Dates & Mates is a HuffPost Best Podcast Pick!!

Dates & Mates is a Best Podcast Pick!

While we’ve been busy celebrating our 250th episode of Dates & Mates, HuffPost has given us some more good news!

Dates & Mates had been selected as a Best Podcast Pick on HuffPost‘s “13 Podcasts About Love And Sex To Spice Up Your Commute”

Here is an excerpt from the article:

The best podcasts make you feel like you’re chatting ― err, having a very one-sided conversation ― with a close friend. That’s why the medium works so well when the topic at hand is love, sex or dating; if you find a good pod, it’s like listening to a smart friend dispensing his or her very best advice every week or so.

We can’t get enough of them, so we decided to ask some marriage therapists, writers and comedians to share their favorite love-centric podcast. See what they had to say below.

1.Private Parts Unknown

“My favorite love/sex/all that jazz podcast recently is ‘Private Parts Unknown.’ It’s a relatively new travel podcast where the hosts Courtney and Sofiya interview people in different cities around the world (their first one is Helsinki) about gender and sex. I came for the funny banter on how foreign cities have different attitudes on sex and sexuality but I stayed for the deep discussions on the structural issues behind why foreign cities have those different attitudes.” ― Johnathan Appel, a comedian in New York City

2. Rise Together

“Married couple Rachel and Dave Hollis have created an amazing podcast about how we can be intentional about creating an exceptional relationship. They offer practical advice, and speak candidly about topics that many couples are afraid to address openly. Plus they’re hilarious and will keep you laughing even while they’re talking about tough topics!” ― Vanessa Marin, a sex therapist and online course creator

See where Dates & Mates ranks by reading here!

Best of Dates & Mates

THE GANG IS BACK TOGETHER!

This week, the Dates & Mates gang gets back together for a trip down memory lane. Ray Christian, Producer J, and Producer Natasha join Damona in studio to talk about their favorite past show moments.

They talk Bad Kissers, Good Exes, what your fridge says about you, and why hook up culture isn’t biologically viable for women.

DAMONA’S FAVS (1:00)

Damona shares some of her favorite show moments with guests Bridget Marquart, Torrei Hart, eHarmony CEO Grant Langston, Aarti Sequera, and Hinge CEO Justin McLeod.

235 in iTunes – Playboy Playmate Bridget Marquart

149 in iTunes – eHarmony CEO Grant Langston

229 in iTunes – Aarti Sequeira

Hinge CEO Justin McLeod on YouTube

THE BEST OF DATES & MATES (6:41)

(6:43) Natasha’s Dating Habits have changed A LOT. Do you date the same way you did 6 years ago?

199 in iTunes – Natasha’s dating habits & Tariq Nasheed

(13:08) Producer J brings back Body Language for Men

163 in iTunes – Hootie & Body Language for Men

(17:23) Ray’s Rant

Bad Kissers on YouTube

(22:08) Get Your Barf Bags Ready! Producer J remembers the ickiest Romance Rollback we’ve ever had on the show

131 in iTunes – The Apple of My Armpit

(24:22) Can you tell how dateable a person is by what’s in their fridge?

223 in iTunes- Check Your Fridge

(32:00) Why hook up culture is not evolutionarily viable for women

165 in iTunes – Dr. Duana Welch & The Biology of Hookup Culture

TECHNICALLY DATING

Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:

  • When do you share important information about your lifestyle with the women you’re dating?
  • Is it controlling if your boyfriend has a lot of comments about your outfits?

RAY’S LAST RANT

Ray closes the show with one final Ray’s Rant about not taking everything so seriously. You ALL know that Producer J had a rebuttal.

HATE GYMS?

Damona always says that working out has greatly improved her relationship with her body. Begin a program with Beach Body on demand! Just go to DatesandMates.com and click the Beach Body Banner to get started.

 

Follow Ray on Instagram. Producers J and Natasha don’t have social media but you can show them love in the Dates & Mates reviews!

