Smart Dating Academy - The Podcast

This week's episode is a FUN one with Erin Keating who talks about her tips on being "Hotter Than Ever."  Erin tells the story about how she blew up her life at age 50 and started to reinvent herself to become a more authentic version of myself TODAY (rather just living in the results of the goals she had for myself and my life 20 years ago).  She also describes her unconventional dating "Rumspringa" the year following my separation (her year to explore and 'sow her wild oats'), and 4 things you can do to be Hotter than Ever.  Erin Keating is an award-winning television development and production executive and single Mom to twin tweens living in Los Angeles. Her podcast Hotter Than Ever reflects the authentic, messy, sexy, funny and inspiring stories of women over forty. Erin’s passion for smart, brand-defining original programming has led to zeitgeist-shaping shows like Portlandia, along with the first-ever made-for-mobile scripted series.  Her career has included senior creative roles at Snapchat, Big Beach TV, IFC TV and Magna Global Entertainment.  She climbed the television ladder at BBC America, NBC and Comedy Central. Recent shows created under Erin’s watch have included the Emmy-winning James Corden’s Next James Corden, the WGA Award winning drama Class of Lies, the WGA Award nominated thriller Breakwater and the NAACP Image Award-nominated Two Sides. Erin also conceived the drama Vida (Starz), produced the documentary Fatherless (Fusion), and executived the hell out of the iconic sketch series Portlandia (which won a Peabody and a bunch of other fancy statues) along with other comedy, dramedy and animated series.  Erin grew up in the basement theaters of downtown NYC, where she produced and performed in live comedy shows at venues like The Slipper Room and The Zipper Factory.  She started out as an actor, studying theater at Oberlin College, Meisner technique at Ward Studio, and improvisation at The Second City Training Center in New York. Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

This episode is a wonderful, inspiring story of Midore T, who lives in NYC.  Midore saw Bela on a national NBC show called, "1st Look" and knew she needed to enlist some help with her dating life.   She is now happily married to John, and tells her story in detail.  Here is the form that Midore filled out to contact us: Send us your question or what you're interested in!:   Hi Bela, I contacted you once about 5 months ago this year via email (not from this form). My first marriage ended in divorce over 10 years ago...and ever since I was busy building my career as an architect in NYC.   My last relationship was a long distance one with an Italian man in Italy, which lasted a bit over a year. At a time of its break-up, I began studying Italian, which I still am. I love all things Italian and travels to Italy a lot. In My recent vacation, i spent a week in Umbria, being in a Yoga Retreat and another week in Puglia (a heel of a boot of Italy). I decided to contact you because I would love to meet men with a similar passion (in life, travel, culture, language) to have a solid relationship with and eventually to get married.  It's been challenging because I am a very young 50 yr. old, and easily mistaken for 30 something. While I am often attracted to younger men, it's not about their biological age, but about their spirit.  I love kids though I might not be able to have my own . So, meanwhile, I have two kitty girls.  Anyway, I am interested in a Coaching Package.  Please contact me to discuss this process.  Thanks & I look forward to hearing from you! Midore In this episode you will hear:   Her BIG learning curve, and the massive mindset shifts Midore made around dating  How she had an accountability partner for dating in her office (who was also a Smart Dating client), and their weekly dating meetings How her first relationship ended up being with someone with 'red flags' and how we told her to end it (which ended perfectly) How she dated on her own again after Raymond, and decided to come back to Smart Dating for a second round of coaching (and that was the magical round) How she realized she had been attracted to 'narcissists' After her 'reboot', how she had the WRONG time for her first date!    What she suggested for her second date (and he said YES) How they got engaged on October 13, and how COVID affected their wedding in Oaxaca Mexico How she has made a career pivot, and is coaching architects to live their best lives! You'll love this episode, and hear the beautiful Midore tell her story.  And how love can come in an unexpected package!    You'll be inspired to dip your toe, or JUMP into the pool as she did.  It's never too late to find love :) Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

Bela has an amazing conversation with somatic coach Sarah Baldwin about getting "unstuck" and it's NOT what you expect.   And getting unstuck requires a thorough understanding of and healing of...wait for it.....your nervous system.   Sarah has been through unspeakable trauma, and after years and years of therapy, began somatic healing for herself, which became her purpose.  In this episode, you will hear about: 1) How our nervous system is responsible for EVERY perception we have 2) How to learn to regulate ourselves? 3) What are daily neural exercises we can all do (if we're in fight, flight, or freeze)? 4) What is neuroception, and what database does it draw up from our brain?   5) How our nervous system is our best friend, and how it protects us? 6) Different breathing techniques for every situation that will make you feel better, instantly You will LOVE this episode, and learn SO much.  Sarah is amazing, and we are so happy to have had her on the episode. Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

