The Love Department

The Love Department

Nik Lockhart

Join host Nik Lockhart, former matchmaker and writer, for conversations with couples about their love story. She pulls back the covers on intimate relationships and asks audiences to reconsider everything we know about love.

S2 E9 "Small Town, Big Love" feat. Abby and Jay of Maple Shade Farm

S2 E9 "Small Town, Big Love" feat. Abby and Jay of Maple Shade Farm

Their's is a grilled cheese and tomato soup kind of love. In this episode of The Love Department, host Nik Lockhart sits down with Abby & Jay. They're the owners of Maple Shade Farm, a wedding venue in upstate New York--in the area they grew up in. What makes this couple unique is that they met in kindergarten (and stood next to each other in the class photo!) These hometown heroes have built a marriage that has lasted 25 years, had 3 kids, and lots of fun.In this episode we talk about keeping y

Feb 19, • 1:03:38

S2 E8 "The HeartLine: Who's Wedding is it Anyway?"

S2 E8 "The HeartLine: Who's Wedding is it Anyway?"

On this episode we open up the inbox on our HeartLine to share with you. Hear from The Love Department listeners who discuss “Are Wedding Registries Outdated?” “Showing up Single to a Wedding” and “Asking my Father's Hand” To leave a message on our HeartLine click here. HeartLine inbox. We’d love to hear how it’s going in your love department.Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you

Feb 5, • 16:03

S2 E7 "You Will Always Have a Part of Me" feat. Michael & Mario

S2 E7 "You Will Always Have a Part of Me" feat. Michael & Mario

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Michael (also known as Misha) and Mario, whose love story began when they went clubbing on Halloween. After just six months of dating, Misha proposed, and now, after a two-year engagement, the couple is planning their wedding for 2026. They have a three decade age gap and their story is one for the ages.It’s a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and insights on love in all its forms. We cover:The challenges and joys of dating in middle ageNavigating coming ou

Jan 22, • 1:00:01

S2 E6 "The HeartLine: What Do We Watch on TV?"

S2 E6 "The HeartLine: What Do We Watch on TV?"

On this episode we open up the inbox on our HeartLine to share with you. Hear from The Love Department listeners who discuss “What if I don't want this person at our Wedding?” “Changing our Lastname” and “Group Projects in College” “TV Shows for Couples to watch Together” and “Dating with Patience” To leave a message on our HeartLine click here. HeartLine inbox. We’d love to hear how it’s going in your love department.TV Show suggestions for couples to watch togetherThe Bride BrideLawyers S

Jan 8, • 23:45

S2 E5 "Sugar, We're Goin Down" feat. Tracy & Eddy

S2 E5 "Sugar, We're Goin Down" feat. Tracy & Eddy

Imagine having three weddings to the same person. Luckily these two said I do on every occasion. Tracy and Eddy met when they were just fresh faced immigrants to New York City. When Tracy moved in to an apartment with Eddy and two other guys, it was the last thing on her mind that she would end up meeting the love of her life. But as the song goes they were going down swinging and it took just two weeks to make the jump from roommates to lovers.In this episode we talk about getting married in La

Jan 1, • 1:11:42

Bonus Episode: "Love Is Like a Walk in the Woods" feat. Nik Lockhart

Bonus Episode: "Love Is Like a Walk in the Woods" feat. Nik Lockhart

A yuletide greeting from the host of the Love Department, Nik Lockhart. Join her as she walks in the forrest on Christmas morning.  We'll be back with another great episode of The Love Department next week. Until then, we wish you a warm holiday season.Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

Dec 25, 2024 • 4:53

S2 E4 "Understanding the Laws of Marriage" feat. the Bride Lawyers

S2 E4 "Understanding the Laws of Marriage" feat. the Bride Lawyers

Meet Shari & Morgan. They're the Bride Lawyers! Today on The Love Department we're demystifying the legal aspects of marriage. Whether you're newly engaged, considering divorce, or domestically partnered--they've got loads of wisdom to share. In this episode we talk prenuptial agreements, financial disclosure between partners, and how to change your name (or not). Find the Bride Lawyers on IG (@bridelawyers) and their website www.bridelawyer.com Is it Worth It to Get Marr

Dec 18, 2024 • 54:27

S2 E3 "How to Buy an Engagement Ring" feat. Kerry Lynn of Love Locked

S2 E3 "How to Buy an Engagement Ring" feat. Kerry Lynn of Love Locked

On this episode of The Love Department Nik sits down with Kerry Lynn of Love Locked in Jersey City, NJ. (www.shoplovelocked.com, @shoplovelocked on IG) Kerry designed the engagement ring of our dreams! We cover how much to spend on purchasing an engagement ring, creative alternatives to rings, and how to keep your proposal a surprise. Got a family ring you'd like to give to your sweetheart? We discuss how to make your something old, something new! She shares with us her favorite thing about

