Dating Intentionally
Dating Intentionally offers honest, thoughtful advice to help you navigate modern dating with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Hosted by Talia Koren, the show draws from her experience of going on 150 dates in under a year before meeting her husband. It features practical strategies, no-nonsense advice, and insights from guest experts to help you attract the right matches and build meaningful connections.
Episodes
291. Are No Red Flags a Green Flag? (First Date Vibe Check)
If someone doesn't have any red flags, is that a green flag? This is the third episode of First Date Vibe Check, where I bring on listeners who are actively dating to walk through a recent first date with me, from how they met and planned the date to what actually happened and how they felt afterward.This time, I'm talking to Jenny, a 27-year-old in the UK who is relatively new to dating
290. You Don't Need Certainty to Make a Good Dating Decision (Dating Dilemmas)
How much information do you actually need before you make a decision in your dating life? In this episode, I’m answering four real dating dilemmas that all come down to that one question.We’re talking about dating two people and not knowing who to choose, deciding whether a sexual-health disclosure is a deal breaker, trying to figure out whether a struggling relationship is still worth fi
289. Is It Bad If A First Date Feels Too Easy? (First Date Vibe Check)
What if a first date is too easy and comfortable? This is the second episode of First Date Vibe Check, where I bring on listeners who are actively dating to walk through a recent first date with me, from how they met and planned the date to what actually happened and how they felt afterward.This time, I'm talking to Carol Ann, a 47-year-old single mom in the Midwest who met Zach on Hinge
288. Why Relationships Keep Ending at 3 Months (Is It You or Them?)
Why do so many relationships seem to fall apart at around three months? You finally feel like things are going somewhere, and then suddenly, something shifts. In this episode, I'm breaking down the “three-month cliff” and what’s really happening when a promising relationship suddenly fizzles, pulls back, or ends.We’ll talk about:The 3 biggest reasons relationships fall apart around three
287. When a First Date Feels More Friendly Than Flirty (First Date Vibe Check)
This is the first episode of a new series called First Date Vibe Check, where I bring on listeners who are actively dating to walk through a recent first date with me - how they met, how the date got planned, what actually happened, and how they felt afterward.First up is Savannah, a 30-year-old middle school teacher in California who's had a wild six months, including discovering the boy
286. If They Wanted To, They Would? The Truth About Effort In Early Dating
When you’re always the one texting first, planning the dates, and keeping a connection moving forward, it’s easy to start wondering: do they actually like me, or am I doing all the work?In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about effort in dating: why some people initiate more than others, what someone’s effort actually tells you about their interest, and how to stop spiraling when
285. Why You Lose Yourself When You Start Dating Someone w/ Chris Rackliffe
Do you tend to go all in when you like someone, to the point where you've lost touch with your own life a bit? I'm chatting with Chris Rackliffe, an anxious attachment coach and author of Needy No More: The Journey from Anxious to Secure Attachment, who's helped thousands of people heal from patterns of trauma, abandonment, and codependency. We're getting into why we lose ourselves in dat
284. Rejected? Here's How to Bounce Back Faster In Early Dating
Rejection doesn't have to destroy your confidence or convince you that you'll never find your person. In this episode, I'm sharing how to bounce back faster after getting rejected, ghosted, or hearing "there wasn't a spark." We'll talk about why rejection feels so personal, how to stop the anxiety spirals before they take over, and the mindset shifts that will help you keep your self-wort
283. Relationship Compatibility: What Science Says Actually Matters w/ Paul Eastwick
Is someone being "out of your league" even a real thing? In this episode, I'm chatting with relationship scientist and author Paul Eastwick (Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection) to unpack the science of mate value, why matchmaking based on shared traits almost never works, and what actually predicts compatibility (it's not the traits on your list).From decoding you
282. Flaky Dates, Slow Texters and Catching Feelings When It's Casual (Dating Dilemmas)
