Why Won't You Date Me? with Nicole Byer - podcast cover

Why Won't You Date Me? with Nicole Byer

Headgum & Nicole Byerheadgum.com

Love and dating can be messy—so let’s talk about it! On this multi-award-winning podcast, comedian Nicole Byer explores romantic highs, lows, and all the juicy stuff in between, alongside comedians, experts, and sometimes an ex or two. New episodes every Friday!

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Episodes

Measuring Love & Male Delusion (w/ Tracie Thoms)

Tracie Thoms (RENT, The Devil Wears Prada 2 ) joins Nicole to discuss her 8-year journey to join the iconic cast of RENT, the wild logic men use to avoid commitment, and why some of them want all the benefits of a girlfriend with zero of the responsibility. Tracie also breaks down the nightmare of having dated someone who tried dictate her career, and reveals why living apart from her partner has actually been the ultimate relationship hack. Plus, why does true love make you feel sleepy? And Nic...

May 29, 202652 minEp. 443

Would You Date YOU? (w/ Relationship Therapist Esther Perel)

World famous relationship therapist Esther Perel has been studying relationships for over 40 years. She joins Nicole to share the most common problems couples seek therapy for, the 3 types of conflicts we fight over, and how to productively resolve them. Esther discusses how to get over "icks" while dating, and challenges us to ask ourselves: what "icks" would people find in you? They also explore exactly why modern dating feels so incredibly tough right now, the fact that therapy speak has gone...

May 22, 20261 hr 7 minEp. 442

Writing Heated Rivalry (w/ Rachel Reid)

Author Rachel Reid ( Heated Rivalry ) joins Nicole to chat about the wild, viral success of her steamy queer romance novels and the hit TV adaptation. She shares how she met her husband while performing a smelly, hockey-themed burlesque act, and the dynamic that keeps their 20-year one sided open marriage working for them. She discusses the creative process behind writing explicit romance between men, and exactly why she absolutely does not want to hear your glowing reviews of her work. Plus, Ra...

May 15, 202647 minEp. 441

Farting All Night on a First Date (w/ Beck Bennett)

Comedian and actor Beck Bennett (SNL, What's Our Podcast? ) joins Nicole to talk about meeting his wife on a sketch shoot and how his wallet-less first date turned into a romantic, fart-filled sleepover. Beck opens up about surviving long-distance dating while shooting SNL, why he believes "love is trust," and the Joshua Tree engagement trip that ended with them sleeping in separate twin beds. He shares the creative ways he jerked off as a kid (including using a Sock'em Bopper and a vibrating pe...

May 08, 202651 minEp. 440

Pikachu, I Choose You! (w/ Sarah Natochenny)

Voice actress Sarah Natochenny ( Pokémon ) joins Nicole for a chat about how voicing Ash Ketchum inspired her to become the adventurous protagonist of her own life. Sarah shares her method for vetting a first date, why she has absolutely zero tolerance for men who neg her, and why animal companions (like her cat, Pikachu) will always be better than a boyfriend. Plus, the gals discuss Cher's wild 40-year age gap relationship, share tips for traveling solo as a single woman, and Nicole recounts a ...

May 01, 202659 minEp. 439

Looksmaxxing Is Psychotic (w/ Tan France)

Fashion icon Tan France ( Queer Eye , Honorable Gays ) joins Nicole for a chat about how a planned "slut tour" accidentally resulted in an 18-year marriage, his secret past designing clothes for Mormon women, and why he really, really didn't want to be on Queer Eye . Tan gets real about the intense racism he faced dating in the UK - including the multiple times guys forced him to keep their dates a secret. Plus, he shares a horrifying first date story that had him walking out of dinner early, an...

Apr 24, 20261 hr 8 minEp. 438

Dating with Borderline Personality Disorder (w/ Makhyli)

Artist and actress Makhyli ( Boys World ) joins Nicole to chat about her experience dating while in a pop girl group. Makhyli shares how she literally created a "Build-A-Boy" slideshow presentation to manifest her current boyfriend - and it actually worked! The girls swap their worst car-date horror stories, from a guy so cheap he forced Makhyli to share a single McDonald's french fry, to a man who casually had rotting food in his backseat. Makhyli opens up about navigating relationship paranoia...

Apr 17, 20261 hrEp. 437

Astrology's Effect in Relationships (w/ Nathan Mitchell)

Actor Nathan Mitchell ( The Boys, Ginny & Georgia ) joins Nicole to discuss being in relationship limbo, and why it’s actually great to be on the same page about not being on the same page. He shares the boat date gone horribly wrong when his date air-humped a stranger, a make-out session that left him bloody, and he addresses the theories that his Ginny & Georgia character is AI. Nicole shares her experience with a man who thought a picture of a sandwich was an appropriate thirst trap. ...

Apr 10, 202646 minEp. 436

Life as a 90s Sex Symbol (w/ Danielle Fishel)

Actor and director Danielle Fishel ( Boy Meets World, Girl Meets World ) joins Nicole for a chat about how it felt to be treated as a "sex symbol" in the 90s before she was even an adult. Danielle talks about the gross public countdowns to her 18th birthday, and the trauma of being mocked on her own show for being "fat" at a size 4. She shares what it was like taking Lance Bass to her high school prom during the absolute peak of *NSYNC, having Sabrina Carpenter and John Mayer in her wedding part...

Apr 03, 202653 minEp. 435

There's a Yelp for BJs (w/ Drew Droege)

Comedian Drew Droege ( Search Party , Bob's Burgers ) joins Nicole for a chat about why you should never blow out your own candle in a relationship, the creepy phenomenon of couples who look like twins, and how pop culture's been romanticized abusive relationships. Drew introduces Nicole to a new hookup app that is basically Yelp for blowjobs, and reads some of the incredible BJ reviews that are written like romance novels. Plus, they break down the new Alexander Skarsgård dom/sub rom-com movie,...

Mar 27, 202648 minEp. 434

Our Healthy Era (w/ Kym Whitley)

Legendary comedian and actress Kym Whitley ( Curb Your Enthusiasm, Young and Hungry ) joins Nicole to chat about entering their healthy era. She fixes Nicole's hydration habits, shares easy ways she incorporates exercise into her routine, and they discuss their life post-weight loss. Kym shares her wildest dating stories, including jumping an ex's fence in a catsuit and cape, and the televised blind date she had with an unexpected star. Plus, Kym teaches us the lost art of flirting. Take our lis...

Mar 20, 202654 minEp. 433

Having "The Body" (w/ Fantasia Royale Gaga)

Showgirl and drag queen Fantasia Royale Gaga ( DIY Dungeon ) joins Nicole to discuss her journey to becoming "The Body". Fantasia shares the realities of her dating life, explaining the difference between a man who is genuinely attracted to trans women versus a chaser just looking to fulfill a fetish. She reveals why she uses Grindr like a social media app, and shares experience building a BDSM dungeon. Plus, Fantasia opens up about the extreme measures strangers take to sneak photos of her in p...

Mar 13, 202648 minEp. 432

Being a Dom (w/ Sapphira Cristál)

Drag queen Sapphira Cristál ( Drag Race S16 ) joins Nicole for an educational chat about being a dom, impact play, and the 12-hour prep cycle for bottoming - including how to douche properly and the secret medication trick for staying clean through the night. Sapphira tells the story of how she met her partner through an Instagram gym thirst trap originally meant for another drag queen, and the time she gave a blowjob so good that a man wrote a song about it. See Sapphira on tour! Get tickets at...

Mar 06, 202651 minEp. 431

Worst Hookup EVER (w/ Jasmine Masters)

Legendary drag and meme queen Jasmine Masters (Drag Race S7, All-Stars 4) joins Nicole for a chat about being high for most of Drag Race season 7 and exactly how she snuck weed into the show. Jasmine spills on the origins of her viral "And I Oop-" video and recounts her absolute WORST hookup ever. Plus, we hear about the time her friends accidentally threw her a sold-out meet-and-greet at an Olive Garden on her birthday, and her strict rules for taking care of bad feet. Watch this episode on our...

Feb 27, 202647 minEp. 430

The Torture of Working with an Ex (w/ Nicholas Scheppard)

Comedian and drag queen Nicholas Scheppard ( Very Gay Paint , Art to Me ) is fresh out of a breakup. He joins Nicole for a chat about the uphill climb out of it, why working with an ex-boyfriend is absolute torture, and the haunting theory that your partner will tell you exactly how they'll break your heart in the first week. Nicole shares the messy story about a situationship who didn't believe in monogamy, and her obsession with her Ninja Creami. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel at ht...

Feb 20, 202650 minEp. 429

Celebrating Galentine's Day (w/ Sasheer Zamata)

Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata celebrate Galentine's Day, discussing its Parks and Recreation origin and the unique intimacy of female friendships. They share personal stories about Valentine's Day traditions, memorable gifts, and humorous dating experiences, including tarot card readings and a jewelry-making class. The episode highlights the joy of shared activities and the irreplaceable bond between best friends.

Feb 13, 202659 minEp. 428

I Want You to Watch (w/ Heidi N Closet)

Heidi N Closet shares insights into her thriving open relationship, the scandalous story of how she met her partner, and wild anecdotes from her past, including a gas station incident and being fired from a hospital. The drag queen also reveals her love for anime and sex moves like "The Finisher," while Nicole recounts a memorable Craigslist encounter. They also discuss dating red flags and offer advice for singles.

Feb 06, 202653 minEp. 427

Your Favorite Queen’s Favorite Seamstress (w/ Danny Godoy)

Designer and drag queen Danny Godoy is here! Known for creating iconic looks for queens like Bob the Drag Queen, Kim Chi, Kerri Colby, and more, Godoy talks about accidentally coughing and farting on Nicole, teaching her how to sew in a single day, and what happens at their drag queen craft nights. He shares the worst date of his life and explains why you should be keeping coconut oil in the bedroom. Nicole tells the details of her horrific dental drama. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel...

Jan 30, 202650 minEp. 426

Rolling Blunts for a Money Launderer (w/ Brooke Candy)

Rapper and songwriter Brooke Candy (host of Unwrapped ) joins Nicole to discuss meeting her future husband in a desert shack and moving in with him after only a week. She shares the time her wig fell off mid-hookup, what made her go from open relationships to a monogamous one, and relationship texting styles. Brooke relives her jobs in the HUSTLER office, working as a stripper, and being a blunt-roller for a money laundering front. Plus, Nicole shares her theory on why she is murder-proof. Check...

Jan 23, 202649 minEp. 425

Dating Your Competition on Drag Race (w/ Kori King)

Queen of Cameo and Drag Race S17 star Kori King joins Nicole to spill her experience finding love on the set of Drag Race. Kori opens up about her on-and-off-screen romance with Lydia B. Kollins, revealing the exact moment their romance turned real, and why opposites attract. She shares wild stories from her hustling days - from dealing with naked customers while managing a Walgreens, having a drunk mom lick her armpit during a drag show, and her journey beating Nikki Blonsky as the Queen of Cam...

Jan 16, 20261 hr 1 minEp. 424

Getting Robbed by Hookups (w/ Lushious Massacr)

Drag queen icon Lushious Massacr joins Nicole to share how she fell in love last night with a man she met on Facebook Dating, getting charmed by a panty sniffer, and the reason she’s banned from Hinge and Tinder. She also breaks down how tapping into your feminine force is a superpower used to get exactly what you want. Lushious shares all of the terrible times men she's hooked up with who have tried to rob her, and how she's since learned to "trade proof" her home. Plus, Luscious explains her t...

Jan 09, 202656 minEp. 423

Addressing the Lies & Backlash (w/ Ginger Minj)

Drag queen icon Ginger Minj ( Drag Race All Stars winner S10 ) joins Nicole to discuss the backlash she’s faced since winning the crown and addresses the "lying" accusations swirling around her - and why she’s done ignoring the drama. She opens up about losing 200 lbs this year, dealing with fans who still have nasty things to say about her body, and shares what it was like getting diagnosed with autism during her psychological review for All Stars. Plus, the wild details about her love life. Gi...

Jan 02, 20261 hr 12 minEp. 422

How to Trick your Partner Into Better Taste (w/ Bobby Berk)

Emmy Award-winning interior designer Bobby Berk ( Queer Eye, Junk or Jackpot? ) joins Nicole to share the secrets of success behind his 22-year relationship. He discusses meeting his husband on Gay.com, his trick to manipulate a partner into having better taste, and the wild reason why everyone was throwing up during his marriage proposal. Plus, he explains why he refuses to give gifts or celebrate Valentine's Day, and why giving in to those societal pressures is actually the quickest way to rui...

Dec 26, 202546 minEp. 421

A Cathartic Year End Rant (w/ Mike Mitchell)

Happy holidays! You’re getting an xxxtra special xxxtra long holiday episode with Santa Claus himself ( Mike Mitchell - Doughboys podcast, Twisted Metal ). He joins Elf Nicole to complain about why Santas are getting too hot and buff, and Nicole reveals the time she was fired for being too jolly. They talk about Mitch’s journey with long COVID, the struggle of losing libido from medications, and their shared experiences losing weight. Has it helped their sexual health? Plus, Mitch shares a truly...

Dec 19, 20251 hr 27 minEp. 420

Defending Our Marriage (w/ Latrice Royale & Christopher Hamblin)

Drag Race royalty Latrice Royale and her husband Christopher Hamblin join Nicole to discuss the wild story of how he went from a fan organizing a messy meet-and-greet to Latrice’s husband. They get real about what it's like to work and be married together, open up about the reception of their interracial marriage, and shut down the wild accusations they've received about their relationship. Latrice also reveals that Drag Race filming is so strict she actually had "more freedom in jail," and shar...

Dec 12, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 419

Oversharing (w/ Yvie Oddly & Ryan Mitchell)

Drag Race winner Yvie Oddly (season 11) and co-host Ryan Mitchell ( HIGHKEY! ) join Nicole to overshare. Yvie discusses her reaction to Ariana Grande naming her a favorite, her thoughts on the internet's response to her season of Drag Race, the details of her open relationship, and getting stretched out by a didgeridoo. Ryan shares his history of dating terrible men, getting cheated on 7 times, and the time he followed a stranger to a hotel for a hookup that could’ve been a murder. They all disc...

Dec 05, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 418

The Dark Reality of 'Skinny Privilege' (w/ Nava Kavelin)

When Nava Kavelin (host of Podcrushed ) lost weight at 16, the shift in how the world treated her was immediate and jarring. She went from being invisible to having 10 boys aggressively pursuing her. She joins Nicole to unpack the complicated resentment of suddenly becoming "visible" to people who previously looked right through you. They get into why reciprocity is the bare minimum for a good relationship, the misery of dating someone long-term who won't commit, and how soap operas like Passion...

Nov 28, 202553 minEp. 417

Fraud & Legal Battles (w/ Lexi Love)

What happens when a porn actress comes after your drag name? Lexi Love ( RuPaul's Drag Race S17 ) joins Nicole to talk through the legal fight she never expected to be in and what it is costing her to protect the career she's built. She opens up about the panic attacks she had while filming her season of Drag Race and shares the mistreatment she experienced in rehab, which became a traumatic part of her recovery journey. Plus, Lexi also talks about her past life teaching anti money laundering to...

Nov 21, 202554 minEp. 416

Losing Everything (w/ Tig Notaro)

Comedian Tig Notaro joins Nicole Byer to share her incredible journey of love, loss, and resilience. She recounts her unique meeting with wife Stephanie, overcoming personal health crises and grief, and building a family with twins. The episode delves into their philosophy on commitment, finding humor in dark times, and Tig's new documentary, offering inspiring insights on life's profound shifts.

Nov 14, 20251 hrEp. 415

Kiki-ing (w/ Oscar Montoya)

Comedian and friend Oscar Montoya (Dropout TV, Drag Her) is back for another kiki. They talk about the best slutty Halloween costumes, the casual racism in early-2000s fashion, recounts stories of wild audience members, dating someone as a "bit", and Nicole shares the time she officiated a wedding proposal while soaked in toilet water. It's a nice fun time. See the Bad Drag Race finale in LA Nov 15th, co-hosted by Nicole, Oscar, and Mano. Get tickets here . Watch this episode on our YouTube chan...

Nov 07, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 414
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