Dec 11, 2024 • 45:09

S2 E3 "How to Buy an Engagement Ring" feat. Kerry Lynn of Love Locked

S2 E3 "How to Buy an Engagement Ring" feat. Kerry Lynn of Love Locked

On this episode of The Love Department Nik sits down with Kerry Lynn of Love Locked in Jersey City, NJ. (www.shoplovelocked.com, @shoplovelocked on IG) Kerry designed the engagement ring of our dreams! We cover how much to spend on purchasing an engagement ring, creative alternatives to rings, and how to keep your proposal a surprise. Got a family ring you'd like to give to your sweetheart? We discuss how to make your something old, something new! She shares with us her favorite thing about sour

Dec 11, 2024 • 45:09

S2 E2 "Eloping and Lifetime of Adventure" feat. Paloma & Deron

S2 E2 "Eloping and Lifetime of Adventure" feat. Paloma & Deron

Paloma and Deron reconnected after meeting undergrad at a fraternity party. Their creative elopement during the pandemic landed them (and the photos) in the spotlight. Their love story is one that involves dating long distance (and on a budget) and how he transformed from self-professed 'f*ck-boy' to five-star husband. In this episode we talk about sticking to your vision for your wedding, asking for someone's hand in marriage, and proposing while on vacation. We also talked about

Dec 4, 2024 • 1:11:10

S2 E1 "A Champagne Engagement" feat. Nik Lockhart - Solo Episode

S2 E1 "A Champagne Engagement" feat. Nik Lockhart - Solo Episode

This season starts off on a personal note from our host Nik Lockhart, who recently got engaged. Never one to take the traditional path before her, she talks about their proposal story, how they've approached planning, and some of the good advice she received from friends, family, and strangers. This season on The Love Department, we'll focus on the ins and outs of the engagement and wedding process. We'll have great couples on to share how they met, their memorable moments, what t

Nov 27, 2024 • 24:46

The Love Department: Season 2 Trailer

The Love Department: Season 2 Trailer

You are cordially invited to the premiere of Season 2 of The Love Department, "The Wedding Season". In this season we will investigate the I do's and I don'ts of getting married. Whether you are currently planning a wedding, thinking about getting engaged, or just love a good piece of wedding cake, this season will have  inspiring conversations with couples and wedding industry professionals. Join host Nik Lockhart, former matchmaker and writer, as she explores the trends and

Nov 11, 2024 • 2:04

S1 E10 "Dora's Moms Have Got it Going On" feat. Stacy & Cat

S1 E10 "Dora's Moms Have Got it Going On" feat. Stacy & Cat

Today on the show we have fashion icon Stacy London, formerly 'What Not to Wear' and currently the State of Menopause, and her girlfriend the hilarious comedian Cat Yezbak on the show to talk about their love story. We wanted to end Season 1 with a lot of laughs and a load of wisdom. In this episode we discuss publicly announcing a relationship, being dog parents,  LGBTQ between the generations, introducing family to your relationship, and balancing social media and privacy. We also as

Apr 3, 2024 • 1:07:04

S1 E9 "The HeartLine: Can I Recycle My Husband?"

S1 E9 "The HeartLine: Can I Recycle My Husband?"

On this episode we open up the inbox on our HeartLine to share with you. Hear from The Love Department listeners who discuss “Can I recycle my husband?” “Should we get tattoos together?” and “Re-connecting with a childhood crush” “Van Gough’s Starry Night” and “How to write wedding vows.” To leave a message on our HeartLine click here. HeartLine inbox. We’d love to hear how it’s going in your love department.Visit our website at www.love-department.com for your own TLD Merch. Support the showVis

Mar 27, 2024 • 28:15

S1 E8 "God in my DMs" feat. Felicia & Frankie

S1 E8 "God in my DMs" feat. Felicia & Frankie

In a way, Frankie and Felicia have grown up together. They met in high school when she, in her words “Didn’t like him all that much.” But when they both came to faith after graduating, it was Facebook post that made Frankie slide into her DMs. He was pursuing a life in ministry – one that required him to be as committed to his role in the church as to his role as a partner. In this episode we talk about dating as Christians in a modern world, making time for each other despite demanding jobs, pe

Mar 20, 2024 • 58:24

S1 E7 "Embracing Your Dark & Finding Your Light" feat. therapist Courtney Clifford