Dating today can be a mess, and so much of that mess stems from confusion, uncertainty, and ambiguity showing up in ways that just infuriate us. In this episode, I'm answering four listener dating dilemmas that each capture a different flavor of that chaos, from the planning-phase ghost to the partner whose humor crosses a line to the slow fade that sends you spiraling over someone you ba
281. Why Closure Is a Lie (And What Actually Helps You Heal) w/ Kelsey Darragh
How do you actually get over a breakup, and why does it feel so impossible? In this episode, I'm chatting with author and mental health advocate Kelsey Darragh to unpack the science of heartbreak, why no-contact is so difficult, and what actually helps you move forward after a breakup (It's not the closure moment you think it is).From healing after a long-term relationship to knowing when
280. How to Vet Someone Before a First Date (Without Overthinking)
Not sure who's worthy of a first date? In this episode, I'm sharing my exact process for deciding who gets a first date, including the one screening step I wish I'd done more of before meeting people in person.The 3 questions to ask yourself before meeting someoneWhat's actually worth paying attention to on a profile (and what to ignore)Why over-vetting someone like a job interview backfi
Love Island Lessons: Breadcrumbing, Exclusivity & Waiting for Them to Change (Week 6)
It's finale week, which means we're wrapping up this season of Love Island Lessons with five final dating takeaways from Love Island USA Season 8. In this episode, I'm breaking down why exclusivity has a place in modern dating (and why it's not the same as being in a situationship), how to recognize breadcrumbing before you get emotionally invested, and why waiting for someone to change i
279. Dating Habits That Actually Lead to Relationships w/ Moe Ari Brown
In this episode, I sit down with Hinge's Love & Connection Expert, licensed marriage and family therapist Moe Ari Brown, to unpack what Hinge's latest LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. Report reveals about modern dating. We dive into why so many first dates feel like they're going nowhere, the surprising "question deficit" that's making it harder to build connection, and why clarity is becoming one o
278. Summer Dating Tips: Keep Your Momentum When Everyone's Traveling
Summer dating is the best, IMO. Vacation flings, coordinating dates when everyone's going away, dating app struggles and more - we get into it all in this guide to dating in the summer. At the end, I tackle a dating dilemma about a promising Hinge connection that fizzled out after both people traveled, and how to tell the difference between someone losing interest and your own anxiety tal
Love Island Lessons: Bad Friend Advice, Exclusivity Tips & Broken Trust (week 5)
Movie Night brought the drama and lots of lessons to learn about dating. I’m watching Love Island USA Season 8 to draw real-life dating lessons from it. This week (Episodes 23–29), I’m breaking down why feeling stressed more often than at peace is a major red flag, why even well-meaning friends can give terrible dating advice, and why you should check in with a friend before pursuing some
277. Get Asked Out & Become More Approachable w/ Camille Virginia
Approachability is a skill you can learn. I'm chatting with Camille Virginia, author of The Offline Dating Method and founder of Master Offline Dating, who went from a socially anxious introvert to one of the leading voices on meeting people in real life. I LOVE her book and this convo was so helpful.We get into:Where "high quality" like-minded single people are (and why you keep missing
276. Are You Compatible? How To Tell Before You Get Too Attached
In this episode, I'm getting into how to gain more certainty in dating by figuring out if you're actually compatible with someone before you're in too deep emotionally. I'm breaking down the three tiers of compatibility (the big stuff, the important stuff, and the emotional stuff), the five things to look for in the first month of getting to know someone, and three ways to actually start
Love Island Lessons: Casa Amor, Toxic Attachment & False Hope (week 4)
Casa Amor has officially arrived, and it exposed exactly why so many dating connections fall apart. I’m watching Love Island USA Season 8 to pull real-life dating lessons from the villa. This week (Week 4, Episodes 16–21), I’m breaking down why scorekeeping is a losing strategy, what having high standards actually looks like, and why asking about someone else's dating life too early can b
275. Male POV: "If he's not making plans, it doesn't mean anything." w/ Jacob Lucas
