Crimes of the Heart: a love and dating podcast

Why do some friendships feel harder than they used to? In this episode of Crimes of the Heart, Rory sits down with women’s friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson to unpack the modern state of female friendships — from venting culture and emotional burnout to the pressure to “protect your peace.”Social media tells us to set boundaries, avoid negativity, and cut off toxic people. But are we accidentally isolating ourselves in the process? Danielle explains the science behind why friendships matter for our health, why many women feel overwhelmed by emotional labor in relationships, and how to build stronger connections without burning out.In this conversation, we discuss:Why friendships are one of the biggest predictors of health and longevityThe difference between venting, oversharing, and “trauma dumping”Why adult friendships feel harder than they used toHow to know which friends you can go deep withWhat to do when friendships feel one-sidedThe surprising reason only 50% of friendships are truly reciprocalIf you’ve ever wondered why maintaining friendships feels complicated — or why loneliness seems more common than ever — this episode will change how you think about connection. For more from Danielle follow her HERE or HERE. For everyone interested in my audiobook you can check it out here on Amazon or here on Spotify.---------For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold Read Rory's Book HERE. Or, listen to it on Audible or SpotifyFollow Rory's substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/Opening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Talia Koren is a relationship expert, coach, and the host of "Dating Intentionally". She famously went on 64 first dates in ten months and we talk about all of the things she learned in the process PLUS the greatest trends and mistakes she's seeing with her listeners and clients. (And how to course correct and avoid those mistakes!) This is a fun and wildly empowering conversation for anyone feeling like they're in a rut with their dating life. For more Talia, check out her website: https://taliakoren.com/ or follow her on Instagram. For everyone interested in my audiobook you can check it out here on Amazon or here on Spotify. ---------Read Rory's Book HERE. Or, listen to it on Audible or SpotifyFor video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold Follow Rory's substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/Opening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In honor of Valentine's Day & my audiobook dropping this week, I wanted to talk about confronting the fear of being single, how to deal with scarcity mindset and to stop settling. In this episode I will read a chapter from my book called "Monsters" (because it summerizes EVERYTHING I want to say on the topic) plus a little freestyle riff on ways you can bring love into your life right now & how to recomitt to your standards. For everyone interested in my audiobook you can check it out here on Amazon or here on Spotify. If you're interested in the substack article where I talk about fun Galentine's Day and Valentine's Day gifts this is it. Wishing you love -- in all of it's forms -- this February 14th. xo, Ror---------Read Rory's Book HERE or Listen to the Audiobook on Audible or SpotifyFollow Rory's substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold Opening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For anyone feeling stuck in their circumstances, this episode might be the jolt you need. Meet Rachel Liverman — founder and CEO of Glowbar, divorcée in her forties, and a total breath of fresh air. We talk skincare, confidence, reinvention, and why a scarcity mindset is cancer to your love life.If you loved our girl chat and you’re craving more from Rachel, you can follow her HERE or find a Glowbar near you HERE.I’m going OFF THE RECORD with Rachel on my Substack (Sundays). For all of her best wellness and beauty tips & tricks follow HERE.Get Rory's book / audiobook here!Follow Rory's substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold Opening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What actually changes when you heal?The way you date. The way you choose. The way you feel in your own life. In this episode, Rory sits down with bestselling author Tara Schuster to talk about what quietly shifted when she stopped trying to be chosen — and started building real emotional stability.They unpack the inner changes that made dating feel easier instead of heavier, including:why compatibility matters more than chemistry or checklistshow journaling builds self-trust and emotional regulationwhat healthy relationships actually feel like in the bodyand why scarcity thinking keeps people stuck in the same patterns.This conversation moves beyond dating tactics into the emotional skills modern women were never taught: from re-parenting yourself, to letting go of timeline panic, to choosing from self-respect instead of fear. If you’re tired of repeating patterns, overthinking connections, or feeling behind in love or life, this episode will meet you where you are. Don't forget to check out Tara's Books or her latest Journal and if you want to sign up for her free journaling course click here: https://journal.taraschuster.com/-------------------------------Get Rory's book / audiobook here!Follow Rory's substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold Opening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"A Final Girl's Guide To The Horrors Of Dating" has been called both "hilarious" and a "must read for anyone dating". Get