S1 E7 "Embracing Your Dark & Finding Your Light" feat. therapist Courtney Clifford

Joining us today on the podcast is Courtney Clifford. She is a NYU Trained and Trauma Informed Coach and Equine Assisted Psychotherapist based in New York City. She’s helping us crack open relationships by discussing the benefits of therapy. In this conversation with host Nik Lockhart, Courtney shares how to go about practicing safe communication and starting healthy relational habits long before we enter partnership.  In this episode we talk about family patterns and traumas,  cultivating self-

Mar 13, 2024 • 36:41

S1 E6 "Once Upon a Soulmate" feat. Allie & Chuck

S1 E6 "Once Upon a Soulmate" feat. Allie & Chuck

There once was a girl named Allie who lived in Long Island. She struggled to find a place and a person with whom she ‘fit’. On the same island was a boy, named Chuck, who too felt like he didn’t fit in. He had resigned himself to being alone. On Halloween night Allie went to a castle and ordered cocktail… and it was terrible. Chuck, who worked at the castle bar swept in to her rescue and offered to make her a replacement. And it was that love potion that finally brought them true love.  In this

Mar 6, 2024 • 43:18

S1 E5 "Un Amor Eterno" feat. Solanchi & Jose

S1 E5 "Un Amor Eterno" feat. Solanchi & Jose

Bring out the coquito! for this one. Today we’re chatting with Solanchi & Jose. Their love story began when she was a young college student who attempted to get into a nightclub. Jose, who was working the club, thought her ID was fake. Now they’re grandparents with a lifetime of love for each other and loving others.In this episode we talk about keeping your sexlife spicy, finding love after divorce, creating a foundation for openness, and the rules of dating with strict parents.Visit our we

Feb 28, 2024 • 41:02

S1 E4 "Through Many Waters" feat. Cheryl & Patrick

S1 E4 "Through Many Waters" feat. Cheryl & Patrick

Cheryl and Patrick met as kids at a summer camp in their native upstate New York. But it wasn’t until they, by chance, attended the same college that their meeting turned into something more. In 2019 Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer, her treatments coincided with the Covid-19 Pandemic. Not even a year later, Patrick experienced his own health scare that nearly cost him his life. Their love story is a powerful testament to how love can withstand the worst of life and come out stronger.  Ti

Feb 21, 2024 • 59:18

S1 E3 "An Invitation to Love & Past Lives" feat. Nik Lockhart - Solo Episode

S1 E3 "An Invitation to Love & Past Lives" feat. Nik Lockhart - Solo Episode

In this opening solo episode with our host, Nik Lockhart, we start off with her working definition of love itself. You’ll hear about Nik’s journey to creating "The Love Department" and her take aways from  Season 1 of this groundbreaking new podcast..In this episode we talk about the movie “Past Lives” by Celine Song, why Nik created this show, and what she believes Love has to offer the world.To support us on Substack, please visit https://thelovedepartment.substack.com/Visit our webs

Feb 14, 2024 • 19:12

S1 E2 "Here Comes the Baby" feat. Maggie & Russ

S1 E2 "Here Comes the Baby" feat. Maggie & Russ

On a cold night out with friends, two singles people met at the end of a Manhattan bar. They weren't looking for love that night; but as it turned out love was looking for them. This is the story of Maggie & Russell. On the date of this interview they were 10 days away from meeting their first child. The Love Department asked them to share, "What love has taught you?"    In this episode we talk about managing different dating timelines,  new parenthood, love languages, and com

Feb 14, 2024 • 54:23

S1 E1 "The Language of Us" feat. Maria Teresa & Gerard

S1 E1 "The Language of Us" feat. Maria Teresa & Gerard

Maria Teresa and Gerard met as students in the South of France. She is from Peru and he is from the UK. And for the first few years of their relationship, they communicated in their second language, French,  the language of Love. Theirs is a story about how love is wide enough to cross an eocan, forge its own path despite the naysayers, and embrace the adventure of building a life together. In this inaugural episode of "The Love Department" we talk about long distance relationships, pa

Feb 14, 2024 • 40:14

Introducing "The Love Department"

Introducing "The Love Department"

New show coming Valentine's Day 2024 about the complexities of relationships and the nature of love. www.love-department.com Host - Nik LockhartExecutive Producer -  Nik LockhartProducer - Keren MintoTheme Song - "Love" by Adam BaldychFollow us on Instagram @the.lovedept or find us on YouTube. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. Support the showVisit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to

Oct 31, 2023 • 1:56

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