I'm chatting with Jacob Lucas, a dating coach who went from the boxing world to building a huge online following, helping people date with intention. We're discussing everything from his "love at first sight" story with his wife (and why he didn't act on those intense early feelings) to the difference between your gut instinct and your anxiety, to why some people text constantly but never
274. 10 Green Flags You Can Spot On The First 3 Dates
How much can you really know about someone after three dates? Not enough to know if they're your forever person, but definitely enough to spot signs that they're worth continuing to get to know. In this episode, I'm breaking down 10 green flags to look for on the first few dates that tell you to keep going! We'll talk about the difference between real green flags and behaviors that only l
Love Island Lessons: Rushing Sex & Why It Won’t Work Out (Week 3)
Things are not looking good for the islander's connections, and we can learn a lot about dating just from spotting the early signs things won't work out. I’m watching Love Island USA Season 8 to pull real-life dating lessons from the villa. This week (Week 3, Episodes 10–15), I’m breaking down what happens when you rush physical intimacy too soon, why emotional repair breaks down in early
273. Limerence vs Love: Why Uncertainty Makes You Want Them More w/ Amanda McCracken
I'm chatting with Amanda McCracken, author of When Longing Becomes Your Lover, about the psychology term taking over dating culture: limerence. We're discussing everything from the difference between a crush and full-blown limerence to how ADHD can fuel the dopamine chase, why distance and uncertainty make feelings burn brighter, and how Amanda finally took her real-life crushes off the p
272. “Am I Overreacting or Are They Just Not Interested?” (Dating Dilemmas)
We have five new dating dilemmas! I'm answering listener questions about uneven effort, intense early connections, addiction recovery, confusing endings, and relationships that move way too fast.I get into...What it means when you're always the one initiating datesHow to tell the difference between interest and investmentWhy we ignore red flags when we're excited about someoneThe mistake
Love Island Lessons: Falling For Potential & Empty Promises (Week 2)
What can we learn about dating from Love Island? Turns out - a lot. I'm watching Love Island USA Season 8 to pull real-life dating takeaways from the villa. This week (episodes 5-9), I'm getting into early dating expectations, knowing your needs, and how important it is to let someone show you who they are. Actions speak louder than words every time. I also talk about how people pleasing
271. How to Attract a Securely Attached Partner w/ Dr. Amir Levine
Have you read or heard of the book Attached? I'm chatting with Dr. Amir Levine, psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author of Secure and co-author of Attached, a book that has indefinitely changed my life. In this episode, we break down exactly how to attract and spot a securely attached person in early dating, and how to build more security in your life (whether yo
270. How to Nail a First Date From Confirming to Saying Goodbye (throwback)
In this episode, I'm walking you through everything you need to nail a first date, from confirming the time and getting in the right mindset to navigating the conversation, handling the check, and knowing whether to go in for the kiss. This episode originally aired in January 2024/ At the end, I tackle a new dating dilemma about a woman who's dating a guy who didn't acknowledge her birthd
Love Island Lessons: Being Chosen, Anxiety Meltdowns & Multidating (Week 1)
I’m Talia, host of Dating Intentionally, and I’m kicking off a six-week “Love Island Lessons” series alongside Love Island USA Season 8 (spoilers for episodes 1–4) to pull real-life dating takeaways from the villa. Tune in to hear me break down five key lessons about early dating we learned this week in the villa: why trying to be chosen keeps you stuck, how jumping to conclusions pushes
269. Finding Love in Your 30s After 6 Years of Dating w/ Rachel Saslaw
I'm chatting with my best friend Rachel Saslaw, founder of Storytell NYC. She talks about how she spent six years actively dating before landing a committed relationship with an amazing match in an unexpected way. We're discussing everything from why she refused to subscribe to the "men suck" mentality to using dating as a training ground for self-discovery to the "flirting with life" ene
268. 3 Signs You're About To Commit To The Wrong Person
In this episode, I'm breaking down the 3 core mistakes that lead people to commit to the wrong person. It's not a broken picker or a shortage of good people out there. I'm covering why dating for potential keeps you stuck, what happens when you don't know or can't communicate your non-negotiable needs, and why ignoring your gut (which is quieter than anxiety) almost always backfires. I sh
267. The Unexpected Truth About Finding Love Later In Life w/ Sandy Weiner
I'm chatting with Sandy Weiner, a dating coach who has spent 13 years helping people date after divorce, and started her own dating journey at 52 after leaving a 23-year marriage. We're discussing everything from knowing when you're actually ready to date again to navigating the "jaded factor" in midlife dating to having the dating conversation with your kids (at any age). Sandy also shar
266. The Check-In Questions I Swear By + Tips For Starting
Communication is the most important thing in a relationship, but no one tells you what good communication actually looks like in practice. In this episode, I'm getting into relationship check-ins: the structured conversations my husband, Johnny, and I have had about 70 times over three years, and the single biggest reason our day-to-day relationship is virtually tension-free. I'm walking
265. Yes, You Can Become More Secure While Actively Dating w/ Trevor Hanson
I'm chatting with Trevor Hanson, a licensed marriage and family therapist. He and his team at The Art Of Healing help people move from anxious attachment to secure attachment in a structured, results-oriented way. We get into what anxious attachment actually looks like in dating for both men and women, why you can feel totally secure when you're single but completely fall apart once a rel
264. Why They Seem Emotionally Available Until Things Get Real (Dating Dilemmas)
Emotional availability is one of the most desired traits in a partner, but it's so hard to find. In this episode, I'm walking through four real listener dilemmas that show how emotional unavailability actually shows up: from being blindsided by a breakup after a seemingly perfect relationship, to oversharing too early with someone you barely know, to getting stuck in a months-long holding
Sleepless in Seattle with Talia Koren: Rom-Com Vom
This episode originally aired on Sex Ed with DB! In Sleepless in Seattle, a woman hears a stranger’s voice on the radio and decides she has to be with him. A few cross-country flights, some light stalking, and one dramatic Empire State Building finale later. Was it a recipe for true love? Or just another rom-com ignoring boundaries in the name of "destiny?"In this episode, I joined DB to
263. Subtle Lies People Tell in Early Dating & How To Spot A "Dogfish" w/ The Dating Detectives
I'm chatting with Hanna Anderson and Mackenzie Foltz, the co-hosts of The Dating Detectives, a podcast that combines real PI work with deeply ethical storytelling about people who got conned in love. We're discussing everything from what "dogfishing" actually is (and how it's different from catfishing) to the subtle early red flags most people miss, to why love bombing feels so good even
262. When You Don’t Feel Attracted Right Away (How Long To Wait)
In this episode, I'm covering how attraction actually works when you're dating for a long-term relationship, from how to know if you're attracted to someone and what's "enough," to how long to give it before walking away, to how attraction can grow over time and what it actually takes for that to happen. I'm also answering a few listener questions, and at the end, I tackle a dating dilemm
261. Kids vs Childfree: Dating When You're Unsure or Mismatched w/ Keltie Maguire
I'm chatting with Keltie Maguire, a life coach who specializes in helping people navigate the kids-or-child-free decision — a topic we've never covered on this show before. After spending years as a fence-sitter herself before ultimately choosing a child-free life, Keltie now helps individuals and couples gain clarity on one of the most complex decisions they'll ever make. We're discussin
260. How to Spot a Situationship, End It, and Move On
Don't let your situationship stop you from getting into a relationship. In this episode, I'm getting into how situationships happen in the first place to why leaving feels impossible to the exact words to use when you finally end it. I share my own 2-year situationship story, break down the difference between situationships and casual dating or friends with benefits, and give you a real p
259. The 5 Stages of Dating & Why Most People Don't Make It to Commitment w/ Amy Chan
I'm chatting with Amy Chan, relationship expert, retreat founder, and author of the brand-new book Unsingle, about why most people are just a few strategic adjustments away from finding their match. We're discussing everything from the dating funnel (and which stage you're most likely sabotaging) to the spectrum between having no standards and over-icking yourself out of love to why datin
258. Top 5 Tips To Stay Connected Between Dates (And Build Momentum)
