Lonely Hearts, and A Hollywood Love Story #21

In this funny and feel-good episode of Telling Tinder Tales, hosts Chris O'Neill and Thomasin Lockwood welcome two fantastic guests: actress, comedian, and writer Helen Lederer, and marketing exec Dunstan Kesseler.

Helen kicks things off with a wonderfully awkward Lonely Hearts dating story from the pre-Tinder era—complete with a Guardian newspaper, an uncomfortably long hand-holding session, and a wife. She shares the kind of tale only she could: self-deprecating, sharp, and filled with charm.

Then, Dunstan brings the unexpected: a wild night out in LA involving tequila, Big Wangs (yes, the bar), a Drew Barrymore impression, and a romantic twist. It’s the kind of story screenwriters dream of—except it’s all true.

🎙️ Featuring hilarious anecdotes, thoughtful questions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into dating then vs. now, this episode is perfect for fans of dating podcasts, romantic comedy lovers, and anyone who’s ever swiped right—or answered a Lonely Hearts ad.

Thank you to Helen Lederer @helenlederer and Dunstan Kesseler @dunstankesseler

Mentioned in this episode:

• Timeout Magazine, The Guardian, Big Wangs LA
• Helen Lederer’s memoir “Not That I’m Bitter”
• Fawlty Towers play (West End run through September!)
• Dunstan’s father’s book Unreliable Memories (maybe?)

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