Smart Dating Academy - The Podcast

Dating again after a long marriage can feel overwhelming. In this inspiring conversation, Bela talks with Jeannette, a Smart Dating Academy client who rebuilt her life after divorce. She shares how she healed, learned confidence, and by working with SDA, found a healthy relationship later in life. If you want hope and practical wisdom about dating after divorce, this episode is for you. 👉 Work with our coaches: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact

What if the end of your marriage could be the beginning of the most confident, empowered version of you? In this inspiring conversation, dating coach Bela Gandhi sits down with Dr. Missi Nadeau, psychologist, consultant, and Smart Dating Academy success story, to talk about rebuilding life and love after decades in a traditional marriage. Missi shares her journey from walking on eggshells in a 31-year marriage to finding herself again through bold choices, deep healing, and smart dating. 💡 You’ll Learn: What it’s really like to date after decades in a marriage How to rebuild confidence after heartbreak The power of Smart Dating Academy’s 360 Feedback and Dating Funnel Red flags to spot early and how to end relationships with grace Why it’s never too late to reinvent your love story ✨ Ready to find love again without settling? Learn more or apply to work with Bela and her team at smartdatingacademy.com/contact

What happens when you’ve tried everything to find love and decide to go big? In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Bela Gandhi talks with Lisa Catalano, the woman who rented 12 billboards in San Francisco to find her husband. They explore what inspired her to take such a bold step, how the world reacted, and what she has already learned about confidence, courage, and connection! ✨ Whether you’re dating after divorce, in midlife, or just feeling stuck. This conversation will remind you that it’s never too late (or too bold) to find love. 🎯 Apply to work with our dating coaches: smartdatingacademy.com/contact

Let’s be real: dating in today’s swipe-right world can feel like a game you didn’t sign up for. Between ghosting, mixed signals, and second-guessing your own needs, it’s easy to wonder: Am I doing this right? In this empowering episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeanne Michele — relationship specialist, psychologist, and author of The Infidelity Cure — to talk about what it really means to date and love authentically. Jeanne brings her signature blend of heart, wisdom, and straight talk to help us see dating not as a performance, but as a mirror — a reflection of who we are, what we want, and where we might be holding ourselves back. Together, we dive into: The difference between dating and relationshipping — and why both matter in building healthy love How to have Courageous Conversations that honor your needs without pushing love away The subtle ways we betray ourselves in relationships (and how to stop repeating old patterns) Why dating is one of the best mirrors for self-awareness — and how to use it for growth How to stay open-hearted in love while still protecting your truth and boundaries This conversation is an invitation to approach love with courage, compassion, and clarity. Whether you’re single, dating, or redefining what love means to you, Jeanne’s insights will help you stop settling, start honoring yourself, and finally create the kind of authentic connection you deserve. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to bring more authenticity and joy into your dating journey.   💌 And if you’re ready for personalized support to make dating feel fun, empowering, and successful, reach out to us at Smart Dating Academy. Our expert coaches can help you build the confidence, clarity, and strategy you need to find the love you deserve.   Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs. For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

ating fatigue is something almost every single one of us has felt at some point.  Maybe you've been dating for what feels like a century -- maybe you're exhausted by the dating apps (which can feel like "Human EBay"), endless small talk, or the emotional ups and downs of trying to find “your person"; if so this episode is for you! Bela Gandhi sits down with Smart Dating Academy coach Ilene Collins to unpack one of the most common — and overlooked — challenges in modern dating: dating fatigue. Ilene has been a powerful SDA coach for five years and has been a repeat voice on the podcast - responsible for MANY client success stories!  This episode will give you a sneak peek of how Ilene met her husband Mark (broke every SDA rule, haha!) and help you see how two people that are different religions, races and careers can build a happy life together!  And, Ilene brings both her personal experience and coaching expertise to the conversation, sharing how to spot the early signs of burnout and the mindset shifts that can make dating fun again. Together, Bela and Ilene explore what’s really behind dating fatigue — from unrealistic expectations to dating on autopilot — and how to reset your energy, focus, and optimism. You’ll learn: Why dating fatigue happens (and how to know when you’re in it) The biggest mindset mistake that keeps people stuck in frustration - and the BEST mindset reset (you won't want to miss this because it is POWERFUL) How to take a healthy break — without giving up on love How to meet people in real life    How to make a GREAT first impression Practical steps to make dating feel joyful, not draining What it means to date with intention and curiosity Whether you’re new to dating or you’ve been at it for a while, this episode will help you find your spark again and remember that dating can actually be exciting, fulfilling, and full of possibility. ✨ Ready to fall back in love with dating? Reach out to Smart Dating Academy for expert coaching, personalized strategy, and support that helps you meet amazing people — without the burnout. Visit SmartDatingAcademy.com to learn more. For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

