RAPID CITY, S.D. — It’s not every day you have a viral sensation in the studio. But Friday morning on The Roadhouse Show, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming a local legend turned digital dating daredevil Matt Wernig, the creator of Fifty Dates, Fifty States.
“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe who we have in the studio. This is so cool,” Brandon Jones said as Matt walked into Studio 4B. “I’m no longer the most handsome dude in here.”
Matt, a 28-year-old Rapid City native, has taken a unique approach to dating and turned it into a wildly popular social media brand. The premise? One date in every state. And now, he’s back in South Dakota for Season Three, which will be his final season, according to the man himself.
What started as a quirky COVID-era project has evolved into a full-time lifestyle. “Back when the world shut down, I was a bored single guy on Tinder in North Dakota,” Matt told us. “Tinder let you set your location anywhere in the country, so I just started matching with girls from all over. Then I thought, ‘What if I went on a virtual date in every state?’ So I did. Over Zoom. I posted clips online, it blew up, and eventually I quit my job to travel and meet them all in person.”
That bold idea launched Matt’s journey across all 50 states not once, not twice, but three times.
Third Time’s the Charm
Now in his final season, Matt’s embracing every moment and every date with an open mind and heart.
“This is the last one,” he confirmed. “I’m more open to finding something real this time around.”
And maybe just maybe that something real could be here in his hometown.
Over the weekend, Matt went on his South Dakota date with Kezley, a vibrant nursing student from Rapid City who’s into video games, snowboarding, and even flag football. “She’s outgoing and really pushes her comfort zone,” Matt shared. “She said going on a date with a random stranger from the internet sounded fun. I was like, ‘Let’s do it!’”
Dating Across America… and Growing Through It
Through hundreds of dates, Matt has seen it all… the sparks, the awkward silences, and everything in between. “It does mess with your head a little,” he admitted. “You’re always comparing, always wondering, ‘What if the next one is better?’ But I’ve learned so much about people, relationships, and myself.”
When asked if there were any especially memorable states, Matt answered with a grin: “I know it’s cliché, but Hawaii. The people, the food, the scenery. It’s hard not to love it there.”
And Yes… The Dates Can Get Spicy
I had to ask, “are there limits on these dates?” “Well,” Matt laughed, “Let’s just say… things can get romantic. Depends on the vibes. No baby mamas yet, thank goodness!”
Through it all, Matt remains a gentleman with a sense of humor. His goal has always been about connection, not chaos.
Homecoming with a Full Heart
Though his journey has taken him to every corner of the country and into every kind of dating scenario imaginable. There was something extra special about coming home to Rapid City, so this is where the series begins and will end when it comes to the finale.
“Being back here for this date, it’s like a full-circle moment,” he said. “I love South Dakota. Always have.”
So… could love finally find him here? Could Kezley be the reason Matt trades in his red Mustang for something more permanent in the Black Hills?
Only time will tell but if you ask us, this might just be the beginning of a whole new chapter.Catch up with Matt’s journey on his website or follow along at @FiftyDatesFiftyStates — and keep rooting for Kezley! You can also hear his full interview on Tuesday with Amy and Brandon on The Roadhouse Show or their podcast, “Bounced from the Roadhouse”.
