In this episode of Begin Again, celebrated relationship expert and Married At First Sight psychologist Mel Schilling shares the most powerful lessons she's learned from decades of guiding couples — and from her own late-in-life love story.
Mel opens up about what dating later in life really looks like, why modern romance requires a different mindset, and how anyone — at any age — can find meaningful connection. She reflects on her journey of becoming a mother in her forties, meeting her partner abroad, and the myths we need to unlearn about love, sex, and intimacy as we age.
With warmth, clarity, and a no-nonsense approach, Mel explains how to keep the spark alive in long-term relationships, why emotional intimacy is often misunderstood, and the practical shifts every couple can make to deepen their connection.
This episode is full of honest insights, surprising truths, and expert strategies for anyone navigating love — whether you're starting over or trying to reignite what you already have.
🎙️ Drop a comment: What’s Your Biggest takeaway?
www.instagram.com/beginagain
https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod00:00 Intro
01:00 Davina’s Introduction
01:55 Mutual Appreciation and Warm-Up
04:22 Mel’s Early Ambition and Power of Manifestation
07:25 Where Psychology Meets Peak Performance
09:02 Finding Love Later in Life: Mel’s Story
11:01 Trust, Safety, and Dating After 40
13:39 Building a Dating Brand: Self-Awareness and Authenticity
16:30 Letting Go of Old Identities in Relationships
19:13 Mindset Shifts That Transform Dating Perspectives
25:20 Rejection, Resilience, and Emotional Strength in Dating
29:11 Knowing Your Dealbreakers While Actively Dating
33:15 Core Relationship Values
35:23 Mel’s Honest Miscarriage Journey
38:37 The Reality of Sex While Trying to Conceive
41:13 Mel’s IVF Experience and Emotional Impact
44:40 Thoughts on Parenthood and Family Life
47:35 Ancient + Brave Ad
49:04 Davina Reflects on Her Relationship with Michael
51:45 Ranking Relationship Values with Michael and Davina
1:13:13 Davina and Michael on Marriage and Commitment
1:13:45 Which Values Matter Less in a Relationship?
1:17:37 Understanding Consent in Modern Relationships
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