In this episode, I'm covering one of the biggest sticking points in early dating: feeling connected between dates. I'm getting into the mindset work and how to stop the spiral, including my top practical tips for building connection between dates without overdoing it. Along the way, we talk about the role of phone calls, texting habits, and how to bring this up on a date without making it
257. What Reality TV Says About Dating Culture (And What We Can Learn) w/ Dear Shandy
I'm chatting with Sharleen Joynt and Andy Levine, the husband-and-wife hosts of Dear Shandy, one of my favorite reality TV recap podcasts. We're discussing everything from what Love Is Blind contestants keep getting wrong (and how it mirrors real life) to why Andy believes online dating is the slow death of modern romance, to how to bring up the "big" topics on a first date. This episode
256. How To Actually Stay Motivated While Dating (throwback)
I went on about 150 dates with over 60 people in a year before I met my now husband, and don't for a second think "hope" is what got me through it and kept me motivated. In this episode, which originally aired in 2024, I'm sharing why hope is useless and what to focus on instead: your beliefs. I didn't hope I'd meet someone; I believed it was inevitable. Listen to this episode if you're r
255. Why You Feel More Anxious When You Like Someone (And What To Do) w/ Rebecca Ore
I'm chatting with Rebecca Ore, a relationship coach and former anxiously attached dater who transformed her own relationship experience after discovering thought work and coaching. We're discussing everything from why you feel totally fine when you're single but fall apart the second you start liking someone, to what it actually means to stop trying to control your partner and start comin
254. Breadcrumbed by a Bartender, Boring Dates & Low Attraction (Dating Dilemmas)
In this episode, I'm answering four listener dating dilemmas, from deciding whether a "boring" but stable guy is worth more dates to navigating attraction when everything else aligns, to catching feelings for a newly single college friend, to dealing with a breadcrumbing bartender. I'm sharing how to tell the difference between "boring" and "bored," a better way to think about attraction,
253. How The Creator of Burned Haystack Method Found Love on Hinge w/ Dr. Jennie Young
I'm chatting with Dr. Jennie Young, creator of the Burned Haystack Dating Method and author of the brand-new book Burn the Haystack, on round two! This time, we're getting into everything from her own success story to how to spot toxic dating coaches to why the "ick" deserves way more credit than it gets. Jennie also breaks down how she uses Burn the Haystack beyond the apps, the rhetoric
252. How to Break Out Of The "Should I Stay Or Go?" Loop In Relationships
I'm getting into relationship rumination and that "should I stay or should I go" loop that keeps you stuck without ever actually making a decision. I'm covering the science behind why your brain does this, the difference between ambivalence and relationship anxiety, and a set of guided reflection questions to help you figure out what you actually want. I also share my own experience rumin
251. What To Say In Conflict For Calmer Communication w/ Rikki Cloos
I'm chatting with Rikki Cloos, the creator and author of Anxious Hearts Guide, one of the most grounded, accessible resources out there for healing insecure attachment. We're discussing communication mistakes most of us make without realizing it, why the words we say rarely match what we actually mean, and how that gap affects relationships. Rikki also shares her framework for improving c
250. Top 5 Ways To Show Interest In Someone (Even If You're Shy)
In this episode, I'm breaking down five practical ways to show interest in early dating, even if you're shy, introverted, or just plain terrified. I'm covering what works, no matter how comfortable you are with dating, and why most people hold back too much. Plus, I share some truly cringe-worthy things my listeners (and I) have done to show interest, and at the end, I tackle a dating dil
249. What Your Dating App Profile Is Really Saying (And How to Fix It) w/ Eric Resnick
I'm chatting with Eric Resnick, a dating profile expert with over 20 years of experience and 40,000+ profiles reviewed. We're discussing everything from why Bumble and Tinder are emotionally unhealthy by design, to what your photos are actually saying about you, to how to fix a profile that's getting zero matches, or way too many of the wrong ones. Eric also shares why women need to stop
248. Why Early Dating Is So Confusing Right Now (Dating Dilemmas)
I'm answering five dating dilemmas that all circle the same messy truth: early dating is confusing, and you're not alone if you feel like you and your date are on completely different planets. Dating dilemmas:She's 5 dates in with a guy who's sweet in person, but is still active on the apps.She's keeps leaving great first dates only to wait in silence, wondering if she should just text fi