How to Optimize Your Health, Balance Your Hormones and Lose Weight - with Megan Ramos Bela has an incredible interview with one of her personal heroes, Megan Ramos, best-selling author of "The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Women."   Megan and her business partner, Dr. Jason Fung, are some of the most renowned researchers in health and fasting.   Intermittent fasting is something that can benefit so many of us, and the benefits are massive overall.  Listen to Megan drop her best gems including: How we have been sold a 'bill of goods' about what & when we should eat How the average American woman has tried 126 diets by the age of 50 How Megan hired Canada's most expensive nutritionist and trainer, and ended up gaining over 80 lbs (and developing Type 2 Diabetes at 27) Why have we become 'unhealthier' as the decades have gone on How to fix things for good, and it requires NO money, special foods, etc. Bela loves Megan (and Dr. Fung) and learned of their work on a girls' weekend in 2021.  Her life and health have changed for the better since then, and we hope you will find this episode incredibly enlightening! If you want to purchase Megan's new book (which is GREAT and easy to read), click here to purchase:   https://amzn.to/3qZUX90 Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

In this episode, Holly Capps Cayce will tell you her ENTIRE love story which started with her parents' perfect marriage (leading to her marriage in her 20s which was NOT perfect).   After two decades of dating narcissists, and lots of other characters, Holly took the leap and did the Smart Dating Academy "Love Lab Workshop" - which started her journey to finding David, the lid to her pot!   Holly got married last month (June 10, 2023), and is 56 years old.  It is NEVER too late to find love, and Dating Over 50 is the perfect time to start!   You'll enjoy this cute, feel-good, relatable journey that Holly details -- including: How she thought that love happened like in the movies, girl meets boy, fall in love, live happily ever after!  Right?  Nope! How she never learned how to date, and married her first boyfriend How he decided to divorce her What the next 20 years of dating brought How she thought her relationship of 6 years was "the ONE" until she realized he was a textbook narcissist How she realized that she needed to 'level up' her dating life How she heard of Smart Dating Academy (through a podcaster who got married using Smart Dating Academy) How she tried to date 'unassisted' after the Love Lab, and met the "Earwax" guy (and called Bela that afternoon to sign up for coaching) How her funnel developed & what shifts were CRUCIAL for her The moment she knew that David was 'the one' How David surprised her with the engagement, and what made her cry  Holly found love, and so can YOU!   Join the July 16th Love Lab called "Dating Over 50!" by clicking HERE!   Seats are limited and you will NOT be sorry -- be like Holly and start with the Love Lab! Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

This episode will get you happy and PSYCHOTICALLY OPTIMISTIC!   Bela interviews happiness coach Steffani LeFevour on how happiness, regardless of WHAT is happening, is only a few decisions away.   She offers some CONCRETE strategies to get happy in this episode including: Creating a new reality (and trashing old limiting beliefs around, "I'm not worthy, good enough, or lovable" -- OOF!) What S+S+S=R means - and how it's the formula to happiness! Why you should get a complaint bracelet (and how to use it) Why the wrong thoughts confuse the universe in dating How to make DATING APPS more fun!   What to focus on while on the apps to make dating WAYYYYY more successful! If this episode inspires you to get SUPPORT around being your happiest self, sign up for a one hour consultation with Bela NOW -- it's the best investment you can make in yourself!    Click or put this link in your brower now:  https://bit.ly/3NLRDXW BIO:  Steffani LeFevour is an international speaker, a best selling author, and a self proclaimed personal growth junkie. Through her passion of coaching and writing she's helped thousands of people master their mindset and transform their relationships so they can live happier on a daily basis. As a happiness coach, she's studied human potential and has been in the business of self improvement for over 25 years. When she's not chasing after her 2 kids, you can find her writing, traveling, working from Soho House www.coachwithsteff.com  Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

Arielle Ford is one of the best known love gurus out there, and returns to the Smart Dating Academy podcast to talk soulmates, how to connect with your soulmate even before you meet, what the quantum field is and how our soulmate is looking for US too.  And, Arielle has a new book that drops the week of June 26th called the "Love Thief" - her first romantic novel (she's written over 10 non-fiction best-selling books).   In this episode you'll hear: The meditation from the Love Thief that Holly does, that begins to lighten her loss and come into loving energy again. How to send a golden cord of light to your soulmate, who is looking for it! Why Arielle believes happiness is not our ultimate goal How if you've had your heart broken, how you can heal again! The signs of love bombing and narcissism that her main character fell for (and how it sounds like SO many of us out there) You'll love this soulful episode with Arielle, and if it inspires you to find GOOD, HEALTHY, HIGH GHQ love, reach out to Bela for a one hour consultation with her! And, order Arielle's "Love Thief" here!  It's awesome and you'll see yourself in so much of it!   https://bit.ly/3Nhw6VG Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

Have trouble with difficult conversations?   Get tongue tied, get angry, or always give in?  On a date with someone who won't stop talking?   This episode will help you manage yourself so you can say almost anything in a way that brings the relationship to a better place.  Bela interviews prolific author/TedX speaker & coach Sam Horn, whose new book "Talking on Eggshells" helps with everything you're afraid of saying.  Why do we 'talk on eggshells?' Because we are afraid of hurting people, saying the wrong thing, or offending someone.   Once you have the skills, you won't be afraid anymore!   In this episode, you'll learn: -The six words that saved an employee her job, and can help you EVERYWHERE there is conflict -How to show proactive grace, and how it helped Sam's aunt diffuse a sticky situation in a hospital (genius).   You'll learn the most important question to ask yourself in ANY tough situation before you react -What you should know about the other person before you start talking -What a 'pattern interruption' is and why it's genius at changing the course of conflict -How one word can shape even a toddler's behavior (vs. what we all normally do, lol) -The 3 A's to use whenever you've done something wrong which will soften the situation IMMEDIATELY You'll learn how to communicate more effectively on dates, with your family, with people that constantly complain, and with that date who doesn't stop talking.... Buy "Talking on Eggshells here!  https://bit.ly/3N6obKE Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

A recent study came out that said the average dater decides in 19 minutes whether they want to see the person again or not!   Is this true?  If so, how do you maximize your chance for 'acing' the impression?  Bela explains the TOP things to do to make a great first impression, and the WORST things that will get you thrown back to the pond immediately.   Tune in for this gem-filled, high energy episode! Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Fill out our podcast listener survey by putting this link into your browser:  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/survey Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela

This episode is amazing, and Bela chats with the brilliant, prolific author Amy Ferris (author of "Mighty Gorgeous, A Little Book About Messy Love).   Amy's life has been the most incredible journey, from watching her father get arrested (and then acquitted),  leaving home at 15 years old to go live on a commune (Jewish girls did NOT do that back in the day), lots of bad men along the way, and the connection to the RIGHT one (during the filming of a movie she wrote, directed by Anthony Minghella, and starring half a dozen Hollywood icons).    Amy is a fierce advocate for women, and for helping us to love EVERY SINGLE PART of ourselves.   You'll hear her best, grooviest advice, her love lessons, why people-pleasing is so detrimental, how to "Own Your Life", why "Self Love is Good Love is Grand Love is Love", and why we shouldn't waste time. You can pre-order her book here (releases 10/23):  https://amzn.to/3qiOZQ6 About Amy Ferris: Amy Ferris is an author, editor, screenwriter and playwright. Her memoir, Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis (Seal Press),was adapted into an Off-Broadway play in 2012. As a screenwriter, she co-wrote the film Mr. Wonderful and was nominated for a Best Screenplay Award (BET, Black Reel Award) for her adaptation of the film Funny Valentines. Her YA book a greater goode was published by Houghton Mifflin. As an editor, she curated Shades of Blue: Writers on Depression, Suicide, and Feeling Blue (Seal Press) and co-edited the anthology Dancing at The Shame Prom (Seal Press). She recently co-authored the book Old School Love (HarperCollins) with Rev Run of Run-DMC fame. In 2019, she was named one of Women’s eNews’s “21 Leaders for the 21st Century,” and in 2021 she was a recipient of NextTribe's, “Women of the Year.” Amy is a co-founder of the Milford Readers and Writers Festival.  She makes her home in Pennsylvania. Download this episode, share it on social, and sign up for our free newsletter by filling out any contact form on our site (www.smartdatingacademy.com).  Follow us on Instagram as well @smartdatingacademy! Follow us on Instagram at @smartdatingacademy Schedule your consultation with us here!   We are on a waiting list, and would love to help you!  https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/11-coaching/coaching-call-with-bela