Hang Up: Richmond's Game-Changing Queer Dating Podcast
Zakiya Gibbons, Host of Hang Up
credit: www.hangupshow.com
A Reality Dating Show With No Rings Attached
If you're a fan of reality dating shows but yearn for something fresh, inclusive, and daringly different, then we've got exciting news for you! Richmond, Virginia is buzzing with anticipation as the city welcomes "Hang Up," a groundbreaking queer reality dating competition podcast.
Picture this: a dating competition where love takes root through phone conversations, with participants never setting eyes on each other. "Hang Up" is the breath of fresh air the world of dating shows desperately needed. Set against the backdrop of Richmond, Virginia, this podcast introduces a captivating twist to the dating show universe.
In every thrilling season of "Hang Up," one lucky individual, known as the "Star," is paired with six potential love interests called the "Callers." The Star embarks on a series of intriguing phone dates, culminating in the elimination of one Caller at the end of each round. But here's where the drama unfolds: on Decision Day, the power shifts. The final Caller faces a pivotal choice – to embark on an all-expenses-paid vacation with the Star, sight unseen, or walk away with a cash prize, leaving the Star behind.
As the journey unfolds, Callers must navigate a range of challenges mirroring real-life dating experiences. First impressions, mystery boxes, meeting the family – the excitement never ends. This rollercoaster of emotions, surprises, and genuine connections is brought to you in partnership with Radiotopia and PRX.
Meet Maxine, The Star
In the inaugural season of "Hang Up," our Star is Maxine (a pseudonym), a 26-year-old bartender from the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Maxine seeks a match with snarky humor, carrying an aversion to both chewing gum and Harry Potter. Get to know Maxine and their six contestants from Richmond as they venture into uncharted waters of phone-based dating.
Meet the Creative Minds Behind "Hang Up"
The show's host is the remarkable Zakiya Gibbons, an award-winning podcast story editor, host, and writer hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Zakiya is also a co-founder of POC In Audio, a vital resource championing racial diversity in the audio industry.
The brains behind the podcast include its creator and award-winning producer Caitlin Pierce, known for work on NPR, WNYC, KCRW, Audible, the BBC, and popular podcasts such as "Death, Sex & Money" and "Bodies." Ben Montoya, the "Hang Up" story editor, mixer, and sound designer, recently lent their expertise to the "America's Dead" podcast from Sonos.
A Fresh Approach to Dating Reality
Pierce explains, "Even though reality dating shows are so popular, many of them repeat and reinforce the same harmful narratives about love, romance, and partnership. So we asked ourselves if there was a way to make a show that kept all the elements we love — the cliches, silliness, awkwardness, and drama — but tell a different story. That’s how ‘Hang Up’ was born."
Audrey Mardavich, Executive Producer of Radiotopia from PRX, adds, "We're excited to bring listeners this new dating show that is also sex-positive, inclusive, and thoughtful. The whole production team is highly creative, and full of the DIY spirit that fits perfectly within the Radiotopia network."
Where to Tune In and Join the Fun
Mark your calendars for the grand finale! "Hang Up" will host a live reunion show at The Hof in Richmond on Friday, September 29th, 2023. This is an event you absolutely can't afford to miss, providing an opportunity to engage with the cast and creators of this groundbreaking podcast.
So, if you're a queer visitor or a cherished member of Richmond's vibrant community, get ready to embark on a journey of love, laughter, and unexpected twists with "Hang Up." This is the dating competition podcast that redefines modern love. Start listening today and be part of the conversation!