247. The Truth About Low Libido In Relationships (And How to Get It Back) w/ Hannah Johnson
I'm chatting with Hannah Johnson, aka The Libido Fairy, a sex educator with over half a million followers who helps women reclaim their desire and actually enjoy sex. We're discussing everything from why women lose their sex drive in long-term relationships to the difference between spontaneous and responsive desire to why sex needs to feel rewarding to work. Hannah also shares her brilli
246. Is Exclusivity a Thing and When Do You Bring It Up?
I'm breaking down one of the most asked-about milestones in modern dating: exclusivity. I'm covering the difference between being exclusive and defining the relationship, the signs you're actually ready to have this conversation, and how to bring it up without coming off too eager or waiting too long. I also get into how so many situationships are born in this exact moment and what to do
245. You're Not Behind: Dating Timelines & Letting Go of the Script w/ Emma Wilson
I'm chatting with Emma Wilson, dating coach and creator of the Turning 30 community for single women, who went through a major breakup at 33, built her business from the ground up, moved to Costa Rica for five months, and eventually found her partner in the most unexpected place. We're discussing everything from how societal pressure tricks us into thinking we're ready for a relationship
244. Building Inner Security (So Dating Doesn't Make You Spiral)
I'm talking about one of the most important things you can work on, no matter where you are in life: building security within yourself. I'm covering what self-security actually looks like, from meeting yourself with compassion instead of judgment to physically calming your nervous system, taking small risks to build self-trust, and aligning your actions with your values. I also share some
243. These Small Moments Make or Break Your Relationship w/ Zach Brittle, LMHC
I'm chatting with Zach Brittle, host of Marriage Talk Radio and a Gottman-trained marriage therapist who's been working with couples for over 20 years. We discuss everything from what singles should know about long-term relationships before they start dating to why "negative sentiment override" can slowly poison even good relationships. Zach breaks down the three factors that drive positi
242. Leaning Into a Slow Burn When You're Used to Intensity & Sparks
I'm covering everything you need to know about the slow burn, from why it feels so uncomfortable when you've only known whirlwind romances, to how to know if you're actually ready for it, to the signs you need to pump the brakes early on. I also get into where physical intimacy fits in, how to tell the difference between a slow burn and just not vibing with someone, and tips for enjoying
A Therapist Breaks Down the Chaos on Love Is Blind S10 ft. Jordan Dann
In this bonus episode, I'm sitting down with Jordan Dann, a couples therapist and psychoanalyst who, like me, loves to watch Love Is Blind on Netflix. This episode contains spoilers! We're talking about the moments from Season 10 (Ohio) living rent-free in our minds, including Alex & Ashley's dynamic that stays on the surface/never gets deep, Brittney and Devonta's pursuer/withdrawer
241. Dating With Different Cultural Backgrounds w/ Marina Iakovleva
I'm chatting with Marina Iakovleva, creator of Dating Beyond Borders, who's spent 12 years exploring how people date around the world. We're discussing everything from why Scandinavians have sex before they even go for coffee to why Eastern Europeans and Dutch couples clash over gift-giving, to how "the talk" looks completely different depending on where you're from. Marina shares which c
240. Stop Confusing Connection for Compatibility (Dating Dilemmas)
What happens when you have an amazing connection, but the relationship itself is kind of a bust? In this episode, I'm answering four dating dilemmas that all highlight the common dating mistake of confusing connection with compatibility. The truth is, connection is important, but it can't get you anywhere with someone you're incompatible with! Featured dilemmas:1. A woman who's not sure i
239. Singles Events, Setups & Lessons From Vetting 800 Men w/ Alli Goldberg
Alli Goldberg (back for round 2!) is the creator and host of Love Isn't Blind, the live dating show where the men can't speak, and she's now hosted nearly 100 shows across 10 cities. That means she's interviewed over 800 men, and she has thoughts. Alli shares what patterns she's noticed from all those interviews, including the surprisingly beautiful things men say about what they're looki
