The Love Department
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 E10 · Wed, March 12, 2025
S2 E10 "How We Pulled Off Our Surprise Elopement" feat. Nik Lockhart - Solo Episode
You are cordially invited to the final episode of Season 2 of the Love Department. Join host Nik Lockhart as she details how she and her partner curated a surprise elopement that was meaningful and beautiful. If you or someone you know is planning a wedding soon, hoping to elope, or just dreaming of what it might one day be like, this is a good one to add to your Pinterest board of helpful suggestions. Weddings are just one day, but we hope your marriages last forever. In this episode we cover: How wedding budgets are suggestions at best. DIY wedding crafts and buying vintage. Honoring your traditions and breaking from the norm. How to keep your elopement secret and when/how to share it. Keeping your union strong while wedding planning Thank you to our amazing vendors: Luna Wedding Studio (wedding photography) Novo Bridal Beauty (bridal hair) NL Bridal by Tranquilty (bridal makeup) Corner Bar (Modern Restaurant in NYC Pippin Vintage Jewel ry (vintage jewelry) NK Bride (tailoring) Support the show Visit 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
S2 E9 · Wed, February 19, 2025
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 your proposal casual, working with your spouse, finding vendors and planning a wedding that feels authentic, and letting love come back around when it's right. MAPLE SHADE FARM https://www.mapleshadefarmny.com/ Piooin Vintage Jewelry https://pippinvintage.com/ Season 2 Episode 5 with Tracy & Eddy - on picking wedding vendors Season 2 Episode 3 with Kerry Lynn of Love Locked - on buying wedding rings Support the show Visit 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
S2 E8 · Wed, February 05, 2025
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 show Visit 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
S2 E7 · Wed, January 22, 2025
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 age Navigating coming out and finding acceptance with parents Why a quick proposal can lead to a lasting engagement The power of traditional weddings and vows Referenced in this episode: " Vows: The Modern Genius of an Ancient Rite " book by Cheryl Mendelsen " The Last Of Us: Season 1 Episode 3 " " Meaning of Marriage " by Timothy Keller & Kathy Keller Support the show Visit 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
S2 E6 · Wed, January 08, 2025
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 together The Bride BrideLawyers S2 E4 "Understanding the Laws of Marriage" Tracy & Eddy S2 E5 "Sugar We're Going Down" Support the show Visit 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
S2 E5 · Wed, January 01, 2025
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 Las Vegas while enjoying a emo music festival with their close friends, custom designing a wedding dress and engagement ring that tells a story, friends who are more like family, and how to navigate the mishaps of wedding planning. Thinking of doing a destination wedding? Hear how Tracy and Eddy scouted their venues, transported their friends and family, and worked with vendors they loved to curate a gorgeous three day soiree in the south of France. Support the show Visit 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
Bonus · Wed, December 25, 2024
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 show Visit 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
S2 E4 · Wed, December 18, 2024
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 Married blog post: https://bridelawyer.com/f/is-it-worth-it-to-get-married?blogcategory=Marriage Giveaway instructions: 1) Screenshot you listening to the episode and tag the bride lawyers to win a copy of their book! Make sure you're following BOTH @bridelawyers and @thelove.dept 2) Bonus Entry: Comment on @thelove.dept instagram with a legal question related to tying the knot. 3) For those in NY or NJ only(!) One lucky listener will get an hour free consultation with the Bride Lawyers. More written details on @thelove.dept Instagram. Giveaway ends December 25, 2024 at 6 P.M. EST One winner will be randomly selected for the book and one for the consultation and announced in a post on December 27,2024! Consultation open to New Jersey and New York Residents Only, Book to territorial U.S. residents only, 18 years or older for both. Consultation to occur by video conference only. By entering you acknowledge that the giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with the podcasting platform and completely release this platform of all responsibility. Support the show Visit 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
S2 E3 · Wed, December 11, 2024
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 sourcing sustainable stones and creating family heirlooms that will last for generations. Send this episode to someone thinking about popping the question soon. And take notes for your next shopping trip or Pinterest pin. Support the show Visit 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 Support the show Visit 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
S2 E3 · Wed, December 11, 2024
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 sourcing sustainable stones and creating family heirlooms that will last for generations. Send this episode to someone thinking about popping the question soon. And take notes for your next shopping trip or Pinterest pin. Support the show Visit 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
S2 E2 · Wed, December 04, 2024
