Ask Elisa is a feminist podcast about dating and relationships that challenges outdated gender roles, relationship rules, and patriarchal expectations.
I’m your host, Elisa Sparkman. I found myself unexpectedly single right before my 40th birthday and experienced the wild ride of dating at this stage of life. And I want to talk about it!
Join me for honest conversations about modern dating, divorce, dating apps, gender dynamics, situationships, red flags, boundaries, and building healthier relationships in your late 30s, 40s, and older.
I take real questions from listeners and dive into the messy, funny, and often frustrating world of modern dating—from first dates and dating apps to boundaries, heartbreak, and everything in between. Whether you’re newly single, getting back out there after years, or just trying to make sense of it all, you’ll find validation, perspective, and comfort here. Come for the laughs, stay for the honesty—and leave feeling a little less alone in your love life.
MY BACKGROUND
I was born in 1984 in beautiful western Washington. My mother is an immigrant from Ecuador. My dad is a good ol’ boy boomer from a middle of nowhere logging town. He was in the Peace Corps back in the late 60s/early 70s and was serving in Cuenca, Ecuador where he met my mom. They split up when I was in middle school. My dad worked out of town a lot and moved away once they split up. So I was mostly raised by my mama. She’s the best. I have two older brothers. I am the youngest and only daughter.
I live on three acres in the Seattle area. I share the property with my mom. Her house is on one side of the property and mine is on the other. And I have five cats – Brains, Luigi, Tucci, Chimichurri (Chimi) and Rio. I have a bunch of hobbies – cooking, baking, gardening, singing, community theater, soap making, film & television, writing, and now podcasting.
I’m a leftist feminist. I live with chronic illness. I work full time in addition to producing Ask Elisa. I stay busy, but always make time for rest, joy, and time with loved ones.
WHY DID I START ASK ELISA?
I absolutely LOVE talking about relationships. I love storytelling and I love talking to people. When I became single right before turning 40, I noticed how there weren’t a lot of people around me who could relate to what I was going through with dating. They are all very interested and entertained by it. So I decided to start talking about it on Tiktok. And then I decided to make it a podcast. While the initial intention was to have a podcast about dating, I plan to pivot into different types of relationships in the future.
I’m excited to grow Ask Elisa over the years into a place where traditional narratives are challenged and people are seen, heard, and valued.
