.com/50datingdetectives and use code 50datingdetectives to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping.***The following Program contains names, places and events that have been anonymized or fictionalized for the purposes of protection and safety. The following Program is provided for entertainment purposes only and any commentary from the hosts are strictly conjecture and should not be held as making any definitive statements about the truth or identity of any particular individuals or circumstances.If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Summary