Brianna LaPaglia Says Her New Relationship Is Her First 'Real Try' at 'Giving Dating a Shot'
Brianna LaPaglia Says Her New Relationship Is Her First 'Real Try' at 'Giving Dating a Shot'
Tabitha ParentMon, March 30, 2026 at 5:48 PM UTC
0
Brianna LaPaglia on Sept. 9, 2025 in Los Angeles.Credit: Amanda Edwards/Getty -
Brianna LaPaglia is turning over a new leaf when it comes to dating
While chatting on the latest episode of her podcast, Plan Bri Uncut, the influencer touched briefly on her budding romance with a man she calls "Meatball Man" online
LaPaglia admitted that this new relationship felt like her first "real try" at dating, following some of her past relationships
Brianna LaPaglia has a new mindset when it comes to dating.While opening up about her latest relationship on the most recent episode of her Barstool Sports-backed podcast Plan Bri Uncut, released on Sunday, March 29, LaPaglia described the early days of budding romance with her newest love interest, whom she has affectionately dubbed "Meatball Man" when she refers to him online."This is the longest I think I've talked to a guy since... ever," LaPaglia said, before shrugging and smiling at the camera. Over the past month or so, the podcast host has consistently given small updates on "Meatball Man" — named after she canceled one of their meetups due to food poisoning after eating meatballs.
Brianna LaPaglia on Feb. 8, 2026 in Daly City, Calif.Credit: Miikka Skaffari/Getty
During the episode, LaPaglia broke down the early days of the relationship saying that, up until she had begun dating "Meatball Man," she was at a point in her dating philosophy where she felt as though she was "never going to be in a relationship again."LaPaglia then admitted that she had once assumed she would never be capable of being in a relationship again because, quite simply, she wouldn't let herself be.
LaPaglia's comments come after her highly public relationship with country star Zach Bryan, 29, from July 2023 until October 2024. After confirmation of their split, LaPaglia accused the musician of emotional abuse and alleged that he offered her $12 million and a house to not talk about their relationship. Bryan has not commented publicly on the allegations.
Advertisement
"There's so many people in the past year that I've like dated, I guess, and then just made them my best friend because I I just feel like I'm not capable of love anymore," LaPaglia admitted, before going on to say she was "feeling ready to test out the waters again.Addressing "Meatball Man" specifically, the Barstool Sports Media personality called him her "first real try at like giving dating a shot." Going on, LaPaglia said that her dalliance with "Meatball Man" was the first time she had gone on more than two dates with someone over the last year or so.
— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
"This is the first time I'm actually putting in the effort, answering the texts, answering the calls, making an effort to see him, enjoying my time with him," she said.Elsewhere on the podcast, the content creator touched on how she would be approaching posting her relationship online, and if she planned to do so at all. "Over my f---ing dead body I will not post a person until I'm married," she said, adding: "I never want to share a an inkling of a relationship again, which I think makes sense."LaPaglia also touched on the healing she had done over the last few years, expressing her excitement at the way her relationship with "Meatball Man." She then wondered aloud: "Who knows guys? Maybe this will blossom into something. And if it doesn't, I'm very proud of myself for trying. And if you guys are struggling with the same thing of, you know, getting out of a really abusive or toxic relationship and then thinking you're never going to be able to hop into one again — it took me almost as long as that bad relationship was to be able to find myself again. Don't get discouraged."LaPaglia added that while she still had her "doubts" she was allowing herself to move forward, instead of locking herself away and "not even trying."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