Date Lab: From introvert to extrovert

The night was wet and cold, and Jeff Savage, 38, really didn’t feel like going out. He’d already let Date Lab dissect his dating life once when he went out in 2017 with Katy Hospital, a graphic designer and kettlebell trainer who he says “went to bed too early” for his taste. He now regrets some of his original Date Lab application responses, like describing his dream date as “a riot grrl frontwoman turned development economist that likes her burgers rare.”

I wish I could say that I knew how Allie Kant, a 32-year-old tax manager, likes her burgers when I set up the two of them. What I did know was that she, like Jeff, enjoys running six days a week, loves dogs (she has a bichon poodle named Cosmo), and isn’t afraid to stay out a little late and have a few drinks.

Read how the rest of Allie & Jeff’s night went here…

Body Positivity & BDE

HOW MUCH WEIGHT SHOULD YOU LOSE BEFORE DATING? NONE!

Absolutely none. You are perfect the way you are! If you have ever felt insecure about your body, you are not alone. This week, Damona invited Marquis Olison to co-host and welcomed a guest panel of singles to talk about their experiences with body image and dating. Here’s the rundown:

D’S DATING DISH

How is Pete Davidson pulling all the hot chicks?

This week, Kate Beckinsale and Pete Davidson were immortalized via meme for their EXTREME PDA at a hockey game over the weekend. So how is Pete pulling the hot chicks? Damona and Marquis have THOUGHTS.

Should you actually trust a dating coach?

The dating experts on Married at First Sight Australia are in hot water after after some VERY disastrous matches. Do dating coaches actually know what they’re doing? Damona breaks it down.

Financial red flags in a new relationship

Damona and Marquis discuss a few financial red flags you should watch out for.

BODY POSITIVITY & DATING AT ANY SIZE

Body image has a huge impact on the way we present ourselves in dating and relationships. Damona is joined by a panel of singles who talk about their experiences dating at any size. Erica Faye Washington, Chicago comedian and body positivity activist, talks dating confidence for plus size women. CeCe Chic, yoga coach and actress, encourages daters to find self acceptance. The multitalented Marquis Olison returns to co-host this episode and talk about his experience with dating before and after weight loss. We talked about A LOT:

  • Relationships with health, mind, and body
  • Dating before and after weight loss
  • Dealing with shallow friends and dates
  • Transforming your mentality
  • How our relationships with ourselves affect the younger generation
  • And so much more!

TECHNICALLY DATING (36:02)

Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:

  • How do you find dates with similar values and interests?

HATE GYMS?

Damona always says that working out has greatly improved her relationship with her body. Begin a program with Beach Body on demand! Just go to DatesandMates.com and click the Beach Body Banner to get started.

The Angry Therapist & Male EQ

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MAN?

Damona sits down with John Kim, The Angry Therapist, to talk about his do’s and don’ts for men plus his tips on how to bulletproof your relationship. Here’s the rundown:

D’S DATING DISH (1:34)

Did Lady Gaga break the girl code?

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper made headlines last week after their steamy Oscars performance. Did Lady Gaga break the girl code by being so close to Bradley right in front of his girlfriend?

How Uber and Lyft have changed dating

It’s no secret that ride share apps make going out easier and safer, but how have they changed dating? Damona breaks it down.

Calling all expecting fathers!

Dove is offering to pay paternity leave grants for fathers who will not get time off after their baby arrives! Damona gives us the deets.

ATTENTION MEN: (11:45)

This week John Kim joined us in studio. You may know him as the Angry Therapist, but he is also an entrepreneur, published author, public speaker, life coach, and so much more. John’s approach is personal and honest and draws from his past relationship experiences. He has helped thousands of men find more happiness in their relationships and more purpose in their lives, now shares his insights with men everywhere in this powerful book, “I used to be a Miserable F*ck”. We talked about A LOT:

  • The Foundations of a healthy relationship
  • Bulletproof Relationships
  • Living Separate lives, together
  • Should you pee in the shower?
  • Honesty in relationships
  • John’s Do’s and Don’ts for men
  • And so much more!