Dating doesn’t have to feel like the awkward lunchroom of middle school — and in this episode, we’re showing you exactly how to leave that behind. I’m joined by our very own Smart Dating Academy coach, Kathy Citera, who brings her trademark humor, wisdom, and lived experience to the table. Kathy knows firsthand what it’s like to re-enter the dating world — she candidly shares her journey from post-divorce dating at 50 to becoming a coach who now helps others navigate dating with confidence and joy. Together, we talk about how dating can feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why dating feels like “middle school” for so many adults — and how to shift out of that mindset. Post-divorce dating at 50: Kathy’s real-life lessons on rediscovering yourself and dating authentically. How to bring fun, joy, and levity into dating without losing seriousness about your goals. Knowing yourself first: Why self-awareness is the biggest game-changer in dating success. Practical tips to “make dating fun again” — and why having the right mindset can change everything. This is a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud, and refreshingly honest conversation about dating — no games, no gimmicks, just straight talk on how to enjoy the process again. Whether you’re just getting back out there or you’ve been swiping for years, you’ll walk away feeling lighter, more hopeful, and ready to see dating as an adventure rather than a test. 💌 Ready to make dating fun again in your own life? Contact Smart Dating Academy today to learn how our team of expert coaches can help you date smarter, build confidence, and finally find the love you deserve. Click here to get started! Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs. For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

What if the love you’ve been waiting for isn’t about luck, but about alignment? In this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I’m joined by therapist Jaime Bronstein. With over 20 years of experience, Jaime has helped countless singles heal and grow! We break down why manifesting love is not about magical thinking—it’s about shifting your mindset, trusting your intuition, and clearing out the fears that keep you stuck - Smart Dating style :)  We dive deep into the process of identifying the negative narratives you’ve been carrying and replacing them with empowering beliefs that attract the right partner—not just any partner. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: The key steps to manifesting love in an authentic, grounded way. Why healing old wounds and limiting beliefs is non-negotiable for attracting your soulmate. How to connect with your intuition and let it guide your dating decisions. The fear-based “Dating Personas” Jaime sees most often—and how to break free from them. Jaime’s fun acronyms for spotting non-negotiables and red flags so you can date smarter. Why fear and doubt can become a self-fulfilling prophecy in love—and how to stop it. How to know when you’ve truly found your person. If you’ve ever wondered why love feels so hard—or why you keep attracting the wrong people—this episode will change the game.  Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs. For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

