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Pop Culture Cupid
Pop Culture Cupid
Author: Alison and Michal
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© Alison and Michal
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Welcome to the podcast where we coach Sophie—and you—through heartbreak, singlehood, and the journey to finding real, healthy love.
We’re Alison (love coach) and Michal (single life coach), here to help women heal, grow confidence, and embrace themselves—so they can build better relationships from the inside out.
Expect real convos, tough love, personal stories, and deep insights inspired by both our lives and the wild world of modern love & pop culture.
🎙 Coaching Sophie, Coaching You
❤️🩹 Heartbreak → thriving single → finding love
💬 Real convos. Healing. Confidence
🎧 Season 3 out no
We’re Alison (love coach) and Michal (single life coach), here to help women heal, grow confidence, and embrace themselves—so they can build better relationships from the inside out.
Expect real convos, tough love, personal stories, and deep insights inspired by both our lives and the wild world of modern love & pop culture.
🎙 Coaching Sophie, Coaching You
❤️🩹 Heartbreak → thriving single → finding love
💬 Real convos. Healing. Confidence
🎧 Season 3 out no
85 Episodes
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There’s a quiet kind of sadness that can creep in when you’ve been single for a long time – especially when everyone assumes you’re “fine.” This episode is about what happens when you’re not.We talk openly about mental health, emotional exhaustion, and asking for support when you feel stuck or lost in singlehood.Sophie’s questions for us:“How do I even start asking for help when I’m feeling stuck, depressed or lost after being single for a while?”“What if I’m afraid people will judge me for admitting I’m struggling emotionally being single?”“How can I find support or professional help that actually understands my situation as someone single and feeling stuck?”If you’ve been telling yourself to just be grateful or strong, this episode gives you permission to be honest instead.Stage: Been Single for a While – Feeling Stuck/Lost.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
You’re okay… until the questions start. The family dinners. The weddings. The endless scroll of engagements, babies, and anniversaries on social media. Suddenly, being single doesn’t feel neutral – it feels like you’re behind.In this episode, we talk honestly about social pressure, timelines, and comparison, and how they impact women who’ve been single for a while.Sophie’s questions for us:“How do I deal with the pressure from family and friends who keep asking why I’m still single?”“Why does social media make me feel like I’m behind in life compared to everyone getting married or having families?”“How can I stay confident in my own timeline when society makes me feel like I’m running out of time?”“How do I deal with family gatherings where everyone’s paired up or asking about my relationship status?”If you’ve ever left a family event feeling smaller than when you arrived, this episode is for you.Stage: Been Single for a While – Feeling Stuck/Lost.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
Being single isn’t just a relationship status – it’s a skill. And for so many women, being alone feels uncomfortable at first, even scary.This episode will walk you through the emotional, practical, and mindset shifts that help “alone” become peaceful instead of painful.Because being alone doesn’t mean being lonely – and it definitely doesn’t mean being incomplete.Sophie’s questions for us:“How do I become comfortable being alone without feeling lonely or incomplete?”“What kinds of solo activities help me heal and feel more like myself again?”“How do I shift my mindset from ‘I need someone’ to ‘I’m okay on my own’?”If you want to feel grounded, empowered, and content in your own company, this episode is your bridge to that freedom.Stage: Freshly Singled.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
When a long or draining relationship ends, you’re left with the hardest question: Who am I now?This episode helps you reconnect with your identity, your routines, and your daily life – slowly, gently, and in ways that build real confidence.We explore how small habits create emotional stability and how you can rebuild a life you actually enjoy living, not just waiting for your next relationship.Sophie’s questions for us:“How do I rediscover who I am outside of that relationship?”“What small daily habits can help me rebuild my confidence and life foundation?”“How do I build a life I enjoy being single in, not just waiting for someone else?”Think of this episode as a soft reset for your entire life.Stage: Freshly Singled.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
Breakups can shrink your world – suddenly you look around and realise you need new people, new energy, new community. But where do you even begin when you feel isolated or unsure who you are now?This episode is all about rebuilding your social life in a way that feels natural, safe, and aligned with the person you’re becoming.Sophie’s questions for us:“Where do I even start to make new friends when I just left a relationship and feel isolated?”“How can I meet people who understand me and my new phase of life?”“What are safe, realistic ways to open myself up again socially without feeling pressure?”This is the episode for anyone craving connection without chaos.Stage: Freshly Singled.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
