Dates & Mates with Damona Hoffman

Brenden Durell, intimacy expert on Netflix's Too Hot To Handle, guides us towards a deeper connection within with exercises that he practiced on the show and inspired by his intimacy retreat. Our Dear Damona question this week is: I find myself falling for men who either go all in or don’t give me the time of day. How can I change my pattern?Follow Brenden on Instagram @BrendenDurell and be sure to check out his work at BrendenDurell.comLook out for his “Inspired Intimacy Challenge” on socials and the Intimacy in the Jungle retreat in October.And, we are enrolling NOW for Damona’s signature group coaching program, The Dates & Mates Method! If you’re ready to create a dating plan and date differently this fall, then this is the time to sign up. Don’t miss out on a limited number of spots in this annual program. Learn more at DamonaHoffman.com/methodTIMESTAMPSIntroduction to Intimacy (00:00:00)Mirror Work Begins (00:00:09)Understanding Intimacy (00:00:13)Brendan's Background (00:02:05)Location and Energy (00:02:41)Premise of "Too Hot to Handle" (00:04:19)Evolution of Brendan's Role (00:06:00)Mirror Exercise Explanation (00:08:05)Impact of Reality TV (00:10:07)Apologizing to Oneself (00:11:23)Historical Context of Mirrors (00:12:23)Power of Self-Forgiveness (00:14:26)Intimacy Retreats (00:16:49)The Connection with Mother Earth (00:18:00)City Slicker vs. Nature (00:18:18)Walking Through Discomfort (00:19:17)Presence in the Moment (00:20:22)Reframing Time Pressure (00:24:51)Rites of Passage Experience (00:26:08)Intimacy in the Jungle Retreat (00:28:46)Embracing the Unknown (00:30:09)Renegotiating Commitments (00:32:35)God Exists in Everything (00:34:00)Exploring Intimacy Across Cultures (00:34:46)Curiosity in Personal Growth (00:35:52)Demystifying Intimacy (00:36:40)Reframing Perspectives on Pleasure (00:36:51)Listener's Dating Struggles (00:38:49)Prioritizing Self-Love (00:40:02)Understanding Relationship Patterns (00:41:08)Setting Boundaries in Dating (00:42:39)The Importance of Inner Intimacy (00:45:26)Invitation to Join the Program (00:46:32) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Guenther, AKA TherapyJeff on Instagram, joins Damona in the premiere of Season 12 of Dates & Mates for a state of the date address! They cover all phases of the dating journey from clarifying what you’re seeking to first dates, defining the relationship and even planning for the dreaded breakup. The Dear Damona question this week is: What’s the best way to reach out to someone new on LinkedIn?Be sure to follow Jeff on Instagram @TherapyJeff and grab a copy of his new book, Big Dating Energy, on shelves now!And get Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month.TIMESTAMPSIntroduction to Season 12 (00:00:00)Overview of the Episode (00:02:06)Introducing Therapy Jeff (00:04:29)Jeff's Book Release (00:05:00)Collaborating with an Ex (00:06:47)Personal Insights in the Book (00:08:48)Clarifying Deal Breakers (00:12:04)Understanding Relationship Needs (00:15:18)The Role of Fears in Dating (00:18:31)Dating Apps Discussion (00:20:07)The Impact of Dating Apps on Love (23:20)The Shift in Dating Dynamics (23:41)Boundaries with Technology (24:27)The Need for Healthy Relationships (27:48)Imagining Ideal Dating Apps (28:16)Cultural Changes in Dating Apps (29:39)Tips for Long-term Relationship Survival (30:19)Navigating Conflict in Relationships (31:59)Communication After Intimacy (33:10)Creating Sexual Energy (35:24)Understanding Breakups (36:45)Ethical Breakup Practices (39:05)The Value of Planning in Relationships (41:38)The Intimacy of Breakup Conversations (43:09)Listener Question on LinkedIn Outreach (44:02)Introduction and Connector Circle (00:46:04)Sliding into DMs (00:46:59)Approaching on LinkedIn (00:48:11)Navigating Online Connections (00:49:19)Promoting the Dates & Mates Method (00:50:16)Call for Listener Questions (00:51:13)Wrap-Up and Guest Teaser (00:52:06) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all hope to feel something special on that first date, but true love takes time, and so does trust. Damona debunks The Chemistry Myth and The Soulmate Myth while offering real solutions to today’s dating troubles. Based on themes from her new book, F The Fairy Tale, this episode highlights The Goals Pillar and The Values Pillar in a conversation between Damona and love and relationship experts, Carol Allen & Katherine Woodward, in one of the top panels from the F the Fairy Tale Forum last year.Be sure to follow Carol on Instagram @CarolAllenAstrologer and get a special discount on her annual personal success calendar at DamonaHoffman.com/mycalendarAnd, be sure to follow Katherine on Instagram @KatherineWoodwardThomas and check out her work at