The Post I Didn’t Want To Write

I can’t do the show without you.

I’ve said this soooo many times … because it’s true. Dating While Gray exists only because people like you are willing to share questions, tips and, most significantly, true stories about seeking, finding, and keeping new romantic love at age 50 and beyond.

Sure, I also weave in my own experiences swimming in the gray dating pool. But wouldn’t it be boring if the show were only about me? Our individual experiences are simultaneously unique and universal, and I believe we all are inspired, motivated, and comforted by discovering that and reveling in it.

You’re all I need – or so I thought. Turns out, I also need funding. And after over a year of cold-calling and emailing and meeting and general rock-turning-over, I’ve come up short.

Thus, I’m regretfully announcing that the podcast and radio broadcast specials are on indefinite  hiatus. I don’t want to say it’s permanent, though it very well may be. That is, unless a show funding angel unexpectedly appears. It would be a delightful development, and maybe even not surprising. After all, if there’s anything I’ve learned in the decade (!) since my gray divorce, it’s that ya never know what — or who — may be right around the corner.

You can find all DWG podcast episodes under the archives tab of this website, and some episodes plus bonus video content on the show’s YouTube channel. Speaking of YouTube, I’ll be adding new videos including an upcoming chat with an expert on ghosting. Please subscribe (for free!) to the channel so you’ll be notified when I post anything. You can also like and follow Dating While Gray’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

I’ll also send an e-newsletter occasionally, so I hope you’ll stay on the distro list.

WHAT ELSE IS NEXT

I’m writing a Q/A column for Beacon Newspapers, which I’m looking to syndicate. Please send your questions to newloveafter50@gmail.com.

Also, I’m writing a book about living arrangements we’re making … or should be thinking about before we age too far into elderhood to flex all of our options. Those options seem to be plentiful for we who are coupled and well-off. The rest of us? Not so much. Fingers crossed, my agent finds a publishing home very soon.

I’m seeking additional ways to replenish my personal financial coffers and oh! I’m also going back to school. In January, I’ll start evening classes toward a master’s certificate in aging studies from VCU. I’m looking forward to gaining knowledge to spread through more true storytelling.

YOUR COMMENTS

“I’m curious as to the funding issue,” one DWG Facebook page follower writes. “I have a couple of friends who do podcasts and they aren’t funded. It’s a side hustle. They do all their own recording and editing and posting. A lot of podcasts start out that way.”

DWG is a quality show with a quality audience – of this, I’ve always been certain. It is true, dear FB page follower, that anyone can do a podcast. Just like, anyone can write a book. But a DIY podcast is like a self-published book. I’d never self-publish a book, and I’m not going to DIY DWG.

If you’ve listened, you know: The show is not simply a matter of me turning on a couple of mics and chatting up a guest. Plus, my audio production skills are rudimentary at best. I can’t imagine anyone would want to listen to a podcast episode I put together without technical assistance. I know for certain that American Public Media would never distribute one of my specials without it. As an independent podcaster since 2023, I’ve paid audio pro Steve Lack to turn my tape into something you’re eager to listen to. (He’s totally worth it.)

I’m grateful for past financial support from the DWG community through purchases of my book and DWG-branded coffee and wine tumblers, among other avenues. (The tumblers are now collector items, but my book is still available.)

Also, DWG has landed some revenue via the podcast-advertising platform RedCircle. (You try saying this mandatory call to action in under 13 seconds: “Go to Quince-dot-com-slash-Dating While Gray for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. That’s Q-U-I-N-C-E dot com slash Dating While Gray to get free shipping and 365-day returns. Quince-dot-com-slash-Dating While Gray.”)

Unfortunately, these two streams haven’t yielded the funding required to continue.

“I keep thinking you’ll be snatched up and [then] will have a show on how you found love after divorce in your 50s.”

What a lovely thought, longtime listener, thank you! From your mouth …