Life’s Booming: Dare to Date
Life’s Booming: Dare to Date is a podcast brought to you by Australian Seniors, and hosted by the ABC’s James Valentine. In our second six-episode series, we challenge the hearts and minds of over 50s who’ve re-entered the dating scene for various reasons – with some interesting results ranging from heartfelt to hilarious!
From dating disasters, to the dilemmas of showing physical affection, and to the heart-warming stories of seniors who’ve found the love of their life much later in life, Dare to Date proves that love can strike at any time, at any age – and produce any outcome! Dating can be overwhelming, challenging, fun, and frivolous, and whether you’re in the dating scene or not, you’ll love the stories of this diverse group of love-struck Australians.
You can also check out the first series of Life’s Booming here too. Grey Nomads covers adventures near and far from a whole host of unique Australian characters. Listen and download today!
Series
Series 3: No Regrets
Want to be on our next series of Life’s Booming? Have you got a “no regrets” story to share? We’re on the call out for guests to feature in Season 3: No Regrets. In our upcoming season we want to hear about your greatest adventure, your most memorable experience - your "no regrets" moment.
Perhaps you or someone you know sailed in a yacht to the US because it was cheaper than flying, even though you had no experience sailing. Maybe you took an overland trip through Central Asia and got stuck at the border of Tajikistan because it turned out you'd left your passport on the bus - which ended up in Afghanistan. Or maybe you know someone that toured with The Rolling Stones when they'd told their parents they were at uni studying...whatever it is, we can’t wait to hear about it.
If you’ve got a great story of “no regrets” to share, please send an email to lifesbooming@seniors.com.au and tell us a little about yourself and your story.
Please note: you must be 50 years of age or older to apply.
Series 2: Dare to Date
Love can come at the most surprising times. In the second series of Life’s Booming, we chat to people who are back on the dating scene in their later years for a variety of reasons – some more successfully than others!
Series 1: The Grey Nomads
Listen to the stories of adventurous Australians in these Life’s Booming podcast episodes. Explore life on the road and get immersed in the thrills, spills and escapades of these courageous grey nomads.
Series 2, Episode 1 - The captain
21 Jun 2021
A story of love, deception, and heartbreak as Michelle meets the man of her dreams – an airline pilot. But not all is at it seems, and alarm bells soon start ringing.
Series 2, Episode 2 - High school sweethearts
29 Jun 2021
Former teenage girlfriend and boyfriend Melissa and Paul, who started dating at school in Papua New Guinea, connect on social media and reignite their romance – 42 years after last seeing each other.
Series 2, Episode 3 - Swipe right
8 Jul 2021
Online dating is not just for the young. Barry and Liz met on the phone dating app Tinder in their early 60s, and after saying they will never marry again – decide to tie the knot.
Series 2, Episode 4 - The dating diaries
3 Aug 2021
In this episode of Dare to Date you’ll hear five diverse stories and a good dose of excellent advice! From the funny to the downright emotional, The Dating Diaries has all bases covered.
Series 2, Episode 5 - Finally free to be me
26 Aug 2021
John was married with four children when he suspected he might be gay, but it wasn’t until he was in his 50s that he finally came out and told his wife and family.
Series 2, Episode 6 - From possums to passion
2 Sep 2021
Blossom the possum, a non-dating website, and a whole lot of luck was responsible for bringing John and Noreen, both 64, together. But something is threatening to tear them apart.
Series 1, Episode 1 - Hello freedom
22 Oct 2020
In this first episode of Life’s Booming, you’ll meet Tony and Lisa Southwell. A few years ago, Tony fought off throat cancer and had terrible survivor’s guilt, so he and Lisa hitched up their caravan and took off.
Series 1, Episode 2 - Going solo
22 Oct 2020
Meet the extraordinary Gaylene Seeney. Gaylene is a thalidomide survivor, but her condition hasn’t stopped her from heading off on solo adventures.*
Series 1, Episode 3 - Rolling on the road
3 Nov 2020
Get to know Judy and Erle Williamson who call themselves The Travelling Willies after they decided to sell up their home in Gunnedah and travel Australia in their makeshift ‘mobile granny flat’.
Series 1, Episode 4 - The reluctant trainspotter
18 Nov 2020
Join Wendy and Graham French in a heartwarming episode that is full of laughs and surprises, and a reminder that the things we do for love don't always make sense. All aboard for train-inspired tales across the country.
Series 1, Episode 5 - The adventurers
11 Dec 2020
Bob and Phyllis Bowers are adventure junkies who have been married for 53 years. Their shared love of exploring keeps them together, enjoying kayaking, camping, hiking and abseiling.
Series 1, Episode 6 - Chasing Elvis
15 Dec 2020
Swing dancers, rock’n’roll circuitgoers and avid Elvis fans Lyn and Peter Davis talk to James Valentine about life on the road with Wagz their dog in a refurbished 1986 bus that follows the music.
Subscribe or download Life’s Booming to your favourite podcast player
*This episode mentions suicide. If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about someone you know, there is help available. If you or someone you know needs help now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
The thoughts and opinions discussed on the Life’s Booming: The Grey Nomads podcast are not those of Australian Seniors.
Love our podcast? Check out our magazine and blog
Get more great content with Australian Seniors’ DARE magazine or head to the Discovery Hub for articles, tips and more.