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 the importance of leaving a legacy for your loved ones. If you plan to break from traditions on your wedding day, this episode is one you don't want to miss. Here how they transformed their elopement into their dream wedding. Interested in working with a dating coach? Find out more at: www.love-department.com/coaching Support the show Visit 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
S2 E1 · Wed, November 27, 2024
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 they've learned from love. www.love-department.com/coaching use code SOLO30 for your free 30min consultation with Nik. xoxo Support the show Visit 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
Trailer · Mon, November 11, 2024
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 traditions of marriage. The Love Department returns with Season 2, "The Wedding Season" on Thanksgiving of 2024. www.love-department.com Support the show Visit 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
S1 E10 · Wed, April 03, 2024
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 ask ourselves if "sparks" exist and how they pandemic proofed their relationship. Visit our website at www.love-department.com to join us for Season 2, casting now. You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department. Support the show Visit 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
S1 E9 · Wed, March 27, 2024
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 show Visit 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
S1 E8 · Wed, March 20, 2024
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, personal finances, and how to navigate offense in the relationship. Time Stamps: to skip our in depth conversations about christian dating fast forward to 43m40s Visit our website at www.love-department.com . You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department Support the show Visit 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
S1 E7 · Wed, March 13, 2024
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-love, finding the right therapist and modality for you, and modeling safe communication and relationships with a third party. To connect with Courtney, you can visit her website at-- www.courtneyclifford.com. And find her on instagram @courtneymclifford. Visit our website at www.love-department.com to buy your TLD Merch. You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department. Support the show Visit 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
S1 E6 · Wed, March 06, 2024
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 episode we talk about family histories and generational healing, growing up bi-racial, manifesting your partner, and loving someone with a disability. Patreon Link to hear more from this episode: https://tinyurl.com/mtzx9unz Visit our website at www.love-department.com for your own TLD Merch. You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department. Support the show Visit 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
S1 E5 · Wed, February 28, 2024
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 website at www.love-department.com . You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department. Support the show Visit 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
S1 E4 · Wed, February 21, 2024
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. Time Stamps: to skip our conversation about the pandemic, please skip to 40m00s. In this episode we talk about loving through serious illness, equality among the sexes, choosing not to have kids, and falling in love with where you live. Visit our website at www.love-department.com for a special $5 off our TLD Merch, code valid through 2/14/24-2/28/24. You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department. Support the show Visit 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
S1 E3 · Wed, February 14, 2024
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 website at www.love-department.com for a special $5 off our TLD Merch, use "TLDPOD" code valid through 2/14/24-2/28/24. You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department. Support the show Visit 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
S1 E2 · Wed, February 14, 2024
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 coming out within your relationship. Time stamps: to skip discussion about disordered eating fast forward to 45m00s 31m 51s Patreon Link to hear more: www . patreon.com/TheLoveDepartment Visit our website at www.love-department.com for a special $5 off our TLD Merch-- use code "TLDPOD". code valid through 2/14/24-2/28/24. You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department. Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Swag, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xo Support the show Visit 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
S1 E1 · Wed, February 14, 2024
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, parental disapproval, and blending different cultures into one family. Visit our website at www.love-department.com for a special $5 off our TLD Merch, use code "TLDPOD" 2/14/24-2/28/24. You can also leave a message on The HeartLine to let us know how it’s going in your Love Department. Support the show Visit 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
Trailer · Tue, October 31, 2023
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 Lockhart Executive Producer - Nik Lockhart Producer - Keren Minto Theme Song - "Love" by Adam Baldych Follow us on Instagram @the.lovedept or find us on YouTube. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. Support the show Visit 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
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