The GDI & Social Discovery Podcast

On this episode of The GDI Podcast, we’re delighted to be joined by Anthony Oyogoa, CEO and Co-Founder of UrSafe, and Courtney Kovacevich, Consultant at UrSafe. They join GDI’s Senior Reporter Sean Nolan to discuss UrSafe’s newly launched LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces tool. This innovative feature helps individuals find LGBTQ+ safe spaces in emergencies or SOS situations. The feature works across all but thr...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast we're delighted to be joined by Michael Kaye, Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at Archer. He joins GDI's Senior Reporter Sean Nolan to discuss Match Group's latest dating app: Archer. This new platform serves gay, bisexual, and queer men in a refreshing and innovative way. Kaye also shares how Archer listens to user feedback, fosters a community-fir...

On this episode of The GDI Podcast we're delighted to be joined by Bill Schwab, Founder of Monogamish. He joins GDI's Senior Reporter Sean Nolan to discuss how the platform is helping facilitate non-monogamous relationships and the unique features that cater to this commnity. Schwab also shares how Australia's diverse culture makes it a suitable location for a dating app that explores non-traditio...

As part of our Trust & Safety Month 2023, we are delighted to be joined on The GDI Podcast by Kaushik Banerjee, Co-Founder & CEO and Anirban Banerjee, Co-Founder & CMO, at flutrr. They join GDI's Senior Reporter Sean Nolan to discuss how flutrr is empowering young singles in India's rural areas to date with confidence and become included in the online dating world. They also explain how flutrr has...

As part of our Trust & Safety Month 2023, we are delighted to be joined on The GDI Podcast by David Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer, and Neil Davis, Chief Business Officer at RealMe. They join GDI's Senior Reporter Sean Nolan to discuss how improving safety measures will extend the longevity of online dating businesses. They also explain how a combination of different safety solutions can create a...

As part of our Trust & Safety Month 2023, we are delighted to be joined on The GDI Podcast by Adnan Al-Khatib, Principal Product Manager - Moderation at Stream. Adnan joins GDI's Senior Reporter Sean Nolan to discuss how dating apps can ensure users have positive experiences through the use of next generation moderation tools. He also explains how generative AI systems can pose risks to online dat...

In the first GDI Podcast of our Trust & Safety Month 2023, we are delighted to be joined by Liam Gibson, Founder of FateDate. Liam joins GDI's Senior Reporter Sean Nolan to discuss how dating app dangers motivated him to create a platform where singles can go on safer IRL dates. He also explains how the FateDate platform minimises dating awkwardness, introducing innovative features to handle the s...

In this episode of The Social Discovery Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by AJ Wolf, CEO and Co-Founder of Athena. AJ and Senior Reporter, Sean Nolan, discuss how the Social Discovery platform is addressing loneliness by creating a digital space for the health & fitness community. They also explore the challenges and lessons AJ has encountered as a startup founder, including topics such as ad...

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Matthew Roberts, Director of Brand & Marketing at Upward. Matthew and GDI's Senior Reporter, Sean Nolan, discuss how the Match Group platform is helping Gen Z and Millenial Christians to find new connections. They also explore how dating platforms can use their marketing and social media strategies to create community-focused cont...

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Miao Zhang, Founder and CEO of Nine. Miao and GDI's Senior Reporter, Sean Nolan, discuss how Nine is helping young singles in Asia to find meaningful and committed relationships. They also explore the differences between dating cultures in Asia and North America, and how this informed the features on Nine.

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Nicky Wake, Founder of Chapter 2. Nicky and GDI's Senior Reporter, Sean Nolan, discuss why there was a need for Chapter 2 within the widow & widower support infrastructure. They also discuss the development of Chapter 2 as a startup, its live events, upcoming expansion, and potential spin-off platforms.

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by David Simonarson, CEO & Co-Founder of Smitten. David and GDI's Senior Reporter, Sean Nolan, discuss the origins of Smitten, how it makes the dating journey more fun, and why the dating app adopted a new search feature. David and Sean also discuss dating culture in the Nordic region, and how Smitten is planning to expand internatio...

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Julia Estacolchic, Head of Marketing & Brand at Chispa. Julia and GDI's Senior Reporter, Sean Nolan, discuss why Chispa decided to create an advocacy council, and how this group will help inform the platform's work with the Latin American community. Julia and Sean also explore the best ways for organisations to market themselves t...

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by David Minns, Founder of Desperate Dating. David and GDI's Senior Reporter, Sean Nolan, discuss why being super keen isn't such a bad thing, and what makes desperate singles different. As the founder of multiple niche dating platforms, David also shares his insights on how to foster growth among these communities.

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Nick Purewal and Mani Kular, co-founders of ToDate. They discuss the value that comes from real-life dating experiences, and how the ToDate platform facilitates them seamlessly. They also tell Sean Nolan, GDI's Senior Reporter, how the platform prioritises user safety through verification tools.

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Christiana Maxion, The Dubai Matchmaker. Christiana shares her plans to create an 'anti-dating app' and what this new platform will bring to communities around the world. She also tells Sean Nolan, GDI's Senior Reporter, what makes Dubai a unique hub for love.

In this special Valentine's Day episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Chelsea Grayson, Interim CEO of Spark Networks. She joins Senior Reporter Sean Nolan to discuss her transition into her new role, her priorities for the year ahead, and the trends she think will make a big impact in 2023. She also shares how Spark Networks is tackling trust & safety issues, including fraud.

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Brad Jones, Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Meet Kinksters. Brad explains how Meet Kinksters is looking to connect commitment-seeking singles who recognise the importance of sexual compatibility. He also discusses why the platform adopts open source software, and his experiences as a bootstrapped startup founder.

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Maor Gil, Co-Founder of Heyoosh. Gil explains how Heyoosh's No-Swipe system helps create connections while allowing users to decide how much information they want to share. He also discusses how Heyoosh recently launched in Italy, and how the country's culture suits the dating app.

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Geoff Cook, CEO and Co-Founder of The Meet Group. Geoff discusses the growth of live video, sharing what makes it increasingly popular in the online social space. He also explains how the lines between dating apps and social media platforms are blurring, and what this means for competition between the industries.

In this episode of the GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Dr Hannah Shimko, Communications and Policy Director at the Online Dating Association (ODA). Hannah gives a preview of the ODA's upcoming webinar on the Online Safety Bill, sharing how the legislation could impact online dating platforms and what apps can do to prepare. Sean and Hannah also discuss the key strategies which can hel...

For the first GDI Podcast of 2023, we're delighted to be joined by Michael Kaye, Associate Director of Global Communications at OkCupid. Michael discusses with Sean Nolan, Senior Reporter at Global Dating Insights, OkCupid's recently released Global State of Digital Dating Report. They explore the report's data-driven insights, looking at the issues and topics that are important to millions of OkC...

In this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Richmond Lartey, Founder of Cuplet. Richmond shares with Sean Nolan, Senior Reporter at Global Dating Insights, how the platform provides a number of free services that go above and beyond other dating apps. They also discuss Cuplet's development as a platform, and how it manages to release an update every 1-2 weeks.

In this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Dorisa Soudi, Founder of ZiP Dating. Dorisa shares with Sean Nolan, Senior Reporter at Global Dating Insights, how the social platform looks to tackle catfishing and create genuine connections. They also discuss Dorisa's experience as a female startup founder and the lessons she learnt in that journey.

In this episode of The GDI Podcast, we're delighted to be joined by Mitch Alterman, CEO and Co-Founder of Hatched. Mitch shares with Sean Nolan, Senior Reporter at Global Dating Insights, how the app looks to address swiping fatigue and low self-confidence through its user interface. They also discuss Mitch's journey as a startup founder, how he recruited the Hatched team, and what's next for the...