What happens when you stop putting pressure on every date and start living like “Vacation You”? For Colleen, it changed everything. In this episode of the Smart Dating Academy Podcast, I sit down with Colleen Sarihan, whose journey is a reminder that love can show up when you least expect it—and often in the most magical ways. Colleen first heard me speak at a women’s networking event (hosted by my good pal Anna Valencia, who is now City Clerk of Chicago). During Q & A - someone started their question by saying, "I swear, there are ZERO good men left in Chicago. Every time I leave Chicago, I meet guys everywhere!" I told her that something must be shifting inside of HER that makes her more open & receptive when she LEAVES Chicago -- that it's not a "no guys here" issue! You could hear a silence fill the room. Little did I know that a certain audience member, Colleen, was intently listening to this answer, and it shifted her mindset that DAY. Fast forward a year: Colleen had just lost her job, her landlord was selling her condo, and she had bought a one-way ticket to Rome. With no expectations and nothing to lose, she decided to fire up the dating apps—simply to enjoy good food and new company. That’s when she met Vaibhav on Hinge - and was CONSCIOUS about bringing "vacation Colleen" to the date! A year to the day after their first date, they were married—followed by a beautiful summer celebration blending Hindu and Western traditions. You need to hear the whole episode to hear how magical this whole story is!    Today, Colleen and Vaibhav are the proud parents of two wonderful children, after navigating IVF together, and their love story is proof of what can happen when you stay open, playful, and true to yourself. 💡 Inside this episode, you’ll hear: How Colleen’s “Vacation You” mindset shifted everything in her dating life. The role spontaneity and curiosity played in meeting her husband. Why their love felt easy from the start—without the games or drama of the past. How embracing uncertainty led to adventure, commitment, and eventually, family. Colleen’s journey is a beautiful reminder that so much can change when you give yourself permission to live fully and trust the process. Who knows? Your own “Vacation You” moment might be right around the corner. Need help with getting your mindset into 'vacation me?!" Are you ready to invest in yourself as Colleen and so many others have to find love? You have two choices: Do nothing, and have no new results :( Join our "Dating During Midlife and Over 50 Love Lab" -- GREAT choice to dip your toe back into the water! Click HERE to get more info and get your spot -- it's ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!  Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs. For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

Ready to finally understand the cosmic blueprint of your love life? In this episode of The Smart Dating Academy Podcast, Bela sits down with celebrity Vedic astrologer and relationship coach Carol Allen to reveal how ancient astrology meets modern relationship science—helping you find (and keep) the love you deserve.   Blending the ancient wisdom of Vedic astrology with modern relationship research, Carol reveals how understanding your astrological chart can help you find your soulmate, deepen an existing relationship, or finally break free from love patterns that have been holding you back. From compatibility and timing to the little-known astrological “red flags” to watch for, this conversation will inspire you to stop leaving love to chance—and start aligning with your romantic destiny. Carol has been featured on E!, EXTRA, Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers, and in Chicken Soup For The Soul and Woman’s World. She’s the author of Love Is In The Stars – The Wise Woman’s Astrological Guide To Men, and her work has helped thousands discover the power they have to attract, enhance, and sustain great love. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Vedic astrology differs from Western astrology—and why it can be a game-changer for dating The “astrological timing” secrets that can make finding love easier Compatibility factors that go beyond sun signs (and what to avoid!) How to work with your chart to heal old patterns and attract better relationships Why love isn’t just fate—it’s also about the actions you take Learn a bit about Bela and her husband Andy's love stars in this episode Don’t wait for the stars to align by accident—let Carol Allen show you how to make them work for you. Click the link to book a session: https://carolallen.isrefer.com/go/wgr/bela/ Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs. For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/

Have you ever had that gut feeling about someone—but ignored it? Or maybe you felt a deep soul pull toward someone who later broke your heart? If so, this episode is for you. In this soulful and eye-opening conversation, Bela sits down with Nikki Novo, a bestselling author, proud Cuban-American, and master intuitive who’s known for helping people create purpose-driven lives by reconnecting with their inner knowing. Nikki is the creator of the Soul-Led Living podcast, and her work has been featured everywhere from Oprah Daily to Cosmopolitan. Nikki’s journey from fashion editor to spiritual teacher began with a love story that didn’t go the way she planned. But through heartbreak, she found healing—and discovered that your intuition might just be the most powerful dating compass you’ll ever have. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between following your heart and intuition What “dating intuitively” really means—and how to start doing it Why heartbreak can be the beginning of your spiritual awakening How to spot the difference between fear and true intuition What a soulmate is (and what it definitely isn’t) Whether you’ve lost faith in your gut, are craving deeper connection, or are just curious about soulmates and signs, this episode will help you slow down, listen up, and lead with truth. 🎧 Hit play to find out why the best dating strategy might just be… your intuition. Ready to redefine your dating life or need guidance on your journey to love? Visit Smart Dating Academy to learn more about our transformative programs. For more free tips and up to date information, click here to register for the Smart Dating Academy free newsletter!   https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/contact Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy/