931. - Monica Padman
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In this episode of How Long Gone, hosts Chris Black and Jason and guest Monica Padman dive into a wide-ranging, candid conversation that blends humor, personal reflection, and cultural commentary. The episode opens with Chris recounting his immersive experience at Primland, a luxury resort in Virginia, where he explores the outdoors with a mix of ATV adventures, fly fishing, and encounters with Southern Appalachian locals—highlighting a humorous yet insightful moment about tailgating etiquette. The conversation then shifts to Monica’s life and career, touching on her upbringing in Duluth, Georgia, her time as a competition cheerleader, and her ongoing struggles with self-worth and dating. She shares her disillusionment with dating apps like Raya, her preference for older partners, and her humorous yet poignant thoughts on egg freezing and the evolving dynamics of modern relationships. The hosts explore generational shifts in dating, mental health, and societal expectations, with Monica offering a sharp-eyed perspective on how women navigate self-image, aging, and the paradox of being both desired and doubted. The episode concludes with a playful yet thoughtful exchange on podcasting, authenticity, and the subtle power dynamics in media, where Monica reveals her behind-the-scenes role as co-host and editor of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert, emphasizing the collaborative, host-driven nature of their show. Throughout, the tone remains warm, self-aware, and deeply human, balancing levity with genuine vulnerability.
Self-worth and dating insecurity can persist even in high-profile careers; Monica Padman openly discusses her ongoing struggle with believing she’s worthy of love.
Modern dating apps like Raya are increasingly seen as clunky and emotionally unfulfilling, with many preferring organic connections over algorithmic matches.
The shift from a 'chase tail' culture in the 2000s to today’s more cautious, introspective generation reflects broader societal anxiety about the future.
Podcasting success often relies on authenticity and host chemistry more than guest fame—How Long Gone thrives on conversational intimacy, not celebrity.
Women’s bodies and self-image are shaped by both external validation and internalized narratives, with Monica revealing how even small affirmations (like a compliment from Brad Pitt) can be powerful.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Chris in the Woods: ATV Adventures and Tailgating Tensions
“She just wasn't. And I was like, I really didn't think that I was tailgating. And I was like, can we agree at least that tailgating depends on the person? There's no law you know, I mean there's no tailgating guide that we can follow.”
The Rise of Algorithmic Music Marketing and the Death of Payola
The hosts debate the ethics of modern music promotion, where peer-to-peer influence and tech-driven algorithms replace traditional payola, creating a new kind of 'above board' manipulation that feels morally ambiguous yet legally clean.
Lena Dunham’s Memoir and the Media’s Misrepresentation
The hosts analyze the backlash against Lena Dunham’s memoir, particularly her description of Adam Driver throwing a chair in rehearsal, discussing how media sensationalism distorts nuanced personal narratives into moral outrage.
Monica’s Atlanta Roots: Duluth, Cheerleading, and the Weight of Being 'Too Smart'
“I was a 95 pounds. Guys hate petite cheerleaders by the way. And I was a cheerleader and I was smart. So, you know, you tell me if it's racism or not.”
Dating in the Age of Apps: Raya, Surfing, and the Search for 'Older' Men
Monica discusses her exit from dating apps like Raya, her preference for older partners, and the paradox of being both desired and doubted—especially as a woman in her 30s navigating emotional maturity and physical aging.
“Yo baby. I mean, I just love you so much. Like let's go ahead and make some embryos. Exactly. I would freeze with you. Honestly. I know it's only been six months, but I'm like down to freeze real talk.”
“I edit our show content edit. So I make, you know, I'm in charge of what stays and what goes. Okay. So when Dax has got his third needle in his ass in the morning, you're fucking on the computer making it all happen.”
“She just wasn't. And I was like, I really didn't think that I was tailgating. And I was like, can we agree at least that tailgating depends on the person? There's no law you know, I mean there's no tailgating guide that we can follow.”
Hosts
Guest
Monica Padman
person
Chris Black
person
Jason
person
Dax Shepard
person
Armchair Expert
media
Lazy Acres
other
Duluth
place
Raya
product
McCall's
other
Los Feliz
other
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