TECHNICALLY DATING (36:02)

Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:

  • How you should act around your ex when you have to see them at work?
  • Can you find love on Instagram?
  • Should you just flat out ask someone out?
  • Dating advice for someone who has moved to a new city and doesn’t know anyone
  • How to rebuild after infidelity while long distance
  • How can you tell if he’s being honest?
  • And tips for long distance relationships!

DAMONA’S DIATRIBE

Studies show that singles feel the most “single shame” from those closest to them. Damona closes out the show with a Diatribe on single shame.

ARE YOU MISSING ALL THE GOOD MATCHES ONLINE?

There are millions of people on dating apps worldwide. If you’re not finding love there, your profile may be the problem. Use Damona’s FREE guide to creating the ultimate MAGNETIC online dating profile. Get the Profile Starter Kit at profilestarterkit.com

Body Language & Boundaries

ARE YOU SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE?

There is a lot more to communication than just the words you say. Damona sits down with Kim Seltzer, certified style, confidence, and dating coach, who has helped thousands of people find lasting love and connection using her unique “confidence makeover” process returns this week to talk body language. Here’s the rundown:

D’S DATING DISH

The hidden secrets of Miranda Lambert’s new hot cop husband

Miranda’s new husband makes scandalous headlines this week when his ex-fiance’s mother makes a HUGE announcement. Damona and Kim break it down.

The new and extreme way couples are making sure all their needs are met

Couples are now writing and signing contracts that detail everything from sex goals to off-limits fighting strategies to non-negotiable personal quirks. Is this too much?

Is this the end of dating apps as we know it?

Dating app registrations have dropped 485% since last year? What does this mean? Damona explains.

Body Language & Boundaries

If 93% of communication is nonverbal, are you sending the right message? Damona and Kim are joined by Silvy Khoucasian, marriage and family therapist known for her work with attachment styles and cross cultural communication. We talked about A LOT:

  • Attachment Styles
  • Creating Boundaries
  • Boundaries are the lifeline for a thriving relationship
  • Only giving out information when it’s earned
  • Damona and Kim’s tips for the BEST first impression
  • How culture plays a part in relationship roles
  • How knowing your attachment style now can prepare you to meet your perfect match
  • And so much more!

TECHNICALLY DATING

Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:

  • Should you keep dating someone if you don’t feel chemistry by the fourth date?
  • Should you just flat out ask someone out?

 

ARE YOU MISSING ALL THE GOOD MATCHES ONLINE?

There are millions of people on dating apps worldwide. If you’re not finding love there, your profile may be the problem. Use Damona’s FREE guide to creating the ultimate MAGNETIC online dating profile. Get the Profile Starter Kit at profilestarterkit.com

Black Love & American Intimacy

LOVE IS LOVE

To celebrate Black History Month, we talked about #blacklove on this week’s episode. This is a BIG discussion so Damona sat down with two couples who are living the principles of black love and what it means to them. Here’s the rundown:

D’S DATING DISH (2:39)

Should you pay to have your dating profile to be featured on Bumble or Tinder?

Bumble has just announced its new profile boost feature, Spotlight. Damona tells you why this feature is not worth your money.

A Star is Born IRL (kind of)

Offset made headlines this week at the Grammy’s for being obviously insecure in his relationship. Is it okay for Offset to be acting this way? Damona has thoughts.

Intimacy in America

Thank you to NonFiction Research for sending us their new study on intimacy in America? Did you know that 44% of Americans report dreaming of a deep connection in their sleep, then wake up to no such connection in their real life? Damona and Dr. Ryeal break it down.

#BlackLove

What exactly does Black Love mean and to whom does it apply? Enter Dr. Ryeal Simms, Monice Mitchell Simms, Ollie Gabriel, and Quené Forée to talk about their love stories and what we can learn from their relationships. For a long time, the concept of black love has been confined to such a small definition. We love that our guests this week were able to expand and explore new definitions and meanings with the Dates & Mates Community.

“It’s about self love first, and then family love, and then romantic love, and then overall community world love,” said Monice.

We talked about this and so much more:

  • Amazing Love Stories
  • Do you agree on the story of how you met?
  • Is your partner who you imagined they would be?
  • Who did you imagine you would end up with growing up?
  • What were your dating patterns growing up?
  • How traveling brings you closer together as a couple

We can all learn from the main principle of black love: Love as you are. Be yourself and let that attract your highest love to you. Don’t be afraid to fall in love if it doesn’t fit into the box you think your love should fit into.

“Love is Love,” said Quené. “Black love has its specific category, but of course you can always be an advocate for any type of love.”

ROMANCE ROLLBACK

Damona and Dr. Ryeal close the show with a look back at famous couples who have shaped the meaning of #BlackLove. Read more about Ray and Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Coretta Scott King, and Barack and Michelle Obama.

TAKE THE TRIP OF YOUR LIFE WITH THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE

Enter to with the iLove Love Giveaway HERE. This could be you:

ARE YOU MISSING ALL THE GOOD MATCHES ONLINE?

There are millions of people on dating apps worldwide. If you’re not finding love there, your profile may be the problem. Use Damona’s FREE guide to creating the ultimate MAGNETIC online dating profile. Get the Profile Starter Kit at profilestarterkit.com

Valentines & Love in 90 Days

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T STRESS ABOUT VALENTINES DAY

Are you facing another Valentine’s Day single? It’s not too late to change your luck in love. Damona specializes in helping people get unstuck in love fast and so does our co-host for this week, Dr. Diana Kirschner. In this very special Valentine’s Day episode we get you answers on how to change your dating destiny! Here’s the rundown:

LOVE IN 90 DAYS (1:41)

You may know Dr. Diana Kirschner from her PBS show or her best selling book, Love in 90 Days. Love in 90 Days has changed so many lives over the past 10 years that Dr. Diana has updated, re-released, packed it with even more advice on how to find love fast.

  • Dr. Diana’s three steps to finding love in 90 Days
  • Where most people go wrong in dating
  • Identifying self-sabotaging patterns that prevent you from finding love
  • Finding Self Confidence & Self Worth
  • Diamond Self Identity & The Radiant Beacon of Loving Guidance
  • Dating three people at once
  • How to make sure you don’t miss “The One”
  • And so much more!

Get the book and $1000 worth of BONUS content at LoveIn90Days.com

TECHNICALLY DATING (18:41)

This week we coach singles LIVE on air! We gave so much good advice so TAKE NOTES:

  • Why do we put so much pressure on our dates?
  • Where do you find people who won’t ghost you?
  • What do you do when someone wants to commit too fast?

Thank you to Marquis, Deb, and Lauren for coming into the studio and allowing us to give them guidance! Marquis, Deb, and Lauren are SINGLE and READY TO MINGLE, Ladies and Gents. Slide in those DMs!!

(But def use a better opening line than this^)

And don’t forget to submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show!

SPREAD THE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S WEEK

A HUGE THANK YOU to Apple Podcasts for featuring us on the front page this week! We are one of a handful of podcasts included in their Valentine’s Week “In the Mood for Love” playlist! Do you love the Dates & Mates Podcast? If you do, please take a moment to  REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE! The more subscribers and reviews we get, the longer we can continue to give all of this great dating content for free!

SUBSCRIBE HERE!

ARE YOU MISSING ALL THE GOOD MATCHES ONLINE?

There are millions of people on dating apps worldwide. If you’re not finding love there, your profile may be the problem. Use Damona’s FREE guide to creating the ultimate MAGNETIC online dating profile. Get the Profile Starter Kit at profilestarterkit.com

Breakups & Quitting By Design

BABY DON’T HURT ME, NO MORE

To close out this #DivorceMonth2019 we talked all about breakups and quitting relationships. Breakups are a pretty heavy topic so Damona called in reinforcements. Enter Lynn Marie Morski, self professed “professional quitter” and Jonathon Aslay, Midlife dating and relationships coach. We talked about A LOT today. Here’s the rundown:

D’S DATING DISH (2:24)

Your New Matchmaker revealed: Your DNA

New dating app Pheramor matches you with your DNA. Is this the answer to finding love now? Damona and Jonathon discuss.

The TRUTH behind your romantic type

Meghan Markle seems to be pretty different from Prince Harry’s other girlfriends, right? Wrong. According to foot analysts, all of Prince Harry’s girlfriends have the exact same (very specific) foot feature. Damona and Jonathon tell us what this means for you with the help of science.

Channing on life as a single dad

This Divorce Month, Channing Tatum is being the best dad he can be and trying to find a good balance with ex-wife, Jenna Dewan nee Tatum. Is he doing a good job? Damona has thoughts.

Quitting By Design (14:00)

There are lots of steps to a breakup – even when you haven’t been in a relationship for very long. How do you sort through all the BS and make the best decision for you?

Lynn Marie Morski has quit several times in her life. She is a physician, attorney, speaker, author, and the Founder of Quitting By Design, Lynn Marie is on a mission to help people carve out a successful life through strategic quitting to inform your life’s true purpose and path which led her to write her new book, ‘Quitting by Design.’ We talked about A LOT:

  • Deciding to quit
  • The 5 step quitting process
  • Fears of quitting & quitting fears
  • Logistics of quitting
  • NO GHOSTING!
  • Sunk Cost Fallacy & “I’ve invested so much time!”
  • And so much more!

TECHNICALLY DATING (40:20)

Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:

  • Should your boyfriend have to deal with your family drama?
  • What to say when you don’t want a second date

STAY SEXY IN 2019

Get back in shape after the holiday by beginning a program with Beach Body on demand! Just go to DatesandMates.com and click the Beach Body Banner to get started.

The Future & Dating While Busy

BUSY BUSY BUSY

How do you make time for Slow Love when you are #bookedandbusy? Marquis Olison, writer, community organizer, and lifestyle coach, returns with his insight on the mind of the single men. We talked about A LOT today. Here’s the rundown:

D’S DATING DISH (2:55)

Marie Kondo Your Life Even More

You’ve seen Marie’s hit Netflix Series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”, but did you know that Marie’s method also applies to your messy love life? Damona and Marquis break it down.  

Future is Ciara’s Past

This week in things we already knew: Ciara has moved on. Here’s why Damona and Marquis think that Future has not.

Some New Pick Up Lines for 2019

So you’ve match on a dating app. Now what? Bustle released a list of suggestions to spruce up your message game. There are a few good ones on here according to Damona.

Dating While Busy (14:26)

Yes, RiRi is busy being a boss babe, BUT when she’s ready for another relationship we’ve got the how to guide on making time for a relationship when you don’t even have time for yourself. We sat down with La Presa King and Dwayne Colbert who know all about being BOOKED & BUSY. Even Damona actually learned a thing or two:

  • Where do you fit in dating
  • Treating Dating like its your job
  • Single Moms: Where are all the single Dads?
  • Men: Are they dogs or are they vultures?
  • Bad Moms & Getting our of your normal cycle
  • Making time for your marriage
  • Training your man to check in with you during the day
  • And so much more!

TECHNICALLY DATING (39:15)

Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:

  • Should you put your socials on dating apps like your millennial niece?
  • The pros and cons of dating

STAY SEXY IN 2019

Get back in shape after the holiday by beginning a program with Beach Body on demand! Just go to DatesandMates.com and click the Beach Body Banner to get started.

Dating Myths & The DM Deal

ARE YOU BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY?

Did you know that women in the top 20% of attractiveness receive 5 times as many messages as women who are rated as “average attractiveness”? Today we welcomed Lindsey Pelas, social media influencer, model, activist, and entrepreneur to tell us the truth about your online image. Damona and Lindsey break down dating stereotypes and discuss how to be taken seriously on dating apps today no matter what your “Tinder ranking” is. Here’s the rundown:

D’S DATING DISH (2:39)

Career or a sex life? Both?

You would think that the more you work, the less you have sex, right? Wrong. According to recent studies, people who work more actually have more sex. Damona and Lindsey discuss.

The $69 Billion Dollar Man

Just when you thought the Bezos’ divorce couldn’t get any wilder, it did. Damona and Lindsey break down the newest developments.

Hollywood’s Newest Engagement

Spotted: Katherine Schwarzenegger with a FABULOUS new engagement ring from Chris Pratt. But did Chris Pratt do enough to warn Anna Faris? Damona doesn’t think so.

Avoid these dating trends in 2017

Damona and Lindsey define Cookie Jarring, Pocketing, and Prowling.

GET SERIOUS (39:18)

In today’s increasingly visual online dating environment, it can be a struggle to create a profile that is going to attract the right kind of attention. Damona hears the same problem from a lot of women: How do we get taken seriously when we match based mostly on looks? The answer: It’s not easy, but not impossible.  

We invited Lindsey Pelas into the studio to help us break it down. In addition to her successful modeling and media career, Lindsey Pelas also has an IMPRESSIVE portfolio. She has a degree, she’s an activist, she is a Instagram business early adopter, public speaker, and entrepreneur. Damona and Lindsey talked about A LOT:

  • #WomeninBusiness and Investing
  • Is it really easier to date if you’re beautiful
  • What makes you more attractive? Is it different for men?
  • Confidence and Attractiveness
  • Pick Up Artist Theory
  • Why men are mean
  • How do slide in the DMs
  • Treating your partner well
  • Trash Talking your ex
  • Is it actually harder to date in LA?
  • And so much more!
Follow Lindsey on Instagram and Twitter and be sure to listen to her funny lifestyle podcast “Eyes Up Here with Lindsey Pelas.” Also look out for her upcoming restaurant, Sugar Taco.

TECHNICALLY DATING (36:02)

Submit your questions Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and hear our answers live on the show! Here’s what our listeners asked about this week:

  • Should you focus on school or a relationship?
  • How to deal with a flaky Tinder match

DAMONA’S DIATRIBE (39:18)

BBC Released a video calling dating apps “pathalogical” and “narcissistic.” Damona responds. 

YOU NEED A PLAN TO MEET YOUR MAN

Ladies – If you feel exhausted, frustrated, and overwhelmed with dating today, it’s time for a change. You can go about dating the way you did in 2018 but let’s face it, doing the same thing will probably get you the same results. You need a plan. You need a plan to meet your man. It’s all inside The 30 Day Dating Playbook program which is available for you now at MeetYourManin30Days.com. Get your copy today!  

 

Intimacy for Men & Rebel Love: Bonus Episode

“Y’ALL TALK?”

This holiday season, let’s take some time to work on our emotional intimacy. As we know this can be a little harder for men and we want to give you all the best tools to set you up for lasting and clear communication. This week, Damona sat down with Dr. Chris Donaghue, a psychotherapist, a sex therapist, and host of Loveline’s “The Amber Rose Show with Dr. Chris” for a special bonus episode. We talked about A LOT. Here’s the rundown:

How can we improve communication over the holidays? (1:17)

Prepare to have your mind blown: The first step to better communication is SELF CARE. Don’t see the connection? Dr. Chris breaks it down.

How do we carve out the time for emotional and sexual intimacy during the holidays?(2:30)

Does Feminism have benefits for men? (3:10)

THREE MUST-HAVES BEFORE MARRIAGE (4:20)

December 25th is the most popular day for engagements and New Years Day is the second most popular. Whether you’re single or coupled up, Dr. Chris Donaghue, from Loveline’s “The Amber Rose Show with Dr. Chris” tells us three relationship must-haves on this week’s episode before you consider moving on to the next step. 

How much information should you give away when you first start talking? (5:20)

What dating rules should you break? (7:01)

HOW DO YOU MOVE ON AFTER BEING GHOSTED BY YOUR CO-WORKER?  (7:43)

We LOVED having Dr. Chris on the show this week! Be sure to pick up his upcoming book Rebel Love: Break the Rules, Destroy Toxic Habits, and Have the Best Sex of Your Life.

STAY SEXY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

On average people gain 2-5 lbs over the holidays. You can fight to get it off in January or you can stop the holiday heaviness before it starts by beginning a program with Beach Body on demand. Just go to DatesandMates.com and click the Beach Body Banner to get started.