your copy at Amazon or from me directly. The audiobook comes out Feb 9th, 2026 but it's available for pre-order NOW!!Y'all, it's been a WILD year. And I feel like I've got a lot to say. For my last episode of the 2025 I decided to freestyle it. I was on Good Day DC talking about the three dating trends to let go of in 2025 and the three dating habits we need to lean into in 2026 and I thought, ya know what, I'm gonna do a solo episode on this because it's actually important and worth sharing. So, strap in because today is you n me babe, raw and unfiltered, voice memo style. Thanks for being here and here's to a softer, brighter and more joyful 2026. xx, Rory -------------------------------Follow my substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before you do anything Please grab a copy of my book. It's been called both "hilarious" and a "must read for anyone dating". Get your copy at Amazon or from me directly. The audiobook (2/2026) is available for pre-orders NOW!!Today's episode features the insanely talented and very viral comedian and singer Sarah Hester Ross. We end up having the kind of conversation I could have never prepared for and I am so grateful that we did. We cover alllllllll of the taboo topics. From leaving the church she was deeply a part of to leaving her marriage of seven years, Sarah has a masters degress in growing and changing and rebuilding life according to her own compass. It's a not-to-miss episode. Don't miss seeing Sarah live: https://www.sarahhesterross.com/ and follow her on IG to keep up with her lastest songs. -------------------------------Follow my substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before you do anything Please grab a copy of my book. It's been called both "hilarious" and a "must read for anyone dating". Get your copy at Amazon or from me directly. The audiobook (2/2026) is available for pre-orders NOW!!Today's episode features a veteran podcaster in the love/dating/sex space. He's polly and freaky and he hosts the Naked Comedy show (which is coming to LA in January). I'm talking about Billy Procida. Today we cover everthing from his frist gang bang to the fear of being unlovable and what he's learned from hosting well over 500 episodes of a dating podcast that started with him interviewing all of his exs. If you want more of Billy you can listen to his show HERE or you can get tickets to the Naked Comedy show in LA in January HERE. -------------------------------Follow my substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My best selling dating book has been called both "hilarious" and a "must read for anyone dating" so what are you waiting for? Get your copy at Amazon or from me directly. The audiobook (2/2026) is available for pre-orders NOW!!Today's episode features a dating coach that's unlike most. He's all about doing the inner work in order to get the outward results and he has a TON of practical advice from how to meet people who are compatible to how to disarm them and foster vulnerable conversations. Anthony Recenello has been a dating coach for over TWENTY years!! To learn more about him or watch how he works follow him on IG HERE or check out his website HERE. Follow my substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you gotten your copy of my book yet?!? If not... uhhh weird, why. It's great. Like #1 on New Releases kinda great... You can get it on Amazon here or direct here. OKAY, now for this weekes episode. I looooooved this conversation with the queen of dating podcasts, Ilana Dunn. We go over her time at Hinge and what she learned about creating hte perfect dating profile, how to optimize dating, what to look for on a first date and sooooo much more. This is an episode packed with practical advice. You'll probably fall in love wiht Ilana and want more of her so HERE is her Instagram and HERE is her Podcast. Enjoy!!Follow my substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you gotten your copy of my book yet?!? If not... uhhh weird, why. It's great. Like #1 on New Releases kinda great... You can get it on Amazon here or direct here. OKAY, now for this weekes episode. Ali Jackson (Finding Mr. Height) and I decided to do a corss over episode where we both discuss our more loved and most dated dating advice and in the process we fell in love. It's so nice to meet soeone who shares a lot of the same sentiments -- that the "feminine energy" trend is crazy and that we need a serious rebrand on most conventional advice. Please follow Ali here or on IG here. Follow my substack here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welp, it's here... my book, A Final Girl's Guide To The Horrors Of Dating is offically out tonight at midnight. You can get it on Amazon HERE from me directly HERE or at ANY OF THESE PLACES. Please consider leaving me a review and/or requesting it from yuor local library HERE.Thank you to Liz, who is unbelievably cool and kind. You can follow here.A Final Girl's Guide To The Horrors Of Dating is labor of love. I just want everyone who reads it to tap into their inner final girl, survive the horrors thrown their way and thrive. May this book make you feel less alone, make you laugh, and remind you of how worthy you are. Thanks for listening.xx, RoryMy substack: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preorder my book (avail 10/1) here: http://thehorrorsofdating.comAlejandra is a baaaaack and she's dropping tons of wisdsom!! Alejandra Maria is no nonsense dating coach with a long wait list but today you can get her advice for free! She's on a mission to stop women from settling and to help people find the love that they desire and deserve. So, share this with a friend who needs to hear it. For more from Alejandra you can check out her classes here or follow her on on IG here. To WATCH episodes click here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hope everyone had a great labor day, clearly I did... I thought yesterday was Monday literally all day until about 11PM when I realized it was Tuesday and I hadn't dropped this episode... WHOOPS. Forgive me <3 No one fetishized Kaila Yu more than she fetishized herself. As a young girl, she dreamt of beauty. But none of the beautiful women on television looked like her. In the late '90s and early 2000s Asian women were often reduced to overtly sexual and submissive caricatures—Within that narrow framework, Kaila internalized a painful conclusion: The only way someone who looked like her could have value or be considered beautiful and desirable was to sexualize herself. We embark on a conversation about beauty, race and self love in this week’s episode. To learn more about Kaila you can visit her site here or buy her book here. To WATCH episodes click here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What really happens when trust shatters? In this powerful episode of Crimes of the Heart, host Rory Uphold sits down with betrayal recovery coach, attorney, and TEDx speaker Lora Cheadle to unpack the messy truth about healing after infidelity, lies, and broken friendships. From discovering her husband’s 15-year secret double life to helping countless clients rebuild their identities, Lora shares the tools to move beyond grief and rage, reclaim your power, and decide whether to repair or release relationships. To learn more about Lora check out her website HERE. To WATCH episodes click here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Imagine waking up with $10 million… and going to sleep with nothing. This week’s guest was married to the so-called Mormon Bernie Madoff, and she had no idea her husband was running a Ponzi scheme — until it all came crashing down. Andrea Merriman thought she had the perfect life: wealth, family, love. But when her husband’s secret Ponzi scheme exploded, she lost it all. This is the jaw-dropping true story of the ex-wife of the "Mormon Bernie Madoff" — how she learned the truth, raised four kids alone, rebuilt her world, and somehow… learned to love again. If you’ve ever wondered how someone survives the unthinkable, this episode is for you.To learn more about Andrea check out her website HERE or follow her on Tiktok HERE. To WATCH episodes click here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think you’re too smart to fall for a narcissist? Think again. This episode breaks down the red flags you miss on first dates, what your first fight really reveals, and how to dodge manipulators before it’s too late. Already stuck with one? We’ve got survival tactics for marriages, messy divorces, and co-parenting with toxic people. Fasten your seatbelt—this is your no-BS guide to spotting narcissists and protecting your peace. To learn more about Carla click HERE or on IG HERE or buy her book HERE.To WATCH episodes click here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re halfway through 2025 — so let’s get honest: Are you living the life you actually want? Do you have the love you truly deserve? If not, today’s episode might just change everything. I’m joined by Jacqueline Hurst, the UK’s top life coach and a global expert in mindset mastery. She’s helped thousands of people transform their beliefs, upgrade their standards, and create the love and life they thought were out of reach. And today? She’s coaching you. We’re diving deep into the limiting beliefs that keep us stuck in cycles — in dating, in self-worth, and in playing small. This is your mindset wake-up call. I’m obsessed with her. I think you will be too. Let’s lock in. To learn more about Jacqueline visit her website or her Instagram or buy her Int. Best Selling book HERE.To WATCH episodes click here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hot Girl Summer is upon us and today's guest is going to tell us how to make the most of our single summer months. Amanda Thomas is your favorite influencers favorite influencer (and jewelry designer) and she's here to give us the skinny on how to have the perfect flirty summer. To follow Amanda click HERE and to check out jewelry click Luv AJ. Personally, I love these huggies. We also talked about our love of Naked, Dry Shampoo, Glutathione and soooo much more.To WATCH episodes click here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokOpening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For OG listeners you might remember Kiersten Lyons' horror story from my episode with Monica Padman (which aired on March 21, 2023). Today she is back to discuss how she healed from that relationship and subsequently found the man of her dreams and the book that was based on her journey. That book is called CRUSHED and it's out today! (If you buy fro that link I can earn an affiliate commission!) To learn more about Kiersten you can follow her HERE or check out her website here. To WATCH episodes click here: https://theladiesroom.substack.com/For video clips from this episode or to follow Rory on IG: @icouldbeblonder or TIKTOK: @roryuphold To send a story or leave a voice message for Rory click here: https://www.crimesoftheheartpod.com/Got a Question? Wanna submit a topic? We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at rory@crimesoftheheartpod.com or DM on Instagram & TikTokSelect links may be affiliate and Opening Jingle credit: Harry FosterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.