When you’re finally out of the relationship, one of the first shocks is realising how many connections faded while you were trying to survive it. Reaching back out can feel awkward, guilty, or even embarrassing – but rebuilding your community is one of the most healing steps you can take.In this episode, we talk about reconnecting with loved ones after a relationship that pulled you away from yourself and your people.Sophie’s questions for us:“How do I reach out to people I’ve drifted from while I was in the relationship?”“What if I feel awkward or guilty reconnecting with family/friends now?”“How do I rebuild trust and closeness with loved ones after being emotionally unavailable?”If you’re scared to send that first text, this episode gives you the mindset and language to reconnect with the people who matter.Stage: Freshly Singled.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
You’ve left. You’ve cried. You’ve blocked and deleted. But now that the noise is gone, you’re left with one big question – what now?In this episode, we guide Sophie, and you, through the first steps after a breakup, when everything feels raw and uncertain. This is where singlehood begins, and rediscovery starts.We explore:What’s the first thing to do after a breakup?What should I focus on now that I’m single?How do I rediscover myself outside a relationship?How do I nurture the other relationships in my life, with friends, family, and myself?If you’re freshly single and unsure who you are without the relationship, this episode will help you rebuild from the inside out – and remember that singlehood can be your most powerful season yet.Stage: Transitioning to Singlehood.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
You’ve heard it everywhere – go no contact. But what does that actually look like when your heart’s still attached? Why does cutting contact feel like losing them all over again?In this episode, we explore the no contact rule after a toxic breakup, and why it’s both the hardest and most powerful boundary you can set.Sophie’s questions for us:“Why is cutting contact so hard, even when I know the relationship was unhealthy?”“Is going no contact the only way to heal after a toxic breakup?”“What if I need closure, should I reach out one last time?”“What if my ex reaches out during the no-contact period?”“How do I handle situations where we have mutual friends or shared responsibilities?”If you’re caught between wanting peace and missing the chaos, this episode will help you understand why letting go is the most loving thing you can do — for yourself.Stage: Break-Up.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
You know it’s not a good idea – but you still want to. You crave the comfort, the familiarity, the pull. But will sleeping with your ex help you move on… or keep you stuck?In this brutally honest episode, we dive into the emotional (and biological) reasons behind why we reach back for what hurt us – and what it actually does to your healing.Sophie’s questions for us: “Why do I still want to sleep with my ex even though the relationship was toxic?”“Will sleeping with my ex help me get closure or make things worse?”“Is it ever okay to sleep with an ex if I know we’re not getting back together?”* “Is it possible to have a casual sexual relationship with my ex without getting emotionally involved again?”If your body misses them but your mind knows better, this episode will help you understand that pull — and how to finally break free from it.Stage: Break-Up.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
You've finally left the bad relationship, but why does it still hurt so much? In this episode, we unpack the stages of grief after a breakup, especially when the relationship was toxic or emotionally draining.Because leaving doesn’t mean you stop missing them. Healing doesn’t mean it stops hurting.Sophie’s questions for us:“Why do I still miss them even though the relationship was toxic?”“How long will it take to stop feeling this way?”“Is it normal to feel like I’m going backwards in my healing?”If you’re wondering why your heart still aches for someone you know wasn’t right for you, this episode will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface – and remind you that grief is part of healing, not a sign you made a mistake.Stage: Break-Up.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
You love them, but you’re exhausted. You’ve tried to fix it. You’ve waited for change. Now you’re wondering if it’s time to finally walk away.In this episode, we explore how to break up when your heart and mind are at war:How do you know when a relationship is truly over?Are you staying out of fear, comfort, or guilt?What questions should you ask yourself before ending it?How can you leave respectfully — without destroying yourself in the process?If you’ve been googling “should I break up?” or journaling the same questions over and over, this episode will help you find the clarity (and courage) you need.Stage: Bad Relationship.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
“Love is enough.” “Never go to bed angry.” “A baby will fix it.”Sound familiar?You’ve all heard the clichés - but what happens when following them keeps you trapped in an unhealthy relationship?These are the lies that keep you stuck in toxic relationship cycles.In this episode, we unpack the most damaging myths about love and commitment:Is love really enough to fix a broken relationship?Can marriage or kids heal communication issues?Should you always “fight for love” — even when it’s hurting you?If you’ve been trying to hold things together with hope instead of honesty, this episode will help you let go of the fairytales that keep you trapped.Stage: Bad Relationship.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: SpotifySupport on: Patreon
