Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman

Michelle Elman, author and five-board accredited life coach, talks about her most recent book “The Selfish Romantic” and why it's crucial to avoid losing ourselves in the pursuit of love. This week’s Dating Dish is: Why your voice may be the missing key to unlock new dates. The Dear Damona question this week is: How can I pursue a relationship rather than a friends with benefits situation? I’m not having any luck. Be sure to follow Michelle on Instagram @MichelleLElman and treat yourself to a copy of her book “The Selfish Romantic”. Get Damona’s free profile starter kit at DatesandMates.com Episode Chapters: (0:00:01) - Selfishness the Key to Dating? (0:01:51) - The Benefits of Voice in Online Dating (0:11:09) - The Benefits of Selfish Dating (0:23:34) - The Power of a Dating Detox (0:26:38) - Navigating the Single Lifestyle (0:26:38) - Creating Space for Healthy Love (0:29:18) - How to Find a LTR NOT a FWB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Lindsay, media personality and star of The Bachelorette Season 13, talks about her new novel “Real Love!” which explores what happens when you take the road less traveled in love. This week’s Dating Dish is: A new survey shows how the rise of dating apps has fundamentally changed the way people find and keep relationships. The Dear Damona question this week is: How do I manage all of these dating app conversations? Follow Rachel on Instagram @TheRachLindsay and be sure to pick up a copy of her new novel, “Real Love!” and her essay book, “Miss Me With That: Hot Takes, Helpful Tidbits, and a Few Hard Truths”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renee Bauer, family law attorney, talks about new beginnings. This week’s Dating Dish is: How the Language of Therapy Took Over Dating. The Dear Damona question this week is: I am looking for a relationship, but all of my dating app matches end up looking for a hookup. Is that all that’s out there? Follow Renee on Instagram @MsReneeBauer and learn more about the She Who Wins summit at SheWhoWins.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Burtt and Kitty Winks, authors of “The Little Book of Ick: 500 Reasons to Get Over Them - For Good” share their humorous dating insights. This week’s Dating Dish: How to date more ‘organically’ according to Gen-Z. The Dear Damona question this week is: A man who’d previously ghosted me just liked me on a dating app. Should I give him another chance?   Be sure to follow Anna Burtt on Instagram @BTNBookClub and Kitty Winks @KitWinks And grab a copy of their book, The Little Book of Ick. Get Damona’s free profile starter kit at DatesandMates.com Check out the NBC News article on Gen Z wanting to date more organically: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/gen-z-organic-dating-instagram-rcna70459 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Morse, Doctor of Human Sexuality & the host of the Sex With Emily podcast, talks about her new book, “Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ and Own Your Pleasure” in this very special Valentine’s Day episode. This week’s Dating Dish: Do you code-switch on dating apps? Plus, Emily answers these question with Damona in a supersized Dear Damona segment: I find that my matches often fetishize me. Please help! * I met a girl that I’m really attracted to, but she is a bad kisser. What can I do? * Would it be bad to tell my partner that I love her for the first time during sex?   Be sure to follow Emily on Instagram @SexWithEmily and pre-order her upcoming book, “Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ and Own Your Pleasure”, by visiting sexwithemily.com/book Get Damona’s free profile starter kit at DatesandMates.com Check out the NY Times article on code switching at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/06/style/dating-app-profile-differences.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Pendergrass and Brittan Byrd, stars of the hit reality series Too Hot Too Handle Season 4, share their love story and surprising new revelations. This week’s Dating Dish is: Americans plan to spend nearly $26 billion this Valentine’s Day - but what are they buying? The Dear Damona question this week is: I have found myself involved with someone who wants a large family, when I am not sure I even want to have kids. Do I need to shift my mindset or just let go? Follow James on Instagram @JamesPendergrass_ and Brittan @Brittan_Byrd and watch Season 4 of Too Hot To Handle on Netflix now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britt Frank, author and licensed psychotherapist, talks about her new book, The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward. This week’s Dating Dish is: How Reproductive Rights Impact Dating (according to new OkCupid data). The Dear Damona questions this week is: How much is too much when it comes to sharing details about your profession in your dating profile? Follow Britt on Instagram @BrittFrank and grab a copy of her new book The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Myisha Battle, certified clinical sexologist and sex & dating coach, talks about her new book, “This Is Supposed to Be Fun: How to Find Joy in Hooking Up, Settling Down, and Everything in Between”. This week’s Dating Dish: Is it true that thinking about your ex can improve your current relationship? The Dear Damona question this week is: How do you know your conflict resolution style? Follow Myisha on Instagram @MyishaBattle and to grab a copy of her book “This Is Supposed to Be Fun: How to Find Joy in Hooking Up, Settling Down, and Everything in Between” ANNOUNCEMENT! Damona is running her signature dating coaching group LIVE one last time with live session starting WEDNESDAY 1/25. This is your LAST CALL to get Damona’s direct support on developing your dating plan for 2023. Grab one of the last remaining seats today at TheDatingSecret.