238. When to Say "I Love You" (And Should You Say It First?)
I'm sharing my experiences with saying "I love you" for the first time, from awkwardly blurting it out in a noisy subway station to intentionally saying it over the phone. I'm covering the signs you're actually in love, when to say those three little words, and my advice for being the person who says it first, which, yes, I've done in almost every relationship. I also get into what to do
237. Surviving the Worst Parts of Dating w/ Rory Uphold
I'm chatting with Rory Uphold, a writer and the author of The Final Girl's Guide to the Horrors of Dating, a book that uses the horror movie framework to help people navigate modern dating. We're discussing everything from how rom-coms groomed us for romantic disappointment and taught women to be chosen instead of the chooser, to the devastating breakup that turned Rory into a final girl,
236. When to Move In (And What No One Tells You About Living Together)
You know you want to be with your partner for a long time, but how do you know when to move in? Today I'm sharing everything I've learned about moving in with a partner, from knowing when you're ready to navigating daily life together. I cover the emotional and practical signs you're ready to cohabitate, the red flags that you're not, and why you need to talk about your relationship timel
235. Dating Red Flags That Predict Domestic Inequity w/ Laura Danger
Author and educator Laura Danger (@thatdarnchat) brought weaponized incompetence and the nag paradox into the mainstream, and today she's here to talk about how these dynamics can show up way before you're married with kids. We get into the early warning signs of domestic inequity you can spot while dating, the green flags that actually matter for a long-term partnership, and what a truly
234. "His Best Friend Is A Woman. Is That A Red Flag?"
Feeling uneasy about your partner's friendship with someone of the opposite sex? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down what that jealousy actually means, when it's a you problem vs. a real red flag, and how to navigate it without sabotaging your relationship. I'm sharing my own experience working through this with Johnny and the one boundary we set that made all the differe
233. Why You Obsess Over Someone You Barely Know w/ Sabrina Bendory
Sabrina Bendory, author of Detached: How to Let Go, Heal and Become Irresistible, joins me to break down what detached dating actually means (hint: it's not about not caring). We get into why you keep ending up in situationships, the difference between limerence and real connection, and two tools to manage dating anxiety that you probably never heard of before. Plus, we tackle a dating di
232. Are You Staying for the Right Reasons? (Dating Dilemmas)
I'm answering four real dating dilemmas from listeners stuck on whether to stay or leave a relationship. I get into how to end a medium-term relationship, what to do when you've been on the fence for months, the difference between accepting imperfections and settling, and what to actually look for when you give someone a deadline to change. If you're in a relationship that feels "fine" bu
231. What We Get Wrong About Avoidant Attachment w/ Travis Ambrose
I'm chatting with Travis Ambrose, an attachment-focused coach who specializes in helping people on the avoidant end of the spectrum heal and build healthier relationships. We're discussing everything from signs of avoidant attachment to the common mistakes anxious daters make that push avoidants away. Travis also shares his framework for knowing when a relationship is workable versus when
230. Your First Date Pep Talk + Flirting Tips
Let's get ready for a first date! I'm sharing a pep talk for your next first date, plus my best quick tips for flirting, so you can actually create a romantic connection instead of just a friendly one. I'm covering how to lower the stakes and stop putting so much pressure on yourself, what your real mission is on a first date, and what to do if you're nervous. Then I get into the basics o
229. The 4 Things You Should Know by the 4th Date w/ Amy Nobile Messing