Tired of trying to communicate only to end up in another argument?You know something’s wrong — but every time you try to talk about it, things blow up. Or worse… your partner shuts down. This episode breaks down how to talk about relationship problems when your partner shuts down, avoids you, or turns every conversation into a war.We’ll tackle:How to bring up issues without triggering defensivenessWhat to do when your partner avoids or stonewalls youHow to express feelings without blamingWhen to stop trying to “fix” one-sided communicationIf you feel like you can’t speak up without being punished for it, this episode is your wake-up call.Stage: Bad Relationship.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
“Narcissist” is everywhere online — but what if you’re wrong? What if your partner isn’t toxic, just unavailable… or simply unhappy?In this raw episode, we explore the difference between true narcissism and relationship incompatibility, asking:How do I know if my partner is a narcissist or just emotionally shut down?Am I unfairly labelling them to make sense of my pain?What red flags point to real narcissism?What if my needs aren’t being met, but they’re not abusive?If you’ve ever doubted your judgment or questioned whether you’re “making them the villain,” this episode will help you sort clarity from chaos.Stage: Bad Relationship.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
If every talk turns into a fight, this episode’s for you.We’re breaking down the hidden roots of communication issues and constant conflict - and what it really means when you can’t stop arguing with your partner.We’ll answer:What are the most common topics couples fight about?Is constant arguing “normal,” or a sign of a toxic relationship?What does unhealthy arguing look like?Can a relationship survive if you can’t communicate without hurting each other?If your relationship feels like walking on eggshells, this episode will help you see what’s really going on.Stage: Bad Relationship.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
This season, we’re not just talking about toxic relationships — we’re walking through one.Meet Sophie: she’s in her 30s, independent, smart… and stuck in a relationship that’s slowly breaking her down. She stayed too long. She’ll break up. She’ll heal. She’ll date. She’ll spiral.She’s you. She’s us.Together, we’ll coach Sophie - and you - through every stage of modern love:What really happens when you leave a toxic relationshipHow to rebuild your confidence after heartbreakWhat healthy communication actually looks likeHow to stop repeating old patterns and finally find real loveIf you’re tired of emotional chaos and ready to grow — welcome to Season 3 of Pop Culture Cupid.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple Podcasts
This season, we’re not just talking about love and heartbreak - we’re walking through it with Sophie.She’s in her 30s. She stayed too long. She’ll break up. She’ll heal. She’ll date. She’ll spiral. She’s you. She’s us.We’ll walk with her, and with you, through every stage:Leaving a relationship that no longer serves youSurviving heartbreak without losing yourselfLearning how to heal and rebuildThriving in singlehood and building healthier love next timeIf you’re ready to feel seen, supported, and understood, welcome to Season 3 of Pop Culture Cupid.If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram & YouTube: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsSupport on: Patreon
Is ‘If he wanted to, he would’ a helpful mantra or just an oversimplified, frustrating belief? And what about ‘It will happen when you least expect it’—does this actually lead to love, or just leave you waiting in vain?In this episode, we dissect these popular pieces of bad dating advice, explaining why they can set unrealistic expectations, cause unnecessary stress, and keep you stuck in dating patterns that don’t serve you.Let us know if you've ever gotten this advice, and how you reacted to it.Check out parts 1 ("just be yourself") & 2 (play hard to get) if you missed them!If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsFOLLOW ALISON: @alisonsarahpym_engFOLLOW MICHAL: @michal.lehman
Is “Don’t talk about X, Y, Z on the first date” really a rule, or just bad advice holding you back? And what about “playing hard to get”—does it actually work, or is it sabotaging your love life?In this episode, we dive into these popular pieces of bad dating advice, breaking down why they’re outdated, unhelpful, and often downright confusing.Let us know if you've ever gotten this advice, and how you reacted to it.STAY TUNED for part 3, and check out part 1 if you missed it!If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsFOLLOW ALISON: @alisonsarahpym_engFOLLOW MICHAL: @michal.lehman
Is "just be yourself" really the worst dating advice ever? In this episode, we dive deep into this popular yet problematic phrase.We explore why "just be yourself" isn’t always helpful, how it can lead to confusion in dating, and what people actually mean when they say it.Plus, we share practical tips on showing up authentically without sabotaging your chances of connection. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at this advice, this episode is for you!Let us know if you've ever gotten this advice, and how you reacted to it.STAY TUNED for parts 2 & 3If you enjoyed the discussion, make sure to like, subscribe and follow us on all the platforms: Instagram, YouTube & TikTok: @popculturecupid Listen on: Spotify or Apple PodcastsFOLLOW ALISON: @alisonsarahpym_engFOLLOW MICHAL: @michal.lehman


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