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated with your love life, chances are you are stuck in 1 (or more) of the 5 Dating Loops. In this masterclass Damona gives the signs and symptoms of each dating loop and actionable advice on how to break the cycle of dating loops and find your person. LAST CALL for the Dating Accelerator Program. Doors are closing this week and the first class is Wednesday, January 25th. If you want to be coached on a personal level by Damona and her team, now is your chance to get into the ONLY live round of this program this year. You’ll receive  10 audio/video lessons 10 LIVE group sessions with meditation, partner exercises, accountability and live Q&A every week  A personalizable dating workbook  BONUS downloadable meditation BONUS first date starter kit Option to book exclusive solo VIP coaching sessions (for enrolled students only) And more! Snag one of the last spaces at TheDatingSecret.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Savage, the host of the Savage Lovecast and the long-running column, Savage Love, talks about writing the rules of your own relationship. This week’s Dating Dish: If you clap when planes land, your partner might break up with you. Plus, Dan joins Damona in a very special Dear Damona to answer these questions: I put so much pressure on myself to find a guy that meets my standards, I think I am hindering myself from finding my match. What should I do? And, even though I want to be sexually open - I find myself getting attached to flings. How do I detach from my hookups? Be sure to follow Dan on Instagram @DanSavage and listen to the Savage Lovecast wherever you listen to Dates & Mates. And, be sure to grab a copy of Dan’s latest book, “Savage Love from A to Z: Advice on Sex and Relationships, Dating and Mating, Exes and Extras”. ANNOUNCEMENT! Damona is running her signature dating coaching group LIVE one last time starting the week of January 23rd. If you want to find love in 2023, this is your moment! Want to learn more? Check out the free intro class on Wednesday January 18th at 4pm PT/ 7pm ET. You can sign up for that at DamonaHoffman.com/freeclass Sponsor: Green Chef makes eating well easy with plans to fit every lifestyle. Go to GreenChef dot com slash DATESANDMATES60 and use code DATESANDMATES60 to 60% off plus free shipping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carol Allen, Vedic astrologer and relationship coach, helps us understand the stars of 2023 and compatibility as it relates to someone else's astrological imprint. In the Dating Dish we cover: The Biggest Dating Trends Of 2023, According To Dating App Experts. And the Dear Damona question is: My match and I have lots of chemistry and common interests. Yet, he has made no moves toward intimacy. What should I do? Be sure to follow Carol on Instagram @CarolAllenAstrologer and for a limited time you can get your Personal Success Calendar at a huge discount. Just visit DamonaHoffman.com/MyCalendar ANNOUNCEMENT! Damona is running her signature dating coaching group LIVE one last time starting the week of January 23rd. If you want to find love in 2023, this is your moment! Hear new success stories and see how the program can change your love life too at TheDatingSecret.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special all Dear Damona episode, Damona is answering your questions to prep you for Dating Sunday and Peak Dating Season (aka right now!) Questions include: Some of my match’s questions make me uncomfortable. How should I respond? And, I am in the process of moving but want to start meeting matches in my new location right away. Am I getting ahead of myself? Plus, I haven’t dated in 7 years and the idea of getting back out there makes me anxious. What can I do? And, my matches say they want something serious, but then their actions don’t match. What is going on here? ANNOUNCEMENT! Damona is running her signature dating coaching group LIVE one last time starting the week of January 23rd. If you want to find love in 2023, this is your moment! Hear new success stories and see how the program can change your love life too at TheDatingSecret.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we reflect on the year we’ve had and look ahead to start fresh, finding a partner to do life with often becomes a top priority. It all starts with getting clarity on what you’re looking for in a relationship. In this minisode Damona outlines the steps to making a vision board and breaks down why they work so that you can design a powerful roadmap for your life and manifest the relationship that you want.  Looking for support in finding your forever person in 2023? Early Bird Enrollment is now open for the next round of Damona’s signature coaching program, The Dating Accelerator! Get $300 off now through Dec. 31st with the code EARLYBIRD See testimonial videos, understand how the program changes lives and get on the road to a healthy relationship in the new year at TheDatingSecret.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunt Ethridge, award-winning international dating and relationship expert, breaks down cool new science in the relationship and dating space so you can hack the dating game once and for all.The Dating Dish headline is: Over one in 10 men are likely to cancel date plans due to feeling self-conscious. And the Dear Damona question is: My matches say they want commitment but then pull away after the 3rd or 4th date. What should I do? Be sure to follow Hunt on Instagram @QuestforAdvice and check out HuntforAdvice.com for more information. Looking for support in finding your forever person in 2023? Early Bird Enrollment is now open for the next round of the Dating Accelerator Program! Get $300 off now through Dec 31 with the code EARLYBIRD Find out the secret at TheDatingSecret.com Sponsor: OMGYes.com is a website with findings from the largest ever research study into women’s pleasure. Visit OMGYes.com/DATESANDMATES for a special discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dufflyn Lammers, Relationship and Recovery Coach, outlines how to set healthy boundaries with your loved ones and dates so that you can have a happy and healthy holiday season. The Dating Dish headline is: Just FYI, Your Fourth Date Should Absolutely Be a Day Date. And the Dear Damona question is: My matches aren’t putting in the same effort I do. Should I confront them? Be sure to follow Dufflyn on Instagram @Dufflyn and check out her upcoming course Boundaries Are The New Black happening Saturday, December 17, 2022.  You can also download her FREE guide, 8 Top Tips for Getting Through the Holidays with Boundaries, by visiting: https://www.relationshipinrecovery.com/f/8-top-tips-for-getting-through-the-holidays Sponsor: Spice up your me time with an extended 30 day free trial when you go to DipseaStories.com/DATESANDMATES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Thompson, one of the hottest multi-platform content creators, breaks down the gender war he’s witnessing online and shares his methods for coming back to a place of peace. The Dating Dish headline is: Should Dating References Be Required In Online Dating? And the Dear Damona question is: Is my picker broken? Be sure to follow Chris on TikTok and Instagram @SupDaily and check out his podcast “Unfiltered Friends” wherever you listen to Dates & Mates! Sponsor: The gift of health has never been so easy to share than it is this holiday. For listeners of the show, Everlywell is offering a discount of 20% off an at-home lab test at everlywell.com/datesandmates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Hurvitz, best-selling author and relationship coach, shares her personal experience and outlines how to return to dating after a big breakup. The Dating Dish headline is: Is the relationship doomed if you’re not sexually attracted to your partner. In Dear Damona a listener says: My boyfriend is great on paper, but things feel mundane. Am I being too picky, unrealistic, or holding onto an idealized connection that may never materialize?  Be sure to follow Jennifer on Instagram @DoingRelationshipsRight and check out her book “Midlife Priceless: A Dating Coach’s Guide to *Finally* Doing Relationships Right”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan Green, family therapist and the founder of the Remble app, breaks down the 5 stages of every relationship to help you navigate the ups and downs that come with time. The Dating Dish headline today is: Here’s the No. 1 thing that makes relationships successful according to psychologists. The Dear Damona question is: I’m ready to return to dating and Bumble seems right for me. Can you share some tips? Be sure to follow Jordan on Instagram @The.Love.Therapist and check out the Remble app!  Sponsor: Spice up your me time with an extended 30 day free trial when you go to DipseaStories.com/DATESANDMATES. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Lapin, best-selling author and host of the podcast Money Rehab, meets you at the intersection of money and dating to help you develop your financial love language. The Dating Dish headline today is: Do you have a type? Maybe what you think you want and what you actually prefer don’t match up. The Dear Damona question is: After having our first video chat, I can no longer see myself kissing my match. What should I do? Be sure to follow Nicole on Instagram @NicoleLapin and pick up a copy of her book “Miss Independent” at NicoleLapin.com! Sponsor: The gift of health has never been so easy to share than it is this holiday. For listeners of the show, Everlywell is offering a discount of 20% off an at-home lab test at everlywell.com/datesandmates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamie Crawford, co-host of MTV’s Catfish and host of the podcast Relationsh!t, brings you up to speed on all things dating, from the apps to catfishing and beyond, just in time for Cuffing Season. We kick off the show with a Romance Rollback this week with a retrospective on a classic custom that you might be able to still use today – dance cards. The Dear Damona question is: I think I am ready to start dating again after losing my husband two years ago. Where should I begin? Be sure to follow Kamie on Instagram @KamieCrawford and listen to Relationsh!t wherever you listen to Dates & Mates! Sponsors: Start your search for a top-rated doctor today. Many are available within 24 hours. Just go to ZocDoc.com/Damona and download the ZocDoc app for FREE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices