In a city that thrives on reinvention, New Yorkers Kimberly Murstein and her grandmother Gail Rudnick—affectionately known as Grandma Gail—are redefining how generations talk about love, relationships, and dating. Together, they co-host the podcast Excuse My Grandma, a project that began as lighthearted chats during the pandemic and has since evolved into a cultural phenomenon.
How It All Started
The idea for Excuse My Grandma was born during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “During COVID, I moved in with my grandparents in Florida, and I started going on dates while I was there,” Kim shares. “My grandma became so curious about the modern dating world—she’d ask, ‘What’s ghosting? What are dating apps?’ It led to these hilarious and insightful conversations.” Recognizing the potential for these generational exchanges to resonate with a wider audience, Kim, a former journalist, suggested turning their discussions into a podcast.
What started as casual family banter has grown into a show that consistently ranks in the top 25 of Apple Podcasts’ Relationships category. But the duo’s reach doesn’t stop there—they’ve gained a massive social media following, particularly on TikTok, where their videos have racked up more than 6.7 million likes. “We don’t try to overthink it—we’re just ourselves,” Kim explains. “The humor comes from our genuine reactions to each other.”
Authenticity That Resonates
The podcast’s charm lies in its unfiltered conversations, which range from debates over who should pay on a first date to discussions about hookup culture. “Gail often prefers topics rooted in tradition, while I lean toward modern trends,” Kim explains. But these differences are precisely what makes the show work. “When we can’t agree, we remind ourselves that our differences are the heart of the show.”
Grandma Gail brings her timeless wisdom to the table with advice like, “Don’t chase a guy unless you need to get those steps in.” She’s also quick to share her belief in the importance of patience, saying, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Her old-school perspective contrasts with Kim’s insights into today’s dating culture, creating a dynamic that feels authentic and relatable.
“Younger people often feel like there are endless options when it comes to dating, but that can make it harder to commit and appreciate what’s in front of them,” Kim notes. “Older generations, on the other hand, had a more straightforward approach and often settled down earlier, sometimes without exploring whether their partner was truly the best fit.”
Navigating Modern Love
One of the podcast’s standout episodes features Austin Kevitch, founder of the dating app Lox Club. “Talking to Austin gave us a fascinating inside look at how dating apps are designed to work—and sometimes not work,” Kim says. These conversations spark deeper discussions about how technology is reshaping relationships in ways Grandma Gail could never have imagined.
Grandma Gail’s curiosity about modern dating extends to TikTok trends and even New York Fashion Week. “She’s all about timeless elegance,” Kim shares, “but I’ve taken her to fashion events to show her what younger people are wearing. It’s fun to see her reactions—she’s not shy about saying if she thinks something is ridiculous!”
More Than a Podcast
The podcast’s success has opened doors for the pair. In addition to their top-performing podcast episodes, their content has been featured on outlets like The Rachael Ray Show and Elite Daily. Their blend of humor and heartfelt advice appeals to listeners of all ages, making Excuse My Grandma a multigenerational hit.
“Working on the podcast together has brought us closer than ever,” Kim reflects. “I’ve learned so much about her life, values, and what shaped her. And I think she’s gotten to know me not just as her granddaughter but as an adult with my own views and challenges.”
Looking ahead, Kim and Grandma Gail have big plans for the brand. “I’d love to expand Excuse My Grandma into more formats—maybe a TV show or live events,” Kim says. For now, the pair remains focused on creating content that bridges generational gaps while staying true to their New York roots.
A Universal Message
At its core, Excuse My Grandma is more than just a podcast. It’s a celebration of family, the universal challenges of relationships, and the beauty of finding common ground across generations. Whether it’s cracking jokes about dating apps or debating the value of tradition, Kim and Grandma Gail prove that with humor, heart, and a little patience, the generational divide isn’t so wide after all.
For this New York duo, love may look different depending on the era, but as Grandma Gail says, “The important things—like respect and kindness—never change.”