GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 38 - Julie Golden - Founder and Host of The Big D Dating Show

Name: GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 38 - Julie Golden - Founder and Host of The Big D Dating Show
Uploaded: 2025-08-18T00:00:00-04:00
Duration: 3 h 16 min 28 s

Episode Summary

In Episode 38 of the GenX Speaks Series, Julie Golden, founder and host of The Big D Dating Show, shares her experiences growing up in a unique family dynamic and her journey through various life stages, including her career in entertainment and motherhood. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of being a Gen X woman navigating relationships, career changes, and societal expectations.

Key Takeaways

Julie Golden was born in 1969 and identifies as a Gen X woman.
She grew up in a creative family, influenced by her father's music and her mother's success in publishing.
Julie experienced multiple family dynamics, including being raised by a single mother who worked her way up in her career.
She had a tumultuous childhood marked by frequent moves and a lack of stability.
Julie transitioned from a career in screenwriting to reality TV, where she faced challenges related to gender discrimination.
She emphasizes the importance of mental health and the impact of societal expectations on women.
Julie advocates for open conversations about women's health issues, including miscarriages and fibroids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Big D Dating Show?

The Big D Dating Show is a platform created by Julie Golden to discuss dating and relationships, particularly focusing on the experiences of Gen X individuals.

How did Julie Golden's upbringing influence her career?

Julie grew up in a creative environment with a jazz pianist father and a successful publishing mother, which instilled in her a passion for the arts and storytelling.

What challenges did Julie face in her career?

Julie faced gender discrimination and challenges in the entertainment industry, particularly during her time in reality TV, where she encountered inappropriate behavior from colleagues.

What personal experiences did Julie share regarding motherhood?

Julie discussed her struggles with miscarriages and the importance of addressing women's health issues, emphasizing the need for better awareness and support.

What does Julie think about the current state of women's rights?

Julie believes that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in terms of women's rights and health awareness, especially for Gen X women.

Part of these Topics: Divorce & Co-Parenting, Dating & Modern Relationships, Entrepreneurs & Founders, Creators & Podcasters, Authors & Storytellers

Featured guests: Julie Golden

Read the full transcript →

Description

In this episode we welcome Julie Golden, the Founder and Host of The Big D Dating Show, a comedy matchmaking show for divorced singles, specifically in the Generation X age range. Julie shares about her GenX upbringing in the city of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We learn of her parents divorce and eventual remarries, the torment of her middle school years that many of us can relate to and a move to a new high school her junior year that gave her the opportunity to participate in the theater program while also inspiring her academic pursuits. She landed at The University of Wisconsin where she studied film and enjoyed her college years that were filled with friends, parties and a summer study abroad to Italy. An opportunity to work in the film industry in Hollywood followed where she climbed the ladder from assistant to executive. She reflects on how the Me Too Movement changed the industry forever, and shares a glimpse into her own experience. A shift to screenwriting brought new opportunities her way, and an eventual switch to producing Reality TV followed. Julie shares about marriage and motherhood, as well as the path of divorce. Midlife brought a new and authentic chapter for Julie when she discovered comedy, which has proven to be an exciting, challenging and incredibly fulfilling vehicle in her life. Through her comedic talent and experience in reality television, plus her naturally intuitive nature to read people, Julie created The Big D Dating Show, a place where GenXers in the dating world post-divorce can spend an evening laughing, relating and feeling understood. Through Julie’s matchmaking abilities combined with talented comedians, The Big D Dating Show has been such a tremendous success in Los Angeles that she has now taken the show on tour to different cities in America. What Julie has created is a one-of-a-kind experience that has given GenX the perfect event to let their guard down and simply enjoy themselves in a more authentic environment, all while being entertained and maybe even meeting a potential someone. Julie is a beautiful example of how GenX is redefining aging by continuing to reinvent ourselves and truly tackle and live life no matter our age. We can’t wait to see where The Big D Dating Show goes and look forward to having Julie return as a guest in the future!

Sites & Links Mentioned In The Show:

https://www.thebigddatingshow.com

https://rosemont.zanies.com/show/the-big-d-a-comedy-matchmaking-show-for-divorced-singles-special-event/zanies-comedy-club-rosemont/rosemont-illinois/

https://www.micdropcomedyplano.com/shows/321048

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/30/the-big-d-show/

https://armoire.style/

https://www.instagram.com/lesleywolffisthephotobomb/?hl=en

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