“I'm trying to build an empire, because after this, I cannot get a normal job.” -Nicole Polizzi (aka Snookie)   Hi all, KO, your host here- this is a fun one today! We’ll be breaking down the paradoxical nature of our fascination with reality dating shows despite their lack of long-lasting romantic connections. What keeps us hooked, even in the absence of enduring love stories? We’ll unpack some of the most popular reality dating TV shows including; The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Love is Blind, Married At First Sight- and more. What are the stats, who is still together, and why do we watch – all the different series if none of them really work?! These shows are some of my favorite “escapism” indulgences:), but will I keep watching if it’s just about becoming an influencer and not about finding love?… I’m not sure that I will! Will you? Would you go on one seeking love (or fame)?  Listen into the end where I share my own experience being recruited to join one of these shows- a little inside info on the process that provided for some deeper thinking, I actually appreciated. Love or entertainment, you decide!   Highlights: Love and reality, dating on tv. Entertainment, escapisms, and seeking fame. Public opinion on private matters. Social consciousness and building a platform. What would you do for love? Is the drama enough or do we want to see the happy ending? Love, relationship experience, and communication. The trials and errors of dating.   Related Articles: USA Today: No lasting love, no problem: Why we still can't stop watching reality dating shows USA Today: How many 'Bachelor' couples stay together? Here's a look at the show's success rate The Guardian: Destroying relationships in science’s name: how reality TV ‘experiments’ wreck lives The Daily Titan: Reality dating shows promote a toxic view on love   Time Stamps: 0:51 – the different reality dating shows 2:31- why do production companies do reality dating shows? Because they make money 4:03- breakdown on the stats on The Bachelor/Bachelorette 7:14- not only do the shows not work, they are traumatic 21:00- Farmer Wants A Wife 21:52- Escapism 27:36- reality tv star to major, monetizable influencer 29:40- stats on the bachelor/bachelorette success rates fully unpacked 37:05- my experience being recruited to try out for Married At First Sight 39:03- asking yourself the deeper questions 42:53- Do I even want to keep watching these shows?   The Host: Kristen M. Olson Creative. Coach. Leader. Athlete. Entrepreneur. Pup Mom. Former D1 athlete, CrossFit Games Athlete, and current podcaster, Turmeric & Tequila™.   20+ year in marketing and branding in the fitness/lifestyle industry, specializing strategic partnerships, influencers/community building, and creative strategy. Uniting mission driven humans everywhere.  Connect with T&T: IG: @TurmericTequila Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila TikTok: @TurmericTequila Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com   Host: Kristen Olson IG: @Madonnashero Website: www.KOAlliance.com