I'm chatting with Amy Nobile Messing, a holistic dating coach who "turbo dated" her way through NYC after leaving a 20-year marriage in her 40. She's now remarried and helping clients of all ages find love with intention. We're discussing everything from how to bring up your divorce on a first date to her four pillars for filtering someone out by date four. Amy also shares the trick quest
228. Signs They’re Ready for a Relationship
I’m breaking down the real signs someone is actually ready for a relationship beyond what they say on a dating app or how excited they seem early on. I’m also covering what doesn’t mean much on its own (like good morning texts or initial excitement), how long it should realistically take to see these signs, and what you’ll never see from someone who’s truly ready. Along the way, I share p
227. Dating When You've Never Been In A Relationship w/ Allora Dannon
In this episode, I'm chatting with Allora Dannon, who went on her first date ever at 32. She's now engaged, and we're discussing everything from how to bring up your lack of experience on a date to navigating physical intimacy when it's all brand new to grieving the timeline you thought you'd have while still moving forward. Whether you're a late bloomer yourself or you want to better sup
226. 8 "Red Flags" That Are Normal in Long-Term Relationships
In this episode, I'm breaking down 8 things that seem like red flags but are actually just part of being with someone for a while, like feeling bored sometimes, not being "in love" every single day, having doubts, disagreeing about money, and yes, occasionally thinking about an ex. I'm sharing where the line is between normal and actually problematic, plus what Johnny and I have experienc
225. How To Date NATO (Not Attached To Outcome) w/ Erika Ettin
In this episode, I’m joined by dating coach Erika Ettin again to break down the mindset shifts that make dating feel calmer, clearer, and more intentional. We talk about dating NATO (not attached to outcome), avoiding pen-pal dynamics, reading texting patterns, and how to stay open without over-investing too early. At the end, we dive into a text support question from a listener about a p
224. Top 10 Tips For Dating Intentionally In 2026
Starting fresh in dating can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. In this episode, I'm sharing my top 10 tips for dating intentionally in 2026, from building confidence and resilience to utilizing phone calls to combat flakiness to finding an in-person approach that actually fits your life and getting crystal clear on your core needs. This episode is packed with the direction
223. How to Stop Feeling Desperate When Dating (throwback)
Being single is treated like something to escape, like something's wrong with you. But what if we stopped thinking of it that way? In this episode, I'm sharing the exact exercise I did after leaving my 6-year relationship that completely changed how I approached dating. I'm sharing the reflection questions I used to build my own security while actively dating, so you can do the same. This
222. How To Let Them Show You Who They Are (Dating Dilemmas)
Are you overthinking your dating situations, or are people showing you exactly who they are? In this episode, I break down four real dating dilemmas, which will help you trust your gut, set firmer boundaries, and date with more confidence and ease. Dilemma 1) dating someone who isn’t truly available, Dilemma 2) dealing with inconsistency and repeated cancellations, Dilemma 3) knowing
221. How To Move On Even If You Can’t Stop Thinking About Your Ex w/ Cole Zesiger
Breakups aren’t fun, but they don’t have to break you.In this episode, I’m joined by breakup coach Cole Zesiger to talk about why we ruminate, how to stop comparing new dates to an ex, and when you are actually ready to date again. We also get into his divorce story, real healing strategies, and at the end we get into a dating dilemma about staying in touch with exes.Connect with Cole Zes
220. Why Connections Fizzle By Date 3 + How To Avoid It
Getting to date three is hard and getting past it can feel impossible. In this episode, I’m breaking down why connections so often fizzle by date three, how to tell if you’re subconsciously pushing people away, and what actually helps build momentum early on. I share practical tips around texting, planning dates, pacing, and confidence. At the end, I get into a dating dilemma about a conc
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