In a time before Tinder, Desiree takes the plunge into online dating. She catches the eye of Smitty, a seemingly handsome stranger whose Polaroid profile snapshots obscure his hidden reality.

2: lovelustfear | desiree | his name was SMITTY

lovelustfear is a podcast series that exposes the darker side of dating and relationships.

Every episode explores true dating and relationship stories—from the awkward and uncomfortable to the shocking and bizarre to the disturbing and downright dangerous. Host Jake Deptula welcomes storytellers into candid conversations, revealing the decisions they made and dilemmas they faced when better judgment got lost in a haze of desire.

lovelustfear is a compelling, terrifying, but always insightful exploration into toxic dating and relationships that will have you abandoning courtesy and listening with caution.

If you would like to share your story on lovelustfear or would like your story featured anonymously, please contact us at lovelustfearpod@gmail.com

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Laura reconnects with her grade school sweetheart sparking a wave of nostalgic romance. However, the warmth of their reunion soon fades as she becomes subjected to his abusive and destructive behavior.

8: lovelustfear | laura | true love always

Sadie finds herself drawn to a drug-addicted "bad boy" with a criminal past. When her efforts to rehabilitate him fail, her addiction to this abusive and dangerous man threatens to end her career, her family, and her life.

7: lovelustfear | sadie | i could kill you right now

Jenna is swept off her feet by a charismatic chef and finds herself married within ninety days. But under his charming facade lurks a volatile temper as Jenna becomes the target of his rage, threats, and physical intimidation.

6: lovelustfear | jenna | no one gets out this early

After tying the knot, Mira finds herself fostering an emotionally immature man-child whose public intoxication, abusive tendencies, threats of suicide, and troubling fixation with firearms put Mira and her daughter's lives at risk.

5: lovelustfear | mira | a f**king broken mess

Gabi's dating life takes a darker turn when she finds herself entangled in a toxic workplace romance with an abusive partner and is forced to conceal his drug addiction and self-destructive tendencies to protect his career.

2: lovelustfear | desiree | his name was SMITTY

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