KatherineWoodwardThomas.comGet Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month.TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Introduction to the Episode (00:01:07) Transition to Communication and Trust (00:02:04) The Chemistry Myth (00:03:05) Introducing Guests Katherine and Carol (00:03:56) Insights on Communication (00:06:45) Astrological Compatibility Discussion (00:10:10) Understanding Relationship Dynamics (00:14:23) Scarcity Mindset in Dating (00:18:08) Listener Questions and Support (00:19:13) Dating Fatigue at 26 (00:20:10) Late Bloomers in Love (00:22:19) Faith and Trust in Dating (00:24:09) Top Dealbreakers in Relationships (00:25:42) Self-Reflection in Relationships (00:27:54) Abundant Mindset Tips (00:29:31) From Wallflower to Proficient Dater (00:30:12) Strategic Dating Approach (00:32:27) Promoting Personal Success Calendars (00:33:20) Book Reviews and Community Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s tempting to date by a list of preferred qualities and a set of prescribed rules, but these myths prevent singles from discovering more fulfilling relationships. Damona debunks The List Myth and The Rules Myth and offers real solutions to today’s common dating problems. Based on themes from her new book, F The Fairy Tale, this episode highlights The Goals Pillar and The Values Pillar in a conversation between Damona and love and relationship experts, Orna and Matthew Walters and Evan Marc Katz.Be sure to follow Evan on Instagram @RealEvanMarcKatz and check out his work at EvanMarcKatz.comAnd, be sure to follow Orna and Matthew on Instagram @OrnaAndMatthew and pre-order their new book at Barnes & Noble, Getting It Right This Time by visiting: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/getting-it-right-this-time-orna-walters/1145412458Get Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month.TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Introduction to the Episode (00:01:05) The Goals and Values Pillars (00:02:10) Breaking the Rules Myth (00:03:18) Introduction of Guests (00:06:12) The Importance of Values (00:08:03) Engaging Conversations (00:11:01) Understanding Love Imprints (00:12:36) The Role of the Subconscious (00:14:03) Client-Centered Approach (00:15:50) Masterclass on Attraction (00:16:26) Listener Questions Segment (00:16:50) Evan's Jdate Experience (00:18:07) Crafting a Great Profile (00:19:57) Storytelling in Profiles (00:21:09) Best Dating Sites for Older Women (00:22:11) Pressure on Dating Apps (00:23:40) Women’s Standards in Dating (00:24:46) Meeting Men Outside Comfort Zones (00:26:47) Investment in Dating (00:28:22) Closing Remarks and Book Promotion  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The idea of one perfect match is attractive, but the pursuit of soulmates actually prevents singles from moving into committed relationships AND from staying when things get tough. Damona tackles The Soulmate Myth revealing how it leads to an either or mentality and outlines how to approach dating with an abundance mindset instead.Get Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)Then join our Book Squad! If you review “F The Fairy Tale” and submit it at DamonaHoffman.com/booksquad before July 31st, you’ll be invited to an exclusive Q&A session with Damona!This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month.TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Introduction to the Soulmate Myth (00:01:06) The Soulmate Myth Explained (00:02:27) Shifting Mindsets (00:04:37) Listener Question on Soulmates (00:03:29) Statistics on Belief in Soulmates (00:05:59) The Impact of Dating Apps (00:07:15) Probability of Finding a Soulmate (00:08:42) Destiny vs. Growth Mindset (00:10:13) Myth Origins and Beliefs (00:11:16) Invitation to Join the Book Squad  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling butterflies with a match may seem like a good sign for your romantic future, but many times it's a window to the past. Damona busts The Chemistry Myth so that you can stop missing the  true markers of relationship success and stop second guessing your dating choices. Plus, she answers this spicy Dear Damona question: How fast is too fast to have sex with a new person?Get Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)Then join our Book Squad! If you review “F The Fairy Tale” and submit it at DamonaHoffman.com/booksquad before July 31st, you’ll be invited to an exclusive Q&A session with Damona!This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month.TIMESTAMPS(00:00:10) The Chemistry Myth (00:00:55) Personal Experience with Chemistry Myth (00:04:27) Physiological Aspect of Chemistry (00:05:33) Dear Damona Question on Slow Love (00:07:42) Tossing out Timelines (00:08:41) Safe Sex and Boundaries (00:11:13) Joining the Book Squad (00:12:24) Conclusion and Invitation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Swipe apps have gamified dating but that doesn’t mean you have to play it their way! Damona dives deep into The Rules Myth with love and relationship experts Ariel Ford and Francesca Hoagie in one of her favorite panels from the F the The Fairy Tale Forum last year. Together they address how singles are hungry for shortcuts to finding love and reveal why this approach may be preventing them from making fulfilling connections.Get Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)Then join our Book Squad! If you review “F The Fairy Tale” and submit it at DamonaHoffman.com/booksquad before July 31st, you’ll be invited to an exclusive Q&A session with Damona!Follow Arielle Ford on Instagram @ArielleFord_author and pick up a copy of her international bestseller, “THE SOULMATE SECRET: Manifest The Love of Your Life With The Law of Attraction”.Follow Francesca Hogi on Instagram @DearFranny and check out the Dear Franny Podcast!This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month.TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Dates & Mates Intro(00:01:06) The rules myth (00:02:10) Introduction of Ariel Ford and Francesca Hogi (00:04:34) Defining love (00:06:30) Navigating dating without rules (00:09:08) Evolution of relationships (00:13:13) Existence of soulmates (00:16:58) Meeting people outside of dating apps (00:18:02) The potential of organic connections (00:19:52) Manifesting love and the meet cute mindset (00:21:36) The abundance mindset and love before first sight (00:26:06) Dating in midlife and redefining compatibility (00:29:44) Embracing the process of dating and love skills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you date by a list? How’s that going for you? Damona tackles The List Myth in the second episode of the “F The Fairy Tale'' Summer Series. Plus, Damona shares some dating math to illustrate how The List Myth hurts you more than helps you…and what you should focus on instead.Get Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)Then join our Book Squad! If you review “F The Fairy Tale” and submit it at DamonaHoffman.com/booksquad before July 31st, you’ll be invited to an exclusive Q&A session with Damona!This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month.TIMESTAMPS(00:00:00) Intro to the "F the Fairy Tale" summer series.(00:01:09) The list myth (00:02:21) Narrowing the list (00:05:55) Importance of leaving reviews (00:06:58) Announcement of the next episode  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are kicking off the “F The Fairy Tale” Summer Series this week with one of our most-asked questions: Online dating doesn’t work for me. How do I meet my match IRL?Plus, Damona shares dating tips for the summer and her own story of an epic summer romance with a man who went by the name of Mr. Pandemonium.Get Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)Then join our Book Squad! If you review “F The Fairy Tale” and submit it at DamonaHoffman.com/booksquad before July 31st, you’ll be invited to an exclusive Q&A session with Damona!This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jillian Turecki, certified relationship coach and host of the Jillian On Love podcast, joins us for our Dates & Mates Season 11 finale! She and Damona explore why the fantasy of "The One" captivates us, and how this desire often masks a need for personal healing and growth.We are bringing back the Romance Rollback this week with:Surprising Facts About the Evolution of Dating Then our Dear Damona question this week is:My dates keep ditching me… for my brother! What can I do?Follow Jillian at @JillianTurecki and you can become of member of Jillian’s relationship school by visiting JillianTurecki.com/membershipTo read the Mental Floss piece on the Evolution of dating visit: mentalfloss.com/article/79140/10-fascinating-facts-about-evolution-dating-and-courtshipGet Damona’s bestselling book “F the Fairy Tale” in ebook, audiobook, and hardcover everywhere books are sold (FtheFairyTaleBook.com)Dates & Mates is sponsored by Betterhelp. Get convenient, online therapy with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DATESANDMATES today to get 10% off your first month.TIMESTAMPS(00:03:40) The romance rollback (00:11:28) Introduction of Jillian Turecki (00:14:52) The myth of the one (00:20:34) The concept of "the one" (00:23:50) Reasons for being single (00:30:04) Challenges in building trust (00:35:02) The evolving dating landscape (00:36:08) Missions in relationship coaching (00:40:16) Making Dating Safer for Women (00:42:07) The Responsibility of Men in Dating Safety(00:51:38) Impact of Attractiveness of Family Members on Dating Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices